114 results on '"Falasca, L."'
Search Results
2. Transglutaminase type 2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
- Author
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Palucci, I., Matic, I., Falasca, L., Minerva, M., Maulucci, G., De Spirito, M., Petruccioli, E., Goletti, D., Rossin, F., Piacentini, M., and Delogu, G.
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- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Fatal Takotsubo syndrome in critical COVID-19 related pneumonia
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Titi, L., Magnanimi, E., Mancone, M., Infusino, F., Coppola, G., Del Nonno, F., Colombo, D., Nardacci, R., Falasca, L., d&apos, Amati, G., Tarsitano, M. G., Merlino, L., Fedele, F., and Pugliese, F.
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Resuscitation ,Autopsy ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Myocardial rupture ,Article ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Hematoma ,autopsy ,Internal medicine ,Edema ,Medicine ,business.industry ,Takotsubo Syndrome ,Contraction band necrosis ,COVID-19 ,COVID-19 related pneumonia ,Stress cardiomyopathy ,Aged, 80 and over ,Biopsy ,COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing ,Fatal Outcome ,Humans ,Male ,Myocardium ,Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Pneumonia ,030104 developmental biology ,Coagulative necrosis ,Cardiology ,stress cardiomyopathy ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,COVID-19 related pneumonia, COVID-19 - Abstract
Highlights • Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is increasingly reported in COVID-19 patients • The pathogenic mechanisms underlying TTS in this particular setting are still unknown • Autopsy findings in fatal cases may contribute to understand the possible role of SARS-CoV-2 in the onset of TTS, COVID-19 can involve several organs and systems, often with indirect and poorly clarified mechanisms. Different presentations of myocardial injury have been reported, with variable degrees of severity, often impacting on the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying cardiac damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection are under active investigation. We report the clinical and autopsy findings of a fatal case of Takotsubo Syndrome occurring in an 83-year-old patient with COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient was admitted to Emergency Department with dyspnea, fever and diarrhea. A naso-pharyngeal swab test for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. In the following week his conditions worsened, requiring intubation and deep sedation. While in the ICU, the patient suddenly showed ST segment elevation. Left ventricular angiography showed decreased with hypercontractile ventricular bases and mid-apical ballooning, consistent with diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Shortly after the patient was pulseless. After extensive resuscitation maneuvers, the patient was declared dead. Autopsy revealed a subepicardial hematoma, in absence of myocardial rupture. On histology, the myocardium showed diffuse edema, multiple foci of contraction band necrosis in both ventricles and occasional coagulative necrosis of single cardiac myocytes. Abundant macrophages CD68+ were detected in the myocardial interstitium. The finding of diffuse contraction band necrosis supports the pathogenic role of increased catecholamine levels; the presence of a significant interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, made up by macrophages, remains of uncertain significance.
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- 2021
- Full Text
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4. Dying “from” or “with” covid-19 during the pandemic: Medico-legal issues according to a population perspective
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De-Giorgio, F., Grassi, V. M., Bergamin, Eva, Cina, Alessandro, Del Nonno, F., Colombo, D., Nardacci, R., Falasca, L., Conte, Celeste, D'Aloja, E., Damiani, Gianfranco, Vetrugno, Giuseppe, Bergamin E., Cina A., Conte C., Damiani G. (ORCID:0000-0003-3028-6188), Vetrugno G. (ORCID:0000-0003-0181-2855), De-Giorgio, F., Grassi, V. M., Bergamin, Eva, Cina, Alessandro, Del Nonno, F., Colombo, D., Nardacci, R., Falasca, L., Conte, Celeste, D'Aloja, E., Damiani, Gianfranco, Vetrugno, Giuseppe, Bergamin E., Cina A., Conte C., Damiani G. (ORCID:0000-0003-3028-6188), and Vetrugno G. (ORCID:0000-0003-0181-2855)
- Abstract
There is still a lack of knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of death among COVID-19-deceased patients, and the question of whether a patient has died with or due to COVID-19 is still very much debated. In Italy, all deaths of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 are defined as COVID-19-related, without considering pre-existing diseases that may either contribute to or even cause death. Our study included nine subjects from two different nursing homes (Cases 1–4, Group A; Cases 5–9, Group B). The latter included patients who presumably died from CO poisoning due to a heating system malfunction. All subjects tested positive for COVID-19 both ante-and post-mortem and were examined using post-mortem computed tomography prior to autopsy. COVID-19 was determined to be a contributing cause in the deaths of four out of nine subjects (death due to COVID-19; i.e., pneumonia and sudden cardiac death). In the other five cases, for which CO poisoning was identified as the cause of death, the infection presumably had no role in exitus (death with COVID-19). In our attempt to classify our patients as dying with or due to COVID-19, we found the use of complete assessments (both histological analyses and computed tomography examination) fundamental.
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- 2021
5. Transglutaminase type 2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
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Palucci, Ivana, Matic, I., Falasca, L., Minerva, Mariachiara, Maulucci, Giuseppe, De Spirito, Marco, Petruccioli, E., Goletti, D., Rossin, F., Piacentini, M., Delogu, Giovanni, Palucci, I., Minerva, M., Maulucci, G. (ORCID:0000-0002-2154-319X), De Spirito, M. (ORCID:0000-0003-4260-5107), Delogu, G. (ORCID:0000-0003-0182-8267), Palucci, Ivana, Matic, I., Falasca, L., Minerva, Mariachiara, Maulucci, Giuseppe, De Spirito, Marco, Petruccioli, E., Goletti, D., Rossin, F., Piacentini, M., Delogu, Giovanni, Palucci, I., Minerva, M., Maulucci, G. (ORCID:0000-0002-2154-319X), De Spirito, M. (ORCID:0000-0003-4260-5107), and Delogu, G. (ORCID:0000-0003-0182-8267)
- Abstract
Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the aetiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is capable of interfering with the phagosome maturation pathway, by inhibiting phagosome–lysosome fusion and the autophagic process to ensure survival and replication in macrophages. Thus, it has been proposed that the modulation of autophagy may represent a therapeutic approach to reduce MTB viability by enhancing its clearance. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is involved in the pathogenesis of MTB. Results: We have shown that either genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TG2 leads to a marked reduction in MTB replicative capacity. Infection of TG2 knockout mice demonstrated that TG2 is required for MTB intracellular survival in macrophages and host tissues. The same inhibitory effect can be reproduced in vitro using Z-DON, a specific inhibitor of the transamidating activity of TG2. Massive cell death observed in macrophages that properly express TG2 is hampered by the absence of the enzyme and can be largely reduced by the treatment of wild-type macrophages with the TG2 inhibitor. Our data suggest that reduced MTB replication in cells lacking TG2 is due to the impairment of LC3/autophagy homeostasis. Finally, we have shown that treatment of MTB-infected murine and human primary macrophages with cystamine, a TG2 inhibitor already tested in clinical studies, causes a reduction in intracellular colony-forming units in human macrophages similar to that achieved by the anti-TB drug capreomycin. Conclusion: These results suggest that inhibition of TG2 activity is a potential novel approach for the treatment of TB.
