96 results on '"Alessia Di Giancamillo"'
Search Results
2. Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Rabbit Diet Modulates Gene Expression of Cytokines, Gut–Vascular Barrier, and Red-Ox-Related Molecules in the Gut Wall
- Author
-
Federica Riva, Susanna Draghi, Alessia Inglesi, Joel Filipe, Paola Cremonesi, Antonio Lavazza, Patrizia Cavadini, Daniele Vigo, Stella Agradi, Laura Menchetti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Lucia Aidos, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Nour Elhouda Fehri, Grazia Pastorelli, Valentina Serra, Claudia Maria Balzaretti, Marta Castrica, Marco Severgnini, Gabriele Brecchia, and Giulio Curone
- Subjects
nutraceutical ,bovine colostrum ,gene expression ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Rabbits, pivotal in the EU as livestock, pets, and experimental animals, face bacterial infection challenges, prompting a quest for alternatives to curb antibiotic resistance. Bovine colostrum (BC), rich in immunoregulatory compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors, is explored for disease treatment and prevention. This study assesses BC diet supplementation effects on rabbit intestines, examining gene expression. Thirty female New Zealand White rabbits at weaning (35 days) were divided into three experimental groups: control (commercial feed), 2.5% BC, and 5% BC. The diets were administered until slaughtering (81 days). BC-upregulated genes in the jejunum included IL-8, TGF-β, and CTNN-β1 at 5% BC, while PLVAP at 2.5% BC. Antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GSR) were downregulated in the cecum and colon with 2.5% BC. BC 5% promoted IL-8 in the jejunum, fostering inflammation and immune cell migration. It also induced genes regulating inflammatory responses (TGF-β) and gastrointestinal permeability (CTNN-β1). BC 5% enhanced antioxidant activity in the cecum and colon, but no significant impact on anti-myxo antibody production was observed. These results suggest that BC has significant effects on the rabbit gastrointestinal tract’s inflammatory and antioxidant response, but further research is required to fully understand its histological and physiological impact.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Intestine Health and Barrier Function in Fattening Rabbits Fed Bovine Colostrum
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Margherita Pallaoro, Giorgio Mirra, Valentina Serra, Marta Castrica, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Federica Riva, Claudia Maria Balzaretti, Roberta De Bellis, Grazia Pastorelli, Gabriele Brecchia, Silvia Clotilde Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
intestinal barrier ,rabbits ,intestinal health ,zonulin ,enteric nervous system ,bovine colostrum ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
The permeability of the immature intestine is higher in newborns than in adults; a damaged gut barrier in young animals increases the susceptibility to digestive and infectious diseases later in life. It is therefore of major importance to avoid impairment of the intestinal barrier, specifically in a delicate phase of development, such as weaning. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on the intestinal barrier, such as the intestinal morphology and proliferation level and tight junctions expression (zonulin) and enteric nervous system (ENS) inflammation status (through the expression of PGP9.5 and GFAP) in fattening rabbits. Rabbits of 35 days of age were randomly divided into three groups (n = 13) based on the dietary administration: commercial feed (control group, CTR) and commercial feed supplemented with 2.5% and 5% bovine colostrum (BC1 and BC2 groups, respectively). Rabbits receiving the BC1 diet showed a tendency to have better duodenum morphology and higher proliferation rates (p < 0.001) than the control group. An evaluation of the zonulin expression showed that it was higher in the BC2 group, suggesting increased permeability, which was partially confirmed by the expression of GFAP. Our results suggest that adding 2.5% BC into the diet could be a good compromise between intestinal morphology and permeability, since rabbits fed the highest inclusion level of BC showed signs of higher intestinal permeability.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Assessment of a Thermosensitive Injectable Chitosan-Based Hydrogel for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
- Author
-
Barbara Canciani, Francesca Semeraro, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Francesca Gervaso, Alessandro Polini, Antonella Stanzione, Giuseppe Michele Peretti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, and Laura Mangiavini
- Subjects
chitosan ,hydrogel ,injectable ,thermosensitive ,scaffold ,tissue engineering ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Musculoskeletal impairments, especially cartilage and meniscus lesions, are some of the major contributors to disabilities. Thus, novel tissue engineering strategies are being developed to overcome these issues. In this study, the aim was to investigate the biocompatibility, in vitro and in vivo, of a thermosensitive, injectable chitosan-based hydrogel loaded with three different primary mesenchymal stromal cells. The cell types were human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hASCs), human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs), and neonatal porcine infrapatellar fat-derived cells (IFPCs). For the in vitro study, the cells were encapsulated in sol-phase hydrogel, and then, analyzed via live/dead assay at 1, 4, 7, and 14 days to compare their capacity to survive in the hydrogel. To assess biocompatibility in vivo, cellularized scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted in the dorsal pouches of nude mice and analyzed at 4 and 12 weeks. Our data showed that all the different cell types survived (the live cell percentages were between 60 and 80 at all time points in vitro) and proliferated in the hydrogel (from very few at 4 weeks to up to 30% at 12 weeks in vivo); moreover, the cell-laden hydrogels did not trigger an immune response in vivo. Hence, our hydrogel formulation showed a favorable profile in terms of safety and biocompatibility, and it may be applied in tissue engineering strategies for cartilage and meniscus repair.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. How Do Alternative Protein Resources Affect the Intestine Morphology and Microbiota of Atlantic Salmon?
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Giorgio Mirra, Margherita Pallaoro, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Giuseppe Radaelli, Chiara Bazzocchi, Silvia Clotilde Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
Atlantic salmon ,fishmeal replacement ,intestine health ,intestine morphology microbiota ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
The availability and cost of fishmeal constitute a bottleneck in Atlantic salmon production expansion. Fishmeal is produced from wild fish species and constitutes the major feed ingredient in carnivorous species such as the Atlantic salmon. These natural stocks are at risk of depletion and it is therefore of major importance to find alternative protein sources that meet the nutritional requirements of the Atlantic salmon, without compromising the animals’ health. Terrestrial animal by-products have been used in aquaculture feed, but their use is limited by the lack of several essential amino acids and consumer acceptance. In the case of plant ingredients, it is necessary to take into account both their concentration and the extraction methodologies, since, if not dosed correctly, they can cause macro- and microscopic alterations of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract and can also negatively modulate the microbiota composition. These alterations may compromise the digestive functions, growth of the animal, and, ultimately, its well-being. An updated revision of alternative protein sources is provided, with the respective impact on the intestine health in terms of both morphology and microbiota composition. Such information may constitute the premise for the choice and development of Atlantic salmon feeds that guarantee fish health and growth performance without having a significant impact on the surrounding environment, both in terms of depletion of the fish’s natural stocks and in terms of pressure on the terrestrial agriculture. The sustainability of aquaculture should be a priority when choosing next-generation ingredients.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Towards a More Realistic In Vitro Meat: The Cross Talk between Adipose and Muscle Cells
- Author
-
Margherita Pallaoro, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Andrea Fiorati, Lina Altomare, Giorgio Mirra, Paola Scocco, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
in vitro meat ,cells co-culture ,muscle and adipose cell cross talk ,scaffold ,hydrogel ,farm-animal-derived cells ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
According to statistics and future predictions, meat consumption will increase in the coming years. Considering both the environmental impact of intensive livestock farming and the importance of protecting animal welfare, the necessity of finding alternative strategies to satisfy the growing meat demand is compelling. Biotechnologies are responding to this demand by developing new strategies for producing meat in vitro. The manufacturing of cultured meat has faced criticism concerning, above all, the practical issues of culturing together different cell types typical of meat that are partly responsible for meat’s organoleptic characteristics. Indeed, the existence of a cross talk between adipose and muscle cells has critical effects on the outcome of the co-culture, leading to a general inhibition of myogenesis in favor of adipogenic differentiation. This review aims to clarify the main mechanisms and the key molecules involved in this cross talk and provide an overview of the most recent and successful meat culture 3D strategies for overcoming this challenge, focusing on the approaches based on farm-animal-derived cells.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Modulates the Intestinal Microbial Community in Rabbits
- Author
-
Stella Agradi, Paola Cremonesi, Laura Menchetti, Claudia Balzaretti, Marco Severgnini, Federica Riva, Bianca Castiglioni, Susanna Draghi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Marta Castrica, Daniele Vigo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Valentina Serra, Alda Quattrone, Elisa Angelucci, Grazia Pastorelli, Giulio Curone, and Gabriele Brecchia
- Subjects
microbiota ,caecum ,nutraceutical ,Firmicutes ,Bacteroidetes ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
BC is a nutraceutical that can modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the effects of BC diet supplementation on luminal and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, caecum, and colon of rabbits. Twenty-one New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 7) receiving a commercial feed (CTRL group) and the same diet supplemented with 2.5% and 5% BC (2.5% BC and 5% BC groups, respectively), from 35 (weaning) to 90 days of age (slaughtering). At slaughter, the digestive tract was removed from each animal, then both content and mucosa-associated microbiota of jejunum, caecum, and colon were collected and analysed by Next Generation 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing. Significant differences were found in the microbial composition of the three groups (i.e., beta-diversity: p < 0.01), especially in the caecum and colon of the 2.5% BC group. The relative abundance analysis showed that the families most affected by the BC administration were Clostridia UCG-014, Barnesiellaceae, and Eggerthellaceae. A trend was also found for Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. A functional prediction has revealed several altered pathways in BC groups, with particular reference to amino acids and lactose metabolism. Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in caecum luminal samples of the 2.5% BC group. These findings suggest that BC supplementation could positively affect the intestinal microbiota. However, further research is needed to establish the optimal administration dose.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Antioxidant Activity of Different Tissues from Rabbits Fed Dietary Bovine Colostrum Supplementation
- Author
-
Valentina Serra, Marta Castrica, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Federica Riva, Claudia Maria Balzaretti, Roberta De Bellis, Gabriele Brecchia, and Grazia Pastorelli
- Subjects
rabbit ,antioxidant status ,bovine colostrum ,gene expression ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Recent advances in animal nutrition have indicated that bovine colostrum (BC), due to its content of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds, is an excellent health supplement. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on the effect of BC on antioxidant status have been performed in rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two BC concentrations on antioxidant status and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in some tissues of rabbits. Thirty New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into three experimental diets, containing 0% (CON), 2.5%, and 5% of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5, respectively). The activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma (catalase: CAT; glutathione peroxidase: GPx; superoxide dismutase: SOD), and the enzymes’ gene expression in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle, were determined. Results showed no significant differences, neither in plasma nor in tissues. A significant tissue-related effect has been observed regarding the mRNA levels of SOD and GPx, which were higher in the LD (p = 0.022) and liver (p = 0.001), respectively. Further studies, considering modifications of the length and dosage of dietary BC supplementation, are required to update the current state of knowledge in rabbits, as well as to fully understand the potential value of BC for possible application in farming use.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Effect of Bovine Colostrum Dietary Supplementation on Rabbit Meat Quality
- Author
-
Marta Castrica, Laura Menchetti, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Grazia Pastorelli, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Federica Riva, Valentina Serra, Dino Miraglia, Egon Andoni, Gabriele Brecchia, and Claudia Maria Balzaretti
- Subjects
rabbit ,meat microbial profile ,TBARS ,functional food ,bioactive compounds ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 - Abstract
Bovine colostrum (BC) is rich in nutrients, antimicrobial, and antioxidant factors; for these reasons, it has been used as supplement in animal nutrition. However, its possible effects on meat quality have not been studied yet. Thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits (n = 13/group) were assigned to three groups and fed until slaughter with a commercial standard diet, control group (C), and C supplemented with 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups, respectively). After slaughtering, the effect of dietary supplementation on microbiological and chemical characteristics of the rabbit loins was evaluated at 48 h postmortem (D0) and after 3 (D3) and 8 (D8) days of refrigerated storage. Results showed no difference in the microbiological parameters. In the supplemented groups, TBARS and TVBN values were lower and higher than in the C group, respectively (p < 0.01), and their fatty-acid profile was increased in SFA and decreased in MUFA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, research must continue to examine in depth the possible effects of BC byproduct reuse in animal nutrition on meat quality (e.g., antioxidant power, and physical and sensory characteristics).
