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1.
Kidney stones in renal transplant recipients: A systematic review.
Piana, A, Basile, G, Masih, S, Bignante, G, Uleri, A, Gallioli, A, Prudhomme, T, Boissier, R, Pecoraro, A, Campi, R, et al
Actas urologicas espanolas. 2024;(1):79-104
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lithiasis in renal graft recipients might be a dangerous condition with a potential risk of organ function impairment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic literature search was conducted through February 2023. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of lithiasis in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The secondary objective was to assess the timing of stone formation, localization and composition of stones, possible treatment options, and the incidence of graft loss. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A total of 41 non-randomized studies comprising 699 patients met our inclusion criteria. The age at lithiasis diagnosis ranged between 29-53 years. Incidence of urolithiasis ranged from 0.1-6.3%, usually diagnosed after 12 months from KT. Most of the stones were diagnosed in the calyces or in the pelvis. Calcium oxalate composition was the most frequent. Different treatment strategies were considered, namely active surveillance, ureteroscopy, percutaneous/combined approach, or open surgery. 15.73% of patients were submitted to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while 26.75% underwent endoscopic lithotripsy or stone extraction. 18.03% of patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy whilst 3.14% to a combined approach. Surgical lithotomy was performed in 5.01% of the cases. Global stone-free rate was around 80%. CONCLUSIONS Lithiasis in kidney transplant is a rare condition usually diagnosed after one year after surgery and mostly located in the calyces and renal pelvis, more frequently of calcium oxalate composition. Each of the active treatments is associated with good results in terms of stone-free rate, thus the surgical technique should be chosen according to the patient's characteristics and surgeon preferences.
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Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Sports Performance and Performance-Related Features in Athletes: A Systematic Review.
Di Dio, M, Calella, P, Pelullo, CP, Liguori, F, Di Onofrio, V, Gallè, F, Liguori, G
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2023;(3)
Abstract
This review aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance and performance-related conditions in athletes by evaluating randomized controlled studies from the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) databases. From a total of 2304 relevant articles, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies concern endurance athletes, one to rugby players, three refer to non-specified athletes, one to badminton players, and one involves baseball players. The evidence suggests that the integration of athletes' diets with some bacterial strains and also the consumption of multi-strain compounds may lead to an improvement in performance and can positively affect performance-related aspects such as fatigue, muscle pain, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, the type of supplementation and sport is very variable among the studies examined. Therefore, to obtain more solid evidence, further controlled and comparable studies are needed to expand the research regarding the possible repercussions of probiotics use on athletes' performance.
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3.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Cell Growth, Inhibits Autophagy, and Counteracts Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion: Evidence from In Vitro Studies.
Bossio, S, Perri, A, Gallo, R, De Bartolo, A, Rago, V, La Russa, D, Di Dio, M, La Vignera, S, Calogero, AE, Vitale, G, et al
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;(23)
Abstract
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant dithiol compound, exerting antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects in various cancer cell lines. In our study, we demonstrated that ALA reduces the cell growth of prostate cancer cells LNCaP and DU-145. Western blot results revealed that in both cancer cells, ALA, by upregulating pmTOR expression, reduced the protein content of two autophagy initiation markers, Beclin-1 and MAPLC3. Concomitantly, MTT assays showed that chloroquine (CQ) exposure, a well-known autophagy inhibitor, reduced cells' viability. This was more evident for treatment using the combination ALA + CQ, suggesting that ALA can reduce cells' viability by inhibiting autophagy. In addition, in DU-145 cells we observed that ALA affected the oxidative/redox balance system by deregulating the KEAP1/Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway. ALA decreased ROS production, SOD1 and GSTP1 protein expression, and significantly reduced the cytosolic and nuclear content of the transcription factor Nrf2, concomitantly downregulating p62, suggesting that ALA disrupted p62-Nrf2 feedback loop. Conversely, in LNCaP cells, ALA exposure upregulated both SOD1 and p62 protein expression, but did not affect the KEAP1/Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway. In addition, wound-healing, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays evidenced that ALA significantly reduced the motility of LNCaP and DU-145 cells and downregulated the protein expression of TGFβ1 and vimentin and the deposition of fibronectin. Finally, a soft agar assay revealed that ALA decreased the colony formation of both the prostate cancer cells by affecting the anchorage independent growth. Collectively, our in vitro evidence demonstrated that in prostate cancer cells, ALA reduces cell growth and counteracts both migration and invasion. Further studies are needed in order to achieve a better understanding of the underlined molecular mechanisms.
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4.
Association between NLRP3 rs10754558 and CARD8 rs2043211 Variants and Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease.
La Russa, A, Lofaro, D, Montesanto, A, La Russa, D, Zaza, G, Granata, S, Di Dio, M, Serra, R, Andreucci, M, Bonofiglio, R, et al
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;(4)
Abstract
Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a multi-protein complex belonging to the innate immune system, whose activation by danger stimuli promotes inflammatory cell death. Evidence supports the crucial role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the transition of acute kidney injury to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), by promoting both inflammation and fibrotic processes. Variants of NLRP3 pathway-related genes, such as NLRP3 itself and CARD8, have been associated with susceptibility to different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated for the first time the association of functional variants of NLRP3 pathway-related genes (NLRP3-rs10754558, CARD8-rs2043211), with a susceptibility to CKD. A cohort of kidney transplant recipients, dialysis and CKD stage 3-5 patients (303 cases) and a cohort of elderly controls (85 subjects) were genotyped for the variants of interest and compared by using logistic regression analyses. Our analysis showed a significantly higher G allele frequency of the NLRP3 variant (67.3%) and T allele of the CARD8 variant (70.8%) among cases, compared with the control sample (35.9 and 31.2%, respectively). Logistic regressions showed significant associations (p < 0.001) between NLRP3 and CARD8 variants and cases. Our results suggest that the NLRP3 rs10754558 and CARD8 rs2043211 variants could be associated with a susceptibility to CKD.
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Clinical Effects of Oral Supplementation of Gamma-Cyclodextrin Curcumin Complex in Male Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-Related Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
Crocerossa, F, Cantiello, F, Bagalá, L, Sicoli, F, Carbonara, U, Manfredi, C, Falagario, U, Veccia, A, Pandolfo, SD, Napolitano, L, et al
Urologia internationalis. 2023;(10-12):924-934
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in males. Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties which may be effective for BPH. This multi-arm observational study evaluated the real-world efficacy of QURMIN® (Gamma-cyclodextrin-curcumin Complex-CAVACURMIN®) as single or combination therapy for BPH. METHODS Men with moderate-severe LUTS/BPH, receiving a 6-month supplementation with QURMIN® alone or in combination with BPH-specific medication were propensity score matched with patients not taking curcumin and then divided into subgroups based on concomitant baseline treatment. Cohorts were compared in the 6-month variation of IPSS, quality of life (IPSS-QoL), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BII) and uroflowmetry parameters. Curcumin tolerability was evaluated in terms of discontinuations and adverse effects. RESULTS The 1:1 propensity score matching resulted in a treatment-naïve (n = 152), an alpha-blocker only (AB) (n = 138) and AB + 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) (n = 78) subgroup. After 6 months, drug-naïve patients taking curcumin reported significant improvement in IPSS-storage (-3.9, p < 0.001), IPSS-voiding (-2.0, p = 0.011), IPSS-total (-5.9, p < 0.001), IPSS-QoL (-3.9, p < 0.001), BII (-2.0, p < 0.001), Qmax (+3.1 mL/s, p < 0.001), Qmean (+1.9 mL/s, p = 0.005), post-void residual volume (-7.7 mL, p < 0.001), and PSA (-0.3 ng/mL, p = 0.003), compared to controls. Patients taking ABs and curcumin showed improvement in IPSS-storage (-2.7, p < 0.001), IPSS-voiding (-1.3, p = 0.033), IPSS-total (-3.5, p < 0.001), IPSS-QoL (-1.1, p = 0.004), BII (-1.7, p = 0.006), Qmax (+1.0 mL/s, p = 0.006), and PSA (-0.2 ng/mL, p = 0.01). Patients taking curcumin and AB + 5-ARI showed improvement in IPSS-storage (-1.3, p = 0.007), IPSS-total (-1.6, p = 0.034), IPSS-QoL (-1.1, p < 0.001), and BII (-2.0, p < 0.001). No adverse reactions were reported for curcumin supplementation. CONCLUSION QURMIN® (CAVACURMIN®) led to significant improvements in symptom burden, uroflow parameters, and QoL, without significant additional side effects, thus proving to be a potential new treatment for BPH, either as a single therapy or in addition to standard treatment.
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Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spirulina in exercise and sport: A systematic review.
Calella, P, Cerullo, G, Di Dio, M, Liguori, F, Di Onofrio, V, Gallè, F, Liguori, G
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;:1048258
Abstract
UNLABELLED Arthrospira platensis, also known as spirulina, is currently one of the most well-known algae supplements, mainly due to its high content of bioactive compounds that may promote human health. Some authors have hypothesized that spirulina consumption could protect subjects from exercise-induced oxidative stress, accelerate recovery by reducing muscle damage, and stimulate the immune system. Based on this, the main goal of this review was to critically analyze the effects of spirulina on oxidative stress, immune system, inflammation and performance in athletes and people undergoing exercise interventions. Of the 981 articles found, 428 studies were considered eligible and 13 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Most recently spirulina supplementation has demonstrated ergogenic potential during submaximal exercise, increasing oxygen uptake and improving exercise tolerance. Nevertheless, spirulina supplementation does not seem to enhance physical performance in power athletes. Considering that data supporting benefits to the immune system from spirulina supplementation is still lacking, overall evidence regarding the benefit of spirulina supplementation in healthy people engaged in physical exercise is scarce and not consistent. Currently, spirulina supplementation might be considered in athletes who do not meet the recommended dietary intake of antioxidants. Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate the effects of spirulina consumption on performance, the immune system and recovery in athletes and active people. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=262896], identifier [CRD42021262896].
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Antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of Spirulina in disease conditions: a systematic review.
Calella, P, Di Dio, M, Cerullo, G, Di Onofrio, V, Gallé, F, Liguori, G
International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2022;(8):1047-1056
Abstract
The goal of this review was to critically evaluate the research on the effects of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on pathological conditions in the general population, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. On a total of 1621 records screened, eighteen studies published between 2001 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Despite variability in research methodology and patient conditions, the findings of these studies generally support the benefits of supplementing diet with SP in subjects with both transmittable and non-transmittable diseases. Improvements were found for all the conditions studied, with the only exception of male infertility. However, the number of clinically controlled trials examining the effects of SP on specific health conditions is still very low, and some studies show medium quality. Further research in this field is needed to confirm the possible clinical role of Spirulina supplementation in parallel with medical therapies.
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An exercise-based educational and motivational intervention after surgery can improve behaviors, physical fitness and quality of life in bariatric patients.
Gallé, F, Marte, G, Cirella, A, Di Dio, M, Miele, A, Ricchiuti, R, Liguori, F, Maida, P, Liguori, G
PloS one. 2020;15(10):e0241336
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Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective method of weight loss for individuals with obesity. However sustained weight loss after surgery can be hindered by unhealthy behaviours that have sustained since before the procedure. Motivational, educational, diet and exercise programmes have been shown to help sustain weight loss following surgery. This non-randomised control trial over 12 months, aimed to assess the effects of a motivational, educational diet and exercise programme on fitness and quality of life in 82 individuals following bariatric surgery. The results showed that a diet and exercise programme improved quality of life and fitness. There was an increased daily intake of fruits and vegetables, eating behaviours were improved and there was a greater weight loss in those following the programme. It was concluded that the diet and exercise programme was responsible for behavioural changes that ensured better quality of life and sustained weight loss following surgery. Health care professionals could use this study to understand the need to recommend motivational and educationally based diet and exercise programme to patients following bariatric surgery.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhealthy lifestyles may hinder bariatric surgery outcomes. This non-randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of an integrated post-operative exercise-based educational and motivational program in improving behaviors, quality of life, anthropometric features, cardiorespiratory and physical fitness in bariatric patients respect to the only surgical intervention. METHODS A group of adult sedentary bariatric patients chose to attend a 12-month exercise program integrated with diet education and motivational support, or to receive usual care. Dietary habits, binge eating disorder, physical activity, obesity-related quality of life, Body Mass Index, waist and hip circumference, VO2max, strength and flexibility were assessed at the start and at the end of the study in both groups. RESULTS On a total of 82 patients enrolled, follow-up measures were obtained from 28 (85.7% females, mean age 38.2±8.7) and 42 (71.4% females, mean age 40.2±9.5) patients included in the intervention and control group, respectively. All the behavioral and physical outcomes improved significantly in the participants to the intervention, while the control group showed lesser changes, especially regarding quality of life and physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the self-selection, these results suggest that a timely postoperative behavioral multidisciplinary program for bariatric patients may be effective in establishing healthy behaviors which can lead to better surgery outcomes.
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Effects of nutrition motivational intervention in patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study in Naples, South Italy.
Di Onofrio, V, Gallé, F, Di Dio, M, Belfiore, P, Liguori, G
BMC public health. 2018;(1):1181
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a prion diminished quality of life, especially due to the severe complications that it implicates. Changing dietary habits is an absolute priority, as well as implementing nutritional motivational programs. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention in improving the health of patients affected by T2D. METHODS A total of 69 patients participated in a nine-months motivational program focused on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, the classes of nutrients, the distribution of the meals during the day and the dietary choices. During regular meetings, the patients were requested to fill out a questionnaire about their dietary habits and behaviours. Clinical and metabolic parameters were also analysed. RESULTS At the end of the intervention the number of people who declared that they ate five meals a day (p = 0.006) and preferred to have fruit for snack (p = 0.004) increased, while there was a reduction in the use of sweeteners and an elimination of the use of fructose (p = 0.05). The total daily consumption of kilocalories (kcal) had been reduced and the percentages of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, after the intervention, follow the guidelines. In relation to this, a significant improvement (p < 0.05) was registered in systolic and diastolic pressure, BMI and waist circumference, as well as in glycaemic values (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS A nutritional motivational intervention may be useful in improving dietary habits and health status of patients with T2D. We hope that a similar intervention will be applied in Campania and in other Italian regions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number is ISRCTN11067689 ; date of registration: 10/09/2018. Retrospectively registered.