Local and systemic autoimmune manifestations linked to hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) represents a global burdening infectious agent causing in the majority of cases a self-limiting acute icteric syndrome, the outcome is related to the hepatic substrate and the potential pre-existing damage, whereas a plethora of extra-hepatic manifestations has also been reported. Despite the absence of post- HAV chronicity it has been associated with an additional burden on existing chronic liver diseases. Moreover, the induced immune response and the antigenic molecular mimicry are considered as triggering factors of autoimmunity with regional and distal impact. Diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Still's syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome, systematic lupus erythematosus or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis have been described in patients with HAV infection. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, this review aims to accumulate and clarify the pathways related to this linkage.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through the female lifespan: the role of sex hormones.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) differs between various stages of the female lifespan. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on the association of NAFLD and circulating sex hormones and to explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD within the context of (1) sex hormone changes during the reproductive, post-reproductive female life and beyond and (2) the in vitro and in vivo evidence on pharmacological modulation in women on menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) or endocrine therapy after breast cancer. The fluctuation in estrogen concentrations, the relative androgen excess, and the age-related reduction in sex hormone-binding globulin are related to increased NAFLD risk. Moreover, the peri-menopausal changes in body composition and insulin resistance might contribute to the increased NAFLD risk. Whether MHT prevents or improves NAFLD in this population remains an open question. Studies in women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen or non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors point to their adverse effects on NAFLD development, although a more pronounced effect of tamoxifen is reported. Future studies focusing on the underlying pathogenesis should identify subgroups with the highest risk of NAFLD development and progression into more aggressive forms, as well as elucidate the role of hormone therapies, such as MHT.

Denosumab for the treatment of primary pediatric osteoporosis.

Primary osteoporosis is rare in children and adolescents and its optimal pharmacological management is uncertain. Bisphosphonates are commonly used while denosumab has only been administered to a few children with osteogenesis imperfecta. We studied a treatment-naïve 13.5-year-old boy with severe osteoporosis and multiple vertebral deformities who presented with back pain and difficulty in walking. Causes of secondary osteoporosis were excluded and there were no abnormalities in genes known to cause bone fragility. He was treated with denosumab 60 mg subcutaneously every 3 months for 30 months, and he was pain-free within 6 weeks after the first injection. Lumbar spine BMD and femoral neck BMD increased with treatment by 65.6% and 25.3%, respectively, and deformed vertebrae regained their normal shape; linear growth was not impaired. During the second year of treatment, transient hypercalcemia (maximum 3.09 mmol/l) before the denosumab injection was observed. In conclusion, denosumab was highly effective in this case of primary pediatric osteoporosis, with remarkable clinical and radiological response. Transient hypercalcemia was probably due to amplification of the effect of growth spurt and puberty on bone remodeling by the transient, short-term discontinuation of the drug. Furthermore, our data suggest that mobilization of calcium from treatment-induced sclerotic transverse lines in bone metaphyses may contribute to the development of hypercalcemia.

The Emerging Role of Helicobacter Pylori-Induced Metabolic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility and Neurodegeneration.

Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp-I) is a prevalent disorder identified in the majority of the population in many countries around the world and is responsible for substantial gastrointestinal morbidity. Likewise, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis or glaucoma defined as ocular Alzheimer's disease, are associated with a large public health burden and are among the leading causes of disability. Emerging evidences suggest that Hp-I may be associated with neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, Hp-I could be a predictor of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Hp-I and its related MetS may induce gastrointestinal tract dys-motility disorders with systemic complications possibly including central nervous system neurodegenerative pathologies. We hereby explore the emerging role of Hprelated metabolic gastrointestinal dys-motilities on the molecular pathophysiology of Hprelated neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal disorders. Improving understanding of such Hp-I pathophysiology in brain pathologies may offer benefits by application of new relative therapeutic strategies including novel opportunities toward enhancing Hp eradication.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori on multiple sclerosis-related clinically isolated syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: There are no data regarding the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp-I) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the association between active Hp-I, confirmed by histology, and CIS and to evaluate the impact of Hp eradication on the CIS clinical course. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a study on 48 patients with CIS and 20 matched controls. At baseline, apart from histology, serum anti-Hp-specific IgG titer, inflammatory mediators, and HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DR genetic polymorphisms were estimated. Hp-positive patients received standard triple eradication regimen, and all patients were followed up for 2 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of Hp-I was significantly higher in patients with CIS (43/48, 89.6%) than in control (10/20, 50%) (P < 0.001, OR: 8.6, 95% CI: 2.4-30.8). When compared with controls, patients with CIS also showed significantly higher serum anti-Hp IgG titer and HLA-A26, HLA-A30, and HLA-B57 frequencies. Hp-positive patients also showed higher serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and homocysteine. At 2-year clinical endpoint, in the subgroup of CIS patients with successful Hp eradication, the number of patients who presented with a second episode was significantly lower accompanied by significant improvement in mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score. CONCLUSIONS: Hp-I seems more frequent in a Greek CIS cohort and its eradication might delay CIS progression, suggesting a possible link between Hp-I and CIS.

