Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with multi-organ inflammation caused by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes reflecting a global loss of tolerance. Lupus nephritis (LN) is present in approximately 60% of SLE patients and is considered a major predictor of a poor prognosis. To date, many studies utilizing genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, metabolomics, and microbiome have been conducted on a range of animal models and lupus patients to understand the pathogenesis of SLE and LN. Collectively, these studies support the concept that LN is caused by increased cell death, which has not been properly dealt with; abnormal innate immunity; hyperactive adaptive immunity; and genetic variants triggered by a range of environmental factors. This review summarizes the results from studies that contributed strongly to elucidating the pathogenesis of SLE and LN, highlighting the immunological and non-immunological mechanisms.
Adaptive Immunity ; Allergy and Immunology ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Apoptosis ; Autoantibodies ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Cell Death ; Epigenomics ; Genomics ; Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; Inflammation ; Lupus Nephritis* ; Lymphocytes ; Metabolomics ; Microbiota ; Models, Animal ; Prognosis ; Wolves*

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies significantly based on ethnicity rather than geographic distribution; thus, the prevalence is higher in Asian, Hispanic, and Black African populations than in European populations. The risk of developing lupus nephritis (LN) is the highest among Asian populations. Therefore, we hypothesize that human genetic diversity between races has occurred through the early human migration and human genetic adaptation to various environments, with a particular focus on pathogens. Additionally, we compile the currently available evidence on the ethnic gene diversity of SLE and how it relates to disease severity. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is well established as associated with susceptibility to SLE; specific allele distributions have been observed across diverse populations. Notably, specific amino acid residues within these HLA loci demonstrate significant associations with SLE risk. The non-HLA genetic loci associated with SLE risk also varies across diverse ancestries, implicating distinct immunological pathways, such as the type-I interferon and janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways in Asians, the type-II interferon signaling pathway in Europeans, and B cell activation pathway in Africans. Furthermore, assessing individual genetic susceptibility using genetic risk scores (GRS) for SLE helps to reveal the diverse prevalence, age of onset, and clinical phenotypes across different ethnicities. A higher GRS increases the risk of LN and the severity of SLE. Therefore, understanding ethnic gene diversity is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and SLE severity, which could enable the development of novel drugs specific to each race.

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies significantly based on ethnicity rather than geographic distribution; thus, the prevalence is higher in Asian, Hispanic, and Black African populations than in European populations. The risk of developing lupus nephritis (LN) is the highest among Asian populations. Therefore, we hypothesize that human genetic diversity between races has occurred through the early human migration and human genetic adaptation to various environments, with a particular focus on pathogens. Additionally, we compile the currently available evidence on the ethnic gene diversity of SLE and how it relates to disease severity. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is well established as associated with susceptibility to SLE; specific allele distributions have been observed across diverse populations. Notably, specific amino acid residues within these HLA loci demonstrate significant associations with SLE risk. The non-HLA genetic loci associated with SLE risk also varies across diverse ancestries, implicating distinct immunological pathways, such as the type-I interferon and janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways in Asians, the type-II interferon signaling pathway in Europeans, and B cell activation pathway in Africans. Furthermore, assessing individual genetic susceptibility using genetic risk scores (GRS) for SLE helps to reveal the diverse prevalence, age of onset, and clinical phenotypes across different ethnicities. A higher GRS increases the risk of LN and the severity of SLE. Therefore, understanding ethnic gene diversity is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and SLE severity, which could enable the development of novel drugs specific to each race.

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies significantly based on ethnicity rather than geographic distribution; thus, the prevalence is higher in Asian, Hispanic, and Black African populations than in European populations. The risk of developing lupus nephritis (LN) is the highest among Asian populations. Therefore, we hypothesize that human genetic diversity between races has occurred through the early human migration and human genetic adaptation to various environments, with a particular focus on pathogens. Additionally, we compile the currently available evidence on the ethnic gene diversity of SLE and how it relates to disease severity. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is well established as associated with susceptibility to SLE; specific allele distributions have been observed across diverse populations. Notably, specific amino acid residues within these HLA loci demonstrate significant associations with SLE risk. The non-HLA genetic loci associated with SLE risk also varies across diverse ancestries, implicating distinct immunological pathways, such as the type-I interferon and janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways in Asians, the type-II interferon signaling pathway in Europeans, and B cell activation pathway in Africans. Furthermore, assessing individual genetic susceptibility using genetic risk scores (GRS) for SLE helps to reveal the diverse prevalence, age of onset, and clinical phenotypes across different ethnicities. A higher GRS increases the risk of LN and the severity of SLE. Therefore, understanding ethnic gene diversity is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and SLE severity, which could enable the development of novel drugs specific to each race.

