Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Subclasses in a Cohort of Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in a cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and to evaluate the influence of IgG subclasses in the main complications of the disease. METHODS: The serum level of IgG subclasses was evaluated in 67 SSc patients and 48 healthy controls (HC), matched for sex and age. Serum samples were collected and measured IgG1-4 subclasses by turbidimetry. RESULTS: SSc patients had lower median total IgG [9.88 g/l (IQR 8.18-11.42 g/l) vs. 12.09 g/l (IQR 10.24-13.54 g/l), p < 0.001], IgG1 [5.09 g/l (IQR 4.25-6.38 g/l) vs. 6.03 g/l (IQR 5.39-7.90 g/l), p < 0.001], and IgG3 [0.59 g/l (IQR 0.40-0.77 g/l) vs. 0.80 g/l (IQR 0.46-1 g/l), p < 0.05] serum levels compared to HC. The logistic regression analysis showed IgG3 as the only variable associated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) ≤60% of the predicted [OR 9.734 (CI 95%: 1.312-72.221), p < 0.05] and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) [OR 1.124 (CI 95%: 1.019-1.240), p < 0.05], anti-topoisomerase I [OR 0.060 (CI 95%: 0.007-0.535), p < 0.05], and IgG3 [OR 14.062 (CI 95%: 1.352-146.229), p < 0.05] as variables associated with radiological interstitial lung disease (ILD). CONCLUSION: SSc patients have reduced levels of total IgG and an altered IgG subclass distribution compared to HC. Moreover, SSc patients show different serum IgG subclasses profiles according to the main involvement of the disease.

Circulating and Salivary NGF and BDNF Levels in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Potential Predictor Biomarkers of COVID-19 Disease-Preliminary Data.

COVID-19 continues to afflict the global population, causing several pathological diseases and exacerbating co-morbidities due to SARS-CoV-2's high mutation. Recent interest has been devoted to some neuronal manifestations and to increased levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the bloodstream during SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurotrophins that are well-known for their multifactorial actions on neuro-immune-endocrine and visual functions. Nineteen (19) patients were enrolled in this monocentric prospective study and subjected to anamnesis and biosamples collection (saliva and blood) at hospitalization (acute phase) and 6 months later (remission phase). NGF and BDNF were quantified by ELISA, and biochemical data were related to biostrumental measurements. Increased NGF and BDNF levels were quantified in saliva and serum during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection (hospitalized patients), and reduced levels were observed in the next 6 months (remission phase), never matching the baseline values. Salivary and circulating data would suggest the possibility of considering sera and saliva as useful matrices for quickly screening neurotrophins, in addition to SARS-CoV2 antigens and RNA. Overall, the findings described herein highlight the importance of NGF and BDNF as dynamic biomarkers for monitoring disease and reinforces the possibility of using saliva and sera for quick, non-invasive COVID-19 screening.

Cytokines and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Biomarkers of a Deadly Embrace.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worldwide health matter with a major care burden, high prevalence, and poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis mainly varies depending on the underlying etiological factors, although it develops from liver cirrhosis in the majority of cases. This review summarizes the role of the most interesting soluble factors as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as recommended targets for treatment in accordance with the new challenges in precision medicine. In the premalignant environment, inflammatory cells release a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and proangiogenic factors, making the liver environment more suitable for hepatocyte tumor progression that starts from acquired genetic mutations. A complex interaction of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-α and -ß), pro-angiogenic molecules (including the Angiopoietins, HGF, PECAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF), different transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT-3), and their signaling pathways are involved in the development of HCC. Since cytokines are expressed and released during the different stages of HCC progression, their measurement, by different available methods, can provide in-depth information on the identification and management of HCC.

Biochemical and nutritional characteristics of buffalo meat and potential implications on human health for a personalized nutrition.

The human consumption of food animal products is the main topic of an important debate among professionals in this sector: dietologists, dietitians and nutritional biologists. The red meat provides all the essential amino acids, bioavailable iron, zinc, calcium, lipids and B-group vitamins. A valid alternative to beef could be the buffalo meat. Italy is the largest European producer of buffalo meat and derivatives. The high nutritional characteristics of buffalo meat make it suitable to be included in the Mediterranean diet to customize it in relation to the needs and conditions of the population. Polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio can be influenced by diet, breed and type of breeding, but muscle tissue fat percentage is the main factor in determining a favorable fatty acid composition. This review focuses on the biochemical and nutritional characteristics of the buffalo meat (content of fats, cholesterol, amino acids, vitamins and minerals), explaining their variability depending on the different breeds, and the favorable implications on the human health. These results suggest that buffalo meat can be a healthier alternative to beef, not only for healthy people in particular physiological conditions (i.e. pregnancy), but also for persons at risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, thus achieving the goal of a personalized nutrition.

Physiopathology of Bone Modifications in ß-Thalassemia.

ß-thalassemia major (ßTM) or Cooley anemia is characterized by significantly reduced or absent synthesis of ß-globin chains, which induces important pathologic consequences including hemolytic anemia, altered erythropoiesis, and bone marrow overstimulation. The pathogenesis of bone changes in patients with ßTM is not yet completely understood. However, an unbalance in bone mineral turnover resulting from increased resorption and suppression of osteoblast activity has been detected in ßTM patients. The abnormal regulation of bone metabolism may be related to hormonal and genetic factors, iron overload and iron chelation therapy, nutritional deficits, and decreased levels of physical activity. Here, we review the most recent findings on the physiopathology of bone abnormalities in ßTM. Clinical presentation and radiological features of ßTM-related bone changes are also discussed.