Efficacy of bivalent fimbrial vaccines to control and eliminate intermediate forms of footrot in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of serogroup-specific bivalent fimbrial vaccines in the control and elimination of relatively mild (intermediate) forms of footrot in sheep flocks in NSW, there being some evidence that such forms are difficult to control. METHODS: Four flocks of sheep with history of footrot of intermediate virulence were selected based on clinical and bacteriological diagnoses. Dichelobacter nodosus serogroups included in bivalent vaccines at each farm were based on on-farm serogroup-prevalence data. Two doses of bivalent vaccine were administered with a 4-week interval between doses. Repeated post-vaccination inspections of all feet of between 100 and 119 animals per mob were conducted and foot swabs were collected for bacteriological testing. Blood samples were collected from 10 to 24 individually identified animals per flock at each inspection to check for agglutinating antibody responses. RESULTS: In the majority of animals, antibody levels for serogroups included in each vaccine were above the level believed to be required for protective immunity. Footrot disappeared on farm 1 prior to vaccination, but did not reappear postvaccination. Footrot was controlled but not eliminated on farms 2, 3, and 4, where the prevalence and severity of the disease and number of serogroups present were reduced. CONCLUSION: Serogroup-specific bivalent vaccines can be effective at controlling footrot caused by intermediate strains of D. nodosus.

Cancer and breast cancer awareness interventions in an intellectual disability context: A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Women with an intellectual disability (ID) have a similar risk of developing breast cancer as women in the general population yet present with later stage breast cancers, which have poorer outcomes. AIM: To identify whether there is a need to develop a breast cancer awareness intervention for women with an ID. METHODS: Interventions aimed at increasing cancer awareness and breast cancer awareness for people with an ID were identified and critically appraised. RESULTS: Five interventions to increase cancer awareness or breast cancer awareness in people with an ID were identified. CONCLUSION: The review highlighted the paucity of theoretically underpinned breast cancer awareness interventions specifically aimed at women with an ID. Facilitating breast cancer awareness for women with an ID could potentially lead to earlier presentation of potential symptoms of breast cancer, earlier treatment, better prognosis and ultimately, improved survival. This article establishes that there is a need for an intervention underpinned by theory to increase breast cancer awareness in women with an ID.

Risk of colorectal cancer associated with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carriers of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation incur a lifetime risk of up to 85 per cent for breast cancer, and between 20 and 40 per cent for ovarian cancer. Efforts to estimate the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer for BRCA mutation carriers have produced conflicting results. Consequently, there are no formal guidelines regarding the need for bowel screening for individuals with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the risk of colorectal cancer associated with BRCA carrier mutations. METHODS: The primary outcome was incidence of colorectal cancer in BRCA mutation carriers. Secondary outcomes were the incidence in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, Ashkenazi Jews, and age- and sex-matched cohorts. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the review, with an overall population of 14 252 and 4831 colorectal cancers identified. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no increase in colorectal cancer among patients carrying a BRCA mutation (odds ratio 1·03, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 1·32; P = 0·82). After adjustment for Ashkenazi heritage, and age and sex estimates, there was no increased odds of developing colorectal cancer (with no heterogeneity, I2  = 0 per cent). CONCLUSION: BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers are not at a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

