63 results on '"Laura Locatelli"'
Search Results
2. Unlocking endothelial barrier restoration: FX06 in systemic capillary leak syndrome and beyond
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Maddalena Alessandra Wu, Laura Locatelli, Chiara Cogliati, Riccardo Colombo, and Jeanette A. Maier
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Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome ,Endothelial permeability ,Paroxysmal permeability disorders ,Treatment ,VE-Cadherin ,Cytoskeleton ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Increased vascular permeability is a prevalent feature in a wide spectrum of clinical conditions, but no effective treatments to restore the endothelial barrier are available. Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a life-threatening Paroxysmal Permeability Disorder characterized by abrupt, massive plasma extravasation. This condition serves as a robust model for investigating therapeutic approaches targeting interendothelial junctions. We conducted a single-center, interventional in vitro study at the Referral Center for ISCLS in Italy, involving four diagnosed ISCLS patients, aiming at investigating the effects of FX06, a Bβ15–42 fibrin-derived peptide binding to VE-Cadherin, on endothelial barrier exposed to intercritical and acute ISCLS sera. The Transwell Permeability Assay was used to assess the permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to ISCLS sera with or without FX06 (50 µg/ml). Acute ISCLS serum was also tested in a three-dimensional microfluidic device. Nitric oxide (NO), VE-Cadherin localization, and cytoskeletal organization were also assessed. In two and three-dimensional systems, ISCLS sera increased endothelial permeability, with a more pronounced effect for acute sera. Furthermore, acute sera altered VE-Cadherin localization and cytoskeletal organization. NO levels remained unchanged. FX06 restored the endothelial barrier function by influencing cellular localization rather than VE-Cadherin levels. In conclusion, FX06 prevents and reverts the hyperpermeability induced by ISCLS sera. These preliminary yet promising results provide initial evidence of the in vitro efficacy of a drug targeting the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of ISCLS. Moreover, this approach may hold potential for addressing hyperpermeability in a spectrum of clinical conditions beyond ISCLS.
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- 2024
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3. Ultrastructural features mirror metabolic derangement in human endothelial cells exposed to high glucose
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Roberta Scrimieri, Laura Locatelli, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Roberta Cazzola, Emil Malucelli, Andrea Sorrentino, Stefano Iotti, and Jeanette A. Maier
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract High glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction is the early event that initiates diabetes-induced vascular disease. Here we employed Cryo Soft X-ray Tomography to obtain three-dimensional maps of high d-glucose-treated endothelial cells and their controls at nanometric spatial resolution. We then correlated ultrastructural differences with metabolic rewiring. While the total mitochondrial mass does not change, high d-glucose promotes mitochondrial fragmentation, as confirmed by the modulation of fission–fusion markers, and dysfunction, as demonstrated by the drop of membrane potential, the decreased oxygen consumption and the increased production of reactive oxygen species. The 3D ultrastructural analysis also indicates the accumulation of lipid droplets in cells cultured in high d-glucose. Indeed, because of the decrease of fatty acid β-oxidation induced by high d-glucose concentration, triglycerides are esterified into fatty acids and then stored into lipid droplets. We propose that the increase of lipid droplets represents an adaptive mechanism to cope with the overload of glucose and associated oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation.
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- 2023
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4. Herpes zoster in lupus nephritis: experience on 292 patients followed up for 15 years
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Francesco Reggiani, Silvia Cardi, Fabio Tumminello, Marta Calatroni, Laura Locatelli, Maria Gerosa, Nicoletta Del Papa, and Gabriella Moroni
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herpes zoster ,systemic lupus erythematosus ,lupus nephritis ,immunosuppressive therapy ,vaccination ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of herpes zoster (HZ) development in lupus nephritis (LN).MethodsThis retrospective study included 292 LN patients to determine HZ incidence during the last decades and its correlation with LN activity. LN patients with HZ were matched with LN patients without HZ in a 1:2 ratio based on sex, age, year of LN diagnosis, and LN histological class at kidney biopsy to assess HZ risk factors. Statistical tests included t-test, U-test, and Fisher’s test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors.ResultsHZ occurred after LN diagnosis in 66 patients (prevalence 22.6%) with an average of 8.7 years (range 0.2–28.4 years). Although with the potential limitations of the retrospective nature and the extensive duration of the study, the incidence of HZ was 15.6/1,000 person-years, increasing from 6.9 before 1980 to 16.0 in the 1990s and 43.9 after 2010. HZ onset was unrelated to LN activity. LN was active in 43% of cases and quiescent in the other 57% of cases at HZ diagnosis. The percentage of patients who developed lupus flares during the year after HZ (18.9%) was not different from that which occurred during the year before HZ (17.2%, p = 0.804). After excluding confounding factors through matching, the univariate analysis suggested that cyclosporin during induction therapy (p = 0.011) and higher cumulative doses of glucocorticoids (GCs; >50 g, p = 0.004), cyclophosphamide (CYC; >5 g, p = 0.001), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF > 1,000 g, p = 0.007) predisposed patients to HZ. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a protective role of azathioprine (p = 0.008) and methylprednisolone pulses (p = 0.010) during induction therapy.ConclusionsHZ occurs unpredictably throughout the course of LN, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring for these patients. In addition, the incidence of HZ seems to have increased in recent decades. Induction therapy with azathioprine and methylprednisolone pulses appears to provide protection, while higher cumulative doses of GCs, CYC, and MMF increase susceptibility.
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- 2023
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5. The Role of Txnip in Mediating Low-Magnesium-Driven Endothelial Dysfunction
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Laura Locatelli, Giorgia Fedele, and Jeanette A. Maier
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magnesium ,HUVEC ,permeability ,lipid droplets ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Magnesium deficiency is associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases since this cation is fundamental in regulating vascular function. This clinical evidence is sustained by in vitro studies showing that culturing endothelial cells in low concentrations of magnesium promotes the acquisition of a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Here, we show that the increase in reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells in low-magnesium-containing medium is due to the upregulation of the pro-oxidant protein thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), with a consequent accumulation of lipid droplets and increase in endothelial permeability through the downregulation and relocalization of junctional proteins. Silencing TXNIP restores the endothelial barrier and lipid content. Because (i) mitochondria serve multiple roles in shaping cell function, health and survival and (ii) mitochondria are the main intracellular stores of magnesium, it is of note that no significant alterations were detected in their morphology and dynamics in our experimental model. We conclude that TXNIP upregulation contributes to low-magnesium-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro.
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- 2023
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6. A Comparison of Doxorubicin-Resistant Colon Cancer LoVo and Leukemia HL60 Cells: Common Features, Different Underlying Mechanisms
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Laura Locatelli, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Giorgia Fedele, Monica Zocchi, Roberta Scrimieri, Claudia Moscheni, Sara Castiglioni, and Jeanette A. Maier
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doxorubicin ,LoVo cells ,HL60 cells ,TRPM7 ,MagT1 ,ROS ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Chemoresistance causes cancer relapse and metastasis, thus remaining the major obstacle to cancer therapy. While some light has been shed on the underlying mechanisms, it is clear that chemoresistance is a multifaceted problem strictly interconnected with the high heterogeneity of neoplastic cells. We utilized two different human cell lines, i.e., LoVo colon cancer and promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells sensitive and resistant to doxorubicin (DXR), largely used as a chemotherapeutic and frequently leading to chemoresistance. LoVo and HL60 resistant cells accumulate less reactive oxygen species by differently modulating the levels of some pro- and antioxidant proteins. Moreover, the content of intracellular magnesium, known to contribute to protect cells from oxidative stress, is increased in DXR-resistant LoVo through the upregulation of MagT1 and in DXR-resistant HL60 because of the overexpression of TRPM7. In addition, while no major differences in mitochondrial mass are observed in resistant HL60 and LoVo cells, fragmented mitochondria due to increased fission and decreased fusion are detected only in resistant LoVo cells. We conclude that DXR-resistant cells evolve adaptive mechanisms to survive DXR cytotoxicity by activating different molecular pathways.
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- 2021
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7. From Cultured Vascular Cells to Vessels: The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Vascular Dysfunction in Space
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Laura Locatelli, Sara Castiglioni, and Jeanette A. M. Maier
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spaceflight ,microgravity ,vessel ,endothelial cells ,vascular smooth muscle cells ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
Life evolved on this planet under the pull of gravity, shielded from radiation by the magnetosphere and shaped by circadian rhythms due to Earth’s rotation on its axis. Once living beings leave such a protective environment, adaptive responses are activated to grant survival. In view of long manned mission out of Earth’s orbit, it is relevant to understand how humans adapt to space and if the responses activated might reveal detrimental in the long run. Here we review present knowledge about the effects on the vessels of various extraterrestrial factors on humans as well as in vivo and in vitro experimental models. It emerges that the vasculature activates complex adaptive responses finalized to supply oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues and to remove metabolic waste and carbon dioxide. Most studies point to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as mediators of vascular alterations in space. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these adaptive processes might offer hints to design proper and personalized countermeasures to predict a safe future in space.
