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Topic Review
Melanogenesis and Melasma Treatment
Melanin is a complex pigment that provides colour and photoprotection to the skin, hair, and eyes of mammals. Melanogenesis, the process through which melanocytes synthesise melanin, can be altered, producing pigmentary skin disorders such as melasma which result in hyperpigmentation. Melanocytes are highly specialised dendritic cells that transfer melanin to keratinocytes in subcellular lysosome-like organelles called melanosomes, where melanin is synthesised and stored.
  • 1.0K
  • 08 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in DM
The main cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes mellitus (DM) are hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia; all of them share the same substrate: insulin-resistance. Primary prevention of cardiovascular events that compose the 3P-MACE (non-fatal acute coronary events, non-fatal stroke, cardiovascular-death) is the universal desiderate in DM patients. The modern management of cardiovascular risk factors includes: early identification, addressing all the cardiovascular risk factors, use of moderate to intensive therapy in order to ensure the safety of the patients and the adequate risk-benefit ratio, usage of therapeutic agents proven to decrease cardiovascular risk such as GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2-inhibitors, ACEI inhibitors or statins.
  • 1.0K
  • 04 Jun 2020
Topic Review
Epigenetics' Role in Synucleinopathies
Epigenetic modifications alter the gene function without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Negatively charged DNA is wrapped around positively charged histones forming a nucleosome, a simple chromatin unit. Chemical alterations to histone proteins include methylation and acetylation. These histone modifications can induce the formation of an open DNA state. The open state enables gene expression by allowing TFs and enzymes to bind to DNA. Alternatively, chromatin may acquire a closed heterochromatin state suppressing gene expression by inhibiting the initiation of transcript. These epigenetic modifications can be induced by various factors, including phytochemicals present in the diet. Epigenetic changes in gene function are heritable and are not attributed to alterations of the DNA sequence.
  • 1.0K
  • 03 May 2021
Topic Review
Leukotriene Signaling Pathway in PD
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where misfolded alpha-synuclein-enriched aggregates called Lewy bodies are central in pathogenesis. Parkinson’s disease is considered a multifactorial disease and evidence from multiple patient studies and animal models has shown a significant immune component during the course of the disease, highlighting immunomodulation as a potential treatment strategy. The immune changes occur centrally, involving microglia and astrocytes but also peripherally with changes to the innate and adaptive immune system.
  • 1.0K
  • 08 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Ultraviolet Radiation and Chronic Inflammation
The process of skin carcinogenesis is still not fully understood. Both experimental and epidemiological evidence indicate that chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of microenvironmental-agent-mediated skin cancers and contributes to its development. Maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment is a condition leading to tumor formation. Multiple studies focus on the molecular pathways activating tumorigenesis by inflammation and indicate several biomarkers and factors that can improve diagnostic and prognostic processes in oncology and dermatology. Reactive oxygen species produced by ultraviolet radiation, oxidizers, or metabolic processes can damage cells and initiate pro-inflammatory cascades. Considering the potential role of inflammation in cancer development and metastasis, the identification of early mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis is crucial for clinical practice and scientific research. Moreover, it could lead to the progress of advanced skin cancer therapies.
  • 1.0K
  • 23 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1
Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a Gαs- protein coupled receptor that plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system and neurotransmission in the CNS. In ovarian cancer cell lines, stimulation of TAAR1 via 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) reduces cell viability and induces cell death and DNA damage.
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Changes in Cardiac Metabolism in Prediabetes
In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), even when corrected for atherosclerosis and other CVD risk factors. Diastolic dysfunction is one of the early changes in cardiac function that precedes the onset of cardiac failure, and it occurs already in the prediabetic state.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Biomarkers for Early Diagnostics on Oral Cancer
One of the most frequent head and neck cancers is oral cancer, with less than half of those diagnosed surviving five years. Despite breakthroughs in the treatment of many other cancers, the prognosis for people with OSCC remains dismal. The conventional methods of detection include a thorough clinical examination, biochemical investigations, and invasive biopsies. Early identification and treatment are important for a better chance of extending a patient’s life. Early diagnosis may be possible by identifying biomarkers in biological fluids.
  • 1.0K
  • 26 May 2022
Topic Review
Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression Catabolism Syndrome
Combining new immunological insights with great clinical experience is how the Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS) was first described in 2012 [1]. The attempt to translate fundamental research into readily available surrogates in order to describe a clinical condition is how biomarkers and their cut-offs were determined. In the recent past, PICS has more and more become an acknowledged concept regarding ICU patients on their transition to chronic critical illness.
  • 1.0K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Smoking and Osteoporosis in IBD
Cigarette smoking constitutes one of the most important modifiable factors of osteoporosis, as well as contributes to an early death, tumors, and numerous chronic diseases. The group with an increased risk of a lower bone mineral density are patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases. In fact, tobacco smoke, which contains more than 7000 chemical compounds, affects bone mineral density (BMD) both directly and indirectly, as it has an impact on the RANK-RANKL-OPG pathway, intestinal microbiota composition, and calcium–phosphate balance. Constant cigarette use interferes with the production of protective mucus and inhibits the repair processes in the intestinal mucus. Nicotine as well as the other compounds of the cigarette smoke are important risk factors of the inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis. Additionally, cigarette smoking may decrease BMD in the IBD patients. Interestingly, it affects patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in different ways—on the one hand it protects against ulcerative colitis, whereas on the other it increases the risk of Crohn’s disease development. Nevertheless, all patients should be encouraged to cease smoking in order to decrease the risk of developing other disorders.
  • 1.0K
  • 07 May 2021
Topic Review
Phytophthora sansomeana
Phytophthora sansomeana has been shown to be a causal agent of Phytophthora root rot (PRR) in soybean in addition to P. sojae. The emergence and spread of a second pathogen causing PRR poses a significant threat to soybean production.
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Host Immune System Interaction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is characterized by variable clinical presentation that ranges from asymptomatic to fatal multi-organ damage. The site of entry and the response of the host to the infection aect the outcomes. The role of the upper airways and the nasal barrier in the prevention of infection is increasingly being recognized. Besides the epithelial lining and the local immune system, the upper airways harbor a community of microorganisms, or microbiota, that takes an active part in mucosal homeostasis and in resistance to infection. However, the role of the upper airway microbiota in COVID-19 is not yet completely understood and likely goes beyond protection from viral entry to include the regulation of the immune response to the infection. Herein, we discuss the hypothesis that restoring endogenous barriers and anti-inflammatory pathways that are defective in COVID-19 patients might represent a valid strategy to reduce infectivity and ameliorate clinical symptomatology.
  • 1.0K
  • 16 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Chromatin Complexes in Myeloid Malignancies
The aberrant function of chromatin regulatory networks (epigenetics) is a hallmark of cancer promoting oncogenic gene expression. A growing body of evidence suggests that the disruption of specific chromatin-associated protein complexes has therapeutic potential in malignant conditions, particularly those that are driven by aberrant chromatin modifiers. Of note, a number of enzymatic inhibitors that block the catalytic function of histone modifying enzymes have been established and entered clinical trials. Unfortunately, many of these molecules do not have potent single-agent activity. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is the fact that those drugs do not profoundly disrupt the integrity of the aberrant network of multiprotein complexes on chromatin. 
  • 1.0K
  • 01 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Transient Receptor Potential Cation 6
Ischemic stroke is one of the most disabling diseases and a leading cause of death globally. Despite advances in medical care, the global burden of stroke continues to grow, as no effective treatments to limit or reverse ischemic injury to the brain are available. However, recent preclinical findings have revealed the potential role of transient receptor potential cation 6 (TRPC6) channels as endogenous protectors of neuronal tissue. Activating TRPC6 in various cerebral ischemia models has been found to prevent neuronal death, whereas blocking TRPC6 enhances sensitivity to ischemia. Evidence has shown that Ca2+ influx through TRPC6 activates the cAMP (adenosine 3’,5’-cyclic monophosphate) response element-binding protein (CREB), an important transcription factor linked to neuronal survival.
