Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale
The Journal of Biological Research – Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale is one of the oldest journals in Biology. Founded in 1925 the journal is available in Medline until 2001 and Scopus since 2014. The Journal of Biological Research – Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale is an online-only peer-reviewed journal which welcomes papers dealing with any aspect of experimental biology. Papers concerning clinical topics can be accepted only if they include experimental laboratory data. Original communications, review articles or short communications may be submitted.
PAGEPress Scientific Publications, Pavia, Italy
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.
Geraniol alleviates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of Geraniol (GER) in mitigating Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (LIRI) by targeting the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Forty-nine male Wistar rats underwent 1 hour of liver ischemia, followed by 60 minutes and 6 hours of reperfusion. GER was administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses immediately before reperfusion. Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum aminotransferase levels. Oxidative stress markers in liver homogenates were assessed. Inflammatory factors were analyzed using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and NF-κB and phosphorylated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (p-MAPK) concentrations in liver tissue were measured using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. This study shows that GER effectively mitigates LIRI through its anti-inflammatory properties, significantly improving liver function, reducing oxidative stress markers, and suppressing NF κB and p-MAPK activity. Histopathological analysis confirmed that GER significantly attenuated liver damage. These findings suggest that GER exerts its protective effects by modulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB)
Copyright (c) 2026 the Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
03 | MICRO- AND NANOPLASTICS: A NEW UNCONVENTIONAL RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as pervasive environmental contaminants with potential systemic biological effects. Beyond their well-known ecological impact, growing experimental and clinical evidence suggests that MNPs may act as non-conventional cardiovascular risk factors, contributing to chronic inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Recent human studies have demonstrated the presence of MNPs within atherosclerotic plaques, where their accumulation is associated with enhanced inflammatory activity, plaque instability, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Mechanistically, MNPs appear to promote oxidative stress, activation of innate immune pathways, and endothelial dysfunction, thereby amplifying established cardiometabolic risk factors rather than acting in isolation. This lecture will provide an overview of current evidence linking MNP exposure to cardiovascular disease, with particular focus on translational human data, pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential clinical implications. Finally, emerging perspectives on risk stratification and future preventive or therapeutic strategies targeting environmentally driven vascular inflammation will be discussed.
Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale
Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
09 | POLY(LACTIC ACID) PLASTICS CONTAMINATION (PLASTINATION): ORGAN INJURIES AND UNDERLINING MOLECULAR MECHANISMS: EVIDENCE FROM IN VIVO ZEBRAFISH MODEL
The PLASTAMINATION project represents a comprehensive scientific effort to address a critical gap in environmental toxicology: the biological impact of biodegradable plastics. While traditional petroleum-based plastics are well-documented for their persistence and degradation into harmful microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), bioplastics like poly-lactic acid (PLA) are often marketed as "environmentally sustainable." However, this project highlights a sobering reality: in sub-optimal conditions, these biodegradable materials undergo fragmentation processes similar to fossil-based plastics, producing NPs that may pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. The project’s primary objective was to assess the toxicity of PLA-NPs using both in vitro and in vivo models. Research focused on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) to study uptake via contact, as well as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and rat models to simulate ingestion and systemic exposure. To ensure scientific consistency, the UNISA unit produced standardized PLA-NP suspensions, ensuring all units worked with particles of similar physical characteristics. The project was successfully concluded with significant findings contributed by various research units. The UNIPA unit conducted experiments using two different batches of PLA-NPs of varying sizes, testing them on early-stage larvae, juveniles, and sexually active adult zebrafish. These studies used polystyrene (PS) MPs as a negative control. The results indicated that PLA-NPs, similar to fossil-based plastics, triggered toxicity evidenced by increased cellular stress markers and physiological alterations1. A critical discovery was the correlation between particle size and toxicity. The study proved that smaller-sized PLA-NPs had a significantly higher internalization capacity. This was observed in both the HDF cell lines and the developing zebrafish, suggesting that smaller particles possess a greater potential for systemic harm. As the investigation progressed to chronic toxicity, researchers investigated long-term molecular mechanisms across various organs. The findings highlighted that the gastrointestinal system was a major site of accumulation, where PLA-NPs caused the disruption of the intestinal barrier and alterations to the mucus layer. Further damage was analyzed across the brain, liver, and reproductive organs and gamets. Additionally, the project evaluated the antioxidant plant Lemna minor as a potential anti-toxic agent within the aquatic culture systems. Ultimately, the PLASTAMINATION project provided essential evidence that the "sustainable" label of bioplastics does not exempt them from environmental risk. The results underscored that PLA NPs internalize in a size- and concentration-dependent manner, causing physiological damage and organ-specific alterations that mirror the hazards of traditional, fossil-based plastic pollution. The experiments were conducted as part of the PRIN project “Plastic Contamination by Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLASTAMINATION): organ lesions and underlying molecular mechanisms”, MUR, PRIN-PNRR2022 CODE NUMBER: P2022AA47Y-CUP: B53D23032060001. Reference Scalia F, Capparucci F, Amico MD, et al. Toxic effects of biodegradable polylactic acid nanoplastics on developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). Sci Rep 2025;15:38145.
04 | MICRO AND NANO-PLASTICS A NEW CONCERN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH?
Plastic and its degradation products are growing and becoming a global emergency. In the "Plasticene era" the degradation of plastic, exacerbated by climate change, generates microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP). Due to their small size, they are transported everywhere, and therefore we find them increasingly in the air, in the sea and in fresh water, in the soil, and bioconcentrated in the food chain. Food consumption is one of the most important human exposure pathways to MPs that have been found in all food. MPs, due to their oxidative stress and inflammatory effects, are a growing concern for human health. Furthermore, due to their hydrophobic surface, they act as a Trojan horse for other types of environmental contaminants that are known to be toxic and endocrine disruptors. MPs and NPs enter the human body mainly through ingestion of food, water and other beverages, as well as through inhalation and direct contact with the skin. They have been found in the placenta, urine, follicular fluid, atheromatous plaques, seminal fluid as well as in blood which transports them throughout our body. Several studies in mammals indicate that MPs smaller than 10 μm can cross cell membranes, posing potential health risks through oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, neurotoxicity, altered metabolism, impaired cell proliferation, alteration of the gut microbiota, abnormal tissue development and carcinogenicity. Our studies on human populations have highlighted the negative role of MPs in male and female fertility, in dialysis subjects, in groups with bowel diseases and colorectal cancer and in subjects with major depression. The topic in question is currently at the centre of scientific research, posing an urgent need for prevention interventions at all levels and requiring legislative and cultural interventions to reduce plastics from production to consumption according to a One Health perspective in a Planetary Heart vision.
02 | MICROPLASTICS ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS AND HUMAN HEALTH: METABOLIC AND REPRODUCTIVE RISKS IN A ONE HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants with clear evidence of human exposure. In fact, they have been detected in placenta1, blood, meconium, and breast milk2, raising urgent concerns about early-life and prenatal vulnerability. Far from being inert, MPs can penetrate cells, localize within organelles, and trigger oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis, thus altering metabolic and reproductive health of organisms. Beyond their physical presence, MPs undergo degradation in biological and environmental contexts, releasing chemical additives such as bisphenols and phthalates. These degradation products act as potent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), amplifying the systemic toxicity of MPs. Clinically, MPs/EDCs exposure has been linked to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, altered steroidogenesis, impaired gametogenesis, and reduced reproductive fitness, with evidence for sex-specific and potentially transgenerational effects. These findings position MPs-EDCs as active modulators of human health, affecting metabolism, reproduction, and epigenetic programming. Experimental studies in zebrafish reveal conserved pathways of EDCs-induced cellular stress and reproductive dysfunction, offering predictive insights for human health. Cutting-edge human models, including intestinal organoids and osteoblast spheroids3, allow investigation of EDCs toxicity, identification of early biomarkers, and testing of potential interventions. A One Health approach is essential, integrating environmental monitoring, mechanistic toxicology, advanced in vitro models, and microbiome-targeted strategies to prevent exposure, to enable early diagnostics, and to develop therapeutic interventions ultimately safeguarding human and ecosystem health in the Anthropocene. References 1. Ragusa A, Svelato A, Santacroce C, et al. Plasticenta: first evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environ Int 2021;146:106274. 2. Ragusa A, Notarstefano V, Svelato A, et al. Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breastmilk. Polymers (Basel) 2022;14:2700. 3. Sella E, Cacchioli A, Borsani E, et al. Unveiling the toxic effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on osteoblast function and extracellular matrix deposition using 2D and 3D models. Cell Death Discov 2026;12:10.
