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Prof. Angelo Albini
Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Organic Synthesis
0 organic photochemistry
0 Sustainable/green chemistry
0 Photoinitiated reactions
0 Applied photochemistry

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Organic Synthesis
organic photochemistry

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Short Biography

Angelo Albini (b. 1946) is currently a retired Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Pavia, Italy, where he spent much of his career after postdoctoral in Germany, Canada, Denmark. Active in photochemistry, from synthetic to medicinal applications, he is the (co)author of several books, reviews, and research articles on such topics.

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Journal article
Published: 29 July 2021
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on vascular cells. As a consequence, patients with COVID-19 have an increased incidence of thromboembolic complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent endothelial cell damage with consequence of development of systemic vasculitis and diffuse intravascular coagulation. The present case describes a COVID-19 female patient with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, who presented with congestive heart failure and echocardiographic evidence of biventricular apical thrombi. The peak antegrade longitudinal velocity (Va) of each thrombotic mass was measured by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW-TDI). Both left ventricular and right ventricular apical thrombi were found with a TDI-derived mass peak Va < 10 cm/s. There was no clinical evidence of neither systemic nor pulmonary embolization, probably due to the hypomobility of both left and right ventricular masses.

ACS Style

Andrea Sonaglioni; Adriana Albini; Gian Luigi Nicolosi; Elisabetta Rigamonti; Douglas M. Noonan; Michele Lombardo. Case Report: An Unusual Case of Biventricular Thrombosis in a COVID-19 Patient With Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Assessment of Mass Mobility and Embolic Risk by Tissue Doppler Imaging. 2021, 8, 1 .

AMA Style

Andrea Sonaglioni, Adriana Albini, Gian Luigi Nicolosi, Elisabetta Rigamonti, Douglas M. Noonan, Michele Lombardo. Case Report: An Unusual Case of Biventricular Thrombosis in a COVID-19 Patient With Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Assessment of Mass Mobility and Embolic Risk by Tissue Doppler Imaging. . 2021; 8 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Sonaglioni; Adriana Albini; Gian Luigi Nicolosi; Elisabetta Rigamonti; Douglas M. Noonan; Michele Lombardo. 2021. "Case Report: An Unusual Case of Biventricular Thrombosis in a COVID-19 Patient With Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Assessment of Mass Mobility and Embolic Risk by Tissue Doppler Imaging." 8, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 22 June 2021 in Marine Drugs
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Photochemoprevention can be a valuable approach to counteract the damaging effects of environmental stressors (e.g., UV radiations) on the skin. Pigments are bioactive molecules, greatly attractive for biotechnological purposes, and with promising applications for human health. In this context, marine microalgae are a valuable alternative and eco-sustainable source of pigments that still need to be taken advantage of. In this study, a comparative in vitro photochemopreventive effects of twenty marine pigments on carcinogenic melanoma model cell B16F0 from UV-induced injury was setup. Pigment modulation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and extracellular release of nitric oxide (NO) was investigated. At the cell signaling level, interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 protein (MMP-9) protein expression was examined. These processes are known to be involved in the signaling pathway, from UV stress to cancer induction. Diatoxanthin resulted the best performing pigment in lowering MMP-9 levels and was able to strongly lower IL-1β. This study highlights the pronounced bioactivity of the exclusively aquatic carotenoid diatoxanthin, among the others. It is suggested increasing research efforts on this molecule, emphasizing that a deeper integration of plant ecophysiological studies into a biotechnological context could improve the exploration and exploitation of bioactive natural products.

ACS Style

Luigi Pistelli; Clementina Sansone; Arianna Smerilli; Marco Festa; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini; Christophe Brunet. MMP-9 and IL-1β as Targets for Diatoxanthin and Related Microalgal Pigments: Potential Chemopreventive and Photoprotective Agents. Marine Drugs 2021, 19, 354 .

AMA Style

Luigi Pistelli, Clementina Sansone, Arianna Smerilli, Marco Festa, Douglas Noonan, Adriana Albini, Christophe Brunet. MMP-9 and IL-1β as Targets for Diatoxanthin and Related Microalgal Pigments: Potential Chemopreventive and Photoprotective Agents. Marine Drugs. 2021; 19 (7):354.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Pistelli; Clementina Sansone; Arianna Smerilli; Marco Festa; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini; Christophe Brunet. 2021. "MMP-9 and IL-1β as Targets for Diatoxanthin and Related Microalgal Pigments: Potential Chemopreventive and Photoprotective Agents." Marine Drugs 19, no. 7: 354.

Preprint content
Published: 09 April 2021
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Background Cardiovascular toxicities still remain one of the most undesirable side effects in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and cardiotoxicity has been detected associated with many therapeutic regimens. A number of mechanisms are reported for these effects, some of which are related to inflammation, oxygen radical generation, mitochondrial damage. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in cancer preventive polyphenols endowed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities which could exert protective effects on the heart cells. One very interesting derivative of EVOO preparation is represented by purified extract form waste waters. Here, we investigated the anti-cancer activity when combined with chemotherapeutics as well as potential cardioprotective activities of a polyphenol-rich extract from waste product of the EVOO, named A009. Methods and Results Mice bearing prostate cancer (PCa) xenografts were treated with cisplatin with and without A009. Tumor cell growth was reduced by cis and by A009 and further hindered by the combination. The effects of the A009 extract on cardiovascular toxicities was investigated in vivo. Hearts of mice were analyzed, and the mitochondria were studied by transmission electron microscopy. A protection activity by A009 was observed. To confirm the in vivo data obtained with cisplatin therapy, tumor cell lines and rat cardiomyocytes were treated with cisplatin in vitro with and without A009. A009 enhanced cisplatin and 5FU reduced cancer cell growth while did not further affect co-treated rat cardiomyocytes. Another frequently used chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU), was also tested in this assay a similar effects were observed. The cardioprotective effects of the A009 extract towards 5 FU chemotherapy were further investigated in a second system of in vitro cultures, on cardiomyocytes freshly isolated from mice pups. These cells were treated with 5-fluorouracil and A009. Wastewater extract mitigated toxicity of the fluorpyrimidine. Conclusions In vivo, we found synergisms of A009 and cisplatin in prostate cancer treatment. Hearts of mice xenografted with PCa cell lines and receiving co-treatments of A009 extracts along with cisplatin had reduced mitochondria damage compared to chemotherapy alone, indicating a cardioprotective role. A009 in vitro was additive to cisplatin and 5FU to reduce cancer cell growth while did not further affect rat cardiomyocytes cell cultures treated with cisplatin and 5FU. The A009 extract also rescued the proliferation rate of neonatal murine cardiomyocytes treated with 5-Fluorouracil. Our study demonstrates that the polyphenol rich purified A009 extracts enhances the effect of chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo but mitigates effects on heart and heart cells. It could therefore represent a potential candidate for cardiovascular prevention in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.

