The impact of insularity on SARS-CoV-2 diffusion: Recapitulating three years of COVID-19 pandemic in the island of Sardinia.

BACKGROUND: Italy has been the first European Country dealing with SARS-CoV-2, whose diffusion on the territory has not been homogeneous. Among Italian regions, Sardinia represented one of the lowest incidence areas, likely due to its insular nature. Despite this, the impact of insularity on SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity has not been comprehensively described. METHODS: In the present study, we performed the high throughput sequencing of 888 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected in Sardinia during the first 23 months of pandemics. In addition, 1439 high-coverage SARS-CoV-2 genomes circulating in Sardinia along three years (December 2019 - January 2023) were downloaded from GISAID, for a total of 2327 viral sequences that were characterized in terms of phylogeny and genomic diversity. RESULTS: Overall, COVID-19 pandemic in Sardinia showed substantial differences with respect to the national panorama, with additional peaks of infections and uncommon lineages that reflects the national and regional policies of re-opening and the subsequent touristic arrivals. Sardinia has been interested by the circulation of at least 87 SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including some that were poorly represented at national and European level, likely linked to multiple importation events. The relative frequency of Sardinian SARS-CoV-2 lineages has been compared to other Mediterranean Islands, revealing a unique composition. CONCLUSIONS: The genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Sardinia has been shaped by a complex interplay of insular geography, low population density, and touristic arrivals, leading on the one side to the importation of lineages remaining rare at the national level, and resulting on the other side in the delayed entry of otherwise common variants.

Transcriptome organization of white blood cells through gene co-expression network analysis in a large RNA-seq dataset.

Gene co-expression network analysis enables identification of biologically meaningful clusters of co-regulated genes (modules) in an unsupervised manner. We present here the largest study conducted thus far of co-expression networks in white blood cells (WBC) based on RNA-seq data from 624 individuals. We identify 41 modules, 13 of them related to specific immune-related functions and cell types (e.g. neutrophils, B and T cells, NK cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells); we highlight biologically relevant lncRNAs for each annotated module of co-expressed genes. We further characterize with unprecedented resolution the modules in T cell sub-types, through the availability of 95 immune phenotypes obtained by flow cytometry in the same individuals. This study provides novel insights into the transcriptional architecture of human leukocytes, showing how network analysis can advance our understanding of coding and non-coding gene interactions in immune system cells.

The Genetic Landscape of Systemic Rheumatic Diseases: A Comprehensive Multigene-Panel Study Identifying Key Gene Polymorphisms.

Systemic rheumatic diseases, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, represent a complex array of autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic inflammation and diverse clinical manifestations. This study focuses on unraveling the genetic underpinnings of these diseases by examining polymorphisms in key genes related to their pathology. Utilizing a comprehensive genetic analysis, we have documented the involvement of these genetic variations in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. Our study has identified several key polymorphisms with notable implications in rheumatic diseases. Polymorphism at chr11_112020916 within the IL-18 gene was prevalent across various conditions with a potential protective effect. Concurrently, the same IL18R1 gene polymorphism located at chr2_103010912, coding for the IL-18 receptor, was observed in most rheumatic conditions, reinforcing its potential protective role. Additionally, a further polymorphism in IL18R1 at chr2_103013408 seems to have a protective influence against the rheumatic diseases under investigation. In the context of emerging genes involved in rheumatic diseases, like PARK2, a significant polymorphism at chr6_161990516 was consistently identified across different conditions, exhibiting protective characteristics in these pathological contexts. The findings underscore the complexity of the genetic landscape in rheumatic autoimmune disorders and pave the way for a deeper understanding of their etiology and the possible development of more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.

Association of HLA-A*11:01, -A*24:02, and -B*18:01 with Prostate Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci, the most polymorphic regions within the human genome, encode protein complexes responsible for antigen presentation and CD4+ and CD8+ cell activation. In prostate cancer (PCa), the second most diagnosed cancer in the male population, MHC loci undergo significant changes in their expression patterns, which affect the ability of the immune system to attack and eliminate malignant cells. The purpose of this study was to explore the genetic diversity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and HLA-B in patients with PCa and healthy controls (HCs) by performing HLA genotyping using NGS technology. The analysis highlighted statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of three alleles (A*11:01, A*24:02, and B*18:01). Among the HCs analyzed, 14.89% had A*11:01, 20.21% had A*24:02, and 30.61% had B*18:01; while 5.21% of patients with PCa presented A*11:01, 9.38% presented A*24:02, 18.08% presented B*18:01. Odds ratio (OR) calculations underlined a negative association between the three alleles and the risk of PCa (OR < 1). The results presented in this study suggest a protective role of A*11:01, A*24:02, and B*18:01 in PCa.

