1
|
Shahmoradian SH, Lewis AJ, Genoud C, Hench J, Moors TE, Navarro PP, Castaño-Díez D, Schweighauser G, Graff-Meyer A, Goldie KN, Sütterlin R, Huisman E, Ingrassia A, Gier YD, Rozemuller AJM, Wang J, Paepe AD, Erny J, Staempfli A, Hoernschemeyer J, Großerüschkamp F, Niedieker D, El-Mashtoly SF, Quadri M, Van IJcken WFJ, Bonifati V, Gerwert K, Bohrmann B, Frank S, Britschgi M, Stahlberg H, Van de Berg WDJ, Lauer ME. Lewy pathology in Parkinson's disease consists of crowded organelles and lipid membranes. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1099-1109. [PMID: 31235907 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 592] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease, the most common age-related movement disorder, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with unclear etiology. Key neuropathological hallmarks are Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites: neuronal inclusions immunopositive for the protein α-synuclein. In-depth ultrastructural analysis of Lewy pathology is crucial to understanding pathogenesis of this disease. Using correlative light and electron microscopy and tomography on postmortem human brain tissue from Parkinson's disease brain donors, we identified α-synuclein immunopositive Lewy pathology and show a crowded environment of membranes therein, including vesicular structures and dysmorphic organelles. Filaments interspersed between the membranes and organelles were identifiable in many but not all α-synuclein inclusions. Crowding of organellar components was confirmed by stimulated emission depletion (STED)-based super-resolution microscopy, and high lipid content within α-synuclein immunopositive inclusions was corroborated by confocal imaging, Fourier-transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering infrared imaging and lipidomics. Applying such correlative high-resolution imaging and biophysical approaches, we discovered an aggregated protein-lipid compartmentalization not previously described in the Parkinsons' disease brain.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
6 |
592 |
2
|
Moors TE, Hoozemans JJM, Ingrassia A, Beccari T, Parnetti L, Chartier-Harlin MC, van de Berg WDJ. Therapeutic potential of autophagy-enhancing agents in Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:11. [PMID: 28122627 PMCID: PMC5267440 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence from genetic, pathological and experimental studies have increasingly suggested an important role for autophagy impairment in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Genetic studies have identified mutations in genes encoding for components of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), including glucosidase beta acid 1 (GBA1), that are associated with increased risk for developing PD. Observations in PD brain tissue suggest an aberrant regulation of autophagy associated with the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). As autophagy is one of the main systems involved in the proteolytic degradation of α-syn, pharmacological enhancement of autophagy may be an attractive strategy to combat α-syn aggregation in PD. Here, we review the potential of autophagy enhancement as disease-modifying therapy in PD based on preclinical evidence. In particular, we provide an overview of the molecular regulation of autophagy and targets for pharmacological modulation within the ALP. In experimental models, beneficial effects on multiple pathological processes involved in PD, including α-syn aggregation, cell death, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, have been demonstrated using the autophagy enhancers rapamycin and lithium. However, selectivity of these agents is limited, while upstream ALP signaling proteins are involved in many other pathways than autophagy. Broad stimulation of autophagy may therefore cause a wide spectrum of dose-dependent side-effects, suggesting that its clinical applicability is limited. However, recently developed agents selectively targeting core ALP components, including Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), lysosomes, GCase as well as chaperone-mediated autophagy regulators, exert more specific effects on molecular pathogenetic processes causing PD. To conclude, the targeted manipulation of downstream ALP components, rather than broad autophagy stimulation, may be an attractive strategy for the development of novel pharmacological therapies in PD. Further characterization of dysfunctional autophagy in different stages and molecular subtypes of PD in combination with the clinical translation of downstream autophagy regulation offers exciting new avenues for future drug development.
