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Aziz N, Ruzza C, Falcicchia C, Guarino A, Soukupova M, Asth L, Aleotti V, Bettegazzi B, Simonato M, Zucchini S. Lack of Direct Effects of Neurotrophic Factors in an In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4160. [PMID: 38673746 PMCID: PMC11049901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084160] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with several neurological disorders including temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizures themselves can induce neuroinflammation. In an in vivo model of epilepsy, the supplementation of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) using a Herpes-based vector reduced epileptogenesis-associated neuroinflammation. The aim of this study was to test whether the attenuation of the neuroinflammation obtained in vivo with BDNF and FGF-2 was direct or secondary to other effects, for example, the reduction in the severity and frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures. An in vitro model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL) in a mouse primary mixed glial culture was used. The releases of cytokines and NO were analyzed via ELISA and Griess assay, respectively. The effects of LPS and neurotrophic factors on cell viability were determined by performing an MTT assay. BDNF and FGF-2 were tested alone and co-administered. LPS induced a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and NO. BDNF, FGF-2, and their co-administration did not counteract these LPS effects. Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of BDNF and FGF-2 in vivo in the epilepsy model was indirect and likely due to a reduction in seizure frequency and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimra Aziz
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Valentina Aleotti
- Operating Unit Neurological Clinic, University Hospital of Ferrara, via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Barbara Bettegazzi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.A.); (A.G.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (M.S.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Bettegazzi B, Cattaneo S, Simonato M, Zucchini S, Soukupova M. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy for Epilepsy: What Does the Future Hold? Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:5-13. [PMID: 38103141 PMCID: PMC10786988 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00687-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many pre-clinical studies have tested gene therapy approaches as possible treatments for epilepsy, following the idea that they may provide an alternative to conventional pharmacological and surgical options. Multiple gene therapy approaches have been developed, including those based on anti-sense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, and viral vectors. In this opinion article, we focus on translational issues related to viral vector-mediated gene therapy for epilepsy. Research has advanced dramatically in addressing issues like viral vector optimization, target identification, strategies of gene expression, editing or regulation, and safety. Some of these pre-clinically validated potential gene therapies are now being tested in clinical trials, in patients with genetic or focal forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. Here, we discuss the ongoing translational research and the advancements that are needed and expected in the near future. We then describe the clinical trials in the pipeline and the further challenges that will need to be addressed at the clinical and economic levels. Our optimistic view is that all these issues and challenges can be overcome, and that gene therapy approaches for epilepsy will soon become a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Palumbo L, Carinci M, Guarino A, Asth L, Zucchini S, Missiroli S, Rimessi A, Pinton P, Giorgi C. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Epileptic Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2825. [PMID: 37893198 PMCID: PMC10604217 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102825] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a dynamic process of defense and protection against the harmful action of infectious agents or other detrimental stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the uncontrolled regulation of this physiological process is strongly associated with serious dysfunctional neuronal issues linked to the progression of CNS disorders. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders worldwide. Indeed, NLRP3, one of the most well-studied inflammasomes, is involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, events that characterize this pathological condition. In this context, several pieces of evidence have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Based on an extensive review of the literature on the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy, in this review we discuss our current understanding of the connection between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and progressive neurodegeneration in epilepsy. The goal of the review is to cover as many of the various known epilepsy models as possible, providing a broad overview of the current literature. Lastly, we also propose some of the present therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3, aiming to provide potential insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sonia Missiroli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Soukupová M, Guarino A, Asth L, Marino P, Barbieri M, Simonato M, Zucchini S. Sampling Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood from Lateral Tail Vein in Rats during EEG Recordings. J Vis Exp 2023. [PMID: 37677021 DOI: 10.3791/65636] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Because the composition of body fluids reflects many physiological and pathological dynamics, biological liquid samples are commonly obtained in many experimental contexts to measure molecules of interest, such as hormones, growth factors, proteins, or small non-coding RNAs. A specific example is the sampling of biological liquids in the research of biomarkers for epilepsy. In these studies, it is desirable to compare the levels of molecules in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in plasma, by withdrawing CSF and plasma in parallel and considering the time distance of the sampling from and to seizures. The combined CSF and plasma sampling, coupled with video-EEG monitoring in epileptic animals, is a promising approach for the validation of putative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Here, a procedure of combined CSF withdrawal from cisterna magna and blood sampling from the lateral tail vein in epileptic rats that are continuously video-EEG monitored is described. This procedure offers significant advantages over other commonly used techniques. It permits rapid sampling with minimal pain or invasiveness, and reduced time of anesthesia. Additionally, it can be used to obtain CSF and plasma samples in both tethered and telemetry EEG recorded rats, and it may be used repeatedly across multiple days of experiment. By minimizing the stress due to sampling by shortening isoflurane anesthesia, measures are expected to reflect more accurately the true levels of investigated molecules in biofluids. Depending on the availability of an appropriate analytical assay, this technique may be used to measure the levels of multiple, different molecules while performing EEG recording at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara;
| | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
| | - Pietro Marino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
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5
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Guarino A, Bettegazzi B, Aziz N, Barbieri M, Bochicchio D, Crippa L, Marino P, Sguizzato M, Soukupova M, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Low-dose 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Administration After Status Epilepticus Prevents Epilepsy Development. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1951-1965. [PMID: 36180719 PMCID: PMC9723075 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01299-4] [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] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy often manifests months or even years after an initial epileptogenic insult (e.g., stroke, trauma, status epilepticus) and, therefore, may be preventable. However, no such preventive treatment is currently available. Aim of this study was to test an antioxidant agent, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), that is well tolerated and effective in preclinical models of many neurological disorders, as an anti-epileptogenic drug. However, 7,8-DHF also acts as a TrkB receptor agonist and, based on the literature, this effect may imply an anti- or a pro-epileptogenic effect. We found that low- (5 mg/kg), but not high-dose 7,8-DHF (10 mg/kg) can exert strong anti-epileptogenic effects in the lithium-pilocarpine model (i.e., highly significant reduction in the frequency of spontaneous seizures and in the time to first seizure after status epilepticus). The mechanism of these different dose-related effects remains to be elucidated. Nonetheless, considering its excellent safety profile and antioxidant properties, as well as its putative effects on TrkB receptors, 7,8-DHF represents an interesting template for the development of effective and well-tolerated anti-epileptogenic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Bettegazzi
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Nimra Aziz
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Bochicchio
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Crippa
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Marino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maddalena Sguizzato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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6
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Soukupová M, Zucchini S, Trempat P, Ingusci S, Perrier-Biollay C, Barbieri M, Cattaneo S, Bettegazzi B, Falzoni S, Berthommé H, Simonato M. Improvement of HSV-1 based amplicon vectors for a safe and long-lasting gene therapy in non-replicating cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:399-412. [PMID: 33869657 PMCID: PMC8044385 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.020] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A key factor for developing gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders is the availability of suitable vectors. Currently, the most advanced are adeno-associated vectors that, while being safe and ensuring long-lasting transgene expression, have a very limited cargo capacity. In contrast, herpes simplex virus-based amplicon vectors can host huge amounts of foreign DNA, but concerns exist about their safety and ability to express transgenes long-term. We aimed at modulating and prolonging amplicon-induced transgene expression kinetics in vivo using different promoters and preventing transgene silencing. To pursue the latter, we deleted bacterial DNA sequences derived from vector construction and shielded the transgene cassette using AT-rich and insulator-like sequences (SAm technology). We employed luciferase and GFP as reporter genes. To determine transgene expression kinetics, we injected vectors in the hippocampus of mice that were longitudinally scanned for bioluminescence for 6 months. To evaluate safety, we analyzed multiple markers of damage and performed patch clamp electrophysiology experiments. All vectors proved safe, and we managed to modulate the duration of transgene expression, up to obtaining a stable, long-lasting expression using the SAm technology. Therefore, these amplicon vectors represent a flexible, efficient, and safe tool for gene delivery in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pascal Trempat
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Selene Ingusci
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bettegazzi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Falzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Hervé Berthommé
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Lovisari F, Roncon P, Soukoupova M, Paolone G, Labasque M, Ingusci S, Falcicchia C, Marino P, Johnson M, Rossetti T, Petretto E, Leclercq K, Kaminski RM, Moyon B, Webster Z, Simonato M, Zucchini S. Implication of sestrin3 in epilepsy and its comorbidities. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcaa130. [PMID: 33758823 PMCID: PMC7966953 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa130] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. Epilepsy may arise as a result of acquired brain injury, or as a consequence of genetic predisposition. To date, genome-wide association studies and exome sequencing approaches have provided limited insights into the mechanisms of acquired brain injury. We have previously reported a pro-epileptic gene network, which is conserved across species, encoding inflammatory processes and positively regulated by sestrin3 (SESN3). In this study, we investigated the phenotype of SESN3 knock-out rats in terms of susceptibility to seizures and observed a significant delay in status epilepticus onset in SESN3 knock-out compared to control rats. This finding confirms previous in vitro and in vivo evidence indicating that SESN3 may favour occurrence and/or severity of seizures. We also analysed the phenotype of SESN3 knock-out rats for common comorbidities of epilepsy, i.e., anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment. SESN3 knock-out rats proved less anxious compared to control rats in a selection of behavioural tests. Taken together, the present results suggest that SESN3 may regulate mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lovisari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Roncon
