Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vlad Eugen Tiu, Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu, Iulian Ion Enache, Cristina Tiu, Alina Popa Cherecheanu, Cristina Aura Panea
Summary: Serum biomarkers (adjusted sNfL z-scores at baseline and 6 months) combined with OCT metrics (RNFL and GCL-IPL layer thickness) and the clinical score BREMSO can accurately predict early disability progression using the EDSS-plus score for newly diagnosed RRMS patients.
Review
Immunology
Balazs Lorincz, Elizabeth C. Jury, Michal Vrablik, Murali Ramanathan, Tomas Uher
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with lipid metabolism. The causal relationship between disease activity and abnormalities in lipid metabolism has not been established. However, research in this area has the potential to enhance understanding of MS pathophysiology and identify new treatment targets and strategies.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Polyxeni Papadea, Marianna Skipitari, Electra Kalaitzopoulou, Athina Varemmenou, Maria Spiliopoulou, Marios Papasotiriou, Evangelos Papachristou, Dimitrios Goumenos, Anny Onoufriou, Eleftheria Rosmaraki, Irene Margiolaki, Christos D. Georgiou
Summary: The present study uses simple, innovative methods to isolate, characterize, and fractionate LDL in its main components for the study of specific oxidations on them. It aims to understand the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) status and its relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. The study provides protocols for LDL isolation, purity verification, fractionation, and measurement of specific LDL component oxidative modifications, which can help in studying atherosclerosis and developing CVD prevention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petri Kresanov, Juha Mykkanen, Markku Ahotupa, Mika Ala-Korpela, Markus Juonala, Jari Kaikkonen, Mika Kahonen, Terho Lehtimaki, Tommi Vasankari, Jorma Viikari, Olli T. Raitakari
Summary: The study found that oxidized HDL lipids were not significantly associated with lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations and composition after adjusting for certain factors, while oxidized LDL lipids were associated with multiple markers of lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations and composition. Additionally, HDL and LDL subclass measures, such as phospholipid and triglyceride composition, were directly associated with oxidized LDL lipids, while cholesterol ester and free cholesterol composition in HDL and LDL were inversely associated. These results suggest that LDL oxidation may play a role in atherogenesis.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroyuki Itabe, Naoko Sawada, Tomohiko Makiyama, Takashi Obama
Summary: Oxidative modification of lipoproteins is involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions, with oxLDL and oxHDL dynamics in circulation playing a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria S. Hadjiagapiou, George Krashias, Elie Deeba, George Kallis, Andri Papaloizou, Paul Costeas, Christina Christodoulou, Marios Pantzaris, Anastasia Lambrianides
Summary: The study revealed that MS patients had an overrepresentation of polymorphisms associated with coagulation, which were linked to the severity and progression of the disease.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ali Ahmadi, Yunes Panahi, Thomas P. Johnston, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality globally, and diabetic patients are at a greater risk of developing atherosclerosis. Antidiabetic drugs exert various mechanisms to counter the undesirable effects of oxLDL, which can be extremely beneficial in controlling atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vinzenz Fleischer, Gabriel Gonzalez-Escamilla, Deborah Pareto, Alex Rovira, Jaume Sastre-Garriga, Piotr Sowa, Einar A. Hogestol, Hanne F. Harbo, Barbara Bellenberg, Carsten Lukas, Serena Ruggieri, Claudio Gasperini, Tomas Uher, Manuela Vaneckova, Stefan Bittner, Ahmed E. Othman, Sara Collorone, Ahmed T. Toosy, Sven G. Meuth, Frauke Zipp, Frederik Barkhof, Olga Ciccarelli, Sergiu Groppa
Summary: This study investigated the prognostic value of longitudinal structural networks in predicting 5-year Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. The study found that changes in network degree and global efficiency can predict disability accumulation independent of disease activity, and these network measures outperform conventional MRI predictors in predicting EDSS worsening.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alexander Sorokin, Christin G. Hong, Angel M. Aponte, Elizabeth M. Florida, Jingrong Tang, Nidhi Patel, Irina N. Baranova, Haiou Li, Philip M. Parel, Vicky Chen, Sierra R. Wilson, Emily L. Ongstad, Anna Collen, Martin P. Playford, Thomas L. Eggerman, Marcus Y. Chen, Kazuhiko Kotani, Alexander Bocharov, Alan T. Remaley
Summary: In this study, we found that oxidized apolipoprotein B and oxidized ApoA-I are associated with high-risk coronary plaque features and progression in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juana Maria Sanz, Andrea D'Amuri, Domenico Sergi, Sharon Angelini, Valeria Fortunato, Elda Favari, Giovanni Vigna, Giovanni Zuliani, Edoardo Dalla Nora, Angelina Passaro
Summary: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with high LDL cholesterol and premature cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FH on cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and its relationship with lipoprotein subfraction distribution. The results showed that FH patients had higher concentrations of all LDL subfractions, a shift towards small HDL subfractions, and increased CEC compared to controls.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Divya Saro Varghese, Bassam R. Ali
Summary: oxLDL is a biomarker and pathological factor in CVD, T2DM, obesity and other diseases, with a link to ER stress. The cellular response to ER stress involves a defensive mechanism known as UPR, which can switch to apoptosis under excessive stress to eliminate defective cells. ER stress is a major hallmark in metabolic syndromes and other diseases, with potential therapeutic interventions being explored.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marion Selton, Guillaume Mathey, Marc Soudant, Philippe Manceau, Rene Anxionnat, Marc Debouverie, Jacques Jonas
Summary: This study aims to evaluate whether epileptic seizures may be a prognostic marker of MS disability. The results suggest that epileptic seizures may be associated with the severity and progression of MS. If epileptic seizures occur early in MS, they may serve as a prognostic marker, while if they develop during the course of the disease, they may worsen the progression of MS.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ibrahima Diouf, Charles B. Malpas, Sifat Sharmin, Izanne Roos, Dana Horakova, Eva Kubala Havrdova, Francesco Patti, Vahid Shaygannejad, Serkan Ozakbas, Guillermo Izquierdo, Sara Eichau, Marco Onofrj, Alessandra Lugaresi, Raed Alroughani, Alexandre Prat, Marc Girard, Pierre Duquette, Murat Terzi, Cavit Boz, Francois Grand'Maison, Sherif Hamdy, Patrizia Sola, Diana Ferraro, Pierre Grammond, Recai Turkoglu, Katherine Buzzard, Olga Skibina, Bassem Yamout, Ayse Altintas, Oliver Gerlach, Vincent van Pesch, Yolanda Blanco, Davide Maimone, Jeannette Lechner-Scott, Roberto Bergamaschi, Rana Karabudak, Gerardo Iuliano, Chris McGuigan, Elisabetta Cartechini, Michael Barnett, Stella Hughes, Maria Jose Sa, Claudio Solaro, Ludwig Kappos, Cristina Ramo-Tello, Edgardo Cristiano, Suzanne Hodgkinson, Daniele Spitaleri, Aysun Soysal, Thor Petersen, Mark Slee, Ernest Butler, Franco Granella, Koen de Gans, Pamela McCombe, Radek Ampapa, Bart Van Wijmeersch, Anneke van der Walt, Helmut Butzkueven, Julie Prevost, L. G. F. Sinnige, Jose Luis Sanchez-Menoyo, Steve Vucic, Guy Laureys, Liesbeth Van Hijfte, Dheeraj Khurana, Richard Macdonell, Riadh Gouider, Tamara Castillo-Trivino, Orla Gray, Eduardo Aguera-Morales, Abdullah Al-Asmi, Cameron Shaw, Norma Deri, Talal Al-Harbi, Yara Fragoso, Tunde Csepany, Angel Perez Sempere, Irene Trevino-Frenk, Jan Schepel, Fraser Moore, Tomas Kalincik
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of patient characteristics on the response to disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that patients with relapsing MS who received DMT had a reduced relapse incidence, lower risk of disability worsening, and greater chance of disability improvement. The effectiveness of DMT was influenced by the severity of disability, prior relapse rate, and prior cerebral magnetic resonance imaging activity, but not by age.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Foraysa Talaat, Sahar Abdelatty, Christine Ragaie, Ahmed Dahshan
Summary: This study aimed to measure the level of CHI3L1 in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and correlate it with disability measures for its potential role as a biomarker for disease progression. The results showed that patients with MS had higher levels of CHI3L1 in their CSF compared to controls, and patients with progressive forms of MS had higher levels than those with relapsing forms. There were positive correlations between disease duration, number of attacks, EDSS score, and CSF level of CHI3L1. A cut-off value of 154 ng/mL was found between RRMS and PMS patients.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Sam Sedaghat, Hyungseok Jang, Jiyo S. Athertya, Martin Groezinger, Jody Corey-Bloom, Jiang Du
Summary: The signal intensity variations (SIVs) of MS lesions on direct myelin imaging and standard clinical sequences were investigated as potential MRI biomarkers for disability in MS patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Filipe Palavra, Sofia D. Viana, Sara Henriques, Joao Dinis, Joao Martins, Maria H. Madeira, Raquel Santiago, Lorena Petrella, Jose Sereno
