Pernicious Anemia Research Articles

The Relationship between Telomere Length and Epigenetic Aging with Hematologic Diseases Risk: A Multivariable Mendelian Randomisation Study

Introduction: Aging is a complex phenomenon that involves multifaceted changes, including significant alterations in telomere length and epigenetic aging. When aging affects the hematopoietic system, it leads to a gradual increase in mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, making individuals more susceptible to the development of hematologic diseases. However, due to the limitations of observational studies, such as potential confounding factors and reverse causality, the precise causal direction and magnitude of the relationship between telomere length, epigenetic aging, and the incidence of hematologic diseases remain uncertain. Therefore, we conducted an investigation to determine the causal relevance of telomere length and epigenetic aging in relation to hematologic diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Firstly, we conducted a 2-sample single-variable Mendelian randomization (SVMR) study to examine the genetically predicted effects of telomere length and epigenetic age acceleration, as measured by HannumAge, Horvath Intrinsic Age, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DNAm PAI-1 (DNA methylation-estimated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) levels, on multiple hematologic diseases, including anemia, lymphoma, leukemia, myeloproliferative diseases, and hemostasis and coagulation diseases. Additionally, we used lasso regression to exclude multicollinearity in SNPs and subsequently performed multivariable MR using the screened SNPs to adjust for statistically significant risk factors, and MR Bayesian model averaging was performed to rank the significant risk factors based on their genetic evidence (Figure A). Results: Summary data were available for 19 malignant hematological neoplasms and 35 non-malignant hematological disorders, corresponding to 70,813 cases and 12,253,012 controls. Increased telomere length due to germline genetic variation was generally associated with increased risk for hematologic diseases. The strongest associations were observed for lymphoma, lymphoid leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, essential thrombocythaemia, unspecified types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Non-follicular lymphoma, unspecified iron deficiency, leukaemia, while higher levels of telomere length was associated with a reduced risk of pernicious anaemia (Figure B). Meta-analyzed IVW MR findings suggested that higher PhenoAge acceleration was associated with increased risks of myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphoid leukemia. Conversely, higher PhenoAge acceleration was linked to reduced risks of unspecified disorders of white blood cells and unspecified coagulation defects. Similarly, SVMR showed genetic predisposition for GrimAge acceleration to be associated with increased risks of amyloidosis, unspecified anemias, and myeloid leukemia. Conversely, genetically predicted GrimAge acceleration was associated with reduced risks of hemorrhagic anemia, hemolytic anemias, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Furthermore, our findings suggested that elevated HannumAge acceleration increased the risks of lymphoma, leukemia, and lymphoid leukemia.Conversely, higher HannumAge acceleration was associated with a reduced risk of chronic myeloid leukemia. Additionally, higher levels of DNAm PAI-1 were found to be associated with an increased risk of chronic myeloid leukemia. However, there was no evidence of causality between genetically predicted Intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration and the 19 malignant hematological neoplasms and 35 non-malignant hematological disorders mentioned (Figure C). We utilized MVMR-LASSO to estimate the combined effects of telomere length and five epigenetic clocks on hematologic diseases. After adjusting for epigenetic aging, we observed a significant positive association between telomere length and various hematologic diseases, including leukemia, lymphoid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-follicular lymphoma, unspecified types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, essential thrombocythemia, and multiple myeloma (Figure D&E). Conclusion: Longer telomeres and epigenetic aging may increase the risk of developing most hematologic malignancies, while simultaneously raising or decreasing the risk of certain non-malignant hematologic diseases.

Research status and hotspots of autoimmune gastritis: A bibliometric analysis.

As an emerging potential risk factor for gastric cancer, autoimmune gastritis (AIG) has garnered increasing attention from researchers. To analyze the research overview and popular topics in the field of AIG using bibliometrics. Relevant publications on AIG in the Web of Science Core Collection were collated, and data visualization and analysis of the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and citations were performed using software such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphic. In total, 316 relevant articles were included in the analysis. From 2015 to 2022, the number of publications increased annually. The countries, institutions, authors, and journals with the highest number of publications in this field were Italy, Monash University, Toh BH, and Internal Medicine. The main keywords used in this field of research were pathogenesis, Helicobacter pylori, autoantibody, parietal cell antibody, atrophic gastritis, classification, diagnosis, autoimmune disease, risk, cancer, gastric cancer, vitamin B12 deficiency, and pernicious anemia. The following directions may be popular for future research: (1) The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of AIG; (2) diagnostic criteria for AIG and reference values for serum antibodies; (3) comorbidity mechanisms between AIG and other autoimmune diseases; (4) specific risks of AIG complicating gastric and other cancers; and (5) the role of vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with early-stage AIG. This bibliometric analysis reported on popular topics and emerging trends in AIG, with diagnosis and prognosis being research hotspots in this field.

Association between systemic lupus erythematosus and myasthenia gravis: A population-based National Study

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are autoimmune diseases. Previous case reports and case series suggest an association may exist between these diseases, as well as an increased risk of SLE after thymectomy for MG. We undertook this study to determine whether SLE and MG were associated in large cohorts. MethodsWe searched the IBM Watson Health Explorys platform and the Department of Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program (MVP) database for diagnoses of SLE and MG. In addition, we examined subjects enrolled in the Lupus Family Registry and Repository (LFRR) as well as controls for a diagnosis of MG. ResultsAmong 59,780,210 individuals captured in Explorys, there were 25,750 with MG and 65,370 with SLE. 370 subjects had both. Those with MG were >10 times more likely to have SLE than those without MG. Those with both diseases were more likely to be women, African American, and at a younger age than MG subjects without SLE. In addition, the MG patients who underwent thymectomy had an increased risk of SLE compared to MG patients who had not undergone thymectomy (OR 3.11, 95% CI: 2.12 to 4.55). Autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anemia and miscellaneous comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease were significantly more common in MG patients who developed SLE. In the MVP, SLE and MG were also significantly associated. Association of SLE and MG in a large SLE cohort with rigorous SLE classification confirmed the association of SLE with MG at a similar level. ConclusionWhile the number of patients with both MG and SLE is small, SLE and MG are strongly associated together in very large databases and a large SLE cohort.

Pernicious anemia: A case report of diligence to diagnosis.

The symptoms of pernicious anemia might resemble those of other common disorders and can be nonspecific, requiring extensive diagnostic workup. The provider must be aware of the harm pernicious anemia can do if undiagnosed and untreated and must understand that diligence and persistence are crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

Fermented vegetables and fruits as vitamin B12 sources: An overview

There is a trend towards the consumption of plant foods, especially from the public that aims to reduce meat consumption. Plant-based food diets may have low source of vitamin B12 as plants do not produce them. A possible alternative to mitigate this is the consumption of fermented vegetables and fruits. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview of the work being done with fermented vegetables and fruits, and show evidence that it is possible to obtain the necessary daily amount of vitamin B12 for human health and maintenance. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, acts as a cofactor for the enzyme methionine synthase and methylmalonylCoA mutase in eukaryotes. The dietary reference values for adult men and women range between 2 and 4 μg/day; however, the requirement may increase depending on special recommendations. The main causes for vitamin B12 deficiency are autoimmune conditions (e.g., pernicious anaemia), malabsorption, and dietary insufficiency. One of the commonly adopted measures to deal with vitamin deficiency is supplementation. It is also possible to obtain food enriched with vitamin B12 through fermentation. Different plant materials and microorganisms can be used to produce fermented products and enhance traditional products, such as tempeh, to increase vitamin B12 concentration in the final product. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of vitamin B12 in fermented vegetables and fruits are important factors to be considered, and demand more studies. The intake of soy fermented foods, such as tempeh, tofu, and cheonggukjang was associated with cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects. In addition to fermented vegetables and fruits, other non-animal sources of vitamin B12 that deserve great attention are algae and mushrooms. Since fermentation can produce considerable amounts of vitamin B12, fermented vegetables and fruits are feasible alternative sources for the intake of this vitamin.

The structure-activity relationship of Vitamin B12 and cobalamins and their nutritional correlations

This article reviews the so-called “cobalamins”, with special emphasis on coenzyme B12, discussing aspects of its structure-function relationship as well as various implications in biochemical, physiological and nutritional areas. Despite being one of the micronutrients with the lowest presence in organisms, cobalt (Co) is a constituent part of highly relevant enzymatic cofactors and associated with various biochemical and/or enzymatic processes. Vitamin B12 really represents a focus of interest of a multi- and interdisciplinary nature, since it is a metallic complex, an organometallic compound (for example, in the methylcobalamin form we identify the Cobalt-Carbon (Co-C) bond) and a group of relevance biophysics, as it interacts with different proteins in the biological environment, in addition to its impactful nutritional role, the deficiency of which causes the so-called “pernicious anemia”. This literature review article aims to offer a general and interdisciplinary overview of the topic, covering relevant topics in cobalt chemistry, mainly its coordination chemistry, which have been considered as model systems both for the study of metallic complexes properly considered and for the evaluation of the structure- metalloprotein activity.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders Revealing Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 3: Case Report

Multiple autoimmune syndrome is a rare pathological condition because it associates at least three different autoimmune diseases in the same patient. We discuss through this case and with a review of the literature MAS type 3 and its association with neuroanemic syndrome which remains exceptional. This is a 47-year-old patient, followed for vitiligo and a depressive syndrome, admitted for an ataxic gait lasting a month, in whom the neurological examination revealed a combined sclerosis syndrome of the spinal cord associated with a static cerebellar syndrome. Dermatological examination revealed diffuse acrofacial vitiligo. The biological assessment revealed Biermer's anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis. The clinical evolution was favorable under treatment. The discovery of Biermer's disease in a woman should prompt the search for arguments for one or other associated autoimmune diseases.

FRI568 Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis With Negative Antibodies In Association With Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Abstract Disclosure: I.C. Ebrahim: None. K.F. Brown: None. N.O. Vietor: None. T.D. Hoang: None. M.K. Shakir: None. Introduction: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is associated with several autoimmune manifestations including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). We report a 47-year-old male with CVID and HT with negative thyroid antibodies (Abs). Case Report: A 47-year-old male, while undergoing coronary calcium scan in 2021, was found to have scattered lung nodules. Follow-up Ct scans showed interval increase in size of lung nodules and a PET scan confirmed bilateral lung nodules which demonstrated hypermetabolic activity and scattered hypermetabolic lymph nodes, suggesting infectious or inflammatory processes. PET scan also revealed thyromegaly with diffusely increased uptake, suggesting thyroiditis. Serum immunoglobulins were measured: IgA < 5 mg/dL (normal 70-400), IgG 334 mg/dL (normal 700-1600), and IgM < 25 mg/dL (normal 40-230). Serum immunoglobulins levels from depository serum samples collected in 2005 also showed similarly low values. CBC was normal, excluding any bone marrow disorders. There was no family history of immunodeficiency or thyroid disorders. On review of systems patients did not have any symptoms of hypothyroidism. Exam: thyroid 50-gms diffusely enlarged with no palpable nodules; heart and lung exam was normal. Laboratory tests including comprehensive metabolic panel, serum complement CH 50, leukemia/lymphoma panel, T/B - lymphocyte/Natkiller, CRP were all normal. Thyroid functions: TSH 5.6 mc1U/mL (0.27-4.2), Free T4 1.20 ng/dL (0.93-1.71), TPO Ab < 9 IU/mL (0-34), TG Ab < 1.0 1U/mL (0.0-0.9), thyrotropin receptor Ab < 0.3 IU/L (<1.0), thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin < 0.10 1U/L (0.06-0.55). Serum thyroid Ab levels from depository samples collected in 2005 also showed normal values. FNA of thyroid showed atypical lymphoid infiltrates and an excision biopsy of the thyroid isthmus confirmed lymphocytic thyroiditis. A PET avid right inguinal lymph node biopsy showed a reactive lymph node. Additional lab evaluation also showed low post vaccination pneumococcal titers. With pan-hypoglobulinemia and low vaccine response, a diagnosis of CVID was made. Patient preferred watchful waiting than iv immunoglobulin therapy. Additionally, the patient has HT with negative thyroid Abs and although patient had mild subclinical hypothyroidism patient elected no treatment. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent symptomatic primary immunodeficiency in adults. Autoimmune manifestations occur in 22% of CVID patients and these include autoimmune cytopenia, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, and/or HT. Interestingly, our patient did not manifest any thyroid Abs thus it may be postulated that thyroid follicles destruction in HT is mediated predominantly by thyroid-specific B and T cells rather than by thyroid antibodies. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

FRI258 A Diagnostic Journey To Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 2

Abstract Disclosure: S. Amankwah: None. H.K. Driscoll: None. C. Muojieje: None. M. Sanati: None. Background: Approximately 50-65% of patients with autoimmune adrenal insufficiency have one or more autoimmune endocrine disorders. This case demonstrates the importance of considering autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) when a patient presents with more than one autoimmune endocrine disorder. Case: A 29-year-old woman with history of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, hypothyroidism on levothyroxine 50 mcg daily, endometriosis, and chronic migraines complained of fatigue, word finding difficulty, misspeaking of words, and staring spells. An MRI of the brain w+wo IV contrast revealed hypo-enhancing appearance of the pituitary gland. The patient was referred to endocrinology by neurology. Hormonal work up was performed checking for prolactin, ACTH, morning cortisol, TSH, Free T4, FSH, LH, IGF-1 and a serum chemistry panel. Thyroid antibodies were also ordered to help understand the etiology of her hypothyroidism. Pituitary hormones were normal except elevated TSH and borderline low serum cortisol. Subsequently a co-syntropin stimulation test resulted in inadequate cortisol rise. ACTH level measured inappropriately low normal. The patient then started steroid replacement therapy. Thereafter, 21-hydroxylase antibodies, serum renin and aldosterone were checked to screen for Addison Disease. Her 21-hydroxylase antibody was positive, aldosterone level low, and renin elevated pointing to autoimmune adrenalitis etiology. Her thyroid antibodies were also positive indicating autoimmune thyroid disease. Considering these results, the condition of APS came into question. Hence, the patient was screened for type 1 diabetes mellitus which was positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody but negative for insulin and pancreatic islet cell antibodies. Her hemoglobin A1c was 5.0%. Due to her history of gluten intolerance, she was screened for celiac disease which was negative for t-Transglutaminase antibody. The patient’s fatigue improved on steroid replacement therapy. She became euthyroid after increasing her levothyroxine dose to 75 mcg daily, and repeated MRI a year later did not show pituitary abnormalities. Discussion: APS type 2 is a polygenic inherited disorder associated with HLA-DR3 and DR4 that affects adult females more than males. The syndrome is characterized by type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease and Addison disease. Associated nonendocrine autoimmune syndromes include celiac disease, pernicious anemia, and atrophic gastritis. These characteristics overlap with APS type 1 except for autoimmune thyroid disease that presents with type 2. It should be noted that thyroxine therapy can precipitate a life-threatening Addison crisis in a patient with untreated adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate adrenal function in all hypothyroid patients in whom APS is suspected. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

FRI562 Not JUST Severe Hypothyroidism: Recognizing Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: S.R. Jafarian-Kerman: None. A. Razzeto: None. G. Saini: None. M. Siddiqui: None. M. Islam: None. D. Behman: None. M. Carson: None. Background: Recognizing Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (AIPS) in a patient who has chronic hypothyroidism, specifically with a non-classic presentation, is challenging. Clinical Case: A woman in her 50’s with hypothyroidism presented with one week of progressive dizziness and weakness. Medications include levothyroxine 125 μg weekly (per the patient, her PCP started this dose 8 months ago based on lab results). On physical examination: BP 101/74 mmHg; HR 56 bpm; T: 98.1 F (36.7 C); RR: 23/min; O2 Sat: 98%. Skin: vitiligo. Lab results demonstrated TSH: 839.6 μIU/mL (0.5-4.5) from 0.28 one year ago, free T4: 0.15 ng/dL (0.4-4.5), phosphorus: 2.3 mg/dL (2.7-4.5), vitamin D: 17.4 ng/dL (>30). She was started on daily levothyroxine 125 μg and intravenous fluids. On day 3 of admission, Rapid Response was called for blood pressure 54/39 mmHg. Myxedema coma was unlikely as she lacked altered mental status, hypothermia, hypoventilation, hyponatremia, or hypoglycemia; CT head was normal. On the same day, hydrocortisone 100 mcg q8h started due to high suspicion of adrenal insufficiency given low normal cortisol [7.1 ug/dL (6-20)] and hypotension. Due to the history of hypothyroidism, vitiligo, and the new diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, we suspected AIPS. two days later, primary adrenal insufficiency was established by a positive Cosyntropin stimulation test (1 hour cortisol of 14.8 ug/dL; not reaching >18 μg/dL), elevated ACTH 72 pg/mL (6-50), Aldosterone <1 ng/dL (3-16), and low DHEA of 52 ng/dL (345-2030). Other labs were as follow: normal FSH 85.7 mIU/mL (23-116), elevated PTH 153 pg/mL (16-77) which decreased to 62 pg/mL with vitamin D supplementation, normal Vitamin B12, and negative renin and intrinsic factor antibodies. A diagnosis of AIPS was established and she was discharged on levothyroxine, fludrocortisone, and hydrocortisone. Conclusion: AIPS is typically idiopathic and may affect endocrine organ systems either simultaneously or sequentially. The 3 classic patterns are: Type 1 (most common): younger women, presents with candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and Addison’s disease. Type 2: middle-aged women, Addison’s disease, autoimmune thyroid disease and/or Type 1 diabetes. Type 3: Type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, vitiligo or alopecia, and normal adrenal cortical function. This patient is unique in that she has characteristics of both type 1 and 3 AIPS, but not diabetes. In this case, the combination of hypotension even in the setting of profoundly undertreated hypothyroidism, prompted the expanded evaluation. While isolated hypothyroidism is common among our internal medicine patients, those with additional symptoms, or in this case unexplained hypotension, should be evaluated for AIPS. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Management of vitamin B12 deficiency in primary care

Vitamin deficiencies are a major global health concern, and are a particular risk to infants, children and pregnant women. This article discusses what primary care nurses need to know when consulting a patient with a suspected deficiency Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin, which is vital in the production of red blood cells, nervous system function, and DNA synthesis during cell division. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition resulted from inadequate intake or malabsorption of vitamin B12. Severe B12 deficiency could lead to pernicious anaemia, mental impairment, and neurological disorders. Therefore, careful management and treatment are pivotal. This deficiency is commonly treated with B12 injections in Primary Care. However, review of literature showed that oral B12 supplementation was as effective as parenteral treatment. To minimise ambiguity in administering B12 injections, several clinical guidelines were highlighted. Nevertheless, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral B12 therapy.

Pernicious anemia with false normal vitamin B12 levels caused by intrinsic factor antibodies interference: a case report

We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with a fortuitous discovery of macrocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were normal. However, due to the presence of indirect signs of cobalamin deficiency, such as elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, and signs of dyserythropoiesis on the bone marrow aspirate, pernicious anemia was suspected. Vitamin B12 dosage was repeated finding fluctuating but always normal results. Anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were present at a very high level, explaining the fluctuations and the interference found on the assay using competitive binding chemiluminescence (CBLA). Serum vitamin B12 dosage by electrochemiluminescence, a method described as not interfering with intrinsic factor antibodies, showed a collapsed vitamin B12 level. Measurement of vitamin B12 with CBLA after adsorption of immunoglobulins in the sample using protein G SepharoseTM, confirmed the interference of the cobalamin assay with autoantibodies. This case illustrates the difficulties regarding the analysis and standardization of the vitamin B12 assay for the diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

Exploring the Association of Helicobacter pylori With Anti-intrinsic Factor and Anti-parietal Cell Antibodies in Pernicious Anemia: A Systematic Review.

Pernicious anemia, historically tied to vitamin B12 malabsorption due to intrinsic factor secretion impairment, has evolved in understanding, especially concerning its association with autoimmune gastritis. This systematic review dives deep into the multifaceted relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, autoimmune gastritis, and the presence of anti-intrinsic factors and anti-parietal cell antibodies. Comprehensive database searches revealed a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in pernicious anemia patients, with some studies suggesting a consequential increase in the aforementioned antibodies. Interestingly, eradication of H. pylori displayed potential therapeutic effects; patients showcased reductions in antibody titers, improved histopathological findings, and reversion of atrophic changes in gastric corpus. Such outcomes highlight the conceivable benefits of considering H. pylori infection during the evaluation and management of pernicious anemia and autoimmune gastritis. However, disparities across studies make direct comparisons challenging. It's essential to approach the potential role of H. pylori in these conditions with caution. Further research is warranted to cement conclusions and refine clinical management strategies. This review seeks to prompt new investigative avenues into the intricate link between H. pylori, autoimmune gastritis, and pernicious anemia, ultimately enhancing patient care.

