PhD Student: Chiara Artale (ORCID n. 0009-0000-2940-7048)
Supervisor: Dr. Simone Perna – DeFENS-Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
Co-tutor: Prof. Patrizia Riso-DeFENS-Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
Dean: Prof. Diego Mora
Research area: Food Science and Nutrition
Research topic: Bioavailability and biological activity of dietary compounds/patterns and their role on human health
Project Synopsis
Exploring Hesperidin Metabolites in aging. Their Impact on Neuronal and Natural Killer Cells
My PhD project delves into the captivating effects of hesperidin, a potent polyphenol found in citrus fruits, on neuronal cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. This research uncovers critical pathways related to aging, neuroprotection, and immune response, highlighting hesperidin’s potential to combat age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By examining how hesperidin metabolites influence neuronal and immune health, I seek to reveal their roles in modulating oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial function, and promoting neurogenesis. These metabolites may also strengthen cellular resilience against age-related damage by reducing inflammation and supporting essential repair processes. A particularly intriguing aspect of the project is the exploration of NK cells in the neuronal environment, as their functionality declines with age, contributing to neuroinflammation. The findings may demonstrate how hesperidin can enhance NK cell activity and reduce inflammation, offering exciting insights into its therapeutic potential for improving brain health as we age.
Project keywords: immunosenescence, neuroprotection, polyphenols, citrus fruits
Contacts
Laboratory address: University of Milan “La Statale”
DeFENS-Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
Via Celoria 2 – 20133 Milan
Email address: chiara.artale@unimi.it
Collaborations
- Mariangela Rondanelli- University of Pavia, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, MD, PhD
- Tariq A. Alalwan- University of Bahrain, Department of Biology, PhD
- Arturo Pujia- University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, MD
Sponsor
University of Milan, piano di sostegno alla ricerca (PSR) 2023 Linea 4
Publications
Poster presentation, 7th European Congress of Immunology (ECI) in Dublin from September 1st-4th 2024