Research Activities
Since 2011, Dr. Fabio Vivarelli has been actively involved in the research activities of the Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, under the supervision of Prof. Moreno Paolini and Dr. Donatella Canistro (Academic Recruitment Field: GSD 05/BIOS-11; Scientific Disciplinary Sector: BIOS-11/A).
His research has primarily focused on the study of xenobiotic metabolism at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, with particular emphasis on the oxidative protection mechanisms of biological systems.
His main research activities include:
- Investigation of the chemopreventive properties of plant-derived extracts and purified phytochemicals using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models (Research Group Leader: Prof. Moreno Paolini, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Italy).
- Evaluation of the anticancer potential of naturally occurring bioactive compounds (Research Group Leader: Prof. Anne Rascle, Department of Immunology, University of Regensburg, Germany).
- Studies on the potential co-carcinogenic activity of vitamin E (Research Group Leader: Prof. Moreno Paolini, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Italy).
- Collaboration in research investigating the protective effects of antioxidants during female gamete cryopreservation procedures (Research Group Leader: Dr. Raffaella Fabbri, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy).
- Collaboration in pharmacological studies evaluating the chronotropic and ionotropic effects of selected plant-derived compounds on cardiac function (Research Group Leader: Prof. Roberta Budriesi, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Italy).
- Collaboration in the development of innovative solid oral pharmaceutical formulations containing radical scavengers with hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties (Research Group Leader: Prof. Nadia Passerini, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Italy).
In recent years, his research has focused on the toxicological effects associated with exposure to aerosols generated by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), using in vivo experimental models. His work has investigated oxidative damage to biological macromolecules, modulation of cytochrome P450 superfamily enzymes, and antioxidant defense systems across different tissues. More recently, his research has expanded to the evaluation of the co-mutagenic and co-carcinogenic potential of e-cigarette aerosol exposure, as well as its possible effects on male gonadal function (Research Group Leader: Prof. Moreno Paolini, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Italy).
More recently, he has been participating as a Unit Member in the PRIN 2022 PNRR research project "MERCURY – Development of Multidimensional In Vitro Models Mimicking the Complexity of the Osteosarcoma Cancer Stem Cell Tumour Microenvironment", funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
