Pub Date : 2024-05-22DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060110
César A. Valdez-Gaxiola, Frida Rosales-Leycegui, Abigail Gaxiola-Rubio, J. Moreno-Ortiz, Luis E. Figuera
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD), defined as Alzheimer’s disease onset before 65 years of age, has been significantly less studied than the “classic” late-onset form (LOAD), although EOAD often presents with a more aggressive disease course, caused by variants in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes. EOAD has significant differences from LOAD, including encompassing diverse phenotypic manifestations, increased genetic predisposition, and variations in neuropathological burden and distribution. Phenotypically, EOAD can be manifested with non-amnestic variants, sparing the hippocampi with increased tau burden. The aim of this article is to review the different genetic bases, risk factors, pathological mechanisms, and diagnostic approaches between EOAD and LOAD and to suggest steps to further our understanding. The comprehension of the monogenic form of the disease can provide valuable insights that may serve as a roadmap for understanding the common form of the disease.
{"title":"Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin?","authors":"César A. Valdez-Gaxiola, Frida Rosales-Leycegui, Abigail Gaxiola-Rubio, J. Moreno-Ortiz, Luis E. Figuera","doi":"10.3390/diseases12060110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12060110","url":null,"abstract":"Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD), defined as Alzheimer’s disease onset before 65 years of age, has been significantly less studied than the “classic” late-onset form (LOAD), although EOAD often presents with a more aggressive disease course, caused by variants in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes. EOAD has significant differences from LOAD, including encompassing diverse phenotypic manifestations, increased genetic predisposition, and variations in neuropathological burden and distribution. Phenotypically, EOAD can be manifested with non-amnestic variants, sparing the hippocampi with increased tau burden. The aim of this article is to review the different genetic bases, risk factors, pathological mechanisms, and diagnostic approaches between EOAD and LOAD and to suggest steps to further our understanding. The comprehension of the monogenic form of the disease can provide valuable insights that may serve as a roadmap for understanding the common form of the disease.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"65 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141111604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a significant global health challenge, with its natural course largely influenced by the host’s immune response. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules, particularly HLA class I and II, play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response against HCV. The polymorphism of HLA molecules contributes to the variability in immune response, affecting the outcomes of HCV infection. This study aims to investigate the frequency of HLA A, B, DR, and DQ alleles known to be associated with HCV clearance or persistence in a healthy Moroccan population. Conducted at the University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Marrakech, this study spanned from 2015 to 2022 and included 703 healthy Moroccan individuals. HLA class I and II typing was performed using complement-dependent cytotoxicity and polymerase chain reaction-based methodologies. The results revealed the distinct patterns of HLA-A, B, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles in the Moroccan population. Notably, alleles linked to favorable HCV outcomes, such as HLA-DQB1*0301, DQB1*0501, and DRB1*1101, were more prevalent. Conversely, alleles associated with increased HCV susceptibility and persistence, such as HLA-DQB1*02 and DRB1*03, were also prominent. Gender-specific variations in allele frequencies were observed, providing insights into genetic influences on HCV infection outcomes. The findings align with global trends in HLA allele associations with HCV infection outcomes. The study emphasizes the role of host genetics in HCV infection, highlighting the need for further research in the Moroccan community, including HCV-infected individuals. The prevalence of certain HLA alleles, both protective and susceptibility-linked, underscores the potential for a national HLA data bank in Morocco.
{"title":"Frequency of the Main Human Leukocyte Antigen A, B, DR, and DQ Loci Known to Be Associated with the Clearance or Persistence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a Healthy Population from the Southern Region of Morocco: A Preliminary Study","authors":"Safa Machraoui, Khaoula Errafii, I. Oujamaa, Moulay Yassine Belghali, Abdelmalek Hakmaoui, Saad Lamjadli, Fatima-ezzohra Eddehbi, Ikram Brahim, Yasmine Haida, Brahim Admou","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050106","url":null,"abstract":"Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a significant global health challenge, with its natural course largely influenced by the host’s immune response. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules, particularly HLA class I and II, play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response against HCV. The polymorphism of HLA molecules contributes to the variability in immune response, affecting the outcomes of HCV infection. This study aims to investigate the frequency of HLA A, B, DR, and DQ alleles known to be associated with HCV clearance or persistence in a healthy Moroccan population. Conducted at the University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Marrakech, this study spanned from 2015 to 2022 and included 703 healthy Moroccan individuals. HLA class I and II typing was performed using complement-dependent cytotoxicity and polymerase chain reaction-based methodologies. The results revealed the distinct patterns of HLA-A, B, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles in the Moroccan population. Notably, alleles linked to favorable HCV outcomes, such as HLA-DQB1*0301, DQB1*0501, and DRB1*1101, were more prevalent. Conversely, alleles associated with increased HCV susceptibility and persistence, such as HLA-DQB1*02 and DRB1*03, were also prominent. Gender-specific variations in allele frequencies were observed, providing insights into genetic influences on HCV infection outcomes. The findings align with global trends in HLA allele associations with HCV infection outcomes. The study emphasizes the role of host genetics in HCV infection, highlighting the need for further research in the Moroccan community, including HCV-infected individuals. The prevalence of certain HLA alleles, both protective and susceptibility-linked, underscores the potential for a national HLA data bank in Morocco.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140967526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is an extremely rare and disabling inherited genetic skin disease with a predisposition to develop bullous lesions on the skin and inner mucous membranes, occurring after mild friction or trauma, or even spontaneously. Within the spectrum of EB forms, dystrophic EB (DEB) represents the most intriguing and challenging in terms of clinical management, especially with regard to pregnancy, due to the highly disabling and life-threatening phenotype. Disappointingly, in the literature little focus has been directed towards pregnancy and childbirth in DEB patients, resulting in a lack of sound evidence and guidance for patients themselves and clinicians. The current study aims to contribute to the DEB literature with an updated summary of the existing evidence regarding the obstetrical and anesthesiological management of this rare disease. Furthermore, this literature review sought to answer the question of whether, and if so, in which way, the pregnancy condition may alter the course of the underlying dermatologic skin disease. Having all this information is indispensable when counseling a patient with DEB who desires a child or is expecting one. Finally, we reported own experience with a pregnant woman with a recessive DEB whom we recently managed, with a favorable outcome.
大疱性表皮松解症(EB)是一种极其罕见的致残性遗传皮肤病,患者易在轻微摩擦或创伤后,甚至自发地在皮肤和内粘膜上出现大疱性皮损。在各种类型的 EB 中,萎缩性 EB(DEB)是临床治疗中最引人关注、最具挑战性的一种,尤其是在妊娠方面,因为其表型具有高度致残性和生命危险。令人失望的是,文献很少关注 DEB 患者的妊娠和分娩问题,导致患者和临床医生缺乏可靠的证据和指导。本研究旨在通过对有关这种罕见疾病的产科和麻醉管理的现有证据进行最新总结,为 DEB 文献做出贡献。此外,本文献综述还试图回答这样一个问题:妊娠条件是否会改变潜在皮肤病的病程?在为想要孩子或即将怀孕的 DEB 患者提供咨询时,掌握这些信息是必不可少的。最后,我们报告了自己最近处理一名隐性 DEB 孕妇的经验,她的治疗结果很好。
{"title":"Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB): How Can Pregnancy Alter the Course of This Rare Disease? An Updated Literature Review on Obstetrical Management with an Additional Italian Experience","authors":"Antonella Vimercati, Gerardo Cazzato, Lucia Lospalluti, Stefania Foligno, Cristina Taliento, Katarzyna Beata Trojanowska, Ettore Cicinelli, Domenico Bonamonte, Dario Caliandro, Amerigo Vitagliano, Pierpaolo Nicolì","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050104","url":null,"abstract":"Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is an extremely rare and disabling inherited genetic skin disease with a predisposition to develop bullous lesions on the skin and inner mucous membranes, occurring after mild friction or trauma, or even spontaneously. Within the spectrum of EB forms, dystrophic EB (DEB) represents the most intriguing and challenging in terms of clinical management, especially with regard to pregnancy, due to the highly disabling and life-threatening phenotype. Disappointingly, in the literature little focus has been directed towards pregnancy and childbirth in DEB patients, resulting in a lack of sound evidence and guidance for patients themselves and clinicians. The current study aims to contribute to the DEB literature with an updated summary of the existing evidence regarding the obstetrical and anesthesiological management of this rare disease. Furthermore, this literature review sought to answer the question of whether, and if so, in which way, the pregnancy condition may alter the course of the underlying dermatologic skin disease. Having all this information is indispensable when counseling a patient with DEB who desires a child or is expecting one. Finally, we reported own experience with a pregnant woman with a recessive DEB whom we recently managed, with a favorable outcome.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"60 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140972489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-15DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050105
Anna Gonella, Carmelo Casile, Endrj Menardi, Mauro Feola
Although cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality and reverses left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure patients with LV electrical dyssynchrony, induced proarrhythmia has been reported. The mechanism of CRT-induced proarrhythmia remains under debate. In this case report, a description of how LV pacing induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia immediately after the initiation of CRT has been reported. By changing the pacing configuration using a multipoint pacing stimulation, we can assume that induced ventricular tachycardia is related to the reentry mechanism facilitated by the unidirectional block. As a result, a multipoint pacing (MPP) configuration near the scar area can avoid the onset of a unidirectional block with the establishment of the reentry phenomenon, thus avoiding induced VTs.
{"title":"Electrical Storm Induced by Cardiac Resynchronization: Efficacy of the Multipoint Pacing Stimulation","authors":"Anna Gonella, Carmelo Casile, Endrj Menardi, Mauro Feola","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050105","url":null,"abstract":"Although cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality and reverses left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure patients with LV electrical dyssynchrony, induced proarrhythmia has been reported. The mechanism of CRT-induced proarrhythmia remains under debate. In this case report, a description of how LV pacing induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia immediately after the initiation of CRT has been reported. By changing the pacing configuration using a multipoint pacing stimulation, we can assume that induced ventricular tachycardia is related to the reentry mechanism facilitated by the unidirectional block. As a result, a multipoint pacing (MPP) configuration near the scar area can avoid the onset of a unidirectional block with the establishment of the reentry phenomenon, thus avoiding induced VTs.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"125 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140977633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-14DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050103
A. Punzo, Alessia Silla, F. Fogacci, Matteo Perillo, A. Cicero, C. Caliceti
Bile acids (BAs) and bilirubin, primarily known for their role in lipid metabolism and as heme catabolite, respectively, have been found to have diverse effects on various physiological processes, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Indeed, accumulating evidence showed that the interplay between BAs and bilirubin in these processes involves intricate regulatory mechanisms mediated by specific receptors and signaling pathways under certain conditions and in specific contexts. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to its role in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and other risk factors. In the cardiovascular (CV) system, recent studies have suggested that BAs and bilirubin have some opposite effects related to oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, but this area of research is still under investigation. This review aims to introduce BAs and bilirubin from a biochemical and physiological point of view, emphasizing their potential protective or detrimental effects on CVDs. Moreover, clinical studies that have assessed the association between BAs/bilirubin and CVD were examined in depth to better interpret the possible link between them.
{"title":"Bile Acids and Bilirubin Role in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases","authors":"A. Punzo, Alessia Silla, F. Fogacci, Matteo Perillo, A. Cicero, C. Caliceti","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050103","url":null,"abstract":"Bile acids (BAs) and bilirubin, primarily known for their role in lipid metabolism and as heme catabolite, respectively, have been found to have diverse effects on various physiological processes, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Indeed, accumulating evidence showed that the interplay between BAs and bilirubin in these processes involves intricate regulatory mechanisms mediated by specific receptors and signaling pathways under certain conditions and in specific contexts. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to its role in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and other risk factors. In the cardiovascular (CV) system, recent studies have suggested that BAs and bilirubin have some opposite effects related to oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, but this area of research is still under investigation. This review aims to introduce BAs and bilirubin from a biochemical and physiological point of view, emphasizing their potential protective or detrimental effects on CVDs. Moreover, clinical studies that have assessed the association between BAs/bilirubin and CVD were examined in depth to better interpret the possible link between them.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"33 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140980389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-13DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050102
Tess Aitken, M. K. Tiong, Andrew S. Talbot, I. Ruderman, Kathy Nicholls
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, characterised by the cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide due to impaired alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity. FD may manifest with multisystem pathology, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Registry data suggest that the introduction of Fabry-specific therapies (enzyme replacement therapy or chaperone therapy) has led to significant improvements in overall patient outcomes; however, there are limited data on the impact on bone density. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of Fabry-specific therapies on longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in FD. We performed a retrospective observational study analysing bone densitometry (DXA) in patients with genetically confirmed FD. Patients were grouped based on the use of Fabry-specific therapies. The between-group longitudinal change in BMD Z-score was analysed using linear mixed effects models. A total of 88 FD patients were analysed (50 untreated; 38 treated). The mean age at first DXA was 38.5 years in the untreated group (84% female) and 43.7 years in the treated group (34% female). There was no significant longitudinal between-group difference in the BMD Z-score at the lumbar spine. However, the Z-score per year at the total hip (β = −0.105, p < 0.001) and femoral neck (β = −0.081, p = 0.001) was significantly lower over time in the treated than the untreated group. This may reflect those receiving therapy having a more severe underlying disease. Nevertheless, this suggests that Fabry-specific therapies do not reverse all disease mechanisms and that the additional management of BMD may be required in this patient population.
法布里病(Fabry disease,FD)是一种 X 连锁溶酶体贮积症,其特征是由于α-半乳糖苷酶 A 酶活性受损导致细胞内球糖基甘油酰胺堆积。FD 可表现为多系统病变,包括骨矿物质密度(BMD)降低。登记数据显示,法布里特异性疗法(酶替代疗法或伴侣疗法)的引入显著改善了患者的整体预后;然而,有关其对骨密度影响的数据却很有限。本研究旨在描述法布里特异性疗法对 FD 骨矿密度 (BMD) 纵向变化的影响。我们进行了一项回顾性观察研究,对基因确诊的 FD 患者的骨密度测量(DXA)进行了分析。根据法布里特异性疗法的使用情况对患者进行分组。采用线性混合效应模型分析了组间骨密度 Z 值的纵向变化。共分析了 88 位法布里病患者(50 位未经治疗;38 位接受过治疗)。未经治疗组患者首次接受 DXA 检查的平均年龄为 38.5 岁(84% 为女性),接受治疗组患者首次接受 DXA 检查的平均年龄为 43.7 岁(34% 为女性)。腰椎 BMD Z 值在组间无明显纵向差异。但是,随着时间的推移,接受治疗组的全髋(β = -0.105,p < 0.001)和股骨颈(β = -0.081,p = 0.001)的 Z 值明显低于未接受治疗组。这可能反映出接受治疗者的基础疾病更为严重。尽管如此,这表明法布里特异性疗法并不能逆转所有的疾病机制,因此可能需要对这类患者进行额外的 BMD 管理。
{"title":"The Effect of Fabry Disease Therapy on Bone Mineral Density","authors":"Tess Aitken, M. K. Tiong, Andrew S. Talbot, I. Ruderman, Kathy Nicholls","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050102","url":null,"abstract":"Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, characterised by the cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide due to impaired alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity. FD may manifest with multisystem pathology, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Registry data suggest that the introduction of Fabry-specific therapies (enzyme replacement therapy or chaperone therapy) has led to significant improvements in overall patient outcomes; however, there are limited data on the impact on bone density. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of Fabry-specific therapies on longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in FD. We performed a retrospective observational study analysing bone densitometry (DXA) in patients with genetically confirmed FD. Patients were grouped based on the use of Fabry-specific therapies. The between-group longitudinal change in BMD Z-score was analysed using linear mixed effects models. A total of 88 FD patients were analysed (50 untreated; 38 treated). The mean age at first DXA was 38.5 years in the untreated group (84% female) and 43.7 years in the treated group (34% female). There was no significant longitudinal between-group difference in the BMD Z-score at the lumbar spine. However, the Z-score per year at the total hip (β = −0.105, p < 0.001) and femoral neck (β = −0.081, p = 0.001) was significantly lower over time in the treated than the untreated group. This may reflect those receiving therapy having a more severe underlying disease. Nevertheless, this suggests that Fabry-specific therapies do not reverse all disease mechanisms and that the additional management of BMD may be required in this patient population.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"63 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140983379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-13DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050101
Irina Vlasova-St. Louis, Hesham Mohei
Cryptococcal infection poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions near the equator. In this review, we offer a succinct exploration of the Cryptococcus spp. genome and various molecular typing methods to assess the burden and genetic diversity of cryptococcal pathogens in the environment and clinical isolates. We delve into a detailed discussion on the molecular pathogenesis and diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with cryptococcosis, with a specific emphasis on cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). Our examination includes the recent literature on CM-IRIS, covering host cellulomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics.
{"title":"Molecular Diagnostics of Cryptococcus spp. and Immunomics of Cryptococcosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome","authors":"Irina Vlasova-St. Louis, Hesham Mohei","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050101","url":null,"abstract":"Cryptococcal infection poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions near the equator. In this review, we offer a succinct exploration of the Cryptococcus spp. genome and various molecular typing methods to assess the burden and genetic diversity of cryptococcal pathogens in the environment and clinical isolates. We delve into a detailed discussion on the molecular pathogenesis and diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with cryptococcosis, with a specific emphasis on cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). Our examination includes the recent literature on CM-IRIS, covering host cellulomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140983651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-13DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050100
Dimitra S. Mouliou
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a possibly fatal demyelinating disease and John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) is believed to cause this condition. The so-called JCPyV was initially reported in lymphoma and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, whereas nowadays, its incidence is increasing in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cases treated with natalizumab (Tysabri). However, there are conflicting literature data on its pathology and diagnosis, whereas some misdiagnosed reports exist, giving rise to further questions towards the topic. In reality, the so-called PML and the supposed JCPyV are not what they seem to be. In addition, novel and more frequent PML-like conditions may be reported, especially after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
{"title":"John Cunningham Virus and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Falsely Played Diagnosis","authors":"Dimitra S. Mouliou","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050100","url":null,"abstract":"Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a possibly fatal demyelinating disease and John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) is believed to cause this condition. The so-called JCPyV was initially reported in lymphoma and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, whereas nowadays, its incidence is increasing in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cases treated with natalizumab (Tysabri). However, there are conflicting literature data on its pathology and diagnosis, whereas some misdiagnosed reports exist, giving rise to further questions towards the topic. In reality, the so-called PML and the supposed JCPyV are not what they seem to be. In addition, novel and more frequent PML-like conditions may be reported, especially after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"43 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140983850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-12DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050099
Zahraa Alkhazaali-Ali, Sajad Sahab-Negah, Amir Reza Boroumand, Najmeh Kaffash Farkhad, Mohammad Ali Khodadoust, Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease. There are vigorous attempts to develop treatments to reduce the effects of this disease, and among these treatments is the transplantation of stem cells. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy cohort as a promising novel treatment modality by estimating some additional new parameters, such as immunological and biochemical factors. Methods: This study was designed as an open-label, one-arm cohort retrospective study to evaluate potential diagnostic biomarkers of repeated infusions of autologous-bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in 15 confirmed patients with ALS, administered at a dose of 1 × 106 cells/kg BW with a one-month interval, in equal amounts in both an intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) capacity simultaneously, via various biochemical (iron (Fe), ferritin, total-iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, and creatine kinase (CK)) and immunological parameters (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels, evaluated during the three-month follow-up period in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results: Our study indicated that, in the case of immunological biomarkers, TNF-α levels in the CSF showed a significant decrease at month three after transplantation compared with levels at month zero, and the p-value was p < 0.01. No statistically significant changes were observed for other immunological as well as biochemical parameters and a p-value of p > 0.05. Conclusions: These results can indicate the potential benefit of stem cell transfusion in patients with ALS and suggest some diagnostic biomarkers. Several studies are required to approve these results.
{"title":"Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantations in ALS Patients by Investigating Patients’ Specific Immunological and Biochemical Biomarkers","authors":"Zahraa Alkhazaali-Ali, Sajad Sahab-Negah, Amir Reza Boroumand, Najmeh Kaffash Farkhad, Mohammad Ali Khodadoust, Jalil Tavakol-Afshari","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050099","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease. There are vigorous attempts to develop treatments to reduce the effects of this disease, and among these treatments is the transplantation of stem cells. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy cohort as a promising novel treatment modality by estimating some additional new parameters, such as immunological and biochemical factors. Methods: This study was designed as an open-label, one-arm cohort retrospective study to evaluate potential diagnostic biomarkers of repeated infusions of autologous-bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in 15 confirmed patients with ALS, administered at a dose of 1 × 106 cells/kg BW with a one-month interval, in equal amounts in both an intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) capacity simultaneously, via various biochemical (iron (Fe), ferritin, total-iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, and creatine kinase (CK)) and immunological parameters (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels, evaluated during the three-month follow-up period in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results: Our study indicated that, in the case of immunological biomarkers, TNF-α levels in the CSF showed a significant decrease at month three after transplantation compared with levels at month zero, and the p-value was p < 0.01. No statistically significant changes were observed for other immunological as well as biochemical parameters and a p-value of p > 0.05. Conclusions: These results can indicate the potential benefit of stem cell transfusion in patients with ALS and suggest some diagnostic biomarkers. Several studies are required to approve these results.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"106 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140987104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-12DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050098
D. Faber, A. Agbarya, Ben Caspy, Moshe Lapidot, Shoshana Keren Rosenberg, Sonia Schneer, Erez Sharoni, R. Galili
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pulmonary malignancy, frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage (III/IV). Patients in the Locally Advanced Stage Subgroup (IIIA) are relatively few, yet compose heterogenic phenotypes, posing a diagnostic and treating challenge, leading to a lack of clinical guidelines regarding the optimal standard of care. Several approaches exist, with a general agreement that a combined oncological and surgical modality approach is required. In this current retrospective descriptive study, patients with operable stage IIIA NSCLC who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2020 were evaluated on several aspects, including the initial diagnosis, neoadjuvant regimens, outcomes of surgical intervention, and overall survival at 2 years and 5 years following treatment. A total of 35 patients had neoadjuvant oncological treatment (mostly chemoradiation therapy) prior to surgery, out of which 28 patients were diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC. In post-operative assessment of pathological staging, downstaging was reported in 19 patients, of which 25% of cases were defined as a complete pathological response. The 2-year overall survival rate was 65% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 62%. The main pattern of disease recurrence was distant metastasis.
{"title":"A Single-Center Experience in Combined Oncological–Surgical Treatment for Resectable Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)","authors":"D. Faber, A. Agbarya, Ben Caspy, Moshe Lapidot, Shoshana Keren Rosenberg, Sonia Schneer, Erez Sharoni, R. Galili","doi":"10.3390/diseases12050098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050098","url":null,"abstract":"Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pulmonary malignancy, frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage (III/IV). Patients in the Locally Advanced Stage Subgroup (IIIA) are relatively few, yet compose heterogenic phenotypes, posing a diagnostic and treating challenge, leading to a lack of clinical guidelines regarding the optimal standard of care. Several approaches exist, with a general agreement that a combined oncological and surgical modality approach is required. In this current retrospective descriptive study, patients with operable stage IIIA NSCLC who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2020 were evaluated on several aspects, including the initial diagnosis, neoadjuvant regimens, outcomes of surgical intervention, and overall survival at 2 years and 5 years following treatment. A total of 35 patients had neoadjuvant oncological treatment (mostly chemoradiation therapy) prior to surgery, out of which 28 patients were diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC. In post-operative assessment of pathological staging, downstaging was reported in 19 patients, of which 25% of cases were defined as a complete pathological response. The 2-year overall survival rate was 65% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 62%. The main pattern of disease recurrence was distant metastasis.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"111 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140987020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}