BACKGROUND Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive(anti-MDA5 Ab+)dermatomyositis complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease(anti-MDA5 Ab+DM-RP-ILD)has an unclear underlyin...BACKGROUND Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive(anti-MDA5 Ab+)dermatomyositis complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease(anti-MDA5 Ab+DM-RP-ILD)has an unclear underlying mechanism with no recommended unified treatment plan.Herein,one of the cases that we report(Case 2)was successfully treated with tocilizumab despite having lung infection.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 30-year-old woman who was admitted due to recurrent rash for 5 mo,fever and cough for 1 mo,and chest tightness for 3 d.She was diagnosed with non-myopathic dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and interstitial pneumonia,and was treated with the combination of hormone therapy and cyclophosphamide followed by oral tacrolimus.Case 2 was a 31-year-old man admitted due to systemic rash accompanied by muscle weakness of limbs for more than 1 mo,and chest tightness and dry cough for 4 d.He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and acute interstitial pneumonia with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus infections and was treated with hormone therapy(without cyclophosphamide)and the combination of tocilizumab and tacrolimus.The condition of both patients eventually improved and they were discharged and showed clinically stable condition at the latest follow-up.CONCLUSION Tocilizumab could be a salvage treatment for patients with anti-MDA5 Ab+DMRP-ILD who are refractory to intensive immunosuppression.展开更多
Splenic histiocytic sarcoma(SHS)is a rare,aggressive hematological malignancy with unclear progression and management.Our case illustrates the progression and pathophysiological processes of SHS and provides key data ...Splenic histiocytic sarcoma(SHS)is a rare,aggressive hematological malignancy with unclear progression and management.Our case illustrates the progression and pathophysiological processes of SHS and provides key data for the diagnosis,treatment and management of SHS.A 60-year-old female with incidentally detected splenic mass(6.0 cm×5.7 cm)underwent splenectomy,confirmed as SHS in 2020.Post-op imatinib therapy was given.In 2022,hepatic metastases(2.4 cm×2.9 cm)with pancytopenia led to supportive care.Lesions enlarged to 4.3 cm×2.7 cm,leading to multi-organ failure and death at 33 months.The case was categorized into three distinct stages based on the pathophysiology of SHS:Early-stage splenic tumor growth,mid-stage liver metastasis with hematological abnormalities,and late-stage tumor infiltration leading to multiorgan failure.For SHS,this case highlights the pivotal role of early intervention and the value of personalized treatment strategies.展开更多
BACKGROUNDColorectal cancer(CRC)typically progresses from benign colorectal polyps,whichrepresent a precursor to malignancy.Identifying the factors influencing thisprogression is crucial for early intervention and pre...BACKGROUNDColorectal cancer(CRC)typically progresses from benign colorectal polyps,whichrepresent a precursor to malignancy.Identifying the factors influencing thisprogression is crucial for early intervention and prevention.Although genetic andenvironmental factors have been widely studied,the role of lifestyle factors suchas physical activity,diet,smoking,sleep,and stress remains underexplored,especially in patients with early stage CRC or polyps.Recent evidence suggeststhat lifestyle behaviors may influence cancer progression by modulating inflammatorypathways,metabolic health,and immune function.For instance,highlevels of physical activity are linked to a reduced risk of CRC development,whereas poor dietary habits,smoking,and inadequate sleep have all beenimplicated in increased cancer risk and progression.Moreover,early-stage CRCpatients,who are often asymptomatic or have minimal symptoms,may particularlybenefit from lifestyle modifications to slow disease progression andimprove overall prognosis.The gap in understanding the specific influence ofthese lifestyle factors on colorectal polyps and early stage cancer progressionunderscores the need for comprehensive studies.By assessing several modifiablelifestyle factors and their association with disease progression,clinicians canidentify practical intervention points.These interventions could ultimately reducethe need for more aggressive treatments and improve the long-term outcomes inaffected patients.AIMTo investigate the association between lifestyle factors and disease progression inpatients with colorectal polyps and early stage cancer.METHODSIn this observational study conducted from January 2022 to December 2023,werecruited 120 patients with colorectal polyps or early stage cancer from Jiangshan People's Hospital.Lifestyle factors,including physical activity,dietary patterns,smoking status,sleep quality,andstress levels,were assessed using validated questionnaires.Disease progression was evaluated using standardizedfollow-up colonoscopies and pathological examinations.Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyzethe association between lifestyle factors and disease progression after adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTSDuring the median follow-up of 18.4 months,42(35.0%)patients experienced disease progression.High levels ofphysical activity were associated with reduced progression risk[adjusted hazard ratio(HR)0.55,95%confidenceinterval(CI):0.38-0.80,P=0.002]compared to low activity levels.High adherence to a healthy dietary patternshowed similar protective effects(adjusted HR 0.62,95%CI:0.43-0.89,P=0.009).Current smoking(adjusted HR1.92,95%CI:1.35-2.73,P<0.001)and poor sleep quality(adjusted HR 1.38,95%CI:1.05-1.82,P=0.021)wereassociated with increased progression risk.The impact of lifestyle factors was particularly pronounced in patientsyounger than 60 years and those with multiple polyps at baseline.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated significant associations between lifestyle factors and disease progression in colorectalpolyps and early stage cancer.Physical activity,dietary patterns,smoking status,and sleep quality have emergedas key modifiable factors influencing disease progression.These findings support the integration of lifestyleassessments and modifications in the clinical management of patients with colorectal neoplasia.展开更多
This study aims to understand the current status of fear of disease progression(FoP)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and to explore the relationship between...This study aims to understand the current status of fear of disease progression(FoP)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and to explore the relationship between FoP levels,perceived control,and medical coping strategies in these patients.A total of 360 CHD patients who underwent PCI at Xijing Hospital in Shaanxi Province between June and November 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method.Surveys included a general information questionnaire,the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form(FoP-Q-SF),the revised Control Attitudes Scale(CAS-R),and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire(MCMQ).Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between disease perception,positive coping strategies,and FoP.A total of 360 patients completed the study.The average score for FoP in patients with CHD after PCI was 31.64±4.61.FoP was negatively correlated with perceived control(r=-0.106,P<0.01)and medical coping(r=-0.194,P<0.01).Multivariate regression analysis showed that the type of intervention,family history of CHD,smoking status,perceived control,and total medical coping score were significant factors influencing FoP(P<0.01).Enhancing perceived control and identifying positive coping strategies can improve FoP levels in patients with CHD after PCI.Therefore,clinicians should focus on perceived control and medical coping levels in patients and develop targeted interventions to alleviate negative emotions related to FoP.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons.Early-stage axonal dysfunction,rather than central nervous system injury,plays a key role in the disease process.However,the mole...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons.Early-stage axonal dysfunction,rather than central nervous system injury,plays a key role in the disease process.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this dysfunction remain unclear.To investigate the relationship between peripheral immune dysregulation and axonal dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,we recruited 372 patients within the first 12 months of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis onset between January 2018 and May 2024.We collected peripheral immune markers at baseline,including total leukocytes,lymphocytes,monocytes,neutrophils,basophils,eosinophils,and platelets.We also calculated four derived ratios:neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio,lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio,and systemic immune inflammation index.Multivariate analysis,adjusted for confounding factors,revealed that higher counts of total leukocytes and neutrophils,as well as higher neutrophil-related ratios,including the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the systemic immune inflammation index,were significantly correlated with higher compound muscle action potential scores.Stratified analyses revealed that these associations varied by age and sex.Furthermore,mediation analysis demonstrated that axonal dysfunction plays a significant role in the relationship between immune markers and disease progression.These findings emphasize the critical role that peripheral immune dysregulation plays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression by mediating peripheral nerve injury,particularly in the early stages of the disease.This study highlights the importance of the peripheral nervous system in the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and provides new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.展开更多
In vivo imaging of neurodegenerative diseases provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.Many ocular diseases are closely linked to neurodegenerative conditions affectin...In vivo imaging of neurodegenerative diseases provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.Many ocular diseases are closely linked to neurodegenerative conditions affecting the brain,making the eye a unique and accessible model for studying these disorders.The transparency of eyes allows researchers to monitor disease progression non-invasively,offering a window into neural health.展开更多
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It h...The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It has recently become possible to determine pathological changes in the brain without autopsy with the advancement of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool used to evaluate brain microstructural complexity and integrity, axonal order, density, and myelination via the micron-scale displacement of water molecules diffusing in tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging, a type of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique is widely utilized in clinical and research settings;however, it has several limitations. To overcome these limitations, cutting-edge diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusional kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and free water imaging, have been recently proposed and applied to evaluate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the main applications, findings, and future directions of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the first and second most common neurodegenerative diseases, respectively.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and manageme...Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.展开更多
Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of chronic and complex disorders featuring progressive loss of neurons in distinct brain areas.The mechanisms responsible for the disease progression in neurodegeneration are not...Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of chronic and complex disorders featuring progressive loss of neurons in distinct brain areas.The mechanisms responsible for the disease progression in neurodegeneration are not fully illustrated.In this observational study,we have examined diverse biochemical parameters in the caudate and putamen of patients with Lewy body diseases(LBDs)and Alzheimer disease(AD),shedding some light on the involvement of oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in advanced neurodegeneration.We performed Spearman and Mantel-Cox analyses to investigate how oxidative stress and neuroinflammation exert comprehensive effects on disease progression and survival.Disease progression in LBDs correlated positively with poly(ADP-Ribose)and triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cell 2 levels in the striatum of LBD cohorts,indicating that potential parthanatos was a dominant feature of worsening disease progression and might contribute to switching microglial inflammatory phenotypes.Disease progression in AD corresponds negatively with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine(8-oxo-d G)and myeloperoxidase concentrations in the striatum,suggesting that possible mitochondria dysfunction may be involved in the progression of AD via a mechanism ofβ-amyloid entering the mitochondria and subsequent free radicals generation.Patients with lower striatal 8-oxo-d G and myeloperoxidase levels had a survival advantage in AD.The age of onset also affected disease progression.Tissue requests for the postmortem biochemistry,genetics,and autoradiography studies were approved by the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center(ADRC)Biospecimens Committee(ethics approval reference number:T1705,approval date:August 6,2019).Recombinant DNA and Hazardous Research Materials were approved by the Washington University Environmental Health&Safety Biological Safety Committee(approval code:3739,approval date:February 25,2020).Radioactive Material Authorization was approved by the Washington University Environmental Health&Safety Radiation Safety Committee(approval code:1056,approval date:September 18,2019).展开更多
BACKGROUND The mental well-being of individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD)during the intensive care unit(ICU)transition period is a multifaceted and significant concern.In this phase,the individuals might encoun...BACKGROUND The mental well-being of individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD)during the intensive care unit(ICU)transition period is a multifaceted and significant concern.In this phase,the individuals might encounter psychological challenges like anxiety and depression,which can impede their recuperation and potentially have lasting effects on their health.AIM To investigate the correlation among psychological factors in CHD patients in the ICU transition period.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted with 119 patients admitted to the ICU after coronary artery bypass grafting between March and December 2023.Variations in Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form(Fop-Q-SF),and Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS)were collected and analyzed among diverse populations.We used Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine the correlation.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore whether these indicators influenced depression and anxiety in the patients.RESULTS The total scores for anxiety,depression,fear of disease progression,and social support were(7.50±1.41)points,(8.38±1.62)points,(35.19±8.14)points,and(36.34±7.08)points,respectively(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the level of disease progression and social support affected the level of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients.CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression levels were positively related to each dimension of phobia disease progression and negatively related to each dimension of social support among patients with CHD.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal multisystemic neurodegenerative disease with motor neurons being a primary target.Although progressive weakness is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,there is ...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal multisystemic neurodegenerative disease with motor neurons being a primary target.Although progressive weakness is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,there is considerable heterogeneity,including clinical presentation,progression,and the underlying triggers for disease initiation.Based on longitudinal studies with families harboring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated gene mutations,it has become apparent that overt disease is preceded by a prodromal phase,possibly in years,where compensatory mechanisms delay symptom onset.Since 85-90%of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is sporadic,there is a strong need for identifying biomarkers that can detect this prodromal phase as motor neurons have limited capacity for regeneration.Current Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies work by slowing the degenerative process and are most effective early in the disease.Skeletal muscle,including the neuromuscular junction,manifests abnormalities at the earliest stages of the disease,before motor neuron loss,making it a promising source for identifying biomarkers of the prodromal phase.The accessibility of muscle through biopsy provides a lens into the distal motor system at earlier stages and in real time.The advent of“omics”technology has led to the identification of numerous dysregulated molecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle,ranging from coding and non-coding RNAs to proteins and metabolites.This technology has opened the door for identifying biomarkers of disease activity and providing insight into disease mechanisms.A major challenge is correlating the myriad of dysregulated molecules with clinical or histological progression and understanding their relevance to presymptomatic phases of disease.There are two major goals of this review.The first is to summarize some of the biomarkers identified in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle that have a clinicopathological correlation with disease activity,evidence of a similar dysregulation in the SOD1G93A mouse during presymptomatic stages,and evidence of progressive change during disease progression.The second goal is to review the molecular pathways these biomarkers reflect and their potential role in mitigating or promoting disease progression,and as such,their potential as therapeutic targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic ...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic patterns could aid in diagnosis and provide an avenue for monitoring disease progression.Use of the m SOD1 G93 A mouse model provides control of the confounding environmental factors and genetic heterogeneity seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,while investigating underlying disease-induced changes.In the present study,we performed a longitudinal behavioral assessment paradigm and identified an early hindlimb symptom,resembling the common gait abnormality foot drop,along with an accompanying forelimb compensatory mechanism in the m SOD1 G93 A mouse.Following these initial changes,m SOD1 mice displayed a temporary hindlimb compensatory mechanism resembling an exaggerated steppage gait.As the disease progressed,these compensatory mechanisms were not sufficient to sustain fundamental locomotor parameters and more severe deficits appeared.We next applied these initial findings to investigate the inherent variability in B6 SJL m SOD1 G93 A survival.We identified four behavioral variables that,when combined in a cluster analysis,identified two subpopulations with different disease progression rates:a fast progression group and a slow progression group.This behavioral assessment paradigm,with its analytical approaches,provides a method for monitoring disease progression and detecting m SOD1 subgroups with different disease severities.This affords researchers an opportunity to search for genetic modifiers or other factors that likely enhance or slow disease progression.Such factors are possible therapeutic targets with the potential to slow disease progression and provide insight into the underlying pathology and disease mechanisms.展开更多
Colorectal cancer represents the third most diagnosed malignancy in the world.The liver is the main site of metastatic disease,affected in 30%of patients with newly diagnosed disease.Complete resection is considered t...Colorectal cancer represents the third most diagnosed malignancy in the world.The liver is the main site of metastatic disease,affected in 30%of patients with newly diagnosed disease.Complete resection is considered the only potentially curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis(CRLM),with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 35%to 58%.However,up to 80%of patients have initially unresectable disease,due to extrahepatic disease or bilobar multiple liver nodules.The availability of increasingly effective systemic chemotherapy has contributed to converting patients with initially unresectable liver metastases to resectable disease,improving long-term outcomes,and accessing tumor biology.In recent years,response to preoperative systemic chemotherapy before liver resection has been established as a major prognostic factor.Some studies have demonstrated that patients with regression of hepatic metastases while on chemotherapy have improved outcomes when compared to patients with stabilization or progression of the disease.Even if disease progression during chemotherapy represents an independent negative prognostic factor,some patients may still benefit from surgery,given the role of this modality as the main treatment with curative intent for patients with CRLM.In selected cases,based on size,the number of lesions,and tumor markers,surgery may be offered despite the less favorable prognosis and as an option for non-chemo responders.展开更多
Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is a major cause of neurological disability in adults and has an annual cost of approximately $28 billion in the United States. MS is a very complex disorder as demyelination can happen in a v...Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is a major cause of neurological disability in adults and has an annual cost of approximately $28 billion in the United States. MS is a very complex disorder as demyelination can happen in a variety of locations throughout the brain; therefore, this disease is never the same in two patients making it very hard to predict disease progression. A modeling approach which combines clinical, biological and imaging measures to help treat and fight this disorder is needed. In this paper, I will outline MS as a very heterogeneous disorder, review some potential solutions from the literature, demonstrate the need for a biomarker and will discuss how computational modeling combined with biological, clinical and imaging data can help link disparate observations and decipher complex mechanisms whose solutions are not amenable to simple reductionism.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal, progressive, neurodegener- ative disorder, is the most common cause of old-age demen- tia, accounting for 50-75% of dementia patients. Early stages of AD are marked by vocabulary ...Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal, progressive, neurodegener- ative disorder, is the most common cause of old-age demen- tia, accounting for 50-75% of dementia patients. Early stages of AD are marked by vocabulary shrinkage, spatial disori- entation, depression, apraxia, and deterioration of recent forms of declarative memory. In course of time, the patients require close supervision due to the loss of cognitive and functional abilities, and at the terminal stages of the disease, all forms of memory are severely impaired with the patients needing nursing home care (World Alzheimer Report, 2013).展开更多
AIM: To reveal the frequency, characteristics and prognosis of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) in mitochondrial disease patients. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 31 patients (13 males and ...AIM: To reveal the frequency, characteristics and prognosis of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) in mitochondrial disease patients. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 31 patients (13 males and 18 females) were di-agnosed with mitochondrial diseases at our hospital. We conducted a retrospective review of the patients' sex, subclass of mitochondrial disease, age at onset of mitochondrial disease, frequency of CIP and the age at its onset, and the duration of survival. The age at onset or at the first diagnosis of the disorder that led to the clinical suspicion of mitochondrial disease was also examined. RESULTS: Twenty patients were sub-classified with mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), 8 with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), and 3 with myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged-red fibers (MERRF). Nine patients were diagnosed with CIP, 8 of the 20 (40.0%) patients with MELAS, 0 of the 8 (0.0%) patients with CPEO, and 1 of the 3 (33.3%) patients with MERRF. The median age (range) at the diagnosis and the median age at onset of mitochondrial disease were 40 (17-69) and 25 (12-63) years in patients with CIP, and 49 (17-81) and 40 (11-71) years in patients without CIP. During the survey period, 5 patients (4 patients with MELAS and 1 with CPEO) died. The cause of death was cardiomyopathy in 2 patients with MELAS, cerebral infarction in 1 patient with MELAS, epilepsy and aspiration pneumonia in 1 patient with MELAS, and multiple metastases from gastric cancer and aspiration pneumonia in 1 patient with CPEO. CONCLUSION: Patients with CIP tend to have disorders that are suspected to be related to mitochondrial diseases at younger ages than are patients without CIP.展开更多
Huntington’s disease(HD)is an autosomal dominant,monogenic,progressive,neurodegenerative and rare disease with a frequency of10 per 100,000 in the Caucasian population and occurring more rarely in other races(Squi...Huntington’s disease(HD)is an autosomal dominant,monogenic,progressive,neurodegenerative and rare disease with a frequency of10 per 100,000 in the Caucasian population and occurring more rarely in other races(Squitieri et al.,1994).HD is,nevertheless,one of the most frequently and extensively studied diseases of those caused by a dynamic mutation.The HD mutation is located on the short arm of the 4th chromosome within the HTT gene.展开更多
BACKGROUND Defective neutrophil regulation in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is thought to play an important role in the onset or manifestation of IBD,as it could lead to damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier by th...BACKGROUND Defective neutrophil regulation in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is thought to play an important role in the onset or manifestation of IBD,as it could lead to damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier by the infiltration of neutrophils in the inflamed mucosa and the accumulation of pathogens.Like neutrophils in the context of innate immune responses,immunoglobulin A(IgA)as an acquired immune response partakes in the defense of the intestinal epithelium.Under normal conditions,IgA contributes to the elimination of microbes,but in connection with the loss of tolerance to chitinase 3-like 1(CHI3L1)in IBD,IgA could participate in CHI3L1-mediated improved adhesion and invasion of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.The tolerance brake to CHI3L1 and the occurrence of IgA autoantibodies to this particular target,the exact role and underlying mechanisms of CHI3L1 in the pathogenesis of IBD are still unclear.AIM To determine the predictive potential of Ig subtypes of a novel serological marker,anti-CHI3L1 autoantibodies(aCHI3L1)in determining the disease phenotype,therapeutic strategy and long-term disease course in a prospective referral cohort of adult IBD patients.METHODS Sera of 257 Crohn’s disease(CD)and 180 ulcerative colitis(UC)patients from a tertiary IBD referral center of Hungary(Division of Gastroenterology,Department of Internal Medicine,Faculty of Medicine,University of Debrecen)were assayed for IgG,IgA,and secretory IgA(sIgA)type aCHI3L1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant CHI3L1,along with 86 healthy controls(HCONT).RESULTS The IgA type was more prevalent in CD than in UC(29.2%vs 11.1%)or HCONT(2.83%;P<0.0001 for both).However,sIgA subtype aCHI3L1 positivity was higher in both CD and UC patients than in HCONT(39.3%and 32.8%vs 4.65%,respectively;P<0.0001).The presence of both IgA and sIgA aCHI3L1 antibodies was associated with colonic involvement(P<0.0001 and P=0.038,respectively)in patients with CD.Complicated disease behavior at sample procurement was associated with aCHI3L1 sIgA positivity(57.1%vs 36.0%,P=0.009).IgA type aCH3L1 was more prevalent in patients with frequent relapse during the disease course in the CD group(46.9%vs 25.7%,P=0.005).In a group of patients with concomitant presence of pure inflammatory luminal disease and colon involvement at the time of diagnosis,positivity for IgA or sIgA type aCH3L1 predicted faster progression towards a complicated disease course in time-dependent models.This association disappeared after merging subgroups of different disease locations.CONCLUSION CHI3L1 is a novel neutrophil autoantigenic target in IBD.The consideration of antibody classes along with location-based prediction may transform the future of serology in IBD.展开更多
Background Statins reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to their ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, few studies...Background Statins reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to their ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, few studies have either assessed the ability of intensive statin treatments to achieve disease regression or compared alternative approaches to maximal statin administration.展开更多
Multiple sclerosis(MS) is characterized by chronic inflammation in conjunction with neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Most individuals with MS begin with a relapsing remitting course that later tr...Multiple sclerosis(MS) is characterized by chronic inflammation in conjunction with neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Most individuals with MS begin with a relapsing remitting course that later transitions to secondary progressive MS. Currently available disease-modifying therapies(DMTs) for relapsing MS have been demonstrated to reduce disease activity, however most patients require a change in therapy over the course of their disease. Treatment goals include the prevention of relapses and disability accumulation and to achieve this objective requires careful planning. Sequencing of DMTs for individual patients should be designed in such a way to maximize disease control and minimize risk based on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of each therapy. This includes the DMT patients are being switched from to those they are being switched to. The reversibility of immune system effects should be a key consideration for DMT sequence selection. This feature varies across DMTs and should factor more prominently in decision making as newer treatments become available for the prevention of disability accumulation in patients with progressive MS. In this short review, we discuss the landscape of existing therapies with an eye to the future when planning for optimal DMT sequencing. While no cure exists for MS, efforts are being directed toward research in neuroregeneration with the hope for positive outcomes.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive(anti-MDA5 Ab+)dermatomyositis complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease(anti-MDA5 Ab+DM-RP-ILD)has an unclear underlying mechanism with no recommended unified treatment plan.Herein,one of the cases that we report(Case 2)was successfully treated with tocilizumab despite having lung infection.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 30-year-old woman who was admitted due to recurrent rash for 5 mo,fever and cough for 1 mo,and chest tightness for 3 d.She was diagnosed with non-myopathic dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and interstitial pneumonia,and was treated with the combination of hormone therapy and cyclophosphamide followed by oral tacrolimus.Case 2 was a 31-year-old man admitted due to systemic rash accompanied by muscle weakness of limbs for more than 1 mo,and chest tightness and dry cough for 4 d.He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and acute interstitial pneumonia with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus infections and was treated with hormone therapy(without cyclophosphamide)and the combination of tocilizumab and tacrolimus.The condition of both patients eventually improved and they were discharged and showed clinically stable condition at the latest follow-up.CONCLUSION Tocilizumab could be a salvage treatment for patients with anti-MDA5 Ab+DMRP-ILD who are refractory to intensive immunosuppression.
