Topic Review
Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta with a reduction in dopamine concentration in the striatum. It is a substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons that is responsible for the classic triad of PD symptoms, i.e., resting tremor, muscular rigidity, and bradykinesia. Several therapies for PD may only offer symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying neurodegeneration of PD. The developments in cellular reprogramming have enabled the development of previously unachievable cell therapies and patient-specific modeling of PD through Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). iPSCs possess the inherent capacity for pluripotency, allowing for their directed differentiation into diverse cell lineages, such as dopaminergic neurons, thus offering a promising avenue for addressing the issue of neurodegeneration within the context of PD. 
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  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Rationale and Techniques of Suprachoroidal Injections
Suprachoroidal injection (SC) is an innovative drug delivery method that has the potential to greatly revolutionize the field of ophthalmology. In fact, this technique has shown to possess many advantages over certain traditional routes of administration such as its simplicity as well as its ability to bypass biological barriers. Notably, access to the SCS can be achieved using microcatheters, needles, or microneedles. Each technique has its own benefits and drawbacks, but so far, microneedle-based injections offer precise control, broad coverage, and improved safety compared to standard needles, making them the most promising route for drug administration.
  • 266
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Ocular Medication Routes of Administration
Ocular drug administration encompasses a range of routes, each with its own advantages and limitations. The available methods include systemic delivery (such as oral, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes) as well as local delivery options (including topical eye drops, periocular or intravitreal injections, and intravitreal implants). While these approaches can be effective in delivering medications to the eye, they also have inherent drawbacks, which will be explored in greater detail in this entry. Notably, understanding the strengths and limitations of these ocular drug administration routes is crucial for optimizing therapy and achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential adverse effects.   
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  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Blood Malignancies
Blood malignancies remain a therapeutic challenge despite the development of numerous treatment strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway plays a central role in regulating many cellular functions, including cell cycle, proliferation, quiescence, and longevity. Therefore, dysregulation of this pathway is a characteristic feature of carcinogenesis.
  • 253
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Adjunctive Hemoadsorption Therapy with CytoSorb in Septic/Vasoplegic Shock
There are no approved therapies to modulate the excessive immune response and limit hyperinflammation with the goal of preventing related organ failure and death. In this context, extracorporeal blood purification therapies aiming at the alteration of the host inflammatory response through broad-spectrum, non-selective removal of inflammatory mediators have come into focus. A novel hemoadsorption device (CytoSorb®, CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) has shown promising results in patients with hyperinflammation from various origins. Although a significant body of literature exists, there is ongoing research to address many important remaining questions, including the optimal selection of patient groups who might benefit the most, optimal timing for therapy initiation, optimal schedule for adsorber exchanges and therapy duration, as well as an investigation into the potential removal of concomitant antibiotics and other medications. 
  • 274
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Suprachoroidal Injections for Inflammatory and Neoplasic Pathologies
Ocular inflammatory diseases, including uveitis, involve inflammation within the eye and can affect various parts of the eye, leading to discomfort, vision impairment, and potentially serious complications if left untreated. The causes of uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases can vary, including autoimmune disorders, infections (such as viral, bacterial, or fungal), systemic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease), or sometimes the cause may remain unknown (idiopathic). Symptoms of uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases may include eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, floaters, and in severe cases, vision loss. Another pathology affecting the middle layer of the eye is uveal melanoma, which is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults that develops in the uveal melanocytes. Since these are serious and potentially life-altering diseases, proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring are crucial to effectively manage these conditions and maintain ocular health. In this regard, suprachoroidal injections is being investigated as a new potential treatment options for these conditions. 
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  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Suprachoroidal Injections for Vision-Altering Diseases
Multiple eye pathologies have serious and vision-altering effects that can greatly affect the patients' quality of life. Notably, retinal detachment occurs when the retina, which is the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for detecting light and transmitting visual signals to the brain, becomes separated from its underlying supportive layers. This separation can disrupt the normal flow of nutrients and oxygen to the retina, leading to vision loss if not promptly treated. Glaucoma, on the other hand, refers to a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to a buildup of fluid within the eye. Glaucoma is typically a progressive condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Finally, myopia is a common vision problem worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent years, especially in urbanized and highly educated populations. It affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. Suprachoroidal injection thus offers a novel approach to the treatment of these conditions.
  • 164
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Suprachoroidal Injections for Choroidal Neovascularization and Retinal Detachment
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological process characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina and choroid, the vascular layer located behind the retina. CNV is a common complication of various eye conditions, with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) being the most prevalent cause. In AMD, CNV is often referred to as "wet" or "neovascular" AMD, as it involves the formation of new blood vessels that are fragile and prone to leakage. These vessels disrupt the normal structure and function of the retina, leading to vision loss or distortion. CNV can also occur in other conditions like myopia, inflammatory eye diseases, and ocular trauma. The underlying cause of CNV is an imbalance of angiogenic factors, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Increased levels of VEGF promote the growth of abnormal blood vessels. The new vessels are fragile, leaky, and prone to bleeding, causing damage to the surrounding tissues and impairing vision. Suprachorodal injections therefore offers a novel treatment modality for these serious and vision-altering pathologies.  
  • 223
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
The Microbiome in the Obesity-Breast Cancer Axis
A large body of evidence has demonstrated a significant link between obesity and cancer risk. Adipose tissue, conventionally viewed as a passive reservoir for energy storage, is now recognized as a highly secretory endocrine organ that produces various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, estrogens, and other bioactive molecules. Obesity, characterized by adipose tissue hypertrophy (increase in adipocyte size) and hyperplasia (increase in adipocyte number), causes the dysregulation of adipose tissue hormonal production, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation that can contribute to the initiation and progression of breast cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women. Furthermore, obesity-related metabolic changes can influence the composition of the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis, which may further affect breast cancer risk and outcomes. Over the past two decades, following advancements in DNA sequencing technologies, the microbiome has been recognized as a major factor in maintaining health. The interaction between the microbiome and the host organism is a dynamic bidirectional relationship, where disruptions in the microbiome reflect the host’s health and vice versa: modifications to the health status of the host lead to corresponding microbiome changes.
  • 260
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for the majority of pancreatic cancers and is associated with poor prognosis, a high mortality rate, and a substantial number of healthy life years lost. Surgical resection is the primary treatment option for patients with resectable disease; however, only 10–20% of all patients with PDAC are eligible for resection at the time of diagnosis.
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  • 01 Dec 2023
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