01 | INTEGRATED STRATEGIES FOR PLASTIC MANAGEMENT: MONITORING, BIOLOGICAL IMPACT, AND CIRCULAR PERSPECTIVES ROUND TABLE REPORT
Introduction The PLASTAMINATION Congress held on 13 February 2026 at the University of Palermo, convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to address the escalating challenge of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) contamination. Characterized during the session as a silent invasion MNP pollution represents a systemic threat that bridges environmental degradation and human pathology. This round table synthesized perspectives on the entire plastic lifecycle: from urban point sources and regional monitoring to ecotoxicological risks and advanced materials engineering. The discussion underscored that the traditional conceptual boundary between the environment and the human organism is no longer sustainable, necessitating a coordinated scientific and institutional response grounded in the One Health framework. Science communication and public responsibility The round table opened with a reflection on the role of science communication and public responsibility, moderated by Giorgia Görner Enrile, journalist for SciliaMedica.it and ilSicilia.it, who framed the discussion around the relationship between scientific knowledge, information, and society. Communicating health today means more than sharing scientific results, because communication itself carries an ethical responsibility toward society. The III PLASTAMINATION Conference 2026 and the project PLASTAMINATION Poly (Lactic Acid) plastics contamination therefore address not only the issue of plastic and MNP contamination, but also the way scientific evidence reaches the public and the effects it may generate in terms of trust, fear, or awareness. The One Health perspective reminds us that environmental, animal, and human health remain deeply interconnected, but it also highlights the responsibility involved in communicating these topics, since scientific data and research findings can easily enter public debate and sometimes become instrumentalized within environmental, social, or political narratives. Public discussion does not necessarily represent a problem, but difficulties arise when the complexity of scientific research becomes reduced to simplified messages or slogans. This dynamic becomes even more evident within the contemporary information ecosystem, where media attention often focuses on headlines rather than on scientific context, while information increasingly circulates through social networks whose visibility mechanisms depend more on algorithms than on the reliability of sources. In this environment, communication about health and environmental risks should not only inform but also encourage critical thinking, helping people recognize reliable information and distinguish between evidence, interpretation, and sensationalism. Transparency therefore plays a crucial role in scientific and institutional communication, but transparency does not mean oversimplification or reassurance at any cost, since trust grows from clarity and from the recognition of the limits that accompany scientific knowledge. Environmental monitoring and infrastructure vulnerabilities Effective mitigation of marine plastic pollution begins with robust environmental surveillance and standardized monitoring programmes. Dr. Salvatore Campanella and Dr. Alessandro Aglialoro, ARPA Sicilia, presented the environmental monitoring activities carried out by the regional agency within the framework of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, Directive 2008/56/EC). This European policy instrument aims to achieve and maintain the Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine waters through coordinated monitoring systems implemented by Member States and supported in Italy by the Ministry for the Environment, ISPRA, and the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA). Within this framework, ARPA Sicilia conducts periodic monitoring campaigns in coastal and offshore waters using standardized sampling protocols. These surveys include the collection and analysis of seawater, marine sediments, and biological matrices (biota) in order to assess environmental quality and detect the presence of anthropogenic contaminants. Monitoring activities also address the distribution of marine litter and microplastics, including the assessment of floating debris, beached litter, and microplastic particles in the water column and sediments, as required by the indicators of Descriptor 10 (Marine Litter) of the Marine Strategy. The data generated through these monitoring programmes contribute to national and European environmental reporting systems and support the scientific assessment of the ecological status of the Mediterranean Sea. These datasets provide an essential basis for environmental policy, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation strategies at both national and European levels. In addition to monitoring activities, ARPA Sicilia participates in international scientific cooperation initiatives and promotes environmental education and awareness programmes, including outreach activities aimed at schools and local communities, with the objective of increasing public understanding of marine pollution and fostering sustainable environmental practices. However, the urban origin of plastic contaminants remains a critical factor in their transfer to aquatic environments. Prof. Michele Torregrossa (University of Palermo) highlighted the dual role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the environmental dynamics of microplastic pollution. On the one hand, conventional wastewater treatment processes, including primary sedimentation, biological treatment, and secondary clarification, together with advanced technologies such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), are capable of removing a substantial fraction of microplastics from treated effluents. Several studies report removal efficiencies frequently exceeding 90% for larger microplastic particles, although efficiency depends on particle size and plant configuration. On the other hand, WWTPs act as accumulation points for microplastics, since most of the particles retained during treatment are transferred to sewage sludge. This creates a secondary environmental concern, particularly when sludge is reused in agriculture or disposed of in landfills, potentially reintroducing microplastics into terrestrial ecosystems. The situation may be further exacerbated by extreme weather events associated with climate change. During intense rainfall, combined sewer systems may generate Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), temporarily bypassing wastewater treatment plants and discharging untreated wastewater directly into receiving water bodies. Under these conditions, several studies have reported that microplastic concentrations in urban runoff and CSO discharges can be up to 5 or 10 times higher than those measured in treated wastewater effluents. This increase is mainly related to the wash-off of urban surfaces, the mobilization of plastic particles accumulated within sewer networks, and the resuspension of sediments during high-flow conditions. These findings highlight the need for integrated management strategies addressing both urban wastewater infrastructure and plastic pollution mitigation, in order to reduce the transfer of microplastics from urban systems to aquatic environments. Biological risks From Ecotoxicology to Human Health The transition of plastics from environmental matrices to biological tissues was a central theme. Prof. Federica Scalia (UniKore) presented evidence regarding the invisible risks of biodegradable polymers, specifically Polylactic Acid (PLA). Utilizing the zebrafish model, her research demonstrated that PLA nanoplastics can bioaccumulate in zebrafish, especially in the gastrointestinal system, within 120 hours post-fertilization. These exposures were linked to significant gene expression alterations, specifically in cellular stress markers, suggesting that eco-friendly alternatives require rigorous toxicological scrutiny during embryonic development. These findings resonate with the human health perspectives shared by Prof. Stefania D’Angelo (Parthenope University of Naples). MNPs have shifted from being external contaminants to internal systemic constituents, detected in the lungs, liver, placenta, and brain. The discussion detailed how MNPs trigger oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and the disruption of critical biological barriers. Of particular clinical concern is the presence of MNPs within atherosclerotic plaques, which is increasingly associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, and their potential role in neuroinflammatory processes related to dementia. Circular solutions and materials science To counter these threats, the panel explored resilient technological pathways. Prof. Annamaria Visco (University of Messina), principal investigator of the European LIFE RESTART project, presented an applied model of circular economy in the field of polymeric materials, based on the valorization of agro-industrial by-products and their integration into biodegradable polymer matrices. The project, funded under the LIFE Programme of the European Union, aims to develop sustainable composite materials obtained from residual biomass derived from agricultural and agro-industrial supply chains, contributing to the reduction of fossil-based raw materials and promoting new circular production models. The research activities carried out by the University of Messina research group have led to the development of polymeric biocomposites obtained by incorporating plant residues and agro-industrial by-products into biodegradable matrices. This approach allows the valorization of organic waste streams, transforming them into high-value materials, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional plastic production. A key element of the project is the establishment of the “Fabbrica Zero” pilot plant in Roccavaldina (Messina), a demonstration facility designed to transfer laboratory research results to an industrial scale. Within this framework, materials developed in academic laboratories are processed through technologies compatible with existing industrial transformation processes, demonstrating the technical feasibility of producing biocomposites from residual biomass. During the discussion, the economic dimension also clearly emerged as a critical factor influencing the large-scale adoption of these materials. The development and production costs of sustainable biocomposites are currently higher than those of conventional fossil-based plastics, particularly during the early phases of technological deployment. As a result, many companies face significant challenges in independently sustaining the transition toward more sustainable materials. It was therefore highlighted that a structural transformation of production systems requires not only scientific innovation but also targeted policy measures and economic incentives capable of supporting companies in adopting environmentally sustainable materials and processes. In this context, Prof. Andrea Pace (University of Palermo) emphasized that the development of new materials must be framed within a broader perspective integrating scientific research, industrial policies, and innovation governance. According to Pace, the transition toward more sustainable polymeric materials cannot rely solely on technological progress but requires the creation of innovation ecosystems in which universities, research centers, industries, and public institutions collaborate in a coordinated and structured manner. It emerged that strengthening technology transfer mechanisms, supporting applied research, and developing dedicated funding instruments could play a crucial role in accelerating the integration of sustainable materials into industrial systems. In this perspective, policy tools such as incentives for companies adopting low-impact materials, green public procurement strategies, and innovation programmes promoted at the European level could significantly reduce the economic barriers that still limit the widespread adoption of these technologies. Finally, Dr. Dario Scalia, Plastic Free Onlus highlighted the crucial role of civil society in addressing plastic pollution. Alongside technological solutions and industrial policies, environmental volunteering initiatives, awareness campaigns, and territorial clean-up activities represent concrete tools to reduce plastic dispersion in natural ecosystems and to promote collective responsibility in environmental protection. During the discussion, the importance of environmental education targeting younger generations was also strongly emphasized. Educational programmes in schools, awareness initiatives, and participatory activities involving students represent key instruments for fostering a culture of sustainability from an early age. It emerged that engaging children and young people in environmental education initiatives can play a fundamental role in shaping long-term behavioral change and in promoting responsible attitudes toward environmental protection. Conclusion The PLASTAMINATION round table concluded that the fight against plastic contamination requires an integrated, multi-scalar approach. Enhancing the filtration capacity of WWTPs is insufficient if the resulting sludge is not managed or if materials are not designed for sustainability from their inception. The detection of epigenetic impacts and the systemic accumulation of plastics in vital human organs mandate a paradigm shift: plastic is no longer merely a waste management issue but a critical determinant of global public health.
