Article
Cell Biology
Jacopo J. Branca, Donatello Carrino, Ferdinando Paternostro, Gabriele Morucci, Claudia Fiorillo, Claudio Nicoletti, Massimo Gulisano, Carla Ghelardini, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Matteo Becatti, Alessandra Pacini
Summary: Cadmium is a well-known toxic pollutant that can accumulate in the brain and increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Zinc, on the other hand, has antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the role of zinc in preventing cadmium-induced blood-brain barrier alterations. The results showed that zinc protected cells from cadmium-induced damage and prevented blood-brain barrier impairment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuang Xie, Rui Zhang, Zhaoyan Li, Chunru Liu, Weiwei Xiang, Qianqian Lu, Yanyu Chen, Qinghua Yu
Summary: Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) can alleviate cadmium-induced intestinal damage by increasing goblet cells and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), possibly through the regulation of melatonin production by enterochromaffin cells.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tzu-Jung Yu, Jun-Ping Shiau, Jen-Yang Tang, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi, Yuan-Bin Cheng, Ming-Feng Hou, Chia-Hung Yen, Hsueh-Wei Chang
Summary: Physapruin A (PHA), a compound extracted from Physalis plants, can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress to regulate proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells, which is associated with oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashish Tyagi, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Ajit K. Navin, Vaibhav Shukla, Becaa V. Baby, Murali K. Ankem, Chendil Damodaran
Summary: Chronic exposure to Cd leads to malignant transformation of prostate epithelial cells by generating persistent ROS and ER stress. Acute or chronic Cd exposure activates NOX1 assembly, which in turn activates UPR via phosphorylation of PERK, eIF2 alpha, and selective translation of ATF4 to generate ROS and ER stress. Chronic Cd exposure leads to defective autophagy, while acute Cd exposure does not. This study demonstrates that assembly of NOX1 complex proteins is indispensable for Cd-induced persistent ROS and controls ER stress-induced defective autophagy in mice and humans.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ling Ou, Haixia Wang, Zhidi Wu, Panpan Wang, Li Yang, Xiaoyun Li, Kehuan Sun, Xiaofeng Zhu, Ronghua Zhang
Summary: Cadmium toxicity on bone involves factors such as reduced cell viability, inhibition of osteoblast-related proteins, decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, DNA damage induction, and promotion of apoptosis. Mechanisms include Exportin-1 accumulation, JNK phosphorylation, and activation of Caspase-dependent pathways.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xiaomin Li, Ting Chen, Xiaofen Wu, Zhuobo Li, Xin Zhang, Xiao Jiang, Peng Luo, Chaoqun Hu, Nai-Kei Wong, Chunhua Ren
Summary: Heavy-metal pollution has negative effects on marine organisms and their immune systems, and caspase-9 is found to play a crucial role in the sea cucumber's response to heavy-metal pollutants, leading to cell death.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yujia Deng, Kai Li, Xiandeng Hou, Xiaoming Jiang
Summary: The developed method utilizes a miniaturized dielectric barrier discharge microplasma atomic emission spectrometer coupled with a tungsten coil (W-coil) for on-line hydride generation trapping-electrothermal vaporization, resulting in fast, low-cost, and sensitive determination of trace cadmium. By adopting a horizontally fixed W-coil and flow injection mode, the total sample throughput can be greatly improved.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yunying Zhao, Shiyun Li, Jing Wang, Yingli Liu, Yu Deng
Summary: The study demonstrates the essential roles of the UPR pathway, HOG pathway, and CWI pathway in defending against cadmium-induced toxicity in yeast cells, with interactions between these pathways playing crucial roles in regulating cellular processes in response to stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenqi Fu, Yeong-Gwan Im, Byunggook Kim, Ok-Su Kim, Ying Yang, Jianan Song, Danyang Liu, Siyu Zhu, Jae-Seok Kang, Okjoon Kim
Summary: Photobiomodulation therapy can reduce the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins in cells, which is beneficial for bone homeostasis and the treatment of bone diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yunying Zhao, Ruifang Su, Shiyun Li, Yin Mao
Summary: The study found that Cd toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae may be mediated through Cd-induced UPR, ROS production, and cell death, which are associated with multiple pathways.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mai Mohammad Al-Oqail
Summary: Breast cancer is a growing health issue globally, and natural plant extracts, such as Krameria lappacea, have shown potential in treating breast cancer by inducing oxidative stress and increasing ROS generation to induce cell death in MCF-7 cells.
