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1.
Biological Activities of Molecules Derived from Olea europaea L. Tested In Vitro.
Marrone, G, Urciuoli, S, Candi, E, Bernini, R, Vanni, G, Masci, C, Guerriero, C, Mancini, M, De Lorenzo, A, Vignolini, P, et al
Life (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(1)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extra virgin olive oil is a typical food of the Mediterranean area, obtained by pressing Olea europaea L. fruits. Its polyphenols have been studied for their antioxidant function and protective action against cancer and chronic kidney disease. In this in vitro study, we tested titrated extracts from Olea europaea L. on a human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293E) cell line, regarding their pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative capacities, using " IncuCyte® S3 Live-Cell Analysis System". MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected Olea europaea L. active compounds like hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OLE). These extracts were tested at different concentrations and characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS for the content in secondary active metabolites. The real-time observation of cell behavior was performed by IncuCyte, which can quantitatively analyze the cell proliferation and death. RESULTS This study showed that all the tested extracts can significantly inhibit cellular growth at 50 µM but the reduced proliferation is not related to an increase in cellular apoptosis. Instead, the same analysis performed by using extracts at 100 µM reveals that they can inhibit cellular growth, further inducing cellular apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS The results on the HEK-293E cells confirmed the antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions of active compounds from an Olea europaea L. matrix in this cell line.
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2.
Linking Migraine to Gut Dysbiosis and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.
Di Lauro, M, Guerriero, C, Cornali, K, Albanese, M, Costacurta, M, Mercuri, NB, Di Daniele, N, Noce, A
Nutrients. 2023;(20)
Abstract
In the world, migraine is one of the most common causes of disability in adults. To date, there is no a single cause for this disorder, but rather a set of physio-pathogenic triggers in combination with a genetic predisposition. Among the factors related to migraine onset, a crucial role seems to be played by gut dysbiosis. In fact, it has been demonstrated how the intestine is able to modulate the central nervous system activities, through the gut-brain axis, and how gut dysbiosis can influence neurological pathologies, including migraine attacks. In this context, in addition to conventional pharmacological treatments for migraine, attention has been paid to an adjuvant therapeutic strategy based on different nutritional approaches and lifestyle changes able to positively modulate the gut microbiota composition. In fact, the restoration of the balance between the different gut bacterial species, the reconstruction of the gut barrier integrity, and the control of the release of gut-derived inflammatory neuropeptides, obtained through specific nutritional patterns and lifestyle changes, represent a possible beneficial additive therapy for many migraine subtypes. Herein, this review explores the bi-directional correlation between migraine and the main chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, obesity, cancer, and chronic kidney diseases, whose link is represented by gut dysbiosis.
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3.
Correlation between physical activity, nutritional intake, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a preliminary evaluation.
Cerulli, C, Moretti, E, Parisi, A, Tranchita, E, Di Lauro, M, Minganti, C, Perrone, MA, Murri, A, Greco, F, Marrone, G, et al
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. 2023;(12):5822-5830
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic syndrome associated with debilitating consequences that represents one of the major non-communicable diseases and the most common bone illness that affects both men and women. This observational study evaluates the amount of physical activity and the nutritional intake in a group of postmenopausal women who have a sedentary job. PATIENTS AND METHODS All subjects underwent a medical evaluation, a body impedance analysis to evaluate body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and body cell mass), and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to analyze bone mineral density. Additionally, a 3-day food record questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered respectively to evaluate patients' foods and beverages assumptions and the participants' Physical Activity levels. RESULTS The study showed that most of the patients had a moderate activity level and inadequate calcium and vitamin D assumption compared to guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The onset of osteoporosis seemed to be reduced at higher levels of leisure time, domestic, and transport activities, even in subjects who have a sedentary job and insufficient assumption of micronutrients.
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4.
Saliva as Biomarker for Oral and Chronic Degenerative Non-Communicable Diseases.
