@article{%a1.%Ybu,

title = {Multiple lipid nanoparticles as antimicrobial drug delivery systems},

author = {{Ben Khalifa R} and Cacciatore I and Dimmito MP and  Ciulla M and Grande R and Puca V and Robuffo I and De Laurenzi V and Chekir-Ghedira L and Di Stefano A and Marinelli L},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224721005670?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102887},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-17},

journal = {Journal of drug delivery science and technology},

volume = {67},

pages = {102887},

abstract = {The present work aimed at investigating formulations based on multiple lipid nanoparticles (MLNs) containing carvacrol (CAR) and vancomycin hydrochloride (VAN) co-loaded (CAR-VAN-MLNs) as therapeutical strategy useful to improve the antibiotic activity of VAN. Drug-loaded MLNs were prepared by the ultra-sonication technique and investigated for both physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties. Results revealed that all the formulations possessed particle size lower than 150 nm and negatively charged surfaces, as suggested by the ?-potential values. The encapsulation efficiencies were higher than 70% and 21% for CAR and VAN, respectively. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed the effective drug loading, while stability studies indicated that the prepared formulations remained stable for about one month when stored at 4 oC. Finally, in vitro studies revealed a sustained drug release during the time. The morphological MLNs characterization, performed by transmission electron microscopy analysis, showed a spherical shape of the produced nanoparticles. Antimicrobial studies suggested that the co-encapsulation improved VAN antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a possible greater advantage during systemic therapies.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybo,

title = {Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity and Inflammatory Pathways in the Monocyte/Macrophage THP-1 Cell Line},

author = {Avolio F and Martinotti S and Khavinson VK and Esposito JE and Giambuzzi G and Marino A and Mironova E and Pulcini R and Robuffo I and Bologna G and Simeone P and Lanuti P and Guarnieri S and Trofimova S and Procopio AD and Toniato E.},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/7/3607

},

doi = {10.3390/ijms23073607},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-05-30},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {23},

issue = {7},

pages = {3607},

abstract = {This study evaluates the effects of five different peptides, the Epitalon® tetrapeptide, the Vilon® dipeptide, the Thymogen® dipeptide, the Thymalin® peptide complex, and the Chonluten® tripeptide, as regulators of inflammatory and proliferative processes in the human monocytic THP-1, which is a human leukemia monocytic cell line capable of differentiating into macrophages by PMA in vitro. These peptides (Khavinson Peptides®), characterized by Prof. Khavinson from 1973 onwards, were initially isolated from animal tissues and found to be organ specific. We tested the capacity of the five peptides to influence cell cultures in vitro by incubating THP-1 cells with peptides at certain concentrations known for being effective on recipient cells in culture. We found that all five peptides can modulate key proliferative patterns, increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated cytoplasmic kinases. In addition, the Chonluten tripeptide, derived from bronchial epithelial cells, inhibited in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production of monocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The low TNF release by monocytes is linked to a documented mechanism of TNF tolerance, promoting attenuation of inflammatory action. Therefore, all peptides inhibited the expression of TNF and pro-inflammatory IL-6 cytokine stimulated by LPS on terminally differentiated THP-1 cells. Lastly, by incubating the THP1 cells, treated with the peptides, on a layer of activated endothelial cells (HUVECs activated by LPS), we observed a reduction in cell adhesion, a typical pro-inflammatory mechanism. Overall, the results suggest that the Khavinson Peptides® cooperate as natural inducers of TNF tolerance in monocyte, and act on macrophages as anti-inflammatory molecules during inflammatory and microbial-mediated activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybs,

title = {Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity and Inflammatory Pathways in the Monocyte/Macrophage THP-1 Cell Line},

author = {Avolio F and Martinotti S and Khavinson VK and Esposito JE and Giambuzzi G and Marino A and Mironova E and Pulcini R and Robuffo I and Bologna G and Simeone P and Lanuti P and Guarnieri S and Trofimova S and Procopio AD and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/7/3607},

doi = {10.3390/ijms23073607},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-07-20},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {23},

