Elena Formisano

Dr. Elena Formisano

IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Liguria, Italy
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 July 2023 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
EPElisa Proietti
Elisa Proietti
CBConsuelo Borgarelli
Consuelo Borgarelli
Livia PisciottaLivia Pisciotta
Livia Pisciotta
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-dysregulated inflammatory disease and hypovitaminosis D is considered a risk factor. We conducted an online database search to review and meta-analyze the relationship between vitamin D, other bone metabolism parameters, and psoriasis. The efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation in improving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was also evaluated. Non-original articles, case reports, and animal studies were excluded. Bias risk was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case–control studies, respectively. Unstandardized mean differences were used for data synthesis. Twenty-three studies reported serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in 1876 psoriasis patients and 7532 controls. Psoriasis patients had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than controls (21.0 ± 8.3 vs. 27.3 ± 9.8, p < 0.00001). Conversely, 450 psoriasis patients had lower levels of parathormone than 417 controls (38.7 ± 12.8 vs. 43.7 ± 16.5, p = 0.015). Four RCTs examined the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on psoriasis for 173 patients and 160 patients were treated with placebo. No significant differences were found in PASI after 3, 6, and 12 months of supplementation. It is shown that 25(OH)D serum levels are significantly lower in psoriasis, but, although the granularity of RCT methodology may have influenced the pooled analysis, vitamin D supplementation did not seem to improve clinical manifestations.

16 January 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAndrea Pasta
Andrea Pasta
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
FCFrancesco Calabrese
Francesco Calabrese
MTMaria Corina Plaz Torres
Maria Corina Plaz Torres
GBGiorgia Bodini
Giorgia Bodini
MFManuele Furnari
Manuele Furnari
This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS has increased globally, especially among young adults. Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in IBS management. About 85–90% of IBS patients report symptom exacerbation linked to specific food consumption, highlighting the strong connection between food intolerances and IBS. Food intolerances often exhibit a dose-dependent pattern, posing a challenge in identifying trigger foods. This issue is further complicated by the complex nature of gastrointestinal physiology and varying food compositions. This review discusses various dietary patterns and their impact on IBS, including the low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and Mediterranean diet. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach in dietary management, considering individual symptom variability and dietary history. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and holistic management of IBS, considering the complex interplay between dietary factors and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. It underlines the importance of patient education and adherence to treatment plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by the variability in dietary triggers and the psychological impact of dietary restrictions.

24 January 2025 in European Journal of Clinical Investigation
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
APAndrea Pasta
Andrea Pasta
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
FCFrancesco Calabrese
Francesco Calabrese
MAMonica Apollonio
Monica Apollonio
MDMaria Giulia Demarzo
Maria Giulia Demarzo
GBGiorgia Bodini
Giorgia Bodini

23 January 2025 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAndrea Pasta
Andrea Pasta
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
FCFrancesco Calabrese
Francesco Calabrese
EMElisa Marabotto
Elisa Marabotto
MFManuele Furnari
Manuele Furnari
PZPatrizia Zentilin
Patrizia Zentilin
The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical player in metabolic and liver health, with its influence extending to the pathogenesis and progression of steatotic liver diseases. This review delves into the gut-liver axis, a dynamic communication network linking the gut microbiome and liver through metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory pathways. Dysbiosis, characterized by altered microbial composition, contributes significantly to the development of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis via mechanisms such as gut barrier dysfunction, microbial metabolite production, and systemic inflammation. Dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet, are highlighted for their role in modulating the gut microbiota, improving gut-liver axis integrity, and attenuating liver injury. Additionally, emerging microbiota-based interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and bacteriophage therapy, show promise as therapeutic strategies for steatotic liver disease. However, challenges such as population heterogeneity, methodological variability, and knowledge gaps hinder the translational application of current findings. Addressing these barriers through standardized approaches and integrative research will pave the way for microbiota-targeted therapies to mitigate the global burden of steatotic liver disease.

1 September 2023 in Liver Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
LCLudovica Cogorno
Ludovica Cogorno
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
AVAndrea Vignati
Andrea Vignati
APAmalia Prigione
Amalia Prigione
ATAntonio Tramacere
Antonio Tramacere
Livia PisciottaLivia Pisciotta
Livia Pisciotta
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined as the presence of fat accumulation in imaging or histology in more than 5% of hepatocytes and exclusion of other causes for secondary hepatic fat accumulation, is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of progression from NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and forthcoming liver failure. Also, genetic predisposition contributes to the risk of NAFLD development. This review explores the role of diets and nutraceuticals in delaying the development and the evolution of NAFLD to chronic liver disease. The Mediterranean diet, high-protein diet, low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet, high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet, and intermittent fasting are the dietary approaches investigated given the presence of relevant literature data. Moreover, this review focused on nutraceuticals with proven efficacy in ameliorating NAFLD and grouped them into four different categories: plant-based nutraceuticals (Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus, Silymarin, Berberine, Curcumin, Resveratrol, Nigella sativa, Quercetin), vitamin-like substances (vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, inositol), fatty acids (omega-3), and microbiota-management tools (probiotics).

1 September 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EFElena Formisano
Elena Formisano
EPElisa Proietti
Elisa Proietti
GPGiuseppina Perrone
Giuseppina Perrone
VDValentina Demarco
Valentina Demarco
PGPaola Galoppi
Paola Galoppi
Livia PisciottaLivia Pisciotta
Livia Pisciotta
Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). During pregnancy, physiological changes elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels to support fetal development, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased ASCVD risk for both mother and child. Effective management strategies are necessary, especially for pregnant women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia (i.e., familial hypertriglyceridemia, hyperchylomicronemia), where personalized dietary adjustments are crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. Pharmacological interventions and lipoprotein apheresis may be necessary for severe cases, though their use is often limited by factors such as cost, availability, and potential fetal risks. Despite the promise of advanced therapies, their widespread application remains constrained by limited studies and high costs. Thus, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies and evidence-based practices for managing dyslipidemia during pregnancy, emphasizing the balance of maternal and fetal health. Additionally, it discusses the physiological changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy and their implications, particularly for women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia.