European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2025
ReviewNeurovascular dysfunction in psychiatric disorders: Underlying mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.
Neurovascular interfaces, specifically the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-retinal barrier (BRB), play pivotal roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). For a long time, these structures were seen only as a way of protection, but we currently know that they have a critical role in CNS (dys)function. Several studies have identified neurovascular alterations in early stages of brain and eye diseases, contributing to the pathophysiology of such conditions. More recently, interesting data have also highlighted the importance of neurovasculature in psychiatric disorders. ⋯ This review underscores the critical need for a deeper understanding of BBB and BRB function in neuropsychiatric conditions and their potential as therapeutic targets while elucidating the key players involved. The innovative approaches to managing these complex disorders are also addressed while bridging the gap concerning what is currently known regarding the association between neuropsychiatric conditions and their vascular implications.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2025
Lung damage in SARS-CoV-2 patients: An autopsy study in the era of vaccination.
The contribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection on lung damage and the effect of vaccination on either containing the number of deaths or mitigating lung damage has not been systematically investigated. ⋯ COVID-19 vaccination has substantially reduced rates of death related to SARS-CoV-2 infection over time and may have the ability to mitigate lung damage.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2025
A weekly 4-methylpyrazole treatment attenuates the development of non-obese metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in male mice: Role of JNK.
4-methylpyrazole (4MP, fomepizole) is a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) preventing the metabolism of ethylene glycol and methanol, respectively, into their toxic metabolites. 4MP seems also to possess a potential in the treatment of intoxication from other substance, for example, acetaminophen, and to modulate JNK-dependent signalling. Here, we determined if a treatment with 4MP once weekly affects the development of diet-induced non-obese metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in C57BL/6 mice. ⋯ Taken together, our results suggest that a treatment with 4MP once weekly attenuates the activation of JNK and dampens the development of non-obese MASLD in mice.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2025
Review Meta AnalysisAdiponectin as a biomarker in liver cirrhosis-A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Adiponectin, a key adipokine, shows promise as a non-invasive biomarker for liver cirrhosis by reflecting inflammation and metabolic changes, but conflicting findings highlight the need for a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify its role. Our study aimed to evaluate adiponectin levels across various stages of liver cirrhosis, compare them with other chronic liver diseases (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and assess its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. ⋯ Adiponectin levels are significantly elevated in liver cirrhosis, especially in advanced stages, potentially serving as a biomarker for advanced cirrhosis. Adiponectin also differentiates cirrhosis from other CLD, including NAFLD. However, its role in distinguishing cirrhosis from viral hepatitis and HCC is limited.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2025
Review Meta AnalysisAdrenergic dysfunction in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are comorbid disorders with overlapping symptoms. Research highlights autonomic dysfunction compared to healthy individuals, particularly involving the sympathetic branch. While past reviews focused on neurophysiological assessments, this systematic review summarises biological adrenergic markers, offering deeper insights into the observed sympathetic dysfunction in ME/CFS and FM aiming to identify targetable pathophysiological mechanisms. ⋯ This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed adrenergic dysfunction mainly in patients with ME/CFS. Higher baseline adrenaline levels and atypical responses to exercise in ME/CFS indicate that sympathetic dysfunction, underscored by adrenergic abnormalities, is more involved in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS rather than FM.