Neoplasia pseudopapilar sólida del páncreas (tumor de Frantz) en una joven de 13 años / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (Frantz tumor) in a 13-year-old girl

RESUMEN El tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas (TSP) es un tumor infrecuente, de bajo grado de malignidad, que representa el 1-3% de todas las neoplasias pancreáticas, con predilección por el sexo femenino, y es el tumor sólido de páncreas más frecuente en la infancia. Mujer de 13 años que consultó por dolor abdominal de 5 días de evolución, en hipocondrio derecho e irradiado a espalda, con náuseas y vómitos. TSP es diagnosticado con ecografía, tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM). Se realizó duodenopancreatectomía cefálica. La paciente fue dada de alta. El examen anatomopatológico informó un TSP de páncreas. El abordaje quirúrgico de estos tumores, abierto o laparoscópico, permite una excelente supervivencia alejada.

ABSTRACT Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm with a low malignant potential and represents 1- 3% of all pancreatic tumors. They usually occur in women and are the most common solid pancreatic tumor in children. A 13-year-old girl visited the emergency department due to abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting lasting 5 days. A SPT was diagnosed by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient underwent cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy and was discharged. The pathological study reported a SPT of the pancreas. The surgical approach of these tumors through open surgery or laparoscopy offers excellent long-term survival.

Effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on activation of astrocytes in acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction(XXMD) on the activation of astrocytes after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury. The model of cerebral IR injury was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion method. Fluorocitrate(FC), an inhibitor of astrocyte activation, was applied to inhibit astrocyte activation. Rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a XXMD group, a XXMD+FC group, and a XXMD+Vehicle group. Neurobehavioral changes at 24 hours after cerebral IR injury, cerebral infarction, histopathological changes observed through HE staining, submicroscopic structure of astrocytes observed through transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and thrombospondin 1(TSP1) measured through immunofluorescence, and expression of GFAP and TSP1 in brain tissue measured through Western blot were evaluated in rats from each group. The experimental results showed that neurobehavioral scores and cerebral infarct area significantly increased in the model group. The XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and the XXMD+Vehicle group all alleviated neurobehavioral changes in rats. The pathological changes in the brain were evident in the model group, while the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and the XXMD+Vehicle group exhibited milder cerebral IR injury in rats. The submicroscopic structure of astrocytes in the model group showed significant swelling, whereas the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and XXMD+Vehicle group protected the submicroscopic structure of astrocytes. The fluorescence intensity and protein expression of GFAP and TSP1 increased in the model group compared with those in the sham group. However, the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and XXMD+Vehicle group all down-regulated the expression of GFAP and TSP1. The combination of XXMD and FC showed a more pronounced effect. These results indicate that XXMD can improve cerebral IR injury, possibly by inhibiting astrocyte activation and down-regulating the expression of GFAP and TSP1.

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) uses in ophthalmic drug delivery

At present, ophthalmic drug delivery remains a major challenge, given the eye's protective structure and susceptibility to irritation, resulting in poor patient adherence. In order to overcome these constraints, new formulations are continually being developed. The inclusion of Galactoxyloglucan (Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in such formulations, a natural substance extracted from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, has shown great potential due to its physicochemical properties, high biocompatibility and safety profile. Such properties, have led to its use in formulations for the treatment of dry eye disease, glaucoma, and bacterial keratitis, as well as in dilating eye drops used in eye examinations. In this article, we highlight the most recent TSPbased ophthalmologic formulations, which indicate that this polymer is a strong candidate to reduce adverse effects, improve patient tolerability and drug bioavailability.

