Prof. Roberto Melcangi

Science Other Studies
#1

“Prof. Roberto Melcangi: Leading international efforts to investigate PFS.” (from PFS foundation website)

Here are some of his previous studies.

Role of neuroactive steroids in the peripheral nervous system.
Melcangi RC, Giatti S, Pesaresi M, Calabrese D, Mitro N, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM.

Department of Endocrinology, Pathophysiology and Applied Biology - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano Milano, Italy.

Abstract
Several reviews have so far pointed out on the relevant physiological and pharmacological role exerted by neuroactive steroids in the central nervous system. In the present review we summarize observations indicating that synthesis and metabolism of neuroactive steroids also occur in the peripheral nerves. Interestingly, peripheral nervous system is also a target of their action. Indeed, as here reported neuroactive steroids are physiological regulators of peripheral nerve functions and they may also represent interesting therapeutic tools for different types of peripheral neuropathy.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22654839

#2

Neuroactive steroids, their metabolites, and neuroinflammation.
Giatti S, Boraso M, Melcangi RC, Viviani B.

Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.

Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases implicated both in their onset and progression. Neuroactive steroids act as physiological regulators and protective agents in the nervous system. Therefore, the attention of biomedical research has been recently addressed in evaluating whether neuroactive steroids, such as progestagens, androgens, and estrogens may also affect neuroinflammatory pathways. Observations so far obtained suggest a general anti-inflammatory effect with a beneficial relapse on several neurodegenerative experimental models, thus confirming the potentiality of a neuroprotective strategy based on neuroactive steroids. In this scenario, neuroactive steroid metabolism and the sophisticated machinery involved in their signaling are becoming especially attractive. In particular, because metabolism of neuroactive steroids as well as expression of their receptors is affected during the course of neurodegenerative events, a crucial role of progesterone and testosterone metabolites in modulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may be proposed. In the present review, we will address this issue, providing evidence supporting the hypothesis that the efficacy of neuroactive steroids could be improved through the use of their metabolites.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22966132

#3

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere in the forum. Nevertheless, here is an interesting (if rather long) video in which Prof. Melcangi details the effects of neurosteroids and neurodegenerative disorders.

youtube.com/watch?v=pdn-Nf_C4so