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- 2022
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8. Cluster-Assembled Zirconia Substrates Accelerate the Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
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Sara Castiglioni, Laura Locatelli, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Francesca Maria Orecchio, Tommaso Santaniello, Claudio Piazzoni, Lionel Bureau, Francesca Borghi, Paolo Milani, and Jeanette A. Maier
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nanostructured zirconia surfaces ,bMSC ,osteogenic differentiation ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Due to their high mechanical strength and good biocompatibility, nanostructured zirconia surfaces (ns-ZrOx) are widely used for bio-applications. Through supersonic cluster beam deposition, we produced ZrOx films with controllable roughness at the nanoscale, mimicking the morphological and topographical properties of the extracellular matrix. We show that a 20 nm ns-ZrOx surface accelerates the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs (bMSCs) by increasing the deposition of calcium in the extracellular matrix and upregulating some osteogenic differentiation markers. bMSCs seeded on 20 nm ns-ZrOx show randomly oriented actin fibers, changes in nuclear morphology, and a reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential when compared to the cells cultured on flat zirconia (flat-ZrO2) substrates and glass coverslips used as controls. Additionally, an increase in ROS, known to promote osteogenesis, was detected after 24 h of culture on 20 nm ns-ZrOx. All the modifications induced by the ns-ZrOx surface are rescued after the first hours of culture. We propose that ns-ZrOx-induced cytoskeletal remodeling transmits signals generated by the extracellular environment to the nucleus, with the consequent modulation of the expression of genes controlling cell fate.
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- 2023
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9. The Interplay between TRPM7 and MagT1 in Maintaining Endothelial Magnesium Homeostasis
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Sara Castiglioni, Laura Locatelli, Giorgia Fedele, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Emil Malucelli, Stefano Iotti, and Jeanette A. Maier
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TRPM7 ,HUVEC ,MagT1 ,magnesium ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemical engineering ,TP155-156 - Abstract
The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is an ubiquitous channel fused to an α-kinase domain involved in magnesium (Mg) transport, and its level of expression has been proposed as a marker of endothelial function. To broaden our present knowledge about the role of TRPM7 in endothelial cells, we generated stable transfected Human Endothelial Cells derived from the Umbilical Vein (HUVEC). TRPM7-silencing HUVEC maintain the actin fibers’ organization and mitochondrial network. They produce reduced amounts of reactive oxygen species and grow faster than controls. Intracellular Mg concentration does not change in TRPM7-silencing or -expressing HUVEC, while some differences emerged when we analyzed intracellular Mg distribution. While the levels of the plasma membrane Mg transporter Solute Carrier family 41 member 1 (SLC41A1) and the mitochondrial channel Mrs2 remain unchanged, the highly selective Magnesium Transporter 1 (MagT1) is upregulated in TRPM7-silencing HUVEC through transcriptional regulation. We propose that the increased amounts of MagT1 grant the maintenance of intracellular Mg concentrations when TRPM7 is not expressed in endothelial cells.
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- 2023
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10. The Effects of Sirolimus and Magnesium on Primary Human Coronary Endothelial Cells: An In Vitro Study
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Giorgia Fedele, Sara Castiglioni, Jeanette A. M. Maier, and Laura Locatelli
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sirolimus ,hCAEC ,magnesium ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Drug eluting magnesium (Mg) bioresorbable scaffolds represent a novel paradigm in percutaneous coronary intervention because Mg-based alloys are biocompatible, have adequate mechanical properties and can be resorbed without adverse events. Importantly, Mg is fundamental in many biological processes, mitigates the inflammatory response and is beneficial for the endothelium. Sirolimus is widely used as an antiproliferative agent in drug eluting stents to inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, thus reducing the occurrence of stent restenosis. Little is known about the potential interplay between sirolimus and Mg in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (hCAEC). Therefore, the cells were treated with sirolimus in the presence of different concentrations of extracellular Mg. Cell viability, migration, barrier function, adhesivity and nitric oxide synthesis were assessed. Sirolimus impairs the viability of subconfluent, but not of confluent cells independently from the concentration of Mg in the culture medium. In confluent cells, sirolimus inhibits migration, while it cooperates with Mg in exerting an anti-inflammatory action that might have a role in preventing restenosis and thrombosis.
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- 2023
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11. Platelets in Wound Healing: What Happens in Space?
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Laura Locatelli, Alessandra Colciago, Sara Castiglioni, and Jeanette A. Maier
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platelets ,microgravity ,platelet rich plasma ,wound healing ,regeneration ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
Beyond their fundamental role in hemostasis, platelets importantly contribute to other processes aimed at maintaining homeostasis. Indeed, platelets are a natural source of growth factors and also release many other substances—such as fibronectin, vitronectin, sphingosine 1-phosphate—that are important in maintaining healthy tissues, and ensuring regeneration and repair. Despite rare thrombotic events have been documented in astronauts, some in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that microgravity affects platelet’s number and function, thus increasing the risk of hemorrhages and contributing to retard wound healing. Here we provide an overview about events linking platelets to the impairment of wound healing in space, also considering, besides weightlessness, exposure to radiation and psychological stress. In the end we discuss the possibility of utilizing platelet rich plasma as a tool to treat skin injuries eventually occurring during space missions.
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- 2021
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12. Magnesium and the Brain: A Focus on Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration
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Jeanette A. M. Maier, Laura Locatelli, Giorgia Fedele, Alessandra Cazzaniga, and André Mazur
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magnesium ,brain ,neuroinflammation ,blood–brain barrier ,neurodegeneration ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is involved in the regulation of metabolism and in the maintenance of the homeostasis of all the tissues, including the brain, where it harmonizes nerve signal transmission and preserves the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. Mg deficiency contributes to systemic low-grade inflammation, the common denominator of most diseases. In particular, neuroinflammation is the hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Starting from a rapid overview on the role of magnesium in the brain, this narrative review provides evidences linking the derangement of magnesium balance with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.
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- 2022
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13. Cytoskeletal Remodeling Mimics Endothelial Response to Microgravity
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Laura Locatelli and Jeanette A. M. Maier
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human endothelial cells ,microgravity ,stress ,TRPM7 ,cytoskeleton ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Mechanical cues contribute to the maintenance of a healthy endothelium, which is essential for vascular integrity. Indeed endothelial cells are mechanosensors that integrate the forces in the form of biochemical signals. The cytoskeleton is fundamental in sensing mechanical stimuli and activating specific signaling pathways. Because the cytoskeleton is very rapidly remodeled in endothelial cells exposed to microgravity, we investigated whether the disruption of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D in 1g condition triggers and orchestrates responses similar to those occurring in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells upon gravitational unloading. We focused our attention on the effect of simulated microgravity on stress proteins and transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a cation channel that acts as a mechanosensor and modulates endothelial cell proliferation and stress response. Simulated microgravity downregulates TRPM7 in both cell types. However, 24 h of treatment with cytochalasin D decreases the amounts of TRPM7 only in macrovascular endothelial cells, suggesting that the regulation and the role of TRPM7 in microvascular cells are more complex than expected. The 24 h culture in the presence of cytochalasin D mimics the effect of simulated microgravity in modulating stress response in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells. We conclude that cytoskeletal disruption might mediate some effects of microgravity in endothelial cells.
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- 2021
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14. Magnesium Homeostasis in Myogenic Differentiation—A Focus on the Regulation of TRPM7, MagT1 and SLC41A1 Transporters
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Monica Zocchi, Laura Locatelli, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, André Mazur, Daniel Béchet, Jeanette A. Maier, and Sara Castiglioni
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myogenesis ,C2C12 cells ,magnesium ,TRPM7 ,MagT1 ,SLC41A1 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is essential for skeletal muscle health, but little is known about the modulation of Mg and its transporters in myogenic differentiation. Here, we show in C2C12 murine myoblasts that Mg concentration fluctuates during their differentiation to myotubes, declining early in the process and reverting to basal levels once the cells are differentiated. The level of the Mg transporter MagT1 decreases at early time points and is restored at the end of the process, suggesting a possible role in the regulation of intracellular Mg concentration. In contrast, TRPM7 is rapidly downregulated and remains undetectable in myotubes. The reduced amounts of TRPM7 and MagT1 are due to autophagy, one of the proteolytic systems activated during myogenesis and essential for the membrane fusion process. Moreover, we investigated the levels of SLC41A1, which increase once cells are differentiated, mainly through transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, myogenesis is associated with alterations of Mg homeostasis finely tuned through the modulation of MagT1, TRPM7 and SLC41A1.
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- 2022
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15. High Magnesium and Sirolimus on Rabbit Vascular Cells—An In Vitro Proof of Concept
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Giorgia Fedele, Sara Castiglioni, Jeanette A. Maier, and Laura Locatelli
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magnesium ,sirolimus ,rabbit coronary artery endothelial cells ,smooth muscle cells ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
Drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds represent the last frontier in the field of angioplasty and stenting to treat coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, sirolimus-eluting magnesium-based scaffolds were recently introduced in clinical practice. Magnesium alloys are biocompatible and dissolve in body fluids, thus determining high concentrations of magnesium in the local microenvironment. Since magnesium regulates cell growth, we asked whether high levels of magnesium might interfere with the antiproliferative action of sirolimus. We performed in vitro experiments on rabbit coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells (rCAEC and rSMC, respectively). The cells were treated with sirolimus in the presence of different concentrations of extracellular magnesium. Sirolimus inhibits rCAEC proliferation only in physiological concentrations of magnesium, while high concentrations prevent this effect. On the contrary, high extracellular magnesium does not rescue rSMC growth arrest by sirolimus and accentuates the inhibitory effect of the drug on cell migration. Importantly, sirolimus and magnesium do not impair rSMC response to nitric oxide. If translated into a clinical setting, these results suggest that, in the presence of sirolimus, local increases of magnesium concentration maintain normal endothelial proliferative capacity and function without affecting rSMC growth inhibition and response to vasodilators.
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- 2021
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16. Magnesium Deficiency Induces Lipid Accumulation in Vascular Endothelial Cells via Oxidative Stress—The Potential Contribution of EDF-1 and PPARγ
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Laura Locatelli, Giorgia Fedele, Sara Castiglioni, and Jeanette A. Maier
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magnesium ,endothelial cells ,EDF-1 ,PPARγ ,lipids ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Background: Magnesium deficiency contributes to atherogenesis partly by promoting the dysfunction of endothelial cells, which are critical in vascular homeostasis and diseases. Since EDF-1 and PPARγ regulate crucial endothelial activities, we investigated the modulation of these proteins involved in lipogenesis as well the deposition of lipids in human endothelial cells cultured in different concentrations of magnesium. Methods: Human endothelial cells from the umbilical vein were cultured in medium containing from 0.1 to 5 mM magnesium for 24 h. The levels of EDF-1 and PPARγ were visualized by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by DCFDA. Lipids were detected after O Red Oil staining. Results: Magnesium deficiency leads to the accumulation of ROS which upregulate EDF-1. Further, PPARγ is increased after culture in low magnesium, but independently from ROS. Moreover, lipids accumulate in magnesium-deficient cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that magnesium deficiency leads to the deposition of lipids by inducing EDF-1 and PPARγ. The increase in intracellular lipids might be interpreted as an adaptive response of endothelial cells to magnesium deficiency.
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- 2021
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17. 3D Quantitative and Ultrastructural Analysis of Mitochondria in a Model of Doxorubicin Sensitive and Resistant Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
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Claudia Moscheni, Emil Malucelli, Sara Castiglioni, Alessandra Procopio, Clara De Palma, Andrea Sorrentino, Patrizia Sartori, Laura Locatelli, Eva Pereiro, Jeanette A. Maier, and Stefano Iotti
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mitochondria ,multidrug resistance ,doxorubicin ,cellular metabolism ,nanoscale imaging ,soft X-ray cryo tomography ,transmission electron microscopy ,Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 - Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Because mitochondria mediate metabolic reprogramming in cancer drug resistance, we focused on these organelles in doxorubicin sensitive and resistant colon carcinoma cells. We employed soft X-ray cryo nano-tomography to map three-dimensionally these cells at nanometer-resolution and investigate the correlation between mitochondrial morphology and drug resistance phenotype. We have identified significant structural differences in the morphology of mitochondria in the two strains of cancer cells, as well as lower amounts of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in resistant than in sensitive cells. We speculate that these features could elicit an impaired mitochondrial communication in resistant cells, thus preventing the formation of the interconnected mitochondrial network as clearly detected in the sensitive cells. In fact, the qualitative and quantitative three-dimensional assessment of the mitochondrial morphology highlights a different structural organization in resistant cells, which reflects a metabolic cellular adaptation functional to survive to the offense exerted by the antineoplastic treatment.
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- 2019
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18. The Contribution of EDF1 to PPARγ Transcriptional Activation in VEGF-Treated Human Endothelial Cells
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Alessandra Cazzaniga, Laura Locatelli, Sara Castiglioni, and Jeanette Maier
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endothelial cells ,vascular endothelial growth factor ,Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ,Endothelial Differentiation-related factor 1 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important for maintaining healthy endothelium, which is crucial for vascular integrity. In this paper, we show that VEGF stimulates the nuclear translocation of endothelial differentiation-related factor 1 (EDF1), a highly conserved intracellular protein implicated in molecular events that are pivotal to endothelial function. In the nucleus, EDF1 serves as a transcriptional coactivator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which has a protective role in the vasculature. Indeed, silencing EDF1 prevents VEGF induction of PPARγ activity as detected by gene reporter assay. Accordingly, silencing EDF1 markedly inhibits the stimulatory effect of VEGF on the expression of FABP4, a PPARγ-inducible gene. As nitric oxide is a marker of endothelial function, it is noteworthy that we report a link between EDF1 silencing, decreased levels of FABP4, and nitric oxide production. We conclude that EDF1 is required for VEGF-induced activation of the transcriptional activity of PPARγ.
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- 2018
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19. Silver Nanoparticles in Orthopedic Applications: New Insights on Their Effects on Osteogenic Cells
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Sara Castiglioni, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Laura Locatelli, and Jeanette A. M. Maier
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silver nanoparticles ,osteoblasts ,mesenchymal stem cells ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Infections of orthopedic implants are associated with high morbidity. The emergence of antibiotic resistant strains and the tendency of microbes to form biofilms on orthopedic devices prompt the individuation of novel antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles represent an interesting alternative, but their effects on bone cells need to be clarified. We focused on osteoblast-like cells and on bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells and found that these cells are rather resistant to the cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration around 25 µg/mL as detected by MTT assay. Within a month of treatment, osteoblast-like cells adapt to the presence of the nanoparticles by upregulating hsp70 as shown by western blot. Hsp70 overexpression correlates with the restoration of normal cell proliferation. No alterations in the extent and time requirements were detected in mesenchymal stem cell induced to differentiate in osteoblasts in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Because the concentrations of silver nanoparticles which show antimicrobial activity are lower than those exerting toxic effects on bone-forming cells in vitro, we suggest that silver nanoparticles might represent a challenging tool to fight infections in orthopedic implants.
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- 2017
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20. Una ematemesi fatale
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Angela Amoroso, Fabiana Di Stasio, Laura Locatelli, and Lorenzo D'Antiga
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digestive, oral, and skin physiology ,Geography, Planning and Development ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law - Abstract
Disk battery ingestions in children are increasing worldwide. This condition may cause severe complications, especially if the battery is lodged in the oesophagus. The most dangerous complication with the highest mortality rate is aorto-oesophageal fistula. The tissue damage may appear after 2 hours from the ingestion. The paper reports the case of a 2-year-old girl who was admitted to the Emergency Department 15 days after the ingestion of a disk battery and who presented with an aorto-oesophageal fistula complication.
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- 2022
21. Magnesium and the Brain: A Focus on Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration
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Jeanette A. M. Maier, Laura Locatelli, Giorgia Fedele, Alessandra Cazzaniga, André Mazur, Università degli Studi di Milano = University of Milan (UNIMI), Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), and Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)
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Settore MED/04 - Patologia Generale ,brain ,Organic Chemistry ,neurodegeneration ,General Medicine ,magnesium ,blood-brain barrier ,blood–brain barrier ,Catalysis ,Computer Science Applications ,neuroinflammation ,Inorganic Chemistry ,[SDV.BBM]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biochemistry, Molecular Biology ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Molecular Biology ,Spectroscopy - Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is involved in the regulation of metabolism and in the maintenance of the homeostasis of all the tissues, including the brain, where it harmonizes nerve signal transmission and preserves the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. Mg deficiency contributes to systemic low-grade inflammation, the common denominator of most diseases. In particular, neuroinflammation is the hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Starting from a rapid overview on the role of magnesium in the brain, this narrative review provides evidences linking the derangement of magnesium balance with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.
- Published
- 2023
22. The presence of BBB hastens neuronal differentiation of cerebral organoids - The potential role of endothelial derived BDNF
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Giorgia Fedele, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Sara Castiglioni, Laura Locatelli, Antonella Tosoni, Manuela Nebuloni, and Jeanette A.M. Maier
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Settore MED/04 - Patologia Generale ,Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ,Biophysics ,Endothelial Cells ,Cell Differentiation ,Cell Biology ,Biochemistry ,Organoids ,Induced pluripotent stem cells ,BDNF ,Blood-Brain Barrier ,Humans ,Cerebral organoids ,Molecular Biology ,Blood-brain barrier ,Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells - Abstract
Despite remaining the best in vitro model to resemble the human brain, a weakness of human cerebral organoids is the lack of the endothelial component that in vivo organizes in the blood brain barrier (BBB). Since the BBB is crucial to control the microenvironment of the nervous system, this study proposes a co-culture BBB and cerebral organoids. We utilized a BBB model consisting of primary brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes in a transwell system. Starting from induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) we generated human cerebral organoids which were then cultured in the absence or presence of an in vitro model of BBB. We evaluated if the presence of the BBB influences the maturation of cerebral organoids. By morphological analysis, it emerges that in the presence of the BBB the cerebral organoids are better organized than controls in the absence of the BBB. This effect seems to be driven by Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a neurotrophic factor released by the endothelial component of the BBB, which is involved in neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity and neurosurvival.Graphical AbstractThe current culture model of human cerebral organoids does not require the presence of a BBB (left side). However, the BBB is an important source of BDNF, which is crucial for neurodevelopment and brain health. The cerebral organoids co-cultured for 4 days in the presence of the BBB show a higher cortical organization than the organoids cultured in the absence of the BBB, as illustrated on the right.
