Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sun Joo Cha, Kiyoung Kim
Summary: Edaravone, as the first known free radical scavenger, has demonstrated cellular protective properties in animals and humans, particularly in terms of its antioxidant activity and its modulation of oxidative damage. The correlation between mitochondria and edaravone in neurodegenerative diseases remains to be elucidated, but recent studies have highlighted its potential therapeutic perspectives in terms of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Veria Vacchiano, Anna Bartoletti-Stella, Giovanni Rizzo, Patrizia Avoni, Piero Parchi, Fabrizio Salvi, Rocco Liguori, Sabina Capellari
Summary: ALS and AD patients have a higher prevalence of Lewy body disease and parkinsonian features. This study found a higher frequency of Parkinson's disease-causative genes in ALS patients, suggesting their potential role in ALS pathogenesis.
Review
Cell Biology
Jiantao Zhao, Xuemei Wang, Zijun Huo, Yanchun Chen, Jinmeng Liu, Zhenhan Zhao, Fandi Meng, Qi Su, Weiwei Bao, Lingyun Zhang, Shuang Wen, Xin Wang, Huancai Liu, Shuanhu Zhou
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing and highly fatal neurodegenerative disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to be a key contributing factor to the pathogenesis of ALS. Stable mitochondrial function is crucial for normal neuron function, and dysfunction can lead to cellular pathological changes and play an important role in the progression of ALS.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Jankovic, Ivana Novakovic, Phepy Gamil Anwar Dawod, Ayman Gamil Anwar Dawod, Aleksandra Drinic, Fayda I. Abdel Motaleb, Sinisa Ducic, Dejan Nikolic
Summary: ALS is a neurodegenerative motor neuron disorder with a significant genetic component, involving RNA processing, protein aggregation, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, and inflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to disease onset and progression, highlighting the need for a broad perspective in understanding overlapping pathophysiological pathways and exploring potential therapies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandru Vlad Ciurea, Aurel George Mohan, Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc, Horia-Petre Costin, Luca-Andrei Glavan, Antonio-Daniel Corlatescu, Vicentiu Mircea Saceleanu
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Recent advancements in technology and understanding, as well as the potential of gene editing, have fueled exponential growth in the field of molecular genetics. This paper aims to analyze the latest approaches in genetics and molecular sciences for four major neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By focusing on treatment, diagnosis, and predictions, the goal is to improve analysis and identify emerging signs for better outcomes and potential novel therapies targeting specific genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingwen Li, Yanli Xu, Tingting Liu, Yuxiang Xu, Xiantao Zhao, Jianshe Wei
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with significant health and socio-economic consequences. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to PD and using mitochondria as a target for therapy has gained recognition and application. This review examines the relationship between exercise, mitochondrial proteostasis, and PD, exploring the role and mechanisms of mitochondrial proteostasis in delaying PD through exercise.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niccolo Candelise, Illari Salvatori, Silvia Scaricamazza, Valentina Nesci, Henri Zenuni, Alberto Ferri, Cristiana Valle
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Despite efforts to understand its pathogenesis, ALS remains obscure and lacks effective therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS, leading to impaired energy metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giada Zanini, Valentina Selleri, Milena Nasi, Anna De Gaetano, Ilaria Martinelli, Giulia Gianferrari, Francesco Demetrio Lofaro, Federica Boraldi, Jessica Mandrioli, Marcello Pinti
Summary: This study reports the clinical and biological features of an ALS patient with pA382T mutation in TPD-43 protein. The mutation leads to significant alterations in neuronal proteome, particularly impacting mitochondrial metabolic pathways and the endoplasmic reticulum. The findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and misplacement of mitochondrial DNA may be mechanisms contributing to ALS caused by this mutation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Agathe Vrillon, Vincent Deramecourt, Florence Pasquier, Eloi Magnin, David Wallon, Pierre Lozeron, Elodie Bouaziz-Amar, Claire Paquet
Summary: ALS and frontotemporal dementia are closely related, but association of ALS with Alzheimer's disease is rare. This study reported 5 cases of ALS associated with AD, with patients initially presenting with AD symptoms before developing ALS. The study suggests that ALS-AD phenotype could be an underexplored entity.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Lilian Gomes de Oliveira, Yan de Souza Angelo, Antonio H. Iglesias, Jean Pierre Schatzmann Peron
Summary: Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases are major public health issues worldwide, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a significant role. Regulation of mitochondrial dynamics is essential for CNS health maintenance, impacting the development and progression of neuroinflammation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael Wainberg, Shea J. Andrews, Shreejoy J. Tripathy
Summary: In this study, using state-of-the-art GWAS techniques, researchers identified shared genetic risk loci among Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These loci revealed the importance of lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction, neuroinflammation/immunity, oxidative stress, and the DNA damage response in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Fivos Borbolis, Eirini Mytilinaiou, Konstantinos Palikaras
Summary: Mitochondria are dynamic organelles involved in cellular energy production and various biological processes. They play a crucial role in neuronal integrity and function. Dysfunctional mitochondria and altered dynamics are hallmarks of many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. The gut microbiome, through the gut-brain axis, has also been implicated in neurodegeneration. This article summarizes the complex interplay between mitochondria, gut microbiota, and neurodegeneration, highlighting potential mechanisms and interventions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edgar Ramos-Martinez, Ivan Ramos-Martinez, Ivan Sanchez-Betancourt, Juan Carlos Ramos-Martinez, Sheila Irais Pena-Corona, Jorge Valencia, Renata Saucedo, Ericka Karol Pamela Almeida-Aguirre, Marco Cerbon
Summary: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases have higher levels of galectins compared to healthy individuals, with different galectin expression patterns observed in different disease types.
