Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Magnasco, Chiara Sepulcri, Roberta Maria Antonello, Stefano Di Bella, Laura Labate, Roberto Luzzati, Daniele Roberto Giacobbe, Matteo Bassetti
Summary: PCSK9 plays a crucial role in various infectious diseases, including HIV, HCV, dengue fever, SARS-CoV-2, and malaria, and its inhibition may be a potential strategy for treatment and prevention of these diseases.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zhen Zhou, Wei Zhang, David Burgner, Andrew Tonkin, Chao Zhu, Chenyu Sun, Costan G. Magnussen, Michael E. Ernst, Monique Breslin, Stephen J. Nicholls, Mark R. Nelson
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of PCSK9 inhibitor use on sepsis and severe infections. The study found that there was no association between PCSK9 inhibitor use and the risk of sepsis or severe infections. These findings provide reassurance regarding the safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients concerned about potential drug side effects related to infections.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Sarah H. Nash, Molly Rutledge, Lisa M. Frenkel, Ann J. Melvin, Peyton Laws, Joseph Klejka, Matthew Hirschfeld
Summary: This case report highlights the potential transmission of HIV from caregiver to child via premastication. A 13-month-old child from rural Alaska presented with several health issues and was diagnosed with HIV infection after being transferred to a children's hospital outside of Alaska. The primary caregiver, a grandparent, was found to be HIV-infected with detectable viral load. Sequencing of the HIV envelope gene showed a close similarity between the virus in the grandparent and the child. Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of HIV transmission through premastication and educate parents and caregivers about this risk, even if the child's mother is HIV-uninfected.
Article
Cell Biology
Vartika Sharma, Muzamil Makhdoomi, Lakshyaveer Singh, Purnima Kumar, Nabab Khan, Sarman Singh, H. N. Verma, Kalpana Luthra, Sovan Sarkar, Dhiraj Kumar
Summary: Opportunistic bacterial infections contribute significantly to HIV-associated mortality by inhibiting autophagy in host cells. Trehalose has been shown to activate autophagy and kill intracellular bacteria, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for HIV and tuberculosis co-infections.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Cynthia L. Monaco
Summary: This article discusses the discovery of alterations in gut bacterial and viral populations in HIV-associated AIDS in 2016, and explores how these findings have advanced the field and influenced the author's current research endeavors.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Marta Calado, David Pires, Carolina Conceicao, Rita Ferreira, Quirina Santos-Costa, Elsa Anes, Jose Miguel Azevedo-Pereira
Summary: Macrophages and dendritic cells are important for the spread of HIV to CD4+ T lymphocytes during acute infection and constitute a persistently infected reservoir during chronic infection. Cell-to-cell contact triggers the production of infectious viral particles, contributing to viral replication. The phenotypic characteristics of HIV isolates do not correlate with their spread or the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2 in terms of cis- or trans-infection. Understanding the cell-to-cell spread of HIV is critical for developing new therapeutic and vaccine approaches.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Grzegorz Grzesk, Bednarska Dorota, Lukasz Wolowiec, Anna Wolowiec, Joanna Osiak, Mariusz Kozakiewicz, Joanna Banach
Summary: 4 million people die from cardiovascular diseases annually in Europe due to atherosclerosis. Lowering LDL cholesterol level is the main therapeutic goal, but only 43% of statin-taking patients achieved their targets. PCSK9 inhibitors are a new group of lipid-lowering drugs that can reduce LDL-C level.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fotios Barkas, Haralampos Milionis, Georgia Anastasiou, Evangelos Liberopoulos
Summary: Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors may have beneficial effects on COVID-19 through various mechanisms, including direct antiviral effects, immunomodulation, and reducing the risk of major complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine release syndrome. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to establish their routine use in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Oriol Mitja, Andrea Alemany, Michael Marks, Jezer I. Lezama Mora, Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Aldama, Mayara Secco Torres Silva, Ever Arturo Corral Herrera, Brenda Crabtree-Ramirez, Jose Luis Blanco, Nicolo Girometti, Valentina Mazzotta, Aniruddha Hazra, Macarena Silva, Juan Jose Montenegro-Idrogo, Kelly Gebo, Jade Ghosn, Maria Fernanda Pena Vazquez, Eduardo Matos Prado, Uche Unigwe, Judit Villar-Garcia, Noah Wald-Dickler, Jason Zucker, Roger Paredes, Alexandra Calmy, Laura Waters, Cristina Galvan-Casas, Sharon Walmsley, Chloe M. Orkin
Summary: In the 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak, 38-50% of those affected were people living with HIV. Clinical outcomes and mortality were worse in people with more advanced HIV.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Liming Cai, Jinliang Liu, Yuming Chen
Summary: The study presents an HIV infection model with latency age and super-infection, exploring the existence of equilibria and their local stability. The model may exhibit backward bifurcation and infection persistence when the basic reproductive number is larger than unity.
