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Personalized medicine, which involves modifying treatment strategies/drug dosages based on massive laboratory/imaging data, faces large statistical and study design problems. The authors believe that the use of continuous multidimensional data, such as those regarding gut microbiota, or binary multidimensional systems properly transformed into a continuous variable, such as the epigenetic clock, offer an advantageous scenario for the design of trials of personalized medicine. We will discuss examples focusing on kidney diseases, specifically on IgA nephropathy. While gut dysbiosis can provide a treatment strategy to restore the standard gut microbiota using probiotics, transforming epigenetic omics data into epigenetic clocks offers a promising tool for personalized acute and chronic kidney disease care. Epigenetic clocks involve a complex transformation of DNA methylome data into estimated biological age. These clocks can identify people at high risk of developing kidney problems even before symptoms appear. Some of the effects of both the epigenetic clock and microbiota on kidney diseases seem to be mediated by endothelial dysfunction. These “big data” (epigenetic clocks and microbiota) can help tailor treatment plans by pinpointing patients likely to experience rapid declines or those who might not need overly aggressive therapies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 20% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGF-β signaling plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and immune responses. TGF-β signals through SMAD proteins, which are intracellular molecules that transmit TGF-β signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Alterations in the TGF-β pathway and mutations in SMAD proteins are common in metastatic CRC (mCRC), making them critical factors in CRC tumorigenesis. This review first analyzes normal TGF-β signaling and then investigates its role in CRC pathogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms through which TGF-β influences metastasis development. TGF-β promotes neoangiogenesis via VEGF overexpression, pericyte differentiation, and other mechanisms. Additionally, TGF-β affects various elements of the tumor microenvironment, including T cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis. Given its strategic role in multiple processes, we explored different strategies to target TGF-β in mCRC patients, aiming to identify new therapeutic options.

The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, with prospects indicating its potential to become the leading cause of death worldwide in the coming years. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as neoplastic disease undergoing chemotherapy, those on immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with rare diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF), face heightened challenges due to AMR. CF is a rare disease caused by a deficiency in the synthesis of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel protein, resulting in multi-organ clinical symptoms, particularly in the respiratory system. PwCF experience recurrent pulmonary exacerbations triggered by bacterial or viral infections, making them particularly vulnerable to the impact of AMR. This review delves into the complex relationship between AMR and climate dynamics, focusing on the unique challenges faced by individuals with CF. It discusses the methods employed to measure AMR, its global impact on antibiotic resistance, and the specific microbial communities present in the CF airway. The review also explores the intricacies of antimicrobial resistance within the context of cystic fibrosis, emphasizing the urgent need for research in this field.

The infection caused by Clostridioides difficile represents one of the bacterial infections with the greatest increase in incidence among nosocomial infections in recent years. C. difficile is a Gram-positive bacterium able to produce toxins and spores. In some cases, infection results in severe diarrhoea and fulminant colitis, which cause prolonged hospitalisation and can be fatal, with repercussions also in terms of health economics. C. difficile is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in the healthcare setting. The problem of bacterial forms that are increasingly resistant to common antibiotic treatments is also reflected in C. difficile infection (CDI). One of the causes of CDI is intestinal dysmicrobialism induced by prolonged antibiotic therapy. Moreover, in recent years, the emergence of increasingly virulent strains resistant to antibiotic treatment has made the picture even more complex. Evidence on preventive treatments to avoid recurrence is unclear. Current guidelines indicate the following antibiotics for the treatment of CDI: metronidazole, vancomycin, and fidaxomycin. This short narrative review provides an overview of CDI, antibiotic resistance, and emerging treatments.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly pathogenic and transmissible virus, has spurred an impressive accumulation of knowledge [...]

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are the most prevalent neurobiological disorders in children. The etiology comprises genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors such as dysfunction of the immune system. Epigenetic mechanisms are mainly represented by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs (miRNA). The major explored epigenetic mechanism is mediated by miRNAs which target genes known to be involved in ASD pathogenesis. Salivary poly-omic RNA measurements have been associated with ASD and are helpful to differentiate ASD endophenotypes. This study aims to comprehensively examine miRNA expression in children with ASD and to reveal potential biomarkers and possible disease mechanisms so that they can be used to improve faction between individuals by promoting more personalized therapeutic approaches.Materials and methodsSaliva samples were collected from 10 subjects: 5 samples of children with ASD and 5 from healthy controls. miRNAs were analyzed using an Illumina Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) system.ResultsPreliminary data highlighted the presence of 365 differentially expressed miRNAs. Pathway analysis, molecular function, biological processes, and target genes of 41 dysregulated miRNAs were assessed, of which 20 were upregulated, and 21 were downregulated in children with ASD compared to healthy controls.ConclusionThe results of this study represent preliminary but promising data, as the identified miRNA pathways could represent useful biomarkers for the early non-invasive diagnosis of ASD.

Chemotherapy represents the main pharmacological cancer treatment. Recently, positive effects emerged with the combination of anticancer therapy and nutraceutical products. The aim of this systematic review is to collect and synthesize the available scientific evidence regarding the potential effects of nutraceuticals on cancer cells. A systematic literature search of randomized clinical trials of nutraceutical products in patients with cancer published up to 15 December 2022 was conducted using three data sources: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. The effect of high-dose isoflavone supplements on prostate cancer resulted in stabilization or reduction of PSA concentrations in 50% of isoflavone group patients six months after treatment. High doses of vitamin D supplementation plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer showed a median PFS of 13.0 months (95% CI, 10.1–14.7 months) for 49 patients. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on markers of inflammatory level and antioxidant capacity in women with breast cancer showed a significant increase in serum vitamin D concentration (28 ± 2.6 to 39 ± 3.5; p = 0.004) after 8 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, nutraceutical supplements represent a potentially growing sector and can be utilized in medical treatment or nutrition to provide integrated medical care.

Free radicals are produced during metabolic processes in the human body and can lead to oxidative stress, cellular aging, and the development of various diseases [...]

Oral disorders including non-homogeneous leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erosive lichen planus, and many others can potentially progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Currently, the late diagnosis of OSCC contributes to high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for specific markers and early intervention. In this study, we present a novel, quick, sensitive, and non-invasive method for the early detection and screening of oral cancer, enabling the qualitative assessment of neoplastic forms even before the onset of symptoms. Our method directly examines the expression of oral cancer biomarkers, such as the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), and steroid receptors, including the androgen receptor (AR) and the estrogen receptor (ER). The crosstalk between sexual hormones and the EGF receptor plays a crucial role in the progression of different types of cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To implement our method, we developed a kit box comprising nine wells or stations, each containing buffers, lysis systems, and dried/lyophilized antibodies stored at room temperature. The kit includes instruments for sample collection and a PVDF strip (Immobilon) with specific primary antibodies immobilized on it. These antibodies capture the target proteins from cytological samples. Additionally, complementary tools are provided to ensure efficient utilization and optimal test performance. The technique can be performed outside the laboratory, either “patient side” with an instant chemocolorimetric response or with a digital reader utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Translational medicine is an interdisciplinary field that combines basic research findings with clinical practice to accelerate the development of new diagnostic tools, therapies, and preventive strategies for human diseases [...]

Fungal infections, named mycosis, can cause severe invasive and systemic diseases that can even lead to death. In recent years, epidemiological data have recorded an increase in cases of severe fungal infections, caused mainly by a growing number of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of fungal pathogenic forms that are increasingly resistant to antimycotic drug treatments. Consequently, an increase in the incidence of mortality due to fungal infections has also been observed. Among the most drug-resistant fungal forms are those belonging to the Candida and Aspergillus spp. Some pathogens are widespread globally, while others are endemic in some areas only. In addition, some others may represent a health threat for some specific subpopulations and not for the general public. In contrast to the extensive therapeutic armamentarium available for the antimicrobial chemotherapeutic treatment of bacteria, for fungal infections there are only a few classes of antimycotic drugs on the market, such as polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and a few molecules are under trial. In this review, we focused on the systemic mycosis, highlighted the antifungal drug compounds available in the pipeline, and analyzed the main molecular mechanisms for the development of antifungal resistance to give a comprehensive overview and increase awareness on this growing health threat.

Vitamin D promotes kidney calcium reabsorption and regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, as well as the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus and bone mineralization events. Vitamin D is also known for its immunomodulatory properties. It has been shown in the literature that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, performs multiple functions in the adaptive and innate immune system, as well as acting on the endothelial membrane. Recent evidence shows that vitamin D is a negative endocrine modulator of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), with protection from diseases leading to lung damage, such as pneumonia caused by various pathogens. Vitamin D support associated with the use of antibiotics could be crucial to counteract these infectious diseases.

A major challenge in the clinical management of prostate cancer (PC) is to inhibit tumor growth and prevent metastatic spreading. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to discover new compounds useful for PC therapy, and promising advances in this field were reached. Drugs currently used in PC therapy frequently induce resistance and PC progresses toward metastatic castration-resistant forms (mCRPC), making it virtually incurable. Curcumin, a commercially available nutritional supplement, represents an attractive therapeutic agent for mCRPC patients. In the present study, we compared the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as docetaxel, paclitaxel, and cisplatin, to curcumin, on two PC cell lines displaying a different metastatic potential: DU145 (moderate metastatic potential) and PC-3 (high metastatic potential). Our results revealed a dose-dependent reduction of DU145 and PC-3 cell viability upon treatment with curcumin similar to chemotherapeutic agents (paclitaxel, cisplatin, and docetaxel). Furthermore, we explored the EGFR-mediated signaling effects on ERK activation in DU145 and PC-3 cells. Our results showed that DU145 and PC-3 cells overexpress EGFR, and the treatment with chemotherapeutic agents or curcumin reduced EGFR expression levels and ERK activation. Finally, chemotherapeutic agents and curcumin reduced the size of DU145 and PC-3 spheroids and have the potential to induce apoptosis and also in Matrigel. In conclusion, despite different studies being carried out to identify the potential synergistic curcumin combinations with chemopreventive/therapeutic efficacy for inhibiting PC growth, the results show the ability of curcumin used alone, or in combinatorial approaches, to impair the size and the viability of PC-derived spheroids.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in brain aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. New therapeutic agents are necessary to cross the blood–brain barrier and target disease pathogenesis without causing disagreeable side effects. Resveratrol (RSV) may act as a neuroprotective compound, but little is known about its potential in improving the cognitive and metabolic aspects that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of RSV against hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in neuronal PC12 cells. For the induction of the hypoxia model, the cells were exposed to oxygen-deprived gas in a hypoxic chamber. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by a fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was analyzed by using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA) tests. The expression of activated caspase-3, -9, Bcl-2, Bax, p53, and SOD was investigated by a Western blot analysis. We found that hypoxia reduced PC12 viability by inducing apoptosis, while RSV treatment attenuated the ROS-induced damage by reducing caspase-3, -9, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The RSV treated groups were found to improve cellular health, with a 7.41% increase in the S phase population in the 10 µM group, compared to the control. Hence, RSV has a protective effect in neuronal cells and may halt the cell cycle in the G1/S phase to repair the intracellular damage. Therefore, RSV could be a good candidate to act as an antioxidant and promising preventive therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases for personalized medicine.

Stem cells can be used to replace damaged cells or regenerate organs and have broadened our knowledge of the development and progression of certain diseases. Despite significant advances in understanding stem cell biology, several problems limit their use. These problems are related not only to the growth of tumors in animal models and their rejection in transplant cases but also to ethical and social issues about the use of embryonic cells. The ethical-scientific debate on this type of cells has taken on great interest both for their application in regenerative medicine and for the potential possibilities in the field of cell and gene therapy. Different points of view often have the expression of a perception that depends on scientific goals or opportunities or on religious traditions and beliefs. Therefore, as the questions and doubts about when life begins, so do the answers for the use of these cells as therapy or otherwise. So, in addition to the origin of stem cells, there are currently some social bioethical (such as political and legislative issues) and religious dilemmas. The purpose of the study is aimed at being a narrative on the history of stem cells and the evolution of their use to date, as well as to clarify the bioethical position of the various religions today in comparison with the social ones regarding the research and use of embryonic and adult ones. Hence, their biological hypostasis regarding the concepts of “conception” and “fertilization” and their development and therapeutic use compared to those of the main theological doctrines.

The human intestine is colonized by a huge number of microorganisms from the moment of birth. This set of microorganisms found throughout the human body, is called the microbiota; the microbiome indicates the totality of genes that the microbiota can express, i.e., its genetic heritage. Thus, microbiota participates in and influences the proper functioning of the organism. The microbiota is unique for each person; it differs in the types of microorganisms it contains, the number of each microorganism, and the ratio between them, but mainly it changes over time and under the influence of many factors. Therefore, the correct functioning of the human body depends not only on the expression of its genes but also on the expression of the genes of the microorganisms it coexists with. This fact makes clear the enormous interest of community science in studying the relationship of the human microbiota with human health and the incidence of disease. The microbiota is like a unique personalized “mold” for each person; it differs quantitatively and qualitatively for the microorganisms it contains together with the relationship between them, and it changes over time and under the influence of many factors. We are attempting to modulate the microbial components in the human intestinal microbiota over time to provide positive feedback on the health of the host, from intestinal diseases to cancer. These interventions to modulate the intestinal microbiota as well as to identify the relative microbiome (genetic analysis) can range from dietary (with adjuvant prebiotics or probiotics) to fecal transplantation. This article researches the recent advances in these strategies by exploring their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, we aim to understand the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and pathologies, through the research of resident microbiota, that would allow the personalization of the therapeutic antibiotic strategy.

Beer is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, rich in chemical compounds of natural origin with high nutritional and biological value. It is made up of water, barley malt, hops, and yeast. The main nutrients are carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and other compounds such as polyphenols which are responsible for the many health benefits associated with this consumption of drinks. Hops and malt are one of the raw materials for beer and are a source of phenolic compounds. In fact, about 30% of the polyphenols in beer comes from hops and 70%-80% from malt. Natural compounds of foods or plants exert an important antioxidant activity, counteracting the formation of harmful free radicals. In the presence of an intense stressing event, cells activate specific responses to counteract cell death or senescence which is known to act as a key-task in the onset of age-related pathologies and in the loss of tissue homeostasis. Many studies have shown positive effects of natural compounds as beer polyphenols on biological systems. The main aims of our research were to determine the polyphenolic profile of three fractions, coming from stages of beer production, the mashing process (must), the filtration process (prehopping solution), and the boiling process with the addition of hops (posthopping solution), and to evaluate the effects of these fractions on Dental-derived Stem Cells (D-dSCs) and human intestinal epithelial lines (Caco-2 cells). Furthermore, we underline the bioavailability of beer fraction polyphenols by carrying out the in vitro intestinal absorption using the Caco-2 cell model. We found an antioxidant, proliferating, and antisenescent effects of the fractions deriving from the brewing process on D-dSCs and Caco-2 cells. Finally, our results demonstrated that the bioavailability of polyphenols is greater in beer than in the control standards used, supporting the future clinical application of these compounds as potential therapeutic tools in precision and translational medicine.

Background: To date, in personalized medicine approaches, single-cell analyses such as circulating tumour cells (CTC) are able to reveal small structural cell modifications, and therefore can retrieve several biophysical cell properties, such as the cell dimension, the dimensional relationship between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and the optical density of cellular sub-compartments. On this basis, we present in this study a new morphological measurement approach for the detection of vital CTC from pleural washing in individual non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Materials and methods: After a diagnosis of pulmonary malignancy, pleural washing was collected from nine NSCLC patients. The collected samples were processed with a density gradient separation process. Light scattering analysis was performed on a single cell. The results of this analysis were used to obtain the cell’s biophysical pattern and, later on, as basis for Machine Learning (ML) on unknown samples. Results: Morphological single-cell analysis followed by ML show a predictive picture for an NSCLC patient, screening that it is possible to distinguish CTC from other cells. Moreover, we find that the proposed measurement approach was fast, reliable, label-free, identifying and count CTC in a biological fluid. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that CTC Biophysical Profile by Pure Light Scattering in NSCLC could be used as a promising diagnostic candidate in NSCLC patients.

