Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bhavani S. Sahu, Maria Razzoli, Seth McGonigle, Jean Pierre Pallais, Megin E. Nguyen, Masato Sadahiro, Cheng Jiang, Wei-Jye Lin, Kevin A. Kelley, Pedro Rodriguez, Rachel Mansk, Cheryl Cero, Giada Caviola, Paola Palanza, Loredana Rao, Megan Beetch, Emilyn Alejandro, Yuk Y. Sham, Andrea Frontini, Stephen R. Salton, Alessandro Bartolomucci
Summary: This study developed a mouse model with selective knockout of TLQP-21 neuropeptide and provided multiple independent validations. The DTLQP-21 mice showed no gross behavioral and metabolic abnormalities but exhibited a unique metabolic phenotype characterized by temperature-dependent resistance to diet-induced obesity and activation of brown adipose tissue. This research is important for understanding the necessary role of TLQP-21 in physiology and disease, as well as testing novel antibodies or immunoassays targeting TLQP-21.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Giulia Corda, Barbara Noli, Barbara Manconi, Carla Brancia, Manuela Pellegrini, Fabio Naro, Alessandra Olianas, Gian-Luca Ferri, Cristina Cocco
Summary: The study showed that TLQP-21 peptide may be released from islets under hyperglycemic conditions to enhance insulin secretion. C3a-R1 was localized in approximately 50% of TLQP-labeled islet cells, while gC1q-R was detected in around 25% of the cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bhavani S. Sahu, Megin E. Nguyen, Pedro Rodriguez, Jean Pierre Pallais, Vinayak Ghosh, Maria Razzoli, Yuk Y. Sham, Stephen R. Salton, Alessandro Bartolomucci
Summary: The review critically evaluates the molecular identity of the TLQP-21 receptor and the proposed multi-receptor mechanism of action, confirming a critical role for C3aR1 in TLQP-21 biological activity, while data supporting a role of gC1qR and HSPA8 remain limited.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Salar Hafez Ghoran, Fatemeh Taktaz, Emilia Sousa, Carla Fernandes, Anake Kijjoa
Summary: Marine-derived fungi are unique sources of bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly peptides, with diverse structures and biological activities. This review summarizes the literature on marine fungal peptides from January 1991 to June 2023, covering their chemical characteristics, sources, and biological and pharmacological activities. Among 30 genera, Aspergillus was found to produce the highest number of peptides, followed by Penicillium, Acremonium, Eurotium, Trichoderma, Simplicillium, and Beauveria. The predominant activity of the reported marine peptides was cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, followed by antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibition activities.
Article
Immunology
Xaria X. Li, John D. Lee, Han S. Lee, Richard J. Clark, Trent M. Woodruff
Summary: TLQP-21 is a neuropeptide derived from the VGF precursor protein and has pleiotropic roles in regulating metabolism, nociception, and microglial functions. TLQP-21 acts through several receptors, with C3aR being the most commonly reported. However, its activity in immune cells, which express C3aR, remains understudied. This study found that TLQP-21 induced ERK signaling in human and mouse macrophages, with mouse TLQP-21 being more potent than the human counterpart. These findings suggest a significant discrepancy in TLQP-21 C3aR activity between human and murine receptors in immune cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Saleha Alqarni, Mashael Alsebai
Summary: The use of VGF and its derivatives for the diagnosis of PD, ALS, AD remains unclear, so further investigation of the role of VGF in neurodegenerative diseases and pathophysiology is needed to provide new insights.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reda Abo Elfath Ahmed Abo-Elsoud, Seham Ahmed Mohamed Abdelaziz, Mabrouk Attia Abd Eldaim, Suzan Moustafa Hazzaa
Summary: This study demonstrated that Moringa oleifera leaf alcoholic extract (MOLE) can protect rats from bisphenol A (BPA)-induced gastric ulceration and inflammation, showing anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Spela Gruden, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Lactoferrins and their derivatives have important protective roles in the body, including antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. While their antimicrobial activity has been extensively studied, the specific mechanisms behind their actions are still not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shanshan Li, Lingchen Tao, Xinyu Yu, Huoqing Zheng, Jianping Wu, Fuliang Hu
Summary: Royal jelly proteins are a source of high-quality proteins that can be used to prepare bioactive peptides. These peptides have antibacterial properties and have been shown to have antihypertensive, antioxidative, and anti-aging activities. Further research is needed to explore their functional properties and potential novel applications.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu, Thanh-Do Le, Itthanan Suttikhana
Summary: This review provides updated perspectives on the potential of meat-derived peptides (MDPs) for functional foods development, highlighting their biological activities and safety issues. Production and market challenges, including high costs, poor sensorial qualities, instability, and limited toxicologic and clinical data, are also discussed. Preclinical and clinical studies on digestibility, absorbability, metabolism, bioavailability and excretory are crucial to ensure the safety and commercial applications of MDPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Songmin Cao, Zixu Wang, Lujuan Xing, Lei Zhou, Wangang Zhang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of bovine bone gelatin-derived peptides (BGPs) on hypertension in rats and found that they significantly reduced blood pressure and improved dyslipidemia, suggesting their potential as a nutraceutical for hypertension and dyslipidemia.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rim Nasri, Ola Abdelhedi, Moncef Nasri, Mourad Jridi
Summary: Protein hydrolysates are potential sources of diverse bioactive peptides. Fermentation is an alternative approach to produce biopeptides, offering promising applications and challenges.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Motoharu Hirano, Hidetomo Yokoo, Chihiro Goto, Makoto Oba, Takashi Misawa, Yosuke Demizu
Summary: We have developed cell-penetrating stapled peptides based on the amphipathic antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 for efficient intracellular delivery of nucleic acids including pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA. The peptide st7-5_R can form stable complexes with these nucleic acids and efficiently deliver them into cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Motoharu Hirano, Hidetomo Yokoo, Chihiro Goto, Makoto Oba, Takashi Misawa, Yosuke Demizu
Summary: We have developed cell-penetrating stapled peptides based on the amphipathic antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 for efficient intracellular delivery of nucleic acids such as pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA. The stapled peptide st7-5 and its variant st7-5_R can form stable complexes with nucleic acids and successfully deliver them into cells.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rosa Bellavita, Elisabetta Buommino, Bruno Casciaro, Francesco Merlino, Floriana Cappiello, Noemi Marigliano, Anella Saviano, Francesco Maione, Rosaria Santangelo, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Stefania Galdiero, Paolo Grieco, Annarita Falanga
Summary: In this study, a Temporin L analogue, [Nle(1), dLeu(9), dLys(10)]TL, was developed, which exhibited more efficient antimicrobial activity and induced membrane destabilization and deformation in bacterial membranes. The modification increased the peptide's hydrophobicity without affecting its anti-inflammatory activity compared to the lead peptide.
Article
Public Administration
Francesca Manes-Rossi, Luca Ferri, Annamaria Zampella, Adele Caldarelli
Summary: This paper examines the factors influencing the disclosure of anticorruption plans by local governments and highlights the significance of governance, economic, and socio-political features on anticorruption disclosure. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance of anticorruption regulations and the implementation of key mechanisms for more effective anticorruption action.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Gabanella, Andrea Colizza, Maria Chiara Mottola, Silvia Francati, Giovanna Blacona, Carla Petrella, Christian Barbato, Antonio Greco, Massimo Ralli, Marco Fiore, Nicoletta Corbi, Giampiero Ferraguti, Alessandro Corsi, Antonio Minni, Marco de Vincentiis, Claudio Passananti, Maria Grazia Di Certo
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates from the mucosal epithelium and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a subtype of HNSCC. This study focuses on the role of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein in LSCC and explores its impact on cancer-related behaviors. The study also reveals a physical interaction between SMN and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in LSCC. Overall, this study highlights SMN as a potential therapeutic target for LSCC and other subtypes of HNSCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Fatuzzo, Giovanni Francesco Niccolini, Federica Zoccali, Luca Cavalcanti, Mario Giuseppe Bellizzi, Gabriele Riccardi, Marco de Vincentiis, Marco Fiore, Carla Petrella, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Olfactory capacity decline is associated with aging and may indicate the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the role of olfaction in these diseases is of great interest to scientists. Olfactory impairment could potentially serve as an early marker for neurodegenerative diseases, but further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Cinzia Severini
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michela Menghi, Ginevra Micangeli, Francesca Tarani, Carolina Putotto, Federica Pirro, Alessandro Mariani, Carla Petrella, Federica Pulvirenti, Bianca Cinicola, Fiorenza Colloridi, Luigi Tarani, Marco Fiore
Summary: DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is a rare genetic disease caused by microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region, leading to various clinical manifestations including immune deficiency, cardiac malformations, hypoparathyroidism, facial and palatine abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disorders. This study aims to discuss the correlation between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in DGS patients with microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Francesca Cascone, Vanessa Di Stefano, Antonio Greco, Marco de Vincentiis, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disease characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep due to recurrent upper airway obstruction. The associated oxidative stress (OS) leads to various complications that affect both sleep-wake rhythm and systemic functions. This literature review investigates the molecular changes, diagnostic markers, and potential medical therapies for OSAS. The findings suggest that IH increases oxygen free radicals (ROS) and impairs antioxidant capacities, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, osteoporosis, systemic inflammation, increased cardiovascular risk, pulmonary remodeling, and neurological alterations in OSAS patients. The most promising pharmacological therapies include N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Vitamin C, Leptin, Dronabinol, or Atomoxetine + Oxybutynin, but further research is needed. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the approved therapy for reversing most molecular changes, while future drugs may target the remaining dysfunctions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Pamela Rosso, Elena Fico, Serena Colafrancesco, Mario Giuseppe Bellizzi, Roberta Priori, Bruna Cerbelli, Martina Leopizzi, Carla Giordano, Antonio Greco, Paola Tirassa, Cinzia Severini, Massimo Fusconi
Summary: Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in reduced secretion and symptoms like dry mouth and dry eyes. This study found decreased levels of substance P (SP) and increased levels of NK1R in the minor salivary glands of pSS patients, suggesting their involvement in the impaired salivary secretion. The increase in apoptosis in pSS patients was also related to JNK phosphorylation.