Basilicata, M, Pieri, M, Marrone, G, Nicolai, E, Di Lauro, M, Paolino, V, Tomassetti, F, Vivarini, I, Bollero, P, Bernardini, S, et al
Metabolites. 2023;(8)
Abstract
Saliva is a very complex fluid and it is essential to maintain several physiological processes and functions, including oral health, taste, digestion and immunological defenses. Saliva composition and the oral microbiome can be influenced by several factors, like diet and smoking habits, and their alteration can represent an important access point for pathogens and, thus, for systemic illness onset. In this review, we explore the potentiality of saliva as a new tool for the early detection of some pathological conditions, such as oral diseases, chronic degenerative non-communicable diseases, among these chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also examined the possible correlation between oral and systemic diseases and oral and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In particular, we deeply analyzed the relationship between oral diseases and CKD. In this context, some salivary parameters can represent a new device to detect either oral or systemic pathologies. Moreover, the positive modulation of oral and gut microbiota induced by prebiotics, postbiotics, or symbiotics could represent a new possible adjuvant therapy in the clinical management of oral diseases and CKD.
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5.
The Onco-Nephrology Field: The Role of Personalized Chemotherapy to Prevent Kidney Damage.
Noce, A, Marrone, G, Di Lauro, M, Mitterhofer, AP, Ceravolo, MJ, Di Daniele, N, Manenti, G, De Lorenzo, A
Cancers. 2023;(8)
Abstract
In recent years, the onco-nephrology field has acquired a relevant role in internal medicine due to the growing number of cases of renal dysfunction that have been observed in cancer patients. This clinical complication can be induced by the tumor itself (for example, due to obstructive phenomena affecting the excretory tract or by neoplastic dissemination) or by chemotherapy, as it is potentially nephrotoxic. Kidney damage can manifest as acute kidney injury or represent a worsening of pre-existing chronic kidney disease. In cancer patients, physicians should try to set preventive strategies to safeguard the renal function, avoiding the concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs, personalizing the dose of chemotherapy according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and using an appropriate hydration therapy in combination with nephroprotective compounds. To prevent renal dysfunction, a new possible tool useful in the field of onco-nephrology would be the development of a personalized algorithm for the patient based on body composition parameters, gender, nutritional status, GFR and genetic polymorphisms.
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6.
Possible Beneficial Effects of Hydrolyzable Tannins Deriving from Castanea sativa L. in Internal Medicine.
Marrone, G, Di Lauro, M, Izzo, F, Cornali, K, Masci, C, Vita, C, Occhiuto, F, Di Daniele, N, De Lorenzo, A, Noce, A
Nutrients. 2023;(1)
Abstract
Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) deriving from chestnuts have demonstrated, through numerous studies, the ability to exert multiple beneficial effects, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, on the lipid metabolism and cancer cells. The latter effect is very fascinating, since different polyphenols deriving from chestnuts were able to synergistically induce the inhibition of cancerous cells through multiple pathways. Moreover, the main mechanisms by which tannins induce antioxidant functions include: the reduction in oxidative stress, the ability to scavenge free radicals, and the modulation of specific enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase. HTs have also been shown to exert significant antimicrobial activity by suppressing microbial growth. The actions on the lipid metabolism are several, among which is the inhibition of lipid accumulation. Thus, tannins seem to induce a cardioprotective effect. In fact, through various mechanisms, such as the relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle, HTs were proven to be efficient against arterial hypertension. Therefore, the great number of studies in this field prove the growing interest on the utilization of natural bioactive compounds, such as HTs deriving from natural sources or obtained by circular economy models, as potential nutraceuticals or adjuvants therapies.
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7.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Protection in Chronic Kidney Disease.
Marrone, G, Urciuoli, S, Di Lauro, M, Ruzzolini, J, Ieri, F, Vignolini, P, Di Daniele, F, Guerriero, C, Nediani, C, Di Daniele, N, et al
Nutrients. 2022;(20)
Abstract
The high mortality related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only due to the disease itself; in fact, CKD also represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Among the functional foods that seems to have cardioprotective action, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) plays a pivotal health-promoting role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effects of an EVOO containing a very high content (>900 ppm) of minor phenolic compounds (MPCs). The selected EVOO was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS to establish the MPC content. The Olea extract obtained from the selected EVOO was tested against the RAW 264.7 cell line in order to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity. We enrolled 40 CKD patients under conservative therapy for in vivo clinical testing. All CKD patients consumed 40 mL/day of raw EVOO for 9 weeks (T1). At baseline (T0) and at T1, we monitored the patients’ blood and urinary parameters. The patients’ body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) using ultrasound imaging. At T1, we observed a decrease in inflammatory parameters, CIMT, and oxidative stress biomarkers. We also noticed improvements in lipid and purine metabolism, atherogenic indices, and body composition. Thus, this study highlighted the cardioprotective action of EVOO in nephropathic patients.
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8.
The Utility of Capsicum annuum L. in Internal Medicine and In Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review.
Catalfamo, LM, Marrone, G, Basilicata, M, Vivarini, I, Paolino, V, Della-Morte, D, De Ponte, FS, Di Daniele, F, Quattrone, D, De Rinaldis, D, et al
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;(18)
Abstract
Capsaicin is a chili peppers extract, genus Capsicum, commonly used as a food spice. Since ancient times, Capsaicin has been used as a "homeopathic remedy" for treating a wild range of pathological conditions but without any scientific knowledge about its action. Several studies have demonstrated its potentiality in cardiovascular, nephrological, nutritional, and other medical fields. Capsaicin exerts its actions thanks to the bond with transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is a nociceptive receptor, and its activation starts with a neurosensitive impulse, responsible for a burning pain sensation. However, constant local application of Capsaicin desensitized neuronal cells and leads to relief from neuropathic pain. In this review, we analyze the potential adjuvant role of Capsaicin in the treatment of different pathological conditions either in internal medicine or dentistry. Moreover, we present our experience in five patients affected by oro-facial pain consequent to post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, not responsive to any remedy, and successfully treated with topical application of Capsaicin. The topical application of Capsaicin is safe, effective, and quite tolerated by patients. For these reasons, in addition to the already-proven beneficial actions in the internal field, it represents a promising method for the treatment of neuropathic oral diseases.
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9.
The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Nutritional Status and Its Possible Relation with Oral Diseases.
Costacurta, M, Basilicata, M, Marrone, G, Di Lauro, M, Campolattano, V, Bollero, P, Docimo, R, Di Daniele, N, Noce, A
Nutrients. 2022;(10)
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated a strong relation between periodontal diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main mechanisms at the base of this link are malnutrition, vitamin dysregulation, especially of B-group vitamins and of C and D vitamins, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and low-grade inflammation. In particular, in hemodialysis (HD) adult patients, an impairment of nutritional status has been observed, induced not only by the HD procedures themselves, but also due to numerous CKD-related comorbidities. The alteration of nutritional assessment induces systemic manifestations that have repercussions on oral health, like oral microbiota dysbiosis, slow healing of wounds related to hypovitaminosis C, and an alteration of the supporting bone structures of the oral cavity related to metabolic acidosis and vitamin D deficiency. Low-grade inflammation has been observed to characterize periodontal diseases locally and, in a systemic manner, CKD contributes to the amplification of the pathological process, bidirectionally. Therefore, CKD and oral disease patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary professional team that can evaluate the possible co-presence of these two pathological conditions, that negatively influence each other, and set up therapeutic strategies to treat them. Once these patients have been identified, they should be included in a follow-up program, characterized by periodic checks in order to manage these pathological conditions.
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10.
Verapamil: prevention and treatment of cardio-renal syndromes in diabetic hypertensive patients?
Lido, P, Romanello, D, Tesauro, M, Bei, A, Perrone, MA, Palazzetti, D, Noce, A, Di Lullo, L, Calò, L, Cice, G
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. 2022;(5):1524-1534
Abstract
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often present other chronic comorbidities including arterial hypertension (AH), chronic kidney disease (CKD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The frequent association of the latter conditions is considered part of the spectrum of cardio-renal syndromes (CRS), a group of disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) widely used in the treatment of hypertension, chronic stable angina, secondary prevention of reinfarction, paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia and for rate control in atrial fibrillation/flutter. In addition to its antihypertensive and anti-ischemic actions verapamil exerts favorable effects also on glycemic control, proteinuric diabetic nephropathy, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and sympathetic nervous system overactivity which may potentially benefit patients with DM and CRS. In this narrative review, we summarize the current evidence on the potential role of verapamil in the prevention and treatment of CRS in diabetic hypertensive patients.