α-Synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies from Parkinson's disease patients.

Abnormal deposition of α-synuclein is a key feature and biomarker of Parkinson's disease. α-Synuclein aggregates can propagate themselves by a prion-like seeding-based mechanism within and between tissues and are hypothesized to move between the intestine and brain. α-Synuclein RT-QuIC seed amplification assays have detected Parkinson's-associated α-synuclein in multiple biospecimens including post-mortem colon samples. Here we show intra vitam detection of seeds in duodenum biopsies from 22/23 Parkinson's patients, but not in 6 healthy controls by RT-QuICR. In contrast, no tau seeding activity was detected in any of the biopsies. Our seed amplifications provide evidence that the upper intestine contains a form(s) of α-synuclein with self-propagating activity. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for PD in this biopsy panel were 95.7% and 100% respectively. End-point dilution analysis indicated up to 106 SD50 seeding units per mg of tissue with positivity in two contemporaneous biopsies from individual patients suggesting widespread distribution within the superior and descending parts of duodenum. Our detection of α-synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies of Parkinson's disease patients suggests not only that such analyses may be useful in ante-mortem diagnosis, but also that the duodenum may be a source or a destination for pathological, self-propagating α-synuclein assemblies.

Physico-Chemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozonated Oils: The Case Study of Commercial Ozonated Olive and Sunflower Seed Refined Oils.

Drug resistance represents one of the great plagues of our time worldwide. This largely limits the treatment of common infections and requires the development of new antibiotics or other alternative approaches. Noteworthy, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is mostly responsible for the selection of mutations that confer drug resistance to microbes. In this regard, recently, ozone has been raising interest for its unique biological properties when dissolved in natural oils. Ozonated oils have been reported to act in a non-specific way on microorganisms hindering the acquisition of advantageous mutations that result in resistance. Here, we focused on the antimicrobial effect of two commercial olive (OOO) and sunflower seeds (OSO) oils. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed the change in the chemical composition of the oils after ozonation treatment. Different ozonated oil concentrations were then used to evaluate their antimicrobial profile against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Overall, our results revealed that both OOO and OSO showed a potent microbicidal effect, especially against C. albicans (IC50 = OOO: 0.3 mg/mL and OSO: 0.2 mg/mL) and E. faecalis (IC50 = OOO: 0.4 mg/mL and OSO: 2.8 mg/mL) albeit exerting a certain effect also against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, both OOO and OSO do not yield any relevant cytotoxic effect at the active concentrations in both cell lines. This indicates that the ozonated oils studied are not toxic for mammalian cells despite exerting a potent antimicrobial effect on specific microorganisms. Therefore, OOO and OSO may be considered to integrate standard therapies in the treatment of common infections, likely overcoming drug resistance issues.

Analysis of a Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Genotype B3 Virus from the 2009-2010 South African Measles Epidemic Shows That Hyperfusogenic F Proteins Contribute to Measles Virus Infection in the Brain.

During a measles virus (MeV) epidemic in 2009 in South Africa, measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE) was identified in several HIV-infected patients. Years later, children are presenting with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). To investigate the features of established MeV neuronal infections, viral sequences were analyzed from brain tissue samples of a single SSPE case and compared with MIBE sequences previously obtained from patients infected during the same epidemic. Both the SSPE and the MIBE viruses had amino acid substitutions in the ectodomain of the F protein that confer enhanced fusion properties. Functional analysis of the fusion complexes confirmed that both MIBE and SSPE F protein mutations promoted fusion with less dependence on interaction by the viral receptor-binding protein with known MeV receptors. While the SSPE F required the presence of a homotypic attachment protein, MeV H, in order to fuse, MIBE F did not. Both F proteins had decreased thermal stability compared to that of the corresponding wild-type F protein. Finally, recombinant viruses expressing MIBE or SSPE fusion complexes spread in the absence of known MeV receptors, with MIBE F-bearing viruses causing large syncytia in these cells. Our results suggest that alterations to the MeV fusion complex that promote fusion and cell-to-cell spread in the absence of known MeV receptors is a key property for infection of the brain.IMPORTANCE Measles virus can invade the central nervous system (CNS) and cause severe neurological complications, such as MIBE and SSPE. However, mechanisms by which MeV enters the CNS and triggers the disease remain unclear. We analyzed viruses from brain tissue of individuals with MIBE or SSPE, infected during the same epidemic, after the onset of neurological disease. Our findings indicate that the emergence of hyperfusogenic MeV F proteins is associated with infection of the brain. We also demonstrate that hyperfusogenic F proteins permit MeV to enter cells and spread without the need to engage nectin-4 or CD150, known receptors for MeV that are not present on neural cells.