Effect and mechanism of estrogen on EPCs function in diabetic rats / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of estrogen on endothelial progenitor cells（EPCs）function in diabetic rats. Methods EPCs were isolated from bone marrow of rats and characterized by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Rat diabetic model was established via streptozotocin induction. The bone marrow was taken to culture EPCs. EPCs of diabetes were incubated with Estrogen 10 nmol/L for 24h. The functions and proliferation of EPCs in vitro were detected. The levels of MnSOD and NO in EPCs and TSP-1 in supernatant were assayed. Results Compared with control group, EPCs proliferation, adhesion and angiogenesis functions were impaired in diabetic rats. The level of MnSOD and NO in diabetic EPCs were significantly decreased, while TSP-1 protein level in the supernatant increased. The above changes can be reversed with estrogen incubation. Conclusion Estrogen improved the EPCs migration and tubule formation in diabetic rats. The mechanism may be related to the reduction of oxidative stress and downregulation of TSP-1 expression in diabetic EPCs.

Impacto da acessibilidade na adesão ao tratamento fisioterapêutico de pessoas convivendo com paraparesia espástica tropical: estudo qualitativo / Impact of accessibility on adherence to physiotherapeutic treatment of people living with tropical spastic paraparesy: qualitative study

INTRODUÇÃO: A Paraparesia Espástica Tropical / Mielopatia Associada ao HTLV-1 (HAM/TSP) apresenta alterações crônico-degenerativas que comprometem os indivíduos nas atividades diárias, principalmente aquelas ligadas à locomoção. A acessibilidade é um parâmetro importante para a adesão à fisioterapia nestas pessoas. OBJETIVO: investigar o impacto da acessibilidade na adesão ao tratamento fisioterapêutico em pessoas infectadas pelo HTLV-1, com HAM/TSP. MÉTODO: estudo com abordagem qualitativa, com 38 participantes, maiores de 18 anos, com diagnóstico confirmado de HAM/TSP. Excluídos aqueles com dificuldade de compreensão dos questionamentos ou de comunicação. Para a coleta das informações, foram realizados 11 grupos focais e 12 entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os depoimentos foram gravados e depois transcritos. As informações foram sistematizadas pela análise do conteúdo temática-Categorial. RESULTADOS: Após as análises dos grupos focais e entrevistas, emergiram as seguintes categorias: dificuldade de acesso, dependência externa (climática/de acompanhante), dependência financeira e dependência de consultas médicas. CONCLUSÃO: A precariedade da infraestrutura e acessibilidade na cidade de Salvador, além da condição econômica, mudanças climáticas e dificuldades ao acesso do Sistema Único de Saúde, impactam diretamente na adesão ao tratamento fisioterapêutico. O não comparecimento à fisioterapia pode afetar a evolução do tratamento e a saúde dessa população.

| INTRODUCTION: Tropical Spastic Paraparesis / Myelopathy Associated with HTLV-1 (HAM / TSP) presents chronic degenerative changes that compromise individuals in their daily activities, especially those related to locomotion. Accessibility is an important means of adhering to physical therapy for all these people. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of accessibility on adherence to physical therapy treatment in people infected with HTLV-1 with HAM / TSP. METHOD: a study with a qualitative approach, with 38 participants, over 18 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of HAM / TSP. Those with difficulty understanding the questionnaires or communicating were excluded. For the collection of information, 11 focus groups and 12 semi-structured changes were performed. The researcher herself recorded and then transcribed the statements. The analysis of thematic-Categorial content systematized the information. RESULTS: After analyzing the focus groups and related, the following categories emerged: access difficulty, external dependence (climatic/accompanying), financial dependence, and dependence on medical appointments. CONCLUSION: The precariousness of infrastructure and accessibility in the city of Salvador, in addition to the economic condition, climate change, and difficulties in accessing the Unified Health System, directly impact adherence to physical therapy treatment. Failure to attend physical therapy can affect the evolution of treatment and the health of this population.

Effect of Modifide Wenjingtang on JAK2/STAT3 Signal Pathway and Downstream Factors Protein Expression in Endometriosis Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Wenjingtang on endometriosis （EM） rats with kidney deficiency and blood stasis. Method:The 10 from 105 SPF female healthy SD rats were randomly selected as the blank group. The rest constructed the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis by compound factorial method. After the model was successfully established， 10 rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group， with only laparotomy and no intima suture， and the remaining rats were established with EM kidney deficiency and blood stasis type by autologous intimal transplantation. Fifty rats which were randomly selected from 56 successful rats were treated with the modified Wenjingtang （5，10，20 g·kg^-1） and danazol group（63 mg·kg^-1）， 1 time daily ， for 4 weeks. The endometrial tissues of each group were stained with hematoxylin eosin （HE） to observe the histopathology. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-10 （IL-10） and interleukin-17 （IL-17） in serum supernatant were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Measuring the length（D₁），width （D₂） and height （D₃） of the heterotopic foci in each group before and after treatment. Then calculating the volume of them. The expression of tyrosine kinase 2（JAK2），transcription factor 3 （STAT3），phosphorylation transcription factor 3 （p-STAT3）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>） and thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1） were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The expression of VEGF，TNF-<italic>α</italic> and TSP-1 was detected by Western blot. Result:Microscopic pathological observation showed that the endometrial glandular cells of the blank group were arranged in order， and the glandular and stromal cells grew well， compared with the blank group， the endometrial structure of the model group was complete， showing a cavity like or annular closed structure， with cyst formation， and the epithelium was cubic or columnar epithelium， most of the epithelial cells had secretion， the stroma was dense， and the matrix showed a little fibrosis There were a few glands and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group， the content of IL-10 in serum of model group was significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the content of IL-17 was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the protein expression of JAK2， STAT3，p-STAT3， VEGF， TNF-<italic>α</italic> in endometrial tissue of model group was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the expression of TSP-1 protein was significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the serum IL-10 content of rats in modified Wenjingtang treatment group increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the IL-17 content decreased significantly <italic>（P</italic><0.01）， and the volume of ectopic foci decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. While the level of JAK2，STAT3，p-STAT3，TNF-<italic>α</italic>，VEGF protein in intimal tissue of modified Wenjingtang high and middle dose group decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and the level of TSP-1 protein increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Modified Wenjingtang can inhibit the invasion of ectopic foci in EM rats with kidney deficiency and blood stasis， the mechanism may be related to the intervention of immune barrier and block angiogenesis function mediated by JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.

Co-expression of HBZ, TAX and FOXp3 and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis development in HTLV-1-infected individuals: A systematic review

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with the development of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It has been reported that the HTLV-1 proteins (specifically TAX and HBZ) can modulate FOXp3, resulting in an immune imbalance that can favor the progression of HAM/TSP. This review aims to summarize the literature in order to clarify the relationship between the expression of HTLV-1 mRNAs and/or viral proteins (TAX and HBZ) with the expression of mRNA and/or protein FOXp3 and their correlation with HAM/TSP development. This systematic review was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The search strategy was performed on the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences Platform using subject descriptors. After screening, six articles were included in this review. The studies suggested that TAX and HBZ have a directly proportional correlation with FOXp3 in individuals with HAM/TSP, which also presented an increased expression of FOXp3 compared to asymptomatic controls and/or healthy donors. This systematic review indicates that TAX and HBZ can interact with FOXp3 and that interaction may influence HAM/TSP development.

Establishment and application of a detection method for environmental endocrine disruptors in atmospheric particulate atter / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To establish a convenient and efficient method to detect Environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) in atmospheric particulate matter. Methods Atmospheric total suspended particles (TSP) was sampled through glass fiber filter paper in a medium-flow TSP sampler at a flow rate  of 100L/min for 2 hours. The filter paper sample was then subjected to the treatments as follows: (1) The samples were extracted with acetone and dichloromethane (3:2,v/v) from glass fiber filter paper. (2) Ultrasonic cleaning for 30 minutes. (3) Centrifugation at 2,500r/min for 20 minutes. (4) The supernatant was dried out in water baths at 55℃, and then acetonitrile was added to make the volume constant. Chromatographic condition was : HPLC-FLD ( λex=275nm，λem=312nm) . Results The content of OP, NP and BPA in the standard series showed a good linear relationship with their respective peak areas, and all the correlation coefficients were greater than 0.99. The detection limits for BPA, OP, NP were 9.80 ng/ml, 5.60 ng/ml, and 5.30 ng/ml, respectively, and the recoveries were 92.10%~127.00%, 83.90%~97.40%, and 83.70%~101.20%, respectively. The RSD for the inter-and intra-day was less than 5%. Conclusion The method was simple, rapid, and accurate, which could be used for the detection of environmental endocrine disruptors in atmospheric particulate matter.

