Review
Cell Biology
Lindan Wei, Xin Sun, Chenxi Fan, Rongli Li, Shuanglong Zhou, Hongsong Yu
Summary: This article reviews the pathophysiological changes in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and discusses the factors contributing to its occurrence and development. The findings provide a theoretical reference for the development of new treatment strategies for DR.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michalis Michailidis, Despina Moraitou, Despina A. Tata, Kallirhoe Kalinderi, Theodora Papamitsou, Vasileios Papaliagkas
Summary: This review article discusses the shared pathophysiological connections between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), emphasizing the role of insulin in the brain and the mechanistic interplay between the two diseases. The findings highlight the need for routine evaluation and treatment of cognitive impairment in T2DM patients and the evaluation of insulin levels or T2DM in AD patients. The hypothesis of AD as a type 3 diabetes is strongly supported.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biology
Maria Chiara Pelle, Isabella Zaffina, Stefania Luca, Valentina Forte, Vincenzo Trapanese, Melania Melina, Federica Giofre, Franco Arturi
Summary: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, primarily affects the lungs but can also cause multi-organ involvement. Patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are at an increased risk of severe complications. Endothelial dysfunction may play a crucial role in the systemic involvement of COVID-19.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wouter Tack, Anne-Marie De Cock, Eveline Lia Dirinck, Sophie Bastijns, Femke Arien, Stany Perkisas
Summary: This review explores the interconnected pathophysiology between sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suggests that they share multiple mechanisms such as muscle architectural changes, chronic low-grade inflammation, and increased levels of oxidative stress. Future research should focus on identifying common therapeutic targets for both diseases. It is also important to diagnose sarcopenia early in individuals with T2D and initiate lifestyle modifications and treatment as early as possible.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martha Lucinda Contreras-Zentella, Rolando Hernandez-Munoz
Summary: This article discusses the relationships among inflammatory events, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations in patients with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes, as well as the influence of gender on these processes.
Review
Cell Biology
Ana L. Santos, Sanchari Sinha
Summary: Obesity poses a major challenge for health policymakers due to its increased risk of acute and chronic diseases and potential financial burden on healthcare systems. The metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity is similar to that observed in normal aging, suggesting the potential for obesity to accelerate aging. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying obesity and aging could provide insights into the development of chronic health complications.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Iacopo Fabiani, Alberto Aimo, Chrysanthos Grigoratos, Vincenzo Castiglione, Francesco Gentile, Luigi F. Saccaro, Chiara Arzilli, Daniela Cardinale, Claudio Passino, Michele Emdin
Summary: Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is effective in treating many types of tumors but comes with a significant risk of cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure. Early diagnosis and risk stratification are important for preventing cardiac damage, and further evidence is needed to support therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
HEART FAILURE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Iman Fatemi, Hamidreza Khalili, Saeed Mehrzadi, Zahra Basir, Alireza Malayeri, Mehdi Goudarzi
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of chrysin on sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity, showing that chrysin significantly mitigated liver toxicity and had a hepatoprotective effect. Chrysin was most effective at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day.
