@article{%a1.%Y_136,

title = {Developmental and Nutritional Dynamics of Malpighian Tubule Autofluorescence in the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus},

author = {Croce AC and Garbelli A and Moyano A and Soldano S and Tejeda-Guzman C and Missirlis F and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/1/245},

doi = {10.3390/ijms25010245},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-02-12},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {25},

issue = {1},

pages = {245},

abstract = {Malpighian tubules (MTs) are arthropod excretory organs crucial for the osmoregulation, detoxification and excretion of xenobiotics and metabolic wastes, which include tryptophan degradation products along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. Specifically, the toxic intermediate 3-hydroxy kynurenine (3-HK) is metabolized through transamination to xanthurenic acid or in the synthesis of ommochrome pigments. Early investigations in Drosophila larval fat bodies revealed an intracellular autofluorescence (AF) that depended on tryptophan administration. Subsequent observations documented AF changes in the MTs of Drosophila eye-color mutants genetically affecting the conversion of tryptophan to KYN or 3-HK and the intracellular availability of zinc ions. In the present study, the AF properties of the MTs in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, were characterized in different stages of the insect's life cycle, tryptophan-administered larvae and blood-fed adult females. Confocal imaging and microspectroscopy showed AF changes in the distribution of intracellular, brilliant granules and in the emission spectral shape and amplitude between the proximal and distal segments of MTs across the different samples. The findings suggest AF can serve as a promising marker for investigating the functional status of MTs in response to metabolic alterations, contributing to the use of MTs as a potential research model in biomedicine.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Y_137,

title = {FXR agonists INT-787 and OCA increase RECK and inhibit liver steatosis and inflammation in diet-induced ob/ob mouse model of NASH},

author = {Di Pasqua LG and Cagna M and Palladini G and Croce AC and Cadamuro M and Fabris L and Perlini S and Adorini L and Ferrigno A and Vairetti M.},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171933523000882?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1111/liv.15767},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-02-12},

journal = {Liver international},

volume = {44},

number = {214},

issue = {1},

pages = {227},

abstract = {Background and aims: We have previously shown in a model of hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) restores reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), an inverse modulator of metalloproteases (MMPs) and inhibitor of the sheddases ADAM10 and ADAM17 involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis. Here, the effects of FXR agonists OCA and INT-787 on hepatic levels of RECK, MMPs, ADAM10 and ADAM17 were compared in a diet-induced ob/ob mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: Lep ob/ob NASH mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 9 weeks (wks) were treated with OCA or INT-787 0.05% dosed via HFD admixture (30 mg/kg/day) or HFD for further 12 wks. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and inflammatory cytokines, liver RECK, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity as well as ADAM10, ADAM17, collagen deposition (Sirius red), hepatic stellate cell activation (α-SMA) and pCK+ reactive biliary cells were quantified. Results: Only INT-787 significantly reduced serum ALT, IL-1β and TGF-berta. A downregulation of RECK expression and protein levels observed in HFD groups (at 9 and 21 wks) was counteracted by both OCA and INT-787. HFD induced a significant increase in liver MMP-2 and MMP-9; OCA administration reduced both MMP-2 and MMP-9 while INT-787 markedly reduced MMP-2 expression. OCA and INT-787 reduced both ADAM10 and ADAM17 expression and number of pCK+ cells. INT-787 was superior to OCA in decreasing collagen deposition and α-SMA levels. Conclusion: INT-787 is superior to OCA in controlling specific cell types and clinically relevant anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic molecular mechanisms in NASH.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Y_141,

title = {Recent Updates on the Therapeutic Prospects of Reversion-Inducing Cysteine-Rich Protein with Kazal Motifs (RECK) in Liver Injuries},

author = {Palladini G and Di Pasqua LG and Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Vairetti M},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/24/17407},

doi = {10.3390/ijms242417407},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-02-12},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {24},

issue = {24},

pages = {17407},

abstract = {The reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), a membrane-anchored glycoprotein, negatively regulates various membrane proteins involved in the tissue governing extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling such as metalloproteases (MMPs) and the sheddases ADAM10 and ADAM17. The significance of the present review is to summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiological role of RECK, a newly discovered signaling pathway associated with different liver injuries. Specifically, this review analyzes published data on the downregulation of RECK expression in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, liver-related cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), as well as in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition, this review discusses the regulation of RECK by inducers, such as FXR agonists. The RECK protein has also been suggested as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for liver injury or as a biomarker with predictive value for drug treatment efficacy.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_93,

title = {Characterization of Spontaneous Melanization by Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A Basis for Analytical Application to Biological Substrates},

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/3/433},

doi = {10.3390/biology12030433},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {Biology-Basel},

volume = {12},

issue = {3},

pages = {433},

abstract = {Melanin is present in various biological substrates where it may participate in several processes, from innate immunity to the still-unsolved opposite roles in antioxidant protection, including photoprotection and the related ability to interact with light. Melanin-light interaction has also been an important source of inspiration for the development of innovative bioengineering applications. These are based on melanin's light-energy-absorption ability of its chemically and structurally complex components and precursors, and on the improvement in analytical and diagnostic procedures in biomedicine. In this regard, here, we characterized the fluorescence spectral properties of melanin and of its precursor L-tyrosine in an aqueous solution during spontaneous melanization. Besides the confirmation of the typical fluorescence-emission signature of melanin and L-tyrosine, we provide additional insights on both emission and excitation spectra recorded during melanization. On these bases, we performed a subsequent characterization on the aqueous extracts from two different melanin-containing biological substrates, namely hairs from a domestic black cat and eggs from the Asian tiger mosquito. The results from the mild extraction procedure, purposely applied to obtain only the soluble components, combined with fluorescence spectral analysis are expected to promote further investigation of the melanization processes, particularly in insects.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_95,

