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Non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and it has a poor prognosis, because overall survival after 5 years is 20-25% for all stages. Thus, it is extremely important to increase the survival rate in the early stages NSCLC by focusing on novel screening tests of cancer identifying specific biomarkers expression associated with a more accurate tumor staging and patient prognosis. In this study, we focused our attention on quantitative proteomics of three heavily glycosylated serum proteins: AMBP, α2 macroglobulin, and SERPINA1. In particular, we analyzed serum samples from 20 NSCLC lung adenocarcinoma cancer patients in early and advanced stages, and 10 healthy donors to obtain a relative quantification through the MRM analysis of these proteins that have shown to be markers of cancer development and progression. AMBP, α2 macroglobulin, and SERPINA1 were chosen because all of them possess endopeptidase inhibitor activity and play key roles in cancer. We observe a variation in the expression of these proteins linked to the stage of the disease. Therefore, we believe that proteins like α2 macroglobulin, αmicroglobulin/bikunin, and SERPINA1 could be useful biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer and in monitoring its evolution., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Early diagnosis of the initial stage of chronic renal failure (CRF) is a highly important factor for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from this pathology. It delays their undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment and prevents its complications. This is a well known problem, and the wrong approach causes the so-called late referral phenomenon. Undoubtedly general practitioners (GPs), can, first, identify at an early stage, patients suffering from this syndrome, as they are the first point of contact for patients at risk (for example, diabetic and hypertensive patients). Furthermore, patients very often turn to their GP for various reasons, even those who are 'apparently in good conditions of health'. This study aimed to implement, through NephroCare and the Cooperatives of General Practitioners, 'Progetto Leonardo' and 'Cumae', the evidence that local cooperation between GPs and nephrologists can be effective., Methods: In a localized geographical area (Pozzuoli, Bacoli-Monte di Procida), NephroCare organized meetings with GPs, and doctors belonging to the cooperatives, aimed at creating interaction and discussion concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of kidney diseases that lead to CRF, its complications, prevention and management. Screening of 46277 patients, with a 2-yr follow-up was carried out to identify the two categories at risk, diabetics and hypertensives with creatinine (Cr) >1.5 mg/dL., Results: The screening identified among 7403 hypertensives and 2501 diabetics two groups of, respectively, 274 and 192 patients with Cr >1.5 mg/dL. All patients screened were invited to talk to a nephrologist, who shared, together with the GP, the decision concerning diagnosis and care., Conclusion: The outcomes of the project highlighted the importance of cooperation between GPs and nephrologists to implement the integrated management of patients, increasingly elderly, suffering from CRF. This was achieved because the nephrologists belonged to the same regional area as the patients and were thoroughly dedicated to the project. In times of reduced economic resources, a possible correct approach is facing the 'late referral' problem and, consequently, easier and better management of patient care and cost rationalization can be solved by the intervention of nephrologists working in local clinics. In the future, this will always guarantee continuous care for patients suffering from this pathology.

The effect of the diisobutyric ester of N-methyldopamine (Ibopamine) on plasma prolactin levels was investigated in normoprolactinaemic subjects and in hyperprolactinaemic patients with prolactin-secreting tumours or idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia. In hyperprolactinaemic states oral Ibopamine 50 mg induced a significant decrease in elevated plasma prolactin (PRL) levels, 30, 60 and 90 min after administration. The peak effect occurred at 90 min when the mean PRL level was 61% of its basal values.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a new galenic injectable form of bromocriptine (Parlodel LA), characterized by sustained release of bromocriptine for 4-6 weeks, in 3 patients with prolactin-secreting macroadenomas through a 42-day follow-up. The following parameters were considered: decrease of plasma prolactin levels, reduction of tumor size studied by seriate CT scan controls and recovery of eventual visual fields impairments. Parlodel LA induced a sharp decrease of plasma prolactin levels for at least 42 days, without reaching normal values. This treatment also caused a rapid and marked shrinkage of tumors in all patients. Moreover, in two patients with constriction of visual fields a clear and progressive improvement in one and only a slight amelioration in the other were observed. There were almost no side effects except for mild nausea in one patient and transient orthostatic in another. These results demonstrate that Parlodel LA produces a long-lasting reduction of plasma prolactin levels and a rapid shrinkage of the tumor with almost no side effects.