bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Normolipemic Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated with Inflammation in Castleman's Disease
Authors: Floudas C.S. , Yiakoumis X. , Tsironi M. , Aessopos A.
Published: January 2017

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a xanthomatous skin lesion sometimes associated with dyslipidemias. Little is known about the clinical significance of normolipemic xanthelasma lesions. We present a patient with localized Castleman's disease of plasma cell type, accompanied by prominent bilateral xanthelasma palpebrarum, intense systemic inflammatory reaction, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and reactive amyloidosis (AA type). Curative resection of the mass resulted in regression of the clinical and biochemical abnormalities and substantial improvement of the xanthelasma lesions. In this patient the skin lesion could be connected pathogenetically with the underlying disease and may represent an early marker of it. Furthermore, the regression of this lesion suggests that dissolution of lipid accumulation in atheromatous lesions may be possible.
The Role of Positron Emission Tomography in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Cistaro A. , Quartuccio N. , Mansi L. , Signore A. , Dolci M. , Treglia G.
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. To date, imaging of IBD is based on several radiological techniques such as barium studies, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography (CT). Endoscopy is the gold standard for the assessment of the large bowel and proximal small intestine in patients with IBD allowing the biopsy of the visualized bowel. Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT with Fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is a functional imaging method used to detect abnormalities in glucose metabolism in a variety of disorders. FDG accumulates mainly in tumours, but increased uptake and retention has been shown also in lesions with a high concentration of inflammatory cells, such as granulocytes and activated macrophages. Recent literature data demonstrate that FDG-PET and PET/CT may be useful noninvasive tools for identifying and localizing active IBD. In patients with an established diagnosis of IBD, FDG-PET and PET/CT may provide information about disease activity, location and extent of the disease within the intestinal tract, allowing early recognition of disease relapse and possible complications. Furthermore, these techniques may play a role in assessing the treatment response to medical therapy in patients with IBD.
Is Pentraxin-3 Stronger Than C-Reactive Protein to Determine Inflammation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Gursu M. , Ozturk S. , Aydin Z. , Karadag S. , Doventas Y. , Koldas M. , Uzun S. , Sumnu A. , Kazancioglu R.
Published: January 2017

Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is the prototype of long pentraxins and is produced by many tissues and organs including vascular endothelial cells in response to pro-inflammatory signals. It is thought to be an independent indicator of disease activity. We analyzed the correlation of PTX-3 with other markers of inflammation in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Non-diabetic patients on chronic PD program who meet the dialysis adequacy criteria and who had no active infectious/inflammatory disease were included. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded as well as hsCRP, fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and PTX-3 levels; and the correlation between them were studied. Twenty-five patients (mean age: 45.7±12.5 years; female/male ratio: 16/9) were included. Mean PTX-3 level was 2.16±2.76ng/ml. PTX-3 was found to be correlated positively with only IL-6 among inflammatory markers (r=0.827; p<0.001) but not with hsCRP. With linear regression model, IL-6 was the only independent determinant of PTX-3 levels. PTX-3 may be a more valuable marker of inflammation than CRP in patients on PD.
Target Identification and Validation of (+)-2-(1-Hydroxyl-4-Oxocyclohexyl) Ethyl Caffeate, an Anti-Inflammatory Natural Product
Authors: Li L. , Zeng H-W. , Liu F. , Zhang J-G. , Yue R-C. , Lu W-Q. , Yuan X. , Dai W-X. , Yuan H. , Sun Q-Y. , Huang J. , Li H-L. , Li Y-S. , Shan L. , Zhang W-D.
Published: January 2017

(+)-2-(1-hydroxyl-4-oxocyclohexyl) ethyl caffeate (HOEC) was isolated from Incarvillea mairei var. granditlora (Wehrhahn) Grierson. The plants of the Incarvillea genus have long been used as folk medicines for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in China. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, was identified as a potential target of HOEC by a pulldown assay, and then extensively validated by biosensor-based affinity detection, enzyme-based activity assays, cell-based AA metabolite analysis and computer-aided AA network simulation. Further in vivo studies of AA-induced ear oedema, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potency and validated the therapeutic target of HOEC. This work revealed that HOEC acted as an anti-inflammatory agent targeting 5-LOX, which not only confirmed the key role of 5-LOX in inflammation but also provided a paradigm for the exploration of natural product mechanisms of action.
Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Transient Overexpression of Hmgb1 on Balloon-Induced Carotid Artery Injury
Authors: Niu S-H. , Jian L-G. , Zhang L-H.
Published: January 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) play a crucial role in endothelial repair after artery injury. The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a key modulator of the homing of MSC to impaired artery and endothelialization. This study was aimed to determine whether balloon-induced carotid artery injury could be improved by transplantation with MSC modified by HMGB1. MSC were infected by adenoviral serotype 5 encoding recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and HMGB1 (ad5GFP-HMGB1). The expression of HMGB1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected in MSC using Real-time PCR, Western blot and semi-quantitative immunohistochemical assays. In vivo, reendothelialization was examined in rats subjected to carotid artery injury. The homing of MSC was observed under fluorescence microscopy, and the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) was assessed by ELISA assay. As a result, compared with the MSC group, the expression of HMGB1, VEGF and PCNA was markedly increased, vascular reendothelialization was accelerated, and the levels of serum TNF-α and CRP were decreased in group ad5GFP and ad5GFP-HMGB1. Transplantation of MSC infected with adGFP-HMGB1 strengthened the MSC effect. Taken together, modification of HMGB1 can enhance the protective effects of MSC on balloon-induced carotid artery injury through up-regulation of VEGF and PCNA expression and inhibition of the inflammatory response. HMGB1 in MSC may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of endothelial repair.
Direct Pro-Inflammatory Effect of C-Reactive Protein on Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells
Authors: Parekh H.J. , Nguyen H.B. , Hall S.L. , Rehage M. , Anholm J. , Specht L. , Linkhart T.A.
Published: January 2017