ANTECEDENTES: Las portadoras de la mutación BRCA1 y/o BRCA2 presentan un riesgo a lo largo de la vida de hasta un 85% para presentar un cáncer de mama y entre 20-40% para el cáncer de ovario. Los esfuerzos para estimar el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer colorrectal (colorectal cancer, CCR) a lo largo de la vida en portadoras de mutaciones BRCA han dado resultados contradictorios. En consecuencia, no existen pautas formales con respecto a la necesidad de realizar el cribado de CRC en personas portadoras de mutaciones BRCA1 y/o BRCA2. Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis analiza el riesgo de CRC asociado en pacientes portadoras de mutaciones BRCA. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron nueve estudios en el metaanálisis. La población general del estudio fue de 18.839 pacientes, con 4.978 con CRC identificado. La variable principal fue la incidencia de cáncer colorrectal en portadoras de mutaciones BRCA. Las variables secundarias incluyeron el análisis de la incidencia de subgrupos en BRCA 1, BRCA 2, etnia judía Ashkenazi y cohortes emparejadas por edad y sexo. RESULTADOS: No hubo un aumento de CRC en pacientes con una mutación BRCA (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio, OR 1,03; i.c. del 95% 0,80-1,32; P = 0,82). Cuando se ajustó de acuerdo con la ascendencia Ashkenazi y las estimaciones de edad y sexo, no hubo mayores probabilidades de desarrollar cáncer colorrectal (sin heterogeneidad en los estudios (I2 = 0)). CONCLUSIÓN: Este metaanálisis concluye que el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal no fue significativamente mayor en las portadoras de mutaciones BRCA1 y/o BRCA2. Sin embargo, se requiere más evidencia antes de no recomendar la colonoscopia de cribado a las portadoras de la mutación BRCA1/2. Las pruebas de inmunoquímica fecal pueden ser una alternativa apropiada en esta población.

Ciliotherapy Treatments to Enhance Biochemically- and Biophysically-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis: A Comparison Study.

INTRODUCTION: New approaches to treat osteoporosis have focused on promoting bone formation through the targeting of osteoblasts and their progenitors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The primary cilium is a singular cellular extension known to play an important role in biochemical and biophysical osteogenic induction of MSCs. Defects in ciliary structure have been associated with a plethora of diseases. Therefore targeting the cilium therapeutically (ciliotherapies) has emerged as a potential new treatment modality. Therefore, this study performed a comparison analysis on known ciliotherapies and their potential effects in mediating MSC osteogenic differentiation. METHODS: MSCs were treated with forskolin, lithium chloride (LiCl) or fenoldopam to investigate the effect on ciliogenesis and cilia-associated signalling. Moreover, both early and long term biochemical and biophysical (fluid shear) induced osteogenic differentiation was examined in terms of osteogenic gene expression and bone matrix deposition following each treatment. RESULTS: LiCl and fenoldopam were found to enhance MSC ciliogenesis to a similar degree. LiCl significantly altered hedgehog (HH) and Wnt signalling which was associated with inhibited osteogenic gene expression, while fenoldopam demonstrated enhanced early osteogenesis. Long term treatment with both ciliotherapies did not enhance osteogenesis, however LiCl had detrimental effects on cell viability. Intriguingly both ciliotherapies enhanced MSC mechanosensitivity as demonstrated by augmented osteogenic gene expression in response to fluid shear, which over longer durations resulted in enhanced matrix deposition per cell. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, ciliotherapies can be utilised to enhance MSC ciliogenesis resulting in enhanced mechanosensitivity, however, only fenoldopam is a viable ciliotherapeutic option to enhance MSC osteogenesis.

Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy in diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Axillary lymph node status remains a significant prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Here, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) in axillary staging was compared. METHODS: A comprehensive search was undertaken of all published studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of US-CNB and US-FNA of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. Studies were included if raw data were available on the diagnostic performance of both US-FNA and US-CNB, and compared with final histology results. Relevant data were extracted from each study for systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of US-FNA and US-CNB were obtained using a bivariable model. Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) graphs were created to confirm diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Data on a total of 1353 patients from six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. US-CNB was superior to US-FNA in diagnosing axillary nodal metastases: sensitivity 88 (95 per cent c.i. 84 to 91) versus 74 (70 to 78) per cent respectively. Both US-CNB and US-FNA had a high specificity of 100 per cent. Reported complication rates were significantly higher for US-CNB compared with US-FNA (7·1 versus 1·3 per cent; P < 0·001). Conversely, the requirement for repeat diagnostic procedures was significantly greater for US-FNA (4·0 versus 0·5 per cent; P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: US-CNB is a superior diagnostic technique to US-FNA for axillary staging in breast cancer.

