Magdalena Justyna Kacperska

MicroRNAs as Novel Regulators of Neuroinflammation

MicroRNAs are relatively recently discovered class of small noncoding RNAs, which function as important regulators of gene expression. They fine-tune protein expression either by translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. MicroRNAs act as regulators of diverse cellular processes, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Their defective biogenesis or function has been identified in various pathological conditions, like inflammation, neurodegeneration, or autoimmunity. Multiple sclerosis is one of the predominated debilitating neurological diseases affecting mainly young adults. It is a multifactorial disorder of as yet unknown aetiology. As far, it is suggested that interplay between genetic and environmental factors is responsible for MS pathogenesis. The role of microRNAs in this pathology is now extensively studied. Here, we want to review the current knowledge of microRNAs role in multiple sclerosis.

Evaluation of the infliximab therapy of severe form of pediatric Crohn’s disease in Poland: Retrospective, multicenter studies

BACKGROUND Registration of infliximab in Poland has increased chances to induce clinical remission and mucosal healing in the severe form of pediatric Crohns disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the results and safety of infliximab therapy in the severe form of pediatric Crohns disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 153 children with severe form of non-fistulizing Crohns disease treated with infliximab. The clinical activity of Crohns disease was assessed according to PCDAI scale, endoscopic scoring was graded according to SES-CD, body mass was measured with body mass index (BMI). Infliximab was administered at the dose 5 mg/kg body mass in the 0.2 and 6th week, and then, after clinical response, every 8 for the period of 12 months. RESULTS One hundred thirty-six children (88.89%) achieved clinical response after induction therapy and 75.21% of children after the maintenance therapy. 39.68% of children achieved remission as graded with endoscopic scoring SES-CD. There was a statistically significant increase in body weight following the treatment. Side effects such as anaphylaxis, rash, and the activation of EBV infection appeared in 9 children at the time of infliximab injection. In other children the drug was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Induction and maintenance therapy with infliximab resulted in clinical remission of Crohns disease in 75.21% of children, and in the intestinal mucosa healing in 39.68% of children.

Induction and Maintenance Infliximab Therapy in Children with Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis. Retrospective, Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe disease characterised by the presence of extensive inflammatory lesions in the colon. The administration of intravenous corticosteroids is recommended in patients with acute relapse of the disease, whereas early treatment with cyclosporine, tacrolimus or infliximab is recommended if there is no improvement. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab therapy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe and severe relapse of pediatric UC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The analysis included 42 children aged 4-18 years (23 girls, 19 boys) treated in 7 pediatric gastroenterology departments in Poland during the past 4 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 100 months. The clinical activity of UC ranged from 35 to 85 points according to the PUCAI scale. Twenty-one children were diagnosed with pancolitis, 10 children with extensive UC, and the remaining with the left-sided UC. In the induction therapy infliximab was administered at doses of 5 mg/kg in the 0.2 and 6 weeks, and after the clinical response every 8 weeks to 12 months. Treatment results were assessed in 10 and 54 weeks. RESULTS After the induction therapy the clinical response was achieved in 14 children (33.33%) and clinical remission in 11 children (26.19%). Two children required surgical treatment, and the remaining 2 suffered from anaphylactic shock. After the maintenance therapy clinical remission was maintained in 12 children (57.14%), whereas 3 children required surgery (colectomy). CONCLUSIONS Infliximab therapy in children with moderate-to-severe UC induces remission and, in some children, proves to be effective in preventing early colectomy.