Long-term therapy with itolizumab is safe and effective for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: Results from an expanded-access program.

Itolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the CD6-ALCAM pathway. This article reports on the safety and efficacy of itolizumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a clinical study conducted in Cuba in the setting of an expanded-access program (EAP). The study included 84 patients who had previously received conventional anti-psoriatic systemic therapies but were either intolerant, had an inadequate response, or had contraindications to these therapies. It consisted of multiple phases, including a 12-week induction phase, a 40-week maintenance phase, and a 24-week off-treatment follow-up phase, using either a 0.4 or 1.6 mg/Kg dose. The results showed that itolizumab monotherapy was safe and effective during 52 weeks of continuous treatment and the subsequent 24 follow-up weeks. Itolizumab treatment resulted in a significant improvement (PASI 75) in 80 % of patients at the end of the induction phase, and this effect was sustained till week 52 during the maintenance phase. Moreover, 24 weeks after treatment stopped nearly two-thirds of patients still showed a PASI ≥ 75. The observed effects were dose-dependent, with 1.6 mg/kg being the most convenient dose. This study further supports the strategy of targeting the CD6-ALCAM signaling pathway for the treatment of psoriasis and the use of itolizumab as a valuable asset in the armamentarium of anti-psoriasis drugs.

Idiopathic granulomatous orchitis: A case study.

Idiopathic granulomatous orchitis (IGO) is a rare inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting the testis. Presented here is the case of a young patient who developed IGO, potentially associated with an anti-sperm antibody-mediated autoimmune response.

Oral lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus: A collaborative Latin American study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that may affect the oral mucosa. The variable spectrum of oral lesions observed in SLE can pose challenges in diagnosis, particularly when the lesions occur in isolation. The aim of this study was to describe the oral lesions occurring in patients with SLE from Latin America. METHODS: This collaborative record-based study involving 11 oral and maxillofacial pathology and medicine services across Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico describes the clinicopathological profile of SLE-related oral lesions. RESULTS: Seventy patients with SLE and oral lesions were included in the study. The majority were females (75.7%; female/male ratio: 3.1:1) and white (62.1%), with a mean age of 38.4 years (range: 11-77 years). The most common site of oral lesions was the hard/soft palate (32.0%). Clinically, oral lesions predominantly presented as ulcers (26.6%), erosions (26.6%), and white lesions (23.4%). Isolated oral lesions occurred in 65.2% of individuals, while cutaneous manifestations occurred in 80.3%. The main clinical diagnostic hypothesis in 71.4% of cases was an immune-mediated disease. Oral biopsies followed by histopathological analysis were performed in 50 cases. CONCLUSION: Oral lesions of SLE exhibit a variety of clinical and histopathological features. A key point in diagnosis is that unusual oral changes without an obvious local cause may indicate a possible systemic condition presenting with oral lesions. A multidisciplinary approach, which includes regular oral examination, is warranted to identify oral lesions and provide treatment.

Case report: Cannabinoid therapy for discoid lupus erythematosus in a dog.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a common autoimmune skin disease in dogs. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, can be effective but often have side effects. This case report presents a successful use of cannabinoid therapy (CT) in a dog with DLE resistant to conventional treatment. A 2-year-old mixed-breed dog with a history of DLE presented with worsening lesions despite treatment with corticosteroids and other medications. Liver enzymes levels were elevated, indicating corticosteroid-induced side effects. CT with a CBD-rich full spectrum Cannabis oil was initiated. The dosage was gradually adjusted until the minimum effective dose was found. Within a few weeks of starting CT, the dog showed significant improvement in skin lesions and in liver enzymes levels. After 1 year, the dog remains clinically stable on a low dose of full-spectrum CBD-rich oil. No evidence of DLE recurrence was observed. This case suggests that CT may be a viable alternative or complementary therapy for DLE in dogs, particularly for those experiencing adverse effects from conventional treatments. Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of CT for DLE management in dogs.

Life expectancy and death pattern associated with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis in Brazil between 2000 and 2019.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the main factors associated with mortality and determine the life expectancy of SLE patients between 2000 and 2019 years in Brazil. METHODS: death data related to SLE available in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) (DATASUS) were evaluated in all Brazilian states. Three groups of death causes potentially associated from SLE were evaluated: cardiovascular and kidney diseases and infections. RESULTS: The main causes of death associated with SLE were infection and kidney disease. Most SLE patients died between 19 and 50 years of age. Deaths associated with kidney disease were proportionally higher than in the general population with progressive decrease during the period. Instead, there have been an increase in the proportion of deaths due to infections both in SLE and in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: SLE patients presented higher mortality compared to the general population matched for sex and age and the main causes associated with death were infection and kidney disease. Public health policies that promote early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of damage are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality in SLE patients.