A quantitative analysis of tumour characteristics in breast cancer patients with extranodal extension in non-sentinel nodes.

BACKGROUND: The presence of extranodal extension (ENE) is well documented as a predictor of non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis. The ACOSOG Z0011 trial (2011) concluded that patients who satisfy criteria including the absence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) ENE can forgo axillary clearance (AC). Currently there are no studies analysing the rate of ENE in NSLN metastasis in which the sentinel node was positive but had no ENE. Determining this incidence will help determine if current paradigms are resulting in residual ENE in NSLN metastasis by forgoing AC based on the Z0011 trial.. METHODS: This study determined incidence of ENE at NSLN metastasis in patients with a positive SLN biopsy without ENE in 162 symptomatic breast cancer patients who underwent AC between 2009 and 2014 at Cork University Hospital Breast Cancer Service, a teaching hospital of University College Cork. RESULTS: Of 965 sentinel node biopsies performed 251 were identified as SLN positive, 162 (64.5%) underwent further AC. Of the 162 patients, 56.8% (92/162) were positive for ENE at SLN, of these 57.6% (53/92) had NSLN metastasis versus 17.1% (12/70) in the ENE-negative group (χ2 test; P < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, ENE at the SLN was a significant predictor of NSLN metastasis (odds ratio [OR] 8.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.26-22.86; P < 0.001). The incidence of NSLN-ENE in patients without SLN-ENE was 1/70 (1.4%) compared with 33.7% (31/92) in patients who had ENE at the SLN (χ2 test; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ENE at the SLN is an independent predictor of NSLN involvement; its absence significantly reduces the likelihood of ENE in NSLN metastasis..

Health literacy and the perception of risk in a breast cancer family history clinic.

BACKGROUND: Informed consent is an essential component of medical practice, and especially so in procedural based specialties which entail varying degrees of risk. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and as such is the focus of extensive research and significant media attention. Despite this, considerable misperception exists regarding the risk of developing breast cancer. AIMS: This study aims to examine the accuracy of risk perception of women attending a breast cancer family history clinic, and to explore the relationship between risk perception accuracy and health literacy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women attending a breast cancer family history clinic (n = 86) was carried out, consisting of a patient survey and a validated health literacy assessment. Patients' perception of personal and population breast cancer risk was compared to actual risk as calculated by a validated risk assessment tool. RESULTS: Significant discordance between real and perceived risks was observed. The majority (83.7%) of women overestimated their personal lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, as well as that of other women of the same age (89.5%). Health literacy was considered potentially inadequate in 37.2% of patients; there was a correlation between low health literacy and increased risk perception inaccuracy across both personal ten-year (rs = 0.224, p = 0.039) and general ten-year population estimations. (rs = 0.267, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Inaccuracy in risk perception is highly prevalent in women attending a breast cancer family history clinic. Health literacy inadequacy is significantly associated with this inaccuracy.

Can an educational application increase risk perception accuracy amongst patients attending a high-risk breast cancer clinic?

OBJECTIVES: To design, develop and test the effect of an educational initiative to improve risk perception amongst patients attending a high-risk breast cancer clinic. This was achieved through three objectives - 1. identifying an optimal method of presenting risk data, 2. designing and building a risk application, and 3. testing the ability of the application to successfully modify patients perceived risk of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mobile application was developed for this project using best practice methods for displaying risk information. Patients (n = 84) were randomly allocated into two groups - 'Control' or 'Treatment'. Both groups underwent standard risk counseling while the application was employed in the 'Treatment' group. The patients were surveyed before their session, immediately after and six weeks later. RESULTS: Increases in accuracy were seen in both groups with larger increases demonstrated in the 'Treatment' group with 'Personal 10 Year Risk' statistically significant ('Control' group increase from 21% to 48% vs the 'Treatment' group increase from 33% to 71% - p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This project demonstrated trends towards improved risk perception, however mixed logistic regression was unable to show a 30% difference between groups. Numerical literacy and understanding of risk were identified as issues amongst the general population. Overestimating risk remains high amongst attendees. Using mobile applications to convey risk information to patients is a new and evolving area with a corresponding paucity of data. We have demonstrated its potential and emphasised the importance of designing how this information is communicated to patients in order to make it understandable and meaningful.

