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1.
Clin Genet ; 99(6): 761-771, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33527381

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of the use of samples in dried blood spot (DBS) for the definitive diagnosis of Fabry disease (FD) in males and females and to compare the diagnostic role of α-galactosidase A activity (α-Gal A), levels of lyso-Gb3 and sequencing of the GLA gene in screening patients with suspected FD. Measurement of α-Gal A activity in suspected FD patients in DBS was made followed by lyso-Gb3 determination and GLA gene sequencing. Of the 2381 subjects analyzed, FD was confirmed in 24 patients. Thirteen different variants were considered like pathogenic, five of which had not been previously described (c.143A > G; c.455A > C; c.487G > T; c.554delA; c.1045_1046insA). None of the patients with normal enzyme activity had FD confirmation. The DBS measurement of α-Gal A was more sensitive than lyso-Gb3 levels in both men and women. Definitive diagnosis of FD from a single DBS is possible, allowing samples to be easily sent from anywhere to the reference laboratory.


Subject(s)
Fabry Disease/diagnosis , Glycolipids/genetics , Sphingolipids/genetics , alpha-Galactosidase/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Dried Blood Spot Testing/methods , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation/genetics , Young Adult
2.
Scand J Clin Lab Invest ; 81(4): 282-289, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33974458

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early identification of patients with COVID-19 who may develop critical illness is of great importance. METHODS: In this study a retrospective cohort of 264 COVID-19 cases admitted at Macarena University was used for development and internal validation of a risk score to predict the occurrence of critical illness in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to derive the model, including clinical and laboratory variables predictive of critical illness. Internal validation of the final model used bootstrapped samples and the model scoring derived from the coefficients. External validation was performed in a cohort of 154 cases admitted at Valme and Virgen del Rocio University Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 62 (23.5%) patients developed a critical illness during their hospitalization stay, 21 (8.0%) patients needed invasive ventilation, 34 (12.9%) were admitted at the ICU and the overall mortality was of 14.8% (39 cases). 5 variables were included in the final model: age >59.5 years (OR: 3.11;95%CI 1.39-6.97), abnormal CRP results (OR: 5.76;95%CI 2.32-14.30), abnormal lymphocytes count (OR: 3.252;95%CI 1.56-6.77), abnormal CK results (OR: 3.38;95%CI 1.59-7.20) and abnormal creatinine (OR: 3.30;95%CI 1.42-7.68). The AUC of this model was 0.850 with sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 87% and the IDI and NRI were 0.1744 and 0.2785, respectively. The validation indicated a good discrimination for the external population. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers add prognostic information in COVID-19 patients. Our risk-score provides an easy to use tool to identify patients who are likely to develop critical illness during their hospital stay.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers/blood , COVID-19/etiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/therapy , Creatine Kinase/blood , Creatinine/blood , Critical Illness , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Laboratories , Lymphocyte Count , Male , Middle Aged , Respiration, Artificial , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young Adult
3.
Rev Esp Enferm Dig ; 113(10): 738-739, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33611918

ABSTRACT

Biliary fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) can be used for benign conditions since they can be removed. Uncovered SEMS (uSEMS) are employed for malignant biliary obstruction and are intended to be permanent. Furthermore, they are almost impossible to remove because they become embedded in the bile duct. We present a technique for uSEMS removal in a patient in whom a biliary uSEMS had been inserted for two years. Biliary obstruction due pancreatic cancer was misdiagnosed. Finally an IgG4 related-disease (autoimmune pancreatitis) was identified.


