Q and A: about health and research

Schnitzler syndrome is a rare, chronic autoinflammatory disease characterized by chronic urticaria (hives), recurrent fever, joint pain, and monoclonal gammopathy (abnormal proteins in the blood). First described by Dr. Liliane Schnitzler in 1972 , this condition is often misdiagnosed, leading to years of untreated symptoms before a correct diagnosis is made. The case report, " A 58-Year-Old Woman With Urticaria, Fever, and Joint Pain " , describes a case that closely aligns with my own experience with this challenging disorder. Key Features of Schnitzler Syndrome Schnitzler syndrome presents with a characteristic set of symptoms, though not all patients experience them in the same way: Chronic Urticaria (Hives) – Persistent, non-itchy or mildly itchy red patches that do not respond to antihistamines. Monoclonal Gammopathy (IgM or IgG type) – Abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulin detected in the blood (most commonly IgM ). Recurrent Fever – Unexplained fever episodes, often...

Update: Amygdala–liver signalling orchestrates glycaemic responses to stress "...we show that acute stress activates medial amygdala (MeA) neurons that innervate the ventromedial hypothalamus (MeAVMH neurons)" https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09420-1 Sleep is essential for overall health, but stress can significantly impact its quality—especially REM sleep , the stage associated with vivid dreams, memory consolidation, and emotional processing. When stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and ACTH are elevated, they can disrupt REM sleep and overactivate the amygdala , the brain’s emotional center. This imbalance may lead to restless nights, frequent awakenings, and even nightmares. Understanding REM Sleep and Its Role in Brain Function REM ( Rapid Eye Movement ) sleep is one of the most important sleep stages, characterized by: Increased brain activity (similar to wakefulness) Vivid dreaming Muscle paralysis (atonia) to prevent acting out dreams Memory pro...

Update: Persistence of anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies in vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis for 3 years https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1538783625005951 Introduction Blood clotting is a tightly regulated process that involves numerous proteins, including M protein , Protein C , and Factor V . While these proteins have different functions, they all play a role in clotting disorders. Recent research has uncovered a chronic prothrombotic disorder linked to low levels of M protein , which acts as a VITT-like antibody targeting platelet factor 4 (PF4) . This condition, now referred to as VITT-like Monoclonal Gammopathy of Thrombotic Significance (MGTS) , represents a new disease category requiring specialized treatment approaches. This article explores the roles of M protein, Protein C, Factor V, and APS (Antiphospholipid Syndrome) in thrombosis and how they connect to this newly identified disorder. VITT-like Monoclonal Gammopathy of Thrombotic S...