Article
Clinical Neurology
Satish V. Khadilkar, Sarika B. Patil, Vanaja P. Shetty
Summary: Neuropathies are a significant aspect of leprosy symptomatology, with different forms and impacts. Diagnosis relies on a variety of techniques, while treatment requires collaboration across multiple specialties. The focus in the future should be on prevention to achieve favorable outcomes.
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patricia Sola Penna, Sergio Augusto Lopes De Souza, Paulo Gustavo Limeira Nobre De Lacerda, Izabela Jardim Rodrigues Pitta, Clarissa Neves Spitz, Ana Maria Sales, Flavio Alves Lara, Ana Caroline Siquara De Souza, Euzenir Nunes Sarno, Roberta Olmo Pinheiro, Marcia Rodrigues Jardim
Summary: This study used 18F-FDG PET/CT to evaluate the peripheral nerves of nine leprosy patients and found that the uptake of 18F-FDG correlates with clinical neuritis. The results suggest that 18F-FDG PET-CT could be a useful tool to confirm neuritis, especially in difficult-to-diagnose cases.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Andrey Cipriani Frade, Fred Bernardes, Claudia Maria Lincoln Silva, Glauber Voltan, Filipe Rocha Lima, Thania Loyola Cordeiro Abi-Rached, Natalia Aparecida de Paula
Summary: This study conducted hands and feet tactile sensation tests on 107 multibacillary leprosy patients and found that a considerable proportion of patients had functional disability and altered SWM-test results at diagnosis. After one year of treatment, the disability and test abnormalities decreased. The study also found that the asymmetry and focal impairments of certain nerves are important for the diagnosis and follow-up of leprosy neuropathy.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pedro J. Tomaselli, Diogo F. dos Santos, Andre C. J. dos Santos, Douglas E. Antunes, Vanessa D. Marques, Norma T. Foss, Carolina L. Moreira, Patricia T. B. Nogueira, Osvaldo J. M. Nascimento, Luciano Neder, Amilton A. Barreira, Marco A. Frade, Isabela M. B. Goulart, Wilson Marques Jr
Summary: Disability in leprosy is a direct result of peripheral nervous system damage, with more severe manifestations in patients without skin involvement, such as primary neural leprosy. This study found distinct neurological characteristics in patients with short and long disease duration, including sensory and motor nerve impairments.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sergio Luiz Gomes Antunes, Valeria Paula Sassoli Fazan, Marcia Rodrigues Jardim, Mario Jose dos Santos Pereira, Eduardo Alves Freire da Costa, Bernardo Oliveira Pascarelli, Mariana Andrea Vilasboas Hacker, Euzenir Nunes Sarno, Amilton Antunes Barreira
Summary: The study demonstrates that axonal atrophy, Wallerian degeneration, and demyelination coexist in Neural Leprosy. Axonal degeneration predominates in the chronic course of the disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Cotti Piccinelli, Matteo Tagliapietra, Tiziana Cavallaro, Beatrice Labella, Barbara Risi, Filomena Caria, Simona Damioli, Loris Poli, Alessandro Padovani, Sergio Ferrari, Massimiliano Filosto
Summary: The extent and clinical presentation of nerve involvement in leprosy can vary widely. Diagnosing leprosy neuropathy is challenging, especially in Western countries. We report two cases of leprosy neuropathy diagnosed through sural nerve biopsy.
Review
Immunology
Jessica Araujo da Paixao de Oliveira, Mariana Martins de Athaide, Atta Ur Rahman, Mayara Garciade de Mattos Barbosa, Marcia Maria Jardim, Milton Ozorio Moraes, Roberta Olmo Pinheiro
Summary: The review discusses how modulation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) may help control the damage to peripheral nerves in leprosy and COVID-19, and speculates its role during co-infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Luis A. Querol, Hans-Peter Hartung, Richard A. Lewis, Pieter A. van Doorn, Timothy R. Hammond, Nazem Atassi, Miguel Alonso-Alonso, Marinos C. Dalakas
Summary: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a common immune-mediated neuropathy characterized by demyelination of motor and sensory nerves. The pathogenesis of CIDP involves abnormal immune responses and the complement system may play a crucial role.
Article
Immunology
Marcela Araujo de Oliveira Santana, Willian Vargas Tenorio da Costa, Isadora Costa Celestino, Diogo Fernandes dos Santos, Bruno de Carvalho Dornelas, Matthew Martin Pavelka, Andrea De Martino Luppi, Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart
Summary: We report a rare case of lepromatous leprosy with bone marrow involvement in a 42-year-old Brazilian man presenting with fever of unknown origin, anemia, wasting syndrome, and neuropathy. Investigating bone marrow involvement in leprosy is important, especially when the patient presents with cytopenias and positive epidemiologic history.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Angelica Beate Winter Boldt, Camila de Freitas Oliveira-Tore, Gabriela Canalli Kretzschmar, Hellen Weinschutz Mendes, Servio Tulio Stinghen, Fabiana Antunes Andrade, Valeria Bumiller-Bini, Leticia Boslooper Goncalves, Anna Carolina de Moraes Braga, Ewalda von Rosen Seeling Stahlke, Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Steffen Thiel, Iara Jose Taborda de Messias-Reason
Summary: Polymorphisms of the complement system influence susceptibility to leprosy and HBV coinfection, with certain genetic combinations increasing infection risk while others provide protection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Diana N. Lockwood, Amy McIntosh, Margaret Armstrong, Anna M. Checkley, Stephen L. Walker, Angela McBride
Summary: This study investigated the clinical presentation of leprosy in a non-endemic setting. Most patients acquired leprosy before migrating to the UK, and the number of individuals from leprosy endemic countries reflects both the prevalence of leprosy and migration rates. Diagnosing leprosy in non-endemic areas poses challenges and clinicians need to recognize the symptoms and signs of leprosy.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Y-S Gao, J. Liu, Q. Li, Z-Q Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and pathological features of leprosy bacillus-related neuropathy in different clinical stages on four confirmed leprosy patients. The results showed that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing and reducing damage to peripheral nerve function in leprosy patients.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rodrigo Feliciano do Carmo, Jaime Rangel Leal Neves, Pablo Rafael Silveira Oliveira, Luydson Richardson Silva Vasconcelos, Carlos Dornels Freire de Souza
Summary: The association between mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and leprosy suggests that low serum levels and gene polymorphisms of MBL may play a role in protecting against the development of severe forms of the disease. These findings imply that MBL may have a role in the clinical progression of leprosy.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Izabela Jardim Rodrigues Pitta, Mariana de Andrea Vilas-Boas Hacker, Ligia Rocha Andrade, Clarissa Neves Spitz, Robson Teixeira Vital, Anna Maria Sales, Sergio Luiz Gomes Antunes, Euzenir Nunes Sarno, Marcia Rodrigues Jardim
Summary: This study aims to describe the clinical, electrophysiological, and histopathological characteristics of PNL patients, as well as their evolution after multidrug therapy (MDT). The results showed that PNL patients commonly experience sensory disturbances, while neural pain is rare. Mononeuropathy multiplex is the most common pattern observed at the time of diagnosis. The MDT was found to be effective in preventing disease progression.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anita S. Y. Chan, Sai B. B. Tun, Myoe N. Lynn, Candice Ho, Tin A. Tun, Michael J. A. Girard, Rehena Sultana, Veluchamy A. Barathi, Tin Aung, Makoto Aihara
Summary: Current management of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is limited to intraocular pressure control. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an endogenous neuroprotectant expressed in neurons and astrocytes. This study found that intravitreal Ngb treatment reduced thinning of the peripapillary minimum rim width, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and optic nerve head cupping in a primate model of glaucoma.
Article
Surgery
Fons F. van den Berg, Yama Issa, Jeroen P. Vreijling, Markus M. Lerch, Frank Ulrich Weiss, Marc G. Besselink, Frank Baas, Marja A. Boermeester, Hjalmar C. van Santvoort
Summary: Genomic sequencing revealed that ZNF106 and SLC52A1 may be associated with the development of early multiple organ failure in acute pancreatitis.
Article
Immunology
Heidi Gytz Olesen, Iliana Michailidou, Wioleta M. Zelek, Jeroen Vreijling, Patrick Ruizendaal, Ferry de Klein, J. Arnoud Marquart, Thomas B. Kuipers, Hailiang Mei, Yuchun Zhang, Muhammad Ahasan, Krista K. Johnson, Yi Wang, B. Paul Morgan, Marcus van Dijk, Kees Fluiter, Gregers Rom Andersen, Frank Baas
Summary: Damage and disease of nerves activate the complement system, leading to the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) and delaying nerve regeneration. By studying the complement component C6, researchers have developed a novel therapeutic monoclonal antibody, CP010, that prevents MAC formation and shows potential therapeutic use in neurological diseases. The antibody blocks the interaction between C6 and C5/C5b and demonstrates efficacy in preventing disease and relapse in animal models.
JOURNAL OF INNATE IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Remco J. Hack, Minne N. Cerfontaine, Gido Gravesteijn, Stephan Tap, Anne Hafkemeijer, Jeroen van der Grond, Marie-Noelle Witjes-Ane, Frank Baas, Julie W. Rutten, Saskia A. J. Lesnik Oberstein
Summary: This study is the first genotype-driven, large prospective CADASIL cohort study, and the results indicate that the NOTCH3 EGFr group is the most important modifier in CADASIL disease. Male sex and hypertension also have a significant impact on clinical outcomes and neuroimaging markers.
Article
Immunology
Matthew K. Siggins, Kate Davies, Rosie Fellows, Ryan S. Thwaites, J. Kenneth Baillie, Malcolm G. Semple, Peter J. M. Openshaw, Wioleta M. Zelek, Claire L. Harris, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: This study is the largest comprehensive study of complement in COVID-19 to date. It demonstrates the important role of complement in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. Early-onset, uncontrolled activation of complement is a ubiquitous feature of COVID-19, further exacerbated in severe cases. These findings provide novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and inform strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florine Seidel, Robert Kleemann, Wim van Duyvenvoorde, Nikki van Trigt, Nanda Keijzer, Sandra van der Kooij, Cees van Kooten, Lars Verschuren, Aswin Menke, Amanda J. Kiliaan, Johnathan Winter, Timothy R. Hughes, B. Paul Morgan, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter, Martine C. Morrison
Summary: Complement inhibition with an anti-C5 antibody is not effective in reducing the progression of NASH but is beneficial in established atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Inge A. M. van Erp, Iliana Michailidou, Thomas A. van Essen, Mathieu van der Jagt, Wouter Moojen, Wilco C. Peul, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter
Summary: Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and neurofunctional impairment, with neuroinflammation playing a crucial role in secondary brain injury. Attenuating the inflammatory response is a potential therapeutic goal, but non-selective attenuation in the early phase may have detrimental effects. The complement system is involved in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation after brain injury, suggesting it as a target for therapy.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Rossini, Dalia De Santis, Erica Cecchini, Cinzia Cagnoli, Emanuela Maderna, Daniele Cartelli, Bryan Paul Morgan, Megan Torvell, Roberto Spreafico, Roberta di Giacomo, Laura Tassi, Marco de Curtis, Rita Garbelli
Summary: Dendritic spines are crucial for excitatory glutamatergic synapses. The study explores the role of complement components C1q and C3 in synaptic pruning imbalance in Type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). The findings provide valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of diseases related to Type II FCD.
Article
Immunology
L. M. Goff, K. Davies, W. M. Zelek, E. Kodosaki, O. Hakim, S. Lockhart, S. O'Rahilly, B. P. Morgan
Summary: Poor metabolic health and obesity in Black African populations contribute to increased susceptibility to disease, including COVID-19. Complement dysregulation has been linked to metabolic health and implicated as a driver of pathology; however, ethnic differences in complement have not been explored.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nikoleta Daskoulidou, Bethany Shaw, Megan Torvell, Lewis Watkins, Emma L. Cope, Sarah M. Carpanini, Nicholas D. Allen, B. Paul Morgan
Summary: Genome wide association studies have found that Complement receptor 1 (CR1) is associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the expression and role of CR1 in the brain are poorly understood. This study used various methods to demonstrate that CR1 is indeed expressed in human microglia and astrocytes in the brain, and that its expression is significantly increased in AD. These findings support the hypothesis that CR1 variants affect AD risk through their impact on glial functions.
Article
Immunology
Naoki Kamegai, Hangsoo Kim, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Sosuke Fukui, Hiroshi Kojima, Shoichi Maruyama, B. Paul Morgan, Wioleta Milena Zelek, Masashi Mizuno
Summary: In this study, we used a novel mAb 2H2 to investigate the role of the complement terminal pathway in peritoneal injuries associated with peritoneal dialysis. The results showed that blocking the assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) with mAb 2H2 reduced peritoneal thickness and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. This indicates that targeting MAC might be an effective therapy for preventing peritoneal injuries in humans.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Florine Seidel, Kees Fluiter, Robert Kleemann, Nicole Worms, Anita van Nieuwkoop, Martien P. M. Caspers, Nikolaos Grigoriadis, Amanda J. J. Kiliaan, Frank Baas, Iliana Michailidou, Martine C. C. Morrison
Summary: This study used the Ldlr-/-.Leiden mouse model to investigate brain pathology in the context of obesity and vascular dysfunction. The results showed neurodegeneration and astrocytosis in the brains of the mice, as well as altered microglial immunophenotype and molecular pathways. Treatment with an anti-complement therapy partially restored the effects of high-fat diet on the brain, suggesting its potential therapeutic value against obesity-induced neuroinflammation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Inge A. M. van Erp, Iliana Michailidou, Thomas A. van Essen, Mathieu van der Jagt, Wouter Moojen, Wilco C. Peul, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability, and neuroinflammation is a key driver of secondary brain injury after TBI. This review examines the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation and the clinical trials conducted to reduce it. The complement system and its interaction with the coagulation system play an important role in the development of secondary brain injury, making them potential targets for therapy. However, more research is needed to explore specific pathways for pharmacological interventions.
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Florine Seidel, Robert Kleemann, Wim Van Duyvenvoorde, Nanda Keijzer, Nikki Van Trigt, Sandra Van der Kooij, Cees Van Kooten, Lars Verschuren, Aswin L. Menke, Amanda Kiliaan, Johnathan Winter, Timothy Hughes, Paul Morgan, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter, Martine Morrison
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Florine Seidel, Robert Kleemann, Wim van Duyvenvoorde, Nikki van Trigt, Nanda Keijzer, Sandra van der Kooij, Cees van Kooten, Lars Verschuren, Aswin L. Menke, Johnathan Winter, Timothy Hughes, Paul Morgan, Frank Baas, Kees Fluiter, Martine C. Morrison, Amanda Kiliaan
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)