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Soukoupova
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marilyne Labasque
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Selene Ingusci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Marino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico Petretto
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMC), Imperial College London, UK
| | - Karine Leclercq
- Neuroscience TA, UCB Biopharma SPRL, Braine l'Alleud, Belgium
| | | | - Ben Moyon
- Es Cell and Transgenics, Medical Research Council, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Zoe Webster
- Es Cell and Transgenics, Medical Research Council, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Italy
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8
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Iughetti L, Antoniazzi F, Giavoli C, Bona G, Aversa T, Greggio NA, Guazzarotti L, Minelli R, Perrone L, Persani L, Pozzobon G, Ragusa L, Stagi S, Tornese G, Zecchino C, Gallinari P, Zouater H, Fedeli P, Zucchini S. Safety and effectiveness of a somatropin biosimilar in children requiring growth hormone treatment: second analysis of the PATRO Children study Italian cohort. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:493-503. [PMID: 32557273 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01331-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the long-term safety (primary endpoint) and effectiveness (secondary endpoint) of the somatropin biosimilar Omnitrope®. METHODS PATRO Children is an ongoing, multicenter, observational, post-marketing surveillance study. Children who received Omnitrope® for any indication were included. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated in all study participants. Auxological data, including height standard deviation scores (HSDS) and height velocity standard deviation scores (HVSDS), were used to assess effectiveness. In this snapshot analysis, data from the Italian subpopulation up to August 2017 were reported. RESULTS A total of 291 patients (mean age 10.0 years, 56.0% male) were enrolled at 19 sites in Italy. The mean duration of Omnitrope® treatment was 33.1 ± 21.7 months. There were 48 AEs with a suspected relationship to the study drug (as reported by the investigator) that occurred in 35 (12.0%) patients, most commonly headache, pyrexia, arthralgia, insulin-like growth factor above normal range, abdominal pain, pain in extremity and acute gastroenteritis. There were no confirmed cases of type 1 or type 2 diabetes; however, two patients (0.7%) had impaired glucose tolerance that was considered Omnitrope® related. The mean HSDS increased from - 2.41 ± 0.73 at baseline (n = 238) to - 0.91 ± 0.68 at 6.5 years (n = 10). The mean HVSDS increased from - 1.77 ± 1.38 at baseline (n = 136) to 0.96 ± 1.13 at 6.5 years (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS In this sub-analysis of PATRO Children, Omnitrope® appeared to have acceptable safety and effectiveness in the treatment of in Italian children, which was consistent with the earlier findings from controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - F Antoniazzi
- UO di Pediatria, Ospedale Donna e Bambino, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Odontostomatologiche e Materno Infantili, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Giavoli
- Unità Operativa di Endocrinologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Bona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - T Aversa
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - N A Greggio
- UO di Endocrinologia Pediatrica e Adolescentologia, Dip. Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Az. Ospedaliera-Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - L Guazzarotti
- Unita Operativa di Endocrinologia Pediatrica e Adolescentologia Clinica Pediatrica-Università Degli Studi di Padova Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - R Minelli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Dipartimento Materno Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Perrone
- Dipartimento Della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università Degli Studi Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - L Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Pozzobon
- Clinica Pediatrica Dipartimento Materno-Infantile IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - L Ragusa
- Dipartimento Per Il Ritardo Mentale, Unità Operativa di Pediatria e Genetica Medica, Oasi Research Institute-I.R.C.C.S., Troina, Enna, Italy
| | - S Stagi
- Clinica Pediatrica I, Auxoendocrinologia e Ginecologia Pediatrica, AOU Meyer, Florence, Italy
| | - G Tornese
- Clinica Pediatrica Ospedale "Burlo Garofalo" di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Zecchino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Ed Oncologia Umana, AO Policlinico di Bari Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | | | - H Zouater
- Sandoz Biopharmaceutical C/O HEXAL AG, Holzkirchen, Germany
| | | | - S Zucchini
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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9
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Tonti G, Maltoni G, Cassio A, Zucchini S. Extreme hyperosmolarity and severe ketoacidosis in a child with type 1 diabetes mellitus at onset safely treated with current guidelines. Acta Diabetol 2019; 56:1083-1086. [PMID: 30968194 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Tonti
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Maltoni
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Cassio
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Zucchini
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Lucchini A, Elli S, Bianchi F, Birleanu ND, Zucchini S, Ceccarelli S, Tancredi V, Zampieri E, Moretta D, Bambi S. [Incidence and risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers in an Italian general intensive care unit]. Assist Inferm Ric 2019; 37:181-188. [PMID: 30638202 DOI: 10.1702/3080.30722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
. Incidence and risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers in an Italian general intensive care unit. INTRODUCTION Pressure ulcers (PU) represent one of the most frequent adverse event in intensive care units (ICU). Critical patients are at higher risk of developing a PU, with an incidence between 3.3-39.3%. AIM To assess the incidence and risk factors for developing PUs in a general ICU of an Italian University hospital. METHODS Retrospective observational study on a sample of 122 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit, from January to December 2015, with a length of ICU stay > 5 days. PUs were stadied according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. RESULTS One hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled. The incidence of PUs was 33%, and the incidence rate was 23 PUs for 1.000 days of ICU stay; 29% of PUs were of stage I, 56% of stage II, 8% stage III and 6% stage IV. PUs mainly affected the sacrum (21%) with a very low incidence in the heels (1.6%). Despite several factors were associated to the development of PUs (being female, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, length of stay, mechanical ventilation > 72 hours, administration of dobutamine, Admission pO 2/FiO2 ratio, mean Braden during ICU stay and admission diagnosis) only ICU lenght of day remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of PUs is comparable to other recent studies. Many factors are potentially involved in the onset of PUs. Identifying these factors can help nurses to plan interventions to prevent their development.
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Abstract
Neurological disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS) are still incompletely understood. Many of these disorders lack a cure and are seeking more specific and effective treatments. In fact, in spite of advancements in knowledge of the CNS function, the treatment of neurological disorders with modern medical and surgical approaches remains difficult for many reasons, such as the complexity of the CNS, the limited regenerative capacity of the tissue, and the difficulty in conveying conventional drugs to the organ due to the blood-brain barrier. Gene therapy, allowing the delivery of genetic materials that encodes potential therapeutic molecules, represents an attractive option. Gene therapy can result in a stable or inducible expression of transgene(s), and can allow a nearly specific expression in target cells. In this review, we will discuss the most commonly used tools for the delivery of genetic material in the CNS, including viral and non-viral vectors; their main applications; their advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss mechanisms of genetic regulation through cell-specific and inducible promoters, which allow to express gene products only in specific cells and to control their transcriptional activation. In addition, we will describe the applications to CNS diseases of post-transcriptional regulation systems (RNA interference); of systems allowing spatial or temporal control of expression [optogenetics and Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs)]; and of gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9, Zinc finger proteins). Particular attention will be reserved to viral vectors derived from herpes simplex type 1, a potential tool for the delivery and expression of multiple transgene cassettes simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Ingusci
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Verlengia
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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12
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Abstract
Gene therapy has recently advanced to the level of standard of care for several
diseases. However, its application to neurological disorders is still in the
experimental phase. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the field
that provide optimism on the possibility to have first-in-human studies for gene
therapy of some forms of epilepsy in the not so distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Ingusci
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- 2 School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Verlengia
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,2 School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,3 Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,2 School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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13
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Soukupová M, Falcicchia C, Lovisari F, Ingusci S, Barbieri M, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Microdialysis of Excitatory Amino Acids During EEG Recordings in Freely Moving Rats. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30474642 DOI: 10.3791/58455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microdialysis is a well-established neuroscience technique that correlates the changes of neurologically active substances diffusing into the brain interstitial space with the behavior and/or with the specific outcome of a pathology (e.g., seizures for epilepsy). When studying epilepsy, the microdialysis technique is often combined with short-term or even long-term video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring to assess spontaneous seizure frequency, severity, progression and clustering. The combined microdialysis-EEG is based on the use of several methods and instruments. Here, we performed in vivo microdialysis and continuous video-EEG recording to monitor glutamate and aspartate outflow over time, in different phases of the natural history of epilepsy in a rat model. This combined approach allows the pairing of changes in the neurotransmitter release with specific stages of the disease development and progression. The amino acid concentration in the dialysate was determined by liquid chromatography. Here, we describe the methods and outline the principal precautionary measures one should take during in vivo microdialysis-EEG, with particular attention to the stereotaxic surgery, basal and high potassium stimulation during microdialysis, depth electrode EEG recording and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of aspartate and glutamate in the dialysate. This approach may be adapted to test a variety of drug or disease induced changes of the physiological concentrations of aspartate and glutamate in the brain. Depending on the availability of an appropriate analytical assay, it may be further used to test different soluble molecules when employing EEG recording at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience;
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
| | - Francesca Lovisari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
| | - Selene Ingusci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience
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14
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Lepore G, Bonfanti R, Bozzetto L, Di Blasi V, Girelli A, Grassi G, Iafusco D, Laviola L, Rabbone I, Schiaffini R, Bruttomesso D, Mammì F, Bruzzese M, Schettino M, Nuzzo M, Di Blasi V, Fresa R, Lambiase C, Iafusco D, Zanfardino A, Confetto S, Bozzetto L, Annuzzi G, Alderisio A, Riccardi G, Gentile S, Marino G, Guarino G, Zucchini S, Maltoni G, Suprani T, Graziani V, Nizzoli M, Acquati S, Cavani R, Romano S, Michelini M, Manicardi E, Bonadonna R, Dei Cas A, Dall'aglio E, Papi M, Riboni S, Manicardi V, Manicardi E, Manicardi E, Pugni V, Lasagni A, Street M, Pagliani U, Rossi C, Assaloni R, Brunato B, Tortul C, Zanette G, Li Volsi P, Zanatta M, Tonutti L, Agus S, Pellegrini M, Ceccano P, Pozzilli G, Anguissola B, Buzzetti R, Moretti C C, Leto G, Pozzilli P, Manfrini S, Maurizi A, Leotta S, Altomare M, Abbruzzese S, Carletti S, Suraci C, Filetti S, Manca Bitti M, Arcano S, Cavallo M, De Bernardinis M, Pitocco D, Caputo S, Rizzi A, Manto A, Schiaffini R, Cappa M, Benevento D, Frontoni S, Malandrucco I, Morano S, Filardi T, Lauro D, Marini M, Castaldo E, Sabato D, Tuccinardi F, Forte E, Viterbori P, Arnaldi C, Minuto N, d'Annunzio G, Corsi A, Rota R, Scaranna C, Trevisan R, Valentini U, Girelli A, Bonfadini S, Zarra E, Plebani A, Prandi E, Felappi B, Rocca A, Meneghini E, Galli P, Ruggeri P, Carrai E, Fugazza L, Baggi V, Conti D, Bosi E, Laurenzi A, Caretto A, Molinari C, Orsi E, Grancini V, Resi V, Bonfanti R, Favalli V, Bonura C, Rigamonti A, Bonomo M, Bertuzzi F, Pintaudi B, Disoteo O, Perseghin G, Perra S, Chiovato L, De Cata P, Zerbini F, Lovati E, Laneri M, Guerraggio L, Bossi A, De Mori V, Galetta M, Meloncelli I, Aiello A A, Di Vincenzo S, Nuzzi A, Fraticelli E, Ansaldi E, Battezzati M, Lombardi M, Balbo M, Lera R, Secco A, De Donno V, Cadario F, Savastio S, Ponzani C, Aimaretti G, Rabbone I, Ignaccolo G, Tinti D, Cerutti F, Bari F, Giorgino F, Piccinno E, Zecchino O, Cignarelli M, Lamacchia O, Picca G, De Cosmo S, Rauseo A, Tomaselli L, Tumminia A, Egiziano C, Scarpitta A, Maggio F, Cardella F, Roppolo R, Provenzano V, Fleres M, Scorsone A, Scatena A, Gregori G, Lucchesi S, Gadducci F, Di Cianni S, Pancani S, Del Prato S, Aragona M, Crisci I, Calianno A, Fattor B, Crazzolara D, Reinstadler P, Longhi S, Incelli G, Rauch S, Romanelli T, Orrasch M, Cauvin V, Franceschi R, Lalli C, Pianta A, Marangoni A, Aricò C, Marin N, Nogara N, Simioni N, Filippi A, Gidoni Guarneri G, Contin M.L M, Decata A, Bondesan L, Confortin L, Coracina A, Lombardi S, Costa Padova S, Cipponeri E, Scotton R, Galasso S, Boscari F, Zanon M, Vinci C, Lisato G, Gottardo L, Bonora E, Trombetta M, Negri C, Brangani C, Maffeis C, Sabbion A, Marigliano M. Metabolic control and complications in Italian people with diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 28:335-342. [PMID: 29428572 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the degree of glycaemic control and the frequency of diabetic complications in Italian people with diabetes who were treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). METHODS AND RESULTS Questionnaires investigating the organisation of diabetes care centres, individuals' clinical and metabolic features and pump technology and its management were sent to adult and paediatric diabetes centres that use CSII for treatment in Italy. Information on standard clinical variables, demographic data and acute and chronic diabetic complications was derived from local clinical management systems. The sample consisted of 6623 people with diabetes, which was obtained from 93 centres. Of them, 98.8% had type 1 diabetes mellitus, 57.2% were female, 64% used a conventional insulin pump and 36% used a sensor-augmented insulin pump. The median glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 60 mmol/mol (7.6%). The HbA1c target (i.e. <58 mmol/mol for age <18 years and <53 mmol/mol for age >18 years) was achieved in 43.4% of paediatric and 23% of adult participants. Factors such as advanced pump functions, higher rate of sensor use, pregnancy in the year before the study and longer duration of diabetes were associated with lower HbA1c levels. The most common chronic complications occurring in diabetes were retinopathy, microalbuminuria and hypertension. In the year before the study, 5% of participants reported ≥1 episode of severe hypoglycaemic (SH) episodes (SH) and 2.6% reported ≥1 episode of ketoacidosis. CONCLUSIONS Advanced personal skills and use of sensor-based pump are associated with better metabolic control outcomes in Italian people with diabetes who were treated with CSII. The reduction in SH episodes confirms the positive effect of CSII on hypoglycaemia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT 02620917 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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15
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Paolone G, Falcicchia C, Verlengia G, Barbieri M, Binaschi A, Paliotto F, Paradiso B, Soukupova M, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Personalized Needles for Microinjections in the Rodent Brain. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443027 DOI: 10.3791/55751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Microinjections have been used for a long time for the delivery of drugs or toxins within specific brain areas and, more recently, they have been used to deliver gene or cell therapy products. Unfortunately, current microinjection techniques use steel or glass needles that are suboptimal for multiple reasons: in particular, steel needles may cause tissue damage, and glass needles may bend when lowered deeply into the brain, missing the target region. In this article, we describe a protocol to prepare and use quartz needles that combine a number of useful features. These needles do not produce detectable tissue damage and, being very rigid, ensure reliable delivery in the desired brain region even when using deep coordinates. Moreover, it is possible to personalize the design of the needle by making multiple holes of the desired diameter. Multiple holes facilitate the injection of large amounts of solution within a larger area, whereas large holes facilitate the injection of cells. In addition, these quartz needles can be cleaned and re-used, such that the procedure becomes cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara;
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Gianluca Verlengia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Anna Binaschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Federico Paliotto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Beatrice Paradiso
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara; Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara; Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara
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16
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Miyagawa Y, Verlengia G, Reinhart B, Han F, Uchida H, Zucchini S, Goins WF, Simonato M, Cohen JB, Glorioso JC. Deletion of the Virion Host Shut-off Gene Enhances Neuronal-Selective Transgene Expression from an HSV Vector Lacking Functional IE Genes. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2017; 6:79-90. [PMID: 28702475 PMCID: PMC5493822 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability of herpes simplex virus (HSV) to establish lifelong latency in neurons suggests that HSV-derived vectors hold promise for gene delivery to the nervous system. However, vector toxicity and transgene silencing have created significant barriers to vector applications to the brain. Recently, we described a vector defective for all immediate-early gene expression and deleted for the joint region between the two unique genome segments that proved capable of extended transgene expression in non-neuronal cells. Sustained expression required the proximity of boundary elements from the latency locus. As confirmed here, we have also found that a transgene cassette introduced into the ICP4 locus is highly active in neurons but silent in primary fibroblasts. Remarkably, we observed that removal of the virion host shutoff (vhs) gene further improved transgene expression in neurons without inducing expression of viral genes. In rat hippocampus, the vhs-deleted vector showed robust transgene expression exclusively in neurons for at least 1 month without evidence of toxicity or inflammation. This HSV vector design holds promise for gene delivery to the brain, including durable expression of large or complex transgene cassettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Miyagawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Gianluca Verlengia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bonnie Reinhart
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hiroaki Uchida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Division of Bioengineering, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - William F. Goins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Justus B. Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Joseph C. Glorioso
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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17
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Vitale G, Filaferro M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Ruggieri V, Cifani C, Guerrini R, Simonato M, Zucchini S. Effects of [Nphe 1, Arg 14, Lys 15] N/OFQ-NH 2 (UFP-101), a potent NOP receptor antagonist, on molecular, cellular and behavioural alterations associated with chronic mild stress. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:691-703. [PMID: 28417659 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117691456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of [Nphe1] Arg14, Lys15-N/OFQ-NH2 (UFP-101), a selective NOP receptor antagonist, in chronic mild stress (CMS) in male Wistar rats. NOP receptor antagonists were reported to elicit antidepressant-like effects in rodents. Our aim was to investigate UFP-101 effects on CMS-induced anhedonia and impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis. UFP-101 (10 nmol/rat intracerebroventricularly) did not influence sucrose intake in non-stressed animals, but reinstated basal sucrose consumption in stressed animals from the second week of treatment. UFP-101 also reversed stress effects in forced swimming test and in open field. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) produced similar effects. Moreover, we investigated whether UFP-101 could affect CMS-induced impairment in hippocampal cell proliferation and neurogenesis, and in fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) expression. Our data confirm that CMS reduced neural stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis in adult rat hippocampus. Chronic UFP-101 treatment did not affect the reduced proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells) observed in stressed animals. However, UFP-101 increased the number of doublecortin-positive cells, restoring neurogenesis. Finally, UFP-101 significantly increased FGF-2 expression, reduced by CMS. These findings support the view that blockade of NOP receptors produces antidepressant-like effects in CMS associated with positive effects on neurogenesis and FGF-2 expression. Therefore, NOP receptors may represent a target for innovative antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- 1 Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and RE, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Filaferro
- 2 Department Biomedical, Metabolical and Neuro-Sciences, University of Modena and RE, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Ruggieri
- 4 Department Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults - University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- 3 School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- 5 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- 6 Department Medical Sciences and Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- 6 Department Medical Sciences and Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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18
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Rabbone I, Minuto N, Bonfanti R, Marigliano M, Cerutti F, Cherubini V, d'Annunzio G, Frongia AP, Iafusco D, Ignaccolo G, Lombardo F, Schiaffini R, Toni S, Tumini S, Zucchini S, Pistorio A, Scaramuzza AE. Insulin pump failures in Italian children with Type 1 diabetes: retrospective 1-year cohort study. Diabet Med 2017; 34:621-624. [PMID: 27885706 DOI: 10.1111/dme.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Insulin pump failure and/or malfunction requiring replacement have not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated pump replacement in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes using insulin pump therapy. METHODS Data were collected for all participants younger than 19 years, starting insulin pump therapy before 31 December 2013. For each child, age, disease duration, date of insulin pump therapy initiation, insulin pump model, failure/malfunction/replacement yes/no and reason were considered for the year 2013. RESULTS Data were returned by 40 of 43 paediatric centres belonging to the Diabetes Study Group of the Italian Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology. In total, 1574 of 11 311 (13.9%) children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes were using an insulin pump: 29.2% Animas VIBE™ , 9.4% Medtronic MiniMed 715/515™ , 34.3% Medtronic MiniMed VEO™ , 24.3% Accu-Check Spirit Combo™ and 2.8% other models. In 2013, 0.165 insulin pump replacements per patient-year (11.8% due to pump failure/malfunction and 4.7% due to accidental damage) were recorded. Animas VIBE™ (22.1%) and Medtronic MiniMed VEO™ (17.7%) were the most replaced. CONCLUSIONS In a large cohort of Italian children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, insulin pump failure/malfunction and consequent replacement are aligned with rates previously reported and higher in more sophisticated pump models.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rabbone
