Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Monica R. Gadelha, Ana Carolina Gadelha, Leandro Kasuki
Summary: The treatment of acromegaly has advanced significantly in recent decades, but there are still patients who do not respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for improved treatment burden. Fortunately, there are new treatments in development that may enhance treatment efficacy and convenience.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Federico Gatto, Richard A. Feelders, Peter M. van Koetsveld, Fadime Dogan, Sebastian J. C. M. M. Neggers, Aart-Jan van der Lelij, Jessica Amaru, Diego Ferone, Leo J. Hofland
Summary: Cabergoline (CAB) is an off-label medical therapy for acromegaly, but it is overshadowed by first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands like octreotide (OCT). In this study, OCT was found to be slightly more effective than CAB in inhibiting growth hormone (GH) secretion in vitro. Additionally, the response to CAB treatment was shown to be better in GH/prolactin (PRL) co-secreting tumors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sabrina Chiloiro, Antonella Giampietro, Federica Mirra, Federico Donfrancesco, Tommaso Tartaglione, Pier Paolo Mattogno, Flavia Angelini, Lauretti Liverana, Marco Gessi, Anile Carmelo, Guido Rindi, Andrea Giustina, Maria Fleseriu, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Laura De Marinis, Antonio Bianchi
Summary: The study investigated predictors of response to Pegvisomant and Pasireotide LAR in acromegaly patients, finding that factors such as tumor extension, Ki67-Li levels, and IGF-I levels may impact treatment efficacy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sabrina Chiloiro, Antonio Bianchi, Antonella Giampietro, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Gerald Raverot, Laura De Marinis
Summary: This review provides an overview of the second-line therapies for acromegaly, summarizing the evidence on clinical, molecular, and morphological aspects that can predict the response to these treatments and advocating for a patient-tailored therapeutic approach in clinical practice.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Luigi Maione, Cristina Albrici, Solange Grunenwald, Celine Mouly, Vincenzo Cimino, Anne-Lise Lecoq, Jean Claude Souberbielle, Philippe Caron, Philippe Chanson
Summary: This study compared the serum IGF-I dynamics and variability in patients treated with SRLs, surgically cured patients, and healthy controls. The results showed that IGF-I decreased significantly at Day 7 and Day 14 after injection in SRL-treated patients, but remained stable in cured patients and healthy controls. In addition, SRL-treated patients had higher IGF-I variability, especially in nonoptimally controlled patients. The measurement at the farthest distance from SRL injection was the best predictor of optimal disease control.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mirela-Diana Ilie, Antoine Tabarin, Alexandre Vasiljevic, Jean-Francois Bonneville, Lucile Moreau-Grange, Franck Schillo, Brigitte Delemer, Anne Barlier, Dominique Figarella-Branger, Segolene Bisot-Locard, Alexandre Santos, Philippe Chanson, Gerald Raverot
Summary: This study aimed to explore the factors related to SRLs in the treatment of acromegaly and confirmed that SST2A and adenoma granularity are good predictors of response to octreotide. In addition, the optimization of MRI sequences is important for using T2WSI as a predictor of treatment response.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Monica R. Gadelha, Luiz Eduardo Wildemberg, Leandro Kasuki
Summary: This article discusses the future perspectives of currently available SRLs, including the use of biomarkers of response and precision medicine, new formulations of these SRLs, and new drugs under development. Precision medicine based on biomarkers of response can help improve treatment decision-making and response rates. New formulations may improve patients' adherence to treatment and quality of life. New drugs may present higher efficacy than currently available drugs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giovanni Tulipano, Andrea Giustina
