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Norese C, Nicosia E, Cortese K, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Rizzo S, Grasselli E, De Negri Atanasio G, Gagliani MC, Tiso M, Zinni M, Pulliero A, Izzotti A. SARS-CoV-2 presence in recreational seawater and evaluation of intestine permeability: experimental evidence of low impact on public health. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1326453. [PMID: 38500723 PMCID: PMC10944960 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1326453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coastal seawater pollution poses a public health risk due to the potential ingestion of contaminated water during recreational activities. Wastewater-based epidemiology has revealed the abundant presence of SARS-CoV-2 in seawater emitted from wastewater outlets. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of seawater on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity to assess the safety of recreational activities in seawater. Methods Wild SARS-CoV-2 was collected from oral swabs of COVID-19 affected patients and incubated for up to 90 min using the following solutions: (a) standard physiological solution (control), (b) reconstructed seawater (3.5% NaCl), and (c) authentic seawater (3.8%). Samples were then exposed to two different host systems: (a) Vero E6 cells expressing the ACE2 SARS-CoV-2 receptor and (b) 3D multi-tissue organoids reconstructing the human intestine. The presence of intracellular virus inside the host systems was determined using plaque assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and transmission electron microscopy. Results Ultrastructural examination of Vero E6 cells revealed the presence of virus particles at the cell surface and in replicative compartments inside cells treated with seawater and/or reconstituted water only for samples incubated up to 2 min. After a 90-min incubation, the presence of the virus and its infectivity in Vero E6 cells was reduced by 90%. Ultrastructural analysis performed in 3D epi-intestinal tissue did not reveal intact viral particles or infection signs, despite the presence of viral nucleic acid detected by qPCR. Indeed, viral genes (Orf1ab and N) were found in the intestinal luminal epithelium but not in the enteric capillaries. These findings suggest that the intestinal tissue is not a preferential entry site for SARS-CoV-2 in the human body. Additionally, the presence of hypertonic saline solution did not increase the susceptibility of the intestinal epithelium to virus penetration; rather, it neutralized its infectivity. Conclusion Our results indicate that engaging in recreational activities in a seawater environment does not pose a significant risk for COVID-19 infection, despite the possible presence of viral nucleic acid deriving from degraded and fragmented viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Norese
- DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Nicosia
- Regione Liguria, Environmental Department, Ligurian Region, Genoa, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA, Clinical Research Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Grasselli
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia De Negri Atanasio
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Micaela Tiso
- MICAMO, Spin-Off Department of Earth Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Zinni
- MICAMO, Spin-Off Department of Earth Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Izzotti
- DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- HSM, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Gentili V, Strazzabosco G, Spena R, Rizzo S, Beltrami S, Schiuma G, Alogna A, Rizzo R. Comparison Between Moxifloxacin and Chloramphenicol for the Treatment of Bacterial Eye Infections. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2024; 100:100740. [PMID: 38511104 PMCID: PMC10950741 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2024.100740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Moxifloxacin is a bactericidal methoxyquinolone used for the treatment of conjunctivitis and prophylactic therapy in cataract and refractive surgeries. Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic organochlorine introduced into clinical practice in 1948 and used mainly in topical preparations because of its known toxicity. Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect and the ocular cytotoxicity of these broad-spectrum antibiotics. Methods Antimicrobic activity was tested on 4 bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and determined through calculation of MIC and half inhibitory concentration for each microorganism. Antibacterial activity was determined by microdilution method after 24 hours' incubation with 2-fold serial dilutions (2.5 mg/mL to 4.883 µg/mL) of moxifloxacin and chloramphenicol. Disk diffusion test were performed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing methodology. Biofilm formation inhibition and biofilm eradication concentration assay were conducted for P aeruginosa and S epidermidis using the microdilution method. Cytotoxicity of antibiotics was evaluated by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay on human corneal cell. Results Cytotoxicity of antibiotics was evaluated on human epithelial corneal cells after 4 hours treatment by viability assay. Results showed that corneal cell viability was significantly higher after moxifloxacin treatment compared with chloramphenicol (P < 0.01). Moxifloxacin is characterized by a significantly lower MIC and half inhibitory concentration values and a larger inhibition zone for all the strain tested, with high performance in controlling gram-negative growth, compared with chloramphenicol. Moreover, moxifloxacin showed higher activity compared with chloramphenicol in the inhibition of biofilm formation and in the disruption of biofilm, especially against S epidermidis biofilm. Conclusions The lower corneal cell toxicity and the broader spectrum of antibacterial activity observed with moxifloxacin suggests its use in ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial eye infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rossella Spena
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Marchesi E, Gentili V, Bortolotti D, Preti L, Marchetti P, Cristofori V, Fantinati A, Rizzo R, Trapella C, Perrone D, Navacchia ML. Dihydroartemisinin-Ursodeoxycholic Bile Acid Hybrids in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2. ACS Omega 2023; 8:45078-45087. [PMID: 38046338 PMCID: PMC10688034 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Here, we propose the molecular hybridization of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and ursodeoxycholic bile acid (UDCA), approved drugs, for the preparation of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. DHA and UDCA were selected on the basis of their recently demonstrated in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. A selection of DHA-UDCA-based hybrids obtained by varying the nature of the linkage and the bile acid conjugation point as well as unconjugated DHA and UDCA were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity on Vero E6 and Calu-3 human lung cells. The hybrid DHA-t-UDCMe, obtained by conjugation via click chemistry on a gram scale, was identified as a potential candidate for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment due to significant reduction of viral replication, possibly involving ACE2 downregulation, no cytotoxicity, and chemical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marchesi
- Department
of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Preti
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Virginia Cristofori
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department
of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department
of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department
of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute
for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research
Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
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Vezzani B, Perrone M, Carinci M, Palumbo L, Tombolato A, Tombolato D, Daminato C, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Campo G, Morandi L, Papi A, Spadaro S, Casolari P, Contoli M, Pinton P, Giorgi C. SARS-CoV-2 infection as a model to study the effect of cinnamaldehyde as adjuvant therapy for viral pneumonia. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:40. [PMID: 37986089 PMCID: PMC10658863 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00364-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent pandemic outbursts, due to SARS-CoV-2, have highlighted once more the central role of the inflammatory process in the propagation of viral infection. The main consequence of COVID-19 is the induction of a diffuse pro-inflammatory state, also defined as a cytokine storm, which affects different organs, but mostly the lungs. We aimed to prove the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde, the active compound of cinnamon, as an anti-inflammatory compound, able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm. RESULTS We enrolled 53 COVID-19 patients hospitalized for respiratory failure. The cohort was composed by 39 males and 13 females, aged 65.0 ± 9.8 years. We reported that COVID-19 patients have significantly higher IL-1β and IL-6 plasma levels compared to non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. In addition, human mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are significantly more prone to release pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimuli. We demonstrated, using in vitro cell models, that macrophages are responsible for mediating the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm while lung cells support SARS-CoV-2 replication upon viral infection. In this context, cinnamaldehyde administration significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2-related inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 mediated IL-1β release in both PBMCs and THP-1 macrophages, as well as viral replication in CaLu-3 epithelial cells. Lastly, aerosol-administered cinnamaldehyde was able to significantly reduce IL-1β release in an in vivo lung-inflammatory model. CONCLUSION The obtained results suggest the possible use of cinnamaldehyde as a co-adjuvant preventive treatment for COVID-19 disease together with vaccination, but also as a promising dietary supplement to reduce, more broadly, viral induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Vezzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Casolari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Contoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Gentili V, Strazzabosco G, Salgari N, Mancini A, Rizzo S, Beltrami S, Schiuma G, Casciano F, Alogna A, Passarella D, Davinelli S, Scapagnini G, Medoro A, Rizzo R. Ozonated Oil in Liposome Eyedrops Reduces the Formation of Biofilm, Selection of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and Adhesion of Bacteria to Human Corneal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14078. [PMID: 37762377 PMCID: PMC10531138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent attention to the risk of potential permanent eye damage triggered by ocular infections has been leading to a deeper investigation of the current antimicrobials. An antimicrobial agent used in ophthalmology should possess the following characteristics: a broad antimicrobial spectrum, prompt action even in the presence of organic matter, and nontoxicity. The objective of this study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of widely used ophthalmic antiseptics containing povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and liposomes containing ozonated sunflower oil. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on various microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 873). Furthermore, we assessed its efficacy in controlling antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion. All three antiseptic ophthalmic preparations showed significant anti-microbicidal and anti-biofilm activity, with the liposomes containing ozonated sunflower oil with the highest ability to control antibiotic resistance and bacteria adhesion to human corneal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Niccolò Salgari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandra Mancini
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.S.); (F.C.)
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Daniela Passarella
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Alessandro Medoro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (A.A.); (R.R.)
