Expression of Syndecan-1 in Chronic Liver Diseases: Correlation With Hepatic Fibrosis.

Background/aim: The mechanisms underlying the contribution of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 to liver tissue injury and to crucial biological processes, such as fibrogenesis, remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of syndecan-1 in chronic liver diseases (CLDs) and its probable role in hepatic fibrosis.

Materials And Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of biopsy material obtained from 128 patients diagnosed with CLDs.

Alterations of p53 and Rb Pathways Are Associated with High Proliferation in Bladder Urothelial Carcinomas.

Background/aim: Since most cancers are associated with alterations of the p53 and Rb pathways, the expression of p53, p21, Rb, p16, p27, cyclin D1, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and Ki67 proteins were analyzed in bladder urothelial carcinomas (BUC).

Materials And Methods: One hundred twenty-two cases of BUC were studied by immunohistochemistry.

Results: The pathways p53/p21 and Rb/p16/cyclin D1 exhibited alterations in 81/115 and 63/84 cases, respectively.

Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics and Inherited Optic Neuropathies.

Inherited optic neuropathies are a genetically diverse group of disorders mainly characterized by visual loss and optic atrophy. Since the first recognition of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, several genetic defects altering primary mitochondrial respiration have been proposed to contribute to the development of syndromic and non-syndromic optic neuropathies. Moreover, the genomics and imaging revolution in the past decade has increased diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, allowing recognition of a link between mitochondrial dynamics machinery and a broad range of inherited neurodegenerative diseases involving the optic nerve.

Immunohistochemical Study of Vasculogenic Mimicry and Angiogenesis in Melanocytic Tumors of the Eye and the Periocular Area.

Background/aim: The ability of a tumor to grow requires a sufficient blood supply. Microvascular density is considered the standard for assessing the neovasculature. Tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry refers to the formation of tumor cell-lined vessels that contribute to tumor neovascularization.

Natural Compounds and Neuroprotection: Mechanisms of Action and Novel Delivery Systems.

Neurodegeneration characterizes pathologic conditions, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to glaucoma, with devastating social and economic effects. It is a complex process implicating a series of molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, excitotoxicity and inflammation. Natural compounds, because of their broad spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities, could be possible candidates for the management of such multifactorial morbidities.