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - N Minuto
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - R Bonfanti
- Department of Paediatrics, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Marigliano
- Regional Center for Paediatric Diabetes, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F Cerutti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - V Cherubini
- Regional Center for Diabetes in Children and Adolescents, AOU Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - G d'Annunzio
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - A P Frongia
- Unit of Paediatric Diabetes, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - D Iafusco
- Regional Center for Paediatric Diabetes Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - G Ignaccolo
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Department of Paediatric Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Schiaffini
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, University Department of Paediatric Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S Toni
- Juvenile Diabetes Center, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Tumini
- Center of Paediatric Diabetology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Zucchini
- Department of Paediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Pistorio
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - A E Scaramuzza
- Department of Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Roncon P, Zucchini S, Ferracin M, Marucci G, Giulioni M, Michelucci R, Rubboli G, Simonato M. Is autopsy tissue a valid control for epilepsy surgery tissue in microRNA studies? Epilepsia Open 2016; 2:90-95. [PMID: 29750217 PMCID: PMC5939384 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed in the brain under pathologic conditions and may therefore represent both therapeutic targets and diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for neurologic diseases, including epilepsy. In fact, miRNA expression profiles have been investigated in the hippocampi of patients with epilepsy in comparison with control, nonepileptic cases. Unfortunately, the interpretation of these data is difficult because surgically resected epileptic tissue is generally compared with control tissue obtained from autopsies. To challenge the validity of this approach, we performed an miRNA microarray on the laser microdissected granule cell layer of the human hippocampus obtained from surgical samples of patients with epilepsy, autoptic nonepileptic controls, and patients with autoptic epilepsy, using the latter as internal control. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to collect autopsy material from documented epilepsy individuals who died of non–epilepsy‐related causes—we found only two such cases. However, hierarchical clustering of all samples showed that those obtained from autopsies of patients with epilepsy segregated with the other autoptic samples (controls) and not with the bioptic tissues from the surgery patients, suggesting that the origin of the tissue (surgery or autopsy) may be prevalent over the underlying pathology (epilepsy or not epilepsy). Even taking into account the limitations due to the small number of cases, this observation arises concerns on the use of autopsy tissue as control for this kind of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience Ferrara Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Section of Pathology "M. Malpighi" Bellaria Hospital Azienda USL - IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Giulioni
- Section of Neurosurgery IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences Bellaria Hospital Bologna Italy
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- Section of Neurology IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences Bellaria Hospital Bologna Italy
| | - Guido Rubboli
- Section of Neurology IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences Bellaria Hospital Bologna Italy.,Danish Epilepsy Center Filadelfia/University of Copenhagen Dianalund Denmark
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience Ferrara Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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20
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Roncon P, Soukupovà M, Binaschi A, Falcicchia C, Zucchini S, Ferracin M, Langley SR, Petretto E, Johnson MR, Marucci G, Michelucci R, Rubboli G, Simonato M. MicroRNA profiles in hippocampal granule cells and plasma of rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy--comparison with human epileptic samples. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14143. [PMID: 26382856 PMCID: PMC4585664 DOI: 10.1038/srep14143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [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: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers of the transformation of normal to epileptic tissue would help to stratify patients at risk of epilepsy following brain injury, and inform new treatment strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an attractive option in this direction. In this study, miRNA microarrays were performed on laser-microdissected hippocampal granule cell layer (GCL) and on plasma, at different time points in the development of pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in the rat: latency, first spontaneous seizure and chronic epileptic phase. Sixty-three miRNAs were differentially expressed in the GCL when considering all time points. Three main clusters were identified that separated the control and chronic phase groups from the latency group and from the first spontaneous seizure group. MiRNAs from rats in the chronic phase were compared to those obtained from the laser-microdissected GCL of epileptic patients, identifying several miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-23a-5p, miR-146a-5p and miR-181c-5p) that were up-regulated in both human and rat epileptic tissue. Analysis of plasma samples revealed different levels between control and pilocarpine-treated animals for 27 miRNAs. Two main clusters were identified that segregated controls from all other groups. Those miRNAs that are altered in plasma before the first spontaneous seizure, like miR-9a-3p, may be proposed as putative biomarkers of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupovà
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Binaschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah R Langley
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital,UK
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, UK
| | - Michael R Johnson
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital,UK
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Section of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Rubboli
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Danish Epilepsy Center, Filadelfia/University of Copenhagen, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Soukupova M, Binaschi A, Falcicchia C, Palma E, Roncon P, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Increased extracellular levels of glutamate in the hippocampus of chronically epileptic rats. Neuroscience 2015; 301:246-53. [PMID: 26073699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An increase in the release of excitatory amino acids has consistently been observed in the hippocampus during seizures, both in humans and animals. However, very little or nothing is known about the extracellular levels of glutamate and aspartate during epileptogenesis and in the interictal chronic period of established epilepsy. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the relationship between seizure activity and changes in hippocampal glutamate and aspartate extracellular levels under basal and high K(+)-evoked conditions, at various time-points in the natural history of experimental temporal lobe epilepsy, using in vivo microdialysis. Hippocampal extracellular glutamate and aspartate levels were evaluated: 24h after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE); during the latency period preceding spontaneous seizures; immediately after the first spontaneous seizure; in the chronic (epileptic) period. We found that (i) basal (spontaneous) glutamate outflow is increased in the interictal phases of the chronic period, whereas basal aspartate outflow remains stable for the entire course of the disease; (ii) high K(+) perfusion increased glutamate and aspartate outflow in both control and pilocarpine-treated animals, and the overflow of glutamate was clearly increased in the chronic group. Our data suggest that the glutamatergic signaling is preserved and even potentiated in the hippocampus of epileptic rats, and thus may favor the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures. Together with an impairment of GABA signaling (Soukupova et al., 2014), these data suggest that a shift toward excitation occurs in the excitation/inhibition balance in the chronic epileptic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Soukupova
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - A Binaschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - C Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - E Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Roma "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele, Via della Pisana 235, Roma, Italy.
| | - P Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - S Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Via Ludovico Ariosto 35, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - M Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Ferrara, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Via Ludovico Ariosto 35, Ferrara, Italy.
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22
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Balsamo C, Zucchini S, Maltoni G, Rollo A, Martini AL, Mazzanti L, Pession A, Cassio A. Relationships between thyroid function and autoimmunity with metabolic derangement at the onset of type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. J Endocrinol Invest 2015; 38:701-7. [PMID: 25722223 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-015-0248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease often associated with thyroid abnormalities. PURPOSE We investigated the correlation between thyroid function and metabolic derangement at onset and the influence of autoimmunity on thyroid function at onset and subsequently. METHODS We evaluated 152 patients diagnosed with T1DM between 2000 and 2012 at onset and during a mean follow-up of 5.45 ± 2.8 years. Thyroid function at onset was correlated with metabolic derangement (degree of acidosis, metabolic control and adrenal function) and compared with that of 78 healthy children. Follow-up consisted of regular evaluation of thyroid function and autoimmunity. RESULTS Thyroid hormonal pattern was not influenced at onset by thyroid autoimmunity, but only by metabolic derangement: pH and base excess in fact were significantly lower in patients with impaired thyroid function (p < 0.0001). Patients presenting normal thyroid function at onset showed a reduced conversion from FT4 to FT3 compared to nondiabetic children (FT3/FT4 0.3 ± 0.4 in the control group, 0.24 ± 0.4 in diabetic patients, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed the highest correlation (negative) between FT3 levels at onset and base excess (p < 0.005). Thyroid abnormalities related to metabolic derangement disappeared during follow-up. Patients with thyroid antibodies at T1DM onset were at higher risk to require levothyroxine treatment during follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid function at T1DM onset is mainly influenced by metabolic derangement, irrespective of thyroid autoimmunity. Antithyroid antibodies evaluation at T1DM onset may be helpful to define which patients are at higher risk of developing hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Balsamo
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Zucchini
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Maltoni
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Rollo
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - A L Martini
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Mazzanti
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Pession
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Cassio
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40100, Bologna, Italy
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23
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Aimaretti G, Attanasio R, Cannavò S, Nicoletti MC, Castello R, Di Somma C, Garofalo P, Iughetti L, Loche S, Maghnie M, Mazzanti L, Saggese G, Salerno M, Tonini G, Toscano V, Zucchini S, Cappa M. Growth hormone treatment of adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) during the transition period: results of a survey among adult and paediatric endocrinologists from Italy. Endorsed by SIEDP/ISPED, AME, SIE, SIMA. J Endocrinol Invest 2015; 38:377-82. [PMID: 25362629 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0201-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) during the transition period is a controversial issue. This paper is a contribution from the Italian community of paediatric and adult endocrinologists surveyed in a Delphi panel. The Delphi method is a structured communication technique, originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method that relies on a panel of experts. The experts answer questionnaires in two or more rounds. There was substantial agreement on the definition of the problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents with GHD in the transition period, as well as on the identification of the controversial issues which need further studies. There is general consensus on the need of re-testing all isolated idiopathic GHD after at least 30-day withdrawn from treatment, while in patients with multiple pituitary deficiency and low IGF-I levels there is generally no need to re-test. In patients with permanent or confirmed GHD, a starting low rhGH dose (0.01-0.03 mg per day) to be adjusted according to IGF-I concentrations is also widely accepted. For those continuing treatment, the optimal therapeutic schedule to obtain full somatic maturation, normalization of body composition and bone density, cardiovascular function and Quality of Life, need to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Aimaretti
- Diabetology, Metabolic and Endocrinologic diseases, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - R Attanasio
- Endocrinology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - S Cannavò
- Endocrinological Unit of Clinic-Sperimental Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M C Nicoletti
- Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Castello
- Endocrinology UOC, General Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Di Somma
- "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - P Garofalo
- UO of Endocrinology, Ospedale Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - L Iughetti
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - S Loche
- Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ospedale Microcitemico, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Genova Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Children's Hospital Giannina Gaslini, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Mazzanti
- Pediatric UO, Programme of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Saggese
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Salerno
- Department of Pediatrics, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - G Tonini
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - V Toscano
- II Faculty of Medicine, "La Sapienza", University, Rome, Italy
| | - S Zucchini
- Pediatric UO, Programme of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Cappa
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, P.za Sant'Onofrio n. 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Zucchini S, Marucci G, Paradiso B, Lanza G, Roncon P, Cifelli P, Ferracin M, Giulioni M, Michelucci R, Rubboli G, Simonato M. Identification of miRNAs differentially expressed in human epilepsy with or without granule cell pathology. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105521. [PMID: 25148080 PMCID: PMC4141756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNAs (miRNAs) are small size non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of target mRNAs at post-transcriptional level. miRNAs differentially expressed under pathological conditions may help identifying mechanisms underlying the disease and may represent biomarkers with prognostic value. However, this kind of studies are difficult in the brain because of the cellular heterogeneity of the tissue and of the limited access to fresh tissue. Here, we focused on a pathology affecting specific cells in a subpopulation of epileptic brains (hippocampal granule cells), an approach that bypasses the above problems. All patients underwent surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and had hippocampal sclerosis associated with no granule cell pathology in half of the cases and with type-2 granule cell pathology (granule cell layer dispersion or bilamination) in the other half. The expression of more than 1000 miRNAs was examined in the laser-microdissected dentate granule cell layer. Twelve miRNAs were differentially expressed in the two groups. One of these, miR487a, was confirmed to be expressed at highly differential levels in an extended cohort of patients, using RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics searches and RT-qPCR verification identified ANTXR1 as a possible target of miR487a. ANTXR1 may be directly implicated in granule cell dispersion because it is an adhesion molecule that favors cell spreading. Thus, miR487a could be the first identified element of a miRNA signature that may be useful for prognostic evaluation of post-surgical epilepsy and may drive mechanistic studies leading to the identification of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Section of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Paradiso
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience, Torino, Italy
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience, Torino, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Giulioni
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Rubboli
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Danish Epilepsy Center, Epilepsihospital, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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25
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Rollo A, Salardi S, Ciavarella A, Forlani G, Scipione M, Maltoni G, Balsamo C, Martini AL, Zucchini S. Transition from pediatric to adult care. eight years after the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care: metabolic control, complications and associated diseases. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:653-9. [PMID: 24852416 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical process in the life of patients with diabetes. AIM Primary aim of the study was to compare the metabolic control between pediatric care and adult care at least 5 years in a group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Secondary aim was to evaluate the presence of complications, associated diseases and psychological-psychiatric disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We obtained data from 73 % (69/94) patients (current mean age 34 years) transferred to local adult centers between 1985 and 2005 at a mean age of 23.8 years. Data were collected for HbA1c, diabetic complications and associated diseases. RESULTS Mean HbA1c did not change during the pediatric, transition and adult period [8.4 ± 1.8 % (68 ± 18 mmol/mol), 8.3 ± 1.4 % (67 ± 15 mmol/mol) and 8.4 ± 1.3 % (68 ± 14 mmol/mol), respectively]. 13 patients dropped out, after 2-12 years since transition, and their HbA1c mean value at transition was 10.4 %. After a mean of 25.9 years of disease, 35/69 patients (50.7 %) showed retinopathy, and 12/69 patients (17.3 %) nephropathy. Thyroid diseases were the most frequent associated diseases (18.3 %), followed by depression (11.2 %) and benign neoplasms (9.8 %). Drug or alcohol addictions were present in four cases (5.6 %). CONCLUSIONS After a mean follow-up of 8 years metabolic control after transition did not change significantly in patients constantly attending to adult care centre. Patients with diabetes onset between 20 and 40 years ago were free from complications in 50 % of cases when considering retinopathy and in more than 80 % considering nephropathy. Thyroid problems were the most common associated diseases. Poor metabolic control at transition is associated with higher risk of drop-out and psychosocial morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rollo
- Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40100, Bologna, Italy,
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26
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Cherubini V, Pintaudi B, Rossi MC, Lucisano G, Pellegrini F, Chiumello G, Frongia AP, Monciotti C, Patera IP, Toni S, Zucchini S, Nicolucci A. Severe hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis over one year in Italian pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter retrospective observational study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2014; 24:538-546. [PMID: 24418381 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Evaluation of incidence and correlates of severe hypoglycemia (SH) and diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) in children and adolescents with T1DM. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective study conducted in 29 diabetes centers from November 2011 to April 2012. The incidence of SH and DKA episodes and their correlates were assessed through a questionnaire administered to parents of patients aged 0-18 years. Incidence rates and incident rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated through multivariate Poisson regression analysis and multilevel analysis. Overall, 2025 patients were included (age 12.4 ± 3.8 years; 53% males; diabetes duration 5.6 ± 3.5 years; HbA1c 7.9 ± 1.1%). The incidence of SH and DKA were of 7.7 and 2.4 events/100 py, respectively. The risk of SH was higher in females (IRR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.04-1.99), in patients using rapid acting analogues as compared to regular insulin (IRR = 1.48; 95%CI 0.97-2.26) and lower for patients using long acting analogues as compared to NPH insulin (IRR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.19-0.85). No correlations were found between SH and HbA1c levels. The risk of DKA was higher in patients using rapid acting analogues (IRR = 4.25; 95%CI 1.01-17.86) and increased with insulin units needed (IRR = 7.66; 95%CI 2.83-20.74) and HbA1c levels (IRR = 1.63; 95%CI 1.36-1.95). Mother's age was inversely associated with the risk of both SH (IRR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.92-0.98) and DKA (IRR = 0.94; 95%CI 0.88-0.99). When accounting for center effect, the risk of SH associated with the use of rapid acting insulin analogues was attenuated (IRR = 1.48; 95%CI 0.97-2.26); 33% and 16% of the residual variance in SH and DKA risk was explained by center effect. CONCLUSION The risk of SH and DKA is mainly associated with treatment modalities and strongly depends on the practice of specialist centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cherubini
- Division of Paediatric Diabetes in Children and Adolescents, Maternal-Infantile Department, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - B Pintaudi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology, Fondazione Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale, S. Maria Imbaro 66030, CH, Italy
| | - M C Rossi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology, Fondazione Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale, S. Maria Imbaro 66030, CH, Italy
| | - G Lucisano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology, Fondazione Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale, S. Maria Imbaro 66030, CH, Italy
| | - F Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology, Fondazione Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale, S. Maria Imbaro 66030, CH, Italy
| | - G Chiumello
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - A P Frongia
- Pediatric Division, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Monciotti
- Women & Children's Health Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - I P Patera
- Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Hospital, Passoscuro (RM), Roma, Italy
| | - S Toni
- Diabetes Unit, Meyer Children Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - S Zucchini
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Nicolucci
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology, Fondazione Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale, S. Maria Imbaro 66030, CH, Italy.
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Soukupová M, Binaschi A, Falcicchia C, Zucchini S, Roncon P, Palma E, Magri E, Grandi E, Simonato M. Impairment of GABA release in the hippocampus at the time of the first spontaneous seizure in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Exp Neurol 2014; 257:39-49. [PMID: 24768627 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The alterations in GABA release have not yet been systematically measured along the natural course of temporal lobe epilepsy. In this work, we analyzed GABA extracellular concentrations (using in vivo microdialysis under basal and high K(+)-evoked conditions) and loss of two GABA interneuron populations (parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons) in the ventral hippocampus at different time-points after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in the rat, i.e. during development and progression of epilepsy. We found that (i) during the latent period between the epileptogenic insult, status epilepticus, and the first spontaneous seizure, basal GABA outflow was reduced to about one third of control values while the number of parvalbumin-positive cells was reduced by about 50% and that of somatostatin-positive cells by about 25%; nonetheless, high K(+) stimulation increased extracellular GABA in a proportionally greater manner during latency than under control conditions; (ii) at the time of the first spontaneous seizure (i.e., when the diagnosis of epilepsy is made in humans) this increased responsiveness to stimulation disappeared, i.e. there was no longer any compensation for GABA cell loss; (iii) thereafter, this dysfunction remained constant until a late phase of the disease. These data suggest that a GABAergic hyper-responsiveness can compensate for GABA cell loss and protect from occurrence of seizures during latency, whereas impaired extracellular GABA levels can favor the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures and the maintenance of an epileptic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.
