Publications by authors named "Stefania Balloni"

To analyze the effects of four universal adhesives (Optibond Solo Plus-OB, Universal Bond-UB, Prime&Bond Active-PBA, FuturaBond M + -FB) on human gingival fibroblasts in terms of cytotoxicity, morphology and function. After in vitro exposure for up to 48 h, fibroblast viability was determined by the MTT assay determined, morphology by phase-contrast microscopy and migration by the scratch wound assay. Expression levels of IL1β, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNFα and VEGF genes were assessed by RT-PCR and their protein production by Western blot analysis.

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Smoke components, such as nicotine and its major metabolites, cross the blood-testis barrier and are detectable in the seminal plasma of both active smokers and individuals exposed to cigarette smoke. In vivo studies in a rat model have further demonstrated that nicotine exposure reduces the weight of the testis, as well as the number of spermatocytes and spermatids, and affects the ultrastructure of Sertoli cells (SC) - which serve as sentinels of spermatogenesis - causing intense germ cell sloughing in the tubular lumen that compromises offspring fertility. This study sought to determine the effects of nicotine on the viability and function of purified pig pre-pubertal SC.

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Neuroinflammation is a feature of many classic neurodegenerative diseases. In the healthy brain, microglia cells are distributed throughout the brain and are constantly surveilling the central nervous system (CNS). In response to CNS injury, microglia quickly react by secreting a wide array of apoptotic molecules.

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Universal adhesives are the most important innovation in restorative dentistry. They are composed of different monomers, solvents and fillers. The potential cytotoxic effect of these materials is an important scientific aspect in recent literature.

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The study evaluated the effects of 4 wt% nanohydroxyapatite (HA), 6 wt% zinc l-carnosine (MDA) and 1.5 wt% Ciprofloxacin (AB) on the mechanical, thermal and biological properties of glass ionomer cements (GIC). Filler and additive concentrations were selected after a previous study had tested single components and different percentages.

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Nicotine contained in cigarette smoke contributes to the onset of several diseases, including osteoporosis, whose emerging pathogenic mechanism is associated with osteoblasts apoptosis. Scanty information is available on the molecular mechanisms of nicotine on osteoblasts apoptosis and, consequently, on an important aspect of the pathogenesis of smokers-related osteoporosis. Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is the detoxification enzyme of methylglyoxal (MG), a major precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), potent pro-apoptotic agents.

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Objectives: Preoperative chemotherapy may play a role in postoperative respiratory complications due to subclinical parenchymal damage. We investigated the gene expression of lung tissue components after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of alveolar-capillary membrane, extracellular matrix and membrane proteins.

Methods: The study group included 14 patients submitted to pulmonary resection for lung cancer after 3 cycles of gemcitabine-cisplatin, while the control group included 14 naive-treatment patients.

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This study evaluated the effects of commercially available antiseptic mouthrinses on human gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte behaviour and metabolism. Three mouthrinses containing essential oil (EO), chlorhexidine (CHX) and amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AFSF), were tested in an in vitro study. Human gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes were washed with 10% or 30% concentration of the commercial mouthrinses and their effects on cell adhesion and proliferation were investigated as well as the specific gene expression of markers involved in oral mucosa metabolism.

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Exposure to nicotine and other compounds contained in cigarette smoking affects human health. This study examined the effects of exposure to a single or multiple sub-toxic nicotine concentrations on human osteoblasts. Cell growth and expression of genes involved in bone differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, and growth factor signaling pathways were investigated in nicotine-treated cells compared to untreated cells.

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Importance Of The Field: This review analyses international studies investigating the combined genetic and environmental causes of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and describes successes and limitations in identifying underlying genetic and environmental factors. CL/P, the most common congenital facial malformation, is a major public health burden in terms of medical costs and emotional stress to patients and families. Because genetic and environmental factors determine risk of occurrence, CL/P has a complex, multifactor aetiology.

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Since occupational and environmental exposure to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) affects human health this study investigated the effects of exposure to a single, or multiple, sub-toxic Cd concentrations on sub-confluent and confluent human osteoblast growth and expression of specific bone differentiation markers. RT-PCR quantified gene expression of type I collagen, metalloprotease (MMP13), runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), osterix, osteocalcin, osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, integrins and bone sialoprotein (BSP). Expression of fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 (FGF1, FGF2), transforming growth factor-beta(3) (TGFbeta(3)) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) were also evaluated to determine whether Cd-related effects were mediated by an imbalance in expression.

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When isolated from the iliac crest human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) differentiate into osteoblast-like cells with appropriate stimulation in culture. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that Biostite and hydroxyapatite (HA) affect proliferation and differentiation of hMSC into osteoblastic cells. Cell proliferation was determined by measuring 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA and typical markers of osteoblastic phenotype were determined by RT-PCR assay.

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Purpose: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are primary cells capable of differentiating to osteocytic lineage when stimulated under appropriate conditions. This study examined changes in hMSC morphology, proliferation, and gene expression after growth on machined or dual acid-etched (AE) titanium surfaces.

Materials And Methods: hMSCs, isolated from adult human bone marrow, were cultured on titanium surfaces.

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Prenatal exposure to diazepam, a prototype sedative drug that belongs to Benzodiazepines, can lead to orofacial clefting in human newborns. By using real-time PCR, in the present study we investigated whether diazepam elicits gene expression alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factors and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABRB3), implicated in the coordinate regulation of palate development. Palate fibroblasts were treated with diazepam (Dz-N fibroblasts) and compared to cleft lip-palate (CLP) fibroblasts obtained from patients with no known exposure to diazepam or other teratogens.

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Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether phenotypic alterations in ECM production are present in non-neuronal AD cells associated with different FGF expression and response. Synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and collagen were measured in skin fibroblasts from patients with familial, sporadic AD (FAD and SAD respectively), and from age-matched controls by radiolabeled precursors.

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Purpose: Cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation are primary events in bone formation. At the dental implant-tissue interface, implant surface roughness modulates osteoblast functions. The aim of the present in vitro study was to investigate the effect of varying surface roughness of titanium implant material on cell proliferation and mRNA expression of specific markers of osteoblast phenotype.

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Background: Silicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses.

Methods: We evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled precursors, nitric oxide (NO) release by its oxidation product, phagocytic activity by Candida albicans internalization, and the secretion of two fibrogenic cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, by specific assays.

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