Case report: EBV-related eye orbits and sinuses lymphohistiocytic infiltration responsive to rituximab in a patient with X lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1

Background and aims

X lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (XLP1) is a rare inborn error of immunity due to mutations of SH2D1A, encoding for slam-associated protein (SAP). The clinical phenotype includes severe mononucleosis, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and B-cell lymphomas.

Methods

We report the case of a child affected with XLP1 who presented with an incomplete HLH, triggered by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and treated with rituximab, involving orbits and paranasal sinuses.

Results

The lesion was indistinguishable from lymphoma, complicating diagnosis and treatment. In addition, considering the high incidence of lymphoma in patients with XLP1, histology helped define its nature, driving therapeutic choices.

Conclusion

We described an unusual presentation of incomplete HLH in a patient affected with XLP1: an EBV-driven infiltration of the orbits and paranasal sinuses. This led us to a challenging differential diagnosis of lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, which can be frequently observed in patients with XLP1. Considering the extremely poor prognosis of this clinical finding, we sought for a prompt diagnosis and managed to obtain it and to immediately establish the right treatment on the basis of the pathological finding.

Rare solid tumors in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: case report and review of literature

Background and aims

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by severe eczema, recurrent infections, and micro-thrombocytopenia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic option for patients with classic form. The risk of developing post-transplant tumors appears to be higher in patients with WAS than in other inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), but the actual incidence is not well defined, due to the scarcity of published data.

Methods

Herein, we describe a 10-year-old patient diagnosed with WAS, treated with HSCT in the first year of life, who subsequently developed two rare solid tumors, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and desmoid tumor. A review of the literature on post-HSCT tumors in WAS patients has been performed.

Results

The patient received diagnosis of classic WAS at the age of 2 months (Zhu score = 3), confirmed by WAS gene sequencing, which detected the nonsense hemizygous c.37C>T (Arg13X) mutation. At 9 months, patient underwent HSCT from a matched unrelated donor with an adequate immune reconstitution, characterized by normal lymphocyte subpopulations and mitogen proliferation tests. Platelet count significantly increased, even though platelet count never reached reference values. A mixed chimerism was also detected, with a residual WASP- population on monocytes (27.3%). The patient developed a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma at the age of 5. A second abdominal tumor was identified, histologically classified as a desmoid tumor when he reached the age of 10 years. Both hematopoietic and solid tumors were identified in long-term WAS survivors after HSCT.

Conclusion

Here, we describe the case of a patient with WAS who developed two rare solid tumors after HSCT. An active surveillance program for the risk of tumors is necessary in the long-term follow-up of post-HSCT WAS patients.

Chronic respiratory disorders due to aberrant innominate artery: a case series and critical review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Tracheal compression (TC) due to vascular anomalies is an uncommon, but potentially serious cause of chronic respiratory disease in childhood. Vascular slings are congenital malformations resulting from abnormal development of the great vessels; in this group of disorders the most prevalent entity is the aberrant innominate artery (AIA). Here we provide a report on diagnosis and treatment of AIA in nine children with unexplained chronic respiratory symptoms. We describe the cases, perform a literature review, and provide a discussion on the diagnostic workup and treatment that can help manage AIA.

METHODS

Clinical history, diagnostic procedures and treatment before and after the AIA diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed in nine children (5 boys and 4 girls), who were referred for recurrent-to-chronic respiratory manifestations over 10 years (2012-2022). We performed a comprehensive report on the ongoing clinical course and treatment as well as an electronic literature search on the topic.

RESULTS

Diagnoses at referral, before AIA was identified, were chronic dry barking cough associated with recurrent pneumonia (n = 8, 89%), lobar/segmental atelectasis (n = 3, 33%), atopic/non atopic asthma (n = 3, 33%); pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema complicated the clinical course in one case. When referred to our Unit, all patients had been previously treated with repeated antibiotic courses (n = 9, 100%), alone (n = 6, 67%) or combined with prolonged antiasthma medications (n = 3, 33%) and/or daily chest physiotherapy (n = 2, 22%), but reported only partial clinical benefit. Median ages at symptom onset and at AIA diagnosis were 1.5 [0.08-13] and 6 [4-14] years, respectively, with a relevant delay in the definitive diagnosis (4.5 years). Tracheal stenosis at computed tomography (CT) was ≥ 51% in 4/9 cases and ≤ 50% in the remaining 5 subjects. Airway endoscopy was performed in 4 cases with CT evidence of tracheal stenosis ≥ 51% and confirmed CT findings. In these 4 cases, the decision of surgery was made based on endoscopy and CT findings combined with persistence of clinical symptoms despite medical treatment. The remaining 5 children were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

TC caused by AIA may be responsible for unexplained chronic respiratory disease in childhood. Early diagnosis of AIA can decrease the use of expensive investigations or unsuccessful treatments, reduce disease morbidity, and accelerate the path toward a proper treatment.

