Activation of Neutrophils via IP3 Pathway Following Exposure to Demodex-Associated Bacterial Proteins.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly affects the skin of the face. Sera from rosacea patients display elevated reactivity to proteins from a bacterium (Bacillus oleronius) originally isolated from a Demodex mite from a rosacea patient suggesting a possible role for bacteria in the induction and persistence of this condition. This work investigated the ability of B. oleronius proteins to activate neutrophils and demonstrated activation via the IP3 pathway. Activated neutrophils displayed increased levels of IP1 production, F-actin formation, chemotaxis, and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 following stimulation by pure and crude B. oleronius protein preparations (2 µg/ml), respectively. In addition, neutrophils exposed to pure and crude B. oleronius proteins (2 µg/ml) demonstrated increased release of internally stored calcium (Ca(2+)), a hallmark of the IP3 pathway of neutrophil activation. Neutrophils play a significant role in the inflammation associated with rosacea, and this work demonstrates how B. oleronius proteins can induce neutrophil recruitment and activation.

Correlation between serum reactivity to Demodex-associated Bacillus oleronius proteins, and altered sebum levels and Demodex populations in erythematotelangiectatic rosacea patients.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin of the face and the eyes. The aetiology of rosacea is not clearly established but increasing evidence suggests a potential role for bacteria in the induction of the condition. A role for Bacillus oleronius, originally isolated from within a Demodex folliculorum mite, in the aetiology of the condition has been suggested. The aim of the study was to determine whether a correlation existed between the level of sebum and the density of D. folliculorum in the skin of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea patients, and the reactivity of these patients' sera to proteins of B. oleronius. Serum reactivity to the 62 and 83 kDa B. oleronius proteins was found in 82.6 % (62/75) of the rosacea patients and in 26.9 % (14/52) of controls (P = 0.0016). In the group of rosacea patients whose sera reacted to B. oleronius proteins, the level of sebum was statistically lower than in controls (P = 0.01). The density of D. folliculorum on the face of Bacillus positive rosacea patients was statistically higher than controls (P = 0.0001). Rosacea patients demonstrated increased Demodex populations on their faces and reduced sebum levels. Their sera also showed reactivity to B. oleronius proteins, suggesting a potential role for this bacterium in the aetiology of rosacea.

Making health spending work.

Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) are usually promoted as a demand-management tool that gives consumers incentives to economize on medical expenses. "Making Health Spending Work" takes the concept one step further and shows how MSAs can be used to design a publicly funded system that incorporates market dynamics. MSAs can bring efficiency-enhancing incentives to the supply side, creating consumer choice and empowerment with a public system that meets Medicare's key principles. Over the last few months, Canada's political leaders have begun to break away from the reform-stalling tactics of special interest groups - which profit mightily from the the current system - and to examine sensible reforms that could benefit all Canadians. By breaking free of old dogmas, Canada can turn myth into reality: we can have the best medicare system in the world, one that expands choice and creates efficiency-enhancing dynamics.