Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"
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Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG): Pharmacological Properties, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the predominant catechin in green tea, comprises approximately 50% of its total polyphenol content and has garnered widespread recognition for its significant therapeutic potential. As the principal bioactive component of Camellia sinensis, EGCG is celebrated for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antitumor properties. The bioavailability and metabolism of EGCG within the gut microbiota underscore its systemic effects, as it is absorbed in the intestine, metabolized into bioactive compounds, and transported to target organs. This compound has been shown to influence key physiological pathways, particularly those related to lipid metabolism and inflammation, offering protective effects against a variety of diseases. EGCG’s ability to modulate cell signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune regulation highlights its multifaceted role in health promotion. Emerging evidence underscores EGCG’s therapeutic potential in preventing and managing a range of chronic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Given the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and the increasing interest in natural compounds, EGCG presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on EGCG, emphasizing its critical role as a versatile natural bioactive agent with diverse clinical applications. Further exploration in both experimental and clinical settings is essential to fully unlock its therapeutic potential
AdipoRon promotes angiogenesis in B-cell leukemia by modulating pro-angiogenic factors through AdipoR1
Background: Adiponectin, a cytokine predominantly secreted by adipose tissue, is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer, including hematologic malignancies. However, its involvement in leukemia-related angiogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of AdipoRon, an adiponectin agonist, on angiogenesis in the JVM-2 lymphoblastic cell line, a model for B-cell leukemia. Methods: The effects of AdipoRon were assessed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and JVM-2 cells using the tube formation assay. The expression of VEGF receptors, VEGF-A, HIF-1α, and CXCL-1 were investigated at both mRNA by quantitative real-time PCR and protein levels by ELISA and Western Blotting. The role of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in mediating AdipoRon effects was investigated by siRNA-mediated silencing of each receptor. Results: AdipoRon significantly promoted angiogenesis in HUVECs, both directly and through the secretion of soluble factors from JVM-2 cells. Treatment with AdipoRon upregulated VEGF-A and its receptors, with VEGF-R2 showing the most prominent increase. Additionally, both HIF-1α and CXCL-1 were up-regulated following AdipoRon administration. Finally, silencing of AdipoR1, but not AdipoR2, diminishes the AdipoRon-induced upregulation of the angiogenesis-related factors, suggesting that AdipoR1 is the primary receptor mediating the effects of adiponectin in leukemia cells. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that AdipoRon promotes angiogenesis in B-cell leukemia by enhancing pro-angiogenic factors through AdipoR1highlighting adiponectin’s significance in angiogenesis. A better understanding of adiponectin’s mechanisms could facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies targeting its pathway to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, offering promising approaches for leukemia treatment. Further studies are needed to fully explore adiponectin potential in leukemia
Neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory changes in SOD1-ALS patients receiving tofersen
The initiation of tofersen, a new specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for SOD1 pathology, marked a significant turning point for SOD1-ALS patients. While clinical trials and early access program studies reported a significant reduction in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament levels, neuroinflammation following prolonged treatment was never assessed. In this multicenter study, we evaluated a cohort of 18 SOD1-ALS patients treated with tofersen, analyzing correlations between biomarkers of neurodegeneration/neuroinflammation and clinical variables indicative of disease progression. NfL, NfH, CHI3L1, and Serpina1 levels in serum and CSF were determined by semi-automated immunoassays (EllaTM technology). Generalized linear mixed models were employed to investigate longitudinal trends of these biomarkers. Our data highlighted a progressive decrease in CSF neurofilament levels during tofersen treatment (MR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p = 0.006 and MR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.00, p = 0.076 for NfL and NfH in CSF, respectively). Conversely, CSF levels of SerpinA1 and CHI3L1 increased over time (MR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.16, p < 0.0001 and MR = 1.039, 95% CI 1.015–1.062, p = 0.001 for SerpinA1 and CHI3L1 in CSF, respectively), but these modifications were most apparent after six and twelve months of therapy, respectively. Disease progression rate did not correlate with these biomarker trends. We observed a significant decrease in neurofilament levels during Tofersen treatment, alongside an increase in neuroinflammatory markers, potentially linked to an immune response triggered by ASO treatment. Given the limited data on tofersen’s long-term efficacy in ALS due to its recent introduction, identifying biomarkers that predict clinical outcomes such as diminished therapeutic response or adverse effects is crucial. These biomarkers may help to better understand the underlying pathomechanisms of ALS and tofersen’s role in modulating disease progression
The Real Anatomy of Mandibular Canal: “New Features and Prospectives in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery"
Background/aim: The anatomy of the mandibular canal (MC) has been extensively described in the literature. Numerous studies have investigated its anatomical variations and anomalies. Different methods have been used to study the mandibular bone over the years and different classifications have been proposed. Patients and methods: A literature search was performed to identify articles regarding Mandibular Canal, Bifid and Trifid Mandibular Canal. This search used the PUBMED and WoS computer databases in the years from 1931 to 2023. Studies that did not fall within the scope of the search were excluded, such as those in which the abstract provided insufficient information for the preliminary evaluation. In addition, some articles not selected by the database search, including those on etiopathogenesis were manually entered. For all studies considered eligible, the full texts of the articles were searched and downloaded. Results: Based on the analysis of the literature, the variants of the MC should be classified as bifid MC, trifid MC, intramandibular accessory canals and dental canals. Extramandibular buccal and lingual canals require focused research, because they are very frequent, numerous, and they have nutrient functions. Conclusion: This article highlights some important radiological and anatomic aspects regarding variations of the MC and their clinical implications in relation to their actual classification. Some classifications have only statistical and historical value without real utility for dentists and oral surgeons. The presence of duplications may cause perioperative complications if they are not correctly recognized. New studies should be conducted on the different variations of MC in its anterior, middle and posterior. A more useful classification is proposed
Seismic behaviour of aggregate monumental buildings
The seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is a very topical and challenging research topic due to the difficulty of studying some of these buildings as independent structures. In historic city centres, these buildings often form part of complex structural systems that differ in terms of geometry, building materials, construction techniques and state of maintenance. This results from continuous urban growth in juxtaposition with and in continuity with the existing built environment. Similar situations exist within very large monumental complexes, such as royal palaces, where some of the aforementioned aspects are less obvious. When assessing the seismic vulnerability of one of the buildings in the complex, interactions with adjacent structures should be considered. Although several studies have addressed these issue in recent years, it is not yet clear how these interactions can be represented in numerical models modelling the entire complex. This paper therefore aims to contribute to the understanding of how interactions with adjacent structures should be taken into account to enable a more accurate seismic assessment of masonry aggregate buildings located in large monumental complexes
Este titulos traen consigo el adelantarse a otro. Conflitti di precedenza tra i Marchesi de Quirra e di Villasor, tra Regno di Sardegna e Regno di Valenza
Traumatic Childbirth Experiences and their Association with Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Traumatic childbirth experiences, characterized by intense fear, helplessness, or loss of control during labor or delivery, may increase the risk of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Events such as emergency cesarean sections, preterm births, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions have been associated with elevated psychological distress. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the association between traumatic childbirth experiences and postpartum psychiatric disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases was conducted. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Eighteen studies involving 1,892 women were included. Rates of postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder were consistently higher among women who experienced emergency cesarean sections compared to vaginal deliveries. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across study designs, populations, and assessment methods. This review suggests a consistent association between traumatic childbirth experiences and postpartum psychiatric disorders. Further longitudinal research using standardized methodologies is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform the development of effective trauma-informed interventions to support maternal mental health
“A review of PFAS remediation: Separation and degradation technologies for water and wastewater treatment”
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) known for their persistence and accumulation in the environment, are particularly concerning. PFAS are synthetic compounds characterized by fully fluorinated carbon chains, making them resistant to conventional water treatment methods, and causing contamination in different environmental matrices. Various technologies, including adsorption, membrane filtration, electrochemical oxidation, and biological degradation, demonstrate significant potential but face unique key gaps and challenges. Adsorption struggles with short-chain PFAS and material regeneration, Granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins (IER) show promising results through adsorption, but further optimization is needed. Membrane technologies like nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) offer robust solutions, although energy consumption and fouling issues need resolution. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is promising but is limited by high costs, scalability, and electrode degradation. Biological degradation is eco-friendly but time-consuming and requires specialized microbial strains. Future research should prioritize improving the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of PFAS removal technologies, with a focusing on overcoming current limitations. Conducting detailed cost analyses is crucial to evaluate the feasibility of full-scale applications