Acute regression of a melanocytic neoplasm.

Immune-mediated regression of melanocytic neoplasms is predominantly lymphocytic, driven by CD8+ anti-tumoral T-cells and, rarely, natural killer cells. Histopathologic features of regression include effacement of the epidermis, replacement of tumor cells by a fibrotic stroma, varying degrees of chronic inflammation (usually lymphocytes) and melanophages, as well as vascular ectasia and angioplasia. The understanding of regression and the complex immune response in melanoma has led to the development of targeted immunotherapy in melanoma.

Pharmacoeconomic Considerations in Treating Actinic Keratosis: An Update.

Actinic keratosis is one of the most common dermatological diagnoses worldwide, especially among the elderly, fair-skinned, and immunocompromised, and is associated with a risk of transformation to skin cancer. With actinic keratosis and skin cancer prevalence increasing as the aged population expands in the US, optimizing treatment strategies may produce cost savings for the healthcare system. Since the time of our last review in 2008, investigation of the economic considerations in treating actinic keratosis has advanced.

Transgenic inactivation of murine myostatin does not decrease the severity of disease in a model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and is a leading genetic cause of infantile death. SMA is caused by the homozygous loss of Survival Motor Neuron-1 (SMN1). The presence of a nearly identical copy gene called SMN2 has led to the development of several strategies that are designed to elevate SMN levels, and it is clear that SMN2 is an important modifier gene.

Cardiac defects contribute to the pathology of spinal muscular atrophy models.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder, which is the leading genetic cause of infantile death. SMA is the most common inherited motor neuron disease and occurs in approximately 1:6000 live births. The gene responsible for SMA is called Survival Motor Neuron-1 (SMN1).