State Of Dysfunction Research Articles

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with vaginal lubrication issues in women at 6 months postpartum

ABSTRACT Introduction A woman's sexuality changes during her life and varies according to endogenous and exogenous factors. In this perspective, pregnancy and childbirth create a state of sexual dysfunction. The physiological changes that occur in the postpartum period are unique to each woman, and depend on several factors, including the mode of delivery, and the postpartum period. Postpartum vaginal dryness is a common sexual disorder, caused by modifications in vaginal lubrication mechanisms. Objective Studying women's sexuality after childbirth by evaluating vaginal lubrication disorders in postpartum period. Methods This is a prospective, cross-sectional study between November 2018 and September 2019 at obstetric and gynecologic department of Ben Arous hospital of Tunisia. 150 Women were included and were followed from the third trimester of pregnancy through 6 months after childbirth. we opted for the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to evaluate sexual disorder in postpartum period. Results On the FSFI, the average vaginal lubrication score was 4.58 during pregnancy and 3.79 after delivery. At the time of the study, 6% of women were not sexually active during pregnancy and 2% after delivery. 53% of women who were sexually active during pregnancy reported feeling the sensation of vaginal lubrication during intercourse with varying frequency. 36% of women did not claim difficulty to acquire a satisfying level of vaginal lubrication After delivery, 39 women (26%), noted a sensation of lubrication less frequently. 84 % of women reported varying degrees of difficulty in achieving vaginal moisture during sexual intercourse after delivery (very difficult: 12%, difficult: 28%, somewhat difficult: 44%). The ability to maintain vaginal moisture during sex seems decreased after childbirth. In fact, the ability to maintain an adequate vaginal lubrification during sexual intercourse was reported on postpartum in 21 women (14%) compared to 48% during pregnancy. The factors influencing the different parameters of vaginal moisture found in our series were breastfeeding, mode of delivery and contraception. Conclusion In postpartum period achieving vaginal moisture and maintain of an adequate vaginal lubrification during intercourse seems to be altered. Mode of birth, breastfeeding and contraception was associated with lack of vaginal lubrication. Preparing women and their partners for this during the antenatal period and advising on simple measures, such as use of lubrication could be helpful. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Abstract #1179548: Hashimoto's encephalopathy in a patient with severe hypothyroidism

Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) manifests itself with neuro-psychiatric disorders, which can reach coma; HE usually occurs in euthyroid, being less frequent states of thyroid dysfunction. We present the case of a patient with HE and severe hypothyroidism.

Pituitary apoplexy associated with COVID-19 infection: review and a case report

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome caused by a hemorrhage and/or infarction in a pituitary adenoma due to a diverse group of pathophysiological mechanisms. The clinical spectrum consists of severe headaches, visual disturbances, cranial nerve involvement and hormonal deficiencies. There have been a growing number of case reports of pituitary apoplexy with a possible association with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recently. The aim of this paper is to review and analyze the possible connection between pituitary apoplexy and the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The literature review was conducted by searching the term ‘COVID-19 pituitary apoplexy’ in the PubMed database. Seventeen results were screened. We identified 12 cases of patients with pituitary apoplexy with a possible connection to COVID-19. The pathophysiological mechanisms include infarction and acute hemorrhage. COVID-19 could contribute to pituitary apoplexy due to a series of predisposing factors, like hemodynamic instability, increase in intracranial pressure, coagulopathy, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulative state. The possible association between COVID-19 and pituitary apoplexy is still debatable. Finally, we report a case of a 63-year-old female presenting with pituitary apoplexy with an onset of symptoms 15 days after initial positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2. The patient was hospitalized for COVID-19 due to associated pneumonia for 12 days. Three days after discharge from the hospital, the patient developed a severe onset headache. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma with pituitary apoplexy. In the presented case, the most probable reason for the pituitary apoplexy is infarction and not acute hemorrhage.

