Soluble Mediators Potentially Involved in Pruritus Associated to Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas and Mastocytosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pruritus is a major distressing symptom, common in inflammatory diseases, like Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) and mastocytosis. We aimed to study the involvement of some molecules, namely, cytokines, neuromediators, endothelial adhesion molecules and angiogenic factors, in the severity of pruritus associated to CTCL and mastocytosis. CTCL - Mycosis Fungoides (MF, n=17) and Sézary syndrome (SS, n=10) and mastocytosis patients (n=17) were evaluated. Interleukin (IL)-8, IL-31, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), E-selectin, serotonin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were assessed; tryptase was measured in mastocytosis. Pruritus severity was assessed, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Compared to controls (n=29), CTCL patients presented higher CRP and IL-31. SS patients had higher IL-31, E-selectin and CRP than MF patients and controls. Itch correlated with IL- 31 and E-selectin, when considering all CTCL patients; in SS, itch correlated with E-selectin. Advanced CTCL stages revealed higher IL-31, E-selectin and CRP than early stages, and controls; itch intensity correlated with IL-31 and E-selectin, in advanced stages. Mastocytosis showed higher serotonin and VEGF, compared to controls, and itch intensity correlated with tryptase. Data suggest that in mastocytosis, serotonin is an important biomarker and that tryptase levels reflect itch intensity; IL-31 and E-selectin appear to be more important mediators in CTCL and strongly correlated with itch severity. The different involvement of studied mediators, probably due to different immune responses, suggests that different mechanisms underlie these diseases and may lead to different itch mechanisms.

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Serum Inflammatory and Prooxidant Marker Levels in Different Periodontal Disease Stages

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9081070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1070

Author(s):

Ricardo Andreu ◽

Sergio Santos-del-Riego ◽

Francisco Payri

Keyword(s):

Periodontal Disease ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Stage Iv ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽

Clinical Attachment Loss ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Probing Depth

Background: Periodontitis has been associated to systemic diseases and this association could be due to an increase in circulating inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in the periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory and pro-oxidant markers according to different stages of periodontitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 subjects who were divided into three groups according to periodontitis stage: stage II (n = 22), stage III (n = 30), and stage IV (n = 18). We evaluated periodontal parameters and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine. Results: Serum hsCRP and fibrinogen levels were associated with periodontitis severity, which were higher in stage IV than in stages III and II of periodontitis (p = 0.003 and p = 0.025, respectively). We observed a slight yet insignificant increase in MDA levels related to periodontitis severity. Probing depth and clinical attachment loss were associated with serum fibrinogen and hsCRP levels. However, there were no significant associations between periodontal variables and MDA and 8-OHdG levels. Conclusion: Our data support an association between periodontitis and systemic inflammation, which increases with periodontal disease severity. This indicates the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease to avoid the development or worsening of systemic inflammatory diseases.

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IL-17 and Disease Activity in Spondyloarthitis

Folia Medica Indonesiana ◽

10.20473/fmi.v57i4.22073 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (4) ◽

pp. 289

Author(s):

Yuliasih Yuliasih ◽

Yusdeny Lanasakti

Keyword(s):

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Disease Activity Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Score ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Asas Criteria

Highlight:The correlation of IL-17 to disease activity by The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) was identified. IL-17 level is strongly correlated to disease activity in SpA patients. Abstract:IL-17 is a new cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Recent studies show that IL-17 level correlates to disease activity, and it is used as a basis in treating SpA patients who do not respond to anti-TNF-α. This study identified the correlation of IL-17 to disease activity measured by The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP). This study was a cross-sectional study involving SpA patients according to the 2009 ASAS criteria in Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya. Disease activity and IL-17 level were analyzed using Spearman correlation test to see the strength of correlation. Forty SpA patients showed mean age of 53.58 ± 9.28 years with a body mass index of 24.36 ± 3.23 kg/m2, ESR of 39.50 ± 18.76 mm/hour, clinically obtained Schober Test of 13.11 ± 1.22 cm, chest extension test of 1.45 ± 0.77 cm, and tragus-to-wall test 13.53 ± 1.99 cm. The median CRP and IL-17 were 0.3 (0.10-5.70) mg/dL and 9.30 (7.70-13.60) pg/dL, respectively. Based on the ASDAS-CRP system, the patients showed disease activities that fall into the category was high (62.5%), moderate (35%), and inactivity (2.5%). IL-17 level is strongly correlated to disease activity in SpA patients (p=0.000, r = 0.711).