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Gasparello J, Marzaro G, Papi C, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Zurlo M, Scapoli C, Finotti A, Gambari R. Effects of Sulforaphane on SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and NF‑κB dependent expression of genes involved in the COVID‑19 'cytokine storm'. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:76. [PMID: 37477130 PMCID: PMC10555481 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its spread at the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic represents one of the major health problems. Despite the approval, testing, and worldwide distribution of anti‑severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) vaccines, the development of specific antiviral agents targeting the SARS‑CoV‑2 life cycle with high efficiency, and/or interfering with the associated 'cytokine storm', is highly required. A recent study, conducted by the authors' group indicated that sulforaphane (SFN) inhibits the expression of IL‑6 and IL‑8 genes induced by the treatment of IB3‑1 bronchial cells with a recombinant spike protein of SARS‑CoV‑2. In the present study, the ability of SFN to inhibit SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and the expression of pro‑inflammatory genes encoding proteins of the COVID‑19 'cytokine storm' was evaluated. SARS‑CoV‑2 replication was assessed in bronchial epithelial Calu‑3 cells. Moreover, SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and expression of pro‑inflammatory genes was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative droplet digital PCR. The effects on the expression levels of NF‑κB were assessed by western blotting. Molecular dynamics simulations of NF‑kB/SFN interactions were conducted with Gromacs 2021.1 software under the Martini 2 CG force field. Computational studies indicated that i) SFN was stably bound with the NF‑κB monomer; ii) a ternary NF‑kB/SFN/DNA complex was formed; iii) the SFN interacted with both the protein and the nucleic acid molecules modifying the binding mode of the latter, and impairing the full interaction between the NF‑κB protein and the DNA molecule. This finally stabilized the inactive complex. Molecular studies demonstrated that SFN i) inhibits the SARS‑CoV‑2 replication in infected Calu‑3 cells, decreasing the production of the N‑protein coding RNA sequences, ii) decreased NF‑κB content in SARS‑CoV‑2 infected cells and inhibited the expression of NF‑kB‑dependent IL‑1β and IL‑8 gene expression. The data obtained in the present study demonstrated inhibitory effects of SFN on the SARS‑CoV‑2 life cycle and on the expression levels of the pro‑inflammatory genes, sustaining the possible use of SFN in the management of patients with COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, I-35131 Padova
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
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Gentili V, Bortolotti D, Morandi L, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Casciano F, Papi A, Contoli M, Zauli G, Rizzo R. Natural Killer Cells in SARS-CoV-2-Vaccinated Subjects with Increased Effector Cytotoxic CD56 dim Cells and Memory-Like CD57 +NKG2C +CD56 dim Cells. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2023; 28:156. [PMID: 37525920 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2807156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infection and negative effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) virus are mitigated by vaccines. It is unknown whether vaccination has worked by eliciting robust protective innate immune responses with high affinity. METHODS Twenty healthy volunteers received three doses of Comirnaty (Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd.) and were evaluated 9 months after the second vaccination and 1 month after the booster dose. The exclusion criteria were the presence of adverse effects following the vaccination, a history of smoking, and heterologous immunization. The inclusion criteria were the absence of prior Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 history, the absence of adverse effects, and the absence of comorbidities. Specific phenotype and levels of CD107a and granzyme production by blood NK (natural killer) cells were analyzed after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen (Wuhan, Alpha B.1.1.7, Delta B.1.617.2, and Omicron B1.1.529 variants), and related with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production. RESULTS The booster dose caused early NK CD56dim subset activation and memory-like phenotype. CONCLUSIONS We report the relevance of the innate immune response, especially NK cells, to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to guarantee efficient protection against the infection following a booster dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Pulmonology Unit, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Contoli
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Beltrami S, Rizzo S, Strazzabosco G, Gentili V, Alogna A, Narducci M, Bortolotti D, Schiuma G, Rizzo R. Non-classical HLA class I molecules and their potential role in viral infections. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00061-7. [PMID: 37005169 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are classified in three different classes I, II and III, and represent the key mediators of immune responses, self-tolerance development and pathogen recognition. Among them, non-classical subtypes (HLA-Ib), e.g. HLA-E and HLA-G, are characterize by tolerogenic functions that are often exploited by viruses to evade the host immune responses. In this perspective, we will review the main current data referred to HLA-G and HLA-E and viral infections, as well as the impact on immune response. Data were selected following eligibility criteria accordingly to the reviewed topic. We used a set of electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences (WOS), Cochrane library) for a systematic search until November 2022 using MeSH keywords/terms (i.e. HLA, HLA-G, HLA-E, viral infection, SARS-CoV-2, etc.…). Recent studies support the involvement of non-classical molecules, such as HLA-E and HLA-G, in the control of viral infection. On one side, viruses exploit HLA-G and HLA-E molecule to control host immune activation. On the other side, the expression of these molecules might control the inflammatory condition generated by viral infections. Hence, this review has the aim to summarize the state of art of literature about the modulation of these non-classical HLA-I molecules, to provide a general overview of the new strategies of viral immune system regulation to counteract immune defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Narducci
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Temple University, Japan Campus, 1 Chome-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0004, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; LTTA, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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9
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Bezzerri V, Gentili V, Api M, Finotti A, Papi C, Tamanini A, Boni C, Baldisseri E, Olioso D, Duca M, Tedesco E, Leo S, Borgatti M, Volpi S, Pinton P, Cabrini G, Gambari R, Blasi F, Lippi G, Rimessi A, Rizzo R, Cipolli M. SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and replication is impaired in Cystic Fibrosis airways due to ACE2 downregulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 36627352 PMCID: PMC9830623 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As an inherited disorder characterized by severe pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis could be considered a comorbidity for coronavirus disease 2019. Instead, current clinical evidence seems to be heading in the opposite direction. To clarify whether host factors expressed by the Cystic Fibrosis epithelia may influence coronavirus disease 2019 progression, here we describe the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in primary airway epithelial cells. We show that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and localization are regulated by Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel. Consistently, our results indicate that dysfunctional CFTR channels alter susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in reduced viral entry and replication in Cystic Fibrosis cells. Depending on the pattern of ACE2 expression, the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein induced high levels of Interleukin 6 in healthy donor-derived primary airway epithelial cells, but a very weak response in primary Cystic Fibrosis cells. Collectively, these data support that Cystic Fibrosis condition may be at least partially protecting from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Bezzerri
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Api
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Ancona, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Christian Boni
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Baldisseri
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Debora Olioso
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Duca
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Ancona, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Erika Tedesco
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Leo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sonia Volpi
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulio Cabrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Internal Medicine Department, Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy. .,Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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10
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Baldisserotto C, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Di Donna C, Ardondi L, Maietti A, Pancaldi S. Characterization of Neochloris oleoabundans under Different Cultivation Modes and First Results on Bioactivity of Its Extracts against HCoV-229E Virus. Plants (Basel) 2022; 12:26. [PMID: 36616154 PMCID: PMC9823352 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are proposed in several biotechnological fields because of their ability to produce biomass enriched in high-value compounds according to cultivation conditions. Regarding the health sector, an emerging area focuses on natural products exploitable against viruses. This work deals with the characterization of the green microalga Neochloris oleoabundans cultivated under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions as a source of whole aqueous extracts, tested as antivirals against HCoV-229E (Coronaviridae family). Glucose was employed for mixotrophic cultures. Growth and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II were monitored for both cultivations. Algae extracts for antiviral tests were prepared using cultures harvested at the early stationary phase of growth. Biochemical and morphological analyses of algae indicated a different content of the most important classes of bioactive compounds with antiviral properties (lipids, exo-polysaccharides, and total phenolics, proteins and pigments). To clarify which phase of HCoV-229E infection on MRC-5 fibroblast cells was affected by N. oleoabundans extracts, four conditions were tested. Extracts gave excellent results, mainly against the first steps of virus infection. Notwithstanding the biochemical profile of algae/extracts deserves further investigation, the antiviral effect may have been mainly promoted by the combination of proteins/pigments/phenolics for the extract derived from autotrophic cultures and of proteins/acidic exo-polysaccharides/lipids in the case of mixotrophic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Baldisserotto
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d’Este, 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Donna
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d’Este, 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luna Ardondi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d’Este, 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Maietti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Pancaldi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, C.so Ercole I d’Este, 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Lodi G, Gentili V, Casciano F, Romani A, Zauli G, Secchiero P, Zauli E, Simioni C, Beltrami S, Fernandez M, Rizzo R, Voltan R. Cell cycle block by p53 activation reduces SARS-CoV-2 release in infected alveolar basal epithelial A549-hACE2 cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018761. [PMID: 36582523 PMCID: PMC9792496 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV viruses have been shown to downregulate cellular events that control antiviral defenses. They adopt several strategies to silence p53, key molecule for cell homeostasis and immune control, indicating that p53 has a central role in controlling their proliferation in the host. Specific actions are the stabilization of its inhibitor, MDM2, and the interference with its transcriptional activity. The aim of our work was to evaluate a new approach against SARS-CoV-2 by using MDM2 inhibitors to raise p53 levels and activate p53-dependent pathways, therefore leading to cell cycle inhibition. Experimental setting was performed in the alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549-hACE2, expressing high level of ACE2 receptor, to allow virus entry, as well as p53 wild-type. Cells were treated with several concentrations of Nutlin-3 or RG-7112, two known MDM2 inhibitors, for the instauration of a cell cycle block steady-state condition before and during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and for the evaluation of p53 activation and impact on virus release and related innate immune events. The results indicated an efficient cell cycle block with inhibition of the virion release and a significant inhibition of IL-6, NF-kB and IFN-λ expression. These data suggest that p53 is an efficient target for new therapies against the virus and that MDM2 inhibitors deserve to be further investigated in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Lodi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mercedes Fernandez
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Rizzo, ; Rebecca Voltan,
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Rizzo, ; Rebecca Voltan,
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12
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Bezzerri V, Gentili V, Boni C, Baldisseri E, Finotti A, Papi C, Tamanini A, Olioso D, Polimeni A, Leo S, Borgatti M, Volpi S, Pinton P, Cabrini G, Gambari R, Blasi F, Lippi G, Rimessi A, Rizzo R, Cipolli M. 509 Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator positively regulates angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into airway epithelial cells: Implications for patients with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2022. [PMCID: PMC9527902 DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(22)01199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Coroneo V, Marras L, Giaccone V, Conficoni D, Brignardello SAS, Bissacco E, Trapella C, Alogna A, Gentili V, Parisi A, Loi F, Cappai S, Pisanu M, Cogoni MP. Evaluation of the microbiological and chemical aspects of autochthonous wild snails in Sardinia. Ital J Food Saf 2022; 11:10289. [PMID: 35832039 PMCID: PMC9272080 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2022.10289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to acquire knowledge on the epidemiology and ecology of some zoonotic agents in snails. Chemical and microbiological analysis was carried out on 46 samples of snails belonging to the species of Helix aspersa and Helix (Eobania) vermiculata. The association between heavy metals and wild snails, a native consumer product in the Region of Sardinia, was determined. The molecular characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes virulence genes has shown a genetic profile that deserves more attention for the improvement of surveillance and risk prevention. Specimens of H. vermiculata showed higher concentrations of cadmium (M=0.80±0.56 mg/kg) than H. aspersa (M=0.61±0.17 mg /kg). A further objective was to determine whether the samples showed significant differences from the point of view of secretion characterisation, in terms of protein content, and to identify species-specific correlations and possible relationships with the environment. The presence of Salmonella enterica sub.sp houtenae (6,14: z4, z23) and Salmonella enterica subsp diarizonae (47: k: e, n, z15) (1 sample), Listeria monoSnails,cytogenes (2 samples) with Molecular characterization of virulence genes together with the measurement of heavy metals in samples of wild snails has shown a health and hygiene profile that would deserve greater attention for the improvement of the surveillance and prevention of microbiological and chemical risk in such products which currently show a tendency towards increase in consumption.
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14
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Amoriello R, Rizzo R, Mariottini A, Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Bonechi E, Aldinucci A, Carnasciali A, Peruzzi B, Repice AM, Massacesi L, Fainardi E, Ballerini C. Investigating Serum sHLA-G Cooperation With MRI Activity and Disease-Modifying Treatment Outcome in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:872396. [PMID: 35693002 PMCID: PMC9174986 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.872396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a demyelinating disease in which pathogenesis T cells have a major role. Despite the unknown etiology, several risk factors have been described, including a strong association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Recent findings showed that HLA class I-G (HLA-G) may be tolerogenic in MS, but further insights are required. To deepen the HLA-G role in MS inflammation, we measured soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and cytokines serum level in 27 patients with RRMS at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of natalizumab (NTZ) treatment. Patients were divided into high (sHLA-G>20 ng/ml), medium (sHLA-G between 10 and 20 ng/ml), and low (sHLA-G <10 ng/ml) producers. Results showed a heterogeneous distribution of genotypes among producers, with no significant differences between groups. A significant decrease of sHLA-G was found after 24 months of NTZ in low producers carrying the +3142 C/G genotype. Finally, 83.3% of high and 100% of medium producers were MRI-activity free after 24 months of treatment, compared to 63.5% of low producers. Of note, we did not find any correlation of sHLA-G with peripheral cell counts or cytokines level. These findings suggest that serum sHLA-G level may partly depend on genotype rather than peripheral inflammation, and that may have impacted on MRI activity of patients over treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Amoriello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (DMSC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Mariottini
- Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Bonechi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (DMSC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aldinucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Carnasciali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (DMSC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Peruzzi
- Flow Cytometry Diagnostic Center and Immunotherapy (CDCI), Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Repice
- Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department Neurology II, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Ballerini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (DMSC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Clara Ballerini
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15
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Caccuri F, Messali S, Bortolotti D, Di Silvestre D, De Palma A, Cattaneo C, Bertelli A, Zani A, Milanesi M, Giovanetti M, Campisi G, Gentili V, Bugatti A, Filippini F, Scaltriti E, Pongolini S, Tucci A, Fiorentini S, d’Ursi P, Ciccozzi M, Mauri P, Rizzo R, Caruso A. Competition for Dominance Within Replicating Quasispecies During Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection in an Immunocompromised Host. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac042. [PMID: 35706980 PMCID: PMC9129230 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) emerge for their capability to better adapt to the human host aimed and enhance human-to-human transmission. Mutations in spike largely contributed to adaptation. Viral persistence is a prerequisite for intra-host virus evolution, and this likely occurred in immunocompromised patients who allow intra-host long-term viral replication. The underlying mechanism leading to the emergence of variants during viral persistence in the immunocompromised host is still unknown. Here, we show the existence of an ensemble of minor mutants in the early biological samples obtained from an immunocompromised patient and their dynamic interplay with the master mutant during a persistent and productive long-term infection. In particular, after 222 days of active viral replication, the original master mutant, named MB610, was replaced by a minor quasispecies (MB61222) expressing two critical mutations in spike, namely Q493K and N501T. Isolation of the two viruses allowed us to show that MB61222 entry into target cells occurred mainly by the fusion at the plasma membrane (PM), whereas endocytosis characterized the entry mechanism used by MB610. Interestingly, coinfection of two human cell lines of different origin with the SARS-CoV-2 isolates highlighted the early and dramatic predominance of MB61222 over MB610 replication. This finding may be explained by a faster replicative activity of MB61222 as compared to MB610 as well as by the capability of MB61222 to induce peculiar viral RNA-sensing mechanisms leading to an increased production of interferons (IFNs) and, in particular, of IFN-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) and IFITM2. Indeed, it has been recently shown that IFITM2 is able to restrict SARS-CoV-2 entry occurring by endocytosis. In this regard, MB61222 may escape the antiviral activity of IFITMs by using the PM fusion pathway for entry into the target cell, whereas MB610 cannot escape this host antiviral response during MB61222 coinfection, since it has endocytosis as the main pathway of entry. Altogether, our data support the evidence of quasispecies fighting for host dominance by taking benefit from the cell machinery to restrict the productive infection of competitors in the viral ensemble. This finding may explain, at least in part, the extraordinary rapid worldwide turnover of VOCs that use the PM fusion pathway to enter into target cells over the original pandemic strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Antonella De Palma
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Chiara Cattaneo
- Department of Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Bertelli
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Milanesi
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Campisi
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Erika Scaltriti
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Pongolini
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tucci
- Department of Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Fiorentini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Pasqualina d’Ursi
- Institute of Technologies in Biomedicine, National Research Council, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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16
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Gentili V, Turrin G, Marchetti P, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Cristofori V, Illuminati D, Compagnin G, Trapella C, Rizzo R, Bortolotti D, Fantinati A. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel rhodanine-based structures with antiviral activity towards HHV-6 virus. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105518. [PMID: 34861628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
An increased awareness of diseases associated with Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection or reactivation has resulted in a growing interest in the evaluation of the best treatment options available for the clinical management of HHV-6 disease. However, no compound has yet been approved exclusively for HHV-6 infection treatment. For this reason, the identification of anti-HHV6 compounds provides a valuable opportunity for developing efficient antiviral therapies. A possible target for antiviral drugs is the virus-cell fusion step. In this study, we synthetized potential fusion intermediates inhibitors based on the rhodanine structure. The obtained derivatives were tested for cytotoxicity and for antiviral activity in human cells infected with HHV6. Level of infection was monitored by viral DNA quantification at different time points up to 7 days post infection. Among the synthetized derivatives, 9e showed a significative inhibitory effect on viral replication that lasted over 7 days, probably attributable to the particular combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic substituents to the rhodanine moiety. Our results support the use of these amphipathic fusion inhibitors for the treatment of HHV-6 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Turrin
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Virginia Cristofori
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Greta Compagnin
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Via Fossato di Mortara, 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Bortolotti D, Simioni C, Neri LM, Rizzo R, Semprini CM, Occhionorelli S, Laface I, Sanz JM, Schiuma G, Rizzo S, Varano G, Beltrami S, Gentili V, Gafà R, Passaro A. Relevance of VEGF and CD147 in different SARS-CoV-2 positive digestive tracts characterized by thrombotic damage. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21969. [PMID: 34822202 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100821rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Several evidence suggests that, in addition to the respiratory tract, also the gastrointestinal tract is a main site of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as an example of a multi-organ vascular damage, likely associated with poor prognosis. To assess mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 responsible of tissue infection and vascular injury, correlating with thrombotic damage, specimens of the digestive tract positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were analyzed deriving from three patients, negative to naso-oro-pharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2. These COVID-19-negative patients came to clinical observation due to urgent abdominal surgery that removed different sections of the digestive tract after thrombotic events. Immunohistochemical for the expression of SARS-CoV-2 combined with a panel of SARS-CoV-2 related proteins angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was performed. Tissue samples were also evaluated by electron microscopy for ultrastructural virus localization and cell characterization. The damage of the tissue was assessed by ultrastructural analysis. It has been observed that CD147 expression levels correlate with SARS-CoV-2 infection extent, vascular damage and an increased expression of VEGF and thrombosis. The confirmation of CD147 co-localization with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding on gastrointestinal tissues and the reduction of the infection level in intestinal epithelial cells after CD147 neutralization, suggest CD147 as a possible key factor for viral susceptibility of gastrointestinal tissue. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of gastrointestinal tissue might be consequently implicated in abdominal thrombosis, where VEGF might mediate the vascular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA)-Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA)-Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Marina Semprini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Occhionorelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Surgery Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laface
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juana Maria Sanz
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Oncological and Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
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18
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Gentili V, Pazzi D, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Marchini E, Papadia S, Sartorel A, Di Luca D, Caccuri F, Bignozzi CA, Rizzo R. Transparent Polymeric Formulations Effective against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:54648-54655. [PMID: 34752084 PMCID: PMC8592126 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c10404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The main route of the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is through airborne small aerosol particles containing viable virus as well as through droplets transmitted between people within close proximity. Transmission via contaminated surfaces has also been recognized as an important route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Among a variety of antimicrobial agents currently in use, polymers represent a class of biocides that have become increasingly important as an alternative to existing biocidal approaches. Two transparent polymeric compounds, containing silver and benzalkonium ions electrostatically bound to a polystyrene sulfonate backbone, were synthesized, through simple procedures, and evaluated for their antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans (ISO EN 1276) and for their antiviral activity toward 229E and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses (ISO UNI EN 14476:2019). The results showed that the two tested formulations are able to inhibit the growth of (1.5-5.5) × 1011 CFU of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and of the fungal species Candida albicans. Both compounds were able to control the 229E and SARS-CoV-2 infection of a target cell in a time contact of 5 min, with a virucidal effect from 24 to 72 h postinfection, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines, where a product is considered virucidal upon achieving a reduction of 4 logarithms. This study observed a decrease of more than 5 logarithms, which implies that these formulations are likely ideal candidates for the realization of transparent surface coatings that are capable of maintaining remarkable antibacterial activity and SARS-CoV-2 antiviral properties over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Daniele Pazzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Edoardo Marchini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Stefania Papadia
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Andrea Sartorel
- Department of Chemical Sciences,
University of Padova, Padova 35131,
Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University
of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Microbiology and Virology,
Spedali Civili, Brescia 25125, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Bignozzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100,
Italy
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19
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Spadaro S, Strazzabosco G, Campo G, Carosella ED, Papi A, Rizzo R, Contoli M. Increased sHLA-G Is Associated with Improved COVID-19 Outcome and Reduced Neutrophil Adhesion. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091855. [PMID: 34578436 PMCID: PMC8473385 DOI: 10.3390/v13091855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is a group of molecules involved in inflammatory and infective responses. We evaluated blood sHLA-E and sHLA-G levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure and their relationship with clinical evolution, changes in endothelial activation biomarker profile, and neutrophil adhesion. sHLA-E, sHLA-G, and endothelial activation biomarkers were quantified by ELISA assay in plasma samples. Neutrophil adhesion to endothelium was assessed in the presence/absence of patients’ plasma samples. At admission, plasma levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-E were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure compared to controls. COVID-19 clinical improvement was associated with increased sHLA-G plasma levels. In COVID-19, but not in control patients, an inverse correlation was found between serum sICAM-1 and E-selectin levels and plasma sHLA-G values. The in vitro analysis of activated endothelial cells confirmed the ability of HLA-G molecules to control sICAM-1 and sE-selectin expression via CD160 interaction and FGF2 induction and consequently neutrophil adhesion. We suggest a potential role for sHLA-G in improving COVID-19 patients’ clinical condition related to the control of neutrophil adhesion to activated endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Edgardo D. Carosella
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies (iMETI), Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 75001 Paris, France;
| | - Alberto Papi
- Respiratory Section, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.)
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
- Industrial Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532455382
| | - Marco Contoli
- Respiratory Section, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.)
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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20
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Strazzabosco G, Fernandez M, Caccuri F, Caruso A, Rizzo R. TLR3 and TLR7 RNA Sensor Activation during SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1820. [PMID: 34576716 PMCID: PMC8465566 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has led to a pandemic that began in March 2020. The role of the SARS-CoV-2 components on innate and adaptive immunity is still unknown. We investigated the possible implication of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)-pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) interaction. (2) Methods: We infected Calu-3/MRC-5 multicellular spheroids (MTCSs) with a SARS-CoV-2 clinical strain and evaluated the activation of RNA sensors, transcription factors, and cytokines/interferons (IFN) secretion, by quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. (3) Results: Our results showed that the SARS-CoV-2 infection of Calu-3/MRC-5 multicellular spheroids induced the activation of the TLR3 and TLR7 RNA sensor pathways. In particular, TLR3 might act via IRF3, producing interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-α and IFN-β, during the first 24 h post-infection. Then, TLR3 activates the NFκB transduction pathway, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Conversely, TLR7 seems to mainly act via NFκB, inducing type 1 IFN, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ3, starting from the 48 h post-infection. (4) Conclusion: We showed that both TLR3 and TLR7 are involved in the control of innate immunity during lung SARS-CoV-2 infection. The activation of TLRs induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6, as well as interferons. TLRs could be a potential target in controlling the infection in the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Mercedes Fernandez
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, “Spedali Civili,” 25126 Brescia, Italy; (F.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, “Spedali Civili,” 25126 Brescia, Italy; (F.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.); (M.F.)
- LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Rizzo S, Savastano MC, Bortolotti D, Savastano A, Gambini G, Caccuri F, Gentili V, Rizzo R. COVID-19 Ocular Prophylaxis: The Potential Role of Ozonated-Oils in Liposome Eyedrop Gel. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:7. [PMID: 34351367 PMCID: PMC8354035 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.9.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess whether ozonated-oil in liposome eyedrop gel (OED) could be used to prevent the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in an in vitro infection model. Methods First, we tested the efficacy of OED on in vitro cell regeneration and dry eye resolution in human corneal epithelial cells (hCE-2). Second, we assessed the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection efficacy of OED using Vero E6 cells. Tissues were examined to assess different parameters: morphology, histology, and mRNA expression at 24 hours after treatment. Results OED could restore 50% of the scratch in the monolayer of hCE-2 cells in vitro compared with the 25% obtained with phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS). At 24 hours after treatment with OED, the number of microvilli and the mucin network were restored, as observed using scanning electron microscopy. In Vero E6 cells infected with a primary SARS-CoV-2 strain and treated with OED two times/day, viral replication was found to be inhibited, with a 70-fold reduction observed at 72 hours after infection compared with that under the untreated and PBS-treated conditions. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the ocular surface should not be ignored. Although the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 conjunctivitis infection is low, the need for a barrier to prevent possible viral infection is warranted. OED treatment may prevent the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after 72 hours of twice-daily applications. Translational Relevance Dry eye condition might be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and OED treatment may have a preventive role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislao Rizzo
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Savastano
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfonso Savastano
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Gambini
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, "Spedali Civili," Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Trentini A, Rosta V, Spadaro S, Bellini T, Rizzo P, Vieceli Dalla Sega F, Passaro A, Zuliani G, Gentili V, Campo G, Cervellati C. Development, optimization and validation of an absolute specific assay for active myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its application in a clinical context: role of MPO specific activity in coronary artery disease. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 58:1749-1758. [PMID: 32031967 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2019-0817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme with a recognized prognostic role in coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also emerging as a promising biomarker for cardiac risk stratification. However, the lack of a consensus method for its quantification has hindered its implementation in clinical practice. The aim of our work was to optimize an absolute sensitive assay for active MPO without external standards, to validate the method in the clinical context of CAD patients, and to estimate the enzyme specific activity. Methods In order to determine the MPO concentration using fluorescence readings, this ELISA assay exploits the activity of the enzyme recognized by specific antibodies. The assay was validated in a small cohort of patients that included: healthy subjects (n=60); patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n=25); patients with stable CAD (SCAD, n=25) and a concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Then, total MPO concentration and specific activity (activity/total MPO) were determined. Results The assay showed an intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation of 5.8% and 10.4%, respectively, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.074 μU. Both AMI and SCAD patients had higher active and total MPO than controls (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). The specific activity of MPO was higher in SCAD patients compared to both controls and AMI (p<0.0001). Conclusions The study presents a robust and sensitive method for assaying MPO activity in biological fluids with low variability. Moreover, the determination of the specific activity could provide novel insight into the role of MPO in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosta
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anesthesia and Intensive Care University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, Cotignola, Italy
| | | | - Angelina Passaro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Internal and Cardio Respiratory Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, Cotignola, Italy.,Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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23
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Alogna A, Gentili V, Trapella C, Hallan SS, Sguizzato M, Strazzabosco G, Fernández M, Cortesi R, Rizzo R, Bortolotti D. Design of Liposomes Carrying HelixComplex Snail Mucus: Preliminary Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164709. [PMID: 34443296 PMCID: PMC8399803 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades liposomes have been used in different field thanks to their ability to act as a vehicle for a wide range of biomolecules, their great versatility and their easy production. The aim of this study was to evaluate liposomes as a vehicle for the actives present in the HelixComplex (HC) snail mucus for topical delivery. Liposomes composed of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and octadecylamine were prepared with and without HC (empty liposomes) and their biological efficacy was tested by evaluating cell viability and migration. HC-loaded liposomes (LHC) were stable throughout 60 days of observation, and showed interesting effects on wound healing reconstitution. In particular, we observed that 25 µg/mL LHC were already able to induce a higher cell monolayer reconstitution in comparison to the untreated samples and HC treated samples after only 4 h (28% versus 10% and 7%, p = 0.03 and p= 0.003, respectively). The effect was more evident at 24 h in comparison with the untreated control (54% versus 21.2% and 41.6%, p = 0.006 and p = NS, respectively). These results represent a preliminary, but promising, novelty in the delivery strategy of the actives present in the HelixComplex mucus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Supandeep Singh Hallan
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Biotechnology Interuniversity Consortium (C.I.B.), Ferrara Section, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maddalena Sguizzato
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Biotechnology Interuniversity Consortium (C.I.B.), Ferrara Section, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Mercedes Fernández
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Rita Cortesi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Biotechnology Interuniversity Consortium (C.I.B.), Ferrara Section, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.G.); (C.T.); (S.S.H.); (M.S.); (G.S.); (M.F.); (R.R.); (D.B.)
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Zuin M, Gentili V, Cervellati C, Rizzo R, Zuliani G. Viral Load Difference between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:645-653. [PMID: 34287354 PMCID: PMC8293148 DOI: 10.3390/idr13030061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible difference in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load between asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed in abstracting data and assessing validity. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar for all investigations in the English language, reporting data on the threshold cycle (Ct) from real-time RT-PCR assays for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N) SARS-CoV-2 genes in asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Results: Overall, 703 COVID-19 patients (553 symptomatic and 150 asymptomatic) were analyzed. Five investigations reported the mean age of patients, evidencing that asymptomatic patients were younger than symptomatic patients (34.0 vs. 40.3 years, respectively). Pooled data regarding the levels of expression of the RdRp gene revealed no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Similarly, no differences were observed comparing the mean Ct values for the E and N genes. Based on real-time RT-PCR data, no differences exist in the viral load between symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 subjects considering Ct values for RdRp, E and N genes' expression. Asymptomatic subjects may represent a reservoir of the infection and significantly contribute to the maintenance of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zuin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.C.); (G.Z.)
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.C.); (G.Z.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.C.); (G.Z.)
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Santi E, Taliento C, Vitagliano A, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Rizzo S, Lanza G, Rizzo R, Gafà R, Greco P. Late-onset intrauterine growth restriction and HHV-6 infection: A pilot study. J Med Virol 2021; 93:6317-6322. [PMID: 34138476 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Late-onset Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to impaired growth and development of the fetus, characterized by placental morphological abnormalities that affect the fetus's supply of nutrients. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is physiologically expressed during pregnancy, but decreased in normal placenta during the last weeks of gestation possibly inducing childbirth. Several viruses involved in congenital infection, such as herpesviruses, exploit HLA-G expression as an immune-escape mechanism. To date, despite different congenital herpetic infections having been associated with late IUGR, no direct implication of Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection has been reported. We evaluated HLA-G expression and HHV-6 infection in 11 placentas from late-onset IUGR newborns and 11 placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies by histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis. We found higher levels of HLA-G expression and HHV-6 presence in IUGR placenta samples compared with control placenta samples. We report HHV-6 staining in IUGR placenta samples, characterized by high HLA-G expression. These preliminary data suggest a possible involvement of HHV-6 infection in HLA-G deregulation that might affect vessel remodeling and prevent the correct pregnancy outcome in the IUGR condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Santi
- Department of Medical Sciences,Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Taliento
- Department of Medical Sciences,Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Medical Sciences,Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Translational and for Romagna Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational and for Romagna Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Medical Sciences,Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ionescu AC, Brambilla E, Manzoli L, Orsini G, Gentili V, Rizzo R. Efficacy of personal protective equipment against coronavirus transmission via dental handpieces. J Am Dent Assoc 2021; 152:631-640. [PMID: 34325779 PMCID: PMC7997726 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This laboratory study was done to evaluate the efficacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and high-volume evacuation (HVE) against the spread of human coronavirus type 229E (HCoV-229E) during a standard dental procedure. METHODS Patient and operator manikins were used to recreate a dental setting inside a custom-built class III cabinet-like chamber. The mouth of the patient manikin was inoculated with an HCoV-229E suspension, the viral load of which was similar to that of asymptomatic people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The dental procedure was performed with an air turbine handpiece and HVE for 10 seconds. The efficacy of surgical masks, N95 (filtering facepiece class 2) and filtering facepiece class 3 respirators, and face shields was tested via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The wide surface on which the inoculum was spread caused low contamination. Over the external surfaces of masks and respirators, when a face shield was not worn, viral loads ranged from 1.2 through 1.4 log10 mean gene copies per cm2. When the shield was worn, viral loads dropped below the detection limit (< 0.317 log10 gene copies/cm2) for all PPE. On the operator's forehead, viral loads were 0.6 through 0.8 log10 gene copies/cm2. Inside the operator manikin's mouth, viral loads were under the detection limit when using any PPE, with or without the shield. HVE did not significantly change viral loads. CONCLUSIONS All PPE combinations significantly reduced viral loads in the operator manikin's mouth to below the detection limit, but HVE did not decrease viral contamination. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Although caution is suggested when removing and disposing of PPE to avoid self-contamination, the combination of PPE and face shields drastically decreases the risk of transmitting human coronavirus during aerosol-generating dental procedures.
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Abstract
Objective: We designed an in vitro study to evaluate the efficiency of an 0.5 vol% hydrogen peroxide-based spray in reducing Coronavirus 229E spread during a conventional dental procedure. Methods: A class III cabinet-like chamber was custom-built, using phantoms for both patient and operator. A suspension of HCoV-229E in artificial saliva having a similar viral load to SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic patients was inoculated inside the patient’s phantom mouth. A 10 s-lasting dental procedure was performed using an aerosol-generating air-turbine, with or without high-volume evacuation (HVE). The effect of 0.5 vol% H2O2 cooling spray in reducing viral loads was tested. Viral presence on the operator phantom was assessed by Real-Time quantitative PCR on the mask’s outer surface, on the phantom’s forehead, and inside its mouth. Results: When the H2O2 cooling spray was used, as compared to the conventional spray, viral loads were significantly lower on all tested sites, falling below the detection limit. Viral loads did not significantly change in any tested site when HVE was used. Conclusion: The use of 0.5 vol% H2O2 cooling spray by dental handpieces drastically reduced the possibility of coronaviruses spread during aerosol-generating dental procedures. This strategy deserves further consideration among the preventive measures to be adopted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Cristian Ionescu
- Oral Microbiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Brambilla
- Oral Microbiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Orsini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ionescu AC, Brambilla E, Manzoli L, Orsini G, Gentili V, Rizzo R. Efficacy of personal protective equipment and H 2 O 2 -based spray against coronavirus in dental setting. Oral Dis 2020; 28 Suppl 1:1010-1012. [PMID: 33247531 PMCID: PMC7753312 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Cristian Ionescu
- Oral Microbiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Brambilla
- Oral Microbiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Orsini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rizzo S, Rotola A, Rizzo R. SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Protein Controls Natural Killer Cell Activation via the HLA-E/NKG2A Pathway. Cells 2020; 9:E1975. [PMID: 32859121 PMCID: PMC7563485 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are important in the control of viral infections. However, the role of NK cells during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has previously not been identified. Peripheral blood NK cells from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 naïve subjects were evaluated for their activation, degranulation, and interferon-gamma expression in the presence of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. K562 and lung epithelial cells were transfected with spike proteins and co-cultured with NK cells. The analysis was performed by flow cytometry and immune fluorescence. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins did not alter NK cell activation in a K562 in vitro model. On the contrary, SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein (SP1) intracellular expression by lung epithelial cells resulted in NK cell-reduced degranulation. Further experiments revealed a concomitant induction of HLA-E expression on the surface of lung epithelial cells and the recognition of an SP1-derived HLA-E-binding peptide. Simultaneously, there was increased modulation of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A/CD94 on NK cells when SP1 was expressed in lung epithelial cells. We ruled out the GATA3 transcription factor as being responsible for HLA-E increased levels and HLA-E/NKG2A interaction as implicated in NK cell exhaustion. We show for the first time that NK cells are affected by SP1 expression in lung epithelial cells via HLA-E/NKG2A interaction. The resulting NK cells' exhaustion might contribute to immunopathogenesis in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (A.R.)
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Rizzo R, Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Bolzani S, Caselli E, Tola MR, Di Luca D. KIR2DS2/KIR2DL2/HLA-C1 Haplotype Is Associated with Alzheimer's Disease: Implication for the Role of Herpesvirus Infections. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 67:1379-1389. [PMID: 30689576 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, where neuroinflammation and immune cells are key pathological factors. Recently, it was suggested a possible association between AD and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection. Since we recently observed that multiple sclerosis patients with KIR2DL2 expression on natural killer (NK) cells are more susceptible to herpesvirus infection, we tested the possible implication of KIR/HLA genetic for HHV-6A infection. We identified, for the first time, a possible implication of a specific KIR/HLA subset in AD. The combination KIR2DS2/KIR2DL2/C1 correlated with a lower MMSEDi score, representative of a severe AD status and an increased susceptibility to HHV-6A infection. Therefore, the results seem to converge on the hypothesis that herpesvirus infection might play a role in AD. If this hypothesis finds experimental confirmation, a new therapeutic strategy, modulating KIR2DL2 expression on NK cells, for AD might be envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Tola
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Potena L, Rizzo R. Soluble HLA-G pre-transplant levels to identify the risk for development of infection in heart transplant recipients. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:147-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Caselli E, Sicolo M, Soffritti I, D'Accolti M, Barao I, Rotola A, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. DNA Sensors' Signaling in NK Cells During HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7 Infection. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:226. [PMID: 32140147 PMCID: PMC7042408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The host DNA sensor proteins TLR9, STING, IFI16 are central signaling molecules that control the innate immune response to cytosolic nucleic acids. Here we propose to investigate how Natural killer (NK) cell infection by human herpesvirus (HHV)-6A, HHV-6B or HHV-7 is able to modify DNA sensor signaling in NK cells. Methods We infected the NK92 cell line and primary NK cells with cell-free inocula of HHV-6A, HHV-6B or HHV-7 and evaluated TLR9, STING, and IFI16 pathway expression by Real-Time PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry for 1, 2, 3, and 6 days post-infection. We evaluated NK cell cytokine-producing by Real-Time PCR and enzyme immunosorbent assay. Results NK92 and primary NK cells were promptly infected by three viruses, as demonstrated by virus presence (DNA) and transcription (RNA) analysis. Our data show STING/STAT6 up-modulation in HHV-6A infected NK cells. NK cells infected with HHV-6B and HHV-7 up-regulated CCL3, IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IFN-gamma and slightly induced IL-4, and CCL4. HHV-6A infected NK cells up-regulated IL-4 and IL-13 and slightly induced IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, and IFN-gamma. Conclusion For the first time, we demonstrate that HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7 infections have a differential impact on intracellular DNA sensors. HHV-6B and HHV-7 mainly lead to the active control of in vivo viral spreading by pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion via TLR9. HHV-6A infected NK cells conversely induced STING/STAT6 pathway, as a mechanism of anti-viral activation, but they were characterized by a Th2 type response and a non-cytotoxic profile, suggesting a potential novel mechanism of HHV-6A-mediated immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariangela Sicolo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria D'Accolti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Isabel Barao
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bortolotti D, Soffritti I, D'Accolti M, Gentili V, Di Luca D, Rizzo R, Caselli E. HHV-6A Infection of Endometrial Epithelial Cells Affects miRNA Expression and Trophoblast Cell Attachment. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:779-786. [PMID: 32046402 PMCID: PMC7077927 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We recently reported that human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection is frequently present in endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility, and that virus infection induces a profound remodulation of miRNA expression in human cells of different origin. Since specific miRNA patterns have been associated with specific pregnancy outcomes, we aimed to analyze the impact of HHV-6A infection on miRNAs expression and trophoblast receptivity in human endometrial cells. To this purpose, a human endometrial cell line (HEC-1A) was infected with HHV-6A and analyzed for alterations in the expression of miRNAs and for permissiveness to the attachment of a human choriocarcinoma trophoblast cell line (JEG-3). The results showed that HHV-6A infection of endometrial cells up-modulates miR22 (26-fold), miR15 (19.5-fold), and miR196-5p (12.1 fold), that are correlated with implant failure, and down-modulates miR18 (11.4 fold), miR101-3p (4.6 fold), miR181-5p (4.9 fold), miR92 (3.3 fold), and miR1207-5p (3.9 fold), characterized by a low expression in preeclampsia. Moreover, HHV-6A-infected endometrial cells infected resulted less permissive to the attachment of trophoblast cells. In conclusion, collected data suggest that HHV-6A infection could modify miRNA expression pattern and control of trophoblast cell adhesion of endometrial cells, undermining a correct trophoblast cell attachment on endometrial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria D'Accolti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Caselli E, Rizzo R. HHV-6A infection induces amyloid-beta expression and activation of microglial cells. Alzheimers Res Ther 2019; 11:104. [PMID: 31831060 PMCID: PMC6909659 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The control of viral infections in the brain involves the activation of microglial cells, the macrophages of the brain that are constantly surveying the central nervous system, and the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) as an anti-microbial molecule. Recent findings suggest a possible implication of HHV-6A in AD. We evaluated the effect of HHV-6A infection on microglial cell expression Aβ and the activation status, determined by TREM2, ApoE, cytokines, and tau expression. METHODS We have infected microglial cells (HMC3, ATCC®CRL-3304), in monolayer and human peripheral blood monocyte-derived microglia (PBM-microglia) spheroid 3D model, with HHV-6A (strain U1102) cell-free virus inocula with 100 genome equivalents per 1 cell. We collected the cells 1, 3, 7, and 14 days post-infection (d.p.i.) and analyzed them for viral DNA and RNA, ApoE, Aβ (1-40, 1-42), tau, and phospho-tau (Threonine 181) by real-time immunofluorescence and cytokines by immunoenzymatic assay. RESULTS We observed a productive infection by HHV-6A. The expression of Aβ 1-42 increased from 3 d.p.i., while no significant induction was observed for Aβ 1-40. The HHV-6A infection induced the activation (TREM2, IL-1beta, ApoE) and migration of microglial cells. The secretion of tau started from 7 d.p.i., with an increasing percentage of the phosphorylated form. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, microglial cells are permissive to HHV-6A infection that induces the expression of Aβ and an activation status. Meanwhile, we hypothesize a paracrine effect of HHV-6A infection that activates and induces microglia migration to the site of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Cultrera R, Marci R, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. HHV-6A infection of endometrial epithelial cells affects immune profile and trophoblast invasion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13174. [PMID: 31338899 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We first reported human herpesvirus (HHV)-6A DNA presence in 43% of endometrial cells from women with idiopathic infertility, whereas no fertile control women harbored the virus. We investigated the effect of HHV-6A infection on the immunological status of the endometrium. METHOD OF STUDY Endometrial biopsies, uterine flushing, and whole blood samples were collected from 67 idiopathic infertile women (mid-secretory phase). We analyzed the endometrial immunological status evaluating: (a) the effect of HHV-6A infection on endometrial immune profile analyzing the ratio of interleukin (IL)-15/ fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn-14) and IL-18/ TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) mRNA as a biomarker of endometrial (e)natural killer activation/maturation, angiogenesis, and Th1/Th2 balance; (b) endometrial receptivity to trophoblasts in endometrial 3D in vitro model; (c) natural killer (NK) cells and T cells percentage and subpopulations by flow cytometry. RESULTS We confirmed the presence of HHV-6A infection in a 40% of idiopathic infertile women, characterized by an immune profile reflecting eNK cell cytotoxic activation and a decrease in CD4+ CD25+ CD127dim/- regulatory T cells. The co-culture of endometrial epithelial cells with spheroids generated from the extravillous trophoblast-derived cell line JEG3 showed a twofold expansion of spheroids on endometrial epithelial-stromal cells (ESC) culture surface from HHV-6A negative women while no expansion was observed on the surface of ESC from HHV-6A positive women. CONCLUSION The identification of an effect of HHV-6A infection on endometrial immune status opens new perspectives in idiopathic infertile women care management. In addition, it would be possible to select antiviral therapies as novel, non-hormonal therapeutic approaches to those idiopathic infertile women characterized by the presence of endometrial HHV-6A infection, to increase their pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosario Cultrera
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermathology and Infective Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Anesthesiology and Reanimation Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotola A, Musmeci D, Gentili V, Reale D, Borghi A, Rizzo R, Corazza M. Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma of the Grzybowski type: some considerations on treatment and pathogenesis. Int J Dermatol 2019; 58:e242-e245. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rotola
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Dario Musmeci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Domenico Reale
- Pathology Division St Anna University Hospital Ferrara Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Monica Corazza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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Caselli E, Bortolotti D, Marci R, Rotola A, Gentili V, Soffritti I, D'Accolti M, Lo Monte G, Sicolo M, Barao I, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. HHV-6A Infection of Endometrial Epithelial Cells Induces Increased Endometrial NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2525. [PMID: 29326672 PMCID: PMC5736868 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We have recently reported the presence of Human herpesvirus-6A (HHV-6A) DNA in the 43% of endometrial epithelial cells from primary idiopathic infertile women, with no positivity in fertile women. To investigate the possible effect of HHV-6A infection in endometrial (e)NK cells functions, we examined activating/inhibitory receptors expressed by eNK cells and the corresponding ligands on endometrial cells during HHV-6A infection. Methods: Endometrial biopsies and uterine flushing samples during the secretory phase were obtained from 20 idiopathic infertile women and twenty fertile women. HHV-6A infection of endometrial epithelial cells was analyzed by Real-Time PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. eNKs receptors and endometrial ligands expression were evaluated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Results: We observed the presence of HHV-6A infection (DNA, protein) of endometrial epithelial cells in the 40% of idiopathic infertile women. The eNK from all the subgroups expressed high levels of NKG2D and NKG2A receptors. Functional studies showed that NKG2D activating receptor and FasL are involved in the acquired cytotoxic function of eNK cells during HHV-6A infection of endometrial epithelial cells. In the presence of HHV-6A infection, eNK cells increased expression of CCR2, CXCR3 and CX3CR1 chemokine receptors (p = 0.01) and endometrial epithelial cells up-modulated the corresponding ligands: MCP1 (Monocyte chemotactic protein 1, CCL2), IP-10 (Interferon gamma-induced protein 10, CXCL10) and Eotaxin-3 (CCL26). Conclusion: Our results, for the first time, showed the implication of eNK cells in controlling HHV-6A endometrial infection and clarify the mechanisms that might be implicated in female idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria D'Accolti
