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Aim: Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a heterogeneous disorder group characterized by an impaired immune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections and a wide range of clinical manifestations, including gastrointestinal (GI) complications. This study aimed to assess the GI manifestations of PID patients and highlight the significance of atypical gastrointestinal symptoms in the early diagnosis of these patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients diagnosed with PIDs at Selcuk University Medical Faculty from 2011 to 2021. The study focused on demographic data, clinical presentation, genetic mutations, and GI manifestations, including endoscopic evaluation. Patients were categorized according to the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) PID classifications. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations between PID types and GI manifestations. Results: The cohort comprised 101 patients, with 46% presenting with GI symptoms, including malnutrition and chronic diarrhea, as the most common findings. Primary antibody deficiency (PAD) emerged as the most prevalent PID with GI involvement, followed by combined immunodeficiencies (CID) with associated or syndromic features. Endoscopic evaluations revealed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like colitis in a significant subgroup of patients. The analysis showed that some GI symptoms were more common in specific PID categories, highlighting the importance of early gastroenterological assessment in PID patients. Conclusion: Recognition of common GI symptoms in pediatric patients with PIDs may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt multidisciplinary management, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study highlights the necessity of considering PIDs in diagnosing persistent or severe GI symptoms in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of T- and B-regulatory cells (Tregs and Bregs) in the pathogenesis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). This study includes 47 patients with pathologically proven IGM (Group P) and 26 healthy subjects (Group C). The patients in Group P were divided into two groups according to whether their lesions were active (Group PA, n: 21) or in remission (Group PR, n: 26). By using flow-cytometry, the frequencies of CD3+CD4+CD45RA−Foxp3high activated Tregs (aTregs), CD3+CD4+CD45RA−Foxp3low non-suppressive Tregs, CD3+CD4+CD45RA+Foxp3low resting Tregs (rTregs), CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3− T-effector cells (Teff), total Tregs and Bregs were analyzed in all subjects. The frequency of the Teff cells was statistically higher in Group P when compared with Group C (p =.004). The Foxp3 expression of Treg cells and the frequency of non-suppressive Tregs in Group P were statistically lower than Group C (p =.032 and p =.02, respectively). In addition, Group PR's Foxp3 expressions were statistically lower than Group C (p =.027); Group PR's aTregs ratio was statistically lower than Group PA (p =.021); and the non-suppressive Tregs ratio of Group PR was lower than both Group PA and Group C (p =.006 and p <.0001). No significant differences were seen Bregs and B cell subsets. Significant changes in Foxp3 expression and Treg subsets were seen in patients with active IGM lesion and in remission. This study shows an intrinsic defect of Tregs in patients with IGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of zinc and melatonin supplements on the immunity parameters of female rats with breast cancer induced by DMBA. Methods: Group 1; Control, Group 2; 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), Group 3; DMBA + zinc, Group 4; DMBA + melatonin, Group 5; DMBA + zinc + melatonin. The rats’ breast cancer was induced by DMBA 80 mg/kg. Groups 3-5 received daily 5 mg/kg doses of zinc, melatonin, and zinc + melatonin, respectively. Lymphocyte rates, T-lymphocyte subgroups, B-lymphocyte and natural killer cells (NK), and natural killer T (NKT) were evaluated. Results: The most significant increase in lymphocyte, T-lymphocyte, and CD4 lymphocyte rates was found in Group 5. The highest NKT cell rates were found in Group 3. Conclusions: Findings show that zinc and melatonin supplements have led to an increase in the immunity parameters of rats with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] levels of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) children.Methods: A total of 62 non-atopic healthy children (64.5% male, mean age 10.79 ± 3.3 years) and 29 VKC children (75.9%, mean age 12.17 ± 2.7 years) were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels measured by HPLC were compared between the two groups and a p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D3 level of VKC group was significantly lower than in the control group (11.02 ± 5.16 ng/mL and 15.99 ± 7.36 ng/mL, respectively) (p = 0.002). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was detected in 48.3% of VKC children and 22.6% of the controls (p = 0.017). Time spent outdoors during daylight was higher in the control group (229.5 ± 101.2 min) compared with the VKC group (160.7 ± 65.9 min) (p = 0.008), and showed a significant correlation with serum 25(OH)D3 levels (Spearman rho = 0.812) (p<0.001).Conclusions: Children with VKC should be evaluated for vitamin D deficiency, which might occur secondary to sun avoidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of systemic atopy and immunoglobulin (Ig) deficiencies in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: Sixty-seven VKC subjects (79.1% boys) with a mean age of 11.3 ± 4.3 years were included. Serum Ig levels and specific IgE levels were measured using the nephelometric method and reversed enzyme immunoassay with sandwich ELISA technique, respectively. The patients underwent epidermal skin tests with commercial extracts. Results: Family history of atopy and associated systemic allergies were detected in 32.8 and 40.3% of the subjects, respectively. Blood eosinophilia, elevated total, and specific IgE and positive skin tests were detected in 33.8, 42.2, 50, and 35% of the subjects, respectively. Out of 62 subjects, low levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgG3 were detected in 12.9, 8, 6.5, and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: IgE-mediated mechanisms are involved in approximately 40% of VKC patients. A new finding was the higher incidence of Ig deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ataxia-telangiectasia is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, high incidence of cancer, and increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation. The authors report a case of dysgerminoma in a child with high α-fetoprotein, CA125 and β-human chorionic gonadotropin, who has been followed-up for ataxia-telangiectasia for 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]