Personale docente

Curriculum Vitae
Francesca Zimetti, PhD

PERSONAL DATA
Date of birth: January 20, 1976.
Place of birth: Parma, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Affiliation: Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma
Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Email: francesca.zimetti@unipr.it
Tel: +39 0521 906172

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Since 09/2025 Full Professor of Pharmacology at the Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Italy

RESEARCH CAREER
2022-2025 Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Italy
2018-2021 Research Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma Italy.
2013-2018 Research Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma Italy.
2008-2013 Post-doctoral research fellowship, Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
2006-2007 Post-doctoral research fellowship, laboratory of lipid metabolism directed by Dr. Rothblat, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, USA.
2004-2006 PhD student, laboratory of lipid metabolism directed by Dr. Rothblat, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, USA.
2002-2003 Research Fellowship, Department of Pharmacological and Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

EDUCATION
2023 National scientific qualification to the role of Full Professor in Pharmacology
2017 National scientific qualification to the role of Associate Professor in Pharmacology
2006 Ph.D. in Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
2002 Master degree (MSc) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (110/110 cum Laude), University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

RESEARCH ACTIVITY
The research activity is aimed to the investigation of mechanisms and factors regulating lipid homeostasis and its modulation for the prevention and therapy of several diseases, mainly chronic and degenerative. These studies are performed mainly in vitro and ex vivo, by using cell-based assays and different techniques and evaluating several cholesterol metabolism- as well as inflammation-related parameters. Research activity also focuses on the study of HDL lipoprotein capacity to promote cholesterol efflux, as index of HDL function, and its alterations in several clinical conditions associated to higher cardiovascular risk, and/or after pharmacological treatments. More recently, the research interest has moved to the study of cholesterol homeostasis and its potential dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the search of novel lipid-based pharmacological targets. Among these, the research focuses on the inhibition of the PCSK9 protein, by the mean of novel small molecules, as potential pharmacological strategy to counteract AD-related neurodegeneration.

AWARDS
2013 Award for the best oral presentation at the 36th national congress of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF), Torino, Italy.
2013 Award by the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) for the best research project of Pharmacology in cardio-metabolic area.
2012 Award for the best oral presentation at the Convegno Monotematico della Società Italiana di Farmacologia (SIF) “Nuove frontiere nella terapia dell’aterosclerosi”, Milano, Italy.
2009, and 2011-2015 Travel Grants awards by the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA) for the best abstracts submitted for the participation to the annual meetings.
2006 Young Investigator Poster Award at the XIV International Symposium on Atherosclerosis (ISA), Rome, Italy.
2005 New Investigator Travel Award at the 6th Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Washington, DC, USA.

SCIENTIFC SOCIETIES

2026 Board member of the Italian Society for studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), Tosco-Emiliana (regional) section

Member of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF), the cardiovascular and metabolic working group (within SIF), the Italian Society of Atherosclerosis (SISA), the International Society of Arteriosclerosis (ISA), the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) and the European Lipoprotein Club (ELC).

MEETINGS
Francesca Zimetti participated at several national and international scientific meetings with both poster and oral presentations, invited oral lectures, and as chair of sessions.