title = {Fatty Acids and Bilirubin as Intrinsic Autofluorescence Serum Biomarkers of Drug Action in a Rat Model of Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Palladini G and Mannucci B and Vairetti M and Di Pasqua LG},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/9/3818},

doi = {10.3390/molecules28093818},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {28},

issue = {9},

pages = {3818},

abstract = {The autofluorescence of specific fatty acids, retinoids, and bilirubin in crude serum can reflect changes in liver functional engagement in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. The role of these fluorophores as intrinsic biomarkers of pharmacological actions has been investigated here in rats administered with obeticholic acid (OCA), a Farnesoid-X Receptor (FXR) agonist, proven to counteract the increase of serum bilirubin in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been applied to an assay serum collected from rats submitted to liver I/R (60/60 min ± OCA administration). The I/R group showed changes in the amplitude and profiles of emission spectra excited at 310 or 366 nm, indicating remarkable alterations in the retinoid and fluorescing fatty acid balance, with a particular increase in arachidonic acid. The I/R group also showed an increase in bilirubin AF, detected in the excitation spectra recorded at 570 nm. OCA greatly reversed the effects observed in the I/R group, confirmed by the biochemical analysis of bilirubin and fatty acids. These results are consistent with a relationship between OCA anti-inflammatory effects and the acknowledged roles of fatty acids as precursors of signaling agents mediating damaging responses to harmful stimuli, supporting serum autofluorescence analysis as a possible direct, real-time, cost-effective tool for pharmacological investigations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_104,

title = {MCD Diet Modulates HuR and Oxidative Stress-Related HuR Targets in Rats},

author = {Ferrigno A and Campagnoli LIM and Barbieri A and Marchesi N and Pascale A and Croce AC and Vairetti M and Di Pasqua LG},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/12/9808},

doi = {10.3390/ijms24129808},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {24},

issue = {12},

pages = {9808},

abstract = {The endogenous antioxidant defense plays a big part in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common metabolic disorder that can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and cancer. HuR, an RNA-binding protein of the ELAV family, controls, among others, the stability of MnSOD and HO-1 mRNA. These two enzymes protect the liver cells from oxidative damage caused by excessive fat accumulation. Our aim was to investigate the expression of HuR and its targets in a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) model of NAFLD. To this aim, we fed male Wistar rats with an MCD diet for 3 and 6 weeks to induce NAFLD; then, we evaluated the expression of HuR, MnSOD, and HO-1. The MCD diet induced fat accumulation, hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. A HuR downregulation was also observed in association with a reduced expression of MnSOD and HO-1. Moreover, the changes in the expression of HuR and its targets were significantly correlated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury. Since HuR plays a protective role against oxidative stress, targeting this protein could be a therapeutic strategy to both prevent and counteract NAFLD.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Y_127,

title = {Pathogen-Mediated Alterations of Insect Chemical Communication: From Pheromones to Behavior},

author = {Moyano A and Croce AC and Scolari F },

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/11/1350},

doi = {10.3390/pathogens12111350},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-02-23},

journal = {Pathogens},

volume = {12},

issue = {11},

pages = {1350},

abstract = {Pathogens can influence the physiology and behavior of both animal and plant hosts in a manner that promotes their own transmission and dispersal. Recent research focusing on insects has revealed that these manipulations can extend to the production of pheromones, which are pivotal in chemical communication. This review provides an overview of the current state of research and available data concerning the impacts of bacterial, viral, fungal, and eukaryotic pathogens on chemical communication across different insect orders. While our understanding of the influence of pathogenic bacteria on host chemical profiles is still limited, viral infections have been shown to induce behavioral changes in the host, such as altered pheromone production, olfaction, and locomotion. Entomopathogenic fungi affect host chemical communication by manipulating cuticular hydrocarbons and pheromone production, while various eukaryotic parasites have been observed to influence insect behavior by affecting the production of pheromones and other chemical cues. The effects induced by these infections are explored in the context of the evolutionary advantages they confer to the pathogen. The molecular mechanisms governing the observed pathogen-mediated behavioral changes, as well as the dynamic and mutually influential relationships between the pathogen and its host, are still poorly understood. A deeper comprehension of these mechanisms will prove invaluable in identifying novel targets in the perspective of practical applications aimed at controlling detrimental insect species.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybx,

title = {Autofluorescent Biomolecules in Diptera: From Structure to Metabolism and Behavior},

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/14/4458},

doi = {10.3390/molecules27144458},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-30},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {27},

issue = {14},

pages = {4458},

abstract = {Light-based phenomena in insects have long attracted researchers' attention. Surface color distribution patterns are commonly used for taxonomical purposes, while optically-active structures from Coleoptera cuticle or Lepidoptera wings have inspired technological applications, such as biosensors and energy accumulation devices. In Diptera, besides optically-based phenomena, biomolecules able to fluoresce can act as markers of bio-metabolic, structural and behavioral features. Resilin or chitinous compounds, with their respective blue or green-to-red autofluorescence (AF), are commonly related to biomechanical and structural properties, helpful to clarify the mechanisms underlying substrate adhesion of ectoparasites' leg appendages, or the antennal abilities in tuning sound detection. Metarhodopsin, a red fluorescing photoproduct of rhodopsin, allows to investigate visual mechanisms, whereas NAD(P)H and flavins, commonly relatable to energy metabolism, favor the investigation of sperm vitality. Lipofuscins are AF biomarkers of aging, as well as pteridines, which, similarly to kynurenines, are also exploited in metabolic investigations. Beside the knowledge available in Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model to study also human disorder and disease mechanisms, here we review optically-based studies in other dipteran species, including mosquitoes and fruit flies, discussing future perspectives for targeted studies with various practical applications, including pest and vector control.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_64,

title = {Imaging and spectral analysis of autofluorescence patterns in larval head structures of mosquito vectors},

author = {Scolari F and Girella A and Croce AC},

url = {https://www.ejh.it/index.php/ejh/article/view/3462},

doi = {10.4081/ejh.2022.3462},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-23},

journal = {European journal of histochemistry},

volume = {66},

issue = {4},

pages = {3462},

abstract = {Autofluorescence (AF) in mosquitoes is currently poorly explored, despite its great potential as a marker of body structures and biological functions. Here, for the first time AF in larval heads of two mosquitoes of key public health importance, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, is studied using fluorescence imaging and spectrofluorometry, similarly to a label-free histochemical approach. In generally conserved distribution patterns, AF shows differences between mouth brushes and antennae of the two species. The blue AF ascribable to resilin at the antennal bases, more extended in Cx. pipiens, suggests a potential need to support different antennal movements. The AF spectra larger in Cx. pipiens indicate a variability in material composition and properties likely relatable to mosquito biology, including diverse feeding and locomotion behaviours with implications for vector control.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_32,

title = {MCD Diet Rat Model Induces Alterations in Zinc and Iron during NAFLD Progression from Steatosis to Steatohepatitis},

author = {Palladini G and Di Pasqua LG and Cagna M and Croce AC and Perlini S and Mannucci B and Profumo A and Ferrigno A and Vairetti M},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/12/6817},

doi = {10.3390/ijms23126817},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-18},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {23},

issue = {12},

pages = {6817},

abstract = {We evaluate the effects of the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet on serum and hepatic zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) and their relationships with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their modulators (TIMPs and RECK) as well as hepatic fatty acids using male Wistar rats fed 2-, 4- and 8-week MCD diets. Serum and hepatic Zn decrease after an 8-week MCD diet. Serum Fe increases after an 8-week MCD diet and the same occurs for hepatic Fe. An increase in hepatic MMP activity, associated with a decrease in RECK and TIMPs, is found in the MCD 8-week group. Liver Fe shows a positive correlation versus MMPs and RECK, and an inverse correlation versus TIMPs. A positive correlation is found comparing liver Zn with stearic, vaccenic and arachidonic acids, and an inverse correlation is found with linolenic and docosatetraenoic acids. An opposite trend is found between liver Fe versus these fatty acids. During NAFLD progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis, MCD rats exhibit an increase in Zn and a decrease in Fe levels both in serum and tissue associated with alterations in hepatic MMPs and their inhibitors, and fatty acids. The correlations detected between Zn and Fe versus extracellular matrix modulators and fatty acids support their potential role as therapeutic targets.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_61,

title = {Obeticholic Acid Reduces Kidney Matrix Metalloproteinase Activation Following Partial Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats},

author = {Palladini G and Cagna M and Di Pasqua LG and Adorini L and Croce AC and Perlini S and Ferrigno A and Berardo C and Vairetti M},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/5/524},

doi = {10.3390/ph15050524},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-31},

journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel)},

volume = {15},

issue = {5},

pages = {524},

abstract = {We have previously demonstrated that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) protects the liver via downregulation of hepatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which can lead to multiorgan dysfunction. The present study investigated the capacity of OCA to modulate MMPs in distant organs such as the kidney. Male Wistar rats were dosed orally with 10 mg/kg/day of OCA (5 days) and were subjected to 60-min partial hepatic ischemia. After 120-min reperfusion, kidney biopsies (cortex and medulla) and blood samples were collected. Serum creatinine, kidney MMP-2, and MMP-9-dimer, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), RECK, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were monitored. MMP-9-dimer activity in the kidney cortex and medulla increased after hepatic I/R and a reduction was detected in OCA-treated I/R rats. Although not significantly, MMP-2 activity decreased in the cortex of OCA-treated I/R rats. TIMPs and RECK levels showed no significant differences among all groups considered. Serum creatinine increased after I/R and a reduction was detected in OCA-treated I/R rats. The same trend occurred for tissue TNF-alpha and IL-6. Although the underlying mechanisms need further investigation, this is the first study showing, in the kidney, beneficial effects of OCA by reducing TNF-alpha-mediated expression of MMPs after liver I/R.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybc,

title = {The Bright Side of the Tiger: Autofluorescence Patterns in Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) Male and Female Mosquitoes. },

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/3/713},

doi = {10.3390/molecules27030713},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-02-25},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {27},

issue = {3},

pages = {713},

abstract = {Light-based events in insects deserve increasing attention for various reasons. Besides their roles in inter- and intra-specific visual communication, with biological, ecological and taxonomical implications, optical properties are also promising tools for the monitoring of insect pests and disease vectors. Among these is the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, a global arbovirus vector. Here we have focused on the autofluorescence characterization of Ae. albopictus adults using a combined imaging and spectrofluorometric approach. Imaging has evidenced that autofluorescence rises from specific body compartments, such as the head appendages, and the abdominal and leg scales. Spectrofluorometry has demonstrated that emission consists of a main band in the 410-600 nm region. The changes in the maximum peak position, between 430 nm and 500 nm, and in the spectral width, dependent on the target structure, indicate the presence, at variable degrees, of different fluorophores, likely resilin, chitin and melanins. The aim of this work has been to provide initial evidence on the so far largely unexplored autofluorescence of Ae. albopictus, to furnish new perspectives for the set-up of species- and sex-specific investigation of biological functions as well as of strategies for in-flight direct detection and surveillance of mosquito vectors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb,

title = {Three dimensional spheroid cell culture of human MSC-derived neuron-like cells: new in vitro model to assess magnetite nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity effects},

author = {{De Simone U} and Croce AC and Pignatti P and Buscaglia E and Caloni F and Coccini T},

url = {https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jat.4292},

doi = {10.1002/jat.4292},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-21},

urldate = {2022-03-21},

journal = {Journal of applied toxicology},

volume = {42},

issue = {7},

pages = {1230-1252},

abstract = {As nanoparticles (NPs) can access the brain and impact on CNS function, novel in vitro models for the evaluation of NPs-induced neurotoxicity are advocated. 3D-spheroids of primary neuron-like cells (hNLCs) of human origin have been generated, from differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The study evaluated Fe3 O4 NP impact on the differentiation process by applying the challenge at complete 3D hNLC spheroid formation (after 4 days-T4) or at beginning of neurogenic induction/simultaneously 3D forming (T0). Different endpoints were monitored over time (up to 10 days): spheroid growth, size, morphology, ATP, cell death, neuronal markers (β-Tub III, MAP-2, NSE), NP-uptake. At T0-application, a marked concentration- and time-dependent cell mortality occurred: effect started early (day 2) and low concentration (1 μg/ml) and exacerbated (80% mortality) after prolonged time (day 6) and increased concentrations (50 μg/ml). ATP was strikingly affected. All neuronal markers were downregulated and spheroid morphology altered in a concentration-dependent manner (from ≥ 5μg/ml) after day 2. Fe3 O4 NPs applied at complete 3D formation (T4) still induced adverse effects although less severe: cell mortality (20-60%) and ATP content decrease (10-40%) were observed in a concentration-dependent manner (from ≥ 5 μg/ml). A neuronal-specific marker effect and spheroid size reduction from 25 μg/ml without morphology alteration were evidenced. This finding provides additional information on neurotoxic effects of Fe3 O4 NPs in a new 3D hNLC spheroid model derived from MSCs, that could find a consistent application as in a testing strategy serving in first step hazard identification for correct risk assessment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_489,

title = {Fluorescence excitation properties of bilirubin in solution and in serum. },

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Bottiroli G and {Di Pasqua LG} and Berardo C and Vairetti M},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134420305716?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112121},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-03-09},

urldate = {2021-03-09},

journal = {Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology},

volume = {215},

pages = {112121},

abstract = {The bichromophore nature of bilirubin explains the presence of at least two partially overlaying bands in both absorption and fluorescence emission spectra, and accounts for interchromophore exciton transfer events responsible for the emission sensitivity to the molecular environment and excitation wavelength. These concepts were likely responsible for the previously reported good yield of the unexpected remarkable bilirubin fluorescence emission under excitation at 366 nm, at which bilirubin absorption is very low. In this connection, aim of this work is to further investigate bilirubin spectral excitation properties and their diagnostic potential, until now poorly considered. Fluorescence excitation spectra of pure bilirubin in solution with solubilizing agents observed at 520 and 570 nm showed a wide region in the 430-510 nm range, similar to the absorption profile. In addition, an excitation band centered at about 400 nm was detected. Comparable excitation features were detected in rat serum. The 430-510 nm excitation region was well separated from a main band at shorter wavelength, ascribable to other endogenous fluorophores, with a shoulder at about 400 nm which was also easily discriminated by spectral fitting analysis. The bands ascribable to bilirubin showed changes of their relative contribution to the overall spectral region after liver ischemia/reperfusion, comparable to bilirubin biochemical data. Excitation spectra proved to discriminate the fluorescence of serum bilirubin at levels much lower than emission spectra, opening promising perspectives to improve the real time fluorescence analysis of crude serum in the absence of any exogenous labelling agent, and advance the diagnostic application of optical-biopsy in experimental hepatology and biomedicine.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Long-term cold storage preservation does not affect fatty livers from rats fed with a methionine and choline deficient diet},

author = {Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Cagna M and Mannucci B and Milanesi G and Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Vairetti M},

url = {https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-021-01503-y},

doi = {10.1186/s12944-021-01503-y},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-08-25},

urldate = {2021-08-25},

journal = {Lipids in health and disease},

volume = {20},

number = {1},

pages = {78},

abstract = {Background: Waiting lists that continue to grow and the lack of organs available for transplantation necessitate the use of marginal livers, such as fatty livers. Since steatotic livers are more susceptible to damage from ischemia and reperfusion, it was investigated whether fatty livers with different lipidomic profiles show a different outcome when subjected to long-term cold storage preservation. Methods: Eight-week-old male Wistar rats fed for 2 weeks by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet or control diet were employed in this study. Livers were preserved in a University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at 4 °C for 6, 12 or 24 h and, after washout, reperfused for 2 h with a Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 °C. Hepatic enzyme release, bile production, O2-uptake, and portal venous pressure (PVP) were evaluated. The liver fatty acid profile was evaluated by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: MCD rats showed higher LDH and AST levels with respect to the control group. When comparing MCD livers preserved for 6, 12 or 24 h, no differences in enzyme release were found during both the washout or the reperfusion period. The same trend occurred for O2-uptake, PVP, and bile flow. A general decrease in SFA and MUFA, except for oleic acid, and a decrease in PUFA, except for arachidonic, eicosadienoic, and docosahexanaeoic acids, were found in MCD rats when compared with control rats. Moreover, the ratio between SFA and the various types of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) was significantly lower in MCD rats. Conclusions: Although prolonged cold ischemia negatively affects the graft outcome, our data suggest that the quality of lipid constituents could influence liver injury during cold storage: the lack of an increased hepatic injury in MCD may be justified by low SFA, which likely reduces the deleterious tendency toward lipid crystallization occurring under cold ischemia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_441,

title = {Photobiology and Endogenous Fluorophore Based Applications, from Natural Environment to Biomedicine to Improve Human Life.},

author = {Croce AC},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/23/5707},

doi = {10.3390/molecules25235707},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

urldate = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {25},

number = {23},

pages = {5707},

abstract = {No abstract available},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_57,

title = {Fatty Acid Desaturase Involvement in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rat Models: Oxidative Stress Versus Metalloproteinases.},

author = {Palladini G and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Siciliano V and Richelmi P and Mannucci B and Croce AC and Rizzo V and Perlini S and Vairetti M and Ferrigno A},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/4/799},

doi = {10.3390/nu11040799},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-14},

journal = {Nutrients},

volume = {11},

number = {4},

pages = {e799},

abstract = {We investigated changes in fatty acid desaturases, D5D, D6D, D9-16D and D9-18D, and their relationship with oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serum TNF-alpha in two rat models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats fed for 3 weeks with methionine-choline⁻deficient (MCD) diet and eleven-week-old Obese male Zucker rats were used. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes and TNF-alpha were quantified. Hepatic oxidative stress (ROS, TBARS and GSH content) and MMP-2 and MMP-9 (protein expression and activity) were evaluated. Liver fatty acid profiling, performed by GC-MS, was used for the quantification of desaturase activities. Higher D5D and D9-16D were found in Obese Zucker rats as well as an increase in D9-18D in MCD rats. D6D was found only in MCD rats. A negative correlation between D5D and D9-16D versus TBARS, ROS and TNF-alpha and a positive correlation with GSH were shown in fatty livers besides a positive correlation between D9-18D versus TBARS, ROS and TNF-alpha and a negative correlation with GSH. A positive correlation between D5D or D9-16D or D9-18D versus protein expression and the activity of MMP-2 were found. NAFLD animal models showed comparable serum enzymes. These results reinforce and extend findings on the identification of therapeutic targets able to counteract NAFLD disorder.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_128,

title = {Autofluorescence based optical biopsy: an effective diagnostic tool in hepatology.},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Bottiroli G and Vairetti M},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/liv.13753},

doi = {10.1111/liv.13753},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-07},

journal = {Liver International},

volume = {38},

number = {7},

pages = {1160-1174},

abstract = {Autofluorescence emission of liver tissue depends on the presence of endogenous biomolecules able to fluoresce under suitable light excitation. Overall autofluorescence emission contains much information of diagnostic value, because it is the sum of individual autofluorescence contributions from fluorophores involved in metabolism, for example NAD(P)H, flavins, lipofuscins, retinoids, porphyrins, bilirubin and lipids, or in structural architecture, for example fibrous proteins, in close relationship with normal, altered or diseased conditions of the liver. Since the 1950s, hepatocytes and liver have been historical models to study NAD(P)H and flavins as in situ, real time autofluorescence biomarkers of energy metabolism and redox state. Later investigations designed to monitor organ responses to ischemia/reperfusion, were able to predict the risk of dysfunction in surgery and transplantation, or support the development of procedures to ameliorate the liver outcome. Subsequently, fluorescent fatty acids, lipofuscin‐like lipopigments and collagen were characterized as optical biomarkers of liver steatosis, oxidative stress damage, fibrosis and disease progression. Currently, serum AF is being investigated to improve non invasive optical diagnosis of liver disease. Validation of endogenous fluorophores and in situ discrimination of cancerous from non‐cancerous tissue belong to the few studies on liver in human subjects. These reports, along with other optical techniques and the huge work performed on animal models suggest many optically based applications in hepatology. Optical diagnosis is currently offering beneficial outcomes in clinical fields ranging from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, to dermatology and ophthalmology. Accordingly, this review aims to promote an effective bench to bedside transfer in hepatology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_126,

title = {Ozone Treatment of Grapes During Withering for Amarone Wine: A Multimodal Imaging and Spectroscopic Analysis.},

author = {Cisterna B and Boschi F and Croce AC and Podda R and Zanzoni S and Degl'Innocenti D and Bernardi P and Costanzo M and Marzola P and Covi V and Tabaracci G and Malatesta M},

url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/microscopy-and-microanalysis/article/ozone-treatment-of-grapes-during-withering-for-amarone-wine-a-multimodal-imaging-and-spectroscopic-analysis/BB236A32C1A9BBA6619E001BB025BEF1},

doi = {10.1017/S1431927618015209},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-15},

journal = {Microscopy and microanalysis},

volume = {24},

number = {5},

pages = {564-573},

abstract = {The production of Amarone wine is governed by a disciplinary guideline to preserve its typical features; however, postharvest infections by the fungus Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) not only represent a phytosanitary problem but also cause a significant loss of product. In this study, we tested a treatment with mild ozoniztion on grapes for Amarone wine production during withering in the fruttaio (the environment imposed by the disciplinary guideline) and evaluated the impact on berry features by a multimodal imaging approach. The results indicate that short and repeated treatments with low O3 concentrations speed up the naturally occurring berry withering, probably inducing a reorganization of the epicuticular wax layer, and inhibit the development of B. cinerea, blocking the fungus in an intermediate vegetative stage. This pilot study will pave the way to long-term research on Amarone wine obtained from O3-treated grapes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_127,

title = {Serum and Hepatic Autofluorescence as a Real-Time Diagnostic Tool for Early Cholestasis Assessment.},

author = {Croce AC and Bottiroli G and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Siciliano V and Rizzo V and Vairetti M and Ferrigno A},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/9/2634},

doi = {10.3390/ijms19092634},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-16},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences.},

volume = {19},

number = {9},

pages = {pii: E2634},

abstract = {While it is well established that various factors can impair the production and flow of bile and lead to cholestatic disease in hepatic and extrahepatic sites, an enhanced assessment of the biomarkers of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is still needed to improve early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. Hence, we investigated fluorescing endogenous biomolecules as possible intrinsic biomarkers of molecular and cellular changes in cholestasis. Spectroscopic autofluorescence (AF) analysis was performed using a fiber optic probe (366 nm excitation), under living conditions and in serum, on the livers of male Wistar rats submitted to bile duct ligation (BDL, 24, 48, and 72 h). Biomarkers of liver injury were assayed biochemically. In the serum, AF analysis distinctly detected increased bilirubin at 24 h BDL. A continuous, significant increase in red-fluorescing porphyrin derivatives indicated the subversion of heme metabolism, consistent with an almost twofold increase in the serum iron at 72 h BDL. In the liver, changes in the AF of NAD(P)H and flavins, as well as lipopigments, indicated the impairment of mitochondrial functionality, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of oxidative products. A serum/hepatic AF profile can be thus proposed as a supportive diagnostic tool for the in situ, real-time study of bio-metabolic alterations in bile duct ligation (BDL) in experimental hepatology, with the potential to eventually translate to clinical diagnosis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_241,

title = {Autofluorescence Spectroscopy for Monitoring Metabolism in Animal Cells and Tissues.},

author = {Croce AC and Bottiroli G},

url = {https://link.springer.com/protocol/10.1007%2F978-1-4939-6788-9_2},

doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-6788-9_2},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-15},

journal = {Methods in molecular biology - Histochemistry of Single Molecules Methods and Protocols},

volume = {1560},

pages = {15-43},

abstract = {Excitation of biological substrates with light at a suitable wavelength can give rise to a light emission in the ultraviolet (UV)-visible, near-infrared (IR) spectral range, called autofluorescence (AF). This is a widespread phenomenon, ascribable to the general presence of biomolecules acting as endogenous fluorophores (EFs) in the organisms of the whole life kingdom. In cytochemistry and histochemistry, AF is often an unwanted signal enhancing the background and affecting in particular the detection of low signals or rare positive labeling spots of exogenous markers. Conversely, AF is increasingly considered as a powerful diagnostic tool because of its role as an intrinsic biomarker directly dependent on the nature, amount, and microenvironment of the EFs, in a strict relationship with metabolic processes and structural organization of cells and tissues. As a consequence, AF carries multiple information that can be decrypted by a proper analysis of the overall emission signal, allowing the characterization and monitoring of cell metabolism in situ, in real time and in the absence of perturbation from exogenous markers. In the animal kingdom, AF studies at the cellular level take advantage of the essential presence of NAD(P)H and flavins, primarily acting as coenzymes at multiple steps of common metabolic pathways for energy production, reductive biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. Additional EFs such as vitamin A, porphyrins, lipofuscins, proteins, and neuromediators can be detected in different kinds of cells and bulk tissues, and can be exploited as photophysical biomarkers of specific normal or altered morphofunctional properties, from the retinoid storage in the liver to aging processes, metabolic disorders or cell transformation processes. The AF phenomenon involves all living system, and literature reports numerous investigations and diagnostic applications of AF, taking advantage of continuously developing self-assembled or commercial instrumentation and measuring procedures, making almost impossible to provide their comprehensive description. Therefore a brief summary of the history of AF observations and of the development of measuring systems is provided, along with a description of the most common EFs and their metabolic significance. From our direct experience, examples of AF imaging and microspectrofluorometric procedures performed under a single excitation in the near-UV range for cell and tissue metabolism studies are then reported.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_225,

title = {Fatty liver oxidative events monitored by autofluorescence optical diagnosis: a comparison between subnormothermic machine perfusion and conventional cold storage preservation.},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Bertone V and Piccolini VM and Berardo C and Di Pasqua LG and Rizzo V and Bottiroli G and Vairetti M},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hepr.12779/epdf},

doi = {10.1111/hepr.12779},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-24},

journal = {Hepatology research},

volume = {47},

number = {7},

pages = {668-682},

abstract = {AIM: Livers with moderate steatosis are currently recruited as marginal organs to face donor shortage in transplantation, despite lipid excess and oxidative stress increase preservation injury risk. A sensitive, real time detection of liver metabolism engagement could help donor selection and preservation procedures, ameliorating the graft outcome. Hence, we investigated endogenous biomolecules with autofluorescence (AF) properties as biomarkers supporting the detection of liver oxidative events and the assessment of metabolic responses to external stimuli. METHODS: Livers from male Wistar rats fed with a 12-day methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet were submitted to AF spectrofluorometric analysis (fiber-optic probe, 366 nm excitation) before and after organ isolation, and following preservation (Cold-Storage-CS, or 20 Celsius degree Machine-Perfusion-MP) and reperfusion. RESULTS: Innovative dynamic AF results on lipid oxidation to lipofuscin-like-lipopigments, correlating with biochemical oxidative damage (TBARS) and antioxidant defense (GSH) parameters, suggested a lipid engagement in MCD livers counteracting reactive oxidizing species. A maintained MCD liver functionality was supported by limited changes in bilirubin AF spectral profile, reflecting bile composition balance, despite their intrinsic mitochondrial weakness was confirmed by ATP levels, and regardless of different CS or MP preservation effects on energy metabolism revealed by conventional NAD(P)H and flavin AF data. CONCLUSION: AF showed that at a relatively short MCD diet time livers are still able to face oxidizing events, maintaining a functional balance. These results strengthen AF as a supportive diagnostic tool in experimental hepatology, to characterize in real time marginal livers, monitor their response to ischemia/reperfusion and to investigate protective therapeutic agents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_220,