Review
Oncology
Larissa E. van Eijk, Mathijs Binkhorst, Arno R. Bourgonje, Annette K. Offringa, Douwe J. Mulder, Eelke M. Bos, Nikola Kolundzic, Amaal E. Abdulle, Peter H. J. van der Voort, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, Johannes G. van der Hoeven, Wilfred F. A. den Dunnen, Jan-Luuk Hillebrands, Harry van Goor
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a complex viral disease with varying symptoms, understanding its immunopathology and developing effective treatment strategies are crucial. Pathological observations provide valuable insights, current management strategies include supportive care and drug therapy.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Cela, Beatrice Dufrusine, Claudia Rossi, Alberto Luini, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Luca Federici, Michele Sallese
Summary: KDELRs are ubiquitous receptors involved in cell quality control and stress responses. Mutations in KDELRs are associated with various diseases, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tarun Pant, Nnamdi Uche, Matea Juric, Zeljko J. Bosnjak
Summary: Metabolic imbalances and persistent hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus drive the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to vascular complications. Recent studies show that changes in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulate mitochondrial function in oxidative stress. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing oxidative stress-induced diseases. This review discusses the potential of lncRNA as a diagnostic biomarker and regulator of oxidative stress in diabetes-associated vascular complications, as well as the use of MTAs in animal models and clinical trials.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Tao Jiang, Yuhe Dong, Wanying Zhu, Tong Wu, Linyan Chen, Yuantong Cao, Xi Yu, Ye Peng, Ling Wang, Ying Xiao, Tian Zhong
Summary: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soybean, has been found to have hypoglycemic activity, decrease insulin resistance, and show potential in preventing and treating diabetic complications. This review summarizes the latest research on genistein's therapeutic effects in DM and related complications, highlighting its molecular mechanisms and targets. The evidence supports the development and application of genistein as a potential drug or functional food for diabetes and its complications.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xia Xu, Bingxuan Zhang, Yajiao Wang, Shuqing Shi, Jiayu Lv, Zhenyue Fu, Xiya Gao, Yumeng Li, Huaqin Wu, Qingqiao Song
Summary: Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a condition where heart failure and renal insufficiency coexist, leading to dysfunction in both organs. Renal fibrosis has been identified as a crucial pathological process in the progression of type 2 CRS, causing end-stage renal disease and worsening cardiac function, resulting in high hospitalization and mortality rates. Previous studies have shown that various mechanisms, such as hemodynamic alteration, RAAS overactivation, SNS dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and imbalances in natriuretic peptide system, contribute to renal disease development during heart failure, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. This review focuses on molecular pathways involved in renal fibrosis due to heart failure, highlighting the TGF-beta signaling pathways, hypoxia-sensing pathways, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and potential therapeutic approaches.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Davinelli, Luciano Saso, Floriana D'Angeli, Vittorio Calabrese, Mariano Intrieri, Giovanni Scapagnini
Summary: This article reviews the potential molecular mechanisms by which astaxanthin (AST) regulates the transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-κB, which are involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, it summarizes the current clinical studies elucidating how AST alleviates the etiopathogenesis of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Salvatore, Raffaele Galiero, Alfredo Caturano, Erica Vetrano, Giuseppe Loffredo, Luca Rinaldi, Christian Catalini, Klodian Gjeloshi, Gaetana Albanese, Anna Di Martino, Giovanni Docimo, Celestino Sardu, Raffaele Marfella, Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Summary: Diabetic patients are often affected by coronary microvascular dysfunction, a complex condition whose pathogenesis involves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This dysfunction contributes to cardiac events and heart failure, and no specific treatment exists. However, certain antidiabetic drugs may have protective effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Michelucci, Silvia Rocchiccioli, Melania Gaggini, Rudina Ndreu, Sergio Berti, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This study found that specific ceramide species are associated with cardiovascular risk, inflammation, and disease severity in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A detailed analysis of ceramides may help to better understand cardiovascular pathobiology and suggest these new biomarkers as possible risk predictors and pharmacological targets in AMI patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Gaggini, Rudina Ndreu, Elena Michelucci, Silvia Rocchiccioli, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This review presents evidence on the structure and generation of ceramides, and discusses their role in cardiometabolic disease, as well as the current translational opportunities and challenges for ceramide application in the cardiometabolic clinical settings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Gaggini, Francesca Gorini, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: Lipids play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, and the traditional lipid profile is an established tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. However, non-traditional lipids have emerged as potential predictors of cardiometabolic risk, as they provide a more comprehensive understanding of lipid/lipoprotein interactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonella Meloni, Christian Cadeddu, Lucia Cugusi, Maria Pia Donataccio, Martino Deidda, Susanna Sciomer, Sabina Gallina, Cristina Vassalle, Federica Moscucci, Giuseppe Mercuro, Silvia Maffei
Summary: Metabolic syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by the aggregation of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, including dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar, and abdominal obesity. These risk factors have an independent effect but become synergistic when combined, leading to a doubled risk of cardiovascular diseases and a 1.5-fold increase in all-cause mortality. This article explores gender differences in the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical expression of metabolic syndrome components, as well as gender differences in new biochemical markers of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Gaggini, Elena Michelucci, Rudina Ndreu, Silvia Rocchiccioli, Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Sergio Berti, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This study assessed the correlation between ceramides and cardiometabolic diseases such as acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. The results showed that ceramides were not strongly associated with myocardial infarction, but specific species were elevated in type 2 diabetes-related myocardial infarction. Additionally, certain ceramides were correlated with other cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, ceramide assessment may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying acute cardiac events and cardiometabolic risk, potentially serving as prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes-related myocardial infarction patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Gaggini, Fabrizio Minichilli, Francesca Gorini, Serena Del Turco, Patrizia Landi, Alessandro Pingitore, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) on coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality. The study found that elevated NLR and FIB-4 were associated with increased mortality in CAD patients. Categorization of CAD patients based on FIB-4/NLR could provide valuable information for risk stratification and reduction of residual risk.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Della Nera, Laura Sabatino, Melania Gaggini, Francesca Gorini, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: In addition to its role in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system. Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, morbidity, and mortality. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D contribute to these effects. However, the optimal vitamin D status for cardiovascular health remains controversial, and this review will discuss confounding factors and the debate on the minimum blood 25(OH)D level required for optimal cardiovascular health.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melania Gaggini, Simona Fenizia, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: Resveratrol, a phenolic compound found in wine, exhibits strong antioxidant activity and has beneficial effects on human health. Its interactions with various biological targets and involvement in key cellular pathways affecting cardiometabolic (CM) health contribute to these benefits. Resveratrol functions as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, regulating redox genes, nitric oxide bioavailability, and mitochondrial function. Additionally, studies have shown that resveratrol affects sphingolipid metabolism and signaling, which play critical roles in CM risk and disease by influencing apoptosis, cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This review focuses on discussing the effects of resveratrol on sphingolipids in CM and explores the clinical implications of this relationship.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Annamaria Mazzone, Serena Del Turco, Giuseppe Trianni, Paola Quadrelli, Marco Marotta, Luca Bastiani, Tommaso Gasbarri, Andreina D'Agostino, Massimiliano Mariani, Giuseppina Basta, Ilenia Foffa, Silverio Sbrana, Cristina Vassalle, Marcello Ravani, Marco Solinas, Sergio Berti
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate outcomes in older severe aortic valve stenosis patients and select treatment according to frailty levels. The results showed that patients with early frailty levels were the most suitable candidates for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, while advanced frailty would make each treatment futile or palliative.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Annamaria Mazzone, Sergio Berti, Cristina Vassalle
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Francesca Mastorci, Maria Francesca Lodovica Lazzeri, Paolo Piaggi, Cristina Doveri, Anselmo Casu, Gabriele Trivellini, Irene Marinaro, Caleb Devine, Cristina Vassalle, Alessandro Pingitore
Summary: Bullying has negative effects on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents, particularly impacting dimensions such as mood, self-perception, and parental relationships. Girls who are bullied experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life compared to their socially accepted peers and male population.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Fenizia, Melania Gaggini, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This review discusses the interaction between vitamin D and sphingolipids, with a focus on cardiometabolic diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Fenizia, Melania Gaggini, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This review evaluates the role of ceramides and other sphingolipids in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the importance of sphingolipid metabolism in viral infection, and discusses the feasibility of using pharmaceutical strategies targeting sphingolipids to prevent and treat severe and long-term symptoms of COVID-19.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Luisella Vigna, Amedea Silvia Tirelli, Melania Gaggini, Salvina Di Piazza, Laura Tomaino, Stefano Turolo, Gianluca Moroncini, Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Fabrizia Bamonti, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk indexes in a population of overweight or obese workers. The results showed higher prevalence of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk among males, and varying percentages of workers identified as insulin resistant or at higher cardiometabolic risk depending on the index used. It was concluded that a combination of biomarkers and anthropometric measures can be used to calculate different indexes for personalized evaluation of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.
Article
Psychiatry
Gaggini Melania, Vigna Luisella, Di Piazza Salvina, Gori Francesca, Tirelli Amedea Silvia, Bamonti Fabrizia, Maltinti Maristella, Napolitano Filomena, Chatzianagnostou Kyriazoula, Cristina Vassalle
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the concordance of non-invasive fibrosis and steatosis indices in a large population of adult subjects at risk of NAFLD, and how obesity and its physio-pathological features may interact with these indices and related biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk. The study found that the concordance between different indices was low, and clinicians should take into account these differences when diagnosing liver diseases or assessing disease progression.
EATING AND WEIGHT DISORDERS-STUDIES ON ANOREXIA BULIMIA AND OBESITY
(2022)
