Correlations between CCN1 immunoexpression and myocardial histologic lesions in sudden cardiac death.

CCN1 (CYR61) is a member of the CCN family of secreted matricellular proteins; it can regulate the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and matrix remodeling. The latter mechanisms seem to be of vital importance in the pathophysiology of sudden cardiac death. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis on 62 cardiac tissue specimens derived from individuals of young and middle age who had died of sudden cardiac death. CCN1 immunopositivity was detected in 80.6% of all specimens. Semiquantitative statistical analysis of the staining results revealed that CCN1 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with ischemic morphology and hypertrophy of myocardial fibers, interstitial edema, and atheromatosis of coronary arteries in more than 10% of the myocardial fibers. Taking the previously mentioned correlations into account, ischemia seems to induce myocardial expression of CCN1; therefore, CCN1 immunostaining could be evaluated as a complementary tool in the assessment of ischemic areas when no tissue evidence of necrosis is available.

Overview of the Greek legislation regarding assisted reproduction and comparison with the EU legal framework.

The aim of this research was to ascertain how the opportunities now open by the Greek legislation regarding assisted reproduction fits with Greek society and how it compares with the wider EU legal framework. A revision of the Greek legislation took place a few years ago, with two new Acts. The different issues that arise from the two Acts and the relevant statements are examined. Issues such as the legal state of the newborn, involvement of a third party in the reproduction process, surrogacy, post-mortem fertilization and cryopreserved embryos are analytically presented. A pragmatic orientation seems to unfold, which is characterized by the prevalence of the benefits that can be obtained from the resources of reproductive technologies. The reality is that Greek society is still quite traditional, therefore specific parts of this new legislation do not fit with the current picture. A comparison with the other national legislative systems in existence within the EU has revealed specific differences. The creation of a common legislative framework covering most of the points raised through the implementation of assisted reproduction could provide guidance for any future legislative reforms or updates within a EU state, including Greece.