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1.
Curr Issues Mol Biol ; 46(2): 965-989, 2024 Jan 23.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38392180

RESUMO

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a dual role both in inflammatory states and cancer, acting both as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic factor and as an anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediator in a context-dependent way based on the signaling networks and its interaction with diverse cellular components within the microenvironment. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of the literature on the role of NGF in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment and tumor cell growth, survival, and death. The role of NGF in inflammation and tumorigenesis as a component of the inflammatory system, its interaction with the various components of the respective microenvironments, its ability to cause epigenetic changes, and its role in the treatment of cancer have been highlighted in this paper.

2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(4)2024 Feb 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38396890

RESUMO

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a male genetic disease caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, causing endocrine disorders mainly responsible for a high rate of infertility and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Scientific research is interested in identifying new biomarkers that can be predictive or prognostic of alterations strictly connected to KS. Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2, also known as NGAL) is a small protein initially identified within neutrophils as a protein related to innate immunity. Serum LCN-2 estimation seems to be a useful tool in predicting the metabolic complications caused by several pathological conditions. However, little is known about its potential role in infertility conditions. The present pilot study aims to investigate the presence of LCN-2 in the serum of a group of pre-pubertal and post-pubertal children affected by KS, compared to healthy controls. We demonstrated for the first time the presence of elevated levels of LCN-2 in the serum of KS patients, compared to controls. This increase was accompanied, in pre-pubertal KS patients, by the loss of correlation with LH and HDL, which instead was present in the healthy individuals. Moreover, in all KS individuals, a positive correlation between LCN-2 and inhibin B serum concentration was found. Despite the limited size of the sample analyzed, our preliminary data encourage further studies to confirm the findings and to extend the study to KS adult patients, to verify the predictive/prognostic value of LCN-2 as new biomarker for metabolic diseases and infertility associated with the pathology.


Assuntos
Infertilidade , Síndrome de Klinefelter , Lipocalina-2 , Adulto , Criança , Humanos , Masculino , Biomarcadores , Síndrome de Klinefelter/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Klinefelter/genética , Lipocalina-2/sangue , Lipocalina-2/química , Projetos Piloto
3.
Curr Issues Mol Biol ; 45(11): 8950-8973, 2023 Nov 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37998739

RESUMO

NGF plays a crucial immunomodulatory role and increased levels are found in numerous tissues during autoimmune states. NGF directly modulates innate and adaptive immune responses of B and T cells and causes the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters controlling the immune system activation in inflamed tissues. Evidence suggests that NGF is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous immune diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis, and chronic granulomatous disease. Furthermore, as NGF levels have been linked to disease severity, it could be considered an optimal early biomarker to identify therapeutic approach efficacy. In conclusion, by gaining insights into how these molecules function and which cells they interact with, future studies can devise targeted therapies to address various neurological, immunological, and other disorders more effectively. This knowledge may pave the way for innovative treatments based on NGF manipulation aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals affected by diseases involving neurotrophins.

4.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(4)2023 Feb 20.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36835652

RESUMO

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is a rare genetic disease caused by microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region (DGS1). A haploinsufficiency at 10p level has been proposed also as a DGS cause (DGS2). Clinical manifestations are variable. The most frequent features are thymic hypoplasia or aplasia with consequent immune deficiency, cardiac malformations, hypoparathyroidism, facial and palatine abnormalities, variable degrees of cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders. The specific aim of this descriptive report is to discuss the correlation between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in DGS patients with microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region. The deleted chromosomic region maps various genes involved in mitochondrial metabolisms, such as DGCR8 and TXNRD2, that could lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased production and antioxidant depletion. Furthermore, increased levels of ROS in mitochondria would lead to the destruction of the projection neurons in the cerebral cortex with consequent neurocognitive impairment. Finally, the increase in modified protein belonging to the family of sulfoxide compounds and hexoses, acting as inhibitors of the IV and V mitochondria complex, could result in direct ROS overproduction. Neuroinflammation in DGS individuals could be directly related to the development of the syndrome's characteristic psychiatric and cognitive disorders. In patients with psychotic disorders, the most frequent psychiatric manifestation in DGS, Th-17, Th-1 and Th-2 cells are increased with consequent elevation of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL1ß. In patients with anxiety disorders, both CD3 and CD4 are increased. Some patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have an augmented level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-6 and IL-1ß, while IFNγ and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 seem to be reduced. Other data proposed that altered synaptic plasticity could be directly involved in DGS cognitive disorders. In conclusion, the use of antioxidants for restoring mitochondrial functionality in DGS could be a useful tool to protect cortical connectivity and cognitive behavior.


