Maria Falco - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Maria Falco

Adrenal Cell Secretion in the Italian Wall Lizard: Actions of Regulatory Neuropeptides

ABSTRACT The action of the regulatory neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and p... more ABSTRACT The action of the regulatory neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) carries out through the shared receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 and the exclusive PACAP receptor PAC1, all of which are G protein-coupled receptors. Formerly, we showed that the administration of both peptides enhance catecholamine, corticosterone and aldosterone release from adrenal cell co-culture. Further, the distribution of VIP and PACAP receptors in the adrenal glands of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, was previously demonstrated: VPAC1 was found within steroidogenic tissue, VPAC2 and PAC1 within chromaffin tissue. In the present study we investigated the c-AMP signaling pathway involved in the VIP and PACAP-induced secretion of adrenal cell co-cultures. Using VPAC1 antagonist [Ac-His1, D-Phe2,Lys15,Arg16]VIP-(3-7),GH-releasing factor-(8-27)-NH2 (VPAC1-A), the PAC1 antagonist PACAP6-38 (PAC1-A) and VPAC2 immunoneutralized cells, in in vitro VIP- or PACAP-treated adrenal cell co-cultures we showed that the VIP- and PACAP-induced steroid and peptide hormone secretion is carried out through the activation of selective receptors which promote, in time-dependent manner, the production of c-AMP: after 1 hour of PACAP/PAC1treatment c-AMP production is +62.5% compared to control. After 3 hours of stimulation with VIP/VPAC1 administration, the c-AMP production was increased of +192% compared with control. After 6 hours of treatment neither VIP nor PACAP was able to stimulate c-AMP production. Further, we showed that VIP enhances c-AMP production through the binding of the VPAC1 receptor and PACAP increases c-AMP production through the interaction with the PAC1 receptor exclusively. Thus, our investigation showed that the activation of adenylate-cyclase is required to permit the in vitro VIP and PACAP stimulation and PACAP is faster than VIP to induce c-AMP production in lizard adrenal cell secretion.

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part a Comparative Experimental Biology, Mar 1, 2004

The effects of thyroid hormones on metabolism and development are mediated by thyroid hormone rec... more The effects of thyroid hormones on metabolism and development are mediated by thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). To gain a better understanding of the potential role of thyroid hormone receptors in the liver of the lizard Podarcis sicula, we have evaluated the expression of TRs during the more critical periods of the annual variations of thyroid activity. The results obtained have indicated that in the liver of the lizard P. sicula there are three transcripts: mRNA of 5.0 kb for TRa1, mRNA of 2.6 kb for TRa2, and 6.0 kb band, which represent unprocessed heteronuclear RNA, encoding unspliced primary transcripts of RNA prior to their processing into the mature TRa1 and TRa2. By means of slot-blot, we are able to determine that there is a change in the expression of TRs that occurs in the liver during the annual cycle of thyroid activity. A major expression registers in May, when the lizard thyroid gland shows the maximal activity. The combination of molecular biology with immunohistochemistry revealed that hepatic cells were also TRa IR positive. Particularly intense immunostaining was present in the cell nuclei of animals sacrified in May. These observations suggest that in lizard P. sicula the thyroid hormone (T3) might regulate hepatic activity, modulating TR mRNA levels.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline effects on glucose homeostasis and on vasoactive peptide expression in different organs of Podarcis sicula lizard

Neuropeptide Y modulates thyroid activity in the lizard, Podarcis sicula (Reptlia, Lacertide)

