Maurizia Caruso
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Maurizia
Caruso
Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Associate Senior Researcher Nutrheff Thematic Biological validation
Research Interest and expertise in the field of nutraceuticals
and functional food
Keywords: Olive oil, waste, diet, aging, neural stem cells, muscle metabolism, microbiota
Nutraceuticals and foods of interestThe main research interest is centred on the mechanisms that modify the metabolic and contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers in response to functional demands, such as nutritional challenges, aging, exercise and muscle disease. Recently, in collaboration with Laura Micheli and Felice Tirone at IBBC we are evaluating a potential role of hydroxytyrosol and other polyphenols, present in extracts from oil production waste products, in the prevention of age-associated dysfunctions. Olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, polyphenolic extracts from oil production waste products, obtained in collaboration with Prof. C. Caruso (DEB Department) and Prof. R. Bernini (DAFNE Department), University Tuscia, Viterbo. Fields of application Biological validation of natural compounds from olive oil for the production of dietary supplements. Aging is a complex process that involves the progressive decline of various physiological systems and that represents a challenge for the health and socio-economic system. Cognitive impairment, progressive loss of muscle mass and strength and alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota are highly significant pathological traits associated with aging that can be prevented or delayed by adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Olive oil is an essential MD component. Its production is associated with a large amount of waste and by-products, which have negative impacts on the environment, but which represent an important possible source of bioactive phenolic compounds. Facilities and equipments The laboratories are well equipped with all the basic instruments. The most significant pieces of equipment present at IBBC-CNR include: 1) Olympus Optical BX53 microscope connected to digital camera Diagnostic Instruments operated by the I.A.S. software of Delta Systems Italy, 2) Confocal laser microscope Leica TCS SP5 - Laser RGB Ar 458nm, 476nm, 488nm, 514nm, HeNe 543nm, HeNe 633nm. Laser 405nm cw 50mW. Workstation plus 2xLCD, 3) RealTime PCR AB – Applied Biosystems 7900 HT - 2006 System with FAST 96 and 384-Well Block Module, 4) Microtome Cryostat Leica - CM 1850 UV, 5) P2 sterile rooms, 6) Cell culture unit, 7) FACS unit, 8) Conventional animal house for mice and rats, 9) Infrafrontier Core Structure EMMA (European Mutant Mouse Archive) |
