-
1.
Emerging Multiscale Biofabrication Approaches for Bacteriotherapy.
Rovelli, R, Cecchini, B, Zavagna, L, Azimi, B, Ricci, C, Esin, S, Milazzo, M, Batoni, G, Danti, S
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(2)
Abstract
Bacteriotherapy is emerging as a strategic and effective approach to treat infections by providing putatively harmless bacteria (i.e., probiotics) as antagonists to pathogens. Proper delivery of probiotics or their metabolites (i.e., post-biotics) can facilitate their availing of biomaterial encapsulation via innovative manufacturing technologies. This review paper aims to provide the most recent biomaterial-assisted strategies proposed to treat infections or dysbiosis using bacteriotherapy. We revised the encapsulation processes across multiscale biomaterial approaches, which could be ideal for targeting different tissues and suit diverse therapeutic opportunities. Hydrogels, and specifically polysaccharides, are the focus of this review, as they have been reported to better sustain the vitality of the live cells incorporated. Specifically, the approaches used for fabricating hydrogel-based devices with increasing dimensionality (D)-namely, 0D (i.e., particles), 1D (i.e., fibers), 2D (i.e., fiber meshes), and 3D (i.e., scaffolds)-endowed with probiotics, were detailed by describing their advantages and challenges, along with a future overlook in the field. Electrospinning, electrospray, and 3D bioprinting were investigated as new biofabrication methods for probiotic encapsulation within multidimensional matrices. Finally, examples of biomaterial-based systems for cell and possibly post-biotic release were reported.
-
2.
Association of sedentary time with risk of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Onagbiye, S, Guddemi, A, Baruwa, OJ, Alberti, F, Odone, A, Ricci, H, Gaeta, M, Schmid, D, Ricci, C
Preventive medicine. 2024;:107812
Abstract
Given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we meta-analysed CVD relative risk (RR) in relation to high vs. low categories of self-reported and objectively assessed sedentary behaviours from cohort studies; in a sub-sample (n = 4 studies), the theoretical substitution of one hour spent sedentary with the same amount of time spent in light-intense physical activity was evaluated. Based on 19 studies (60,526 fatal and non-fatal CVD, 1,473,354 individuals and 13,559,139 persons-year) we estimated a 30% increased CVD risk for high vs. low categories of sedentary behaviour (RR = 1.29, confidence interval (CI) = 1.22;1.37). Every hour spent sedentary corresponds to a 5% increased fatal and non-fatal CVD risk (RR = 1.05, CI = 1.02;1.07). Dose-response meta-analysis revealed that sedentary behaviour is statistically significantly associated to fatal and non-fatal CVD risk following a J-shaped relation. Substituting one hour spent sedentary with physical activity of light intensity reduced the risk of fatal and non-fatal CVD events by one-fifth (RR =0.84, CI = 0.73;0.97). In meta-regression analysis, potential influential factors such as age, sex, and medical condition did not essentially alter the results.
-
3.
Follow-up evaluation and management of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease: A study by the Italian Group for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IG-IBD).
Bergamaschi, G, Castiglione, F, D'Incà, R, Astegiano, M, Fries, W, Milla, M, Ciacci, C, Rizzello, F, Saibeni, S, Ciccocioppo, R, et al
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RIDART I study found a 13.6% prevalence of anemia in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); most cases were due to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). AIMS To evaluate changes in hemoglobin concentration during a 24-week follow-up of anemic patients with IBD. METHODS Follow-up laboratory and clinical data were obtained from RIDART I study patients with anemia. Factors affecting hemoglobin concentration, the impact of anemia on fatigue and quality of life (QoL), and its relationship with treatment, disease activity and disease complications were investigated. RESULTS Hemoglobin was 108 g/L at baseline, increased to 121 g/L at follow-up week 12 (p < 0.001) and then stabilized until week 24, but most patients remained anemic, with IDA, throughout the study. Hemoglobin improvement was greater in patients receiving either oral or parenteral iron supplementation. Following hemoglobin normalization, anemia relapse rate during follow-up was 30%. Oral iron did not cause disease reactivation. Lower follow-up hemoglobin was associated with a higher probability of having active disease, clinical complications, increased fatigue and reduced QoL. CONCLUSIONS In anemic patients with IBD, anemia represents a long-lasting problem, in most cases persisting for up to 24 weeks, with high relapse rate and a negative impact on fatigue and QoL.
-
4.
Gluten-Free Diet and Other Celiac Disease Therapies: Current Understanding and Emerging Strategies.
Mazzola, AM, Zammarchi, I, Valerii, MC, Spisni, E, Saracino, IM, Lanzarotto, F, Ricci, C
Nutrients. 2024;(7)
Abstract
A lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Nevertheless, strict adherence to the GFD is often challenging due to concerns about social isolation, risk of gluten contaminations, high cost, poor quality and the taste of gluten-free products. Moreover, although the GFD is effective in achieving mucosal healing, it may lead to dietary imbalances due to nutrient deficiencies over a long period of time. To overcome these issues, several gluten-free wheat flours have been developed to create products that closely resemble their gluten-containing counterparts. Furthermore, given the critical importance of adhering to the GFD, it becomes essential to promote adherence and monitor possible voluntary or involuntary transgressions. Various methods, including clinical assessment, questionnaires, serology for celiac disease, duodenal biopsies and the detection of Gluten Immunogenic Peptides (GIPs) are employed for this purpose, but none are considered entirely satisfactory. Since adherence to the GFD poses challenges, alternative therapies should be implemented in the coming years to improve treatment efficacy and the quality of life of patients with celiac disease. The aim of this narrative review is to explore current knowledge of the GFD and investigate its future perspectives, focusing on technology advancements, follow-up strategies and insights into a rapidly changing future.
