Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is increasingly widespreaddisease, characterized by non-specific and recurring symptoms fromvarious organs associated with exposure to common chemicals, even ifinhaled at low concentrations, usually harmless for normal people.MCS is not yet well recognized from common point of view and forthis reason affected patients risk marginalization and their symptomsare often trivialized. It is actually a devastating chronic disease thataffects not only the patients in the daily routine but partly conditionstheir survival.Despite more than 50 years of research, the action mechanisms ofMCS is still undefined. In this study we examine the theories about theetiopathogenesis of multiple chemical sensitivity that include geneticsusceptibility factors, immunological factors, neurological factors andpsychiatric factors. Since no specific diagnostic markers are currentlyavailable for the MCS, the diagnosis can only be supposed on thebasis symptomatic criteria and patient’s medical history. Howevernew biochemical markers and diagnostic imaging techniques haveemerged, useful to postulate at least the clinical-diagnostic hypothesisof MCS and in this paper we discuss a list of biomarkers studied for thediagnosis of MCS, based on the available scientific literature.At last but not least, we propose four-levels MCS tests that couldhelp the clinician in the diagnosis of the pathology both through theuse of quantifiable serological parameters, both through diagnostictools, genetic testing and through clinical observation of symptoms.
Leggi ArticoloDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited fatal X-linked myogenic disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 3500 male live births. DMD is characterized by continuous degeneration and regeneration cycles resulting in extensive fibrosis and a progressive reduction in muscle mass. Since the identification of a reduction in dystrophin protein as the cause of this disorder, numerous innovative and experimental therapies, focusing on increasing the levels of dystrophin, have been proposed, but the clinical improvement has been unsatisfactory. Among the proteins of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex, cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are found almost ubiquitously on the surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalian cells. These macromolecules interact with numerous ligands, including ECM constituents, adhesion molecules and growth factors that play a crucial role in muscle development and maintenance. In this article, we have reviewed in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies focused on the functional role of GAGs in the pathophysiology of DMD with the final aim of summarizing the state of the art of GAG dysregulation within the ECM in DMD and discussing future therapeutic perspectives.
Leggi ArticoloDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative disease primarily affecting voluntary muscles with secondary consequences on heart and breathing muscles. DMD is an X-linked recessive disease that results in the loss of dystrophin, a key muscle protein. Inflammation can play different roles in DMD; it can be a secondary response to muscle degeneration, a primary cause of degeneration, or can contribute to the disease progression. Several immunosuppressants have been used with the aim to reduce the inflammation associated with DMD.Most recently, myoblast transplantation has shown the possibility to restore the dystrophin lack in the DMD patient’s muscle fibers and this evidence has emphasized the importance of the use of immunosuppressants and the necessity of studying them and their secondary effects. The aim of this review is to analyze the main immunosuppressants drugs starting from the mdx mice experiments and concluding with the most recent human clinical studies.
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