Obesidad: un factor de riesgo en pacientes con COVID-19

Informes recientes dan cuenta de una fuerte asociación entre la obesidad y la severidad de la infección de COVID-19, lo cual se fundamenta en la presencia de un estado proinflamatorio crónico en el paciente obeso, vinculado a trastornos metabólicos y del sistema inmune. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar los más recientes estudios sobre la asociación positiva que se establece entre la obesidad, como factor de riesgo, y la severidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con COVID-19; también renovar los mecanismos involucrados, para lo cual se seleccionaron artículos publicados -principalmente en los últimos cinco años- en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, ClinicalKey y LILACS, y en el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Estos estudios incluyeron, entre otros parámetros, el Índice de Masa Corporal y su asociación a la severidad y mortalidad por COVID-19. Como resultado, la evidencia clínica sugiere que el sobrepeso y la obesidad presentan una alta prevalencia en los casos severos de pacientes adultos con COVID-19. Se concluye que la obesidad, en estos pacientes, requiere de un manejo particular, pues debe ser considerada un factor de riesgo independiente de otras comorbilidades. Esto se debe a su contribución a una mayor susceptibilidad y severidad, asociándose positivamente con alteraciones del sistema inmune y con reacciones hiperinflamatorias por liberación excesiva de citoquinas, comprometiendo el funcionamiento de órganos y sistemas y potenciando las complicaciones de la infección de SARS-CoV-2 y la mortalidad.

Recent reports indicate a strong association between obesity and the severity of COVID-19 infection, which is based on the presence of a chronic pro-inflammatory state in obese patients, linked to metabolic and immune system disorders. This paper aims to reviewing the most recent studies on the positive association established between obesity, as a risk factor, and severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19; it also aims to renew the involved mechanisms, for which articles published-mainly in the last five years-in the PubMed, SciELO, Clinical Key and LILACS databases, and in the Google Scholar search engine were selected. These studies included, among other parameters, the body mass index and its association to severity and mortality due to COVID-19. As a result, the clinical evidence suggests that overweight and obesity have a high prevalence in severe cases of adult patients with COVID-19. It is concluded that obesity, in these patients, requires a particular management, as it should be considered a risk factor independent of other comorbidities. This is due to its contribution to a greater susceptibility and severity, positively associated to alterations of the immune system and to hyper-inflammatory reactions by excessive release of cytokines, compromising the functioning of organs and systems and enhancing the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality.

Recomendaciones para el cuidado, prevención de infecciones y quimioprofilaxis en los errores innatos de la inmunidad / Recommendations for care, prevention of infections and chemoprophylaxis in inborn errors of immunity

Los errores innatos de la inmunidad (EII), antes llamados inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP), son un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos genéticos con defectos en uno o más componentes del sistema inmune. Los pacientes afectados por EII presentan aumentada susceptibilidad a microorganismos únicos o múltiples que se manifestará con infecciones recurrentes de diferente tipo y gravedad dependiendo del tipo de la localización del defecto. La prevención de infecciones es uno de los pilares fundamentales en el abordaje integral de los pacientes con EII. En este trabajo se resumen las conclusiones consensuadas en el Grupo de Trabajo de Inmunología Pediátrica de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, sobre la base de la revisión de la evidencia disponible, respecto a los principios esenciales para el cuidado, la prevención de infecciones y la quimioprofilaxis en los errores innatos de la inmunidad para la orientación del pediatra y especialista dedicados al seguimiento de estas enfermedades.

Inborn errors of immunity, previously named primary immunodeficiency are a heterogeneous group of genetic defects of different components of the immune system. Patients present high susceptibility to an only or several microorganisms, developing recurrent infections; the severity is related to the specific genetic type of immunity defect. The main strategy on the management of these illness is the prevention of infections. These consensus guidelines made by the Pediatric Immunology Work Group of Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, givese main approaches of infection prevention in order to provide a useful tool for all practitioners who are involved in the management of these patients, based on scientific evidence and broad consensus of a specialized panel expert.

Does enteral nutrition through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, attenuate Helicobacter pylori colonization?: is it worth mentioning?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In patients who experience difficulties in oral feeding, alimentary intake can be supported by creating direct access into the stomach through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The present study purposed to compare naïve and exchanged percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes in terms of Helicobacter pylori infection and other clinical characteristics. METHODS: A total of 96 cases who underwent naïve or exchanged percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures with various indications were incorporated into the study. The patients' demographic data, such as age and gender, etiology of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, anti-HBs status, Helicobacter pylori status, the presence of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, biochemical parameters, and lipid profiles, had been analyzed. In addition, the anti-HCV and anti-HIV statuses had also been evaluated. RESULTS: The most common indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement was dementia in 26 (27.08%) cases (p=0.033). The presence of Helicobacter pylori positivity was significantly lower in the exchange group compared to the naïve group (p=0.022). Total protein, albumin, and lymphocyte levels were significantly higher in the exchange group compared to the naïve group (both p=0.001), and the mean calcium, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were statistically significantly higher in the exchange group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preliminary outcomes of the present study revealed that enteral nutrition attenuates the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Considering the acute-phase reactant, the significantly lower ferritin values in the exchange group suggest that there is no active inflammatory process in the patients and that immunity is sufficient.

Actividad del sistema inmune en pacientes reumáticos

Las enfermedades reumáticas son un grupo de afecciones, la mayoría de ellas con afectación inmunológica y compromiso sistémico, que generan distintos grados de discapacidad funcional y disminución de la percepción de calidad de vida de los pacientes que las padecen. Constituyen una de las primeras causas de discapacidad, de invalidez temporal y definitiva, de afectación laboral y se sitúan dentro de los 10 primeros motivos de consultas en el primer nivel de atención de salud. Los pacientes con este tipo de enfermedad han sido considerados como pacientes inmunodeprimidos lo cual no se corresponde directamente con los mecanismos de producción de la gran mayoría de las enfermedades reumáticas. En el presente reporte se abordan los mitos y realidades que engloban a las enfermedades reumáticas y la supuesta inmunosupresión que generan, desde la perspectiva etiopatogénica. El esclarecimiento de estos elementos es indispensable para poder enfrentar adecuadamente, desde el punto de vista terapéutico y de autocuidado a los pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas. Se concluye, que con base en los elementos etiopatogénicos de las enfermedades reumáticas y el análisis de la expresión de la respuesta inmunológica normal y en pacientes reumáticos, estos no pueden ser considerados como personas inmunodeprimidas. La prescripción de inmunosupresores se realiza con la finalidad de restaurar la respuesta inmunológica normal.

Rheumatic diseases are a group of conditions, most of them with immunological affectation and systemic compromise, which generate different degrees of functional disability and decrease in the perception of quality of life of the patients who suffer from them. They constitute one of the main causes of disability, of temporary and definitive invalidity, of labor affectation and are among the first 10 reasons for consultations in the first level of health care. Patients with this type of disease have been considered immunocompromised, which does not correspond directly to the mechanisms of production of the vast majority of rheumatic diseases. This report addresses the myths and realities that encompass rheumatic diseases and the supposed immunosuppression they generate, from the etiopathogenic perspective of this group of diseases. The clarification of these elements is essential to be able to deal adequately, from the therapeutic and self-care point of view, with patients with rheumatic diseases. It is concluded that, based on the etiopathogenic elements of rheumatic diseases and the analysis of the expression of the normal immune response and in rheumatic patients, these cannot be considered as immunosuppressed people. The prescription of immunosuppressants is made in order to restore the normal immune response.

