Hereditary Angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder that usual results from a decreased level of functional C1-INH and clinically manifests with intermittent attacks of swelling of the subcutaneous tissue or submucosal layers of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Laboratory studies and radiographic imaging have limited roles in evaluation of patients with acute attacks of HAE except when the diagnosis is uncertain and other processes must be ruled out. Treatment begins with assessment of the airway to determine the need for immediate intervention. Emergency physicians should understand the pathophysiology of HAE to help guide management decisions.

Complementing Testicular Immune Regulation: The Relationship between Sertoli Cells, Complement, and the Immune Response

Sertoli cells within the testis are instrumental in providing an environment for spermatogenesis and protecting the developing germ cells from detrimental immune responses which could affect fertility. Though these immune responses consist of many immune processes, this review focuses on the understudied complement system. Complement consists of 50+ proteins including regulatory proteins, immune receptors, and a cascade of proteolytic cleavages resulting in target cell destruction. In the testis, Sertoli cells protect the germ cells from autoimmune destruction by creating an immunoregulatory environment. Most studies on Sertoli cells and complement have been conducted in transplantation models, which are effective in studying immune regulation during robust rejection responses. In grafts, Sertoli cells survive activated complement, have decreased deposition of complement fragments, and express many complement inhibitors. Moreover, the grafts have delayed infiltration of immune cells and contain increased infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells as compared to rejecting grafts. Additionally, anti-sperm antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration have been detected in up to 50% and 30% of infertile testes, respectively. This review seeks to provide an updated overview of the complement system, describe its relationship with immune cells, and explain how Sertoli cells may regulate complement in immunoprotection. Identifying the mechanism Sertoli cells use to protect themselves and germ cells against complement and immune destruction is relevant for male reproduction, autoimmunity, and transplantation.

Hereditary Angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder that usual results from a decreased level of functional C1-INH and clinically manifests with intermittent attacks of swelling of the subcutaneous tissue or submucosal layers of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Laboratory studies and radiographic imaging have limited roles in evaluation of patients with acute attacks of HAE except when the diagnosis is uncertain and other processes must be ruled out. Treatment begins with assessment of the airway to determine the need for immediate intervention. Emergency physicians should understand the pathophysiology of HAE to help guide management decisions.

A rare cause of recurrent priapism: hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease, which is caused by deficiency of compleman c1 esterase inhibitor regulatory protein in the compleman system. Priapism is involuntary, painful and prolonged erection of penis more than 4 h without sexual desire. In this case report, we elucidated a patient diagnosed with hereditary angioedema while he had recurrent priapism.