ABSTRACT
Allergic diseases have been a model study for Th2 cells polarization and it is well known that the synthesis of the human IgE results from collaboration between Th2 and B cells through the cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 and surface molecules (CD40-CD40L). In the last decade, some surface molecules have been associated with human Th2 cells. Although recent studies suggest that the receptors of chemokines are the most related markers of Th2 cells, so far it has not found a specific marker to discriminate Th2 cells. The most recent studies suggest that Th1 and Th2 cells are not derived from different cellular lineages, but rather they can be derived from the same precursory Th cell and, under the influence of genetic environmental factors, they can be polarized. Also, some genes conferring susceptibility to production of Th2 cytokines have been located.
Subject(s)
Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology , Models, Immunological , Th2 Cells/immunology , Antigen Presentation , Antigens, Differentiation/physiology , Antigens, Surface/physiology , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Cell Differentiation , Cell Lineage , Chemokines/physiology , Forecasting , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Hypersensitivity, Immediate/genetics , Immunoglobulin E/biosynthesis , Interleukins/physiology , Lymphocyte Cooperation , Receptors, Chemokine/physiology , Th1 Cells/immunologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystemic and chronic disease whose etiology still remains to know. RA and their complications implicate a huge cost, calculated in 1% of total national internal product in US. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of cyclosporine A in RA patients refractory to conventional treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Several improvement variables were used, such as Ritchie index, modified Sharp radiological scale, functional status, HAQ index, analog scale of pain, and PCR. 13 female were included with a mean age of 44 years (range 30-50), with a mean of RA evolution of 6 years (range 0.5-22); each patient received an initial dosage of 2.5 mg/day by oral microemulsion of cyclosporine A, with increasing dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/day, adjusting by seric values of creatinine. RESULTS: RA patients were evaluated, initially and after three and six months. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. In three months evaluation there was an improvement in functional status (p = 0.009). In six months evaluation there was an improvement in painful joints (p = 0.006), functional status (p = 0.007) and general comfort sensation (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The cyclosporine use is considered an effective therapy, like disease modifier in RA refractory patients to conventional treatment in at least six months of the treatment.
