Abstract:
:The immune system may be considered as a sensory organ able to respond to different kinds of danger signals that are not detected by nervous cells. The immune response is not autonomous but also regulated by the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as by neuropeptides, vitamin D and neuroendocrine axes such as the corticotrope, somatotrope, thyrotrope and gonadotrope axes. During evolution, the thymus emerged concomitantly with recombinase-dependent adaptive immunity as an'immune brain' or a'master class' highly specialized in the orchestration of central immunological self-tolerance. This was an absolute requirement for survival of species because of the high risk of autotoxicity inherent to the stochastic generation of extreme diversity characterizing this novel adaptive type of immune defenses against non-self. The thymus now appears to be an obligatory intersection for the integrated evolution of the major systems of cell-to-cell signalling, the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. The presentation of many self-peptides by thymic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins is controlled by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene/protein and is responsible for the clonal deletion of self-reactive T cells. In the same time, by still unexplained mechanisms, MHC presentation of the same self-peptides in the thymus promotes the generation of self-specific FOXP3+ CD4+CD25+ natural regulatory T cells (nTreg) that are able to inhibit in periphery self-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells having escaped the thymus censorship. Moreover, a thymus dysfunction is more and more established as the primary event driving the development of organ-specific autoimmunity, which is the tribute paid, mainly by mankind, for the preservation of self against non-self. Our novel knowledge about thymus physiology and physiopathology already serves as the basis for the development of various innovative and efficient immunomodulating strategies in pharmacology.
journal_name
Acta Clin Belgjournal_title
Acta clinica Belgicaauthors
Geenen Vdoi
10.2143/ACB.67.3.2062657subject
Has Abstractpub_date
2012-05-01 00:00:00pages
209-13issue
3eissn
1784-3286issn
2295-3337journal_volume
67pub_type
杂志文章,评审abstract:BACKGROUND:The development of combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) represents a significant advance in the treatment of (human immunodeficiency virus) HIV infection. However, several studies report that a large percentage of individuals with HIV, particularly those receiving cART, present body composition differ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2016.1240426
更新日期:2017-02-01 00:00:00
abstract::Insight into the fundamental physiological mechanisms of blood vessel development and neoformation has led to the discovery of multiple angiogenic growth factors and inhibitors. To date, at least 5 angiogenesis inhibitors are readily available for clinical use, mainly in the treatment of cancers and age-related macula...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1179/acb.2007.027
更新日期:2007-05-01 00:00:00
abstract::Azole antifungals are a group of fungistatic agents that can be administered orally or parenterally. The determination of the concentrations of these antifungals (miconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and its major active metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole) in serum can be usef...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/0001551213Z.00000000018
更新日期:2014-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The number of adult patients with surgical repaired congenital heart defects increases continuously. We were interested to compare late outcome after partial and complete atrioventricular defect repair (pAVSD and cAVSD, respectively) and to determine the most important reason for re-intervention. METHODS:Al...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:
更新日期:2005-09-01 00:00:00
abstract::Diabetes registries have documented that the lifetime risk of diabetes amounts to at least 10% in the western world. Moreover the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide especially in developing countries. Furthermore there is a secular trend toward earlier clinical manifestation of both type 1 and type ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1179/acb.2004.001
更新日期:2004-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::We have studied the clinical characteristics of 126 insulin-treated diabetic patients, mainly type I subjects, who regularly performed during 18 months home glucose monitoring. The numbers of strips used each month was of 60 +/- 33 (mean +/- lSD). During the study period, HbA1C levels decreased from 8.6 +/- 2.1 to 7.0...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.1993.11718324
更新日期:1993-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of one year continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence and components in patients diagnosed with both obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and metabolic syndrome. METHODS:This was a single center, observational prospective cohort st...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2009.051
更新日期:2009-07-01 00:00:00
abstract::Recurrent abdominal pain may be enigmatic to solve. We report three cases, presenting after a protracted history of severe recurrent bouts of epigastric pain, impeding daily activities. In all cases, serology for strongyloidiasis stercoralis proved positive. In one case, stool examination was positive for larvae. Trea...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.2143/ACB.68.1.2062725
更新日期:2013-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease caused by excessive mast cell (MC) proliferation. Diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) is based on the presence of major and minor criteria defined by the World Health Organization. Symptoms of MC activation can also occur in patients without SM or without allergic or inflamm...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2017.1293312
更新日期:2017-04-01 00:00:00
abstract:OBJECTIVE:To investigate the incidence, risk factors and mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. DESIGN:Prospective, observational, population-based study. SETTING:The medical (14-bed) and surgical ICU (26-bed) of the Ghent University Hospital. METHODS:All 1295 patie...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2005.022
更新日期:2005-05-01 00:00:00
abstract::The kidneys play a major role in the regulation of the salt balance and thereby regulate blood pressure. Salt sensitivity is acquired or genetically-induced and is noted in about 50% of patients with essential hypertension. This property leads to a high cardiovascular risk. In this situation, the benefit of salt restr...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1179/acb.2007.053
更新日期:2007-09-01 00:00:00
abstract:OBJECTIVES:It has been well established that musculoskeletal complaints are common among dentistry students. However, data regarding the comparison of overall musculoskeletal health between dental and medical students is scarce. The objective of the current study was to compare musculoskeletal health between medical an...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2018.1483564
更新日期:2019-04-01 00:00:00
abstract::In comparing four currently available immunochemical methods for immunoglobulin quantification, i.e. radial immunodiffusion (RID), rate nephelometry (RN), laser nephelometry (LN) and turbidimetry (T), highly divergent results were obtained for monoclonal immunoglobulins. Comparison with data obtained by densitometric ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/22953337.1981.11718807
