Search

Both dyslipidemia and the development of atherosclerosis are thought to be linked to psoriasis. The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is facilitated by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and promoted by anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (anti-oxLDL). Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and anti-oxLDL levels are increased in patients with psoriasis. In this study, we evaluated oxLDL and anti-oxLDL levels in patients with psoriasis and healthy volunteers and examined the effect of methotrexate and adalimumab treatment on those levels. The study included 34 patients with psoriasis (methotrexate: 17, adalimumab: 17) and eight healthy volunteers. The serum lipid profile, anthropometric measurements, the severity of psoriasis, and cardiovascular risk were assessed in each subject. The plasma levels of oxLDL and anti-oxLDL were recorded before and after 12 weeks of treatment. During the study period, a decrease in oxLDL level was observed in patients treated with methotrexate (p = 0.02; baseline versus the end of the study). However, at baseline, the highest levels of oxLDL and anti-oxLDL were observed in the adalimumab group and the lowest in the control group (p = 0.00014). Methotrexate contributed to the reduction of serum oxLDL, which showed its anti-inflammatory effect. Understanding the effect of Methotrexate on comorbidities is crucial in selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach for patients with psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunctional regulatory T lymphocytes are important for the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis. We analyzed the severity of atherosclerosis and the concentration of regulatory cytokines in patients with psoriasis who were administered methotrexate or adalimumab for 12 weeks. We included 34 patients with psoriasis (17 each, administered methotrexate or adalimumab) and eight healthy volunteers. BMI, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), and at least 75% and 90% improvements in PASI were observed. The 10‐year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease was estimated using Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation charts. The plasma interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐35, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay before and after the 12‐week treatment regimen. PASI (P =.0006) and BSA (P =.0001) were positively correlated with the BMI, IL‐35 (−0.38), and IL‐10 (0.48) levels. Baseline IL‐35 concentrations were the highest in healthy volunteers; the IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 level were the highest in the methotrexate group. IL‐10 concentration decreased in both treatment groups (P =.02 for the methotrexate and P =.09 for adalimumab group), and IL‐35 decreased in the adalimumab group (P =.019), consistent with skin lesion recovery. Thus, this study demonstrates the dysregulated secretion of regulatory cytokines in psoriatic patients under systemic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are the most common (60%) of visceral artery aneurysms with the possibility of rupture. SAA rupture is associated with 20% mortality, which increases disproportionately to 75% in pregnant women, with fetal the mortality rate of 95%. Aim: We present a discussion based on the case report with a review of the literature on ruptured SAA in pregnancy as well as possible treatment options, complications and prognosis. Case study: Patient, 40-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 2, para 1, 33 week of pregnancy, with ruptured SAA, underwent cesarean section, splenectomy, and hypovolemic shock treatment. The outcomes of the mother and neonates were good. Postoperative recovery was complicated by right-sided pneumothorax. Results and discussion: 87% of patients with SAA are females. In our analysis of cases, with ruptured SAA in pregnancy, the parity may be the factor that influences the maternal and fetal outcomes. In third trimester of pregnancy (as in our case study) the most often mistaken indication for laparotomy was a suspected placental abruption. Conclusions: Ruptured SAA during pregnancy should be considered as one of the non-obstetric causes of intraabdominal bleeding. Careful observation of the patient from the onset of symptoms is a key approach that increases maternal and fetal survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tolerance and safety of vaccination in pregnancy should be assessed in local populations based on ethnic differences across countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the tolerability of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy in a Polish population. An online questionnaire enquiring about the safety and tolerability of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine was distributed to pregnant and non-pregnant female healthcare professionals who had voluntarily received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Poland. The two groups were compared simultaneously considering the COVID-19 infection status before vaccination. Compared with that noted in the control group, pregnant women in the COVID-19-free group were less likely to have fever (p = 0.002) or gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.009) after the second dose. In the COVID-19-exposed group, pregnant women were less likely to experience local skin reactions (p = 0.009), and myalgia (p = 0.003) after the first dose. After the second dose, the only noticeable difference was a lower incidence of myalgia (p = 0.001) in pregnant women. The tolerability of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was similar in both the groups. No severe local, generalised, or pregnancy complications related to mother or foetus were observed. Good tolerability of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy in the Polish population may facilitate the decision to vaccinate pregnant women against COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has given rise to the need to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible. As pregnant women are at increased risk of contracting severe COVID-19, with higher mortality, it is essential to assess the safety of the vaccines administered during pregnancy. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the titer of specific maternal and cord antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 S protein after antenatal vaccination. The secondary objective was to evaluate the ratio of the umbilical cord to the maternal antibody titers. Patients included in the study were enrolled after undergoing voluntary vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy at different weeks of gestation. All patients analyzed in our initial study were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Results: The results of the current study document high anti-S total IgG antibody titers in cord serum at birth in all mother–infant pairs analyzed. The mean umbilical cord blood sample IgG antibody titer anti-S protein was 1026.51 U/mL (±SD 769.25). The mean cord-to-maternal anti–S IgG antibody ratio was 1.28 (±SD 0.798). A significant positive correlation was observed between the week of gestation at which the first dose was administered and the week of gestation at which the second dose was administered, and the respective cord-to-maternal ratio (r = 0.48; p = 0.0029) for the first dose and (r = 0.39; p = 0.0102) for the second dose. Conclusions: To date, despite the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination, there is a lack of conclusive evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccination of pregnant women. Therefore, the results we present are complementary. Our study suggests that maternal immunization may provide neonatal protection through the transplacental transfer of antibodies. Of particular importance is the demonstration that antibody transfer is correlated with the time from vaccination to delivery, which may allow future determination of the optimal timing of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Interleukin 35 (IL-35) has recently been characterized as a cytokine connected with the IL-12 group. The secretion of IL-35 was described in forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) + regulatory T cells (Tregs), peripheral γπ T cells, CD8+ T cells, placental trophoblasts, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and regulatory B cells (Breg). Aim: The aim of this paper is to systematize current knowledge about IL-35 production and discuss its impact on the pathophysiology and outcome of various diseases. Material and methods: Literature review was conducted. Results and discussion: IL-35 plays a pivotal role in the immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, psychiatric and neurologic disorders, cancer, allergic and autoimmune diseases and psoriasis, inducing the expression of Treg-related cytokines and inhibiting the expression of Th1- and Th17-related cytokines. Conclusions: Due to the numerous signaling pathways of IL-35, it may be described as an innovative biomarker in the prognosis and treatment of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Among the diseases associated with psoriasis linked to smoking are primarily cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) and metabolic syndrome. In addition, cigarette smoking also affects the effectiveness of systemic treatment of psoriasis. Aim : Assessment of the effect of cigarette smoking on biomarkers of athero-sclerosis in patients with psoriasis treated with methotrexate and adalimumab. Material and methods: The serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and anti- oxLDL antibodies, IL-10, IL-35, TGFβ1, were assessed in 34 patients with psoriasis (15 smokers and 19 non-smokers), and 8 healthy, non-smoking volunteers. Results and discussion: Smoking patients had significantly higher body mass index, lower high density lipoprotein (HDL), higher risk of 10-year fatal cardiovascular disease, higher IL-10 levels and lower IL-35 levels at baseline compared to healthy, non-smoking volunteers. We observed decreases in IL-10, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and oxLDL levels during 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment and, a decrease in IL-35 during adalimumab treatment, based on enzyme- linked immunosorbent assays. Conclusions : Our results indicate the need for a holistic approach to psoriasis treatment that includes lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation to slow the development of atherosclerosis and increase the possibility of improving skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]