Bridging the gap between toxicity and carcinogenicity of mineral fibres by connecting the fibre parameters to the key characteristics of carcinogens: A comprehensive model inspiring asbestos-induced cancer prevention strategies.

Background: Today, many research groups in the world are struggling to fully understand the mechanisms leading to the carcinogenesis of hazardous mineral fibres, like asbestos, in view of devising effective cancer prevention strategies and therapies. Along this research line, our work attempts the completion of a model aimed at evaluating how, and to what extent, physical-crystal-chemical and morphological parameters of mineral fibres prompt adverse effects leading to carcinogenesis.

Methods: toxicology tests that deliver information on the 10 key characteristics of carcinogens adopted by the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) have been systematically collected for a commercial chrysotile, standard UICC crocidolite and wollastonite.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling by Phytotherapeutics in Periodontitis.

Periodontitis affects up to 40% of adults over 60 years old and is a consequence of gingivitis. Periodontitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation, periodontal damage, and alveolar bone resorption. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) (NRF2/KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a key role in periodontitis by modulating redox balance and inflammation of the periodontium.

The Role of Xanthine Oxidase in Pregnancy Complications: A Systematic Review.

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is an enzyme involved in the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid. XOR has two isoforms: xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase (XO). XO plays a major role in oxidative stress, causing the formation of reactive oxygen species.

First Trimester Placental Biomarkers for Pregnancy Outcomes.

The placenta plays a key role in several adverse obstetrical outcomes, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and gestational diabetes mellitus. The early identification of at-risk pregnancies could significantly improve the management, therapy and prognosis of these pregnancies, especially if these at-risk pregnancies are identified in the first trimester. The aim of this review was to summarize the possible biomarkers that can be used to diagnose early placental dysfunction and, consequently, at-risk pregnancies.

Special Issue "Ovarian Cancer: Advances on Pathophysiology and Therapies".

Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic cancer with a high mortality rate, and its incidence has increased significantly over the past 50 years [...

Special Issue "Physiology and Pathophysiology of Placenta 2.0".

We are pleased to present this Special Issue of the , entitled "Physiology and Pathophysiology of Placenta 2 [...

Special Issue "Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Placenta".

The placenta is a transient but essential organ for normal in utero development, playing several essential functions in normal pregnancy [...

Macroscopic and Microscopic Cerebral Findings in Drug and Alcohol Abusers: The Point of View of the Forensic Pathologist.

Drug abuse still represents a significant challenge for forensic pathologists; it must always be considered during the autopsy examination when the brain morphological alterations observed are not characteristic of any known disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Nonetheless, no specific brain lesions had been found to characterize the precise drug that caused the poisoning. In fact, a broad spectrum of changes affecting the CNS are seen in drug abusers.

The "Bad Father": Paternal Role in Biology of Pregnancy and in Birth Outcome.

Pregnancy is generally studied as a biological interaction between a mother and a fetus; however, the father, with his characteristics, lifestyle, genetics, and living environment, is by no means unrelated to the outcome of pregnancy. The half of the fetal genetic heritage of paternal derivation can be decisive in cases of inherited chromosomal disorders, and can be the result of de novo genetic alterations. In addition to the strictly pathological aspects, paternal genetics may transmit thrombophilic traits that affect the implantation and vascular construction of the feto-placental unit, lead to placenta-mediated diseases such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation, and contribute to the multifactorial genesis of preterm delivery.

HELLP Syndrome and Differential Diagnosis with Other Thrombotic Microangiopathies in Pregnancy.

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) comprise a distinct group of diseases with different manifestations that can occur in both pediatric and adult patients. They can be hereditary or acquired, with subtle onset or a rapidly progressive course, and they are particularly known for their morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy is a high-risk time for the development of several types of thrombotic microangiopathies.

Mechanisms of action of mineral fibres in a placental syncytiotrophoblast model: An in vitro toxicology study.

Asbestos has been widely used due to its unique characteristics. It is known that exposure to asbestos causes serious damage to health but one species, chrysolite, is still used because it is considered less toxic and not biopersistent in some countries. The aim of our study was to investigate if cellular process underlying the proliferation, differentiation and cell death of placental tissues could be modify in presence of asbestos fibres (50 μg/ml final concentration), long chrysolite fibres (CHR-L) and short chrysolite fibres (CHR-S), using BeWo cell line, an in vitro model that mimics the syncytiotrophoblast (STB), the outer layer of placental villi.

Role of SLC7A11/xCT in Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous gynecologic cancers worldwide and has a high fatality rate due to diagnosis at an advanced stage of the disease as well as a high recurrence rate due to the occurrence of chemotherapy resistance. In fact, chemoresistance weakens the therapeutic effects, worsening the outcome of this pathology. Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11, also known as xCT) is the functional subunit of the Xc- system, an anionic L-cystine/L-glutamate antiporter expressed on the cell surface.

Diagnostic Methods in Forensic Pathology: Autoptic Findings and Immunohistochemical Study in Cases of Sudden Death Due to a Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle.

The colloid cyst is a non-malignant tumor growth made of a gelatinous material covered by a membrane of epithelial tissue. It is usually located posterior to the foramen of Monro, in the anterior aspect of the third ventricle of the brain. Due to its location, it can cause obstructive hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure, and sudden cardiac death, catecholamine-mediated, through hypothalamus compression.

First Trimester CD93 as a Novel Marker of Preeclampsia and Its Complications: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: CD93 plays a crucial role in endothelial homeostasis and angiogenesis. Recently its role in hypertension has been investigated, holding promise for novel targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Aim: We assessed for the first time differences in first trimester serum CD93 levels in women who lately developed preeclampsia (PE) vs.

Cellular Modulators of the NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. Prostate cancer can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The latter, in the form of androgen-deprivation therapy is needed to reduce prostate cancer progression at an advanced stage.

Role of CD93 in Health and Disease.

CD93 (also known as complement protein 1 q subcomponent receptor C1qR1 or C1qRp), is a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by a gene located on 20p11.21 and composed of 652 amino acids. CD93 can be present in two forms: soluble (sCD93) and membrane-bound (CD93).

Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of CD93 in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 93 (also known as complement protein 1 q subcomponent receptor C1qR1 or C1qRp) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that can also be present in a soluble (sCD93) form. Recent studies have investigated the role of this protein in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present systematic review aims to assess the associations between CD93 and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease at both the proteomic and genomic levels.

Melanoma and subcutaneous adipose tissue: Role of peritumoral adipokines in disease characterization and prognosis.

In the last decades, the concept of adipose organ has emerged, giving adipose tissue an active endocrine and immunologic function through the secretion of multiple cytokines and chemokines that seem to be implicated in the development and progression of several cancer, including cutaneous melanoma. In this pilot experimental study, we analyzed the expression in the peritumor subcutaneous adipose tissue of the most significant adipokines involved in the processes of carcinogenesis and metastasis in a population of melanoma patients and in two control groups composed of melanocytic nevi and epidermoid cysts, respectively. We correlated the results obtained with the main disease prognostic factors observing a statistically significant increase in the expression of PAI1, LEP, CXCL1, NAMPT, and TNF-α at the level of the peritumor tissue of the melanoma samples compared to the control groups and a correlation of the same with the histopathological prognostic factor of melanoma.

Role of Natural and Synthetic Compounds in Modulating NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Prostate cancer can be treated by surgery or active surveillance when early diagnosed but, when diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, radiation therapy or androgen-deprivation therapy is needed to reduce cancer progression. However, both of these therapies can cause prostate cancer resistance to treatment.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling in Preeclampsia.

Placentation is a key and tightly regulated process that ensures the normal development of the placenta and fetal growth. Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy-related disorder involving about 5-8% of all pregnancies and clinically characterized by de novo maternal hypertension and proteinuria. In addition, PE pregnancies are also characterized by increased oxidative stress and inflammation.

Serum uric acid to creatinine ratio and risk of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: Preeclampsia is one of the most severe diseases among the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is of crucial importance to early identify women at a high risk for preeclampsia to implement appropriate preventive strategies. In our study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that serum uric acid to creatinine ratio (SUA/sCr) is related to the development of preeclampsia and maternal and neonatal complications.

Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Placenta.

We are pleased to present this Special Issue of the , entitled "Physiology and Pathophysiology of Placenta" [...

Ovarian Cancer: Advances in Pathophysiology and Therapies.

We are pleased to present this Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled "Ovarian Cancer: Advances in Pathophysiology and Therapies" [...