Publications by authors named "Antonino Colloca"

Article Synopsis
  • The rise of plastic pollution is a serious global issue that poses both environmental and health risks, particularly due to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) released from degrading plastics.
  • Humans are regularly exposed to these tiny particles through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, leading to potential health impacts, especially in vital systems like cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, and digestive systems.
  • This review compiles the latest research on the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in human health, aiming to increase awareness and support the development of strategies to combat this ongoing plastic crisis.
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Background: Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (iSGLT2) are approved medications for type 2 diabetes. Recent studies indicate that iSGLT2 inhibit the growth of some cancer cells. However, the mechanism(s) remains to be fully elucidated.

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In endothelial cells, miR-148a-3p is involved in several pathological pathways, including chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-148a-3p in endothelial inflammatory states is, to date, not fully elucidated. To this end, we investigated the involvement of miR-148a-3p in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death pathways in human aortic endothelial cells (teloHAECs) treated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), a major driver of vascular dysfunction.

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Prediabetes and colorectal cancer (CRC) represent compelling health burdens responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates, sharing several modifiable risk factors. It has been hypothesized that metabolic abnormalities linking prediabetes and CRC are hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and adipokines imbalance. The chronic stimulation related to these metabolic signatures can favor CRC onset and development, as well as negatively influence CRC prognosis.

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In the context of nutrient-driven epigenetic alterations, food-derived miRNAs can be absorbed into the circulatory system and organs of recipients, especially humans, and potentially contribute to modulating health and diseases. Evidence suggests that food uptake, by carrying exogenous miRNAs (xenomiRNAs), regulates the individual miRNA profile, modifying the redox homeostasis and inflammatory conditions underlying pathological processes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. The capacity of diet to control miRNA levels and the comprehension of the unique characteristics of dietary miRNAs in terms of gene expression regulation show important perspectives as a strategy to control disease susceptibility via epigenetic modifications and refine the clinical outcomes.

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Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of class III histone deacetylases (HDACs) consisting of seven members, widely expressed in mammals. SIRTs mainly participate in metabolic homeostasis, DNA damage repair, cell survival, and differentiation, as well as other cancer-related biological processes. Growing evidence shows that SIRTs have pivotal roles in chronic degenerative diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most frequent malignant disease worldwide.

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Understanding the mechanisms of colorectal cancer progression is crucial in the setting of strategies for its prevention. δ-Valerobetaine (δVB) is an emerging dietary metabolite showing cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells via autophagy and apoptosis. Here, we aimed to deepen current knowledge on the mechanism of δVB-induced colon cancer cell death by investigating the apoptotic cascade in colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 and SW620 cells and evaluating the molecular players of mitochondrial dysfunction.

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