Lactoferrin gene polymorphisms associated with clinical mastitis in Honduran Holstein inheritance cows.

BACKGROUND: Lactoferrin (LTF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk and other exocrine secretion with antibacterial activity proposed as an alternative to mastitis treatment or prevention. LTF has been proposed as a candidate gene for mastitis resistance selection. The aim of this paper was to assess LTF promotor to explore variations with potential association to mastitis resistance in dairy cows from Honduras. METHODS: A resequencing of promotor and Exon I of LTF gene in extreme mastitis susceptibility cows (126 Holstein and Holstein crossbred) was performed. RESULTS: Eight polymorphisms were found in promotor region, four of them were novel variations. Two were important by frequency among extreme groups, but a polymorphism in - 421 A/T position was significantly (P = 0.0188) associated to mastitis susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Results support the key role of regulatory region of LTF gene. Some candidate genes are proposed in association with mastitis traits and implications are discussed.

Considerations after lockdown and overcoming Covid-19: A systematic review for returning to safe physical exercise practice.

Objective: This systematic review aims to understand the problems associated with lockdown and the various conditions of Covid-19 infection and to help prepare athletes and exercise enthusiasts for the safe resumption of sport in a manner that promotes wellness, healthy competition, and a sports industry that survives the current situation. This systematic review was carried out, following the recommendations of the currently pre-established reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The following databases were consulted: ISI Web of Science (WOS), Scopus and Google Scholar. This review includes a total of 19 articles. News: The results are presented based on three predominant themes: (1) psychological impact produced by SARS-CoV-2; (2) post-Covid-19 cardiac abnormalities and (3) protocols for an adequate return to physical practice. Prospects and projects: Most of the protocols shown by the various papers are consistent in terms of duration and number of phases. Based on this, the safe return to practice protocol can be divided into four stages of seven days in each phase in order to progress according to the symptoms perceived. In each phase, the physiological demand and efforts necessary to cover the proposed activities are increased until optimal physical condition is recovered.

Objectif: Cette revue systématique vise à comprendre les problèmes associés au confinement et aux diverses conditions d'infection au Covid-19 et à aider à préparer les athlètes et les amateurs d'exercice à la reprise du sport en toute sécurité d'une manière qui favorise le bien-être, une compétition saine et une industrie du sport qui survit à la situation actuelle. Cette revue systématique a été réalisée en suivant les recommandations des éléments de notification actuellement préétablis pour les revues systématiques et les méta-analyses. Les bases de données suivantes ont été consultées : ISI Web of Science (WOS), Scopus et Google Scholar. Cette revue comprend un total de 19 articles. Actualités: Les résultats sont présentés selon trois thèmes prédominants : (1) impact psychologique produit par le SARS-CoV-2 ; (2) anomalies cardiaques post-Covid-19 et (3) protocoles pour un retour adéquat à la pratique physique. Perspectives et projets: La plupart des protocoles présentés par les différents papiers sont cohérents en termes de durée et de nombre de phases. Sur cette base, le protocole de retour à la pratique en toute sécurité peut être divisé en quatre étapes de sept jours chacune afin de progresser selon les symptômes perçus. Dans chaque phase, la demande physiologique et les efforts nécessaires pour couvrir les activités proposées sont augmentés jusqu'à ce que la condition physique optimale soit retrouvée.

Characterization of the recombinant Brettanomyces anomalus ß-glucosidase and its potential for bioflavouring.