| | - Anna Binaschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology University of Roma "Sapienza", Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Roma, Italy
| | - Eros Magri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Grandi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Italy
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Paradiso B, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Implication of fibroblast growth factors in epileptogenesis-associated circuit rearrangements. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:152. [PMID: 24062643 PMCID: PMC3772316 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transformation of a normal brain in epileptic (epileptogenesis) is associated with extensive morpho-functional alterations, including cell death, axonal and dendritic plasticity, neurogenesis, and others. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) appear to be very strongly implicated in these phenomena. In this review, we focus on the involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family members. Available data demonstrate that the FGFs are highly involved in the generation of the morpho-functional alterations in brain circuitries associated with epileptogenesis. For example, data on FGF2, the most studied member, suggest that it may be implicated both in seizure susceptibility and in seizure-induced plasticity, exerting different, and apparently contrasting effects: favoring acute seizures but reducing seizure-induced cell death. Even if many FGF members are still unexplored and very limited information is available on the FGF receptors, a complex and fascinating picture is emerging: multiple FGFs producing synergic or antagonistic effects one with another (and/or with other NTFs) on biological parameters that, in turn, facilitate or oppose transformation of the normal tissue in epileptic. In principle, identifying key elements in these phenomena may lead to effective therapies, but reaching this goal will require confronting a huge complexity. One first step could be to generate a "neurotrophicome" listing the FGFs (and all other NTFs) that are active during epileptogenesis. This should include identification of the extent to which each NTF is active (concentrations at the site of action); how it is active (local representation of receptor subtypes); when in the natural history of disease this occurs; how the NTF at hand will possibly interact with other NTFs. This is extraordinarily challenging, but holds the promise of a better understanding of epileptogenesis and, at large, of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Paradiso
- 1Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy ; 2Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology Ferrara, Italy ; 3National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy
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Maltoni G, Zucchini S, Scipione M, Rollo A, Balsamo C, Bertolini C, Baronio F, Rondelli R, Pession A. Severe hypoglycemic episodes: a persistent threat for children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and their families. J Endocrinol Invest 2013; 36:617-21. [PMID: 23511311 DOI: 10.3275/8896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As lowering glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels is still the main goal of insulin treatment, severe hypoglycemia (SH) remains a common experience in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and their families. AIM This study aims to evaluate the incidence and the clinical features of SH episodes in our Centre in the last 20 yr. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We analyzed SH incidence in 269 patients (pts) diagnosed from 1990 to 2010 (total follow-up 2212.9 pts/yr). Inclusion criteria were at least 3 visits/yr and 1-yr follow- up. SH episode was defined as any condition of low blood glucose requiring third-party assistance. RESULTS 50.2% of patients experienced at least 1 SH episode for a total of 345 episodes. Whole incidence was 15.6/100 pts/yr, slightly different between first and second decade (12.6 vs 16.5, p=0.047). HbA1c at the time of SH was lower in the non-basal bolus group (7.4±1.3 vs 8.2±1.4; p=0.0001) and worsened 3 months later (p=0.0001). Impaired awareness was the main or only symptom in 43.5%. SH occurred at night in 32% of patients; they were significantly younger than those with SH at other times. Five SH episodes or more occurred in 8.1% of patients who presented a lower HbA1c, a younger age and shorter disease duration than the other patients. HbA1c at first SH was negatively correlated with number of SH (r=-0.20; p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS Despite the advent of new insulin regimens, we confirm that SH still represents a relevant risk and a current threat for patients with T1DM and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maltoni
- Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
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Su T, Scardigli R, Fasulo L, Paradiso B, Barbieri M, Binaschi A, Bovolenta R, Zucchini S, Cossu G, Cattaneo A, Simonato M. Bystander effect on brain tissue of mesoangioblasts producing neurotrophins. Cell Transplant 2012; 21:1613-27. [PMID: 22525962 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x640475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are involved in the regulation of neuronal survival and function and, thus, may be used to treat neurological diseases associated with neuronal death. A major hurdle for their clinical application is the delivery mode. We describe here a new strategy based on the use of progenitor cells called mesoangioblasts (MABs). MABs can be isolated from postnatal mesoderm tissues and, because of a high adhesin-dependent migratory capacity, can reach perivascular targets especially in damaged areas. We generated genetically modified MABs producing nerve growth factor (MABs-NGF) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (MABs-BDNF) and assessed their bystander effects in vitro using PC12 cells, primary cultures, and organotypic cultures of adult hippocampal slices. MABs-NGF-conditioned medium induced differentiation of PC12 cells, while MABs-BDNF-conditioned medium increased viability of cultured neurons and slices. Slices cultured with MABs-BDNF medium also better retained their morphology and functional connections, and all these effects were abolished by the TrkB kinase blocker K252a or the BDNF scavenger TrkB-IgG. Interestingly, the amount of BDNF released by MABs-BDNF produced greater effects than an identical amount of recombinant BDNF, suggesting that other NTFs produced by MABs synergize with BDNF. Thus, MABs can be an effective vehicle for NTF delivery, promoting differentiation, survival, and functionality of neurons. In summary, MABs hold distinct advantages over other currently evaluated approaches for NTF delivery in the CNS, including synergy of MAB-produced NTF with the neurotrophins. Since MABs may be capable of homing into damaged brain areas, they represent a conceptually novel, promising therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Su
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Messina MF, Arrigo T, Valenzise M, Ghizzoni L, Caruso-Nicoletti M, Zucchini S, Chiabotto P, Crisafulli G, Zirilli G, De Luca F. Long-term auxological and pubertal outcome of patients with hereditary insulin-like growth factor-I deficiency (Laron and growth hormone-gene deletion syndrome) treated with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I. J Endocrinol Invest 2011; 34:292-5. [PMID: 20543555 DOI: 10.1007/bf03347088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GH-IGF-I axis is mainly involved in the complex process of somatic growth but emerging evidence suggests that it also influences hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) function. SUBJECTS We report some data regarding long-term auxological and pubertal outcome of five female patients with hereditary forms of GH-IGF-I deficiency (Laron and GH-gene deletion syndrome) and a mean age of 23.4±5.3 yr (range 19-32). METHODS All the patients received recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I, Pharmacia and Upjohn, Stockholm, Sweden, and rhIGF-I, Genentech, San Francisco, CA, USA) from a mean age of 8.6 yr (range 3.2-14.2) up to the final height. RESULTS Final height was very disappointing (≤ -5.0 SD scores) and lower than target height in all the patients. Pubertal onset was delayed in most of them but menarche occurred spontaneously in all the patients. Median age at menarche was 15.1 yr. Menstrual cycles were regular for several years. Median duration of gynecological follow- up was 8.3 yr with the longest span of 17.2 yr. CONCLUSION We can assert that GH-IGF-I axis has an essential role in promoting linear growth in humans and its physiological action cannot be replaced by pharmacological treatment in most patients with hereditary forms of IGF-I insufficiency as demonstrated by their subnormal final height. Our clinical observations can also support an essential role of IGF-I in genitalia growth but not in the function of HPG axis as demonstrated by the maintenance of regular menstrual cycles in the presence of subnormal levels of IGF-I after treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Messina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98124 Messina, Italy.
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Paradiso B, Zucchini S, Su T, Bovolenta R, Berto E, Marconi P, Marzola A, Mora GN, Fabene PF, Simonato M. Localized overexpression of FGF-2 and BDNF in hippocampus reduces mossy fiber sprouting and spontaneous seizures up to 4 weeks after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2011; 52:572-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Bovolenta R, Zucchini S, Paradiso B, Rodi D, Merigo F, Navarro Mora G, Osculati F, Berto E, Marconi P, Marzola A, Fabene PF, Simonato M. Hippocampal FGF-2 and BDNF overexpression attenuates epileptogenesis-associated neuroinflammation and reduces spontaneous recurrent seizures. J Neuroinflammation 2010; 7:81. [PMID: 21087489 PMCID: PMC2993685 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-7-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [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: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Under certain experimental conditions, neurotrophic factors may reduce epileptogenesis. We have previously reported that local, intrahippocampal supplementation of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases neurogenesis, reduces neuronal loss, and reduces the occurrence of spontaneous seizures in a model of damage-associated epilepsy. Here, we asked if these possibly anti-epileptogenic effects might involve anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, we used a Herpes-based vector to supplement FGF-2 and BDNF in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus that established an epileptogenic lesion. This model causes intense neuroinflammation, especially in the phase that precedes the occurrence of spontaneous seizures. The supplementation of FGF-2 and BDNF attenuated various parameters of inflammation, including astrocytosis, microcytosis and IL-1β expression. The effect appeared to be most prominent on IL-1β, whose expression was almost completely prevented. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) for these effects, and for that on IL-1β in particular. Nonetheless, the concept that neurotrophic factors affect neuroinflammation in vivo may be highly relevant for the understanding of the epileptogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bovolenta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy
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Marti M, Sarubbo S, Latini F, Cavallo M, Eleopra R, Biguzzi S, Lettieri C, Conti C, Simonato M, Zucchini S, Quatrale R, Sensi M, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Morari M. Brain interstitial nociceptin/orphanin FQ levels are elevated in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2010; 25:1723-32. [PMID: 20589874 DOI: 10.1002/mds.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression and release of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are elevated in the substantia nigra reticulata of 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned rats, suggesting a pathogenic role for N/OFQ in Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated whether elevation of N/OFQ expression in 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned rats selectively occurs in substantia nigra and whether hypomotility following acute haloperidol administration is accompanied by a rise in nigral N/OFQ levels. Moreover, to prove a link between N/OFQ and idiopathic Parkinson's disease in humans, we measured N/OFQ levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of parkinsonian patients undergoing surgery for deep brain stimulation. In situ hybridization demonstrated that dopamine depletion was associated with increase of N/OFQ expression in substantia nigra (compacta +160%, reticulata +105%) and subthalamic nucleus (+45%), as well as reduction in caudate putamen (-20%). No change was observed in globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and motor cortex. Microdialysis coupled to the bar test allowed to demonstrate that acute administration of haloperidol (0.8 and 3 mg/kg) increased nigral N/OFQ levels (maximally of +47% and +53%, respectively) in parallel with akinesia. A correlation with preclinical studies was found by analyzing N/OFQ levels in humans. Indeed, N/OFQ levels were found to be approximately 3.5-fold elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of parkinsonian patients (148 fmol/ml) compared with nonparkinsonian neurologic controls (41 fmol/ml). These data represent the first clinical evidence linking N/OFQ to idiopathic Parkinson's disease in humans. They strengthen the pathogenic role of N/OFQ in the modulation of parkinsonism across species and provide a rationale for developing N/OFQ receptor antagonists as antiparkinsonian drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Pignatelli A, Ackman JB, Vigetti D, Beltrami AP, Zucchini S, Belluzzi O. A potential reservoir of immature dopaminergic replacement neurons in the adult mammalian olfactory bulb. Pflugers Arch 2008; 457:899-915. [PMID: 19011893 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-008-0535-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 05/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A significant fraction of the interneurons added in adulthood to the glomerular layer (GL) of the olfactory bulb (OB) are dopaminergic (DA). In the OB, DA neurons are restricted to the GL, but using transgenic mice expressing eGFP under the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, we also detected the presence of TH-GFP+ cells in the mitral and external plexiform layers. We hypothesized that these could be adult-generated neurons committed to become DA but not yet entirely differentiated. Accordingly, TH-GFP+ cells outside the GL exhibit functional properties (appearance of pacemaker currents, synaptic connection with the olfactory nerve, intracellular chloride concentration, and other) marking a gradient of maturity toward the dopaminergic phenotype along the mitral-glomerular axis. Finally, we propose that the establishment of a synaptic contact with the olfactory nerve is the key event allowing these cells to complete their differentiation toward the DA phenotype and to reach their final destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pignatelli