Elevated serum IL-6 levels predict treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a 6-year real-world cohort study

Abstract Background: Real-world, primary data on the treatment of psoriasis are scarce, especially concerning the role of soluble biomarkers as outcome predictors. Objective: The authors evaluated the utility of Th1/Th17 serum cytokines along with clinical characteristics as predictors of drug survival in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: The authors consecutively included participants with moderate to severe psoriasis who were followed up for 6 years. Baseline interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, and inter-leukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured using a cytometric bead array; clinical data were assessed. The authors calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for drug survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The authors included 262 patients, most of whom used systemic immunosuppressants or biologics. In the multivariate model, poor quality of life measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.012) and elevated baseline IL-6 (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.29-3.08; p = 0.002) were associated with treatment interruption. Study limitations: The main limitation of any cohort study is the presence of confounders that could not be detected in clinical evaluation. Conclusions: Poor quality of life and elevated baseline serum IL-6 level predicted treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Although IL-6 is not the most important mediator of the inflammatory pathway in the skin environment, it is an interesting biomarker candidate for predicting psoriasis treatment response.

Longitudinal follow-up of mixed connective tissue disease and overlapping autoimmune diseases of childhood onset in the Afro-descendant population of the French West Indies.

INTRODUCTION: Overlap autoimmune syndromes (OAS) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) are rare in children. We performed a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study of Afro-Caribbean patients from the French West Indies followed for MCTD and OAS to describe their characteristics and outcomes during childhood. METHODS: Retrospective study from January 2000 to 2023. Listings of patients were obtained from multiple sources: computerized hospital archives and national hospital-based surveillance system, registry of pediatricians and adult specialists in internal medicine and the national registry for rare diseases. MCTD was defined according to Kasukawa's criteria. OAS was defined as overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and dermatomyositis/autoimmune myositis (DM/AM). RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included over a 23-year period (10 MCTD and 6 OAS). The incidence was 0.23 per 100,000 children-years. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years old (2.4-17) with median follow up of 7.9 years (2.1-19.6). SLE phenotype was present in the highest, followed by SSc and DM/AM. Patients had an average of three flares during childhood (1-7). A quarter (25%) had symptomatic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Ninety-four percent received steroids during follow-up and 88% required a corticosteroid-sparing therapy. Three patients (19%) developed SLE after more than 10y of follow-up. There were no death and no chronic organ failure. CONCLUSION: This is the largest pediatric cohort of MCTD and OAS in Afro-descendant patients treated in a country with a high standard of care. The clinical evolution did not differ between MCTD and OAS. The main complication was PAH, more frequent in our cohort.

Elevated serum IL-6 levels predict treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a 6-year real-world cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Real-world, primary data on the treatment of psoriasis are scarce, especially concerning the role of soluble biomarkers as outcome predictors. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the utility of Th1/Th17 serum cytokines along with clinical characteristics as predictors of drug survival in the treatment of psoriasis. METHODS: The authors consecutively included participants with moderate to severe psoriasis who were followed up for 6 years. Baseline interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured using a cytometric bead array; clinical data were assessed. The authors calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for drug survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The authors included 262 patients, most of whom used systemic immunosuppressants or biologics. In the multivariate model, poor quality of life measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01‒1.07; p = 0.012) and elevated baseline IL-6 (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.29‒3.08; p = 0.002) were associated with treatment interruption. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of any cohort study is the presence of confounders that could not be detected in clinical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Poor quality of life and elevated baseline serum IL-6 level predicted treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Although IL-6 is not the most important mediator of the inflammatory pathway in the skin environment, it is an interesting biomarker candidate for predicting psoriasis treatment response.

Mechanism underlying polyvalent IgG-induced regulatory T cell activation and its clinical application: Anti-idiotypic regulatory T cell theory for immune tolerance.

