Amiloidose renal familiar em cães da raça Shar-Pei / Family renal amyloidosis in Shar-Pei dogs / Amiloidosis renal familiar en perros Shar-Pei

A amiloidose renal familiar é uma doença incomum em cães, que afeta os rins e está associada ao acúmulo anormal de proteínas amiloides, com capacidade de promover danos orgânicos progressivos com comprometimento de funcionalidade. Caracterizada pela presença de conteúdo proteináceo glomerular, a amiloidose frequentemente está associada a quadros de falência renal, com presença de sinais clínicos variados, sendo uma condição grave e complexa. O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever os achados clínico-laboratoriais, de imagem e histopatológicos de amiloidose familiar em dois cães da raça Shar-pei. Os animais apresentavam parentesco direto e evidenciavam sinais de cansaço, prostração e emagrecimento progressivo. As evidências clínico-laboratoriais e ultrassonográficas sugeriram a presença de glomerulonefropatia, sendo essa confirmada por exame histopatológico. Os dois cães, diante da gravidade do quadro, foram a óbito. A análise histopatológica evidenciou deposição de material proteináceo fibrilar na região glomerular e tubular, bem como infiltrado linfoplasmocítico, característicos de amiloidose renal. É essencial lembrar que a amiloidose renal familiar em cães é uma doença complexa e que as origens devem ser investigadas. O tratamento é desafiador, diante da inexistência de um manejo terapêutico definido para a doença, sendo este muitas vezes ineficaz. A empatia e o cuidado no manejo dessa condição podem ajudar a melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente e fornecer conforto ao proprietário durante esse processo desafiador.

Family renal amyloidosis is an uncommon disease in dogs, which affects the kidneys and is associated with abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins, capable of promoting progressive organic damage with impairment of functionality. Characterized by the presence of glomerular proteinaceous content, amyloidosis is often associated with renal failure, with the presence of varied clinical signs, being a serious and complex condition. This article aims to describe the clinical, laboratory, imaging and histopathological findings of familial amyloidosis in two Shar-pei dogs. The animals were directly related and evidenced signs of tiredness, prostration and progressive weight loss. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic evidence suggested the presence of glomerulonephropathy, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The two dogs, given the severity of the condition, died. Histopathological analysis showed deposition of fibrillar proteinaceous material in the glomerular and tubular region, as well as lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate, characteristic of renal amyloidosis. It is essential to remember that family renal amyloidosis in dogs is a complex disease and that the origins must be investigated. The treatment is challenging, given the lack of a defined therapeutic management for the disease, which is often ineffective. Empathy and care in managing this condition can help improve the patient's quality of life and provide comfort to the owner during this challenging process.

La amiloidosis renal familiar es una enfermedad poco común en perros, que afecta a los riñones y se asocia con la acumulación anormal de proteínas amiloides, con capacidad de promover daño orgánico progresivo con compromiso de la funcionalidad. Caracterizada por la presencia de contenido proteico glomerular, la amiloidosis suele asociarse a insuficiencia renal, con la presencia de signos clínicos variados, siendo una afección grave y compleja. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo describir los hallazgos clínico-laboratorios, imagenológicos e histopatológicos de la amiloidosis familiar en dos perros Sharpei. Los animales estaban directamente emparentados y presentaban signos de cansancio, postración y pérdida progresiva de peso. Los datos clínico-laboratorios y ecográficos sugirieron la presencia de glomerulonefropatía, la cual fue confirmada mediante examen histopatológico. Los dos perros, dada la gravedad del cuadro, fallecieron. El análisis histopatológico mostró depósito de material proteico fibrilar en la región glomerular y tubular, así como infiltrado linfoplasmocitario, característico de la amiloidosis renal. Es fundamental recordar que la amiloidosis renal familiar en perros es una enfermedad compleja y que es necesario investigar sus orígenes. El tratamiento es un desafío, dada la falta de un manejo terapéutico definido para la enfermedad, que muchas veces resulta ineficaz. La empatía y el cuidado en el manejo de esta afección pueden ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y brindar comodidad al propietario durante este desafiante proceso.

¿Qué hay de nuevo en el diagnóstico de amiloidosis? / What is new in diagnosis of amyloidosis?

La amiloidosis siempre ha representado un desafío diagnóstico. En el año 2020, el Grupo de Estudio de Amiloidosis (GEA), confeccionó la Guía de Práctica Clínica para el Diagnóstico de Amiloidosis. Nuevas líneas de investigación se han desarrollado posteriormente. Esta revisión narrativa tiene como intención explorar el estado del arte en el diagnóstico de la amiloidosis. En pacientes con amiloidosis se recomienda la tipificación de la proteína mediante espectrometría de masa, técnica de difícil ejecución por requerir de microdisectores láser para la preparación de la muestra. Algunas publicaciones recientes proponen otros métodos para obtener la muestra de amiloide que se va a analizar, permitiendo prescindir de la microdisección. Por otra parte, en pacientes con Amiloidosis ATTR confirmada, la recomendación de secuenciar el gen amiloidogénico se encontraba destinada a los casos sospechosos de ATTR hereditaria (ATTRv,), pero actualmente esta se ha extendido a todos los pacientes sin importar la edad. En lo que respecta a los estudios complementarios orientados al diagnóstico de compromiso cardíaco, se ha propuesto el uso de la inteligencia artificial para su interpretación, permitiendo la detección temprana de la enfermedad y el correcto diagnóstico diferencial. Para el diagnóstico de neuropatía, las últimas publicaciones proponen el uso de la cadena ligera de neurofilamento sérica, que también podría resultar un indicador útil para seguimiento. Finalmente, con referencia a la amiloidosis AL, la comunidad científica se encuentra interesada en definir qué características determinan el carácter amiloidogénico de las cadenas livianas. La N-glicosilación de dichas proteínas impresiona ser uno de los determinantes en cuestión. (AU)

Amyloidosis has always represented a diagnostic challenge. In 2020, the Amyloidosis Study Group (ASG) developed the "Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis of Amyloidosis". New lines of research have subsequently emerged. This narrative review aims to explore the state of the art in the diagnosis of amyloidosis diagnosis. In patients with amyloidosis, protein typing by mass spectrometry is recommended, a technique hard to perform because it requires laser microdissection for sample preparation. Recent publications propose other methods to obtain the amyloid sample to be analyzed, making it possible to dispense with microdissection. On the other hand, in patients with confirmed TTR amyloidosis (aTTR), the recommendation to sequence the amyloidogenic gene was intended for suspected cases of hereditary aTTR but has now been extended to all patients regardless of age. (AU)

The past, present and future of Alzheimer's disease - part 1: the past / O passado, presente e futuro da doença de Alzheimer - parte 1: o passado

Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) was described in 1907, and since then it changed from a relatively rare condition to one of the most prevalent diseases. Objective To describe the evolution of the notions of dementias and AD, and to investigate the reasons for the increase in scientific interest in AD. Methods A historical analysis was carried out on knowledge about dementia, the site of mental activity, the relationships between brain diseases and mental activity, and on the advances in research about AD, since its discovery until the publication of the amyloid cascade hypothesis in 1992. A search was carried out in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) for scientific articles that included the terms dementia or AD over 50 years, from 1972 to 2021. Results The scientific research on AD increased from 615 papers with the term AD in the first decade (1972-1981), to 100,028 papers in the last decade (2012-2021): an increase of 162.6 times whereas publications with the term dementia increased 28.6 times in the same period. In the 1960s and 1970s, a consensus was reached that AD is responsible for the majority of cases of dementia previously known as senile dementia. In the 1980s, beta-amyloid peptide was identified in the core of the senile plaque, hyperphosphorylated tau protein was found in neurofibrillary tangles, and a mutation was discovered in a hereditary form of AD. Conclusion The expansion of the concept of AD to include senile dementia, and the discoveries that occurred in the 1980s greatly expanded research in AD.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença de Alzheimer (DA) foi descrita em 1907 e, desde então, deixou de ser relativamente rara para se tornar uma das doenças mais prevalentes. Objetivo Descrever a evolução das noções sobre demências e DA e investigar as razões do aumento do interesse científico pela DA. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise histórica dos conhecimentos sobre demência, o local da atividade mental, as relações entre doenças cerebrais e a atividade mental, e sobre os avanços na pesquisa sobre a DA, desde a sua descoberta até a publicação da hipótese da cascata amiloide em 1992. Foi realizada uma busca na Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina dos Estados Unidos da América (PubMed) por artigos científicos que incluíssem os termos demência ou DA nos 50 anos, de 1972 a 2021. Resultados A pesquisa científica sobre DA aumentou de 615 artigos com o termo doença de Alzheimer na primeira década (1972-1981), para 100.028 artigos na última década (2012-2021): um aumento de 162,6 vezes enquanto as publicações com o termo demência aumentaram 28,6 vezes no mesmo período. Nas décadas de 1960 e 1970, chegou-se a um consenso de que a DA é responsável pela maioria dos casos de demência, anteriormente conhecida como demência senil. Na década de 1980, o peptídeo beta-amiloide foi identificado no núcleo da placa senil, a proteína tau hiperfosforilada foi encontrada em emaranhados neurofibrilares e uma mutação foi descoberta em uma forma hereditária de DA. Conclusão A expansão do conceito de DA para incluir a demência senil e as descobertas ocorridas na década de 1980 ampliaram enormemente a pesquisa em DA.

