Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Marwa H. S. Dawoud, Mai A. Zaafan, Sarah S. Saleh, Islam M. Mannaa, Nabila M. Sweed
Summary: An optimized formulation of vanillic acid-loaded pharmacosomes with promising bioavailability and cardioprotective activity potential was prepared. This formulation showed sustained release and longer residence time compared to vanillic acid, and exhibited a more potent cardioprotective effect through inhibition of the MAPK pathway and PI3k/NF-κB signaling.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rui Chang, Rongrong Fu, Yujiao Huang, Jibing Zhang, Changshun Feng, Rui Wang, Hui Yan, Guangyong Li, Xiaohong Chu, Fengjiao Yuan, Dianlong Jia, Jun Li
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional liposome (MTLPs) was developed to co-deliver TRAIL and MMC for overcoming TRAIL-resistant tumors. MTLPs exhibited efficient cellular uptake and a strong killing effect against TRAIL-resistant tumor cells. In vivo assays showed that MTLPs achieved 97.8% tumor suppression via the synergistic effect of TRAIL and MMC while ensuring biosafety.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Suman Dalal, Paige L. Shook, Mahipal Singh, Krishna Singh
Summary: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of heart disease-related deaths worldwide. Ubiquitin plays a role in regulating protein turnover in cells, and exogenous ubiquitin may have cardioprotective potential in the remodeling process of the heart.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhi-Nan Xiang, Jun-Cheng Su, Yi-Hui Liu, Bin Deng, Ning Zhao, Jun Pan, Zhuo-Fan Hu, Fei-Hong Chen, Bing-Yu Cheng, Jia-Chun Chen, Luo-Sheng Wan
Summary: The study identified 17 Buxus alkaloids from the twigs and leaves of Buxus sempervirens, including 12 new ones. These novel alkaloids exhibit unique structures and bioactivities compared to previously known compounds.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Ceresa, Alessia Borrone, Letizia Fracchia, Maurizio Rinaldi, Alice Marchetti, Carlo Tremolada, Michela Bosetti
Summary: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used in wound healing, but require extensive time and manipulation. In this study, we investigated the potential of microfragmented adipose tissue (lipoaspirate) obtained with Lipogems(R) technology to promote wound healing. We demonstrated that lipoaspirate can enhance the growth of resident cells and has a paracrine effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, promoting proliferation, migration, and contraction. Additionally, lipoaspirate has an antibacterial effect and can modulate its secretion based on bacterial stimulus.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fatemah A. Alherz, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Walaa A. Negm, Aya H. El-Kadem
Summary: Amentoflavone (AMF) has cardioprotective effects against doxorubicin (DOX) cardiotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effects and restoration of mitochondrial function.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Banafsheh Yalameha, Hamid Reza Nejabati, Mohammad Nouri
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a significant global health concern, with oxidative stress playing a crucial role in their development. Vanillic acid, derived from various sources, is an antioxidant that has beneficial effects on cardiac function, particularly in cardiotoxicity and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satya Prakash, Ambak Kumar Rai
Summary: This study discovered the parasiticidal function of retinoic acid (RA) in infected macrophages and its ability to restore cellular cholesterol levels. It also found that RA can interfere with the growth and viability of the parasite by inhibiting sterol 24-C methyltransferase (SMT), leading to a loss of cellular ergosterol.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bao Le, Pham-Thi-Ngoc Anh, Seung-Hwan Yang
Summary: The study explored the prebiotic activities of a novel polysaccharide fraction from lotus plumule, N. nucifera, showing bioactivity against alpha-glucosidase and the ability to improve insulin resistance in HepG2 cells through the modulation of the IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway. The findings suggest that Nelumbo nucifera polysaccharides have the potential to be used in nutraceuticals and functional foods for diabetes management.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yub Raj Neupane, Chenyuan Huang, Xiaoyuan Wang, Wei Heng Chng, Gopalakrishnan Venkatesan, Olga Zharkova, Matthias Gerhard Wacker, Bertrand Czarny, Gerrit Storm, Jiong-Wei Wang, Giorgia Pastorin
Summary: The study introduced a lyophilization approach to preserve critical characteristics of cell-derived nanovesicles (CDNs) for long-term storage, ensuring structural integrity and biological activity. Trehalose as a lyoprotectant raised the glass transition temperature and reduced residual moisture content of CDNs, maintaining the secondary structure of cellular proteins. Both lyoprotected and freshly prepared CDNs targeted and protected injured hearts within 24 hours in a myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury animal model, highlighting their potential as stable cell-based therapeutics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ting Chen, Zhigang Huang, Wei Chen, Ru Ding, Na Li, Haiming Cui, Feng Wu, Chun Liang, Xiaoliang Cong