Collapse
|
Review |
8 |
210 |
3
|
Tessitore A, del P Martin M, Sano R, Ma Y, Mann L, Ingrassia A, Laywell ED, Steindler DA, Hendershot LM, d'Azzo A. GM1-ganglioside-mediated activation of the unfolded protein response causes neuronal death in a neurodegenerative gangliosidosis. Mol Cell 2004; 15:753-66. [PMID: 15350219 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2004.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2004] [Revised: 06/25/2004] [Accepted: 07/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
GM1-ganglioside (GM1) is a major sialoglycolipid of neuronal membranes that, among other functions, modulates calcium homeostasis. Excessive accumulation of GM1 due to deficiency of lysosomal beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) characterizes the neurodegenerative disease GM1-gangliosidosis, but whether the accumulation of GM1 is directly responsible for CNS pathogenesis was unknown. Here we demonstrate that activation of an unfolded protein response (UPR) associated with the upregulation of BiP and CHOP and the activation of JNK2 and caspase-12 leads to neuronal apoptosis in the mouse model of GM1-gangliosidosis. GM1 loading of wild-type neurospheres recapitulated the phenotype of beta-gal-/- cells and activated this pathway by depleting ER calcium stores, which ultimately culminated in apoptosis. Activation of UPR pathways did not occur in mice double deficient for beta-gal and ganglioside synthase, beta-gal-/-/GalNAcT-/-, which do not accumulate GM1. These findings suggest that the UPR can be induced by accumulation of the sialoglycolipid GM1 and this causes a novel mechanism of neuronal apoptosis.
Collapse
|
|
21 |
155 |
4
|
Dijkstra AA, Ingrassia A, de Menezes RX, van Kesteren RE, Rozemuller AJM, Heutink P, van de Berg WDJ. Evidence for Immune Response, Axonal Dysfunction and Reduced Endocytosis in the Substantia Nigra in Early Stage Parkinson's Disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128651. [PMID: 26087293 PMCID: PMC4472235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Subjects with incidental Lewy body disease (iLBD) may represent the premotor stage of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction and alpha-synuclein pathology in the premotor phase of PD, we investigated the transcriptome of the substantia nigra (SN) of well-characterized iLBD, PD donors and age-matched controls with Braak alpha-synuclein stage ranging from 0–6. In Braak alpha-synuclein stages 1 and 2, we observed deregulation of pathways linked to axonal degeneration, immune response and endocytosis, including axonal guidance signaling, mTOR signaling, EIF2 signaling and clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the SN. In Braak stages 3 and 4, we observed deregulation of pathways involved in protein translation and cell survival, including mTOR and EIF2 signaling. In Braak stages 5 and 6, we observed deregulation of dopaminergic signaling, axonal guidance signaling and thrombin signaling. Throughout the progression of PD pathology, we observed a deregulation of mTOR, EIF2 and regulation of eIF4 and p70S6K signaling in the SN. Our results indicate that molecular mechanisms related to axonal dysfunction, endocytosis and immune response are an early event in PD pathology, whereas mTOR and EIF2 signaling are impaired throughout disease progression. These pathways may hold the key to altering the disease progression in PD.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
10 |
108 |
5
|
Moors TE, Paciotti S, Ingrassia A, Quadri M, Breedveld G, Tasegian A, Chiasserini D, Eusebi P, Duran-Pacheco G, Kremer T, Calabresi P, Bonifati V, Parnetti L, Beccari T, van de Berg WDJ. Characterization of Brain Lysosomal Activities in GBA-Related and Sporadic Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1344-1355. [PMID: 29948939 PMCID: PMC6400877 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the GBA gene, encoding the lysosomal hydrolase glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the most common known genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The present study aims to gain more insight into changes in lysosomal activity in different brain regions of sporadic PD and DLB patients, screened for GBA variants. Enzymatic activities of GCase, β-hexosaminidase, and cathepsin D were measured in the frontal cortex, putamen, and substantia nigra (SN) of a cohort of patients with advanced PD and DLB as well as age-matched non-demented controls (n = 15/group) using fluorometric assays. Decreased activity of GCase (− 21%) and of cathepsin D (− 15%) was found in the SN and frontal cortex of patients with PD and DLB compared to controls, respectively. Population stratification was applied based on GBA genotype, showing substantially lower GCase activity (~ − 40%) in GBA variant carriers in all regions. GCase activity was further significantly decreased in the SN of PD and DLB patients without GBA variants in comparison to controls without GBA variants. Our results show decreased GCase activity in brains of PD and DLB patients with and without GBA variants, most pronounced in the SN. The results of our study confirm findings from previous studies, suggesting a role for GCase in GBA-associated as well as sporadic PD and DLB.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
7 |
102 |
6
|