issue = {7},

pages = {3607},

abstract = {This study evaluates the effects of five different peptides, the Epitalon® tetrapeptide, the Vilon® dipeptide, the Thymogen® dipeptide, the Thymalin® peptide complex, and the Chonluten® tripeptide, as regulators of inflammatory and proliferative processes in the human monocytic THP-1, which is a human leukemia monocytic cell line capable of differentiating into macrophages by PMA in vitro. These peptides (Khavinson Peptides®), characterized by Prof. Khavinson from 1973 onwards, were initially isolated from animal tissues and found to be organ specific. We tested the capacity of the five peptides to influence cell cultures in vitro by incubating THP-1 cells with peptides at certain concentrations known for being effective on recipient cells in culture. We found that all five peptides can modulate key proliferative patterns, increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated cytoplasmic kinases. In addition, the Chonluten tripeptide, derived from bronchial epithelial cells, inhibited in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production of monocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The low TNF release by monocytes is linked to a documented mechanism of TNF tolerance, promoting attenuation of inflammatory action. Therefore, all peptides inhibited the expression of TNF and pro-inflammatory IL-6 cytokine stimulated by LPS on terminally differentiated THP-1 cells. Lastly, by incubating the THP1 cells, treated with the peptides, on a layer of activated endothelial cells (HUVECs activated by LPS), we observed a reduction in cell adhesion, a typical pro-inflammatory mechanism. Overall, the results suggest that the Khavinson Peptides® cooperate as natural inducers of TNF tolerance in monocyte, and act on macrophages as anti-inflammatory molecules during inflammatory and microbial-mediated activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Evaluation and efficiency of curcumin against periodontal bacteria: an in vitro study},

author = {Pulcini R and Avolio F and Sinjari B and Robuffo I and Flati V and Pignatelli L and Martinotti S and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.biolifesas.org/biolife/2021/03/15/evaluation-and-efficiency-of-curcumin-against-periodontal-bacteria-an-in-vitro-study/},

doi = {10.23812/20-556-L},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-05-17},

journal = {Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents},

volume = {35},

number = {2},

pages = {725-728},

abstract = {No abstract available},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_488,

title = {The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. },

author = {Di Gregorio J and Robuffo I and Spalletta S and Giambuzzi G and {De Iuliis V} and Toniato E and Martinotti S and Conti P and Flati V},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2020.607483/full},

doi = {10.3389/fcell.2020.607483},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-12-14},

journal = {Frontiers in cell and developmental biology},

volume = {8},

pages = {607483},

abstract = {Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-beta in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y%_27,

title = {A Method to Study the C924T Polymorphism of the Thromboxane A2 Receptor Gene.},

author = {De Iuliis V and Ursi S and Pennelli A and Caruso M and Capodifoglio S and Marino A and Flati V and Vitullo G and Toniato E and Robuffo I and Martinotti S},

url = {https://www.jove.com/video/57289/a-method-to-study-c924t-polymorphism-thromboxane-a2-receptor},

doi = {10.3791/57289},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-27},

journal = {Journal of visualized experiments},

volume = {146},

pages = {e57289},

abstract = {The thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) gene is a member of the G-protein coupled superfamily with seven-transmembrane regions. It is involved in atherogenesis progression, ischemia, and myocardial infarction. Here we present a methodology of patient genotyping to investigate the post-transcriptional role of the C924T polymorphism (rs4523) situated at the 3' region of the TBXA2 receptor gene. This method relies on DNA extraction from whole blood, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the TBXA2 gene portion containing the C924T mutation, and identification of wild type and/or mutant genotypes using a restriction digest analysis, specifically a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) on agarose gel. In addition, the results were confirmed by sequencing the TBXA2R gene. This method features several potential advantages, such as high efficiency and the rapid identification of the C924T polymorphism by PCR and restriction enzyme analysis. This approach allows a predictive study for plaque formation and atherosclerosis progression by analyzing patient genotypes for the TBXA2R C924T polymorphism. Application of this method has the potential to identify subjects who are more susceptible to atherothrombotic processes, in particular subjects in a high-risk, aspirin-treated group.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y%_29,

title = {Metabolic Alterations, Aggressive Hormone-Naive Prostate Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: A Complex Relationship.},

author = {Di Francesco S and Robuffo I and Caruso M and Giambuzzi G and Ferri D and Militello A and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473682/},

