Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation in psoriasis before and after biologic therapy: a prospective study.

Background: As a chronic inflammatory disease, psoriasis affects not only the skin but also the metabolic profile of the patients. Biologic therapies, including tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors and interleukin (IL)-12/23 and IL-17 antagonists, have proven effective in the reduction of psoriasis severity; however their impact on the metabolic and chronic inflammatory profiles of the patients remains incompletely elucidated. Methods: We performed a longitudinal case-control study on 106 psoriasis patients and an equal number of controls without the disease, as well as a prospective study on the patient group with the end point being 6 months of biologic therapy. Patients received either ixekizumab, secukinumab, guselkumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, or adalimumab. Abdominal circumference, serum fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured for both patients and controls, with an additional measurement for patients after 6 months. Results: At baseline, the number of psoriasis patients suffering from obesity, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation significantly outnumbered controls (p<0.05), with the calculated odds ratio being 1.88, 6.83, and 81.84 for these conditions in psoriasis, respectively. Biologic therapies increased the abdominal circumference of patients in a slight but significant fashion (p<0.05), as well as significantly improved HDL, CRP, ESR levels at 6 months (p<0.05). Moreover, after 6 months, the number of patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation was significantly lower than at baseline (p<0.001). Conclusions: According to our results, biologic therapies improve the overall metabolic and inflammatory profiles of psoriasis patients, the most significant ameliorations being noticed for serum HDL, CRP, and ESR.

Migraine: Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment.

This article presents a comprehensive review on migraine, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by chronic headaches, by focusing on their pathogenesis and treatment advances. By examining molecular markers and leveraging imaging techniques, the research identifies key mechanisms and triggers in migraine pathology, thereby improving our understanding of its pathophysiology. Special emphasis is given to the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine development. CGRP not only contributes to symptoms but also represents a promising therapeutic target, with inhibitors showing effectiveness in migraine management. The article further explores traditional medical treatments, scrutinizing the mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of commonly prescribed medications. This provides a segue into an analysis of emerging therapeutic strategies and their potential to enhance migraine management. Finally, the paper delves into neuromodulation as an innovative treatment modality. Clinical studies indicating its effectiveness in migraine management are reviewed, and the advantages and limitations of this technique are discussed. In summary, the article aims to enhance the understanding of migraine pathogenesis and present novel therapeutic possibilities that could revolutionize patient care.

Biologic Therapies Decrease Disease Severity and Improve Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Psoriasis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic skin disease that is associated with a significant psychological burden. A newer line of therapy is represented by biologic agents. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of biologic therapies in the treatment of psoriasis concerning both disease severity and psychological comorbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective case-control comparison to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in psoriasis patients and unaffected individuals. All patients were recruited between October 2017 and February 2021. Baseline depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PASI, and DLQI scores were noted. Then, we evaluated the efficacy of biologic treatment in reducing these scores at 6 months of therapy. Patients were treated with either ixekizumab, secukinumab, guselkumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, or adalimumab. RESULTS: 106 bio-naïve patients with psoriasis and 106 controls without the disease were included in this study. Depression and anxiety were significantly more common among psoriasis patients than in unaffected individuals (p < 0.0001). Female patients presented both depression and anxiety more frequently than men in both case and control groups. Disease severity was significantly associated with worsened depression and anxiety symptoms. Biologic therapy resulted in a significant decrease in all four scores at the 6-month mark for each patient (p < 0.0001). Only an improved PASI correlated significantly with lower depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.005), whereas a decreased DLQI did not (p > 0.955). None of the seven biologic agents used was discovered to be superior. CONCLUSION: biologic therapies are effective in decreasing both disease severity and alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in psoriasis.

Neurofibromatosis in Children: Actually and Perspectives.

