Publications

2024

Kansakar, Urna, Valentina Trimarco, Maria Manzi V, Edoardo Cervi, Pasquale Mone, and Gaetano Santulli. “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms.”. Nutrients 16, no. 13 (2024). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132060.

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes primarily extracted from the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). It has a long history of traditional medicinal use in various cultures, particularly in Central and South America, where pineapple is native. This systematic review will delve into the history, structure, chemical properties, and medical indications of bromelain. Bromelain was first isolated and described in the late 19th century by researchers in Europe, who identified its proteolytic properties. Since then, bromelain has gained recognition in both traditional and modern medicine for its potential therapeutic effects.

Jankauskas, Stanislovas S, Fahimeh Varzideh, Urna Kansakar, Ghaith Al Tibi, Esther Densu Agyapong, Jessica Gambardella, and Gaetano Santulli. “Insights into Molecular and Cellular Functions of the Golgi Calcium/Manganese-Proton Antiporter TMEM165.”. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 300, no. 8 (2024): 107567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107567.

The Golgi compartment performs a number of crucial roles in the cell. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying these actions are not fully defined. Pathogenic mutations in genes encoding Golgi proteins may serve as an important source for expanding our knowledge. For instance, mutations in the gene encoding Transmembrane protein 165 (TMEM165) were discovered as a cause of a new type of congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG). Comprehensive studies of TMEM165 in different model systems, including mammals, yeast, and fish uncovered the new realm of Mn2+ homeostasis regulation. TMEM165 was shown to act as a Ca2+/Mn2+:H+ antiporter in the medial- and trans-Golgi network, pumping the metal ions into the Golgi lumen and protons outside. Disruption of TMEM165 antiporter activity results in defects in N- and O-glycosylation of proteins and glycosylation of lipids. Impaired glycosylation of TMEM165-CDG arises from a lack of Mn2+ within the Golgi. Nevertheless, Mn2+ insufficiency in the Golgi is compensated by the activity of the ATPase SERCA2. TMEM165 turnover has also been found to be regulated by Mn2+ cytosolic concentration. Besides causing CDG, recent investigations have demonstrated the functional involvement of TMEM165 in several other pathologies including cancer and mental health disorders. This systematic review summarizes the available information on TMEM165 molecular structure, cellular function, and its roles in health and disease.

Mone, Pasquale, Leonardo Bencivenga, Gaetano Santulli, Giuseppe Rengo, Germano Guerra, and Klara Komici. “Time to Negative Conversion and Cardiopulmonary Performance in Athletes With COVID-19.”. ERJ Open Research 10, no. 4 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00090-2024.

Athletes with longer time to negative conversion for COVID-19 do not present reduction of exercise capacity. However, respiratory and ventilatory parameters are modified. https://bit.ly/3TMdrFL.

Ferrone, Marco, Michele Ciccarelli, Fahimeh Varzideh, Urna Kansakar, Germano Guerra, Federica Andrea Cerasuolo, Antonietta Buonaiuto, et al. “Endothelial MicroRNAs in INOCA Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.”. Cardiovascular Diabetology 23, no. 1 (2024): 268. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-024-02331-x.

Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) is a common cause of hospital admissions, leading to negative outcomes and reduced quality of life. Central to its pathophysiology is endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to myocardial ischemia despite the absence of significant coronary artery blockage. Addressing endothelial dysfunction is essential in managing INOCA to alleviate symptoms and prevent cardiovascular events. Recent studies have identified diabetes mellitus (DM) as a significant factor exacerbating INOCA complications by promoting endothelial impairment and coronary microvascular dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in various biological processes, including endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. However, research on miRNA biomarkers in INOCA patients is sparse. In this study, we examined a panel of circulating miRNAs involved in the regulation of endothelial function in INOCA patients with and without DM. We analyzed miRNA expression using RT-qPCR in a cohort of consecutive INOCA patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. We detected a significant dysregulation of miR-363-5p and miR-92a-3p in INOCA patients with DM compared to those without DM, indicating their role as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring endothelial dysfunction in INOCA patients with DM.