基金Supported by the Program of General Hospital of Western Theater,No.2021-XZYG-C33.
文摘Splenic histiocytic sarcoma(SHS)is a rare,aggressive hematological malignancy with unclear progression and management.Our case illustrates the progression and pathophysiological processes of SHS and provides key data for the diagnosis,treatment and management of SHS.A 60-year-old female with incidentally detected splenic mass(6.0 cm×5.7 cm)underwent splenectomy,confirmed as SHS in 2020.Post-op imatinib therapy was given.In 2022,hepatic metastases(2.4 cm×2.9 cm)with pancytopenia led to supportive care.Lesions enlarged to 4.3 cm×2.7 cm,leading to multi-organ failure and death at 33 months.The case was categorized into three distinct stages based on the pathophysiology of SHS:Early-stage splenic tumor growth,mid-stage liver metastasis with hematological abnormalities,and late-stage tumor infiltration leading to multiorgan failure.For SHS,this case highlights the pivotal role of early intervention and the value of personalized treatment strategies.
文摘BACKGROUNDColorectal cancer(CRC)typically progresses from benign colorectal polyps,whichrepresent a precursor to malignancy.Identifying the factors influencing thisprogression is crucial for early intervention and prevention.Although genetic andenvironmental factors have been widely studied,the role of lifestyle factors suchas physical activity,diet,smoking,sleep,and stress remains underexplored,especially in patients with early stage CRC or polyps.Recent evidence suggeststhat lifestyle behaviors may influence cancer progression by modulating inflammatorypathways,metabolic health,and immune function.For instance,highlevels of physical activity are linked to a reduced risk of CRC development,whereas poor dietary habits,smoking,and inadequate sleep have all beenimplicated in increased cancer risk and progression.Moreover,early-stage CRCpatients,who are often asymptomatic or have minimal symptoms,may particularlybenefit from lifestyle modifications to slow disease progression andimprove overall prognosis.The gap in understanding the specific influence ofthese lifestyle factors on colorectal polyps and early stage cancer progressionunderscores the need for comprehensive studies.By assessing several modifiablelifestyle factors and their association with disease progression,clinicians canidentify practical intervention points.These interventions could ultimately reducethe need for more aggressive treatments and improve the long-term outcomes inaffected patients.AIMTo investigate the association between lifestyle factors and disease progression inpatients with colorectal polyps and early stage cancer.METHODSIn this observational study conducted from January 2022 to December 2023,werecruited 120 patients with colorectal polyps or early stage cancer from Jiangshan People's Hospital.Lifestyle factors,including physical activity,dietary patterns,smoking status,sleep quality,andstress levels,were assessed using validated questionnaires.Disease progression was evaluated using standardizedfollow-up colonoscopies and pathological examinations.Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyzethe association between lifestyle factors and disease progression after adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTSDuring the median follow-up of 18.4 months,42(35.0%)patients experienced disease progression.High levels ofphysical activity were associated with reduced progression risk[adjusted hazard ratio(HR)0.55,95%confidenceinterval(CI):0.38-0.80,P=0.002]compared to low activity levels.High adherence to a healthy dietary patternshowed similar protective effects(adjusted HR 0.62,95%CI:0.43-0.89,P=0.009).Current smoking(adjusted HR1.92,95%CI:1.35-2.73,P<0.001)and poor sleep quality(adjusted HR 1.38,95%CI:1.05-1.82,P=0.021)wereassociated with increased progression risk.The impact of lifestyle factors was particularly pronounced in patientsyounger than 60 years and those with multiple polyps at baseline.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated significant associations between lifestyle factors and disease progression in colorectalpolyps and early stage cancer.Physical activity,dietary patterns,smoking status,and sleep quality have emergedas key modifiable factors influencing disease progression.These findings support the integration of lifestyleassessments and modifications in the clinical management of patients with colorectal neoplasia.