Invited lectures
2026 XXXIV Congresso Nazionale di Fitoterapia e CVI SYRP Conference, Pisa, Italy. Potenziale antiaterogeno di succhi ed estratti da Citrus spp.: effetti di modulazione dell’omeostasi del colesterolo cellulare
2025 Neuro-immune interactions in the development of neurodegenerative diseases - PNRR MNESYS - Spoke 6 – Spoke 7 JOINT MEETING Verona, Italy. Cholesterol metabolism dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases: from scientific evidence to pharmacological development.
2024 Congresso Regionale SISA Tosco-Emiliana, Arezzo, Italy. Metabolismo lipidico e neurodegenerazione.
2024 Invecchiamento patologico e Malattia Di Alzheimer: stato dell’arte della ricerca a Parma, Parma, Italy. Metabolismo del colesterolo e malattia di Alzheimer: dalle evidenze scientifiche allo sviluppo terapeutico.
2024 SUMMER MEETING PhD School in Pharmacological Sciences, San Servolo, Venezia, Italy. The complex interplay between cholesterol metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases.
2023 Symposium on the Longevity Factor HDL, Seoul, South Korea. HDL and cerebral cholesterol metabolism: novel target in neurodegenerative disorders.
2023 20th National congress of the Italian Society for Neuroscience (SINS), Torino, Italy. PCSK9 as potential new player in Alzheimer’s disease.
2023 Congress of the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), regional section, Bologna, Italy. DIBATTITO SUL TEMA DEI NUOVI MARCATORI DI RISCHIO CARDIOVASCOLARE, Il ruolo dell'ossidazione.
2023 2023 HDL Workshop – Infection and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Boston, MA, USA. HDL and brain lipid metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease.
2022 36th Congress of the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), Rome, Italy. HDL e malattie neurodegenerative.
2020 88th EAS Congress, Virtual Edition. Lipoprotein transport in the brain.
2019 International Symposium HDL –BEYOND ATHEROSCLEROSIS, Milano, Italy. Role of brain HDL in cholesterol trafficking and in central nervous system diseases.
2017 Giornata della Ricerca del Centro E. Grossi Paoletti, Milano, Italy. Inflammation and lipid-related serum lipoprotein functions.
2016 30th Congress of the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), Rome, Italy. Lipidi, lipoproteine e cervello.
2016 Congress of the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), regional section, Parma, Italy. PCSK9, metabolismo lipidico cerebrale e malattia di Alzheimer.
2013 Congress of the Italian Society for the Studies on Atherosclerosis (SISA), regional section, Ferrara, Italy. Aterosclerosi e malattia di Alzheimer.
2010 3rd Workshop on Lipid Metabolism and Vascular Biology-Stockolm, Sweden. Effect of Berberine on cellular cholesterol efflux.
2005 1st Workshop on Lipid Metabolism and Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institute-University of Parma, Stockolm. Measurement of bidirectional flux between cells and lipoprotein.

EDITORIAL ACTIVITY
Since 2025 Co-Editor of Atherosclerosis Plus (ISSN: 2667-0909)
Since 2025 Associate Editor of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (ISSN (e): 1875-8908)
2024 Co-Editor of the Special Issue Emerging lipid-lowering and antiatherosclerotic therapies, Atherosclerosis Plus (ISSN: 2667-0909)
Since 2024 Associate Editor of the special session Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (ISSN 2296-889X)
Since 2023 Review Editor of the special session Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders: Autoimmune Disorders, Frontiers in Immunology (ISSN 1664-3224).
Since 2022 Academic Editor of Mediators of Inflammation (ISSN 1466-1861).
Since 2022 Review Editor of the special session General Cardiovascular Medicine, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (ISSN: 2297-055X).
2022 Guest Editor of the Special Issue Pharmacological Lipid Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Part II, Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN: 2077-0383)
Since 2021 Review Editor of the special session Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (ISSN 2296889X).
2021-2024 Editorial board member of Atherosclerosis Plus (ISSN: 2667-0909).
2020 Guest Editor of the Special Issue Pharmacological Lipid Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN: 2077-0383).

MEETING ORGANIZATION
2023 Member of the local committee for the organization of the monothematic congress of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) Le basi molecolari della farmacologia cardiometabolica: cross talk tra cuore, vasi e metabolism, Parma (Italy), october 16-17.
2023 Organizer/first chair of the symposium Lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders: new insights and therapeutic perspectives, 20th National Congress of The Italian Society of Neuroscience, Torino (Italy), september 14-17.
2018 Member of the Scientific and local committee for the organization of the IV Whorkshop on Lipid Metabolism and Vascular Biology, University of Parma - Karolinska Institutet, Parma (Italy), October 8-10.

FUNDED PROJECTS
2026 Scientific project funded by University of Parma (Bando di Ateneo per la Ricerca 2024 – Azione D). Title of the project: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of PCSK9 Inhibitors for potential Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) [inSIGHT]. Role in the project: PI
2024 Scientific project on competitive call for proposals PNRR – M4C2 I. 1.3 – BAC – Notice no. 341 of 15/03/2022 – Project title: Preparedness Against Newly-emerging Viruses: Innovations in Research, Intervention, and Drug Evolution (PANVIRIDE) on a cascade call for the project entitled “One Health Basic and Translational Research Actions addressing Unmet Needs on Emerging Infectious Diseases” (“INF-ACT”) – funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Role in the project: component of critical mass.
2023 Scientific project funded by University of Parma (Bando di Ateneo per la Ricerca 2023 - Azione A). Title of the project: HDLin SM. Exploring brain and serum HDL (dys)functions in Multiple Sclerosis. Role in the project: PI
2022 Research project on competitive call PNRR (Notice no. 341 of 15 March 2022 Extended Partnerships), Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 – Investment 1.3, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Project title: MNESYS. A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease. Role in the project: component of critical mass.
2022 Scientific project funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2022). Title of the project: Pharmacological inhibiTion of PCSK9 in AlzheimeR’s disEAse: in viTro And in vivo studies (TREAT-AD). Role: Responsible of Operative Unit.
2018 Scientific project funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2022). Title of the project: AGAINST-AD - tArGeting brAIn cholesterol traNSporT in Alzheimer’s Disease. Role: Responsible of Operative Unit.
2018 Scientific project funded by Amgen Inc. (PCSK9 Competitive Grant Program) Title of the project: EXplorIng the paThophysological role of PCSK9 in Alzheimer’s Disease: focus on inflammation and lipid metabolism (EXIT-AD). Role: Co-Investigator.
2018 Finanziamento delle attività base di ricerca – FFABR MIUR.
2016 Scientific project funded by the Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. Title of the project: Role of gut microbiota in calcific aortic valve stenosis pathogenesis. Role: co-investigator.
2015 Scientific project funded by the University of Parma. Title of the project: Potential mechanisms of increased cardiovascular risk related to alterations of HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in patients with vasculitides. Role: PI.

PUBLICATIONS
Author of 81 peer reviewed-publications
H-INDEX: 31 (Scopus)
Total citations: 3486 (Scopus)

PUBLICATIONS LIST

1. Zhan N, Martens N, Li Y, Voortman G, Leijten F, Friedrichs S, Caspers MPM, Verschuren L, Vanmierlo T, Smit M, Kuipers F, Jonker JW, Bloks VW, Palumbo M, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Liu H, Lütjohann D and Mulder MT. Divergent regulation of cellular cholesterol metabolism by seaweed-derived fucosterol and saringosterol. Front. Mar. Sci. 2025 12:1728727. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1728727
2. Ugolotti M, Papotti B, Trentini A, Mola G, Cervellati C, Adorni MP, Zimetti F. Mechanisms, Mediators, and Pharmacological Approaches Targeting Brain Cholesterol Transport in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr. Pharm. Des. 2025. doi: 10.2174/0113816128411158250909151734.
3. Giannessi L, Lupo MG, Ugolotti M, Papotti B, Mattina B, Martina MG, Demurtas A, Padula C, Nicoli S, Crescenzio M, Ferri N, Zimetti F*, Radi M. Optimization of 4-Amino-2-Pyridone Inhibitors of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: Integrating Structure-Activity and Structure-Metabolism Relationships. ChemMedChem. 2025. e202500651. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.202500651. *co-corresponding
4. Grundler F, Palumbo M, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Papotti B, Plonné D, Holley A, Mesnage R, Ruscica M, Wilhelmi de Toledo F. HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and cholesterol loading capacity in long-term fasting: Evidence from a prospective, single-arm interventional study in healthy individuals. Atherosclerosis. 2024;397:118548. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118548.
5. Palumbo M, Ugolotti M, Zimetti F, Adorni MP. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of natural compounds targeting lipid metabolism and inflammation: Focus on PPARs, LXRs, and PCSK9. Atheroscler Plus. 2024;59:39-53. doi: 10.1016/j.athplu.2024.12.004.
6. Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Ronda N. Changes in serum cholesterol loading capacity are linked to coronary atherosclerosis progression in rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open. 2024;10(4):e004991. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004991.
7. Palumbo M, Ugolotti M, Zimetti F, Adorni MP. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of natural compounds targeting lipid metabolism and inflammation: Focus on PPARs, LXRs, and PCSK9. Atheroscler Plus. 2024;59:39-53. doi: 10.1016/j.athplu.2024.12.004.
8. Papotti B, Palumbo M, Adorni MP, Elviri L, Chiari A, Tondelli M, Bedin R, Baldelli E, Lancellotti G, Lupo MG, Ferri N, Bertolotti M, Bernini F, Mussi C, Zimetti F. Influence of APOE4 genotype on PCSK9-lipids association in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients in the Alzheimer's disease continuum. J Alzheimers Dis. 2024;102(1):162-172. doi: 10.1177/13872877241284213.
9. Martens N, Zhan N, Yam SC, Leijten FPJ, Palumbo M, Caspers M, Tiane A, Friedrichs S, Li Y, van Vark-van der Zee L, Voortman G, Zimetti F, Jaarsma D, Verschuren L, Jonker JW, Kuipers F, Lütjohann D, Vanmierlo T, Mulder MT. Supplementation of Seaweed Extracts to the Diet Reduces Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease in the APPswePS1ΔE9 Mouse Model. Nutrients. 2024;16(11):1614. doi: 10.3390/nu16111614.
10. Bonilha I, Gomes ÉIL, Carmo HRP, Breder I, Barreto J, Breder J, Munhoz DB, Carvalho LSF, Quinaglia T, Kimura-Medorima ST, Gossi CM, Zimetti F, Nadruz W, Zanotti I, Sposito AC; EXCEED-BHS3 Group. Effect of Empagliflozin with or without the Addition of Evolocumab on HDL Subspecies in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Post Hoc Analysis of the EXCEED-BHS3 Trial. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):4108. doi: 10.3390/ijms25074108.
11. Giannessi L, Lupo MG, Rossi I, Martina MG, Vilella A, Bodria M, Giuliani D, Zimetti F, Zanotti I, Potì F, Bernini F, Ferri N, Radi M. Identification of 4-amino-2-Pyridones as new potent PCSK9 inhibitors: From phenotypic hit discovery to in vivo tolerability. Eur J Med Chem. 2024;265:116063. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116063
12. Vilella A, Bodria M, Papotti B, Zanotti I, Zimetti F*, Remaggi G, Elviri L, Potì F, Ferri N, Lupo MG, Panighel G, Daini E, Vandini E, Zoli M, Giuliani D, Bernini F. PCSK9 ablation attenuates Aβ pathology, neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions in 5XFAD mice. Brain Behav Immun. 2024;115:517-534. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.008. *corresponding author
13. Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Budoff MJ, Ronda N. Inflammation and immunomodulatory therapies influence the relationship between ATP-binding cassette A1 membrane transporter-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity and coronary atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis. J Transl Autoimmun. 2023;7:100209. doi: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100209.
14. Adorni MP, Papotti B, Borghi MO, Raschi E, Zimetti F, Bernini F, Meroni PL, Ronda N. Effect of the JAK/STAT Inhibitor Tofacitinib on Macrophage Cholesterol Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(16):12571. doi: 10.3390/ijms241612571.
15. Alboni S, Secco V, Papotti B, Vilella A, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Shaeffer L, Tascedda F, Zoli M, Leblanc P, Villa E. Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Depletes Membrane Cholesterol and Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Entry into HEK293T-ACEhi Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12(5), 647; doi: 10.3390/pathogens12050647.
16. Turri M, Conti E, Pavanello C, Gastoldi F, Palumbo M, Bernini F, Aprea V, Re F, Barbiroli A, Emide D, Galimberti D, Tremolizzo L, Zimetti F*, Calabresi L. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid cholesterol esterification is hampered in Alzheimer's disease. AGAINST-AD Group. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2023; 15(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s13195-023-01241-6. *co.last author
17. Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Budoff MJ, Ronda N. ATP-binding cassette G1 membrane transporter-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity influences coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Autoimmun. 2023; 136:103029. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103029.
18. Ronda N, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Palumbo M, Karpouzas GA, Bernini F. Role of Lipoprotein Levels and Function in Atherosclerosis Associated with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2023; 49(1):151-163. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.07.006.
19. Zhan N, Wang B, Martens N, Liu Y, Zhao S, Voortman G, van Rooij J, Leijten F, Vanmierlo T, Kuipers F, Jonker JW, Bloks VW, Lütjohann D, Palumbo M, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Liu H, Mulder MT. Identification of Side Chain Oxidized Sterols as Novel Liver X Receptor Agonists with Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2023; 24(2):1290. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021290.
20. Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth SR, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Marchi C, Zimetti F, Budoff MJ, Ronda N. Serum cholesterol loading capacity of macrophages is regulated by seropositivity and C-reactive protein in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023; 62(3):1254-1263. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac394.
21. Hokstad I, Greco D, Deyab G, Fagerland MW, Agewall S, Hjeltnes G, Zimetti F, Bernini F, Ronda N, Hollan I. Effects of Antirheumatic Treatment on Cell Cholesterol Efflux and Loading Capacity of Serum Lipoproteins in Spondylarthropathies. J Clin Med. 2022; 11(24):7330. doi: 10.3390/jcm11247330.
22. Greco MF, Rizzuto AS, Zarà M, Cafora M, Favero C, Solazzo G, Giusti I, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Dolo V, Banfi C, Ferri N, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Barbieri SS, Pistocchi A, Bollati V, Macchi C, Ruscica M. PCSK9 Confers Inflammatory Properties to Extracellular Vesicles Released by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2022; 23(21):13065. doi: 10.3390/ijms232113065.
23. Papotti B, Adorni MP, Marchi C, Zimetti F*, Ronda N, Panighel G, Lupo MG, Vilella A, Giuliani D, Ferri N, Bernini F. PCSK9 Affects Astrocyte Cholesterol Metabolism and Reduces Neuron Cholesterol Supplying In Vitro: Potential Implications in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022; 23(20):12192. doi: 10.3390/ijms232012192. *corresponding author
24. Turri M, Marchi C, Adorni MP, Calabresi L, Zimetti F. Emerging role of HDL in brain cholesterol metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2022; 1867(5):159123. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2022.159123.
25. Karpouzas GA, Papotti B, Ormseth S, Palumbo M, Hernandez E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Budoff M, Ronda N. Serum cholesterol loading capacity on macrophages is linked to coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular event risk in rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open. 2022; 8(2):e002411. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002411.
