Davide Nilo

Dr. Davide Nilo

orcid

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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9 January 2025 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfredo CaturanoAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
MRMaria Rocco
Maria Rocco
GTGiuseppina Tagliaferri
Giuseppina Tagliaferri
APAlessia Piacevole
Alessia Piacevole
DNDavide Nilo
Davide Nilo
FSFerdinando Carlo Sasso
Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. A central pathophysiological mechanism linking T2DM to cardiovascular complications is oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant defenses. Hyperglycemia in T2DM promotes oxidative stress through various pathways, including the formation of advanced glycation end products, the activation of protein kinase C, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the polyol pathway. These processes enhance ROS generation, leading to endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and the exacerbation of cardiovascular damage. Additionally, oxidative stress disrupts nitric oxide signaling, impairing vasodilation and promoting vasoconstriction, which contributes to vascular complications. This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in T2DM. It also examines the potential of lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and physical activity, in reducing oxidative stress and mitigating cardiovascular risks in this high-risk population. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to improve cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients.

15 July 2024 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfredo CaturanoAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
RNRoberto Nilo
Roberto Nilo
DNDavide Nilo
Davide Nilo
Vincenzo RussoVincenzo Russo
Vincenzo Russo
ESErica Santonastaso
Erica Santonastaso
FSFerdinando Carlo Sasso
Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Diabetes mellitus, which comprises a group of metabolic disorders affecting carbohydrate metabolism, is characterized by improper glucose utilization and excessive production, leading to hyperglycemia. The global prevalence of diabetes is rising, with projections indicating it will affect 783.2 million people by 2045. Insulin treatment is crucial, especially for type 1 diabetes, due to the lack of β-cell function. Intensive insulin therapy, involving multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, has proven effective in reducing microvascular complications but poses a higher risk of severe hypoglycemia. Recent advancements in insulin formulations and delivery methods, such as ultra-rapid-acting analogs and inhaled insulin, offer potential benefits in terms of reducing hypoglycemia and improving glycemic control. However, the traditional subcutaneous injection method has drawbacks, including patient compliance issues and associated complications. Nanomedicine presents innovative solutions to these challenges, offering promising avenues for overcoming current drug limitations, enhancing cellular uptake, and improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Various nanocarriers, including liposomes, chitosan, and PLGA, provide protection against enzymatic degradation, improving drug stability and controlled release. These nanocarriers offer unique advantages, ranging from enhanced bioavailability and sustained release to specific targeting capabilities. While oral insulin delivery is being explored for better patient adherence and cost-effectiveness, other nanomedicine-based methods also show promise in improving delivery efficiency and patient outcomes. Safety concerns, including potential toxicity and immunogenicity issues, must be addressed, with the FDA providing guidance for the safe development of nanotechnology-based products. Future directions in nanomedicine will focus on creating next-generation nanocarriers with precise targeting, real-time monitoring, and stimuli-responsive features to optimize diabetes treatment outcomes and patient safety. This review delves into the current state of nanomedicine for insulin delivery, examining various types of nanocarriers and their mechanisms of action, and discussing the challenges and future directions in developing safe and effective nanomedicine-based therapies for diabetes management.

10 October 2025 in European Journal of Clinical Investigation
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ACAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
EEEnes Erul
Enes Erul
RNRoberto Nilo
Roberto Nilo
DNDavide Nilo
Davide Nilo
Vincenzo RussoVincenzo Russo
Vincenzo Russo
Caterina ConteCaterina Conte
Caterina Conte
Background: Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). IR, a central feature of the metabolic syndrome, promotes hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, fostering the transition from steatosis to advanced liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review summarizes current evidence on the molecular mechanisms linking MASLD, IR and HCC, highlighting the role of insulin resistance in liver carcinogenesis and disease progression. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies addressing the interplay between MASLD, IR and HCC. Key molecular pathways and risk profiles were synthesised and compared across etiologies. Results: IR contributes to hepatic lipid deposition, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation through activation of PI3K/Akt and mTOR signalling. The coexistence of MASLD and IR enhances pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrotic pathways, accelerating the evolution to HCC. Patients with MASLD‐associated HCC exhibit distinct metabolic and molecular characteristics compared with those with viral or alcohol‐related HCC. Novel biomarkers and advanced imaging modalities show promise for identifying high‐risk individuals at earlier disease stages. Conclusions: Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the MASLD–IR–HCC axis, critical gaps remain regarding genetic, environmental and metabolic determinants. A multidisciplinary approach integrating metabolic, molecular and oncologic research is essential for improving early detection, risk stratification and the development of targeted therapies against metabolic liver cancer.

