Protection of Carassius auratus Gibelio against infection by Aeromonas hydrophila using specific immunoglobulins from hen egg yolk

Specific immunoglobulin (IgY) from egg yolk against Aeromonas hydrophila was produced by immunization of White Leghorn hens with formalin-killed whole cells of A. hydrophila. ELISA test using A. hydrophila as the coating antigen revealed that the specific antibody titer started to increase in the egg yolk at the 13th day post-immunization (P/N=2.18), reached the peak at the 56th day (P/N=13.82), and remained at high level until day 133 (P/N=7.03). The antibody was purified by saturated ammonium sulphate with a recovery rate of 63.5%. The specific IgY inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml during the 18 h incubation. Pre-treatment of polyploid gibel carps Carassius auratus Gibelio with specific IgY had a protection rate of 60% (6/10) against challenge with A. hydrophila, while none of the fishes in the control groups receiving sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or non-specific IgY survived the challenge. Treatment of fishes with the specific IgY 4 h after the challenge also had lower mortality (70%, 7/10), a 30% reduction against the control PBS or non-specific IgY groups (10/10). These results indicate that specific IgY antibodies could be obtained easily from hens immunized with an inactivated A. hydrophila and could provide a novel alternative approach to control of diseases in fishes caused by this organism.

Intravenous immunoglobulins in liver transplant patients: Perspectives of clinical immune modulation

Shortage of appropriate donor grafts is the foremost current problem in organ transplantation. As a logical consequence, waiting times have extended and pretransplant mortality rates were significantly increasing. The implementation of a priority-based liver allocation system using the model of end-stage liverdisease(MELD) score helped to reduce waiting list mortality in liver transplantation(LT). However, due to an escalating organ scarcity, pre-LT MELD scores have significantly increased and liver recipients became more complex in recent years. This has finally led to posttransplant decreasing survival rates, attributed mainly to elevated rates of infectious and immunologic complications. To meet this challenging development, an increasing number of extended criteria donor grafts are currently accepted, which may, however, aggravate the patients' infectious and immunologic risk profiles. The administration of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIg) is an established treatment in patients with immune deficiencies and other antibody-mediated diseases. In addition, IVIg was shown to be useful in treatment of several disorders caused by deterioration of the cellular immune system. It proved to be effective in preventing hyperacute rejection in highly sensitized kidney and heart transplants. In the liver transplant setting, the administration of specific Ig against hepatitis B virus is current standard in post-LT antiviral prophylaxis. The mechanisms of action of IVIg are complex and not fully understood. However, there is increasing experimental and clinical evidence that IVIg has an immuno-balancing impact by a combination of immuno-supporting and immuno-suppressive properties. It may be suggested that, especially in the context of a worsening organ shortage with all resulting clinical implications, liver transplant patients should benefit from immuno-regulatory capabilities of IVIg. In this review, perspectives of immune modulation by IVIg and impact on outcome in liver transplant patients are described.

Role of Complements and Immunoglobulins in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophies are myopathies and tend to progressive, with ongoing degeneration and regeneration of muscle fibers. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and polio myelitis are essentially diseases of the anterior horn cells of the spine. It has been reported in literature that humoral immunity is manifested by the antibodies production. These are special chemical substances that react against foreign body. Antibodies are serum proteins, which are immunoglobulins and possess antibody activity and are classified according to antigens and stimulate their production such as IgA, JgG, IgM, IgD and IgE. All the immunological parameters such as of C3, C4, IgG, IgM and IgA, which are measured in Duchenne muscular dystrophy go down in comparison to healthy subjects. Complement C3 and Complement C4 go down about 44.3% and 78.57% respectively from the normal values. The serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were also go down about 65%, 84% and 99.56% respectively in comparison to healthy subjects. A trend between all the immunoglobulins has been set up and it is rAG.M > rMA.G. > rGM.A, while we have a trend in DMD cases is rMA.G. > rAG.M > rGM.A We are in a position to say that our data have a relevance of high authenticity and reliability to accept that there is a deficit in immunity in DMD cases. The deficit in immunity may be a cause to damage muscle for abnormal functioning.

