bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunity to cartilage proteoglycans in balb/c mice with progressive polyarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis induced by injection of human cartilage proteoglycan
Authors: Mikecz Katalin , Glant Tibor T. , Poole A. Robin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIntraperitoneal injection of human fetal cartilage proteoglycan (depleted of chondroitin sulfate) in Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant induces a chronic erosive polyarthritis and spondylitis in all female BALB/c mice. This occurrence is strain‐specific but not haplotype‐specific, and it is sex‐related. The development of the arthritis is associated with the natural presence of cellular immunity to the immunizing antigen and to chondroitinase ABC–treated mouse cartilage proteoglycan. In addition, relatively more antibody to the immunizing proteoglycan is elicited in arthritic mice, and antibodies are produced that cross‐react with native mouse proteoglycan. This combination of immune responses is not observed in mice that do not develop arthritis. Associated with the arthritis is the development of cytotoxicity to mouse chondrocytes and, in some animals, of rheumatoid factor, immune deposits in joint tissues and kidneys, and the production of autoantibodies to mouse type II collagen. These observations might be related to our earlier demonstration that immunity to human cartilage proteoglycan is observed in some patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Antibodies to canine collagen types i and II in dogs with spontaneous cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis
Authors: Niebauer Gert W. , Wolf Benjamin , Bashey Reza I. , Newton Charles D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAntibodies to homologous collagens, types I and II, have been found in the sera and synovial fluids of dogs with spontaneous cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. Samples from 30 dogs with degenerative joint disease of the knee and from 15 healthy dogs were investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty‐three percent of dogs with joint disease showed significant levels of anti–type I collagen antibodies in their sera, and 56% had anti–type II reactivity. Ninety‐one percent of the dogs with joint disease exhibited antibody reactivity to type I collagen in their synovial fluid, and 88% showed reactivity to type II collagen. Correlation of these results with the clinical data indicated that the antibodies had been elicited by antigens derived from cruciate ligaments (type I collagen) and from altered joint cartilage (type II collagen). Immunologic reactivity in this form of canine osteoarthritis is a new concept, and it should be considered in our attempts to understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
Increase of dihydrofolate reductase in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with low‐dose oral methotrexate
Authors: Rodenhuis Sjoerd , Kremer Joel M. , Bertino Joseph R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBecause of a previously observed plateau of clinical response after long‐term methotrexate (MTX) therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated whether such treatment might lead to acquired resistance to the drug. We studied the activity of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (the target enzyme of MTX) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 11 RA patients who had been treated with MTX for a median of 43 months. The enzyme levels were markedly increased compared with levels found in the cells of 6 RA patients treated with other slow‐acting drugs. Quantitative dot‐blot analysis of DNA from 7 of these patients showed no evidence of DHFR gene amplification. No correlation was observed between increased levels of DHFR and either response to therapy or to the weekly MTX dosage. Phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes from 6 patients with increased levels of DHFR showed no evidence of MTX resistance in vitro. The increased DHFR levels may result from binding of MTX to the enzyme, which may block the normal degradation pathways; they do not appear to be a marker of impending drug resistance.
Identification of class ii HLA alloantibodies in placenta‐eluted gamma globulins used for treating rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Moynier Marinette , Cosso Beatrice , Brochier J. , Clot J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlacenta‐eluted gamma globulins (PEGG) have been recently and successfully used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. PEGG, eluted at acid pH from large pools of human placentas, contained 99% IgG material. Sephacryl S300 gel filtration revealed a main fraction (76%) of native IgG accompanied by 10% aggregates and 14% digested fragments (as identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis with specific antisera). Previous in vitro data had suggested that alloantibodies to class II HLA antigens were present in this preparation. This study confirms that PEGG and F(ab')2 fragments were able to inhibit stimulating cells in mixed lymphocyte reactions. Additional findings showed that: (a) IgG from PEGG were cytotoxic for the non—T cell population; (b) IgG or F(ab')2 from PEGG bound only to class II HLA—bearing cells; (c) F(ab')2 from PEGG were able to block the complement‐mediated cytotoxicity of anti—HLA—DR and anti‐DQw1 alloantibodies. These data confirm the presence of class II HLA alloantibodies in PEGG. These antibodies may account for the clinical improvement reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Our findings are similar to recent data showing that the injection of anti‐Ia antibodies in experimental animal models decreases the autoimmune process.
Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sturfelt Gunnar , Nived Ola , Norberg Renée , Thorstensson Rigmor , Krook Katarina 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied a group of 59 unselected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); these patients were from a defined population who lived in southern Sweden. We found that serum concentrations of anticardiolipin antibodies were increased in 32 SLE patients (54.2%). No significant correlation between increased amounts of anticardiolipin antibodies and clinical symptoms, such as thrombocytopenia or thrombosis, was found. Serial serum samples from 28 patients (12 patients were from the epidemiologic cohort) were analyzed. Sixteen of these 28 patients (57.1%) had increased levels of anticardiolipin antibodies; in most cases, there was no variation in these values with regard to clinical disease flares or treatment. Increased concentrations of anticardiolipin were observed in 4 patients with cerebral infarction. However, very high concentrations of anticardiolipin antibodies were observed in several patients with inactive SLE who had no history of thrombosis or thrombocytopenia. Our results underscore the importance of studying unselected patient groups when correlating laboratory data with clinical manifestations of disease.
Receptor‐mediated binding of leukocyte elastase by chondrocytes
Authors: Bartholomew Jennifer S. , Lowther Denis A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractStudies on the effect of leukocyte elastase on the metabolism of chondrocytes in culture have demonstrated that these cells possess a specific cell surface receptor for leukocyte‐derived elastase. Purified elastase from rabbit and human leukocytes is capable of modulating the metabolism of the cell by causing a marked decrease in both proteoglycan and protein biosynthesis. Addition of 125I‐labeled elastase to chondrocytes maintained in suspension culture has shown that binding occurs, and that it is saturable and is inhibited by the addition of unlabeled enzyme. We ascertained that the active site of the enzyme was necessary for binding to the chondrocyte, since phenylmethylsulfonyl fluorideinactivated leukocyte elastase failed to bind. Pancreatic elastase had only a slight affinity for the receptor, whereas trypsin and bovine serum albumin failed to bind to any significant extent. Autoradiographic studies and the use of inhibitors of endocytosis, such as dansyl cadaverine, confirmed that endocytosis of elastase was the secondary event after cell binding.
Failure of tetracycline therapy in early lyme disease
Authors: Dattwyler Raymond J. , Halperin John J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe describe the clinical courses of 5 patients with Lyme disease who developed significant late complications, despite receiving tetracycline early in the course of their illness. All 5 patients had been treated for erythema chronicum migrans with a course of tetracycline that met or exceeded current recommendations. The late manifestations of Lyme disease included arthritis, cranial nerve palsy, peripheral neuropathy, chronic fatigue, and changes in mental function. Our findings suggest that the use of tetracycline at a dosage of 250 mg, 4 times a day for 10 days, as a treatment for early Lyme disease should be reconsidered. To determine optimal therapy for early Lyme disease, a study that compares an increased dosage of tetracycline with alternative treatments is indicated.
Takayasu's arteritis associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Hellmann David B. , Hardy Kenneth , Lindenfeld Stan , Ring Ernest 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe describe the initial course and followup of a 16‐year‐old white female patient who presented in 1983 with aortitis and rapidly progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis. Segmental occlusions of the distal aorta and both common iliac arteries were demonstrated on aortography. Initially, her renal function and arterial occlusions markedly improved with pulse prednisolone therapy, but 34 months later, the glomerulonephritis and aortitis worsened. This case report, the first of its kind, documents both the association of Takayasu's arteritis with crescentic glomerulonephritis and a marked, though incomplete, response to pulse therapy.
Histopathologic evaluation of the effects of etodolac in established adjuvant arthritis in rats: evidence for reversal of joint damage
Authors: Weichman Barry M. , Chau Thuy T. , Rona George 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHistopathologic evaluation of hindpaws from control rats with established adjuvant arthritis showed severe alterations in soft tissue and bone, as well as progressive, moderate‐to‐severe articular changes. Following treatment with etodolac for 28 days, soft tissue and articular changes were rated mild, and bone changes were rated moderate, but with remodeling. These findings indicate that etodolac partially reversed the joint damage in these rats.
Immunologic studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate
Authors: Olsen Nancy J. , Callahan Leigh F. , Pincus Theodore 
Published: February 2007

AbstractImmunologic functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (MTX). Spontaneous IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM‐RF) synthesis by unstimulated cultured blood mononuclear cells was seen in only 3 of 18 MTX‐treated patients, compared with 31 of 54 RA patients who were not receiving long‐acting drugs. Total IgM production by unstimulated cultured mononuclear cells, pokeweed mitogen‐induced antibody synthesis, and plasma levels of IgM‐RF were also lower in MTX‐treated patients than in other RA patients. The numbers of circulating B cells, T4 and T8 cells, the T4:T8 cell ratio, and mitogen‐induced proliferation indices were similar in MTX‐treated and non‐MTX‐treated patients. Eleven additional patients were studied prospectively after initiation of MTX therapy. All showed significant decreases in spontaneous IgM‐RF synthesis, with declining IgM‐RF:IgM ratios, including all of the 9 who were studied during the first 24 hours of treatment. The results indicate that MTX has rapid effects on IgM‐RF synthesis, and this action might be associated with its therapeutic efficacy in RA.
Microheterogeneity of alpha1‐acid glycoprotein in the detection of intercurrent infection in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mackiewicz Andrzej , Marcinkowska‐Pieta Renata , Ballou Stanley , Mackiewicz Stefan , Kushner Irving 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe evaluated the clinical usefulness of determinations of α1‐acid glycoprotein microheterogeneity patterns in distinguishing patients who have active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from those who have SLE with intercurrent infection. We used agarose affinity electrophoresis with concanavalin A (Con A) as a ligand. Results were expressed as reactivity coefficients (RC), which are the ratios of variants reactive with Con A to the variants not reactive with Con A. No significant differences were found between the mean RC (±SD) in healthy individuals (1.35 ± 0.26) and that in patients with various degrees of SLE activity. In contrast, a significantly higher mean RC was found in sera from patients with intercurrent infection (2.70 ± 0.76) compared with each of the other groups studied (P < 0.001). An RC > 2.25 was found in none of 42 sera from patients without infection and in 15 of 18 sera from patients with infection (sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%). C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also significantly higher in SLE patients with intercurrent infection than in patients with very active disease (P < 0.05). Levels of CRP >60 mg/liter were found in 3 of 42 SLE patients without infection and in 8 of 18 patients with infection (sensitivity 39%, specificity 93%). The results show that in SLE patients, the finding of a relative increase in Con A—bound serum α1‐acid glycoprotein is a more sensitive indicator of intercurrent infection than is the finding of increased levels of CRP.
Proteoglycan‐degrading acid metalloprotease activity in human osteoarthritic cartilage, and the effect of intraarticular steroid injections
Authors: Pelletier J. P. , Martel‐Pelletier J. , Cloutier J. M. , Woessner J. F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCartilage samples from both the immediate and remote lesion areas were obtained from the tibial plateaus of 21 patients with osteoarthritis, and were subjected to histologic and enzymatic study. There was a frequent loss of pericellular metachromatic staining in the OA cartilage. Seven patients had received intraarticular injections of steroids, and in 21% of those cartilage samples, a pericellular halo was seen. This halo was seen in 71% of patients who had not received steroid injections. The total acid metalloprotease activity was increased more than twofold in specimens from OA lesions and in those samples graded moderate, as compared with age‐matched control cartilages. These differences were greater when the specimens from patients who had received steroid therapy were excluded from the data. The cartilage specimens from steroid‐treated patients were not significantly different from those of controls with respect to the enzyme activity in the lesions or in cartilage with moderate disease. The active form of the protease was suppressed by steroids. In samples from patients who did not receive steroid injections and who had a moderate grade of OA, a significantly elevated level of the active protease was present, as compared with control samples. Those samples graded moderate which came from patients who received steroid treatments showed no difference in the active protease level versus that of controls. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that acid metalloprotease activity is involved in the degradation of the cartilage matrix in OA. Since the protease retains a significant fraction (40%) of its activity at neutral pH, its physiologic role might occur either at acid pH or at neutral pH. The halo surrounding the chondrocytes (the result of a local loss of proteoglycan) might be related to the action of this enzyme. Preliminary evidence has suggested that steroids reduce cartilage enzyme activity.
Ultraviolet‐a light prolongs survival and improves immune function in (new zealand black × new zealand white)F1 hybrid mice
Authors: Jr Hugh Mcgrath, , Bak Elizabeth , Michalski Joseph P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlthough ultraviolet (UV) light is generally harmful to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, most clinical and immunologic studies of UV exposure have evaluated the effects of UV‐B (280–320 nm). The long‐wavelength UV‐A band (320–400 nm), however, is less toxic than UV‐B and has different immunologic actions. Therefore, we studied the effect of UV‐A irradiation on survival and immunologic function in the (New Zealand black x New Zealand white)F1 hybrid mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Twenty‐one (New Zealand black x New Zealand white)F1 mice were treated with 3.5 joules/cm2/day of UV‐A light for 5 days each week, beginning at age 10 weeks. A control group consisted of 20 untreated animals. All UV‐A‐irradiated mice survived to 32 weeks, compared with 12 of 20 mice in the nonirradiated group (P = 0.0013). Splenomegaly was significantly decreased in the irradiated mice (P = < 0.03). Mice that received UV‐A treatment combined with depilcation had significantly improved lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide and significantly decreased levels of anti‐DNA antibodies compared with mice that received neither treatment. Reductions in spleen size and anti‐DNA antibody titer were significantly correlated with improved parameters of lymphocyte function. These results suggest that a relatively small dose of UV‐A exerts significant therapeutic action in murine lupus, perhaps through an effect on immunologic regulation.
Antinuclear antibody, lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin antibody in women with idiopathic habitual abortion. A controlled, prospective study of forty‐four women
Authors: Petri Michelle , Golbus Mitchell , Anderson Robert , Whiting‐O'Keefe Quinn , Corash Laurence , Hellmann David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a controlled, prospective study of 44 consecutive women with idiopathic habitual abortion, only 5% had symptoms of rheumatic disease. Patients did not differ from control subjects in the frequency of positive results on tests for antinuclear antibody or anti‐double‐stranded DNA. Levels of C3 and C4 were higher in the habitual aborters. No patients had anti‐Ro. The antiphospholipid antibody results were analyzed using 2 methods: the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies was 9% by lupus anticoagulant using the Russell viper venom time (95% confidence interval 22–2.5) and 11% by anticardiolipin antibody assay (95% confidence interval 25–3.7), which was not significantly different from that in control subjects. However, the mean levels in the aborters (although within the normal range) were significantly higher than those in control subjects for anti‐double‐stranded DNA (P = 0.004), lupus anticoagulant (by Russell viper venom time; P = 0.05), and anticardiolipin antibody (P = 0.0007), when examined by multiple linear regression analysis corrected for age and concurrent pregnancy. Of the 3 patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and subsequent successful pregnancies, only 1 was treated with prednisone and aspirin. We conclude that, in the majority of women, subclinical lupus, anti‐Ro, the lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin antibodies are not associated with idiopathic habitual abortion.
Variation in synovial fluid analysis by hospital laboratories
Authors: Hasselbacher Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA survey of 42 hospitals revealed that the frequency of synovial fluid analysis was low (mean 3.9 per month). The mean was skewed upward by a higher frequency in 3 teaching hospitals, such that the overall median was 1.5 per month, with 15 hospitals studying 1 or less per month. There did not appear to be any consensus regarding what constitutes a routine synovial fluid analysis. Technical errors occurred, including dilution with acetic acid for cell counts and inappropriate use of automated cell counters. Twenty‐six laboratories studied 4 “unknown” fluids for crystals. In 50 opportunities to detect each crystal type, calcium pyrophosphate was detected only 6 times, and sodium urate was detected 39 times. The white blood cell count reported for a single fluid ranged from 2, 467–12,000/mm3 (mean ± SD 6,683 ± 1,992). The proportion of neutrophils identified varied from 0–30% (mean ± SD 13.8 ± 8.6). The majority of respondents believed that training and reference materials related to synovial fluid analysis should be improved.
Monoclonal murine anti‐dna antibody interacts with living mononuclear cells
Authors: Okudaira Kunio , Yoshizawa Hisayoshi , Williams Ralph C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA monoclonal mouse antibody, 4‐B‐5, that reacted with both single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double‐stranded DNA showed direct reactivity and cell association with mouse thymocytes, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Absorption of 4‐B‐5 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells or with mouse thymocytes markedly reduced reactivity with both ssDNA and double‐stranded DNA. However, treatment of mouse thymocytes or human T cells with DNase completely eliminated monoclonal anti‐DNA reactivity with cells. The cellular reactivity was completely restored when monoclonal anti‐DNA was incubated with DNase‐treated cells in the presence of normal human serum. Normal human serum was found to contain 574 ± 639 ng/ml of ssDNA. Coincubation or cell preincubation of mouse thymocytes with ssDNA produced a marked increase in 4‐B‐5 cell association. These findings indicate that mouse monoclonal anti‐DNA can react with and can penetrate both mouse and human mononuclear cells, and that this reactivity may depend on the presence of cell membrane DNA on both types of target cells.
Experimental arthritis induced by polysaccharide macromolecules
Authors: Aaron Roy K. , Sledge Clement B. , Shortkroff Sonya 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSeveral polysaccharide macromolecules are capable of inducing synovial inflammation. Characteristics of polysaccharides that have this capacity were studied in an in vivo rabbit model. The ability to induce synovial inflammation was positively correlated with the presence of sulfate and with high molecular weight. Understanding the characteristics of molecules that produce inflammation may help in the investigation to determine what mechanisms initiate the inflammatory response.
Macrophage migration and maturation within rheumatoid nodules
Authors: Palmer David G. , Hogg Nancy , Highton John , Hessian Paul A. , Denholm Ian 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn long‐established rheumatoid nodules, monocytes continue to be recruited and to migrate from the outer vascular zone toward the palisade and central necrotic area. Maturation of these cells is shown to take place during tissue migration. We found that the great majority of palisade cells express exclusive mononuclear phagocyte phenotypes. Among this mononuclear phagocyte population are many cells that bear the receptor for iC3b (CR3), but few that bear the receptor for C3b (CR1). HLA–D region molecule expression is intense and widespread.