Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection is associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (PET/HAM) is involved in the development of autoimmune diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS). The development of HTLV-1-driven autoimmunity is hypothesized to rely on molecular mimicry, because virus-like particles can trigger an inflammatory response. However, HTLV-1 modifies the behavior of CD4+ T cells on infection and alters their cytokine production. A previous study showed that in patients infected with HTLV-1, the activity of regulatory CD4+ T cells and their consequent expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are altered. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying changes in cytokine release leading to the loss of tolerance and development of autoimmunity.
The aim of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) scans of chest and lung function among patients with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV) with and without HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). In this cross-sectional study performed between January 2013 and June 2016, we included 48 patients with HAM/TSP (19 women and 11 men) and without HAM/TSP (12 women and 6 men). We compared CT findings and lung functions of these groups. Patients who had HAM/TSP had abnormal CT findings (P = 0.000), including more frequent bronchiectasis (P = 0.049), parenchymal bands (P = 0.007), interlobular septal thickening (P = 0.035), and pleural thickening (P = 0.009). In addition, neither patients with HAM/TSP (9/30; 30%) nor the controls (0/18; 0%) had obstructive or restrictive lung disease (P = 0.009). HTLV diagnosis should be considered in all patients with abnormal CT findings in whom no other cause is apparent. It is important to remember that lung disease increases the rates of morbidity and mortality in developing countries.
Study design: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Objective:The aim was to analyze the clinical-functional profile of patients diagnosed with HTLV-1 (human T-lymphotropic virus type 1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) in the Amazon region. Setting: Reference center for HTLV in the city of Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Methods: Muscle strength, muscle tone, balance and the need for gait assistance among patients with HAM/TSP were evaluated. Results: Among the 82 patients infected with HTLV-1, 27 (10 men and 17 women) were diagnosed with HAM/TSP. No statistically significant difference in muscle tone or strength was found between the lower limbs. Muscle weakness and spasticity were predominant in the proximal lower limbs. Patients with HAM/TSP are at a high risk of falls (P = 0.03), and predominantly use either a cane or a crutch on one side as a gait-assistance device (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients with HAM/TSP exhibit a similar clinical pattern of muscle weakness and spasticity, with a high risk of falls, requiring gait-assistance devices.
The primary aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (Qol) in men with fibromyalgia (FM) as compared to the Qol of depressive patients, using the SF-36 questionnaire. The secondary objectives were as follows: to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of male patients with FM; to evaluate basal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone in both groups; and to investigate the relationship among pain, tender points, anxiety, and depression in these patients. Fifty men with FM and 20 depressed males, matched by age and body mass index entered the study. All participants answered the SF-36, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine serum concentration of DHEAS and total testosterone. Patients and controls had similar demographic characteristics. The scores were significantly lower in all domains of the SF-36 in patients with FM as compared with the depressive controls. No significant differences were observed among patient and control in the mean concentration of either DHEAS or total testosterone. Male patients with FM experience worse Qol than depressive men. Depression was influential on mental health, whereas FM impacted on both physical and mental health.
Hypomyopathic dermatomyositis (HDM) is a rare form of dermatomyositis (DM). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with clinically amyopathic DM (CADM-ILD) or hypomyopathic DM (HDM-ILD) is a rare condition with a more unfavorable prognosis than ILD associated with classic DM (CDM-ILD). There is no effective treatment for HDM-ILD. A 62-year-old woman with a 6-month history of chronic polyarthritis and myalgia presented skin lesions characteristic of DM (erythematous lesion on extensor surface of elbows, Gottron's papules, V-neck sign) with no clinical muscle impairment (global muscle strength: grade 5). Muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, and aldolase) and electroneuromyography (ENMG) were normal. Computed tomography of the chest revealed ILD. Magnetic resonance imaging and muscle biopsy revealed subclinical muscle impairment. High doses of corticosteroids were used without success. As an alternative, 1500 mg/day of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was combined with low doses of prednisone, and the patient demonstrated a good clinical response after 3 months of this combination. Twenty-five months after initiating treatment, ILD remains in remission with the use of MMF and a low dose of prednisone. Therefore, MMF can be a good option for the treatment of HDM-ILD.
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