C-reactive protein (CRP) has a prognostic role in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Recent data suggest its pro-inflammatory effects in atherosclerotic lesion formation. This raises the hypothesis of whether or not CRP has pro-inflammatory effects on pulmonary vasculature by inducing the production of endothelin-1 (ET)-1, a potent vasoconstrictor and proliferative cytokine, and expression of adhesion molecules which could culminate in inflammatory cell recruitment and vascular injury. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were cultured and incubated with 25μg/ml of human recombinant CRP and with interleukin (IL)-1β 10ng/ml, a well-known activator of endothelial cells, which served as a positive control for 24 hours. Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 was assessed by flow cytometry. Secretion of ET-1 from HPAECs was also evaluated. In this study we show that incubation of HPAECs with human recombinant CRP for 24 hours induced a significant increase in ICAM-1 expression (from 610 to 6553 mean fluorescence intensity, p < 0.005) and VCAM-1 expression (from 212 to 303 mean fluorescence intensity, p < 0.05), as compared to control. Adhesion molecule induction was similar to that observed in endothelial cells activated with IL-1β. Likewise, CRP potentiated the ET-1 production by HPAECs. The levels of ET-1 were significantly higher at 24 hours (control 19.94±3 vs CRP 46.54±18 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study makes a novel observation that CRP induces expression of adhesion molecules and secretion of ET-1 in HPAECs. Our study provides the first evidence that CRP exerts direct proinflammatory effects on pulmonary artery endothelial cells.
Tongue Cancer and Epigenetic Factors: An in-vitro Study on 298 Micro-RNAS
Authors: Guida A. , Pannone G. , Lucchese A. , Serpico R. , Pasquali D. , Santoro A. , Russo G. , Lo Muzio L. , Bufo P. , Sbordone C. , Donnarumma G. , Papagerakis S.
Published: January 2017

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most frequent malignant tumour. There is some evidence that tongue cancer has a higher local failure rate and poorer prognosis than other anatomical sites in the oral cavity. We used tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines harbouring mutated p53/p16 as tongue cancer models to study the influences exerted by p53 and p16 genes on the expression of micro RNAs (miRNAs). The study was performed on microarray chips harbouring 298 miRNA sequences. OSCC cell lines used in this study were SCC-4, SCC-15 and SCC-25, all three carrying mutated/hypermethylated p53/p16. The expression values normalized to healthy control of 298 miRNAs were obtained for each cell line. MiRNA 196b was found hyperexpressed in the three cell lines. MiRNAs 19b-1, 21, 27a, 30d, 134, 339, 379 and 465 were found altered in two out of three cell lines. miRNAs found altered in one cell line out of three were: 7b, 23a, 25, 30c, 30e-3p, 107,125b, 124a, 214, 216, 325 and 384. A literature review for each miRNA found significant was undertaken. Some miRNAs have a well-known role in oral cancer, some have been put in correlation with other cancers/diseases, others are found significant for the first time. These early results in tongue cancer cell lines harbouring mutation of p16/p53 need further analyses to understand whether this variation of miRNA levels are directly influenced by the malfunction of these proteins or if, vice-versa, altered miRNA levels influence the function of p16 and p53.
Immunohistochemical Profile of VEGF, PGE2 and TGF-β in Inflammatory Tenosynovitis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Bianchi E. , Taurone S. , Leopizzi M. , Bardella L. , Di Liddo R. , Nucci F. , Pasture F.S. , Vitale M. , Mazzotti A. , Artico M.
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory tenosynovitis is an inflammation that involves the tendons and synovial sheaths caused by minor trauma repeated for a long period of time. This inflammatory disease may be involved in the onset of tunnel carpal syndrome (CTS), because of the thickening of the tendon sheath that may produce an increase in the carpal canal pressure and damage of the median nerve in the wrist. Recent studies suggest that in patients with CTS pathological changes occur in the subsynovial connective tissue, such as vascular proliferation and non-inflammatory synovial fibrosis. However, little is known about the pathological mechanism of tenosynovial thickening. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and trasforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the modifications of connective synovial tissue of CTS specimens in order to determine whether these factors play a role in the development of this disease. Ten specimens from patients with CTS and four control tissues (cadavers) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against these growth factors. A temporary increase in the production of these molecules was found in cells within the vessels and synovial lining during the intermediate phase of the syndrome, when the histology of the tenosynovium changes from oedematous to fibrotic. Our data confirm a close correlation between the expression of PGE2 and VEGF. Recent histological examinations have shown a marked increase in vascular proliferation and reduction of fibroblast density in specimens from CTS patients during the intermediate phase. Our study indicates that the expression of TGF-β in fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells of synovial connective tissues of CTS patients was significantly higher than in those of controls. These findings suggest that angiogenesis appears to take place as a part of a regenerative reaction that results in fibrosis. We believe that VEGF, TGF-β and PGE2 may be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of this disease although proof of this evidence requires further studies.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Combined Mechanotransduction Treatment in Jumper's Knee
Authors: Saggini R. , Di Stefano A. , Galati V. , Panelli E. , Valeri M. , Di Pancrazio L. , Iodice P. , Bellomo R.G.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to show that the addition of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may significantly improve beneficial effects of eccentric training together with high efficiency focused acoustic waves for jumper's knee. We speculate that such an effect may be due to increased mechanotransduction effects on affected tissues. We assessed changes in pain and function in 42 male football players (aged 1834 years) after a treatment protocol consisting of I session with focused ESWT per week combined with 3 physiotherapy sessions per week, for 3 consecutive weeks. While treatment protocol was administered, ordinary activities, but not playing football were permitted. Their condition was evaluated before treatment, at the end of the rehabilitation period (3 weeks) and at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months after the end of treatment by clinical examination, instrumental analysis and VAS for pain assessment. Functional ability related to symptoms was assessed with VISA score. At the end of 2005,2006,2007,2008 and 2009 we carried out a telephone interview to investigate changes in pain and function and the efficacy of the treatment over time. Follow-up controls showed a reduction of average VAS score; after 6 months, tendons showed a structure closer to normal at ultrasonographic investigation. At the last telephone interview in 2009 many patients reported to consider ESWT as an effective treatment and described a significant improvement in their functional abilities, a significant reduction in drug consumption and 88% of subjects continued to play agonistic football. In conclusion, our results showed that, through the addition of ESWT, the effects of the classic vibration and eccentric training combination were improved compared to those found in our experience without ESWT. Although a control group was not included in the study (vibration and eccentric training without ESWT), results show a promising improvement and justify future prospective studies with a control group and more case series.
Disperse Yellow Dye: An Emerging Professional Sensitizer in Contact Allergy Dermatitis
Authors: Tammaro A. , Abruzzese C. , Narcisi A. , Cortesi G. , Grippaudo F.R. , Persechino F. , Parisella F.R. , Persechino S.
Published: January 2017

Disperse dyes are well known as common sensitizers in contact allergy dermatitis. Disperse yellow 3 is usually adopted in the textile industry for dying synthetic fibers, but is also used in hair dyes and for colouring plastic materials. We describe three cases of two males and one female patient, respectively a painter, an actor and a nursery-school teacher, who presented contact allergy dermatitis to disperse yellow 3 dye.
Titanium Disk Surfaces Modulate Fibroblasts Behavior
Authors: Lopez M. , Bassi M. Andreasi , Confalone L. , Fanali S. , Candotto V. , Cura F. , Carinci F.
Published: January 2017

Titanium (Ti) is the most widely used material in implantology for dental, orthopedic and maxillofacial purposes due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties Several data suggest that implant anchorage to bone and soft tissue can be modulated by surface characteristics. Fibroblasts are the soft tissues cells concerned in producing extracellular matrix and collagen. The aim of this work is to compare five different titanium surface treatments in order to investigate which one had the best behavior using Human Fibroblast (HFb) after seven days in culture medium. The expression levels of some adhesion and traction-resistance related genes (COL11A1, COL2A1, COL9A1, DSP, ELN, HAS1, and TFRC) were analyzed using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (real time RT-PCR). Titanium disks can lead to implant integration promoting the production of protein involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and in stress-resistance, required for a good outcome in dental implantology
Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Lauritano D. , Petruzzi M. , Cambini A. , Giacomello M.S. , Caccianiga G.
Published: January 2017

There are many types of cancers in children that are very different from those found in adults: leukaemia, lymphoma, and brain tumours are rather common in children. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common type of malignancy encountered. The role of pediatric dentist is very important before, during and after therapy: up to 24% of life-threatening infections arise from oral sites and areas. Early dental intervention and preventions procedures may significantly reduce oral complications associated with myelosuppressive cancer treatment. It is really important to evaluate the oral health surveys and to cut out potential sources of infection in mouth in these patients concurrent with their medical therapy. The aim of this review is summarizing the main features of oral mucositis in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, providing a little review for the approach, diagnosis and treatment of oral mucositis of ALL, which is frequent and potentially dangerous: it's important considering oral lesions of this type of childhood cancer in order to prevent complications before, during and after chemo or radio therapy to improve the quality of life of little patients.
Skin, Inflammation and Sulfurous Waters: What is Known, What is Believed
Authors: Carubbi C. , Gobbi G. , Bucci G. , Gesi M. , Vitale M. , Mirandola P.
Published: January 2017

One could argue that balneotherapy and mud therapy would have not lasted 2,000 years or so If they were not effective. No doubt a long history cannot be taken per se as scientific proof of efficacy. Some empiricism is still present in the field: the concept of spa itself is quite confounding, whereas spring waters are used for leisure purposes but also for non-acute patient therapy and late phases of clinical recovery. These confounding elements ultimately feed the opinion of those who aprioristically reject any potential beneficial effect of balneotherapy: instead, it should at least generate questions that deserve scientific answers. Clinical practices sequentially integrating pharmacological therapy with those natural principles for which a sufficient scientific demonstration is available, would probably cut the costs of public health, generating widespread advantages for the community. Recently, it has become evident that mineral waters may have intrinsic pharmacological properties. Of the numerous salts dissolved in thermal waters that might show pharmacological properties, for certain hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contained in sulfurous waters is the one that has obtained greater scientific attention, to which should be added the extensive scientific effort recently dedicated to H2S as a cellular gasotransmitter, independently from its natural sources. Dermatology and cosmetics are among the most studied applications of sulfurous waters, around which, however, some empiricism still confounds opinions: we therefore considered that a state-of-the-art focus on this topic might be timely and useful for future studies.
Inonotus Obliquus Suppresses Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Tumor Growth in Mice Models by Downregulation of β-Catenin/NF-κB-Signaling Pathways
Authors: Mishra S.K. , Kang J-H. , Song K-H. , Park M.S. , Kim D-K. , Park Y-J. , Choi C. , Kim H.M. , Kim M.K. , Oh S.H.
Published: January 2017

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquas) has been used as a folk remedy for several illnesses including gastrointestinal disorders. We recently reported the potent anti-inflammatory effect of chaga extract in experimental colitis. However, its effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been clearly elucidated. We investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus (IOAE) in vitro in HCT116 and DLD1 cell lines and in vivo for adenoma in APCMin/+ mice and colitis-associated colon cancer in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Results show that IOAE suppressed the proliferation of both cell lines, and inhibited the growth of intestinal polyps in APCMin/+ and colon tumors in AOM/DSS-treated mice. IOAE induced mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, autophagy, and S phase cell cycle arrest. IOAE suppressed the expression levels of iNOS and Cox-2 and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-a and IFN-γ) in the intestine of mice models. IOAE suppressed the nuclear levels of β-catenin and inhibited its downstream targets (cyclin D1 and c-Myc) along with CRC oncogene CDK8. IOAE inhibited the expression of NF-κB at cytoplasmic and nuclear levels. Our results demonstrate that IOAE possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties through downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways. Considering recent anticancer approaches involving natural products with minimal side effects, we advocate that Inonotus obliquus could be a beneficial supplement in prevention of colorectal cancer.
A Novel Interleukin-10 Dna Mucosal Delivery System Attenuates Intestinal Inflammation in a Mouse Model
Authors: Del Carmen S. , Zurita-Turk M. , Lima F. Alvarenga , Dos Santos J.S. Coelho , Leclercq S.Y. , Chatel J.-M. , Azevedo V. , De Moreno De Leblanc A. , Miyoshi A. , Leblanc J.G.
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) describe a group of complex intestinal disorders characterized by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Current treatments for IBD include the use of antiinflammatory drugs; furthermore, recombinant lactic acid bacteria have been used as a therapeutic vehicle for anti-inflammatory agents in IBD models. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines; however, its oral administration is limited because it is quickly degraded in the gastrointestinal tract and systemic treatments have led to undesirable side effects. In this study, an engineered invasive strain of Lactococcus (L.) lactis producing Fibronectin Binding Protein A (FnBPA+), from Staphylococcus aureus capable of delivering, directly inside eukaryotic cells, an eukaryotic DNA expression vector containing the ORF coding for IL-10 of Mus musculus (pValac: il-10) was developed and its functionality was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Functionality of the plasmid and the invasive strain was demonstrated by transfection and invasiveness assays using cell cultures and in vivo in mice by fluorescence microscopy. TNBS inoculated mice that received this novel strain showed lower damage scores in their large intestines (at both macroscopic and microscopic levels), lower microbial translocation to liver, and increased anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokine ratios compared to mice that received L. lactis FnBPA+ without the pValac: il-10 plasmid. The effectiveness was demonstrated of this novel DNA delivery therapeutic strategy in the prevention of inflammation using a murine model of colitis.
Somatostatin as an Active Substance of Enteroendocrine Cells in the Canine Digestive Tract in Physiological Conditions and during Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Gonkowski S. , Rychlik A. , Calka J.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present investigation is to examine the changes in the number of somatostatin-like immunoreactive (SOM-LI) enteroendocrine cells in various parts of the canine gastrointestinal (GI) tract during canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The distribution of SOM-LI enteroendocrine cells was studied using the double-labeling immunofluorescence technique with antisera against chromogranin A (CgA; used here as a marker of enteroendocrine cells) and somatostatin (SOM). Evaluation of the number of CgA-positive cells, which also contained SOM in the mucosal layer of canine stomach, duodenum, jejunum and descending colon was based on the counting of such cells per unit area (0.1 mm2). In physiological conditions, the number of SOM-LI enteroendocrine cells has been shown to constitute 5.30±2.07 in the stomach, 2.23±0.56 in the duodenum, 1.86±0.48 in the jejunum and 1.19±0.36 in the descending colon. Canine IBD caused an increase in the number of cells studied in the stomach (to 9.55±1.46) and the jejunum (to 3.84±1.16), while the changes observed in the duodenum and the descending colon have not been statistically significant. The obtained results suggest that SOM-LI enteroendocrine cells, as well as somatostatin, may be involved in pathological processes during canine IBD. Moreover, this study can be treated as the first step of application of SOM and/or its analogues in the treatment of canine IBD in the future.
Thrombomodulin Gene Polymorphism (C1418T) is Associated with the Development of Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: Tsai C.S. , Lin Y.W. , Shih C.C. , Chen Y.H. , Lin C.Y. , Tsai Y.T. , Lee C.Y. , Shih C.M. , Huang C.Y. , Chung H.H. , Lin F.Y.
Published: January 2017

