1
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Furneri G, Varrasi S, Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Torre V, Boccaccio FM, Testa MF, Martelli F, Privitera A, Razza G, Santagati M, Di Nuovo S, Pirrone C, Castellano S, Caraci F, Monastero R. Combining Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment for assessing the clinical efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in mild Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:95. [PMID: 38630416 PMCID: PMC11023996 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Current drugs for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), such as cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), exert only symptomatic activity. Different psychometric tools are needed to assess cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions during pharmacological treatment. In this pilot study, we monitored 33 mild-AD patients treated with ChEIs. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of 6 months (Group 1 = 17 patients) and 9 months (Group 2 = 16 patients) of ChEIs administration on cognition with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), while depressive symptoms were measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). After 6 months (Group 1), a significant decrease in MoCA performance was detected. After 9 months (Group 2), a significant decrease in MMSE, MoCA, and FAB performance was observed. ChEIs did not modify depressive symptoms. Overall, our data suggest MoCA is a potentially useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of ChEIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Furneri
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Vittoria Torre
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Federica Martelli
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Razza
- Department of Mental Health, ASP3 Catania, Alzheimer Psychogeriatric Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Santagati
- Department of Mental Health, ASP3 Catania, Alzheimer Psychogeriatric Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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2
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Lista S, Mapstone M, Caraci F, Emanuele E, López-Ortiz S, Martín-Hernández J, Triaca V, Imbimbo C, Gabelle A, Mielke MM, Nisticò R, Santos-Lozano A, Imbimbo BP. A critical appraisal of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102290. [PMID: 38580173 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Biomarkers that predict the clinical onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) enable the identification of individuals in the early, preclinical stages of the disease. Detecting AD at this point may allow for more effective therapeutic interventions and optimized enrollment for clinical trials of novel drugs. The current biological diagnosis of AD is based on the AT(N) classification system with the measurement of brain deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) ("A"), tau pathology ("T"), and neurodegeneration ("N"). Diagnostic cut-offs for Aβ1-42, the Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio, tau and hyperphosphorylated-tau concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid have been defined and may support AD clinical diagnosis. Blood-based biomarkers of the AT(N) categories have been described in the AD continuum. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that the combination of blood biomarkers tracking neuroaxonal injury (neurofilament light chain) and neuroinflammatory pathways (glial fibrillary acidic protein) enhance sensitivity and specificity of AD clinical diagnosis and improve the prediction of AD onset. However, no international accepted cut-offs have been identified for these blood biomarkers. A kit for blood Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 is commercially available in the U.S.; however, it does not provide a diagnosis, but simply estimates the risk of developing AD. Although blood-based AD biomarkers have a great potential in the diagnostic work-up of AD, they are not ready for the routine clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), Valladolid 47012, Spain.
| | - Mark Mapstone
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy; Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina 94018, Italy.
| | | | - Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), Valladolid 47012, Spain.
| | - Juan Martín-Hernández
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), Valladolid 47012, Spain.
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Rome 00015, Italy.
| | - Camillo Imbimbo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy.
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- Memory Resources and Research Center, Montpellier University of Excellence i-site, Montpellier 34295, France.
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00143, Italy.
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), Valladolid 47012, Spain; Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), Madrid 28041, Spain.
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research and Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma 43122, Italy.
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3
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Grasso M, Fidilio A, L’Episcopo F, Recupero M, Barone C, Bacalini MG, Benatti C, Giambirtone MC, Caruso G, Greco D, Di Nuovo S, Romano C, Ferri R, Buono S, Cuello AC, Blom JMC, Tascedda F, Piazza PV, De La Torre R, Caraci F. Low TGF-β1 plasma levels are associated with cognitive decline in Down syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1379965. [PMID: 38576478 PMCID: PMC10991739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Almost all individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) show the characteristic neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the age of 40, yet not every individual with DS experiences symptoms of AD later in life. Similar to neurotypical developing subjects, AD in people with DS lasts for a long preclinical phase in which biomarkers follow a predictable order of changes. Hence, a prolonged asymptomatic period precedes the onset of dementia, underscoring the importance of identifying new biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of cognitive decline in individuals with DS. Blood-based biomarkers may offer an alternative non-invasive strategy for the detection of peripheral biological alterations paralleling nervous system pathology in an early phase of the AD continuum. In the last few years, a strong neurobiological link has been demonstrated between the deficit of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels, an anti-inflammatory cytokine endowed with neuroprotective activity, and early pro-inflammatory processes in the AD brain. In this clinical prospective observational study, we found significant lower plasma TGF-β1 concentrations at the first neuropsychological evaluation (baseline = T0) both in young adult DS individuals (19-35 years) and older DS subjects without AD (35-60 years) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Interestingly, we found that the lower TGF-β1 plasma concentrations at T0 were strongly correlated with the following cognitive decline at 12 months. In addition, in young individuals with DS, we found, for the first time, a negative correlation between low TGF-β1 concentrations and high TNF-α plasma concentrations, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is known to be associated with cognitive impairment in DS individuals with AD. Finally, adopting an ex vivo approach, we found that TGF-β1 concentrations were reduced in parallel both in the plasma and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of DS subjects, and interestingly, therapeutic concentrations of fluoxetine (FLX) applied to cultured PBMCs (1 µM for 24 h) were able to rescue TGF-β1 concentrations in the culture media from DS PBMCs, suggesting that FLX, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) endowed with neuroprotective activity, might rescue TGF-β1 concentrations in DS subjects at higher risk to develop cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Romano
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Johanna M. C. Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences and Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Rafael De La Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute /HMRI, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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4
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Bivona D, Bonomo C, Colombini L, Bonacci PG, Privitera GF, Caruso G, Caraci F, Santoro F, Musso N, Bongiorno D, Iannelli F, Stefani S. Generation and Characterization of Stable Small Colony Variants of USA300 Staphylococcus aureus in RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:264. [PMID: 38534699 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracellular survival and immune evasion are typical features of staphylococcal infections. USA300 is a major clone of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), a community- and hospital-acquired pathogen capable of disseminating throughout the body and evading the immune system. Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties acting on the peripheral (macrophages) and tissue-resident (microglia) immune system. In this work, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were infected with the USA300 ATCC BAA-1556 S. aureus strain and treated with 20 mM carnosine and/or 32 mg/L erythromycin. Stable small colony variant (SCV) formation on blood agar medium was obtained after 48 h of combined treatment. Whole genome sequencing of the BAA-1556 strain and its stable derivative SCVs when combining Illumina and nanopore technologies revealed three single nucleotide differences, including a nonsense mutation in the shikimate kinase gene aroK. Gene expression analysis showed a significant up-regulation of the uhpt and sdrE genes in the stable SCVs compared with the wild-type, likely involved in adaptation to the intracellular milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalida Bivona
- Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMARLab), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Bonomo
- Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMARLab), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colombini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo G Bonacci
- Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMARLab), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Grete F Privitera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Francesco Santoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Biochemical Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Dafne Bongiorno
- Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMARLab), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Iannelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMARLab), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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5
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López-Ortiz S, Caruso G, Emanuele E, Menéndez H, Peñín-Grandes S, Guerrera CS, Caraci F, Nisticò R, Lucia A, Santos-Lozano A, Lista S. Digging into the intrinsic capacity concept: Can it be applied to Alzheimer's disease? Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102574. [PMID: 38266702 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Historically, aging research has largely centered on disease pathology rather than promoting healthy aging. The World Health Organization's (WHO) policy framework (2015-2030) underscores the significance of fostering the contributions of older individuals to their families, communities, and economies. The WHO has introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity (IC) as a key metric for healthy aging, encompassing five primary domains: locomotion, vitality, sensory, cognitive, and psychological. Past AD research, constrained by methodological limitations, has focused on single outcome measures, sidelining the complexity of the disease. Our current scientific milieu, however, is primed to adopt the IC concept. This is due to three critical considerations: (I) the decline in IC is linked to neurocognitive disorders, including AD, (II) cognition, a key component of IC, is deeply affected in AD, and (III) the cognitive decline associated with AD involves multiple factors and pathophysiological pathways. Our study explores the application of the IC concept to AD patients, offering a comprehensive model that could revolutionize the disease's diagnosis and prognosis. There is a dearth of information on the biological characteristics of IC, which are a result of complex interactions within biological systems. Employing a systems biology approach, integrating omics technologies, could aid in unraveling these interactions and understanding IC from a holistic viewpoint. This comprehensive analysis of IC could be leveraged in clinical settings, equipping healthcare providers to assess AD patients' health status more effectively and devise personalized therapeutic interventions in accordance with the precision medicine paradigm. We aimed to determine whether the IC concept could be extended from older individuals to patients with AD, thereby presenting a model that could significantly enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Héctor Menéndez
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Saúl Peñín-Grandes
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041 Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain; Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain.
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6
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Guerrera CS, Boccaccio FM, Varrasi S, Platania GA, Coco M, Pirrone C, Castellano S, Caraci F, Ferri R, Lanza G. A narrative review on insomnia and hypersomnolence within Major Depressive Disorder and bipolar disorder: A proposal for a novel psychometric protocol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105575. [PMID: 38331126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent, with many adults worldwide reporting sleep dissatisfaction. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are common conditions associated with disrupted sleep patterns such as insomnia and hypersomnolence. These sleep disorders significantly affect the progression, severity, treatment, and outcome of unipolar and bipolar depression. While there is evidence of a connection between sleep disorders and depression, it remains unclear if sleep features differ between MDD and BD. In light of this, this narrative review aims to: (1) summarize findings on common sleep disorders like insomnia and hypersomnolence, strongly linked to MDD and BD; (2) propose a novel psychometric approach to assess sleep in individuals with depressive disorders. Despite insomnia seems to be more influent in unipolar depression, while hypersomnolence in bipolar one, there is no common agreement. So, it is essential adopting a comprehensive psychometric protocol for try to fill this gap. Understanding the relationship between sleep and MDD and BD disorders are crucial for effective management and better quality of life for those affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Torre Biologica, Via Santa Sofia, 97, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Cittadella Universitaria, Via Santa Sofia, 95123 Catania, Italy; Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, A.O.U. "Policlinico - San Marco", Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
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7
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Alhakamy NA, Ahmed OAA, Kurakula M, Caruso G, Caraci F, Asfour HZ, Alfarsi A, Eid BG, Mohamed AI, Alruwaili NK, Abdulaal WH, Fahmy UA, Alhadrami HA, Eldakhakhny BM, Abdel-Naim AB. RETRACTED: Alhakamy et al. Chitosan-Based Microparticles Enhance Ellagic Acid's Colon Targeting and Proapoptotic Activity. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 652. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:196. [PMID: 38399357 PMCID: PMC10891844 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The journal retracts the article "Chitosan-Based Microparticles Enhance Ellagic Acid's Colon Targeting and Proapoptotic Activity" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (A.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (A.A.); (U.A.F.)
| | - Mallesh Kurakula
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (G.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (G.C.); (F.C.)
