Publications by authors named "M Zusso"

Article Synopsis
  • Fentanyl triggers neuroinflammation and immune activation through the TLR4/MD-2 complex, leading to side effects like tolerance and increased pain sensitivity.
  • The study assessed fentanyl's effects on proinflammatory responses in rat microglia and human macrophages using techniques like real-time PCR and ELISA, while examining TLR4/MD-2 signaling pathways.
  • Results showed fentanyl increases proinflammatory mediator levels and NF-κB activation linked to TLR4/MD-2, suggesting that targeting this pathway could enhance the safety and effectiveness of opioid pain management.
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Aim: 2-Pentadecyl-2-oxazoline (PEA-OXA), the oxazoline derivative of N-palmitoylethanolamine, exerts anti-inflammatory activity; however, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Here, we tested the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of PEA-OXA in primary microglia and we also investigated the possible interaction of the molecule with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2) complex.

Main Methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of PEA-OXA was analyzed by measuring the expression and release of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary microglia by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively.

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Simultaneous modulation of multifaceted toxicity arising from neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction represents a valuable therapeutic strategy to tackle Alzheimer's disease. Among the significant hallmarks of the disorder, Aβ protein and its aggregation products are well-recognised triggers of the neurotoxic cascade. In this study, by tailored modification of the curcumin-based lead compound 1, we aimed at developing a small library of hybrid compounds targeting Aβ protein oligomerisation and the consequent neurotoxic events.

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Microalgae and microalgae-derived compounds have great potential as supplements in the human diet and as a source of bioactive products with health benefits. Spirulina ( (Nordstedt) Gomont, or ) belongs to the class of cyanobacteria and has been studied for its numerous health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties, among others. This work was aimed at comparing some spirulina products available on the Italian market.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is not restricted to the neuronal compartment but includes important interactions with immune cells, including microglia. Protein aggregates, common pathological hallmarks of AD, bind to pattern recognition receptors on microglia and trigger an inflammatory response, which contributes to disease progression and severity. In this context, curcumin is emerging as a potential drug candidate able to affect multiple key pathways implicated in AD, including neuroinflammation.

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