Subject(s)
Cholestasis , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Self Expandable Metallic Stents , Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde , Humans , Stents
4.
Clin Chem Lab Med ; 58(12): 2017-2024, 2020 06 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32589593

ABSTRACT

Objectives Gaucher disease (GD) is the most common inherited lysosomal storage disease, caused by mutations in acid ß-glucosidase (GBA) gene. This study aimed to identify mutations in Andalusia patients with GD and their genotype-phenotype correlation. Methods Descriptive observational study. University Hospital Virgen del Rocio patients diagnosed from GD from 1999 to 2019 were included. Demographic and clinical data, ß-glucocerebrosidase activity, variants pathogenic in GBA gene and biomarkers for monitoring treatment were collected from digital medical record. Results Twenty-six patients with aged between 1 day and 52 years were studied. A total of six mutations described as pathogenic and one mutation not described above [c.937T>C (p.Tyr313His)] were identified in the GBA gene, four patients were homozygotes and 22 compound heterozygotes. Twenty-four patients were diagnosed in non-neuropathic form (type 1) and two cases presented neurological involvement (type 2 or 3). The most common variant was c.1226A>G (p.Asn409Ser), which was detected in 24 patients, followed by c.1448T>C (p.Leu483Pro) variant, identified in 13 patients. The c.1448T>C (p.Leu483Pro) mutation has been presented in the most severe phenotypes with neurological involvement associated with type 2 and 3 GD, while c.1226A>G (p.Asn409Ser) mutation has not been associated with neurological alterations. Splenomegaly and bone disease were the most frequent clinical manifestations, and thrombocytopenia was the most common hematological disorder. Conclusions The c.1226A>G (p.Asn409Ser) and c.1448T>C (p.Leu483Pro) mutations were the most common. The c.937T>C (p.Tyr313His) was identified as a novel mutation. The c.1448T>C (p.Leu483Pro) mutation was associated with neurological alterations and c.1226A>G (p.Asn409Ser) mutation has not been associated it.


Subject(s)
Gaucher Disease/genetics , Glucosylceramidase/genetics , beta-Glucosidase/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Alleles , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Gene Frequency/genetics , Genetic Association Studies/methods , Genotype , Glucosylceramidase/metabolism , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Phenotype , Spain/epidemiology , beta-Glucosidase/metabolism
5.
J Adv Nurs ; 76(5): 1182-1191, 2020 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32026509

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The purpose of this paper was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the production of qualitative research in scientific journals through aggregation by levels and to identify factors of diversity, such as types of designs, in qualitative research on the experience of having an intestinal stoma between 2002 and 2018. DESIGN: Descriptive bibliometric study focused on the production of qualitative research on the subject of study, on three levels: micro, meso and macro. METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, SciELO, CUIDEN, Lilacs and Google Scholar were used to collect the data, between August - November 2018. RESULTS: Nursing was the main area of knowledge. Brazil was the predominant country of origin. The most productive journal was the Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing. English and Portuguese were the main languages of scientific communication. The number of authors was typically between 2 and 6. Authors conducted descriptive and phenomenological studies. CONCLUSION: The present bibliometric study helps us to map the qualitative research on the experiences of individuals with an intestinal stoma and to understand patterns in the designs, methods, disciplines and journals involved in this area of research. This will allow nurses to have a leading contribution to stoma care at their disposal.


Subject(s)
Bibliometrics , Ostomy/psychology , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Periodicals as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Peritoneal Stomata , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Research , Qualitative Research
6.
Clin Chem Lab Med ; 57(6): 883-890, 2019 05 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30530897

ABSTRACT

Background Optimal haemostasis management in orthotropic liver transplant (OLT) could reduce blood loss and transfusion volume, improve patient outcomes and reduce cost. Methods We performed a study including 336 OLTs to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of a new point-of-care (POC)-based haemostatic management approach in OLT patients. Results In terms of health benefit we found that the new approach showed a significant reduction in transfusion requirements (red blood cell transfusion units were reduced from 5.3±4.6 to 2.8±2.9 [p<0.001], free frozen plasma from 3.1±3.3 to 0.4±1.0 [p<0.001] and platelets from 2.9±3.9 to 0.4±0.9 [p<0.001], transfusion avoidance, 9.7% vs. 29.1% [p<0.001] and massive transfusion, 14.5% vs. 3.8% [p=0.001]); we also found a significant improvement in patient outcomes, such, reoperation for bleeding or acute-kidney-failure (8.3% vs. 2.4%, p=0.015; 33.6% vs. 5.4%, p<0.001), with a significant reduction in the length of the hospital total stay (40.6±13.8 days vs. 38.2±14.4 days, p=0.001). The lowest cost incurred was observed with the new approach (€73,038.80 vs. €158,912.90) with significant patient saving associated to transfusion avoidance (€1278.36), ICU-stay (€3037.26), total-stay (€3800.76) and reoperation for bleeding (€80,899.64). Conclusions POC haemostatic monitoring during OLT is cost effective.


Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis , End Stage Liver Disease/therapy , Liver Transplantation , Point-of-Care Systems/economics , Blood Coagulation Tests , Erythrocyte Transfusion , Humans , Length of Stay
7.
Transfusion ; 58(10): 2272-2279, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30222855

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The development of new noninvasive approaches for the diagnosis of human platelet antigen (HPA)-1 fetomaternal incompatibility has become of great interest. These approaches allow determination of whether the fetus is incompatible or not with the mother and a decision on antenatal therapy to avoid fetal or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The objective of this work was to perform rapid, noninvasive prenatal test for HPA-1ab fetal antigen detection after the detection of an HPA-1-homozygous mother by using plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The HPA-1 genotypes of 142 pregnant women and 17 nonpregnant controls were retrospectively determined by high-resolution melting (HRM) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Coamplification at lower denaturation temperature (COLD) HRM PCR was performed to determine the fetal genotype analyzing cfDNA from all HPA-1bb pregnant women. RESULTS: After the HRM analysis, the following genotypes were identified: HPA-1aa (71.13%), HPA-1bb (2.8%), and HPA-1ab (26.06%). Four HPA-1bb-homozygous pregnant women were carrying an incompatible fetus. Plasma samples from these mothers were analyzed by HRM COLD-PCR. Homozygous HPA-1bb pregnant women carrying an HPA-1ab-heterozygous fetus did not group with either the HPA-1ab or the HPA-1bb controls. Thus, COLD-PCR analysis allows the detection of HPA-1ab-heterozygous fetuses carried by homozygous mothers during first weeks of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The fetal genotype from HPA-1bb-homozygous women was detected by a noninvasive prenatal test as soon as 12 weeks of gestation.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Human Platelet/blood , Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/analysis , Histocompatibility, Maternal-Fetal/genetics , Mass Screening/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Antigens, Human Platelet/immunology , Case-Control Studies , Female , Genotype , Homozygote , Humans , Integrin beta3 , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Pregnancy , Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/diagnosis , Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/prevention & control , Young Adult
8.
J Sci Food Agric ; 98(6): 2194-2200, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28960312

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The nature of dietary fats profoundly affects postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and glucose homeostasis. Niacin is a potent lipid-lowering agent. However, limited data exist on postprandial triglycerides and glycemic control following co-administration of high-fat meals with a single dose of niacin in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the study was to explore whether a fat challenge containing predominantly saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or MUFAs plus omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated (LCPUFAs) fatty acids together with a single dose of immediate-release niacin have a relevant role in postprandial insulin and lipid status in subjects with MetS. RESULTS: In a randomized crossover within-subject design, 16 men with MetS were given a single dose of immediate-release niacin (2 g) and ∼15 cal kg-1 body weight meals containing either SFAs, MUFAs, MUFAs plus omega-3 LCPUFAs or no fat. At baseline and hourly over 6 h, plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFAs), total cholesterol, and both high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. Co-administered with niacin, high-fat meals significantly increased the postprandial concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, FFAs and postprandial indices of ß-cell function. However, postprandial indices of insulin sensitivity were significantly decreased. These effects were significantly attenuated with MUFAs or MUFAs plus omega-3 LCPUFAs when compared with SFAs. CONCLUSION: In the setting of niacin co-administration and compared to dietary SFAs, MUFAs limit the postprandial insulin, triglyceride and FFA excursions, and improve postprandial glucose homeostasis in MetS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.


