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Challenges and Recent Advances in Diagnosing Wilson Disease

Research Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutations, leading to pathological copper accumulation that primarily affects the liver, brain, and eyes. Diagnosing WD remains a significant challenge due to its highly variable clinical presentation, which ranges from asymptomatic biochemical abnormalities to acute liver failure and severe neuropsychiatric manifestations. Traditional diagnostic markers, such as serum ceruloplasmin, urinary copper excretion, and liver biopsy, lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity, often leading to delays in diagnosis and misclassification. Additionally, the absence of a single gold-standard test and the overlap with other hepatic and neurological disorders further complicate early detection.
Recent advances in diagnostic techniques offer promising solutions to overcome these limitations. Novel biomarkers, including relative exchangeable copper (REC) and ATP7B protein quantification in dried blood spots have demonstrated improved accuracy in distinguishing WD from other conditions. Advanced imaging modalities, such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), and copper-64 positron emission tomography imaging provide noninvasive tools for detecting early disease-related changes. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing (NGS) enhances genetic screening, facilitating earlier diagnosis, and family screening.
A comprehensive approach integrating conventional and emerging diagnostic methodologies is essential for improving early detection and patient outcomes. Greater awareness of the limitations of traditional tests and the incorporation of novel biomarkers and imaging techniques into clinical practice can help refine diagnostic accuracy, reduce delays, and optimize treatment strategies for WD.
Research Authors
Hani S. Aboalam ∗ , Marwa K. Hassan ∗ , Nada El-domiaty † , Nagat F. Ibrahim ∗ , Anwar M. Ali ‡ , Wesam Hassan ∗ , Esam G. Abu El Wafa § , Ashraf Elsaghier ‖ , Helal F. Hetta ¶, Mohamed Elbadry † , Mohamed El-Kassas
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology
Research Pages
102531
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0973688325000313
Research Year
2025

Regulatory T-cells in children with generalized epilepsy: a case–control study

Research Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, with emerging evidence suggesting a role for immune dysregulation, particularly involving regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in its pathogenesis. However, data on the Tregs profile in children with generalized epilepsy remain limited. This study aimed to compare peripheral Tregs levels and immune profiles in a cohort of Egyptian children with newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy to those of healthy controls. A case–control study was conducted involving 45 children with epilepsy and 45 healthy controls. Tregs and other immune markers were quantified using multicolor flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured via ELISA. Children with epilepsy exhibited significantly lower percentages of CD4 + CD25 + highFoxp3⁺ Tregs (1.95% ± 0.7%) compared to controls (3.1% ± 0.9%, p < 0.001). Additionally, CD4⁺ T-cells were reduced (34% ± 2.9% vs. 41.2% ± 3.7%, p = 0.01), whereas CD8⁺ T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells were elevated in the epilepsy group. IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6) were significantly higher in the epilepsy group than in controls. Conclusion: Immune dysregulation, characterized by reduced Tregs percentages and altered lymphocyte distribution, and a dual pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, may be associated with the pathophysiology of generalized epilepsy in children. Our results support further investigations into immunomodulatory strategies targeting Tregs restoration as potential disease-modifying interventions.

Research Authors
Khaled Saad, Eman F. Gad, Samaher Taha, Mohamed Gamil M. Abo-Elela, Sherin A. Taha, Amira H. El-Ashry, Abdelrahman N. Abdelal, Kawashty Ragab Mohamed, Abd-El-Monem M. Hassan, Amira Elhoufey, Soha A. Hussain, Anas Elgenidi, Abdulrahman A. Al‑Atram, Wesam M
Research Date
Research Journal
European Journal of Pediatrics
Research Pages
785
Research Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
184
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-025-06609-4
Research Year
2025

Circulating tumor cells as a prognostic marker in non-metastatic breast cancer patients

Research Authors
SM Elmorshidy, ON Abd Elffatah, HH Essa, AK Ibrahim, D Sayed, ...
Research Date
Research Journal
Annals of Oncology 29, viii64-viii65
Research Year
2018

Retrospective Study of Cardiac Toxicity of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Left Sided Breast Cancer

Research Authors
DTZM Dr. Summar El-Morshidy T. Amira Hussein Ahmed , Dr. Asmaa Hasaballah
Research Date
Research Journal
SECI Oncology 2024(4): 395-405
Research Year
2024

Retrospective study comparing perioperative chemotherapy versus postoperative chemoradiation in resectable gastric cancer

Research Authors
A Hasaballah, A Mubarak Hefni, SMEL Morshedy, A Salah
Research Date
Research Journal
memo-Magazine of European Medical Oncology 18 (3), 226-234
Research Year
2025

Survival and Prognostic Determinants after IMRT and 3D Radiotherapy in Metachronus Bone–Only Spinal Metastasis of Breast Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Trial

Research Authors
A Youssif, A Abdellah, S El-Morshidy, A Hasaballah
Research Date
Research Journal
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 26 (9), 3423-3429
Research Year
2025

A Clinico-Epidemiological Study and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Urinary Bladder Cancer at Assuit University Hospital from 2015-2019 (Hospital Based Study)

Research Authors
H ESSA, A ABEER, S El-Morshedy, R ABD-ELMABOUD
Research Date
Research Journal
The Medical Journal of Cairo University 90 (12), 2673-2681
Research Year
2022

Radiological early detection of lung cancer in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases

Research Authors
HM Sayed, S EL-Morshidy, MA Sayed, HM Mohammed, SH Sadek
Research Date
Research Journal
The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology 19 (1), 29
Research Year
2025
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