Thrombomodulin (TM) is the endothelial cell membrane-bound anticoagulant protein cofactor in the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C. Previous evidence has been reported regarding the association between TM polymorphisms and coronary artery disease. Allograft rejection-mediated vasculopathy is the main cause of death at more than one year after heart transplantation. However, whether TM polymorphism is associated with allograft rejection is still unclear. We analyzed the TM gene polymorphism C1418T using allele-specific primers in a PCR assay in 60 patients who underwent heart transplantation. The retrospective clinical data were collected and tested for any correlations with the TM gene polymorphism. We separated the patients into 2 groups according to their TM genotype (group 1: CC genotype; group 2: CT or TT genotype). Additionally, we generated expression constructs (TM full length-C1418 and TM full length-T1418) and performed in vitro studies to explore the correlation between the TM C1418T polymorphism and the migration of smooth muscle progenitor cells and monocytes, which may be involved in the development of vasculopathy. The results showed that the levels of CD68, C4d, PAS, and Masson staining in the CT/TT genotype group increased at year 1 and continued to increase throughout the 3 years. These levels were higher than those observed in the CC genotype group. The ISHLT-WF2004 grade of the CT/TT genotype group was significantly different from that of the CC genotype group at the same time point post-transplantation. The coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) score was significantly different between the CC and CT/TT genotype groups at 1 and 3 years post-transplantation. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that both smooth muscle progenitor cells and monocytic THP-1 cells with either the CT-1418 or the TT-1418 TM genotype have higher migratory abilities than cells with the CC-1418 genotype. Our results support a significant association between the TM C1418T polymorphism and the development of CAV after heart transplantation in the short- to medium-term.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ebosin on Rat Collagen-Induced Arthritis through Suppressing Production of Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wang L.F. , Bai J.Y. , Guan M.Z. , Jiang R. , Guo L.H. , Wu J.B. , Zhang R. , Cheng G.F. , Li Y.
Published: January 2017

Reumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which has been studied experimentally using a wide variety of animal models including collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Using this CIA model we studied the therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of Ebosin, a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Streptomyces sp. 139, on arthritis. Ebosin at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day was orally administered to rats respectively between day 10 and 30 after immunization with chicken type II collagen. With the treatment arthritic progression was remarkably suppressed. Levels of anti-type II collagen-specific antibody, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly lower in the Ebosin-treated CIA rats compared with the untreated controls. In cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), remarkable suppression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 production was detected at both protein and mRNA levels after Ebosin administration. Ebosin also resulted in lower activities of IL-1β-converting enzyme and TNF-α-converting enzyme in FLS. Based on these results, it is concluded that development and progression of rat CIA can be significantly suppressed by orally-administrated Ebosin. The therapeutic effect may be attributed to its inhibition in the production of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in the CIA rats.
Aging and Environmental Enrichment Exacerbate Inflammatory Response on Antibody-Enhanced Dengue Disease in Immunocompetent Murine Model
Authors: Diniz D.G. , Foro C.A.R. , Sosthenes M.C.K. , Demachki S. , Gomes G.F. , Malerba G.A. , Naves T.B. , Cavalcante E.A.D. , Sousa A.M.C. , Ferreira F.A.B. , Anjos P.C.S. , Neto A.L.C. , Pinho B.G. , Brito M.V. , Freitas P.S.L. , Casseb S.M.M. , Silva E.V.P. , Nunes M.R.T. , Diniz J.A.P. , Cunningham C. , Perry V.H. , Vasconcelos P.F.C. , Diniz C.W.P.
Published: January 2017

We previously demonstrated in young mice that in comparison with animals raised in an impoverished environment (IE), animals from an enriched environment (EE) show more severe dengue disease, associated with an increased expansion of memory T target cells. Because active older adults show less functional decline in T-cell adaptive immunity, we hypothesized that aged mice from EE would show higher mortality and T-lymphocyte expansion than mice from IE. To test this hypothesis, we administered serial i.p. injections of anti-DENV2 hyperimmune serum, followed 24 h later by DENV3 (genotype III)-infected brain homogenate. Control mice received equal volumes of serum but received uninfected brain homogenate. The presence of virus or viral antigens was indirectly detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Compared to infected IE animals, EE mice, independent of age, showed higher mortality and more intense clinical signs. Compared to young mice, the higher mortality of aged mice was associated with a higher degree of T lymphocytic hyperplasia in the spleen and infiltration in kidneys, liver, and lungs, but less viral antigen immunolabeling. We propose that a higher expansion of T cells and serotype cross-reactive antibodies are associated with disease severity in aged mice.
Increased Lymphocyte Concentration in the Semen of Patients with Reduced Testicular Volume
Authors: La Vignera S. , Condorelli R.A. , Vicari E. , Calogero A.E.
Published: January 2017

Low testicular volume (TV) is associated with a decreased testicular function. Several studies explored the conventional sperm parameters and the endocrine function in patients with low TV. No other parameters have been examined. On the basis of these premises, the aim of this study was to evaluate a non-conventional seminal parameter: seminal lymphocyte characterisation in men with low TV compared with that of subjects with normal TV. A further comparison was made between fertile men and infertile patients with low or normal TV (78 patients). The testis was considered normal in size when it had a volume between 15 and 25 cm3, low-normal with a volume between 10 and 12 cm3 and hypotrophic when the volume was <10 cm3. Statistically significant differences were observed in the following sperm parameters: percentage of immature germ elements, peroxidase-positive leukocyte concentration and CD45pos leukocytes (p<0.05). A correlation analysis showed the presence of a positive linear relationship between CD45pos leukocytes and the percentage of immature germ elements (r=0.88; p<0.05) and between CD45pos leukocytes and the percentage of spermatozoa with phosphatidylserine externalisation (r=0.90; p<0.05) as well as a negative linear relationship between the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology and the seminal CD45pos leukocyte concentration (r=-0.75; p<0.05). The results of this study showed that patients with low testicular volume (<10 cm3) have a significantly increased CD45pos concentration that is associated with increased percentages of immature germ elements, spermatozoa with signs of early apoptosis, and spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.
Inflammatory Profile of Neurotrophins, IL-6, IL1-β, TNF-α, VEGF, ICAM-1 and TGF-β in the Human Waldeyer's Ring
Authors: Bianchi E. , Magliulo G. , Marcotullio D. , Taurone S. , Ierinò R. , Pompili E. , Fumagalli L. , Parnigotto P.P. , Di Liddo R. , Articò M.
Published: January 2017

The palatine tonsils, nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) and lingual tonsil constitute the major part of Waldeyer's ring, with the tubal tonsils and lateral pharyngeal bands as less prominent components. The lymphoid tissue of Waldeyer's ring is located at the gateway of the respiratory and alimentary tract and belongs to the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Mucosae-associated lymphoid tissues are richly innervated and the mucosae contain peptidergic nerve endings associated with different types of cells and macrophages. The lymphatic tissue is known to interact with the nervous system and several organs implicated in the host response to a wide range of stressors. This study focuses on the expression of some neurotrophins (NTs), their high- and low-affinity receptors in human adenoid tissues, lingual and palatine tonsils via immunohistochemical analysis, as well as on the expression of some inflammatory cytokines and other tissue growth factors. Light microscopy immunohistochemistry showed human samples to be generally positive for all the NTs investigated (NGF, BDNF, NT-3) and their receptors (TrKA, TrKB and TrKC) with some different expression levels. IL-6, IL1-b, TNF-α, VEGF, ICAM-1 and TGF-b were also investigated by immunohistochemistry. These results suggest the presence of a pattern of neurotrophic innervation in the human lymphatic tissues which may play a role in sustaining inflammatory conditions and in modulating a close interaction between the nervous system and the different immune cellular subtypes. Our data also corroborate previous studies, suggesting that neurotrophins and inflammatory cytokines may mediate functional signals in lymphoid aggregates. In this context, owing to their widespread expression in immune organs and immunocompetent cells, NTs and inflammatory cytokines are potential candidates for a prominent role in the regulation of immune and neuroimmune interactions.
Clinical Aspects of the Oral Cavity in Patients with Psoriasis: An Initial Study and a Proposal of a New Evaluation Method
Authors: Carboni I. , Maurici M. , Bonatti C. , Specchio F. , Salvatori C. , Docimo R. , Chimenti S. , Tamburi F. , Franco E. , Nisticò S.
Published: January 2017