Evaluation of Thyroid Hormones-Thyrotropin Interrelationships in Thyroid Dysfunction States from Population-Based Data Analysis with a Logistic Model

Evaluation of Thyroid Hormones-Thyrotropin Interrelationships in Thyroid Dysfunction States from Population-Based Data Analysis with a Logistic Model

Activated glia cells cause bioenergetic impairment of neurons that can be rescued by knock-down of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter

Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of various neurological disorders including autoimmune-, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In neuroinflammation, activated microglia and astrocytes release soluble mediators such as cytokines, glutamate, and reactive oxygen species that negatively affect neuronal function and viability, and thus contribute to neurodegeneration during disease progression. Therefore, the development of neuroprotective strategies might be important in addition to treating inflammation in these diseases. Mitochondria are promising cellular targets for neuroprotective interventions: They are among the first structures affected in many neuroinflammatory diseases, with mitochondrial impairment ranging from impaired respiratory activity and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential to mitochondrial oxidation and fragmentation. Therefore, we developed a cell culture model that resembles an early state of inflammation-induced neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction preceding neuronal cell death, and can be used to test mito- and neuroprotective strategies. Rat primary cortical neurons were challenged with conditioned medium from mixed primary cultures of rat microglia and astrocytes that had been activated with lipopolysaccharide and ATP. When sublethal amounts of glia-conditioned medium were added to neurons for 24 h, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels were decreased, whereas mitochondrial redox state remained unaffected. Effects on mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels were ameliorated by knock-down of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in neurons. This study suggests that neuronal bioenergetic failure is an early event during neuroinflammation and it identifies the mitochondrial calcium uniporter as a candidate target for neuroprotection in this context.

Aspirin in COVID-19: Pros and Cons.

Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has been ravaging the medical and economic sectors even with the significant vaccination advances. In severe presentations, the disease of SARS-CoV-2 can manifest with life-threatening thromboembolic and multi-organ repercussions provoking notable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of such burdensome forms has been under extensive investigation and is attributed to a state of immune dysfunction and hyperinflammation. In light of these extraordinary circumstances, research efforts have focused on investigating and repurposing previously available agents that target the inflammatory and hematological cascades. Aspirin, due to its well-known properties and multiple molecular targets, and ought to its extensive clinical use, has been perceived as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Aspirin acts at multiple cellular targets to achieve its anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. Although initial promising clinical data describing aspirin role in COVID-19 has appeared, evidence supporting its use remains fragile and premature. This review explores the notion of repurposing aspirin in COVID-19 infection. It delves into aspirin as a molecule, along with its pharmacology and clinical applications. It also reviews the current high-quality clinical evidence highlighting the role of aspirin in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Neurohumoral Profiles and Childhood Adversity of Patients with Multisomatoform Disorder and Pain as the Leading Bodily Symptom.

Objective Patients suffering from chronic pain often present with multifactorial underlying conditions, sometimes without concrete pathological physical findings. Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) and somatoform disorders show a high prevalence of 8-20% and are often associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and chronic stress. As many different FSS have overlapping symptoms, the concept of multisomatoform disorder (MSD) has been introduced as an encompassing concept. We hypothesize that a common neurohumoral profile is present in patients with MSD that is distinct from gender- and age-matched controls and thus provides insight into possible common underlying mechanisms. Design In 151 patients with MSD (138 females) and 149 matched controls (131 females), we determined ACE by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and chronic stress by the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS). Furthermore, the serum levels of leptin, FSH, LH, cortisol, DHEA-S, and IGF-1 have been assessed. Results There were significant differences in the levels of leptin, FSH, IGF-1, and cortisol between patients and controls, mainly driven by female participants. Levels of leptin were significantly correlated with BMI in patients, in controls, and in the female subgroup. This correlation was exaggerated in female patients when compared to female controls. Both CTQ and TICS predicted MSD directly and indirectly through the levels of leptin. Conclusion There is evidence of a distinct neurohumoral profile in female patients with MSD when compared to matched healthy controls, similar to what has been demonstrated in other chronic pain states. The observed profile can be taken as possible evidence for a dysregulated response to chronic stress and metabolic balance as well as a state of hypocortisolism and HPA-axis dysfunction. ACE and chronic stress play a major role in the development of MSD and altered neurohumoral profile.