The regulatory T (Treg) cells constitute a functionally defined subpopulation of T cells that modulate the immune system and maintain immune tolerance through suppression of the development of autoimmune responses to self-antigens and allergic reactions to external antigens. Reduction in the number or function of Treg cells has been suggested as a key immune abnormality underlying the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases. In vitro studies have demonstrated that purified polyvalent immunoglobulin G (IgG) from multiple healthy blood donors can exert immunomodulatory effects on Treg cells. Incubation of polyvalent human IgG with purified CD4+CD25high T cells increased the intracellular expression of interleukin (IL)-10. Intravenous administration of polyvalent human IgG induced significant expansions of CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells and clinical improvements in patients with autoimmune diseases. In human clinical trials, intramuscular administration of autologous total IgG significantly increased the percentage of IL-10-producing CD4+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects and provided significant clinical improvements in patients with atopic dermatitis. These results suggest a clinical usefulness of polyvalent IgG-induced activation of Treg cells in human subjects. This review proposes a new hypothesis for immune tolerance mechanism by integrating the pre-existing "idiotypic network theory" and "Treg cell theory" into an "anti-idiotypic Treg cell theory." Based on this hypothesis, an "active anti-idiotypic therapy" for allergic and autoimmune diseases using autologous polyvalent IgG (as immunizing antigens) is suggested as follows: (1) Intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of autologous polyvalent IgG produces numerous immunogenic peptides derived from idiotypes of autologous IgG through processing of dendritic cells, and these peptides activate anti-idiotypic Treg cells in the same subject. (2) Activated anti-idiotypic Treg cells secrete IL-10 and suppress Th2 cell response to allergens and autoimmune T cell response to self-antigens. (3) These events can induce a long-term clinical improvements in patients with allergic and autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism underlying polyvalent IgG-induced Treg cell activation and the clinical usefulness of this immunomodulatory therapy for autoimmune and allergic diseases.

vitíligo, estrés psicológico y bioquímica del cerebro: Una revisión sistemática desde la neurociencia

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es establecer los mecanismos de la actividad Bioquímica a través del Estrés Psicológico que influyen en la enfermedad del vitiligo desde una perspectiva neurocientifica, mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura de los últimos 5 años. Método: La búsqueda sistemática se llevó a cabo en las bases de datos Scopus, PubMed y Web of Science para identificar los estudios que describan la enfermedad de Vitiligo, el estrés psicológico y la bioquímica del cerebro, se establecieron criterios de inclusión y exclusión para la selección de los artículos, así mismo, se evaluó su calidad y pertinencia. Resultados: La revisión sistemática arrojó 15.503 artículos, 70 fueron preseleccionados de acuerdo a lo informado en el resumen y validados para lectura completa. Para la síntesis narrativa se utilizaron 23 artículos científicos. Conclusión: La enfermedad de vitiligo guarda una estrecha relación con el estrés psicológico y está acompañado de un desequilibrio bioquímico que conduce a un proceso inflamatorio y destructivo de los melanocitos de la piel.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to establish the mechanisms of biochemical activity through psychological stress that influence vitiligo disease from a neuroscientific perspective, through a systematic review of the literature of the last 5 years. Method: Systematic search was carried out in the Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify studies describing Vitiligo disease, psychological stress and brain biochemistry, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established for the selection of articles, their quality and relevance were evaluated. Results: The systematic review yielded 15,503 articles, of which 70 were pre-selected as reported in the summary and validated for full reading. For the narrative synthesis 23 scientific articles were used. Conclusion: Vitiligo disease is closely related to psychological stress and is accompanied by a biochemical imbalance that leads to an inflammatory and destructive process of skin melanocytes.

Actividad y discapacidad en pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide como factores que influyen en la sexualidad / Activity and Disability in Cuban Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis as Factors that Influence Sexuality

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune de carácter inflamatorio y crónico. La afectación en la esfera sexual es frecuente, compromete a ambos sexos y se relaciona con factores como el dolor, la discapacidad y el consumo de medicamentos. Esta afectación no ha sido suficientemente abordada en la literatura a pesar de su prevalencia, y en Cuba no se han reportado hasta el momento estudios relacionados sobre este tema de investigación. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de la artritis reumatoide en la sexualidad y su relación en la actividad y la discapacidad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio monocéntrico, transversal, descriptivo. Se incluyeron los pacientes con un diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide en el período comprendido de septiembre de 2019 a junio de 2021. Se utilizó el cuestionario Qualisex para evaluar el impacto de la artritis reumatoide en la sexualidad. Resultados: En el estudio doscientos veintiséis pacientes fueron incluidos, la media de edad fue de 53,38 años (DE ± 12,22) el 82,7 por ciento fueron mujeres. Al responder el autocuestionario Qualisex el 73,9 por ciento de los sujetos presentaron afectación en la sexualidad. No se estableció una relación significativa entre la afectación en la esfera sexual y el tiempo de evolución. A diferencia de los niveles altos de actividad y discapacidad. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada se presentó afectación en la sexualidad, no obstante, esta no se relacionó con el tiempo de evolución de la artritis reumatoide. Se encontró asociación entre la actividad de la enfermedad y la capacidad funcional con la afectación en la esfera sexual(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease. Disorders in the sexual sphere is frequent, it affects both sexes and it is related to factors such as pain, disability and medication consumption. This condition has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature despite its prevalence and in Cuba no studies related to the topic under study have been reported to date. Objective: To determine the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on sexuality and its relationship with activity and disability. Methods: A monocentric, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out on patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, from September 2019 to June 2021. The Qualisex questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on sexuality. Results: Two hundred twenty-six patients were included, the mean age was 53.38 years (SD ± 12.22) and 82.7percent were women. When answering the Qualisex self-questionnaire, 73.9percent of the subjects had effects in their sexuality. No significant relationship was established between the involvement in the sexual sphere and the time of evolution. Conclusions: The impact on sexuality in the studied population was not related to the duration of rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, an association was found between disease activity and functional capacity with effects in the sexual sphere(AU)

The impact of thyroid disorders on the clinical outcome of assisted reproductive techniques: a systematic approach over the last 10 years.

OBJECTIVE: To verify from a systematic literature review the possible effects of thyroid diseases on assisted reproduction techniques. DATA SOURCES: The studies were analyzed from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS databases. SELECTION OF STUDIES: The articles selected for the review included: cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and clinical trials that addressed the proposed theme and which were published within the period stipulated from January 1, 2012, to March 5, 2022, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. These would later have to go through stages of inclusion as a framework of the type of study and exclusion criteria that were review articles, case reports, abstracts, articles with animal models, and duplicate articles and letters to the editor. DATA COLLECTION: Author's name; Number of patients; Clinical outcome; Use of drugs; Control group (in case it had); Clinical outcome. DATA SYNTHESIS: In in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection it was verified that thyroid diseases can lead to effects such as a reduction in the rate of recovered oocytes, a decrease in the number of embryos, lower pregnancy rates, and increased chances of congenital anomalies in these patients and a reduction in the rate of implantation. Levothyroxine can increase the number of cycle cancellations. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid diseases may have deleterious effects on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

A scoping review on hyposalivation associated with systemic conditions: the role of physical stimulation in the treatment approaches.

BACKGROUND: Several systemic conditions can result in distinct degrees of salivary gland damage and consequent hypofunction. The development of successful management schemes is highly challenging due to the complexity of saliva. This study aimed to systematically map the literature on the physical stimulation of salivary glands for hyposalivation management and the response of individuals according to different systemic conditions causing salivary impairment. METHODS: A systematic search in the literature was performed. Two reviewers independently selected clinical trials, randomized or not, that used physical stimulation to treat hyposalivation caused by systemic conditions. Studies evaluating healthy subjects without hyposalivation were included as controls. Single-arm clinical studies or case series were also included for protocol mapping (PRISMA extension for scoping reviews). RESULTS: Out of 24 included studies, 10 evaluated healthy subjects, from which 9 tested transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and 1 tested acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Fourteen studies evaluated individuals with hyposalivation: 6 applied TENS, 6 applied low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and 2 applied acupuncture, carried out in post-chemotherapy, medication use, postmenopausal women, hemodialysis patients, smokers, diabetics, Sjögren's syndrome (SS). All showed increased salivation after treatment, except for two LLLT studies in individuals with SS. CONCLUSIONS: Among the different patient groups, individuals with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) exhibited the poorest responses, while those with medication-induced hyposalivation demonstrated the most favorable treatment outcomes, independently of the management strategy for saliva stimulation. It means that physical stimulation of salivary glands holds promise as an alternative for managing hyposalivation in cases of reversible gland damage. However, to make informed decisions in current practice, it is necessary to conduct new well-designed randomized clinical trials with appropriate methodologies.

The developing role of extracellular vesicles in autoimmune diseases: special attention to mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles.

