Latest PUBLICATIONS

  • Mathematical optimization of the green extraction of polyphenols from grape peels through a cyclic pressurization process.
    Publication Date: 17/04/2019, on Heliyon
    by Gallo M, Formato A, Giacco R, Riccardi G, Lungo D, Formato G, Amoresano A, Naviglio D
    DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01526

    In the current era of high consumption and increasing waste, many products that are believed to be unusable can find a new purpose in the market. For example, the grape peel waste resulting from the production of wine contains numerous bioactive compounds. In reality, grape peels are by-products of winemaking that can be conveniently reused in many different ways, including agronomic use and cosmetic industry applications. Moreover, the by-products can also be used in the energy field as biomass for the production of biogas or in food plants for the production of energy. In this article, to extract polyphenols, grape peels were processed via a cyclically pressurized extraction method known as rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), which does not require the use of any organic solvent or include heating or cooling processes that can cause the loss of substances of interest. To better understand the cyclically pressurized extraction process, a numerical simulation was performed to evaluate the exchange between the grape piece solid matrix and water during the extraction process. Furthermore, a finite element model was used to numerically determine the time-dependent concentration distribution at specific times.

  • Interferon-free regimens improve kidney function in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.
    Publication Date: 11/04/2019, on Journal of nephrology
    by Coppola N, Portunato F, Buonomo AR, Staiano L, Scotto R, Pinchera B, De Pascalis S, Amoruso DC, Martini S, Pisaturo M, Coppola C, Gentile I
    DOI: 10.1007/s40620-019-00608-z

    The impact of directly acting antiviral agent (DAA) regimens on renal function is not well defined and quite controversial. We evaluated the effect of DAAs on kidney function and the factors associated with an improvement or worsening.

  • CHM/REP1 Transcript Expression and Loss of Visual Function in Patients Affected by Choroideremia.
    Publication Date: 01/04/2019, on Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
    by Di Iorio V, Esposito G, De Falco F, Boccia R, Fioretti T, Colucci R, De Rosa G, Melillo P, Salvatore F, Simonelli F, Testa F
    DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25501

    To evaluate the disease progression in patients with clinical and genetic diagnoses of choroideremia during a long-term follow-up and to investigate the relationship between pathogenic variants in the CHM/REP1 gene and disease phenotypes.

  • Effects of curcumin and its adjuvant on TPC1 thyroid cell line.
    Publication Date: 30/03/2019, on Chemico-biological interactions
    by Esposito T, Lucariello A, Hay E, Contieri M, Tammaro P, Varriale B, Guerra G, De Luca A, Perna A
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.03.031

    Previous studies have demonstrated that different curcumin extracts are able to influence cell metabolic activity vitality in human papillary thyroid carcinoma TPC-1 cells. We continued the study using the most effective extract and adding other nutraceuticals such as piperine and vitamin E, in order to define the possible role of these in modulating the genetic expression of cell markers and to understand the effectiveness in modulating the regression of cancer phenotype. Cells were treated with one extract of curcumin (Naturex Ultimate Botanical Benefits), with Piperine (Piper Longum, A.C.E.F.) and Vitamin E (Dry Vitamin E-Acetate 50% DC, BASF) alone and in combination, dissolved in the culture medium, for 48 h. Treatment with the different nutraceuticals is able to influence cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1, β-catenin, p21, p53) and activators or inhibitors of apoptosis (BAX, pro-caspase3, Bcl-2). They are able to influence cell cycle distribution and metabolic activity vitality. The inhibitory effect of curcumin, piperine and vitamin E on cell proliferation involves different markers, and in particular inhibits β-catenin, cyclinD1 and p53, making them candidates for a possible use in alternative therapies although further studies are needed.

  • Native Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry: When Gas-Phase Ion Structures Depend on the Electrospray Charging Process.
    Publication Date: 28/03/2019, on Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
    by Khristenko N, Amato J, Livet S, Pagano B, Randazzo A, Gabelica V
    DOI: 10.1007/s13361-019-02152-3

    Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has become popular to characterize biomolecule folding. Numerous studies have shown that proteins that are folded in solution remain folded in the gas phase, whereas proteins that are unfolded in solution adopt more extended conformations in the gas phase. Here, we discuss how general this tenet is. We studied single-stranded DNAs (human telomeric cytosine-rich sequences with CCCTAA repeats), which fold into an intercalated motif (i-motif) structure in a pH-dependent manner, thanks to the formation of C-H-C base pairs. As i-motif formation is favored at low ionic strength, we could investigate the ESI-IMS-MS behavior of i-motif structures at pH ~ 5.5 over a wide range of ammonium acetate concentrations (15 to 100 mM). The control experiments consisted of either the same sequence at pH ~ 7.5, wherein the sequence is unfolded, or sequence variants that cannot form i-motifs (CTCTAA repeats). The surprising results came from the control experiments. We found that the ionic strength of the solution had a greater effect on the compactness of the gas-phase structures than the solution folding state. This means that electrosprayed ions keep a memory of the charging process, which is influenced by the electrolyte concentration. We discuss these results in light of the analyte partitioning between the droplet interior and the droplet surface, which in turn influences the probability of being ionized via a charged residue-type pathway or a chain extrusion-type pathway.