Summary: Autophagy is an important cellular process involved in degradation and recycling, regulated by various stimuli and having complex roles in tumor cells. Research on autophagy in the pituitary gland and pituitary tumors is still relatively limited, but gaining attention for its potential implications.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sebastian Gulde, Tobias Wiedemann, Mathias Schillmaier, Isabel Valenca, Amelie Lupp, Katja Steiger, Hsi-Yu Yen, Stephen Baeuerle, Johannes Notni, Raul Luque, Herbert Schmid, Stefan Schulz, Donna P. Ankerst, Franz Schilling, Natalia S. Pellegata
Summary: There is currently a lack of effective medical therapy for residual/recurrent nonfunctioning pituitary tumors (NFPTs). Pasireotide may be an effective treatment, especially for female NFPTs patients. Female NFPTs patients have higher levels of Sstr3 expression, which may also be present in human NFPTs patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofie Eline Tollefsen, Ole Solheim, Patricia Mjones, Sverre Helge Torp
Summary: Meningioma is a common brain tumor without approved specific drugs. This study aims to compile the current insights of somatostatin analogs for treating patients with meningioma. A systematic search was conducted, and 17 eligible studies were evaluated. Although the efficacy of somatostatin analogs remains unclear, some studies suggest that they may be a last-option treatment for severely ill-patients. However, a controlled study or randomized clinical trial is needed to establish their efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Andrea Giustina, Luigi di Filippo, Melin M. Uygur, Stefano Frara
Summary: A personalized approach to acromegaly treatment, utilizing novel clinical and molecular biomarkers, has shown promising results in predicting responsiveness to second-line medical treatments. Integrating these findings into existing guidelines may significantly improve the management of difficult acromegaly patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joan Gil, Montserrat Marques-Pamies, Elena Valassi, Araceli Garcia-Martinez, Guillermo Serra, Cristina Hostalot, Carmen Fajardo-Montanana, Cristina Carrato, Ignacio Bernabeu, Monica Marazuela, Helena Rodriguez-Lloveras, Rosa Camara, Isabel Salinas, Cristina Lamas, Betina Biagetti, Andreu Simo-Servat, Susan M. Webb, Antonio Pico, Mireia Jorda, Manel Puig-Domingo
Summary: Acromegaly is a condition caused by excessive growth hormone production due to a pituitary tumor. This study examines the relationship between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resistance to somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) in GH-producing tumors. The findings suggest that EMT-related gene expression patterns are heterogeneous, which may explain the varying responses to SRLs.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alexandru Dan Popescu, Mara Carsote, Ana Valea, Andreea Gabriela Nicola, Ionela Teodora Dascalu, Tiberiu Tirca, Jaqueline Abdul-Razzak, Mihaela Jana Tuculina
Summary: Acromegaly-related sub/infertility is associated with suboptimal disease control, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and glucose profile anomalies. This review explores the impact of acromegaly on pregnancy outcomes and discusses management strategies. The level of disease control, family history of diabetes, and body mass index are important predictors of maternal complications. Pharmacotherapy has been shown to be safe and effective in improving pregnancy outcomes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joan Gil, Montserrat Marques-Pamies, Miguel Sampedro, Susan M. Webb, Guillermo Serra, Isabel Salinas, Alberto Blanco, Elena Valassi, Cristina Carrato, Antonio Pico, Araceli Garcia-Martinez, Luciana Martel-Duguech, Teresa Sardon, Andreu Simo-Servat, Betina Biagetti, Carles Villabona, Rosa Camara, Carmen Fajardo-Montanana, Cristina Alvarez-Escola, Cristina Lamas, Clara V. Alvarez, Ignacio Bernabeu, Monica Marazuela, Mireia Jorda, Manel Puig-Domingo
Summary: This study aimed to predict the response of acromegaly patients to somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL) using mathematical modeling and clinical information. Accuracy of patient stratification was significantly improved when the cohort was fragmented based on relevant clinical characteristics. The proposed stratification method based on tumor characteristics, sex, age, and multiple biomarkers achieved accuracies ranging from 71% to 95%. The use of data mining offers a promising approach for personalized medicine in acromegaly.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel G. Henriques, Elisa B. Lamback, Romulo S. Dezonne, Leandro Kasuki, Monica R. Gadelha
Summary: This review focuses on the most validated miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of acromegaly and resistance to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRL), as well as circulating miRNAs in acromegaly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Marco Ceraudo, Diego Criminelli Rossi, Natascia Di Iorgi, Armando Cama, Gianluca Piatelli, Alessandro Consales
Summary: The article describes a rare case of pediatric adenoma producing functioning gonadotropins, with positive immunostaining for FSH and TSH, causing central precocious puberty and central hypothyroidism in a 6-year-old girl. The patient underwent successful transsphenoidal endoscopic resection of the pituitary macroadenoma and showed no neurological signs or symptoms 10 months after surgery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Federica Barbieri, Alessia Graziana Bosio, Alessandra Pattarozzi, Michele Tonelli, Adriana Bajetto, Ivan Verduci, Francesca Cianci, Gaetano Cannavale, Luca M. G. Palloni, Valeria Francesconi, Stefano Thellung, Pietro Fiaschi, Samanta Mazzetti, Silvia Schenone, Beatrice Balboni, Stefania Girotto, Paolo Malatesta, Antonio Daga, Gianluigi Zona, Michele Mazzanti, Tullio Florio
Summary: Two novel CLIC1 blockers, Q48 and Q54, were identified as more potent antiproliferative agents for GSCs than metformin in vitro. Q48 and Q54 also showed inhibitory effects on GSC self-renewal, migration and invasion, with low systemic toxicity in vivo. These findings suggest that Q48 and Q54 may be potential CLIC1 blockers for the treatment of CLIC1-expressing glioblastomas.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marina Fabbi, Delfina Costa, Daniela Russo, Laura Arenare, Gabriele Gaggero, Simona Signoriello, Giovanni Scambia, Carmela Pisano, Nicoletta Colombo, Nunzia Simona Losito, Gilberto Filaci, Anna Spina, Daniela Califano, Giosue Scognamiglio, Angiolo Gadducci, Delia Mezzanzanica, Marina Bagnoli, Silvano Ferrini, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Paolo Chiodini, Francesco Perrone, Sandro Pignata
Summary: By investigating the expression of ADAM17 in ovarian cancer tissues, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors for advanced ovarian cancer patients undergoing first-line therapy. The results showed that high expression of ADAM17 was associated with worse prognosis, especially in patients with no residual disease at baseline.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Federico Gatto, Richard A. Feelders, Peter M. van Koetsveld, Fadime Dogan, Sebastian J. C. M. M. Neggers, Aart-Jan van der Lelij, Jessica Amaru, Diego Ferone, Leo J. Hofland
Summary: Cabergoline (CAB) is an off-label medical therapy for acromegaly, but it is overshadowed by first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands like octreotide (OCT). In this study, OCT was found to be slightly more effective than CAB in inhibiting growth hormone (GH) secretion in vitro. Additionally, the response to CAB treatment was shown to be better in GH/prolactin (PRL) co-secreting tumors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marta Franco, Keyvan Khorrami Chokami, Manuela Albertelli, Claudia Teti, Francesco Cocchiara, Federico Gatto, Carlo Trombetta, Diego Ferone, Mara Boschetti
Summary: This article reports a case study of a young man affected by vanishing testis syndrome (VTS) who had been followed up in our center for over 15 years. The patient received different testosterone formulations that adjusted his IGF-1 levels and growth velocity, mimicking the pubertal spurt and achieving a final height in line with his genetic target. Accurate monitoring of VTS patients and a precise reproduction of testosterone secretion during the pubertal spurt can ensure normal growth and development, leading to a high quality of life in adulthood.
