Ricerc@Sapienza

Background: Most of the recent reports suggest that inflammatory mediators play a central role in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and that the conditions leading to a chronic low-grade inflammation, such as stress, depression, obesity and metabolic syndrome, increase the odds of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central
nervous system. Although the etiology of MS is still unknown, both genetic and environmental
factors contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Acetylcholine participates in the modulation
of central and peripheral inflammation. The cells of the immune system, as well as microglia,
astrocytes and oligodendrocytes express cholinergic markers and receptors of muscarinic and

Nod-like Receptor Pyrin domain containing proteins (NLRPs) expressed by resident renal cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple renal diseases. Cystinosis is a genetic disorder that affects kidney and particularly proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC). Here, we investigated the expression of NLRP family members in human control and cystinotic conditionally immortalized PTEC. Among all the NLRPs tested, we found that NLRP2 is highly expressed in cystinostic PTEC, but not in PTEC from healthy subjects.

Biofilm is the dominant mode of growth of the skin microbiota, which promotes adhesion and persistence in the cutaneous microenvironment, thus contributing to the epidermal barrier function and local immune modulation. In turn, the local immune microenvironment plays a part in shaping the skin microbiota composition. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an immune disorder characterized by a marked dysbiosis, with a sharp decline of microbial diversity.

A pilot study was carried out on five obese/overweight patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, with the aim to evaluate postprandial effects of high fat/high glycemic load meals enriched by blueberries. Postprandial urine samples were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy after 2 and 4 h from ingestion to identify potential markers of blueberry intake. Significant decrease of methylamines, acetoacetate, acetone and succinate, known indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were observed after the intake of meals enriched with blueberries.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of tumors originating from the neuroendocrine system. They mainly occur in the digestive system and the respiratory tract. It is well-know a strict interaction between neuroendocrine system and inflammation, which can play an important role in NEN carcinogenesis. Inflammatory mediators, which are produced by the tumor microenvironment, can favor cancer induction and progression, and can promote immune editing.

A chronic low-grade inflammatory profile (CLIP) is associated with sarcopenia in older adults. Protein and Vitamin (Vit)D have immune-modulatory potential, but evidence for effects of nutritional supplementation on CLIP is limited.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) represent a promising tool for soft tissue engineering as well as for clinical treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. The well-characterized multi-differentiation potential and self-renewal properties of ASCs are coupled with their immunomodulatory ability in providing therapeutic efficacy. Yet, their impact in immune or inflammatory disorders might rely both on cell contact-dependent mechanisms and paracrine effects, resulting in the release of various soluble factors that regulate immune cells functions.

Prodromal signs of a non-healing wound after revascularisation, which might be strictly linked with impending failure of vascular reconstructions, are associated with an inflammatory response mediated by several circulating adhesion molecules, extracellular endopeptidases, and cytokines.

Abnormal, persistent inflammation after bypass surgery could prevent healing of an ischaemic foot lesion. In 37 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (Rutherford Grade III Category 5) who underwent infrapopliteal vein graft and midfoot amputation, plasma levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were determined preoperatively and during the follow up.