Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is an animal model of Guillain-Barré syndrome. We have shown recently that BB-1101, a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, prevents development of EAN when given from the day of immunization and, more important clinically, reduces disease severity when given from symptom onset. This suggests the involvement of MMP activity in the pathogenesis of EAN. However, the exact function and expression patterns of MMPs in acute inflammation of the PNS have not been investigated. MMP-like enzymes are also involved in the processing of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which has been implicated previously in the pathology associated with EAN. In the present study we investigated the profile of MMP and TNF-alpha expression and their localization in sciatic nerve tissue during EAN, using a semiquantitative competitive reverse transcriptase-coupled polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In the normal rat PNS, four of the 10 MMPs studied were constitutively expressed and four MMPs were differentially regulated during EAN. Expression of TNF-alpha was elevated at peak disease severity and localized to Schwann cells, macrophages and endoneurial blood vessels. Expression levels of 92 kDa gelatinase and stromelysin-1 were significantly increased early in the development of EAN and continued to rise, peaking at day 15 coincident with maximum disease severity. Schwann cells and endothelial cells were the main cellular source of these enzymes. Prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells into the sciatic nerve was concordant with a significant increase in the expression levels of matrilysin and macrophage metalloelastase. Both matrilysin and macrophage metalloelastase were detected in invading macrophages, T lymphocytes and resident Schwann cells. The selective upregulation of specific MMPs during EAN and their varied cellular localization suggests that MMPs play a multifactorial role in the aetiology of EAN. Activity of MMPs could participate in the disruption of the blood-nerve barrier, breakdown of the myelin sheath, the release of TNF-alpha, and facilitate leukocyte invasion into the PNS. These observations highlight MMPs as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in acute peripheral neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/brain/121.3.481 | DOI Listing |
Pulmonology
December 2025
Department of Allergology, Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Rhinitis is a common comorbidity in patients with asthma. However, the frequency of underreported rhinitis in asthma is not known. In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics of patients with self-reported asthma and no self-reported rhinitis, as well as the extent of the underreporting of rhinitis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPulmonology
December 2025
Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France.
Background: Nasal high flow (NHF) has been proposed to sustain high intensity exercise in people with COPD, but we have a poor understanding of its physiological effects in this clinical setting.
Research Question: What is the effect of NHF during exercise on dynamic respiratory muscle function and activation, cardiorespiratory parameters, endurance capacity, dyspnoea and leg fatigue as compared to control intervention.
Study Design And Methods: Randomized single-blind crossover trial including COPD patients.
Pulmonology
December 2025
State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease & National Center for Respiratory Medicine & Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Interleukin-1β is one of the major cytokines involved in the initiation and persistence of airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association between plasma interleukin-1β and lung function decline remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between plasma interleukin-1β and lung function decline.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPulmonology
December 2025
Alma Mater Studiorum, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Nasal high flow (NHF) therapy is an established form of non invasive respiratory support used in acute and chronic care. Recently, a new high flow nasal cannula with asymmetric prongs was approved for clinical use. The clinical benefits of the new cannula have not yet been defined and no evidence are available on the use of asymmetric NHF support in patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Prim Care Community Health
January 2025
Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
Aim: To investigate the detection and initial management of first psychotic episodes, as well as established schizophrenia, within the primary care of the Andalusian Health System.
Background: Delay in detecting and treating psychosis is associated with slower recovery, higher relapse risk, and poorer long-term outcomes. Often, psychotic episodes go unnoticed for years before a diagnosis is established.
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