Review
Immunology
Elda Hasa, Phillipp Hartmann, Bernd Schnabl
Summary: Cirrhosis is a common cause of death worldwide, and it is an end-stage liver disease caused by various factors. The progression of cirrhosis involves the continuation of alcohol or toxin exposure, dysbiosis of gut microbiota, increased gut permeability, and disrupted immune response.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Partha Pratim Das, Subhash Medhi
Summary: Liver cirrhosis is caused by persistent inflammation and liver injury, leading to the buildup of fibrous tissue and regenerative nodules in the liver. This disrupts liver function and the immune system, causing immunological dysfunction. Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IFN-γ contribute to liver cell necrosis and fibrosis development, while IL-10 has an anti-inflammatory effect. Immune dysfunction and alterations in both innate and acquired immunity play a crucial role in the progression and development of liver cirrhosis.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xiude Fan, Rebecca L. McCullough, Emily Huang, Annette Bellar, Adam Kim, Kyle L. Poulsen, Craig J. McClain, Mack Mitchell, Arthur J. McCullough, Svetlana Radaeva, Bruce Barton, Gyongyi Szabo, Srinivasan Dasarathy, Daniel M. Rotroff, Laura E. Nagy
Summary: This study found that acute alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is associated with a significant disruption of the complement system, with changes in complement proteins indicating disease severity and predicting mortality. Specifically, low levels of CFI and sC5b9 were associated with increased 90-day mortality in AH patients. Inclusion of complement markers, especially CFI and sC5b9, could enhance diagnostic and prognostic accuracy for AH patients.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Joan Claria, Vicente Arroyo, Richard Moreau
Summary: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is the most severe form of acutely decompensated cirrhosis and is characterized by intense systemic inflammation and various mechanisms that lead to organ failures, including vasodilation, neutrophil migration, microthrombi formation, hepatic encephalopathy, and energy competition.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Victoria T. Kronsten, Thomas H. Tranah, Carmine Pariante, Debbie L. Shawcross
Summary: Depression and chronic liver disease (CLD) are significant contributors to disability, morbidity, and mortality. The high prevalence of depression in CLD patients may be linked to systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and a dysfunctional gut-liver-brain axis.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chandra Chiappin Cardoso, Camila Matiollo, Carolina Hilgert Jacobsen Pereira, Janaina Sant'ana Fonseca, Helder Emmanuel Leite Alves, Otavio Marcos da Silva, Vivian de Souza Menegassi, Leonardo de Lucca Schiavon, Maria Claudia Santos-Silva
Summary: This study investigated B-cell disturbances in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis and found potential relationships with prognosis and mortality.
CLINICS AND RESEARCH IN HEPATOLOGY AND GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ana Clara Falabello de Luca, Gabriella Bueno Marinho, Juliana Bertoldi Franco, Jefferson da Rocha Tenorio, Natalia Silva Andrade, Alexandre Mendes Batista, Ana Carolina Mamana, Tania Regina Tozetto-Mendoza, Mario Perez Sayans, Paulo Henrique Braz-Silva, Karem L. Ortega
Summary: This study investigated the viral load of torque teno virus (TTV) in the plasma and saliva of cirrhotic patients and its correlation with clinical characteristics. The results showed that TTV was more frequently detected and in higher amounts in saliva than in plasma. However, there was no correlation between TTV viral load and clinical parameters.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Victoria Tatiana Kronsten, Debbie Lindsay Shawcross
Summary: Hepatic encephalopathy and depression share several clinical features and potential pathophysiological mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation and alterations in gut microbiota. The interaction between these conditions may have implications for treatment strategies and outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kirsti A. Campbell, Hirsh D. Trivedi, Sanjiv Chopra
Summary: Cirrhosis is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with infections impacting quality of life. Understanding immune dysfunction and managing infections in cirrhosis has become more nuanced with increasing rates of drug-resistant organisms. This review discusses cirrhosis-associated immune deficiency, common infections, and techniques for prevention and treatment in high-risk populations.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Dalila Costa, Benedikt Simbrunner, Mathias Jachs, Lukas Hartl, David Bauer, Rafael Paternostro, Philipp Schwabl, Bernhard Scheiner, Albert Friedrich Stattermayer, Matthias Pinter, Michael Trauner, Mattias Mandorfer, Thomas Reiberger
Summary: This study revealed significant differences in liver function, portal hypertension, and systemic inflammation among patients with advanced chronic liver disease at different prognostic stages, with IL-6 levels proving to be predictive of decompensation and mortality risk in decompensated patients.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Virender Kumar, Xiaofei Xin, Jingyi Ma, Chalet Tan, Natalia Osna, Ram I. Mahato
Summary: Type 2 diabetes mellitus associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the fourth leading cause of death, with complications such as nephropathy and cirrhosis. Etiological factors involve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, with treatment targets including FFA homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Strategies to enhance drug delivery to specific liver cell types have the potential to improve efficacy and reduce off-target effects.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ajeeth K. Pingili, Mehdi Chaib, Laura M. Sipe, Emily J. Miller, Bin Teng, Rahul Sharma, Johnathan R. Yarbro, Sarah Asemota, Qusai Al Abdallah, Tahliyah S. Mims, Tony N. Marion, Deidre Daria, Radhika Sekhri, Alina M. Hamilton, Melissa A. Troester, Heejoon Jo, Hyo Young Choi, D. Neil Hayes, Katherine L. Cook, Ramesh Narayanan, Joseph F. Pierre, Liza Makowski
Summary: Obesity may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies in breast cancer, leading to differential responses to anti-PD-1 treatment in lean and obese mice.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tak Kyu Oh, Eun Sun Jang, In-Ae Song
Summary: The study found that elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio, GGT, and dAAR) were associated with increased infectious mortality.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ingrid W. Zhang, Cristina Lopez-Vicario, Marta Duran-Guell, Joan Claria
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in providing cellular energy and their dysfunction can lead to various diseases. Due to the high mitochondrial content, liver diseases require special attention to mitochondrial function. Research on mitochondrial dysfunction should start by defining the specific dysfunctions to be investigated.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Enfa Zhao, Yiping Cheng, Chunxiao Yu, Huijie Li, Xiude Fan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Based on the study of US NAFLD patients, it was found that the baseline log(2)-SII is associated with all-cause mortality, and elevated SII is associated with poor survival among NAFLD patients.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rosa Martin-Mateos, Rosario Gonzalez-Alonso, Noelia Alvarez-Diaz, Alfonso Muriel, Andrea Gaetano-Gil, Jesus Donate Ortega, Alejandro Lopez-Jerez, Alexandre Figueroa Tubio, Agustin Albillos
Summary: In a systematic review and meta-analysis, G-CSF administration did not significantly improve overall survival compared to standard medical therapy (SMT) in patients with ACLF. However, when considering only the results from studies performed in Asia, a significant decrease in mortality was observed. Further research is needed to identify specific subgroups that may benefit from G-CSF treatment.
GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alfredo Cordova, Franchek Drobnic, David Noriega-Gonzalez, Alberto Caballero-Garcia, Enrique Roche, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: Physical activity and sports increase the risk of tendinopathies due to the stress and force generated in the tendon and muscle-tendon unit. Curcumin, a supplement, has been found to have significant anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and can promote the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. Additionally, curcumin can reduce cell infiltration, activation, and production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Haro Giron, Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz, Jorge Monserrat Sanz, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Diego J. Jimenez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Diego de Leon-Oliva, Miguel A. Ortega, Mar Atienza-Perez, David Diaz, Elisa Lopez-Dolado, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling neurological condition with changes in immune cell compartments, which can lead to inflammation and further damage. This study analyzed and quantified the cytokine-producing T cells in the serum of chronic SCI patients and found an altered immune profile compared to healthy controls. These changes in cytokine production by T cells may have important implications for the development and recovery of SCI.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonel Pekarek, Diego Torres-Carranza, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Tatiana Pekarek, Miguel A. Saez, Francisco Rueda-Correa, Carolina Pimentel-Martinez, Luis G. Guijarro, Raul Diaz-Pedrero, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Miguel A. Ortega
Summary: Recent studies have shown the importance of epigenetic markers in the development of various malignant tumors, and their role in understanding metastasis and tumor progression in cancer patients. Among these markers, microRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play a crucial role in different oncogenic pathways. The overexpression or downregulation of microRNAs is associated with complex interactions with multiple genes, resulting in increased cell proliferation, tumor invasion, and interaction with various driver markers. However, there is currently a lack of diagnostic kits for the initial diagnosis and assessment of cancer recurrence, despite the usefulness of combining different microRNAs for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonel Pekarek, Alicia Sanchez Cendra, Eduardo D. Roberts D. Cervantes, Cristina Sanchez Cendra, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Raul Diaz-Pedrero, Diego Torres-Carranza, Laura Lopez-Gonzalez, Soledad Aguado-Henche, Antonio Rios-Parra, Luis M. Garcia-Puente, Natalio Garcia-Honduvilla, Julia Bujan, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Miguel A. Saez, Miguel A. Ortega
Summary: Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women and can either be localized or metastatic. The discovery of targeted therapies has revolutionized the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
M. A. Alvarez-Mon, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Javier Quintero, Sonia Fernandez-Rojo, Fernando Mora, Luis Gutierrez-Rojas, Rosa M. Molina-Ruiz, Guillermo Lahera, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Miguel A. Ortega
Summary: Research has shown that serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can have more effective and faster antidepressant effects than other common medications, such as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for major depressive disorder (MDD). The SNRI duloxetine has been found to be favorable in clinical practice for treating MDD, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Through an online survey, psychiatrists' knowledge and experience, as well as patients' preferences, symptoms, and well-being, were collected and compared with scientific literature, leading to the conclusion that duloxetine is widely accepted due to its tolerability, effectiveness, and versatility in various situations.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sergio Haro Giron, Jorge Monserrat Sanz, Miguel A. Ortega, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz, Diego Liviu Boaru, Diego de Leon-Oliva, Luis G. Guijarro, Mar Atienza-Perez, David Diaz, Elisa Lopez-Dolado, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: The plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) can be considered as an oxidative stress biomarker to assess the prognosis of chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lara Sanchez-Trujillo, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Luis M. Garcia-Puente, Luis G. Guijarro, Diego De Leon-Oliva, Diego Liviu Boaru, David Gardon-Alburquerque, Maria del Val Toledo Lobo, Mar Royuela, Ignacio Garcia-Tunon, Antonio Rios-Parra, Juan A. De Leon-Luis, Coral Bravo, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Julia Bujan, Miguel A. Saez, Natalio Garcia-Honduvilla, Miguel A. Ortega
Summary: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common condition that affects the veins in the lower limbs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and varicose veins. Pregnancy increases the vulnerability to CVD due to hormonal, hemodynamic, and mechanical changes. This study examined the inflammatory status of the umbilical cord in women with CVD during pregnancy through the expression of inflammatory markers. The results showed increased expression of AIF-1, IL-12A, and IL-18, along with decreased IL-10, suggesting an inflammatory state related to CVD.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Diego De Leon-Oliva, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Diego Liviu Boaru, Luis Garcia-Puente, Antonio Rios-Parra, Maria J. J. Garrido-Gil, Carlos Casanova-Martin, Natalio Garcia-Honduvilla, Julia Bujan, Luis G. G. Guijarro, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Miguel A. A. Ortega
Summary: Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1) is a calcium-binding protein that plays a role in intracellular processes such as phagocytosis and F-actin remodeling. It is linked to the activation of macrophages and various diseases including kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and transplants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and role of AIF1 in inflammatory diseases.
Article
Biology
Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz, Sergio Haro Giron, Jorge Monserrat Sanz, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Diego J. Jimenez, Diego de Leon-Oliva, Miguel A. Ortega, Mar Atienza-Perez, David Diaz, Elisa Lopez-Dolado, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: Immune dysfunction is a major feature of chronic spinal cord injuries (SCIs), leading to increased vulnerability to infections. This study characterized circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in chronic SCI patients and found significant changes in the immunological characteristics of these cells, especially in patients with long periods of evolution. Understanding the immune dysfunction in chronic SCI can lead to the development of translational biomarkers or therapies for better clinical management.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Adrian Abbasi-Perez, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Carolina Donat-Vargas, Miguel A. Ortega, Jorge Monserrat, Ana Perez-Gomez, Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Summary: Twitter has become a popular platform for sharing information on rheumatology drugs, with patients, healthcare professionals, institutions, and others actively participating. This study analyzed tweets related to 16 rheumatology drugs to determine the volume, content, and type of users. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most discussed drug, with patients and their relatives being the main contributors, while professionals, institutions, and patient associations focused on TNF inhibitors. Medical content prevailed in most tweets, with efficacy being the most discussed topic. Inappropriate or fake content was found to be very low.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Isabel Alfonso-Fuertes, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Rafael Sanchez del Hoyo, Miguel A. Ortega, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Rosa M. Molina-Ruiz
Summary: This study aims to analyze the relationships between the use of Instagram, both the hours of daily use and the type of content viewed, and self-esteem, tendency to make physical comparisons, and satisfaction with body image. The study found that participants who spent more time on Instagram had higher levels of body dissatisfaction, greater comparisons of physical appearance, and lower self-esteem. There were no significant differences between the types of content viewed.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Julia Corominas, Carme Garriga, Antoni Prenafeta, Alexandra Moros, Manuel Canete, Antonio Barreiro, Luis Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Laia Madrenas, Irina Guell, Bonaventura Clotet, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Dalia Raich-Regue, Marcal Gallemi, Julia Blanco, Edwards Pradenas, Benjamin Trinite, Julia G. Prado, Oscar Blanch-Lombarte, Raul Perez-Caballero, Montserrat Plana, Ignasi Esteban, Carmen Pastor-Quinones, Xavier Nunez-Costa, Rachel Abu Taleb, Paula McSkimming, Alex Soriano, Jocelyn Nava, Jesse Omar Anagua, Rafel Ramos, Ruth Marti Lluch, Aida Corpes Comes, Susana Otero Romero, Xavier Martinez Gomez, Carla Sans-Pola, Jose Molto, Susana Benet, Lucia Bailon, Jose R. Arribas, Alberto M. Borobia, Javier Queiruga Parada, Jorge Navarro-Perez, Maria Jose Forner Giner, Rafael Orti Lucas, Maria del Mar Vazquez Jimenez, Salvador Ona Compan, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Daniel Troncoso, Eunate Arana-Arri, Susana Meijide, Natale Imaz-Ayo, Patricia Munoz Garcia, Sofia de la Villa Martinez, Sara Rodriguez Fernandez, Teresa Prat, Elia Torroella, Laura Ferrer
Summary: In the interim results of the Phase IIb HH-2 trial, the SARS-CoV-2 protein-based heterodimer vaccine PHH-1V is shown to have a stronger immunogenicity and higher safety compared to the homologous booster BNT162b2. The PHH-1V booster induces a superior neutralizing antibody response against various SARS-CoV-2 variants and also elicits a strong T-cell response.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Ortega, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Diego De Leon-Oliva, Diego Liviu Boaru, Coral Bravo, Juan A. De Leon-Luis, Miguel A. Saez, Angel Asunsolo, Ignacio Romero-Gerechter, Alejandro Sanz-Giancola, Raul Diaz-Pedrero, Laura Lopez-Gonzalez, Luis G. Guijarro, Silvestra Barrena-Blazquez, Julia Bujan, Natalio Garcia-Honduvilla, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Guillermo Lahera
Summary: Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality. A first-episode psychosis during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and newborn. This study aimed to analyze the gene and protein expression of oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), vasopressin (AVP), and vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) in the placental tissue of pregnant women after a first-episode psychosis. The results showed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A in the placental tissue of these women. This suggests that an abnormal paracrine/endocrine activity of the placenta may be associated with a first-episode psychosis during pregnancy, negatively impacting the well-being of both the mother and fetus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Diego De Leon-Oliva, Silvestra Barrena-Blazquez, Laura Jimenez-Alvarez, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo Garcia-Montero, Laura Lopez-Gonzalez, Diego Torres-Carranza, Luis M. Garcia-Puente, Sara T. Carranza, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Raul Diaz, Miguel A. Ortega
Summary: The RANK-RANKL-OPG system is a crucial signaling pathway in bone metabolism, mammary epithelial cell development, immune function, and cancer. RANKL binds to RANK on osteoclasts, dendritic cells, T cells, and other cells, promoting osteoclast differentiation and activation, resulting in bone resorption. OPG acts as a decoy receptor to inhibit RANKL signaling. Increased RANKL expression in cancer cells can lead to enhanced bone resorption and bone metastases. RANKL-neutralizing antibodies, like denosumab, have shown efficacy in treating skeletal-related events and cancer.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)