Incidence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases following COVID-19: a matched cohort study in UK primary care

BackgroundSome patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) go on to experience post-COVID-19 condition or long COVID. Preliminary findings have given rise to the theory that long COVID may be due in part to a deranged immune response. In this study, we assess whether there is an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the incidence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs).MethodsMatched cohort study using primary care electronic health record data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database. The exposed cohort included 458,147 adults aged 18 years and older with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and no prior diagnosis of IMIDs. They were matched on age, sex, and general practice to 1,818,929 adults with no diagnosis of confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome was a composite of any of the following IMIDs: autoimmune thyroiditis, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), myasthenia gravis, pernicious anaemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and vitiligo. The secondary outcomes were each of these conditions separately. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the primary and secondary outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, smoking status, body mass index, relevant infections, and medications.Results Six hundred and nighty six (0.15%) and 2230 (0.12%) patients in the exposed and unexposed cohort developed an IMID during the follow-up period over 0.29 person-years, giving a crude incidence rate of 4.59 and 3.65 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Patients in the exposed cohort had a 22% increased risk of developing an IMID, compared to the unexposed cohort (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.33). The incidence of three IMIDs was significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These were T1DM (aHR 1.56, 1.09 to 2.23), IBD (aHR 1.36, 1.18 to 1.56), and psoriasis (1.23, 1.05 to 1.42).ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 was associated with an increased incidence of IMIDs including T1DM, IBD and psoriasis. However, these findings could be potentially due to ascertainment bias. Further research is needed to replicate these findings in other populations and to measure autoantibody profiles in cohorts of individuals with COVID-19.

Update on Serum Biomarkers in Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis.

Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is a persistent, corpus-restricted immune-mediated destruction of the gastric corpus oxyntic mucosa with reduced gastric acid and intrinsic factor secretion, leading to iron deficiency and pernicious anemia as a consequence of iron and cobalamin malabsorption. Positivity toward parietal cell (PCA) and intrinsic factor (IFA) autoantibodies is very common. AAG may remain asymptomatic for many years, thus making its diagnosis complex and often delayed. Due to the increased risk of gastric neoplasms, a timely diagnosis of AAG is clinically important. The gold standard for AAG diagnosis is histopathological assessment of gastric biopsies obtained during gastroscopy, but noninvasive, preendoscopic serological screening may be useful in some clinical scenarios. Serum biomarkers for AAG may be divided into 2 groups: gastric autoimmunity-related biomarkers, such as PCA and IFA, and gastric corpus atrophy/reduced gastric acid secretion-related biomarkers, such as serum gastrin and pepsinogens. The present review focuses on the clinical significance and pitfalls of serum biomarkers related to gastric autoimmunity and gastric corpus atrophy, including some discussion of analytical methods. Serum assays for PCA, IFA, gastrin, and pepsinogen I show good diagnostic accuracy for noninvasive diagnostic work-up of AAG. Diagnostic performance may increase by combining >1 of these tests, overcoming the problem of seronegative AAG. However, appropriately designed, comparative studies with well-characterized patient cohorts are needed to better define the reliability of these biomarkers in the diagnosis of patients with AAG. Currently, positive serum tests should always be followed by the state-of-art diagnostic test, that is, histopathological assessment of gastric biopsies obtained during gastroscopy to definitively confirm or rule out AAG and eventually neoplastic complications.

Patterns of clinical and biochemical studies on elderly patients with anemia in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan

Introduction and Aim: Most studies indicate that between 10% and 45% of older people have anemia. The etiology is diverse and usually complicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and hematological models of anemia in elderly residents of nursing homes in Kyrgyzstan's southern regions who are 60 years of age and older. Materials and Methods: A total of 223 elderly persons, including 97 (43.5%) men and 126 (56.5%) women, participated in this study at nursing facilities in the southern areas of Kyrgyzstan. The elderly persons were 77.95.18 years old on average. Results: 23.3% of the 223 older people in the study living in wards of nursing facilities in the southern areas of Kyrgyzstan were anemic. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (50%) was the most prevalent type of anemia, followed by vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (26.7%), and anemia of chronic disease (23.1%). Both blood ferritin and serum iron levels were considerably below normal, which is common for IDA. The value of vitamin B12 in the blood, which was within the usual limits (461.0–5.73 ng/l), was also revealed, indicating IDA. Conclusion: Anemia affects quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality in elderly people.

A Study on Vitamin B12 Levels in Hypothyroid Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Background and aims The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is found to coexist in hypothyroid patients, causing the persistence of symptoms concomitant to both diseases even on adequate thyroxine supplementation. Primary objective To study vitamin B12 levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Secondary objective To study the clinical profile of patients with hypothyroidism with special reference to anemia, and to study the association between vitamin B12 deficiency with anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods and results A single-centriccross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one year. Among 100 hypothyroid patients, 68% were found to be vitamin B12 deficient, among whom 73.5% were females. Of patients with raised anti-TPO antibodies,78.6% had vitamin B12 deficiency (p = 0.01), while 78% of patients with raised anti-Tg antibodies were vitamin B12 deficient (p = 0.07). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of vitamin B12 with anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies was -0.302 (p = 0.002) and -0.253 (p = 0.011), respectively. Conclusion There is a predilection of hypothyroid patients towarddeveloping anemia, with vitamin B12 deficiency as a major etiology. This finding can be correlated with the hematopoietic action of thyroid-stimulating hormones as well as autoimmune thyroid disease predisposing to pernicious anemia.

Gastric Cancer Risk Factors ina Veteran Population.

Risk factors for gastric cancer in the United States are not well understood, especially in populations with a low proportion of immigrants. We conducted a matched case-control study in a Veteran Affairs Medical Center to identify risk factors for gastric cancer. Gastric cancer patients and age- and sex-matched controls were identified in a 1:4 ratio from January 1, 1997 to October 31, 2018. Demographic, medical, endoscopic, and histologic data were extracted. We performed conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for associations between potential risk factors and gastric cancer. Most gastric cancer cases were diagnosed on initial endoscopy (71.4%). Of these, the most common presenting stage was stage IV (40.8%). Risk factors for gastric cancer included Black and Asian race and never or current (compared to former) drinkers, although Helicobacter pylori eradication and pernicious anemia were associated with decreased risk. The high proportion of late-stage gastric cancer diagnoses highlights the need for improved risk stratification as well as screening and surveillance protocols in the U.S. population. Racial disparities among veterans in an equal-access system necessitate further investigation into the etiology of these disparities.

Early diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis

Early diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is quite difficult in a physician’s daily practice. Since the disease is asymptomatic for a long time, it is often diagnosed already with severe atrophy with the loss of a large number of gastric glands and potentially significant pernicious anemia, and sometimes with the onset of cancer. Morphological and endoscopic changes do not occur immediately and are not specific in patients with AIG. In this case, non-invasive diagnostics play a key role. The diagnostics of AIG are often done in patients with vitamin B12 and iron deficiency. However, the development of these deficiencies can take a long time. The non-invasive technique with the determination of such biomarkers as pepsinogen I, II (PGI, PG II), their ratio, gastrin-17, as well as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, including a cytotoxic (CagA +) strain, is used to exclude preclinical stages of AIG. The titer determination of anti-parietal cell antibodies and the anti-intrinsic factor antibodies allows identifying the immune nature of gastritis. But recent studies show that these markers can be negative in some patients. This article actualizes the problem of early diagnosis of AIG and demonstrates the importance of practical application of currently existing non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of stomach diseases.

Association of vitiligo with multiple cutaneous and extra-cutaneous autoimmune diseases: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Previous studies found conflicting results about associations of vitiligo with different autoimmune diseases. To evaluate associations of vitiligo with multiple autoimmune diseases. A cross-sectional study representativeof 612,084,148 US patients from theNationwide Emergency Department Sample(NEDS) 2015-2019was performed. Vitiligo and autoimmune diseases were identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. The most frequent autoimmune disorders in patients with vitiligo were type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison's disease, and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Vitiligo was associated with any autoimmune disorder (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.45 [1.32-1.58]). Cutaneous disorders with largest effect-sizes were alopecia areata (186.22 [115.31-300.72]) and SSc (32.13 [25.28-40.82]). Non-cutaneous comorbidities with largest effect-sizes were primary sclerosing cholangitis (43.12 [18.98-97.99]), pernicious anemia (41.26 [31.66-53.78]), Addison's disease (33.85 [26.68-42.9]), and autoimmune thyroiditis (31.65 [26.34-38.02]). Vitiligo is associated with multiple cutaneous and non-cutaneous autoimmune diseases, especially in females and older age.