Vivek Sanker

All Publications

• Novel insights into the role of TREM2 in cerebrovascular diseases. Brain research Awuah, W. A., Ben-Jaafar, A., Kong, J. S., Sanker, V., Shah, M. H., Poornaselvan, J., Frimpong, M., Imran, S., Alocious, T., Abdul-Rahman, T., Atallah, O. 2024; 1846: 149245

  Abstract

  Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) include conditions such as stroke, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which contribute significantly to global morbidity and healthcare burden. The pathophysiology of CVD is complex, involving inflammatory, cellular and vascular mechanisms. Recently, research has focused on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), an immune receptor predominantly found on microglia. TREM2 interacts with multiple signalling pathways, particularly toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inhibiting patients' inflammatory response. This receptor plays an essential role in both immune regulation and neuroprotection. TREM2 deficiency or dysfunction is associated with impaired microglial responses, exacerbated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Up until recently, TREM2 related studies have focused on neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), however a shift in focus towards CVDs is beginning to take place. Advancements in CVD research have focused on developing therapeutic strategies targeting TREM2 to enhance recovery and reduce long-term deficits. These include the exploration of TREM2 agonists and combination therapies with other anti-inflammatory agents, which may synergistically reduce neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection. The modulation of TREM2 activity holds potential for innovative treatment approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes following cerebrovascular insults. This review compiles current research on TREM2, emphasising its molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and advancements in CNS disease research.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149245

  View details for PubMedID 39305972

• Unusual giant plunging sublingual epidermoid cyst: A case report and review of literature. Clinical case reports Safwan, M., Godbole, A. A., Médéus, A. J., García-González, O. Y., Sanker, V., Prashanth, P. S., Dave, T. 2024; 12 (6): e9067

  Abstract

  When treating a painless or asymptomatic mass in the submental or floor of the mouth, sublingual epidermoid cyst should be considered. Despite its irregularity, preventing malignant transformation is essential for a successful outcome.Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are rarely found in the head and neck region. They account for less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. This is a rare case of a sublingual epidermoid cyst of the oral cavity in a 25-year-old male. The patient presented with a painless sublingual swelling for a duration of 1 month. The clinical examination revealed a non-tender swelling in the sublingual region extending to the submental triangle. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 6.2 × 7.7 × 3.2 cm cystic lesion in the sublingual space. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed dermoid cyst contents. Intra-oral surgical excision under general anesthesia was performed successfully. Histopathological analysis revealed that the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The presence of a prominent granular layer and keratin flakes confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. Postoperative recovery was good, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up. This case emphasizes the infrequent and unusual presentation of a case of a giant plunging sublingual epidermoid cyst and promotes awareness and potential studies in the enhancement of patient care in this area.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/ccr3.9067

  View details for PubMedID 38868117

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11166552