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143 results on '"Napodano, C."'

1. Mono/polyclonal free light chains as challenging biomarkers for immunological abnormalities

Author

Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Gulli, F., Rossi, E., Rapaccini, G. L., Marino, M., Basile, U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Rossi E. (ORCID:0000-0002-7572-9379), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile U., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Gulli, F., Rossi, E., Rapaccini, G. L., Marino, M., Basile, U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Rossi E. (ORCID:0000-0002-7572-9379), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile U.

Published
2022

2. NLRP3 Inflammasome Involvement in Heart, Liver, and Lung Diseases—A Lesson from Cytokine Storm Syndrome

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Carnazzo, V., Basile, V., Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A., Gallucci, S., Natali, P., Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Basile U., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Napodano, Cecilia, Carnazzo, V., Basile, V., Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A., Gallucci, S., Natali, P., Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Basile U., and Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378)

Abstract

Inflammation and inflammasomes have been proposed as important regulators of the host-microorganism interaction, playing a key role in morbidity and mortality due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in subjects with chronic conditions and compromised immune system. The inflammasome consists of a multiprotein complex that finely regulates the activation of caspase-1 and the production and secretion of potent pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta and IL-18. The pyrin containing NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) like receptor (NLRP) is a family of intracellular receptors, sensing patterns associated to pathogens or danger signals and NLRP3 inflammasome is the most deeply analyzed for its involvement in the innate and adaptive immune system as well as its contribution to several autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is highly expressed in leukocytes and up-regulated in sentinel cells upon inflammatory stimuli. NLRP3 expression has also been reported in B and T lymphocytes, in epithelial cells of oral and genital mucosa, in specific parenchymal cells as cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes, and chondrocytes. It is well known that a dysregulated activation of the inflammasome is involved in the pathogenesis of different disorders that share the common red line of inflammation in their pathogenetic fingerprint. Here, we review the potential roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular events, liver damage, pulmonary diseases, and in that wide range of systemic inflammatory syndromes named as a cytokine storm.

Published
2023

3. Serological and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus-Related Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis in Patients without Cryoprecipitate

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Ciasca, Gabriele, Chiusolo, Patrizia, Pocino, Krizia, Gragnani, L., Stefanile, A., Gulli, F., Lorini, S., Minnella, Gessica, Fosso, F., Di Santo, R., Romanò, S., Basile, V., De Stefano, Valerio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Zignego, A. L., Di Stasio, Enrico, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Chiusolo P. (ORCID:0000-0002-1355-1587), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Minnella G., De Stefano V. (ORCID:0000-0002-5178-5827), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Di Stasio E. (ORCID:0000-0003-1047-4261), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile U., Napodano, Cecilia, Ciasca, Gabriele, Chiusolo, Patrizia, Pocino, Krizia, Gragnani, L., Stefanile, A., Gulli, F., Lorini, S., Minnella, Gessica, Fosso, F., Di Santo, R., Romanò, S., Basile, V., De Stefano, Valerio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Zignego, A. L., Di Stasio, Enrico, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Chiusolo P. (ORCID:0000-0002-1355-1587), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Minnella G., De Stefano V. (ORCID:0000-0002-5178-5827), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Di Stasio E. (ORCID:0000-0003-1047-4261), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile U.

Abstract

Prolonged B cells stimulation due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can result in autoimmunity, stigmatized by rising levels of cryoglobulins (CGs), the rheumatoid factor (RF), and free light chains (FLC) of immunoglobulins (Ig) associated with a range of symptoms, from their absence to severe cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and lymphoma. Here, we aimed to identify an immunological signature for the earliest stages of vasculitis when cryoprecipitate is still not detectable. We firstly analyzed the IgG subclasses, FLC, and RF in 120 HCV-RNA-positive patients divided into four groups according to the type of cryoprecipitate and symptoms: 30 asymptomatic without cryoprecipitate (No Cryo), 30 with vasculitis symptoms but without CGs that we supposed were circulating but still not detectable (Circulating), 30 type II and 30 type III mixed cryoglobulinemia (Cryo II and Cryo III, respectively). Our results revealed that patients with supposed circulating CGs displayed a pattern of serological parameters that closely resembled Cryo II and Cryo III, with a stronger similarity to Cryo II. Accordingly, we analyzed the groups of Circulating and Cryo II for their immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements, finding a similar mixed distribution of monoclonal, oligoclonal, and polyclonal responses compared to a control group of ten HCV-RNA-negative patients recovered from infection, who displayed a 100% polyclonal response. Our results strengthened the hypothesis that circulating CGs are the origin of symptoms in HCV-RNA-positive patients without cryoprecipitate and demonstrated that an analysis of clonal IGH and TCR rearrangements is the best option for the early diagnosis of extrahepatic complications.

Published
2023

4. Cytokines and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Biomarkers of a Deadly Embrace

Author

Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A., Basile, V., Napodano, Cecilia, D’Ambrosio, F., Di Santo, R., Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Gulli, F., Saporito, R., Ciasca, Gabriele, Equitani, F., Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Callà C. A. M. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Basile U., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A., Basile, V., Napodano, Cecilia, D’Ambrosio, F., Di Santo, R., Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Gulli, F., Saporito, R., Ciasca, Gabriele, Equitani, F., Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Callà C. A. M. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Basile U., and Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378)

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worldwide health matter with a major care burden, high prevalence, and poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis mainly varies depending on the underlying etiological factors, although it develops from liver cirrhosis in the majority of cases. This review summarizes the role of the most interesting soluble factors as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as recommended targets for treatment in accordance with the new challenges in precision medicine. In the premalignant environment, inflammatory cells release a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and proangiogenic factors, making the liver environment more suitable for hepatocyte tumor progression that starts from acquired genetic mutations. A complex interaction of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-alpha and -beta), pro-angiogenic molecules (including the Angiopoietins, HGF, PECAM-1, HIF-1 alpha, VEGF), different transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT-3), and their signaling pathways are involved in the development of HCC. Since cytokines are expressed and released during the different stages of HCC progression, their measurement, by different available methods, can provide in-depth information on the identification and management of HCC.

Published
2023

5. Elevated serum polyclonal immunoglobulin free light chains in patients with severe asthma

Author

Basile, U, Santini, G, Napodano, C, Macis, G, Pocino, K, Gulli, F, Malerba, M, Bush, A, Adcock, IM, and Montuschi, P