- Published
- 2018
6. Transglutaminase type 2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
- Author
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Palucci, I., primary, Matic, I., additional, Falasca, L., additional, Minerva, M., additional, Maulucci, G., additional, De Spirito, M., additional, Petruccioli, E., additional, Goletti, D., additional, Rossin, F., additional, Piacentini, M., additional, and Delogu, G., additional
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- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Transglutaminase type 2, mitochondria and Huntington's disease: Menage a trois
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Altuntas, S, D'Eletto, M, Rossin, F, Hidalgo, L, Farrace, Mg, Falasca, L, Piredda, L, Cocco, S, Mastroberardino, P, Piacentini, M, and Campanella, M
- Subjects
TG2 ,Settore BIO/06 ,Mitophagy ,IF(1) ,Mitochondria ,Neurodegeneration - Published
- 2014
8. Longitudinal characterization of dysfunctional T cell-activation during human acute Ebola infection
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Agrati, C, primary, Castilletti, C, additional, Casetti, R, additional, Sacchi, A, additional, Falasca, L, additional, Turchi, F, additional, Tumino, N, additional, Bordoni, V, additional, Cimini, E, additional, Viola, D, additional, Lalle, E, additional, Bordi, L, additional, Lanini, S, additional, Martini, F, additional, Nicastri, E, additional, Petrosillo, N, additional, Puro, V, additional, Piacentini, M, additional, Di Caro, A, additional, Kobinger, G P, additional, Zumla, A, additional, Ippolito, G, additional, and Capobianchi, M R, additional
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes in women attending menopause clinics in Italy: a cross-sectional study
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Di Donato, P, Giulini, N. A, Bacchi Modena, A, Cicchetti, G, Comitini, G, Gentile, G, Cristiani, P, Careccia, A, Esposito, E, Gualdi, F, Golinelli, S, Bergamini, E, Masellis, G, Rastelli, S, Gigli, C, Elia, A, Marchesoni, D, Sticotti, F, Del Frate, G, Zompicchiatti, C, Marino, L, Costa, M. R, Pinto, P, Dodero, D, Storace, A, Spinelli, G, Quaranta, S, Bossi, C. M, Ollago, A, Omodei, U, Vaccari, M, Luerti, M, Repetti, F, Zandonini, G, Raspagliesi, F, Dolci, F, Gambarino, G, De Pasquale, B, Polizzotti, G, Borsellino, G, Alpinelli, P, Natale, N, Colombo, D, Belloni, C, Viani, A, Cecchini, G, Vinci, G. W, Samaja, B. A, Pasinetti, E, Penotti, M, Ognissanti, F, Pesando, P, Malanetto, C, Gallo, M, Dolfin, G, Tartaglino, P, Mossotto, D, Pistoni, A, Tarani, A, Rattazzi, P. D, Rossaro, D, Campanella, M, Arisi, E, Gamper, M, Salvatores, D, Bocchin, E, Stellin, G, Meli, G, Azzini, V, Tirozzi, F, Buoso, G, Fraioli, R, Marsoni, V, Cetera, C, Sposetti, R, Candiotto, E, Pignalosa, R, Del Pup, L, Bellati, U, Angeloni, C, Buonerba, M, Garzarelli, S, Santilli, C, Mucci, M, Di Nisio, Q, Cappa, F, Pierangeli, I, Cordone, A, Falasca, L, Ferrante, D, Serra, G. B, Cirese, E, Todaro, P. A, Romanini, C, Spagnuolo, L, Lanzone, A, Donadio, C, Fabiani, M, Baldaccini, E, Votano, S, Bellardini, P, Favale, W, Monti, V, Bonomo, A, Boninfante, C. E, Pietrobattista, P, Massacesi, L, Donini, G, Del Savio, F, Palombi, L, Procaccioli, P, Romani, A, Romagnoli, G, Genazzani, A. R, Gambacciani, M, Scarselli, G, Curiel, P, De Leo, V, Melani, A, Levi D'Ancona, V, Giarrè, G, Di Gioia, E, Ceccarelli, P, Massi, G. B, Cosci, S, Gacci, G, Cascianini, A, Donati Sarti, C, Bircolotti, S, Pupita, P, Mincigrucci, M, Spadafora, A, Santeufemia, G, Marongiu, G, Lai, G. R, Lai, R, Dessole, S, D'Andrea, S. A, Coppola, Null, Chiantera, A, De Placido, Null, Arienzo, R, Pastore, A. R, Tamburrino, A, Cardone, A, Izzo, S, Tesauro, R, Pascarella, A, De Silvio, M. G, Di Prisco, L, Lauda, N, Sirimarco, F, Agrimi, C, Casarella, G, Senatore, G, Ronzini, S, Ruccia, G, De Carlo, G, Pisaturo, G, Carlomagno, F, Fasolino, A, Fiorillo, F, Sorrentino, R, Ercolano, V. B, Panariello, S, Brun, A, Tropea, P, Stigliano, C. M, Amoroso, A, Vadalà, P, Coco, A, Galati, G, Barese, G, Masciari, G, Pirillo, P, Gioffrè, T, Mastrantonio, P, Cardamone, A, D'Angelo, N, Valentino, G, Barretta, R, Ferraro, G, Ferruccio, C, Agostinelli, D, Corrado, G, Scopelliti, A, Schonauer, S, Trojano, V, Bongiovanni, F, Tinelli, F, Poddi, E. R, Scarpello, F, Colonna, L, Fischetti, G, Doria, R, Trombetta, G, Cocca, E. B, D'Amore, A, Di Masi, M, Liguori, R, Dimaggio, A, Laneve, M. R, Maolo, M. C, Gravina, G, Nacci, G, Nocera, F, Lupo, A, Giannola, C, Graziano, R, Mezzatesta, M, Vegna, G, Giannone, G, Palumbo, G, Cancellieri, F, Mondo, A, Cordopatri, A, Carrubba, M, Mazzola, V, Cincotta, L, D'Asta, S, Bono, A, Li Calsi, L, Cavallaro Nigro, S, Schilirò, S, Repici, A, Gullo, D, Orlando, A, Specchiale, F, Papotto, A, Abruzzo, Null, Basilicata, Null, Calabria, Null, Campania, Null, Emilia, Null, Romagna, Null, Giulia, Friuli Venezia, Lazio, Null, Liguria, Null, Lombardia, Null, Marche, Null, Molise, Null, Piemonte, Null, Puglia, Null, Sardegna, Null, Sicilia, Null, Toscana, Null, Adige, Trentino Alto, Umbria, Null, D'Aosta, Valle, Veneto, Null, Massacesi, A, De Aloysio, P, Campagnoli, C, Gambacciani, A, Graziottin, A, Baldi, C, Colacurci, N, Corrado Tonti, G, Parazzini, F, Chatenoud, L., COLACURCI, Nicola, Di Donato, P, Giulini, N. A, Bacchi Modena, A, Cicchetti, G, Comitini, G, Gentile, G, Cristiani, P, Careccia, A, Esposito, E, Gualdi, F, Golinelli, S, Bergamini, E, Masellis, G, Rastelli, S, Gigli, C, Elia, A, Marchesoni, D, Sticotti, F, Del Frate, G, Zompicchiatti, C, Marino, L, Costa, M. R, Pinto, P, Dodero, D, Storace, A, Spinelli, G, Quaranta, S, Bossi, C. M, Ollago, A, Omodei, U, Vaccari, M, Luerti, M, Repetti, F, Zandonini, G, Raspagliesi, F, Dolci, F, Gambarino, G, De Pasquale, B, Polizzotti, G, Borsellino, G, Alpinelli, P, Natale, N, Colombo, D, Belloni, C, Viani, A, Cecchini, G, Vinci, G. W, Samaja, B. A, Pasinetti, E, Penotti, M, Ognissanti, F, Pesando, P, Malanetto, C, Gallo, M, Dolfin, G, Tartaglino, P, Mossotto, D, Pistoni, A, Tarani, A, Rattazzi, P. D, Rossaro, D, Campanella, M, Arisi, E, Gamper, M, Salvatores, D, Bocchin, E, Stellin, G, Meli, G, Azzini, V, Tirozzi, F, Buoso, G, Fraioli, R, Marsoni, V, Cetera, C, Sposetti, R, Candiotto, E, Pignalosa, R, Del Pup, L, Bellati, U, Angeloni, C, Buonerba, M, Garzarelli, S, Santilli, C, Mucci, M, Di Nisio, Q, Cappa, F, Pierangeli, I, Cordone, A, Falasca, L, Ferrante, D, Serra, G. B, Cirese, E, Todaro, P. A, Romanini, C, Spagnuolo, L, Lanzone, A, Donadio, C, Fabiani, M, Baldaccini, E, Votano, S, Bellardini, P, Favale, W, Monti, V, Bonomo, A, Boninfante, C. E, Pietrobattista, P, Massacesi, L, Donini, G, Del Savio, F, Palombi, L, Procaccioli, P, Romani, A, Romagnoli, G, Genazzani, A. R, Gambacciani, M, Scarselli, G, Curiel, P, De Leo, V, Melani, A, Levi D'Ancona, V, Giarrè, G, Di Gioia, E, Ceccarelli, P, Massi, G. B, Cosci, S, Gacci, G, Cascianini, A, Donati Sarti, C, Bircolotti, S, Pupita, P, Mincigrucci, M, Spadafora, A, Santeufemia, G, Marongiu, G, Lai, G. R, Lai, R, Dessole, S, D'Andrea, S. A, Coppola, Null, Chiantera, A, De Placido, Null, Arienzo, R, Pastore, A. R, Tamburrino, A, Cardone, A, Colacurci, Nicola, Izzo, S, Tesauro, R, Pascarella, A, De Silvio, M. G, Di Prisco, L, Lauda, N, Sirimarco, F, Agrimi, C, Casarella, G, Senatore, G, Ronzini, S, Ruccia, G, De Carlo, G, Pisaturo, G, Carlomagno, F, Fasolino, A, Fiorillo, F, Sorrentino, R, Ercolano, V. B, Panariello, S, Brun, A, Tropea, P, Stigliano, C. M, Amoroso, A, Vadalà, P, Coco, A, Galati, G, Barese, G, Masciari, G, Pirillo, P, Gioffrè, T, Mastrantonio, P, Cardamone, A, D'Angelo, N, Valentino, G, Barretta, R, Ferraro, G, Ferruccio, C, Agostinelli, D, Corrado, G, Scopelliti, A, Schonauer, S, Trojano, V, Bongiovanni, F, Tinelli, F, Poddi, E. R, Scarpello, F, Colonna, L, Fischetti, G, Doria, R, Trombetta, G, Cocca, E. B, D'Amore, A, Di Masi, M, Liguori, R, Dimaggio, A, Laneve, M. R, Maolo, M. C, Gravina, G, Nacci, G, Nocera, F, Lupo, A, Giannola, C, Graziano, R, Mezzatesta, M, Vegna, G, Giannone, G, Palumbo, G, Cancellieri, F, Mondo, A, Cordopatri, A, Carrubba, M, Mazzola, V, Cincotta, L, D'Asta, S, Bono, A, Li Calsi, L, Cavallaro Nigro, S, Schilirò, S, Repici, A, Gullo, D, Orlando, A, Specchiale, F, Papotto, A, Abruzzo, Null, Basilicata, Null, Calabria, Null, Campania, Null, Emilia, Null, Romagna, Null, Giulia, Friuli Venezia, Lazio, Null, Liguria, Null, Lombardia, Null, Marche, Null, Molise, Null, Piemonte, Null, Puglia, Null, Sardegna, Null, Sicilia, Null, Toscana, Null, Adige, Trentino Alto, Umbria, Null, D'Aosta, Valle, Veneto, Null, Massacesi, A, De Aloysio, P, Campagnoli, C, Gambacciani, A, Graziottin, A, Baldi, C, Colacurci, N, Corrado Tonti, G, Parazzini, F, and Chatenoud, L.
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Cross-sectional study ,Hormone Replacement Therapy ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Type 2 diabetes ,Motor Activity ,Ambulatory Care Facilities ,Age Distribution ,Risk Factors ,Diabetes mellitus ,medicine ,Odds Ratio ,Humans ,Obesity ,Multivariate Analysi ,menopausal status ,Gynecology ,Cross-Sectional Studie ,diabetes ,business.industry ,Obstetrics ,Risk Factor ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Hormone replacement therapy (menopause) ,General Medicine ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Educational Statu ,Confidence interval ,Menopause ,Ambulatory Care Facilitie ,women ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ,Italy ,Multivariate Analysis ,Educational Status ,Female ,business ,Human - Abstract
To analyze risk factors for type 2 diabetes among women attending menopause clinics in Italy for counselling about the menopause.Women attending a network of first-level outpatient menopause clinics in Italy for general counselling about menopause or treatment of menopausal symptoms.Cross-sectional study with no exclusion criteria. Type 2 diabetes was defined according to National Diabetes Data Groups Indications and the fasting blood glucose at an oral glucose tolerance test within the previous year.Out of the 44 694 considered in this analysis, 808 had a diagnosis of diabetes type 2 (1.8%). In comparison with women aged50 years, the multivariate odds ratios (OR) of type 2 diabetes were 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99-1.74) for women aged 50-52 years, 1.66 (95% CI, 1.27-2.17) at 53-56 years and 2.84 (95% CI, 2.20-3.67) in women agedor = 57 years. Type 2 diabetes was less frequently reported in more educated women (OR high school/university vs. primary school = 0.44 (95% CI, 0.36-0.55)). Being overweight was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In comparison with women reporting a low level of physical activity, the multivariate OR of type 2 diabetes was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.54-0.84) for women reporting regular physical activity. In comparison with premenopausal women, the multivariate OR of type 2 diabetes was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.03-1.84) in women with natural menopause. This finding was present also after allowing for the potential confounding effect of age. The multivariate OR of diabetes for users of hormonal replacement therapy was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.46-0.73).This large cross-sectional study suggests that postmenopausal women are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes after allowance for the effect of age. Other main determinants of risk of type 2 diabetes in women around menopause were low socioeconomic status and being overweight. Diabetes was found less frequently in those taking hormone replacement therapy.
- Published
- 2005
10. Molecular mechanisms of Ebola virus pathogenesis: focus on cell death
- Author
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Falasca, L, primary, Agrati, C, additional, Petrosillo, N, additional, Di Caro, A, additional, Capobianchi, M R, additional, Ippolito, G, additional, and Piacentini, M, additional
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- 2015
- Full Text
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11. Membrane modifications during apoptosis in rat liver
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Dini, L, Falasca, L, Zara, V., Dini, Luciana, Falasca, L, and Zara, Vincenzo
- Published
- 1995
12. Modificazioni della composizione e funzione delle membrane delle cellule epatiche dopo trattamento in vivo con Pb(NO3)2
- Author
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Dini, L, Ruzittu, Mt, Vergine, Mc, Palma, Ap, DE PALMA, L, Falasca, L, Serafino, L, Zara, V., Dini, Luciana, Ruzittu, Mt, Vergine, Mc, Palma, Ap, DE PALMA, L, Falasca, L, Serafino, L, and Zara, Vincenzo
- Published
- 1994
13. Protective role of bcl-2 in the induction of cytopathic effect and of apoptotic cell death in SARS-CoV-infected VERO cells, in the absence of inhibition of viral replication
- Author
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Castilletti, C, Ciccosanti, F, Calcaterra, S, Bordi, L, Falasca, L, Rozera, G, Di Caro, A, Zaniratti, S, Ippolito, G, Piacentini, M, and Capobianchi, MR
- Subjects
ddc: 610 - Published
- 2004
14. Transglutaminase 2 ablation leads to mitophagy impairment associated with a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis
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Rossin, F, primary, D'Eletto, M, additional, Falasca, L, additional, Sepe, S, additional, Cocco, S, additional, Fimia, G M, additional, Campanella, M, additional, Mastroberardino, P G, additional, Farrace, M G, additional, and Piacentini, M, additional
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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15. ESX-1 dependent impairment of autophagic flux by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human dendritic cells
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Romagnoli, Angela, Etna, Mp, Giacomini, E, Pardini, M, Remoli, Me, Corazzari, M, Falasca, L, Goletti, D, Gafa, V, Simeone, R, Delogu, Giovanni, Piacentini, M, Brosch, R, Fimia, Gm, Coccia, Em, Delogu, Giovanni (ORCID:0000-0003-0182-8267), Romagnoli, Angela, Etna, Mp, Giacomini, E, Pardini, M, Remoli, Me, Corazzari, M, Falasca, L, Goletti, D, Gafa, V, Simeone, R, Delogu, Giovanni, Piacentini, M, Brosch, R, Fimia, Gm, Coccia, Em, and Delogu, Giovanni (ORCID:0000-0003-0182-8267)
- Abstract
Emerging evidence points to an important role of autophagy in the immune response mediated by dendritic cells (DC) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Since current vaccination based on Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is unable to stop the tuberculosis epidemic, a deeper comprehension of the alterations induced by Mtb in DC is essential for setting new vaccine strategies. Here, we compared the capacity of virulent (H37Rv) and avirulent (H37Ra) Mtb strains as well as BCG to modulate autophagy in human primary DC. We found that Mtb H37Rv impairs autophagy at the step of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. In contrast, neither Mtb H37Ra nor BCG strains were able to hamper autophagosome maturation. Both these attenuated strains have a functional inhibition of the 6kD early secreted antigenic target ESAT-6, an effector protein of the ESAT-6 Secretion System-1(ESX-1)/type VII secretion system. Notably, the ability to inhibit autophagy was fully restored in recombinant BCG and Mtb H37Ra strains in which ESAT-6 secretion was re-established by genetic complementation using either the ESX-1 region from Mtb (BCG::ESX-1) or the PhoP gene (Mtb H37Ra::PhoP), a regulator of ESAT-6 secretion. Importantly, the autophagic block induced by Mtb was overcome by rapamycin treatment leading to an increased interleukin-12 expression and, in turn, to an enhanced capacity to expand a Th1-oriented response. Collectively, our study demonstrated that Mtb alters the autophagic machinery through the ESX-1 system, and thereby opens new exciting perspectives to better understand the relationship between Mtb virulence and its ability to escape the DC-mediated immune response.
- Published
- 2012
16. Oncogenic B-RAF signaling in melanoma impairs the therapeutic advantage of autophagy inhibition
- Author
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Armstrong, J. L., Corazzari, M., Martin, S., Pagliarini, Vittoria, Falasca, L., Hill, D. S., Ellis, N., Sabah, S. A., Redfern, C. P. F., Fimia, G. M., Piacentini, M., Lovat, P. E., Pagliarini V. (ORCID:0000-0002-2388-0675), Armstrong, J. L., Corazzari, M., Martin, S., Pagliarini, Vittoria, Falasca, L., Hill, D. S., Ellis, N., Sabah, S. A., Redfern, C. P. F., Fimia, G. M., Piacentini, M., Lovat, P. E., and Pagliarini V. (ORCID:0000-0002-2388-0675)
- Abstract
Purpose: Metastatic melanoma is characterized by extremely poor survival rates and hence novel therapies are urgently required. The ability of many anticancer drugs to activate autophagy, a lysosomalmediated catabolic process which usually promotes cell survival, suggests targeting the autophagy pathway may be a novel means to augment therapy. Experimental Design: Autophagy and apoptosis were assessed in vitro in human melanoma cell lines in response to clinically achievable concentrations of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing drugs fenretinide or bortezomib, and in vivo using a s.c. xenograft model. Results: Autophagy was activated in response to fenretinide or bortezomib in B-RAF wild-type cells, shown by increased conversion of LC3 to the autophagic vesicle-associated form (LC3-II) and redistribution to autophagosomes and autolysosomes, increased acidic vesicular organelle formation and autophagic vacuolization. In contrast, autophagy was significantly reduced in B-RAF-mutated melanoma cells, an effect attributed partly to oncogenic B-RAF. Rapamycin treatment was unable to stimulate LC3-II accumulation or redistribution in the presence of mutated B-RAF, indicative of de-regulated mTORC1-dependent autophagy. Knockdown of Beclin-1 or ATG7 sensitized B-RAF wild-type cells to fenretinide-or bortezomib-induced cell death, demonstrating a pro-survival function of autophagy. In addition, autophagy was partially reactivated in B-RAF-mutated cells treated with the BH3 mimetic ABT737 in combination with fenretinide or bortezomib, suggesting autophagy resistance is partly mediated by abrogated Beclin-1 function. Conclusions: Our findings suggest inhibition of autophagy in combination with ER stress-inducing agents may represent a means by which to harness autophagy for the therapeutic benefit of B-RAF wild-type melanoma. © 2011 American Association for Cancer Research.
