Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and is associated with high mortality. The currently used methods for diagnosing HCC, including imaging modalities and liver biopsy, detect tumors at a relatively advanced stage or are invasive. Non-invasive......

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and is associated with high mortality. The currently used methods for diagnosing HCC, including imaging modalities and liver biopsy, detect tumors at a relatively advanced stage or are invasive. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed to facilitate screening and early diagnosis of HCC, as well as treatment monitoring and detection of tumor recurrence. Liquid biopsy, the analysis of blood or other body fluids to obtain genetic and epigenetic information, has historically been applied to other types of cancer including breast and prostate cancer. Over the past few decades, liquid biopsy analysis has shed significant insights on genetic and epigenetic aberrations in HCC detectable in peripheral blood. Aberrations in nucleic acids found circulating freely in body fluids or contained within extracellular vesicles such as exosomes or microvesicles show potential clinical utility as non-invasive biomarkers. In this review, we present available literature on cell-free nucleic acids in the diagnosis of HCC. Back >

Despite progress in understanding molecular aberrations that contribute to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, virtually all patients succumb to drug resistant disease at relapse. Emerging data implicate bioactive sphingolipids and regulation of sphingolipid metabolism as......

Despite progress in understanding molecular aberrations that contribute to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, virtually all patients succumb to drug resistant disease at relapse. Emerging data implicate bioactive sphingolipids and regulation of sphingolipid metabolism as components of response to chemotherapy or development of resistance. Increases in cytosolic ceramide induce apoptosis in response to therapy with multiple classes of chemotherapeutic agents. Back >

This paper from Belgrade, Serbia, reports on the experience of the authors in 47 patients with short scar brachioplasty in combination with posterolateral liposuction for the treatment of brachial lipodystrophy in selected cases. With this large series, a better understanding of the technique......

This paper from Belgrade, Serbia, reports on the experience of the authors in 47 patients with short scar brachioplasty in combination with posterolateral liposuction for the treatment of brachial lipodystrophy in selected cases. With this large series, a better understanding of the technique and expected results may be easily afforded by the specialized surgeon. Back >

The subfraction of highly atherogenic LDL circulates in the blood of diabetic patients; it is represented by in vivo multiply-modified small, more dense, more electronegative and desialylated LDL particles. This LDL subfraction may be assigned to play a significant role in early and......

The subfraction of highly atherogenic LDL circulates in the blood of diabetic patients; it is represented by in vivo multiply-modified small, more dense, more electronegative and desialylated LDL particles. This LDL subfraction may be assigned to play a significant role in early and accelerated atherogenesis in diabetes mellitus. Back >

MicroRNA-126 was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. It was mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and defined as a pivotal biological molecule associated with vascular disease. Increased microRNA-126 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis in ischemic......

MicroRNA-126 was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. It was mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and defined as a pivotal biological molecule associated with vascular disease. Increased microRNA-126 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis in ischemic stroke, repairs impaired endothelial cells in atherosclerosis, and attenuates vascular dysfunction in diabetics. By contrast, microRNA-126 transferred from endothelial cell to smooth muscle cells could lead to proliferation that induced intimal hyperplasia. Additionally, microRNA-126 could be a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, which was depended on the cancer type. In this review, we summarized the function of microRNA-126 in ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetics, tumor, and discussed the underlying mechanisms. Back >

Over years, the focus of cancer treatment has shifted from treating the disease site to treating the specific tumor biologic characteristics and its interaction with intrinsic immunological ability of the patient to combat the disease. This article details the historical development with......

Over years, the focus of cancer treatment has shifted from treating the disease site to treating the specific tumor biologic characteristics and its interaction with intrinsic immunological ability of the patient to combat the disease. This article details the historical development with particular emphasis on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Back >