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Andreou NP, Legaki E, Dovrolis N, Boyanov N, Georgiou K, Gkouskou K, Gazouli M. B-cell activating factor (BAFF) expression is associated with Crohn's disease and can serve as a potential prognostic indicator of disease response to Infliximab treatment. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:574-580. [PMID: 33339749 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies correlated elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and its polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with autoimmunity. Limited data existed regarding the role of BAFF in Crohn's Disease (CD) susceptibility and/or treatment response to infliximab. AIM This study aims to evaluate BAFF expression in CD patients, investigate if its expression can predict response to infliximab treatment, and examine the association of BAFF SNPs with CD susceptibility. METHODS One hundred twelve CD patients and 164 healthy controls were recruited. Serum BAFF levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants were genotyped for rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs2893321 SNPs. RESULTS Serum BAFF concentration was elevated in CD patients (472.86 ± 223.60 pg/ml) compared with controls (128.16 ± 70.10 pg/ml) before treatment. Responders to IFX treatment had increased serum BAFF levels at baseline (610.03 ± 167.55 pg/ml) compared to non-responders (267.09 ± 107 pg/ml). In responders, BAFF concentration reduced after IFX administration, while increased in non-responders. The rs1041569, TA and AA genotypes frequencies, and the minor allele A were increased significantly in CD patients, indicating an association of the SNP with CD susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that BAFF could be a potential biomarker of CD, while SNP rs1041569 was associated with CD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos-Panagiotis Andreou
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Legaki
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolas Dovrolis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikola Boyanov
- Medical Simulation Training Center at Research Institute of Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Konstantinos Georgiou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece; Embiodiagnostics, Biology Research Company, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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Gkouskou K, Vasilogiannakopoulou T, Andreakos E, Davanos N, Gazouli M, Sanoudou D, Eliopoulos AG. COVID-19 enters the expanding network of apolipoprotein E4-related pathologies. Redox Biol 2021; 41:101938. [PMID: 33730676 PMCID: PMC7943392 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 incidence and case fatality rates (CFR) differ among ethnicities, stimulating efforts to pinpoint genetic factors that could explain these phenomena. In this regard, the multiallelic apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has recently been interrogated in the UK biobank cohort, demonstrating associations of the APOE ε4/ε4 genotype with COVID-19 severity and mortality. The frequency of the ε4 allele and thus the distribution of APOE ε4/ε4 genotype may differ among populations. We have assessed APOE genotypes in 1638 Greek individuals, based on haplotypes derived from SNP rs7412 and rs429358 and found reduced frequency of ε4/ε4 compared to the British cohort. Herein we discuss this finding in relation to CFR and hypothesize on the potential mechanisms linking APOE ε4/ε4 to severe COVID-19. We postulate that the metabolic deregulation ensued by APOE4, manifested by elevated cholesterol and oxidized lipoprotein levels, may be central to heightened pneumocyte susceptibility to infection and to exaggerated lung inflammation associated with the ε4/ε4 genotype. We also discuss putative dietary and pharmacological approaches for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in APOE ε4/ε4 individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Embiodiagnostics Biology Research Company, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | | | | | | | - Maria Gazouli
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristides G Eliopoulos
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Gkouskou K, Lazou E, Skoufas E, Eliopoulos AG. Genetically Guided Mediterranean Diet for the Personalized Nutritional Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020355. [PMID: 33503923 PMCID: PMC7912380 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The current consensus for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is that high-quality diets and adherence to a healthy lifestyle provide significant health benefits. Remarkably, however, there is little agreement on the proportions of macronutrients in the diet that should be recommended to people suffering from pre-diabetes or T2DM. We herein discuss emerging evidence that underscores the importance of gene-diet interactions in the improvement of glycemic biomarkers in T2DM. We propose that we can achieve better glycemic control in T2DM patients by coupling Mediterranean diets to genetic information as a predictor for optimal diet macronutrient composition in a personalized manner. We provide evidence to support this concept by presenting a case study of a T2DM patient who achieved rapid glycemic control when adhered to a personalized, genetically-guided Mediterranean Diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (E.S.)
- Embiodiagnostics Biology Research Company, 71305 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (A.G.E.); Tel.: +30-2107462356 (A.G.E.)
| | - Evgenia Lazou
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (E.S.)
| | - Efstathios Skoufas
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (E.S.)
| | - Aristides G. Eliopoulos
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (E.S.)
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (A.G.E.); Tel.: +30-2107462356 (A.G.E.)
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Gkouskou K, Vlastos I, Karkalousos P, Chaniotis D, Sanoudou D, Eliopoulos AG. The "Virtual Digital Twins" Concept in Precision Nutrition. Adv Nutr 2020; 11:1405-1413. [PMID: 32770212 PMCID: PMC7666894 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional and lifestyle changes remain at the core of healthy aging and disease prevention. Accumulating evidence underscores the impact of genetic, metabolic, and host gut microbial factors on individual responses to nutrients, paving the way for the stratification of nutritional guidelines. However, technological advances that incorporate biological, nutritional, lifestyle, and health data at an unprecedented scale and depth conceptualize a future where preventative dietary interventions will exceed stratification and will be highly individualized. We herein discuss how genetic information combined with longitudinal metabolomic, immune, behavioral, and gut microbial parameters, and bioclinical variables could define a digital replica of oneself, a "virtual digital twin," which could serve to guide nutrition in a personalized manner. Such a model may revolutionize the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and provide a pillar for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioannis Vlastos
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Karkalousos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our scope is the presentation of research and clinical progresses in relation to precision medicine that are expected to alter our clinical practice in relation to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Current knowledge on phenotypes and endotypes, biomarkers, and clinical markers for diagnosis, medical and surgical therapy, and prognosis is presented as well as the role of precision medicine in United Airway Disease and SCUAD (severe-uncontrolled chronic upper airway inflammation). RECENT FINDINGS Current technological progresses, mostly in relation to molecular biology and information technology, have permitted more detailed pathophysiological assessments and multidimensional approaches in airways diseases. Based on the concept of united airways diseases, new classification schemes, called endotypes, have been proposed for CRS. In addition, novel biological treatments that have been introduced for the treatment of asthma show great promise as well for severe uncontrolled cases of CRS with nasal polyps. Central to this approach are new biomarkers that are being examined in relation to complex bio-clinical traits of CRS. As this narrative review of the aforementioned precision medicine initiatives in relation to CRS advances, a modification of current practice is expected not only for severe chronic upper airways diseases in tertiary centers but also for milder and more common cases that are being encountered in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Vlastos
- ENT Private Practice, 29 Voreiou Ipeirou str, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Embiodiagnostics Biology Research Company, Melissinon and Damvergidon str, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Doulaptsi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Crete, A Building 3rd Floor, University avenue, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alexander Karatzanis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanuel P Prokopakis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Crete, A Building 3rd Floor, University avenue, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Gkouskou K, Vlastos IM, Chaniotis D, Markaki A, Choulakis K, Prokopakis E. Nutrigenetic genotyping study in relation to Sleep Apnea Clinical Score. Sleep Breath 2018; 23:659-663. [DOI: 10.1007/s11325-018-1742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Gkiouras K, Markaki A, Grammatikopoulou M, Gkouskou K, Stylianou K, Chourdakis M. Is having an odd count of AMY1 cnv associated with increased adiposity? Clin Nutr 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.06.1189] [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: 11/16/2022]
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Nacopoulos C, Gkouskou K, Karypidis D, Vlastos I, Vesala AM, Choukroun J, Miron RJ, Prokopakis E. Telomere length and genetic variations affecting telomere length as biomarkers for facial regeneration with platelet-rich fibrin based on the low-speed centrifugation concept. J Cosmet Dermatol 2018; 18:408-413. [PMID: 29761887 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), a fibrin matrix produced by single blood centrifugation that contains leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors, is increasingly being utilized for facial regeneration purposes. However, our understanding of the involved pathophysiological mechanisms affecting regeneration is limited and current protocols require better optimization. Biomarkers that are related to skin aging such as telomere length (TL) have been proposed as a mean to analyze patients' stratification. OBJECTIVE Our aim is to study whether the outcomes of a facial regeneration protocol performed with PRF are related to TL and genetic variations affecting TL. This can aid in the standardization of a surgical aesthetic protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 41 patients treated with PRF produced with the low-speed centrifugation concept were included in this observational study. The correlation between TL and genetic variations were assessed versus treatment outcomes, namely the number of sessions and aesthetic results utilizing the FACE-Q skin satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS In all, 39 of the 41 patients completed the treatment. TL correlated with the initial responses to FACE-Q (ρ = .33, P = .05). Genetic variations affecting TL was related to the change of FACE-Q (ρ = .35, P = .034) as well as to the number of treatment sessions (ρ = .38, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS Telomere length (TL) was related to patient perceived facial skin appearance. In addition, genetic variations affecting TL were related to the final outcomes (number of sessions and improvements of FACE-Q results) and may be a useful biomarker for future regenerative procedures performed with PRF for facial regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dimitrios Karypidis
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Agioi Anargyroi General Oncological Hospital of Kifisia, Athens and Plastic Surgery Clinic, Private Practice, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anna-Maria Vesala
- Department of Dentoalveolar Surgery, Implant Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Richard J Miron
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Markaki A, Kyriazis P, Dermitzaki EK, Lygerou D, Gkouskou K, Syngelaki P, Androulaki K, Sfakianaki E, Stratakis S, Stylianou K, Daphnis E. SP668THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM MAGNESIUM AND TELOMERE LENTH IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy104.sp668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Markaki
- Nutrition & Dietetics, Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Periklis Kyriazis
- Internal Medicine, Baystate Medical Center University of Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, United States
| | | | - Dimitra Lygerou
- Nephrology, Heraklion University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Kalliopi Androulaki
- Nutrition & Dietetics, Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eirini Sfakianaki
- Nutrition & Dietetics, Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | - Eugene Daphnis
- Nephrology, Heraklion University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
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Gkouskou K, Davanos N, Markaki A, Dafnis E, Stylianou K, Eliopoulos A. SP694TELOMERE LENGTH OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx155.sp694] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
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Markaki A, Gkouskou K, Ganotakis E, Margioris A, Daphnis E. A longitudinal study of nutritional and inflammatory status in patients on dialysis. J Ren Care 2014; 40:14-22. [PMID: 24467473 DOI: 10.1111/jorc.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several anthropometric, laboratory and bioelectrical impedance parameters of nutritional status and inflammation are often used as prognostic indices in patients on dialysis. Their longitudinal assessment is necessary for the estimation of their true prognostic value. We aim to estimate this prognostic value in better-nourished dialysis patients, which are commonly under-represented in pertinent studies. METHODS The design is a prospective case series. Pertinent parameters were studied three times during a 20-month period in 47 haemodialysis (HD) and 27 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with a low malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS). Mortality rate was assessed three years after the initial evaluation. Correlation coefficients were calculated between mortality rate, the studied parameters and their alteration. RESULTS Serum albumin of less than 40 g/l was strongly correlated with mortality risk. The alteration of studied parameters during a short period of time does not allow for long-term prediction of mortality risk. CONCLUSION Serum albumin had the strongest predictive value of all the pertinent parameters in the study. Thus, better conjugate clinical and laboratory measurements should be developed for patients on PD, as well as for those with a relatively low MIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Markaki
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological Education Institute of Crete, Sitia, Greece; Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Markaki A, Gkouskou K, Stylianou K, Dermitzaki E, Perakis K, Margioris A, Daphnis E. Relationship between adiposity, adipokines, inflammatory markers and lipid profile in hemodialysis patients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2014; 18:1496-1498. [PMID: 24899608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim is to study the correlations of leptin and adiponectin with inflammation markers, body composition and lipid profile in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Phase angle values and fat mass as calculated using BIA, Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS), leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, IL-8 triglycerides, cholesterol and other common serum markers' concentrations were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regression models in 47 hemodialysis patients. RESULTS In contrast to leptin, adiponectin is inversely correlated to BMI and fat mass in hemodialysis patients. Triglycerides were the only parameter that retained its statistical correlation significance with adiponectin in the multiple regression model. CONCLUSIONS Fat mass is of important consideration when calculating adipokines levels and their possible correlations with other variables. The inverse correlation of adiponectin with triglycerides levels should be further delineated due to the important role of vascular diseases in total mortality and morbidity of ESRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Markaki
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.
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Sideridou M, Zakopoulou R, Evangelou K, Liontos M, Kotsinas A, Rampakakis E, Gagos S, Kahata K, Grabusic K, Gkouskou K, Trougakos IP, Kolettas E, Georgakilas AG, Volarevic S, Eliopoulos AG, Zannis-Hadjopoulos M, Moustakas A, Gorgoulis VG. Cdc6 expression represses E-cadherin transcription and activates adjacent replication origins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 195:1123-40. [PMID: 22201124 PMCID: PMC3246883 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201108121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Cdc6 replication licensing factor acts as a molecular switch at the E-cadherin locus, leading to E-cadherin transcriptional repression and local activation of replication. E-cadherin (CDH1) loss occurs frequently in carcinogenesis, contributing to invasion and metastasis. We observed that mouse and human epithelial cell lines overexpressing the replication licensing factor Cdc6 underwent phenotypic changes with mesenchymal features and loss of E-cadherin. Analysis in various types of human cancer revealed a strong correlation between increased Cdc6 expression and reduced E-cadherin levels. Prompted by these findings, we discovered that Cdc6 repressed CDH1 transcription by binding to the E-boxes of its promoter, leading to dissociation of the chromosomal insulator CTCF, displacement of the histone variant H2A.Z, and promoter heterochromatinization. Mutational analysis identified the Walker B motif and C-terminal region of Cdc6 as essential for CDH1 transcriptional suppression. Strikingly, CTCF displacement resulted in activation of adjacent origins of replication. These data demonstrate that Cdc6 acts as a molecular switch at the E-cadherin locus, linking transcriptional repression to activation of replication, and provide a telling example of how replication licensing factors could usurp alternative programs to fulfill distinct cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sideridou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Gkouskou K, Markaki A, Vasilaki M, Roidis A, Vlastos I. Quality of nutritional information on the Internet in health and disease. Hippokratia 2011; 15:304-307. [PMID: 24391409 PMCID: PMC3876843] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality assessment of nutritional information on the internet may prove vital prior to providing public guidance on searching relative information. METHODS The most popular web sites on four different topics ("Mediterranean diet", "sports nutrition", "nutrition, dysphagia and children" and "herbs and common cold") were assessed with the use of two validated questionnaires (EQIP and DISCERN). RESULTS Medical categories produced significantly lower total quality scores when compared to "Mediterranean diet" and "sports nutrition" categories. (F=7.189, P<0.001). Commercial web pages had a significantly lower credibility score compared to institutional and other web page types (H=17.987, P<0.001). Ranking order of each web page was related to its total quality score (P=0.04) but not to its credibility (P=0.241). CONCLUSIONS Monitoring the accuracy, comprehensiveness and consistency of health-related information on the internet is an important public health issue since there are popular web pages that are regarded as of high quality but they do not always provide reliable information. Health professionals and especially dieticians should provide consumer training on how to search for and appraise nutritional information from the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gkouskou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological and Educational Institute, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-FORTH, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Markaki
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological and Educational Institute, Crete, Greece
| | - M Vasilaki
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological and Educational Institute, Crete, Greece
| | - A Roidis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological and Educational Institute, Crete, Greece
| | - I Vlastos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Technological and Educational Institute, Crete, Greece
- Deparment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Universtity Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Vougioukalaki M, Kanellis DC, Gkouskou K, Eliopoulos AG. Tpl2 kinase signal transduction in inflammation and cancer. Cancer Lett 2011; 304:80-9. [PMID: 21377269 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is critically involved in inflammatory and oncogenic events. Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2), also known as COT and MAP3 kinase 8 (MAP3K8), is a serine-threonine kinase with an important physiological role in tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, CD40, Toll-like receptor and G protein-coupled receptor-mediated ERK MAPK signaling. Whilst the full characterization of the biochemical events that lead to the activation of Tpl2 still represent a major challenge, genetic and molecular evidence has highlighted interesting interactions with the NF-κB network. Here, we provide an overview of the multifaceted functions of Tpl2 and the molecular mechanisms that govern its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vougioukalaki
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Division of Basic Sciences, University of Crete Medical School, Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
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