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mariangela Sicolo
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Isabel Barao
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Finotti A, Gasparello J, Lampronti I, Cosenza LC, Maconi G, Matarese V, Gentili V, Di Luca D, Gambari R, Caselli M. PCR detection of segmented filamentous bacteria in the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2017; 4:e000172. [PMID: 29259792 PMCID: PMC5728270 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2017-000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) have been detected in a wide range of different animal. Recently, the presence of SFB-like bacteria was shown in biopsies of the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve of both patients with ulcerative colitis and control subjects. The aim of this study was to verify whether PCR methods could be used for the detection of SFB in biopsy of patients with ulcerative colitis and its relationships with the disease stage. Methods PCR methods were used to identify SFB in biopsies from the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis, showing that this approach represents a useful tool for the detection of SFB presence and analysis of the bacterial load. Results Our analysis detected SFB in all faecal samples of children at the time of weaning, and also show that putative SFB sequences are present in both patients with ulcerative colitis and control subjects. Results obtained using real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirm the presence of putative SFB sequences in samples from the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis and in control subjects. Conclusions The presence of putative SFB sequence in both patients with ulcerative colitis and control subject suggests that SFB cannot be considered as being uniquely associated with the disease. The second conclusion is that among the patients with ulcerative colitis, a tendency does exist for active disease samples to show higher SFB load, opening new perspectives about possible identification and pharmacological manipulation of SFB-mediated processes for new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Caselli
- School of Gastroenterology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Campioni D, Gentili V, Cavazzini F, Bortolotti D, Nacheva EP, Cuneo A, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. Detection of inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6) in a marker chromosome. Eur J Haematol 2017; 98:635-637. [PMID: 28244148 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus-6 (ciHHV-6) is characterised by the complete HHV-6 genome integration into the host germ line genome and is vertically transmitted with a Mendelian inheritance. By now, the only relationship between ciHHV-6 and diseases seems to be with angina pectoris. METHODS We report a case of an 82-year-old man diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) on October 2014. To substantiate the suspicion of ciHHV-6, we analysed peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow biopsy and pleural effusion-derived mesothelial cells with PCR, RT-PCR and FISH. RESULTS Virological routine screening by PCR showed the absence of HHV-8 and EBV infections, while the presence of HHV-6 DNA (ie, U22, U42 and U94 HHV-6 genes), with a viral load of about 1.0 genome per cell, strongly suggests ciHHV-6. The RT-PCR showed the positivity only for the immediate-early U94, at low levels of transcription (100±15 transcripts/1 μg RNA). FISH analysis reported a case of inherited ciHHV-6 in 17p chromosome region and, for the first time, in a marker chromosome. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case of inherited ciHHV-6 in a marker chromosome, possibly elucidating the role of this abnormality in the biology of DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Campioni
- Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elisabeth P Nacheva
- Department of Haematology, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, UK
| | - Antonio Cuneo
- Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Section of Haematology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Section of Haematology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Marci R, Gentili V, Bortolotti D, Lo Monte G, Caselli E, Bolzani S, Rotola A, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. Presence of HHV-6A in Endometrial Epithelial Cells from Women with Primary Unexplained Infertility. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158304. [PMID: 27367597 PMCID: PMC4930213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the roles of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 primary unexplained infertile women, a prospective randomized study was conducted on a cohort of primary unexplained infertile women and a cohort of control women, with at least one successful pregnancy. HHV-6 DNA was analyzed and the percentage and immune-phenotype of resident endometrial Natural Killer (NK) cells, as the first line of defense towards viral infections, was evaluated in endometrial biopsies. Cytokine levels in uterine flushing samples were analyzed. HHV-6A DNA was found in 43% of endometrial biopsies from primary unexplained infertile women, but not in control women. On the contrary, HHV-6B DNA was absent in endometrial biopsies, but present in PBMCs of both cohorts. Endometrial NK cells presented a different distribution in infertile women with HHV6-A infection compared with infertile women without HHV6-A infection. Notably, we observed a lower percentage of endometrial specific CD56brightCD16- NK cells. We observed an enhanced HHV-6A-specific endometrial NK cell response in HHV-6A positive infertile women, with a marked increase in the number of endometrial NK cells activating towards HHV-6A infected cells. The analysis of uterine flushing samples showed an increase in IL-10 levels and a decrease of IFN-gamma concentrations in infertile women with HHV6-A infection. Our study indicates, for the first time, that HHV-6A infection might be an important factor in female unexplained infertility development, with a possible role in modifying endometrial NK cells immune profile and ability to sustain a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Marci
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Geneve, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Rotola
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Fainardi E, Bortolotti D, Bolzani S, Castellazzi M, Tamborino C, Roversi G, Baldi E, Caniatti ML, Casetta I, Gentili V, Granieri E, Rizzo R, Granieri E, Castellazzi M, Casetta I, Tola MR, Fainardi E, Dallocchio F, Bellini T, Rizzo R, Rotola A, Di Luca D, Seraceni S, Contini C, Sabbioni S, Negrini M, Tognon M, Antonelli T, Groppo E, Gentile M, Baldi E, Caniatti ML, Ceruti S, Manfrinato MR, Trentini A, Bortolotti D, Miotto E, Ferracin M, Mazzoni E, Pietrobon S, Masini I, Rotondo JC, Martini F, Baruzzi A, Roberto D’Alessandro R, Michelucci R, Salvi F, Stecchi S, Scandellari C, Terzano G, Granella F, Nichelli P, Sola P, Ferraro D, Vitetta F, Simone AM, Bedin R, Marcello N, Motti L, Montepietra S, Guidetti D, Immovilli P, Montanari E, Pesci I, Guareschi A, Greco G, Santangelo M, Mauro AM, Malagù S, Rasi F, Spadoni M, Galeotti M, Fiorani L, Neri W, Ravasio A, Pasquinelli M, Gutman S, Monaldini C. Cerebrospinal fluid amounts of HLA-G in dimeric form are strongly associated to patients with MRI inactive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2015; 22:245-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458515590647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G in dimeric form in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unknown. Objective: To investigate the contribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HLA-G dimers in MS pathogenesis. Methods: CSF amounts of 78-kDa HLA-G dimers were measured by western blot analysis in 80 MS relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients and in 81 inflammatory and 70 non-inflammatory controls. Results: CSF amounts of 78kDa HLA-G dimers were more frequent in RRMS than in inflammatory ( p<0.01) and non-inflammatory controls ( p<0.001) and in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inactive than in MRI active RRMS ( p<0.00001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HLA-G dimers may be implicated in termination of inflammatory response occurring in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neuroradilogy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmine Tamborino
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gloria Roversi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Baldi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Caniatti
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Casetta
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rizzo R, Lo Monte G, Bortolotti D, Graziano A, Gentili V, Di Luca D, Marci R. Impact of soluble HLA-G levels and endometrial NK cells in uterine flushing samples from primary and secondary unexplained infertile women. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:5510-6. [PMID: 25764161 PMCID: PMC4394489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16035510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to determine the levels of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) and endometrial Natural Killer ((e)NK) cell percentages in uterine flushing samples from primary and secondary infertile women. sHLA-G levels were lower in the uterine flushing samples from primary infertile women in comparison with women with secondary infertility. Lower CD56+KIR2DL4+ (e)NK cell percentages were detected in primary infertile women compared with secondary infertile women. This is the first study demonstrating that primary and secondary unexplained infertilities are characterized by different basal sHLA-G levels and CD56+KIR2DL4+ (e)NK cell percentages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lo Monte
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
- University Hospital "S. Anna", 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Graziano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
- University Hospital "S. Anna", 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Roberto Marci
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
- University Hospital "S. Anna", 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Sermoneta D, Gentili V, Nucera P, Raso C, Iozzino M, Rabuffi P, Mellacina M. Massive pulmonary embolism as a rare complication of a stab in the inguinal region in a HIV-positive patient: a case report. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2015; 19:293-295. [PMID: 25683945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe preventable disease; HIV-infection represents a prothrombotic condition, because of specific factors due to the virus itself, the host response and the antiretroviral therapy. Our aim is to raise awareness of thromboembolic risk when dealing with HIV-positive patients presenting to the Emergency Department for treatment of injuries, even though small. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 33-year-old woman suffering from HIV-infection who presented to the Emergency Department with two small stab wounds. Laboratory tests and radiologic examinations were normal. About 8 hours after admission the patient developed a syncopal attack: a CT scan performed after hemodynamic stabilization revealed a massive pulmonary embolism (PE); the patient was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and treated with systemic thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS This case confirms that HIV-positive patients carry a higher risk for VTE and PE compared to general population, similarly to patients suffering from cancer: emergency physicians must be aware even in case of minor wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sermoneta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, Latina, Italy.
