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Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases Mar 2022To explore the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in targeting the prostate gland, leading to exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and greater... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To explore the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in targeting the prostate gland, leading to exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and greater risks of BPH complications such as acute urinary retention.
METHODS
A categorized and comprehensive search in the literature has been conducted by 10 April 2021 using international databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library in line with the PRISMA guidelines recommendations. PICO strategy was used to formulate the research question. The following terms were used: urology, COVID-19, coronavirus, BPH, inflammation, androgen receptors, LUTS, IPSS, PSA, and SARS-CoV-2 or a combination of them. Studies with irrelevant purposes and duplicates were excluded. The selected studies were performed on humans and published in English.
RESULTS
The research revealed 89 articles. After title screening and considering exclusion criteria, 52 papers were included for the systematic review. BPH is a common condition affecting older men. SARS-CoV-2 infects the host cell by binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A hyperactivated RAS system during infection with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to activation of pro-inflammatory pathways and increased cytokine release. Thus, this virus can lead to exacerbation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and trigger inflammatory processes in the prostate gland. Since androgen receptors (AR) play an important role in the BPH pathophysiology and infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be androgen-mediated, BPH progression and its related symptoms can be a complication of COVID-19 through AR involvement and metabolic disturbances.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the current findings, SARS-CoV-2 can possibly damage the prostate and worsen BPH and its related LUTS through ACE2 signaling, AR-related mechanisms, inflammation, and metabolic derangement. We encourage future studies to investigate the possible role of COVID-19 in the progression of BPH-related LUTS and examine the prostatic status in susceptible patients with relevant available questionnaires (e.g., IPSS) and serum biomarkers (e.g., PSA).
Topics: Aged; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; COVID-19; Humans; Inflammation; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Receptors, Androgen; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34007019
DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00388-3 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Sep 2021The Severe acute respiratory syndrome may be caused by coronavirus disease which has resulted in a global pandemic. Polymorphisms in the population play a role in...
The Severe acute respiratory syndrome may be caused by coronavirus disease which has resulted in a global pandemic. Polymorphisms in the population play a role in susceptibility to severity. We aimed to perform a systematic review related to the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Twenty-eight eligible articles published were identified in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PMC Central and Portal BVS and additional records, with 20 studies performed in China. Information on study characteristics, genetic polymorphisms, and comorbidities was extracted. Study quality was assessed by the STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association (STREGA) guideline. Few studies investigated the presence of polymorphisms in HLA, ACE1, OAS-1, MxA, PKR, MBL, E-CR1, FcγRIIA, MBL2, L-SIGN (CLEC4M), IFNG, CD14, ICAM3, RANTES, IL-12 RB1, TNFA, CXCL10/IP-10, CD209 (DC-SIGN), AHSG, CYP4F3 and CCL2 with the susceptibility or protection to SARS-Cov. This review provides comprehensive evidence of the association between genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility or protection to severity SARS-CoV. The literature about coronavirus infection, susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and genetic variations is scarce. Further studies are necessary to provide more concrete evidence, mainly related to Covid-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Chemokines; Cytokines; Female; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Markers; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; HLA Antigens; Humans; Male; Mannose-Binding Lectin; Polymorphism, Genetic
PubMed: 33933633
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104846 -
Microorganisms Feb 2021infection linked to the consumption of contaminated poultry products is one of the leading causes of human enteric illness worldwide. Vaccination of chickens is one of... (Review)
Review
infection linked to the consumption of contaminated poultry products is one of the leading causes of human enteric illness worldwide. Vaccination of chickens is one of the potential strategies that could be used to control colonization. To date, various vaccines using potential antigens have been evaluated, but a challenge in identifying the most effective formulation is the wide variability in vaccine efficacies reported. A systematic review was undertaken to compare vaccine studies. Based upon specific selection criteria eligible papers were identified and included in the analysis. Vaccine efficacy reported from different antigens, vaccine types, and vaccination regimens reported in these papers were reviewed. Our analysis shows that total outer membrane proteins and cysteine ABC transporter substrate-binding protein were among the most efficacious vaccine antigen candidates reported. This review also highlights the importance of the need for increased consistency in the way vaccine studies in poultry are designed and reported in order to be able to undertake a robust comparison of vaccine candidates.
PubMed: 33671947
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020397 -
Molecular and Cellular Probes Feb 2021The newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to infect humans, and no effective treatment has yet been found. Antibody therapy is one way to control infection...
The newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to infect humans, and no effective treatment has yet been found. Antibody therapy is one way to control infection caused by COVID-19. However, the use of classical antibodies raises complex issues. Heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs) are single-domain antibodies derived from the Camelidae family. The variable part of these antibodies (Nanobodies or VHH) has interesting properties such as small size, cost-effective production, and good tissue permeability, causing VHH to be regarded as an antiviral therapeutics. However, the small size of nanobodies may lead to low antigen binding affinity and rapid renal clearance. In this systematic review, the application of nanobodies in the treatment of COVID-19 infection and other similar infections (MERS and SARS) was reviewed.
Topics: Antibodies, Neutralizing; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Single-Domain Antibodies
PubMed: 33358936
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101692 -
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Oct 2020Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging virus that is highly pathogenic and has caused the recent worldwide pandemic officially named...
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging virus that is highly pathogenic and has caused the recent worldwide pandemic officially named coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Currently, considerable efforts have been put into developing effective and safe drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines, such as inactivated vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines, and vector vaccines, have already entered clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the experimental and clinical data obtained from recent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines trials, and highlight certain potential safety issues that require consideration when developing vaccines. Furthermore, we summarize several strategies utilized in the development of vaccines against other infectious viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), with the aim of aiding in the design of effective therapeutic approaches against SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Antibodies, Viral; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Clinical Trials as Topic; Coronavirus Infections; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunization Schedule; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; Pandemics; Patient Safety; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pneumonia, Viral; Protein Binding; Receptors, Virus; Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus; Vaccines, Attenuated; Vaccines, DNA; Vaccines, Subunit; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Viral Vaccines
PubMed: 33051445
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00352-y -
Fertility and Sterility Dec 2020To investigate whether levothyroxine is associated with improved live birth and other benefits in women with thyroid autoimmunity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether levothyroxine is associated with improved live birth and other benefits in women with thyroid autoimmunity.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Women positive for thyroid peroxidase antibody.
INTERVENTION(S)
MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched without any language restrictions. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcome was the incidence of live birth, miscarriage, preterm birth, clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal admission, and birth weight. The summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval.
RESULT(S)
Levothyroxine supplementation was not associated with an increased rate of live birth or a decreased risk of miscarriage. Results were similar in subgroup analyses of live birth by age, baseline thyrotropin, baseline thyroid peroxidase antibody, body mass index, and use of assisted conception. For live birth, the effect estimate lay within the futility boundary for RR of 20% and 15%, but at a 10% RR, the effect estimate lay between the futility boundary and the inferior boundary.
CONCLUSION(S)
High- to moderate-quality evidence demonstrated that the use of levothyroxine was not associated with improvements in clinical pregnancy outcomes among women positive for thyroid peroxidase antibody.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42019132976.
Topics: Adult; Autoantibodies; Autoantigens; Autoimmune Diseases; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Iodide Peroxidase; Iron-Binding Proteins; Live Birth; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Thyroid Diseases; Thyroxine
PubMed: 32912635
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.06.034 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2020: The present study aims to elucidate the clinicopathologic significance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in gastric carcinomas (GCs) through a meta-analysis. :... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
: The present study aims to elucidate the clinicopathologic significance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in gastric carcinomas (GCs) through a meta-analysis. : Sixty-one eligible studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The included patients, with and without EBV infection, were 2063 and 17,684, respectively. We investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics and various biomarkers, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). : The estimated EBV-infected rate of GCs was 0.113 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.088-0.143). The EBV infection rates in GC cells were 0.138 (95% CI: 0.096-0.194), 0.103 (95% CI: 0.077-0.137), 0.080 (95% CI: 0.061-0.106), and 0.042 (95% CI: 0.016-0.106) in the population of Asia, America, Europe, and Africa, respectively. There was a significant difference between EBV-infected and noninfected GCs in the male: female ratio, but not other clinicopathological characteristics. EBV infection rates were higher in GC with lymphoid stroma (0.573, 95% CI: 0.428-0.706) than other histologic types of GCs. There were significant differences in high AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) and PD-L1 expressions, and high CD8+ TILs between EBV-infected and noninfected GCs. : Our results showed that EBV infection of GCs was frequently found in male patients and GCs with lymphoid stroma. EBV infection was significantly correlated with ARID1A and PD-L1 expressions and CD8+ TILs in GCs.
Topics: B7-H1 Antigen; Biomarkers; DNA-Binding Proteins; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Microsatellite Instability; Peptide Fragments; Receptor, ErbB-2; Stomach Neoplasms; Transcription Factors; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 32668573
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56070345 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jul 2020Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate thyroid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate thyroid dysfunction in Iranian pregnant women.
METHODS
We registered this review at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020166655). The research steps in this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the MOOSE protocol, and finally, reports were provided based on the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in October 2019 using the international online databases, including Web of Science, Ovid, Science Direct, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CINAHL, Google Scholar as well as national databases were reviewed. Data were extracted after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and qualitative evaluation of the studies. I index and Q test were used to assess differences in studies. All analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We identified 1261 potential articles from the databases, and 426 articles remained after removing the duplicate and unrelated studies. After evaluating the full text, 52 articles were removed.