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Anas Alfarsi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (A.A.); (U.A.F.)
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amir I. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Military Medical Academy, Cairo 11757, Egypt;
| | - Nabil K. Alruwaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Skaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (A.A.); (U.A.F.)
| | - Hani A. Alhadrami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Special Infectious Agent Unit (Biosafety Level 3), King Fahd Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basmah M. Eldakhakhny
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
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8
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Awan ZA, Fahmy UA, Badr-Eldin SM, Ibrahim TS, Asfour HZ, Al-Rabia MW, Alfarsi A, Alhakamy NA, Abdulaal WH, Al Sadoun H, Helmi N, Noor AO, Caraci F, Almasri DM, Caruso G. RETRACTED: Awan et al. The Enhanced Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Optimized Simvastatin-Loaded Emulsomes on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 597. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:191. [PMID: 38399353 PMCID: PMC10893105 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The journal retracts the article, "The Enhanced Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Optimized Simvastatin-Loaded Emulsomes on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhier A. Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (U.A.F.); (S.M.B.-E.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (U.A.F.); (S.M.B.-E.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Tarek S. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (H.Z.A.); (M.W.A.-R.)
| | - Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (H.Z.A.); (M.W.A.-R.)
| | - Anas Alfarsi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (U.A.F.); (S.M.B.-E.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (U.A.F.); (S.M.B.-E.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hadeel Al Sadoun
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nawal Helmi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad O. Noor
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.O.N.); (D.M.A.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, EN, Italy;
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Diena M. Almasri
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.O.N.); (D.M.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, EN, Italy;
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9
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Alhakamy NA, Caruso G, Privitera A, Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Md S, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM, Eid BG, Abdel-Naim AB, Caraci F. RETRACTED: Alhakamy et al. Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 1133. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:157. [PMID: 38399351 PMCID: PMC10892615 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The journal retracts the article, "Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Osama A A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal A Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R M Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Basma G Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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10
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Godos J, Ferri R, Lanza G, Caraci F, Vistorte AOR, Yelamos Torres V, Grosso G, Castellano S. Mediterranean Diet and Sleep Features: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Nutrients 2024; 16:282. [PMID: 38257175 PMCID: PMC10821402 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of sleep disorders, characterized by issues with quality, timing, and sleep duration is increasing globally. Among modifiable risk factors, diet quality has been suggested to influence sleep features. The Mediterranean diet is considered a landmark dietary pattern in terms of quality and effects on human health. However, dietary habits characterized by this cultural heritage should also be considered in the context of overall lifestyle behaviors, including sleep habits. This study aimed to systematically revise the literature relating to adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sleep features in observational studies. The systematic review comprised 23 reports describing the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and different sleep features, including sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms. The majority of the included studies were conducted in the Mediterranean basin and reported a significant association between a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a lower likelihood of having poor sleep quality, inadequate sleep duration, excessive daytime sleepiness or symptoms of insomnia. Interestingly, additional studies conducted outside the Mediterranean basin showed a relationship between the adoption of a Mediterranean-type diet and sleep quality, suggesting that biological mechanisms sustaining such an association may exist. In conclusion, current evidence suggests a relationship between adhering to the Mediterranean diet and overall sleep quality and different sleep parameters. The plausible bidirectional association should be further investigated to understand whether the promotion of a healthy diet could be used as a tool to improve sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Angel Olider Rojas Vistorte
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.O.R.V.); (V.Y.T.)
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Arecibo, PR 00613, USA
- Universidade Internacional do Cuanza, Cuito EN250, Angola
| | - Vanessa Yelamos Torres
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.O.R.V.); (V.Y.T.)
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
- Universidad de La Romana, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Center for Human Nutrition and Mediterranean Foods (NUTREA), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
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11
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Lista S, Santos-Lozano A, Emanuele E, Mercuri NB, Gabelle A, López-Ortiz S, Martín-Hernández J, Maisto N, Imbimbo C, Caraci F, Imbimbo BP, Zetterberg H, Nisticò R. Monitoring synaptic pathology in Alzheimer's disease through fluid and PET imaging biomarkers: a comprehensive review and future perspectives. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-023-02376-6. [PMID: 38228892 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently constrained by limited clinical treatment options. The initial pathophysiological event, which can be traced back to decades before the clinical symptoms become apparent, involves the excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a peptide comprised of 40-42 amino acids, in extraneuronal plaques within the brain. Biochemical and histological studies have shown that overaccumulation of Aβ instigates an aberrant escalation in the phosphorylation and secretion of tau, a microtubule-binding axonal protein. The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau into intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles is in turn correlated with microglial dysfunction and reactive astrocytosis, culminating in synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. As neurodegeneration progresses, it gives rise to mild clinical symptoms of AD, which may eventually evolve into overt dementia. Synaptic loss in AD may develop even before tau alteration and in response to possible elevations in soluble oligomeric forms of Aβ associated with early AD. These findings largely rely on post-mortem autopsy examinations, which typically involve a limited number of patients. Over the past decade, a range of fluid biomarkers such as neurogranin, α-synuclein, visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1), neuronal pentraxin 2, and β-synuclein, along with positron emission tomography (PET) markers like synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, have been developed. These advancements have facilitated the exploration of how synaptic markers in AD patients correlate with cognitive impairment. However, fluid biomarkers indicating synaptic loss have only been validated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), not in plasma, with the exception of VILIP-1. The most promising PET radiotracer, [11C]UCB-J, currently faces significant challenges hindering its widespread clinical use, primarily due to the necessity of a cyclotron. As such, additional research geared toward the exploration of synaptic pathology biomarkers is crucial. This will not only enable their extensive clinical application, but also refine the optimization process of AD pharmacological trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- CMRR, Memory Resources and Research Center, Montpellier University of Excellence i-site, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Martín-Hernández
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Nunzia Maisto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Imbimbo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research and Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, 43122, Parma, Italy
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53726, WI, USA
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Badr-Eldin SM, Aldawsari HM, Awan ZA, Asfour HZ, Kammoun AK, Caruso G, Caraci F, Alfarsi A, Al-Ghamdi RA, Al-Ghamdi RA, Alhakamy NA. RETRACTED: Ahmed et al. Application of Nanopharmaceutics for Flibanserin Brain Delivery Augmentation Via the Nasal Route. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1270. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:174. [PMID: 38251177 PMCID: PMC10819466 DOI: 10.3390/nano14020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The Journal retracts the article "Application of Nanopharmaceutics for Flibanserin Brain Delivery Augmentation Via the Nasal Route" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Zuhier A. Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed K. Kammoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy; (G.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy; (G.C.); (F.C.)
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Anas Alfarsi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Raniyah A. Al-Ghamdi
- Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Clinical Pharmacy Department, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rawan A. Al-Ghamdi
- Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (H.M.A.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Di Mari GM, Scuderi M, Lanza G, Salluzzo MG, Salemi M, Caraci F, Bruno E, Strano V, Mirabella S, Scandurra A. Pain-Free Alpha-Synuclein Detection by Low-Cost Hierarchical Nanowire Based Electrode. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38251136 PMCID: PMC10819810 DOI: 10.3390/nano14020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Analytical methods for the early detection of the neurodegenerative biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein, are time-consuming and invasive, and require skilled personnel and sophisticated and expensive equipment. Thus, a pain-free, prompt and simple α-synuclein biosensor for detection in plasma is highly demanded. In this paper, an α-synuclein electrochemical biosensor based on hierarchical polyglutamic acid/ZnO nanowires decorated by gold nanoparticles, assembled as nanostars (NSs), for the determination of α-synuclein in human plasma is proposed. ZnO NSs were prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) and decorated with electrodeposited Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). Then, electro-polymerized glutamic acid was grown and functionalized with anti-α-synuclein. A synergistic enhancement of electrode sensitivity was observed when Au NPs were embedded into ZnO NSs. The analytical performance of the biosensor was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), using the Fe(II)(CN)64-/Fe(III)(CN)63- probe. The charge transfer resistance after α-synuclein recognition was found to be linear, with a concentration in the range of 0.5 pg·mL-1 to 10 pg·mL-1, a limit of detection of 0.08 pg·mL-1, and good reproducibility (5% variation) and stability (90%). The biosensor was also shown to reliably discriminate between healthy plasma and PD plasma. These results suggest that the proposed biosensor provides a rapid, quantitative and high-sensitivity result of the α-synuclein content in plasma, and represents a feasible tool capable of accelerating the early and non-invasive identification of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella M. Di Mari
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, “Ettore Majorana”, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.D.M.); (E.B.); (S.M.)
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), Catania (University) UNIT, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Mario Scuderi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), VIII Strada 5, 95121 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.G.S.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Salluzzo
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.G.S.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Michele Salemi
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.G.S.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.G.S.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Bruno
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, “Ettore Majorana”, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.D.M.); (E.B.); (S.M.)
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), Catania (University) UNIT, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vincenzina Strano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), Catania (University) UNIT, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Salvo Mirabella
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, “Ettore Majorana”, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.D.M.); (E.B.); (S.M.)
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), Catania (University) UNIT, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Antonino Scandurra
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, “Ettore Majorana”, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.D.M.); (E.B.); (S.M.)
