NEURONS AND ASTROCYTES SHED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES THAT SEEM TO VEHICLE ANGIOGENIC FACTORS

SuperJump training in eumenorrheic women and gut peptides: a randomized controlled study about the mechanism of action on bone and glucose homeostasis

The role played by physical activity in promoting bone health is now widely recognized. Physical activity limits and slows down the physiological demineralization that occurs over the years and plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. SuperJump, a high-impact training activity performed on a mini-trampoline characterized by alternating between aerobic and anaerobic exercises, has been shown to be able to generate a substantial osteogenic response and increase bone balance and strength in eumenorrheic women. In this study it was analyzed whether gastrointestinal peptides play a role in the regulation of bone metabolism and their impact on glucose homeostasis. Methods Using …

Associations between the dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphisms and personality traits in elite athletes.

Personality traits and temperament may affect sports performance. Previous studies suggest that dopamine may play an important role in behavior regulation and physical exercise performance. The aim of this study is to determine associations between dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4 Ex3) polymorphisms and personality traits (such as neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeability and conscientiousness) in elite combat athletes. A total of 302 physically active, unrelated, self-reported Caucasian participants were recruited for this study. The participants consisted of 200 elite male combat athletes and 102 healthy male participants (control group). For personality trait measurements, the NEO…

Sordità neurosensoriale non sindromica: genotipi della Cx26 (GJB2) in famiglie siciliane

Brain cells shed angiogenic and/or pro-apoptotic factors by extracellular vesicles

A three-cell type in vitro-model of BBB

Il trasferimento di molecole tra cellule cerebrali è mediato anche da vescicole extracellulari

Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine

Tumorigenesis is a multiphasic process in which genetic alterations guide the progressive transformation in cancer cells1. In order to evaluate the possible correlation between some gene variants and the risk of the toxicity development onset, two of the polymorphisms of the thymidylate synthase (TYMS), rs34743033 (2R/3R) and rs16430 (DEL/INS) were investigated. We enrolled in our study 47 patients from the Hospital of Sicily. Our preliminary findings suggest that there could be a linkage between the genotypes discussed and the development of the toxicity following the chemotherapy treatment. These results need to be confirmed by further studies, however this short paper offers some initial…

Efficacy of 12 weeks of proprioceptive training in patients with multiple sclerosis

This pilot study aims to investigate if specific training protocol can improve the quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis through the improvement of some impaired ability like the balance. We enrolled in our project 20 subjects (age: 34,88 ± 4,45; height: 168,25 ± 8,66 cm; weight: 72,31 ± 17,28 kg) but only 5 completed the study. A proprioceptive training was administered for 12 weeks, 2 times a week, an hour for each session. At the beginning (T0) and at the end of the study (T1), static and dynamic balance parameters were tested. Statistical analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.Changes in balance and strength between T0, T1 were evaluated using t Student test fo…

Metodo per la purificazione da sistemi di produzione batterici di proteine ricombinanti attive

Un metodo per la produzione e purificazione da sistemi di produzione batterici di proteine ricombinanti attive con pre-sequenza di sei istidine.

Regulation of the expression of RNA-binding proteins in developing and adult rat brains: the role of thyroid hormones

BOTH NEURONS AND ASTROCYTES RELEASE EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES

EFFETTO DI TERRENI CONDIZIONATI DA NEURONI ED ASTROCITI SULLE PROPRIETÀ BARRIERA DI CELLULE DEI CAPILLARI CEREBRALI.

Neurons and astrocytes shed extracellular membrane vesicles containing angiogenic factors

The HLA locus and multiple sclerosis in Sicily

In vitro models of blood-brain barrier and application in the study of the multiple sclerosis

Dare to jump: The effect of the new high impact activity SuperJump on bone remodeling. A new tool to maintain fitness during COVID-19 home confinement

SuperJump is a high impact activity performed on an elastic trampoline that mixes aerobic and anaerobic exercises already proposed as home-based activity for preventing a sedentary lifestyle. We determined in a randomized controlled trial whether 20 weeks of SuperJump activity would promote bone formation and reduce resorption in eumenorrheic women. Twenty-four women were randomized to a non-exercise group (control group) or an exercise group that performed SuperJump activity three times a week for 20 weeks. Blood samples were collected in both groups at baseline and at the end of the 20 weeks and compared within and between the groups for C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), a marker of bone reso…

The hypoxia-inducible factor-responsive proteins semaphorin 4D and vascular endothelial growth factor promote tumor growth and angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Growth and metastasis of solid tumors requires induction of angiogenesis to ensure the delivery of oxygen, nutrients and growth factors to rapidly dividing transformed cells. Through either mutations, hypoxia generated by cytoreductive therapies, or when a malignancy outgrows its blood supply, tumor cells undergo a change from an avascular to a neovascular phenotype, a transition mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family of transcriptional regulators. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one example of a gene whose transcription is stimulated by HIF. VEGF plays a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and survival by stimulating new blood vessel growth in response to suc…

RNA-binding proteins expressed in differentiating rat astrocytes

The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Bone Health in Children and Adolescents.

There is growing recognition of the role of diet and physical activity in modulating bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and remodeling, which in turn can impact bone health later in life. Adequate nutrient composition could influence bone health and help to maximize peak bone mass. Therefore, children’s nutrition may have lifelong consequences. Also, physical activity, adequate in volume or intensity, may have positive consequences on bone mineral content and density and may preserve bone loss in adulthood. Most of the literature that exists for children, about diet and physical activity on bone health, has been translated from studies conducted in adults. Thus, there are still man…

IN VITRO MODELS OF BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER FORMATION AND FUNCTIONING IN MOLECULAR BASES OF NEURODEGENERETION

EFFECT OF LONG-TERM SUPERJUMP® TRAINING ON BONE REMODELING AND METABOLISM IN WOMEN

Replication-independent expression of H1˚ and H3.3 histone variants is probably regulated by different RNA-binding proteins

DNA in eukaryotes is wrapped around core histones to form nucleosomes, the basic units of chromatin. The linker histones H1 bind DNA where it enters and leaves the nucleosome, thus stabilizing higher order structures. Chromatin is a dynamic complex, modulated by different processes such as DNA-methylation, post-translational modifications of histones, and incorporation of specific histone variants. Throughout rat brain development, expression of H1° and H3.3 histone variants is mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level. These proteins are of interest for their possible involvement in the replication-independent chromatin remodelling induced by extracellular stimuli. We previously c…

Effect of training with Supejump® on bone metabolism in women

Physical exercise is recommended to decrease bone loss in elderly women. Supejump® is a new workout activity performed on a modified elastic mini trampoline that mixes aerobic and anaerobic exercises. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of training with Supejump® on bone metabolism in women. Twelve women were involved in the study. They performed Supejump®, three times a week, each session lasting 60 mins for a total of 20-weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 20-weeks of training. The biomarkers of bone resorption (c-terminal telopeptide region of collagen type 1 (β-CTX)), bone formation (osteocalcin), and calcitonin, parathyroid ho…

Use of nutritional supplement to improve performance in professional soccer players: A case report

The aim of the study was to investigate the intake percentage and the satisfaction level of some nutritional supplements used by professional soccer players. Twenty-nine professional soccer players (age: 24.6 ± 5.2 years, body weight: 79.2 ± 4.9 kg, body height: 1.83 ± 0.05 m) belonging to a team of Serie A were interviewed on: frequency of use, tolerability, and acceptance of the supplements (creatine, β-alanine, whey protein, nitrates, vitamin D3, caffeine) proposed by the nutritionist team. This survey revealed a great inter-individual variability on the intake of the proposed supplements. All respondents (n = 29) said they take cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), 17 out of 29 creatine, 14 out…

SHEDDING OF ANGIOGENIC FACTORS BY BRAIN CELLS

Power training in young athletes: Is it all in the genes?

Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Physical Performance, Body Composition, Bone Metabolism, and Systemic Homeostasis in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and it is correlated with loss of bone mineral density. This study aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training on bone metabolism, systemic homeostasis, body composition, and physical performance in people with PD. Thirteen subjects (age 64.83 ± 5.70) with PD diagnosis were recruited. Participants performed neuromuscular tests, body composition assessment, and blood sample analysis at baseline, and after an 11 weeks-training period. Each training session lasted 90 min, three times a week. The participants had significant improvements in the timed up and go (p < 0.01), sit to stand (p < …

Physical Activity and Brain Health.

Physical activity (PA) has been central in the life of our species for most of its history, and thus shaped our physiology during evolution. However, only recently the health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, and of highly energetic diets, are becoming clear. It has been also acknowledged that lifestyle and diet can induce epigenetic modifications which modify chromatin structure and gene expression, thus causing even heritable metabolic outcomes. Many studies have shown that PA can reverse at least some of the unwanted effects of sedentary lifestyle, and can also contribute in delaying brain aging and degenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, and multiple s…

The effects of three different training protocols on beginners in eight weeks

The aim of this study was to compare three different methods of training in order to determine the effectiveness on weight loss in relation to body composition in adults. One hundred subjects aged 18 to 38 years, with a BMI equal to or greater than 27 and a body fat percentage greater than 22% for women and 12% for men, were enrolled in this study. They were subdivided into 3 groups that followed a different protocol. Before to start the training protocols was detected the starting level of fitness by a test of maximal oxygen consumption, VO2 max and maximal strength tests that it was detected by one maximal repetition of the major muscle groups; this has allowed to draw up personalized tra…

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Kidney Function in Combat Sport Athletes

Even though scientific literature shows numerous heath complications and performance decrements associated with rapid weight loss (RWL), its prevalence remains exceedingly high across various combat sports. The aim of this study was to thoroughly search the existing literature to explore the influence of RWL on kidney function in Olympic and non-Olympic combat sport athletes. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for the relevant studies. Only original articles published from 2005 onwards, written in English, that included healthy males and females who prompted ~5% weight loss within a week or less, were included in the study. Retrieved studies showed that creatinine, blood urea nitrogen …

EFFECTS OF THYROID HORMONES ON TWO PUTATIVE RNA-BINDING PROTEINS EXPRESSED IN DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN.

Physical activity, nutrition, and bone health

This review aims to describe the roles that physical activity and nutrition have in bone metabolism and to examine their effects on bone in a situation of altered metabolism as a consequence of inadequate nutrition and/or excessive physical activity. Referring to the recent studies and the main guidelines in the literature on athlete nutrition, the paper also focuses on essential nutrients for bone health during performance. Finally, it discusses the negative effect of some nutrients on bone mineral density.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WELL-BEING

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects central nervous system (CNS) – coexists in brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It can process in three different courses: remitting, progressive and progressive-relapsing. Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, reduce number of relapses, rate of progressions and development of new lesions. Nowadays, moderate physical performance is strongly recommended: besides having positive effects on the body, it can have a positive effect on the psychophysical wellbeing. Essentially there are 3 types of training protocols: aerobic (endurance training), strength training (resistan…

A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release

The aims of this paper was to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMFR) on postural stability and to analyze if it can influence migraine condition. Twenty-five subjects (age 49.7±12.5) affected by migraine were enrolled. Assessments included a stabilometric analysis in order to evaluate balance and plantar support, with eyes open (OE) and closed (CE); cervical ROM measurement; evaluation of upper limb strength through handgrip. All the analysis were carried out before and after the administration of a single SMFR protocol, using medium density small balls laid in the three most painful trigger points in migraine patients: trapezius, sternocleidomastoids and suboccipital muscle…

Predicting the 2000‐m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60‐s Mean Power Variables in National Level Young Rowers

Abstract Many studies reported various relationships between 2000-m rowing performance and anthropometric as well as metabolic variables, however, little is known about 60-s mean power in elite youth athletes. The aim of this study was to develop different regression models to predict 2000-m rowing indoor performance time (t2000) using anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and mean power established during a 60-s all-out test (W60) in national elite youth rowers. Fifteen youth male Italian rowers (age: 15.7 ± 2.0 years; body height: 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; body mass: 71.2 ± 10.0 kg) performed an incremental maximal test, a 60-s all-out test and a 2000-m race simulation using a Co…

FROM EPIGENETICS TO ANTI-DOPING APPLICATION: A NEW TOOL OF DETECTION

Eukaryotic genomes transcribe up to 90% of the genomic DNA but only 1–2% of these transcripts encode for proteins, whereas the vast majority are transcribed as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). They are divided into short ncRNA, particularly microRNA (miRNA) and small interference RNA (siRNA), and long ncRNAs. Noteworthy, they are unexpectedly stable since they are protected from degradation through different mechanisms: package in exosomes/microvesicles structures, in apoptotic bodies, in HDL lipoprotein, or by RNA binding proteins. For several years already, biomarkers have been used to detect biological disease; in the last years, a requirement appeared to find some of them to unearth the signs …

Effect of some illegal drug in sport (AAS) on neuron-like cells (PC12)

Toxic effects on astrocytes of extracellular vesicles from CSF of multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot in vitro study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and degenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes a progressive loss of motor and cognitive perfor-mances. Moreover, since the earlier phases, axonal loss as well as neuronal degener-ation and a failure of oligodendrocytes to promote myelin repair have been demon-strated. In previous studies, it has been shown that the treatment of rat neuronal primary cultures with serum from MS patients can be toxic for neurons. Here we report a pilot investigation showing that CSF from patients contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) able to induce cell death in rat cultured astrocytes. Although these data are still preliminary, they suggest …

ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS SIGNALING

Androgens exert their effects on various parts of the body, including muscles, bones, hair follicles in the skin, liver and kidney, reproductive, hematic, immune and nervous systems. The effects are modulated by specific cellular "steroid-converting" enzymes, located inside target tissues. All the anabolic steroids currently used are derivates of testosterone or changes of its structure. The most important esterified forms of testosterone include the propionate, cipionate, enhantate and undecanoate ones. The mechanism of action of AAS has not been fully elucidated and it is currently subject of many studies. Several mechanism of action have been proposed to identify the path activated by AA…

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) Does Not Affect Sports People’s Explosive Power: A Pilot Study

Purpose: This study is aimed to preliminary investigate whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) could affect explosive power considering genetic background in sport subjects.Methods: Seventeen healthy sports volunteers with at least 3 years of sports activities participated in the experiment. After 2 weeks of familiarization performed without any stimulation, each participant received either 50 Hz-tACS or sham-tACS. Before and after stimulation, subjects performed the following tests: (1) the squat jump with the hands on the hips (SJ); (2) countermovement jump with the hands on the hips (CMJ); (3) countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ-AS); (4) 15-s Bosco’s test; (5) s…

PEP-19 and LPI camstatins are RNA-binding proteins

Oligodendroglioma cells shed microvesicles which contain TRAIL as well as molecular chaperones and induce cell death in astrocytes.

Microvesicles (MVs) shed from G26/24 oligodendroglioma cells were previously reported to cause a reproducible, dose-dependent, inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth, and eventually neuronal apoptosis, when added to primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. These effects were reduced but not abolished by functional monoclonal antibodies against Fas-L. In order to investigate whether MVs contain other factors able to induce cell death, we tested them for TRAIL and found clear evidence of its presence in the vesicles. This finding suggests the possibility that Fas-L and TRAIL cooperate in inducing brain cell death. Aimed at understanding the route through which the vesicles deliver their mess…

An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on elite athletes phenotype expression

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of soccer players having the best genetic background that could increase performance, evaluating the polymorphism that are considered Performance Enhancing Polymorphism (PEPs) distributed on five genes: PPAR alpha, PPARGC1A, NRF2, ACE e CKMM. Particularly, we investigated how each polymorphism works directly or through another polymorphism to distinguish elite athletes from non-athletic population. Sixty professional soccer players (age 22.5 +/- 2.2) and sixty healthy volunteers (age 21.2 +/- 2.3) were enrolled. Samples of venous blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP protocols with …

Pippin protein expression changes during cell differentiation

PIPPin is a CSD-containing protein with the ability to interact both with mRNAs encoding histone variants and chromatin. A major fraction of chromatin-bound PIPPin is sumoylated and sumoylation seems to be controlled by thyroid hormones, both in vivo and in vitro. We studied its expression in different tissues and cell lines and even in tumor cells and found that, even if more expressed in the brain respect to other tissues of the adult rat, it is also expressed in brain tumors and in cell lines as different as kidney NRK cells and PC12. The expression of the protein is strongly increased by treatments that induce differentiation, such as treatment of PC12 with NGF. We also found an increas…

IS HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR (HIF-1) ALPHA INVOLVED IN TARAVANA SYNDROME?

