Papers by Mario Di Gioacchino
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 2011
The interaction between NPs and immune system has been demonstrated, however, the data available ... more The interaction between NPs and immune system has been demonstrated, however, the data available are limited. Among all traits, i.s. hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, catalytic activity, composition, electronic structure, capacity to bind or coat surface species and solubility, the dimension, and consequently the surface area, seems to be the main factor that contribute to the interactions of NPs with biological tissues and immune system in particular. Certain NPs accumulate to regional lymph nodes, where they can be taken up and processed by dendritic cells, interact with self-proteins and, hence, modify their antigenicity and elicit altered immune responses and even autoimmunity. Other NPs may induce allergic sensitization, i.e. allergic contact dermatitis to Pd. In vitro studies demonstrated that NPs can modulate cytokine production toward Th1 (Pl, Pd, Ni, Co) or Th2 (Ti, mw and sw Carbon) production patterns. Some NPs have been linked to allergic sensitization, however, It is unlik...
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2004
Industrial activities, part of them utilizing new technologies and new materials, are spreading i... more Industrial activities, part of them utilizing new technologies and new materials, are spreading in all continents with impact on the natural environment and socio-economic condition of populations. This is cause of concern especially in developing countries such as China where a huge number of people is exposed to a great variety of occupational and environmental hazards. At present, noxious health effects may be induced not only by chemical, physical and biological agents but also by stress at work and change in lifestyle. Both immune and neurological systems constitute a single defense network, which reacts to noxious agents: the first one involves mechanisms preserving the integrity of the human body and the neurological one includes endocrine, cognitive and behavioral functions. Subtle neurological changes thus induce not only neuroendocrine and neurobehavioral but also immunological effects. Early adverse or subclinical effects induced by environmental and occupational exposure should be detected as early as possible since they are generally reversible and functional; if control measures of the exposure are taken, a complete recovery of health is possible. The nervous system and immune systems are very sensitive to occupational and environmental hazards. The monitoring of immune and nervous parameters is thus an important instrument in the field of public and occupational health also in order to reduce the incidence of neoplastic and degenerative diseases and to improve the quality of living and ageing. Ascontinuationof the International Symposium on Occupational and Environmental Allergy and Immune Diseases 1999 held in Chieti (Italy) on April 27-30, 1999, the University "G. D' Annunzio" of Chieti and Pescara (Italy) and the Shanxi Medical University co-organized the International Conference "Immune and Neurological Effects of Work and Environment" in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, China, on April 21-24, 2002. It was promoted by the Scientific Committees on Allergy and Immunotoxicology, Indoor Air Quality, Respiratory Disorders, Pesticides, Environmental and OccupationalDermatosesandRespiratory Disorders of the International Commission on Occupational Health (lCOH) as well as by the European Centre for the Validationof Alternative Methods (ECVAM) with co-operation of the Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene and the National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control of China. The objective of the conference was to provide knowledge and experience on the influence of environmental and occupational noxious agents on health. It would also stimulate research in the field of risk assessment as well as to develop practical measures for protection. In all, 73 papers were presented in 10 sessions; the topics included allergy, asthma, respiratory disorders, immune mucosal and skin effects, im-
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2007
In technologically developed countries, there is concern about hazards from electromagnetic field... more In technologically developed countries, there is concern about hazards from electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Several studies have reported that immune and neuroendocrine systems exert an integrated response to EMF exposure. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of studies on the effect of low and high frequency EMF on immune and neuroendocrine systems on which our research group has been working for several years.
Science of The Total Environment
Clinical and Molecular Allergy, 2015
Almost all people in developed countries are exposed to metal nanoparticles (MeNPs) that are used... more Almost all people in developed countries are exposed to metal nanoparticles (MeNPs) that are used in a large number of applications including medical (for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes). Once inside the body, absorbed by inhalation, contact, ingestion and injection, MeNPs can translocate to tissues and, as any foreign substance, are likely to encounter the innate immunity system that represent a non-specific first line of defense against potential threats to the host. In this review, we will discuss the possible effects of MeNPs on various components of the innate immunity (both specific cells and barriers). Most important is that there are no reports of immune diseases induced by MeNPs exposure: we are operating in a safe area. However, in vitro assays show that MeNPs have some effects on innate immunity, the main being toxicity (both cyto-and genotoxicity) and interference with the activity of various cells through modification of membrane receptors, gene expression and cytokine production. Such effects can have both negative and positive relevant impacts on humans. On the one hand, people exposed to high levels of MeNPs, as workers of industries producing or applying MeNPs, should be monitored for possible health effects. On the other hand, understanding the modality of the effects on immune responses is essential to develop medical applications for MeNPs. Indeed, those MeNPs that are able to stimulate immune cells could be used to develop of new vaccines, promote immunity against tumors and suppress autoimmunity.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Pd allergic contact dermatitis is increasing in the general population; aim of this preliminary s... more Pd allergic contact dermatitis is increasing in the general population; aim of this preliminary study was to determine, in women with Pd sensitization, the cytokine release from PBMC exposed to Pd nanoparticles similar to those emitted from catalytic converters. PBMC of 8 non-atopic and of 5 Pd sensitized women were incubated with LPS stimulation in presence of Pd nanoparticles (5-10 nm) or potassium hexa-chloropalladate 10(-5) and 10(-6) M. This Pd salt inhibited IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and IL-17 release from PBMC of non-atopic women, whereas Pd nanoparticles enhanced the release of IFN-gamma and inhibited that of TNF-alpha and IL-17. In the Pd-sensitized women, with high basal values of cytokine release, the 10(-5) M Pd salt (but not Pd nanoparticles) inhibited IL-10 and IL-17 release. In conclusion, Pd salt inhibits the cytokine release from PBMC, whereas Pd nanoparticles exert modulatory effects enhancing release of IFN-gamma which plays an important role in autoimmune disea...
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Aim of this investigation was to compare the effects of 10(-4) M and 10(-7) M As compounds on spo... more Aim of this investigation was to compare the effects of 10(-4) M and 10(-7) M As compounds on spontaneous and PHA stimulated PBMC proliferation and IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha release. The inhibitory effect of the 10(-4) M As salts was in the following order: momo-methyl-arsinous acic (MMAs(III)) > sodium arsenite (As(III)) > tetraphenyl arsonium chloride (As(V)) > sodium arsenate (As(V)) > potassium- and sodium-esa-fluorum arsenate (As(V)) > dimethyl arsinic acid (DMAs(V)), while monomethyl-arsonic-acid (MMAs(V)) and arsenobetaine did not exert immune effects. 10(-7) M MMAs(III) stimulated the spontaneous PBMC proliferation, while As(III) and DMAs(V) enhanced the PHA stimulated PBMC proliferation. This study shows that the immune effects of As salts depends on speciation; moreover, the immunotoxicity of inorganic arsenic in part depends on the intracellular bio-synthesis of MMAs(III) from MMAs(V).
Annals of clinical and laboratory science, 2004
In vitro immune effects of Pt compounds of occupational and/or environmental importance, or those... more In vitro immune effects of Pt compounds of occupational and/or environmental importance, or those used in cancer treatment were studied. Spontaneous and PHA-stimulated proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in vitro release of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-5 were assessed in presence of high and very low concentrations of Pt salts: 10(-4) and 10(-7) M (NH4)2[PtCl6], (NH4)2[PtCl4], PtCl4, PtCl2, Na2PtI6, and cis-diaminedichloroPt (CisPt). Spontaneous and PHA-stimulated PBMC proliferation were both inhibited by 10(-4) M (NH4)2[PtCl6] and (NH4)2[PtCl4], while only PHA-stimulated proliferation was inhibited by 10(-4) M CisPt, without significant effects of the other Pt salts. TNF-alpha release from PBMC was reduced by 10(-4) M (NH4)2[PtCl6] and INF-gamma release was reduced by 10(-4) and 10(-7) M hexa- and tetrachloroplatinate and 10(-4) M Na2PtI6, but not by other Pt salts. IL-5 release (related to the Th2 immune response) was inhibited by 10(-4) M (NH4)2[PtCl6],...