Sano R, Tessitore A, Ingrassia A, d'Azzo A. Chemokine-induced recruitment of genetically modified bone marrow cells into the CNS of GM1-gangliosidosis mice corrects neuronal pathology. Blood 2005; 106:2259-68. [PMID: 15941905 PMCID: PMC1895262 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-03-1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow cells (BMCs) could correct some pathologic conditions of the central nervous system (CNS) if these cells would effectively repopulate the brain. One such condition is G(M1)-gangliosidosis, a neurodegenerative glycosphingolipidosis due to deficiency of lysosomal beta-galactosidase (beta-gal). In this disease, abnormal build up of G(M1)-ganglioside in the endoplasmic reticulum of brain cells results in calcium imbalance, induction of an unfolded protein response (UPR), and neuronal apoptosis. These processes are accompanied by the activation/proliferation of microglia and the production of inflammatory cytokines. Here we demonstrate that local neuroinflammation promotes the selective activation of chemokines, such as stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1alpha), and MIP-1beta, which chemoattract genetically modified BMCs into the CNS. Mice that underwent bone marrow transplantation showed increased beta-gal activity in different brain regions and reduced lysosomal storage. Decreased production of chemokines and effectors of the UPR as well as restoration of neurologic functions accompanied this phenotypic reversion. Our results suggest that beta-gal-expressing bone marrow (BM)-derived cells selectively migrate to the CNS under a gradient of chemokines and become a source of correcting enzyme to deficient neurons. Thus, a disease condition such as G(M1)-gangliosidosis, which is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, may influence the response of the CNS to ex vivo gene therapy.
Collapse
|
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. |
20 |
65 |
7
|
Candore G, Di Lorenzo G, Caruso C, Modica MA, Colucci AT, Crescimanno G, Ingrassia A, Sangiorgi GB, Salerno A. The effect of age on mitogen responsive T cell precursors in human beings is completely restored by interleukin-2. Mech Ageing Dev 1992; 63:297-307. [PMID: 1614227 DOI: 10.1016/0047-6374(92)90007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the function of T lymphocytes is significantly impaired by advancing age. In the present study, attempts have been made to further characterize the T cell impairment of elderly subjects. Thus, we have performed limiting dilution microculture analysis to evaluate the precursor frequency of T lymphocytes responding to a mitogenic stimulus in old and young subjects. Furthermore we have evaluated the activity of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) on these cells. The results demonstrate that in older subjects the frequency of these precursors is significantly decreased. The in vitro treatment with rIL-2 increased the frequency of mitogen responsive T lymphocyte precursors in both groups so that the difference between the two groups was not significant. Thus present results extend the findings demonstrating that older subjects display an impairment of T cell functions and that IL-2 treatment may correct these alterations. In particular, they confirm the hypothesis that age-associated functional changes are more likely due to diminished numbers of reactive cells, than to a decline in the activity of all cells.
Collapse
|
|
33 |
35 |
8
|
Ricciardi L, Arena A, Arena E, Zambito M, Ingrassia A, Valenti G, Loschiavo G, D'Angelo A, Saitta S. Systemic nickel allergy syndrome: epidemiological data from four Italian allergy units. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2014; 27:131-6. [PMID: 24674689 DOI: 10.1177/039463201402700118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nickel hyper-sensitivity varies widely in different countries, nevertheless it is the leading cause of contact dermatitis. The presence of nickel in the diet (mainly plant foods) in some nickel-sensitive subjects can provoke/aggravate eczema and systemic contact dermatitis as well as cause extra-cutaneous symptoms (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological). These symptoms, correlated to the ingestion of nickel-containing foods and beverages, in nickel patch test positive individuals, defines the so called Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS), a condition successfully treated by oral desensitization. Although numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of contact nickel allergy or addressed the relationship between nickel intake and onset of systemic symptoms, to our knowledge no epidemiological studies have attempted to estimate the prevalence of SNAS. Therefore, we decided to evaluate consecutive patients (1,696), afferent to four allergy units in Sicily, a region of southern Italy, from October 2010 to March 2011. SNAS was confirmed in 98 patients (5.78 percent) of the 1,696 studied, suggesting that this clinical entity may be an emergent allergological condition rather than an occasional finding. The most common symptoms complained of in our population were cutaneous (51 patients), gastrointestinal (87 patients) and other systemic clinical manifestations (37 patients). Furthermore, 16 out of the 98 SNAS patients (16.3 percent) presented IgE-mediated food allergy with a statistically significant association (X2=16.950; P<0.0001), therefore suggesting underlying cross-facilitating pathways. These findings need confirmation on wider populations but may help allergists to suspect, during common clinical practice, that cutaneous and extra-cutaneous symptoms may be referred to nickel intake and deserve specific in-depth investigation.
