Conditional Pten inactivation in pituitary results in sex-specific prolactinoma formation.

Pituitary tumors, including prolactinomas, present significant clinical challenges that require a deeper understanding of their molecular roots for improved diagnostics and therapies. Here, we investigate the role of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in pituitary tumorigenesis using a mouse model. Conditional knockout of Pten in all pituitary cell lineages resulted in prolactinoma formation exclusively in female mice, demonstrating the critical role of PTEN in pituitary homeostasis.

Herbivory in (Cactaceae): Do Parasitoids Provide Indirect Defense or a Direct Advantage?

Plants respond to herbivory in diverse, complex ways, ranging from avoidance or tolerance to indirect defense mechanisms such as attracting natural enemies of herbivores, i.e., parasitoids or predators, to strengthen their defense.

Diesel effects on some population attributes of Orthonychiurus folsomi Schäffer 1900 (Collembola: Onychiuridae) under laboratory conditions.

Soil contamination by hydrocarbons and its effects on population health and welfare is a growing concern, especially in urban environments with industrial activity. Indicator species complement the information obtained from the measurement of environment quality by using physicochemical variables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of a springtail species that could be potentially used as a bioindicator of hydrocarbon contaminated sites.

Sex Hormone Receptor Expression in Craniopharyngiomas and Association with Tumor Aggressiveness Characteristics.

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare tumors of the sellar and suprasellar regions of embryonic origin. The primary treatment for CPs is surgery but it is often unsuccessful. Although CPs are considered benign tumors, they display a relatively high recurrence rate that might compromise quality of life.

Quantitative Analysis of Somatostatin and Dopamine Receptors Gene Expression Levels in Non-functioning Pituitary Tumors and Association with Clinical and Molecular Aggressiveness Features.

The primary treatment for non-functioning pituitary tumors (NFPTs) is surgery, but it is often unsuccessful. Previous studies have reported that NFPTs express receptors for somatostatin (SST) and dopamine (DRDs) providing a rationale for the use of dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogues. Here, we systematically assessed SST and DRDs expression by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in a large group of patients with NFPTs ( = 113) and analyzed their potential association with clinical and molecular aggressiveness features.