  • Identification, Characterization, and Regulatory Mechanisms of a Novel EGR1 Splicing Isoform.
    Publication Date: 28/03/2019, on International journal of molecular sciences
    by Aliperti V, Sgueglia G, Aniello F, Vitale E, Fucci L, Donizetti A
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071548

    EGR1 is a transcription factor expressed in many cell types that regulates genes involved in different biological processes including growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of EGR1 expression has been associated with many pathological conditions such as tumors and brain diseases. Known molecular mechanisms underlying the control of EGR1 function include regulation of transcription, mRNA and protein stability, and post-translational modifications. Here we describe the identification of a splicing isoform for the human gene. The newly identified splicing transcript encodes a shorter protein compared to the canonical EGR1. This isoform lacks a region belonging to the N-terminal activation domain and although it is capable of entering the nucleus, it is unable to activate transcription fully relative to the canonical isoform.

  • Brain Metabolic DNA Is Reverse Transcribed in Cytoplasm: Evidence by Immunofluorescence Analysis.
    Publication Date: 27/03/2019, on Molecular neurobiology
    by Prisco M, Casalino J, Cefaliello C, Giuditta A
    DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1569-3

    In a previous study (Mol Neurobiol 55:7476-7486, 2017), newly synthesized brain metabolic DNA (BMD) from rat subcellular fractions has been shown to behave as a DNA-RNA hybrid when analyzed in cesium gradients at early [H] thymidine incorporation times but to assume the double-stranded configuration at later times. Conversely, BMD from purified nuclei displayed the dsDNA configuration even at early incorporation times. The results were interpreted to support the BMD origin by reverse transcription in the cytoplasm and its later acquisition of the double-stranded configuration before the partial transfer to the nuclei. This interpretation has now been confirmed by immunofluorescence analyses of newly synthesized BrdU-labeled BMD from the mouse brain that demonstrates its cytoplasmic localization and colocalization with DNA-RNA hybrids. In addition, BrdU-labeled BMD has been shown to colocalize with astroglial anti-GFAP antibodies and with presynaptic anti-synaptophysin antibodies.

  • Circulating factors present in the sera of naturally skinny people may influence cell commitment and adipocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells.
    Publication Date: 26/03/2019, on World journal of stem cells
    by Alessio N, Squillaro T, Monda V, Peluso G, Monda M, Melone MA, Galderisi U, Di Bernardo G
    DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i3.180

    Research on physiopathology of obesity may receive new hints from studies on skinny people (SP). These are individuals who show a poor or null gaining of body weight, in spite of high-calorie intake, by far exceeding the body requirements.

  • Assessing Anxiety and its correlates in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
    Publication Date: 21/03/2019, on Muscle & nerve
    by Siciliano M, Trojano L, Trojsi F, Monsurrò MR, Tedeschi G, Santangelo G
    DOI: 10.1002/mus.26475

    We evaluated: i) psychometric properties of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI Form Y); ii) clinical correlates of state and trait anxiety; iii) associations of anxiety with Quality of Life (QoL) dimensions.

  • Oxidative Imbalance and Kidney Damage in Cafeteria Diet-Induced Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome: Effect of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction.
    Publication Date: 16/03/2019, on Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
    by La Russa D, Giordano F, Marrone A, Parafati M, Janda E, Pellegrino D
    DOI: 10.3390/antiox8030066

    Obesity is a potent risk factor for kidney disease as it increases the possibility of developing diabetes and hypertension, and it has a direct impact on the development of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. In this study, we tested the effect of bergamot polyphenolic fraction in a cafeteria with diet-fed rats, an excellent experimental model for studying human metabolic syndrome, as it is able to induce severe obesity with insulin resistance and high plasma triglyceride levels more efficiently than a traditional lard-based high-fat diet used in rodent models. We analyzed the plasmatic oxidative balance by photometric tests, and the expression of cytoplasmic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 1 and glutatione S-tranferasi P1) and apoptotic markers (Caspase 8 and 9) in kidney tissues by Western blot analysis. Our results clearly showed that the cafeteria diet induces a marked pro-oxidant effect: significant reduction of plasmatic antioxidant capacity; downregulation of cytoplasmic antioxidant enzymes expression; and activation of apoptotic pathways. All these hallmarks of redox disequilibrium were mitigated by treatment with polyphenolic fraction of bergamot, highlighting its antioxidant effect in the metabolic syndrome. Our data show that the link between obesity and renal damage could be represented by oxidative stress.

