scholarly journals Myasthenia Gravis and Associated Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 472-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolina Tanovska ◽  
Gabriela Novotni ◽  
Slobodanka Sazdova-Burneska ◽  
Igor Kuzmanovski ◽  
Bojan Boshkovski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Postsynaptic Membrane ◽  
Initial Manifestation ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Associated Diseases ◽  
Common Basis

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by the action of specific antibodies to the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, leading to impaired neuromuscular transmission. Patients with MG have an increased incidence of other autoimmune diseases.AIM: to determine the presence of other associated diseases in patients with MG.METHOD: A group of 127 patients with MG followed in 10 years period, in which the presence of other associated diseases has been analysed.RESULTS: The sex ratio is in favour of the female sex, the average age of the initial manifestation of the disease is less than 50 years, 65.4% of the patients with MG have another disease. 15.0% patients have associated another autoimmune disease. Thyroid disease is the most common associated with MG, rarely rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. Other diseases include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, dyslipidemia. 10.2% of the patients are diagnosed with extrathymic tumours of various origins.CONCLUSION: Associated diseases are common in patients with MG, drawing attention to the possible common basis for their coexistence, as well as their impact on the intensity and treatment of the disease.

scholarly journals Pathological mechanisms in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. II. Passive transfer of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in rats with anti-acetylcholine recepotr antibodies.

1976 ◽  
Vol 144 (3) ◽  
pp. 739-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Lindstrom ◽  
A G Engel ◽  
M E Seybold ◽  
V A Lennon ◽  
E H Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Postsynaptic Membrane ◽  
Passive Transfer ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
End Plate ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Autoimmune Myasthenia ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune

Passive transfer of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) was achieved using the gamma globulin fraction and purified IgG from sera of rats immunized with Electrophus electricus (eel) acetylcholine receptor (AChR). This demonstrates the critical role of anti-AChR antibodies in impairing neuromuscular transmission in EAMG. Passive transfer of anti-AChR antibodies from rats with chronic EAMG induced signs of the acute phase of EAMG in normal recipient rats, including invasion of the motor end-plate region by mononuclear inflammatory cells. Clinical, eletrophysiological, histological, and biochemical signs of acute EAMG were observed by 24 h after antibody transfer. Recipient rats developed profound weakness and fatigability, and the posture characteristic of EAMG. Striking weight loss was attributable to dehydration. Recipient rats showed large decreases in amplitude of muscle responses to motor nerve stimulation, and repetitive nerve stimulation induced characteristic decrementing responses. End-plate potentials were not detectable in many muscle fibers, and the amplitudes of miniature end-plate potentials were reduced in the others. Passively transferred EAMG more severely affected the forearm muscles than diaphragm muscles, though neuromuscular transmission was impaired and curare sensitivity was increased in both muscles. Some AChR extracted from the muscles of rats with passively transferred EAMG was found to be complexed with antibody, and the total yield of AChR per rat was decreased. The quantitative decrease in AChR approximately paralleled in time the course of clinical and electrophysiological signs. The amount of AChR increased to normal levels and beyond at the time neuromuscular transmission was improving. The excess of AChR extractable from muscle as the serum antibody level decreased probably represented extrajunctional receptors formed in response to functional denervation caused by phagocytosis of the postsynaptic membrane by macrophages. The amount of antibody required to passively transfer EAMG was less than required to bind all AChR molecules in a rat's musculature. The effectiveness of samll amounts of antibody was probably amplified by the activation of complement and by the destruction of large areas of postsynaptic membrane by phagocytic cells. A self-sustaining autoimmune response to AChR was not provoked in animals with passively transferred EAMG.

scholarly journals Demyelinating disease in patients with myasthenia gravis

2008 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Bernardi Bichuetti ◽  
Tatiane Martins de Barros ◽  
Enedina Maria Lobato Oliveira ◽  
Marcelo Annes ◽  
Alberto Alain Gabbai
Keyword(s):  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Demyelinating Disease ◽  
Demyelinating Diseases

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness, caused by impaired neuromuscular transmission. Patients with MG can present other autoimmune diseases in association, commonly hypo or hyperthyroidism. The association of MG to demyelinating disease is rare and has been described before. We report on three Brazilian patients with MG that presented distinct demyelinating diseases, two monophasic and one recurrent neuromyelitis optica, several years after the diagnosis of MG, and discuss their clinical courses.

scholarly journals Drugs That Induce or Cause Deterioration of Myasthenia Gravis: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1537
Author(s):  
Shuja Sheikh ◽  
Usman Alvi ◽  
Betty Soliven ◽  
Kourosh Rezania
Keyword(s):  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Postsynaptic Membrane ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Immune Homeostasis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder which is characterized by presence of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) or other proteins of the postsynaptic membrane resulting in damage to postsynaptic membrane, decreased number of AChRs or blocking of the receptors by autoantibodies. A number of drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, penicillamine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and interferons may induce de novo MG by altering the immune homeostasis mechanisms which prevent emergence of autoimmune diseases such as MG. Other drugs, especially certain antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, anesthetics and neuromuscular blockers, have deleterious effects on neuromuscular transmission, resulting in increased weakness in MG or MG-like symptoms in patients who do not have MG, with the latter usually being under medical circumstances such as kidney failure. This review summarizes the drugs which can cause de novo MG, MG exacerbation or MG-like symptoms in nonmyasthenic patients.

scholarly journals The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Bubuioc ◽  
◽  
◽  
Aigerim Kudebayeva ◽  
Saule Turuspekova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Postsynaptic Membrane ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
The Past ◽  
Muscle Specific Kinase ◽  
Receptor Muscle

Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders include several dysfunctions that ultimately lead to muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most prevalent NMJ disorder with a highly polymorphic clinical presentation and many different faces. Being an autoimmune disease, MG correlates with the presence of detectable antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific kinase, lipoprotein-related protein 4, agrin, titin, and ryanodine in the postsynaptic membrane at the NMJ. MG has become a prototype serving to understand both autoimmunity and the function of the NMJ better. The aim of this review is to synthesize some of the epidemiological data available. Epidemiological data regarding MG are important for postulating hypotheses regarding its etiology and facilitating the description of MG subtypes. Thus, adequate documentation through broad databases is essential. The incidence and prevalence of MG reported around the globe have been rising steadily and consistently over the past decades. Ethnic aspects, gender-related differences, and environmental risk factors have been described, implying that these might contribute to a specific phenotype, further suggesting that MG may be considered an umbrella term that covers several clinical entities.

scholarly journals Atypical and Rare Forms of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: The Importance of the Diagnosis for the Best Management of Patients

Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Astrid Herzum ◽  
Giulia Gasparini ◽  
Emanuele Cozzani ◽  
Martina Burlando ◽  
Aurora Parodi
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioner ◽  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Skin Manifestation ◽  
Systemic Involvement ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cutaneous Lupus

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical and cutaneous manifestations. Along with the well-known typical cutaneous manifestations of LE, some cutaneous manifestations are rarer, but still characteristic, enabling the dermatologist and the general practitioner who know them to suspect cutaneous LE (CLE) and investigate a possible underlying systemic involvement. Indeed, not infrequently a skin manifestation is the first presentation of systemic LE (SLE), and >75% of SLE patients show signs of skin disease during the course of the illness. Especially, SLE involvement occurs in cases of acute CLE, while it is uncommon in subacute CLE and rare in chronic CLE. This review aims to concentrate especially on atypical cutaneous manifestations of LE to enable the clinician to diagnose even the rarest forms of CLE.

scholarly journals Presynaptic Paraneoplastic Disorders of the Neuromuscular Junction: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1035
Author(s):  
Maria Pia Giannoccaro ◽  
Patrizia Avoni ◽  
Rocco Liguori
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Calcium Channels ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Calcium Channels ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Myasthenic Syndrome

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the target of a variety of immune-mediated disorders, usually classified as presynaptic and postsynaptic, according to the site of the antigenic target and consequently of the neuromuscular transmission alteration. Although less common than the classical autoimmune postsynaptic myasthenia gravis, presynaptic disorders are important to recognize due to the frequent association with cancer. Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome is due to a presynaptic failure to release acetylcholine, caused by antibodies to the presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels. Acquired neuromyotonia is a condition characterized by nerve hyperexcitability often due to the presence of antibodies against proteins associated with voltage-gated potassium channels. This review will focus on the recent developments in the autoimmune presynaptic disorders of the NMJ.

Acute pericardial tamponade: The initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus with Graves’ hyperthyroidism

Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 096120332110047
Author(s):  
Muming Yu ◽  
Yulei Gao ◽  
Heng Jin ◽  
Songtao Shou
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Female Patient ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Pericardial Tamponade ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Initial Manifestation ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Obstructive Shock

Acute pericardial tamponade, which can cause obstructive shock, is a serious life-threatening medical emergency that can be readily reversed by timely identification and appropriate intervention. Acute pericardial tamponade can occur for a number of reasons, including idiopathic, malignancy, uremia, iatrogenic, post-myocardial infarction, infection, collagen vascular, hypothyroidism, and others. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hyperthyroidism associated with pericardial tamponade are rarely reported. Here, we report the case of a 20-year-old female patient was final diagnosed of SLE with Graves’ hyperthyroidism.

The Association Between Immunodeficiency and the Development of Autoimmune Disease

1996 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.W. Sleasman
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Iga Deficiency ◽  
Selective Iga Deficiency ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Autoimmune Cytopenias ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Common Variable

There is a paradoxical relationship between immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmunity. While not all individuals with immunodeficiency develop autoimmunity, nor are all individuals with autoimmunity immunodeficient, defects within certain components of the immune system carry a high risk for the development of autoimmune disease. Inherited deficiencies of the complement system have a high incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), glomerulonephritis, and vasculitis. Carrier mothers of children with chronic granulomatous disease, an X-linked defect of phagocytosis, often develop discoid lupus. Several antibody deficiencies are associated with autoimmune disease. Autoimmune cytopenias are commonly observed in individuals with selective IgA deficiency and common variable immune deficiency. Polyarticular arthritis can be seen in children with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Combined cellular and antibody deficiencies, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, carry an increased risk for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Several hypothetical mechanisms have been proposed to explain the associations between autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. Immunologic defects may result in a failure to exclude microbial antigens, resulting in chronic immunologic activation and autoimmune symptoms. There may be shared genetic factors, such as common HLA alleles, which predispose an individual to both autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. Defects within one component of the immune system may alter the way a pathogen induces an immune response and lead to an inflammatory response directed at self-antigens. An understanding of the immunologic defects that contribute to the development of autoimmunity will provide an insight into the pathogenesis of the autoimmune process.

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