Abstract

Background: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Free light chains (FLC) can cause inflammation by mast cell antigen-activation. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) FLC κ, but not λ, were shown elevated in adult males with asthma. We sought to investigate if serum Ig FLC concentrations are affected by asthma severity and their relationships with inflammatory outcomes. Methods: By using immunoassays, we measured serum κ and λ Ig FLCs in 24 severe persistent asthma patients, 15 patients with moderate persistent asthma, 15 steroid-naïve mild persistent asthma patients and 20 healthy control subjects in a cross-sectional observational study. Total and specific serum IgE concentrations, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), lung function, peripheral blood eosinophils and neutrophils, and C reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. Results: Serum κ FLC concentrations were elevated in severe asthma patients compared mild asthma patients (p < 0.05) and healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Serum λ FLCs were higher in severe asthma patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.05) and correlated with blood eosinophil counts (percentage, κ: r = 0.51, p = 2.9678-6; λ: r = 0.42, p = 1.7377-4; absolute values, κ: r = 0.45, p = 6.1284-5; λ: r = 0.38, p = 7.8261-4), but not with total or specific serum IgE. In severe asthma patients, serum Ig FLC correlated with serum CRP (κ: r = 0.33; p = 0.003; λ: r = 0.38, p = 8.8305-4) and blood neutrophil cell counts (percentage, κ: r = 0.31; p = 0.008; λ: r = 0.29, p = 0.01; absolute values, κ: r = 0.40; p = 3.9176-4; λ: r = 0.40, p = 4.5479-4), were elevated in subjects with blood eosinophilia (≥300 cells/µL) (n = 13) compared with non-eosinophilic subjects (n = 10) (κ: 19.2 ± 1.2 mg/L versus 12.1 ± 1.3 mg/L, p < 0.001; λ: 27.2 ± 2.6 mg/L versus 16.8 ± 2.5 mg/L, p < 0.01), but were similar in atopic (n = 15) versus nonatopic subjects (n = 9) (κ: p = 0.20; λ: p = 0.80). Serum FLC were negatively correlated with lung function tests, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (κ: r = -0.33; p = 0.0034; λ: r = -0.33; p = 0.0035), and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (κ: r = -0.33; p = 0.0034; λ: r = -0.33; p = 0.0036). Conclusion: Serum Ig FLCs are elevated in severe asthma adults and might represent new surrogate markers of inflammation. The pathophysiological implications of these findings require further research. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the University Hospital Agostino Gemelli Foundation and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (approval number P/1034/CE2012).

Published
2023

6. Evaluation of free light chains of immunoglobulins in normal and pathological seminal fluids: Preliminary data

Author

Basile, Umberto, Vergani, Edoardo, Napodano, C., Bruno, Carmine, Marino, Mariapaola, Oliva, Alessandro, Gulli, F., Mancini, Antonio, Basile U., Vergani E., Bruno C., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Oliva A., Mancini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7707-4564), Basile, Umberto, Vergani, Edoardo, Napodano, C., Bruno, Carmine, Marino, Mariapaola, Oliva, Alessandro, Gulli, F., Mancini, Antonio, Basile U., Vergani E., Bruno C., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Oliva A., and Mancini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7707-4564)

Published
2022

7. The dark side of current analytic methods for Bence Jones Proteinuria

Author

Natali, P, Cigliana, G, Napodano, Cecilia, Basile, V, Debbia, D, Pocino, Krizia, Savoia, M, Marino, Mariapaola, Gulli, F, Basile, Umberto, Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino, K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino, M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile, U, Natali, P, Cigliana, G, Napodano, Cecilia, Basile, V, Debbia, D, Pocino, Krizia, Savoia, M, Marino, Mariapaola, Gulli, F, Basile, Umberto, Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino, K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino, M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile, U

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Bence Jones proteinuria (BJP) refers to monoclonal free immunoglobulin light chains detected in urine, deriving from the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, associated with monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain origin. This review summarizes routinely diagnostic procedures to assess BJP highlighting critical steps of preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases.QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METH-ODS: The best option for BJP detection is the first morning void urine sample and immunofixation electrophoresis detection technique (IFE) the recommended method, with the employment of specific polyvalent antisera. Other qualitative tests for a quick evaluation of BJP are currently available. Densitometric analysis per-formed on the 24-hour urine is the recommended method to quantify BJP. To overcome the 24-hour collection, it is possible to use morning urine sample and correlate the assessed value of BJP to creatininuria. In addition to the traditional ones, we here reviewed screening methods currently used to avoid false negatives and reduce the time around test (TAT), together with immunochemical quantification methods for in-creased sensitivity, after checking BJP by IFE. Mass spectrometry emerges as a new challenge in the determination of BJP.CONCLUSIONS: The employment of different based-assays methods may be useful for diagnostic purposes to improve the accuracy of BJP monitoring in monoclonal gammopathies.

Published
2022

8. Increased Complement Activation in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Skin and Lung Fibrosis

Author

Pellicano, C., Miglionico, M., Romaggioli, L., Colalillo, A., Vantaggio, L., Napodano, C., Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Gulli, F., Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Rosato, E., Calla C. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile U., Pellicano, C., Miglionico, M., Romaggioli, L., Colalillo, A., Vantaggio, L., Napodano, C., Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Gulli, F., Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Rosato, E., Calla C. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile U.

Abstract

Introduction: The involvement of complement system in the phenotypic expression of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a debated topic. We aimed to assay complement fractions in SSc patients and to correlate their levels with the clinical course of disease. Key points: 1. CH50 is increased in SSc patients compared to HC; 2. Serum C2 levels are increased in SSc patients compared to HC; 3. CH50 may represent a biomarker of skin and lung fibrosis severity in SSc patients. Method: Complement hemolysis 50% (CH50), C2, C3 and C4 levels have been assessed in 85 SSc patients and 47 healthy controls (HC). Results: SSc patients displayed a statistically significant higher value of CH50 [76.3 U/mL (IQR 65.8–89.4 U/mL) vs. 29.6 U/mL (IQR 24.7–34 U/mL); p < 0.0001] and of C2 [26.1 mg/L (IQR 24.1–32.1 mg/L) vs. 22.7 mg/L (IQR 20.6–24.4 mg/L); p < 0.0001] if compared to HC. Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) had higher levels of CH50 than patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) [83.6 U/mL (IQR 72.3–102.7 U/mL) vs. 71.3 U/mL (IQR 63.7–83.6 U/mL); p = 0.003]. SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) had higher CH50 levels if compared to SSc patients without ILD [79.6 U/mL (IQR 68.3–97.4 U/mL) vs. 69.7 U/mL (54.6–85.7 U/mL); p = 0.042]. A positive linear correlation existed between CH50 and the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) (r = 0.285, p = 0.008) and disease severity scale (DSS) (r = 0.285, p = 0.005); a negative linear correlation was demonstrated between CH50 and the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) (r = −0.252, p = 0.012). In multiple linear regression analysis, only DSS was significant (p = 0.01, beta coefficient 2.446). Conclusions: Our results show an increment of CH50 and serum C2 levels in SSc patients in comparison to HC; we retain that CH50 may represent a biomarker of disease severity and of skin and lung fibrosis in these patients.

Published
2022

10. PREVALENCE OF ADVANCED LIVER FIBROSIS AMONG PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS WITH NAFLD. RESULTS FROM GENERAL PRACTITIONER DATABASE NAFLD (GPS-NAFLD) STUDY

Author

Miele, L, Lapi, F, Grattagliano, I, Liguori, A, Dajko, M, Marrone, G, Biolato, M, Napodano, C, De Magistris, A, Rapaccini, G, Rossi, A, Gasbarrini, A, Cricelli, C, Grieco, A, Miele, L (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Rapaccini, G (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Gasbarrini, A (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Miele, L, Lapi, F, Grattagliano, I, Liguori, A, Dajko, M, Marrone, G, Biolato, M, Napodano, C, De Magistris, A, Rapaccini, G, Rossi, A, Gasbarrini, A, Cricelli, C, Grieco, A, Miele, L (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Rapaccini, G (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Gasbarrini, A (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823)

Abstract

N/A

Published
2020

11. Biomarkers in HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinemia patients withnon-Hodgkin lymphoma

Author

Gulli, F., Marino, M., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Pandolfi, F., Gasbarrini, A., Rapaccini, G. L., Basile, U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Pandolfi F. (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile U., Gulli, F., Marino, M., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Pandolfi, F., Gasbarrini, A., Rapaccini, G. L., Basile, U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Pandolfi F. (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Basile U.

Abstract

Objective: Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause severe extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulins (MC), up to the development of B cell nonHodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). Mechanisms transforming of HCV infection into lymphoproliferative and/or autoimmune disorders are still poorly understood. In course of HCV infection, the sustained virus-driven antigenic stimulation may probably induce a B-cell clonal expansion. Measurements of serum free light chains (FLCs) levels, considered as a direct marker of B cell activity, are analyzed with increasing interest in clinical practice, for diagnosis, monitoring and follow-up of plasma cell dyscrasia. Syndecan-1 (CD138) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan expressed and actively shed by most myeloma cells. Membrane CD138 represents the major receptor protein for HCV attachment to the hepatocyte surface and high levels of circulating sCD138 levels are detected in patients at early stage of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This study is aimed to evaluate sCD138 and FLC levels as diagnostic biomarkers of HCV-related MC with B-NHL. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 35 HCV-MC-NHL patients, characterized for the specific type of cryoglobulins, and 25 healthy blood donors (HBD) as negative control. Serum sCD138 levels were determined using ELISA kits specific for human sCD138. Serum FLCs were assessed by means of the turbidimetric assay. Results: We found that serum levels of sCD138, as well as FLCs, were significantly higher in patients than in HBD (p<0.001). Conclusions: In a greement with the definition of HCV-driven lymphoproliferative disorders as the consequence of a multifactorial and multistep pathogenetic process, we suggest that sCD138 and FLCs could be considered putative independent markers of worsening progression of the disease.

Published
2020

13. The prognostic impact of monoclonal immune globulin and free light chain secretion in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

Author

Maiolo, E., Alma, E., Napodano, C., Gulli, F., Bellesi, S., Cuccaro, A., Pocino, K., D'Alo', F., Iachini, M., Martini, M., Larocca, L. M., De Stefano, V., Basile, U., Hohaus, S., Maiolo E., Alma E., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Bellesi S., Cuccaro A., Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), D'Alo' F. (ORCID:0000-0003-3576-8522), Iachini M., Martini M. (ORCID:0000-0002-6260-6310), Larocca L. M. (ORCID:0000-0003-1739-4758), De Stefano V. (ORCID:0000-0002-5178-5827), Basile U., Hohaus S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5534-7197), Maiolo, E., Alma, E., Napodano, C., Gulli, F., Bellesi, S., Cuccaro, A., Pocino, K., D'Alo', F., Iachini, M., Martini, M., Larocca, L. M., De Stefano, V., Basile, U., Hohaus, S., Maiolo E., Alma E., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Bellesi S., Cuccaro A., Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), D'Alo' F. (ORCID:0000-0003-3576-8522), Iachini M., Martini M. (ORCID:0000-0002-6260-6310), Larocca L. M. (ORCID:0000-0003-1739-4758), De Stefano V. (ORCID:0000-0002-5178-5827), Basile U., and Hohaus S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5534-7197)

Published
2019

14. Lack of association between Vitamin D status and free light chains profile with different chronic HCV-related liver and extrahepatic disorders

Author

Basile, U., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Barini, A., Marino, M., Santini, S. A., Stefanile, A., Basile, V., Calla, C. A., Cattani, P., Gasbarrini, A., Rapaccini, G. L., Gulli, F., Basile U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Barini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-1440-5581), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Stefanile A., Calla C. A. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Cattani P. (ORCID:0000-0003-4678-4763), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile, U., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Barini, A., Marino, M., Santini, S. A., Stefanile, A., Basile, V., Calla, C. A., Cattani, P., Gasbarrini, A., Rapaccini, G. L., Gulli, F., Basile U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Barini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-1440-5581), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Stefanile A., Calla C. A. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Cattani P. (ORCID:0000-0003-4678-4763), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), and Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X)

Published
2019

15. The dark side of current analytic methods for Bence Jones Proteinuria.

Author

NATALI, P., CIGLIANA, G., NAPODANO, C., BASILE, V., DEBBIA, D., POCINO, K., SAVOIA, M., MARINO, M., GULLI, F., and BASILE, U.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Bence Jones proteinuria (BJP) refers to monoclonal free immunoglobulin light chains detected in urine, deriving from the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, associated with monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain origin. This review summarizes routinely diagnostic procedures to assess BJP highlighting critical steps of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS: The best option for BJP detection is the first morning void urine sample and immunofixation electrophoresis detection technique (IFE) the recommended method, with the employment of specific polyvalent antisera. Other qualitative tests for a quick evaluation of BJP are currently available. Densitometric analysis performed on the 24-hour urine is the recommended method to quantify BJP. To overcome the 24-hour collection, it is possible to use morning urine sample and correlate the assessed value of BJP to creatininuria. In addition to the traditional ones, we here reviewed screening methods currently used to avoid false negatives and reduce the time around test (TAT), together with immunochemical quantification methods for increased sensitivity, after checking BJP by IFE. Mass spectrometry emerges as a new challenge in the determination of BJP. CONCLUSIONS: The employment of different based-assays methods may be useful for diagnostic purposes to improve the accuracy of BJP monitoring in monoclonal gammopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022

16. A comparative study of serum angiogenic biomarkers in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Author

Pocino, Krizia, Napodano, C., Marino, Mariapaola, Di Santo, R., Miele, Luca, De Matthaeis, Nicoletta, Gulli, F., Saporito, R., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Ciasca, Gabriele, Basile, Umberto, Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), De Matthaeis N., Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Basile U., Pocino, Krizia, Napodano, C., Marino, Mariapaola, Di Santo, R., Miele, Luca, De Matthaeis, Nicoletta, Gulli, F., Saporito, R., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Ciasca, Gabriele, Basile, Umberto, Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), De Matthaeis N., Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), and Basile U.

Published
2021

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Author

Basile, Umberto, Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, Di Santo, R., Todi, L., Basile, V., Provenzano, Carlo, Ciasca, Gabriele, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Provenzano C. (ORCID:0000-0001-5476-5517), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile, Umberto, Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, Di Santo, R., Todi, L., Basile, V., Provenzano, Carlo, Ciasca, Gabriele, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile U., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Provenzano C. (ORCID:0000-0001-5476-5517), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), and Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378)

Published
2021

18. Serum and urine free light chains measurements in patients with systemic sclerosis: novel biomarkers for disease activity

Author

Gigante, A., Pellicano, C., Leodori, G., Napodano, Cecilia, Vantaggio, L., Gulli, F., Marino, Mariapaola, Visentini, M., Rosato, E., Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile U., Gigante, A., Pellicano, C., Leodori, G., Napodano, Cecilia, Vantaggio, L., Gulli, F., Marino, Mariapaola, Visentini, M., Rosato, E., Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile U.

