bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both pituitary and placental growth hormone transcripts are expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
Authors: MELEN L , HENNEN G , DULLAART R P F , HEINEN E , IGOUT A
Published: August 2010

The hGH-V gene codes for a variant of human pituitary growth hormone (hGH-N) named placental growth hormone (hPGH). hPGH shares 93% amino acid identity with hGH-N. Until now the hGH-V gene was considered to be exclusively expressed in human placenta, where it replaces maternal circulating hGH-N at the end of pregnancy. In this study we investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis hGH-N, and hGH-V, gene expression in PBMC in men, women and pregnant women. We have demonstrated that hGH-N and hGH-V transcripts are simultaneously produced by PBMC in both men and women as well as pregnant women. The PBMC of a PIT-1-negative woman expressed only the hGH-V transcript, but not the hGH-N one as expected. In conclusion, hGH-V mRNA is expressed by cells other than the syncytiotrophoblast, is not regulated by PIT-1, and may be involved in immune regulation, as is pituitary GH.
Autoimmunity and atherosclerosis: functional polymorphism of PTPN22 is associated with phenotypes related to the risk of atherosclerosis. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Pertovaara M , Raitala A , Juonala M , Kähönen M , Lehtimäki T , Viikari J S A , Raitakari O T , Hurme M
Published: August 2010

There is a growing body of evidence attesting the significance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Protein tyrosine phosphate PTPN22 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at +1858 has been identified recently as a susceptibility factor for various inflammatory autoimmune diseases. We hypothesized that data on the genetic polymorphism of the PTPN22 enzyme associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity could also provide insight into the possible role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore we analysed the PTPN22 + 1858 C/T polymorphism in a population of young Finnish adults (n = 2268) for whom data on carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), a presymptomatic predictor of atherosclerosis, and risk factors for atherosclerosis were available. In males carriage of the T allele of PTPN22 + 1858 was associated significantly with IMT in univariate and multivariate analyses, while in females it was associated with several risk factors for atherosclerosis (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and triglycerides) but not with IMT. Our results indicate that the genetic polymorphism of PTPN22 + 1858 known to predispose to autoimmunity also enhances the development of atherosclerosis and thereby links the genetics of autoimmunity and atherosclerosis.
Expression of biomarkers of interferon type I in patients suffering from chronic diseases
Authors: Scagnolari C , Bellomi F , Trombetti S , Casato M , Carlesimo M , Bagnato F , Lavolpe V , Bruno R , Millefiorini E , Antonelli L , Girardi E , Turriziani O , Antonelli G
Published: August 2010

Interferons (IFNs) are used widely in the treatment of viral infections, tumours and neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endogenous expressions of various IFN-induced compounds [specifically: neopterin (NPT), beta2microglobulin (β2mg) and 2–5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2–5 OAS)] in patients with various chronic diseases requiring treatment with IFN type I. The results showed that patients with such chronic diseases as hepatitis C virus-associated type II mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are characterized by different activations of the IFN system. Furthermore, the interindividual variability in baseline levels of IFN-induced biomarkers was higher in patients with chronic diseases than in healthy individuals. When levels of the above biomarkers were measured 24 h after the first injection of IFN in patients with CHC or RRMS, significant increases in expression levels of IFN-induced compounds were recorded but, again, there is a broad range of variability in the degree of increase. Further, a significant inverse correlation between baseline levels of NPT, β2mg and 2–5 OAS activity and their relative increases after IFN administration was found in patients with CHC or RRMS. Together, the results are consistent with the observation that there is considerable interindividual heterogeneity in the clinical response to IFNs, which suggests that host factors other than disease markers must be taken into account in order to manage and optimize the IFN therapy.
Combined therapy of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with intratumoral dendritic cell infusion for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical safety
Authors: Nakamoto Y , Mizukoshi E , Tsuji H , Sakai Y , Kitahara M , Arai K , Yamashita T , Yokoyama K , Mukaida N , Matsushima K , Matsui O , Kaneko S
Published: August 2010

The curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), do not prevent tumour recurrence effectively. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapies are believed to contribute to the eradication of the residual and recurrent tumour cells. The current study was designed to assess the safety and bioactivity of DC infusion into tumour tissues following transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) for patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were differentiated into phenotypically confirmed DCs. Ten patients were administered autologous DCs through an arterial catheter during TAE treatment. Shortly thereafter, some HCC nodules were treated additionally to achieve the curative local therapeutic effects. There was no clinical or serological evidence of adverse events, including hepatic failure or autoimmune responses in any patients, in addition to those due to TAE. Following the infusion of 111Indium-labelled DCs, DCs were detectable inside and around the HCC nodules for up to 17 days, and were associated with lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration. Interestingly, T lymphocyte responses were induced against peptides derived from the tumour antigens, Her-2/neu, MRP3, hTERT and AFP, 4 weeks after the infusion in some patients. The cumulative survival rates were not significantly changed by this strategy. These results demonstrate that transcatheter arterial DC infusion into tumour tissues following TAE treatment is feasible and safe for patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, the antigen-non-specific, immature DC infusion may induce immune responses to unprimed tumour antigens, providing a plausible strategy to enhance tumour immunity.
Circulating mononuclear cells from euthyroid patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy exhibit characteristic phenotypes
Authors: Douglas R S , Gianoukakis A G , Goldberg R A , Kamat S , Smith T J
Published: August 2010

