Manuela Viola | Insubria University (original) (raw)
Papers by Manuela Viola
Glycoconjugate Journal, 2015
The hyaluronan (HA) polymer is a critical component of extracellular matrix with a remarkable str... more The hyaluronan (HA) polymer is a critical component of extracellular matrix with a remarkable structure: is a linear and unbranched polymer without sulphate or phosphate groups. It is ubiquitous in mammals showing several biological functions, ranging from cell proliferation and migration to angiogenesis and inflammation. For its critical biological functions the amount of HA in tissues is carefully controlled by different mechanisms including covalent modification of the synthetic enzymes and epigenetic control of their gene expression. The concentration of HA is also critical in several pathologies including cancer, diabetes and inflammation. Beside these biological roles, the structural properties of HA allow it to take advantage of its capacity to form gels even at concentration of 1 % producing scaffolds with very promising applications in regenerative medicine as biocompatible material for advanced therapeutic uses. In this review we highlight the biological aspects of HA addressing the mechanisms controlling the HA content in tissues as well as its role in important human pathologies. In the second part of the review we highlight the different use of HA polymers in the modern biotechnology.
European Urology Supplements, 2011
Eur Urol Suppl 2011;10(2):110 and based on quiz, on more than 1100 scores on the simulator and on... more Eur Urol Suppl 2011;10(2):110 and based on quiz, on more than 1100 scores on the simulator and on videotaped similar exercises performed on an actual Da Vinci S. results: Face and content validity were considered as high by most of the subjects. Yet, some limitations about rotation, fluidity and 3D-vision were reported by participants. Assessment of competence with the dV-Trainer was highly reliable (correlation coefficient = 0.783). The simulator was able to significantly differentiate five levels of ability (ANOVA p<0.05). The assessment on dV-Trainer was overall relevant regarding concurrent validity (correlation coefficient = 0,822). When studied separately, some criteria and exercises were medium relevant and need improvement before being included in a credentialing program. Conclusions: The robotic surgery simulator dV-Trainer is a reliable and valid support tool for certification. Further studies are needed to choose the more relevant among the 30 further developed exercises and to develop the fundamentals in robotic surgery. Japan introduction & objectives: For the various kind of renal surgery, split renal function test is mandatory for decision making and the estimation of post-operative renal function as well as the assessment of operative procedure. We develop reliable novel modality to evaluate split renal function, measurement of functional renal volume (FRV) which help substitute for nuclear medicine diagnosis. Materials & Methods: FRV were measured by 3D reconstruction software using watershed method on CT or MRI images which taken before operation, 1 month and 1year after operation both in nephrectomy group (Nx:n=98) and partial nephrectomy group (pNx:n=41). These images were input directory from DICOM system into PC, and configure the FRV ruling out the area of renal sinus, renal cysts and renal mass separately, as well as the portion of expected surgical loss in case of partial nephrectomy case. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the formula developed by Japanese society of nephrology. results: eGFR were closely correlated with FRVs in each perioperative period of Nx and pNx as well as the surgical loss of FRV. From the viewpoint of split renal function, FRV demonstrated noninferiority over the radionuclide scanning test such as DTPA, and seems to have superiority in terms of quantitative evaluation. Actual surgical loss of FRV measured postoperatively was well correlated with expected FRV loss preoperatively
Placenta, 2009
The remodelling of the endometrial architecture is fundamental to create a suitable environment f... more The remodelling of the endometrial architecture is fundamental to create a suitable environment for the establishment of pregnancy. During this process, substantial alterations in the composition of maternal extracellular matrix play an important role by providing a prosperous medium for implantation as well as modulating trophoblast invasion leading to the formation of a functional placental unit. Hyaluronan is a conspicuous component of the extracellular matrix, particularly in remodelling tissues undergoing regeneration and repair. During gestation, changes in HA deposition and distribution indicate that this molecule may participate in preparation of the endometrial stroma for reception and implantation of the embryo. However, little is known about the role of hyaluronan at the fetomaternal interface, specially regarding its influence in pregnancy outcome. In the present study we show increased decidual hyaluronan levels in spontaneous abortion compared with normal pregnancy mic...