A Multigene-Panel Study Identifies Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Prostate Cancer Risk.

The immune system plays a critical role in modulating cancer development and progression. Polymorphisms in key genes involved in immune responses are known to affect susceptibility to cancer. Here, we analyzed 35 genes to evaluate the association between variants of genes involved in immune responses and prostate cancer risk. Thirty-five genes were analyzed in 47 patients with prostate cancer and 43 healthy controls using next-generation sequencing. Allelic and genotype frequencies were calculated in both cohorts, and a generalized linear mixed model was applied to test the relationship between prostate cancer risk and nucleotide substitution. Odds ratios were calculated to describe the association between each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and prostate cancer risk. Significant changes in allelic and genotypic distributions were observed for IL4R, IL12RB1, IL12RB2, IL6, TMPRSS2, and ACE2. Furthermore, a generalized linear mixed model identified statistically significant associations between prostate cancer risk and SNPs in IL12RB2, IL13, IL17A, IL4R, MAPT, and TFNRS1B. Finally, a statistically significant association was observed between IL2RA and TNFRSF1B and Gleason scores, and between SLC11A1, TNFRSF1B and PSA values. We identified SNPs in inflammation and two prostate cancer-associated genes. Our results provide new insights into the immunogenetic landscape of prostate cancer and the impact that SNPs on immune genes may have on affecting the susceptibility to prostate cancer.

Next Generation Sequencing for miRNA Detection on the Exhaled Breath Condensate: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) sampling has been suggested as a less-invasive and cost-effective method to detect biological macromolecules, including miRNA. To explore the feasibility of its use as a biomarker of early effects of asbestos exposure, we conducted a preliminary test on male volunteers by comparing the miRNA profile in the EBC and the plasma using 2 different sequencing platforms. Methods: Six male volunteers, all retired and unexposed to dust or fumes, participated in the test. RNA was extracted from 200 µL EBC samples and same-size plasma samples. Sample aliquots were processed in 2 laboratories using 2 different sequencing platforms: a MiSeq Illumina® platform and a more performing HiSeq Illumina® platform. Results: The HiSeq3000® sequencing platform identified twice as many unique molecular indexes (UMI)-validated miRNA as the MiSeq® platform. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between EBC counts and plasma counts was significant in 5/6 subjects with either platform (MiSeq® = 0.128-0.508, P = .026-<.001; HiSeq® = 0.156-0.412, P = .001-<.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient confirmed the consistency of the miRNA profile over the 6 participants with both biospecimens. Exploring the agreement between the EBC and plasma samples with Bland-Altman plots showed that using the HiSeq3000® platform substantially improved the EBC miRNA detection rate. Conclusion: Our preliminary study confirms that, when using the HiSeq® sequencing platform, EBC sampling is a suitable, non-invasive method to detect the miRNA profile in healthy subjects.

mRNA-miRNA networks identify metabolic pathways associated to the anti-tumorigenic effect of thyroid hormone on preneoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Thyroid hormones (THs) inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through different mechanisms. However, whether microRNAs play a role in the antitumorigenic effect of THs remains unknown. Methods: By next generation sequencing (NGS) we performed a comprehensive comparative miRNomic and transcriptomic analysis of rat hepatic preneoplastic lesions exposed or not to a short-term treatment with triiodothyronine (T3). The expression of the most deregulated miRs was also investigated in rat HCCs, and in human hepatoma cell lines, treated or not with T3. Results: Among miRs down-regulated in preneoplastic nodules following T3, co-expression networks revealed those targeting thyroid hormone receptor-ß (Thrß) and deiodinase1, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. On the other hand, miRs targeting members of the Nrf2 Oxidative Pathway, Glycolysis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Proline biosynthesis - all involved in the metabolic reprogramming displayed by preneoplastic lesions- were up-regulated. Notably, while the expression of most miRs deregulated in preneoplastic lesions was not altered in HCC or in hepatoma cells, miR-182, a miR known to target Dio1 and mitochondrial complexes, was down-deregulated by T3 treatment at all stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and in hepatocarcinoma cell lines. In support to the possible critical role of miR-182 in hepatocarcinogenesis, exogenous expression of this miR significantly impaired the inhibitory effect of T3 on the clonogenic growth capacity of human HCC cells. Conclusions: This work identified several miRNAs, so far never associated to T3. In addition, the precise definition of the miRNA-mRNA networks elicited by T3 treatment gained in this study may provide a better understanding of the key regulatory events underlying the inhibitory effect of T3 on HCC development. In this context, T3-induced down-regulation of miR-182 appears as a promising tool.