ACS Style

Adriana Albini; Marco M. G. Festa; Nadja Ring; Denisa Baci; Michael Rehman; Giovanna Finzi; Fausto Sessa; Serena Zacchigna; Antonino Bruno; Douglas M. Noonan. A polyphenol-rich extract of Olive Mill Wastewater Enhances cancer chemotherapy effects, while mitigating cardiac toxicity. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Adriana Albini, Marco M. G. Festa, Nadja Ring, Denisa Baci, Michael Rehman, Giovanna Finzi, Fausto Sessa, Serena Zacchigna, Antonino Bruno, Douglas M. Noonan. A polyphenol-rich extract of Olive Mill Wastewater Enhances cancer chemotherapy effects, while mitigating cardiac toxicity. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adriana Albini; Marco M. G. Festa; Nadja Ring; Denisa Baci; Michael Rehman; Giovanna Finzi; Fausto Sessa; Serena Zacchigna; Antonino Bruno; Douglas M. Noonan. 2021. "A polyphenol-rich extract of Olive Mill Wastewater Enhances cancer chemotherapy effects, while mitigating cardiac toxicity." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 March 2021 in Applied Sciences
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The photodegradation of the most prescribed glucocorticoids (GCs) was studied under relevant environmental conditions in the presence of suspended TiO2. The considered drugs included cortisone (CORT), hydrocortisone (HCORT), betamethasone (BETA), dexamethasone (DEXA), prednisone (PRED), prednisolone (PREDLO), and triamcinolone (TRIAM). The experiments were carried out at concentrations (50 µg L−1) close to the real ones in freshwater samples (tap and river) under simulated and natural sunlight, and their decomposition took place very efficiently under natural sunlight. The reactions were monitored by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). According to a pseudo-first-order decay, all drugs underwent degradation within 15 min, following different paths with respect to the direct photolysis. The observed kinetic constants, slightly lower in river than in tap water, varied from 0.29 to 0.61 min−1 with modest differences among GCs in the same matrix. Among main matrix macro-constituents, humic acids (HAs) were the most interfering species involved in GCs degradation. The photogenerated primary products were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, allowing to elucidate the general photochemical path of GCs. Finally, a comparison with literature data obtained using different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) highlights the treatment efficiency with TiO2/solar light for removing such persistent aquatic contaminants.

ACS Style

Luca Pretali; Angelo Albini; Alice Cantalupi; Federica Maraschi; Stefania Nicolis; Michela Sturini. TiO2-Photocatalyzed Water Depollution, a Strong, yet Selective Depollution Method: New Evidence from the Solar Light Induced Degradation of Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 2486 .

AMA Style

Luca Pretali, Angelo Albini, Alice Cantalupi, Federica Maraschi, Stefania Nicolis, Michela Sturini. TiO2-Photocatalyzed Water Depollution, a Strong, yet Selective Depollution Method: New Evidence from the Solar Light Induced Degradation of Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (6):2486.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Pretali; Angelo Albini; Alice Cantalupi; Federica Maraschi; Stefania Nicolis; Michela Sturini. 2021. "TiO2-Photocatalyzed Water Depollution, a Strong, yet Selective Depollution Method: New Evidence from the Solar Light Induced Degradation of Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters." Applied Sciences 11, no. 6: 2486.

Review
Published: 25 January 2021 in Cells
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Regulated cell death (RCD) has always been considered a tolerogenic event. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) occurs as a consequence of tumour cell death accompanied by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering an immune response. ICD plays a major role in stimulating the function of the immune system in cancer during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. ICD can therefore represent one of the routes to boost anticancer immune responses. According to the recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (2018), apoptosis (type I cell death) and necrosis (type II cell death) represent are not the only types of RCD, which also includes necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and others. Specific downstream signalling molecules and death-inducing stimuli can regulate distinct forms of ICD, which develop and promote the immune cell response. Dying cells deliver different potential immunogenic signals, such as DAMPs, which are able to stimulate the immune system. The acute exposure of DAMPs can prime antitumour immunity by inducing activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (DC), leading to the downstream response by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells (NK). As ICD represents an important target to direct and develop new pharmacological interventions, the identification of bioactive natural products, which are endowed with low side effects, higher tolerability and preferentially inducing immunogenic programmed cell death, represents a priority in biomedical research. The ability of ICD to drive the immune response depends on two major factors, neither of which is intrinsic to cell death: ‘Antigenicity and adjuvanticity’. Indeed, the use of natural ICD-triggering molecules, alone or in combination with different (immuno)therapies, can result in higher efficacy and tolerability. Here, we focused on natural (marine) compounds, particularly on marine microalgae derived molecules such as exopolysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, glycopeptides, glycolipids, phospholipids, that are endowed with ICD-inducing properties and sulfavants. Here, we discuss novel and repurposed small-molecule ICD triggers, as well as their ability to target important molecular pathways including the IL-6, TNF-α and interferons (IFNs), leading to immune stimulation, which could be used alone or in combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer prevention and therapies.

ACS Style

Clementina Sansone; Antonino Bruno; Concetta Piscitelli; Denisa Baci; Angelo Fontana; Christophe Brunet; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini. Natural Compounds of Marine Origin as Inducers of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD): Potential Role for Cancer Interception and Therapy. Cells 2021, 10, 231 .

AMA Style

Clementina Sansone, Antonino Bruno, Concetta Piscitelli, Denisa Baci, Angelo Fontana, Christophe Brunet, Douglas Noonan, Adriana Albini. Natural Compounds of Marine Origin as Inducers of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD): Potential Role for Cancer Interception and Therapy. Cells. 2021; 10 (2):231.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clementina Sansone; Antonino Bruno; Concetta Piscitelli; Denisa Baci; Angelo Fontana; Christophe Brunet; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini. 2021. "Natural Compounds of Marine Origin as Inducers of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD): Potential Role for Cancer Interception and Therapy." Cells 10, no. 2: 231.

Immunology
Published: 25 January 2021 in Frontiers in Immunology
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Natural killer (NK) cells, effector lymphocytes of the innate immunity, have been shown to be altered in several cancers, both at tissue and peripheral levels. We have shown that in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and colon cancer, tumour associated circulating NK (TA-NK) and tumour infiltrating NK (TI-NK) exhibit pro-angiogenic phenotype/functions. However, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the phenotype of peripheral blood (PB) NK (pNK) cells in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we phenotypically and functionally characterized pNK from PCa patients (PCa TA-NKs) and investigated their interactions with endothelial cells and monocytes/macrophages. NK cell subset distribution in PB of PCa patients was investigated, by multicolor flow cytometry, for surface antigens expression. Protein arrays were performed to characterize the secretome on FACS-sorted pNK cells. Conditioned media (CM) from FACS-sorted PCa pTA-NKs were used to determine their ability to induce pro-inflammatory/pro-angiogenic phenotype/functions in endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages. CM from three different PCa (PC-3, DU-145, LNCaP) cell lines, were used to assess their effects on human NK cell polarization in vitro, by multicolor flow cytometry. We found that PCa pTA-NKs acquire the CD56brightCD9+CD49a+CXCR4+ phenotype, increased the expression of markers of exhaustion (PD-1, TIM-3) and are impaired in their degranulation capabilities. Similar effects were observed on healthy donor-derived pNK cells, exposed to conditioned media of three different PCa cell lines, together with increased production of pro-inflammatory chemokines/chemokine receptors CXCR4, CXCL8, CXCL12, reduced production of TNFα, IFNγ and Granzyme-B. PCa TA-NKs released factors able to support inflammatory angiogenesis in an in vitro model and increased the expression of CXCL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA in endothelial cells. Secretome analysis revealed the ability of PCa TA-NKs to release pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines involved in monocyte recruitment and M2-like polarization. Finally, CMs from PCa pTA-NKs recruit THP-1 and peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte and polarize THP-1 and peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte-derived macrophage towards M2-like/TAM macrophages. Our results show that PCa pTA-NKs acquire properties related to the pro-inflammatory angiogenesis in endothelial cells, recruit monocytes and polarize macrophage to an M2-like type phenotype. Our data provides a rationale for a potential use of pNK profiling in PCa patients.

ACS Style

Matteo Gallazzi; Denisa Baci; Lorenzo Mortara; Annalisa Bosi; Giuseppe Buono; Angelo Naselli; Andrea Guarneri; Federico Dehò; Paolo Capogrosso; Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan; Antonino Bruno. Prostate Cancer Peripheral Blood NK Cells Show Enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 Production and Secrete Monocyte-Recruiting and Polarizing Factors. Frontiers in Immunology 2021, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Matteo Gallazzi, Denisa Baci, Lorenzo Mortara, Annalisa Bosi, Giuseppe Buono, Angelo Naselli, Andrea Guarneri, Federico Dehò, Paolo Capogrosso, Adriana Albini, Douglas M. Noonan, Antonino Bruno. Prostate Cancer Peripheral Blood NK Cells Show Enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 Production and Secrete Monocyte-Recruiting and Polarizing Factors. Frontiers in Immunology. 2021; 11 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Gallazzi; Denisa Baci; Lorenzo Mortara; Annalisa Bosi; Giuseppe Buono; Angelo Naselli; Andrea Guarneri; Federico Dehò; Paolo Capogrosso; Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan; Antonino Bruno. 2021. "Prostate Cancer Peripheral Blood NK Cells Show Enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 Production and Secrete Monocyte-Recruiting and Polarizing Factors." Frontiers in Immunology 11, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 16 January 2021 in Marine Drugs
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Marine organisms with fast growth rates and great biological adaptive capacity might have biotechnological interests, since ecological competitiveness might rely on enhanced physiological or biochemical processes’ capability promoting protection, defense, or repair intracellular damages. The invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea, a non-indigenous species widespread in the Mediterranean Sea, belongs to this category. This is the premise to investigate the biotechnological interest of this species. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity in vitro, both in scavenging reactive oxygen species and in repairing damages from oxidative stress on the fibroblast human cell line WI-38. Together with the biochemical analysis, the antioxidant activity was characterized by the study of the expression of oxidative stress gene in WI-38 cells in presence or absence of the H. stipulacea extract. Concomitantly, the pigment pool of the extracts, as well as their macromolecular composition was characterized. This study was done separately on mature and young leaves. Results indicated that mature leaves exerted a great activity in scavenging reactive oxygen species and repairing damages from oxidative stress in the WI-38 cell line. This activity was paralleled to an enhanced carotenoids content in the mature leaf extracts and a higher carbohydrate contribution to organic matter. Our results suggest a potential of the old leaves of H. stipulacea as oxidative stress damage protecting or repair agents in fibroblast cell lines. This study paves the way to transmute the invasive H. stipulacea environmental threat in goods for human health.

ACS Style

Clementina Sansone; Christian Galasso; Marco Lo Martire; Tomás Fernández; Luigi Musco; Antonio Dell’Anno; Antonino Bruno; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini; Christophe Brunet. In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of the Invasive Seagrass Halophila stipulacea. Marine Drugs 2021, 19, 37 .

AMA Style

Clementina Sansone, Christian Galasso, Marco Lo Martire, Tomás Fernández, Luigi Musco, Antonio Dell’Anno, Antonino Bruno, Douglas Noonan, Adriana Albini, Christophe Brunet. In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of the Invasive Seagrass Halophila stipulacea. Marine Drugs. 2021; 19 (1):37.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clementina Sansone; Christian Galasso; Marco Lo Martire; Tomás Fernández; Luigi Musco; Antonio Dell’Anno; Antonino Bruno; Douglas Noonan; Adriana Albini; Christophe Brunet. 2021. "In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of the Invasive Seagrass Halophila stipulacea." Marine Drugs 19, no. 1: 37.

Forum
Published: 02 January 2021 in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences
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The highly inspiring work by Professor Norrish has exerted a consistent influence on chemistry and, in particular, on photochemistry, where he was one of the first scientists, along with Gilbert N. Lewis, able to develop a viable concept of excited states and their rate of reaction. However, having him listed among the authors of two name reactions, known as Norrish Type I and Type II, plus a subcase of the latter that is the Yang cyclization, is not coherent. Indeed, Norrish had no interest in organic synthesis, while this is a required feature of name reactions. And, at any rate, Professors Ciamician and Paternò had arrived at the same conclusions with the same compounds much earlier, except for the measurement of quantum yields. Things are too long away now for introducing any change, but one should remember that using Norrish name here is a mistake, while it would be appropriate to add the name of Ciamician for a different name reaction, the 2 + 2 cycloaddition of alkenes and conjugated carbonyls. In 1968, such an attribution was proposed by Professor Schömberg, but this had no effect and the present assignment has become a habit. The most important thing, however, is that the 2 + 2 reaction has become one of the most popular reactions in synthetic photochemistry.

ACS Style

Angelo Albini. Norrish’ type I and II reactions and their role in the building of photochemical science. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 2021, 20, 161 -181.

AMA Style

Angelo Albini. Norrish’ type I and II reactions and their role in the building of photochemical science. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. 2021; 20 (1):161-181.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Angelo Albini. 2021. "Norrish’ type I and II reactions and their role in the building of photochemical science." Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 20, no. 1: 161-181.

Article commentary
Published: 04 December 2020 in Cancer Discovery
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Natural killer (NK) cells accumulate at the fetal-maternal interface and represent 70% of immune cells in the decidua (dNK) at first-trimester pregnancy; they are immune-tolerant toward the semiallogenic fetus and are "nurturing" and nonkilling NK cells. A subset of NK cells in patients with cancer have features in common with dNK, which include expressing CD56, CD9, CD49a, and CXCR3, being poorly cytotoxic and proangiogenic, and mimicking the decidual nurturing role. In the oncologic patient, several factors can "decidualize" NK cells, turning them into immune-suppressant, growth-promoting proangiogenic cells. Here, we suggest ways to sharpen their blunted blades and intercept and curb their cancer-nurturing attitudes to restore their cytotoxic capabilities.

ACS Style

Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan. Decidual-Like NK Cell Polarization: From Cancer Killing to Cancer Nurturing. Cancer Discovery 2020, 11, 28 -33.

AMA Style

Adriana Albini, Douglas M. Noonan. Decidual-Like NK Cell Polarization: From Cancer Killing to Cancer Nurturing. Cancer Discovery. 2020; 11 (1):28-33.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan. 2020. "Decidual-Like NK Cell Polarization: From Cancer Killing to Cancer Nurturing." Cancer Discovery 11, no. 1: 28-33.

Journal article
Published: 24 November 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The photodegradation process of seven glucocorticoids (GCs), cortisone (CORT), hydrocortisone (HCORT), betamethasone (BETA), dexamethasone (DEXA), prednisone (PRED), prednisolone (PREDLO) and triamcinolone (TRIAM) was studied in tap and river water at a concentration close to the environmental ones. All drugs underwent sunlight degradation according to a pseudo-first-order decay. The kinetic constants ranged from 0.00082 min−1 for CORT to 0.024 min−1 for PRED and PREDLO. The photo-generated products were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The main steps of the degradation pathways were the oxidative cleavage of the chain 17 for CORT, HCORT and the rearrangement of the cyclohexadiene moiety for the other GCs. The acute and chronic toxicity of GCs and of their photoproducts was assessed by the V. fischeri and P.subcapitata inhibition assays. The bioassays revealed no significant differences in toxicity between the parent compounds and their photoproducts, but the two organisms showed different responses. All samples produced a moderate acute toxic effect on V. fisheri and no one in the chronic tests. On the contrary, evident hormesis or eutrophic effect was produced on the algae, especially for long-term contact.

ACS Style

Alice Cantalupi; Federica Maraschi; Luca Pretali; Angelo Albini; Stefania Nicolis; Elida Nora Ferri; Antonella Profumo; Andrea Speltini; Michela Sturini. Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters: Degradation by Solar Light and Environmental Toxicity of the Photoproducts. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8717 .

AMA Style

Alice Cantalupi, Federica Maraschi, Luca Pretali, Angelo Albini, Stefania Nicolis, Elida Nora Ferri, Antonella Profumo, Andrea Speltini, Michela Sturini. Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters: Degradation by Solar Light and Environmental Toxicity of the Photoproducts. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (23):8717.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alice Cantalupi; Federica Maraschi; Luca Pretali; Angelo Albini; Stefania Nicolis; Elida Nora Ferri; Antonella Profumo; Andrea Speltini; Michela Sturini. 2020. "Glucocorticoids in Freshwaters: Degradation by Solar Light and Environmental Toxicity of the Photoproducts." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 23: 8717.