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- 2022
23. Long-term kidney outcome of patients with rheumatological diseases and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-glomerulonephritis: comparison with a primitive ANCA-glomerulonephritis cohort
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Laura, Locatelli, Marta, Calatroni, Francesco, Reggiani, Grazia Dea, Bonelli, Maria, Gerosa, Lorenza Maria, Argolini, Barbara, Trezzi, Nicoletta, Del Papa, Claudio, Angelini, Maria Rosa, Pozzi, Renato Alberto, Sinico, and Gabriella, Moroni
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Rheumatology ,Immunology ,Immunology and Allergy - Abstract
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) may appear in the course of rheumatic diseases (RD) but the kidney involvement is very rare and the prognosis poorly defined.We retrospectively identified patients with RD among 153 patients with ANCA glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN). Their clinical/histological presentation and outcome were compared with that of primitive ANCA-GN patients (1:4) matched for sex, age, ANCA type and follow-up.Nine patients (5.9%) were included: three had rheumatoid arthritis, two systemic sclerosis, two psoriatic arthritis, one ankylosing spondylitis and one seronegative spondylarthritis. Seven patients were MPO positive, two PR3 positive. ANCA-GN developed 74 months after RD with microscopic haematuria and acute kidney dysfunction in all but two patients. After 68-month follow-up, four patients (44.4%) achieved response to therapy defined as eGFR60/min/1,73 m2 or stable, no microscopic haematuria and negative ANCA. At ANCA-GN diagnosis, serum creatinine and C-reactive protein were significantly lower in RD-ANCA-GN (2.38 vs. 3.34mg/dl, p=0.05 and 2.3mg/dl vs. 7.2mg/dl; p=0.05, respectively) while haemoglobin was higher (12.3g/dl vs. 9.3g/dl p0.01) than in the 36 primitive ANCA-GN patients of control group. At kidney biopsy, focal forms were more frequent in RD patients (44.45% vs. 18.75%, p=0.11). The treatment between the two groups was not significantly different. At last observation, the percentage of patients with ESKD was lower in RD than in controls (11.1%vs. 30.5%; p=0.23).Patients with RD seem to develop ANCA-GN with less severe clinical/histological kidney involvement, and better long-term kidney survival than primitive ANCA-GN. This is probably due to the strict monitoring of RD patients that allows a prompter ANCA-GN diagnosis and treatment.
- Published
- 2022
24. Human endothelial cells in high glucose: New clues from culture in 3D microfluidic chips
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Laura Locatelli, Mehdi Inglebert, Roberta Scrimieri, Priti Kumari Sinha, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, Paolo Milani, Lionel Bureau, Chaouqi Misbah, and Jeanette A. M. Maier
- Subjects
Microfluidics ,Apoptosis ,Glycocalyx ,Biochemistry ,Glucose ,Microvessels ,Genetics ,Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ,Humans ,Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional ,Endothelium, Vascular ,Stress, Mechanical ,Molecular Biology ,Cells, Cultured ,Cytoskeleton ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the role of high glucose in promoting endothelial dysfunction utilizing traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems, which, however, do not replicate the complex organization of the endothelium within a vessel constantly exposed to flow. Here we describe the response to high glucose of micro- and macro-vascular human endothelial cells (EC) cultured in biomimetic microchannels fabricated through soft lithography and perfused to generate shear stress. In 3D macrovascular EC exposed to a shear stress of 0.4 Pa respond to high glucose with cytoskeletal remodeling and alterations in cell shape. Under the same experimental conditions, these effects are more pronounced in microvascular cells that show massive cytoskeletal disassembly and apoptosis after culture in high glucose. However, when exposed to a shear stress of 4 Pa, which is physiological in the microvasculature, human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) show alterations of the cytoskeleton but no apoptosis. This result emphasizes the sensitivity of HDMEC to different regimens of flow. No significant variations in the thickness of glycocalyx were detected in both human endothelial cells from the umbilical vein and HDMEC exposed to high glucose in 3D, whereas clear differences emerge between cells cultured in static 2D versus microfluidic channels. We conclude that culture in microfluidic microchannels unveils unique insights into endothelial dysfunction by high glucose.
- Published
- 2021
25. The simultaneous downregulation of TRPM7 and MagT1 in human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro: Effects on growth and osteogenic differentiation
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Monica Zocchi, Sara Castiglioni, Valentina Romeo, Laura Locatelli, Silvia Zecchini, and Jeanette A.M. Maier
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Adult ,0301 basic medicine ,Biophysics ,Down-Regulation ,TRPM Cation Channels ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,Biochemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Downregulation and upregulation ,Osteogenesis ,TRPM7 ,Autophagy ,Humans ,Gene silencing ,Cation Transport Proteins ,Molecular Biology ,Transcription factor ,Cells, Cultured ,Cell Proliferation ,Chemistry ,Cell growth ,Mesenchymal stem cell ,Cell Differentiation ,Mesenchymal Stem Cells ,Cell Biology ,Cell biology ,RUNX2 ,030104 developmental biology ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,RNA Interference - Abstract
The magnesium transporters TRPM7 and MagT1 are overexpressed in osteoblastogenesis. We have shown that silencing either TRPM7 or MagT1 accelerates the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells. Here we demonstrate that the simultaneous downregulation of TRPM7 and MagT1 inhibits cell growth and activates autophagy, which is required in the early phases of osteoblastogenesis. In TRPM7/MagT1 downregulating cells the expression of two transcription factors required for activating osteogenesis, i.e. RUNX2 and OSTERIX, is induced more than in the controls both in the presence and in the absence of osteogenic stimuli, while COL1A1 is upregulated in co-silencing cells as much as in the controls. This explains why we found no differences in calcium deposition. We conclude that one of the two transporters should be expressed to accelerate osteogenic differentiation.
- Published
- 2019
26. TRPM7 and MagT1 in the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
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Valentina Romeo, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Sara Castiglioni, Jeanette A.M. Maier, and Laura Locatelli
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0301 basic medicine ,Magnesium transporter ,TRPM Cation Channels ,lcsh:Medicine ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,Downregulation and upregulation ,TRPM7 ,Osteogenesis ,Autophagy ,Gene silencing ,Humans ,Magnesium ,Gene Silencing ,lcsh:Science ,Cation Transport Proteins ,Cells, Cultured ,Regulation of gene expression ,Multidisciplinary ,Chemistry ,Mesenchymal stem cell ,lcsh:R ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,Cell Differentiation ,Mesenchymal Stem Cells ,In vitro ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,lcsh:Q - Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells are fundamental for bone formation and repair since they respond to microenvironmental stimuli by undergoing osteogenic differentiation. We show that the kinase and cation channel TRPM7 and the magnesium transporter MagT1 have a role in harmonizing the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. TRPM7 and MagT1 are upregulated in osteogenic differentiation and silencing either one accelerates osteogenic differentiation, partly through the activation of autophagy. Intriguingly, similar results were obtained when the cells were cultured under magnesium deficient conditions. These results underpin the contribution of magnesium, TRPM7 and MagT1 to autophagy and osteoblastogenesis.
- Published
- 2018
27. Magnesium and inflammation: Advances and perspectives
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Monica Zocchi, Jeanette A.M. Maier, André Mazur, Laura Locatelli, Sara Castiglioni, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università degli Studi di Milano [Milano] (UNIMI), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), and Università degli Studi di Milano = University of Milan (UNIMI)
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,TRPM7 ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Inflammation ,ammation ,Granulocyte ,Biology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immune system ,Magnesium deficiency (medicine) ,medicine ,Animals ,Homeostasis ,Humans ,Magnesium ,Non-communicable diseases ,Cation Transport Proteins ,Endothelial Cells ,COVID-19 ,Cell Biology ,medicine.disease ,3. Good health ,Respiratory burst ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,Immunology ,medicine.symptom ,Inf ,Magnesium Deficiency ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Developmental Biology ,MagT1 - Abstract
International audience; Magnesium is an essential element of life, involved in the regulation of metabolism and homeostasis of all the tissues. It also regulates immunological functions, acting on the cells of innate and adaptive immune systems. Magnesium deficiency primes phagocytes, enhances granulocyte oxidative burst, activates endothelial cells and increases the levels of cytokines, thus promoting inflammation. Consequently, a low magnesium status, which is often underdiagnosed, potentiates the reactivity to various immune challenges and is implicated in the pathophysiology of many common chronic diseases. Here we summarize recent advances supporting the link between magnesium deficiency, inflammatory responses and diseases, and offer new hints towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
- Published
- 2020
28. TRPM7 and MagT1 regulate the proliferation of osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells through different mechanisms
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Giorgia Fedele, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Sara Castiglioni, Alessandra Cazzaniga, Monica Zocchi, Roberta Scrimieri, and Laura Locatelli
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inorganic chemicals ,0301 basic medicine ,Clinical Biochemistry ,TRPM Cation Channels ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,Nitric Oxide ,Biochemistry ,Nitric oxide ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Downregulation and upregulation ,TRPM7 ,parasitic diseases ,Extracellular ,medicine ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,Gene silencing ,Humans ,Magnesium ,Molecular Biology ,Saos-2 cells ,Cation Transport Proteins ,Cell Proliferation ,Osteoblasts ,Osteoblast ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Growth inhibition ,human activities - Abstract
A correct magnesium (Mg2+) intake is essential for bone health. In particular, Mg2+ deficiency inhibits the proliferation of osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production through the upregulation of inducible NO synthase. At the moment, little is known about the expression and the role of TRPM7, a channel/enzyme involved in Mg2+ uptake, and MagT1, a Mg2+ selective transporter, in SaOS-2 cells. Here, we demonstrate that TRPM7 is not modulated by different extracellular concentrations of Mg2+ and its silencing exacerbates growth inhibition exerted by low Mg2+ through the activation of inducible NO synthase and consequent accumulation of NO. Moreover, MagT1 is upregulated in SaOS-2 cultured in high Mg2+ and its silencing inhibits the growth of SaOS-2 cultured in media containing physiological or high Mg2+, without any modulation of NO production. We propose that TRPM7 and MagT1 are both involved in regulating SaOS-2 proliferation through different mechanisms.
- Published
- 2020
29. The effect of shear stress reduction on endothelial cells: A microfluidic study of the actin cytoskeleton
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Mehdi Inglebert, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Priti Sinha, Chaouqi Misbah, Lionel Bureau, Laura Locatelli, Daria Tsvirkun, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique [Saint Martin d’Hères] (LIPhy ), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, and Università degli Studi di Milano [Milano] (UNIMI)
- Subjects
Biomedical Engineering ,Ischemia ,FOS: Physical sciences ,02 engineering and technology ,Condensed Matter - Soft Condensed Matter ,01 natural sciences ,Umbilical vein ,Stress (mechanics) ,Colloid and Surface Chemistry ,Cell Behavior (q-bio.CB) ,medicine ,Shear stress ,General Materials Science ,Physics - Biological Physics ,Actin ,Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes ,Chemistry ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Blood flow ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,medicine.disease ,Actin cytoskeleton ,In vitro ,0104 chemical sciences ,Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) ,FOS: Biological sciences ,Biophysics ,Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft) ,Quantitative Biology - Cell Behavior ,0210 nano-technology ,[PHYS.COND.CM-SCM]Physics [physics]/Condensed Matter [cond-mat]/Soft Condensed Matter [cond-mat.soft] ,Regular Articles - Abstract
International audience; Reduced blood flow, as occurring in ischemia or resulting from exposure to microgravity such as encountered in space flights, induces a decrease in the level of shear stress sensed by the endothelial cells forming the inner part of blood vessels. In the present study, we use a microvasculature-on-a-chip device in order to investigate in vitro the effect of such a reduction in shear stress on shear-adapted endothelial cells. We find that, within one hour of exposition to reduced wall shear stress, human umbilical vein endothelial cells undergo a reorganization of their actin skeleton, with a decrease in the number of stress fibers and actin being recruited into the cells' peripheral band, indicating a fairly fast change in cells' phenotype due to altered flow.
- Published
- 2020
30. Reactive oxygen species are implicated in altering magnesium homeostasis in endothelial cells exposed to high glucose
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Roberta, Scrimieri, Laura, Locatelli, Roberta, Cazzola, Jeanette A M, Maier, and Alessandra, Cazzaniga
- Subjects
Adenosine Triphosphate ,Glucose ,Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ,Endothelial Cells ,Homeostasis ,Humans ,Magnesium ,Reactive Oxygen Species ,Cells, Cultured - Abstract
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin (TRPM)7 is important in maintaining the intracellular homeostasis of magnesium (Mg), which is instrumental for vital cellular functions. Since the upregulation of TRPM7 has been proposed as a marker of endothelial dysfunction, we evaluated the effects of high glucose, which markedly impacts endothelial performance, on TRPM7 and intracellular Mg homeostasis in human macrovascular endothelial cells. We show that glucose-induced free radicals increase the amounts of TRPM7 as well as total intracellular magnesium. On the contrary, the highly selective Mg transporter MagT1 is not modulated by high glucose, hydrogen peroxide and low extracellular magnesium. We conclude that in endothelial cells high glucose alters Mg homeostasis through the upregulation of TRPM7.
- Published
- 2020
31. 3D Quantitative and Ultrastructural Analysis of Mitochondria in a Model of Doxorubicin Sensitive and Resistant Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
- Author
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Clara De Palma, Alessandra Procopio, Emil Malucelli, Eva Pereiro, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Stefano Iotti, Laura Locatelli, Claudia Moscheni, Sara Castiglioni, Andrea Sorrentino, Patrizia Sartori, Moscheni C., Malucelli E., Castiglioni S., Procopio A., De Palma C., Sorrentino A., Sartori P., Locatelli L., Pereiro E., Maier J.A., and Iotti S.
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cancer Research ,Cellular adaptation ,Drug resistance ,Mitochondrion ,lcsh:RC254-282 ,doxorubicin ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,multidrug resistance ,nanoscale imaging ,transmission electron microscopy ,medicine ,Doxorubicin ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Reactive oxygen species ,lcsh:Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,Phenotype ,Cell biology ,Multiple drug resistance ,mitochondria ,030104 developmental biology ,Oncology ,chemistry ,soft X-ray cryo tomography ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Cancer cell ,cellular metabolism ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Because mitochondria mediate metabolic reprogramming in cancer drug resistance, we focused on these organelles in doxorubicin sensitive and resistant colon carcinoma cells. We employed soft X-ray cryo nano-tomography to map three-dimensionally these cells at nanometer-resolution and investigate the correlation between mitochondrial morphology and drug resistance phenotype. We have identified significant structural differences in the morphology of mitochondria in the two strains of cancer cells, as well as lower amounts of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in resistant than in sensitive cells. We speculate that these features could elicit an impaired mitochondrial communication in resistant cells, thus preventing the formation of the interconnected mitochondrial network as clearly detected in the sensitive cells. In fact, the qualitative and quantitative three-dimensional assessment of the mitochondrial morphology highlights a different structural organization in resistant cells, which reflects a metabolic cellular adaptation functional to survive to the offense exerted by the antineoplastic treatment.
- Published
- 2019
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32. Mitophagy contributes to endothelial adaptation to simulated microgravity
- Author
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Clara De Palma, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Sara Castiglioni, Alessandra Cazzaniga, and Laura Locatelli
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Acclimatization ,Apoptosis ,Mitochondrion ,Biochemistry ,Cell Line ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Oxygen Consumption ,Mitophagy ,Genetics ,Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ,Humans ,Cytoskeleton ,Molecular Biology ,Heat-Shock Proteins ,Weightlessness Simulation ,Thrifty phenotype ,Chemistry ,Weightlessness ,Endothelial Cells ,Actin cytoskeleton ,Adaptation, Physiological ,Actins ,Cell biology ,Mitochondria ,030104 developmental biology ,Phenotype ,Simulated microgravity ,Adaptation ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Exposure to real or simulated microgravity is sensed as a stress by mammalian cells, which activate a complex adaptive response. In human primary endothelial cells, we have recently shown the sequential intervention of various stress proteins which are crucial to prevent apoptosis and maintain cell function. We here demonstrate that mitophagy contributes to endothelial adaptation to gravitational unloading. After 4 and 10 d of exposure to simulated microgravity in the rotating wall vessel, the amount of BCL2 interacting protein 3, a marker of mitophagy, is increased and, in parallel, mitochondrial content, oxygen consumption, and maximal respiratory capacity are reduced, suggesting the acquisition of a thrifty phenotype to meet the novel metabolic challenges generated by gravitational unloading. Moreover, we suggest that microgravity induced-disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton triggers mitophagy, thus creating a connection between cytoskeletal dynamics and mitochondrial content upon gravitational unloading.
- Published
- 2019
33. The Contribution of EDF1 to PPARγ Transcriptional Activation in VEGF-Treated Human Endothelial Cells
- Author
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Sara Castiglioni, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Alessandra Cazzaniga, and Laura Locatelli
- Subjects
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ,0301 basic medicine ,Transcription, Genetic ,Endothelium ,Endothelial Differentiation-related factor 1 ,Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins ,Nitric Oxide ,Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ,Article ,Catalysis ,Nitric oxide ,Inorganic Chemistry ,lcsh:Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ,medicine ,Humans ,Gene silencing ,RNA, Small Interfering ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Receptor ,Molecular Biology ,Gene ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Spectroscopy ,Cell Nucleus ,Reporter gene ,vascular endothelial growth factor ,Chemistry ,Organic Chemistry ,General Medicine ,Peroxisome ,endothelial cells ,Computer Science Applications ,Cell biology ,PPAR gamma ,Vascular endothelial growth factor ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Gene Expression Regulation ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,lcsh:QD1-999 ,Calmodulin-Binding Proteins ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important for maintaining healthy endothelium, which is crucial for vascular integrity. In this paper, we show that VEGF stimulates the nuclear translocation of endothelial differentiation-related factor 1 (EDF1), a highly conserved intracellular protein implicated in molecular events that are pivotal to endothelial function. In the nucleus, EDF1 serves as a transcriptional coactivator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR&gamma, ), which has a protective role in the vasculature. Indeed, silencing EDF1 prevents VEGF induction of PPAR&gamma, activity as detected by gene reporter assay. Accordingly, silencing EDF1 markedly inhibits the stimulatory effect of VEGF on the expression of FABP4, a PPAR&gamma, inducible gene. As nitric oxide is a marker of endothelial function, it is noteworthy that we report a link between EDF1 silencing, decreased levels of FABP4, and nitric oxide production. We conclude that EDF1 is required for VEGF-induced activation of the transcriptional activity of PPAR&gamma
- Published
- 2018
34. Burning magnesium, a sparkle in acute inflammation: gleams from experimental models
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Alessandra Cazzaniga, Jeanette A.M. Maier, Laura Locatelli, and Sara Castiglioni
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Inflammation ,Magnesium ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Models, Immunological ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Low magnesium ,Adaptive Immunity ,medicine.disease ,Biochemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Magnesium deficiency (medicine) ,Immunology ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,medicine.symptom ,Molecular Biology ,Magnesium Deficiency ,Respiratory Burst - Abstract
Magnesium contributes to the regulation of inflammatory responses. Here, we focus on the role of magnesium in acute inflammation. Although present knowledge is incomplete to delineate an accurate scenario and a schedule of the events occurring under magnesium deficiency, it emerges that low magnesium status favors the induction of acute inflammation by sensitizing sentinel cells to the noxious agent, and then by participating to the orchestration of the vascular and cellular events that characterize the process.