title = {Fluorescing fatty acids in rat fatty liver models.},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Mannucci B and Bottiroli G and Vairetti M},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbio.201600195/abstract},

doi = {10.1002/jbio.201600195},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-24},

journal = {Journal of biophotonics},

volume = {10},

number = {6-7},

pages = {905-910},

abstract = {The autofluorescence (AF) of NAD(P)H and flavins has been at the basis of many in-situ studies of liver energy metabolism and functionality. Conversely, few data have been so far reported on fluorescing lipids. In this work we investigated the AF of liver lipid extracts from two fatty liver models, Wistar rats fed with MCD diet for 12 days (Wi-MCD), and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Among the most abundant fatty acids in the lipid extracts, indicated by mass spectrometry, arachidonic acid (AA) exhibited higher quantum yield than the other fluorescing fatty acids (FLFA), and red shifted AF spectrum. This allowed to estimate the AA contribution to the overall emission of lipid extracts by curve fitting analysis. AA prevailed in obese Zucker livers, accounting for the different AF spectral profiles between the two models. AF and mass spectrometry indicated also a different balance between the fluorescing fraction and the overall amount of AA in the two models. The ability of AF to detect directly AA and FLFA was demonstrated, suggesting its supportive role as tool in wide-ranging applications, from the control of animal origin food, to experimental investigations on liver fat accumulation, lipotoxicity and disease progression, with potential translation to the clinics.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_229,

title = {Lipids: Evergreen autofluorescent biomarkers for the liver functional profiling.},

author = {Croce AC and Bottiroli G},

url = {http://ejh.it/index.php/ejh/article/view/2808},

doi = {10.4081/ejh.2017.2808},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-17},

journal = {European Journal of Histochemistry},

volume = {61},

number = {2},

pages = {2808},

abstract = {Depending on their chemical nature, lipids can be classified in two main categories: hydrophilic, greatly contributing to membrane composition and subcellular organelle compartmentalization, and hydrophobic, mostly triglycerides, greatly enrolled in the storage and production of energy. In both cases, some lipid molecules can be involved as signaling agents in the regulation of metabolism and protective or damaging pathways in responses to harmful stimuli. These events could affect in particular the liver, because of its central role in the maintenance of lipid homeostasis. Lipids have been demonstrated to fluoresce, contributing to the overall emission signal of the liver tissue along with other endogenous fluorophores, relatable to energy metabolism and oxidative events. The mere estimation of the fluorescing lipid fraction in parallel with the other endogenous fluorophores, and with the common biochemical and histochemical biomarkers of tissue injury has been exploited to investigate the liver morpho-functional conditions in experimental hepatology. More interestingly, the fluorescing lipid fraction is greatly relatable to free fatty acids such as arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic acid, which are deserving increasing attention as precursors of products involved in several and complex signaling pathways. On these bases, the ability of autofluorescence to detect directly arachidonic acid and its balance with other unsaturated fatty acids may be exploited in the diagnosis and follow-up of fatty livers, helping to improve the personalization of the metabolic/lipidomic profiling. This could also contribute to elucidate the role of the injuring factors in the choice of suitable donors, and in the set-up of preservation procedures in liver transplantation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_137,

title = {Liver Graft Susceptibility during Static Cold Storage and Dynamic Machine Perfusion: DCD versus Fatty Livers.},

author = {Ferrigno A and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Siciliano V and Rizzo V and Mannucci B and Richelmi P and Croce AC and Vairetti M},

url = {10.3390/ijms19010109},

doi = {10.3390/ijms19010109},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-16},

urldate = {2017-02-16},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {19},

number = {1},

pages = {109},

abstract = {We compared static preservation (cold storage, CS, 4 C) with dynamic preservation (machine perfusion, MP, 20 C) followed by reperfusion using marginal livers: a model of donation after cardiac death (DCD) livers and two models of fatty livers, the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet model, and obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats. CS injury in DCD livers was reversed by an oxygenated washout (OW): hepatic damage, bile flow, and the ATP/ADP ratio in the OW + CS group was comparable with the ratio obtained with MP. Using fatty livers, CS preservation induced a marked release in hepatic and biliary enzymes in obese Zucker rats when compared with the MCD group. The same trend occurred for bile flow. No difference was found when comparing MP in MCD and obese Zucker rats. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated that the total saturated (SFA)/polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio was, respectively, 1.5 and 0.71 in obese Zucker and MCD rats. While preservation damage in DCD livers is associated with the ATP/ADP recovered with OW, injury in fatty livers is linked to fatty acid constituents: livers from obese. Zucker rats, with greater content in saturated FA, might be more prone to CS injury. On the contrary, MCD livers with elevated PUFA content might be less susceptible to hypothermia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_230,

title = {NAD(P)H and Flavin Autofluorescence Correlation with ATP in Rat Livers with Different Metabolic Steady-State Conditions.},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Bottiroli G and Vairetti M},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/php.12804/abstract},

doi = {10.1111/php.12804},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-17},

