Publications by authors named "Veronica Barbi"
Background: Intermittent hypoxia is a key factor in inducing chronic systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), providing the molecular substrate for the development of a range of associated diseases. Variations in blood oxygen levels are known to cause epigenetic changes, including modulation of non-coding RNAs. We sought to investigate whether selected hypoxia-associated non-coding RNAs, i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe accumulation of senescent cells contributes to aging and related diseases; therefore, discovering safe senolytic agents-compounds that selectively eliminate senescent cells-is a critical priority. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors (HSP90i), traditionally investigated for cancer treatment, have shown potential as senolytic agents. However, inhibitors face formulation, toxicity, and cost challenges.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCorrection: Epigenetic patterns, accelerated biological aging, and enhanced epigenetic drift detected 6 months following COVID‑19 infection: insights from a genome‑wide DNA methylation study.
Clin Epigenetics
November 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy on human health, extending beyond the acute phase of infection. This article explores the evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce persistent epigenetic modifications, particularly in DNA methylation patterns, with potential long-term consequences for individuals' health and aging trajectories. The review discusses the potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks, to identify individuals at risk for accelerated aging and tailor personalized interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpigenetic patterns, accelerated biological aging, and enhanced epigenetic drift detected 6 months following COVID-19 infection: insights from a genome-wide DNA methylation study.
Clin Epigenetics
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the epigenetic changes that occur in patients 6 months after COVID-19 infection, focusing on long-COVID symptoms like fatigue and neurological issues, which may be linked to these changes.
- Researchers analyzed DNA methylation patterns in 96 post-COVID patients versus 191 healthy controls, discovering significant differences associated with genes related to metabolism and immune response.
- Findings indicate potential aging acceleration and dysregulated pathways that could contribute to the symptoms of long-COVID, highlighting the need for further exploration of these epigenetic effects.
Article Synopsis
- HDAC6 is a key player in gene regulation and chromatin dynamics, making it an important focus in cancer research, particularly regarding its role in the stabilization of the P300 protein.* -
- Inactivating HDAC6 using an inhibitor or gene editing techniques results in increased chromatin accessibility and changes in gene expression related to cancer cell behaviors like proliferation and migration.* -
- The study suggests that instead of targeting HDAC6 directly, future cancer therapies could focus on its interaction with P300, highlighting new pathways for targeted treatment based on epigenetic changes.*
The homozygous genotype of the Longevity-Associated Variant (LAV) in Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Fold-Containing Family B member 4 (BPIFB4) is enriched in long-living individuals of three independent populations and its genetic transfer in C57BL/6J mice showed a delay in frailty progression and improvement of several biomarkers of aging and multiple aspects of health. The C57BL/6J strain is a suitable model for studying therapies aimed at extending healthy aging and longevity due to its relatively short lifespan and the availability of aging biomarkers. Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation profiles are reliable molecular biomarkers of aging, while frailty measurement tools are used to evaluate overall health during aging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- SARS-CoV-2 leads to COVID-19, which can cause severe health issues like respiratory problems and even death in about 2.15% of infected individuals.
- Survivors often experience persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome (PPCS) with symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, and trouble concentrating.
- A study of 117 post-COVID-19 survivors found a significant increase in biological age and telomere shortening compared to 144 COVID-19-free individuals, suggesting possible epigenetic changes, especially in younger patients.
Article Synopsis
- - The WHO reports around 41 million annual deaths globally from age-related non-communicable chronic diseases, highlighting the need for strategies to manage cell senescence and aging.
- - Cell senescence contributes to aging-related dysfunction; researchers are investigating existing anticancer drugs for their potential to treat senescence and improve lifespan in animal studies.
- - Senomorphics aim to restore healthy cellular functions, while senolytics induce the death of senescent cells, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic diseases based on these properties.
Article Synopsis
- Epigenetics examines how both genetic and environmental factors influence heritable changes in traits, focusing on mechanisms like DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling.
- COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, varies in severity based on individual factors like age and health.
- This review explores how viruses, particularly coronaviruses, impact the host's epigenome and emphasizes the need for further research on effective treatments and vaccines, including epigenetic therapies, to combat COVID-19.