Antibody Response to HERV-K and HERV-W Envelope Epitopes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis.

Myasthenia gravis is an antibody-mediated autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by impaired neuromuscular junction transmission, resulting in muscle weakness. Recently, the involvement of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) in the pathophysiology of different immune-mediated and neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, has been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate potential immune system involvement related to humoral responses targeting specific epitopes of HERV-K and HERV-W envelope proteins in myasthenia gravis.

TDP-43 and HERV-K Envelope-Specific Immunogenic Epitopes Are Recognized in ALS Patients.

The human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been associated with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Given these findings, we investigated the humoral response against HERV-K envelope surface (env-su) glycoprotein antigens and TDP-43 in the plasma of ALS patients and healthy controls (HCs). The measured levels of Abs against the different epitopes' fragments were significantly elevated in ALS patients, both in long-survivor (LS) and newly diagnosed (ND) patients, compared to HCs.

The impact of preoperative anemia on pancreatic resection outcomes.

Background: Preoperative anemia is a risk factor for blood transfusions and delayed postoperative recovery, but few data are available for pancreatic surgery. Aim of the study was to analyze the impact of preoperative anemia on outcomes after pancreatic resection.

Methods: Retrospective review of 1107 patients resected at San Raffaele Hospital (2015-2018).

HERV-K Modulates the Immune Response in ALS Patients.

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K env-su glycoprotein has been documented in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where HERV-K env-su antibody levels significantly correlated with clinical measures of disease severity. Herein, we investigated further the humoral and cell-mediated immune response against specific antigenic peptides derived from HERV-K in ALS. HERV-K env glycoprotein expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) membrane and cytokines and chemokines after stimulation with HERV-K env and HERV-K env were quantified in patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Prognostic role of ultrasonography staging in patients with anal cancer.

Background: Carcinomas of the anal canal are staged according to the size and extent of the disease; however, we propose including a novel ultrasound (US) staging system, based on depth of tumor invasion. In this study the clinical American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging guidelines and the US classificationss in patients with anal cancer were compared.

Aim: To evaluate the prognostic role of the US staging system in patients with anal cancer.