Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marlene Fabiola Escobedo-Monge, Enrique Barrado, Joaquin Parodi-Roman, Maria Antonieta Escobedo-Monge, Maria Carmen Torres-Hinojal, Jose Manuel Marugan-Miguelsanz
Summary: This study evaluated the magnesium status and nutritional indicators in 78 children and adolescents with chronic diseases. The results showed that 79% of individuals had abnormal magnesium status and were at risk of developing other chronic illnesses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaj Vaughan Sullivan, Yasmina Assantuh, Rosa Grigoryan, Marta Costas-Rodriguez, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Bruno Lapauw, Steven Van Laecke, Frank Vanhaecke
Summary: Hypomagnesemia, a condition often found in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, has become less prevalent due to improved treatment. However, a recent study found that disruptions to magnesium homeostasis still persist in T1DM patients. This study aimed to investigate the temporal variability in serum magnesium isotopic composition before and after insulin injection or meal consumption. The results showed a significant difference in serum magnesium isotopic composition between T1DM patients and controls, but no significant difference was observed before and after insulin injection/meal consumption. This suggests that the timing of the most recent meal may not affect serum magnesium isotopic composition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luciano Pinotti, Michele Manoni, Luca Ferrari, Marco Tretola, Roberta Cazzola, Ian Givens
Summary: Magnesium plays a crucial role as a cofactor of over 300 enzymes, and its supplementation is recommended in both farm animals and human nutrition to ensure adequate growth, health maintenance, and optimal performance. Adequate magnesium intake can improve meat quality, fertility, and yield in farm animals, while also preventing deficiency-related health conditions and supporting growth. Having an adequate magnesium content in animal-sourced food is important to prevent magnesium deficiency in farm animals and to serve as excellent magnesium sources in human diets, which is crucial for bone development, muscle function, and overall health maintenance.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aparna Ann Mathew, Rajitha Panonnummal
Summary: Magnesium is an essential cation that regulates vital body functions, including proper brain function. Decreased magnesium levels in the brain can lead to various detrimental effects and worsen neurological and psychiatric diseases. Exogenous administration of magnesium has shown potential in correcting disease-induced brain alterations, but its poor blood-brain barrier permeability poses a limitation. Different approaches, such as using organic salts and combining with other substances, have been attempted to improve magnesium's BBB permeability. While these approaches have shown experimental efficacy, studies on human subjects are ongoing to determine safety and efficacy.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Justyna Malinowska, Milena Malecka-Gieldowska, Katarzyna Pietrucha, Gabriela Gorska, Dagmara Kogut, Olga Ciepiela
Summary: Massive transfusion of packed red blood cells can lead to complications such as dysmagnesemia due to the influence of transfused red blood cells on recipient's magnesium concentration.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marlene Fabiola Escobedo-Monge, Enrique Barrado, Joaquin Parodi-Roman, Maria Antonieta Escobedo-Monge, Marianela Marcos-Temprano, Jose Manuel Marugan-Miguelsanz
Summary: This study assessed the magnesium status in cystic fibrosis patients and its association with nutritional indicators. The findings showed that a significant proportion of patients had hypomagnesemia and insufficient magnesium consumption, and the calcium/magnesium ratios were associated with the risk of developing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chi-Ya Huang, Chi-Chen Yang, Kuo-Chuan Hung, Ming-Yan Jiang, Yun-Ting Huang, Jyh-Chang Hwang, Chih-Chieh Hsieh, Min-Hsiang Chuang, Jui-Yi Chen
Summary: There is an association between serum magnesium levels and mortality in dialysis patients. Hypomagnesemia may be a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in kidney replacement therapy patients, particularly in those receiving hemodialysis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qin-Hao Zhang, Pan Liu, Ze-Jie Zhu, Xin-Ran Li, Jian-Qing Zhang, Fa-He Cao
Summary: The study provides direct evidence of the presence of Mg+ in aqueous solution under open circuit and polarization conditions, which helps to understand the negative difference effect (NDE). This was achieved using a modified substrate generation/tip collection mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy to detect Mg+ via its reaction with potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]).
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oliver Micke, Jurgen Vormann, Anton Kraus, Klaus Kisters
Summary: Magnesium deficiency can have serious health consequences, with low serum levels not necessarily ruling out deficiencies. Therefore, serum magnesium values should be included in routine diagnostics for better detection of deficiency states.
MAGNESIUM RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hironari Hanaoka, Jun Kikuchi, Yuko Kaneko, Noriyasu Seki, Hideto Tsujimoto, Kenji Chiba, Tsutomu Takeuchi
Summary: Hypomagnesemia was detected in 22.2% of patients with connective tissue disease, with the use of proton pump inhibitors and tacrolimus independently associated with its occurrence. Patients with hypomagnesemia had higher rates of renal deterioration and severe infection, as well as lower lymphocyte and natural killer and dendritic cell counts.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Ebrahimi Mousavi, Seyed Mojtaba Ghoreishy, Amirhossein Hemmati, Hamed Mohammadi
Summary: This meta-analysis revealed that serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in individuals with prediabetes compared to healthy controls. Despite significant heterogeneity among studies, the source of heterogeneity could not be determined. Further studies with larger sample sizes and robust designs are necessary to confirm these findings.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Maria Salinas, Maite Lopez-Garrigos, Emilio Flores, Carlos Leiva-Salinas
Summary: Magnesium is an abundant cation in the body, playing a role in numerous biochemical reactions. Hypomagnesemia is a common condition that often goes unnoticed, especially in patients with comorbidities. This review emphasizes the importance of laboratory medicine in diagnosing and treating hypomagnesemia, discussing tests and methods for measuring magnesium. Utilizing information technologies, laboratory interventions can improve the identification and treatment of patients with hypomagnesemia.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lynette J. Oost, Amber A. W. A. van der Heijden, Emma A. Vermeulen, Caro Bos, Petra J. M. Elders, Roderick C. Slieker, Steef Kurstjens, Miranda van Berkel, Joost G. J. Hoenderop, Cees J. Tack, Joline W. J. Beulens, Jeroen H. F. de Baaij
Summary: The study found that serum magnesium (Mg2+) concentration is inversely associated with the development of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as the occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic foot complications in type 2 diabetes patients. Additionally, glycemic control, as measured by hemoglobin A(1c) [HbA(1c)], partially mediated the association between serum Mg2+ and HF and microvascular complications.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lucia Federica Stefanelli, Marianna Alessi, Giovanni Bertoldi, Valentina Rossato, Valentina Di Vico, Federico Nalesso, Lorenzo A. Calo
Summary: Magnesium (Mg) is essential for DNA stability, protein synthesis, and cardiac excitability. Magnesium deficiency can lead to various health issues, such as cardiovascular mortality, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and increased risk of fractures. In kidney transplant patients, certain medications can cause low levels of magnesium, known as hypomagnesemia (HypoMg), which may negatively impact the function of the transplanted organ. A new formulation called sucrosomial magnesium (SucrMg) has shown better bioavailability and tolerance compared to the conventional magnesium pidolate (PidMg) preparation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Setareh Jamali Jaghdani, Peter Jahns, Merle Traenkner
Summary: This study investigated the impact of varying magnesium concentrations on barley photosynthetic efficiency and photoprotective responses, revealing that CO2 assimilation is more sensitive to reduction of tissue magnesium concentrations, while supply with lower magnesium concentrations induced photo oxidative stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Calonghi, Carla Boga, Patrizia Nitti, Dario Telese, Silvia Bordoni, Giovanna Farruggia, Fioretta Asaro, Martina Grandi, Chiara Zalambani, Gabriele Micheletti
Summary: Among a series of hydroxystearic acid regioisomers, those with hydroxyl groups at positions 5, 7, and 9 showed growth inhibitory activity against various human tumor cell lines. 5-HSA not only reduced cell proliferation but also induced changes in cell displacement, directionality, and speed in HeLa, HT29, MCF7, and NLF cell lines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Sallustio, Ilaria Chiocchio, Manuela Mandrone, Marco Cirrincione, Michele Protti, Giovanna Farruggia, Angela Abruzzo, Barbara Luppi, Federica Bigucci, Laura Mercolini, Ferruccio Poli, Teresa Cerchiara
