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Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...

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Related Experiment Videos

Serum IL-21 levels decrease with glucocorticoid treatment in myasthenia gravis.

Y Li1, V K Rauniyar, W F Yin

  • 1Department of Neurology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|May 28, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Glucocorticoid treatment significantly reduces Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. This suggests IL-21 plays a key role in MG pathogenesis and treatment response.

Related Experiment Videos

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
  • The role of specific cytokines like Interleukin-21 (IL-21) in MG pathogenesis is not fully understood.
  • Glucocorticoids are a common treatment for MG, but their precise molecular mechanisms require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in serum IL-21 and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression in MG patients undergoing glucocorticoid treatment.
  • To explore the correlation between IL-21 levels and specific autoantibodies in MG.
  • To clarify the role of IL-21/IL-21R in the pathogenesis and glucocorticoid treatment of MG.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 20 MG patients and 15 healthy controls.
  • Serum IL-21 concentrations measured by ELISA before and after glucocorticoid treatment.
  • IL-21R mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) determined by RT-PCR.
  • Serum levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3) measured by ELISA.

Main Results:

  • Serum IL-21 levels were significantly higher in MG patients before treatment (86.94 pg/ml) compared to controls and decreased significantly after glucocorticoid treatment (35.84 pg/ml).
  • IL-21R mRNA expression was elevated in MG patients (0.137 OD) and also decreased significantly following treatment (0.114 OD), nearing control levels (0.107 OD).
  • Serum IL-21 concentration positively correlated with anti-AChR-IgG1 levels.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid treatment effectively reduces serum IL-21 levels in MG patients.
  • The IL-21/IL-21R pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of MG.
  • IL-21 may be a crucial factor in the mechanism of glucocorticoid action in MG patients.