Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grazia Rutigliano, Andrea Bertolini, Nicoletta Grittani, Sabina Frascarelli, Vittoria Carnicelli, Chiara Ippolito, Stefania Moscato, Letizia Mattii, Claudia Kusmic, Alessandro Saba, Nicola Origlia, Riccardo Zucchi
Summary: Mood alterations, anxiety, and cognitive impairments associated with adult-onset hypothyroidism often persist despite replacement treatment. A study using a pharmacological hypothyroid mouse model found that augmenting levothyroxine (L-T-4) with 3-iodothyronamine (T(1)AM) may improve behavioral correlates of depression, anxiety, and memory and has an effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. However, L-T-4 alone was sufficient for recovering memory and hippocampal neurogenesis deficits associated with hypothyroidism, while non-canonical thyroid hormone (TH) signaling did not play a significant role.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tom van der Laan, Hyung Elfrink, Fatemeh Azadi-Chegeni, Anne-Charlotte Dubbelman, Amy C. Harms, Doris M. Jacobs, Ulrich Braumann, Aldrik H. Velders, John van Duynhoven, Thomas Hankemeier
Summary: In the field of metabolomics, the accurate identification of unknown compounds is crucial. A comprehensive identification workflow including LC-MS and NMR techniques was developed and successfully used to identify five taste-related features in soy sauce. Directed two-dimensional chromatography allowed for tailored fractionation of each feature, leading to the successful identification of proline-based 2,5-diketopiperazines which may contribute to taste through bitter or umami flavors.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Luz Dary Guerra-Fajardo, Jessy Pavon-Perez, Alejandro Vallejos-Almirall, Diego Jorquera-Pereira
Summary: Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins have significant biological effects. Traditional biological assays cannot provide structural information, so new methods are needed. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with effect-directed analysis (EDA) has been recently used to detect the bioactivities of peptides, allowing the separation and determination of the biological effects of individual fractions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhongying Wang, Rui Xue, Mengying Lv, Yunyun Qi, Wei Yu, Zhiyong Xie, Wen Chen, Xinjun Wang, Xing Tian, Bo Han
Summary: This study identified ethyl gallate (EG) as the lead compound and anti-inflammatory active ingredient in Galla chinensis. It demonstrated that EG has a significant therapeutic effect in ameliorating symptoms in mice with ulcerative colitis, and protects intestinal mucosal integrity through the Nrf2 and NF-Kappa B signaling pathway. The research methodology provided valuable references for finding lead compounds from natural products using systems pharmacology.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
A. Fernez Asensio, E. Alvarez-Gonzalez, A. Rodriguez, L. M. Sierra, E. Blanco-Gonzalez
Summary: Dysregulation of TCA cycle enzymes leads to abnormal accumulation of oncometabolites, which contribute to cancer formation and progression. GC-MS and LC-MS are powerful analytical tools for accurate identification and determination of these metabolites.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dandan Xia, Baoling Liu, Xiaowei Xu, Ya Ding, Qiuling Zheng
Summary: Drug target discovery is essential for drug innovation, as it elucidates the mechanism of drug action. The Fe3O4 nanoparticle-based approach developed in this study shows potential for drug-target screening in biological matrices by reducing endogenous interference and providing active sites for ligand-protein interactions.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Steffen Lippold, Michaela Hook, Christian Spick, Alexander Knaupp, Kevin Whang, Fabian Ruperti, Lance Cadang, Nisana Andersen, Annette Vogt, Michael Grote, Dietmar Reusch, Markus Haberger, Feng Yang, Tilman Schlothauer
Summary: T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) targeting CD3 and tumor-specific antigens show great promise as therapeutics. In this study, we developed a novel method using functional CD3 target affinity chromatography (AC) coupled with online mass spectrometry (MS) to separate and identify critical modified proteoforms of TCBs. This method enables the functional distinction of important modifications and the evaluation of product-related variants, streamlining the integration of functional and structural characterizations of therapeutic CD3 targeting TCBs.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yinglan Yu, Shujie Li, Yuan Yao, Xinran Shen, Lian Li, Yuan Huang
Summary: Surface ligand modification and stiffness adjustment significantly enhance bronchial mucosal absorption and pulmonary retention of inhaled drugs. In an acute lung inflammation rat model, NPs with FcBP and high stiffness display superior therapeutic effects. In vitro data demonstrates that FcBP promotes bronchial mucosal absorption of NPs with high stiffness more effectively than NPs with low stiffness. The higher stiffness also enhances endocytosis and exocytosis to improve drug absorption and retention.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ying Li, Ling Wang, Minggang Zheng, Yongfeng Lin, Hongyan Xu, Aifeng Liu, Yi Hua, Yuqing Jiang, Ke Ning, Shanmin Hu
