All Stories

  1. The Hidden Anatomy of Low Back Pain: Uncovering the Impact of Mamillo-Accessory Ligament Ossification

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, February 2026, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  2. Integrating clinical scenarios in undergraduate anatomy teaching to enhance student engagement: A three‐year exploratory study in a small pre‐medicine cohort

    Article • Anatomical Sciences Education, November 2025, Wiley

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  3. Correction: Thomas Broome, S.; Castorina, A. Systemic Rotenone Administration Causes Extra-Nigral Alterations in C57BL/6 Mice. Biomedicines 2022, 10, 3174

    Article • Biomedicines, October 2025, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  4. PAC1 Receptor Knockout Mice Reveal Critical Links Between ER Stress, Myelin Homeostasis, and Neurodegeneration

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2025, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  5. Optimum heat reflux extraction of key bioactive compounds from lemon scented tea tree ( Leptospermum petersonii) leaves and their cytotoxic effects

    Article • Cogent Food & Agriculture, August 2025, Taylor & Francis

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  6. A Standard Operating Procedure for Dual-Task Training to Improve Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

    Article • Brain Sciences, July 2025, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  7. VPAC1 and VPAC2 Receptor Heterozygosity Confers Distinct Biological Properties to BV2 Microglial Cells

    Article • Cells, May 2025, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  8. Increased Expression of the Neuropeptides PACAP/VIP in the Brain of Mice with CNS Targeted Production of IL-6 Is Mediated in Part by Trans-Signalling

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2024, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  9. Differential Expression of PACAP/VIP Receptors in the Post-Mortem CNS White Matter of Multiple Sclerosis Donors

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2024, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  10. Understanding Body Types and Physical Fitness in Young Professional Soccer Players

    Article • Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, August 2024, IOS Press

    Evelyn Frias-Toral, A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  11. Targeting the PAC1 receptor mitigates degradation of myelin and synaptic markers and diminishes locomotor deficits in the cuprizone demyelination model

    Article • Journal of Neurochemistry, August 2024, Wiley

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  12. Small Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Circular RNA hsa_circ_0007386 as a Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma

    Article • Cells, June 2024, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  13. Adapted Physical Activity Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurotypical Children: Differences between Online and Face-to-Face Training

    Article • Sci, June 2024, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina, Professor Piero Pavone

  14. Hippocampal neuroinflammation causes sex-specific disruptions in instrumental conditioning, Pavlovian approach, and neuronal excitation

    Article • May 2024, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  15. The Neuroanatomy of the Habenular Complex and Its Role in the Regulation of Affective Behaviors

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, January 2024, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  16. Potential Crosstalk between the PACAP/VIP Neuropeptide System and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress—Relevance to Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology

    Article • Cells, November 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  17. An Overview of Physical Exercise Program Protocols and Effects on the Physical Function in Multiple Sclerosis: An Umbrella Review

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, November 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  18. Early Alterations of PACAP and VIP Expression in the Female Rat Brain Following Spinal Cord Injury

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, August 2023, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  19. Altered Hippocampal and Striatal Expression of Endothelial Markers and VIP/PACAP Neuropeptides in a Mouse Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, July 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  20. L-Proline Prevents Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Microglial Cells Exposed to L-azetidine-2-carboxylic Acid

    Article • Molecules, June 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  21. Identification of Key Genes and Regulatory Pathways in Multiple Sclerosis Brain Samples: A Meta-Analysis of Micro-Array Datasets

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, May 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  22. Molecular Assessment of Healthy Pathological Articular Cartilages in Physically Active People: A Scoping Review

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, February 2023, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  23. Systemic Rotenone Administration Causes Extra-Nigral Alterations in C57BL/6 Mice

    Article • Biomedicines, December 2022, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  24. Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of the Non-Protein Amino Acid L-Azetidine-2-Carboxylic Acid in BV2 Microglial Cells

    Article • Current Issues in Molecular Biology, September 2022, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  25. Effects of Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Pathophysiology in Huntington’s Disease

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, May 2022, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  26. Exploring the Pro-Phagocytic and Anti-Inflammatory Functions of PACAP and VIP in Microglia: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, April 2022, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  27. PACAP and VIP Mitigate Rotenone-Induced Inflammation in BV-2 Microglial Cells

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, February 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  28. The Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Prevents Rotenone-Induced Toxicity in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, February 2022, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  29. Rapid GFAP and Iba1 expression changes in the female rat brain following spinal cord injury

    Article • Neural Regeneration Research, January 2022, Medknow

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  30. Metformin Treatment Attenuates Brain Inflammation and Rescues PACAP/VIP Neuropeptide Alterations in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  31. The role of exercise on peripheral nerve regeneration: from animal model to clinical application

    Article • Heliyon, November 2021, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  32. PACAP and VIP Modulate LPS-Induced Microglial Activation and Trigger Distinct Phenotypic Changes in Murine BV2 Microglial Cells

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, October 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  33. PACAP and VIP Modulate LPS-induced Microglial Activation and Trigger Distinct Phenotypic Changes in Murine BV2 Microglial Cells

    Article • August 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  34. Doxycycline and Minocycline Act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells

    Article • Applied Sciences, August 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  35. Doxycycline and Minocycline act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells

    Article • July 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  36. Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity via the Adaptation of Astrocytes

    Article • Cells, June 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  37. Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglial Cells

    Article • Cells, May 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  38. Brain CHID1 Expression Correlates with NRGN and CALB1 in Healthy Subjects and AD Patients

    Article • Cells, April 2021, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  39. Robust Dopaminergic Differentiation and Enhanced LPS-Induced Neuroinflammatory Response in Serum-Deprived Human SH-SY5Y Cells: Implication for Parkinson’s Disease

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, August 2020, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  40. Evaluation of a Cell-Free Collagen Type I-Based Scaffold for Articular Cartilage Regeneration in an Orthotopic Rat Model

    Article • Materials, May 2020, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  41. Dopamine: an immune transmitter

    Article • Neural Regeneration Research, January 2020, Medknow

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  42. Moderate Physical Activity as a Prevention Method for Knee Osteoarthritis and the Role of Synoviocytes as Biological Key

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, January 2019, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  43. A correlation between intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and osteoarthritis

    Article • Heliyon, January 2019, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina, Professor Ali Mobasheri

  44. Dopaminergic-GABAergic interplay and alcohol binge drinking

    Article • Pharmacological Research, January 2019, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  45. PACAP and VIP expression in the periaqueductal grey of the rat following sciatic nerve constriction injury

    Article • Neuropeptides, December 2018, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  46. Identification of Dysregulated microRNA Networks in Schwann Cell-Like Cultures Exposed to Immune Challenge: Potential Crosstalk with the Protective VIP/PACAP Neuropeptide System

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2018, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  47. Insights into the Role of Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, February 2018, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  48. The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Musculoskeletal Disorders

    Article • Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, April 2017, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina, MD, PhD Kotaro Yamakado

  49. Angiogenesis correlates with macrophage and mast cell infiltration in lung tissue of animals exposed to fluoro-edenite fibers

    Article • Experimental Cell Research, August 2016, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  50. Genetic blockade of the dopamine D3 receptor enhances hippocampal expression of PACAP and receptors and alters their cortical distribution

    Article • Neuroscience, March 2016, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  51. Enhanced expression of CD31/platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1) correlates with hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in human glioblastoma multiforme

    Article • Experimental Cell Research, December 2015, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  52. Dopamine D3 receptor-dependent changes in alpha6 GABAA subunit expression in striatum modulate anxiety-like behaviour: Responsiveness and tolerance to diazepam

    Article • European Neuropsychopharmacology, September 2015, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  53. Characterization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, ADAM-10 and N-cadherin expression in human glioblastoma multiforme

    Article • Cell and Tissue Research, May 2015, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  54. Ameliorative Effects of PACAP against Cartilage Degeneration. Morphological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Evidence from in Vivo and in Vitro Models of Rat Osteoarthritis

    Article • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2015, MDPI AG

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina, Professor Ali Mobasheri

  55. PACAP Interacts with PAC1 Receptors to Induce Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) Expression and Activity in Schwann Cell-Like Cultures

    Article • PLOS One, February 2015, PLOS

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  56. The seeming paradox of adenosine receptors as targets for the treatment of Alzheimer′s disease: agonists or antagonists?