  • 1.0K
  • 03 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Hsrω lncRNAs
The lncRNAs produced by the hsrω gene are known to modulate neurotoxicity in polyQ and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease models of Drosophila. Elevated expression of hsrω lncRNAs exaggerates, while their genetic depletion through hsrω-RNAi or in an hsrω-null mutant background suppresses, the disease pathogenicity.
  • 1.0K
  • 12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Inflammasome and Pyroptosis in Hypertension
Inflammasomes are components of the innate immune response that have recently emerged as crucial controllers of tissue homeostasis. In particular, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a complex platform involved in the activation of caspase-1 and the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which are mainly released via pyroptosis. Pyroptosis is a caspase-1-dependent type of cell death that is mediated by the cleavage of gasdermin D and the subsequent formation of structurally stable pores in the cell membrane.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles as a Biomarker in Liver Disease
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles released by a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and immune cells in normal and pathological conditions. Depending on their biogenesis, there is a complex repertoire of EVs that differ in size and origin. EVs can carry lipids, proteins, coding and non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial DNA causing alterations to the recipient cells, functioning as intercellular mediators of cell–cell communication (auto-, para-, juxta-, or even endocrine). The use of EVs as biomarkers in liver disease development are described. 
  • 1.0K
  • 11 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Endocrine Disorders in Autoimmune Rheumatism
Autoimmune rheumatological diseases’ incidence and prevalence have risen over the last decades and they are becoming increasingly important worldwide. Thyroid autoimmune diseases share with them an imbalance in the immune system that lead to a pro-inflammatory environment. Usually this is the result of a multi-factorial process. In fact, it includes not only a possible genetic predisposition, but also environmental causes like microbiota dysbiosis, diet rich in processed foods, exposure to toxicants and infections.
  • 1.0K
  • 07 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Monoclonal Antibodies and Airway Diseases
Monoclonal antibodies, biologics, are a relatively new treatment option for severe chronic airway diseases, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
  • 1.0K
  • 25 Dec 2020
Topic Review
New Perspectives on Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera (PV) is mainly characterized by elevated blood cell counts, thrombotic as well as hemorrhagic predisposition, a variety of symptoms, and cumulative risks of fibrotic progression and/or leukemic evolution over time. Major changes to its diagnostic criteria were made in the 2016 revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, with both hemoglobin and hematocrit diagnostic thresholds lowered to 16.5 g/dl and 49% for men, and 16 g/dl and 48% for women, respectively. The main reason leading to these changes was represented by the recognition of a new entity, namely the so-called “masked PV”, as individuals suffering from this condition have a worse outcome, possibly owing to missed or delayed diagnoses and lower intensity of treatment. Thrombotic risk stratification is of crucial importance to evaluate patients’ prognosis at diagnosis. Currently, patients are stratified into a low-risk group, in the case of younger age (<60 years) and no previous thromboses, and a high-risk group, in the case of patients older than 60 years and/or with a previous thrombotic complication. Furthermore, even though they have not yet been formally included in a scoring system, generic cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, smoking, and leukocytosis, contribute to the thrombotic overall risk. In the absence of agents proven to modify its natural history and prevent progression, PV management has primarily been focused on minimizing the thrombotic risk, representing the main cause of morbidity and mortality. When cytoreduction is necessary, conventional therapies include hydroxyurea as a first-line treatment and ruxolitinib and interferon in resistant/intolerant cases. Each therapy, however, is burdened by specific drawbacks, underlying the need for improved strategies. Currently, the therapeutic landscape for PV is still expanding, and includes several molecules that are under investigation, like long-acting pegylated interferon alpha-2b, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors.
  • 1.0K
  • 24 Aug 2020
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