-
5.
Nutritional Biomarkers for the Prediction of Response to Anti-TNF-α Therapy in Crohn's Disease: New Tools for New Approaches.
Rizzello, F, Saracino, IM, Gionchetti, P, Valerii, MC, Ricci, C, Imbesi, V, Filippone, E, Bellocchio, I, Dussias, NK, Dervieux, T, et al
Nutrients. 2024;(2)
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic disorder of the digestive tract characterized by an uncontrolled immune-mediated inflammatory response in genetically predisposed individuals exposed to environmental risk factors. Although diet has been identified as one of the major environmental risk factors, the role of nutrients in the clinical management of CD patients has not yet been fully investigated. In this prospective observational study, fifty-four patients diagnosed with active Crohn's disease and undergoing anti-TNF-α biological therapy were enrolled and subjected to nutrient intake analysis through a daily food diary. Their nutrient intake and blood values were analyzed before and after 6 months of biological therapy. After 6 months of anti-TNF-α, four patients dropped out of the study, leaving 29 patients in clinical remission and 21 still with active disease that remained the same. The aim of this study was to identify nutrients whose intake or blood values may be associated with patients' responses to biological therapy. In the diet, patients remaining with active CD showed very similar nutrient dietary intake compared to patients achieving remission except for a trend for lower starting zinc intake, below the reference value. In the blood, instead, patients who did not respond to biological therapy showed significantly lower plasma values of iron and taurine before starting biological anti-TNF-α treatment.
-
6.
Chondroitin sulfate and caseinophosphopeptides doped polyurethane-based highly porous 3D scaffolds for tendon-to-bone regeneration.
Bianchi, E, Ruggeri, M, Del Favero, E, Pisano, R, Artusio, F, Ricci, C, Vigani, B, Ferraretto, A, Boselli, C, Icaro Cornaglia, A, et al
International journal of pharmaceutics. 2024;:123822
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Tendon disorders are common injuries, which can be greatly debilitating as they are often accompanied by great pain and inflammation. Moreover, several problems are also related to the laceration of the tendon-to-bone interface (TBI), a specific region subjected to great mechanical stresses. The techniques used nowadays for the treatment of tendon and TBI injuries often involve surgery. However, one critical aspect of this procedure involves the elevated risk of fail due to the tissues weakening and the postoperative alterations of the normal joint mechanics. Synthetic polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, are of special interest in the tissue engineering field as they allow the production of scaffolds with tunable elastic and mechanical properties, that could guarantee an effective support during the new tissue formation. Based on these premises, the aim of this work was the design and the development of highly porous 3D scaffolds based on thermoplastic polyurethane, and doped with chondroitin sulfate and caseinophosphopeptides, able to mimic the structural, biomechanical, and biochemical functions of the TBI. The obtained scaffolds were characterized by a homogeneous microporous structure, and by a porosity optimal for cell nutrition and migration. They were also characterized by remarkable mechanical properties, reaching values comparable to the ones of the native tendons. The scaffolds promoted the tenocyte adhesion and proliferation when caseinophosphopetides and chondroitin sulfate are present in the 3D structure. In particular, caseinophosphopeptides' optimal concentration for cell proliferation resulted 2.4 mg/mL. Finally, the systems evaluation in vivo demonstrated the scaffolds' safety, since they did not cause any inflammatory effect nor foreign body response, representing interesting platforms for the regeneration of injured TBI.
-
7.
Partial Egg Consumption Modifies the Diagnostic Performance of Allergy Tests to Predict Outcome of Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges to Egg.
Marques-Mejias, A, Radulovic, S, Foong, RX, Bartha, I, Krawiec, M, Kwok, M, Jama, Z, Harrison, F, Ricci, C, Lack, G, et al
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice. 2024;(3):660-669.e5
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children are consuming some egg when they are diagnosed with egg allergy. We hypothesized that egg consumption could modify the diagnostic performance of allergy tests. OBJECTIVE To stratify diagnostic performance of tests according to egg consumption status. METHODS The BAT2 study (NCT03309488) participants underwent oral food challenge (OFC), food-frequency questionnaires, skin prick test (SPT), specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) and basophil activation test (BAT). RESULTS At study entry, 45% of participants reported partial egg consumption ("consumers") and 55% were avoiding egg strictly ("avoiders"). Avoiders had larger SPT (P < .001), higher BAT to egg (P < .001), sIgE to egg white (EW; P = .001) and to ovalbumin (OVA; P = .001), but not to ovomucoid (P = .231). Consumers had higher levels of sIgG4 to all egg allergens (P < .001) than avoiders. In consumers, the test with the best diagnostic performance was BAT (area under the curve [AUC] = .912) followed by SPT to raw egg (AUC = 0.805), EW-sIgE (AUC = 0.738), and OVA-sIgE (AUC = 0.732). In avoiders, the best tests were BAT (AUC = 0.834) and EW-sIgE (AUC = 0.833) followed by OVA-sIgE (AUC = 0.793) and SPT to EW (AUC=0.789). Using 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity cut-offs, the proportion of patients requiring OFC were 33% for BAT, 53% for SPT to raw egg, 61% for OVA-sIgE, and 73% for EW-sIgE for consumers; and 73% for BAT, 79% for EW-sIgE, and 93% for SPT to EW for avoiders. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic performance of tests is influenced by the immunomodulatory effect of egg consumption. BAT is the most reliable test and reduced the need for OFC, particularly in partial egg consumers.
