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Panagiotopoulos A, Thomas K, Argyriou E, Chalkia A, Kapsala N, Koutsianas C, Mavrea E, Petras D, Boumpas DT, Vassilopoulos D. Health-related quality of life in patients with ANCA vasculitides compared to rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional comparative study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:399-406. [PMID: 37171857 PMCID: PMC10836997 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are limited data regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAVs). We aimed to evaluate the HRQoL in patients with AAVs and compare it to another chronic inflammatory disease like RA and to healthy controls (HC). METHODS This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study of patients with AAVs and RA recruited from three tertiary rheumatology clinics. HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey, which included the physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS). Data from 1007 HC served as historical controls. RESULTS Sixty-six patients with AAVs and 71 with RA were included. Both AAV and RA patients had significantly lower PCS and MCS scores compared with HC (P < 0.05). HRQoL in AAV patients was worse in patients with microscopic polyangiitis compared with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (physical components) and those with high (VDI ≥ 3) vs low (VDI < 3) damage scores while it did not differ between those with active (BVASv3 ≥ 1) vs. inactive (BVASv3 < 1) disease. In contrast, in RA patients, HRQoL correlated both with disease activity (assessed by the DAS28-ESR) and functional impairment/damage (assessed by the HAQ). Although overall patients with RA had similar HRQoL compared with those with AAVs, those with active RA had worse HRQoL compared with those with active AAV. CONCLUSIONS In patients with AAVs, HRQoL correlated more with organ damage and less with disease activity whereas in RA patients, it correlated with both. These data emphasize the need for AAV therapies aiming at preventing organ damage and thus improving HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Panagiotopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Aglaia Chalkia
- Nephrology Department, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Koutsianas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Mavrea
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Petras
- Nephrology Department, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens Hippokration, Athens, Greece
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Gouleni N, Di Rienzo A, Yılmaz A, Selvitopi H, Arslan ME, Mardinoglu A, Turkez H, Di Stefano A, Vassiliou S, Cacciatore I. Novel styryl-thiazole hybrids as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2315-2326. [PMID: 38020070 PMCID: PMC10650344 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00308f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, combining the thiazole and cinnamoyl groups into the styryl-thiazole scaffold, a series of novel styryl-thiazole hybrids (6a-p) was rationally designed, synthesized, and evaluated by the multi-target-directed ligands strategy as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hybrids 6e and 6i are the most promising among the synthesized hybrids since they are able to significantly increase cell viabilities in Aβ1-42-exposed-human neuroblastoma cell line (6i at the concentration of 50 μg mL-1 and 6e at the concentration of 25 μg mL-1 resulted in ∼34% and ∼30% increase in cell viabilities, respectively). Compounds 6e and 6i exhibit highly AChE inhibitory properties in the experimental AD model at 375.6 ± 18.425 mU mL-1 and 397.6 ± 32.152 mU mL-1, respectively. Moreover, these data were also confirmed by docking studies and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Compared to hybrid 6e and according to the results, 6i also has the highest potential against Aβ1-42 aggregation with over 80% preventive activity. The in silico prediction of the physicochemical properties confirms that 6i possesses a better profile compared to 6e. Therefore, compound 6i presents a promising multi-targeted active molecular profile for treating AD considering the multifactorial nature of AD, and it is reasonable to deepen its mechanisms of action in an in vivo experimental model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Gouleni
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Annalisa Di Rienzo
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara 66100 Chieti Scalo CH Italy
| | - Ahmet Yılmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Erzurum Technical University 25050 Erzurum Turkey
| | - Harun Selvitopi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Erzurum Technical University 25050 Erzurum Turkey
| | - Mehmet Enes Arslan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Erzurum Technical University 25050 Erzurum Turkey
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology SE-17121 Stockholm Sweden
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London London SE1 9RT UK
| | - Hasan Turkez
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University Erzurum Turkey
| | - Antonio Di Stefano
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara 66100 Chieti Scalo CH Italy
| | - Stamatia Vassiliou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Ivana Cacciatore
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara 66100 Chieti Scalo CH Italy
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Tsiakalos A, Routsias JG, Schinas G, Georgiadou S, Sipsas NV, Akinosoglou K. Investigating the Role of Anti-TPO Antibodies in HIV-Associated Thrombocytopenia before and after Initiation of HAART: A Case-Control Longitudinal Study. Viruses 2023; 15:2226. [PMID: 38005902 PMCID: PMC10675467 DOI: 10.3390/v15112226] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This longitudinal, case-control study aimed to investigate the role of thrombopoietin (TPO) and anti-TPO antibodies in HIV-associated thrombocytopenia, focusing on the changes seen before and after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Patients were assessed before and at least six months after the initiation of HAART. In total, 75 PLWHIV (age/sex-matched and randomized at 2:1, according to thrombocytopenia status) were included in this study. The baseline assessment revealed significantly higher TPO levels in thrombocytopenic patients (140.45 vs. 106.8 mg/mL, p = 0.008). Furthermore, anti-TPO-positive patients displayed lower platelet counts (109,000 vs. 139,000/L, p = 0.002) and TPO levels (114.7 vs. 142.7 mg/mL, p = 0.047). Longitudinally, HAART initiation reduced the frequency of thrombocytopenia from 75.47% to 33.96% (p < 0.001) and elevated the median platelet counts from 131,000 to 199,000 (p < 0.001). No significant difference in median platelet counts was found post-HAART among the anti-TPO subgroups (p = 0.338), a result contrasting with pre-HAART findings (p = 0.043). Changes in anti-TPO status corresponded with significant platelet count alterations (p = 0.036). Notably, patients who became anti-TPO negative showed a median increase of 95,000 platelets (IQR: 43,750-199,500). These marked differences between subgroups underscore the potential role of anti-TPO antibodies in modulating the hematological response to HAART. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between HIV infection, HAART, and thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John G. Routsias
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Sarah Georgiadou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Karolina Akinosoglou
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
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Kourek C, Briasoulis A, Karatzanos E, Zouganeli V, Psarra K, Pratikaki M, Alevra-Prokopiou A, Skoularigis J, Xanthopoulos A, Nanas S, Dimopoulos S. The Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Inflammatory Profile in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Different Severity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6592. [PMID: 37892730 PMCID: PMC10607596 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are common pathophysiological characteristics of chronic heart failure (CHF). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recognized as useful markers of vascular damage and endothelial repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on EPCs and inflammatory profile in CHF patients of different severity. Forty-four patients with stable CHF underwent a 36-session cardiac rehabilitation program. They were separated into two different subgroups each time, according to the median peak VO2, predicted peak VO2, VE/VCO2 slope, and ejection fraction. EPCs, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. Flow cytometry was used for the quantification of EPCs. Mobilization of EPCs increased and the inflammatory profile improved within each severity group (p < 0.05) after the cardiac rehabilitation program, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). A 36-session cardiac rehabilitation program has similar beneficial effects on the mobilization of EPCs and on the inflammatory profile in patients with CHF of different severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Kourek
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise & Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (E.K.); (S.N.)
- Department of Cardiology, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital of Athens (NIMTS), 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Briasoulis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Section of Heart Failure and Transplantation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
| | - Eleftherios Karatzanos
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise & Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (E.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Virginia Zouganeli
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Katherina Psarra
- Immunology and Histocompatibility Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria Pratikaki
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (A.A.-P.)
| | | | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larissa, Greece; (J.S.); (A.X.)
| | - Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41334 Larissa, Greece; (J.S.); (A.X.)
| | - Serafim Nanas
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise & Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (E.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Stavros Dimopoulos
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise & Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (E.K.); (S.N.)
- Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece
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Markopoulos M, Barber TM, Bargiota A, Skevaki C, Papassotiriou I, Kumar S, Vlahos NF, Mastorakos G, Valsamakis G. Acute iv CRH administration significantly increases serum active ghrelin in postmenopausal PCOS women compared to postmenopausal controls. Endocrine 2023; 81:613-620. [PMID: 37249728 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03406-7] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), an increased risk of disordered eating has been described. There is growing interest regarding a possible interconnection between psychological states and increased appetite in women with PCOS. Acute stress is characterized by increased Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) secretion. The aim was to estimate the ghrelin concentrations during CRH test. METHODS Twenty postmenopausal women with PCOS and twenty age- and BMI- matched postmenopausal control women were recruited at Aretaieion University Hospital. In the morning (9 am) all subjects had anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) and a fasting sample for hormonal measurements. An intravenous (iv) CRH stimulation test conducted over 1 min. Serum active ghrelin levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 min after iv CRH administration. RESULTS The postmenopausal PCOS group had a higher waist circumference compared to postmenopausal controls. Active ghrelin concentrations increased significantly from 0 to 15 min, to 30 min, to 60 min, to 90 min and then decreased to 120 min. However, within the postmenopausal control group there were no significant changes in serum active ghrelin levels. Serum active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal control group at 0, 15 and 120 min compared to the postmenopausal PCOS group. At 90 min active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group. Delta Area Under the Curve of active ghrelin (ΔAUCghr) was significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS In postmenopausal PCOS, but not in postmenopausal controls, iv CRH administration induces increased serum active ghrelin secretion, suggesting a possible anti-stress adaptive mechanism. An increase in serum active ghrelin may induce hunger as a side-effect of this presumed adaptive mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Markopoulos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Aretaieion" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alexandra Bargiota
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital of Larissa, Medical School of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Skevaki
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Phillips Universitat Marburg, German Center of Lung Research, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ioannis Papassotiriou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikos F Vlahos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Aretaieion" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Aretaieion" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Aretaieion" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
- Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital of Larissa, Medical School of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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Sarmini L, Meabed M, Emmanouil E, Atsaves G, Robeska E, Karwowski BT, Campalans A, Gimisis T, Khobta A. Requirement of transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair for the removal of a specific type of oxidatively induced DNA damage. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4982-4994. [PMID: 37026475 PMCID: PMC10250225 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of DNA damage resulting from reactive oxygen species was proposed to cause neurological and degenerative disease in patients, deficient in nucleotide excision repair (NER) or its transcription-coupled subpathway (TC-NER). Here, we assessed the requirement of TC-NER for the repair of specific types of oxidatively generated DNA modifications. We incorporated synthetic 5',8-cyclo-2'-deoxypurine nucleotides (cyclo-dA, cyclo-dG) and thymine glycol (Tg) into an EGFP reporter gene to measure transcription-blocking potentials of these modifications in human cells. Using null mutants, we further identified the relevant DNA repair components by a host cell reactivation approach. The results indicated that NTHL1-initiated base excision repair is by far the most efficient pathway for Tg. Moreover, Tg was efficiently bypassed during transcription, which effectively rules out TC-NER as an alternative repair mechanism. In a sharp contrast, both cyclopurine lesions robustly blocked transcription and were repaired by NER, wherein the specific TC-NER components CSB/ERCC6 and CSA/ERCC8 were as essential as XPA. Instead, repair of classical NER substrates, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene, occurred even when TC-NER was disrupted. The strict requirement of TC-NER highlights cyclo-dA and cyclo-dG as candidate damage types, accountable for cytotoxic and degenerative responses in individuals affected by genetic defects in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Sarmini
