Francesca Lazzarini

Dr. Francesca Lazzarini


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

View All Publications
15 July 2024 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SBSilvia Bongiorni
Silvia Bongiorni
ECElisabetta Catalani
Elisabetta Catalani
IAIvan Arisi
Ivan Arisi
FLFrancesca Lazzarini
Francesca Lazzarini
SCSimona del quondam giuseppe detto celli
Simona del quondam giuseppe detto celli
GPGiorgio Prantera
Giorgio Prantera
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains are histologically marked by the presence of intracellular and extracellular amyloid deposits, which characterize the onset of the disease pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that certain nutrients exert a direct or indirect effect on amyloid β (Aβ)-peptide production and accumulation and, consequently, on AD pathogenesis. We exploited the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model of AD to evaluate in vivo the beneficial properties of Lisosan G, a fermented powder obtained from organic whole grains, on the intracellular Aβ-42 peptide accumulation and related pathological phenotypes of AD. Our data showed that the Lisosan G-enriched diet attenuates the production of neurotoxic Aβ peptides in fly brains and reduces neuronal apoptosis. Notably, Lisosan G exerted anti-oxidant effects, lowering brain levels of reactive oxygen species and enhancing mitochondrial activity. These aspects paralleled the increase in autophagy turnover and the inhibition of nucleolar stress. Our results give support to the use of the Drosophila model not only to investigate the molecular genetic bases of neurodegenerative disease but also to rapidly and reliably test the efficiency of potential therapeutic agents and diet regimens.