Immune tolerance breakdown in inborn errors of immunity: Paving the way to novel therapeutic approaches

Up to 25% of the patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) also exhibit immunodysregulatory features. The association of immune dysregulation and immunodeficiency may be explained by different mechanisms. The understanding of mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in IEI has paved the way for the development of targeted treatments. In this review article, we will summarize the mechanisms of immune tolerance breakdown and the targeted therapeutic approaches to immune dysregulation in IEI.

Epigenetic Alterations in Inborn Errors of Immunity

The epigenome bridges environmental factors and the genome, fine-tuning the process of gene transcription. Physiological programs, including the development, maturation and maintenance of cellular identity and function, are modulated by intricate epigenetic changes that encompass DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications and RNA processing. The collection of genome-wide DNA methylation data has recently shed new light into the potential contribution of epigenetics in pathophysiology, particularly in the field of immune system and host defense. The study of patients carrying mutations in genes encoding for molecules involved in the epigenetic machinery has allowed the identification and better characterization of environment-genome interactions via epigenetics as well as paving the way for the development of new potential therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of epigenetic modifications in the immune system and outline their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of inborn errors of immunity.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in the immunodeficient host: necessary and dispensable immune pathways

Since its outbreak in late December 2019 in Wuhan, coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has posed a therapeutic challenge for the world population, with a plenty of clinical pictures and a broad spectrum of severity of the manifestations. In spite of initial speculations on a direct role of primary or acquired immune deficiency in determining a worse disease outcome, recent studies have provided evidence that specific immune defects may either serve as an experimentum naturae entailing this risk or may not be relevant enough to impact the host defense against the virus. Taken together, these observations may help unveil pathogenetic mechanisms of the infection and suggest new therapeutic strategies. Thus, in this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and clinical manifestations with a special focus on children and patients presenting with congenital or acquired immune deficiency.

170 EXPRESSION PATTERN OF THE Sox2 GENE IN BOVINE OOCYTES AND IN VITRO-DERIVED EMBRYOS

Sox2 is a member of the Sox (SRY-related HMGbox) family. It acts to maintain developmental potential and marks the pluripotent lineage of the early mouse embryo; in particular, as in the case of Oct-4 and Nanog, Sox2 is expressed specifically in the inner cell mass (ICM) and in the epiblast of this species. Moreover, it plays an important role in the transcription network that maintains stem cell pluripotency, interacting with other factors such as Oct-4 and Nanog. Little information is available on this gene in bovine; therefore aims of the present study were: a) to identify and characterize the Sox2 expression profile in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos; and b) to investigate its expression pattern in ICM and trophectoderm (TE). Bovine oocytes and embryos were obtained by in vitro maturation and fertilization; blastocysts at Day 7 post-insemination underwent microsurgery to separate TE from ICM. mRNA was isolated from 3 pools, each consisting of 5 MII oocytes, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell embryos, morulae, blastocysts, ICMs, and TEs. Semi-quantitative analysis of Sox2 expression was performed in the exponential phase of PCR amplification using rabbit globin as exogenous control. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons with Tukey test (SigmaStat 2.03, SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Values are presented as mean � SEM and differences of P ≤ 0.05 are considered significant. In order to rule out false negative results, PCR amplifications of isolated ICMs and TEs were extended to the plateau phase. Fragment identity was confirmed by sequencing. Comparison of bovine Sox2 cDNA sequence (EMBL AM774325) with databases revealed a 98%, 93%, and 87% homology with sheep, human, and mouse, respectively. Sox2 mRNA was detectable in oocytes as well as in embryos at the different developmental stages analyzed. Semi-quantitative expression studies revealed that Sox2 was present as both maternal and embryonic transcript; in particular, a statistically significant increase from the 8-cell stage, concomitant with embryo genome activation, was observed. Differently from the mouse, Sox2 was expressed in both bovine ICM and TE, resembling the profile previously shown for Oct-4 (van Eijk et al. 1999 Biol. Reprod. 60, 1093–1103), and suggesting that Sox2 expression might be regulated by Oct-4 also in bovine, as described in mouse and human. These findings also suggest that its expression may become restricted to the ICM only at the expanded hatched stage, as previously described for Oct-4 in pig embryos (Vejlsted et al. 2006 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73, 709–718). This work was supported by PRIN 2006, FIRST 2005, TECLA-MIUR, and EUROSTELLS-ESF.

278 DIRECTED NEURONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF PLURIPOTENT CELL LINES DERIVED FROM PIG PARTHENOGENETIC EMBRYOS

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be differentiated into many cell types in vitro, thus providing a potentially unlimited supply of cells for cognitive in vitro studies and cell-based therapy. However, suitable animal models are crucial prerequisites for the development of safe preclinical protocols in biomedical research. Pig has been proposed as an alternative to the mouse model, due to the morphological and functional affinity of the porcine species with the human. We have previously obtained pluripotent cell lines from pig parthenogenetic blastocysts (Brevini et al. 2007 Theriogenology 67, 54–63). These cells expressed pluripotency-related molecules, such as Oct-4, Nanog, SSEA-4, etc., and were negative for markers specific for ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal differentiation (Brevini et al. 2007 Theriogenology 68, 206–213). In this study, we investigated their ability to differentiate into the neural lineage. Since no information was available in the literature, we tested and compared two differentiation protocols. Neurospheres were obtained by culturing, for 2 days, undifferentiated parthenogenetic pluripotent cells in hanging drops of DMEM:Ham F10 medium (1:1), supplemented with knockout (KO) serum replacement (10%), fetal calf serum (5%), retinoic acid (10 µm), and Sonic Hedgehog (100 ng mL–1). In protocol A, neurospheres were disaggregated and plated in adherent cultures in neural progenitor basal medium supplemented with neural survival factor-1 (NSF-1, 2%) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, 20 ng mL–1) for 3 weeks. In protocol B, cells were cultured in hanging drops for a further 7 days. Neurospheres were then plated in monolayer and cultured for 3 weeks in DMEM:Ham F12 medium (70:30), supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF; 200 ng mL–1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 200 ng mL–1), B27 (2%), and N2 (1%). At the end of the culture period, cells were either harvested and screened by RT-PCR for neural differentiation-related markers or fixed and subjected to immunocytochemical fluorescent staining. Protocol A was not suitable for neural differentiation of pig pluripotent cell lines and did not seem to induce any differentiation. In contrast, protocol B could efficiently drive cells toward ectodermal differentiation and neural lineage. Neurospheres showed expression of neurofilament H after culture in hanging drops. At the end of the 21-day culture in monolayer, approximately 18% of the cells originally plated differentiated into more mature cell types of the neural lineage, as shown both by morphology and by staining with nestin and β-tubulin III antibodies. Our results indicate that pig pluripotent parthenogenetic cells can be induced to differentiate into both early and more mature neural subpopulations. These experiments, however, also indicate that the direct use of culture conditions developed for mouse and human cells is not always appropriate for pig cells, and the identification of specifically targeted protocols and media formulations for pig cells are required. This work was supported by PRIN 2005 and FIRST 2006.

Response of tomato and its wild relatives in the genus Solanum to cucumber mosaic virus and satellite RNA combinations

The differential response of 29 genotypes of tomato and wild tomato relatives (Solanum section Lycopersicon species) to cucumber mosaic virus strain Fny (CMV-Fny), alone or in combination with three different satellite RNA (satRNA) variants, allowed the identification of four disease phenotype patterns, each including plants that developed very severe symptoms (leaf malformations, top stunting and lethal necrosis) and plants that remained asymptomatic. No resistance or tolerance to CMV-Fny was observed, whilst individual host genotypes displayed latent infection upon inoculation with one (CMV-Fny/Tfn-satRNA, phenotype patterns 1 and 4), two (CMV-Fny/Tfn-satRNA and CMV-Fny/TTS-satRNA, phenotype pattern 2) or all three (the former two plus CMV-Fny/77-satRNA, phenotype pattern 3) CMV/satRNA combinations. RNA gel-blot analyses showed that latent infection generally correlated with a strong downregulation of CMV RNA accumulation levels. Introgression lines derived from a cross between Solanum habrochaites LA1777, which displayed disease phenotype pattern 2, and Solanum lycopersicum were screened for tolerance to the stunting phenotype induced by CMV-Fny/TTS-satRNA, and only one line, carrying an introgression on chromosome 6, was identified as being partially tolerant. Solanum chilense LA1932xS. lycopersicum back-cross introgression lines were screened for tolerance to lethal necrosis induced by CMV-Fny/77-satRNA (phenotype pattern 3); the tolerant phenotype was observed in 33 % of plants of the BC(1)F(2) progeny and <1 % of plants of the BC(1)F(3) progeny. Thus, potentially useful sources of tolerance to CMV/satRNA-induced diseases were identified, although the tolerant phenotypes appeared to be controlled by complex quantitative trait loci.

Porcine embryonic stem cells: Facts, challenges and hopes

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent a promising tool for cell therapy, regenerative medicine and tissue repair. At the same time they constitute an invaluable model for basic investigations in developmental biology, nuclear reprogramming and differentiation process. ESCs are very unique due to their unlimited self-renewal ability and high plasticity that allow them to differentiate into all embryonic tissues. However, these properties have been so far only demonstrated in the mouse and, to a lesser extent, in man. Assessment of ESC capabilities in species different from the mouse is an ongoing topic of interest and is crucial in view of their potential use as experimental models in pre-clinical applications. The mouse model is not adequate when long-term effects of cell replacement need to be evaluated. The pig has been considered for a long time among the best models for pre-clinical development of therapeutic approaches and represents an innovative model due to its morphological and functional affinity with man; therefore, pig ESCs are attracting renewed interest. However, a number of open questions need to be addressed since no validated protocols for the derivation and maintenance of pig ESCs have yet been established. In the present paper data from the literature will be presented together with experimental evidence recently obtained in our laboratory. We will discuss aspects related to the timing of isolation, the initiation of primary cultures, the use of different culture conditions and cytokines. The identification of pluripotency-related molecular markers in the pig will also be examined. Finally, the ability to respond to specifically formulated medium with spontaneous as well as induced differentiation will be assessed.

