Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous endocrine disease. The hypothesis that alterations in the microbiome are involved in the genesis of PCOS has been postulated. Aim of this review is to summarize the available literature data about the relationship between microbiome and PCOS. A search on PubMed and Medline databases was performed from inception to November 20Most of evidence has focused on the connection of intestinal bacteria with sex hormones and insulin-resistance: while in the first case, a relationship with hyperandrogenism has been described, although it is still unclear, in the second one, chronic low-grade inflammation by activating the immune system, with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines which interfere with insulin receptor function, causing IR (Insulin Resistance)/hyperinsulinemia has been described, as well as the role of gastrointestinal hormones like Ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY), bile acids, interleukin-22 and Bacteroides vulgatus have been highlighted. The lower genital tract microbiome would be affected by changes in PCOS patients too. The therapeutic opportunities include probiotic, prebiotics and synbiotics, as well as fecal microbiota transplantation and the use of IL-22, to date only in animal models, as a possible future drug. Current evidence has shown the involvement of the gut microbiome in PCOS, seen how humanized mice receiving a fecal transplant from women with PCOS develop ovarian dysfunction, immune changes and insulin resistance and how it is capable of disrupting the secondary bile acid biosynthesis. A future therapeutic approach for PCOS may involve the human administration of IL-22 and bile acid glycodeoxycholic acid.

Benign thyroid nodules are a common disease in the general population. Most often, they are completely asymptomatic and discovered occasionally during routine ultrasound examinations, and do not require any treatment. When thyroid nodules become symptomatic, surgical excision is still considered standard treatment. In the last few years, several experiences in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules through image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation have been reported with encouraging results, so that currently, these treatments are often proposed as first-choice options for patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. In this paper, we discuss the present literature on the topic, focusing on different techniques available for image-guided percutaneous ablation, particularly radiofrequency (RFA), laser (LA), microwave (MWA), and high-intensity-focus ultrasound (HIFU). Little evidence about the efficacy of MWA and HIFU is now available. According to the literature, good results have been obtained with RFA and LA. Regarding RFA, volume reduction after ablative treatment has been found to range from 47 to 84 % at 3-6 months, and from 62 to 93 % at 1 year; LA also seems to be effective in achieving shrinkage of thyroid nodules, with volume reduction from 37 to 81 % at 3-6 months, and from 13 to 82 % at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, applications of advanced image-guidance modality, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and virtual navigation with fusion imaging, are discussed.Keywords Laser Á Radiofrequency Á Microwave Á Highintensity focused ultrasound Á Thyroid nodule SOMMARIO I noduli benigni della tiroide sono una evenienza comune nella popolazione generale. Più spesso vengono scoperti occasionalmente durante un esame ecografico fatto per altri motivi, sono asintomatici e non richiedono alcun trattamento. Qualora i noduli diventino sintomatici, l'escissione chirurgica è ancora considerato il trattamento standard. Tuttavia, negli ultimi anni, è cresciuta l'esperienza circa il trattamento di tali noduli tramite ablazione percutanea sotto guida ecografica tanto che, attualmente, questo viene spesso proposto come trattamento di scelta. Lo scopo del nostro lavoro è fare una revisione della letteratura riguardante l'argomento, con un particolare focus sulle differenti tecniche attualmente a disposizione, in particolare radiofrequenza (RFA), laser (LA), microonde (MWA) e high-intensity-focus ultrasound (HIFU). Al momento ci sono ancora poche evidenze sull'efficacia di MWA e HIFU. Secondo quanto riportato in letteratura, buoni risultati sono stati ottenuti con RFA e LA. Riguardo la radiofrequenza, la riduzione volumetrica dopo la procedura ablativa va da 47 a 84 % a 3-6 mesi e da 62 a 93 % a 1 anno; anche il laser sembra essere efficace nel causare la riduzione del nodulo, con percentuali che vanno da 37 a 81 % a 3-6-mesi a da 13 a 82 % a 1 anno di follow-up Abbiamo poi discusso brevemente le

No abstract

Upon combining bidimensional electrophoresis with monodimensional separation, a more comprehensive analysis of the milk fat globule membrane has been obtained. The proteomic profile of caprine milk fat globules revealed the presence of butyrophilin, lactadherin and perilipin as the major proteins, they were also associated to bovine and human milk fat globule membranes. Xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase has been detected only in monodimensional gels. Biological activity of milk fat globules has been evaluated in Caco2-cells, as a representative model of the intestinal barrier. The increase of cell viability was indicative of a potential nutraceutical role for the whole milk fat globule, suggesting a possible employment in milk formula preparation.

No abstract