Personalized and Precision Medicine Journal

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neuronal damage. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human DNA herpesvirus infecting more than 90% of the world's population. EBV is the etiological agent of infectious mononucleosis (Pfeiffer's disease). Major predisposing factors for MS are certain tissue types (e.g., HLA DRB1*15:01), vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity, and infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This review summarizes current knowledge on the association between EBV and MS.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. It develops through a gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes, leading to the transformation of normal colonic mucosa into invasive cancer. Approximately 90% of colorectal cancer cases are sporadic without family history or genetic predisposition, while in less than 10% a causative genetic event has been identified. Since personalized medicine works on three subjects of determining disease indices in people, choosing the best therapeutic method and predicting disease relapse, it seems that regarding colorectal cancer, more researches are required in order to achieve favorable results. The recent advances in molecular biology and the genetic classification of CRC are essential to individualize these therapies and will be basic for improving the treatment in the next years. We are optimistic about the success of personalized medicine for this disease.

Abstract The discovery and production of (synthetic) antibiotics in the first half of the previous century has been one of medicine’s greatest achievements. The use of antimicrobial agents has reduced morbidity and mortality of humans and contributed substantially to human’s increased life span. The issue of antibiotic resistance has received considerable attention due to the problem of the emergence and rapid expansion of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic resistance exhibited by bacteria can be intrinsic, acquired, or adaptive. Therefore, efforts to develop antibiotics and study mechanisms of resistance should be continuous, resilient and steady. In the following sections, we will focus on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of bacterial resistance, illustrating specific situations that are often encountered in clinical practice.