Collapse
|
Letter |
11 |
25 |
9
|
Caruso C, Di Lorenzo G, Modica MA, Candore G, Portelli MR, Crescimanno G, Ingrassia A, Sangiorgi GB, Salerno A. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor release defect in vitro in elderly subjects. Mech Ageing Dev 1991; 59:27-35. [PMID: 1890884 DOI: 10.1016/0047-6374(91)90071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The evidence from several studies indicates that as individuals age, they may display immune dysfunctions, mostly T cell dysfunctions. Recently, a soluble form of the receptor for interleukin-2 (IL-2) (sIL-2R) has been demonstrated in human sera and in vitro stimulated culture supernatants from human T lymphocytes. In the present paper, we report in vitro sIL-2R production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in elderly subjects. The results show that no difference exists for unstimulated cultures, whereas after mitogen stimulation the elderly subjects showed the lowest values compared with young ones. These findings suggest that sIL-2R may provide a new tool for the study of T lymphocyte dysfunctions in old age.
Collapse
|
|
34 |
20 |
10
|
Bassi P, Iafrate M, Longo F, Iannello A, Mostaccio G, Ingrassia A, Repele M, Tavolini IM. Intracavitary therapy of noninvasive transitional cell carcinomas of the upper urinary tract. A review of the literature. Urol Int 2002; 67:189-94. [PMID: 11598443 DOI: 10.1159/000050985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive (stages Ta, T1, Tis) transitional cell carcinomas of the upper urinary tract are suitable for a conservative therapeutic approach. Intracavitary therapy (alone or as adjuvant treatment) has recently been proposed and successfully used by some authors. Even though bacillus Calmette-Guérin is the most frequent agent employed, chemotherapeutic drugs, such as mitomycin C and thiotepa, have also been successfully used. The current information available in the literature is therefore reviewed. According to the data available, intracavitary therapy is a worthwhile conservative therapeutic option for noninvasive upper urinary tract urotheliomas with acceptable side effects. For this reason it may be included in the routine urological armamentarium.
Collapse
|
Review |
23 |
8 |
11
|
Asero R, Abbadessa S, Aruanno A, Barilaro G, Barzaghi C, Bignardi D, Bilò MB, Borro M, Bresciani M, Busa M, Buzzulini F, Cavaliere C, Cecchi L, Ciccarelli A, Cortellini G, Cucinelli F, Deleonardi G, Emiliani F, Farsi A, Ferrarini E, Franchini M, Ingrassia A, Lippolis D, Losappio L, Marra AM, Martini M, Masieri S, Mauro M, Mazzolini M, Muratore L, Murzilli F, Nucera E, Pastorello EA, Pinter E, Polillo BR, Pravettoni V, Quercia O, Rizzi A, Russello M, Sacerdoti C, Scala E, Scala G, Scarpa A, Schroeder J, Uasuf CG, Villalta D, Yang B, Mistrello G, Amato S, Lidholm J. Detection of Gibberellin-Regulated Protein (Peamaclein) Sensitization among Italian Cypress Pollen-Sensitized Patients. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2020; 32:40-47. [DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
|
5 |
6 |
12
|
Asero R, Aruanno A, Bresciani M, Brusca I, Carollo M, Cecchi L, Cortellini G, Deleonardi G, Farsi A, Ferrarini E, Gabrielli G, Ingrassia A, Mauro M, Murzilli F, Nucera E, Onida R, Pastorello EA, Pinter E, Rizzi A, Russello M, Sacerdoti C, Scala E, Scala G, Villalta D, Zampogna S, Amato S, Mistrello G. Evaluation of two commercial peach extracts for skin prick testing in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity to lipid transfer protein. A multicenter study. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 53:168-170. [PMID: 32347686 DOI: 10.23822/eurannaci.1764-1489.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Summary The clinical usefulness of two commercial peach extracts for SPT (by Lofarma SpA and ALK-Abellò, respectively) was compared in a multicenter study carried out in Italy. Peach allergic patients were tested with the two extracts in parallel and underwent the detection of IgE specific for all three peach allergens currently available (Pru p1, Pru p3, and Pru p4, respectively). The two extracts were almost identical in terms of sensitivity and specificity, being able to detect virtually all patients sensitized to stable peach allergens (lipid transfer protein (LTP) and, presumably, peamaclein) but scoring negative in patients exclusively sensitive to labile allergens (either PR-10 and/or profilin). Thus, the two extracts represent an excellent tool to carry out a preliminary component-resolved diagnosis of peach allergy at the first patient visit.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
