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Cureus Mar 2024Acute pancreatitis, marked by sudden inflammation of the pancreas, presents a complex spectrum of causative factors including gallstone obstruction, alcohol abuse, and... (Review)
Review
Acute pancreatitis, marked by sudden inflammation of the pancreas, presents a complex spectrum of causative factors including gallstone obstruction, alcohol abuse, and viral infections. Recent studies have illuminated the emergence of vaccine-induced acute pancreatitis, notably associated with COVID-19 vaccinations, presenting diverse mechanisms ranging from direct viral-mediated injury to autoimmune reactions. Understanding this link is pivotal for public health, yet challenges persist in identifying and managing cases post-vaccination. Comprehensive literature reviews employing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement outline the potential pathways and mechanisms leading to vaccine-induced pancreatitis, emphasizing the need for deeper investigations into underlying health conditions and modifications to vaccine components. Notably, the rare occurrences of vaccine-induced pancreatitis extend beyond COVID-19 vaccines, with reports also documenting associations with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), human papillomavirus (HPV), and other viral vaccinations. Mechanistically, hypotheses such as molecular mimicry and immunologic injury have been proposed, necessitating ongoing vigilance and exploration. Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in monitoring and communicating vaccine safety concerns, emphasizing transparency to address potential risks and maintain public trust. Understanding and communicating these rare adverse events with transparency remain integral for informed vaccination policies and to allay concerns surrounding vaccine safety.
PubMed: 38571842
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55426 -
Stem Cell Reviews and Reports May 2024Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested for salivary gland (SG) restoration following radio-induced salivary gland damage. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Therapy Improves Salivary Flow Rate in Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Hypofunction in Preclinical in vivo Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested for salivary gland (SG) restoration following radio-induced salivary gland damage. This study aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of MSC therapy on radio-induced SG damage and hypofunction in preclinical in vivo studies.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for preclinical in vivo interventional studies evaluating efficacy and safety of MSC treatment following radio-induced salivary gland damage published before 10th of January 2022. The primary endpoint was salivary flow rate (SFR) evaluated in a meta-analysis. The study protocol was published and registered on PROSPERO ( www.crd.ac.uk/prospero ), registration number CRD42021227336.
RESULTS
A total of 16 preclinical in vivo studies were included for qualitative analysis (858 experimental animals) and 13 in the meta-analysis (404 experimental animals). MSCs originated from bone marrow (four studies), adipose tissue (10 studies) and salivary gland tissue (two studies) and were administered intravenously (three studies), intra-glandularly (11 studies) or subcutaneously (one study). No serious adverse events were reported. The overall effect on SFR was significantly increased with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 6.99 (95% CI: 2.55-11.42). Studies reported improvements in acinar tissue, vascular areas and paracrine factors.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed a significant effect of MSC therapy for restoring SG functioning and regenerating SG tissue following radiotherapy in preclinical in vivo studies without serious adverse events. MSC therapy holds significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of radio-induced xerostomia, but comprehensive, randomized, clinical trials in humans are required to ascertain their efficacy in a clinical setting.
Topics: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Salivary Glands; Animals; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Humans; Radiation Injuries; Xerostomia
PubMed: 38430363
DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10700-y