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies significantly based on ethnicity rather than geographic distribution; thus, the prevalence is higher in Asian, Hispanic, and Black African populations than in European populations. The risk of developing lupus nephritis (LN) is the highest among Asian populations. Therefore, we hypothesize that human genetic diversity between races has occurred through the early human migration and human genetic adaptation to various environments, with a particular focus on pathogens. Additionally, we compile the currently available evidence on the ethnic gene diversity of SLE and how it relates to disease severity. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is well established as associated with susceptibility to SLE; specific allele distributions have been observed across diverse populations. Notably, specific amino acid residues within these HLA loci demonstrate significant associations with SLE risk. The non-HLA genetic loci associated with SLE risk also varies across diverse ancestries, implicating distinct immunological pathways, such as the type-I interferon and janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways in Asians, the type-II interferon signaling pathway in Europeans, and B cell activation pathway in Africans. Furthermore, assessing individual genetic susceptibility using genetic risk scores (GRS) for SLE helps to reveal the diverse prevalence, age of onset, and clinical phenotypes across different ethnicities. A higher GRS increases the risk of LN and the severity of SLE. Therefore, understanding ethnic gene diversity is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and SLE severity, which could enable the development of novel drugs specific to each race.

Hemorrhagic cystitis is potentially life-threatening sequellae of chemotherapy using oxazaphosphorine alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide). Mesna contains a sulfhydryl group that is believed to bind acrolein within the urinary collecting system and reduce the hemorrhagic cystitis without affecting the chemotherapeutic potential. To date, about thirty cases of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions of the delayed and urticarial type associated with mesna have been reported. We reported two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed facial rash and flushing associated with mesna which imitate malar rash.
Acrolein ; Alkylating Agents ; Cyclophosphamide ; Cystitis ; Drug Therapy ; Exanthema* ; Flushing ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Mesna*

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a chronic T-cell response that has escaped normal control mechanisms. This review summarizes recent insights in pathways that are functional in RA and that favor continuous and pathogenic T-cell activation. RECENT FINDINGS: T-cell activation is ultimately determined by positive signals from costimulatory molecules and negative signals from regulatory T cells. Blockade of the classic costimulatory pathway, CD28-CD80 or CD86, is beneficial in RA. Additional pathways that predominantly control the activation of memory and effector T cells are functionally important in synovial inflammation. Some of these costimulatory molecules(such as stimulatory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and NKG2D) appear to be relatively specific for RA and not to play a role in normal immune responses. In addition to this predominance of positive signals, age-disproportionate decline in thymic activity in RA may lead to a diminution of regulatory T cells and loss of their negative signals. SUMMARY: The successful treatment trial of RA with CTLA-4Ig clearly documents the importance of T-cell costimulation in RA disease activity. Novel costimulatory pathways may be of even greater significance than CD28 in RA and may represent promising new therapeutic targets. The finding of reduced thymic activity in RA is exciting and will stimulate further studies of T-cell homeostasis and the function of regulatory cells.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Autoimmunity ; Homeostasis ; Inflammation ; Lymphocytes* ; Memory ; Receptors, KIR ; T-Lymphocytes ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; United Nations