Summary: A simple, solvent-saving, and sensitive method using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed to quantitively determine and qualitatively identify emerging halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) in animal-derived food samples. This method involved freezing the sample extracts to remove lipids and purifying them by thin-layer chromatography according to polarity. The method showed good detection limits, quantification limits, recoveries, precisions, and matrix effects for the 16 HOCs studied. 16 HOCs were detected in actual samples, and non-target analysis also identified bromides and chlorides in animal-derived foods.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominika Olesova, Petra Majerova, Roman Hajek, Juraj Piest'ansky, Radana Brumarova, Alena Michalicova, Bernadeta Jurkanin, David Friedecky, Andrej Kovac
Summary: This study characterized the glycosphingolipid profile in rat brain tissue using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. It revealed the important roles of gangliosides and sulfatides in neurodevelopment, aging, and neurodegeneration. The semi-targeted screening identified changes in levels of sulfatides and GM1a gangliosides during the aging process, and elevated levels of GM3 gangliosides in the tauopathy rat model, indicating a higher rate of apoptotic processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Melissa Schole, Stefano Patassini, Jingshu Xu, Garth J. S. Cooper
Summary: This study observed alterations in metallomic profiles in the Huntington's disease (HD) brain, which may contribute to various pathogenic mechanisms. Selenium supplementation could offer a potential therapeutic pathway for HD treatment, as selenium deficiency is widespread in regions with differing levels of neurodegeneration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacky M. K. Kwong, Joseph Caprioli, Ying H. Sze, Feng J. Yu, King K. Li, Chi H. To, Thomas C. Lam
Summary: Retinal proteins associated with primary and secondary RGC degeneration were investigated using SWATH label-free and target-based mass spectrometry. Different proteomic profiles were found in response to localized optic nerve injury, indicating potential roles in RGC loss and cell death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Victor Cutillas, Carmen Ferrer, Amadeo R. Fernandez-Alba
Summary: The study compared the application of liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography in pesticide residue analysis. The results showed that SFC performed better in analyzing matrices with a higher number of co-extracted compounds, attributed to the combination of chromatography separation and ion source efficiency.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikoline J. Nielsen, Peter Christensen, Kristoffer G. Poulsen, Jan H. Christensen
Summary: Household waste is a significant source of energy, nutrients, and recyclable material. In the context of circular economy, it is important to assess the risk profile towards human and the environment in order to exploit the benefits and avoid hazards. This study investigated the presence of micropollutants in household waste through various analytical techniques and observed changes in chemical composition during anaerobic digestion. The study identified several target micropollutants and tentatively identified compounds through suspect screening. The results also showed that most compounds detected decreased or remained unaffected by anaerobic digestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Leila Rodrigues Caldeira, Fernando Diniz Madureira, Thalita De Faria Maia, Carlos Vitor Muller, Christian Fernandes
Summary: An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in beer was developed and validated, meeting the requirements of current legislation with high precision and accuracy. The method was successfully applied to a large number of beer samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulio Poli, Gian Carlo Demontis, Andrea Sodi, Alessandro Saba, Stanislao Rizzo, Marco Macchia, Tiziano Tuccinardi
Summary: A combined strategy of molecular dynamics simulations and bioinformatics was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of hRPE65 missense mutations. The results may support the reclassification of VUS and assist clinicians in determining the eligibility for gene therapy of patients with such variants.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Valentin Nica, Attilio Marino, Carlotta Pucci, Ozlem Sen, Melis Emanet, Daniele De Pasquale, Alessio Carmignani, Andrea Petretto, Martina Bartolucci, Simone Lauciello, Rosaria Brescia, Francesco de Boni, Mirko Prato, Sergio Marras, Filippo Drago, Mohaned Hammad, Doris Segets, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: Enhanced intracellular magnetic fluid hyperthermia is applied in vitro to treat prostate cancer cells with minimum invasiveness and toxicity. Novel shape-anisotropic magnetic core-shell-shell nanoparticles were designed and optimized, which showed significant magnetothermal conversion under an external alternating magnetic field. The best candidate, decorated with prostate cancer cell membranes and/or LN1 cell-penetrating peptide, induced apoptosis of prostate cancer cells and reduced cell aggressiveness.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariagrazia Lettieri, Simona Scarano, Laura Caponi, Andrea Bertolini, Alessandro Saba, Pasquale Palladino, Maria Minunni