5 |
5 |
13
|
Costa C, Romancino DP, Ingrassia A, Vizzini A, Di Carlo M. Isolation of a trans-acting factor involved in localization of Paracentrotus lividus maternal mRNAs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 1999; 5:1290-1298. [PMID: 10573120 PMCID: PMC1369851 DOI: 10.1017/s1355838299982171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Localization of Paracentrotus lividus bep maternal mRNAs at the animal pole occurs by association with the cytoskeleton and involves a 54-kDa protein, called LP54, that is able to bind to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of bep mRNAs. We describe here the isolation and purification of this protein. Antibodies raised against purified LP54 allowed us to establish its localization in P. lividus eggs and embryos. This localization coincides with the mRNAs with which it is associated, that is, the animal pole in the egg, and, after fertilization, the regions derived from this part of the egg, and finally the oral ectoderm of the pluteus. Association with the cytoskeleton was shown by the copurification of LP54 in a microtubule preparation. Involvement in bep mRNA localization was demonstrated by microinjection of anti-LP54 antibodies in P. lividus eggs, which caused alteration of spatial distribution of bep3 mRNA.
Collapse
|
research-article |
26 |
4 |
14
|
Conte C, Ingrassia A, Breve J, Bol JJ, Timmermans-Huisman E, van Dam AM, Beccari T, van de Berg WDJ. Toll-like Receptor 4 Is Upregulated in Parkinson's Disease Patients and Co-Localizes with pSer129αSyn: A Possible Link with the Pathology. Cells 2023; 12:1368. [PMID: 37408202 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests a crucial role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Neuroinflammation is linked to the accumulation and aggregation of a-synuclein (αSyn), the primary pathological hallmark of PD. Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) can have implications in the development and progression of the pathology. In this study, we analyzed the expression of TLR4 in the substantia nigra (SN) and medial temporal gyrus (GTM) of well-characterized PD patients and age-matched controls. We also assessed the co-localization of TLR4 with pSer129 αSyn. Using qPCR, we observed an upregulation of TLR4 expression in the SN and GTM in PD patients compared to controls, which was accompanied by a reduction in αSyn expression likely due to the depletion of dopaminergic (DA) cells. Additionally, using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we observed TLR4-positive staining and co-localization with pSer129-αSyn in Lewy bodies of DA neurons in the SN, as well as in pyramidal neurons in the GTM of PD donors. Furthermore, we observed a co-localization of TLR4 and Iba-1 in glial cells of both SN and GTM. Our findings provide evidence for the increased expression of TLR4 in the PD brain and suggest that the interaction between TLR4 and pSer129-αSyn could play a role in mediating the neuroinflammatory response in PD.
Collapse
|
|
2 |
3 |
15
|
Luciani C, Gonnella C, Ingrassia A, Torre R, Germani T, Castelli A, Rosatelli M, Conti E, Morlacchetti R, Miraldi F, Speziale G, Mirali F. [Significance of health education in schools. Strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases]. PROFESSIONI INFERMIERISTICHE 2002; 55:235-40. [PMID: 12599720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death in our Country. They mainly manifests in adult age but it is the result of initiated lesions since the young age and imputable often to errors of behaviours and to non appropriate styles of life. The knowledges related to the prevention of some illnesses, allows a reduction of the incidence of these, a reduction of the mortality, with consequent reduction of the health and social costs related to the care and to the rehabilitation. In our educational system, unlike what happens in the most greater part of the other European countries, these themes are only partially present and however treated in sporadic and insufficient way. For these raisons Pronto Cuore onlus Association has decided to start, in collaboration with the Regione Lazio, a project of health education to the high schools students considering that a more informed population has a longer expectancy of life and a better life quality. This job wants to underline the necessity to undertake a health education program to teach and inform students and teachers: to recognize some factors of risk as principal causes of cardiovascular diseases; to change life style; to recognize critical situations and behaviours to be adopted.
