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Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN), priory known as neuroendocrine tumours represent the modern approach of traditionally named "carcinoid" tumours. We shortly introduce benign and malign dermatological aspects that are linked to NEN field. This is a multidisciplinary perspective. The paper is a mini-review. 30 articles are included as references. NEN represents 2% of all cancers, being considered orphan disease. Skin and soft tissue are exceptional sites of NEN, the majority are actually secondary spreading of NEN of other locations. Little data have been published related to the topic. Some cases reports showed invasion of dermis and subcutis, probably more frequent in older adults. The entity has been named low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, also named primary cutaneous carcinoid tumour. As seen in NEN diagnosis, the immunohistochemistry is essential like chromogranin A, synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase which are classical neuroendocrine markers and non-neuroendocrine parameters are useful for differential diagnosis like estrogens, androgens and progesterone receptors, GATA3, carcinoembryonic antigen. Merkel cell carcinoma represents the high grade NEN. It has a poor prognosis, with a 30% risk of local metastasis. The risk factors are either viral infection like Merkel cell polyomavirus, either long time exposure to ultraviolet light. The prognostic is similar between the two factors. Surgical removal is the first line therapy and adjuvant treatment is radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Skin NEN represents an exceptional finding of aggressive profile. Their prompt recognition may help the prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cataract is one of the most common diabetes mellitus complication among the adult population worldwide. The purpose of this review is to describe how reactive oxigen species (ROS) are produced, the antioxidant enzymes involved in their neutralization, and the molecular mechanisms associated with hyperglycemia that contributes to cataract development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin metastases are not typical. Malignancies like mammary cancer (most frequent in females) and pulmonary neoplasia (most frequent in males) represent the majority and exceptional findings are in those originating from thyroid, prostate, ovaries and oesophagus, usually in advanced, generally disseminated stages, with a poor prognosis. It may be found more often in elderly patients. We aim to present some practical aspects of skin metastases in thyroid cancer that originates from follicular thyroid epithelium. This is a brief literature review. The level of evidence is poor since most data is provided from cases reports. Cutaneous malignant lumps are rarely the first sign of disease, mostly associating a cancer relapse. The location varies from neck and head (majority) to exceptional sites as chest wall and of variable rate for scalp. Underling neck muscle or Meckel's cave metastasis may be associated. The lesion is usually a lump of medium to small size, sometimes of papular appearance, without local pain (but depends on the site); it may associate erythema. The diagnosis is difficult unless an index of suspicion is positive (in which case whole body radioiodine scintigram may be useful). Biopsy and histological report are essential for diagnosis especially in cases without an evident connection to a prior/synchronous thyroid malignancy. Knowing the exceptional prevalence, the need for awareness in this particular topic is connected with a multidisciplinary daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AKT or protein kinase B is a serine / threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, survival, growth, and glucose metabolism. So far, there have been discovered 3 isoforms of AKT, the most widespread in the tissues is AKT1. All isoforms present similar structure being activated by the phosphorylation process at the level of 2 hydroxyl amino acids serine and threonine. After activation, AKT will phosphorylate a number of protein substrates which it will activate or inhibit, finally leading to lipids, proteins, glycogen or nucleotides synthesis. In this review, we will discuss the structure of these protein kinases, the molecular mechanism of activation and the phosphorylation effects on other cellular structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]