Summary: The study demonstrates that a two-week period after cessation of Cuprizone exposure is sufficient to establish changes compatible with remyelination. This provides a time window for studying demyelination and early remyelination.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Laura Ferreira, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Sofia Rabaca, Ankita Mathur, Ankur Sharma, Prabhanjan S. Giram, Kiran D. Pawar, Abbas Rahdar, Faisal Raza, Francisco Veiga, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: The progress in new delivery systems for active ingredients in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic fields has been boosted by the use of cyclodextrins (CDs) as versatile carriers. CDs are able to form host-guest inclusion complexes with guest active molecules, improving their physicochemical properties. The advantages of CDs in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic applications include improved solubility and stability of active ingredients, as well as the ability to mask unpleasant odors, making them promising for skin disease treatment and cosmetic formulation improvement.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia C. Pires, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Kelly Pedrosa, Daniela Lopes, Joana Lopes, Ana Macario-Soares, Diana Peixoto, Prabhanjan S. Giram, Francisco Veiga, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: The increasing emergence of skin diseases and the difficulty in treating damaged skin using conventional therapies have called for the development of novel drug delivery systems utilizing natural polymers. These natural polymers offer advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, economic feasibility, and inherent bioactive properties. This review examines the latest drug delivery system technologies using natural polymers and discusses their in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. Additionally, it highlights the therapeutic capabilities of biopolymer-based nanoparticles for various skin conditions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz Almeida, Catia Domingues, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Ines Silva, Ivana Jarak, Francisco Veiga, Ana Figueiras
Summary: This review summarizes the currently available prophylactic and therapeutic schemes against COVID-19, highlighting the use of cyclodextrins to improve drug efficacy and adaptability. It also introduces some new therapeutic approaches and the potential application of cyclodextrins to increase drug bioavailability, antiviral action, and solubility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Ana Margarida Pinto, Rinie Geenen, Tor D. Wager, Mark A. Lumley, Winfried Hauser, Eva Kosek, Jacob N. Ablin, Kirstine Amris, Jaime Branco, Dan Buskila, Joao Castelhano, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Leslie J. Crofford, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, Marina Lopez-Sola, Mariana Luis, Tiago Reis Marques, Philip J. Mease, Filipe Palavra, Jamie L. Rhudy, Lucina Q. Uddin, Paula Castilho, Johannes W. G. Jacobs, Jose A. P. da Silva
Summary: This article presents a new model called FITSS (Fibromyalgia: Imbalance of Threat and Soothing Systems), which proposes that an imbalance in emotion regulation, specifically an overactive 'threat' system and underactive 'soothing' system, may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. This model provides a new perspective for future research and may stimulate the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Diana Peixoto, Carolina Aleixo, Maria Beatriz S. Goncalves, Faisal Raza, Kiran D. D. Pawar, Francisco Veiga, Mingxian Liu, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: Nanotechnology is increasingly used to manage wound healing, with nanoclays showing great potential in improving traditional wound healing approaches or new therapies. Nanoclays possess intrinsic properties that promote hemostatic response, anti-inflammatory effects, angiogenesis, and re-epithelization. This review focuses on the use of nanoclays in treating skin lesions, post-surgical wounds, burn wounds, and chronic ulcer skin wounds. Research studies and databases have shown the effectiveness of nanoclays in wound healing, but further in vivo toxicity studies are required.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz Caramelo, Tamaeh Monteiro-Alfredo, Joao Martins, Jose Sereno, Joao Castelhano, Bruno Manadas, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Paulo Matafome
Summary: Functional MRI (fMRI) with H-1-MRS was used to study the neurometabolic changes in animal models of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Rats on a high-fat diet showed elevated levels of NAAG and GSH in the hippocampus, whereas diabetic rats showed elevated levels of taurine and GABA(A)R in the visual cortex. These findings suggest different mechanisms and responses to metabolic and vascular insults in different brain regions.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Claudia Chaves, Antonio Raposo, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Eduardo Yoshio Nakano, Fernando Ramos, Edite Teixeira-Lemos
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) perception of Portuguese celiac patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered celiac disease quality of life questionnaire (CDQ). The results showed that the Portuguese CDQ was reliable and responsive in assessing the QoL of Portuguese celiac patients. Factors such as age at diagnosis, educational level, compliance with a gluten-free diet, and use of antidepressants had an impact on different domains of QoL. This data is essential for developing strategies to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of celiac patients, and for future comparative research among celiac populations from different countries.