When pathological and radiological correlation is achieved, excision of fibroadenoma with lobular neoplasia on core biopsy is not warranted.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and management of lobular neoplasia (LN) including lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) remains controversial. Current management options after a core needle biopsy (CNB) with lobular neoplasia (LN) incorporating both ALH and LCIS include excision biopsy or careful clinical and radiologic follow up. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the surgical database at Cork University Hospital was performed to identify all core needle biopsies from January 1st 2010 to 31st December 2013 with a diagnosis of FA who subsequently underwent surgical excision biopsy. All cases with associated LN including ALH and classical LCIS were selected. We excluded cases with coexistent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive carcinoma, LN associated with necrosis, pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) or lesions which would require excision in their own right (papilloma, radial scar, atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or flat epithelial atypia (FEA)). Cases in which the radiologic targeted mass was discordant with a diagnosis of FA were also excluded. RESULTS: 2878 consecutive CNB with a diagnosis of FA were identified. 25 cases had a diagnosis of concomitant ALH or classical LCIS. Our study cohort consisted of 21 women with a mean age 53 years (age range 41-70 years). The core biopsy diagnosis was of LCIS and FA in 16 cases and ALH and FA in 5 cases. On excision biopsy, a FA was confirmed in all 21 cases. In addition to the FA, residual LCIS was present in 14 cases with residual ALH in 2 cases. One of the twenty-one cases (4.8%) was upgraded to invasive ductal carcinoma on excision.

PATI: Patient accessed tailored information: A pilot study to evaluate the effect on preoperative breast cancer patients of information delivered via a mobile application.

OBJECTIVES: The information needs of cancer patients are highly variable. Literature suggests an improved ability to modulate personalised stress, increased patient involvement with decision making, greater satisfaction with treatment choices and reduced anxiety levels in cancer patients who have access to information. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of a mobile information application on anxiety levels of patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An application was developed for use with Apple iPad containing information on basic breast cancer biology, different treatments used and surgical techniques. Content and face validity studies were performed. A randomized control trial was designed, with a 1:2 allocation. Data collected include basic demographics and type of surgery. Questionnaires used included: the HADS, Mini-MAC, information technology familiarity and information satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 39 women participated. 13 women had access to an iPad containing additional information and 26 women acted as controls. The mean age was 54 and technology familiarity was similar among both groups. Anxiety and depression scores at seven days were significantly lower in control patients without access to the additional information provided by the mobile application (p = 0.022 and 0.029 respectively). CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients is both multifactorial and significant, with anxiety levels directly correlating with reduced quality of life. Intuitively, information should improve anxiety levels, however, we have demonstrated that surgical patients with less information reported significantly lower anxiety. We advise the thorough testing and auditing of information initiatives before deployment.

An International Multicenter Review of the Malignancy Rate of Excised Papillomatous Breast Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Papillary lesions of the breast are a relatively rare, but heterogeneous group ranging from benign to atypical and malignant. Debate exists regarding the optimal management of these lesions. In the absence of more accurate risk-stratification models, traditional management guidelines recommend surgical excision, despite the majority of lesions proving benign. This study sought to determine the rate of malignancy in excised breast papillomas and to elucidate whether there exists a population in which surgical excision may be unnecessary. METHODS: A multicenter international retrospective review of core biopsy diagnosed breast papillomas and papillary lesions was performed between 2009 and 2013, following institutional ethical approval. Patient demographics, histopathological, and radiological findings were recorded. All data was tabulated, and statistical analysis performed using Stata. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients were included in the final analysis. The age profile of those with benign pathology was significantly younger than those with malignant pathology (p < 0.001). Atypia on core needle biopsy was significantly associated with a final pathological diagnosis of malignancy (OR = 2.73). The upgrade rate from benign core needle biopsy to malignancy on the final pathological sample was 14.4 %; however, only 3.7 % had invasive cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This international dataset is one of the largest in the published literature relating to breast papillomas. The overall risk of malignancy is significantly associated with older age and the presence of atypia on core needle biopsy. It may be possible to stratify higher-risk patients according to age and core needle biopsy findings, thereby avoiding surgery on low-risk patients.

