Restoring the Balance of the Autonomic Nervous System as an Innovative Approach to the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The immunomodulatory effect of the autonomic nervous system has raised considerable interest over the last decades. Studying the influence on the immune system and the role in inflammation of the sympathetic as well as the parasympathetic nervous system not only will increase our understanding of the mechanism of disease, but also could lead to the identification of potential new therapeutic targets for chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An imbalanced autonomic nervous system, with a reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic tone, has been a consistent finding in RA patients. Studies in animal models of arthritis have shown that influencing the sympathetic (via α- and β-adrenergic receptors) and the parasympathetic (via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7nAChR or by electrically stimulating the vagus nerve) nervous system can have a beneficial effect on inflammation markers and arthritis. The immunosuppressive effect of the parasympathetic nervous system appears less ambiguous than the immunomodulatory effect of the sympathetic nervous system, where activation can lead to increased or decreased inflammation depending on timing, doses and kind of adrenergic agent used. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge of the role of both the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) in inflammation with a special focus on the role in RA. In addition, potential antirheumatic strategies that could be developed by targeting these autonomic pathways are discussed

Legume responses and adaptations to nutrient deficiencies

Legumes have unique mechanisms to respond to nutrient deficiencies that can be considered as important advantages for agricultural purposes. The preponderance of plant-based protein is on the rise, and the market value of protein crops is expected to be worth billions by 2025. To match the global demand for plant-based products, crops productivity must be ensured; however, this might be impaired either by environmental or anthropogenic pressures that lead to soil nutrient disturbance. The responses activated by legumes to nutrient deficiencies and the mechanisms they utilize to adapt to such conditions will be discussed in this chapter. The study of these factors enables breeding programs specific for legumes and crop improvement. Understanding legumes responses also allows for a better management of agricultural practices and the adoption ofmore sustainablemethods. It is important to reflect on the impact of climate change and intensive farming on food quality and on the future of agriculture, and this chapter contributes with important facts about the role of legumes in our current scenario.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Diagnosis and management of shellfish allergy: current approach and future needs

Purpose of review: Shellfish allergy is an increasing health concern worldwide with over 2% of the population affected and higher rates in countries with high consumption. Shellfish includes both crustaceans and mollusks and constitutes one of the major food groups triggering allergic reactions. Recent findings: Shrimp is the best-studied crustacean, in which the major shellfish allergen, tropomyosin, was initially characterized. Nevertheless, several other allergens have been identified and should be considered despite prevalence of sensitization being lower than tropomyosin (e.g., arginine kinase, myosin light chain, and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein). Summary: Diagnosis is not always straightforward; due to the conserved nature of most allergens, there is extensive cross-reactivity between different species which hampers proper diagnosis and management. Clinical symptoms can range from mild local ones to life-threatening anaphylaxis, sometimes with cofactor involvement. Currently, there is no available curative treatment besides diet avoidance and treatment of symptoms in case of accidental exposure