文摘This study aims to understand the current status of fear of disease progression(FoP)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and to explore the relationship between FoP levels,perceived control,and medical coping strategies in these patients.A total of 360 CHD patients who underwent PCI at Xijing Hospital in Shaanxi Province between June and November 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method.Surveys included a general information questionnaire,the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form(FoP-Q-SF),the revised Control Attitudes Scale(CAS-R),and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire(MCMQ).Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between disease perception,positive coping strategies,and FoP.A total of 360 patients completed the study.The average score for FoP in patients with CHD after PCI was 31.64±4.61.FoP was negatively correlated with perceived control(r=-0.106,P<0.01)and medical coping(r=-0.194,P<0.01).Multivariate regression analysis showed that the type of intervention,family history of CHD,smoking status,perceived control,and total medical coping score were significant factors influencing FoP(P<0.01).Enhancing perceived control and identifying positive coping strategies can improve FoP levels in patients with CHD after PCI.Therefore,clinicians should focus on perceived control and medical coping levels in patients and develop targeted interventions to alleviate negative emotions related to FoP.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7244428(to WZ)Peking University Medicine Sailing Program for Young Scholars’Scientific and Technological Innovation,No.BMU2023YFJHPY034(to WZ)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81873784(to DF),82071426(to DF)Clinical Cohort Construction Program of Peking University Third Hospital,Nos.BYSYDL2019002(to DF)and BYSYZD2021004(to DF).
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons.Early-stage axonal dysfunction,rather than central nervous system injury,plays a key role in the disease process.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this dysfunction remain unclear.To investigate the relationship between peripheral immune dysregulation and axonal dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,we recruited 372 patients within the first 12 months of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis onset between January 2018 and May 2024.We collected peripheral immune markers at baseline,including total leukocytes,lymphocytes,monocytes,neutrophils,basophils,eosinophils,and platelets.We also calculated four derived ratios:neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio,lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio,and systemic immune inflammation index.Multivariate analysis,adjusted for confounding factors,revealed that higher counts of total leukocytes and neutrophils,as well as higher neutrophil-related ratios,including the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the systemic immune inflammation index,were significantly correlated with higher compound muscle action potential scores.Stratified analyses revealed that these associations varied by age and sex.Furthermore,mediation analysis demonstrated that axonal dysfunction plays a significant role in the relationship between immune markers and disease progression.These findings emphasize the critical role that peripheral immune dysregulation plays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression by mediating peripheral nerve injury,particularly in the early stages of the disease.This study highlights the importance of the peripheral nervous system in the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and provides new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
基金supported[in part]by the IntramuralResearch Program of the National Institutes ofHealth(NIH)(to KJM),and also supported by theOffice by the Office of the Assistant Secretary ofDefense for Health Affairs and the Defense HealthAgency J9,Research and Development Directorate,through the Vision Research Program under AwardNo.(CDMRPL-18-0-VR180205 to KJM and FMN-N).
文摘In vivo imaging of neurodegenerative diseases provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.Many ocular diseases are closely linked to neurodegenerative conditions affecting the brain,making the eye a unique and accessible model for studying these disorders.The transparency of eyes allows researchers to monitor disease progression non-invasively,offering a window into neural health.
基金supported by research grants from the program for Brain/MINDS Beyond program from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)under Grant Number JP18dm0307024(to KK)MEXT-Supported Program for the Private University Research Branding Project+1 种基金ImPACT Program of Council for Science,Technology and Innovation(Cabinet Office,Government of Japan)JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP16K10327(to KK)
文摘The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It has recently become possible to determine pathological changes in the brain without autopsy with the advancement of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool used to evaluate brain microstructural complexity and integrity, axonal order, density, and myelination via the micron-scale displacement of water molecules diffusing in tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging, a type of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique is widely utilized in clinical and research settings;however, it has several limitations. To overcome these limitations, cutting-edge diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusional kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and free water imaging, have been recently proposed and applied to evaluate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the main applications, findings, and future directions of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the first and second most common neurodegenerative diseases, respectively.
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of chronic and complex disorders featuring progressive loss of neurons in distinct brain areas.The mechanisms responsible for the disease progression in neurodegeneration are not fully illustrated.In this observational study,we have examined diverse biochemical parameters in the caudate and putamen of patients with Lewy body diseases(LBDs)and Alzheimer disease(AD),shedding some light on the involvement of oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in advanced neurodegeneration.We performed Spearman and Mantel-Cox analyses to investigate how oxidative stress and neuroinflammation exert comprehensive effects on disease progression and survival.Disease progression in LBDs correlated positively with poly(ADP-Ribose)and triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cell 2 levels in the striatum of LBD cohorts,indicating that potential parthanatos was a dominant feature of worsening disease progression and might contribute to switching microglial inflammatory phenotypes.Disease progression in AD corresponds negatively with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine(8-oxo-d G)and myeloperoxidase concentrations in the striatum,suggesting that possible mitochondria dysfunction may be involved in the progression of AD via a mechanism ofβ-amyloid entering the mitochondria and subsequent free radicals generation.Patients with lower striatal 8-oxo-d G and myeloperoxidase levels had a survival advantage in AD.The age of onset also affected disease progression.Tissue requests for the postmortem biochemistry,genetics,and autoradiography studies were approved by the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center(ADRC)Biospecimens Committee(ethics approval reference number:T1705,approval date:August 6,2019).Recombinant DNA and Hazardous Research Materials were approved by the Washington University Environmental Health&Safety Biological Safety Committee(approval code:3739,approval date:February 25,2020).Radioactive Material Authorization was approved by the Washington University Environmental Health&Safety Radiation Safety Committee(approval code:1056,approval date:September 18,2019).
文摘BACKGROUND The mental well-being of individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD)during the intensive care unit(ICU)transition period is a multifaceted and significant concern.In this phase,the individuals might encounter psychological challenges like anxiety and depression,which can impede their recuperation and potentially have lasting effects on their health.AIM To investigate the correlation among psychological factors in CHD patients in the ICU transition period.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted with 119 patients admitted to the ICU after coronary artery bypass grafting between March and December 2023.Variations in Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form(Fop-Q-SF),and Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS)were collected and analyzed among diverse populations.We used Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine the correlation.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore whether these indicators influenced depression and anxiety in the patients.RESULTS The total scores for anxiety,depression,fear of disease progression,and social support were(7.50±1.41)points,(8.38±1.62)points,(35.19±8.14)points,and(36.34±7.08)points,respectively(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the level of disease progression and social support affected the level of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients.CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression levels were positively related to each dimension of phobia disease progression and negatively related to each dimension of social support among patients with CHD.