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Endostatin in 3D Fibrin Hydrogel Scaffolds Promotes Chondrogenic Differentiation in Swine Neonatal Meniscal Cells
- Author
-
Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Barbara Canciani, Laura Mangiavini, Joel Fernando Soares Filipe, Lucia Aidos, Margherita Pallaoro, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Paola Pocar, Silvia Clotilde Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
endostatin ,fibrin hydrogel scaffold ,chondrocyte ,differentiation ,morphology ,meniscal tissue engineering ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
The success of cell-based approaches for the treatment of cartilage or fibro-cartilaginous tissue defects requires an optimal cell source with chondrogenic differentiation ability that maintains its differentiated properties and stability following implantation. For this purpose, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of endostatin (COL18A1), an anti-angiogenic factor, which is physiologically involved in cell differentiation during meniscus development. Swine neonatal meniscal cells not yet subjected to mechanical stimuli were extracted, cultured in fibrin hydrogel scaffolds, and treated at two different time points (T1 = 9 days and T2 = 21 days) with different concentrations of COL18A1 (10 ng/mL; 100 ng/mL; 200 ng/mL). At the end of the treatments, the scaffolds were examined through biochemical, molecular, and histochemical analyses. The results showed that the higher concentration of COL18A1 promotes a fibro-chondrogenic phenotype and improves cellularity index (DNA content, p < 0.001) and cell efficiency (GAGs/DNA ratio, p < 0.01) after 21 days. These data are supported by the molecular analysis of collagen type I (COL1A1, a marker of fibrous-like tissue, p < 0.001), collagen type II (COL2A1, a marker of cartilaginous-like tissue, p < 0.001) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9, an early marker of chondrogenicity, p < 0.001), as well as by histological analysis (Safranin-O staining), laying the foundations for future studies evaluating the involvement of 3D endostatin hydrogel scaffolds in the differentiation of avascular tissues.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Rearing Environment during the Endogenous Feeding Stage of Acipenser baerii
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Alessandra Cafiso, Annalaura Lopez, Mauro Vasconi, Luisa M. P. Valente, Chiara Bazzocchi, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
Acipenser baerii ,substrate ,muscle development ,swimming behaviour ,histometry ,gene expression ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate behaviour, growth, lipid composition, muscle development, and stress status of Siberian sturgeon larvae reared with two types of substrate: Bioballs1 (BB1) and Bioballs2 (BB2), when compared to no substrate (CTR). Sampling points were: hatching (T0), schooling (T1), and yolk-sac full absorption (T2). BB1 larvae were less active and showed no schooling behaviour. At T1 and at T2, BB1 larvae showed a significantly higher weight and total length than larvae reared in either CTR or BB2 (p < 0.05). The lipid content of larvae decreased over time, with little relevant differences between groups. At T2, total muscle area, slow muscle area and fast muscle area were significantly higher in larvae reared in BB1 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in muscle proliferation were found between groups. Real Time PCR was used for evaluating the relative expression of a pool of genes: myod, myog, mrf4, igf2, hsp70, hsp90a, hsp90b, and glut2. The expression of these genes did not seem to be much affected by the type of rearing substrate, except for myog and hsp70 at T1, which was greater in BB2 larvae. Our data suggest that the presence of a substrate during this developmental period seems to have positive effects but further studies would be necessary during the exogenous feeding stage.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Meniscus Matrix Structural and Biomechanical Evaluation: Age-Dependent Properties in a Swine Model
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Laura Mangiavini, Marco Ferroni, Federica Boschetti, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
meniscus morphology ,pig ,biomechanics ,matrix ,traction ,compression ,Technology ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
The analysis of the morphological, structural, biochemical, and mechanical changes of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), which occur during meniscus development, represents the goal of the present study. Medial fully developed menisci (FD, 9-month-old pigs), partially developed menisci (PD, 1-month-old piglets), and not developed menisci (ND, from stillbirths) were collected. Cellularity and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) deposition were evaluated by ELISA, while Collagen 1 and aggrecan were investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses in order to be compared to the biomechanical properties of traction and compression tensile forces, respectively. Cellularity decreased from ND to FD and GAGs showed the opposite trend (p < 0.01 both). Collagen 1 decreased from ND to FD, as well as the ability to resist to tensile traction forces (p < 0.01), while aggrecan showed the opposite trend, in accordance with the biomechanics: compression test showed that FD meniscus greatly resists to deformation (p < 0.01). This study demonstrated that in swine meniscus, clear morphological and biomechanical changes follow the meniscal maturation and specialization during growth, starting with an immature pattern (ND) to the mature organized meniscus of the FD, and they could be useful to understand the behavior of this structure in the light of its tissue bioengineering.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Could Dietary Supplementation with Different Sources of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modify the Rabbit Gut Microbiota?
- Author
-
Giulio Curone, Filippo Biscarini, Elisa Cotozzolo, Laura Menchetti, Alessandro Dal Bosco, Federica Riva, Paola Cremonesi, Stella Agradi, Simona Mattioli, Bianca Castiglioni, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Alice Cartoni Mancinelli, Susanna Draghi, Alda Quattrone, Giulia Collodel, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Cesare Castellini, and Gabriele Brecchia
- Subjects
Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio ,flax seed ,fish oil ,polyunsaturated fatty acids ,omega 3 ,caecal fermentation ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of feed supplemented with two dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; fish oil and extruded flaxseed) on the gut microbiota, caecal fermentations, gastrointestinal histology, and histochemistry in rabbits. Fifteen male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups (n = 5/group) and fed with different diets from weaning (35 days of age) until slaughtering (90 days of age): C group, fed with a commercial diet; F group, supplemented with 10% of extruded flaxseed; and O group, supplemented with 3.5% of fish oil. At slaughter, the content of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon was collected and analyzed by Next Generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Tissue samples of the same tracts were evaluated with histological and histochemical analysis. Ammonia and lactic acid in the caecum were also quantified. Twenty-nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were significantly different between groups. Groups receiving n-3 PUFAs supplementation showed an increase in Bacteroidetes and Lachnospiraceae in several gastrointestinal tracts, while Bacilli abundance, as well as Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, were reduced compared to the control group (for all p < 0.05). Caecal ammonia was lower in the F than C group (p < 0.032), whereas no difference was found for lactic acid. Finally, histological evaluations revealed a mild hemorrhagic infiltration and vessels ectasia in the stomach mucosa of both F and O groups, but no effect of nutritional treatment was evidenced by the histochemical analyses. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs supplementation could modify the rabbit gut microbiota and fermentation. The increase in beneficial bacterial populations may, at least partially, explain the positive effects of n-3 PUFAs diet supplementation on human and animals’ health, although the appropriate dosage should be established.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Testing Hypoxia in Pig Meniscal Culture: Biological Role of the Vascular-Related Factors in the Differentiation and Viability of Neonatal Meniscus
- Author
-
Barbara Canciani, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Margherita Pallaoro, Lucia Aidos, Federica Cirillo, Luigi Anastasia, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Laura Mangiavini, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
hypoxia ,meniscus ,pig ,fibro-chondrocytes ,differentiation ,HIF-1α ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Menisci play an essential role in shock absorption, joint stability, load resistance and its transmission thanks to their conformation. Adult menisci can be divided in three zones based on the vascularization: an avascular inner zone with no blood supply, a fully vascularized outer zone, and an intermediate zone. This organization, in addition to the incomplete knowledge about meniscal biology, composition, and gene expression, makes meniscal regeneration still one of the major challenges both in orthopedics and in tissue engineering. To overcome this issue, we aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia in the differentiation of the three anatomical areas of newborn piglet menisci (anterior horn (A), central body (C), and posterior horn (P)) and its effects on vascular factors. After sample collection, menisci were divided in A, C, P, and they were cultured in vitro under hypoxic (1% O2) and normoxic (21% O2) conditions at four different experimental time points (T0 = day of explant; T7 = day 7; T10 = day 10; T14 = day 14); samples were then evaluated through immune, histological, and molecular analyses, cell morpho-functional characteristics; with particular focus on matrix composition and expression of vascular factors. It was observed that hypoxia retained the initial phenotype of cells and induced extracellular matrix production resembling a mature tissue. Hypoxia also modulated the expression of angiogenic factors, especially in the early phase of the study. Thus, we observed that hypoxia contributes to the fibro-chondrogenic differentiation with the involvement of angiogenic factors, especially in the posterior horn, which corresponds to the predominant weight-bearing portion.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Hypoxia as a Stimulus for the Maturation of Meniscal Cells: Highway to Novel Tissue Engineering Strategies?
