Arch Med Sci
-
Interferon (IFN)-β is known as an environmental trigger for the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). However, the association of another type-1 IFN, IFN-β, with AITD is unknown. ⋯ Serum IFN-β levels were lower in HT patients. Correlations of serum IFN-β with TSHRAb and BAFF levels were found to be gender-specific. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.
-
Warty carcinoma (WC) of the uterine cervix is a rare subtype of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), and its frequency, clinical behaviour, and aetiology are obscure. It originates from condylomas, and a viral carcinogenesis seems logical. ⋯ WC is a rare subtype of SCC with good prognosis, regardless of viral status. In contrast to SCC, its aetiology is not related to hr-HPV. The role of EBV remains unclear and cannot currently be denied.
-
Cataracts caused by old age are one of the most frequent causes for blindness and poor vision worldwide. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible role of rs1894720 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract. ⋯ Rs1894720 SNP could down-regulate the expression of MIAT, thus leading to reduced BCL2L2 expression and enhanced epithelial cell apoptosis in the lens, eventually increasing the incidence of age-related cataract.
-
Lower extremity venous insufficiency is a significant health problem with economic and sociological consequences, lowering the quality of life, and sometimes leading to serious complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cytomegalovirus (CMV) effect on chronic inflammation in the aetiology of chronic venous insufficiency. ⋯ In the literature there are many studies showing that CMV triggers atherosclerosis, but there is no study in which CMV directly produces chronic venous insufficiency. The high rates of positivity suggest that CMV, which is the basis of chronic inflammation, may be a significant factor in the aetiology of chronic venous insufficiency.
-
Frequently-relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRSDNS) leads to steroid toxicity impairing quality of life (QOL), thus prompting the use of steroid-sparing drugs. ⋯ As first-line steroid-sparing agent, rituximab is more effective and safer than cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus in FRSDNS, and improve QOL.