Validation and Assessment of a Technology Familiarity Score in Patients Attending a Symptomatic Breast Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: New media technologies (computers, mobile phones and the internet) have the potential to transform the healthcare information needs of patients with breast disease (Ferlay et al. in Eur J Cancer 49:1374-1403, 2013). However, patients' current level of use and their willingness to accept new media for education and communication remain unknown. METHODS: This was a single-centre clinic-based prospective cross-sectional study. A previously developed instrument was modified, validated and tested on patients attending a symptomatic breast clinic. RESULTS: The instrument was evaluated on 200 symptomatic breast patients. The commonest outlets for education were staff (95 %), leaflets (69 %) and websites (59 %). Websites are more likely to be consulted by younger patients (<47 years), and patients who were working, students or homemakers (p < 0.05). Patients rated usefulness of information media in this order: (1) print, (2) phone, (3) website, (4) email, (5) text and (6) apps. Patients who were new to the clinic were more likely to find text messaging and emailing useful (n < 0.05). Younger patients (<47 years) are more likely to find text messages, apps, websites and email useful (p < 0.05). Urban patients are more likely to find websites and email useful (p < 0.05). Patients with higher education were more likely to favour apps, websites and email (p < 0.05). Smartphone owners were significantly more likely to rate text messaging, apps, websites and email as useful media (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that new media technology use among breast patients is expanding as expected along generational trends. As such its' further integration into healthcare systems can potentially ameliorate patient education and communication.

"Is general surgery still relevant to the subspecialised trainee?" A 10 year comparison of general versus specialty surgical practice.

BACKGROUND: The splintering of general surgery into subspecialties in the past decade has brought into question the relevance of a continued emphasis on traditional general surgical training. With the majority of trainees now expressing a preference to subspecialise early, this study sought to identify if the requirement for proficiency in managing general surgical conditions has reduced over the past decade through comparison of general and specialty surgical admissions at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: A cross-sectional review of all surgical admissions at Cork University Hospital was performed at three individual time points: 2002, 2007 & 2012. Basic demographic details of both elective & emergency admissions were tabulated & analysed. Categorisation of admissions into specialty relevant or general surgery was made using International guidelines. RESULTS: 11,288 surgical admissions were recorded (2002:2773, 2007:3498 & 2012:5017), showing an increase of 81 % over the 10-year period. While growth in overall service provision was seen, the practice of general versus specialty relevant emergency surgery showed no statistically significant change in practice from 2002 to 2012 (p = 0.87). General surgery was mostly practiced in the emergency setting (84 % of all emergency admissions in 2012) with only 28 % elective admissions for general surgery. A reduction in length of stay was seen in both elective (3.62-2.58 bed days, p = 0.342) & emergency admissions (7.36-5.65, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: General surgical emergency work continues to constitute a major part of the specialists practice. These results emphasize the importance of general surgical training even for those trainees committed to sub-specialisation.

Surgical attire, practices and their perception in the prevention of surgical site infection.

INTRODUCTION: Clean surgical scrubs, surgical gowns and headgear are worn by operative teams to decrease bacterial contamination and lower surgical site infection (SSI) rates. METHODS: A detailed review was undertaken of peer-reviewed publications and other sources of material in the English language over the last 50 years included. RESULTS: Surgical scrubs should be clean and made of tightly woven material. Studies investigating single-use gowns and drapes versus reusable gowns report conflicting evidence. Double gloving may reduce SSI rates in procedures where no antibiotic prophylaxis was administered. Bacterial contamination of the operative field has been shown to be decreased by the wearing of surgical headgear by the operating team. CONCLUSIONS: Further consideration and better trials are required to determine the impact of different theatre clothing on SSI rates.

