Immune Suppression Mediated by Myeloid and Lymphoid Derived Immune Cells

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and is predicted to be the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer by 2030. Approximately one-half of follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) contain genetic alterations in RAS family members.

Furthermore, Cowden’s disease, which is characterized by loss of PTEN, predisposes for the development of FTC in humans. We have shown that thyroid specific expression of HrasG12V at endogenous levels and Pten inactivation (HrasG12V/Pten-/-/TPO-cre mice) leads to the development of FTCs that closely recapitulate human disease, with complete penetrance at one year.

In patients, FTCs metastasize via the bloodstream to distant sites, frequently the lungs, bones and brain. The first objective of the study was to determine if these mice developed de novo metastasis to relevant sites. Indeed, spontaneous metastasis to the lungs was observed in 56% of HrasG12V/ Pten-/-/TPO-cre mice. We next sought to identify the cellular components within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of FTC that contribute to tumor progression and metastasis via FACS analysis.

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Biomarkers of Bone Turnover | Potential, Challenges and Pitfalls from the Laboratory Point of view

Bone turnover markers (BTM) may give information on bone formation and resorption, risk of fracture and response to treatments. BTMs have been extensively studied as markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis (OP), and resulted potentially useful as tools to evaluate the estimation of fracture future risk, although their significance was essentially demonstrated helpful to monitor efficacy of anti-OP treatments. Other possible application includes the prediction rate of bone loss, the identification of secondary OP, the improvement of targeted treatments and patient compliance, although other data are needed in such areas.

However, they are influenced by a number of pathophysiological factors, and by analytical aspects, still need to be overcome to extend their application and significance in the clinical practice.

Thus, BTMs practical use requires careful awareness of their advantages as well as their limitations to interpret results produced by the laboratory.The present review aim to describe the most commonly used serum bone formation and resorption biochemical markers, discuss their advantages and disadvantages and give practical information on their use and result interpretation in the laboratory and clinical settings.

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Constructivism A Paradigm for Teaching and Learning

Constructivism A Paradigm for Teaching and Learning