    Article • Neural Regeneration Research, January 2015, Medknow

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  57. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy as a potential treatment in neurodegenerative disorders: is the escape from senescence an answer?

    Article • Neural Regeneration Research, January 2015, Medknow

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  58. Emerging Role of PACAP as a New Potential Therapeutic Target in Major Diabetes Complications

    Article • International Journal of Endocrinology, January 2015, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  59. Aluminum alters cellular defense response to amyloid beta in neuronal cells

    Article • The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, September 2014, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  60. Mucin 1 (MUC1) signalling contributes to increase the resistance to cell death in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to nickel acetate

    Article • BioMetals, July 2014, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  61. Dopamine D3 Receptor Is Necessary for Ethanol Consumption: An Approach with Buspirone

    Article • Neuropsychopharmacology, March 2014, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  62. PACAP and VIP increase the expression of myelin-related proteins in rat schwannoma cells: Involvement of PAC1/VPAC2 receptor-mediated activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

    Article • Experimental Cell Research, March 2014, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  63. Davunetide (NAP) Protects the Retina Against Early Diabetic Injury by Reducing Apoptotic Death

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, February 2014, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  64. Increased Hippocampal CREB Phosphorylation in Dopamine D3 Receptor Knockout Mice Following Passive Avoidance Conditioning

    Article • Neurochemical Research, October 2013, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  65. Dopamine D3 receptor deletion increases tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus

    Article • Neuroscience, October 2013, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  66. Antiproliferative Effects of PACAP and VIP in Serum-Starved Glioma Cells

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, July 2013, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  67. Ameliorative effect of PACAP and VIP against increased permeability in a model of outer blood retinal barrier dysfunction

    Article • Peptides, January 2013, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  68. Hippocampal Neurofibromin and Amyloid Precursor Protein Expression in Dopamine D3 Receptor Knock-out Mice Following Passive Avoidance Conditioning

    Article • Neurochemical Research, December 2012, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  69. Early changes in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and related receptors expression in retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

    Article • Peptides, September 2012, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  70. Involvement of PACAP/ADNP Signaling in the Resistance to Cell Death in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) Cells

    Article • Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, March 2012, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  71. Dopamine-3 receptor modulates intraocular pressure: Implications for glaucoma

    Article • Biochemical Pharmacology, March 2012, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  72. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and neuregulin (Neu) activation in human airway epithelial cells exposed to nickel acetate

    Article • Toxicology in Vitro, March 2012, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  73. Degenerative disc disease of herniated intervertebral discs is associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, vimentin-positive cells and cell death

    Article • Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, March 2011, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  74. Neurofibromin and Amyloid Precursor Protein Expression in Dopamine D3 Receptor Knock-Out Mice Brains

    Article • Neurochemical Research, December 2010, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  75. Effects of PACAP and VIP on hyperglycemia-induced proliferation in murine microvascular endothelial cells

    Article • Peptides, December 2010, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  76. PACAP and VIP affect NF1 expression in rat malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells

    Article • Neuropeptides, February 2010, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  77. Early effects of aluminum chloride on beta-secretase mRNA expression in a neuronal model of ß-amyloid toxicity

    Article • Cell Biology and Toxicology, January 2010, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  78. PACAP and VIP prevent apoptosis in schwannoma cells

    Article • Brain Research, November 2008, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  79. Parkin Expression Profile in Dopamine D3 Receptor Knock-Out Mice Brains

    Article • Neurochemical Research, July 2008, Springer Science + Business Media

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina

  80. Expression profile of ErbB receptor’s family in human alveolar type 2-like cell line A549 exposed to hexavalent chromium

    Article • Toxicology in Vitro, March 2008, Elsevier

    A/Prof Alessandro Castorina