Isolation and phenotypical characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's jelly of pre-term human umbilical cord.

The balance of HSPs expression during pregnancy: the role of placenta

Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

EFFECTS OF CIGARETTE SMOKE ON MODULATION OF PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN LUNG FIBROBLAST:IMPLICATIONS FOR LUNG INFLAMMATORY DISEAS

New emerging potentials for human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: immunological features and hepatocyte-like differentiative capacity.

In recent years, human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been extensively studied. Their key characteristics of long-term self-renewal and a capacity to differentiate into diverse mature tissues favour their use in regenerative medicine applications. Stem cells can be found in embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues as well as in adult organs. Several reports indicate that cells of Wharton's jelly (WJ), the main component of umbilical cord extracellular matrix, are multipotent stem cells, expressing markers of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), and giving rise to different cellular types of both connective and nervous tissues. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC) express …

Umbilical cord revisited: from Wharton’s jelly myofibroblasts to mesenchymal stem cells

The umbilical cord (UC) is an essential part of the placenta, contributing to foetal development by ensuring the blood flow between mother and foetus. The UC is formed within the first weeks of gestation by the enclosure of the vessels (one vein and two arteries) into a bulk of mucous connective tissue, named Wharton’s jelly (WJ) and lined by the umbilical epithelium. Since their first identification, cells populating WJ were described as unusual fibroblasts (or myofibroblasts). Recent literature data further highlighted the functional interconnection between UC and the resident cells. The UC represents a reservoir of progenitor populations which are collectively grouped into MSCs (mesenchy…

ROLE OF CHAPERONES IN HEALTHY BOWEL AND IBD.

The chaperoning system is the wole complement of chaperones, co-chaperones and chaperone cofactors of the body that preserves cell and tissue homeostasis. Its structural and/or functional defects can cause pathologic conditions, nemed chaperonopathies. Large bowel homeostasis includes a healthy status of the mucosal tissues and the microbiota. An alteration of one of them may determine, in turn, modifications of the other. Molecular chaperones of bacteria and human origin have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD chaperone levels usually increase and their cellular and subcellular loclization change. This is considered a physiological stress-response of mucosal cells …

Cigarette smoke exposure inhibits extracellular MMP-2 (gelatinase A) activity in human lung fibroblasts

Abstract Background Exposure to cigarette smoke is considered a major risk factor for the development of lung diseases, since its causative role has been assessed in the induction and maintenance of an inflamed state in the airways. Lung fibroblasts can contribute to these processes, due to their ability to produce proinflammatory chemotactic molecules and extracellular matrix remodelling proteinases. Among proteolytic enzymes, gelatinases A and B have been studied for their role in tissue breakdown and mobilisation of matrix-derived signalling molecules. Multiple reports linked gelatinase deregulation and overexpression to the development of inflammatory chronic lung diseases such as COPD.…

Extended characterization of human umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stem cells: expression of novel markers, immunoregulatory molecules, and differentiating potency.

ISOLATION AND PHENOTYPICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FROM PRE-TERM HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD MATRIX

The many lives of Hsp10: From Early Pregnancy Factor to Potential Antitumoral Agent. New Proteomic Data and a Review of the Literature Focusing on Its Immunologic Properties

Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Endurance Training on Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow of Trained Mice

Fat supplements, especially conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), are increasingly popular ergogenic aids among endurance athletes. To evaluate the importance of fat supplementation in the practice of endurance sports, we investigated the effects of CLA supplementation on body weight, muscle hypertrophy, peripheral blood composition, and bone marrow composition in healthy, young, endurance-trained mice. Young, healthy mice were subdivided into control, trained, and treated groups, according to their running attitudes. Training was performed over a period of 6 weeks on a treadmill, at a gradually increasing duration and speed. CLA-treated groups were gavaged with 0.425 mg x d(-1) CLA supplement fo…

Hsp60 levels in the skeletal muscle are fibre-type specific and increase after endurance training

Parental recognition of overweight as a health problem in school-age children living in a inner-city-neighborhood of Palermo, Italy: a cross-sectional study

Role of different endurance training programs on cancer cachexia:pointing particular attention to the gender and age differences Macaluso

Evidence from recent publications indicates that repeated exercise may enhance the quality of life of cancer patients (Maddocks et al., 2012). Regular physical activity may attenuate the adverse effects of cancer therapy, prevent or reverse cachexia and improve survival, although not all the patients are able or willing to undertake programs currently being offered. The aims of this study were to analyze: i) the effects of a progressive endurance exercise (progressive Training, pTR) on survival and cachexia in sedentary (SED) mice inoculated (I) with a fresh fragment of solid C26 tumor [SED-I-pTR; SED-I-SED]; ii) the effect of different protocols of endurance exercise (Trained for 30 min, T…

ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS (CRF) WITHOUT EXERCISE TESTING AND ASSOCIATION OF CRF WITH WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE (WC) IN YOUNG ADULTS

Adaptations in heart rate and arterial pressure induced by a specific program of exercise training for elite soccer referee: a case report.

HSP10,HSP70 AND HSP90 IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LEVELS CHANGE IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS AFTER THERAPY

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by damage of large bowel mucosa and frequent extra-intestinal autoimmune comorbidities. The role played in IBD pathogenesis by molecular chaperones known to interact with components of the immune system involved in inflammation is unclear. We previously demonstrated that mucosal Hsp60 decreases in UC patients treated with conventional therapies (mesalazine, probiotics), suggesting that this chaperonin could be a reliable biomarker useful for monitoring response to treatment, and that it might play a role in pathogenesis. In the present work we investigated three other heat shock protein/molecular chaperones:…

Skeletal muscle HSP60 expression is fiber-type specific and increases after endurance training

Heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 is primarily localized inside mitochondrial, plays a key role in the translocation of proteins and cytoprotection, and its levels increase in skeletal muscle upon exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine muscle fiber specificity of HSP60 at rest and after an endurance training program of 6 weeks. Forth-eight young (7-weeks old) healthy mice (BALB/c) were subdivided into sedentary and trained groups. Training was performed over a period of 6 weeks on a rota-rod, at a gradually increasing duration and speed. Eight mice of each group were sacrificed after 15, 30 and 45 days. Two days after the last exercise session all mice were sacrificed by cervical disl…

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by sigarette smoke: role in the maintenance of the inflamed state in COPD.

Recent patents and advances in hepatocyte-like cells differentiation by mesenchymal stem cells

Chronic liver diseases constitute one of the main causes of death in western countries. Orthotopic liver transplantation still remains the final therapeutic approach to these diseases, but alternative therapeutic strategies are actively researched. Hepatocyte transplantation is considered a promising approach, even if this technique presents many limitations. These factors boosted the research for alternative cell sources to derive functional hepatocytes. In the last years, research on basic biology and differentiative ability of adult, embryonic and perinatal stem cells has constantly increased. The term "perinatal" indicates stem cell populations derived from foetal sources such as placen…

Molecular factors involved in the angiogenesis process of exercised mouse hearts

Hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: functional characterization and expression of immunomodulatory molecules.

Extended characterization of hypoimmunogenic mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the subendocardial layer of human hearts from chronic heart failure patients

Purpose: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are pluripotent cells which are known to reside in a number of adult organs. In human heart, various populations of stem/progenitor cells have been isolated by different groups. Several efforts still need to be made to better characterize resident or migrating MSC populations in terms of markers expression and immunogenic potential prior to their use for regenerative medicine applications in heart diseases. Methods: MSC were isolated from the sub-endocardial layer of left ventricle sections of hearts explanted from patients affected by chronic heart failure (CHF). The expression of several markers characteristic of the MSC lineage was assessed at both t…

Medium-Term Culture of Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Three-Dimensional Model: Effects on Cell Survival Following Topical 5-Fluororacile Delivery by Drug-Loaded Matrix Tablets

Since the activity of several conventional anticancer drugs is restricted by resistance mechanisms and dose-limiting side-effects, the design of formulations for local application on malignant lesions seems to be an efficient and promising drug delivery approach. In this study, the effect of locally applied 5-FU on cell death was evaluated both in a SCC4/HEK001 model and in a newly proposed 3D outgrowth model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Initially, the optimal drug dose was established by delivery of solutions containing different amounts of 5-FU. The solution containing 1% (w/v) of 5-FU resulted effective in inducing cell death with complete eradication of cell colonies. Buccal …

Clinical anatomic, immunomorphologic and molecular anatomic data suggest interplay of thyroidal molecules, autoantibodies and Hsp60 in Hashimoto’s disease

Hsp60 is, typically, a mitochondrial protein, but it also occurs in the cytosol, vesicles, and plasma membrane, and in the intercellular space and biological fluids, e.g., blood. Changes in the levels and distribution of Hsp60 are linked to several pathologies, including cancer and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. What is the histopathological pattern of Hsp60 in the thyroid of Hashimoto’s patients? Are there indications of a pathogenic role of Hsp60 that may make Hashimoto’s thyroiditis a chaperonopathy? Experiments reported here provide information regarding those questions. We found by various immunomorphological techniques increased levels of Hsp60 in the thyroid from HT p…

Effects of a specific training protocol on body composition and balance in healthy elderly women

Soccer players have a better standing balance in nondominant one-legged stance

Rosario Barone1, Filippo Macaluso2, Marcello Traina3,4, Vincenza Leonardi4,5, Felicia Farina1, Valentina Di Felice11Human Anatomy Section 'E. Luna', BioNeC, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 2Department of Physiological Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases, 4Methods and Didactics of Motory Activities, DISMOT, 5Department of General Surgery, Emergency and Organ Transplants (GENURTO), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy  Rosario Barone and Filippo Macaluso contributed equally to the workAbstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in standing balan…

Recent Patents on Oxidative Stress-Related Biomarkers in Chronic Heart Failure: The Central Role of Endothelium and Myeloperoxidase

Endothelial cells are key modulators of multiple physiological processes, and their impairment may result in the generation of endothelial dysfunction and ultimately cardiovascular diseases. Under physiologic conditions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen mediators of endothelial cells act to propagate signals driven by different stimuli, by forming molecules with a longer half-life like hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly produced as a consequence of aerobic metabolism. Under physiologic conditions, their tendency to cause oxidative damage is counterbalanced by the action of antioxidants or oxidant-scavenging enzymes. An imbalance in favour of oxidants leads to oxidat…

Isolation and characterization of pluripotent cells from the subendocardial layer of human hearts from chronic heart failure.

Purpose: Several literature reports indicated the existence of pluripotent cells residing into the heart wall, even if in vivo heart regeneration is still a poorly comprised phenomenon. Post-infarct chronic heart failure is a pathology for which heart transplant remains a key option of clinical intervention. The amount of data collected in recent years forces researchers to better characterize the properties of adult stem cells, especially for those isolated from heart. Methods: We developed a new protocol to obtain, from the subendocardial layer of post-infarct hearts explanted from chronic heart failure patients undergoing heart transplantation, populations of mesenchymal stem cells. The …

Cigarette smoke affects heat-shock proteins in human lung fibroblasts: a proteomic study and identification of three expressed HSP10 variants differentially affected by the stressor

Endurance raining damages small airway epithelium in mice

Isolation, characterization, differentiative properties of human mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the sub-endocardial layer of post-infarct chronic heart failure-affected patients

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are pluripotent cells which reside in several adult organs, including heart, even if heart regeneration in vivo is still a poorly comprised phenomenon. Contrasting literature reports suggest that several efforts should be made to better characterize resident or migrating MSC populations (for both markers expression and immunogenic potential) prior to their effective use for regenerative medicine applications in heart diseases. We developed a new protocol to obtain human sub-endocardial MSC (HSE-MSC) from post-infarct hearts explanted from chronic heart failure (CHF) patients undergoing heart transplantation. We characterized HSE-MSC by immunocytochemistry (ICC) …

Characterization of the in vitro immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's jelly: new actors at play

Serological, immunomorphological and bioinformatics analyses suggest Hsp60 is involved in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis pathogenesis.

Recent Advances in Derivation of Functional Hepatocytes from Placental Stem Cells

Abstract: End-stage liver diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world. Often orthotopic liver transplantation represents the final therapeutic choice. The limits of this approach are the scarcity of donor livers available, and the many side effects related to the administration of immune suppressants to the patients. Cellular therapy for liver diseases is increasingly being viewed as a promising strategy to provide hepatocytes to replenish the parenchymal cells of the organ. This technique suffers of some important limitations, such as the difficulty in isolating sufficient cell numbers (e.g. when adult or foetal hepatocytes are used for transplantation), the limited viabil…

NUTRITION, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS: INFLUENCE OF DIET ON GUT MICROBIOTA IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES.

Background: Microbiota refers to the population of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) that inhabit the entire gastrointestinal tract, more particularly the colon whose role is to maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and control the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Alteration in the composition of the gut microbiota is called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis redisposes to inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease and indeterminate colitis. Methods: The purpose of this literature review is to elucidate the influence of diet on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in the healthy gut and the role of diet in the development of dysbiosis. Co…

CD40 ligation induces stress-mediated apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells

Increased Cx43 and Angiogenesis in Exercised Mouse Hearts

Several studies focused on the macroscopic architecture of increased cardiac wall induced by exercise training. Our goal was to evaluate myocardiocyte, interstitial and vascular component, and connexin-43 expression in endurance-trained mouse hearts. Sixty-three 10-week-old male Swiss mice were divided into four sedentary groups (C0, C15, C30 and C45) and three groups exercised respectively for 15 (T15-D; running intensity [RI]: 3.18 m/min; running duration [RD]: 75 min/first week and 150 min/second week), 30 (T30-D; RI: 3.96 m/min; RD: 150 min/third week and 225 min/fourth week) and 45 days (T45-D; RI: 3.96 m/min and 4.8 m/min, respectively for the fifth and sixth week; RD: 300 min) on a t…

The Odyssey of Hsp60 from Tumor Cells to Other Destinations Includes Plasma Membrane-Associated Stages and Golgi and Exosomal Protein-Trafficking Modalities

BACKGROUND: In a previous work we showed for the first time that human tumor cells secrete Hsp60 via exosomes, which are considered immunologically active microvesicles involved in tumor progression. This finding raised questions concerning the route followed by Hsp60 to reach the exosomes, its location in them, and whether Hsp60 can be secreted also via other mechanisms, e.g., by the Golgi. We addressed these issues in the work presented here. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We found that Hsp60 localizes in the tumor cell plasma membrane, is associated with lipid rafts, and ends up in the exosomal membrane. We also found evidence that Hsp60 localizes in the Golgi apparatus and its secretion is prevent…

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINTS: STATE OF ART

The aim of this work is to analyze the state of the art of temporo-mandibular joint (MJ) to understand the varoius stage of the development of the same during embryogenesis. Various theories have been analyzed, such as the formation of apoptotic or the important role of growth factors, or the Valencia et studies in which are analyzed to numerous articular diseases in various stage of development. By the aforementioned studies show that many factors, of a different nature, are to be involved in the prenatal developlment of this important joint.

Adenoviral RB2/p130 gene transfer inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and prevents restenosis after angioplasty.

Abstract —Smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation that results in neointima formation is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques and accounts for the high rates of restenosis that occur after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, a widespread treatment for coronary artery disease. Endothelial lesions trigger intense proliferative signals to the SMCs of the subintima, stimulating their reentry into the cell cycle from a resting G 0 state, resulting in neointima formation and vascular occlusion. Cellular proliferation is negatively controlled by growth-regulatory or tumor-suppressor genes, or both, such as the retinoblastoma gene family members ( RB/p105, p107, RB2…

Wharton's jelly mesencymal stem cells differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells show expression of immunomodulatory molecules

Improved postural control after dynamic balance training in older overweight women

Background and Aims: Many studies have reported a greater frequency of falls among older women than men under conditions which stress balance. Previously, we have found an improvement in static balance in older women with an increased support surface area and an equal load redistribution on both feet in response to a dynamic balance training protocol. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the same training program and body composition would have effects on the postural control of older overweight women. Methods: Ten healthy women (68.67 ± 5.50 years; 28.17 ± 3.35 BMI) participated in a five-week physical activity program. This included dynamic balance exercises such as heel-to…

Upon oxidative stress, the antiapoptotic Hsp60/procaspase-3 complex persists in mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells.

Hsp60, a mitochondrial chaperonin highly conserved during evolution, has been found elevated in the cytosol of cancer cells, both in vivo and in vitro, but its role in determining apoptosis during oxidative stress (OS) has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the present work was to study the effects of OS on Hsp60 levels and its interactions with procaspase- 3 (p-C3) and p53 in tumor cells. NCI-H292 (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) cells were exposed to various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours. Cell viability was determined by Trypan blue and MTT assays. DNA damage was assessed by the Comet assay, and apoptosis was measured by the AnnexinV cytofluorimetric test. Expos…

A mouse model of alcoholic liver disease reveals protection by Lactobacillus fermentum

The knowledge and treatment of alcoholic liver disease is still plagued with gaps mostly due to the inherent limitations of research with patients. We developed an animal model for studying liver histopathology, Hsp-chaperones involvement, and response to treatment. The system was standardized using mice to which ethanol was orally administered alone or in combination with Lactobacillus fermentum for 4, 8 and 12 weeks and applying a battery of techniques (histology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, real-time PCR, immunoprecipitation, 3-nitrotyrosine labeling) to assess liver pathology and Hsp60, iNOS gene expression and protein levels, and Hsp60 post-translational modifications. Stea…

Isolation and phenotypical characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's jelly of pre-term human umbilical cord

LOCALIZATION OF SEVERAL ANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN THE MOUSE MYOCARDIUM IN RESPONSE TO ENDURANCE TRAINING

Introduction: Previous studies carried out in our laboratory showed the presence of hypertrophy associated with angiogenesis in the mouse myocardium in response to endurance training (I). Moreover, we analysed the expression of several angiogenic factors as VEGFR- 1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/Flk-1, HIF-1a, iNOS and MMP-9 showing that the exercise differently regulates their expression levels in the angiogenic hearts according to the intensity and length of endurance training (II). The aim of this study was to examine the localization of VEGFR-1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/Flk-1, HIF-1a, iNOS and MMP-9 in the same experimental model in order to observe in which cells these proteins are expressed in response to exer…

Hsp60 secretion and migration from cancer cells: a proposal for a multistage pathway

THE USE OF DOUBLE DARTOS FLAP VERSUS DORSAL PREPUCE FLAP IN REDUCING FISTULA RATE AFTER TIP URETHROPLASTY

Expression of 60-kD Heat Shock Protein Increases during Carcinogenesis in the Uterine Exocervix

<i>Objectives:</i> The aim of the present study was to determine the presence and expression of the 60-kD heat shock protein (HSP60) in the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence in the uterine exocervix and to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic significance. <i>Methods and Results:</i> We performed Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses on biopsies from 40 cases, consisting of 10 normal exocervical biopsies, 10 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (L-SIL), 10 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (H-SIL) and 10 cancerous exocervices (G2 grade). The immunohistochemical results were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Western blot analysis sho…

Exosomal Hsp60 in human colon cancer

Comparative analysis of Hsp10 and Hsp90 in large bowel healthy mucosa and adenocarcinomas

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are an important class of molecules with various functions. Their classic role is to assist other proteins in folding and re-folding and, when proteins are defective or irreversibly misfolded, to drive their degradation. For this reason, some Hsps are also named molecular chaperones. During evolution, this class of proteins has also acquired extrachaperoning roles such as participation in immune system regulation, cell differentiation, programmed cell death and carcinogenesis. Hsp10 is a partner of Hsp60 in the Hsp60/10 folding machine, but numerous scientific studies have shown that Hsp10 may also play other roles. In fact, Hsp10 seems to have an immunomodulatory…

Human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells express several immunomodulatory molecules both in their naïve state and hepatocyte-like differentiated progeny: prospects for their use in liver diseases

Wharton’s jelly (WJ), the main constituent of umbilical cord, is a reliable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). WJ-MSC show unique ability in crossing lineage borders. As other extraembryonic mesenchymal populations (placenta and amnionderived cells), WJ-MSC express several immunomodulatory molecules, essential during the initial phases of human development. Indeed, our recent work pointed out the expression of non-classical HLA molecules as HLA-G in such cells, together with a favorable combination of B7 costimulators. Very few data in literature suggest that some of the immune features of the naïve cells are maintained after performing differentiation. The aim of this work was extendi…

Ascending aorta phenotypic and genotypic changes in bicuspid aortic valve disease

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with left-right (L-R), right-non coronary (R-NC) and left-non coronary (L-NC) cusp fusion represents distinct pathological entities and the rate of aortic enlargement varies according to the pattern of cusps fusion (1). Here, we investigated the histological features of aneurysms associated to different BAV phenotypes and we looked for specific microRNAs (miRNA) as biomarkers of medial degeneration severity. Aortic specimens and blood were obtained from BAV patients treated surgically for the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm and were divided into two groups: low grade medial degeneration (LGMD, n=10); high grade medial degeneration (HGMD, n=10). A control group…

RESEARCH OF UNDIFFERENTIATED CELLS IN ADULT RAT MYOCARDIUM

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CD276+/HLA-E+ HUMAN SUB-ENDOCARDIAL MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELLS FROM CHRONIC HEART FAILURE PATIENTS: ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENTIATION CAPACITY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY MARKERS EXPRESSION.

Biological aggressiveness evaluation in prostate carcinomas: immunohistochemical analysis of PCNA and p53 in a series of Gleason 6 (3+3) adenocarcinomas

We selected 63 prostate tumors with Gleason's grade 6 (3+3), commonly showing both tubular and cribrous patterns. We compared in both patterns the expression of two of the most used biologic markers: PCNA and p53, with the aim to verify the validity of the Gleason's grading system to compare the morphologic grade with biologic aggressiveness and prognostic value. We did not find any statistical difference in the protein immunopositivity, indicating that both patterns could have identical biologic behaviour; then we confirmed the validity of Gleason's system for considering both tubular and cribrous patterns as an intermediate grade of tumoral differentiation. Moreover, we found a linear rel…

Lymphatic vessels of the dura mater: a new discovery?

Aspelund et al. discover the presence of a lymphatic vessel network in the dura mater of the mouse brain and show that these dural lymphatic vessels are important for the clearance of macromolecules from the brain.

Molecular chaperones expression levels and localization in non-tumoral and tumoral thyroid tissues

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequently occurring subtype of thyroid cancer. Exosomes (EXs) secreted from cells to the extracellular environment play an important role in intercellular communication in normality and pathology. Recent data indicates that tumor cells-derived EXs contribute to cancer progression through the modulation of tumor microenvironment(1). Heat Shock Protein (HSPs) are often overexpressed during carcinogenesis and different studies shown that they can be released by tumors cells and that the mechanism of release is mediated by EXs pathway. In this project we performed an immunomorphological study to investigate Hsp60, 90,70,27 levels expression profile…

Effects of dietary supplement containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on liver of exercised mice

Ultrastructure of the conus arteriosus ofScyliorhinus stellaris

The functional morphology of the fourth chamber of the fish heart, the bulbus arteriosus, differs in teleosts and elasmobranchs. In elasmobranchs, this chamber is referred to as the conus arteriosus because its wall is made up of myocardial tissue in addition to elastic tissue. As a result of this feature, the function of the conus is very specialized. We report the basic ultrastructure of the wall of the conus arteriosus in the elasmobranch Scyllium stellare. The wall consists of three layers: the outer epicardial, the middle myocardial, and the inner endocardial layer. The outer layer is composed of the visceral pericardium consisting of cuboidal mesothelial cells, beneath which numerous …

The involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in heart exercise-related angiogenesis

Background Little is known about the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cardiac vascular remodelling induced by exercise. Our aim was to evaluate and localize MMP-2 and MMP-9’s activities in relation to capillary proliferation in mouse hearts trained for 15, 30 and 45 days. Methods Sixty-three mice were randomly assigned to 7 groups: four control sedentary groups (C0, C15, C30 and C45) and three groups trained by an endurance protocol (T15, T30 and T45). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were examined with zymography and immunostaining analyses. Capillary proliferation was evaluated counting the number of CD31-positive cells. Results Different activity patterns of the latent form of both MMPs…

Effetti dell’allenamento di endurance sulla microvascolarizzazione del miocardio di topo

ADULT STEM CELLS: THE REAL ROOT INTO THE EMBRYO?

During embryonic development, a pool of cells may become a reserve of undifferentiated cells, the embryo-stolen adult stem cells (ESASC). ESASC may be responsible for adult tissue homeostasis, as well as disease development. Transdifferentiation is a sort of reprogramming of ESASC from one germ layer-derived tissue towards another. Transdifferentiation has been described to take place from mesoderm to ectodermal- or endodermal-derived tissues and viceversa but not from ectodermal- to endodermal-derived tissues. We hypothesise that two different populations of ESASC could exist, the first ecto/mesoblast-committed and the second endo/mesoblast-committed. If confirmed, this hypothesis could le…

Analisi quantitativa del tessuto tendineo di ratto adulto allenato

Hsp10 beyond mitochondria: novel locations predict as yet undescribed roles

New frontiers in regenerative medicine in cardiology: the potential of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

Cardiomyopathies are still the first cause of death in the world. The identification of resident stem cells, comprising those derived from sub-endocardial stroma, suggests the possible self regeneration of the heart under autocrine/paracrine modulation in the cardiac microenvironment. Nevertheless, because of the limited in vivo regeneration potential of damaged cardiac tissue, the use of drugs and ultimately cardiac transplantation remain the common treatments of heart diseases and defects. The differentiative potential of embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different tissues (such as bone marrow and adipose tissue) was extensively explored in cell therapy for regenera…

Research of cardiomyocyte precursors in adult rat heart

Recent reports supported the existence of stem cells in adult hearts. However, phenotype and localization of these cells have not been completely described and it is unknown if cardiac regenerative potential differs from one subject to another. The aims of our work were to identify different populations of cardiac stem cells by the analysis of specific markers and to evaluate the expression variability of these markers in 12 adult rat hearts. The expression of CD9, taube nuss and nanog suggests the presence of stem cells from the earliest stages of embryogenesis in adult myocardium. Their different expression could be associated to the degree of stem cell differentiation. CD34 and c-Kit ant…

ANALYSIS OF INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE AND HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR-1ALPHA IN THE VASCULAR REMODELLING OF EXERCISED MOUSE HEARTS

Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells differrentiation towards hepatocyte-like cells: in vitro evidences

TRATTAMENTO DELL'INCONTINENZA FECALE MEDIANTE BIO-FEEDBACK IN PAZIENTI TRATTATI PER MALFORMAZIONI ANO-RETTALI

Trafficking and secretion patterns of Hsp60 in tumor cells.

Shifting back the fetomaternal interface: WHarton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells immunomodulatory molecules and their journey from umbilical cord to differentiated cells.

Parental recognition of overweight as a health problem in school-age children living in an inner-city neighborhood of Palermo, Italy: a cross-sectional study

ISBN: 978-88-89876-08-

Endurance Training and Heart Agiogenesis: new insights

Pericardium of the frog,Rana esculenta,is morphologically designed as a lymphatic space

The importance of the pericardium and the pericardial fluid (PF) in the control of cardiac function has emerged over the past few years. Despite the acknowledgment that amphibians are exposed to both dehydration and excessive water accumulation, nothing is known about their pericardial structure and the morphological basis of the PF formation. We have studied the parietal pericardium (PP) morphology in Rana esculenta by electron microscopy. SEM images of the inner surface, which lines the pericardial cavity, revealed the presence of large vesicles and many small circular openings. TEM observations showed that the PP is made up of an inner mesothelial lining, often constituted by two layers …

Wharton's jelly immunomodulatory properties and unique markers expression: new actors at play

Cigarette smoke causes caspase-independent apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatic donors

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies have demonstrated important links between air pollution and asthma. Amongst these pollutants, environmental cigarette smoke is a risk factor both for asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. As the barrier to the inhaled environment, the bronchial epithelium is a key structure that is exposed to cigarette smoke.ObjectivesSince primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from asthmatic donors are more susceptible to oxidant-induced apoptosis, we hypothesized that they would be susceptible to cigarette smoke-induced cell death.MethodsPBECs from normal and asthmatic donors were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE); cell survival and apoptosis were assessed by fl…

Effetti della temperatura dell'acqua sull'idratazione di nuotatori di fondo

The expression of CD68 in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: new evidences of presence in non-myeloid cell types.

Since their first identification in bone marrow [2],MSC have attracted much attention for thei r potential todifferentiate towards several mature tissues. The efforts ofthe researchers aimed in finding new tissues, whichshould provide adequate cell numbers for regenerativemedicine applications (and between them, extraembryonicsources as umbilical cord and amniotic membrane, arebeing viewed with extreme interest).

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid and endurance training on peripheral blood and bone marrow of trained mice

Fat supplements, es- pecially conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), are increasingly popular ergogenic aids among endurance athletes. To evaluate the im- portance of fat supplementation in the practice of endurance sports, we investigated the effects of CLA supplementation on body weight, muscle hypertrophy, peripheral blood composition, and bone marrow composition in healthy, young, endurance- trained mice. Young, healthy mice were subdivided into control, trained, and treated groups, according to their running atti- tudes. Training was performed over a period of 6 weeks on a treadmill, at a gradually increasing duration and speed. CLA- treated groups were gavaged with 0.425 mg·d 1 CLA supplemen…

Oxidative stress induces myeloperoxidase expression in endocardial endothelial cells from patients with chronic heart failure.

Increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular diseases. Recent findings suggest that myeloperoxidase (MPO) may play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of chronic heart failure (CHF) by contributing to the depletion of the intracellular reservoir of nitric oxide (NO). NO consumption through MPO activity may lead to protein chlorination or nitration, leading to tissue damage. Primary cultures of human endocardial endothelial cells (EEC) obtained at heart transplantation of patients with CHF and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were subjected to oxidative stress by incubation with hydrogen peroxide at non lethal (60 mic…

Hsp60 response in experimental and human temporal lobe epilepsy due to hyppocampal sclerosis

Hsp60 is widely distributed in the brain, and its alteration has been involved in different neurological disorders. Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders and typically involves the hippocampal formation. Compelling evidence describes a role of mitochondria, oxidative stress and both innate and adaptive immunity during epileptogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy due to hyppocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). Here, we investigate the Hsp60 involvement in experimental and human epilepsy. Firstly, expression and distribution of Hsp60 in epileptic hippocampi of a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), based on the phenomenon of maximal dentate gyrus activation (MDA), usi…

Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Modulation: Regenerative Medicine Meets Tissue Repair

Maximum Water Temperature Limit in Open-Water Swimming Events

Recent patents and advances on isolation and cellular therapy applications of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly

In recent years, important advances were made to clarify the biology and potential use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the therapy of a number of disorders. MSC are present in a number of tissues, ranging from adult bone marrow, to several adult organs, adipose tissue and, in the last years, the fetal-associated (also named as extraembryonic) tissues (e.g. placenta, amniotic membrane, umbilical cord). In particular, research on cells derived from mature umbilical cord, a tissue which is still discarded at birth, showed that mesenchymal stem cells can be successfully isolated from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ), the main constituent of this organ. This review will take in to account the patents…

At the roots of tolerogenicity and immune modulation: an in vitro and in situ survey on the expression of immunomodulatory molecules by Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

Extending the usefulness of extraembryonic mesenchymal stem cellsin regenerative medicine: expression of novel markers, immunoregulatory molecules, and novel differentiation capacities.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are considered promising tools in regenerative medicine applications. Even if they are already applied clinically, their extended characterization is being increasingly viewed as a needed feature, in order to avoid contrasting results when translating “in vitro” experiments to “in vivo” approaches. We recently demonstrated in human MSC isolated from the umbilical cord matrix (HEMSC) the expression of novel markers indicative of their stemness, as well as differentiative and immune properties [1]. HEMSC were cultured and subject to multiple molecular and morphological analyses to determine the expression of markers of interest. Undifferentiated HEMSC expressed im…

Medium-term Culture of Normal Human Oral Mucosa: A Novel Three-dimensional Model to Study the Effectiveness of Drugs Administration

Tissue-engineered oral mucosal equivalents have been developed for in vitro studies for a few years now. However, the usefulness of currently available models is still limited by many factors, mainly the lack of a physiological extracellular matrix (ECM) and the use of cell populations that do not reflect the properly differentiated cytotypes of the mucosa of the oral cavity. For this reason, we have developed a novel three-dimensional culture model reflecting the normal architecture of the human oral mucosa, with the main aim of creating a better in vitro model where to test cellular responses to drugs administration. This novel 3D cell culture model (3D outgrowth) was set up using an arti…

Stima della fitness cardiorespiratoria (CRF) con un test "senza esercizio fisico" e associazione con indicatori convenzionali di rischio cardio-vascolare in un campione di giovani adulti

TISSUE ENGINEERING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL INVITRO MODELS OF HUMAN MUCOSAE

Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures only partially reflect the morpho-molecular pattern of human cells in tissues, and they are also unable to fully mimic the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment. Cell development in in vivo systems differs significantly from classical 2D cell culture models, especially with regard to the morphology, growth kinetics, gene expression and the degree of differentiation. Tissue engineering allows the reproduction of tissues by cell seeding on biocompatible scaffolds, to form a homogenous ...

Study of axillary lymph node asymmetry in a female population

We analysed a large series of axillary lymph nodes, with and without metastases following radical mastectomy for breast cancer. We found left/right asymmetry in numbers of lymph nodes, and also asymmetry of lymph node dimensions, which could have been the caused by tumoral antigenic stimulation. The distribution of hyperplastic node patterns differed significantly.

