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result(s) for
"Akrivaki, Alexandra"
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The Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
by
Muhamad, Raman
,
Akrivaki, Alexandra
,
Zavridis, Periklis
in
Dietary supplements
,
Humans
,
Kinases
2023
Introduction: Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods and is accessible in many dietary supplements. The three natural forms are pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Both vitamin B6 deficiency and high B6 intake have been described as risk factors for developing peripheral neuropathy (PN). The aim of this systematic review is to characterize and comprehensively describe B6-related PN. Method: A systematic, computer-based search was conducted using the PubMed database. Twenty articles were included in this review. Results: Higher vitamin B6 levels, which usually occur following the taking of nutritional supplements, may lead to the development of a predominantly, if not exclusively, sensory neuropathy of the axonal type. After pyridoxine discontinuation, such patients subjectively report improved symptoms. However, although low vitamin B6 levels can be seen in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy of various etiologies, there is no firm evidence that low B6 levels have a direct causal relationship with PN. Many studies suggest subjective improvement of neuropathy symptoms in patients suffering from PN of various etiologies after receiving B6 supplementation; however, no data about B6 administration as a monotherapy exist, only as part of a combination treatment, usually with other vitamins. Therefore, the potential therapeutic role of B6 cannot be confirmed to date. Supplementation with vitamin B6, even as part of a nutritional multivitamin supplement, has not been proven harmful at permitted daily doses in patients who already suffer from PN. Conclusion: Current scientific evidence supports a neurotoxic role of B6 at high levels. Although some studies suggest that low B6 is also a potential risk factor, further studies in this area are needed.
Journal Article
Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy from sarcoidosis, misdiagnosed as neurosarcoidosis
by
Velonakis, Georgios
,
Giannopoulos, Sotirios
,
Karachaliou, Eleni
in
Image of the moment
,
IMMUNOLOGY
,
Lesions
2025
(C, D) Milky Way sign/punctate pattern: axial T2-weighted (C) and FLAIR (D) images show multiple punctate hyperintense foci (red arrows) surrounding a left frontal lesion, producing a ‘Milky Way’ appearance. Key points Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) can develop in patients with sarcoidosis who have not taken immunosuppressive therapy, probably from intrinsic immune dysregulation. Data availability statement All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as online supplemental information. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.
Journal Article
Cognitive Impairment in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Related Molecular Biomarkers and a Meta-Analysis of Associated Demographic and Disease-Related Characteristics
by
Tsamis, Konstantinos I.
,
Christouli, Niki
,
Chasiotis, Athanasios K.
in
Biomarkers
,
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
,
Cognition disorders
2025
Background/Objectives: Neuropsychological impairment (NI) is common in newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This study has two main objectives; the systematic review aims to describe the relationship between NI and molecular biomarkers in newly diagnosed pwMS, and the meta-analysis aims to explore the relationship between NI, age, disability status, and disease duration in this patient group. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, with 20 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Out of these, 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. We analyzed three key cognitive measures—the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and the Selective Reminding Test–long-term storage (SRT-LTS)—in relation to demographic and MS-related characteristics. Results: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were consistently associated with NI, especially a slower information processing speed (IPS). Other biomarkers, including chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apolipoprotein E4 allele (APOE4), and vitamin D, also showed promising correlations with NI. A meta-regression analysis of 2380 pwMS indicated a negative association between SDMT score and disability status (p = 0.01). No significant associations were found for the PASAT with age, disability status, or disease duration (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of NfL as a biomarker related to NI in newly diagnosed pwMS and the association between IPS and disability status. Further research is needed with more homogeneous samples in terms of the disease duration, along with standardized cognitive assessments and a broader range of biomarkers, to improve our understanding and management of cognitive difficulties in the early stages of MS.
