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The University of Insubria

The Univsersity of Insubria

 
The University of Insubria CV
The University of Insubria CV
The University of Insubria CV The University of Insubria CV Sergio Lecchini
The University of Insubria CV
 

Contact data

Full Professor
Department of Clinical Medicine
Via O. Rossi, 9 - 21100 Varese - Italy
Tel: +39 (0)332 217400/397400
Fax: +39 (0)332 217409/397409
E-mail: sergio.lecchini@uninsubria.it
 

Biography

Born in Pisa, 15 October 1940, Degree in Medicine (University of Pisa)

From 1973, Research Assistant in Pharmacology, University of Pavia

From 1980, Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacology

In the fields of basic and clinical pharmacology, his research interests are focused mainly on neurotransmission in the autonomic nervous system, neuroimmunopharmacology, immunopharmacology of central nervous system drugs. As a visiting scientist, he has been at CNRS in Marseille (France) and in the Department of Pharmacology in Aberdeen (Scotland) where he has been working with Prof. H. Kosterlitz, dealing with the mechanisms underlying the generation and spreading of excitation, intrinsic neurons and neurotransmitter involved and neuroendocrine mechanisms in the enteric nervous system. For many years, he has taken part in studies concerning the adrenergic modulation of hematopoiesis and the immune response. His laboratory has been among the first research centers to deal with the presence and the role of catecholamines in immune cells. Recent results concern physiopharmacology of human leukocytes, with particular regard to functional modulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. He has published more than 90 papers on scientific journals listed in Medline.
 

Research interests

 Main research interests regard immunopharmacology, neuropharmacology, pharmacology of neuroimmunomodulation, nervous system-immune system interactions (in particular adrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms and their clinical relevance in neurological disorders, anti-tumor response, autoimmunity, immune tolerance).

Present studies are taking into account the physiopharmacology of the intrinsic dopaminergic/adrenergic system of human lymphocytes and its involvement in disease such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and other neural and psychiatric disorders. Most recent results show how naturally occurring regulatory T lymphocytes can be selectively modulated through activation of dopaminergic receptors by both dopaminergic agents, as well as from endogenous dopamine produced by regulatory T lymphocytes themselves. The clinical relevance of these findings is currently under evaluation in a number of fields including autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis), neurodegenerative disease, neoplasms. In view of the wide array of adrenergic and dopaminergic agents currently in clinical use for various indications and of their usually favourable therapeutic index, in-depth characterization of these mechanisms could provide the rationale for further investigation examining the therapeutic potential of such agents in a number of major disease conditions. Scientific collaborations in this area include the Laboratory for Experimental Pathology, Locarno CH (Head: Prof. Georges J.M. Maestroni).
Immunopharmacology, with particular regard to the mechanisms regulating spontaneous and acquired immune response in health and disease.

Recent research in this field concern:

- the role of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the regulation of human PMN function and the relevance of these mechanisms for the immune effects of CNS drugs;

- the relationship between thyroid status and PMN function in humans;

- the contribution of the inflammatory mechanisms in cardiovascular disease and in the effects of cardiovascular drugs (statins, drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system).

Other research interests include neuropharmacology and in particular the pharmacology of the neurovegetative system. Interests in this area regard the modulation of adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmissione in the autonomic nervous system by several receptor systems, and the pharmacological analysis of signal transduction mechanisms involved.

A recently established research area regards the pharmacology of herbs and herbal drugs, in the context of an International Collaborative Network involving the University of Insubria (I), the University of Heidelberg (D), the University of Zurich (CH), the Haute Ecole Valaisanne (CH), the Alpine Institute for Phytopharmacology (CH).

Research projects are funded by both public and private institutions, including:
- Italian Ministry of Instruction, University and Research;
- Regione Lombardia (UE PIC Interreg IIIA – 2000-2006);
- University of Insubria;
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nmss.org), New York, NY, USA;
- Italian Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis (www.aism.it), Genua, Italy.
 

Teaching experience and appointments

 APPOINTMENTS
- Coordinator of the PhD Course in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, University of Insubria;

- Director of the postgraduate School of specialization in Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Insubria;

- Coordinator of the International Collaborative Network for the Pharmacotoxicological Study of Medicinal Plants [involving the University of Insubria (I), the University of Heidelberg (D), the University of Zurich (CH), the Haute Ecole Valaisanne (CH), the Alpine Institute for Phytopharmacology (CH)].

TEACHING
School of Medicine, University of Insubria:
- Pharmacology (I.C. Special pharmacology, 2nd Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery);
- Neuropsychopharmacology (I.C. Special pharmacology, 2nd Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery);

Courses of basic and clinical pharmacology are also given in postgraduate medical Schools of specialization and in the Research Doctorate (PhD) Course in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology.
 