基金supported by NIH Grants R01NS092651 and R21NS111275-01the Department of Veterans Affairs,BX001148 and BX005899(to PHK)。
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal multisystemic neurodegenerative disease with motor neurons being a primary target.Although progressive weakness is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,there is considerable heterogeneity,including clinical presentation,progression,and the underlying triggers for disease initiation.Based on longitudinal studies with families harboring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated gene mutations,it has become apparent that overt disease is preceded by a prodromal phase,possibly in years,where compensatory mechanisms delay symptom onset.Since 85-90%of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is sporadic,there is a strong need for identifying biomarkers that can detect this prodromal phase as motor neurons have limited capacity for regeneration.Current Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies work by slowing the degenerative process and are most effective early in the disease.Skeletal muscle,including the neuromuscular junction,manifests abnormalities at the earliest stages of the disease,before motor neuron loss,making it a promising source for identifying biomarkers of the prodromal phase.The accessibility of muscle through biopsy provides a lens into the distal motor system at earlier stages and in real time.The advent of“omics”technology has led to the identification of numerous dysregulated molecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle,ranging from coding and non-coding RNAs to proteins and metabolites.This technology has opened the door for identifying biomarkers of disease activity and providing insight into disease mechanisms.A major challenge is correlating the myriad of dysregulated molecules with clinical or histological progression and understanding their relevance to presymptomatic phases of disease.There are two major goals of this review.The first is to summarize some of the biomarkers identified in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle that have a clinicopathological correlation with disease activity,evidence of a similar dysregulation in the SOD1G93A mouse during presymptomatic stages,and evidence of progressive change during disease progression.The second goal is to review the molecular pathways these biomarkers reflect and their potential role in mitigating or promoting disease progression,and as such,their potential as therapeutic targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
基金supported by a grant from National Institute of Health(NIH)Grant No.NS040433
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motoneuron degenerative disease that is challenging to diagnose and presents with considerable variability in survival.Early identification and enhanced understanding of symptomatic patterns could aid in diagnosis and provide an avenue for monitoring disease progression.Use of the m SOD1 G93 A mouse model provides control of the confounding environmental factors and genetic heterogeneity seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients,while investigating underlying disease-induced changes.In the present study,we performed a longitudinal behavioral assessment paradigm and identified an early hindlimb symptom,resembling the common gait abnormality foot drop,along with an accompanying forelimb compensatory mechanism in the m SOD1 G93 A mouse.Following these initial changes,m SOD1 mice displayed a temporary hindlimb compensatory mechanism resembling an exaggerated steppage gait.As the disease progressed,these compensatory mechanisms were not sufficient to sustain fundamental locomotor parameters and more severe deficits appeared.We next applied these initial findings to investigate the inherent variability in B6 SJL m SOD1 G93 A survival.We identified four behavioral variables that,when combined in a cluster analysis,identified two subpopulations with different disease progression rates:a fast progression group and a slow progression group.This behavioral assessment paradigm,with its analytical approaches,provides a method for monitoring disease progression and detecting m SOD1 subgroups with different disease severities.This affords researchers an opportunity to search for genetic modifiers or other factors that likely enhance or slow disease progression.Such factors are possible therapeutic targets with the potential to slow disease progression and provide insight into the underlying pathology and disease mechanisms.
文摘Colorectal cancer represents the third most diagnosed malignancy in the world.The liver is the main site of metastatic disease,affected in 30%of patients with newly diagnosed disease.Complete resection is considered the only potentially curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis(CRLM),with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 35%to 58%.However,up to 80%of patients have initially unresectable disease,due to extrahepatic disease or bilobar multiple liver nodules.The availability of increasingly effective systemic chemotherapy has contributed to converting patients with initially unresectable liver metastases to resectable disease,improving long-term outcomes,and accessing tumor biology.In recent years,response to preoperative systemic chemotherapy before liver resection has been established as a major prognostic factor.Some studies have demonstrated that patients with regression of hepatic metastases while on chemotherapy have improved outcomes when compared to patients with stabilization or progression of the disease.Even if disease progression during chemotherapy represents an independent negative prognostic factor,some patients may still benefit from surgery,given the role of this modality as the main treatment with curative intent for patients with CRLM.In selected cases,based on size,the number of lesions,and tumor markers,surgery may be offered despite the less favorable prognosis and as an option for non-chemo responders.
文摘Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is a major cause of neurological disability in adults and has an annual cost of approximately $28 billion in the United States. MS is a very complex disorder as demyelination can happen in a variety of locations throughout the brain; therefore, this disease is never the same in two patients making it very hard to predict disease progression. A modeling approach which combines clinical, biological and imaging measures to help treat and fight this disorder is needed. In this paper, I will outline MS as a very heterogeneous disorder, review some potential solutions from the literature, demonstrate the need for a biomarker and will discuss how computational modeling combined with biological, clinical and imaging data can help link disparate observations and decipher complex mechanisms whose solutions are not amenable to simple reductionism.
基金in part supported by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) special network program KMU-Innovativ-2
文摘Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal, progressive, neurodegener- ative disorder, is the most common cause of old-age demen- tia, accounting for 50-75% of dementia patients. Early stages of AD are marked by vocabulary shrinkage, spatial disori- entation, depression, apraxia, and deterioration of recent forms of declarative memory. In course of time, the patients require close supervision due to the loss of cognitive and functional abilities, and at the terminal stages of the disease, all forms of memory are severely impaired with the patients needing nursing home care (World Alzheimer Report, 2013).