The three types of neurofibromatosis, namely type 1, type 2, and schwannomatosis, are generally associated with various benign tumors affecting the skin and the nervous system. On rare occasions, especially in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), malignant neoplasms may also be present, several of them possessing a more aggressive course than in individuals without this syndrome. As such, a clear delineation between the three variants of neurofibromatosis is crucial to establish the correct diagnosis and management, as well as predict the neoplasm-related outcomes. Neurofibromin, the principal product of the NF1 gene, is a potent inhibitor of cellular proliferation, having been linked to several key signaling pathways involved in tumor growth. Therefore, it may provide a useful therapeutic target for tumor management in these patients. In this article, we want to present the association between deficiency of neurofibromin and the consequences of the lack of this protein leading to different kinds of malignant tumors. The therapy is still uncertain and most therapeutic options are in development or clinical trials.

Treatment of psoriasis - unburdened by fear during SARS-CoV2 menace.

In a matter of mere months, humanity was unexpectedly struck by the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, shifting our perception as medical practitioners regarding our day-to-day activity. One especially disconcerting change was patient addressability to medical facilities, as well as access to proper healthcare in various fields. As these changes occurred rapidly, dermatologists too had to adapt by means of teledermatology, giving us back the ability to reach, treat, and comfort our patients. Among the individuals requiring special dermatological attention are those suffering from psoriasis, especially considering that the biological therapies employed in treating this debilitating disease become questionable in the circumstance of the current pandemic. As more evidence surfaces concerning the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, we become closer to understanding which therapies may interfere with its clearance, and which are actually safe to use. This review aims to answer the question, are biological therapies warranted in the treatment of psoriasis during the COVID-19 outbreak, or should they be discontinued?

An Insight into the microRNAs Associated with Arteriovenous and Cavernous Malformations of the Brain.

Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are rare developmental anomalies of the intracranial vasculature, with an irregular tendency to rupture, and as of yet incompletely deciphered pathophysiology. Because of their variety in location, morphology, and size, as well as unpredictable natural history, they represent a management challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strands of non-coding RNA of around 20 nucleotides that are able to modulate the expression of target genes by binding completely or partially to their respective complementary sequences. Recent breakthroughs have been made on elucidating their contribution to BAVM and CCM occurrence, growth, and evolution; however, there are still countless gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved. Methods: We have searched the Medline (PubMed; PubMed Central) database for pertinent articles on miRNAs and their putative implications in BAVMs and CCMs. To this purpose, we employed various permutations of the terms and idioms: 'arteriovenous malformation', 'AVM', and 'BAVM', or 'cavernous malformation', 'cavernoma', and 'cavernous angioma' on the one hand; and 'microRNA', 'miRNA', and 'miR' on the other. Using cross-reference search; we then investigated additional articles concerning the individual miRNAs identified in other cerebral diseases. Results: Seven miRNAs were discovered to play a role in BAVMs, three of which were downregulated (miR-18a, miR-137, and miR-195*) and four upregulated (miR-7-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-200b-3p, and let-7b-3p). Similarly, eight miRNAs were identified in CCM in humans and experimental animal models, two being upregulated (miR-27a and mmu-miR-3472a), and six downregulated (miR-125a, miR-361-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-95-3p, and let-7b-3p). Conclusions: The following literature review endeavored to address the recent discoveries related to the various implications of miRNAs in the formation and growth of BAVMs and CCMs. Additionally, by presenting other cerebral pathologies correlated with these miRNAs, it aimed to emphasize the potential directions of upcoming research and biological therapies.

Involvement of Microglia in the Pathophysiology of Intracranial Aneurysms and Vascular Malformations-A Short Overview.

Aneurysms and vascular malformations of the brain represent an important source of intracranial hemorrhage and subsequent mortality and morbidity. We are only beginning to discern the involvement of microglia, the resident immune cell of the central nervous system, in these pathologies and their outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that activated proinflammatory microglia are implicated in the expansion of brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in both the acute and chronic phases, being also a main actor in vasospasm, considerably the most severe complication of SAH. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory microglia may be involved in the resolution of cerebral injury and hemorrhage. These immune cells have also been observed in high numbers in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) and cerebral cavernomas (CCM), although their roles in these lesions are currently incompletely ascertained. The following review aims to shed a light on the most significant findings related to microglia and their roles in intracranial aneurysms and vascular malformations, as well as possibly establish the course for future research.

