Predicting autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progression: review of promising Serum and urine biomarkers.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. In spite of the recent tremendous progress in the understanding of ADPKD pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of the disease remain incompletely understood. Considering emerging new targeted therapies for ADPKD, it has become crucial to disclose easily measurable and widely available biomarkers for identifying patients with future rapid disease progression.

A Systematic Review of the (Un)known Host Immune Response Biomarkers for Predicting Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infection.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) represent a major healthcare and economic burden along with a significant impact on patient's morbidity and quality of life, even in the absence of well-known risk factors, such as vesicoureteral reflux. Despite numerous attempts to find a suitable therapeutic option, there is no clear benefit of any currently available intervention for prevention of UTI recurrence and its long-term consequences such as hypertension, renal scarring and/or insufficiency. The common treatment practice in many centers around the globe involves the use of continuous low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis, irrespective of various studies indicating increased microbial resistance against the prophylactic drug, leading to prolonged duration and escalating the cost of UTI treatment.

Case Report: Simultaneously Developed Amyopathic Dermatomyositis and Autoimmune Sclerosing Cholangitis - a Coincidence or a Shared Immunopathogenesis?

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) and autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) share many similarities regarding epidemiology, genetics, immunology and therapeutic regimens, so it is not surprising that approximately 20% of patients with AILD are diagnosed with an IRD as well. Clinical features and biochemical hallmarks of IRD and AILD often intertwine and cross diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the real distinction of underlying disorders in a patient with these comorbidities may be challenging.

Serum Amyloid A in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: A Compendious Review of a Renowned Biomarker.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein with a significant importance for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). The central role of SAA in pathogenesis of IRD has been confirmed by recent discoveries, including its involvement in the activation of the inflammasome cascade and recruitment of interleukin 17 producing T helper cells. Clinical utility of SAA in IRD was originally evaluated nearly half a century ago.