Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with polymorphic expression. B cells have an essential contribution in immune system activation via the production of different cytokines and functioning as potent antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, a drug that particularly targets B cells may represent an ideal therapeutic approach for SLE. Rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody causing transient B-cell depletion, has been used to manage SLE. This study aims to assess Rituximab effects on lupus nephritis (LN) patients when added to conventional immunosuppressants. Twenty four patients, 15-32 years old, with class III/IV/V LN were involved in this study. All were on steroids before lupus nephritis occurrence. They were given rituximab induction therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) maintenance therapy. RTX was indicated for refractory and relapsing SLE. Several investigations done before and after RTX treatment and in the last follow up (done one year after starting Rituximab). Those included protein in urine, serum creatinine, double stranded DNA, C3, C4, and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Proteinuria decreased significantly after RTX treatment and in the last measurement (P=0.01 and P=0.001, respectively). Serum creatinine significantly decreased only in the last measurement (P=0.02). Double stranded DNA decreased remarkably after treatment (P=0.01) with a further decrease in the last measurement (P=0.006). C3 and C4 increased after treatment but the increase was significant only for C3 (P=0.002) and this increase continues till the last measurement (P=0.0006). Active urine sediments found in fifteen patients and disappeared after RTX treatment. Rituximab can be promising in treating lupus nephritis when used along with traditional immunosuppressants. It can reduce disease activity and improve renal function in such patients.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitusand chronic periodontitis hold a close relationship that has been the focus of many researches. Currently there is an appreciation to the role of adipose tissue-derived substances "the adipokines" in immune-inflammatory responses; also, there is an interest in using the simple non-invasive saliva in diagnosing and linking oral and general health problems. The current study aims to determine the periodontal health status in the chronic periodontitis patients with and without poorly or well controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, measure the salivary levels of two adipokines "leptin and resistin", pH and flow rate and then correlate between these clinical periodontal, biochemical and physical parameters in eac
... Show MoreRA is a complex chronic disease, primarily affects the lining of the synovial joints and can cause progressive disability, premature death, and socioeconomic burdens. The clinical manifestations of symmetrical joint involvement include arthralgia, swelling, redness, and even limiting the range of motion. The pathogenesis is not known therefore the study included Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of systemic inflammatory diseases that characterized by a progressive disabling course. The study included patients suffering from RA and as healthy controls. immunological and genetic factor were evaluated in each subject by using serum level of cytokine and genetic factor. The etiopathology of the disease is not well known for this reason the study
... Show MoreBackground: Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a collection of metabolic disorder identified by hyperglycemia. The heterogeneous etiology includes defects either in insulin secretion, or in insulin action, or the both. In addition to the distraction in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Inflammatory reaction that caused by many pro-inflammatory cytokines play a central role in the pathogenicity of T2DM, these cytokines can enhance insulin resistance which led to impaired glucose homeostasis. Subjects: The study included 75 patients (38 males and 37 females) suffering from T2DM with age mean ± SE 52.30 ± 1.60, and 70 individuals as healthy controls (35 males and 35 females) with age mean ± SE 48.88 ± 0.64. Evaluation of immunological marke
... Show MoreObjectives: This study aims to examine toxic parental behavior and its impact on children based on the attachment theory. It also explores how early parental relationships influence future relationships with partners and children. The research assesses types of toxic parenting (dysfunctional, harmful, and psychologically damaging parenting behaviors) and their resulting insecure attachment patterns—avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized—through the characters in The Marriage of Bette and Boo. Methods: Toxic parents play a decisive role in children’s lives, affecting how they view themselves and impacting their behavior. The study uses a psychological evaluation method that relies on the attachment theory (1978), first prese
... Show Moreأن التطور العلمي الحاصل فيما يخص المجال الرياضي أرسى آفاق جديدة لمواكبة التطور الكبير في مجا ل الألعاب والفعاليات الرياضية المختلفة ,و أن تحقيق النتائج الجيدة في فعاليات العاب القوى بشكل عام والثلاثية بشكل خاص في التدريب الرياضي يتطلب إتباع الأساليب العلمية الدقيقة والموضوعية بشكل سليم ومخطط له،فضلا عنة تطبيق نظريات ومنحى جديد لمواكبة الاتجاهات الحديثة في تحقيق النتائج الجيدة للوصول إلى المستويات العالية
... Show MoreAbstract: Lymphoproliferative Disorders (LPDs) are a group of neoplasms affecting various cells within lymphoid system. Each type has different treatment a..70619
ST Alawi, NA Mustafa, Al-Mustansiriyah Journal of Science, 2013
Polish Academy of Sciences