Collapse
|
English Abstract |
23 |
|
16
|
Frati F, Incorvaia C, Cadario G, Fiocchi A, Senna GE, Rossi O, Romano A, Scala E, Romano C, Ingrassia A, Zambito M, Dell'albani I, Scurati S, Passalacqua G, Canonica GW. Factors influencing the prescription of allergen immunotherapy: the allergen immunotherapy decision analysis (AIDA) study. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 45 Suppl 2:11-16. [PMID: 24129083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The evidence of efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for respiratory allergy has been demonstrated by a number of meta-analyses. However, the daily practice of AIT is quite different from controlled trials, facing challenges in terms of selection of patients, practical performance, and, of particular importance, use of allergen extracts of inadequate quality. We here performed a survey, named the Allergen Immunotherapy Decision Analysis (AIDA), to evaluate which criteria are used by specialists to choose a product for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with respiratory allergy. A questionnaire composed of 14 items to be ranked by each participant according to the importance attributed when choosing SLIT products was submitted to 444 Italian specialists. The responses of the 169 (38.1%) physicians, who answered all questions, were analysed. Most of the respondents were allergists (79%), followed by pulmonologists (10.8%), both allergists and pulmonologists (4.8%), and otorhinolaryngologists (3%); 59.8% of the respondents were males and 40.2% were females. The age distribution showed that 89.9% of the respondents were aged between 35 and 64 years. All respondents usually prescribed AIT products in their clinical practice: 31.4% used only SLIT, whereas 69.2% used both subcutaneous and sublingual administration. The rankings, expressed as means, attributed by physicians for each of the 14 items were as follows: level of evidence-based medicine (EBM ) validation of efficacy (3.44), level of EBM validation of safety (4.30), standardization of the product (5.37), efficacy based on personal experience (5.82), defined content(s) of the major allergen(s) in micrograms (5.96), scientific evidence for each single allergen (6.17), safety based on personal experience (6.32), ease of administration protocol (8.08), cost and terms of payment (e.g. instalments) (9.17), dose personalization (9.24), patient preference (9.25), ease of product storage (9.93), reimbursement (10.12), and availability of a helpline or on-line assistance from the manufacturer (11.89). These attitudes need to be taken into consideration by regulatory agencies as well as by producers.
Collapse
|
|
12 |
|
17
|
Di Sciacca A, Durante F, Cucchiara G, Ingrassia A, Mira G, Mannone F, Di Piazza RM, Frontini A, Barbagallo Sangiorgi G. Effects of intravenous erythromycin lactobionate in respiratory infections. J Int Med Res 1987; 15:245-50. [PMID: 3653502 DOI: 10.1177/030006058701500409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The antibiotic erythromycin lactobionate given intravenously acts almost exclusively on Gram-positive bacteria. Even at high plasma and tissue concentrations there is an almost total absence of side-effects. It could be considered, therefore, as first choice in the treatment of patients with infectious respiratory diseases. Most of the 40 patients admitted to the present study were elderly and all had either acute or chronic and becoming acute respiratory disease. Their clinical symptoms and levels of phlogosis improved on treatment with erythromycin lactobionate without any interruption of therapy due to side-effects and toxicity. The absence of unfavourable pharmacological interactions further enhances the usefulness of the drug. In view of the excellent response to monotherapy with erythromycin lactobionate and the few groups of resistant bacteria found in those cases when it was possible to check, it was not considered necessary to investigate any synergistic association with other antibiotics. It can be concluded, therefore, that therapy with erythromycin lactobionate in patients with infective respiratory disease is favourable and patients show excellent tolerability.