doi = {10.3390/medicina55030062},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-07},

journal = {Medicina},

volume = {55},

number = {3},

pages = {62},

abstract = {Background: Epidemiological studies suggest a possible relationship between metabolic alterations, cardiovascular disease and aggressive prostate cancer, however, no clear consensus has been reached. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the recent literature and summarize our experience on the association between metabolic disorders, aggressive hormone-naive prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. Method: We identified relevant papers by searching in electronic databases such as Scopus, Life Science Journals, and Index Medicus/Medline. Moreover, we showed our experience on the reciprocal relationship between metabolic alterations and aggressive prostate cancer, without the influence of hormone therapy, as well the role of coronary and carotid vasculopathy in advanced prostate carcinoma. Results: Prostate cancer cells have an altered metabolic homeostatic control linked to an increased aggressivity and cancer mortality. The absence of discrimination of risk factors as obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and inaccurate selection of vascular diseases as coronary and carotid damage at initial diagnosis of prostate cancer could explain the opposite results in the literature. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with metabolic alterations and cardiovascular disease can also contribute to prostate cancer progression and increased tumor aggressivity. Conclusions: Metabolic alterations and cardiovascular disease influence aggressive and metastatic prostate cancer. Therefore, a careful evaluation of obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, systemic arterial hypertension, together with a careful evaluation of cardiovascular status, in particular coronary and carotid vascular disease, should be carried out after an initial diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y%_28,

title = {The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Narrative Mini-Review.},

author = {Di Francesco S and Caruso M and Robuffo I and Militello A and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489420},

doi = {10.1159/000489420},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-08},

journal = {Current urology},

volume = {12},

number = {2},

pages = {57-63},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The impact of metabolic syndrome on female sexual dysfunction received modest consideration in clinical practice. The aim of the research was to analyze the international literature to determine the relationship between the metabolic syndrome, its components and female sexual disorders. METHODS: We identified relevant full-length papers by electronic databases as Index Medicus/Medline, Scopus, Life Science Journals, from 2005 to the present. Studies were searched using the following as search query: metabolic syndrome, female sexual dysfunction, obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia. RESULTS: Women with metabolic syndrome showed higher prevalence of sexual inactivity and low sexual desire, orgasm and satisfaction respect to women without metabolic syndrome. Particularly metabolic components as diabetes mellitus, dy-slipidemia, systemic arterial hypertension were strongly associated with lower sexual desire, activity and Female Sexual Function Index total score. In contrast, other studies showed no relationship. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that in the clinical evaluation of women with metabolic syndrome routine inquiring about female sexual dysfunction should be recommended to ameliorate sexual function and quality of life. However more prospective and longitudinal studies on the sexual effects of metabolic syndrome should also be suggested to know the factors related to women's sexuality better.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_176,

title = {Carvacrol reduces adipogenic differentiation by modulating autophagy and ChREBP expression.},

author = {Spalletta S and Flati V and Toniato E and Di Gregorio J and Marino A and Pierdomenico L and Marchisio M and D'Orazi G and Cacciatore I and Robuffo I},

url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0206894},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0206894},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-22},

