bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex hormone status of male patients with rheumatoid arthritis: evidence of low serum concentrations of testosterone at baseline and after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation
Authors: Cutolo Maurizio , Balleari Enrico , Giusti Massimo , Monachesi Mario , Accardo Silvano 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSerum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17 beta‐estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and cortisol were examined in 14 men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in age‐matched osteoarthritis controls. Hypophyseal, adrenal, and testicular responses to stimulation with luteinizing hormone‐‐releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropin, and human chorionic gonadotropin, respectively, were evaluated in 8 RA patients and in 8 age‐matched healthy volunteers. Basal serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in male RA patients than in the osteoarthritis control subjects (P < 0.01). After human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, serum concentrations of testosterone were also lower in the RA patients than in normal healthy controls (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that diminished testicular steroid biosynthesis might contribute to the serum testosterone deficiency observed in male RA patients.
Auto antibodies to intracellular proteins in human systemic lupus erythematosus are not due to random polyclonal b cell activation
Authors: Gharavi Azzudin E. , Chu Jia‐Li , Elkon Keith B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAntibody binding to total protein extracted from a mammalian source (HeLa cells) and from a prokaryotic source (Escherichia coli) was compared in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sera from normal subjects. When the average numbers of peptides or proteins recognized by IgG antibodies were compared on immunoblots, SLE sera bound to a significantly greater number of proteins from the HeLa cell extract than did sera from normal individuals (P < 0.001). In contrast, SLE sera actually bound to fewer E coli proteins than did the sera obtained from normal controls, although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no correlation between the number of E coli proteins and HeLa proteins recognized by individual SLE sera, and there was no trend toward reactivity with a larger number of antigens in sera containing higher levels of IgG. IgG from SLE sera did not bind to 6 purified eukaryotic protein standards (selected solely on the basis of differences in size and charge) either in their denatured state or in their native state. These findings indicate that the high levels of IgG antibodies against selected eukaryotic intracellular proteins in patients with SLE cannot be explained by a random polyclonal B cell activation.
A 16/6 idiotype—positive anti‐DNA antibody is encoded by a conserved VH gene with no somatic mutation
Authors: Chen Pojen P. , Liu Ming‐Fei , Sinha Suman , Carson Dennis A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRecently, the heavy chain of 16/6 idiotype—positive human anti‐DNA antibodies was found to be similar, but not identical, to the VH26 gene. We resequenced the VH26 gene and found that its coding sequence is actually identical to the complementary DNA sequence of the anti‐DNA antibodies previously described. Together with the previous data, our findings demonstrate that some human autoantibodies are encoded directly by immunoglobulin V region genes, and that these V region genes are remarkably conserved in populations.
Stimulation of interleukin‐1α and interleukin‐1β release from human monocytes by cyanogen bromide peptides of type ii collagen
Authors: Goto Makoto , Yoshinoya Sadayoshi , Miyamoto Terumasa , Sasano Minoru , Okamotoy Masahiro , Nishioka Kusuki , Terato Kuniaki , Nagai Yutaka 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPyrogen‐free cartilage fragments from patients with fracture, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis were found to stimulate the production of interleukin‐1α—like and interleukin‐1β—like factor by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and rheumatoid arthritis patients. The stimulatory cartilaginous component was type II collagen, and the major stimulatory determinant on type II collagen was found to be cyanogen bromide 11 peptide. These results suggest a possible pathogenic role of the intact cartilaginous component in interleukin‐1—mediated joint destruction.
The effects of scleroderma serum on human microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Marks Rory M. , Czerniecki Maria , Andrews Brian S. , Penny Ronald 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo investigate the vascular immunopathology of systemic sclerosis, we developed a model consisting of human microvascular endothelial cells, leukocytes, and serum. Sera from 19% of the patients studied mediated antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity against endothelial cells. Some sera also mediated cytotoxicity against aortic endothelium and fibroblasts. K lymphocytes, the cells that mediate antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity, were identified in the skin of some patients. The sera alone were not cytotoxic or growth inhibitory, and did not affect endothelial prostacyclin production.
