Franca Tommasi

TL;DR: The involvement of antioxidant redox systems, in particular those related to ascorbate and glutathione, in activating both compatible and incompatible plant responses is analysed and the possibility that ASC and GSH systems are links in a redox signalling chain activating defence strategies is discussed.

TL;DR: Several studies have demonstrated that REE, like a number of other xenobiotics, follow hormetic concentration-related trends, implying stimulatory or protective effects at low levels, then adverse effects at higher concentrations, and another major role for REE-associated effects should be focused on pH-dependent REE speciation and hence toxicity.

TL;DR: The involvement of the cellular antioxidant metabolism in the signal transduction triggered by these bioactive molecules has been investigated and the involvement of ASC and GSH as part of the transduction pathway leading to PCD is discussed.

TL;DR: The changes that occurred in the ASC-GSH cycle enzymes of the leaves suggest that the whole plant improved its antioxidant defense, even in those parts which had not yet been reached by Cd, and further highlight the tight regulation and the relevance of this cycle in the defense against heavy metals.

TL;DR: The state of art provides a limited definition of the health effects in occupationally or environmentally REE-exposed human populations, and research priorities should be addressed to case-control or cohort studies of REE -exposed humans and to life-long animal experiments.