Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies.

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune retinopathies (ARs) encompass a spectrum of immune diseases that are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against retinal proteins in the bloodstream. These autoantibodies (AAbs) lead to a progressive and sometimes rapid loss of vision. ARs commonly affect subjects over 50 years of age, but also rare cases of kids under 3 years of age have been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 47 unrelated Caucasian patients were enrolled. All subjects showed negative cancer diagnoses and negative results in their genetic screenings. We studied 8 confirmed retinal antigens using Western blotting analysis, with α-enolase followed by carbonic anhydrase II being the two most frequently found in the patients' sera. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were positive (40.4%), thirteen uncertain (27.7%), and fifteen were negative (31.9%). Their gender did not correlate with the presence of AAbs (p=0.409). CONCLUSIONS: AAbs are responsible for retinal degeneration in some cases, while in others, they contribute to exacerbating the progression of the disease; however, their detection is crucial to reaching a better diagnosis and developing more effective treatments for these conditions. Moreover, finding good biomarkers is important not only for AR monitoring and prognosis, but also for helping with early cancer diagnosis.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in thyroid cancer.

Background: Thyroid cancer, a heterogeneous disease originating from the thyroid gland, stands as the predominant endocrine malignan-cy worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, some patients still experience recurrence and mortality, which highlights the need for more personalized approaches to treatment. Omics sciences, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, offer a high-throughput and impartial methodology for investigating the molecular signatures of thyroid cancer. Methods: In the course of this review, we have adopted a focu-sed research strategy, meticulously selecting the most pertinent and emblematic articles related to the topic. Our methodology included a systematic examination of the scientific literature to guarantee a thorough and precise synthesis of the existing sources. Results: These techniques enable the identification of molecular markers that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection. As an illustration, through genomics studies, numerous genetic alterations commonly discovered in thyroid cancer have been identified, such as mutations in the BRAF and RAS genes. Through transcriptomics studies, distinctively expressed genes in thyroid cancer have been uncovered, playing roles in diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These genes can serve as potential targets for novel therapies. Proteomics studies have unveiled differentially expressed proteins intricately involved in thyroid cancer pathogenesis, presenting promising biomarkers for early detection and disease progression monitoring. Metabolomics studies have identified alterations in metabolic pathways linked to thyroid cancer, offering promising avenues for potential therapeutic targets. Conclusions: Precision medicine in thyroid cancer involves the integration of omics sciences with clinical data to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. Employing targeted therapies guided by molecular markers has exhibited promising outcomes in enhancing the prognosis of thyroid cancer patients. Notably, those with advanced hyroid cancer carrying BRAF mutations have displayed substantial responses to specific targeted therapies, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in testicular cancer.

Background: Cancer, a potentially fatal condition, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Among males aged 20 to 35, the most common cancer in healthy individuals is testicular cancer, accounting for 1% to 2% of all cancers in men. Methods: Throughout this review, we have employed a targeted research approach, carefully handpicking the most representative and relevant articles on the subject. Our methodology involved a systematic review of the scientific literature to ensure a comprehensive and accurate overview of the available sources. Results: The onset and spread of testicular cancer are significantly influenced by genetic changes, including mutations in oncogenes, tu-mor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. As a result of identifying these specific genetic mutations in cancers, targeted medications have been developed to disrupt the signaling pathways affected by these genetic changes. To improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, it is crucial to understand its natural and clinical histories. Conclusions: In order to comprehend cancer better and to discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, oncologists are increasingly employing omics methods, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Targeted medications that focus on specific genetic pathways and mutations hold promise for advancing the diagnosis and management of this disease.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in Urothelial Carcinoma.

Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the potential of omics sciences - such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics - in advancing the diagnosis and therapy of urothelial carcinoma (UC), a prevalent and heterogeneous cancer affecting the urinary tract. The article emphasizes the significant advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying UC development and progression, obtained through the application of omics approa-ches. Genomic studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in UC, while transcriptomic analyses have revealed distinct gene expression profiles associated with different UC subtypes. Proteomic investigations have recognized protein biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic potential, and metabolomic profiling has found metabolic alterations that are specific to UC. The integration of multi-omics data holds promises in refining UC subtyping, identifying therapeutic targets, and predicting treatment response. However, challenges like the standardization of omics technologies, validation of biomarkers, and ethical considerations need to be addressed to successfully translate these findings into clinical practice. Omics sciences offer tremendous potential in revolutionizing the diagnosis and therapy of UC, enabling more precise diagnostic methods, prognostic evaluations, and personalized treatment selection for UC patients. Future research efforts should focus on overcoming these challenges and translating omics discoveries into meaningful clinical applications to improve outcomes for UC patients.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in melanoma.

Background: This article provides an overview of the application of omics sciences in melanoma research. The name omics sciences refers to the large-scale analysis of biological molecules like DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. Methods: In the course of this review, we have adopted a focu-sed research strategy, meticulously selecting the most pertinent and emblematic articles related to the topic. Our methodology included a systematic examination of the scientific literature to guarantee a thorough and precise synthesis of the existing sources. Results: With the advent of high-throughput technologies, omics have become an essential tool for understanding the complexity of melanoma. In this article, we discuss the different omics approaches used in melanoma research, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. We also highlight the major findings and insights gained from these studies, including the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions in omics-based melanoma research, including the integration of multiple omics data and the development of personalized medicine approaches. Conclusions: Overall, this article emphasizes the importance of omics science in advancing our understanding of melanoma and its potential for improving patient outcomes.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in kidney cancer.

Abstract: In the last decade, renal carcinoma has become more prevalent in European and North American regions. Kidney tumors are usually categorized based on histological features, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common subtype in adults. Despite conventional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, a rise in cancer incidence and recurrence necessitates a fresh approach to diagnosing and treating kidney cancer. This review focuses on novel multi-omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, to better understand the molecular and clinical features of renal cell carcinoma. Studies integrating omics sciences have shown early promise in enhancing prognostic and therapeutic outcomes for various kidney cancer subtypes and providing insight into fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms occurring at different molecular levels. This review highlights the importance of utilizing omics sciences as a revolutionary concept in diagnostics and therapeutics and the clinical implications of renal cell carcinoma. Finally, the review presents the most recent findings from large-scale multi-omics studies on renal cell carcinoma and its associations with patient subtyping and drug development.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in pancreas cancer.

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, associated with poor prognosis outcomes and late treatment interventions. The pathological nature and extreme tissue heterogeneity of this disease has hampered all efforts to correctly diagnose and treat it. Omics sciences and precision medicine have revolutionized our understanding of pan-creatic cancer, providing a new hope for patients suffering from this devastating disease. By analyzing large-scale biological data sets and developing personalized treatment strategies, researchers and clinicians are working together to improve patient outcomes and ultimately find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Unraveling the Role of Prickly Pear Extract as a Potent Nutraceutical Agent Against Metabolic Syndromes.

Background: Prickly pear (Opuntia) extracts have garnered con-siderable attention in recent years due to their promising medicinal and nutritional properties. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted potential of prickly pear extracts in mitigating various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, obesity, cancer, neuronal diseases, and renal diseases. Methods: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse therapeutic applications of Opuntia extracts in managing chronic diseases. The collective evidence underscores the potential of prickly pear as a valuable natural resource for addressing global health challenges. Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Results: Studies have suggested that the bioactive compounds within prickly pear may influence glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance, and modulating gut microbiota composition. These pathways exhibit potential in the reduction of hyperglycemia, which is a fundamental aspect of metabolic syndromes. Opuntia extracts demonstrate also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory capabilities that can contribute to improving health in various conditions. Conclusion: Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Olive tree polyphenols as effective and sustainable grain preservatives

Abstract: Whole grains play a crucial role in the human diet. Despite being cultivated in distinct regions, they are shipped everywhere, therefore making biosafety and security essential throughout the grain industry, from harvest to distribution. Phytopathogens, which have an impact on crop yield, induce grain spoiling and reduce grain quality in a number of ways, providing a constant danger to crop storage and distribution. Chemical control approaches, such as the use of pesticides and fungicides, are detrimental to the environment and hazardous to human health. The development of alternative, environmentally friendly, and generally acceptable solutions to ensure increased grain yield, biosafety, and quality during storage is crucial in order to guarantee sufficient food and feed supplies. As a means of self-defense against microbial infection and spoilage, plant matrices feature antimicrobial natural chemicals, which have led to their widespread usage as food preservatives in recent decades. Olive tree extracts, known for their high polyphenol content, have been widely used in the food preservation industry with great success, and are highly welcomed by people all over the world. In addition to their well-known health advantages, polyphenols are a valuable plant secondary metabolite because of their great antibacterial capabilities as natural preservatives. This article discusses the promising usage of polyphenols from olive trees as a natural alternative preservative, while also highlighting the future of olive eaves in the food industry.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to physical activity, response to chiropractic treatment, mood and sleep.

Abstract: Nutrigenomics, a rapidly evolving field that bridges genetics and nutrition, explores the intricate interactions between an individual's genetic makeup and how they respond to nutrients. At its core, this discipline focuses on investigating Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common genetic variations, which significantly influence a person's physiological status, mood regulation, and sleep patterns, thus playing a pivotal role in a wide range of health out-comes. Through decoding their functional implications, researchers are able to uncover genetic factors that impact physical fitness, pain perception, and susceptibility to mood disorders and sleep disruptions. The integration of nutrigenomics into healthcare holds the promise of transformative interventions that cater to individual well-being. Notable studies shed light on the connection between SNPs and personalized responses to exercise, as well as vulnerability to mood disorders and sleep disturbances. Understanding the intricate interplay between genetics and nutrition informs targeted dietary approaches, molding individual health trajectories. As research advances, the convergence of genetics and nourishment is on the brink of reshaping healthcare, ushering in an era of personalized health management that enhances overall life quality. Nutrigenomics charts a path toward tailored nutritional strategies, fundamentally reshaping our approach to health preservation and preventive measures.

In Vitro Protective Effects of Lycium barbarum Berries Cultivated in Umbria (Italy) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

Lycium barbarum is a famous plant in the traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is known to have health-promoting bioactive components. The properties of Lycium barbarum berries cultivated in Umbria (Italy) and their effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) have been investigated in this work. The obtained results demonstrated that the Lycium barbarum berries from Umbria region display high antioxidant properties evaluated by total phenolic content and ORAC method, on hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. Moreover, on HepG2 cell line Lycium barbarum berries extract did not change cell viability analyzed by MTT and Trypan blue exclusion assay and did not induce genotoxic effect analyzed by comet assay. Furthermore, it was demonstrated, for the first time, that the berries extract showed a protective effect on DNA damage, expressed as antigenotoxic activity in vitro. Finally, Lycium barbarum berries extract was able to modulate the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer. In particular, downexpression of genes involved in tumor migration and invasion (CCL5), in increased risk of metastasis and antiapoptotic signal (DUSP1), and in carcinogenesis (GPx-3 and PTGS1), together with overexpression of tumor suppressor gene (MT3), suggested that Umbrian Lycium barbarum berries could play a protective role against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Preoperative local staging of endometrial cancer: transvaginal sonography vs. magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: This was a prospective study in which 74 women consecutively diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma were examined using TVS by physicians trained in gynecological sonography and MRI by radiologists with a special interest in gynecology. All patients underwent surgical-pathological staging after removal of the uterus, adnexa and pelvic lymph nodes. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each imaging modality with regard to detection of neoplastic invasion of the outer half of the myometrium and cervical involvement. RESULTS: TVS and MRI performed equally well in the preoperative staging of endometrial cancer, with no statistically significant differences between the two techniques. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall diagnostic accuracy for TVS in the evaluation of myometrial infiltration were 84%, 83%, 79%, 88% and 84%, respectively. Respective values for MRI were 84%, 81%, 77%, 87% and 82%. The corresponding statistics for detection of cervical involvement were 93%, 92%, 72%, 98% and 92% for TVS; and 79%, 87%, 58%, 95% and 85% for MRI. CONCLUSIONS: When carried out by expert practitioners, TVS shows good accuracy in the local staging of endometrial carcinoma. Because of its high costs, MRI should be offered only to those in whom TVS produces images of poor quality.

Transvaginal sonographic features of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

OBJECTIVES: Peritoneal carcinomatosis involves the dissemination of intra-abdominal tumor tissue often associated with gynecological malignancies. The objective of this study was to describe the transvaginal sonographic appearance of this condition. METHODS: The data of 60 patients with surgically and histologically proven peritoneal carcinomatosis were analyzed. Transvaginal sonograms performed within 7 days of admission to the operating theater were re-evaluated in order to identify the sonographic features associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis. RESULTS: Carcinomatosis was revealed in 53/60 cases (88%) by the presence of hypoechoic nodules attached to the peritoneum and visible on transvaginal sonography (TVS). The pouch of Douglas was the site most frequently involved. Power Doppler sonography showed the presence of blood vessels in 48 (91%) of these metastases. Ascites was found in 50 (83%) women. An adnexal mass suggestive of being the primary tumor was present in only 41 women (68%). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis has typical features on TVS and, in the vast majority of cases, its genital origin can be correctly hypothesized. Power Doppler sonography strengthens the diagnosis by showing vascularity of the peritoneal implants. In a patient with a known pelvic malignancy or whenever peritoneal carcinomatosis is suspected, TVS can give useful information in order to better assess the presence and extension of metastatic nodules within the abdominal cavity.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in day surgery in dermatology]. / Antibiotico profilassi nella chirurgia ambulatoriale dermatologica.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical wounds infections is still a matter of debate in dermatology. The authors have performed an open and randomized study on the prophylactic efficacy of azithromycin, 500 mg per os 1 h prior to the procedure in a dermosurgical office. The absence of postsurgical infections when the intervention has been executed in sites without risk of contamination both in the treated and no treated group, has demonstrated that, in the presence of correct prophylactic measures, no antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary. On the other hand, when the procedure has been performed in sites under risk of infection, the antibiotic prophylaxis has instead demonstrated a significant efficacy. The study has documented that azithromycin allows to efficacely prevent bacterical suprainfection with a good compliance of the patient in the cases in which dermosurgical activity is performed in sites with risk of infection (face, scalp, genitals, perineo, feet).

Uterine fistula induced by hysteroscopic resection of an embolized migrated fibroid: a rare complication after embolization of uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case in which hysteroscopic removal of a fibroid that had migrated through the uterine wall induced formation of a uterine fistula. DESIGN: After embolization of uterine fibroids, an investigative clinical, sonographic, and hysteroscopic protocol was followed. SETTING: Gynecologic clinic of a university hospital. PATIENT(S): A 38-year-old woman undergoing embolization of uterine arteries for uterine fibroids. INTERVENTION(S): Angiography-guided transcatheter bilateral embolization of uterine arteries, with clinical, sonographic, and hysteroscopic follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patient morbidity and satisfactory intercourse. RESULT(S): Six months after embolization of the uterine arteries, the patient presented migration of the fibroid through the uterine wall. Hysteroscopic removal of the fibroid induced posthysteroscopic formation of a uterine fistula. CONCLUSION(S): After embolization of the uterine arteries, thorough follow-up examination of the uterine cavity is strictly recommended. Diagnosis of a uterine wall perforation can identify an abnormal source of uterine bleeding, and patients should be counseled to avoid pregnancy until the lesion heals completely.

Sentinel node biopsy in clinical stage 1 melanoma: rationale for restaging and follow-up.

