Search results for "Sclerosis"
showing 10 items of 1583 documents
Targeting B cells in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: from pathophysiology to optimal clinical management
2017
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease that is caused by an autoimmune response against central nervous system (CNS) structures. Traditionally considered a T-cell-mediated disorder, the contribution of B cells to the pathogenesis of MS has long been debated. Based on recent promising clinical results from CD20-depleting strategies by three therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in clinical phase II and III trials (rituximab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab), targeting B cells in MS is currently attracting growing interest among basic researchers and clinicians. Many questions about the role of B and plasma cells in MS remain still unanswered, ranging from the role of…
Galectin-3 in acute coronary syndrome
2017
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a very common cause of hospitalizations worldwide each year. In the past decades biomarkers have become an indispensable tool for diagnosis, risk stratification and prognosis of cardiovascular disease, including ACS. Despite Troponin is considered the gold standard in diagnosis of ACS, several molecules have been investigated to identify predictive biomarkers of prognosis. Among these, Gal-3 has emerged as a promising prognostic marker. It has a pivotal role in inflammation and fibrosis. Both experimental and clinical studies have shown Gal-3 is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death and occurrence of HF following ACS. This art…
Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Autoimmune-Mediated Encephalitis
2018
Progranulin (PGRN), Total-Tau (t-tau), and Neurofilament light chain (NfL) are well known biomarkers of neurodegeneration. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether these parameters represent also biomarkers in autoimmune-mediated Encephalitis (AE) and may give us insights into the pathomechanisms of AE. We retrospectively examined the concentration of PGRN in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 38 patients suffering from AE in acute phase and/or under treatment. This AE cohort comprises patients with autoantibodies against: NMDAR (n = 18 patients), Caspr2 (n = 8), Lgi-1 (n = 10), GABAB(R) (n = 1), and AMPAR (n = 1). Additionally, the concentrations of NfL (n = 25…
Association between hypovitaminosis D and systemic sclerosis: True or fake?
2016
Abstract Background Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is considered a major factor triggering and enhancing several autoimmune disorders; hypovitaminosis D has been reported to be common in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Previous studies assessing vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in SSc have been reviewed, and the relation with pathogenesis and clinical features has been examined. Content Eligibility criteria were: reporting measurement of Vitamin D serum levels in all participants and evaluating adult onset-SSc individuals as patients group. Results: The association between clinical features and low hormone levels is controversial. Manifold data have shown vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency …
Neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of muscle contraction
2016
Background: Physical activity has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease but the same effect seems to be produced in neurological diseases. Objective: In this review, we focused on the interplay between physical activity and some neurological conditions (Stroke, dementia, epilepsy, headache, Parkinson’ s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, depression and anxiety) with the aim of describing the potential role of physical activity in the prevention of such diseases and the physiological mechanisms involved in these processes. Results: Despite a growing body of evidence which reveals that physical activity is able to reduce the…
Effect of Roux-en-Y Bariatric Bypass Surgery on Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Oxidative Stress Markers in Leukocytes of Obese Patients: A One-Year …
2020
Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effect of Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether weight loss associated with RYGB improves the oxidative status of leukocytes and ameliorates subclinical atherosclerotic markers. This is an interventional study of 57 obese subjects who underwent RYGB surgery. We determined biochemical parameters and qualitative analysis of cholesterol, leukocyte and systemic oxidative stress markers &mdash
Vaccination in multiple sclerosis patients treated with highly effective disease-modifying drugs: an overview with consideration of cladribine tablets
2021
Infectious diseases are an important consideration in autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Infective episodes may trigger relapses and significantly deteriorate the course of the disease. Some immunotherapies may cause increased rates of infection-related adverse events. Thus, infection and vaccine-related issues should be included in the individualized patient-specific treatment strategy and counseling before starting therapy and regularly on treatment. Clinical and epidemiological studies as well as pharmacovigilance data repeatedly demonstrated the safety of the great majority of vaccines in multiple sclerosis patients. Moreover, studies have shown that vaccinations with kil…
Neurological aspects of medical use of cannabidiol
2017
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the major secondary metabolites of Cannabis devoid of the delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol psychoactive effects. It is a resorcinol-based compound with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective effects in numerous pathological conditions. CBD neuroprotection is due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and the modulation of a large number of brain biological targets (receptors, channels) involved in the development and maintenance of neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: The aim of the present review was to describe the state of art about the pre-clinical research, the potential use and, when existing, t…
The Assessment of Serum Concentrations of AGEs and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
2021
Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of AGEs and their soluble receptor (sRAGE) in MS patients and healthy controls and to investigate their possible influence on disease activity. Methods: Serum concentrations of AGE and sRAGE in patients with MS and healthy controls were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean serum AGE concentration in patients with MS was higher than in healthy controls, whereas the mean serum sRAGE concentration was lower than in the control gr…
Roles of Vascular Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis.
2017
Major reactive oxygen species (ROS)–producing systems in vascular wall include NADPH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase, xanthine oxidase, the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase. ROS at moderate concentrations have important signaling roles under physiological conditions. Excessive or sustained ROS production, however, when exceeding the available antioxidant defense systems, leads to oxidative stress. Animal studies have provided compelling evidence demonstrating the roles of vascular oxidative stress and NO in atherosclerosis. All established cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemi…