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Trace Elements, Metals and Bioactive Compounds: Homeostasis and Metabolic Impairment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 299

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Interests: bioenergetics; mitochondrial carriers; mutagenesis; drosophila melanogaster; mitochondrial diseases; mitochondrial dysfunction; apoptosis; ROS; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity; cancer metabolism; anticancer agents
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that the modulation of biochemical signaling pathways is a critical factor in the onset of several human diseases. In this context, trace elements, metals, and bioactive compounds can influence metabolic homeostasis, playing protective or negative roles for human health.Trace elements are required for cellular homeostasis, being involved in enzymatic activity, redox reactions, metabolism, signal transduction, protein folding, DNA replication, and the transport of electrons or other metabolites, thus playing important roles in the body.Heavy metals and metalloids impair cellular redox state and metabolism by inducing oxidative stress, damaging biomolecules, altering signal transduction, and causing apoptosis, protein misfolding, and malignant transformation. Their interference in signaling pathways affects metabolic processes, including glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism, along with adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, inflammation, etc. Bioactive compounds found in plants, animals, and microorganisms can influence metabolic pathways, exerting various effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, etc.) and can also interact with trace elements to modulate their effects.This Special Issue will focus on the targeted signaling pathways and related biological effects of these classes of molecules, highlighting how they modulate/alter cellular biochemical processes. We welcome submissions comprising original research manuscripts and reviews that focus on the metabolic implications of these molecules in human health and/or disease.

Dr. Graziantonio Lauria
Dr. Rosita Curcio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • trace elements
  • bioactive compounds
  • metals
  • human health
  • human diseases

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

24 pages, 3392 KiB  
Review
Adipo-Modulation by Turmeric Bioactive Phenolic Components: From Curcuma Plant to Effects
by Cristina Doriana Marina, Daniela Puscasiu, Corina Flangea, Tania Vlad, Adinela Cimporescu, Roxana Popescu, Aurica Elisabeta Moatar and Daliborca Cristina Vlad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146880 - 17 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem but also an important comorbidity in metabolic syndrome and other types of pathologies. Currently discussed adjuvants are turmeric and curcumin, used as food supplements. Starting from synthesis in turmeric plant up to the use of turmeric [...] Read more.
Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem but also an important comorbidity in metabolic syndrome and other types of pathologies. Currently discussed adjuvants are turmeric and curcumin, used as food supplements. Starting from synthesis in turmeric plant up to the use of turmeric as a spice, a significant amount of turmeric and its derivatives are lost during the processing procedure. In oral administration, the reduced bioavailability of these compounds must be taken into account, an aspect that can be improved by using different combinations and dosages. As for their pharmacodynamic effects, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin improves mitochondrial function and promotes the browning of white adipose tissue. Another mechanism of action of curcumin in weight loss is enzymatic modulation, leading to a decrease in the activity of key enzymes involved in lipogenesis and an increase in the activity of lipolytic enzymes. These properties are enhanced by the synergistic action of the other polyphenols present in turmeric, especially calebin A, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Summarizing these effects, curcumin is a promising food supplement, opening new directions for further research to discover possibilities to improve or even eliminate the calamity of obesity that is currently wreaking havoc. Full article
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