Exercise dosing considerations in times of COVID-19 pandemic: A review / Consideraciones sobre la dosificación de ejercicio en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19: Una revisión

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, international organizations recommended regular physical exercise to maintain physical and mental health during confinement, however, it is an emerging disease, the evidence is not conclusive regarding the relationship between a physical inactivity and the risk of serious outcomes in patients with COVID-19, therefore, it is essential to identify the contribution of the type of physical exercise modality and the contribution to the immune system. Objective: To demonstrate the immunological response of different physical exercise modality in the population between 18 and 84 years of age, the population identified with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, in the report n°198 of the World Health Organization. Materials and methods: A review of the literature was carried out between Central Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scielo from January 2016 to December 2021. Results: Of the selected articles, it was possible to identify the main benefits in the immune response with both modalities of physical exercise (aerobic and/or resistance) in the target population. Conclusion: At present, the benefits on the immune response in patients with COVID-19 are completely unknown, which is why it is essential to identify the contribution on the immune response in different modalities of physical exercise in the population between 18-84 years of age.

Introducción: Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, organismos internacionales recomendaron ejercicio físico regular para mantener la salud física y mental durante el confinamiento, sin embargo, al tratarse de una enfermedad emergente, la evidencia no es concluyente en relación a una inactividad física y el riesgo de desenlaces graves en estos pacientes con COVID-19. Es fundamental identificar el aporte del tipo de modalidad de ejercicio físico al sistema inmunológico. Objetivo: Demostrar la respuesta inmunológica de las diferentes modalidades de ejercicio físico en la población de 18 a 84 años, población identificada con mayor número de casos confirmados de COVID-19, en el informe n°198 de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Materiales y métodos: Revisión de la literatura entre Pubmed Central, Google Scholar y Scielo (enero de 2016 - diciembre de 2021). Resultados: De los artículos seleccionados se identificó los principales beneficios en la respuesta inmune con ambas modalidades de ejercicio físico (aeróbico y/o resistencia) en dicha población. Conclusión: En la actualidad se desconoce por completo los beneficios sobre la respuesta inmune en pacientes con COVID-19, por ello, es fundamental identificar el aporte sobre la respuesta inmune en diferentes modalidades de ejercicio físico en la población entre 18-84 años de edad.

Uso de micofenolato mofetilo fuera de registro en enfermedades inmunomediadas

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a largely used immunosuppressive agent in the prevention of transplant rejection and lupus nephritis. Its use has been extended to other immune-mediated diseases (ID). Aim: To assess the off-label use of MMF, its performance as a glucocorticoid sparing agent, the therapeutic response, and its adverse effects. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed. One hundred-seven patients aged 58 ± 16 years (83% females) who received MMF for ID in off label uses between 2016 and 2018 were included. The study variables were cause of MMF indication, sex, age, use as a first- or second-line treatment and maintenance dosing. The cumulative doses of glucocorticoids six months before and after MMF indication were compared. Results: MMF was used as a second-line therapy in 66 patients (62%). The mean maintenance dose of MMF was 1,500 ± 540 mg/day. Prednisone cumulative doses were 3,908 ± 2,173 and 1,672 ± 1,083 milligrams six months before and six months after starting MMF, respectively (p < 0.01). Adverse effects were identified in 21 (20%) cases, none of them serious. Conclusions: Mycophenolate has a favorable response profile as a second line immunosuppressive agent. It is effective as a glucocorticoid sparing drug. The safety profile is also favorable as adverse effects were scanty and mild.

Telogen Effluvium and COVID-19: a case and a brief review of literature / Eflúvio Telógeno e COVID-19: um caso e uma breve revisão de literatura

COVID-19 is a new disease that has brought a great impact on global morbidity and mortality. There have been increasingly frequent reports of persistent symptoms and/or clinical manifestations attributed to COVID-19 after the acute phase of the disease. In this article, we present a case of post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium in a 39-year-old hypertensive and obese patient who looked for medical attention due to massive hair loss. Previous history of moderate COVID-19 4 months ago. After investigation and exclusion of other possible causes of telogen effluvium well established in the literature, the condition was attributed to the previous episode of COVID-19. Persistent fever, the cytokine storm, and the entire immunological cascade of COVID-19 can lead to apoptosis of the keratinocytes of the hair follicles, initiating the catagen phase early followed by the telogen phase with a consequent capillary release. Late symptoms possibly secondary to COVID-19 should receive attention and interest from the medical and scientific community. As it is a new disease, whose late consequences are not yet fully known/elucidated, careful observation and careful clinical follow-up of these patients are recommended (AU)

A COVID-19 é uma doença nova que vem provocando grande impacto na morbimortalidade mundial. Relatos de persistência de sintomas e/ou manifestações clínicas atribuídas à COVID-19 após a fase aguda da doença tem sido cada vez mais frequentes. Neste artigo, apresentamos um caso de eflúvio telógeno pós COVID-19 em um paciente de 39 anos, hipertenso e obeso, que procurou atendimento médico devido à queda volumosa de cabelos. Histórico prévio de COVID-19 moderada há 4 meses. Após investigação e exclusão de outras possíveis causas de eflúvio telógeno bem estabelecidas na literatura o quadro foi atribuído ao episódio prévio de COVID-19. É possível que a febre persistente, a tempestade de citocinas e toda a cascata imunológica da COVID-19 possam levar à apoptose dos queratinócitos dos folículos capilares, iniciando, assim, precocemente a fase catágena seguida pela fase telógena com consequente liberação capilar. Sintomas tardios possivelmente secundários à COVID-19 devem ser alvo de atenção e interesse da comunidade médica e científica. Por se tratar de uma doença nova, cujas consequências tardias ainda não se encontram completamente conhecidas/ elucidadas, recomenda-se a observação atenta e o seguimento clínico criterioso desses pacientes (AU)

Caesarian Vs Vaginal Delivery: From A Human Microbiota Perspective

The route of the birth delivery influences new born's health. Children born via Cesarean section are at increased risk of developing asthma, systemic connective tissue disorders, juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, immune deficiencies and leukemia. Part of these diseases is believed to be related to maturation of neonatal immune system. During vaginal delivery, the contact with the maternal vaginal and intestinal flora is an important source for the start of the infant's colonisation. During Caesarean delivery, this direct contact is absent, and non-maternally derived environmental bacteria plays an important role for infant's gastro-intestinal colonisation. The primary function of microbial colonisation during the foetal period, intrapartum and after the birth is crucial in maturation and development of new-bornimmune system. This review supports the choice of the route of birth delivery and consequently favours a decrease in unnecessary Cesarean sections. It is crucial to provide this information to pregnant women and/or couples and health workers to make informed and educated decisions