31 October 2024 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfredo CaturanoAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
RGRaffaele Galiero
Raffaele Galiero
MRMaria Rocco
Maria Rocco
GTGiuseppina Tagliaferri
Giuseppina Tagliaferri
APAlessia Piacevole
Alessia Piacevole
FSFerdinando Carlo Sasso
Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. This review aims to explore the epidemiology, cardiovascular complications, and management strategies associated with CKD, emphasizing the importance of preventing cardiovascular disease and early intervention. CKD is primarily driven by conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which often coexist and exacerbate renal impairment. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and regular monitoring. Dietary changes, such as sodium restriction and a controlled intake of phosphorus and potassium, play a vital role in preserving renal function. Pharmacological therapies, particularly angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and emerging agents like SGLT2 inhibitors, have shown efficacy in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, patients undergoing dialysis face increased cardiovascular risk, necessitating comprehensive management strategies to address both renal and cardiac health. As the landscape of CKD treatment evolves, ongoing research into novel therapeutic options and personalized medical approaches are essential. This review underscores the urgent need for awareness, education, and effective preventive measures to mitigate the burden of CKD and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

7 September 2024 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfredo CaturanoAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
RGRaffaele Galiero
Raffaele Galiero
MRMaria Rocco
Maria Rocco
GTGiuseppina Tagliaferri
Giuseppina Tagliaferri
APAlessia Piacevole
Alessia Piacevole
FSFerdinando Carlo Sasso
Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta cell dysfunction, presenting substantial global health and economic challenges. This review explores recent advancements in diabetes management, emphasizing novel pharmacological therapies and their physiological mechanisms. We highlight the transformative impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA), which target specific physiological pathways to enhance glucose regulation and metabolic health. A key focus of this review is tirzepatide, a dual agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors. Tirzepatide illustrates how integrating innovative mechanisms with established physiological pathways can significantly improve glycemic control and support weight management. Additionally, we explore emerging treatments such as glimins and glucokinase activators (GKAs), which offer novel strategies for enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucose production. We also address future perspectives in diabetes management, including the potential of retatrutide as a triple receptor agonist and evolving guidelines advocating for a comprehensive, multifactorial approach to care. This approach integrates pharmacological advancements with essential lifestyle modifications—such as dietary changes, physical activity, and smoking cessation—to optimize patient outcomes. By focusing on the physiological mechanisms of these new therapies, this review underscores their role in enhancing T2DM management and highlights the importance of personalized care plans to address the complexities of the disease. This holistic perspective aims to improve patient quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

22 February 2024 in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfredo CaturanoAlfredo Caturano
Alfredo Caturano
Massimiliano CavalloMassimiliano Cavallo
Massimiliano Cavallo
DNDavide Nilo
Davide Nilo
GVGaetano Vaudo
Gaetano Vaudo
Vincenzo RussoVincenzo Russo
Vincenzo Russo
FSFerdinando Carlo Sasso
Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) delays gastric emptying in diabetes patients, notably impacting those with type 1 and long-standing type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include early satiety, fullness, appetite loss, bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting, arising from slow stomach-to-intestine food movement. DGP’s unpredictable nature complicates diagnosis and blood glucose management, leading to severe complications like dehydration, malnutrition, and bezoar formation. Understanding DGP’s mechanisms is crucial for effective management. Vagal dysfunction, disturbances in the interstitial cells of Cajal, reduced neural nitric oxide synthase, and increased oxidative stress contribute to the complex pathophysiology. Accurate diagnosis demands a comprehensive approach, utilizing tools like gastric scintigraphy and the Gastric Emptying Breath Test. Considering the complex relationship between DGP and glycemia, managing blood glucose levels becomes paramount. Nutritional interventions, tailored to each patient, address malnutrition risks, emphasizing smaller, more frequent meals and liquid consistency. DGP’s complex nature necessitates collaborative efforts for enhanced diagnostic strategies, improved pathophysiological understanding, and compassionate management approaches. This comprehensive approach offers hope for a future where individuals with DGP can experience improved well-being and quality of life.