20 Set Tommaso Raiteri Wins the Genny Orso Award for Best Scientific Presentation
Title of the award-winning presentation:
Protective Effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon on Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE)-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence
With great enthusiasm, the scientific community applauded Tommaso Raiteri, winner of the prestigious Genny Orso Award for Best Scientific Presentation at the conference “Plants and Health: Phytotherapy and Nutraceuticals for Inflammation Control – Evidence and Clinical Perspectives.” Raiteri was recognized for his outstanding presentation on the potential protective effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) in preventing AGE-induced muscle atrophy.
A Silent Enemy: AGEs and Muscle Aging
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are toxic molecules formed through the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids, and DNA. Their progressive accumulation in body tissues—particularly due to a Western diet rich in saturated fats and refined sugars—plays a key role in age-related muscle degeneration, a condition known as sarcopenia.
AGEs are classified into two main types:
- Endogenous AGEs (eAGEs), naturally produced by cellular metabolism.
- Dietary AGEs (dAGEs), introduced through food consumption.
AGEs bind to the receptor RAGE, triggering a strong inflammatory response that contributes to muscle mass loss and functional decline.
The Discovery: Cranberry’s Power Against Muscle Atrophy
Through an integrated in vitro and in vivo experimental approach, Raiteri demonstrated that Vaccinium macrocarpon extract can:
- Inhibit the formation and activity of AGEs.
- Protect muscle cells (C2C12) from structural damage caused by eAGEs.
- Counteract muscle atrophy in aged mouse models fed a diet high in dAGEs.
- VM extract significantly reduced the harmful effects of AGEs, preserving muscle integrity and limiting the activation of inflammatory pathways.
A Promising Dietary Strategy for Healthy Aging
The work presented by Tommaso Raiteri not only advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind sarcopenia but also opens new avenues for nutritional prevention of muscle aging.
“The results suggest that supplementing with natural compounds like Vaccinium macrocarpon could represent an effective non-pharmacological strategy to counteract the damaging effects of AGEs on the muscular system, especially in older individuals,” Raiteri stated during the award ceremony.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Genny Orso Award, presented to the young researcher who best combines scientific rigor, clear communication, and innovative impact, found a fitting recipient in Tommaso Raiteri. His contribution strengthens the hope that nutrition and natural product research can play a key role in the medicine of the future.
Congratulations to Tommaso Raiteri on this important scientific and personal achievement.