- Author
-
Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Laura Mangiavini, Umberto Polito, Barbara Canciani, Van Thi Nguyen, Federica Cirillo, Luigi Anastasia, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Silvia Clotilde Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
glycosaminoglycans ,HIF-1α ,hypoxia ,meniscus ,pig ,fibro-chondrocytes ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The meniscus possesses low self-healing properties. A perfect regenerative technique for this tissue has not yet been developed. This work aims to evaluate the role of hypoxia in meniscal development in vitro. Menisci from neonatal pigs (day 0) were harvested and cultured under two different atmospheric conditions: hypoxia (1% O2) and normoxia (21% O2) for up to 14 days. Samples were analysed at 0, 7 and 14 days by histochemical (Safranin-O staining), immunofluorescence and RT-PCR (in both methods for SOX-9, HIF-1α, collagen I and II), and biochemical (DNA, GAGs, DNA/GAGs ratio) techniques to record any possible differences in the maturation of meniscal cells. Safranin-O staining showed increments in matrix deposition and round-shape “fibro-chondrocytic” cells in hypoxia-cultured menisci compared with controls under normal atmospheric conditions. The same maturation shifting was observed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analysis: SOX-9 and collagen II increased from day zero up to 14 days under a hypoxic environment. An increment of DNA/GAGs ratio typical of mature meniscal tissue (characterized by fewer cells and more GAGs) was observed by biochemical analysis. This study shows that hypoxia can be considered as a booster to achieve meniscal cell maturation, and opens new opportunities in the field of meniscus tissue engineering.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Stages of Gut Development as a Useful Tool to Prevent Gut Alterations in Piglets
- Author
-
Silvia Clotilde Modina, Lucia Aidos, Raffaella Rossi, Paola Pocar, Carlo Corino, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
gut development ,cell turnover ,morpho functional activity ,piglets ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
During the prenatal, neonatal, and weaning periods, the porcine gastrointestinal tract undergoes several morpho-functional, changes together with substantial modification of the microbial ecosystem. Modifications of the overall structure of the small intestine also occur, as well as a rapid increase of the volume, mainly in the last period of gestation: intestinal villi, starting from jejunum, appears shortly before the sixth week of gestation, and towards the end of the third month, epithelial cells diversify into enterocytes, goblet cells, endocrine, and Paneth cells. Moreover, in the neonatal period, colostrum induces an increase in intestinal weight, absorptive area, and brush border enzyme activities: intestine doubles its weight and increases the length by 30% within three days of birth. During weaning, intestinal environment modifies drastically due to a replacement of highly digestible sow milk by solid feed: profound changes in histological parameters and enzymatic activity are associated with the weaning period, such as the atrophy of the villi and consequent restorative hypertrophy of the crypts. All these modifications are the result of a delicate and precise balance between the proliferation and the death of the cells that form the intestinal mucosa (i.e., mitosis and apoptosis) and the health conditions of the piglet. An in-depth knowledge of these phenomena and of how they can interfere with the correct intestinal function can represent a valid support to predict strategies to improve gut health in the long-term and to prevent weaning gut alterations; thus, reducing antimicrobial use.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Evolution of Meniscal Biomechanical Properties with Growth: An Experimental and Numerical Study
- Author
-
Marco Ferroni, Beatrice Belgio, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, and Federica Boschetti
- Subjects
meniscus ,growth ,mechanical properties ,swine ,Technology ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
The menisci of the knee are complex fibro-cartilaginous tissues that play important roles in load bearing, shock absorption, joint lubrication, and stabilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the different meniscal tissue components (i.e., the solid matrix constituents and the fluid phase) and the mechanical response according to the developmental stage of the tissue. Menisci derived from partially and fully developed pigs were analyzed. We carried out biochemical analyses to quantify glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content according to the developmental stage. These values were related to tissue mechanical properties that were measured in vitro by performing compression and tension tests on meniscal specimens. Both compression and tension protocols consisted of multi-ramp stress–relaxation tests comprised of increasing strains followed by stress–relaxation to equilibrium. To better understand the mechanical response to different directions of mechanical stimulus and to relate it to the tissue structural composition and development, we performed numerical simulations that implemented different constitutive models (poro-elasticity, viscoelasticity, transversal isotropy, or combinations of the above) using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. The numerical models also allowed us to determine several mechanical parameters that cannot be directly measured by experimental tests. The results of our investigation showed that the meniscus is a non-linear, anisotropic, non-homogeneous material: mechanical parameters increase with strain, depend on the direction of load, and vary among regions (anterior, central, and posterior). Preliminary numerical results showed the predominant role of the different tissue components depending on the mechanical stimulus. The outcomes of biochemical analyses related to mechanical properties confirmed the findings of the numerical models, suggesting a specific response of meniscal cells to the regional mechanical stimuli in the knee joint. During maturation, the increase in compressive moduli could be explained by cell differentiation from fibroblasts to metabolically active chondrocytes, as indicated by the found increase in GAG/DNA ratio. The changes of tensile mechanical response during development could be related to collagen II accumulation during growth. This study provides new information on the changes of tissue structural components during maturation and the relationship between tissue composition and mechanical response.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Prebiotic Effects of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Pigs
- Author
-
Carlo Corino, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, and Raffaella Rossi
- Subjects
pig ,polysaccharides ,prebiotics ,seaweed ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
To ensure environmental sustainability, according to the European Green Deal and to boost the One Health concept, it is essential to improve animals’ health and adopt sustainable and natural feed ingredients. Over the past decade, prebiotics have been used as an alternative approach in order to reduce the use of antimicrobials, by positively affecting the gut microbiota and decreasing the onset of several enteric diseases in pig. However, dietary supplementation with seaweed polysaccharides as prebiotics has gained attention in recent years. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae contain several polysaccharides: laminarin, fucoidan, and alginates are found in brown seaweeds, carrageenan in red seaweeds, and ulvan in green seaweeds. The present review focuses on studies evaluating dietary seaweed polysaccharide supplementation in pig used as prebiotics to positively modulate gut health and microbiota composition.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Verbascoside Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against ER-Stress
- Author
-
Alessandra Galli, Paola Marciani, Algerta Marku, Silvia Ghislanzoni, Federico Bertuzzi, Raffaella Rossi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Michela Castagna, and Carla Perego
- Subjects
verbascoside ,polyphenols ,insulin-producing cells ,diabetes ,UPR ,oxidative stress ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Substantial epidemiological evidence indicates that a diet rich in polyphenols protects against developing type 2 diabetes. The phenylethanoid glycoside verbascoside/acteoside, a widespread polyphenolic plant compound, has several biological properties including strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The aim of this research was to test the possible effects of verbascoside on pancreatic β-cells, a target never tested before. Mouse and human β-cells were incubated with verbascoside (0.8–16 µM) for up to five days and a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques were used to assess the β-cell survival and function under normal or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress inducing conditions. We found a dose-dependent protective effect of verbascoside against oxidative stress in clonal and human β-cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that the polyphenol protects β-cells against ER-stress mediated dysfunctions, modulating the activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response and promoting mitochondrial dynamics. As a result, increased viability, mitochondrial function and insulin content were detected in these cells. These studies provide the evidence that verbascoside boosts the ability of β-cells to cope with ER-stress, an important contributor of β-cell dysfunction and failure in diabetic conditions and support the therapeutic potential of verbascoside in diabetes.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. How Different Stocking Densities Affect Growth and Stress Status of Acipenser baerii Early Stage Larvae
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Alessandra Cafiso, Valentina Serra, Mauro Vasconi, Daniela Bertotto, Chiara Bazzocchi, Giuseppe Radaelli, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
siberian sturgeon ,larvae ,stocking density ,stress ,muscle development ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
In the present study, a multidisciplinary approach was used in order to evaluate growth, muscle development, and stress status in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii larvae at schooling (T1) and complete yolk sac absorption (T2), reared at three stocking densities (low, medium, and high). Larvae growth, morphological muscle development, and whole-body cortisol levels were assessed. The expression of genes involved in the growth process (igf1 and igf2), in the myogenesis (myog), and in the regulation of cellular stress (glut1, glut2, glut4, and hsp70) was analyzed using a quantitative PCR. Larvae reared at lower densities showed a higher Specific Growth Rate and showed a physiological muscle development. Cortisol levels were low and did not differ significantly, both in different time sampling and across densities, suggesting that either the considered densities are not stressors in this species in the early stages of development or the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is not yet fully mature. Gene expression of glut1, igf1, and igf2 showed an up-regulation in both developmental stages at all the rearing densities considered, while myog significantly up-regulated at T1 at the highest density. Considering all of the results, it would seem that lower densities should be used in these stages of development, as these showed a higher growth rate, even if it is not economically feasible in commercial hatcheries. Therefore, choosing an intermediate stocking density could be a good compromise between larval performance and economical feasibility.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Meniscus Matrix Remodeling in Response to Compressive Forces in Dogs
- Author
-
Umberto Polito, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Federica Boschetti, Liliana Carnevale, Maria C. Veronesi, Luca M. Sconfienza, Marco Agnoletto, Laura Mangiavini, Silvia C. Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
meniscus ,proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans ,cell–extracellular matrix interaction ,extracellular matrix remodeling ,gags ,compression ,young’s compressive elastic modulus ,dog ,Cytology ,QH573-671 - Abstract
Joint motion and postnatal stress of weight bearing are the principal factors that determine the phenotypical and architectural changes that characterize the maturation process of the meniscus. In this study, the effect of compressive forces on the meniscus will be evaluated in a litter of 12 Dobermann Pinschers, of approximately 2 months of age, euthanized as affected by the quadriceps contracture muscle syndrome of a single limb focusing on extracellular matrix remodeling and cell−extracellular matrix interaction (i.e., meniscal cells maturation, collagen fibers typology and arrangement). The affected limbs were considered as models of continuous compression while the physiologic loaded limbs were considered as controls. The results of this study suggest that a compressive continuous force, applied to the native meniscal cells, triggers an early maturation of the cellular phenotype, at the expense of the proper organization of collagen fibers. Nevertheless, an application of a compressive force could be useful in the engineering process of meniscal tissue in order to induce a faster achievement of the mature cellular phenotype and, consequently, the earlier production of the fundamental extracellular matrix (ECM), in order to improve cellular viability and adhesion of the cells within a hypothetical synthetic scaffold.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Evaluation of in Vivo Response of Three Biphasic Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration in a Sheep Model
- Author
-
Alberto M. Crovace, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Francesca Gervaso, Laura Mangiavini, Davide Zani, Francesca Scalera, Barbara Palazzo, Daniela Izzo, Marco Agnoletto, Marco Domenicucci, Corrado Sosio, Alessandro Sannino, Mauro Di Giancamillo, and Giuseppe M. Peretti
- Subjects
osteochondral defects ,scaffold ,biomaterials ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Osteochondral defects are a common problem in both human medicine and veterinary practice although with important limits concerning the cartilaginous tissue regeneration. Interest in the subchondral bone has grown, as it is now considered a key element in the osteochondral defect healing. The aim of this work was to generate and to evaluate the architecture of three cell-free scaffolds made of collagen, magnesium/hydroxyapatite and collagen hydroxyapatite/wollastonite to be implanted in a sheep animal model. Scaffolds were designed in a bilayer configuration and a novel “Honey” configuration, where columns of hydroxyapatite were inserted within the collagen matrix. The use of different types of scaffolds allowed us to identify the best scaffold in terms of integration and tissue regeneration. The animals included were divided into four groups: three were treated using different types of scaffold while one was left untreated and represented the control group. Evaluations were made at 3 months through CT analysis. The novel “Honey” configuration of the scaffold with hydroxyapatite seems to allow for a better reparative process, although we are still far from obtaining a complete restoration of the defect at this time point of follow-up.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Effects of different rearing temperatures on muscle development and stress response in the early larval stages of Acipenser baerii
- Author
-
Lucia Aidos, Luisa M. Pinheiro Valente, Vera Sousa, Marco Lanfranchi, Cinzia Domeneghini, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
Sturgeon larvae ,muscle development ,temperature ,heat shock protein ,proliferating cells ,histometry. ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
The present study aims at investigating muscle development and stress response in early stages of Siberian sturgeon when subjected to different rearing temperatures, by analysing growth and development of the muscle and by assessing the stress response of yolk-sac larvae. Siberian sturgeon larvae were reared at 16°C, 19°C and 22°C until the yolk-sac was completely absorbed. Sampling timepoints were: hatching, schooling and complete yolk-sac absorption stage. Histometrical, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in order to characterize muscle growth (total muscle area, TMA; slow muscle area, SMA; fast muscle area, FMA), development (anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen -PCNA or anticaspase) as well as stress conditions by specific stress biomarkers (heat shock protein 70 or 90, HSP70 or HSP90). Larvae subjected to the highest water temperature showed a faster yolk-sac absorption. Histometry revealed that both TMA and FMA were larger in the schooling stage at 19°C while no differences were observed in the SMA at any of the tested rearing temperatures. PCNA quantification revealed a significantly higher number of proliferating cells in the yolk-sac absorption phase at 22°C than at 16°C. HSP90 immunopositivity seems to be particularly evident at 19°C. HPS70 immunopositivity was never observed in the developing lateral muscle.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Dietary Verbascoside Influences Gut Morphology and the Expression of α-Transducin and α-Gustducin in the Small Intestine of Weaned Piglets Exposed to n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids-Induced Oxidative Stress
- Author
-
Raffaella Rossi, Carlo Corino, Silvia Modina, and Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
piglets ,verbascoside ,α-transducin ,α-gustducin ,gut ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Reducing oxidative stress is an important goal in post-weaning piglets; previous studies have reported that verbascoside decreases oxidative stress in piglets. The effect of verbascoside on gut morphology and α-transducin and α-gustducin expression in weaned piglets fed high dosages of sunflower oil, inducing oxidative stress, was evaluated. A diet with 9% sunflower oil (T1), the same diet supplemented with 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed (T2) and a diet containing starch (control—CTR) were employed. Histology, histometry, histochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were performed on the piglets’ small intestine. In the T1 group, apical erosion was observed and villi height was lower than in other groups. The mucin profile was acidic in goblet cells of both the T1 and T2 groups. However, it was both neutral and acidic in the CTR group. Dietary treatments did not affect α-gustducin expression. Otherwise, the expression of α-transducin in the duodenum was lower (p < 0.01) in the T1 groups than in the other groups. The colocalization of α-transducin with chromogranin A and ghrelin revealed that the endocrine cells were immunopositive for both ghrelin and α-transducin. Overall, these results provide new insights into gut sensory perception in piglets and contribute to understanding how feed ingredients such as fat and polyphenols may be involved in gustatory signal transduction.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Dose-Related and Time-Dependent Development of Collagenase-Induced Tendinopathy in Rats.
- Author
-
Carlotta Perucca Orfei, Arianna B Lovati, Marco Viganò, Deborah Stanco, Marta Bottagisio, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Stefania Setti, and Laura de Girolamo
- Subjects
Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Tendinopathy is a big burden in clinics and it represents 45% of musculoskeletal lesions. Despite the relevant social impact, both pathogenesis and development of the tendinopathy are still under-investigated, thus limiting the therapeutic advancement in this field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose-dependent and time-related tissue-level changes occurring in a collagenase-induced tendinopathy in rat Achilles tendons, in order to establish a standardized model for future pre-clinical studies. With this purpose, 40 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, treated by injecting collagenase type I within the Achilles tendon at 1 mg/mL (low dose) or 3 mg/mL (high dose). Tendon explants were histologically evaluated at 3, 7, 15, 30 and 45 days. Our results revealed that both the collagenase doses induced a disorganization of collagen fibers and increased the number of rounded resident cells. In particular, the high dose treatment determined a greater neovascularization and fatty degeneration with respect to the lower dose. These changes were found to be time-dependent and to resemble the features of human tendinopathy. Indeed, in our series, the acute phase occurred from day 3 to day 15, and then progressed towards the proliferative phase from day 30 to day 45 displaying a degenerative appearance associated with a very precocious and mild remodeling process. The model represents a good balance between similarity with histological features of human tendinopathy and feasibility, in terms of tendon size to create lesions and costs when compared to other animal models. Moreover, this model could contribute to improve the knowledge in this field, and it could be useful to properly design further pre-clinical studies to test innovative treatments for tendinopathy.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Assessment of a Thermosensitive Injectable Chitosan-Based Hydrogel for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
- Author
-
Mangiavini, Barbara Canciani, Francesca Semeraro, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Francesca Gervaso, Alessandro Polini, Antonella Stanzione, Giuseppe Michele Peretti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, and Laura
- Subjects
chitosan ,hydrogel ,injectable ,thermosensitive ,scaffold ,tissue engineering - Abstract
Musculoskeletal impairments, especially cartilage and meniscus lesions, are some of the major contributors to disabilities. Thus, novel tissue engineering strategies are being developed to overcome these issues. In this study, the aim was to investigate the biocompatibility, in vitro and in vivo, of a thermosensitive, injectable chitosan-based hydrogel loaded with three different primary mesenchymal stromal cells. The cell types were human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hASCs), human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs), and neonatal porcine infrapatellar fat-derived cells (IFPCs). For the in vitro study, the cells were encapsulated in sol-phase hydrogel, and then, analyzed via live/dead assay at 1, 4, 7, and 14 days to compare their capacity to survive in the hydrogel. To assess biocompatibility in vivo, cellularized scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted in the dorsal pouches of nude mice and analyzed at 4 and 12 weeks. Our data showed that all the different cell types survived (the live cell percentages were between 60 and 80 at all time points in vitro) and proliferated in the hydrogel (from very few at 4 weeks to up to 30% at 12 weeks in vivo); moreover, the cell-laden hydrogels did not trigger an immune response in vivo. Hence, our hydrogel formulation showed a favorable profile in terms of safety and biocompatibility, and it may be applied in tissue engineering strategies for cartilage and meniscus repair.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Effect of Bovine Colostrum Dietary Supplementation on Rabbit Meat Quality
- Author
-
Balzaretti, Marta Castrica, Laura Menchetti, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Grazia Pastorelli, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Federica Riva, Valentina Serra, Dino Miraglia, Egon Andoni, Gabriele Brecchia, and Claudia Maria
- Subjects
rabbit ,meat microbial profile ,TBARS ,functional food ,bioactive compounds - Abstract
Bovine colostrum (BC) is rich in nutrients, antimicrobial, and antioxidant factors; for these reasons, it has been used as supplement in animal nutrition. However, its possible effects on meat quality have not been studied yet. Thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits (n = 13/group) were assigned to three groups and fed until slaughter with a commercial standard diet, control group (C), and C supplemented with 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups, respectively). After slaughtering, the effect of dietary supplementation on microbiological and chemical characteristics of the rabbit loins was evaluated at 48 h postmortem (D0) and after 3 (D3) and 8 (D8) days of refrigerated storage. Results showed no difference in the microbiological parameters. In the supplemented groups, TBARS and TVBN values were lower and higher than in the C group, respectively (p < 0.01), and their fatty-acid profile was increased in SFA and decreased in MUFA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, research must continue to examine in depth the possible effects of BC byproduct reuse in animal nutrition on meat quality (e.g., antioxidant power, and physical and sensory characteristics).