Autoimmune diseases are complex, chronic inflammatory conditions initiated by the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Nowadays, there is no effective and useful therapy for autoimmune diseases, and the existing medications have some limitations due to their nonspecific targets and side effects. During the last few decades, it has been established that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory functions. It is proposed that MSCs can exert an important therapeutic effect on autoimmune disorders. In parallel with these findings, several investigations have shown that MSCs alleviate autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, the results of studies have demonstrated that the effective roles of MSCs in autoimmune diseases do not depend on direct intercellular communication but on their ability to release a wide spectrum of paracrine mediators such as growth factors, cytokines and extracellular vehicles (EVs). EVs that range from 50 to 5,000 nm were produced by almost any cell type, and these nanoparticles participate in homeostasis and intercellular communication via the transfer of a broad range of biomolecules such as modulatory proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), lipids, cytokines, and metabolites. EVs derived from MSCs display the exact properties of MSCs and can be safer and more beneficial than their parent cells. In this review, we will discuss the features of MSCs and their EVs, EVs biogenesis, and their cargos, and then we will highlight the existing discoveries on the impacts of EVs from MSCs on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis rheumatic, inflammatory bowel disease, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune liver diseases, Sjögren syndrome, and osteoarthritis, suggesting a potential alternative for autoimmune conditions therapy.

Pénfigo foliáceo, variedad seborreica, reporte de caso / Pemphigus foliaceus, seborrheic variety, case report

Presentación del caso. Se expone el caso de un paciente masculino de 48 años de edad, sin antecedentes médicos conocidos, que presentó múltiples lesiones en forma de placas eritematocostrosas fácilmente descamativas, inicialmente en tórax anterior, que se esparcían sobre el rostro y cuero cabelludo sin afectar las mucosas. Intervención terapéutica. El manejo hospitalario se basó fundamentalmente en el uso de esteroides tópicos y sistémicos, así como el manejo de las infecciones sobreagregadas a las lesiones dermatológicas y el apoyo psicológico del paciente. Se tomó biopsia de piel donde se evidenció la presencia de acantólisis, confirmando el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad autoinmunitaria. Evolución clínica. Luego del tratamiento se logró una reducción de las múltiples lesiones descamativas, el control de la infección local y la recuperación de la piel del paciente, la cual a pesar de aún presentar cicatrices se encontraba con sus funciones restituidas

Case presentation. a 48-year-old male with no known medical history who presented multiple lesions in the form of easily desquamative erythematous and crusted plaques, initially on the anterior thorax, which spread over the face and scalp without affecting the mucous membranes. Treatment. In-hospital management was mainly based on topical and systemic steroids, the management of infections superadded to the dermatologic lesions, and psychological support for the patient. A skin biopsy was taken where acantholysis was evidenced, confirming the autoimmune disease diagnosis. Outcome.After treatment, the multiple scaly lesions were reduced, the local infection was controlled, and the patient's skin recovered although it still had scars, its functions were restored

[Prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease who received treatment with Rituximab in a national medical center in Mexico]. / Prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune que reciben rituximab en un centro de referencia nacional en México.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients receiving Rituximab as a treatment for autoimmune rheumatological diseases. METHODS: A transversal, retrospective and unicentric study, carried out in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases who were admitted to the Rheumatology service of the Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Mexico City, to receive treatment with rituximab between January 2013 and January 2018. Descriptive and inferential statistics of serum levels of immunoglobulins, clinical-demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment received were performed. RESULTS: from 262 patients with autoimmune rheumatological disease who received treatment with Rituximab; We identified 8 patients with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia (6 women and 2 men), this is a prevalence of 3.1%. No associated factors with the development of hypogammaglobulinemia were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Until now, no associated prognostic or predictive factors have been identified with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Additional prospective studies are required to understand more precisely the implications of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes que reciben rituximab. MÉTODOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Hasta el momento no se han identificado factores asociados, pronósticos o predictivos, con hipogammaglobulinemia persistente. Se requieren estudios prospectivos adicionales para conocer con mayor precisión las implicaciones de la hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes.

Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of patients with cancer and preexisting autoimmune disease: An integrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Checkpoint inhibitors (PCI) have reached an important place in the pharmaceutical market in the treatment of various types of cancer. However, due to immune-related adverse events (IRAE) to the treatment, patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases (PAD) are excluded from clinical studies, leading to a large gap in knowledge on this topic. This study aims to discuss the use of PCI in the patients with cancer and PAD by an integrative review. METHODS: For this integrative review we carried out research from 2013 to 2022 using database platforms for observational studies reporting data from safety and efficacy of PCI in patients with cancer and PAD. RESULTS: The search resulted in 161 articles and after applying the exclusion criteria, 15 clinical studies that adopted a retrospective observational design were selected and analyzed. The age range of patients was 54-71 years, with 19-68% male. The proportion of patients clinically active or receiving immunosuppressants who were initiated on PCI ranged from 0% to 57% and 14% to 73%, respectively. The mean reported follow-up time ranged from 8.0 to 16.8 months. The occurrence of an outbreak or the new IRAE had an average of 32.6%. CONCLUSION: IRAE are frequent in patients who use PCI and have cancer and PAD, carrying discontinuation of therapy. However, the multidisciplinary team needs to be aligned to manage these situations in the best way.