When observing animals, particularly with regard to sexual behavior, it is easy to conclude that ... more When observing animals, particularly with regard to sexual behavior, it is easy to conclude that they are sometimes making "mistakes" -they respond to non-conspecifics or members of the same sex, they choose mates of poor quality, or they mate at inappropriate times. But in fact, such mistakes may not be maladaptive, and animals can modify their behavior to suit the risk of false negative responses; a male with too-narrow an acceptance filter can fail to recognize suitable partners, for example. The classic case of a mating mistake is lack of species recognition, and historically, sexual selection and mate choice were viewed primarily as functioning to ensure that a partner is a conspecific. Yet this focus on species recognition meant that sexual selection was ignored in evolutionary biology for the first half-century after Darwin, an omission that has hindered the development of theory. Same-sex behavior in animals has always been viewed as an aberration or artifact of captivity, but many instances show that it can be an adaptive part of the behavioral repertoire. I will briefly review the occurrence of same-sex behavior in animals, and then concentrate on Laysan Albatross, a Pacific seabird species in which up to thirty percent of females form female-female pairs, with reasonably high reproductive success. Such same-sex pairs may constitute an alternative reproductive strategy. Finally, the existence of supposed mistakes in mate choice serves to remind us that "nature is a tinkerer, not an engineer."

Effetti dell’octilfenolo sull’asse ipotalamo-ipofisi-ghiandola adrenale/tiroide della lucertola Podarcis sicula

Groups Whose Proper Quotients are Nilpotent-By-Finite

Mathematical Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 2002

If X is a class of groups, a group G is said to be just-non-X if it is not in X but all its prope... more If X is a class of groups, a group G is said to be just-non-X if it is not in X but all its proper quotients are X-groups. A description of just-non-(nilpotent-by-nite) groups and just-non-(supersoluble-by-nite) groups is given in this paper.

Estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on the male reproductive system

Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2015

ABSTRACT Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are identified for their ability to perturb the ho... more ABSTRACT Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are identified for their ability to perturb the homeostasis of endocrine system and hormonal balance. The male reproductive system is under close control of hormones and each change in their concentration and time of exposition and action can induce a deregulation of its physiology. In this review we summarize the most recent studies on two main categories of EDCs with different action: the estrogenic bisphenol A and alkylphenols and the anti-androgenic phthalates. This review describes the main effects of these substances on male reproductive system.

Small Leucine Rich Proteoglycans Are Differently Distributed in Normal and Pathological Endometrium

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

During the woman's fertile period, the non-pregnant uterus is subject to constant cyclic chan... more During the woman's fertile period, the non-pregnant uterus is subject to constant cyclic changes. The complex mechanisms that control the balance among proliferation, differentiation, cell death and the structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix can contribute to the benign or malignant endometrial pathological state. The small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are important components of cell surface and extracellular matrices. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that the distribution patterns of SLRPs were completely modified in the pathological compared to normal endometrium. The expression of SLRPs was low/absent in all endometrial pathologies examined compared to normal endometrium. We observed an increase of lumican from proliferative to secretory phase of the endometrium and a decrease of fibromodulin, biglycan and decorin. In menopause endometrial tissue, the level of expression of fibromodulin, biglycan, decorin and lumican dramatically decreased. The results ...

Localization and modulation of NEDD8 protein in the human placenta

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

Neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated-8 (NEDD8) is a 76-amino-acid ubiq... more Neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated-8 (NEDD8) is a 76-amino-acid ubiquitin-like polypeptide. NEDD8 affects the signaling of various molecules but the major cellular target proteins are cullins. The neddylation process is correlated closely with apoptosis, cell-cycle regulation, embryogenesis and development. The purpose of the present work was to investigate NEDD8 distribution and expression in the human placenta during gestation. A total of 30 samples, 15 chorionic villous samples from first trimester and 15 from full-term placentae, were used for the immunohistochemical analysis of NEDD8 expression. The gestation period ranged from 5 to 40 weeks. NEDD8 was highly expressed in the cytotrophoblast of the first trimester of gestation, whereas in the third trimester, it was localized in the endothelial cells and stroma of placental villi. Our results suggest that NEDD8 may play an important role in the control of proliferation and differentiation of human p...

Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition), 2009

In the past, human heart has been considered a post-mitotic organ formed by cells, like adult car... more In the past, human heart has been considered a post-mitotic organ formed by cells, like adult cardiomyocytes, terminally differentiated and incapable of proliferation. This paradigm has been shaken by recent works indicating that postnatal adult cardiomyocytes are able to re-enter in the cell cycle and proliferate. In this view, the understanding of main candidates regulating cardiomyocyte cell cycle is of vital importance for future clinical approach.

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

Apoptosis is intimately involved in placental homeostasis, growth and remodelling, and apoptotic ... more Apoptosis is intimately involved in placental homeostasis, growth and remodelling, and apoptotic rates increase progressively during normal pregnancy as part of normal placental development. Moreover, apoptosis increases in pregnancies complicated by some pathologies such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and diabetes. In the present study, we describe differences in the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax, in first trimester voluntary termination of pregnancy, first trimester abortion (reserved abortion), caesarean birth, spontaneous birth, preeclampsia and diabetes. We first observed a strong increase of Bax expression in the cytotrophoblast, stroma, endothelial cells and decidua of placentas of the first trimester abortion compared to the low/moderate Bax immunopositivity in all the placental compartments during the first trimester voluntary termination of pregnancy. Secondly, we showed a more intense immunopositivity for Bax in the third trimester spontaneous birth wi...

Histology and histopathology, 2007

Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor APJ. This peptide is produced through... more Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor APJ. This peptide is produced through processing from the C-terminal portion in the pre-pro-protein consisting of 77 amino acid residues and exists in multiple molecular forms. Although the main physiological functions of apelin have not yet been clarified, it is known that apelin is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow and central control of body fluid homeostasis in different organs. Since human placenta is a tissue where vasculogenesis, blood pressure and flow are dramatically important to allow a normal embryonic and fetal growth and development, the aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical distribution of apelin and APJ in normal placentas throughout pregnancy and in preeclampsia-complicated placentas. Specifically, we observed that in normal placentas the expression levels of apelin decreased from the first to the third trimester of gestation in both cytotrophoblast and s...

The Histochemical journal

The aim of this study was to demonstrate in the adrenocortical and renal tissues of two species o... more The aim of this study was to demonstrate in the adrenocortical and renal tissues of two species of frog, Rana italica and Rana esculenta, the presence and distribution of five neuropeptides: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), Leu-enkephalin (Leu-ENK), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In anurans, the adrenal medulla is the site for the synthesis, storage and secretion of not only catecholamines but also various peptides. These peptides should not be regarded only as neurotransmitters or modulators for the secretion of catecholamines, but also as hormonal substances that induce systemic effects. All the peptides studied (ANP, Leu-ENK, NPY, SP and VIP) are present in both organs. However, different patterns of expression were observed for some of the peptides in two frogs. Immunopositivity to ANP was found in small clusters of chromaffin cells in both frogs whereas a clear strong positivity was present only in Rana esculenta kidney. Large c...

The Histochemical journal

The adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula is formed by a dorsal ribbon of chromaffin cells,... more The adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula is formed by a dorsal ribbon of chromaffin cells, generally defined as medullary tissue, arranged along a central part of steroidogenic cells considered as cortical tissue. These two tissues produce catecholamines and steroids as part of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal gland axis. Recent studies have demonstrated that Podarcis sicula adrenal gland is not only under hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis control but that several peptides may influence the physiological activity of the gland; among these, vasoactive intestinal peptide is able to enhance strongly both catecholamine and steroid hormone production. The aim of the present study was to verify whether vasoactive intestinal peptide administration could become deleterious. For this reason, we monitored the pattern of expression of two members of the Bcl-2 family, Bcl-2 and Bax, in control and vasoactive intestinal peptide treated specimens. Furthermore, we also tested if peptide treat...

BioMed Research International, 2014

The WFS1 gene, encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein of the endoplasmic reticulum called wolframi... more The WFS1 gene, encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein of the endoplasmic reticulum called wolframin, is mutated in Wolfram syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder defined by the association of diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and further organ abnormalities. Disruption of the WFS1 gene in mice causes progressive -cell loss in the pancreas and impaired stimulus-secretion coupling in insulin secretion. However, little is known about the physiological functions of this protein. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of wolframin in human placenta throughout pregnancy in normal women and diabetic pregnant women. In normal placenta, there was a modulation of wolframin throughout pregnancy with a strong level of expression during the first trimester and a moderate level in the third trimester of gestation. In diabetic women, wolframin expression was strongly reduced in the third trimester of gestation. The pattern of expression of wolframin in normal placenta suggests that this protein may be required to sustain normal rates of cytotrophoblast cell proliferation during the first trimester of gestation. The decrease in wolframin expression in diabetic placenta suggests that this protein may participate in maintaining the physiologic glucose homeostasis in this organ.

Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2014

The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new ... more The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new type of hazard, still unknown, for both the human health and the aquatic ecosystem, due to the potent pharmacological activities of all the illicit drugs. Our research was aimed at evaluating the presence of illicit drugs in the Sarno River (Campania region, Italy), crossing a densely populated area, the basin of the Sarno River, one of the largest and most important economic areas in Campania region, famous for the presence of zones with high landscape-environmental value. The drugs selected for this study were the most used in Campania region. The presence of illicit drugs in surface water was analyzed by a selective multi-residue assay based on liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. The analysis showed the presence of all the illicit drugs investigated: cocaine and its main metabolites (benzoylecgonine, nor-benzoylecgonine), morphine, THC-COOH and codeine; cocaine was the most abundant illicit drug. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in the Sarno River suggests new potential risk for the basin's inhabitants, using water in the food chain, via field irrigation and animal feed, and for the health of the aquatic fauna.

Molecular Mechanisms of Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis

Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2015

Helicobacter pylori infects 50% of mankind. The vast majority of H. pylori infection occurs in th... more Helicobacter pylori infects 50% of mankind. The vast majority of H. pylori infection occurs in the developing countries where up to 80% of the middle-aged adults may be infected. Bacterial infection causes an inflammatory response that proceeds through a series of intermediated stages of precancerous lesions (gastritis, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia). Among infected individuals, approximately 10% develops severe gastric lesions such as peptic ulcer disease, 1-3% progresses to gastric cancer (GC) with a low 5 year survival rate, and 0.1% develops mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). GC is one of the most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this review we have summarized the most recent papers about molecular mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis. The main important steps of H. pylori infection such as adhesion, entry in epithelial gastric cells, activation of intracellular pathways until epigenetic modifications have been described. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Biomedical Sensors, Fibers, and Optical Delivery Systems, 1999

ABSTRACT

Adrenal Cell Secretion in the Italian Wall Lizard: Actions of Regulatory Neuropeptides

ABSTRACT The action of the regulatory neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and p... more ABSTRACT The action of the regulatory neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) carries out through the shared receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 and the exclusive PACAP receptor PAC1, all of which are G protein-coupled receptors. Formerly, we showed that the administration of both peptides enhance catecholamine, corticosterone and aldosterone release from adrenal cell co-culture. Further, the distribution of VIP and PACAP receptors in the adrenal glands of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, was previously demonstrated: VPAC1 was found within steroidogenic tissue, VPAC2 and PAC1 within chromaffin tissue. In the present study we investigated the c-AMP signaling pathway involved in the VIP and PACAP-induced secretion of adrenal cell co-cultures. Using VPAC1 antagonist [Ac-His1, D-Phe2,Lys15,Arg16]VIP-(3-7),GH-releasing factor-(8-27)-NH2 (VPAC1-A), the PAC1 antagonist PACAP6-38 (PAC1-A) and VPAC2 immunoneutralized cells, in in vitro VIP- or PACAP-treated adrenal cell co-cultures we showed that the VIP- and PACAP-induced steroid and peptide hormone secretion is carried out through the activation of selective receptors which promote, in time-dependent manner, the production of c-AMP: after 1 hour of PACAP/PAC1treatment c-AMP production is +62.5% compared to control. After 3 hours of stimulation with VIP/VPAC1 administration, the c-AMP production was increased of +192% compared with control. After 6 hours of treatment neither VIP nor PACAP was able to stimulate c-AMP production. Further, we showed that VIP enhances c-AMP production through the binding of the VPAC1 receptor and PACAP increases c-AMP production through the interaction with the PAC1 receptor exclusively. Thus, our investigation showed that the activation of adenylate-cyclase is required to permit the in vitro VIP and PACAP stimulation and PACAP is faster than VIP to induce c-AMP production in lizard adrenal cell secretion.

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part a Comparative Experimental Biology, Mar 1, 2004

The effects of thyroid hormones on metabolism and development are mediated by thyroid hormone rec... more The effects of thyroid hormones on metabolism and development are mediated by thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). To gain a better understanding of the potential role of thyroid hormone receptors in the liver of the lizard Podarcis sicula, we have evaluated the expression of TRs during the more critical periods of the annual variations of thyroid activity. The results obtained have indicated that in the liver of the lizard P. sicula there are three transcripts: mRNA of 5.0 kb for TRa1, mRNA of 2.6 kb for TRa2, and 6.0 kb band, which represent unprocessed heteronuclear RNA, encoding unspliced primary transcripts of RNA prior to their processing into the mature TRa1 and TRa2. By means of slot-blot, we are able to determine that there is a change in the expression of TRs that occurs in the liver during the annual cycle of thyroid activity. A major expression registers in May, when the lizard thyroid gland shows the maximal activity. The combination of molecular biology with immunohistochemistry revealed that hepatic cells were also TRa IR positive. Particularly intense immunostaining was present in the cell nuclei of animals sacrified in May. These observations suggest that in lizard P. sicula the thyroid hormone (T3) might regulate hepatic activity, modulating TR mRNA levels.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline effects on glucose homeostasis and on vasoactive peptide expression in different organs of Podarcis sicula lizard

Neuropeptide Y modulates thyroid activity in the lizard, Podarcis sicula (Reptlia, Lacertide)

When observing animals, particularly with regard to sexual behavior, it is easy to conclude that ... more When observing animals, particularly with regard to sexual behavior, it is easy to conclude that they are sometimes making "mistakes" -they respond to non-conspecifics or members of the same sex, they choose mates of poor quality, or they mate at inappropriate times. But in fact, such mistakes may not be maladaptive, and animals can modify their behavior to suit the risk of false negative responses; a male with too-narrow an acceptance filter can fail to recognize suitable partners, for example. The classic case of a mating mistake is lack of species recognition, and historically, sexual selection and mate choice were viewed primarily as functioning to ensure that a partner is a conspecific. Yet this focus on species recognition meant that sexual selection was ignored in evolutionary biology for the first half-century after Darwin, an omission that has hindered the development of theory. Same-sex behavior in animals has always been viewed as an aberration or artifact of captivity, but many instances show that it can be an adaptive part of the behavioral repertoire. I will briefly review the occurrence of same-sex behavior in animals, and then concentrate on Laysan Albatross, a Pacific seabird species in which up to thirty percent of females form female-female pairs, with reasonably high reproductive success. Such same-sex pairs may constitute an alternative reproductive strategy. Finally, the existence of supposed mistakes in mate choice serves to remind us that "nature is a tinkerer, not an engineer."

Effetti dell’octilfenolo sull’asse ipotalamo-ipofisi-ghiandola adrenale/tiroide della lucertola Podarcis sicula

Groups Whose Proper Quotients are Nilpotent-By-Finite

Mathematical Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 2002

If X is a class of groups, a group G is said to be just-non-X if it is not in X but all its prope... more If X is a class of groups, a group G is said to be just-non-X if it is not in X but all its proper quotients are X-groups. A description of just-non-(nilpotent-by-nite) groups and just-non-(supersoluble-by-nite) groups is given in this paper.

Estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on the male reproductive system

Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2015

ABSTRACT Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are identified for their ability to perturb the ho... more ABSTRACT Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are identified for their ability to perturb the homeostasis of endocrine system and hormonal balance. The male reproductive system is under close control of hormones and each change in their concentration and time of exposition and action can induce a deregulation of its physiology. In this review we summarize the most recent studies on two main categories of EDCs with different action: the estrogenic bisphenol A and alkylphenols and the anti-androgenic phthalates. This review describes the main effects of these substances on male reproductive system.