26. Adorni MP, Palumbo M, Marchi C, Zimetti F, Ossoli A, Turri M, Bernini F, Hollan I, Moláček J, Treska V, Ronda N. HDL metabolism and functions impacting on cell cholesterol homeostasis are specifically altered in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Immunol. 2022; 13:935241. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.935241.
27. Adorni MP, Biolo M, Zimetti F, Palumbo M, Ronda N, Scarinzi P, Simioni P, Lupo MG, Ferri N, Previato L, Bernini F, Zambon A. HDL Cholesterol Efflux and Serum Cholesterol Loading Capacity Alterations Associate to Macrophage Cholesterol Accumulation in FH Patients with Achilles Tendon Xanthoma. Int J Mol Sci. 2022; 23(15):8255. doi: 10.3390/ijms23158255.
28. Palumbo M, Giammanco A, Purrello F, Pavanello C, Mombelli G, Di Pino A, Piro S, Cefalù AB, Calabresi L, Averna M, Bernini F, Zimetti F*, Adorni MP, Scicali R. Effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on HDL cholesterol efflux and serum cholesterol loading capacity in familial hypercholesterolemia subjects: a multi-lipid-center real-world evaluation. Front Mol Biosci. 2022; 9:925587. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.925587. *co-correponding author
29. Papotti B, Macchi C, Favero C, Iodice S, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Corsini A, Aliberti S, Blasi F, Carugo S, Bollati V, Vicenzi M, Ruscica M HDL in COVID-19 Patients: Evidence from an Italian Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2021; 10(24):5955. doi: 10.3390/jcm10245955.
30. Clementino AR, Marchi C, Pozzoli M, Bernini F, Zimetti F, Sonvico F. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Statin-Loaded Biodegradable Lecithin/Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Step Toward Nose-to-Brain Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2021; 12:716380. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.716380.
31. Kocyigit, D., Zimetti, F*., Gurses, K.M., Zanotti, I., Marchi, C., Ståhlman, M., Borén, J., Canpinar, H., Soyal, M.F.T., Guc, D., Hazirolan, T., Ozer, N., Tokgozoglu, L. Cholesterol efflux promoting function of high-density lipoproteins in calcific aortic valve stenosis. Atherosclerosis Plus 2021; 44, pp. 18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.athplu.2021.08.002. *co-first author
32. Bergonzi, C., Bianchera, A., Remaggi, G., Ossiprandi, M.C., Zimetti, F., Marchi, C., Bernini, F., Bettini, R., Elviri, L. Biocompatible 3d printed chitosan-based scaffolds containing α-tocopherol showing antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2021; 11 (16). doi: 10.3390/app11167253.
33. Zuin M, Cervellati C, Trentini A, Passaro A, Rosta V, Zimetti F, Zuliani G. Association between Serum Concentrations of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and Alzheimer's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021; 11(6):984. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics11060984.
34. Lupo MG, Marchianò S, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Ruscica M, Greco MF, Corsini A, Ferri N. PCSK9 induces rat smooth muscle cell proliferation and counteracts the pleiotropic effects of simvastatin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021; 22(8):4114. doi: 10.3390/ijms22084114.
35. Bonilha I, Zimetti F*, Zanotti I, Papotti B, Sposito AC. Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoproteins in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2021; 10(11):2233. doi: 10.3390/jcm10112233. *co-corresponding author
36. van Velzen DM, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Strazzella A, Simsek S, Sirtori CR, Heijer MD, Ruscica M. The effect of transgender hormonal treatment on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity. Atherosclerosis. 2021 (323): 44-53. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.03.008
37. Adorni MP, Ronda N, Bernini F, Zimetti F. High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Efflux Capacity and Atherosclerosis in Cardiovascular Disease: Pathophysiological Aspects and Pharmacological Perspectives. Cells. 2021; 10(3):574. doi: 10.3390/cells10030574.
38. Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Marsillach J, Marchi C, Trentini A, Valacchi G, Cervellati C. Connection between the Altered HDL Antioxidant and AntiInflammatory Properties and the Risk to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2021; 2021:6695796. doi: 10.1155/2021/6695796.
39. Marsillach J, Adorni MP, Zimetti F*, Papotti B, Zuliani G, Cervellati C. HDL Proteome and Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence of a Link. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020; 9(12):1224. doi: 10.3390/antiox9121224.
