Vitamin D Deficiency, Osteoporosis and Effect on Autoimmune Diseases and Hematopoiesis: A Review.

Vitamin D (VD) is essential for bone homeostasis, but it is also involved in pleiotropic effects on various organs and tissues. In adults, VD deficiency can cause or exacerbate osteoporosis and induce osteomalacia. However, every tissue and cell in the body has a VD receptor, including the brain, heart, stomach, pancreas, skin, gonads, and immune cells, and a deficiency may modify the function of these organs. Thus, the wide-ranging actions of VD help to explain why a reduction in VD amount has been correlated with numerous chronic diseases. In fact, VD deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis and several other diseases and complications characterized by impaired bone metabolisms, such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, allergy, endocrinological diseases, hematological malignancies, and bone marrow transplantation. This review aims to investigate the link between VD deficiency, osteoporosis, and its concomitant diseases. Further epidemiological and mechanistic studies are necessary in order to ascertain the real role of hypovitaminosis in causing the reported diseases; however, adequate vitamin supplementation and restoration of metabolic normality could be useful for better management of these pathologies.

Cholinergic Urticaria, an Effective and Safe "Off Label" Use of Dupilumab: A Case Report with Literature Review.

Cholinergic Urticaria (CholU) is a form of generalized urticaria induced by an increase in core body temperature that activates the sweat reflex. Clinically it is characterized by localized and highly itchy wheals with surrounding erythema and can occur in response to exercise, hot baths and/or emotional stress. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody specifically designed to simultaneously inhibit the activity of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), which play a key role in the inflammation cascade of type 2. We report the case of a 26-year-old man suffering from CholU for 3 years, unresponsive to standard treatment in which off-label therapy was undertaken with Dupilumab, 600 mg subcutaneous as a loading dose and then 300 mg every 15 days. The daily Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was used to assess the efficacy of the therapy. Already after the first two administrations, the patient no longer had CholU episodes and resumed regular sporting activity, with a marked improvement in the quality of life. A possible mechanism of Dupilumab in reducing the manifestations of CholU is the blocking of the IL-4 pathway and the expression of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεR1) on B cells, mast cells (MCs) and basophils. By decreasing the production of FcεR1, the adhesion of IgE to the surface of MCs decreases with consequent reduction of MCs activation and histamine release. Further experience and large-scale studies may be needed to establish whether Dupilumab can be a therapeutic alternative in CholU, especially in patients who do not respond to standard treatment.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Following the First Dose of COVID-19 Viral Vector Vaccine: A Case Report.

A 76 year-old female came to our observation one week after the vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 for the onset of purpuric rash on her gluteal and legs regions associated with coxalgia and episodes of macrohaematuria. Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) was diagnosed on the basis of the revised criteria developed by the European League Against Rheumatism, the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization, and the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES). HSP is a common IgA-mediated small vessel vasculitis, typical of childhood, that affects several systems and is characterized by a tetrad of dermatological, abdominal, joint, and renal manifestations. The Etiology of HSP is not completely understood, but it was observed following upper respiratory tract infections, medications, vaccinations, and malignancies. HSP has previously been reported following immunization with various vaccines, mostly within 12 weeks post, suggesting a possible correlation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the possible association between COVID-19 ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 and the onset of HSP in a previously healthy woman. No similar cases were reported amongst 23.848 participants in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 trial.

Capillaroscopic Evidence of Microvascular Damage in Volleyball Players.

Volleyball players experience repetitive stress that involves their hands and, in particular, their fingers. Literature reports that repetitive trauma can lead to local vascular abnormalities, such as reduced capillarization and lower resting blood flow. These anomalies could be related to the presence of dysfunctional endothelium. The aim of this study is to correlate the capillaroscopic findings by nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) to volleyball practice in order to early detect possible anomalies and perform an adequate follow-up to avoid damages that could negatively affect sport practice and the players' health status. In this study, 38 subjects were enrolled, 19 volleyball players and 19 healthy non-players as a comparison group. In almost all the players, we found capillaroscopic alterations of the "aspecific pattern" type without substantial gender differences. We may assume that the repeated traumas involving players' fingers can negatively modify their microcirculation. Based on these observations, it could be a desirable clinical practice to screen professional volleyball players with NVC in order to implement preventive strategies aimed at protecting the health of athletes.