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Clinics and Research in Hepatology and... Aug 2023Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a prominent risk factor for pernicious anemia (PA) and gastric neoplasia. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a prominent risk factor for pernicious anemia (PA) and gastric neoplasia. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of AIG patients in China, with a focus on those who had positive anti-intrinsic factor antibodies (AIFA).
METHODS
A total of 103 AIG patients who were diagnosed between January 2018 and August 2022 were reviewed in a large academic tertiary teaching hospital. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of AIFA, and their serologic and histopathological characteristics were analyzed.
RESULTS
The mean age of the 103 AIG patients was 54.16±11.92 years (range 23-79), with 69 (66.99%) being women. AIFA were present in 28.16% of patients. Patients with AIFA-positive had a higher risk of PA than those with AIFA-negative, as demonstrated by a larger mean corpuscular volume (MCV), lower hemoglobin level, and lower vitamin B-12 level (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in gastric histopathology, gastrin level, and pepsinogen level when patients were divided into AIFA-positive and AIFA-negative group. Of the 103 cases, 34 (33.01%) were concomitant with other autoimmune diseases, with autoimmune thyroid diseases being the most common (25.24%, 26/103). Thyroid peroxidase antibody, which accounted for 45.45% (25/55), was the most prevalent thyroid antibody, followed by anti-thyroglobulin antibody (34.55%, 19/55), thyroid stimulating antibody (12.73%, 7/55), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (3.64%, 2/55).
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the increased risk of severe anemia in AIFA-positive AIG patients, particularly for PA. Clinicians should consider the presence of AIFA as a warning sign for PA and prioritize early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent serious complications.
Topics: Humans; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Retrospective Studies; Gastritis; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Anemia, Pernicious
PubMed: 37311519
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102154 -
Chemico-biological Interactions Sep 2023Vitamin B (cyano- or hydroxo-cobalamin) acts, via its coenzymes, methyl- and adenosyl-cobalamin, as a partner for enzymatic reactions in humans catalysed by methionine...
Vitamin B (cyano- or hydroxo-cobalamin) acts, via its coenzymes, methyl- and adenosyl-cobalamin, as a partner for enzymatic reactions in humans catalysed by methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. As well as its association with pernicious anaemia, human B deficiency may also be a risk factor for neurological illnesses, heart disease and cancer. In the present work the effect of vitamin B (hydroxocobalamin) on the formation of DNA adducts by the epoxide phenyloxirane (styrene oxide), a genotoxic metabolite of phenylethene (styrene), has been studied using an in vitro model system. Styrene was converted to its major metabolite styrene oxide as a mixture of enantiomers using a microsomal fraction from the livers of Sprague-Dawley rats with concomitant inhibition of epoxide hydrolase. However, microsomal oxidation of styrene in the presence of vitamin B gave diastereoisomeric 2-hydroxy-2-phenylcobalamins. The quantitative formation of styrene oxide-DNA adducts was investigated using 2-deoxyguanosine or calf thymus DNA in the presence or absence of vitamin B. Microsomal incubations containing either deoxyguanosine or DNA in the absence of vitamin B gave 2-amino-7-(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)-1,7-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one [N7-(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)-guanine], and 2-amino-7-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-1,7-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one [N7-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)guanine] as the principal adducts. With deoxyguanosine the level of formation of guanine adducts was ca. 150 adducts/10 unmodified nucleoside. With DNA the adduct level was 36 pmol/mg DNA (ca. 1 adduct/0.83 × 10 nucleotides). Styrene oxide adducts from deoxyguanosine or DNA were not detected in microsomal incubations of styrene in the presence of vitamin B. These results suggest that vitamin B could protect DNA against genotoxicity due to styrene oxide and other xenobiotic metabolites. However, this potential defence mechanism requires that the 2-hydroxyalkylcobalamins derived from epoxides are not 'anti-vitamins' and ideally liberate, and therefore, recycle vitamin B. Otherwise, depletion of vitamin B leading to human deficiency could increase the risk of carcinogenesis initiated by genotoxic epoxides.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Humans; DNA Adducts; Vitamin B 12; Xenobiotics; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Epoxy Compounds; DNA Damage; DNA; Guanine; Deoxyguanosine; Styrenes; Styrene
PubMed: 37302460
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110591 -
Family Practice Jun 2024Pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo- thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)) is a rare presentation of B12 deficiency. Overlapping features like elevated LDH/total...
Unusual case of pernicious anaemia masquerading as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the setting of multiple normal vitamin B12 deficiency parameters: preventing anchoring and overdiagnosis.