Article
Neurosciences
Yujiao Yu, Dejiang Pang, Chunyu Li, Xiaojing Gu, Yongping Chen, Ruwei Ou, Qianqian Wei, Huifang Shang
Summary: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Most ALS cases are sporadic. The expression discrepancy of lncRNAs plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. We screened and validated several lncRNAs with altered expression in SALS and PD patients. GO term enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these differentially expressed lncRNAs are associated with various signaling pathways and transcription factors.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Duranti, Chiara Villa
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord. The aggregation and accumulation of ubiquitinated protein inclusions in degenerating MNs are key pathological features of ALS. Recent research has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying protein aggregate accumulation in ALS, which may aid in the development of therapeutic strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Rey, Letizia Messa, Erika Maghraby, Giovanna Casili, Sara Ottolenghi, Bianca Barzaghini, Manuela Teresa Raimondi, Cristina Cereda, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Emanuela Esposito, Irene Paterniti, Stephana Carelli
Summary: Oxygen (O-2) sensing plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Common pathways related to O-2 imbalance include hypoxia, hyperoxia, reactive oxygen species production, metabolism of metals, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vanessa Jaeger, Berthold Koletzko, Veronica Luque, Natalia Ferre, Dariusz Gruszfeld, Kinga Gradowska, Elvira Verduci, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, Annick Xhonneux, Pascale Poncelet, Veit Grote
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of energy and macronutrient intakes across eating occasions in European children from preschool to school age. The results showed that lunch and supper had the highest energy intake, while breakfast and snacks were dominated by carbohydrates. High-sugar content foods were consumed in relatively large proportions at breakfast and snacks. Snack intake decreased with age.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Claudio Bandi, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Domenico Otranto, Alessandro Alvaro, Viviane Noll Louzada-Flores, Massimo Pajoro, Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi, Matteo Brilli, Alessandro Manenti, Emanuele Montomoli, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Sara Epis
Summary: Leishmania parasites have the ability to subvert the immune response of mammalian phagocytes and exploit them as a mode of transport to lymphoid tissues. The non-pathogenic reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae could potentially be used as a vaccine platform and vehicle for the production of antigens and delivery to dendritic cells and lymph nodes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Michele Ghezzi, Emma Longoni, Alice Munari, Irene Raso, Giacomo Biganzoli, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Enza D'Auria
Summary: This study aims to investigate lung involvement in children with MIS-C through imaging and evaluate lung function using structured light plethysmography (SLP). SLP provides an effective solution for lung function evaluation during the pandemic, as it does not require contact with the patient.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonio Corsello, Chiara Maria Trovato, Elisabetta Di Profio, Sabrina Cardile, Cristina Campoy, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Elvira Verduci, Antonella Diamanti
Summary: The ketogenic diet has been increasingly used for weight loss among adolescents and young adults due to its supposed effects on lipolysis and insulin levels. However, there is still a lack of clear indications on its use for weight loss in pediatric age. It has also been proposed for other disorders like inherited metabolic disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome, and certain types of cancers. A clinical evaluation of possible side effects, growth, and nutritional status is essential for patients following a long-term restrictive diet like the ketogenic one.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
V. Calcaterra, A. Gazzarri, A. De Silvestri, C. Madia, P. Baldassarre, V. Rossi, V. Garella, G. Zuccotti
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in pediatric patients with Down Syndrome (DS), and to examine the relationship between metabolic parameters, thyroid hormones (THs), and sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices (STHI). The results showed that DS patients had higher levels of FT3, FT4, and TSH compared to the control group. There was a significant correlation between THs, STHI, and glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, supporting their role in metabolic alterations related to DS.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Elvira Verduci, Chiara Milanta, Marta Agostinelli, Carolina Federica Todisco, Federica Bona, Jonabel Dolor, Alice La Mendola, Martina Tosi, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue, with children who are obese often experiencing deficiencies in micronutrients despite excessive dietary consumption. This review highlights the common deficiencies associated with obesity, their consequences, and the potential for supplementation. Iron, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, zinc, and copper are the most frequently deficient micronutrients. The relationship between obesity and micronutrient deficiencies is unclear, and the effectiveness of supplementation or weight loss as treatment is still limited.
