HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) Inflammatory Network

Abstract

| HAM/TSP patients experience impaired functional capacity. The use of categorical scales to accurately describe motor ability in these patients has been questioned. Aim: To evaluate the functional capacity of HAM/TSP patients by using the individual tests comprising the GDLAM protocol. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in the CHTLV, Salvador, Brazil. Functional capacity was evaluated using the tests of the GDLAM protocol (timed 10-minute walk, getting up from a sitting position, rising from a prone position, getting up from a chair, and moving around the house). Functional classifications were made by comparing patient performance to that of uninfected control individuals. Results: Twenty-four HAM/TSP and 25 healthy individuals were enrolled. Only 75% HAM/TSP patients completed the GDLAM protocol. Six patients failed to perform the RPP test. Timed measurements were significantly higher in the HAM/ TSP patients in comparison to uninfected controls. Conclusion: The use of alternative methods, such as the individual tests comprising the GDLAM protocol, may more accurately assess motor function in HAM/ TSP patients.

CD4+ T cell subsets and Tax expression in HTLV-1 associated diseases

“…28 During HTLV-1 infection, Th1 cells are the predominant T cell subsets infiltrating the spinal cord of HAM patients. [29][30][31][32] In agreement with prior reports, we found higher proportions of Th1 cells in HAM patients. These findings support the theoretical model of a pro-inflammatory state in HAM.…”

Epidemiology, Treatment, and Prevention of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-Associated Diseases

“…In HAM/TSP, a proinflammatory microenvironment is the hallmark of the immunological profile (31). The cytokine pattern in the peripheral blood from HTVL-1-infected individuals has been evaluated by using in vitro short-term leukocyte incubation and was shown to present distinct clinical grades.…”

“…Thus, HAM/TSP is considered an inflammatory disease in which cellular damage leads to demyelination (3,31). Early in the disease, leptomeninges, blood vessels, and parenchyma are infiltrated by CD4 ϩ and CD8 lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and foamy macrophages.…”

Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Tax-Deregulated Autophagy Pathway and c-FLIP Expression Contribute to Resistance against Death Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis

“…Unlike ATL, HAM/TSP is mainly associated with chronic and progressive inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) (4). During the course of HAM/TSP, the intrusion of HTLV-1-infected lymphocytes from the PB into the CNS may lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, which would ultimately result in neurodegeneration (4,5). In addition, histological studies conducted in HAM/TSP patients suggest that HTLV-1-infected resident CNS cells, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, also contribute to the progression of HAM/TSP (6,7).…”