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common yet poorly understood component of Graves' disease involving inflammation, congestion and soft tissue remodelling of the orbit. Unlike most autoimmune disorders, TAO has variable severity but follows a predictable course and is usually self-limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the phenotypic profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in euthyroid patients with TAO. The study was a prospective, consecutive analysis of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell phenotype in patients with TAO and normal controls. We demonstrate that the fraction of T cells expressing CD69, CD25 or CXCR4 is significantly greater in patients with TAO compared to control donors. In addition, the fraction of CD19+ CD25+ B cells is significantly greater. We did not find differences between the two groups of subjects in monocytes expressing these markers. There is a phenotypic shift in peripheral blood lymphocytes associated with TAO that appears durable and persists beyond the hyperthyroid phase of Graves' disease. These changes may support the immune reaction provoking orbital disease development.
Cutaneous and other lupus-like symptoms in carriers of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease: incidence and autoimmune serology
Authors: Cale C M , Morton L , Goldblatt D
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the utility of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing in the investigation of cutaneous and other lupus symptoms in female carriers of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We undertook a prospective study of 19 carrier mothers attending our institution, with direct questioning of carriers concerning symptoms and testing for anti-nuclear and anti-phospholipid antibodies. A total of 58% reported significant photosensitive skin rashes, 42% reported mouth ulcers and 37% complained of joint pains that could not be attributed to other known causes. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing was negative in 73% of all carriers. The five positive ANAs were of low titre (maximum 1 : 320 on Hep 2 cells in two women) and only one weak positive double-stranded DNA antibody and no extractable nuclear antibodies were found. Several of the mothers, despite negative serology, benefited from referral to a specialist, and in some cases to specific treatment. A history of skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue and mouth ulcers should be sought actively in the female relatives of X-CGD patients but negative lupus serology should not preclude referral to appropriate dermatology or rheumatology services. as symptoms may respond well to appropriate treatment.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide enhances oral tolerance by regulating both cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Wang Y , Mei Y , Bao S , Xu L
Published: August 2010

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is an important signal molecule of the neuroendocrine–immune network. In the immune system, VIP has been found to act as an endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator. In the current study, it was found that VIP administration regulated oral tolerance by inhibiting both cellular and humoral responses. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, mice treated with VIP during the development of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced oral tolerance exhibited the least delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), showed profoundly reduced proliferative capacity and produced less interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-5, IL-10 and interferon-inducible protein (IP-10). IgA-secreting cells in the gut as well as OVA-specific IgG and other isotypes levels in plasma were inhibited significantly after VIP-treatment. The VPAC2 receptor may be involved in VIP-mediated oral tolerance enhancement. Taken together, these results suggest that VIP enhanced oral tolerance via regulating both cellular and humoral responses.
Ultraviolet B irradiation selectively increases the production of interleukin-8 in human cord blood-derived mast cells
Authors: Endoh I , Di Girolamo N , Hampartzoumian T , Cameron B , Geczy C L , Tedla N
Published: August 2010

UVB irradiation modulates immune responses in the skin and is a major cause of sunburn, during which neutrophils accumulate in the skin. Because of their abundance in skin and ability to produce a variety of proinflammatory mediators, we propose that mast cells may play a key role in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin inflammation. Cord blood-derived human mast cells were treated in vitro with varying doses of UVB and production of multiple cytokines was measured in culture supernatants. UVB exposure significantly increased the release of interleukin (IL)-8 and modestly increased IL-1α production, but cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were unaffected. Cycloheximide reduced the UVB-mediated induction of IL-8 by 30–40%, suggesting that new protein synthesis contributed to IL-8 production. In line with this, UVB treatment of mast cells significantly increased IL-8 mRNA. In contrast to its effect on IL-8 production, optimal doses of UVB did not provoke histamine or tryptase release, indicating little effect on degranulation. Our data suggest that mast cells may play a major role during UVB-induced acute inflammation by selectively inducing cytokines involved in neutrophil recruitment.
Allergic sensitization and microbial load – a comparison between Finland and Russian Karelia
Authors:   The EPIVIR study group, Seiskari T , Kondrashova A , Viskari H , Kaila M , Haapala A-M , Aittoniemi J , Virta M , Hurme M , Uibo R , Knip M , Hyöty H
Published: August 2010