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Mohammed Meabed
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Eirini Emmanouil
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - George Atsaves
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Elena Robeska
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA/IBFJ/IRCM. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92265, France
- Université de Paris Cité, CEA/IBFJ/IRCM. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92265, France
| | - Bolesław T Karwowski
- DNA Damage Laboratory of Food Science Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-151, Poland
| | - Anna Campalans
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA/IBFJ/IRCM. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92265, France
- Université de Paris Cité, CEA/IBFJ/IRCM. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, F-92265, France
| | - Thanasis Gimisis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Andriy Khobta
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
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Kikionis S, Papakyriakopoulou P, Mavrogiorgis P, Vasileva EA, Mishchenko NP, Fedoreyev SA, Valsami G, Ioannou E, Roussis V. Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Forms of the Marine Bioactive Pigment Echinochrome A Enabling Alternative Routes of Administration. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040250. [PMID: 37103389 PMCID: PMC10147083 DOI: 10.3390/md21040250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinochrome A (EchA), a marine bioactive pigment isolated from various sea urchin species, is the active agent of the clinically approved drug Histochrome®. EchA is currently only available in the form of an isotonic solution of its di- and tri-sodium salts due to its poor water solubility and sensitivity to oxidation. Electrospun polymeric nanofibers have lately emerged as promising drug carriers capable of improving the dissolution and bioavailability of drugs with limited water solubility. In the current study, EchA isolated from sea urchins of the genus Diadema collected at the island of Kastellorizo was incorporated in electrospun micro-/nanofibrous matrices composed of polycaprolactone and polyvinylpyrrolidone in various combinations. The physicochemical properties of the micro-/nanofibers were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, TGA and DSC analyses. The fabricated matrices exhibited variable dissolution/release profiles of EchA, as evidenced in in vitro experiments using gastrointestinal-like fluids (pH 1.2, 4.5 and 6.8). Ex vivo permeability studies using the EchA-loaded micro-/nanofibrous matrices showed an increased permeation of EchA across the duodenum barrier. The results of our study clearly show that electrospun polymeric micro-/nanofibers represent promising carriers for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations with controlled release, as well as increased stability and solubility of EchA, suitable for oral administration, while offering the potential for targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Kikionis
- Section of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Papakyriakopoulou
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Mavrogiorgis
- Section of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Elena A Vasileva
- Laboratory of the Chemistry of Natural Quinonoid Compounds of the G. B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Prospect 100 let Vladivostoku, 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Natalia P Mishchenko
- Laboratory of the Chemistry of Natural Quinonoid Compounds of the G. B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Prospect 100 let Vladivostoku, 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Sergey A Fedoreyev
- Laboratory of the Chemistry of Natural Quinonoid Compounds of the G. B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Prospect 100 let Vladivostoku, 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathia Ioannou
- Section of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilios Roussis
- Section of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Tsolakis IA, Verikokos C, Papaioannou W, Alexiou KE, Yfanti Z, Perrea D, Tsolakis AI. Long-Term Effect of Diet Consistency on Mandibular Growth within Three Generations: A Longitudinal Cephalometric Study in Rats. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:biology12040568. [PMID: 37106767 PMCID: PMC10136091 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040568] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the effect of diet consistency on mandibular growth of Wistar rats through three generations. METHODS A total breeding sample of 60 female and 8 male Wistar rats were used in this study. Measurements took place only on female animals. Twenty female Wistar rats at 30 days old and four male rats at 30 days old comprised the primary breeding sample of the first generation, and from these animals two different generations were reproduced. Lateral cephalometric X-rays were taken from all female rats at the age of 100 days. A total of 7 craniofacial landmarks were selected for the linear measurements, and 12 curves and 90 landmarks were selected for geometric morphometric analysis of the lateral X-rays. Bonferroni test and a permutation test were performed for the statistical analysis. RESULTS Means of measurements of all soft diet groups compared to hard diet groups were significantly smaller. According to linear measurements, there was a significant difference only between the first-generation soft diet with the third-generation soft diet group. According to geometric morphometric analysis, the statistical differences appeared on the condylar process and the angle of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS The soft diet could be responsible for less mandibular growth, and this information might be passing through generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Tsolakis
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54154 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Orthodontics, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christos Verikokos
- Second Department of Surgery, "Laikon Hospital", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece
| | - William Papaioannou
- Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina-Eleni Alexiou
- Department of Oral Diagnosis & Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece
| | - Zafeiroula Yfanti
- Department of Oral Diagnosis & Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Perrea
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos I Tsolakis
- Department of Orthodontics, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Orthodontics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Dentistry, 10679 Athens, Greece
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9
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Ferentinos E, Tzeli D, Sottini S, Groenen EJJ, Ozerov M, Poneti G, Kaniewska-Laskowska K, Krzystek J, Kyritsis P. Magnetic anisotropy and structural flexibility in the field-induced single ion magnets [Co{(OPPh 2)(EPPh 2)N} 2], E = S, Se, explored by experimental and computational methods. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:2036-2050. [PMID: 36692040 PMCID: PMC9926333 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt03335f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
During the last few years, a large number of mononuclear Co(II) complexes of various coordination geometries have been explored as potential single ion magnets (SIMs). In the work presented herein, the Co(II) S = 3/2 tetrahedral [Co{(OPPh2)(EPPh2)N}2], E = S, Se, complexes (abbreviated as CoO2E2), bearing chalcogenated mixed donor-atom imidodiphosphinato ligands, were studied by both experimental and computational techniques. Specifically, direct current (DC) magnetometry provided estimations of their zero-field splitting (zfs) axial (D) and rhombic (E) parameter values, which were more accurately determined by a combination of far-infrared magnetic spectroscopy and high-frequency and -field EPR spectroscopy studies. The latter combination of techniques was also implemented for the S = 3/2 tetrahedral [Co{(EPiPr2)2N}2], E = S, Se, complexes, confirming the previously determined magnitude of their zfs parameters. For both pairs of complexes (E = S, Se), it is concluded that the identity of the E donor atom does not significantly affect their zfs parameters. High-resolution multifrequency EPR studies of CoO2E2 provided evidence of multiple conformations, which are more clearly observed for CoO2Se2, in agreement with the structural disorder previously established for this complex by X-ray crystallography. The CoO2E2 complexes were shown to be field-induced SIMs, i.e., they exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization in the presence of an external DC magnetic field. Advanced quantum-chemical calculations on CoO2E2 provided additional insight into their electronic and structural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Ferentinos
- Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR-15771 Athens, Greece.
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Physical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., GR-11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Silvia Sottini
- Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Department of Physics, Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg 2, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Edgar J J Groenen
- Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Department of Physics, Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg 2, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mykhaylo Ozerov
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA.
| | - Giordano Poneti
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Kinga Kaniewska-Laskowska
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St. 11/12, Gdańsk PL-80-233, Poland
| | - J Krzystek
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA.
| | - Panayotis Kyritsis
- Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR-15771 Athens, Greece.
