Plastic Fly: What Can Tell Us about the Biological Effects and the Carcinogenic Potential of Nanopolystyrene.

Today, plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the environment and public health. In the tissues of exposed species, micro- and nano-fragments accumulate, leading to genotoxicity, altered metabolism, and decreased lifespan. A model to investigate the genotoxic and tumor-promoting potential of nanoplastics (NPs) is .

Estimation of DNA Degradation in Archaeological Human Remains.

The evaluation of the integrity and quantity of DNA extracted from archaeological human remains is a fundamental step before using the latest generation sequencing techniques in the study of evolutionary processes. Ancient DNA is highly fragmented and chemically modified; therefore, the present study aims to identify indices that can allow the identification of potentially amplifiable and sequenceable DNA samples, reducing failures and research costs. Ancient DNA was extracted from five human bone remains from the archaeological site of Amiternum L'Aquila, Italy dating back to the 9th-12th century and was compared with standard DNA fragmented by sonication.

Repeated Rounds of Gonadotropin Stimulation Induce Imbalance in the Antioxidant Machinery and Activation of Pro-Survival Proteins in Mouse Oviducts.

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) through gonadotropin administration has become a common procedure in assisted reproductive technologies. COS's drawback is the formation of an unbalanced hormonal and molecular environment that could alter several cellular mechanisms. On this basis, we detected the presence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation, antioxidant enzymes (catalase; superoxide dismutases 1 and 2, SOD-1 and -2; glutathione peroxidase 1, GPx1) and apoptotic (Bcl-2-associated X protein, Bax; cleaved caspases 3 and 7; phosphorylated (p)-heat shock protein 27, p-HSP27) and cell-cycle-related proteins (p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p-p38 MAPK; p-MAPK activated protein kinase 2, p-MAPKAPK2; p-stress-activated protein kinase/Jun amino-terminal kinase, p-SAPK/JNK; p-c-Jun) in the oviducts of unstimulated (Ctr) and repeatedly hyperstimulated (eight rounds, 8R) mice.

Particle Debris Generated from Passenger Tires Induces Morphological and Gene Expression Alterations in the Macrophages Cell Line RAW 264.7.

Air pollution in the urban environment is a topical subject. Aero-suspended particles can cause respiratory diseases in humans, ranging from inflammation to asthma and cancer. One of the components that is most prevalent in particulate matter (PM) in urban areas is the set of tire microparticles (1-20 μm) and nanoparticles (<1 μm) that are formed due to the friction of wheels with asphalt and are increased in slow-moving areas that involve a lot of braking actions.

The Impact of Metal Nanoparticles on Female Reproductive System: Risks and Opportunities.

Humans have always been exposed to tiny particles via dust storms, volcanic ash, and other natural processes, and our bodily systems are well adapted to protect us from these potentially harmful external agents. However, technological advancement has dramatically increased the production of nanometer-sized particles or nanoparticles (NPs), and many epidemiological studies have confirmed a correlation between NP exposure and the onset of cardiovascular diseases and various cancers. Among the adverse effects on human health, in recent years, potential hazards of nanomaterials on female reproductive organs have received increasing concern.

A qPCR-duplex assay for sex determination in ancient DNA.

Molecular biology techniques are increasingly being used in sex identification of skeletal remains when traditional anthropometric analyzes are not successful in identifying sex of remains that are incomplete, fragmented and /or of immature individuals. In the present work, we investigated the possibility of determining sex by using the qPCR-duplex method for both ancient and modern DNA samples. This method involves the co-amplification of two genes in a single reaction system and the subsequent analysis of the fusion curves; the gene sequences used for the construction of suitable primers are those of steroid sulfatase (STS) and testis specific protein Y-linked 1 (TSPY) genes which turned out to be two sensitive markers as they have a detection limit of 60 pg and 20 pg respectively on modern DNA.

Genotoxicity Response of Fibroblast Cells and Human Epithelial Adenocarcinoma In Vitro Model Exposed to Bare and Ozone-Treated Silica Microparticles.

Indoor air pollutants (IAP), which can pose a serious risk to human health, include biological pollutants, nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO), silica, metals, radon, and particulate matter (PM). The aim of our work is to conduct a multidisciplinary study of fine silica particles (<2.5 μm) in the presence or absence of ozone (O), and evaluate their potential cytotoxicity using MTS, micronucleus, and the comet test in two cell lines.

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress induction by polystyrene nanoparticles in the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116.

The potential risks of environmental nanoparticles (NPs), in particular Polystyrene Nanoparticles (PNPs), is an emerging problem; specifically, the interaction of PNPs with intestinal cells has not been characterized so far. The mechanism by which polystyrene particles are transferred to humans has not yet been clarified, whether directly through ingestion from contaminated food. We evaluated the interaction between PNPs and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT116).

Early genotoxic damage through micronucleus test in exfoliated buccal cells and occupational dust exposure in construction workers: a cross-sectional study in L'Aquila, Italy.

Aim: The city of L'Aquila (central Italy) was hit by a strong earthquake in 2009 that caused the collapse of several buildings, deaths and injured people. In the following years, a great number of building sites were activated, building workers resulted intensely exposed and represent a relevant target for research on environmental mutagenesis and epidemiological surveillance. Cells of buccal mucosa are considered an appropriate site for early detecting of cytogenetic damage, since it represents the first barrier in inhalation or ingestion and can metabolize carcinogenic agents into reactive chemicals.

Analysis of ancient mtDNA from the medieval archeological site of (L'Aquila), central Italy.

Study of ancient DNA makes it possible to analyze genetic relationships between individuals and populations of past and present. In this paper we have analyzed remains of human bones, dating back to the 8th-10th century AD, from the burials found in the Cathedral of , archaeological site of , L'Aquila, Italy. As a genetic marker, the hypervariable region 1 of mitochondrial DNA (HVR1) was selected.

In Vitro Genotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoparticles on the Human Fibroblast Hs27 Cell Line.

Several studies have provided information on environmental nanoplastic particles/debris, but the in vitro cyto-genotoxicity is still insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PNPs) in the Hs27 cell line. The viability of Hs27 cells was determined following exposure at different time windows and PNP concentrations.

Exposure to particle debris generated from passenger and truck tires induces different genotoxicity and inflammatory responses in the RAW 264.7 cell line.

A number of studies have shown variable grades of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in in vitro cell cultures, laboratory animals and humans when directly exposed to particle debris generated from tires. However, no study has compared the effects of particles generated from passenger tires with the effects of particles from truck tires. The aim of this study was to investigate and relate the cyto- and genotoxic effects of different types of particles (PP, passenger tire particles vs.

Transcriptional analysis of tyrosinase gene expression during development.

Tyrosinase (EC.1.14.

The genomic tool-kit of the truffle programmed cell death.

A survey of the truffle genome has shown the presence of 67 programmed cell death (PCD)-related genes. The 67 genes are all expressed during fruit body (FB) development of development; their expression has been detected by DNA microarrays and qPCR. A set of 14 PCD-related genes have been chosen, those with the highest identities to the homologs of other species, for a deeper investigation.

Effects of ozone exposure on human epithelial adenocarcinoma and normal fibroblasts cells.

Previous studies show variable ozone cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in cell cultures, laboratory animals and humans directly exposed to tropospheric ozone. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and compare the cyto and genotoxic effects of ozone using adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells A549 and normal human fibroblasts Hs27. A cell culture chamber with controlled atmosphere (a simulation reactor) was built to inject a flow of 120 ppb of ozone, which is two times the threshold value for the protection of human health, fixed by the EU legislation.

Validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) developmental stages.

The symbiotic fungus Tuber melanosporum Vittad. (Périgord black truffle) belongs to the Ascomycota and forms mutualistic symbiosis with tree and shrub roots. This truffle has a high value in a global market and is cultivated in many countries of both hemispheres.

Truffles contain endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes and anandamide.

Truffles are the fruiting body of fungi, members of the Ascomycota phylum endowed with major gastronomic and commercial value. The development and maturation of their reproductive structure are dependent on melanin synthesis. Since anandamide, a prominent member of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), is responsible for melanin synthesis in normal human epidermal melanocytes, we thought that ECS might be present also in truffles.

Transgenerational effects of NMs.

Nanomaterials are present in a number of commercially available products but there are uncertainties as to whether the unique properties that support their commercial use may also pose potential health risks. Information is missing concerning the influence of nanomaterials on the overall reproductive outcome and transgenerational effects in animals and plants. To obtain this information, long-term studies would be required using animal models phylogenetically close to humans and exposure conditions that reflect realistic scenarios with regard to dosages and admission.

Besides the HLA loci: SNPs and non-HLA gene products as immunoregulatory factors in the onset of psoriatic arthritis subtypes.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is described as a multifactorial autoimmune rheumatic disease although its development is surely linked to some specific HLA genes (especially the HLA-Cw*06:02 allele). To date, its complex immunopathogenetic mechanism is not well clarified. Actually, increasing evidence suggest that qualitative and quantitative interplays between some PsA-susceptibility HLA alleles and other genetic, regulatory and environmental factors, may develop distinct subphenotypes of PsA.

Transcriptional, biochemical and histochemical investigation on laccase expression during Tuber melanosporum Vittad. development.

The cDNAs of Tuber melanosporum laccases (Tmellcc1 and Tmellcc2) have been cloned. From the cloned cDNAs probes were prepared to investigate the expression levels of the Tmellcc1 and Tmellcc2 genes in the free living mycelium (FLM), ectomycorrhizae (ECM) and different developmental stages of fruit body (FB) by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The mRNA expression levels agree with the changes of laccase activities.

Tyrosinase expression during black truffle development: from free living mycelium to ripe fruit body.

The present work studies the expression of tyrosinase (monophenol:diphenol oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.14.18.

High levels of antioxidant enzymatic defence assure good protection against hypoxic stress in spontaneously diabetic rats.

Recent data from literature report that reactive oxygen species (ROS) seem to play a crucial role in the etiology of both types I and II diabetes. This may render diabetic individuals more prone to oxidative injury when challenged with hypoxic stress. It is in fact well known that many diabetic complications cause ischaemic episodes, with a consequent reduction in oxygen supply to various tissues and organs.

Effects of stratospheric radiations on human glioblastoma cells.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of stratospheric radiations on neural tumour cells. ADF human glioblastoma cells were hosted on a stratospheric balloon within the 2002 biological experiment campaign of the Italian Space Agency. The flight at an average height of 37 km lasted about 24 hrs.

Tuber borchii mycelial protoplasts isolation, characterization and functional delivery of liposome content, a new step towards truffles biotechnology.

The filametous ascomycete Tuber borchii is a plant-symbiotic ectomycorrhizal microrganism with an high value due to the production of hypogeous fruitbodies (truffles). The present work was undertaken to develop a procedure for the release of T. borchii viable protoplasts from Tuber mycelium, isolate ATTC 96540; several factors which affect the isolation, morphology and viability were examined and developed in order to improve applications of T.