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Au TY, Arudkumar J, Assavarittirong C, Benjamin S. Killing two birds with one stone: CRISPR/Cas9 CCR5 knockout hematopoietic stem cells transplantation to treat patients with HIV infection and hematological malignancies concurrently. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4163-4175. [PMID: 37500934 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to cause hematological malignancy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HPSCT) is an advanced treatment for that. Currently, there are three successful HIV-eliminated cases, and two received HPSCT from CCR5-absent donors. It is well established that the CCR5 protein on the cell surface assists human immunodeficiency virus entry. Preliminary studies have revealed that knocking out CCR5 and/or CXCR4 may inhibit the viral entry of HIV, which may prove promising in the further development of HIV treatment options. Herein, we suggest performing autologous or allogeneic HSCT with CCR5 KO hematopoietic stem cells in patients who suffer from complicated HIV conditions, particularly drug-resistant HIV or a concurrent diagnosis of HIV with lymphoma/leukemia, to achieve complete HIV remission. Nevertheless, at the clinical forefront of CRISPR-HIV technology, more efforts should be directed to advance nonhuman primate (NHP) models for studies of HIV pathogenesis and off-target assessments within this system. CRISPR-Cas9 knock out of host HSCT-expressing CCR5 or CXCR4 may confer HIV-resistance, which when applied to bedside therapeutics in an allogeneic or autologous manner can warrant a permanent and effective treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jayshen Arudkumar
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Au TY, Assavarittirong C, Benjamin S, Wiśniewski OW. Is there a correlation between antibiotic use and the severity or post-infection conditions of COVID-19 and other viral infections? Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4123-4128. [PMID: 37653183 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in modern medicine; besides treating bacterial infections, they may often be utilized for prophylactic purposes, including during select viral infections. It has been shown that 74.9% of COVID-19 patients received antibiotics as a part of their treatment regimen during the pandemic. However, studies suggest that the actual incidence of bacterial coinfection was relatively uncommon with a mere 3.5% of overall cases reported. A recent study revealed that antibiotic administration would not improve disease progression or shorten the length of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients; additionally, some antibiotics, such as linezolid, promote the production of free radicals that might be responsible for exacerbated clinical symptoms during and post-infection. Notably, antibiotic use disturbs the normal gut microbiome, and this interference impedes antiviral immune response enhancing severity and susceptibility to a list of viral infections. Thus, resultant augmented severity of these infections may be a consequence of higher susceptibility to respiratory viral co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Stockton-on-Tees, UK.
- Center for Medical Education in English, Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, UHS Southern California Medical Education Consortium, Temecula, CA, USA
- Center for Medical Education in English, Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, Dignity Health East Valley, Chandler, AZ, USA
- Center for Medical Education in English, Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Oskar Wojciech Wiśniewski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
- Department of Cardiology-Intensive Therapy and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Au TY, Wiśniewski OW, Benjamin S, Kubicki T, Dytfeld D, Gil L. G6PD deficiency-does it alter the course of COVID-19 infections? Ann Hematol 2023:10.1007/s00277-023-05164-y. [PMID: 36905446 PMCID: PMC10006571 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the existence of well-founded data around the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), current research around G6PD-deficient patients with viral infections, and limitations as a result of their condition, are inadequate. Here, we analyze existing data around immunological risks, complications, and consequences of this disease, particularly in relation to COVID-19 infections and treatment. The relationship between G6PD deficiency and elevated ROS leading to increased viral load suggests that these patients may confer heightened infectivity. Additionally, worsened prognoses and more severe complications of infection may be realized in class I G6PD-deficient individuals. Though more research is demanded on the topic, preliminary studies suggest that antioxidative therapy which reduces ROS levels in these patients could prove beneficial in the treatment of viral infections in G6PD-deficient individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | | | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Kubicki
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dominik Dytfeld
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Lidia Gil
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Wong PC, Au TY. A potential clinical application of hydrogen-rich saline in postoperative care. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:599. [PMID: 36307299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Po Chun Wong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Assavarittirong C, Au TY. U.S. Supreme Court ending constitution right to abortion and its potential nationwide impact on neonatological care. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:181. [PMID: 35945052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
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Abstract
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder. It is the most fatal among all types of EDS. In addition to typical EDS characteristics, vEDS patients are at risk of blood vessel rupture due to possession of pathogenic variants of the COL3A1 gene, which encodes type III collagen. Type III collagen is a major component of humans' vascular walls. The management of this disease is possible; however, there is no cure as of present. Recently, discoveries with potential impact on the management of vEDS have been elucidated. Mice with vEDS traits treated with a beta-blocker celiprolol showed significant improvements in their thoracic aorta biomechanical strength. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the specifically designed small interference RNAs (siRNA) can effectively silence the pathogenic variant allele. To enhance the normal allele expression, an intracellularly expressed lysyl oxidase is shown to regulate the transcription rate of the COL3A1 promoter. Similarly, an embryonic homeobox transcription factor Nanog upregulates the wild-type COL3A1 expression through activation of the transforming growth factor-beta pathway, which increases type III collagen synthesis. Despite numerous advancements, more studies are to be performed to incorporate these discoveries into clinical settings, and eventually, more personalized treatments can be created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Assavarittirong
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Phu Vinh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adrianna Mostowska
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Au TY, Assavarittirong C. The potential rationale of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myopericarditis. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4586-4587. [PMID: 35655335 PMCID: PMC9348073 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Faculty of Medicine IIPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznańPoland
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Faculty of Medicine IIPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznańPoland
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Pluto-Pradzynska A, Pluto-Pradzynska K, Frydrychowicz M, Lagiedo-Zelazowska M, Owoc J, Benjamin S, Au TY, Jaracz K, Dworacki G, Wysocki J, Wasik J. Are yoga and physical activity determinants of quality of life in Polish adults? a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059658. [PMID: 36167364 PMCID: PMC9516201 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Yoga is an ancient form of physical activity (PA) that encompasses meditation, stretching and breathing techniques. Although the benefits of PA and associated lifestyle interventions are clear, we here addressed the paucity of evidence regarding the specific relationship between yoga and quality of life (QOL) in adults in Poland. We hypothesised that participation in PA and yoga could result in a positive impact on QOL. DESIGN Cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based survey. Both the quantitative and qualitative variables were statistically compared. Multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression. Results were determined based on age, sex and education level; a p<0.05 was considered significant. SETTING Questionnaires were delivered to participants online, at high schools and universities, and in elderly communities in Poland. PARTICIPANTS 714 polish citizens aged over 18 participated in the study; there are no specific entry and exclusion criteria besides age. RESULTS Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the QOL of the physically active group (PAG) and non-PAG (N-PAG). Meanwhile, yoga practice was revealed to have a significant effect on QOL; QOL was found to be statistically higher (p<0.001) in the PAG with yoga (PAG-Y) (4.29±0.66) than in the N-PAG (3.83±0.92) and PAG without yoga (4.07±0.68). CONCLUSIONS The study shows that both regular PA and yoga practices could improve QOL; however, PAG-Y produced higher QOL scores than PA of other types. This outcome may be explained by the impact of physiological and psychological aspects within yoga practice. These results suggest that this unique combination impacts health more positively than other kinds of PA alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Pluto-Pradzynska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karolina Pluto-Pradzynska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Frydrychowicz
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Lagiedo-Zelazowska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jakub Owoc
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krystyna Jaracz
- Department of Neurological Nursing, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dworacki
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Chair of Health Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Wasik
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
