Soluble α-klotho (sαKl) is an isoform of the α-klotho protein that regulates calcium metabolism but also has anti- aging, anti-apoptotic, and tumor suppressor effects. The assumption that sαKl could inhibit the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway has increased the interest of its research in acromegaly - a pathology characterized by an excess of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1. This review aimed to identify the role of sαKl in acromegaly. Most studies have identified higher concentrations of sαKl in acromegaly versus non-GH pituitary adenomas (PAs) or healthy subjects. Also, the sαKl level was higher in active acromegaly versus controlled or cured disease. Moreover, sαKl positively correlated with GH, IGF-1, and GH-secreting PA size. The increased level of sαKl seems to be due to the autonomous secretion of GH, considering their drastic decrease after transsphenoidal surgery. The data regarding the relationship between sαKl, age, and gender in acromegaly are inconsistent. The latest research noted a correlation between sαKl and various parameters for monitoring the quality of life in acromegaly. In conclusion, sαKl could reflect the disease activity. Furthermore, sαKl would represent an alternative for monitoring acromegalic patients with discrepancies between IGF-1 and GH.

Burn injuries are a major public health problem all over the world and despite significant improvements in critical care and surgical treatment, major burns are associated with high morbidity and mortality and poor recovery outcome. Patients with severe burns need immediate intervention and rapid initiation of speci-alized treatment in a dedicated critical care burn unit in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. The complex nature of burn injuries requires an integrative approach, by a multidisciplinary team in order to obta-in an optimal care. [...]

Major burn represents the most severe type of trauma, requiring high standard of treatment into regional specialized bun care centers[1]. According to American Burn Association(ABA), a major burn, which requires hospitalization in burn units, is represented by at least one of the following situations[2,3] [...]