BACKGROUND
Pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo- thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)) is a rare presentation of B12 deficiency. Overlapping features like elevated LDH/total bilirubin with low haemoglobin/haptoglobin/platelets could deceivingly suggest thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) resulting in avoidable procedures/treatments.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 36-year-old female with hypothyroidism initially presented to clinic with fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness, and dyspnoea over a 3-month duration and was found to have a haemoglobin of 5.7 g/dL. She received two packed red blood cell units in the emergency room and subsequently discharged with outpatient follow-up and empiric oral iron. During her follow-up visit, she was found to have easy bruisability, gum bleeding, and generalized weakness from hemolytic anaemia (mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 90 fL, haptoglobin <8 mg/dL, LDH >4,000 U/L and schistocytosis on CBC) and thrombocytopenia of 52 K/uL. Due to PLASMIC score of 6 and suspicion for TTP, she was transferred to our facility and tr eated with three cycles of plasma exchange and prednisone but were discontinued when ADAMTS13 levels returned normal. While the patient had normal B12 levels, further testing revealed positive intrinsic factor antibodies (IF-Ab) and an elevated MMA level of 1.56 umol/L. Replacement with cobalamin led to normalization of labs and symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Timely diagnosis of pseudo-TMA was exceptionally challenging due to several overlapping features with TTP including normal B12 and normal MCV. B12 levels may falsely appear normal in pernicious anemia due to IF-Ab interference with chemiluminescent immunoassay. Schistocytes lower the MCV in automated cell counters. Lower reticulocyte index (<2%), presence of immature/large platelets and teardrop cells, elevated MMA and a higher LDH (>2500) are indicative of B12 deficiency.
Topics: Humans; Female; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic; Adult; Anemia, Pernicious; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Diagnosis, Differential; Vitamin B 12
PubMed: 37294666
DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad065 -
Immunologic Research Dec 2023The effects of specific cytokines produced by T cell subsets (such as Th1, Th2, and newly discovered Th17, Treg, Tfh, or Th22) are diverse, depending on interactions...
The effects of specific cytokines produced by T cell subsets (such as Th1, Th2, and newly discovered Th17, Treg, Tfh, or Th22) are diverse, depending on interactions with other cytokines, distinct signaling pathways, phase of the disease, or etiological factor. The immunity equilibrium of the immune cells, such as the Th1/Th2, the Th17/Treg, and the Th17/Th1 balance is necessary for the maintenance of the immune homeostasis. If the balance of the T cells subsets is damaged, the autoimmune response becomes enhanced which leads to autoimmune diseases. Indeed, both the Th1/Th2 and the Th17/Treg dichotomies are involved in the pathomechanism of autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the cytokines of Th17 lymphocytes as well as the factors modulating their activity in patients with pernicious anemia. The magnetic bead-based immunoassays used (Bio-Plex) allow simultaneous detection of multiple immune mediators from one serum sample. In our study, we showed that patients suffering from pernicious anemia develop the Th1/Th2 imbalance with a quantitative advantage of cytokines participating in Th1-related immune response, the Th17/Treg imbalance with a quantitative advantage of cytokines participating in Treg-related response, as well as the Th17/Th1 imbalance with a quantitative predominance of cytokines participating in Th1-related immune response. Our study results indicate that T lymphocytes and their specific cytokines play an role in the course of pernicious anemia. The observed changes may indicate the immune response to pernicious anemia or be an element of the pernicious anemia pathomechanism.
Topics: Humans; Cytokines; Anemia, Pernicious; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th17 Cells; Autoimmune Diseases; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 37269464
DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09399-9 -
Clinical Biochemistry Aug 2023Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent form of stroke and has a high incidence in older adults, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, disability, and recurrence... (Review)
Review
Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent form of stroke and has a high incidence in older adults, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, disability, and recurrence rate. Vitamin B deficiency is prevalent in the elderly and has been reported to be associated with ischemic stroke. The mechanisms maybe include the disorder of methylation metabolism, accumulation of toxic metabolites, immune dysfunction, affecting gut microbial composition and gut-brain immune homeostasis, and toxic stress responses to the brain. Vitamin B deficiency may lead to cerebral artery atherosclerosis, change myelination, influence the metabolism and transmission between nerve tissue, and ultimately causes the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. This paper reviews the correlation between vitamin B deficiency and ischemic stroke, looking forward to improving clinicians' understanding and providing new therapeutic directions for ischemic stroke.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Ischemic Stroke; Stroke; Vitamins
PubMed: 37247800
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.110591 -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Dec 2023Corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder leading to possible development of type 1 neuroendocrine tumors (T1gNET), intraepithelial...
INTRODUCTION
Corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder leading to possible development of type 1 neuroendocrine tumors (T1gNET), intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN), and gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to assess occurrence and predictors of gastric neoplastic lesions in patients with corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis at long-term follow-up.
METHODS
A prospective single-center cohort of patients with corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis adhering to endoscopic-histological surveillance was considered. Follow-up gastroscopies were scheduled according to the management of epithelial precancerous conditions and lesions of the stomach guidelines. In case of new/worsening of known symptoms, gastroscopy was anticipated. Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were obtained.
