Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanqi Zhao, Dana V. Devine
Summary: Cold-stored platelets are gaining attention due to their superior hemostatic effectiveness, reduced bacterial growth, and longer shelf lives. However, further experimental studies are needed before reintroducing them in clinical settings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Friederike C. Jentoft
Summary: Deoxydehydration (DODH) is a transformation that converts a vicinal diol into an olefin with the potential to upgrade polyols from biomass to chemicals or fuels. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the literature on DODH, focusing on aspects not extensively discussed in prior reviews, including reaction thermodynamics, catalysts, rate laws, and phase chemistry.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hang Fai Kwok
Summary: A year after the initial outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, several Phase III clinical trials investigating vaccine safety and efficacy have been published. Vaccine candidates developed by different research groups with various technologies, but many questions remain, especially for specific subgroups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Paulina Kazmierska-Grebowska, Maciej M. Jankowski, M. Bruce MacIver
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that HCN channels play a crucial role in controlling various functions such as resting membrane potential, pacemaker activity, memory formation, sleep, and arousal. Dysfunction of these channels may contribute to the development of epilepsy and age-related memory decline. In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease, theta rhythms associated with memory formation could serve as markers of memory disturbances. This review explores the interplay between HCN channels, theta oscillations, memory formation, and their potential role in dementias, specifically Alzheimer's Disease. The findings may have implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating dementia.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gianina-Valentina Bacescu Ene, Daniela Manuc, Anca Bordianu, Doina Adina Todea
Summary: Research on socioeconomic implication models of (re)emerging infectious diseases triggering pandemics has revealed that these models are largely influenced by factors such as infection transmission, type of pathogen, human host, globalization, pollution, fragile health systems, modification of human behaviors, proximity to outbreaks, favorable vectors, and wars or civil revolts. This research aims to answer questions about recent pandemics, their risk factors, socioeconomic impact, and lessons learned. It also examines measures and directions to prevent or stop future outbreaks. By analyzing indicators and human reactions, this research contributes to the development of effective strategies for preventing the transmission of (re)emerging infectious diseases.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Jean-Daniel Bontemps, Henrik Svensmark
Summary: Forest growth changes have been a focus of research since the 1980s, with various environmental factors playing a role. Recent studies have highlighted the impact of neglected factors like galactic cosmic rays and changes in the diffuse fraction of light on forest growth. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of these environmental factors on forests.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Ramazan Ceylan, Sengul Uysal, Eulogio Llorent-Martinez, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Monica Rapino, Alessandra Acquaviva, Maria Loreta Libero, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Lucia Recinella, Sheila Leone, Luigi Brunetti, Amelia Cataldi, Giustino Orlando, Luigi Menghini, Claudio Ferrante, Marwa Balaha, Viviana di Giacomo
Summary: Mentha spicata extracts demonstrated antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, and exhibited neuroprotective effects in HypoE22 cells by preventing hydrogen peroxide-induced dopamine and serotonin degradation. The extracts obtained using acetone/water as a solvent showed the best antioxidant effect and were rich in phenolic compounds.
Review
Neurosciences
Steffy B. Manjila, Rebecca Betty, Yongsoo Kim
Summary: This review integrates the brain wide connectivity of Oxt neurons and their downstream circuits with OxtR expression in mice. It categorizes Oxt connected brain regions into three functional modules that regulate internal state, somatic visceral, and cognitive response, each containing three neural circuits processing distinct behavioral effects.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Patricia Castro-Santos, Angel Carracedo, Roberto Diaz-Pena
Summary: The recent study in Nature by Augusto et al. reveals a strong association between HLA-B*15:01 and asymptomatic COVID-19, making an important contribution to genetics in COVID-19 research.
TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Phoom Narongkiatikhun, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn, Nipon Chattipakorn
Summary: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication among diabetic patients, with most patients progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Alteration of mitochondrial dynamics and dysfunction is characteristic of DKD, potentially leading to residual risks of ESRD.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Joris Blondeel, Diethard Monbaliu, Nicholas Gilbo
Summary: To address the shortage of donor livers, high-risk liver grafts are being considered for transplantation. Traditional preservation methods are inadequate for protecting these grafts and assessing liver function. Dynamic preservation strategies have been proposed to provide protection and allow for functional assessment.
Article
Development Studies
Louise Ashton, Jed Friedman, Diana Goldemberg, Mustafa Zakir Hussain, Thomas Kenyon, Akib Khan, Mo Zhou
Summary: This paper reviews the literature on aid effectiveness and extends the inquiry with new data on World Bank investment projects. It finds that project design is a significant predictor of project success, but other aspects of the development project cycle have been under-investigated.
WORLD BANK RESEARCH OBSERVER
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Saskia Bos, Luke Milross, Andrew J. Filby, Robin Vos, Andrew J. Fisher
Summary: Lung transplantation is the best treatment for patients with end-stage lung diseases, but chronic lung allograft dysfunction remains a major obstacle to long-term outcomes. Apart from cellular immune responses, various complex mechanisms, including immune-related mechanisms and non-immune injuries, as well as autoimmune responses, are involved in lung allograft rejection.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Mila Gugnoni, Eugenia Lorenzini, Italo Faria do Valle, Daniel Remondini, Gastone Castellani, Federica Torricelli, Elisabetta Sauta, Benedetta Donati, Moira Ragazzi, Francesco Ghini, Simonetta Piana, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Gloria Manzotti
Summary: This study validated specific gene signatures in the transition from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and identified the E2F7 gene as a key player in this process. Down-regulation of E2F7 reduced the aggressiveness of ATC cells.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Dorte Frees, Hanne Ingmer
Summary: The division of bacterial cells into two daughter cells requires the coordination of multiple conserved proteins. This study identifies a novel cell division protein, SmdA, in spherical bacteria and investigates its role in cell division.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariangela Pucci, Elizabeta Zaplatic, Maria Vittoria Micioni Di Bonaventura, Emanuela Micioni Di Bonaventura, Paolo De Cristofaro, Mauro Maccarrone, Carlo Cifani, Claudio D'Addario
Summary: Different neuromodulatory systems, particularly the endocannabinoid system, are involved in long-term energy balance and body weight regulation. Further investigation on the transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding type-1 cannabinoid receptors is essential in understanding the development of obesity and eating disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuele Criscuolo, Maria Laura De Sciscio, Filomena Fezza, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Research suggests that the therapeutic efficacy of compounds targeted towards FAAH should be tested in vitro on both rat and human enzymes.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Mauro Maccarrone, Cinzia Rapino, Felice Francavilla, Arcangelo Barbonetti
Summary: Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids can affect various aspects of human male reproduction. Preclinical studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is involved in negative modulation of testosterone secretion, but the effect of cannabinoids on spermatogenesis remains a matter of debate. A better understanding of the complex crosstalk between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids may enable targeting the ECS for modulation of human fertility.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Lucia Scipioni, Francesca Ciaramellano, Veronica Carnicelli, Alessandro Leuti, Anna Rita Lizzi, Noemi De Dominicis, Sergio Oddi, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: This article reviews the role of microglial cells in chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the involvement of endocannabinoids in regulating their activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Navarini, Marta Vomero, Stefano Di Donato, Damiano Currado, Onorina Berardicurti, Annalisa Marino, Pietro Bearzi, Alice Biaggi, Matteo Ferrito, Piero Ruscitti, Marina Fava, Alessandro Leuti, Paola Cipriani, Mauro Maccarrone, Roberto Giacomelli
Summary: This study found that 2-AG modulates the production of type 2 interferon in CD4+ T lymphocytes from SLE patients through CB2 activation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Tortolani, Camilla Di Meo, Sara Standoli, Francesca Ciaramellano, Salam Kadhim, Eric Hsu, Cinzia Rapino, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Rare cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids (pCBs) have therapeutic potential in skin disorders and their anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in this study. The experiment involved using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and measuring the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukins. The results showed that pCBs significantly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins and modulated MAPK signaling, suggesting their potential as a treatment for inflammation-related skin pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Francesca Liberatore, Nico Antenucci, Daniel Tortolani, Giada Mascio, Federico Fanti, Manuel Sergi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Valeria Bruno, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Mauro Maccarrone, Serena Notartomaso
Summary: Research has shown that using mGlu1 receptor PAM can partially correct learning deficits in SCA1 mouse models, restore memory retention, and increase levels of endocannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Standoli, Cinzia Rapino, Camilla Di Meo, Agnes Rudowski, Nicole Kaempfer-Kolb, Luisa Michelle Volk, Dominique Thomas, Sandra Trautmann, Yannick Schreiber, Dagmar Meyer zu Heringdorf, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, have important roles in brain homeostasis and various neurological diseases. This study investigates the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate system in microglia. The results reveal that inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme and activating the cannabinoid 2 receptor have anti-inflammatory effects and prevent the transcription of pro-inflammatory SphK1 and SphK2 in microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide. The findings suggest the development of inhibitors for these enzymes as potential treatments for neuroinflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annamaria Tisi, Giulia Carozza, Alessandro Leuti, Rita Maccarone, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: The study investigates the alterations of RvE1 metabolism and signaling in an animal model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and suggests a potentially relevant role of this pathway in AMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianna Rossi, Valentina Di Nisio, Alessandro Chiominto, Sandra Cecconi, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of the main receptors and metabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoid system in the ovaries, oviducts, and uteri of mice at different reproductive stages. The results showed that TRPV1 receptor had the highest expression and significantly increased during aging, while NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and DAGL-beta enzymes were the most expressed in these organs and increased with age. Immunohistochemistry revealed the distribution of these proteins in specific cells in each organ. These findings provide new insights into the role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproduction and its therapeutic potential.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Lipids, traditionally known for their role as metabolic fuel and structural membrane components, have been found to act as authentic messengers between cells and regulate various biological processes in the body. This article focuses on endogenous bioactive lipids, particularly those derived from arachidonic acid (AA), and their interactions with other lipids, enzymes, and receptors. The metabolic and signal transduction pathways of classical eicosanoids, endocannabinoids, specialized pro-resolving mediators, and other bioactive lipids such as shingosine-1-phosphate and steroid hormones will be discussed.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mauro Maccarrone, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Jurg Gertsch, Uwe Grether, Allyn C. Howlett, Tian Hua, Alexandros Makriyannis, Daniele Piomelli, Natsuo Ueda, Mario van der Stelt
Summary: Marijuana, a widely used recreational drug, has seen a change in risk perception due to its legalization and medical use. Research has shown the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for various diseases, and our body's endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this. Understanding the components and functions of this system can lead to new treatment opportunities.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Giulia Leanza, Caterina Conte, Francesca Cannata, Camilla Isgro, Alessandra Piccoli, Rocky Strollo, Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro, Mauro Maccarrone, Nicola Napoli, Anna Maria Sardanelli
Summary: In this study, the oxidative stress states were compared between postmenopausal women with and without obesity. The results showed that women with obesity had doubled levels of oxidative stress markers compared to women of normal weight. The severity of oxidative stress was correlated with body mass index, visceral fat mass, and trunk fat percentage, but not with fasting glucose levels. These findings suggest that obesity and visceral fat increase oxidative stress in postmenopausal women, potentially increasing the risks of cardiometabolic and cancer diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annamaria Tisi, Sakthimala Palaniappan, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: This article presents the application of advanced omics techniques, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, in cochlear research. The article also introduces the latest technologies, including single-cell omics and spatial omics, for investigating molecular events at a single-cell resolution with spatial information.
Article
Neurosciences
Michela Bossa, Ornella Argento, Chiara Piacentini, Nicola Manocchio, Lucia Scipioni, Sergio Oddi, Mauro Maccarrone, Ugo Nocentini
Summary: This project aims to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of oral administration of N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through cognitive evaluation and biochemical analyses. The specific objectives are to determine whether PEA can affect neuropsychological and behavioral scores, change inflammatory and neuronal damage markers in MCI subjects, and if these changes correlate with clinical scores.
