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Ma RX. A detective story of intermittent fasting effect on immunity. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38922825 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to periodic fasting routines, that caloric intake is minimized not by meal portion size reduction but by intermittently eliminating ingestion of one or several consecutive meals. IF can instigate comprehensive and multifaceted alterations in energy metabolism, these metabolic channels may aboundingly function as primordial mechanisms that interface with the immune system, instigating intricate immune transformations. This review delivers a comprehensive understanding of IF, paying particular attention to its influence on the immune system, thus seeking to bridge these two research domains. We explore how IF effects lipid metabolism, hormonal levels, circadian rhythm, autophagy, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and intestinal barrier integrity, and conjecture about the mechanisms orchestrating the intersect between these factors and the immune system. Moreover, the review includes research findings on the implications of IF on the immune system and patients burdened with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xue Ma
- School of Medical, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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Gholampoor N, Sharif AH, Mellor D. The effect of observing religious or faith-based fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:1097-1109. [PMID: 38508992 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Fasting is common in many religions and is associated with health benefits. This systematic review to compares the impact of different religious fasting practices, on risk of cardiometabolic diseases. DATA SYNTHESIS The search covered five databases following PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published in English from inception to March 2023 (updated January 2024). Inclusion criteria were healthy adults in observational studies, who engaged in religious fasting practices, studies were included where data on matched non-fasting individuals was available. Outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and fasting plasma glucose levels. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the review was registered (CRD42022352197). Fourteen studies were met the inclusion criteria with ten studies data being suitable for meta-analysis, reporting on 755 adults participating in fasting practices and 661 non-fasting controls. Religious fasting was associated with a reduction in BMI (-0.40 kg/m2, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.10], p < 0.01). Observance of Ramadan fasting was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (-3.83 mmHg, 95% CI [-7.44, -0.23], p = 0.04). The observance of Orthodox Christian fasting was associated with a reduction in TC (-0.52 mmoL/l, 95%CI [-0.64, -0.39], p < 0.01). No difference was found for the other outcomes. CONCLUSION This review found religious fasting practices which were associated with a reduction in some biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases risk. Further research on other fasting practices is needed due to limited data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Gholampoor
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Duane Mellor
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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3
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Barati M, Ghahremani A, Namdar Ahmadabad H. Intermittent fasting: A promising dietary intervention for autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103408. [PMID: 37572827 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Intermittent fasting, which includes periods of fasting and nutrition, has been considered a dietary approach for weight loss and metabolic health improvement. However, its potential benefits in autoimmune diseases have not been widely studied. This study aims to review the existing studies on the role and effects of intermittent fasting on autoimmune diseases. A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, and relevant studies were included based on inclusion criteria. Studies show that intermittent fasting may have beneficial effects on various autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, by reducing inflammatory markers, modulating the immune system, altering and improving gut microbiota, and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms through autophagy. However, evidence regarding the effects of intermittent fasting on other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid diseases, and psoriasis is limited and inconclusive. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine optimal intermittent fasting guidelines and its long-term effects on autoimmune diseases. Overall, this literature review proves intermittent fasting may be a promising dietary intervention for managing autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Barati
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirali Ghahremani
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
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Naz H, Haider R, Rashid H, Ul Haq Z, Malik J, Zaidi SMJ, Ishaq U, Trevisan R. Islamic fasting: cardiovascular disease perspective. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 20:795-805. [PMID: 36260858 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2138344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ramadan is a month of obligatory fasting observed by the majority of 2 billion Muslims living around the globe. The guidelines for 'risk-free' fasting exist for chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, but recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients are deficient due to the paucity of literature. AREAS COVERED Databases were screened to find relevant studies for an evidence-based consensus regarding the risk stratification and management of CVD. Using practical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), we categorized patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories and proposed a pre-Ramadan checklist for the assessment of cardiac patients before fasting. Regular moderate-intensity exercise is recommended for most cardiac patients, which has been demonstrated to provide an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect that improves immune function. EXPERT OPINION In Ramadan, many physiological changes occur during fasting, which brings about a balanced metabolic homeostasis of the body. In addition, Ramadan fasting is a nonpharmacologic means of decreasing CV risk factors. As Islam exempts Muslims from fasting if they are unwell; therefore, patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), advanced heart failure (HF), recent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or cardiac surgery should avoid fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hifza Naz
