scholarly journals Sugar-Coated Killer: Serotype 3 Pneumococcal Disease

Author(s):  
Jennifer N. Luck ◽  
Hervé Tettelin ◽  
Carlos J. Orihuela

Capsular polysaccharide (CPS), which surrounds the bacteria, is one of the most significant and multifaceted contributors to Streptococcus pneumoniae virulence. Capsule prevents entrapment in mucus during colonization, traps water to protect against desiccation, can serve as an energy reserve, and protects the bacterium against complement-mediated opsonization and immune cell phagocytosis. To date, 100 biochemically and serologically distinct capsule types have been identified for S. pneumoniae; 20 to 30 of which have well-defined propensity to cause opportunistic human infection. Among these, serotype 3 is perhaps the most problematic as serotype 3 infections are characterized as having severe clinical manifestations including empyema, bacteremia, cardiotoxicity, and meningitis; consequently, with a fatality rate of 30%–47%. Moreover, serotype 3 resists antibody-mediated clearance despite its inclusion in the current 13-valent conjugate vaccine formulation. This review covers the role of capsule in pneumococcal pathogenesis and the importance of serotype 3 on human disease. We discuss how serotype 3 capsule synthesis and presentation on the bacterial surface is distinct from other serotypes, the biochemical and physiological properties of this capsule type that facilitate its ability to cause disease, and why existing vaccines are unable to confer protection. We conclude with discussion of the clonal properties of serotype 3 and how these have changed since introduction of the 13-valent vaccine in 2000.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M. Almutairi ◽  
Farzane Sivandzade ◽  
Thamer H. Albekairi ◽  
Faleh Alqahtani ◽  
Luca Cucullo

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 include dry cough, difficult breathing, fever, fatigue, and may lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure. There are significant gaps in the current understanding of whether SARS-CoV-2 attacks the CNS directly or through activation of the peripheral immune system and immune cell infiltration. Although the modality of neurological impairments associated with COVID-19 has not been thoroughly investigated, the latest studies have observed that SARS-CoV-2 induces neuroinflammation and may have severe long-term consequences. Here we review the literature on possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 induced-neuroinflammation. Activation of the innate immune system is associated with increased cytokine levels, chemokines, and free radicals in the SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenic response at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB disruption allows immune/inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS activating immune resident cells (such as microglia and astrocytes). This review highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in COVID-19-induced neuroinflammation, which may lead to neuronal death. A better understanding of these mechanisms will help gain substantial knowledge about the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in neurological changes and plan possible therapeutic intervention strategies.


Author(s):  
Abdullahi Alausa ◽  
Rofiat Adeyemi ◽  
Barakat Olaleke ◽  
Aminat Ismail ◽  
Faith Sunday Oyelere

COVID-19 infection, a ravaging disease attributed to a SARS-CoV-like illness, has brought the world to its knee, causing a pandemic, with human-human transmission as a major source of the spread of this ailment. Alarmingly, this infection based on clinical manifestations is diagnosed as virus-induced pneumonia, with over 5 million cases with a mortality rate of about 7% (based on the recently published global report). However, most deaths have been associated with patients with underlying immune dysfunction or a compromised immunesystem. As no specific therapeutics and vaccines have been reported, the strengthening of the immune system through nutritional intake and exercise is essential. Also, previous studies have documented the immune-activating capabilities of Vitamin A and D, along with supplementary induction, yielding positive results in combating previous viral challenges. Typically, the gradual upsurge of T-lymphocytes and immune cell activities has been implemented by moderate exercise activities. This review examines the role of nutrition and exercise in immune system enhancement and proposes the possible mechanism of nutrition and exercise in combating COVID-19 infection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (7) ◽  
pp. 65-71
Author(s):  
O. A. Egorova ◽  
K. A. Novikov

Presented current data on the etiology of rosacea, the main aspects of pathogenesis, clinical forms of the disease. Reflects trigger factors leading to rosacea, as well as complicating its course. Modern methods of treatment are described, including the use of new safe preparations of ivermectin and brimonidine, providing a good, lasting effect of clinical manifestations of rosacea. The role of laser technology, actively occupying a leading place in the choice of physiotherapeutic treatment method, is noted. The need for an individual approach in the choice of therapy for each patient with rosacea is emphasized.


Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad Lamichhane ◽  
Shaili Pradhan ◽  
Ranjita Shreshta Gorkhali ◽  
Pramod Kumar Koirala

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with rapidly progressing periodontitis leading to premature loss of deciduous and permanent dentition and diffuse palmoplantar keratosis. Immunologic alterations, genetic mutations, and role of bacteria are some aetiologic factors. Patients present with early periodontal destruction, so periodontists play a significant role in diagnosis and management. This paper reports a case of Papillon- Lefevre syndrome with its clinical manifestations and challenges for periodontal management which was diagnosed in dental department.


Author(s):  
A. Kulikov

Presented material reveals main links in the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorder. In particular, attention is paid to the role of the lungs, liver and other organs in the development of this process. Role of vascular wall and blood cells in regulation of the physical state of blood is described in detail. The most frequent factors leading to hypercoagulation are indicated. Difference between hypercoagulation and thrombophilia is shown. The latter is found in clinical practice quite often, but at the same time, it is poorly diagnosed. Such a terrible complication of hemostatic disorder as disseminated intravascular coagulation is described. Its classification, stages of development, clinical manifestations are offered to the readers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qionghui Wu ◽  
Haidong Wei ◽  
Wenbo Meng ◽  
Xiaodong Xie ◽  
Zhenchang Zhang ◽  
...  

: Annexin, a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein, can affect tumor cell adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, as well as tumor neovascularization in different ways. Recent studies have shown that annexin exists not only as an intracellular protein in tumor cells, but also in different ways to be secret outside the cell as a “crosstalk” tool for tumor cells and tumor microenvironment, thus playing an important role in the development of tumors, such as participating in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, regulating immune cell behavior, promoting neovascularization and so on. The mechanism of annexin secretion in the form of extracellular vesicles and its specific role is still unclear. This paper summarizes the main role of annexin secreted into the extracellular space in the form of extracellular vesicles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance and analyzes its possible mechanism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 807-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madalena Sousa ◽  
Jácome Bruges-Armas

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with significant impression in today's world. Aside from the most common types recognized over the years, such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), recent studies have emphasized the crucial role of genetics in DM, allowing the distinction of monogenic diabetes. Methods: Authors did a literature search with the purpose of highlighting and clarifying the subtypes of monogenic diabetes, as well as the accredited genetic entities responsible for such phenotypes. Results: The following subtypes were included in this literature review: maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). So far, 14 subtypes of MODY have been identified, while three subtypes have been identified in NDM - transient, permanent, and syndromic. Discussion: Despite being estimated to affect approximately 2% of all the T2DM patients in Europe, the exact prevalence of MODY is still unknown, accentuating the need for research focused on biomarkers. Consequently, due to its impact in the course of treatment, follow-up of associated complications, and genetic implications for siblings and offspring of affected individuals, it is imperative to diagnose the monogenic forms of DM accurately. Conclusion: Currently, advances in the genetics field allowed the recognition of new DM subtypes, which until now, were considered slight variations of the typical forms. Thus, it is imperative to act in the close interaction between genetics and clinical manifestations, to facilitate diagnosis and individualize treatment.


MicroRNA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 09 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysanthos D. Christou ◽  
Georgios Tsoulfas

Introduction: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries are caused by complex interrelated mechanisms and pathways. Regarding the liver, I/R injuries and their clinical manifestations are crucial for the surgical outcome. Despite its importance, there is no broadly accepted therapy either for the prevention or for the management of I/R injury. I/R injury of the liver can occur either during hepatic surgery (warm) or during the transplantation procedure (cold). MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in the mechanism of I/R injury, as they regulate the expression of the cellular participants and humoral factors associated with I/R injury. Objective: In this review, we highlight the microRNAs that are involved in the I/R injury of the liver, and the molecular pathways that they regulate. In addition, we discuss the potential role of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers and their role as pharmacological targets in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of I/R injuries. Method: We conducted a comprehensive review of the PubMed bibliographic database regarding microRNAs and I/R injuries of the liver. Results: In diagnostics, microRNA panels could replace invasive diagnostic procedures, relieving patients of the associated complications. In therapeutics, microRNA agomirs, antagomirs and other drugs can be used to shift the balance between proapoptotic and survival pathways, to alleviate the liver damage caused by I/R. In transplantation procedures, microRNA profiling could decrease the incidence of early graft dysfunction, especially regarding marginal grafts. Conclusion: Although microRNAs seem a very promising clinical tool in the management of I/R injuries, further research is required, until microRNAs become a novel tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of an I/R injury of the liver.


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