Representative  publications

 Martignoni E., Cosentino M., Ferrari M., Porta G., Mattarucchi E., Marino F., Lecchini S., Nappi G. Two patients with COMT inhibitor-induced hepatic dysfunction and UGT1A9 genetic polymorphism. Neurology 2005 (in press)

Marino F., Guasti L., Cosentino M., De Piazza D., Simoni C., Piantanida E., Cimpanelli M., Klersy C., Bartalena L., Venco A., Lecchini S. Thyroid hormone regulation of cell migration and oxidative metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocytes: clinical evidence in thyroidectomized subjects on thyroxine replacement therapy. Life Sciences 2005 (in press)

Marino F., Guasti L., Cosentino M., De Piazza D., Simoni C., Bianchi V., Piantanida E., Cimpanelli M., Crespi C., Vanoli P., De Palma D., Klersy C., Frigo G., Bartalena L., Venco A., Lecchini S. Thyroid hormone and thyrotropin regulate intracellular free calcium concentrations in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: in vivo and in vitro studies. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology 2005 (in press)

Cosentino M., Zaffaroni M., Ferrari M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Rasini E., Frigo G., Ghezzi A., Comi G., Lecchini S. Interferon-b and interferon-g affect endogenous catecholamines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: implications for multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroimmunology 2005, 162: 112-121.

Cosentino M., Martignoni E., Michielotto D., Calandrella D., Leoni O., Riboldazzi G., Pacchetti C., Lecchini S., Nappi G., Frigo G. Medical healthcare use in Parkinson’s disease: survey in a cohort of ambulatory patients in Italy. BMC Health Services Research 2005, 5: 26 - doi:10.1186/1472-6963-5-26 (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/5/26).

Trifirò G., Calogero G., Ippolito F.M., Cosentino M., Giuliani R., Conforti A., Venegoni M., Mazzaglia G., Caputi A.P. Adverse drug events in emergency department population: a prospective Italian study. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (Chichester, West Sussex) 2005, 14: 333-340.

Ferrari M., Cosentino M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Rasini E., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Dopaminergic D1-like receptor-dependent inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression and catecholamine production in human lymphocytes. Biochemical Pharmacology 2004, 67: 865-873.

Blandini F., Cosentino M., Mangiagalli A., Marino F., Samuele A., Rasini E., Fancellu R., Tassorelli C., Pacchetti C., Martignoni E., Riboldazzi G., Calandrella D., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M., Nappi G. Lymphocyte levels of apoptosis-related proteins in patients with Parkinson’s disease: effects of the dopaminergic treatment. Journal of Neural Transmission 2004, 111: 1017-1030.

Cosentino M., Rasini E., Colombo C., Marino F., Blandini F., Ferrari M., Samuele A., Lecchini S., Nappi G., Frigo G. Dopaminergic modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: evidence for a D1-like receptor-dependent protective effect. Free Radical Biology & Medicine 2004, 36: 1233-1240.

Cosentino M., Zaffaroni M., Giorelli M., Marino F., Ferrari M., Bombelli R., Rasini E., Trojano M., Lecchini S., Livrea P., Frigo G. Adrenergic modulation of the immune response [peer-reviewed letter]. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 2004, 25: 350-351.

Marino F., Cosentino M., Ferrari M., Cattaneo S., Frigo G., Fietta A.M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Intracellular calcium changes induced by the endozepine triakontatetraneuropeptide in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of protein kinase C and effect of calcium channel blockers. BMC Cell Communication and Signaling 2004, 2: 6 - doi:10.1186/1478-811X-2-6 (http://www.biosignaling.com/content/2/1/6).

Marino F., Cosentino M., Fietta A.M., Cattaneo S., Frigo G., Ferrari M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Interleukin-8 production induced by the endozepine triakontatetraneuropeptide in human neutrophils: role of calcium and pharmacological investigation of signal transduction pathways. Cellular Signalling 2003, 15: 511-517.

Cosentino M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Unravelling dopamine (and catecholamine) physiopharmacology in lymphocytes: open questions [peer-reviewed letter]. Trends in Immunology 2003, 24: 581-582.

Colombo C., Cosentino M., Marino F., Rasini E., Ossola M., Blandini F., Mangiagalli A., Samuele A., Ferrari M., Bombelli R., Lecchini S., Nappi G., Frigo G.M. Dopaminergic modulation of apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: possible relevance for Parkinson's disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2003, 1010: 679-82.

Blandini F., Mangiagalli A., Cosentino M., Marino F., Samuele A., Rasini E., Fancellu R., Martignoni E., Riboldazzi G., Calandrella D., Frigo G.M., Nappi G. Peripheral markers of apoptosis in Parkinson’s disease: the effect of dopaminergic drugs. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2003, 1010: 675-78.

