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The need to produce an ever-increasing quantity of material products and food resulting from the planet globalization process has contributed to the spread of modern agriculture based on a linear production resulting in the generation of tons of waste. This huge amount of waste is generally accumulated in landfills, causing different environmental problems. Hence, researchers moved on to study the processes used to recover agro-industrial by-products within a circular and sustainable bio-economy concept. A systematic quest on Scopus and PubMed databases was performed to identify the data available to date on recycling agro-industrial by-products of Olea europaea L. This systematic review summarizes the knowledge regarding the use of olive trees by-products for producing animal feed, biocomposites, bioethanol, cellulose pulp, activated carbon, and as a fuel source for energy production. Furthermore, the data regarding the potential biological activity of extracts from olive roots, wood, bark, and pruning were analyzed. Olive trees by-products are, indeed, rich in molecules with antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and anticancer activity, representing a promising candidate for treat several human diseases.
Valentina Lo Giudice; Immacolata Faraone; Maria Roberta Bruno; Maria Ponticelli; Fabiana Labanca; Donatella Bisaccia; Carmine Massarelli; Luigi Milella; Luigi Todaro. Olive Trees By-Products as Sources of Bioactive and Other Industrially Useful Compounds: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2021, 26, 5081 .
AMA StyleValentina Lo Giudice, Immacolata Faraone, Maria Roberta Bruno, Maria Ponticelli, Fabiana Labanca, Donatella Bisaccia, Carmine Massarelli, Luigi Milella, Luigi Todaro. Olive Trees By-Products as Sources of Bioactive and Other Industrially Useful Compounds: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021; 26 (16):5081.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentina Lo Giudice; Immacolata Faraone; Maria Roberta Bruno; Maria Ponticelli; Fabiana Labanca; Donatella Bisaccia; Carmine Massarelli; Luigi Milella; Luigi Todaro. 2021. "Olive Trees By-Products as Sources of Bioactive and Other Industrially Useful Compounds: A Systematic Review." Molecules 26, no. 16: 5081.
In this study, two previously undescribed diterpenoids, (5R,10S,16R)-11,16,19-trihydroxy-12-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-17(15→16),18(4→3)-diabeo-3,8,11,13-abietatetraene-7-one (1) and (5R,10S,16R)-11,16-dihydroxy-12-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-17(15→16),18(4→3)-diabeo-4-carboxy-3,8,11,13-abietatetraene-7-one (2), and one known compound, the C13-nor-isoprenoid glycoside byzantionoside B (3), were isolated from the leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum L. (Lamiaceae). Structures were established based on spectroscopic and spectrometric data and by comparison with literature data. The three terpenoids, along with five phenylpropanoids: 6′-O-caffeoyl-12-glucopyranosyloxyjasmonic acid (4), jionoside C (5), jionoside D (6), brachynoside (7), and incanoside C (8), previously isolated from the same source, were tested for their in vitro antidiabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), anticancer (Hs578T and MDA-MB-231), and anticholinesterase activities. In an in vitro test against carbohydrate digestion enzymes, compound 6 showed the most potent effect against mammalian α-amylase (IC50 3.4 ± 0.2 μM) compared to the reference standard acarbose (IC50 5.9 ± 0.1 μM). As yeast α-glucosidase inhibitors, compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 displayed moderate inhibitory activities, ranging from 24.6 to 96.0 μM, compared to acarbose (IC50 665 ± 42 μM). All of the tested compounds demonstrated negligible anticholinesterase effects. In an anticancer test, compounds 3 and 5 exhibited moderate antiproliferative properties with IC50 of 94.7 ± 1.3 and 85.3 ± 2.4 μM, respectively, against Hs578T cell, while the rest of the compounds did not show significant activity (IC50 > 100 μM).
Josim Uddin; Daniela Russo; Anwarul Haque; Serhat Çiçek; Frank Sönnichsen; Luigi Milella; Christian Zidorn. Bioactive Abietane-Type Diterpenoid Glycosides from Leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum (Lamiaceae). Molecules 2021, 26, 4121 .
AMA StyleJosim Uddin, Daniela Russo, Anwarul Haque, Serhat Çiçek, Frank Sönnichsen, Luigi Milella, Christian Zidorn. Bioactive Abietane-Type Diterpenoid Glycosides from Leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum (Lamiaceae). Molecules. 2021; 26 (14):4121.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosim Uddin; Daniela Russo; Anwarul Haque; Serhat Çiçek; Frank Sönnichsen; Luigi Milella; Christian Zidorn. 2021. "Bioactive Abietane-Type Diterpenoid Glycosides from Leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum (Lamiaceae)." Molecules 26, no. 14: 4121.
Many Bangladeshi medicinal plants have been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, the anticholinesterase effects of eight selected Bangladeshi medicinal plant species were investigated. Species were selected based on the traditional uses against CNS-related diseases. Extracts were prepared using a gentle cold extraction method. In vitro cholinesterase inhibitory effects were measured by Ellman’s method in 96-well microplates. Blumea lacera (Compositae) and Cyclea barbata (Menispermaceae) were found to have the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (IC50, 150 ± 11 and 176 ± 14 µg/mL, respectively) and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory effect (IC50, 297 ± 13 and 124 ± 2 µg/mL, respectively). Cyclea barbata demonstrated competitive inhibition, where Blumea lacera showed an uncompetitive inhibition mode for acetylcholinesterase. Smilax guianensis (Smilacaceae) and Byttneria pilosa (Malvaceae) were also found to show moderate AChE inhibition (IC50, 205 ± 31 and 221 ± 2 µg/mL, respectively), although no significant BChE inhibitory effect was observed for extracts from these plant species. Among others, Thunbergia Grandiflora (Acanthaceae) and Mikania micrantha (Compositae) were found to display noticeable AChE (IC50, 252 ± 22 µg/mL) and BChE (IC50, 314 ± 15 µg/mL) inhibitory effects, respectively. Molecular docking experiment suggested that compounds 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone (BL4) and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1⟶6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (BL5) from Blumea lacera bound stably to the binding groove of the AChE and BChE by hydrogen-bond interactions, respectively. Therefore, these compounds could be candidates for cholinesterase inhibitors. The present findings demonstrated that Blumea lacera and Cyclea barbata are interesting objects for further studies aiming at future therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.
Josim Uddin; Daniela Russo; Mahbubur Rahman; Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin; Mohammad A. Halim; Christian Zidorn; Luigi Milella. Anticholinesterase Activity of Eight Medicinal Plant Species: In Vitro and In Silico Studies in the Search for Therapeutic Agents against Alzheimer’s Disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021, 2021, 1 -14.
AMA StyleJosim Uddin, Daniela Russo, Mahbubur Rahman, Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin, Mohammad A. Halim, Christian Zidorn, Luigi Milella. Anticholinesterase Activity of Eight Medicinal Plant Species: In Vitro and In Silico Studies in the Search for Therapeutic Agents against Alzheimer’s Disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021; 2021 ():1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosim Uddin; Daniela Russo; Mahbubur Rahman; Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin; Mohammad A. Halim; Christian Zidorn; Luigi Milella. 2021. "Anticholinesterase Activity of Eight Medicinal Plant Species: In Vitro and In Silico Studies in the Search for Therapeutic Agents against Alzheimer’s Disease." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021, no. : 1-14.
The authentication of geographical provenance is an important issue with respect to commercial tea products. Here, simple sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinting and metabolite profiling were implemented to differentiate between 37 commercial green teas, produced in China, Japan and Korea. A set of 21 SSR assays detected 175 alleles, and a multiplex of three of these assays was sufficient to distinguish each of the samples. Metabolite profiling based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry detected features which proved to be correlated with a specific provenance. There was only a moderate level of correlation between the SSR and metabolite profiles. Such a level of correlation suggests that genotype, environment and post-harvest processing are all determinants of end-use quality. The two analytical approaches are complementary to one another, and are recommended to be used in conjunction.
Jaroslava Ovesná; Vojtěch Hrbek; Pavel Svoboda; Vanessa Pianta; Ladislav Kučera; Jana Hajšlová; Luigi Milella. Microsatellite fingerprinting and metabolite profiling for the geographical authentication of commercial green teas. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2021, 101, 103981 .
AMA StyleJaroslava Ovesná, Vojtěch Hrbek, Pavel Svoboda, Vanessa Pianta, Ladislav Kučera, Jana Hajšlová, Luigi Milella. Microsatellite fingerprinting and metabolite profiling for the geographical authentication of commercial green teas. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2021; 101 ():103981.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJaroslava Ovesná; Vojtěch Hrbek; Pavel Svoboda; Vanessa Pianta; Ladislav Kučera; Jana Hajšlová; Luigi Milella. 2021. "Microsatellite fingerprinting and metabolite profiling for the geographical authentication of commercial green teas." Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 101, no. : 103981.
Metabolic syndrome has several characteristic manifestations, including insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, that demand therapeutic approaches, such as the inhibition of enzymes involved in nutrient absorption and digestion.This study aimed to evaluate the potential pharmacological use of natural compounds widespread in the plant kingdom and their semisynthetic compounds against target enzymes. Twenty-three oxyprenylated natural compoundswere investigated for their ability to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase enzymes by in vitro assays. Moreover, in silico molecular docking was performed to analyse their binding capabilities into 3D structures. Farnesyloxyferulic acid, geranyloxyvanillic acid, nelumal A, and geranyloxyferulic acid showed the highest inhibition activity in all three in vitro enzyme assays. Moreover, in silico molecular docking of these four compounds was used to analyse their possible binding in 3D structures of the investigated enzymes. The results indicate that these compounds have considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, and further studies are warranted for their pharmacological development.
Immacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Salvatore Genovese; Luigi Milella; Magnus Monné; Francesco Epifano; Serena Fiorito. Screening of in vitro and in silico α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activity of oxyprenylated natural compounds and semisynthetic derivatives. Phytochemistry 2021, 187, 112781 .
AMA StyleImmacolata Faraone, Daniela Russo, Salvatore Genovese, Luigi Milella, Magnus Monné, Francesco Epifano, Serena Fiorito. Screening of in vitro and in silico α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activity of oxyprenylated natural compounds and semisynthetic derivatives. Phytochemistry. 2021; 187 ():112781.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImmacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Salvatore Genovese; Luigi Milella; Magnus Monné; Francesco Epifano; Serena Fiorito. 2021. "Screening of in vitro and in silico α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activity of oxyprenylated natural compounds and semisynthetic derivatives." Phytochemistry 187, no. : 112781.
Quercetin is a member of the flavonoid group of compounds, which is abundantly present in various dietary sources. It has excellent antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activity and is very effective as an anti-cancer agent against various types of tumors, both in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin has been also reported to modulate the activity of some members of the multidrug-resistance transporters family, such as P-gp, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2, and the activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E/CD73), a key regulator in some tumor processes such as invasion, migration, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 expression in HepG2 cells. ABCC6 is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, poorly involved in drug resistance, whose mutations cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, an inherited disease characterized by ectopic calcification of soft connective tissues. Recently, it has been reported that ABCC6 contributes to cytoskeleton rearrangements and HepG2 cell motility through purinergic signaling. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by quantitative Reverse-Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. Actin cytoskeleton dynamics was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy using fluorophore-conjugated phalloidin. Cell motility was analyzed by an in vitro wound-healing migration assay. We propose that ABCC6 expression may be controlled by the AKT pathway as part of an adaptative response to oxidative stress, which can be mitigated by the use of Quercetin-like flavonoids.
Vittorio Abruzzese; Ilenia Matera; Fabio Martinelli; Monica Carmosino; Prashant Koshal; Luigi Milella; Faustino Bisaccia; Angela Ostuni. Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 3871 .
AMA StyleVittorio Abruzzese, Ilenia Matera, Fabio Martinelli, Monica Carmosino, Prashant Koshal, Luigi Milella, Faustino Bisaccia, Angela Ostuni. Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (8):3871.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVittorio Abruzzese; Ilenia Matera; Fabio Martinelli; Monica Carmosino; Prashant Koshal; Luigi Milella; Faustino Bisaccia; Angela Ostuni. 2021. "Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 8: 3871.
Quercetin is a member of the flavonoid group of compounds, which is abundantly present in various dietary sources. It has excellent antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activity and is very effective as an anti-cancer agent against various types of tumors, both in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin has been also reported to modulate the activity of some members of the multidrug-resistance transporters family, such as P-gp, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2, and the activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E/CD73), a key regulator in some tumor processes such as invasion, migration, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 expression in HepG2 cells. ABCC6 is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, poorly involved in drug resistance, whose mutations cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, an inherited disease characterized by ectopic calcification of soft connective tissues. Recently, it has been reported that ABCC6 contributes to cytoskeleton rearrangements and HepG2 cell motility through purinergic signaling. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by quantitative Reverse-Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. Actin cytoskeleton dynamics was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy using fluorophore-conjugated phalloidin. Cell motility was analyzed by an in vitro wound-healing migration assay. We propose that ABCC6 expression may be controlled by the AKT pathway as part of an adaptative response to oxidative stress, which can be mitigated by the use of Quercetin-like flavonoids.
Vittorio Abruzzese; Ilenia Matera; Fabio Martinelli; Monica Carmosino; Prashant Koshal; Luigi Milella; Faustino Bisaccia; Angela Ostuni. Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 3437 .
AMA StyleVittorio Abruzzese, Ilenia Matera, Fabio Martinelli, Monica Carmosino, Prashant Koshal, Luigi Milella, Faustino Bisaccia, Angela Ostuni. Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (7):3437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVittorio Abruzzese; Ilenia Matera; Fabio Martinelli; Monica Carmosino; Prashant Koshal; Luigi Milella; Faustino Bisaccia; Angela Ostuni. 2021. "Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 7: 3437.
The evolutionary arms race between plants and herbivores has led, over millions of years, to the production of many substances that prevent plants from being over-eaten by plant-feeding animals
Zbigniew Adamski; Sabino Bufo; Luigi Milella; Laura Scrano. Identification and Functional Characterization of Plant Toxins. Toxins 2021, 13, 228 .
AMA StyleZbigniew Adamski, Sabino Bufo, Luigi Milella, Laura Scrano. Identification and Functional Characterization of Plant Toxins. Toxins. 2021; 13 (3):228.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZbigniew Adamski; Sabino Bufo; Luigi Milella; Laura Scrano. 2021. "Identification and Functional Characterization of Plant Toxins." Toxins 13, no. 3: 228.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a precious source of specialized metabolites with a great role in human health. Many varieties of tomatoes characterize the south of Italy’s agronomic production and biodiversity, thanks to its warm temperatures and favorable weather. The preservation of biodiversity is a major goal of recent years, as each variety shows a peculiar phytochemical profile and provides a wide variety of metabolites with health-beneficial properties. Among the wide range of tomato varieties, literature focused on the most commercially-known types, including San Marzano and Datterino, while this study considered typical South Italy varieties for the first time, as well as Crovarese and Arsicolo. The aim of our work is to enrich the current knowledge about the tomato by evaluating the carotenoid content, the phytochemical profile by HPLC-DAD, and the biological activity of the different parts (peel, fruit, pulp, and seeds) of niche cultivars compared with commercial ones. Radical scavenging activity, assessed by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, was higher in Crovarese peel extract, while Arsicolo possessed the highest lycopene content, underlying the importance of local ecotypes as a precious source of health promoting compounds. However, out of all of the varieties considered, peel extract was the most active one, opening new insights on their valorization in light of the circular economy.
Immacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Maria Ponticelli; Vincenzo Candido; Donato Castronuovo; Loriana Cardone; Chiara Sinisgalli; Fabiana Labanca; Luigi Milella. Preserving Biodiversity as Source of Health Promoting Compounds: Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Four Varieties of Solanum lycopersicum L. Plants 2021, 10, 447 .
AMA StyleImmacolata Faraone, Daniela Russo, Maria Ponticelli, Vincenzo Candido, Donato Castronuovo, Loriana Cardone, Chiara Sinisgalli, Fabiana Labanca, Luigi Milella. Preserving Biodiversity as Source of Health Promoting Compounds: Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Four Varieties of Solanum lycopersicum L. Plants. 2021; 10 (3):447.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImmacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Maria Ponticelli; Vincenzo Candido; Donato Castronuovo; Loriana Cardone; Chiara Sinisgalli; Fabiana Labanca; Luigi Milella. 2021. "Preserving Biodiversity as Source of Health Promoting Compounds: Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Four Varieties of Solanum lycopersicum L." Plants 10, no. 3: 447.
For centuries, natural medicines have represented the only option for treating human diseases and, nowadays, plant phytochemicals are considered as promising compounds to treat or prevent chronic conditions. Among them, hop flowers (Humulus lupulus L.), typically used in brewing industries to give the typical aroma and flavor to beer, have attracted particular attention for their health promoting properties. Several in vivo/vitro studies and human interventional trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of these molecules on weight gain, lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivities, and inflammation by acting on different targets. All these activities suggest a possible role of bitter hop acid in preventing metabolic syndrome and its related diseases. A systematic quest on PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies focusing on this topic. This systematic review summarizes the results obtained by different cell lines, animal models, and human interventional trials to propose iso-α-acids as medical nutrition therapy to treat or prevent metabolic syndrome and its related disorders as diabetes, dislipidemia inflammation, etc.
Maria Ponticelli; Daniela Russo; Immacolata Faraone; Chiara Sinisgalli; Fabiana Labanca; Ludovica Lela; Luigi Milella. The Promising Ability of Humulus lupulus L. Iso-α-acids vs. Diabetes, Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2021, 26, 954 .
AMA StyleMaria Ponticelli, Daniela Russo, Immacolata Faraone, Chiara Sinisgalli, Fabiana Labanca, Ludovica Lela, Luigi Milella. The Promising Ability of Humulus lupulus L. Iso-α-acids vs. Diabetes, Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021; 26 (4):954.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Ponticelli; Daniela Russo; Immacolata Faraone; Chiara Sinisgalli; Fabiana Labanca; Ludovica Lela; Luigi Milella. 2021. "The Promising Ability of Humulus lupulus L. Iso-α-acids vs. Diabetes, Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review." Molecules 26, no. 4: 954.
Scope : Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper containing health promoting compounds, that could be modified by ripening and drying. This study focuses on finding the peppers with the best antioxidant properties, which are evaluated on an experimental model of obesity Methods and Results : Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity were evaluated on several peppers obtained from the same cultivar at different ripening stages. Red sweet peppers showed the highest content in polyphenols, β‐carotene, lycopene and capsinoids, and demonstrated the best antioxidant activity in vitro. Mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) were orally treated with an extract from these peppers (CAE) (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day). It promoted weight loss and improved plasma markers related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. CAE also ameliorated obesity‐associated systemic inflammation reducing the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in adipose and hepatic tissues and improving the expression of different markers involved in the gut epithelial barrier function. These effects were associated with a modulation of the intestinal microbiome, which appears altered Conclusions The extract could be considered a new potential approach for the treatment of obesity, complementary to dietary restrictions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Chiara Sinisgalli; Teresa Vezza; Patricia Diez‐Echave; Angela Ostuni; Immacolata Faraone; Laura Hidalgo‐Garcia; Daniela Russo; Maria Francesca Armentano; José Garrido‐Mesa; Maria Elena Rodriguez‐Cabezas; Alba Rodríguez‐Nogales; Luigi Milella; Julio Galvez. The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun‐Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 2020, 65, e2000812 .
AMA StyleChiara Sinisgalli, Teresa Vezza, Patricia Diez‐Echave, Angela Ostuni, Immacolata Faraone, Laura Hidalgo‐Garcia, Daniela Russo, Maria Francesca Armentano, José Garrido‐Mesa, Maria Elena Rodriguez‐Cabezas, Alba Rodríguez‐Nogales, Luigi Milella, Julio Galvez. The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun‐Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2020; 65 (3):e2000812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Sinisgalli; Teresa Vezza; Patricia Diez‐Echave; Angela Ostuni; Immacolata Faraone; Laura Hidalgo‐Garcia; Daniela Russo; Maria Francesca Armentano; José Garrido‐Mesa; Maria Elena Rodriguez‐Cabezas; Alba Rodríguez‐Nogales; Luigi Milella; Julio Galvez. 2020. "The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun‐Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota." Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 65, no. 3: e2000812.
The rapid spread of the new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has actually become the newest challenge for the healthcare system since, to date, there is not an effective treatment. Among all drugs tested, Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has attracted significant attention. This systematic review aims to analyze preclinical and clinical studies on HCQ potential use in viral infection and chronic diseases. A systematic search of Scopus and PubMed databases was performed to identify clinical and preclinical studies on this argument; 2463 papers were identified and 133 studies were included. Regarding HCQ activity against COVID-19, it was noticed that despite the first data were promising, the latest outcomes highlighted the ineffectiveness of HCQ in the treatment of viral infection. Several trials have seen that HCQ administration did not improve severe illness and did not prevent the infection outbreak after virus exposure. By contrast, HCQ arises as a first-line treatment in managing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren syndrome. It also improves glucose and lipid homeostasis and reveals significant antibacterial activity.
Immacolata Faraone; Fabiana Labanca; Maria Ponticelli; Nunziatina De Tommasi; Luigi Milella. Recent Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Hydroxychloroquine on RNA Viruses and Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2020, 25, 5318 .
AMA StyleImmacolata Faraone, Fabiana Labanca, Maria Ponticelli, Nunziatina De Tommasi, Luigi Milella. Recent Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Hydroxychloroquine on RNA Viruses and Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2020; 25 (22):5318.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImmacolata Faraone; Fabiana Labanca; Maria Ponticelli; Nunziatina De Tommasi; Luigi Milella. 2020. "Recent Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Hydroxychloroquine on RNA Viruses and Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review." Molecules 25, no. 22: 5318.
Azorella glabra Wedd. (AG) is traditionally used to treat gonorrhea or kidney’s problems. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase and in vitro antitumor activities of AG extracts were recently reported. The aim of this work was to investigate anti-leukemic properties of AG chloroform fraction (AG CHCl3) and of its ten sub-fractions (I-X) and to identify their possible bioactive compounds. We determined their in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (SO) assays, and their phytochemical profile by spectrophotometric and LC-MS/MS techniques. I-X action on two acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines viability, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated by MTS, western blotting and cytofluorimetric assays. Different polyphenol, flavonoid and terpenoid amount, and antioxidant activity were found among all samples. Most of I-X induced a dose/time dependent reduction of cell viability higher than parent extract. IV and VI sub-fractions showed highest cytotoxic activity and, of note, a negligible reduction of healthy cell viability. They activated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, induced a G0/G1 block in leukemic cells and, interestingly, led to apoptosis in patient AML cells. These activities could be due to mulinic acid or azorellane terpenoids and their derivatives, tentatively identified in both IV and VI. In conclusion, our data suggest AG plant as a source of potential anti-AML agents.
Daniela Lamorte; Immacolata Faraone; Ilaria Laurenzana; Stefania Trino; Daniela Russo; Dilip Rai; Maria Armentano; Pellegrino Musto; Alessandro Sgambato; Luciana De Luca; Luigi Milella; Antonella Caivano. Advances in Azorella glabra Wedd. Extract Research: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Effects on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Bioactive Compound Characterization. Molecules 2020, 25, 4890 .
AMA StyleDaniela Lamorte, Immacolata Faraone, Ilaria Laurenzana, Stefania Trino, Daniela Russo, Dilip Rai, Maria Armentano, Pellegrino Musto, Alessandro Sgambato, Luciana De Luca, Luigi Milella, Antonella Caivano. Advances in Azorella glabra Wedd. Extract Research: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Effects on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Bioactive Compound Characterization. Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):4890.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Lamorte; Immacolata Faraone; Ilaria Laurenzana; Stefania Trino; Daniela Russo; Dilip Rai; Maria Armentano; Pellegrino Musto; Alessandro Sgambato; Luciana De Luca; Luigi Milella; Antonella Caivano. 2020. "Advances in Azorella glabra Wedd. Extract Research: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Effects on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Bioactive Compound Characterization." Molecules 25, no. 21: 4890.
The natural tridecapeptide neurotensin has been emerged as a promising therapeutic scaffold for the treatment of neurological diseases and cancer. In this work, we aimed to identify the top 100 most cited original research papers as well as recent key studies related to neurotensins. The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched and the retrieved research articles were analyzed by using the VOSviewer software. The most cited original articles were published between 1973 and 2013. The top-cited article was by Carraway and Leeman reporting the discovery of neurotensin in 1973. The highly cited terms were associated with hypotension and angiotensin-converting-enzyme. The conducted analysis reveals the therapeutic potentials of neurotensin, and further impactful research toward its clinical development is warrantied.
Andy Wai Kan Yeung; Maya G Georgieva; Kiril Kirilov; Aneliya A Balacheva; Martina I Peeva; Olaf K Horbańczuk; Jarosław O Horbańczuk; Massimo Lucarini; Alessandra Durazzo; Antonello Santini; Eliana B Souto; Tamara I Pajpanova; Luigi Milella; Atanas G Atanasov; Nikolay T Tzvetkov. Neurotensins and their therapeutic potential: research field study. Future Medicinal Chemistry 2020, 12, 1779 -1803.
AMA StyleAndy Wai Kan Yeung, Maya G Georgieva, Kiril Kirilov, Aneliya A Balacheva, Martina I Peeva, Olaf K Horbańczuk, Jarosław O Horbańczuk, Massimo Lucarini, Alessandra Durazzo, Antonello Santini, Eliana B Souto, Tamara I Pajpanova, Luigi Milella, Atanas G Atanasov, Nikolay T Tzvetkov. Neurotensins and their therapeutic potential: research field study. Future Medicinal Chemistry. 2020; 12 (19):1779-1803.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndy Wai Kan Yeung; Maya G Georgieva; Kiril Kirilov; Aneliya A Balacheva; Martina I Peeva; Olaf K Horbańczuk; Jarosław O Horbańczuk; Massimo Lucarini; Alessandra Durazzo; Antonello Santini; Eliana B Souto; Tamara I Pajpanova; Luigi Milella; Atanas G Atanasov; Nikolay T Tzvetkov. 2020. "Neurotensins and their therapeutic potential: research field study." Future Medicinal Chemistry 12, no. 19: 1779-1803.
Today’s human society, product of decades of progress in all fields of knowledge, would have been unimaginable without the discovery of antibiotics and more generally of antimicrobials. However, from the beginning, the scientific community was aware that microorganisms through various strategies were able to hinder and render vain antibiotic action. Common examples are the phenomena of persistence, tolerance, and resistance, up to the creation of the feared bacterial biofilms. Antibiotics are a precious but equally labile resource that must be preserved but at the same time reinforced to safeguard their effectiveness. Nanoparticulate systems such as nanobactericides, with their inherent antibacterial activity, and nanocarriers, which operate as drug delivery systems for conventional antibiotics, are innovative therapies made available by nanotechnology. Inorganic nanoparticles are effective both as nanobactericides (AgNPs, ZnONPs, and TiO2NPs) and as nanocarriers (AgNPs, AuNPs, ZnONPs, and TiO2NPs) against sensitive and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. Liposomes are among the most studied and flexible antibiotic delivery platforms: conventional liposomes allow passive targeting at the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS); “stealth” liposomes prevent macrophage uptake so as to eradicate infections in tissues and organs outside MPS; thanks to their positive charge, cationic liposomes interact preferentially with bacterial and biofilm surfaces, acting as innate antibacterials as well as drug delivery systems (DDS); fusogenic liposomes have fluid bilayers that promote fusion with microbial membranes; and finally, ligand-targeted liposomes provide active targeting at infection sites. Dendrimers are among the most recent and attractive nanoparticulate systems, thanks to their multibranched nanoarchitecture, which equipped them with multiple active sites for loading antibiotics and also interacting with bacteria. Finally, nanoantibiotics represent a new hopeful generation of antibiotic candidates capable of increasing or even restoring the clinical efficacy of “old” antibiotics rendered useless by the resistance phenomena.
Antonio Vassallo; Maria Francesca Silletti; Immacolata Faraone; Luigi Milella. Nanoparticulate Antibiotic Systems as Antibacterial Agents and Antibiotic Delivery Platforms to Fight Infections. Journal of Nanomaterials 2020, 2020, 1 -31.
AMA StyleAntonio Vassallo, Maria Francesca Silletti, Immacolata Faraone, Luigi Milella. Nanoparticulate Antibiotic Systems as Antibacterial Agents and Antibiotic Delivery Platforms to Fight Infections. Journal of Nanomaterials. 2020; 2020 ():1-31.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Vassallo; Maria Francesca Silletti; Immacolata Faraone; Luigi Milella. 2020. "Nanoparticulate Antibiotic Systems as Antibacterial Agents and Antibiotic Delivery Platforms to Fight Infections." Journal of Nanomaterials 2020, no. : 1-31.
Numerous investigations on the antioxidant properties of different plant tissue extracts are available in literature, but few studies on the effect of thermally modified wood on secondary metabolites were carried out up to now. This study highlights the influence of the thermal modification of Castanea sativa Mill. wood on total content of antioxidant compounds and consequently on its antioxidant activity. In addition, a chemical profile by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) of the extractives was carried out. Wood of chestnut, thermally modified at 180 °C for 3 h, was used to obtain wood meal which was subjected to different extraction techniques, as maceration extraction (ME), ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The total content of principal antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, as well as the evaluation of antioxidant capacity by using different in vitro assays were determined. Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI), which is used to compare all antioxidant parameters, has also been applied. The study demonstrated a positive influence on chemical compounds present in C. sativa Mill wood originating from the thermal modification process. Thus, is possible to consider thermal modification as a promising strategy to improve the antioxidant activity of chestnut wood extractives.
Immacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Maurizio D’Auria; Maria Roberta Bruno; Paola Cetera; Luigi Todaro; Luigi Milella. Influence of thermal modification and extraction techniques on yield, antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood. Holzforschung 2020, 75, 260 -268.
AMA StyleImmacolata Faraone, Daniela Russo, Maurizio D’Auria, Maria Roberta Bruno, Paola Cetera, Luigi Todaro, Luigi Milella. Influence of thermal modification and extraction techniques on yield, antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood. Holzforschung. 2020; 75 (3):260-268.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImmacolata Faraone; Daniela Russo; Maurizio D’Auria; Maria Roberta Bruno; Paola Cetera; Luigi Todaro; Luigi Milella. 2020. "Influence of thermal modification and extraction techniques on yield, antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood." Holzforschung 75, no. 3: 260-268.
The leaves of Vitis vinifera L. have been used for a long time in traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments. Grape polyphenols, indeed, have been demonstrated to be able to defend against oxidative stress, responsible for various disorders such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of different extraction techniques, Soxhlet (SOX), Accelerated Solvent (ASE 40, ASE 50) and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) were studied in this work to evaluate their impact on the chemical profile and bioactive potential of Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Aglianico) leaf extracts. The phytochemical profile was investigated by HPLC-DAD and 9 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the extract. Moreover, the antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antityrosinase activities were evaluated. In detail, the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacities and β-Carotene Bleaching assays) were evaluated and compared to assess the Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI). To test the inhibitory activity of extracts towards cholinesterases, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition assays were performed. SOX and ASE 50 have shown the highest value of RACI, 0.76 and 0.65, respectively. Regarding enzymatic inhibitory activity, ASE 50 (IC50 = 107.16 ± 8.12 μg/mL) and SOX (IC50 = 171.34 ± 12.12 μg/mL) extracts exhibited the highest AChE and BChE inhibitory activity, respectively, while UAE (IC50 = 293.2 ± 25.6 μg/mL, followed by SOX (IC50 = 302.5 ± 38.3 μg/mL) showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition value. Our results demonstrated for the first time that Aglianico leaves are important sources of phenols that could be used to prevent oxidative stress and be potentially helpful in diseases treatable with tyrosinase and cholinesterase inhibitors, like myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer’s.
Fabiana Labanca; Immacolata Faraone; Maria Rosaria Nolè; Ruth Hornedo-Ortega; Daniela Russo; Maria Carmen García-Parrilla; Lucia Chiummiento; Maria Grazia Bonomo; Luigi Milella. New Insights into the Exploitation of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico Leaf Extracts for Nutraceutical Purposes. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 708 .
AMA StyleFabiana Labanca, Immacolata Faraone, Maria Rosaria Nolè, Ruth Hornedo-Ortega, Daniela Russo, Maria Carmen García-Parrilla, Lucia Chiummiento, Maria Grazia Bonomo, Luigi Milella. New Insights into the Exploitation of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico Leaf Extracts for Nutraceutical Purposes. Antioxidants. 2020; 9 (8):708.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFabiana Labanca; Immacolata Faraone; Maria Rosaria Nolè; Ruth Hornedo-Ortega; Daniela Russo; Maria Carmen García-Parrilla; Lucia Chiummiento; Maria Grazia Bonomo; Luigi Milella. 2020. "New Insights into the Exploitation of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico Leaf Extracts for Nutraceutical Purposes." Antioxidants 9, no. 8: 708.
The purpose of this study was to improve the knowledge on Hura crepitans L., a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family that, on the one hand, is known to be toxic, but on the other, is a source of polyphenols with health-promoting effects. Different green extraction methods were applied, varying solvent, temperature, and duration of extraction, which can influence the phytochemical profile and biological activity of plant extracts, and the extracts were fully characterized. Aqueous extracts exhibited a superior antioxidant activity, as indicated by different spectrophotometric tests, and were cytoprotective to HepG2 cells used as model cells. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses were performed to identify the secondary metabolites involved in these effects and demonstrated that solvent, duration, and temperature indeed influenced the extraction of polyphenols. Furthermore, the most promising extract, in terms of antioxidant potential, was incorporated into liposomes with the aim of promoting cell interaction and enhancing the antioxidant activity.
Antonio Vassallo; Maria Francesca Armentano; Rocchina Miglionico; Carla Caddeo; Claudia Chirollo; Maria Josefina Gualtieri; Angela Ostuni; Faustino Bisaccia; Immacolata Faraone; Luigi Milella. Hura crepitans L. Extract: Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Nanoformulation. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleAntonio Vassallo, Maria Francesca Armentano, Rocchina Miglionico, Carla Caddeo, Claudia Chirollo, Maria Josefina Gualtieri, Angela Ostuni, Faustino Bisaccia, Immacolata Faraone, Luigi Milella. Hura crepitans L. Extract: Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Nanoformulation. Pharmaceutics. 2020; 12 (6):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Vassallo; Maria Francesca Armentano; Rocchina Miglionico; Carla Caddeo; Claudia Chirollo; Maria Josefina Gualtieri; Angela Ostuni; Faustino Bisaccia; Immacolata Faraone; Luigi Milella. 2020. "Hura crepitans L. Extract: Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Nanoformulation." Pharmaceutics 12, no. 6: 1.
Overproduction of oxidants in the human body is responsible for oxidative stress, which is associated with several diseases. High intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as they are sources of bioactive compounds capable of contrasting the free radical effects involved in cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper that is grown in the Basilicata region (Italy). It is an important source of polyphenols, carotenoids, and capsinoids and can play a key role in human health. In this study, an ethanol extract was obtained from C. annuum dried peppers and the analysis of the phytochemical composition was performed by LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap/MS. The extract was incorporated into liposomes, which showed small size (~80 nm), good homogeneity, negative surface charge, and good stability in storage. The biological activity of the extract was evaluated in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line, used as model cells. The extract showed no cytotoxic activity and reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in stressed cells. The antioxidant activity was further improved when the extract was loaded into liposomes. Moreover, the extract promoted the expression of endogenous antioxidants, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase through the Nrf-2 pathway evaluated by RT-PCR.
Chiara Sinisgalli; Immacolata Faraone; Antonio Vassallo; Carla Caddeo; Faustino Bisaccia; Maria Francesca Armentano; Luigi Milella; Angela Ostuni. Phytochemical Profile of Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise, Incorporation into Liposomes, and Evaluation of Cellular Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 428 .
AMA StyleChiara Sinisgalli, Immacolata Faraone, Antonio Vassallo, Carla Caddeo, Faustino Bisaccia, Maria Francesca Armentano, Luigi Milella, Angela Ostuni. Phytochemical Profile of Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise, Incorporation into Liposomes, and Evaluation of Cellular Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants. 2020; 9 (5):428.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Sinisgalli; Immacolata Faraone; Antonio Vassallo; Carla Caddeo; Faustino Bisaccia; Maria Francesca Armentano; Luigi Milella; Angela Ostuni. 2020. "Phytochemical Profile of Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise, Incorporation into Liposomes, and Evaluation of Cellular Antioxidant Activity." Antioxidants 9, no. 5: 428.
Plants produce many secondary metabolites, which reveal biological activity
Zbigniew Adamski; Linda L. Blythe; Luigi Milella; Sabino A. Bufo. Biological Activities of Alkaloids: From Toxicology to Pharmacology. Toxins 2020, 12, 210 .
AMA StyleZbigniew Adamski, Linda L. Blythe, Luigi Milella, Sabino A. Bufo. Biological Activities of Alkaloids: From Toxicology to Pharmacology. Toxins. 2020; 12 (4):210.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZbigniew Adamski; Linda L. Blythe; Luigi Milella; Sabino A. Bufo. 2020. "Biological Activities of Alkaloids: From Toxicology to Pharmacology." Toxins 12, no. 4: 210.