B cell-associated immune profiles in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Most of the previous studies on immune dysregulation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have focused on T cell immunity. We investigated B cell subpopulations in ESRD patients and the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on B cell-associated immune profiles in these patients. Forty-four ESRD [maintenance HD patients (n = 27) and pre-dialysis patients (n = 17)] and 27 healthy volunteers were included in this study. We determined the percentage of B cell subtypes, such as mature and immature B cells, memory B cells, and interleukin (IL)-10+ cells, as well as B cell-producing cytokines (IL-10, IL-4 and IL-21) by florescent activated cell sorting (FACS). B cell-associated gene expression was examined using real-time PCR and B cell producing cytokines (IL-10, IL-4 and IL-21) were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of total B cells and mature B cells did not differ significantly among the three groups. The percentages of memory B cells were significantly higher in the pre-dialysis group than in the HD group (P 0.05) between the two subgroups within the ESRD group, but the serum IL-10 concentration was significantly lower in the pre-dialysis group (P < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrate significantly altered B cell-associated immunity. Specifically, an imbalance of immature and memory B cells in ESRD patients was observed, with this finding predominating in pre-dialysis patients.

The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on HIF-1alpha and VEGF in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major catechin in green tea, and has shown antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic and cell cycle pertubation activity in various tumor models. Hypoxia can be induced because angiogenesis is insufficient for highly proliferating cancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are important for angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine how hypoxia could cause changes in the cellular phenomena and microenvironment in a non-small cell culture system and to examine the effects of EGCG on a HIF-1alpha and VEGF in A549 cell line. METHODS: A549 cells, a non-small cell lung cancer cell line, were cultured with DMEM and 10% fetal bovine serum. A decrease in oxygen tension was induced using a hypoxia microchamber and a CO2-N2 gas mixture. Gas analysis and a MTT assay were performed. The A549 cells were treated with EGCG (0, 12.5, 25, 50 micromol/L), and then examined by real-time-PCR analysis of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and beta-actin mRNA. RESULTS: Hypoxia reduced the proliferation of A549 cells from normoxic conditions. EGCG inhibited HIF-1alpha transcription in A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to HIF-1alpha, VEGF was not inhibited by EGCG. CONCLUSION: HIF-1alpha can be inhibited by EGCG. This suggests that targeting HIF-1alpha with a EGCG treatment may have therapeutic potential in non-small cell lung cancers.

Angiographic Demonstration of External Carotid-Vertebral Arteries Anastomosis

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate collateral circulations between external carotid and vertebral arteries in the individuals with no occlusive cerebro vascular diseases. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Vertebral angiography was performed in 20 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, with temporal occlusion of the ipsilateral common carotid artery by finger pressure compression. In each case, the following were analyzed in each case :presence or absence of collateral channels ; pattern of collateral channels ; level of anastomosis. RESULTS: The anastomotic channels were as follows : occipital artery by posterior radicular artery : 15 cases ; ascending pharyngeal artery by musculospinal artery : 16 cases ; odontoid arterial arch : ten cases ; proximal external carotid artery by anterior radicular artery three cases. CONCLUSION: Awareness of external carotid - vertebral arteries anastomosis as described above can be helpful for effective and safe embolization.

Tuberculous Pneumonia: CT Findings in 20 Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate CT findings of tuberculous pneumonia mainly presenting as parenchymal consolidation. MATERIALS & METHODS: CT scans of twenty patients with tuberculous pneumonia were retrospectively reviewed. Analyses included the location, extent, and homogeneity of consolidation, presence of volume loss of involved lung and air-bronchogram, associated lesions suggesting previous tuberculous infection and evidence of bronchogenic spread. RESULTS: The location of consolidation revealed relatively even distribution without any specific predilection site. The areas of consolidation were irregular in margin (95%), inhomogeneous in attenuation (75%) including focal areas of low attenuation and multiple cavities within it. Volume loss (70%) of the involved lobe was associated. There were lesions suggesting previous tuberculous infection (95%) in the surrounding area and evidences of bronchogenic spread (100%) such as poorly-defined nodules and Iobular consolidations in the remote site from main consolidation. CONCLUSION: In tuberculous pneumonia, the areas of consolidation are irregular in margin and inhomogeneous in attenuation on CT scan. The evidences of bronchogenic spread and lesions suggesting previous tuberculous infection are almost always associated in the surrounding or remote site from main consolidation.