Annals of clinical and laboratory science, 2005
Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) exert regulatory activities on immune functions, while cadmium (Cd) i... more Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) exert regulatory activities on immune functions, while cadmium (Cd) is an immunotoxic agent. The object of this study was to detect effects of 10(-4), 10(-5), and 10(-6) M Cd sulphate, Zn sulphate, and sodium selenite, and their combinations on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production. Only 10(-5) M Zn sulphate significantly enhanced spontaneous PBMC proliferation, which was unaffected by the other salts. At 10(-4) and 10(-5) M, Cd sulphate exerted a dose-response inhibitory action on phytohemagglutinin- (PHA-) stimulated PBMC proliferation and cytokine release, while 10(-4) M and 10(-5) M Zn sulphate and 10(-5) M sodium selenite induced a stimulatory effect on both proliferation and cytokine release; 10(-4) M sodium selenite enhanced only the PBMC proliferation; at 10(-6) M, none of the salts changed the PHA-stimulated immune activity. Moreover, 10(-4) and 10(-5) M Zn and 10(-5) M Se strongly upr...
Annals of clinical and laboratory science, 2003
Latex allergy has become an occupational hazard among healthcare workers. Atopy and degree of exp... more Latex allergy has become an occupational hazard among healthcare workers. Atopy and degree of exposure have been recognized as predisposing factors for latex sensitization. We investigated the prevalence of latex allergy and the potential risk factors for latex sensitization, by distributing a questionnaire to 284 employees of a general hospital in central Italy. We collected information about occupational history, including specific tasks performed; time of first exposure to latex gloves; number of pairs of gloves; and duration of daily exposure. We also investigated the interval between first exposure and onset of symptoms, as well as the exact circumstances of their appearance. We evaluated pre-existing rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, atopic and contact dermatitis, and allergies to drugs and foods using prick and patch tests. Latex allergy was established by means of skin-prick test, specific IgE, patch-test, and latex-glove-wearing test. This survey documented a high prevalence of ...
Life Sciences, 1997
Summarv Blood lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins were studied in 15 men (mean age: 35 y... more Summarv Blood lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins were studied in 15 men (mean age: 35 years), not exposed to toxic agents, and in 15 healthy men, exposed to dust containing several compounds (including lead chromate), working in a factory producing plastic materials. Worker blood lead and urine chromium (Cr) levels were significantly higher than controls, while serum Cr concentration was unchanged. In the worker blood, CD4+ helper-inducer (mainly CD4+-CD45RO-"virgin"), CD5-CD19+ B, CD3-CD25+ activated B and CD3-HLA-DR+ activated B and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes were significantly reduced (about 30-50 %). The investigated workers were exposed to hexavalent Cr, as lead chromate, whereas normal population (control group) was mainly exposed to trivalent Cr. In the control group, urinary Cr showed a significant positive correlation with CD16+-56+ NK, CDS+-CD19+ B and HLA-DR+ activated T, B and NK lymphocytes and a negative correlation with serum IgA immunoglobuins; moreover, serum Cr was significantly correlated with all blood lymphocytes and HLA-DR+, CD3-HLA-DR+ and CD3-CD25+ lymphocyte subsets. These data suggest that trivalent Cr may be involved in mechanisms regulating the immune response in humans.
New Knowledge in a New Era of Globalization, 2011
In this chapter we describe cases of cooperation in the field of diagnostic pathology in sub-Saha... more In this chapter we describe cases of cooperation in the field of diagnostic pathology in sub-Saharan Africa that exemplify benefits from globalization. In these regards we believe that networking of sub-Saharan African institutions with biomedical centers and associations of pathologists in developed countries could significantly improve the current situation in many sub-Saharan African countries. However, to gain maximum benefits from globalization-related activities (networking/tele-consultation, etc.), there is a fundamental need for strongly committed contexts both in sub-Saharan African countries and in developed countries. Pathology plays a pivotal role in diagnosis, staging and management of disease. The lack of adequate pathology services undermines the ability to rationally address health care needs and patient treatment based on evidence-based knowledge (Gray & Carter 1997; Greene et al. 2002; Benediktsson et al. 2007). However, pathology is often perceived as a peripheral and ancillary biomedical specialty, which, under the pressure of limited resources, may be sacrificed to the benefit