Understanding the role of galectins toward influenza A virus infection.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza A virus (IAV) is highly contagious and causes respiratory diseases in birds, mammals, and humans. Some strains of IAV, whether from human or avian sources, have developed resistance to existing antiviral drugs. Therefore, the discovery of new influenza antiviral drugs and therapeutic approaches is crucial. Recent studies have shown that galectins (Gal), a group of ß-galactose-binding lectins, play a role in regulating various viral infections, including IAVs. AREAS COVERED: This review provides an overview of the roles of different galectins in IAV infection. We discuss the characteristics of galectins, their impact on IAV infection and spread, and highlight their positive or negative regulatory functions and potential mechanisms during IAV infection. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of galectins in IAV therapy. EXPERT OPINION: Galectins were first identified in the mid-1970s, and currently, 15 mammalian galectins have been identified. While all galectin members possess the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) that interacts with ß-galactoside, their regulatory functions vary in different DNA or RNA virus infections. Certain galectin members have been found to regulate IAV infection through diverse mechanisms. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of their roles in IAV infection is essential, as it may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Dengue overview: An updated systemic review.

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENVs) infection and clinical manifestations include dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Due to a lack of antiviral drugs and effective vaccines, several therapeutic and control strategies have been proposed. A systemic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to select proper references to give an overview of DENV infection. Results indicate that understanding the virus characteristics and epidemiology are essential to gain the basic and clinical knowledge as well as dengue disseminated pattern and status. Different factors and mechanisms are thought to be involved in the presentation of DHF and DSS, including antibody-dependent enhancement, immune dysregulation, viral virulence, host genetic susceptibility, and preexisting dengue antibodies. This study suggests that dissecting pathogenesis and risk factors as well as developing different types of therapeutic and control strategies against DENV infection are urgently needed.

Stress fracture at the junction of the middle and distal third of the ulnar diaphysis in a spinner bowler: a case report and a review of the literature.

Stress fractures of the ulnar shaft are uncommon injuries, which have been documented in a variety of sports. The location of the fracture is influenced by the activity and mechanism of injury with which it is associated. The combined traditional approach of clinical history, physical examination, plain radiographs and nuclear scintigraphy for unusual stress fracture may be troublesome. This report is the first to describe a stress fracture at the junction of the middle and distal third of the ulnar diaphysis in a bowler due to chronic torsional stress. We discuss the possible mechanism of injury and describe the diagnostic imaging. A review of the literature is also given and compared with the findings and data of this case.

Expression changes of gelatinases in human osteoarthritic knees and arthroscopic debridement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the expression changes of gelatinase-A and -B (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9) in a series of chondral, meniscal, and synovial cultures of knee osteoarthritis (OA) for investigation of the possible roles of the cartilage, menisci, and synovia and the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement. TYPE OF STUDY: A biochemical study. METHODS: In 43 consecutive patients with knee OA undergoing arthroscopic debridement, we examined the amount of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a series of chondral, meniscal, and synovial cultures. We also compared the gene expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and membrane-type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) in the chondral, meniscal, and synovial cultures using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Latent and activated forms of MMP-2 were produced in all series of chondral, meniscal, and synovial cultures, and the levels in lesional cultures were significantly higher than those in paralesional ones (P <.001). Moreover, the latent form of MMP-9 (proMMP-9) appeared in 29 of 37 series of synovial cultures and in 13 of 40 series of meniscal cultures. In meniscal cultures after 24 hours of incubation and synovial cultures after 3 and 24 hours of incubation, the level of proMMP-9 in lesional cultures was significantly higher than that in paralesional ones (P <.001). The activated form of MMP-9 appeared in 10 of 37 series of synovial cultures, and the level in lesional cultures was significantly higher than that in paralesional ones (P <.05). Furthermore, MMP-2, -9, and MT1-MMP mRNA levels of lesional areas also showed the increased expression in RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that tissue repair of OA is ascribable to enzymic digestion of the extracellular matrix ex vivo. When technically appropriate, arthroscopic debridement for the pathologic lesions of OA, such as meniscal tears, chondral lesions, and hypertrophic villi, may be beneficial to the process of early cases. Still, it should be carefully studied for its overall effect and mechanism in vivo. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement for the treatment of knee OA is controversial. The present study provides the possible mechanism of the positive effects of arthroscopic debridement in basic science.