- Published
- 2011
17. Growth inhibition and induction of specific hepatic phenotype epression by retinoic acid in HepG2 cells
- Author
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Falasca, L., Marcellini, P., Ara, C., Rufo, A., and Conti, Laura
- Published
- 1999
18. The effect of retinoic acid on the re-estabishment of differentiated phenotype in primary culture
- Author
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Falasca, L., Favale, A., Serafino, A., Ara, C., and Conti, Laura
- Published
- 1998
19. Human Kupffer cells recognition and phagocytosis of apoptotic peripheral blood lymphocytes
- Author
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Falasca, L., Bergamini, A., Serafino, A., Balabaud, C., Dini, L., L., Falasca, A., Bergamini, A., Serafino, C., Balabaud, and Dini, Luciana
- Published
- 1996
20. Type 2 transglutaminase is involved in the autophagy-dependent clearance of ubiquitinated proteins
- Author
-
D'Eletto, M, primary, Farrace, M G, additional, Rossin, F, additional, Strappazzon, F, additional, Giacomo, G Di, additional, Cecconi, F, additional, Melino, G, additional, Sepe, S, additional, Moreno, S, additional, Fimia, G M, additional, Falasca, L, additional, Nardacci, R, additional, and Piacentini, M, additional
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. MODIFICAZIONI DELLA COMPOSIZIONE E FUNZIONE DELLE MEMBRANE DELLE CELLULE EPATICHE DOPO TRATTAMENTO IN VIVO CON PBNO3
- Author
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Dini, L., Ruzzittu, M. T., Vergine, M. C., DE PALMA, A. P., Falasca, L., Serafino, L., Gnoni, G., and P
- Published
- 1994
22. Transglutaminase 2 ablation leads to mitophagy impairment associated with a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis.
- Author
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Rossin, F, D'Eletto, M, Falasca, L, Sepe, S, Cocco, S, Fimia, G M, Campanella, M, Mastroberardino, P G, Farrace, M G, and Piacentini, M
- Subjects
TRANSGLUTAMINASES ,GLYCOLYSIS ,CELL death ,CELLULAR control mechanisms ,MITOCHONDRIAL proteins ,APOPTOSIS - Abstract
Macroautophagy selectively degrades dysfunctional mitochondria by a process known as mitophagy. Here we demonstrate the involvement of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the turnover and degradation of damaged mitochondria. In TG2-ablated cells we observed the presence of a large number of fragmented mitochondria that display decreased membrane potential, downregulation of IF1 along with increased Drp1 and PINK1 levels, two key proteins regulating the mitochondrial fission. Of note, we demonstrate that in healthy mitochondria, TG2 interacts with the dynamic proteins Drp1 and Fis1; interestingly, their interaction is largely reduced upon induction of the fission process by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP). In keeping with these findings, mitochondria lacking TG2 are more susceptible to CCCP treatment. As a consequence of accumulation of damaged mitochondria, cells lacking TG2 increased their aerobic glycolysis and became sensitive to the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). In contrast, TG2-proficient cells are more resistant to 2-DG-induced apoptosis as the caspase 3 is inactivated through the enzyme's crosslinking activity. The data presented in this study show that TG2 plays a key role in cellular dynamics and consequently influences the energetic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 and Transglutaminase 2 act on the same genetic pathway in the apoptotic cell clearance
- Author
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Iadevaia, V, primary, Rinaldi, A, additional, Falasca, L, additional, Pucillo, L P, additional, Alonzi, T, additional, Chimini, G, additional, and Piacentini, M, additional
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Trying to catch the HCV virus in its ‘battle field’
- Author
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Falasca, L, primary, Ciccosanti, F, additional, Nardacci, R, additional, Antonucci, G, additional, and Piacentini, M, additional
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Induced Cell Death in Cytokine-Treated Macrophages Can Be Prevented by Compounds that Inhibit Late Stages of Viral Replication
- Author
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Bergamini, A., primary, Dini, L., additional, Capozzi, M., additional, Ghibelli, L., additional, Placido, R., additional, Faggioli, E., additional, Salanitro, A., additional, Buonanno, E., additional, Cappannoli, L., additional, Ventura, L., additional, Cepparulo, M., additional, Falasca, L., additional, and Rocchi, G., additional
- Published
- 1996
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by liver endothelial cells
- Author
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Dini, L., primary, Lentini, A., additional, Diez, G.D., additional, Rocha, M., additional, Falasca, L., additional, Serafino, L., additional, and Vidal-Vanaclocha, F., additional
- Published
- 1995
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances the susceptibility of macrophages to infection by human immunodeficiency virus and reduces the activity of compounds that inhibit virus binding
- Author
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Bergamini, A, primary, Perno, CF, additional, Dini, L, additional, Capozzi, M, additional, Pesce, CD, additional, Ventura, L, additional, Cappannoli, L, additional, Falasca, L, additional, Milanese, G, additional, and Calio, R, additional
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Nutritional evaluation of fresh and dried goji berries cultivated in Italy
- Author
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Niro, S., Fratianni, A., Gianfranco Panfili, Falasca, L., Cinquanta, L., Alam, M. R., NIRO, Serena, FRATIANNI, Alessandra, PANFILI, Gianfranco, FALASCA, Luisa, CINQUANTA, Luciano, and Alam, Md Rizvi
- Subjects
Lycium barbarum ,goji berries ,superfruit ,wolfberries ,Superfruit ,Settore AGR/15 - Scienze E Tecnologie Alimentari ,Goji berrie ,Wolfberrie - Abstract
The nutritional profile of fresh and dried goji berries cultivated in Italy was investigated. The obtained data confirm goji berries as a source of nutritional and healthy components, such as vitamin E, minerals and fibre. Taking into account the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for minerals and vitamins established by the Commission of the European Communities, Goji berries provide significant amounts of dietary fibre and zeaxanthin and can be declared on the label as a potential source of vitamins E and C. Moreover, dried goji berries can be declared as a source of K, P, Cu, Fe Mn, Zn.
29. NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF FRESH AND DRIED GOJI BERRIES CULTIVATED IN ITALY.
- Author
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NIRO, S., FRATIANNI, A., PANFILI, G., FALASCA, L., CINQUANTA, L., and ALAM, MD RIZVI
- Subjects
- *
BERRIES , *FRUIT composition , *ACID content of fruit , *FIBERS , *NUTRITION - Abstract
The nutritional profile of fresh and dried goji berries cultivated in Italy was investigated. The obtained data confirm goji berries as a source of nutritional and healthy components, such as vitamin E, minerals and fibre. Taking into account the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for minerals and vitamins established by the Commission of the European Communities, Goji berries provide significant amounts of dietary fibre and zeaxanthin and can be declared on the label as a potential source of vitamins E and C. Moreover, dried goji berries can be declared as a source of K, P, Cu, Fe Mn, Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
30. Transglutaminase 2 regulates innate immunity by modulating the STING/TBK1/IRF3 axis
- Author
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Alessandra Sacchi, Roberta Nardacci, Delia Goletti, Nick Barlev, Evgeni Smirnov, Ivana Palucci, Federica Rossin, Fabiola Ciccosanti, Gian Maria Fimia, Laura Falasca, Mauro Piacentini, Linda Petrone, Giovanni Delogu, Franca Del Nonno, Chiara Agrati, Maria Grazia Farrace, Manuela D’Eletto, Luca Occhigrossi, Occhigrossi, L., Rossin, F., D'Eletto, M., Farrace, M. G., Ciccosanti, F., Petrone, L., Sacchi, A., Nardacci, R., Falasca, L., Nonno, F. D., Palucci, I., Smirnov, E., Barlev, N., Agrati, C., Goletti, D., Delogu, G., Fimia, G. M., and Piacentini, M.
- Subjects
Settore BIO/06 ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase ,Immunology ,Biology ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,type 2 transglutaminase ,inflammatory response ,STING ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,TANK-binding kinase 1 ,Immunity ,GTP-Binding Proteins ,Immunology and Allergy ,Animals ,Humans ,Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 ,Membrane Protein ,Mice, Knockout ,Innate immune system ,Transglutaminases ,Animal ,SARS-CoV-2 ,JAK-STAT signaling pathway ,Membrane Proteins ,COVID-19 ,Interferon-beta ,Transglutaminase ,Immunity, Innate ,Cell biology ,Sting ,Knockout mouse ,Phosphorylation ,Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 ,IRF3 ,030215 immunology ,GTP-Binding Protein ,Human ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
We have recently shown that type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) plays a key role in the host’s inflammatory response during bacterial infections. In this study, we investigated whether the enzyme is involved in the regulation of the STING pathway, which is the main signaling activated in the presence of both self- and pathogen DNA in the cytoplasm, leading to type I IFN (IFN I) production. In this study, we demonstrated that TG2 negatively regulates STING signaling by impairing IRF3 phosphorylation in bone marrow–derived macrophages, isolated from wild-type and TG2 knockout mice. In the absence of TG2, we found an increase in the IFN-β production and in the downstream JAK/STAT pathway activation. Interestingly, proteomic analysis revealed that TG2 interacts with TBK1, affecting its interactome composition. Indeed, TG2 ablation facilitates the TBK1–IRF3 interaction, thus indicating that the enzyme plays a negative regulatory effect on IRF3 recruitment in the STING/TBK1 complex. In keeping with these findings, we observed an increase in the IFNβ production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from COVID-19–positive dead patients paralleled by a dramatic decrease of the TG2 expression in the lung pneumocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that TG2 plays a negative regulation on the IFN-β production associated with the innate immunity response to the cytosolic presence of both self- and pathogen DNA.
