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Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGP) is a serious and rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. This systematic review analyzes XGP cases. We performed a literature search for “Pyelonephritis, Xanthogranulomatous.” The primary composite outcome was recovery with post-surgery complications, partial recovery, death, or chronic kidney disease. The secondary outcome was any presentation or treatment complication. Predictor variables consisted of demographics, history, symptoms, and diagnosis/management. Among the 251 patients, the mean age was 36.1 years, and 57.4% were female. The most common symptom and finding were fever (55.0%) and renal stones (53.8%), respectively. There were 15.5% with the composite outcome. There were 51.0% with any presentation or treatment complication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the composite outcome showed that kidney of both/horseshoe (OR:3.86, 95% CI:1.01, 14.73, p = 0.048), dialysis required (OR:8.64, 95% CI:2.27, 32.94, p = 0.002), and operative treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy (OR:4.57, 95% CI:1.58, 13.17, p = 0.01) were each significantly associated with increased odds. Fever (OR:3.04, 95% CI:1.63, 5.67, p <0.001) and renal stones (OR:2.55, 95% CI:1.35, 4.81, p = 0.004) were each significantly associated with increased odds for any presentation/treatment complication. In conclusion, XGP patients with involvement of both or horseshoe kidneys, dialysis requirements, or treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy may require aggressive treatment to mitigate poor patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia is an uncommon paraneoplastic phenomenon commonly associated with tumors of mesenchymal origin like gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). It causes the release of insulin-like growth factor type II. GIST are frequently asymptomatic but can present with vague symptoms such as gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric pain, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. We present an interesting case of A 62-year-old male with GIST tumor admitted for refractory hypoglycemia found to have non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia which is a relatively uncommon cause of hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been widely recognized and supported in recent literature. Prospective and retrospective studies found non-motor symptoms within the GI, specifically constipation, precede cardinal signs and cognitive decline by almost 20 years. In 2002, Braak et al. were the first to propose that PD is a six-stage propagating neuropathological process originating from the GI tract (GIT). Aggregated a-synuclein (a-syn) protein from the GIT is pathognomonic for the development of PD. This article reviews the current literature from the past 10 years as well as original research found in PubMed on the combined effects of enteric glial cells and lectins on the development of Parkinson's Disease. Studies have found that these aggregated and phosphorylated proteins gain access to the brain via retrograde transport through fast and slow fibers of intestinal neurons. Plant lectins, commonly found within plant-based diets, have been found to induce Leaky Gut Syndrome and can activate enteric glial cells, causing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress on the enteric neurons, caused by a chronic neuro-inflammatory state, can cause a-syn aggregation and lead to Lewy Body formation, a hallmark finding in PD. Although the current literature provides a connection between the consumption of plant lectins and the pathophysiology of PD, further research is required to evaluate confounding variables such as food antigen mimicry and other harmful substances found in our diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertriglyceridemia is characterized by elevated triglyceride levels in the blood, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. This condition stems from multiple factors including lifestyle choices, genetics, and conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3), a protein for lipid metabolism, hinders enzymes necessary for breaking down triglycerides and thus plays a key role in hypertriglyceridemia. Variations in the APOC3 gene are associated with varying triglyceride levels among individuals. Recent genetic studies and clinical trials have shed light on the potential of targeting APOC3 as a potentially promising therapeutic modality of hypertriglyceridemia. Antisense oligonucleotides like volanesorsen have displayed effectiveness in lowering triglyceride levels in individuals with severe hypertriglyceridemia. This review article delves into how APOC3 influences triglyceride control and its potential use in targeting APOC3 to manage severe hypertriglyceridemia., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Shah et al.)

Objective: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of small and medium-sized vessels. This systematic review aimed to highlight the most common ophthalmic manifestations and to uncover their associations with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity and the presence of granulomas. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases was performed from journal inception to March 21, 2021, for case reports and a series of ophthalmic GPAs. Cytoplasmic-ANCA (c-ANCA), perinuclear-ANCA (p-ANCA), and granulomas were analyzed against many ophthalmic signs and symptoms. 306 patients with GPA were retrospectively studied. Results: Granulomas were present in 47.7% of our sample, c-ANCA in 59.2%, and p-ANCA in 10.8%. Scleritis was significantly associated with higher odds for c-ANCA positivity. Eye discharge, episcleritis, proptosis, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement were each significantly associated with lower odds for c-ANCA positivity. Orbital mass was significantly associated with lower odds for p-ANCA positivity. CNS involvement was significantly associated with higher odds for p-ANCA positivity (OR:3.08, 95% CI:1.02, 9.36, p=0.047) and orbital mass was significantly associated with lower odds for p-ANCA positivity. Conclusions: We recommend that clinicians should consider ocular or orbital GPA in patients presenting with non-specific eye complaints, such as vision impairment, orbital mass, or proptosis, and obtain further assessments to determine the possible presence of granuloma, c-ANCA, or p-ANCA. Abbreviations: GPA = Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, ANCA = antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, c-ANCA = cytoplasmic-ANCA, p-ANCA = perinuclear-ANCA, CNS = central nervous system, AAVs = ANCA-associated vasculitides, SD = standard deviation, GU = genitourinary, ENT = ear nose and throat, OR = odds ratio, CI = confidence interval., (#x00A9; The Authors.Romanian Society of Ophthalmology.)