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Inflammation as the Common Pathophysiology Linking Stress, Mental Illness, Autoimmunity and Chronic Disease: Implications for Public Health Policy

Kinderlehrer DA. Inflammation as the Common Pathophysiology Linking Stress, Mental Illness, Autoimmunity and Chronic Disease: Implications for Public Health Policy. J Biomed Res Environ Sci. 2024 Mar 28; 5(3): 242-255. doi: 10.37871/jbres1889, Article ID: JBRES1889, Available at: https://www.jelsciences.com/articles/jbres1889.pdf

  • The article discusses the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, stress, trauma, inflammation, mental illness, autoimmunity, and chronic disease.
  • While modern medicine has made significant advances in disease care,
    it appears that lifestyle intervention, early childhood intervention, and socioeconomic
    investment and have the potential to make an even greater impact on the mental and
    physical well-being of the population.
  • An individual’s genetic makeup influences susceptibility to conditions, but environmental factors like stress and trauma can modify this through epigenetics.
  • Chronic stress and trauma can induce epigenetic changes and dysregulate immune responses, leading to inflammation, mental illness, autoimmunity, and chronic disease.
  • Lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and toxin management can reduce inflammation and risks of mental and physical illness. Stress is a key factor and reducing stress through mindfulness, meditation, and exercise can decrease inflammation. Loneliness is a significant stressor and healthy social connections are important.
Enuresis as a presentation of Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)

Poster: Enuresis as a presentation of Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)

Author: Ying Xin Wong, Ubhi Tim

Presented: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Annual Meeting, March 2023.

  • Out of the total cohort of 109 children, 56 patients (51%) had enuresis as a presenting symptom alongside their PANDAS symptoms.
  • Enuresis is a common presentation of children with PANDAS (observed in 51% of cases). Early recognition of enuresis is important in promptly identifying PANDAS cases allowing prompt investigation and treatment.
    Unmasking Bartonella henselae infection in the shadows of long COVID thanks to clinical metagenomics
    Aubry A, Corvilain E, Ghelfenstein-Ferreira T, Camelena F, Meignin V, Berçot B, Le Goff J, Salmona M. Unmasking Bartonella henselae infection in the shadows of long COVID thanks to clinical metagenomics. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 May;43(5):1025-1029. doi: 10.1007/s10096-024-04801-2. Epub 2024 Mar 12. PMID: 38472519.
    This case study highlights how clinical metagenomics uncovered a hidden Bartonella henselae infection in a patient with long COVID symptoms. A 26-year-old woman, experiencing prolonged post-COVID symptoms, including axillary adenopathy, was diagnosed with bartonellosis after a biopsy revealed B. henselae DNA and RNA. Treatment with clarithromycin led to symptom improvement. The case emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation for hidden infections in long COVID, especially when encountering polyadenopathy, regardless of exposure to cats or fleas.
    PANDAS coexisting with gastrointestinal and cerebellar manifestation

    Aftab Ahmed, Fatima Bint Sajid, Zaib Un Nisa Mughal, Wajeeha Binte Sajid, Abdul Haseeb,
    PANDAS coexisting with gastrointestinal and cerebellar manifestation, Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, Volume 2, 2024,100086, ISSN 2949-916X, DOI: /10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100086.

    We wish to bring attention to the importance of PANDAS in pediatric patients, as it can have a detrimental impact on their academic and social development. The scarcity of PANDAS cases in Pakistan may be attributed due to lack of awareness and interdisciplinary communication. Enhanced cross-referral between pediatricians and psychiatrists can help alleviate the morbidity and disability associated with this condition. This case highlights the need to recognize atypical PANDAS presentations that exhibit unique neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management in these intricate cases.