08 | NEURAL AND INTESTINAL IMPACT OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYLACTIC ACID NANOPLASTICS: RESULTS FROM THE PLASTAMINATION PROJECT
The increasing use of biodegradable plastics has raised new concerns about the potential health impact of their degradation products. Polylactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely used bio-based plastics, can rapidly fragment into micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), whose health effects are still poorly understood. Within the PRIN PNRR 2022 project PLASTAMINATION, the effects of PLA NPs (size ~170 ± 64 nm) on central nervous system (CNS) cellular models, and epithelial cells representing key components of the intestinal barrier were investigated. In CNS models, PLA NPs were efficiently internalized by both neuronal (PC12) and glial (C6) cells. In differentiating PC12 cells, PLA NPs exposure impaired NGF-induced neuronal differentiation, reducing neurite number and length, altering cell cycle progression, and downregulating ERK and AKT signaling, while increasing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In C6 glial cells, PLA NPs induced a reactive phenotype characterized by increased GFAP expression, AKT pathway activation, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In parallel, in vitro studies on human intestinal Caco2 and HT29 cells also showed that PLA NPs can be internalized by the cells and PLA NPs exposure induced a significant increase in ROS production in both cell types, while HT29 cells also displayed enhanced release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further investigations on differentiated Caco-2/HT29 co-cultures, set up to mimic the intestinal barrier, showed that chronic exposure to PLA NPs (100 µg/mL for 21 days) led to a persistent increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), associated with enhanced expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and E-cadherin in differentiated Caco2 cells while increasing mucin production in differentiated HT29 cells. These findings suggest a structural reinforcement of the epithelial barrier accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, suggesting an adaptive response that may evolve toward a chronic inflammatory condition. Untargeted metabolomic analyses supported the overall results indicating that PLA NPs can affect redox balance and nitrogen metabolism in C6 cells as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in HT29. Across both intestinal and CNS cellular models, PLA NPs exposure consistently induced oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory related pathways, in the absence of acute cytotoxicity. These shared responses suggest a common cellular stress signature triggered by PLA-derived NPs, despite tissue-specific functional outcomes. However, compared to intestinal epithelial cells, CNS cellular models seem to show more pronounced functional alterations. In particular, neuronal and glial cells displayed impaired differentiation, activation phenotypes, and marked changes in intracellular signaling, suggesting a higher sensitivity of neural cells to PLA NPs. Overall, these results demonstrate that PLA NPs can interact with intestinal and neural cells, inducing molecular and functional alterations. The findings highlight the need to carefully evaluate the long-term biological impact of biodegradable plastic-derived NPs to support truly sustainable plastic alternatives. Funding: This work was supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.1, “Fund for the National Research Program and for Projects of National Interest (NRP)” by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Project title: “Plastic Contamination by Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLASTAMINATION): organ injuries and underlying molecular mechanisms”, MUR, PRIN- PNRR2022 CODE NUMBER: P2022AA47Y- CUP D53D23021910001.
07 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS AS A BARRIER AND SOURCE OF MICROPLASTICS
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play a dual role in the environmental fate of microplastics (MPs), acting both as an effective barrier and a significant source of MP emissions to environment1. This study reports evidence on MPs dynamics in WWTPs, focusing on treated effluents, sewage sludge, and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Long-term monitoring data from a full-scale WWTP highlighted that conventional treatment processes can achieve high MP removal efficiencies under dry weather conditions. However, large MP loads are retained in sludge, confirming WWTPs as important sinks of microplastics and raising concerns about their subsequent release through sludge handling and reuse practices2. In tis context, the adoption of more advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), also encouraged by the new European Directive 2024/3019, can further increase microplastic removal from treated effluents. However, this improvement comes with a trade-off, as a larger fraction of MPs is retained in sewage sludge. Conversely, extreme rainfall events leading to CSO activation substantially alter this mitigation role. CSO discharges were found to contain MP concentrations up to an order of magnitude higher than treated effluents, driven by stormwater runoff, sewer sediment resuspension, and the bypass of treatment units3. These findings demonstrate that, although WWTPs effectively reduce continuous MPs emissions from treated wastewater, episodic CSO events represent critical pollution pulses with potentially high ecological relevance, especially in regions increasingly affected by climate-change-driven extreme rainfall. Overall, WWTPs should be considered dynamic systems whose role as barriers or sources of microplastics strongly depends on hydraulic conditions, treatment configuration, and climate. Mitigation strategies should therefore integrate advanced treatment technologies, improved stormwater and sewer management, and long-term monitoring frameworks to adequately control microplastic emissions under both normal and extreme operating conditions. References 1. Kamani H, Ghayebzadeh M, Ganji F. Tracking and risk assessment of microplastics in a wastewater treatment plant. Water Environ J 2024;38:613-27. 2. Van Do M, Le TX, Vu ND. Distribution and occurrence of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. Environ Technol Innov 2022;26:102286. 3. Zhou Y, Li Y, Yan Z, et al. Microplastics discharged from urban drainage system: prominent contribution of sewer overflow pollution. Water Res 2023;236:119976.
10 | EFFECTS OF POLYLACTIC ACID NANOPLASTICS ON RAT SPERM PARAMETERS
Plastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a threat to male reproductive health. Recently, attention has been focused on microplastics (MPs, 5 mm-1 µm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) that can be intentionally produced or originate from the degradation of larger plastic-waste. MNPs enter the food chain, bypass the biological barriers exerting reprotoxic effects. Considering the growing environmental exposure to plastic-derived materials, the use of biodegradable plastic polymers and strategies aimed at mitigating their possible reproductive impact are urgently needed. In this respect, although polylactic acid (PLA) is widely promoted as a biodegradable and safer alternative to conventional plastics, its potential biological effects on reproduction remain poorly characterized. In additon, Lemna minor (LM), an aquatic plant rich in proteins and antioxidant compounds, may represent a natural dietary intervention to mitigate the biological effects of MPs. In this respect, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of oral PLA exposure and LM dietary supplementation on male reproductive parameters. Male rats were treated from 42 postnatal day (PND) for three weeks and divided into four experimental groups: control (C), PLA (rhodamine B conjugated, administered in drinking water), LM (dietary supplementation), and PLA + LM. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed. Spermatozoa (SPZ) were collected from the epididymal head and tail and analyzed to evaluate concentration, viability, and motility. Furthermore, immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were performed to assess the internalization of PLA within SPZ in all groups. The expression and localization of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), a protein involved in sperm function and cytoskeletal organization, were also evaluated, including co-localization analyses with PLA. Results showed that PLA exposure impaired all sperm parameters, including concentration, viability, and motility. Co-treatment with LM partially restored the parameters suggesting a protective effect mediated by its antioxidant properties. IF analyses revealed internalization of PLA within SPZ. Moreover, PREP expression was downregulated in the PLA group, whereas co-treatment with LM restored PREP levels, supporting its role in maintaining sperm function under stress conditions. These findings, although preliminary, indicate that PLA exposure adversely affects sperm quality and PREP localization in male rats, while dietary LM supplementation may exert a protective effect, highlighting its potential as a natural intervention against plastic-induced reproductive toxicity. Fundings: NEXT GENERATION EU, MUR, PRIN-PNRR2022, CODE: P2022AA47Y- CUP I53D23007130001, Project title: Poly(Lactic Acid) plastics contamination (PLASTAMINATION): organ injuries and underlying molecular mechanisms.