The accumulation of adipose tissue in the body occurs because the energy introduced with food and drink exceeds that expense, but to understand why this imbalance is established and why it is maintained over time, it is important to consider the main causes and risk factors of excess weight. In this review, we will refer to the main factors linked to obesity, starting from oxidative stress to hormonal factors including the role of obesity in breast cancer. Among the many hypotheses formulated on the etiopathology of obesity, a key role can be attributed to the relationship between stress oxidative and intestinal microbiota. Multiple evidences tend to show that genetic, epigenetic, and lifestyle factors contribute to determine in the obese an imbalance of the redox balance correlated with the alteration of the intestinal microbial flora. Obesity acts negatively on the wound healing, in fact several studies indicate morbid obesity significantly increased the risk of a post-operative wound complication and infection. Currently, in the treatment of obesity, medical interventions are aimed not only at modifying caloric intake, but also to modulate and improve the composition of diet with the aim of rebalancing the microbiota-redox state axis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic created an unprecedented public health emergency. Early recognition of an infected person and disruption of the transmission pathway are the keys to controlling this major public health threat around the world. The scientifically reliable screening method is an RT-PCR test that is performed on an ororhinopharyngeal swab in the laboratory. In the current severe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is necessary to identify devices for rapid diagnosis to reduce the spread of the disease. The aim of this study was to provide a qualitative, rapid, sensitive, and specific method for a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the recognition of specific antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The device was built by assembling commercially available and custom-made semi-finished products. The method was performed in environments outside the laboratory, i.e., “patient side,” with an immediate chemocolorimetric response or with a digital reader using an ELISA method.

Genetic and environmental factors are underlying causes of obesity and other metabolic diseases, so it is therefore difficult to find suitable and effective medical treatments. However, without a doubt, the gut microbiota—and also the bacteria present in the oral cavity—act as key factors in the development of these pathologies, yet the mechanisms have not been fully described. Certainly, a more detailed knowledge of the structure of the microbiota—composition, intra- and inter-species relationships, metabolic functions—could be of great help in counteracting the onset of obesity. Identifying key bacterial species will allow us to create a database of “healthy” bacteria, making it possible to manipulate the bacterial community according to metabolic and clinical needs. Targeting gut microbiota in clinical care as treatment for obesity and health-related complications—even just for weight loss has become a real possibility. In this topical review we provide an overview of the role of the microbiota on host energy homeostasis and obesity-related metabolic diseases, therefore addressing the therapeutic potential of novel and existing strategies (impact of nutrition/dietary modulation, and fecal microbiota transplantation) in the treatment of metabolic disease.

The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased worldwide over the past three decades. The conventional approaches to prevent or treat this syndrome and its associated complications include a balanced diet, an increase energy expenditure, and lifestyle modification. Multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been developed with the aim of improving obesity complications. Recently, the use of functional foods and their bioactive components is considered a new approach in the prevention and management of this disease. Due to their biological properties, polyphenols may be considered as nutraceuticals and food supplement recommended for different syndromes. Polyphenols are a class of naturally-occurring phytochemicals, some of which have been shown to modulate physiological and molecular pathways involved in energy metabolism. Polyphenols could act in the stimulation of β-oxidation, adipocyte differentiation inhibition, counteract oxidative stress, etc. In this narrative review, we considered the association between polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, and some polyphenolic extracts) and obesity, focusing on human trials. The health effects of polyphenols depend on the amount consumed and their bioavailability. Some results are contrasting, probably due to the various study designs and lengths, variation among subjects (age, gender, ethnicity), and chemical forms of the dietary polyphenols used. But, in conclusion, the data so far obtained encourage the setting of new trials, necessary to validate benefic role of polyphenols in obese individuals.

The human microbiota shows pivotal roles in urologic health and disease. Emerging studies indicate that gut and urinary microbiomes can impact several urological diseases, both benignant and malignant, acting particularly on prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Indeed, the microbiota exerts its influence on prostate cancer initiation and/or progression mechanisms through the regulation of chronic inflammation, apoptotic processes, cytokines, and hormonal production in response to different pathogenic noxae. Additionally, therapies’ and drugs’ responses are influenced in their efficacy and tolerability by microbiota composition. Due to this complex potential interconnection between prostate cancer and microbiota, exploration and understanding of the involved relationships is pivotal to evaluate a potential therapeutic application in clinical practice. Several natural compounds, moreover, seem to have relevant effects, directly or mediated by microbiota, on urologic health, posing the human microbiota at the crossroad between prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer development. Here, we aim to analyze the most recent evidence regarding the possible crosstalk between prostate, microbiome, and inflammation.

Background: Oral pathogens may exert the ability to trigger differently the activation of local macrophage immune responses, for instance Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans induce predominantly pro-inflammatory (M1-like phenotypes) responses, while oral commensal microbiota primarily elicits macrophage functions consistent with the anti-inflammatory (M2-like phenotypes). Methods: In healthy individuals vs. periodontal disease patients’ blood samples, the differentiation process from monocyte to M1 and M2 was conducted using two typical growth factors, the granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). Results: In contrast with the current literature our outcomes showed a noticeable increase of macrophage polarization from healthy individuals vs. periodontal patients. The biological and clinical significance of these data was discussed. Conclusions: Our translational findings showed a significant variance between control versus periodontal disease groups in M1 and M2 marker expression within the second group significantly lower skews differentiation of M2-like macrophages towards an M1-like phenotype. Macrophage polarization in periodontal tissue may be responsible for the development and progression of inflammation-induced periodontal tissue damage, including alveolar bone loss, and modulating macrophage function may be a potential strategy for periodontal disease management.

(1) Background: In dentistry, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have progressively earned great interest as antimicrobial drugs and are widely used in several biomedical fields. Recent progress in the analysis of complex bacterial communities has demonstrated the richness of the oral microbiota and the presence of numerous previously unexplained strains. Several efforts have been dedicated to the investigation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Those peptides are a widespread group of small peptides against invading microbes. We report the production of a hybrid molecule composed of AgNPs and indolicidin, a well-known antibacterial peptide. (2) Methods: Spectroscopy and microscopy were used to analyze the optical features and to determine the size of the generated AgNPs. The AgNP antibacterial activity was evaluated versus oral Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. (3) Results: The coated nanoparticles’ antibacterial activity strongly inhibited the growth of microorganisms, with very low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 5−12.5 μg/mL. We hypothesize that this effect depended on the specific characteristics of the metal surface coated with indolicidin. The second result was that the coated nanoparticles observed cellular toxicity, was lower with respect to the toxicity of peptide and the naked AgNPs when used individually. (4) New investigations regarding antimicrobial effect of AgNPs coated with AMPs in oral infections are an urgent task.

Hypoxia induces myocardial injury through the activation of inflammatory and oxidative processes. The pivotal role of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases has been firmly established in clinical trials and practice; in fact many experimental and clinical data have highlighted that its inhibition has a cardioprotective role. Activated RAS also stimulates inflammation directly inducing proinflammatory and oxidative gene expression. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of a pre-treatment (10 and 100 μM) with irbesartan on injury induced by 24 h of hypoxia in HL-1 cardiomyocytes; in particular, we have analyzed the natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression, a biomarker able to modulate inflammatory reaction to cardiac injury and some markers involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Our results demonstrated that a pre-treatment with 100 μM irbesartan significantly increased SOD activity and catalase expression of 15 and 25%, respectively, compared to hypoxic cells (P

Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) is a heterogeneous disease encompassing a variety of tumors according to the origin. Laryngeal cancer (LC) represents one of the most frequent tumors in the head and neck region. Despite clinical studies and advance in treatment, satisfactory curative strategy has not yet been reached. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the identification of specific molecular signatures that better predict the clinical outcomes and markers that serve as suitable therapeutic targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported as important regulators of gene expression and represent an innovative pharmacological application as molecular biomarkers in cancer. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most relevant epigenetic and histological prognostic biomarkers in HNC, with particular focus on LC. We summarize the emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in HNC and LC development and their possible use in early diagnosis.