Carlo Cauli

Prof. Carlo Cauli


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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Journal Article
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MMMatteo Mancini
Matteo Mancini
VMVetrano Mario
Vetrano Mario
ATAlice Traversa
Alice Traversa
CCCarlo Cauli
Carlo Cauli
Simona CeccarelliSimona Ceccarelli
Simona Ceccarelli
DRDanilo Ranieri
Danilo Ranieri
Tendinopathies are a significant challenge in musculoskeletal medicine, with current treatments showing variable efficacy. Electromagnetic transduction therapy (EMTT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, but its biological effects on tendon cells remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of EMTT on primary cultured human tenocytes’ behavior and functions in vitro, focusing on cellular responses, senescence-related pathways, and molecular mechanisms. Primary cultures of human tenocytes were established from semitendinosus tendon biopsies of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (n = 6, males aged 17–37 years). Cells were exposed to EMTT at different intensities (40 and 80 mT) and impulse numbers (1000–10,500). Cell viability (MTT assay), proliferation (Ki67), senescence markers (CDKN2a/INK4a), migration (scratch test), cytoskeleton organization (immunofluorescence), and gene expression (RT-PCR) were analyzed. A 40 mT exposure elicited minimal effects, whereas 80 mT treatments induced significant cellular responses. Repeated 80 mT exposure demonstrated a dual effect: despite a moderate decrease in overall cell vitality, increased Ki67 expression (+7%, p ≤ 0.05) and significant downregulation of senescence marker CDKN2a/INK4a were observed, suggesting potential senolytic-like activity. EMTT significantly enhanced cell migration (p < 0.001) and triggered cytoskeletal remodeling, with amplified stress fiber formation and paxillin redistribution. Molecular analysis revealed upregulation of tenogenic markers (Scleraxis, Tenomodulin) and enhanced Collagen I and III expressions, particularly with treatments at 80 mT, indicating improved matrix remodeling capacity. EMTT significantly promotes tenocyte proliferation, migration, and matrix production, while simultaneously exhibiting senolytic-like effects through downregulation of senescence-associated markers. These results support EMTT as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of tendinopathies through multiple regenerative mechanisms, though further studies are needed to validate these effects in vivo.

24 March 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CICristina Iannuccelli
Cristina Iannuccelli
MFMartina Favretti
Martina Favretti
GDGiulio Dolcini
Giulio Dolcini
CCCarlo Cauli
Carlo Cauli
VFVincenzo Ferraro
Vincenzo Ferraro
Manuela Di FrancoManuela Di Franco
Manuela Di Franco
Background: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits in several chronic conditions. However, adherence to the MedDiet and its relationship with lifestyle factors and disease severity across different rheumatological diseases remain poorly characterized. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate differences in MedDiet adherence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and fibromyalgia (FM), and to explore its association with cardiovascular comorbidities, bowel habits, and disease-related outcomes. Methods: In this monocentric cross-sectional study, adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the 14-item PREDIMED questionnaire. Self-reported data on sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular comorbidities, bowel habits, and dietary behaviors were collected through questionnaires. Disease activity and severity were assessed using validated disease-specific measures. Differences in MedDiet adherence across diagnostic groups were evaluated using non-parametric tests. Multivariable models were performed to examine associations between MedDiet adherence and cardiovascular comorbidities or disease outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, BMI, smoking status, and educational level. Results: A total of 422 participants were included (RA n = 165, PsA n = 85, FM n = 172). Significant differences in MedDiet adherence were observed across diagnostic groups (p < 0.001), with the highest adherence in RA, intermediate values in PsA, and the lowest in FM. Compared with the other groups, a higher proportion of FM participants reported food intolerances (46.5%) and restrictive diets, including lactose-free (34.9%) and gluten-free (15.1%) diets. In the FM group, high adherence to the MedDiet was significantly associated with lower FIQR scores (β = −16.9; 95% CI −32.1 to −1.7; p = 0.01) and lower PDS scores (β = −4.34; 95% CI −7.81 to −0.86; p = 0.01). Sensitivity analyses using the continuous PREDIMED score confirmed these associations. Conclusions: Adherence to the MedDiet differs across rheumatological diseases, with the lowest adherence observed in FM. Higher adherence was associated with lower disease severity and impact in FM. These findings highlight the potential relevance of nutritional counselling in rheumatological diseases and support the need for longitudinal and interventional studies evaluating the role of the MedDiet within multidisciplinary disease management.