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IMM), Catania (University) UNIT, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Research Unit of the University of Catania, National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM-UdR of Catania), Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
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14
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Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Varrasi S, De Vivo S, Pirrone C, Vezzosi VF, Tascedda F, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Blom JMC, Castellano S, Caraci F. New Psychometric Strategies for the Evaluation of Affective, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Functioning in Unipolar versus Bipolar Depression: Impact of Drug Treatment. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2024; 23:262-270. [PMID: 36915988 DOI: 10.2174/1568007x04666230313091253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different studies have been conducted to understand how patients with unipolar and bipolar depression differ in terms of cognitive and affective symptoms as well as in psychosocial function. Furthermore, the impact of antidepressants, second-generation antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers on these dimensions needs to be characterized, as well as the best psychometric approach to measure changes after pharmacological treatment. OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyze the impact of psychotropic drugs on cognitive, affective, and psychosocial functioning in MDD and BD patients; to test the sensitivity of psychometric tools for measuring those changes; also, to understand how psychosocial abilities are associated with affective and cognitive dimensions in patients with MDD and BD. METHODS A total of 22 patients with MDD and 21 patients with BD in the depressive phase were recruited. Several psychometric tests were administered to assess affective, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms before and after 12 weeks of drug treatment (T0 and T1) with different psychotropic drugs including second-generation antidepressants, second-generation antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (lamotrigine). RESULTS MDD patients showed significant improvement in MoCA, Delayed Recall of Rey's 15 Words and HDRS, while a significant worsening was detected on Digit Span Backwards and on FAST scores. Instead, patients with BD showed significant improvements in the MoCA as the MDD patients, but only a trend of improvement (non-statistically significant) on the BDI-II. A positive correlation was detected in both groups between FAST and HDRS and BDI-II scores, especially in BD patients. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that drug treatment with psychotropic drugs can improve cognitive and affective symptoms, but not all psychometric tools may be equally sensitive to detect those changes in MDD vs. BD patients. Moreover, we found that affective and cognitive dimensions can be considered as different psychopathological dimensions both in unipolar and bipolar depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, UOR of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Troina, Italy
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15
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Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Boccaccio FM, Sarti P, Varrasi S, Colliva C, Grasso M, De Vivo S, Cavallaro D, Tascedda F, Pirrone C, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Blom JMC, Caraci F, Castellano S. The dynamic interaction between symptoms and pharmacological treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: the role of network intervention analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:885. [PMID: 38017462 PMCID: PMC10683186 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. MDD is a major public health concern and is the leading cause of disability, morbidity, institutionalization, and excess mortality, conferring high suicide risk. Pharmacological treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) is often the first choice for their efficacy and tolerability profile. However, a significant percentage of depressive individuals do not achieve remission even after an adequate trial of pharmacotherapy, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS To better understand the complexity of clinical phenotypes in MDD we propose Network Intervention Analysis (NIA) that can help health psychology in the detection of risky behaviors, in the primary and/or secondary prevention, as well as to monitor the treatment and verify its effectiveness. The paper aims to identify the interaction and changes in network nodes and connections of 14 continuous variables with nodes identified as "Treatment" in a cohort of MDD patients recruited for their recent history of partial response to antidepressant drugs. The study analyzed the network of MDD patients at baseline and after 12 weeks of drug treatment. RESULTS At baseline, the network showed separate dimensions for cognitive and psychosocial-affective symptoms, with cognitive symptoms strongly affecting psychosocial functioning. The MoCA tool was identified as a potential psychometric tool for evaluating cognitive deficits and monitoring treatment response. After drug treatment, the network showed less interconnection between nodes, indicating greater stability, with antidepressants taking a central role in driving the network. Affective symptoms improved at follow-up, with the highest predictability for HDRS and BDI-II nodes being connected to the Antidepressants node. CONCLUSION NIA allows us to understand not only what symptoms enhance after pharmacological treatment, but especially the role it plays within the network and with which nodes it has stronger connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Di Modena, Distretto Di Carpi, Carpi, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Sarti P, Colliva C, Varrasi S, Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Boccaccio FM, Castellano S, Pirrone C, Pani L, Tascedda F, di Nuovo S, Caraci F, Blom JMC. A network study to differentiate suicide attempt risk profiles in male and female patients with major depressive disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37922512 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Suicide attempts are a possible consequence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), although their prevalence varies across different epidemiological studies. Suicide attempt is a significant predictor of death by suicide, highlighting its importance in understanding and preventing tragic outcomes. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the need to study the differences between males and females, as several distinctions emerge in terms of the characteristics, types and motivations of suicide attempts. These differences emphasize the importance of considering gender-specific factors in the study of suicide attempts and developing tailored prevention strategies. We conducted a network analysis to represent and investigate which among multiple neurocognitive, psychosocial, demographic and affective variables may prove to be a reliable predictor for identifying the 'suicide attempt risk' (SAR) in a sample of 81 adults who met DSM-5 criteria for MDD. Network analysis resulted in differences between males and females regarding the variables that were going to interact and predict the SAR; in particular, for males, there is a stronger link toward psychosocial aspects, while for females, the neurocognitive domain is more relevant in its mnestic subcomponents. Network analysis allowed us to describe otherwise less obvious differences in the risk profiles of males and females that attempted to take their own lives. Different neurocognitive and psychosocial variables and different interactions between them predict the probability of suicide attempt unique to male and female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Distretto di Carpi, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Specialist Medicines, Digital and Predictive Medicine, Pharmacology and Clinical Metabolic Toxicology-Headache Centre and Drug Abuse, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, AOU Policlinico Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Santo di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Messina A, Crescimanno C, Cuccì G, Caraci F, Signorelli MS. Cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of the schizophrenia. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2023; 65:707-712. [PMID: 38351751 DOI: 10.3897/folmed.65.e101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The causes of schizophrenia remain obscure and complex to identify. Alterations in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission are, to date, the primary pharmacological targets in treatment. Underlying abnormalities in neural networks have been identified as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) involved in synaptic remodeling and interplay between neurons-neurons and neurons-glial cells. Among the CAMs, several families have been identified, such as integrins, selectins, cadherins, immunoglobulins, nectins, and the neuroligin-neurexin complex. In this paper, cell adhesion molecules involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia will be described.
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Messina A, Caraci F, Aguglia E, Signorelli MS. Catatonia-like behavior and immune activation: a crosstalk between psychopathology and pathology in schizophrenia. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2023; 22:39. [PMID: 37821904 PMCID: PMC10566179 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-023-00471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Kalhbaum's first characterization of catatonia, the emotional symptoms, such as decreased or restricted expression of feelings and emotions, which is described as blunted affect, are related to the motor symptoms. In later years, the affective domain was excluded from the concept of catatonia and was not included among the diagnostic criteria in the various Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) versions. In recent times, some authors have proposed the proposition of reevaluating the notion of catatonia through the reintroduction of the affective domain. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between catatonic-like behavior (CLB), such as emotional withdrawal, blunted affect, and psychomotor slowing, and inflammatory markers, namely the neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and lymphocytes/monocytes ratio (LMR), in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. METHOD A sample of 25 patients with schizophrenia (10 females, 15 males) was recruited, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to assess the severity of emotional withdrawal, blunted affect, and psychomotor slowing. FINDINGS The correlation analysis (Spearman ρ) revealed a robust direct association between blunted affect and psychomotor slowing (ρ = 0.79, P = 0.001), and a significant direct correlation between CLB (emotional withdrawal, ρ = 0.51, P = 0.05; blunted affect ρ = 0.58, P = 0.05; motor retardation, ρ = 0.56, P = 0.05) and LMR (ρ = 0.53, P = 0.05). In addition, patients with a duration of illness (DOI) older than five years had a higher presence of CLB and a higher LMR than patients with a more recent diagnosis of the disease. Likely, patients with positive symptoms and in the prodromal and active stages of the disease have a different immune profile than patients in the residual stage and with a predominance of negative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Psychomotor slowing and blunted affect are two significantly related features, representing the two-faced Janus of immobility. Furthermore, aggregating them in CLB is more predominant the longer the duration of schizophrenia and is associated with different a specific pattern of immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Godos J, Castellano S, Ferri R, Caraci F, Lanza G, Scazzina F, Alanazi AM, Marx W, Galvano F, Grosso G. Mediterranean diet and chronotype: Data from Italian adults and systematic review of observational studies. Exp Gerontol 2023; 181:112284. [PMID: 37673382 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Scientific evidence suggests a relation between dietary factors and sleep. Several studies show that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better sleep quality, but the relation with chronotype has been only recently explored. The aim of this study was to better understand the relation between chronotype and Mediterranean diet adherence. For this purpose, an analysis of 1936 adults (age 18-90 y) living in Italy was performed to investigate the association between chronotype (assessed with a short form of the morningness-eveningness questionnaire) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (assessed through a 110-item food frequency questionnaire and the Medi-Lite literature-based Mediterranean adherence score). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) describing the association between chronotypes and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (>14 points). Moreover, a systematic review of other observational studies published so far was performed. Individuals reporting having intermediate (n = 614) and evening (n = 173) chronotypes were less likely to have high adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to morning chronotype (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.18, 0.42 and OR = 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.27, respectively). When the analysis was conducted in subgroups of age, the results were similar in mid-age (>50 y) participants (for intermediate and evening chronotypes, OR = 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.10, 0.43 and OR = 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.69, respectively) while the association with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet of evening compared to morning chronotype lost significance in older (>60 y) participants (for intermediate and evening chronotypes, OR = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.09, 0.82 and OR = 0.22, 95 % CI: 0.02, 1.92, respectively). Out of 10 studies (date range of publication 2020-2022) included in the systematic review, there was a general consistence of findings showing higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet among morning chronotypes, although few studies reported null results. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that an intermediate and evening chronotype could be associated with lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet, but the association could be modified by other factors when considering older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Amer M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Food & Mood Centre, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Sampogna G, Caraci F, Carmassi C, Dell'Osso B, Ferrari S, Martinotti G, Sani G, Serafini G, Signorelli MS, Fiorillo A. Efficacy and tolerability of desvenlafaxine in the real-world treatment of patients with major depression: a narrative review and an expert opinion paper. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1511-1525. [PMID: 37450377 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2237410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common severe mental disorder, requiring a tailored and integrated treatment. Several approaches are available including different classes of antidepressants various psychotherapeutic approaches, and psychosocial interventions. The treatment plan for each patient with MDD should be differentiated on the basis of several clinical, personal, and contextual factors. AREAS COVERED Desvenlafaxine - a serotonine-noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant - has been approved in the United States in 2008 for the treatment of MDD in adults, and has been recently rediscovered by clinicians due to its good side-effect profile and its clinical effectiveness. A narrative review on efficacy, tolerability and use of desvenlafaxine in clinical practice was carried out. The keywords: 'major depression', 'depression,' 'desvenlafaxine,' 'efficacy,' 'clinical efficacy,' 'side effects', 'tolerability,' 'elderly patients', 'consultation-liaison', 'menopausal', 'young people', 'adolescent' were entered in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Medline. No time limit was fixed, the search strategy was implemented on May 10, 2023. EXPERT OPINION Desvenlafaxine should be listed among the optimal treatment strategies for managing people with MDD, whose main strengths are: 1) ease of dosing; 2) favorable safety and tolerability profile, 3) absence of sexual dysfunctions, weight gain and low rate of discontinuation symptoms; 4) low risk of drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Dipartimento Ad attività Integrata di Salute Mentale E Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, Psychiatry Section, University of Genoa, IRCCS, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience Head, Neck and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Mogavero MP, Godos J, Grosso G, Caraci F, Ferri R. Rethinking the Role of Orexin in the Regulation of REM Sleep and Appetite. Nutrients 2023; 15:3679. [PMID: 37686711 PMCID: PMC10489991 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Orexin plays a significant role in the modulation of REM sleep, as well as in the regulation of appetite and feeding. This review explores, first, the current evidence on the role of orexin in the modulation of sleep and wakefulness and highlights that orexin should be considered essentially as a neurotransmitter inhibiting REM sleep and, to a much lesser extent, a wake promoting agent. Subsequently, the relationship between orexin, REM sleep, and appetite regulation is examined in detail, shedding light on their interconnected nature in both physiological conditions and diseases (such as narcolepsy, sleep-related eating disorder, idiopathic hypersomnia, and night eating syndrome). Understanding the intricate relationship between orexin, REM sleep, and appetite regulation is vital for unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying sleep-wake patterns and metabolic control. Further research in this field is encouraged in order to pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to sleep disorders and metabolic conditions associated with orexin dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P. Mogavero
- Department of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, 20127 Milan, Italy
| | - Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (J.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (J.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy;
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Messina A, Concerto C, Rodolico A, Petralia A, Caraci F, Signorelli MS. Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift in the Treatment of Schizophrenia? The Use of Inflammation-Reducing and Neuroprotective Drugs-A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:957. [PMID: 37371435 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehending the pathogenesis of schizophrenia represents a challenge for global mental health. To date, although it is evident that alterations in dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission underlie the clinical expressiveness of the disease, neuronal disconnections represent only an epiphenomenon. In recent years, several clinical studies have converged on the hypothesis of microglia hyperactivation and a consequent neuroinflammatory state as a pathogenic substrate of schizophrenia. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors can cause microglia to switch from M2 anti-inflammatory to M1 pro-inflammatory states. A continuous mild neuroinflammatory state progressively leads to neuronal loss, a reduction in dendritic spines, and myelin degeneration. The augmentation of drugs that reduce neuroinflammation to antipsychotics could be an effective therapeutic modality in managing schizophrenia. This review will consider studies in which drugs with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties have been used in addition to antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmen Concerto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Haney M, Vallée M, Fabre S, Collins Reed S, Zanese M, Campistron G, Arout CA, Foltin RW, Cooper ZD, Kearney-Ramos T, Metna M, Justinova Z, Schindler C, Hebert-Chatelain E, Bellocchio L, Cathala A, Bari A, Serrat R, Finlay DB, Caraci F, Redon B, Martín-García E, Busquets-Garcia A, Matias I, Levin FR, Felpin FX, Simon N, Cota D, Spampinato U, Maldonado R, Shaham Y, Glass M, Thomsen LL, Mengel H, Marsicano G, Monlezun S, Revest JM, Piazza PV. Signaling-specific inhibition of the CB 1 receptor for cannabis use disorder: phase 1 and phase 2a randomized trials. Nat Med 2023; 29:1487-1499. [PMID: 37291212 PMCID: PMC10287566 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is widespread, and there is no pharmacotherapy to facilitate its treatment. AEF0117, the first of a new pharmacological class, is a signaling-specific inhibitor of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1-SSi). AEF0117 selectively inhibits a subset of intracellular effects resulting from Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binding without modifying behavior per se. In mice and non-human primates, AEF0117 decreased cannabinoid self-administration and THC-related behavioral impairment without producing significant adverse effects. In single-ascending-dose (0.2 mg, 0.6 mg, 2 mg and 6 mg; n = 40) and multiple-ascending-dose (0.6 mg, 2 mg and 6 mg; n = 24) phase 1 trials, healthy volunteers were randomized to ascending-dose cohorts (n = 8 per cohort; 6:2 AEF0117 to placebo randomization). In both studies, AEF0117 was safe and well tolerated (primary outcome measurements). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover phase 2a trial, volunteers with CUD were randomized to two ascending-dose cohorts (0.06 mg, n = 14; 1 mg, n = 15). AEF0117 significantly reduced cannabis' positive subjective effects (primary outcome measurement, assessed by visual analog scales) by 19% (0.06 mg) and 38% (1 mg) compared to placebo (P < 0.04). AEF0117 (1 mg) also reduced cannabis self-administration (P < 0.05). In volunteers with CUD, AEF0117 was well tolerated and did not precipitate cannabis withdrawal. These data suggest that AEF0117 is a safe and potentially efficacious treatment for CUD.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03325595 , NCT03443895 and NCT03717272 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Haney
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monique Vallée
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Stephanie Collins Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Caroline A Arout
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard W Foltin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tonisha Kearney-Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Zuzana Justinova
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Schindler
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Luigi Bellocchio
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Adeline Cathala
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Filippo Caraci
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Italy, and Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Unit of Translational Neuropharmacology, Troina, Italy
| | - Bastien Redon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- Basic Neuroscience Department, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Busquets-Garcia
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Matias
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frances R Levin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nicolas Simon
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yavin Shaham
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Bonaccorso A, Privitera A, Grasso M, Salamone S, Carbone C, Pignatello R, Musumeci T, Caraci F, Caruso G. The Therapeutic Potential of Novel Carnosine Formulations: Perspectives for Drug Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:778. [PMID: 37375726 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide synthesized via the activity of the ATP-dependent enzyme carnosine synthetase 1 and can be found at a very high concentration in tissues with a high metabolic rate, including muscles (up to 20 mM) and brain (up to 5 mM). Because of its well-demonstrated multimodal pharmacodynamic profile, which includes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its ability to modulate the energy metabolism status in immune cells, this dipeptide has been investigated in numerous experimental models of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and at a clinical level. The main limit for the therapeutic use of carnosine is related to its rapid hydrolysis exerted by carnosinases, especially at the plasma level, reason why the development of new strategies, including the chemical modification of carnosine or its vehiculation into innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), aiming at increasing its bioavailability and/or at facilitating the site-specific transport to different tissues, is of utmost importance. In the present review, after a description of carnosine structure, biological activities, administration routes, and metabolism, we focused on different DDS, including vesicular systems and metallic nanoparticles, as well as on possible chemical derivatization strategies related to carnosine. In particular, a basic description of the DDS employed or the derivatization/conjugation applied to obtain carnosine formulations, followed by the possible mechanism of action, is given. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that includes all the new formulations of carnosine (DDS and derivatives), allowing a decrease or complete prevention of the hydrolysis of this dipeptide exerted by carnosinases, the simultaneous blood-brain barrier crossing, the maintenance or enhancement of carnosine biological activity, and the site-specific transport to different tissues, which then offers perspectives for the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bonaccorso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Sonya Salamone
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Carbone
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Musumeci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Rivi V, Benatti C, Blom JMC, Pani L, Brunello N, Drago F, Papaleo F, Caraci F, Geraci F, Torrisi SA, Leggio GM, Tascedda F. The Role of Dopamine D3 Receptors, Dysbindin, and Their Functional Interaction in the Expression of Key Genes for Neuroplasticity and Neuroinflammation in the Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8699. [PMID: 37240042 PMCID: PMC10218262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia remains a clinically and pharmacologically unsolved challenge. Clinical and preclinical studies have revealed that the concomitant reduction in dysbindin (DYS) and dopamine receptor D3 functionality improves cognitive functions. However, the molecular machinery underlying this epistatic interaction has not yet been fully elucidated. The glutamate NMDA receptors and the neurotrophin BDNF, with their established role in promoting neuroplasticity, may be involved in the complex network regulated by the D3/DYS interaction. Furthermore, as inflammation is involved in the etiopathogenesis of several psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, the D3/DYS interaction may affect the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, by employing mutant mice bearing selective heterozygosis for D3 and/or DYS, we provide new insights into the functional interactions (single and synergic) between these schizophrenia susceptibility genes and the expression levels of key genes for neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation in three key brain areas for schizophrenia: the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. In the hippocampus, the epistatic interaction between D3 and DYS reversed to the wild-type level the downregulated mRNA levels of GRIN1 and GRIN2A were observed in DYS +/- and D3 +/- mice. In all the areas investigated, double mutant mice had higher BDNF levels compared to their single heterozygote counterparts, whereas D3 hypofunction resulted in higher pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results may help to clarify the genetic mechanisms and functional interactions involved in the etiology and development of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (V.R.); (C.B.); (J.M.C.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (V.R.); (C.B.); (J.M.C.B.); (L.P.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Joan M. C. Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (V.R.); (C.B.); (J.M.C.B.); (L.P.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (V.R.); (C.B.); (J.M.C.B.); (L.P.)