- Sez. Fisiologia e Biofisica, Dipartimento di Biologia ed Evoluzione, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
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Camarda V, Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Zucchini S, Marzola G, Marzola E, Guerrini R, Salvadori S, Reinscheid RK, Regoli D, Calò G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the neuropeptide s receptor antagonist [D-Cys(tBu)5]neuropeptide S. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 328:549-55. [PMID: 18971372 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.143867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) was identified as the endogenous ligand of an orphan receptor now referred to as the NPS receptor (NPSR). In the frame of a structure-activity study performed on NPS Gly5, the NPSR ligand [D-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS was identified. [D-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS up to 100 microM did not stimulate calcium mobilization in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably expressing the mouse NPSR; however, in a concentration-dependent manner, the peptide inhibited the stimulatory effects elicited by 10 and 100 nM NPS (pK(B), 6.62). In Schild analysis experiments [D-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS (0.1-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent and parallel rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to NPS, showing a pA(2) value of 6.44. Ten micromolar [D-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS did not affect signaling at seven NPSR unrelated G-protein-coupled receptors. In the mouse righting reflex (RR) recovery test, NPS given at 0.1 nmol i.c.v. reduced the percentage of animals losing the RR in response to 15 mg/kg diazepam and their sleeping time. [d-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS (1-10 nmol) was inactive per se but dose-dependently antagonized the arousal-promoting action of NPS. Finally, NPSR-deficient mice were similarly sensitive to the hypnotic effects of diazepam as their wild-type littermates. However, the arousal-promoting action of 1 nmol NPS could be detected in wild-type but not in mutant mice. In conclusion, [D-Cys(tBu)(5)]NPS behaves both in vitro and in vivo as a pure and selective NPSR antagonist but with moderate potency. Moreover, using this tool together with receptor knockout mice studies, we demonstrated that the arousal-promoting action of NPS is because of the selective activation of the NPSR protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Camarda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rodi D, Zucchini S, Simonato M, Cifani C, Massi M, Polidori C. Functional antagonism between nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain: evidence for involvement of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 196:523-31. [PMID: 17989958 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been proposed to be a functional antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in relation to its anti-stress action and its ability to antagonize the anorectic effect of CRF in rats without exhibiting affinity for CRF receptors. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is highly sensitive to the inhibitory effect of N/OFQ on CRF-induced anorexia. OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed at further evaluating the role of the BST in the functional antagonism between N/OFQ and CRF by examining it at molecular level and in the context of CRF-induced anxiety in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, in situ hybridization experiments investigated the expression of the pro-N/OFQ precursor and of NOP receptors in several brain areas 6 h after injection of CRF (0.2 and 1 microg/rat) into the lateral cerebroventricle (LV). Second, the elevated plus maze test was used to evaluate whether N/OFQ, injected into the BST (0.05 and 0.5 microg/rat) or into the LV (0.5, 1.8, and 2.4 microg/rat), inhibits the anxiogenic-like effect evoked by LV injection of CRF (1 microg/rat) in rats. RESULTS The in situ hybridization study showed that LV injection of CRF 1 microg/rat increases NOP receptor expression in the BST, while no change of the N/OFQ precursor was observed. On the other hand, N/OFQ injection into the BST blocks the anxiogenic effect of CRF at doses lower than those required by LV injection (0.5 vs 1.8 microg/rat, respectively). CONCLUSION These data provide further support for the hypothesis that N/OFQ may behave as functional antagonist of CRF and suggest that this antagonism may occur within the BST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donata Rodi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section, and Neuroscience Centre, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Gavioli EC, Rizzi A, Marzola G, Zucchini S, Regoli D, Calo' G. Altered anxiety-related behavior in nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor gene knockout mice. Peptides 2007; 28:1229-39. [PMID: 17499882 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies showed that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) agonists produce anxiolytic-like actions, while little is known about the effects of blockade of NOP receptor signaling in anxiety. To this aim, we investigated the behavioral phenotype of NOP receptor gene knockout mice (NOP(-/-)) in different assays. In the elevated plus-maze and light-dark box, NOP(-/-) mice displayed increased anxiety-related behavior. In the novelty-suppressed feeding behavior and elevated T-maze, NOP(-/-) mice showed anxiolytic-like phenotype, while no differences were found in the open-field, hole-board, marble-burying, and stress-induced hyperthermia. Altogether, these findings suggest that the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system modulates anxiety-related behavior in a complex manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Franceschetti S, Sancini G, Buzzi A, Zucchini S, Paradiso B, Magnaghi G, Frassoni C, Chikhladze M, Avanzini G, Simonato M. A pathogenetic hypothesis of Unverricht–Lundborg disease onset and progression. Neurobiol Dis 2007; 25:675-85. [PMID: 17188503 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2006] [Revised: 10/27/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1), the most common progressive myoclonic epilepsy, is associated with a defect of cystatin B (CSTB), a protease inhibitor. We used CSTB knockout mice to test the hypothesis that EPM1 onset is related to a latent hyperexcitability and that progression depends on higher susceptibility to seizure-induced cell damage. Hippocampal slices prepared from CSTB-deficient mice were hyperexcitable, as they responded to afferent stimuli in CA1 with multiple population spikes and kainate perfusion provoked the appearance of epileptic-like activity earlier than in WT mice. This hyperexcitability may depend on loss of inhibition, because the density of GABA-immunoreactive cells was reduced in the hippocampus of CSTB knockouts. In vivo, CSTB-deficient mice treated with kainate displayed increased susceptibility to seizures, with shorter latency to seizure onset and increased seizure severity compared with WT littermates. Furthermore, a greater degree of neuronal damage was observed in CSTB-deficient than in WT mice after seizures of identical grade, indicating increased susceptibility to seizure-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Franceschetti
- Division of Neurophysiology and Epileptology, Neurological Institute C. Besta via Caloria 11, 20133 Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Rizzi A, Gavioli EC, Marzola G, Spagnolo B, Zucchini S, Ciccocioppo R, Trapella C, Regoli D, Calò G. Pharmacological characterization of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist SB-612111 [(-)-cis-1-methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol]: in vivo studies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 321:968-74. [PMID: 17329551 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.116780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The excellent pharmacological profile displayed by the selective nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor antagonist SB-612111 [(-)-cis-1-methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol] in vitro prompted us to investigate the actions of this compound in vivo. In the mouse tail withdrawal assay, SB-612111 given i.p. up to 3 mg/kg did not modify per se tail withdrawal latencies but was able to prevent the pronociceptive and the antinociceptive action of 1 nmol of N/OFQ given i.c.v. and i.t., respectively. In food intake studies performed in sated mice, SB-612111 (1 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect on food consumption but fully prevented the orexigenic effect of 1 nmol of N/OFQ i.c.v. In 17-h food-deprived mice, the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (1 mg/kg s.c.), but not SB-612111 (1 and 10 mg/kg i.p.), produced a statistically significant reduction of food intake. In the mouse forced swimming and tail suspension tests, SB-612111 (1-10 mg/kg) reduced immobility time. The antidepressant-like effect elicited by SB-612111 in the forced swimming test was reversed by the i.c.v. injection of 1 nmol of N/OFQ and no longer evident in mice knockout for the NOP receptor gene. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that SB-612111 behaves in vivo as a potent and selective NOP antagonist and suggest that the N/OFQ-NOP receptor endogenous system plays an important role in regulating mood-related behaviors. The use of SB-612111 in future pathophysiological studies will certainly contribute to define the therapeutic potential of selective NOP receptor antagonists in different disease areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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42
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Gatta L, Vaira D, Sorrenti G, Zucchini S, Sama C, Vakil N. Meta-analysis: the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors for laryngeal symptoms attributed to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007; 25:385-92. [PMID: 17269993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03213.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many investigators have proposed an association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and laryngo-pharyngeal symptoms, suggesting that medical or surgical therapy for reflux may be useful. AIM To perform a meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of medical or surgical therapy for reflux disease in adult patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal symptoms presumed to be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS Randomized controlled trials comparing medical or surgical treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease against placebo were identified by searching MEDLINE (1966-September 2005), EMBASE (1974-September 2005), the CCRCT (until September 2005) and abstracts from gastroenterology and ENT meetings. The relative risks of reporting symptomatic improvement or resolution of symptoms was evaluated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Five studies using high-dose proton pump inhibitor as intervention met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. No surgical studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled relative risk was 1.18 (95% confidence interval: 0.81-1.74). There was no heterogeneity between studies but evidence of significant publication bias. Sub-group analysis performed evaluating Jadad scores and symptom type, did not change the relative risk. CONCLUSIONS Therapy with a high-dose proton pump inhibitor is no more effective than placebo in producing symptomatic improvement or resolution of laryngo-pharyngeal symptoms. Further studies are necessary to identify the characteristics of patients that may respond to proton pump inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gatta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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43