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. From Photocatalysis to Photo-Electrocatalysis: An Innovative Water Remediation System for Sustainable Fish Farming
- Author
-
Bazzocchi, Eleonora Buoio, Chiara Cialini, Alessandra Cafiso, Lucia Aidos, Silvia Michela Mazzola, Raffaella Rossi, Simone Livolsi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Vittorio Maria Moretti, Elena Selli, Massimiliano Bestetti, Silvia Franz, Gian Luca Chiarello, Annamaria Costa, and Chiara
- Subjects
nitrogen-containing compounds ,photo-electrocatalysis ,rainbow trout ,water remediation ,welfare markers - Abstract
In this study, the effects of photo-electrocatalysis (PEC) were evaluated as an innovative application of conventional photocatalysis (PC) to remediate water in a recirculating system for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) culture, in relation to fish welfare and health, with a multidisciplinary approach. Three tanks were employed, equipped with conventional biological filters as a control system, and three tanks equipped with the PEC purification system. The concentrations of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate ions in water were monitored, and the fish’s oxidative damage and stress response were evaluated in parallel. The water of the PEC-treated experimental group showed lower ammonia (TAN) and nitrite concentrations and higher nitrate concentration, possibly deriving from TAN oxidation through PEC, also leading to gaseous N2. Histological analysis did not reveal any pathological alteration in the gills and liver of both groups. The superoxide dismutase (sod1), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) gene expressions were significantly higher in the control group than in the PEC-treated group, while the Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression did not show any difference in the two groups. These results indicate that the use of PEC filters has a positive effect on water quality, compared to the use of conventional biological filters, inducing a high level of welfare in O. mykiss.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Testing Hypoxia in Pig Meniscal Culture: Biological Role of the Vascular-Related Factors in the Differentiation and Viability of Neonatal Meniscus
- Author
-
Giuseppe M. Peretti, Barbara Canciani, Luigi Anastasia, Federica Cirillo, Margherita Pallaoro, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Modina, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Laura Mangiavini, and Lucia Aidos
- Subjects
pig ,Pathology ,Swine ,Gene Expression ,Menisci, Tibial ,Extracellular matrix ,Tissue Culture Techniques ,Tissue engineering ,meniscus ,Gene expression ,Biology (General) ,fibro-chondrocytes ,Hypoxia ,Spectroscopy ,Caspase 3 ,Cell Differentiation ,SOX9 Transcription Factor ,General Medicine ,differentiation ,Phenotype ,Computer Science Applications ,Endostatins ,Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ,Chemistry ,Sample collection ,medicine.symptom ,musculoskeletal diseases ,medicine.medical_specialty ,QH301-705.5 ,HIF-1α ,Biology ,Catalysis ,Collagen Type I ,Article ,Inorganic Chemistry ,Chondrocytes ,Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ,medicine ,Animals ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Molecular Biology ,QD1-999 ,Collagen Type II ,Regeneration (biology) ,Organic Chemistry ,Hypoxia (medical) ,Fibroblasts ,Oxygen ,Animals, Newborn ,Biomarkers ,Explant culture - Abstract
Menisci play an essential role in shock absorption, joint stability, load resistance and its transmission thanks to their conformation. Adult menisci can be divided in three zones based on the vascularization: an avascular inner zone with no blood supply, a fully vascularized outer zone, and an intermediate zone. This organization, in addition to the incomplete knowledge about meniscal biology, composition, and gene expression, makes meniscal regeneration still one of the major challenges both in orthopedics and in tissue engineering. To overcome this issue, we aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia in the differentiation of the three anatomical areas of newborn piglet menisci (anterior horn (A), central body (C), and posterior horn (P)) and its effects on vascular factors. After sample collection, menisci were divided in A, C, P, and they were cultured in vitro under hypoxic (1% O2) and normoxic (21% O2) conditions at four different experimental time points (T0 = day of explant, T7 = day 7, T10 = day 10, T14 = day 14), samples were then evaluated through immune, histological, and molecular analyses, cell morpho-functional characteristics, with particular focus on matrix composition and expression of vascular factors. It was observed that hypoxia retained the initial phenotype of cells and induced extracellular matrix production resembling a mature tissue. Hypoxia also modulated the expression of angiogenic factors, especially in the early phase of the study. Thus, we observed that hypoxia contributes to the fibro-chondrogenic differentiation with the involvement of angiogenic factors, especially in the posterior horn, which corresponds to the predominant weight-bearing portion.
- Published
- 2021
30. Hypoxia as a Stimulus for the Maturation of Meniscal Cells: Highway to Novel Tissue Engineering Strategies?
- Author
-
Federica Cirillo, Silvia Modina, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Luigi Anastasia, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Umberto Polito, Van Thi Nguyen, Laura Mangiavini, Barbara Canciani, and Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,pig ,Swine ,QH301-705.5 ,Gene Expression ,HIF-1α ,02 engineering and technology ,Matrix (biology) ,Meniscus (anatomy) ,Immunofluorescence ,Cell Maturation ,Catalysis ,Article ,Inorganic Chemistry ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Chondrocytes ,Tissue engineering ,meniscus ,medicine ,Animals ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Biology (General) ,fibro-chondrocytes ,Molecular Biology ,QD1-999 ,Spectroscopy ,Cells, Cultured ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Tissue Engineering ,Chemistry ,hypoxia ,Organic Chemistry ,Cell Differentiation ,General Medicine ,Hypoxia (medical) ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ,Immunohistochemistry ,In vitro ,Computer Science Applications ,Staining ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,glycosaminoglycans ,medicine.symptom ,0210 nano-technology ,Biomarkers - Abstract
The meniscus possesses low self-healing properties. A perfect regenerative technique for this tissue has not yet been developed. This work aims to evaluate the role of hypoxia in meniscal development in vitro. Menisci from neonatal pigs (day 0) were harvested and cultured under two different atmospheric conditions: hypoxia (1% O2) and normoxia (21% O2) for up to 14 days. Samples were analysed at 0, 7 and 14 days by histochemical (Safranin-O staining), immunofluorescence and RT-PCR (in both methods for SOX-9, HIF-1α, collagen I and II), and biochemical (DNA, GAGs, DNA/GAGs ratio) techniques to record any possible differences in the maturation of meniscal cells. Safranin-O staining showed increments in matrix deposition and round-shape “fibro-chondrocytic” cells in hypoxia-cultured menisci compared with controls under normal atmospheric conditions. The same maturation shifting was observed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analysis: SOX-9 and collagen II increased from day zero up to 14 days under a hypoxic environment. An increment of DNA/GAGs ratio typical of mature meniscal tissue (characterized by fewer cells and more GAGs) was observed by biochemical analysis. This study shows that hypoxia can be considered as a booster to achieve meniscal cell maturation, and opens new opportunities in the field of meniscus tissue engineering.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Evolution of Meniscal Biomechanical Properties with Growth: An Experimental and Numerical Study
- Author
-
Giuseppe M. Peretti, Marco Ferroni, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Federica Boschetti, and Beatrice Belgio
- Subjects
Technology ,Materials science ,QH301-705.5 ,growth ,0206 medical engineering ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Meniscus (anatomy) ,Matrix (biology) ,mechanical properties ,Article ,Viscoelasticity ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,meniscus ,Ultimate tensile strength ,medicine ,Biology (General) ,Joint (geology) ,Tension (physics) ,Isotropy ,swine ,030229 sport sciences ,Compression (physics) ,020601 biomedical engineering ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
The menisci of the knee are complex fibro-cartilaginous tissues that play important roles in load bearing, shock absorption, joint lubrication, and stabilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the different meniscal tissue components (i.e., the solid matrix constituents and the fluid phase) and the mechanical response according to the developmental stage of the tissue. Menisci derived from partially and fully developed pigs were analyzed. We carried out biochemical analyses to quantify glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content according to the developmental stage. These values were related to tissue mechanical properties that were measured in vitro by performing compression and tension tests on meniscal specimens. Both compression and tension protocols consisted of multi-ramp stress–relaxation tests comprised of increasing strains followed by stress–relaxation to equilibrium. To better understand the mechanical response to different directions of mechanical stimulus and to relate it to the tissue structural composition and development, we performed numerical simulations that implemented different constitutive models (poro-elasticity, viscoelasticity, transversal isotropy, or combinations of the above) using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. The numerical models also allowed us to determine several mechanical parameters that cannot be directly measured by experimental tests. The results of our investigation showed that the meniscus is a non-linear, anisotropic, non-homogeneous material: mechanical parameters increase with strain, depend on the direction of load, and vary among regions (anterior, central, and posterior). Preliminary numerical results showed the predominant role of the different tissue components depending on the mechanical stimulus. The outcomes of biochemical analyses related to mechanical properties confirmed the findings of the numerical models, suggesting a specific response of meniscal cells to the regional mechanical stimuli in the knee joint. During maturation, the increase in compressive moduli could be explained by cell differentiation from fibroblasts to metabolically active chondrocytes, as indicated by the found increase in GAG/DNA ratio. The changes of tensile mechanical response during development could be related to collagen II accumulation during growth. This study provides new information on the changes of tissue structural components during maturation and the relationship between tissue composition and mechanical response.
- Published
- 2021
32. Prebiotic Effects of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Pigs
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Carlo Corino, Silvia Modina, and Raffaella Rossi
- Subjects
pig ,Veterinary medicine ,medicine.medical_treatment ,polysaccharides ,Review ,Gut flora ,Polysaccharide ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Laminarin ,Algae ,SF600-1100 ,medicine ,Dietary supplementation ,Food science ,030304 developmental biology ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,0303 health sciences ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Fucoidan ,Prebiotic ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Carrageenan ,QL1-991 ,chemistry ,seaweed ,Animal Science and Zoology ,prebiotics ,Zoology - Abstract
Simple Summary In recent decades, the ban of antibiotic growth promoters together with the reduction in the feed of trace minerals with antimicrobial properties such as zinc and copper, has increased the demand to identify organic alternatives with antimicrobial properties that may improve the production efficiency and sustainability in an antibiotic-free system. The sustainability of pig production can be enhanced, by increasing the feed efficiency, modulating the microbiota, and reducing the impact of different diseases through the use of natural substances. Considerable research has focused on the gut environment and microbiota modulation as key to boosting pig health. Sustainable dietary interventions that positively modulate the gut environment and microbiota in pigs are required to enhance pig health and welfare. In the field of natural substances, seaweed and their bioactive compounds have assumed particular importance as feed ingredients for pigs. In fact, seaweeds include numerous bioactive substances with prebiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. The present paper reviews the prebiotic effects of seaweed polysaccharides in pigs. Abstract To ensure environmental sustainability, according to the European Green Deal and to boost the One Health concept, it is essential to improve animals’ health and adopt sustainable and natural feed ingredients. Over the past decade, prebiotics have been used as an alternative approach in order to reduce the use of antimicrobials, by positively affecting the gut microbiota and decreasing the onset of several enteric diseases in pig. However, dietary supplementation with seaweed polysaccharides as prebiotics has gained attention in recent years. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae contain several polysaccharides: laminarin, fucoidan, and alginates are found in brown seaweeds, carrageenan in red seaweeds, and ulvan in green seaweeds. The present review focuses on studies evaluating dietary seaweed polysaccharide supplementation in pig used as prebiotics to positively modulate gut health and microbiota composition.