* corresponding author
40. Breder I, Cunha Breder J, Bonilha I, Munhoz DB, Medorima STK, Oliveira DC, do Carmo HR, Moreira C, Kontush A, Zimetti F, Zanotti I, Carvalho LSF, Nadruz W, Muscelli E, Quinaglia T, Sposito AC; EXCEED-BHS3 Trial Investigator. Rationale and design of the expanded combination of evolocumab plus empagliflozin in diabetes: EXCEED-BHS3 trial. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2020; 11:2040622320959248. doi: 10.1177/2040622320959248.
41. Favari E, Angelino D, Cipollari E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Bernini F, Ronda N, Pellegrini N. Functional pasta consumption in healthy volunteers modulates ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2020; 30(10):1768-1776. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.05.002.
42. Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Lupo MG, Ruscica M, Ferri N. Naturally Occurring PCSK9 Inhibitors. Nutrients. 2020; 12(5):1440. doi: 10.3390/nu12051440.
43. Ruscica M, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Sirtori CR, Lupo MG, Ferri N. Pharmacological aspects of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 inhibitors: New therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherogenic dyslipidemia. Pharmacological Research. 2020; 153:104653. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104653.
44. Sposito AC, Zimetti F, Barreto J, Zanotti I. Lipid trafficking in cardiovascular disease. Advances in Clinical Chemistry. 2019; 92:105-140. doi: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.04.002.
45. Adorni MP, Ruscica M, Ferri N, Bernini F, Zimetti F. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9, Brain Cholesterol Homeostasis and Potential Implication for Alzheimer's Disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2019; 11:120. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00120.
46. Marchi C, Adorni MP, Caffarra P, Ronda N, Spallazzi M, Barocco F, Galimberti D, Bernini F, Zimetti F. ABCA1- and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity of cerebrospinal fluid is impaired in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Lipid Research. 2019; 60(8):1449-1456. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P091033.
47. Cervellati C, Vigna GB, Trentini A, Sanz JM, Zimetti F, Dalla Nora E, Morieri ML, Zuliani G, Passaro A. Paraoxonase-1 activities in individuals with different HDL circulating levels: Implication in reverse cholesterol transport and early vascular damage. Atherosclerosis. 2019; 285:64-70. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.04.218.
48. Adorni MP, Zimetti F*, Cangiano B, Vezzoli V, Bernini F, Caruso D, Corsini A, Sirtori CR, Cariboni A, Bonomi M, Ruscica M. High-Density Lipoprotein Function Is Reduced in Patients Affected by Genetic or Idiopathic Hypogonadism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019; 104(8):3097-3107. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-02027. *co-first author
49. Bergonzi C, Di Natale A, Zimetti F, Marchi C, Bianchera A, Bernini F, Silvestri M, Bettini R, Elviri L. Study of 3D-printed chitosan scaffold features after different post-printing gelation processes. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9(1):362. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36613-8.
50. Potì F, Santi D, Spaggiari G, Zimetti F*, Zanotti I. Polyphenol Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20(2):351. doi: 10.3390/ijms20020351. *co-last author
51. Greco D, Kocyigit D, Adorni MP, Marchi C, Ronda N, Bernini F, Gurses KM, Canpinar H, Guc D, Oguz SH, Gurlek A, Strazzella A, Simonelli S, Tokgozoglu L, Zimetti F. Vitamin D replacement ameliorates serum lipoprotein functions, adipokine profile and subclinical atherosclerosis in pre-menopausal women. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2018; 28(8):822-829. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2018.04.010.
52. Zimetti F, Freitas WM, Campos AM, Daher M, Adorni MP, Bernini F, Sposito AC, Zanotti I; Brazilian Study on Healthy Aging. Cholesterol efflux capacity does not associate with coronary calcium, plaque vulnerability, and telomere length in healthy octogenarians. Journal of Lipid Research. 2018; 59(4):714-721. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P079525.
53. Adorni MP, Ferri N, Marchianò S, Trimarco V, Rozza F, Izzo R, Bernini F, Zimetti F. Effect of a novel nutraceutical combination on serum lipoprotein functional profile and circulating PCSK9. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2017; 13:1555-1562. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S144121
54. Elviri L, Foresti R, Bergonzi C, Zimetti F, Marchi C, Bianchera A, Bernini F, Silvestri M, Bettini R. Highly defined 3D printed chitosan scaffolds featuring improved cell growth. Biomedical Materials. 2017; 12(4):045009. doi: 10.1088/1748-605X/aa7692.
55. Zimetti F*, De Vuono S, Gomaraschi M, Adorni MP, Favari E, Ronda N, Ricci MA, Veglia F, Calabresi L, Lupattelli G. Plasma cholesterol homeostasis, HDL remodeling and function during the acute phase reaction. Journal of Lipid Research. 2017; 58(10):2051-2060. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P076463 *corresponding author
56. Del Rio D, Zimetti F, Caffarra P, Tassotti M, Bernini F, Brighenti F, Zini A, Zanotti I. The Gut Microbial Metabolite Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Is Present in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid. Nutrients. 2017; 9(10). Pii: E1053. doi: 10.3390/nu9101053.
57. Adorni MP, Cipollari E, Favari E, Zanotti I, Zimetti F, Corsini A, Ricci C, Bernini F, Ferri N. Inhibitory effect of PCSK9 on Abca1 protein expression and cholesterol efflux in macrophages. Atherosclerosis. 2017; 256:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.
58. Zimetti F., Caffarra P., Ronda N., Favari E., Adorni M.P., Zanotti I., Bernini F., Barocco F., Spallazzi M., Galimberti D., Ricci C., Ruscica M., Corsini A., Ferri N. Increased PCSK9 Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations in Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer disease. 2017; 55(1):315-320. doi: 10.3233/JAD-170993
59. Sonvico F, Zimetti F, Pohlmann AR, Guterres SS. Drug delivery to the brain: how can nanoencapsulated statins be used in the clinic? Ther Deliv. 2017; 8(8):625-631. doi: 10.4155/tde-2017-0044.
60. Yahya R, Favari E, Calabresi L, Verhoeven AJ, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Gomaraschi M, Averna M, Cefalù AB, Bernini F, Sijbrands EJ, Mulder MT, Roeters van Lennep JE. Lomitapide affects HDL composition and function. Atherosclerosis. 2016; 251:15-8. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.05.005
61. Zimetti F, Favari E, Cagliero P, Adorni MP, Ronda N, Bonardi R, Gomaraschi M, Calabresi L, Bernini F, Guardamagna O. Cholesterol trafficking-related serum lipoprotein functions in children with cholesteryl ester storage disease. Atherosclerosis. 2015; 242(2):443-9. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.08.007
62. Ronda N, Greco D, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Favari E, Hjeltnes G, Mikkelsen K, Borghi MO, Favalli EG, Gatti R, Hollan I, Meroni PL, Bernini F. Newly identified antiatherosclerotic activity of methotrexate and adalimumab: complementary effects on lipoprotein function and macrophage cholesterol metabolism. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 2015; 67(5):1155-64. doi: 10.1002/art.39039
63. Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Ronda N, Gatti R, Bernini F, Favari E. The natural compound berberine positively affects macrophage functions involved in atherogenesis. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2015; 25(2):195-201. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2014.08.004.
64. Vigna GB, Satta E, Bernini F, Boarini S, Bosi C, Giusto L, Pinotti E, Tarugi P, Vanini A, Volpato S, Zimetti F, Zuliani G, Favari E. Flow-mediated dilation, carotid wall thickness and HDL function in subjects with hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2014; 24(7):777-83. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2014.02.010.
65. Greco D, Favari E, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Gatti R, Bernini F, Ronda N. Hydrocortisone directly promotes cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2014; 73(6):1274-6. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204806.
66. Ronda N., Favari E., Borghi M.O., Ingegnoli F., Gerosa M., Chighizola C., Zimetti F., Adorni M.P., Bernini F., Meroni P.L. Impaired serum cholesterol efflux capacity in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014; 73(3):609-15. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202914
67. Zanotti I., Greco D., Lusardi G., Zimetti F., Potì F., Arnaboldi L., Corsini A., Bernini F. Cyclosporine A Impairs the Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Mice by Reducing Sterol Fecal Excretion. PLoS One. 2013; 8(8):e71572. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071572
68. Franceschini G., Favari E., Calabresi L., Simonelli S., Bondioli A., Adorni M.P., Zimetti F., Gomaraschi M., Coutant K., Rossomanno S., Niesor E.J., Bernini F., Benghozi R. Differential effects of fenofibrate and extended-release niacin on HDL particle size distribution and cholesterol efflux capacity in dyslipidemic patients. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2013; 7(5):414-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.06.007
