Research activity - 1) Study on the genetic
susceptibility to cancer (humans)
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1c) Study on the genetic susceptibility to malignant pleural mesothelioma |
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We are currently involved in three different research lines on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM): 1) We are studying the relationship between basal levels of Mesothelin (MSLN), its gene regulation, and its effectiveness in prognosis and early diagnosis of MPM (in collaboration with Dr. Alfonso Cristaudo, Dr. Rudy Foddis, and Dr. Alessandra Bonotti). 2) We are involved in studying associations between specific polymorphisms within candidate genes and risk of MPM (see published papers) (in collaboration with the Istituto Tumori, Genova, Italy) 3) We are also involved in an intervention trial
(in collaboration
with the Istituto Tumori,
Genova, Italy). We will start with a pre-clinical
small pilot study. We will recruit
10 subjects exposed to asbestos and 10 non-exposed. Six 6 ml of blood will be
draws. A questionnaire will be administered (already in progress). Subjects
will be males of 60-70 years, ex-smokers for at least 5 years and without a
diagnosis of cancer or other major diseases. For those exposed to asbestos,
duration of exposure will be at least 5 years. Within 24 hours
of collection lymphocytes will be extracted and will be tested the protective
effect of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) compared
with a clastogenic challenge with ionizing
radiation.
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