Irisin Is Target of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate/Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor-Mediated Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Irisin is a hormone-like myokine produced in abundance by skeletal muscle (SkM) in response to exercise. This myokine, identical in humans and mice, is involved in many signaling pathways related to metabolic processes. Despite much evidence on the regulators of irisin and the relevance of sphingolipids for SkM cell biology, the contribution of these latter bioactive lipids to the modulation of the myokine in SkM is missing. In particular, we have examined the potential involvement in irisin formation/release of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), an interesting bioactive molecule able to act as an intracellular lipid mediator as well as a ligand of specific G-protein-coupled receptors (S1PR). We demonstrate the existence of distinct intracellular pools of S1P able to affect the expression of the irisin precursor FNDC. In addition, we establish the crucial role of the S1P/S1PR axis in irisin formation/release as well as the autocrine/paracrine effects of irisin on myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence for a functional crosstalk between the S1P/S1PR axis and irisin signaling, which may open new windows for potential therapeutic treatment of SkM dysfunctions.

Skeletal Muscle and COVID-19: The Potential Involvement of Bioactive Sphingolipids.

SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is still spreading over the world. The manifestation of this disease can range from mild to severe and can be limited in time (weeks) or persist for months in about 30-50% of patients. COVID-19 is considered a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and the musculoskeletal system manifestations are beginning to be considered of absolute importance in both COVID-19 patients and in patients recovering from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Musculoskeletal manifestations of COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections include loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, fatigue or myalgia, and muscle injury. The molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 can cause damage to skeletal muscle (SkM) cells are not yet well understood. Sphingolipids (SLs) represent an important class of eukaryotic lipids with structural functions as well as bioactive molecules able to modulate crucial processes, including inflammation and viral infection. In the last two decades, several reports have highlighted the role of SLs in modulating SkM cell differentiation, regeneration, aging, response to insulin, and contraction. This review summarizes the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on SkM and the potential involvement of SLs in the tissue responses to virus infection. In particular, we highlight the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling in order to aid the prediction of novel targets for preventing and/or treating acute and long-term musculoskeletal manifestations of virus infection in COVID-19.

Dual HDAC/BRD4 Inhibitors Relieves Neuropathic Pain by Attenuating Inflammatory Response in Microglia After Spared Nerve Injury.

Despite the effort on developing new treatments, therapy for neuropathic pain is still a clinical challenge and combination therapy regimes of two or more drugs are often needed to improve efficacy. Accumulating evidence shows an altered expression and activity of histone acetylation enzymes in chronic pain conditions and restoration of these aberrant epigenetic modifications promotes pain-relieving activity. Recent studies showed a synergistic activity in neuropathic pain models by combination of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors. On these premises, the present study investigated the pharmacological profile of new dual HDAC/BRD4 inhibitors, named SUM52 and SUM35, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model in mice as innovative strategy to simultaneously inhibit HDACs and BETs. Intranasal administration of SUM52 and SUM35 attenuated thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in the absence of locomotor side effects. Both dual inhibitors showed a preferential interaction with BRD4-BD2 domain, and SUM52 resulted the most active compound. SUM52 reduced microglia-mediated spinal neuroinflammation in spinal cord sections of SNI mice as showed by reduction of IBA1 immunostaining, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, p65 nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p38 MAPK over-phosphorylation. A robust decrease of the spinal proinflammatory cytokines content (IL-6, IL-1ß) was also observed after SUM52 treatment. Present results, showing the pain-relieving activity of HDAC/BRD4 dual inhibitors, indicate that the simultaneous modulation of BET and HDAC activity by a single molecule acting as multi-target agent might represent a promise for neuropathic pain relief.

Control of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Associated to Cancer or Corticosteroids by Ceramide Kinase.

Apart from cytokines and chemokines, sphingolipid mediators, particularly sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), contribute to cancer and inflammation. Cancer, as well as other inflammatory conditions, are associated with skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy, which is characterized by the unbalance between protein synthesis and degradation. Although the signaling pathways involved in SkM mass wasting are multiple, the regulatory role of simple sphingolipids is limited. Here, we report the impairment of ceramide kinase (CerK), the enzyme responsible for the phosphorylation of ceramide to C1P, associated with the accomplishment of atrophic phenotype in various experimental models of SkM atrophy: in vivo animal model bearing the C26 adenocarcinoma or Lewis lung carcinoma tumors, in human and murine SkM cells treated with the conditioned medium obtained from cancer cells or with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Notably, we demonstrate in all the three experimental approaches a drastic decrease of CerK expression. Gene silencing of CerK promotes the up-regulation of atrogin-1/MAFbx expression, which was also observed after cell treatment with C8-ceramide, a biologically active ceramide analogue. Conversely, C1P treatment significantly reduced the corticosteroid's effects. Altogether, these findings provide evidence that CerK, acting as a molecular modulator, may be a new possible target for SkM mass regulation associated with cancer or corticosteroids.

Ceramide/protein phosphatase 2A axis is engaged in gap junction impairment elicited by PCB153 in liver stem-like progenitor cells.

The widespread environmental pollutant 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) is a non-dioxin-like toxicant. It is a potential carcinogen compound able to induce gap junction (GJ) intercellular communication impairment, probably the first non-genomic event leading to tumor promotion. Although PCBs have been known for many years, the molecular mode of PCB153 action is still unclear. Recent studies from our research group have shown that the toxicant elicits a transient modulation of connexin (Cx) 43-formed GJs in hepatic stem-like WB-F344 cells involving sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) path. Taking into account that other strictly related bioactive sphingolipids, such as ceramide (Cer), may have different effects from S1P, here we aim to clarify the signaling paths engaged by PCB153 in the control of GJs, focusing primarily on the role of Cer. Accordingly, we have achieved a combined biomolecular and electrophysiological analysis of GJs in cultured WB-F344 cells treated with PCB153 at different time points. We have found that the toxicant elicited a time-dependent regulation of GJs formed by different Cx isoforms, through a transient modulation of Cer/Cer kinase (CerK) axis and, in turn, of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Our new findings demonstrate the existence of a specific molecular mechanism downstream to Cer, which distinctly affects the voltage-dependent and -independent GJs in liver stem-like cells, and open new opportunities for the identification of additional potential targets of these environmental toxicants.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Role for S1P/S1P Receptor Signaling in the Nervous System?

The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is still spreading worldwide. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, binds to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and replicates within the cells of the nasal cavity, then spreads along the airway tracts, causing mild clinical manifestations, and, in a majority of patients, a persisting loss of smell. In some individuals, SARS-CoV-2 reaches and infects several organs, including the lung, leading to severe pulmonary disease. SARS-CoV-2 induces neurological symptoms, likely contributing to morbidity and mortality through unknown mechanisms. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with pleiotropic properties and functions in many tissues, including the nervous system. S1P regulates neurogenesis and inflammation and it is implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Notably, Fingolimod (FTY720), a modulator of S1P receptors, has been approved for the treatment of MS and is being tested for COVID-19. Here, we discuss the putative role of S1P on viral infection and in the modulation of inflammation and survival in the stem cell niche of the olfactory epithelium. This could help to design therapeutic strategies based on S1P-mediated signaling to limit or overcome the host-virus interaction, virus propagation and the pathogenesis and complications involving the nervous system.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P)/ S1P Receptor Signaling and Mechanotransduction: Implications for Intrinsic Tissue Repair/Regeneration.

Tissue damage, irrespective from the underlying etiology, destroys tissue structure and, eventually, function. In attempt to achieve a morpho-functional recover of the damaged tissue, reparative/regenerative processes start in those tissues endowed with regenerative potential, mainly mediated by activated resident stem cells. These cells reside in a specialized niche that includes different components, cells and surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), which, reciprocally interacting with stem cells, direct their cell behavior. Evidence suggests that ECM stiffness represents an instructive signal for the activation of stem cells sensing it by various mechanosensors, able to transduce mechanical cues into gene/protein expression responses. The actin cytoskeleton network dynamic acts as key mechanotransducer of ECM signal. The identification of signaling pathways influencing stem cell mechanobiology may offer therapeutic perspectives in the regenerative medicine field. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR) signaling, acting as modulator of ECM, ECM-cytoskeleton linking proteins and cytoskeleton dynamics appears a promising candidate. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the contribution of S1P/S1PR signaling in the control of mechanotransduction in stem/progenitor cells. The potential contribution of S1P/S1PR signaling in the mechanobiology of skeletal muscle stem cells will be argued based on the intriguing findings on S1P/S1PR action in this mechanically dynamic tissue.

Blueberry juice protects osteocytes and bone precursor cells against oxidative stress partly through SIRT1.

Oxidative stress and abnormal osteocyte apoptosis are often related to dysregulation of bone turnover and chronic bone loss, and so fruit and vegetables with high antioxidant potential may play an important role in the prevention and/or management of osteoporosis. Osteocytes are the main regulators of bone remodelling. For the first time, we demonstrate here that blueberry juice (BJ), obtained from Vaccinium myrtillus, rich in polyphenols, shows antioxidant and antiosteoclastogenic properties in MLO-Y4 osteocytes. We report that BJ prevents oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and reverses the increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and sclerostin expression, crucial factors for osteoclast activation and bone resorption. BJ is also able to prevent oxidative stress-induced cell cytotoxicity in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are considered to be an important tool for cell therapy in bone disorders. No significant difference in preventing these events was observed between BJ and blueberry dry extract containing equal amounts of total soluble polyphenols. We have also shown that blueberry acts as both an antioxidant and an activator of sirtuin type 1, a class III histone deacetylase involved in cell death regulation and considered a molecular target for blocking bone resorption without affecting osteoclast survival. Overall, these novel data obtained in osteocytes and MSCs may help us clarify the mechanisms by which blueberry counteracts oxidative stress-induced damage in bone remodelling and osteogenesis at the cellular and molecular level. Our findings are consistent with the reported beneficial effects of blueberry on bone tissue reported in animal studies, which suggest that blueberry may be a useful supplement for the prevention and/or management of osteoporosis and osteogenic process.

Involvement of released sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor axis in skeletal muscle atrophy.

Skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy is caused by several and heterogeneous conditions, such as cancer, neuromuscular disorders and aging. In most types of SkM atrophy overall rates of protein synthesis are suppressed, protein degradation is consistently elevated and atrogenes, such as the ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1/MAFbx, are up-regulated. The molecular regulators of SkM waste are multiple and only in part known. Sphingolipids represent a class of bioactive molecules capable of modulating the destiny of many cell types, including SkM cells. In particular, we and others have shown that sphingosine 1phosphate (S1P), formed by sphingosine kinase (SphK), is able to act as trophic and morphogenic factor in myoblasts. Here, we report the first evidence that the atrophic phenotype observed in both muscle obtained from mice bearing the C26 adenocarcinoma and C2C12 myotubes treated with dexamethasone was characterized by reduced levels of active phospho-SphK1. The importance of SphK1 activity is also confirmed by the specific pharmacological inhibition of SphK1 able to increase Atrogin-1/MAFbx expression and reduce myotube size and myonuclei number. Furthermore, we found that SkM atrophy was accomplished by significant increase of S1P transporter Spns2 and in changes in the pattern of S1P receptor (S1PRs) subtype expression paralleled by increased Atrogin-1/MAFbx expression, suggesting a role for the released S1P and of specific S1PR-mediated signaling pathways in the control of the ubiquitin ligase. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence that SphK1/released S1P/S1PR axis acts as a molecular regulator of SkM atrophy, thereby representing a new possible target for therapy in many patho-physiological conditions.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Is Required for MMP-2 Function in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Implications for Cytoskeleton Assembly and Proliferation.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell- (BM-MSC-) based therapy is a promising option for regenerative medicine. An important role in the control of the processes influencing the BM-MSC therapeutic efficacy, namely, extracellular matrix remodelling and proliferation and secretion ability, is played by matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2. Therefore, the identification of paracrine/autocrine regulators of MMP-2 function may be of great relevance for improving BM-MSC therapeutic potential. We recently reported that BM-MSCs release the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and, here, we demonstrated an impairment of MMP-2 expression/release when the S1P receptor subtype S1PR1 is blocked. Notably, active S1PR1/MMP-2 signalling is required for F-actin structure assembly (lamellipodia, microspikes, and stress fibers) and, in turn, cell proliferation. Moreover, in experimental conditions resembling the damaged/regenerating tissue microenvironment (hypoxia), S1P/S1PR1 system is also required for HIF-1α expression and vinculin reduction. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the trophic role of S1P/S1PR1 signalling in maintaining BM-MSCs' ability to modulate MMP-2 function, necessary for cytoskeleton reorganization and cell proliferation in both normoxia and hypoxia. Altogether, these data provide new perspectives for considering S1P/S1PR1 signalling a pharmacological target to preserve BM-MSC properties and to potentiate their beneficial potential in tissue repair.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors: Do They Have a Therapeutic Potential in Cardiac Fibrosis?

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that is characterized by a peculiar mechanism of action. In fact, S1P, which is produced inside the cell, can act as an intracellular mediator, whereas after its export outside the cell, it can act as ligand of specific G-protein coupled receptors, which were initially named endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) and eventually renamed sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs). Among the five S1PR subtypes, S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 isoforms show broad tissue gene expression, while S1PR4 is primarily expressed in immune system cells, and S1PR5 is expressed in the central nervous system. There is accumulating evidence for the important role of S1P as a mediator of many processes, such as angiogenesis, carcinogenesis and immunity, and, ultimately, fibrosis. After a tissue injury, the imbalance between the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and its degradation, which occurs due to chronic inflammatory conditions, leads to an accumulation of ECM and, consequential, organ dysfunction. In these pathological conditions, many factors have been described to act as pro- and anti-fibrotic agents, including S1P. This bioactive lipid exhibits both pro- and anti-fibrotic effects, depending on its site of action. In this review, after a brief description of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling, we emphasize the involvement of the S1P/S1PR axis and the downstream signaling pathways in the development of fibrosis. The current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of S1PR subtype modulators in the treatment of the cardiac functions and fibrinogenesis are also examined.

Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) vs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) approach for detection and quantification of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) cutaneous biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma and high viral load in the skin was proposed as a risk factor for the occurrence of this tumour. MCPyV DNA was detected, with lower frequency, in different skin cancers but since the viral load was usually low, the real prevalence of viral DNA could be underestimated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of two assays (qPCR and ddPCR) for MCPyV detection and quantification in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. METHODS: Both assays were designed to simultaneous detection and quantification of both MCPyV as well as house-keeping DNA in clinical samples. The performance of MCPyV quantification was investigated using serial dilutions of cloned target DNA. We also evaluated the applicability of both tests for the analysis of 76 FFPE cutaneous biopsies. RESULTS: The two approaches resulted equivalent with regard to the reproducibility and repeatability and showed a high degree of linearity in the dynamic range tested in the present study. Moreover, qPCR was able to quantify ≥105 copies per reaction, while the upper limit of ddPCR was 104 copies. There was not significant difference between viral load measured by the two methods The detection limit of both tests was 0,15 copies per reaction, however, the number of positive samples obtained by ddPCR was higher than that obtained by qPCR (45% and 37% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The ddPCR represents a better method for detection of MCPyV in FFPE biopsies, mostly these containing low copies number of viral genome.

Vitamin D3 protects against Aß peptide cytotoxicity in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH- SY5Y cells: A role for S1P1/p38MAPK/ATF4 axis.

Besides its classical function of bone metabolism regulation, 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), acts on a variety of tissues including the nervous system, where the hormone plays an important role as neuroprotective, antiproliferating and differentiating agent. Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids that play critical and complex roles in regulating cell fate. In the present paper we have investigated whether sphingolipids are involved in the protective action of 1,25(OH)2D3. We have found that 1,25(OH)2D3 prevents amyloid-ß peptide (Aß(1-42)) cytotoxicity both in differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and in vivo. In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, Aß(1-42) strongly reduces the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/ceramide (Cer) ratio while 1,25(OH)2D3 partially reverts this effect. 1,25(OH)2D3 reverts also the Aß(1-42)-induced reduction of sphingosine kinase activity. We have also studied the crosstalk between 1,25(OH)2D3 and S1P signaling pathways downstream to the activation of S1P receptor subtype S1P1. Notably, we found that 1,25(OH)2D3 prevents the reduction of S1P1 expression promoted by Aß(1-42) and thereby it modulates the downstream signaling leading to ER stress damage (p38MAPK/ATF4). Similar effects were observed by using ZK191784. In addition, chronic treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 protects from aggregated Aß(1-42)-induced damage in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus and promotes cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adult mice. In conclusion, these results represent the first evidence of the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its structural analogue ZK191784 in counteracting the Aß(1-42) peptide-induced toxicity through the modulation of S1P/S1P1/p38MAPK/ATF4 pathway in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

Crosstalk between sphingolipids and vitamin D3: potential role in the nervous system.

Sphingolipids are both structural and bioactive compounds. In particular, ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate regulate cell fate, inflammation and excitability. 1-α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3 ) is known to play an important physiological role in growth and differentiation in a variety of cell types, including neural cells, through genomic actions mediated by its specific receptor, and non-genomic effects that result in the activation of specific signalling pathways. 1,25(OH)2 D3 and sphingolipids, in particular sphingosine 1-phosphate, share many common effectors, including calcium regulation, growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, but it is still not known whether they can act synergistically. Alterations in the signalling and concentrations of sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 have been found in neurodegenerative diseases and fingolimod, a structural analogue of sphingosine, has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This review, after a brief description of the role of sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 , will focus on the potential crosstalk between sphingolipids and 1,25(OH)2 D3 in neural cells.

Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus and human papillomavirus DNA in porocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidences support the role of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) in non-cutaneous and cutaneous tumours. Porocarcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from the intraepidermal ductal portion of the eccrine sweat glands. The aetiology of porocarcinoma is largely unknown and no systematic studies have been done to investigate the implication of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of this tumour. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible association between MCPyV and/or HPV infection and porocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-four formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) porocarcinomas (40 primary and 4 metastatic) and 10 healthy skin specimens (controls), were analysed for the presence of MCPyV and HPV DNA using molecular detection methods. RESULTS: MCPyV DNA was found in 27/40 (68%) primary porocarcinomas and in 3/10 (30%) controls (Fisher exact test: p<0.04). No significant difference in viral load was observed between tumours and healthy skin. Moreover, 2/40 primary porocarcinomas tested positive for high-risk HPV16. Cutaneous beta-HPV infection was detected in 16/40 (40%) porocarcinomas and in 6/10 (60%) controls. No particular beta-HPV types were significantly associated with tumour or with healthy skin. Two out of 4 metastatic biopsies were MCPyV DNA positive. All metastatic samples had mixed infections with cutaneous HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significantly high prevalence of MCPyV and the presence of a broad spectrum of HPV types in porocarcinoma and provided the first available data about viral infections in this tumour. To understand the role, if any, of viral infections in the pathogenesis of porocarcinoma further studies are needed.

Role of sphingosine kinase/S1P axis in ECM remodeling of cardiac cells elicited by relaxin.

The initiation and progression of heart failure is linked to adverse cardiac remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during disease mainly through the deregulation of myocardial metalloproteinases (MMPs). Relaxin (RLX), a peptide hormone acting as a physiological cardiac effector, is a key regulator of ECM remodeling in reproductive and nonreproductive tissues. Studying primary cultures of mouse cardiac muscle cells and rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, we have obtained evidence for a new signaling pathway activated by RLX to induce ECM remodeling that involves the bioactive sphingolipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide. In both cell populations, recombinant human RLX increased sphingosine kinase activity and S1P formation, whereas sphingomyelin and ceramide content were decreased in [(3)H]serine-labeled cells. According to the literature, RLX promoted MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression/release. Pharmacological inhibition of sphingolipid metabolism and silencing of sphingosine kinase 1, the enzyme responsible for S1P formation, were able to prevent MMP expression/release elicited by the hormone and induce the expression of tissue inhibitor of MMPs. In addition, we found that sphingolipid signaling is required for the regulation of connective tissue growth factor, a member of the CCN 1-3 family of genes that are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Finally, the induction of cardiomyoblast maturation induced by RLX was also found to be counteracted by inhibition of S1P formation. In conclusion, these findings provide a novel mechanism by which RLX acts on cardiac ECM remodeling and cardiac cell differentiation and offer interesting therapeutic options to prevent heart fibrosis and to favor myocardial regeneration.

Molecular markers of influenza B lineages and clades.

Co-circulation of two influenza B virus lineages, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria, has been recognized since the late 1980s. The assessment of the prevalent lineage and the group of viruses in circulation is of importance in order to decide on the vaccine composition and evaluate its efficacy. The molecular characterization of influenza B viruses in circulation has been the aim of this study; this was approached by identifying and locating nucleotide substitutions in the influenza B virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), specific for the lineage and/or clade. By the alignment of 3456 sequences from the influenza GISAID EpiFlu database, a high number of lineage- and group-specific nucleotide positions have been observed in the HA gene, but not in the NA gene. Additionally, an RT-PCR method has been developed, applicable directly to clinical specimens, which amplifies a short HA region that includes a group of unique molecular signatures. Twenty eight influenza B virus-positive respiratory specimens, collected in Tuscany in the seasons 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, were analyzed. The results revealed two clearly distinguishable patterns: one, more frequent, was characterized by all of the nucleotide changes associated with the B/Yamagata lineage (in most cases of Group 2), whereas the other exhibited all of the changes associated with the B/Victoria lineage. It can be concluded that the analysis of this short HA sequence can permit a rapid, highly sensitive determination of influenza B virus lineages and clades.

Mesenchymal stromal cell secreted sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) exerts a stimulatory effect on skeletal myoblast proliferation.

Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have the potential to significantly contribute to skeletal muscle healing through the secretion of paracrine factors that support proliferation and enhance participation of the endogenous muscle stem cells in the process of repair/regeneration. However, MSC-derived trophic molecules have been poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate paracrine signaling effects of MSCs on skeletal myoblasts. It was found, using a biochemical and morphological approach that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a natural bioactive lipid exerting a broad range of muscle cell responses, is secreted by MSCs and represents an important factor by which these cells exert their stimulatory effects on C2C12 myoblast and satellite cell proliferation. Indeed, exposure to conditioned medium obtained from MSCs cultured in the presence of the selective sphingosine kinase inhibitor (iSK), blocked increased cell proliferation caused by the conditioned medium from untreated MSCs, and the addition of exogenous S1P in the conditioned medium from MSCs pre-treated with iSK further increased myoblast proliferation. Finally, we also demonstrated that the myoblast response to MSC-secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) involves the release of S1P from C2C12 cells. Our data may have important implications in the optimization of cell-based strategies to promote skeletal muscle regeneration.

Nutraceutical properties of chestnut flours: beneficial effects on skeletal muscle atrophy.

Plants contain a wide range of non-nutritive phytochemicals, many of which have protective or preventive properties for human diseases. The aim of the present work has been to investigate the nutraceutical properties of sweet chestnut flour extracts obtained from fruits collected from 7 geographic areas of Tuscany (Italy), and their ability in modulating skeletal muscle atrophy. We found that the cultivars from different geographic areas are characterized by the composition and quantity of various nutrients and specific bioactive components, such as tocopherols, polyphenols and sphingolipids. The nutraceutical properties of chestnut sweet flours have been evaluated in C2C12 myotubes induced to atrophy by serum deprivation or dexamethasone. We found that the pretreatment with both total extracts of tocopherols and sphingolipids is able to counterbalance cell atrophy, reducing the decrease in myotube size and myonuclei number, and attenuating protein degradation and the increase in expression of MAFbx/atrogin-1 (a muscle-specific atrophy marker). By contrast, polyphenol extracts were not able to prevent atrophy. Since we also found that γ-tocopherol is the major form of tocopherol in sweet flour and its content differs depending on the procedure of sweet flour preparation, the mechanisms by which γ-tocopherol as well as sphingolipids affect skeletal muscle cell atrophy have been also investigated. This is the first evidence that chestnut sweet flour is a natural source of specific bioactive components with a relevant role in the prevention of cell degeneration and maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, opening important implications in designing appropriate nutritional therapeutic approaches to skeletal muscle atrophy.

Pattern of HPV infection in basal cell carcinoma and in perilesional skin biopsies from immunocompetent patients.

BACKGROUND: The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not yet fully understood. We analysed the prevalence and spectrum of cutaneous beta-HPV types and mucosal/genital HPV types in paired biopsies (tumour and corresponding perilesional skin) obtained from 50 BCC immunocompetent patients. A small group of SCC patients (n=9) was also included. We also evaluated some previously postulated risk factors for HPV infection in NMSC patients. RESULTS: All biopsies were negative for mucosal/genital HPV types. Overall, beta-HPV DNA was detected more often in SCC compared to BCC patients (78% vs 55% of total samples). The frequency of infection increased with the patient's age [OR=4.88 (95% CI 1.29-18.39)]. There was no significant correlation between beta-HPV positivity and sex, skin type and UV exposure. The prevalence of beta-HPV species 1 types was significantly higher than those belonging to other beta-HPV species in biopsies from BCC (p=0.022) but not from SCC subjects (p=0.091). There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of beta-HPV infection and the number of viral types between tumour lesions and perilesional skin. BCC samples were significantly more likely to be infected with beta-HPV species 1 types compared to perilesional skin (p=0.036) and showed a higher frequency of mixed infections (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that beta-HPV types belonging to species 1 are the most common HPV types detected in the skin of BCC patients. Moreover beta-1-HPV types and mixed infections are significantly more frequent in tumour samples than in healthy perilesional skin. Our results suggest that beta-1-HPVs as well as co-infection with more than one viral type could be important in NMSC and in particular in BCC.Further studies aimed to compare the biological activity of viral types in tumours and in healthy skin (viral replication and expression, interference of infection with cellular functions) are necessary to understand the role of HPV infection in skin cancer.