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Rizzi A, Nazzaro C, Marzola GG, Zucchini S, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Zeilhofer HU, Regoli D, Calo' G. Endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ signalling produces opposite spinal antinociceptive and supraspinal pronociceptive effects in the mouse formalin test: pharmacological and genetic evidences. Pain 2006; 124:100-8. [PMID: 16697109 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2006.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2005] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been demonstrated to modulate nociceptive transmission via selective activation of N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptors. Despite huge research efforts, the role(s) of the endogenous N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in pain processing remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous N/OFQ in the processing of tonic nociceptive input. To address this issue the effects of NOP-selective antagonists [Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 (UFP-101) and J-113397 on nociceptive behaviour, and the nociceptive phenotype of NOP receptor-deficient mice were tested in the mouse formalin test. Twenty microliters of 1.5% formalin solution was injected subcutaneously into the right hind paw causing a characteristic pattern of nociceptive behaviours (licking, biting and lifting of the injected paw). In control mice, the injection of formalin resulted in a classical biphasic nociceptive response with the first phase lasting from 0 to 10 min and the second phase from 15 to 45 min. UFP-101 at 10 nmol/mouse (but not at 1 nmol/mouse) produced antinociceptive action when injected intracerebroventricularly and a pronociceptive action when given intrathecally. Systemic administration of J-113397 (10 mg/kg, intravenously) and the genetic ablation of the NOP receptor gene both produced a significant increase of mouse nociceptive behaviour. Collectively, these results demonstrate that endogenous N/OFQ-NOP receptor signalling is activated during the mouse formalin test producing spinal antinociceptive and supraspinal pronociceptive effects. The overall effect of blocking NOP receptor signalling, by either systemic pharmacological antagonism or genetic ablation, indicates that the spinal antinociceptive action prevails over supraspinal pronociceptive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Marti M, Mela F, Fantin M, Zucchini S, Brown JM, Witta J, Di Benedetto M, Buzas B, Reinscheid RK, Salvadori S, Guerrini R, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Simonato M, Cox BM, Morari M. Blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ transmission attenuates symptoms and neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci 2005; 25:9591-601. [PMID: 16237164 PMCID: PMC6725738 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2546-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2003] [Revised: 08/30/2005] [Accepted: 09/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid-like neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) are expressed in the substantia nigra (SN), a brain area containing dopamine neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. Endogenous N/OFQ facilitates nigral glutamate release and inhibits nigrostriatal dopamine transmission and motor behavior. Here, we present evidence suggesting that endogenous N/OFQ may contribute to Parkinson's disease. Pharmacological blockade of the SN N/OFQ-NOP receptor system attenuated parkinsonian-like akinesia/hypokinesia in 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned or haloperidol-treated rats, whereas deletion of the NOP receptor gene conferred mice partial protection from haloperidol-induced motor depression. The antiparkinsonian action of NOP receptor antagonists was associated with reduction of glutamate release in the SN. In 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, enhancement of N/OFQ expression and release was detected in the lesioned compared with the unlesioned SN, indicating that parkinsonism may be associated with overactivation of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in the SN. Finally, deletion of the N/OFQ gene conferred mice partial protection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced loss of SN dopamine neurons. Based on these data, we propose that NOP receptor antagonists may represent a novel approach for combined (symptomatic and neuroprotective) therapy of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Zucchini S, Barbieri M, Simonato M. Alterations in seizure susceptibility and in seizure-induced plasticity after pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of the fibroblast growth factor-2 system. Epilepsia 2005; 46 Suppl 5:52-8. [PMID: 15987254 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The adult brain undergoes activity-dependent plastic modifications during pathologic processes that are reminiscent of those observed during development. For example, seizures induce neuronal loss, neurogenesis, axonal and dendritic sprouting, gliosis, and circuit remodeling. Neurotrophic factors and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), in particular, are well-known mediators in each of these cellular events. The aim of this minireview is to summarize and discuss the data supporting the idea that FGF-2 may be involved in seizure generation and in their sequelae. METHODS We used epilepsy models of kainate and kindling, with FGF-2 knockout mice and FGF-2 overexpressing mice. RESULTS Seizures increase FGF-2 mRNA and protein levels in specific brain areas and upregulate the expression of its receptor FGFR-1. Short-term intrahippocampal injection of FGF-2 cause seizures, whereas long-term i.c.v. infusion of low-dose FGF-2 does not affect kainate seizures but promotes behavioral recovery and reduces hippocampal damage. Kainate seizure severity is not altered in FGF-2 knockout mice, but is increased in FGF-2 overexpressing mice. CONCLUSIONS FGF-2 is implicated in seizure susceptibility and in seizure-induced plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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46
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Marconi P, Zucchini S, Berto E, Bozac A, Paradiso B, Bregola G, Grassi C, Volpi I, Argnani R, Marzola A, Manservigi R, Simonato M. Effects of defective herpes simplex vectors expressing neurotrophic factors on the proliferation and differentiation of nervous cells in vivo. Gene Ther 2005; 12:559-69. [PMID: 15616598 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are known to govern the processes involved in central nervous system cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, they represent very attractive candidates for use in the study and therapy of neurological disorders. We constructed recombinant herpesvirus-based-vectors capable of expressing fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) alone or in combinations. In vitro, vectors expressing FGF-2 and CNTF together, but not those expressing either NTF alone, caused proliferation of O-2A progenitors. Furthermore, based on double-labeling experiments performed using markers for neurons (MAP-2), oligodendrocytes (CNPase) and astrocytes (GFAP), most of the new cells were identified as astrocytes, but many expressed neuronal or oligodendrocytic markers. In vivo, vectors have been injected in the rat hippocampus. At 1 month after inoculation, a highly significant increase in BrdU-positive cells was observed in the dentate gyrus of animals injected with the vector expressing FGF-2 and CNTF together, but not in those injected with vectors expressing the single NTFs. Furthermore, double-labeling experiments confirmed in vitro data, that is, most of the new cells identified as astrocytes, some as neurons or oligodendrocytes. These data show the feasibility of the vector approach to induce proliferation and differentiation of neurons and/or oligodendrocytes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Marconi
- Department of Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Manservigi R, Boero A, Argnani R, Caselli E, Zucchini S, Miriagou V, Mavromara P, Cilli M, Grossi MP, Balboni PG, Cassai E. Immunotherapeutic activity of a recombinant combined gB-gD-gE vaccine against recurrent HSV-2 infections in a guinea pig model. Vaccine 2005; 23:865-72. [PMID: 15603886 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2004] [Accepted: 08/10/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was used to test the immunotherapeutic activity of a glycoprotein subunit vaccine. Vaccine formulation consisted of three recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins, namely gB1s, gD2t and gE1t, plus aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)3)] adjuvant. One month after viral challenge, infected animals were therapeutically immunised by seven subcutaneous injections of a low dose of antigens with a weekly interval for the first five and a fortnightly interval for the last two administrations. Results showed that the treatment was highly effective in ameliorating the recidivist pathology of animals, suggesting that this kind of vaccine formulation and administration may be helpful for therapeutic intervention in humans affected by recurrent herpes infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Manservigi
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Zucchini S, Scarano E, Baldazzi L, Mazzanti L, Pirazzoli P, Cacciari E. Final height in a patient with Laron syndrome after long-term therapy with rhlGF-I and short-term therapy with LHRH-analogue and oxandrolone during puberty. J Endocrinol Invest 2005; 28:274-9. [PMID: 15952414 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report our experience on long-term treatment with recombinant-human-IGF-I (rhIGF-I) of a female patient with Laron syndrome (mutation G223G in the GH receptor gene), who received short-term treatment (1 yr) with LHRH analogue at the start of puberty and subsequently with oxandrolone. CASE REPORT The patient started IGF-I therapy (dose 40 microg/kg bid for 9 months, 80 microg/kg bid until 13.7 yr of age and 120 microg/kg bid thereafter) when she was 7.6 yr old (height -6 sds), and was treated for 9.4 yr until final height (cm 129.7; -5.5 sds). At first signs of puberty (age 12.7 yr; height 116.3; -5.3 sds), LHRH analogue was started (3.75 mg/28 days) and bone age progressed by 6 months in the 12-month period. Growth velocity decreased in the 6-12th month of combined treatment (0.9 cm/6 months), and treatment was suspended. At age 14.8 (height 124.5; -6.6 sds), oxandrolone was added (0.1 mg/kg/day), but after 12 months (height 128 cm; -5.7 sds) bone age increased from 11.5 to 13.5 yr and the drug was stopped. No side effects occurred during the various treatments. Body segments progressed harmonically: there was a tendency towards improvement in the upper to lower body segment ratio and in cranial growth. Only biiliac diameter did not increase during LHRH treatment. During the 9-yr period, body mass index (BMI), subscapular and triceps skinfold centiles did not show any significant variations. CONCLUSIONS Our patient with Laron syndrome after long-term treatment showed a final result below the initial expectations, confirming that IGF-I used with the present schedule is less effective than GH in GH-deficient patients. LHRH analogue therapy at puberty was associated with a slower bone age maturation but with an almost complete arrest of growth. On the contrary, oxandrolone sustained growth but caused an excessive maturation of bone age. Other strategies are necessary to improve final height in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zucchini
- Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy
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Tongiorgi E, Armellin M, Giulianini PG, Bregola G, Zucchini S, Paradiso B, Steward O, Cattaneo A, Simonato M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein are targeted to discrete dendritic laminas by events that trigger epileptogenesis. J Neurosci 2005; 24:6842-52. [PMID: 15282290 PMCID: PMC6729709 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5471-03.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic targeting of mRNA and local protein synthesis are mechanisms that enable neurons to deliver proteins to specific postsynaptic sites. Here, we demonstrate that epileptogenic stimuli induce a dramatic accumulation of BDNF mRNA and protein in the dendrites of hippocampal neurons in vivo. BDNF mRNA and protein accumulate in dendrites in all hippocampal subfields after pilocarpine seizures and in selected subfields after other epileptogenic stimuli (kainate and kindling). BDNF accumulates selectively in discrete dendritic laminas, suggesting targeting to synapses that are active during seizures. Dendritic targeting of BDNF mRNA occurs during the time when the cellular changes that underlie epilepsy are occurring and is not seen after intense stimuli that are non-epileptogenic, including electroconvulsive seizures and high-frequency stimulation. MK801, an NMDA receptor antagonist that can prevent epileptogenesis but not acute seizures, prevents the dendritic accumulation of BDNF mRNA, indicating that dendritic targeting is mediated via NMDA receptor activation. Together, these results suggest that dendritic accumulation of BDNF mRNA and protein plays a critical role in the cellular changes leading to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Tongiorgi
- BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biology, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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Carrà G, Rizzi A, Guerrini R, Barnes TA, McDonald J, Hebbes CP, Mela F, Kenigs VA, Marzola G, Rizzi D, Gavioli E, Zucchini S, Regoli D, Morari M, Salvadori S, Rowbotham DJ, Lambert DG, Kapusta DR, Calo' G. [(pF)Phe4,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 (UFP-102), a highly potent and selective agonist of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2004; 312:1114-23. [PMID: 15509719 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.104.077339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel ligand for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP), [(pF)Phe(4),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2) (UFP-102), has been generated by combining in the N/OFQ-NH(2) sequence two chemical modifications, [Arg(14),Lys(15)] and [(pF)Phe(4)], that have been previously demonstrated to increase potency. In vitro, UFP-102 bound with high affinity to the human NOP receptor, showed at least 200-fold selectivity over classical opioid receptors, and mimicked N/OFQ effects in CHO(hNOP) cells, isolated tissues from various species, and mouse cortical synaptosomes releasing 5-hydroxytryptamine. UFP-102 showed similar maximal effects but higher potency (2- to 48-fold) relative to N/OFQ. The effects of UFP-102 were sensitive to NOP-selective antagonists J-113397 [(+/-)-trans-1-[1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one] (pA(2) = 7.75-8.12) and UFP-101 ([Nphe(1),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2))(pA(2) = 6.91-7.33) but not to naloxone, and no longer observed in tissues taken from NOP receptor knockout mice (NOP(-/-)). In vivo, UFP-102 (0.01-0.3 nmol i.c.v.) mimicked the pronociceptive action of N/OFQ (0.1-10 nmol i.c.v.) in the mouse tail withdrawal assay, displaying higher potency and longer lasting effects. The action of UFP-102 was not apparent in NOP(-/-) mice. Similar results were obtained measuring locomotor activity in mice. In conscious rats, UFP-102 (0.05 nmol i.c.v.) produced a marked and sustained decrease in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and urinary sodium excretion and a profound increase in urine flow rate. These effects were comparable with those evoked by N/OFQ at 5 nmol. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that UFP-102 behaves as a highly potent and selective NOP receptor agonist that produces long-lasting effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Carrà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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