mariacarla castorina

Mrs. mariacarla castorina

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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7 January 2024 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
MCmariacarla castorina
mariacarla castorina
SPStefano Puleo
Stefano Puleo
SLSaverio Latteri
Saverio Latteri
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) continues to rise, making it one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders. MASLD encompasses a range of liver pathologies, from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with inflammation, hepatocyte damage, and fibrosis. Interestingly, the liver exhibits close intercommunication with fatty tissue. In fact, adipose tissue could contribute to the etiology and advancement of MASLD, acting as an endocrine organ that releases several hormones and cytokines, with the adipokines assuming a pivotal role. The levels of adipokines in the blood are altered in people with MASLD, and recent research has shed light on the crucial role played by adipokines in regulating energy expenditure, inflammation, and fibrosis in MASLD. However, MASLD disease is a multifaceted condition that affects various aspects of health beyond liver function, including its impact on hemostasis. The alterations in coagulation mechanisms and endothelial and platelet functions may play a role in the increased vulnerability and severity of MASLD. Therefore, more attention is being given to imbalanced adipokines as causative agents in causing disturbances in hemostasis in MASLD. Metabolic inflammation and hepatic injury are fundamental components of MASLD, and the interrelation between these biological components and the hemostasis pathway is delineated by reciprocal influences, as well as the induction of alterations. Adipokines have the potential to serve as the shared elements within this complex interrelationship. The objective of this review is to thoroughly examine the existing scientific knowledge on the impairment of hemostasis in MASLD and its connection with adipokines, with the aim of enhancing our comprehension of the disease.

30 July 2025 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
SPStefano Puleo
Stefano Puleo
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
MCmariacarla castorina
mariacarla castorina
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a major global health challenge characterized by complex adipose–liver interactions mediated by adipokines and hepatokines. Despite rapid field evolution, a comprehensive understanding of research trends and translational advances remains fragmented. This study systematically maps the scientific landscape through bibliometric analysis, identifying emerging domains and future clinical translation directions. Methods: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1002 publications from 2004 to 2025 was performed using thematic mapping, temporal trend evaluation, and network analysis. Analysis included geographical and institutional distributions, thematic cluster identification, and research paradigm evolution assessment, focusing specifically on adipokine–hepatokine signaling mechanisms and clinical implications. Results: The United States and China are at the forefront of research output, whereas European institutions significantly contribute to mechanistic discoveries. The thematic map analysis reveals the motor/basic themes residing at the heart of the field, such as insulin resistance, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome, steatosis, fetuin-A, and other related factors that drive innovation. Basic clusters include metabolic foundations (obesity, adipose tissue, FGF21) and adipokine-centered subjects (adiponectin, leptin, NASH). New themes focus on inflammation, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and hepatic stellate cells. Niche areas show targeted fronts such as exercise therapies, pediatric/novel adipokines (chemerin, vaspin, omentin-1), and advanced molecular processes that focus on AMPK and endoplasmic-reticulum stress. Temporal analysis shows a shift from single liver studies to whole models that include the gut microbiota, mitochondrial dysfunction, and interactions between other metabolic systems. The network analysis identifies nine major clusters: cardiovascular–metabolic links, adipokine–inflammatory pathways, hepatokine control, and new therapeutic domains such as microbiome interventions and cellular stress responses. Conclusions: In summary, this study delineates current trends and emerging areas within the field and elucidates connections between mechanistic research and clinical translation to provide guidance for future research and development in this rapidly evolving area.

11 March 2025 in Education Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
MCmariacarla castorina
mariacarla castorina
SPStefano Puleo
Stefano Puleo
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
The teaching of human anatomy is experiencing significant transformation. Particularly in recent years, incorporating new digital technologies has drastically changed the approach to education. Our bibliometric study aims to investigate trends and issues from 2004 to 2024 related to digital technology in human anatomy teaching. The publication trend in the field has steadily increased over the years, peaking in 2022 and declining in 2023. Despite the limited statistics for 2024, we do not project an exponential increase in publications. Co-citation analysis identified notable references that significantly influenced the field, emphasizing modernization through innovative methodologies. Leading a significant portion of global collaboration, the United States promoted robust multilateral partnerships. Co-occurrence word analysis highlighted the merging of current technology with student-centered learning approaches, reflecting a shift towards more interactive and immersive learning experiences. Thematic map analysis identified distinct research areas with emerging or declining themes. The analysis of topic trends over the last five years revealed a persistent interest in terms like “palmar” and “carpal”, as well as innovative technologies like “cone beam computed tomography”, “augmented reality”, and “virtual reality”. Our bibliometric study revealed a sector in constant transformation, presenting a scenario where integrating technology with traditional teaching methods could enhance medical students’ comprehension of human anatomy. On the other hand, it also highlighted the anticipated challenges of ensuring equal access to cutting-edge technology, providing sufficient training for academic staff, and addressing emerging ethical issues.

18 November 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
MSMaria Cristina Scuderi
Maria Cristina Scuderi
.C. Coco
. Coco
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
GMGaetano Magro
Gaetano Magro
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) impacts 25% of the adult population worldwide and elevates the risk of colorectal cancer by 40%. Microsatellite instability (MSI) resulting from impaired DNA mismatch repair serves as a critical biomarker for selecting patients for immunotherapy. Methods: This single-center pilot study examined the correlations between MS and MSI in 157 individuals with surgically treated colorectal cancer. Patients were categorized according to the International Diabetes Federation Metabolic Syndrome criteria. The MSI status was assessed using immunohistochemical investigation of mismatch repair proteins. The statistical analysis encompassed chi-square tests and the computation of odds ratios. Results: Patients with MS exhibited a substantially greater prevalence of MSI compared to controls (15.5% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.05) corresponding to a 1.63-fold increase in odds. The co-occurrence of MSI and hepatic steatosis displayed a strong association within the MS group (OR: 5.81), indicating a 2.6-fold increased prevalence relative to controls. Conclusions: This pilot investigation offers initial evidence associating MS with a heightened frequency of MSI in colorectal cancer. The strong association with hepatic steatosis indicates common metabolic-genomic pathways. The findings advocate for the incorporation of metabolic assessment into precision oncology for the selection of immunotherapy, necessitating multicenter validation studies.

14 April 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
MCmariacarla castorina
mariacarla castorina
GSGiulia Fuccio Sanzà
Giulia Fuccio Sanzà
GMGaetano Magro
Gaetano Magro
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, making lymph node recovery critical for treatment decisions and prognosis. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the number of lymph nodes retrieved during laparoscopic and open surgeries remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether surgical approach and BMI influence lymph node retrieval in colon cancer surgeries. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 560 patients who underwent colon cancer surgery at a single institution between 2018 and 2023. The average number of lymph nodes retrieved during laparoscopic and open procedures was compared. Distribution analysis using violin plots was performed to assess the pattern of lymph node yield between surgical approaches. Additionally, the impact of BMI on lymph node recovery was assessed. All surgeries were performed by a standardized surgical team using consistent fat clearance techniques. Results: The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 15.89 ± 0.84 for laparoscopic surgeries and 15.98 ± 0.50 for open surgeries, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.9166). The violin plot analysis confirmed overlapping distributions between the two surgical approaches, with no significant difference (p = 0.6270). BMI also showed no significant effect on the number of lymph nodes removed during surgery. The consistency in outcomes was attributed to standardized surgical practices across all cases. Conclusions: Laparoscopic and open surgical approaches yield comparable lymph node recovery in colon cancer surgeries, both in terms of mean values and overall distribution patterns, regardless of patient BMI. These findings emphasize the importance of standardized surgical techniques in ensuring reliable outcomes and suggest that both approaches are equally effective in meeting oncological standards for lymph node retrieval.

11 February 2026 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Salvatore PezzinoSalvatore Pezzino
Salvatore Pezzino
GAGiuseppe Angelico
Giuseppe Angelico
LTLuca Tonia
Luca Tonia
CCCaterina Crescimanno
Caterina Crescimanno
MCmariacarla castorina
mariacarla castorina
Sergio CastorinaSergio Castorina
Sergio Castorina
Cadaveric preservation is fundamental to medical education, research, and surgical training, offering unmatched understanding of human anatomy and tissue dynamics. Although formalin fixation facilitates extended specimen preservation, its toxicity, tissue rigidity, and disruption of molecular analysis have prompted the creation of safer, more biologically representative alternatives. This review delineates the progression of cadaveric preservation, spanning from classical formaldehyde-based techniques through transitional low-toxicity chemical approaches to emerging formaldehyde-free methodologies. We assess the composition, benefits, and drawbacks of each technique, emphasizing the integration with machine learning-guided perfusion, nanotechnology-enhanced polymers, and hybrid approaches that combine digital imaging, 3D scaffolds, and automated monitoring. We propose a decision-making framework that integrates preservation decisions with instructional goals, surgical simulation needs, and research priorities, while adhering to ethical and environmental standards. This thorough analysis combines classic and innovative methodologies to provide practical suggestions for institutions aiming to enhance cadaveric resources for future medical professionals.