Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death. Increasing evidence has shown that pharmacological or genetic targeting of mitochondria can ameliorate each stage of these pathologies, ...which are strongly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Removal of inefficient and dysfunctional mitochondria through the process of mitophagy has been reported to be essential for meeting the energetic requirements and maintaining the biochemical homeostasis of cells. This process is useful for counteracting the negative phenotypic changes that occur during cardiovascular diseases, and understanding the molecular players involved might be crucial for the development of potential therapies. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on mitophagy (and autophagy) mechanisms in the context of heart disease with an important focus on atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmia, congenital heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. We aim to provide a complete background on the mechanisms of action of this mitochondrial quality control process in cardiology and in cardiac surgery by also reviewing studies on the use of known compounds able to modulate mitophagy for cardioprotective purposes.
We retrospectively investigated mother-to-infant transmission of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in 98 cases of late-onset disease reported during 2007–2018 by a network in Italy. Mothers with full ...assessment of vaginal/rectal carriage tested at prenatal screening and at time of late onset (ATLO) were included. Thirty-three mothers (33.7%) were never GBS colonized; 65 (66.3%) were vaginal/rectal colonized, of which 36 (36.7%) were persistently colonized. Mothers with vaginal/rectal colonization ATLO had high rates of GBS bacteriuria (33.9%) and positive breast milk culture (27.5%). GBS strains from mother–infant pairs were serotype III and possessed the surface protein antigen Rib. All but 1 strain belonged to clonal complex 17. GBS strains from 4 mother–infant pairs were indistinguishable through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. At least two thirds of late-onset cases are transmitted from mothers, who often have vaginal/rectal carriage, positive breast milk culture, or GBS bacteriuria, which suggests heavy maternal colonization.
Abstract Background Cranial ultrasonography is a useful tool to detect intracranial lesions in premature neonates at risk. Our primary aim was to determine the number of patients with abnormal ...cranial ultrasonography. Secondary aims were to evaluate the usefulness of universal cranial ultrasonography screening in moderately preterm infants. Methods All infants born from 2007 to 2012 at the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy), with gestational age of 33-36 weeks, were included in the study. Cranial ultrasonography findings were retrospectively classified into nonsignificant and significant. Results All the 724 babies born were screened. Intracranial lesions were in 13% of neonates (3.7% at 36 weeks to 27.1% at 33 weeks of gestational age). Babies born at 33-34 weeks of gestational age were four times more likely to have an abnormal cranial ultrasonography than those at 35-36 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed no association between cranial ultrasonography abnormalities and being small for gestational age or mode of delivery. A significant association was present between the presence of head circumference less than the third percentile, the need for ventilation or surfactant, low Apgar index at fifth minute, and neurological abnormalities. The presence of at least one considered risk factor increases the probability of cranial ultrasonography abnormalities twice in infants born at 33-34 weeks and 15 times in born at 35-36 weeks. Conclusions A considerable number of infants born between 33 and 36 weeks have cranial ultrasonography abnormalities. We suggest that screening should be performed or at least that a uniform protocol should be developed for the early detection of all significant cranial ultrasonography abnormalities.
Abstract Background Brain malformations represent a major cause of refractory seizures. Standardized protocols to treat status epilepticus of newborn are not available in the literature. Patient We ...present a case report of use of ketamine administered to a late preterm with Pierre Robin sequence, lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, and severe epilepsy. Results The infusion of ketamine permitted resolution of status epilepticus, cardiorespiratory stabilization, and improved parental care for 15 days. No significant side effects were noted. Conclusion In the literature there are few studies regarding the use of ketamine for refractory status epilepticus, and only in nine of these described the use of, ketamine in children (2 months-18 years). This is the first report to document the effective use of ketamine in the newborn with status epilepticus.
Melatonin, more commonly known as the sleep hormone, is mainly secreted by the pineal gland in dark conditions and regulates the circadian rhythm of the organism. Its intrinsic properties, including ...high cell permeability, the ability to easily cross both the blood-brain and placenta barriers, and its role as an endogenous reservoir of free radical scavengers (with indirect extra activities), confer it beneficial uses as an adjuvant in the biomedical field. Melatonin can exert its effects by acting through specific cellular receptors on the plasma membrane, similar to other hormones, or through receptor-independent mechanisms that involve complex molecular cross talk with other players. There is increasing evidence regarding the extraordinary beneficial effects of melatonin, also via exogenous administration. Here, we summarize molecular pathways in which melatonin is considered a master regulator, with attention to cell death and inflammation mechanisms from basic, translational and clinical points of view in the context of newborn care.
Organelles were originally considered to be individual cellular compartments with a defined organization and function. However, recent studies revealed that organelles deeply communicate within each ...other via Ca2+ exchange. This communication, mediated by specialized membrane regions in close apposition between two organelles, regulate cellular functions, including metabolism and cell fate decisions. Advances in microscopy techniques, molecular biology and biochemistry have increased our understanding of these interorganelle platforms. Research findings suggest that interorganellar Ca2+ signaling, which is altered in cancer, influences tumorigenesis and tumor progression by controlling cell death programs and metabolism.
Here, we summarize the available data on the existence and composition of interorganelle platforms connecting the endoplasmic reticulum with mitochondria, the plasma membrane, or endolysosomes. Finally, we provide a timely overview of the potential function of interorganellar Ca2+ signaling in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Thalassemia and the Heartquake Borgna-Pignatti, Caterina; Tarocco, Anna; Baldan, Alessandro ...
Thalassemia reports,
09/2014, Letnik:
4, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
On May 2012 the city of Ferrara and the surrounding region were hit by several earthquakes. We had the chance to observe the behavior of one thalassemic heart during the shocks, because of a 24-h ...electrocardiogram recording had been put in place a few hours before the shocks.
Multiple mutations of surfactant genes causing surfactant dysfunction have been described. Surfactant protein C (SP-C) deficiency is associated with variable clinical manifestations ranging from ...neonatal respiratory distress syndrome to lethal lung disease. We present an extremely low birth weight male infant with an unusual course of respiratory distress syndrome associated with two mutations in the SFTPC gene: C43-7G>A and 12T>A. He required mechanical ventilation for 26 days and was treated with 5 subsequent doses of surfactant with temporary and short-term efficacy. He was discharged at 37 weeks of postconceptional age without any respiratory support. During the first 16 months of life he developed five respiratory infections that did not require hospitalization. Conclusion. This mild course in our patient with two mutations is peculiar because the outcome in patients with a single SFTPC mutation is usually poor.
Abstract Background Full-term neonates may have asymptomatic cranial injuries at birth and HUS could be useful for early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and type of ...intracranial abnormalities and the usefulness of HUS in these infants. Methods A HUS was performed on all full-term neonates (gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks), born at Sant’Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, from June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2013. Ultrasound findings were categorized into three groups: normal, minor and major anomalies. Results All full-term neonates (6,771) born at our hospital underwent HUS. 114/6771 (1.7%) presented ultrasound abnormalities, while 6,657 were normal (or insignificant). In 101/114 (88.6%), abnormalities were minor and only 13 infants were affected by major abnormalities (0.19% of all full-term newborns). All neonates with major abnormalities presented with either microcephaly or abnormal neurological evaluations. Only one case of major abnormalities was detected exclusively by ultrasound. Conclusions The number of significant anomalies detected by HUS in asymptomatic full-term neonates born during the study period was low. Therefore, according to data collected in this study, we believe that there is no indication for routine general HUS in these patients. However, even if low, in neonates who have neurological abnormalities, risk factors or suspected brain malformations, HUS may play an important role in the early diagnosis of intracranial anomalies.
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