Profiling of Serum Immunoglobulins in Bangladeshi Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive and persistent low mood which is accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in day to day activities that adversely affects a person’s family, work, and personal life. There is no sufficient laboratory test for the diagnosis of MDD and it is expected that this investigation may be helpful for better diagnosis and management of MDD. We aimed to measure serum immunoglobulin levels in MDD patients and control subjects to meet the above demand. Methods: For this purpose, we recruited 88 MDD patients from the department of psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and 89 healthy volunteers from Dhaka city matched with age, sex and socioeconomic status to the patient group. Turbidimetry method was applied to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin A, G, and M where immunoglobulin kit was utilized. Results: The current study revealed that mean serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M in patients were found to be 209.07 ± 104.93, 791.50 ± 235.67 and 107.92 ± 47.53 mg/dL while those were 195.34 ± 92.16, 763.81 ± 175.89 and 99.17 ± 48.78 mg/dL in control subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Our result indicates that serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G and M were not significant between the groups and further studies are required to establish these findings.

Serum Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM and IgA) in Nigerian Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer remains intractable and the leading cause of cancer related death among women. The appearance of breast tumour and its progression poses great clinical unpredictability before and after diagnosis, therapy and appearance of recurrent secondary deposits. Various immunological changes occur during breast tumourigenesis, and can be of value in the surveillance of the diseases. In our environment, there is scanty information on the value of these immunological factors especially immunoglobulins in screening and surveillance of breast cancer—hence the need for this study. Methodology: A total of 59 females (mean age = 48.7 ± 8.7 yrs) with clinically and pathologically confirmed breast cancer were prospectively recruited alongside with 20 patients with benign breast tumour representing patients’ control group and 20 apparently healthy age and sex-matched control subjects (mean age = 47.5 ± 13.4 yrs). Breast cancer patients were further grouped into early stage breast cancer (N = 25) and advanced stage breast cancer (N = 34). Patients were subjected to standard treatment modalities and pre- and post-treatment samples collected at intervals. Samples were assayed for IgG & IgM by immunoenzymatic methods and IgA by immunoturbidimetric method. Questionnaires and measurements were used to obtain necessary demographic and anthropologic information from the subjects. Results: Results showed that in all stages of breast cancer and treatment groups, the mean serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels respectively were not significantly raised (P > 0.05) when compared. Results also showed that majority (59%) of the patients presented at advanced stage of the disease. Low level of education and low income were among the prevailing risk factors. Majority (63%) of the cases had body mass index suggesting obesity (>30 kg/m2). Conclusion: Results suggest that serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) levels are of limited value in surveillance of breast cancer in our environment. Based on our findings, it could also be concluded that low levels of education and low income are among the risk factors. Advocacy and evidence based policies aimed at prevention and early detection of the disease should be prioritized.

Role of Complements and Immunoglobulins in Alzheimer’s Disease

Our findings show that the value of IgG in serum of Alzheimer’s Disease patients is (17.2059 ± 2.6317) g/l and in controls i.e. (17.6720 ± 3.1457) g/l. Values of IgM in AD patients go down up to 62.5% in comparison to healthy subjects. A sudden change was observed in the levels of IgA of AD patients. It has been put on the value 137.9% high in comparison to healthy subjects. The levels of complement C3 have also value of lower side and go down up to 52.66% in AD patients. The value of levels of complement C4 shows no deflection from the control values. On the basis of regression and multiple correlation analysis, we found that the partial correlation coefficients rGA.M, which has value 0.44815 in AD patients and 0.45555 in controls, do not show any resemblance. The multiple partial correlation rAM.G has value 0.3082 in AD patients and 0.3912 in controls slightly better correlated in comparison to healthy controls. Multiple RA.MG has strongly correlation in comparison to controls. RM.AG is also strongly correlated. Regression coefficients and regression equations are basic foundations of correlation measurements and show a specific character of variation. A relation between all the three multiple correlations has been established in the present work and it is given by the following relation RA.MG > RM.AG > RG.AM.

