Endothelin Receptors Expressed by Immune Cells Are Involved in Modulation of Inflammation and in Fibrosis: Relevance to the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis

open13noEndothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a pivotal role in vasoconstriction, fibrosis, and inflammation, the key features of systemic sclerosis (SSc). ET-1 receptors (ETA and ETB) are expressed on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts, but their presence on immune cells has not been deeply investigated so far. Endothelin receptors antagonists such as bosentan have beneficial effects on vasoconstriction and fibrosis, but less is known about their potential anti-inflammatory effects. We studied the expression of ET-1 receptors on immune cells (T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils) and the link between ET-1 and inflammation in patients with SSc. We show here that ET-1 exerts a proinflammatory effect in CD4+ T cells, since it induces an increased IFN-γ production; preincubation with antagonists of both receptors reduces IFN-γ production. Moreover, following ET-1 stimulation, neutrophils produce proinflammatory mediators, thus amplifying the effects of activated CD4+ T cells. Our data indicate that ET-1 system is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis typical of SSc, through the activation of T lymphocytes and neutrophils and the consequent release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines. These findings suggest that dual ET-1 receptors antagonist therapy, besides its effect on vasculopathy, has a profound impact on the immune system favouring antiinflammatory and antifibrogenic effects.openElisa, Tinazzi; Antonio, Puccetti; Giuseppe, Patuzzo; Alessandro, Barbieri; Giuseppe, Argentino; Federico, Confente; Marzia, Dolcino; Ruggero, Beri; Giacomo, Marchi; Andrea, Ottria; Daniela, Righetti; Mariaelisa, Rampudda; Claudio, LunardiTinazzi, Elisa; Puccetti, Antonio; Patuzzo, Giuseppe; Barbieri, Alessandro; Argentino, Giuseppe; Confente, Federico; Dolcino, Marzia; Beri, Ruggero; Marchi, Giacomo; Ottria, Andrea; Righetti, Daniela; Rampudda, Mariaelisa; Lunardi, Claudi

Il siluro e la contaminazione ambientale: utilizzo di una specie invasiva per il monitoraggio delle sostanze inquinanti in ambiente acquatico

It is well established that fish are directly or indirectly affected by compounds that are toxic or lethal in certain concentrations. Recently the enhancement of the legislative decree n. 172/2015 \u201cAttuazione della direttiva 2013/39/UE, che modifica le direttive 2000/60/CE per quanto riguarda le sostanze prioritarie nel settore della politica delle acque\u201d require the analysis of chemicals compound in biota, particularly in fish and in mollusks/shellfish. The European catfish (Silurus glanis) even thought is an alien species in Italian freshwater, it can be considered a valid bioindicators since it is at the top of food chain, and then can well reflect the contamination of freshwater. In Italy, this species has received an increasing interest in recreational fishing and also for human consumption, with possible risks linked to food safety. Factors as age, sex, size, sexual maturity and breeding season may influence the concentration of contaminants. During the presentation will be set out the results of the research conducted by IZS PLV about this 27 topic, providing ideas and suggestions taking into account the guidelines issued by ISPRA regarding the analysis of the priority substances on biota

A survey of bacterial infections in sturgeon farming in Italy

Sturgeon aquaculture production has increased worldwide, particularly in Italy, yet there is little information about diseases that affect sturgeons. With this study we describe the results of screening for bacterial infections during monitoring campaigns carried out from 2014 to 2017. A total of 402 sturgeons from six sturgeon farms with one or more reared sturgeon species among five species and two hybrids were analysed. Bacteriological exam was positive in 93 individuals (23%) and negative in the remaining 309 (77%). Generally, no external or internal macroscopic lesions were present, though some specimens showed skin lesions, liver anaemia or splenomegaly, which are non\u2010pathognomonic signs of bacterial infection. The majority of the isolated bacteria were opportunistic. This knowledge base is important to help create a bacterial profile of sturgeons reared in Italy

Long-Term Assessment of Baseline Blood Biochemistry Parameters in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Maintained under Controlled Conditions

Twelve biochemical parameters were measured in serum blood samples from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) maintained under controlled conditions. Forty-five samples were taken every 3 months (T1\u2013T4) over the course of one year to define baseline values. The effect of fish total weight (TW) was also evaluated. Principal component analysis showed a clear separation between T4 and T1, and T2 and T3, indicating an increase in certain biochemical parameters with weight. Linear regression analysis showed how TW significantly explained 11\u201367% of the variability observed for nine parameters out of 12. Pearson\u2019s correlation matrix showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between TW and albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine-aminotransferase, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, magnesium, phosphorus and total protein. Furthermore, significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the majority of the biochemical parameters were found, indicating that growth can influence several parameters at the same time. The present study provides several useful baseline values for assessing the health of O. mykiss, indicating that fish weight is an important factor for interpreting the blood biochemical profile

