Guillain-Barre syndrome after antithymocyte globulin administration in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and literature review.

This report describes a rare case of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) following receiving rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) after kidney transplantation to prevent acute allograft rejection in a 34-year-old man. The patient presented severe pain in the right temporomandibular joint, fever, chills, myalgia, polyarthralgia, and bone pain. Twelve hours later, he developed quadriplegia, paresthesia, and a limited range of active motions in all extremities. No antecedent viral or bacterial infection was identified. The EMG/NCV evaluation displayed acute inflammatory sensory-motor polyneuropathy. After the administration of GBS treatment, the neurologic symptoms started to improve. Over a few days, the reflexes came back completely, and the patient was able to walk. To our knowledge, this is the second case report of ATG-related GBS after kidney transplantation.

The role of oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes in the cancer stem cells: a review of virus in cancer stem cells.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the main "seeds" for the initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. According to many studies, several viral infections, including the human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus, promote the aggressiveness of cancer by encouraging the development of CSC features. Therefore, a better method for the targeted elimination of CSCs and knowledge of their regulatory mechanisms in human carcinogenesis may lead to the development of a future tool for the management and treatment of cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which include the herpes virus, adenovirus, vaccinia, and reovirus, are also a new class of cancer therapeutics that have favorable properties such as selective replication in tumor cells, delivery of numerous eukaryotic transgene payloads, induction of immunogenic cell death and promotion of antitumor immunity, as well as a tolerable safety profile that essentially differs from that of other cancer therapeutics. The effects of viral infection on the development of CSCs and the suppression of CSCs by OV therapy were examined in this paper. The purpose of this review is to investigate the dual role of viruses in CSCs (oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes).

A Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient with Nephrotic Syndrome and Immune Complex Deposits in Tubular Basement Membrane: A Rare Case Report.

Following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may develop which may affect several organs. Although the presence of nephrotic syndrome after HSCT is rare, sometimes it occurs in the setting of GVHD. The most common histological finding on kidney biopsy of patients with proteinuria owing to GVHD is membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). However, reports of immune complex deposition in the tubular basement membrane (TBM) and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) are extremely rare. Herein we present a 65-year-old female with a history of HSCT at six years ago who was referred to Dr.Shariati Hospital in Tehran with nephrotic syndrome. Secondary serologic laboratory tests were all normal. The histopathologic study indicated diffuse GBM and TBM thickening, spike formation, infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in tubulointerstitial area and acute tubular injury in light microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining showed immune complex deposits in GBM, mesangial cells, and TBM.  DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.7550.

Relapsing anemia associated with parvovirus B19 infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and review of the literature.

Key clinical message: PB19 infection should be considered an uncommon cause of posttransplant anemia in renal transplant recipients, particularly those whose anemia is not associated with common etiologies. IVIG treatment and reduced immunosuppression could be beneficial. Abstract: Parvovirus B19-associated relapsing anemia is rare in kidney transplant recipients. Herein, we report a case of relapsed anemia due to parvovirus B19 infection in a 53-year-old woman 18 months after kidney transplantation. The patient presented with palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and lethargy. Early laboratory findings showed a WBC count of 6.000/µL, RBC count of 1.89/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) 3.5 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) 15%, platelet count 266.000/µL, MCV 89, reticulocyte count 0.8%, and serum iron 221 µg/dL. Upon further evaluation, the RT-PCR test for BK polyomavirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT-PCR was positive. The patient was treated with blood transfusion and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days. Two months after discharge, the patient presented, complaining of palpitation, shortness of breath, and dizziness, with RBC 2.7/µL, Hb 6.5 g/dL, Hct 25%, and MCV 85. Again, the CMV RT-PCR was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT-PCR was positive. Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid were stopped, and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days was administered. Consequently, her Hb level increased to 9 g/dL, and the patient was discharged with prednisolone 5 mg daily and cyclosporine 50 mg daily instead of tacrolimus. Viral infection, particularly PB19 infection, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posttransplantation anemia in KTRs. IVIG treatment and modification of immunosuppressive medications are suggested standard therapies for such patients. The function of transplanted kidneys should be carefully monitored during treatment.

Incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis following unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in acute Leukemia: A retrospective single-center risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is an important adverse event experienced after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Severe HC could lead to significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization with increased health-care costs, and may cause considerable mortality. OBJECTIVES: In order to investigate the influence of different contributing factors other than BK viruria on HC occurrence in a homogenous population, we retrospectively analyzed the potential risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study among 200 patients (median age 12.4 years, IQR: 7.9-16.1) with acute leukemia who received peripheral blood allogenic HSCT after radiation-free myeloablative conditioning regimen, in pediatric cell therapy department of Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy (RIOHCT), Tehran, Iran, between December 2014 and December 2021. Associations between risk factors and outcomes were examined by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (23%) had developed HC during the study period. The median onset of HC was 29 (IQR: 24-37) days post-transplant, and it persisted for a median of 33 (7-270) days. The incidence of HC in our patients was estimated to be 3 in 1000 cases (95% CI: 2-4). The results of multivariable logistic model shows that the chance of HC in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to B-cell All is nearly five times more (OR = 4.88; 95%CI: (1.51-15.78), P = 0.008). The incidence of HC in patients who underwent HSCT from haploidentical donors was significantly higher than full matched donors (P < 0.001). Undergoing transplant from a matched unrelated and haploidentical donor both augment the chance of HC in about six times more than matched related donors (OR = 6.36; 95%CI: (1.58-25.49), P = 0.009 and OR = 5.7; 95%CI: (1.83-17.75), P = 0.003, respectively). In patients who developed HC compared to non-HC group, overall survival was much worse (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Most studies have failed to demonstrate any relationship between late-onset HC and the dose of cyclophosphamide. In our study, although the dose of cyclophosphamide was similar in HSCT from MRD and MUD, the hazard of HC incidence was significantly higher in the latter group. This could be accredited to ATG, as in patients in the MRD group who had not received any ATG, the incidence of HC was much lower than the patients who had underwent HSCT from MUD or haploidentical donor group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T-cell ALL and those who under haploidentical HSCT had the highest incidence of HC.

Percutaneous biopsy of kidney; comparison between prone position and sitting position.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous kidney biopsy has been established as a safe, reliable and minimally invasive method. This study aims to describe the author's experience with biopsy of the kidney and to compare the results in sitting position versus prone in terms of the complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: prone and sitting position according to the clinician's and patient's preference. Followed by kidney biopsy, a questionnaire was completed. Then, data and the mean number of glomeruli in each group were compared. RESULTS: Apart from sweat, presumably due to the prone position, no significant differences were found regarding the side effects including dizziness, seizure, nausea, and vomiting between the two groups. The number of glomeruli was not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSION: In comparison with the prone position, kidney biopsy at sitting position is more comfortable at least for patients who seems couldn't tolerate prone position. We recommend sitting position for kidney biopsy owing to the low side effects rate of this diagnostic technique.

Impact of prebiotic supplementation on T-cell subsets and their related cytokines, anthropometric features and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled Trial.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) asone of the main causes of morbidity and mortality is associated with immune system disturbances and metabolic abnormalities. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on T-cell subsets and their related cytokines, anthropometric and metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Forty-six diabetic females patients were randomly allocated into intervention (n=27) and control (n=22) groups. Subjects in the intervention group received a daily dose of 10g of oligofructose-enriched inulin and subjects in control group received a placebo for two months. Anthropometric variables, metabolic parameters including fasting serum glucose (FSG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and after two months. Immune markers also included serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations were assessed and CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD11b(+)T-cell counts were determined by flow cytometry at baseline and end of the trial. RESULTS: After two months intervention, significant improvements in anthropometric variables, blood pressure and serum lipids occurred in prebiotic-treated group (P<0.001). Serum IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ concentrationsalso significantly decreased in intervention group (P<0.001). No significant changes in CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD11b(+) T-cell counts were observed in treatment groups after intervention. CONCLUSION: The present study showed several beneficial effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on the improvement of the glycemic status, lipid profile, and immune markers in patients with T2DM. Further studies are needed to confirming our findings and to better clarify the underlying mechanisms.

A Combination of Prebiotic Inulin and Oligofructose Improve Some of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on some of cardiovascular disease risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 52 females (25

Effect of vitamin C administration on leukocyte vitamin C level and severity of bronchial asthma.

Oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species is known to contribute to the inflammatory process of bronchial asthma. Reactive oxygen species are released into the bronchial tree by activated inflammatory cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of vitamin C administration on leukocyte vitamin C level as well as severity of asthma. In this double blind clinical trial study we evaluated 60 patients with chronic stable asthma. The patients were divided into two groups (A and B) including 30 patients in each group. Patients in these groups were matched according to their age, weight, height, gender, BMI and drug consumption. In addition to standard asthma treatment (according to stepwise therapy in 4th step of bronchial asthma) in which the patients were controlled appropriately, group A received 1000 mg vitamin C daily and group B received placebo. At the baseline and after one month treatment, non-fasting blood samples were drawn for laboratory evaluations. Asthmatic patient's clinical condition was evaluated through standard pulmonary function test (PFT). The mean (±SD) leukocyte vitamin C level in group A at the baseline and after one month treatment with 1000 mg/day vitamin C, were 0.0903 (±0.0787) µg/108 leukocytes and 0.1400 (±0.0953) µg/108 leukocytes respectively (P<0.05). The mean (±SD) leukocyte vitamin C level in group B at the baseline and after one month administration of placebo, were 0.0867 (±0.0629) µg/108 leukocytes and 0.0805(±0.0736) µg/108 leukocytes respectively. The leukocyte vitamin C level in group A was higher than those of group B after one month treatment with vitamin C and placebo and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Comparing PFT (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) in group B during the study period showed a significant increase in FEV1 (P<0.05), while the other two parameters remained unchanged. In group A, who received 1000 mg/day vitamin C, none of the spirometry parameters changed after one month treatment, indicating no effect of vitamin C treatment in the spirometry parameters.

Role of music in morphine rewarding effects in mice using conditioned place preference method.

OBJECTIVES: This research aims at studying the neuroendocrine effects of music on creating morphine dependence in mice using conditioned place preference (CPP). METHODS: The mice treated with 10 mg/kg morphine subcutaneously, fast music and slow music. Morphine was used to create dependence. In order to recognize the morphine rewarding effects, CPP technique was used. In the conditioning stage that lasted for 8 days, different groups of mice, after receiving the treatment were randomly placed in compartment for 30 minutes. The post-conditioning stage included the fourth day, the ninth day, the 12th day and the 16th day. RESULTS: Comparing place preference between morphine group and the control group, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the place preference of morphine group, while a significant decrease (p<0.05) was demonstrated in the place preferences of morphine + taxi girl music group compared with morphine group alone. In addition morphine + alone in the rain music group demonstrated a significantly increased conditioned place preference (p<0.05) compared with the morphine group. CONCLUSIONS: Alone in the rain music acts as a positive pleasant emotion increasing the dopaminergic activity in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) and Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and through associated learning mechanisms of reward-related behavior increases morphine addiction. However, taxi girl music may act as unpleasant experiences producing negative emotions and reducing morphine addiction.