Prof. Violetta Borelli

is Researcher in General Pathology at the University of Trieste since 2005. Dr. Violetta Borelli focused on the study of the biological mechanism of the secretory process in phagocytes and mast cells, and on the role of some of the secreted components, the peroxidases, in killing ingested microrganisms. In particular her work has contributed to elucidate the role of human peroxidases in host defence against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During the last 15 years Dr. Violetta Borelli has devoted to the study of of the pathogenetic activity of asbestos fibers. contributing to elucidate the composition of asbestos bodies coating and their controversial pathogenic potential. In the last years by applying new approaches for genetic screening of the asbestos exposed population, Borelli’s lab identified a genetic variant of the ferroxidase hepahaestin possible involved in individual susceptibility to develop asbestos related neoplasia. The molecular characterization of this hephaestin variant is still in progress. The experience accumulated by Borelli’s lab in the study of the toxicity of asbestos fibers will be now exploited to characterize the biological properties of the products of an experimental plant for the inertization of asbestos recently operational in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Dr. Violetta Borelli is also engaged as representative of the Asbestos Exposed Association of the city of Monfalcone at the Regional Asbestos Commission of the Friuli Venezia Giulia.