AIM: Plant materials used in the food industry contain up to five times more aromas bound to glucose (glucosides) than free, unbound aromas, making these bound aromas an unused flavouring potential. The aim of this study was to identify and purify a novel ß-glucosidase from Brettanomyces yeasts that are capable of releasing bound aromas present in various food products. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened 428 different yeast strains for ß-glucosidase activity and are the first to sequence the whole genome of two Brettanomyces yeasts (Brettanomyces anomalus and Brettanomyces bruxellensis) with exceptionally high ß-glucosidase activity. Heterologous expression and purification of the identified B. anomalus ß-glucosidase showed that it has an optimal activity at a higher pH (5·75) and lower temperature (37°C) than commercial ß-glucosidases. Adding this B. anomalus ß-glucosidase to cherry beers and forest fruit milks resulted in increased amounts of benzyl alcohol, eugenol, linalool and methyl salicylate compared to Aspergillus niger and Almond glucosidase. CONCLUSIONS: The newly identified B. anomalus ß-glucosidase offers new possibilities for food bioflavouring. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is the first to sequence the B. anomalus genome and to identify the ß-glucosidase-encoding genes of two Brettanomyces species, and reports a new bioflavouring enzyme.

Pharmacological targeting of histamine H4 receptor in periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether histamine H4 receptor (H4 R) antagonists could prevent experimental periodontitis (EP)-induced histological, functional and inflammatory alterations in submandibular gland (SMG), periodontal bone and gingiva. METHODS: Bilateral EP was induced for 2 weeks in anaesthetized male rats. The effect of systemic and local administration of H4 R antagonists (JNJ7777120, JNJ10191584) on histopathology and functionality of SMG, bone loss and gingival inflammation was evaluated. RESULTS: The subcutaneous administration of JNJ7777120 prevented periodontitis-induced SMG histological injury, reducing vacuolization and apoptosis and additionally reversed the increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in SMG while it partially reversed the methacholine-induced salivation reduction produced by periodontitis. JNJ7777120 attenuated bone loss and the increased PGE2 levels and inflammatory infiltration in gingival tissue of rats with periodontitis. Finally, local administration of JNJ7777120 and JNJ10191584 was also beneficial for improving periodontal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: H4 receptor antagonists are able to ameliorate periodontitis-induced injury on SMG, gingival tissue and bone structure, suggesting that pharmacological targeting of H4 R could be an attractive strategy to improve periodontal health.

Exogenous paraoxonase-1 during oocyte maturation improves bovine embryo development in vitro.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme found in serum and follicular fluid that protects cell membrane and circulating lipids against oxidative damage. The aims of this study were to measure the direct effects of recombinant PON1 (rPON1) on bovine oocyte maturation at the molecular level (gene expression) and to measure the carry-over effects of PON1 on pre-implantation embryo development in vitro. COCs were submitted to IVM with the addition of 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mg ml(-1) of rPON1, corresponding to an average PON1 arylesterase enzyme activity of 2.2 ± 0.4, 15.5 ± 1.5, 30.2 ± 3.0 and 57.9 ± 5.0 U ml(-1) , respectively. The results indicated that addition of rPON1 during IVM improved embryo development in a dose-dependent manner as D7 embryo development was 22.2%, 29.4%, 32.2% and 37.0% for the treatment groups, respectively (p = 0.02). In conclusion, addition of PON1 enzyme during IVM exerted dose-related positive effects on embryo development rates to blastocysts.

Histamine reduces boron neutron capture therapy-induced mucositis in an oral precancer model.

OBJECTIVES: Searching for more effective and selective therapies for head and neck cancer, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to treat oral cancer and inhibit long-term tumor development from field-cancerized tissue in the hamster cheek pouch model. However, BNCT-induced mucositis in field-cancerized tissue was dose limiting. In a clinical scenario, oral mucositis affects patients' treatment and quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate different radioprotectors, seeking to reduce the incidence of BNCT-induced severe mucositis in field-cancerized tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancerized pouches treated with BNCT mediated by boronophenylalanine at 5 Gy were treated as follows: control: saline solution; Hishigh : histamine 5 mg kg(-1) ; Hislow : histamine 1 mg kg(-1) ; and JNJ7777120: 10 mg kg(-1). RESULTS: Hislow reduced the incidence of severe mucositis in field-cancerized tissue to 17% vs CONTROL: 55%; Hishigh : 67%; JNJ7777120: 57%. Hislow was non-toxic and did not compromise the long-term therapeutic effect of BNCT or alter gross boron concentration. CONCLUSION: Histamine reduces BNCT-induced mucositis in experimental oral precancer without jeopardizing therapeutic efficacy. The fact that both histamine and boronophenylalanine are approved for use in humans bridges the gap between experimental work and potential clinical application to reduce BNCT-induced radiotoxicity in patients with head and neck cancer.

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 on in vitro bovine embryo production and cryopreservation.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers can affect the lipid profile and signaling of cells and thereby alter their function. A total of 5,700 bovine oocytes were used in a structured series of experiments to test the effects of CLA cis-9,trans-11 and CLA trans-10,cis-12 in vitro. In experiment 1, high doses of each CLA isomer during in vitro maturation (IVM) were compared with high or low doses during the entire in vitro culture (IVC) of parthenogenetic embryos. High doses of the CLA isomers ranged from 50 to 200 µM and low doses were 15 and 25 µM. In experiment 2, the low doses of each CLA isomer were tested during IVM/IVC on embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Experiment 3 compared the effects of 15 µM doses of each CLA isomer during IVM or IVC of IVF embryos. In experiment 4, post-rewarming survival rates and blastomere counts were assessed for embryos supplemented with each CLA isomer during IVM or for 36 h before vitrification. In experiment 1, when either CLA isomer was provided only during IVM, we observed no effects on overall rates of maturation, cleavage, or blastocysts (92.2 ± 1.6%, 78.3 ± 4.1%, and 28.9 ± 5.1%, respectively). However, high doses of each CLA isomer, but not low doses, during the entire embryo culture period decreased blastocyst rates (5-20%) in a dose-dependent manner. Cleavage rates improved with 15 or 50 µM CLA trans-10,cis-12. Progesterone concentrations in maturation media were significantly increased by high doses of each CLA isomer compared with control, but low doses of CLA isomers had no effect. In experiment 2 with IVF embryos, low doses of each CLA isomer did not alter cleavage rates (average 84.9 ± 1.9%) and only 25 µM CLA trans-10,cis-12 during IVC reduced blastocyst rates below those of controls (25.5 ± 2.1 vs. 38.2 ± 2.3%). The lipid content of embryos was increased and relative expression of the BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5) gene was depressed by CLA trans-10,cis-12. In experiment 3, low doses (15µM) of each CLA isomer during IVC significantly reduced blastocyst rates (20.6 ± 2.4% and 27.7 ± 1.2% vs. 34.18 ± 1.2% for CLA trans-10,cis-12 and CLA cis-9,trans-11 compared with control, respectively) with less effect of each CLA during IVM. In experiment 4, adding 100 µM CLA cis-9,trans-11 during the final 36 h of culture resulted in a high survival rate after rewarming and culture, and the higher embryo blastomere count was comparable to that of control embryos not undergoing vitrification. In conclusion, supplementation with either CLA isomer did not improve embryo production, but inclusion of CLA cis-9,trans-11 before vitrification improved the quality of bovine IVF embryos after rewarming and culture.

Preimplantation embryo metabolism and culture systems: experience from domestic animals and clinical implications.

Despite advantages of in vitro embryo production in many species, widespread use of this technology is limited by generally lower developmental competence of in vitro derived embryos compared to in vivo counterparts. Regardless, in vivo or in vitro gametes and embryos face and must adjust to multiple microenvironments especially at preimplantation stages. Moreover, the embryo has to be able to further adapt to environmental cues in utero to result in the birth of live and healthy offspring. Enormous strides have been made in understanding and meeting stage-specific requirements of preimplantation embryos, but interpretation of the data is made difficult due to the complexity of the wide array of culture systems and the remarkable plasticity of developing embryos that seem able to develop under a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, a primary objective remains meeting, as closely as possible, the preimplantation embryo requirements as provided in vivo. In general, oocytes and embryos develop more satisfactorily when cultured in groups. However, optimization of individual culture of oocytes and embryos is an important goal and area of intensive current research for both animal and human clinical application. Successful culture of individual embryos is of primary importance in order to avoid ovarian superstimulation and the associated physiological and psychological disadvantages for patients. This review emphasizes stage specific shifts in embryo metabolism and requirements and research to optimize in vitro embryo culture conditions and supplementation, with a view to optimizing embryo culture in general, and culture of single embryos in particular.

Paraoxonase (PON) 1, 2 and 3 expression in granulosa cells and PON1 activity in follicular fluid of dairy cows.

Normal metabolic activity in ovarian follicles may result in oxidative stress and damage to oocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of the natural anti-oxidants paraoxonase (PON) 1, 2 and 3 in granulosa cells and PON1 activity in follicular fluid (FF) and plasma of dairy cows. For the first experiment, ovaries were collected from cows at slaughter, after which follicles were dissected and classified as oestrogen active (EAF) or atretic (ATF). Expression of PON1, PON2 and PON3 mRNA was evaluated in granulosa cells, and activity of PON1 was measured in FF. PON1 mRNA was undetectable in granulosa cells, PON2 mRNA expression was not different between follicle types, and PON3 mRNA tended to be higher in EAF (p = 0.11). The activity of PON1 in FF was higher (p = 0.01) for EAF (82.6 ± 8.0 kU/L) than ATF (53.9 ± 6.8 kU/L), as were high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and total cholesterol concentrations. In the second experiment, we aimed to compare plasma and FF PON1 activity in early lactation Holstein cows (n = 15) with pre-ovulatory EAF. Activity of PON1 was twofold higher (p < 0.0001) in plasma (122.5 ± 11.1 kU/L) than in FF (61.4 ± 5.2 kU/L). Plasma concentrations were also higher (p < 0.0001) for HDL, LDL and total cholesterol when compared to FF. In conclusion, FF concentrations of PON1, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol were higher in healthy oestrogen active bovine follicles than in atretic follicles. PON1 was not expressed by granulosa cells indicating that high PON1 activity in bovine FF is apparently derived by transfer from blood in association with HDL.

First Report of Curvularia lunata on Jatropha curcas in Mexico.

The Mexican nut or Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is considered an alternative biodiesel source (2). This species is native to Mexico, but is widely distributed in Latin America, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Mexico has 6 million hectares with potential for cultivation of this crop (4). In Tamaulipas, Mexico, several adaptation trials have been conducted since 2008. In 2009, symptoms of Curvularia leaf spot were observed on basal leaves of 1-year-old J. curcas plants of the ecotype 'Yautepec' growing in El Mante, Tamaulipas. Spots with yellow borders originated on the edge of leaves, coalesced, and often resulted in approximately 20% leaf abscission on infected plants. Symptomatic leaves were sectioned into small pieces (0.5 cm) and gently washed with a 3:1 solution of 5% sodium hypochlorite to water and rinsed three times with sterilized distilled water. The leaf pieces were dried for 24 h on sterile filter paper, cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 27°C under continuous light for 7 days. Cultures produced pale brown conidia, relatively fusiform and cylindrical (25.6 ± 2.6 to 14.0 ± 1.6 µm) with a central cell that was slightly curved and larger and darker than the end cells. Conidia were loosely arranged on conidiophores sparsely distributed or in closer verticils (1). On the basis of the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Curvularia lunata. A fraction of the mycelium grown on solid medium was inoculated into potato dextrose broth and grown for 72 h and DNA extraction was performed. PCR with primers designed for 26S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were used to amplify and sequence 16S rRNA and the D2 region. This analysis resulted in 100% identity of the test isolate to GenBank Accession No. GQ328852.1 and the sequence of our isolate was submitted with Accession No. JF798505.1. Dried specimens were sent to the USA National Collection BPI. Koch's postulates were completed by testing for pathogenicity on 20 70-day-old Jatropha plants grown under greenhouse conditions. A conidial suspension (1 × 106 conidia ml-1) was prepared from monosporic cultures and hand sprayed onto test plants. Twenty plants were treated only with sterile water and used as controls. Symptoms appeared 2 weeks after inoculation, and 40 days later, all inoculated plants showed the same symptoms as those recorded in the field. Control plants did not show any disease symptoms. C. lunata was reisolated from 70% of the inoculated leaves. In Mexico, C. lunata was found on leaves of Quercus, Liquidambar, and Ananas, and was reported on cassava (Manihot esculentum), another member of the Euphorbiacea (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. lunata on Jatropha in Mexico. References: (1) M. B. Ellis. Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes. CMI, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1971. (2) L. N. Lourenco et al. Crop Sci. 47:2228, 2007. (3) W. Msikita et al. Plant Dis. 91:1430, 2007. (4) C. A. Zamarripa et al. Biocombustibles: Perspectivas de producción de biodiesel a partir de Jatropha curcas L., en el trópico de Mexico. INIFAP-SAGARPA-MEXICO, 2009.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis post-amniocentesis procedures in cattle: A randomized controlled equivalence study.

Amniocentesis is a routine procedure utilized on several species including human, equine, and bovine patients. Early assessment and discovery of new genetic traits in the cattle industry are highly desirable in order to accelerate genetic gain by shortening generational intervals. One of the main concerns from this procedure is the introduction of pathogenic bacterial contamination into the amniotic cavity thereby increasing the risks of spontaneous pregnancy losses post procedure. In this randomized controlled equivalence study, we have tested the effect of antimicrobial prophylaxis on the incidence of spontaneous abortions and contrasted it to untreated individuals post amniocentesis. On the treated group (n = 67) all heifers remained pregnant whereas 1 of the untreated group (n = 65) resulted in a spontaneous abortion during the study period. The latter represents 1.54% of pregnancy losses attributed to the risk associated to the amniocentesis procedure. However, the probability of inducing spontaneous abortion from the technique itself is not different to that of the contemporaneous population (n = 694) not undergoing amniocentesis viz., 1.59%. Following a two-tailed distribution, statistical analyses showed no significant differences across treatments (Fisher's exact test P = 0.49). The current prospective study indicates that performing amniocenteses on cattle have resulted in similar spontaneous pregnancy losses comparable to those of pregnant heifers without undergoing amniocentesis and regardless of antimicrobial use. In conclusion, prophylactic antimicrobials may not be applicable within the cattle amniocentesis framework.

Cumulative incidence trends of selected cancer sites in a Philippine population from 1983 to 2002: a joinpoint analysis.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated incidence trends in the Philippines. METHODS: From the databases of the Manila Cancer Registry, cumulative cancer incidence rates were determined for the five most common cancers for both sexes combined. Using joinpoint analysis, incidence trends for 1983-2002 were estimated. RESULTS: Among females, increasing trends were found for breast, 5% annual change, lung (0.5%) and colorectal (1.5%) cancers. Decreasing trends were found for cancers of the liver (-1.2%) and cervix (-1.9%). Among males, increasing trends were found for lung cancer (0.5%), whereas liver cancer rates have been decreasing (-1.0%). Colorectal cancer rates fluctuated. CONCLUSION: Certain sites showed declining incidence trends, but incidence trends for lifestyle-related cancers continue to rise. The prevention of infection-related cancers should also receive priority, particularly by vaccination programmes.

[Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Veracruz City, Mexico: a community-based survey]. / Prevalencia del síndrome de intestino irritable en población abierta de la ciudad de Veracruz, México.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is recognized as the most frequent functional digestive disorder around the world. In Latin America and Mexico there are few studies in order to demonstrate its real prevalence in general population. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of IBS in general population from Veracruz City Mexico, using the Rome II criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using basic information given by bureau for planning urban services from Veracruz country, a 10% random population sample was obtained. Subjects between 16-80 years old were interviewed using a questionnaire based on Rome II criteria and a visual analogous scale in order to estimate the negative effect of IBS symptoms on daily activities. RESULTS: We interviewed 459 subjects with a median age of 31.2 +/- 13.6 years old detecting 78 subjects (16.9%) with IBS symptoms: 25 males and 53 females (gender prevalence of 11.3% and 22.1%, respectively). 28.2% of them had IBS with diarrhea, 50% had IBS with constipation and 21.8% alternating bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation. Negative effect of IBS symptoms on daily activities was significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IBS in open population was 16.9% according to Rome II criteria, being higher in those older than 35 years old. Constipation was the predominant pattern. Further studies should evaluate associated factors of these findings.