APPLIED AND COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuanyuan Qin, Yihong Zhou, Songtao Liu, Yanqiu Lu, Min Liu, Jing Yuan, Jingmin Nie, Jing Ouyang, Hao Wu, Yingmei Qin, Zhongsheng Jiang, Guoqiang Zhou, Qun Tian, Ke Lan, Yang Zhou, Xinping Yang, Kaiyin He, Jun Liu, Vijay Harypursat, Yaokai Chen
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the optimal timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for HIV-positive patients with talaromycosis. The results showed that patients who initiated ART early had lower mortality rates and lower rates of AIDS-defining events or death compared to those who deferred ART initiation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eirini Bouzoni, Nikolaos Perakakis, Margery A. Connelly, Angeliki M. Angelidi, Eleni Pilitsi, Olivia Farr, Konstantinos Stefanakis, Christos S. Mantzoros
Summary: The levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and FABP4 are associated with markers of lipid metabolism and are higher in HIV-lipoatrophy. The levels of PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 decrease during food deprivation, while FABP4 remains unaffected. Leptin treatment does not affect the levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and FABP4.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eric Zhang, Jin Choul Chai, Amy A. Deik, Simin Hua, Anjali Sharma, Michael F. Schneider, Deborah Gustafson, David B. Hanna, Jordan E. Lake, Leah H. Rubin, Wendy S. Post, Kathryn Anastos, Todd Brown, Clary B. Clish, Robert C. Kaplan, Qibin Qi
Summary: This study identified multiple plasma lipid species associated with incident diabetes, most of which were elevated in ART-treated individuals with HIV infection, suggesting a complex role of lipids in the link between ART and diabetes in HIV infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Courtney B. Spensley, Melissa Plegue, Robinson Seda, Diane M. Harper
Summary: This study found that HIV screening rates are higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to non-MSM, but overall screening rates remain lower than desired. Older patients and those with a family medicine or pediatric primary care provider had lower screening rates. Targeted interventions to improve HIV screening rates for MSM in primary care are discussed.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Juan Vicente-Valor, Xandra Garcia-Gonzalez, Sara Ibanez-Garcia, Maria Esther Duran-Garcia, Ana de Lorenzo-Pinto, Carmen Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Irene Mendez-Fernandez, Juan Carlos Percovich-Hualpa, Ana Herranz-Alonso, Maria Sanjurjo-Saez
Summary: PCSK9 inhibitors have shown to be effective and safe in treating patients with hypercholesterolemia, with factors such as female sex, lack of concomitant lipid-lowering therapy, and treatment with alirocumab potentially influencing their effectiveness. The study found that 84.6% of patients achieved therapeutic goals, with drug-related adverse events affecting a portion of participants.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Marco Vicenzi, Massimiliano Ruscica, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro Bressan, Maristella Donato, Paola Canzano, Marina Camera, Paolo Poggio, Mariangela Garofalo, Giovanni Panighel, Massimiliano Ruscica, Andrea Baragetti, Valentina Bollati, Elisabetta Faggin, Marcello Rattazzi, Alberico L. Catapano, Nicola Ferri, Maria Giovanna Lupo, Maria Francesca Greco, Sara De Martin
Summary: This study investigated the influence of kidney function on PCSK9 levels and its role in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) calcification. The results showed a negative association between glomerular filtration rate and plasma PCSK9 levels. Overexpression of PCSK9 in cells led to increased calcification and release of extracellular vesicles enriched in calcium and alkaline phosphatase. The findings suggest a direct role of PCSK9 in vascular calcification associated with renal impairment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aldo Bonaventura, Alessandra Vecchie, Massimiliano Ruscica, Francesco Grossi, Francesco Dentali
Summary: PCSK9, initially known for its role in liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation, has emerged as a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Recent studies have shown that PCSK9 may also play a role in cancer biology, particularly in gastroenteric and lung cancers. Higher levels of PCSK9 were associated with increased tumor development, metastasis, and reduced overall survival. Monoclonal antibodies blocking PCSK9 have shown promising results in combination with immunotherapy in suppressing tumor growth. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of PCSK9 in cancer.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Patrizia Amadio, Chiara Macchi, Chiara Favero, Marta Zara, Giulia Solazzo, Laura Dioni, Leonardo Sandrini, Luisella Vigna, Maria Francesca Greco, Massimiliano Buoli, Cesare R. Sirtori, Angela Cecilia Pesatori, Alessandro Ieraci, Massimiliano Ruscica, Silvia Stella Barbieri, Valentina Bollati
Summary: Obesity and depression are often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The present study investigated the relationship among peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), depression, and extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived miRNAs related to atherothrombosis in a large Italian cohort of obese individuals. The results revealed a negative association between depression and BDNF levels, which was modified by raised levels of IFN-gamma. BDNF levels were also found to be linked to an increase in EV-derived miRNAs related to atherosclerosis and thrombosis, suggesting a possible link among BDNF, depression, and miRNAs.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Francesca Greco, Alessandra Stefania Rizzuto, Marta Zara, Marco Cafora, Chiara Favero, Giulia Solazzo, Ilaria Giusti, Maria Pia Adorni, Francesca Zimetti, Vincenza Dolo, Cristina Banfi, Nicola Ferri, Cesare R. Sirtori, Alberto Corsini, Silvia Stella Barbieri, Anna Pistocchi, Valentina Bollati, Chiara Macchi, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: This study reveals that PCSK9 plays an inflammatory role through EVs released by vascular smooth muscle cells, affecting the function and content of neighboring cells, and may have a significant role in atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Roberta Gualtierotti, Massimiliano Ruscica
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Macchi, Cesare R. Sirtori, Alberto Corsini, Pier Mannuccio Mannucci, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: According to the WHO, the entire global population is exposed to air pollution levels higher than recommended for health preservation. Air pollution, a complex mixture of particles and gases, poses a major global threat to public health. Particulate matter PM2.5 has been identified as a causal factor for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular mortality. This review explores the proatherogenic effects of PM2.5, including endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and arterial plaque instability.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nicola Ferri, Alberto Corsini, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: The knowledge that a significant proportion of ACS survivors are at risk of recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events highlights the importance of lipid-lowering strategies in secondary prevention. Statin treatment has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. This review critically discusses the use of statin and non-statin lipid-lowering approaches, including PCSK9 inhibitors, in early management of ACS patients. Cost is a major barrier to the widespread prescription of non-statin agents in this field.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manfredi Rizzo, Alessandro Colletti, Peter E. Penson, Niki Katsiki, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Peter P. Toth, Ioanna Gouni-Berthold, John Mancini, David Marais, Patrick Moriarty, Massimiliano Ruscica, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Dragos Vinereanu, Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero, Maciej Banach
Summary: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common condition with a high prevalence in adults, children, and individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and cardiovascular mortality. The use of nutraceuticals in managing NAFLD has been suggested, but there is currently insufficient evidence to support their routine use. Further rigorous trials are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Erica Gianazza, Chiara Macchi, Cristina Banfi, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), as a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), can directly contribute to atheroma development. Recent studies have revealed non-cholesterol-related processes mediated by PCSK9, and advancements in proteomics and lipidomics have helped identify novel lipids and proteins associated with PCSK9. These findings have the potential to develop new statistical models for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. Furthermore, PCSK9 has been found to impact extracellular vesicles (EVs) composition, which could contribute to a prothrombotic state in CVD patients and may be targeted to counteract atherosclerosis progression.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Manna, Eleonora Rizzi, Eleonora Bafile, Andrea Cappelleri, Massimiliano Ruscica, Chiara Macchi, Michele Podaliri Vulpiani, Romolo Salini, Emanuela Rossi, Concetta Panebianco, Francesco Perri, Valerio Pazienza, Federica Federici
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of Lentilactobacillus kefiri SGL 13 and Andrographis paniculata on DSS-treated mice.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chiara Macchi, Annalisa Moregola, Giuseppe Danilo Norata, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: The infiltration of activated T cells, such as CD8(+) effector, in metabolic tissues plays a crucial role in obesity-induced inflammation. The lactate transporter MCT1 is important for immune cell activation. This study provides a protocol for isolating and activating CD8(+) T lymphocytes lacking MCT1 and includes steps for adipocyte differentiation, CD8(+) T cell isolation and activation, and adipocyte-CD8(+) T cell co-culture. qPCR analysis on differentiated adipocytes is also detailed. For more information, refer to Macchi et al.(1).
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Pelucchi, Chiara Macchi, Laura D'Andrea, Paolo Dionigi Rossi, Michela Carola Speciani, Ramona Stringhi, Massimiliano Ruscica, Beatrice Arosio, Monica Di Luca, Matteo Cesari, Valeria Edefonti, Elena Marcello
Summary: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome resulting from age-associated accumulation of deficits. The study found a significant inverse association between circulating CAP2 concentration and frailty index in older adults. This suggests that CAP2 may serve as a biomarker for age-related deficits, highlighting its potential for personalized care.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Luca Mircoli, Niccolo Baca, Barbara Antonelli, Lucio Caccamo, Emanuele Cattaneo, Federico Colombo, Clara Dibenedetto, Livia Diehl, Maria Francesca Donato, Andrea Faggiano, Massimo Alberto Iavarone, Pietro Lampertico, Cristina Marenghi, Federico Polli, Edoardo Quarenghi, Fabiola B. Sozzi, Cristina Spaziani, Giulia Tosetti, Carlo Valsecchi, Pierluigi Vicardi, Marco Vicenzi, Arianna Zefelippo, Massimiliano Ruscica, Stefano Carugo
Summary: Stress echocardiography and coronary computed tomography angiography can detect coronary artery disease in end-stage liver disease patients without previous evidence of heart disease. The prevalence of CAD is low in high-risk end-stage liver disease patients, and screening helps reduce the incidence of post-liver transplantation acute coronary events without impacting mid-term survival.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giuseppe Locatelli, Luca Donisi, Luca Mircoli, Federico Colombo, Lucia Barbieri, Gabriele Tumminello, Stefano Carugo, Massimiliano Ruscica, Marco Vicenzi
Summary: Antecubital access for right heart catheterization (RHC) has advantages over proximal vein access, including shorter fluoroscopy time, reduced radiation dose, and fewer guidewires used. A retrospective study of patients who underwent RHC showed that antecubital access resulted in lower fluoroscopy time (6 vs. 3 min) and radiation exposure (61 vs. 30 cGy/m(2)). The number of patients requiring guidewires was also lower in the antecubital access group (55% vs. 43%).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
