Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Research Articles

Combined MALT Lymphoma and Early Gastric Cancer in a Reconstructed Gastric Tube Successfully Treated With Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Combined MALT Lymphoma and Early Gastric Cancer in a Reconstructed Gastric Tube Successfully Treated With Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Evaluation of PTV margin in CBCT-based online adaptive radiation therapy for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate planning target volume (PTV) margin in online adaptive radiation therapy (oART) for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. Four consecutive patients with gastric MALT lymphoma who received oART (30Gy in 15 fractions) on the oART system were included in this study. One hundred and twenty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired pre- and post-treatment of 60 fractions for all patients were used to evaluate intra- and interfractional motions. Patients were instructed on breath-holding at exhalation during image acquisition. To assess the intrafraction gastric motion, different PTVs were created by isotropically extending the CTV contoured on a pre-CBCT image (CTVpre) at1 mm intervals. Intrafraction motion was defined as the amount of expansion covering the contoured CTV on post-CBCT images (CTVpost). Interfractional motion was defined as the amount of reference CTV expansion that could cover each CTVpre, as well as the evaluation of the intrafractional motion. PTV margins were estimated from the cumulative proportion of fraction covering the intra- and interfractional motions. The extent of expansion covering the CTVs in 90% of fractions was adopted as the PTV margin. The PTV margin for intrafractional gastric motion using the oART system with breath-holding was 14mm. In contrast, the PTV margin for interfractional gastric organ motion without the oART system was 25mm. These results indicated that the oART system can reduce the PTV margin by >10mm. Our results could be valuable data for oART cases.

Unique EPIYT motif CagA gene Helicobacter pylori Bali 01 isolate as the cause of hematemesis in a male gastric ulcer patient in Wangaya General Teaching Hospital Denpasar Bali: a case report

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is related with a number of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. This case report aims to present an unique EPIYT motif CagA gene H. pylori Bali 01 isolate as the cause of hematemesis in a male gastric ulcer patient Case Presentation: A 70-year-old male Balinese patient came to the hospital due to hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed after stabilizing patient condition with prompt treatment and intravenous proton pump inhibitor. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a solitary giant ulcer in the gastric antrum. Gastric biopsy was performed and histopathology examination revealed a spherical-like organism, confirmed as H. pylori. Biopsy was sent to the Biomedical Laboratory at West Nusa Tenggara, Mataram, Lombok Island. Culture of biopsy and polymerase chain reaction revealed H. pylori, then named H. pylori Bali 01 isolate. Standard protocol of H. pylori eradication is conducted by administration of triple drug therapy consisting of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 14 days. Patient was discharged from hospital in stable condition. Helicobacter pylori was successfully eradicated and revealed completely normal gastric antrum in reperformance of esophagogastroduodenoscopy 3 months later. Conclusion: The EPIYA-ABD motif on this H. pylori Bali 01 isolate is distinctively unique from the EPIYT motif on the second EPIYA sequence.

RNA editing landscape of adipose tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome provides insight into the obesity-related immune responses.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive-endocrine disorder with wide-ranging metabolic implications, including obesity. RNA editing, a post-transcriptional modification, can fine-tune protein function and introduce heterogeneity. However, the role of RNA editing and its impact on adipose tissue function in PCOS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze RNA-editing events in abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue of PCOS patients and healthy controls using high-throughput whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing. Our results revealed that PCOS patients exhibited more RNA-editing sites, with adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing being prevalent. The expression of ADAR genes, responsible for A-to-I editing, was also higher in PCOS. Aberrant RNA-editing sites in PCOS adipose tissue was enriched in immune responses, and interleukin-12 biosynthetic process. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, Notch signaling, terminal uridylyl transferase 4 (TUT4), hook microtubule tethering protein 3 (HOOK3), and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) were identified to be of significant differences. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCOS adipose tissue were enriched in immune responses compared with controls, and the DEGs between subcutaneous and abdominal adipose tissue were also enriched in immune responses suggesting the important role of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, we identified the correlations between RNA editing levels and RNA expression levels of specific genes, such as ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) in inflammation pathways and ATM, TUT4, and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein C2 (YTHDC2) in oocyte development pathway. These findings suggest that RNA-editing dysregulation in PCOS adipose tissue may contribute to inflammatory dysregulations. Understanding the interplay between RNA editing and adipose tissue function may unveil potential therapeutic targets for PCOS management. However, further research and validation are required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations.