BMC ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Federica Viti, Francesca Micaela Pramotton, Michela Martufi, Raffaella Magrassi, Nicoletta Pedemonte, Mario Nizzari, Francesca Cella Zanacchi, Benedetta De Michele, Manuela Alampi, Martina Zambito, Giuseppe Santamaria, Adriana Bajetto, Sabah Sardar, Valeria Tomati, Paolo Gandullia, Costanza Giampietro, Tullio Florio, Francesco Beltrame, Massimo Vassalli, Isabella Ceccherini
Summary: This study analyzed the morpho-mechanical phenotype of human dermal fibroblasts from patients with VSCM and found that they retained a clear signature of the disease compared to different control groups. The measurement of cellular traction forces was identified as a potential non-specific biomarker of the disease. The authors propose the development of a simple assay based on traction forces to support clinical decision-making or preclinical research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Federica Barbieri, Adriana Bajetto, Irene Dellacasagrande, Agnese Solari, Roberto Wuerth, Virginia Fernandez, Silvia Rancati, Davide Ceresa, Irene Appolloni, Giuseppa De Luca, Mariella Dono, Paolo Nozza, Piero Schiapparelli, Monica Gambaro, Pietro Fiaschi, Gabriele Gaggero, Nicolo Costanzo, Stefano Thellung, Paolo Malatesta, Aldo Pagano, Gianluigi Zona, Davide De Pietri Tonelli, Tullio Florio
Summary: This study isolated meningioma stem cells from human samples and identified the role of the CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine axis in stem cell-related functions. The findings suggest that CXCR4/CXCR7 antagonists may be a useful approach for high-risk meningiomas.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Zambito, Federica Viti, Alessia G. Bosio, Isabella Ceccherini, Tullio Florio, Massimo Vassalli
Summary: The evaluation of cell elasticity is important due to its impact on physiological and pathological processes. However, single-cell mechanical measurements often vary due to instrumental errors and the nature of the sample. In this study, the authors used a nanoindenter to characterize the experimental procedure and found that technical replicates had minimal influence, but biological conditions significantly affected the results. Experiments should be designed carefully to minimize inhomogeneous scenarios and avoid divergences in measured phenotype.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giuseppe Fanciulli, Roberta Modica, Anna La Salvia, Erika Maria Grossrubatscher, Tullio Florio, Francesco Ferrau, Alessandro Veresani, Flaminia Russo, Annamaria Colao, Antongiulio Faggiano
Summary: This study aims to summarize the role of proteasome inhibitors (PrIn) in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) based on in vitro and in vivo data. The results revealed a discrepancy between preclinical studies and clinical trials, suggesting the need for more accurate clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of PrIn in MTC treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Maria Vitale, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Tullio Florio
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Stella, Giammarco Baiardi, Stefano Pasquariello, Fabio Sacco, Irene Dellacasagrande, Alessandro Corsaro, Francesca Mattioli, Federica Barbieri
Summary: Glioblastoma is a fast-growing cancer with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity and resistance to radio-chemo-therapy. Medical comorbidities associated with glioblastoma, especially neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and glioblastoma-related epilepsy, greatly affect patients' quality of life. Non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment play a key role in glioblastoma aggressive behavior, particularly through hyper-excitability of neurons mediated by glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance. This review focuses on the neuron-to-glioma interface, discussing the mechanisms and management of glioblastoma-related epilepsy and the potential of antiepileptic drugs as antitumor treatment.
Article
Immunology
Adriana Bajetto, Alessandra Pattarozzi, Rodolfo Sirito, Federica Barbieri, Tullio Florio
Summary: Recent research has shown that metformin, a commonly used drug for type-2 diabetes, has beneficial effects on inflammation, aging, and cancer. In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of metformin on human umbilical cordmesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) and found that it can inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of UC-MSCs while enhancing their ability to differentiate into adipocytes. Metformin also reduces the inflammatory activity of UC-MSCs and suppresses the growth of T lymphocytes. These findings suggest that metformin may promote adipose tissue regeneration and have anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to its positive effect on lipid metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Giorgia Ailuno, Sara Baldassari, Alice Balboni, Giuliana Drava, Cristina Spalletti, Elena Tantillo, Michele Mazzanti, Federica Barbieri, Stefano Thellung, Tullio Florio, Gabriele Caviglioli
Summary: Metformin hydrochloride (MH) has shown potential clinical efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM), but there is a lack of data on MH levels in the brain. This research proposes a GC-MS method for quantifying MH in brain tissues, using optimized derivatization conditions and deuterated MH as the internal standard. The method has been validated on brain samples from mice, both healthy and xenografted with GBM cells, and can be applied in preclinical studies to understand MH's mechanism of action in brain tumors.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Ivan Verduci, Francesca Cianci, Riccardo Cazzoli, Gaetano Cannavale, Stefania Castiglione, Matteo Ranucci, Luca Palloni, Beatrice Balboni, Stefania Faletti, Stefania Girotto, Giuliana Pelicci, Saverio Minucci, Alessandro Fantin, Tullio Florio, Michele Mazzanti
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Francesca Cianci, Ivan Verduci, Valentina Carlini, Carlotta Tacconi, Matteo Ranucci, Alessandro Fantin, Tullio Florio, Michele Mazzanti