Small Leucine Rich Proteoglycans Are Differently Distributed in Normal and Pathological Endometrium

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

During the woman's fertile period, the non-pregnant uterus is subject to constant cyclic chan... more During the woman's fertile period, the non-pregnant uterus is subject to constant cyclic changes. The complex mechanisms that control the balance among proliferation, differentiation, cell death and the structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix can contribute to the benign or malignant endometrial pathological state. The small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are important components of cell surface and extracellular matrices. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that the distribution patterns of SLRPs were completely modified in the pathological compared to normal endometrium. The expression of SLRPs was low/absent in all endometrial pathologies examined compared to normal endometrium. We observed an increase of lumican from proliferative to secretory phase of the endometrium and a decrease of fibromodulin, biglycan and decorin. In menopause endometrial tissue, the level of expression of fibromodulin, biglycan, decorin and lumican dramatically decreased. The results ...

Localization and modulation of NEDD8 protein in the human placenta

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

Neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated-8 (NEDD8) is a 76-amino-acid ubiq... more Neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated-8 (NEDD8) is a 76-amino-acid ubiquitin-like polypeptide. NEDD8 affects the signaling of various molecules but the major cellular target proteins are cullins. The neddylation process is correlated closely with apoptosis, cell-cycle regulation, embryogenesis and development. The purpose of the present work was to investigate NEDD8 distribution and expression in the human placenta during gestation. A total of 30 samples, 15 chorionic villous samples from first trimester and 15 from full-term placentae, were used for the immunohistochemical analysis of NEDD8 expression. The gestation period ranged from 5 to 40 weeks. NEDD8 was highly expressed in the cytotrophoblast of the first trimester of gestation, whereas in the third trimester, it was localized in the endothelial cells and stroma of placental villi. Our results suggest that NEDD8 may play an important role in the control of proliferation and differentiation of human p...

Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition), 2009

In the past, human heart has been considered a post-mitotic organ formed by cells, like adult car... more In the past, human heart has been considered a post-mitotic organ formed by cells, like adult cardiomyocytes, terminally differentiated and incapable of proliferation. This paradigm has been shaken by recent works indicating that postnatal adult cardiomyocytes are able to re-enter in the cell cycle and proliferate. In this view, the understanding of main candidates regulating cardiomyocyte cell cycle is of vital importance for future clinical approach.

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

Apoptosis is intimately involved in placental homeostasis, growth and remodelling, and apoptotic ... more Apoptosis is intimately involved in placental homeostasis, growth and remodelling, and apoptotic rates increase progressively during normal pregnancy as part of normal placental development. Moreover, apoptosis increases in pregnancies complicated by some pathologies such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and diabetes. In the present study, we describe differences in the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax, in first trimester voluntary termination of pregnancy, first trimester abortion (reserved abortion), caesarean birth, spontaneous birth, preeclampsia and diabetes. We first observed a strong increase of Bax expression in the cytotrophoblast, stroma, endothelial cells and decidua of placentas of the first trimester abortion compared to the low/moderate Bax immunopositivity in all the placental compartments during the first trimester voluntary termination of pregnancy. Secondly, we showed a more intense immunopositivity for Bax in the third trimester spontaneous birth wi...

Histology and histopathology, 2007

Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor APJ. This peptide is produced through... more Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor APJ. This peptide is produced through processing from the C-terminal portion in the pre-pro-protein consisting of 77 amino acid residues and exists in multiple molecular forms. Although the main physiological functions of apelin have not yet been clarified, it is known that apelin is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow and central control of body fluid homeostasis in different organs. Since human placenta is a tissue where vasculogenesis, blood pressure and flow are dramatically important to allow a normal embryonic and fetal growth and development, the aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical distribution of apelin and APJ in normal placentas throughout pregnancy and in preeclampsia-complicated placentas. Specifically, we observed that in normal placentas the expression levels of apelin decreased from the first to the third trimester of gestation in both cytotrophoblast and s...

The Histochemical journal

The aim of this study was to demonstrate in the adrenocortical and renal tissues of two species o... more The aim of this study was to demonstrate in the adrenocortical and renal tissues of two species of frog, Rana italica and Rana esculenta, the presence and distribution of five neuropeptides: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), Leu-enkephalin (Leu-ENK), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In anurans, the adrenal medulla is the site for the synthesis, storage and secretion of not only catecholamines but also various peptides. These peptides should not be regarded only as neurotransmitters or modulators for the secretion of catecholamines, but also as hormonal substances that induce systemic effects. All the peptides studied (ANP, Leu-ENK, NPY, SP and VIP) are present in both organs. However, different patterns of expression were observed for some of the peptides in two frogs. Immunopositivity to ANP was found in small clusters of chromaffin cells in both frogs whereas a clear strong positivity was present only in Rana esculenta kidney. Large c...

The Histochemical journal

The adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula is formed by a dorsal ribbon of chromaffin cells,... more The adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula is formed by a dorsal ribbon of chromaffin cells, generally defined as medullary tissue, arranged along a central part of steroidogenic cells considered as cortical tissue. These two tissues produce catecholamines and steroids as part of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal gland axis. Recent studies have demonstrated that Podarcis sicula adrenal gland is not only under hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis control but that several peptides may influence the physiological activity of the gland; among these, vasoactive intestinal peptide is able to enhance strongly both catecholamine and steroid hormone production. The aim of the present study was to verify whether vasoactive intestinal peptide administration could become deleterious. For this reason, we monitored the pattern of expression of two members of the Bcl-2 family, Bcl-2 and Bax, in control and vasoactive intestinal peptide treated specimens. Furthermore, we also tested if peptide treat...

BioMed Research International, 2014

The WFS1 gene, encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein of the endoplasmic reticulum called wolframi... more The WFS1 gene, encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein of the endoplasmic reticulum called wolframin, is mutated in Wolfram syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder defined by the association of diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and further organ abnormalities. Disruption of the WFS1 gene in mice causes progressive -cell loss in the pancreas and impaired stimulus-secretion coupling in insulin secretion. However, little is known about the physiological functions of this protein. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of wolframin in human placenta throughout pregnancy in normal women and diabetic pregnant women. In normal placenta, there was a modulation of wolframin throughout pregnancy with a strong level of expression during the first trimester and a moderate level in the third trimester of gestation. In diabetic women, wolframin expression was strongly reduced in the third trimester of gestation. The pattern of expression of wolframin in normal placenta suggests that this protein may be required to sustain normal rates of cytotrophoblast cell proliferation during the first trimester of gestation. The decrease in wolframin expression in diabetic placenta suggests that this protein may participate in maintaining the physiologic glucose homeostasis in this organ.

Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2014

The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new ... more The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new type of hazard, still unknown, for both the human health and the aquatic ecosystem, due to the potent pharmacological activities of all the illicit drugs. Our research was aimed at evaluating the presence of illicit drugs in the Sarno River (Campania region, Italy), crossing a densely populated area, the basin of the Sarno River, one of the largest and most important economic areas in Campania region, famous for the presence of zones with high landscape-environmental value. The drugs selected for this study were the most used in Campania region. The presence of illicit drugs in surface water was analyzed by a selective multi-residue assay based on liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. The analysis showed the presence of all the illicit drugs investigated: cocaine and its main metabolites (benzoylecgonine, nor-benzoylecgonine), morphine, THC-COOH and codeine; cocaine was the most abundant illicit drug. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in the Sarno River suggests new potential risk for the basin's inhabitants, using water in the food chain, via field irrigation and animal feed, and for the health of the aquatic fauna.

Molecular Mechanisms of Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis

Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2015

Helicobacter pylori infects 50% of mankind. The vast majority of H. pylori infection occurs in th... more Helicobacter pylori infects 50% of mankind. The vast majority of H. pylori infection occurs in the developing countries where up to 80% of the middle-aged adults may be infected. Bacterial infection causes an inflammatory response that proceeds through a series of intermediated stages of precancerous lesions (gastritis, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia). Among infected individuals, approximately 10% develops severe gastric lesions such as peptic ulcer disease, 1-3% progresses to gastric cancer (GC) with a low 5 year survival rate, and 0.1% develops mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). GC is one of the most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this review we have summarized the most recent papers about molecular mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis. The main important steps of H. pylori infection such as adhesion, entry in epithelial gastric cells, activation of intracellular pathways until epigenetic modifications have been described. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Biomedical Sensors, Fibers, and Optical Delivery Systems, 1999

ABSTRACT