Abstract ES7-1: Harnessing Lifestyle Interventions via Diet and Exercise for Cancer Risk Reduction

Abstract A growing body of evidence indicates the importance of maintaining optimal metabolic health to reduce the risk of developing cancer and to improve outcomes after cancer diagnosis. Classical and normal weight obesity are states of metabolic dysfunction, and highly prevalent risk factors for the development and growth of several cancers. Classical obesity (defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30) is a risk factor for at least 13 different types of cancer. Recent data indicate that up to one third of normal weight individuals have metabolic obesity and, subsequently, increased risk for several cancers including breast and colon. Methods to risk-stratify metabolic health and subsequent cancer risk beyond traditional anthropometric metrics such as BMI could improve the efficacy of lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing cancer risk and improving cancer outcomes. In this educational session, the molecular mechanisms linking classical and normal weight obesity to cancer growth will be presented. Obesity-related dysfunction can contribute to cancer pathogenesis and treatment resistance through various mechanisms, including those mediated by insulin, leptin, adiponectin, pro-inflammatory mediators, and hormone signaling pathways, particularly in women. Furthermore, adiposity-related changes can influence tumor vascularity and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment, which can support tumor development and growth. Building upon these mechanistic findings, several clinical trials testing “precision lifestyle” interventions targeted at specific biologic pathways are ongoing. Several randomized control trials testing diet, exercise, and weight loss interventions in cancer populations have demonstrated the feasibility of such interventions. Here, the next generation of lifestyle interventions, such as digital interventions, that target specific pathway dysregulation will be presented. Additionally, pharmacologic interventions that target host metabolism are under study as adjuncts to standard cancer therapy. As rates of classical and normal weight obesity continue to increase, the development of individualized and biologically rational lifestyle interventions could represent an impactful strategy to reduce the worldwide cancer burden. Citation Format: NM Iyengar. Harnessing Lifestyle Interventions via Diet and Exercise for Cancer Risk Reduction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES7-1.

Barriers and Enablers for Healthy Food Systems and Environments: The Role of Local Governments.

Purpose of reviewFood systems at all levels are experiencing various states of dysfunction and crisis, and in turn their governance contributes to other intensifying crises, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the rapid expansion of dietary-related non-communicable diseases. In many jurisdictions governments at local, state and national levels are taking action to tackle some of the key challenges confronting food systems through a range of regulatory, legislative and fiscal measures. This article comprises a narrative review summarising recent relevant literature with a focus on the intersection between corporate power and public health. The review sought to identify some of the principal barriers for the design and support of healthy food systems and environments, as well as key reforms that can be adopted to address these barriers, with a focus on the role of local governments.Recent findingsThe review found that, where permitted to do so by authorising legislative and regulatory frameworks, and where political and executive leadership prioritises healthy and sustainable food systems, local governments have demonstrated the capacity to exercise legislative and regulatory powers, such as planning powers to constrain the expansion of the fast food industry. In doing so, they have been able to advance broader goals of public health and wellbeing, as well as support the strengthening and expansion of healthy and sustainable food systems.SummaryWhilst local governments in various jurisdictions have demonstrated the capacity to take effective action to advance public health and environmental goals, such interventions take place in the context of a food system dominated by the corporate determinants of health. Accordingly, their wider health-promoting impact will remain limited in the absence of substantive reform at all levels of government.

A Prediction Model for Acute Kidney Injury After Pericardiectomy: An Observational Study.

ObjectivesAcute kidney injury is a common complication after pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis, which predisposes patients to worse outcomes and high medical costs. We aimed to investigate potential risk factors and consequences and establish a prediction model.MethodsWe selected patients with constrictive pericarditis receiving isolated pericardiectomy from January 2013 to January 2021. Patients receiving concomittant surgery or repeat percardiectomy, as well as end-stage of renal disease were excluded. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed and classified according to the KDIGO criteria. Clinical features were compared between patients with and without postoperative acute kidney injury. A prediction model was established based on multivariable regression analysis.ResultsAmong two hundred and eleven patients, ninety-five (45.0%) developed postoperative acute kidney injury, with fourty-three (45.3%), twenty-eight (29.5%), and twenty-four (25.3%) in mild, moderate and severe stages, respectively. Twenty-nine (13.7%) patients received hemofiltration. Nine (4.3%) patients died perioperatively and were all in the acute kidney injury (9.5%) group. Eleven (5.2%) patients were considered to have chronic renal dysfunction states at the 6-month postoperative follow-up, and eight (72.7%) of them experienced moderate to severe stages of postoperative acute kidney injury. Univariable analysis showed that patients with acute kidney injury were older (difference 8 years, P < 0.001); had higher body mass index (difference 1.68 kg·m−2, P = 0.002); rates of smoking (OR = 2, P = 0.020), hypertension (OR = 2.83, P = 0.004), and renal dysfunction (OR = 3.58, P = 0.002); higher central venous pressure (difference 3 cm H2O, P < 0.001); and lower cardiac index (difference −0.23 L·min−1·m−2, P < 0.001) than patients without acute kidney injury. Multivariable regression analysis showed that advanced age (OR 1.03, P = 0.003), high body mass index (OR 1.10, P = 0.024), preoperative atrial arrhythmia (OR 3.12, P = 0.041), renal dysfunction (OR 2.70 P = 0.043), high central venous pressure (OR 1.12, P = 0.002), and low cardiac index (OR 0.36, P = 0.009) were associated with a high risk of postoperative acute kidney injury. A nomogram was established based on the regression results. The model showed good model fitness (Hosmer-Lemeshow test P = 0.881), with an area under the curve value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.84, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prediction model may help with early recognition, management, and reduction of acute kidney injury after pericardiectomy.

POS-780 ESTIMATING THE EXPECTED SERUM CREATININE RANGE MAY IDENTIFY KIDNEY TRANPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH ALLOGRAFT DYSFUNCTION

Many clinicians struggle to assess the expected kidney allograft function. While falling creatinine levels usually rule out allograft dysfunction, stable creatinine levels may represent a state of allograft dysfunction that requires histopathologic evaluation.

Use of Non-Vitamin K Dependent Oral Anticoagulant in Ischemic Stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased incidence of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. A confluence of various factors such as blood stasis, endothelial dysfunction, and prothrombotic state could be contributing to the thrombogenesis in AF. Anticoagulation is the first-line therapy for the prevention of thromboembolism by AF. In current days, non-vitamin K dependent oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are considered as the preferred choice of anticoagulants to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with AF. NOACs have comparable good efficacy and better safety with a predictable anticoagulant effect without the routine coagulation monitoring compared to vitamin K dependent oral anticoagulant. However, the proper use of NOACs needs a careful approach to many practical aspects for balancing the preventing thromboembolic events and bleeding risk. Thus, understanding the drug metabolism and indication of NOAC for a specific situation is essential. In this article, we review major clinical trials, the mechanism, and the use of NOACs in the actual clinical setting of managing ischemic stroke patients.

Comparison of in vivo hindfoot joints motion changes during stance phase between non-flatfoot and stage II adult acquired flatfoot

BackgroundTo compare the kinematic characteristics of hindfoot joints in stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) with those of non-flatfoot through the 3D-to-2D registration technology and single fluoroscopic imaging system.MethodsEight volunteers with stage II AAFD and seven volunteers without stage II AAFD were recruited and CT scans were performed bilateral for both groups in neutral positions. Their lateral dynamic X-ray data during the stance phase, including 14 non-flatfeet and 10 flatfeet, was collected. A computer-aided simulated light source for 3D CT model was applied to obtain the virtual images, which were matched with the dynamic X-ray images to register in the “Fluo” software, so that the spatial changes during the stance phase could be calculated.ResultsDuring the early-stance phase, the calcaneous was more dorsiflexed, everted, and externally-rotated relative to the talus in flatfoot compared with that in non-flatfoot (p < 0.05). During the mid-stance phase, the calcaneous was more dorsiflexed and everted relative to the talus in flatfoot compared with that in non-flatfoot (p < 0.05); however, the rotation did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). During the late-stance phase, the calcaneous was more plantarflexed, but less inverted and internally-rotated, relative to the talus in flatfoot compared with that in non-flatfoot (p < 0.05). During the early- and mid-stance phase, the navicular was more dorsiflexed, everted, and externally-rotated relative to the talus in flatfoot compared with that in non-flatfoot (p < 0.05). During the late-stance phase, the navicular was more plantarflexed, but less inverted and internally-rotated, relative to the talus in flatfoot compared with that in non-flatfoot (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the motion of cuboid between the two groups during the whole stance phase (p > 0.05).ConclusionsDuring the early- and mid-stance phase, excessive motion was observed in the subtalar and talonavicular joints in stage II AAFD. During the late-stance phase, the motion of subtalar and talonavicular joints appeared to be in the dysfunction state. The current study helps better understanding the biomechanics of the hindfoot during non-flatfoot and flatfoot condition which is critical to the intervention to the AAFD using conservative treatment such as insole or surgical treatment for joint hypermotion.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in clinical long-COVID-19 syndrome: a prospective case–control study

BackgroundThe underlying pathophysiology of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (long-COVID-19) syndrome remains unknown, but increased cardiometabolic demand and state of mitochondrial dysfunction have emerged as candidate mechanisms. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides insight into pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and 31-phosphorus CMR spectroscopy (31P-CMRS) allows non-invasive assessment of the myocardial energetic state. The main aim of the study was to assess whether long COVID-19 syndrome is associated with abnormalities of myocardial structure, function, perfusion and energy metabolism.MethodsProspective case–control study. A total of 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of long COVID-19 syndrome (seropositive) and no prior underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 10 matching healthy controls underwent 31P-CMRS and CMR at 3T at a single time point. All patients had been symptomatic with acute COVID-19, but none required hospital admission.ResultsBetween the long COVID-19 syndrome patients and matched contemporary healthy controls there were no differences in myocardial energetics (phosphocreatine to ATP ratio), in cardiac structure (biventricular volumes), function (biventricular ejection fractions, global longitudinal strain), tissue characterization (T1 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement) or perfusion (myocardial rest and stress blood flow, myocardial perfusion reserve). One patient with long COVID-19 syndrome showed subepicardial hyperenhancement on late gadolinium enhancement imaging compatible with prior myocarditis, but no accompanying abnormality in cardiac size, function, perfusion, extracellular volume fraction, native T1, T2 or cardiac energetics.ConclusionsIn this prospective case–control study, the overwhelming majority of patients with a clinical long COVID-19 syndrome with no prior CVD did not exhibit any abnormalities in myocardial energetics, structure, function, blood flow or tissue characteristics.

Comparison of Imipenem and Tigecycline versus Imipenem, Tigecycline combined with GM-CSF in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and septic shock

Background and Aim: Cirrhosis is a state of immune dysfunction and exhaustion which leads to worse outcomes. Previous studies have shown prevention of sepsis with immune modulation in patients with ACLF and decompensated cirrhosis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) lead to septic shock and multi-organ failure. We studied the efficacy of adding GM-CSF to imipenem and tigecycline in these patients.

Characteristics of endothelial dysfunction in patients with atopic dermatitis

Introduction. Skin lesions in atopic dermatitis (AD) are apparently associated with vascular changes, as blood vessels provide pathways for the transport of immune cells. The aim of the study: study of the state of endothelial dysfunction in patients with atopic dermatitis. Materials and methods. 70 patients with AD were examined. Groups were formed depending on the SСORAD index (I subgroup – with SСORAD index up to 20 points, II – with SСORAD index 20-40 points, III subgroup – with SСORAD index from 40 and above points). Indicators of endothelial dysfunction of VEGF and VCAM-1 in blood serum were determined by the immunoenzymatic method. Research results and their discussion. A significant percentage of deviations from the reference interval of both the level of VEGF (52 (74.3%) examined) and VCAM-1 (32 (45.7%) examined) in blood serum among AD patients was established. There were 4.6 times more people of the III subgroup with an elevated level of VEGF in blood serum than patients with a reference value (p˂0.001) and 1.52 times more than among patients of the I subgroup (p=0.0121). Among the patients of the I, only the reference values of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were found. Among individuals of the III subgroup with an elevated level of VCAM-1 was 1.9 times more than with its reference value (p=0.016). It was established that the level of VEGF in blood serum in patients of the III was 1.4 times higher compared to the level in patients of the II and 1.68 times higher than in patients of the I. Similar changes were found in the level of VCAM-1 in blood serum in AD patients. The highest level of VCAM-1 was found in patients of the III subgroup, which was 2.2 times higher than that in the II and 5.4 times in the I subgroups. In patients with AD with a minimum duration of the disease (1 year), the level of VEGF in blood serum was within the reference values. Probably the highest value of this indicator was noted in patients with a long course of the disease (16 and more years), (р˂0.05). Conclusions. A feature of atopic dermatitis is the development of endothelial dysfunction, namely due to an increase in the level of endothelial vasoactive factors VEGF, VCAM-1 (p&lt;0.01). Violation of endothelial function in AD correlates with the severity of the disease (p&lt;0.05). The increase in VEGF content is associated with the duration of AD (p&lt;0.05).

Evaluation of Thyroid Hormones-Thyrotropin Interrelationships in Thyroid Dysfunction States from Population-Based Data Analysis with a Logistic Model

Цель данной работы - исследование комплексных корреляций между свободным сывороточным трийодтиронином и тетрайодтиронином и тиреотропным гормоном при расстройствах функций щитовидной железы. В исследование включили 3425 пациентов, у которых проводили анализ функционального состояния щитовидной железы. Пациентов делили на группы с эутиреозом (70.45%), субклиническим гипотиреозом (18.95%), выраженным гипотиреозом (3.30%), субклиническим гипертиреозом (5.11%) и явным гипертиреозом (2.19%). Линейные и нелинейные соотношения между трийодтиронином, тетрайодтиронином и тиреотропином моделировали статистически с целью выявить их роли в функционировании щитовидной железы. Гипотиреоз более распространен, чем гипертиреоз, причем женщины ему подвержены больше, чем мужчины. Корреляция между трийодтиронином и тетрайодтиронином увеличивается от эутиреоза (r = 0.1, P &lt;0.001) к выраженным расстройствам щитовидной железы (r = 0.91, P &lt; 0.001). Сложные нелинейные корреляции между тетрайодтиронином и тиреотропином в значительной мере объясняются хорошо аппроксимирующими сигмоидными кривыми четырехпараметрической логистической модели (R2 = 0.97, P &lt; 0.001) в случаях как гипотиреоза, так и гипертиреоза...

Role of mitochondrial DNA leaking into cytosol on inflammatory responses in microglia

Mitochondria are essential intracellular organelle to produce ATP through aerobic respiration. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction by the accumulation of various intracellular stresses has a significant impact on cellular functions. Moreover, previous studies reported that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leaking into cytosol influences intracellular signalings such as cGAS-STING or NF-κB pathways under mitochondrial dysfunction states. We recently defined that the cytosolic mtDNA enhanced the type I Interferon (IFN) production in microglia, a resident immune cell in central nerve systems (CNS), in the context of mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known that mitochondrial function was impaired in the brains of elderly and patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, IFN is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and Alzheimer's disease. In this workshop, we will introduce these recent findings and discuss the potential of drugs that modulate this pathway as prophylactic and therapeutic agents for these CNS diseases.

Preeclampsia and pyelonephritis: two different types of endothelial cell dysfunction?

Preeclampsia is an endothelial cell disorder. Pyelonephritis with bacteremia could also be considered a state of endothelial cell dysfunction or activation; however, patients do not develop hypertension. Is there a difference between the endothelial cell damage of preeclampsia versus that of pyelonephritis? Syndecan-1 (Sdc1) is a component of the glycocalyx on the luminal surface of the endothelium; the concentration of its soluble form is a marker of endothelial injury. Previous reports showed that Sdc1 levels are low in maternal blood of preeclampsia before and at the time of clinical diagnosis.

Stressors and Resilience: An Integrative Model for Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Stressors and Resilience: An Integrative Model for Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease