Streptomyces coelicolor secretoma protects astrocytes from oxidative stress

2016

Streptomycetes are gram-positive bacteria that produce about 2/3 of pharmaceutically active secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, and anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, antifungal and antiparasitic agents. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of Streptomyces coelicolor extracts and putative vesicular fraction on primary cultures of rat astrocytes, in both physiological and stressed conditions, induced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Briefly, crude extracts and putative vesicular fractions were prepared from two S.coelicolor strains (M145 wild-type strain and bold F166 strain), and used to treat primary astrocytes, which were then also treated with hydrogen peroxide. Da…

Potential roles of extracellular vesicles in brain cell-to-cell communication

Potential roles of extracellular vesicles in brain cell-to-cell communication Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released into thè extracellular space from both cancer and normal brain cells, and are probably able to modify thè phenotypic properties of receiving cells1. EVs released from astrocytes and neurons contain FGF2 and VEGF2'3 and induce a 'blood-brain barrier' (BBB) phenotype in cultured brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs, unpublished results), On thè other hand, EVs from G26/24 oligodendroglioma induce apoptosis in neurons and astrocytes4-5. These effects are probably due to Fas Ligand and TRAIL, present in G26/24 vesicles4-5. Moreover, G26/24 EVs contain extracellular matrix …

3D cultures of rat astrocytes and brain capillary endothelial cells on Poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds

2016

Tissue engineering is an emerging multidisciplinary field that aims at reproducing in vitro and/or in vivo tissues with morphological and functional features similar to the biological tissue of the human body. In this communication we report setting of three-dimensional structures able to mimic the extracellular matrix of the nervous system: we prepared Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) porous scaffolds via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and investigated the parameters that influence porosity, average pore size and degree of interconnection, i.e. polymer concentration, temperature and time of process. Astrocytes and brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) were cultured on these three-…

Il metodo delle favole di Louisa Düss

2015

Le favole, è noto, ricoprono un ruolo fondamentale nel percorso di sviluppo e maturazione psicologica del bambino. Esse riescono, come le leggende, i racconti, i sogni e i miti, con linguaggio se mplice e immediato, attraverso la metafora, a presentare in modo comprensibile e accessibile alla portata della psiche infantile, situazioni di conflitto, suggerendo soluzioni più o meno magiche. Nella loro struttura a trama leggera e aperta, sono un dispositivo che, di per sé, incrocia e condensa principalmente tre dimensioni: comunicativa, narrativa e simbolica.

Percezione aptica e schema corporeo in soggetti con obesità grave

Extracellular vesicles can shuttle molecules among brain cells

2013

The effects of a 3-week training on basal biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation period

2012

Exercise and lactate production:implication in fatigue and in brain signaling

2016

More than two hundred years after its discovery, lactate still remains an intriguing molecule. Considered for a long time as a waste product of metabolism and the culprit behind muscular fatigue, it was then recognized as an important fuel for many cells. In particular, in the nervous system, it has been proposed that lactate, released by astrocytes in response to neuronal activation, is taken up by neurons, oxidized to pyruvate and used for synthesizing acetyl-CoA to be used for the tricarboxylic acid cycle. More recently, in addition to this metabolic role, the discovery of a specific receptor prompted a reconsideration of its role, and lactate is now seen as a sort of hormone, even invol…