Hemorragia digestiva como forma de presentación poco usual de amiloidosis intestinal primaria: reporte de caso

La amiloidosis intestinal es una enfermedad sistémica rara y subdiagnosticada, la cual se caracteriza por el depósito extracelular de proteínas que se agrupan en fibras amiloides. Esta entidad es infrecuente y suele ser una forma de presentación en el contexto de una amiloidosis sistémica, cuyo diagnóstico se basa en la presencia a amiloide en la histología. La clínica suele ser inespecífica; diarrea crónica, pérdida de peso, dolor y distensión abdominal; siendo la hemorragia digestiva una manifestación muy poco frecuente. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 61 años con clínica de baja de peso, distención abdominal, náuseas, vómitos y melena. En la tomografía se evidenció un engrosamiento mural de asas yeyunales con captación de contraste, hallazgo que se corroboró con enteroscopia anterógrada a doble balón en el cual se evidenciaron múltiples úlceras en yeyuno, signos de atrofia, friabilidad y dilatación de luz yeyunal. En la anatomía patológica se aprecia arquitectura vellositaria distorsionada y ulcerada con histoquímica positiva a Rojo Congo e inmunohistoquímica lambda (+++). Además, se realizó aspirado de médula ósea y biopsia de hueso compatible con infiltración de mieloma múltiple monoclonal a cadena Lambda. Durante la estancia hospitalaria la paciente cursó con complicaciones como la desnutrición crónica, infección recurrente y varios episodios de suboclusión intestinal; caracterizada por neumatosis intestinal; debido a múltiples episodios de estas complicaciones la paciente fallece. Dentro de la práctica clínica en gastroenterología la amiloidosis intestinal como parte del diagnóstico diferencial de la hemorragia digestiva alta es infrecuente, por lo que los antecedentes de diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple u otras gammapatías monoclonales asociadas a cadenas ligeras es crucial para un diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento adecuado.

Intestinal amyloidosis is a rare and underdiagnosed systemic disease, which is characterized by the extracellular deposition of proteins that are grouped into amyloid fibers. This entity is rare and is usually a form of presentation in the context of systemic amyloidosis, the diagnosis of which is based on the presence of amyloid in histology. The clinic is usually non-specific; chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and bloating; Gastrointestinal bleeding is a very rare manifestation. The case of a 61-year-old woman with symptoms of weight loss, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting and long hair is presented. Tomographically, a wall thickening of jejunal loops with contrast uptake was evidenced, a finding that was corroborated by a double-balloon anterograde stereoscopy in which multiple were evidenced. The pathology shows distorted and ulcerated villous architecture with positive histochemistry for Congo Red and LAMBDA (+++) immunohistochemistry. In addition, bone marrow aspirate and bone biopsy compatible with infiltration of Lambda chain monoclonal multiple myeloma were performed. During the hospital stay, the patient developed complications such as chronic malnutrition, recurrent infection and several episodes of intestinal subocclusion; characterized by intestinal pneumatosis; due to multiple episodes of these complications, the patient died. Within clinical practice in gastroenterology, intestinal amyloidosis as part of the differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is infrequent, so a history of diagnosis of multiple myeloma or other monoclonal gammopathy associated with light chains is crucial for early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Brazilian consensus for diagnosis, management and treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy: second edition / Consenso brasileiro para o diagnóstico, manejo e tratamento da polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar associada à transtirretina: segunda edição

Abstract Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is an autosomal dominant inherited sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy with over 130 pathogenic variants identified in the TTR gene. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy is a disabling, progressive and life-threatening genetic condition that leads to death in ~ 10 years if untreated. The prospects for ATTRv-PN have changed in the last decades, as it has become a treatable neuropathy. In addition to liver transplantation, initiated in 1990, there are now at least 3 drugs approved in many countries, including Brazil, and many more are being developed. The first Brazilian consensus on ATTRv-PN was held in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, in June 2017. Given the new advances in the area over the last 5 years, the Peripheral Neuropathy Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology organized a second edition of the consensus. Each panelist was responsible for reviewing the literature and updating a section of the previous paper. Thereafter, the 18 panelists got together virtually after careful review of the draft, discussed each section of the text, and reached a consensus for the final version of the manuscript.

Resumo Polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar associada a transtirretina (ATTRv-PN) é uma polineuropatia sensitivo-motora e autonômica hereditária autossômica dominante com mais de 130 variantes patogênicas já identificadas no gene TTR. A ATTRv-PN é uma condição genética debilitante, progressiva e que ameaça a vida, levando à morte em ~ 10 anos se não for tratada. Nas últimas décadas, a ATTRv-PN se tornou uma neuropatia tratável. Além do transplante de fígado, iniciado em 1990, temos agora 3 medicamentos modificadores de doença aprovados em muitos países, incluindo o Brasil, e muitas outras medicações estão em desenvolvimento. O primeiro consenso brasileiro em ATTRv-PN foi realizado em Fortaleza em junho de 2017. Devido aos novos avanços nesta área nos últimos 5 anos, o Departamento Científico de Neuropatias Periféricas da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia organizou uma segunda edição do consenso. Cada panelista ficou responsável por rever a literatura e atualizar uma parte do manuscrito. Finalmente, os 18 panelistas se reuniram virtualmente após revisão da primeira versão, discutiram cada parte do artigo e chegaram a um consenso sobre a versão final do manuscrito.

A rare case of sulcal hemorrhage after ischemic stroke � A case report

Atraumatic Non-aneurysmal sulcal subarachnoid hemorrhage is very rare. Sulcal subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH) is characterized by isolated bleeding in one or a few adjacent sulci. Central sulcus hemorrhage is a rare imaging finding. There are many causes for sSAH. In older patients, sSAH is due to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA), while in younger patients, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is the most frequent etiology. Imaging studies help in the evaluation of sSAH. We report a rare case of an isolated central sulcus hemorrhage on computed tomography. sSAH usually occur on the side with acute ischemic stroke, and it is unusual for sSAH to occur on the opposite side of the infarct territory, but in our case sSAH occurred on opposite side, but after a gap of 3 years.

Amyloid spell – A close mimic of transient ischemic attack!

Transient focal neurological episodes, also called amyloid spells occur as recurrent, transient episodes of spreading paresthesia seen in 14% of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) patients. An 81-year-old gentleman with coronary artery disease and a left ventricular clot was on anticoagulant treatment. He presented with three episodes of tingling in the left fingers spreading to the left arm and left leg, each lasting for 10 min. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with susceptibility imaging showed convexity hemorrhage, and curvilinear blooming in sulcal spaces of the right cerebral convexity and left precuneus. Warfarin was stopped. He was treated with clobazam, aspirin, and atorvastatin. He improved, so was discharged after 2 days. Amyloid spells can be confused with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or its mimics and the treatment given for TIA can lead to intracranial hemorrhage in CAA patients. Radiological features aid in the diagnosis of CAA and antiplatelets need to be administered cautiously in patients with suspected TIA.

Clinical profile of patients with cardiac amyloidosis in India

Limited data exists on patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) in India, due to underdiagnosis and late presentation. We present single centre data from 13 patients over a 4 year period with a median age of 65 years. A majority presented with symptomatic heart failure (69%) and eight patients had confirmed AL amyloidosis. At the end of the follow up period, 46% patients died, with 30% of the overall cohort dead within six months. Among the survivors, 71% continue to have NYHA grade III/IV symptoms. A suggested algorithm for earlier diagnosis in resource constrained settings is also presented.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness

ABSTRACT Objective To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Results The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). Conclusion Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Effect of silibinin and trans-chalcone in an Alzheimer's disease-like model generated by insulin amyloids

Amyloid fibrils are characteristic of several disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), with no cure or preventive therapy. Diminishing amyloid deposits using aromatic compounds is an interesting approach toward AD treatment. The present study examined the anti-fibrillogenic effects of silibinin and trans-chalcone in vitro, in vivo, and in silico on insulin amyloids. In vitro incubation of insulin at 37°C for 24 h induced amyloid formation. Addition of trans-chalcone and silibinin to insulin led to reduced amounts of fibrils as shown by thioflavin S fluorescence and Congo red absorption spectroscopy, with a better effect observed for silibinin. In vivo bilateral injection of fibrils formed by incubation of insulin in the presence or absence of silibinin and trans-chalcone or insulin fibrils plus the compounds in rats' hippocampus was performed to obtain AD characteristics. Passive avoidance (PA) test showed that treatment with both compounds efficiently increased latency compared with the model group. Histological investigation of the hippocampus in the cornu ammonis (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the rat's brain stained with hematoxylin-eosin and thioflavin S showed an inhibitory effect on amyloid aggregation and markedly reduced amyloid plaques. In silico, a docking experiment on native and fibrillar forms of insulin provided an insight onto the possible binding site of the compounds. In conclusion, these small aromatic compounds are suggested to have a protective effect on AD.

The level and significance of CD64 index, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and serum amyloid A in peripheral blood of patients with severe carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the level and significance of CD64 index, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in peripheral blood of patients with severe carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection.Methods:A total of 61 patients with severe CRE infection who were admitted to the neurosurgery department of Kashgar First People′s Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 were selected as the CRE group, and 100 patients with severe carbapenem sensitive Enterobacteriaceae (CSE) infection were selected as the CSE group. The difference in clinical data between the two groups was compared, and the difference in clinical data between the dead and surviving patients in the CRE group was compared. The value of CD64 index, MMP-9 and SAA in differential diagnosis of CRE was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of prognosis in patients with CRE infection.Results:The age, hypertension, lung disease, liver and kidney disease, comorbidities≥2, antibiotic use≥2 combinations, antibiotic use time>10 days, proportion of carbapenem use, CD64 index, MMP-9, and SAA of the CRE group patients were significantly higher than those of the CSE group patients (all P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CD64 index, MMP-9, and SAA differential diagnosis of CRE was 0.857, 0.701, and 0.655, respectively (all P<0.05). In the CRE group, the age , the score of Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Status Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score at admission, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, comorbidities≥2, the proportion of carbapenems, CD64 index, MMP-9 and SAA of dead patients were significantly higher than those of survivors (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, APACHE Ⅱ score at admission, comorbidities≥2, CD64 index, MMP-9, and SAA were influencing factors for the prognosis of severe CRE patients (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The peripheral blood CD64 index, MMP-9, and SAA have certain application value in the diagnosis of neurological severe CRE infection, and are also influencing factors for the prognosis of CRE infected patients.

The serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, CXCL10 in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their relationship with prognosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the serum levels and clinical significance of Fc fragment of the IgG-binding protein (FCGBP), serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1), and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and their relationship with prognosis.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 122 children with MPP admitted to the department of pediatrics of the 970th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army from January 2019 to December 2021. According to the severity and prognosis of MPP, they were divided into mild and severe groups, good prognosis group, and poor prognosis group. Forty healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were set as the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 in each subject, and to compare the differences in serum levels of FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 among different groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of poor prognosis in MPP patients. The diagnostic value of individual and combined detection of serum procalcitonin (PCT), FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 for poor prognosis in MPP children by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The levels of serum FCGBP [(115.68±10.57)ng/ml, (78.41±6.73)ng/ml, (12.55±3.25)ng/ml], SAA1 [(34.18±3.72)mg/L, (25.54±2.63)mg/L, (6.74±0.82)mg/L], and CXCL10 [(714.26±55.64)ng/L, (353.74±42.67)ng/L, (106.25±12.92)ng/L] in the severe MPP group were significant higher than those in the mild MPP group and the control group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil percentage, C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), PCT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer (D-D), FCGBP, SAA1, CXCL10 of the children in the poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased PCT ( OR=1.603, 95% CI: 1.190-2.160), FCGBP ( OR=1.757, 95% CI: 1.115-2.770), SAA1 ( OR=1.900, 95% CI: 1.327-2.720) and CXCL10 ( OR=1.704, 95% CI: 1.212-2.397) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of MPP children (all P<0.05). The combined detection of serum PCT, FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 had a significantly higher diagnostic value for the risk of poor prognosis in children with MPP than a single indicator. Conclusions:The elevated levels of serum FCGBP, SAA1, and CXCL10 in children with MPP are associated with the severity of MPP and are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in MPP patients.

Rare cerebral small vessel disease and retinal vascular abnormalities / 中国医师杂志

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a series of clinical, imaging, and pathological syndromes resulting from various etiologies affecting small arteries (microarteries, capillaries, microvenules, and small veins in the brain). The diagnosis of CSVD is based on imaging presentations, but the high cost and bleeding risk of cranial imaging methods make the diagnosis of rare CSVD more difficult. Retinal vessels are the only vasculature visible in vivo and share anatomical and embryological features with small brain vessels. Retinal vascular abnormalities have been shown to exist in rare CSVD such as cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and moyamoya disease (MMD). Retinal vascular examination may provide new ideas for the study of rare CSVD.

