Drug-induced Liver Injury Caused by Ipragliflozin Administration with Causality Established by a Positive Lymphocyte Transformation Test (LTT) and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM): A Case Report

ABSTRACT A 75-year old male patient had been regularly visiting our hospital for the management of his type 2 diabetes mellitus since he was diagnosed at age 64 years. When he developed hypoglycemic episodes with sulfonylurea, ipragliflozin (50 mg/day) was started to replace the sulfonylurea therapy. However, 49 days after starting ipragliflozin, his AST increased from 13 to 622 U/L, ALT increased from 9 to 266 U/L, ALP increased from 239 to 752 U/L, and γ-GTP increased from 19 to 176 U/L. ZTT was 3.5 U, TTT was 0.4 U, and total bilirubin was 0.7 mg/dL. IgM hepatitis A antibody, hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody, IgM CMV antibody, and IgM EB VCA antibody were negative, whereas a lymphocyte transformation test for ipragliflozin was positive. Abdominal CT scan showed mild fatty liver but no sign of nodular lesions. Following admission to our hospital, he received liver supportive therapy with the discontinuation of ipragliflozin therapy. He was discharged from the hospital 18 days later with AST and ALT levels reduced to 20 U/L and 13 U/L, respectively. Based on the clinical presentation of this patient, it is highly important to monitor liver function along with other possible clinical complications (e.g., dehydration, ketosis, and urinary tract infection) associated with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

Co-administration of plasmid-encoded granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor increases human immunodeficiency virus-1 DNA vaccine-induced polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell responses

T-cell based vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) generate specific responses that may limit both transmission and disease progression by controlling viral load. Broad, polyfunctional, and cytotoxic CD4+T-cell responses have been associated with control of simian immunodeficiency virus/HIV-1 replication, supporting the inclusion of CD4+ T-cell epitopes in vaccine formulations. Plasmid-encoded granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (pGM-CSF) co-administration has been shown to induce potent CD4+ T-cell responses and to promote accelerated priming and increased migration of antigen-specific CD4+ T-cells. However, no study has shown whether co-immunisation with pGM-CSF enhances the number of vaccine-induced polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells. Our group has previously developed a DNA vaccine encoding conserved, multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR binding HIV-1 subtype B peptides, which elicited broad, polyfunctional and long-lived CD4+ T-cell responses. Here, we show that pGM-CSF co-immunisation improved both magnitude and quality of vaccine-induced T-cell responses, particularly by increasing proliferating CD4+ T-cells that produce simultaneously interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-2. Thus, we believe that the use of pGM-CSF may be helpful for vaccine strategies focused on the activation of anti-HIV CD4+ T-cell immunity.

Seasonal variation of haemoglobin A1c in a Portuguese adult population

Objective Haemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) is routinely used for monitoring glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Hb A1c seasonal fluctuations can be directly related to different biological, geographical and cultural influences. Our purpose was to evaluate seasonal variation of Hb A1c in a hospital-based adult population over a period of 5 years.Materials and methods We analyzed retrospectively monthly Hb A1c mean values (DCCT, %) based on all the assays performed to adult patients at a tertiary care university Portuguese hospital between 2008-2012.Results We obtained 62,384 Hb A1c valid measurements, with a peak level found in January-February (7.1%), a trough in August-October (6.8%) and an average peak-to-trough amplitude value of 0.3%. This trend was observed in both genders and age subgroups evaluated.Conclusions There is a Hb A1c circannual seasonal pattern with peak levels occurring in winter months in this Portuguese population. This finding should be recognized in daily clinical practice to warrant better clinical and epidemiological interpretation of Hb A1c values. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):231-5.

A systematic review of nursing research priorities on health system and services in the Americas / Revisión sistemática de las prioridades de investigación de enfermería en sistemas y servicios de salud en la Región de las Américas

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review literature on priorities in nursing research on health systems and services in the Region of the Americas as a step toward developing a nursing research agenda that will advance the Regional Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage. METHOD: This was a systematic review of the literature available from the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS, and Google. Documents considered were published in 2008-2014; in English, Spanish, or Portuguese; and addressed the topic in the Region of the Americas. The documents selected had their priority-setting process evaluated according to the "nine common themes for good practice in health research priorities." A content analysis collected all study questions and topics, and sorted them by category and subcategory. RESULTS: Of 185 full-text articles/documents that were assessed for eligibility, 23 were selected: 12 were from peer-reviewed journals; 6 from nursing publications; 4 from Ministries of Health; and 1 from an international organization. Journal publications had stronger methodological rigor; the majority did not present a clear implementation or evaluation plan. After compiling the 444 documents' study questions and topics, the content analysis resulted in a document with 5 categories and 16 subcategories regarding nursing research priorities on health systems and services. CONCLUSIONS: Research priority-setting is a highly important process for health services improvement and resources optimization, but implementation and evaluation plans are rarely included. The resulting document will serve as basis for the development of a new nursing research agenda focused on health systems and services, and shaped to advance universal health coverage and universal access to health.

OBJETIVO: Revisar sistemáticamente la bibliografía sobre las prioridades de investigación de enfermería en materia de sistemas y servicios de salud en la Región de las Américas, como un paso más en la elaboración de un programa de investigación de enfermería que impulse la Estrategia Regional para el Acceso Universal a la Salud y la Cobertura Universal de Salud. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía disponible en las siguientes bases de datos: Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS y Google. Se tuvieron en cuenta los documentos publicados del 2008 al 2014 en inglés, español o portugués, y que trataran del tema en el ámbito de la Región de las Américas. En los documentos seleccionados se evaluaron los procesos de establecimiento de prioridades según los "nueve temas comunes para buenas prácticas en establecimiento de prioridades de investigación de salud". Mediante un análisis de los contenidos se recopilaron todas las preguntas y temas de estudio, y se clasificaron los documentos por categorías y subcategorías. RESULTADOS: De los 185 artículos o documentos de texto completo evaluados, se seleccionaron 23: 12 procedían de revistas con revisión por pares, 6 de publicaciones de enfermería, 4 de ministerios de salud y 1 de una organización internacional. Las publicaciones de las revistas mostraron un mayor rigor metodológico; la mayoría no presentaba un plan definido de ejecución o evaluación. Después de compilar las 444 preguntas y temas de estudio de los documentos, el análisis de los contenidos dio lugar a un documento con 5 categorías y 16 subcategorías con respecto a las prioridades de investigación de enfermería en materia de sistemas y servicios de salud. CONCLUSIONES: El establecimiento de prioridades de investigación es un proceso muy importante para la mejora de los servicios de salud y la optimización de los recursos, pero raramente se incluyen planes de ejecución y evaluación. El documento resultante servirá de base para la elaboración de una nueva agenda de investigación de enfermería centrada en los sistemas y servicios de salud, y configurada para impulsar la cobertura universal de salud y el acceso universal a la salud.

Rhamnogalacturonan II is a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist that inhibits tumor growth by activating dendritic cell-mediated CD8+ T cells

We evaluated the effectiveness of rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II)-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) vaccination on the induction of antitumor immunity in a mouse lymphoma model using EG7-lymphoma cells expressing ovalbumin (OVA). BMDCs treated with RG-II had an activated phenotype. RG-II induced interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production during dendritic cell (DC) maturation. BMDCs stimulated with RG-II facilitate the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. Using BMDCs from the mice deficient in Toll-like receptors (TLRs), we revealed that RG-II activity is dependent on TLR4. RG-II showed a preventive effect of immunization with OVA-pulsed BMDCs against EG7 lymphoma. These results suggested that RG-II expedites the DC-based immune response through the TLR4 signaling pathway.

Antiviral effect of dietary germanium biotite supplementation in pigs experimentally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Germanium biotite (GB) is an aluminosilicate mineral containing 36 ppm germanium. The present study was conducted to better understand the effects of GB on immune responses in a mouse model, and to demonstrate the clearance effects of this mineral against Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in experimentally infected pigs as an initial step towards the development of a feed supplement that would promote immune activity and help prevent diseases. In the mouse model, dietary supplementation with GB enhanced concanavalin A (ConA)-induced lymphocyte proliferation and increased the percentage of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes. In pigs experimentally infected with PRRSV, viral titers in lungs and lymphoid tissues from the GB-fed group were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group 12 days post-infection. Corresponding histopathological analyses demonstrated that GB-fed pigs displayed less severe pathological changes associated with PRRSV infection compared to the control group, indicating that GB promotes PRRSV clearance. These antiviral effects in pigs may be related to the ability of GB to increase CD3+CD8+ T lymphocyte production observed in the mice. Hence, this mineral may be an effective feed supplement for increasing immune activity and preventing disease.

Obtención y evaluación de un derivado proteico purificado de una cepa argentina de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis / Production and evaluation of a purified protein derivative from an Argentine strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP)

Los derivados proteicos purificados (PPD) son mezclas antigénicas no definidas obtenidas de distintas micobacterias. Los PPD bovino (PPDb) y PPD aviar (PPDa) son los antígenos que se emplean para evaluar la respuesta inmunitaria celular en infecciones como tuberculosis y paratuberculosis en el bovino. El PPDa comercial se produce a partir de Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium, y no a partir de la subespecie paratuberculosis. En este trabajo se seleccionó una cepa local de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis cuyo patrón molecular por RFLP es el más frecuente entre los aislamientos de nuestro país que han sido estudiados, y a partir de esta, se obtuvo un derivado proteico purificado: PPDj-IB. Se emplearon tanto el PPDa comercial como el PPDj-IB como antígenos en la prueba de liberación de gamma-interferón en animales de un tambo con paratuberculosis y en animales control. Aun cuando ambos PPD fueron capaces de estimular diferencialmente la liberación de la citoquina en el tambo infectado (respecto de los tambos control), no hubo diferencias significativas en los niveles de estimulación producidos y solo dos animales fueron positivos mediante el empleo de PPDj-IB. A partir del análisis por Western blot se demostró que el contenido de lipoarabinomano y del antígeno Apa/ModD era distinto en los PDD evaluados. Estas diferencias podrían explicar, en parte, las diferencias en los niveles de estimulación en términos individuales. Si bien el empleo de PPDj-IB no mejoró significativamente los resultados de la prueba de liberación de ?IFN, es importante destacar que se logró producir en el laboratorio un PPD apto para su empleo en ensayos in vitro.

Purified Protein Derivatives (PPDs) are non-defined antigens prepared from mycobacteria cultures. They are usually employed to evaluate the specific cellular immune response both in animals and humans. Bovine and avian PPDs are usually employed as antigens in mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis and paratuberculosis. Nevertheless, PPD from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, (PPDj) is neither commonly used nor frequently available. However, PPD from Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium is in fact used. We aimed to obtain and evaluate the performance of a PPDj from a local isolate of MAP using the ãInterferon-release assay. The stimulation of ãInterferon-release was significantly different between infected and control cattle when this antigen, named PPDj-IB, was used. Stimulation in the infected animals was similar with both antigens (PPDa and PPDj-IB). However, some animals were positively stimulated with PPDj-IB and not with PPDa. We demonstrated by Western blot that two antigenic molecules, lipoarabinoman and APA/ModD antigen were differentially represented in both PPDs. This could explain the difference in stimulation induction of ?IFN observed at individual level. Although PPDj-IB could not improve PPDa performance, we could easily produce an effective purified protein derivative for in vitro assays.

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid [ATRA] on viability, proliferation, activation and lineage-specific transcription factors of CD4+ T cells

All-trans retinoic acid [ATRA], as an active metabolite of vitamin A, has been shown to affect immune cells. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of ATRA on viability, proliferation, activation and lineage-specific transcription factors of CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cells were separated from heparinized blood of healthy donors and were cultured in conditions, some with, some without ATRA. Viability was assessed by PI flowcytometry and proliferation was measured by MTT assay. CD69 expression was determined by flowcytometry as a measure of cell activation. Lineage-specific transcription factors [FOXP3, RORgammat and T-bet] were examined by intracellular staining and flowcytometry. High doses of ATRA [0.1-1 mM] caused extensive cell death in both PBMCs and CD4+ T cells. Doses of ATRA equal to or lower than 10 microM did not adversely affect cell viability and proliferation in comparison to culture medium without ATRA. Doses of ATRA between 10 microM and InM significantly increased cell activation when compared to culture medium without ATRA. ATRA could increase FOXP3+ and also FOXP3+RORgammat+ T cells while it decreased RORgammat+ and T-bet+ T cells. This study showed that doses of ATRA up to 10 microM are safe when using with CD4+ T cells in terms of cell viability, proliferation and activation. We could also show that ATRA diverts the human immune response in neutral conditions [without adding polarizing cytokines] by increasing FOXP3+ cells and decreasing RORgammat+ cells. ATRA could be regarded as a potential therapy in inflammatory conditions and autoimmunities

Effects of soluble antigen-induced immune cell activation on steroidogenesis in murine lymphoid organ.

The effect of soluble antigenic (bovine serum albumin, BSA) stimulation to induce steroidogenesis in murine lymphoid organs with concomitant changes in proinflammatory or inflammatory cytokine levels and its implication in the alteration of T-cell response was studied in the mice. Male Swiss albino mice (6-8 weeks old) with average body weight (20 +/- 4 g) were randomly assigned to 3 groups and injected with BSA in presence and absence of Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant, whereas the control group received only saline. After 3 weeks, animals were sacrificed, and serums as well as lymphoid organs were collected. From the lymphoid tissue homogenate, the activities of steroidogenic enzymes and corticosterone and cytokine levels of the serum were estimated. Steroidogenic enzyme activities in murine lymphoid organs, as well as the pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines levels in serum increased after Freund's complete adjuvant-emulsified BSA administration, as compared to control. The serum corticosterone and serum cytokine profile were also elevated. Results suggested that soluble protein antigen (BSA) administration stimulated steroidogenesis in murine lymphoid tissues and rise in the pro-inflammatory or inflammatory cytokine levels might indicate monocyte recruitment as well as TH1 activation.

High susceptibility of activated lymphocytes to oxidative stress-induced cell death

The present study provides evidence that activated spleen lymphocytes from Walker 256 tumor bearing rats are more susceptible than controls to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH)-induced necrotic cell death in vitro. The iron chelator and antioxidant deferoxamine, the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA, the L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine or the mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor cyclosporin A, but not the calcineurin inhibitor FK-506, render control and activated lymphocytes equally resistant to the toxic effects of t-BOOH. Incubation of activated lymphocytes in the presence of t-BOOH resulted in a cyclosporin A-sensitive decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicate that the higher cytosolic Ca2+ level in activated lymphocytes increases their susceptibility to oxidative stress-induced cell death in a mechanism involving the participation of mitochondrial permeability transition.

O presente estudo demonstra que linfócitos ativados de baço de ratos portadores do tumor de Walker 256 são mais susceptíveis à morte celular necrótica induzida por tert-butil hidroperóxido (t-BOOH) in vitro quando comparados aos controles. O quelante de ferro e antioxidante deferoxamina, o quelante intracelular de Ca2+ BAPTA, o antagonista de canal de Ca2+ nifedipina ou o inibidor da transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial ciclosporina-A, mas não o inibidor de calcineurina FK-506, inibiram de maneira similar a morte celular induzida por t-BOOH em linfócitos ativados e controles. Os linfócitos ativados apresentaram redução do potencial de membrana mitocondrial induzida por t-BOOH num mecanismo sensível a ciclosporina-A. Nossos resultados indicam que o aumento da concentração de Ca2+ citosólico em linfócitos ativados aumenta a susceptibilidade dos mesmos à morte celular induzida por estresse oxidativo, num mecanismo envolvendo a participação do poro de transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial.

Actividad supresora del millerenólido sobre células mononucleares de sangre periférica humana / Millerenolide induces suppressive activity on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Background: Natural products are used in the production of therapeutic drugs due to their wide diversity and excellent adaptability to biological structures. Sesquiterpene ¡aciones are the active constituents of several plants from the Asteraceae family. Aim: To assess the in vitro effect of a sesquiterpene lactone (millerenolide). Material and methods: The drug effect was assessed measuring the proliferation of lymphocytes using the 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonylJ-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) technique. Changes on the cell cycle were analyzed on a FACSort flow cytometer The effect of millerenolide on the production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages was evaluated using the Griess reagent. Additionally, phagocytosis of latex particles and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by macrophages were evaluated microscopically. Results: Treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with millerenolide decreases the proliferation of lymphocytes, decreases the percentage of cells in S, and G2/Mphases, and increases the proportion of cells in GO/Gl phase. Treatment of macrophages with millerenolide, reduces the production of NO, the phagocytic capacity and the number of cells able to reduce NBT. Cytotoxic effects of the lactone on human PBMC were only observed when the concentration was increased to 6 fig/ml. Conclusions: Millerenolide could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent with immunosuppressiveproperties.

Artesunate and a major metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, diminish mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and activation.

Artemisinin derivatives are potent antimalarial compounds that may have immunomodulatory properties. Artesunate (range 0.01-2 mirog/ml) or dihydroartemisinin (range 0.01-8 microg/ml; DHART) were added to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or whole blood (WB) cultures before or simultaneously upon stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a T cell mitogen. Lymphoproliferation was then measured by 3[H]-thymidine incorporation, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation was assessed by expression of CD69 or CD25 using flow cytometry. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction depicted PBMC mRNA production for interleukins 2, 4, 12, and 15, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Artesunate concentrations between 0.1-1.5 microg/ml reduced lymphoproliferation in PHA-stimulated PBMC and WB cultures in a generally dose-dependent manner; inhibition by DHART was similar. Removing artesunate from PBMC before PHA was added abolished the reduction. PBMCs cultured with artesunate or DHART simultaneously with PHA showed modestly reduced proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 and CD25. Artesunate had little effect on qualitative cytokine mRNA levels in PHA-stimulated PBMC cultures. Artesunate and DHART may diminish some PBMC responses to immunologic stimuli. Further work is warranted to define the mechanisms involved, and whether this affects malaria treatment.

Unique features of bovine lymphocytes exposed to a staphylococcal enterotoxin

We previously demonstrated that stimulation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC), led to an inversion of the CD4(+):CD8(+) T cell ratio and generation of an atypical CD8(+) T cell subpopulation expressing CD26. In the present study, we examined T cell apoptosis and proliferation profiles of PBMC subpopulations in cultures stimulated with SEC. Unlike when stimulated with concanavalin A, nucleic acid synthesis in bovine PBMC cultures stimulated with SEC was low during the first four days but increased greatly on day 5. In contrast, nucleic acid synthesis in human PBMC cultures stimulated with SEC increased continuously. To investigate the mechanism of delayed bovine T cell proliferation, various cell phenotypes were monitored. The inversion of the bovine CD4(+):CD8(+) T cell ratio in PBMC cultures stimulated by SEC was associated with higher proliferation and lower apoptosis of CD8(+) T cells compared to CD4(+) T cells. The mRNA levels for interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 were sustained over 4 days but IL-12 mRNA levels dropped to background on day 2. These data suggest that SEC induces a prolonged Th-2- biased microenvironment, and together with the inversion of the bovine CD4(+):CD8(+) T cell ratios in bovine PBMC cultures with SEC, may in part explain the inability of the mammary immune system to establish an effective response to Staphylococcus aureus infections.

CD4 and CD8 T cell response to the rHSP60 from Klebsiella pneumoniae in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with ankylosing spondylitis / Respuesta de linfocitos T CD4 y CD8 contra la rHSP60 de Klebsiella pneumoniae en células mononucleares de sangre periférica de pacientes con espondilitis anquilosa

Objective. To determine the processing pathways used by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and present the rHSP60Kp, and the T cell subpopulations involved in the response, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Methods. The lymphoproliferative response to the rHSP60Kp in PBMC from 14 HLA-B27 + AS patients and 15 B27 healthy controls was assessed by ³H-TdR incorporation. The processing pathways for the rHSP60Kp were analyzed by ³H-TdR incorporation in fresh PBMC from patients using homologous PBMC preincubated with the antigen and specific inhibitors: chloroquine, N-acetyl-L-leucil-L-leucil-L-nor-leucinal (LLnL) or brefeldin A (BFA), fixed with p-formaldehyde (fixed APC). The CD4+/CD8+ T cell subpopulation activated with the antigen was determined by three colours flow cytometry in PBMC from patients. Results. Eight out of fourteen patients showed positive lymphoproliferative responses to the rHSP60Kp while none of the healthy controls responded (p < 0.012). In five patients S.I. was above 4.0. In these patients lymphoproliferation was lower when chloroquine and LLnL was used and it became negative with BFA, indicating that both pathways are used. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells populations expressed CD69 when activated by the rHSP60Kp. Conclusions. Our results suggest that CD4 and CD8 T cells participate in the response to the rHSP60Kp in B27+ AS patients.

Objetivo.Determinar las vías utilizadas por las células mononucleares de sangre periférica (CMSP) de pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante para procesar a la rHSPGO de Klebsiella pneumoniae (rHSPGOKp) y las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T involucrados en la activación. Métodos. Se determinó la respuesta linfoproliferativa, por incorporación de ³H-TdR en CMSP, en presencia de la rHSPGOKp, en 14 pacientes con EA HLA-B27+y en 15 sujetos sanos HLA-B27-. La ruta de procesamiento y presentación de la rHSPGOKp se determinó por incorporación de ³H-TdR en las CMSP de los pacientes utilizando como células presentadoras a las CMSP homologas, preíncubadas con el antígeno y los inhibidores específicos: cloroquína, brefeldína A y N-acetil-L-leucil-L-leucil-L-nor-leucinal (LLnL), y fijadas con p-formaldehído. Se evaluaron las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T CD4+ y CD8+ que expresaron CD69, frente al antígeno, por citometría de flujo. Resultados. Ocho de los 14 pacientes y ninguno de los sujetos sanos, tuvo respuesta linfoproliferativa positiva (IE > 3.0) contra la rHSPGOKp (p < 0.012). En cinco de los pacientes el I.E. fue superior a 4.0. En estos pacientes la linfoproliferación disminuyó cuando se utilizó cloroquína y LLnL, y se hizo negativa cuando se utilizó BFA, lo que indica que ambas vías son empleadas. Las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T (CD4+ y CD8+) expresaron CD69 frente al antigeno. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados sugieren que ambas poblaciones de linfocitos T: CD4+ y CD8+ participan en la respuesta a la rHSPGOKp.

Ouabain exacerbates activation-induced cell death in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Quando linfócitos são ativados por lectinas mitogênicas apresentam mudanças do potencial de membrana, elevação das concentrações citoplasmáticas de cálcio, proliferação e/ou morte celular induzida por ativação (AICD). Concentrações baixas de ouabaína (um inibidor da Na,K-ATPase) suprimem a proliferação induzida por mitógenos e aumentam a morte celular. Para entender os mecanismos envolvidos, uma série de parâmetros foram avaliados usando sondas fluorescentes e citometria de fluxo. A adição de 100nM de ouabaína para culturas de linfócitos de sangue periférico ativadas por fitohemaglutinina (PHA) não modificou o aumento de expressão do receptor Fas ou de seu ligante FasL induzida pelo mitógeno. No entanto, o tratamento com ouabaína potenciou a apoptose induzida por um anticorpo anti-Fas funcionando como agonista. Um sinergismo entre ouabaína e PHA também foi observado com relação à despolarização da membrana plasmática. Com relação à membrana mitocondrial, PHA por si só não produziu despolarização, mas quando as células foram também expostas à ouabaina uma dissipação do potencial foi observado, mas isso foi um evento tardio. É possível que o efeito inibitório da ouabaína em linfócitos de sangue periférico ativados envolva a potencialização de alguns aspectos do processo apoptótico e reflita uma exacerbação do mecanismo de AICD.

Cytogenetics of genetic counseling patients in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

From 1986 to 2002, we examined the chromosomal composition of 916 patients attended by two genetic counseling services in the city of Pelotas, in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul, to determine the genetic causes of their disturbances. Patterns of G-banding using trypsin and Giemsa (GTG) and C-banding using barium and Giemsa (CBG) were studied using phytohemagglutinin M-stimulated lymphocytes cultured from peripheral blood. Among the patients, 110 had Down's syndrome, 7 had Edward's syndrome, 4 had Patau's syndrome, 29 had Turner's syndrome, 5 had Klinefelter's syndrome, and 3 had [quot ]cri-du-chat[quot ] syndrome. Abnormal chromosomes were observed in 29.3% of the patients. Most of these (56.3%) were numerical abnormalities, with the remaining being structural variants.

The effects of cyclophosphamide treatment on the pathogenesis of subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) infection in broiler chickens with Marek's disease virus exposure

Studies were performed to determine the effects of Bcell suppression on the pathogenesis of Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) in broiler chickens. Neonatal chickens were treated with cyclophosphamide (CY) or PBS, and then infected with ALV-J (ADOL-7501) at 2 weeks of age. CY treatment induced B cell specific immunosuppression throughout the experiment confirmed by decreased bursal weight, intact lymphocyte mitogenetic activity stimulated by Con A and increased relative subpopulation of CD3-positive cells as measured by flow cytometry. Chickens in this experiment had Mareks disease virus exposure prior to three weeks of age as determined by the presence of lymphocytic infiltration and antibody. Virus neutralizing antibody against ALV-J was first observed at 6 weeks post-infection in some of the infected chickens in the PBS group. As expected, none of the chickens from the CY group and uninfected chickens developed virus-neutralizing antibody. The viremic status was measured by real time RT-PCR using SYBR green I dye. The percentage of viremic chickens was significantly higher, and more chickens had high titered viremia, in the CY treated group. No neoplastic foci consistent with ALVJ infection were observed in any of the experimental chickens. The frequency and intensity of viral antigen expression determined by immunohistochemistry was significantly higher in tissues from CY treated birds than those of PBS treated chickens at 3 weeks post-infection. This study showed that B cell specific immunosuppression with CY treatment in chickens resulted in increase in viremia and viral antigen load in tissues.

B cells activated in the presence of Th1 cytokines inhibit osteoclastogenesis

Host immune response has been considered as an important disease-modifying factor of periodontitis, however, which immune cell(s) or factor(s) are involved in the destruction of periodontium remains unclear. Previously, we reported that osteoclastogenesis is enhanced by activated B cells but suppressed by activated CD8(+)T cells. We present new data that B cells activated in the presence of Th1 cytokines inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Purified murine B cells were activated with anti-IgD mAb, IL-4, and anti-CD40 mAb, in the absence (B(Th2)) or presence of Th1 cytokines, either IL-2 (B(IL-2)) or IFN-gamma (B(IFN-gamma)). Each activated B cell population was co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells in the presence of soluble receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (sRANKL), and the effect on osteoclastic differentiation was evaluated. While B(Th2)increased osteoclastogenesis, B(IL-2)and B(IFN-gamma)suppressed it profoundly. To verify the mediating molecule(s), we analyzed cytokine profiles of the activated B cells. Compared to B(Th2), B(IL-2)expressed increased amount of IFN-gamma and B(IFN-gamma)expressed decreased amounts of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. IFN-gamma was a key negative regulator of osteoclastic differentiation, and mediated the inhibition by B(IL-2). These results suggest that Th1 cytokines may have new important roles in resistance to periodontitis, acting directly on osteoclasts or indirectly through B cells.

Altered maturation of dendritic cells by taxol, an anticancer drug

Taxol is a clinically useful anticancer drug against a variety of cancers. Although it has been known that taxol induces the apoptosis of cancer cells through cytochrome C release and the activation of caspases, the effect of taxol on dendritic cells (DCs) has not been studied. In this study, taxol enhanced the expression of MHC class II on DCs, compared to medium-treated immature DCs. Surprisingly, the viability of DCs was not decreased by taxol, whereas that of cancer cells was. It was confirmed that taxol did not induce the apoptosis of DCs based on annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining assay. Since previous study demonstrated that taxol induced the production of nitric oxide (NO) related to the viability of DCs, the level of NO from taxol-treated DCs was determined. Any significant amount of NO was not detected. Although taxol enhanced the expression of a maturation marker, MHC class II molecules, it strikingly inhibited the proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes activated by DCs. Taken together, this study demonstrated that taxol induced an altered maturation of DCs, the increase of MHC class II molecule but the inhibition of proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes. It is suggested that taxol may induce the immunosuppression in patients with cancer by the inhibition of DC-activated T cell proliferation, but not by the direct killing of DCs.