Long-term life cycle and massive blooms of the intertidal hydroid Paracoryne huvei in the North-western Mediterranean Sea

Paracoryne huvei is a rare encrusting hydrozoan living in the intertidal zone of the North-western Mediterranean Sea, from the Catalan coast to the Ligurian Sea. In 2014, a large bloom of P. huvei was recorded along the cliffs of the Marine Protected Area 'Isola di Bergeggi' (Ligurian Sea). The species has shown densities related to important biomass values never previously recorded (wet weight as high as 1600 g m2), creating a continuous belt up to 1 m wide from February to April. At an increasing distance from the promontory, the species decreased in abundance, assuming a spotted aspect comparable to the colonies recorded by earlier researchers. In the Bergeggi area, the species has exhibited an almost complete cover of the lower intertidal zone, and for the first time it was recorded in the infralittoral and upper intertidal zone and in tide pools, demonstrating a wider range of habitat than had previously been observed. The life cycle appeared significantly shorter than cycles reported in earlier literature, and this phenomenon has been compared with similar observations from other shallow water hydrozoans in the same area. The abundance of the species was continually monitored in 2015-2016 to help assess the inter-annual variations in relation to temperature and rainfall trends and, indirectly, to competition with other species. Finally, a comparison of the 59 years of scattered data of occurrence in the literature has shown P. huvei to be a strict stenothermal species, reported only in winters characterized by average temperatures

PRIMO CASO DI IRIDOVIROSI IN STORIONE COBICE (ACIPENSER NACCARII) IN ITALIA: UNA NUOVA PROBLEMATICA PER LA CONSERVAZIONE DI UNA SPECIE MINACCIATA

Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) is an endemic species of the Adriatic basin, evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN and therefore near to extinction. This species has a commercial interest and is threaten by overfishing and habitat destruction. These issues caused a dramatic decline of populations that depend on artificial spawning in farms and fish stocking performed by public administrations. The presence of an intensive breeding for conservation purpose have led to the onset of diseases. Among these, viral diseases represent the major issue. In this respect, from 2016 first and foremost in Europe, and then in Italy has been reported the presence of a new Iridovirus (Acipenser Iridovisrus-European) in different sturgeon\u2019s species. Fish Disease laboratory (IZS PLV) received two plots of five individuals belonged to A. naccarii from sturgeon farm located in North Italy. Clinical signs could be attributed to Iridovirus. Subjects have been tested using molecular protocol proposed by Bigarr\ue8 et al., (2016). All samples were positive for Iridovirus. This case is the first record of Iridovirus in Adriatic sturgeon in Italy. Unfortunately, the lack of epidemiological data requires a health monitoring to implement prevention measures. Particularly, all sturgeons intended for stoking purpose should be tested to avoid the transmission of disease in wild populations

Prevalence of Diphyllobothrium latum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) plerocercoids in fish species from four Italian lakes and risk for the consumers

In recent years there has been a re-emergence of diphyllobothriasis by Diphyllobothrium latum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) in Italy, France and Switzerland, where in the past this fish-borne zoonosis was widespread and then virtually disappeared. A change in eating habits such as the consumption of raw/undercooked freshwater fish, has led to an increased risk for consumers of ingesting infective larvae of D. latum. A survey on the factors responsible for the re-emergence of human diphyllobothriasis in Italy was carried out from March 2013 to December 2014. The aim of this study was to assess the diffusion of D. latum plerocercoids in the fish populations of the sub-alpine lakes of Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda, updating the scarce historical data and assessing a preliminary \u201crisk level\u201d of the lacustrine environments and fish species under investigation. A total of 2228 fish belonging to 5 species, 690 from Lake Maggiore, 500 from Lake Como, 655 from Lake Iseo and 383 from Lake Garda were submitted to parasitological examination. The presence of D. latum plerocercoid larvae was detected in 6.6%, 25.4% and 7.6% of perch (Perca fluviatilis) from Lakes Maggiore, Como and Iseo respectively. The parasite was also present in pike (Esox lucius) with prevalence values ranging from 71.4 to 84.2% and in 3.6\u20133.8% of burbot (Lota lota) from Lakes Iseo and Como. Fish from Lake Garda were negative as well as sampled whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) and shad (Alosa fallax lacustris). The results of this survey showed a widespread presence of D. latum plerocercoid larvae in Maggiore, Como and Iseo fish populations. Urban fecal contamination of water is still a key issue to be resolved, together with the improvement of communication with consumers regarding the best dietary habits and the most effective processes of parasite inactivation, required for the consumption of raw/undercooked fish caught in high-risk areas