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Cipriano GL, Schepici G, Mazzon E, Anchesi I. Multiple Sclerosis: Roles of miRNA, lcnRNA, and circRNA and Their Implications in Cellular Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2255. [PMID: 38396932 PMCID: PMC10889752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition characterized by axonal damage and demyelination induced by autoreactive immune cells that occur in the Central Nervous System (CNS). The interaction between epigenetic changes and genetic factors can be widely involved in the onset, development, and progression of the disease. Although numerous efforts were made to discover new therapies able to prevent and improve the course of MS, definitive curative treatments have not been found yet. However, in recent years, it has been reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), acting as gene expression regulators, could be used as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers to diagnose and fight MS. In this review, we discussed the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as their expression level changes and signaling pathways that are related to preclinical and human MS studies. Hence, the investigation of ncRNAs could be important to provide additional information regarding MS pathogenesis as well as promote the discovery of new therapeutic strategies or biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Strada Statale 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.L.C.); (G.S.); (I.A.)
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Anchesi I, Schepici G, Mazzon E. LncRNAs and CircRNAs as Strategies against Pathological Conditions Caused by a Hypoxic/Anoxic State. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1622. [PMID: 38002304 PMCID: PMC10669691 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain damage can be induced by oxygen deprivation. It is known that hypoxic or anoxic conditions can lead to changes in the expression levels of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which, in turn, can be related to Central Nervous System (CNS) injuries. Therefore, it could be useful to investigate the involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as well as the underlying mechanisms which are able to modulate them in brain damage induced by hypoxic or anoxic conditions. In this review, we focused on recent research that associates these conditions with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). The results of this review demonstrate that the expression of both lncRNAs and circRNAs can be influenced by oxygen deprivation conditions and so they can contribute to inducing damage or providing neuroprotection by affecting specific molecular pathways. Furthermore, several experimental studies have shown that ncRNA activity can be regulated by compounds, thus also modifying their transcriptomic profile and their effects on CNS damages induced by hypoxic/anoxic events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Strada Statale 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Anchesi I, Schepici G, Chiricosta L, Gugliandolo A, Salamone S, Caprioglio D, Pollastro F, Mazzon E. Δ 8-THC Induces Up-Regulation of Glutamatergic Pathway Genes in Differentiated SH-SY5Y: A Transcriptomic Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119486. [PMID: 37298437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, natural or synthetic, have antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and anti-psychotic properties. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) are the most studied cannabinoids, but recently, attention has turned towards minor cannabinoids. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), an isomer of Δ9-THC, is a compound for which, to date, there is no evidence of its role in the modulation of synaptic pathways. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of Δ8-THC on differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Using next generation sequencing (NGS), we investigated whether Δ8-THC could modify the transcriptomic profile of genes involved in synapse functions. Our results showed that Δ8-THC upregulates the expression of genes involved in the glutamatergic pathway and inhibits gene expression at cholinergic synapses. Conversely, Δ8-THC did not modify the transcriptomic profile of genes involved in the GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Anchesi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Schepici
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Chiricosta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Agnese Gugliandolo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Salamone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem S.r.l.s., Via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Diego Caprioglio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem S.r.l.s., Via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem S.r.l.s., Via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Schepici G, Silvestro S, Mazzon E. Regenerative Effects of Exosomes-Derived MSCs: An Overview on Spinal Cord Injury Experimental Studies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010201. [PMID: 36672709 PMCID: PMC9855467 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition usually induced by the initial mechanical insult that can lead to permanent motor and sensory deficits. At present, researchers are investigating potential therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the neuro-inflammatory cascade that occurs post-injury. Although the use of mesenchymal stromal/stem (MSCs) as a potential therapy in application to regenerative medicine promoted anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, several disadvantages limit their use. Therefore, recent studies have reported the effects of exosomes-derived MSCs (MSC-EXOs) as an innovative therapeutic option for SCI patients. It is noteworthy that MSC-EXOs can maintain the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), promoting angiogenic, proliferative, and anti-oxidant effects, as well as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Therefore, in this study, we summarized the preclinical studies reported in the literature that have shown the effects of MSC-EXOs as a new molecular target to counteract the devastating effects of SCI.
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Schepici G, Gugliandolo A, Mazzon E. Serum-Free Cultures: Could They Be a Future Direction to Improve Neuronal Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126391. [PMID: 35742836 PMCID: PMC9223839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated cells with multilinear potential, known for their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. Although the scientific community is working to improve their application, concerns limit their use to repair tissues following neurological damage. One of these obstacles is represented by the use of culture media supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), which, due to its xenogenic nature and the risk of contamination, has increased scientific, ethical and safety problems. Therefore, the use of serum-free media could improve MSC culture methods, avoiding infectious and immunogenic transmission problems as well as MSC bioprocesses, without the use of animal components. The purpose of our review is to provide an overview of experimental studies that demonstrate that serum-free cultures, along with the supplementation of growth factors or chemicals, can lead to a more defined and controlled environment, enhancing the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of MSCs.
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Schepici G, Contestabile V, Valeri A, Mazzon E. Ginger, a Possible Candidate for the Treatment of Dementias? Molecules 2021; 26:5700. [PMID: 34577171 PMCID: PMC8470323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As the human life expectancy increases, age-linked diseases have become more and more frequent. The worldwide increment of dementia cases demands medical solutions, but the current available drugs do not meet all the expectations. Recently the attention of the scientific community was attracted by natural compounds, used in ancient medicine, known for their beneficial effects and high tolerability. This review is focused on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and explore its properties against Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, two of the most common and devastating forms of dementia. This work resumes the beneficial effects of Ginger compounds, tested in computational in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia, along with some human tests. All these evidences suggest a potential role of the compounds of ginger not only in the treatment of the disease, but also in its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (V.C.); (A.V.)
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Sindona C, Schepici G, Contestabile V, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. NOX2 Activation in COVID-19: Possible Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57060604. [PMID: 34208136 PMCID: PMC8230853 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading contagious infectious disease caused by the pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that primarily affects the respiratory tract as well as the central nervous system (CNS). SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs through the interaction of the viral protein Spike with the angiotensin II receptor (ACE 2), leading to an increase of angiotensin II and activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase2 (NOX2), resulting in the release of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory molecules. The purpose of the review is to explain that SARS-CoV-2 infection can determine neuroinflammation that induces NOX2 activation in microglia. To better understand the role of NOX2 in inflammation, an overview of its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is provided. To write this manuscript, we performed a PubMed search to evaluate the possible relationship of SARS-CoV-2 infection in NOX2 activation in microglia, as well as the role of NOX2 in NDs. Several studies highlighted that NOX2 activation in microglia amplifies neuroinflammation. To date, there is no clinical treatment capable of counteracting its activation, however, NOX2 could be a promising pharmaceutical target useful for both the treatment and prevention of NDs and COVID-19 treatment.
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Schepici G, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228637. [PMID: 33207780 PMCID: PMC7698208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompound belonging to the isothiocyanate family. Although it was also found in seeds and mature plants, SFN is mainly present in sprouts of many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. SFN is produced by the conversion of glucoraphanin through the enzyme myrosinase, which leads to the formation of this isothiocyanate. SFN is especially characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and for this reason, it aroused the interest of researchers. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies present on Pubmed that report the efficacy of SFN in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, thanks to its beneficial effects, SFN could be useful as a supplement to counteracting neurodegenerative diseases.
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Schepici G, Silvestro S, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Caffeine: An Overview of Its Beneficial Effects in Experimental Models and Clinical Trials of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134766. [PMID: 32635541 PMCID: PMC7369844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway with consequent loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and dopamine depletion. The cytoplasmic inclusions of α-synuclein (α-Syn), known as Lewy bodies, are the cytologic hallmark of PD. The presence of α-Syn aggregates causes mitochondrial degeneration, responsible for the increase in oxidative stress and consequent neurodegeneration. PD is a progressive disease that shows a complicated pathogenesis. The current therapies are used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease without changing its clinical course. Recently, phytocompounds with neuroprotective effects and antioxidant properties such as caffeine have aroused the interest of researchers. The purpose of this review is to summarize the preclinical studies present in the literature and clinical trials recorded in ClinicalTrial.gov, aimed at illustrating the effects of caffeine used as a nutraceutical compound combined with the current PD therapies. Therefore, the preventive effects of caffeine in the neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons encourage the use of this alkaloid as a supplement to reduce the progress of the PD.
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Schepici G, Silvestro S, Trubiani O, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Salivary Biomarkers: Future Approaches for Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040245. [PMID: 32326227 PMCID: PMC7226627 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurological diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration. Early diagnosis and new markers are necessary for prompt therapeutic intervention. Several studies have aimed to identify biomarkers in different biological liquids. Furthermore, it is being considered whether saliva could be a potential biological sample for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases. This work aims to provide an overview of the literature concerning biomarkers identified in saliva for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the studies have revealed that is possible to quantify beta-amyloid1–42 and TAU protein from the saliva of AD patients. Instead, alpha-synuclein and protein deglycase (DJ-1) have been identified as new potential salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis of PD. Nevertheless, future studies will be needed to validate these salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Schepici
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (S.S.); (P.B.)
| | - Serena Silvestro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (S.S.); (P.B.)
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (S.S.); (P.B.)
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (S.S.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-6012-8172
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Schepici G, Silvestro S, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Traumatic Brain Injury and Stem Cells: An Overview of Clinical Trials, the Current Treatments and Future Therapeutic Approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56030137. [PMID: 32204311 PMCID: PMC7143935 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury represents physical damage to the brain tissue that induces transitory or permanent neurological disabilities. The traumatic injury activates an important inflammatory response, followed by a cascade of events that lead to neuronal loss and further brain damage. Maintaining proper ventilation, a normal level of oxygenation, and adequate blood pressure are the main therapeutic strategies performed after injury. Surgery is often necessary for patients with more serious injuries. However, to date, there are no therapies that completely resolve the brain damage suffered following the trauma. Stem cells, due to their capacity to differentiate into neuronal cells and through releasing neurotrophic factors, seem to be a valid strategy to use in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of clinical trials, aimed to evaluate the use of stem cell-based therapy in traumatic brain injury. These studies aim to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cells in this disease. The results available so far are few; therefore, future studies need in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation in traumatic brain injury.
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and
degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. A recent study
showed that interaction between the immune system and the gut microbiota plays a
crucial role in the development of MS. This review reports the clinical studies
carried out in recent years that aimed to evaluate the composition of the
microbiota in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RR-MS). We also report what
is available in the literature regarding the effectiveness of fecal microbiota
transplantation and the role of the diet in restoring the intestinal bacterial
population. Studies report that patients with RR-MS have a microbiota that,
compared with healthy controls, has higher amounts of
Pedobacteria, Flavobacterium,
Pseudomonas, Mycoplana,
Acinetobacter, Eggerthella,
Dorea, Blautia,
Streptococcus and Akkermansia. In
contrast, MS patients have a microbiota with impoverished microbial populations
of Prevotella, Bacteroides,
Parabacteroides, Haemophilus,
Sutterella, Adlercreutzia,
Coprobacillus, Lactobacillus,
Clostridium, Anaerostipes and
Faecalibacterium. In conclusion, the restoration of the
microbial population in patients with RR-MS appears to reduce inflammatory
events and the reactivation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Schepici
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy.,Both the authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Serena Silvestro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy.,Both the authors contributed equally to this article
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