- Published
- 2017
35. Silver Nanoparticles in Orthopedic Applications: New Insights on Their Effects on Osteogenic Cells
- Author
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Jeanette A.M. Maier, Sara Castiglioni, Laura Locatelli, and Alessandra Cazzaniga
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,silver nanoparticles ,Materials science ,General Chemical Engineering ,osteoblasts ,mesenchymal stem cells ,Nanotechnology ,02 engineering and technology ,Silver nanoparticle ,Article ,lcsh:Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,Bone cell ,Cytotoxic T cell ,General Materials Science ,MTT assay ,Mesenchymal stem cell ,Biofilm ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,In vitro ,030104 developmental biology ,lcsh:QD1-999 ,Cancer research ,Stem cell ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Infections of orthopedic implants are associated with high morbidity. The emergence of antibiotic resistant strains and the tendency of microbes to form biofilms on orthopedic devices prompt the individuation of novel antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles represent an interesting alternative, but their effects on bone cells need to be clarified. We focused on osteoblast-like cells and on bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells and found that these cells are rather resistant to the cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration around 25 µg/mL as detected by MTT assay. Within a month of treatment, osteoblast-like cells adapt to the presence of the nanoparticles by upregulating hsp70 as shown by western blot. Hsp70 overexpression correlates with the restoration of normal cell proliferation. No alterations in the extent and time requirements were detected in mesenchymal stem cell induced to differentiate in osteoblasts in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Because the concentrations of silver nanoparticles which show antimicrobial activity are lower than those exerting toxic effects on bone-forming cells in vitro, we suggest that silver nanoparticles might represent a challenging tool to fight infections in orthopedic implants.
- Published
- 2017
36. Regional North American Annual Meeting of the World Federation of Neurology – Research Group on Neuroepidemiology. Boston, Mass., May 4, 2007
- Author
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Karen Ritchie, Ljubica Vukelic Andersen, Teresa Anna Cantisani, Sylvaine Artero, Barbara Incorvaia, Annick Alpérovitch, Lars Frost, Sandra Kalmijn, Layla Jader, John Godtfredsen, Karine Pérès, Laura Locatelli, B.M. van Gelder, Phyo K. Myint, Cosimo Maggiore, Leif Spange Mortensen, Oliver Redmayne, Christophe Tzourio, Simona Giampaoli, Livia Candelise, Carole Dufouil, Ophélia Godin, Jean-François Dartigues, Douglas A. Dulli, Edgar A. Samaniego, Cristina Cusi, Daan Kromhout, Sarah L Vowler, Peter R. Woodhouse, Gilberto Pizzolato, Maria Grazia Celani, Enrico Righetti, Marja Tijhuis, Fabio Chiodo Grandi, and Robert A Fulcher
- Subjects
Gerontology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Neurology ,Epidemiology ,Group (periodic table) ,business.industry ,medicine ,Neuroepidemiology ,Neurology (clinical) ,business - Published
- 2007
37. Frontal parenchymal atrophy measures in multiple sclerosis
- Author
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Laura Locatelli, Attilio Grop, Marino Zorzon, and Robert Zivadinov
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Intraclass correlation ,Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test ,Central nervous system disease ,03 medical and health sciences ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,0302 clinical medicine ,Atrophy ,medicine ,Humans ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Neuropsychology ,030229 sport sciences ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Frontal Lobe ,Neurology ,Frontal lobe ,Brain size ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,Cognition Disorders ,Nuclear medicine ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish whether, in a cross-sectional study, the normalized measures of whole and regional brain atrophy correlate better with tests assessing the cognitive function than the absolute brain atrophy measures. The neuropsychological performances and disability have been assessed in 39 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). T1- and T2-lesion load (LL) of total brain and frontal lobes (FLs) were measured using a reproducible semiautomated technique. The whole brain volume and the regional brain parenchymal volume (RBPV) of FLs were obtained using a computerized interactive program, which incorporates semiautomated and automated segmentation processes. Normalized measures of brain atrophy, i.e., brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and regional brain parenchymal fraction (RBPF) of FLs, were calculated. The scan-rescan, inter- and intrarater coefficient of variation (COV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) have been estimated. The RBPF of FLs showed an acceptable level of reproducibility which ranged from 1.7% for intrarater variability to 3.2% for scan-rescan variability. The mean ICC was 0.88 (CI 0.82-0.93). The RBPF of FLs demonstrated stronger magnitudes of correlation with neuropsychological functioning, disability and quantitative MRI lesion measures than RBPV. These differences were statistically significant: P=0.001 for Stroop Color Word Interference test, P=0.001 for Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, P=0.04 for Standard Raven Progressive Matrices, P=0.049 for Expanded Disability Status Scale, P=0.01 for T2-LL of FLs and P< 0.001 for T1-LL of FLs. BPF demonstrated significant correlations with tests assessing cognitive functions, whereas BPAV did not. The correlation analysis results were supported by the results of multiple regression analysis which showed that only the normalized brain atrophy measures were associated with tests exploring the cognitive functions. These data suggest that RBPF is a reproducible and sensitive method for measuring frontal parenchymal atrophy. The normalized measures of whole and regional brain parenchymal atrophy should be preferred to absolute measures in future studies that correlate neuropsychological performances and brain atrophy measures in patients with MS.
- Published
- 2004
38. Short-term brain atrophy changes in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
- Author
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Stefano Bastianello, Francesca Bagnato, Licia Finamore, D. Nasuelli, Rohit Bakshi, Marino Zorzon, Michael G. Dwyer, Robert Zivadinov, Alessio Bratina, Attilio Grop, Alessandro Clemenzi, Kelly Watts, Enrico Millefiorini, Laura Locatelli, and Mauro Catalan
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Gadolinium ,Brain mapping ,Central nervous system disease ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,Atrophy ,Predictive Value of Tests ,Internal medicine ,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ,Humans ,Medicine ,Brain Diseases ,Brain Mapping ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Surgery ,Neurology ,Predictive value of tests ,Brain size ,Cardiology ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,business - Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish whether the time interval of 3 months is sufficient to detect whole-brain atrophy changes in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Another aim was to assess the value of monthly gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and of different Gd-enhancement patterns as predictors of brain atrophy. Thirty patients with RRMS (mean disease duration 4.9 years, mean age 34.4 years and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] 1.4) were assessed at baseline and monthly for a period of 3 months with clinical and MRI examinations. Calculations of baseline and monthly absolute and percent changes of MRI measures have been obtained using two semiautomated (Buffalo and Trieste) and one automated (SPM99) segmentation method. Changes of brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) were investigated according to Gd-enhancement patterns. Mean absolute and percent changes of BPF did not significantly differ at any time point in the study for any of the three methods. There was slight but not significant decrease of BPF from baseline to month 3: -0.0004 (0.05%), p=0.093 for Trieste; -0.0006 (0.07%), p=0.078 for Buffalo; and -0.0006 (0.08%), p=0.081 for SPM99 method. In ring-enhancement positive patients, there was a significant difference between baseline and month 3 changes of BPF, EDSS, and number of relapses. Over the study period, we did not demonstrate differences between changes of BPF according to the presence of Gd enhancement. Longitudinally, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the only clinical or MRI parameter that predicted BPF decrease was the mean absolute change of ring-enhancing lesion load (R=0.62, p=0.003). The noteworthy findings of this study are (1) the observation that a significant brain atrophy progression cannot be detected over a 3-month period in RRMS; (2) the demonstration that the ring-enhancement pattern may contribute to more severe brain tissue loss in the short term; and (3) the lack of relationship between the presence and duration of Gd-enhancement activity and brain volume changes in the short term.
- Published
- 2004
39. MMP-9 microsatellite polymorphism and multiple sclerosis
- Author
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Carlo Giansante, Giuseppe Cazzato, Alessio Bratina, Maria Antonietta Tommasi, Nicola Altamura, Laura Locatelli, Marino Zorzon, Attilio Grop, Robert Zivadinov, A. Bosco, Gianfranco Guarnieri, D. Nasuelli, Nicola Fiotti, Fiotti, Nicola, Zivadinov, R., Altamura, N., Nasuelli, D., Bratina, Alessio, Tommasi, M. A., Bosco, A., Locatelli, L., Grop, A., Cazzato, G., Guarnieri, Gianfranco, Giansante, Carlo, and Zorzon, Marino
- Subjects
Adult ,Genetic Markers ,Male ,microsatellite ,Adolescent ,Immunology ,Ca repeat ,Matrix metalloproteinase ,Biology ,multiple sclerosis ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,susceptibility ,Risk Factors ,matrix metalloproteinase 9 ,genetic polymorphism ,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ,medicine ,Humans ,Immunology and Allergy ,Age of Onset ,Allele ,Promoter Regions, Genetic ,Polymorphism, Genetic ,Multiple sclerosis ,Brain ,Promoter ,Matrix metalloproteinase 9 ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Molecular biology ,Radiography ,Neurology ,multiple sclerosi ,Microsatellite ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,Microsatellite Repeats - Abstract
A polymorphism (PM) in the microsatellite of the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), modulating its expression, could play a role in susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). MMP-9 PM was determined in 95 patients with MS (MS Group) and 95 ageand sex-matched controls (Control Group). Comparison of allelic frequencies showed that a higher number of CA repeats characterized the MS group ( P < 0.0001) and prevalence of carriers of z22 CA repeats was higher in the MS than in the Control Group (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7–6.8, P < 0.0001). An earlier age at disease onset was a characteristic of patients with >22 CA repeats (33F10 vs. 28F10, P= 0.027). No differences were found in the main MRI parameters.
- Published
- 2004
40. Normalized regional brain atrophy measurements in multiple sclerosis
- Author
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D. Nasuelli, Barbara Stival, Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, Alessio Bratina, Attilio Grop, Ozana Brnabic-Razmilic, and Laura Locatelli
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Coefficient of variation ,Central nervous system disease ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,Cerebrospinal fluid ,Atrophy ,Pons ,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ,Humans ,Medicine ,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,business.industry ,Brain ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Frontal Lobe ,Frontal lobe ,Brain size ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business ,Nuclear medicine - Abstract
There is still a controversy regarding the best regional brain atrophy measurements in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies. The aim of this study was to establish whether, in a cross-sectional study, the normalized measurements of regional brain atrophy correlate better with the MRI-defined regional brain lesions than the absolute measurements of regional brain atrophy. We assessed 45 patients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting (RR) MS (median disease duration 12 years), and measured T1-lesion load (LL) and T2-LL of frontal lobes and pons, using a reproducible semi-automated technique. The regional brain parenchymal volume (RBPV) of frontal lobes and pons was obtained by use of a computerized interactive program, which incorporates semi-automated and automated segmentation processes. A normalized measurement, the regional brain parenchymal fraction (RBPF), was calculated as the ratio of RBPV to the total volume of the parenchyma and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the frontal lobes and in the region of the pons. The total regional brain volume fraction (TRBVF) was obtained after we had corrected for the total volume of the parenchyma and the CSF in the frontal lobes and in the region of the pons for the total intracranial volume. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) for RBPF of the pons was 1% for intra-observer reproducibility and 1.4% for inter-observer reproducibility. Generally, the normalized measurements of regional brain atrophy correlated with regional brain volumes and disability better than did the absolute measurements. RBPF and TRBVF correlated with T2-LL of the pons (r=-0.37, P=0.011, and r= -0.40, P=0.0005 respectively) and with T1-LL of the pons (r=-0.27, P=0.046, and r=-0.31, P=0.04, respectively), whereas RBPV did not (r=-0.18, P = NS). T1-LL of the frontal lobes was related to RBPF (r=-0.32, P=0.033) and TRBVF (r=-0.29, P=0.05), but not to RBPV (R=-0.27, P= NS). There was only a trend of correlation between T2-LL of the frontal lobes and RBPF (r=-0.27, P=0.06) and TRBVF (r=-0.28, P=0.057), and no correlation with RBPV (r=-0.23, P= NS). The magnitude of correlation between the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and pontine and frontal lobe RBPF and TRBVF was more than twice as high as the correlation between EDSS and RBPV of the same regions. These data suggest that normalized regional brain atrophy measurements are preferable to absolute regional measurements in cross-sectional studies.
- Published
- 2003
41. HLA genotypes and disease severity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with multiple sclerosis
- Author
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Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, Laura Locatelli, Christina Furlan, Laura Uxa, A. Bosco, Alessio Bratina, Giuseppe Cazzato, Roberto Pozzi-Mucelli, Sheila Ulivi, D. Nasuelli, Tullio Zacchi, Attillio Grop, Maria Antonietta Tommasi, Maja Ukmar, Zivadinov, R., Uxa, L., Zacchi, T., Nasuelli, D., Ukmar, M., Furlan, C., POZZI MUCELLI, R., Tommasi, M. A., Locatelli, L., Ulivi, S., Bratina, Alessio, Bosco, A., Grop, A., Cazzato, G., and Zorzon, Marino
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Pathology ,Multiple Sclerosis ,Genotype ,Human leukocyte antigen ,Severity of Illness Index ,Gastroenterology ,Central nervous system disease ,multiple sclerosis, HLA, MRI ,HLA Antigens ,Internal medicine ,Severity of illness ,Confidence Intervals ,Odds Ratio ,medicine ,Humans ,Chi-Square Distribution ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,HLA ,Neurology ,Regression Analysis ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,business ,MRI - Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between HLA genotypes and disease severity as measured by brain MRI quantitative markers of demyelinating and destructive pathology in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied 100 patients with MS and 122 age, sex-, ethnic- and residence-matched controls. The DNA extraction and the genomic typing (A, B, DRB1 and DQB1 loci) were obtained with sequence-specific oligonucleotide method, using a commercially available reversible line blot assay (INNO-LIPA). All patients underwent a 1.5 tesla MRI examination of the brain. Disease severity was assessed by clinical (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) and MRI (T2- and T1-lesion load (LL) and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF)) outcome measures. HLA-DQB1* 02 (OR 19.9, 95% C. I. 16.2-24.3, uncorrected (uncorr)- p
- Published
- 2003
42. Cervical spine malformation in cornelia de lange syndrome: a report of three patients
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Milena Mariani, Carlo Giussani, Laura Rachele Bettini, Silvia Russo, Angelo Selicorni, Paola Cianci, Anna Cereda, Francesco Canonico, Cristina Gervasini, Andrea Biondi, Laura Locatelli, Bettini, L, Locatelli, L, Mariani, M, Cianci, P, Giussani, C, Canonico, F, Cereda, A, Russo, S, Gervasini, C, Biondi, A, and Selicorni, A
- Subjects
Genetics ,Male ,Cornelia de Lange Syndrome ,business.industry ,Proteins ,NIPBL ,Cell Cycle Proteins ,Anatomy ,medicine.disease ,Cervical spine ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Cornelia de lange syndrome ,De Lange Syndrome ,medicine ,Cervical spine malformation ,Cervical Vertebrae ,Upper limb ,Humans ,Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital ,Psychomotor Disorders ,business ,Genetics (clinical) - Abstract
Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a complex genetic disease with skeletal involvement mostly related to upper limb malformations. We report on three males with clinical and molecular diagnoses of CdLS. Besides typical CdLS features, all showed different cervical spine malformations. To the best of our knowledge, this is an unusual malformation in the CdLS phenotypic spectrum.
- Published
- 2013
43. Alcune questioni strutturali per Milano e il Sud Italia. Un altro mediterraneo è possibile
- Author
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Canella, Gentucca, Elvio, Manganaro, Cecilia, Bischeri, and Laura, Locatelli
- Published
- 2013
44. A boy with Burkitt lymphoma associated with Noonan syndrome due to a mutation in RAF1
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Valentina Tono, Andrea Biondi, Paola Cianci, Angelo Selicorni, Laura Locatelli, Alessandra Sala, Claudio Carta, Carmelo Rizzari, Cianci, P, Tono, V, Sala, A, Locatelli, L, Carta, C, Rizzari, C, Biondi, A, and Selicorni, A
- Subjects
Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Mutation, Missense ,Gene mutation ,medicine.disease_cause ,Asymptomatic ,immune system diseases ,Cervical lymphadenopathy ,hemic and lymphatic diseases ,Biopsy ,Genetics ,medicine ,Missense mutation ,Humans ,Child ,Genetics (clinical) ,Genetic Association Studies ,Mutation ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Noonan Syndrome ,medicine.disease ,Burkitt Lymphoma ,Burkitt lymphoma, Noonan syndrome, RAF1 ,Lymphoma ,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf ,Amino Acid Substitution ,Immunology ,Noonan syndrome ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
This article reports on an association between Burkitt lymphoma and Noonan syndrome (NS) due to a RAF1 gene mutation. The patient was a 7-year-old boy with NS, who was included in the first series reporting the association between Noonan and RAF1, and who later presented with a 2-week history of asymptomatic unilateral tonsillar swelling and ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Histological and biological examinations of the tonsillar biopsy led to the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. While there is a well-established association between NS and solid cell tumors, this is the first case described in the literature of Burkitt lymphoma in a patient with NS, and adds to the growing list of data supporting neoplasia's association with NS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
- Published
- 2012
45. Hypnic Headache: Rapid and Long-Lasting Response To Prednisone in Two New Cases
- Author
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Giuseppe Cazzato, Laura Locatelli, Marino Zorzon, Giuliano Relja, Rodolfo M. Antonello, and Nicola Carraro
- Subjects
Long lasting ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Prednisone ,medicine ,Neurology (clinical) ,General Medicine ,Hypnic headache ,medicine.disease ,business ,medicine.drug - Published
- 2002
46. Interferon beta-1a slows progression of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis predominantly by reducing gray matter atrophy
- Author
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Cosimo Maggiore, A Grop, Mauro Catalan, Maja Ukmar, Marino Zorzon, Diane Cookfair, Robert Zivadinov, Alessio Bratina, Laura Locatelli, Bhooma Srinivasaraghavan, A. Bosco, and A Bertolotto
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Central nervous system disease ,White matter ,Atrophy ,Degenerative disease ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,medicine ,Humans ,Clinical significance ,Single-Blind Method ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,Interferon beta-1a ,Brain ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,Interferon-beta ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Neurology ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Background Brain atrophy, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been correlated with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent evidence indicates that both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) are subject to atrophy in patients with MS. Although neurological deficiencies in MS are primarily due to loss of WM, the clinical significance of GM atrophy has not been fully explored in MS. Methods We have undertaken a three-year, open-label study, comparing 26 patients who elected to receive intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IFN β-1a) therapy, with 28 patients who elected not to receive therapy. Both groups had quantitative cranial MRI scans at study entry and after three years, and standardized clinical assessments every six months. Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), GM fraction (GMF), and WM fraction (WMF) percent changes were calculated, and T2- and T1-lesion volumes (LVs) assessed. Results After three years, mean percent (%) change in BPF favored the IFN β-1a treatment group (IFN β-1a —1.3% versus the control group —2.5%, P=0.009), as did the mean percent change in GMF (+0.2 versus —1.4%, P=0.014), and the mean percent change in T1-LV (—9.3 versus +91.6%, P=0.011). At the end of the study, there was a significant within-patient decrease in BPF for both groups (P=0.02 for the IFN β-1a treatment group, and P Conclusion Over a three-year period, treatment with IFN β-1a significantly slowed the progression of whole-brain and GM atrophy, and of T1-hypointense LV accumulation, when compared with the control group. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 490-501. http://msj.sagepub.com
- Published
- 2007
47. Effect of MRI coregistration on serial short-term brain volume changes in multiple sclerosis
- Author
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Valentina Durastanti, Kelly Watts, David Fritz, Laura Locatelli, Enrico Millefiorini, Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, Alessio Bratina, Michael G. Dwyer, Francesca Bagnato, FRITZ D., A, DWYER M., G, Bagnato, F, WATTS K., L, Bratina, A, Zorzon, Marino, Durastanti, V, Locatelli, L, Millefiorini, E, and Zivadinov, R.
