The discovery of angiogenic growth factors: the contribution of Italian scientists

Angiogenesis is regulated, under both physiological and pathological conditions, by numerous “non-classic” pro-angiogenic factors, including fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF), and “non-classic” pro-angiogenic factors, including granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and erythropoietin (EPO). In the context of the most important discoveries in this field, this review article summarizes the important role played by the Italian scientists in the course of the last twenty years

Sales for anti-angiogenic drugs

EDITORIAL SENZ ABSTRAC

William Harvey and the discovery of the circulation of the blood

This Commentary emphasizes the fundamental contribution of William Harvey to the discovery of the circulation of the blood and his scientific and experimental approach to this matter

A historical perspective on milestones in multiple myeloma research

The first well-documented case of multiple myeloma was reported in 1844 by Samuel Solly. In this article, the author presents a historical review of the disease. In particular, the review is focused on the main steps, including the definition of Bence Jones proteinuria, the characterization of tumoral plasma cells and serum globulins, and the fundamental contribution of Jan Waldenstrom. Finally, treatment of multiple myeloma, as well as the development of new agents, is discussed

Letter to the Editor: Girolamo Fabrici and the discovery of the bursa

n/

SMADS-Mediate Molecular Mechanisms in Sjögren's Syndrome

There is considerable interest in delineating the molecular mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), considered as central player in a plethora of human conditions, including cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune disease. TGF-beta elicits its biological effects through membrane bound serine/threonine kinase receptors which transmit their signals via downstream signalling molecules, SMADs, which regulate the transcription of target genes in collaboration with various co-activators and co-repressors. Until now, therapeutic strategy for primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) has been focused on inflammation, but, recently, the involvement of TGF-beta/SMADs signalling has been demonstrated in pSS salivary glands (SGs) as mediator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation. Although EMT seems to cause pSS SG fibrosis, TGF-beta family members have ambiguous effects on the function of pSS SGs. Based on these premises, this review highlights recent advances in unravelling the molecular basis for the multi-faceted functions of TGF-beta in pSS that are dictated by orchestrations of SMADs, and describe TGF-beta/SMADs value as both disease markers and/or therapeutic target for pSS

Understanding the Complexity of Sjögren's Syndrome: Remarkable Progress in Elucidating NF-κB Mechanisms

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease with a poorly defined aetiology, which targets exocrine glands (particularly salivary and lachrymal glands), affecting the secretory function. Patients suffering from SS exhibit persistent xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is now widely acknowledged that a chronic grade of inflammation plays a central role in the initiation, progression, and development of SS. Consistent with its key role in organizing inflammatory responses, numerous recent studies have shown involvement of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ (kappa)-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the development of this disease. Therefore, chronic inflammation is considered as a critical factor in the disease aetiology, offering hope for the development of new drugs for treatment. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge about the NF-κB-mediated molecular events implicated in the pathogenesis of SS