Published
2021

19. Salivary biomarkers in covid-19 patients: Towards a wide-scale test for monitoring disease activity

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Fiorita, Antonella, Marino, Mariapaola, Taddei, Eleonora, Di Cesare, Tiziana, Passali, Giulio Cesare, Di Santo, R., Stefanile, Annunziata, Fantoni, Massimo, Urbani, Andrea, Paludetti, Gaetano, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Ciasca, Gabriele, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Calla C. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Fiorita A., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Taddei E., Di Cesare T., Passali G. C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8176-0962), Stefanile A., Fantoni M. (ORCID:0000-0001-6913-8460), Urbani A. (ORCID:0000-0001-9168-3174), Paludetti G. (ORCID:0000-0003-2480-1243), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Basile U., Napodano, Cecilia, Calla', Cinzia Anna Maria, Fiorita, Antonella, Marino, Mariapaola, Taddei, Eleonora, Di Cesare, Tiziana, Passali, Giulio Cesare, Di Santo, R., Stefanile, Annunziata, Fantoni, Massimo, Urbani, Andrea, Paludetti, Gaetano, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Ciasca, Gabriele, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Calla C. (ORCID:0000-0001-7962-1229), Fiorita A., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Taddei E., Di Cesare T., Passali G. C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8176-0962), Stefanile A., Fantoni M. (ORCID:0000-0001-6913-8460), Urbani A. (ORCID:0000-0001-9168-3174), Paludetti G. (ORCID:0000-0003-2480-1243), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), and Basile U.

Published
2021

20. COVID-19 and hepatic involvement: The liver as a main actor of the pandemic novel

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A, Marino, Mariapaola, Miele, Luca, Gulli, F, Basile, V, Pandolfi, Franco, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino, K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino, M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele, L (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Pandolfi, F (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini, A (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini, GL (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile, U, Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, A, Marino, Mariapaola, Miele, Luca, Gulli, F, Basile, V, Pandolfi, Franco, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano, C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino, K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Marino, M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele, L (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Pandolfi, F (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini, A (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini, GL (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Basile, U

Abstract

In the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, liver injury is frequent but quite mild and it is defined as any liver damage occurring during disease progression and treatment of infection in patients with or without pre-existing liver diseases. The underlying mechanisms for hepatic injury in patients with COVID-19 are still unclear but the liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be directly caused by virus-induced cytopathic effects. In this review, we will summarize all data of updated literature, regarding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, acute response and liver involvement. An overview will be given on liver injury, liver transplant and the possible consequences of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing liver diseases.

Published
2021

21. COVID-19, adaptative immune response and metabolic-associated liver disease

Author

Miele, Luca, Napodano, Cecilia, Cesario, Alfredo, De Magistris, A., Pocino, Krizia, Basile, Umberto, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, A., Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Cesario A. (ORCID:0000-0003-4687-0709), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Basile U., Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Miele, Luca, Napodano, Cecilia, Cesario, Alfredo, De Magistris, A., Pocino, Krizia, Basile, Umberto, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, A., Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Cesario A. (ORCID:0000-0003-4687-0709), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Basile U., Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823)

Abstract

Metabolic diseases are associated with a higher risk of a severer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course, since fatty liver is commonly associated with metabolic disorders, fatty liver itself is considered as a major contributor to low-grade inflammation in obesity and diabetes. Recently a comprehensive term, metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), has been proposed. The hepatic inflammatory status observed in MAFLD patients is amplified in presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Intestinal dysbiosis is a powerful activator of inflammatory mediator production of liver macrophages. The intestinal microbiome plays a key role in MAFLD progression, which results in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, patients with metabolic disorders and COVID-19 can have a worse outcome of COVID-19. This literature review attempts to disentangle the mechanistic link of MAFLD from COVID-19 complexity and to improve knowledge on its pathophysiology.

Published
2021

22. Cryoglobulins: Identification, classification, and novel biomarkers of mysterious proteins

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Basile U., Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Marino, Mariapaola, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), and Basile U.

Abstract

Cryoglobulins consist of serum immunoglobulins that precipitate below 37°C and resolubilize upon warming. The clinical triad of cryoglobulinemia usually includes purpura, weakness, and arthralgia. Cryoglobulinemic syndrome, clinically defined as a systemic vasculitis, is associated with chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and autoimmune disorders and can evolve into B-cell malignancies. While the current literature about HCV-associated cryoglobulinemia is not very limited, little is known about the immunologic and serologic profiles of affected patients. Therefore, comprehension of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying cryoprecipitation could be very helpful. Due to the persistence of viral antigenic stimulation, biomarkers to use after the worsening progression of HCV infection to lymphoproliferative and/or autoimmune diseases are widely needed. Laboratory methods used to detect and characterize low concentrations of cryoprecipitates and immunotyping patterns could improve patient management. The most critical factor affecting cryoglobulin testing is that the pre-analytical phase is not fully completed at 37°C.

Published
2021

23. Multimorbidity and polypharmacotherapy in Italian primary care patients with NAFLD: General Practitioner databaSe NAFLD (GPS-NAFLD) Study

Author

Miele, L., primary, Cricelli, C., additional, Lapi, F., additional, Grattagliano, I., additional, Dajko, M., additional, Liguori, A., additional, De Magistris, A., additional, Napodano, C., additional, Marrone, G., additional, Biolato, M., additional, Rossi, A., additional, Rapaccini, G., additional, Grieco, A., additional, and Gasbarrini, A., additional

Published
2021
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25. General Practitioner databaSe NAFLD (GPS-NAFLD) Study: prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis among Italian primary care patients with NAFLD

Author

Miele, L., primary, Cricelli, C., additional, Lapi, F., additional, Grattagliano, I., additional, Dajko, M., additional, Liguori, A., additional, De Magistris, A., additional, Napodano, C., additional, Rossi, A., additional, Rapaccini, G., additional, Gasbarrini, A., additional, and Grieco, A., additional

Published
2021
Full Text
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26. Cryoglobulins: putative effectors of adaptive immune response

Author

Basile, U., Napodano, C., Marino, M., Gulli, F., Colantuono, S., Casato, M., Pocino, K., Basile, V., LAURA TODI, Rapaccini, G. L., and Visentini, M.

Subjects
hepatitis C virus, B cells, mixed cryoglobulinaemia, Settore MED/12 - GASTROENTEROLOGIA, Immunology, immunoglobulins, biomarkers, Hepacivirus, Adaptive Immunity, Hepatitis C, cryoglobulins, mixed cryoglobulinaemia, immunoglobulins, hepatitis C virus, B cells, biomarkers, Settore MED/05 - PATOLOGIA CLINICA, Settore BIO/12 - BIOCHIMICA CLINICA E BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE CLINICA, Rheumatology, Cryoglobulinemia, Immunology and Allergy, Humans, cryoglobulins
Abstract

Cryoglobulinaemia consists of circulating monoclonal and/or polyclonal immunoglobulins with rheumatoid factor (RF) activity that precipitate at temperatures37°C. Cryoglobulinaemic syndrome, characterised by clinical signs of systemic vasculitis, is associated with chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and might evolve in B-cell malignancies. In about one third of all HCV infection cases, serum autoantibodies are commonly found. This is probably due directly to the transformation of infected B cells but, also, indirectly, to the viral chronic stimulation of a pool of autoreactive B cells. The pattern of IgG subclasses seems to contribute to the worsening progression of HCV infection into lymphoproliferative and/or autoimmune diseases. Many evidences showed that B cells circulating in patients with HCV-associated mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) are profoundly abnormal; moreover, in most of cases, normal B cells are replaced by expanded clonal B cells characterized by the low expression of CD21. After viral eradication, these cells persist in circulation and their occurrence does not correlate with serum cryoglobulins nor with vasculitis response or relapse. It is probably due to the persistence of monoclonal B cells producing RF, that in course of MC can be reactivated by circulating immune complexes, highly produced during infections or tumours. Here, we aimed to review current literature focusing the pathogenesis of MC referring to specificity and immunochemical characteristics of the immunoglobulins involved in cryoprecipitation.

Published
2020

27. Immune dyscrasia in adult growth hormone deficiency: Evaluation of hemolytic complement activity (CH50) and IgG subclasses

Author

Vergani, Edoardo, Bruno, Carmine, Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Stefanile, Annunziata, Piunno, G., Basile, Umberto, Mancini, Antonio, Vergani E., Bruno C., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Stefanile A., Basile U., Mancini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7707-4564), Vergani, Edoardo, Bruno, Carmine, Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Stefanile, Annunziata, Piunno, G., Basile, Umberto, Mancini, Antonio, Vergani E., Bruno C., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Stefanile A., Basile U., and Mancini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7707-4564)

Published
2020

28. The diagnostic performance of PIVKA-II in metabolic and viral hepatocellular carcinoma: A pilot study

Author

Basile, Umberto, Miele, Luca, Napodano, Cecilia, Ciasca, Gabriele, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, De Matthaeis, Nicoletta, Liguori, Antonio, DE MAGISTRIS, A., Marrone, Giuseppe, Biolato, Marco, Marino, Mariapaola, Di Giacinto, Flavio, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, BASILE U., MIELE L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), NAPODANO C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), CIASCA G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), POCINO K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), DE MATTHAEIS N., LIGUORI A., MARRONE G., BIOLATO M., MARINO M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), DI GIACINTO F. (ORCID:0000-0002-6726-7768), GASBARRINI A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), GRIECO A. (ORCID:0000-0002-0544-8993), RAPACCINI G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile, Umberto, Miele, Luca, Napodano, Cecilia, Ciasca, Gabriele, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, De Matthaeis, Nicoletta, Liguori, Antonio, DE MAGISTRIS, A., Marrone, Giuseppe, Biolato, Marco, Marino, Mariapaola, Di Giacinto, Flavio, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, BASILE U., MIELE L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), NAPODANO C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), CIASCA G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), POCINO K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), DE MATTHAEIS N., LIGUORI A., MARRONE G., BIOLATO M., MARINO M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), DI GIACINTO F. (ORCID:0000-0002-6726-7768), GASBARRINI A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), GRIECO A. (ORCID:0000-0002-0544-8993), and RAPACCINI G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X)

Published
2020

29. Sentinel biomarkers in HCV positive patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia

Author

Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Gragnani, L., Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, Lorini, S., Santini, Stefano Angelo, Basile, V., Miele, Luca, Zignego, A. L., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile U., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile, Umberto, Marino, Mariapaola, Gragnani, L., Napodano, Cecilia, Gulli, F., Pocino, Krizia, Lorini, S., Santini, Stefano Angelo, Basile, V., Miele, Luca, Zignego, A. L., Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile U., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), and Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X)

Published
2020

30. Circulating histone signature of human lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)

Author

Buzova, D., Maugeri, A., Liguori, Antonio, Napodano, Cecilia, Lo Re, O., Oben, J., Alisi, A., Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, Antonio, Cerveny, J., Miele, Luca, Vinciguerra, Maria, Liguori A., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Grieco A. (ORCID:0000-0002-0544-8993), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Vinciguerra M., Buzova, D., Maugeri, A., Liguori, Antonio, Napodano, Cecilia, Lo Re, O., Oben, J., Alisi, A., Gasbarrini, Antonio, Grieco, Antonio, Cerveny, J., Miele, Luca, Vinciguerra, Maria, Liguori A., Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Grieco A. (ORCID:0000-0002-0544-8993), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), and Vinciguerra M.

Abstract

Background: Although metabolic associate fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is associated with obesity, it can also occur in lean patients. MAFLD is more aggressive in lean patients compared to obese patients, with a higher risk of mortality. Specific biomarkers to diagnose differentially lean or overweight MAFLD are missing. Histones and nucleosomes are released in the bloodstream upon cell death. Here, we propose a new, fast, imaging and epigenetics based approach to investigate the severity of steatosis in lean MAFLD patients. Results: A total of 53 non-obese patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of MAFLD were recruited. Twenty patients displayed steatosis grade 1 (0-33%), 24 patients with steatosis grade 2 (34-66%) and 9 patients with steatosis grade 3 (67-100%). The levels of circulating nucleosomes were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while individual histones or histone dimers were assayed in serum samples by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. Circulating nucleosome levels associated poorly with MAFLD in the absence of obesity. We implemented successfully a multi-channel flow methodology on ImageStream(X), to image single histone staining (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2). We report here a significant depletion of the levels of histone variants macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in the serum of lean MAFLD patients, either individually or in complex with H2B. Conclusions: In summary, we identified a new circulating histone signature able to discriminate the severity of steatosis in individuals with lean MAFLD, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology.

Published
2020

31. Circulating histone signature of human lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Author

Buzova D, Maugeri A, Liguori A, Napodano C, Lo Re O, Oben J, Alisi A, Gasbarrini A, Grieco A, Cerveny J, Miele L, Vinciguerra M, Buzova D, Maugeri A, Liguori A, Napodano C, Lo Re O, Oben J, Alisi A, Gasbarrini A, Grieco A, Cerveny J, Miele L, and Vinciguerra M

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Although metabolic associate fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is associated with obesity, it can also occur in lean patients. MAFLD is more aggressive in lean patients compared to obese patients, with a higher risk of mortality. Specific biomarkers to diagnose differentially lean or overweight MAFLD are missing. Histones and nucleosomes are released in the bloodstream upon cell death. Here, we propose a new, fast, imaging and epigenetics based approach to investigate the severity of steatosis in lean MAFLD patients. RESULTS:A total of 53 non-obese patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of MAFLD were recruited. Twenty patients displayed steatosis grade 1 (0-33%), 24 patients with steatosis grade 2 (34-66%) and 9 patients with steatosis grade 3 (67-100%). The levels of circulating nucleosomes were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while individual histones or histone dimers were assayed in serum samples by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. Circulating nucleosome levels associated poorly with MAFLD in the absence of obesity. We implemented successfully a multi-channel flow methodology on ImageStream(X), to image single histone staining (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2). We report here a significant depletion of the levels of histone variants macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in the serum of lean MAFLD patients, either individually or in complex with H2B. CONCLUSIONS:In summary, we identified a new circulating histone signature able to discriminate the severity of steatosis in individuals with lean MAFLD, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology.

Published
2020

32. COVID-19 and hepatic involvement: The liver as a main actor of the pandemic novel

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, Annunziata, Marino, Mariapaola, Miele, Luca, Gulli, F., Basile, V., Pandolfi, Franco, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Stefanile A., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Pandolfi F. (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile U., Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Stefanile, Annunziata, Marino, Mariapaola, Miele, Luca, Gulli, F., Basile, V., Pandolfi, Franco, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Stefanile A., Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Miele L. (ORCID:0000-0003-3464-0068), Pandolfi F. (ORCID:0000-0001-8799-8173), Gasbarrini A. (ORCID:0000-0002-7278-4823), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Basile U.

