scholarly journals Cytokines, brain proteins, and growth factors in acute stroke patients: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 366
Author(s):  
Atif Zafar ◽  
Mudassir Farooqui ◽  
Asad Ikram ◽  
Sajid Suriya ◽  
Duraisamy Kempuraj ◽  
...  

Background: Immunomodulation and cell signaling involve several cytokines, proteins, and other mediators released in response to the trauma, inflammation, or other insults to the central nervous system. This pilot study is part of the registry designed to evaluate the temporal trends among these molecules after an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients. Methods: Twelve AIS patients were enrolled within 24 hours of the symptoms onset. Two sets of plasma samples were collected: First at admission and second at 24 hours after admission. Cytokines/chemokines and other inflammatory molecules were measured using multiplex assay kit. Results: An increased trend in IL-6 (22 vs. 34 pg/ml), IL-8/CXCL8 (87 vs. 98 pg/ml), MMP-9 (16225 vs. 18450 pg/ml), and GMF-β (999 vs. 3739 pg/ml) levels was observed overtime after an AIS. Patients ≤60 years had lower levels of plasma MCP-1/CCL2 (50–647 vs. 150–1159 pg/ml), IL-6 (9–25 vs. 20–68 pg/ml), and IL-8 (30– 143 vs. 72–630 pg/ml), when compared with patients >60 years old. Conclusion: Cytokines/chemokines and other inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of stroke in addition to mediating poststroke inflammation. Further research is needed to evaluate and characterize the cumulative trends of these mediators for the clinical prognosis or as surrogate biomarkers.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Jia ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Jian Cheng

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease displaying high mortality and morbidity. Despite extensive efforts, only very few therapies are available for stroke patients as yet. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is thought to be a signalling molecule that is endogenously produced and plays functional roles in the central nervous system. Currently, numerous studies show that H2S impacts stroke outcomes in animal and cellular models. Here, we review the recent research regarding the effects of endogenously produced H2S as well as exogenous H2S donors on stroke pathology, focusing on the potential of H2S-based therapies in treating ischaemic stroke. We also discuss the several issues that hinder the clinical translation of H2S-based therapies from the bench. Taken together, we think that H2S-based therapies are promising strategies for treating cerebral ischaemia if we successfully address these issues.


2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (16) ◽  
pp. 8484-8496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna L. Lamers ◽  
David J. Nolan ◽  
Brittany D. Rife ◽  
Gary B. Fogel ◽  
Michael S. McGrath ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTWhile a clear understanding of the events leading to successful establishment of host-specific viral populations and productive infection in the central nervous system (CNS) has not yet been reached, the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque provides a powerful model for the study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) intrahost evolution and neuropathogenesis. The evolution of the gp120 andnefgenes, which encode two key proteins required for the establishment and maintenance of infection, was assessed in macaques that were intravenously inoculated with the same viral swarm and allowed to naturally progress to simian AIDS and potential SIV-associated encephalitis (SIVE). Longitudinal plasma samples and immune markers were monitored until terminal illness. Single-genome sequencing was employed to amplify full-lengthenvthroughneftranscripts from plasma over time and from brain tissues at necropsy.nefsequences diverged from the founder virus faster than gp120 diverged. Host-specific sequence populations were detected innef(∼92 days) before they were detected in gp120 (∼182 days). At necropsy, similar brainnefsequences were found in different macaques, indicating convergent evolution, while gp120 brain sequences remained largely host specific. Molecular clock and selection analyses showed weaker clock-like behavior and stronger selection pressure innefthan in gp120, with the strongestnefselection in the macaque with SIVE. Rapidnefdiversification, occurring prior to gp120 diversification, indicates that early adaptation ofnefin the new host is essential for successful infection. Moreover, the convergent evolution ofnefsequences in the CNS suggests a significant role fornefin establishing neurotropic strains.IMPORTANCEThe SIV-infected rhesus macaque model closely resembles HIV-1 immunopathogenesis, neuropathogenesis, and disease progression in humans. Macaques were intravenously infected with identical viral swarms to investigate evolutionary patterns in the gp120 andnefgenes leading to the emergence of host-specific viral populations and potentially linked to disease progression. Although each macaque exhibited unique immune profiles, macaque-specificnefsequences evolving under selection were consistently detected in plasma samples at 3 months postinfection, significantly earlier than in gp120 macaque-specific sequences. On the other hand,nefsequences in brain tissues, collected at necropsy of two animals with detectable infection in the central nervous system (CNS), revealed convergent evolution. The results not only indicate that early adaptation ofnefin the new host may be essential for successful infection, but also suggest that specificnefvariants may be required for SIV to efficiently invade CNS macrophages and/or enhance macrophage migration, resulting in HIV neuropathology.


Author(s):  

Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is one of the high-grade lymphomas, characterized by a rapid growth. They are usually treated with intensive chemotherapy regimens, being normally chemo-sensitive, but at the expense of high toxicity secondary to treatment. Additionally, the compromise of the central nervous system (CNS) implies a major risk as well as greater toxicity, taking into account a worse clinical prognosis with a requirement of more intensive schemes to achieve control of the disease. This implies doubts in the management of older patients with BL with CNS compromise, in whom toxicity is a limitation to these therapies, and there are no other alternatives that offer better benefit in terms of less frequent or severe adverse events, with similar outcomes in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS). Therefore, clarifying cases such as the one we report below allows us to provide a therapeutic alternative for older or unfit patients, in whom the intention of treatment should be to seek a good tumor response, but without ignoring the potential toxicity of chemotherapy.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. E867-E869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Perrini ◽  
Michele Caniglia ◽  
Marzia Pieroni ◽  
Maura Castagna ◽  
Giuliano Francesco Parenti

Abstract OBJECTIVE Meningeal melanocytomas are low-grade primary melanocytic tumors with benign histological features and a favorable clinical prognosis. Transition from meningeal melanocytoma to primary melanoma of the central nervous system is exceptionally rare, with only 5 cases having been previously reported. Here, we discuss a case of malignant transformation of an intramedullary melanocytoma to primary melanoma and review the pertinent literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 79-year-old woman presented with progressive paresis in the lower limbs followed by sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging scans disclosed an intramedullary lesion located at the T10–T11 level. INTERVENTION The patient underwent subtotal resection of an intermediate-grade melanocytoma. Two years later, the tumor recurred locally, and the patient underwent additional surgery to remove the intramedullary mass. The histological findings of the tumor were consistent with an intramedullary malignant melanoma. CONCLUSION The malignant transformation of melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system may occur years after surgical treatment, and its incidence remains unknown. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of careful and continued follow-up monitoring of the tumor.


Pharmacy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber Goedken ◽  
Sharon Huang ◽  
Randal McDonough ◽  
Michael Deninger ◽  
William Doucette

Community pharmacists performing Continuous Medication Monitoring (CoMM) systematically monitor each new prescription and refill dispensed for medication-related problems. The objectives for this study were to describe medication-related problems identified through CoMM and drug classes involved in problems. This 12-month pilot study used dispensing and clinical records from a single independent U.S. community pharmacy. Clinical records contain medication-related problems documented by the pharmacists. Problems identified for patients filling at least one prescription at the pharmacy and having at least one medication-related problem during the study period were included. A total of 8439 medication-related problems were identified for 1566 patients, an average of 5.4 problems per patient. Over 63% of problems were nonadherence. The drug class most often involved in problems was the central nervous system and analgesic class. Community pharmacists performing CoMM identified medication-related problems that might otherwise have gone undetected.


US Neurology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Chen ◽  

Interventional neurology refers to endovascular, catheter-based techniques using fluoroscopy and angiography to diagnose and treat vascular disease of the central nervous system. This article provides an update on the recent advances and newer applications of diagnostic cerebral angiography, acute endovascular stroke treatment, revascularization of carotid and intracranial stenosis, as well as cerebral aneurysm treatment. More importantly, however, is demonstrating not only how diagnostic cerebral catheter angiography has been redefined, but also how the associated interventional procedures have transformed the therapeutic landscape for stroke patients.


1977 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isa Levine ◽  
Helen O'Connor ◽  
Beverley Stacey

The use of sensory integrative techniques with a group of chronic schizophrenic patients is described through the process of conducting a pilot study at the Douglas Hospital Center of Montreal in 1975. The purpose of the study was to determine whether stimulating the sensory integrative processes of the central nervous system would effect any behavioral changes in non-paranoid schizophrenics. Based on the theory of Lorna Jean King, the paper delineates the plan of the study, the testing battery developed for evaluating patients, and the program of activities utilized during the project. Results of the study and a critique of the methods employed are also included.


1997 ◽  
Vol 209 (04) ◽  
pp. 222-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Calaminus ◽  
Luciano Andreussi ◽  
Maria-Luisa Garré ◽  
Rolf Kortmann ◽  
Rolf Schober ◽  
...  

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