Summary: This study aimed to select the rosehip extract containing the greatest amounts of bioactive compounds and to encapsulate it in vesicular systems. The results showed that ethosomes were the most promising nanocarriers with small size, high encapsulation efficiency, stability, and non-cytotoxicity.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Prata, Tullia Maraldi, Cristina Angeloni
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Concettina Cappadone, Giovanna Picone, Alessandra Bisi, Giovanna Farruggia, Federica Belluti, Paolo Blasi, Silvia Gobbi, Emil Malucelli
Summary: This study reports a series of new compounds with anti-osteosarcoma activity. The antitumor activity, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis induction of these compounds were evaluated using innovative techniques and methods. Among the tested compounds, 1e, 1q, and 1r showed the most promising antitumor properties.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angela Abruzzo, Carola Parolin, Martina Rossi, Beatrice Vitali, Concettina Cappadone, Federica Bigucci
Summary: In recent years, the treatment of bacterial skin infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, has become a major healthcare concern. This study aimed to develop microemulsions containing azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, as a potential solution to these infections. The microemulsions were found to have an acceptable pH and demonstrated prolonged drug release and retention within porcine skin. Additionally, the microemulsions exhibited antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains without being cytotoxic. Overall, the developed azithromycin-loaded microemulsions have the potential to be useful nanocarriers for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant skin infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Rizzardi, Laura Pezzolesi, Chiara Samori, Federica Senese, Chiara Zalambani, Walter Pitacco, Natalia Calonghi, Christian Bergamini, Cecilia Prata, Romana Fato
Summary: Astaxanthin is a red orange xanthophyll carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. Natural astaxanthin is considered safe for human consumption and is environmentally friendly to produce. It is water-soluble and has been shown to protect against oxidative stress in neuroblastoma cell models. Additionally, its lipophilic nature makes it protective against lipid peroxidation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junwei Zhao, Jacopo Carbone, Giovanna Farruggia, Anna Janecka, Luca Gentilucci, Natalia Calonghi
Summary: Indoles are a large family of heterocyclic compounds widely found in nature, with diverse bioactive properties including anticancer and opioid agonist activities. This study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of indole-aryl amide derivatives as opioid ligands and their anticancer potential against various tumor cell lines. The results showed that some of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant activity against the selected tumor cell lines, particularly compound 5 which showed selective cytotoxicity towards HT29 cells and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Angeloni, Marco Malaguti, Cecilia Prata, Michela Freschi, Maria Cristina Barbalace, Silvana Hrelia
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly prevalent with aging population. They are multifactorial disorders with common mechanisms such as abnormal protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. Plant-derived compounds from food and agrifood by-products have potential neuroprotective activities and recycling food waste is important. This review focuses on the potential neuroprotective activity of agrifood wastes from widely consumed products in Italy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Rossi, Giovanna Picone, Concettina Cappadone, Andrea Sorrentino, Marta Columbaro, Giovanna Farruggia, Emilio Catelli, Giorgia Sciutto, Silvia Prati, Robert Oliete, Alice Pasini, Eva Pereiro, Stefano Iotti, Emil Malucelli
Summary: Osteosarcoma (OS), the most common primary malignant bone tumor, is associated with osteogenic differentiation dysfunctions. In this study, conventional and X-ray synchrotron-based techniques were used to characterize mineral depositions in a human OS cell line (SaOS-2) exposed to osteogenic cocktail. The results showed that a partial restoration of physiological biomineralization occurred at 10 days after treatment, along with a mitochondria-driven mechanism for calcium transportation in the cells. Interestingly, mitochondria morphology changed during differentiation, indicating a metabolic reprogramming of OS cells possibly linked to increased glycolysis contribution to energy metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giacomo Drius, Silvia Bordoni, Carla Boga, Magda Monari, Jessica Fiori, Erika Esposito, Chiara Zalambani, Luca Pincigher, Giovanna Farruggia, Natalia Calonghi, Gabriele Micheletti
Summary: In this study, three Ru(II) complexes containing hydroxy stearic acids (HSAs) were successfully synthesized and evaluated for their synergistic effects between the known antitumor activity of HSA bio-ligands and the metal center. The results showed that Ru-7-HSA and Ru-9-HSA complexes exhibited biological activity, with Ru-9-HSA showing increased antitumor activity on colon cancer cells, HT29.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucrezia Galassi, Martina Rossi, Pietro Lodeserto, Monia Lenzi, Francesca Borsetti, Manuela Voltattorni, Giovanna Farruggia, Paolo Blasi, Isabella Orienti
Summary: Neuroblastoma cells highly express the disialoganglioside GD2, and immunotherapy with monoclonal anti-GD2 antibodies has proven efficacy in clinical trials. However, the neuro-toxicity associated with antibody administration limits their therapeutic potential. Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine increased GD2 expression in neuroblastoma cells and improved the effectiveness of anti-GD2 antibody treatment. This could potentially enable chronic treatments to eradicate minimal residual disease and relapses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pasquale Marrazzo, Manuela Mandrone, Ilaria Chiocchio, Laura Zambonin, Maria Cristina Barbalace, Chiara Zalambani, Cristina Angeloni, Marco Malaguti, Cecilia Prata, Ferruccio Poli, Diana Fiorentini, Silvana Hrelia
Summary: Studies have shown that chestnut leaf and spiny bur extracts have good anti-neuroinflammatory effects, with chestnut leaf extract being more effective than spiny bur extract. The phytochemical characterization of leaf extracts revealed the presence of specific flavonoids and unsaturated fatty acids, which are likely responsible for the observed anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Exploiting chestnut by-products can satisfy consumers' demand for new natural bioactive compounds and also valorize the by-products.
Article
Polymer Science
Valentina Sallustio, Giovanna Farruggia, Massimiliano Pio di Cagno, Martina M. Tzanova, Joana Marto, Helena Ribeiro, Lidia Maria Goncalves, Manuela Mandrone, Ilaria Chiocchio, Teresa Cerchiara, Angela Abruzzo, Federica Bigucci, Barbara Luppi
Summary: Rising environmental awareness has led to an increased demand for sustainable cosmetics made from natural bioactive compounds. This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly anti-aging gel containing Rosa canina L. extract. The extract was encapsulated in ethosomal vesicles with varying concentrations of ethanol, and the formulations were tested for size, polydispersity, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, release, skin penetration/permeation, and cell viability. The ethosomes were then incorporated into hyaluronic gels and evaluated for rheological properties. The results showed that the ethosomes containing 30% ethanol effectively encapsulated the rosehip extract, and the resulting gel formulation exhibited optimal stability and spreadability for skin application. This innovative and green skincare product has potential in the anti-aging market.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Pincigher, Francesca Valenti, Christian Bergamini, Cecilia Prata, Romana Fato, Riccardo Amorati, Zongxin Jin, Giovanna Farruggia, Diana Fiorentini, Natalia Calonghi, Chiara Zalambani
Summary: Gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, p-cymene, and myrcene are important components of essential oils extracted from many plants and spices. Myrcene, in particular, has potential anticancer activity, leading to cell proliferation arrest, decreased migration, morphological changes, and DNA damage in HeLa cells. Furthermore, myrcene is the only compound among the four that can interact with DNA.
