Article
Immunology
Caroline Charlier, Julia Dina, Francois Freymuth, Astrid Vabret, Olivier Lortholary, Denise Antona, Marc Lecuit
Summary: Research shows that measles virus can be detected in the saliva and blood of pregnant women, leading to transmission to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in asymptomatic infection at birth. Despite severe peripartum congenital measles, asymptomatic vertical transmission of the measles virus can occur in early pregnancy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caitlyn E. Bowman, Zoltan Arany, Michael J. Wolfgang
Summary: Pregnancy is a nutritionally sensitive stage, and communication between mother and fetus through metabolites is crucial. Studies on humans and animals provide insights into the metabolic adaptations of the fetus, placenta, and mother during pregnancy. Understanding the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders in pregnancy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ellen Menkhorst, Nandor Gabor Than, Udo Jeschke, Gabriela Barrientos, Laszlo Szereday, Gabriela Dveksler, Sandra M. Blois
Summary: Lectin-glycan interactions, particularly those mediated by the galectin family, play crucial roles in regulating processes necessary for a successful pregnancy. Galectins specifically bind to intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands, influencing angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations, and embryogenesis. They contribute to fetal development and placental health, with implications for pathological conditions like preeclampsia.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Bo Pang, Cong Hu, Huimin Li, Xinyu Nie, Keqi Wang, Chen Zhou, Huanfa Yi
Summary: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immunosuppressive cells derived from myeloid progenitors, with well-known roles in tumors and autoimmune diseases. Their role in reproduction has gained increasing attention, particularly their association with recurrent implantation failure, pathological pregnancy, and neonatal health. This review focuses on the interaction between MDSCs and other cell types during the reproductive process, and discusses molecular mechanisms that could be targeted for therapeutic purposes. It aims to encourage further research in maternal-fetal interface immunity to identify pathways driving MDSCs accumulation and effectively target their role in promoting embryo implantation, reducing pathological pregnancy, and improving neonatal health.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashley L. Severance, Jeremy M. Kinder, Lijun Xin, Ashley R. Burg, Tzu-Yu Shao, Giang Pham, Tamara Tilburgs, Wendy A. Goodman, Sam Mesiano, Sing Sing Way
Summary: During pregnancy, progesterone stimulates the expansion of regulatory T cells to promote immune tolerance, ensuring fetal growth and preventing rejection from the mother's immune system. This study reveals the role of progesterone in promoting fetal tolerance and establishes a molecular link between immune and other physiological adaptations during pregnancy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dayanand Deo, Misty Marchioni, Prakash Rao
Summary: Organ transplantation is crucial for saving lives, but faces challenges such as organ shortage and rejection. Cellular therapy using MSC can address these issues, and advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer potential solutions for generating new organs and improving organ availability.
Review
Cell Biology
Luise Mueller, Antje Tunger, Manja Wobus, Malte von Bonin, Russell Towers, Martin Bornhaeuser, Francesco Dazzi, Rebekka Wehner, Marc Schmitz
Summary: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have the ability to regulate and inhibit the function of immune cells, playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and showing promise in the treatment of conditions such as acute graft-versus-host disease, graft rejection, and autoimmune diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dragan Primorac, Martin Cemerin, Vid Matisic, Vilim Molnar, Marko Strbad, Lenart Girandon, Lucija Zenic, Miomir Knezevic, Stephen Minger, Denis Polancec
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact globally and the overaggressive immune reaction in response to the virus can lead to ARDS. Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy presents a potential treatment option for severe patients.