of needs regarded as more urgent (Awadelkarim et al. 2010b). Such wrong perception may account for the scarcity of pathology services in sub-Saharan Africa and for the fact that such services, when provided, are often below acceptable standards (Hutt & Spencer 1982; Gray & Carter 1997; Awadelkarim et al. 2010b). The extreme shortage of pathologists and laboratory technicians in sub-Saharan Africa is a major issue (Gray & Carter 1997; Awadelkarim et al. 2010b): for example, in 2007 Uganda had 18 pathologists for a population of 28 millions, Tanzania 15 for 38 millions, Sudan 51 for 40 millions (Benediktsson et al. 2007; Awadelkarim et al. 2010b). Emigration further compounds this problem: in fact, the necessity of training abroad, the awareness of the difficulties in applying newly-acquired skills back home, and the experience of the Western job market leads to a "brain-drain" from developing to developed countries (Garrett 2007). This depletes the human resources and the dissemination of knowledge. Major challenges that need to be faced to improve pathology in sub-Saharan Africa include the geographic distances, which require logistic systems for sending appropriately annotated specimens from peripheral hospitals to centralized laboratories; the high temperatures (often above 45°C) which result in the difficult use of paraffin wax, stains, and chemicals; the generally inadequate access to electricity services, with consequent frequent and extended outages; the dust and very poor maintenance, that compromise equipment and samples; the absence or inadequacy of standard operative procedures (Vacca 1985;
Science of The Total Environment, 2001
The aim of the study was to assess the seasonal variability of non-specific bronchial reactivity ... more The aim of the study was to assess the seasonal variability of non-specific bronchial reactivity (NSBR) evaluated with methacholine in asthmatic farmers allergic to pollens. Twenty farmers (16 male and four female) with allergy to pollens, e.g. 'Graminae' and 'Parietaria', entered the study. None of the patients had been previously treated with specific immunotherapy. Patients underwent a methacholine challenge at the first visit and then in the subsequent seasons. Four groups of tests were obtained according to the period when the challenge was performed. Group 1: challenges performed in December, January and February; group 2 in March, April and May; group 3 in June, July and August; group 4 in September, October and November. PD20 values were expressed as the natural logarithm of the cumulative dose of methacholine causing at least a 20% fall in FEV1. Bronchial hyperreactivity was highest in summer, followed by spring and autumn; in winter it was much lower. Multiple group analysis (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.01). When the groups were compared individually, statistically significant differences existed only between group 1 (winter) and each of the other groups, respectively 2 (spring) (P = 0.02), 3 (summer) (P = 0.004) and 4 (autumn) (P = 0.02). The results underlined the importance of allergic inflammation in determining changes in NSBR. In the region where the study was carried out (central Italy), the grass and Paretaria pollination lasts from March to November. Therefore, farmers had a progressive increase in NSBR from spring to summer and a decrease in fall as a consequence of the varying pollen concentration in different seasons. The level of allergen exposure is, in fact, the main factor that determines the severity of bronchial inflammation, thus affecting NSBR.
Neurotoxicity Research, 2007
Nanotoxicology, 2012
The mechanistic understanding of nanotoxicity requires the physico-chemical characterisation of n... more The mechanistic understanding of nanotoxicity requires the physico-chemical characterisation of nanoparticles (NP), and their comparative investigation relative to the corresponding ions and microparticles (MP). Following this approach, the authors studied the dissolution, interaction with medium components, bioavailability in culture medium, uptake and intracellular distribution of radiolabelled Co forms (CoNP, CoMP and Co(2+)) in Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Co(2+) first saturates the binding sites of molecules in the extracellular milieu (e.g., albumin and histidine) and on the cell surface. Only after saturation, Co(2+) is actively uptaken. CoNP, instead, are predicted to be internalised by endocytosis. Dissolution of Co particles allows the formation of Co compounds (CoNP-rel), whose mechanism of cellular internalisation is unknown. Co uptake (ranking CoMP > CoNP > Co(2+)) reached maximum at 4 h. Once inside the cell, CoNP spread into the cytosol and organelles. Consequently, massive amounts of Co ions and CoNP-rel can reach subcellular compartments normally unexposed to Co(2+). This could explain the fact that the nuclear and mitochondrial Co concentrations resulted significantly higher than those obtained with Co(2+).
