Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: vimentin segregates at the invasive front of tumors in a murine xenograft model.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) ranks among the most lethal human cancers. Increased migratory and invasive capabilities are critical in malignancy and are often secondary to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, it is not clear whether the invasive behavior of ATC is associated with the presence of EMT.

Ser9p-GSK3β Modulation Contributes to the Protective Effects of Vitamin C in Neuroinflammation.

Background: The prolonged activation of microglia and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic neuroinflammation, which is an important pathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have previously reported the protective effect of Vitamin C (Vit C) on a mouse model of PD. However, its effect on microglial functions in neuroinflammation remains to be clarified.

Increased hexosamine biosynthetic pathway flux alters cell-cell adhesion in INS-1E cells and murine islets.

Purpose: In type 2 Diabetes, β-cell failure is caused by loss of cell mass, mostly by apoptosis, but also by simple dysfunction (dedifferentiation, decline of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion). Apoptosis and dysfunction are caused, at least in part, by glucotoxicity, in which increased flux of glucose in the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway plays a role. In this study, we sought to clarify whether increased hexosamine biosynthetic pathway flux affects another important aspect of β-cell physiology, that is β-cell-β-cell homotypic interactions.

Oligodendrocytes Prune Axons Containing α-Synuclein Aggregates In Vivo: Lewy Neurites as Precursors of Glial Cytoplasmic Inclusions in Multiple System Atrophy?

α-Synucleinopathies are spreading neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the intracellular accumulation of insoluble aggregates populated by α-Synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. In Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies, intraneuronal α-Syn aggregates are referred to as Lewy bodies in the somata and as Lewy neurites in the neuronal processes. In multiple system atrophy (MSA) α-Syn aggregates are also found within mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) where they form Glial Cytoplasmic Inclusions (GCIs).

Gut-lung Microbiota Interactions in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Potential Mechanisms Driving Progression to COPD and Epidemiological Data.

This paper focuses on the gut-lung axis in the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), highlighting the key role played by microbial dysbiosis and the impact of environmental and genetic factors on the innate and acquired immune system and on chronic inflammation in the intestinal and pulmonary tracts. Recent evidence indicates that Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) perform regulatory activity influencing the composition of the microbiota. APCs (macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells) possess membrane receptors known as Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), a category of toll-like receptors (TLRs).

Tapered fibertrodes for optoelectrical neural interfacing in small brain volumes with reduced artefacts.

Deciphering the neural patterns underlying brain functions is essential to understanding how neurons are organized into networks. This deciphering has been greatly facilitated by optogenetics and its combination with optoelectronic devices to control neural activity with millisecond temporal resolution and cell type specificity. However, targeting small brain volumes causes photoelectric artefacts, in particular when light emission and recording sites are close to each other.

Neurons with Cat's Eyes: A Synthetic Strain of α-Synuclein Fibrils Seeding Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusions.

The distinct neuropathological features of the different α-Synucleinopathies, as well as the diversity of the α-Synuclein (α-Syn) intracellular inclusion bodies observed in post mortem brain sections, are thought to reflect the strain diversity characterizing invasive α-Syn amyloids. However, this "one strain, one disease" view is still hypothetical, and to date, a possible disease-specific contribution of non-amyloid factors has not been ruled out. In Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), the buildup of α-Syn inclusions in oligodendrocytes seems to result from the terminal storage of α-Syn amyloid aggregates first pre-assembled in neurons.

Inflammatory Response Modulation by Vitamin C in an MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Vitamin C (Vit C) is anutrient present in many foods, particularly citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, and potatoes. Vit C is studied for its applications in the prevention and management of different pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is a defense mechanism activated by a stimulus or an insult that is aimed at the preservation of the brain by promoting tissue repair and removing cellular debris; however, persistent inflammatory responses are detrimental and may lead to the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease.

Formyl Peptide Receptor (FPR)1 Modulation by Resveratrol in an LPS-Induced Neuroinflammatory Animal Model.

Among therapeutic approaches that have been investigated, targeting of receptors implicated in managing neuroinflammation has been described. One such family of receptors comprises the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) whose ligands could play a role in host defense. The murine FPR gene family includes at least six members while in humans there are only three.

Parental Perception of Children's Weight Status: Love Overpasses Scientific Evidence! A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Introduction: Age, gender, body mass index percentiles and the adherence to Mediterranean diet were investigated as potential predictor factors in this assessment.

Aim: To assess the parental perception of children's weight status.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out during a corporate wellness program (Ferrari Formula Benessere) implemented by Ferrari S.

A specific lipid metabolic profile is associated with the epithelial mesenchymal transition program.

Several studies have identified a specific metabolic program that is associated with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Whereas much is known about the association between glucose metabolism and EMT, the contribution of lipid metabolism is not still completely understood. Here, we studied epithelial and mesenchymal breast cancer cells by proteomic and lipidomic approaches and identified significant differences that characterised these models concerning specific metabolic enzymes and metabolites including fatty acids and phospholipids.

Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Technology Modulates Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Neurodegeneration.

In this study, the effects of Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC), a non-invasive physical treatment, on neuroinflammatory responses in a mouse model of parkinsonism induced by intoxication with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), were investigated in vivo. We found that the REAC tissue optimization treatment specific for neuro-regenerative purposes (REAC TO-RGN-N) attenuated the inflammatory picture evoked by MPTP-induced nigro-striatal damage in mice, decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators. Besides, there was a significant reduction of both astrocyte and microglial activation in MPTP-treated mice exposed to REAC TO-RGN-N.

Highly Selective Cyclooxygenase-1 Inhibitors P6 and Mofezolac Counteract Inflammatory State both and Models of Neuroinflammation.

Activated microglia secrete an array of pro-inflammatory factors, such as prostaglandins, whose accumulation contributes to neuronal damages. Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases or cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a critical role in the inflammation, are the pharmacological targets of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used to treat pain and inflammation. Since it was reported that COX-1 is the major player in mediating the brain inflammatory response, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of highly selective COX-1 inhibitors, such as P6 and mofezolac, in neuroinflammation models.

Orexin System: The Key for a Healthy Life.

The orexin-A/hypocretin-1 and orexin-B/hypocretin-2 are neuropeptides synthesized by a cluster of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus and perifornical area. Orexin neurons receive a variety of signals related to environmental, physiological and emotional stimuli, and project broadly to the entire CNS. Orexin neurons are "multi-tasking" neurons regulating a set of vital body functions, including sleep/wake states, feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, reward systems, cognition and mood.

Vitamin D Treatment Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease, Shifting M1 to M2 Microglia Responses.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been described as a common hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is believed to further exacerbate the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Current therapies are unable to prevent the disease progression. A significant association has been demonstrated between PD and low levels of vitamin D in patients serum, and vitamin D supplement appears to have a beneficial clinical effect.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy highly resistant to chemotherapy. There is an urgent need for effective therapy inasmuch as resistance, intrinsic and acquired, to conventional therapies is common. Among Pt(II) antitumor drugs, [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] (Ptac2S) has recently attracted considerable attention due to its strong in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity and reduced toxicity.

Statins May Prevent Atherosclerotic Disease in OSA Patients without Co-Morbidities?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive interruptions of breathing, causing Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia (CIH) that can be involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. There is evidence showing a close relationship between OSA and atherosclerosis, even in patients who do not show co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), cigarette smoking and obesity, which can activate the endothelium. This endothelium activation due to CIH and specific to OSA seems to be dependent on a different pathway.

A Qualitative and Quantitative Study of the Innervation of the Human Non Pregnant Uterus.

Human female reproductive system is closely dependent by hormonal stimulation. Anyway it is now commonly stated that autonomic innervation system regulates, along with hormonal stimulation, the uterine physiology. Cholinergic and adrenergic innervations have a critical role in mediating input to the uterus, but other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides exist that influence uterine physiology, as well.

A Proteomic Analysis of Human Uterine Myoma.

Uterine leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor characterized by a high incidence in women of reproductive age. The aetiology of this tumor is still unknown but established risk factors include high levels of female hormones, family history, African ancestry, early age of menarche and obesity. Here, to identify proteomic features associated with this tumor type, we performed a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of uterine myomas.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: coagulation anomalies and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with severe cardiovascular events, morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has highlighted OSAS as an independent risk factor for an excessive platelet activation and arterial thrombosis, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been determined. Studies in cell culture and animal models have significantly increased our understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation in OSAS.

Selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition by p6 and gastrotoxicity: preliminary investigation.

Background/aims: Gastrointestinal damage (GD) is commonly associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, one of the two known COXs, by traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. More recent evidences have proven that GD is caused by the simultaneous inhibition of the two COXs. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the selective COX-1 inhibition on gastric integrity.

A rapid and simple method for the determination of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in mouse brain homogenate by HPLC with fluorimetric detection.

A fast and simple isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) in homogenate samples of mouse striatum employing the direct fluorescence of the neurotransmitters is described. The method has been optimized and validated. The analytes were separated in 15min on a reversed-phase column (C18) with acetate buffer (pH 4.

Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's-like disease: possible role of SOCS-1 in reducing pro-inflammatory responses.

In the present study we used a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model to analyze resveratrol neuroprotective effects. The MPTP-induced PD model is characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and loss of the dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). We observed that resveratrol treatment significantly reduced glial activation, decreasing the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as their respective receptors in the SNpc of MPTP-treated mice, as demonstrated by Western blotting, RT-PCR and quantitative PCR analysis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease phenotype desaturator with hypoxic vascular remodelling and pulmonary hypertension obtained by cluster analysis.

Significant heterogeneity of clinical presentation and disease progression exists within chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This article discusses and refines the concept of desaturator phenotypes in COPD with pulmonary hypertension (PH) obtained by cluster analysis and presents a pattern of phenotypic markers that could be used as a framework for future diagnosis and research. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation results in sleep disturbances which predispose to nocturnal cardiac dysrhythmias, PH and possibly nocturnal death, particularly during acute exacerbations.