- Published
- 2021
31. Transglutaminase 2 ablation leads to mitophagy impairment associated with a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis
- Author
-
Federica Rossin, Laura Falasca, Pier G. Mastroberardino, Sara Sepe, Maria Grazia Farrace, Stefania Cocco, Manuela D’Eletto, Mauro Piacentini, Michelangelo Campanella, Gian Maria Fimia, Rossin, F, D'Eletto, M, Falasca, L, Sepe, S, Cocco, S, Fimia, Gian Maria, Campanella, M, Mastroberardino, P. G, Farrace, M. G, Piacentini, M., and Molecular Genetics
- Subjects
FIS1 ,Settore BIO/06 ,Tissue transglutaminase ,Caspase 3 ,Mitochondrion ,Mice ,GTP-Binding Proteins ,Mitophagy ,animals ,autophagy ,glycolysis ,mitochondrial ,transglutaminases ,Autophagy ,Animals ,Humans ,Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 ,Molecular Biology ,Mice, Knockout ,Original Paper ,Transglutaminases ,biology ,Cell Biology ,Aerobiosis ,Mitochondria ,Cell biology ,HEK293 Cells ,Anaerobic glycolysis ,biology.protein ,Mitochondrial fission ,Energy Metabolism ,Glycolysis - Abstract
Macroautophagy selectively degrades dysfunctional mitochondria by a process known as mitophagy. Here we demonstrate the involvement of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the turnover and degradation of damaged mitochondria. In TG2-ablated cells we observed the presence of a large number of fragmented mitochondria that display decreased membrane potential, downregulation of IF1 along with increased Drp1 and PINK1 levels, two key proteins regulating the mitochondrial fission. Of note, we demonstrate that in healthy mitochondria, TG2 interacts with the dynamic proteins Drp1 and Fis1; interestingly, their interaction is largely reduced upon induction of the fission process by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP). In keeping with these findings, mitochondria lacking TG2 are more susceptible to CCCP treatment. As a consequence of accumulation of damaged mitochondria, cells lacking TG2 increased their aerobic glycolysis and became sensitive to the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). In contrast, TG2-proficient cells are more resistant to 2-DG-induced apoptosis as the caspase 3 is inactivated through the enzyme's crosslinking activity. The data presented in this study show that TG2 plays a key role in cellular dynamics and consequently influences the energetic metabolism.
- Published
- 2015
32. Characterization of transglutaminase type II role in dendritic cell differentiation and function
- Author
-
Chaitan Khosla, Alessandra Sacchi, Alessandra Rinaldi, Gennaro Melino, Laura Falasca, Ivana Matic, Mauro Piacentini, Matic, I., Sacchi, A., Rinaldi, A., Melino, G., Khosla, C., Falasca, L., and Piacentini, M.
- Subjects
Male ,Settore BIO/06 ,Tissue transglutaminase ,Cellular differentiation ,Cells ,Immunology ,Dendritic cell differentiation ,Biology ,Inbred C57BL ,Sepsis ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,GTP-Binding Proteins ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Animals ,Humans ,Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 ,Cells, Cultured ,030304 developmental biology ,Isoxazoles ,Dendritic Cells ,Transglutaminases ,Cell Differentiation ,Interleukin-10 ,Interleukin-12 ,Mice, Inbred C57BL ,CD86 ,0303 health sciences ,Cultured ,Human and mouse model ,Inflammation, Extracellular Mediators, & Effector Molecules ,Cell Biology ,medicine.disease ,Cell biology ,Interleukin 10 ,Interleukin 12 ,biology.protein ,TLR4 ,030215 immunology - Abstract
TG2 ablation affects DC maturation and functions leading to a decreased pro-inflammatory response upon endotoxic shock stimulation. DCs play an essential role in the endotoxic shock, and their profound depletion occurs in septic patients and septic mice. TG2−/− mice are more resistant to the endotoxic shock induced by LPS. Here, we studied the cellular and molecular basis of this effect, analyzing the role of the enzyme in DC maturation and function. We show that TG2 is up-regulated drastically during the final, functional maturation of DCs consequent to LPS treatment. In keeping with this finding, the inhibition of the enzyme cross-linking activity determines the impairment of DC function highlighted by wide phenotypic changes associated with a reduced production of cytokines (IL-10, IL-12) after LPS treatment and a lower ability to induce IFN-γ production by naïve T cells. The in vivo analysis of DCs obtained from TG2−/− mice confirmed that the enzyme ablation leads to an impairment of DC maturation and their reduced responsiveness to LPS treatment. In fact, a marked decrease in DC death, TLR4 down-regulation, and impaired up-regulation of MHCII and CD86 were observed in TG2−/− mice. Taken together, these data suggest that TG2 plays an important role in regulating the response of DCs to LPS and could be a candidate target for treating endotoxin-induced sepsis.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Telavancin and daptomycin activity against meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains after vancomycin-resistance selection in vitro
- Author
-
Stefano Di Bella, Silvia D'Arezzo, Mauro Piacentini, Nicola Petrosillo, Luigi Principe, Laura Falasca, E. Bordi, Stefania Stefani, Fabrizio Taglietti, Taglietti, F, Principe, L, Bordi, E, D'Arezzo, S, Di Bella, S, Falasca, L, Piacentini, M, Stefani, S, and Petrosillo, N
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,Lipoglycopeptides ,Settore BIO/06 ,daptomycin ,Drug Resistance ,Telavancin ,antimicrobials ,bacterial resistance ,infectious diseases ,Drug resistance ,Microbial Sensitivity Tests ,medicine.disease_cause ,Microbiology ,Genetic ,Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ,medicine ,Humans ,Selection, Genetic ,Selection ,Vancomycin resistance ,business.industry ,Bacterial ,Vancomycin Resistance ,General Medicine ,In vitro ,Daptomycin ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Aminoglycosides ,Meticillin resistant ,Staphylococcus aureus ,antimicrobial ,business ,Multiple ,medicine.drug - Abstract
NA
- Published
- 2013
34. Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Induced Cell Death in Cytokine-Treated Macrophages Can Be Prevented by Compounds that Inhibit Late Stages of Viral Replication
- Author
-
M. Cepparulo, Laura Ventura, A. Salanitro, G. Rocchi, Luisa Cappannoli, Emanuela Faggioli, Laura Falasca, M. Capozzi, Roberta Placido, Elena Buonanno, Alberto Bergamini, Lina Ghibelli, Luciana Dini, Bergamini, A, Dini, Luciana, Capozzi, M, Ghibelli, L, Placido, R, Faggioli, E, Salanitro, A, Buonanno, E, Cappannoli, L, Ventura, L, Cepparulo, M, Falasca, L, and Rocchi, G.
- Subjects
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor ,Programmed cell death ,Necrosis ,Cells ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Apoptosis ,Biology ,Virus Replication ,Antiviral Agents ,Giant Cells ,Virus ,Microbiology ,Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral ,medicine ,Humans ,Immunology and Allergy ,Macrophage ,Viral ,Cells, Cultured ,Cytopathic effect ,Cultured ,Cell Death ,Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ,Macrophages ,Settore BIO/13 ,HIV ,DNA ,Virology ,Infectious Diseases ,Cytokine ,medicine.symptom ,Cytopathogenic Effect - Abstract
The basis of the cytopathic effect induced by a laboratory strain and several clinical isolates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in human macrophages cultured in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor was studied. Infected macrophages die of necrosis, the consequence of the production of mature virions in infected cells. Cell death can be prevented by antiviral compounds that interfere with the assembly and budding of virions. Programmed cell death (apoptosis), a potential mechanism of HIV-mediated cell death in CD4 T lymphocytes, does not occur in infected macrophages as shown by electron microscopy, cytofluorometric and gel electrophoretic DNA analysis, and nuclear fluorescent staining by Hoechst and terminal dUTP-nick-end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. The data suggest that macrophage killing by HIV may occur in vivo. Thus, combination therapies that include compounds that inhibit the cytopathic effect of HIV in macrophages should be considered for AIDS patients.
- Published
- 1996
35. Longitudinal characterization of dysfunctional T cell-activation during human acute Ebola infection
- Author
-
Emanuele Nicastri, Eleonora Lalle, Alessandra Sacchi, Nicola Tumino, Gary P. Kobinger, Simone Lanini, Nicola Petrosillo, Rita Casetti, Veronica Bordoni, A. Di Caro, Concetta Castilletti, Licia Bordi, F. Martini, A. Zumla, Domenico Viola, Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, Chiara Agrati, Vincenzo Puro, Eleonora Cimini, Giuseppe Ippolito, Federica Turchi, Mauro Piacentini, Laura Falasca, Agrati, C., Castilletti, C., Casetti, R., Sacchi, A., Falasca, L., Turchi, F., Tumino, N., Bordoni, V., Cimini, E., Viola, D., Lalle, E., Bordi, L., Lanini, S., Martini, F., Nicastri, E., Petrosillo, N., Puro, V., Piacentini, M., Di Caro, A., Kobinger, G. P., Zumla, A., Ippolito, G., and Capobianchi, M. R.
