Immunoendocrinology: When (neuro)endocrinology and immunology meet

Molecular Mechanisms in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

The most common cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction is autoimmune thyroid disease, which is an organ-specific autoimmune disease with two presentation phenotypes: hyperthyroidism (Graves-Basedow disease) and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is distinguished by the presence of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. Meanwhile, autoantibodies against the TSH receptor have been found in Graves-Basedow disease. Numerous susceptibility genes, as well as epigenetic and environmental factors, contribute to the pathogenesis of both diseases. This review summarizes the most common genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms involved in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Extracorporeal apheresis therapy for Alzheimer disease-targeting lipids, stress, and inflammation

Current therapeutic approaches to Alzheimer disease (AD) remain disappointing and, hence, there is an urgent need for effective treatments. Here, we provide a perspective review on the emerging role of "metabolic inflammation" and stress as a key factor in the pathogenesis of AD and propose a novel rationale for correction of metabolic inflammation, increase resilience and potentially slow-down or halt the progression of the neurodegenerative process. Based on recent evidence and observations of an early pilot trial, we posit a potential use of extracorporeal apheresis in the prevention and treatment of AD. Apolipoprotein E, lipoprotein(a), oxidized LDL (low density lipoprotein)'s and large LDL particles, as well as other proinflammatory lipids and stress hormones such as cortisol, have been recognized as key factors in amyloid plaque formation and aggravation of AD. Extracorporeal lipoprotein apheresis systems employ well-established, powerful methods to provide an acute, reliable 60-80% reduction in the circulating concentration of these lipid classes and reduce acute cortisol levels. Following a double-membrane extracorporeal apheresis in patients with AD, there was a significant reduction of proinflammatory lipids, circulating cytokines, immune complexes, proinflammatory metals and toxic chaperones in patients with AD. On the basis of the above, we suggest designing clinical trials to assess the promising potential of such "cerebropheresis" treatment in patients with AD and, possibly, other neurodegenerative diseases.

Hypophysitis: An update on the novel forms, diagnosis and management of disorders of pituitary inflammation

Hypophysitis is a heterogeneous condition that leads to inflammation of the sella and/or suprasellar region, potentially resulting in hormonal deficiencies and/or mass effects. A preponderance of hypophysitis subtypes have an underlying autoimmune aetiology. The overall incidence and prevalence of hypophysitis has dramatically increased over the past decade, mainly due to increased awareness of the condition in the medical community, improvements in imaging techniques, and a rise in the occurrence of certain forms of hypophysitis such as IgG4 hypophysitis (IgG4Hy) and immune checkpoint inhibitor induced hypophysitis (ICIHy). The clinical presentation varies from an asymptomatic condition to a fatal disease often as a result of electrolyte abnormalities due to glucocorticoid deficiency in the context of adrenal crisis from central adrenal insufficiency. Milder forms of hypophysitis are treated with replacement of deficient hormones while more acute presentations with mass effects require glucocorticoid therapy, immunosuppressive therapy or surgery. Timely diagnosis and interventions are keys to prevention of the lethal complications of this disease. In this review, we provide an update on the recent advances in the field of pituitary autoimmunity, with an emphasis on autoimmune hypophysitis and novel forms of hypophysitis such as anti-PIT1 hypophysitis, IgG4Hy and ICIHy.