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10
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Patsaki I, Dimitriadi N, Despoti A, Tzoumi D, Leventakis N, Roussou G, Papathanasiou A, Nanas S, Karatzanos E. The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in physical recovery of stroke patients: A systematic review. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:880447. [PMID: 36211591 PMCID: PMC9535681 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.880447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past few years, technological innovations have been increasingly employed to augment the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Virtual reality (VR) has gained attention through its ability to deliver a customized training session and to increase patients' engagement. Virtual reality rehabilitation programs allow the patient to perform a therapeutic program tailored to his/her needs while interacting with a computer-simulated environment. Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a fully immersive rehabilitation program using a commercially available head-mounted display in stroke patients. Methods A systematic search was conducted in three databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro. Four hundred thirty-two references were identified. The keywords used for the literature search were in English, which are given as follows: immersive, virtual reality, neurorehabilitation, stroke, and head-mounted display. Additionally, applicable articles were identified through screening reference lists of relevant articles. Results Only 12 studies used head-mounted display for immersing the patient into the virtual world. Apart from the feasibility of this new technology, a range of benefits were identified, especially in terms of functional ability as measured by FIM or Barthel, the Action Research arm Test, Box and Block Test, Fugl-Meyer assessment of physical performance, strength, and balance outcomes. Conclusion The results from this review support the potential beneficial effect of fully immersive virtual reality in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, maximizing recovery through increased motivation and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Patsaki
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nefeli Dimitriadi
- Department of Film Studies, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Akylina Despoti
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tzoumi
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Leventakis
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Roussou
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Serafeim Nanas
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Karatzanos
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Geerling E, Murphy V, Mai MC, Stone ET, Casals AG, Hassert M, O’Dea AT, Cao F, Donlin MJ, Elagawany M, Elgendy B, Pardali V, Giannakopoulou E, Zoidis G, Schiavone DV, Berkowitz AJ, Agyemang NB, Murelli RP, Tavis JE, Pinto AK, Brien JD. Metal coordinating inhibitors of Rift Valley fever virus replication. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274266. [PMID: 36112605 PMCID: PMC9481026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274266] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a veterinary and human pathogen and is an agent of bioterrorism concern. Currently, RVFV treatment is limited to supportive care, so new drugs to control RVFV infection are urgently needed. RVFV is a member of the order Bunyavirales, whose replication depends on the enzymatic activity of the viral L protein. Screening for RVFV inhibitors among compounds with divalent cation-coordinating motifs similar to known viral nuclease inhibitors identified 47 novel RVFV inhibitors with selective indexes from 1.1–103 and 50% effective concentrations of 1.2–56 μM in Vero cells, primarily α-Hydroxytropolones and N-Hydroxypyridinediones. Inhibitor activity and selective index was validated in the human cell line A549. To evaluate specificity, select compounds were tested against a second Bunyavirus, La Crosse Virus (LACV), and the flavivirus Zika (ZIKV). These data indicate that the α-Hydroxytropolone and N-Hydroxypyridinedione chemotypes should be investigated in the future to determine their mechanism(s) of action allowing further development as therapeutics for RVFV and LACV, and these chemotypes should be evaluated for activity against related pathogens, including Hantaan virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Geerling
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Valerie Murphy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Maria C. Mai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - E. Taylor Stone
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Andreu Gazquez Casals
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mariah Hassert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Austin T. O’Dea
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Feng Cao
- John Cochran Division, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Maureen J. Donlin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Elagawany
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bahaa Elgendy
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Daniel V. Schiavone
- Department of Chemistry and The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Alex J. Berkowitz
- Department of Chemistry and The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Nana B. Agyemang
- Department of Chemistry and The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry and The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - John E. Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Amelia K. Pinto