Review
Published: 07 November 2020 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Growing interest in hypertension—one of the main factors characterizing the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS)—and anti-hypertensive drugs raised from the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID19 pandemic. The virus SARS-CoV-2 employs the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a component of the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) system, as a receptor for entry into the cells. Several classes of synthetic drugs are available for hypertension, rarely associated with severe or mild adverse effects. New natural compounds, such as peptides, might be useful to treat some hypertensive patients. The main feature of ACE inhibitory peptides is the location of the hydrophobic residue, usually Proline, at the C-terminus. Some already known bioactive peptides derived from marine resources have potential ACE inhibitory activity and can be considered therapeutic agents to treat hypertension. Peptides isolated from marine vertebrates, invertebrates, seaweeds, or sea microorganisms displayed important biological activities to treat hypertensive patients. Here, we reviewed the anti-hypertensive activities of bioactive molecules isolated/extracted from marine organisms and discussed the associated molecular mechanisms involved. We also examined ACE2 modulation in sight of SARS2-Cov infection prevention.

ACS Style

Marco Festa; Clementina Sansone; Christophe Brunet; Fabio Crocetta; Luisa Di Paola; Michele Lombardo; Antonino Bruno; Douglas M. Noonan; Adriana Albini. Cardiovascular Active Peptides of Marine Origin with ACE Inhibitory Activities: Potential Role as Anti-Hypertensive Drugs and in Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 8364 .

AMA Style

Marco Festa, Clementina Sansone, Christophe Brunet, Fabio Crocetta, Luisa Di Paola, Michele Lombardo, Antonino Bruno, Douglas M. Noonan, Adriana Albini. Cardiovascular Active Peptides of Marine Origin with ACE Inhibitory Activities: Potential Role as Anti-Hypertensive Drugs and in Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21 (21):8364.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Festa; Clementina Sansone; Christophe Brunet; Fabio Crocetta; Luisa Di Paola; Michele Lombardo; Antonino Bruno; Douglas M. Noonan; Adriana Albini. 2020. "Cardiovascular Active Peptides of Marine Origin with ACE Inhibitory Activities: Potential Role as Anti-Hypertensive Drugs and in Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 21: 8364.

Journal article
Published: 28 September 2020 in Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere - Rendiconti di Scienze
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The language used within different disciplines has become fully separated. The language of chemistry is based on chemical names, where it is shown how atoms are disposed through chemical or covalent bonds to yield molecules, On the other hand, assigning a name contains as an added bonus the indication of which heuristic way/ways are suitable to prepare them that to transform an initial situation (reagents) to a final one (Products). In big molecules (homo and hetero polymers) chemical bonds are not sufficient per se to describe molecules, but the spatial conformations such molecules take are dictated by the bonds structure. The way molecules change answering a change in the environment are appropriate for a universe changing though smooth steps, not via shots.

ACS Style

Angelo Albini. QUATTRO CHIACCHIERE A PROPOSITO DELLA COMUNICAZIONE DELLE SCIENZE. LA CHIMICA. Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere - Rendiconti di Scienze 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Angelo Albini. QUATTRO CHIACCHIERE A PROPOSITO DELLA COMUNICAZIONE DELLE SCIENZE. LA CHIMICA. Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere - Rendiconti di Scienze. 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Angelo Albini. 2020. "QUATTRO CHIACCHIERE A PROPOSITO DELLA COMUNICAZIONE DELLE SCIENZE. LA CHIMICA." Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere - Rendiconti di Scienze , no. : 1.

Review
Published: 04 August 2020 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Besides advanced age and the presence of multiple comorbidities as major contributors to increased risk of severe disease and fatal outcome from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19), there is now emerging evidence that overweight and obesity predispose to severe symptoms and negative prognosis. Remarkably, the severity of COVID-19 appears to rise with increasing body mass index (BMI). The association between COVID-19 outcomes and overweight/obesity has biological and physiological plausibility. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms that may explain this strong association include the chronic pro-inflammatory state, the excessive oxidative stress response, and the impaired immunity that is commonly reported in these individuals. The role of cytokines, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and altered natural killer cell polarization in the dangerous liaison between COVID-19 and obesity are discussed here. These pathways can favor and accelerate the deleterious downstream cellular effects of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, obesity is well known to be associated with reduced lung function and poor response to mechanical ventilation, thus placing these individuals at high risk of severe illness and mortality from COVID-19. Furthermore, obesity may lead to other complications, such as renal failure, cardiovascular dysfunction, hypertension, and vascular damage, which in turn can further accelerate negative clinical outcomes from COVID-19. Obese individuals should be shielded against any potential viral exposure to SARS-CoV-2 with consequential considerations for compulsory protection devices and social distancing. Health care providers should be aware that obesity predisposes to severe symptoms and negative prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

ACS Style

Grazia Caci; Adriana Albini; Mario Malerba; Douglas M. Noonan; Patrizia Pochetti; Riccardo Polosa. COVID-19 and Obesity: Dangerous Liaisons. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9, 2511 .

AMA Style

Grazia Caci, Adriana Albini, Mario Malerba, Douglas M. Noonan, Patrizia Pochetti, Riccardo Polosa. COVID-19 and Obesity: Dangerous Liaisons. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; 9 (8):2511.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Grazia Caci; Adriana Albini; Mario Malerba; Douglas M. Noonan; Patrizia Pochetti; Riccardo Polosa. 2020. "COVID-19 and Obesity: Dangerous Liaisons." Journal of Clinical Medicine 9, no. 8: 2511.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2020 in Cells
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The mechanism upon which human kidneys undergo regeneration is debated, though different lineage-tracing mouse models have tried to explain the cellular types and the mechanisms involved. Different sources of human renal progenitors have been proposed, but it is difficult to argue whether these populations have the same capacities that have been described in mice. Using the nephrosphere (NS) model, we isolated the quiescent population of adult human renal stem-like PKHhigh/CD133+/CD24− cells (RSC). The aim of this study was to deepen the RSC in vitro multipotency capacity. RSC, not expressing endothelial markers, generated secondary nephrospheres containing CD31+/vWf+ cells and cytokeratin positive cells, indicating the coexistence of endothelial and epithelial commitment. RSC cultured on decellularized human renal scaffolds generated endothelial structures together with the proximal and distal tubular structures. CD31+ endothelial committed progenitors sorted from nephrospheres generated spheroids with endothelial-like sprouts in Matrigel. We also demonstrated the double commitment toward endothelial and epithelial lineages of single RSC. The ability of the plastic RSC population to recapitulate the development of tubular epithelial and endothelial renal lineages makes these cells a good tool for the creation of organoids with translational relevance for studying the parenchymal and endothelial cell interactions and developing new therapeutic strategies.