- Subjects
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay ,Cancer Research ,Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor ,Apoptosis ,Disease ,CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ,Lymphocyte Activation ,medicine.disease_cause ,Pathogenesis ,0302 clinical medicine ,Monoclonal ,Longitudinal Studies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,ELISPOT ,Antibodies, Monoclonal ,Middle Aged ,Ebolavirus ,Flow Cytometry ,Immunohistochemistry ,3. Good health ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Ebola ,Original Article ,Antibody ,ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 ,Adult ,HLA-DR Antigens ,Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ,Humans ,Interferon-gamma ,fas Receptor ,Settore BIO/06 ,T cell ,Immunology ,Biology ,Antibodies ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,Immune system ,medicine ,Ebola virus ,Cell Biology ,Virology ,030104 developmental biology ,biology.protein ,Hemorrhagic Fever ,CD8 - Abstract
Data on immune responses during human Ebola virus disease (EVD) are scanty, due to limitations imposed by biosafety requirements and logistics. A sustained activation of T-cells was recently described but functional studies during the acute phase of human EVD are still missing. Aim of this work was to evaluate the kinetics and functionality of T-cell subsets, as well as the expression of activation, autophagy, apoptosis and exhaustion markers during the acute phase of EVD until recovery. Two EVD patients admitted to the Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, were sampled sequentially from soon after symptom onset until recovery and analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISpot assay. An early and sustained decrease of CD4 T-cells was seen in both patients, with an inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio that was reverted during the recovery period. In parallel with the CD4 T-cell depletion, a massive T-cell activation occurred and was associated with autophagic/apoptotic phenotype, enhanced expression of the exhaustion marker PD-1 and impaired IFN-gamma production. The immunological impairment was accompanied by EBV reactivation. The association of an early and sustained dysfunctional T-cell activation in parallel to an overall CD4 T-cell decline may represent a previously unknown critical point of Ebola virus (EBOV)-induced immune subversion. The recent observation of late occurrence of EBOV-associated neurological disease highlights the importance to monitor the immuno-competence recovery at discharge as a tool to evaluate the risk of late sequelae associated with resumption of EBOV replication. Further studies are required to define the molecular mechanisms of EVD-driven activation/exhaustion and depletion of T-cells.
- Published
- 2016
36. Type 2 transglutaminase is involved in the autophagy-dependent clearance of ubiquitinated proteins
- Author
-
Sara Sepe, Maria Grazia Farrace, Federica Rossin, Roberta Nardacci, Gerry Melino, Gian Maria Fimia, Manuela D’Eletto, G Di Giacomo, Flavie Strappazzon, Mauro Piacentini, Francesco Cecconi, Sandra Moreno, Laura Falasca, D'Eletto, M, Farrace, M. G, Rossin, F, Strappazzon, F, Giacomo, G. Di, Cecconi, F, Melino, G, Sepe, S, Moreno, S, Fimia, Gian Maria, Falasca, L, Nardacci, R, Piacentini, M., D’Eletto, M, Farrace, Mg, Di Giacomo, Gd, Moreno, Sandra, and Fimia, Gm
- Subjects
Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex ,Transcription Factor ,Knockout ,Protein aggregation ,Biology ,Inclusion bodies ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,GTP-binding protein regulators ,JUNQ and IPOD ,Ubiquitin ,HEK293 Cell ,GTP-Binding Proteins ,Microtubule ,Ubiquitinated Protein ,Autophagy ,Animals ,Humans ,Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 ,HEK293 Cells ,Transcription Factors ,Transglutaminases ,Ubiquitinated Proteins ,Settore BIO/10 ,Molecular Biology ,030304 developmental biology ,2. Zero hunger ,Mice, Knockout ,Original Paper ,0303 health sciences ,Animal ,Cell Biology ,Transglutaminase ,Cell biology ,Aggresome ,biology.protein ,Transcription Factor TFIIH ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,GTP-Binding Protein ,Human - Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are equipped with an efficient quality control system to selectively eliminate misfolded and damaged proteins, and organelles. Abnormal polypeptides that escape from proteasome-dependent degradation and aggregate in the cytosol can be transported via microtubules to inclusion bodies called ‘aggresomes', where misfolded proteins are confined and degraded by autophagy. Here, we show that Type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) knockout mice display impaired autophagy and accumulate ubiquitinated protein aggregates upon starvation. Furthermore, p62-dependent peroxisome degradation is also impaired in the absence of TG2. We also demonstrate that, under cellular stressful conditions, TG2 physically interacts with p62 and they are localized in cytosolic protein aggregates, which are then recruited into autophagosomes, where TG2 is degraded. Interestingly, the enzyme's crosslinking activity is activated during autophagy and its inhibition leads to the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Taken together, these data indicate that the TG2 transamidating activity has an important role in the assembly of protein aggregates, as well as in the clearance of damaged organelles by macroautophagy.
- Published
- 2012
37. Interaction between isolated and purified liver cells and small unilamellar liposomes
- Author
-
Giuseppe Mossa, Laura Falasca, A. Di Giulio, Luciana Dini, Alessandro Finazzi-Agrò, M. T. Ruzzittu, Dini, Luciana, Falasca, L, Ruzzittu, Mt, Mossa, G, Finazzi Agrò, A, and Di Giulio, A.
- Subjects
Male ,Kupffer Cells ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Cell Separation ,Biology ,Cytoplasmic Granules ,medicine ,Animals ,Rats, Wistar ,Internalization ,Cells, Cultured ,media_common ,Differential centrifugation ,Liposome ,Hepatology ,Liver cell ,Vesicle ,Kupffer cell ,Rats ,Endothelial stem cell ,Microscopy, Electron ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Biochemistry ,Liver ,Hepatocyte ,Liposomes ,Biophysics - Abstract
AIMS/BACKGROUND The mechanism of interaction and the role played by the vesicle lipid composition for the selective association between liposomes and liver cells were studied, at the ultrastructural level, by investigating both in situ and in vitro the interaction between hepatocytes, Kupffer and endothelial liver cells with egg-phosphatidylcholine (eggPC) or eggPC/stearylamine (9:1; mol:mol) reverse-phase evaporation (REV) liposomes. METHODS Liver cells from rats, isolated by enzymatic perfusion and purified by differential centrifugation, were incubated, in a rotating bath at 37 degrees C, with liposomes (2.5 mM final liposomal lipid concentration). Cell aliquots were withdrawn and processed for electron microscope observation at fixed time intervals. Parallel experiments were carried out by in situ liver perfusion with liposome suspensions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Our first conclusions are: 1) lipidic composition affects the rate of liposomes uptake and internalization by hepatocytes; 2) liposome uptake by hepatocytes or Kupffer cells is likely an endocytic process; 3) endothelial cells internalize lipid vesicles as well; 4) liposome uptake was due to a phagocytic activity for all isolated liver cells, while in the in situ observation endothelial cells seem to use another mechanism (fusion); and 5) the rate of internalization is related to the viability of the treated cells. Experimental data seem to indicate that differential behaviour in the internalization of lipid vesicles exists among parenchymal, Kupffer and endothelial liver cells. These differences suggest that clearance of liposomes by these cells involves two mechanisms (i.e., endocytosis or fusion) with different rates of uptake and internalization that facilitate the design of carriers that can deliver drugs preferentially to a specific liver cell type.
- Published
- 1998
38. Modulation of proliferative activity and amino acid transport in chick embryo hepatocytes by EGF and retinoic acid
- Author
-
Terenzi, F., Laura Falasca, Marino, M., Mele, R., Velardi, G., Conti Devirgiliis, L., Terenzi, F, Falasca, L, Marino, Maria, Mele, R, Velardi, G, and CONTI DEVIRGILIIS, L.
- Subjects
aminoacid transport ,chick embryo hepatocytes ,dna synthesis ,egf ,retinoic acid ,signal transduction ,Epidermal Growth Factor ,Biological Transport ,Tretinoin ,Chick Embryo ,Liver ,Animals ,Amino Acids ,Cell Division ,Cells, Cultured ,Cellular Senescence - Abstract
In this work, the proliferative activity of chick embryo hepatocytes and its regulation by factors affecting cell growth, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and retinoic acid, were studied. The transport of nutritional molecules, like amino acids, was also investigated; in particular, the uptake mediated by the Na+ -dependent system A, known to be under hormonal and growth factor control. Moreover, some steps in the transduction pathway of mitogenic signal were analyzed, both for EGF and retinoic acid treatment. Results obtained suggest that chick embryo hepatocytes growth in an exclusive serum dependent way shows an early sensibility to EGF stimulation as regards to the proliferative activity and amino acid transport, responds to retinoic acid treatment and lack of contact inhibition. Moreover, as far as the signal transduction is concerned, at early stages, they do not seem to be able to utilize the same signal molecules as observed in adult life.
- Published
- 1997
39. Expression of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in cultured rat hepatocytes is modulated by cell density
- Author
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Angelina Felici, Laura Falasca, Luciana Dini, L. Conti Devirgiliis, Mara Massimi, Massimi, M, Falasca, L, Felici, A, Dini, Luciana, and Conti Devirgiliis, L.
- Subjects
Male ,Cellular differentiation ,Cell ,cell density dependence ,Biophysics ,Asialoglycoproteins ,Cell Count ,Receptors, Cell Surface ,Asialoglycoprotein Receptor ,Biochemistry ,Cell density ,medicine ,Animals ,asialoglycoprotein receptor ,cultured hepatocytes ,RNA, Messenger ,Rats, Wistar ,Receptor ,Molecular Biology ,Cells, Cultured ,Messenger RNA ,Cellular density ,Chemistry ,Cell Biology ,DNA ,Molecular biology ,Cell biology ,Rats ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Gene Expression Regulation ,Liver ,Asialoglycoprotein receptor - Abstract
The influence of cell density on expression of the asialoglycoprotein receptor system in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes was evaluated by measuring the level of the receptor specific mRNA. When the hepatocytes are cultured at high cellular density and are not in a proliferative condition, the transcript molecules of the receptor appear increased about 50% with respect to the low plating density, indicating a modulation of asialoglycoprotein receptor expression at transcriptional level. Such control may be dependent on surface molecules involved in cell specific reassociation, since it is well known that cell contacts play a significant regulatory role in differentiated cells.
