Articles

Immunopathology and Laboratory Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of Literature

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This review explores rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder whose immunopathology involves a convergence of genetic susceptibility (notably HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles) and environmental exposures (smoking, infections) leading to an aberrant immune response. RA is a prevalent autoimmune disease globally, and though historically considered uncommon in Africa, emerging data show it is an important and likely under-recognized health issue in regions like Nigeria. Epidemiologically, ~0.5% of the world’s population is affected with millions suffering chronic pain and disability. In Africa and Southeastern Nigeria, true prevalence is uncertain due to diagnostic gaps, but RA cases are increasingly reported as awareness grows. Autoimmune processes – generation of RF and ACPA autoantibodies, activation of T cells and macrophages, and a cytokine-driven inflammation – result in synovial damage and systemic effects. Understanding these mechanisms explains why specific biomarkers (RF, ACPA) are useful in diagnosis and why therapies targeting cytokines (like TNF or IL-6 inhibitors) are effective. In laboratory diagnosis, we identified the core tools: RF and ACPA testing for confirming autoantibodies, ESR and CRP for gauging inflammation, and newer panels for disease activity. In resource-constrained settings, basic assays can be performed with relatively low-cost methods (e.g. ESR by Westergren, RF by latex agglutination), but introducing more specific tests like anti-CCP is vital for improving diagnostic specificity. We provided practical outlines for these assays, emphasizing adherence to SOPs and quality control to ensure accuracy of results.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Respiratory Toxicity: A Review

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants primarily associated with chronic respiratory illness. Increased epidemiological findings necessitate a concentrated effort to raise awareness regarding the influence of air quality on the prevalence of highlighted PAHs in airborne particles. PAHs have been associated with respiratory problems including asthma, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema The review gives an insight into the recent PAHs exposure and its toxicity effects on the respiratory system. A literature search across four scientific databases yielded 120 relevant studies, including articles analyzing urinary concentrations of various persistent PAHs and their biomarkers. The study also highlighted the risk posed by PM2.5-PAHs conjugates in causing mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, teratogenesis, disrupting signalling pathways resulting in oxidative stress, acute and/or chronic respiratory morbidity, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. The study further emphasizes PAHs’ and their metabolites’ significant toxicity to the respiratory system, inducing AhR/nonAhR interlinked signalling mechanisms that lead to oxidative stress, immune system damage, asthma/COPD, and cancer. In conclusion, the study predominantly indicates positive correlations between PAHs and respiratory toxicity.

Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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For many years, cancer has affected the global population from an economic, social and political point of view and, in most cases, it is a malignant tumor with serious consequences for patients. The objective of this study is to answer the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, this is an exploratory, descriptive bibliographic study with a qualitative approach. The data were collected from a bibliometric survey carried out during a study of scientific production on the proposed topic from 2013 to 2023. After searching for articles, 210 articles were found on the PubMed platform, and no results were found for the key suggested by word in other databases. Among the 210 articles, 28 articles were selected for review. In this way, we seek to analyze which biomarkers have been addressed in the last 10 years in the scientific literature, thus aiming to demonstrate possible targets for new research. We divide our research into genes that are promising biomarkers for diagnosis and/or prognosis and the role of miRNAs as biomarkers.

Biochemical Influence of Uric Acid and Some Inflammatory Biomarkers on the Association of Oral Hygiene with Cardiovascular Diseases

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Oral hygiene was associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and the link is verified by bacterial colonization of the oral cavity and their products that spread into the circulation, starting endothelial dysfunction, pro-atherogenesis, pro-inflammation, and host immune mechanisms. High levels of serum uric acids are linked with CVD that are intern, associated with worsening gum hygiene. Several studies show that hyperuricemia could modify purine catabolism in case of oral disorders, including periodontal diseases (PD) and dental loss. PD and tooth caries were also linked with diabetes mellitus hypertension, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and CVD. Dental caries was defined as an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis too. However, dental restoration was correlated with the burden of arteriosclerosis negatively. Several experimental trials did not affirm the relationship between oral hygiene and CVDs.

Recent research has revealed similar biochemical and inflammatory biomarkers that are involved in CVD and oral diseases like C-reactive protein, interleukins, TNF-α, and others.

This consensus review aims to summarize some of the biochemical and inflammatory evidence connecting poor oral hygiene with the risk of CVD.