RESULTS
Two hundred seventy-five patients with corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis (72.0% female, median age 61 [23-84] years) were included. At a median follow-up of 5 (1-17) years, the annual incidence rate person-year was 0.5%, 0.6%, 2.8%, and 3.9% for GC/high-grade IEN, low-grade IEN, T1gNET, and all gastric neoplastic lesions, respectively. All patients showed at baseline operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA)-2, except 2 low-grade (LG) IEN patients and 1 T1gNET patient with OLGA-1. Age older than 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 4.7), intestinal metaplasia without pseudopyloric metaplasia (HR 4.3), and pernicious anemia (HR 4.3) were associated with higher risk for GC/HG-IEN or LG-IEN development and shorter mean survival time for progression (13.4, 13.2, and 11.1, respectively, vs 14.7 years, P = 0.01). Pernicious anemia was an independent risk factor for T1gNET (HR 2.2) and associated with a shorter mean survival time for progression (11.7 vs 13.6 years, P = 0.04) as well as severe corpus atrophy (12.8 vs 13.6 years, P = 0.03).
DISCUSSION
Patients with corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis are at increased risk for GC and T1gNET despite low-risk OLGA scores, and those aged older than 60 years with corpus intestinal metaplasia or pernicious anemia seem to display a high-risk scenario.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Male; Gastritis, Atrophic; Incidence; Cohort Studies; Anemia, Pernicious; Prospective Studies; Gastritis; Risk Factors; Stomach Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Metaplasia; Helicobacter Infections; Gastric Mucosa
PubMed: 37207305
DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002327 -
Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany) Aug 2023Patients with mental illness are less likely to receive the same physical healthcare as those without mental illness and are less likely to be treated in accordance with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Patients with mental illness are less likely to receive the same physical healthcare as those without mental illness and are less likely to be treated in accordance with established guidelines. This study employed a randomized experiment to investigate the influence of comorbid depression on diagnostic accuracy.
METHODS
Physicians were presented with an interactive vignette describing a patient with a complex presentation of pernicious anemia. They were randomized to diagnose either a patient with or without (control) comorbid depression and related behaviors. All other clinical information was identical. Physicians recorded a differential diagnosis, ordered tests, and rated patient likeability.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine physicians completed the study. The patient with comorbid depression was less likeable than the control patient (p=0.03, 95 % CI [0.09, 1.53]). Diagnostic accuracy was lower in the depression compared to control condition (59.4 % vs. 40.7 %), however this difference was not statistically significant χ(1)=2.035, p=0.15. Exploratory analyses revealed that patient condition (depression vs. control) interacted with the number of diagnostic tests ordered to predict diagnostic accuracy (OR=2.401, p=0.038). Accuracy was lower in the depression condition (vs. control) when physicians ordered fewer tests (1 SD below mean; OR=0.103, p=0.028), but there was no difference for physicians who ordered more tests (1 SD above mean; OR=2.042, p=0.396).
CONCLUSIONS
Comorbid depression and related behaviors lowered diagnostic accuracy when physicians ordered fewer tests - a time when more possibilities should have been considered. These findings underscore the critical need to develop interventions to reduce diagnostic error when treating vulnerable populations such as those with depression.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 37185165
DOI: 10.1515/dx-2020-0106 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics Oct 2023To define the vitamin B12 levels and other micronutrients status in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) children.
OBJECTIVES
To define the vitamin B12 levels and other micronutrients status in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) children.
METHODS
This was a prospective hospital based cross-sectional study.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Children with severe acute malnutrition as per WHO criteria.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
(i) Pernicious anemia (ii) Autoimmune gastritis (iii) SAM children on exclusive vitamin B12 supplementation. All enrolled children underwent a detailed clinical history, general physical examination with more emphasis on clinical features of vitamin B12 and other micronutrients deficiencies. Three ml of venous blood was collected to estimate vitamin B12 and other micronutrients. Primary outcome was percentage of deficiency of serum vitamin B12, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, molybdenum and cobalt in SAM children.
RESULTS
Fifty children were included in the study. The mean age of children was 15.60±12.90 mo with male to female ratio 0.85:1. The common clinical presentation in order of frequency were upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms 35 (70%), hepatomegaly 24 (48%), Hyperpigmentation 17 (34%), angular cheilitis 14 (28%), tremors 11 (22%), edema 07 (14%), and hypotonia 05 (10%). Anemia was found in 44 (88%) children. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 34%. Other micronutrient deficiencies observed were cobalt 24 (100%), copper 05 (12%), zinc 04 (9.5%), and molybdenum 03 (12.5%). No statistical significance was found between clinical symptoms and levels of vitamin B12 with different age and sex.
CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of low vitamin B12 and cobalt were more common than other micronutrients.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Copper; Zinc; Selenium; Vitamin B 12; Manganese; Molybdenum; Cobalt; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Severe Acute Malnutrition; Prevalence
PubMed: 37142858
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04520-0