BACKGROUND: Several kinds of stents have shown their safety and efficacy to treat acute or subacute closure after balloon angioplasty as well as to reduce restenosis rate. However, one of the limitations of stents is difficult to deploy especially in tortuos vessels, lesions at a bend, and distal to previously deployed stents. The Micro stent II, which was one of the most recently developed stents, ia a rapid-exchage balloon expandable stainless steel stent with a zigzag design connected with a continuous single weld in each 3mm segments. It scores over excellent trackability and optimum radio-opacity. Therefore, it is easy to operate and feasible in tortuous, distal lesions and variety of lesion lengths. We report our experiences with Micro-II stent implanatation in the first 76 patients at Tonsei cardiovascular center to assess its safety and efficacy in patients with complex coronary anatomy and clinical results in the first months. METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 1996, eighty-six Micro-II stent were implanted in the coronary arteries of 76 patients(male 65.8%, age 59+/-10 year). Forty-five patients had unstable angina, the others had stable angina(17pts), acute myocardial infarction(14pts). RESULTS: 1) Indication of stenting was de novo 51(59.3%), suboptimal result 25(29.1%), restenosis 1(1.2%) and 9(10.4%) of lesions were stented in bail out situation. 2) Single stent were implanted in 76(88.4%)lesions, overlapping stent in 10(11.6%)lesions. Among overlapping stents, the second stent with Micro-II stent and with another kind of stent were 4.6%, 7.0%, respectively. 3) Procedure related complication including a subacute closure was occurred in 1(1.2%) patient who had distal dissection and 45% residual stenosis. In 12(14%) lesions, preistent dissection has been noticed after stent impantation. 4) Angiographic success(defined as a residual stenosis of <30% without major dissection) was achieved in 82 of 86 attempts(95.3%). The procedual success rate(defined as a residual stenosis of <30% without occurrence of major clinical events within 4 weeks after procesure) was 96.1%(73/76 patients). Angiographic success and procedural success rate in calcified lesion were 100% and 100%, respectively. Angiographic success and procedural success rate in more than 45` angulated lesion were 97% and 100%, respectively. 5) The mean minimal luminal diameter of the target lesions was increased from 0.42+/-0.40mm before stent implantation to 2.93+/-0.50mm(p<0.001). The percentage of diameter stenosis was reduced from 86.49+/-13.04% to 1.40+/-7.11%(p<0.001) after stent implantation. CONCLUSION: Coronary stenting with AVE Micro-II stent can be safety performed and is particularly beneficial in tortuous and calcified arteries. There was a high tendency for peristent dissection which need to special consideration to avoid. Follow-up data is needed to assess mid and term patency. Coronary artery disease . AVE Micro-II stent . Immediate results.
Angina, Unstable ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Arteries ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Vessels ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Phenobarbital ; Stainless Steel ; Stents*

Steroid myopathy is one of the most common drug-induced myopathy. We report a case of iatrogenic steroid myopathy in a 61-year-old female who had taken herb medication more than 2 months. She presented a slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness and wasting with typical features of cushing syndrome. Needle EMG showed typical myopathic patterns. The muscle biopsy revealed a pronounced muscle fiber atrophy and fatty degenerative change without inflammation. In addition, there was a selective type 2 fiber depletion on ATPase staining in pH 9.4 buffer. Her muscle powers and bulks were slowly improved after discontinuation of herb medication with phenytoin and physical therapy.
Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Atrophy ; Biopsy ; Cushing Syndrome* ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Inflammation ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscular Diseases* ; Needles ; Phenytoin

BACKGROUND: Cryoanalgesia provides postoperative analgesia following thoracotomy without serious complications compared with epidural analgesia, but little data indicates which one is better in terms of postoperative analgesia, side effects or associated complications. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing lateral thoracotomy, were randomized to receive a mixture of fentanyl and 0.15% bupivacaine at 0.5 microgram/kg/h of fentanyl via thoracic epidural catheter (Group E) or cryotherapy on the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th intercostal nerves using Frigitronics (Group C). Postoperative pain was assessed everyday for 7 days after the thoracotomy by a visual analog scale (VAS). The side effects and patient satisfaction of analgesia were assessed by a system of 4 grades. RESULTS: The VAS scores at rest in group C were significantly higher than those in group E. There was no side effect except numbness in group C, which continued for 3 months on the average. The incidences of side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus, sedation, urinary retention) were 15-35% in group E. The 35% of patients in group C were satisfied with postoperative analgesia compared with 95% in group E (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Epidural fentanyl provided a better analgesic effect than cryoanalgesia for thoracotomy, but there is a clinical advantage in cryoanalgesia over epidural fentanyl with respect to incidences of serious side effects not including. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2000; 39: 83-90)
Analgesia ; Analgesia, Epidural* ; Bupivacaine ; Catheters ; Cryotherapy ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Incidence ; Intercostal Nerves ; Pain, Postoperative ; Patient Satisfaction ; Pruritus ; Thoracotomy* ; Visual Analog Scale ; Vomiting