Mariacarmela Nucara

Dr. Mariacarmela Nucara


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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5 October 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FLFabiana Lucà
Fabiana Lucà
FAFelicita Andreotti
Felicita Andreotti
CRCarmelo Massimiliano Rao
Carmelo Massimiliano Rao
GPGiuseppe Pelaggi
Giuseppe Pelaggi
MNMariacarmela Nucara
Mariacarmela Nucara
IPIris Parrini
Iris Parrini
Elderly patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a growing demographic population. These patients typically present more comorbidities and experience poorer outcomes compared to younger patients. Furthermore, they are less frequently subjected to revascularization procedures and are less likely to receive evidence-based medications in both the short and long-term periods. Assessing frailty is crucial in elderly patients with ACS because it can influence management decisions, as well as risk stratification and prognosis. Indeed, treatment decisions should consider geriatric syndromes, frailty, polypharmacy, sarcopenia, nutritional deficits, prevalence of comorbidities, thrombotic risk, and, at the same time, an increased risk of bleeding. Rigorous clinical assessments, clear revascularization criteria, and tailored approaches to antithrombotic therapy are essential for guiding personalized treatment decisions in these individuals. Assessing frailty helps healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from targeted interventions to improve their outcomes and quality of life. Elderly individuals who experience ACS remain significantly underrepresented and understudied in randomized controlled trials. For this reason, the occurrence of ACS in the elderly continues to be a particularly complex issue in clinical practice, and one that clinicians increasingly have to address, given the general ageing of populations. This review aims to address the complex aspects of elderly patients with ACS to help clinicians make therapeutic decisions when faced with such situations.

13 February 2025 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FLFabiana Lucà
Fabiana Lucà
IPIris Parrini
Iris Parrini
MCMaria Laura Canale
Maria Laura Canale
CRCarmelo Massimiliano Rao
Carmelo Massimiliano Rao
MNMariacarmela Nucara
Mariacarmela Nucara
MGMichele Massimo Gulizia
Michele Massimo Gulizia
Cardiac metastases (CMs) are more common than primary cardiac tumors, with autopsy studies reporting incidence rates between 2.3% and 18.3%. Their increasing detection is largely attributed to advances in cancer treatments, which have extended patient survival. CMs may present with diverse clinical manifestations depending on their size, location, and extent of infiltration, although they often remain asymptomatic and are identified only postmortem. Sometimes, they are incidentally discovered during tumor staging or follow-up evaluations. This review explores the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical features, and potential complications of CMs, focusing on their prevalence and characteristics. It highlights the importance of early detection and optimized management strategies to address this growing clinical concern. Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving CMs and develop effective therapeutic interventions.

29 April 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMaurizio Giuseppe ABRIGNANI
Maurizio Giuseppe ABRIGNANI
FLFabiana Lucà
Fabiana Lucà
MAMaurizio Giuseppe ABRIGNANI
Maurizio Giuseppe ABRIGNANI
MNMariacarmela Nucara
Mariacarmela Nucara
DGDaniele Grosseto
Daniele Grosseto
IPIris Parrini
Iris Parrini
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two primary causes of mortality worldwide. Although traditionally regarded as distinct pathologies, they share numerous pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors, including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic dysregulation. Notably, several cancers have been identified as closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, including lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, as well as hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, renal and pancreatic cancers exhibit a significant association with cardiovascular complications, partly due to shared risk factors and the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies. Addressing the overlapping risk factors through lifestyle modifications—such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and cessation of smoking and alcohol—has proven effective in reducing both CV and oncological morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, even in patients with established cancer, structured interventions targeting physical activity, nutritional optimization, and smoking cessation have been associated with improved outcomes. Beyond lifestyle modifications, pharmacological strategies play a crucial role in the prevention of both diseases. Several cardiovascular medications, including statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, and metformin, exhibit pleiotropic effects that extend beyond their primary indications, demonstrating potential anti-neoplastic properties in preclinical and observational studies. Recently, novel therapeutic agents have garnered attention for their possible cardioprotective and metabolic benefits. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, have shown CV and renal protective effects, alongside emerging evidence of their role in modulating cancer-related metabolic pathways. Inclisiran, a small interfering RNA targeting PCSK9, effectively lowers LDL cholesterol and may contribute to reducing CV risk, with potential implications for tumor biology. Additionally, sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor, has revolutionized heart failure management by improving hemodynamic parameters and exerting anti-inflammatory effects that may have broader implications for chronic disease prevention. Given the intricate interplay between CVD and cancer, further research is essential to clarify the exact mechanisms linking these conditions and assessing the potential of CV therapies in cancer prevention. This review aims to examine shared risk factors, consider the role of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, and emphasize crucial epidemiological and mechanistic insights into the intersection of CV and oncological health.