Complete remission of human parvovirus b19 associated symptoms by loxoprofen in patients with atopic predispositions

Does immunosuppressive property of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce COVID-19 vaccine-induced systemic side effects?

To help stop the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines are currently the most critical tool. However, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines frequently cause systemic side effects shortly after the injection, such as fever, headache and generalized fatigue. In our survey, after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 80% developed fever, 62% headache and 69% generalized fatigue. Among people who required antipyretics, the average durations of fever and headache were significantly shorter in those who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, loxoprofen and ibuprofen, than those who took acetaminophen. In our patch-clamp studies, NSAIDs effectively suppressed the delayed rectifier K⁺-channel (Kv1.3) currents in T-lymphocytes and thus exerted immunosuppressive effects. Because of this pharmacological property, the use of NSAIDs should be more effective in reducing the vaccine-induced systemic side effects that are caused primarily by the enhanced cellular immunity.

Frequency of human Parvovirus B19 among patients with respiratory infection in Iran

Background: Human parvovirus B19 was known as one of the possible cause of mild respiratory tract diseases in previous studies. However, there are some reports of acute obstructive respiratory disease and severe pneumonia. The purpose of current study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of parvovirus B19 in respiratory infection. Methods: This study was conducted on 156 patients diagnosed with respiratory infection at the Iran University of Medical Sciencesaffiliated hospitals. After extraction of viral DNA from swab samples, detection of parvovirus B19 was performed by real-time PCR assay. Results: In 156 patient's samples, parvovirus B19 was found in 8 (5.1 %) cases including 5 males (5.9%) and 3 females (4.1%). The most common clinical symptoms were wheezing (100%), tachypnea (100%), fever (75%) and rhinorrhea/pharyngitis (75%). Conclusion: This is the first attempt to assess the prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in Iranian patients with respiratory infection. The low frequency of parvovirus B19 detected in our study does not support the role of this virus in the development of respiratory infection. However, further studies are needed to better evaluate the etiological role of parvovirus B19 in respiratory infection.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Quickly Resolve Symptoms Associated with EBV-Induced Infectious Mononucleosis in Patients with Atopic Predispositions

Case series

Patient: Female, 24 • Male, 35

Final Diagnosis: EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis

Symptoms: Fever • general malaise • lymphadenopathy

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Physical examination and serological testing

Specialty: Infectious diseases

Roles of lymphocyte kv1.3-channels in the pathogenesis of renal diseases and novel therapeutic implications of targeting the channels

Delayed rectifier K⁺-channels (Kv1.3) are predominantly expressed in T lymphocytes. Based on patch-clamp studies, the channels play crucial roles in facilitating the calcium influx necessary to trigger lymphocyte activation and proliferation. Using selective channel inhibitors in experimental animal models, in vivo studies then revealed the clinically relevant relationship between the channel expression and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In renal diseases, in which “chronic inflammation” or “the overstimulation of cellular immunity” is responsible for the pathogenesis, the overexpression of Kv1.3-channels in lymphocytes promotes their cellular proliferation and thus contributes to the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We recently demonstrated that benidipine, a potent dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which also strongly and persistently inhibits the lymphocyte Kv1.3-channel currents, suppressed the proliferation of kidney lymphocytes and actually ameliorated the progression of renal fibrosis. Based on the recent in vitro evidence that revealed the pharmacological properties of the channels, the most recent studies have revealed novel therapeutic implications of targeting the lymphocyte Kv1.3-channels for the treatment of renal diseases.

Physiological significance of delayed rectifier K(+) channels (Kv1.3) expressed in T lymphocytes and their pathological significance in chronic kidney disease

T lymphocytes predominantly express delayed rectifier K(+) channels (Kv1.3) in their plasma membranes. More than 30 years ago, patch-clamp studies revealed that the channels play crucial roles in facilitating the calcium influx necessary to trigger lymphocyte activation and proliferation. In addition to selective channel inhibitors that have been developed, we recently showed physiological evidence that drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and anti-hypertensives effectively suppress the channel currents in lymphocytes, and thus exert immunosuppressive effects. Using experimental animal models, previous studies revealed the pathological relevance between the expression of ion channels and the progression of renal diseases. As an extension, we recently demonstrated that the overexpression of lymphocyte Kv1.3 channels contributed to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by promoting cellular proliferation and interstitial fibrosis. Together with our in-vitro results, the studies indicated the therapeutic potency of Kv1.3-channel inhibitors in the treatment or the prevention of CKD.

A case of fitz-hugh-curtis syndrome complicated by appendicitis conservatively treated with antibiotics

A 27-year-old woman developed a low grade fever and increased vaginal discharge that persisted for 2 weeks. Intermittent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant had been experienced over the previous few days. Due to her clinical manifestations and typical abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings, including hepatic capsular enhancement and hepatomegaly, a diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome was made. The early empirical use of antibiotics, azithromycin and levofloxacin, partially improved her symptoms. However, the low grade fever persisted and additional abdominal pain developed in the right lower quadrant. Based on the radiological evidence of an enlarged appendix with wall thickening, a diagnosis of appendicitis was additionally made, which was thought to occur secondarily to the genital tract infection. Following the administration of antibiotics ceftriaxone and cefditoren pivoxil, her symptoms were completely resolved without the need for any surgical intervention. Here, we report the first case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome complicated by appendicitis, which was conservatively managed with antibiotic treatment alone. In this case, the overgrowth of pathogens within the genital tract and their direct penetration into the appendix was thought to be responsible for the development of appendicitis.