Infective Endocarditis and Valve Surgery in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Following Splenectomy: A Case Report with Immunological Analysis.

Background/aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that leads to immune dysregulation and increased infection risk, especially with immunosuppressive therapies and surgical interventions like splenectomy. Immune monitoring in these patients is important. This case report aims to describe the immune changes in an SLE patient, who had received splenectomy, with infective endocarditis (IE) undergoing valve replacement surgery, focusing on immune cell dynamics and exhaustion markers.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Pericarditis and Pleuritis: A Case Report.

Background/aim: Pericarditis is a common cardiovascular complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Oxidative stress plays a significant role in disease pathology. Molecular hydrogen has emerged as a promising therapeutic option with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Differential Cell-Specific, Regulatory Roles of FcγRIIB through IgG in IgA Nephropathy.

Background: IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis and a leading cause of kidney failure. Ample evidence confirms the deposition of IgA and IgG, as well as the infiltration of mononuclear leukocytes in kidney biopsy specimens from IgA nephropathy patients. Previously, we established an experimental IgA nephropathy model in B cell-deficient mice, implicating interactions between Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.

Fucoidan Modulates Osteoarthritis Progression Through miR-22/HO-1 Pathway.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability among the elderly, is characterized by progressive joint tissue destruction. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been investigated for its potential to protect against interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced articular tissue damage.

Methods: Human primary chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts were pre-treated with 100 μg/mL fucoidan before stimulation with 1 ng/mL of IL-1β.

Predicting Therapeutic Response to Molecular Hydrogen in Autoimmune Diseases via Immunophenotyping.

Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are characterized by immune dysregulation that leads to chronic inflammation and organ damage. Current therapeutic strategies-including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics-often exhibit variable efficacy and are associated with potential adverse effects. Molecular hydrogen, recognized for its ability to scavenge mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment.

Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report on the Amelioration of Methotrexate-induced Myelosuppression and Immune Modulation.

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with systemic manifestations. Methotrexate (MTX) remains a cornerstone of RA treatment, offering significant therapeutic benefits; however, it is also associated with adverse effects, particularly myelosuppression. Molecular hydrogen, recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress and modulating immune responses in RA.

Molecular Hydrogen as an Adjuvant Therapy in Comorbid Sjögren's Syndrome, SLE, and ILD: A Case Report on Immune Modulation and Fatigue Reduction.

Background/aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are chronic autoimmune diseases that often coexist. They share features such as systemic inflammation and multi-organ involvement and typically require long-term immunosuppressive treatment. However, long-term use of immunosuppressants can cause serious side effects, highlighting the need for adjunct therapies.

Clinical Response to Adalimumab Therapy and Its Determinants in Patients With Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Prospective Real-World Study in Taiwan.

Aim: To investigate the clinical response to adalimumab (ADA) in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in Taiwan.

Methods: In this real-world study, patients with r-axSpA, starting ADA therapy, were enrolled and followed up every 12 weeks for 48 weeks. Outcome parameters were the proportion of patients with an improvement of 50% in Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI50), inactive disease (ID, < 1.

Molecular Hydrogen Capsule Therapy for Primary Biliary Cholangitis With Elevated IgG4: A Case Report on Immune Marker Normalization.

Background/aim: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by bile duct destruction, cholestasis, and inflammation, often leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. While ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment, some patients exhibit suboptimal responses, necessitating adjunctive therapies. Molecular hydrogen (H), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential in mitigating oxidative stress and immune dysregulation in autoimmune liver diseases.

Regulation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling by tyrosine phosphatases: Recent advances and implication for therapeutic approach in autoimmune diseases.

The effector function of T cells is critical for regulation of the initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases; whereas the T cell activation and homeostasis are tightly controlled by signals from T cell receptor (TCR). The early TCR signaling pathways are dependent on rapid phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of multiple signaling proteins in the TCR complex. These processes are tightly regulated by the interplay between protein kinases and phosphatases, leading to T cell activation.

Interleukin 26 attenuates osteoblast differentiation in osteoarthritis patients by activating COX2 and NF-κB pathways.

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the prevailing form of degenerative joint pathology. Recent investigations have revealed a heightened expression of interleukin 26 (IL-26) in various inflammatory arthritic conditions, including OA. However, the specific impacts and functions of IL-26 on osteoblasts (OBs) within the context of OA remain inadequately elucidated.

Molecular Hydrogen Therapy Enhances Immune Markers in Treg, Plasma, Tr1 Cells, and KLRG1 Expression on Tc Cells: A Case of Acute SDH With Midline Shift and Uncal Herniation Post-decompressive Craniectomy.