Modelo para historia clínica en inmunodeficientes primarios, Pinar del Río / Model for clinical history in primary immunodeficient patients, Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: los errores innatos de la inmunidad o inmunodeficiencias primarias se caracterizan por susceptibilidad incrementada a infecciones por defectos del desarrollo o función del sistema inmune. Para el diagnóstico debe incluirse la evaluación clínica, la analítica inmunológica, la evaluación genética, el seguimiento rutinario, la rediscusión diagnóstica y del tratamiento clínico. No existe una guía clara respecto a este asunto en condiciones de recursos limitados. Objetivo: diseñar un modelo para la confección de historia clínica en el paciente con sospecha de error innato de la inmunidad. Métodos: se realizó un trabajo de revisión de síntomas a contemplar en la historia clínica de pacientes con errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se formaron grupos de trabajo entre miembros del grupo provincial de Inmunología de Pinar del Río, con la posterior discusión de los aspectos que se incluyen en la historia. Resultados: se diseñaron cinco tablas que recogen: consentimiento informado; antecedentes patológicos personales relacionados con 148 manifestaciones clínicas en correspondencia con los fenotipos alérgico, infeccioso, inflamatorio, autoinmune, no inmunológico, neoplásico y otros. Se exponen antecedentes patológicos familiares y árbol genealógico; el examen físico y el resumen de los fenotipos clínicos, discusión diagnóstica y clasificación del paciente. Conclusiones: el interrogatorio, el examen físico, los antecedentes patológicos personales y familiares, así como la confección adecuada de la historia clínica son elementos imprescindibles para la aproximación al diagnóstico de los errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se debe contar con un registro de pacientes que posibilite el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno de la inmunodeficiencia primaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: inborn errors of immunity or primary immunodeficiencies are characterized by increased susceptibility to infections due to defects in the development or functioning of the immune system. Diagnosis should include clinical evaluation, immunological analysis, genetic evaluation, routine follow-up, diagnostic re-discussion and clinical management. There is no clear guidance on this issue under resource-limited conditions. Objective: to design a model for clinical history in patients with suspected inborn error of immunity. Methods: a review of symptoms to be considered in the clinical history of patients with inborn errors of immunity was carried out. Working groups were formed among members of the provincial group of Immunology in Pinar del Rio province, with the subsequent discussion of the aspects to be included in the history. Results: five tables were designed to collect: informed consent; personal pathological antecedents related to 148 clinical manifestations in correspondence with allergic, infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, non-immune, neoplastic and other phenotypes. Family pathologic history and family tree; physical examination and summary of clinical phenotypes, diagnostic discussion and classification of the patient are presented. Conclusions: the interviews, physical examination, personal and family pathologic history, as well as the adequate design of the clinical history, are considered essential elements for the approach to the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity. A patient registry should be available to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

Intervención educativa sobre los beneficios inmunológicos de la lactancia materna para los lactantes / Educative Intervention about the Immune Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infants

Introducción: La lactancia materna es el elemento más importante en el fortalecimiento inmunológico del lactante, porque aporta IgA, lactoferrina, citoquinas, caseína y otros componentes que permiten una acción antiinfecciosa, antimicrobiana y trófica del crecimiento intestinal, se logra así la integración del sistema inmune madre-hijo. Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado de la intervención educativa Un regalo para el recién nacido en las puérperas pertenecientes al Grupo Básico de Trabajo del Policlínico José Martí. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental de intervención educativa comunitaria en Gibara en el período de julio del 2019 a febrero del 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por 47 puérperas, se seleccionaron 35 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y salida. Resultados: Después de aplicada la intervención, en el nivel de conocimientos sobre los beneficios de la lactancia materna fue adecuado en un 97,1 por ciento. Sobre el conocimiento y habilidad técnica adecuada para lactar antes de la intervención eran inadecuados y después un 100 por ciento de las pacientes adquirieron correctamente la habilidad. La evaluación de los conocimientos generales sobre los beneficios de la lactancia demostró el número de pacientes con conocimientos adecuados en un 94,3 por ciento. Conclusiones: La estrategia educativa sobre lactancia materna fue efectiva, porque se logró un nivel de conocimiento y de práctica alto en la mayoría de las mujeres y casi todas las madres lactaron a sus infantes como mínimo por seis meses(AU)

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the most important element for immune strengthening of the infant because it provides IgA, lactoferrin, cytokines, casein and other substances that allow antiinfectious, antimicrobial and trophic action of intestinal growth; thus the integration of the mother-child immune system is achieved. Objective: To evaluate the results of the educational intervention concerning breastfeeding "Un regalo para el recién nacido" [a gift for the newborn], developed with the puerperal women belonging to the basic work group of José Martí outpatient polyclinic. Methods: A quasiexperimental study of community educational intervention was carried out in Gibara Municipality, eastern Cuba, from July 2019 to February 2020. The universe consisted of 47 puerperal women and 35 patients who met the inclusion, exclusion and exit criteria were selected. Results: After the intervention was applied, the level of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding was adequate, accounting for 97.1 percent. Before the intervention, the knowledge and appropriate technical skills for breastfeeding were inadequate, while after the intervention, 100 percent of the patients acquired the skill appropriately. The assessment of general knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding showed that the number of patients with adequate knowledge accounted for 94.3 percent. Conclusions: The educational strategy on breastfeeding was effective because a high level of knowledge and practice was achieved in most women, while almost all the mothers breastfed their infants for at least six months(AU)