- Published
- 1996
40. Recognition and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells
- Author
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Dini, L., Ruzittu, M. T., Laura Falasca, Dini, Luciana, Ruzittu, Mt, and Falasca, L.
- Subjects
Male ,Apoptosis ,endothelial cells ,Rats ,Mice ,Liver ,Phagocytosis ,galactose-specific receptors ,Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ,Animals ,Humans ,hepatocytes ,Kupffer cells ,Lymphocytes ,Rats, Wistar ,mannose-specific receptors ,Biology - Abstract
Physiological elimination of unwanted cells within the organism occurs via cell death by apoptosis and phagocytosis of these cells represents a key event in the apoptotic process. Macrophages, which are the dedicated phagocytes, and other occasionally phagocytic cells ingest the apoptotic cells while they are still intact, thus preventing the leakage of potentially harmful materials from the dying cells. Although evidence has been presented that the elimination of apoptotic bodies from the tissue operates by means of specific recognition systems, the molecular mechanisms by which an apoptotic cell is recognized are poorly understood. Recent data indicate that phagocyte recognition of apoptotic cells involves at least four classes of receptors on the phagocyte surface. On the other side, dying cells may display different signals to signal their status. Exposure of phosphatidyl serine (PS) on the surface of apoptotic lymphocytes triggers their specific recognition and removal by macrophages. Apoptotic thymocytes are also identified by altered lipid packing on their surface. Different populations of macrophages use either the vitronectin receptor or the PS receptor to recognize and remove apoptotic cells. It has been suggested that the asialoglycoprotein and the galactose-specific receptors of healthy hepatocytes and sinusoidal liver cells are implicated in the engulfment of apoptotic hepatocytes, likely in cooperation with other hepatic carbohydrate-specific receptor systems. The purpose of this review is to examine current knowledge of the mechanisms by which phagocytes recognize and ingest apoptotic cells.
- Published
- 1996
41. Localization and interaction of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and tryptase in the granules of bovine mast cells
- Author
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Luciana Dini, Fulvio Erba, Laura Falasca, Laura Fiorucci, Franca Ascoli, Fiorucci, L, Erba, F, Falasca, L, Dini, Luciana, and Ascoli, F.
- Subjects
Biophysics ,Tryptase ,Cytoplasmic Granules ,Biochemistry ,law.invention ,Mast cell ,Aprotinin ,Chymases ,law ,In vivo ,medicine ,Animals ,Mast Cells ,Settore BIO/10 ,Microscopy, Immunoelectron ,Molecular Biology ,Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Serine protease ,biology ,Serine Endopeptidases ,Immunogold labelling ,Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ,Molecular biology ,In vitro ,Enzyme ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Liver ,chemistry ,Localization ,biology.protein ,Cattle ,Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ,Tryptases ,Electron microscope ,BPTI - Abstract
The interaction of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and bovine tryptase, isolated from liver capsule mast cells, was investigated. They form a complex in vitro with a Ki of 5.6 nM at pH 8.0 and are localized within the mast cell granules, as shown by immunogold staining at the electron microscope level. In addition, double immunogold electron microscopy revealed that the inhibitor and the enzyme are present in the same granules, where they occur in clusters; this may be taken as an indication of their interaction in vivo and suggests a physiological role for bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor in the regulation of tryptase proteolytic activity.
- Published
- 1995
42. Galactose-specific receptor modulation related to the onset of apoptosis in rat liver
- Author
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Dini, L., Laura Falasca, Lentini, A., Mattioli, P., Piacentini, M., Piredda, L., Autuori, F., Dini, Luciana, Falasca, L, Lentini, A, Mattioli, P, Piacentini, M, Piredda, L, and Autuori, F.
- Subjects
Male ,Hyperplasia ,Nitrates ,Kupffer Cells ,Carbohydrates ,Apoptosis ,Coated Pits, Cell-Membrane ,Receptors, Cell Surface ,Asialoglycoprotein Receptor ,Endocytosis ,Rats ,Gene Expression Regulation ,Lead ,Liver ,Animals ,RNA, Messenger ,Rats, Wistar - Abstract
The expression of the asialoglycoprotein receptor of hepatocytes and the galactose-specific receptors of non-parenchymal liver cells during the onset of apoptosis in liver of rats treated with lead nitrate was studied. During the involution of lead nitrate-induced hyperplasia in rat liver (occurring at 5 days after the injection) a significant increase of asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) expression on hepatocytes coincided with the massive death by apoptosis of the same cells. The increase in the receptor expression was sustained by a large increase in the level of its specific mRNA. As a consequence of lead nitrate injection, we also detected a drastic change of the galactose-specific receptor expression and distribution on the surface of rat liver sinusoidal cells. However, the modulation of the receptor expression on the Kupffer cells did not parallel that observed for the ASGP-R: the peak of surface expression measured on hepatocytes always followed the one observed on Kupffer cells. Our data show a first evidence of a receptor modulation during the process of apoptosis. In fact, the entire carbohydrate recognition system of the liver is modulated during the onset of apoptosis induced by lead nitrate injection, but the pattern of modulation depends on the cellular types. We suggest that a physiological role for the hepatic carbohydrate recognition systems is related to the apoptosis of liver.
- Published
- 1993
43. The simultaneous exposition of galactose and mannose-specific receptors on rat liver macrophages is developmentally regulated
- Author
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Luciana Dini, Laura Falasca, Alessandro Lentini, Francesco Autuori, Lentini, A, Falasca, L, Autuori, F, and Dini, Luciana
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Aging ,Kupffer Cells ,Biophysics ,Mannose ,Receptors, Cell Surface ,Biochemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Macrophage ,Animals ,Lectins, C-Type ,Bovine serum albumin ,Rats, Wistar ,Receptors, Immunologic ,Receptor ,Molecular Biology ,Mannan ,biology ,Kupffer cell ,Galactose ,Cell Biology ,Molecular biology ,Rats ,Microscopy, Electron ,Endocrinology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Mannose-Binding Lectins ,chemistry ,Animals, Newborn ,Liver ,Ageing ,biology.protein ,Mannose Receptor - Abstract
We studied the simultaneous binding of galactose and mannose-exposing ligands in sinusoidal rat liver cells during development and aging. The galactose-specific receptors were visualized using 17 nm diameter colloidal gold particles coupled with Lactosylated bovine serum albumine (LacBSA), while mannose-specific receptors were localized by means of 5 nm diameter particles adsorbed with mannan. We observed the presence of four different classes of Kupffer cells in relation to the ligands bound. The percentage of each group of Kupffer cells varied in relation to the age of the subject from which the sample was taken. There were few double-labelled cells in the livers from newborn rats, with numbers increasing with age to adulthood, and decreasing again in the older animals. Cells without labelling were in the majority after birth, but they decreased in number up to adulthood and increased again during subsequent aging. The numbers of single-labelled cells did not change significantly during liver maturation. We hypothesize that the exposition of galactose and mannose-specific receptorial systems is regulated by developmental conditions.
- Published
- 1992
44. Receptor mediated endocytosis of N-acetylglucosamine and mannose exposing molecules by cultured chick embryo hepatocytes
- Author
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Laura Falasca, Lentini, A., Dini, L., Falasca, L, Lentini, A, and Dini, Luciana
- Subjects
Mannans ,Liver ,Cell Membrane ,Animals ,Carbohydrate Metabolism ,Biological Transport ,Receptors, Cell Surface ,Chick Embryo ,Ligands ,Cells, Cultured ,Endocytosis ,Serum Albumin ,Acetylglucosamine - Abstract
We studied the receptor mediated endocytosis of a modified glycoprotein (N-acetylglucosamine-BSA) and mannan in cultured hepatocytes isolated from 19-days-old embryos. The binding sites for molecules exposing terminal N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNac) and mannose residues were localized and quantified at the ultrastructural level by means of protein-gold complexes. The binding sites were found to be randomly distributed as single gold particles on cultured hepatocyte cell surfaces not restricted to specialized areas of the plasma membrane. The gold ligands were internalized following a receptor mediated pathway, which was studied at different interval times (15, 30 and 60 min.) after incubating the cells with the electron dense markers.
- Published
- 1992
45. Chick hepatic lectins: an electron microscopic study on isolated hepatocytes during development
- Author
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Palma Mattioli, Luciana Dini, Laura Falasca, Falasca, L, Mattioli, P, and Dini, Luciana
- Subjects
animal structures ,Molecular Sequence Data ,Biophysics ,Mannose ,Chick Embryo ,Biology ,Biochemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Lectins ,medicine ,Animals ,Binding site ,Receptor ,Molecular Biology ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Binding Sites ,Galactose ,Embryo ,Cell Biology ,Immunogold labelling ,carbohydrates (lipids) ,Microscopy, Electron ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,Animals, Newborn ,Carbohydrate Sequence ,Liver ,Hepatocyte ,embryonic structures ,Ultrastructure ,Glycoprotein ,Chickens - Abstract
We studied the carbohydrate recognition systems of hepatocytes isolated from 16-day-old embryos, 19-day-old embryos and chicks within 24 h of hatching. We localized and quantified at the ultrastructural level the binding sites for glycoproteins exposing terminal N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), mannose and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues by means of protein-gold complexes. Binding sites specific for GlcNAc and mannose residues are present on hepatocytes from embryos and chicks. On the contrary GalNAc specific binding sites are exclusively observed on cells from 16-day-old embryos. The number and distribution of gold particles on hepatocyte cell surfaces depend on the binding sites and the age considered. We describe a modulation in the number of GlcNAc, and mannose specific receptors present on the cell surface between the embryonal stage and neonatal life.