Cytoplasmic remodelling and the acquisition of developmental competence in pig oocytes

The progression of oocyte meiosis is accompanied by major changes in the ooplasm that play a key role in the completion of a coordinate nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. We review evidence from the literature and present data obtained in our laboratory on different aspects of pig oocyte cytoplasm compartmentalization during maturation and early embryo development. In particular, we will discuss the changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and distribution taking place during the maturation process and their possible significance for oocyte developmental competence. We describe two important aspects of cytoplasmic streaming: mitochondrial distribution patterns in oocytes and early embryos and the complex rearrangements of cytoplasmic microtubule networks, while discussing their possible correlations with ooplasm compartmentalization. Recent evidence indicates that the cytoskeleton is used to shuttle not only organelles but also mRNAs to specific sites within the oocyte cytoplasm. Localization is driven by specific molecular motors belonging to the kinesin superfamily and requires the involvement of the RNA targeting molecule Staufen. We present recent experimental evidence, obtained in our laboratory, on the pig orthologues for kinesin KIF5B and Staufen, describe their expression patterns and discuss their possible role in oocyte maturation.

257 EXPRESSION PROFILING OF GENES CRUCIAL FOR LINEAGE DETERMINATION IN IN VITRO-DERIVED EARLY BOVINE EMBRYOS

In the early blastocyst, lineage segregation depends on the expression of several key specific transcription factors. In the mouse, commitment to inner cell mass (ICM), lineage is positively regulated by Oct-4, a repressor of trophectoderm (TE) cell fate, and Nanog, which inhibits the formation of extra-embryonic and primitive endoderm. Cdx2, a caudal-type homeodomain protein, is specifically expressed in the nascent TE. The mechanisms that drive Cdx2 segregation to the outside cells are still unclear. However, the expression of Fgf Receptor 2 (FgfR2), restricted to the outside cells, and the role for its ligand, Fgf4, in promoting TE development, suggest that this signalling pathway may act upstream or in parallel with Cdx2. Little information is available on these genes in bovine; therefore the aims of the present study were as follows: (a) to identify and characterize the expression profiles of Cdx2 and FgfR2 variants (IIIc and IIIb) in bovine oocytes and pre-implantation embryos; and (b) to compare their expression patterns in ICM and TE with that of Oct-4 and Nanog. Bovine oocytes and embryos were obtained by in vitro maturation and fertilization; blastocysts at Day 7 post-insemination underwent microsurgery to separate TE from ICM. RNA was isolated from MII oocytes; 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell embryos; morulae; blastocysts; ICMs; and TEs. Semi-quantitative analysis of Cdx2 and FgfR2 expression in oocytes and embryos was performed in the exponential phase of PCR amplification with rabbit globin as exogenous control. In order to exclude false negative results, PCR amplification in isolated TE and ICM was extended to the plateau phase for all genes considered. Fragment identity was confirmed by sequencing. Comparison of bovine Cdx2 cDNA sequence (EMBL AM293662) with databases revealed a 91% and 87% homology with human and mouse, respectively. Cdx2 expression was not detectable in MII oocytes, but increased in 2-cell embryos. Transcript levels decreased at the 4- and 8-cell stages and then increased again in the blastocyst. FgfR2 variants were present as both maternal and embryonic transcripts, because they were detectable throughout pre-implantation development. Cdx2 and FgfR2 IIIc and IIIb expression was restricted to TE cells. Nanog was detected only in ICM, whereas Oct-4 was expressed in both lineages, as previously described in bovine (van Eijk et al. 1999 Bio. Reprod. 60, 1093-1103). In conclusion, the expression profiles of Nanog, Cdx2, and FgfR2 in bovine pre-implantation embryos follow the pattern previously described in the mouse. Their differentially segregated expression is consistent with their role as selector factors of ICM vs. TE fates. The significance of Oct-4 ubiquitous distribution still remains to be elucidated. This work was supported by FIRB RBNE01HPMX_005, TECLA-MIUR, and EUROSTELLS-ESF.

