Huang Evelyn Jou-Chen, Wu Meng-Huang, Wang Tsung-Jen, Huang Tsung-Jen, Li Yan-Rong, Lee Ching-Yu
Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Aging Dis. 2023 Aug 1;14(4):1070-1092. doi: 10.14336/AD.2022.1215.
The prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder, is increasing among all subsets of the population leading to an elevated economic and social burden. The pathogenesis of MG is characterized by the synthesis of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), or muscle-specific kinase at the neuromuscular junction, thereby leading to muscular weakness and fatigue. Based on clinical and laboratory examinations, the research is focused on distinguishing MG from other autoimmune, genetic diseases of neuromuscular transmission. Technological advancements in machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) have been assistive in accurate diagnosis and management. Besides, addressing the clinical needs of MG patients is critical to improving quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction. Lifestyle changes including physical exercise and traditional Chinese medicine/herbs have also been shown to exert an ameliorative impact on MG progression. To achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy, cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive drugs, and steroids in addition to plasma exchange therapy are widely recommended. Under surgical intervention, thymectomy is the only feasible alternative to removing thymoma to overcome thymoma-associated MG. Although these conventional and current therapeutic approaches are effective, the associated adverse events and surgical complexity limit their wide application. Moreover, Restivo et al. also, to increase survival and QoL, further recent developments revealed that antibody, gene, and regenerative therapies (such as stem cells and exosomes) are currently being investigated as a safer and more efficacious alternative. Considering these above-mentioned points, we have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in pathological etiologies of MG including COVID-19, and its therapeutic management.
重症肌无力(MG)是一种自身免疫性疾病,在所有人群亚组中的患病率都在上升,导致经济和社会负担加重。MG的发病机制表现为在神经肌肉接头处合成针对乙酰胆碱受体(AChR)、低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白4(LRP4)或肌肉特异性激酶的自身抗体,从而导致肌肉无力和疲劳。基于临床和实验室检查,该研究的重点是将MG与其他自身免疫性、神经肌肉传递的遗传性疾病区分开来。机器学习作为人工智能(AI)的一个子集,其技术进步有助于准确诊断和管理。此外,满足MG患者的临床需求对于提高生活质量(QoL)和满意度至关重要。包括体育锻炼和中药/草药在内的生活方式改变也已被证明对MG的进展有改善作用。为了提高治疗效果,除了血浆置换疗法外,还广泛推荐使用胆碱酯酶抑制剂、免疫抑制药物和类固醇。在手术干预方面,胸腺切除术是切除胸腺瘤以克服胸腺瘤相关MG的唯一可行选择。尽管这些传统和当前的治疗方法有效,但相关的不良事件和手术复杂性限制了它们的广泛应用。此外,Restivo等人还指出,为了提高生存率和QoL,最近的进一步研究表明,抗体、基因和再生疗法(如干细胞和外泌体)目前正在作为一种更安全、更有效的替代方法进行研究。考虑到上述几点,我们全面综述了MG包括COVID-19在内的病理病因及其治疗管理的最新进展。