Impact of fractures and orthopedic surgeries in patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis

Abstract INTRODUCTION In patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) gait disturbance is a predominant feature that leads to falls and fractures, which can further aggravate disability. We sought to evaluate the impact of fractures and orthopedic surgeries in patients with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We retrieved the medical records of HAM/TSP patients enrolled in our study center's HTLV-1 clinical cohort between 1989-2018. The selection criteria included: (1) diagnosis of HTLV-1 infection using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and/or a confirmatory test, (2) clinical diagnosis of HAM/TSP by neurological assessment, and (3) fractures associated with HAM/TSP. RESULTS: We identified 24 cases of fractures, 70% of which were females. The median age at the time of fracture was 60 years (IQR=24). Six cases reported fractures in patients under 45 years old. Ten patients (42%) had hip/coccyx fractures, seven (29%) were in the lower extremities, and four (17%) in the upper extremities. Half of these patients reported the use of wheelchairs. Five patients who had previously used canes required the use of wheelchairs after the reported fracture. Eight patients underwent corrective orthopedic surgery as a result of the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: For HAM/TSP patients, fractures are a complication that can exacerbate their severe impairment.

Effect of TSP-1 gene on angiogenesis of osteosarcoma and its mechanism / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TSP-1 gene on angiogenesis in human osteosar-coma and its mechanism of action. Methods MG-63 cells were transfected with constructing pBPLV-shRNA-TSP-1 vector and pBPLV-TSP-1 expression vector. Cell viability was measured by CCK8,and its invasive ability was measured by Transwell assay. The expression of CD36 in intracells was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of TSP-1,CD36,p38MAPK,VEGF, VEGFR-1,EGF and PDGF were detected in MG-63 cells by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results The cell viability and inva-sion ability were significantly increased after transfected pBPLV-TSP-1 vector compared with the empty vector group(P<0. 05), and significantly decreased after transfected pBPLV-shRNA-TSP-1 vector( P<0. 05). The expression of TSP-1,EGF,P38, PDGF,VEGF and VEGFR -1 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased after transfection pBPLV -TSP -1 ( P <0. 05),and significantly decreased after transfection pBPLV-shRNA-TSP-1 vector(P<0. 05). Conclusion TSP-1 gene can promote the proliferation and invasion of MG-63 cells,and promote the formation of human osteosarcoma,indicating its mechanism related to the increase of growth factors EGF,VEGF,PDGF and activation of P38-MAPK pathway.

Influence of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the muscle tonus and amplitude of movement in HTLV-1-infected patients with HAM/TSP

Abstract An HTLV-1-infected patient can develop paraparesis that limits their movements. Rehabilitation techniques could improve the motor abilities of these patients. The present study investigates five cases of physical therapy intervention in HTLV-1 patients to evaluate the influence of functional rehabilitation on the tonus and range of motion (ROM) of HTLV-1 patients with spasticity. The patients had a gain of ROM, especially in the lower limb, and reduction in hypertonia/spasticity after functional treatment. The reduction in hypertonia increased the ROM. Thus, functional methods may be valuable for the rehabilitation of HTLV-1 patients with neurological damage.

Re-emergence of human T-lymphotropic viruses in West Africa

ABSTRACT Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) are Deltaretroviruses that infect millions of individuals worldwide via the same transmission routes as HIV. With the aim of exposing the possible re-emergence of HTLV in West Africa since discovery, a systematic review was carried out, focusing on the distribution of the virus types and significance of frequent indeterminate reports, while highlighting the need for mandatory routine blood screening. Capturing relevant data from discovery till date, sources searched were Google Scholar, CrossRef, NCBI (PubMed), MEDLINE, Research Gate, Mendeley, abstracts of Conferences and Proceedings, organization websites and reference lists of selected papers. A total of 2626 references were initially retrieved using search terms: Worldwide prevalence of HTLV, HTLV in Africa, HTLV in West Africa, HTLV subtypes, HTLV 3 and 4 in Africa, HTLV of African origin, HTLV seroindeterminate results, Spread of HTLV. These references were rigorously trimmed down to 76. Although evidence shows that HTLV is still endemic in the region, West Africa lacks recent epidemiological prevalence data. Thorough investigations are needed to ascertain the true cause of indeterminate Western Blot results. It is imperative that routine screening for HTLVs be mandated in West African health care facilities.

The relationship between atopy and neurological manifestations in HTLV-1 infection

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)induces exaggerated Th1 responses, whereas atopy is associated with exacerbated Th2 responses. METHODS: Here, a cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of atopy in HTLV-1 carriers and HAM/TSP patients. It also compared the spontaneous cytokine production in HTLV-1-infected individuals. A retrospective cohort study evaluated the development of neurological manifestations in atopic and non-atopic carriers. RESULTS: Atopic HAM/TSP patients with high IFN-γ production exhibited higher IL-5 levels than non-atopic patients. Allergic rhinitis accelerated the development of Babinski signals and overactive bladders. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal Th1 and Th2 responses coexist in HTLV-1-infected individuals and allergic diseases may worsen the clinical course of HTLV-1 infections.

Analysis on application value of the detections of TSP-1 and VEGF in patients with lung cancer / 中国医学装备

Objective: To investigate the application value of the detections of thrombin sensitive protein-1(TSP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with lung cancer. Methods: 90 patients with lung cancer were divided into lung cancer metastasis group (47 cases) and lung cancer non-metastasis group (43 cases) according to the pathological diagnosis results, and 40 persons whose results of physical examination were healthy were selected as the control group. The levels of TSP-1 and VEGF of the three groups were observed, and Spearman analysis was used to explore the correlations between TSP-1, VEGF and lung cancer, respectively. Results: The levels of TSP-1 and VEGF of platelet-poor plasma in the three groups were lower than the detection limit of the kit. And the levels of TSP-1 in platelet of the lung cancer metastasis group and non-metastatic group were significantly lower than those of the control group (t=-11.307, t=-6.295, t=12.851, t=9.732, P<0.05). In the platelet of lung cancer metastasis group, the level of TSP-1 was significantly lower than that of lung cancer non-metastasis group (t=-5.777, P<0.05), and the level of VEGF of metastasis group was significantly higher than that of lung cancer non-metastasis group (t=4.624, P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the correlation between platelet TSP-1 and lung cancer was negative correlation (r=-0.697, P<0.05), and that between platelet VEGF and lung cancer was positively correlation (r=0.757, P<0.05). Conclusion: The changes of TSP-1 and VEGF of platelet of patients with lung cancer are significantly, which are closely related to the progress of disease of patients with lung cancer. Therefore, the judgment about diagnosis and metastasis for patients with lung cancer have certain application value.

Cardiovascular risk profile in patients with myelopathy associated with HTLV-1

ABSTRACT HAM/TSP (HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis) is a slowly progressive disease, characterized by a chronic spastic paraparesis. It is not known if the disease carries an independent risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular risk profile related to HAM/TSP and compare it with the general population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a control group. HAM/TSP patients were evaluated using cardiovascular risk scores (ASCVD RISK, SCORE and Framingham) and inflammatory markers (ultrasensitive CRP and IL-6), and compared with a control group of healthy individuals. We also evaluated the correlation between cardiovascular risk and the functional status of patients with HAM/TSP evaluated by the FIM scale. Results: Eighty percent of patients in this study were females, mean age of 51 years (11.3). The control group showed an increased cardiovascular event risk in 10 years when ASCVD was analyzed (cardiovascular risk ≥7.5% in 10 years seen in 43% of patients in the control group vs. 23% of patients with HAM/TSP; p = 0.037). There was no difference in ultrasensitive CRP or IL-6 values between the groups, even when groups were stratified into low and high risk. There was no correlation between the functional status of HAM/TSP patients and the cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: In this study, the cardiovascular risk profile of patients with HAM/TSP was better than the risk of the control group.

Clinical and laboratory features of HTLV-I asymptomatic carriers and patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis from the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Clinical and laboratory parameters including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neopterin were investigated in human-T-lymphotropic-virus-type-I associated-myelopathy/tropical-spastic-paraparesis-HAM/TSP and in HTLV-I carriers. HAM/TSP (n = 11, 2 males/9 females, median age = 48 years), recently diagnosed HTLV-I carriers (n = 21, 15 females/6 males, median age = 44 years), healthy individuals (n = 20, 10 males/10 females, median age = 34.6 years) from the Brazilian Amazon (Manaus, Amazonas State) were investigated. Neopterin was measured (IBL ELISA Neopterin, Germany) in serum samples of all the participants, in CSF of 9 HAM/TSP patients as well as in 6 carriers. In HAM/TSP patients, CSF cell counts, protein and glucose were measured, the Osame’s motor-disability-score/OMDS was determined, and brain/spinal cord magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) was performed. HAM/TSP patients had normal CSF glucose, leukocyte counts; and normal protein levels predominated. Brain-MRI showed white-matter lesions in 7 out of 11 HAM/TSP patients. OMDS varied from 2-8: 9 were able to walk, 2 were wheel-chair-users. The median serum neopterin concentration in HAM/TSP patients was 6.6 nmol/ L; min. 2.8- max. 12.5 nmol/ L); was lower in carriers (4.3 nmol/L; min. 2.7- max. 7.2 nmol/ L) as well as in healthy participants (4.7 nmol/ L; min. 2.7- max. 8.0 nmol/ L) (p < 0.05). CSF neopterin concentrations in HAM/TSP patients were higher than in serum samples, and higher compared to carriers (p < 0.05). Carriers had similar serum-CSF neopterin concentrations compared to healthy participants. Variable clinical and laboratory profiles were seen in HAM/TSP patients, however our results support the neopterin measurement as a potential biomarker of disease activity.

Effects of Hedysari Polysaccharide on Expressions of TSP-1 and PDGF-B in Retina of Diabetic Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of Hedysari Polysaccharide (HPS) on the expressions of TSP-1 and PDGF-B in the retina of diabetic rats;To discuss the protective effect and possible mechanism on diabetic retinopathy. Methods The diabetic model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. 50 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group, calcium dobesilate group, and HPS high-, medium-, and low-dose group, extra 10 rats were set as the normal group, 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine for gavage, while model group and normal control group were given same amount NS for gavage, once a day for 8 weeks. The mRNA and protein expression of TSP-1 and PDGF-B were detected by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The retinal structure was observed by HE staining. Results HE staining showed that each layer of the retina of the model group was clear and complete, but the outer nucleus layer became looser, thinner and more disorderly, and the number of ganglion cells decreased slightly; the administration groups were improved markedly compared with the model group. Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA level and protein expression of retina TSP-1 on the model group dramatically dropped (P<0.01), and those of PDGF-B strikingly increased (P<0.01);Compared with the model group, the mRNA level and protein expression of retina TSP-1 on alladministration groups rose (P<0.05, P<0.01), and those of PDGF-B went down (P<0.01); Compared with all other administration groups, there was statistical significance in the mRNA level and protein expression of retina TSP-1 and PDGF-B on HPS high-dose group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion HPS may prevent the angiogenesis and proliferation in diabetic retinopathy process through adjusting the content of TSP-1 and PDGF-B in retina of diabetic rats so as to protect the retina.