- Published
- 2021
33. Verbascoside Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against ER-Stress
- Author
-
Silvia Ghislanzoni, A. Marku, Michela Castagna, Carla Perego, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Raffaella Rossi, P. Marciani, Federico Bertuzzi, and A. Galli
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,PERK ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,UPR ,Pharmacology ,Mitochondrion ,verbascoside ,medicine.disease_cause ,insulin-producing cells ,Neuroprotection ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Verbascoside ,medicine ,oxidative stress ,Protein kinase A ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,polyphenols ,anti-inflammatory ,diabetes ,Chemistry ,Endoplasmic reticulum ,food and beverages ,Phenylethanoid ,mitochondria ,030104 developmental biology ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Unfolded protein response ,ER-stress ,Oxidative stress - Abstract
Substantial epidemiological evidence indicates that a diet rich in polyphenols protects against developing type 2 diabetes. The phenylethanoid glycoside verbascoside/acteoside, a widespread polyphenolic plant compound, has several biological properties including strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The aim of this research was to test the possible effects of verbascoside on pancreatic &beta, cells, a target never tested before. Mouse and human &beta, cells were incubated with verbascoside (0.8&ndash, 16 µ, M) for up to five days and a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques were used to assess the &beta, cell survival and function under normal or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress inducing conditions. We found a dose-dependent protective effect of verbascoside against oxidative stress in clonal and human &beta, cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that the polyphenol protects &beta, cells against ER-stress mediated dysfunctions, modulating the activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response and promoting mitochondrial dynamics. As a result, increased viability, mitochondrial function and insulin content were detected in these cells. These studies provide the evidence that verbascoside boosts the ability of &beta, cells to cope with ER-stress, an important contributor of &beta, cell dysfunction and failure in diabetic conditions and support the therapeutic potential of verbascoside in diabetes.
- Published
- 2020
34. Hind limb ossification centre hypoplasia and deformities induced by quadriceps contracture: Radiographic and Computed Tomographic study in 13 Doberman Pinscher littermates
- Author
-
Paola Roccabianca, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Liliana Maria Carnevale, Maria Elena Andreis, Umberto Polito, Maria Cristina Veronesi, Mauro Di Giancamillo, and Silvia Modina
- Subjects
Genu recurvatum ,Male ,Contracture ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Patellar Dislocation ,Hindlimb ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Femoral head ,Dogs ,Muscular Diseases ,Osteogenesis ,medicine ,Animals ,Dog Diseases ,Muscle, Skeletal ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,General Veterinary ,Ossification ,business.industry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Anatomy ,medicine.disease ,Hypoplasia ,Doberman Pinscher ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Hip subluxation ,medicine.symptom ,Joint Diseases ,business ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed - Abstract
Quadriceps contracture (QC) is reported in dogs mainly as a complication of trauma or parasitic infection. QC causes progressive hind limb deviation, muscular hypotrophy and degenerative joint disease and, in puppies, bone hypoplasia. The aim of this clinical case series is to describe the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) changes in hind limb ossification centres in thirteen 55 to 57-days-old Doberman Pinscher related littermates induced by QC after repeated intramuscular injections. The presence, size, and shape of ossification centres of affected and unaffected hind limbs were compared. Affected limbs were hyperextended and externally rotated, with genu recurvatum and proximo-medial patellar luxation. QC had no influence on the time of appearance of ossification centres however, it was associated with femoral head flattening, hip subluxation, flattening of the femoral distal epiphysis. The tibial plateau was tilted caudoproximally-craniodistally and wedged into the growth plate. Thirty-two out of fifty-five ossification centres (including diaphyseal and epiphyseal centres, such as femoral head and tibial plateau) were significantly smaller in affected limbs (p 0.05). Lack of weight-bearing could account for the smaller size of ossification centres in affected tarsi and metatarsi. Progressive limb hyperextension and external rotation might have induced gradual loading withdrawal on the medial aspect of the foot justifying the reduced size observed only for the medial ossification centres of the digits of affected limbs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing CT findings of hind limb ossification centre changes in puppies with QC contracture.
- Published
- 2020
35. How Different Stocking Densities Affect Growth and Stress Status of Acipenser baerii Early Stage Larvae
- Author
-
Chiara Bazzocchi, Valentina Serra, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Alessandra Cafiso, Mauro Vasconi, Giuseppe Radaelli, Daniela Bertotto, and Lucia Aidos
- Subjects
endocrine system ,larvae ,Biology ,siberian sturgeon ,stocking density ,stress ,muscle development ,03 medical and health sciences ,Animal science ,Sturgeon ,Stocking ,lcsh:Zoology ,medicine ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Growth rate ,Yolk sac ,Cortisol level ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Larva ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,Myogenesis ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Acipenser baerii ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,040102 fisheries ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Animal Science and Zoology ,hormones, hormone substitutes, and hormone antagonists - Abstract
In the present study, a multidisciplinary approach was used in order to evaluate growth, muscle development, and stress status in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii larvae at schooling (T1) and complete yolk sac absorption (T2), reared at three stocking densities (low, medium, and high). Larvae growth, morphological muscle development, and whole-body cortisol levels were assessed. The expression of genes involved in the growth process (igf1 and igf2), in the myogenesis (myog), and in the regulation of cellular stress (glut1, glut2, glut4, and hsp70) was analyzed using a quantitative PCR. Larvae reared at lower densities showed a higher Specific Growth Rate and showed a physiological muscle development. Cortisol levels were low and did not differ significantly, both in different time sampling and across densities, suggesting that either the considered densities are not stressors in this species in the early stages of development or the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is not yet fully mature. Gene expression of glut1, igf1, and igf2 showed an up-regulation in both developmental stages at all the rearing densities considered, while myog significantly up-regulated at T1 at the highest density. Considering all of the results, it would seem that lower densities should be used in these stages of development, as these showed a higher growth rate, even if it is not economically feasible in commercial hatcheries. Therefore, choosing an intermediate stocking density could be a good compromise between larval performance and economical feasibility.
- Published
- 2020
36. Meniscus Matrix Remodeling in Response to Compressive Forces in Dogs
- Author
-
Giuseppe M. Peretti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Laura Mangiavini, Liliana Maria Carnevale, Mauro Di Giancamillo, M Agnoletto, Luca Maria Sconfienza, Maria Cristina Veronesi, Federica Boschetti, Silvia Modina, and Umberto Polito
- Subjects
Compressive Strength ,0206 medical engineering ,02 engineering and technology ,cell–extracellular matrix interaction ,Matrix (biology) ,Meniscus (anatomy) ,medicine.disease_cause ,gags ,Article ,Weight-bearing ,Extracellular matrix ,03 medical and health sciences ,Dogs ,0302 clinical medicine ,meniscus ,Elastic Modulus ,medicine ,extracellular matrix remodeling ,Animals ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Glycosaminoglycans ,young’s compressive elastic modulus ,Chemistry ,proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans ,DNA ,030229 sport sciences ,General Medicine ,Adhesion ,musculoskeletal system ,Compression (physics) ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,020601 biomedical engineering ,compression ,Biomechanical Phenomena ,Extracellular Matrix ,body regions ,GAGs ,Young’s compressive elastic modulus ,dog ,Compressive strength ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Contracture ,medicine.symptom ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
Joint motion and postnatal stress of weight bearing are the principal factors that determine the phenotypical and architectural changes that characterize the maturation process of the meniscus. In this study, the effect of compressive forces on the meniscus will be evaluated in a litter of 12 Dobermann Pinschers, of approximately 2 months of age, euthanized as affected by the quadriceps contracture muscle syndrome of a single limb focusing on extracellular matrix remodeling and cell&ndash, extracellular matrix interaction (i.e., meniscal cells maturation, collagen fibers typology and arrangement). The affected limbs were considered as models of continuous compression while the physiologic loaded limbs were considered as controls. The results of this study suggest that a compressive continuous force, applied to the native meniscal cells, triggers an early maturation of the cellular phenotype, at the expense of the proper organization of collagen fibers. Nevertheless, an application of a compressive force could be useful in the engineering process of meniscal tissue in order to induce a faster achievement of the mature cellular phenotype and, consequently, the earlier production of the fundamental extracellular matrix (ECM), in order to improve cellular viability and adhesion of the cells within a hypothetical synthetic scaffold.
- Published
- 2020
37. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation: The role of EGFR and post-EGFR ERK1/2 signaling cascade
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Vitaliano Borromeo, Bernd Fischer, Paola Pocar, and A. Berrini
- Subjects
MAP Kinase Signaling System ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Food Animals ,medicine ,Animals ,Epidermal growth factor receptor ,Small Animals ,Protein kinase A ,Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Cumulus Cells ,biology ,Equine ,Chemistry ,Kinase ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,respiratory system ,Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ,Oocyte ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Cell biology ,In vitro maturation ,In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques ,ErbB Receptors ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon ,biology.protein ,Oocytes ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Cattle ,Female ,Signal transduction ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been extensively characterized as an environmental sensor with major roles in xenobiotic-induced toxicity. Evidence is accumulating that these functions serve as adaptive mechanisms overlapping its physiological roles. We previously described a critical role of constitutive AhR activation for the correct progress of mammalian oocyte maturation but the signaling pathway through which AhR controls maturation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the AhR interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p42/44 extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2), both key factors in the signaling network that finely regulates the oocyte maturation. As experimental model we used bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Blocking ERK1/2 signaling in COCs during IVM with the specific EGFR inhibitor AG1478 or the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 downregulated the expression of the AhR-target gene Cyp1a1. Inhibition of AhR activity was associated with a reduction in the oocytes’ ability to progress in meiosis resumption. In contrast, exposure to the AhR antagonist resveratrol reduced both CYP1A1 expression and the oocytes’ maturation competence, without affecting ERK1/2 signaling. These findings strongly indicate the EGFR/ERKs signaling network as an upstream regulator of the AhR activation in COCs, offering a new understanding of the finely tuned physiological mechanism leading to oocyte maturation. This information may provide fresh opportunities for improving oocyte in vitro maturation, and therefore boosting the efficiency of assisted reproduction techniques in mammals.
- Published
- 2019
38. Nutritional Regulation of Gut Barrier Integrity in Weaning Piglets
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Raffaella Rossi, Carlo Corino, Umberto Polito, and Silvia Modina
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,pig ,Review ,03 medical and health sciences ,gastrointestinal tract (GIT), intestine ,organic acids ,Weaning ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Epithelial barrier ,amino acids ,General Veterinary ,Gut barrier ,weaning ,morphology and physiology ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Immune barrier ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,phytochemicals ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Amino acid ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Nutrient absorption ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Enteric nervous system - Abstract
Simple Summary Weaning is a very stressful period in the piglet’s life in intensive farming: it is a sudden process occurring between three to four weeks of age, when the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is still immature. The GIT is formed by the epithelial, immune and enteric nervous system which controls epithelial barrier integrity as well as gut functions including the transport of luminal nutrients, water and electrolytes. Early weaning is characterized by a breakdown of these gut functions, an increase in intestinal permeability and the appearance of gastrointestinal functional disorders, which can have long-lasting consequences in the pig’s life. Weaning, therefore, requires the correct level of nutrients, high quality ingredients, and management, which are directed primarily at encouraging rapid feed intake whilst reducing mortality and morbidity. This review describes the organization of the GIT and highlights the interactions between feed components and the morphology and physiology of the epithelial barrier. Novel dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also discussed, considering the impacts of selected feed ingredients or additives on the GIT such as functional amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids. Abstract Weaning is very stressful for piglets and leads to alterations in the intestinal barrier, a reduction in nutrient absorption and a higher susceptibility to intestinal diseases with heavy economic losses. This review describes the structures involved in the intestinal barrier: the epithelial barrier, immune barrier and the enteric nervous system. Here, new insights into the interactions between feed components and the physiology and morphology of the epithelial barrier are highlighted. Dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also described including amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids.
- Published
- 2019
39. Evaluation of in Vivo Response of Three Biphasic Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration in a Sheep Model
- Author
-
Laura Mangiavini, C. Sosio, M Domenicucci, Daniela Izzo, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Alessandro Sannino, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Barbara Palazzo, Francesca Gervaso, M Agnoletto, Francesca Scalera, D. De Zani, and Alberto Maria Crovace
- Subjects
Scaffold ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,Chemistry ,Regeneration (biology) ,0206 medical engineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Matrix (biology) ,scaffold ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Defect healing ,020601 biomedical engineering ,Article ,Animal model ,osteochondral defects ,Subchondral bone ,In vivo ,Cartilaginous Tissue ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,0210 nano-technology ,Biomedical engineering ,biomaterials - Abstract
Osteochondral defects are a common problem in both human medicine and veterinary practice although with important limits concerning the cartilaginous tissue regeneration. Interest in the subchondral bone has grown, as it is now considered a key element in the osteochondral defect healing. The aim of this work was to generate and to evaluate the architecture of three cell-free scaffolds made of collagen, magnesium/hydroxyapatite and collagen hydroxyapatite/wollastonite to be implanted in a sheep animal model. Scaffolds were designed in a bilayer configuration and a novel &ldquo, Honey&rdquo, configuration, where columns of hydroxyapatite were inserted within the collagen matrix. The use of different types of scaffolds allowed us to identify the best scaffold in terms of integration and tissue regeneration. The animals included were divided into four groups: three were treated using different types of scaffold while one was left untreated and represented the control group. Evaluations were made at 3 months through CT analysis. The novel &ldquo, configuration of the scaffold with hydroxyapatite seems to allow for a better reparative process, although we are still far from obtaining a complete restoration of the defect at this time point of follow-up.
- Published
- 2019
40. Development and biological validation of a cyclic stretch culture system for the ex vivo engineering of tendons
- Author
-
Giuseppe M. Peretti, Cinzia Domeneghini, Chiara Scandone, Matteo Laganà, Alessandro Sannino, D. Deponti, Federica Boschetti, Manuela Teresa Raimondi, Claudio Conci, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Michele M. Nava, Michele Crestani, and Francesca Gervaso
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,tendon ,Swine ,0206 medical engineering ,Biomedical Engineering ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Degeneration (medical) ,scaffold ,Tendons ,Biomaterials ,03 medical and health sciences ,Bioreactors ,pulsatile bioreactor ,medicine ,Biological validation ,Animals ,Cells, Cultured ,collagen ,tenocyte ,Tissue engineering ,Tissue Engineering ,Tissue Scaffolds ,business.industry ,General Medicine ,020601 biomedical engineering ,Tendon ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Collagen ,Stress, Mechanical ,business ,Ex vivo ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
Introduction: An innovative approach to the treatment of tendon injury or degeneration is given by engineered grafts, made available through the development of bioreactors that generate tendon tissue in vitro, by replicating in vivo conditions. This work aims at the design of a bioreactor capable of applying a stimulation of cyclic strain on cell constructs to promote the production of bioartificial tissue with mechanical and biochemical properties resembling those of the native tissue. Methods: The system was actuated by an electromagnet and design specifications were imposed as follows. The stimulation protocol provides to scaffolds a 3% preload, a 10% deformation, and a stimulation frequency rate set at 0.5, 1, and 2 Hz, which alternates stimulation/resting phases. Porcine tenocytes were seeded on collagen scaffolds and cultured in static or dynamic conditions for 7 and 14 days. Results: The culture medium temperature did not exceed 37°C during prolonged culture experiments. The applied force oscillates between 1.5 and 4.5 N. The cyclic stimulation of the engineered constructs let both the cells and the scaffold fibers align along the strain direction in response to the mechanical stimulus. Conclusion: We designed a pulsatile strain bioreactor for tendon tissue engineering. The in vitro characterization shows a preferential cell alignment at short time points. Prolonged culture time, however, seems to influence negatively on the survival of the cells indicating the need of further optimization concerning the culture conditions and the mechanical stimulation.
- Published
- 2018
41. Effect of temperature on fatty acid composition and development of unfed Siberian sturgeon (A.baerii) larvae
- Author
-
Cinzia Domeneghini, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Vittorio Maria Moretti, Mauro Vasconi, Federica Bellagamba, and Lucia Aidos
- Subjects
Larva ,Sturgeon ,Zoology ,Fatty acid composition ,Aquatic Science ,Biology - Published
- 2018
42. Copper sulphate forms in piglet diets: Microbiota, intestinal morphology and enteric nervous system glial cells
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Lucia Aidos, Carlo Corino, Piera Anna Martino, Cinzia Domeneghini, Raffaella Rossi, and Federica Maghin
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Copper Sulfate ,Time Factors ,Duodenum ,Swine ,Weaning ,Caecum ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cecum ,Enterobacteriaceae ,Internal medicine ,Intestine, Small ,medicine ,Animals ,Large intestine ,Intestine, Large ,biology ,Glial fibrillary acidic protein ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Streptococcus ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Bacterial Load ,Small intestine ,Diet ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Endocrinology ,Dietary Supplements ,biology.protein ,Female ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences - Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary supplementation with different copper sulphate (CuSO4 ) forms on small intestine microanatomy and large intestine microbiota. Ninety weaned piglets were divided into three experimental groups: control diet (CTR), with no added CuSO4 and diets supplemented with 150 ppm of CuSO4 in protected (150P) and unprotected form (150UP). After 18 days of dietary treatment, six piglets per treatment were randomly selected and sacrificed. Duodenum villi length and crypt depths were higher (P
- Published
- 2017
43. Stages of Gut Development as a Useful Tool to Prevent Gut Alterations in Piglets
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Raffaella Rossi, Carlo Corino, Silvia Modina, Paola Pocar, and Lucia Aidos
- Subjects
Brush border ,Veterinary medicine ,Review ,piglets ,Biology ,Andrology ,Jejunum ,03 medical and health sciences ,Intestinal mucosa ,SF600-1100 ,medicine ,Endocrine system ,Weaning ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Gastrointestinal tract ,morpho functional activity ,General Veterinary ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Small intestine ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,QL1-991 ,cell turnover ,Colostrum ,Animal Science and Zoology ,gut development ,Zoology - Abstract
Simple Summary Intensive growth and development of the piglet’s small intestine is a process that is faster than growth of the whole organism; moreover, it begins early in the prenatal period, accelerating soon after birth and continuing into the post-weaning phase. In fact, during gestation, the gut experiences important morpho-functional changes facilitated by hormones, growth factors, and luminal products. All of these changes are essential to ensure a correct gut function in order to protect animal health and welfare, to ensure optimal productive and reproductive performance, and reduce antimicrobial use. Abstract During the prenatal, neonatal, and weaning periods, the porcine gastrointestinal tract undergoes several morpho-functional, changes together with substantial modification of the microbial ecosystem. Modifications of the overall structure of the small intestine also occur, as well as a rapid increase of the volume, mainly in the last period of gestation: intestinal villi, starting from jejunum, appears shortly before the sixth week of gestation, and towards the end of the third month, epithelial cells diversify into enterocytes, goblet cells, endocrine, and Paneth cells. Moreover, in the neonatal period, colostrum induces an increase in intestinal weight, absorptive area, and brush border enzyme activities: intestine doubles its weight and increases the length by 30% within three days of birth. During weaning, intestinal environment modifies drastically due to a replacement of highly digestible sow milk by solid feed: profound changes in histological parameters and enzymatic activity are associated with the weaning period, such as the atrophy of the villi and consequent restorative hypertrophy of the crypts. All these modifications are the result of a delicate and precise balance between the proliferation and the death of the cells that form the intestinal mucosa (i.e., mitosis and apoptosis) and the health conditions of the piglet. An in-depth knowledge of these phenomena and of how they can interfere with the correct intestinal function can represent a valid support to predict strategies to improve gut health in the long-term and to prevent weaning gut alterations; thus, reducing antimicrobial use.
- Published
- 2021
44. Age-related modulation of angiogenesis-regulating factors in the swine meniscus
- Author
-
D. Deponti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Modina, Irene Tessaro, Cinzia Domeneghini, and Giuseppe M. Peretti
- Subjects
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ,pig ,0301 basic medicine ,Aging ,Pathology ,Swine ,Angiogenesis ,endostatin ,Meniscus (anatomy) ,Menisci, Tibial ,Extracellular matrix ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Age Factors ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,SOX9 Transcription Factor ,Cadherins ,musculoskeletal system ,VEGF ,Endostatins ,Extracellular Matrix ,Vascular endothelial growth factor ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Molecular Medicine ,Immunohistochemistry ,Female ,Original Article ,Endostatin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Neovascularization, Physiologic ,SOX9 ,Biology ,tissue maturation ,03 medical and health sciences ,Chondrocytes ,Western blot ,Antigens, CD ,medicine ,Animals ,Meniscus ,Collagen Type II ,micro‐vasculature ,Original Articles ,Cell Biology ,body regions ,030104 developmental biology ,Animals, Newborn ,chemistry ,Joints ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
An in‐depth knowledge of the native meniscus morphology and biomechanics in its different areas is essential to develop an engineered tissue. Meniscus is characterized by a great regional variation in extracellular matrix components and in vascularization. Then, the aim of this work was to characterize the expression of factors involved in angiogenesis in different areas during meniscus maturation in pigs. The menisci were removed from the knee joints of neonatal, young and adult pigs, and they were divided into the inner, intermediate and outer areas. Vascular characterization and meniscal maturation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In particular, expression of the angiogenic factor Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and the anti‐angiogenic marker Endostatin (ENDO) was analysed, as well as the vascular endothelial cadherin (Ve‐CAD). In addition, expression of Collagen II (COLL II) and SOX9 was examined, as markers of the fibro‐cartilaginous differentiation. Expression of VEGF and Ve‐CAD had a similar pattern in all animals, with a significant increase from the inner to the outer part of the meniscus. Pooling the zones, expression of both proteins was significantly higher in the neonatal meniscus than in young and adult menisci. Conversely, the young meniscus revealed a significantly higher expression of ENDO compared to the neonatal and adult ones. Analysis of tissue maturation markers showed an increase in COLL II and a decrease in SOX9 expression with age. These preliminary data highlight some of the changes that occur in the swine meniscus during growth, in particular the ensemble of regulatory factors involved in angiogenesis.
