Lucianna Maruccio - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Lucianna Maruccio

3.2 Expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO (diet-ind... more 3.2 Expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO (diet-induced obesity) zebrafish

Papers by Lucianna Maruccio

PubMed, Mar 1, 2008

In mammals, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor of many neurona... more In mammals, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor of many neuronal populations in the central, peripheral and autonomous nervous system. GDNF may also function as a morphogen during kidney development and may regulate spermatogonial differentiation. GDNF has been characterised in zebrafish embryos and was demonstrated experimentally to be critical for the development of the enteric nervous system. However, in adult zebrafish, no data exist regarding GDNF expression and localisation in the brain and in different organs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GDNF in the brain of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Transcripts of GDNF mRNA were observed in brain extracts by a standard RT-PCR. The presence of the protein in the brain homogenates was confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization experiments showed that GDNF protein and mRNA were localised in various nuclei of the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of the zebrafish brain. In conclusion, this study showed that the expression of GDNF was not restricted to developmental periods but it seems that this factor might be involved in adult zebrafish brain physiology, as observed in mammals.

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2013

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge root is used as herbal medicine for its immunomodulating a... more Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge root is used as herbal medicine for its immunomodulating activities in Chinese medicine. Recently, beneficial properties of A. membranaceus on allergic diseases have been proposed. Here we investigated the role of a commercial extract of A. membranaceus, standardized to 16% polysaccharides, in regulating the immune-inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo and its therapeutic application in asthma. A. membranaceus extract inhibited prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 production in stimulated J774 and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The extract also reduced interlukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitrite production, affecting inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vivo experiments confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of A. membranaceus, as evident by a reduction in zymosan-induced peritoneal cellular infiltration and pro-inflammatory mediator production. The efficacy of A. membranaceus extract in modulating the immune re...

Animals

The planet is home to more than 2000 species of edible insects, some of which have been consumed ... more The planet is home to more than 2000 species of edible insects, some of which have been consumed as food for many years. Recently, edible insect products have been gradually increasing in several countries, such as Italy and Egypt, as novel feed resources for humans and animals due to their availability, potential economic benefits, and high nutritive value. The insect industry can provide a new solution for livestock nutrition and offer many additional advantages, but there are obstacles to overcome, such as some nutritional organizations that forbid its usage. Nevertheless, previous research indicates that different insect species could be used safely as nutraceuticals in poultry farming to improve broiler growth performance (>3%) and layer egg production (>5%). Among these species, there are various products and extracts that can be used in poultry nutrition in a sustainable manner. This review provides an outline of insect composition, nutrient values, application in poult...

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger

Molecules

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that activates multiple signaling ... more Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that activates multiple signaling pathways, causing cells to produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are a major generator of ROS in leukemia, and marine natural products have shown promising activities for the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the marine microalga Skeletonema marinoi (S.M.), a ubiquitous diatom that forms massive blooms in the oceans, on the human leukemia cell line K562. The effects of S.M. extract on cell viability, production of ROS, nitric oxide (NO), and apoptosis were examined. In this preliminary work, S.M. was able to decrease cell viability (p < 0.05) and increase apoptosis levels (p < 0.05) in K562 cells after 48 h of treatment. In addition, the levels of NOX, NO, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced in K562-treated cells (p < 0.05), whereas ...

American Intra-Ocular Implant Society Journal, 1978

Animals

First identified as an anorexigenic peptide, in the last decades, several studies have suggested ... more First identified as an anorexigenic peptide, in the last decades, several studies have suggested that Nesfatin-1 (Nesf-1) is a pleiotropic hormone implicated in numerous regulatory processes in peripheral organs and tissues. In vertebrates, Nesf-1 is indeed expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. In this study, we characterized the pattern of Nesf-1 distribution within the digestive tract of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), composed of three gastric chambers and an intestine without a clear subdivision in the small and large intestine, also lacking a caecum. Our results indicated that Nesf-1 is widely distributed in cells of the mucosal epithelium of the gastric chambers. Most of the immunoreactivity was observed in the second chamber, compared to the first and third chambers. Immunopositivity was also found in nerve fibers and neurons, scattered or/and clustered in ganglion structures along all the examined gastrointestinal tracts. These ob...

This study provides a general approach to the presence and possible role of orexins and their rec... more This study provides a general approach to the presence and possible role of orexins and their receptors in the gut (three gastric chambers and intestine) of confined environment bottlenose dolphin. The expression of prepro-orexin, orexin A and B and orexin 1 and 2 receptors were investigated by single immunostaining and western blot analysis. The co-localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and orexin 1 receptor in the enteric nervous system was examined by double immunostaining. Also, orexin A concentration were measured in plasma samples to assess the possible diurnal variation of the plasma level of peptide in this species. Our results showed that the orexin system is widely distributed in bottlenose dolphin enteric nervous system of the all gastrointestinal tract examined. They are very peculiar and partially differs from that of terrestrial mammals. Orexin peptides and prepro-orexin were expressed in the main stomach, pyloric stomach and proximal intestine; while orexin rec...