Review
Immunology
Ayman F. Refaie, Batoul L. Elbassiouny, Malgorzata Kloc, Omaima M. Sabek, Sherry M. Khater, Amani M. Ismail, Rania H. Mohamed, Mohamed A. Ghoneim
Summary: MSC-based therapy for T1DM shows promise, but there are conflicting views on their immunological profile. Research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of their immunomodulatory functions and exploring ways to enhance their effects.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Leslie A. Lekatz, Praveen Shukla, Stephen T. O'Rourke, Christopher S. Schauer, Megan L. Van Emon, Kasey R. Maddock-Carlin, Kimberly A. Vonnahme
Summary: This study hypothesized that isocaloric diets low in protein would decrease the sensitivity of caruncular and cotyledonary arteries. The results showed that low protein intake increased the sensitivity of cotyledonary arteries to low doses of potassium chloride, while caruncular arteries of ewes on 80% MP diet were more sensitive to bradykinin compared to ewes on 60% and 100% MP diets.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hana Horackova, Rona Karahoda, Lukas Cerveny, Veronika Vachalova, Ronja Ebner, Cilia Abad, Frantisek Staud
Summary: Depression is common during pregnancy and many women are prescribed antidepressants. These drugs may disrupt serotonin homeostasis in the placenta or fetus, potentially leading to adverse effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charles Megier, Gregoire Dumery, Dominique Luton
Summary: Thyroid hormones and iodine are crucial for regulating various physiological functions, such as metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and fetal development. Imbalances in thyroid and iodine metabolism can have negative effects, especially during pregnancy. The placenta, as the interface between the mother and fetus, plays a vital role in regulating thyroid and iodine metabolism. This review provides an update on the current understanding of thyroid and iodine metabolism in both normal and pathological pregnancies, highlighting their importance for maternal and fetal health.
Review
Immunology
Daniel Pitz Jacobsen, Heidi Elisabeth Fjeldstad, Guro Mork Johnsen, Ingrid Knutsdotter Fosheim, Kjartan Moe, Patji Alnaes-Katjavivi, Ralf Dechend, Meryam Sugulle, Anne Cathrine Staff
Summary: Decidua basalis, the endometrium of pregnancy, plays a crucial role in maternal-fetal interface with acute atherosis being a common lesion, particularly in conditions like preeclampsia. The causal factors and effects of acute atherosis are still uncertain, potentially involving various pathways such as inflammation and arterial lesions. Further research is needed to determine if the presence of acute atherosis can identify women at higher risk for premature cardiovascular disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Gabriel Gomes Araujo, Rinaldo Rodrigues dos Passos Junior, Rosaline Rocha Lunardi, Gustavo Tadeu Volpato, Thaigra Sousa Soares, Fernanda Regina Giachini, Victor Vitorino Lima
Summary: This study evaluated the use of etanercept during pregnancy and found that it can cause harm to the fetus and placenta. However, further studies are needed to determine the appropriate dosage and potential risks.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Russell Miller, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
Summary: Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a serious complication that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Ultrasound and surgical resection are the recommended diagnostic and treatment methods. Patients should receive counseling and be educated about effective contraceptive methods.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amarildo Smakaj, Domenico De Mauro, Giuseppe Rovere, Silvia Pietramala, Giulio Maccauro, Ornella Parolini, Wanda Lattanzi, Francesco Liuzza
Summary: Non-union fractures are a challenging orthopedic issue with significant socio-economic impact globally. Recent focus has been on the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for the treatment of such fractures, with promising results in bone regenerative medicine. Further research is needed to fully understand the translational potential of ADSC therapies and address critical issues for their widespread clinical application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giordano Perini, Enrico Rosa, Ginevra Friggeri, Lorena Di Pietro, Marta Barba, Ornella Parolini, Gabriele Ciasca, Chiara Moriconi, Massimiliano Papi, Marco De Spirito, Valentina Palmieri
Summary: This study presents an image analysis software, INSIDIA 2.0, for high-throughput analysis of in vitro 3D cancer cell spheroids. It allows advanced parameterization and quantification of the effects of nanoparticle photothermal therapy on glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer spheroids. INSIDIA 2.0 analysis revealed two types of effects, which can be measured using quantitative parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Francesco Litta, Andrea Papait, Donatella Lucchetti, Serafina Farigu, Angelo Parello, Claudio Ricciardi Tenore, Paola Campenni, Antonietta Rosa Silini, Maria Cristina Giustiniani, Ornella Parolini, Alessandro Sgambato, Carlo Ratto
Summary: This study investigated the immune profile and histopathological characterization of cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF). The results showed specific cytokine pathways and changes in macrophages and T lymphocyte subsets in AF tissues. These findings provide new insights into the immunological characterization of AF patients.