journal = {Plos One},

volume = {13},

number = {11},

pages = {e0206894},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Obesity is the result of white adipose tissue accumulation where excess of food energy is stored to form triglycerides. De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is the continuous process of new fat production and is driven by the transcription factor ChREBP. During adipogenesis, white adipocytes change their morphology and the entire cell volume is occupied by one large lipid droplet. Recent studies have implicated an essential role of autophagy in adipogenic differentiation, cytoplasmic remodelling and mitochondria reorganization. The phenolic monoterpenoid carvacrol (2-methyl-5-[1-methylethyl]phenol), produced by numerous aromatic plants, has been shown to reduce lipid accumulation in murine 3T3-L1 cells during adipogenic differentiation by modulating genes associated with adipogenesis and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether carvacrol could affect autophagy and ChREBP expression during adipogenic differentiation. METHODS: The study was carried on by using the murine 3T3-L1 and the human WJ-MSCs (Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells) cell lines. Cells undergoing adipogenic differentiation were untreated or treated with carvacrol. Adipogenic differentiation was assessed by analyzing cellular lipid accumulation with Oil-Red O staining and by ultrastructural examination with TEM. Autophagy was evaluated by western immunoblotting of autophagy markers LC3B and p62/SQSTM and by ultrastructural examination of autophagic bodies. Autophagic flux was evaluated by using autophagy inhibitor cloroquine (CQ). ChREBP expression levels was assessed by both western blotting and immunoelectron microscopy and ChREBP activity by analysis of adipogenic target genes expression. RESULTS: We found that carvacrol reduced adipogenic differentiation of about 40% and 30% in, respectively, 3T3-L1 and in WJ-MSCs cells. The effect of carvacrol on adipogenic differentiation correlated with both reduction of autophagy and reduction of ChREBP expression. CONCLUSION: The results support the notion that carvacrol, through its effect on autophagy (essential for adipocyte maturation) and on ChREBP activity, could be used as a valuable adjuvant to reduce adipogenic differentiation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_158,

title = {Psychobiome Feeding Mind: Polyphenolics in Depression and Anxiety.},

author = {Matarazzo I and Toniato E and Robuffo I},

url = {http://www.eurekaselect.com/168208/article},

doi = {10.2174/1568026619666181210151348},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-03-02},

journal = {Current topics in medicinal chemistry},

volume = {18},

number = {24},

pages = {2108-2115},

abstract = {Recently gut bacterial populations seem to be involved in many functions and in the pathogenesis of several medical conditions. Traditionally the intestinal microbiome has been recognized to play an important role in metabolizing food compounds in simpler chemical structures for the absorption of different nutrients, and in maintenance control of gastrointestinal pathogens species. Bacterial populations are implicated in a complicated network of interactions within the immune system, epithelial cells local endocrine system, that affects the peripheral and the central nervous system, via blood circulation. Microbiome influencing the mind via immune, endocrine and metabolic signalling, is able to exert some clinical effects in different mental diseases. It releases endocrine substances through several pathways involved in the modulation of neuroinflammation and production of several neurotrasmitter precursors. It has recently been named psychobiome. It is known that phenolic compounds are able to influence microbiome proliferation and to exert several roles, especially regarding neuroinflammation in depressive and anxious behaviour. The clinical effects are reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to highlight the interaction between polyphenols and microbiota- gut-brain axis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_234,

title = {Activation and inhibition of adaptive immune response mediated by mast cells.},

author = {Toniato E and Frydas I and Robuffo I and Ronconi G and Caraffa Al and Kritas SK and Conti P},

url = {https://www.biolifesas.org/biolife/category/journals/journal-of-biological-regulators-and-homeostatic-agents/},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-16},

journal = {Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents},

volume = {31},

number = {3},

pages = {543-548},

abstract = {Adaptive immune response plays an important role against bacteria and parasites, a reaction that also involves mast cell (MC) activation which participates in innate and adaptive immunity. In allergic reactions there is a TH2 immune response with generation of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. In MCs, IgE cross-link FcRI high affinity receptor and activate tyrosine kinase proteins, leading to stimulation of NF-κB and AP-1 resulting in the release of a number of cytokines/chemokines and other compounds. Through their proteolytic pathways, MCs may process the antigen for presentation to CD4+ cells which release TH2 cytokines and growth factors, which play an important role in asthma, allergy, anaphylaxis and inflammation. Thus, MCs can contribute to adaptive immunity. MCs may also be activated though the TLR-dependent pathway which is controlled by several proteins including myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) which can be inhibited by interleukin (IL)-37. Here, we describe the participation of MCs in adaptive immunity and inflammation, an effect that may be inhibited by IL-37.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_235,

title = {Cytokine expression profile and blood parameter evaluation of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.},

author = {De Iuliis V and Dadorante V and Marino A and Griffo I and Pennelli A and Breda V and Robuffo I and Ursi S and Martinotti S and Caputi S and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.biolifesas.org/biolife/category/journals/journal-of-biological-regulators-and-homeostatic-agents/},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-02-09},

journal = {Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents},

volume = {31},

number = {4},

pages = {1109-1113},

abstract = {Cardiac surgery is accompanied by an important immune response that is poorly understood. This inflammatory response is caused by several stimuli: surgical trauma, cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus, aortic-cross clamping, reperfusion injury and hypothermia. The aim of the present study is to investigate the cytokine level profile involved in the inflammatory pathway of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. One hundred and two patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) apparatus were enrolled in the study. In the hematological and biochemical profiles investigated, we observed a significant increase of WBC and blood glucose concentration and a strong decrease of RBC, HB, HCT and PLT 24 h post-surgery compared to baseline and immediately after surgery groups. Furthermore, we found a modulation of cytokine levels mostly for IL-10 and an increase of IL-6, detected at 6 h post-surgery, IL-8 at 6 and 24 h, and TNFalfa only at 24 h post-surgery. In conclusion, these findings evidence a time course profile on cytokine levels and a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine activation during and after cardiac surgery. In fact, IL-6 and IL-10, a pro- and an anti-inflammatory cytokine, respectively, increased immediately after surgery. The plasma level of TNF-alfa could be inhibited by the high concentration of IL-10 up to 6 h post-surgery. An IL-10 reduction at baseline level, after 24 h post-surgery, could explain a rise of TNF-alfa plasma concentration. On the other hand, considering the dual role of IL-6 on inflammation acting both as an activator of inflammatory cascade or an anti-inflammatory agent, the increased IL-6 levels 24 h after surgery could be related to the negative feedback action on TNFalfa activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_236,

title = {Mast cell in innate immunity mediated by proinflammatory and antiinflammatory IL-1 family members.},

author = {Robuffo I and Toniato E and Tettamanti L and Mastrangelo F and Ronconi G and Frydas I and Caraffa A and Kritas SK and Conti P},

url = {https://www.biolifesas.org/biolife/category/journals/journal-of-biological-regulators-and-homeostatic-agents/},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-03-15},

journal = {Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents},

volume = {31},

number = {4},

pages = {837-842},

abstract = {Innate immunity consists of physical and chemical barriers which provide the early defense against infections. Innate immunity orchestrates the defense of the host with cellular and biochemical proteins. Mast cells (MCs) are involved in innate and adaptive immunity and are the first line of defense which generates multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in response to numerous antigens. MC-activated antigen receptor Fc-RI provokes a number of important biochemical pathways with secretion of numerous vasoactive, chemoattractant and inflammatory compounds which participate in allergic and inflammatory diseases. MCs can also be activated by Th1 cytokines and generate pre-formed and de novo inflammatory mediators, including TNF. IL-37 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine which binds IL-18R-alpha chain and reduces the production of inflammatory IL-1 family members. IL-37 down-regulates innate immunity by inhibiting macrophage response and its accumulation and reduces the cytokines that mediate inflammatory diseases. Here, we discuss the relationship between MCs, innate immunity, and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_312,

title = {Effect of low energy light irradiation by light emitting diode on U937 cells.},

author = {Spoto G and De Iuliis V and Petrini M and Flati V and Di Gregorio J and Vitale D and Caruso M and Dadorante V and Ciarmoli M and Robuffo I and Martinotti S and Toniato E},

url = {https://www.biolifesas.org/biolife/jbrha-2/},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-02-18},

journal = {Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents},

volume = {30},

number = {4},

pages = {997-1007},

abstract = {Photobiomodulation (PBM) can induce a set of different biological modulators either in vitro or in vivo. Experimental evidence has highlighted the role of light effects on the mechanisms related to inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy. The goal of this project was the evaluation of PBM on U937, an established cell line of histiocytic lymphoma origin. Several aspects of modulation of proinflammatory pathways were analyzed and autophagic and proapoptotic mechanisms related to low laser light exposure of cells were studied. As a source of low energy light emission, we used an NIR-LED device, characterized by an 880 nm-wavelength as light source. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on supernatants of controls and treated U937 cells to detect inflammatory cytokine levels. In order to evaluate NF-kB and caspase3 expressions, Western blot analysis was performed according to standard procedures. In this report, we show the effect of PBM on a monocyte/macrophage established tumor cell line (U-937). We demonstrate that LED exposure, in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), activates cell degranulation, increased expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and modulation of beta galactosidase activity. Evidence shows that the well-known pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and the apoptotic marker (caspase3/cleaved-caspase3 ratio) are up-regulated in response to a proinflammatory biochemical pathway.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_341,

