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Son NT, Gianibbi B, Panti A, Spiga O, Bastos JK, Fusi F. Vasorelaxant Activity of (2S)-Sakuranetin and Other Flavonoids Isolated from the Green Propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:454-468. [PMID: 38599606 DOI: 10.1055/a-2294-7042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Some in vitro and in vivo evidence is consistent with the cardiovascular beneficial activity of propolis. As the single actors responsible for this effect have never been identified, an in-depth investigation of flavonoids isolated from the green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora was performed and their mechanism of action was described. A comprehensive electrophysiology, functional, and molecular docking approach was applied. Most flavanones and flavones were effective CaV1.2 channel blockers with a potency order of (2S)-sakuranetin > eriodictyol-7,3'-methyl ether > quercetin 3-methyl ether > 5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone > santin > axillarin > penduletin > kumatakenin, ermanin and viscosine being weak or modest stimulators. Except for eriodictyol 5-O-methyl ether, all the flavonoids were also effective spasmolytic agents of vascular rings, kumatakenin and viscosine also showing an endothelium-dependent activity. (2S)-Sakuranetin also stimulated KCa1.1 channels both in single myocytes and vascular rings. In silico analysis provided interesting insights into the mode of action of (2S)-sakuranetin within both CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels. The green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora is a valuable source of multi-target vasoactive flavonoids: this evidence reinforces its nutraceutical value in the cardiovascular disease prevention arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninh The Son
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Caugiay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Beatrice Gianibbi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alice Panti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jairo Kenupp Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Fusi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
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Son NT, Gianibbi B, Panti A, Spiga O, Bastos JK, Fusi F. 3,3'-O-dimethylquercetin: A bi-functional vasodilator isolated from green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176400. [PMID: 38331336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176400] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
In the search for novel, bi-functional compounds acting as CaV1.2 channel blockers and K+ channel stimulators, which represent an effective therapy for hypertension, 3,3'-O-dimethylquercetin was isolated for the first time from Brazilian Caatinga green propolis. Its effects were investigated through electrophysiological, functional, and computational approaches. In rat tail artery myocytes, 3,3'-O-dimethylquercetin blocked Ba2+ currents through CaV1.2 channels (IBa1.2) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the inhibition being reversed upon washout. The compound also shifted the voltage dependence of the steady-state inactivation curve to more negative potentials without affecting the slope of the inactivation and activation curves. Furthermore, the flavonoid stimulated KCa1.1 channel currents (IKCa1.1). In silico simulations provided additional evidence for the binding of 3,3'-O-dimethylquercetin to KCa1.1 and CaV1.2 channels and elucidated its mechanism of action. In depolarized rat tail artery rings, the flavonoid induced a concentration-dependent relaxation. Moreover, in rat aorta rings its antispasmodic effect was inversely related to the transmembrane K+ gradient. In conclusion, 3,3'-O-dimethylquercetin demonstrates effective in vitro vasodilatory properties, encouraging the exploration of its scaffold to develop novel derivatives for potential use in the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninh The Son
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Zeferino Vaz, S/N, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil; Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Caugiay, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam; Department of Chemistry, Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Caugiay, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Beatrice Gianibbi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alice Panti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Jairo Kenupp Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Zeferino Vaz, S/N, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil.
| | - Fabio Fusi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Falbo F, Gemma S, Koch A, Mazzotta S, Carullo G, Ramunno A, Butini S, Schneider-Stock R, Campiani G, Aiello F. Synthetic derivatives of natural cinnamic acids as potential anti-colorectal cancer agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14415. [PMID: 38230797 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14415] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cinnamic acid and its derivatives represent attractive building blocks for the development of pharmacological tools. A series of piperoniloyl and cinnamoyl-based amides (6-9 a-f) have been synthesized and assayed against a wide panel of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, with the aim of finding promising anticancer agents. Among all twenty-four synthesized molecules, 7a, 7e-f, 9c, and 9f displayed the best antiproliferative activity. The induced G1 cell cycle arrest and the increase in apoptotic cell death was seen in FACS analysis and western Blotting in the colon tumor cell lines HCT116, SW480, LoVo, and HT29, but not in the nontumor cell line HCEC. In particular, 9f overcame the resistance of HT29 cells, which have a mutant p53 and BRAF. Furthermore, 9f, amide of piperonilic acid with the 3,4-dichlorobenzyl substituent upregulated p21, which is involved in cell cycle arrest as well as in apoptosis induction. Cinnamic acid derivatives might be potential anticancer compounds, useful for the development of promising anti-CRC agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Falbo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Adrian Koch
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sarah Mazzotta