Alterations of gut microbiota composition and cogni-tive behavior in APP/PS1/tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a progressive neurological disease.Given the important role of gut microbiota composition in AD pathology,the observed perturbation in the microbiota composition and diversity may serve as the mechanisms underlying age-dependent APP/PS1/tau triple-transgenic mouse(3×Tg-AD)mice amyloid deposition and memory deficits.Here-in,we intended to investigate the gut microbiota and as-sessed its relationship with the triggering and develop-ment of cognitive impairment of AD.METHODS This study involves the comparative assessment of spatial learning,amyloid β-protein(Aβ)accumulation,and fecal microbiota alterations in 3×Tg-AD mice from three age groups:AD asymptomatic stage(3 m),presymptomatic stage(6 m),and the symptomatic stage of AD(9 m).RE-SULTS We demonstrate that spatial memory deficits,brain Aβ accumulation,and weight gain in 3×Tg-AD mice gradually appear after 6 months of age.However,the total gut bacterial counts underwent changes from 3 to 6 months of age and were further altered at 9 months of age.Importantly,changes in gut bacteria abundance of Desulfobacterota and Actinobacteriota phylain 6-month-old mice preceded apparent spatial memory deficits.CONCLUSION Changes in the gut microbial community are one of the mechanisms of early AD pathology.

Effect of icariin on ubiquitination of amyloid precur-sor protein in Alzheimer's disease mice / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of icariin(ICA)on the ubiquitination modification of β-amy-loid precursor protein(APP)in Alzheimer's disease mice.METHODS In vitro,① HEK 293 cells stably overex-pressing human APP695(OE-hAPP)were treated with different concentrations of ICA(10-100 μmol·L-1)for 24 h and the cell viability was detected by MTT assay.②CHX(50 mg·L-1)was used to block protein synthesis and MG132(20 μmol·L-1)inhibits proteasome activity,then the level of APP in different time(0,0.5,1,2,3 and 4 h)and the ubiquitination were tested by Western blotting.③ E3 ubiquitin ligases HMG-CoA reductase degradation pro-tein 1(HRD1)protein expression in OE-hAPP was tested by Western blotting,as well as the level and ubiquitination of APP were tested under HRD1 silent condition by Co-IP and Western blotting.In vivo,① male APP/PS1 mice and wild type(WT)mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:WT,WT+ICA,APP/PS1,APP/PS1+ICA,and APP/PS1+donepezil(DPZ)groups.ICA(60 mg·kg-1·d-1)and DPZ(1 mg·kg-1·d-1)were treated for 3 months by gavage from 6 months of age,and WT mice were given equal volume of distilled water.②Morris water maze and Y-maze experiments were used to detect the alteration of spatial learning memory function.③ After then,the brain tissues were collected,total proteins were extracted,APP antibodies were subjected to Co-IP,and total ubiqui-tination(Ub),K48-linked polyubiquitination(UbK48)and K63-linked polyubiquitination of APP level,APP and HRD1 proteins were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS In vitro results showed that ICA significantly enhanced APP degradation(vs control,P＜0.01),up-reg-ulated HRD1 expression(vs control,P＜0.05;vs OE-hAPP,P＜0.05),elevated the level Ub and UbK48 of APP,as well as increased APP degradation.Moreover,silenced HRD1 gene abolished abovementioned effects of ICA(vs control-siRNA,P＜0.05;vs HRD1-siRNA,P＜0.05).In vivo results showed that ICA improved the spa-tial learning and memory function APP/PS1 mice by Mor-ris water maze and Y-maze tests,increased HRD1 expres-sion(vs APP/PS1 + vehicle,P＜0.05),enhanced APP ubiquitination and reduced APP protein level(vs APP/PS1 + vehicle,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION ICA promotes the ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degrada-tion of APP by up-regulating HRD1,thereby improving the spatial learning and memory function of Alzheimer disease mice.

Correlation between sputum culture results and serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A and procalcitonin in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the correlation between sputum culture results and serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A, and procalcitonin in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:The clinical data of 131 older adult patients with AECOPD who received treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University between January 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to sputum culture results, these patients were divided into a sputum culture positive group ( n = 52) and a sputum culture negative group ( n = 79). The sputum of patients was collected aseptically for isolation and identification of pathogens. The general data [age, gender, history of smoking, underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease), albumin level, mechanical ventilation, method of sputum suction, duration of antibiotics medication, length of hospital stay] were recorded for each group. The risk factors for positive sputum culture were analyzed using binary logistic regression techniques. The efficiency of serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A, and procalcitonin for predicting positive sputum culture was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results:There were 67 strains of pathogens isolated from 52 older adult patients with positive sputum culture of AECOPD. The main pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria (67.16%) [Klebsiella pneumonia (31.34%)], followed by Gram-positive bacteria (25.37%) and fungi (7.47%). Logistic regression analysis showed that mechanical ventilation ( OR = 2.75, P = 0.020), usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics ( OR = 2.95, P = 0.012), serum C-reactive protein level ≥ 20.96 mg/L ( OR = 2.44, P = 0.007), serum amyloid A level ≥ 18.03 mg/L ( OR = 2.67, P = 0.016) and serum procalcitonin level ≥ 2.08 μg/L ( OR = 2.51, P = 0.013) were independent risk factors of positive sputum culture in older adult patients with AECOPD. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve depicting serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A, and procalcitonin in combination for predicting AECOPD was 0.896, which is of predictive efficiency for positive sputum culture ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The sputum culture pathogens in older adult patients with AECOPD are mainly Gram-negative bacteria. Increased serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A, and procalcitonin are independent risk factors for Gram-positive bacteria. Combined detection of serum levels of C-reactive protein, amyloid A, and procalcitonin is highly efficient in the diagnosis of AECOPD and can be used to evaluate the sputum culture results in older adult patients with AECOPD.