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by cigarette smoke: role in maintenance of the inflamed state in copd

Hsp60 from cancer cells can reach near and distant targets: A proposal for a multistage pathway

Cancer cells have means to influence other cells in their vicinity and distant, and in this signal-delivering mechanisms the chaperonin Hsp60 plays a role, which is currently being recognized as potentially crucial for the growth and dissemination of at least certain types of tumors. In order to arrive at its destination, Hsp60, a typical resident of mitochondria in normal and tumor cells, leaves the organelle and reaches the blood. In the latter, Hsp60 can travel and arrive at targets situated far away from its origin. The details of the route followed by Hsp60 and their molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. We investigated Hsp60 levels and secretion in normal and tumor …

Two isoelectric variants of HSP10 are down-regulated by cigarette smoke exposure in airway cells: A Proteomic study

Cigarette smoke exposure affects expression and extracellular activity levels of gelatinase A and B in airway epithelial cells

Isolation and characterization of Oct-4+/HLA-G+ mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord matrix: differentiation potential and detection of new markers

The presence of multipotent cells in several adult and embryo-related tissues opened new paths for their use in regenerative medicine. Extraembryonic tissues such as umbilical cord are considered a promising source of stem cells, potentially useful in therapy. The characterization of cells from the umbilical cord matrix (Wharton''s Jelly) and amniotic membrane revealed the presence of a population of mesenchymal-like cells, sharing a set of core-markers expressed by "mesenchymal stem cells". Several reports enlightened the differentiation capabilities of these cells, even if at times the lack of an extensive characterization of surface markers and immune co-stimulators expression revealed h…

Parental perception of childhood overweight in an inner-city area of Palermo, Italy

Fetal meconium psedocyst spontaneosly disappeared after birth. A Case report

Control of target cell survival in thyroid autoimmunity by T helper cytokines via regulation of apoptotic proteins

After autoimmune inflammation, interactions between CD95 and its ligand (CD95L) mediate thyrocyte destruction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Conversely, thyroid autoimmune processes that lead to Graves' disease (GD) result in autoantibody-mediated thyrotropin receptor stimulation without thyrocyte depletion. We found that GD thyrocytes expressed CD95 and CD95L in a similar manner to HT thyrocytes, but did not undergo CD95-induced apoptosis either in vivo or in vitro. This pattern was due to the differential production of TH1 and TH2 cytokines. Interferon gamma promoted caspase up-regulation and CD95-induced apoptosis in HT thyrocytes, whereas interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 protected GD …

60KDa chaperonin (HSP60) is over-expressed during colorectal carcinogenesis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of the heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), a mitochondrial matrix-associated protein belonging to the chaperonin family, in colorectal adenomas and cancers, comparing them to normal colonic tissues and hyperplastic polyps. We performed both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis for HSP60. Immunohistochemistry resulted positive in all tubular adenomas and infiltrating adenocarcinomas. By contrast, normal tissues and hyperplastic polyps were negative. Quantitative analysis showed that tubular adenomas with different levels of dysplasia did not present statistical differences concerning HSP60 positivity. In addition, carcinomas al…

DNA sequence and comparative analysis of homologous HSP60 genes of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D and Homo Sapiens

Heat shock protein 60 levels in tissue and circulating exosomes in human large bowel cancer before and after ablative surgery

BACKGROUND: Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is a chaperonin involved in tumorigenesis, but its participation in tumor development and progression is not well understood and its value as a tumor biomarker has not been fully elucidated. In the current study, the authors presented evidence supporting the theory that Hsp60 has potential as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target in patients with large bowel cancer. METHODS: The authors studied a population of 97 subjects, including patients and controls. Immunomorphology, Western blot analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed on tissue specimens. Exosomes were isolated from blood and characterized by electr…

Role of Adrenomedullin in LSP-mediated lung injury

Distribution of mitochondrial chaperonins in lung cells

Physiactisome: A New Nanovesicle Drug Containing Heat Shock Protein 60 for Treating Muscle Wasting and Cachexia.

Currently, no commercially available drugs have the ability to reverse cachexia or counteract muscle wasting and the loss of lean mass. Here, we report the methodology used to develop Physiactisome—a conditioned medium released by heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60)—overexpressing C2C12 cell lines enriched with small and large extracellular vesicles. We also present evidence supporting its use in the treatment of cachexia. Briefly, we obtain a nanovesicle-based secretion by genetically modifying C2C12 cell lines with an Hsp60-overexpressing plasmid. The secretion is used to treat naïve C2C12 cell lines. Physiactisome activates the expression of PGC-1α isoform 1, which is di…

Hsp60 expression in skeletal muscle increase after endurance training

Cigarette smoke affects heat-shock proteins in human lung fibroblasts: a proteomic study and identification of three expressed HSP10 variants differentially affected by stressor.

New insights into the role of matrix metalloproteinases in heart angiogenesis induced by exercise

Angiogenesis induced by exercise has been observed in both cardiac and skeletal muscle and plays a fundamental role in maintaining tissue function adequate to the increase in metabolic requests. Mechanical and haemodynamic forces are strong starters of angiogenic process via regulation of secondary mediators such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A crucial step of vessel sprouting is the degradation of the basement membrane and remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It has long been accepted that MMPs are involved in the angiogenesis, but the exact mechanisms are not well characterized. Cryptic fragments and neo-epitopes released by pr…

Perinatal and Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in cartilage regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies

Stem cells can be found in embryonic and extraembryonic tissues as well as in adult organs. In particular, research in the last few years has delineated the key features of perinatal stem cells derived from fetus-associated tissues. These cells show multiple differentiation potential, can be easily expanded ex vivo, and raise no ethical concerns as regards their use. Several reports indicate that cells isolated from Wharton's jelly (WJ), the main component of umbilical cord extracellular matrix, are multipotent stem cells that express markers shared by other mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and give rise to different mature cell types belonging to all three germ layers. Moreover, WJ-MSC display…

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on testosterone synthesis

Endurance training damages small airway epithelium in mice.

A novel isolation technique and extended characte-rization of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord matrix: disclosing new potentials for regenerative medicine applications.

COMPARISON OF VERTICAL JUMPING PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG SEDENTARY SUBJECTS, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Introduction: The ability to jump high is considered important in a number of sports. It is commonly accepted that the use of the arms increases jump height (I). In particular, in some sport situations such as basketball and volleyball the ability to utilize arm swing is fundamental in order that players may reach the maximum performance. Instead, sedentary subjects are not usually able to utilize efficiently upper-limb motion compare to active people during vertical jumping performance. The purpose of this study was to examine flight time (sec.) [Ft], jump height (cm) [Jh] during vertical jumping by countermovement [CMJ] with and without arm swing in young, sedentary subjects and basketbal…

INCREASED EXPRESSION OF TITIN IN MOUSE GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE AFTER AN ENDURANCETRAINING PROGRAM

Effects of water temperature on swimmers

Characterization of the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's jelly

In vitro and in vivo detection of end-products of MPO-driven oxidative and nitrosative stress in human endocardial endothelial cells from patients affected by chronic heart failure

Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Associated With Endurance Exercise on Muscle Fibres and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1 α Isoforms

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to improve muscle hypertrophy, steroidogenesis, physical activity, and endurance capacity in mice, although the molecular mechanisms of its actions are not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to identify whether CLA alters the expression of any of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) isoforms, and to evaluate the possible existence of fibre-type-specific hypertrophy in the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles. Mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo sedentary, CLA sedentary, placebo trained, or CLA trained. The CLA groups were gavaged with 35 μl per day of Tonalin® FFA 8…

Do Fat Supplements Increase Physical Performance?

Fish oil and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) belong to a popular class of food supplements known as "fat supplements", which are claimed to reduce muscle glycogen breakdown, reduce body mass, as well as reduce muscle damage and inflammatory responses. Sport athletes consume fish oil and CLA mainly to increase lean body mass and reduce body fat. Recent evidence indicates that this kind of supplementation may have other side-effects and a new role has been identified in steroidogenensis. Preliminary findings demonstrate that fish oil and CLA may induce a physiological increase in testosterone synthesis. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of fish oil and CLA on physical performan…

Percezione del problema dell'eccesso di peso nell'infanzia da parte dei genitori: risultati di un'indagine nel centro storico di Palermo

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Testosterone Levels In Vitro and In Vivo After an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise

The purposes of the present study were to investigate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on testosterone levels in vitro on a cell line derived from Leydig cells (R2C) and in vivo in the blood of physically active subjects before and after a resistance exercise bout. In vitro R2C cells were treated with different CLA concentrations (0-30 μM) for 24 and 48 hours. After treatment, supernatant media were tested to determine testosterone secretion. The CLA increased the testosterone secretion only after 48 hours. In vivo, 10 resistance-trained male subjects, in a double-blind placebo-controlled and crossover study design were randomized for 3 weeks of either 6 g·d⁻¹ CL…

Human HSP10 variants downregulation after cigarette smoke extract exposure in lung cells

The impact of cigarette-smoke stress (a form of oxidative stress) on human lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells, particularly its effect on Hsp10 expression, has not been characterized despite the fact that a role for mitochondrial chaperonins in the development of lung diseases, ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to bronchial carcinogenesis, has been suggested (1). We studied the effects of non-lethal doses of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the expression of Hsp10 in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1 line) and epithelial cells (16HBE line). Proteomics was carried out using 2D-IPG, silver stain, western blotting, and mass-spectrometry; mRNA was measured by RT-PCR. Database se…

Isolation and characterization of human extraembryonal mesoderm mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord

Divided at birth: an in vitro and in situ survey on the expression of immunomodulatory molecules in human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells and paired umbilical cords

EFFECTS OF CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID AND RESISTANCE TRAINING IN RECREATIONAL ATHLETES

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid, that are known to posses several physiological effects such as enhancing immune response, reducing arteriosclerosis risk, and inhibiting carcinogenesis. Over the last decade, the use of CLA supplement has become widespread among elite and recreational athletes because it should increase training effects, improve fat oxidation, increase energy delivery, reduce body weight, improve lipid profile, and so on. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether CLA supplementation after a resistance training session affects general markers of muscle damage, total testosterone, cortisol and sex h…

ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE: A MOUSE MODEL REVEALS PROTECTION BY LACTOBACILLUS FERMENTUM

Objectives Alcoholism is one of the most devastating diseases with high incidence, but knowledge of its pathology and treatment is still plagued with gaps mostly because of the inherent limitations of research with patients. We developed an animal model for studying liver histopathology, Hsp (heat-shock protein)-chaperones involvement, and response to treatment. Methods The system was standardized using mice to which ethanol was orally administered alone or in combination with Lactobacillus fermentum following a precise schedule over time and applying, at predetermined intervals, a battery of techniques (histology, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, real-time PCR, immunoprecipitation, …

CIGARETTE SMOKE AFFECTS HEAT-SHOCK PROTEINS IN HUMAN LUNG FIBROBLASTS: A PROTEOMIC STUDY AND IDENTIFICATION OF THREE EXPRESSED HSP10 VARIANTS DIFFERENTIALLY AFFECTS BY STRESSOR.