Life Sciences, 1999
This study evaluates the immune response to ingestion of 10 mg of nickel (Ni) (as Ni sulphate) in... more This study evaluates the immune response to ingestion of 10 mg of nickel (Ni) (as Ni sulphate) in 19 young non-atopic Ni-sensitised or 9 non-allergic women (group A). After Ni ingestion at 8 a.m, non-allergic and 12 Ni-sensitised women (group B) were non-symptomatic, while 7 Ni-sensitised women (group C) showed a flare up of u&aria and/or eczema. Serum and urine Ni were greatly lower before Ni administration than after 4 and 24 hours, without difference among the 3 groups. Before treatment, group B and C showed higher values of blood CD19+ and CD5-CD19+ cells than group A, while group C showed higher serum interleukin (IL) 2 and lower serum IL-5. Four hours after Ni ingestion, group C showed significant increase in serum IL-5. Twenty-four hours after treatment, group A showed a significant reduction in blood CD4+-CD45RO-"virgin" cells and an increase of CD8+ lymphocytes, while group C showed a marked decrease in total blood lymphocytes and CD3+, CD4+-CD45RO-, CD4+-CD45RO+, CD8+, CD19+ and CDS-CD19+ cell subsets. These data may be explained with migration of lymphocytes in tissues with a ThO-like immune response, as shown by the elevated serum IL-2 and the increase of serum IL-5 during the test.
Life Sciences, 2000
This study evaluates the immune response to exposure to an urban environment from 30 non-atopic a... more This study evaluates the immune response to exposure to an urban environment from 30 non-atopic and 30 non-symptomatic women with history of respiratory and/or cutaneous allergies. Blood lymphocyte subsets and serum interleukin (IL) 4 and interferon gamma (INF-gamma) of the two groups were similar, while serum IgE and "in vitro" production of IL-4 and INF-gamma by mononuclear blood cells of the atopic women were higher spontaneously or in the presence of PHA, respectively. Blood lead of the nonatopic women (mean 55 microg/l) was positively correlated with CD4+-CD45RO-, CD3+-CD8+ and CD3--HLA-DR+ lymphocyte subsets, while urinary trans-trans muconic acid (a metabolite of benzene) of both groups of women (mean about 50 microg/l) was significantly correlated with NK CD16+CD56+ lymphocytes. Urine chromium of the non-atopic subjects was significantly correlated with activated T, B and NK HLA-DR+ cells. Urine nickel of both groups of women was correlated with CD4+-CD45RO+ "memory" lymphocytes and their ratio with CD4+-CD45RO- "virgin" lymphocytes suggesting that the metal enhances maturation of "virgin" into "memory" lymphocytes. On the whole, this study demonstrates that exposure to low levels of toxic agents, produced by vehicular traffic in an urban environment, exerts effects on immune functions of women.
Life Sciences, 2000
Rats were exposed for ten months to 60 ppm of lead (Pb, as acetate) in drinking water to further ... more Rats were exposed for ten months to 60 ppm of lead (Pb, as acetate) in drinking water to further assess cardiovascular effects of chronic Pb exposure. At the end of the treatment, mean blood Pb was 3.1+/-0.3 microg/dL in the control rats and 22.8+/-1.2 microg/dL in the Pb-exposed rats (means+/-SE, n=12 in each group); these values were not comparable to those of humans. Pb greatly increased plasma levels of noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A), but not those of L-DOPA and dopamine; monoaminoxidase activity was augmented by Pb, mostly in the aorta and in the liver; the aorta, liver, heart and kidney showed discrete histopathological alterations in the Pb-exposed rats, in which plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO, determined as L-citrulline) were reduced. Pb was able to induce blood hypertension, resulting from increase of cardiac inotropism and, mostly, total peripheral resistance. These data were discussed also in relation to those obtained in our previous studies carried out in rats exposed to Pb in drinking water (15-60 ppm) for periods ranging from five to eighteen months. Pb appeared to increase both sympathetic nerve activity by central mechanisms (thus increasing plasma NA and A) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent availability of calcium ions (Ca++) for contractile mechanisms in the vascular and cardiac myocells (also through an increased vascular alpha2- and myocardial beta1-adrenoreceptor reactivity). The reduction of plasma NO, contributing to increase vascular resistance and cardiac inotropism, was explained as a result of actions of Pb on enzyme activities concerned with the kallikrein-kinin (KK) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) systems. It was concluded that chronic Pb exposure is able to affect selective neuroendocrine (i.e., catecholamine), au- tacoidal (i.e., KK and RAA) and transductional pathways (i.e., cAMP, NO, Ca++) involved in the cardiovascular function.
Journal of Occupational Health, 2001
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Papers by Mario Di Gioacchino