ROS as Regulators of Cellular Processes in Melanoma.

In this review, we examine the multiple roles of ROS in the pathogenesis of melanoma, focusing on signal transduction and regulation of gene expression. In recent years, different studies have analyzed the dual role of ROS in regulating the redox system, with both negative and positive consequences on human health, depending on cell concentration of these agents. High ROS levels can result from an altered balance between oxidant generation and intracellular antioxidant activity and can produce harmful effects.

The Streptococcus agalactiae cell wall-anchored protein PbsP mediates adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells by exploiting the host vitronectin/α integrin axis.

Binding of microbial pathogens to host vitronectin (Vtn) is a common theme in the pathogenesis of invasive infections. In this study, we characterized the role of Vtn in the invasion of mucosal epithelial cells by Streptococcus agalactiae (i.e.

Genistein reduces proliferation of EP3-expressing melanoma cells through inhibition of PGE2-induced IL-8 expression.

Genistein, a natural isoflavone found in soybean products, is considered as a powerful anti-cancer agent, although the involved mechanisms are not fully understood. There is a growing body of evidence that, among the genes inhibited by genistein and responsible for cell cycle progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, IL-8 occupies a relevant place. On the other hand, it is equally well documented that IL-8 is upregulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE) in different pathological conditions, particularly in neoplastic disease.

Possible protective role of the ABCA4 gene c.1268A>G missense variant in Stargardt disease and syndromic retinitis pigmentosa in a Sicilian family: Preliminary data.

In the wide horizon of ophthalmologically rare diseases among retinitis pigmentosa forms, Stargardt disease has gradually assumed a significant role due to its heterogeneity. In the present study, we aimed to support one of two opposite hypotheses concerning the causative or protective role of heterozygous c.1268A>G missense variant of the ABCA4 gene in Stargardt disease and in syndromic retinitis pigmentosa.

DSS1 promoter hypomethylation and overexpression predict poor prognosis in melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Previous studies have found a link between high expression levels of the Deleted in Split hand/Split foot 1 (DSS1) gene and cancer progression. The aim of this study was to examine whether overexpression of DSS1 is a feature of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and if any epigenetic modifications are involved. Evaluation of DSS1 expression profile indicated that the gene is overexpressed in 112 of 130 cutaneous melanomas (86.