Background/aim: Subdural hematomas (SDH), often caused by head trauma, are serious with high mortality and long-term complications. Studies show that molecular hydrogen has neuroprotective effects, such as reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. It may also protect mitochondria, support cell function, and regulate immune responses, making it a promising new treatment option for SDH.

Molecular Hydrogen Therapy for SLE-PAH: Case Report on Immune Marker Modulation.

Background/aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE-PAH) is a severe complication marked by elevated pulmonary artery pressure, leading to exertional dyspnea and right-sided heart failure. Standard treatments frequently fall short in effectively controlling symptoms, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of molecular hydrogen therapy in a patient with SLE-PAH with decompensated right-side heart failure.

Molecular Hydrogen as an Adjuvant Therapy in Severe Lupus Serositis With Heart Failure: A Case Report on Immune Modulation and Fatigue Reduction.

Background/aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by multi-organ inflammation and damage across multiple organs, typically managed with steroids and immunomodulators. However, prolonged use of these treatments is often associated with significant side effects, underscoring the need for adjunctive therapies that improve disease outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Molecular hydrogen (H) has demonstrated potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

CN7:1h Alleviates Inflammation, Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Osteoarthritis by Modulating the NF-κB and mTOR Pathways.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with a complex aetiology, which includes inflammation, cellular growth dysregulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a small-molecule compound, 2-amino-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-benzo[h]chromene-3-carbonitrile (CN7:1h) in modulating these critical biochemical pathways in OA. Cellular models and rat models of OA were used to explore the impact of CN7:1h on the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways.

Heteronemin suppresses EGF‑induced proliferation through the PI3K/PD‑L1 signaling pathways in cholangiocarcinoma.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds with its surface receptor to stimulate gene expression and cancer cell proliferation. EGF stimulates cancer cell growth via phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‑L1) pathways. As an integrin αvβ3 antagonist, heteronemin exhibits potent cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.

Molecular Hydrogen as a Potential Adjunctive Therapy to Improve Renal Function and Reduce Fatigue in an Elderly Patient With Chronic Comorbidities: A Case Report.

Background/aim: Hydrogen therapy has demonstrated potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intervention, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autoimmune conditions. This case report presents the possible therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen capsule treatment in enhancing renal function and alleviating chronic fatigue in an elderly female with coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated by nephropathy, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive hydrogen therapy in an elderly patient with multiple chronic comorbidities.

Precision Assessment of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report on Integrating Clinical Course, Immunophenotyping, and Comprehensive Symptomatology in a Pediatric Patient With Adjunctive Hydrogen Therapy.

Background/aim: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, though rare, is the most common form of autoimmune encephalitis, predominantly affecting young individuals, particularly females. Standard treatments include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and plasmapheresis, with rituximab recommended for those unresponsive to first-line therapies. However, reliable biomarkers for clinical assessment remain elusive.

Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Sjögren's Syndrome With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Right-sided Heart Failure: A Case Report of Improved Immune Markers Including Treg, B Cells and Plasma Cell.

Background/aim: Connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) is a severe complication characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure, which can lead to right heart failure and death, if untreated. Standard treatments often fail to adequately manage symptoms, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the efficacy of molecular hydrogen (H) therapy in a patient with CTD-PAH.

Using oral molecular hydrogen supplements to combat microinflammation in humans: a pilot observational study.

Persistent inflammation over time can cause gradual harm to the body. Molecular hydrogen has the potential to specifically counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce disease severity, and enhance overall health. Investigations of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of oral solid hydrogen capsules (OSHCs) are currently limited, prompting our examination of the beneficial effects of OSHCs.

Enhancing the Central Venous Catheterization Competency of Medical Students through a Specialized Team and an Interactive Response System: A pre-post study.

Background: Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a critical clinical procedure. To avoid complications, possessing good knowledge regarding the CVC care bundle and skills for the proper insertion and maintenance of CVC are important.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention and the use of an interactive response system in enhancing the CVC bundle care and insertion skills of medical students undergoing critical care medicine training.

Molecular Hydrogen as a Promising Therapy Could Be Linked With Increased Resting Treg Cells or Decreased Fas+ T Cell Subsets in a IgG4-PF-ILD Patient: A Case Report.

Background/aim: Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) refers to a group of chronic lung conditions commonly associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disorders. It is characterized by progressive scarring (fibrosis) within the pulmonary interstitium, resulting in respiratory failure and early mortality. Some patients do not respond to standard therapeutic interventions.