Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria C. Linder
Summary: Ceruloplasmin is the main copper-binding protein in blood, with about half existing in the copper-free form. This has led to misconceptions about other copper-binding proteins and free copper levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lillian M. Toomey, Melissa Papini, Brittney Lins, Alexander J. Wright, Andrew Warnock, Terence McGonigle, Sarah C. Hellewell, Carole A. Bartlett, Chidozie Anyaegbu, Melinda Fitzgerald
Summary: The study showed that cuprizone pellets were more effective than cuprizone powder in inducing demyelinating disease pathology in mice, with better performance in certain indicators. However, both forms had similar effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell dynamics.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Liping Xie, Yanmei Yuan, Simiao Xu, Sijia Lu, Jinyang Gu, Yanping Wang, Yibing Wang, Xianjing Zhang, Suzhen Chen, Jian Li, Junxi Lu, Honglin Sun, Ruixiang Hu, Hailong Piao, Wen Wang, Cunchuan Wang, Jing Wang, Na Li, Morris F. White, Liu Han, Weiping Jia, Ji Miao, Junli Liu
Summary: Copper deficiency is associated with lipid metabolism diseases, and restoring copper through hepatic ceruloplasmin ablation promotes lipid catabolism and improves NAFLD.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Grazyna Gromadzka, Marta Grycan, Adam M. Przybylkowski
Summary: Wilson's disease (WND) is a genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism. Multiple diagnostic tools are available to diagnose and monitor WND. Laboratory tests for copper metabolism disorders play a significant role in diagnosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hassan A. Chami, Mary Ann Kirkconnell Hall
Summary: This case study describes a 50-year-old woman with copper deficiency presenting with neurological symptoms, complicated by the cooccurrence of deficiencies in other vitamins and micronutrients. Despite challenges in diagnosis, neurologic examination and suspicion of micronutrient deficiency led to successful treatment initiation.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hassan A. Chami, Mary Ann Kirkconnell Hall
Summary: This case report describes a patient with copper deficiency who presented with altered mental status and neurological symptoms, and showed improvement after supplementation.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beata Tarnacka, Anna Jopowicz, Maria Maslinska
Summary: Copper, manganese, and iron are essential elements for appropriate brain development and function, but their imbalance can lead to various neurological conditions. This review focuses on neurological disorders associated with excess copper, iron, and manganese, and discusses the diagnosis and potential treatment of these disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Xingzong Sun, Menghan Qian, Hongliang Li, Lei Wang, Yunjie Zhao, Min Yin, Lili Dai, Hongkun Bao
Summary: This study reveals the important regulatory role of FKBP5 in multiple sclerosis through the regulation of mitophagy via PPAR-γ, providing potential targets for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Michael S. Wolf, Mioara D. Manole, Lee Ann New, Yaming Chen, Elif Soysal, Patrick M. Kochanek, Hulya Bayir, Robert S. B. Clark
Summary: Research shows that ascorbate-deficient juvenile ODS rats are resistant to neurodegeneration after asphyxial cardiac arrest, possibly due to the upregulation of the endogenous antioxidant GSH in the brain.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Cendrowska-Pinkosz, Magdalena Krauze, Jerzy Juskiewicz, Bartosz Fotschki, Katarzyna Ognik
Summary: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different forms and dosages of copper on neurodegenerative markers in the brain and jejunum. The experiment involved feeding male Wistar rats a rat diet with two CuCO3 dosages and two CuNP dosages. Nanoparticles reduced the level of GAChE, increased the levels of AChE and LRP1, and decreased β-amyloid and Tau protein in both the brain and intestine of rats. The highest levels of beneficial markers and lowest levels of toxic markers were observed in rats receiving a standard dose of Cu.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosanna Squitti, Claudio Catalli, Laura Gigante, Massimo Marianetti, Mattia Rosari, Stefania Mariani, Serena Bucossi, Gioia Mastromoro, Mariacarla Ventriglia, Ilaria Simonelli, Vincenzo Tondolo, Parminder Singh, Ashok Kumar, Amit Pal, Mauro Rongioletti
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a type of dementia, has an unclear cause. A meta-analysis confirmed the involvement of copper (Cu) in AD, showing decreased Cu levels in AD brain specimens and increased Cu levels in serum/plasma samples. Non-bound ceruloplasmin Cu (non-Cp Cu) was proposed as a biomarker for a Cu subtype of AD (CuAD subtype). Evaluating non-Cp Cu reliability in classifying AD subtypes based on cognitive profiles confirmed its significance and identified potential therapeutic options.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui-Ting Huang, Shun-Fen Tzeng
Summary: Our study demonstrates the role of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in a demyelinating mouse model induced by cuprizone (CPZ), showing that IL-33 can alleviate the reduction of APC+ OLs and the decline of IL-33 levels in the corpus callosum, and promote the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP).
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi Lu, Xing Wei, Mingli Chen, Jianhua Wang
Summary: In this study, dendritic spherical silica particles functionalized with EDTA (DMSPs-EDTA) were developed as efficient adsorbents for NCBC extraction. By hyphenating with ICP-MS detection, NCBC can be detected with a limit of detection of 1.3 pmol, and the concentration of total copper can also be measured. The analysis of serum from a healthy subject showed 1.8 μmol/L of NCBC and 9.5 μmol/L of total copper.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Intakhar Ahmad, Stig Wergeland, Eystein Oveland, Lars Bo
Summary: This study found that CHI3L1 is associated with neuronal deterioration, pre-lesion pathology, and inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikoleta Kircheva, Silvia Angelova, Stefan Dobrev, Vladislava Petkova, Valya Nikolova, Todor Dudev
Summary: Silver biochemistry is linked to copper in biological systems, but copper is essential in many organisms while no known biological process requires silver. This study aims to evaluate the factors controlling the competition between silver and copper in T1Cu proteins. The results show the susceptibility of T1Cu proteins to silver attack, which provides important insights into the metabolism and biotransformation of silver in organisms.
Correction
Chemistry, Physical
Fang Luo, Aaron Roy, Luca Silvioli, David A. Cullen, Andrea Zitolo, Moulay Tahar Sougrati, Ismail Can Oguz, Tzonka Mineva, Detre Teschner, Stephan Wagner, Ju Wen, Fabio Dionigi, Ulrike I. Kramm, Jan Rossmeisl, Frederic Jaouen, Peter Strasser
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Pavan, Anna Bianchi, Giada Botti, Luca Ferraro, Maria Chiara Valerii, Enzo Spisni, Alessandro Dalpiaz
Summary: Eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and D-limonene, the main components of natural essential oils, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can have beneficial effects on the intestine, heart, and nervous system. New analytical procedures were developed to study their pharmacokinetics and ability to penetrate the central nervous system in rats. Eugenol showed the highest permeability in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), while cinnamaldehyde could only reach the CSF through intravenous administration and limonene had no ability to penetrate the CSF. Eugenol also increased cell viability and induced dopamine release, suggesting potential beneficial effects against Parkinson's disease after oral administration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Stefania Murzilli, Vincenzo Mirone, Marta Micheletto, Erik Tedesco, Giovanni Di Maira, Federico Benetti, Arianna Vanelli
Summary: The role of bacterial infection in prostate inflammation is underestimated by the scientific community. Macrophages play a major role in bacterial prostatitis by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes, which facilitate the invasion of other immune cells. A formulation composed of active principles and a probiotic strain was found to reduce the inflammatory response induced by bacterial infection in an in vitro model of bacterial prostatitis. The formulation was able to modulate activated macrophages and decrease the expression of key proinflammatory cytokines, making it a valuable tool for preventing bacterial prostatitis and promoting prostate health.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Francesco Tavani, Matteo Busato, Daniele Veclani, Luca Braglia, Silvia Mauri, Piero Torelli, Paola D'Angelo
Summary: In this work, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) combined with multivariate curve resolution, molecular dynamics, and XAS theoretical methods is used to investigate the interaction between water vapor and the MgCl2 surface. The study confirms previous theoretical predictions and reveals that water preferentially adsorbs on five-coordinated Mg2+ sites in an octahedral configuration. It also demonstrates that MgCl2 can retain a significant amount of adsorbed water even at high temperatures. This research provides valuable experimental insights into the surface affinity of MgCl2 for atmospheric water and offers a sensitive technique for studying interfacial chemical processes on low-Z metal based surfaces.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Javier Quilez-Bermejo, Sergio Garcia-Dali, Ayoub Daouli, Andrea Zitolo, Rafael L. S. Canevesi, Melanie Emo, Maria T. Izquierdo, Michael Badawi, Alain Celzard, Vanessa Fierro
Summary: In this study, single atoms and nanoclusters of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, and Mn were embedded in a well-defined C1N1-type material with internal cavities of approximately 0.6 nm. The nucleation of different metal nanoclusters was achieved by forming metal-nitrogen bonds on four N atoms. After pyrolysis, TM@CNx-type structures were obtained, where TM represents the transition metal and x<1. Fe@CNx and Co@CNx showed promising performance in oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction respectively, with a Pt-like performance, while Ni@CNx exhibited the highest activity in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an E-OER of 1.59 V versus RHE, surpassing the commercial IrO2 (E-OER = 1.72 V). This systematic and benchmarking study provides a basis for the future design of advanced multi-functional electrocatalysts by modulating and combining the metallic nature of nanoclusters and single atoms.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Horie Adabi, Abolfazl Shakouri, Andrea Zitolo, Tristan Asset, Anastassiya Khan, Jasmine Bohannon, Raphael Chattot, Christopher Williams, Frederic Jaouen, John R. Regalbuto, William E. Mustain
Summary: To reduce PGM loading in AEMFCs, low-PGM Pt and PtRu catalysts were prepared using a new CST method, which allows for a high density of small multi atom clusters. The catalysts were characterized and tested for their activity both ex-situ and in operating AEMFCs. The PGM loading was reduced by 14 times while achieving comparable performance to commercial catalysts. AEMFCs with ultralow PGM loading (0.05 mg(PGM) cm(-2)) achieved a specific power of 25 W/mg(PGM) (40 W/mg(Pt)) by using PtRu anodes paired with Fe-N-C cathodes.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Truzzi, Anne Whittaker, Eros D'Amen, Maria Chiara Valerii, Veronika Abduazizova, Enzo Spisni, Giovanni Dinelli
Summary: Increases in non-communicable and auto-immune diseases have led to research on natural products and the interrelationship between autophagy and inflammation. The study investigates the effects of wheat-germ spermidine and clove eugenol combination supplement on inflammation and autophagy. Results show that the supplement reduces ROS levels and midkine expression, stimulates autophagy, and improves intestinal health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gael Giraudon-Colas, Stephanie Devineau, Laurent Marichal, Elodie Barruet, Andrea Zitolo, Jean-Philippe Renault, Serge Pin
Summary: The adsorption of proteins on surfaces and its relationship with the structural and functional properties of the adsorbed protein and the adsorption mechanism were studied using hemoglobin adsorbed on silica nanoparticles. It was found that hemoglobin's affinity towards oxygen increased with adsorption, but there were no significant changes in the quaternary and secondary structures. The focus of this work was on the active sites of hemoglobin, the heme and its iron, and it was found that the modifications in the heme pocket environment due to changes in the angles of the heme vinyl functions could explain the greater affinity observed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Paparoni, Emin Mijit, Hamideh Darjazi, Francesco Nobili, Andrea Zitolo, Andrea Di Cicco, Rahul Parmar, Roberto Gunnella, S. Javad Rezvani
Summary: The protective coating of alumina has been proven to improve the performance efficiency of LiMn2O4 cathodes in battery devices. The mechanism of the coating's effect on electrode performance improvement is still unclear. This study investigates the effects of alumina coating on the structural dynamics of active materials and the solid electrolyte interface. It is demonstrated that the coating successfully inhibits Mn3+ disproportionation and degradation of the active material.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Stefano Santabarbara, Alessandro Agostini, Anastasia A. A. Petrova, Marco Bortolus, Anna Paola Casazza, Donatella Carbonera