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POS0055 SARS-COV-2 OUTBREAK IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: THE EURO-COVIMID STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3368 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 233-234

Author(s):

D. Saadoun ◽

M. Vieira ◽

M. Vautier ◽

X. Baraliakos ◽

I. Andreica ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Inflammatory Status

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has raised several questions in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). Whether the seroprevalence and factors associated with symptomatic COVID-19 are similar in IMID patients and in the general population is still unknown.Objectives:To assess the serological and clinical prevalence of COVID-19 in European IMID patients, along with the factors associated with its risk and the impacts the pandemic had on the IMID management.Methods:Prospective multicentre cross-sectional study among patients with five IMID (i.e. systemic lupus erythematous, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondylarthritis or giant cell arteritis) from six tertiary-referral centers from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom. Demographics, comorbidities, IMID, treatments, flares and COVID-19 details were collected. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serological tests were systematically performed.Results:Between June 7 and December 8, 2020, 3028 patients were included (median age 58 years, 73.9% females). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 166 (5.5%) patients. Symptomatic COVID-19 was seen in 122 patients (prevalence: 4.0%, 95% CI 3.4-4.8%); 23 (24.2%) of them were hospitalized and four (3.2%) died. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, symptomatic COVID-19 was more likely to be observed in patients with higher levels of C-reactive protein (OR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.05-1.33; p = 0.006), and increased with the number of IMID flares (OR: 1.27; 95% CI 1.02-1.58; p = 0.03). Conversely, it was less likely to occur in patients treated with biological therapy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI 0.32-0.82; p = 0.006). During the pandemic, at least one self-reported disease flare was seen in 654 (21.6%) patients. Also, 519 (20.6%) patients experienced changes in their treatment, with 125 of these (24.1%) being due to COVID-19.Conclusion:The SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in IMID patients over the study period seems to be similar to that of the general population1. The IMID inflammatory status seems to be independently associated with the development of COVID-19.References:[1]Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B, Pastor-Barriuso R, Oteo J, Hernán MA, Pérez-Olmeda M, et al. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain (ENE-COVID): a nationwide, population-based seroepidemiological study. Lancet Lond Engl. 2020 Aug 22;396(10250):535–44.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

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Inflammation is Associated with Vascular Remodeling - Repairing Balances in Hypertensive Obese Subjects

The Indonesian Biomedical Journal ◽

10.18585/inabj.v3i2.140 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 110

Author(s):

Lies Gantini ◽

Syakib Bakri ◽

Andi Wijaya ◽

Anwar Santoso

Keyword(s):

Vascular Remodeling ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Obese Group ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and obesity are proinflammatory conditions. Vascular remodeling is one of the pathomechanisms reflecting increased cardiovascular (CV) risks and represented as ratio of MMP-9 and sVEGFR-2 concentration. There is no association confirmed between inflammation and remodeling yet. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between inflammation and vascular remodeling-repairing balances in hypertensive obese subjects.METHODS: This was a cross–sectional study recruited 34 hypertensive obese subjects and 10 hypertensive non obese subjects. They had no antihypertensive medications, neither diabetics nor renal disease and nor acute inflammation detected. Inflammation was assessed as increased hsCRP concentration. Vascular remodeling and repairing were consecutively represented by ratio of MMP-9 and sVEGFR-2.RESULTS: Concentration of hsCRP and MMP-9 were significantly higher in hypertensive obese group than non obese group (2.094±1.90 vs. 0.714±0.40 mg/L; p=0.029; 363.43±143.64 vs. 261.15±61.13 ng/mL, p=0.035, respectively), nonetheless no significant differences of sVEGFR-2 concentration (9.77±2.30 vs. 9.76±1.38 pg/mL, p=0.980) found in both groups. Ratio of MMP-9/sVEGFR-2 was significantly higher in hypertensive obese group than those in non-obese group (38.67±16 vs. 27.22±10, p=0.038). Likewise, they had more subjects with ratio of MMP-9/sVEGFR-2 ≥31.53. This figure is considered as cut-off point of vascular remodeling versus repairing.CONCLUSION: In hypertensive obese subjects, inflammation was activated and vascular remodeling more dominant than repairing process. Inflammation was associated with increased remodeling-repairing balances.KEYWORDS: Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2), high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP).

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Correlation of calprotectin serum levels with degrees of endometriosis: A cross-sectional study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v19i7.9474 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Raden Muharam ◽

Muhammad Saiful Rizal

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Inflammatory Marker ◽

Delayed Diagnosis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pathological Examination ◽

Sectional Study ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein

Background: Endometriosis is closely associated with delayed diagnosis due to the lack of a definitive and sensitive noninvasive approach. The use of calprotectin in inflammatory process has been demonstrated in various inflammatory diseases. Calprotectin has a significant correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs- CRP) and could be used as an inflammatory marker. No study thus far has evaluated the correlation between calprotectin and endometriosis. Objective: To determine the correlation of calprotectin with the degree of endometriosis in order to help clinicians in establishing better early detection and management. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 46 women referred to the Cipto Mangunkusumo, Fatmawati, and Persahabatan Hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia between July 2017 and April 2018 were enrolled, and their blood serum were taken a day before surgery. Calprotectin serum level was treated using the Phical® ELISA method. After the diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed through pathological examination, the final diagnosis of endometriosis could be established. The degree of endometriosis was classified according to the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification. Results: The prevalence of minimal, mild, moderate, and severe degrees of endometriosis were 15.2, 39.1, 34.8, and 10.9%, respectively. The median serum calprotectin levels for minimal, mild, moderate, and severe endometriosis were 138.98, 121.49, 124.16, and 122.82 mg/mL, respectively. No correlation was observed between calprotectin and the degrees of endometriosis (r = –0.16, p = 0.278). Conclusion: There is no correlation between calprotectin serum levels and the degrees of endometriosis. Key words: Calprotectin, Endometriosis, C-reactive protein, Inflammation.

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Assessment of the Foot’s Longitudinal Arch by Different Indicators and Their Correlation with the Foot Loading Paradigm in School-Aged Children: A Cross Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5196

Author(s):

Beata Szczepanowska-Wołowiec ◽

Paulina Sztandera ◽

Ireneusz Kotela ◽

Marek Zak

Keyword(s):

Morphological Structure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Longitudinal Arch ◽

Flat Feet ◽

Foot Loading ◽

Static Conditions ◽

Increased Pressure

Background: There are numerous studies assessing the morphological structure of the foot, but there is a notable scarcity of those focused on juxtaposing various longitudinal arch indices with foot loading paradigm. The present study aimed to determine the overall reliability, diagnostic accuracy of respective variables, and their correlation with the foot loading paradigm. Methods: The study group consisted of 336 children, aged 10–15 years (girls 49.1% and boys 50.9%). The morphological structure of the plantar part of the foot in static conditions was assessed with the aid of a 2D podoscan. Individual foot loading paradigm in static conditions was assessed making use of the FreeMed platform. Results: Staheli (SI), Chippaux–Smirak (CSI), and Sztriter–Godunow (KY) indices were strongly correlated with each other (ρ > 0.84, p < 0.001). Own research corroborated an increased pressure of hollow feet, as assessed by the SI, CSI, and KY indices, on the forefoot and the hindfoot, foot zones B, E, F; these correlations being statistically significant. The results yielded by the present study also indicate an increased pressure on the metatarsal, and foot zones C, D of the flat feet. Conclusions: Flatfootedness is not believed to be a common deformity among children and adolescents. The SI, CSI, and KY indices were found to be strongly correlated, as well as proved reliable in assessing the foot’s longitudinal arch.

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SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: the Euro-COVIMID multicentre cross-sectional study

The Lancet Rheumatology ◽

10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00112-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

David Saadoun ◽

Matheus Vieira ◽

Mathieu Vautier ◽

Xenofon Baraliakos ◽

Ioana Andreica ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Immune Mediated

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Influenza Vaccination in Psoriatic Patients—Epidemiology and Patient Perceptions: A German Multicenter Study (Vac-Pso)

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080843 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 843

Author(s):

Christian Kromer ◽

Phoebe Wellmann ◽

Ralf Siemer ◽

Selina Klein ◽

Johannes Mohr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Influenza Virus Infection ◽

Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Patient Perceptions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Disease Characteristics ◽

History Of

The risk of developing severe complications from an influenza virus infection is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis (PsO) and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, low influenza vaccination rates have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine vaccination rates in PsO compared to AD patients and explore patient perceptions of vaccination. A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in 327 and 98 adult patients with PsO and AD, respectively. Data on vaccination, patient and disease characteristics, comorbidity, and patient perceptions was collected with a questionnaire. Medical records and vaccination certificates were reviewed. A total of 49.8% of PsO and 32.7% of AD patients were vaccinated at some point, while in season 2018/2019, 30.9% and 13.3% received an influenza vaccination, respectively. There were 96.6% and 77.6% of PsO and AD patients who had an indication for influenza vaccination due to age, immunosuppressive therapy, comorbidity, occupation, and/or pregnancy. Multivariate regression analysis revealed higher age (p < 0.001) and a history of bronchitis (p = 0.023) as significant predictors of influenza vaccination in PsO patients. Considering that most patients had an indication for influenza vaccination, the rate of vaccinated patients was inadequately low.

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FGF-23 and Phosphate in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kazakhstan

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57010015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Altynay Balmukhanova ◽

Kairat Kabulbayev ◽

Harika Alpay ◽

Assiya Kanatbayeva ◽

Aigul Balmukhanova

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ckd Stage ◽

Advanced Stages ◽

Fgf 23 ◽

Stage 1

Background and objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is a complex medical and social issue around the world. One of the serious complications is mineral-bone disorder (CKD-MBD) which might determine the prognosis of patients and their quality of life. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphaturic hormone which is involved in the pathogenesis of CKD-MBD. The purpose of the study was to determine what comes first in children with CKD: FGF-23 or phosphate. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 73 children aged 2–18 years with CKD stages 1–5. We measured FGF-23 and other bone markers in blood samples and studied their associations. Results: Early elevations of FGF-23 were identified in children with CKD stage 2 compared with stage 1 (1.6 (1.5–1.8) pmol/L versus 0.65 (0.22–1.08), p = 0.029). There were significant differences between the advanced stages of the disease. FGF-23 correlated with PTH (r = 0.807, p = 0.000) and phosphate (r = 0.473, p = 0.000). Our study revealed that the elevated level of FGF-23 went ahead hyperphosphatemia and elevated PTH. Thus, more than 50% of children with CKD stage 2 had the elevating level of serum FGF-23, and that index became increasing with the disease progression and it achieved 100% at the dialysis stage. The serum phosphate increased more slowly and only 70.6% of children with CKD stage 5 had the increased values. The PTH increase was more dynamic. Conclusions: FGF-23 is an essential biomarker, elevates long before other markers of bone metabolism (phosphate), and might represent a clinical course of disease.

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