Epidemiological data have indicated that some infections are associated with a low risk of allergic diseases, thus supporting the idea (hygiene hypothesis) that the microbial load is an important environmental factor conferring protection against the development of allergies. We set out to test the hygiene hypothesis in a unique epidemiological setting in two socio-economically and culturally markedly different, although genetically related, populations living in geographically adjacent areas. The study cohorts included 266 schoolchildren from the Karelian Republic in Russia and 266 schoolchildren from Finland. The levels of total IgE and allergen-specific IgE for birch, cat and egg albumen were measured. Microbial antibodies were analysed against enteroviruses (coxsackievirus B4), hepatitis A virus, Helicobacter pylori and Toxoplasma gondii. Although total IgE level was higher in Russian Karelian children compared to their Finnish peers, the prevalence of allergen-specific IgE was lower among Russian Karelian children. The prevalence of microbial antibodies was, in turn, significantly more frequent in the Karelian children, reflecting the conspicuous difference in socio-economic background factors. Microbial infections were associated with lower risk of allergic sensitization in Russian Karelian children, enterovirus showing the strongest protective effect in a multivariate model. The present findings support the idea that exposure to certain infections, particularly in childhood, may protect from the development of atopy. Enterovirus infections represent a new candidate to the list of markers of such a protective environment. However, possible causal relationship needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Complement activation and cytokine response by BioProtein, a bacterial single cell protein
Authors: Sikkeland L I B , Thorgersen E B , Haug T , Mollnes T E
Published: August 2010

The bacterial single cell protein (BSCP), BioProtein, is dried bacterial mass derived from fermentation of the gram negative bacteria Methylococcus capsulatus, used for animal and fish feed. Workers in this industry suffer frequently from pulmonary and systemic symptoms which may be induced by an inflammatory reaction. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of BSCP on inflammation in vitro as evaluated by complement activation and cytokine production. Human serum was incubated with BSCP and complement activation products specific for all pathways were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human whole blood anti-coagulated with lepirudin was incubated with BSCP and a panel of 27 biological mediators was measured using multiplex technology. BSCP induced a dose-dependent complement activation as revealed by a pronounced increase in alternative and terminal pathway activation (fivefold and 20-fold, respectively) at doses from 1 µg BSCP/ml serum and a similar, but less extensive (two- to fourfold) increase in activation of the lectin and classical pathways at doses from 100 and 1000 µg BSCP/ml serum, respectively. Similarly, BSCP induced a dose-dependent production of a number of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in human whole blood. At doses as low as 0·05–0·5 µg BSCP/ml blood a substantial increase was seen for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1-β, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, IL-4, IL-9, IL-17, IL-1Ra, granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Thus, BSCP induced a substantial activation of all three initial complement pathways as well as a pronounced cytokine response in vitro, indicating a potent inflammatory property of this agent.
Proteins specifically hyperexpressed in a coeliac disease patient with aberrant T cells
Authors: De Re V , Simula M P , Caggiari L , Orzes N , Spina M , Da ponte A , De Appollonia L , Dolcetti R , Canzonieri V , Cannizzaro R
Published: August 2010

An aberrant T cell population is the basis for diagnosis of refractory coeliac disease and determines the risk of enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma. This disease is serious with a poor survival. Pathogenetic mechanisms sustaining aberrant T cell proliferation remain unknown. Recently, alemtuzumab has been proposed as a promising new approach to treat these patients. Only few single cases have been tested at present; nevertheless, in all the cases a clinical improvement was observed. However, whether intraepithelial lymphocytes have been targeted effectively by alemtuzumab is still debated. This study reports, using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE), hyperexpressed proteins associated specifically with aberrant T cells found in a patient with coeliac disease by comparison of the protein expression of this sample with that of patients with coeliac disease and polyclonal T cells or with control subjects. The data demonstrated a significantly higher expression of IgM, apolipoprotein C-III and Charcot–Leyden crystal proteins in a duodenal biopsy specimen of the patient with clonal T cells compared with that of other patients. These preliminary results allow hypothesizing different clinical effects of alemtuzumab in patients with coeliac disease and aberrant T cell proliferation, because as well as the probable effect on T cells, alemtuzumab could exert its effect by acting on inflammatory associated CD52+ IgM+ B cells and eosinophil cells, known to produce IgM and Charcot–Leyden crystal proteins, that we demonstrated to be altered in this patient. The results also emphasize the possible association of apolipoprotein with aberrant T cell proliferation.
Mucosal and peripheral immune responses to chlamydial heat shock proteins in women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Agrawal T , Vats V , Salhan S , Mittal A
Published: August 2010