High Prevalence of Human Herpesvirus 8 Infection in Diabetes Type 2 Patients and Detection of a New Virus Subtype.

The prevalence of Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) DNA and antiviral antibodies in Diabetes type 2 (DM2) and control subjects was studied, in order to confirm a possible link between DM2 and HHV8 infection. The HHV8-DNA from diabetic patients was typed for detecting possible genomic differences with known HHV8 reference viruses.DM2 patients and healthy controls were examined for the presence of HHV8 DNA into the peripheral blood lymphocytes. Both anti-lytic and latent phase antibodies were detected in HHV8 positive and negative diabetic patients, as well in a number of controls. The HHV8 ORF K1 and ORF 26 genes from DM2 patients were typed and matched to reference strains.A significant prevalence of HHV8 DNA in DM2 subjects versus healthy controls was detected (about 58 % against 27 %). Anti-lytic phase, but not anti-latent phase antibodies, were significantly increased in DM2 patients versus controls. In addition, about 30 % of HHV8 strains isolated from DM2 lymphocytes showed consistent differences in the ORF 26 gene sequence, so that a new HHV8 subtype was proposed. These findings give additional support to the hypothesis that HHV8 could be considered an additional risk factor for DM2 onset.

Neutral lipid alterations in human herpesvirus 8-infected HUVEC cells and their possible involvement in neo-angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, induces an intense modification of lipid metabolism and enhances the angiogenic process in endothelial cells. In the present study, neutral lipid (NL) metabolism and angiogenesis were investigated in HHV8-infected HUVEC cells. The viral replication phases were verified by rtPCR and also by K8.1 and LANA immunostaining. RESULTS: Lipid droplets (Nile Red) were higher in all phases and NL staining (LipidTOX) combined with viral-antigen detection (immunofluorescence) demonstrated a NL content increase in infected cells. In particular, triglyceride synthesis increases in the lytic phase, whereas cholesteryl ester synthesis rises in the latent one. Moreover, the inhibition of cholesterol esterification reduces neo-tubule formation mainly in latently infected cells. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that a reprogramming of cholesteryl ester metabolism is involved in regulating neo-angiogenesis in HHV8-infected cells and plays a likely role in the high metastatic potential of derived-tumours.

In vitro characterisation of a pleconaril/pirodavir-like compound with potent activity against rhinoviruses.

BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus infections do not only cause common colds, but may also trigger severe exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Even though rhinoviruses have been the focus of extensive drug development efforts in the past, an anti-rhinoviral drug still has to make it to the market. In the past, the viral capsid protein VP1 has been shown to be an important target for the development of antiviral molecules. Furthermore, many different chemical scaffolds appear to possess the properties that are required to inhibit virus replication by this mechanism of action. I-6602, an analogue of the rhinovirus inhibitor pirodavir, was previously identified as a potent inhibitor of rhinovirus infection. Here, we describe the antiviral activity of its analogue ca603, a molecule with a modified linker structure, and corroborate its mechanism of action as a capsid binder. FINDINGS: The molecule ca603 shows antiviral activity against a panel of rhino-and enteroviruses. Cross-resistance is observed against viruses with mutations that render them resistant to the inhibitory effect of the capsid binder pleconaril and thermostability assays demonstrate that the compound binds and stabilizes the viral capsid. Binding of the molecule to the VP1 protein is corroborated by in silico modeling. CONCLUSIONS: It is confirmed that ca603 inhibits rhinovirus replication by interaction with the VP1 protein and, by this, allows to further expand the chemical diversity of capsid-binding molecules.