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Rizzo R, Gentili V, Rotola A, Bortolotti D, Cassai E, Di Luca D. Implication of HLA-C and KIR alleles in human papillomavirus infection and associated cervical lesions. Viral Immunol 2014; 27:468-70. [PMID: 25188020 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2014.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) regulation of host immune response leads to cervical lesions. In particular, natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for HPV control. Since specific HLA-I/KIR interactions modify NK cell activation, we analyzed HLA-C and KIR alleles in HPV infection and lesion development in 150 controls, 33 condyloma acuminatum, and 111 invasive cervical cancer (ICC) patients. We showed an increase in HLA-C1/KIR2DL2 and HLA-C1/KIR2DL3 pairs in HPV high-risk infected patients (OR 3.05, 3.24) with ICC (OR 1.33, 3.68). These data suggest HLA-C and KIR typing as risk marker for HPV infection and lesion evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy
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Strenger V, Caselli E, Lautenschlager I, Schwinger W, Aberle SW, Loginov R, Gentili V, Nacheva E, DiLuca D, Urban C. Detection of HHV-6-specific mRNA and antigens in PBMCs of individuals with chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6). Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20:1027-32. [PMID: 24698304 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
After inheritance of chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6), viral DNA is found in every nucleated cell. The prevalence of ciHHV-6 is estimated to be 0.2-5% of humans. There are conflicting data on the potential for replication, possibly leading to clinical implications. We analysed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with ciHHV-6 proven by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HHV-6-specific mRNA (U94, U42, U22) and antigens by means of reverse transcription PCR and an indirect immunoperoxidase staining. U94 transcripts indicative of latent infection were detected in six (54.5%) out of 11 individuals at least once. Transcripts indicative of lytic infection (i.e. U42 and U22) were detected in four (36.4%) out of 11 individuals at least once. HHV-6 antigen was detected in seven (70%) out of 10 individuals at least once. The presence of viral mRNA and proteins supports virus gene expression from ciHHV-6, which may lead to virus replication. Considering the properties of active HHV-6 infection together with obvious replicative activity in individuals with ciHHV-6, pathophysiological effects leading to clinical consequences of chromosomally integrated viral DNA might be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Strenger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Cassai E, Rizzo R, Luca DD. Impact of HLA-G analysis in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions. World J Methodol 2014; 4:11-25. [PMID: 25237627 PMCID: PMC4145573 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v4.i1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA class I molecule that differs from classical HLA class I molecules by low polymorphism and tissue distribution. HLA-G is a tolerogenic molecule with an immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory function on both innate and adaptative immunity. This peculiar characteristic of HLA-G has led to investigations of its role in pathological conditions in order to define possible uses in diagnosis, prevention and treatment. In recent years, HLA-G has been shown to have an important implication in different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, pregnancy complications, tumor development and aggressiveness, and susceptibility to viral infections. In fact, HLA-G molecules have been reported to alternate at both genetic and protein level in different disease situations, supporting its crucial role in pathological conditions. Specific pathologies show altered levels of soluble (s)HLA-G and different HLA-G gene polymorphisms seem to correlate with disease. This review aims to update scientific knowledge on the contribution of HLA-G in managing pathological conditions.
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Gentili V, Di Giacomo L, Fichera S, Angellotti A, Ascani P, Ferretti E, Riganatou A, Loschi AR, Rea S. Influence of Rainfall on E. Coli Concentrations in Clams: Results of Collaboration Between Competent Health Authority and Producers' Association in the Province of Fermo (Italy). Ital J Food Saf 2014; 3:995. [PMID: 27800307 PMCID: PMC5076678 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2014.995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Area Vasta di Fermo (the competent health authority of the Marche Region), in collaboration with the local producers' Association conducted a series of studies on the presence of E. coli as an indicator of faecal contamination in the environment, in shellfish and in fishery waters, and on the factors that can affect their presence. These studies, carried out from 2008 to 2011, included an assessment of the currents along the coast, of the precipitations, and data from the monitoring of E. coli on shellfish harvested in the collection areas were examined. The results showed that in most cases, small concentrations of microorganisms in shellfish corresponded to little or no precipitations, while an increase in the levels of E. coli was preceded by more or less abundant rainfalls. The conclusions suggest that it is advisable to carry out a more detailed risk analysis which should take into account the above-mentioned factors. Furthermore, monitoring alone based on the determination of indicator organisms, especially when carried out as a single analysis or with a small number of E. coli determinations, does not provide a satisfactory indication of safety. The regional surveillance plans should be applied timely and rigorously, together with onsite investigations aimed at identifying changes that can affect the presence of E. coli in shellfish. Food business operators themselves could implement good manufacturing practices to verify whether the microbiological parameters are within the prescribed limits after rainfalls, especially if heavy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Sanità Animale, Allevamento e Produzioni Zootecniche, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy
| | - Loredana Di Giacomo
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Sandro Fichera
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Antonio Angellotti
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascani
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferretti
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Angeliki Riganatou
- Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Loschi
- Scuola di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy
| | - Stefano Rea
- Scuola di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rotola A, Di Luca D, Rizzo R. Implication of HLA-G 3′ untranslated region polymorphisms in human papillomavirus infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 83:113-8. [DOI: 10.1111/tan.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - V. Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - A. Rotola
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - D. Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - R. Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
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Borghi A, Benedetti S, Corazza M, Gentili V, Ruina G, Di Luca D, Virgili A, Caselli E. Detection of human herpesvirus 8 sequences in cutaneous cherry angiomas. Arch Dermatol Res 2013; 305:659-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-013-1346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
Experimental studies indicate that segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) can recapitulate fundamental immune responses, particularly in reference to Th 17 and regulatory T-cell activity. The recent description of whole genomic DNA sequences of mouse and rat SFBs and the comparison between these sequences opens new important perspectives. In particular this knowledge allows to perform quali-quantitative studies in human beings regarding these yet unculturable anaerobic bacteria. The comparative analysis of rat and mouse SFB 16S rRNA sequences suggests the existence of highly conserved regions that could represent SFB-specific molecular targets potentially useful to develop PCR probes for study SFB in humans. These molecular tools may be of inestimable value to evaluate the possible role played by SFB in the immune system physiology, as well as its potential involvement in human chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Caselli
- School of Gastroenterology, Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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