Effect of acupoint stimulation assisted anesthetics on the agitation during recovery and the levels of serum opioids and amyloid A in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupoint stimulation assisted anesthesia on the agitation during recovery and the levels of serum opioids (Opiorphin) and amyloid A (SAA) in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery.Methods:Eighty-six older patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in Shaoxing Second Hospital from February 2020 to September 2021 were randomly divided into the routine group and the research group, each with 43 patients. They were given acupoint sham stimulation and acupoint stimulation respectively, and the general indexes of the two groups, recovery quality, cognitive function and changes in serum Opiorphin and SAA levels were compared.Results:There were no differences in operation time, anesthesia time, recovery time and intraoperative blood transfusion between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dosage of remifentanil in the research group was significantly lower than that in the routine group: (270.64 ± 17.62) μg vs. (291.82 ± 23.34) μg, P<0.05. The incidence of agitation during the recovery period in the research group was significantly lower than that in the routine group: 13.95% (6/43) vs. 48.84% (21/43), P<0.05. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores in the research group at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly higher than those in the routine group: (22.80 ± 2.04) scores vs. (19.31 ± 3.61) scores, (24.92 ± 2.44) scores vs. (21.49 ± 3.58) scores, (26.73 ± 2.57) scores vs. (24.23 ± 3.95) scores, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The serum Opiorphin level at 24 h after operation in the research group was higher than that in the routine group: (32.74 ± 8.57) mg/L vs. (25.40 ± 6.36) mg/L; and the SAA level was lower than that in the routine group: (157.36 ± 10.24) mg/L vs. (204.37 ± 15.56) mg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Acupoint stimulation adjuvant anesthesia can reduce the occurrence of agitation during the recovery period of elderly patients with hip fracture, reduce the dosage of anesthetics, reduce postoperative cognitive impairment, regulate serum Opiorphin and SAA levels, and help early postoperative recovery.

Mitigating the dilemma in dementia: A case series of the first amyloid brain PET scans in the Philippines

@#Diagnosis of Alzheimer dementia is done clinically using criteria set by different neurological associations. Inevitably, clinicians encounter cases that do not fulfill the set definitions and have to resort to supporting data to form a clinical judgment. Part of the ancillary work-up for dementia is the brain amyloid PET scan that has recently been available in the Philippines. It involves a radiopharmaceutical with high-affinity binding to amyloid plaques which for a time were thought to be central pathological finding for Alzheimer dementia. This study describes the first four amyloid PET scans in the Philippines and detail the protocol as well as interpretation of such studies. The procedure is not as simple and reproducible as one might think hence following the recommended protocol and interpretation guidelines are of utmost importance. We recommend standardization of the reporting of results for all centers that will cater to patients being worked up for dementia, which include reporting SUVRs for both whole cerebellum and cerebellar cortex. More studies are recommended to generate a local Florbetaben SUVR cutoff.