Nutritionally Variant Streptococci Interfere with Streptococcus mutans Adhesion Properties and Biofilm Formation.

The bacterial species Streptococcus mutans is known as the main cause of dental caries in humans. Therefore, much effort has focused on preventing oral colonization by this strain or clearing it from oral tissues. The oral cavity is colonized by several bacterial species that constitute the commensal oral flora, but none of these is able to interfere with the cariogenic properties of S. mutans. This paper describes the interfering ability of some nutritionally variant streptococcal strains (NVS) with S. mutans adhesion to glass surfaces and also to hydroxylapatite. In mixed cultures, NVS induce a complete inhibition of S. mutans microcolony formation on cover glass slides. NVS can also block the adherence of radiolabeled S. mutans to hydroxylapatite in the presence of both saliva and sucrose. The analysis of the action mechanism of NVS demonstrated that NVS are more hydrophobic than S. mutans and adhere tightly to hard surfaces. In addition, a cell-free culture filtrate of NVS was also able to interfere with S. mutans adhesion to hydroxylapatite. Since NVS are known to secrete some important bacteriolytic enzymes, we conclude that NVS can be a natural antagonist to the cariogenic properties of S. mutans.

Immune responses to oligomeric α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Parkinson's disease displays clinical heterogeneity, presenting with motor and non-motor symptoms. Heterogeneous phenotypes, named brain-first and body-first, may reflect distinct α-synuclein pathology starting either in the central nervous system or in the periphery. The immune system plays a prominent role in the central and peripheral pathology, with misfolded α-synuclein being placed at the intersection between neurodegeneration and inflammation. Here, we characterized the inflammatory profile and immune-phenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Parkinson's disease patients upon stimulation with α-synuclein monomer or oligomer, and investigated relationships of immune parameters with clinical scores of motor and non-motor symptoms. Freshly isolated PBMCs from 21 Parkinson's disease patients and 18 healthy subjects were exposed in vitro to α-synuclein species. Cytokine/chemokine release was measured in the culture supernatant by Multiplex Elisa. The immune-phenotype was studied by FACS-flow cytometry. Correlation analysis was computed between immune parameters and parkinsonian motor and non-motor scales. We found that Parkinson's disease patients exhibited a dysregulated PBMC-cytokine profile, which remained unaltered after exposure to α-synuclein species and correlated with both motor and non-motor severity, with a strong correlation observed with olfactory impairment. Exposure of PBMCs from healthy controls to α-synuclein monomer/oligomer increased the cytokine/chemokine release up to patient's values. Moreover, the PBMCs immune phenotype differed between patients and controls and revealed a prominent association of the Mos profile with olfactory impairment, and of NK profile with constipation. Results suggest that a deranged PBMC-immune profile may reflect distinct clinical subtypes and would fit with the recent classification of Parkinson's disease into peripheral-first versus brain-first phenotype.

Role of HDL in cholesteryl ester metabolism of lipopolysaccharide-activated P388D1 macrophages.