Evaluación del panel de enfermedades hepáticas autoinmunes (INMUNOBLOT) en el diagnóstico de enfermedades hepáticas / Utility of the detection of autoantibodies in autoinmune liver diseases using immunoblot

INTRODUCTION: For the diagnosis of liver diseases, clinical criteria, biochemical, immunological and histological parameters are included. The autoimmune panel is an immunoblot that contemplates the detection of antibodies against 9 different hepatic antigens, which could guide the diagnosis of these pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the autoimmune panel in the diagnosis of liver diseases. Methods: Observational, descriptive study. All autoimmune panels performed between January 2020 and August 2021 (n = 279) were reviewed, and the ones with positive result selected (n = 101). Clinical records were reviewed, including: clinical, biochemical, immunological and histological characteristics. Diagnosis was determined by clinical suspicion (clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters), only through autoimmune panel, and according to liver biopsy in available cases. RESULTS: 45 patients with complete clinical history were included in the analysis; 82% women, median age 58 years (16-79). Clinical suspicions included autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 12 patients (27%), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in 10 patients (22%), overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) in 17 (38%), and others in 6 (13%). The diagnosis of PBC was confirmed by autoimmune panel in 9/10 and 11/17 patients with clinical suspicion of PBC and HAI/PBC, respectively. Of the 27 patients with initial clinical suspicion of PBC, 14 had negative AMA and AMA-M2 (6 had Sp100 and 5 gp210 as the only markers and 3 had positive Sp100 and PML). In 10/14 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by panel and/or compatible liver biopsy. CONCLUSION: The autoimmune panel turns out to be a useful diagnostic tool for liver diseases, especially PBC in isolation or in overlap syndrome.

Effect of chronic exposure to fine particulate matter on cardiac tissue of NZBWF1 mice.

Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that inhalation of particulate matter (PM) is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to PM may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and reduce life expectancy. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease, autoimmune in nature, that is characterized by the production of autoantibodies that affects several organs, including the heart. Air pollution - which can be caused by several different factors - may be one of the most important points both at the onset and the natural history of SLE. Therefore this study aims to investigate whether exposure to air pollution promotes increased inflammation and cardiac remodelling in animals predisposed to SLE. Female NZBWF1 mice were exposed to an environmental particle concentrator. Aspects related to cardiac remodelling, inflammation and apoptosis were analysed in the myocardium. Body weight gain, cardiac trophism by heart/body weight ratio, relative area of cardiomyocytes and the fibrotic area of cardiac tissue were evaluated during the exposure period. Animals exposed to PM2.5 showed increased area of cardiomyocytes, and area of fibrosis; in addition, we observed an increase in IL-1 and C3 in the cardiac tissue, demonstrating increased inflammation. We suggest that air pollution is capable of promoting cardiac remodelling and increased inflammation in animals predisposed to SLE.

Arginine vasopressin hormone receptor antagonists in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rodent models: A new approach for human multiple sclerosis treatment.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. MS is a heterogeneous disorder of multiple factors that are mainly associated with the immune system including the breakdown of the blood-brain and spinal cord barriers induced by T cells, B cells, antigen presenting cells, and immune components such as chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The incidence of MS has been increasing worldwide recently, and most therapies related to its treatment are associated with the development of several secondary effects, such as headaches, hepatotoxicity, leukopenia, and some types of cancer; therefore, the search for an effective treatment is ongoing. The use of animal models of MS continues to be an important option for extrapolating new treatments. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) replicates the several pathophysiological features of MS development and clinical signs, to obtain a potential treatment for MS in humans and improve the disease prognosis. Currently, the exploration of neuro-immune-endocrine interactions represents a highlight of interest in the treatment of immune disorders. The arginine vasopressin hormone (AVP) is involved in the increase in blood-brain barrier permeability, inducing the development and aggressiveness of the disease in the EAE model, whereas its deficiency improves the clinical signs of the disease. Therefore, this present review discussed on the use of conivaptan a blocker of AVP receptors type 1a and type 2 (V1a and V2 AVP) in the modulation of immune response without completely depleting its activity, minimizing the adverse effects associated with the conventional therapies becoming a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis.