MedWorm: Autoimmune Disease

The magnitude of the antigen‐specific T cell response is separated from the severity of spinal cord histopathology in remitting‐relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Glia — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:13:31 +0100

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. The remitting‐relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the SJL mouse strain is a common animal model for MS and similar to the human disease it is considered to be T helper cell mediated. Besides interferon‐γ secreting TH1 cells in particular the TH17 subset is believed to be highly pathogenic. Spreading of the TH1 and TH17 response to newly emerging determinants has been used to explain clinical disease relapse, but if the magnitude of the TH1/TH17 response is linked to clinical relapse severity has remained unresolved. Here, we assessed clinical EAE severity, the extent of spinal cord histopathology and the magnitude of the antigen‐specific T helper cell and autoantibody re...

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Why Bad Immunity Genes Survive

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

University of Utah biologists found new evidence why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs - even though some of those genes make us susceptible to infections and to autoimmune diseases. "Major histocompatibility complex" (MHC) proteins are found on the surface of most cells in vertebrate animals. They distinguish self from foreign, and trigger an immune response against foreign invaders. MHCs recognize invading germs, reject or accept transplanted organs and play a role in helping us smell compatible mates... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Why bad immunity genes survive

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(National Science Foundation) Biologists have found new evidence of why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs -- even though some of those genes make vertebrate animals susceptible to infections and to autoimmune diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Acquired hemophilia associated with bullous pemphigoid: a case report.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

We described the case of a 60-year-old female patient who developed bullous pemphigoid for 3 month and presented with bleeding tendency and hematoma in the tongue. Therapy with methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin and factor VIII reposition was instituted, resulting in a remission of the bleeding and negativity for antibodies against factor VIII titers. We concluded that, despite its rarity, the presence of acquired factor VIII inhibitors should be investigated when patients with autoimmune diseases develop bleeding manifestations. PMID: 22295154 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology)

How Autoreactive T Cells Slip Through The Cracks

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Immune cells capable of attacking healthy organs "see" their targets differently than do protective immune cells that attack viruses, according to work published online this week in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. During development, T lymphocytes are screened for their ability to recognize normal tissue. Such autoreactive cells are typically purged, but some slip by these safeguards and may contribute to autoimmune disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Enhancement of Regulatory T Cell Induction by Intravenous S-sulfonated Immunoglobulin during the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:03 +0100

Authors: Okuda S, Kamei S, Harano S, Shinya N, Hayashida K, Sasaki T Abstract Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been shown to be effective for a variety of autoimmune diseases. Despite its widespread use and therapeutic success, the precise mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects of IVIg are not well understood. In particular, few reports have examined the mechanism of IVIg on regulatory T cells (Treg: CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells). In the present study, to clarify the effect of intravenous S-sulfonated immunoglobulin (S-IVIg) on Treg, we investigated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the representative animal model of autoimmune disease. First, when we evaluated the effect of S-IVIg in an acute EAE model, the prophylactic treatment of S-IVIg do...

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Bad Immunity Genes - Why do They Survive?

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

New evidence has been discovered by biologists at the University of Utah as to why people, mice and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of different genes to create major histocompatibility complex (MHCs) proteins, despite the fact that some of those genes make humans vulnerable to autoimmune diseases and infections. Findings from the study will be published online the week of February 6, 2012, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. MHC proteins are found on the surface of most cells in vertebrates and define an individual's tissue type... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

DC-derived IL-18 drives Treg differentiation, murine Helicobacter pylori-specific immune tolerance, and asthma protection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Persistent colonization with the gastric bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and predisposes infected individuals to gastric cancer. Conversely, it is also linked to protection from allergic, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. We demonstrate here that H. pylori inhibits LPS-induced maturation of DCs and reprograms DCs toward a tolerance-promoting phenotype. Our results showed that DCs exposed to H. pylori in vitro or in vivo failed to induce T cell effector functions. Instead, they efficiently induced expression of the forkhead transcription factor FoxP3, the master regulator of Tregs, in naive T cells. Depletion of DCs in mice infected with H. pylori during the neonatal period was sufficient to break H. pylori–specific tolerance. DC depletion result...

Two distinct viral infections complicating pemphigus foliaceus.

Dermatol Online J — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:54:18 +0100

We describe a patient with pemphigus foliaceus who developed two distinct disseminated cutaneous viral infections. Our patient is an 83-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus, who presented with painful ulcerations while on corticosteroids. Histopathology examination revealed disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV). Despite adequate treatment with anti-herpetic treatment, some ulcerations failed to heal. A second biopsy revealed the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV). This was treated successfully with appropriate antiviral therapy. In patients with autoimmune bullous disease, the development of new skin pain or new constitutional symptoms, change in primary morphology, rapid disease progression, or failure to respond to appropriate therapies should prompt the clinic...

ChemoCentryx IPO expected this week

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:54:11 +0100

ChemoCentryx Inc. is the next Silicon Valley initial public offering expected, with its debut on Nasdaq expected this week. The Mountain View company set a target range last month of $14 to $16 for the 4 million shares it plans to sell in the IPO. The target at the top of the range would bring in $64 million, slightly less than the $69 million the biopharmaceutical company filed for back in October. ChemoCentryx focuses on the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders and cancer... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

What Is Behçet's Disease?

About.com Eating Disorders — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Behçet's disease (Behcet's Disease) is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and harms the body's own tissues. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

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Differentiation of autoimmune pancreatitis with pancreatic carcinoma remains a challenge to physicians

Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although some recent advances have been made in helping the diagnosis of AIP, the differentiation of AIP with pancreatic carcinoma is still a challenge. In clinical practice, it must be reminded to exclude AIP before making the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma.© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Digestive Diseases © 2012 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. (Source: Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases)

Why bad immunity genes survive

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Utah) University of Utah biologists found new evidence why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs - even though some of those genes make us susceptible to infections and to autoimmune diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

What T-cell receptors can tell us about neurologic disease

Neurology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

CD8+ T-cell immunity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Neurology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Together, these data provide strong evidence for an antigen-driven, major histocompatibility complex class I restricted, CD8+ T-cell-mediated attack against peripheral nerve tissue components contributing to the pathogenesis of CIDP. (Source: Neurology)

Basilar leptomeningitis in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Neurology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Microvesicles in Health and Disease

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:48 +0100

Abstract Microvesicles (or MVs) are plasma membrane-derived vesicles released from most eukaryotic cells constitutively during early apoptosis or at higher levels after chemical or physical stress conditions. This review looks at some of the functions of MVs in terms of intercellular communication and ensuant signal transduction, including the transport of proteins (unconventional protein export) as well as of mRNA and microRNA. MVs also have roles in membrane repair, the removal of misfolded proteins, and in the control of apoptosis. We also discuss the role MVs have been shown to have in invasive growth and metastasis as well as in hypoxia in tumours and cerebral ischaemia. The association of MVs in infectious and autoimmune disease is also summarised together with their...

Prevalence and genetic diversity of torque teno virus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a reference service in Mato Grosso do Sul

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:19:07 +0100

CONCLUSION: Further studies on the presence of TTV in SLE patients are required (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

Livedo reticularis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia: prolonged remission induced by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation relapse after 10 years and restoration of hemoglobin levels by rituximab

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:19:07 +0100

A anemia hemolítica autoimune (AHAI) é uma doença na qual são produzidos anticorpos diretamente contra as glicoproteínas adsorvidas na superfície da membrana dos eritrócitos. Algumas medicações e outras associações têm sido implicadas. Descrevemos e discutimos um caso de livedo reticular associado à AHAI tratado com transplante de células-tronco de sangue periférico (TCTSP) e que entrou em total remissão por 10 anos. Após esse período, a paciente apresentou recaída, foi tratada com anticorpo anti-CD20 (rituximabe), e atualmente encontra-se em total remissão. O papel do TCTSP e o uso de rituximabe no tratamento de AHAI serão discutidos neste relato de casoAutoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a disease where patients produce antibodies against erythrocytes directed towa...

Altered frequency and phenotype of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells and its association with autoantibody production in HIV‐infected paediatric patients

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe association between immune dysfunction and the development of autoimmune pathology in patients with HIV/AIDS is not clear. The frequency and phenotype of regulatory T cells, as well as the presence of autoantibodies were evaluated in a paediatric cohort of HIV‐infected patients without clinical evidence of autoimmune disease. Lower absolute counts but higher percentages of total CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were recorded in children with severe immunosuppression than in those without evidence of immunosuppression. The frequencies of classical CD4+CD25+FOXP3+regulatory T cells were not altered, whereas CD4+FOXP3+CD25–T cells were found significantly increased in patients with severe immunosuppression. Like classical regulatory T cells, CD4+FOXP3+CD25–T cells display higher CTLA‐4 b...

Use of glucocorticoids and risk of breast cancer: a Danish population-based case-control study

Breast Cancer Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IntroductionGlucocorticoids are widely prescribed drugs. In the human body, glucocorticoid is the main stress hormone, and controls a variety of physiological and cellular processes, including metabolism and immune response. It belongs to the same steroid superfamily as estrogens, which are known to play a role in breast cancer. However, the effect of glucocorticoid use on the risk of breast cancer is not clear. Methods: We conducted a case-control study using population-based medical databases from Northern Denmark (1.8 million inhabitants) to investigate the association between glucocorticoid prescriptions and breast cancer risk. The study included 9,488 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2008 and 94,876 population controls. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95%...

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Acute Genital Ulcers in Nonsexually Active Young Girls: Case Series, Review of the Literature, and Evaluation and Management Recommendations

Pediatric Dermatology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Acute genital ulcers rarely occur in nonsexually active young girls. When present, they can cause significant physical and emotional distress for the patient and her parents, and prompt an evaluation for sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. With this review, we aim to further characterize acute genital ulcers in nonsexually active young girls by reviewing the medical records of patients with this disorder and to offer an approach to the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of acute genital ulcers based on our understanding and knowledge of this condition. We retrospectively review our understanding and knowledge of acute genital ulcers in nonsexually active girls at a pediatric hospital. A review of the recent literature on acute genital ulcers and a multidisciplina...