更新日期:1981-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Thorax scan was performed for elucidation of a pulmonary problem in a Nigerian immigrant. The aspect of the vertebrae suggested sickle cell disease, of course without specification of the genotype. Routine hematological tests seemed compatible with an HbSC disease, showing typical laboratory features, namely a signifi...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2005.057
更新日期:2005-11-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND/AIM:There are controversial results regarding the relationship of serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and ulcerative colitis (UC) activity. To address this issue, the current study was designed to evaluate the correlation of serum 25(OH)D level and disease activity in patients with UC. METHOD:All consecuti...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2015.1110895
更新日期:2016-02-01 00:00:00
abstract::We present the updated Belgian guidelines for the use of non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (NONOPEP). This document is inspired by UK guidelines 2015, adapted to the Belgian situation and approved by all AIDS reference centers in Belgium. When recommended, NONOPEP should be initiated as soon as possible, ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,实务指引
doi:10.1080/17843286.2018.1428506
更新日期:2018-08-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare, non-clonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by constitutional symptoms, anaemia and generalised lymphadenopathy. Its incidence among the HIV-positive population seems to have increased during the past decades. AIM:The present study intends to compa...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.2143/ACB.66.1.2062510
更新日期:2011-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Background Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella, and its principal mode of transmission is the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated meat. Cardiac involvement in trichinellosis is unusual, yet it represents the most frequent cause of death. Here, we report a cas...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2020.1790867
更新日期:2020-07-04 00:00:00
abstract::Tramadol is a weak opioid with effects on adrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission that is used to treat cancer pain and chronic non malignant pain. This drug was initiated in association with paroxetine and dosulepine hydrochloride in a tetraparetic patient with chronic pain. Fifty-six days after initiation of t...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.1996.11718509
更新日期:1996-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is used for the treatment of selected hematological malignancies. Its curative potential is based on two very different mechanisms, involving the conditioning regimen and the graft-versus-host reactions, respectively. The high-dose chemo-radiotherapy conditioni...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1179/acb.2003.58.1.005
更新日期:2003-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Introduction: Vitamin K plays an important role in blood coagulation. Diet is the main source of vitamin K and body stores are depleted in days, hence deficiency is common in malnourished older people. A high proportion of people who sustain a hip fracture are already malnourished, compounded by fasting for surgery wh...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2018.1564174
更新日期:2020-04-01 00:00:00
abstract:INTRODUCTION:Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and subsequent abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in burned patients is common. This sequence of events typically occurs in patients with larger burns receiving high volume fluid resuscitation. METHODS:A review of the literature was performed. The National Library of M...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2007.62.s1.017
更新日期:2007-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::Intradural spinal arachnoid cysts are a relatively uncommon lesion that may be either intra, or extradural, and intradural spinal arachnoid cysts are even less common. Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid collections in the spine that can present with neurological symptoms. The objective of this paper is to describ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2016.1139288
更新日期:2016-08-01 00:00:00
abstract::The last decade an increase has been seen in drug smuggling. Body-packing and body-stuffing are the terms used for intracorporeal concealment of illicit drugs (mainly cocaine and heroine, but sometimes also amphetamines and cannabinoids). These body-packets are especially prone to rupture. In order to avoid systemic c...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.1994.11718357
更新日期:1994-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::We report on one patient with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and two patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). The patient with WG had signs of a respiratory infection and showed a c-ANCA pattern with proteinase 3 (PR3) specificity. The patients with MPA presented with pulmonary haemorrhage and signs of renal damag...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2003.58.3.008
更新日期:2003-05-01 00:00:00
abstract:AIM:To investigate the correlation between liver echogenicity and serum C-peptide levels in type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS:The study included 231 type 2 diabetic patients (114 men) with a mean age of 64.3 +/- 6.9 years and a mean diabetes duration of 8.5 +/- 3.2 y...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1179/acb.2006.002
更新日期:2006-01-01 00:00:00
abstract::The differential diagnosis between hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic hyponatremia are presented. The help of some usual serum (urea, uric acid and TCO2) and urine parameters (mainly osmolality and sodium concentration) are discussed and help to determine the best treatment. Morbidity associated with untreated hyponat...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2018.1531616
更新日期:2019-02-01 00:00:00
abstract::We present a case of cutaneous mucormycosis in a patient with several important risk factors precipitating disease, namely underlying acute myeloid leukaemia and poorly controlled secondary diabetes. Inoculation was most likely caused by repeated minor trauma (insulin injection) at the site of infection. Treatment con...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1080/17843286.2016.1266802
更新日期:2017-10-01 00:00:00
abstract::Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common hereditary lung diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and Candida albicans (CA) are the principal bacterial and fungal pathogens in the airways of CF patients. The interactions of coexisting bacterial-fungal pathogens are of great interest. In ...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1080/17843286.2020.1852850
更新日期:2020-11-26 00:00:00
abstract:OBJECTIVE:Pain acceptance is considered important for mental well-being with better functional outcomes for chronic pain patients. The present study explored whether pain-related variables (pain severity, pain interference, pain duration, and pain catastrophizing) and non-pain-related variables (personality traits) inf...
journal_title:Acta clinica Belgica
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.2143/ACB.66.3.2062549
更新日期:2011-05-01 00:00:00