Publications by authors named "Morena Nicolis"
The allergic asthma phenotype is characterized by a T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response, based on Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reactions. Total IgE is the sum of all IgE types produced by the human body and is used as a biomarker of inflammation in asthma. We analysed data collected in 143 asthma cases (median age 42.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Co-exposures and polysensitization to several pollen species are very common in real life practice. However, little information exists on allergic symptoms and airway inflammation related to natural pollen exposure in large general population samples.
Objective: To assess the combined effect of sensitization and/or exposure to one or more pollen species on Fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) levels.
Introduction: The global burden of chronic airway diseases represents an important public health concern. The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of these diseases is well known. The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of both inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with chronic bronchitis, current asthma and past asthma in the frame of a population-based study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigates the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 and specific genetic variants (polymorphisms rs3200401 and rs619586) in the development of melanoma.
- Researchers conducted genotyping on 334 melanoma patients and 291 cancer-free individuals in Italy to explore potential associations.
- The findings indicated no significant link between the selected MALAT1 polymorphisms and melanoma risk, suggesting that further research with larger and more diverse populations is necessary to validate these results.
Background And Objective: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in respiratory diseases has been generally investigated in clinical settings, focusing on a single disorder. In this study on a general population sample, we assessed the relationship between HRQL and several respiratory diseases studied simultaneously (COPD, current (CA) and past (PA) asthma, allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis and chronic bronchitis (CB).
Methods: Controls (n = 328) and cases of NAR (n = 95), AR (n = 163), CB (n = 48), CA (n = 224), PA (n = 126) and COPD (n = 28) were recruited in the centre of Verona in the frame of the Italian multi-case control GEIRD (Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases) study; HRQL was measured through the SF-36 questionnaire.
In this study we aimed at identifying main demographic, laboratory and environmental factors influencing the level of urinary biomarkers (DNA-derived 8-oxodG and lipid membrane-derived 8-isoprostane), and deriving their adjusted 95% reference intervals (RI) in a sample of healthy people from the general population. Data from 281 healthy subjects from the Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases survey were used in this study. Generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) were used to find determinants of the biomarkers among gender, age, season and distance from collection (DFC), and to predict their RI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe genetics of melanoma is complex and, in addition to environmental influences, numerous genes are involved or contribute toward melanoma predisposition. In this study, we evaluated the possible interaction between miR-146a and one of its putative targets ribonuclease L (RNASEL) in the risk of sporadic melanoma. Polymorphisms rs2910164 in miR-146a and rs486907 in the RNASEL gene have both independently been associated with the risk of different cancers, and an interaction between them has been observed in nonmelanoma skin cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Pollen exposure has acute adverse effects on sensitized individuals. Information on the prevalence of respiratory diseases in areas with different pollen concentrations is scanty.
Aim: We performed an ecologic analysis to assess whether the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma in young adults varied across areas with different pollen concentrations in Italy.
Background: 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a commonly used marker of DNA oxidative stress in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to establish whether the urinary concentration of 8-OHdG varies during the first part of the day, when clinical tests are usually performed, and whether it can therefore be measured without bias in spot urine samples.
Material And Methods: Spot urine samples were collected using a convenience sample.
Article Synopsis
- A study was conducted to explore the connection between asthma, chronic bronchitis (CB), rhinitis, and distances walked in 6 minutes (6MWD) among different groups of participants, including individuals with and without respiratory diseases.
- Results showed that individuals with asthma and chronic bronchitis walked shorter distances compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential impact on daily physical activity levels, while those with rhinitis did not show a significant difference.
- The findings emphasized that even mild cases of asthma and CB can affect walking ability, highlighting the need to monitor physical fitness and consider rehabilitation efforts, especially for older adults with chronic bronchitis.