Topic Review
Tryptophan Dysmetabolism and Quinolinic Acid in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is involved in both depression and neurodegenerative diseases. The kynurenine pathway, generating metabolites which may play a role in pathogenesis, is one of several competing pathways of tryptophan metabolism. A disturbed tryptophan metabolism with increased activity of the kynurenine pathway and production of quinolinic acid may result in deficiencies in tryptophan and derived neurotransmitters. Quinolinic acid is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonist, and raised levels in CSF, together with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, have been reported in mood disorders. Increased quinolinic acid has also been observed in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and HIV-related cognitive decline. 
  • 896
  • 29 Jul 2022
Topic Review
CRISPR-Cas System and Urological Malignancies
Urological cancers account for a significant portion of cancer diagnoses and mortality rates worldwide. The traditional treatment options of surgery and chemoradiation can have significant morbidity and become ineffective in refractory disease. The discovery of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system has opened up new avenues for cancer research by targeting specific genes or mutations that play a role in cancer development and progression.
  • 896
  • 24 Jun 2024
Topic Review
Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Basis of the Placebo Effect
The placebo effect can be defined as the improvement of symptoms in a patient after the administration of an innocuous substance in a context that induces expectations regarding its effects. During recent years, it has been discovered that the placebo response not only has neurobiological functions on analgesia, but that it is also capable of generating effects on the immune and endocrine systems. Beyond studies about its mechanism of action, the placebo effect has proved to be useful in the clinical setting with promising results in the management of neurological, psychiatric, and immunologic disorders. However, more research is needed to better characterize its potential use. 
  • 895
  • 31 May 2022
Topic Review
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Japan
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited disorder caused by the absence or severely impaired activity of steroidogenic enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis. More than 90% of cases result from 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). To prevent life-threatening adrenal crisis and to help perform appropriate sex assignments for affected female patients, newborn screening (NBS) programs for the classical form of CAH have been introduced in numerous countries.
  • 895
  • 30 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Text Neck Syndrome
Neck pain is a prevalent health problem, largely reported in adult patients. However, very recent data show that new technologies are inducing a shift in the prevalence of this relevant issue from adulthood to all of the pediatric ages. In fact, the precocious and inappropriate use of personal computers and especially cell phones might be related to the development of a complex cluster of clinical symptoms commonly defined as “text neck syndrome”. The purpose of this article is to analyze the new phenomenon of the “text neck syndrome”, the underlying causes and risk factors of musculoskeletal pain, that can be modified by changes in routine life, in different cultures and habits, and on the “text neck syndrome” as increased stresses on the cervical spine, that can lead to cervical degeneration along with other developmental, medical, psychological, and social complications. Findings support the contention that an appropriate approach for an early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to properly evaluate this emerging issue worldwide in children and adolescents who spend a lot of time watching smartphones and computers; additional research with more rigorous study designs and objective measures of musculoskeletal pain are needed to confirm significant relationships. Existing evidence is limited by non-objective measures and the subjective nature of musculoskeletal pain.
  • 895
  • 15 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Gut–Lung Axis Communication in COVID-19
The ecosystem of the human gastrointestinal tract, named gut microbiota, represents the most thoroughly mapped ecosystem. Perturbations on bacterial populations cause dysbiosis, a condition correlated to a wide range of autoimmune, neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. The lungs have their flora, which are directly related to the gut flora via bidirectional communication allowing the transport of microbial metabolites and toxins produced by intestinal bacteria through the circulation and lymphatic system. This mutual microbial cross-talk communication called the gut–lung axis modulates the immune and inflammatory response to infections. COVID-19 causes dysbiosis, altered intestinal permeability, and bacterial translocation. Dysbiosis, through the gut–lung axis, promotes hyper-inflammation, exacerbates lung damage, and worsens clinical outcomes.
  • 895
  • 08 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are non-digestible and structurally diverse complex carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human milk. To date, more than 200 different HMO structures have been identified. Their concentrations in human milk vary according to various factors such as lactation period, mother’s genetic secretor status, and length of gestation (term or preterm).
  • 895
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Resting Metabolic Rate
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) reflects the energy expended by the human body in a prolonged resting state in the absence of food digestion, physical or cognitive activities. RMR declines with age and has been related to changes in body composition and health status. In this study we aimed to assess whether having specific age-associated diseases, or the development thereof, correlate with RMR changes over time. Information on such associations is important to understand the energetic burden of specific diseases and whether early perturbation in energetic metabolism can inform impending health deterioration and future pathology.
  • 895
  • 04 Nov 2020
Topic Review
MiRNA-7
MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules capable of regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. Imbalances in the miRNA network have been associated with the development of many pathological conditions and diseases, including cancer. Recently, miRNAs have also been linked to the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR). MiR-7 is one of the extensively studied miRNAs and its role in cancer progression and MDR modulation has been highlighted. MiR-7 is engaged in multiple cellular pathways and acts as a tumor suppressor in the majority of human neoplasia. Its depletion limits the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies, while its restoration sensitizes cells to the administered drugs.
  • 895
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Indirect Structural Muscle Injuries
Indirect structural muscle injuries (commonly referred as “muscle tears”) are the more commonly found in everyday clinical practice and represent the biggest challenge in rehabilitation, since these lack a precise therapeutic strategy. Structural muscle injuries classification is shown in.
  • 894
  • 27 Oct 2021
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