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Nicoletta Brunello
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (F.C.); (F.G.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Italian Institute of Technology, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (F.C.); (F.G.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (F.C.); (F.G.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (F.C.); (F.G.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (F.C.); (F.G.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
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26
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Caruso G, Fresta CG, Fidilio A, Lazzara F, Musso N, Cardaci V, Drago F, Caraci F, Bucolo C. Carnosine Counteracts the Molecular Alterations Aβ Oligomers-Induced in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083324. [PMID: 37110558 PMCID: PMC10146178 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been described as a progressive eye disease characterized by irreversible impairment of central vision, and unfortunately, an effective treatment is still not available. It is well-known that amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide is one of the major culprits in causing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The extracellular accumulation of this peptide has also been found in drusen which lies under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and represents one of the early signs of AMD pathology. Aβ aggregates, especially in the form of oligomers, are able to induce pro-oxidant (oxidative stress) and pro-inflammatory phenomena in RPE cells. ARPE-19 is a spontaneously arising human RPE cell line validated for drug discovery processes in AMD. In the present study, we employed ARPE-19 treated with Aβ oligomers, representing an in vitro model of AMD. We used a combination of methods, including ATPlite, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, as well as a fluorescent probe for reactive oxygen species to investigate the molecular alterations induced by Aβ oligomers. In particular, we found that Aβ exposure decreased the cell viability of ARPE-19 cells which was paralleled by increased inflammation (increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators) and oxidative stress (increased expression of NADPH oxidase and ROS production) along with the destruction of ZO-1 tight junction protein. Once the damage was clarified, we investigated the therapeutic potential of carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide that is known to be reduced in AMD patients. Our findings demonstrate that carnosine was able to counteract most of the molecular alterations induced by the challenge of ARPE-19 with Aβ oligomers. These new findings obtained with ARPE-19 cells challenged with Aβ1-42 oligomers, along with the well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action of carnosine both in vitro and in vivo, able to prevent and/or counteract the dysfunctions elicited by Aβ oligomers, substantiate the neuroprotective potential of this dipeptide in the context of AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Claudia G Fresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Bio-Nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milano, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Privitera A, Cardaci V, Weerasekara D, Saab MW, Diolosà L, Fidilio A, Jolivet RB, Lazzarino G, Amorini AM, Camarda M, Lunte SM, Caraci F, Caruso G. Microfluidic/HPLC combination to study carnosine protective activity on challenged human microglia: Focus on oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1161794. [PMID: 37063279 PMCID: PMC10095171 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1161794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous peptide widely distributed in excitable tissues such as the brain. This dipeptide possesses well-demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation properties, and it may be useful for treatment of pathologies characterized by oxidative stress and energy unbalance such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are involved in different physiological brain activities such synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, but their dysregulation has been linked to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. In AD brain, the activation of microglia towards a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory phenotype has found in an early phase of cognitive decline, reason why new pharmacological targets related to microglia activation are of great importance to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. In particular, microglia represent a common model of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced activation to identify novel pharmacological targets for depression and AD and numerous studies have linked the impairment of energy metabolism, including ATP dyshomeostasis, to the onset of depressive episodes. In the present study, we first investigated the toxic potential of LPS + ATP in the absence or presence of carnosine. Our studies were carried out on human microglia (HMC3 cell line) in which LPS + ATP combination has shown the ability to promote cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, to shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of carnosine, its ability to modulate reactive oxygen species production and the variation of parameters representative of cellular energy metabolism was evaluated by microchip electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. In our experimental conditions, carnosine prevented LPS + ATP-induced cell death and oxidative stress, also completely restoring basal energy metabolism in human HMC3 microglia. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of carnosine as a new pharmacological tool in the context of multifactorial disorders characterize by neuroinflammatory phenomena including depression and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Dhanushka Weerasekara
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lidia Diolosà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Renaud Blaise Jolivet
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Susan Marie Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Caruso,
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Godos J, Grosso G, Ferri R, Caraci F, Lanza G, Al-Qahtani WH, Caruso G, Castellano S. Mediterranean diet, mental health, cognitive status, quality of life, and successful aging in southern Italian older adults. Exp Gerontol 2023; 175:112143. [PMID: 36907474 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Healthy successful aging with preserved mental and cognitive health is expected to be one of the most important challenges of the growing old population globally. Studies investigating these multi-dimensional aspects of senescence are important to identify potential targets for early prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and mental and cognitive health, quality of life, and successful aging in middle-age and older adults living in Sicily, southern Italy. Data from a sample of 883 individuals was collected including information on food intake (through a 110-item food frequency questionnaire), sleep quality (through the Pittsburgh sleep quality index) depressive symptoms (through the Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Short Form), quality of life (through the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life), cognitive status (through the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire), and overall successful aging (through the Successful Aging Index). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the outcomes investigated. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, individuals in the highest quartile of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were less likely to have cognitive impairment (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.86), depressive symptoms (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.08, 0.46) and more likely to have good quality of life (OR = 14.04, 95 % CI: 6.81, 28.93); significant results were also found for individuals in the third quartile of Mediterranean diet adherence and good sleep quality (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI: 1.03, 2.64). Moreover, individuals in the highest quartile of adherence were more likely to have a successful aging (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI: 1.01, 2.68). In conclusion, this study supports the hypothesis that adherence to the Mediterranean diet provides a positive trajectory toward a healthy successful aging, with major potential benefits toward mental and cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Human Nutrition and Mediterranean Foods (NUTREA), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Wahidah H Al-Qahtani
- Department of Food Sciences & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Caraci F. Gap Junctions and Connexins in Microglia-Related Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation: Perspectives for Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030505. [PMID: 36979440 PMCID: PMC10046203 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent the immune system of the brain. Their role is central in two phenomena, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are at the roots of different pathologies related to the central nervous system (CNS). In order to maintain the homeostasis of the brain and re-establish the equilibrium after a threatening imbalance, microglia communicate with each other and other cells within the CNS by receiving specific signals through membrane-bound receptors and then releasing neurotrophic factors into either the extracellular milieu or directly into the cytoplasm of nearby cells, such as astrocytes and neurons. These last two mechanisms rely on the activity of protein structures that enable the formation of channels in the membrane, namely, connexins and pannexins, that group and form gap junctions, hemichannels, and pannexons. These channels allow the release of gliotransmitters, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate, together with calcium ion (Ca2+), that seem to play a pivotal role in inter-cellular communication. The aim of the present review is focused on the physiology of channel protein complexes and their contribution to neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-related phenomena, which play a central role in neurodegenerative disorders. We will then discuss how pharmacological modulation of these channels can impact neuroinflammatory phenomena and hypothesize that currently available nutraceuticals, such as carnosine and N-acetylcysteine, can modulate the activity of connexins and pannexins in microglial cells and reduce oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0957385036
| | - Lucia Di Pietro
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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30
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Cardaci V, Maugeri S, Caraci F. The therapeutic potential of carnosine: Focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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31
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Platania GA, Savia Guerrera C, Sarti P, Varrasi S, Pirrone C, Popovic D, Ventimiglia A, De Vivo S, Cantarella RA, Tascedda F, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Colliva C, Caraci F, Castellano S, Blom JMC. Predictors of functional outcome in patients with major depression and bipolar disorder: A dynamic network approach to identify distinct patterns of interacting symptoms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276822. [PMID: 36791083 PMCID: PMC9931103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to use a dynamic network approach as an innovative way to identify distinct patterns of interacting symptoms in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and patients with Bipolar Type I Disorder (BD). More precisely, the hypothesis will be testing that the phenotype of patients is driven by disease specific connectivity and interdependencies among various domains of functioning even in the presence of underlying common mechanisms. In a prospective observational cohort study, hundred-forty-three patients were recruited at the Psychiatric Clinic "Villa dei Gerani" (Catania, Italy), 87 patients with MDD and 56 with BD with a depressive episode. Two nested sub-groups were treated for a twelve-week period, which allowed us to explore differences in the pattern of symptom distribution (central vs. peripheral) and their connectedness (strong vs weak) before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. All patients underwent a complete neuropsychological evaluation at baseline (T0) and at T1. A network structure was computed for MDD and BD patients at T0 and T1 from a covariance matrix of 17 items belonging to three domains-neurocognitive, psychosocial, and mood-related (affective) to identify what symptoms were driving the networks. Clinically relevant differences were observed between MDD and BD, at T0 and after 12 weeks of pharmacological treatment. At time T0, MDD patients displayed an affective domain strongly connected with the nodes of psychosocial functioning, while direct connectivity of the affective domain with the neurocognitive cluster was absent. The network of patients with BD, in contrast, revealed a cluster of highly interconnected psychosocial nodes but was guided by neurocognitive functions. The nodes related to the affective domain in MDD are less connected and placed in the periphery of the networks, whereas in BD they are more connected with psychosocial and neurocognitive nodes. Noteworthy is that, from T0 to T1 the "Betweenness" centrality measure was lower in both disorders which means that fewer "shortest paths" between nodes pass through the affective domain. Moreover, fewer edges were connected directly with the nodes in this domain. In MDD patients, pharmacological treatment primarily affected executive functions which seem to improve with treatment. In contrast, in patients with BD, treatment resulted in improvement of overall connectivity and centrality of the affective domain, which seems then to affect and direct the overall network. Though different network structures were observed for MDD and BD patients, data suggest that treatment should include tailored cognitive therapy, because improvement in this central domain appeared to be fundamental for better outcomes in other domains. In sum, the advantage of network analysis is that it helps to predict the trajectory of future phenotype related disease manifestations. In turn, this allows new insights in how to balance therapeutic interventions, involving different fields of function and combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences—University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (MO), Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ventimiglia
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Distretto di Carpi, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- * E-mail: (FC); (JMCB)