- Published
- 1991
46. In vivo uptake of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase. Morphological evidence for preferential endocytosis and accumulation by sinusoidal liver cells
- Author
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Dini, L., Laura Falasca, Rossi, L., Rotilio, G., Dini, Luciana, Falasca, L, Rossi, L, and Rotilio, G.
- Subjects
Male ,Kidney Cortex ,Time Factors ,Liver ,Superoxide Dismutase ,Animals ,Cattle ,Tissue Distribution ,Gold Colloid ,Rats, Wistar ,Endocytosis ,Rats - Abstract
Bovine Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), conjugated to colloidal gold, was intravenously administered to rats and its distribution studied by electron microscopy. Liver was the preferential site of accumulation of gold-labelled SOD. Among liver cells types, Kupffer and endothelial cells showed the presence of the protein earlier than hepatocytes. Uptake by kidney showed slower kinetics than liver. No uptake by heart could be detected. The gold-labelled SOD was localized inside coated pits, coated vesicles and other non-coated endocytic compartments. Absence of binding by BSA-gold complexes and competition between free SOD and the gold-labelled one demonstrated the specificity of the uptake process. Our morphological evidences suggest that in vivo internalization of SOD occurs most likely through receptor-mediated endocytosis.
47. Evaluation of the Local and Peripheral Immune Responses in Patients with Cystic Echinococcosis.
- Author
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Petrone L, Najafi-Fard S, Falasca L, Sbarra S, Teggi A, Nicastri E, Grillo LR, Burocchi M, Ettorre GM, Ludovisi A, Colombo D, Del Nonno F, and Goletti D
- Abstract
Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) cysts may persist for decades because of immune modulation mechanisms. Here, we characterize the cysts and the blood immune responses in patients with CE., Methods: We enrolled 61 patients with CE and 19 control subjects. We received tissue samples from seven patients with CE and a control subject requiring liver cystectomy. The immunohistochemistry evaluation of the immune cell subtypes and cytokines in the pericysts and surrounding liver and the antigen B (AgB)-specific response analysis of whole blood were performed., Results: In CE, the pericyst and the surrounding liver parenchyma showed aggregates of CD3
+ T lymphocytes, mainly CD4+ . B lymphocyte aggregates were present in the liver tissue. Monocytes/granulocytes were rarely observed. Th2 cytokine expression was scarce, whereas IFN-γ expression was present in the CE tissues. The control subject did not show an inflammatory infiltrate. The IL-4-specific response to AgB was increased in the patients with CE compared to the control, and this result was confirmed in a larger cohort ( p = 0.003), whereas the IFN-γ-response was similar between the two groups ( p = 0.5570)., Conclusion: In patients with CE, CD4+ lymphocytes infiltrate the pericyst and the surrounding liver tissue with a low IL-4/IL-13 expression level and a moderate IFN-γ expression level; moreover, an IL-4 parasite-specific response is detected in the periphery. These results support adventitia involvement in CE immunopathogenesis.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Utility of Liver Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Management of Possible Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Patients Receiving Antituberculosis Therapy: A Retrospective Study.
- Author
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Gualano G, Zace D, Mosti S, Mencarini P, Musso M, Libertone R, Cerva C, Goletti D, Rianda A, Del Nonno F, Falasca L, and Palmieri F
- Abstract
Background: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) secondary to ATT treatment (TB-DILI) is reported in 2-28% of patients. We present here a series of clinical cases of suspected DILI arising during antituberculosis treatment, studied with the aid of liver biopsy., Methods: this was a retrospective descriptive study including 10 tuberculosis patients who underwent liver biopsy for suspected TB-DILI at the "Lazzaro Spallanzani" Institute from 2017 to 2022., Results: Ten patients who underwent LB were extracted from the database and included in the retrospective study cohort. According to the clinical classification, eight patients had hepatocellular liver injury, one patient had cholestatic injury, and another had mixed-type injury. Histopathological diagnosis revealed liver damage due to DILI in 5/10 (50%) cases. In one case, liver biopsy showed necrotizing granulomatous hepatitis., Conclusions: Severe and persistent elevation of hepatic transaminases, hepatic cholestasis despite discontinuation of therapy, and other suspected hepatic conditions are indications for liver biopsy, which remains a valuable tool in the evaluation of selected tuberculosis patients with suspected DILI for many reasons. However, the decision to perform a liver biopsy should be based on clinical judgment, considering the benefits and risks of the procedure.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Transglutaminase Type 2-MITF axis regulates phenotype switching in skin cutaneous melanoma.
- Author
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Muccioli S, Brillo V, Varanita T, Rossin F, Zaltron E, Velle A, Alessio G, Angi B, Severin F, Tosi A, D'Eletto M, Occhigrossi L, Falasca L, Checchetto V, Ciaccio R, Fascì A, Chieregato L, Rebelo AP, Giacomello M, Rosato A, Szabò I, Romualdi C, Piacentini M, and Leanza L
- Subjects
- Humans, Transglutaminases genetics, Transglutaminases metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Melanocytes metabolism, Phenotype, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor genetics, Cell Line, Tumor, Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant, Melanoma pathology, Skin Neoplasms genetics, Skin Neoplasms metabolism
- Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its high heterogeneity that drives tumor aggressiveness. Melanoma plasticity consists of two distinct phenotypic states that co-exist in the tumor niche, the proliferative and the invasive, respectively associated with a high and low expression of MITF, the master regulator of melanocyte lineage. However, despite efforts, melanoma research is still far from exhaustively dissecting this phenomenon. Here, we discovered a key function of Transglutaminase Type-2 (TG2) in regulating melanogenesis by modulating MITF transcription factor expression and its transcriptional activity. Importantly, we demonstrated that TG2 expression affects melanoma invasiveness, highlighting its positive value in SKCM. These results suggest that TG2 may have implications in the regulation of the phenotype switching by promoting melanoma differentiation and impairing its metastatic potential. Our findings offer potential perspectives to unravel melanoma vulnerabilities via tuning intra-tumor heterogeneity., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. The purinergic receptor P2X7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome are druggable host factors required for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Author
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Lécuyer D, Nardacci R, Tannous D, Gutierrez-Mateyron E, Deva Nathan A, Subra F, Di Primio C, Quaranta P, Petit V, Richetta C, Mostefa-Kara A, Del Nonno F, Falasca L, Marlin R, Maisonnasse P, Delahousse J, Pascaud J, Deprez E, Naigeon M, Chaput N, Paci A, Saada V, Ghez D, Mariette X, Costa M, Pistello M, Allouch A, Delelis O, Piacentini M, Le Grand R, and Perfettini JL
- Subjects
- Humans, NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein metabolism, NLR Proteins, COVID-19 Drug Treatment, SARS-CoV-2 metabolism, Inflammation, Receptors, Purinergic, Inflammasomes metabolism, COVID-19
- Abstract
Purinergic receptors and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome regulate inflammation and viral infection, but their effects on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the purinergic receptor P2X7 and NLRP3 inflammasome are cellular host factors required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lung autopsies from patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reveal that NLRP3 expression is increased in host cellular targets of SARS-CoV-2 including alveolar macrophages, type II pneumocytes and syncytia arising from the fusion of infected macrophages, thus suggesting a potential role of NLRP3 and associated signaling pathways to both inflammation and viral replication. In vitro studies demonstrate that NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation is detected upon macrophage abortive infection. More importantly, a weak activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is also detected during the early steps of SARS-CoV-2 infection of epithelial cells and promotes the viral replication in these cells. Interestingly, the purinergic receptor P2X7, which is known to control NLRP3 inflammasome activation, also favors the replication of D614G and alpha SARS-CoV-2 variants. Altogether, our results reveal an unexpected relationship between the purinergic receptor P2X7, the NLRP3 inflammasome and the permissiveness to SARS-CoV-2 infection that offers novel opportunities for COVID-19 treatment., Competing Interests: DT and AA were employed by NH TherAguix SAS. Authors DL, DT, AA, FS, OD and J-LP are listed as co-inventors on a patent application related to SARS-CoV-2 therapy. AP and J-LP are founding members of Findimmune SAS, an Immuno-Oncology Biotech company. J-LP disclosed research funding not related to this work from NH TherAguix and Wonna Therapeutics. NC disclosed research funding not related to this work from GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Cytune pharma and Sanofi. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2023 Lécuyer, Nardacci, Tannous, Gutierrez-Mateyron, Deva Nathan, Subra, Di Primio, Quaranta, Petit, Richetta, Mostefa-Kara, Del Nonno, Falasca, Marlin, Maisonnasse, Delahousse, Pascaud, Deprez, Naigeon, Chaput, Paci, Saada, Ghez, Mariette, Costa, Pistello, Allouch, Delelis, Piacentini, Le Grand and Perfettini.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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