Thymic MALT lymphoma associated with Sjögren’s syndrome with postoperative cardiac tamponade and acute pleuritis: a case report

BackgroundThymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare and is known to be associated with Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS). SjS is rarely accompanied by serositis. Here, we describe the first case of postoperative cardiac tamponade and acute pleuritis in a patient with thymic MALT lymphoma associated with SjS.Case presentationA 33-year-old woman with SjS presented with an anterior mediastinal mass on chest computed tomography, which was performed for further examination of the condition. Suspecting a thymic MALT lymphoma or thymic epithelial tumor, total thymectomy was performed. The mediastinal mass was histopathologically diagnosed as a thymic MALT lymphoma. The patient was discharged with a good postoperative course but visited the hospital 30 days after surgery for dyspnea. Cardiac tamponade was observed and drainage was performed. Four days after pericardial drainage, chest radiography revealed massive left pleural effusion, and thoracic drainage was performed. The patient was diagnosed with serositis associated with SjS and treated with methylprednisolone, which relieved cardiac tamponade and pleuritis.ConclusionsSurgical invasion of thymic MALT lymphomas associated with SjS may cause serositis. Postoperative follow-up should be conducted, considering the possibility of cardiac tamponade or acute pleuritis due to serositis as postoperative complications.

Electrical alternans

A 71-year-old woman presented with a two-month history of anorexia. Her medical history was notable for Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma (MALToma) of the stomach and hemodialysis. Laboratory tests revealed electrolyte imbalances such as low levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Gradual improvement was attempted to avoid refeeding syndrome, but ventricular fibrillation developed during routine hemodialysis and was immediately treated with electronic defibrillation. Later, a diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy and central pontine myelination was added. Follow-up electrocardiography showed a QTc interval of 633 ms and electrical alternans of the QRS complexes and T waves (Figure 1). Electrical alternans is a rare phenomenon and special attention should be paid when electrical alternans includes T-wave alternans, a finding indicative of severe electrical instability [1,2]. In our case, careful control of electrolytes and continuous administration of intravenous lidocaine prevented the recurrence of fatal arrhythmias, although nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was often seen on the monitor.

Clinicopathological characteristics of methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorder of the thyroid: A study of 11 patients

Methotrexate (MTX) is a well-known agent that can potentially cause lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), known as MTX-related LPD (MTX-LPD). Only two cases of thyroid MTX-LPD have been reported to date. This study aimed to report 11 cases of MTX-LPDs arising in the thyroid gland and discuss their clinicopathological characteristics. Of the 747 patients with cytologically suspected lymphoma, 11 had received MTX. The mean age of the patients with MTX-LPD was 70.2 years (range: 51–82 years), and all were female. The duration of MTX administration ranged from 5 to 31 years (mean: 19.5 years). Nine patients (81.8 %) tested positive for anti-thyroglobulin antibody and/or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody. In three patients, the tumor decreased in size or disappeared without surgery or chemotherapy after withdrawal of MTX therapy. Histologically, all eight nodules examined were B-cell lymphomas, and seven were mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization showed negative results for all six nodules examined. All five patients who were followed-up at our hospital exhibited progression-free survival for >3 years without chemotherapy. Six patients were transferred to other hospitals, and their follow-up details are unknown. MTX-LPDs occurring in the thyroid are characterized by a high female predominance, positivity for anti-thyroid autoantibodies, high prevalence of MALT lymphomas, negativity for Epstein-Barr virus, and good outcomes without chemotherapy. We recommend that patients with thyroid lymphoma should be checked for a history of MTX.

Novel therapeutic regimens against Helicobacter pylori: an updated systematic review.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a strict microaerophilic bacterial species that exists in the stomach, and H. pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections affecting humans. Eradicating H. pylori is the preferred method for the long-term prevention of complications such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. However, first-line treatment with triple therapy and quadruple therapy has been unable to cope with increasing antibacterial resistance. To provide an updated review of H. pylori infections and antibacterial resistance, as well as related treatment options, we searched PubMed for articles published until March 2024. The key search terms were "H. pylori", "H. pylori infection", "H. pylori diseases", "H. pylori eradication", and "H. pylori antibacterial resistance." Despite the use of antimicrobial agents, the annual decline in the eradication rate of H. pylori continues. Emerging eradication therapies, such as the development of the new strong acid blocker vonoprazan, probiotic adjuvant therapy, and H. pylori vaccine therapy, are exciting. However, the effectiveness of these treatments needs to be further evaluated. It is worth mentioning that the idea of altering the oxygen environment in gastric juice for H. pylori to not be able to survive is a hot topic that should be considered in new eradication plans. Various strategies for eradicating H. pylori, including antibacterials, vaccines, probiotics, and biomaterials, are continuously evolving. A novel approach involving the alteration of the oxygen concentration within the growth environment of H. pylori has emerged as a promising eradication strategy.

<I>Helicobacter pylori</I> infection and dermatological diseases

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), microaerophilic spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria which colonize the gastric mucosa of human population, is the leading causal factor in the development of a whole range of diseases of the gastroduodenal region (chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, MALT lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma). Since the discovery of H. pylori infection and the identification of its leading role in the development of a range of gastroenterological diseases, researchers have begun to actively study the potential trigger significance of this pathogen in the development of extragastric pathology. At the epidemiological level, H. pylori infection has been shown to be frequently associated with skin diseases such as rosacea, acne, chronic urticaria and psoriasis, although the clinical significance of these associations remains clouded. In fact, recent meta-analytic studies (2019–2024) demonstrate an increased risk of developing the above diseases in H. pylori-infected individuals with odds ratios ranging from 1.19 to 3.00. On the other hand, not all studies have showed that eradication therapy of this microorganism helps reduce the clinical severity of symptoms of skin diseases, which is hypothetically explained only by the trigger role of infection within the complex pathogenesis. In a modern light, such associations can be viewed in terms of pathogenetic findings through the implementation of the syndrome of increased epithelial permeability (SIEP). The chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection is believed to lead to increased permeability of the epithelial lining of the stomach, as well as the walls of the mucosal vessels and a higher exposure of bacterial and nutritional antigens in the systemic circulation, which can induce both local release of inflammatory mediators in tissues and systemic immunological reactions (autoimmune and inflammatory processes, formation of molecular mimicry-induced immune complexes and cross-reactive antibodies).

Gastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoma

Mucosa-associated lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract are aheterogeneous group differing in pathogenesis, localization and therapeutic options. For all of them, differentiated treatment requires an exact determination of lymphoma stage. For gastric MALT lymphoma, the pathogenetic role of Helicobacter pylori infection has become evident in the last 30years. These insights were consequently implemented into clinical practice. Nowadays, Helicobacter pylori eradication is the treatment of choice for gastric MALT lymphoma, leading to complete remission of the lymphoma in the majority of cases. In the absence of success, radiotherapy is available in localized stages I/IIE with excellent results. Immuno-chemotherapy is the domain for advanced stages III/IVE, and surgery plays no role any more. The rare intestinal and colorectal MALT lymphomas require an individualized therapeutic approach.