COLORECTAL DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Millozzi, Andrea Papait, Marina Bouche, Ornella Parolini, Daniela Palacios
Summary: Skeletal muscle has strong regenerative ability under normal conditions, but it is diminished in physio-pathological conditions. Inflammation is a major characteristic of many muscle diseases and aging muscles, and immunomodulation shows promise as a therapeutic approach. Nano-sized materials are being explored as biocarriers to release immunomodulatory agents in damaged tissues, allowing effective doses with limited side effects. This review discusses the current use of nano-sized materials to modulate the immune response in muscle diseases and explores opportunities, challenges, and limitations in the field of nano-immunomodulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Francesco Trovato, Francesca Romana Stefani, Jiaxin Li, Oskar G. Zetterdahl, Isaac Canals, Henrik Ahlenius, Johan Bengzon
Summary: Direct cellular reprogramming has been explored as a potential therapeutic approach in cancer by converting undifferentiated cancer cells into differentiated cell types. In this study, the researchers attempted to induce astrocytic differentiation in glioblastoma (GBM) cells using key transcriptional regulators. The reprogrammed cells exhibited a shift in structure, expressed glial markers, reduced proliferation, and demonstrated astrocytic functions. Most importantly, the forced differentiation significantly reduced tumorigenicity of GBM cells in vivo. This study highlights the potential of cellular reprogramming for cancer intervention strategies.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Peserico, Barbara Barboni, Valentina Russo, Delia Nardinocchi, Maura Turriani, Costanza Cimini, Nicola Bernabo, Ornella Parolini, Antonietta Rosa Silini, Ivana Antonucci, Liborio Stuppia, Paolo Berardinelli, Ilaria Falanga, Davide Perruzza, Luca Valbonetti, Annunziata Mauro
Summary: Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid derived cells show potential as stem cell sources for regenerative medicine in male infertility diseases. This study examined the effects of two cell sources, hAFMSCs and hAECs, on male fertility outcomes in a rat VAR model. The results demonstrated that hAECs were more effective in restoring fertility rate by enhancing both structural and immune response mechanisms, while hAFMSCs contributed to different mechanisms leading to testis homeostasis. These findings propose innovative stem-based regenerative medicine protocols for male infertility conditions such as VAR.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Francesca Romana Stefani, Ornella Parolini, Antonietta Rosa Silini
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sabrina Ceccariglia, Diego Sibilia, Ornella Parolini, Fabrizio Michetti, Gabriele Di Sante
Summary: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Autophagy, a process that maintains cell homeostasis, plays a role in MS and other human diseases. This study examined the activation of the autophagy signaling pathway in the hippocampus of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for studying MS. The results showed reductions in autophagosomes and an increase in autophagic flux, suggesting the activation of autophagy in hippocampal neurons in this experimental model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Marta Magatti, Francesca Pischiutta, Fabrizio Ortolano, Anna Pasotti, Enrico Caruso, Anna Cargnoni, Andrea Papait, Franco Capuzzi, Tommaso Zoerle, Marco Carbonara, Nino Stocchetti, Stefano Borsa, Marco Locatelli, Elisa Erba, Daniele Prati, Antonietta R. Silini, Elisa R. Zanier, Ornella Parolini
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Elderly patients have the worst outcome. This study aimed to characterize the immune response in TBI patients and found that elderly patients have an unfavorable immune status compared to young patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Sandona, Federica Esposito, Anna Cargnoni, Antonietta Silini, Pietro Romele, Ornella Parolini, Valentina Saccone
Summary: This study demonstrates that the secretome and extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells from the amniotic membrane (hAMSCs) can promote muscle regeneration by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of muscle stem cells. It also shows that these factors can modulate the muscle stem cell niche and reduce fibrosis and muscle exhaustion. These findings suggest a potential novel treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Mariangela Basile, Lucia Centurione, Francesca Passaretta, Gianmarco Stati, Olga Soritau, Sergiu Susman, Florelle Gindraux, Antonietta Silini, Ornella Parolini, Roberta Di Pietro
Summary: The potential clinical applications of hAM and hAECs in regenerative medicine have been known for a long time. This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructure of the four different regions of hAM using TEM and to examine the presence and localization of secretory products, as there are no similar studies in the literature.
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
T. Winkler, M. L. Costa, R. Ofir, O. Parolini, S. Geissler, H-D Volk, C. Eder
Summary: The HIPGEN consortium aims to develop a cell therapy product for hip fracture patients using PLacental-eXpanded (PLX-PAD) stromal cells. The multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involves 240 patients aged 60 to 90 years. The study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intramuscular PLX-PAD administration for the treatment of muscle injury following arthroplasty for hip fracture.
