Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angel M. Cuesta, Eunate Gallardo-Vara, Juan Casado-Vela, Lucia Recio-Poveda, Luisa-Maria Botella, Virginia Albinana
Summary: Rare Diseases (RD), although individually may seem insignificant, collectively represent over 7000 different diseases that pose a life-threatening condition for patients. Drug repurposing, an alternative option in drug development, has been identified as a viable strategy to tackle RDs. Propranolol, initially prescribed for hypertension and other conditions, has shown promising therapeutic effects in RDs, including antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic, vasoconstrictor, and anti-inflammatory properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jinhee H. Hwang, John C. Kube, Stephen B. Smith
Summary: The study demonstrated that lubabegron fumarate acts as an antagonist to beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in subcutaneous adipocytes and exhibits different responses to beta-AA and LUB in subcutaneous and intramuscular adipocytes.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Alexander K. Johnson, Ellen L. Lorimer, Aniko Szabo, Ruizhe Wu, Nirav N. Shah, Anita D'Souza, Saurabh Chhabra, Mehdi Hamadani, Binod Dhakal, Parameswaran Hari, Sridhar Rao, Karen Carlson, Carol L. Williams, Jennifer M. Knight
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the nonselective beta-antagonist propranolol on the expression and prenylation of Rap1A and Rap1B during neutrophil and platelet engraftment in patients receiving autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. The results suggest a greater regulatory role for Rap1B than Rap1A in platelet engraftment, and a possible role for beta-adrenergic signaling in modulating Rap1B function during HCT.
YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Virginia Albinana, Eunate Gallardo-Vara, Juan Casado-Vela, Lucia Recio-Poveda, Luisa Maria Botella, Angel M. Cuesta
Summary: Research on cancer therapies focuses on various processes influenced by the cellular and molecular microenvironment of the tumor. Different strategies, including the use of propranolol, have been tested to reduce malignancy and create a harmful microenvironment for the tumor. Propranolol has shown antitumoral properties and synergistic effects when used in combination with other drugs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piotr Chmielarz, Justyna Kusmierczyk, Katarzyna Rafa-Zablocka, Katarzyna Chorazka, Marta Kowalska, Grzegorz Satala, Irena Nalepa
Summary: The study demonstrated a complex and subtype-specific modulation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by different groups of antidepressants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikola Tatalovic, Teodora Vidonja Uzelac, Zorana Orescanin Dusic, Aleksandra Nikolic-Kokic, Mara Bresjanac, Dusko Blagojevic
Summary: The effects of ibogaine on the uterus are mediated by cellular receptors, ATP depletion, ROS production, and elevation of antioxidant enzyme activity. The study showed that ibogaine increased spontaneous activity in the uterus, and this effect was mediated by beta-adrenergic receptors and K-ATP channels. The pro-antioxidant effectiveness of ibogaine is linked to these cellular mechanisms.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luca Filippi, Maurizio Cammalleri, Rosario Amato, Massimiliano Ciantelli, Alessandro Pini, Paola Bagnoli, Massimo Dal Monte
Summary: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a progressive eye disease without proven conservative therapy. Premature exposure to high oxygen levels outside the womb is the main cause of ROP. While initial ischemia plays a role in the disease process, subsequent hypoxia increases proangiogenic factors and leads to proliferative retinopathy. Recent research has shown the potential for pharmacological modulation of the oxygen-vascularization relationship in ROP, shifting from a defensive to an attack strategy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher L. Moore, David S. Henry, Samantha J. McClenahan, Kelly K. Ball, Nancy J. Rusch, Sung W. Rhee
Summary: Research indicates that beta-blockers may impair cerebral blood flow under certain conditions by affecting vasodilator responses of cerebral arteries. Metoprolol, a commonly prescribed beta 1AR-selective antagonist, not only attenuates heart stimulation but also eliminates vasodilator responses to adrenergic stimuli in rat cerebral arteries, potentially predisposing to ischemic stroke.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Florence P. Varodayan, Reesha R. Patel, Alessandra Matzeu, Sarah A. Wolfe, Dallece E. Curley, Sophia Khom, Pauravi J. Gandhi, Larry Rodriguez, Michal Bajo, Shannon D'Ambrosio, Hui Sun, Tony M. Kerr, Rueben A. Gonzales, Lorenzo Leggio, Luis A. Natividad, Carolina L. Haass-Koffler, Remi Martin-Fardon, Marisa Roberto
Summary: This study sheds light on the crucial role of adrenergic receptors in the central amygdala (CeA) in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and uncovers the mechanisms underlying the association between specific adrenergic receptors and AUD. These findings are significant for the development of novel medications for the treatment of AUD.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Katarina Mars, John Wallert, Claes Held, Sophia Humphries, Ronnie Pingel, Tomas Jernberg, Erik M. G. Olsson, Robin Hofmann
Summary: This study investigated the long-term cardiovascular event risk in MI patients with different doses of beta-blockers. The results showed that there was no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients treated with >= 50% of the target dose and those with <50%. Further contemporary randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal dose of beta-blockers after MI.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-ACUTE CARDIOVASCULAR CARE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Anthony S. Rauhut
Summary: The contribution of the beta-adrenergic receptor system in mediating the unconditioned and conditioned hyperactive effects of methamphetamine was examined. The results showed that propranolol dose-dependently blocked the hyperactive effects of methamphetamine, indicating a role for the beta-adrenergic system in mediating these effects.
BEHAVIOURAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Mohamad Goldust, Zoe Apalla, Jacek C. Szepietowski, Mrinal Gupta, Torello Lotti
Summary: Melanoma, a common tumor with increasing global incidence, is managed using various treatment modalities such as surgical excision, targeted molecular therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Studies have shown that beta-blockers may reduce recurrence and improve overall survival in metastatic melanoma as an additional supportive treatment option, but further research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety profile.
JOURNAL OF DRUGS IN DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alhanoof Abdulhakeem Hazazi, Hetaf Hussain Alhakami, Fatimah Hamad Alyami, Al Sharyah Salem S. Mohammed, Abdullah Ahmed Almalki, Rawan Obaid Almutairi, Khalid Hussain Alhasani, Abdulmohsen Abdulkareem Altwaijri, Abdullah Yahya Majrashi, Mujahid Abdulrahman Aljohani
Summary: Migraine is a common neurological disorder, and preventive treatment with beta-blockers is widely used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Arthur C. Francisco, Wanessa M. C. Awata, Thauann S. Lima, Simone R. Potje, Clare C. Prohaska, Carla S. Ceron, Gabriel T. do Vale
Summary: The efficiency of blood flow from the heart depends on its electrical properties, with myocardial electrical activity playing a crucial role. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that disrupts electromechanical function and increases the risk of stroke and death. The mechanisms underlying AF involve changes in ion channel expression and function. Beta-blockers, particularly second and third generation, show promising results in treating AF and reducing the risk of postoperative AF without adverse effects. The new beta-blocker landilol has also shown efficacy in clinical trials.
CURRENT HYPERTENSION REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Letizia Porcelli, Annalisa Mazzotta, Marianna Garofoli, Roberta Di Fonte, Gabriella Guida, Michele Guida, Stefania Tommasi, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: The crosstalk between Notch and MAPK pathway is involved in MEK inhibitor resistance in metastatic melanoma and promotes migration in uveal melanoma cells. The combination of MEK and Notch inhibitors shows synergistic effects in some cells and antagonistic effects in others. In uveal melanoma cells, the combination therapy can block cell migration towards liver cancer cells and induce cells into a senescent-like state.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona De Summa, Antonio Palazzo, Mariapia Caputo, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Brunella Pilato, Letizia Porcelli, Stefania Tommasi, Angelo Virgilio Paradiso, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: This study aimed to stratify prostate cancer patients better by selecting long non-coding RNAs, identifying potential prognostic biomarkers and factors related to patient survival outcomes. Through feature selection and co-expression analysis, various long non-coding RNAs showed significant correlations with potentially druggable pathways in prostate cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sabino Strippoli, Annarita Fanizzi, Antonio Negri, Davide Quaresmini, Annalisa Nardone, Andrea Armenio, Angela Monica Sciacovelli, Raffaella Massafra, Ivana De Risi, Giacoma De Tullio, Anna Albano, Michele Guida
Summary: The study investigated the role of circulating CD4-/CD8- double-negative T cells (DNTs) in the immune response to melanoma in patients treated with checkpoint blockade. Results showed that better treatment outcomes were associated with certain clinical features and immune cell levels, such as normal LDH levels, fewer metastatic sites, and higher lymphocyte counts. The decrease in DNT cells and increase in lymphocyte count were significantly correlated with achieving an overall response to treatment.
Article
Oncology
Katia Danza, Letizia Porcelli, Simona De Summa, Roberta Di Fonte, Brunella Pilato, Rosanna Lacalamita, Simona Serrati, Amalia Azzariti, Stefania Tommasi
Summary: ERRα plays a role in the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines and as a regulator of the VDR pathway, affecting cell cycle arrest and regulating gene expression. In breast cancer, overexpression of VDR, CYP24A1, and ERRα is associated with poor prognosis.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Letizia Porcelli, Michele Guida, Simona De Summa, Roberta Di Fonte, Ivana De Risi, Marianna Garofoli, Mariapia Caputo, Antonio Negri, Sabino Strippoli, Simona Serrati, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: Higher levels of tumor-derived, DC-derived, and CD8(+) T cell-derived uPAR(+) EVs are associated with resistance to immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma patients. Lower levels of uPAR(+) EVs from CD8(+) T cells and DCs are correlated with better survival outcomes.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Michele Manganelli, Stefania Guida, Anna Ferretta, Giovanni Pellacani, Letizia Porcelli, Amalia Azzariti, Gabriella Guida
Summary: Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are the most frequent cancers of the skin in white populations, with risk factors including ultraviolet exposure and genetic background. Despite advances in diagnosis, NMSC remains the most common malignancy in humans, and melanoma continues to show increasing incidence and poor prognosis when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Efforts are needed to better understand the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of melanoma and NMSCs for improved patient management.
Article
Oncology
Simona Serrati, Letizia Porcelli, Francesco Fragassi, Marianna Garofoli, Roberta Di Fonte, Livia Fucci, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Antonio Palazzo, Francesca Margheri, Grazia Cristiani, Anna Albano, Raffaele De Luca, Donato Francesco Altomare, Michele Simone, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: Evolving evidence suggests that cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in facilitating directional metastasis in colorectal cancer to the peritoneal surface. These EVs can induce cell apoptosis, reduce invasiveness, and promote tumor invasion. Additionally, mesothelial cells release EVs that contribute to tumor invasion and trigger pro-invasive systems in tumor cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ilaria Arduino, Zehua Liu, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Angela Assunta Lopedota, Antonio Lopalco, Annalisa Cutrignelli, Valentino Laquintana, Letizia Porcelli, Amalia Azzariti, Massimo Franco, Helder A. Santos, Nunzio Denora
Summary: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) can effectively deliver drugs, and their production through microfluidics enables continuous and replicable manufacturing. Surface functionalized SLNs with iRGD peptide show enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Ilaria Arduino, Roberta Di Fonte, Angela Assunta Lopedota, Simona Serrati, Giuseppe Racaniello, Viviana Bruno, Valentino Laquintana, Byung-Chul Lee, Nicola Silvestris, Francesco Leonetti, Nunzio Denora, Letizia Porcelli, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: This research presents a new potential therapeutic approach for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by developing a double actively targeted gemcitabine delivery system. The study demonstrates that the pH-responsive and uPAR-targeted polymeric micelles can enhance the antitumor properties of gemcitabine and potentially overcome drug resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Annamaria Pratelli, Maria Stella Lucente, Marco Cordisco, Stefano Ciccarelli, Roberta Di Fonte, Alessio Sposato, Viviana Mari, Paolo Capozza, Francesco Pellegrini, Grazia Carelli, Amalia Azzariti, Canio Buonavoglia
Summary: The study described the evolution of a bovine coronavirus (BCoV) natural infection in a calf persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The co-infection resulted in increased monocytes and CD8(+) subpopulations, as well as prolonged viral shedding and high antibody titers. It is suggested that BVDV may have exacerbated the BCoV infection and favored the development of genetic mutations, potentially influencing the viral excretion pattern and genetic variation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Serrati, Antonio Palazzo, Annamaria Lapenna, Helena Mateos, Antonia Mallardi, Rene Massimiliano Marsano, Alessandra Quarta, Mario Del Rosso, Amalia Azzariti
Summary: The role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication has been re-evaluated, and developing faster, cheaper isolation protocols for EVs is crucial. The study found that salting-out method was more efficient in EV separation and protein depletion than ultracentrifugation, highlighting it as a potential alternative method.
Article
Oncology
Valeria Interno, Maria Chiara Sergi, Maria Elvira Metta, Michele Guida, Paolo Trerotoli, Sabino Strippoli, Salvatore Circelli, Camillo Porta, Marco Tucci
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the impact of clinical-pathological features and multimodal therapies on the overall survival of patients with melanoma brain metastases. The results showed that encephalic radiotherapy significantly improved survival, but not for patients with LDH levels higher than two times the upper limit normal. These findings can help guide therapeutic strategies for patients in the worst prognostic subgroup of melanoma brain metastases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Antonio Doronzo, Letizia Porcelli, Donatello Marziliano, Gianfranco Inglese, Antonella Argentiero, Amalia Azzariti, Antonio Giovanni Solimando
Summary: This study analyzed the gene expression differences in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients based on their alcohol consumption history. The findings revealed that alcohol consumption is associated with the activation of the TGF beta pathway, which is implicated in cancer development and tumor progression. Inhibition of this pathway may serve as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)