Expression and genetic analysis of miRNAs involved in CD4+ cell activation in patients with multiple sclerosis.

MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediate RNA interference has been identified as a novel mechanism that regulates protein expression. It is recognised that miRNAs play essential roles in the immune system and for correct function in the brain. Moreover, it is now clear that abnormal miRNA expression is a common feature of several diseases involving the immune system including multiple sclerosis (MS).

Latanoprost exerts neuroprotective activity in vitro and in vivo.

Prostaglandins may influence cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, thus interfering with ischemia-induced neurotoxic processes. The prostaglandin synthetic derivative, latanoprost was tested in different in vivo and in vitro models of neuronal damage in order to study its influence on these processes. Ischemia was induced in rats by bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries for 30 min.

Combination chemotherapy with epirubicin and mitomycin C as first-line treatment in advanced breast cancer.

From December 1988 to February 1991, 112 consecutive patients were submitted to epirubicin + mitomycin C chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer. Epirubicin (75 mg/m2) was given every 3 weeks and mitomycin C (10 mg/m2) every 6 weeks. Only patients with visceral involvement or with a disease-free interval of less than 12 months were considered eligible.

Cisplatin-VP16 alternating with cyclophosphamide-epirubicin versus cyclophosphamide-epirubicin-vincristine in small cell lung cancer.

In the hope of increasing the incidence of objective remissions and the survival time of patients with small cell lung cancer, we conducted a randomized study designed to compare a treatment scheme of alternating chemotherapy featuring cisplatin+etoposide followed by cyclophosphamide+epirubicin versus conventional chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide+epirubicin+vincristine, in a total of 113 patients (56 treated with the alternating regime and 57 treated conventionally). Patients receiving the alternating drug regimen showed some increase in objective remission rates, and above all increased mean survival time (297 days versus 232). The higher incidence of side effects encountered was effectively controlled by the usual medical therapy.