The involvement of the oral cavity is rare but possible in patients with psoriasis. Most frequently different clinical entities are reported such as geographic tongue, fissures, angular cheilitis and ectopic geographic tongue. This interdisciplinary study was conducted by dermatologists in collaboration with dental hygienists on 22 patients with psoriasis. We examined 11 men and 11 women aged between 25 and 72 years during a period of 6 months. The involvement of the oral cavity was examined and a full photographic evaluation was carried out. A new assessment evaluation named Oral Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (OPASI) is proposed herein. The results obtained show the presence of oral lesions in 45.6% of the cases. This high involvement could be explained by the interdisciplinary nature of the study. We believe OPASI can be useful to assess the severity of lesions of the oral cavity, and may help to evaluate the response to therapy in relation to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement.
In-vitro Analysis of Antifungal Activity of Epigallocatechin-Gallate: Preliminary Study
Authors: Guida A. , Lucchese A. , Minervini G. , De Gregorio V. , Coretti L. , Grimaldi E. , Minervini D. , Serpico R. , Donnarumma G.
Published: January 2017

Oral candisosis is an heterogeneous group of diseases, caused by different species of Candida fungus. The incidence of drug-resistant species is increasing dramatically; furthermore, in recent years higher incidences of non-albicans and antimycotic-resistant species of Candida have been reported, thus increasing necessity of a non-antibiotic agent, which should be both highly effective and safe. It has been showed that the main polyphenols component of green tea, epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), has antibacterial activity; recently, it has been reported its antifungal activity too. We tested the effectiveness of a 0.20% EGCG (TEAVIGO®) gel, a non-pharmaceutical product suitable for oral in vivo use, on four species of Candida yeast (C.albicans, Cparapsilosis, C.tropicalis, C.glabrata), evaluating its antifungal activity and its capacity to inhibit biofilm formation. The EGCG gel showed a remarkable activity against C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. This preliminary study confirms EGCG effectiveness on fungi; for this reason, a product with such a low concentration of EGCG could be used with no side-effect for every-day oral hygiene. Anyway, mechanisms of antifungal activity of EGCG are not comprehended and need further studies to better understand the reasons of some Candida species' resistance.
Gaining More Insight into the Determinants of Candida Species Pathogenicity in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Arzmi M.H. , Alshwaimi E. , Harun W.H.A. Wan , Razak F. Abdul , Farina F. , McCullough M.J. , Cirillo N.
Published: January 2017

Candida infection (candidiasis) is potentially life threatening and can occur in almost all anatomical sites, including the mouth. Candida species are in fact the most common fungal pathogens isolated from the oral cavity and frequently cause superficial infections such as oral candidiasis and denture-associated erythematous stomatitis. Whilst systemic dissemination of Candida from intraoral foci is rare and largely due to severe deficits of the host immune defenses, the development of localized oral candidiasis is most commonly related to a variety of non-immune determinants such as Candida virulence factors and permissive oral microenvironment. In particular, phenotypic switching and dental biofilm have emerged as major determinants for the pathogenicity of Candida and are currently the subject of intense research. An understanding of the molecular aspects underlying the biological behavior of Candida will be the key to the development of effective preventive as well as therapeutic measures for invasive and oral candidiasis.
The Impact of Three Genospecies of Borrelia on Expression of Genes Associated with Chemokines and Their Receptors in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts in Vitro
Authors: Gola J. , Dudek S. , Jasik K. , Solarz K. , Muc-Wierzgoń M. , Kokot T. , Nowakowska-Zajdel E. , Ziółko E. , Fatyga E. , Mazurek U.
Published: January 2017

An important role in pathomechanism of Lyme disease is played by the ability of spirochetes to spread within tissues, and to adhere (to platelets, erythrocytes and vascular epithelium). The principal factors regulating that process are chemokines, cytokines and adhesion particles. The aim of this study was to select genes related to the chemokines and their receptors, differentiating the type of infection in the system model, i.e. a culture of normal human diploid fibroblasts infected with three different spirochete genospecies: B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferii sensu stricto, by comparing the infected fibroblast culture with that of the control fibroblast. The differences in the expression of genes selected on the basis of a scientific database Affymetrix were analysed by comparing transcriptomes from the four cultures of fibroblasts, using the oligonucleotide microarrays HG_U133A. In the result of infection of fibroblast cultivation with a specific Borrelia genospecies, a variable expression of the chemokines and their receptors, specific for one genospecies was observed. The fibroblast infected with B. afzelii expressed CCL4, CCL1, CCL2 and CCR10; with B. garinii - CXCL12, IL6, CCR3 and CXCR5; and with B. burgorferii sensu stricto - CCL5, CCR1, CCL3, CCL16, CXCR6, IL8, CXCR7 and CXCR3.
Simple and Effective Cryosurgical Treatment of Various Oral Lesions
Authors: Bozkaya S. , Köklü H.A. Kutluay , Uğar D. , Hocaoğlu T.P. , Bariş E.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cryosurgery on 134 different benign oral lesions in 90 patients. All lesions were treated every 2 weeks until complete regression of the lesion had been achieved. Patients were examined at 2, 7, and 10 days, 2 and 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after the cryosurgery. The relationship between the number of cryosurgery applications to achieve complete regression and the type of lesions was assessed for statistical significance by one-way analysis of variance and with the Scheffé test. The mean application number of the cryosurgery was 1.82±0.49 for fibroma, 2.35±1.44 for vascular lesions, 1.50±0.70 for mucocele, 2.65±1.18 for lichen planus lesions. The difference between the type of the lesion and number of application was statistically significant for all groups (p< 0.05). Our data prove that a significantly fewer number of cryosurgery treatments are required to achieve complete regression for fibroma and mucocele lesions compared to lichen planus lesions. During the follow-up period, only 7 lichen planus lesions of 76 lesions recurred.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Authors: Balato A. , Di Caprio R. , Lembo S. , Mattii M. , Megna M. , Schiattarella M. , Tarantino G. , Balato N. , Ayala F. , Monfrecola G.
Published: January 2017