25 MATERNAL-TO-EMBRYONIC TRANSITION FOLLOWING NUCLEAR TRANSFER OR PARTHENOGENETIC ACTIVATION

The successful development of embryos generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) requires the ooplasm to reprogram the nucleus. This establishes the gene expression pattern necessary for full development by mechanisms that are currently being clarified. The ooplasm action on somatic nuclei shows many common aspects to the process that leads to the creation of a functional embryonic genome from the differentiated sperm and egg genomes. In order to investigate this aspect we studied a critical phase of early embryonic development: the maternal to embryonic transition (MET). We compared the pattern and level of gene expression between bovine embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF), from nuclear transfer of adult fibroblasts (NT), or from parthenogenetic activation (PG). The study was performed in cattle because MET, in this species, occurs over four cell cycles, making it easier to detect even small deviations. Oocytes, matured for 22 h and fertilized in vitro or after cumulus removal, were enucleated and fused to fibroblast cells. Nuclear transfer and Met II oocytes were activated at 24-26 h of maturation with ionomycin (5 �M) for 5 min and 6DMAP (2 mM) for 4 h and then cultured in mSOFaa. Embryos were harvested at the required time for analysis at the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell; morula; and blastocyst stages and stored snap-frozen in a minimal volume of medium in groups of 5-10 embryos. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to study the expression of Nanog, Oct-4, Zar-1, and Par-3, because these genes are directly involved in early embryo development and have a specific expression pattern during MET. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls All Pairwise Multiple Comparison. No difference in pre-implantation development was observed among the three groups. The Nanog expression pattern was unchanged in all three groups, becoming detectable from the 8-16-cell stage onward. Oct-4 mRNA was detected at all stages in every group, but only in NT embryos did a significant increase occur at the 16-cell stage, suggesting the onset of an anticipated embryonic transcription. the Zar-1 expression pattern, with the characteristic de-novo transcription peak at the 4-cell stage, was observed in both IVF and NT embryos but not in PG embryos. In this group, Zar-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher at the 2- and 4-cell stage than in all of the following stages. The Par-3 gene showed the biggest differences among groups: IVF embryos expressed this gene from the 8-cell stage onward, whereas NT embryos showed high levels of Par-3 mRNA already at the 2-cell stage. Surprisingly, PG embryos showed no detectable Par-3 levels at any stages. The results indicate that, although in vitro development was not affected, gene-specific expression differences during MET occurred among groups. Relating the specific functions exerted by each of these genes in early development to the changes observed following the different manipulations provides useful data toward a better understanding of the role of these genes and of the mechanisms of nuclear reprogramming. This work was supported by FIRB RBNE01HPMX, FIRST 2004, and ESF-EuroStells.

246 EXPRESSION PATTERN OF NANOG AND Par3 GENES IN IN VITRO-DERIVED BOVINE EMBRYOS

Homeobox genes have been demonstrated to be important in patterning and lineage specification during early embryogenesis. Nanog belongs to the family of DNA-binding transcription factors and has been shown to maintain pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, both in murine and human. Par3 plays an essential role in determining cell fate of the early mouse embryo, leading to the generation of the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm. No information is available on these genes in the bovine; therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify and characterize Nanog and Par3 expression in bovine embryos. Oocytes recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured for 22 h, fertilized in vitro and then cultured in mSOFaa medium. RNA was extracted from pools of five oocytes and embryos at different stages of development (2-, 4-, 8-, 16-cell, morula and blastocyst). It was then reverse transcribed, and PCR runs were carried out with primers specifically designed for Nanog and Par3, based on the sequence data bank available. The amplified products were separated on a 2% TAE agarose gel, purified, sequenced and aligned using Clustal W. Comparison of the bovine Nanog cDNA sequence (EMBL AM039957) with databases revealed a 84% degree of homology with the human, 97% with the mouse, and 82% with the goat genes. IVF bovine embryos express Nanog only upon genome activation, becoming detectable from the 8-cell stage onward indicating that Nanog is zygotically expressed in the bovine similar to what happens in mouse, pig and goat. Bovine Par3 cDNA sequence (EMBL AM039956) shows a high degree of homology with human (83%), mouse (81%), and rat (79%). Also Par3 is expressed only upon the maternal to embryonic transition (MET) at the 8-cell stage. As opposed to the expression patterns of other early embryo genes, like Oct-4 and Zar-1, Nanog and Par3 expression patterns in bovine embryos closely resemble those described in the mouse. Since both are absent in the ooplasm and before MET, they represent useful markers for genome activation. This work was supported by FIRB RBNE01HPMX, FIRST 2004 and ESF-EuroStells.

Effects of endocrine disrupters on the oocytes and embryos of farm animals

Currently, approximately 60 chemicals have been identified as endocrine disruptors (EDs): exogenous agents that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones. Farm animals ingest these substances with food and drinking water. Their stability and lipid solubility has led to increased concern that these substances may compromise the reproductive health of both humans and animals. Oocytes are a permanent cell population established before birth which is exposed to environmental stimuli for a period that, in farm animals, can be as long as several years. Oocyte competence is acquired within the ovary during the developmental stages that precede ovulation and its role is critical during the interval between fertilization and the so-called maternal to embryonic transition, when the transcriptional activity of the embryonic genome becomes fully functional. Any perturbation of these delicate process is likely to reduce oocyte developmental competence and, therefore, to cause an arrest of embryonic development at any given stage. A critical analysis of the doses and time of exposure is presented together with a description of the effects of different EDs on farm animal oocytes and early embryonic development. Finally some of the mechanisms mediating EDs effects on the oocytes will be described. In particular the role of arylhydrocarbon receptor, maternal mRNA stability and cytoplasmic remodelling during oocyte maturation will be discussed in some details.

Expression pattern of the maternal factor zygote arrest 1 (Zar1) in bovine tissues, oocytes, and embryos

Zygote arrest 1 (Zar1) is an ovary-specific maternal factor that plays an essential role during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in mouse. In this species, Zar1 expression is strictly limited to the oocyte, the zygote and, at a lower level, the 2-cell embryo. Aim of the present study was to analyze the presence and the expression pattern of the Zar1 ortholog in bovine tissues and embryos. Reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed in a panel of bovine tissues, in oocytes and pre-implantation in vitro produced embryos. The results demonstrated that a Zar1 ortholog is present in cattle. In the adult, the gene is expressed in ovary, testis, muscle, and myocardium. The gene is also expressed in the oocyte, the zygote, and in all the stages of embryonic development until blastocyst formation. A semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that Zar1 levels are constant through in vitro development with the exception of the 4-cell stage, when a significant increase is observed. The exposure of fertilized oocytes to the RNA polymerase II inhibitor alpha-amanitin was able to suppress this Zar1 increase indicating that transcription of this gene occurs at the 4-cell stage. Zar1 is conserved in cattle but has an expression pattern different from the mouse. In particular, Zar1 expression in the adult is not limited to the ovary and in the embryo is expressed well beyond the oocyte to embryo transition. Moreover, the identification of Zar1 transcription at the 4-cell stage represents the first characterization of one of the genes expressed in cattle embryos before the major onset of embryonic transcription.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating oocyte quality and the relevance for farm animal reproductive efficiency

The efficiency of breeding schemes is dependent on the high fecundity of the selected individuals. Reproductive technologies are constantly pushing the physiological limits, but while the male reproductive potential is almost fully exploited, female reproductive physiology is the subject of constant research. Since the number of offspring that a female can bring to term each pregnancy cannot be changed, the ideal approach is to remove the potential offspring at the beginning of development and to transfer them to recipients of lesser genetic value. The earlier the collection takes place, the higher the number of descendants that a female can generate, so that now, the number of available oocytes becomes the limiting factor. This article will describe how detailed studies on oocyte physiology are beginning to unravel the complex sequence that transforms a small primordial follicle into a large ovulatory follicle containing a mature oocyte. Progressively, the limits to oocyte manipulation have been recognised and gradually overcome with adequate hormonal treatments in vivo and with specific media supplementation in vitro. This has led to the development of highly efficient reproductive technologies and the promise of even greater advances in the future. Surprising new findings, such as ovarian stem cells that can replenish the follicle population or long term embryonic stem cell lines that can differentiate into oocytes, are rapidly changing our expectations.

168 ESTABLISHMENT AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PIG PARTHENOGENETIC EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have been obtained in mouse and in primates. However, it would be desirable to have an alternative experimental model that could be used to investigate the therapeutic potential of these cells. For this purpose, we generated parthenogenetic pig blastocysts from in vitro-matured oocytes activated by sequential exposure to 10 μM ionomycin for 5 min and 2 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h. Inner cell masses were isolated by immunosurgery and plated on mitotically inactivated STO fibroblast feeder layers in 4-well dishes. Cells were incubated in 5% CO2 at 37°C in low glucose DMEM/F10 medium supplemented with 1000 IU/mL of mouse recombinant LIF, 10% Knockout serum replacer (Gibco, Italy), and 5% FBS. Within 3 days, circular colonies with distinct margins of small round cells were observed on both substrates. When a colony enlarged enough to cover half or more of the well surface, cells were trypsinized in clumps never reaching single-cell suspension and passaged to a newly prepared well. The expression of a gene panel was examined by RT-PCR on a portion of the cells at each passage. Oct-4 and nanog were used as markers of pluripotency. Interferon-τ, α-Amilase, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4, and Neurofilament were used as markers of trophectoderm, endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm differentiation respectively. After 4 passages, three colonies expressed Oct-4 and nanog and were negative for all four differentiation markers. Two colonies at the 5th and 7th passages maintained nanog but not Oct-4 expression, while remaining negative to all of the other genes. To induce the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs), cells were cultured in 50-μL droplets of medium without LIF. Initiation of differentiation of EBs was confirmed through both morphological examination and molecular analysis; mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal markers were all expressed by Day 9 of culture and Oct-4 and nanog expression was completely down-regulated. Interestingly, when EBs were returned to adherent culture conditions patches of differentiated cells tended to form, spontaneously differentiating into mesodermal, endodermal, or neuroectodermal cell monolayers. The present data suggest that it is possible to establish putative embryonic stem cells from pig parthenotes. Further studies are in progress to determine their ability to stably maintain the undifferentiated state. This work was supported by MIUR COFIN 20022074357 and Fondazione CARIPLO.