Denosumab versus zoledronic acid in patients previously treated with zoledronic acid.

UNLABELLED: Denosumab and zoledronic acid are potent antiresorptives. In this study in patients pre-treated with zoledronic acid, denosumab achieved similar increases with zoledronic acid in lumbar spine BMD despite the more prominent reduction of bone turnover markers. Denosumab reversibly reduced endogenous RANKL. INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare yearly changes in lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, free soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (sRANKL) and sclerostin levels between denosumab and zoledronic acid. METHODS: Postmenopausal women with low bone mass previously treated with zoledronic acid for 1 year were assigned to denosumab injection (n = 32) or zoledronic acid infusion (n = 26). Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx), sRANKL, and sclerostin levels were measured in serum samples obtained at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after denosumab injection or zoledronic acid infusion. LS BMD was measured at baseline and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean LS increase was 4.5 and 4.4% with denosumab and zoledronic acid, respectively (p = 0.560). Denosumab caused a larger decrease in CTx at 3 months (p < 0.001) and P1NP at 3 (p < 0.001), 6 (p = 0.021), and 12 months (p = 0.042). Denosumab significantly decreased sRANKL by 87.4% at 3 months (p < 0.001). Sclerostin levels were not changed with either intervention (p = 0.162 and p = 0.214, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients previously treated with zoledronic acid, denosumab reduces bone turnover more than zoledronic acid, but the increases in LS BMD are comparable. Furthermore, denosumab administration results in reversible inhibition of the metabolically significant endogenous free soluble RANKL levels. Serum sclerostin is not affected by either agent.

Circulating irisin levels and coronary heart disease: association with future acute coronary syndrome and major adverse cardiovascular events.

INTRODUCTION: Irisin is a newly discovered myokine, associated with 'browning' of the white adipose tissue, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate circulating irisin as a predictor of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS: Sub-study 1: a case-control study, nested within the Veteran's Affairs Normative Ageing Study, evaluating circulating irisin levels in 88 ACS cases and 158 age- and sampling year-matched controls, as a predictor of ACS. Sub-study 2: a prospective cohort study, where 103 participants with established coronary artery disease were stratified by circulating irisin levels at the time they received percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and were followed for the development of MACE. RESULTS: Study 1: there was no association between irisin levels and ACS in otherwise healthy individuals (odds ratio: 1.00 95% confidence interval: (0.99-1.00)). Study 2: the incidence of MACE was significantly lower in the first irisin tertile compared with the second and third (incidence rate 0 vs 0.92 (0.51-1.61) vs 0.57 (0.28-1.14) events per 1000 person-days; P < 0.01). This was primarily driven by the lower incidence of unstable angina (incidence rate 0 vs 0.61 (0.31-1.22) vs 0.43 (0.19-0.96) per 1000 person-days; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to date that demonstrates that, although circulating irisin levels do not predict the development of ACS in healthy individuals, increased irisin levels are associated with the development of MACE in patients with established coronary artery disease after PCI.

Polyautoimmunity in a Greek cohort of multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the existence of polyautoimmunity in a Greek cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS), i.e., the presence of three or more distinct autoimmune disorders (ADs) in the same individual. METHODS: Cross-sectional control study. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of polyautoimmunity in 2140 MS patients (female to male ratio: 2.1:1) was 8.3% (vs 6.07% in 1580 matched control participants, P = 0.008) mainly due to differences in autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) and vitiligo. The prevalence of MAS was 1.0%. The most frequent diseases encountered in MS were organ-specific ADs. There was no statistical difference in the total rates of ADs between female and male MS patients. There were higher rates of AITD in women (P = 0.004) and higher rates of iritis (P = 0.039) and ankylosing spondylitis (P = 0.003) in men. MS was diagnosed in the same year with AD in 7.4% of patients with additional ADs, earlier than AD in 42.0% and later than AD in 50.6%. CONCLUSION: Polyautoimmunity and particularly MAS occur more frequently in MS patients than in control participants indicating that MS may be part of a generalized susceptibility to autoimmunity. Therefore, polyautoimmunity may be implicated in the etiopathogenesis of MS-related ADs, with a potential impact on relative therapeutic strategies.