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Benjamin S, Au TY, Assavarittirong C. Lack of supplement regulation: A potential for ethical and physiological repercussions. Nutr Health 2022; 28:495-499. [PMID: 35770294 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221108145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The sale and utilization of dietary and fitness supplements in America, with industry revenue totaling 140.3 billion in 2020 alone, has proven significant. Unfortunately, these supplements are not held to high standards of manufacturing or marketing, leading to ethical, financial, and physiological repercussions for consumers. Aim: The aim of this study is to discuss specific examples of a prevalent issue within the supplementation industry; we suggest the implementation of regulatory processes in the sale and marketing of such products. Methods: Studies from 2007 to 2021 which illustrate positive or negative effects of specific supplements based on gross revenue or a high level of publicity were analyzed. Results: Within this paper, we outline potential regulations which could assist in mitigating the negative impact that a lack of oversight has precipitated. These regulations include an initial approval request which reviews supplement ingredients, effects, risks, and therapeutic index. Conclusion: If the proposed regulations are introduced, the data collected via supplement applications may be utilized in classifying the supplement by its risk before it is marketed to the general population with supervision by pharmacists when indicated, ultimately reducing the adverse effects of inappropriate supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- 37807Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
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Au TY, Assavarittirong C. Combating antimicrobial resistance: an evidence-based overview of bacteriophage therapy. Postgrad Med J 2022:7117722. [PMID: 37055028 DOI: 10.1136/postmj/postgradmedj-2022-141546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems cause an enormous challenge to our world in medicine and in agriculture and many other fields. The current situation makes bacteriophage therapy an attractive therapeutic candidate. Nevertheless, very limited clinical trials on bacteriophage therapy were performed and completed as of presence. Bacteriophage therapy alludes to infecting bacteria with a virus, this often results in a bactericidal effect. The compiled studies support the feasibility of treating AMR with bacteriophage. However, the efficacy of specific bacteriophage strains and the accurate dosage have to be further studied and tested rigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Au TY, Assavarittirong C. Combating antimicrobial resistance: an evidence-based overview of bacteriophage therapy. Postgrad Med J 2022:postgradmedj-2022-141546. [PMID: 35379752 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2022-141546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems cause an enormous challenge to our world in medicine and in agriculture and many other fields. The current situation makes bacteriophage therapy an attractive therapeutic candidate. Nevertheless, very limited clinical trials on bacteriophage therapy were performed and completed as of presence. Bacteriophage therapy alludes to infecting bacteria with a virus, this often results in a bactericidal effect. The compiled studies support the feasibility of treating AMR with bacteriophage. However, the efficacy of specific bacteriophage strains and the accurate dosage have to be further studied and tested rigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Au TY, Assavarittirong C. The overview of utilizing complementary therapy to relieve stress or anxiety in emergency department patients: animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and music therapy. Ment Health (Lond) 2021. [DOI: 10.32437/mhgcj.v4i2.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Emergency Department could be a stressful environment for patients. Anxiety and depression may develop due to the atmosphere, in addition to patients’ concerns for their health conditions. The condition could potentially affect the experience of the patient in the Emergency Department and the quality of life after the visit. Pharmacological therapy could be administered to the patients. However, adverse effects may be associated with the treatment. Less aggressive complementary treatment approaches are presented in this article. Controlled clinical trials and randomized pilot studies of different complementary therapies, including animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, were conducted. The complementary therapies discussed in this article showed positive outcomes for patients with hospital-induced anxiety and has no adverse effect reported. Hence, hospitals may consider introducing complementary therapies, such as those mentioned in this study, to improve the patients’ experiences in the Emergency Department
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Au TY, Law HT. Water Stewardship, Health Stewardship. AMA J Ethics 2021; 23:E285-286. [PMID: 33818384 DOI: 10.1001/amajethics.2021.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, masking and hand hygiene are key to individual and public health. Yet many people do not have access to clean water. This painting reiterates the importance of water for health and reminds us to be grateful stewards of this precious natural resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Medical student at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland
| | - Hiu Ting Law
- Hong Kong artist and currently training to be a visual art teacher at EdUHK
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