Most of the studies on 60-kDa and 10-kDa chlamydial heat shock proteins (HSPs) to date have been carried out with blood lymphocytes or serum antibody responses, which do not provide a clear picture of the actual pathogenesis as they do not differentiate primary infection from recurrent infection. Thus, in the present study induction of the immune response was evaluated by studying lymphoproliferation of both cervical and peripheral lymphocytes to synthetic peptides of cHSP60, cHSP10 and major outer membrane protein (MOMP) antigen. In addition, cervical antibody prevalence to MOMP antigen, cHSP60 and cHSP10 and cytokine levels in cervical washes was also determined. Positive proliferative responses of cervical lymphocytes to cHSP10 peptide were significantly higher (P < 0·05) in women with recurrent infections and that to MOMP antigen were significantly higher in primary infection. On proliferation of PBMCs with the above antigens, no significant difference was observed between primary and recurrent infection. Prevalence of cervical IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis was significantly higher (P < 0·05) during primary infection than recurrent infections. In contrast, prevalence of IgG and IgA antibodies to cHSP10 and IgG antibodies to cHSP60 was higher during recurrent infections than primary infections. Interferon (IFN)-γ levels were significantly higher in cervical washes of women with recurrent infection and correlated strongly with cHSP60 antibody titres. Our data thus suggest that mucosal responses are more appropriate in understanding the pathogenesis of chlamydial infection and IFN-γ could be involved in the modulation of immune responses towards chlamydial infection directly, by causing acute inflammation, or indirectly through modulation of HSP expression.
P2X7 and NRAMP1/SLC11 A1 gene polymorphisms in Mexican mestizo patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Niño-Moreno P , Portales-Pérez D , Hernández-Castro B , Portales-Cervantes L , Flores-Meraz V , Baranda L , Gómez-Gómez A , Acuña-Alonzo V , Granados J , González-Amaro R
Published: August 2010

Tuberculosis remains one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. Several studies have suggested that genetic factors may affect susceptibility to tuberculosis, but the specific genes involved have not yet been fully characterized. NRAMP1/SLC11 A1 and P2X7 genes have been linked to increased risk for tuberculosis in some African and Asiatic populations. To explore the potential role of these genes in the susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in a Mexican mestizo population, we evaluated the association of D543N and 3′-UTR polymorphisms in NRAMP1/SLC11 A1 and − 762 and A1513C polymorphisms in P2X7 genes with the risk for tuberculosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genomic DNA followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and allelic-specific PCR was employed. We found no significant differences in allelic frequency in NRAMP1/SLC11 A1 gene polymorphisms in 94 patients with tuberculosis compared to 100 healthy contacts. Similarly, no significant association of the P2X7−762 gene polymorphism with tuberculosis was detected. In contrast, the P2X7 A1513C polymorphism was associated significantly with tuberculosis (P = 0·02, odds ratio = 5·28, 95% CI, 0·99–37·69), an association that had not been reported previously. However, when the function of P2X7 was assessed by an l-selectin loss assay, we did not find significant differences in patients compared to healthy contacts or between PPD+ and PPD– control individuals. This study further supports the complex role of P2X7 gene in host regulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and demonstrates that different associations of gene polymorphisms and tuberculosis are found in distinct racial populations.
Effect of leptin on activation and cytokine synthesis in peripheral blood lymphocytes of malnourished infected children
Authors: Rodríguez L , Graniel J , Ortiz R
Published: August 2010

Malnutrition compromises immune function, resulting in reduced resistance to infection. Recent animal and human studies have suggested that leptin is capable of modulating the immune response and that its levels, which are regulated by nutritional status, fall rapidly during starvation. Leptin deficiency is associated with impaired cell-mediated immunity, an increased incidence of infectious disease and an associated increase in mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of leptin on activation and cytokine production in peripheral blood T cells from malnourished children. The data obtained in the present study demonstrate that leptin produced an increase in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells producing interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ in 24-h cultures. Moreover, leptin decreased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells producing IL-4 and IL-10, and enhanced activation of circulating T cells when co-stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA)–ionomycin. Leptin enhanced the expression of activation markers CD69 and CD25 in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells after 5 h of stimulation. In conclusion, the results obtained show that leptin modulates CD4+ and CD8+ cell activation towards a T helper 1 (Th1) phenotype by stimulating the synthesis of IL-2 and IFN-γ. In contrast, leptin decreases IL-4 and IL-10 production. Moreover, leptin enhanced the expression of CD69 and CD25 on CD4+ and CD8+ cells after stimulation with PMA–ionomycin.
Low molecular weight proteins of outer membrane ofSalmonella typhimuriumare immunogenic inSalmonellainduced reactive arthritis revealed by proteomics
Authors: Singh R , Shasany A K , Aggarwal A , Sinha S , Sisodia B S , Khanuja S P S , Misra R
Published: August 2010

In patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)/undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (uSpA), synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) show proliferation to bacterial antigens that trigger ReA, i.e. Chlamydia, Yersinia, Campylobactor, Shigella and Salmonella species. We have shown previously that SFMC proliferate significantly to outer membrane proteins of S typhimurium in Salmonella induced ReA. In the present study we characterized the immunoreactive fractions of outer membrane protein (Omp) of S typhimurium in Salmonella induced ReA. Omp of Salmonella was isolated and fractionated by continuous elution sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) using Prep-Cell into eight Omp fractions based on molecular weight. Twenty-three patients with ReA were screened for the bacterial trigger using the SFMC proliferative response to crude lysates of Y enterocolitica, S flexneri, C jejuni and S typhimurium using thymidine uptake assay. SFMC from patients with salmonella induced ReA were tested against eight fractions. Seven of 23 patients with ReA had S typhimurium-induced ReA. Of these seven patients, five patients SFMC had a significant stimulation index (SI) against < 22, 22–26, 25–35 and 28–40 kDa fractions of Omp. These fractions were analysed by SDS-PAGE and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, which revealed 10 proteins. These proteins were 37 kDa OmpA, 33 kDa TsX, 28 kDa putative Omp, 28 kDa Vac J, 39 kDa OmpD, 18 kDa OmpX, 23 kDa OmpW, 43 kDa OmpS1 and 19 kDa peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein. In conclusion, for the first time we have identified some low molecular weight proteins in the Omps of Salmonella which are T cells immunoreactive in patients with salmonella induced ReA/uSpA.
Differential binding characteristics of native monomeric and polymeric immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) on human mesangial cells and the influence ofin vitrodeglycosylation of IgA1 molecules
Authors: Gao Y-H , Xu L-X , Zhang J-J , Zhang Y , Zhao M-H , Wang H-Y
Published: August 2010

Recent studies had demonstrated that serum and mesangial immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) were polymeric and deglycosylated. The current study was to investigate the binding characteristics of monomeric and polymeric normal human IgA1 on mesangial cells and the influence of in vitro deglycosylation of IgA1 molecules. The normal human IgA1 was desialylated and degalactosylated with specific enzymes, respectively. The monomeric IgA1 (mIgA1) and polymeric IgA1 (pIgA1) were separated by Sephacryl S-300 chromatography. The binding capacities of the mIgA1 and pIgA1 to primary human mesangial cells (HMC) were evaluated by classical radioligand assay. Both the native mIgA1 and pIgA1 could bind to HMC in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. The maximal binding capacity of the native pIgA1 were significantly higher than that of the native mIgA1 (P < 0·05). However, the affinity of the native mIgA1 was almost 100 times higher than that of the native pIgA1. After deglycosylation, binding of the two deglycosylated mIgA1 to HMC could not be detected. However, the maximal binding capacities of the two deglycosylated pIgA1 to HMC were increased significantly compared with that of native pIgA1. The affinity of the two deglycosylated pIgA1 was similar to that of native pIgA1 (P > 0·05). The current study suggests differential binding characteristics of native monomeric and polymeric IgA1 on mesangial cells. Glycosylation of IgA1 molecules could significantly affect the binding of IgA1 on HMC.
Autoantibodies to plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Bu C , Zhang C , Li Z , Gao L , Xie Z , Cai G
Published: August 2010

Reduced fibrinolytic activity has been described in primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (PAPS), and may be responsible for thrombotic events. Antibodies to tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) or plasminogen (PLG) might contribute to the hypofibrinolytic state in autoimmune diseases, but the clinical significance of these antibodies is still unclear in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of anti-PLG and anti-t-PA antibodies in 87 patients with a history of RPL: 54 women with well-defined PAPS (mean age 32·5 years; range 26–38) and 33 women with unexplained RPL (mean age 30 years; range 24–39). IgG anti-PLG antibodies were found in 20 and four patients from the group with RPL/PAPS and unexplained RPL, respectively; IgG anti-t-PA antibodies were found in 11 and two patients from the above two groups, respectively. IgG anti-PLG antibodies were associated with the high risk of RPL (OR 7·2, P = 0·004), especially with RPL/PAPS (OR 11·2, P < 0·001) evaluated by Fisher's exact test, while IgG anti-t-PA were associated with RPL/PAPS (OR 10·0, P = 0·01) but not with RPL (OR 6·8, P = 0·06). A significant inhibition of exogenous fibrinolysis was observed by IgG fractions from patients with anti-PLG or anti-t-PA antibodies on microplates and on the human umbilical vein endothelial cells, compared with those from healthy controls. The prevalence of IgG anti-PLG antibodies was high in RPL patients, especially in RPL/PAPS, while the prevalence of IgG anti-t-PA antibodies was high in RPL/PAPS but not in RPL, and some of them might inhibit fibrinolysis in patients.
Low mannose-binding lectin complement activation function is associated with predisposition to Legionnaires' disease
Authors: Eisen D P , Stubbs J , Spilsbury D , Carnie J , Leydon J , Howden B P
Published: August 2010

Innate immune system deficiency may predispose to severe infections such as Legionnaires' disease. We have investigated the role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency in the Melbourne Aquarium Legionnaires' disease outbreak. Serum samples from patients and controls that were exposed but shown to be uninfected from the Melbourne Aquarium Legionnaires' disease outbreak were tested for MBL function (C4 deposition) and level (mannan-binding). MBL function was lower in Legionnaires' disease cases than in age- and sex-matched uninfected, exposed controls. The frequency of MBL deficiency with C4 deposition < 0·2 U/µl was significantly higher in Legionnaires' disease cases than in controls. This also applied to Legionnaires' disease cases requiring hospital care. There was no difference in MBL mannan-binding levels between Legionnaires' disease patients and controls. There was no significant interval change in MBL function or level after a mean of 46 days. MBL complement activation functional deficiency appears to predispose to Legionnaires' disease.
Smoking and a complement gene polymorphism interact in promoting cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality
Authors: Arason G J , Kramer J , Blaskó B , Kolka R , Thorbjornsdottir P , Einarsdóttir K , Sigfúsdóttir A , Sigurðarson S T , Sigurðsson G , Rónai Z , Prohászka Z , Sasvári-Székely M , Böðvarsson S , Thorgeirsson G , Füst G
Published: August 2010

We have demonstrated previously that carriers of a genotype called C4B*Q0 (silent allele of the C4B gene) have a substantially increased risk to suffer from myocardial infarction or stroke, and are selected out from the healthy elderly population. Because smoking carries a major risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), it seemed worthwhile to study if these two factors interact. Study 1 involved 74 patients with angina pectoris (AP), 85 patients with recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 112 survivors of a previous AMI and 382 controls from Iceland. Study 2 involved 233 patients with severe CVD and 274 controls from Hungary. Smoking habits were registered for each subject. The number of C4A and C4B genes was determined by phenotyping or genotyping. Compared to controls, C4B*Q0 carrier frequency was significantly higher at diagnosis in Icelandic smokers with AP (P = 0·005) and AMI (P = 0·0003) and Hungarian smokers with severe coronary artery disease (P = 0·023), while no such difference was observed in non-smoking subjects. Age-associated decrease in C4B*Q0 observed previously in two remote Caucasian populations was found, in the present study, to be associated strongly with smoking, and to already occur in smokers after age 50 years both in Iceland and Hungary. Our findings indicate that the C4B*Q0 genotype can be considered as a major covariate of smoking in precipitating the risk for AMI and associated deaths.
Early apoptosis of blood monocytes is a determinant of survival in experimental sepsis by multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Antonopoulou A , Raftogiannis M , Giamarellos-Bourboulis E J , Koutoukas P , Sabracos L , Mouktaroudi M , Adamis T , Tzepi Ira , Giamarellou H , Douzinas E E
Published: August 2010

Apoptosis of blood monocytes was studied in experimental sepsis by multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thirty-six rabbits were used, divided into the following groups: A (n = 6), sham; B (n = 6), administered anaesthetics; and C (n = 24), acute pyelonephritis induced after inoculation of the test isolate in the renal pelvis. Blood was sampled at standard time intervals for estimation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and isolation of monocytes. Half the monocytes were incubated and the other half was lysed for estimation of the cytoplasmic activity of caspase-3 by a kinetic chromogenic assay. No animal in groups A and B died; those in group C were divided into two subgroups, CI (n = 8) with present activity of caspase-3 of blood monocytes at 3·5 h and CII (n = 16) with absent activity. Their median survival was 2·0 and 3·5 days, respectively (P = 0·0089). Ex vivo secretion of TNF-α from monocytes was higher by monocytes of subgroup CII than subgroup CI at 3·5 h (P = 0·039) and of group A than CII at 48 h (P = 0·010). Median change of caspase-3 activity between 3·5 and 24 h of sampling was 56·1 and −5·8 pmol/min per 104 cells for subgroups CI and CII (P = 0·040), respectively. Respective changes between 3·5 and 48 h were 28 981·0 and 0 pmol/min per 104 cells (P = 0·036). Early induction of apoptosis in blood monocytes is of prime importance for the survival of the septic host and might be connected to changes of monocyte potential for the secretion of TNF-α.
Association of −318 C/T and +49 A/G cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms with a clinical subset of Italian patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Balbi G , Ferrera F , Rizzi M , Piccioli P , Morabito A , Cardamone L , Ghio M , Palmisano G L , Carrara P , Pedemonte S , Sessarego M , De Angioletti M , Notaro R , Indiveri F , Pistillo M P
Published: August 2010

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disorder with a multi-factorial pathogenesis. Like other autoimmune disorders, the possible role of specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms in predisposing to SSc has been hypothesized, but it remains controversial. CTLA-4 promoter (−318C/T) and exon 1 (+49 A/G) polymorphisms have been analysed in 43 Italian females with SSc and in 93 unrelated matched healthy controls by a newly designed tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS–PCR) method. No significant association has been found with either polymorphisms. Nevertheless, SSc patients without concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) were carrying both the −318T allele (P = 0·031) and the +49 G allele (P = 0·076) more frequently than SSc patients with HT [defined by positivity for anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (TGA) autoantibodies] than controls. Haplotype analysis confirms this association (P = 0·028), and suggests the predominant role of the −318T, whereas that of the +49 G, if any, seems weak. Thus, in Italian SSc patients the CTLA-4 −318C/T promoter polymorphism appears to be associated with the susceptibility to develop SSc without thyroid involvement. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to clarify whether the −318C/T polymorphism is the functional responsible or whether it reflects the presence of another linked genetic element in the same chromosomal region.
Increased expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in peripheral blood leucocytes and serum levels of some cytokines in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Yang Z-X , Liang Y , Zhu Y , Li C , Zhang L-Z , Zeng X-M , Zhong R-Q
Published: August 2010

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a member of the Toll-like receptor family, which can bridge innate and adaptive immune responses. Activation of the TLR4 signalling pathway may induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-12, which was considered to play an important role in pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune-mediated disease whose aetiology remains unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of TLR4 and serum TNF-α, IL-12 and soluble tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) level in AS patients. The results indicated that TLR4 protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in AS patients than in healthy controls; however, there was no significant difference between human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-positive and -negative AS patients, as well as serum levels of TNF-α, IL-12 and sTRAIL. In addition, in HLA-B27-positive AS patients, TLR4 level showed close associations with the cytokines and laboratory parameters of disease activity [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP)], respectively. Similarly, the strong associations between the cytokines or between IL-12 and ESR or CRP were observed in HLA-B27-positive AS patients. Interestingly, in HLA-B27-positive AS patients, TNF-α correlated significantly with ESR, but did not with CRP. In contrast, sTRAIL correlated with CRP, but did not with ESR. Among HLA-B27-negative patients, no close correlation was found. In our study, it was suggested that the abnormal activation of TLR4 signalling and serum TNF-α, IL-12 and sTRAIL may play a key role in the development and progression of AS, which may be dependent on the status of HLA-B27 antigen.
CXC chemokine ligand 16 in periodontal diseases: expression in diseased tissues and production by cytokine-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Hosokawa Y , Hosokawa I , Ozaki K , Nakae H , Matsuo T
Published: August 2010

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disorder characterized by the involvement of chemokines that are important for the recruitment of leucocytes. Several cytokines are involved in regulating levels of chemokines in periodontal disease. CXCL16 is a chemokine related to the migration of T helper 1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells. In this study, we examined its expression in periodontal tissues. Moreover, we investigated the effects of cytokines on the production of CXCL16 by human gingival fibroblast (HGF). Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that CXCL16 and its receptor, CXCR6, were expressed at the mRNA and protein levels in diseased tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ] increased the mRNA expression and release of CXCL16 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of HGFs with IFN-γ in combination with IL-1β had a synergistic effect on the production of CXCL16. On the other hand, IL-4 and IL-13 inhibited the IL-1β-induced CXCL16 production by HGFs. Inhibitors of A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 and ADAM17, a recently identified protease of CXCL16, reduced the amount of CXCL16 released from HGFs. These results suggest that the CXCL16 produced by HGFs may be involved in the migration of leucocytes into inflamed tissues, and provide evidence that CXCL16 production is controlled by cytokines in periodontal disease.
Selective unresponsiveness to beta cell autoantigens after induction immunosuppression in pancreas transplantation with anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody versus anti-thymocyte globulin
Authors: van de Linde P , vd Boog P J M , Tysma O M H , Elliott J F , Roelen D L , Claas F H J , de Fijter J W , Roep B O
Published: August 2010

