1,721,326 research outputs found
Visualization and quantitative evaluation of brain tissue biochemical and functional properties.
No full text
Cap.1,2,3,5
No full textTraduzione dei capitoli:
1.Processi cellulari fondamentali: integrazione e coordinazione
2.Interazioni molecolari
3.Divisione in compartimenti: cellule e tessuti
5.Dinamiche di membran
The multifaceted world of angiogenesis control
No full textBecause of its key role in tumor growth, angiogenesis has become an attractive target for pharmacological therapies. The angiogenic process is regulated by several "classic" factors among which the most studied are VEGF and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). These factors together with their receptors and other molecules involved in their signaling pathways are currently the main target of an extensive array of pharmacological strategies aimed at inhibit angiogenesis. In recent years, however, evidence has accumulated that in addition to the classic factors many other endogenous peptides play an important regulatory role in angiogenesis, especially under pathological conditions. Such a large network of signaling events might offer new possibilities of pharmacological intervention that could be complementary to existing antiangiogenic treatments. In particular, combination therapies could be devised to overcome or delay resistance and minimize side effects. In the last issue of Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, in a paper by Deville et al., the authors focussed their attention on these important topics, and in this context offered a thoughtful analysis about the possible place of the peptide adrenomedullin as a new therapeutic target in future antiangiogenic strategies
Viscosupplementation with high molecular weight native hyaluronan. Focus on a 1500-2000 KDa fraction (Hyalubrix®)
No full textBACKGROUND: Joint disease reduces the rheological properties of ynovial fluid, increasing the susceptibility of the articular cartilage to damage. Thus, a therapeutic strategy, called viscosupplementation, was proposed in which intra-articular injections of a suitable material are used to restore the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid. Solutions of high-MW native HA, which is the main component of the synovial fluid, were a natural choice to reach this goal, but HA-derived materials, engineered to achieve greater elastoviscosity and intra-articular residence time, were also developed. In the last twenty years the clinical experience showed that viscosupplementation is effective in joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, with beneficial effects on pain, function and patient global assessment. However, a marked variability between different preparations on different outcome parameters was reported to exist.
AIM: In the present paper the available data on Hyalubrix®, a specific 1.5% formulation of natural HA with MW in the range 1500-2000 kDa,
were reviewed, trying to outline, in the framework of the available intra-articular therapies, the role it can play for the symptomatic management
of patients with degenerative joint arthropathy
Self-similarity logic: a common pattern in the vascular and nervous systems
No full textVascular and neuronal networks are examples of body structures created by processes of branching morphogenesis, showing a similar architecture. Like vascular network morphogenesis, where morphology adapts to the amount of flow, neuronal branching dynamics also can be modulated by neural activity. Axon branching, indeed, often occurs as a dynamic process that involves branch addition and branch retraction. Self-similarity logic characterizes both the nervous and the vascular system. From a morphologic point of view, the self-similarity of the vascular system is straightforward, being the result of a hierarchical sequence of bifurcations, leading to a structure which can be considered strictly self-similar
Morphogenesis of vascular and neuronal networks and the relationships between their remodeling processes
No full textVascular and neuronal networks represent important examples of body structures created by processes of branching morphogenesis. Migration to an appropriate target in both axons and blood vessels are mediated by chemo-repulsive and attractive signals and the proximity of nerves and blood vessels suggest that there may be a molecular crosstalk and common cues between nerves and blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key angiogenetic factor, has direct effects on the nervous system in terms of axon outgrowth and survival. Conversely, nerve growth factor (NGF), a well-known neurotropic molecule, exhibits angiogenic properties. Available data on the morphogenesis of vascular and neuronal networks and on the relationships between their remodeling processes will be the focus of the present study
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