Assuntos
Síndrome de DiGeorge , MicroRNAs , Humanos , Síndrome de DiGeorge/genética , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias , Interleucina-6 , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA , Estresse Oxidativo
5.
Clin Genet ; 102(4): 314-323, 2022 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35842840

RESUMO

The prevalence of Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) is tenfold increased in children conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART). More than 90% of ART-BWSp patients reported so far display imprinting center 2 loss-of-methylations (IC2-LoM), versus 50% of naturally conceived BWSp patients. We describe a cohort of 74 ART-BWSp patients comparing their features with a cohort of naturally conceived BWSp patients, with the ART-BWSp patients previously described in literature, and with the general population of children born from ART. We found that the distribution of UPD(11)pat was not significantly different in ART and naturally conceived patients. We observed 68.9% of IC2-LoM and 16.2% of mosaic UPD(11)pat in our ART cohort, that strongly differ from the figure reported in other cohorts so far. Since UPD(11)pat likely results from post-fertilization recombination events, our findings allows to hypothesize that more complex molecular mechanisms, besides methylation disturbances, may underlie BWSp increased risk in ART pregnancies. Moreover, comparing the clinical features of ART and non-ART BWSp patients, we found that ART-BWSp patients might have a milder phenotype. Finally, our data show a progressive increase in the prevalence of BWSp over time, paralleling that of ART usage in the last decades.


Assuntos
Síndrome de Beckwith-Wiedemann , Impressão Genômica , Síndrome de Beckwith-Wiedemann/epidemiologia , Síndrome de Beckwith-Wiedemann/genética , Metilação de DNA/genética , Feminino , Fertilização , Impressão Genômica/genética , Humanos , Gravidez , Técnicas de Reprodução Assistida/efeitos adversos
6.
Can J Physiol Pharmacol ; 100(2): 151-157, 2022 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34614364

RESUMO

The prokineticin-2 (PROK2) is a small peptide belonging to the prokineticin family. In humans and rodents this chemokine is primarily involved in the control of central and peripheral reproductive processes. Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is the first cause of male genetic infertility, due to an extra X chromosome, which may occur with a classical karyotype (47, XXY) or mosaic forms (46, XY/47, XXY). In affected subjects, pubertal maturation usually begins at an adequate chronological age, but when development is almost complete, they display a primary gonadal failure, with early spermatogenesis damage, and later onset of testosterone insufficiency. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of PROK2 in prepubertal and adult KS patients, comparing them with healthy subjects. We showed for the first time the presence of PROK2 in the children serum but with significant changes in KS individuals. Indeed, compared with healthy subjects characterized by PROK2 serum elevation during the growth, KS individuals showed constant serum levels during the sexual maturation phase (higher during the prepubertal phase but lower during the adult age). In conclusion, these data indicate that in KS individuals PROK2 may be considered a biomarker for investigating the SK infertility process.


Assuntos
Hormônios Gastrointestinais/sangue , Infertilidade Masculina/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Klinefelter/sangue , Neuropeptídeos/sangue , Adolescente , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangue , Criança , Humanos , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Cariótipo , Síndrome de Klinefelter/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Maturidade Sexual , Espermatogênese , Testosterona/deficiência , Adulto Jovem
7.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(24)2022 Dec 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36555317

RESUMO

Both physiological and pathological aging processes induce brain alterations especially affecting the speed of processing, working memory, conceptual reasoning and executive functions. Many therapeutic approaches to reduce the impact of brain aging on cognitive functioning have been tested; unfortunately, there are no satisfactory results as a single therapy. As aging is partly contributed by free radical reactions, it has been proposed that exogenous antioxidants could have a positive impact on both aging and its associated manifestations. The aim of this report is to provide a summary and a subsequent review of the literature evidence on the role of antioxidants in preventing and improving cognition in the aging brain. Manipulation of endogenous cellular defense mechanisms through nutritional antioxidants or pharmacological compounds represents an innovative approach to therapeutic intervention in diseases causing brain tissue damage, such as neurodegeneration. Coherently with this notion, antioxidants, especially those derived from the Mediterranean diet such as hydroxytyrosol and resveratrol, seem to be able to delay and modulate the cognitive brain aging processes and decrease the occurrence of its effects on the brain. The potential preventive activity of antioxidants should be evaluated in long-term exposure clinical trials, using preparations with high bioavailability, able to bypass the blood-brain barrier limitation, and that are well standardized.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Encéfalo , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Resveratrol/farmacologia , Resveratrol/uso terapêutico , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cognição , Estresse Oxidativo
8.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(21)2022 Oct 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36361912

RESUMO

Infertility is a worldwide health issue defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability to establish a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Male infertility etiology can be related to either congenital or acquired factors. The therapeutical approach to male infertility depends on the underlying causes and includes medical and surgical treatments. In recent studies, the potential role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in male reproductive physiology has been proposed. It has been hypothesized that neurotrophins might be involved in testis morphogenesis and regulation of several aspects of spermatogenesis. Moreover, it has been shown that NGF exerts its role on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons through the activation of the PKC/p-ERK1/2/p-CREB cascade, which leads to the activation of hypothalamic cells and the consequent activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) with the secretion of GnRH. Lastly, it has been shown that the physiology of mature sperm is affected by both exogenous and endogenous NGF. The NGF impact on the HPG axis and its effect on GnRH neurons might be exploited in the therapy of male hypogonadism or used as a protective strategy against gonadal dysfunction related to chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, the improving effect of NGF on sperm motility and vitality could be useful to enhance assisted reproduction outcomes. NGF could be supplemented to cryopreserved sperm samples to counteract the oxidative stress induced by the frozen and thawing processes. Indeed, the potential clinical applications of NGF in male infertility treatment have been discussed.


Assuntos
Infertilidade Masculina , Fator de Crescimento Neural , Humanos , Gravidez , Feminino , Masculino , Fator de Crescimento Neural/farmacologia , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Sêmen/metabolismo , Hormônio Liberador de Gonadotropina/metabolismo , Infertilidade Masculina/tratamento farmacológico , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Genitália Masculina/metabolismo
9.
Epilepsy Behav ; 124: 108315, 2021 Oct 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34619538

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a main feature of Mowat Wilson Syndrome (MWS), a congenital malformation syndrome caused by ZEB2 variants. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term evolution of the electroclinical phenotype of MWS in a large population. METHODS: Forty-individuals with a genetically confirmed diagnosis were enrolled. Three age groups were identified (t1 = 0-4; t2 = 5-12; t3 = >13 years); clinical data and EEG records were collected, analyzed, and compared for age group. Video-EEG recorded seizures were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-six of 40 individuals had epilepsy, of whom 35/35 aged >5 years. Almost all (35/36) presented focal seizures at onset (mean age at onset 3.4 ±â€¯2.3 SD) that persisted, reduced in frequency, in 7/22 individuals after the age of 13. Absences occurred in 22/36 (mean age at onset 7.2 ±â€¯0.9 SD); no one had absences before 6 and over 16 years old. Paroxysmal interictal abnormalities in sleep also followed an age-dependent evolution with a significant increase in frequency at school age (p = 0.002) and a reduction during adolescence (p = 0.008). Electrical Status Epilepticus during Sleep occurred in 14/36 (13/14 aged 5-13 years old at onset). Seven focal seizure ictal video-EEGs were collected: all were long-lasting and more visible clinical signs were often preceded by prolonged electrical and/or subtle (erratic head and eye orientation) seizures. Valproic acid was confirmed as the most widely used and effective drug, followed by levetiracetam. CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy is a major sign of MWS with a characteristic, age-dependent, electroclinical pattern. Improvement with adolescence/adulthood is usually observed. Our data strengthen the hypothesis of a GABAergic transmission imbalance underlying ZEB2-related epilepsy.

10.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis ; 30(9): 1564-1572, 2020 08 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32636123

RESUMO

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We previously demonstrated that children with Down syndrome (DS) exhibited a greater risk of steatosis than the general pediatric population. This trend was independent of obese phenotype, thus suggesting a role of genetic predisposition. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in function of genetic susceptibility and adipocytokine levels in children with DS. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 84 Caucasian children with DS (age range 5-17 years), were included in this study. For all children, we collected data on anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and liver ultrasound (US). We also measured adipocytokines circulating levels and specific polymorphisms closed to NAFLD. We found a prevalence of 64.3% of liver steatosis at US, with a severe steatosis of about 4% in children with DS. The presence of steatosis in children with DS was associated with the presence of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 variant, which also correlated with interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Moreover, we found that the 52.4% had a waist circumference > 90th percentile, 21.4% were hypertensive, 7.14% had hyperglycemia, 9.5% had hypertriglyceridemia, and 17.9% showed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 40 mg/dl. Finally, the IL-6 and adiponectin levels correlated with steatosis, and several adipocytokines correlated with single MetS traits in children with DS. CONCLUSION: The present study explores for the first time potential pathomechanisms connecting pediatric NAFLD and MetS in DS. We found that the PNPLA3 variant is associated with steatosis, but not with MetS, in children with DS.


Assuntos
Síndrome de Down/genética , Lipase/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Síndrome Metabólica/genética , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Adiponectina/sangue , Adolescente , Fatores Etários , Biomarcadores/sangue , Glicemia/metabolismo , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Síndrome de Down/sangue , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Down/epidemiologia , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Humanos , Interleucina-6/sangue , Lipídeos/sangue , Masculino , Síndrome Metabólica/sangue , Síndrome Metabólica/diagnóstico , Síndrome Metabólica/epidemiologia , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/sangue , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/diagnóstico , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/epidemiologia , Fenótipo , Prevalência , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Cidade de Roma/epidemiologia
11.
Am J Med Genet A ; 179(2): 183-189, 2019 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30618195

RESUMO

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic anomaly involving the presence of one or more supernumerary X chromosomes in male individuals. In the cognitive profile of these individuals, strengths are found in nonverbal abilities, whereas weaknesses are observed in executive function, language, and academic performance. Our study is based on a comparison between eight children diagnosed with KS (47,XXY) (age range: 9-13 years; IQ range: 80-123), with no delay in language development, and eight typically developing (TD) controls. We explored a range of high-level language competencies and Theory of Mind (ToM) in addition to basic language competency. High-level language competencies were assessed by a battery that measures pragmatic language skills and a metaphor comprehension test (MCT). To assess ToM, we administered the corresponding subtest of the NEPSY II. Basic language competence was assessed by the NEPSY II Comprehension of Instructions subtest. Although basic language performance did not differentiate the individuals with KS from the TD controls, relevant differences appeared in some of the high-level language competencies as well as in the ToM task. All tasks in which the individuals with KS performed less well were characterized by complex inferential processes. Some possible clinical and educational implications are discussed.


Assuntos
Síndrome de Klinefelter/fisiopatologia , Desenvolvimento da Linguagem , Teoria da Mente/fisiologia , Adolescente , Criança , Compreensão , Função Executiva/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome de Klinefelter/epidemiologia , Síndrome de Klinefelter/psicologia , Idioma , Testes de Linguagem , Masculino
12.
J Med Genet ; 54(9): 613-623, 2017 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28735298

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Mutations in forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) cause intellectual disability (ID) and specific language impairment (SLI), with or without autistic features (MIM: 613670). Despite multiple case reports no specific phenotype emerged so far. METHODS: We correlate clinical and molecular data of 25 novel and 23 previously reported patients with FOXP1 defects. We evaluated FOXP1 activity by an in vitro luciferase model and assessed protein stability in vitro by western blotting. RESULTS: Patients show ID, SLI, neuromotor delay (NMD) and recurrent facial features including a high broad forehead, bent downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis and/or blepharophimosis and a bulbous nasal tip. Behavioural problems and autistic features are common. Brain, cardiac and urogenital malformations can be associated. More severe ID and NMD, sensorineural hearing loss and feeding difficulties are more common in patients with interstitial 3p deletions (14 patients) versus patients with monogenic FOXP1 defects (34 patients). Mutations result in impaired transcriptional repression and/or reduced protein stability. CONCLUSIONS: FOXP1-related ID syndrome is a recognisable entity with a wide clinical spectrum and frequent systemic involvement. Our data will be helpful to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations when interpreting next-generation sequencing data obtained in patients with ID and/or SLI and will guide clinical management.


Assuntos
Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Proteínas Repressoras/genética , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/genética , Face/anormalidades , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/química , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/metabolismo , Humanos , Transtornos da Linguagem/genética , Masculino , Transtornos das Habilidades Motoras/genética , Mutação , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/genética , Fenótipo , Estabilidade Proteica , Proteínas Repressoras/química , Proteínas Repressoras/metabolismo , Síndrome , Transcrição Gênica
13.
Genet Med ; 19(6): 691-700, 2017 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27831545

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a genetic disease characterized by distinctive facial features, moderate to severe intellectual disability, and congenital malformations, including Hirschsprung disease, genital and eye anomalies, and congenital heart defects, caused by haploinsufficiency of the ZEB2 gene. To date, no characteristic pattern of brain dysmorphology in MWS has been defined. METHODS: Through brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis, we delineated a neuroimaging phenotype in 54 MWS patients with a proven ZEB2 defect, compared it with the features identified in a thorough review of published cases, and evaluated genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of patients had abnormal MRI results. The most common features were anomalies of corpus callosum (79.6% of cases), hippocampal abnormalities (77.8%), enlargement of cerebral ventricles (68.5%), and white matter abnormalities (reduction of thickness 40.7%, localized signal alterations 22.2%). Other consistent findings were large basal ganglia, cortical, and cerebellar malformations. Most features were underrepresented in the literature. We also found ZEB2 variations leading to synthesis of a defective protein to be favorable for psychomotor development and some epilepsy features but also associated with corpus callosum agenesis. CONCLUSION: This study delineated the spectrum of brain anomalies in MWS and provided new insights into the role of ZEB2 in neurodevelopment.Genet Med advance online publication 10 November 2016.


Assuntos
Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença de Hirschsprung/diagnóstico por imagem , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Microcefalia/diagnóstico por imagem , Neuroimagem , Encéfalo/patologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos de Coortes , Epilepsia/patologia , Fácies , Feminino , Genótipo , Haploinsuficiência , Doença de Hirschsprung/genética , Doença de Hirschsprung/patologia , Humanos , Lactente , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/patologia , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Microcefalia/genética , Microcefalia/patologia , Fenótipo , Homeobox 2 de Ligação a E-box com Dedos de Zinco/genética
15.
J Craniofac Surg ; 26(3): 840-2, 2015 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25974793

RESUMO

Piezosurgery is an alternative surgical technique, now widely tested, that uses ultrasounds for bone cutting. This device uses ultrasounds to section hard tissues without harming surrounding soft tissues. The authors analyzed their experience in craniomaxillofacial procedures with piezosurgery. A comparison between operation timing and complication rates between piezosurgery and traditional cutting instruments has been performed. A total of 27 patients were examined (15 females and 12 males; average age, of 5.5 months) affected by craniosynostosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of piezosurgery in pediatric craniofacial procedures. Piezoelectric device in this study has shown being a valid instrument for bone cutting in accurate procedures, because it allows performing a more precise and safer cutting, without the risk of harming surrounding tissues.


Assuntos
Anormalidades Craniofaciais/cirurgia , Osteotomia/métodos , Piezocirurgia/métodos , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Resultado do Tratamento
16.
Epilepsia ; 55(6): e60-6, 2014 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24815902

RESUMO

Seizures are observed with a frequency of 3-21% in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, clinical, neuroradiologic, and electroencephalography (EEG) features are poorly described. In this study, 13 patients with FASD and epilepsy or seizures were identified retrospectively from the databases of seven Italian pediatric neurology divisions. Eleven children were affected by epilepsy, and two had at least one documented seizure. Both generalized and focal seizures were observed. EEG showed diffuse or focal epileptic activity; two children developed electric status epilepticus during sleep (ESES). Structural brain anomalies, including polymicrogyria, nodular heterotopia, atrophy, and Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation, were discovered in almost 50% of patients. Control of seizures was not difficult to obtain in 11 cases; one patient showed pharmacoresistant epilepsy. EEG and clinical follow-up are recommended in children with FASD and epilepsy, since severe conditions requiring aggressive treatment, such as in ESES, may develop. Neuroradiological evaluation is warranted because several types of brain anomalies could be associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.


Assuntos
Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/fisiopatologia , Convulsões/etiologia , Adolescente , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Encéfalo/patologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Eletroencefalografia , Epilepsias Parciais/diagnóstico por imagem , Epilepsias Parciais/etiologia , Epilepsias Parciais/fisiopatologia , Epilepsia Generalizada/diagnóstico por imagem , Epilepsia Generalizada/etiologia , Epilepsia Generalizada/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Lactente , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Neuroimagem , Radiografia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Convulsões/diagnóstico por imagem , Convulsões/fisiopatologia
17.
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets ; 23(4): 449-462, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37016521

RESUMO

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen (O2). ROS sources can be endogenous, such as cellular organelles and inflammatory cells, or exogenous, such as ionizing radiation, alcohol, food, tobacco, chemotherapeutical agents and infectious agents. Oxidative stress results in damage of several cellular structures (lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA) and is implicated in various disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. A large body of studies showed that ROS plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, increased production of ROS causes accumulation in DNA damage leading to tumorigenesis. Various investigations demonstrated the involvement of ROS in gliomagenesis. The most common type of primary intracranial tumor in adults is represented by glioma. Furthermore, there is growing attention on the role of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in brain tumor pathogenesis. NGF is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. It is involved in neuronal differentiation, proliferation and survival. Studies were conducted to investigate NGF pathogenesis's role as a pro- or anti-tumoral factor in brain tumors. It has been observed that NGF can induce both differentiation and proliferation in cells. The involvement of NGF in the pathogenesis of brain tumors leads to the hypothesis of a possible implication of NGF in new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the role of neurotrophin receptors as potential targets in glioma therapy. This review provides an updated overview of the role of ROS and NGF in gliomagenesis and their emerging role in glioma treatment.


Assuntos
Neoplasias Encefálicas , Glioma , Humanos , Fator de Crescimento Neural/metabolismo , Fator de Crescimento Neural/farmacologia , Fator de Crescimento Neural/uso terapêutico , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Glioma/metabolismo , Receptores de Fator de Crescimento Neural/metabolismo
18.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab ; 109(8): e1564-e1573, 2024 Jul 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38193351

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: High-grade aneuploidies of X and Y sex chromosomes (HGAs) are exceedingly rare and complex conditions. We aimed to investigate the effect of supernumerary X chromosomes (extra-Xs) on the clinical, hormonal, metabolic, and echocardiographic features of patients with HGAs. DESIGN AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we compared 23 subjects with HGAs and 46 age-matched subjects with 47,XXY Klinefelter syndrome (KS), according to the number of extra-Xs: two (47,XXY and 48,XXYY), three (48,XXXY and 49,XXXYY), or four supernumerary Xs (49,XXXXY). A second cohort consisting of 46 pubertal stage-matched KS subjects was employed for validation. Clinical, hormonal, metabolic and ultrasonographic parameters were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The increase in the number of extra-Xs was associated with a progressive adverse effect on height, pubertal development, testicular volume and function, adrenal steroidogenesis, and thyroid function. A progressive linear increase in ACTH and a decrease in cortisol/ACTH ratios were found. Weight and body mass index, Sertoli cell function, lipid profile, and glucose tolerance post-oral glucose tolerance test were all worse in the HGA cohort compared to KS. Cardiac evaluation revealed a linear association with reduced left and right end-diastolic diameters and reduced ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: The increase in the number of extra-Xs is associated with a "dose-dependent" progressive impairment in steroid producing glands, thyroid function, cardiac structure, and performance.


Assuntos
Aneuploidia , Cromossomos Humanos X , Síndrome de Klinefelter , Humanos , Masculino , Síndrome de Klinefelter/genética , Síndrome de Klinefelter/patologia , Estudos Transversais , Adolescente , Cromossomos Humanos X/genética , Dosagem de Genes , Criança , Aberrações dos Cromossomos Sexuais , Adulto , Adulto Jovem
19.
Children (Basel) ; 11(5)2024 Apr 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38790504

RESUMO

Klinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by an additional X-chromosome in males, manifests in a wide range of neuroendocrine and psychiatric symptoms. Individuals with KS often face increased risks of hormonal dysfunction, leading to depression and anxiety, although extended research during pediatric and adolescent age is still limited. This critical phase, decisive for KS children, is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and familial factors, which impact brain plasticity. In this report, we reviewed, in a narrative form, the crucial KS psychopathological hallmarks in children. To better describe neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children with KS, we presented the case of an 11-year-old prepubertal child with mosaic KS who was referred to our Center of Developmental Psychopathology due to a decline in his academic performance, excessive daytime fatigue and increased distractibility over the past few months. Family history revealed psychiatric conditions among first- and second-degree relatives, including recently divorced parents and a 15-year-old sister. Early-onset persistent depressive disorder and anxious traits were diagnosed. Timely identification of susceptible children, with thorough examination of familial psychiatric history, environmental influences and neurocognitive profile, alongside targeted interventions, could potentially mitigate lifelong psychopathology-related disabilities in pediatric and adolescent KS cases, including those with mosaic KS.

20.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 13(4)2024 Mar 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38671857

RESUMO

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) represent a continuum of lifelong impairments resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, with significant global impact. The "spectrum" of disorders includes a continuum of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental impairments which can have profound and lasting effects on individuals throughout their lives, impacting their health, social interactions, psychological well-being, and every aspect of their lives. This narrative paper explores the intricate relationship between oxidative stress and epigenetics in FASD pathogenesis and its therapeutic implications. Oxidative stress, induced by alcohol metabolism, disrupts cellular components, particularly in the vulnerable fetal brain, leading to aberrant development. Furthermore, oxidative stress is implicated in epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, which influence gene regulation in FASD patients. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation contribute to epigenetic changes associated with FASD. Understanding these mechanisms holds promise for targeted therapeutic interventions. This includes antioxidant supplementation and lifestyle modifications to mitigate FASD-related impairments. While preclinical studies show promise, further clinical trials are needed to validate these interventions' efficacy in improving clinical outcomes for individuals affected by FASD. This comprehensive understanding of the role of oxidative stress in epigenetics in FASD underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches for diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies. Continued research in this field is crucial for advancing our knowledge and developing effective interventions to address this significant public health concern.

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