- Medical Student, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rakhshan Haider
- Department of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Rashid
- Department of Intensive care, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Jahanzeb Malik
- Department of Cardiology, Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | | | - Uzma Ishaq
- Department of Hematology, Healthways Laboratories, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Roberto Trevisan
- Department of Endocrinology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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Pagliai G, Colombini B, Bellando Randone S, Amedei A, Guiducci S, Sofi F. Nutrients, foods and dietary patterns in the management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. CLINICAL NUTRITION OPEN SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutos.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Negm M, Bahaa A, Farrag A, Lithy RM, Badary HA, Essam M, Kamel S, Sakr M, Abd El Aaty W, Shamkh M, Basiony A, Dawoud I, Shehab H. Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on inflammatory markers, disease severity, depression, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A prospective cohort study. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:203. [PMID: 35462542 PMCID: PMC9036734 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02272-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intermittent fasting (IF) during the month of Ramadan is part of the religious rituals of Muslims. The effect of intermittent fasting on disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still unknown. This is the first study to assess the effect of IF during Ramadan on inflammatory markers in patients diagnosed with IBD. The effects on clinical disease activity, quality of life, and levels of depression were also assessed. Methods Patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) who intended to observe Ramadan fasting were recruited. The following were assessed immediately before and at the end of Ramadan: Serum CRP and stool calprotectin, partial Mayo score, Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI), Simple IBD questionnaire (SIBDQ), and Hamilton depression scale questionnaire. Results 80 patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited (60 UC, 20 CD). Serum CRP and stool calprotectin did not show a significant change before vs after fasting (median CRP 0.53 vs 0.50, P value = 0.27, Calprotectin 163 vs 218 respectively, P value = 0.62). The partial Mayo score showed a significant rise after fasting (median 1 before vs 1 after fasting, mean: 1.79 vs 2.33 respectively, P value = 0.02). Harvey-Bradshaw index did not show a significant change after fasting (median 4 vs 5, P value = 0.4). Multiple linear regression revealed that older age and a higher baseline calprotectin were associated with a higher change in Mayo score after fasting (P value = 0.02 and P value = 0.01, respectively). No significant change was detected in SIBDQ or Hamilton depression scale scores. Conclusions In patients diagnosed with UC, IF during Ramadan was associated with worsening of clinical parameters, the effect was more pronounced in older patients and those with higher baseline calprotectin levels. However, IF during Ramadan was not associated with an adverse effect on objective inflammatory markers (CRP and calprotectin).
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Ben Nessib D, Maatallah K, Ferjani H, Triki W, Kaffel D, Hamdi W. Sustainable positive effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 41:399-403. [PMID: 34505214 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The short-term positive effects of intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan on rheumatic inflammatory diseases have been previously evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the sustainability of these effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity. This prospective study included 35 patients with RA, who observed fasting during Ramadan 2019. The disease activity was assessed and compared between three time points: T1 (6 months before the beginning of Ramadan), T2 (during the month between the 7th day of fasting and the 7th day after Ramadan), and T3 (averagely 3.4 months after fasting). The disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was used to evaluate the disease activity. After a significant decrease of all disease activity parameters between T1 and T2, a gradual increase of clinical and biological outcomes was seen between T2 and T3. Except for CRP, which was significantly higher at T3 (p = 0.02), the changes of the other disease activity parameters were not statistically significant. By reference to baseline data (T1), the decrease of ESR, DAS28 CRP, and DAS28 ESR induced after Ramadan fast was maintained until T3, with statistically significant differences. We can therefore conclude that this study has been conducted at the beginning of the fading-out of the effects of Ramadan fast, and that the duration of 3 months may be the recommended interval between fasting periods to maintain the positive effects of intermittent fasting on RA activity. Key Points • Intermittent fasting can induce a rapid improvement of rheumatoid arthritis activity. • The positive effects of this model of fasting can last up to 3 months. • The recommended interval between fasting periods may be estimated at 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorra Ben Nessib
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Kaouther Maatallah
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Ferjani
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Triki
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhia Kaffel
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Hamdi
- Rheumatology Department, Kassab Orthopedics Institute, Mannouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Unit UR17SP04, 2010, Ksar Said, Tunis, Tunisia
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Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis versus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Any Differences? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030772. [PMID: 33673487 PMCID: PMC7997440 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing interest in the influence of diet in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) led to the publication of several articles exploring the role of food/nutrients in both the risk of developing these conditions in normal subjects and the natural history of the disease in patients with established RMDs. Diet may be a possible facilitator of RMDs due to both the direct pro-inflammatory properties of some nutrients and the indirect action on insulin resistance, obesity and associated co-morbidities. A consistent body of research has been conducted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are scarce and have been conducted mainly on experimental models of the disease. This review article aims to outline similarities and differences between RA and SLE based on the existing literature.