Abstract

In the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, liver injury is frequent but quite mild and it is defined as any liver damage occurring during disease progression and treatment of infection in patients with or without pre-existing liver diseases. The underlying mechanisms for hepatic injury in patients with COVID-19 are still unclear but the liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be directly caused by virus-induced cytopathic effects. In this review, we will summarize all data of updated literature, regarding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, acute response and liver involvement. An overview will be given on liver injury, liver transplant and the possible consequences of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing liver diseases.

Published
2020

33. Immunological role of IgG subclasses

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Marino, Mariapaola, Stefanile, Annunziata, Pocino, Krizia, Scatena, Roberto, Gulli, F, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Delli Noci, S, Capozio, G, Rigante, Donato, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Stefanile A, Pocino K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Scatena R (ORCID:0000-0002-9425-8293), Rapaccini G (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Rigante D (ORCID:0000-0001-7032-7779), Basile U, Napodano, Cecilia, Marino, Mariapaola, Stefanile, Annunziata, Pocino, Krizia, Scatena, Roberto, Gulli, F, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Delli Noci, S, Capozio, G, Rigante, Donato, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Stefanile A, Pocino K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Scatena R (ORCID:0000-0002-9425-8293), Rapaccini G (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Rigante D (ORCID:0000-0001-7032-7779), and Basile U

Abstract

The loss of tolerance to self-antigens is the unequivocal “red line” of autoimmunity: both development of autoreactive T and B cells and production of polyclonal autoantibodies represent seminal keys to the pathogenesis of protean autoimmune diseases. Most of these autoantibodies are immunoglobulins G (IgG), functionally distinguished in four subclasses named IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4, due to structural differences in the hinge and heavy chain constant regions. Different studies analyzed serum levels of IgG subclasses in the course of different disorders, showing that they might have a pathogenic role by regulating interactions among immunoglobulins, Fc-gamma receptors and complement. To date, the mechanisms promoting different IgG subclasses distribution during the natural history of most autoimmune diseases remain somewhat unclear. Evidence from the medical literature shows that the serum IgG profile is peculiar for many autoimmune diseases, suggesting that different subclasses could be specific for the underlying driving autoantigens. A better knowledge of IgG subsets may probably help to elucidate their pathological task, but also to define their relevance for diagnostic purposes, patients’ personalized management, and prognosis assessment.

Published
2020

34. A novel biomarker score for the screening and management of patients with plasma cell proliferative disorders

Author

Basile, U., Gulli, F., Isgro, M. A., Napodano, C., Pocino, K., Santini, S. A., Gragnani, L., Conti, L., Rossi, E., Cordone, I., Zignego, A. L., Rapaccini, G. L., Cigliana, G., Berruti, Franco, Todi, L., Marino, M., and Di Stasio, E.

Subjects
B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Biomarker, Free Light Chains, HCV, Mixed Cryoglobulinemia, Monoclonal Gammopathy, Multiple myeloma, sCD138, immune system diseases, hemic and lymphatic diseases
Published
2019

38. Evaluation of immunoglobulins subclasses and free-light chains in non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and correlations with hormonal and metabolic parameters: preliminary data.

Author

BASILE, U., BRUNO, C., NAPODANO, C., VERGANI, E., GULLI, F., PIUNNO, G., POCINO, K., STEFANILE, A., and MANCINI, A.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia thaontrol study to investigate inflammatory and immunological parameters, such as Igt contribute to create a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. We performed an observational case-cG subclasses and free light chains (FLCs) and hemolytic complement activity (CH50) in non-obese PCOS, evaluating their relations with metabolic and hormonal parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 36 subjects were studied: 16 PCOS patients (mean±SEM 27.13±1.82 age; BMI 24.1±0.9 kg/m2); 20 controls (aged 26.05±0.73; BMI 20.8 ± 0.4 kg/m2). The blood sample was collected for metabolic and hormonal parameters, IgG subclasses, k and λ FLCs, CH50. Hormones were measured by immunochemiluminometric assays; metabolic parameters by enzymatic assays; subclasses of IgG, FLCs, and CH50 were evaluated by the turbidimetric method. RESULTS: PCOS patients showed vs. controls lower IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 (mean±SEM 3.76±0.29 g/l, 2.63±0.20, 0.62±0.06, 0.34±0.08 vs. 6.49±0.35, 4.28±0.25, 0.84±0.07, 0.33±0.04, respectively) and higher levels of FLCs (k 12.22±0.71 vs. 6.03±0.30, λ 10.10±0.79 vs. 8.04±0.48 g/l) and CH50 (48.64±2.65 vs. 36.51±1.38 U/ml); we found correlation between IgG2 and free-testosterone (r=0.72, p=0.005) and CH50 and vitamin D (r=0.54, p=0.04); an inverse correlation was found between IgG1 and, respectively, ACTH (r=-0.57, p=0.02) and cortisol (r=0.78, p=0.001) in PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: In the complex scenario of low-grade inflammation in non-obese PCOS, we showed lower levels of main subclasses of IgG and higher CH50 levels, suggesting the involvement of other mechanisms other than the "classical" pathway of complement activation; FLCs could be attractive to monitor inflammation degree, disease activity and influence on hormonal status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2021

39. Serum immunoglobulin free light chain levels in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Author

Gulli, F., Napodano, Cecilia, Marino, Mariapaola, Ciasca, Gabriele, Pocino, Krizia, Basile, V., Visentini, M., Stefanile, Annunziata, Todi, L., De Spirito, Marco, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Stefanile A., De Spirito M. (ORCID:0000-0003-4260-5107), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), Basile U., Gulli, F., Napodano, Cecilia, Marino, Mariapaola, Ciasca, Gabriele, Pocino, Krizia, Basile, V., Visentini, M., Stefanile, Annunziata, Todi, L., De Spirito, Marco, Rapaccini, Gian Ludovico, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Marino M. (ORCID:0000-0001-9155-6378), Ciasca G. (ORCID:0000-0002-3694-8229), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Stefanile A., De Spirito M. (ORCID:0000-0003-4260-5107), Rapaccini G. L. (ORCID:0000-0002-6467-857X), and Basile U.

Published
2019

40. Free light chains a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disease. A pilot study.

Author

Basile, Umberto, La Rosa, Giulio, Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Cappannoli, Luigi, Gulli, F, Cianfrocca, C, Di Stasio, Enrico, Biasucci, Luigi Marzio, Basile U, La Rosa G, Napodano C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Di Stasio E (ORCID:0000-0003-1047-4261), Biasucci LM (ORCID:0000-0002-6921-6497), Basile, Umberto, La Rosa, Giulio, Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Cappannoli, Luigi, Gulli, F, Cianfrocca, C, Di Stasio, Enrico, Biasucci, Luigi Marzio, Basile U, La Rosa G, Napodano C (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Di Stasio E (ORCID:0000-0003-1047-4261), and Biasucci LM (ORCID:0000-0002-6921-6497)

Published
2019

41. IgG cryoglobulinemia

Author

Gulli, F, Basile, U, Gragnani, L, Napodano, C, Pocino, K, Miele, L, Santini, Sa, Zignego, Al, Gasbarrini, A, and Rapaccini, Gl

Subjects
Male, Hepatitis C Virus, Settore MED/12 - GASTROENTEROLOGIA, IgG3, Cryoglobulin, IgG3, Hepatitis C Virus, Cryoglobulin, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Middle Aged, Hepatitis C, Cryoglobulinemia, Blood-Brain Barrier, Rheumatoid Factor, Immunoglobulin G, inglese, Humans, Female, Aged
Abstract

Mixed Cryoglobulinemia is the most well-known Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-associated extrahepatic manifestation. MC is both an autoimmune and B-lymphoproliferative disorder. Cryoglobulins (CGs) are classified into three groups according to immunoglobulin (Ig) composition: type I is composed of one isotype or Ig class. Type II and type III mixed CGs are immune complexes composed of polyclonal IgGs acting as autoantigens and mono, polyclonal or oligoclonal IgM with rheumatoid factor activity. IgG1 and IgG3 are the predominant subclasses involved. This study shows the simultaneous presence of IgG-RF and IgG3, supporting the hypothesis of an involvement of this subclass in the initiation of early stages of CGs.We describe a case series of six HCV-positive patients, all of whom had peripheral neuropathy and transient ischemic attacks, presenting cryoprecipitates formed by IgG3 and IgG1. Cryoprecipitate IgG subclass research was carried out by immunofixation electrophoresis by using antisera against IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.Our six patients presented with an immunochemical pattern characterized by the mere presence of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses with probable RF activity and one of these six patients exhibited monoclonal IgG3 in his cerebrospinal fluid.We can hypothesize that the IgG passage through the blood-brain barrier could have contributed to the cause of TIAs, through a mechanism involving the precipitation of circulating immune complexes formed by the two subclasses in the intrathecal vessels.

Published
2018

42. Does Angiotensin II receptor blockers increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection? A real-life experience.

Author

DE VITO, A., GEREMIA, N., PRINCIC, E., FANELLI, C., NAPODANO, C. M. PANU, MUREDDA, A. A., FIORE, V., MAIDA, I., FOIS, A. G., BABUDIERI, S., and MADEDDU, G.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people have been infected with thousands of deaths. Few data regarding factors that increase the risk of infection are available. Our study aimed to evaluate all people living in retirement homes (PLRNH) and identify factors that could increase infection risk in a close community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study enrolling all PLRNH, where at least one SARS-CoV-2 infected person was present. Variables were compared with Student's t-test or Pearson chi-square test as appropriate. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate variables' influence on the infection. RESULTS: We included 452 PLRNH; 144 (31.7%) were male, with a mean age of 82.2±8.6 years. People with a positive swab for SARSCoV- 2 were 306 (67.4%). A significant difference between SARS-CoV-2 infected and not infected was observed in the percentage of those receiving chronic treatment with Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (18.6% vs. 9.5%, p=0.012). On the contrary, there was no difference in the proportion of those receiving ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) (21.2% vs. 23.6%, p=0.562). At multivariate analysis, people with mental illness and cancer had an increased risk of being infected. Furthermore, receiving ARBs as a chronic treatment was an independent predictor of infection risk [OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.03-3.72) p=0.041]. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that, in close communities, such as retirement nursing homes, the receipt of ARBs increased the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, before changing an important chronic treatment in a fragile population, such as the elderly living in retirement nursing homes, clinicians should carefully evaluate the risk-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2021

43. The diagnostic performance of PIVKA-II in metabolic and viral hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study.

Author

BASILE, U., MIELE, L., NAPODANO, C., CIASCA, G., GULLI, F., POCINO, K., DE MATTHAEIS, N., LIGUORI, A., DE MAGISTRIS, A., MARRONE, G., BIOLATO, M., MARINO, M., DI GIACINTO, F., GASBARRINI, A., GRIECO, A., and RAPACCINI, G. L.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver tumor derived from metabolic or viral chronic hepatitis, with few treatment options in advanced cases. New biomarkers that allow improving diagnosis and staging are widely desired. Here, we aim to evaluate the performance of Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) in combination with a-fetoprotein (AFP), in the diagnosis of HCC in patients with metabolic or viral hepatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 60 HCC patients (20 metabolic and 40 viral) and 20 healthy subjects (HS) as negative controls. PIVKA- II, AFP, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) serum levels were assessed by immunoassays. RESULTS: AFP and PIVKA-II levels were obviously higher in patients than in HS. AFP displayed a better diagnostic performance than PIVKA-II for viral HCC while PIVKA-II was better for metabolic HCC. The combination of the two biomarkers did not improve the discriminating ability. CONCLUSIONS: PIVKA-II may be considered an independent predictor of macrovascular invasion from HCC cells and it can be used to better stratify HCC patients and should be evaluated in prospective studies for early detection of advanced HCC in metabolic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2020

44. Biomarkers in HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinemia patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Author

GULLI, F., MARINO, M., NAPODANO, C., POCINO, K., PANDOLFI, F., GASBARRINI, A., RAPACCINI, G. L., and BASILE, U.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause severe extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulins (MC), up to the development of B cell nonHodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). Mechanisms transforming of HCV infection into lymphoproliferative and/or autoimmune disorders are still poorly understood. In course of HCV infection, the sustained virus-driven antigenic stimulation may probably induce a B-cell clonal expansion. Measurements of serum free light chains (FLCs) levels, considered as a direct marker of B cell activity, are analyzed with increasing interest in clinical practice, for diagnosis, monitoring and follow-up of plasma cell dyscrasia. Syndecan-1 (CD138) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan expressed and actively shed by most myeloma cells. Membrane CD138 represents the major receptor protein for HCV attachment to the hepatocyte surface and high levels of circulating sCD138 levels are detected in patients at early stage of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This study is aimed to evaluate sCD138 and FLC levels as diagnostic biomarkers of HCV-related MC with B-NHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 35 HCV-MC-NHL patients, characterized for the specific type of cryoglobulins, and 25 healthy blood donors (HBD) as negative control. Serum sCD138 levels were determined using ELISA kits specific for human sCD138. Serum FLCs were assessed by means of the turbidimetric assay. RESULTS: We found that serum levels of sCD138, as well as FLCs, were significantly higher in patients than in HBD (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with the definition of HCV-driven lymphoproliferative disorders as the consequence of a multifactorial and multistep pathogenetic process, we suggest that sCD138 and FLCs could be considered putative independent markers of worsening progression of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2020

45. Serum free light chain quantitative assays: Dilemma of a biomarker

Author

Cigliana, G., Gulli, F., Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, De Santis, E., Colacicco, Luigi, Cordone, I., Conti, L., Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Colacicco L. (ORCID:0000-0002-0039-3727), Basile U., Cigliana, G., Gulli, F., Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, De Santis, E., Colacicco, Luigi, Cordone, I., Conti, L., Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Colacicco L. (ORCID:0000-0002-0039-3727), and Basile U.

Published
2018

46. Serum immunoglobulin free light chain levels in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Author

Gulli, F., Napodano, C., Marino, M., Ciasca, G., Pocino, K., Basile, V., Visentini, M., Stefanile, A., Todi, L., De Spirito, M., Rapaccini, G. L., and Basile, U.