Article
Cell Biology
Carla Petrella, Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Flavio Maria Ceci, Patrizia Pasculli, Tiziana Latronico, Grazia Maria Liuzzi, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Antonio Angeloni, Evaristo Ettorre, Michela Menghi, Christian Barbato, Giampiero Ferraguti, Antonio Minni, Marco Fiore
Summary: This pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, and neurofilament light chain (NFL) pathways in aged men. The results showed disrupted serum BDNF, NFL, and MMP-2 presence in severe or fatal COVID-19 cases, along with changes in routine blood parameters. The ratio of MMPs (2 and 9) to BDNF and NFL was found to be a useful tool for predicting fatal outcomes of COVID-19.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Luca Cavalcanti, Giammarco Raponi, Gianluca Puggioni, Alessandro Mattia, Sara Gariglio, Andrea Colizza, Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Luigi Tarani, Christian Barbato, Marco Lucarelli, Flavio Maria Ceci, Silvia Francati, Giampiero Ferraguti, Mauro Ceccanti, Carla Petrella
Summary: Alcohol consumption is associated with oxidative stress and an increased risk of upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) carcinoma. Microorganisms in the oral cavity can metabolize ethanol and form acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic metabolite. A study was conducted on UADT cancer patients to estimate their alcohol consumption and analyze the presence of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria. The study found that heavy drinkers had a higher presence of these bacteria, which correlated with increased oxidative stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Derme, Maria Grazia Piccioni, Roberto Brunelli, Alba Crognale, Marika Denotti, Paola Ciolli, Debora Scomparin, Luigi Tarani, Roberto Paparella, Gianluca Terrin, Maria Di Chiara, Alessandro Mattia, Simona Nicotera, Alberto Salomone, Mauro Ceccanti, Marisa Patrizia Messina, Nunzia La Maida, Giampiero Ferraguti, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore
Summary: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a set of conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It affects an estimated 2% to 5% of people in the United States and Western Europe. The exact mechanism of alcohol's impact on fetal development is unclear, but it involves decreased glutathione peroxidase action and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. We report a case of a mother who abused alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and used cocaine during pregnancy, resulting in her newborn being diagnosed with FAS. The study highlights the importance of intensive hospital monitoring and controls for FASD cases.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Marco de Vincentiis, Massimo Ralli, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) binds PD-1 on CD8+ lymphocytes, inhibiting their cytotoxic action. Its aberrant expression by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells leads to immune escape. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against PD-1, have been approved in HNSCC treatment, but similar to 60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC fail to respond to immunotherapy and only 20 to 30% of treated patients have long-term benefits.
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Patrizia Pasculli, Christian Barbato, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Federica Dominelli, Tiziana Latronico, Federica Ciccone, Michele Antonacci, Grazia Maria Liuzzi, Giuseppina Talarico, Giuseppe Bruno, Gioacchino Galardo, Francesco Pugliese, Miriam Lichtner, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Antonio Minni, Maria Rosa Ciardi
Summary: High levels of NfL, GFAP, and sCD163 in COVID-19 patients are associated with CNS damage and inflammatory response. Patients with neurological symptoms show higher plasma biomarker levels at baseline, which decrease after hospital discharge.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: The potential use of antioxidants in preventing second primary cancers in HNSCC patients has been explored. Although a low dietary intake of antioxidants has been linked to an increased cancer risk, it has been found that the antioxidants tested so far are not effective in preventing second primary tumors in HNSCC patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierluigi Mastino, Davide Rosati, Giulia de Soccio, Martina Romeo, Daniele Pentangelo, Stefano Venarubea, Marco Fiore, Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Carla Petrella, Christian Barbato, Antonio Minni
Summary: OSAS, affecting 2% of men and 4% of women of middle age, is a major public health problem due to its possible cardiovascular, metabolic, and cerebrovascular complications. The correlation between OSAS and hearing loss is demonstrated, with oxidative stress as the main pathogenetic mechanism of damage. CPAP shows no effects on hearing function. Further studies are needed to evaluate extended high frequencies, vocal audiometry in noisy environments, and potential biomarkers.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Federica Zoccali, Carla Petrella, Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Marco Fiore, Massimo Ralli, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a debilitating condition that affects a patient's quality of life, and its etiology remains mostly unknown. COVID-19 infection has been associated with various ENT manifestations, including throat pain, headache, nasal obstruction, and tonsil enlargement. This study reports a case of post-COVID-19 SSHL and explores the potential of serum neurofilament light (NfL) as a biomarker for neuronal damage.