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Pehlivan S, Pehlivan Y, Yağız B, Coşkun BN, Ermurat S, Dalkılıç E. Rheumatology patients' attitude regarding Ramadan and fasting. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 23:1082-1087. [PMID: 32602648 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fasting may lead to some problems in patients who have to use drugs on a regular and continuous basis. The objective of this study is to identify rheumatology patients' attitudes toward Ramadan and fasting. METHOD The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 374 patients. The study data were collected using a questionnaire form. SPSS was used and percentage and Chi-square analyses were performed. RESULTS It was determined that 56.1% fasted during Ramadan. When asked about the effect of fasting on the disease, 88.4% of those who fasted answered "it had no effect", and 80.1% of those that did not fast said "it affected negatively" (P < .05). It was determined that 41.9% of the fasting patients did not visit the doctor during Ramadan, 52.9% continued using their drugs without any change, and 73.3% did not ask for information on fasting. The rate of patients who were informed by the doctor without any request for information was found to be only 9% (P < .05). CONCLUSION It was determined that more than half of the rheumatology patients fasted, the majority of these patients thought that it would not affect their disease, and the rate of request for information from the doctor was low. It is considered that a drug program could be prepared for fasting individuals who are willing to fast, in which drugs are taken between the İftar and Suhur times, and patients can safely fast without any additional risk to their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Pehlivan
- Department of Nursing, Health Science Faculty, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Pehlivan
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Burcu Yağız
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Belkıs Nihan Coşkun
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Selime Ermurat
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ediz Dalkılıç
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Adawi M, Watad A, Brown S, Aazza K, Aazza H, Zouhir M, Sharif K, Ghanayem K, Farah R, Mahagna H, Fiordoro S, Sukkar SG, Bragazzi NL, Mahroum N. Ramadan Fasting Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects: Insights from a Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1144. [PMID: 29230208 PMCID: PMC5712070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting. All Muslim adults are expected to fast; nevertheless certain subgroups, including sick, frail subjects, and pregnant women, among others, are exempted. Ramadan fasting has been shown to impact on body systems in different manners. The influence of Ramadan fasting on immune system regulation remains elusive; however, immune system changes, such as the modulation of body response to various infectious, stressful, and other harmful events, are of great interest during fasting. In this paper, we performed an extensive systematic literature review of different scholarly databases (ISI/Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed,/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, EbscoHOST, Scirus, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest), using the following key words: "fasting," "Ramadan," "Islam," and "immunity." Conclusions drawn from these findings included: (1) Ramadan fasting has been shown to only mildly influence the immune system and the alterations induced are transient, returning to basal pre-Ramadan status shortly afterward. (2) Ramadan fasting during the second trimester of pregnancy was shown to be safe and did not result in negative fetal outcomes, or maternal oxidative status alterations. (3) In cardiac patients, Ramadan fasting can have beneficial effects including lipid profile improvement and alleviation of oxidative stress. (4) In asthmatic patients as well as in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and autoimmune disorders, fasting was safe. (5) In psychiatric patients, such as those suffering from schizophrenia, fasting could increase immunologic markers. (6) Fasting Muslim athletes who maintain intensive training schedule during Ramadan showed fluctuations of immunologic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Adawi
- Padeh and Ziv Hospitals, Bar-Ilan Faculty of Medicine, Zefat, Israel
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Stav Brown
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Khadija Aazza
- Faculty of Sciences Dhar Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Hicham Aazza
- Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Zouhir
- Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Kassem Sharif
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Khaled Ghanayem
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Raymond Farah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel
| | - Hussein Mahagna
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefano Fiordoro
- Immunology Service, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Naim Mahroum
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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