SAUDI PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
M. Salma Kausar, B. K. Manjunath
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of lignan extracted from Leucas species on colorectal cancer. The results showed that lignan exhibited significant inhibition on human colorectal cancer cell lines and enhanced reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, lignan inhibited cell growth by regulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, the study found that lignan promoted the expression of the Caspase 3 gene.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Gallo, Simone Luti, Fabio Baroni, Ivan Baccelli, Eduardo Maffud Cilli, Costanza Cicchi, Manuela Leri, Alberto Spisni, Thelma A. A. Pertinhez, Luigia Pazzagli
Summary: Cerato-ulmin (CU) is a hydrophobin protein that self-assembles at hydrophobic-hydrophilic interfaces, altering the wettability properties of the bound surface. It can elicit a defense reaction in non-host plants and its efficacy is higher in its soluble monomeric form. The protein's hydrophobic clusters on the loops exhibit reversible conformational changes when interacting with hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces, suggesting their involvement in the protein's defense elicitation capability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura Micheli, Valentina Maggini, Clara Ciampi, Eugenia Gallo, Patrizia Bogani, Renato Fani, Luisa Pistelli, Carla Ghelardini, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Marinella De Leo, Fabio Firenzuoli
Summary: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a major side effect of anticancer drugs, causing chronic pain and reduced quality of life. Echinacea extracts (EP4-R-E and EP4-R-BU) showed potential in treating oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. EP4-R-E exerted anti-hyperalgesic effects through the endocannabinoid system with alkamides, while EP4-R-BU exhibited anti-neuropathic properties mainly through chicoric acid. The extracts have therapeutic potential through the activity of alkamides and the protective properties of polyphenols.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca, Matteo Boninsegna, Gabriele Morucci, Donatello Carrino, Claudio Nicoletti, Ferdinando Paternostro, Massimo Gulisano, Leonardo Bocchi, Alessandra Pacini
Summary: With the advancements in medicine, the increase in human life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of age-associated pathologies. Among these disorders, neurodegenerative diseases have a significant impact and the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a challenge for drug delivery. However, targeting the BBB by ultrasound (US) has been shown to transiently increase its permeability and allow the delivery of therapeutics to the brain. In this study, the effects of US treatment on the BBB were investigated using cell viability assays, Western blotting analysis, oxidative stress marker evaluation, and cytological and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that US treatment caused no toxicity to the endothelial cells and induced a transient increase in intercellular spaces, mainly due to altered distribution of the tight junction protein ZO-1. These findings suggest that US treatment could be a potential strategy for improving drug delivery to the brain.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura Micheli, Valentina Ferrara, Titilayo Akande, Mohamad Khatib, Sule Ola Salawu, Clara Ciampi, Elena Lucarini, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Nadia Mulinacci, Carla Ghelardini
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of two plant extracts in a rat model of osteoarthritis. The results showed that Anogeissus leiocarpus extract had significant effects in reducing pain and improving motor skills. Therefore, it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura Micheli, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Elena Mosti, Carla Ghelardini, Anna Rita Bilia, Maria Camilla Bergonzi
Summary: The aim of this study was to test the protective and pain reliever effect of thymoquinone (TQ)-loaded formulations in a rat model of tendinopathy induced by carrageenan intra-tendon injection. The results showed that liposomes containing 2 mg/mL of TQ and covered with hyaluronic acid (HA-LP-TQ2) reduced the development of spontaneous nociception and hypersensitivity, providing a long-lasting effect as a new treatment for tendinopathies.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Rosanna M. M. Viglialoro, Giuseppe Turini, Marina Carbone, Sara Condino, Virginia Mamone, Nico Coluccia, Stefania Dell'Agli, Gabriele Morucci, Larisa Ryskalin, Vincenzo Ferrari, Marco Gesi
