Papers by Santo Giammanco
The essential mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent o... more The essential mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. An elevated selenium intake may be associated with reduced cancer risk [1,2].
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale
One the first important problem to consider when the biological bases of aggressiveness are studi... more One the first important problem to consider when the biological bases of aggressiveness are studied in the rats, is the applicability on the man of the results obtained from the mouse pattern. In fact, the motor sequences, as well as the targets, are different in mouse and rat on the one hand, and in man on the other hand; for instance, the male rat does not generally attack the female,whilst the woman is often an object of violence by the man. [...]
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale
The aggressive behaviour is common to all animal species, at least from fish onwards. It can be d... more The aggressive behaviour is common to all animal species, at least from fish onwards. It can be defined as the execution of actions, from threatening gestures to real attacks - addressed to animals belonging to either the same or a different species. The study of the physiological mechanisms laying behind this behaviour is supported by methods based on either ablation or stimulation of some determined brain structures.This is a really useful approach in order to establish which pathways and nerve centres are involved in the aggressive behaviour (mesencephalon, hypothalamus, amygdala, Papez circuit). [...]
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005
EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL, 2023
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is
incorpor... more Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is incorpor... more Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies, and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of thyrotoxicosis of Graves' disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that, in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring about beneficial effects.
EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL, 2023
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is
incorpor... more Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.
Journal of Food Research, 2012
Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingest... more Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studied highlighted two different patterns of variation of plasma AC values after red wine intake in women. Group "A" exhibits a significant increase in PAC at 120 minutes after wine consumption while group "B" showed a peak level of AC 50 minutes after wine intake. However, no significant correlation was highlighted between increased levels of uric acid and PAC. These results provide a strong argument for the hypothesis that sampling procedures may be one of the confounding factor in studies on the plasma antioxidant status after food or beverage consumption. These preliminary observations indicate that sex-based selection of volunteers should be considered in further investigations.
Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2004
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2021
Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolis... more Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolism and the ability to increase energy expenditure. However, their clinical use has been strongly curbed by the concomitant onset of thyrotoxicosis. In this setting, several studies have been undertaken to assess the role of 3,5 diiodo- L-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormone derived from the enzymatic deiodination of triodothyronine T3. The metabolic effects of T2 are similar to those induced by T3. However, these effects appear to involve different and not welldefined mechanisms that make this molecule clinically useful as potential drug in the treatment of pathological conditions such as obesity and hepatic steatosis. The main pharmacological target of T2 appears to be the mitochondria. Therefore, the administration of T2 to obese subjects might improve the mitochondrial performance, which is generally recognized to be reduced in these subjects who must oxidize gre...
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2021
Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolis... more Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolism and the ability to increase energy expenditure. However, their clinical use has been strongly curbed by the concomitant onset of thyrotoxicosis. In this setting, several studies have been undertaken to assess the role of 3,5 diiodo- L-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormone derived from the enzymatic deiodination of triodothyronine T3. The metabolic effects of T2 are similar to those induced by T3. However, these effects appear to involve different and not welldefined mechanisms that make this molecule clinically useful as potential drug in the treatment of pathological conditions such as obesity and hepatic steatosis. The main pharmacological target of T2 appears to be the mitochondria. Therefore, the administration of T2 to obese subjects might improve the mitochondrial performance, which is generally recognized to be reduced in these subjects who must oxidize gre...
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2018
Obesity is a chronic pathological condition with a multifactorial aetiology, characterised by an ... more Obesity is a chronic pathological condition with a multifactorial aetiology, characterised by an excessive body fat accumulation with multiple organ-specific consequences. Emerging evidence highlights that obesity appears to be associated with multiple alterations in the endocrine system. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between obesity and this system remain still controversial. This review discusses the impact of obesity on various endocrine systems and, in particular, would provide a general overview on the biochemical changes that may occur in each of these axes in association with obesity.
Panminerva medica, 2005
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have an important role in human diet, both for the prevention... more Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have an important role in human diet, both for the prevention and the therapy of different pathologies. In this review, a critical evaluation of PUFAs dietary sources and biological functions in human organism has been done. In particular, the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in the improvement of the lipidic pattern and in the excitability of myocardium has been analyzed, and, therefore, their usefulness in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and postinfarction arrhythmias. As PUFAs are precursors of prostaglandins and leucotriens, which are involved in phlogosis and immune response, a diet rich in fish oil reduces the production of PGE2 involved in many phlogosis events. Moreover, an increase in the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake leads to a reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1, 2, 6 and tumor necrosis factor); so, it is important to use omega-3 in chronic inflammatory diseases, as the rheumatoid arthritis...
Bollettino della Società italiana di biologia sperimentale, Jan 15, 1982
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2009
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are pathologie... more Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are pathologies characterized by a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Their etiopathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Immune system and heat shock proteins (Hsps) dysfunctions are considered to be among the most likely causes of these diseases. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid mainly produced by intestinal microflora. It has a trophic, beneficial and protective role in the colonic mucosa, and it also induces changes in Hsp levels and localization. It may therefore be a valuable complementary therapeutic agent when used alongside traditional drugs (mesalazine and corticosteroids) to treat such conditions. The administration of specific probiotic formulations in order to increase the production of butyrate in the endoluminal environment may promote clinical remission in IBD patients. Due to these characteristics, there has been keen interest in the use of butyrate as a novel therapeutic supplement in the recent years. The current findings need to be validated through further clinical trials to better define the biomolecular dynamics of butyrate in the colonocytes of IBD patients.
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Papers by Santo Giammanco
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.
incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may
explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases
including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se
supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there
are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration
and efficacy of treatment and safety of this trace element. It is currently recommended to administer
Se supplements following the assessment of any deficiency status of this element and, after that, its
association with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease has been proven. Consistent with these
observations, several clinical studies have highlighted the fact that Se supplementation in patients
with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease was associated with a reduction of thyroid autoantibodies,
and with an improvement of the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The beneficial
effects of Se supplementation have been reported in subjects with thyroid disease during the
hyperthyroid phase. The restoration of euthyroidism is a major goal in the management of
thyrotoxicosis of Graves’ disease. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that,
in patients with Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment with a combination of antithyroid
drugs and Se restore the euthyroid status faster than the administration of anti-thyroid drugs
alone. The review shows that the treatment of an autoimmune thyroid disease with Se may bring
about beneficial effects.