Factors associated with pain in individuals infected by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)

Abstract Introduction Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain in individuals infected with HTLV-1, predictive and protective factors for its development are still unclear. Objective To identify factors associated with chronic pain in individuals with HTLV-1. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a reference center for treatment of patients infected with HTLV-1 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study included individuals infected with HTLV-1, over 18 years, and excluded those with difficulty to respond the pain protocol. Data on sociodemographic, health behavior, and clinical characteristics were collected in a standardized way. The prevalence ratio (PR) of pain is described, as well as the factors independently associated with the presence of pain, which were assessed by multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 142 individuals were included in the study, mostly female (62.7%), aged 20–64 years (73.2%), married (61.3%), with less than eight years of education (54.2%), and with a steady income (79.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that being symptomatic for HTLV-1 – sensory manifestations, erectile dysfunction, overactive bladder, and/or HAM/TSP (PR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.38), self-medication (PR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.08–1.53), physiotherapy (PR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.28), and depression (PR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29) were associated with an increased likelihood of presenting pain. On the other hand, physical activity (PR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67–0.93) and religious practice (PR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72–0.95) were associated with a decreased likelihood of having pain. Conclusion The use of self-medication, physiotherapy and the presence of depression are independently associated with neurological symptoms in HTLV-1 infected patients. Religious practice and physical activity are both protective for the development of pain.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation type III promotes the migration of glioma cells by increasing FAK phosphorylation / 肿瘤

Objective: To investigate the mechanism underlying the promoting effects of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation type III (EGFRv III) on the migration of glioma cells. Methods: Human glioma cell line U87EGFRv III was established by retroviral infection of the parental glioma cells. The effect of EGFRv III on the migration of the cells was detected by gel-drop assay and Transwell migration assay. The phosphorylation of FAK was detected by Western blotting. The FAK Y397F mutant was transfected into U87EGFRv III cells and the change in cell migration was observed. Results: EGFRv III promoted the migration of human glioma U87 cells and increased the FAK phosphorylation level at Tyr397. Transfection with FAK Y397F mutant reduced FAK phosphorylation level in glioma cells U87EGFRvH[ and induced the decrease in the migration abilities of the cells. Conclusion: EGFRv III promoted the migration of glioma cells by up-regulating FAK phosphorylation levels.