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - James D. Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Tsitsilonis OE, Paraskevis D, Lianidou E, Pierros V, Akalestos A, Kastritis E, Moutsatsou P, Scorilas A, Sphicopoulos T, Terpos E, Thomaidis N, Tsakris A, Voulgaris N, Daskalaki CC, Evangelakou Z, Fouki C, Gianniou DD, Gumeni S, Kostaki EG, Kostopoulos IV, Manola MS, Orologas-Stavrou N, Panteli C, Papanagnou ED, Rousakis P, Sklirou AD, Smilkou S, Stergiopoulou D, Trougakos IP, Tsiodras S, Sfikakis PP, Dimopoulos MA. Seroprevalence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the Personnel and Students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece: A Preliminary Report. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E214. [PMID: 32967110 PMCID: PMC7555935 DOI: 10.3390/life10090214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June-July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and in scientific affiliates/faculty members/laboratory assistants), but no statistical differences were detected. Although focused on the specific population of NKUA members, our study shows that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs for the period June-July 2020 remained low and provides knowledge of public health importance for the NKUA members. Given that approximately one in three infections was asymptomatic, continuous monitoring of the progression of the pandemic by assessing Ig seroprevalence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania E Tsitsilonis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, NKUA, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Department of Chemistry, NKUA, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Vassilios Pierros
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, NKUA, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, NKUA, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Moutsatsou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, NKUA, 12462 Haidari, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Sphicopoulos
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, NKUA, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, NKUA, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Christina C Daskalaki
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Zoi Evangelakou
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Fouki
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, NKUA, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina D Gianniou
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Sentiljana Gumeni
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia-Georgia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, NKUA, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis V Kostopoulos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria S Manola
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Chrysanthi Panteli
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Dimitra Papanagnou
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Rousakis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia D Sklirou
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Soritios Tsiodras
- Fourth Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, NKUA, 12462 Haidari, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, NKUA, 15772 Athens, Greece
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13
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Papamichael K, Delitheos B, Mourouzis I, Pantos C, Tiligada E. L-Thyroxine induces thermotolerance in yeast. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:469-473. [PMID: 30737613 PMCID: PMC6439117 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-00978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular stress response (CSR) is a universal inducible reaction modulated, among others, by heat, drugs, and hormones. We aimed to investigate the role of L-thyroxine (T4) on the heat shock (HS) response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The CSR was evaluated by determining growth and viability of post-logarithmic phase grown yeast cultures after HS at 53 °C for 30 min. We found that long-term T4 exposure can induce a dose-dependent and Hsp90 and H+ trafficking-related thermotolerance in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Papamichael
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, GR-11527, Athens, Greece.
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Basil Delitheos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, GR-11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, GR-11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Pantos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, GR-11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Tiligada
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, GR-11527, Athens, Greece
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14
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Panopoulos S, Tektonidou M, Drosos AA, Liossis SN, Dimitroulas T, Garyfallos A, Sakkas L, Boumpas D, Voulgari PV, Daoussis D, Thomas K, Georgiopoulos G, Vosvotekas G, Vassilopoulos D, Sfikakis PP. Prevalence of comorbidities in systemic sclerosis versus rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative, multicenter, matched-cohort study. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:267. [PMID: 30514359 PMCID: PMC6280404 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1771-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbidities are common in chronic systemic connective tissue diseases and are associated with adverse outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality. Although the prevalence of comorbidities has been well-studied in isolated diseases, comparative studies between different autoimmune diseases are limited. In this study, we compared the prevalence of common comorbidities between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Between 2016 and 2017, 408 consecutive patients with SSc, aged 59 ± 13 years (87% women), were matched 1:1 for age and gender with 408 patients with RA; mean disease duration was 10 ± 8 and 9 ± 8 years, respectively. Rates of cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoporosis, neoplasms and depression were compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS The prevalence of dyslipidemia (18.4% vs 30.1%, p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (5.6% vs 11.8%, p = 0.007) and body mass index (p = 0.001) were lower in SSc compared to RA, while there was no difference in arterial hypertension or smoking. While there was a trend for lower prevalence of ischemic stroke in SSc than in RA (1.1% vs 3.2%, p = 0.085), coronary artery disease was comparable (2.7% vs 3.7%). No differences were found between patients with SSc and patients with RA in the prevalence of COPD (5.2% vs 3.7%), osteoporosis (24% vs 22%) or neoplasms overall (1.1% vs 1.7%); however lung cancer was the most prevalent cancer in SSc (7/17, 41%), whereas hematologic malignancies (7/19, 36%) and breast cancer (7/19, 36%) predominated in RA. Depression was more prevalent in SSc (22% vs 12%, p = 0.001), especially in diffuse SSc. CONCLUSIONS Despite the prevalence of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus in SSc being almost half that in RA, the cardiovascular comorbidity burden appears to be similar in both. The overall prevalence of neoplasms is no higher in SSc than in RA, but SSc has a more negative impact on quality of life, as clearly, more SSc patients develop depression compared to patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Panopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tektonidou