05 | ENGINEERED PARTICLES IN DRUG DELIVERY AND TISSUE ENGINEERING: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
Engineered particles play a central role in contemporary drug delivery and tissue engineering, enabling targeted therapies, controlled release, and advanced regenerative strategies. Micro- and nanoscale particulate systems—often based on synthetic and semi-synthetic materials—have significantly improved therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes across a wide range of clinical applications. Among these, biocompatible hydrogels have emerged as versatile matrices capable of fostering stem cell viability, guiding differentiation and serving as injectable scaffolds for minimally invasive therapies(1,3). Despite these advances, current research largely emphasizes material design and therapeutic efficacy, while the implications of long-term systemic exposure, biodistribution, and population-level health effects of engineered particulate systems remain insufficiently integrated. This contribution addresses this gap by adopting a cross-scale perspective that links material design and clinical functionality with emerging public health and risk assessment considerations. As the use of such particles continues to expand, important questions arise that extend beyond individual treatments and into the domain of public health. Once administered, these materials may persist, accumulate or interact with biological systems in ways that are not yet fully understood, particularly with respect to their long-term fate and systemic interactions. Moreover, their intentional design for stability, functionality and bioactivity challenges traditional distinctions between therapeutic agents and environmental or occupational exposures. This contribution provides an overview of the main classes of particles used in drug delivery and tissue engineering, focusing on their design principles, clinical advantages and safety considerations. Special attention is given to emerging evidence on systemic exposure, life-cycle aspects and the need for harmonized risk benefit assessment frameworks. References 1. Muscolino E, Di Stefano AB, Trapani M, et al. Injectable xyloglucan hydrogels incorporating spheroids of adipose stem cells for bone and cartilage regeneration. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2021;131:112545. 2. Di Stefano AB, Muscolino E, Trapani M, et al. κ-Carrageenan and PVA blends as bioinks to 3D print scaffolds for cartilage reconstruction. Int J Biol Macromol 2022;222:1861-75. 3. Di Stefano AB, Di Marco C, Toia F, et al. Effect of nanocomposite chitosan/hydroxyapatite pH-induced hydrogels on the osteogenic differentiation of spheroids from adipose stem cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2025;299:140213.
06 | FROM MACRO- TO MICROPLASTICS IN THE SOUTHERN TYRRHENIAN SEA: AN INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF MONITORING, IMPACTS ON BIOTA, AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Marine plastic pollution represents a growing threat to coastal and pelagic ecosystems. In this context, a synthetic overview of research conducted on macro- and microplastic pollution in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, the Strait of Messina, and the transitional environments of the Capo Peloro Oriented Nature Reserve is presented. Analyses carried out on beaches, brackish lakes, and marine species show widespread contamination, with a strong prevalence of microfibers and plastic fragments deriving from fishing, domestic discharges, mariculture, and coastal anthropogenic activities. Organisms such as macroalgae, anemones, and sea cucumbers have proven to be effective bioindicators, while various fish species—including those of commercial interest and juvenile stages—exhibit microplastic ingestion with possible ecological and health implications. The results highlight the need for integrated monitoring and mitigation strategies, as well as further research into the effects along the food chain.
163 | SIX-2G as a novel compound to attenuate airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis through modulation of molecular chaperones
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, which results in progressive lung damage, with dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as key molecular factor underlying these pathological processes [1]. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated proteostasis and aberrant chaperone activity contribute not only to defective CFTR processing but also to persistent inflammatory signaling in airway epithelial cells [2]. In this context, targeting chaperone molecules could represent a promising strategy for simultaneously modulating protein homeostasis and inflammation. Based on these considerations, in the present study, we investigated the effects of SIX-2G, a [1,2]oxazole-based compound on heat shock proteins (HSPs). Bronchial epithelial cell models, including the CF-derived IB3.1 and 16HBE cell lines, were treated with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of SIX-2G determined by MTT assays, to evaluate its impact on molecular chaperones (Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90) and CFTR at both transcriptional and protein levels performing quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. In parallel, the extracellular release of cytokines, chemokines, and matrix remodeling factors was assessed by a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. The results showed that treatment with SIX-2G caused a significant, dose-dependent modulation of Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90 mRNA expression in both cell models, without affecting the total protein levels of these chaperones or CFTR after 24 hours of exposure. On the other hand, immunofluorescence analyses revealed a pronounced redistribution of CFTR-chaperone subcellular colocalization, suggesting that SIX-2G primarily influences the spatial organization of proteins rather than levels of such proteins. These early alterations in proteostasis-related processes were accompanied by a marked anti-inflammatory effect. In both IB3.1 and 16HBE cells, SIX-2G significantly reduced the extracellular release of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and remodelling-associated factors, including IL-3, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-2, MMP-10, and CCL-5. Overall, our findings indicate that SIX-2G modulates airway epithelial cell responses through early transcriptional regulation and spatial reorganization of the CFTR-chaperone complexes. This multilayered mechanism highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting chaperone-mediated proteostasis and suggests SIX-2G as a promising modulator of the inflammatory stress typically associated with CF.
116 | Exosomes and miRNA content engagement in inflammatory processes let's take stock in the veterinary field
The inflammatory response is a complex, finely regulated defense mechanism. A number of external and internal factors negatively disturb the homeostatic equilibrium of organisms, causing the so-called state of stress. The events starting from the disturbance of homeostasis initiate a series of reaction cascades involving oxidative, inflammatory and proteomic reactions. These stress-induced reactions are organized in a tightly regulated cascade, in which the generation of one compound triggers and modulates the formation of subsequent mediators. One example is represented by the generation of pro-inflammatory interleukins that influence the production of anti-inflammatory counterparts. To date, the central role of extracellular microvesicles (EVs) in regulating the body's inflammatory response is well recognized. The EVs, including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes or exosome-like vesicles (ELVs), are considered potential mechanisms for the delivery of biological messages within the organism. The EVs, which play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, are thought to contribute to the organism’s adaptive response to both pathological and physiological conditions which cause the homeostasis perturbation and the trigger the inflammatory cascade. Among pathological conditions, many studies have highlighted how EVs and, in particular, their content in microRNAs (miRNAs) can be crucial in the progression of the disease, including neoplastic pathologies, in which the inflammatory microenvironment assumes notable importance [1-3]. Among physiological conditions, particular phases in the life of an organism such as growth or pregnancy/lactation as well as common practices such as physical exercise, representing physiological stressors, are able to activate the body’s inflammatory response [4]. Research is setting new goals to provide new insights into the role of EVs and miRNAs, as well as their role in the pathological and/or physiological activation of inflammatory response both in the human and veterinary fields. The current study aimed to bring out the current knowledge on the role played by EVs and miRNAs during the inflammatory reactions of animals in response to both physiological and pathological conditions.
063 | Novel eco-friendly antifouling coatings derived from extracts of Ulva ohnoi and Asparagopsis taxiformis
The increasing awareness of the ecological risks associated with conventional marine coatings, together with stricter environmental regulations, has highlighted the need for sustainable strategies to mitigate biofouling in marine environments. In particular, the growing environmental impact of synthetic antifouling coatings has stimulated the search for natural and eco-friendly alternatives [1]. In this study, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the macroalgae Ulva ohnoi and Asparagopsis taxiformis were evaluated for their antifouling potential on aluminium substrates representative of boat hulls. The extracts were applied to gelcoat-coated plates under three different surface conditions (unworn, worn, and highly worn). The treated panels were immersed at a depth of 5 m to promote biofouling development. The plates were photographed every 96 hours using digital imaging and quantitative segmentation. All treated surfaces showed significantly lower fouling colonization compared to the untreated control (p < 0.001). Among the treatments, the aqueous extract of A. taxiformis produced the lowest degree of colonization across all surface conditions, while U. ohnoi extracts exhibited moderate antifouling activity. Increasing surface wear enhanced overall colonization but did not reduce the effectiveness of the extracts. These results demonstrate that macroalgal species contain active compounds capable of inhibiting early-stage biofilm formation on substrates exposed to the marine environment. Although these crude extracts are less effective than conventional biocidal coatings, their biodegradability and lack of ecotoxicity represent a tangible environmental advantage. Future studies will focus on the chemical characterization of active metabolites, the formulation of bio-based hybrid coatings, and long-term field testing under dynamic marine conditions.
Session III - Biotechnology & bioengineering innovations
124 | Immunomodulatory effects of extracellular vesicles from invertebrate species on human cells
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membrane-bound particles actively released by cells and represent key mediators of intercellular communication through the transfer of bioactive cargo, including proteins, lipids, and microRNAs. Invertebrates, particularly echinoderms and arthropods—the most abundant organisms on Earth—have evolved efficient molecular strategies to survive in highly dynamic and hostile environments, such as marine ecosystems or decaying organic matter. As a result, these organisms constitute a largely unexplored reservoir of bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. H. illucens, a saprophagous insect at the larval stage, and Paracentrotus lividus inhabit highly challenging environments characterized by intense microbial exposure and dynamic environmental stress conditions, making them suitable models to investigate the potential release of extracellular vesicle in their circulating fluids. In this study, we isolated and characterized, for the first time, extracellular vesicles from both H. illucens larvae (Hi-EVs) and P. lividus (Pl-EVs) model organisms, before evaluating their biological effects on human cells for their potential therapeutic applications. Based on the capability of the EV content to be influenced by the physiological state of the originating cells, EVs were isolated from both organisms under basal and challenging conditions to assess stimulus-dependent biological activities on human cells. In particular, Hi-EVs were isolated from larvae maintained under physiological conditions or subjected to immune stimulation (with Lactobacillus casei, Salmonella enterica, lipopolysaccharide, or sterile puncture injury), and Pl-EVs from sea urchin immune cells cultured in vitro at physiological or challenging conditions (LPS and titanium dioxide nanoparticles). Proteomic analysis revealed distinct protein cargo profiles among EV populations, indicating that different stimuli modulate EV cargo in both animal models. The immunomodulatory potential of EVs was evaluated in the human U937 monocyte-like cell line by assessing inflammatory responses through ELISA and gene expression analysis of key cytokines. Results showed that EVs from both species were able to modulate cytokine expression (including IL-6 and IL-8) in a species- and stimulus-dependent manner. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of EV production in H. illucens and P. lividus and offers preliminary insights into their molecular content and biological activity, those encouraging future investigations into invertebrate-derived EVs as a novel and promising source of therapeutically relevant immunomodulatory biomolecules. Studies were supported by the MUR-PNRR PRIN 2022 Project SURPRISE (GA P2022LASKT).
108 | Emerging models for emerging contaminants
Marine ecotoxicological risk assessment relies on a limited range of biological models, particularly in the case of benthic environments, thereby limiting the ecological realism of toxicity evaluations. Although echinoderms are widely recognised as sensitive and ecologically relevant organisms, experimental research has predominantly focused on sea urchins, leaving other echinoderm classes insufficiently explored. This study combines a critical literature review on sea stars (class Asteroidea) and brittle stars (class Ophiuroidea) with targeted experimental evidence to evaluate their potential as models for assessing emerging contaminants in marine ecosystems. A systematic evaluation of ecotoxicological studies published over the past two decades was conducted to assess the use of sea stars and brittle stars in toxicity testing, with particular attention to experimental design, biological endpoints, and ethical considerations. The analysis reveals that research on these classes is sporadic and unevenly distributed, with a strong emphasis on bioaccumulation endpoints and a focus primarily on metal exposure, while only a limited number of studies have addressed emerging contaminants. In contrast, fewer studies have investigated functional or physiological endpoints. Moreover, the literature suggests that both sea stars and brittle stars exhibit a range of sensitive, non-lethal endpoints suitable for repeated measures testing and long-term exposure scenarios. Based on the identified knowledge gaps, targeted experimental assays were designed to explore the applicability of brittle stars as models for emerging contaminants. Two brittle star species collected from the gulf of La Spezia (Ligurian Sea, Italy) were exposed for seven days to gadolinium, a rare earth element increasingly detected in aquatic environments due to its widespread use in medical imaging and green technologies, across a concentration range of 0 to 1000 µg/L. This short-term exposure was used to establish baseline tolerance and assess sublethal physiological responsiveness. The absence of acute mortality, together with the detection of measurable oxidative stress responses, supports the suitability of brittle stars for controlled laboratory testing and potential chronic exposure studies. Overall, this work highlights the potential of sea stars and brittle stars as emerging ecotoxicological models for investigating poorly studied contaminants within echinoderm research. Incorporating these taxa more systematically into ecotoxicological bioassay frameworks could broaden taxonomic coverage and enhance the ecological relevance of marine pollution assessments.
Session V - Environmental pollution and health
190 | Surface engineering of titanium implants with vanillin-chitosan and cerium doped-nanoparticle coatings for improved osteoimmune response
Approximately 10–15 million dental implants are placed annually worldwide, with titanium and its alloys remaining the materials of choice due to their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the bioinert nature of conventional titanium surfaces limits their ability to actively promote bone regeneration and modulate inflammatory responses, driving interest in advanced surface modification strategies. In this study, smart implant coatings based on vanillin (VA)-crosslinked chitosan (CHS) with 5% incorporated cerium (Ce) silica mesoporous nanoparticles (Ce-MSNs) were developed to enhance implant–tissue interactions. The coatings abbreviated as CHS-VA-Ce blend, were synthesized via Schiff base formation between vanillin aldehyde groups and chitosan amino groups, with additional stabilization through hydrogen bonding and the addition of the Ce-MSNs at the final stage of the synthetic route. The biological performance of the coated implants was evaluated under both static and dynamic conditions with human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and their immunomodulatory capacity through RAW-264.7 macrophages. In details, the tested materials were disinfected by UV irradiation for 30 minutes before being used for further experiments. CHS and CHS-VA-Ce blend tested at three different concentrations (C1:1, C2:0.75, and C3:0.5 mg/mL). CHS and CHS- VA blend samples for the in vitro experiments were added in a 96-well plate and subsequently hPDLCs with 104 cells per well were seeded to each well and incubated at 37°C for 1, 3, and 5 days for the MTT assay and up to 28 days for osteogenic differentiation evaluation. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of various osteogenesis genes such as BMP-2, RUNX-2, OCN, ALP and genes related to immunomodulation such as TNF-alpha and Araginase-1. Biomineralization was evaluated with ALP activity at days 7 and 14 and Alizarin red staining (ARS) at days 21 and 28. To assess the biological behaviour of the polymers and its interaction with cells in simulated microenvironment, experiments in microfluidics were also conducted. The CHS–VA-Ce blend coatings demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential under both static and dynamic conditions. MTT assays revealed sustained high viability of hPDLCs cultured on CHS and CHS–VA blend surfaces over 1, 3, and 5 days, with no cytotoxic effects observed. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR showed upregulation of key osteogenic markers, including BMP-2, RUNX-2, ALP, and OCN, indicating enhanced osteogenic differentiation in cells exposed to the vanillin-crosslinked coatings. Biomineralization studies further supported these findings, as increased ALP activity was detected at day 7 and decreased at day 14, along with pronounced calcium deposition confirmed by Alizarin Red S staining at days 21 and 28. In microfluidic experiments simulating a dynamic microenvironment, the VA-Ce blend coatings maintained excellent cell viability across all tested concentrations the experimental period, highlighting their stability and biofunctionality under flow conditions. Overall, these results suggest that vanillin-crosslinked chitosan incorporated Ce-MSNs coatings represent a promising smart surface modification strategy for titanium dental implants, capable of supporting cell viability, promoting osteogenic differentiation, and performing effectively under physiologically relevant dynamic conditions.
