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Ceramella J, De Maio AC, Basile G, Facente A, Scali E, Andreu I, Sinicropi MS, Iacopetta D, Catalano A. Phytochemicals Involved in Mitigating Silent Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals. Foods 2024; 13:978. [PMID: 38611284 PMCID: PMC11012104 DOI: 10.3390/foods13070978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth's crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Azzurra Chiara De Maio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Giovanna Basile
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Anastasia Facente
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Elisabetta Scali
- Unit of Dermatology, Spoke Hospital, Locri, 89044 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Inmaculada Andreu
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación UPV-IIS La Fe, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Avenida de Fernando, Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy;
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Finelli F, Catalano A, De Lisa M, Ferraro GA, Genovese S, Giuzio F, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Sinicropi MS, Svolacchia F, Vassallo A, Santarsiere A, Saturnino C. CGRP Antagonism and Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Migraine. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:163. [PMID: 38256423 PMCID: PMC10820088 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The study of migraine is based on the complexity of the pathology, both at the pathophysiological and epidemiological levels. Although it affects more than a billion people worldwide, it is often underestimated and underreported by patients. Migraine must not be confused with a simple headache; it is a serious and disabling disease that causes considerable limitations in the daily life of afflicted people, including social, work, and emotional effects. Therefore, it causes a daily state of suffering and discomfort. It is important to point out that this pathology not only has a decisive impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it but also on their families and, more generally, on society as a whole. The clinical picture of migraine is complex, with debilitating unilateral or bilateral head pain, and is often associated with characteristic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Hormonal, environmental, psychological, dietary, or other factors can trigger it. The present review focuses on the analysis of the physiopathological and pharmacological aspects of migraine, up to the correct dietary approach, with specific nutritional interventions aimed at modulating the symptoms. Based on the symptoms that the patient experiences, targeted and specific therapy is chosen to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Specifically, the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathogenesis of migraine is analyzed, along with the drugs that effectively target the corresponding receptor. Particularly, CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants) are very effective drugs in the treatment of migraine, given their high diffusion in the brain. Moreover, following a ketogenic diet for only one or two months has been demonstrated to reduce migraine attacks. In this review, we highlight the diverse facets of migraine, from its physiopathological and pharmacological aspects to prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Finelli
- U.O.C. Pediatrics -S. Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Michele De Lisa
- U.O.C. Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health Department ASP, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Andrea Ferraro
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Sabino Genovese
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Viticulture and Oenology, Federico II University, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Federica Giuzio
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
- U.O.C. Primary Care and Territorial Health, Social and Health Department, State Hospital, 47893 San Marino, San Marino
- Spinoff TNCKILLERS s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | | | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santarsiere
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (C.S.); (A.V.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
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Li C, Tang Y, Ye Y, Zuo M, Lu Q. Potential of natural flavonols and flavanones in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1120616. [PMID: 36937890 PMCID: PMC10020211 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1120616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease generally characterized by chronic, persistent, recurrent, and non-specific ulcers of the intestine. Its main clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. This disease is difficult to cure and even carries the risk of canceration. It has been listed as a modern refractory disease by the World Health Organization. Though a large amount of drugs are available for the inhibition of UC, the conventional treatment such as aminosalicylic acids, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressors, and biological agents possess certain limitations and serious side effects. Therefore, it is urgently needed for safe and effective drugs of UC, and natural-derived flavonols and flavanones showed tremendous potential. The present study concentrated on the progress of natural-derived flavonols and flavanones from edible and pharmaceutical plants for the remedy of UC over the last two decades. The potential pharmaceutical of natural-derived flavonols and flavanones against UC were closely connected with the modulation of gut microflora, gut barrier function, inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The excellent efficacy and safety of natural flavonols and flavanones make them prospective drug candidates for UC suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yonghao Ye
- Zhuhai Resproly Pharmaceutical Technology Company Limited, Zhuhai, China
| | - Manhua Zuo
- Department of Nursing, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Lu,
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Giuzio F, Bonomo MG, Catalano A, Infantino V, Salzano G, Monné M, Geronikaki A, Petrou A, Aquaro S, Sinicropi MS, Saturnino C. Potential PDE4B inhibitors as promising candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biomol Concepts 2023; 14:bmc-2022-0033. [PMID: 37909122 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus belonging to the coronavirus family responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It primarily affects the pulmonary system, which is the target of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which many new compounds have been developed. In this study, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are being investigated. The inhibition of PDE4 enzyme produces anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in the lung by inducing an increase in cAMP concentrations. Piclamilast and rolipram are known selective inhibitors of PDE4, which are unfortunately endowed with common side effects, such as nausea and emesis. The selective inhibition of the phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) subtype may represent an intriguing technique for combating this highly contagious disease with fewer side effects. In this article, molecular docking studies for the selective inhibition of the PDE4B enzyme have been carried out on 21 in-house compounds. The compounds were docked into the pocket of the PDE4B catalytic site, and in most cases, they were almost completely superimposed onto piclamilast. Then, in order to enlarge our study, drug-likeness prediction studies were performed on the compounds under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giuzio
- International PhD Programme 'Sciences', Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano n.10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Salzano
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Magnus Monné
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Athina Geronikaki
- School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anthi Petrou
- School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:foods11182884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.
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