Evolution of mRNA polyadenylation between oocyte maturation and first embryonic cleavage in cattle and its relation with developmental competence

In this study we analyzed the pattern of polyadenylation changes that takes place between the resumption of meiosis and the first cleavage of bovine oocytes. Moreover, we investigated whether the delayed occurrence of the first cleavage division, which characterizes embryos of low developmental competence, is accompanied by an altered polyadenylation pattern of individual transcripts. We determined the polyadenylation status of a group of genes that characterize physiological processes, involved in early differentiation (Oct-4), compaction, and cavitation (beta-actin, plakophilin, connexin-32, connexin-43), energy metabolism (glucose transporter type 1, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase), RNA processing (RNA poly(A) polymerase), and stress (heat shock protein 70). RNA was isolated from pools of 20 oocytes or embryos at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, at the end of in vitro maturation, at the end of in vitro fertilization, and at the time of the first cleavage. Cleavage was assessed 27, 30, 36, 42 hr post insemination (hpi), and at the latter time the remaining uncleaved oocytes were retained as a group. Between oocyte isolation and first cleavage at 27 hpi (best quality embryos), the poly(A) tail of individual transcripts followed four patterns: no changes (beta-actin, PDP); gradual reduction (Cx-43, Oct-4, Plako); gradual elongation (Cx-32, TPA); reduction followed by elongation (PAP, HSP-70, Glut-1). If the interval between insemination and first cleavage was longer than 27 hpi (progressively lower quality embryos) further changes of polyadenylation were observed, which differed for each gene considered. These data indicated that specific changes in polyadenylation contribute to the modulation of gene expression in bovine embryos at this stage of development. Defective developmental competence is accompanied by abnormal polyadenylation levels of specific maternal mRNAs with synchrony between polyadenylation and cleavage emerging as an apparently important factor.

Estrogenic activity of Nigella damascena extracts, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen

We used the yeast estrogen screen (YES) containing a human estrogen receptor to evaluate the estrogenic activity of extracts obtained from Nigella damascena seeds. Alcohol extracts obtained by direct extraction of seeds showed a low estrogenic activity, while the alcohol extract obtained after extraction with solvents of increasing polarity showed a strong estrogenic activity. This suggests the presence in Nigella of polar components whose activity can be clearly demonstrated after previous elimination of interacting apolar components that may mask the activity of more polar components. The response of both alcohol fractions follow a bell-shaped curve indicating a concentration-dependent relationship.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on oocyte developmental competence in cattle

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can interfere with normal reproductive functions acting as endocrine disruptors. Aroclor-1254 (A-1254), is a pool of more than 60 congeners used for in vitro studies because its composition is representative of PCBs environmental pollution. We previously demonstrated that the exposure of bovine oocytes to A-1254 during in vitro maturation (IVM) was detrimental not only to the maturation process but also induced a significant increase of polyspermy and a reduction of developmental competence. Therefore, we investigated whether A-1254 acts on two processes that occur during IVM and may be related with its negative effects: maternal mRNA polyadenylation and cortical granules (CGs) migration and exocytosis. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were exposed to 0.1 microg/ml of A-1254 during IVM, a level of exposure known to affect oocyte maturation, fertilization, and developmental competence. Oocyte exposure to A-1254 altered the poly(A) tail length of 5 out of 10 genes examined. PCBs effect on mRNA polyadenylation was different depending on the gene considered and resulted either in a shorter or in a longer poly(A) tail. At the end of maturation, Aroclor treated oocytes presented clustered CG in a significantly higher percentage than the control group. In addition, CG exocytosis after 8 hr of fertilization occurred at significantly lower extent in zygotes derived from the exposed group compared to control. Our results indicated that the lower developmental competence of oocytes exposed to PCBs during IVM can be related to the interaction of these contaminants with mechanisms regulating maternal mRNA storage in the ooplasm and normal CGs function.

Estrogenic activity of phenolic compounds from Nigella damascena evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen

We used a yeast estrogen screen (YES) containing human estrogen receptor to evaluate the estrogenic activity of both crude extracts and simple pure phenolic compounds from Nigella damascena seeds. Estrogenic activity was established in the methanolic and aqueous extracts of the seeds as well as in two simple phenolic compounds isolated from the methanolic extract, 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy-beta-phenethyl alcohol.

Somatostatin up-regulates topoisomerase II alpha expression and affects LNCaP cell cycle

mRNA differential display-PCR analysis was used to perform a systematic screening of Somatostatin (SS)-regulated genes in the human prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCaP (Lymph Node Carcinoma of the Prostate). A 170 bp fragment was shown to be up-regulated by SS. Sequence analysis of this fragment revealed its homology with the human Topoisomerase II Alpha gene. Up-regulation of Topoisomerase II Alpha was confirmed by Northern blot hybridisation and was induced by the same dose of SS (1 nM) earlier demonstrated to inhibit LNCaP cell growth. Furthermore, SS possible effects on timing, as well as concentration of Topoisomerase II Alpha along the different phases of the cell cycle were investigated. To this purpose changes in the enzyme protein concentration in response to SS were assessed in synchronised LNCaP cells. The hormone was shown to exert a perturbing effect on both parameters considered, possibly related to its inhibitory action on LNCaP cell replication.