A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis
Authors: Bennett Robert M. , Gatter Robert A. , Campbell Stephen M. , Andrews Ronald P. , Clark Sharon R. , Scarola Joseph A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe efficacy of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), as compared with placebo, was tested in a 12‐week, double‐blind, controlled trial of 120 patients with fibrositis. Of the patients who received placebo, 52% dropped out due to lack of efficacy of the drug, compared with 16% of patients taking cyclobenzaprine. The dropout rate due to adverse reactions was similar in the 2 groups. Patients taking cyclobenzaprine experienced a significant decrease in the severity of pain and a significant increase in the quality of sleep. There was a trend toward improvement in the symptoms of fatigue, but morning stiffness was not alleviated. These improvements in symptoms were associated with a significant reduction in the total number of tender points and in muscle tightness. Our findings indicate that cyclobenzaprine is a useful adjunct in treating patients with the fibrositis syndrome.
Hla—dr antigens and anticardiolipin antibodies in northern italian systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Savi M. , Ferraccioli G. F. , Neri T. M. , Zanelli P. , Dall'Aglio P. P. , Tincani A. , Balestrieri G. , Carella G. , Cattaneo R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEighty systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients attending 3 clinical centers were evaluated immunologically and immunogenetically. No HLA class I1 antigens were found to be significantly associated with SLE in these patients. A highly significant (P = 6.17 × 1o−7) association was observed between anticardiolipin antibodies and DR7. A lesser association (P < 0.025) was also observed between DR2 and/or DR3 and anti—Ro (SS‐A) antibodies. No relationship was found between any DR antigen and anti‐Sm/RNP, antidouble‐stranded DNA, or anti—La (SS‐B) antibodies.
The effect of folic acid supplementation on the toxicity of low‐dose methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Morgan Sarah L. , Baggott Joseph E. , Vaughn William H. , Young Peggy K. , Austin Janet V. , Krumdieck Carlos L. , Alarcon Graciela S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThirty‐two patients with rheumatoid arthritis completed a 24‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial of folic acid (FA) supplementation during low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Administration of the daily FA supplement significantly lowered toxicity scores without affecting efficacy, as measured by joint counts, joint indices, and patient and physician evaluation of disease activity. Fifteen patients experienced some sort of toxicity; 67% were in the placebo group, and 33% were in the FA supplement group. Four patients in the placebo group had toxicity levels serious enough to require discontinuation of the MTX, while no patients in the FA supplement group discontinued MTX because of toxicity. Low‐normal initial plasma and red blood cell folate levels were predictive of future toxicity with MTX therapy. We conclude that a daily supplement of 1 mg of FA during low‐dose MTX therapy (median dose 7.5 mg/week [16.4 μmoles]) is useful in lessening toxicity without altering efficacy during the first 6 months of treatment.
Subclinical renal dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Boers Maarten , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Camps Jan A. J. , Chang Peter C. , Brummelen Peter Van , Pauwels Ernest K. J. , Cats Arnold 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied renal function in 35 patients with chronic, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), of whom 7 had vasculitis, 10 had hypergammaglobulinemia, and 18 had neither of these 2 conditions. Findings included a decreased glomerular filtration rate in 8 patients, (micro)proteinuria in 11, a defective urine concentration in 10, and increased urinary tubular enzyme levels in 15. These results indicate that subclinical renal dysfunction is common in patients with chronic, seropositive RA. In addition, vasculitis and hypergammaglobulinemia were not identified as risk factors for renal dysfunction in the RA patients studied.
