NLRP3 inflammasome-mitochondrion loop in autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior. To date, no single cause has been demonstrated but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved in abnormal brain development. In recent years, immunological and mitochondrial dysfunctions acquired particular interest in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ASD.

Combined exposure to UV and PM affect skin oxinflammatory responses and it is prevented by antioxidant mix topical application: Evidences from clinical study.

Background: Exposure to environmental stressors like particulate matter (PM) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) induces cutaneous oxidative stress and inflammation and leads to skin barrier dysfunction and premature aging. Metals like iron or copper are abundant in PM and are known to contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Aims: Although it has been suggested that topical antioxidants may be able to help in preventing and/or reducing outdoor skin damage, limited clinical evidence under real-life exposure conditions have been reported.

A proteomic approach to investigate the role of the MECP2 gene mutation in Rett syndrome redox regulatory pathways.

Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding 2 (MECP2) gene lead to Rett Syndrome (RTT; OMIM 312750), a devasting neurodevelopmental disorder. RTT clinical manifestations are complex and with different degrees of severity, going from autistic-like behavior to loss of acquired speech, motor skills and cardiac problems. Furthermore, the correlation between the type of MECP2 mutation and the clinical phenotype is still not fully understood.

Comparison of Pollutant Effects on Cutaneous Inflammasomes Activation.

The skin is the outermost layer of the body and, therefore, is exposed to a variety of stressors, such as environmental pollutants, known to cause oxinflammatory reactions involved in the exacerbation of several skin conditions. Today, inflammasomes are recognized as important modulators of the cutaneous inflammatory status in response to air pollutants and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. In this study, human skin explants were exposed to the best-recognized air pollutants, such as microplastics (MP), cigarette smoke (CS), diesel engine exhaust (DEE), ozone (O), and UV, for 1 or 4 days, to explore how each pollutant can differently modulate markers of cutaneous oxinflammation.