ACS Style

Silvia Bombelli; Chiara Meregalli; Chiara Grasselli; Maddalena M. Bolognesi; Antonino Bruno; Stefano Eriani; Barbara Torsello; Sofia De Marco; Davide P. Bernasconi; Nicola Zucchini; Paolo Mazzola; Cristina Bianchi; Marco Grasso; Adriana Albini; Giorgio Cattoretti; Roberto A. Perego. PKHhigh/CD133+/CD24− Renal Stem-Like Cells Isolated from Human Nephrospheres Exhibit In Vitro Multipotency. Cells 2020, 9, 1805 .

AMA Style

Silvia Bombelli, Chiara Meregalli, Chiara Grasselli, Maddalena M. Bolognesi, Antonino Bruno, Stefano Eriani, Barbara Torsello, Sofia De Marco, Davide P. Bernasconi, Nicola Zucchini, Paolo Mazzola, Cristina Bianchi, Marco Grasso, Adriana Albini, Giorgio Cattoretti, Roberto A. Perego. PKHhigh/CD133+/CD24− Renal Stem-Like Cells Isolated from Human Nephrospheres Exhibit In Vitro Multipotency. Cells. 2020; 9 (8):1805.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Bombelli; Chiara Meregalli; Chiara Grasselli; Maddalena M. Bolognesi; Antonino Bruno; Stefano Eriani; Barbara Torsello; Sofia De Marco; Davide P. Bernasconi; Nicola Zucchini; Paolo Mazzola; Cristina Bianchi; Marco Grasso; Adriana Albini; Giorgio Cattoretti; Roberto A. Perego. 2020. "PKHhigh/CD133+/CD24− Renal Stem-Like Cells Isolated from Human Nephrospheres Exhibit In Vitro Multipotency." Cells 9, no. 8: 1805.

Ce letter to the editor
Published: 14 July 2020 in Internal and Emergency Medicine
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De Cauwer H (2020) The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based cardiovascular therapies: comment. Intern Emerg Med. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-020-02406-z Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Albini A, Di Guardo G, Noonan DM, Lombardo M (2020) The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based cardiovascular therapies. Intern Emerg Med. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-020-02364-6 Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Gibson WT, Evans DM, An J, Jones SJ (2020) ACE 2 coding variants: a potential X-linked risk factor for COVID-19 disease. Science. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.05.026633 Article PubMed Google Scholar Millet JK, Whittaker GR (2015) Host cell proteases: critical determinants of coronavirus tropism and pathogenesis. Virus Res 202:120–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2014.11.021 CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar Espinosa JM (2020) Down syndrome and COVID-19: a perfect storm? Cell Rep Med 1:100019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100019 Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Download references Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy Adriana Albini & Douglas McClain Noonan Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Douglas McClain Noonan Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy Giuseppe Pelosi Inter-Hospital Pathology Division, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy Giuseppe Pelosi University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 64100, Teramo, Italy Giovanni Di Guardo Cardiology Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital-MultiMedica, Milan, Italy Michele Lombardo You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Correspondence to Adriana Albini. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Informed consent was not required for this type of publication. Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Reprints and Permissions Albini, A., Noonan, D.M., Pelosi, G. et al. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based antihypertensive therapies—reply. Intern Emerg Med (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-020-02436-7 Download citation Received: 27 June 2020 Accepted: 06 July 2020 Published: 14 July 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-020-02436-7

ACS Style

Adriana Albini; Douglas McClain Noonan; Giuseppe Pelosi; Giovanni Di Guardo; Michele Lombardo. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based antihypertensive therapies—reply. Internal and Emergency Medicine 2020, 15, 1583 -1584.

AMA Style

Adriana Albini, Douglas McClain Noonan, Giuseppe Pelosi, Giovanni Di Guardo, Michele Lombardo. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based antihypertensive therapies—reply. Internal and Emergency Medicine. 2020; 15 (8):1583-1584.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adriana Albini; Douglas McClain Noonan; Giuseppe Pelosi; Giovanni Di Guardo; Michele Lombardo. 2020. "The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based antihypertensive therapies—reply." Internal and Emergency Medicine 15, no. 8: 1583-1584.

Preprint content
Published: 06 July 2020
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Background. Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immunity. Two major subsets of NK cells are mostly present in the peripheral blood (pNKs): the cytotoxic CD56dimCd16+ NK cell subset (90-95% of pNKs), and the low cytotoxic, highly cytokine-producing CD56brightCD16-/low NK cell subset (5-10% of pNKs). It has been demonstrated that NK cells in peripheral blood of patients with several tumors are altered. We have shown that in NSCLC and colon cancer, tumor associated circulating NK (pTA-NK) and tumor infiltrating NK (TI-NK) are skewed towards the CD56brightCD16-/low phenotype. We have detected the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines and chemokines. Other groups are reporting similar observations. There is still a lack of knowledge concerning the phenotype of pNK cells in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we phenotypically and functionally characterized peripheral blood NK (pNK) from PCa patients (PCa pTA-NKs) and investigated their production of soluble factors, with endothelial cells and macrophage stimulatory action. Methods. NK cell subset distribution was investigated in the peripheral blood of PCa patients, by multicolor flow cytometry (FC) for surface antigens expression. Protein arrays were performed to characterize the secretome on FACS-sorted pNK cells. Secreted products from FACS-sorted PCa TA-NKs were used to characterize their production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Secreted products from FACS-sorted PCa pTA-NKs were also used to stimulate endothelial cells and monocytes and macrophages, determining their ability to recruit and polarize them. Alterations of endothelial cells and monocytes, following exposure to secreted products from FACS-sorted PCa pTA-NKs, was assessed by RT-PCR. To confirm these observations, secreted products from 3 different PCa (PC-3, DU-145, LNCaP) cell lines were used to assess their effects on human NK cell polarization, by multicolor flow cytometry. Results. Circulating NK cells from prostate cancer patients have been studied before, mostly for their impaired lytic functions. However, here we are the first to report that circulating pNK cells from PCa patients acquire a CD56brightCD9+CD49a+CXCR4+ phenotype with pro-inflammatory properties. We observed a similar polarization of heathy-donor derived pNK cells exposed to secreted products of three different PCa cell lines. Increased production of CXCL8, CXCR4, MMP-9, pro-inflammatory and reduced production of TNFα, IFNγ and Granzyme-B was detected. PCa TA-NKs released factors able to support angiogenesis in vitro and increased the expression of CXCL8, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA in endothelial cells, confirming a pro-inflammatory signature. Secretome analysis revealed the ability of PCa pTA-NKs to release pro-angiogenic cytokines/chemokines involved in monocyte recruitment and M2-like polarization. In experimental setting, secreted products from PCa pTA-NKs can recruit THP-1 monocyte and polarize THP-1-differentiated macrophage towards CD206/Arginase1/IL-10/CXCL8-expressing M2-like/TAMs. Conclusions. Our results show that PCa pTA-NKs are effector cells able to produce pro-inflammatory angiogenesis factors able to stimulate endothelial cells, attract monocytes and polarize macrophage to an M2-like type. Our data provides a rationale for the possible use of pNK profiling in clinical studies on PCa

