Endometriosis is a complicated condition characterized by inflammation, low oocyte quality, and decreased uterus receptivity, associated with fertility issues. This study aims to better understand the reduced pregnancy outcome in endometriosis by analyzing both the granulosa cells (GCs) and the follicular fluids (FFs) obtained during the assisted reproductive technology (ART)-related oocyte pick-up. Seventy patients, approaching our ART Center with the diagnosis of infertility for Age-Idiopathic Factor (AIF) (n = 36), endometriosis (ENDO) (n = 23), or male factor (MF) (n = 11), were enrolled in this study. GCs from each group were separately analyzed for morphology, replication, and expression of Connexin-43 and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) by microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Results show that FF in a culture medium allowed GCs to survive and replicate. Upon culturing GCs from each group with ENDO follicular fluid, increases were observed in both population doublings and in the development of fibroblast-like and muscle-like morphologies. Despite undergoing morphological changes, GCs consistently expressed FSHR. However, exposure to ENDO follicular fluid led to an upregulation of Connexin-43 expression across all GC groups. These findings suggest that in endometriosis, FF contains unidentified factors that can induce aberrant replication, morphological differentiation, and overexpression of Connexin-43, potentially contributing to follicular dysfunction.

The Ebola virus (EBOV) and the Rabies virus (RABV) are deadly infectious agents impacting human and animal health. Current prevention and control strategies mainly rely on vaccines and antibodies, highlighting the urgent need for effective, low-cost antivirals suitable for therapeutic options. Plant-derived bioactive compounds offer a promising natural source for such candidate antivirals. As a contribution to this antiviral approach, we have characterized the anti-EBOV and anti-RABV activity of a Cranberry extract (CE) endowed with a very high content of bioactive A2-type proanthocyanidin (PAC-A2). The CE inhibited the in vitro infection of both pseudoviruses expressing EBOV-GP or RABV-G glycoproteins and authentic EBOV and RABV. Attachment and entry assays revealed that the extract targets early phases of infection preventing attachment and entry. Noteworthy, synthetic PAC-A2 reproduced the antiviral activity observed with the whole CE. Mechanistic studies then revealed that the CE interacted directly with the ectodomain of EBOV-GP or the RABV-G, suggesting interference with their functions. In support to this hypothesis, fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed a reduction in intrinsic fluorescence of both EBOV-GP and RABV-G after incubation with synthetic PAC-A2, thus confirming a direct interaction of the viral glycoproteins with PAC-A2. In silico docking simulations further sustained in vitro results by predicting the binding of PAC-A2 into the binding pocket of EBOV-GP and to the trimeric architecture of RABV-G. Together, these results suggest this cranberry extract and bioactive PAC-A2 as potential candidates to be further develop as novel antiviral agents for the prevention of EBOV and RABV infections.

Background: Italy hosts a wide diversity of tick species and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), with documented expansions in their distribution driven by environmental, ecological, and climatic changes. Although numerous studies have investigated their presence, available data remain fragmented and heterogeneous, limiting a comprehensive national overview. Materials and Methods: This systematic review searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2022 reporting the presence, prevalence, or geographical distribution of ticks and/or TBPs in Italy. A two-level screening process was conducted by 24 reviewers working in pairs, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Eligible studies included primary field investigations on wild or domestic animals, humans, or the environment, with morphological or molecular identification of tick species and laboratory-confirmed detection of TBPs. Data were extracted into a structured database, analyzed using R software, and synthesized descriptively with spatial mapping of tick and pathogen distribution. Results: Of 12,017 records identified, 356 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting 43 tick species, with Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Hyalomma marginatum , and Dermacentor marginatus being the most widely distributed. The most frequently reported pathogens were Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. Substantial heterogeneity in study design and geographic coverage limited quantitative comparisons, although the dataset covered 78.5% of Italian provinces. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ticks and TBPs in Italy and identifies priority areas for future surveillance and research within a One Health framework.