The current coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had devastating effects on the global health and economic system. The cellular and molecular mediators of both the innate and adaptive immune systems are critical in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, dysregulated inflammatory responses and imbalanced adaptive immunity may contribute to tissue destruction and pathogenesis of the disease. Important mechanisms in severe forms of COVID-19 include overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, impairment of type I IFN response, overactivation of neutrophils and macrophages, decreased frequencies of DC cells, NK cells and ILCs, complement activation, lymphopenia, Th1 and Treg hypoactivation, Th2 and Th17 hyperactivation, as well as decreased clonal diversity and dysregulated B lymphocyte function. Given the relationship between disease severity and an imbalanced immune system, scientists have been led to manipulate the immune system as a therapeutic approach. For example, anti-cytokine, cell, and IVIG therapies have received attention in the treatment of severe COVID-19. In this review, the role of immunity in the development and progression of COVID-19 is discussed, focusing on molecular and cellular aspects of the immune system in mild vs. severe forms of the disease. Moreover, some immune- based therapeutic approaches to COVID-19 are being investigated. Understanding key processes involved in the disease progression is critical in developing therapeutic agents and optimizing related strategies.
Primary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the kidney in an adult is rare, with only a few cases published in the literature. It is a mesenchymal tumor associated with an aggressive and rapid clinical progression course. We present a case of primary renal RMS in a 58-year-old female who presented with intermittent abdominal pain in the past year. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 20×25×8 cm heterogeneous solid mass in the middle pole extended to the lower pole of the right kidney. Therefore, the patient underwent a right radical nephroureterectomy. Histopathology examination and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the diagnosis of RMS with pleomorphic components. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged without any complications and was referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy. However, a follow-up CT scan in 2 months showed widespread liver metastasis and local recurrence. The patient received Gemcitabine and Docetaxel, but her condition worsened, and she passed away 5 months later. Primary renal RMS is rare in adults. In addition, liver metastasis is uncommon and poorly understood. Hence, we describe the clinicopathologic characteristics, including clinical follow-up of our case, focusing on the disease progression, treatment, and outcome.
Background: Oral mucositis is a serious complication radiation therapy for cancer. This is a major complication during radiation therapy of the head and neck tumors in approximately all patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Mucosamin on treatment of radiation induced oral mucositis during and after radiotherapy amongst patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: In this prospective clinical trial, eligible patients who referred to radiation oncology department of Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran from Jan 2018 till Jan 2019 were evaluated. The cases with confirmed pathologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity underwent 6,000 cGy radiation therapy and were randomly divided into two groups: 1-Intervention group; Mucosamin spray for 3-4 times a day (n = 40); 2 -Control group; standard medications (3 times a day) (n = 40). Oral mucositis was evaluated weekly based on RTOG scoring scale. Grade of mucositis was recorded during treatment and after radiation therapy. Results: A total of 80 patients were divided in two groups of Mucosamin and control. From week 3 until the end of radiotherapy (week 6) and after radiotherapy (week 8), there was a significant difference in the severity of oral mucositis between the Mucosamin and the control groups (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Mucosamin spray was able to significantly improved radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.