Pancreas transplantation in type 1 diabetes patients could result in (re)activation of allo- and autoreactive T lymphocytes. Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction treatment is a successful, but broadly reactive anti-lymphocyte therapy used in pancreas and islet transplantation. A more selective alternative is daclizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the interleukin-2 receptor (CD25) on activated lymphocytes. We tested the hypothesis that daclizumab is more selective and has less immunological side effects than ATG. Thirty-nine simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation patients with type 1 diabetes were randomized for induction therapy with ATG or daclizumab. Auto- and recall immunity was measured cross-sectionally by lymphocyte stimulation tests with a series of auto- and recall antigens in 35 successfully transplanted patients. T cell autoimmunity to islets was low in both groups, except for a marginal but significantly higher reactivity against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65 in daclizumab-treated patients. The memory responses to recall antigens were significantly higher in the daclizumab-treated group compared to ATG-treated patients, specifically against purified protein derivative (PPD) (anti-bacterial immunity), Haemophilus influenzae virus matrix protein-1 (anti-viral immunity) and p53 [anti-tumour (auto)immunity]. These data imply that daclizumab is more specifically affecting diabetes-related immune responses than ATG. The autoimmunity is affected effectively after daclizumab induction, while memory responses towards bacterial, viral and tumour antigens are preserved.
The activation state of human intrahepatic lymphocytes
Authors: Tu Z , Bozorgzadeh A , Crispe I N , Orloff M S
Published: August 2010

The immune tolerance induced by the liver as an allograft is difficult to reconcile with the evidence that the liver selectively accumulates activated T cells from the circulation. However, much of this information is based on murine liver lymphocytes that were isolated using enzymatic digestion. In the present study we made use of a novel resource, the lymphocytes isolated during the perfusion of living donor liver lobe prior to transplantation. These healthy human liver lymphocytes displayed surface markers indicating a high degree of activation of natural killer cells, CD56+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. These properties were independent of enzymatic treatment or the details of cell isolation. We conclude that the healthy human liver is a site of intense immunological activity.
Reduced number and function of peripheral dendritic cells in coeliac disease
Authors: Ciccocioppo R , Ricci G , Rovati B , Pesce I , Mazzocchi S , Piancatelli D , Cagnoni A , Millimaggi D , Danova M , Corazza G R
Published: August 2010

Dendritic cells (DC) play a pivotal role in shaping the immune response in both physiological and pathological conditions. In peripheral blood at least two subsets, the myeloid and plasmacytoid, have been described as having different T stimulatory functions and a variable degree of maturation. Certainly, antigen presentation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease and circulating immune cells are thought to reflect the state of immune response within the gut. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the quantitative and phenotypical modifications of peripheral blood DC, together with their functional properties, in this pathological condition. Blood samples from 11 untreated patients before and after a course of gluten-free diet, 27 treated patients and 14 controls underwent flow-cytometric analysis, while immunomagnetically sorted DC from the CD patients and eight human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/8+ bone marrow donors were used to evaluate maturation status through the CD83 expression, cytokine profile for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and functional properties by mixed leucocyte reaction before and after pulsing with digested gliadin. We found that in both untreated and treated patients, a significant reduction of the entire DC population, mainly the plasmacytoid subset, in comparison to healthy controls was observed. In active disease, an impaired allogenic lymphocyte reaction and a significant reduction of IFN-α production, paralleled by the presence of a more immature status, were also demonstrated. All the latter modifications have been reverted by pulsing DC with digested gliadin.
Anti-inflammatory effects of probiotic yogurt in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Lorea Baroja M , Kirjavainen P V , Hekmat S , Reid G
Published: August 2010

Our aim was to assess anti-inflammatory effects on the peripheral blood of subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who consumed probiotic yogurt for 1 month. We studied 20 healthy controls and 20 subjects with IBD, 15 of whom had Crohn's disease and five with ulcerative colitis. All the subjects consumed Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 supplemented yogurt for 30 days. The presence of putative regulatory T (Treg) cells (CD4+ CD25high) and cytokines in T cells, monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) was determined by flow cytometry from peripheral blood before and after treatment, with or without ex vivo stimulation. Serum and faecal cytokine concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The proportion of CD4+ CD25high T cells increased significantly (P = 0·007) in IBD patients, mean (95% confidence interval: CI) 0·84% (95% CI 0·55–1·12) before and 1·25% (95% CI 0·97–1·54) after treatment, but non-significantly in controls. The basal proportion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α+/interleukin (IL)-12+ monocytes and myeloid DC decreased in both subject groups, but of stimulated cells only in IBD patients. Also serum IL-12 concentrations and proportions of IL-2+ and CD69+ T cells from stimulated cells decreased in IBD patients. The increase in CD4+ CD25high T cells correlated with the decrease in the percentage of TNF-α- or IL-12-producing monocytes and DC. The effect of the probiotic yogurt was confirmed by a follow-up study in which subjects consumed the yogurt without the probiotic organisms. Probiotic yogurt intake was associated with significant anti-inflammatory effects that paralleled the expansion of peripheral pool of putative Treg cells in IBD patients and with few effects in controls.