title = {Carvacrol codrugs: a new approach in the antimicrobial plan.},

author = {Cacciatore I and Di Giulio M and Fornasari E and Di Stefano A and Cerasa LS and Marinelli L and Turkez H and Di Campli E and Di Bartolomeo S and Robuffo I and Cellini L},

url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120937},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0120937},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-02-12},

journal = {Plos One},

volume = {10},

number = {4},

pages = {e0120937},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections led to identify alternative strategies for a novel therapeutic approach. In this study, we synthesized ten carvacrol codrugs - obtained linking the carvacrol hydroxyl group to the carboxyl moiety of sulphur-containing amino acids via an ester bond - to develop novel compounds with improved antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities and reduced toxicity respect to carvacrol alone. METHOD: All carvacrol codrugs were screened against a representative panel of Gram positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis), Gram negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains and C. albicans, using broth microdilution assays. FINDINGS: Results showed that carvacrol codrug 4 possesses the most notable enhancement in the anti-bacterial activity displaying MIC and MBC values equal to 2.5 mg/mL for all bacterial strains, except for P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 (MIC and MBC values equal to 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively). All carvacrol codrugs 1-10 revealed good antifungal activity against C. albicans ATCC 10231. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the novel carvacrol codrugs did not produce human blood hemolysis at their MIC values except for codrugs 8 and 9. In particular, deepened experiments performed on carvacrol codrug 4 showed an interesting antimicrobial effect on the mature biofilm produced by E. coli ATCC 8739, respect to the carvacrol alone. The antimicrobial effects of carvacrol codrug 4 were also analyzed by TEM evidencing morphological modifications in S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albican CONCLUSION: The current study presents an insight into the use of codrug strategy for developing carvacrol derivatives with antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials, and reduced cytotoxicity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_367,

title = {Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43629/NCTC 11639 Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) from Biofilm and Planktonic Phase Associated with Extracellular DNA (eDNA).},

author = {Grande R and Di Marcantonio MC and Robuffo I and Pompilio A and Celia C and {Di Marzio L} and Paolino D and Codagnone M and Muraro R and Stoodley P and Hall-Stoodley L and Mincione G},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01369/full},

doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2015.01369},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-12-16},

journal = {Frontiers in virology},

volume = {6},

pages = {1369},

abstract = {Helicobacter pylori persistence is associated with its capacity to develop biofilms as a response to changing environmental conditions and stress. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a component of H. pylori biofilm matrix but the lack of DNase I activity supports the hypothesis that eDNA might be protected by other extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and/or Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs), which bleb from the bacteria surface during growth. The aim of the present study was to both identify the eDNA presence on OMVs segregated from H. pylori ATCC 43629/NCTC 11639 biofilm (bOMVs) and its planktonic phase (pOMVs) and to characterize the physical-chemical properties of the OMVs. The presence of eDNA in bOMVs and pOMVs was initially carried out using DNase I-gold complex labeling and Transmission Electron Microscope analysis (TEM). bOMVs and pOMVs were further isolated and physical-chemical characterization carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. eDNA associated with OMVs was detected and quantified using a PicoGreen spectrophotometer assay, while its extraction was performed with a DNA Kit. TEM images showed that eDNA was mainly associated with the OMV membrane surfaces; while PicoGreen staining showed a four-fold increase of dsDNA in bOMVs compared with pOMVs. The eDNA extracted from OMVs was visualized using gel electrophoresis. DLS analysis indicated that both planktonic and biofilm H. pylori phenotypes generated vesicles, with a broad distribution of sizes on the nanometer scale. The DLS aggregation assay suggested that eDNA may play a role in the aggregation of OMVs, in the biofilm phenotype. Moreover, the eDNA associated with vesicle membrane may impede DNase I activity on H. pylori biofilms. These results suggest that OMVs derived from the H. pylori biofilm phenotype may play a structural role by preventing eDNA degradation by nucleases, providing a bridging function between eDNA strands on OMV surfaces and promoting aggregation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}