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros A. Drosos
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stamatis-Nick Liossis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Lazaros Sakkas
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V. Voulgari
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Vosvotekas
- 1st Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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15
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Moulos P, Alexandratos A, Nellas I, Dedos SG. Refining a steroidogenic model: an analysis of RNA-seq datasets from insect prothoracic glands. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:537. [PMID: 30005604 PMCID: PMC6045881 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prothoracic gland (PG), the principal steroidogenic organ of insects, has been proposed as a model for steroid hormone biosynthesis and regulation. RESULTS To validate the robustness of the model, we present an analysis of accumulated transcriptomic data from PGs of two model species, Drosophila melanogaster and Bombyx mori. We identify that the common core components of the model in both species are encoded by nine genes. Five of these are Halloween genes whose expression differs substantially between the PGs of these species. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the PGs can be a model for steroid hormone synthesis and regulation within the context of mitochondrial cholesterol transport and steroid biosynthesis but beyond these core mechanisms, gene expression in insect PGs is too diverse to fit in a context-specific model and should be analysed within a species-specific framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Moulos
- HybridStat Predictive Analytics, Aiolou 19, 10551 Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center ‘Alexander Fleming’, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Nellas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Skarlatos G. Dedos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review presents the analytical techniques, processing and analytical steps used in metabolomics phenotyping studies, as well as the main results from epidemiological studies on the associations between metabolites and high blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of metabolomic approaches have been applied to a range of epidemiological studies to uncover the pathophysiology of high blood pressure. Several pathways have been suggested in relation to blood pressure including the possible role of the gut microflora, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and lipid pathways. Metabolic changes have also been identified associated with blood pressure lowering effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat intake. However, the current body of literature on metabolic profiling and blood pressure is still in its infancy, not fully consistent and requires careful interpretation. Metabolic phenotyping is a promising approach to uncover metabolic pathways associated with high blood pressure and throw light into the complex pathophysiology of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Tzoulaki
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Aikaterini Iliou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paul Elliott
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Health Data Research UK (HDR-UK), London, UK
- Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, London, UK
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17
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Triantaphyllou MV, Baumann KH, Karatsolis BT, Dimiza MD, Psarra S, Skampa E, Patoucheas P, Vollmar NM, Koukousioura O, Katsigera A, Krasakopoulou E, Nomikou P. Coccolithophore community response along a natural CO2 gradient off Methana (SW Saronikos Gulf, Greece, NE Mediterranean). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200012. [PMID: 29966023 PMCID: PMC6028119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A natural pH gradient caused by marine CO2 seeps off the Methana peninsula (Saronikos Gulf, eastern Peloponnese peninsula) was used as a natural laboratory to assess potential effects of ocean acidification on coccolithophores. Coccolithophore communities were therefore investigated in plankton samples collected during September 2011, September 2016 and March 2017. The recorded cell concentrations were up to ~50 x103 cells/l, with a high Shannon index of up to 2.8, along a pH gradient from 7.61 to 8.18, with values being occasionally <7. Numerous holococcolithophore species represented 60-90% of the surface water assemblages in most samples during September samplings. Emiliania huxleyi was present only in low relative abundances in September samples, but it dominated in March assemblages. Neither malformed nor corroded coccolithophores were documented. Changes in the community structure can possibly be related to increased temperatures, while the overall trend associates low pH values with high cell densities. Our preliminary results indicate that in long-termed acidified, warm and stratified conditions, the study of the total coccolithophore assemblage may prove useful to recognize the intercommunity variability, which favors the increment of lightly calcified species such as holococcolithophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Triantaphyllou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Boris-Theofanis Karatsolis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Margarita D. Dimiza
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Stella Psarra
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Geology, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Elisavet Skampa
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Pierros Patoucheas
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece
| | - Nele M. Vollmar
- University of Bremen, Geosciences Department, Bremen, Germany
| | - Olga Koukousioura
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece
| | - Anna Katsigera
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Paraskevi Nomikou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece
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