Review
Oncology
Natalia Piekus-Slomka, Lavinia Patricia Mocan, Rezarta Shkreli, Cristiana Grapa, Kinga Denkiewicz, Oliwia Wesolowska, Miroslaw Kornek, Zeno Sparchez, Artur Slomka, Rares Craciun, Tudor Mocan
Summary: Statins, originally developed for cardiovascular diseases, have been shown to have potential use in treating liver cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuxiang Liu, Tao Wang, Yunfeng Cui, Shengxian Gao, Yi Rao
Summary: This study identified a novel kinase MST3 and its family members capable of phosphorylating and activating AMPK and SIK3.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Si Jin Kwon, Kyung-Won Hong, Silvia Choi, Ji Su Hong, Jung Won Kim, Ju Whi Kim, Hye-Ja Lee, Han Byul Jang, Keun-Sang Yum
Summary: The study found that obesity in children and adolescents with ASD is associated with the cholesterol synthesis pathway. By examining the HMGCR gene polymorphisms, the study identified associations between certain allele subgroups and metabolic traits. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the HMGCR gene influences metabolic traits.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ting Hong, Jun Zou, Jie Yang, Hao Liu, Zhuo Cao, Youming He, Dan Feng
Summary: Curcumin can protect against BPA-induced hepatic steatosis by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Claudia Tonini, Sara Schiavi, Fabrizio Macca, Marco Segatto, Viviana Trezza, Valentina Pallottini
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of perinatal omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet on the mevalonate/cholesterol pathway in the brain of male offspring. The results showed that the omega-3 enriched diet induced changes in the brain's 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase, RhoA/CREB signaling, and nerve growth factor content.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Seher Sener, Ezgi Deniz Batu, Seher Sari, Muserref Kasap Cuceoglu, Adalet Elcin Yildiz, Beril Talim, Ustun Aydingoz, Seza Ozen, Goknur Haliloglu
Summary: This article reports a case of relapsing refractory anti-HMGCR myopathy in a 17-year-old boy, along with a systematic literature review on the diagnosis and management of this disease in children. The results show that proximal muscle weakness is the most common symptom, and corticosteroids, IVIG, and methotrexate are the preferred treatments. However, only one third of the patients achieve complete remission.
JOURNAL OF NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jiao Ma, Xu Liu, Jiahui Yu, Jinghui Sun
Summary: In this study, it was found that DHAQ can reduce body weight and lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice fed on a high-fat diet, increase HDL-C levels, and decrease TG and TC levels in the liver by regulating key proteins related to cholesterol metabolism.
PHARMACOGNOSY MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jonathan C. Greenhalgh, Sarah A. Fahlberg, Brian F. Pfleger, Philip A. Romero
Summary: This study utilized a machine learning-driven approach to engineer fatty acyl reductases (FARs) with enhanced activity on acyl-ACP substrates for increased production of fatty alcohols. Through iterative design and testing, the engineered enzymes produced over twofold more fatty alcohols than the starting natural sequences. The top sequence identified had an enhanced catalytic rate on palmitoyl-ACP, demonstrating the power of machine learning in protein engineering for challenging proteins.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toluwase Hezekiah Fatoki
Summary: In this study, the effect of changing pH on the structural dynamics and binding affinity of HMGCR was investigated. The results indicate that pH 8.0 is optimal for the structural stability and activity of HMGCR. Furthermore, the study reveals the insightful relationships between pH, structural dynamics parameters, and binding affinity.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anton Nilsson, Kleoniki Tsoumani, Tereza Planck
Summary: This study suggests that in newly diagnosed GD patients, treatment with statins may protect against the development of GO. The main results were largely driven by men, with women showing weaker effects. Other lipid-lowering agents did not exhibit a similar protective effect.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
N. Radyukhina, N. Yu Ruleva, A. Yu Filatova, T. Aref'eva
Summary: Statins have an impact on the functional activity of CD4(+) T lymphocytes, including inhibiting cell proliferation and regulating the expression of active caspase-3. Lipophilic atorvastatin shows cellular effects at lower concentrations compared to hydrophilic rosuvastatin.