Breath holding diving (BH) is a discipline practiced by an increasing number of people. BH-divers are exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as: increased hyperbaric pressure and low temperature that caused change in arterial blood gases (1-2) and induced an human diving response which includes bradycardia, reduced cardiac output, increased arterial blood pressure and peripheral vasoconstriction (3). Some of these adaptations are still not fully understood, so we decided to investigate some biomarkers that should be involved in this disorders starting to analyse Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). We enrolled in our study 31 healthy free divers from different part of Sicily…

EXPRESSION OF PIPPIN PROTEIN AND CELL DIFFERENTIATION.

We previously described a CSD-containing protein that seemed to bind mRNAs encoding histone variants and was present both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of specific populations of brain cells. Since other CSD-containing proteins have the ability to interact both with RNA and chromatin, we investigated the possibility that PIPPin binds to chromatin and indeed found that about 50% of nuclear PIPPin cannot be extracted from nuclei with salt and is instead extracted with acid, together with histones. Interestingly, a major fraction of chromatin-bound PIPPin is sumoylated and sumoylation seems to be controlled by thyroid hormones, both in vivo and in vitro. In order to study the functions o…

Biological effects of inorganic arsenic on primary cultures of rat astrocytes

It is well established that inorganic arsenic induces neurotoxic effects and neurological defects in humans and laboratory animals. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of its actions, however, remain elusive. Herein we report the effects of arsenite (NaAsO2) on primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Cells underwent induction of heat shock protein 70 only at the highest doses of inorganic arsenic (30 and 60 microM), suggesting a high threshold to respond to stress. We also investigated arsenic genotoxicity with the comet assay. Interestingly, although cells treated with 10 microM arsenite for 24 h maintained >70% viability, with respect to untreated cells, high DNA damage was already observed…

Effect of the serum from multiple sclerosis patients on an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by focal inflammatory demyelination, largely due to autoimmune responses against different components of the myelin sheet. It is also generally accepted that the pathogenesis of MS consists of inflammatory and neurodegenerative phases, where demyelination should produce partially reversible clinical deficits that can remit, due to limited remyelination, while axonal degeneration produces permanent non-remitting clinical damage. It is also assumed that nervous system inflammation is initiated by autoreactive, myelin-specific T cells that permeate the blood-brain barrier and trigger a series of events leading to tissue destruction. In addition to antib…

PPARa GENE VARIATION AND PHISYCAL PERFORMANCE IN ITALIAN SOCCER PLAYERS

PURPOSE: One of the genes of the health-related fitness phenotype is a PPARα coding for peroxisome proliferator activator receptor alpha, a central regulator of expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. The aim of our research was to study the role of polymorphism of PPARα gene in performance enhancing in Italian soccer players. METHODS: Sixty professional soccer players and thirty sedentary volunteers were enrolled in the study. Samples of venous blood were obtained at rest in the morning by conventional clinical procedures. Serum was collected and lipid profile was measured by using a commercial kit. An aliquote of anticoagulant-treated blood was used to prepare genomic DNA f…

Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters in overweight adults

Benefits of exercise are known for a long time, but mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in order to determine which is the best for weight loss and for specific overweight- related disorders. Forty-five female sedentary overweight participants from 20 to 50 years (average 31.8±11.2) were enrolled and assigned to three different groups; each group was compared with a control normal-weight group. Three different circuit protocols were randomly assigned to each overweight group: aerobictone- aerobic (ATA), aerobic-circuit-aero…

RNA-binding CSD-C2 protein and its interactors in nerve cell differentiation

INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION AND GENETICS ON PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY IN A GROUP OF GYMNASTS

Purpose. Energy requirements in sports performance are affected by numerous factors: physical characteristics, age, genetic basis, sports discipline. The Food and Nutrition Board recommended nutrition based on age, height, and body weight gain in relation to physical activity. Some genetic factors, such as the PPAR-encoding gene, play a key role in metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of specific snacks on performance. Methods. Seventeen girls aged 10–14 years practising artistic gymnastics were enrolled. A carb or protein/carb snack was provided before the training, and a questionnaire was administered at the end. In addition, saliva samples were collected for gen…

RNA-binding ability of PIPP in requires the entire protein

Post-transcriptional fate of eukaryotic mRNAs depends on association with different classes of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Among these proteins, the cold-shock domain (CSD)-containing proteins, also called Y-box proteins, play a key role in controlling the recruitment of mRNA to the translational machinery, in response to environmental cues, both in development and in differentiated cells. We recently cloned a rat cDNA encoding a new CSD-protein that we called PIPPin. This protein also contains two putative double-stranded RNA-binding motifs (PIP(1) and PIP(2)) flanking the central CSD, and is able to bind mRNAs encoding H1 degrees and H3.3 histone variants. In order to clarify the role of…

Fighting the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition Practices to Reduce Eating Disorders and Promote Sustainability

Over the past two years, the world’s population has been tested by the COVID-19 health emergency. This has changed population habits worldwide by encouraging a sedentary lifestyle and overnutrition. Isolation and reduction of social life, for most of the population, was mandatory but it quickly became a new lifestyle. Nowadays, we are encountering the consequences with an increase in nutritional associated disorders and conditions that cause illnesses in the general population. These disorders include diet excesses that lead to obesity and diet deficiencies and malnutrition which could rapidly lead to death. These eating disorders are very complex to manage because they become mental disord…

Oligodendroglioma cells synthesize the differentiation-specific linker histone H1˚ and release it into the extracellular environment through shed vesicles

Chromatin remodelling can be involved in some of the epigenetic modifications found in tumor cells. One of the mechanisms at the basis of chromatin dynamics is likely to be synthesis and incorporation of replacement histone variants, such as the H1° linker histone. Regulation of the expression of this protein can thus be critical in tumorigenesis. In developing brain, H1° expression is mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved. In the past, attention mainly focused on the whole brain or isolated neurons and little information is available on H1° expression in other brain cells. Even less is known relating to tumor glial cells. In this st…

The Impact of the Progressive Efficiency Test on a Rowing Ergometer on White Blood Cells Distribution and Clinical Chemistry Changes in Paralympic Rowers During the Preparatory Stage Before the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 – A Case Report

Abstract There is a large gap in knowledge regarding research on post-exercise blood changes in disabled athletes. There are relatively few data on adaptive mechanisms to exercise in disabled athletes, including disabled rowers. Two rowers from a Polish adaptive rowing settle TAMix2x that qualified for the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 took part in this study. They performed a progressive test on a rowing ergometer until exhaustion. The cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, white blood cells’ distribution and 30 clinical chemistry variables describing laboratory diagnostic profiles and general health were determined. The extreme effort induced changes in all studied meta…

Trend of Drug Abuse in 2011– 2014 in Italy

Doping, although was born as a medication and not with the purpose of enhancing performance, is a widespread practice in all sports, between amateur and gym-goers. The Italian sports federations were in second place worldwide for positive doping-test, after Russia. This review focuses on the analysis of data collected by Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in the 2012–2014 period, showing that the most commonly used substances were anabolic androgenic agents, glucocorticoids, diuretics and stimulants. Prevention in doping could be a key to limit the damage caused by this harmful practice both, for the physical health and the athlete’s moral integrity and anti-doping campai…

Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters among overweight adults

The benefits of regular exercise are known for a long time, but the mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in sedentary overweight adults.

EFFECTS OF A TRAINING PROGRAM ON MEDICINE BALL THROWING PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Introduction It is often recommended that off-season training programs aim to develop muscular strength and power in volleyball players (Marques et al., 2008). However, improvements in performance may be possible with a well-designed training regimen. The purpose of this case report is to study the effects of a specific training program to improve explosive power of upper limbs in young female volleyball players. Methods In the present study were included twenty one short-limbed girls (Scelic Index ≥54.6) of which 11 age-matched control sedentary subjects [SS] (age: 15.00+/-0.52 years, BMI: 21.10+/-2.09, SI: 55.45+/-1.45) and 10 volleyball players [VP] (age: 14.50+/-0.97 years, BMI: 22.17+/…

Stay Home, Stay Active with SuperJump®: A Home-Based Activity to Prevent Sedentary Lifestyle during COVID-19 Outbreak

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensity of SuperJump® workout as a home-based activity for fulfilling physical activity recommendations during COVID-19 home-confinement. Seventeen (males: n = 10; females: n = 7) college students (age: 25.8 ± 2.7 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 66.2 ± 12.1 kg) participated in the study. To assess the intensity of the activity (30-min), heart rate (HR), expressed as percentages of age-predicted maximal HR (%HRmax), and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE), collected on a CR10 scale, were used. %HRmax data were categorically separated in five classes of intensity according to the American College of Sport…

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) management: present state of the art

This paper reviews existing theories explaining the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) phenomenon. The authors describe the main symptoms of DOMS and their relation to different kinds of training strategies, and discuss the most popular muscle pain reduction interventions such as stretching, diet, dietary supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cryotherapy and cold water immersion, concurrent training, and the repeated bout effect.

Use of genetic profile to personalize training: an explorative study on a group of professional basketball players

An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on the elite athletes phenotype expression

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of soccer players having the best genetic background that could increase performance, evaluating the polymorphism that are considered Performance Enhancing Polymorphism (PEPs) distributed on five genes: PPARα, PPARGC1A, NRF2, ACE e CKMM. Particularly, we investigated how each polymorphism works directly or through another polymorphism to distinguish elite athletes from non-athletic population. Materials And Methods. Sixty professional soccer players (age 22.5 ± 2.2) and sixty healthy volunteers (age 21.2± 2.3) were enrolled. Samples of venous blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP pr…

Rat PIPPin is probably part of a large complex of RNA-binding proteins

Throughout rat brain development, expression of histones variants is mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level. We previously cloned two cDNAs encoding, respectively, PIPPin (or CSD-C2), a brain-enriched protein able to bind the 3’end of H1° and H3.3 mRNAs, and LPI (longer isoform of PEP-19). Both PEP-19 and LPI are brain-specific. By western blot, we found that PIPPin expression in PC12 cells is enhanced by NGF-induced differentiation. We investigated the RNA-binding properties of the three proteins using their 6 histidine-tagged recombinant fusions and found that they all bind H1° and H3.3 RNAs. Since PEP-19 and LPI are camstatins, we also analyzed whether calmodulin could interf…

In vitro model of blood-brain barrier and application on the study of the multiple sclerosis.

Social closeness,salivary hormones and physical exercise

Introduction: Saliva collection and analysis is quickly becoming a useful and non-invasive tool for the evaluation of sport biomarkers. The aim of this study is to create a multidisciplinary assessment model, which can help to provide psychological and physiological responses, related to sport performances, social closeness and performance anxiety management in team sports. Materials and methods: We enrolled in our research 26 female volleyball players aged 13 ± 1 years old of three different teams (T1: 12 players; T2: 9 players; T3: 5 players). Saliva collection was carried out before and after the match for every team. Then we analyzed cortisol and progesterone concentrations through Elis…

RNAbinding proteins involved in nerve cell differentiation.

EXTRACELLULAR FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE INDUCTION OF BLLOD-BRAIN BARRIER

EFFECTS OF THYROID HORMONES ON RNA-BINDING PROTEINS EXPRESSED IN DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN

Relationship between genetic background and performance in professional basketball players

SHEDDING OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES FROM BRAIN CELLS

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH BETWEEN GENE VARIANTS, NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTORS AND ANXIETY RESPONSE: A PILOT STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the neurobiology of stress/emotionality, creating a multidisciplinary assessment model, which can help to provide psychological and physiological responses depending on the genetic background related to sport performances, social closeness and performance anxiety management in team sports. We enrolled 20 female volleyball players aged 13 ± 1 years old played in two different teams during a regional championship final. Saliva collection was carried out before and after the match. In order to evaluate the neuroendocrine effectors involved in stress and performance, we analyzed cortisol and progesterone levels through Elisa standard kit as well as HSP70 …

ATTIVITÀ RNA LEGANTE DELLA PROTEINA CSD-C2 RICOMBINANTE PRODOTTA IN ESCHERICHIA COLI RNA BINDING ACTIVITY OF RECOMBINANT CSD-C2 PROTEIN EXPRESSED IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and physical activity in Polish women

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) is the most frequently investigated genetic marker in the context of genetic conditioning of athletic predispositions. However, the knowledge of ACE’s potential modifying effect on changes in selected body traits achieved through a training programme is still limited. Therefore, we have decided to check whether selected body mass, body composition variables, oxygen uptake parameters as well as strength/speed parameters observed in physically active participants will be modulated by the ACE I/D polymorphism. The genotype distribution was examined in a group of 201 young healthy women measured for chosen traits before and after the completion of a 12-w…

Identification of nuclear proteins which interact with H1° mRNA.

In developing rat brain the synthesis of H1° histone is mainly regulated at posttranscriptional level and probably depends on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) (1). We previously identified RBPs apparently specific for this messenger (2) and cloned two novel proteins by screening an expression cDNA library by binding to radiolabeled RNA (3-10). Here we report the use of biotinylated H1° RNA as bait to isolate by chromatography nuclear proteins which interact with H1° mRNA. We identified by mass spectrometry abundant RBPs and molecular chaperones. By western blot we also evidenced, among the RNA-bound proteins, the cold shock domain-containing protein 2 (CSD-C2, also know as PIPPin), a brain-enric…

Effects of thyroid hormones on sumoylation of the RNA-binding protein PIPPin

Extracellular membrane vesicle shedding and the blood-brain barrier

Effective strategies for promoting physical activity through the use of digital media among school-age children: A systematic review

Digital media are widespread among school-age children, and their incorrect use may lead to an increase in sedentary levels and the consequences associated with it. There are still few studies that have investigated whether physical activity levels could be increased through their use. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature in order to identify whether digital strategies and technologies are capable of increasing the level of physical activity. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The main outcomes evaluated the increase in physical activity levels, the number of steps, and the reduction of…

The effect of cadmium on brain cells in culture

Cadmium is a long-living heavy metal, abundantly present in the environment, which accumulates in the body. In this study, we investigated the effects of cadmium on the expression of molecular chaperones, and of certain cell-specific proteins, in a variety of brain cell types in culture, namely primary cultures of rat cortical neurons and astrocytes, a brain capillary endothelial cell line (RB4E.B cells), and pheochromocytoma cells (PC12), induced or not to differentiate by NGF treatment. The metal induces a dose-dependent increase of Hsp70 in all cell types. Responses to the metal are cell-specific in the case of Hsc70 and Hsp90: i) in astrocytes, as well as in PC12 cells, cadmium has no s…

EFFETTO DEGLI ORMONI TIROIDEI SULL’ESPRESSIONE DELLE PROTEINE PIPPIN ED LPI NEL CERVELLO DI RATTO IN SVILUPPO.

FITNESS IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and persons who are less active and less fit have a 30% to 50% greater risk for high blood pressure and others metabolic diseases. The objective of this study was to improve the cardio-respiratory fitness, and to reduce body weight in an obese, hypertensive and sedentary man (Metabolic Syndrome Case Report). The anthropometrics and physiological characteristics were recorded before, during and after the experimentation. The subject performed a specific fitness program for eleven months (70 sessions). The results showed a significant reduction of Body Mass (p<0.001). Moreover the resting blood pressure recorded at the end…

DEVELOPMENT OF A HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE: NEUROBIOLOGICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS EFFECT

Neurodegenerative diseases are inherited diseases of the central nervous system, which cause progressive damage to specific populations of neurons and lead to a deterioration in the quality of life (1,2). Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the second most common after AD, and is characterized by postural instability, tremor and rigidity. Moreover, physical activity can reduces risk of other geriatric diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, which may also contribute to PD pathogenesis (3). We enrolled 12 subjects (age: 62.74 ± 4.94; height: 175,5cm ± 7,41 cm; weight: 75,5 ± 17,95 kg) affected by PD. An home-based…

THE ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS EXERT DIRECT TOXIC EFFECTS ON NEURON-LIKE CELLS

INTRODUCTION Intake of AAS by atheletes and others in an attempt to gain muscle strength and improve perfor- mance is often associated with toxic effects on the liver, the cardiovascular system, the male and female reproductive systems, and the central nervous system (Trifunovic et al., 1995). In vivo administration of high doses of androgens has been linked to neurobehavioral changes that could be the outward manifestation of neuronal damage. METHODS PC12 cells are a cell line that have been widely used as a model in neurobiological investigations (Fujita et al., 1989; Vaudry et al., 2002). Following exposure to nerve growth factor (NGF), PC12 cells differentiate into a sympathetic-like ne…

ANALYSIS OF SERUM BIOMARKERS IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER A TWO-WEEK PRECOMPETITIVE TRAINING

Is the Secret in the Gut? SuperJump Activity Improves Bone Remodeling and Glucose Homeostasis by GLP-1 and GIP Peptides in Eumenorrheic Women

We showed that twenty weeks of SuperJump activity, an innovative workout training performed on an elastic minitrampoline, reduced bone resorption and increased bone formation in eumenorrheic women acting on the key points of the regulation of bone metabolism. The present study analyzed whether the gastrointestinal hormones are involved in the mechanism of action and if it has an impact on glucose homeostasis. The control group was composed of twelve women, similar to the exercise group that performed SuperJump activity for twenty weeks. The analysis was performed on blood samples and investigated GLP-1, GIP, GLP-2, PYY, ghrelin, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β-cell function, and ins…

Neuronal and BBB damage induced by sera from patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

An important component of the pathogenic process of multiple sclerosis (MS) is the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. We recently set an in vitro model of BBB, based on a three-cell-type co-culture system, in which rat neurons and astrocytes synergistically induce brain capillary endothelial cells to form a monolayer with permeability properties resembling those of the physiological BBB. Herein we report that the serum from patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) has a damaging effect on isolated neurons. This finding suggests that neuronal damaging in MS could be a primary event and not only secondary to myelin damage, as generally assumed. SPMS serum affects the perme…

Tipi diversi di cellule cerebrali rilasciano fattori di crescita attraverso vescicole extracellulari.

Improvement of the expression of upper limb muscle strength and balance in a group of patients with multiple sclerosis, through a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol combined with the application of photon emission devices.

In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, symptoms such as: fatigue, lack of physical energy, spasticity, difficulty in performing movements, and motor coordination disorders, and with tremors, dizziness and postural instability are among the most common complications. Cattaneo et al. (2007) studied the effects of stability training on MS patients and described it as an effective intervention in reducing falls risk, improving stability, and strength. Therefore, the present study aimed to confirm early observations by the application of a proprioceptive rehabilitation program targeting balance and strength on MS patients. 13 subjects with MS, 5 male and 8 female, volunteered in the study. A MAP h…

Monitoring biomarkers during preseason preparation period in professional soccer players

Aim. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a 3-week experimental intervention on biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation-period. Methods. Eight participants (age 22.5±2.2 yrs) were enrolled in the study. During the physical preparation period players have attended a training program (51,9 hours) planned by coaches of “Equipe-Sicilia-2009”. Results. At rest, the lipid profile, the creatine kinase (CK), the lactic-acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and the expression of nuclear receptors peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR α/γ) were analyzed before starting and after 3 weeks of training sessions. The plasma level of CK in our samples sho…

Histone H1° and H3.3 RNA-binding proteins identified in the developing rat brain

The Association between Masticatory Muscles Activation and Foot Pressure Distribution in Older Female Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

The association between craniofacial muscles and postural control is well-known because of numerous anatomical connections. However, there are a few conflicting studies that correlated the activity of the masticatory muscles with the distribution of body weight pressure on the feet, which can strongly influence balance. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the association between the masseter and temporalis muscle activity and foot pressure distribution. Fifty-two women were recruited, and baropodometric and EMG analyses of the masseter and temporalis baseline activities were analyzed. An ipsilateral association was found between the right temporal muscle activity and the rig…

Histone H1° RNA-binding proteins in developing rat brain.

Lactate Threshold Training Program on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Physical activity could play a key role in improving the quality of life, particularly in patients with nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Through lactacid anaerobic training, this study aims to investigate the effects at a bio-psycho-physical level to counteract the chronic fatigue associated with the pathology, and to improve mental health at a psychological and neurotrophic level. Eight subjects (age: 34.88 ± 4.45 years) affected by multiple sclerosis were involved. A lactate threshold training program was administered biweekly for 12 weeks at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the study (T1) and at 9 months after the end of the study (T2), with physical…

ANALISI DELLA PERMEABILITÀ DI UNO STRATO DI CELLULE ENDOTELIALI DEI CAPILLARI CEREBRALI, CO-COLTIVATE CON NEURONI ED ASTROCITI.

ASTROCYTES SHED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES THAT CONTAIN FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR-2 AND VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR.

An important component of the pathogenic process of multiple sclerosis (MS) is the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. We recently set an in vitro model of BBB, based on a three-cell-type co-culture system, in which rat neurons and astrocytes synergistically induce brain capillary endothelial cells to form a monolayer with permeability properties resembling those of the physiological BBB. Herein we report that the serum from patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) has a damaging effect on isolated neurons. This finding suggests that neuronal damaging in MS could be a primary event and not only secondary to myelin damage, as generally assumed. SPMS serum affects the perme…

DOPAMINE PRO-DRUGS FOR CNS TARGETING: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND HYDROLYSIS BY BRAIN ENZYMES.

CLONING OF RAT-SPECIFIC LONG PCP4/PEP19 ISOFORM (LPI)

We report the identification of a cDNA that encodes a putative protein of 94 amino acids and expected molecular weight of 10.7 kDa, the C-terminal half of which is identical to that of PEP19, a small, brain-specific protein involved in Ca++/calmodulin signaling. The novel rat-specific protein, tentatively named long PEP19 isoform (LPI), is the product of alternative splicing of the rat PCP4 gene encoding PEP19. We found that antibodies raised against the first 13 N-terminal amino acids of LPI, not present in PEP19, recognize a protein enriched in the developing rat brain.

The role of semaphorin 4D in perineural invasion

NOVEL ROUTES OF CELL TO CELL COMUNICATIONS AMONG BRAIN CELLS

Specialized Movement on the Rowing Ergometer and Post-workout Changes in Selected Peripheral Blood Parameters - a Case Report.

Rowing is a sport discipline, which requires extreme physical strength and endurance and appropriate aerobic and anaerobic capacity as well. However, when the workout intensity and load is very high, exercise is associated with temporary changes in cellular metabolism and the immune system. The study included one male rower aged 28 years - the highly-skilled and experienced athlete. We determined basic cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, and 24 clinical chemistry parameters including relevant biochemical and haematological parameters and matrix metaloproteinases activities. Maximal exercise on the rowing ergometer induced 2-fold increase in absolute counts of all leuko…

Brain-specific RNA-binding protein

Family history to type 2 diabetes influence on body parameters of young soccer players

The aim of our study was to analyze the difference of phenotype in healthy soccer players with family history of type 2 diabetes and healthy soccer players without family history of type 2 diabetes. The anthropometric parameters and body composition was analysed. The group with positive family history (FH+) had the highest values of wrist circumference (p<0.05) associated with not statistically significant increase of body fat mass and fat free mass. Also, the heart function was analysed. FH+ players had a diastolic basal pressure values higher than other group, but other functional parameters were the same. Analysing lung function indicators, FH+ players showed significant greater FEV1 and…

Effects of protein supplementation in fitness world: A 12-week cross-over studio

The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of isolated protein supplementation in young amateur athletes. Sixteen subjects aged between 20 and 30 were recruited for this study. Before to start sports performance was assessed at T0, in all subjects, using physical performance test and evaluated body composition. Therefore, the subjects were randomly assigned in two groups (group A and B) of 8 subjects each. The group A start to intake 30 g of protein powder diluted in water after each training session (3 times a week) for six weeks (T0) whilst the group B was the placebo. After 6 weeks (T1), the measurement were repeated for all subjects and the group A became placebo and the group B…

Extracellular vesicles as vehicles of angiogenic factors in brain cell cultures

How Does the Amount of a Physical Education Intervention Affect Gross Motor Coordination in Early Childhood?

