141 research outputs found
Gnathocera bonsi Ruter 1991
No full text<i>Gnathocera bonsi</i> Ruter, 1991 <p> <b>Distribution</b>: ANG.</p> <p> <b>Distribution in Angola (Provinces):</b> 1)?</p> <p> <b>Historic records:</b></p> <p>— Angola (without locality) (Allard 1991).</p> <p> <b>Material examined:</b> none.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Apparently a very rare species described from Angola (Allard 1991). Ecological data are not available for this species.</p>Published as part of <i>Serrano, Artur R. M., Capela, Rúben A., Nunes, Telmo & Santos, Carmen Van-Dú- Nem Neto, 2020, The rose chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) of Angola: a descriptive checklist with new records and synonymic notes, pp. 1-130 in Zootaxa 4776 (1)</i> on page 93, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4776.1.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/3821288">http://zenodo.org/record/3821288</a>
RUOLO DELL'INFIAMMAZIONE NELLA DEGENERAZIONE LOBARE FRONTOTEMPORALE (MALATTIA DI PICK) A TRASMISSIONE AUTOSOMICA DOMINANTE E SPORADICA
No full textLe mutazioni nei geni Progranulina (GRN) e C9orf72 sono responsabili della
maggior parte dei casi familiari di Degenerazione Lobare Frontotemporale (FTLD),
che è il tipo di demenza più frequente in età presenile ed è caratterizzata
prevalentemente da disturbi comportamentali. Gli obiettivi di questa ricerca sono
stati: 1) effettuare uno screening genetico su una popolazione di pazienti affetti da
FTLD, al fine di identificare mutazioni causali 2) valutare i livelli di espressione di
citochine e chemochine in pazienti portatori di mutazioni in GRN, c9orf72 e
confrontarli con quelli dei casi sporadici e controlli 3) analizzare i livelli proteici di
molecole infiammatorie nel liquor e sieri negli stessi gruppi di pazienti e controlli.
Venti pazienti sono risultati portatori di mutazioni nel gene GRN, in due è stata
rilevata una nuova mutazione, Cys149fs (g. 1159_1160TG), localizzata nell’esone
5 del gene GRN. La presenza dell’espansione della ripetizione G 4 C 2 , localizzata
nel primo introne del gene c9orf72, è stata analizzata in un’ampia popolazione
(772 pazienti FTLD, 22 con CBD e 33 PSP). Sono stati individuati quarantasei
pazienti portatori dell’espansione. L’analisi condotta su pazienti affetti da CBD e
PSP non ha prodotto alcun risultato positivo, così come lo screening su 222
controlli sani. Per quanto riguarda l’analisi dei livelli di espressione genica di
citochine e chemochine, sono state utilizzate le piastre della Sabioscience
selezionando 3 pazienti portatori dell’espansione in c9orf72, 6 pazienti portatori di
mutazioni in GRN (3 sintomatici e 3 asintomatici), 3 casi sporadici di FTLD e 3
controlli di pari età. I risultati ottenuti mostrano una diminuzione generalizzata dei
livelli di espressione di citochine e chemochine in pazienti portatori di mutazioni in
GRN sintomatici rispetto ai controlli; in particolare, è stata rilevata una significativa
down-regolazione dei livelli di interleuchina (IL)-4. Al contrario, prendendo in
considerazione il profilo delle citochine nei casi sporadici di FTLD rispetto ai
controlli, è emersa una tendenza opposta; in particolare, i livelli di espressione di
IL-5 e Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) sono risultati aumentati in maniera
statisticamente significativa. Nei pazienti portatori dell’espansione in c9orf72 invece
abbiamo costatato un quadro più eterogeneo; in particolare, è emersa una
significativa over-espressione dei livelli di chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2 o
MCP-1) e chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL-10 o IP-10). I risultati di
espressione ottenuti mettono in evidenza una tendenza opposta dei livelli di
molecole infiammatorie tra i pazienti FTLD portatori di mutazioni in GRN o C9orf72
e casi sporadici di FTLD rispetto ai controlli, suggerendo la presenza di pathways
patogenetici differenti tra pazienti portatori di mutazioni e non portatori. Sono stati
infine valutati i livelli di citochine e chemochine nei liquor e sieri degli stessi gruppi
di pazienti e controlli attraverso l’utilizzo della tecnologia Bioplex. L’analisi dei dati
ottenuti mostra un aumento significativo dei livelli di CCL-2 e CXCL10 nel liquor di
pazienti FTLD sporadici rispetto ai controlli; la medesima osservazione è stata fatta
per i livelli liquorali di IP-10 in pazienti con FTLD portatori di mutazioni in GRN
sintomatici rispetto ai controlli. D’altra parte, i livelli liquorali di RANTES sono
risultati significativamente aumentati nel liquor di soggetti sani rispetto ai pazienti
portatori di mutazione in GRN sintomatici e non portatori. I livelli liquorali di CXCL-
10 e RANTES non sono influenzati dall’età, mentre MCP-1 correla positivamente
con l’età. Infine per quanto riguarda i portatori dell’espansione in C9orf72, nessuna
molecola infiammatoria è stata trovata alterata in maniera statisticamente
significativa.Mutations in Progranulin (GRN) and Chromosome 9 Open Reading Frame 72
(C9orf72) genes are common causes of familial Frontotemporal Lobar
Degeneration (FTLD), which represents the most common cause of dementia in
presenile population. This study aimed to 1) perform a genetic screening in a
population of patients with FTLD in order to identify pathogenic causal mutations 2)
evaluate the expression of cytokines and chemokines in peripheral cells from GRN
and C9orf72 carriers as compared with sporadic FTLD and controls 3) analyze
protein levels of inflammatory molecules in CSF and sera of the same group of
patients and controls. Twenty patients were carriers of GRN gene mutations, two of
which had a novel mutation, Cys149fs (g. 1159_1160TG), located in exom 5 of
GRN gene. The presence of G4C2 repeat expansion, positioned on the first intron
of C9orf72 gene, was analyzed in a larger population (772 FTLD, 22 CBD and 33
PSP patients). Fourty-six patients with FTLD were carriers of pathogenetic repeat
expansion, whereas none of CBD and PSP patients as well as 222 controls carried
the mutation. Concerning gene expression analysis of cytokines or chemokines,
Sabioscience PCR arrays were used in 3 C9orf72 expansion carriers, 6 GRN
carriers (3 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic), 3 sporadic FTLD cases and 3 age-
matched controls. We observed a generalized down-regulation of cytokine and
chemokine expression levels in GRN symptomatic carriers compared with controls;
in particular Interleukin (IL)-4 expression levels showed a significant down-
regulation. On the contrary, considering cytokines profiling of sporadic cases
compared to controls, the opposite trend was observed; in particular, IL-5 and
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) expression levels showed a significant
overexpression compared to controls. In C9orf72 expansion carriers compared with
controls, we showed a more heterogeneous situation; in particular, chemokine (C-
C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2 or MCP-1) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL-
10 or IP-10) were significantly over-expressed. These results showed an opposite
trend of inflammatory molecules expression levels between FTLD GRN or C9orf72
carriers and sporadic patients compared with controls, suggesting different
pathogenic pathways between mutation carriers and sporadic FTLD.
To complete the study, we evaluated protein expression levels of cytokines and
chemokines in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and serum from the same group of
patients and controls through Bioplex technology. Data analysis showed that CCL-
2 and CXCL-10 levels were significantly increased in CSF from sporadic FTLD
patients as compared to controls; the same observation was done for intrathecal
CXCL-10 levels in patients with FTLD carrying GRN mutations compared with
control subjects. Conversely, RANTES levels were increased in control subjects
compared to sporadic FTLD cases and GRN symptomatic carriers. IP-10 and
RANTES CSF levels were not likely to be influenced by age, whereas CCL-2
positively correlated with age. Finally regarding c9orf72 expansion carriers, none of
inflammatory molecules was found statistically significant altered
Innate immune system and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease : from pathogenesis to treatment
No full textImmune activation and inflammation, likely triggered by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, play a remarkable role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is the most frequent cause of dementia in the elderly. The principal cellular elements of the brain innate immune system likely to be involved in such processes are microglia. In an attempt to search for new disease-modifying drugs, the immune system has been addressed, with the aim of removing deposition of Aβ or tau by developing vaccines and humanized monoclonal antibodies. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the role played by microglia and inflammatory molecules in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, we will discuss the main active and passive immunotherapeutic approaches
ACTIVITIES OF 3'/5' CYCLIC-NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHODIESTERASES IN THE SUPERIOR CERVICAL-GANGLION OF RAT - CHARACTERIZATION, COMPARTMENTALIZATION AND OBSERVATIONS IN YOUNG AND OLD ANIMALS
No full textWe investigated the presence and features of ''low K-m'' 3'-5' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in the homogenates and extracts of rat superior cervical ganglion. The DEAE chromatographic elution profile of a Triton X-100 extract showed two peaks of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity eluted at 280 and 600 mM sodium acetate and two peaks of cGMP phosphodiesterase activity eluted at 300 and at 500 mM sodium acetate. The activity was poorly stimulated by calcium-calmodulin and neither stimulated or inhibited by cGMP. Both cGMP PDE peaks were inhibited by zaprinast, with IC50's of 1.4 mu M and 0.28 mu M; their K-m values were 4.4 and 3.8 mu M, respectively. These features, together with cGMP binding activity, indicate that both enzymes belong to the phosphodiesterase V family. The K-m values of the first and second cAMP phosphodiesterase peaks were 1.7 and 3.8 mu M. Although both peaks displayed a cAMP specific hydrolysis, only the second peak was inhibited by RO 20-1724, with an IC50 of 8 mu M. Preganglionic denervation indicated that the bulk of phosphodiesterase activity is localized in ganglion cells. In order to investigate possible effects of aging on the ganglionic function, phosphodiesterase activity was assayed in the ganglia of young (3 months) and old (25 months) male Fisher rats. The chromatographic profiles and kinetic features revealed no significant differences between young and old rats
Myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava
No full textA case of myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava was reported and describe
Metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors modulate synaptic inputs and calcium signals in striatal cholinergic interneurons
No full textStriatal cholinergic interneurons were recorded from a rat slice preparation. Synaptic potentials evoked by intrastriatal stimulation revealed three distinct components: a glutamatergic EPSP, a GABAA-mediated depolarizing potential, and an acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated IPSP. The responses to group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor activation were investigated on the isolated components of the synaptic potentials. Each pharmacologically isolated component was reversibly reduced by bath-applied LY379268 and ((2S,1′R,2′R,3′R)-2-(2,3- dicarboxylcyclopropyl)-glycine, group II agonists. In an attempt to define the relevance of group II mGlu receptor activation on cholinergic transmission, we focused on the inhibitory effect on the IPSP, which was mimicked and occluded by ω-agatoxin IVA (ω-Aga-IVA), suggesting a modulation on P-type high-voltage-activated calcium channels. Spontaneous calcium-dependent plateau-potentials (PPs) were recorded with cesium-filled electrodes plus tetraethyl..
Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, a natural free-radical scavenger against aflatoxin B1- and ochratoxin A-induced cell damage in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) and human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo-2).
No full textA simple method to identify bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with a high immunosuppressive potential
No full textBackground aims. The benefi cial activity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in allogeneic hematopietic stem cell transplantation requires correct use in terms of cell dose and timing of infusion and the identifi cation of biomarkers for selection.
The immunosuppressive bone marrow (BM)-derived MSC (BM-MSC) functions have been associated with the production
of soluble HLA-G molecules (sHLA-G) via interleukin (IL)-10. We have established a reliable method for evaluating
BM-MSC HLA-G expression without the infl uence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods. Thirteen
BM-MSC from donors were activated with recombinant IL-10 or co-cultured with 10 different phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-
treated PBMC (PHA-PBMC). Membrane-bound and sHLA-G expression was evaluated by fl ow cytometry and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively; lymphoproliferation was measured by (methyl- 3H)thymidine. Results.
The results demonstrated the ability of IL-10 to stimulate both membrane-bound and sHLA-G production by BM-MSC.
The levels of HLA-G expression induced by IL-10 in BM-MSC were associated with the inhibition of PHA-PBMC proliferation (sHLA-G, P 0.0008, r 0.9308; membrane HLA-G, P 0.0005, r 0.9502). Conclusions. We propose the
evaluation of sHLA-G production in IL-10-treated BM-MSC cultures as a possible marker of immunoregulatory function
Selective increase in sensitivity to group II mGluR activation at corticostriatal synapses in mice lacking the familial parkinsonism-linked genes PINK1 or Parkin
No full textMetabotropic glutamate 2 receptors modulate synaptic inputs and calcium signals in striatal cholinergic interneurons
No full textStriatal cholinergic interneurons were recorded from a rat slice preparation. Synaptic potentials evoked by intrastriatal stimulation revealed three distinct components: a glutamatergic EPSP, a GABA(A)-mediated depolarizing potential, and an acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated IPSP. The responses to group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor activation were investigated on the isolated components of the synaptic potentials. Each pharmacologically isolated component was reversibly reduced by bath-applied LY379268 and ((2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxylcyclopropyl)-glycine, group II agonists. In an attempt to define the relevance of group II mGlu receptor activation on cholinergic transmission, we focused on the inhibitory effect on the IPSP, which was mimicked and occluded by omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga-IVA), suggesting a modulation on P-type high-voltage-activated calcium channels. Spontaneous calcium-dependent plateau-potentials (PPs) were recorded with cesium-filled electrodes plus tetraethylammonium and TTX in the perfusing solution, and measurements of intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i changes were obtained simultaneously. PPs and the concomitant [Ca2+]i elevations were significantly reduced in amplitude and duration by LY379268. The mGlu-mediated inhibitory effect on PPs was mimicked by omega-Aga-IVA, suggesting an involvement of P-type channels. Moreover, electrically induced ACh release from striatal slices was reduced by mGlu2 receptor agonists and occluded by omega-Aga-IVA in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, double-labeling experiments combining mGlu2 receptor in situ hybridization and choline acetyltransferase immunocytochemistry revealed a strong mGlu2 receptor labeling on cholinergic interneurons, whereas single-label isotopic in situ hybridization for mGlu3 receptors did not show any labeling in these large striatal interneurons. These results suggest that the mGlu2 receptor-mediated modulatory action on cell excitability would tune striatal ACh release, representing an interesting target for pharmacological intervention in basal ganglia disorders
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