Subject(s)
Fatty Acids/metabolism , Insulin/blood , Lipids/blood , Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Metabolic Syndrome/metabolism , Niacin/administration & dosage , Adult , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Dietary Fats/metabolism , Fatty Acids, Nonesterified/blood , Humans , Lipid Metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Postprandial Period/drug effects , Triglycerides/blood
9.
J Pineal Res ; 63(4)2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28793364

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system plays a central role. In particular, effector populations such as T helper (Th) 1, Th9, Th17, and Th22 cells are involved in disease development, whereas T regulatory cells (Tregs) are associated with the resolution of the disease. Melatonin levels are impaired in patients with MS, and exogenous melatonin ameliorates the disease in MS animal models by modulating the Th1/Th17/Treg responses and also improves quality of life and several symptoms in patients with MS. However, no study has examined melatonin's effect on T cells from relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the in vitro administration of melatonin to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 64 RR-MS patients and 64 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects on Th1, Th9, Th17, Th22, and Treg responses and to analyze the expression of the melatonin effector/receptor system in these cells. Melatonin decreased Th1 and Th22 responses in patients, whereas it did not affect the Th17 and Treg subsets. Melatonin also promoted skewing toward a more protective cytokine microenvironment, as shown by an increased anti-inflammatory/Th1 ratio. Furthermore, for the first time, we describe the overexpression of the melatonin effector/receptor system in PBMCs from patients with MS; this alteration might be relevant to the disease because acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase expression significantly correlates with disease progression and T effector/regulatory responses in patients. Therefore, our data suggest that melatonin may be an effective treatment for MS.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Melatonin/pharmacology , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/drug effects , Adult , Cells, Cultured , Female , Humans , Inflammation/immunology , Male
11.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 924: 67-70, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27753021

ABSTRACT

Fetal and Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a condition which could occur when pregnant women develop an alloimmunization against paternally inherited antigens of the fetal platelets. Approximately 80 % of FNAIT cases are caused by anti-HPA-1a, about 15 % by anti-HPA-5b and 5 % by other HPA antibodies. Only 2 % of the total population is HPA-1a negative (HPA-1b1b). The HPA-1a allele differs by one single nucleotide from HPA-1b allele, yet it represents around 27 % of total severe thrombocytopenias. HPA-1 was studied in serum cDNA from 12 volunteer pregnant women to determine their HPA-1 genotype by HRM (high resolution melting) PCR. When an homozygous HPA-1 gene was detected in a mother, a COLD HRM was performed to determine whether or not the fetal genotype differs from the mother's.The differences in the melting curve shapes allow us to accurately distinguish the three pregnants genotypes. The fetal heterozygous genotype of homozygous pregnant women was correctly detected by COLD PCR HRM in maternal serum. HPA-1 genotyping by HRM may be a useful aproach for genotyping all pregnant women in inexpensively. Moreover, when HPA-1 homozygosis was detected in a pregnant woman, fetal heterozygosis may be diagnosed by COLD HRM to select pregnancies for preventive monitoring.


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets/metabolism , Maternal-Fetal Exchange/immunology , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/immunology , Antigens, Human Platelet/blood , Antigens, Human Platelet/genetics , Antigens, Human Platelet/immunology , Cost-Benefit Analysis , DNA/blood , DNA/genetics , Female , Genotype , Genotyping Techniques/economics , Genotyping Techniques/methods , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Integrin beta3 , Maternal-Fetal Exchange/genetics , Nucleic Acid Denaturation , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Pregnancy , Reproducibility of Results , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/blood , Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune/genetics
12.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 924: 39-41, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27753016

ABSTRACT

Genomic characterization of cell-free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) may offer an opportunity to assess clonal dynamics throughout the course of a patient's illness. The existence of KRAS driver mutations in colon cancer patients is determinant to decide their treatment and to predict their outcome. DNA is extracted automatically from 400 µL of serum using the MagNa Pure Compact with the Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit I. DNA amplification, COLD-PCR and HRM were performed in the same run in the Light Cycler 480.We found three different situations: pre- and post-surgical samples grouped with the negative control, pre-surgical samples appear to group with the positive control and the post-surgical samples appear to group with the negative control and finally both samples, pre- and post-surgical ones, appear to be grouped with the positive control. COLD-PCR HRM is a cost-effective way for screening one of the most common driver mutations to predict the worst prognosis in colorectal cancer.


