Esmeralda Capristo

Prof. Dr. Esmeralda Capristo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

34Years (1993-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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1 February 2023 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GMGiuseppe Marincola
Giuseppe Marincola
VVValeria Velluti
Valeria Velluti
NVNikolaos Voloudakis
Nikolaos Voloudakis
PGPierpaolo Gallucci
Pierpaolo Gallucci
LCLuigi Ciccoritti
Luigi Ciccoritti
Marco RaffaelliMarco Raffaelli
Marco Raffaelli
Introduction: Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S), like other hypoabsorptive procedures, could be burdened by long-term nutritional deficiencies such as malnutrition, anemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism. Objectives: We aimed to report our experience in terms of mid-term (2 years) bariatric, nutritional, and metabolic results in patients who underwent SADI-S both as a primary or revisional procedure. Methods: One hundred twenty-one patients were scheduled for SADI-S as a primary or revisional procedure from July 2016 to February 2020 and completed at least 2 years of follow-up. Demographic features, bariatric, nutritional, and metabolic results were analyzed during a stepped follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Results: Sixty-six patients (47 female and 19 male) were included. The median preoperative BMI was 53 (48–58) kg/m2. Comorbidities were reported in 48 (72.7%) patients. At 2 years, patients had a median BMI of 27 (27–31) kg/m2 (p < 0.001) with a median %EWL of 85.3% (72.1–96.1), a TWL of 75 (49–100) kg, and a %TWL of 50.9% (40.7–56.9). The complete remission rate was 87.5% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 83.3% for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and 64.5% for hypertension. The main nutritional deficiencies post SADI-S were vitamin D (31.82%) and folic acid deficiencies (9.09%). Conclusion: SADI-S could be considered as an efficient and safe procedure with regard to nutritional status, at least in mid-term (2 years) results. It represents a promising bariatric procedure because of the excellent metabolic and bariatric outcomes with acceptable nutritional deficiency rates. Nevertheless, larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

1 August 2021 in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ECEsmeralda Capristo
Esmeralda Capristo
AMAusilia Maione
Ausilia Maione
GLGiuseppe Lucisano
Giuseppe Lucisano
MRMaria F. Russo
Maria F. Russo
GMGeltrude Mingrone
Geltrude Mingrone
ANAntonio Nicolucci
Antonio Nicolucci

1 January 2016 in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ECEsmeralda Capristo
Esmeralda Capristo
VSValerio Spuntarelli
Valerio Spuntarelli
Giorgio TregliaGiorgio Treglia
Giorgio Treglia
VAVincenzo Arena
Vincenzo Arena
AGAlessandro Giordano
Alessandro Giordano
GMGeltrude Mingrone
Geltrude Mingrone
INTRODUCTION: We described the case of a highly aggressive antral gastric carcinoma with a scarce symptomatology, in a patient undergone Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) for obesity. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61 year-old white man in apparent good health, who underwent laparoscopic RYGB for obesity 18 months earlier, with a loss of 30 kg, reported a sudden abdominal distension and breath shortness with a weight gain of 5 kg in few days. Endoscopy of both upper gastro-intestinal tract and the colon were performed along with CT-scan and positron-emission tomography (PET) CT- scan. A biopsy of the palpable lymph node in the left supraclavicular fossa was taken for analysis. Abdominal paracentesis produced milky fluid, while citrine pleural fluid was aspirated by thoracentesis. Immunochemistry studies of the lymph node biopsy revealed tumor cells positive for cytokeratin (CK)7 and CK20, CDX2 and CAM 5.2 and negative for HER2 and TTF1 suggesting colon cancer. The colon and upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy were normal. A CT-scan and positron-emission tomography (PET) with 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) showed an intense FDG-uptake in the gastric antrum and in the lymph nodal chains. Given these findings, a diagnosis of poorly differentiated antral gastric carcinoma with multiple lymph node metastases was raised.The patients died 4 months after diagnosis. DISCUSSION: RYGB is a widely performed bariatric operation and no data are reported on the risk of developing gastric cancer in the excluded stomach. CONCLUSION: This case report suggests that great attention should be devoted to post-RYGB patients for an early diagnosis of malignant gastric cancer. Highlights:

17 June 2025 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Marco CintoniMarco Cintoni
Marco Cintoni
MPMarta Palombaro
Marta Palombaro
EZEleonora Zoli
Eleonora Zoli
GDGiuseppe D'Agostino
Giuseppe D'Agostino
GPGabriele Pulcini
Gabriele Pulcini
Maria Cristina MeleMaria Cristina Mele
Maria Cristina Mele
Lifestyle, diet, and genetics are established risk factors for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota (GM) has been increasingly highlighted in several studies, suggesting an effect on both the disease’s pathogenesis and the efficacy and tolerability of treatments. We conducted a search on Medline, aiming to identify published studies exploring the role of the GM in the development and treatment of CRC. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in GM, is common in CRC patients and is associated with precancerous lesions, aggressive tumors, and varied therapy outcomes. Restoring GM balance can reduce treatment complications and may improve prognosis. The review details how GM influences CRC through metabolite production, inflammation modulation, and immune response alteration. Diet significantly impacts GM composition, with processed meats and high-fat diets increasing CRC risk, while fiber-rich diets are protective. The role of the GM in CRC treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy is also explored, noting its influence on complications, chemoresistance, and treatment efficacy. Future strategies involving GM modulation through diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) show promise for CRC prevention and treatment, warranting further research.

17 November 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Giuseppe MaranoGiuseppe Marano
Giuseppe Marano
SGSfratta Greta
Sfratta Greta
EMEster Maria Marzo
Ester Maria Marzo
GCGiorgia Cozzo
Giorgia Cozzo
FAFrancesca Abate
Francesca Abate
Marianna MazzaMarianna Mazza
Marianna Mazza
Background: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in brain development and function, especially in early life. Disruptions in the pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis have been linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. We hypothesize that early-life dysbiosis can perturb neurodevelopment via the pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis, increasing risk and/or severity of neuropsychiatric outcomes, and that microbiota-targeted strategies may mitigate this risk. Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2025 for studies addressing pediatric microbiota, neuropsychiatric development, and interventions. Human and animal studies were included if they provided mechanistic or clinical insights. Results: Key determinants of microbiota development in childhood include mode of delivery, feeding practices, antibiotic exposure, diet, and environment. Altered microbial composition has been associated with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa. Mechanistic pathways involve immune modulation, neural signaling (including the vagus nerve and enteric nervous system), and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. Interventions targeting the microbiota—ranging from dietary strategies and probiotics to psychobiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation—show promise but require further pediatric-focused trials. Conclusions: The pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis represents a critical window for neuropsychiatric vulnerability and intervention. Early-life strategies to support a healthy microbiota may help reduce the risk or severity of psychiatric disorders. Future research should prioritize longitudinal pediatric cohorts and clinical trials to translate mechanistic insights into precision interventions.

27 November 2025 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Giuseppe MaranoGiuseppe Marano
Giuseppe Marano
GBGianluca Boggio
Gianluca Boggio
FAFrancesca Abate
Francesca Abate
ECEmanuele Caroppo
Emanuele Caroppo
GTGianandrea Traversi
Gianandrea Traversi
Marianna MazzaMarianna Mazza
Marianna Mazza
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric illness characterized by recurrent mood episodes and significant psychosocial impairment. Emerging evidence supports a bidirectional link between diet and mental health, with growing interest in nutritional psychiatry. This narrative review examines the psychological and psychiatric impact of diet in BD, focusing on biological mechanisms (gut–brain axis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter synthesis, and HPA axis dysregulation) and the role of specific dietary patterns, including Western, Mediterranean, ketogenic, and anti-inflammatory diets. Key micronutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D are explored in relation to mood regulation. This review also addresses psychological factors, including emotional eating, disordered eating behaviors, and the symbolic meaning of food in BD. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of nutritional psychoeducation into psychotherapy, the impact of comorbidities (e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome), and the role of lifestyle factors such as sleep and physical activity. Despite promising findings, current research is limited by methodological heterogeneity. Future perspectives should include interdisciplinary, personalized interventions that incorporate nutritional strategies into standard care for BD.