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Ferreira, Patricia C. Pires, Mariana Fonseca, Gustavo Costa, Prabhanjan Shridhar Giram, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Victoria Bell, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Francisco Veiga, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: The use of materials and products to enhance appearance and well-being can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The cosmetic industry has been evolving with a focus on innovative technological approaches. Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary field with multifunctional characteristics, offering novel cosmetic products. However, the safety concerns associated with the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics need to be addressed by considering the type of nanomaterials used, their stability, potential skin absorption, route of exposure, and formulation in cosmetic products. Compliance with European regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of cosmetic products containing nanomaterials. This review explores the specificities of nanomaterials, their impact on human health, challenges related to environmental sustainability, and strategies for harmonizing policies for the standardized application of nanomaterials in cosmetics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Andre R. T. S. Araujo, Marcio Rodrigues, Ankita Mathur, Maria Beatriz S. Goncalves, Kalpita Tanwar, Fariba Heidarizadeh, Fereshteh Nejaddehbashi, Abbas Rahdar, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Francisco Veiga, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin that is mainly found in red grapes, red wine, berries, and peanuts. When applied topically, resveratrol has good penetration and stability properties, making it suitable for dermatological and cosmetic formulations. It exhibits various beneficial effects on the skin, including anti-aging, photoprotective, estrogen-like, skin-whitening, anti-acne, wound healing, anti-scarring, antimicrobial, and anti-skin cancer properties. However, its stability is compromised when exposed to UV radiation, leading to the development of technological strategies, such as nanotechnology, to enhance its stability and efficacy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francisca Pedro, Francisco Veiga, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Summary: This manuscript examines the importance of a robust quality assurance framework in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicinal products. It also discusses the impact of GAMP 5 and data integrity on quality assurance, and highlights the role of quality by design principles. The implementation of these principles enables organizations to meet regulatory requirements and provide safe medications to patients worldwide.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Ankita Mathur, Sivasubramanian Murugappan, Arpana Sharma, Kalpita Tanwar, Kamal Dua, Sachin Kumar Singh, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Dokkari Nagalaxmi Yadav, Aravind Kumar Rengan, Francisco Veiga, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: The use of nanotechnology in the cosmetics industry, particularly in the form of inorganic nanoparticles, has gained significant attention. These nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties and high absorption capacity, making them suitable for various skin health products. In addition to their excellent UV absorption and lack of white residue, inorganic nanoparticles offer advantages such as lower cost, better stability, and reduced irritation and allergies. Understanding their characteristics and safety is essential for their successful integration into dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vera Malheiro, Joana Duarte, Francisco Veiga, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Summary: This review discusses the application of Pharma 4.0 technologies, including machine learning, in silico modeling, and 3D printing, in the manufacturing process of non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs). It also explores the potential use of digital twins in this field.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luiza Franco, Eduardo Yoshio Nakano, Antonio Raposo, Hmidan A. Alturki, Sehad N. Alarifi, Claudia Chaves, Edite Teixeira-Lemos, Bernardo Romao
Summary: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, and a gluten-free diet is the only safe treatment. This study aimed to investigate disordered eating attitudes in individuals with CD in Brazil, and found that a considerable proportion of CD patients exhibited such attitudes, particularly in overweight and obese women. Public health policies are necessary to address and treat these attitudes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Cabanas Coimbra, Ines Sousa-Oliveira, Ines Ferreira-Faria, Diana Peixoto, Miguel Pereira-Silva, Ankita Mathur, Kiran D. Pawar, Faisal Raza, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Francisco Veiga, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos
Summary: This review article provides an overview of the use and safety assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics. It emphasizes the insufficient safety assessment in the field and the need for more research on the effects of nanosized particles on living systems, particularly considering the complex interactions between biological systems and active cosmetic ingredients.