Response-adapted ultra-low-dose 4 Gy radiation as definitive therapy of gastric MALT lymphoma: a single-centre, pilot trial

Given the favourable prognosis of patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, treatment-related toxicity should be minimised. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 4 Gy radiotherapy given in a response-adapted approach. We conducted a single-centre, single-arm, prospective trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA) of response-adapted ultra-low-dose radiotherapy. Eligible patients were 18 years or older and had newly diagnosed or relapsed Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric MALT lymphoma, with stage I-IV disease. Given the expected low toxicity profile of treatment, performance status was not an exclusion criterion. Patients received external beam photon-based radiotherapy for a total dose of 4 Gy in two fractions. Patients with a complete response to 4 Gy via endoscopy and imaging at 3-4 months were observed; patients with a partial response were re-evaluated in 6-9 months. Residual disease at 9-13 months or stable or progressive disease at any time required additional treatment with 20 Gy. The primary endpoint was gastric complete response at 1 year (second evaluation timepoint) after 4 Gy treatment. All analyses were performed as intention to treat. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03680586) and is complete and closed to enrolment. Between March 27, 2019, and Oct 12, 2021, we enrolled 24 eligible patients. The median age of participants was 67 years (IQR 58-74; range 40-85); 15 (63%) were female and nine (37%) male; 18 (75%) were White, four (17%) Asian, and two (8%) Hispanic; 20 (83%) had stage I disease, one (4%) stage II, and three (13%) stage IV. Median follow-up time was 36 months (IQR 26-42). 20 patients (83%) had a complete response to 4 Gy (16 at 3-4 months, four at 9-13 months); two patients received 20 Gy for symptomatic stable disease at 3-4 months and two for residual disease at 9-13 months; all had a complete response. The 3-year local control rate was 96% (95% CI 88-100), with one local relapse at 14 months after 4 Gy radiotherapy salvaged successfully with 20 Gy. One patient with stage IV disease had a distant relapse. The most common adverse events were grade 1 nausea (nine [38%] of 24 patients who received 4 Gy and two [50%] of four patients who received 20 Gy) and grade 1 abdominal pain (five [21%] of 24 and zero of four, respectively). No grade 3 or worse adverse events were noted, including no treatment-related deaths. Most patients had a complete response after 4 Gy radiotherapy; all who required an additional 20 Gy had a complete response within 12 months. This response-adapted strategy could be used to select patients who would benefit from additional radiotherapy and spare others potential associated toxicity. National Cancer Institute.

Halting multiple myeloma with MALT1 inhibition: suppressing BCMA-induced NF-κB and inducing immunogenic cell death

AbstractBecause multiple myeloma (MM) poses a formidable therapeutic challenge despite recent progress, exploring novel targets is crucial. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) emerges as a promising paracaspase with druggable potential, especially unexplored in MM. Our study provided compelling evidence demonstrating a statistically significant elevation of MALT1 expression in human primary MM cells. Moreover, elevated MALT1 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in MM. Genetic deletion of MALT1 reduced cell growth, colony formation, and tumor growth in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition with 1 μM of a small-molecular MALT1 inhibitor, Mi-2, effectively inhibited cell growth, inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, MALT1 inhibition disrupted diverse signal transduction pathways, notably impeding nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Significantly, the inhibition of MALT1 demonstrated a substantial suppression of NF-κB activation by elevating inhibitor of NF-κB, disrupting the nuclear localization of p65 and c-REL. This effect was observed in both the basal state and when stimulated by B-cell maturation antigen, highlighting the pivotal role of MALT1 inhibition in influencing MM cell survival. It was noteworthy that Mi-2 induces properties associated with immunogenic cell death (ICD), as evidenced by increased calreticulin, adenosine triphosphate release, and high-mobility group protein B1 upregulation, consequently triggering ICD-associated immune activation and enhancing CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity in vitro. In conclusion, our research highlights MALT1 as a promising druggable target for therapeutic interventions in MM, providing insights into its molecular mechanisms in MM progression.

Ultra-low-dose radiation for gastric MALT lymphoma

Ultra-low-dose radiation for gastric MALT lymphoma

Eradication Rate and Factors Influencing Helicobacter pylori Infection Clearance Using Standard Triple Therapy at a Single Centre in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common gastrointestinal infection that affects around 50% of the global population. This infection can lead to various health conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, gastric carcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The triple therapy which consists of proton-pump inhibitors, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin or metronidazole for 14 days is considered the first-line treatment for H. pylori and its eradication, especially in areas where clarithromycin sensitivity is still high. However, recent research shows that the efficacy of this treatment is decreasing due to antibiotic resistance. This was a retrospective study that took place at Al-Hayat Jazan Hospital in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed the medical records of 186 patients with H. pylori who had undergone the standard triple therapy. The objectives of this study were to determine the eradication rate of H. pylori by using the standard triple therapy, and to highlight the influence of some demographic characteristics such as age, gender, diabetes mellitus, and smoking on the eradication rate, in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. The medical records of 186 patients were included in the study. The overall rate of successful eradication was found to be 77.4%. The results of the study showed that the decline in the eradication rate was significantly associated with the presence of diabetes and smoking status (with p-values of <0.001 and <0.004, respectively). This study finds that the standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication is less effective than optimal standards, as per literature and guidelines. Given its declining efficacy globally, alternative first-line treatments may be necessary. Further research is needed to assess its effectiveness in various regional contexts.

Definitive Radiotherapy for Stage I Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: A Retrospective Cohort of Unique-Dose Administration of 30 Gy in 15 Fractions and Analysis of Remission Duration.

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma constitutes a significant proportion of primary stomach lymphomas. The optimal dosage for radiotherapy and standardized follow-up protocols are yet to be universally established. This study focuses on stage I gastric MALT lymphoma patients, presenting clinical outcomes of radiotherapy with a unique dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions and analyzing remission time. A retrospective cohort study, approved by the institutional review board, included consecutive stage I gastric MALT lymphoma patients undergoing curative radiotherapy between 2008 and 2022. Staging followed the Lugano Modification of the Ann Arbor Staging System. The prescribed dose was uniform dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions. Fifty-three patients were eligible, with a median age of 63 years. All achieved complete remission (CR), with a median CR time of 3.9 months. At a median follow-up of 56.8 months, no deaths occurred, and three recurrences were noted. The 5-year overall survival, local control survival, and disease-free survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 97.7%, respectively. No severe acute adverse events were observed. The study demonstrates sustained and favorable long-term disease control with a 30 Gy dose in 15 fractions for stage I gastric MALT lymphoma. Comparisons with existing literature highlight the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy in achieving durable remission. Ongoing efforts explore dose reduction and technological advancements to minimize toxicity. This study emphasizes the importance of awaiting clinical response confirmation to validate these outcomes in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma.

A phase I, first-in-human study of ONO-7018 in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

TPS7083 Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is a key component of the caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11 (CARD 11)-B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 (BCL 10)-MALT1 signalosome complex, which activates nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling in response to B-cell–receptor or T-cell–receptor stimulation. Activation of NF-κB signaling promotes survival and proliferation of B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. ONO-7018 is an oral, potent, and selective MALT1 inhibitor that has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in several lymphoma models (Morishita D, et al. Blood. 2020). Therefore, ONO-7018 has therapeutic potential for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of ONO-7018 as monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL or CLL. Methods: This Phase I, first-in-human, open-label, multicenter study will be done in two parts, a dose-escalation phase (part 1) and a dose-expansion phase (part 2). An estimated 54 eligible patients will be enrolled. Patients must be adults with relapsed/refractory NHL or CLL with measurable disease; all acute toxic effects of prior antitumor therapy should be grade ≤1; have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2; and have adequate bone marrow, renal, and hepatic function. Exclusion criteria include history of other lymphoid malignancy, central nervous system involvement, active autoimmune disease, systemic and active infection, serious or uncontrolled medical disorder, and patient inability to swallow tablets. ONO-7018 will be administered orally. In part 1, patients will be assigned to a dose level cohort (≤4 dose levels: DL1-DL4) using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. In part 2, patients will be given the recommended dose level from part 1, following safety review. The primary endpoints include dose-limiting toxicity, MTD, and treatment-emergent adverse events. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics, objective response rate, duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. The study began February 13, 2023, and is currently recruiting; part 1 is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05515406 .

