Role of Apaf-1, a key regulator of apoptosis, in melanoma progression and chemoresistance

Apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) is a key regulator of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, being the central element of the multimeric apoptosome formed by procaspase 9, cytochrome c, and Apaf-1 itself. In this review, the principal aspects about Apaf-1 gene structure and function, and its role in the apoptotic machinery, are described. Moreover, the most recent findings about the involvement of this molecule in melanoma progression and chemoresistance, as well as the clinico-pathological relevance of these findings in the treatment of this deadly disease, are reported.     

Leiomyosarcoma of the scrotum arising from the dartos muscle: a rare clinicopathological entity

Scrotal leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumour arising from the dartos layer: We describe a case of scrotal leiomyosarcoma in a 40-year-old man. The patient was treated by a wide surgical excision and no recurrence has been recognized 36 months later. A review of the literature is presented, summarizing the principal clinical and morphological characteristics of this rare tumor.     

A new molecular and cytogenetic approach to sterility. A review of the literature

In the therapeutic procedure of conjugal fertility, the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has opened new possibilities when conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques are unsuccessful. Cytogenetic studies showed the presence of genetic anomalies in foetuses conceived with this technique. Starting from these considerations, through a data collection of the literature, the authors report the latest scientific findings on this problem. They show the limits of the knowledge about genetic risks linked to these techniques, increasingly imposing rigorous medical behavior and conscious choices of the couple.     

Decrease of specific and total IgE levels in allergic patients after BCG vaccination: preliminary report

BACKGROUND: A systemic reaction to mycobacteria biases the balance of T helper cell types 1 and 2 toward T helper cell type 1. BCG vaccination mimics some characteristics of mycobacterial infection. Children who have undergone tuberculin conversion after BCG vaccination seem to be more likely to lose their atopic symptoms. Inhibition of both allergic response and airway hyperreactivity after vaccination for mycobacteria has been observed in animal experiments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects that BCG vaccination has on the serological status of allergic people. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study included 20 volunteers with a history of allergic rhinitis who were required to undergo BCG vaccination by Italian law. Epicutaneous allergy testing with a panel of common seasonal and perennial inhalational allergens and 2 blood withdrawals were performed. The serum total IgE levels and the serum allergen-specific IgE levels of each individual were measured just before BCG vaccination and again 4 months later. Total IgE levels were determined using the paper radioimmunosorbent test, and allergen-specific IgE levels were determined using the radioallergosorbent test. RESULTS: Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE levels were significantly decreased after BCG vaccination (P =.004 and P<.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: BCG, an effective stimulus for cell-mediated immunity, deserves further study to evaluate its ability to modulate the immune response associated with allergic rhinitis.     

Resistance training improves glycaemic control in obese type 2 diabetic men

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether moderate intensity resistance training (RT) improves glycaemic control in obese, type 2 diabetic men. Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to a 10-week RT program, or a non-training control group (C). Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting glucose and insulin, glucose and insulin 120 minutes (2h) after a 75 g oral glucose load, body composition and muscular strength and endurance were measured before and after the 10-week experimental period. In the RT group fasting glucose and insulin decreased with training (p < 0.05) and decreases in HbA 1c approached significance (p = 0.057). 2-h glucose and insulin did not change in either group. Fat free mass (FFM) increased by 3.5 % after RT but was unchanged in the controls. Fat mass (FM) increased 6.9 % in C but was unchanged in RT. Percent body fat was unchanged in both groups. Muscular strength and endurance increased by 25 to 52 % in the RT group but was unchanged in controls. Changes in fasting glucose and HbA 1c were inversely related to changes in FFM. These results suggest that RT is an effective form of exercise training which modestly improves glycaemic control and lowers fasting insulin levels in obese type 2 diabetics.     

Lansoprazole fast disintegrating tablet: a new formulation for an established proton pump inhibitor

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) which is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option in the management of acid-related disorders. Lansoprazole fast disintegrating tablet (LFDT)--a new, patient-friendly and more convenient formulation of lansoprazole which can be taken with or without water--is the first PPI to be made available as an orally disintegrating tablet. It represents an innovative drug delivery system, comprising enteric-coated microgranules of lansoprazole compressed with an inactive, rapidly dispersing matrix to form a tablet. When the tablet is placed on the tongue and sucked gently it disintegrates rapidly in the mouth, releasing the enteric-coated microgranules which are swallowed with the patient's saliva without water. Alternatively, the tablet can be swallowed with a drink of water. Studies have shown that the bioavailability of LFDT is comparable to lansoprazole capsules, at both 15 and 30 mg doses; the indications and recommended dosages for LFDT are therefore identical to lansoprazole capsules. The new formulation may be of particular benefit to those with active life-styles who do not always have water available, patients who have difficulty in swallowing, and elderly patients.     

Chondroid chordoma of the lateral skull base

A rare case of chondroid chordoma of the lateral skull base with laterocervical extension is reported. Clinical, radiological and pathological features of the tumor are described. This unusual location of chondroid chordoma enabled total resection of the neoplastic tissue through a combined laterocervical and far lateral transjugular approach.     

Neuroendocrine differentiation in non-small cell lung carcinomas

The immunohistochemical expression of ten neuroendocrine and neural differentiation-related antigens in 200 specimens from patients with surgically resected non-small cell lung carcinomas were evaluated. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and undifferentiated large cell carcinomas showed the highest percentage of positive samples (30%-60%) for the markers evaluated with diffuse and intense immunostaining. Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas bronchioalveolar adenocarcinomas, and giant cell carcinomas showed a lower percentage of positive samples (20%) with moderate immunostaining. Well differentiated tumors were very rarely positive for the neuroendocrine markers. It is concluded that neoplasms positive for the neuroendocrine markers can be considered as non-small cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine features, even if they do not have the histological appearance of neuroendocrine lung neoplasms.