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Fedeli R, Marotta L, Frattaruolo L, Panti A, Carullo G, Fusi F, Saponara S, Gemma S, Butini S, Cappello AR, Vannini A, Campiani G, Loppi S. Nutritionally enriched tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown with wood distillate: chemical and biological characterization for quality assessment. J Food Sci 2023; 88:5324-5338. [PMID: 37961008 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16829] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Bio-based products are nowadays useful tools able to affect the productivity and quality of conventionally cultivated crops. Several bio-based products are currently on the market; one of the newest and most promising is the wood distillate (WD) derived from the pyrolysis process of waste biomass after timber. Its foliar application has been widely investigated and shown to promote the antioxidant profile of cultivated crops. WD was used here as additive for the cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. The application improved quality (chemical) parameters, minerals, polyphenols, and lycopene contents of tomato fruits. The extracts of WD-treated and untreated tomatoes have been chemically and biologically characterized. The 1 H-NMR and ESI-mass spectrometry analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of different fatty acids, amino acids and sugars. In particular, the WD-treated tomatoes showed the presence of pyroglutamic acid and phloridzin derivatives, but also dihydrokaempferol, naringenin glucoside, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. When tested in cells, the extracts showed a promising anti-inflammatory profile in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the extracts displayed a slight vasorelaxant activity on rat aorta rings (either endothelium-denuded or endothelium-intact) pre-contracted with phenylephrine or potassium chloride. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Wood distillate has been used for tomato plant growth. Tomatoes showed improved nutritional parameters, and their extracts displayed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ludovica Marotta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Frattaruolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Alice Panti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Fusi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Saponara
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Vannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sclareolide-Indole Conjugates and Their Derivatives. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041737. [PMID: 36838727 PMCID: PMC9961340 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclareolide is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from various plant sources in tons every year and is commercially used as a flavor ingredient in the cosmetic and food industries. Antitumor and antiviral activities of sclareolide have been previously reported. However, biological studies of sclareolide synthetic analogous are few. In view of these, we developed a robust synthetic method that allows the assembly of 36 novel sclareolide-indole conjugates and their derivatives. The synthetic method was based on TiCl4-promoted nucleophilic substitution of sclareolide-derived hemiacetal 4, while electron-rich aryles including indoles, polyphenol ethers, and pyrazolo [1,5-a]pyridine were good substrates. The stereochemistry of the final products was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, while the antiproliferative activities of selected final products were tested in K562 and MV4-11 cancer cell lines. Cytometric flow analysis shows that lead compounds 8k- and 10-induced robust apoptosis in MV4-11 cancer cells, while they exhibited weak impact on cell cycle progression. Taken together, our study suggests that sclareolide could be a good template and substrate for the synthesis of novel antiproliferative compounds.
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Carullo G, Falbo F, Ahmed A, Trezza A, Gianibbi B, Nicolotti O, Campiani G, Aiello F, Saponara S, Fusi F. Artificial intelligence-driven identification of morin analogues acting as Ca V1.2 channel blockers: Synthesis and biological evaluation. Bioorg Chem 2023; 131:106326. [PMID: 36563413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Morin is a vasorelaxant flavonoid, whose activity is ascribable to CaV1.2 channel blockade that, however, is weak as compared to that of clinically used therapeutic agents. A conventional strategy to circumvent this drawback is to synthesize new derivatives differently decorated and, in this context, morin-derivatives able to interact with CaV1.2 channels were found by employing the potential of PLATO in target fishing and reverse screening. Three different derivatives (5a-c) were selected as promising tools, synthesized, and investigated in in vitro functional studies using rat aorta rings and rat tail artery myocytes. 5a-c were found more effective vasorelaxant agents than the naturally occurring parent compound and antagonized both electro- and pharmaco-mechanical coupling in an endothelium-independent manner. 5a, the series' most potent, reduced also Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular store sites. Furthermore, 5a≈5c > 5b inhibited Ba2+ current through CaV1.2 channels. However, compound 5a caused also a concentration-dependent inhibition of KCa1.1 channel currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Falbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Ed. Polifunzionale, 87036, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Trezza
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Gianibbi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy- Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Ed. Polifunzionale, 87036, Rende (CS), Italy.
| | - Simona Saponara
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Fusi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Papa A, Pasquini S, Galvani F, Cammarota M, Contri C, Carullo G, Gemma S, Ramunno A, Lamponi S, Gorelli B, Saponara S, Varani K, Mor M, Campiani G, Boscia F, Vincenzi F, Lodola A, Butini S. Development of potent and selective FAAH inhibitors with improved drug-like properties as potential tools to treat neuroinflammatory conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114952. [PMID: 36462439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuroprotective performance against neuroinflammation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be remarkably improved by indirect stimulation mediated by the pharmacological inhibition of the key ECS catabolic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Based on our previous works and aiming to discover new selective FAAH inhibitors , we herein reported a new series of carbamate-based FAAH inhibitors (4a-t) which showed improved drug disposition properties compared to the previously reported analogues 2a-b. The introduction of ionizable functions allowed us to obtain new FAAH inhibitors of nanomolar potency characterized by good water solubility and chemical stability at physiological pH. Interesting structure-activity relationships (SARs), deeply analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, were obtained. All the newly developed inhibitors showed an excellent selectivity profile evaluated against monoacylglycerol lipase and cannabinoid receptors. The reversible mechanism of action was determined by a rapid dilution assay. Absence of toxicity was confirmed in mouse fibroblasts NIH3T3 (for compounds 4e, 4g, 4n-o, and 4s) and in human astrocytes cell line 1321N1 (for compounds 4e, 4n, and 4s). The absence of undesired cardiac effects was also confirmed for compound 4n. Selected analogues (compounds 4e, 4g, 4n, and 4s) were able to reduce oxidative stress in 1321N1 astrocytes and exhibited notable neuroprotective effects when tested in an ex vivo model of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Agrarie, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Galvani
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Cammarota
- Divisione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Viale Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Gorelli
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Saponara
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, I-43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- Divisione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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