Cell-mediated immunity to insulin: A new criterion for differentiation of diabetes mellitus?

Original hypothesis: Extracorporeal shockwaves as a homeostatic autoimmune restorative treatment (HART) for Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Mononuclear invasion of Langerhans islet and the ensuing insulitis triggers signal-transduction for the autoimmune mediated pancreatic beta-cell (β-cell) apoptosis that severely disrupts insulin production resulting in hyperglycemia associated with Type-1 diabetes (T1DM). Today extensive global research is being conducted to eliminate the need for insulin, and even prevent or find a cure for T1DM. The multifactorial combination of autoimmune dysfunction, Langerhans islet hypoxia, and bio-chemical disruption are seen to be contributory factors for β-cell destruction and the consequential disruption to insulin production. Regeneration of β-cells back to physiological levels may restore homeostatic insulin levels, reversing T1DM. Evidence suggests that there are still functioning pancreatic β-cells even in long standing T1DM providing the potential for their regeneration. Although the exact mechanism of extracorporeal shockwaves (ESW) is yet to be fully elucidated, it is seen to influence a complex spectrum of bio-chemical, cellular and neuronal functions (i.e. suppression of pro-inflammatory immune response, improved tissue hemodynamics, anti-microbial properties, and the induction of progenitor cell expression including proangiogenic factors and nitric oxide syntheses). The rationale for the use of ESW as a therapeutic modality in this instance is attributed to its restorative properties and safety profile demonstrated in urology, cardiology, chronic wounds, osteogenesis, complex pain syndromes, and tendinopathies. ESW may restore autoimmune homeostasis creating a suitable environment for pancreatic β-cell proliferation which in-turn may significantly increase or normalize endogenous insulin secretion reducing or totally eliminating dependency of exogenous insulin. The devastating complications, morbidity and mortality associated with T1DM warrants the exploration of homeostatic autoimmune restorative treatment (HART) modalities that may partially or fully reverse this disease condition. We present our hypothesis discussing ESW as a potential homeostatic autoimmune restorative treatment (HART) option for T1DM.

Endocochlear inflammation in cochlear implant users: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Cochlear implantation is a relatively safe procedure with a low complication rate. The overall rate of complications among cochlear implant patients ranges from 6% to 20%. Major complications are those that are life-threatening or require surgery, whereas minor complications are those that can be medically treated. Nonetheless, certain complications, even if highly rare, may require specific investigations and treatments. Among these rare complications are those with endocochlear involvement, such as cochleitis or labyrinthitis, with fibrosis or ossification that could lead to explantation. The aims of the present study were to report a particular case of post-operative cochleitis and to review the rate of complications after cochlear implantation, emphasising those conditions with proven endocochlear involvement.

METHODS

We refer to the case of an eight-year-old Italian boy affected by the sudden onset of headache, ipsilateral otalgia and facial paresis, who presented to our clinic for inexplicable worsening of the performance of his implant and his residual hearing, six years after surgery. A complete investigation including (clinical history, routine, autoimmune and serological blood tests, electrophysiological measurements from the cochlear implant and neuroimaging) was performed and is herein described. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using internet search engines; 274 papers were selected, 88 of which were best suited to our purposes.

RESULTS

In our case, the progression of the symptoms and the performance decrement required explantation, followed by a complete recovery. Reviewing the literature revealed only three reports concerning cases of proven endocochlear phlogosis that required revision surgery. Wound swelling/infection and vertigo remain the two most common complications of cochlear implantation. Failure of the device is the third most frequent complication (10.06% of all complications and 1.53% of cochlear implantations). Other rare conditions (such as granulating labyrinthitis with cochlear fibrosis, ossification and erosion, silicone allergy and the formation of a biofilm around the internal device) are possible and unpredictable. Although rare (approximately 1%), such cases may require explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite efforts by both surgeons and manufacturers, device-related and surgical complications still occur. These and other rare conditions demand specific management, and their frequency may be underestimated. Further studies are needed to assess more realistic rates of complications and devise more efficient strategies for early diagnosis and treatment.