Subjects
*RHEUMATISM, *AUTOIMMUNE diseases, *SJOGREN'S syndrome, *SYSTEMIC lupus erythematosus, *ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID syndrome, *HEPATITIS C virus, *MONOCLONAL gammopathies, *IMMUNOGLOBULIN light chains
Abstract

Summary: Several reports have highlighted the abnormal increments of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in the course of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), but a comparative analysis among different conditions is still lacking. A strong association between elevated FLC and hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related mixed cryoglobulinaemia (HCVMC) has been well established. Here, we aimed to analyse serum FLC levels in patients with four different SARD in comparison with HCVMC. Using a turbidimetric assay, free κ and λ chains were quantified in sera from 198 SARD patients (37 rheumatoid arthritis, RA; 47 systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE; 52 anti‐phospholipid syndrome, APS; 62 primary Sjogren's syndrome, pSS), 62 HCVMC and 50 healthy blood donors (HD). All patient groups showed increased κ levels when compared to HD: 33·5 ± 2·6 mg/l in HCVMC, 26·7 ± 2·3 mg/l in RA, 29·7 ± 1·9 mg/l in SLE, 23·8 ± 1·1 mg/l in APS, 24·2 ± 1·1 mg/l in pSS; 10·1 ± 0·6 mg/l in HD. Free λ levels displayed a significant increase only for HCVMC (20·4 ± 1·4 mg/l) and SLE (18·4 ± 1·0 mg/l) compared to HD (13·6 ± 0·9 mg/l). The increase of κ compared to λ takes into account a κ /λ ratio of 1·6 for all groups. Our results substantially analyse and strengthen the association between FLC and SARD focusing the questions regarding their role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of human diseases. Unfortunately, the biochemical differences distinguishing normal from pathological FLC have not been identified. Production of different isotypes is probably connected to still‐unknown pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2020
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47. Free light chains a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disease. A pilot study.

Author

BASILE, U., LA ROSA, G., NAPODANO, C., POCINO, K., CAPPANNOLI, L., GULLI, F., CIANFROCCA, C., DI STASIO, E., and BIASUCCI, L. M.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality but their inflammatory pathogenesis is still unclear. In this scenario, the role of serum free light chains (sFLC) has never been fully evaluated. The aim of the present study is to assess the clinical and pathogenetic role of sFLC in patients with IHD and to propose their use as a new biomarker for cardiovascular disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 117 patients, divided into 5 cohorts: 15 healthy controls, non-diabetic and without ischemic heart disease; 19 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), without ischemic heart disease at recruitment; 39 patients with stable chronic angina; 27 patients with NSTEMI, 17 patients with acute STEMI. Serum sFLC and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Patients also underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic study. RESULTS: sFLC were higher in patients with IHD and T2DM. However, we did not find statistically significant differences in sFLC concentration among subgroups. No correlation resulted between sFLC and hs-CRP levels. The median value of the sFLC Κ/λ ratio in the population was 0.63, therefore stratifying it into two groups according to their levels. We found that an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction at 12 months was detected in 77% of patients with Κ/λ ratio higher than 0.63 and 25% of patients with Κ/λ ratio lower of 0.63 (p=0.016, OR=10.0 [1.8-55.6]). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the sFLC, produced by the B-lymphocytes in the context of generalized immune activation, could play a pathogenetic role in acute coronary syndromes and that they could represent a novel risk biomarker of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2019

48. Comparison of Fully Automated and Semiautomated Systems for Protein Immunofixation Electrophoresis

Author

Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Gulli, F., Colacicco, Luigi, Santini, Stefano Angelo, Zuppi, Cecilia, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Colacicco L. (ORCID:0000-0002-0039-3727), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Zuppi C. (ORCID:0000-0003-4710-4934), Basile U., Napodano, Cecilia, Pocino, Krizia, Gulli, F., Colacicco, Luigi, Santini, Stefano Angelo, Zuppi, Cecilia, Basile, Umberto, Napodano C. (ORCID:0000-0002-8720-6284), Pocino K. (ORCID:0000-0003-2456-5308), Colacicco L. (ORCID:0000-0002-0039-3727), Santini S. A. (ORCID:0000-0003-1956-5899), Zuppi C. (ORCID:0000-0003-4710-4934), and Basile U.

Abstract

Background: In order to establish a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy, it is necessary to detect and identify monoclonal components. To confirm the immunological nature of the proteins, the next step is to define their composition in heavy and light chains using immunofixation. The purpose of this study was to compare two different instruments, one semiautomated and the other fully automated for serum and urine immunofixation. Methods: We selected 150 sera and 100 urines from patients admitted for routine analysis, which were analyzed by immunofixation to characterize monoclonal components. Results and conclusion: Comparison study showed a difference in the identification of small monoclonal components and hypogammaglobulinemia, in serum and urine, between the two analyzers. We also observed a difference in the length of the electrophoretic pattern that is of considerable importance as it leads to a better resolution of the gamma region, allowing to identify even the smallest monoclonal component that can be easily hide in an oligoclonal pattern. For this reason, there is need to ameliorate commercial immunofixation assays. It is essential to improve data harmonization and standardize measurement procedures in order to guarantee a correct diagnosis for the right patient care.

Published
2017

49. FRI0238 Increased Serum Free Light Chains of Immunoglobulins in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Correlation with Lung Involvement and Inflammatory Milieu

Author

Bosello, S.L., primary, Basile, U., additional, De Lorenzis, E., additional, Canestrari, G., additional, Parisi, F., additional, Rucco, M., additional, Birra, D., additional, Gulli, F., additional, Napodano, C., additional, Pocino, K., additional, Forni, F., additional, Tolusso, B., additional, and Ferraccioli, G., additional

Published
2016
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50. IgG cryoglobulinemia.

Author

GRAGNANI, L., GULLI, F., BASILE, U., NAPODANO, C., POCINO, K., SANTINI, S. A., MIELE, L., GASBARRINI, A., RAPACCINI, G. L., and ZIGNEGO, A. L.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Mixed Cryoglobulinemia is the most well-known Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-associated extrahepatic manifestation. MC is both an autoimmune and B-lymphoproliferative disorder. Cryoglobulins (CGs) are classified into three groups according to immunoglobulin (Ig) composition: type I is composed of one isotype or Ig class. Type II and type III mixed CGs are immune complexes composed of polyclonal IgGs acting as autoantigens and mono, polyclonal or oligoclonal IgM with rheumatoid factor activity. IgG1 and IgG3 are the predominant subclasses involved. This study shows the simultaneous presence of IgG-RF and IgG3, supporting the hypothesis of an involvement of this subclass in the initiation of early stages of CGs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe a case series of six HCV-positive patients, all of whom had peripheral neuropathy and transient ischemic attacks, presenting cryoprecipitates formed by IgG3 and IgG1. Cryoprecipitate IgG subclass research was carried out by immunofixation electrophoresis by using antisera against IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. RESULTS: Our six patients presented with an immunochemical pattern characterized by the mere presence of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses with probable RF activity and one of these six patients exhibited monoclonal IgG3 in his cerebrospinal fluid. CONCLUSIONS: We can hypothesize that the IgG passage through the blood-brain barrier could have contributed to the cause of TIAs, through a mechanism involving the precipitation of circulating immune complexes formed by the two subclasses in the intrathecal vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2018

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