Effects of dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunoglobulins, cytokines, fatty acid composition, and performance of lactating sows and suckling piglets

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ratios of n-6：n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFA） on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets. Thirty pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three treatments from d 108 of gestation until weaning （26-29 d） and were fed diets containing different ratios of n-6：n-3 PUFA including 3：1,9：1 and 13：1. The effects on sow and litter production traits were examined together with an assessment of sow body condition. No differences were detected among the treatments for the daily feed intake of sows or changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation （P 〉 0.05）. Litter size at d 14 and d 21 were tended to increase in 3：1 treatment compared with 9：1 and 13：1 treatments （P 〈 0.10）. Litter weight gain （1.77 kg/d） from d 0 to d 14 was tended to increase in 9：1 groups compared with the other two treatments （P 〈 0.10）. A significant difference was observed for the content of a -linolenic acid, total n-3 PUFA, and the ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA in the colostrum, milk, and piglets plasma （P 〈 0.01）. The effects of different ratios of n-6：n-3 PUFA in sow diets on colostrum, milk and piglet plasma immunoglobulin concentrations are studied. No difference was observed among treatments in the concentrations of IgM, and IgA in colostrum （P 〉 0.05）. A great significant difference for IgG concentration was observed among 3 group in colostrum. A great significant difference for IgA, and IgM （P〈 0.01） concentrations in piglet plasma at d14 and a significant difference for IgG（P 〈 0.05） was observed at d14. Furthermore, at d 21 of lactation, piglet plasma IgG and IgA concentration were greater in 3：1 compared with 13：1 group （P 〈 0.01）. In summary, the current study demonstrated that altering the ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA in lactating sow diet had an effect on the immune component including immunoglobulin and cytokines, and it tended to increase the litter average daily gain and improve the immune status of piglets when dietary ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA was 9：1.

Adsorption behaviors of avian immunoglobulins and purification of immunoglobulin Y from chicken serum with mixed-mode resins

The importance of immunoglobulin Y(IgY) as a specific antibody equivalent to mammalian immunoglobulin G(IgG) is well recognized. However, production of highly purified IgY is still difficult due to the lack of specific purification methods. In this study, adsorption behaviors of Ig Y on four mixed-mode resins with functional ligands of 4-mercatoethyl-pyridine(MEP), 2-mercapto-1-methyli-midazole(MMI), 5-aminobenzi-midazole(ABI) and tryptophan-5-aminobenzi-midazole(W-ABI) were evaluated. The results showed that high adsorption ratio were found at p H 6.0–7.0 with little adsorption under acidic conditions. The resin with ABI ligand was then used to separate IgY from immunized chicken serum. An efficient process with Ig Y purity of 95% and recovery of 90% was developed after optimization of loading and elution p H and injection volume. The biological activity of the purified Ig Y was fully maintained. These results indicated that mixed-mode chromatography with specially-designed ligands has great potential for the separation of Ig Y from crude feedstock.

Effects of the Ratio of n-6∶n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Maternal Diet on Immunoglobulins,Fatty Acid Composition,and Performance of Lactating Sows and Suckling Piglets under Conditions of Low Maternal Energy Intake

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different ratios of n-6 ∶ n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFA） in sow diets on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets at low digestible energy intakes. Twenty-one pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three diets from day 108 of gestation until weaning （26 to 29 d） ,containing n-6∶n-3 PUFA ratios of 3 ∶1,8 ∶1 and 11 ∶1. The effects on sow and litter production traits and on sow body condition were examined. There were no differences among treatments in daily feed intakes or in changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation. Litter size,litter weight at birth and weaning and litter average daily weight gain were also unaffected by treatment. As expected, large differences were observed in n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in the colostrum and plasma of sows and piglets （P 〈 0. 01） . The ratio of n6 ∶ n-3 PUFA the diet was positively correlated with those in colostrum,sow plasma and piglet plasma （R 2= 0. 55,0. 80 and 0. 80,respectively） . Sow plasma insulin and IGF-I levels at weaning were unaffected by the treatments. Plasma leptin （P 〈 0. 05） concentrations were increased in sows fed the diet with a n-6∶n-3 ratio of 8 ∶ 1. Immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum were not altered by dietary treatment. Plasma IgG concentrations at d 14 were highest in piglets from sows fed the 8 ∶ 1 ratio of n-6∶n-3. Furthermore,this group had the highest IgA concentrations at day 21 of lactation compared with the other two groups （P 〈 0. 05） . In summary,our study demonstrated that at low digestible energy levels,altering the ratio of n-6 ∶ n-3 PUFA in the diets for lactating sows affected immune components and the fatty acid composition of lactating sows and their piglets. Further studies are needed to examine whether higher levels of fat supplementation than those used in the present study （1. 5%） can successfully enhance performance.