BULLETIN OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Meng Zhao, Ting Luo, Zixuan Zhao, Han Rong, Guohua Zhao, Lin Lei
Summary: Selenium, a nutraceutical and phytochemical, has cholesterol-lowering ability. The amount of selenium in foods varies by region, and its role in affecting blood cholesterol and cholesterol metabolism is complex and requires further study.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Mariana Coelho, Rita Pacheco
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of Arame and Nori seaweed extracts and their potential health benefits. The extracts showed inhibitory activity on liver enzyme and reduced cholesterol permeation, making them effective in treating hypercholesterolemia. Metabolomic analysis revealed positive effects on cell metabolism, protecting against cardiovascular diseases and improving oxidative stress tolerance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke T. Izzo, Sophie Trefely, Christina Demetriadou, Jack M. Drummond, Takuya Mizukami, Nina Kuprasertkul, Aimee T. Farria, Phuong T. T. Nguyen, Nivitha Murali, Lauren Reich, Daniel S. Kantner, Joshua Shaffer, Hayley Affronti, Alessandro Carrer, Andrew Andrews, Brian C. Capell, Nathaniel W. Snyder, Kathryn E. Wellen
Summary: The metabolite acetyl-CoA is essential for lipid synthesis and histone acetylation. Citrate and acetate are the primary precursors for nuclear-cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA. This study shows that glucose and fatty acids can contribute to acetyl-CoA pools and histone acetylation, and acetylcarnitine can transport two-carbon units from mitochondria to the cytosol. Glucose can also support fatty acid synthesis in the absence of ACLY, through a carnitine responsive and carnitine acetyltransferase-dependent mechanism.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shiyuan Xie, Zaihong Lin, Guangping Zhang, Shu Du, Yan Jiang, Jing Liu, Tuantuan Chen, Zenghui Fu, Huili Yu, Yulei Yang, Yan Jin
Summary: This study found that miR-122 targeting HMGCR plays an important role in the regulation of blood lipids. Inhibition of miR-122 can reduce the expression of HMGCR, decrease blood lipids, and reduce neuronal apoptosis in cerebral infarction.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL REGULATORS AND HOMEOSTATIC AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magda Gharbiya, Giacomo Visioli, Alessandro Trebbastoni, Giuseppe Maria Albanese, Mayra Colardo, Fabrizia D'Antonio, Marco Segatto, Alessandro Lambiase
Summary: We conducted a study to evaluate the diagnostic role of AD biomarkers in tears and their association with retinal and choroidal microstructures. We found that tear A beta 1-42 levels had a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI and AD patients. Additionally, A beta 1-42 levels were correlated with psychometric scores and choroidal thickness. Testing A beta 1-42 levels in tears could be a minimally invasive and cost-saving method for early detection and diagnosis of AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Muto, Federica Benigni, Valentina Magliocca, Rossella Borghi, Elisabetta Flex, Valentina Pallottini, Alessandro Rosa, Claudia Compagnucci, Marco Tartaglia
Summary: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a reliable in vitro disease model system, especially when animal models are not available or do not accurately mimic the human pathophenotype. However, the variability in behavior of individual patient-derived clones has been a limitation. The development of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing has overcome this limitation by generating isogenic iPSCs with corrected genetic lesions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Bruscolini, Angela Iannitelli, Marco Segatto, Pamela Rosso, Elena Fico, Marzia Buonfiglio, Alessandro Lambiase, Paola Tirassa
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between the expression levels of NGF and BDNF in tears and serum and ophthalmic and psycho-cognitive symptoms in Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) patients. The results showed that NGF and BDNF expression correlated with ophthalmic symptoms, while mature/precursor NGF and BDNF correlated with psycho-cognitive variables. This study is the first to suggest that changes in NGF and BDNF processing in tears and serum may be associated with ocular and cognitive alterations in GO patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deborah Gargano, Marco Segatto, Sabrina Di Bartolomeo
Summary: BET proteins play a key role in transcriptional regulation and cell plasticity, and they are crucial in the development and pathogenesis of glioblastoma. Epigenome dysregulation associated with loss of cellular identity and functions are emerging as important features of glioblastoma pathogenesis. BET family members could be promising targets for translational breakthroughs in glioblastoma treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sara Paola Mambrini, Francesca Menichetti, Simone Ravella, Marta Pellizzari, Ramona De Amicis, Andrea Foppiani, Alberto Battezzati, Simona Bertoli, Alessandro Leone
Summary: Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are linked to an increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. A systematic review of 17 studies found consistent evidence that UPF consumption is associated with general and abdominal obesity. Limited evidence suggests that UPF consumption is also associated with an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Longer-term longitudinal studies are needed to further understand the relationship between UPF consumption and these health outcomes.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alberto Battezzati, Andrea Foppiani, Alessandro Leone, Ramona De Amicis, Angela Spadafranca, Andrea Mari, Simona Bertoli
Summary: Our study found that compared to a Mediterranean meal, a ketogenic meal leads to minimal insulin secretion. This finding may be significant for patients with insulin resistance or insulin secretory defects.
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alessandro Leone, Simona Bertoli, Giorgio Bedogni, Laila Vignati, Marta Pellizzari, Alberto Battezzati
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vittoria Schirinzi, Carolina Poli, Chiara Berteotti, Alessandro Leone
Summary: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity indicates that current strategies are insufficient to tackle this epidemic. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is receiving attention as a potential weapon against obesity. Research is focused on developing strategies to increase BAT activity and energy expenditure. This review summarizes knowledge on molecules that promote white-to-brown adipose tissue conversion and assesses the potential role of thermogenic nutraceuticals in combating obesity.
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francesca Menichetti, Alessandro Leone
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Santo Colosimo, Simona Bertoli, Francesca Saffioti
Summary: This article explores the importance of nutritional status in the prognosis of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), focusing on the role of frailty and muscle wasting, as well as the use of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in managing liver disease.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Silvia Fostinelli, Clarissa Ferrari, Ramona De Amicis, Valentina Giustizieri, Alessandro Leone, Simona Bertoli, Alberto Battezzati, Giuliano Binetti, Stefano F. Cappa
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between nutrition and cognitive performance in a frail elderly population in Northern Italy. It found that individuals with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had better cognitive performance.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION
(2023)