Effect of a pathogenic stressor on human HSP10.

Adaptations in heart rate and arterial pressure induced by a specific training exercise program for elite soccer referees: a case report.

Senescence-associated HSP60 expression in Normal Human skin fibroblasts

Normal mammalian fibroblasts cultured in vitro undergo a limited number of divisions before entering a senescent phase in which they can be maintained for long periods but cannot be induced to divide. Senescent cells become unresponsive to growth-promoting signals and exhibit senescent cell morphology with flattened and enlarged cell shape. Several chaperones have a direct effect on cellular senescence. HSP60 has been largely studied in our laboratories and it has been associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation in tumor cells. Since senescence is firmly regulated during cell cycle progression, we wanted to investigate HSP60 protein level during cellular senescence. Our data show that H…

The expression of HSP60 and HSP10 in large bowel carcinomas with lymph node metastase

Abstract Background The involvement of Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) in cancer development and progression is a widely debated topic. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence and expression of HSP60 and HSP10 in a series of large bowel carcinomas and locoregional lymph nodes with and without metastases. Methods 82 Astler and Coller's stage C2 colorectal cancers, of which 48 well-differentiated and 34 poorly-differentiated, were selected along with 661 lymph nodes, including 372 with metastases and 289 with reactive hyperplasia only, from the same tumours. Primitive tumours and both metastatic and reactive lymph nodes were studied; specifically, three different compartment…

Increased expression of titin in mouse gastrocnemius muscle after an endurance-training program

Titin, a sarcomeric giant protein, plays crucial roles in muscle assembly, elasticity and stability. Little is known about titin adaptation to endurance exercise. We studied the effects of endurance training on titin expression in mouse gastrocnemius muscles (MGM). Sixty-three ten-week-old male Swiss mice were divided into seven groups. Four groups were composed of untrained control animals (C0, C15, C30, C45) instead the other three included mice trained for 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and 45 (T45) days by treadmill. The training protocol was mainly aerobic, characterized by moderate-intensity, rhythmic and continuous exercises. Titin expression was determined by immunohistochemistry on MGM section…

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells differentiation towards hepatocyte-like cells: functional characterization and expression of immunomodulatory molecules

Analisi della frequenza cardiaca e della concentrazione di lattato ematico in soggetti sovrappeso allenati con uno specifico protocollo di spinning.

Effects of three different water temperatures on dehydration in competitive swimmers

Summary Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different water temperatures on physiological responses (dehydration, sweat rate, urine output, rectal temperature and plasma electrolytes) of competitive athletes during a “simulated” race of 5 km in an indoor swimming pool. Methods Nine male competitive master swimmers swam 5 km with the water at temperatures of 23, 27 and 32 C. Immediately before (Pre) and after (Post) each trial, samples of blood and urine were collected, body weight was recorded and rectal temperature was measured. The dehydration percentage and sweat rate were the highest at 32 C and the lowest at 23 C (23 C: −0.9 ± 0.5; 27 C: −1.3 ± 0.6; 32 C…

Oxidative stress-driven expression of myeloperoxidase in endothelial cells results in accumulation of markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress in vitro and in vivo

Endothelial cells (ECs), are able to manage with higher concentrations of ROS as well as reactive nitrogen species, respect to the other cell types. The unbalance between oxidizing species and antioxidant cellular defences has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. While the role of MPO in the oxidative burst is well established, the effects of this enzyme on endothelial biology have only recently come to light. MPO can interact with endothelial –derived NO causing its depletion and favouring its conversion to nitrogen dioxide radical, a compound responsible of protein nitration generating 3-nitrotyrosine. Moreover, MPO is the only enzyme capable to form hypoclorous…

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells differentiation towards hepatocyte-like cells: functional characterization and expression of immunomodulatory molecules.

Effect of a pathogenetic stressor on human Hsp10.

Hsp10: Anatomic distribution, functions, and involvement in human disease

There is growing evidence that molecular chaperones/heat shock proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases, known as chaperonopathies. A better molecular understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms is essential for addressing new strategies in diagnostics, therapeutics and clinical management of chaperonopathies, including those in which Hsp10 is involved. This chaperonin has been studied for a long time as a member of the mitochondrial protein-folding machine. However, although in normal cells Hsp10 is mainly localized in the mitochondrial matrix, it has also been found during and after stress in other subcellular compartments, such as cytosol, vesicles and sec…

CIGARETTE SMOKE EXPOSURE DOWNREGULATES TWO ISOELECTRIC VARIANTS OF HUMAN Hsp10 IN LUNG EPITHELIAL CELLS AND FIBROBLASTS: A PROTEOMIC STUDY.

Endurance Exercise and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplementation Up-Regulate CYP17A1 and Stimulate Testosterone Biosynthesis

A new role for fat supplements, in particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), has been delineated in steroidogenesis, although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. The aims of the present study were to identify the pathway stimulated by CLA supplementation using a cell culture model and to determine whether this same pathway is also stimulated in vivo by CLA supplementation associated with exercise. In vitro, Leydig tumour rat cells (R2C) supplemented with different concentrations of CLA exhibited increasing testosterone biosynthesis accompanied by increasing levels of CYP17A1 mRNA and protein. In vivo, trained mice showed an increase in free plasma testosterone…

Isolation and characterization of pluripotent cells from the subendocardial layer of human hearts from chronic heart failure patients

Novel Immunomodulatory Markers Expressed by Human WJ-MSC: an Updated Review in Regenerative and Reparative Medicine.

Mesenchymal (stromal) stem cells (MSC) are a broad class of stromal populations which are able to differentiate towards mature cell types, and do express molecules involved in immune modulation, tolerance induction and inflammation dampening. MSC can be virtually isolated from each adult organ, as well as from foetus-associated perinatal tissues. In particular, Wharton's jelly-derived MSC (WJ-MSC) bear all of these key properties, together with their ease of sourcing and lack of ethical issues. Cellular therapy is a key technique in regenerative medicine approaches, in particular for the treatment of diseases in which physiological processes of cellular repopulation are blocked by the under…

Hydrogen peroxide in endothelium: multifaceted roles in cellular stress and signalling.

Cigarette smoke exposure downregulates two isoelectric variants of human HSP10 in airway epithelial cells: A Proteomic study

Non-classical type I HLAs and B7 costimulators revisited: analysis of expression and immunomodulatory role in undifferentiated and differentiated MSC isolated from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly

Introduction. Wharton’s jelly (WJ), the main constituent of umbilical cord, emerged as a reliable and uncontroversial source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). WJ-MSC show unique ability in crossing lineage borders, therefore being capable to trans-ifferentiate towards mature cytotypes derived from the three germ layers. As other fetal-associated cells, WJ-MSC express several immunomodulatory molecules, essential during the initial phases of human development and for the processes linked to the tolerance of the mother to the semiallogeneic embryo. Very few data are present in literature on the maintenance of the immune privilege of the naïve cells after performing differentiation. Our previou…

Gastroesophageal reflux in patients treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: short- and long-term evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance.

The incidence of GER, related symptoms and complications in patients treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are poorly defined. The aim was to evaluate incidence and development of GER in children treated for CDH in a short- and long-term follow-up period, identifying potential risk factors of morbidity. Thirty-six patients were evaluated with pH-MII at a median age of 6 months (T1) and re-evaluated with pH-MII and endoscopy at a median age of 5 years (T2). The incidence of reflux was 83 % in T1 and 61 % in T2; the incidence of symptoms was 62 % in T1 and 38 % in T2. In both groups the reflux was mainly non-acidic. Patch, intrathoracic stomach and esophageal dysmotility were risk…

Hsp10 nuclear localization and changes in lung cells response to cigarette smoke suggest novel roles for this chaperonin

Heat-shock protein (Hsp)10 is the co-chaperone for Hsp60 inside mitochondria, but it also resides outside the organelle. Variations in its levels and intracellular distribution have been documented in pathological conditions, e.g. cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we show that Hsp10 in COPD undergoes changes at the molecular and subcellular levels in bronchial cells from human specimens and derived cell lines, intact or subjected to stress induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Noteworthy findings are: (i) Hsp10 occurred in nuclei of epithelial and lamina propria cells of bronchial mucosa from non-smokers and smokers; (ii) human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) a…

CD1a and antitumour immune response

Primary immune response is based on the capacity of local professional antigen-presenting cells (whose prototype is represented by dendritic cells, DCs) to take up and present antigens to selected clones of T cells, but also to non-specific effector cells such as macrophages or natural killer cells. The four CD1 proteins, all of which share a limited homology to class I MHC proteins, are differently expressed in various cell types, of both mesenchymal and, as recently described, epithelial lineage. Regarding the role of CD1 molecules in the anti-tumour response, it has been reported that CD1+ dendritic cells are involved in the first steps of the primary immune response in a number of malig…

Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells: functional characterization and expression of immunomodulatory molecules

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSCs) recently emerged as promising tools for cellular therapy due to their ability to differentiate into diverse cell types and their immunomodulatory features. Little is known on the expression of immunomodulatory molecules in mature cells differentiated from WJ-MSCs, therefore we aimed to characterize the extent of maintenance of the naive traits of these cells also in a highly specialized differentiated counterpart. WJ-MSCs were differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) with a four weeks protocol. RT-PCR, flow cytometry, IHC and ICC were performed to assess expression of key markers in both undifferentiated and differentiate…

INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SINTHASE (iNOS) PROTECTS THE HUMAN BRONCHIAL EPHITELIUM EXPOSED TO OXIDANTS BY APOPTOSIS

Effects of Citric Acid on Human Gingival Epithelium

Immune-related molecole are espresse by both naive and differentiated Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells: a new avenue for cellular therapy

CD40 ligation influences stress-mediated apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells

Medium-term culture of embryonic lungs: a novel three-dimensional model

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by cigarette smoke: role in the manteinance of the inflamed state in COPD

Quantitative patterns of Hsps in tubular adenoma compared with normal and tumor tissues reveal the value of Hsp10 and Hsp60 in early diagnosis of large bowel cancer

Large bowel carcinogenesis involves accumulation of genetic alterations leading to transformation of normal mucosa into dysplasia and, lastly, adenocarcinoma. It is pertinent to elucidate the molecular changes occurring in the pre-neoplastic lesions to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Heat shock proteins (Hsps), many of which are molecular chaperones, are implicated in carcinogenesis, and their variations with tumor progression encourage their study as biomarkers. There are many reports on Hsps and cancer but none to our knowledge on their systematic quantification in pre-neoplastic lesions of the large bowel. We performed immunohistochemical determinations of Hsp10, Hsp60, Hsp70, …

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on bone marrow composition of endurance trained mice

Is chlamydial heat shock protein 60 a risk factor for oncogenesis?

Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) plays an important role in the protein folding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Most of the papers published on chlamydial HSP60 concern its role in immune response during infection. In the last decade, exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis has been consistently associated with the development of cervical and ovarian cancer. Moreover, it has been suggested that chlamydial HSP60 may have an anti- apoptotic effect during persistent infection. We hypothesize that the accumulation of exogenous chlamydial HSP60 in the cytoplasm of actively replicating eukaryotic cells may interfere with the regulation of the apoptotic pathway. The concomitant expression of viral onc…

Exosomal Hsp60 levels and related miRNA in brain tumor cells

One of the many pathologic conditions still without a satisfactory solution is that of brain tumors. The prognosis is poor even after surgical resection followed by post-operatory chemo- and radio-therapie (1). It is, therefore, cogent to find innovative treatment tools. Three recent developments may provide elements to discover novel treatment strategies and means. These developments are: the discovery that molecular chaperones can be determinant factors in the process of tumorigenesis (2); the elucidation of the role of miRNAs in gene regulation and determination of protein functions, including molecular chaperones; in the various cell compartments (3);the increasing understanding and cha…

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protects the human bronchial epithelium exposed to oxidants by apoptosis

Human Hsp10 and Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) and their relationship and involvement in cancer and immunity: current knowledge and perspectives.

This article is about Hsp10 and its intracellular and extracellular forms focusing on the relationship of the latter with Early Pregnancy Factor and on their roles in cancer and immunity. Cellular physiology and survival are finely regulated and depend on the correct functioning of the entire set of proteins. Misfolded or unfolded proteins can cause deleterious effects and even cell death. The chaperonins Hsp10 and Hsp60 act together inside the mitochondria to assist protein folding. Recent studies demonstrated that these proteins have other roles inside and outside the cell, either together or independently of each other. For example, Hsp10 was found increased in the cytosol of different t…

Hsp60 and human aging: Les liaisons dangereuses 

Stressors can cause abnormal intracellular accumulation of Hsp60 and its localization in extramitochondrial sites, secretion, and circulation, with immune system activation. Dysfunction of chaperones associated with their quantitative and qualitative decline with aging (chaperonopathies of aging) characterizes senescence and is a potential causal factor in the physiological deterioration that occurs with it. The role of Hsp60 in aging is not easy to elucidate, because aging is accompanied by pathologies (e.g., cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, etc.) in which Hsp60 has been implicated but, although those disorders are more frequent in the elderly…

CD40 ligation protects bronchial epithelium against oxidant-induced caspase-independent cell death.

KEYWORDS CLASSIFICATION: 7,8-Dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene 9,10-oxide;Antigens,CD40;Apoptosis;Bronchi;cytology;Caspases;Cell Cycle;Cell Death;Cell Line,Transformed;Cell Survival;Cell Transformation,Viral;Cytoprotection;drug effects;Epithelial Cells;Humans;Italy;mechanisms of carcinogenesis;metabolism;Oxidants;pharmacology;physiology;Research;Simian virus 40;toxicity;Transcription Factor AP-1. CD40 and its ligand regulate pleiotropic biological responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In many inflammatory lung diseases, tissue damage by environmental or endogenous oxidants plays a major role in disease pathogenesis. As the epithelial barrier is a major t…

Effects of cigarette smoke on modulation of proteolytic activity in lung fibroblasts: implications for lung inflammatory diseases

Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Associated With Endurance Exercise on Muscle Fibres and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1 α Isoforms

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to improve muscle hypertrophy, steroidogenesis, physical activity, and endurance capacity in mice, although the molecular mechanisms of its actions are not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to identify whether CLA alters the expression of any of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) isoforms, and to evaluate the possible existence of fibre-type-specific hypertrophy in the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles. Mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo sedentary, CLA sedentary, placebo trained, or CLA trained. The CLA groups were gavaged with 35 μl per day of Tonalin® FFA 8…

Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells maintain the expression of key immunomodulatory molecules when subjected to osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation in vitro: new perspectives for cellular therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the main diseases that imply an inflammatory process at the joints involving the articular cartilage. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from perinatal tissues were considered good candidates for cellular therapy of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic diseases, since they can differentiate into multiple cell types and are an easily accessible cellular source. Therefore, several protocols exist on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of different origins into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Another key feature of MSCs is their capacity to modulate the immune system responses in vitro and in vivo. This may have critical outcomes in d…

Effects of a dietary supplement containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on liver of exercised mice

Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of endocrine pancreas β cells by T lymphocytes, for which genetic and environmental risk factors have been proposed. Patients require daily infusions of recombinant insulin to overcome the reduced production by their own cells, but there is an increasing demand for a permanent and efficient supplementation which could better modulate the need for the hormone during the normal activities. For this reason, transplant-based therapeutic models have been proposed such as whole organ transplantation and Langerhans islets transplantation. These techniques are limited by many factors such as the lack of donors, the risks linked to t…

A brief anatomo-surgical dissection guide to human mediastinal anatomy: results of the collaboration between the University of Palermo and the University of Malta.

In the summer of 2017, thanks to an agreement between the University of Malta and the University of Palermo, a group of students from the University of Palermo, who had already taken the anatomy exams and had a good knowledge of English, went for a 4 week period to the University of Malta to follow a dissection course . The students dissected skin, the sternum, the vessels, the nerves, analyzed the pericardium, the lungs and all the mediastinal organs. This work proves to be a small dissection guide for young medical students who want to learn the basics of dissection and the relevant topographical anatomy. The students were selected by the University of Palermo because of the good quality …

Skeletal muscle Heat shock protein 60 increases after endurance training and induces peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 α1 expression

AbstractHeat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is a chaperone localizing in skeletal muscle mitochondria, whose role is poorly understood. In the present study, the levels of Hsp60 in fibres of the entire posterior group of hindlimb muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris) were evaluated in mice after completing a 6-week endurance training program. The correlation between Hsp60 levels and the expression of four isoforms of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) were investigated only in soleus. Short-term overexpression of hsp60, achieved by in vitro plasmid transfection, was then performed to determine whether this chaperone could have a role in the activa…

Role of endothelial cell stress in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure.

Endothelial cells are key modulators of diverse physiological processes, and their impaired function is a cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases. Under physiologic condition, the reactive oxygen and nitrogen mediators in endothelia lead to the signal propagation of the initial stimulus, by forming molecules with a longer half-life like hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the focus of growing attention in endothelial biology, and consequently the enzymes involved in its generation and clearance are viewed as novel mediators of great importance. In particular, among peroxidases, myeloperoxidase is recognized as a key enzyme, capable of impairing intracellular NO reservoirs as well as p…

Medium-Term Culture of Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Three- Dimensional Model: Effects on Cell Survival Following Topical 5-Fluororacile Delivery by Drug-Loaded Matrix Tablets

Since the activity of several conventional anticancer drugs is restricted by resistance mechanisms and dose-limiting side-effects, the design of formulations for local application on malignant lesions seems to be an efficient and promising drug delivery approach. In this study, the effect of locally applied 5-FU on cell death was evaluated both in a SCC4/HEK001 model and in a newly proposed 3D outgrowth model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Initially, the optimal drug dose was established by delivery of solutions containing different amounts of 5-FU. The solution containing 1% (w/v) of 5-FU resulted effective in inducing cell death with complete eradication of cell colonies. Buccal …

Effects of Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii in "in vitro" and "in vivo" cancerogenetic models

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly expressed in a variety of cancer types contributing to tumor cell propagation and protection against apoptosis [1]. The current anti-cancer therapy is not always target specific and often is associated with complications for patients, Therefore new effective, specific and less toxic therapeutic approaches are needed. Medicinal mushrooms have emerged as wonderful source of nutraceuticals, anti-oxidants, anticancer, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic. The ongoing research projects are aimed to promote mushrooms as new generation ‘‘biotherapeutics’’[2]. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the cold-wate…

Automatic induction of rules for computer-aided diagnosis in the multiple sclerosis by analysis of brain MR images

Hsp60/procaspase 3 complex formation in human cells: impact on apoptosis and carcinogenesis.

Isolation and Characterization of CD276+/HLA-E+ Human Subendocardial Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Chronic Heart Failure Patients: Analysis of Differentiative Potential and Immunomodulatory Markers Expression

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are virtually present in all postnatal organs as well as in perinatal tissues. MSCs can be differentiated toward several mature cytotypes and interestingly hold potentially relevant immunomodulatory features. Myocardial infarction results in severe tissue damage, cardiomyocyte loss, and eventually heart failure. Cellular cardiomyoplasty represents a promising approach for myocardial repair. Clinical trials using MSCs are underway for a number of heart diseases, even if their outcomes are hampered by low long-term improvements and the possible presence of complications related to cellular therapy administration. Therefore, elucidating the presence and role of MS…

Hsp60 molecular anatomy and role in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment

Quantitative changes in Hsp60 during the development of some tumors suggest that this chaperonin plays a role in carcinogenesis. A description of the specific role(s) of Hsp60 in tumor-cell growth and proliferation is still incomplete, but it is already evident that monitoring its levels and distribution in tissues and fluids has potential for diagnosis and staging, and for assessing prognosis and response to treatment. Although Hsp60 is considered an intramitochondrial protein, it has been demonstrated in the cytosol, cell membrane, vesicles, cell surface, extracellular space, and blood. The knowledge that Hsp60 occurs at all these locations opens new avenues for basic and applied research…

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells immunomodulatory molecules: their journey from umbilical cord to differentieted cells.

Effects of oxidative stress on primary human endothelial cells. Potential active contribution of endothelium to inflammatory heart diseases

New perspectives on the roles of proteinases and lung structural cells in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Establishment of a novel three-dimensional in vitro model to study the alterations of the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (emtu) in asthma

Effects of endurance training on small airways of mice

Senescence-associated HSP60 expression in normal human skin fibroblasts

Normal mammalian fibroblasts cultured in vitro undergo a limited number of divisions before entering a senescent phase in which they can be maintained for long periods but cannot be induced to divide. Senescent cells become unresponsive to growth-promoting signals and exhibit senescent cell morphology with flattened and enlarged cell shape. Several chaperones have a direct effect on cellular senescence. HSP60 has been largely studied in our laboratories and it has been associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation in tumor cells. Since senescence is firmly regulated during cell cycle progression, we wanted to investigate HSP60 protein level during cellular senescence. Our data show that H…

Involvement of caspase-3 and GD3 ganglioside in ceramide-induced apoptosis in Farber disease.

Farber's disease (FD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by ceramidase deficiency, which results in ceramide accumulation in lung, liver, colon, skeletal muscle, cartilage, and bone. Although this disease has been symptomatically characterized, little is known about its molecular pathogenetic process. Because recent studies reported that ceramide accumulation induces GD3 ganglioside formation and apoptosis, we investigated, in tissue obtained via colonoscopy from seriously involved patients, the possible involvement of ceramide in FD colonocyte destruction. Histochemical and TUNEL analyses of paraffin-embedded sections revealed that 45 ± 4.3% of FD colonocytes showed morphological signs of …

A brief anatomo-surgical dissection guide to the human neck: results of a collaboration between the University of Palermo and the University of Malta.

The aim of this work was to offer a guide to young students and medical doctors that want to learn the bases of neck dissection. In the summer of 2017 a group of students from the University of Palermo that had already passed the Human Anatomy exams took a 4 weeks dissection course at the University of Malta Medicine is a science that requires both a practical and theoretical approach, and the last one, unfortunately, often is not valued by our University. Studying Human Anatomy, which is the basis for a doctor's education, exclusively through books and atlases, is indeed partially lacking. For this reason a group of students from the University of Palermo have been selected, based on their…

PERCEZIONE DEL PROBLEMA DELL'ECCESSO DI PESO NELL'INFANZIA DA PARTE DEI GENITORI: RISULTATI DI UN'INDAGINE NEL CENTRO STORICO DI PALERMO

Elevated blood Hsp60, its structural similarities and cross-reactivity with thyroid molecules, and its presence on the plasma membrane of oncocytes point to the chaperonin as an immunopathogenic factor in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The role Hsp60 might play in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is under investigation, but little information exists pertaining to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). With the aim to fill this gap, in the present work, we directed our attention to Hsp60 participation in HT pathogenesis. We found Hsp60 levels increased in the blood of HT patients compared to controls. The chaperonin was immunolocalized in thyroid tissue specimens from patients with HT, both in thyrocytes and oncocytes (Hurthle cells) with higher levels compared to controls (goiter). In oncocytes, we found Hsp60 not only in the cytoplasm but also on the plasma membrane, as shown by double immunofluorescence performed on …

Role of CD1A and HSP60 in the antitumoral response of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer (OC) is one of the most common and severe forms of tumor. A wider knowledge of molecular mechanisms which lead to a normal epithelium becoming a neoplasm may reveal new strategies to improve treatment and outcome of this disease. In this review, we report recent findings concerning molecular events which take place during carcinogenesis of the oesophagus. In particular, we focus on the role of two molecules, CD1a and Hsp60, which are overexpressed in oesophageal and many other types of tumor. Both molecules may present tumor antigens and promote in situ the stimulation of an antitumoral immune activity. We suggest there is a synergistic action between these molecules. Fur…

Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Candidates for Beta Cells Regeneration: Extending the Differentiative and Immunomodulatory Benefits of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are uniquely capable of crossing germinative layers borders (i.e. are able to differentiate towards ectoderm-, mesoderm- and endoderm-derived cytotypes) and are viewed as promising cells for regenerative medicine approaches in several diseases. Type I diabetes therapy should potentially benefit from such differentiated cells: the search for alternatives to organ/islet transplantation strategies via stem cells differentiation is an ongoing task, significant goals having been achieved in most experimental settings (e.g. insulin production and euglycaemia restoration), though caution is still needed to ensure safe and durable effects in vivo. MSC are obtainable in …

Heat stroke risk for open-water swimmers during long-distance events.

Open-water swimming is a rapidly growing sport discipline worldwide, and clinical problems associated with long-distance swimming are now better recognized and managed more effectively. The most prevalent medical risk associated with an open-water swimming event is hypothermia; therefore, the Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA) has instituted 2 rules to reduce this occurrence related to the minimum water temperature and the time taken to complete the race. Another medical risk that is relevant to open-water swimmers is heat stroke, a condition that can easily go unnoticed. The purpose of this review is to shed light on this physiological phenomenon by examining the physiological re…

Studying embryonic lung development by tissue engineering: a novel three-dimensional model

Younger is better? Isolation and phenotypical characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's jelly of pre-term human umbilical cords

Endurance-type exercise induces mouse heart angiogenesis: a morphological study.