Upregulation of VEGF-A and correlation between VEGF-A and FLT-1 expressions in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients

Cytokines, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors, and PlGF in Autoimmunity: Insights From Rheumatoid Arthritis to Multiple Sclerosis

In this review, we will explore the intricate roles of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors in autoimmune diseases (ADs), with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). AD is characterized by self-destructive immune responses due to auto-reactive T lymphocytes and Abs. Among various types of ADs, RA and MS possess inflammation as a central role but in different sites of the patients. Other common aspects among these two ADs are their chronicity and relapsing-remitting symptoms requiring continuous management. First factor inducing these ADs are cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, which play significant roles in the pathogenesis by contributing to inflammation, immune cell activation, and tissue damage. Secondly, vascular endothelial growth factors, including VEGF and angiopoietins, are crucial in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation in these two ADs. Finally, placental growth factor (PlGF), an emerging factor with bi-directional roles in angiogenesis and T cell differentiation, as we introduce as an "angio-lymphokine" is another key factor in ADs. Thus, while angiogenesis recruits more inflammatory cells into the peripheral sites, cytokines secreted by effector cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ADs. Various therapeutic interventions targeting these soluble molecules have shown promise in managing autoimmune pathogenic conditions. However, delicate interplay between cytokines, angiogenic factors, and PlGF has more to be studied when considering their complementary role in actual pathogenic conditions. Understanding the complex interactions among these factors provides valuable insights for the development of innovative therapies for RA and MS, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

More gain, less pain: How resistance training affects immune system functioning in multiple sclerosis patients: A review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a complex etiology that is mirrored by the perplexing and inconsistent treatment responses observed across different patients. Although epigenetic research has garnered rightful interest in its efforts towards demystifying and understanding aberrant responses to treatment, the interim undoubtedly requires alternative non-pharmacological approaches towards attaining more effective management strategies. Of particular interest in this review is resistance training (RT) as a non-pharmacological exercise-based interventional strategy and its potential role as a disease-modifying tool. RT has been reported across literature to positively influence numerous aspects in the quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity of MS patients, and one of the attributes of these benefits may be a shift in the immune system of these individuals. RT has also been proven to affect different immune system key players associated with MS pathology. Ultimately, this brief review aims to provide a potential yet crucial link between RT, alterations in the expression profile of the immune system, and finally an imminent improvement in the overall well-being and QoL of MS patients, suggesting that utilizing RT as an interventional exercise modality may be an effective strategy that would aid in managing such a complex and debilitating disease.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Growing bodies of evidence suggest that angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key factors involved in angiogenesis. Because of this importance, we investigated the serum levels of VEGF in MS patients according to their clinical phase and subtype of MS in this study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This case-control study was done on 47 definite MS patients with the first clinical attack and 47 randomly selected individuals without any underlying inflammatory and autoimmune disease as the control group. The total serum VEGF level was measured from the subject's peripheral blood sample by ELISA during the first and second attacks of MS and 6 months after the first attack in the remission phase as well as the control group. In addition, the correlation between these variables and the influence of gender, age, and duration of the remission phase on such associations was evaluated by using the independent t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the serum level of VEGF in all phases of MS compared with non-MS individuals (p value <0.0001) and a significant correlation between the serum level of VEGF and the interval between first and second attacks (r = -720, p < 0.0001). A higher serum level of VEGF in the first attack leads to higher VEGF levels in the second and sixth mount of remission phases.

CONCLUSION

Rise in the serum VEGF level may be involved in MS's relapsing phases and a shorter remission phase. Therefore, it could be used as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for MS disease.

Comparison of conbercept and ranibizumab combined mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy for neovascular glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and security of conbercept and ranibizumab combined with trabeculectomy and panretinal photocoagulation for neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

METHODS

One hundred and sixty patients with NVG were randomly divided into a conbercept group comprised of 80 patients and a ranibizumab group comprised of 80 patients. The postoperative and preoperative visual acuities, intraocular pressures frequency of anti-glaucoma medications, and surgical complications were recorded. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (FLT-1), and placenta-like growth factor (PLGF) in the aqueous humor were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Examining the fundus and obtaining photographs used indirect ophthalmoscopy. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses estimated the success rates.

RESULTS

All patient follow-up periods were at 1 year. The differences observed in IOP and the frequencies of anti-glaucoma medications at various follow-up time points were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). The differences observed in both the group visual acuities at various follow-up time points were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Rates of surgery complications were 18.75% and 25.00% in the conbercept group and ranibizumab group, respectively. The expressions of VEGF, FLT-1, and PLGF significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). The recurrence percentages were 30.00% and 36.25% after conbercept and ranibizumab treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The conbercept effects were similar with that of ranibizumab. Intravitreal injection of conbercept was effective for NVG treatment, which provides a new therapeutic drug for NVG treatment.

Modulating Gut Microbiota: An Emerging Approach in the Prevention and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by demyelination of neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). The pathogenesis of the disorder is described as an autoimmune attack targeting the myelin sheath of nerve cell axons in the CNS. Available treatments only reduce the risk of relapse, prolonging the remissions of neurological symptoms and halt the progression of the disorder. Among the new ways of targeting neurological disorders, including MS, there is modulation of gut microbiota since the link between gut microbiota has been rethought within the term gut-brain axis. Gut microbiota is known to help the body with essential functions such as vitamin production and positive regulation of immune, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. High consumption of saturated fatty acids, gluten, salt, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, or antibiotics is the responsible factor for causing gut dysbiosis. The latter can lead to dysregulation of immune and inflammatory pathways, which eventually results in leaky gut syndrome, systemic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and increased susceptibility to infections. In modern medicine, scientists have mostly focused on the modulation of gut microbiota in the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies for numerous disorders, with probiotics and prebiotics being the most widely studied in this regard. Several pieces of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies have supported the positive impact of probiotic and/or prebiotic intake on gut microbiota and MS. This review aims to link gut dysbiosis with the development/progression of MS, and the potential of modulation of gut microbiota in the therapeutics of the disease.