An updated guide in the management of psoriasis for every practitioner.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic cutaneous skin disorders, having genetic and immunological components. It is currently unknown what exactly triggers it, or how far reaching are the etiological factors, although great strides have been made in uncovering the pathophysiological cascade. Presently, there is a wide diversity of treatment methods for psoriasis, yet not all are applicable for each patient. Selection of both drug and dosage depends on both the knowledge and experience of the treating dermatologist and also on the specific characteristics of each patient. Therefore, the treating physicians should be made aware of the management possibilities, their advantages and their side effects. METHODS: We have performed a non-systematic literature review on the current treatment methods for psoriasis. We have included the studies, articles, and prescription information that provided the most relevant information regarding each therapeutic agent. Afterward, we divided the treatment methods according to delivery and illustrated the management protocols for adult, paediatric, and pregnant patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Current therapies are divided into topical drugs, phototherapy, systemic and biological agents. Topical therapies and phototherapy are generally the first and second line of management respectively, being typically effective in treating mild to moderate forms of psoriasis. On the other hand, the chronic moderate to severe forms usually benefit from systemic drugs, whereas biologic agents are reserved for severe or unremitting cases, especially those suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Also of importance is the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in psoriasis and how the selected drugs interfere in the pathological cascade. Furthermore, physicians should be able to recommend the appropriate therapy not only for adults but also for paediatric and pregnant patients as well. In the following manuscript, we present an updated version of these management options, alongside their indications, posology and most common side effects, a guide that may be useful for every practitioner in this field.

Mind-Body Interventions as Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of the English Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional therapeutic methods for psoriasis include topical and systemic drugs, phototherapy, and biologic agents. Despite the fact that these treatment methods, and especially biologic agents, are met with a considerable reduction in disease activity, they can sometimes be costly and are nonetheless accompanied by high risks of adverse events, ranging from mild to debilitating. Therefore, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), especially mind-and-body interventions, such as acupuncture, psychotherapy, climatotherapy, and cupping may provide a cheaper and potentially beneficial outcome for these patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of articles pertaining to acupuncture, cupping, psychotherapy and meditation, as well climatotherapy and balneotherapy in the management of psoriasis, by using the PubMED, Medline and Google Academic research databases and reference cross-checking. RESULTS: 12 articles on acupuncture, 9 on dry or wet cupping, 27 concerning meditation, hypnosis or psychotherapy, and 34 regarding climate therapy or balneotherapy were found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is a lack of evidence in the English literature to support acupuncture as an effective alternative therapy for psoriasis, whereas cupping has been described in the majority of instances to result in Koebner phenomenon and clinical worsening. Stress management therapies such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, and meditation have shown promising results as complementary treatment methods. Climatotherapy and balneotherapy have already been proven as effective means of achieving clinical improvement in psoriasis. Further research is still needed to verify the usefulness of the lesser studied treatment methods.

'De Novo' Brain AVMs-Hypotheses for Development and a Systematic Review of Reported Cases.

Background and Objectives: Brain arteriovenous malformations AVMs have been consistently regarded as congenital malformations of the cerebral vasculature. However, recent case reports describing "de novo AVMs" have sparked a growing debate on the nature of these lesions. Materials and Methods: We have performed a systematic review of the literature concerning de novo AVMs utilizing the PubMed and Google Academic databases. Termes used in the search were "AVM," "arteriovenous," "de novo," and "acquired," in all possible combinations. Results: 53 articles including a total of 58 patients harboring allegedly acquired AVMs were identified by researching the literature. Of these, 32 were male (55.17%), and 25 were female (43.10%). Mean age at de novo AVM diagnosis was 27.833 years (standard deviation (SD) of 21.215 years and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 22.3 to 33.3). Most de novo AVMs were managed via microsurgical resection (20 out of 58, 34.48%), followed by radiosurgery and conservative treatment for 11 patients (18.97%) each, endovascular embolization combined with resection for five patients (8.62%), and embolization alone for three (5.17%), the remaining eight cases (13.79%) having an unspecified therapy. Conclusions: Increasing evidence suggests that some of the AVMs discovered develop some time after birth. We are still a long way from finally elucidating their true nature, though there is reason to believe that they can also appear after birth. Thus, we reason that the de novo AVMs are the result of a 'second hit' of a variable type, such as a previous intracranial hemorrhage or vascular pathology. The congenital or acquired characteristic of AVMs may have a tremendous impact on prognosis, risk of hemorrhage, and short and long-term management.

Ruptured pontine cavernomas in infants: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous malformations (CMs) are either congenital or acquired vascular lesions comprised of sinusoid spaces filled with either blood or its breakdown products. They possess a relatively reduced risk of hemorrhage, yet placement within the posterior fossa and especially the brainstem heightens their likelihood to rupture, making them a likely cause of permanent and debilitating neurological deficit, as well as a veritable surgical challenge. Although the incidence of rupture varies with age among reported case series, it is undoubtable that the severity of this occurrence is the highest while the brain is as its most vulnerable period, i.e. during infancy. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We present two patients, both female, 6.5- and 5-months-old respectively, who presented with brainstem hemorrhage from CM. They suffered from a sudden onset of hemiparesis and were subjected to surgical removal of their lesions and resulting hematomas. Both patients were discharged in a favorable neurological status and are currently alive and in good health. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical treatment of brainstem CMs in infants is not only possible with minimal deficit, but also advisable if the lesions are symptomatic. Nevertheless, this requires substantial patience and experience to prevent significant loss of blood and injury to the structures of the posterior fossa. We argue that the safest method to prevent further damage from brainstem CM rebleed is to remove these lesions shortly after the initial hemorrhage.

Intracranial Gorgon: Surgical Case Report of a Large Calcified Brain Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are benign intracranial vascular anomalies that, under certain circumstances, may become life-threatening. Diffuse calcifications found in the vessel walls, interposing tissue or adjacent cerebral parenchyma are not uncommon, however, intense calcifications of AVMs that render them into veritable "brain stones" are scarcely reported in the literature and a genuine neurosurgical nightmare. CASE REPORT A 55 years-old male patient lacking any personal history of serious morbidities or surgical interventions was referred to our department for several epileptic seizures and severe chronic headache in the parieto-occipital region. Upon clinical examination, the patient was aware, right-handed, and had no motor or sensory deficits. Computed tomography angiography scan showed a large densely calcified frontal AVM. The patient was subjected to neurosurgical removal of the lesion and was discharged a week later with a minor motor deficit of the left arm. CONCLUSIONS Intracranial AVMs are a rare pathology, but a genuine microsurgical trial. The difficulty level soars when the malformed vessels become atherosclerotic and calcified, rendering bipolar ligation or permanent clipping unfeasible. An incomplete resection in the case of a highly calcified lesion can only result in an uncontrollable hemorrhage.

Understanding psoriasis: Role of miRNAs.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease, with a multifactorial etiology and important immunologic, genetic and environmental components. Psoriasis vulgaris represents its most common form, with a variable prevalence across the globe. Although its pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated, a lack of balance in the epigenetic network has been shown to trigger certain elements of this disease, possibly altering its outcome. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in RNA-silencing and the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, which also appear to mediate the immune dysfunction in psoriasis. Although microRNA research is a new field in dermatology and psoriasis, there is rapidly accumulating evidence for its major contribution in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and other dermatological disorders. Furthermore, circulating miRNAs identified in patients' blood samples have been identified as promising biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis or treatment response. Extended investigations in this field are required, as until now, the exact involvement of miRNAs in psoriasis have remained to be entirely elucidated. This short review highlights a number of the roles of miRNAs found in different stages of psoriasis.