Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is characterized by an increased destruction of red blood cells due to immune dysfunction and auto-antibody production. Clinical manifestations are mainly related to anaemia, which can become life-threatening in case of acute haemolysis. Aiming at counterbalancing severe anaemia, supportive treatments for these patients frequently include transfusions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: For more than 2 years medical practice has been dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Atypical symptoms, such as frostbites and acrosyndromes, have appeared, and autoimmune anemias (some of which with cold agglutinins) have been described.
Objectives: We planned to study the prevalence of positive direct Coombs tests (DCTs) and hemolytic autoimmune anemia in patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its correlation with complications, and then investigate the impact of the infection on iron metabolism.
Background: Sclerodermatous chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (scl-cGVHD) is one of the most severe form of cGVHD. The Platelet-derived Grotwth Factor (PDGF) and the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) play a significant role in the fibrosing process occurring in scl-cGVHD. This prompted us to assess the impact of the PDGF-r and c-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib on scl-cGVHD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMultiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of tumor cells in the bone marrow (BM) and is associated with immunosuppression, angiogenesis and osteolysis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of immature, immunosuppressive myeloid cells that promote tumor progression through different mechanisms.In this work, we studied the contribution of MDSC subsets to different disease-promoting aspects in MM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn increase in autoimmune diseases poses a socioeconomic challenge worldwide. Predisposing genetic risk has been identified, yet environmental factors make up a significant part of the risk in disease initiation and propagation. Next to improved hygiene and a gross reduction of infections, changes in dietary habits are one of the most evident Western lifestyle factors potentially associated with the increase in autoimmune diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF