Monica C. Asada

Dr. Monica C. Asada


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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26 August 2025 in Proteomes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MRMohamed Saad Rakab
Mohamed Saad Rakab
MAMonica C. Asada
Monica C. Asada
MMMohammed Imaduddin Khurram Mirza
Mohammed Imaduddin Khurram Mirza
MMMohammed Morsy
Mohammed Morsy
AMAmro Mostafa
Amro Mostafa
Abeer MahmoudAbeer Mahmoud
Abeer Mahmoud
Background: Adipose-derived extracellular vesicles (adiposomes) are emerging as key mediators of inter-organ communication, yet their molecular composition and role in obesity-related pathophysiology remain underexplored. This study integrates clinical phenotyping with proteomic analysis of visceral adipose-derived adiposomes to identify obesity-linked molecular disruptions. Methods: Seventy-five obese and forty-seven lean adults were extensively profiled for metabolic, inflammatory, hepatic, and vascular parameters. Adiposomes isolated from visceral fat underwent mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis, followed by differential abundance, pathway enrichment, regulatory network modeling, and clinical association testing. Results: Obese individuals exhibited widespread cardiometabolic dysfunction. Proteomics revealed 64 adiposomal proteins with differential abundance. Upregulated proteins (e.g., CRP, C9, APOC1) correlated with visceral adiposity, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, downregulated proteins (e.g., ADIPOQ, APOD, TTR, FGB, FGG) were associated with enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular protection, suggesting loss of homeostatic signaling. Network analyses identified TNF and IL1 as key upstream regulators driving inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Decision tree and random forest models accurately classified obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis (AUC = 0.908–0.994), identifying predictive protein signatures related to complement activation, inflammation, and lipid transport. Conclusion: Obesity alters adiposome proteomic cargo, reflecting and potentially mediating systemic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and vascular impairment.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMonica C. Asada
Monica C. Asada
MRMohamed Saad Rakab
Mohamed Saad Rakab
MMMohammed Imaduddin Khurram Mirza
Mohammed Imaduddin Khurram Mirza
GSGiorgia Scichilone
Giorgia Scichilone
MMMohammed Morsy
Mohammed Morsy
Abeer MahmoudAbeer Mahmoud
Abeer Mahmoud
Adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (adiposomes) carry a protein cargo that we previously showed differs between obese and lean individuals. In this study, we investigate how adiposomal protein cargo changes in response to sleeve gastrectomy and examine whether these changes are associated with clinical improvements. Twenty-three obese adults underwent pre- and post-bariatric surgery adipose sampling for adiposome isolation and clinical assessments that included vascular and metabolic profiles and inflammatory markers. The adiposomal protein cargo was analyzed via non-targeted proteomics. Differential protein abundance, pathway enrichment, and correlation analyses were assessed. Twelve weeks after bariatric surgery, BMI and fat mass decreased, accompanied by improved glucose and lipid profiles. Inflammatory markers (leptin, IL-6, CRP) also declined, while adiponectin and nitric oxide increased. Adiposomal proteomics identified 287 proteins, with 138 significantly altered. Downregulated proteins included PRDX2, FN1, SERPIND1, and inflammatory mediators; upregulated proteins included talin-1, fibrinogens, and adiponectin. Correlation analysis linked these changes to improvements in lipid profiles, vascular function, and circulating inflammatory markers. Pathway analysis revealed inhibition of lipid-regulatory pathways alongside enrichment of immune, metabolic, and vascular pathways, including lipoprotein metabolism and endothelial signaling. Bariatric surgery-induced cardiometabolic improvements were accompanied by adiposome proteomic remodeling, characterized by reduced inflammation and metabolic reprogramming.