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M. C. Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences—University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (MO), Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail: (FC); (JMCB)
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Janiri D, Sampogna G, Albert U, Caraci F, Martinotti G, Serafini G, Tortorella A, Zuddas A, Fiorillo A, Sani G. Lithium use in childhood and adolescence, peripartum, and old age: an umbrella review. Int J Bipolar Disord 2023; 11:8. [PMID: 36781741 PMCID: PMC9925650 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-023-00287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lithium is one of the most consistently effective treatment for mood disorders. However, patients may show a high level of heterogeneity in treatment response across the lifespan. In particular, the benefits of lithium use may vary in special clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by conducting an umbrella review on the efficacy and safety of lithium in childhood and adolescence, peripartum and old age. METHODS We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria (PRISMA) to identify systematic reviews/meta-analyses on the efficacy and/or safety of lithium in mood disorders in special clinical conditions: (i) childhood and adolescence; (ii) peripartum (pregnancy, postpartum and lactation); (iii) old age. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Overlap in primary studies across systematic reviews was calculated through the Corrected Covered Area (CCA). RESULTS We included 20 independent studies, for a total of 8209 individuals treated with lithium. Regarding paediatric age, efficacy and safety results suggested that lithium may be superior to placebo in bipolar disorders (BD) and not associated with serious adverse events. Nevertheless, primary available data are very limited. Efficacy in paediatric major depressive disorder (MDD) is not clear. During peripartum, lithium use was superior to non-lithium in preventing mood episodes and it was associated with low risk of congenital anomalies and with normal child neurodevelopment. Regarding old age, limited evidence supported lithium as an effective treatment in BD and resistant MDD; low doses should be used in this population. Systematic reviews on paediatric age showed the lowest risk of bias (80% of the studies at low risk). The CCA range of included studies was 13-47%. CONCLUSIONS This umbrella review supports the use of lithium across the lifespan, including special clinical condition. Nevertheless, more studies with increased methodological homogeneity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Janiri
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.411075.60000 0004 1760 4193Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina - ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy ,grid.419843.30000 0001 1250 7659Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy ,Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Caruso G, Privitera A, Saab MW, Musso N, Maugeri S, Fidilio A, Privitera AP, Pittalà A, Jolivet RB, Lanzanò L, Lazzarino G, Caraci F, Amorini AM. Characterization of Carnosine Effect on Human Microglial Cells under Basal Conditions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020474. [PMID: 36831010 PMCID: PMC9953171 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of microglia is fundamental for the regulation of numerous physiological processes including brain development, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, and its deviation from homeostasis can lead to pathological conditions, including numerous neurodegenerative disorders. Carnosine is a naturally occurring molecule with well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, able to modulate the response and polarization of immune cells and ameliorate their cellular energy metabolism. The better understanding of microglia characteristics under basal physiological conditions, as well as the possible modulation of the mechanisms related to its response to environmental challenges and/or pro-inflammatory/pro-oxidant stimuli, are of utmost importance for the development of therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we assessed the activity of carnosine on human HMC3 microglial cells, first investigating the effects of increasing concentrations of carnosine on cell viability. When used at a concentration of 20 mM, carnosine led to a decrease of cell viability, paralleled by gene expression increase and decrease, respectively, of interleukin 6 and heme oxygenase 1. When using the maximal non-toxic concentration (10 mM), carnosine decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, with no changes in the intracellular levels of superoxide ion. The characterization of energy metabolism of HMC3 microglial cells under basal conditions, never reported before, demonstrated that it is mainly based on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, paralleled by a high rate of biosynthetic reactions. The exposure of HMC3 cells to carnosine seems to ameliorate microglia energy state, as indicated by the increase in the adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio and energy charge potential. The improvement of cell energy metabolism mediated by 10 mM carnosine could represent a useful protective weapon in the case of human microglia undergoing stressing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0957385036
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maugeri
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Pittalà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Renaud Blaise Jolivet
- Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Lanzanò
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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López-Ortiz S, Lista S, Valenzuela PL, Pinto-Fraga J, Carmona R, Caraci F, Caruso G, Toschi N, Emanuele E, Gabelle A, Nisticò R, Garaci F, Lucia A, Santos-Lozano A. Effects of physical activity and exercise interventions on Alzheimer's disease: an umbrella review of existing meta-analyses. J Neurol 2023; 270:711-725. [PMID: 36342524 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the last decade, physical activity (PA) (or "exercise") has been identified as one of the main modifiable factors that influence the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. We performed an umbrella review to summarize the evidence on the association between PA/exercise and the risk of developing AD risk, and the effect of exercise interventions on the progression of AD. METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed, SportDiscus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (March 2022) to identify meta-analyses assessing the association between PA and the incidence of AD, and assessing the effect of exercise interventions on patients with AD. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included. The results with strongest evidence revealed the positive effects of PA on AD risk. Specifically, meeting the WHO recommendations for PA was associated with a lower risk of AD. They also revealed positive effects of exercise on cognitive function, physical performance, and functional independence. CONCLUSIONS There is strong evidence of a protective effect of regular PA against AD risk; however, the dose-response association remains unclear. Physical exercise seems to improve several dimensions in patients with AD, although research is warranted to elucidate the exercise characteristics that promote the greatest benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, 47012, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, 47012, Valladolid, Spain.,Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Research Institute of the Hospital, 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Pinto-Fraga
- i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Carmona
- i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, 47012, Valladolid, Spain.,Research Institute of the Hospital, 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.,Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.,Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.,Department of Radiology, "Athinoula A. Martinos" Center for Biomedical Imaging, 02129, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, USA
| | | | - Audrey Gabelle
- Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, 34295, Montpellier, France.,Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), INSERM Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161, Rome, Italy.,School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Garaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.,Casa di Cura "San Raffaele Cassino", 03043, Cassino, Italy
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670, Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute of the Hospital, 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, 47012, Valladolid, Spain.,Research Institute of the Hospital, 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
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Caruso G, Scalisi EM, Pecoraro R, Cardaci V, Privitera A, Truglio E, Capparucci F, Jarosova R, Salvaggio A, Caraci F, Brundo MV. Effects of carnosine on the embryonic development and TiO 2 nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress on Zebrafish. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148766. [PMID: 37035814 PMCID: PMC10078361 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is due to an unbalance between pro-oxidants, such as reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, and antioxidants/antioxidant system. Under physiological conditions these species are involved in different cellular processes such as cellular homeostasis and immune response, while an excessive production of ROS/RNS has been linked to the development of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. In this context, the naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine has shown the ability to scavenge ROS, counteract lipid peroxidation, and inhibit proteins oxidation. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have been widely used to produce cosmetics, in wastewater treatment, in food industry, and in healthcare product. As consequence, these NPs are often released into aquatic environments. The Danio rerio (commonly called zebrafish) embryos exposure to TiO2-NPs did not affect the hatching rate, but induced oxidative stress. According to this scenario, in the present study, we first investigated the effects of carnosine exposure and of a sub-toxic administration of TiO2-NPs on the development and survival of zebrafish embryos/larvae measured through the acute embryo toxicity test (FET-Test). Zebrafish larvae represent a useful model to study oxidative stress-linked disorders and to test antioxidant molecules, while carnosine was selected based on its well-known multimodal mechanism of action that includes a strong antioxidant activity. Once the basal effects of carnosine were assessed, we then evaluated its effects on TiO2-NPs-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae, measured in terms of total ROS production (measured with 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe) and protein expression by immunohistochemistry of two cellular stress markers, 70 kDa-heat shock protein (Hsp70) and metallothioneins (MTs). We demonstrated that carnosine did not alter the phenotypes of both embryos and larvae of zebrafish at different hours post fertilization. Carnosine was instead able to significantly decrease the enhancement of ROS levels in zebrafish larvae exposed to TiO2-NPs and its antioxidant effect was paralleled by the rescue of the protein expression levels of Hsp70 and MTs. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of carnosine as a new pharmacological tool in the context of pathologies characterized by oxidative stress such as neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Caruso
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Truglio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabiano Capparucci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Romana Jarosova
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Caraci F, Fidilio A, Santangelo R, Caruso G, Giuffrida ML, Tomasello MF, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Molecular Connections between DNA Replication and Cell Death in β-Amyloid-Treated Neurons. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2006-2018. [PMID: 37021419 PMCID: PMC10514525 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230404121903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic cell cycle reactivation in neurons is associated with neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. In cultured rodent neurons, synthetic β-amyloid (Aβ) reproduces the neuronal cell cycle re-entry observed in the Alzheimer's brain, and blockade of the cycle prevents Aβ-induced neurodegeneration. DNA polymerase-β, whose expression is induced by Aβ, is responsible for the DNA replication process that ultimately leads to neuronal death, but the molecular mechanism(s) linking DNA replication to neuronal apoptosis are presently unknown. AIM To explore the role of a conserved checkpoint pathway started by DNA replication stress, namely the ATM-ATR/Claspin/Chk-1 pathway, in switching the neuronal response from DNA replication to apoptosis. METHODS Experiments were carried out in cultured rat cortical neurons challenged with toxic oligomers of Aβ protein. RESULTS Small inhibitory molecules of ATM/ATR kinase or Chk-1 amplified Aβ-induced neuronal DNA replication and apoptosis, as they were permissive to the DNA polymerase-β activity triggered by Aβ oligomers. Claspin, i.e., the adaptor protein between ATM/ATR kinase and the downstream Chk-1, was present on DNA replication forks of neurons early after Aβ challenge, and decreased at times coinciding with neuronal apoptosis. The caspase-3/7 inhibitor I maintained overtime the amount of Claspin loaded on DNA replication forks and, concomitantly, reduced neuronal apoptosis by holding neurons in the S phase. Moreover, a short phosphopeptide mimicking the Chk-1-binding motif of Claspin was able to prevent Aβ-challenged neurons from entering apoptosis. CONCLUSION We speculate that, in the Alzheimer's brain, Claspin degradation by intervening factors may precipitate the death of neurons engaged into DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- UOR of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- UOR of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Rosa Santangelo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research, Catania Unit, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research, Catania Unit, Catania, Italy