Breast cancer information on the internet: analysis of accessibility and accuracy.

Studies show internet sourced information often has poor accuracy. However, it is rapidly becoming a major source of patient information. Our aim was to assess accuracy of breast cancer-related information on the internet. The top five breast cancer-related search terms were identified using the commercial program "Wordtracker". These terms were searched using the search-engine "Google" and the top 100 webpages per topic analysed for applicability and accuracy of information. Overall 500 webpages were analysed. 42% were inapplicable to the question asked. Applicable accuracy rates were variable amongst the five terms: "breast cancer symptoms" 84%, "breast cancer care" 87%, "breast cancer stage" 88%, "breast cancer survival" 91% and "breast cancer signs" 78%. Educational websites were more likely to be accurate(p < 0.001) and interest group administered websites less likely to be accurate(p = 0.018) than other websites. Finding accurate breast cancer information on the internet is difficult due to large numbers of inapplicable unregulated websites preferentially returned via search engines.

A descriptive study of consent documentation.

The aim of this study was to observe the error rate in the consent process of a university hospital and to illicit the opinions of the consenting doctors on the process. A prospective observational review of theatre consent forms was performed along with an anonymous survey of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD's). No potential risks were documented in 95.3% of the 64 scrutinized consents and late alterations were required in 9%. Respondents to the NCHD survey estimated that they were unsure of the procedure or risks involved in an average of 29% of occasions. Interns admitted to being unsure of the details of the procedure in almost a third (32%) of cases, making them less well informed than their senior colleagues (p=0.024). This study highlights the difficulties encountered by consenting doctors, an issue which may lead to patient dissatisfaction, threaten the efficient running of a surgical unit and potentially expose its staff to avoidable litigation. It also recommends the use of multimedia adjuncts to facilitate both patient and doctor education in the consent process.

Assessing the functional performance of post-call hospital doctors using a Nintendo Wii.

Sleep deprivation is an established part of the working life for Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) in Ireland. Concern exists about the effect of extended NCHD work hours. We utilised a Nintendo Wii to evaluate motor function of NCHDs both prior to their on-call shift and the day afterwards. Data was exported to SPSS ver. 15 for statistical analysis with p < 0.05 considered significant. A total of 72 NCHDs were invited to participate in this study. There was a 62.5% (45) rate of follow-up. Overall 27 (60%) NCHDs were on medical call, with 18 (40%) on surgical call. There was no statistically significant difference between NCHDs pre-and post-call motor assessment scores. The majority of study participants (75.5%, n = 34) had four or more hours sleep. On-call duty allows for a greater than anticipated amount of sleep per on-call shift and therefore has a negligible effect on the motor skills of medical staff.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the regulation of human invariant natural killer T cells: lessons from obesity, diabetes and psoriasis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The innate immune cells, invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells), are implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, an inflammatory condition associated with obesity and other metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and dyslipidaemia. We observed an improvement in psoriasis severity in a patient within days of starting treatment with an incretin-mimetic, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This was independent of change in glycaemic control. We proposed that this unexpected clinical outcome resulted from a direct effect of GLP-1 on iNKT cells. METHODS: We measured circulating and psoriatic plaque iNKT cell numbers in two patients with type 2 diabetes and psoriasis before and after commencing GLP-1 analogue therapy. In addition, we investigated the in vitro effects of GLP-1 on iNKT cells and looked for a functional GLP-1 receptor on these cells. RESULTS: The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improved in both patients following 6 weeks of GLP-1 analogue therapy. This was associated with an alteration in iNKT cell number, with an increased number in the circulation and a decreased number in psoriatic plaques. The GLP-1 receptor was expressed on iNKT cells, and GLP-1 induced a dose-dependent inhibition of iNKT cell cytokine secretion, but not cytolytic degranulation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The clinical effect observed and the direct interaction between GLP-1 and the immune system raise the possibility of therapeutic applications for GLP-1 in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.