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Association of Human Parvovirus B19 Infection with Development and Clinical Course of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(2019) Rasa-Dzelzkalēja, Santa; Čapenko, Svetlana; Krūmiņa, Angelika; Yung-Cheng, Lin; Murovska, Modra
Our aim was to estimate the presence of B19V infection markers, the level of cytokines and time period since the appearance of infection in association with ME/CFS clinical symptoms. In 200 ME/CFS patients and 104 control group individuals the presence of B19V-specific IgG/IgM class antibodies, B19V NS1 gene sequence, mRNA expression, viral load and level of cytokines were determined. B19V-specific IgG-antibodies were found in 70% of ME/CFS patients and 67.4% of controls, IgM-antibodies in 8% of patients and in none of controls, B19V genomic sequences in 29% of patients and 3.8% of controls. 58.6% of positive patients had active and 41.4% had latent/persistent B19V infection. B19V NS1 gene expression was detected in 43% of patients. B19V load varied from < 0.2 copies to median 38.2 copies/µg of DNA. According to the antibody pattern, 36% of patients had a recent, and 43% had sustained B19V infection. Patients with the B19V genomic sequence and NS1 specific antibodies significantly more often had lymphadenopathy and multi-joint pain. Onset of the symptoms corresponded to time of appearance of B19V infection. IL-10 and TNF-levels were higher in patients with elevated B19V load. B19V genome 1 was identified in Latvian ME/CFS patients. The results indicated that at least in some cases B19V infection plays an important role in ME/CFS development
Autonomic phenotypes in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are associated with illness severity: A cluster analysis
(2020-08-05) Slomko, Joanna; Estevez-Lopez, Fernando; Kujawski, Sławomir; Zawadka-Kunikowska, Monika; Tafil-Klawe, Małgorzata; Klawe, Jacek J.; Morten, Karl J.; Szrajda, Justyna; Murovska, Modra; Newton, Julia L.; Zalewski, Paweł
In this study we set out to define the characteristics of autonomic subgroups of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The study included 131 patients with CFS (Fukuda criteria). Participants completed the following screening symptom assessment tools: Chalder Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scales, the self-reported Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale. Autonomic parameters were measured at rest with a Task Force Monitor (CNS Systems) and arterial stiffness using an Arteriograph (TensioMed Kft.). Principal axis factor analysis yielded four factors: fatigue, subjective and objective autonomic dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Using cluster analyses, these factors were grouped in four autonomic profiles: 34% of patients had sympathetic symptoms with dysautonomia, 5% sympathetic alone, 21% parasympathetic and 40% had issues with sympathovagal balance. Those with a sympathetic-dysautonomia phenotype were associated with more severe disease, reported greater subjective autonomic symptoms with sympathetic over-modulation and had the lowest quality of life. The highest quality of life was observed in the balance subtype where subjects were the youngest, had lower levels of fatigue and the lowest values for arterial stiffness. Future studies will aim to design autonomic profile-specific treatment interventions to determine links between autonomic phenotypes CFS and a specific treatment.
Cells and Cytokines in Milk of Subclinically Infected Bovine Mammary Glands after the Use of Immunomodulatory Composition GLP 810
(2020-03-10) Gulbe, Gundega; Pilmane, Māra; Saulīte, Vaira; Doniņa, Simona; Jermolajevs, Jevgenijs; Peškova, Lilija; Valdovska, Anda
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intramammary infusions of natural composition GLP 810 with immunomodulating properties on the local nonspecific cellular and humoral immune response in cows with subclinical mastitis. The composition GLP 810 consists of lactic acid, lysozyme, glycopeptides, and 0.9% solution of NaCl. The following parameters were studied: (1) leukocyte differential distribution in milk, (2) expression of cytokines in milk leukocytes, (3) antibacterial activity, and (4) milk quality. Nineteen mammary glands in five lactating cows were infused with 10 mL of GLP 810, and nineteen other glands from five control cows were treated with 10 mL 0.9% NaCl. The results showed that after intramammary administration of the composition GLP 810 three times with 48 h intervals, the following effects on leukocyte populations in milk were observed: (1) an increase in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes and (2) a decrease in the number of macrophages. A reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria was also detected. The analyses of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, and beta-defensin-2 revealed that the production of the aforementioned cytokines significantly increased, whereas no significant effects on interleukin-1 and caspase-6 expression in milk leukocytes were recorded. However, there were significant differences between mammary glands with high and low milk somatic cell count. The results suggest that the composition GLP 810 has an immunomodulatory effect on mammary glands and it could be used for improving the immune response in cows with subclinical mastitis during lactation.
Chemokine Receptors CCR1 and CCR2 on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Newly Diagnosed Patients with the CD38-Positive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(2020-07-21) Kholodnyuk, Irina; Rivkina, Alla; Hippe, Laura; Svirskis, Simons; Kozireva, Svetlana; Ventina, Ildze; Spaka, Irina; Soloveichika, Marina; Pavlova, Jelena; Murovska, Modra; Lejniece, Sandra
Chemokines and their receptors direct migration and infiltration of immune cells. CCR1 and CCR2 maintain sequence similarity and respond to a number of the same chemokines secreted in lymphoid organs. Expression of CD38 on leukemic cells has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is considered as the negative predictor of progression. In our study of newly diagnosed CLL patients, which included 39 CD38-positive and 22 CD38-negative patients, CCR1 and/or CCR2 were always detected, using flow cytometry, on the peripheral blood (PB) CD19+CD5+ lymphocytes in patients with >30% of the CD38+ CD19+CD5+ lymphocytes (n = 16). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis determined correlations between the frequency of the CCR1- and CCR2-expressing PB CD19+CD5+ lymphocytes and the frequency of the CD38-positive CD19+CD5+ lymphocytes (rs = 0.50 and rs = 0.38, respectively). No significant correlations were observed between ZAP70 mRNA expression levels in PB mononuclear cells and the frequency of the circulating CCR1+ or CCR2+ CD19+CD5+ lymphocytes. Further association studies are needed to verify prognostic relevance of the CCR1/CCR2 expression on leukemic cells in CLL patients at diagnosis. We suggest that CCR1/CCR2 signaling pathways could represent attractive targets for development of CLL anti-progression therapeutics.
Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
(2018) Rasa, Santa; Nora-Krukle, Zaiga; Henning, Nina; Eliassen, Eva; Shikova, Evelina; Harrer, Thomas; Scheibenbogen, Carmen; Murovska, Modra; Prusty, Bhupesh K.; The European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
Background and main text Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and controversial clinical condition without having established causative factors. Increasing numbers of cases during past decade have created awareness among patients as well as healthcare professionals. Chronic viral infection as a cause of ME/CFS has long been debated. However, lack of large studies involving well-designed patient groups and validated experimental set ups have hindered our knowledge about this disease. Moreover, recent developments regarding molecular mechanism of pathogenesis of various infectious agents cast doubts over validity of several of the past studies. Conclusions This review aims to compile all the studies done so far to investigate various viral agents that could be associated with ME/CFS. Furthermore, we suggest strategies to better design future studies on the role of viral infections in ME/CFS.
COVID-19: the third wave of coronavirus infection outbreak.
(2020-05-08) Sokolovska, Lība; Sultanova, Alīna; Cistjakovs, Maksims; Murovska, Modra
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 poses a great public health crisis. As of December 2019, it has spread all over the world with cases reported in more than 100 countries and the number of infected individuals surpassing 1,000,000. On March 11 World Health Organization officially characterized the COVID-19 as a pandemic. Although genetic analysis revealed some similarities between the novel coronavirus and the causative agent of the 2002 SARS epidemic, both viruses have significant differences. Research done on SARS-CoV has greatly aided the understanding of SARS-CoV-2, as it served as a knowledge base and helped to identify the cell entry receptor and some other features of the disease, but not all of them. Several critical questions remain unanswered and specific therapeutics and vaccine candidates are lacking.
Cytokines and MMP-9 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Patients with Persistent Parvovirus B19, HHV-6 and HHV-7 Infection
(2019) Kadiša, Anda; Nora-Krūkle, Zaiga; Švirskis, Simons; Studers, Pēteris; Girkontaite, Irute; Lejnieks, Aivars; Murovska, Modra
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes erosive changes and ankylosis of joints and may cause internal injuries. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative process of the articular cartilage. However, inflammatory mediators may play a pivotal role in the initiation and perpetuation of the OA process. It is necessary to continue to study possible factors that may promote the development of the disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate the frequency and activity stage of parvovirus B19 (B19V) and persistent human herpes virus (HHV)-6 and HHV-7 infection in RA and OA patients, and healthy persons, in relation to cytokine levels and presence or absence of viral infections. RA patients with active B19V infection had the highest levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which may contribute to the development of RA. In the case of OA, the TNF-α level was higher in patients with active persistent B19V infection, suggesting that B19V reactivation affects also OA. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels were higher in RA patients with latent HHV-6/-7 infection in comparison with active HHV-6/-7 infection, whereas in OA patients levels of all studied cytokines were very variable, ranging from low to high but without significant differences. This suggests that also latent HHV-6 and -7 viral infections can promote development of RA.
Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus-6 infections in patients with myalgic еncephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
(2020) Shikova, Evelina; Reshkova, Valentina; Kumanova, Аntoniya; Raleva, Sevdalina; Alexandrova, Dora; Capo, Natasa; Murovska, Modra; on behalf of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling multisystem chronic disease. The etiology and pathogenesis of ME/CFS are unknown. Infections of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) are suspected as etiological agents for ME/CFS. This study aims to estimate prevalence and type (active/latent) of EBV, CMV, and HHV‐6 infections in Bulgarian ME/CFS patients. In the study were included 58 patients with ME/CFS and 50 healthy controls. Virus‐specific antibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and viral genomic sequences in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) and plasma samples by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We did not observe any significant differences in virus‐specific immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M positivity rates between patients with ME/CFS and control group. In ME/CFS plasma samples, EBV DNA was found in 24.1%, CMV DNA in 3.4%, and HHV‐6 DNA in 1.7% of samples. EBV DNA was detected in 4%, and CMV and HHV‐6 DNA were not found in plasma samples of controls. The frequency of viral genome detection in PBMCs of patients and controls was 74% vs 78% for CMV, 81% vs 84% for EBV, and 82.8% vs 82% for HHV‐6. The difference in frequency of EBV active infection in ME/CFS and control group was statistically significant (P = .0027). No ME/CFS and control individuals with active CMV and HHV‐6 infection were observed. In conclusion, this study using both serological and PCR‐based techniques for distinguishing between active and latent infection showed high rate of active EBV infection among patients with ME/CFS indicating that at least in a subset of cases, EBV is important factor for the development of disease.
The Development of a Consistent Europe-Wide Approach to Investigating the Economic Impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS): A Report from the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
(2020-04-07) Pheby, Derek F.H.; Araja, Diana; Berkis, Uldis; Brenna, Elenka; Cullinan, John; de Korwin, Jean-Dominique; Gitto, Lara; Hughes, Dyfrig A; Hunter, Rachael M; Trepel, Dominic; Wang-Steverding, Xia
We have developed a Europe-wide approach to investigating the economic impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), facilitating acquisition of information on the economic burden of ME/CFS, and international comparisons of economic costs between countries. The economic burden of ME/CFS in Europe appears large, with productivity losses most significant, giving scope for substantial savings through effective prevention and treatment. However, economic studies of ME/CFS, including cost-of-illness analyses and economic evaluations of interventions, are problematic due to different, arbitrary case definitions, and unwillingness of doctors to diagnose it. We therefore lack accurate incidence and prevalence data, with no obvious way to estimate costs incurred by undiagnosed patients. Other problems include, as for other conditions, difficulties estimating direct and indirect costs incurred by healthcare systems, patients and families, and heterogeneous healthcare systems and patterns of economic development across countries. We have made recommendations, including use of the Fukuda (CDC-1994) case definition and Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC), a pan-European common symptom checklist, and implementation of prevalence-based cost-of-illness studies in different countries using an agreed data list. We recommend using purchasing power parities (PPP) to facilitate international comparisons, and EuroQol-5D as a generic measure of health status and multi-attribute utility instrument to inform future economic evaluations in ME/CFS
HHV-6 Infection and Chemokine RANTES Signaling Pathway Disturbance in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis
(2020) Sultanova, Alina; Cistjakovs, Maksims; Sokolovska, Liba; Todorova, Katerina; Cunskis, Egils; Murovska, Modra
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) development. We examined the possible involvement of HHV-6 gene expression encoding immunomodulating proteins U12 and U51 in AIT development and their role in the modulation of chemokine signaling. One hundred patients with autoimmune thyroiditis following thyroidectomy were enrolled in this study. Nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used to detect the HHV-6 sequence in DNA samples. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) with three different HHV-6 gene targets (U79/80, U51 and U12) was to detect active infection markers. HHV-6 load was identified using a commercial real-time PCR kit. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of the HHV-6 antigen and RANTES (Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted) in thyroid gland tissue. Different commercial immunosorbent assay kits were used for the detection of RANTES, IFNγ, IL-6, and TNFα levels in the AIT patient group and controls. We detected 98% presence of the HHV-6 genomic sequence in AIT patients’ thyroid gland tissues. Markers of active HHV-6 infection (HHV-6 U79/80, U12 and/or U51 mRNA) were predominant in AIT patients’ thyroid tissue samples in comparison with the control group (56% vs. 6%). Evidence from immunofluorescence microscopy showed that HHV-6 can persist in thyrocytes and can interact with RANTES. Visual confirmation of the intense immunofluorescence signal of RANTES detected in thyroid tissues could indicate high expression of this chemokine in the thyroid gland. On the other hand, immunosorbent assays showed very low RANTES levels in AIT patients’ peripheral plasma. These results indicate that RANTES level in AIT patients could be influenced by HHV-6 activation, which in turn may aid AIT development
Human parvoviruses may affect the development and clinical course of meningitis and meningoencephaliti
(2020-06-01) Vilmane, Anda; Terentjeva, Anna; Tamosiunas, Paulius L.; Suna, Normunds; Suna, Inga; Petraityte‐Burneikiene, Rasa; Murovska, Modra; Rasa-Dzelzkaleja, Santa; Nora- Krukle, Zaiga
Meningitis and meningoencephalitis are neurological inflammatory diseases, and although routine diagnostics include testing of a wide range of pathogens, still in many cases, no causative agent is detected. Human parvovirus B19 (B19V), human bocaviruses 1–4 (HBoV1–4), and human parvovirus 4 (hPARV4) are members of the Parvoviridae family and are associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations including neurological disorders. The main aim of this study was to determine whether human parvoviruses infection markers are present among patients with meningitis/meningoencephalitis in Latvia as well as to clarify the role of these viruses on the clinical course of the mentioned diseases. Our study revealed HBoV1–4 and B19V genomic sequences in 52.38% and 16.67% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, symptoms such as the presence of a headache and its severity, fatigue, disorientation, and difficulties to concentrate were significantly frequently present in patients with active parvovirus infection in comparison with parvoviruses negative patients, therefore we suggest that HBoV1–4 and B19V infection should be included in the diagnostics to reduce the number of meningitis/meningoencephalitis with unknown/unexplained etiology.
The Impact of a Structured Exercise Programme upon Cognitive Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients
(2019-12-19) Zalewski, Paweł; Kujawski, Sławomir; Tudorowska, Malwina; Morten, Karl; Tafil-Klawe, Małgorzata; Klawe, Jacek J.; Strong, James; Estévez-López, Fernando; Murovska, Modra; Newton, Julia L.; The European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
Background: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined. Methods: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) (repeated three times) and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) measurements, a Visual Attention Test (VAT) and a Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) assessment. Results: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Moreover, significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively. Non-significant changes were noted in other cognitive tests. Conclusions: A substantial number of participants were unwilling or unable to complete the exercise programme. ME/CFS patients able to complete the SEP showed improved visual attention both in terms of reaction time and correctness of responses and processing speed of simple visual stimuli
Inflammatory Cytokine-Producing Cells and Inflammation Markers in the Synovium of Osteoarthritis Patients Evidenced in Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection
(2020) Groma, Valerija; Tarasovs, Mihails; Skuja, Sandra; Semenistaja, Sofija; Nora-Krukle, Zaiga; Svirskis, Simons; Murovska, Modra
A direct association between joint inflammation and the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) has been proposed, and synovitis is considered a powerful driver of the disease. Among infections implicated in the development of joint disease, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection remains poorly characterized. Therefore, we assessed synovitis in OA patients; determined the occurrence and distribution of the HHV-7 antigen within the synovial membrane of OA-affected subjects; and correlated plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF expressed locally within lesioned synovial tissues with HHV-7 observations, suggesting differences in persistent latent and active infection. Synovial HHV-7, CD4, CD68, and TNF antigens were detected immunohistochemically. The plasma levels of TNF and IL-6 were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings confirm the presence of persistent HHV-7 infection in 81.5% and reactivation in 20.5% of patients. In 35.2% of patients, virus-specific DNA was extracted from synovial membrane tissue samples. We evidenced the absence of histopathologically detectable synovitis and low-grade changes in the majority of OA patients enrolled in the study, in both HHV-7 PCR+ and HHV-7 PCR‒ groups. The number of synovial CD4-positive cells in the HHV-7 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)+ group was significantly higher than that in the HHV-7 PCR‒ group. CD4- and CD68-positive cells were differently distributed in both HHV-7 PCR+ and HHV-7 PCR‒ groups, as well as in latent and active HHV-7 infection. The number of TNF+ and HHV-7+ lymphocytes, as well as HHV-7+ vascular endothelial cells, was strongly correlated. Vascular endothelial cells, especially in the case of infection reactivation, appeared vulnerable. The balance between virus latency and reactivation is a long-term relationship between the host and infectious agent, and the immune system appears to be involved in displaying overreaction when a shift in the established equilibrium develops.
International Conference “Autoimmune Diseases: Main Problems and Solutions” (November 9–10, 2023 Riga). Abstract Book
(Rīga Stradiņš University, 2023-11) University of Ferrara, Italy; Ulm University, Germany; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases at Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Conference is organized by the Rīga Stradiņš University within the frame of the EC Horizon 2020 Framework program project “Reducing networking gaps between Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and internationally-leading counterparts in viral infection-induced autoimmunity research (VirA)”. The aim of the Conference is to bring together researchers exploring triggers and mechanisms of autoimmunity, leading to better understanding of chronic diseases and comorbidities in order to deliver precise and early diagnostic and to move towards the development of personalized medicine. The scientific program of the Conference covers different aspects of autoimmunity in plenary lectures, oral presentations and poster sessions. The Conference has attracted about 100 participants from 7 countries.
Intervences plānošana dzīvesveida maiņai: Rokasgrāmata sabiedrības veselības veicināšanā iesaistītajiem speciālistiem
(Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2020) Gobiņa, Inese ¹; Pildava, Santa ¹; Heiberga, Dita ¹; Millere, Elīna ¹; Miezītis, Aigars ¹; Apine, Margarita ¹; Tolmačova, Elīna ²; Kopštāla, Anete ²; Balode, Ance ³; ¹ Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Sabiedrības veselības institūts; ² Liepājas pilsētas pašvaldības administrācija; ³ SIA “Telemedica”
Izdevumā “Intervences plānošana dzīvesveida maiņai” ir apvienoti Interreg Baltijas jūras reģiona programmas projektā BaltCityPrevention izstrādātie materiāli un to praktiskā izmantošanā gūtā pieredze. Projektā kopīgi strādāja 14 partnerorganizācijas no sešām valstīm, lai laika posmā no 2017. gada nogales līdz 2020. gada septembrim, sadarbojoties ar maziem un vidējiem uzņēmumiem un pielietojot vai izstrādājot e-rīkus, rastu intervences mērķgrupas līdzdalībā balstītu pieeju dzīvesveida radītu slimību profilaksei. Izdevumā aprakstītas projektā izstrādātā intervences modeļa lietošanas vadlīnijas un dzīvesveida maiņai individuālā vai grupu līmenī pielietojamie e-rīki.
Management of a primary malignant melanoma of uterine cervix stage IVA patient with radical surgery and adjuvant oncolytic virus Rigvir(R) therapy: A case report.
(2020-05-22) Pumpure, Elizabete; Dručka, Eva; Kigitoviča, Dana; Meškauskas, Raimundas; Isajevs, Sergejs; Nemiro, Ineta; Rasa, Agnija; Olmane, Evija; Zablocka, Tatjana; Alberts, Pēteris; Doniņa, Simona
Primary malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix is a rare disease with poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. We used Rigvir® as adjuvant therapy for a stage IVA patient. Tolerability, overall and progression-free survival are good.
Monocytes/Macrophages Act as Mediators for Human Herpesvirus-6 Infection of Thyroid Gland in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis
(2019) Sokolovska, Lība; Sultanova, Alina; Čistjakovs, Maksims; Cunskis, Egils; Murovska, Modra
The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using monocytes/macrophages as mediators in human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection of thyroid gland tissues in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Seventy-three AIT patients were enrolled in this study. The control group consisted of 80 blood donors. Monocyte/macrophage isolation for AIT patient samples was performed by adherence. HHV-6 was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA samples using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Gene expression of HHV-6 active infection marker (U79/80) and chemokine receptors (U12, U51) in patient monocyte/macrophage samples and blood donor PBMC samples was detected using reverse-transcription PCR. HHV-6 viral load was detected by using quantitative-PCR technique. The HHV-6 genomic sequence was found significantly more frequently among AIT patient than control group samples. Markers of active infection were found in 8 AIT patient monocyte/macrophage samples (11%) and in none of control group PBMC samples. HHV-6 U51 mRNA expression was detected only in AIT patient samples (2/24 previously positive for HHV-6). Since HHV-6 genomic sequences were found significantly more frequently in AIT patient samples and active infection markers were found in patient monocytes/macrophages, our results suggest that monocytes/macrophages may be used by HHV-6 as mediators for thyroid gland infection.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Evidence for an autoimmune disease
(2018) Sotzny, Franziska; Blanco, Julià; Capelli, Enrica; Castro-Marrero, Jesús; Steiner, Sophie; Murovska, Modra; Scheibenbogen, Carmen; on behalf of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a frequent and severe chronic disease drastically impairing life quality. The underlying pathomechanismis incompletely understood yet but there is convincing evidence that in at least a subset of patients ME/CFS has an autoimmune etiology. In this review, we will discuss current autoimmune aspects forME/CFS. Immune dysregulation inME/CFS has been frequently described including changes in cytokine profiles and immunoglobulin levels, T- and B-cell phenotype and a decrease of natural killer cell cytotoxicity.Moreover, autoantibodies against various antigens including neurotransmitter receptors have been recently identified in ME/CFS individuals by several groups. Consistently, clinical trials from Norway have shown that B-cell depletion with rituximab results in clinical benefits in about half of ME/CFS patients. Furthermore, recent studies have provided evidence for severemetabolic disturbances presumably mediated by serum autoantibodies in ME/CFS. Therefore, further efforts are required to delineate the role of autoantibodies in the onset and pathomechanisms of ME/CFS in order to better understand and properly treat this disease.
Persistent Roseoloviruses Infection in Adult Patients with Epilepsy
(2020-05-11) Rasa-Dzelzkaleja, Santa; Gravelsina, Sabine; Chapenko, Svetlana; Nora-Krukle, Zaiga; Svirskis, Simons; Suna, Normunds; Kashuba, Elena; Karelis, Guntis; Murovska, Modra
Background: Human herpesviruses (HHV)-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7 are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, a common neurological disorder. The objective of this study was to determine the association of roseoloviruses infection with epilepsy. Methods: 53 epilepsy patients and 104 ordinary blood donors were analyzed to determine presence of virus-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA), genomic sequences, viral load and gene expression by polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and restriction analysis, HHV-6 protein expression by IFA and level of cytokines by ELISA. Results: Roseoloviruses genomic sequences in DNA samples from whole blood were found in 86.8% of patients versus 54.8% of controls and active infection was revealed only in patients with epilepsy (19.6% of roseolovirus-positive patients). Significantly higher viral load and more frequent gene expression was detected in patients compared to the controls. HHV-6-encoded protein expression was demonstrated in 53.3% of patients with previously detected HHV-6 DNA. Changes in level of cytokines were determined in patients with elevated viral load compared to the patients without elevated viral loads and to the controls. Conclusions: Results on frequent active HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection in epilepsy patient’ peripheral blood indicate on possible involvement of these viruses in the disease development.
Pētījuma "Darba apstākļi un riski Latvijā 2019–2021" gala ziņojums
(Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2023) Vanadziņš, Ivars; Akūlova, Lāsma; Paegle, Linda; Venžega, Kristiāna; Lakiša, Svetlana; Jakimova, Dace; Kaņējeva, Signe; Goško, Dace; Libora, Ingrīda; Gutoviča, Olga; Reinsons, Jānis; Mūrniece, Elīna; Pļavinska, Evija; Orehova, Anna; Liepiņa, Ilze; Indriksone, Agnese; Cvetkova, Jūlija; Personu Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte un SIA “TNS Latvia” apvienība
Pētījuma “Darba apstākļi un riski Latvijā 2019-2021” mērķis bija noskaidrot aktuālo situāciju darba attiecību un darba aizsardzības jomā, analizēt iegūtos datus dinamikā un izstrādāt priekšlikumus tiesiskā regulējuma vai tā praktiskās ieviešanas uzlabošanai. Identificējot būtiskākos problēmu cēloņus un iespējamos risinājumus, pētījums sniedz informāciju, kas palīdz īstenot kvalitatīvu un uz mērķi orientētu politiku darba attiecību un darba aizsardzības jomā. Pētījums tika veikts darbības programmas „Izaugsme un nodarbinātība” 7.3.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa „Uzlabot darba drošību, it īpaši bīstamo nozaru uzņēmumos” projekta „Darba drošības normatīvo aktu praktiskās ieviešanas un uzraudzības pilnveidošana” (Nr. 7.3.1.0/16/I/001) ietvaros.

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