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Multiple Sclerosis ,Time Factors ,Brain mapping ,Atrophy ,medicine ,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ,Humans ,In patient ,Brain Mapping ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,Brain ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Mr imaging ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Review Literature as Topic ,Neurology ,Brain size ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,Nuclear medicine ,business ,Follow-Up Studies - Abstract
To test the effect of serial magnetic resonance (MR) coregistration on short-term brain volume changes using different semiautomated and automated brain volume techniques in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Coregistration is frequently used to increase precision in serial MR imaging (MRI) analyses. However, the effect of coregistration on measurement of whole brain volume changes from serial scans in the short term has not been tested in MS patients.Twenty-eight patients with RR MS [mean disease duration: 4.9 years, mean age: 34.4 years and mean expanded disability status scale (EDSS): 1.4] were scanned at baseline and monthly for a period of 3 months with 2D spin-echo T1-weighted sequences obtained with nongapped 3 mm axial slices. Percent brain parenchymal fraction change (PBPFC) was calculated by a semiautomated (Buffalo) and, separately, by two automated (Buffalo automated and SIENAX) techniques, whereas percent brain volume change (PBVC) was calculated by the SIENA technique. For coregistration of serial images we used a robust, fully automated linear image coregistration tool. PBPFC and PBVC were calculated before and after coregistration, comparing scans from the following time periods: (1) baseline to month 3; (2) baseline to month 1; (3) month 1 to 2 and (4) month 2 to 3.The highest median PBPFCs measured on non-coregistered images were detected for the baseline-to-month-3 time period and ranged from -0.11% for Buffalo semiautomated to -0.45% for Buffalo automated (p = ns). On coregistered images, the highest PBPFCs were detected for the baseline-to-month-3 time period and ranged from 0.3% for Buffalo semiautomated, -0.3% for Buffalo automated, 0.02% for SIENAX and -0.02% for SIENA (PBVC). At all time points of the study, no significant differences of median volume changes were measured on coregistered and non-coregistered images when comparing the results among the segmentation algorithms.Over a 3 month period we did not detect short-term changes in normalized brain volumes using different measurement techniques. A longer observation period is needed to assess whether coregistration can affect the measurement of long-term brain volume changes.
- Published
- 2006
48. Long-term effects of intravenous high dose methylprednisolone pulses on bone mineral density in patients with multiple sclerosis
- Author
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D. Giuntini, Laura Locatelli, Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, A. Bosco, Giuseppe Cazzato, D. Nasuelli, Richard A. Rudick, Alessio Bratina, M. Toncic, Maria Antonietta Tommasi, Zorzon, Marino, Zivadinov, R., Locatelli, L., Giuntini, D., Toncic, M., Bosco, A., Nasuelli, D., Bratina, A., Tommasi, M. A., Rudick, R. A., and Cazzato, G.
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Multiple Sclerosis ,Bone density ,Osteoporosis ,Anti-Inflammatory Agents ,Gastroenterology ,Methylprednisolone ,Bone remodeling ,Time ,Bone Density ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Femoral neck ,Bone mineral ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,business.industry ,Femur Neck ,Lumbosacral Region ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Spine ,Surgery ,Osteopenia ,Bone Diseases, Metabolic ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Neurology ,Injections, Intravenous ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
To determine the effects of high dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) pulses on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we studied 25 MS patients who received regular pulses of HDMP as well as pulses of HDMP for relapses, 18 MS patients who received HDMP at the same dose schedule only for relapses, and 61 healthy controls. We measured BMDs at lumbar spine and femoral neck and we assessed biochemical markers of bone metabolism and turnover. The average lifetime dosage of MP was 75.4 (SD 11.9) g in the pulsed HDMP group and 28.6 (SD 18.3) g in the HDMP for relapses group (P < 0.0001). Two MS patients (4.7%) and four controls (6.6%) had osteoporosis (P = NS), whereas 25 patients with MS (58.1%) and 21 controls (34.4%) had osteopenia (P = 0.016). BMDs measured at lumbar spine and femoral neck and biochemical indices of bone metabolism did not differ in MS patients and controls. BMD measures were not associated with lifetime methylprednisolone dosage. In partial correlation analysis, controlling for age, gender and menopausal status there was a significant inverse correlation between BMD at femoral neck and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (r = -0.31, P = 0.05). In conclusion, treatment with repeated HDMP pulses was not associated with osteoporosis in patients with MS who participated in a trial of methylprednisolone. However, osteopenia was observed more frequently in MS patients than healthy controls. Our data are reassuring, as them suggest that repeated pulses of methylprednisolone do not result in substantially increased risk of osteoporosis in MS patients. Moreover, osteopenia was found only in patients treated for relapses, who had a significantly higher EDSS score than patients in the HDMP group, suggesting that decreased mobility may contribute to bone loss more than corticosteroid use. BMD should be monitored in patients with MS, regardless of the use of methylprednisolone.
- Published
- 2005
49. Risk factors of multiple sclerosis: a case-control study
- Author
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Alessio Bratina, A. Bosco, Giuseppe Cazzato, P. Dolfini, Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, D. Nasuelli, Laura Locatelli, Maria Antonietta Tommasi, Zorzon, Marino, Zivadinov, R., Nasuelli, D., Dolfini, P., Bosco, A., Bratina, A., Tommasi, M. A., Locatelli, L., and Cazzato, G.
- Subjects
Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Multiple Sclerosis ,Adolescent ,Migraine Disorders ,Dermatology ,Comorbidity ,Environment ,Measles ,Risk Factors ,Internal medicine ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,medicine ,Odds Ratio ,Humans ,Family ,Risk factor ,Family history ,Aged ,Family Health ,business.industry ,Multiple sclerosis ,Vaccination ,Case-control study ,General Medicine ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Logistic Models ,Case-Control Studies ,Etiology ,Neurology (clinical) ,business - Abstract
We assessed the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) associated with a series of putative risk factors. We studied 140 patients (90 women) with MS (mean age, 42.1 years; SD= 10.2 years; disease duration, 10.9 years, SD= 7.5 years) and 131 sex-and age-matched controls. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected information related to demographic data, socio-economic status, education, ethnicity, changes of domiciles, migration, occupation, environmental, nutritional and hormonal factors, exposure to various bacterial and viral agents, vaccinations, and family history of diseases. In multiple logistic regression analysis, we found independent risk factors of MS to be: familiarity for MS (OR= 12.1; 95% CI, 1.3-110.7), autoimmune diseases (OR= 3.8; 95% CI, 2.0-7.1) and migraine (OR= 8.7; 95% CI, 1.0-75.4); comorbidity with autoimmune disease (OR= 6.8; 95% CI, 1.4-32.0) and migraine (OR= 13.5; 95% CI, 1.5-116.6); and vaccination against measles (OR= 92.2; 95%, 12.1-700.2). Familial susceptibility to MS, autoimmune diseases and migraine, and vaccination to measles are associated with an increased risk of MS. The data collected in this study are confirmatory and support the hypothesis that etiology of MS constitutes the effect of interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors. However, the relatively small number of cases and controls prevents firm conclusions.
- Published
- 2003
50. Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. A MRI, neurophysiological and urodynamic study
- Author
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Marino Zorzon, Robert Zivadinov, Laura Locatelli, Fabrizio Monti, Alessio Bratina, Barbara Stival, D. Nasuelli, Giuseppe Cazzato, Maria Antonietta Tommasi, Zivadinov, R., Zorzon, Marino, Locatelli, L., Stival, B., Monti, F., Nasuelli, D., Tommasi, M. A., Bratina, A., and Cazzato, G.
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Neurophysiology ,Neuropsychological Tests ,Central nervous system disease ,Disability Evaluation ,Atrophy ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Evoked Potentials ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Multiple sclerosis ,Urinary Bladder Diseases ,Brain ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Pons ,Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ,Urodynamics ,Sexual dysfunction ,Neurology ,Spinal Cord ,Somatosensory evoked potential ,Cardiology ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,medicine.symptom ,Psychology ,Sexual function ,Mental Status Schedule - Abstract
We studied 31 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) in which we performed an urodynamic study, the pudendal cortical evoked potentials, the tibial cortical evoked potentials and the cranial and cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We calculated the T(1) and T(2) lesion load (LL) and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) of whole brain, frontal lobes, pons and cervical spinal cord. We also estimated the cross-sectional area at C(2) level. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a relationship between symptoms of sexual dysfunction and age (r=0.73, p0.0001), cognitive performances (r=-0.63, p0.0001), level of independence (r=-0.63, p0.0001), disability (r=0.56, p0.001), symptoms of anxiety (r=0.55, p0.001) and depression (r=0.50, p0.005), disease duration (r=0.42, p0.02) and parenchymal atrophy in the pons (r=-0.38, p=0.031). Sexual dysfunction was not correlated with any other MRI measure, urodynamic patterns or cortical evoked potentials. In multiple regression analysis, sexual dysfunction was predicted only by T(1) lesion load of the pons. In conclusion, we confirmed previous correlations of sexual dysfunction with various clinical variables and demonstrated an association between sexual dysfunction and destructive lesions in the pons, as detected by MRI, in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
- Published
- 2003
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