Involvement of C4 allotypes in the pathogenesis of human diseases

The complement system is an important humoral defense mechanism that plays a relevant role against microbial agents, inflammatory response control, and immunocomplex clearance. Classical complement pathway activation is antibody-dependent. The C4 component participates in the initial step of activation, and C4 expression is determined by 2 pairs of allotypes: C4A and C4B. Deficiencies in C4 allotypes have been associated with several diseases. The aim of the present review is evaluate the reported data in the literature regarding specific C4A and C4B deficiencies and characterize their clinical relevance. We searched the MEDLINE and LILACS databases. Papers referring to total C4 deficiency without allotype evaluation and case reports of primary C4 deficiency were not included. Deficiencies in C4 allotypes have been associated with Mycobacterium leprae infection, erythema nodosum, systemic sclerosis with anti-topoisomerase I antibodies, intermediate congenital adrenal hyperplasia with DR5 genotype, diabetes mellitus type 1 with DR3,4 genotype, and diabetes mellitus with antibodies against islet cells. C4 allotype deficiency is also related to C4B deficiency and autoimmune-associated diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or diseases with an autoimmune component, such as autism. Some reports associate C4A with thyroiditis after delivery as well as limited and systemic sclerosis without anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. However, the studies with C4A and C4B have been concentrated in isolated populations, and some of the studies could not be reproduced by other authors.

Download Full-text

Iron status in diabetes mellitus

Al Mustansiriyah Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.32947/ajps.19.03.0407 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 7-12

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Beta Cells ◽

Defense Mechanism ◽

Acute Stress ◽

Islet Cells ◽

Iron Status ◽

Acute Phase Reactant ◽

Iron Deposition ◽

Muscle Tissues ◽

High Production

Diabetes mellitus can be defined as chronic metabolic disease which results from either relative or complete absence of insulin by the pancreatic beta islet cells. This in-turn may lead to hyperglycemia due to disturbances in the metabolism of glucose. In the human body, iron is con- sidered to be an effective pro-oxidant and participates in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radical. Because of the poor antioxidant defense mechanism of beta cells (low production of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and dismutase), so they are highly prone to iron-induced oxidative stress and iron deposition in it and this will lead to apoptosis, and subsequently insulin deficiency. This iron deposition in beta cells will also lead to insulin resistance by reducing insulin extracting ability of the liver and inhibiting glucose uptake in muscle tissues and fats, this in turn will result in high production of hepatic glucose. Ferritin which is an acute phase reactant protein, that responds to acute stress like trauma, infections, tissue necrosis and surgery, it can produce diabetes mellitus either through inflammation or by increasing iron stores.

Download Full-text

Naturally occurring and disease-associated auto-antibodies against topoisomerase I: a fine epitope mapping study in systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus

International Immunology ◽

10.1093/intimm/dxp008 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 415-422 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

D. Simon ◽

T. Czompoly ◽

T. Berki ◽

T. Minier ◽

A. Peti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Topoisomerase I ◽

Epitope Mapping ◽

Mapping Study ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Naturally Occurring

Download Full-text

Is Dental Implantation Indicated in Patients with Oral Mucosal Diseases

Balkan Journal of Dental Medicine ◽

10.1515/bjdm-2017-0013 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 83-92

Author(s):

Eleni-Marina Kalogirou ◽

Alexandra Sklavounou

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Dental Implants ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Case Reports ◽

English Literature ◽

Pemphigus Vulgaris ◽

Premalignant Lesions ◽

Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders ◽

Dental Implantation ◽

Key Words Dental Implants

Summary Background/Aim: Dental implants are a reliable treatment choice for rehabilitation of healthy patients as well as subjects with several systemic conditions. Patients with oral mucosal diseases often exhibit oral mucosal fragility and dryness, erosions, blisters, ulcers or microstomia that complicate the use of removable dentures and emphasize the need for dental implants. The aim of the current study is to review the pertinent literature regarding the dental implantation prospects for patients with oral mucosal diseases. Material and Method: The English literature was searched through PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases with key words: dental implants, oral mucosal diseases, oral lichen planus (OLP), epidermolysis bullosa (EB), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), cicatricial pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, leukoplakia, oral potentially malignant disorders, oral premalignant lesions, oral cancer and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Results: Literature review revealed dental implantation in patients with OLP (14 articles), EB (11 articles), pemphigus vulgaris (1 article), SS (14 articles), systemic sclerosis (11 articles), systemic lupus erythematosus (3 articles) and oral SCC development associated with leukoplakia (5 articles). No articles regarding dental implants in patients with pemphigoid or leukoplakia without SCC development were identified. Most articles were case-reports, while only a few retrospective, prospective or observational studies were identified. Conclusions: Dental implants represent an acceptable treatment option with a high success rate in patients with chronic mucocutaneous and autoimmune diseases with oral manifestations, such as OLP, SS, EB and systemic sclerosis. Patients with oral possibly malignant disorders should be closely monitored to rule out the development of periimplant malignancy. Further studies with long follow-up, clinical and radiographic dental data are required to predict with accuracy the outcome of dental implants in patients with oral mucosal diseases.

Download Full-text