“
“Purpose of review
The technological progress of ultrasound has permitted an accurate Cl-amidine price visualization of inflammation and structural changes of superficial tissues. This review focusses on the advantages and current limitations of ultrasound for visualizing enthesitis in the context of spondyloarthritis (SpA).
Recent findings
Several
studies have described the ultrasound features of enthesitis in SpA, revealing the high frequency of clinically asymptomatic findings and the added value of ultrasound, coupled with power Doppler, for diagnosing SpA. Encouraging reports on high agreement between observers and the sensitivity to change the technique were recently published. However, a number of essential issues are still largely unexplored. A correct and consensual definition of enthesitis is still missing, and the published data are sometimes contradictory on the diagnostic capability of ultrasound because of the different definitions of enthesitis used. The quality
of the Doppler equipment still plays a crucial role ZVADFMK for visualizing inflammation, and the validity of the technique for prognostic purposes needs to be addressed.
Summary
Power Doppler ultrasound is a very promising tool, but still needs validation. Future standardized studies will permit ultrasound to become a reference method for diagnosis and monitoring SpA peripheral enthesitis in clinical practice and research.”
“Purpose of review
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous human disease influenced by a complex
interplay of necessary, but not individually sufficient, factors. Although many genetic and environmental factors Angiogenesis inhibitor are associated with SLE, this review will focus on the evolving evidence for key Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific roles in SLE, focusing on new experimental studies published during 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Recent findings
SLE patients have a dysregulated immune response against EBV. EBV antigens exhibit structural molecular mimicry with common SLE antigens and functional molecular mimicry with critical immune-regulatory components. SLE patients, from a number of unique geographic regions, are shown to have higher rates of EBV seroconversion, especially against early EBV antigens, suggesting frequent viral reactivation. SLE patients also have increased EBV viral loads and impaired EBV-specific CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells, with impaired cytokine responses to EBV in lupus patients. Irregular cytokine production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and CD69(+) CD4(+) T cells after stimulation with EBV has also been demonstrated.
Summary
Recent advances demonstrate SLE-specific serologic responses, gene expression, viral load, T-cell responses, humoral fine specificity, and molecular mimicry with EBV, further supporting potential roles for EBV in lupus etiology and pathogenesis.