Adjunct Immune Globulin for Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia

 For the treatment of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), an uncommon adverse effect of adenoviral vector vaccinations against coronavirus illness, high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) plus anticoagulation is advised (Covid-19). The response to IVIG therapy in three of the first patients with VITT in Canada after receiving the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination is described. The patients ranged in age from 63 to 72 years old, with one being a woman. Canada had restricted the use of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine to people 55 and older at the time of this publication, based on concerns that VITT had occurred largely in younger people. Two of the patients in our study had limb-artery thrombosis, while the third had venous and arterial thrombosis in the brain. In response to heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4), different patterns of serum-induced platelet activation were detected, showing the variety of VITT manifestations in serum. All three individuals had lower antibody-induced platelet activation in serum after starting IVIG. 

Role of Tetraspanins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

 

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence, morbidity, and fatality rate. Liver cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, with HCC accounting for over 80% of cases. HCC advances quickly, and there is currently no cure for advanced HCC. Tetraspanins are a type of protein that has four transmembrane domains. 33 tetraspanins are found on the surface of most nucleated cells and are involved in a variety of biological processes. 

In this study, we outline the roles of tetraspanins and their underlying mechanisms throughout the HCC life cycle, from start to progression to therapy. CD9, TSPAN15, and TSPAN31 are all known to increase HCC cell proliferation while also decreasing apoptosis. CD63, CD151, and TSPAN8 may help HCC spread in some way, while CD82 acts as a metastasis suppressor. TSPAN1, TSPAN8, and CD151 are prognostic indicators that have been shown to be inversely linked with HCC patients' overall survival rates. We also highlight the tetraspanin family's potential as a novel therapeutic target and a solution to drug resistance, as well as various research directions.