One of the most common type of primary brain tumors in adults is the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (World Health Organization grade IV astrocytoma). It is the most common malignant and aggressive form of glioma and it is among the most lethal ones. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) gene, located to 1q42, plays an important role for the efficient maintenance of genome integrity. PARP-1 protein is required for the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus. PARP-1 is proteolytically cleaved at the onset of apoptosis by caspase-3. Microarray analysis of PARP-1 gene expression in more than 8000 samples revealed that PARP-1 is more highly expressed in several types of cancer compared with the equivalent normal tissues. Overall, the most differences in PARP-1 gene expression have been observed in breast, ovarian, endometrial, lung, and skin cancers, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We evaluated the expression of PARP-1 protein in normal brain tissues and primary GBM by immunohistochemistry. Positive nuclear PARP-1 staining was found in all samples with GBM, but not in normal neurons from controls (n=4) and GBM patients (n=27). No cytoplasmic staining was observed in any sample. In conclusion, PARP-1 gene is expressed in GBM. This finding may be envisioned as an attempt to trigger apoptosis in this tumor, as well as in many other malignancies. The presence of the protein exclusively at the nucleus further support the function played by this gene in genome integrity maintenance and apoptosis. Finally, PARP-1 staining may be used as GBM cell marker.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary repeat prostate biopsies in about 50% of cases in which a PI-RADS score of 3 or greater is used. At the same time patients should be informed of the 16.2% and 39.7% false-negative rates of clinically significant prostate cancer for targeted fusion prostate biopsy of PI-RADS 3 or greater and 4 or greater lesions, respectively.

A genetic background has been implicated in the development of prostate cancer. Protein microarrays have enabled the identification of proteins, some of which associated with apoptosis, that may play a role in the development of such a tumor. Inhibition of apoptosis is a co-factor that contributes to the onset and progression of prostate cancer, though the molecular mechanisms are not entirely understood. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) gene is required for translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria to the nucleus. Hence, it is involved in programmed cell death. Different PARP-1 gene expression has been observed in various tumors such as glioblastoma, lung, ovarian, endometrial, and skin cancers. We evaluated the expression of PARP-1 protein in prostatic cancer and normal prostate tissues by immunohistochemistry in 40 men with prostate cancer and in 37 normal men. Positive nuclear PARP-1 staining was found in all samples (normal prostate and prostate cancer tissues). No cytoplasmic staining was observed in any sample. PARP-1-positive cells resulted significantly higher in patients with prostate carcinoma compared with controls (P<0.001). PARP-1 over-expression in prostate cancer tissue compared with normal prostate suggests a greater activity of PARP-1 in these tumors. These findings suggest that PARP-1 expression in prostate cancer is an attempt to trigger apoptosis in this type of tumor similarly to what reported in other cancers.

Surgery for lung carcinoids allows satisfactory oncological results which mainly depend on carcinoid subtype dichotomy, pathological nodal status, and SUV.

Objective To evaluate the impact of fractionated CO2 laser therapy on vaginal atrophy and mild/moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms in patients with physiological or surgically-induced menopause. Materials and Methods Post-menopausal patients (n = 33) presenting vaginal atrophy and/or SUI, underwent three vaginal CO2 laser treatment sessions, performed at 1-month intervals. Vaginal symptoms were evaluated using the Vaginal Health Index Score (VHI-S), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for dyspareunia and global patient satisfaction. The impact of urinary incontinence on patient quality of life was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Symptoms were evaluated before treatment and at every subsequent treatment session, as well as 3 months following the last treatment session. RESULTS The three-session treatment series led to a significant improvement in both subjective symptoms (dryness, burning, dyspareunia) and clinical signs (VHI-S) (P < 0.01). In addition, reductions in the frequency and severity of SUI symptoms (P < 0.01) were noted during the treatment period, and were maintained after for at least 3 months after completion of the treatment course. Improvements in VHI-S were significantly greater in patients with surgically-induced menopause, as compared to those with physiological menopause. The vast majority of patients (90%) were satisfied with the procedure, and reported a significant improvement in quality of life. No adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. Conclusions Fractionated CO2 laser therapy is a safe, effective and easy-to-perform treatment modality for menopause-related vaginal atrophy and SUI.