journal = {Photochemistry and photobiology},

volume = {93},

number = {6},

pages = {1519-1524},

abstract = {The monitoring of NAD(P)H and flavin autofluorescence (AF) is at the basis of numerous investigations on energy metabolism. Nevertheless, the ability of these AF biomarkers to accurately represent the energy currency, ATP, is poorly explored. Here, we focused on the AF/ATP correlation in lean and fatty livers with different steady-state metabolic conditions, achieved after organ isolation, preservation and recovery, in a likely dependence on both liver intrinsic metabolic features and externally induced perturbations. Within these eventual, various conditions, a significant correlation was detected between liver NAD(P)H and flavin AF, measured via fiber-optic probe, and biochemical ATP data, strengthening AF as biomarker of energy metabolism in steady-state conditions for wide-ranging experimental and diagnostic applications.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_264,

title = {Autofluorescence discrimination of metabolic fingerprint in nutritional and genetic fatty liver models.},

author = {Croce AC and Ferrigno A and Di Pasqua LG and Berardo C and Piccolini VM and Bertone V and Bottiroli G and Vairetti M},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134416302913},

doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.09.015},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-02-11},

journal = {Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology.},

volume = {164},

pages = {13-20},

abstract = {Liver tissue autofluorescence (AF) has been characterized in two models with a different potential to undergo disease progression to steatohepatitis: Wistar rats, administered with a methionine, choline deficient diet (MCD), and Zucker (fa/fa) rats, homozygous for a spontaneous mutation of leptin receptor. AF spectra were recorded from liver tissue cryostatic sections by microspectrofluorometry, under 366nm excitation. Curve fitting analysis was used to estimate the contribution of different endogenous fluorophores (EFs) to the overall AF emission: i) fluorescing fatty acids, a fraction of liver lipids up to now poorly considered and complicated to detect by conventional procedures; ii) lipofuscin-like lipopigments, biomarkers of oxidizing events; iii) NAD(P)H and flavins, biomarkers of energy metabolism and tissue redox state. AF data and biochemical correlates of hepatocellular injury resulted to depend more on rat strain than on intratissue bulk lipid or ROS levels, reflecting a different metabolic ability of the two models to counteract potentially harmful agents. AF analysis can thus be proposed for extensive applications ranging from experimental hepatology to the clinics. AF based diagnostic procedures are expected to help both the prediction of the risk of fatty liver disease progression and the prescreening of marginal organs to be recruited as donors for transplantation. A support is also foreseen in the advancement and personalization of strategies to ameliorate the donor organ preservation outcome and the follow up of therapeutic interventions. Copyright 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_268,

title = {MCD diet-induced steatohepatitis is associated with alterations in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its transporters.},

author = {{Di Pasqua LG} and Berardo C and Rizzo V and Richelmi P and Croce AC and Vairetti M and Ferrigno A},

url = {http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11010-016-2758-2},

doi = {10.1007/s11010-016-2758-2},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-02-27},

journal = {Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry},

volume = {419},

number = {1},

pages = {147-155},

abstract = {Using an experimental model of NASH induced by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, we investigated whether changes occur in serum and tissue levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Male Wistar rats underwent NASH induced by 8-week feeding with an MCD diet. Serum and hepatic biopsies at 2, 4 and 8 weeks were taken, and serum enzymes, ADMA and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), were evaluated. Hepatic biopsies were used for mRNA and protein expression analysis of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) and protein methyltransferases (PRMT-1), enzymes involved in ADMA metabolism and synthesis, respectively, and ADMA transporters (CAT-1, CAT-2A and CAT-2B). Lipid peroxides (TBARS), glutathione, ATP/ADP and DDAH activity were quantified. An increase in serum AST and ALT was detected in MCD animals. A time-dependent decrease in serum and tissue ADMA and increase in mRNA expression of DDAH-1 and PRMT-1 as well as higher rates of mRNA expression of CAT-1 and lower rates of CAT-2A and CAT-2B were found after 8-week MCD diet. An increase in serum NOx and no changes in protein expression in DDAH-1 and CAT-1 and higher content in CAT-2 and PRMT-1 were found at 8 weeks. Hepatic DDAH activity decreased with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress, as demonstrated by high TBARS levels and low glutathione content. In conclusion, a decrease in serum and tissue ADMA levels in the MCD rats was found associated with a reduction in DDAH activity due to the marked oxidative stress observed. Changes in ADMA levels and its transporters are innovative factors in the onset and progression of hepatic alterations correlated with MCD diet-induced NASH.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_385,

title = {New light in flavin autofluorescence.},

author = {Croce AC and Bottiroli G},

url = {https://www.ejh.it/index.php/ejh/article/view/2576},

doi = {10.4081/ejh.2015.2576},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-02-20},

journal = {European Journal of Histochemistry },

volume = {59},

number = {4},

pages = {2576},

abstract = {Our attention was captured by the interesting debate on the identification of lipofuscins, lipofuscin-like lipopigments, or flavins as the responsible for intracellular autofluorescence (AF) detected in epithelial cancer stem cells when exciting at 480-490 nm. Evidence was provided leading to ascribe AF emission to flavins accumulating in cytoplasmic structures, bounded to membranes and bearing ATP-dependent ABCG2 transporters. Flavins were then proposed as an intrinsic AF biomarker of cancer stem cells, with advantageous implications on cell invasiveness and chemoresistance investigations. It is however worth recalling the huge amount of literature on flavins and NAD(P)H as AF biomarkers of cell energetic metabolism and redox state, an aspect that should not be overlooked in the renewed course to extend the potential of flavins as AF biomarkers, entailing also a recent proposal of Flavin-based fluorescent proteins as substitutes of Green fluorescent proteins.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}