Collapse
|
|
38 |
|
18
|
McPherson JJ, Mathiowetz V, Strachota E, Benrud C, Ingrassia A, Spitz ML. Muscle tone: objective evaluation of the static component at the wrist. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1985; 66:670-4. [PMID: 4051707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A device measuring the flexion of the hand from an extended position was evaluated as a technique for assessing the passive component of muscle tone. Wrist measurements of 23 individuals, ten able-bodied, eight with spastic and five with flaccid wrists, were collected for three days of each week for three weeks, to determine the interrater, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the device. Findings demonstrated high interrater reliability, inadequate test-retest reliability for single daily score comparisons, but an acceptable level of test-retest reliability for composite weekly score comparisons. Construct validity was supported since measurements of the involved limbs of individuals with spastic and flaccid wrists and the able-bodied group were significantly different from each other. This technique may provide useful objective information for therapists.
Collapse
|
Comparative Study |
40 |
|
19
|
Caruso C, Candore G, Modica MA, Di Giulio C, Ingrassia A, Di Lorenzo G. In vitro thymopentin modulation of mitogen responsive T-cell precursor frequency. THYMUS 1991; 17:249-51. [PMID: 1866770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
Letter |
34 |
|
20
|
Ingrassia A, Dijkstra A, Rizzu P, Bochdanovits Z, Rozemuller J, Voorn P, Groenewegen H, Heutink P, van de Berg W. P3.032 Differences in gene expression patterns in the olfactory bulb of Parkinson patients and related disorders? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1353-8020(09)70596-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
|
16 |
|
21
|
Moors T, Paciotti S, Ingrassia A, Chiasserini D, Eusebi P, Parnetti L, Beccari T, van de Berg W. Lysosomal enzyme activities in postmortem brain tissue of patients with Lewy body diseases. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2015.10.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
|
9 |
|
22
|
Bassi P, Iafrate M, Spinadin R, Carando R, Iannello R, Repele M, Mostaccio G, Ingrassia A, Pappagallo G. [Superficial bladder neoplasia unresponsive to endocavitary treatment: when should the treatment approach be changed?]. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2001; 73:181-6. [PMID: 11822064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The appropriate treatment of superficial bladder neoplasm is still debated. The urologist must weigh the risk of tumor recurrence and progression against the possible side effects of conservative treatment (transurethral resection, intravesical therapy). Furthermore it is difficult to decide exactly when to abandon the conservative therapy and proceed with radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in order to prevent the potentially lethal sequelae of invasive bladder cancer. There are no certain scientific data on the appropriate therapeutic approach of recurrences of superficial bladder cancer after intravesical therapy and often the urologist takes a decision based on his personal experience ("art rather than science"). Based on these considerations, our aim was to evaluate applicable criteria to predict the risks of tumor recurrence and progression and so decide the best treatment for each patient. METHODS 148 patients with multifocal, multirecurrent or persistent superficial bladder cancer (stage Ta-T1-Tis, G1-3) were treated with transurethral resection and/or two or more administration of intravesical chemo- (Mitomycin C, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Mitoxantron) or immuno-therapy (BCG) using common treatment schedule. Our first end point was the disease-free survival (DFS) evaluated by three different criteria: 1) "dynamic" stage (stage T1 diagnosed at the beginning, or during the follow-up or never); 2) "dynamic" grade (G3 tumor diagnosed at the beginning or during the follow-up or never); 3) "number of positive cystoscopies at the 3-year follow-up". Data were evaluated by a univariate statistical analysis (log-rank test) and a multivariate ones (MPLR stepwise procedure and L-ratio Cox's test). RESULTS "Dynamic" stage: patients who never developed a T1 stage tumor have a better DFS than patients who developed a T1 stage tumor and even more than patients in which T1 was diagnosed from the beginning (p < 0.0001). "Dynamic" grade: patients who never developed a G3 tumor have a better DFS than patients who developed a G3 tumor and patients in which G3 tumor was diagnosed from the beginning (p < 0.0017). "Number of positive cystoscopies at the 3-year follow-up": patients with less than 3 positive cystoscopies have a better prognosis than patients with 3 or more positive cystoscopies at the three-year follow-up (p < 0.0380). DISCUSSION We have found three independent predictive prognostic factors: "dynamic" stage, "dynamic" grade and number of positive cystoscopies at the 3-year follow-up. The statistical univariate and multivariate analyses allow us to define three risk categories for tumor progression (> or = T2): low, moderate, high.
Collapse
|
English Abstract |
24 |
|