Investigating the role of Natural Killer T-cells in Gram negative infections of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells belong to innate immunity and combine T-cell receptor specificity with Natural Killer surface markers. They can produce cytokines immediately after stimulation and direct immunity to either Th1 or Th2 cytokine production. iNKT cells participate in a variety of immune responses, such as microbial infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with activated innate immunity and certain cytokine profile during microbial infections. This study aimed to evaluate whether iNKT cells have a role in the immune response of T2DM patients during infections with gram-negative bacteria. METHOD: The T2DM group consisted of patients (n =11) who had a diagnosis of T2DM for at least six months and febrile illness for three days, while the control group consisted of patients (n =11) who had not T2DM, but were febrile for three days. All patients were infected by gram-negative bacteria. Physical examination was performed, and peripheral blood was drawn on days three and six of febrile illness. Flow cytometry was utilized for iNKT cell identification with monoclonal antibodies Phycoerythrin (PE) - Cyanin (CY) 5 anti-Human CD3, Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) anti-Human CD4, PE anti-human invariant NKT T-Cell Receptor. For intracellular staining, we used Alexa Fluor anti-Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and Allophycocyanin (APC) anti-human interleukin-4 (IL-4). The variables processed were: CD3+IL-4+iNKT+ , CD4+IL-4+iNKT+, CD3+IFNγ+iNKT+, CD4+IFNγ+iΝΚΤ+, CD3+iNKT+, CD4+iNKT+ ,CD3+IL4+, CD4+IL-4+, CD3+IFNγ+, CD4+IFNγ+ on days three and six of febrile illness (CD3+, CD4+: T lymphocyte surface markers, iNKT+: invariant Natural Killer T- Cell Receptor, IL4+: interleukin 4, IFNγ+: interferon γ). RESULTS: Comparisons between T2DM patients and controls revealed no statistically significant difference in any of the study's variable. Regarding within T2DM patients comparisons CD4+IL4+iNKT+, CD3+IL4+iNKT+, CD4+IFN+iNKT+, CD3+IFN+iNKT+, and CD3+iNKT+  decreased, whereas CD3+IL4+ was increased at day six compared to day three. Within control group CD4+IL4+iNKT+, CD3+IL4+iNKT+, and CD3+iNKT+ were decreased, whereas CD4+IFN+, CD3+IFN+ were increased at day six compared to day three. CONCLUSION: The absence of statistical difference between T2DM patients and controls implies that the role of iNKT cells is virtually the same in both groups of patients during the course of gram-negative infections and that there is no numerical variance of this cell population between the two groups. Despite the small sample size, we notice that all iNKT parameters (both IL4/IFNγ) are suppressed in the T2DM group during the later phase, but only those concerning IL4+iNKT+ in the control group, suggesting that IFNγ production remains elevated in the controls. A compensatory anti-inflammatory type-response could provide an explanation for the prevalence of IL4 production during the later phase of infection in T2DM and the sustained production of IFNγ in controls. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 231-234.

Circulating irisin is associated with osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women with low bone mass but is not affected by either teriparatide or denosumab treatment for 3 months.

UNLABELLED: In vitro data suggest that myokine irisin may affect bone metabolism by promoting osteoblast differentiation while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. In this study, circulating irisin levels were associated with previous osteoporotic fractures but not with bone mass and were not affected by denosumab or teriparatide treatment for 3 months. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate predictors of circulating irisin in postmenopausal women with low bone mass and to assess a potential effect of denosumab or teriparatide treatment for 3 months. METHODS: Serum samples for irisin measurement were obtained from (a) postmenopausal women with low bone mass (lumbar spinal [LS] or femoral neck [FN] bone mineral density [BMD] T-score ≤-2.0) and their age-matched controls at baseline and 3 months after denosumab (Dmab) injection (Dmab group, n = 50; Dmab control group, n = 25) and (b) women with more severe disease (LS or FN BMD T-score ≤-2.8) and their age-matched controls at the above-mentioned time points after teriparatide (TPTD) initiation (TPTD group, n = 25; TPTD control group, n = 25). RESULTS: At baseline, irisin levels were inversely correlated with age (partial coefficient (r p ) = -0.24; p = 0.009), parathyroid hormone (PTH) (r p = -0.30; p = 0.001), and creatinine (r p = -0.23; p = 0.016) in univariate analysis, and were lower in women with (n = 26; 41.6 ± 2.7 ng/dL) than without previous osteoporotic fracture(s) (n = 99; 51.0 ± 1.6 ng/dL; p = 0.007). In multiple linear regression, previous osteoporotic fracture(s) and PTH were independently negatively associated with irisin [p = 0.04, CI -16.1 to -0.4 and p = 0.002, CI -0.3 to -0.07, respectively], but only the association with PTH remained after controlling for creatinine levels. Serum irisin levels were not different between women with or without low bone mass and were not affected by either Dmab or TPTD treatment for 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating irisin levels were associated with previous osteoporotic fracture(s); whether this association is independent or is due to confounding by lower muscle mass, potentially reflected by lower creatinine levels, remains to be fully clarified.