Leoni O., Martignoni E., Cosentino M., Michielotto D., Calandrella D., Zangaglia R., Riboldazzi G., Oria C., Lecchini S., Nappi G., Frigo G.M. Drug prescribing patterns in Parkinson’s disease: a pharmacoepidemiological survey in a cohort of ambulatory patients. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (Chichester, West Sussex) 2002, 11: 149-157.

Cosentino M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Rasini E., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin induces the synthesis of catecholamines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: role of protein kinase C and contribution of intracellular calcium. Journal of Neuroimmunology 2002, 125: 125-133.

Reguzzoni M., Cosentino M., Rasini E., Marino F., Ferrari M., Bombelli R., Congiu T., Protasoni M., Quacci D., Lecchini S., Raspanti M., Frigo G.M. Ultrastructural localization of tyrosine hydroxylase in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: effect of stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin. Cell & Tissue Research 2002, 310: 297-304.

Cosentino M., Zaffaroni M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Rasini E., Lecchini S., Ghezzi A., Frigo G.M. Catecholamine production and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from multiple sclerosis patients: effect of cell stimulation and possible relevance for activation-induced apoptosis. Journal of Neuroimmunology 2002, 133: 233-240.

Marino F., Cattaneo S., Cosentino M., Rasini E., Di Grazia L., Fietta A.M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Diazepam stimulates migration and phagocytosis of human neutrophils: possible contribution of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors and intracellular calcium. Pharmacology (Basel, Switzerland) 2001, 63: 42-49.

Cosentino M., Leoni O., Michielotto D., Punginelli M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Increased reporting of adverse reactions to ACE inhibitors associated with limitations to drug reimbursement for angiotensin II receptor antagonists. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2001, 57: 509-512.

Cosentino M., Marino F., Cattaneo S., Di Grazia L., Francioli C., Fietta A.M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Diazepam-binding inhibitor-derived peptides induce intracellular calcium changes and modulate human neutrophil function. Journal of Leukocyte Biology 2000, 67: 637-643.

Cosentino M., Leoni O., Banfi F., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. An approach for the estimation of drug prescribing by use of the defined daily dose methodology and drug dispensation data - theoretical considerations and practical applications. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2000, 56: 513-517.

Conti A., Maestroni G.J.M., Cosentino M., Frigo G.M., Lecchini S., Marino F., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Brivio F., Roselli M.G., Lissoni P. Evidencies for a neuroimmunomodulatory and a hematopoietic role of the Luschka's coccygeal body. Neuroendocrinology Letters (Stockholm, Sweden) 2000, 21: 391-403.

Cosentino M., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Marino F., Rasini E., Maestroni G.J.M., Conti A., Boveri M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. HPLC-ED measurement of endogenous catecholamines in human immune cells and hematopoietic cell lines. Life Sciences 2000, 68: 283-295.

Cosentino M., Marino F., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Endogenous catecholamine synthesis, metabolism, storage and uptake in human neutrophils. Life Sciences 1999, 64: 975-981.

Marino F., Cosentino M., Bombelli R., Ferrari M., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Endogenous catecholamine synthesis, metabolism, storage and uptake in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Experimental Hematology 1999, 27: 489-495.

Cosentino M., Leoni O., Oria C., Michielotto D., Massimo E., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Hospital-based survey of doctors' attitudes to adverse drug reactions and perception of drug-related risk for adverse reaction occurrence. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (Chichester, West Sussex) 1999, 8: S27-S35.

Maestroni G.J.M., Cosentino M., Marino F., Togni M., Conti A., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Neural and endogenous catecholamines in the bone marrow. Circadian association of norepinephrine with percentage of cells in G2/M. Experimental Hematology 1998, 26: 1172-1177.

Caldiroli E., Marino F., Cosentino M., De Ponti F., Fietta A.M., Taddei M., Mazzone A., Gritti D., Tartara A., Zibetti A., Visintini D., Sasso E., Lecchini S., Frigo G.M. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expression on leukocytes and neutrophil function during chronic anticonvulsant monotherapy. Pharmacology (Basel, Switzerland) 1998, 57: 215-221.
 

Clinical interests

Clinical pharmacology (including: applications of pharmacogenetics to individualization of drug therapies, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, and planning and evaluation of clinical trials of drug therapies);

- Pharmacoepidemiology, with particular regard to the use of drugs as indicators of incidence/prevalence of disease in populations and to the pattern of drug prescriptions as indicators of quality/apppropriateness of therapies;

- Pharmacovigilance, with emphasis on the methodologies for detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in routine medical practice and the factors affecting ADR reporting by medical practitioners. 

 
 
   
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