ACS Style

Denisa Baci; Matteo Gallazzi; Lorenzo Mortara; Annalisa Bosi; Giuseppe Buono; Angelo Naselli; Andrea Guarneri; Federico Dehò; Paolo Capogrosso; Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan; Antonino Bruno. Prostate cancer peripheral blood NK cells show enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 production, and secrete monocyte-recruiting and polarizing factors. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Denisa Baci, Matteo Gallazzi, Lorenzo Mortara, Annalisa Bosi, Giuseppe Buono, Angelo Naselli, Andrea Guarneri, Federico Dehò, Paolo Capogrosso, Adriana Albini, Douglas M. Noonan, Antonino Bruno. Prostate cancer peripheral blood NK cells show enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 production, and secrete monocyte-recruiting and polarizing factors. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Denisa Baci; Matteo Gallazzi; Lorenzo Mortara; Annalisa Bosi; Giuseppe Buono; Angelo Naselli; Andrea Guarneri; Federico Dehò; Paolo Capogrosso; Adriana Albini; Douglas M. Noonan; Antonino Bruno. 2020. "Prostate cancer peripheral blood NK cells show enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 production, and secrete monocyte-recruiting and polarizing factors." , no. : 1.

Article
Published: 09 June 2020 in Cardiovascular Toxicology
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Angiogenesis inhibitor Bevacizumab (BVZ) may lead to the development of adverse effects, including hypertension and cardiac ischemia. Whether assessment of changes in myocardial strain by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) can be of value in detecting BVZ-mediated cardiotoxicity at an earlier stage is not known. We investigated whether 2D-STE can non-invasively detect early evidence of cardiotoxicity in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with BVZ. Between January and June 2019, 25 consecutive patients (71.8 ± 7.5 year/old, 17 males) with mCRC were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent physical examination, blood tests, and conventional 2D-transthoracic echocardiography implemented with 2D-STE analysis, at baseline and at 3 and 6 months following treatment with BVZ (15 mg/kg every 15 days) + 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX i.v.). At 6-month follow-up, we assessed occurrence of global longitudinal strain (GLS) impairment (> 15% decrease in GLS compared with baseline) as primary end-point and a new-onset systemic hypertension (secondary end-point). On average, GLS showed a progressive significant impairment after BVZ, from − 17.4 ± 3.2% at baseline to − 16 ± 2.9% (p = 0.003) at 6-month follow-up; > 15% decrease in GLS (primary end-point) was detected in 9 patients (36%). All other strain parameters remained unchanged. New-onset systemic hypertension (secondary end-point) was diagnosed in five patients (20%). No significant changes were observed in serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I measurements. No patient developed significant changes in LV size or LV ejection fraction; no case of clinically symptomatic HF was observed during BVZ-treatment. Measurement of GLS by 2D-STE analysis can effectively detect BVZ-mediated cardiotoxicity at an early stage.

ACS Style

Andrea Sonaglioni; Adriana Albini; Emanuela Fossile; Maria Adelaide Pessi; Gian Luigi Nicolosi; Michele Lombardo; Claudio Anzà; Giuseppe Ambrosio. Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for Cardioncological Evaluation in Bevacizumab-Treated Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cardiovascular Toxicology 2020, 20, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Andrea Sonaglioni, Adriana Albini, Emanuela Fossile, Maria Adelaide Pessi, Gian Luigi Nicolosi, Michele Lombardo, Claudio Anzà, Giuseppe Ambrosio. Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for Cardioncological Evaluation in Bevacizumab-Treated Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cardiovascular Toxicology. 2020; 20 (6):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Sonaglioni; Adriana Albini; Emanuela Fossile; Maria Adelaide Pessi; Gian Luigi Nicolosi; Michele Lombardo; Claudio Anzà; Giuseppe Ambrosio. 2020. "Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for Cardioncological Evaluation in Bevacizumab-Treated Colorectal Cancer Patients." Cardiovascular Toxicology 20, no. 6: 1-12.

Review
Published: 05 June 2020 in Catalysts
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Photocatalysis by semiconductors is considered one of the most promising advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and TiO2 is the most well-studied material for the removal of contaminants from the aquatic system. Over the last 20 years, pharmaceuticals have been the most investigated pollutants. They re-enter the environment almost unmodified or slightly metabolized, especially in the aquatic environment, since the traditional urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not able to abate them. Due to their continuous input, persistence in the environment, and unpleasant effects even at low concentrations, drugs are considered contaminants of emerging concern (ECs). Among these, we chose fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics as an environmental probe for assessing the role of TiO2 photocatalysis in the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants under environmental conditions and detoxification of surface waters and wastewaters. Due to their widespread diffusion, their presence in the list of the most persistent pollutants, and because they have been deeply investigated and their multiform photochemistry is well-known, they are able to supply rich information, both chemical and toxicological, on all key steps of the oxidative degradation process. The present review article explores, in a non-exhaustive way, the relationship among pollution, toxicity and remediation through titanium dioxide photocatalysis, with particular attention to the toxicological aspect. By using FQs as the probe, in depth indications about the different phases of the process were obtained, and the results reported in this paper may be useful in the improvement of large-scale applications of this technology, and—through generally valid methods—they could be deployed to other pharmaceuticals and emerging recalcitrant contaminants.