Subject(s)
Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , DNA, Neoplasm/genetics , Mutation , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/blood , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Cost-Benefit Analysis , DNA, Neoplasm/blood , DNA, Neoplasm/chemistry , Genetic Testing/economics , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction/economics , Postoperative Period , Preoperative Period , Prognosis , Sensitivity and Specificity
13.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 924: 25-28, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27753013

ABSTRACT

p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in malignant human cancers. To detect p53 mutations in circulating DNA (cirDNA) of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients could be an interesting approach to know of any tumor recurrence. In this study, our objective was to determine the utility of this method in the diagnosis and the prognosis of HCC tumor recurrence.Twenty four liver transplanted HCC patients were included in the study together with a group of healthy controls. Detection of the specific p53 mutation in cirDNA was performed by high-resolution melting PCR (HRM-PCR) and COLD-PCR immediately before the transplantation. Serum anti-p53 was also determined using a p53-autoantibody ELISA kit.The results of the HRM-PCR and COLD-PCR showed two well-differentiated groups of transplanted patients after normalization by healthy controls. These data allow us to distinguish between patients with p53 mutated cirDNA and those with wild type cirDNA. Moreover, we have found that most of p53 mutated patients also presented elevated anti-p53 antibodies. The present results indicate that it is possible to detect mutated p53 genes with the cirDNA and that this could be used as a biomarker of tumor recurrence during the clinical evolution of the transplanted patients.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics , DNA, Neoplasm/genetics , Liver Neoplasms/genetics , Mutation , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Autoantibodies/blood , Autoantibodies/immunology , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , DNA, Neoplasm/blood , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/blood , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Transplantation , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/immunology
14.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 924: 113-116, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27753030

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of the transplanted liver health by non-invasive approaches may offer an improvement in early clinical intervention. As transplanted organs have genomes that are distinct from the host's genome, the quantification of the specific DNA of the donated liver in the patient serum will allow us to obtain information about its damage. We evaluated the state of transplanted liver health by monitoring the RH gene in serum circulating DNA (cirDNA) from 17 recipient and donor mismatched for this gene. cirDNA RH gene was quantified by RT- PCR before, at the moment of transplantation (day 0) and during the stay at the intensive care unit. Beta-globin cirDNA was quantified as a general cellular damage marker. Patients were grouped based on clinical outcomes: (A) patients with no complication; (B) patients that accepted the organ but suffered other complications; (C) patients that suffered organ rejection. All patients showed an increased cirDNA levels at day 0 that decreased until patient stabilization. Patients from groups A and B showed low levels of the RH gene cDNA during the follow-up, with an increase of beta-globin gene at the moment of any clinical complication. Patients from group C showed an increase in the RH gene during rejection.


Subject(s)
DNA/genetics , Genomics/methods , Liver Transplantation/methods , Liver/metabolism , Biomarkers/blood , DNA/blood , Follow-Up Studies , Graft Rejection/diagnosis , Graft Rejection/genetics , Humans , Organ Specificity/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/genetics , Time Factors , Tissue Donors , beta-Globins/genetics
15.
Brain Behav Immun ; 50: 101-114, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26130320

