Laura Francesca Pisani

Publications

• 0.98

  Impact points

  Isolation and differentiation potential of an equine amnion-derived stromal cell line.

  Stefania Violini, Chiara Gorni, Laura Francesca Pisani, Paola Ramelli, Mario Caniatti, Paola Mariani

  Cytotechnology. 01/2012; 64(1):1-7.

  Stem cells represent an important tool in veterinary therapeutic field such as tissue engineering. In the present study, equine amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were investigated for applications in veterinary science as an alternative source to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose... [more] Stem cells represent an important tool in veterinary therapeutic field such as tissue engineering. In the present study, equine amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were investigated for applications in veterinary science as an alternative source to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose stem cells. Amnion stromal cells isolation and characterization protocol is described; the in vitro cell growth rate was calculated by measuring viable cell number over 20 days. The expression of stem cell markers such as Oct-4, Nanog, Sox-2 and CD105 was assessed by retrotranscription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and differentiation into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes precursors was analyzed by cytochemical staining. This study showed that amnion stromal cells expressing stem cell markers can differentiate into mesoderm lineage and may be an alternative source to mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow for the use in tissue repair.
• 2.32

  Impact points

  Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B differentially modulate inflammatory microRNAs in bovine monocytes.

  Francesca Dilda, Gloria Gioia, Laura Pisani, Laura Restelli, Cristina Lecchi, Francesca Albonico, Valerio Bronzo, Michele Mortarino, Fabrizio Ceciliani

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 10/2011;

  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of regulatory molecules involved in many physiological processes, including activation of cells of the immune system. This study investigated the effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) on the expression of fiv... [more] MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of regulatory molecules involved in many physiological processes, including activation of cells of the immune system. This study investigated the effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) on the expression of five miRNAs involved in the inflammatory response, including miR-9, miR-125b, miR-155, miR-146a and miR-223, in bovine CD14(+) cells (monocytes). Incubation of monocytes with SEB induced down-regulation of miR-155, miR-223 and miR-125b, but not the anti-inflammatory miRNA miR-146a. Conversely, incubation with LPS upregulated both miR-155 and miR-146a. In vitro incubation of isolated CD14(+) bovine monocytes with LPS and SEB elicited different and opposite expression of miRNAs reportedly involved in inflammatory reactions.
• 2.32

  Impact points

  Distribution of acute phase proteins in the bovine forestomachs and abomasum.

  Francesca Dilda, Laura Francesca Pisani, Mizanur Md Rahman, Silvia Modina, Irene Tessaro, Paola Sartorelli, Fabrizio Ceciliani, Cristina Lecchi

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 06/2011;

  Acute phase proteins (APPs) are produced mainly by the liver and their concentration is increased during the systemic inflammatory response. Expression of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) was determined in the mucosa of... [more] Acute phase proteins (APPs) are produced mainly by the liver and their concentration is increased during the systemic inflammatory response. Expression of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) was determined in the mucosa of the normal bovine forestomachs and abomasum by qualitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR for mRNA and by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for proteins. Although expression of SAA mRNA was evident in the forestomachs and abomasum, SAA protein was identified only in the abomasum. Expression of Hp protein was high in the forestomachs and abomasum, even though expression of Hp mRNA was negligible. The main site of expression of LBP mRNA was the omasum, whereas the highest protein expression was evident in the abomasum. AGP was expressed at low levels in the bovine forestomachs. Western blot analysis revealed a heterogeneous electrophoretic pattern for AGP, LBP and Hp, indicating that different stomach compartments produce isoforms that are different to those expressed by the liver. Expression of APPs by the bovine forestomachs and abomasum may contribute to regulation of the innate immune response against pathogens.
• 2.32

  Impact points

  In vitro modulation of caprine monocyte immune functions by ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

  Cristina Lecchi, Guido Invernizzi, Alessandro Agazzi, Mariella Ferroni, Laura Francesca Pisani, Giovanni Savoini, Fabrizio Ceciliani

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 10/2010; 189(3):353-5.

  The in vitro effects of the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) on phagocytosis and the extracellular respiratory burst in caprine monocytes were assessed. Blood monocytes incubated with increasing concentrations of EPA or DHA (25-200 μM) ... [more] The in vitro effects of the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) on phagocytosis and the extracellular respiratory burst in caprine monocytes were assessed. Blood monocytes incubated with increasing concentrations of EPA or DHA (25-200 μM) demonstrated increased phagocytosis compared to unexposed monocytes. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was not markedly affected in the presence of EPA and DHA, except at 200 μM, at which concentrations monocyte viability was also reduced.
• 2.07

  Impact points

  Newborn pig ovarian tissue xenografted into Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) mice acquires limited responsiveness to gonadotropins.

  L F Pisani, G Pennarossa, E Papasso Brambilla, M M Rahman, G Lazzari, A Zecconi, T A L Brevini, F Gandolfi

  Theriogenology. 05/2010; 74(4):557-62.

  In the pig ovary, the transition from primordial to primary and secondary ovarian follicles begins before birth, but antral follicles can be observed, for the first time, at approximately 60-90 d of age. At approximately the same time, secondary follicles become responsive to gonadotropins, leading ... [more] In the pig ovary, the transition from primordial to primary and secondary ovarian follicles begins before birth, but antral follicles can be observed, for the first time, at approximately 60-90 d of age. At approximately the same time, secondary follicles become responsive to gonadotropins, leading to the formation of antral follicles. Placing pieces of ovarian tissue under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient (SCID) mice allows the requirements for follicular recruitment and development to be studied. The objective of this study was to investigate if primordial follicles contained in ovarian fragments isolated from newborn piglets (36 +/- 12 h old) and immediately transplanted under the kidney capsule of SCID mice, are able to become responsive to gonadotropins after 60 d (as in an unaltered animal). Ovarian fragments were transplanted under the kidney capsule of three groups of four female and four male SCID mice. The first group did not receive any hormonal treatment for 12 wk. The second group was treated from the 9th week with 1 IU of FSH/LH on alternating days for 3 wk, and the third group was treated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare Serum Ganadotropin (PMSG) 48 h before euthanasia. Primordial follicles contained in ovarian fragments isolated from newborn piglets developed only to the secondary stage. Therefore, development of gonadotropin responsiveness in ovarian fragments xenotransplanted in SCID mice was delayed compared to what occurs in the unaltered animal, and there was minimal response to exogenous gonadotropins.
• 1.70

  Impact points

  Characterization of Maternal Antigen That Embryos Require (MATER/NLRP5) Gene and Protein in Pig Somatic Tissues and Germ Cells.

  Laura Pisani, Paola Ramelli, Barbara Lazzari, Silvia Braglia, Fabrizio Ceciliani, Paola Mariani

  The Journal of reproduction and development. 10/2009;

  Maternal effect genes produce mRNA or proteins that accumulate in the egg during oogenesis and control the developmental program until embryonic genome activation takes place. NLRP5 (NLR family, Pyrin domain containing 5), also called MATER (Maternal Antigen That Embryos Require) is one of the genes... [more] Maternal effect genes produce mRNA or proteins that accumulate in the egg during oogenesis and control the developmental program until embryonic genome activation takes place. NLRP5 (NLR family, Pyrin domain containing 5), also called MATER (Maternal Antigen That Embryos Require) is one of the genes required for normal early embryonic development, although its precise function remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to analyze the NLRP5 gene expression pattern and protein distribution in somatic tissues and germ cells in the pig. Reverse transcription was performed on mRNA from germinal vescicle (GV) oocytes and total RNA from spermatozoa and tissues from different organs. The transcript for NLRP5 gene was identified only in ovaries and oocytes. The presence of NLRP5 protein was detected only in ovaries by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.
• 2.65

  Impact points

  Horse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells express embryo stem cell markers and show the ability for tenogenic differentiation by in vitro exposure to BMP-12.

  Stefania Violini, Paola Ramelli, Laura Pisani, Chiara Gorni, Paola Mariani

  BMC cell biology. 05/2009; 10(1):29.

