Significant increase in MIC-A and MIC-B and soluble MIC-A and MIC-B in canine lymphomas.

Non-Hodkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most frequent hematologic malignancy in humans and dogs. NKG2D is one of the most critical receptors on NK cells, recognizing their natural ligands on malignant cells such as A and B major histocompatibility complex-related proteins (MIC-A and MIC-B). Soluble molecules (sMIC-A and sMIC-B) can interfere with immune synapsis between NK cells and tumor cells, impeding NK cytotoxicity. The main objectives of this study were to analyze, in dogs with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, NK cell lymphoma, and reactive lymphadenopathies, the role of NK cells, their activating receptors NKG2D and NKp46, and their ligands MIC-A and MIC-B, as well as soluble molecules sMIC-A and sMIC-B. Thirty-six dogs with a possible diagnosis of NHL and eight healthy dogs were studied. NHL was diagnosed in 28 (78 %) dogs; in the other 8 (22 %), reactive lymphadenopathies were present. Most of the lymphomas corresponded to B cell NHL (82 %). The most predominant subtype was diffuse large B cell lymphoma (21, 71.5 %), followed by five cases (18 %) that were Non-B Non-T lymphomas (presumably NK cell lymphomas) and other B cell lymphomas (3, 10.5%). There were no cases of T cell NHL. MIC-A was positive in 7 of 27 (26 %) cases of NHL, and MIC-B in 20 of 27 (74 %) NHL. In non-malignant lymphadenopathies, three (37.5 %) dogs were positive for MIC-A, and five (62.5 %) expressed MIC-B. Dogs with lymphoma had higher numbers of NK cells than eight healthy dogs. In 15 dogs (12 cases with NHL and three cases with reactive adenopathies) and eight controls, there were no differences in the number of NK cells expressing NKP46 and NKG2D. NHL dogs had higher values of sMIC-A and sMIC-B. B-cell and NK cell lymphomas correspond to 86 % and 14 % of all canine lymphomas. MIC-A, MIC-B, and sMIC-A and sMIC-B were increased in canine lymphomas.

Central sensitization in burning mouth syndrome: a practical approach using questionnaires.

OBJECTIVES: Some experts have suggested that burning mouth syndrome (BMS) should be included in the family of central sensitivity syndromes, a group of similar medical disorders linked by the central sensitization (CS) mechanism. Our objective is to assess the presence of CS in patients with BMS by performing a clinical examination and administering questionnaires to measure the generalized extent of pain, the presence of associated symptoms, and the number of other concurrent chronic pain conditions. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a case-control study in 82 subjects (40 patients with BMS and 42 controls). Patients with BMS were diagnosed using The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition, beta version (ICHD-IIIß) criteria. The Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity (SS) Score questionnaires were used to determine the degree of central sensitivity. The number of other concurrent chronic pain conditions was determined with the Neblett inventory. RESULTS: Data indicative of CS show a statistically significant association with BMS. Both SS Score and Widespread Pain Index scores higher in patients with BMS. Additionally, patients with BMS reported a significantly higher number of other central sensitivity syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BMS could present a CS component as well as other chronic pain conditions. The use of questionnaires may be useful to determine the degree of central sensitivity in patients with BMS.