Familial Mediterranean fever: clinical state of the art

Summary As the inflammation research improves year-by-year, so does our understanding of the autoinflammatory conditions. Over the past years, the number of monogenic autoinflammatory conditions snowballed thanks to our understanding of basic immunology and genetics. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), being the entrance to this fascinating world, still has clinical relevance as it enables us to understand our approach to these patients, treatment modalities and pathological mechanisms. This review can be used as a tool for clinicians already working with FMF patients to update themselves on recent scientific literature.

Taenia solium Cysticercosis and Its Impact in Neurological Disease

SUMMARY Taenia solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in most of the world and contributes significantly to the burden of epilepsy and other neurological morbidity. Also present in developed countries because of immigration and travel, NCC is one of few diseases targeted for eradication. This paper reviews all aspects of its life cycle (taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, human cysticercosis), with a focus on recent advances in its diagnosis, management, and control. Diagnosis of taeniasis is limited by poor availability of immunological or molecular assays. Diagnosis of NCC rests on neuroimaging findings, supported by serological assays. The treatment of NCC should be approached in the context of the particular type of infection (intra- or extraparenchymal; number, location, and stage of lesions) and has evolved toward combined symptomatic and antiparasitic management, with particular attention to modulating inflammation. Research on NCC and particularly the use of recently available genome data and animal models of infection should help to elucidate mechanisms of brain inflammation, damage, and epileptogenesis.

Anti-inflammatory Property of AMP-activated Protein Kinase

Background: One of the many debated topics in inflammation research is whether this scenario is really an accelerated form of human wound healing and immunityboosting or a push towards autoimmune diseases. The answer requires a better understanding of the normal inflammatory process, including the molecular pathology underlying the possible outcomes. Exciting recent investigations regarding severe human inflammatory disorders and autoimmune conditions have implicated molecular changes that are also linked to normal immunity, such as triggering factors, switching on and off, the influence of other diseases and faulty stem cell homeostasis, in disease progression and development. Methods: We gathered around and collected recent online researches on immunity, inflammation, inflammatory disorders and AMPK. We basically searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar to assemble the studies which were published since 2010. Results: Our findings suggested that inflammation and related disorders are on the verge and interfere in the treatment of other diseases. AMPK serves as a key component that prevents various kinds of inflammatory signaling. In addition, our table and hypothetical figures may open a new door in inflammation research, which could be a greater therapeutic target for controlling diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance and preventing autoimmune diseases. Conclusion: The relationship between immunity and inflammation becomes easily apparent. Yet, the essence of inflammation turns out to be so startling that the theory may not be instantly established and many possible arguments are raised for its clearance. However, this study might be able to reveal some possible approaches where AMPK can reduce or prevent inflammatory disorders.