A Case of Primary Thyroid Maltoma

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas comprise 7.6% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs) and they are recently recognized B-cell subset of NHLs. They are originated from gastrointestinal tract most frequently but may also occur in other organs including head and neck, lung, skin, thyroid and breast. Primary thyroid lymphomas (PTLs) constitute up to 5% of all thyroid malignancies. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is most common type of PTLs and MALT lymphoma is relatively rare subtype of PTLs. Thyroid MALToma arises in chronic inflammatory conditions with autoimmune or infectious etiologies. The optimal treatment regimen still remains controversial. However, It is reported that localized thyroid MALT lymphoma has excellent survival rate after surgical resection alone. We report a case of 48-years-old woman with primary thyroid MALToma.

Indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions with late development of systemic lymphoma

Purpose: To report a case of indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions with late development of pulmonary low-grade B-cell lymphoma after lymphoid lesion regression. Methods: Case report. Results: A 79-year-old male was followed with ocular and systemic surveillance over a sixteen-year period for unilateral nonprogressive choroidal lesions presumed to be a benign lymphocytic disease of the choroid. Workups for systemic lymphoma and birdshot chorioretinopathy were negative. After sixteen years of observation, the choroidal lesions had largely regressed. Recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation led to an incidental discovery of a right lower lobe lung lesion measuring 4.5 cm. Computerized tomography-guided biopsy showed low-grade B-cell lymphoma. There was no additional systemic disease detected. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy revealing extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Conclusion: Patients with indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions should be monitored regularly for late systemic disease, which although rare, can develop even after years of follow-up.

Trained Immunity and Trained Tolerance: The Case of Helicobacter pylori Infection.

Trained immunity is a concept in immunology in which innate immune cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, exhibit enhanced responsiveness and memory-like characteristics following initial contact with a pathogenic stimulus that may promote a more effective immune defense following subsequent contact with the same pathogen. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining, is etiologically associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, MALT lymphoma, and extra gastric disorders. It has been demonstrated that repeated exposure to H. pylori can induce trained immunity in the innate immune cells of the gastric mucosa, which become more responsive and better able to respond to subsequent H. pylori infections. However, interactions between H. pylori and trained immunity are intricate and produce both beneficial and detrimental effects. H. pylori infection is characterized histologically as the presence of both an acute and chronic inflammatory response called acute-on-chronic inflammation, or gastritis. The clinical outcomes of ongoing inflammation include intestinal metaplasia, gastric atrophy, and dysplasia. These same mechanisms may also reduce immunotolerance and trigger autoimmune pathologies in the host. This review focuses on the relationship between trained immunity and H. pylori and underscores the dynamic interplay between the immune system and the pathogen in the context of gastric colonization and inflammation.

Prevalence of cagA, cagM, vacA and oipA genes in isolates of Helicobacter pylori obtained from hospital patients in Northeast Brazil.

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric cancer. It is estimated that around half of the world's population is infected with this pathogen, with underdeveloped countries reporting the highest frequencies. The genes cagA, cagM, vacA, and oipA are some of the most important virulence factors of H. pylori; however, there are no recent studies from Recife-PE demonstrating their frequency, and their relationship with severe gastric modifications. This work aims to use qualitative PCR to detect the virulence genes cagA, cagM, vacA, and oipA in H. pylori isolates obtained from patients in a public hospital in Recife (PE). We collected samples from the stomach's body and antrum of 147 patients, from which 71 (48%) tested positive for H. pylori. Among positive samples, the most frequently infected gender was female (44/71, 62%), and the most frequently infected age group was those above the age of 46 (31/71, 44%). Histological examination of H. pylori-positive samples revealed alterations other than chronic gastritis, including metaplasia and atrophy. The frequency of cagA, cagM, and oipA genes were identified in 84%, 56%, and 69% of the samples tested, respectively, as well as the vacA-s1m1 allelic combination (77%). However, there was no statistically significant variation in the occurrence of these genes, therefore they cannot be considered unique markers of severity in our setting. New research with larger samples and investigations of other genetic markers can aid uncover local risk factors and lead to a better understanding of H. pylori's pathogenesis.