Apoptosis in lymphocytes of pancreatic cancer patients: influence of preoperative enteral immunonutrition and extensive surgery.

The mechanisms of correcting immune disorders in patients with pancreatic cancer requiring major surgery procedures by introducing perioperative immune-enhancing diet (immunonutrition) are still unclear. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of pancreatic cancer, extensive surgery and immunonutrition versus enteral standard nutrition on the apoptotic signaling pathways. The randomized studies were performed in 72 patients before and after pancreatic cancer resection with preoperative standard (Group I) or enteral immunonutrition (Group II).

Dermal keratinocytes--protective mechanical, biochemical and immune functions related to grafting.

Clinical transplantation of skin remains an unsolved problem. The rejection process is a rapid one and high doses of immunosuppressive drugs are needed to mitigate it, bringing about systemic complications in the recipient. The strong response of skin cells to alloantigens is dictated by their evolutionarily developed innate reaction to the penetrating microorganisms.

Werner syndrome and mutations of the WRN and LMNA genes in France.

Werner syndrome (WS) is a pleiotropic disease of premature aging involving short stature, tight, atrophied, and/or ulcerated skin; a characteristic 'birdlike' facies and high, squeaky or hoarse voice; premature greying and thinning of the hair; and early onset cataracts. Additional common symptoms include diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis of the digits, soft tissue calcification, premature atherosclerosis, rare or multiple neoplasms, malformed teeth, and flat feet. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the variable presentation and rarity of the disorder.