Ligand‐dependent release of active neutrophil collagenase
Authors: Chatham W. Winn , Heck Louis W. , Blackburn Warren D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe amount of active neutrophil (PMN) collagenase released extracellularly is dependent on the PMN‐activating ligand. Neutrophils stimulated with soluble ligands, including FMLP, platelet‐activating factor, or heat‐aggregated IgG, released very little active collagenase, in contrast to cells stimulated with opsonized zymosan or surface‐bound IgG. However, opsonized zymosan and surface‐bound IgG did not differ appreciably from soluble ligands in effecting PMN production of superoxide, release of the specific granule component lactoferrin, or total (latent plus active) collagenase release, which suggests that there is more efficient collagenase activation during PMN stimulation with surface‐bound ligands. These results suggest a role for surface (cartilage)‐bound IgG in the release and activation of human neutrophil collagenase in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Regression of bone and cartilage loss in adjuvant arthritic rats after treatment with cyclosporin a
Authors: Del Pozo E. , Graeber M. , Elford P. , Payne T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo test the effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) on arthritis‐related bone resorption, we studied 30 female rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA). The animals were randomly assigned to 5 groups of 6 animals each; they received daily oral doses of 3, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg CsA or placebo for 10 days. The parameters studied were (a) caliper measurements of hindpaw swelling, (b) radiometric densitometry of caudal vertebrae, (c) quantitative histomorphometry of radiographed vertebrae, and (d) glycosaminoglycan measurements in femoral condyles. A significant dose‐dependent regression of articular swelling occurred in rats given 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg CsA, and this was concomitant with improvement in bone density. These results correlated with those of quantitative bone morphometry. Thus, trabecular volume was significantly reduced in AIA rats, but restoration to virtually normal values occurred with CsA doses between 5 and 15 mg/kg. The protective effect of CsA on articular damage was supported by the dose‐dependent progressive improvement in total femoral condyle glycosaminoglycan content. The favorable effect of CsA on AIA is likely due to a blockade of T cell activation via an inhibition of production of lymphokines such as interleukin‐2 and γ‐interferon. The consequent cessation of the immune reaction would lead to a reduction in the release of cytokines, such as interleukin‐1, that are likely to be the mediators of the pathologic bone and cartilage breakdown that is characteristic of arthritic disease.
Dissociation of immune responses to the ss‐a (ro) 52‐kd and 60‐kd polypeptides in systemic lupus erythematosus and sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ben‐Chetrit Eldad , Fox Robert I. , Tan Eng M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe cellular RNA particle SS‐A (Ro) is a target of autoimmune response in many patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent immunologic, biochemical, and DNA cloning studies have shown that the SS‐A particle consists of at least 2 polypeptide components, of 52 kd and 60 kd. Immunodiffusion analysis of 60 sera from patients with primary SS revealed 47 (78%) to be SS‐A precipitin positive. Western blotting studies of the sera showed 3 groups of reactivities: 22 (47%) possessed autoantibodies against both the 60‐kd and the 52‐kd polypeptides, 19 (40%) reacted only with the 52‐kd protein, and 6 (13%) were nonreactive in Western blots although positive in immunodiffusion. Fifty‐one of 90 SLE sera (57%) were SS‐A precipitin positive by immunodiffusion. In Western blots, 24 (47%) possessed antibodies against both the 60‐kd and the 52‐kd antigens, while 9 (18%) reacted only with the 60‐kd protein. Eighteen (35%) were nonreactive by Western blot, although positive by immunodiffusion. Antibody to the 52‐kd antigen without concomitant antibody to the 60‐kd antigen was seen only in patients with primary SS, whereas antibody to the 60‐kd antigen without concomitant antibody to the 52‐kd antigen was seen only in SLE patients. Although antibodies to SS‐A are detected in both SS and SLE, our findings show that there is dissociation of immune responses to the 2 component antigens of the particle, which may be evidence of different events initiating the autoimmune process in these diseases.
Lupus‐inducing drugs alter the structure of supercoiled circular dna domains
Authors: Zacharias Wolfgang , Koopman William J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe analyzed the effects of procainamide (PROC), hydralazine (HYD), N‐acetylprocainamide (NAPA), and L‐canavanine (CAN) on circular supercoiled plasmids as models for chromosomal loop domains. The supercoil‐dependent B‐Z equilibrium in recombinant plasmids was used as an indicator of structural changes induced in circular DNA. Twodimensional gel electrophoresis showed that PROC and HYD strongly inhibited supercoil‐induced Z‐DNA formation, whereas NAPA caused less pronounced changes in the B‐Z equilibrium, and CAN had no effect. Gel retardation assays showed that the binding of a Z‐DNA‐specific autoimmune antibody to a Z‐DNA‐containing plasmid was strongly perturbed by HYD, but not influenced by CAN. Both PROC and NAPA showed moderate inhibition of antibody binding. Our results demonstrate the different potentials of these 4 drugs to interact with DNA and to alter the tertiary topology of DNA domains. It is conceivable that the in vivo capacity of PROC and HYD to induce antinuclear antibodies may be related to their ability to influence structural features in chromosomal DNA domains or nucleosomes, thus liberating antigenic structural epitopes in DNA and/or DNA‐associated proteins.
Associations between clinical status questionnaire scores and formal education level in persons with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Callahan Leigh F. , Pincus Theodore 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a study of 124 systemic lupus erythematosus patients, clinical status, according to 5 questionnaire scales, was poorer in patients with ⩽11 years versus those with ⩾12 years of formal education. These results were statistically significant when adjusted for age, race, sex, and disease duration, though results on some scales were not significant when adjusted for multiple comparisons. These findings further support observations that formal education level is associated with clinical status in rheumatic and other chronic diseases.
Rapidly progressive charcot arthropathy following minor joint trauma in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Slowman‐Kovacs Sally D. , Braunstein Ethan M. , Brandt Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNeuropathic (Charcot) arthropathy is a slowly progressive, chronic, destructive form of joint degeneration seen in patients with a neurosensory deficit. Attempts to produce neuropathic joint disease experimentally with a variety of deafferentation procedures have generally been unsuccessful. However, if the knee is rendered unstable by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), breakdown of the joint occurs rapidly in dogs that have previously undergone dorsal root ganglionectomy (DRG) for deafferentation of the ipsilateral limb. In contrast, ACLT in neurologically intact dogs produces only nonprogressive changes that are characteristic of mild osteoarthritis. This report describes 3 patients with longstanding insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus in whom neuropathic arthropathy developed within weeks after minor trauma to the foot or ankle. In these patients, diabetic neuropathy served as the functional equivalent of dorsal root ganglionectomy, and the minor trauma served as the functional equivalent of ACLT. Together, they illustrate the phenomenon of neurogenic acceleration of joint degeneration in humans.
T Cell Receptor Expression And Activation Of Synovial Lymphocyte Subsets In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Réme Thierry , Portier Marielle , Frayssinoux Florence , Combe Bernard , Miossec Pierre , Favier François , Sany Jacques 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo‐color flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood and synovial lymphocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients was performed using monoclonal antibodies directed against T cell subsets, T cell activation markers, and T cell receptors. The results showed an abnormally high percentage (>15%) of CD3+, CD4−, and CD8− T cells expressing a specific receptor containing a γ chain. Phenotypic analysis of lymphocytes infiltrating both knee joints of individual rheumatoid arthritis patients revealed very similar subset distribution and activation levels, despite strong differences in the clinical status between the 2 sites.
Estrogen use and radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee in women
Authors: Hannan Marian T. , Felson David T. , Anderson Jennifer J. , Naimark Allan , Kannel William B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFemale participants of the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study (n = 831, mean age 73, age range 63–93) were evaluated for osteoarthritis with weight‐bearing radiographs of the knee during 1983–1985. At each biennial examination (1963–1981), the women were asked about their use of estrogen during the previous 2 years. We categorized estrogen use as no use reported, use reported at 1 examination, or use reported at 2 or more examinations. We found no positive association of estrogen use with radiographic knee osteoarthritis after controlling for age, body mass index, age at menopause, physical activity, history of knee injury, and smoking. In fact, a modest but nonsignificant protective effect for both radiographic osteoarthritis (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.42, 1.20) and severe radiographic osteoarthritis (odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.33, 1.32) was seen in women who reported estrogen use at 2 or more examinations. Subgroup analyses also showed no association between estrogen use and radio‐graphic knee osteoarthritis. We conclude that estrogen use in women is not associated with an increased risk of radiographic knee osteoarthritis.
Serum activity that confers acid lability to α‐interferon in systemic lupus erythematosus: its association with disease activity and its independence from circulating α‐interferon
Authors: Yee Arthur M. F. , Yip Yum K. , Fischer Harry D. , Buyon Jill P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe conducted a longitudinal evaluation of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who constitutively exhibited elevated levels of circulating α‐interferon (α‐IFN). This study demonstrated that the serum levels of an activity that renders the endogenous α‐IFN acid labile are positively correlated with disease activity. This IFN acid lability‐inducing activity can also be found in the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients who have active disease but who do not have circulating α‐IFN.
Elevated levels of interleukin‐6 in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and central nervous system invol vement
Authors: Hirohata Shunsei , Miyamoto Terumasa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPaired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 14 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement were studied for interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) activity using the IL‐6‐dependent murine hybridoma, MH60.BSF2. We also studied 23 patients with noninflammatory neurologic diseases, and 9 SLE patients without CNS involvement. CSF IL‐6 activity was elevated only in SLE patients with CNS involvement, although there was no significant difference in serum IL‐6 activity among the 3 groups. CSF IL‐6 activity was not correlated with either the CSF‐serum albumin quotient (Q albumin; an indicator of blood‐brain barrier function) or serum IL‐6 activity in SLE patients with CNS involvement. The CSF IL‐6 activity decreased significantly when CNS manifestations subsided after successful treatment. These results indicate that determination of CSF IL‐6 activity may be useful in the evaluation of CNS disease activity in SLE. Moreover, the data confirm the presence of immune system activation within the CNS in patients with SLE‐associated CNS disease.
Homologous type ii collagen—induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Larsson Per , Kleinau Sandra , Holmdahl Rikard , Klareskog Lars 
Published: February 2007

AbstractArthritis was induced in Lewis and DA rat strains after immunization with native homologous type II collagen (CII). Differences were noted in the clinical signs of arthritis in the 2 rat strains, which were immunized with the same arthritogenic preparation of CII. DA rats showed disease onset characterized by symmetric involvement of the interphalangeal joints of the hind feet. Lewis rats showed disease onset characterized by involvement of only the ankle or knee joints. Moreover, the arthritis tended to be chronic (i.e., persistent and variable redness and swelling seen in interphalangeal joints) in DA rats, but not in Lewis rats. Analysis of the delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to CII and anti‐CII autoantibody production demonstrated the presence of T cell, as well as B cell, reactivity to rat CII in both strains of rat. A spontaneous T cell reactivity to CII, as measured by rat CII‐induced ear swelling, was observed in nonimmunized DA rats, but not in nonimmunized Lewis rats. The demonstration that clinical features of arthritis induced with identical arthritogenic stimuli are different depending on the genetic background of the affected animal may be relevant in understanding the heterogeneity of the clinical features of human inflammatory joint disease.
The igg, igm, and iga isotypes of anti‐topoisomerase i and anticentromere autoantibodies
Authors: Hildebrandt Sabine , Weiner Ethan , Senécal Jean‐Luc , Noell Steve , Daniels Leslie , Earnshaw William C. , Rothfield Naomi F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied the expression of IgG, IgM, and IgA autoantibodies in the anti‐topoisomerase I and anticentromere immune responses by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. While IgG autoantibodies were most common, IgA autoantibodies were also frequently found, but IgM autoantibodies were rare. This is the first report of IgA autoantibodies in scleroderma.