Review
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Hellas Cena, Virginia Rossi, Sara Santero, Alice Bianchi, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: Obesity and overweight are significant global public health problems. Unhealthy diets, especially the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, contribute to the risk of obesity and related complications. Strict regulation of food intake can help prevent overconsumption and promote healthy child development.
Review
Pediatrics
Valeria Calcaterra, Matteo Vandoni, Luca Marin, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino, Virginia Rossi, Alessandro Gatti, Pamela Patane, Caterina Cavallo, Fabio Re, Ilaria Albanese, Dario Silvestri, Alessandro De Nunzio, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: Exergames refer to digital games that require bodily movements and improve energy expenditure through whole-body interactions. They have the potential to improve physical and psychological aspects of children and adolescents with obesity.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesca Penagini, Luisa Lonoce, Luisa Abbattista, Valentina Silvera, Giulia Rendo, Lucia Cococcioni, Dario Dilillo, Valeria Calcaterra, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: This review summarizes the most up-to-date literature on pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including current treatment options and new strategies such as small molecule drugs and combination therapy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Mameli, Massimiliano Orso, Valeria Calcaterra, Malgorzata Gabriela Wasniewska, Tommaso Aversa, Simona Granato, Pietro Bruschini, Liliana Guadagni, Daniela d'Angela, Federico Spandonaro, Barbara Polistena, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, adherence, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) compared to daily growth hormone (GH) in the treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children. The results showed that all LAGH formulations were similar to daily GH in terms of efficacy, safety, adherence, and quality of life. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings, and further research on adherence, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness is also necessary.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Francesca Donnaloja, Manuela Teresa Raimondi, Letizia Messa, Bianca Barzaghini, Federica Carnevali, Emanuele Colombo, Davide Mazza, Chiara Martinelli, Lucia Boeri, Federica Rey, Cristina Cereda, Roberto Osellame, Giulio Cerullo, Stephana Carelli, Monica Soncini, Emanuela Jacchetti
Summary: Mechanical stimuli from the extracellular environment affect cell morphology and functionality. The use of a custom-made 3D microscaffold, called the Nichoid, for cultivating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to enhance the expression of stemness markers. This device appears to regulate gene activity by altering intracellular force transmission. The findings suggest that the Nichoid can influence MSC behavior and gene regulation through mechanical manipulation.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi, Sara Epis, Giulia Maria Cattaneo, Noemi Guerrini, Alessandro Manenti, Diego Rubolini, Paolo Gabrieli, Domenico Otranto, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Emanuele Montomoli, Claudio Bandi
Summary: The mucosal immune system is crucial for combatting infections and can serve as the first line of defense against various pathogens. Mucosal vaccination has shown promise in protecting against infections acquired through ingestion, inhalation, or the urogenital system, and can also induce systemic immune responses. This study investigated rectal administration of Leishmania parasites as a potential method for generating anti-Leishmania immunity, demonstrating a specific antibody response and a shift towards a Th1-biased immune response. These findings suggest the development of novel vaccines based on rectal immunization against Leishmania parasites should be further explored.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Savina Mannarino, Valeria Calcaterra, Giulia Fini, Andrea Foppiani, Antonio Sanzo, Martina Pisarra, Gabriele Infante, Marta Marsilio, Irene Raso, Sara Santacesaria, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: This study introduces an innovative pediatric telecardiology system, seamlessly integrated with a hospital telemedicine platform, which enhances patient management in the community. The results demonstrate the system's value as a diagnostic tool to facilitate the execution, transmission, and reporting of ECG data between primary care pediatrician clinics and the hospital.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gherard Batisti Biffignandi, Greta Bellinzona, Greta Petazzoni, Davide Sassera, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, Claudio Bandi, Fausto Baldanti, Francesco Comandatore, Stefano Gaiarsa
Summary: Bacterial Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) pose a significant global threat, which can be addressed by using the P-DOR tool for rapid bacterial outbreak characterization, enabling effective infection control.