Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Volume:28 Issue: 3, Autumn 2024

Dengue (DEN) virus is a common arboviral infectious disease that poses a significant threat to global public health, putting nearly half of the world's population at risk of infection. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Dengue infection, caused by all four mosquito-borne serotypes (DEN-1 to DEN-4), is endemic in countries with tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. To date, there is no vaccine that provides effective immunity against all DENV serotypes. Additionally, there is limited information regarding the epidemiology and impact of this dangerous disease in regions with recent infection reports. In this study, we aimed to present a summary of the clinical symptoms, pathology, etiology, prevention, and treatment options based on previous studies, to facilitate a better understanding of dengue fever (DF). The results of this study show that the main effects of DF are on vital organs such as the liver (hepatocellular necrosis), lungs (pulmonary edema), kidneys (hematuria and proteinuria), heart (myocarditis), and brain (encephalopathy). These effects can be a major threat to a person's life if diagnosed incorrectly or late. Increasing public awareness through social networks, implementing appropriate waste management systems, removing breeding sites for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes by government institutions, and providing proper laboratory diagnostic and treatment tools for patients with DF are essential solutions that should be prioritized globally.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic local immune complex basis. It is the most common systemic inflammatory disease of the joints.

This study aimed to determine insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in patients with RA.

A total of 116 patients diagnosed with RA who presented to an outpatient department (OPD) clinic were included in the study if they met the inclusion criteria. The disease activity status was assessed using the disease activity score (DAS 28). Serum levels of LDL, HDL, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and fasting insulin were measured. The HOMA test was employed to assess insulin resistance. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 22, applying appropriate statistical methods, including paired and independent t -tests.

No statistically significant difference was observed between insulin resistance and RA activity (P = 0.188). However, the mean insulin resistance score was higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (4.6 ± 3.8) compared to those without metabolic syndrome (3.9 ± 3.3). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference in insulin resistance was found between patients with and without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.344).

The present study demonstrates that disease activity is associated with insulin resistance in patients with RA. However, no statistically significant relationship was identified between insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in these patients.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most prevalent malignancy in women worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality among females in developing countries. P16INK4a is a tumor suppressor protein with an inhibitory role in the proliferation of abnormal cells. The association between the expression of this protein and CC has established it as a diagnostic biomarker for CC.

This study evaluated the expression level of P16INK4a in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).

Eighty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cervical tissue samples were obtained from the pathology department of Kowsar Gynecology Reference Hospital in Qazvin Province, Iran. The expression level of the P16INK4a gene was investigated using relative quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).

P16INK4a overexpression was observed in 55% (12/22) of cancerous samples, 46% (6/13) of intraepithelial squamous lesions, and 33% (8/24) of tissues with koilocytic changes, with N-fold overexpression of 6.01 (P = 0.001), 3.24 (P = 0.003), and 1.12 (P = 0.007), respectively.

The results of this study showed that the expression level of P16INK4a increased with cancer progression. Therefore, the expression level of P16INK4a can be utilized as a biomarker for diagnosis.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis and malignancy.

This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of TNF-α across different subtypes and stages of breast cancer.

Serum samples were collected from 114 patients with various subtypes and stages of breast cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to those with other breast cancer subtypes (P < 0.0001). Additionally, TNF-α levels were markedly higher in patients with stage III carcinoma than in those with stages I and II (P < 0.0001). Among stage III TNBC patients, TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher than those in stage III patients from other groups (P < 0.05).

Evaluating serum TNF-α concentrations can provide valuable insights for estimating cancer prognosis and guiding patient management.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is a global health crisis with diverse clinical manifestations. One of the common complications of COVID-19 is the disturbance of the acid-base and electrolyte balance, which can significantly impact disease severity and mortality risk.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of these disturbances among COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

This retrospective study included 250 patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. Patients were classified into different groups based on their pH, potassium (K), and sodium (Na) levels. Patient demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected upon admission.

The majority of the patients (50.4%) exhibited alkalosis (high pH), likely due to respiratory compensation through the excretion of carbon dioxide. Additionally, 74.8% of the patients had mild hypokalemia (low K). There was a significant association between hypokalemia and mortality (P < 0.05). The most frequent combination of disturbances observed was respiratory alkalosis with hypokalemia accompanied by hyponatremia (low Na). Furthermore, pH and Na levels showed a significant correlation with the need for mechanical ventilation (P < 0.05).

The assessment of acid-base and electrolyte balance is crucial for predicting disease progression and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The high prevalence of alkalosis, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia in this study underscores the importance of careful monitoring and management of these imbalances in the ICU setting to optimize patient care.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limiting vasculitis that predominantly affects children under five years of age. It is recognized as the leading cause of acquired coronary artery disease in this age group.

This manuscript presents two cases of KD complicated by significant coronary artery abnormalities, which ultimately necessitated heart transplantation.

Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, this study underscores the critical need for continued research to improve outcomes for affected patients.