Little is known about the dose–response of physical education interventions on motor coordination in preschoolers. Our aim was to investigate whether the development of motor skills changed depending on different amounts of a physical education program (PEP) in children aged 3–5 years. One hundred forty-five children were recruited from kindergartens and randomly divided into a control group (CG, n = 28), which did not perform any PEP, and two intervention groups, which performed 4 h/week (I1, n = 78) and 10 h/week (I2, n = 39) of a PEP for 16 weeks. Each lesson was set in the form of a programmed game in order to produce fun, thus increasing enthusiasm for participation. Before and after t…

Co-culture of rat brain cells as a tool for studying cell-cell interactions

Brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in response to interaction with other brain cells (astrocytes, pericytes and neurons). BCECs are characterized by tight junctions (TJ), maturation and stabilization of which require different proteins, such as occludin. When co-cultured with astrocytes and neurons, BCECs were found to form a monolayer resembling the natural BBB: paracellular flux of dopamine and sucrose (i.e. compounds which are unable to cross the BBB in vivo) significantly decreased (1), while the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) increased. In these conditions, BCECs produced a larger amount of occludin and tended to localize it at t…

Neuronal factors secreted through unusual pathways are probably involved in blood brain barrier (BBB) formation

Evaluation of Posturographic and Neuromuscular Parameters during Upright Stance and Hand Standing: A Pilot Study

Upright bipedal posture is the physiological human posture; however, it is not the only possible form of human standing; indeed, an inverted position, a handstand, is required during gymnastics or other sports. Thus, this study aimed to understand the differences between the two standing strategies from a postural and neuromuscular perspective. Thirteen gymnasts with at least three years of sports experience underwent a baropodometric assessment and a surface electromyography (sEMG) examination in a standard upright bipodalic stance and during a handstand. The sEMG examination was performed on the gastrocnemius during an upright stance and on the flexor carpi radialis during the handstand. …

Cloning of a rat-specific long PCP4/PEP19 isoform

We report the identification of a cDNA that encodes a putative protein of 94 amino acids and expected molecular weight of 10.7 kDa, the C-terminal half of which is identical to that of PEP19, a small, brain-specific protein involved in Ca++/calmodulin signaling. The novel rat-specific protein, tentatively named long PEP19 isoform (LPI), is the product of alternative splicing of the rat PCP4 gene encoding PEP19. We found that antibodies raised against the first 13 N-terminal amino acids of LPI, not present in PEP19, recognize a protein enriched in the developing rat brain.

NEURONAL FACTOR SECRETED THROUGH UNUSUAL PATHWAYS ARE PROBABLY INVOLVED IN BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB) FORMATION.

Transcranial alternating current stimulation and sports performance: an explorative study of the association with the genetic background

Neurobiology of performance anxiety:A new approach

The aim of this study is to investigate the neurobiology of stress/emotionality, creating a multidisciplinary assessment model, which can help to provide psychological and physiological responses depending on the genetic background related to sport performances, social closeness and performance anxiety management in team sports. We enrolled 20 female volleyball players aged 13 ± 1 years old played in two different teams during a regional championship final. Saliva collection was carried out before and after the match. In order to evaluate the neuroendocrine effectors involved in stress and performance, we analyzed cortisol and progesterone levels through Elisa standard kit as well as HSP70 …

Heart rate recovery after exercise and maximal oxygen uptake in sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims: Heart rate recovery after exercise (HRR) is an estimate of autonomic modulation of the heart, and has been shown to be inversely associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes [1]. Type 2 diabetes is associated with poor exercise tolerance and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) [2]. Aim of our study was to assess the relationship between HRR and VO2max in sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Maximal treadmill exercise testing using standard or modified Bruce protocol was performed in 16 (8 males and 8 females) sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and in 16 (9 males and 7 females) age-matched sedentary non-diabetic controls (ND). HRR (…

Extracellular membrane vesicles can mediate intercellular transfer of molecules

Many eukaryotic cell types, including neural cells, release into the extracellular environment vesicles of different sizes and composition. Neurons and astrocytes shed extracellular vesicles which contain FGF2 and VEGF and could be involved in interaction with endothelial cells, to form the blood-brain barrier. Also brain tumor cells, such as glioblastomas, release vesicles in the extracellular space. Microvesicles (MVs) shed from G26/24 oligodendro¬glioma cells were previously reported to contain FAS-L and to cause a reproducible, dose-dependent, inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth, and neuronal apoptosis, when added to primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. More recently, they were …

Novel routes of cell to cell communications among brain cells

EXTRACELLULAR FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE INDUCTION OF BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB)

Effects of thyroid hormones on the expression of two rat brain proteins: PIPPin and the long PEP-19 isoform (LPI)

Extracellulare membrane vesicles as vehicles for cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix functional interactions

Effetto dei terreni condizionati da neuroni ed astrociti sulle proprietà barriera di cellule di capillari cerebrali.

Analysis of DRD2 Gene Polymorphism in the Context of Personality Traits in a Group of Athletes

The presented study showed the relationship between dopamine receptor gene polymorphism and personality traits in athletes training in martial arts. Behavioral modulation resulting from a balance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to inactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dysregulation of various pathways involved in attention and impulse control processes

Extracellular microvesicles as brain cell-to-cell communication carriers

POST-TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION BY THYROID HORMONES OF SOME BRAIN-SPECIFIC PROTEINS PROBABLY INVOLVED IN RNA METABOLISM.

L`ANGIOGENESI NEL SISTEMA NERVOSO ANGIOGENESIS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Supraphysiological doses of performance enhancing anabolic-androgenic steroids exert direct toxic effects on neuron-like cells.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are lipophilic hormones often taken in excessive quantities by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance and increase muscle mass. AAS exert well known toxic effects on specific cell and tissue types and organ systems. The attention that androgen abuse has received lately should be used as an opportunity to educate both athletes and the general population regarding their adverse effects. Among numerous commercially available steroid hormones, very few have been specifically tested for direct neurotoxicity. We evaluated the effects of supraphysiological doses of methandienone and 17-α-methyltestosterone on sympathetic-like neuron cells. Vitality and …

PPAR alpha gene variants as predicted performance-enhancing polymorphisms in professional Italian soccer players

Patrizia Proia,1 Antonino Bianco,1 Gabriella Schiera,2 Patrizia Saladino,2 Valentina Contr&amp;ograve;,1 Giovanni Caramazza,3 Marcello Traina,1 Keith A Grimaldi,4 Antonio Palma,1 Antonio Paoli5 1Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, 2Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 3Regional Sports School of CONI Sicilia, Sicily, Italy; 4Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece; 5Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy Background: The PPAR&amp;alpha; gene encodes the peroxisome proliferato…

Angiogenic and/or pro-apoptotic factors are shed from brain cells via extracellular vesicles

We set a three-cell type coculture system in which neurons and astrocytes synergistically induce brain capillary endothelial cells to form a monolayer with permeability properties resembling those of the physiological blood-brain barrier (BBB) (Schiera et al., 2003; Schiera et al., 2005). On the basis of immunofluorescence, scanner electron microscopy and western blot analyses, we also suggested that both astrocytes and neurons in culture shed extracellular vesicles that contain FGF-2 and VEGF, as well as beta1-integrin, a membrane protein that can be considered a marker of shedding (Schiera et al, 2007; Proia et al., 2008). In addition, it was already known that transformed glial cells (ol…

The efficacy of anaerobic training on multiple sclerosis symptoms management

Purpose: the aim of this study was to investigated the improvement of physical health status and reduce the chronic fatigue associated with that pathology in people with multiple sclerosis following lactacid anaerobic training protocol. Methods: 8 subjects (age: 34,88 ± 4,45) affected by multiple sclerosis (EDSS &lt; 3.5) were involved in our study. An anaerobic lactacid training was administered for 12 weeks, 2 times a week, an hour and a half for each session. At the beginning (T0), at the end of the study (T1) and after 9 months from the end of the study (Follow-up, FU) physical parameters (body compositions analysis; strength, balance and reaction tests; Visual Analog Fatigue Scale, VAF…

Can specific pre-workout meals reduce bone resorption in young gymnasts?

