Pharmacological Activation of the EDA/EDAR Signaling Pathway Restores Salivary Gland Function following Radiation-Induced Damage

Radiotherapy of head and neck cancers often results in collateral damage to adjacent salivary glands associated with clinically significant hyposalivation and xerostomia. Due to the reduced capacity of salivary glands to regenerate, hyposalivation is treated by substitution with artificial saliva, rather than through functional restoration of the glands. During embryogenesis, the ectodysplasin/ectodysplasin receptor (EDA/EDAR) signaling pathway is a critical element in the development and growth of salivary glands. We have assessed the effects of pharmacological activation of this pathway in a mouse model of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. We report that post-irradiation administration of an EDAR-agonist monoclonal antibody (mAbEDAR1) normalizes function of radiation damaged adult salivary glands as determined by stimulated salivary flow rates. In addition, salivary gland structure and homeostasis is restored to pre-irradiation levels. These results suggest that transient activation of pathways involved in salivary gland development could facilitate regeneration and restoration of function following damage

Orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: description of a case diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging.

Orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare tumor. Correct diagnosis and accurate staging are of paramount importance for timely treatment and better outcome. We report the case of a female patient with bilateral orbital lymphoma, and describe the clinical-pathological aspects of the disease and its neuroradiological features

Orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: description of a case diagnosed with magnetic esonance Imaging.

Orbital non-Hodgkin\u2019s lymphoma is a rare tumor. Correct diagnosis and accurate staging are of paramount importance for timely treatment and better outcome. We report the case of a female patient with bilateral orbital lymphoma, and describe the clinical-pathological aspects of the disease and its neuroradiological features

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: description of a case in the setting of severe infection.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a well recognized neurotoxic state coupled with a unique neuroradiological appearance. This syndrome is associated with a broad spectrum of complex conditions (preeclampsia/eclampsia, bone marrow/organ transplantation, chemotherapy, autoimmune disease). We report the case of a female patient who developed PRES in the setting of severe infection, and we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the development of cerebral edema by describing the inherent neuroradiological features

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: description of a case in the setting of severe infection.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a well recognized neurotoxic state coupled with a unique neuroradiological appearance. This syndrome is associated with a broad spectrum of complex conditions (preeclampsia/eclampsia, bone marrow/organ transplantation, chemotherapy, autoimmune disease). We report the case of a female patient who developed PRES in the setting of severe infection, and we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the development of cerebral edema by describing the inherent neuroradiological features

Can MRI predict which patients are most likely to benefit from percutaneous positioning of volume-adjustable balloon devices?

PURPOSE: To assess whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in predicting which patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) will benefit from a new anti-incontinence therapy named adjustable continence therapy (AC). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated a group of 25 female patients affected by SUI and treated with ACT. Before and after treatment all patients were clinically assessed by physical examination, urodynamic evaluation and pad test. All patients had an MR examination before and 3 and 12 months after ACT surgery to compare the position of the bladder neck in relation to the pubococcygeal line (PCL). RESULTS: 21/25 (84%) patients were improved; 16 (64%) of these patients were dry and 5 (20%) significantly improved. Before treatment, the mean PCL distance was significantly different (p<0.01) between the responsive and the non-responsive groups. CONCLUSIONS: MRI provides an effective radiological method to predict the efficacy of the ACT