Environmental contaminants and biochemical response in eel exposed to Po river water

Groups of eels (Anguilla anguilla) were exposed to Po river water under control conditions at "la Casella" Fluvial Hydrobiology Station for 30-day periods between November and May. At the end of the exposure period, fish were sacrificed and cytochrome P4501A was evaluated in liver microsomes using both catalytic (EROD) and semiquantitative immunodetection (ELISA) assays. At the same time, water samples were taken for chemical analyses of PCBs, PAHs and pesticides. Eel was chosen as bio-indicator on the bases of experiments on cytochrome P450 expression and activity under basal or induced conditions and in consideration of the ecological and economic relevance and ease of handling. Low levels of cytochrome P450 during Winter were followed by a step increase during Spring, associated with a substantial concentration increase of agrochemicals. A good correlation was found between measurements of cytochrome P4501A by EROD and ELISA in dose-effect experiments, however, ELISA showed a higher sensitivity. Immunochemical techniques may be used in addition to enzyme activity measurements both to detect lower levels of cytochrome P450 induction (where they proved more sensitive) and as quality control. These results suggest that measurement of cytochrome P4501A under controlled conditions, using eel as bio-indicator, can be a useful tool in monitoring Po river ecosystems.

Changes in poly(A) tail length of maternal transcripts during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and their relation with developmental competence

Molecules of mRNA are stored in the oocyte cytoplasm in order to be used during the initial phases of embryonic development. The storage takes place during oocyte growth and the extent of poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the transcripts has emerged as an important regulatory element for determining their stability. The objective of the present study was to analyse changes in polyadenylation levels of mRNA transcripts, stored in bovine oocytes, during in vitro maturation and their possible relation with developmental competence. Oocyte developmental competence was predicted on the basis of the morphological appearance of their originating ovary as previously established (Gandolfi et al. 1997a. Theriogenology 48:1153-1160) and were divided into groups H (high competence) and L (low competence). The length of the poly(A) tail of the following genes, beta-actin (beta-Act), connexin 43, glucose transporter type 1, heat shock protein 70, oct-4, plakophilin, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP), and RNA poly(A) polymerase, was determined at the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage. The results indicated that the poly(A) tail of all genes except for beta-Act and PDP, is shorter after in vitro maturation (IVM) in both groups. Moreover, group L oocytes showed a shorter poly(A) tail than group H oocytes in all genes except for beta-Act and PDP, both at GV and MII stage. We conclude that most of the examined transcripts follow the default deadenylation pattern described during oocyte maturation in other species and that a shorter poly(A) tail is correlated with low developmental competence.

Blood pressure and progression of renal failure in the elderly

There are a lack of studies about elderly patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). We studied 22 patients, aged 64 to 74 years, who were diagnosed with hypertensive nephropathy (HN), defined as a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 95 mm Hg and a basal creatinine clearance (CCr) of 52 +/- 6 ml/min/1.73 m2. During the minimum two-year follow-up, the progression of renal failure (RF) was analyzed by the plotted slope of CCr versus time. Patients were divided into two groups, each administered one of two different drugs, Ca antagonists (group I) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (group II). The DBP in both groups was lowered by the end of the study. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was less in group I (97.35 +/- 5.98 mm Hg) than in group II (108.3 +/- 9.95 mm Hg). The decline in renal function was a mean rate of -0.62 +/- 0.36 ml/min/month in group I and -1.03 +/- 0.17 ml/min/month in group II. In conclusion, we show that patients who were on ACE inhibitors exhibited a greater MAP and a greater decline in renal function compared with the patients who were on Ca antagonist therapy. We also found that patients who were younger than 70 years old had better control of their blood pressure rates and less of a rate of decline in renal function than their older counterparts.

Role of cucumber mosaic virus and its satellite RNA in the etiology of tomato fruit necrosis in Italy

A cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) isolate supporting a natural 390-ribonucleotide satellite was used to reproduce under experimental conditions a disease of processing tomatoes called fruit necrosis. The virus induced incomplete differentiation of the vascular tissue of fruit stalks, which was the likely cause of the disease. On the other hand, the satellite RNA attenuated viral symptoms on tomato leaves reproducing the disease pattern typically observed in the field. The biological properties of this seemingly new variant of cucumoviral satellite RNAs were determined.

Dual effect of (-)-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine on guinea-pig trachea

The effect of (-)-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA), a metabolically stable P1-receptor agonist, was investigated on guinea-pig isolated trachea. PIA showed two opposite effects: contraction, evident at low concentrations (10(-7) to 2-5 X 10(-6) M), and relaxation at higher doses. Relaxation by PIA was antagonized in an apparently competitive manner by two antagonists of extracellular (P1) adenosine receptors: theophylline (Theo) and 8-phenyltheophylline (PT). Contraction by PIA was not inhibited by methylxanthines and was not mediated by stimulation of cholinergic or histaminergic systems. Inhibitors of arachidonic acid cascade acting at different levels, i.e. indomethacin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and BW755C, all inhibited the contraction by PIA, while they potentiated the relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Mepacrine, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, inhibited the contraction by PIA, but did not affect the relaxation. These results indicate that the contractile effect induced by PIA is supported by an indirect mechanism involving the release of arachidonic acid derivatives (via P2-purinoceptor?). Thus the balance between the two opposite effects of adenosine on tracheal tone is possibly modulated by the prostaglandin turnover.