  • Stability is not everything the case of the cyclization of the thrombin binding aptamer.
    Publication Date: 12/03/2019, on Chembiochem : a European journal of chemical biology
    by Riccardi C, Meyer A, Vasseur JJ, Russo Krauss I, Paduano L, Oliva R, Petraccone L, Morvan F, Montesarchio D
    DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900045

    Aiming at novel approaches to obtain improved aptamers, we developed a cyclic TBA analogue (cycTBA) by exploiting a Cu(I)-assisted azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Its markedly increased serum resistance and exceptional thermal stability of its G-quadruplex vs. TBA were associated to halved thrombin inhibition, suggesting that some flexibility in TBA structure is necessary for protein recognition.

  • A Fast Detection Strategy for Cyanobacterial blooms and associated cyanotoxins (FDSCC) reveals the occurrence of lyngbyatoxin A in campania (South Italy).
    Publication Date: 08/03/2019, on Chemosphere
    by Esposito G, Teta R, Marrone R, De Sterlich C, Casazza M, Anastasio A, Lega M, Costantino V
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.201

    Fast Detection Strategy for Cyanobacterial blooms and associated Cyanotoxins (FDSCC) is a multidisciplinary strategy that allows early detection, in 24 man-hours, of cyanobacteria and related cyanotoxins in water and bivalve samples. This approach combines the advantages of remote/proximal sensing with those of analytical/bioinformatics analyses, namely, LC-HRMS-based molecular networking. The detection of Lyngbyatoxin A, a lipophilic cyanotoxin, in all analyzed water samples and in bivalves, commonly used as food, was the proof of the reliability of the new method.

  • Persisting Embryonal Infundibular Recess in Morning Glory Syndrome: Clinical Report of a Novel Association.
    Publication Date: 07/03/2019, on AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
    by D'Amico A, Ugga L, Cuocolo R, Cirillo M, Grandone A, Conforti R
    DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A6005

    Morning glory syndrome is characterized by a congenital optic disc defect that resembles the eponymous flower. We present the MR imaging findings of 2 pediatric patients with morning glory disc anomaly and persisting embryonal infundibular recess, another rare malformative finding, a previously unreported association. Neuroradiologists should be aware of the possible presence of a persisting embryonal infundibular recess in patients with morning glory syndrome, to aid in the differential diagnosis including other pituitary malformations such as pituitary stalk duplication.

  • Low doses of Bisphenol A have pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant effects, stimulate lipid peroxidation and increase the cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin in cardiomyoblasts.
    Publication Date: 07/03/2019, on Environmental toxicology and pharmacology
    by Quagliariello V, Coppola C, Mita DG, Piscopo G, Iaffaioli RV, Botti G, Maurea N
    DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.006

    Endocrine disrupters are strictly associated to cancer and several cardiovascular risk factors. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupter commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics based on polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride and resins. Our study aims to investigate whether BPA may cause pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects on cardiomyoblasts, thus exacerbating the Doxorubicin (DOXO)-induced cardiotoxicity phenomena. We tested the metabolic effects of BPA at low doses analyzing its affections on the intracellular calcium uptake, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and production of nitric oxide and interleukins. Co-incubation of BPA and DOXO significantly reduced the cardiomyoblast viability, compared to only DOXO exposure cells. The mechanisms underlying these effects are based on the stimulation of the intracellular calcium accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Notably, BPA increase the production of pro-inflammatory interleukins involved in cardiovascular diseases as well as in DOXO-Induced cardiotoxicity phenomena. This study provides a rationale for translational studies in the field of cardio-oncology.

  • Abdominal Fat SIRT6 Expression and Its Relationship with Inflammatory and Metabolic Pathways in Pre-Diabetic Overweight Patients.
    Publication Date: 06/03/2019, on International journal of molecular sciences
    by D'Onofrio N, Pieretti G, Ciccarelli F, Gambardella A, Passariello N, Rizzo MR, Barbieri M, Marfella R, Nicoletti G, Balestrieri ML, Sardu C
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051153

    The role of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in adipose abdominal tissue of pre-diabetic (pre-DM) patients is poorly known. Here, we evaluated SIRT6 expression in visceral abdominal fat of obese pre-diabetic patients and the potential effects of metformin therapy. Results indicated that obese pre-DM subjects showed low SIRT6 protein expression and high expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1). Obese pre-DM patients showed high values of glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C reactive protein (CRP), nitrotyrosine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and low values of insulin ( < 0.05). Of note, abdominal fat tissue of obese pre-DM patients treated with metformin therapy presented higher SIRT6 expression and lower NF-κB, PPAR-γ, and SREBP-1 expression levels compared to pre-DM control group. Collectively, results show that SIRT6 is involved in the inflammatory pathway of subcutaneous abdominal fat of obese pre-DM patients and its expression responds to metformin therapy.