Pain prevalence, characteristics and associated factors in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infected patients: a systematic review of the literature

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the pain in patients infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, clinically and epidemiologically. Methods: This systematic review was based on The PRISMA Statement. Four reviewers searched PUBMED, SciELO, LILACS and BIREME for data from observational studies and clinical trials (n ≥ 30) regarding pain prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors in patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1. No limits on publication date or language were established. Studies that did not have pain as an outcome measure or not involving human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infected patients were excluded. Results: A total of 3013 articles (including duplicates) were found of which seven met the predetermined criteria. The most common pain region was the lower back (53.0%). Non-neuropathic type (ranging from 52.6% to 86.8%) was more frequent in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis participants, and neuropathic pain was more common in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 carriers (53.1%). The pain was mostly reported as moderate or severe. One study showed that chronic pain was negatively associated with quality of life. Discussion: Pain is a common complaint in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infected patients, with lower back pain as the most frequent site. Pain can either be nociceptive, neuropathic, or both, is frequently severe, and negatively affects quality of life. Only studies of two countries were included in this review, limiting the external validity of the conclusions. The heterogeneity of variables prevented us from implementing a meta-analysis. Further research should better characterize the pain and explore its impact on quality of life, especially using longitudinal study design.

Muscular weakness represents the main limiting factor of walk, functional independence and quality of life of myelopathy patients associated to HTLV-1 / Fraqueza muscular representa o principal fator limitante da marcha, independência funcional e qualidade de vida de pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1

ABSTRACT HTLV-1-associated myelopathy is a progressive disabling disease associated with gait abnormalities. Objective To identify and quantify the main muscles affected by weakness and spasticity, their impact on gait, functional capacity and on quality of life of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients. Method We evaluated lower limbs muscular strength according to the Medical Research Council scale, spasticity according to the modified Ashworth scale, daily activities according to the Barthel Index and quality of life according to the Short-Form Health Survey-36 of 26 HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients. Results The muscles most affected by weakness included the dorsal flexors and knee flexors. Spasticity predominated in the hip adductor muscles and in plantar flexors. Assistance for locomotion, minimal dependence in daily activities, limitations in functional capacity and physical aspects were the most common findings. Conclusion The impairment of gait, functional dependence and quality of life were predominantly a consequence of intense muscle weakness in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients.

RESUMO Mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 é uma doença inflamatória, incapacitante e progressiva que acomete o sistema nervoso central. Objetivo Identificar e quantificar os principais músculos comprometidos pela fraqueza e espasticidade, o impacto na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1. Método Força muscular ( Medical Research Council), espasticidade (escala Ashworth modificada), atividades de vida diária (Índice de Barthel) e qualidade de vida ( Short-Form Health Survey-36) foram avaliados em 26 pacientes . Resultados Os principais músculos comprometidos pela fraqueza incluíram os flexores dorsais e flexores do joelho. A espasticidade predominou nos músculos adutores do quadril e nos flexores plantares. Assistência para locomoção, dependência mínima nas atividades diárias, limitações na capacidade funcional e os aspectos físicos representaram os achados mais frequentes. Conclusão Dificuldade de deambulação, dependência funcional e prejuízo na qualidade de vida foram as principais consequências da intensa fraqueza muscular nos pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1.

T cell receptor signaling pathway is overexpressed in CD4 + T cells from HAM/TSP individuals

ABSTRACT Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a human retrovirus related to the chronic neuroinflammatory disease HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). CD4+ T cells activation appears to play a key role on HTLV-1 infection. Here we investigated the expression of genes associated to T cell activation CD3e molecule, epsilon (CD3?), lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), vav 1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (VAV1), and zeta-chain (TCR) associated protein kinase 70 kDa (ZAP70) on T lymphocytes of HTLV-1-infected individuals and compared to healthy uninfected individuals (CT). We observed that CD3?, LCK, ZAP70, and VAV1 gene expression were increased in CD4+ T cells from HAM/TSP group compared to HTLV-1 asymptomatic patients (HAC). Moreover, ZAP70 and VAV1 were also upregulated in HAM/TSP compared to CT group. We detected a positive correlation among all these genes. We also observed that CD3?, LCK, and VAV1 genes had a positive correlation with the proviral load (PVL) and Tax expression. These results suggest that PVL and Tax protein could drive CD3?, LCK, and VAV1 gene expression in CD4+ T cells, and these genes function on a synchronized way on the CD4+ T cell activation. The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying T cell receptor signaling pathway is of considerable interest and might lead to new insights into the mechanism of HAM/TSP.