Several lines of evidence support the involvement of the lectin pathway of complement (LP) in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this multicenter observational study was to assess ...the prognostic value of different circulating LP initiators in acute stroke.
Plasma levels of the LP initiators ficolin-1, -2, and -3 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) were measured in 80 stroke patients at 6 h only and in 85 patients at 48 h and later. Sixty-one age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as controls. Stroke severity was measured on admission using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The outcome was measured at 90 days by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
Ficolin-1 was decreased in patients compared with controls measured at 6 h (median 0.13 vs 0.33 μg/ml, respectively, p < 0.0001). At 48 h, ficolin-1 was significantly higher (0.45 μg/ml, p < 0.0001) compared to the 6 h samples and to controls. Likewise, ficolin-2 was decreased at 6 h (2.70 vs 4.40 μg/ml, p < 0.0001) but not at 48 h. Ficolin-3 was decreased both at 6 and 48 h (17.3 and 18.23 vs 21.5 μg/ml, p < 0.001 and <0.05, respectively). For MBL no difference was detected between patients and controls or within patients at the different time points. In multivariate analysis, early ficolin-1 was independently associated with unfavorable mRS outcome (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.21, confidence interval (CI) 95 % 1.11-4.39, p = 0.023). Early ficolin-1 improved the discriminating ability of an outcome model including NIHSS and age (area under the curve (AUC) 0.95, CI 95 % 0.90-0.99, p = 0.0001).
The ficolins are consumed within 6 h after stroke implicating activation of the LP. Early ficolin-1 is selectively related to 3-month unfavorable outcome.
The genetics of small-vessel disease Bersano, A; Debette, S; Zanier, E R ...
Current medicinal chemistry,
08/2012, Letnik:
19, Številka:
24
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Cerebral small-vessel disease (SVD) is a well-known cause of stroke, dementia and death, but its pathogenesis is not yet completely understood. The spectrum of neuroradiological manifestations ...associated with SVD is wide and may result from chronic and diffuse or acute and focal ischemia (leukoaraiosis and lacunar infarction) as well as from small-vessel rupture (cerebral microbleeds and intracerebral hemorrhage). Several lines of evidence from family and twin studies support the hypothesis that genetic factors may contribute to SVD pathogenesis. Identification of genetic susceptibility factors for SVD may improve our knowledge of SVD pathogenesis and help to identify new therapeutic targets to reduce the burden of SVD-related cognitive decline and stroke disability. A number of monogenic conditions presenting with clinical features of SVD have been described. Although monogenic disorders account for only a small proportion of SVD, study of these diseases may provide further insight into the pathogenesis of SVD. In most cases, however, SVD is thought to be a multifactorial disorder. Several genetic association studies, conducted using the candidate gene and, more recently, the genome-wide approach, have so far failed to demonstrate a convincing association between SVD and genetic variants. Methodological issues, particularly related to inaccurate or heterogeneous phenotyping and insufficient sample sizes, have been invoked as possible reasons for this. Large collaborative efforts and robust replication, as well as implementation of new genetic approaches, are necessary to identify genetic susceptibility factors for complex SVD.
Introduction : The most appropriate use, type, and timing of contraception in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is poorly understood, and specific guidance is absent.
Aims and Objectives : To ... provide insight into potential clinical guidelines for the use of contraception by PwMS through development of recommendations by a consensus-based program led by international clinical experts.
Methods : A multidisciplinary steering committee (SC) of 13 international expert healthcare professionals (HCPs) identified 15 key clinical questions on the use of contraception in PwMS, which addressed issues relating to patient-centred care, selection of contraception for PwMS, and time needed to use contraception since the last dose of disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Twenty-five clinical recommendations addressing the questions were drafted using evidence obtained from a comprehensive systematic literature review combined with expert opinion from the SC. An extended faculty of 32 HCPs from 18 countries including a patient association representative, and the SC members (n=12), voted on the recommendations. Consensus on recommendations was achieved when ⩾75% of respondents expressed an agreement score of 7–9, on a 9-point scale.