The double-sided of human leukocyte antigen-G molecules in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis.

The immunomodulatory effects of HLA-G expression and its role in cancers, human liver infections and liver transplantation are well documented, but so far, there are only a few reports addressing autoimmune liver diseases, particularly autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Method and materials: We analyzed the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of HLA-G in 205 type 1 AIH patients (AIH-1) and a population of 210 healthy controls from Sardinia (Italy). Results: Analysis of the HLA-G locus showed no substantial differences in allele frequencies between patients and the healthy control population. The HLA-G UTR-1 haplotype was the most prevalent in both AIH-1 patients and controls (40.24% and 34.29%). Strong linkage was found between the HLA-G UTR-1 haplotype and HLA-DRB1*03:01 in AIH-1 patients but not controls (D' = 0.92 vs D' = 0.50 respectively; P = 1.3x10-8). Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels were significantly lower in AIH-1 patients compared to controls [13.9 (11.6 - 17.4) U/mL vs 21.3 (16.5 - 27.8) U/mL; P = 0.011]. Twenty-four patients with mild or moderate inflammatory involvement, as assessed from liver biopsy, showed much higher sHLA-G levels compared to the 28 patients with severe liver inflammation [33.5 (23.6 - 44.8) U/mL vs 8.8 (6.1 - 14.5) U/mL; P = 0.003]. Finally, immunohistochemistry analysis of 52 liver biopsies from AIH-1 patients did not show expression of HLA-G molecules in the liver parenchyma. However, a percentage of 69.2% (36/52) revealed widespread expression of HLA-G both in the cytoplasm and the membrane of plasma cells labeled with anti-HLA-G monoclonal antibodies. Conclusion: This study highlights the positive immunomodulatory effect of HLA-G molecules on the clinical course of AIH-1 and how this improvement closely correlates with plasma levels of sHLA-G. However, our results open the debate on the ambiguous role of HLA-G molecules expressed by plasma cells, which are pathognomonic features of AIH-1.

Gut Microbiota Markers and Dietary Habits Associated with Extreme Longevity in Healthy Sardinian Centenarians.

This study was aimed at characterizing the gut microbiota (GM) and its functional profile in two groups of Sardinian subjects with a long healthy life expectancy, overall named Long-Lived Subjects (LLS) [17 centenarians (CENT) and 29 nonagenarians (NON)] by comparing them to 46 healthy younger controls (CTLs). In addition, the contribution of genetics and environmental factors to the GM phenotype was assessed by comparing a subgroup of seven centenarian parents (CPAR) with a paired cohort of centenarians' offspring (COFF). The analysis was performed through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the V3 and V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene on the MiSeq Illumina platform. The Verrucomicrobia phylum was identified as the main biomarker in CENT, together with its members Verrucomicrobiaceae, Akkermansia and Akkermansia muciniphila. In NON, the strongest associations concern Actinobacteria phylum, Bifidobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterium, while in CTLs were related to the Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides and Bacteroides spp. Intestinal microbiota of CPAR and COFF did not differ significantly from each other. Significant correlations between bacterial taxa and clinical and lifestyle data, especially with Mediterranean diet adherence, were observed. We observed a harmonically balanced intestinal community structure in which the increase in taxa associated with intestinal health would limit and counteract the action of potentially pathogenic bacterial species in centenarians. The GM of long-lived individuals showed an intrinsic ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, as confirmed by functional analysis. The GM analysis of centenarians' offspring suggest that genetics and environmental factors act synergistically as a multifactorial cause in the modulation of GM towards a phenotype similar to that of centenarians, although these findings need to be confirmed by larger study cohorts and by prospective studies.

Circulating Levels of MiRNAs From 320 Family in Subjects With Lipodystrophy: Disclosing Novel Signatures of the Disease.