061 | Immunosafe(r)-by-design invertebrate-based nanoparticles: from engineered to biogenic structures for translational nanomedicine
Nanotechnology research covers a wide range of studies focusing on designing and shaping new engineering materials, systems, and devices at the nanoscale, with unique size-dependent properties and applications. The value and potential of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in human diagnostics and therapies rely on their safety and biocompatibility. These nanostructures undergo complex interactions with the surrounding biological environment, leading to remarkable changes in their “biological identity” and dictating particle behavior and fate, including uptake, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. NPs quickly bind to macromolecules in the extracellular environment, forming a complex, dynamic external layer (mainly the protein corona) before contacting cells and tissues, becoming biogenic. The formation of a custom-made protein corona is the first signal of their interplay with a cell, and immune reactions are a major issue for their application in medicine. Similarly, natural biogenic NPs (e.g., extracellular vesicles) shuttle a complex molecular cargo that reflects the physiology of their cell of origin and influences cell-extracellular vesicle (EV) interaction and cellular behavior. The interest in tools that utilize natural bioactive molecules and offer innovative solutions to prevent and treat diseases is increasing, and the development of invertebrate-based NPs may provide an opportunity to obtain NPs with selective biological activities using an alternative, safe, economical, and eco-friendly approach (the green approach). Adopting alternative models (e.g., invertebrates) and methodology that promote the 3 R principles (reduce, refine, and replace) is gaining momentum. Based on our current studies, the sea urchin extracellular proteins form a corona on the particle surface, eliciting a selective immunological response in the sea urchin (Alijagic et al. 2019 doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02261, Alijagic et al. 2021 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123793, Pinsino & Di Bernardo 2022 doi: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.01.002) as well as driving NPs, sea urchin immune cells, and the host microbiota interaction in vitro (Alijagic et al. 2025 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136808). Research on EVs derived from different species, especially those living in challenging environmental conditions (e.g., sea urchins in the sea, black soldier flies in the waste), can lead to the development of high-value-added therapeutics, and this is the focus of our ongoing studies. We addressed the issue by isolating and characterizing EVs released into the blood of two invertebrate models, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, under physiological and challenging conditions, and evaluating their impact on representative human pathological states (e.g., breast cancer cells) using Cell painting-based phenomics at high throughput. The results are very encouraging, and they set the stage for long-term future planning. Studies were supported by the EU H2020 project PANDORA (GA 671881), the MUR-PNRR project SAMOTHRACE (GA ECS00000022), and the MUR-PNRR PRIN 2022. Project SURPRISE (GA P2022LASKT).
177 | Efficacy of parasitic treatments in the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): experimental evidence of acaricide resistance
Dog ticks represent an increasingly important health concern, both in veterinary medicine and from a public health perspective. Among these, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is particularly widespread in urban and domestic environments and shows a strong capacity to adapt to anthropogenic conditions. This species plays a key epidemiological role as a vector of veterinary pathogens, such as Ehrlichia canis, and zoonotic agents, including microorganisms of the genus Rickettsia, with potential implications for human health. Control of dog tick infestations primarily relies on chemical parasiticides. In this context, fipronil and permethrin are among the most widely used active ingredients and are present in numerous commercial formulations for dogs and, in the case of fipronil, also for cats. Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole, acts on the nervous system of arthropods by interfering with nerve impulse transmission, while permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, exerts a rapid and persistent neurotoxic effect and is also used in environmental treatments. In this study, the efficacy of these two acaricides was evaluated using the Larval Packet Test (LPT), a FAO standardized method in which tick larvae are exposed to different concentrations of the active ingredient on impregnated filter papers, allowing assessment of larval mortality under controlled conditions. Each concentration was tested in triplicate, ensuring the reproducibility and reliability of the results. The results showed reduced sensitivity to fipronil and a marked decrease in permethrin efficacy, with significant larval survival even at concentrations commonly considered effective. These findings indicate the presence of acaricide resistance, particularly relevant for pyrethroids, highlighting that the efficacy of parasitic treatments can no longer be assumed. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of an integrated and rational approach to dog tick control, based on monitoring the effectiveness of active ingredients, rational use of available products, and implementation of sustainable prevention strategies, in order to reduce the health risk associated with pathogen transmission and preserve the long-term efficacy of parasitic treatments. The research was funded by the Italian Ministry of Health: IZSSI 03/23 RC.
145 | Synergistic effects of APP and Tau on neuronal miRNA regulation
MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, but the impact of Tau pathology on miRNA responses to amyloid precursor protein (APP) alterations remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the expression of a selected panel of miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-21, miR-155, miR-132, and miR-181a) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and in SH-SY5Y cells carrying the Tau P306L mutation. Cells were transfected with plasmids encoding either APP695 or the Swedish mutant APP (APP-Swe), and miRNA expression was quantified by qPCR with global mean normalization. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of APP condition, Tau genotype, and their interaction. Results revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles driven primarily by Tau status and APP expression. Specifically, miR-125b and miR-155 were significantly influenced by both APP condition and cell type, indicating independent and additive effects. miR-21 expression was predominantly regulated by APP, with no significant contribution from Tau genotype or interaction. In contrast, miR-132 and miR-181a showed significant APP×Tau interactions, indicating that mutant Tau modifies the cellular response to APP in regulating these miRNAs. These findings suggest that miRNA dysregulation in this neuronal model is not solely driven by amyloidogenic stress, but results from differential and sometimes interactive effects of APP and Tau. In parallel, the expression of selected mitochondrial respiratory chain genes showed a coordinated remodeling of the electron transport chain, characterized by APP-associated down-regulation of the Complex I subunit and a Tau-dependent modulation of Complex IV, consistent with a shift from compensatory to dysfunctional mitochondrial responses in the presence of Tau pathology. Overall, our data support a model in which Tau pathology is a key determinant of APP-induced miRNA regulation, highlighting early post-transcriptional mechanisms that may contribute to neurodegenerative progression. This work was funded by the European Union (NextGeneration EU) through the MUR-PNRR project SAMOTHRACE. CUP J43C22000310006 - codice identificativo ECS00000022.
134 | Living with mold: a growing problem for urban biodiversity
The aim of our research is to explore the multifaceted and escalating impact of mold proliferation within urban environments, critically examining its implications for both microbial and macroscopic biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human well-being. As urbanization intensifies, the complex interplay between anthropogenically altered landscapes and indoor environments has precipitated a significant shift in fungal communities. This analysis moves beyond the traditional focus on merely identifying pathogenic mold to understanding its broader ecological ramifications. Specifically, we discuss how the documented increase in indoor fungal biomass and richness correlates directly with elevated water availability—a condition exacerbated by common urban infrastructure issues such as aging plumbing, poor ventilation, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. We investigate the hypothesis that this shift in urban mycobiomes is characterized by a proliferation of larger-spored, potentially pathogenic taxa that significantly contribute to adverse human health outcomes, including respiratory ailments and allergies. However, the scope of this research extends to the broader ecological impact on urban biodiversity. We analyze how these altered fungal communities disrupt delicate urban ecosystem services by influencing the diversity and function of other microbial and macro-organisms. Recent findings indicate a substantial reduction in both aerial and soil fungal diversity within urban areas compared to natural habitats, suggesting a profound ecological imbalance. This involves a nearly twofold reduction in species richness and a fivefold decrease in fungal DNA abundance even at small scales, underscoring a critical loss of ecological functionality necessary for urban regeneration. The prevailing indoor microbiome often comprises airborne species of outdoor origin that passively collect on surfaces rather than arising from endogenous growth. This challenges traditional views of indoor microbial sources and highlights the limitations of relying solely on mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to manage indoor air quality. Instead, we advocate for a holistic approach that incorporates sustainable building materials and responsive architectural design to foster resilient, diverse microbial communities. A major limitation in elucidating these complex interactions is the current reliance on 18S rRNA gene sequencing, which often lacks the taxonomic resolution required for genus-level identification. We propose that future research should employ shotgun metagenomic sequencing and RNA-based methods to distinguish viable organisms from dead cells, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of microbial diversity and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, integrating advanced "omic" approaches, ecological modeling, and machine learning will allow for the development of predictive frameworks. These frameworks are essential for understanding how urban development influences fungal successions and for informing interventions that promote beneficial microbial communities. Finally, this presentation addresses the potential of fungal bioremediation, or mycoremediation, as a sustainable solution for environmental contaminants. While current limitations in scaling exist due to knowledge gaps regarding fungal potential, biotechnological innovations offer promising avenues. We explore how genetic engineering can enhance fungal capabilities by constructing novel fungi with improved metabolic pathways for utilizing emerging contaminants. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology with mycoremediation could significantly enhance the specificity and efficiency of contaminant degradation. By combining fungal biology with nanotechnological advancements, we can develop potent strategies for addressing persistent organic pollutants. Ultimately, this research aims to move beyond simplistic pathogen identification to embrace a functional ecological perspective, crucial for designing healthier, more resilient urban environments that balance human health needs with long-term ecosystem stability.
Influence of urban and rural living environments on body measures, strength and lifestyle among first-year university students
Primary prevention is particularly relevant for young adults experiencing major life changes that may affect their health. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physical condition and lifestyle of first-year university students, with a focus on differences by sex and area of origin (urban or rural). The sample consisted of 315 students (59% female, 41 % male; aged 18-25). Of these, 159 (62% female) were from urban areas, while 156 (57% female) were from rural areas. Anthropometric characteristics, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio and Handgrip Strength (HGS) were measured; Fat Mass (FM%), Fat Free Mass (FFM%) and Muscular Mass (MM%) were estimated through bioelectrical impedance vector analysis. Physical activity and the adherence to the mediterranean diet were also assessed. Males showed significantly higher values than females in all anthropometric traits, body composition, HGS and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Rural males reported lower FM% and higher MM% than urban males. Rural groups had a lower prevalence of being overweight. Our findings suggest an association between environmental context and certain body measurements, particularly in males.
093 | Beyond biodegradability: assessing the toxicological footprint of polylactic acid nanoplastics on zebrafish gastrointestinal tract development
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is widely promoted as a sustainable and biocompatible alternative to petroleum-based plastics, but its degradation into nanoplastics (NPs) presents emerging environmental and toxicological challenges. In environmental contexts, PLA-NPs contribute to the so-called "plastic soup" in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, where they can adsorb and transport heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants. In animal models, exposure to these particles through ingestion or inhalation has been associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disruptions. Consequently, their potential implications for human health remains a critical concern, as preliminary studies suggest that PLA-NPs can translocate through the intestinal epithelium and the blood-brain barrier, potentially inducing cellular toxicity and long-term systemic effects [1-2]. This study highlights the necessity of re-evaluating the "green" profile of PLA, emphasizing that biodegradability does not inherently equate to biological safety when fragmented at the nanoscale. To address these concerns, the present study investigates the primary exposure route—ingestion—using an in vivo zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to assess toxic effects on developing organs, with a primary focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Our results demonstrate that PLA-NPs bioaccumulate in zebrafish in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with significant localization in the gut. Furthermore, exposure to PLA-NPs resulted in altered intestinal barrier permeability and compromised mucus layer morphology. In conclusion, the size of PLA-NPs significantly influences the rate of internalization and their capacity to bypass or disrupt biological barriers, probably triggering systemic toxic effects across different organ systems. The experiments were conducted as part of the PRIN project “Plastic Contamination by Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLASTAMINATION): organ lesions and underlying molecular mechanisms”, MUR, PRIN-PNRR2022 CODE NUMBER: P2022AA47Y-CUP: B53D23032060001.
179 | Body fat reduction in adult women: a longitudinal study after six-month Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga, a standardised form of hot yoga, has grown in popularity as a low-impact exercise. However, there is limited longitudinal evidence on its effects across different female age groups. As obesity and metabolic syndrome affect over 40% of adult women, there is a need for sustainable interventions that can manage adiposity-related risks. This study investigated the changes in percentage body fat (%BF) induced by a six-month Bikram yoga programme in adult women, examining the clinical relevance of age-related responses. Twenty-two healthy women (aged 20–65) took part in a structured programme involving three 90-minute sessions per week at 40°C and 40% humidity for six months. Participants were stratified into three groups: A (20–35 years, n = 8), B (36–50 years, n = 9) and C (51–65 years, n = 5). Anthropometric assessments (eight skinfolds and five circumferences, according to ISAK protocols) were conducted at baseline (T0), after 45 days (T1), after 90 days (T2) and after six months (T3). %BF was estimated using eleven validated equations integrated into the Exercise Science Toolkit to ensure methodological robustness. A significant and progressive reduction in %BF was observed across the whole sample: -3.71% at T1 (p < 0.05) and -6.17% at T3 (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Positive outcomes were consistent across all age groups: Group A (-6.62%, p < 0.01), Group B (-5.96%, p < 0.05) and Group C (-5.39%, p < 0.05). Inter-subject variability (SD) decreased from 5.63 to 5.20, indicating homogeneous adaptation. Younger cohorts showed greater changes, while older participants demonstrated stable and consistent improvements. No participant showed an increase in %BF during the study period. A regular practice of Bikram yoga induces significant reductions in fat mass in women throughout their adult lives. The observed overall reduction of 6.17% exceeds the clinical threshold of 5% for achieving significant metabolic benefits. These results suggest that Bikram yoga is an effective, low-impact, non-pharmacological intervention for managing obesity, promoting health, and enabling active ageing.
148 | Lysosomal and synuclein pathology in IPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons from GBA1-mutant Parkinson’s disease patients
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is marked by a progressive decline in motor function resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the accumulation of α-synuclein. Genetic studies have identified mutations in GBA1, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), as the most frequent genetic risk factor for PD. Heterozygous GBA1 variants are present in approximately 1% of the general population and confer an age-dependent increase in PD risk. While reduced GCase activity has been linked to lysosomal impairment and altered α-synuclein homeostasis, the cellular mechanisms through which distinct GBA1 mutations drive neuronal damage are still not fully elucidated. The work presented here aims to investigate subcellular protein organization in dopaminergic neurons derived from PD patients carrying GBA1 mutations. Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) obtained from healthy controls (WT/WT) and from PD patients harboring heterozygous GBA1 mutations (L483P/WT and N409S/WT). A high-content screening (HCS) strategy was established to quantitatively assess lysosomal markers, α-synuclein aggregates, and neuronal network morphology. Neurons derived from GBA1-mutant PD patients displayed an altered distribution of lysosomal markers together with an increased density and enlargement of α-synuclein species, as revealed by confocal microscopy. Both components showed abnormal subcellular localization associated with synaptic dysregulation. Overall, these findings demonstrate that GBA1 mutations induce distinct alterations in lysosomal positioning, α-synuclein trafficking, and synaptic organization in human dopaminergic neurons. Such cellular phenotypes may contribute to PD pathogenesis and provide insight into the mechanistic link between lysosomal dysfunction and α-synuclein pathology.
066 | Modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial alteration in IL1β-stimulated human astrocytes: effects of extracts from leaves and rhizomes of Posidonia oceanica (L) Delile
Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly susceptible to pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, which can lead to altered redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction [1]. In this study, primary cultured human astrocytes were exposed to IL-1β to induce an inflammatory state and subsequently treated with extracts obtained from either green leaves or rhizomes of the marine phanerogam P. oceanica, which are rich in polyphenolic compounds with neuroprotective capabilities [2]. Preliminary data on the same experimental model had revealed a reduction in IL-1β induced-reactive oxygen species levels following treatment with the two extracts [3]. Therefore, this study aimed to further investigate the modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial alteration. Fluorescent imaging with Mitosox Red evidenced a partial reduction in superoxide levels following co-treatment with both extracts. In parallel, the analysis of mitochondrial morphology showed that the co-treatments contributed to recover the mitochondrial morphology, although to a restricted degree potentially attributable to the brief analytical timeframe. Ultimately, the analysis of the expression levels of DRP-1, a key regulator of mitochondrial fission, showed a significant downregulation following co-treatment, suggesting the inhibition of the mitochondrial fission process induced by IL-1β. Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that P. oceanica’s extracts may exert a protective effect against inflammation-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in human astrocytes, thereby endorsing their prospective application as neuroprotective agents in neuroinflammatory pathologies. Further studies are required to assess these impacts across extended duration and to establish if full mitochondrial function integrity can be restablished. Dr. Giulia Abruscato is supported by Fondazione Umberto Veronesi
045 | From map and gap analyses to solutions for circular economy implementation in Sicilian seafood-processing sector
This study examines Sicilian fishery and seafood-processing by-products as a system-level case, showing how local coastal dynamics mirror broader European challenges. The fisheries and aquaculture sector is a primary pillar of the agri-food system and is recognised as strategic within the EU Agenda 2030 and sustainability objectives. In alignment with the European Union’s Blue Economy and circular economy strategies, as well as the European Green Deal and Zero Waste frameworks, the study investigates why linear management practices persist and how EU sustainability goals translate into operational practices within fragmented coastal systems. Systematic mapping of by-product flows and stakeholder engagement provides an empirical basis for identifying structural gaps and enabling locally grounded circular economy pathways. Sicily, with its fragmented, small-scale yet economically relevant seafood sector, constitutes a suitable test case for these strategies. Although research and technology transfer have advanced to pilot and industrial-scale recovery of high-value compounds, implementation remains uneven at the local level. Within this context, Horizon Europe initiatives such as the BlueRev project aimed to operationalise circular economy principles by fostering integrated eco–socio-productive ecosystems in small-scale coastal communities, strengthening coordination, knowledge sharing, and the sustainable use of marine resources. An integrated quantitative–qualitative approach was applied across Sicilian seafood-processing hubs, combining structured questionnaires, stakeholder interviews, and descriptive material-flow analysis. Results show that marine by-products are generated predominantly during evisceration, decapitation, and filleting, producing heterogeneous biomass streams whose generation varies across facilities due to interspecies variability and seasonal concentration. Spatially dispersed biomass flows across multiple small- and medium-sized operators limit aggregation and constrain economies of scale for valorisation. Qualitative evidence indicates that by-products are often managed as waste; this reflects the combined effect of limited shared knowledge, fragmented quantification, uncertainty regarding the scale and potential uses of residual biomass, and challenges related to the practical application of existing regulatory frameworks. Analysis indicates that non-standardised data increase perceived operational risk, favouring disposal-oriented pathways. In fragmented systems, uncertainty regarding the distribution of by-product streams limits coordination and collective valorisation. Systematic mapping and quantification may therefore structure decision-making by transforming fragmented biomass into a governable resource, enabling coordinated and locally viable circular economy solutions.
Session II - Aquatic environment and ecosystems
046 | First report of interspecific aggregation and behavioural mimicry between Caranx crysos and Sarpa salpa
Interspecific aggregations are a widespread phenomenon in marine environments, documented across numerous taxa and behavioural contexts, and are particularly frequent among juvenile fishes. They may confer a variety of functional benefits and are commonly associated with enhanced predator avoidance, increased foraging efficiency and feeding opportunities, habitat-driven interactions, and spawning and migratory activities. However, such interactions remain poorly documented in temperate environments, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. This study presents the first documentation of a particular case of interspecific aggregation between juvenile of Caranx crysos and schools of Sarpa salpa. This peculiar behaviour was first observed in shallow waters of a Mediterranean coastal habitat in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Ogliastro Marina, SA, Italy), characterized by a mixed rocky and sandy seabed. The initial observation was followed by underwater field surveys conducted over two consecutive summer seasons (2024 and 2025) at the same locality. Two observers independently performed random transects lasting 15 minutes each, for a total of 10 hours of observation and 40 transects per season (20 hours and 80 transects in total). Each observer recorded the following data on an underwater PVC slate: (i) the number of schools of S. salpa; (ii) the number of individuals within each school; (iii) the presence and number of juvenile C. crysos individuals within each S. salpa school; (iv) the observed behaviours. Overall, field observations consistently document four types of recurrent behavioural interactions which were classified as: behavioural mimicry, opportunistic foraging, host reactions by S. salpa and intraspecific interactions among juvenile C. crysos. In particular, juveniles of C. crysos (usually solitary individuals) positioned themselves within schools of S. salpa displaying foraging-like movements that mirrored those of S. salpa. During these interactions, C. crysoss individuals, while not effectively grazing like S. salpa, were occasionally observed feeding on resuspended particulate food matter. In turn, some individuals of the host species school were sporadically documented mobbing the juvenile C. crysos. On rare occasions, multiple C. crysos individuals were found within the same S. salpa school, often exhibiting aggressive intraspecific behaviour. We interpret the observed interaction as a case of facultative commensalism involving C. crysos, which likely benefits from increased protection from predators by associating with host-species schools and from the opportunistic exploitation of food resources. The host species does not appear to be harmed by its interaction with C. crysos; however, the occasional mobbing behaviour observed suggests a mechanism of “tolerance with friction.” Lastly, aggressive behaviours among C. crysos conspecifics within the same S. salpa school appear to represent a clear example of intraspecific competition. These findings reveal notable behavioural complexity during the early life stages of C. crysos and contribute to a better understanding of the species’ natural history and adaptive strategies. Our results also highlight that the behavioural, trophic, and ecological structural richness of Mediterranean communities remains understudied. Further research should focus on quantifying the ecological costs and benefits of such interspecific associations and assessing their prevalence across different habitats.
029 | The Strait of Messina as a biodiversity hotspot for cephalopods: evidence from 17 years of stranding events
The phenomenon of stranding of deep-sea organisms is one of the most peculiar features of the Strait of Messina, resulting from the interaction between its specific geomorphology, hydrographic regime, astronomical (lunar cycle) and atmospheric (winds) influence. The observation of this phenomenon in the 19th century enabled scientists to ascertain that deep-sea fauna was also present in the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its richness, the Strait of Messina has been described as the paradise of zoologists and considered a biodiversity hotspot in the Mediterranean Sea. However, despite the importance of cephalopods in the trophic web of the marine ecosystem as a key species, they remain poorly investigated, especially for species of non-commercial interest. Given the difficulty of sampling, the collection of stranded specimens is a fundamental tool for assessing the biodiversity and ecological importance of this taxon in the marine ecosystem. The aim of the present study is to update information on the biodiversity and abundance of cephalopods, using the traditional collection of stranded specimens along the coast of the Strait of Messina as a sampling technique. Specimens (n= 168) collected from 2008 to 2024 were sampled in the morning, before and at sunrise. Overall 14 species belonging to several families (Enoploteuthidae, Brachioteuthidae, Ommastrephidae, Onychoteuthidae, Sepiolidae, Sepiidae, Tremoctopodidae, Octopodidae, Ocythoidae, Octopodidae, Argonautidae) were found stranded. Ommastrephidae was the most abundant family in terms of total number of individuals, mainly thanks to the species Illex coindetii. The sepiolid Heteroteuthis dispar was the most prevalent species recorded (n= 40). Stranding events have enabled the sampling of individuals belonging to rare or uncommon species such as Abralia veranyi, Brachioteuthis riisei, Argonauta argo and Ocythoe tuberculata as well as some interesting juvenile stages (e.g. Pteroctopus tetracirrhus). The lunar cycle, which influences the strength of currents (highest during full and new moon phases) and irradiance (higher in some lunar phases, such as the full moon) seems to affect the abundance of stranded cephalopods in the study area. The highest number of stranding events was recorded during the new moon phase, i.e. 38% of the total relative abundance of stranded cephalopods. Furthermore, the highest abundance of stranded specimens was recorded during the winter season. In conclusion, the study confirms the effectiveness of stranding as a non-invasive sampling method for monitoring cephalopods in Mediterranean waters. This study was also part of the project “National Biodiversity Future Center - NBFC” (Project Code: CN_00000033), funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
023 | Chaperone-associated macrophage polarization and extracellular matrix remodelling in human glioblastoma
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive central nervous system tumor, with a poor prognosis and no effective treatment because of its high invasiveness, metabolic rate, and heterogeneity. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by massive cellular stress and contains many tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), particularly M2-like macrophages, which play a critical role in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and indirectly promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment [1]. Molecular chaperones are key regulators of cellular stress responses, cytoskeletal dynamics, and protein homeostasis, however, their involvement in macrophage polarization and ECM remodeling in GBM remains poorly defined [2]. In this preliminary study, human GBM biopsies and peri-tumoral tissues have been analyzed for macrophage markers (CD68, CD163), chaperones (hsp60, CCT5), cytoskeletal components (actin, tubulin), and ECM-remodeling enzyme MMP9 expression. Signal intensity and spatial co-localization were qualitatively assessed across tumoral and peri-tumoral regions. GBM tissues displayed strong CD68 immunoreactivity, accompanied by high hsp60 expression and marked co-localization, suggesting a stress-associated macrophage population within the tumor core. In peri-tumoral areas, CD163-positive cells were rare whereas multiple GBM biopsies showed robust CD163 expression, consistent with enrichment of M2-like macrophages in tumoral regions. Co-localization of CD163 with hsp60 was prominent in tumoral samples but markedly reduced in peri-tumoral tissue, indicating a potential association between chaperone expression and M2 polarization in GBM. In addition, a subset of GBM cases exhibited a pronounced colocalization between CD163-positive macrophages and MMP9, supporting a role for M2 macrophages in ECM remodeling and invasive niche formation. Whereas another subset showed high expression and co-localization of actin, tubulin, and the chaperonin CCT5, suggesting chaperone the involvement of chaperones in cytoskeletal reorganization and migratory capacity of tumor cells. These findings support a model in which molecular chaperones are enriched in GBM-associated macrophages and tumor cells, potentially linking cellular stress responses to M2 macrophage polarization, ECM remodeling, and invasive tumor behavior. Although limited by sample size, this study provides initial evidence that chaperone networks may contribute to the pro-tumoral microenvironment of GBM and warrant further investigation as potential therapeutic targets.
Session I - Advances in cancer research and therapeutics