Epidemiological, Clinical, and Evolutionary Profile of Type 1 Diabetics in the Internal Medicine Department of the Abass Ndao Hospital from 2010 to 2021 (about 659 Cases)

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes can have acute complications, sometimes requiring hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects of type 1 diabetes in patients at the Abass Ndao National Hospital in Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from January 01, 2010 to December 31, 2021. It focused on hospitalized type 1 diabetic patients. Epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary data were evaluated. Results: Six hundred and fifty-nine (659) patients were enrolled, representing a frequency of 11.5%. The mean age was 29.47 years, giving a sex ratio (m/f) of 0.95. Average hospital stay was 6.1 days. One hundred and forty-four (144) patients (21.8%) had inaugural diabetes. The average consultation time was 14.89 days. Acute metabolic complications were ketoacidosis in 353 patients (56%), and hypoglycemia in 1.2%. Simple hyperglycemia was noted in 113 patients (18.0%). Infection was present in 522 patients (58.3%), of whom 95 (28.2%) had a skin infection.55 patients (16.3%) had a respiratory infection. 12.3% had a dietary imbalance.176 cases (27.7%) had no imbalance.26 patients (3.9%) died, with infectious pathologies accounting for the majority of decompensation factors among the deceased (57.7%). Conclusion: Type 1 diabetes is a cause of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to develop and implement a prevention and management program.

Diabetic Macroangioapathy at the Internal Medicine Department of the Abass Ndao Hospital Center (About 359 Cases)

Introduction: Macroangiopathy plays an important role, with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. The aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of macroangiopathy in diabetic patients in the internal medicine department of the Abass Ndao hospital. Patients and methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. Our investigations were recruited over a 7-year period (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2022). Results: Three hundred and fifty-nine (359) patients (10.22%) were enrolled. The mean age was 62.83 years, with extremes ranging from 17 to 98 years. The [60 - 69] age group was more representative (37.32%). Women accounted for 180 cases (50.1%), with a sex ratio (m/f) of 0.99. The average duration of diabetes was 11.86 years. Average consultation time was 38.07 days, with extremes ranging from 1 to 368 days. Average hospital stay was 7.65 days. Inaugural diabetes was noted in 12 cases (3.34%). Type 2 diabetes accounted for 95.82% (n = 344) of patients. Hypertension was present in 150 patients (41.8%). Patients with 2 risk factors accounted for 173 cases (48.18%). Nineteen patients had already had a stroke (5.29% of cases). Fourteen (14) patients (4.2%) were amputees. Obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs (AOMI) was noted in 193 patients (54%). Stroke was noted in 101 patients (28%). Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was noted in 38 patients (11%). AOMI was more common in males (110 patients, 57%) than in females (43%). Seventy-three (73) patients (20.3%) died. Predictors of death were age over 60 and the existence of more than two cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: Diabetic macroangiopathy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program is essential.

Oxidative stress:New insights on the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) represents the most common and emerging chronic liver disease worldwide. It includes a wide spectrum of liver diseasesranging from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),which may progress to fibrosis and more severe liver complications such as cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and liver mortality. NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity,insulin resistance,hypertension,and dyslipidaemia,and is now regarded as the liver manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. The increased mortality of patients with NAFLD is primarily a result of cardiovascular disease and,to a lesser extent,to liver related diseases. Increased oxidative stress has been reported in both patients with NAFLD and patient with cardiovascular risk factors. Thus,oxidative stress represents a shared pathophysiological disorder between the two conditions. Several therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress reduction in patients with NAFLD have been proposed,with conflicting results. In particular,vitamin E supplementation has been suggested for the treatment of non-diabetic,non-cirrhotic adults with active NASH,although this recommendation is based only on the results of a single randomized controlled trial. Other antioxidant treatments suggested are resveratrol,silybin,L-carnitine and pentoxiphylline. No trial so far,has evaluated the cardiovascular effects of antioxidant treatment in patients with NAFLD. New,large-scale studies including as end-point also the assessment of the atherosclerosis markers are needed.

Common features between neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions of the biliary tract and the pancreas

the bile duct system and pancreas show many similarities due to their anatomical proximity and common embryological origin.Consequently,preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the bile duct and pancreas share analogies in terms of molecular,histological and pathophysiological features.Intraepithelial neoplasms are reported in biliary tract,as biliary intraepithelial neoplasm(BilIN),and in pancreas,as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm(PanIN).Both can evolve to invasive carcinomas,respectively cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).Intraductal papillary neoplasms arise in biliary tract and pancreas.Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the biliary tract(IPNB)share common histologic and phenotypic features such as pancreatobiliary,gastric,intestinal and oncocytic types,and biological behavior with the pancreatic counterpart,the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas(IPMN).All these neoplastic lesions exhibit similar immunohistochemical phenotypes,suggesting a common carcinogenic process.Indeed,CCA and PDAC display similar clinic-pathological features as growth pattern,poor response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy and,as a consequence,an unfavorable prognosis.The objective of this review is to discuss similarities and differences between the neoplastic lesions of the pancreas and biliary tract with potential implications on a common origin from similar stem/progenitor cells.

Signs and genetics of rare cancer syndromes with gastroenterological features

Although the genetic bases of most hereditary cancer syndromes are known,and genetic tests are available for them,the incidence of the most rare of these syndromes is likely underestimated,partially because the clinical expression is neither fully understood nor easily diagnosed due to the variable and complex expressivity. The clinical features of a small pool of rare cancer syndromes include gastroenterological signs,though not necessarily tumors,that could require the intervention of a gastroenterologist during any of the phases of the clinical management. Herein we will attempt to spread the knowledge on these rare syndromes by summarizing the phenotype and genetic basis,and revising the peculiar gastroenterological signs whose underlying role in these rare hereditary cancer syndromes is often neglected. Close collaboration between geneticists and gastroenterologists could facilitate both the early identification of patients or relatives at-risk and the planning of multidisciplinary and tailored management of these subjects.

Multifaceted relationship between diabetes and kidney diseases:Beyond diabete

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease.Kidney involvement in patients with diabetes has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to overt proteinuria and kidney failure.The development of kidney disease in diabetes is associated with structural changes in multiple kidney compartments,such as the vascular system and glomeruli.Glomerular alterations include thickening of the glomerular basement membrane,loss of podocytes,and segmental mesangiolysis,which may lead to microaneurysms and the development of pathognomonic Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules.Beyond lesions directly related to diabetes,awareness of the possible coexistence of nondiabetic kidney disease in patients with diabetes is increasing.These nondiabetic lesions include focal segmental glomerulosclerosis,IgA nephropathy,and other primary or secondary renal disorders.Differential diagnosis of these conditions is crucial in guiding clinical management and therapeutic approaches.However,the relationship between diabetes and the kidney is bidirectional;thus,new-onset diabetes may also occur as a complication of the treatment in patients with renal diseases.Here,we review the complex and multifaceted correlation between diabetes and kidney diseases and discuss clinical presentation and course,differential diagnosis,and therapeutic opportunities offered by novel drugs.

Extraintestinal manifestations in a large series of Italian inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM: To investigate prevalence, type and time of onset of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in a series of Italian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Proton pump inhibitors and dysbiosis: Current knowledge and aspects to be clarified

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are common medications within the practice of gastroenterology. These drugs, which act through the irreversible inhibition of the hydrogen/potassium pump (H+/K+-ATPase pump) in the gastric parietal cells, are used in the treatment of several acid-related disorders. PPIs are generally well tolerated but, through the long-term reduction of gastric acid secretion, can increase the risk of an imbalance in gut microbiota composition (i.e., dysbiosis). The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem in which microbes coexist and interact with the human host. Indeed, the resident gut bacteria are needed for multiple vital functions, such as nutrient and drug metabolism, the production of energy, defense against pathogens, the modulation of the immune system and support of the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier. The bacteria are collected in communities that vary in density and composition within each segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, every change in the gut ecosystem has been connected to an increased susceptibility or exacerbation of various GI disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the recently available data on PPI-related microbiota alterations in each segment of the GI tract and to analyze the possible involvement of PPIs in the pathogenesis of several specific GI diseases.