Summary: Photo-induced triplet states in the thylakoid membranes of Acaryocholoris marina, a cyanobacterium with Chl d as its main chromophore, were investigated using ODMR and TR-EPR. Four Chl d triplet populations were detected under ambient redox conditions, and-T3 became dominant after illumination with TMPD and ascorbate. Another triplet population -T4 was also observed with an intensity ratio of 1:4 compared to -T3. TR-EPR experiments indicated that these triplets were formed by intersystem crossing and bleached the P-740 singlet state in the PSI reaction center.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alessandro Tofoni, Francesco Tavani, Ingmar Persson, Paola D'Angelo
Summary: Phosphorus K-edge XANES spectroscopy is commonly used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of phosphorus speciation. However, the data analysis is often qualitative and lacks quantitative structural and electronic information. In this study, we conducted a theoretical investigation and found that different coordination shells of phosphorus contribute to distinct features in the XANES spectra. We also provided a rationalization of the observed transitions in the spectra through density of states calculations. The results show excellent agreement with experimental data and enable accurate interpretation of the observed transitions.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Busato, Paola D'Angelo, Andrea Lapi, Francesco Tavani, Daniele Veclani, Marilena Tolazzi, Andrea Melchior
Summary: The solvation of the Ag+ ion in the [C4mim][BF4] ionic liquid has been investigated using experimental and theoretical methods. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations revealed a coordination structure where the Ag+ ion is coordinated by an average of four [BF4]- anions. The solvational equilibrium and the solvation thermodynamic parameters were also studied.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang Luo, Aaron Roy, Moulay Tahar Sougrati, Anastassiya Khan, David A. Cullen, Xingli Wang, Mathias Primbs, Andrea Zitolo, Frederic Jaouen, Peter Strasser
Summary: Although the site density of FeSnNC and FeCoNC catalysts is lower than that of FeNC and SnNC catalysts, the bimetallic catalysts show higher mass activity in the oxygen reduction reaction due to a larger turnover frequency. The coexistence of Fe-N-x and Sn-N-x or Co-N-x sites was confirmed by electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, while no evidence was found for binuclear Fe-M-N-x sites. Fe-57 Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that the addition of the secondary metal favored the formation of D1 sites, which are associated with a higher turnover frequency.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Madeleine Han, Isabel Gomez-Recio, Daniel Gutierrez Martin, Nathaly Ortiz Pena, Maria Luisa Ruiz-Gonzalez, Mohamed Selmane, Jose M. Gonzalez-Calbet, Ovidiu Ersen, Andrea Zitolo, Benedikt Lassalle-Kaiser, David Portehault, Christel Laberty-Robert
Summary: Manganese and cobalt perovskite oxides are highly active electrocatalysts for ORR and OER. By synthesizing different perovskite nanoparticles and using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, we found that the oxidation states of Mn and Co in single B-site perovskites change during electrocatalysis, while they remain unchanged in mixed Mn/Co perovskite. This study highlights the importance of cationic composition and vacancy control in tuning oxygen electrocatalysis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Sessa, Matteo Busato, Cecilia Meneghini, Valentina Migliorati, Andrea Lapi, Paola D'Angelo
Summary: A thorough study of La(NO3)3 salt solutions in mixtures of the ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) ionic liquid and water has been conducted using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The composition of the La3+ ion solvation shell undergoes changes as the EAN concentration increases, with the solvation complexes progressively losing water molecules and gaining more nitrate anions. The coordination geometry of the La3+ ion also changes from a tricapped trigonal prismatic to an icosahedral structure as the system composition transitions from pure water to pure EAN.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