Journal Article
Spontaneous Multiple Cervical Artery Dissections Detected with High-Resolution MRI: A Prospective, Case-Series Study
by
Moschovos, Christos
,
Andrikopoulou, Athina
,
Magoufis, Georgios
in
Aneurysms
,
Arteries
,
Asymptomatic
2025
Background: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a leading cause of acute ischemic stroke among young and middle-aged patients. Currently, the growing availability of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly fat-saturated T1-weighted black-blood SPACE sequences, allows the non-invasive, rapid, and reliable diagnosis of multiple arterial dissections. Methods: We reported our experience from two tertiary stroke centers of patients diagnosed with spontaneous multiple cervical artery dissections, detected with high-resolution MRI, during a three-year period (2022–2025). Results: Among 95 consecutive patients with CAD, 11 patients (mean age: 48 ± 9 years, 6 (55%) females) were diagnosed with multiple symptomatic or asymptomatic CADs, whereas in 84 patients (mean age: 49 ± 11 years, 32 (38%) females) a single CAD was detected. In all patients, high-resolution MRI and MR-angiography were performed, whereas digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with simultaneous evaluation of renal arteries was conducted in nine patients. A history of trauma or chiropractic manipulations, intense physical exercise prior to symptom onset, recent influenza-like illness, and recent childbirth in a young female patient were reported as predisposing risk factors. Cervicocranial pain, cerebral infarctions leading to focal neurological signs, and Horner’s syndrome were among the most commonly documented symptoms. Characteristic findings in the high-resolution 3D T1 SPACE sequence were detected in all patients. Fibromuscular dysplasia and Eagle syndrome were detected in four patients and one patient, respectively. Eight patients were treated with antiplatelets, whereas three patients received anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin. There was only one case of stroke recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 9 ± 4 months. Conclusions: This case series highlights the utility of specific high-resolution MRI sequences as a very promising method for detecting multiple CADs in young patients. The systematic use of these sequences could enhance the sensitivity of detecting multiple cervical CADs, affecting also the thorough investigation for underlying connective tissue vasculopathies, stratifying the risk for first-ever or recurrent ischemic stroke, and influencing acute reperfusion and secondary prevention therapeutic strategies.
Journal Article
Safety and Effectiveness of PCSK9 Inhibitors and Inclisiran in Patients With Neuromuscular Disorders and Statin Intolerance
2025
Background and Objectives Limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and inclisiran among patients with neuromuscular disorders and statin‐induced myotoxicity and/or hepatotoxicity. We assessed the safety and efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran in this specific patient subgroup. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study evaluating patients with available clinical and laboratory data prior to and at prespecified time points following treatment initiation with PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran. Results Eleven patients with neuromuscular disorders and statin intolerance were included in this study. Median follow‐up time after PCSK9 inhibitor or inclisiran initiation was 14 (9–17) months. PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran use led to a significant decrease in mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, all patients tolerated these lipid‐lowering agents without exacerbation of their underlying myositis, myopathy, neuromuscular junction disorder, and without presenting any adverse event or relapse of myotoxicity and/or hepatotoxicity. Discussion The present real‐world study highlights the potential therapeutic value of PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran among patients with neuromuscular disorders and statin intolerance. The findings of this study are in accordance with previous reports, showing that PCSK9 inhibitors are safe as a lipid lowering treatment for long‐term use among patients with statin‐associated immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).
Journal Article
Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study
by
Giannopoulos, Sotirios
,
Giannopapas, Vasileios
,
Smyrni, Vassiliki
in
Analgesics
,
Bladder
,
Cannabidiol
2025
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with a wide range of debilitating symptoms, and conventional therapies often fail to adequately address the disease’s multifaceted challenges. Cannabidiol (CBD) 13.0% + Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 9.0% (CBD13/THC9), a vaporized cannabis-based medicinal product, presents a novel therapeutic option for managing MS symptoms. Methods: This single-center longitudinal study followed 69 MS patients over a six-month period. Participants were assessed at treatment initiation and at three- and six-month intervals. Key measures included muscle spasticity, urine bladder dysfunction, and the evaluation of disability progression rate. The evaluation included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Post Void Residual (PVR) volume, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: Significant improvement was observed across all outcome assessments. The EDSS score was decreased over time (p = 0.009), indicating a slight reduction in disability progression rate, while MAS scores showed substantial improvement in muscle spasticity (p < 0.001). Urine bladder function improved significantly, with PVR volume showing notable improvement between baseline and the six-month assessment (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed that a gradual increase in vaporized CBD13/THC9 dose was correlated with slightly lower EDSS scores, while the adverse effects were negatively associated with the frequency of cannabinoid use. Finally, patients who were smokers used CBD13/THC9 more frequently. Conclusions: The vaporized CBD13/THC9 formulation demonstrated notable efficacy in slightly improving disability progression rate via reduction in muscle spasticity and urine bladder dysfunction in MS patients. This highlights its addon therapeutic value during rehabilitation in MS patients with debilitating disability symptoms.
Journal Article