Lipodystrophy (LD) indicates a group of rare disorders, with generalized or partial loss of white adipose tissue (WAT) often associated with metabolic derangements. Heterogeneity/wide spectrum of the disease and lack of biomarkers make diagnosis often difficult. MicroRNAs are important to maintain a correct WAT function and WAT is a source of circulating miRNAs (cmiRs). miRNAs from 320 family were previously detected in the WAT and variably associated to the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was then to investigate if LD can result in altered abundance of cmiRs-320. We collected samples from a cohort of LD subjects of various subtypes and from age matched controls. Use of quantitative PCR determined that cmiRs- 320a-3p, 320b, 320c, 320e are upregulated, while 320d is downregulated in LD. CmiRs-320 power as classifiers was more powerful in the most extreme and defined forms of LD, including the generalized and the Dunnigan subtypes. cmiR-320a-3p showed significant inverse relationships with plasma leptin (P < 0.0001), typically low in LD. The hepatic enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the marker of inflammation C-reactive protein (CRP) were inversely related to cmiR 320d (P < 0.05, for CRP and GGT; P < 0.01, for AST and ALT). Gene ontology analysis revealed cell-cell adhesion as a process regulated by 320 miRNAs targets, thus disclosing a novel route to investigate origin of WAT loss/dysfunction. In conclusion, cmiRs-320 constitute novel biomarkers of LD, abundance of miR320a-3p is inversely associated to indicators related to WAT function, while downregulation of cmiR-320d predicts an altered hepatic profile and higher inflammation.

Genomic Snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 in Migrants Entering Through Mediterranean Sea Routes.

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China, rapidly spreading into a global pandemic. Italy was the first European country to experience SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, and one of the most severely affected during the first wave of diffusion. In contrast to the general restriction of people movements in Europe, the number of migrants arriving at Italian borders via the Mediterranean Sea route in the summer of 2020 had increased dramatically, representing a possible, uncontrolled source for the introduction of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. Importantly, most of the migrants came from African countries showing limited SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance. In this study, we characterized the SARS-CoV-2 genome isolated from an asymptomatic migrant arrived in Sardinia via the Mediterranean route in September 2020, in comparison with SARS-CoV-2 isolates arrived in Sicily through the Libyan migration route; with SARS-CoV-2 isolates circulating in Sardinia during 2020; and with viral genomes reported in African countries during the same summer. Results showed that our sequence is not phylogenetically related to isolates from migrants arriving in Sicily, nor to isolates circulating in Sardinia territory, having greater similarity to SARS-CoV-2 genomes reported in countries known for being sites of migrant embarkation to Italy. This is in line with the hypothesis that most SARS-CoV-2 infections among migrants have been acquired prior to embarking to Italy, possibly during the travel to or the stay in crowded Libyan immigrant camps. Overall, these observations underline the importance of dedicated SARS-CoV-2 surveillance of migrants arriving in Italy and in Europe through the Mediterranean routes.

Gut microbiota markers associated with obesity and overweight in Italian adults.

In the present study, we characterized the distinctive signatures of the gut microbiota (GM) from overweight/obese patients (OB), and normal-weight controls (NW), both of Sardinian origin. Fecal bacterial composition of 46 OB patients (BMI = 36.6 ± 6.0; F/M = 40/6) was analyzed and compared to that of 46 NW subjects (BMI = 21.6 ± 2.1; F/M = 41/5), matched for sex, age and smoking status, by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on MiSeq Illumina platform. The gut microbial community of OB patients exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of several Bacteroidetes taxa (i.e. Flavobacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, Flavobacterium, Rikenella spp., Pedobacter spp., Parabacteroides spp., Bacteroides spp.) when compared to NW; instead, several Firmicutes taxa were significantly increased in the same subjects (Lachnospiraceae, Gemellaceae, Paenibacillaceae, Streptococcaceae, Thermicanaceae, Gemella, Mitsuokella, Streptococcus, Acidaminococcus spp., Eubacterium spp., Ruminococcus spp., Megamonas spp., Streptococcus, Thermicanus, Megasphaera spp. and Veillonella spp.). Correlation analysis indicated that body fatness and waist circumference negatively correlated with Bacteroidetes taxa, while Firmicutes taxa positively correlated with body fat and negatively with muscle mass and/or physical activity level. Furthermore, the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa belonging to Enterobacteriaceae family, known to exhibit endotoxic activity, was increased in the OB group compared to NW. The results extend our knowledge on the GM profiles in Italian OB, identifying novel taxa linking obesity and intestine.

Clinical Phenotypes of Parkinson's Disease Associate with Distinct Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Enterotypes.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a clinically heterogenic disorder characterized by distinct clinical entities. Most studies on motor deficits dichotomize PD into tremor dominant (TD) or non-tremor dominant (non-TD) with akinetic-rigid features (AR). Different pathophysiological mechanisms may affect the onset of motor manifestations. Recent studies have suggested that gut microbes may be involved in PD pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota and metabolome composition in PD patients in relation to TD and non-TD phenotypes. In order to address this issue, gut microbiota and the metabolome structure of PD patients were determined from faecal samples using 16S next generation sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry approaches. The results showed a reduction in the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, Coprococcus, Lachnospira, and an increase in Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia and Serratia linked to non-TD subtypes. Moreover, the levels of important molecules (i.e., nicotinic acid, cadaverine, glucuronic acid) were altered in relation to the severity of phenotype. We hypothesize that the microbiota/metabolome enterotypes associated to non-TD subtypes may favor the development of gut inflammatory environment and gastrointestinal dysfunctions and therefore a more severe α-synucleinopathy. This study adds important information to PD pathogenesis and emphasizes the potential pathophysiological link between gut microbiota/metabolites and PD motor subtypes.

Expanded circulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells as novel cell source for the treatment of TCIRG1 osteopetrosis.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for autosomal recessive osteopetrosis caused by defects in the TCIRG1 gene. Despite recent progress in conditioning, a relevant number of patients are not eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplantation because of the severity of the disease and significant transplant-related morbidity. We exploited peripheral CD34+ cells, known to circulate at high frequency in the peripheral blood of TCIRG1-deficient patients, as a novel cell source for autologous transplantation of gene corrected cells. Detailed phenotypical analysis showed that circulating CD34+ cells have a cellular composition that resembles bone marrow, supporting their use in gene therapy protocols. Transcriptomic profile revealed enrichment in genes expressed by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). To overcome the limit of bone marrow harvest/ HSPC mobilization and serial blood drawings in TCIRG1 patients, we applied UM171-based ex-vivo expansion of HSPCs coupled with lentiviral gene transfer. Circulating CD34+ cells from TCIRG1-defective patients were transduced with a clinically-optimized lentiviral vector (LV) expressing TCIRG1 under the control of phosphoglycerate promoter and expanded ex vivo. Expanded cells maintained long-term engraftment capacity and multi-lineage repopulating potential when transplanted in vivo both in primary and secondary NSG recipients. Moreover, when CD34+ cells were differentiated in vitro, genetically corrected osteoclasts resorbed the bone efficiently. Overall, we provide evidence that expansion of circulating HSPCs coupled to gene therapy can overcome the limit of stem cell harvest in osteopetrotic patients, thus opening the way to future gene-based treatment of skeletal diseases caused by bone marrow fibrosis.

Gut microbiota and metabolome distinctive features in Parkinson disease: Focus on levodopa and levodopa-carbidopa intrajejunal gel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent data suggest that imbalances in the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) could exacerbate the progression of Parkinson disease (PD). The effects of levodopa (LD) have been poorly assessed, and those of LD-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) have not been evaluated so far. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of LD and LCIG, in particular, on the GM and metabolome. METHODS: Fecal DNA samples from 107 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PD were analyzed by next-generation sequencing of the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. PD patients were classified in different groups: patients on LCIG (LCIG group, n = 38) and on LD (LD group, n = 46). We also included a group of patients (n = 23) without antiparkinsonian medicaments (Naïve group). Fecal metabolic extracts were evaluated by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher abundance in the LCIG group of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia, and Serratia compared to the LD group. Compared to the Naïve group, the univariate analysis showed a reduction of Blautia and Lachnospirae in the LD group. Moreover, an increase of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and a reduction of Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, and Blautia was found in the LCIG group. No significant difference was found in the multivariate analysis of these comparisons. The LD group and LCIG group were associated with a metabolic profile linked to gut inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LD, and mostly LCIG, might significantly influence the microbiota composition and host/bacteria metabolism, acting as stressors in precipitating a specific inflammatory intestinal microenvironment, potentially related to the PD state and progression.

Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Alterations Associated with Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of intracellular aggregates of misfolded alpha-synuclein along the cerebral axis. Several studies report the association between intestinal dysbiosis and Parkinson's disease, although a cause-effect relationship remains to be established. Herein, the gut microbiota composition of 64 Italian patients with Parkinson's disease and 51 controls was determined using a next-generation sequencing approach. A real metagenomics shape based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was also investigated. The most significant changes within the Parkinson's disease group highlighted a reduction in bacterial taxa, which are linked to anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective effects, particularly in the Lachnospiraceae family and key members, such as Butyrivibrio, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Coprococcus, and Blautia The direct evaluation of fecal metabolites revealed changes in several classes of metabolites. Changes were seen in lipids (linoleic acid, oleic acid, succinic acid, and sebacic acid), vitamins (pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid), amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, and pyroglutamic acid) and other organic compounds (cadaverine, ethanolamine, and hydroxy propionic acid). Most modified metabolites strongly correlated with the abundance of members belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family, suggesting that these gut bacteria correlate with altered metabolism rates in Parkinson's disease.IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, this is one of the few studies thus far that correlates the composition of the gut microbiota with the direct analysis of fecal metabolites in patients with Parkinson's disease. Overall, our data highlight microbiota modifications correlated with numerous fecal metabolites. This suggests that Parkinson's disease is associated with gut dysregulation that involves a synergistic relationship between gut microbes and several bacterial metabolites favoring altered homeostasis. Interestingly, a reduction of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria influenced the shape of the metabolomics profile, affecting several metabolites with potential protective effects in the Parkinson group. On the other hand, the extensive impact that intestinal dysbiosis has at the level of numerous metabolic pathways could encourage the identification of specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease, also in light of the effect that specific drugs have on the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Genetic variants of TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor associate with distinct gut microbiota traits in Parkinson's disease: A pilot study.

The non-tasting form of the bitter taste receptor, TAS2R38, has been shown as a genetic risk factor associated with the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Specific taste receptors that are expressed in the lower gastrointestinal tract may respond to alteration in gut microbiota composition, detecting bacterial molecules, and regulate immune responses. Given the importance of brain-gut-microbiota axis and gene-environment interactions in PD, we investigate the associations between the genetic variants of TAS2R38 and gut microbiota composition in 39 PD patients. The results confirm that the majority of PD patients have reduced sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and are carriers of at least one non-functional TAS2R38 AVI haplotype. Moreover, we found this correlation to be associated with a reduction in bacteria alpha-diversity with a predominant reduction of Clostridium genus. We hypothesised that the high frequency of the non-taster form of TAS2R38 associated with a diminuition of Clostridium bacteria in PD might determine a reduction in the activation of protective signalling-molecules useful in preserving gut homeostasis. This pilot study, by identifying a decrease in specific bacteria associated with a reduced sensitivity to PROP, adds essential information that opens new avenues of research into the association of PD microbiota composition and sensory modification.

Impact of a Moderately Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Italian Obese Patients.

Although it is known that the gut microbiota (GM) can be modulated by diet, the efficacy of specific dietary interventions in determining its composition and diversity in obese patients remains to be ascertained. The present work aims to evaluate the impact of a moderately hypocaloric Mediterranean diet on the GM of obese and overweight patients (OB). The GM of 23 OB patients (F/M = 20/3) was compared before (T0) and after 3 months (T3) of nutritional intervention (NI). Fecal samples were analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. At baseline, GM characterization confirmed typical obesity-associated dysbiosis. After 3 months of NI, patients presented a statistically significant reduction in body weight and fat mass, along with changes in the relative abundance of many microbial patterns. In fact, an increase in the abundance of several Bacteroidetes taxa (i.e., Sphingobacteriaceae, Sphingobacterium, Bacteroides spp., Prevotella stercorea) and a depletion of many Firmicutes taxa (i.e., Lachnospiraceae members, Ruminococcaceae and Ruminococcus, Veillonellaceae, Catenibacterium, Megamonas) were observed. In addition, the phylum Proteobacteria showed an increased abundance, while the genus Sutterella, within the same phylum, decreased after the intervention. Metabolic pathways, predicted by bioinformatic analyses, showed a decrease in membrane transport and cell motility after NI. The present study extends our knowledge of the GM profiles in OB, highlighting the potential benefit of moderate caloric restriction in counteracting the gut dysbiosis.

HLA-G molecules and clinical outcome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

The human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) gene encodes a tolerogenic protein known to promote tumor immune-escape. We investigated HLA-G polymorphisms and soluble molecules (sHLA-G) in 68 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Patients with G*01:01:01 or G*01:01:02 allele had higher value of sHLA-G compared to G*01:01:03 (109.2±39.5 vs 39.9±8.8 units/ml; p=0.03), and showed lower event free survival (EFS) (62.3% vs 90.0%; p=0.02). The G*01:01:03 allele was associated with higher rates and earlier achievement of deep molecular response (MR)4.5 (100% vs 65%, median of 8 vs 58 months, p=0.001). HLA-G alleles with higher secretion of sHLA-G seem associated with lower EFS, possibly because of an inhibitory effect on the immune system. Conversely, lower levels of sHLA-G promoted achievement of MR4.5, suggesting increased cooperation with immune system.