Article
Oncology
Pierfrancesco Tassone, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Mariamena Arbitrio, Lucia Fiorillo, Nicoletta Staropoli, Domenico Ciliberto, Alessia Cordua, Francesca Scionti, Bernardo Bertucci, Angela Salvino, Mariangela Lopreiato, Fredrik Thunarf, Onofrio Cuomo, Maria Cristina Zito, Maria Rosanna De Fina, Amelia Brescia, Simona Gualtieri, Caterina Riillo, Francesco Manti, Daniele Caracciolo, Vito Barbieri, Eugenio Donato Di Paola, Adele Emanuela Di Francesco, Pierosandro Tagliaferri
Summary: We developed an LNA-i-miR-221 inhibitor that downregulated miR-221 and showed anti-tumor activity in mice. The drug was well tolerated in patients and the recommended phase II dose was determined to be 5 mg/kg.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Omar Nadeem, Maria-Victoria Mateos, Yvonne A. Efebera, Agne Paner, Alessandra Larocca, Paula Rodriguez-Otero, Xavier Leleu, Paul G. Richardson
Summary: Despite being mostly incurable, multiple myeloma requires novel therapies, especially for patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Melphalan flufenamide, as an alkylating peptide-drug conjugate, has shown efficacy and manageable safety in clinical studies. However, its approval and market presence have faced challenges due to nuanced data from the OCEAN study.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong Chen, Yuan Zhao, Jiajia Zhang, Yan Xie, Mulan Jin
Summary: The study revealed that miR-135b and its mediated Wnt/13-β-catenin signaling pathway promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of multiple myeloma cells by regulating Versican, while suppressing apoptosis.
Article
Oncology
Nizar J. Bahlis, Rachid Baz, Simon J. Harrison, Hang Quach, Shir-Jing Ho, Annette Juul Vangsted, Torben Plesner, Philippe Moreau, Simon D. Gibbs, Sheryl Coppola, Xiaoqing Yang, Abdullah Al Masud, Jeremy A. Ross, Orlando Bueno, Jonathan L. Kaufman
Summary: Venetoclax in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone or bortezomib showed promising efficacy and safety in patients with multiple myeloma. Particularly effective in patients with t(11;14) translocation in RRMM.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Nicola Giesen, Nagarajan Paramasivam, Umut H. Toprak, Daniel Huebschmann, Jing Xu, Sebastian Uhrig, Mehmet Samur, Stella Baehr, Martina Froehlich, Sadaf S. Mughal, Elias K. Mai, Anna Jauch, Carsten Muller-Tidow, Benedikt Brors, Nikhil Munshi, Hartmut Goldschmidt, Niels Weinhold, Matthias Schlesner, Marc S. Raab
Summary: This study provides comprehensive genomic characterization of heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, revealing a complex mutational landscape and potential therapeutic targets. The findings highlight the impact of specific gene mutations on patient survival and suggest potential therapeutic implications.
Article
Oncology
Sagar Lonial, Hans C. Lee, Ashraf Badros, Suzanne Trudel, Ajay K. Nooka, Ajai Chari, Al-Ola Abdallah, Natalie Callander, Douglas Sborov, Attaya Suvannasankha, Katja Weisel, Peter M. Voorhees, Lynsey Womersley, January Baron, Trisha Piontek, Eric Lewis, Joanna Opalinska, Ira Gupta, Adam D. Cohen
Summary: Based on the DREAMM-2 study, single-agent belantamab mafodotin was approved for heavily pretreated patients with RRMM, showing sustained clinical activity without new safety signals.
Article
Oncology
Sadan Dahal, Prakash Chaudhary, Jung-Ae Kim
Summary: This study identifies miR-200c-3p as a key factor in the progression of androgen-refractory prostate cancer (ARPC) and resistance to androgen therapy. It inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by suppressing the expression of integrin alpha 3 beta 4 heterodimer. Combination treatment with miR-200c-3p mimic and AR inhibitor enzalutamide has synergistic inhibitory effects on ARPC.
Article
Oncology
Katja Weisel, Amrita Krishnan, Jordan M. Schecter, Martin Vogel, Carolyn C. Jackson, William Deraedt, Tzu-min Yeh, Arnob Banerjee, Fevzi Yalniz, Tonia Nesheiwat, Suzy Van Sanden, Joris Diels, Satish Valluri, Saad Z. Usmani, Jesus G. Berdeja, Sundar Jagannath, Tom Martin
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of cilta-cel with other non-CAR-T therapies in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The results showed that cilta-cel demonstrated superior efficacy in all measured outcomes, indicating its potential as an effective treatment.
CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Rizzuto, Angelo Pirrera, Emilia Gigliotta, Salvatrice Mancuso, Candida Vullo, Giulia Maria Camarda, Cristina Rotolo, Arianna Roppolo, Corinne Spoto, Massimo Gentile, Cirino Botta, Sergio Siragusa
Summary: The current treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) relies on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted inhibitors. However, the multitude of choices and lack of direct comparisons make treatment selection challenging. To address this, a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials in CLL were performed. The results showed that a combination of obinutuzumab with acalabrutinib was the most effective treatment, especially in the absence of del17/P53 mutations. Additionally, chemotherapy is becoming less relevant in the first-line treatment of CLL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Plano, Emilia Gigliotta, Anna Maria Corsale, Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi, Carlotta Santonocito, Manuela Ingrasci, Laura Di Carlo, Antonino Elia Augello, Maria Speciale, Candida Vullo, Cristina Rotolo, Giulia Maria Camarda, Nadia Caccamo, Serena Meraviglia, Francesco Dieli, Sergio Siragusa, Cirino Botta
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by a pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Ferritin, released by pro-inflammatory cells, contributes to ROS production and cellular damage. The study found that high ferritin levels were associated with worse prognosis in MM patients and correlated with systemic inflammation markers and specific bone marrow cell microenvironment. Bioinformatic analysis also revealed that ferritin biosynthesis gene expression signature was associated with poor outcome and specific immune cell profiles. These findings suggest that ferritin could be a potential target for improving MM patient outcome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leila Mohammadnezhad, Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi, Marco Pio La Manna, Giuliana Guggino, Cirino Botta, Francesco Dieli, Nadia Caccamo
Summary: This study identified new signaling pathways in the progression of primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and discovered CD79A, CD79B, and LAMTOR4 as potential novel biomarkers for pSS progression into lymphoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Caterina Riillo, Nicoletta Polera, Maria Teresa Di Martino, Giada Juli, Craig A. Hokanson, Tatjana Odineca, Stefania Signorelli, Katia Grillone, Serena Ascrizzi, Antonia Mancuso, Nicoletta Staropoli, Basilio Caparello, Maria Cerra, Giuseppe Nistico, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Roberto Crea, Daniele Caracciolo, Pierfrancesco Tassone
Summary: This study describes the activity of a new class of antibody mimics called Pronectins (TM) against Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). The Pronectins can activate T lymphocytes to kill EOC cells, and their cytotoxicity can be enhanced by combining with PARPi. In mouse models, this therapy effectively inhibits the growth of EOC tumors and prolongs the survival of the mice. This study provides a rationale for the development of Pronectins as a novel treatment for EOC and demonstrates the potential of this new immune therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Larrayoz, Maria J. Garcia-Barchino, Jon Celay, Amaia Etxebeste, Maddalen Jimenez, Cristina Perez, Raquel Ordonez, Cesar Cobaleda, Cirino Botta, Vicente Fresquet, Sergio Roa, Ibai Goicoechea, Catarina Maia, Miren Lasaga, Marta Chesi, P. Leif Bergsagel, Maria J. Larrayoz, Maria J. Calasanz, Elena Campos-Sanchez, Jorge Martinez-Cano, Carlos Panizo, Paula Rodriguez-Otero, Silvestre Vicent, Giovanna Roncador, Patricia Gonzalez, Satoru Takahashi, Samuel G. Katz, Loren D. Walensky, Shannon M. Ruppert, Elisabeth A. Lasater, Maria Amann, Teresa Lozano, Diana Llopiz, Pablo Sarobe, Juan J. Lasarte, Nuria Planell, David Gomez-Cabrero, Olga Kudryashova, Anna Kurilovich, Maria V. Revuelta, Leandro Cerchietti, Xabier Agirre, Jesus San Miguel, Bruno Paiva, Felipe Prosper, Jose A. Martinez-Climent
Summary: The lack of preclinical models reflecting the genetic heterogeneity of multiple myeloma (MM) has hindered therapeutic discoveries. To overcome this limitation, researchers used genetically engineered mice to develop bone marrow tumors that mimic MM pathogenesis. Integrative analyses of mice and patients revealed a common genetic pathway that accelerates disease progression and immune evasion mechanisms that remodel the bone marrow microenvironment differently.
Article
Microbiology
Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Ernesto Palma, Carlotta Ceniti, Maurizio Millea, Carmine Lupia, Domenico Britti, Vincenzo Musella
Summary: The majority of honeybee farms in industrialized countries use acaricides and other management practices to control Varroa destructor. However, the outcomes and effects of these practices have not been well studied. This research aimed to analyze how environmental factors and beekeeping practices can affect the population dynamics of V. destructor.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carlotta Ceniti, Rosa Luisa Ambrosio, Jessica Bria, Anna Di Vito, Bruno Tilocca, Aniello Anastasio, Domenico Britti, Valeria Maria Morittu, Emanuela Chiarella
Summary: Nowadays, there is growing interest in food products that promote consumer health, and dairy by-products are believed to have potential health benefits due to their biological quality. However, their effect on cancer cells is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of sheep colostrum and milk whey on K562 cells, a model for human chronic myeloid leukemia. The results showed that both colostrum and whey could modify the cell cycle and phenotype of K562 cells, leading to apoptosis at higher concentrations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessio Filippo Peritore, Gianluca Antonio Franco, Francesco Molinari, Alessia Arangia, Livia Interdonato, Ylenia Marino, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Enrico Gugliandolo, Domenico Britti, Rosalia Crupi
Summary: This study revealed that chronic exposure to Vinclozolin can cause myocardial damage, cardiovascular dysfunction, and detrimental effects on cardiac enzymes and gene expression.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Vincenzo Musella, Carmine Lupia, Ernesto Palma, Domenico Britti
Summary: This article summarizes the use of bee products, specifically focusing on the research of bee venom. It aims to gather the relevant publications on the use of bee venom in veterinary medicine, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties among others.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Ernesto Palma, Mariangela Marrelli, Filomena Conforti, Vincenzo Musolino, Cristina Carresi, Carmine Lupia, Carlotta Ceniti, Bruno Tilocca, Paola Roncada, Domenico Britti, Vincenzo Musella
Summary: The Varroa destructor parasite poses a major threat to honey bee colonies. While eco-friendly plant essential oils (EOs) have gained interest as potential solutions, there is inconsistency in research results due to different study techniques and variability in plant chemical compositions. This review aims to summarize the research on using EOs to control the parasite, standardize results, and suggest future research directions.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cirino Botta, Cristina Perez, Marta Larrayoz, Noemi Puig, Maria-Teresa Cedena, Rosalinda Termini, Ibai Goicoechea, Sara Rodriguez, Aintzane Zabaleta, Aitziber Lopez, Sarai Sarvide, Laura Blanco, Daniele M. Papetti, Marco S. Nobile, Daniela Besozzi, Massimo Gentile, Pierpaolo Correale, Sergio Siragusa, Albert Oriol, Maria Esther Gonzalez-Garcia, Anna Sureda, Felipe de Arriba, Rafael Rios Tamayo, Jose-Maria Moraleda, Mercedes Gironella, Miguel T. Hernandez, Joan Bargay, Luis Palomera, Albert Perez-Montana, Hartmut Goldschmidt, Herve Avet-Loiseau, Aldo Roccaro, Alberto Orfao, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez, Laura Rosinol, Juan-Jose Lahuerta, Joan Blade, Maria-Victoria Mateos, Jesus F. San-Miguel, Jose-Angel Martinez Climent, Bruno Paiva
Summary: T cell recognition of tumors is crucial for antitumor immunity. In this study, single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing were used to analyze bone marrow T cells in patients with multiple myeloma. The findings suggest that large T cell clones in multiple myeloma patients exhibit dysfunctional phenotypes and express multiple immune checkpoints. Dual targeting of specific immune checkpoints partially restored the function of these T cells.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Francesca Oppedisano, Rosario De Fazio, Enrico Gugliandolo, Rosalia Crupi, Ernesto Palma, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Bruno Tilocca, Carmine Merola, Cristian Piras, Domenico Britti
Summary: This study aims to explore the potential of phyto-complexes derived from Italian flora as a solution to combat antimicrobial resistance by investigating their antimicrobial properties and phytochemical constituents.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Carlotta Ceniti, Anna Antonella Spina, Cristian Piras, Francesca Oppedisano, Bruno Tilocca, Paola Roncada, Domenico Britti, Valeria Maria Morittu
Summary: To ensure the safety and quality of milk, new tools have been developed to detect chemical contaminants, toxins, veterinary drugs, and adulteration of milk from different species. Mid-infrared spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared have been commonly used technologies for rapid screening of hazardous substances and confirmation of milk authenticity. These fingerprint methods can effectively determine the characteristics of raw materials without knowing the identity of each constituent, making them potential screening methods for adulteration detection. This paper reviews the latest advances in applying mid-infrared spectroscopy for the detection and quantification of adulterants, milk dilution, pathogenic bacteria, veterinary drugs, and hazardous substances in milk.
Review
Hematology
Federica Plano, Anna Maria Corsale, Emilia Gigliotta, Giulia Camarda, Candida Vullo, Marta Di Simone, Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi, Maria Speciale, Melania Carlisi, Nadia Caccamo, Francesco Dieli, Serena Meraviglia, Sergio Siragusa, Cirino Botta
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy with a multistep evolutionary pathway, involving monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering MM (sMM), and symptomatic MM. Genomic alterations are present at the MGUS phase, but their role in disease evolution is questionable. Changes in the bone marrow microenvironment (TME) play a key role in MM evolution, driving cancer progression and clonal plasma cell behavior. Microenvironment-oriented drugs have significantly improved MM patients' survival. This review discusses the role of the TME in MM evolution and potential therapeutic targets/opportunities.
HEMATOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Manlio Fazio, Vittorio Del Fabro, Nunziatina Laura Parrinello, Alessandro Allegra, Uros Markovic, Cirino Botta, Fabrizio Accardi, Iolanda Donatella Vincelli, Salvatore Leotta, Federica Elia, Benedetta Esposito, Bruno Garibaldi, Gabriele Sapuppo, Alessandra Orofino, Alessandra Romano, Giuseppe A. Palumbo, Francesco Di Raimondo, Concetta Conticello
Summary: This article reviews the current treatment regimens for multiple myeloma, compares clinical trials with real-life experiences, and highlights promising therapies such as T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) that are effective in changing the course of advanced-stage disease.