  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recently investigated for their potential use in regenerative medicine. MSCs, in particular, have great potential, as in various reports they have shown pluripotency for differentiating into many different cell types. However, the ability... [more] ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recently investigated for their potential use in regenerative medicine. MSCs, in particular, have great potential, as in various reports they have shown pluripotency for differentiating into many different cell types. However, the ability of MSCs to differentiate into tendon cells in vitro has not been fully investigated. RESULTS: In this study, we show that equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), defined by their expression of markers such as Oct-4, Sox-2, and Nanog, have the capability to differentiate in tenocytes. These differentiated cells express tendon-related markers including tenomodulin and decorin. Moreover we show that the same BM-MSCs can differentiate in osteocytes, as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase and Von Kossa staining. CONCLUSIONS: As MSCs represent an attractive tool for tendon tissue repair strategies, our data suggest that bone marrow should be considered the preferred MSC source for therapeutic approaches.
• 1.96

  Impact points

  In vitro modulatory effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (EPA and DHA) on phagocytosis and ROS production of goat neutrophils.

  Laura Francesca Pisani, Cristina Lecchi, Guido Invernizzi, Paola Sartorelli, Giovanni Savoini, Fabrizio Ceciliani

  Veterinary immunology and immunopathology. 04/2009;

  An in vitro study was carried out to examine the influence of two fish-oil-derived long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on goat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Twelve Saanen healthy goats were used as blood donors. Ne... [more] An in vitro study was carried out to examine the influence of two fish-oil-derived long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on goat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Twelve Saanen healthy goats were used as blood donors. Neutrophils were isolated from blood and incubated with increasing concentration of EPA and DHA (25, 50, 100, 200muM). Control samples were incubated in the absence of omega-3 PUFAs. Phagocytosis was evaluated by fluorescein-labeled Escherichia coli incorporation, while extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production was determined by cytochrome c reduction assay, which was selected among the others due to its specificity for extracellular superoxide anion release. Phagocytic activity was significantly increased by EPA (P<0.05) and DHA (P<0.01). Treating PMN with EPA does not affect extracellular ROS production which is, on the contrary, down-regulated by DHA. This effect was increased in experimental conditions which mimic pro-inflammatory challenges (stimulation with PMA). This study demonstrates that EPA and DHA may have beneficial effect on neutrophil function by increasing their phagocytosis activity and, in the meanwhile, decreasing the tissue damages due to extracellular release of ROS.
• 2.58

  Impact points

  Effects of premating nutrition on mRNA levels of developmentally-relevant genes in sheep oocytes and granulosa cells.

  Laura Pisani, Stefania Antonini, Paola Pocar, Stefania Ferrari, Tiziana Brevini, Stewart Rhind, Fulvio Gandolfi

  Reproduction (Cambridge, England). 06/2008;

  The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between pre-mating nutrition and the relative amounts of a panel of developmentally-relevant genes in ovine oocytes and granulosa cells. Cast age ewes were fed a ration providing 0.5 x (0.5 M) or 1.5 x (1.5 M) live weight maintenance req... [more] The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between pre-mating nutrition and the relative amounts of a panel of developmentally-relevant genes in ovine oocytes and granulosa cells. Cast age ewes were fed a ration providing 0.5 x (0.5 M) or 1.5 x (1.5 M) live weight maintenance requirements, for two weeks before slaughter. The ewes were synchronized and superovulated with FSH and PMSG. At slaughter, oocytes and granulosa cells were aspirated from follicles > 2 mm in diameter and the relative abundance of 8 and 17 transcripts in oocytes and granulosa cells, respectively, were analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. In the oocytes, no differences between groups were observed for 5 transcripts (GDF-9, BMP15, c-Kit, Glucose-transporter 1, and Hexokinase 1), but a lower amount of Glucose-transporter 3, Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-1, and Na+/K+ ATPase mRNAs was detected in the 0.5M group. Increased expression of Cox2, Has2, and the leptin receptor long form was observed in granulosa cells from the 0.5M group. No differences between groups were observed for the other transcripts (Early growth response factor-1, Estrogen receptor alpha, LH- and FSH-receptor, Gremlin-1, Pentraxin-3, Kit-Ligand, Glucose-transporter-1, Glucose-transporter-3, Glucose-transporter-8, IGF-1, IGF1-receptor, and Leptin-receptor, Tumour necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6). Expression of Leptin and Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-1 were not detected in both groups. The present data indicate that pre-mating nutrition is associated with alteration in the mRNA content in oocytes and surrounding follicle cells in ewes, which may account for the reduced reproductive performance typical of ewes that are fed a restricted ration for a short period of time before mating.