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, Jan 11, 2006
The sulphation pattern of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) plays a critical role in biological functions o... more The sulphation pattern of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) plays a critical role in biological functions of proteoglycans. In this study, we showed that decorins from different bovine tissues present specific sulphation pattern coupled with peculiar biological activity. In order to elucidate chemical structure of decorin glycosaminoglycan chains, we improved an electrophoretic method to analyse fluorescent disaccharides from dermatan/chondroitin sulphate GAG chains. The disaccharide separation is based on minigels, and this technique was able to define the polysaccharide chain composition in terms of sulphated and not sulphated disaccharides. This approach allowed not only the measurement of few picomoles of material, but it also permits a rapid qualitative analysis of the GAG chains. Data obtained by PAGEFS indicate that the sulphation pattern of GAG is tissue specific and this finding may explain the different binding properties to von Willebrand factor of decorins.
Journal of Diabetes Research, 2015
Cell microenvironment has a critical role determining cell fate and modulating cell responses to ... more Cell microenvironment has a critical role determining cell fate and modulating cell responses to injuries. Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that can be considered a signaling molecule. In fact, interacting with several cell surface receptors can deeply shape cell behavior. In vascular biology, HA triggers smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiation which contributes to vessel wall thickening. Furthermore, HA is able to modulate inflammation by altering the adhesive properties of endothelial cells. In hyperglycemic conditions, HA accumulates in vessels and can contribute to the diabetic complications at micro- and macrovasculature. Due to the pivotal role in favoring atherogenesis and neointima formation after injuries, HA could be a new target for cardiovascular pathologies. This review will focus on the recent findings regarding the regulation of HA synthesis in human vascular SMCs. In particular, the effects of the intracellular HA substrates availability, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein O-GlcNAcylation on the main HA synthetic enzyme (i.e., HAS2) will be discussed.
Glycoconjugate Journal, 2015
The hyaluronan (HA) polymer is a critical component of extracellular matrix with a remarkable str... more The hyaluronan (HA) polymer is a critical component of extracellular matrix with a remarkable structure: is a linear and unbranched polymer without sulphate or phosphate groups. It is ubiquitous in mammals showing several biological functions, ranging from cell proliferation and migration to angiogenesis and inflammation. For its critical biological functions the amount of HA in tissues is carefully controlled by different mechanisms including covalent modification of the synthetic enzymes and epigenetic control of their gene expression. The concentration of HA is also critical in several pathologies including cancer, diabetes and inflammation. Beside these biological roles, the structural properties of HA allow it to take advantage of its capacity to form gels even at concentration of 1 % producing scaffolds with very promising applications in regenerative medicine as biocompatible material for advanced therapeutic uses. In this review we highlight the biological aspects of HA addressing the mechanisms controlling the HA content in tissues as well as its role in important human pathologies. In the second part of the review we highlight the different use of HA polymers in the modern biotechnology.
European Urology Supplements, 2011
Eur Urol Suppl 2011;10(2):110 and based on quiz, on more than 1100 scores on the simulator and on... more Eur Urol Suppl 2011;10(2):110 and based on quiz, on more than 1100 scores on the simulator and on videotaped similar exercises performed on an actual Da Vinci S. results: Face and content validity were considered as high by most of the subjects. Yet, some limitations about rotation, fluidity and 3D-vision were reported by participants. Assessment of competence with the dV-Trainer was highly reliable (correlation coefficient = 0.783). The simulator was able to significantly differentiate five levels of ability (ANOVA p<0.05). The assessment on dV-Trainer was overall relevant regarding concurrent validity (correlation coefficient = 0,822). When studied separately, some criteria and exercises were medium relevant and need improvement before being included in a credentialing program. Conclusions: The robotic surgery simulator dV-Trainer is a reliable and valid support tool for certification. Further studies are needed to choose the more relevant among the 30 further developed exercises and to develop the fundamentals in robotic surgery. Japan introduction & objectives: For the various kind of renal surgery, split renal function test is mandatory for decision making and the estimation of post-operative renal function as well as the assessment of operative procedure. We develop reliable novel modality to evaluate split renal function, measurement of functional renal volume (FRV) which help substitute for nuclear medicine diagnosis. Materials & Methods: FRV were measured by 3D reconstruction software using watershed method on CT or MRI images which taken before operation, 1 month and 1year after operation both in nephrectomy group (Nx:n=98) and partial nephrectomy group (pNx:n=41). These images were input directory from DICOM system into PC, and configure the FRV ruling out the area of renal sinus, renal cysts and renal mass separately, as well as the portion of expected surgical loss in case of partial nephrectomy case. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the formula developed by Japanese society of nephrology. results: eGFR were closely correlated with FRVs in each perioperative period of Nx and pNx as well as the surgical loss of FRV. From the viewpoint of split renal function, FRV demonstrated noninferiority over the radionuclide scanning test such as DTPA, and seems to have superiority in terms of quantitative evaluation. Actual surgical loss of FRV measured postoperatively was well correlated with expected FRV loss preoperatively
Placenta, 2009
The remodelling of the endometrial architecture is fundamental to create a suitable environment f... more The remodelling of the endometrial architecture is fundamental to create a suitable environment for the establishment of pregnancy. During this process, substantial alterations in the composition of maternal extracellular matrix play an important role by providing a prosperous medium for implantation as well as modulating trophoblast invasion leading to the formation of a functional placental unit. Hyaluronan is a conspicuous component of the extracellular matrix, particularly in remodelling tissues undergoing regeneration and repair. During gestation, changes in HA deposition and distribution indicate that this molecule may participate in preparation of the endometrial stroma for reception and implantation of the embryo. However, little is known about the role of hyaluronan at the fetomaternal interface, specially regarding its influence in pregnancy outcome. In the present study we show increased decidual hyaluronan levels in spontaneous abortion compared with normal pregnancy mic...
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, Jan 11, 2006
The sulphation pattern of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) plays a critical role in biological functions o... more The sulphation pattern of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) plays a critical role in biological functions of proteoglycans. In this study, we showed that decorins from different bovine tissues present specific sulphation pattern coupled with peculiar biological activity. In order to elucidate chemical structure of decorin glycosaminoglycan chains, we improved an electrophoretic method to analyse fluorescent disaccharides from dermatan/chondroitin sulphate GAG chains. The disaccharide separation is based on minigels, and this technique was able to define the polysaccharide chain composition in terms of sulphated and not sulphated disaccharides. This approach allowed not only the measurement of few picomoles of material, but it also permits a rapid qualitative analysis of the GAG chains. Data obtained by PAGEFS indicate that the sulphation pattern of GAG is tissue specific and this finding may explain the different binding properties to von Willebrand factor of decorins.
Journal of Diabetes Research, 2015
Cell microenvironment has a critical role determining cell fate and modulating cell responses to ... more Cell microenvironment has a critical role determining cell fate and modulating cell responses to injuries. Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that can be considered a signaling molecule. In fact, interacting with several cell surface receptors can deeply shape cell behavior. In vascular biology, HA triggers smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiation which contributes to vessel wall thickening. Furthermore, HA is able to modulate inflammation by altering the adhesive properties of endothelial cells. In hyperglycemic conditions, HA accumulates in vessels and can contribute to the diabetic complications at micro- and macrovasculature. Due to the pivotal role in favoring atherogenesis and neointima formation after injuries, HA could be a new target for cardiovascular pathologies. This review will focus on the recent findings regarding the regulation of HA synthesis in human vascular SMCs. In particular, the effects of the intracellular HA substrates availability, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein O-GlcNAcylation on the main HA synthetic enzyme (i.e., HAS2) will be discussed.