Hepatitis C-related membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in the era of direct antiviral agents / Glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa relacionada à hepatite C na era dos agentes antivirais diretos

Abstract Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is the most typical Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated glomerulopathy, and the available data about the utilization of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in HCV-associated glomerulonephritis is inadequate. We evaluated the renal and viral response in two cases of HCV-related MPGN; the first caused by cryoglobulinemia while the second was cryoglobulin-negative. Both patients received immunosuppression besides DAA in different regimens. They achieved partial remission but remained immunosuppression-dependent for more than 6 months after DAA despite sustained virological response, which enabled safer but incomplete immunosuppression withdrawal. Both patients were tested for occult HCV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and found to be negative. Hence, the treatment of HCV-related MPGN ought to be according to the clinical condition and the effects of drug therapy. It is important to consider that renal response can lag behind the virological response.

Resumo A glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa (GNMP) é a glomerulopatia associada ao vírus mais típico da hepatite C (HCV), e os dados disponíveis sobre a utilização de antivirais de ação direta (AAD) na glomerulonefrite associada ao HCV são inadequados. Avaliamos a resposta renal e viral em dois casos de GNMP relacionados ao HCV; o primeiro causado por crioglobulinemia, enquanto o segundo era negativo para crioglobulina. Ambos os pacientes receberam imunossupressão além de AAD em diferentes esquemas terapêuticos. Eles alcançaram remissão parcial, mas permaneceram dependentes da imunossupressão por mais de 6 meses após os AAD, apesar da resposta virológica sustentada, que permitiu a retirada da imunossupressão mais segura, mas incompleta. Ambos os pacientes foram testados para HCV oculto em células mononucleares do sangue periférico e deram resultados negativos. Portanto, o tratamento do GNMP relacionado ao VHC deve ser de acordo com a condição clínica e os efeitos da terapia medicamentosa. É importante considerar que a resposta renal pode ficar aquém da resposta virológica.

REVIEW ON PREVENTION OF COVID-19: MIRACULOUS NATURAL HERBS

Currently, the novel and major life-threatening cause all over the world is COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) which is started at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread all over the world today. The infection of COVID-19 severity is variable which affects all ages' people and especially elderly persons whose immune system is very weak. Fatigue, fever, respiratory illness, dry cough, loss of appetite, olfactory dysfunction are the most common symptoms of this disease along with the decrease of certain cells of the immune system like helper T cells, monocytes/macrophages, etc. and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines are some of the major characteristics of this disease. Some natural herbal products are a successive option to combat SARS-Cov-2 disease. Herbs have various potential compound which is used as a dietary product that strongly influences immunity and maintenance of the homeostasis of inflammatory/anti-inflammatory. In the present review, we describe the potential of three herbal products as Turmeric (Haldi), Heart-leaved moonseed (Giloy), and Black cumin (Kalonji) that can be used for preventative or nutritional therapy of COVID-19.

What a Clinical Hematologist should Know about B Cells?

B cells are very crucial part of our immune system. They protect us from various infections by secreting antigen-specific antibodies, which neutralize the infectious agents. It is important for a clinical hematologist to know about the B cell development, function and the diseases developing from the quantitative or qualitative defects in B cells. This simple and short review is focused on the basic understanding and clinical hematologist’s perspective of B cells.

Bullous pemphigoid and its immune-mediated comorbidities / 中华皮肤科杂志

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) can be comorbid with a variety of immune diseases, such as immune skin diseases (psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata and various other immune bullous diseases) , immune digestive diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, primary biliary cirrhosis) , autoimmune thyroid diseases, autoimmune rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus) , immune renal diseases (immune nephropathy, renal allograft rejection) and acquired hemophilia A. The above comorbidities markedly affect the quality of life of and treatment options for patients. This review elaborates on currently reported immune diseases associated with BP and their concomitant mechanisms.

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase: An important medium with the role of a double-edged sword in various liver diseases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an important immunoregulatory enzyme, which can degrade the level of the mammalian essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP), catalyze the initiation and rate-limiting steps through the kynurenine pathway, and produce a variety of metabolites to participate in the immune response. On the one hand, IDO plays an immunosuppressive role in microenvironment and thus leads to infection and immune escape of tumor cells; on the other hand, IDO also exerts an inhibitory effect on the pathogens such as bacteria and parasites and thus protects the body from the harm of pathogens to a certain extent. Therefore, IDO is considered an important medium with the role of a double-edged sword in the development and progression of various liver diseases. This article reviews the latest research advances in IDO in viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatic echinococcosis.

Production and influence of donor specific antibodies after pediatric kidney transplantation / 器官移植

In recent years, pediatric kidney transplantation has developed rapidly in China. However, clinical data related to the long-term survival of renal allografts are still lacking. The production of de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA)and its mediated chronic rejection after adult kidney transplantation are pivotal risk factors affecting the long-term survival of renal allografts. Nevertheless, immune system in children has not fully developed. Hence, the production of dnDSA after kidney transplantation and its influence upon renal allografts and recipients might differ from those of adult. In this article, the characteristics of pediatric immune system, the production and influence of donor specific antibody (DSA) after pediatric kidney transplantation and the risk factors of the production of DSA after pediatric kidney transplantation were reviewed and certain suggestions were proposed for prevention strategies, aiming to provide reference for prolonging the long-term survival of renal allografts after pediatric kidney transplantation and promote the development of pediatric kidney transplantation in China.

The immunomodulatory effect of lactic acid within the tumor microenvironment / 药学学报

Tumor cells leads to enhanced glucose uptake and the conversion of a larger fraction of pyruvate into lactate even under the circumstance of abundant oxygen. This phenomenon of aerobic glycolysis is known as the Warburg effect. Lactic acid, as an important tool for tumor cells to modify the tumor microenvironment, promotes the process of tumor invasion and metastasis, and contributes to tumor development by inducing and recruiting immunosuppression-related cells and molecules. Lactic acid could efflux out of the cancer cells via the monocarboxylate transporters to prevent intracellular acidification. Lactate can inhibit the cytolytic activity of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, promoting the differentiation of tolerogenic interleukin 10 (IL-10)-producing dendritic cells. Moreover, the lactate-derived lactylation of histone lysine residues can promote macrophage polarization toward the M2-like phenotype, suppressing the immune response within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the role of lactate as an immunosuppressor molecule that contributes to tumor evasion from the aspects of lactic acid metabolism and its effect on immune cells. And we explore the possibility of targeting potential targets in lactate metabolism for tumor treatment. At last, we proposed a tumor immunotherapy strategy by inhibiting the pathway of aerobic glycolysis and proteins associated with the production and transport of lactic acid.

Bioinspired membrane-based nanomodulators for immunotherapy of autoimmune and infectious diseases

Autoimmune or infectious diseases often instigate the undesirable damages to tissues or organs to trigger immune-related diseases, which involve plenty of immune cells, pathogens and autoantibodies. Nanomedicine has a great potential in modulating immune system. Particularly, biomimetic nanomodulators can be designed for prevention, diagnosis and therapy to achieve a better targeted immunotherapy. With the development of materials science and bioengineering, a wide range of membrane-coated nanomodulators are available. Herein, we summarize recent advancements of bioinspired membrane-coated nanoplatform for systemic protection against immune-related diseases including autoimmune and infectious diseases. We also rethink the challenges or limitations in the progress of the therapeutic nanoplatform, and discuss the further application of the nanomodulators in the view of translational medicine for combating immune-related diseases.