-
8.
Cyclosporine A micellar nasal spray characterization and antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2.
Guareschi, F, Del Favero, E, Ricci, C, Cantù, L, Brandolini, M, Sambri, V, Nicoli, S, Pescina, S, D'Angelo, D, Rossi, I, et al
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2024;:106673
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The upper airways represent the point of entrance from where Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection spreads to the lungs. In the present work, α-tocopheryl-polyethylene-glycol succinate (TPGS) micelles loaded with cyclosporine A (CSA) were developed for nasal administration to prevent or treat the viral infection in the very first phases. The behavior of the micelles in presence of simulated nasal mucus was investigated in terms of stability and mucopenetration rate, evidencing long-term stability and fast diffusion across the glycoproteins matrix. Moreover, the spray characteristics of the micellar formulation and deposition profile in a silicon nasal model were studied using three nasal spray devices. Results allowed to identify the nasal spray pump (BiVax, Aptar) able to provide the wider and uniform deposition of the nasal cavity. The cyclosporine A micelles antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 was tested on the Omicron BA.1 variant using Vero E6 cells with protocols simulating treatment before, during and after the infection of the upper airways. Complete viral inactivation was observed for the cyclosporine-loaded micelles while a very low activity was evidenced for the non-formulated drug, suggesting a synergistic activity of the drug and the formulation. In conclusion, this work showed that the developed cyclosporine A-loaded micellar formulations have the potential to be clinically effective against a wide spectrum of coronavirus variants.
-
9.
The Bidirectional Link between Nutritional Factors and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Dietary Deficits, Habits, and Recommended Interventions-A Narrative Review.
Saracino, IM, Spisni, E, Imbesi, V, Ricci, C, Dussias, NK, Alvisi, P, Gionchetti, P, Rizzello, F, Valerii, MC
Foods (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(10)
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases comprise Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract that develop in adolescence and early adulthood and show a rising pattern in industrialized societies, as well as in developing countries, being strongly influenced by environmental pressures such as nutrition, pollution and lifestyle behaviors. Here, we provide a narrative review of the bidirectional link between nutritional factors and IBD, of dietary deficits observed in IBD patients due to both the disease itself and dietary habits, and of the suggested nutritional interventions. Research of the literature was conducted. Clinical and basic research studies consistently demonstrate that diet could alter the risk of developing IBD in predisposed individuals. On the other hand, dietary interventions represent a valid tool in support of conventional therapies to control IBD symptoms, rebalance states of malnutrition, promote/maintain clinical remission and improve patients' quality of life. Although there are no official dietary guidelines for patients with IBD, they should receive nutritional advice and undergo oral, enteral, or parenteral nutritional supplementation if needed. However, the dietary management of malnutrition in IBD patients is complex; future clinical studies are required to standardize its management.
-
10.
Value of immunonutrition in patients undergoing pancreatic resection: a trial sequential meta-analysis.
Ricci, C, Serbassi, F, Alberici, L, Ingaldi, C, Eusebi, LH, De Raffele, E, Pironi, L, Sasdelli, AS, Mosconi, C, Vicennati, V, et al
HPB : the official journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association. 2023;(10):1151-1160
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of immunonutrition (IM) in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery are unclear. METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing IM with standard nutrition (SN) in pancreatic surgery was carried out. A random-effects trial sequential meta-analysis was made, reporting Risk Ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), and required information size (RIS). If RIS was reached, false negative (type II error) and positive results (type I error) could be excluded. The endpoints were morbidity, mortality, infectious complication, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rates, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS The meta-analysis includes 6 RCTs and 477 patients. Morbidity (RR 0.77; 0.26 to 2.25), mortality (RR 0.90; 0.76 to 1.07), and POPF rates were similar. The RISs were 17,316, 7,417, and 464,006, suggesting a type II error. Infectious complications were lower in the IM group, with a RR of 0.54 (0.36-0.79; 95 CI). The LOS was shorter in IM (MD -0.3 days; -0.6 to -0.1). For both, the RISs were reached, excluding type I error. CONCLUSION The IM can reduce infectious complications and LOS The small differences in mortality, morbidity, and POPF make it impossible to exclude type II error due to large RISs.