Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism affects the pattern of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in Kuwaiti Arab children.

Objectives: TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases, but its association with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is poorly understood. This study looked for an association of TNF-α gene polymorphisms with INS, as well as its effect on steroid responsiveness among Kuwaiti Arab children.

Methods: Genotypes of the TNF-a gene polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 151 INS Kuwaiti Arab patients and 64 age and sex-matched controls.

Association of interleukin-4, interleukin-13 gene polymorphisms, HLA-DQ and DR genotypes with genetic susceptibility of type-1 Diabetes Mellitus in Kuwaiti children.

Background: Type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex multifactorial disease with an autoimmune etiology and is thought to result from an interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors. Cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases due to their effector and regulatory functions in immune responses. Interleukin-4 (IL4) and Interleukin-13 (IL13) are anti-inflammatory cytokines and are considered as important mediators in pathology of the autoimmune diseases.

Children with Delayed-Type Cow's Milk Protein Allergy May Be at a Significant Risk of Developing Immediate Allergic Reactions Upon Re-introduction.

Background: Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in children. The reaction is classified into IgE-mediated immediate reaction and delayed-onset, according to the underlying immune mechanism, and hence, the timing of the symptoms. Case reports suggest that children, with delayed CMPA reactions on elimination diet, may develop severe immediate reactions on reintroduction.

Protein-Activated Kinase 3 (PAK3)-Related Intellectual Disability Associated with Combined Immunodeficiency: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND X-linked intellectual disabilities constitute a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that are divided into syndromic and nonsyndromic forms. PAK3 mutations are associated with X-linked nonsyndromic forms of intellectual disability, with the most common clinical features being cognitive deficit, large ears, oral motor hypotonia, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. These mutations have been reported to be associated with either loss of the PAK3 protein or loss of its kinase activity.

Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 Gene Polymorphisms in Children With Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Idiopathic Nephrotic syndrome (INS) is an immune-mediated disease in which a number of cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-13, have been implicated in the pathogenesis. Cytokine gene polymorphisms might affect their levels and activity. Therefore, may affect INS susceptibility and response to treatment.

Serum and Urine Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Levels Do Not Differentiate Acute Pyelonephritis from Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Children.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in pediatrics. Infection of the upper urinary tract may cause renal scarring, and subsequently renal failure and hypertension. Permanent renal damage has been suggested to be caused by the host inflammatory response.

Factors predicting students' performance in the final pediatrics OSCE.

Background: Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) have been used to assess the clinical competence of medical students for decades. Limited data are available on the factors that predict students' performance on the OSCEs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the factors predicting performance on the pediatrics final OSCE, including the timing of students' clerkship and their performance on the in-training OSCE and written examinations.

Urinary excretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines during relapse and remission of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Background/aim: The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome had been widely postulated. Reports on the release of cytokines, during idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) activation, were conflicting in defining a specific interleukin pattern during relapse and remission of the disease. The aim of this study was to explore the role of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the pathophysiology of INS during relapse and remission.

Autosomal dominant cases of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis segregates with mutations of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, but not of Toll-like receptor 3.

We report a family with autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis as well as recurrent viral infections that segregate with a novel signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mutation. Prophylactic treatment with fluconazole and immunoglobulin replacement has been initiated, with good clinical response.