Detection of Anti-Topoisomerase I Autoantibody in Patients with Silicosis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect anti-topoisomerase l (anti-topo I) autoantibodies, which are known to be limited in systemic sclerosis patients, in silicosis patients with no clinical symptoms of autoimmune disease. Methods: Serum anti-topo I autoantibodies were detected using ELISA. Differences in clinical parameters between patients with and without anti-topo I autoantibodies were analyzed. Results: Seven of 69 patients had anti-topo I autoantibodies. These 7 patients showed elevated PaCO2 values (P=0.0212), and inverse correlations between serum soluble Fas levels and PaCO2 values were found. Conclusion: Anti-topo I autoantibodies were detected in 10.1% of silicosis patients without any clinical symptoms of autoimmune disease. The findings here suggest that the genesis of anti-topo l autoantibodies might be related to pulmonary involvement or lung fibrosis associated with progression of silicosis.

Perturbation of secretory Ig A in saliva and its daily variation by academic stress

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Several studies have reported that the secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) concentration in saliva is an indicator of psychological stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between S-IgA and the stress from academic examinations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>S-IgA levels in 10 medical student volunteers from the second year course between May 4 and July 13, 2000 were examined using the ELISA method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a tendency for S-IgA in saliva to be higher on the day before academic examinations and during them, and lower on the days between these examinations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It may be possible to use this measurement to monitor psychological stress in students and workers.</p>

Detection of anti-topoisomerase I autoantibody in patients with silicosis

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The aim of this study was to detect anti-topoisomerase I (anti-topo I) autoantibodies, which are known to be limited in systemic sclerosis patients, in silicosis patients with no clinical symptoms of autoimmune disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum anti-topo I autoantibodies were detected using ELISA. Differences in clinical parameters between patients with and without anti-topo I autoantibodies were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven of 69 patients had anti-topo I autoantibodies. These 7 patients showed elevated PaCO(2) values (P=0.0212), and inverse correlations between serum soluble Fas levels and PaCO(2) values were found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anti-topo I autoantibodies were detected in 10.1% of silicosis patients without any clinical symptoms of autoimmune disease. The findings here suggest that the genesis of anti-topo I autoantibodies might be related to pulmonary involvement or lung fibrosis associated with progression of silicosis.</p>

Perturbation of Secretory Ig A in Saliva and Its Daily Variation by Academic Stress

Objectives: Several studies have reported that the secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) concentration in saliva is an indicator of psychological stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between S-IgA and the stress from academic examinations. Methods: S-IgA levels in 10 medical student volunteers from the second year course between May 4 and July 13, 2000 were examined using the ELISA method. Results: There was a tendency for S-IgA in saliva to be higher on the day before academic examinations and during them, and lower on the days between these examinations. Conclusions: It may be possible to use this measurement to monitor psychological stress in students and workers.