Acta Clinica Belgica 

About: Acta Clinica Belgica is an academic journal published by Maney Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 1784-3286. Over the lifetime, 3605 publications have been published receiving 26558 citations.

Identification of discrete tumor-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cell subpopulations with distinct T-CELL suppressive activity

Abstract: The induction of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is an important immune-evading mechanism used by tumors. However, the exact nature and function of MDSCs remain elusive, especially because they constitute a heterogeneous population that has not yet been clearly defined. Here, we identified 2 distinct MDSC subfractions with clear morphologic, molecular, and functional differences. These fractions consisted of either mononuclear cells (MO-MDSCs), resembling inflammatory monocytes, or low-density polymorphonuclear cells (PMN-MDSCs), akin to immature neutrophils. Interestingly, both MO-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs suppressed antigen-specific T-cell responses, albeit using distinct effector molecules and signaling pathways. Blocking IFN-gamma or disrupting STAT1 partially impaired suppression by MO-MDSCs, for which nitric oxide (NO) was one of the mediators. In contrast, while IFN-gamma was strictly required for the suppressor function of PMN-MDSCs, this did not rely on STAT1 signaling or NO production. Finally, MO-MDSCs were shown to be potential precursors of highly antiproliferative NO-producing mature macrophages. However, distinct tumors differentially regulated this inherent MO-MDSC differentiation program, indicating that this phenomenon was tumor driven. Overall, our data refine tumor-induced MDSC functions by uncovering mechanistically distinct MDSC subpopulations, potentially relevant for MDSC-targeted therapies.

The interleukin -2.

Abstract: SummaryDiscovered in 1976, the lymphokine interleukin-2, intensively studied during the last years, plays a major role in the regulation of the immune function. The authors reviewing its principal properties, anticipate forthcoming prospects of considerable implications in therapy.Acta Clin. Bclg. 42, 4: 255–68.

Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by abnormalities in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The causes of type 2 diabetes are multi-factorial and include both genetic and environmental elements that affect beta-cell function and tissue (muscle, liver, adipose tissue, pancreas) insulin sensitivity. Although there is considerable debate as to the relative contributions of beta-cell dysfunction and reduced insulin sensitivity to the pathogenesis of diabetes, it is generally agreed that both these factors play important roles. However, the mechanisms controlling the interplay of these two impairments are unclear. A number of factors have been suggested as possibly linking insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. A majority of individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes are obese, with central visceral adiposity. Therefore, the adipose tissue should play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Although the predominant paradigm used to explain this link is the portal/visceral hypothesis giving a key role in elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, two new emerging paradigms are the ectopic fat storage syndrome (deposition of triglycerides in muscle, liver and pancreatic cells) and the adipose tissue as endocrine organ hypothesis (secretion of various adipocytokins, i.e. leptin, TNF-alpha, resistin, adiponectin, implicated in insulin resistance and possibly beta-cell dysfunction). These two paradigms constitute the framework for the study of the interplay between insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes as well as between our obesogenic environment and diabetes risk in the next decade.

Community associated methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: Community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is an emergent infectious pathogen that might become an important public-health problem. Indeed, unique strains of S. aureus that combine specific virulence factors with resistance against frequently used antibiotics have been associated with severe community acquired infections in otherwise healthy and often younger people. This is especially the case in the USA, were these strains now represent a major part of staphylococcal infections in the outpatient setting. But, severe infections with CA-MRSA strains have already been reported in Belgium as well.This article summarizes the current knowledge on CA-MRSA as an emergent pathogen and discusses its clinical management.