69. Minicocci I., Cantisani V., Poggiogalle E., Favari E., Zimetti F., Montali A., Labbadia G., Pigna G., Pannozzo F., Zannella A., Ceci F., Ciociola E., Santini S., Maranghi M., Vestri A., Ricci P., Bernini F., Arca M. Functional and morphological vascular changes in subjects with familial combined hypolipidemia: An exploratory analysis. International Journal of Cardiology 2013; 168(4):4375-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.05.053.
70. Favari E., Ronda N., Adorni M.P., Zimetti F., Salvi P., Manfredini M., Bernini F., Borghi C., Cicero A.F. ABCA1-dependent serum cholesterol efflux capacity inversely correlates with pulse wave velocity in healthy subjects. Journal of Lipid Research 2013; 54(1):238-43. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P030452
71. Adorni M.P., Zimetti F.*, Puntoni M., Bigazzi F., Sbrana F., Minichilli F., Bernini F., Ronda N., Favari E., Sampietro T. Cellular cholesterol efflux and cholesterol loading capacity of serum: effects of LDL-apheresis. Journal of Lipid Research. 2012; 53(5):984-989. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P024810 *co-first author
72. Ardigò D., Bernini F., Borghi C., Calandra S., Cicero A.F.G., Favari E., Fellin R., Franzini L., Vigna B.G., Zimetti F., Zavaroni I., ON BEHALF OF THE ADSL PROJECT INVESTIGATORS Advance diagnostic support in lipidology project: role for phenotipic and functional evaluation of lipoproteins in dyslipidemias. Clinical Lipidology. 2010; 5(3):329-337.
73. Costa S., Zimetti F*, Pedrelli M., Cremonesi G., Bernini F. Manidipine reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion in human endothelial cells and macrophages. Pharmacological Research. 2010 Sep; 62(3):265-270. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2010.03.004. *co-first author
74. Adorni M.P., Zimetti F.*, Billheimer J.T., Wang N., Rader D.J., Phillips M.C., Rothblat G.H. The roles of different pathways in the release of cholesterol from macrophages. Journal of Lipid Research. 2007; 48(11):2453-2462. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M700274-JLR200 *co-first author
75. Morehouse L.A., Sugarman E.D., Bourassa P.A., Sand T.M., Zimetti F., Gao F., Rothblat G.H., Milici A.J. Inhibition of CETP activity by torcetrapib reduces susceptibility to diet-induced atherosclerosis in New Zealand white rabbits. Journal of Lipid Research. 2007; 48(6):1263-1272. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M600332-JLR200
76. Singaraja R.R., Van Eck M., Bissada N., Zimetti F., Collins H.L., Hildebrand R.B., Hayden A., Brunham L.R., Kang M.H., Fruchart J.C., Van Berkel T.J., Parks J.S., Staels B., Rothblat G.H., Fievet C., Hayden M.R. Both hepatic and extrahepatic ABCA1 have discrete and essential functions in the maintenance of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in vivo. Circulation. 2006; 114(12):1301-1309. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.621433
77. Zimetti F., Weibel G.W., Duong M. and Rothblat G.H. Measurement of cholesterol bidirectional flux between cells and lipoproteins. Journal of Lipid Research. 2006; 47(3):605-613. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M500466-JLR200
78. Favari E., Zimetti F.*, Bortnick A.E., Adorni M.P. Zanotti I., Canavesi M., Bernini F. Impaired ATP-binding cassette transporter A-I-mediated sterol efflux from oxidized LDL-loaded macrophages FEBS Letters. 2005 Dec 5; 579 (29):6537-6542. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2005.10.042. *co-first author
79. Moore R.E., Navab M., Millar J.S., Zimetti F., Rothblat G.H., Rader D.J. Increased atherosclerosis in mice lacking apolipoprotein A-I attributable to both impaired reverse cholesterol transport and increased inflammation. Circulation Research. 2005; 97 (8): 763-771. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000185320.82962.F7
80. Favari E., Zanotti I., Zimetti F., Ronda N., Bernini F., Rothblat G.H. Probucol inhibits ABCA1-mediated cellular lipid efflux. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. 2004; 24 (12): 2346-2350. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000148706.15947.8a
81. Favari E., Lee M., Calabresi L., Franceschini G., Zimetti F., Bernini F., Kovanen PT. Depletion of Prebeta-HDL By Human Chymase Impairs ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1- but not SR-B1-Mediated Lipid Efflux to HDL. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2004; 279(11): 9930-9936. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M312476200