- Published
- 2017
45. Neuroprotective effects of low fat-protein diet in the P301L mouse model of tauopathy
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Roberto Cosimo Melcangi, Cinzia Domeneghini, Giuliano Grignaschi, Lucia Buccarello, and Tiziana Borsello
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Tau protein ,Hippocampus ,Mice, Transgenic ,tau Proteins ,Neuroprotection ,Eating ,Mice ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Weight loss ,Internal medicine ,Diet, Protein-Restricted ,In Situ Nick-End Labeling ,medicine ,Animals ,Neurons ,Analysis of Variance ,biology ,General Neuroscience ,Body Weight ,Brain ,Recognition, Psychology ,Human brain ,medicine.disease ,Disease Models, Animal ,Neuroprotective Agents ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Tauopathies ,Cerebral cortex ,Exploratory Behavior ,biology.protein ,Female ,Tauopathy ,Alzheimer's disease ,medicine.symptom ,Psychology ,Neuroscience ,Locomotion ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the pathological aggregation of tau protein in the human brain. Although numerous studies in mouse models of Alzheimer disease (AD) have shown a correlation among diet, beta-amyloid and AD onset, little is known about the impact of diet on Tau. We investigated whether a low fat-protein diet (LFPD) may improve lifespan, cognitive and locomotor activity in P301L-tg mouse model of tauopathy. Our data indicate that LFPD has a beneficial effect on these parameters. Tg mice fed with standard diet shown a decrease in body weight, food intake and survival rate if compared to wild type animals. In contrast, LFPD counteracted weight loss, increased mortality and ameliorated cognitive and locomotor performances in tg mice. LFPD also reduced the abnormal accumulation of agglomerates of P-Tau (pathological features of tauopathies) and the expression of apoptotic markers (i.e., TUNEL immunopositive neurons) in the prefrontal cerebral cortex and hippocampus of P301L-tg mice. Interestingly, some of these effects are sex-dependent. For instance, tg females, but not males, fed with LFPD had a significant increase of body weight and a reduction of P-Tau agglomerates compared to tg fed with standard diet. These changes correlated with a more pronounced improvement of cognition and locomotor activity in females than in male tg fed with LFPD. Altogether, these results suggest a sex dependent neuroprotective effect of LFPD in P301L-tg mice, suggesting that lifestyle intervention strategies may be clinically relevant for delaying the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia, especially in females.
- Published
- 2017
46. Seaweeds in Pig Nutrition
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Carlo Corino, Sara Chiapparini, Silvia Modina, and Raffaella Rossi
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,pig ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Fucoidan ,Prebiotic ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Red algae ,Review ,biology.organism_classification ,Polysaccharide ,Brown algae ,seaweeds ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Laminarin ,Nutrient ,chemistry ,dietary supplement ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Green algae ,Food science - Abstract
Simple Summary In pig nutrition, alternative and safe supplements are needed to enhance the pigs’ health and welfare. Natural feed components, such as herbs and plant extracts, are of great importance in animal nutrition, and marine macroalgae can be considered as supplements positively influence animal health parameters. Seaweeds possess several bioactive molecules that are studied for their prebiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Seaweed benefits are related to their content of sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, diterpenes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. This paper reviews the following biological functions of seaweeds and seaweed extracts in pig nutrition: prebiotics, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, promoting intestinal well-being and improving digestibility. Abstract Seaweeds are macroalgae, with different sizes, colors and composition. They consist of brown algae, red algae and green algae, which all have a different chemical composition and bioactive molecule content. The polysaccharides, laminarin and fucoidan are commonly present in brown seaweeds, ulvans are found in green seaweeds and, red algae contain a large amount of carrageenans. These bioactive compounds may have several positive effects on health in livestock. In order to reduce the antimicrobials used in livestock, research has recently focused on finding natural and sustainable molecules that boost animal performance and health. The present study thus summarizes research on the dietary integration of seaweeds in swine. In particular the influence on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities were considered. The review highlights that brown seaweeds seem to be a promising dietary intervention in pigs in order to boost the immune system, antioxidant status and gut health. Data on the use of green seaweeds as a dietary supplementation seems to be lacking at present and merit further investigation.
- Published
- 2019
47. Effects of stocking density on reared Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) larval growth, muscle development and fatty acids composition in a recirculating aquaculture system
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Mauro Vasconi, Luisa M.P. Valente, Lucia Aidos, Marco Lanfranchi, and Francesco Abbate
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Larva ,density ,fatty acids ,larvae ,muscle structure ,Siberian sturgeon ,Aquatic Science ,Zoology ,Recirculating aquaculture system ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Acipenser baerii ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,Stocking ,Sturgeon ,040102 fisheries ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Fatty acid composition - Published
- 2019
48. Swine Meniscus: Are Femoral-Tibial Surfaces Properly Tuned to Bear the Forces Exerted on the Tissue?
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Federica Boschetti, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Umberto Polito, Maria Elena Andreis, and Mauro Di Giancamillo
- Subjects
musculoskeletal diseases ,anatomy ,Swine ,0206 medical engineering ,Biomedical Engineering ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Meniscus (anatomy) ,Biochemistry ,Menisci, Tibial ,biomechanics ,Collagen Type I ,Biomaterials ,03 medical and health sciences ,meniscus ,medicine ,Animals ,Femur ,030304 developmental biology ,Glycosaminoglycans ,0303 health sciences ,Tibia ,swine ,DNA ,musculoskeletal system ,020601 biomedical engineering ,Biomechanical Phenomena ,body regions ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Female ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
The importance of the present study is linked to how the contact forces act on the knee meniscus in particular, considering the femoral condyles and tibial plateau: this can be useful as a base for the ultimate creation of tissue-engineered biphasic scaffolds, which can mimic the native tissue complex, for meniscal repair or regeneration.
- Published
- 2018
49. Stifle anatomic, tomographic and biomechanical features of growing dogs affected by quadriceps contracture
- Author
-
Maria Elena Andreis, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Liliana Maria Carnevale, Umberto Polito, Maria Cristina Veronesi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, and Silvia Clotilde Modina
- Subjects
musculoskeletal diseases ,lcsh:Genetics ,lcsh:QH426-470 ,lcsh:QH540-549.5 ,lcsh:Economic biology ,lcsh:Animal culture ,lcsh:Ecology ,musculoskeletal system ,lcsh:QH705-705.5 ,lcsh:SF1-1100 ,Quadriceps contracture, Puppies, Stifle, Skeletal development, Anatomy - Abstract
Quadriceps contracture is a debilitating and uncommon condition, mostly affecting young dogs. Itcan be congenital or acquired ) and is reported to induce muscular hypotrophy/fibrosis, progressive degenerative joint disease, bone hypoplasia and limb hyperextension. The aim of this study was to elucidate anatomic, tomographic and biomechanical features of stifles affected by quadriceps contracture. Seven 2-month-old dead Dobermann Pinschers with unilateral quadriceps contracture were included. Before gross anatomic evaluation, all stifles underwent Computed Tomography before and after intra-articular administration of iodinated contrast medium. Images were acquired in double positioning (stifle extension and flexion) to identify articular cartilage, Ossification Centres’ (OCs) and menisci abnormalities, which were compared between affected and unaffected limbs. In all affected limbs the stifle was back-turned, the distal femur was extra-rotated and the patella was luxated proximo-medially. Severe lack of physiological stifle movements (rolling, gliding, spinning) was observed, so that affected joints could not be flexed. The articular cartilage of the femur was flattened and irregular in thickness, the femoral trochlea was hypoplasic and sloping, the menisci were misshaped. The OC of the distal femur and proximal tibia were misshaped; the tibial plateau was oriented caudodorsally-cranioventrally and significantly smaller (P, International Journal of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Vol 5, No 1s (2018)
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Fabrication of multi-well chips for spheroid cultures and implantable constructs through rapid prototyping techniques
- Author
-
Alessia Di Giancamillo, Francesco Piraino, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Marco Rasponi, Matteo Moretti, Raymond J. Kemp, Silvia Lopa, Arianna B. Lovati, Lorenzo Moroni, and Clelia Di Caro
- Subjects
Cell type ,Polydimethylsiloxane ,Cell ,Spheroid ,Bioengineering ,Nanotechnology ,Chondrogenesis ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Glycosaminoglycan ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,Tissue engineering ,In vivo ,medicine ,Biotechnology ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culture models are widely used in basic and translational research. In this study, to generate and culture multiple 3D cell spheroids, we exploited laser ablation and replica molding for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) multi-well chips, which were validated using articular chondrocytes (ACs). Multi-well ACs spheroids were comparable or superior to standard spheroids, as revealed by glycosaminoglycan and type-II collagen deposition. Moreover, the use of our multi-well chips significantly reduced the operation time for cell seeding and medium refresh. Exploiting a similar approach, we used clinical-grade fibrin to generate implantable multi-well constructs allowing for the precise distribution of multiple cell types. Multi-well fibrin constructs were seeded with ACs generating high cell density regions, as shown by histology and cell fluorescent staining. Multi-well constructs were compared to standard constructs with homogeneously distributed ACs. After 7 days in vitro, expression of SOX9, ACAN, COL2A1, and COMP was increased in both constructs, with multi-well constructs expressing significantly higher levels of chondrogenic genes than standard constructs. After 5 weeks in vivo, we found that despite a dramatic size reduction, the cell distribution pattern was maintained and glycosaminoglycan content per wet weight was significantly increased respect to pre-implantation samples. In conclusion, multi-well chips for the generation and culture of multiple cell spheroids can be fabricated by low-cost rapid prototyping techniques. Furthermore, these techniques can be used to generate implantable constructs with defined architecture and controlled cell distribution, allowing for in vitro and in vivo investigation of cell interactions in a 3D environment.
- Published
- 2015
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.