L. Postiglione was born in Naples in 1952. In 1974 she obtained a Doctoral degree with full marks in Biological Sciences at the Federico II University of Naples. From 1982 till 1994 she was Researcher and in 1994 became Associate Professor of Clinical Pathology in the Medical School of the same University. At present, she is Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine. In 1998 she obtained a Master in Sanitary Management. Since 2002, she is also the Director of the Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases, in the Department of Clinical Pathology of the University Federico II Hospital. She is the Coordinator of the teaching activities in a Doctoral Course for Laboratory Medicine technicians, at the Federico II Medical School. Since 1997, she is one of the Referees for the evaluation of National Research Programs, of the Italian University Ministry.

A) Since many years we have studied the molecular mechanisms involved in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and recently we have also valuate the possible role of the protein calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMKs) in the human connective tissue of patients affected by SSc. Probably, some of these CaMKs play an important role to inhibit the activation of fibroblasts and to block the progressive process of fibrosis in SSc patients. Experiments are in progress.
B) Biomaterials play central roles in regenerative medicine and in tissue engineering as designable biochemical environments that control and guide cellular behaviour and function. Our studies are concerned, on the last years, on natural construct polymeric three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that promote the regeneration of cardiac tissues through migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of human cardiac mesenchymal adult stem cells (hMASC). In 3D collagen gels enriched with ECM proteins, are studied the expression of GM-CSFR, CD105, 67LR, uPAR, the deposition of some component of ECM in hMASC and proliferation and migration experiments. The data showed a significant expression of GM-CSFR, CD105, 67LR, uPAR, the deposition of some component of ECM and a good proliferation and motility. The results obtained suggest the possibility to culture hMASC also in synthetic construct polymeric with specific peptides for delivery and homing.
C) Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease in dialysis treatment and the inflammation plays a key role in the progression of cardiovascular disease. The presence of inflammation, induced by the poor biocompatibility of renal replacement therapy, is evidenced by elevated circulating levels of Il-6. The aim of our study was to assess if low levels of Il-6 are sufficient to activate the Il-6 receptors and the transcription factor STAT3 in cardiovascular mortality. The results of our study demonstrate that the low concentrations of Il-6 were necessary and sufficient to activate a micro-inflammation. Experiments are in progress.
D) In order to estimate the biocompatibility and the biointegration of new titanium surfaces as prosthetic materials, we studied the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells (SaOS-2) and gingival fibroblasts, cultured on new surfaces, and their modulation by growth factors and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In particular, we studied the behavior of such cells on two different titanium surfaces, smooth and sandblasted-acid-etched, obtained with a recent procedure of acidification. The analysis of some integrins and some components of the ECM, led us to suggest that the sandblasted-acid-etched surface grants a better biointegration of the studied cells.

- Ramaglia L, Postiglione L, Di Spigna G, Capace G, Salzano S, Rossi G. (2011) Sandblasted-acid-etched titanium surface influences in vitro the biological behavior of SaOS-2 human osteoblast-like cells. Dental Materials Journal_30_2:183-192
- Postiglione L, Montuori N, Riccio A, Di Spigna G, Salzano S, Rossi G, Ragno P. (2010) The plasminogen activator system in fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis. International Journal Of Immunopathology and Pharmacology_23:891-900
- Memoli B, Salerno S, Procino A, Postiglione L, Morelli S, Sirico ML, Giordano F, Ricciardone M, Drioli E, Andreucci VE, De Bartolo L. (2010) A translational approach to micro-inflammation in End Stage Renal Disease: molecular effects of low levels of Interleukin 6. Clinical Science_119:163-174
- Esposito P, Balletta MM, Procino A, Postiglione L, Memoli B. (2009) Interleukin-6 release from peripheral mononuclear cells is associated to disease activity and treatment response in patients with lupus nephritis. Lupus_18:1329-1330
- Carrieri PB, Ladogana P, Di Spigna G, De Leva MF, Petracca M, Montella S, Buonavolonta L, Florio C, Postiglione L. (2008) Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-12 modulation in patients with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis on therapy with interferon-beta 1A: differences in responders and non nesponders. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology_30:1-9
- Riccio A, Postiglione L, Ladogana P, Spanò A, Marzocchella C, Tarantino G. (2008) Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients affected by HCV-related arthritis. Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents_21:59-63
- Postiglione L, Montagnani S, Ladogana P, Castaldo C, Di Spigna G, Bruno EM, Turano M, De Santo L, Cudemo G, Cocuzza S, de Divitiis O, Rossi G. (2006) Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor receptor expression on human cardiomyocytes from end-stage heart failure patients. The European Journal of Heart Failure_8_6:564-70

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