Gastrointestinal neuromuscular apparatus: An underestimated target of gut microbiota

Over the last few years, the importance of the resident intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases has been largely investigated. Growing evidence suggest that microbiota can influence gastrointestinal motility. The current working hypothesis is that dysbiosis-driven mucosal alterations induce the production of several inflammatory/immune mediators which affect gut neuro-muscular functions. Besides these indirect mucosal-mediated effects, the present review highlights that recent evidence suggests that microbiota can directly affect enteric nerves and smooth muscle cells functions through its metabolic products or bacterial molecular components translocated from the intestinal lumen. Tolllike receptors, the bacterial recognition receptors, are expressed both on enteric nerves and smooth muscle and are emerging as potential mediators between microbiota and the enteric neuromuscular apparatus. Furthermore, the ongoing studies on probiotics support the hypothesis that the neuromuscular apparatus may represent a target of intervention, thus opening new physiopathological and therapeutic scenarios.

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in digestive diseases

Curcumin is a low-molecular-weight hydrophobic polyphenol that is extracted from turmeric,which possesses a wide range of biological properties including anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant,anti-proliferative and anti-microbial activities.Despite its diverse targets and substantial safety,clinical applications of this molecule for digestive disorders have been largely limited to case series or small clinical trials.The poor bioavailability of curcumin is likely the major hurdle for its more widespread use in humans.However,complexation of curcumin into phytosomes has recently helped to bypass this problem,as it has been demonstrated that this new lecithin formulation enables increased absorption to a level 29-fold higher than that of traditional curcuminoid products.This allows us to achieve much greater tissue substance delivery using significantly lower doses of curcumin than have been used in past clinical studies.As curcumin has already been shown to provide good therapeutic results in some small studies of both inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disorders,it is reasonable to anticipate an even greater efficacy with the advent of this new technology,which remarkably improves its bioavailability.These features are very promising and may represent a novel and effective therapeutic approach to both functional and organic digestive diseases.

Biological therapy for dermatological manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). The advent of biological drugs has significantly changed the management of these conditions. Skin manifestations are not uncommon in IBD. Among the reactive lesions(immunemediated extraintestinal manifestations), erythema nodosum(EN) and pyoderma gangrenosum(PG) are the two major cutaneous ills associated with IBD, while psoriasis is the dermatological comorbidity disease observed more often. In particular, in the last few years, anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α agents have been successfully used to treat psoriasis, especially these kinds of lesions that may occur during the treatment with biological therapies. The entity of the paradoxical manifestations has been relatively under reported as most lesions are limited and a causal relationship with the treatment is often poorly understood. The reason for this apparent side-effect of the therapy still remains unclear. Although side effects may occur, their clinical benefits are undoubted. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of the two most widely used anti-TNF-α molecules, infliximab(a fusion protein dimer of the human TNF-α receptor) and adalimumab(a fully human monoclonal antibody to TNF-α), for the treatment of the major cutaneous manifestations associated with IBD(EN, PG and psoriasis).