Summary: We developed a simple and low-cost assay for copper in urine using a serotonin-derived fluorophore. The assay showed good reproducibility and low detection limits in buffer and artificial urine, and demonstrated excellent analytical performances in human urine samples. This is the first example of copper ion detection exploiting the fluorescence quenching of a biopolymer, offering a potential diagnostic tool for copper-dependent diseases.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Daniele De Pasquale, Carlotta Pucci, Andrea Desii, Attilio Marino, Doriana Debellis, Luca Leoncino, Mirko Prato, Stefania Moscato, Simone Amadio, Pietro Fiaschi, Alessandro Prior, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: This research proposes an innovative therapeutic approach using lipid-based magnetic nanovectors for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the deadliest brain tumor. The nanovectors have dual therapeutic functions of chemotherapy and localized magnetic hyperthermia. The drug used is selected based on patient-specific screenings, and the nanovectors are modified to enhance their selectivity towards GBM cells derived from patients. The results show that hyperthermia and chemotherapy synergistically reduce cell invasion and induce cellular damage, leading to cell death.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Marco Calvigioni, Andrea Bertolini, Simone Codini, Diletta Mazzantini, Adelaide Panattoni, Mariacristina Massimino, Francesco Celandroni, Riccardo Zucchi, Alessandro Saba, Emilia Ghelardi
Summary: In this study, nine common probiotic strains were tested for their ability to secrete short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using a sensitive and specific HPLC-MS-MS method. All tested microorganisms were shown to secrete acetic acid, with only B. clausii and S. boulardii additionally able to produce propionic and butyric acids. This experimental approach contributes to the characterization of probiotics as SCFA-producing organisms and has implications for addressing SCFA deficiency.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Roberta Ibba, Paola Corona, Francesca Nonne, Paola Caria, Gabriele Serreli, Vanessa Palmas, Federico Riu, Simona Sestito, Maria Nieddu, Roberta Loddo, Giuseppina Sanna, Sandra Piras, Antonio Carta
Summary: Researchers designed and synthesized a series of novel benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1(2)-yl derivatives, which were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against Coxsackievirus B5. Compound 18e showed cell protective effects against CVB5 infection by interfering with the viral attachment process.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Giada Graziana Genchi, Valentina Mollo, Matteo Battaglini, Melike Beleli Gumus, Attilio Marino, Mirko Prato, Sergio Marras, Filippo Drago, Giammarino Pugliese, Francesca Santoro, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: Spaceflight can lead to detrimental effects on living organisms, such as muscle degeneration. Recent studies have shown that nanomaterials can be used to modify cellular activities and promote specific cell phenotypes in microgravity conditions. However, the early interactions between these nanomaterials and cellular targets under altered gravity conditions have not been extensively studied. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the early interactions between cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) and human skeletal myoblasts under simulated microgravity. The results show that the nanoparticles can be internalized by the cells through various mechanisms, primarily involving macropinocytosis, and that they regulate the transcription of key antioxidant response markers, potentially providing oxidative stress alleviation and muscle protection under mechanical unloading conditions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grazia Rutigliano, Andrea Bertolini, Nicoletta Grittani, Sabina Frascarelli, Vittoria Carnicelli, Chiara Ippolito, Stefania Moscato, Letizia Mattii, Claudia Kusmic, Alessandro Saba, Nicola Origlia, Riccardo Zucchi
Summary: Mood alterations, anxiety, and cognitive impairments associated with adult-onset hypothyroidism often persist despite replacement treatment. A study using a pharmacological hypothyroid mouse model found that augmenting levothyroxine (L-T-4) with 3-iodothyronamine (T(1)AM) may improve behavioral correlates of depression, anxiety, and memory and has an effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. However, L-T-4 alone was sufficient for recovering memory and hippocampal neurogenesis deficits associated with hypothyroidism, while non-canonical thyroid hormone (TH) signaling did not play a significant role.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Doretta Cuffaro, Diana Pinto, Ana Margarida Silva, Andrea Bertolini, Simone Bertini, Alessandro Saba, Marco Macchia, Francisca Rodrigues, Maria Digiacomo
Summary: This study investigates the antioxidant effects of high-value polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) and its main metabolites, tyrosol (Tyr) and oleocanthalic acid (OA), as well as their impact on cell viability. The results demonstrate the promising properties of OC, OA, and Tyr against oxidative diseases, including their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and permeate the intestinal membrane.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Doretta Cuffaro, Andrea Bertolini, Simone Bertini, Claudio Ricci, Maria Grazia Cascone, Serena Danti, Alessandro Saba, Marco Macchia, Maria Digiacomo