Cancer, 2021

Abstract Uncaria tomentosa, called “una de gato,” belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a thorny ... more Abstract Uncaria tomentosa, called “una de gato,” belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a thorny liana that grows wild in the upper Amazon region of Peru and neighboring countries. The indigenous people of Amazonian rain forest have used its root/bark over the centuries for the treatment of several diseases, and this plant is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral properties. Many active compounds have been isolated from U. tomentosa, including antioxidants such as tannin, catechins, procyanidins, sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, carboxyl alkyl esters, and indole and oxindole alkaloids. In particular, alkaloids, the major active components of Uncaria species, have been extensively studied for their potential use as anticancer agents. In this chapter, some aspects of the actions of U. tomentosa on oxidative stress and cancer have been discussed, after having characterized the plant and mentioned the biochemistry of oxidative stress.

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2017

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2014

ABSTRACT In this report we analyzed the expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the ... more ABSTRACT In this report we analyzed the expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO zebrafish. Leptin is anorexigenic peptide while ghrelin in orexigenic one. They act as antagonist. In this study in order to develop an obesity phenotype adult zebrafish were divided into two dietary groups. The control group was fed with Artemia (60 mg cysts/fish/day). For calorie restriction, the zebrafish was fed with Artemia (2.5 mg cysts/fish/day) for two weeks after being overfed for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, after 24h of fasting, the zebrafish apparatus were sampled for immunohistochemistry, western blotting and qRT-PCR techniques. Leptin and ghrelin immunoreactivity were found in the enteric nervous system and neuroendocrine cells in overfeeding and control zebrafish intestine. The number of immunopositive cells is greater in DIO zebrafish than in control ones. In both groups leptine immunoreactive nervous fibers were found around ducts and vessels of liver. The presence of protein were confirmed by western blotting analysis. By qRT-PCR, leptin and ghrelin mRNA levels are higher in the overfeeding zebrafish intestine and in control zebrafish liver. The immunolocical detection of ghrelin and leptin in control zebrefish are in agreement with literature data. In DIO zebrafish the result are similar to those found for obese mammals. In conclusion, this study represent a starting point to investigate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of appetite and energy balance in DIO zebrafish.

Neuroscience Letters, Feb 19, 1999

3.2 Expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO (diet-ind... more 3.2 Expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO (diet-induced obesity) zebrafish

PubMed, Mar 1, 2008

In mammals, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor of many neurona... more In mammals, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor of many neuronal populations in the central, peripheral and autonomous nervous system. GDNF may also function as a morphogen during kidney development and may regulate spermatogonial differentiation. GDNF has been characterised in zebrafish embryos and was demonstrated experimentally to be critical for the development of the enteric nervous system. However, in adult zebrafish, no data exist regarding GDNF expression and localisation in the brain and in different organs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GDNF in the brain of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Transcripts of GDNF mRNA were observed in brain extracts by a standard RT-PCR. The presence of the protein in the brain homogenates was confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization experiments showed that GDNF protein and mRNA were localised in various nuclei of the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of the zebrafish brain. In conclusion, this study showed that the expression of GDNF was not restricted to developmental periods but it seems that this factor might be involved in adult zebrafish brain physiology, as observed in mammals.

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2013

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge root is used as herbal medicine for its immunomodulating a... more Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge root is used as herbal medicine for its immunomodulating activities in Chinese medicine. Recently, beneficial properties of A. membranaceus on allergic diseases have been proposed. Here we investigated the role of a commercial extract of A. membranaceus, standardized to 16% polysaccharides, in regulating the immune-inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo and its therapeutic application in asthma. A. membranaceus extract inhibited prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 production in stimulated J774 and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The extract also reduced interlukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitrite production, affecting inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vivo experiments confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of A. membranaceus, as evident by a reduction in zymosan-induced peritoneal cellular infiltration and pro-inflammatory mediator production. The efficacy of A. membranaceus extract in modulating the immune re...

Animals

The planet is home to more than 2000 species of edible insects, some of which have been consumed ... more The planet is home to more than 2000 species of edible insects, some of which have been consumed as food for many years. Recently, edible insect products have been gradually increasing in several countries, such as Italy and Egypt, as novel feed resources for humans and animals due to their availability, potential economic benefits, and high nutritive value. The insect industry can provide a new solution for livestock nutrition and offer many additional advantages, but there are obstacles to overcome, such as some nutritional organizations that forbid its usage. Nevertheless, previous research indicates that different insect species could be used safely as nutraceuticals in poultry farming to improve broiler growth performance (>3%) and layer egg production (>5%). Among these species, there are various products and extracts that can be used in poultry nutrition in a sustainable manner. This review provides an outline of insect composition, nutrient values, application in poult...

