Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Santillo, Sara Falvo, Massimo Venditti, Anna Di Maio, Gabriella Chieffi Baccari, Francesco Errico, Alessandro Usiello, Sergio Minucci, Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
Summary: The depletion of D-aspartate (D-Asp) levels in the testes of knockin mice with the Ddo gene leads to a reduction in testosterone levels and the enzyme involved in testosterone biosynthesis. This deficiency also affects spermatogenesis and leads to increased apoptosis. Additionally, abnormal levels of proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization suggest an overall disorganization of the cytoskeleton due to the lack of D-Asp.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Regina F. Nasyrova, Aiperi K. Khasanova, Kuanysh S. Altynbekov, Azat R. Asadullin, Ekaterina A. Markina, Arseny J. Gayduk, German A. Shipulin, Marina M. Petrova, Natalia A. Shnayder
Summary: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder where current antipsychotic treatments are ineffective for about a third of patients and do not address negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. D-Serine and D-Aspartate are promising biological compounds that may play a role in modulating neurotransmission dysfunction and offer potential for a disease-modifying therapy for treatment-resistant Schizophrenia.
Article
Psychiatry
Yelei Zhang, Xiaoyue Li, Xianhu Yao, Yating Yang, Xiaoshuai Ning, Tongtong Zhao, Lei Xia, Yulong Zhang, Kai Zhang, Huanzhong Liu
Summary: The study found significant correlations between serum leptin levels and body mass index (BMI) as well as negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The increase in leptin levels may be responsible for antipsychotic-induced weight gain and improved psychopathological symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maxime Veleanu, Beetsi Urrieta-Chavez, Severine M. Sigoillot, Maela A. Paul, Alessia Usardi, Keerthana Iyer, Marine Delagrange, Joseph P. Doyle, Nathaniel Heintz, Carine Becamel, Fekrije Selimi
Summary: Environmental perturbations during early life can contribute to psychiatric diseases. This study focuses on the impact of neonatal subchronic administration of the drug PCP on the cerebellum, discovering specific changes in Purkinje cell connectivity and the overexpression of the Ctgf gene, which has been suggested as a biomarker for schizophrenia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daiki Imanishi, Sota Zaitsu, Shouji Takahashi
Summary: This study investigated the role of pyruvate carboxylase (Pyc) in the expression of the ChDDO gene in C. humicola strain UJ1. Disruption of the PYC gene resulted in growth retardation, which could be restored by supplying oxaloacetate from l-Asp or alpha-ketoglutarate. Interestingly, pyruvate addition affected the transcription of the ChDDO gene, suggesting potential regulation of ChDDO gene expression by pyruvate metabolism.
Article
Microbiology
Daiki Imanishi, Yoshio Kera, Shouji Takahashi
Summary: This study identified ChAap4 as a key player in the uptake of d-aspartic acid and suggested its involvement in the induction of ChDDO expression. Deletion of ChAAP4 not only resulted in growth defects on acidic amino acids, but also significantly decreased the induction of DDO activity and ChDDO transcription in response to d-Asp.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masumi Katane, Satsuki Matsuda, Yasuaki Saitoh, Tetsuya Miyamoto, Masae Sekine, Kumiko Sakai-Kato, Hiroshi Homma
Summary: Multiple d-amino acids play distinctive physiological functions in mammalian cells, with d-aspartate being critical in neuroendocrine and endocrine systems as well as the central nervous system. The study established a cell line overexpressing cytoplasm-localized DDO, which cannot survive in the presence of high d-aspartate concentrations due to toxic hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Additionally, a clone of GRHPR was found to affect d-aspartate metabolism and improve cell survival.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kengo Kajitani, Takumi Ishikawa, Kimihiko Shibata, Tomoaki Kouya, Yoshio Kera, Shouji Takahashi
Summary: A enzymatic screening method was developed to isolate LAB strains with high D-Asp production, which could be valuable for industrial D-Asp production. Screening of 628 LAB strains identified 13 D-Asp-producing strains, suggesting a wide variation in D-Asp production ability within the same genera and species.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ondrej Pec, Paul H. Lysaker, Petr Bob
Summary: This study found that basic symptoms of schizophrenia in patients were associated with dissociation symptoms, traumatic stress, and sensitization or kindling-like processes. Among these trauma-related variables, sensitization phenomena had the closest association with basic symptoms, suggesting that trauma may influence the neurodevelopmental hypotheses of schizophrenia.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Woo Chang Kang, Keontae Park, Chang Hyeon Kong, Do Yeon Kim, Yong Seung Lee, Mijin Jeon, Min Seo Kim, Seo Yun Jung, Jongki Hong, Jung Hye Choi, Jong Hoon Ryu
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of D-pinitol on post-menopausal symptoms using an ovariectomized mouse model. The results showed that D-pinitol treatment improved cognitive dysfunction, alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and depressive-like behaviors, and normalized basal tail skin temperature in OVX mice. Additionally, D-pinitol increased the expression levels of ER beta and synaptophysin and activated ERK or PI3K-Akt-GSK-3 beta signaling pathway.