The risk of Alzheimer′s disease transmitted by blood transfusion based on APP/PS1 double transgenic mice / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the risk of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) transmitted by blood transfusion. 【Methods】 There were 10 APP/PS1 mice of 3, 6 and 9 months old, half female and half male, and the cognitive and behavioral abilities of C57 mice of the same age were measured, and the blood of the oldest APP/PS1 mice with no behavioral changes were collected to detect the contents of Aβ40 and Aβ42. The polymers Aβ40 and Aβ42 were prepared and Western blotting analysis was conducted. Kunming mice aged from 6 to 7 months were randomly divided into 6 groups (10 mice/ group, half male and half female). The blood of APP/PS1 mice was injected intravenously in experimental group 1-2(100 μL/mouse) with high frequency injection (3 times/week) and low frequency injection (1 time/week), respectively. In experimental group 3-4, Aβ40 and Aβ42 polymerized mixture (100 μL/mouse) were injected in high frequency and low frequency, respectively. The control group 1-2 was injected with the same amount of normal saline, with high frequency and low frequency, respectively. The above groups were injected for 4 weeks, and the cognitive and behavioral abilities were tested and analyzed one week after injection. Finally, the contents of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in blood of Kunming mice were detected. 【Results】 Change in cognitive and behavioral ability showed in 9 months old APP/PS1 mice, but not in 3 and 6 months old APP/PS1 mice. The contents of Aβ40 and Aβ42 (pg/mL) in blood of 6-7 months old APP/PS1 mice were 418.40±2.18 and 15.68±0.20, respectively. Except for monomers, most of the polymerized mixtures of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were dimers and trimers. In both high frequency and low frequency, Kunming mice transfused with blood of APP/PS1 mice (experimental group 1-2) showed a certain degree of anxiety-like behavior and short-term memory shortening in open-field test and conditioned fear test, but without significant difference. There was no significant difference in open field test, new object recognition, Barnes maze and cognitive behavior analysis of conditioned fear between experimental group 3-4 and the control group. The levels of blood Aβ40 and Aβ42(pg/mL) of Kunming mice detected by ELISA were 10.30±0.08 and 3.360±0.005, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. 【Conclusion】 Blood transfusion of APP/PS1 mice and the mixture of Aβ40 and Aβ42 have no significant effect on the cognitive function of healthy Kunming mice in a short time, and the risk of AD transmission is relatively low.

Effects of Xixin Decoction （洗心汤） on the Diversity of Intestinal Flora and Levels of Aβ1-42，LPS，SAA，and ACH in Brain and Intestinal Tissues of Rapidly Aging Model Mice / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the possible mechanism of Xixin Decoction （洗心汤， XXD） in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer 's disease（AD）. MethodsFifty rapid aging model mice （SAMP8） were randomly divided into model group， probiotic group， high-， moderate- and low-dose group of XXD， with 10 mice in each group. Another 10 homologous anti-rapid aging mice （SAMR1） were set as control group. After 10 weeks of feeding， the control group and the model group were given 10 ml·kg-1·d-1 of distilled water by gavage， while the probiotic group （0.39 g·kg-1·d-1）， the high-dose group of XXD （5.08 g·kg-1·d-1）， the moderate-dose group of XXD （2.54 g·kg-1·d-1）， and the low-dose group of XXD （1.27 g·kg-1·d-1） were given corresponding drugs or decoctions by gavage， once a day in all groups. After 10 weeks of intragastric administration， Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial learning and memory ability of mice in each group. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hippocampal CA3 region and colon. The levels of β-amyloid 1-42 （Aβ1-42）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， serum amyloid A （SAA） and acetylcholine （ACH） in hippocampus and colon were detected by ELISA.The diversity of intestinal flora in mouse feces was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. ResultsCompared to those in the control group， the levels of Aβ1-42，LPS， SAA increased， while the level of ACH decreased in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the escape latency period of the probiotic group was significantly shortened on the 2nd and 5th days， while the escape latency period was shortened， and the residence time in the target platform quadrant increased in the high-dose XXD group during the 2nd to 5th days； the escape latency period was shortened significantly in the moderate-dose XXD group on the 5th day （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the hippocampal neuron cells in the high- and moderate-dose XXD groups were arranged more closely， with decreased levels of SAA， Aβ1-42 and LPS， increased ACH level， Simpson and Shannon index （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the arrangement of hippocampal neuron cells in the probiotic group and the low-dose XXD group was relatively loose； the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella were significantly reduced in the probiotic group and the high-dose XXD group， while that of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus significantly increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the probiotic group and the high-dose XXD group， the number of goblet cells in the moderate-dose XXD group decreased， and the number of glands in the low-dose XXD group decreased with atrophy. The high-dose XXD group had decreased Aβ1-42 level in the hippocampus， increased ACH level in thehippocampus and colon tissue， and decreased SAA in the colon tissue than the moderate- and low-dose XXD groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； moreover， the SAA level in the hippocampus was significantly higher in the low-dose XXD group than the high- and moderate-dose groups （P＜0.01）. ConclusionXXD can improve the spatial learning and memory ability of SAMP8， reduce the production and deposition of LPS， SAA and Aβ1-42 in brain and intestine， and increase the content of ACH. The mechanism of its prevention and treatment of AD maybe related to regulating intestinal microecology， affecting flora diversity and improving inflammatory response.