ACS Style

Luca Pretali; Federica Maraschi; Alice Cantalupi; Angelo Albini; Michela Sturini. Water Depollution and Photo-Detoxification by Means of TiO2: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics as a Case Study. Catalysts 2020, 10, 628 .

AMA Style

Luca Pretali, Federica Maraschi, Alice Cantalupi, Angelo Albini, Michela Sturini. Water Depollution and Photo-Detoxification by Means of TiO2: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics as a Case Study. Catalysts. 2020; 10 (6):628.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Pretali; Federica Maraschi; Alice Cantalupi; Angelo Albini; Michela Sturini. 2020. "Water Depollution and Photo-Detoxification by Means of TiO2: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics as a Case Study." Catalysts 10, no. 6: 628.

Im point of view
Published: 19 May 2020 in Internal and Emergency Medicine
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SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by a spike protein allowing viral binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2, which acts as a viral receptor and is expressed on the surface of several pulmonary and extra-pulmonary cell types, including cardiac, renal, intestinal and endothelial cells. There is evidence that also endothelial cells are infected by SARS-COV-2, with subsequent occurrence of systemic vasculitis, thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Those effects, together with the “cytokine storm” are involved in a worse prognosis. In clinical practice, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are extensively used for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. In in vivo studies, ACE-Is and ARBs seem to paradoxically increase ACE-2 expression, which could favour SARS-CoV-2 infection of host’s cells and tissues. By contrast, in patients treated with ACE-Is and ARBs, ACE-2 shows a downregulation at the mRNA and protein levels in kidney and cardiac tissues. Yet, it has been claimed that both ARBs and ACE-Is could result potentially useful in the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. As detected in China and as the Italian epidemiological situation confirms, the most prevalent comorbidities in deceased patients with COVID-19 are hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Older COVID-19-affected patients with cardiovascular comorbidities exhibit a more severe clinical course and a worse prognosis, with many of them being also treated with ARBs or ACE-Is. Another confounding factor is cigarette smoking, which has been reported to increase ACE-2 expression in both experimental models and humans. Sex also plays a role, with chromosome X harbouring the gene coding for ACE-2, which is one of the possible explanations of why mortality in female patients is lower. Viral entry also depends on TMPRSS2 protease activity, an androgen dependent enzyme. Despite the relevance of experimental animal studies, to comprehensively address the question of the potential hazards or benefits of ACE-Is and ARBs on the clinical course of COVID-19-affected patients treated by these anti-hypertensive drugs, we will need randomized human studies. We claim the need of adequately powered, prospective studies aimed at answering the following questions of paramount importance for cardiovascular, internal and emergency medicine: Do ACE-Is and ARBs exert similar or different effects on infection or disease course? Are such effects dangerous, neutral or even useful in older, COVID-19-affected patients? Do they act on multiple cell types? Since ACE-Is and ARBs have different molecular targets, the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be also different in patients treated by one or the other of these two drug classes. At present, insufficient detailed data from trials have been made available.

ACS Style

Adriana Albini; Giovanni Di Guardo; Douglas McClain Noonan; Michele Lombardo. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based cardiovascular therapies. Internal and Emergency Medicine 2020, 15, 759 -766.

AMA Style

Adriana Albini, Giovanni Di Guardo, Douglas McClain Noonan, Michele Lombardo. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based cardiovascular therapies. Internal and Emergency Medicine. 2020; 15 (5):759-766.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adriana Albini; Giovanni Di Guardo; Douglas McClain Noonan; Michele Lombardo. 2020. "The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2, is expressed on many different cell types: implications for ACE-inhibitor- and angiotensin II receptor blocker-based cardiovascular therapies." Internal and Emergency Medicine 15, no. 5: 759-766.

Communication
Published: 07 May 2020 in Antioxidants
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As the COVID-19 epidemic expands in the world, and with the previous SARS epidemic, avian flu, Ebola and AIDS serving as a warning, biomedical and biotechnological research has the task to find solutions to counteract viral entry and pathogenesis. A novel approach can come from marine chemodiversity, recognized as a relevant source for developing a future natural “antiviral pharmacy”. Activities of antioxidants against viruses can be exploited to cope with human viral infection, from single individual infections to protection of populations. There is a potentially rich and fruitful reservoir of such compounds thanks to the plethora of bioactive molecules and families present in marine microorganisms. The aim of this communication is to present the state-of-play of what is known on the antiviral activities recognized in (micro)algae, highlighting the different molecules from various algae and their mechanisms of actions, when known. Given the ability of various algal molecules—mainly sulfated polysaccharides—to inhibit viral infection at Stage I (adsorption and invasion of cells), we envisage a need to further investigate the antiviral ability of algae, and their mechanisms of action. Given the advantages of microalgal production compared to other organisms, the opportunity might become reality in a short period of time.

ACS Style

Clementina Sansone; Christophe Brunet; Douglas M. Noonan; Adriana Albini. Marine Algal Antioxidants as Potential Vectors for Controlling Viral Diseases. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 392 .

AMA Style

Clementina Sansone, Christophe Brunet, Douglas M. Noonan, Adriana Albini. Marine Algal Antioxidants as Potential Vectors for Controlling Viral Diseases. Antioxidants. 2020; 9 (5):392.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clementina Sansone; Christophe Brunet; Douglas M. Noonan; Adriana Albini. 2020. "Marine Algal Antioxidants as Potential Vectors for Controlling Viral Diseases." Antioxidants 9, no. 5: 392.