Unraveling the complex relationship: Multiple sclerosis, urinary tract infections, and infertility

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune system disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and progressively damages nerve fibers and protective myelin. People with MS often experience a wide range of complications, including lower urinary tract dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexual dysfunction. MS is common in young people and can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) and infertility, which becomes more pronounced as the disease progresses.

RESULTS

Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the management of MS, which may slow the progression of the disease and alter its course. However, UTI and SD remain significant challenges for these patients. Awareness of the underlying complications of MS, such as UTIs and infertility, is crucial for prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment, as there is a causal relationship between UTIs and the use of corticosteroids during an attack.

CONCLUSION

This article provides an overview of potential microbial pathogens that contribute to the development of MS, as well as an assessment of people with MS who report UTIs and infertility.

The effect of Candida albicans systemic infection on matrix metalloproteinases in breast cancer bearing BALB/c mice

Breast cancer patients are susceptible to infections such as candidiasis. Due to the importance and the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in breast cancer progression and its correlation with tumor metastasis, we analyzed the serum level of MMPs -2, -3, -9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in breast cancer bearing mice in the presence of systemic Candida albicans infection. Female BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: group I had tumor + candidiasis; group II, tumor only; group III, candidiasis only and group IV as negative control. Tumor tissue was separated from stock breast cancer bearing mice and transplanted subcutaneously into the groups I and II mice. Two weeks after tumor transplantation, groups I and III were infected with Candida albicans by intravenous injection. One week after systemic infection, the sera of the experimental groups were prepared and analyzed with ELISA for MMP-2, -3, -9 and TIMP-1 levels. The results showed that the levels of MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were increased in groups I, II and III, as compared to the control group. However, the level of MMP-2 was decreased in mice infected with Candida albicans and in infected mice bearing tumor. These data suggest that candidiasis may have a positive effect on tumor progression and metastasis.