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283 results on '"Rusciano, Dario"'

24. Structural Basis for Agonistic Activity and Selectivity toward Melatonin Receptors h MT1 and h MT2.

Author

Cantarini, Mattia, Rusciano, Dario, Amato, Rosario, Canovai, Alessio, Cammalleri, Maurizio, Monte, Massimo Dal, Minnelli, Cristina, Laudadio, Emiliano, Mobbili, Giovanna, Giorgini, Giorgia, and Galeazzi, Roberta

Subjects
*SEROTONIN receptors, *RETINAL ganglion cells, *SEROTONIN antagonists, *MELATONIN, *INTRAOCULAR pressure, *MOLECULAR docking
Abstract

Glaucoma, a major ocular neuropathy originating from a progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Daily IOP fluctuations are physiologically influenced by the antioxidant and signaling activities of melatonin. This endogenous modulator has limited employment in treating altered IOP disorders due to its low stability and bioavailability. The search for low-toxic compounds as potential melatonin agonists with higher stability and bioavailability than melatonin itself could start only from knowing the molecular basis of melatonergic activity. Thus, using a computational approach, we studied the melatonin binding toward its natural macromolecular targets, namely melatonin receptors 1 (MT1) and 2 (MT2), both involved in IOP signaling regulation. Besides, agomelatine, a melatonin-derivative agonist and, at the same time, an atypical antidepressant, was also included in the study due to its powerful IOP-lowering effects. For both ligands, we evaluated both stability and ligand positioning inside the orthosteric site of MTs, mapping the main molecular interactions responsible for receptor activation. Affinity values in terms of free binding energy (ΔGbind) were calculated for the selected poses of the chosen compounds after stabilization through a dynamic molecular docking protocol. The results were compared with experimental in vivo effects, showing a higher potency and more durable effect for agomelatine with respect to melatonin, which could be ascribed both to its higher affinity for hMT2 and to its additional activity as an antagonist for the serotonin receptor 5-HT2c, in agreement with the in silico results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
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28. Efficacy of a New Antioxidants Blend in Protecting RPE Cells in vitro and in Improving the Visual Performance of Sport Pilots

Author

Filippello Massimo, Scilio Cristina, Filippello Giulia, Cristaldi Martina, Spampinato Giorgia, and Rusciano Dario

Subjects
genetic structures, sense organs, eye diseases
Abstract

The rationale of this study stems from the consideration that vision is a dynamic process, during which photopigments of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) are continuously consumed and regenerated by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. The whole process of vision triggered by light radiation generates free radicals which are potentially toxic to the cells in the central retina (macula), which is the main player in vision. Therefore, the central retina contains carotenoid pigments (mainly lutein and zeaxanthin) with the double function of shielding the cells from light radiation and providing free radical-scavenging action due to their antioxidant power. Nonetheless, visual performance (including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereoscopic perception) can be hampered by bright light and by sudden changes in illumination conditions, such as during the transit from the dark to intense light. Therefore, objective of this study has been to investigate whether the treatment with a food supplement regimen containing different antioxidant and protective elements shown to protect from photo-oxidative damage retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, might also improve retina functions during challenging light conditions. We present here our findings, showing the protective effects on human RPE cells in vitro of lutein and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) against photo-oxidative stress. Accordingly, the results of a retrospective analysis of a case series show that sport motorcycle test pilots (who need for their profession an optimal visual performance) taking a commercially available food supplement containing a blend of antioxidant and protective molecules (lutein, C3G, verbascoside and zinc), improved their visual abilities and reduced their sensibility to glaring lights in a dose/time-dependent fashion. In conclusion, these results suggest that a food supplement may increase the antioxidant defense of the retina, thus improving the visual performance also during challenging illumination conditions, hence increasing the safety of individuals finding themselves in such situations.

Published
2021

37. Ocular Involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in a Polish Cohort of COVID-19-Positive Patients

Author

Dolar-Szczasny, Joanna, primary, Toro, Mario D., additional, Dworzańska, Anna, additional, Wójtowicz, Tomasz, additional, Korona-Glowniak, Izabela, additional, Sawicki, Rafał, additional, Boguszewska, Anastazja, additional, Polz-Dacewicz, Małgorzata, additional, Tomasiewicz, Krzysztof, additional, Załuska, Wojciech, additional, Rejdak, Robert, additional, Bagnoli, Paola, additional, and Rusciano, Dario, additional

Published
2021
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48. Why do cancer cells metastasize into particular organs?

Author

Rusciano, Dario and Burger, Max M.

Subjects
Metastasis -- Research, Cancer -- Research, Cancer cells -- Growth, Biological sciences
Abstract

Studies have shown that the viability of cancer cells in metastatic colonies is due to the presence of growth stimulators that determine their survival in these ectopic sites. Tumor cells first lodge in the microvasculature of target organs or interact with host platelets, vascular endothelium and subendothelial basement membranes then degrade the extracellular matrix to release organ-specific factors that directs their subsequent migration. Immunological tolerance and autocrine and paracrine growth stimulators then determine metatastatic growth.

Published
1992

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