Helicobacter pylori infection in obesity and its clinical outcome after bariatric surgery

The present review summarizes the prevalence and active clinical problems in obese patients with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,as well as the outcomes after bariatric surgery in this patient population.The involvement of H.pylori in the pathophysiology of obesity is still debated.It may be that the infection is protective against obesity,because of the gastritis-induced decrease in production and secretion of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin.However,recent epidemiological studies have failed to show an association between H.pylori infection and reduced body mass index.H.pylori infection might represent a limiting factor in the access to bariatric bypass surgery,even if highquality evidence indicating the advantages of preoperative H.pylori screening and eradication is lacking.The clinical management of infection is complicated by the lower eradication rates with standard therapeutic regimens reported in obese patients than in the normalweight population.Prospective clinical studies to ameliorate both H.pylori eradication rates and control the clinical outcomes of H.pylori infection after different bariatric procedures are warranted.

Reduced lysosomal acid lipase activity: A new marker of liver disease severity across the clinical continuum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Lysosomal acid lipase(LAL)plays a key role in intracellular lipid metabolism.Reduced LAL activity promotes increased multi-organ lysosomal cholesterol ester storage,as observed in two recessive autosomal genetic diseases,Wolman disease and Cholesterol ester storage disease.Severe liver steatosis and accelerated liver fibrosis are common features in patients with genetic LAL deficiency.By contrast,few reliable data are available on the modulation of LAL activity in vivo and on the epigenetic and metabolic factors capable of regulating its activity in subjects without homozygous mutations of the Lipase A gene.In the last few years,a less severe and non-genetic reduction of LAL activity was reported in children and adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),suggesting a possible role of LAL reduction in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.Patients with NAFLD show a significant,progressive reduction of LAL activity from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis.Among cirrhosis of different etiologies,those with cryptogenic cirrhosis show the most significant reductions of LAL activity.These findings suggest that the modulation of LAL activity may become a possible new therapeutic target for patients with more advanced forms of NAFLD.Moreover,the measurement of LAL activity may represent a possible new marker of disease severity in this clinical setting.

Infliximab for the treatment of pouchitis

Pouchitis is not a rare complication that develops after an ileal-pouch anastomosis, performed after colectomy in patients refractory to treatment or with complicated ulcerative colitis. This condition may become chronic and unresponsive to medical therapies, including corticosteroids, antibiotics and probiotics. The advent of biological therapies(tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors) has changed the course of these complications. In particular, in these cases, infliximab(IFX) may represent a safe and effective therapy in order to avoid the subsequent operation for a permanent ileostomy. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of one of the most widely used anti-tumor necrosis factor-α molecules, IFX, for the treatment of complicated pouchitis(refractory to conventional treatment and/or fistulizing).

Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study

Background/Aim: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a scalp disorder characterized by the thinning or shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hair in the telogen phase. Nigella sativa (NS) is a dicotyledonous belonging to the Ranunculacae family. It has been shown that its major constituent, tymoquinon (TQ), exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin D2. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of NS essential oil as a potential treatment for TE, a pathology characterized by a significant inflammatory component. Study Design/Methods: Twenty patients affected by TE for this double-blind, placebo controlled and randomized study were enrolled. Ten of these patients were treated with a scalp lotion containing 0.5% NS, daily for 3 months, while the other ten patients were treated with placebo daily for 3 months. Videodermatoscopic analysis (Trichoscan Dermoscope Fotofinder?) and evaluation of three independent dermatologists were performed before treatment (T0), after 3 months of treatment (T3) and at the 6 months follow-up (T6). Results: The results showed a significant improvement in 70% of patients treated with NS. Videodermatoscopic analysis showed a significant increment of hair density and hair thickness in patients treated with NS. NS was also able to reduce the inflammation observed in the majority of patients affected by TE. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that NS can be considered potentially useful for the treatment of TE.

Heart Failure in Children in a Context of Sars-Cov 2 Infection: About Two Cases at the University Hospital Center of Libreville, Gabon

This study reports two observations of heart failure diagnosed in the context of SARS-CoV 2 infection in children at the University Hospital Center of Libreville, Gabon. Long considered exempted from serious forms of Covid-19 infection, the fatal evolution of one of the two cases proves that there is an interest for a more rigorous approach in their management in a pandemic context. The multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with this virus in children can be responsible for cardiac manifestations that can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to reduce mortality. However, this approach is made difficult in our regions by the limited biomedical equipment and the absence of essential therapies as noted in these two observations.

Klotho:A new therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy?

Klotho(Kl)is considered an antiaging gene,mainly for the inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling.Kl exists as full-length transmembrane,which acts as co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor receptor,and in soluble forms(sKl).The sKl may exert pleiotropic effects on organs and tissues by regulating several pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with oxidative and inflammatory state.In diabetic Patients,serum levels of Kl are significantly decreased compared to healthy subjects,and are related to duration of diabetes.In diabetic retinopathy(DR),one of the most common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes,serum Kl levels are negatively correlated with progression of the disease.A lot of evidences showed that Kl regulates several mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis and functions of retinal cells,including phagocytosis,calcium signaling,secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),maintenance of redox status,and melanin biosynthesis.Experimental data have been shown that Kl exerts positive effects on several mechanisms involved in onset and progression of DR.In particular,treatment with Kl:(1)Prevents apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in human retinal endothelial cells and in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cells;(2)reduces secretion of VEGF-A by RPE cells;and(3)decreases subretinal fibrosis and preserves autophagic activity.Therefore,Kl may become a novel biomarker and a good candidate for the treatment of DR.

Persistent dysexecutive syndrome after pneumococcal meningitis complicated by recurrent ischemic strokes:A case report

Meningitis is a possible complication of pneumococcal infection concerning acute otitis media and sinusitis.It might compromise cognitive function,both for the infection itself and the vascular events that sometimes follow the acute phase.CASE SUMMARY Here we describe the case of a 32-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency room due to extensive pneumococcal meningitis as a consequence of sinus outbreak.She presented with extensive laminar ischemic damage in the acute phase,resulting in severe cognitive and behavioural impairment.Four years of follow-up,through neuropsychological assessments and neuroradiological investigations,demonstrated the presence of subsequent vascular events,3 months and 2 years after onset.CONCLUSION The case is discussed in light of scientific knowledge of the long-term outcomes of this pathology in order to potentially improve diagnosis and promote better outcomes.

Haemostatic system in inflammatory bowel diseases:New players in gut inflammation

Inflammation and coagulation constantly influence each other and are constantly in balance.Emerging evidence supports this statement in acute inflammatory diseases,such as sepsis,but it also seems to be very important in chronic inflammatory settings,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of thromboembolic events,and several abnormalities concerning coagulation components occur in the endothelial cells of intestinal vessels,where most severe inflammatory abnormalities occur.The aims of this review are to update and classify the type of coagulation system abnormalities in IBD,and analyze the strict and delicate balance between coagulation and inflammation at the mucosal level.Recent studies on possible therapeutic applications arising from investigations on coagulation abnormalities associated with IBD pathogenesis will also be briefly presented and critically reviewed.

Genetic predisposition to pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PC) is the most deadly of the common cancers. Owing to its rapid progression and almost certain fatal outcome, identifying individuals at risk and detecting early lesions are crucial to improve outcome. Genetic risk factors are believed to play a major role. Approximately 10% of PC is estimated to have familial inheritance. Several germline mutations have been found to be involved in hereditary forms of PC, including both familial PC(FPC) and PC as one of the manifestations of a hereditary cancer syndrome or other hereditary conditions. Although most of the susceptibility genes for FPC have yet to be identified, next-generation sequencing studies are likely to provide important insights. The risk of PC in FPC is sufficiently high to recommend screening of high-risk individuals; thus, defining such individuals appropriately is the key. Candidate genes have been described and patients considered for screening programs under research protocols should first be tested for presence of germline mutations in the BRCA2, PALB2 and ATM genes. In specific PC populations, including in Italy, hereditary cancer predisposition genes such as CDKN2 A also explain a considerable fraction of FPC.