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Hampel H, Caruso G, Nisticò R, Piccioni G, Mercuri NB, Giorgi FS, Ferrarelli F, Lemercier P, Caraci F, Lista S, Vergallo A. Biological Mechanism-based Neurology and Psychiatry: A BACE1/2 and Downstream Pathway Model. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:31-53. [PMID: 34852743 PMCID: PMC10193755 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211201095701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In oncology, comprehensive omics and functional enrichment studies have led to an extensive profiling of (epi)genetic and neurobiological alterations that can be mapped onto a single tumor's clinical phenotype and divergent clinical phenotypes expressing common pathophysiological pathways. Consequently, molecular pathway-based therapeutic interventions for different cancer typologies, namely tumor type- and site-agnostic treatments, have been developed, encouraging the real-world implementation of a paradigm shift in medicine. Given the breakthrough nature of the new-generation translational research and drug development in oncology, there is an increasing rationale to transfertilize this blueprint to other medical fields, including psychiatry and neurology. In order to illustrate the emerging paradigm shift in neuroscience, we provide a state-of-the-art review of translational studies on the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) and its most studied downstream effector, neuregulin, which are molecular orchestrators of distinct biological pathways involved in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. This body of data aligns with the evidence of a shared genetic/biological architecture among Alzheimer's disease, schizoaffective disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. To facilitate a forward-looking discussion about a potential first step towards the adoption of biological pathway-based, clinical symptom-agnostic, categorization models in clinical neurology and psychiatry for precision medicine solutions, we engage in a speculative intellectual exercise gravitating around BACE-related science, which is used as a paradigmatic case here. We draw a perspective whereby pathway-based therapeutic strategies could be catalyzed by highthroughput techniques embedded in systems-scaled biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology approaches that will help overcome the constraints of traditional descriptive clinical symptom and syndrome-focused constructs in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
| | | | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Piccioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V.Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferrarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pablo Lemercier
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Lista
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
- Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
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Fidilio A, Grasso M, Caruso G, Musso N, Begni V, Privitera A, Torrisi SA, Campolongo P, Schiavone S, Tascedda F, Leggio GM, Drago F, Riva MA, Caraci F. Prenatal stress induces a depressive-like phenotype in adolescent rats: The key role of TGF-β1 pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1075746. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1075746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful experiences early in life, especially in the prenatal period, can increase the risk to develop depression during adolescence. However, there may be important qualitative and quantitative differences in outcome of prenatal stress (PNS), where some individuals exposed to PNS are vulnerable and develop a depressive-like phenotype, while others appear to be resilient. PNS exposure, a well-established rat model of early life stress, is known to increase vulnerability to depression and a recent study demonstrated a strong interaction between transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene and PNS in the pathogenesis of depression. Moreover, it is well-known that the exposure to early life stress experiences induces brain oxidative damage by increasing nitric oxide levels and decreasing antioxidant factors. In the present work, we examined the role of TGF-β1 pathway in an animal model of adolescent depression induced by PNS obtained by exposing pregnant females to a stressful condition during the last week of gestation. We performed behavioral tests to identify vulnerable or resilient subjects in the obtained litters (postnatal day, PND > 35) and we carried out molecular analyses on hippocampus, a brain area with a key role in the pathogenesis of depression. We found that female, but not male, PNS adolescent rats exhibited a depressive-like behavior in forced swim test (FST), whereas both male and female PNS rats showed a deficit of recognition memory as assessed by novel object recognition test (NOR). Interestingly, we found an increased expression of type 2 TGF-β1 receptor (TGFβ-R2) in the hippocampus of both male and female resilient PNS rats, with higher plasma TGF-β1 levels in male, but not in female, PNS rats. Furthermore, PNS induced the activation of oxidative stress pathways by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and NOX2 levels in the hippocampus of both male and female PNS adolescent rats. Our data suggest that high levels of TGF-β1 and its receptor TGFβ-R2 can significantly increase the resiliency of adolescent rats to PNS, suggesting that TGF-β1 pathway might represent a novel pharmacological target to prevent adolescent depression in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences,
University of Catania,
Italy
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40
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Sampogna G, Janiri D, Albert U, Caraci F, Martinotti G, Serafini G, Tortorella A, Zuddas A, Sani G, Fiorillo A. Why lithium should be used in patients with bipolar disorder? A scoping review and an expert opinion paper. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:923-934. [PMID: 36562412 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2161895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lithium treatment is considered the gold standard for the long-term management of bipolar disorder and recurrent unipolar depression. It is also extremely effective in other psychiatric conditions characterized by impulsivity and aggression, and for the prevention of suicidal behaviours. AREAS COVERED This paper provides a scoping review and an expert commentary regarding the use of lithium in adult patients. Available information about efficacy, tolerability, dosing, and switching is analyzed, and the strategies that may be most useful in real-world clinical settings are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Lithium is effective on different domains of bipolar disorder, including the long-term prevention of recurrences of affective episodes, management of acute mania as well as in the prophylaxis of all affective episodes. Lithium has been defined a 'forgotten drug,' since its use in routine clinical practice has been declined over the last 20 or 30 years. Reasons for this trend include lack of adequate training on the management of lithium side effects. Considering its efficacy, use of lithium in ordinary clinical practice should be promoted. Several strategies, such as using slow-release formulations, can be easily implemented in order to minimize lithium side effects and improve its tolerability profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Delfina Janiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy. Azienda Sanitaria Integrata Giuliano-Isontina - ASUGI, UCO Clinica Psichiatrica, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy; Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Geriatrics, Neuroscience and Orthopedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Tomaselli V, Ferrara P, Cantone GG, Romeo AC, Rust S, Saitta D, Caraci F, Romano C, Thangaraju M, Zuccarello P, Rose J, Ferrante M, Belsey J, Cibella F, Caci G, Ferri R, Polosa R. The effect of laboratory-verified smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from the Troina sero-epidemiological survey. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:1617-1630. [PMID: 35419722 PMCID: PMC9007731 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-02975-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous research yielded conflicting results on the association between cigarette smoking and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since the prevalence of smoking is high globally, the study of its impact on COVID-19 pandemic may have considerable implications for public health. This study is the first to investigate the association between the SARS-CoV-2 antibody sero-positivity and biochemically verified smoking status, to refine current estimates on this association. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and serum cotinine levels (a well-known marker of tobacco exposure) were assessed in a large sero-epidemiological survey conducted in the town of Troina (Sicily, Italy). A propensity score matching was carried out to reduce the effect of possible factors on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among study participants. Of the 1785 subjects included in our study, one-third was classified as current smokers, based on serum cotinine levels. The overall proportion of subjects with positive serology for SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 5.4%. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity and previous COVID-19 diagnosis were reduced in smokers. This reduced prevalence persisted after adjusting for possible confounders (such as sex, age, previous infection, chronic conditions, and risk group) at regression analyses, and the point estimates based on the PS-matched models resulted consistent with those for the unmatched population. This study found a lower proportion of positive SARS-CoV-2 serology among current smokers, using direct laboratory measures of tobacco exposure and thus avoiding possible bias associated with self-reported smoking status. Results may also serve as a reference for future clinical research on potential pharmaceutical role of nicotine or nicotinic-cholinergic agonists against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venera Tomaselli
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulio G Cantone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Sonja Rust
- ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Saitta
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy
- ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Murugesan Thangaraju
- Bioanalytical Laboratory, Center for Smoking Cessation, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jed Rose
- Bioanalytical Laboratory, Center for Smoking Cessation, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Cibella
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Grazia Caci
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University di Catania, Catania, Italy.
- ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Institute of Internal Medicine, AOU "Policlinico-V. Emanuele", Via S. Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
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Aldawsari HM, Badr-Eldin SM, Assiri NY, Alhakamy NA, Privitera A, Caraci F, Caruso G. Surface-tailoring of emulsomes for boosting brain delivery of vinpocetine via intranasal route: in vitro optimization and in vivo pharmacokinetic assessment. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:2671-2684. [PMID: 35975309 PMCID: PMC9387308 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2110996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vinpocetine (VNP), a semisynthetic active pharmaceutical ingredient, is used for oral management of cerebrovascular diseases because of its ability to enhance the blood flow to the brain. However, despite that, the therapeutic application of VNP is restricted due to its reduced bioavailability and diminished brain levels that could be attributed to its low aqueous solubility, short half-life, and presystemic metabolism exposure. Accordingly, the goal of this work was to explore the ability of surface-tailored intranasal emulsomes to boost brain delivery of the drug. A 3221 factorial design was implemented to explore the impact of phospholipid (PL) to solid lipid weight ratio, PL to cholesterol molar ratio, and type of solid lipid on vesicle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and release efficiency of the new developed VNP emulsomes. Tailoring of the optimized emulsomal surface formulation was performed using either cationization or PEGylation approaches to boost blood–brain barrier penetration. The pharmacokinetic assessment in rats showed significantly improved bioavailability of VNP emulsomal formulations compared to the oral market product. Additionally, surface-tailored emulsomes exhibited significantly higher brain levels compared to the optimized emulsomes. Based on these findings, the proposed surface-tailored emulsomes could be considered as a promising platform for achieving high brain levels of VNP following intranasal administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibah M Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nourah Y Assiri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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Alhakamy NA, Caruso G, Privitera A, Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Md S, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM, Eid BG, Abdel-Naim AB, Caraci F. Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1133. [PMID: 35745706 PMCID: PMC9227110 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired diabetic wound healing is a major concern for health care professionals worldwide, imposing an intense financial burden and reducing the quality of life of patients. A dysregulation of this process can be responsible for the development of intractable ulcers and the formation of excessive scars. Therefore, the identification of novel pharmacological strategies able to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue becomes essential. In the present study, fluoxetine ecofriendly nanoemulsion (FLX-EFNE) was prepared and its potential efficacy in enhancing wound healing was tested in diabetic rats. The Box-Behnken response surface design was used to select the optimized formulation that was prepared by the high-shear homogenization-based technique. A Zetasizer was used for the characterization of the optimized formulation, providing a FLX-EFNE with a globule size of 199 nm. For the in vivo study, a wound was induced by surgical methods, and diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced) were divided into five groups: untreated control, vehicle-treated, FLX, FLX-EFNE, and positive control receiving a commercially available formula. The treatment continued from the day of wound induction to day 21. Then, the animals were sacrificed and skin tissues were collected at the site of wounding and used for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and mRNA expression assessments. In the FLX-EFNE treated group, the rate of wound contraction and signs of healing were significantly higher compared to all other groups. In addition, angiogenesis, proliferation, and collagen deposition were enhanced, while oxidative stress and inflammation decreased. The present data highlight the enhanced wound healing activity of the optimized FLX-EFNE formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Gamal A. Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (B.G.E.); (A.B.A.-N.)
| | - Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (B.G.E.); (A.B.A.-N.)
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Distefano A, Caruso G, Oliveri V, Bellia F, Sbardella D, Zingale GA, Caraci F, Grasso G. Neuroprotective Effect of Carnosine Is Mediated by Insulin-Degrading Enzyme. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1588-1593. [PMID: 35471926 PMCID: PMC9121383 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
l-Carnosine
is an endogenous dipeptide that has high potential
for therapeutic purposes, being an antioxidant with metal chelating,
anti-aggregating, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Despite its potential therapeutic values, the biomolecular mechanisms
involved in neuroprotection are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate,
at chemical and biochemical levels, that insulin-degrading enzyme
plays a pivotal role in carnosine neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Distefano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - Valentina Oliveri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Antonio Zingale
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
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Fahmy O, Ahmed OAA, Khairul-Asri MG, Alhakamy NA, Alharbi WS, Fahmy UA, El-Moselhy MA, Fresta CG, Caruso G, Caraci F. Adverse Events and Tolerability of Combined Durvalumab and Tremelimumab versus Durvalumab Alone in Solid Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051101. [PMID: 35625837 PMCID: PMC9138649 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recently, the combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab, two immune checkpoint inhibitors, for the treatment of different types of cancers has been considered; however, its overall effects, including its safety, are still unclear and need to be further investigated. Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the safety and tolerability of this combination of drugs. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, was conducted by employing online electronic databases and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Library. The selection of eligible publications was made following a staged screening and selection process. The software RevMan 5.4 was used to run the quantitative analysis and forest plots, while the Cochrane tool was employed for risk of bias assessment. Results: From the retrieved 157 results, 9 randomized controlled trials involving 3060 patients were included. By comparing the combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab vs. durvalumab monotherapy, it was observed that: adverse events (AEs) ≥ Grade 3 incidence was 32.6% (536/1646) vs. 23.8% (336/1414) (Z = 2.80; p = 0.005; risk ratio (RR) = 1.44), reduced appetite incidence was 10.8% (154/1427) vs. 8.3% (108/1305) (Z = 2.26; p = 0.02; RR = 1.31), diarrhea was reported in 15.6% (229/1473) vs. 8.1% (110/1352) (Z = 5.90; p < 0.00001; RR = 1.91), rash incidence was equal to 11.1% (160/1441) vs. 6.5% (86/1320) (Z = 4.35; p <0.0001; RR = 1.75), pruritis was 13.6% (201/1473) vs. 7.7% (104/1352) (Z = 5.35; p < 0.00001; RR = 1.83), fever was 10.5% (42/399) vs. 6.6% (22/330) (Z = 2.27; p = 0.02; RR = 1.77), discontinuation rate was 18% (91/504) vs. 3% (36/434) (Z = 4.78; p < 0.00001; RR = 2.41), and death rate was 2.6% (13/504) vs. 0.7% (3/434) (Z = 1.90; p = 0.06; RR = 2.77). Conclusions: It was observed that the combined (durvalumab and tremelimumab) vs. monotherapy (durvalumab) is associated with a higher risk of treatment discontinuation, mortality, fever, diarrhea, rash, pruritis, and reduced appetite. This information is relevant and should be disclosed, especially to patients that are currently enrolled in clinical trials considering this combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fahmy
- Department of Urology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (N.A.A.); (W.S.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Ghani Khairul-Asri
- Department of Urology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (N.A.A.); (W.S.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S. Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (N.A.A.); (W.S.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.A.A.); (N.A.A.); (W.S.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. El-Moselhy
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Department, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.G.F.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-7385-036
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.G.F.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Caruso G, Godos J, Privitera A, Lanza G, Castellano S, Chillemi A, Bruni O, Ferri R, Caraci F, Grosso G. Phenolic Acids and Prevention of Cognitive Decline: Polyphenols with a Neuroprotective Role in Cognitive Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040819. [PMID: 35215469 PMCID: PMC8875888 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment, also known as cognitive decline, can occur gradually or suddenly and can be temporary or more permanent. It represents an increasingly important public health problem and can depend on normal aging or be linked to different neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is now well-established that lifestyle factors including dietary patterns play an important role in healthy aging as well as in the prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Among the natural compounds, dietary polyphenols including phenolic acids have been recently the focus of major attention, with their supplementation being associated with better cognitive status and prevention of cognitive decline. Despite their therapeutic potential, human studies investigating the relation between phenolic acids intake and cognitive outcomes are rather scarce. In this review, we provide preclinical evidence that different dietary polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, and cinnamic aldehyde can exert neuroprotective and pro-cognitive activities through different molecular mechanisms including the modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant machinery as well as inflammatory status. Future and more numerous in vivo studies are needed to strengthen the promising results obtained at the preclinical level. Despite the excellent pharmacokinetic properties of phenolic acids, which are able to be accumulated in the brain at pharmacologically relevant levels, future studies should also identify which among the different metabolites produced as a consequence of phenolic acids' consumption may be responsible for the potential neuroprotective effects of this subgroup of polyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
- Research Operative Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (J.G.); (A.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy;
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessio Chillemi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (J.G.); (A.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
- Research Operative Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (J.G.); (A.C.); (G.G.)
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47
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Caruso G, Grasso M, Fidilio A, Torrisi SA, Musso N, Geraci F, Tropea MR, Privitera A, Tascedda F, Puzzo D, Salomone S, Drago F, Leggio GM, Caraci F. Antioxidant Activity of Fluoxetine and Vortioxetine in a Non-Transgenic Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:809541. [PMID: 35002742 PMCID: PMC8740153 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A neurobiological and clinical continuum exists between AD and depression, with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress being involved in both diseases. Second-generation antidepressants, in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are currently investigated as neuroprotective drugs in AD. By employing a non-transgenic AD model, obtained by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers in 2-month-old C57BL/6 mice, we recently demonstrated that the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX) and the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine (VTX) reversed the depressive-like phenotype and memory deficits induced by Aβ oligomers rescuing the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Aim of our study was to test FLX and VTX for their ability to prevent oxidative stress in the hippocampus of Aβ-injected mice, a brain area strongly affected in both depression and AD. The long-term intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of FLX (10 mg/kg) or VTX (5 and 10 mg/kg) for 24 days, starting 7 days before Aβ injection, was able to prevent the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) induced by Aβ oligomers. Antidepressant pre-treatment was also able to rescue the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) antioxidant enzyme. FLX and VTX also prevented Aβ-induced neurodegeneration in mixed neuronal cultures treated with Aβ oligomers. Our data represent the first evidence that the long-term treatment with the antidepressants FLX or VTX can prevent the oxidative stress phenomena related to the cognitive deficits and depressive-like phenotype observed in a non-transgenic animal model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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Eid BG, Alhakamy NA, Fahmy UA, Ahmed OAA, Md S, Abdel-Naim AB, Caruso G, Caraci F. Melittin and diclofenac synergistically promote wound healing in a pathway involving TGF-β1. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105993. [PMID: 34801680 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A dysregulation of the wound healing process can lead to the development of various intractable ulcers or excessive scar formation. Therefore it is essential to identify novel pharmacological strategies to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue. The goal of the present study was to formulate a nano-complex containing melittin (MEL) and diclofenac (DCL) with the aim to evaluate their synergism and preclinical efficacy in an in vivo model of acute wound. After its preparation and characterization, the therapeutic potential of the combined nano-complexes was evaluated. MEL-DCL nano-complexes exhibited better regenerated epithelium, keratinization, epidermal proliferation, and granulation tissue formation, which in turn showed better wound healing activity compared to MEL, DCL, or positive control. The nano-complexes also showed significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Treatment of wounded skin with MEL-DCL nano-complexes showed significant reduction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory markers that was paralleled by a substantial increase in mRNA expression levels of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen, type IV, alpha 1 (Col4A1), and hydroxyproline content as compared to individual drugs. Additionally, MEL-DCL nano-complexes were able to significantly increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) proteins expression compared to single drugs or negative control group. SB431542, a selective inhibitor of type-1 TGF-β receptor, significantly prevented in our in vitro assay the wound healing process induced by the MEL-DCL nano-complexes, suggesting a key role of TGF-β1 in the wound closure. In conclusion, the nano-complex of MEL-DCL represents a novel pharmacological tool that can be topically applied to improve wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma G Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
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Alhakamy NA, Badr-Eldin SM, Alharbi WS, Alfaleh MA, Al-hejaili OD, Aldawsari HM, Eid BG, Bakhaidar R, Drago F, Caraci F, Caruso G. Development of an Icariin-Loaded Bilosome-Melittin Formulation with Improved Anticancer Activity against Cancerous Pancreatic Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121309. [PMID: 34959710 PMCID: PMC8703505 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer currently represents a severe issue for the entire world. Therefore, much effort has been made to develop an effective treatment against it. Emerging evidence has shown that icariin, a flavonoid glycoside, is an effective anti-pancreatic cancer drug. Melittin, as a natural active biomolecule, has also shown to possess anticancer activities. In the present study, with the aim to increase its effectiveness against cancerous cells, icariin-loaded bilosome-melittin (ICA-BM) was developed. For the selection of an optimized ICA-BM, an experimental design was implemented, which provided an optimized formulation with a particle size equal to 158.4 nm. After estimation of the release pattern, the anti-pancreatic cancer efficacy of this new formulation was evaluated. The MTT assay was employed for the determination of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), providing smaller IC50 for ICA-BM (2.79 ± 0.2 µM) compared to blank-BM and ICA-Raw (free drug) against PNAC1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line isolated from a pancreatic carcinoma of ductal cell origin. Additionally, cell cycle analysis for ICA-BM demonstrated cell arrest at the S-phase and pre-G1 phase, which indicated a pro-apoptotic behavior of the new developed formulation. The pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of the optimized ICA-BM against PNAC1 cells was also demonstrated through annexin V staining as well as estimation of caspase-3 and p53 protein levels. It can be concluded that the optimized ICA-BM formulation significantly improved the efficacy of icariin against cancerous pancreatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Waleed S. Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar D. Al-hejaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rana Bakhaidar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
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50
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Polosa R, Tomaselli V, Ferrara P, Romeo AC, Rust S, Saitta D, Caraci F, Romano C, Thangaraju M, Zuccarello P, Rose J, Cantone GG, Ferrante M, Belsey J, Cibella F, Interlandi E, Ferri R. Seroepidemiological Survey on the Impact of Smoking on SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Outcomes: Protocol for the Troina Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e32285. [PMID: 34678752 PMCID: PMC8610447 DOI: 10.2196/32285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background After the global spread of SARS-CoV-2, research has highlighted several aspects of the pandemic, focusing on clinical features and risk factors associated with infection and disease severity. However, emerging results on the role of smoking in SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility or COVID-19 outcomes are conflicting, and their robustness remains uncertain. Objective In this context, this study aims at quantifying the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence, studying the changes in antibody levels over time, and analyzing the association between the biochemically verified smoking status and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods The research design involves a 6-month prospective cohort study with a serial sampling of the same individuals. Each participant will be surveyed about their demographics and COVID-19–related information, and blood sampling will be collected upon recruitment and at specified follow-up time points (ie, after 8 and 24 weeks). Blood samples will be screened for the presence of SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies and serum cotinine, being the latter of the principal metabolite of nicotine, which will be used to assess participants’ smoking status. Results The study is ongoing. It aims to find a higher antibody prevalence in individuals at high risk for viral exposure (ie, health care personnel) and to refine current estimates on the association between smoking status and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Conclusions The added value of this research is that the current smoking status of the population to be studied will be biochemically verified to avoid the bias associated with self-reported smoking status. As such, the results from this survey may provide an actionable metric to study the role of smoking in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes, and therefore to implement the most appropriate public health measures to control the pandemic. Results may also serve as a reference for future clinical research, and the methodology could be exploited in public health sectors and policies. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/32285
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Polosa
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Policlinico - V. Emanuele", Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Tomaselli
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Value-based Healthcare Unit, Research Institute, IRCCS, MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sonja Rust
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Saitta
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Murugesan Thangaraju
- Bioanalytical Laboratory, Center for Smoking Cessation, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jed Rose
- Bioanalytical Laboratory, Center for Smoking Cessation, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Giulio Giacomo Cantone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ettore Majorana, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Cibella
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
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