Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alexandre Vallee
Summary: This review article describes the different mechanisms of curcumin in exudative AMD, focusing on its effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis, by interacting with Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Rita Fernandes, Aleksandra Zielinska, Elena Sanchez-Lopez, Tiago dos Santos, Maria Luisa Garcia, Amelia M. Silva, Jacek Karczewski, Eliana B. Souto
Summary: This review discusses the latest developments in treatment options for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including pharmacologic therapies and laser treatments for exudative AMD. However, there are still no successful treatments for nonexudative AMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Burak Mergen, David J. Ramsey
Summary: The study found a significantly lower rate of diagnosed glaucoma or its suspicion in patients with exudative AMD compared to non-exudative AMD. There was a significant difference in the rates of suspected glaucoma between the two groups. The retrospective application of clinical criteria may help identify potential underdiagnosis of glaucoma in AMD patients.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Su Ling Young, Martin J. Anderson, Shyamanga Borooah, Ana-Maria Armbrecht, Peter D. Cackett
Summary: This study assessed the long-term prognosis of patients with exudative AMD treated with an as-needed regime of anti-VEGF injections in the real world, showing a relatively good long-term prognosis in terms of vision and mortality. Although most patients experienced vision loss, the rate of decline was significantly slower than in the pre-anti-VEGF era, and the standardized mortality risk was lower than the national average.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tobias Strunz, Michael Poellmann, Maria-Andreea Gamulescu, Svenja Tamm, Bernhard H. F. Weber
Summary: Anti-VEGF treatment has been effective in preserving vision for nAMD patients, but response to treatment varies. Criteria such as visual acuity and retinal thickness can separate patients into responders and non-responders, but even non-responders show changes in retinal thickness. Genetic association studies have not yielded significant findings, suggesting the need for larger phenotyping studies to assess anti-VEGF treatment responses in nAMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oyuna S. Kozhevnikova, Anzhella Zh Fursova, Anna S. Derbeneva, Ida F. Nikulich, Mikhail S. Tarasov, Vasiliy A. Devyatkin, Yulia Rumyantseva, Darya Telegina, Nataliya G. Kolosova
Summary: The study evaluated the association between polymorphisms in genes related to the complement system and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and its treatment response biomarkers. The results showed that certain gene polymorphisms were associated with the risk of nAMD and treatment response.
Article
Ophthalmology
Regina Lukacs, Miklos Schneider, Zoltan Zsolt Nagy, Gabor Laszlo Sandor, Kinga Kaan, Antonia Asztalos, Lajos Enyedi, Gyorgy Pek, Gyorgy Barcsay, Antal Szabo, Agnes Borbandy, Illes Kovacs, Miklos Denes Resch, Andras Papp
Summary: This study assessed the long-term benefits of intensive aflibercept and ranibizumab anti-VEGF therapy in patients with exudative AMD. The results showed that both treatments can maintain or improve visual acuity in the long term, but prolonged intensive therapy and regular follow-up are necessary.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nan-Ni Chen, Chau-Yin Chen, Jin-Jhe Wang, Heng-Chiao Huang, Wei-Dar Chen, Ching-Lung Chen, Yao-Hsu Yang, Meng-Hung Lin, Ting-Yu Kuo, Chien-Hsiung Lai
Summary: This study investigated the outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment in patients with exudative AMD with or without OSA. The results showed that patients with OSA had a higher rate of subretinal fluid resorption compared to patients without OSA, but there were no significant differences in other imaging biomarkers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Liangbo L. Shen, Mengyuan Sun, Aneesha Ahluwalia, Michael M. Park, Benjamin K. Young, Eleonora M. Lad, Cynthia Toth, Lucian Del Priore
Summary: This study tracked the progression of eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) involving the central 1 mm diameter zone and found that the central residual effective radius (CRER) declined linearly over approximately 13 years. This finding suggests that CRER could serve as an anatomical endpoint in future clinical trials aiming to preserve the central zone.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oyuna S. Kozhevnikova, Anzhella Zh. Fursova, Anna S. Derbeneva, Ida F. Nikulich, Vasiliy A. Devyatkin, Nataliya G. Kolosova
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphic markers of MTOR, SQSTM1, ULK1, MAP1LC3A, and ATG5 genes and the development of nAMD and the response to anti-VEGF therapy. The study found that MTOR gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of nAMD, and SQSTM1-rs10277 and ULK1-rs3088051 may influence the short-term response to anti-VEGF treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Wichrowska, Slawomir Liberski, Anna Rzeszotarska, Przemyslaw Wichrowski, Jaroslaw Kociecki
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) in eyes affected by wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) treated with anti-VEGF, and compare it with the control group of eyes affected by early stages of dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). The study found that the GCL was thinner in the wAMD group compared to the dAMD group, while there were no significant differences in RNFL thickness. The number of injections received was found to have a significant correlation with layer thickness, and age over 73 was identified as a significant factor affecting RNFL thickness in both groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Bernadetta Platkowska-Adamska, Agnieszka Bociek, Joanna Krupinska, Magdalena Kal, Michal Biskup, Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk, Dominik Odrobina
Summary: The activity of exudative AMD did not deteriorate after administration of the BNT162b2 vaccine, as observed in this study.
Review
Ophthalmology
Marco Rispoli, Gilda Cennamo, Luca Di Antonio, Marco Lupidi, Mariacristina Parravano, Marco Pellegrini, Daniele Veritti, Stela Vujosevic, Maria Cristina Savastano
Summary: This article provides an overview of current macular imaging techniques and describes the biomarkers that may be useful in the routine management of macular diseases, particularly exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The authors discuss the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) in macular imaging, classification of exudative AMD, and biomarkers in structural OCT and OCTA. The integration of technologically-advanced imaging equipment with AI software is expected to enhance patient care in the future.
SURVEY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Cristina Savastano, Clara Rizzo, Gloria Gambini, Alfonso Savastano, Benedetto Falsini, Daniela Bacherini, Carmela Grazia Caputo, Raphael Kilian, Francesco Faraldi, Umberto De Vico, Stanislao Rizzo
Summary: Using full-range optical coherence tomography angiography, it was found that choriocapillaris vascular density is significantly reduced in patients with exudative AMD. There was no significant correlation between macular neovascularization and choriocapillaris VD.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shinichiro Chujo, Hisashi Matsubara, Yoshitsugu Matsui, Masahiko Sugimoto, Mineo Kondo
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine if atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), which meets the criteria for suspension of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment, is associated with anti-VEGF treatments. The results indicated that the expansion rate of RPE atrophy did not differ significantly between eyes that continued anti-VEGF treatment and those that suspended treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Vicente Agullo, Raul Dominguez-Perles, Diego A. Moreno, Pilar Zafrilla, Cristina Garcia-Viguera
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Marhuenda, Debora Villano, Raul Arcusa, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: Melatonin is a hormone secreted in the pineal gland that regulates circadian sleep cycles and has various beneficial effects on health. Its presence in beverages like wine and beer can lead to significant plasma concentrations and exert antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective actions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Angel Carrillo, Raul Arcusa, Maria Pilar Zafrilla, Javier Marhuenda
Summary: The study involving 108 healthy volunteers over a 16-week consumption period showed significant improvements in cognitive function by consuming a micronized fruit and vegetable-based preparation, particularly in areas such as short-term memory, verbal and non-verbal memory.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raul Arcusa, Juan Angel Carrillo, Raquel Xandri-Martinez, Begona Cerda, Debora Villano, Javier Marhuenda, Maria Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: The study investigated the effects of a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical on oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. Results showed significant reductions in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-alpha, sTNFR1, and CRP levels, with the most notable decreases observed in OxLDL and CRP. Additionally, catecholamines, especially dopamine, increased after administration of the nutraceutical, indicating potential improvements in health parameters.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Debora Villano, Pilar Zafrilla, Cristina Garcia-Viguera, Raul Dominguez-Perles
