Anti-Ro52 Autoantibodies’ Role in Autoimmune Disorders, Inflammatory Myopathies, and Interstitial Lung Disease

Ashleigh Little Background: Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are disorders characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s tissues. These diseases can affect various organs and systems, leading to various clinical manifestations. This research specifically analyzed mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Objectives: This review…
Featured Abstracts Immunology Inflammation Respiratory

Inhibition of PDE4 and PI3Kδ in Addition to Stimulation of Nuclear Hormone Receptor PPAR in Emphysema Caused By Smoking

Haani Tai Introduction. Smoking-related emphysema induces a disruption to many cellular signaling pathways especially related to inflammation. With inhibition of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) showing promising results for reducing inflammation as well as agonizing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) to induce an anti-inflammatory response and prevent a proinflammatory response.1 Methods. Two…
Engineering Medicine Respiratory

Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Michael Biskup Introduction. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory reaction of the lungs to cellular damage. ARDS commonly develops after trauma, infection, pleuritis, and aspiration. Hypoxemic respiratory failure is a defining characteristic. In the beginning stages of ARDS, the body releases inflammatory mediators such as IL-1. Neutrophils then…
Engineering Medicine Respiratory Stem Cells

Exploration of Novel Anti-Quorum Sensing Compounds in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Inhabited Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Karan Hooda Introduction. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder in which there is a deletion of F508 in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR).1 This leads to mucus buildup and dehydration of respiratory airway surfaces, providing the optimal environment for pathogens to inhabit.2 Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a…
Microbiology Respiratory

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress T-Cell Activation/Proliferation via PD-1/PD-L1 in Fibrotic Conditions such as Systemic Sclerosis.

James Risinger Introduction. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated that is uncommon, but has a high morbidity and mortality1. The common clinical presentation of SSc includes perioral soft tissue loss, sclerodactyly, facial telangiectasis, dilated nail-fold capillaries, extensive calcinosis cutis1. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of systemic sclerosis and the…
Immunology Respiratory Stem Cells

The Role of WNT5a as a Regulator of Cystic Airspace Enlargement in Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Ashley Kidwell Introduction. Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, lymphatic disease that affects 5-9 million women of child-bearing age.1,2 This is the second leading cause of mortality in women with tuberous sclerosis.3 Pulmonary LAM begins with a loss of function mutation in tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (Tsc2).1 This removes its…
Featured Abstracts Respiratory