Summary: This study aims to investigate the polyphenolic composition and nutraceutical properties of olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) from two Tuscan olive cultivars. The results show that OMWW extracts exhibit antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities, and could serve as potential functional ingredients in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca Cialdai, Austin M. Brown, Cory W. Baumann, Debora Angeloni, Sarah Baatout, Alexandra Benchoua, Juergen Bereiter-Hahn, Daniele Bottai, Judith-Irina Buchheim, Marco Calvaruso, Eugenie Carnero-Diaz, Sara Castiglioni, Duccio Cavalieri, Gabriele Ceccarelli, Alexander Chouker, Gianni Ciofani, Giuseppe Coppola, Gabriella Cusella, Andrea Degl'Innocenti, Jean-Francois Desaphy, Jean-Pol Frippiat, Michael Gelinsky, Giada Genchi, Maria Grano, Daniela Grimm, Alain Guignandon, Christiane Hahn, Jason Hatton, Raul Herranz, Christine E. Hellweg, Carlo Saverio Iorio, Thodoris Karapantsios, Jack van Loon, Matteo Lulli, Jeanette Maier, Jos Malda, Emina Mamaca, Lucia Morbidelli, Angelique van Ombergen, Andreas Osterman, Aleksandr Ovsianikov, Francesco Pampaloni, Elizabeth Pavezlorie, Veronica Pereda-Campos, Cyrille Przybyla, Christopher Puhl, Petra Rettberg, Chiara Risaliti, Angela Maria Rizzo, Kate Robson-Brown, Leonardo Rossi, Giorgio Russo, Alessandra Salvetti, Daniela Santucci, Matthias Sperl, Felice Strollo, Kevin Tabury, Sara Tavella, Christiane Thielemann, Ronnie Willaert, Nathaniel J. Szewczyk, Monica Monici
Summary: This white paper presents the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community on filling the gaps of knowledge regarding the effects of gravity alterations on animal and human systems at a cellular and tissue level. Despite previous studies, a comprehensive integrated model of the changes occurring at different system and functional levels is still lacking, making it difficult to predict the long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment and implement effective medical support plans.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Attilio Marino, Matteo Battaglini, Alessio Carmignani, Francesca Pignatelli, Daniele De Pasquale, Omar Tricinci, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for highly predictive brain cancer models to test new anticancer compounds and experimental therapeutic approaches. Realistic in vitro brain tumor-on-a-chip platforms can lead to more accurate selection of potential drugs, reducing the economic and ethical issues associated with unsuccessful in vivo studies.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Melis Emanet, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: Ethosomes are lipid-based vesicular systems that offer unique advantages in drug delivery, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content improves flexibility and deformability, allowing them to penetrate intercellular spaces without leakage. Ethanol also increases the fluidity of dermal cell membranes, facilitating the deep penetration of nanostructures. Ethosomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic active agents, making them particularly useful for natural extracts with diverse chemical compositions.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Ferrisi, Beatrice Polini, Caterina Ricardi, Francesca Gado, Kawthar A. A. Mohamed, Giovanna Baron, Salvatore Faiella, Giulio Poli, Simona Rapposelli, Giuseppe Saccomanni, Giancarlo Aldini, Grazia Chiellini, Robert B. B. Laprairie, Clementina Manera, Gabriella Ortore
Summary: We have developed a new generation of ligands (JR compounds) that target the CB2R. These compounds combine the pharmacophoric portion of CB2R positive allosteric modulator (EC21a) with that of CB2R selective orthosteric agonist (LV62). Among the tested compounds, JR22a showed dualsteric behavior as a CB2R ligand. Computational studies confirmed the binding mode of JR22a at CB2R, and its potential to prevent neuroinflammation was investigated using a human microglial cell model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rebecca Ferrisi, Francesca Gado, Caterina Ricardi, Beatrice Polini, Clementina Manera, Grazia Chiellini
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal death, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline. Neuroinflammation, with microglia as key players, has been identified as a major cause of AD progression. Cannabinoids show potential as a preventive treatment for AD, with altered expression of endocannabinoids and their receptors reported in neurodegenerative disorders including AD. Modulation of cannabinoid receptors has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in reducing protein deposition, suggesting their therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides an overview of the involvement of cannabinoid receptors in microglia activation and highlights the role of neuroinflammation in AD pathogenesis. It also discusses recently developed candidate drugs targeting cannabinoid receptors as an innovative strategy for AD treatment and management.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