Summary: The study aims to develop a robust methodology for the identification and quantification of active and inactive forms of incretins GLP-1 and GIP in human plasma. Utilizing UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS technology, the methodology demonstrates good linearity and low limits of detection and quantification for each analyte. The research validated the methodology in a clinical trial with overweight subjects, showing its effectiveness in monitoring changes in plasma concentration of GLP-1 and GIP in response to a sucrose sweetened beverage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raul Arcusa, Juan Angel Carrillo, Begona Cerda, Thierry Durand, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Sonia Medina, Jean-Marie Galano, Debora Villano Valencia, Javier Marhuenda, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: This study investigated the effects of polyphenolic extract in the form of a nutraceutical on inflammation, measured using urine markers. The results showed that the consumption of the extract led to a reduction in pro-inflammatory oxylipins and an increase in anti-inflammatory PGE(2) compared to placebo.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pura Ballester, Begona Cerda, Raul Arcusa, Javier Marhuenda, Karen Yamedjeu, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can alleviate symptoms of certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The bioactive compounds of ginger, including 6-shoagol, zingerone, and 8-shoagol, show promising results in human and animal models.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose Maria Zarauz, Pilar Zafrilla, Pura Ballester, Begona Cerda
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the different factors contributing to irrational use of antibiotics and the emergence of bacterial resistance in community pharmacies, including patients, providers, and pharmacists. The findings showed that patients still request antibiotics without a prescription, and there is inadequate adherence to antibiotic treatment. Additionally, although many patients have leftover medications at home, only a small percentage actually recycle them.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raul Arcusa, Juan Angel Carillo, Begona Cerda, Thierry Durand, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Sonia Medina, Jean-Marie Galano, Maria Pilar Zafrilla, Javier Marhuenda
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of long-term consumption of high polyphenolic content from fruits and vegetables (such as berries) as a nutraceutical against central nervous system lipid peroxidation, as assessed through urine biomarkers. The results showed significant reductions in AdA and DHA-derived metabolites after consumption of the nutraceutical, indicating its effectiveness in preventing CNS lipid peroxidation.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ana Maria Garcia-Munoz, Desiree Victoria-Montesinos, Begona Cerda, Pura Ballester, Eloisa Maria de Velasco, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: The visibility of Rare Diseases poses a new challenge for society. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis on the adherence to medication in the most prevalent rare diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pura Ballester, Begona Cerda, Raul Arcusa, Ana Maria Garcia-Munoz, Javier Marhuenda, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases, especially in elder populations. These diseases become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one's diet that can prevent oxidative stress.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura de Miguel, Pura Ballester, Cecilia Egoavil, Maria Luisa Sanchez-Ocana, Ana Maria Garcia-Munoz, Begona Cerda, Pilar Zafrilla, Enrique Ramos, Ana M. Peiro
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of pharmacogenetic markers on the prevention of adverse events (AEs) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). The results showed a significant correlation between the DOP2 genotype and neurological AEs, suggesting that studying this gene could contribute to the safety of prescriptions for this population.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dianna Mayrene Ramirez-Prada, Begona Cerda, Ana Catherine Arevalo, Maria Alejandra Granja, Pilar Zafrilla
Summary: A study was conducted on the blood levels of vitamin D in Colombian girls aged 7 to 10, revealing 51.1% with vitamin D insufficiency and 40% with deficiency. The average calorie intake was lower than recommended, and deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and fiber intake were observed.
ARCHIVOS LATINOAMERICANOS DE NUTRICION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pilar Zafrilla, Hedyeh Masoodi, Begona Cerda, Cristina Garcia-Viguera, Debora Villano
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of different sweeteners added to beverages on antioxidant and inflammatory status. The results showed that sucralose and sucrose consumption led to increased homocysteine levels, while stevia produced an anti-inflammatory response. Further research is needed to clarify the roles of commonly consumed sweeteners in overall health.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
H. Masoodi, D. Villano, P. Zafrilla