Infections share with atherosclerosis similar lipid alterations, with accumulation of cholesteryl esters (CEs) in activated macrophages and concomitant decrease of cholesterol-HDL (C-HDL). Yet the precise role of HDL during microbial infection has not been fully elucidated. Activation of P388D1 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggered an increase of CEs and neutral lipid contents, along with a remarkable enhancement in 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-HDL uptake. Similar results were found in human monocyte-derived macrophages and monocytes cocultured with phytohemagglutinin-activated lymphocytes. Inhibition of cholesterol esterification with Sandoz-58035 resulted in 80% suppression of CE biosynthesis in P388D1. However, only a 35% decrease of CE content, together with increased scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1) protein expression, was found after 72 h and thereafter up to 16 passages of continuous ACAT suppression. Chronic inhibition blunted the effect of LPS treatment on cholesterol metabolism, increased the ratio of free cholesterol/CE content and enhanced interleukin 6 secretion. These results imply that, besides de novo biosynthesis and acquisition by LDL, HDL contributes probably through SR-B1 to the increased CE content in macrophages, partly explaining the low levels of C-HDL during their activation. Our data suggest that in those conditions where more CEs are required, HDL rather than removing, may supply CEs to the cells.

Latent Herpesvirus 8 infection improves both insulin and glucose uptake in primary endothelial cells.

Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma, induces a profound modification of infected cell behaviour, with reprogramming of gene expression and changes in physiological properties, over-expression of the insulin receptor, increased resistance to stress conditions and prolonged cell survival in conditions of serum deprivation. This paper shows that HHV8 infection induces a strong enhancement of both insulin and glucose uptake in primary endothelial cells (HUVEC). The increase in insulin uptake is already evident in the lytic phase of the viral infectious cycle, and reaches a maximum of up to 71% during the latent phase, whilst glucose uptake is slightly depressed during the lytic viral infection, but significantly enhanced compared with the control during the latent phase of viral infection, with an average increase of about 37% 25 days after cell infection.

Combined measure of salivary alpha-synuclein species as diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis is still vulnerable to bias, and a definitive diagnosis often relies on post-mortem neuropathological diagnosis. In this regard, alpha-synuclein (αsyn)-specific in vivo biomarkers remain a critical unmet need, based on its relevance in the neuropathology. Specifically, content changes in αsyn species such as total (tot-αsyn), oligomeric (o-αsyn), and phosphorylated (p-αsyn) within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral fluids (i.e., blood and saliva) have been proposed as PD biomarkers possibly reflecting the neuropathological outcome. Here, we measured the p-αsyn levels in the saliva from 15 PD patients along with tot-αsyn, o-αsyn and their ratios, and compared the results with those from 23 healthy subjects (HS), matched per age and sex. We also calculated the optimal cutoff values for different αsyn species to provide information about their capability to discriminate PD from HS. We found that p-αsyn was the most abundant alpha-synuclein species in the saliva. While p-αsyn concentration did not differ between PD and HS when adjusted for total salivary proteins, the ratio p-αsyn/tot-αsyn was largely lower in PD patients than in HS. Moreover, the concentration of o-αsyn was increased in the saliva of PD patients, and tot-αsyn did not differ between PD and HS. The ROC curves indicated that no single αsyn form or ratio could provide an accurate diagnosis of PD. On the other hand, the ratio of different items, namely p-αsyn/tot-αsyn and o-αsyn, yielded more satisfactory diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that the combined measure of different species in the saliva may show more promises as a diagnostic means for PD.

A lipoprotein source of cholesteryl esters is essential for proliferation of CEM-CCRF lymphoblastic cell line.

Tumour are characterised by a high content of cholesteryl esters (CEs) stored in lipid droplets purported to be due to a high rate of intracellular esterification of cholesterol. To verify whether and which pathways involved in CE accumulation are essential in tumour proliferation, the effect of CE deprivation, from both exogenous and endogenous sources, on CEM-CCRF cells was investigated. Cholesterol synthesis, esterification and content, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binding and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-CE uptake were evaluated in cultured in both conventional and delipidated bovine serum with or without oleic or linoleic acids, cholesteryl oleate, LDL and HDL. High content of CEs in lipid droplets in this cell line was due to esterification of both newly synthesised cholesterol and that obtained from hydrolysis of LDL; moreover, a significant amount of CE was derived from HDL-CE uptake. Cell proliferation was slightly affected by either acute or chronic treatment up to 400 µM with Sz-58035, an acyl-cholesteryl cholesterol esterification inhibitor (ACAT); although when the enzyme activity was continuously inhibited, CE content in lipid droplets was significantly higher than those in control cells. In these cells, analysis of intracellular and medium CEs revealed a profile reflecting the characteristics of bovine serum, suggesting a plasma origin of CE molecules. Cell proliferation arrest in delipidated medium was almost completely prevented in the first 72 h by LDL or HDL, although in subsequent cultures with LDL, it manifested an increasing mortality rate. This study suggests that high content of CEs in CEM-CCRF is mainly derived from plasma lipoproteins and that part of CEs stored in lipid droplets are obtained after being taken up from HDL. This route appears to be up-regulated according to cell requirements and involved in low levels of c-HDL during cancer. Moreover, the dependence of tumour cells on a source of lipoprotein provides a novel impetus in developing therapeutic strategies for use in the treatment of some tumours.