Effects of inorganic or organic selenium on immunoglobulins in swine

A study was conducted to determine if Se source fed during gestation and lactation affects passive transfer of immunoglobulins. Sixty days prior to breeding （d -60）, gilts were randomly assigned to one of three treatments prior to breeding and throughout gestation： control （Control, no supplemental Se; n = 8）, inorganic Se （Inorganic Se, 0.3 ppm; n = 4） and organic Se （Organic Se, 0.3 ppm; n = 4）. Blood was collected on d -60, 57 and 113 of gestation and on d 21 of lactation and milk was collected at d 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21 of lactation. Blood was collected from piglets at d 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21 of age. Gilts fed organic Se had greater （P 〈 0.05） circulating concentrations of Se than Inorganic and Control gilts. Regardless of treatment, circulating concentrations of Se were greatest （P 〈 0.05） at d -60 compared to all other days. Serum concentrations of IgG were greatest （P 〈 0.05） in gilts at d 57 of gestation compared to d 113. Serum concentrations of IgA were greatest （P 〈 0.05） on d 113 of gestation and d 21 of lactation compared to d -60 and 57. Serum concentrations of IgM were greater （P 〈 0.05） at d 57 compared to d -60. Inorganic gilts had greater （P 〈 0.05） colostral and milk concentrations of IgG and IgM than Organic or Control gilts. Circulating concentrations of Se in piglets were greatest （P 〈 0.05） at d 14 and 21 of age compared to all other days. Piglets from gilts supplemented with organic Se had greater （P 〈 0.05） circulating concentrations of Se on d 1 versus piglets from gilts supplemented with no additional Se. The immunoglobulin concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM were lowest （P 〈 0.05） on d 0 and then different sources of Se did not affect the immunoglobulin ncreased when compared to d 1. The addition of concentrations in the gilt or piglet.

Anti-Thyroglobulin IgG in Therapeutic Immunoglobulins: A Reactivity Bias in IgG4 Subclass

Therapeutic immunoglobulins are used in the treatment of immunodeficiencies as well as several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) represent the healthy human IgG repertoire, which can be reactive for both self and non-self antigens. A better characterization of IVIg’s repertoire is an important aspect to enable its effective utilization as an immunomodulatory treatment. In this study we have investigated the reactivity of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 present in IVIg for a small selection of antigens, including actin, DNA, ferritin and thyroglobulin. We observed that two commercial preparations of therapeutic immunoglobulins contain very high reactivity for thyroglobulin, which was predominantly detected by IgG4. Since IgG4 antibodies can have immunomodulatory properties, these result suggest that these anti-thyroglobulin may have a role in the IVIg treatment of autoimmune disease characterized by high avidity for anti-thyroglobulin antibodies such as Hashimoto’s disease.

Changes of serum tumor markers, immunoglobulins, TNF-α and hs-CRP levels in patients with breast cancer and its clinical significance

Objective: To study the serum tumor markers, immunoglobulin, TNF-α and hs-CRP in breast cancer in different pathological stages of the concentration, and to analyze the clinical significance of early diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods: A total of 130 patients with breast cancer were divided into stage I, II, III and IV according to clinical pathology. In addition, 40 patients with benign breast disease and 35 healthy subjects were selected as benign breast disease group and control group. Serum tumor markers, immunoglobulins, TNF-αand hs-CRP concentrations were measured and compared of all subjects. Results: There were no significant difference in serum tumor markers, immunoglobulin and inflammatory factors between the control group and the benign breast cancer group. The level of serum tumor markers in breast cancer group was significantly higher than that in control group and benign breast cancer group. The levels of serum CA125, CA153 and CEA were gradually increased with the severity enhancing from stage I and IV of breast cancer, and he difference was statistically significant. The level of serum immunoglobulin in breast cancer group was significantly higher than that in control group and benign breast cancer group. The levels of serum IgG and IgM increased gradually severity enhancing from stage I and IV of breast cancer, and the difference was statistically significant. The level of serum TNF-α and hs-CRP in serum of breast cancer group was significantly higher than that of control group and benign breast cancer group. The serum levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP increased gradually with severity enhancing from stage I and IV of breast cancer, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The level of serum tumor markers in breast cancer patients is increasing. Humoral and inflammatory responses are activated to varying degrees and increase with the aggregation of disease. They may involve regulating the occurrence and metastasis of breast cancer and regulating the pathophysiological function of patients. Which may be a certain clinical significance for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and disease progression.

Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Cases during Active and Inactive Disease States

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children. Both the humoral and cell mediated immunities are involved in the pathogenesis of JIA. It is reported that overall immunoglobulin levels in JIA patients are significantly higher than their control during the active state of disease. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months All the newly diagnosed oligo-articular and poly-articular JIA patients having active disease were included by purposive sampling. Data were collected by a semi-structured predesigned questionnaire. Result: Most of the study subjects (57.6%) belonged to age group > 3 - 9 years. Oligo JIA was diagnosed in 66.7% and poly JIA in 33.3% of JIA children. The difference in mean (±SD) ESR (33.52 ± 21.29 and 15.09 ± 7.71 mm in 1st hour) at active and inactive states was highly significant. Mean (±SD) difference of IgG, IgM and IgA in active and inactive states of disease were highly significant. Conclusion: Higher and abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA) were present among JIA patients in active disease state which became normal during inactive disease state after treatment.

Autoimmune pancreatitis:Cornerstones and future perspectives

Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is an autoimmune subtype of chronic pancreatitis resulting from the aberrant immune response against the pancreas,leading to inflammation and fibrosis.Although AIP is rare,its incidence is increasing and is often misdiagnosed as other pancreatic diseases.AIP is commonly classified into two types.Type 1 AIP(AIP-1)is typically associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)levels and systemic manifestations,while type 2 AIP is typically a more localized form of the disease,and may coexist with other autoimmune disorders,especially inflammatory bowel diseases.Additionally,there is emerging recognition of a third type(type 3 AIP),which refers to immunotherapy-triggered AIP,although this classification is still gaining acceptance in medical literature.The clinical manifestations of AIP mainly include painless jaundice and weight loss.Elevated serum IgG4 levels are particularly characteristic of AIP-1.Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical,laboratory,radiological,and histological findings,given the similarity of AIP symptoms to other pancreatic disorders.The mainstay of treatment for AIP is steroid therapy,which is effective in most cases.Severe cases might require additional imm-unosuppressive agents.This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of AIP,encompassing its epidemiology,etiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis,and treatment options.We also address the challenges and controversies in diagnosing and treating AIP,such as distinguishing it from pancreatic cancer and managing long-term treatment,highlighting the need for increased awareness and knowledge of this complex disease.

Understanding autoimmune pancreatitis: Clinical features, management challenges, and association with malignancies

In this editorial we comment on the article by Jaber et al.Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)represents a distinct form of pancreatitis,categorized into AIP-1 and AIP-2,characterized by obstructive jaundice,lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate,and fibrosis.AIP-1,associated with elevated immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)levels,exhibits higher relapse rates,affecting older males,while AIP-2 is less common and linked to inflammatory bowel disease.AIP is considered a manifestation of IgG4-related systemic disease,sharing characteristic histological findings.Steroids are the primary treatment,with emerging biomarkers like interferon alpha and inter-leukin-33.AIP poses an increased risk of various malignancies,and the assoc-iation with pancreatic cancer is debated.Surgery is reserved for severe cases,necessitating careful evaluation due to diagnostic challenges.AIP patients may have concurrent PanINs but display favorable long-term outcomes compared to pancreatic cancer patients.Thorough diagnostic assessment,including biopsy and steroid response,is crucial for informed surgical decisions in AIP.

A Mother-to-Child Transmission Study in Nigeria:The Impact of Maternal HIV Infection and HAART on Plasma Immunoglobulins,Cytokine Profiles and Infant Outcome

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy(HARRT)allows the HIV^+pregnant mothers to have vaginal delivery and breastfeed.Here we investigated the maternal plasma immunoglobulin,cytokine secretion and the outcome of the exposed infants among the HIV^+HAART treated pregnan women in Nigeria.In this study,different plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines were measured in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant mothers.Pooled culture supernatants of B and T lymphocytes showed lower levels of IFN-γ,IL-10 and IL-4.There were lower IFN-γand IL-10 secretions at 1st trimester;however,IL-10 continued to be lower throughout 2nd and 3rd trimesters.TNF-αsecretion significantly decreased as pregnancy progressed to term.There were high plasma IgG and low IgM in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant women.Plasma IgG was high during 1st and 3rd trimesters.After one year of follow up,all the exposed children were seronegative for HIV-1 and HIV-2.Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding among HIV^+HAART treated mothers have shown to be safe.The use of HAART by the infected mothers and the use of septrin and niverapin by the exposed infants prevented mother to-child transmission of HIV.

Can serum immunoglobulin G4 levels and age serve as reliable predictors of relapse in autoimmune pancreatitis?

We are writing in response to the paper published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology by Zhou et al.The authors identified higher serum immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels and age over 55 years as independent risk factors for disease relapse.Despite notable strengths,it is crucial to address potential biases.Firstly,the cohort study included 189 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)type 1(with higher IgG4 seropositivity and higher relapse)and 24 with type 2(with lower IgG4 seropositivity and lower relapse).Consequently,most,if not all,AIP type 2 patients were assigned to the normal group,possibly inflating the association of higher serum IgG4 levels with relapse and potentially exaggerating the association of older age with relapse.Secondly,the authors did not provide sufficient details regarding AIP diagnosis,such as the ratio of definitive vs probable cases and the proportion of biopsies.In cases where histological evidence is unavailable or indeterminate,AIP type 2 may be misdiagnosed as definitive type 1,and type 1 may also be misdiagnosed as probable type 2,particularly in cases with normal or mildly elevated serum IgG4 levels.Lastly,in this retrospective study,approximately one-third of the consecutive patients initially collected were excluded for various reasons.Accordingly,the impact of nonrandom exclusion on relapse outcomes should be carefully considered.In conclusion,the paper by Zhou et al offers plausible,though not entirely compelling,evidence suggesting a predictive role of elevated serum IgG4 levels and advanced age in AIP relapse.The foundation for future investigations lies in ensuring a reliable diagnosis and accurate disease subtyping,heavily dependent on obtaining histological specimens.In this regard,endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy emerges as a pivotal component of the diagnostic process,contributing to mitigating biases in future explorations of the disease.

Unmet needs in biomarkers for autoimmune pancreatitis diagnosis

Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder.The diagnosis of AIP mainly depends on histopathology,imaging and response to treatment.Serum immunoglobulin 4(IgG4)is used only as collateral evidence in diagnostic criteria for AIP because of its moderate sensitivity.Serum IgG4 levels are normal in 15%-37%of type 1 AIP and most of type 2 AIP patients.In these patients,the indeterminate imaging and histopathology may lead to the difficulty in definitive diagnosis of AIP.Therefore,discovery of new biomarkers is impor-tant for AIP diagnosis.Here,we provide some views on the progression and challenges in identifying novel serological biomarkers in AIP diagnosis.

Comparison of macular changes according to the etiology of optic neuritis:a cross-sectional study

AIM:To compare the macular structure including foveal thickness among patients with optic neuritis(ON)according to the etiology and to investigate the possible correlation between structural and visual outcomes METHODS:In this retrospective cross-sectional study,the clinical data of patients with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-related ON(AQP4 group,40 eyes),myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG-related ON(MOG group,31 eyes),and multiple sclerosis-related ON(MS group,24 eyes)were obtained.The retinal thickness of the foveal,parafoveal and perifoveal regions were measured.Visual acuity(VA),visual field index and mean deviation were measured as visual outcomes.RESULTS:The AQP4 group showed a significantly thinner fovea(226.4±13.4μm)relative to the MOG(236.8±14.0μm,P=0.015)and MS(238.9±14.3μm,P=0.007)groups.The thickness in the parafoveal area also was thinner in the AQP4 group,though the difference in perifoveal retinal thickness was not significant.Foveal thickness was correlated with VA in the AQP4 group(coefficientρ=-0.418,P=0.014),but not in the MOG and MS groups(P=0.218 and P=0.138,respectively).There was no significant correlation between foveal thickness and visual field test in all three groups.CONCLUSION:The significant thinning in the fovea and parafoveal areas in the AQP4 group compared to the MOG and MS groups are found.Additionally,macular changes in AQP4-ON show a significant correlation with VA.The results provide the possibility that retinal structural damage could reflect functional damage in AQP4-ON,distinct from MOGON and MS-ON.