Summary: Research studies show that serious games can be an affordable and promising solution for increasing patient motivation in physiotherapy. This paper presents the latest evolution of a shoulder rehabilitation system using hand-finger tracking and projected augmented reality. The system integrates metrics for assessing patient performance and offers different visualization modes, while also tracking arm-hand movements. Preliminary testing with healthy volunteers showed that the serious game was engaging and ergonomically sound, suggesting its potential as a useful tool in shoulder rehabilitation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ilaria Colzi, Elettra Marone, Simone Luti, Luigia Pazzagli, Stefano Mancuso, Cosimo Taiti
Summary: This study evaluates the metabolic changes in olive leaves in response to variations in climatic elements. Net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance are mainly influenced by the cultivar effect, while volatile organic compound and oleuropein content are more influenced by climate trends.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca, Cristiana Veltro, Giulia Guarnieri, Alessandra Pacini, Ferdinando Paternostro
Summary: Anatomical variability in the human body is common and the term "norm" in anatomy is an approximation. This study describes anatomical variations in both the right and left lungs derived from cadavers of different ethnicities. Understanding these variations is important in clinical practice to avoid difficulties or changes during surgical procedures.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Larisa Ryskalin, Gabriele Morucci, Paola Soldani, Marco Gesi
Summary: There is a strong correlation between Achilles tendon loading and plantar aponeurosis tension, with tightness of the Achilles tendon found in 80% of patients with plantar fasciitis. Tightness of the gastrocnemius-soleus has also been linked to increased severity of heel pain. Understanding the anatomical and biomechanical basis of plantar fasciitis is crucial for improving nonoperative treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Lucarini, Laura Micheli, Alessandra Toti, Clara Ciampi, Francesco Margiotta, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Carla Ghelardini
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of ALCAR in a model of persistent visceral pain associated with colitis induced by DNBS injection. The results showed that ALCAR significantly reduced visceral hyperalgesia and partially reduced colon damage in rats, suggesting its potential usefulness as a food supplement for patients suffering from IBDs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Gaetano Campi, Alessandro Ricci, Nicola Costa, Federico Genovesi, Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca, Ferdinando Paternostro, Daniele Della Posta
Summary: This study investigates the biomechanics and viscoelastic properties of the masticatory system using a non-invasive approach. The results show that the muscle tone and viscoelasticity in specific cycles of the system play a significant role in its functionality. Additionally, the elasticity levels in all links of the network deviate from normal behavior, indicating a dysfunctional state.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Carril, Elisabetta Bianchi, Costanza Cicchi, Andrea Coppi, Marco Dainelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Stefano Loppi, Luigia Pazzagli, Ilaria Colzi
Summary: Wood distillate (WD) obtained from the pyrolysis of plant biomass can enhance the growth and yield of leguminous crops such as lentil. WD-treated plants showed increased biomass, number and weight of pods and seeds, as well as higher seed protein content. WD also increased the concentration of essential elements in the seeds, including Fe, Ca, Mg, and K.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Sharon Russo, Federica Scotto di Carlo, Antonio Maurizi, Giorgio Fortunato, Anna Teti, Danilo Licastro, Carmine Settembre, Tommaso Mello, Fernando Gianfrancesco
Summary: This study describes the establishment of a Zfp687 knock-in mouse model that recapitulates the Paget's disease (PDB) phenotype, leading to significantly altered bone remodeling. The mutation is associated with osteolytic phase, disrupted osteoblast activity, and the presence of woven bone, consistent with the PDB phenotype. Moreover, the study also reveals a link between osteoarthritis and PDB in this mouse model and highlights the oncogenic potential of ZNF687.
