[A case of colchicine poisoning complicated with extra pontine myelinolysis].

To analyze the clinical presentation and the treatment process of one case of colchicine poisoning complicated with extra pontine myelinolysis and discuss its pathogenesis. Increasing the attention of hyponatremia caused by colchicine poisoning is of great significance for improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients.

The expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 in human gallbladder carcinoma and their clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 and their clinical implications in human gallbladder carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 in the 252 samples (126 cases of chronic cholecystitis and 126 cases of gallbladder cancer) was detected by the streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method, and their associations with tumor classification, clinical grade, and recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: In chronic cholecystitis tissue, B7-H3 and B7-H4 were not detected. In 126 cases of gallbladder carcinoma, the positive rates of B7-H3 and B7-H4 expression were 66.67% and 69.05% respectively (p < 0.05). The positive rate of B7-H3 in the primary-onset group was 53.57%, and that in recurrence group was 92.86% (p < 0.05). The positive rate of B7-H4 in the primary-onset group was 85.19%, and that in recurrence group was 40.00% (p < 0.05). Expression of B7-H3 was consistent with B7-H4 expression in gallbladder carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: B7-H3 and B7-H4 were up-regulated in gallbladder cancer; the high expression of B7-H3 may contribute to the early diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma and the assessment of postoperative survival and recurrence. B7-H4 may play an important role in the incidence of gallbladder cancer. B7-H3 and B7-H4 may play a synergetic role in gallbladder carcinoma. Combined tests were available for the diagnosis, degree assessment and prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma, which may be a new target for molecular targeted therapy of gallbladder carcinoma.

Paraquat increases connective tissue growth factor expression and impairs lung fibroblast proliferation and viscoelasticity.

This in vitro study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of paraquat-induced damage using cultured human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells), in order to promote the development of improved therapies for paraquat poisoning. Paraquat's effects on proliferation were examined by flow cytometry, on viscoelasticity by the micropipette aspiration technique, and on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Paraquat was found to significantly reduce the proliferation index of MRC-5 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05) and to significantly impair the viscoelastic properties in a time-independent manner (p < 0.05). Exposure to paraquat led to a significant and time-dependent increase in CTGF expression (p < 0.05) and induced changes in the morphology and biomechanical characteristics of the MRC-5 cells. These findings not only provide novel insights into the mechanisms of paraquat-induced lung fibrosis but may represent useful targets of improved molecular-based therapies for paraquat poisoning.

Vaccination against helminth parasites--the ultimate challenge for vaccinologists?

Helminths are multicellular pathogens which infect vast numbers of human and animal hosts, causing widespread chronic disease and morbidity. Vaccination against these parasites requires more than identification of effective target antigens, because without understanding the immunology of the host-parasite relationship, ineffective immune mechanisms may be invoked, and there is a danger of amplifying immunopathogenic responses. The fundamental features of the immune response to helminths are therefore summarised in the context of vaccines to helminth parasites. The contention between type-1 and type-2 responses is a central issue in helminth infections, which bias the immune system strongly to the type-2 pathway. Evidence from both human and experimental animal infections indicates that both lineages contribute to immunity in differing circumstances, and that a balanced response leads to the most favourable outcome. A diversity of immune mechanisms can be brought to bear on various helminth species, ranging from antibody-independent macrophages, antibody-dependent granulocyte killing, and nonlymphoid actions, particularly in the gut. This diversity is highlighted by analysis of rodent infections, particularly in comparisons of cytokine-depleted and gene-targeted animals. This knowledge of protective mechanisms needs to be combined with a careful choice of parasite antigens for vaccines. Many existing candidates have been selected with host antibodies, rather than T-cell responses, and include a preponderance of highly conserved proteins with similarities to mammalian or invertebrate antigens. Advantage has yet to be taken of parasite genome projects, or of directed searches for novel, parasite-specific antigens and targets expressed only by infective stages and not mature forms which may generate immunopathology. With advances under way in parasite genomics and new vaccine delivery systems offering more rapid assessment and development, there are now excellent opportunities for new antihelminth vaccines.

Molecular structure alteration of IgG increased anticomplementary activity of intravenous immunoglobulin.

AIM: To study the cause of anticomplementary activities (ACA) of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). METHODS: ACA were determined by two assays (limit test and 100CH50 test), distributions of IgG molecular size (polymer, dimer, monomer and fragment) by HPLC, IgG subclasses and IgA contents by radial immunodiffusion, prekallikrein activator (PKA) and kallikrein (KK) activities by chromogenic assay, potency of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (Anti-HBs) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The two ACA assays showed good correlation. However, ACA levels were not associated with distributions of IgG molecular size, IgG subclasses and IgA contents, PKA and KK activities. After heating incubation, ACA levels increased markedly and Anti-HBs decreased notably, distributions of IgG molecular size remained relatively constant. CONCLUSION: Molecular structure alteration of IgG increased spontaneous complement activation of IVIG.

Effects of immunoagents on circulating serum hemolysin formation in bone marrow and spleen.

The bone marrow as a source of serum hemolysin to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied in splenectomized mice. Splenectomy prevented the hemolysin formation in the primary response, but not in the secondary response. Cyclophosphamide 100 mg/kg and dexamethasone 10 mg/kg decreased hemolysin formation in the bone marrow as well as in the spleen. Levamisole 50 mg/kg increased its formation in both organs. Prednisolone 10 mg/kg significantly suppressed its formation in the spleen, but not in the bone marrow. Hydroxyurea 50 mg/kg suppressed its formation in the bone marrow, but not in the spleen. These results suggest that the bone marrow is the major source of serum hemolysin to SRBC during the secondary response and drug has different effects on antibody production in the bone marrow and in the spleen.