Microbiota, Oxidative Stress, and Skin Cancer: An Unexpected Triangle

: Mounting evidence indicates that the microbiota, the unique combination of micro-organisms residing in a specific environment, plays an essential role in the development of a wide range of human diseases, including skin cancer. Moreover, a persistent imbalance of microbial community, named dysbiosis, can also be associated with oxidative stress, a well-known emerging force involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, including cutaneous malignancies. Although their interplay has been somewhat suggested, the connection between microbiota, oxidative stress, and skin cancer is a largely unexplored field. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on these topics, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies

Alemtuzumab long-term immunologic effect: Treg suppressor function increases up to 24 months

To analyze changes in T-helper (Th) subsets, T-regulatory (Treg) cell percentages and function, and mRNA levels of immunologically relevant molecules during a 24-month follow-up after alemtuzumab treatment in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)

Glutathione-responsive cyclodextrin-nanosponges as drug delivery systems for doxorubicin:Evaluation of toxicity and transport mechanisms in the liver

The potential mammalian hepatotoxicity of a new class of GSH-responsive cyclodextrin-based nanosponges loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox-GSH-NS) was investigated. Previous studies showed that these nanosponges can release medicaments preferentially in cells having high GSH content, a common feature of chemoresistant cells, and showed enhanced anti-tumoral activity compared to free Dox in vitro and in vivo in cells with high GSH content. Following these promising results, we investigated here the Dox-GSH-NS hepatotoxicity in human HepG2 cells (in vitro) and in the organotypic cultures of rat precision-cut liver slices (PCLS, ex vivo), while their accumulation in rat liver was assessed in vivo. Moreover, the transport in Dox uptake, as well as its efflux, was studied in vitro. Overall, benefiting of the integration of different investigational models, a good safety profile of Dox-GSH-NSs was evidenced, and their hepatotoxicity resulted to be comparable with respect to free Dox both in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that the hepatic accumulation of the Dox loaded in the NS is comparable with respect to the free drug. In addition, Dox-GSH-NSs are taken up by active mechanisms, and can escape the efflux drug pump, thus, contributing to overcoming drug resistance.</p