Neutralizing Antibodies Responses against SARS-CoV-2 in a Sardinian Cohort Group Up to 9 Months after BNT162b2 Vaccination.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, has caused over 460 million cases of infection and over 6 million deaths worldwide. The pandemic has called for science, technology, and innovation to provide solutions and, due to an incredible scientific and financial global effort, several prophylactic and therapeutic apparatuses such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines were developed in less than one year to address this emergency. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, serum neutralizing antibodies are produced by B cells and studies on virus-neutralizing antibodies' kinetics are pivotal. The process of protective immunity and the duration of this kind of protection against COVID-19 remain to be clarified. We tested 136 sera from 3 groups of individuals, some of them providing multiple sequential sera (1-healthy, no previous CoV2-infected, vaccinated; 2-healthy, previous CoV2 infected, vaccinated; 3-healed, previous CoV2-infected, not vaccinated) to assess the kinetics of antibodies (Abs) neutralizing activity. We found that SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits moderate neutralizing antibody activity in most individuals; neither age nor gender appear to have any influence on Abs responses. The BNT162b2 vaccine, when administered in two doses, induces high antibodies titre endowed with potent neutralizing activity against bare SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro neutralizing assay. The residual neutralization capability and the kinetic of waning immunity were also evaluated over 9 months after the second dose in a reference group of subjects. Neutralization titre showed a decline in all subjects and the median level of S-protein IgG, over 270 days after the second vaccination dose, was below 10 AU/mL in 53% of serum tested.

Thalassemia intermedia is associated with a proatherogenic biochemical phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: Unlike beta thalassemia major (ß-TM) in which cardiac siderosis represents the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, in beta thalassemia intermedia (ß-TI), pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and thrombosis seems to be the major cardiovascular complications. However, the mechanism underlying these complications in ß-TI is still unclear. Endothelial dysfunction, the key early event in atherogenesis, is now emerging as an important cardiovascular risk determiner in ß-TI patients. Among the factors known to affect endothelial function, iron and cholesterol merit particular consideration in ß-TI patients. Therefore, with the aim to extend our knowledge on the mechanisms connecting atherosclerosis to ß-TI, in this study, we compared lipid and iron metabolism in serum and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from ß-TI and ß-TM patients and controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study the iron status and the lipid profile in serum and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 22 adult ß-TI patients were examined, and compared with 70 adult ß-TM, and 50 age-matched controls. Despite the great variability, levels of serum iron and transferrin saturation were significantly higher in ß-TI compared to both controls and ß-TM. By contrast, transferrin and hepcidin levels were lower in ß-TI patients. Changes in serum indicators in ß-TI patients were associated with altered expressions in PBMCs of hepcidin and IL-1α, involved in some way in the regulation of iron homeostasis. In addition ß-TI exhibited a reduction of total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum and of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase in PBMCs, and an increase of cytoplasmic neutral lipids and mRNA levels of acetyl-coenzymeA:cholesterol acyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings provide experimental support for the idea that ß-TI patients exhibit a proatherogenic biochemical phenotype which may contribute to enhance cardiovascular risk in these subjects.

