Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by aggressive behavior and a high mortality rate. The diagnosis of GC is challenging because the GC is often diagnosed in an advanced stage. The use of tumor markers is a putative way to improve the detection and treatment in patients with GC. Summary: In this article, we review the significance of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA 72-4 in GC. The results from different studies regarding the diagnostic and prognostic role of CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 72-4 in GC are encouraging, but inadequate sensitivity and specificity obstruct their use as standardized and unconditionally reliable markers in GC. New prospective clinical trials are mandatory for clarifying their value in GC. Key Message: CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 72-4 should not be used for screening and early diagnosis in GC, whereas they are beneficial in the detection of late GC. CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 72-4 could be used as prognostic and monitoring tools in GC, and their combined measurement in shorter periods of time is the best method to increase sensitivity and specificity. Practical Implications: Serum CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 72-4 are useful diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers in GC.

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a major end-product of free-radical activated peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, has attracted great scientific interest. HNE is more stable than free radicals and can diffuse within the cell or leave it and react with targets far from the initial site. These reactive aldehyde species are considerably reactive, producing multiple intra- and inter-molecular covalent adducts with biomolecules such as proteins, DNA and phospholipids. HNE is the most intensively studied aldehyde in relation to its physiological and protective function as a signalling molecule that stimulates gene expression and cell survival, as well as for its pathophysiological role as a toxic messenger that can propagate and amplify oxidative injury and promote mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocellular apoptosis. In this review we focus our attention on the molecular mechanism of the signalling and regulatory action of HNE. The role of HNE as a potent mediator for progression of liver injury in NAFLD is also discussed.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a life-threatening condition due to the risk of massive hemorrhage in the event of its disturbance. We present the case of a 27-year-old patient who was admitted with massive hemoperitoneum, caused by the rupture of an interstitial pregnancy in the area of the fallopian tube stump, which had been removed after a previous ectopic pregnancy. The condition was overcome using a mini-laparoscopic approach (2.6 mm, 30° optics), with one 3 mm port for micro-laparoscopic instruments and one 10 mm port. Such an approach has not yet been reported in the available literature, among the casuistically reported cases of pregnancy in the tubal stump. We consider that the technique is safe, completely in the interest of the patient, applicable by an experienced team, and in agreement with modern trends regarding the minimization of operative access.