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Topic Review
Repurposing Cannabidiol
In recent years, evidence has accumulated that cannabinoids—especially the non-psychoactive compound, cannabidiol (CBD)—possess promising medical and pharmacological activities that might qualify them as potential anti-tumor drugs. In this review, we elaborate on the biological effects of CBD in the anti-tumor molecular mechanism and application prospects.
  • 715
  • 26 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Cancer and Thrombosis
The first known observation of the association between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Bouillaud. VTE in cancer patients is a major complicating factor for cancer patients, and is associated with increased mortality. The term “cancer-associated thrombosis” usually refers to VTE, but arterial thrombosis in cancer patients may be a problem that deserves more attention than it receives. Bleeding is the main side-effect of anticoagulant therapy. Cancer patients are more prone to bleeding than other patients for different reasons, e.g., thrombocytopenia, growth of the solid cancers into internal organs, or the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hence, in anticoagulant treatment of cancer patients it is pivotal to weigh the risk of thrombosis against the risk of bleeding.
  • 714
  • 25 Jun 2021
Topic Review
CtDNA in Therapy of CRC
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer in men and the second in women. The prognosis depends not only on the stage at diagnosis, but also the surgical alternatives and the systemic treatment received. Due to the implementation of screening programs, the introduction of novel systemic therapies, and the advanced surgical procedures, the oncological outcomes have dramatically improved in the last years.
  • 710
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
The Role of the Complement System in HUS
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is an acute disease and the most common cause of childhood acute renal failure. HUS is characterized by a triad of symptoms: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. In most of the cases, HUS occurs as a result of infection caused by Shiga toxin-producing microbes: hemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae type 1. They account for up to 90% of all cases of HUS. The remaining 10% of cases grouped under the general term atypical HUS represent a heterogeneous group of diseases with similar clinical signs. Emerging evidence suggests that in addition to E. coli and S. dysenteriae type 1, a variety of bacterial and viral infections can cause the development of HUS. In particular, infectious diseases act as the main cause of aHUS recurrence. The pathogenesis of most cases of atypical HUS is based on congenital or acquired defects of complement system. 
  • 708
  • 22 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Nasal Cells for Cystic Fibrosis
The emergence of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy has led to significant improvements in health care for most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). For some, however, these therapies remain inaccessible due to the rarity of their individual CFTR variants, or due to a lack of biologic activity of the available therapies for certain variants. One proposed method of addressing this gap is the use of primary human cell-based models, which allow preclinical therapeutic testing and physiologic assessment of relevant tissue at the individual level. Nasal cells represent one such tissue source and have emerged as a powerful model for individual disease study. The ex vivo culture of nasal cells has evolved over time, and modern nasal cell models are beginning to be utilized to predict patient outcomes. 
  • 694
  • 08 May 2021
Topic Review
Control of Xylella fastidiosa subsp.pauca
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca is the causal agent of “olive quick decline syndrome” in Salento (Apulia, Italy). On April 2015, we started interdisciplinary studies to provide a sustainable control strategy for this pathogen that threatens the multi-millennial olive agroecosystem of Salento. 
  • 694
  • 08 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Role of Oxidative Stress in Tuberculous Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be triggered by various factors, including infectious agents like viruses and bacteria and non-infectious contributors such as cancer or head injuries. The impact of meningitis on the central nervous system involves disruptions in the blood–brain barrier, cellular infiltrations, and structural alterations. 
  • 694
  • 07 Mar 2024
Topic Review
The Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer
The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression.
  • 692
  • 24 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Fibroblast Growth Factor/Receptor System in Ocular Tumors
Ocular tumors are a family of rare neoplasms that develop in the eye. Depending on the type of cancer, they mainly originate from cells localized within the retina, the uvea, or the vitreous. Even though current treatments (e.g., radiotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, local resection, or enucleation) achieve the control of the local tumor in the majority of treated cases, a significant percentage of patients develop metastatic disease. In recent years, new targeting therapies and immuno-therapeutic approaches have been evaluated. Nevertheless, the search for novel targets and players is eagerly required to prevent and control tumor growth and metastasis dissemination. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) system consists of a family of proteins involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Indeed, tumor and stroma activation of the FGF/FGFR system plays a relevant role in tumor growth, invasion, and resistance, as well as in angiogenesis and dissemination.
  • 692
  • 24 Apr 2022
Topic Review
5-Azacitidine Treatment in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients
This entry focused on the impact of the treatment with the hypomethylating agent 5-azacitidine on the redox status and inflammation in 24 MDS patients. Globally, MDS patients showed less redox status in terms of a reduction in the GSSG/GSH ratio and in the LPO levels, as well as increased CAT activity compared with healthy subjects, with no changes in SOD, GPx, and GRd activities, or  AOPP levels. When analyzing the evolution from early to advanced stages of the disease, we found that the GPx activity, GSSG/GSH ratio, LPO, and AOPP increased, with a reduction in CAT. GPx changes were related to the presence of risk factors such as high-risk IPSS-R or mutational score. Moreover, there was an increase in IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α plasma levels, with a further increase of IL-2 and IL-10 from early to advanced stages of the disease. However, we did not observe any association between inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • 691
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Cryptococcal Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presents as an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs during dysregulated immune restoration in immunocompromised patients in late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have commenced antiretroviral treatments (ART). Virtually any opportunistic pathogen can provoke this type of immune restoration disorder.
  • 690
  • 27 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Irisin and Secondary Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a progressive multifactorial skeletal disorder characterized by the deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased susceptibility to fracture risk.
  • 690
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 impairs the renin-angiotensin-aledosterone system via binding ACE2 enzyme. ACE2 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of angiotensin (1-7), catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin 2 into angiotensin (1-7) and the reaction of angiotensin synthesis (1-9), from which angiotensin is (1-7) produced under the influence of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme).
  • 686
  • 13 May 2021
Topic Review
Chemical Induction of Arthritis in Rodents
Arthritis, a prevalent group of musculoskeletal disorders characterized by joint inflammation, poses a significant global public health challenge. To develop effective treatments, it is imperative to comprehend the causes and mechanisms underlying arthritis. One valuable avenue of study involves inducing arthritis in animal models, particularly rodents, using various chemical agents. These chemical-induced arthritis models have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of arthritis pathogenesis, immune system involvement, and potential therapeutic interventions. This research explores the wide array of chemicals employed to induce arthritis in rodents, elucidating their mechanisms of action and contributions to arthritis research. Animal models, especially rodents like mice and rats, have proven indispensable in replicating key aspects of human arthritis, facilitating investigations into underlying mechanisms, therapy testing, and drug safety assessment. The entry delves into the intricacies of various chemical-induced arthritis models, such as adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA), collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis, and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis. Each model offers unique insights into different facets of arthritis, whether autoimmune or degenerative in nature. While these models have greatly expanded our knowledge, it is essential to acknowledge their limitations and prioritize ethical considerations in animal research. The scientific community is dedicated to refining these models, exploring alternative approaches, and integrating advanced technologies like genetic engineering and computational simulations to enhance our understanding of arthritis and minimize animal suffering. As we move forward, the synergy of rodent models with cutting-edge techniques holds immense promise in advancing arthritis research. This progress not only deepens our comprehension of the condition but also hastens the development of personalized therapies and diagnostic tools, ultimately improving the lives of millions affected by arthritis. In the ongoing battle against arthritis, these rodent models remain vital guiding lights, steering us toward better treatments and improved quality of life.
  • 685
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Follicular-Derived Thyroid Cancer Molecular Landscape
Follicular cell-derived thyroid tumors originate from follicular cells in the thyroid gland. These tumors encompass 95% of all thyroid malignancies and include well-differentiated, poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. The molecular landscape of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer is variable according to the different tumor subtypes.
  • 684
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
MiRNAs as Biomarkers of AD
Pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affect synaptic function from initial asymptomatic stages, long time before the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Therefore, reliable biomarkers enabling early AD diagnosis and prognosis are needed to maximize the time window for therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising cost-effective and non-invasive biomarkers for AD, since they can be readily detected in different biofluids, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs regulate synaptic homeostasis and plasticity processes, suggesting that they may be involved in early synaptic dysfunction during AD.
  • 683
  • 20 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins functions
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in bone formation and repair. Recent studies underscored their essential role in the normal development of several organs and vascular homeostasis in health and diseases. Elevated levels of BMPs have been linked to the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, their particular role in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still under-investigated.
  • 683
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Immunological Disturbance in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a wide and variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including deficits in social communication, narrow and restricted interests, and repetitive behavior.  The immune system consists of a set of molecules and cells that are organized in tissues and organs while functioning close interacting to generate a protective response against invaders. Two components of immunity are recognized: innate and adaptive. T cell subtypes secrete variable cytokines that counter-regulate each other, and an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways is seen that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism.
  • 682
  • 31 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Precision Medicine in Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer (BC) is characterized by significant histopathologic and molecular heterogeneity. The discovery of molecular pathways and knowledge of cellular mechanisms have grown exponentially and may allow for better disease classification, prognostication, and development of novel and more efficacious noninvasive detection and surveillance strategies, as well as selection of therapeutic targets, which can be used in BC, particularly in a neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting.
  • 676
  • 06 May 2023
Topic Review
Torkildsen’s Ventriculocisternostomy First Applications
Human skeletal remains are considered as real biological archives of each subject’s life. Generally, traumas, wounds, surgical interventions, and many human pathologies suffered in life leave identifiable marks on the skeleton, and their correct interpretation is possible only through a meticulous anthropological investigation of skeletal remains. The study here presented concerns the analysis of a young Slavic soldier’s skeleton who died, after his imprisonment, in the concentration camp of Torre Tresca (Bari, Italy), during the Second World War (1946). In particular, the skull exhibited signs of surgical activity on the posterior cranial fossa and the parieto-occipital bones. They could be attributed to surgical procedures performed at different times, showing various degrees of bone edge remodeling. Overall, it was possible to correlate the surgical outcomes highlighted on the skull to the Torkildsen’s ventriculocisternostomy (VCS), the first clinically successful shunt for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus, which gained widespread use in the 1940s. For this reason, the skeleton we examined represents a rare, precious, and historical testimony of an emerging and revolutionary neurosurgical technique, which differed from other operations for treating hydrocephalus before the Second World War and was internationally recognized as an efficient procedure before the introduction of extracranial shunts.
  • 674
  • 11 Jan 2022
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