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger

Molecules

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that activates multiple signaling ... more Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that activates multiple signaling pathways, causing cells to produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are a major generator of ROS in leukemia, and marine natural products have shown promising activities for the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the marine microalga Skeletonema marinoi (S.M.), a ubiquitous diatom that forms massive blooms in the oceans, on the human leukemia cell line K562. The effects of S.M. extract on cell viability, production of ROS, nitric oxide (NO), and apoptosis were examined. In this preliminary work, S.M. was able to decrease cell viability (p < 0.05) and increase apoptosis levels (p < 0.05) in K562 cells after 48 h of treatment. In addition, the levels of NOX, NO, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced in K562-treated cells (p < 0.05), whereas ...

American Intra-Ocular Implant Society Journal, 1978

Animals

First identified as an anorexigenic peptide, in the last decades, several studies have suggested ... more First identified as an anorexigenic peptide, in the last decades, several studies have suggested that Nesfatin-1 (Nesf-1) is a pleiotropic hormone implicated in numerous regulatory processes in peripheral organs and tissues. In vertebrates, Nesf-1 is indeed expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. In this study, we characterized the pattern of Nesf-1 distribution within the digestive tract of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), composed of three gastric chambers and an intestine without a clear subdivision in the small and large intestine, also lacking a caecum. Our results indicated that Nesf-1 is widely distributed in cells of the mucosal epithelium of the gastric chambers. Most of the immunoreactivity was observed in the second chamber, compared to the first and third chambers. Immunopositivity was also found in nerve fibers and neurons, scattered or/and clustered in ganglion structures along all the examined gastrointestinal tracts. These ob...

This study provides a general approach to the presence and possible role of orexins and their rec... more This study provides a general approach to the presence and possible role of orexins and their receptors in the gut (three gastric chambers and intestine) of confined environment bottlenose dolphin. The expression of prepro-orexin, orexin A and B and orexin 1 and 2 receptors were investigated by single immunostaining and western blot analysis. The co-localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and orexin 1 receptor in the enteric nervous system was examined by double immunostaining. Also, orexin A concentration were measured in plasma samples to assess the possible diurnal variation of the plasma level of peptide in this species. Our results showed that the orexin system is widely distributed in bottlenose dolphin enteric nervous system of the all gastrointestinal tract examined. They are very peculiar and partially differs from that of terrestrial mammals. Orexin peptides and prepro-orexin were expressed in the main stomach, pyloric stomach and proximal intestine; while orexin rec...

Cancer, 2021

Abstract Uncaria tomentosa, called “una de gato,” belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a thorny ... more Abstract Uncaria tomentosa, called “una de gato,” belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a thorny liana that grows wild in the upper Amazon region of Peru and neighboring countries. The indigenous people of Amazonian rain forest have used its root/bark over the centuries for the treatment of several diseases, and this plant is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral properties. Many active compounds have been isolated from U. tomentosa, including antioxidants such as tannin, catechins, procyanidins, sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, carboxyl alkyl esters, and indole and oxindole alkaloids. In particular, alkaloids, the major active components of Uncaria species, have been extensively studied for their potential use as anticancer agents. In this chapter, some aspects of the actions of U. tomentosa on oxidative stress and cancer have been discussed, after having characterized the plant and mentioned the biochemistry of oxidative stress.

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2017

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2014

ABSTRACT In this report we analyzed the expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the ... more ABSTRACT In this report we analyzed the expression and distribution of leptin and ghrelin in the digestive apparatus of DIO zebrafish. Leptin is anorexigenic peptide while ghrelin in orexigenic one. They act as antagonist. In this study in order to develop an obesity phenotype adult zebrafish were divided into two dietary groups. The control group was fed with Artemia (60 mg cysts/fish/day). For calorie restriction, the zebrafish was fed with Artemia (2.5 mg cysts/fish/day) for two weeks after being overfed for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, after 24h of fasting, the zebrafish apparatus were sampled for immunohistochemistry, western blotting and qRT-PCR techniques. Leptin and ghrelin immunoreactivity were found in the enteric nervous system and neuroendocrine cells in overfeeding and control zebrafish intestine. The number of immunopositive cells is greater in DIO zebrafish than in control ones. In both groups leptine immunoreactive nervous fibers were found around ducts and vessels of liver. The presence of protein were confirmed by western blotting analysis. By qRT-PCR, leptin and ghrelin mRNA levels are higher in the overfeeding zebrafish intestine and in control zebrafish liver. The immunolocical detection of ghrelin and leptin in control zebrefish are in agreement with literature data. In DIO zebrafish the result are similar to those found for obese mammals. In conclusion, this study represent a starting point to investigate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of appetite and energy balance in DIO zebrafish.

Neuroscience Letters, Feb 19, 1999

Neuroscience Letters, Jul 10, 2003