基金Health and Labour Sciences Research Grants for Research on Intractable Diseases, awarded to Nakajima A, from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
文摘AIM: To reveal the frequency, characteristics and prognosis of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) in mitochondrial disease patients. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 31 patients (13 males and 18 females) were di-agnosed with mitochondrial diseases at our hospital. We conducted a retrospective review of the patients' sex, subclass of mitochondrial disease, age at onset of mitochondrial disease, frequency of CIP and the age at its onset, and the duration of survival. The age at onset or at the first diagnosis of the disorder that led to the clinical suspicion of mitochondrial disease was also examined. RESULTS: Twenty patients were sub-classified with mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), 8 with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), and 3 with myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged-red fibers (MERRF). Nine patients were diagnosed with CIP, 8 of the 20 (40.0%) patients with MELAS, 0 of the 8 (0.0%) patients with CPEO, and 1 of the 3 (33.3%) patients with MERRF. The median age (range) at the diagnosis and the median age at onset of mitochondrial disease were 40 (17-69) and 25 (12-63) years in patients with CIP, and 49 (17-81) and 40 (11-71) years in patients without CIP. During the survey period, 5 patients (4 patients with MELAS and 1 with CPEO) died. The cause of death was cardiomyopathy in 2 patients with MELAS, cerebral infarction in 1 patient with MELAS, epilepsy and aspiration pneumonia in 1 patient with MELAS, and multiple metastases from gastric cancer and aspiration pneumonia in 1 patient with CPEO. CONCLUSION: Patients with CIP tend to have disorders that are suspected to be related to mitochondrial diseases at younger ages than are patients without CIP.
文摘Huntington’s disease(HD)is an autosomal dominant,monogenic,progressive,neurodegenerative and rare disease with a frequency of10 per 100,000 in the Caucasian population and occurring more rarely in other races(Squitieri et al.,1994).HD is,nevertheless,one of the most frequently and extensively studied diseases of those caused by a dynamic mutation.The HD mutation is located on the short arm of the 4th chromosome within the HTT gene.
基金Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(BMBF-Wachstumskern-PRAEMED.BIO),03WKDB2Csupported by the Janos Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,BO/00232/17/5+1 种基金Research Grants of National Research Development and Innovation Office,K115818/2015/1New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Human Capacities,ÚNKP-18-4 Bolyai Plus.
文摘BACKGROUND Defective neutrophil regulation in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is thought to play an important role in the onset or manifestation of IBD,as it could lead to damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier by the infiltration of neutrophils in the inflamed mucosa and the accumulation of pathogens.Like neutrophils in the context of innate immune responses,immunoglobulin A(IgA)as an acquired immune response partakes in the defense of the intestinal epithelium.Under normal conditions,IgA contributes to the elimination of microbes,but in connection with the loss of tolerance to chitinase 3-like 1(CHI3L1)in IBD,IgA could participate in CHI3L1-mediated improved adhesion and invasion of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.The tolerance brake to CHI3L1 and the occurrence of IgA autoantibodies to this particular target,the exact role and underlying mechanisms of CHI3L1 in the pathogenesis of IBD are still unclear.AIM To determine the predictive potential of Ig subtypes of a novel serological marker,anti-CHI3L1 autoantibodies(aCHI3L1)in determining the disease phenotype,therapeutic strategy and long-term disease course in a prospective referral cohort of adult IBD patients.METHODS Sera of 257 Crohn’s disease(CD)and 180 ulcerative colitis(UC)patients from a tertiary IBD referral center of Hungary(Division of Gastroenterology,Department of Internal Medicine,Faculty of Medicine,University of Debrecen)were assayed for IgG,IgA,and secretory IgA(sIgA)type aCHI3L1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant CHI3L1,along with 86 healthy controls(HCONT).RESULTS The IgA type was more prevalent in CD than in UC(29.2%vs 11.1%)or HCONT(2.83%;P<0.0001 for both).However,sIgA subtype aCHI3L1 positivity was higher in both CD and UC patients than in HCONT(39.3%and 32.8%vs 4.65%,respectively;P<0.0001).The presence of both IgA and sIgA aCHI3L1 antibodies was associated with colonic involvement(P<0.0001 and P=0.038,respectively)in patients with CD.Complicated disease behavior at sample procurement was associated with aCHI3L1 sIgA positivity(57.1%vs 36.0%,P=0.009).IgA type aCH3L1 was more prevalent in patients with frequent relapse during the disease course in the CD group(46.9%vs 25.7%,P=0.005).In a group of patients with concomitant presence of pure inflammatory luminal disease and colon involvement at the time of diagnosis,positivity for IgA or sIgA type aCH3L1 predicted faster progression towards a complicated disease course in time-dependent models.This association disappeared after merging subgroups of different disease locations.CONCLUSION CHI3L1 is a novel neutrophil autoantigenic target in IBD.The consideration of antibody classes along with location-based prediction may transform the future of serology in IBD.
文摘Background Statins reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to their ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, few studies have either assessed the ability of intensive statin treatments to achieve disease regression or compared alternative approaches to maximal statin administration.
文摘Multiple sclerosis(MS) is characterized by chronic inflammation in conjunction with neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Most individuals with MS begin with a relapsing remitting course that later transitions to secondary progressive MS. Currently available disease-modifying therapies(DMTs) for relapsing MS have been demonstrated to reduce disease activity, however most patients require a change in therapy over the course of their disease. Treatment goals include the prevention of relapses and disability accumulation and to achieve this objective requires careful planning. Sequencing of DMTs for individual patients should be designed in such a way to maximize disease control and minimize risk based on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of each therapy. This includes the DMT patients are being switched from to those they are being switched to. The reversibility of immune system effects should be a key consideration for DMT sequence selection. This feature varies across DMTs and should factor more prominently in decision making as newer treatments become available for the prevention of disability accumulation in patients with progressive MS. In this short review, we discuss the landscape of existing therapies with an eye to the future when planning for optimal DMT sequencing. While no cure exists for MS, efforts are being directed toward research in neuroregeneration with the hope for positive outcomes.