Removal of the 5' cap structure of RNAs (termed decapping) is a pivotal event in the life of cytoplasmic mRNAs mainly catalyzed by a conserved holoenzyme, composed of the catalytic subunit DCP2 and its essential cofactor DCP1. While decapping was initially considered merely a step in the general 5'-3' mRNA decay, recent data suggest a great degree of selectivity that plays an active role in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and regulates multiple biological functions. Studies in have shown that old age is accompanied by the accumulation of decapping factors in cytoplasmic RNA granules, and loss of decapping activity shortens the lifespan.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOlive oil possesses a predominant role in the diet of countries around the Mediterranean basin, whereas it is a known constituent of several sectors of human culture. The polyphenolic composition of olive oil seems to be a key factor in its beneficial biological properties. Based on the above, the aim of this study was to correlate the polyphenolic composition of five extracts derived from a Greek olive oil variety with their antioxidant potency and antimutagenic activities with chemical-based techniques and cell culture-based assays.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability that has a significant risk of unfavorable outcomes such as increased dependency and/or death, but little is known about frailty in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Method: We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty in COPD patients and to identify the associated risk factors. Two hundred fifty-seven COPD patients enrolled from primary care in Greece between 2015 and 2016.