The pre-adolescence in woman is a key stage to obtain adequate bone mineral content and to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. Exercise and adequate nutrition can influence the bone growth process. The aim of this paper was to verify if a different pre-exercise meal can change exercise-induced bone resorption in female child artistic gymnasts. Twenty-eight preadolescent female were requited for this study. Training was preceded by high-carbohydrate meal (HCM; 300 kcal, 88% carbohydrates, 9% protein, 3% fat) or high protein meal (HPM; 300 kcal, 55% carbohydrates, 31% protein, 13% fat) ninety minutes before the start of the training session. Bone resorption biomarker, C-terminal t…

Proapoptotic effects of oligodendroglioma cells on primary brain cells in culture.

Sex steroid hormone receptors, their ligands, and nuclear and non-nuclear pathways

The ability of a cell to respond to a particular hormone depends on the presence of specific receptors for those hormones. Once the hormone has bound to its receptor, and following structural and biochemical modifications to the receptor, it separates from cytoplasmic chaperone proteins, thereby exposing the nuclear localization sequences that result in the activation of the receptor and initiation of the biological actions of the hormone on the target cell. In addition, recent work has demonstrated new pathways of steroid signaling through orphan and cell surface receptors that contribute to more rapid, “non-nuclear” or non-transcriptional effects of steroid hormones, often involving G-pro…

Lactate level and handgrip test in migraine and fibromyalgia after self-myofascial release treatment

The Aim of the study was to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMFR) treatment on handgrip test score in patients with fibromyalgia and migraine, investigating also if the lactate levels influenced the result. Twenty-five subjects affected by migraine (age 49.7±12.5; height 164.9±6.62 cm; weight 68.6±16.9 kg) and ten subjects affected by fibromyalgia (age 43.7±21.2; height 158±5.65 cm; weight 70±28.9 kg) were enrolled in the study. The assessments included a handgrip test, in order to evaluate isometric strength of both hands and forearm muscles and the lactate levels evaluation. The treatment was performed in the three most painful trigger points indicated from subjects as to…

ROLE OF THYROID HORMONES IN DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN AND IN CULTURED NEURONS

Taopatch® combined with home-based training protocol to prevent sedentary lifestyle and biochemical changes in MS patients during COVID-19 pandemic

In Multiple sclerosis (MS) it is important to preserve the residual physiological functions of subjects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of nanotechnological device treatment combined with home-based training program (TP) on lactate level, hand grip strength and cervical mobility on MS patients. Seventeen MS patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) in which the Taopatch® nanotechnological device was applied or to a control group (CG). All the participants carried out a cervical range of motion (1) assessment and the hand grip test at baseline (T0) and after TP (T1), also investigating the lactate levels to figure o…

Extracellular vesicles can shuttle molecules among brain cells

AMINOACID PRO-DRUG TO SHUTTLE VALPROIC ACID INTO CNS

Identification in the rat brain of a set of nuclear proteins interacting with H1° mRNA

Synthesis of H1° histone, in the developing rat brain, is also regulated at post-transcriptional level. Regulation of RNA metabolism depends on a series of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs); therefore, we searched for H1° mRNA-interacting proteins. With this aim, we used in vitro transcribed, biotinylated H1° RNA as bait to isolate, by a chromatographic approach, proteins which interact with this mRNA, in the nuclei of brain cells. Abundant RBPs, such as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K and hnRNP A1, and molecular chaperones (heat shock cognate 70, Hsc70) were identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis also revealed the presence of cold shock domain-containing protein…

Novel ways of cell-to-cell communications among brain cells

Thyroid hormones induce sumoylation of the cold shock domain-containing protein PIPPin in developing rat brain and in cultured neurons.

We previously identified a cold shock domain (CSD)-containing protein (PIPPin), expressed at high level in brain cells. PIPPin has the potential to undergo different post-translational modifications and might be a good candidate to regulate the synthesis of specific proteins in response to extracellular stimuli. Here we report the effects of thyroid hormone (T3) on PIPPin expression in developing rat brain. We found that a significant difference among euthyroid- and hypothyroid- newborn rats concerns sumoylation of nuclear PIPPin, that is abolished by hypothyroidism. Moreover, T3-dependence of PIPPin sumoylation has been confirmed in cortical neurons purified from brain cortices and culture…

The HLA locus and multiple sclerosis in Sicily

The authors report the analysis of HLA-class II allelic heterogeneity in a well characterized multiple sclerosis (MS) Sicilian dataset. Family-based association analysis revealed evidence for excess transmission to affected individuals for alleles HLA-DRB1*1501, DRB1*04, and DQB1*0302. When analyzed as haplotypes, the authors observed excess transmission for the DRB1*0400-DQB1*0302 haplotype. Sicilian patients share the HLA-DRB1*1501 susceptibility allele with affecteds living in continental Italy, but also display the allelic heterogeneity that characterizes Mediterranean populations.

EFFECT OF SERA FROM PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ON A BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER IN VITRO MODEL.

A new road to improve vitamin D and balance through Taopatch® and proprioceptive protocol in Multiple Sclerosis patients

: In multiple sclerosis patients (MS), symptoms such as fatigue, lack of physical energy, spasticity, motor coordination disorders, tremors, dizziness and postural instability are most common. Cattaneo et al. (2007) studied the effects of stability training on MS patients, describing its efficacy in reducing all risks, by improving stability, and strength. The present study aimed to confirm our 2021 results on MS patients, combining the Taopatch® device with a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol (PRP) targeting strength, balance, and biochemical parameters including vitamin D levels. Twenty MS patients, 8 males and 12 females, volunteered in the study. A KERN MAP Version 1.2 08/2012, Han…

AN IN VITRO MODEL OF BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB).

Lactate as a Metabolite and a Regulator in the Central Nervous System

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…

Association of Monocarboxylate Transporter-1 (MCT1) A1470T Polymorphism (rs1049434) with Forward Football Player Status.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between the MCT1 (monocarboxylate transporter 1) A1470T polymorphism and positional roles in a large cohort of professional football players from five different countries. We compared genotype distributions of the MCT1 A1470T polymorphism between football players (n=694) and non-athlete controls (n=781) from Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Malta, and we analyzed the MCT1 genotype distributions with respect to the players’ positions in the field (e. g. forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers). Genomic DNA was extracted from either buccal epithelium or peripheral blood using a standard protocol. In the pooled coho…

Histone RNA-binding proteins in the rat brain

Biochemical adaptations in middle-distance runners: an assessment of blood and anthropometric parameters

In order to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological adaptation of purely aerobic workout, we investigated the effect of 2 months of training on nine males (17-22 year-old) middle distance running agonistic athletes. Blood sample was collected in the morning to analyze: hematological parameters, lipid profile, liver function enzymes [glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)] and skeletal and myocardial markers of muscle damage [creatin kinase (CK) and creatin kinase MB (CK-MB)]. Endurance training, as it implies high oxygen consumption, should increase reactive oxygen species, but it has been shown that exercise lea…

Identificazione di proteine che interagiscono con il messaggero dell’istone H1° nel cervello di ratto in sviluppo

PPARα GENE VARIANTS AS PREDICTED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING POLYMORPHISMS IN PROFESSIONAL ITALIAN SOCCER PLAYERS

In vitro models of BBB: a tool for the analysis of cell to cell communication in the brain

Many researchers have been trying to set in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) aimed at analyzing, in simplified terms, the molecular mechanisms responsible for formation, maintenance and functioning of the BBB, as well as the capability of specific drugs and pro-drugs to cross BBB. We did it, starting with a simpler system of co-culture that allowed us to analyze the effects of neurons on differentiation of brain capillary endothelial cells (RBE4.B cells) in culture, and setting then a more complex model, that includes three cell types (endothelial cells, neurons and astrocytes). The reciprocal geometrical organization of brain cells in this model system is similar to the one ob…

NEURONS PRODUCE FGF-2 AND VEGF SECRETE THEM AT LEST IN PART BY SHEDDING EXTRACELLULAR VESCICLES

Abstract We previously found that neurons are able to affect the ability of brain capillary endothelial cells to form in vitro a monolayer with properties resembling the blood-brain barrier. We then looked, by immunofluorescence and western analysis, for factors, produced by neurons, with the potential to influence growth and differentiation of endothelial cells. In the present paper, we report that neurons produce both vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2, two well-known angiogenic factors. More interestingly, we gained evidence that both factors are released by neurons, at least in part, by shedding of extracellular vesicles, that contain β1 integrin, a membra…

Analysis of body composition and blood parameters on 20 subjects after 6 months of training with SuperJump

The “Jill Cooper’s aerobic accellerator system” uses high quality rebound, modified to increase the acceleration, create a more accommodating work surface, greater stability and cushioning to protect joints. Thanks to the three forces of acceleration, deceleration, and the force of gravity, for each jump, the one-way valves of the lymphatic pathways open and close pushing the lymph towards the next “closed”. This action allows the lymphatic system to make a full turn faster than usual. We investigate the effects of 6 months of training on 20 subjects (age: 37 ± 19; weight: 74 ± 19 Kg; height:164,5 ± 13,5 cm; BMI: 28,13 ± 6,876 Kg/m2; % body fat: 26 ± 14,7 Kg). Antropometric parameters were …

Shedding of extracellular membrane vesicles from both normal and tumor cells in culture

Tumor cells of different origins shed extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs), that contain angiogenetic- and pro-apoptotic-factors as well as matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). In addition, also neurons and astrocytes in culture produce VEGF- and FGF2- containing MVs, while oligodendroglioma (G26/24) cells release FasL-containing MVs that inhibit neurite sprouting and cause neuronal apoptosis. Starting from these observations, we have been analyzing composition of MVs produced by both normal and tumor cells in culture. We found that MVs from G26/24 cells contain TRAIL, Hsp70, and VEGF. We also traced the route of shed MVs, by adding vesicles that contain 35S-labeled proteins to unlabeled neuron…

PIPPIN SUMOYLATION IS CONTROLLED BY THYROID HORMONES

RNA-binding activity of the rat calmodulin-binding PEP-19 protein and of the long PEP-19 isoform

Synthesis of H1˚ histone protein, in the developing rat brain, seems to be regulated mainly at the post-transcriptional level. Since regulation of RNA metabolism depends on a series of RNA-binding proteins, we have been searching for RNA-binding proteins involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of the H1˚ gene. We recently reported isolation, from a cDNA expression library, of an insert encoding a novel protein, the C-terminal half of which is identical to that of PEP-19, a brain-specific protein involved in calcium metabolism. The novel protein was called long PEP-19 isoform (LPI). Herein we show that LPI, as well as PEP-19, can bind H1˚ RNA. Moreover, in order to improve production…

Role of RNA-binding proteins in the replication-independent expression of H1° and H3.3 histone variants

Plexin-B1 activates NF-κB and IL-8 to promote a pro-angiogenic response in endothelial cells.

Background The semaphorins and their receptors, the plexins, are proteins related to c-Met and the scatter factors that have been implicated in an expanding signal transduction network involving co-receptors, RhoA and Ras activation and deactivation, and phosphorylation events. Our previous work has demonstrated that Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) acts through its receptor, Plexin-B1, on endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis in a RhoA and Akt-dependent manner. Since NF-κB has been linked to promotion of angiogenesis and can be activated by Akt in some contexts, we wanted to examine NF-κB in Sema4D treated cells to determine if there was biological significance for the pro-angiogenic phenotype o…

Shedding of extracellular membrane vesicles from brain cells in culture

Effects of Mediterranean Diet Combined with CrossFit Training on Trained Adults’ Performance and Body Composition

CrossFit is a high-intensity training discipline increasingly practiced in recent years. Specific nutritional approaches are usually recommended to maximize performance and improve body composition in high-intensity training regimens; notwithstanding, to date there are no targeted nutritional recommendations for CrossFit athletes. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a diet approach with a well-designed proportion of macronutrients, using only available/seasonal food of the Mediterranean area, whose health benefits are well demonstrated. No studies have evaluated this dietary strategy among CrossFit athletes and practitioners; for this reason, we tested the effects of 8 weeks of MD on CrossFit at…

Rho-mediated activation of PI(4)P5K and lipid second messengers is necessary for promotion of angiogenesis by Semaphorin 4D

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PI(4)P5K) is a type I lipid kinase that generates the lipid second messenger phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and functions downstream of RhoA in actin organization. It is known to play an essential role in neurite remodeling, yielding a phenotype identical to that seen in cells treated with Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D), a protein that regulates proliferation, adhesion and migration in many different cell types. Plexin-B1, the receptor for Sema4D, activates RhoA in order to generate a pro-angiogenic signal in endothelial cells. Therefore, we looked in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to determine if Plexin-B1 e…

Relationship between maxinal lipid oxidation and oxygen uptake in sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes

Effect of inorganic arsenic on rat cortical astrocytes in culture

Although inorganic arsenic is a well known poisonous metalloid, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its action remain elusive. The present study was aimed at analyzing the effects of NaAsO2 on primary cultures of rat astrocytes by determining DNA damage by comet assay, and by evaluating possible changes of the concentration of some conserved heat shock proteins. Cells treated with inorganic arsenic underwent induction of Hsp70, demonstrating a state of stress. Moreover, although micromolar NaAsO2 treatments (60 μM) only reduced cell viability to 60% respect to untreated cells, high DNA damage was already observed after 24h treatment with 10 μM arsenite. Since arsenic is known to be not…

Does a specific genetic background influence endurance or power-orientated phenotypes?

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of individuals having the “best” mitochondrial biogenesis related polygenic profile that could increase performance. We compared polygenic profile analyzing several polymorphisms on sixty professional italian soccer players, considered “power-oriented athletes” and thirty sedentary volunteers. Samples of venous blood were obtained by standard clinical procedures and anticoagulant-treated blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP protocols with different enzyme. Furthermore, a cloted part of venus blood sample was used to obtain serum from which we analyzed total cholesterol, high densit…

Enzymatic Spermine Metabolites Induce Apoptosis Associated with Increase of p53, caspase-3 and miR-34a in Both Neuroblastoma Cells, SJNKP and the N-Myc-Amplified Form IMR5

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common malignant solid tumor in children and accounts for 15% of childhood cancer mortality. Amplification of the N-Myc oncogene is a well-established poor prognostic marker in NB patients and strongly correlates with higher tumor aggression and resistance to treatment. New therapies for patients with N-Myc-amplified NB need to be developed. After treating NB cells with BSAO/SPM, the detection of apoptosis was determined after annexin V-FITC labeling and DNA staining with propidium iodide. The mitochondrial membrane potential activity was checked, labeling cells with the probe JC-1 dye. We analyzed, by real-time RT-PCR, the transcript of genes involved in the apoptot…

Relevance of lactate level detection in migrane and fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to determine the blood lactate levels in healthy and pathological subjects, particularly with migraine and fibromyalgia. Moreover we investigated the possible correlation between lactate concentration, postural stability and balance disorders; the composition of the groups were: migraine (n = 25; age 49.7 +/- 12.5), fibromyalgia (n = 10; age 43.7 +/- 21.2), control group (n = 16 age 28.52 +/- 2.4). The results showed that patients with fibromyalgia (FG) had higher lactate levels compared to migraine (MG) and control group (CG) (mean +/- sd: FG = 1.78 +/- 0.9 mmol/L; MG = 1.45 +/- 1 mmol/L; CG = 0,85 +/- 0,07 mmol/L). The same situation was highlighted about the swa…

Carnitine supplementation in sport

Plexin-B1 and Semaphorin 4D Cooperate to Promote Perineural Invasion in a RhoA/ROK-Dependent Manner

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a tropism of tumor cells for nerve bundles located in the surrounding stroma. It is a pathological feature observed in certain tumors, referred to as neurotropic malignancies, that severely limits the ability to establish local control of disease and results in pain, recurrent growth, and distant metastases. Despite the importance of PNI as a prognostic indicator, its biological mechanisms are poorly understood. The semaphorins and their receptors, the plexins, compose a family of proteins originally shown to be important in nerve cell adhesion, axon migration, and proper central nervous system development. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that these factors a…

Analysis of Body Perception, Preworkout Meal Habits and Bone Resorption in Child Gymnasts

The beneficial effects of physical activity on body image perception and bone are debated among artistic gymnasts. Gymnasts seem to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and osteoporosis due to inadequate nutrition and attention to the appearance of the body. The objective of this work was to investigate the association between the artistic gymnast and a more favorable body image compared to their sedentary peers and if a preworkout high-carbohydrate meal (HCM

REGULATION OF THE EXPRESSION OF RNA-BINDING PROTEINS IN DEVELOPING AND ADULT RAT BRAINS: ROLE OF THYROID HORMONES