Summary: This study investigated the effect of bupropion on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy induced by carbon tetrachloride. The results showed that bupropion attenuated the inflammatory and oxidative condition, improved liver damage, and enhanced cardiac contractility.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alexandra Epure, Alina E. Parvu, Laurian Vlase, Daniela Benedec, Daniela Hanganu, Ana-Maria Gheldiu, Vlad Al. Toma, Ilioara Oniga
Summary: The study evaluated the methanol extract and tincture obtained from the spontaneous Romanian Cichorium intybus species for polyphenols content and biological properties. The extracts showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, associated with improvement in myocardial and renal function.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingang Pan, Yu Sha, Jianguo Qiu, Yunmeng Chen, Lele Liu, Muyu Luo, Ailong Huang, Jie Xia
Summary: In this study, it was found that RAD51 is upregulated in HCC and its silencing or inhibition can reduce HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Combining RAD51 inhibition with sorafenib demonstrates a synergistic effect in inhibiting HCC progression. Furthermore, RAD51 knockdown affects various cellular pathways involved in apoptosis, DNA damage, and cell cycle regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Daniel H. Goldhill, Ada Yan, Rebecca Frise, Jie Zhou, Jennifer Shelley, Ana Gallego Cortes, Shahjahan Miah, Omolola Akinbami, Monica Galiano, Maria Zambon, Angie Lackenby, Wendy S. Barclay
Summary: In ferrets, the favipiravir-resistant virus can successfully infect and be transmitted through contact and respiratory droplet routes, but the resistance mutation may decrease over time. The fitness advantage of the PA P653L mutant may lead to the loss of the PB1 resistance mutation K229R in vivo due to reassortment with the wild-type virus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Jun Shi, Yuan-Chin Lee, Liang-Jun Wang, Jing-Ting Chiou, Bo-Yang Tseng, Long-Sen Chang
Summary: This study investigates the membrane-perturbing activity of semicarbazide-modified myoglobin (Mb) in physiological solutions. The results show that semicarbazide modification leads to structural changes in Mb, including loss of heme group and reduced alpha-helix content. SEM-Mb exhibits higher structural flexibility and membrane permeability compared to Mb, suggesting that modification of negatively charged groups relieves structural constraints in Mb, leading to its active conformation with membrane-permeabilizing activity.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Slobodan Vukicevic, Andrea Colliva, Vera Kufner, Valentina Martinelli, Silvia Moimas, Simone Vodret, Viktorija Rumenovic, Milan Milosevic, Boris Brkljacic, Diana Delic-Brkljacic, Ricardo Correa, Mauro Giacca, Manuel Maglione, Tatjana Bordukalo-Niksic, Ivo Dumic-Cule, Serena Zacchigna
Summary: This study demonstrates that the inhibition of the specific isoform of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1 (BMP1.3) by a monoclonal antibody can reduce cardiac fibrosis and provide cardioprotection through inhibiting the Transforming Growth Factor beta pathway and inducing BMP5. It suggests the therapeutic potential of anti-BMP1.3 antibodies in preventing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reducing collagen deposition, and preserving cardiac function after ischemia.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roman Vuerich, Valentina Martinelli, Simone Vodret, Iris Bertani, Tea Carletti, Lorena Zentilin, Vittorio Venturi, Alessandro Marcello, Serena Zacchigna
Summary: The current COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the significance of aerosol-based transmission of human pathogens. To combat this, researchers have developed a new medical device that utilizes a 10600 nm laser light source to sterilize contaminated aerosols. This device has proven to be effective in killing aerosol-transmitted pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila and SARS-CoV-2.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erica Rurali, Giulio Pompilio, Serena Zacchigna
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giulio Ciucci, Andrea Colliva, Roman Vuerich, Giulio Pompilio, Serena Zacchigna
Summary: This article reviews the latest research on the use of biologics in treating cardiac diseases and discusses the challenges they face in this field. By addressing these challenges, the development and approval of a new generation of biologics for cardiovascular diseases can be accelerated.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Giulia Ruozi, Francesca Bortolotti, Antonio Mura, Mateusz Tomczyk, Antonella Falcione, Valentina Martinelli, Simone Vodret, Luca Braga, Matteo Dal Ferro, Antonio Cannata, Lorena Zentilin, Gianfranco Sinagra, Serena Zacchigna, Mauro Giacca
Summary: Through the cardiac FunSel method, researchers have identified three proteins (Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b) that can protect cardiomyocytes from pathological remodeling and myocardial infarction. Among them, Chrdl1 exerts its protective effect by inhibiting the activity of BMP4 and TGF-beta. These findings provide new insights into the search for cardiac protective factors and potential cardiac therapies.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rebecca Ritchie, Suowen Xu, Serena Zacchigna
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Rossana Bussani, Lorena Zentilin, Ricardo Correa, Andrea Colliva, Furio Silvestri, Serena Zacchigna, Chiara Collesi, Mauro Giacca
Summary: This study found that recovered COVID-19 patients may still experience worsening of their condition and eventually die, despite negative test results. Post-mortem analysis showed that the lung pathology of these patients was similar to that of acute COVID-19 cases, despite negative viral tests. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection can persist longer than suggested by standard tests, with specific cell types in the lung being infected.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ambra Cappelletto, Harriet E. Allan, Marilena Crescente, Edoardo Schneider, Rossana Bussani, Hashim Ali, Ilaria Secco, Simone Vodret, Roberto Simeone, Luca Mascaretti, Serena Zacchigna, Timothy D. Warner, Mauro Giacca
Summary: Thrombosis of the lung microvasculature is a key characteristic of severe COVID-19 infection, and is triggered by the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The Spike protein enhances platelet activation and procoagulant activity, leading to clot formation. Niclosamide and Clofazimine effectively inhibit this Spike-induced procoagulant response and may be repurposed for COVID-19 therapy.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Toffoli, Federica Tonon, Fabiola Giudici, Tommaso Ferretti, Elena Ghirigato, Matilde Contessa, Morena Francica, Riccardo Candido, Massimo Puato, Andrea Grillo, Bruno Fabris, Stella Bernardi
Summary: Night shift work is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, possibly due to the promotion of hypertension. This study conducted an analysis comparing blood pressure and clock gene expression in internists working day and night shifts. The results showed that night shift work significantly increased night blood pressure and heart rate and disrupted circadian rhythm. The findings suggest that night shifts contribute to higher blood pressure and circadian rhythm misalignment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ubaldo Gioia, Sara Tavella, Pamela Martinez-Orellana, Giada Cicio, Andrea Colliva, Marta Ceccon, Matteo Cabrini, Ana C. Henriques, Valeria Fumagalli, Alessia Paldino, Ettore Presot, Sreejith Rajasekharan, Nicola Iacomino, Federica Pisati, Valentina Matti, Sara Sepe, Matilde I. Conte, Sara Barozzi, Zeno Lavagnino, Tea Carletti, Maria Concetta Volpe, Paola Cavalcante, Matteo Iannacone, Chiara Rampazzo, Rossana Bussani, Claudio Tripodo, Serena Zacchigna, Alessandro Marcello, Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 causes DNA damage and alters the DNA damage response, leading to inflammation and cellular senescence.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stella Bernardi, Silvia Taccogna, Martina D'Angelo, Fabiola Giudici, Giovanni Mauri, Bruno Raggiunti, Doris Tina, Fabrizio Zanconati, Enrico Papini, Roberto Negro
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunocytochemistry profile of thyroid nodules with poor response to thermal ablation (TA) in order to identify potential predictors of treatment response. The absence of CK-19 was associated with resistance to TA, while the presence of CK-19 was predictive of response to TA. Therefore, the expression of CK-19 could provide rapid and low-cost information about the potential outcome of TA on thyroid nodules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Endocrinology & Metabolism
S. Bernardi, F. Zorat, V. Calabro, M. Faustini Fustini, B. Fabris
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Roman Vuerich, Elena Groppa, Simone Vodret, Nadja Annelies Ruth Ring, Chiara Stocco, Fleur Bossi, Chiara Agostinis, Matteo Cauteruccio, Andrea Colliva, Mohammad Ramadan, Francesca Simoncello, Federica Benvenuti, Anna Agnelli, Franca Dore, Flavia Mazzarol, Massimo Moretti, Alice Paulitti, Silvia Palmisano, Nicolo De Manzini, Mattia Chiesa, Manuel Casaburo, Angela Raucci, Daniela Lorizio, Giulio Pompilio, Roberta Bulla, Giovanni Papa, Serena Zacchigna
Summary: Nonhealing wounds have a negative impact on the quality of life for patients and health systems. Skin substitutes have been used, but have limited efficacy due to inadequate vascularization. The use of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue shows promise in overcoming this limitation, but additional research is needed to determine its precise mechanism of action.
NPJ REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Riccardo Candido, Sara Gaiotti, Fabiola Giudici, Barbara Toffoli, Federica De Luca, Valerio Velardi, Alessandra Petrucco, Chiara Gottardi, Elena Manca, Iris Buda, Bruno Fabris, Stella Bernardi
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of oral semaglutide as a switch or add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a real-world setting, showing significant reductions in HbA1c and BMI.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marzia De Bortoli, Viviana Meraviglia, Katarina Mackova, Laura S. Frommelt, Eva Konig, Johannes Rainer, Chiara Volani, Patrizia Benzoni, Maja Schlittler, Giada Cattelan, Benedetta M. Motta, Claudia Volpato, Werner Rauhe, Andrea Barbuti, Serena Zacchigna, Peter P. Pramstaller, Alessandra Rossini
Summary: This study used human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to establish a model for incomplete penetrance in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The results showed molecular and functional differences between ACM and asymptomatic carriers of the same mutation (ASY) hiPSC-CMs, including a higher amount of mutated PKP2 mRNA, a lower expression of the connexin-43 protein, a lower overall density of sodium current, a higher intracellular lipid accumulation, and sarcomere disorganization in ACM compared to ASY hiPSC-CMs. Differentially expressed genes were also found, supporting a predisposition for a fatty phenotype in ACM hiPSC-CMs. This indicates that hiPSC-CMs are a suitable model to study incomplete penetrance in ACM.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