ABSTRACT

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the experimental model for multiple sclerosis (MS), is triggered by myelin-specific Th1 and Th17 cells. The immunomodulatory activities of melatonin have been shown to be beneficial under several conditions in which the immune system is exacerbated. Here, we sought to elucidate the basis of the melatonin protective effect on EAE by characterizing the T effector/regulatory responses, particularly those of the memory cell subsets. Melatonin was tested for its effect on Th1, Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells in the lymph nodes and CNS of immunodominant peptide of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (pMOG)-immunized and EAE mice, respectively. The capacity of melatonin to ameliorate EAE as well as modifying both T cell response and effector/regulatory balance was surveyed. T cell memory subsets and CD44, a key activation marker involved in the EAE pathogenesis, were also examined. Melatonin protected from EAE by decreasing peripheral and central Th1/Th17 responses and enhancing both the Treg frequency and IL-10 synthesis in the CNS. Melatonin reduced the T effector memory population and its pro-inflammatory response and regulated CD44 expression, which was decreased in T effector cells and increased in Tregs. The alterations in the T cell subpopulations were associated with a reduced mononuclear infiltration (CD4 and CD11b cells) of the melatonin-treated mice CNS. For the first time, we report that melatonin protects against EAE by controlling peripheral and central T effector/regulatory responses, effects that might be partially mediated by CD44. This immunomodulatory effect on EAE suggests that melatonin may represent an effective treatment option for MS.


Subject(s)
Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology , Melatonin/administration & dosage , Melatonin/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Th1 Cells/immunology , Th17 Cells/immunology , Animals , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cytokines/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/chemically induced , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism , Female , Inflammation/immunology , Inflammation/metabolism , Lymph Nodes/immunology , Lymph Nodes/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Spinal Cord/immunology , Spinal Cord/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism , Th1 Cells/metabolism , Th17 Cells/metabolism
16.
J Pineal Res ; 58(2): 173-7, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25546814

ABSTRACT

We describe the case of a female patient who, at the age of 28, was diagnosed with symptoms of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Glucocorticoid treatment was immediately initiated. The disease and the demyelinating lesions progressed during the following 9 years reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 8.0 (patient essentially restricted to bed, a chair or perambulated in a wheelchair). At this point, the patient began taking melatonin at doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg per day. Melatonin was her only treatment for the next 4 years; during this interval, her EDSS progressively recovered to 6.0 (the person needs intermittent or unilateral constant assistance such as cane, crutch, or brace to walk 100 meters with or without resting). This long-lasting improvement is likely due to melatonin usage since it is related in time and because of its exceptionally long duration.


Subject(s)
Melatonin/therapeutic use , Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/drug therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Melatonin/administration & dosage , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Multiple Sclerosis/pathology , Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/pathology
17.
J Pineal Res ; 58(2): 219-26, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25612066

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of antinuclear autoantibodies. In addition, the involvement of CD4+ T-helper (Th) cells in SLE has become increasingly evident. Although the role of melatonin has been tested in some experimental models of lupus with inconclusive results, there are no studies evaluating the melatonin effect on cells from patients with SLE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the role of in vitro administered melatonin in the immune response of peripheral leukocytes from treated patients with SLE (n = 20) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Melatonin was tested for its effect on the production of key Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17 and innate cytokines. The frequency of T regulatory (Treg) cells and the expression of FOXP3 and BAFF were also explored. Our results are the first to show that melatonin decreased the production of IL-5 and to describe the novel role of melatonin in IL-9 production by human circulating cells. Additionally, we highlighted a two-faceted melatonin effect. Although it acted as a prototypical anti-inflammatory compound, reducing exacerbated Th1 and innate responses in PHA-stimulated cells from healthy subjects, it caused the opposite actions in immune-depressed cells from patients with SLE. Melatonin also increased the number of Treg cells expressing FOXP3 and offset BAFF overexpression in SLE patient cells. These findings open a new field of research in lupus that could lead to the use of melatonin as treatment or cotreatment for SLE.


Subject(s)
Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , Melatonin/therapeutic use , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/metabolism , Female , Flow Cytometry , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/blood , Male , Middle Aged
18.
Int J Mol Sci ; 14(4): 8638-83, 2013 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23609496

ABSTRACT

Melatonin modulates a wide range of physiological functions with pleiotropic effects on the immune system. Despite the large number of reports implicating melatonin as an immunomodulatory compound, it still remains unclear how melatonin regulates immunity. While some authors argue that melatonin is an immunostimulant, many studies have also described anti-inflammatory properties. The data reviewed in this paper support the idea of melatonin as an immune buffer, acting as a stimulant under basal or immunosuppressive conditions or as an anti-inflammatory compound in the presence of exacerbated immune responses, such as acute inflammation. The clinical relevance of the multiple functions of melatonin under different immune conditions, such as infection, autoimmunity, vaccination and immunosenescence, is also reviewed.


Subject(s)
Melatonin/immunology , Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Aging/immunology , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Autoimmunity , Humans , Infections/immunology , Melatonin/pharmacology , Neuroimmunomodulation , Pineal Gland/immunology , Receptors, Melatonin/immunology , Vaccination
19.
J Pineal Res ; 53(4): 366-73, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22582944

ABSTRACT

Melatonin exerts strong anti-tumour activity via several mechanisms, including anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in addition to its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have investigated the effects of melatonin on haematological malignancies. However, the previous studies investigating lymphoid malignancies have been largely restricted to a single type of malignancy, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Thus, we examined the actions of melatonin on the growth and apoptosis in a small panel of cell lines representing different human lymphoid malignancies including Ramos (Epstein-Barr virus-negative BL), SU-DHL-4 (diffuse large B cell lymphoma), DoHH2 (follicular B non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and JURKAT (acute T cell leukaemia). We showed that melatonin promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all these cells, although there was marked variations in responses among different cell lines (sensitivity; Ramos/DoHH2 > SU-DHL-4 > JURKAT). Melatonin-induced apoptosis was relatively rapid, with increased caspase 3 and PARP cleavage detected within 0.5-1 h following melatonin addition. Moreover, there was evidence for rapid processing of both caspase 9, as well as a breakdown of the mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential. On the contrary, caspase activation was detected only in SU-DHL-4 and Ramos cells following melatonin treatment suggesting that the extrinsic pathway does not make a consistent contribution to melatonin-induced apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes. Although all cell lines expressed the high-affinity melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, melatonin-induced caspase activation appeared to be independent these receptors. Our findings confirm that melatonin could be a potential chemotherapeutic/preventive agent for malignant lymphocytes. However, it is necessary to take into account that different lymphoid malignancies may differ in their response to melatonin.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Caspases/metabolism , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/pathology , Melatonin/pharmacology , Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology , Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Enzyme Activation , Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects , Humans , Jurkat Cells , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/enzymology , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/genetics , Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects , Mitochondria/drug effects , Mitochondria/metabolism , Mitochondria/pathology , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases/metabolism , Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/enzymology , Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/drug effects , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/drug effects , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics , Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism , Time Factors
20.
Clin Chem Lab Med ; 50(9): 1621-4, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23104836

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The management of surgical bleeding during a face transplant in a patient diagnosed with bilateral neurofibromatosis is quite complex. With the actual methods and technology for hemostasis management, it may not always be possible to give the clinician the support needed to manage operative associated bleeding. Bedside hemostasis monitors are needed urgently to assist clinicians in making the correct diagnosis in a timely manner. METHODS: Our Mobile Laboratory Unit is a disruptive solution for hemostasis management during major surgery as it allows real-time monitoring, the predominant mechanism of bleeding and goal-direct coagulation therapy. The unit is an autonomous mobile platform that can be moved immediately to anywhere its service is needed and offers a complete flexible laboratory test which includes biochemistry, hematology and coagulation studies as standard equipment. RESULTS: In our case the test performed by the unit allowed us to identify the reason for our patient's bleeding at the bedside. Severely decreased clot firmness of the fibrin-based clot and a less impaired firmness of the whole blood clot, suggested an acceptable contribution of platelets to the clot quality, but decreased polymerization of fibrinogen into fibrin. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion new insights into the pathophysiology of coagulopathy, the availability of technology such as our Mobile Laboratory Unit, and awareness of side effects of intravenous fluids should encourage the idea that perhaps it is time to change hemostasis management in operation-related bleeding.


Subject(s)
Blood Coagulation Tests/instrumentation , Blood Gas Analysis/instrumentation , Facial Transplantation , Adult , Blood Platelets/metabolism , Fibrinogen/metabolism , Hemorrhage , Humans , Male , Neurofibromatosis 1/surgery , Thrombelastography
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