Results : Overall, consensus was achieved on 24 out of 25 clinical recommendations. In detail, consensus in the range of 90–100% was achieved on 11 recommendations, 12 recommendations achieved 80–89% consensus, and 1 recommendation achieved 75–79% consensus (n=44). The strength of recommendations ranged from 7–9. The one statement failing to achieve consensus scored 74.1%. Clinical recommendations are provided on the process of prescribing contraception for PwMS, including the recommended types of HCPs involved and optimal topics to discuss; the range of contraceptive options and the key considerations involved in selecting an appropriate method of contraception; and the timing of starting and stopping contraception in relation to the use of DMTs.
Conclusions : These expert recommendations were based on a robust consensus approach, providing timely and practical guidance on the use of contraception for HCPs treating PwMS and will form the basis of further publications and clinical tools.
Previous studies have compared sperm phenotypes between men with partial deletions within the AZFc region of the Y chromosome and non-carriers, with variable results. In this study, a separate ...question was investigated, the basis of the variation in sperm phenotype within gr/gr deletion carriers, which ranges from normozoospermia to azoospermia. Differences in the genes removed by independent gr/gr deletions, the occurrence of subsequent duplications or the presence of linked modifying variants elsewhere on the chromosome have been suggested as possible causal factors. This study set out to test these possibilities in a large sample of gr/gr deletion carriers with known phenotypes spanning the complete range.
In total, 169 men diagnosed with gr/gr deletions from six centres in Europe and one in Australia were studied. The DAZ and CDY1 copies retained, the presence or absence of duplications and the Y-chromosomal haplogroup were characterised. Although the study had good power to detect factors that accounted for >or=5.5% of the variation in sperm concentration, no such factor was found. A negative effect of gr/gr deletions followed by b2/b4 duplication was found within the normospermic group, which remains to be further explored in a larger study population. Finally, significant geographical differences in the frequency of different subtypes of gr/gr deletions were found, which may have relevance for the interpretation of case control studies dealing with admixed populations.
The phenotypic variation of gr/gr carriers in men of European origin is largely independent of the Y-chromosomal background.
Vasospasm and other secondary neurological insults may follow subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Biomarkers have the potential to stratify patient risk and perhaps serve as an early warning sign of ...delayed ischaemic injury.
Serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 38 consecutive patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit. We measured heart-fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and tau protein (τ) levels in the CSF to evaluate their association with brain damage, and their potential as predictors of the long-term outcome. H-FABP and τ were analysed in relation to acute clinical status, assessed by the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale, radiological findings, clinical vasospasm, and 6-month outcome.
H-FABP and τ increased after SAH. H-FABP and τ were higher in patients in poor clinical status on admission (WFNS 4–5) compared with milder patients (WFNS 1–3). Elevated H-FABP and τ levels were also observed in patients with early cerebral ischaemia, defined as a CT scan hypodense lesion visible within the first 3 days after SAH. After the acute phase, H-FABP, and τ showed a delayed increase with the occurrence of clinical vasospasm. Finally, patients with the unfavourable outcome (death, vegetative state, or severe disability) had higher peak levels of both proteins compared with patients with good recovery or moderate disability.
H-FABP and τ show promise as biomarkers of brain injury after SAH. They may help to identify the occurrence of vasospasm and predict the long-term outcome.
Recent reports of disruptive mutations of the genes for the estrogen receptor or for cytochrome P-450 aromatase
1
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6
have shed new light on the role of estrogen. In females the lack of estrogen due ...to aromatase deficiency leads to pseudohermaphroditism and progressive virilization at puberty, whereas in males pubertal development is normal. In members of both sexes epiphyseal closure is delayed, resulting in a eunuchoid habitus, and osteopenia is present.
6
These findings suggest a crucial role of estrogen in skeletal maturation.
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6
We describe the responses to androgen and estrogen in a man with a novel, homozygous inactivating mutation of . . .
Current guidance on the selection of appropriate contraception for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is lacking.
To address this gap, an expert-led consensus program developed recommendations to ...support clinicians in discussing family planning and contraception with women and men with multiple sclerosis (MS).
A multidisciplinary steering committee (SC) of 13 international clinical experts led the program, supported by an extended faculty of 32 experts representing 18 countries. A modified Delphi methodology was used for decision-making and consensus-building. The SC drafted 15 clinical questions focused on patient-centered care, selection of contraception, and timing of stopping/starting contraception and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Statements addressing each question were drafted based on evaluation of published evidence and the experts' clinical experience. Consensus was reached if ⩾75% of respondents agreed (scoring 7-9 on a 9-point scale) with each recommendation.
Consensus was reached on 24 of 25 proposed recommendations, including how and when to discuss contraception, types and safety of contraceptives, and how to evaluate the most appropriate contraceptive options for specific patient groups, including those with significant disability or being treated with DMTs.
These expert recommendations provide the first practical, relevant, and comprehensive guidance for clinicians on the selection of contraception in PwMS.
Purine inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are serious hereditary disorders, which should be suspected in any case of neonatal fitting, failure to thrive, recurrent infections, neurological deficit, ...renal disease, self-mutilation and other manifestations. Investigation usually starts with uric acid (UA) determination in urine and plasma. UA, the final product of purine metabolism in humans, may be altered not only in purine IEM, but also in other related pathologies and clinical conditions. However, data and information about abnormal UA levels are scattered in the literature, often being controversial and confusing. A comprehensive overview has been elaborated, according to abnormal UA levels in urine and plasma, which associates these alterations with purine IEM. Other possible diseases, clinical conditions, diet and drug intake, related to the metabolism of uric acid, are also presented. The article includes tables that classify the disorders according to different patterns of UA alterations, with pertinent enzymes, clinical symptoms, inheritance and comments. Additionally, summarized pathophysiological mechanisms of important disorders are described. The overview is intended to assist in the interpretation of the results of UA analyses. It demonstrates that variation of UA concentrations in urine and plasma may constitute an effective tool in screening for purine IEM and other related pathological conditions.
The analysis of neoantigen-specific CD8
T cells in tumour-bearing individuals is challenging due to the small pool of tumour antigen-specific T cells. Here we show that mass cytometry with multiplex ...combinatorial tetramer staining can identify and characterize neoantigen-specific CD8
T cells in mice bearing T3 methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas that are susceptible to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Among 81 candidate antigens tested, we identify T cells restricted to two known neoantigens simultaneously in tumours, spleens and lymph nodes in tumour-bearing mice. High-dimensional phenotypic profiling reveals that antigen-specific, tumour-infiltrating T cells are highly heterogeneous. We further show that neoantigen-specific T cells display a different phenotypic profile in mice treated with anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, whereas their peripheral counterparts are not affected by the treatments. Our results provide insights into the nature of neoantigen-specific T cells and the effects of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies can unleash anti-tumour T-cell responses. Here the authors show, by integrating MHC tetramer multiplexing, mass cytometry and high-dimensional analyses, that neoantigen-specific, tumour-infiltrating T cells are highly heterogeneous and are subjected to ICB modulations.
Epilepsy is misdiagnosed in up to 25% of patients, leading to serious and long-lasting consequences. Recently, circulating microRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers in a number of clinical ...scenarios. The purpose of this study was to identify and to validate circulating microRNAs that could be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure plasma levels of three candidate microRNAs in two phases of study: an initial discovery phase with 14 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), 13 with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and 16 controls; and a validation cohort constituted of an independent cohort of 65 patients with MTLE and 83 controls. We found hsa-miR-134 downregulated in patients with MTLE (p = 0.018) but not in patients with FCD, when compared to controls. Furthermore, hsa-miR-134 expression could be used to discriminate MTLE patients with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75. To further assess the robustness of hsa-miR-134 as a biomarker for MTLE, we studied an independent cohort of 65 patients with MTLE, 27 of whom MTLE patients were responsive to pharmacotherapy, and 38 patients were pharmacoresistant and 83 controls. We confirmed that hsa-miR-134 was significantly downregulated in the plasma of patients with MTLE when compared with controls (p < 0.001). In addition, hsa-miR-134 identified patients with MTLE regardless of their response to pharmacotherapy or the presence of MRI signs of hippocampal sclerosis. We revealed that decreased expression of hsa-miR-134 could be a potential non-invasive biomarker to support the diagnosis of patients with MTLE.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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