Recombinant alpha-interferon therapy in multiple myeloma.

Three patients with multiple myeloma were treated with recombinant alpha-interferon (r IFN-alpha 2b Intron AR) along with combination chemotherapy i.e. melphelan and prednisolone. In one case it was given as an initial therapy, while the other two patients had refractory and relapsing disease respectively. IFN-alpha 2b was given in the dose of 2 x 10(6) Mu/m2 by subcutaneous injection thrice in a week for six months in two patients and for three months in one patient. All three patients experienced improvement in bone pains; partial response with reduction in the paraprotein level was seen in one patient; while there was no radiological, biochemical or haematological improvement in two patients. Side effects noted were flu like syndrome in all three patients and urticaria in one patient. They were treated symptomatically and did not require cessation of interferon therapy.

Lipase activity in Mycobacterium leprae--an indicator of metabolic function.

Presence of lipase, in Mycobacterium leprae obtained from human nodules and infected armadillo tissues, has been detected by demonstrating the ability of the bacteria to hydrolyze tributyrin. This capacity is expressed during incubation of the bacteria with the substrate and needs a source of carbon and other energy metabolites. The activity is blocked by anti M. leprae drug rifampicin. It is concluded that expression of lipase activity is a metabolic event of M. leprae, while they are maintained in an energy providing medium.