The conserved serine/threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a major regulator of survival growth, proliferation and motility, in response to mitogens, energy and nutrient levels. Dysregulation of mTOR pathway has been observed in various inflammatory or neoplastic human diseases. To assess the potential involvement of mTOR in some of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, and its interaction with other inflammatory mediators, we investigated mTOR expression in psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and atopic dermatitis (AD). mTOR gene expression was assessed in the following conditions: i) skin biopsies from 15 patients affected by psoriasis, 5 patients with ACD, 5 patients with AD and 3 patients with EGFR-inhibitor-induced skin rash; ii) in immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT, primary human keratinocytes (KCs) and full thickness skin organ cultures, incubated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL) 17A or their combination; iii) in HaCaT cells stimulated with ultraviolet (UV)B; iv) in skin biopsies from 5 psoriatic patients before and after 16 weeks of anti-TNF-α therapy; mTOR expression was also evaluated through immunohistochemistry in lesional and non-lesional skin samples from 5 psoriatic patients. Moreover, mTOR major up-stream and down-stream regulator gene expression was assessed in skin biopsies from 15 patients affected by psoriasis, 5 patients with ACD, 5 patients with AD and 3 patients with EGFR-inhibitor-induced skin rash. All analyzed skin diseases showed an increase of mTOR gene expression whereas mTOR up-stream negative regulators were reduced or not enhanced in all of them. mTOR was strongly expressed in all epidermal layers of lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin. Conversely, pro-inflammatory conditions, in vitro, were not able to increase mTOR levels, except for UVB. Similarly, anti-TNF-α therapy was not able to reduce mTOR gene expression in patients with psoriasis. Our study provides evidence that mTOR is involved in cutaneous inflammatory process, but through a signalling not directly dependent from Th1-Th17 pathway.
N-Palmitoylethanolamine Administration Ameliorates the Clinical Manifestation and Progression of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Rodents
Authors: Impellizzeri D. , Di Paola R. , Ahmad A. , Crupi R. , Paterniti I. , Campolo M. , Bruschetta G. , Clemente S. , Esposito E. , Cuzzocrea S.
Published: January 2017

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rodents (EAE) is an accepted in vivo model for immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis (MS) and tests possible treatment options because it mimics many of the disease patterns. The current treatments for delaying MS progression include cytostatic, immunomodulatory drugs such as mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide (CY), biological agents such as interferon (IFN)-beta, natalizumab and random polymer glatiramer acetate. Unfortunately, all of these compounds have potentially serious side effects, some require systemic administration, and the biological agents are costly and immunogenic, causing response failure during prolonged treatment. With this aim in mind, the purpose of the current research was to examine the effects of endogenous substances such as N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA). PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide belonging to the family of the N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). Recently, several studies demonstrated that PEA is an important analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mediator, acting at several molecular targets in both central and sensory nervous systems as well as immune cells. The effect of PEA daily administered was investigated in rats and mice developing EAE. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to study behavior and biochemical parameters. In our study we found that PEA counteracts the clinical course and pathology of monophasic EAE in myelin basic protein-immunized Lewis rats and the progression of EAE induced in C57BI/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. Our results show that PEA treatment had a beneficial effect on the two different EAE models.
Children and Promoting a Healthy Diet: A Study on the Effectiveness of Using Threats in Advertising
Authors: Charry Karine , Pecheux Claude
Published: January 2017

This paper presents two experiments showing the effectiveness of ads targeting preadolescents and embedding “threat appeals” to promote healthy food behaviors among 8 to 12-year-olds. Using classic advertising effectiveness indicators, this research provides evidence of message persuasion through negative affective reactions. Theoretical and practical implications are proposed – specifically in the worrying context of increasing obesity in children - as well as an ethical discussion about the relevancy of triggering negative affective reactions when children are the target.
Taking Account of Time in Marketing Construct Validation: Theoretical and Methodological Problems
Authors: Frisou Jean , Yildiz Hélène
Published: January 2017

In marketing research, the definitions of constructs often involve a temporal dimension, which make them either an ephemeral state or a lasting trait or a combination of the two. However, researchers do not always confirm the temporal hypothesis used. There are various ways of going about such verification, but their implementation is sometimes tricky. The purpose of this paper is to clarify these techniques and their use. A model decomposing the variance of a constuct into stable, scalable and situational temporal components is put foward. This model is then used in two different case studies, one to test the temporal validity of a marketing construct viewed as a trait, the other to test the temporal validity of a marketing construct viewed as a state.