Article
Biology
Masanobu Yoshikawa, Takugi Kan, Kosuke Shirose, Mariko Watanabe, Mitsumasa Matsuda, Kenji Ito, Mitsuru Kawaguchi
Summary: High concentrations of d-aspartic acid and low concentrations of d-serine and d-alanine were found in the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands in rats. Enzymes including d-amino acid oxidase, d-aspartate oxidase, and serine racemase were detected in these major salivary glands. The N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunits NR1 and NR2D were also present. These findings suggest that d-amino acids play a physiological role in the endocrine and exocrine functions of salivary glands.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea de Bartolomeis, Licia Vellucci, Mark C. Austin, Giuseppe De Simone, Annarita Barone
Summary: Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by synaptic alterations and abnormal cortical-subcortical connections. Current treatment options mainly focus on dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, while glutamatergic abnormalities remain untargeted. In recent years, D-amino acids acting as NMDAR modulators have emerged as potential augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which affects around 30-40% of patients and is characterized by cognitive deficits and functional impairment. This systematic review explores the efficacy of D-amino acids and their impact on synaptic architecture, as well as compounds targeting D-amino acid oxidase and D-aspartate oxidase enzymes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hikaru Koizumi, Taichi Hiraga, Leandro K. Oharomari, Toshiaki Hata, Takeru Shima, Jang Soo Yook, Masahiro Okamoto, Akihiro Mouri, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Hideaki Soya
Summary: Schizophrenia may be attributed to perinatal neurodevelopmental deficits and influenced by environmental factors. Hypofrontality and dysfunction in glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons are known factors, while early enriched environment and low-intensity exercise training during adolescence may help prevent and ameliorate the disease.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth Bester, Anel Petzer, Jacobus P. Petzer
Summary: Inhibition of DAAO represents a potential treatment for schizophrenia by increasing NMDA receptor function. The compounds studied in this research not only showed inhibition of DAAO, but also demonstrated potential as MAO inhibitors for the treatment of depression and Parkinson's disease.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Seungyeong Yu, Mincheol Park, Jiseung Kang, Eunkyung Lee, Jieun Jung, Tae Kim
Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is closely related to the risk of schizophrenia and may lead to abnormal cortical gamma-band oscillations, which are associated with cognitive symptoms of the disease.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Gutierrez-Barragan, Neha Atulkumar Singh, Filomena Grazia Alvino, Ludovico Coletta, Federico Rocchi, Elizabeth De Guzman, Alberto Galbusera, Mauro Uboldi, Stefano Panzeri, Alessandro Gozzi
Summary: This study used resting-state fMRI to investigate the spontaneous brain activity in awake mice and found that it exhibits specific functional network topography and dynamic structure. These findings are important for understanding the conscious states in higher mammalian species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Nora Awad, Valerio Zerbi, Erin M. M. Johnson-Venkatesh, Francesca Damiani, Marco Pagani, Marija Markicevic, Sarah Nickles, Alessandro Gozzi, Hisashi Umemori, Michela Fagiolini
Summary: The study found that there are connectivity and functional alterations in the brain of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) patients, which are related to cognitive deficits. The results further demonstrate the important role of CDKL5 in neuronal connectivity and cognitive function.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urte Neniskyte, Ugne Kuliesiute, Auguste Vadisiute, Kristina Jevdokimenko, Ludovico Coletta, Senthilkumar Deivasigamani, Daina Pamedytyte, Neringa Daugelaviciene, Daiva Dabkeviciene, Emerald Perlas, Aditya Bali, Bernadette Basilico, Alessandro Gozzi, Davide Ragozzino, Cornelius T. Gross
Summary: The mature mammalian brain connectome develops through the extension and pruning of neuronal connections. Glial cells, particularly phospholipid scramblase Xkr8, play a crucial role in the elimination of unnecessary neuronal synapses and projections. This study highlights the importance of phospholipid scrambling by Xkr8 in the pruning of developing neuronal projections, with implications for brain development and hyperconnectivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcella Nunziato, Anna Balato, Anna Ruocco, Valeria D'Argenio, Roberta Di Caprio, Nicola Balato, Fabio Ayala, Francesco Salvatore
Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with an immune basis, characterized by red, flaky patches that often release silvery scales. The study aimed to determine if there are genetic alterations that can explain the onset of the disease by using next-generation sequencing technologies and a multigene panel. Variants associated with psoriasis were found in the TRAF3IP2 gene, and a missense variant was found in the NAT9 gene. The use of multigene panels can help identify new susceptibility genes and allow for early diagnoses in affected families.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Joanes Grandjean, Gabriel Desrosiers-Gregoire, Cynthia Anckaerts, Diego Angeles-Valdez, Fadi Ayad, David A. Barriere, Ines Blockx, Aleksandra Bortel, Margaret Broadwater, Beatriz M. Cardoso, Marina Celestine, Jorge E. Chavez-Negrete, Sangcheon Choi, Emma Christiaen, Perrin Clavijo, Luis Colon-Perez, Samuel Cramer, Tolomeo Daniele, Elaine Dempsey, Yujian Diao, Arno Doelemeyer, David Dopfel, Lenka Dvorakova, Claudia Falfan-Melgoza, Francisca F. Fernandes, Caitlin F. Fowler, Antonio Fuentes-Ibanez, Clement M. Garin, Eveline Gelderman, Carla E. M. Golden, Chao C. G. Guo, Marloes J. A. G. Henckens, Lauren A. Hennessy, Peter Herman, Nita Hofwijks, Corey Horien, Tudor M. Ionescu, Jolyon Jones, Johannes Kaesser, Eugene Kim, Henriette Lambers, Alberto Lazari, Sung-Ho Lee, Amanda Lillywhite, Yikang Liu, Yanyan Y. Liu, Alejandra Lopez-Castro, Xavier Lopez-Gil, Zilu Ma, Eilidh MacNicol, Dan Madularu, Francesca Mandino, Sabina Marciano, Matthew J. McAuslan, Patrick McCunn, Alison McIntosh, Xianzong Meng, Lisa Meyer-Baese, Stephan Missault, Federico Moro, Daphne M. P. Naessens, Laura J. Nava-Gomez, Hiroi Nonaka, Juan J. Ortiz, Jaakko Paasonen, Lore M. Peeters, Mickael Pereira, Pablo D. Perez, Marjory Pompilus, Malcolm Prior, Rustam Rakhmatullin, Henning M. Reimann, Jonathan Reinwald, Rodrigo Triana Del Rio, Alejandro Rivera-Olvera, Daniel Ruiz-Perez, Gabriele Russo, Tobias J. Rutten, Rie Ryoke, Markus Sack, Piergiorgio Salvan, Basavaraju G. Sanganahalli, Aileen Schroeter, Bhedita J. Seewoo, Erwan Selingue, Aline Seuwen, Bowen Shi, Nikoloz Sirmpilatze, Joanna A. B. Smith, Corrie Smith, Filip Sobczak, Petteri J. Stenroos, Milou Straathof, Sandra Strobelt, Akira Sumiyoshi, Kengo Takahashi, Maria E. Torres-Garcia, Raul Tudela, Monica van den Berg, Kajo van der Marel, Aran T. B. van Hout, Roberta Vertullo, Benjamin Vidal, Roel M. Vrooman, Victora X. Wang, Isabel Wank, David J. G. Watson, Ting Yin, Yongzhi Zhang, Stefan Zurbruegg, Sophie Achard, Sarael Alcauter, Dorothee P. Auer, Emmanuel L. Barbier, Juergen Baudewig, Christian F. Beckmann, Nicolau Beckmann, Guillaume J. P. C. Becq, Erwin L. A. Blezer, Radu Bolbos, Susann Boretius, Sandrine Bouvard, Eike Budinger, Joseph D. Buxbaum, Diana Cash, Victoria Chapman, Kai-Hsiang Chuang, Luisa Ciobanu, Bram F. Coolen, Jeffrey W. Dalley, Marc Dhenain, Rick M. Dijkhuizen, Oscar Esteban, Cornelius Faber, Marcelo Febo, Kirk W. Feindel, Gianluigi Forloni, Jeremie Fouquet, Eduardo A. Garza-Villarreal, Natalia Gass, Jeffrey C. Glennon, Alessandro Gozzi, Olli Groehn, Andrew Harkin, Arend Heerschap, Xavier Helluy, Kristina Herfert, Arnd Heuser, Judith R. Homberg, Danielle J. Houwing, Fahmeed Hyder, Giovanna Diletta Ielacqua, Ileana O. Jelescu, Heidi Johansen-Berg, Gen Kaneko, Ryuta Kawashima, Shella D. Keilholz, Georgios A. Keliris, Clare Kelly, Christian Kerskens, Jibran Y. Khokhar, Peter C. Kind, Jean-Baptiste Langlois, Jason P. Lerch, Monica A. Lopez-Hidalgo, Denise Manahan-Vaughan, Fabien Marchand, Rogier B. Mars, Gerardo Marsella, Edoardo Micotti, Emma Munoz-Moreno, Jamie Near, Thoralf Niendorf, Willem M. Otte, Patricia Pais-Roldan, Wen-Ju Pan, Roberto A. Prado-Alcala, Gina L. Quirarte, Jennifer Rodger, Tim Rosenow, Cassandra Sampaio-Baptista, Alexander Sartorius, Stephen J. Sawiak, Tom W. J. Scheenen, Noam Shemesh, Yen-Yu Ian Shih, Amir Shmuel, Guadalupe Soria, Ron Stoop, Garth J. Thompson, Sally M. Till, Nick Todd, Annemie van der Linden, Annette van der Toorn, Geralda A. F. van Tilborg, Christian Vanhove, Andor Veltien, Marleen Verhoye, Lydia Wachsmuth, Wolfgang Weber-Fahr, Patricia Wenk, Xin Yu, Valerio Zerbi, Nanyin Zhang, Baogui B. Zhang, Luc Zimmer, Gabriel A. Devenyi, M. Mallar Chakravarty, Andreas Hess
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Iolanda Veneruso, Federica Cariati, Carlo Alviggi, Lucio Pastore, Rossella Tomaiuolo, Valeria D'Argenio
Summary: Infertility incidence is increasing globally, and male infertility accounts for about 50% of cases. This study analyzed the semen microbiota using NGS technology in 20 semen samples from men with and without semen alterations. The results showed reduced richness and evenness in the group with semen alterations, and specific genera such as Mannheimia, Escherichia_Shigella, and Varibaculum were significantly increased in this group. Moreover, a correlation between the microbial profile and semen hyperviscosity was identified. These findings suggest that semen microbiota could be a potential target for infertility management strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Laurino, Mariarita Brancaccio, Tiziana Angrisano, Giovanni Calice, Sabino Russi, Pellegrino Mazzone, Giuseppina Di Paola, Michele Aieta, Vitina Grieco, Gabriella Bianchino, Geppino Falco, Tiziana Notarangelo
Summary: Gastric cancer, a leading cause of death globally, is difficult to treat with chemotherapy due to multidrug resistance. This study investigated the role of STAT3 in gastric cancer drug efficiency through gene expression analysis. The study found that gastric cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy by activating alternative signaling pathways. However, inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 in combination with cisplatin treatment prevented STAT3 activation and increased lethality compared to single-agent treatment. This suggests that IL-6/STAT3 axis blockage may be a strategy to overcome resistance.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Luigi Sacchettino, Claudia Gatta, Andrea Chirico, Luigi Avallone, Francesco Napolitano, Danila d'Angelo
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian government implemented a decree called #Iorestoacasa (I stay at home) from 11 March to 3 May 2020, requiring people to stay indoors with few exceptions. This measure had a significant impact on the mental health of both humans and dogs. A national survey compared the personalities of adult dogs that were puppies during the lockdown period with those born later. The results showed an increase in fear and aggression traits in dogs that experienced socialization restrictions, indicating the strong influence of the pandemic on their behavioral development. It is recommended to closely monitor these dogs and provide specialized behavioral rehabilitation therapy to reduce the risk of aggression and fearfulness and improve their well-being.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiziana Angrisano, Francesca Varrone, Elvira Ragozzino, Annalisa Fico, Gabriella Minchiotti, Mariarita Brancaccio
Summary: Numerous factors contribute to cardiac development, with Cripto playing a significant role. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development, as well as the correlation between miR-1 and Cripto, could provide insight for new therapeutic approaches in combating cardiovascular disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Mennitti, Ciro Miele, Carmela Scarano, Iolanda Veneruso, Alessandro Gentile, Rosaria Mormile, Francesca Saviano, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Cristina Mazzaccara, Giulia Frisso, Filomena Capasso, Valeria D'Argenio, Olga Scudiero
Summary: Acute or intense exercise can lead to metabolic imbalances, muscle injuries, or expose underlying disorders. Laboratory medicine in sports is crucial in monitoring athletes' health. This study presents an integrated approach to investigating the causes of deep venous thrombosis in an elite basketball player.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Luigi Sacchettino, Claudia Gatta, Lucianna Maruccio, Chiara Boncompagni, Francesco Napolitano, Luigi Avallone, Danila d'Angelo
Summary: A novel approach using cannabis and melatonin co-administration, together with a tailored behavioral program, was found to effectively reduce the symptoms of compulsive disorder in a dog. The dog's compulsive episodes decreased and overall management improved compared to previous treatment with paroxetine.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Iolanda Veneruso, Annaluisa Ranieri, Noemi Falcone, Lorella Tripodi, Carmela Scarano, Ilaria La Monica, Lucio Pastore, Barbara Lombardo, Valeria D'Argenio
Summary: Expanded carrier screening (ECS) is a comprehensive genetic analysis to determine an individual's carrier status, which is increasingly used due to advancements in technology. This case report highlights the usefulness of ECS in the context of autism spectrum disorder and identifies potential genetic risk factors. However, concerns regarding incidental findings and interpretation of results need to be addressed before ECS can be widely implemented.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luigi Sacchettino, Claudia Gatta, Viviana Orsola Giuliano, Francesca Bellini, Alessia Liverini, Francesca Ciani, Luigi Avallone, Danila d'Angelo, Francesco Napolitano
Summary: Animal hoarding is a psychiatric disease characterized by compulsive collection of animals, leading to significant impact on animal care, welfare, and human society. This study provides a detailed analysis of 29 cases of animal accumulators in the Lazio region of Italy, accumulating a total of 1080 animals from 2019 to 2022. Consistent with international studies, the majority of hoarders were middle-aged women in their fifties, living alone in poor social and health conditions. Most hoarded animals exhibited severe signs of dehydration, malnutrition, muscle atrophy, dermatological injuries, and behavioral disorders. Despite causing deep suffering for hoarders, their family members, and the animals involved, animal hoarding is not yet fully understood or recognized as a psychosocial disorder. Therefore, establishing cross-cultural networks to raise awareness and address this problem is crucial for human and animal welfare.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tommaso Nuzzo, Rosita Russo, Francesco Errico, Adele D'Amico, Awet G. Tewelde, Mariangela Valletta, Amber Hassan, Michele Tosi, Chiara Panicucci, Claudio Bruno, Enrico Bertini, Angela Chambery, Livio Pellizzoni, Alessandro Usiello
Summary: This study investigates neuroinflammation in 48 pediatric spinal muscular atrophy patients before and after Nusinersen treatment. The findings show that neuroinflammation is specifically associated with severe disease and Nusinersen therapy has neuro-immunomodulatory effects.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2023)