Determining the probability of locating peaks using computerized peak-location methods in gamma-ray spectra as a function of the relative peak-area uncertainty.

The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.

Latin American Brain Mapping Network (LABMAN).

On March 8, 2008 in Havana, the Latin American Network for Brain Mapping (LABMAN) was created with participants from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico. The focus of LABMAN is to promote neuroimaging and systems neuroscience in the region through the implementation of training and exchange programs, and to increase public awareness of the Latin American potential to contribute both to basic and applied research in human brain mapping.

Fetal and neonatal habituation in infants of diabetic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether maternal diabetes alters the habituation ability of fetuses and newborns. STUDY DESIGN: Two nonrandomized clinical trials were performed. First, we studied prenatal fetuses of women with pregestational diabetes, and control subjects matched for gestational age, and then we studied infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and control subjects matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Fetus and newborns were stimulated with vibroacoustic stimulus. RESULTS: In fetuses of diabetic mothers, the ability to habituate was lower, and the habituation rate was higher than in control subjects to all habituation tests. In the neonatal period, ability to habituate was lower (59% vs 100%; P< .001), and the habituation rate was higher (18 [14-21] vs 4 [1.2-6.8]; P< .001) in the IDM than in the control infants. We found a significant negative correlation between maternal glycosylated hemoglobin in each trimester of pregnancy and habituation ability in IDM. CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses and infants of diabetic mothers have impaired habituation ability, which is related to the degree of maternal metabolic control.

[Thrombosis in vascular accesses for haemodialysis: rescue treatment using invasive vascular radiological techniques]. / Accesos vasculares para hemodiálisis trombosados: rescate mediante técnicas de radiología vascular intervencionista.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to communicate our experience in the salvage of thrombosed haemodialysis vascular accesses using interventional radiology techniques. METHODS: In the last four years, we have treated, by radiological means, 101 thrombosed haemodialysis vascular accesses. There were 44 autologous arteriovenous fistulas (43.56%) and 57 PTFE grafts (56.44%). There were 69 men (68.3%) and 32 women (31.7%). The mean age was 67.73 years (range 33-84). The mean vascular access age was 23.79 months (range 1-132). Manual catheter-directed aspiration was used. Fragmented, triturated or pushed the thrombus against the pulmonary circulation was avoided in all cases. RESULTS: 78 accesses were salvaged (77.2%). Autologous fistulas average and PTFE grafts success rate were 84.44% and 71.42% respectively. Angioplasty in one or more lesions after thromboaspiration was performed in all accesses, except six (5.9%). Metallic endoprostheses were implanted in 14 accesses (13.9%). Mean follow-up was 9 months (range 0-44). Primary patency was 42.3% +/- 5 at 6 months and 32% +/- 4 at one year. Autologous fistulas patency was better than PTFE grafts patency (p < or =0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest thrombosed autologous arteriovenous fistulas salvage is better than PTFE grafts. This justifies interventional radiology techniques in these situations.

Notch signalling in cancer stem cells.

A new theory about the development of solid tumours is emerging from the idea that solid tumours, like normal adult tissues, contain stem cells (called cancer stem cells) and arise from them. Genetic mutations encoding for proteins involved in critical signalling pathways for stem cells such as BMP, Notch, Hedgehog and Wnt would allow stem cells to undergo uncontrolled proliferation and form tumours. Taking into account that cancer stem cells (CSCs) would represent the real driving force behind tumour growth and that they may be drug resistant, new agents that target the above signalling pathways could be more effective than current anti-solid tumour therapies. In the present paper we will review the molecular basis of the Notch signalling pathway. Additionally, we will pay attention to their role in adult stem cell self-renewal, and cell fate specification and differentiation, and we will also review evidence that supports their implication in cancer.