Principal Investigator: Andrea Ferrigno

Our research group investigates the pharmacological modulation of liver fat accumulation and fibrosis, key features of metabolic syndrome-associated liver disease. We focus on the roles of hepatic receptors in regulating key intracellular signaling pathways that govern both lipid metabolism and collagen deposition.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of these processes, we utilize a multifaceted approach involving hepatic cell lines, organoids, and animal models. Our methodologies include immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR to analyze protein expression and gene regulation. Additionally, we employ receptor and factor-specific silencing techniques to ascertain the contributions of these elements to lipid accumulation and collagen deposition.
By elucidating these intricate pathways, our research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for treating metabolic syndrome and its associated hepatic complications, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Recent Publications:

• Ferrigno A, Cagna M, Bosco O, Trucchi M, Berardo C, Nicoletti F, Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG. MPEP Attenuates Intrahepatic Fat Accumulation in Obese Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 23;24(7):6076. doi: 10.3390/ijms24076076
• Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Palladini G, Croce AC, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Perlini S, Adorini L, Ferrigno A, Vairetti M. FXR agonists INT-787 and OCA increase RECK and inhibit liver steatosis and inflammation in diet-induced ob/ob mouse model of NASH. Liver Int. 2024 Jan;44(1):214-227. doi: 10.1111/liv.15767.
• Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Richelmi P, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Current Issues and Future Perspectives in Preclinical and Clinical Research. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 17;21(24):9646. doi: 10.3390/ijms21249646.

Links:
Unifind Unipv: https://unipv.unifind.cineca.it/individual?uri=http%3A%2F%2Firises.unipv.it%2Fresource%2Fperson%2F660730