RESULTS
Finally, 19 eligible studies including 17,670 pregnant women included for meta-analysis. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Iranian pregnant women was 18.10% (95%CI: 13.89-23.25). The prevalence of hypothyroidism, clinical hypothyroidism, and subclinical hypothyroidism in Iranian pregnant women was respectively estimated to be 13.01% (95%CI: 9.15-18.17), 1.35% (95%CI: 0.97-1.86) and 11.90% (95%CI: 7.40-18.57). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism, clinical hyperthyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism in Iranian pregnant women was respectively estimated to be 3.31% (95%CI: 1.62-6.61), 1.06% (95%CI: 0.61-1.84) and 2.56% (95%CI: 0.90-7.05). The prevalence of anti-thyroperoxidase antibody was estimated to be 11.68% (95%CI: 7.92-16.89).
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism. The decision to recommend thyroid screening during pregnancy for all women is still under debate, because the positive effects of treatment on pregnancy outcomes must be ensured. On the other hand, evidence about the effect of thyroid screening and treatment of thyroid disorders on pregnancy outcomes is still insufficient. Nevertheless, a large percentage of general practitioners, obstetricians and gynecologists perform screening procedures in Iran.
Topics: Adult; Autoantigens; Female; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Iodide Peroxidase; Iran; Iron-Binding Proteins; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 32664874
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03040-5 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... Aug 2020The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled the rapid identification of non-synonymous somatic mutations in cancer cells. Neoantigens are mutated...
BACKGROUND
The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled the rapid identification of non-synonymous somatic mutations in cancer cells. Neoantigens are mutated peptides derived from somatic mutations not present in normal tissues that may result in the presentation of tumour-specific peptides capable of eliciting antitumour T-cell responses. Personalised neoantigen-based cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies have been shown to prime host immunity against tumour cells and are under clinical trial development. However, the optimisation and standardisation of neoantigen identification, as well as its delivery as immunotherapy are needed to increase tumour-specific T-cell responses and, thus, the clinical efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies.
METHODS
In this recommendation article, launched by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), we outline and discuss the available framework for neoantigen prediction and present a systematic review of the current scientific evidence.
RESULTS
A number of computational pipelines for neoantigen prediction are available. Most of them provide peptide major histocompatibility complex (MHC) binding affinity predictions, but more recent approaches incorporate additional features like variant allele fraction, gene expression, and clonality of mutations. Neoantigens can be predicted in all cancer types with high and low tumour mutation burden, in part by exploiting tumour-specific aberrations derived from mutational frameshifts, splice variants, gene fusions, endogenous retroelements and other tumour-specific processes that could yield more potently immunogenic tumour neoantigens. Ongoing clinical trials will highlight those cancer types and combinations of immune therapies that would derive the most benefit from neoantigen-based immunotherapies.
CONCLUSIONS
Improved identification, selection and prioritisation of tumour-specific neoantigens are needed to increase the scope of benefit from cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies. Novel pipelines are being developed to resolve the challenges posed by high-throughput sequencing and to predict immunogenic neoantigens.
Topics: Humans; Antigens, Neoplasm; Cancer Vaccines; Immunotherapy; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Precision Medicine; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 32610166
DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.05.008 -
Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology &... May 2020To describe the main syndrome and clinical course in a large cohort of patients with anti-Ri-associated paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (Ri-PNS).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the main syndrome and clinical course in a large cohort of patients with anti-Ri-associated paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (Ri-PNS).
METHODS
Twenty-year retrospective nationwide study and systematic review of the literature.
RESULTS
Thirty-six patients with complete clinical information were identified (median age 66 years, range: 47-87 years). In this French cohort, the majority were women (78%). At onset, 4 main patterns were observed: cerebellar syndrome (39%), isolated tremor (24%), oculomotor disturbances (17%), and other symptoms (19%). Course was multistep for 78% of cases. At the time the disease reached the plateau phase (median 12 weeks, range: 1-64 weeks; 28% >3 months), 24 (67%) showed an overt cerebellar syndrome, which was isolated in 3 patients, and was most frequently (21/24 cases) part of a multisystem neurologic disease. Patients manifested a variety of movement disorders, including myoclonus (33%), dystonia (17%), either cervical or oromandibular, and parkinsonism (17%). Most patients had cancer (92%), mainly breast cancer (n = 22). Misdiagnoses concerned 22% of patients (n = 8) and included atypical parkinsonism (n = 2), MS (n = 2), Bickerstaff encephalitis (n = 1), hyperekplexia (n = 1), vestibular neuritis (n = 1), and functional neurologic disorder (n = 1). Survival at 12 months was 73% (95% CI [0.54-0.85]), at 24 months 62% (95% CI [0.41-0.78]), and at 36 months 47% (95% CI [0.25-0.65]). There was no major clinical difference between cases retrieved from the systematic review of the literature (n = 55) and the French cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
Ri-PNS is a multisystem neurologic syndrome with prominent cerebellum/brainstem involvement. Opsoclonus-myoclonus is less common than expected, and the disorder can mimic neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; France; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Movement Disorders; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuro-Oncological Ventral Antigen; Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration; Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System; RNA-Binding Proteins; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32170042
DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000000699