Lymph node involvement appears to be the most significant prognostic factor in patients affected by melanoma and has been shown to reduce the five-year survival by 40%. We studied 31 patients (15 M; 16 F; age range, 28-83 years) with clinical stage 1 (CS1) intermediate thickness (0.75-4 mm) melanoma. Scintigraphic examination of the nodes was performed in all patients, 29 of whom underwent surgical biopsy of the SN after 24 hours. Early images were acquired 5, 15 and 79 min and late images 60-180 min following perilesional injection of 2-4 microdoses of 99mTc-nanocolloid (15-20 MBq). A cobalt marker was used to project the SN on the skin surface which was later stained with indelible ink. For intraoperative localization we used a portable probe and perilesional injection of patent blue violet dye, which proved positive in 24/29 patients (83%). After surgery histological examination of the sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) (hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry) found positivity for metastatic cells in 6 patients. They all underwent elective lymph node dissection (ELND); five are N0+ and are currently undergoing supportive therapy with interferon alpha with an 8-24-month follow-up, while one N+ patient died 14 months after surgery. Follow-up (3-26 months) of N0- patients has not evidenced any locoregional recurrence so far. Only one case showed hematogenic metastases. This procedure might radically change the therapeutic approach to CS1 melanoma because it is simple, scarcely invasive, and shows a favorable cost-benefit ratio.

Characterization of NF-L and betaIISigma1-spectrin interaction in live cells.

Neurofilaments (NFs) are neuron-specific intermediate filaments (IFs) composed of three different subunits, NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H. NFs move down the axon with the slow component of axonal transport, together with microtubules, microfilaments, and alphaII/betaII-spectrin (nonerythroid spectrin or fodrin). It has been shown that alphaII/betaII-spectrin is closely associated with NFs in vivo and that betaII-spectrin subunit binds to NF-L filaments in vitro. In the present study we seek to elucidate the relationship between NF-L and betaII-spectrin in vivo. We transiently transfected full-length NF-L and carboxyl-terminal deleted NF-L mutants in SW13 Cl.2 Vim- cells, which lack an endogenous IF network and express alphaII/betaIISigma1-spectrin. Double-immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies showed that a large portion of betaIISigma1-spectrin colocalizes with the structures formed by NF-L proteins. We found a similar association between NF-L proteins and actin. However, coimmunoprecipitation experiments in transfected cells and the yeast two-hybrid system results failed to demonstrate a direct interaction of NF-L with betaIISigma1-spectrin in vivo. The presence of another protein that acts as a bridge between the membrane skeleton and neurofilaments or modulating their association may therefore be required.

Biochemical and NMR studies on structure and release conditions of RNA-containing vesicles shed by human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Large amounts of particulate material, mostly lipid vesicles, are released by human colon adenocarcinoma HCT-8R cells when they are packed at high density in saline solution. RNA is also present in the released structures. Vesicle sheding is displayed only by healthy and viable cells. The process, in our experimental conditions, lasts up to 40 min, and can be restored by supplementing cells with nutrients and oxygen. RNA and lipids give rise to IH and 3IP NMR signals. The process is somehow related to a thermotropic transition observed by means of IH NMR spectroscopy for peculiar lipid domains in the plasma membrane. Analysis of 3IP NMR spectra of the phosphodiester groups, upon pH variation, indicates strong interaction between RNA and proteins in an assembled structure. A constant amount of polyA+ RNA can be recovered from the vesicles. The electrophoretic pattern and in vitro protein synthesis indicate that mRNA can be isolated as a functionally active molecule with a major 5 Kb fraction.

Isoenzyme variants of nonspecific esterases in chronic myelocytic leukemia and in blastic crisis.

The isoenzymes of nonspecific esterases have been examined with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 10 patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and 10 with blastic crisis (BC) in respect to normal subjects. In patients with active CML the recurrent loss of fast bands was detected, while in patients in remission the isoenzyme variants are similar to those found in normal subjects. Different isoenzyme variants which are similar to those found in acute leukemia were detected in patients with BC of differenct morphological type with the exception of BC of megakaryoblastic type. The possible meaning of such variants in relation to an early identification of malignant proliferating clones, is discussed.