Human Herpesvirus 8 and Host-Cell Interaction: Long-Lasting Physiological Modifications, Inflammation and Related Chronic Diseases.

Oncogenic and latent-persistent viruses belonging to both DNA and RNA groups are known to cause serious metabolism alterations. Among these, the Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection induces stable modifications in biochemistry and cellular metabolism, which in turn affect its own pathological properties. HHV8 enhances the expression of insulin receptors, supports the accumulation of neutral lipids in cytoplasmic lipid droplets and induces alterations in both triglycerides and cholesterol metabolism in endothelial cells. In addition, HHV8 is also known to modify immune response and cytokine production with implications for cell oxidative status (i.e., reactive oxygen species activation). This review underlines the recent findings regarding the role of latent and persistent HHV8 viral infection in host physiology and pathogenesis.

Human Herpesvirus 8 infection may contribute to oxidative stress in diabetes type 2 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the link between Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection and plasma oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). RESULTS: Blood samples collected from DM2 and control subjects were screened for the presence of antibodies against HHV8 and for biomarkers of oxidative stress. We determined the products of radical damage on the plasma lipid fraction, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), fatty acid hydroperoxides (HP) and 7-ketocholesterol (7-keto), the oxidation products of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and cholesterol, respectively. The level of plasma antioxidant α-tocopherol (α-toc) was also assessed. Relevant differences were observed in the redox status in DM2 and either HHV8-positive or -negative control subjects. The level of α-toc significantly decreased in both DM2 and HHV8-positive subjects. Levels of MDA, HP and 7-keto were much higher in HHV8-positive and DM2 subjects, indicating that plasma oxidative stress is a common feature in both DM2 and HHV8-infection. In addition, 7-keto was further increased in HHV8-positive DM2 patients. We hypothesized that the HHV8-infection may contribute to the production of ROS, and hence to the oxidative stress closely related to the pathogenesis and development of DM2.

Accumulation of neutral lipids in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a distinctive trait of Alzheimer patients and asymptomatic subjects at risk of disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, numerous progresses in the discovery of novel Alzheimer's disease molecular biomarkers in brain as well as in biological fluids have been made. Among them, those involving lipid metabolism are emerging as potential candidates. In particular, an accumulation of neutral lipids was recently found by us in skin fibroblasts from Alzheimer's disease patients. Therefore, with the aim to assess whether peripheral alterations in cholesterol homeostasis might be relevant in Alzheimer's disease development and progression, in the present study we analyzed lipid metabolism in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Alzheimer's disease patients and from their first-degree relatives. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 93 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease and from 91 of their first-degree relatives. As controls we utilized 57, cognitively normal, over-65 year-old volunteers and 113 blood donors aged 21-66 years, respectively. Data are reported as mean +/- standard error. Statistical calculations were performed using the statistical analysis software Origin 8.0 version. Data analysis was done using the Student t-test and the Pearson test. RESULTS: Data reported here show high neutral lipid levels and increased ACAT-1 protein in about 85% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells freshly isolated (ex vivo) from patients with probable sporadic Alzheimer's disease compared to about 7% of cognitively normal age-matched controls. A significant reduction in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in plasma from Alzheimer's disease blood samples was also observed. Additionally, correlation analyses reveal a negative correlation between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and cognitive capacity, as determined by Mini Mental State Examination, as well as between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and neutral lipid accumulation. We observed great variability in the neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells data and in plasma lipid analysis of the subjects enrolled as Alzheimer's disease-first-degree relatives. However, about 30% of them tend to display a peripheral metabolic cholesterol pattern similar to that exhibited by Alzheimer's disease patients. CONCLUSION: We suggest that neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol determinations might be of interest to outline a distinctive metabolic profile applying to both Alzheimer's disease patients and asymptomatic subjects at higher risk of disease.

Hydrophobic characterization of intracellular lipids in situ by Nile Red red/yellow emission ratio.

Nile Red (9-diethylamino-5H-benzo [alpha] phenoxazine-5-one) is a fluorescent lipophilic dye characterized by a shift of emission from red to yellow according to the degree of hydrophobicity of lipids. Polar lipids (i.e., phospholipids) which are mostly present in membranes, are stained in red whereas neutral lipids (esterified cholesterol and triglycerides) which are present in lipid droplets, are stained in yellow. Besides this marked, qualitative contrast between polar and neutral lipids, small differences of the hydrophobic strength could be assessed by the quantitative ratio of red and yellow emissions, in order to extend the discrimination of lipids within the groups of neutral and polar lipids. On the other hand, ratiometric data of red and yellow emissions have not yet been evaluated in the numerous previous light microscopy investigations which used Nile Red. In this work we show that the Nile Red red/yellow ratio enables discrimination of different lipids (monooleine>oleic acid>phosphatidylcholine>free cholesterol>trioleine>oleyl cholesteryl ester). We also show changes in the Nile Red red/yellow emission ratio of lipid droplets of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts induced by drugs interfering with the cholesterol cycle.

Anti-Human Herpesvirus 8 antibodies affect both insulin and glucose uptake by virus-infected human endothelial cells.

INTRODUCTION: Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is known to be the cause of the malignant tumour named Kaposi's sarcoma. It is believed to induce an intense modification of cell metabolism in endothelial cells. In this work we analysed the role of anti-HHV8 antibodies in both the insulin and glucose uptake of HHV8-infected primary human endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODOLOGY: Western blotting, immunofluorescence and radiolabelled glucose were employed to assess the pPI3K expression, insulin binding and glucose-uptake by HUVEC cells, respectively. RESULTS: We confirmed that HHV8-infection is able to enhance both insulin binding and glucose-uptake in HHV8-infected primary endothelial cells; in addition, we found that anti-HHV8 specific antibodies are able to further increase both insulin and glucose uptake during the late latent phase of HHV8-infection in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a specific immune response to HHV8-infection may cooperate in boosting the cell metabolism, further enhancing the already increased insulin binding and glucose-uptake in HHV8-infected cells, which is a peculiar property of several oncogenic viruses.

Boosting phagocytosis and anti-inflammatory phenotype in microglia mediates neuroprotection by PPARγ agonist MDG548 in Parkinson's disease models.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Microglial phenotype and phagocytic activity are deregulated in Parkinson's disease (PD). PPARγ agonists are neuroprotective in experimental PD, but their role in regulating microglial phenotype and phagocytosis has been poorly investigated. We addressed it by using the PPARγ agonist MDG548. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Murine microglial cell line MMGT12 was stimulated with LPS and/or MDG548, and their effect on phagocytosis of fluorescent microspheres or necrotic neurons was investigated by flow cytometry. Cytokines and markers of microglia phenotype, such as mannose receptor C type 1; MRC1), Ym1 and CD68 were measured by elisa and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Levels of Beclin-1, which plays a role in microglial phagocytosis, were measured by Western blotting. In the in vivo MPTP-probenecid (MPTPp) model of PD in mice, MDG548 was tested on motor impairment, nigral neurodegeneration, microglial activation and phenotype. KEY RESULTS: In LPS-stimulated microglia, MDG548 increased phagocytosis of both latex beads and necrotic cells, up-regulated the expression of MRC1, CD68 and to a lesser extent IL-10, while blocking the LPS-induced increase of TNF-α and iNOS. MDG548 also induced Beclin-1. Chronic MPTPp treatment in mice down-regulated MRC1 and TGF-ß and up-regulated TNF-α and IL-1ß immunoreactivity in activated CD11b-positive microglia, causing the death of nigral dopaminergic neurons. MDG548 arrested MPTPp-induced cell death, enhanced MRC1 and restored cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study adds a novel mechanism for PPARγ-mediated neuroprotection in PD and suggests that increasing phagocytic activity and anti-inflammatory markers may represent an effective disease-modifying approach.