Diagnostics of autoimmune bullous diseases in German dermatology departments

JDDG — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The high return rate of this survey allows a relatively precise description of the current diagnostic methods used in German dermatology departments. Standard diagnostic tests are available nationwide and in bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus, the antigen‐specific detection of autoantibodies is routinely performed in half of the departments. Rare disorders may be diagnosed by cooperation with some specialized centers. (Source: JDDG)

GI highlights from the literature

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Basic sciencePreservation of immune quiescence in inflammatory bowel disease: the role of dendritic cell A20 expression Hammer GE, Turer EE, Taylor KE, et al. Expression of A20 by dendritic cells preserves immune homeostasis and prevents colitis and spondyloarthritis. Nat Immunol 2011;12:1184–93. doi:10.1038/ni.2135 Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to play a key role in innate immune activation, but may also regulate immune homeostasis. This recent paper from Averil Ma and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, examined the role of the ubiquitin-editing protein A20 within DCs to identify how A20-dependent DC functions are implicated in intestinal homeostasis. A20 is a potent anti-inflammatory protein that negatively regulates the transcription factor nuclear ...

Murine lupus strains differentially model unique facets of human lupus serology

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:17:31 +0100

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus is a polygenic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antinuclear autoantibodies that lead to subsequent end organ damage. Previous array‐based studies in patients with SLE have shown that high IgG anti‐nuclear autoantibody reactivity was associated with severe renal lupus whereas IgM polyreactivity was associated with less severe disease. To ascertain how different murine lupus strains recapitulate these different autoantibody profiles seen in patients, serum from NZB/NZW F1, MRL/lpr, NZM2410 and BXSB strains were compared using a comprehensive array–based screen. The array results were verified using ELISA assays. Serum from MRL/lpr mice exhibited high levels of IgG antinuclear antibodies (Abs) as well as anti‐glomerular Abs and ...

Effects of sequence variation on differential allelic transcription factor occupancy and gene expression [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A complex interplay between transcription factors (TFs) and the genome is essential for proper regulation of transcription. However, directly connecting variation in genomic DNA sequence with variation in TF binding and gene expression is challenging due to limited knowledge of where TFs bind and environmental differences between individuals and cell types. To address this problem, we measured genome-wide differential allelic occupancy of 24 sequence-specific TFs and EP300 in a human lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL), GM12878. Overall, 5% of human TF binding sites have an allelic imbalance in occupancy. At many sites, TFs were clustered together on the genome in TF-binding hubs, where they occupied the same homolog in regions of especially open chromatin. While genetic variation in core TF bi...

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The FAS/cd95 promoter single‐nucleotide polymorphism ‐670 A/G and lupus erythematosus

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryAn increased level of circulating nuclear antigens caused by apoptosis is thought to be responsible for the production of autoantibodies in lupus erythematosus (LE). The presentation of these antigens to immunologically competent cells may trigger systemic autoimmunity. The influence of a functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism at position −670 in the promoter of the apoptosis gene FAS on susceptibility to autoimmune diseases including systemic LE has been a controversial subject. Although it has not yet been possible to assign any particular allele or genotype to the control of FAS expression, this polymorphism has been described to be associated with several autoimmune diseases including LE. When we compared the FAS ‐670 A/G genotypes of 107 German patients with LE and tho...

Amicrobial pustulosis associated with autoimmune disease in a patient with Sjögren syndrome and IgA nephropathy

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a 36‐year‐old woman with the interesting triad of APAD, Sjögren syndrome and IgA nephropathy. Her rashes responded to oral prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. (Source: Clinical And Experimental Dermatology)

The yin and yang of non-neuronal ∝7-nicotinic receptors in inflammation and autoimmunity.

Current Drug Targets — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Filippini P, Cesario A, Fini M, Locatelli F, Rutella S Abstract The alkaloid nicotine, a major addictive component of tobacco, exerts anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activities on multiple cell types, such as T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, mononuclear phagocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in lung, spleen, liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, nicotine may blunt pro-inflammatory cytokine release, with prominent effects on T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines. The non-neuronal α7-nicotinic cholinergic receptors are a primary target for nicotine through the JAK2 and STAT3/NF-κB pathways, ultimately mediating the inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene transcription. The present paper reviews the growing evidence in favor of detrimental as...

MicroRNAs in Systemic Rheumatic DiseasesMicroRNAs in Systemic Rheumatic Diseases

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

MiRNAs are emerging as potential targets for new therapeutic strategies of autoimmune disorders. Arthritis Research & Therapy (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

TNF‐mediated macrophage activation in the target organ is critical for clinical manifestation of uveitis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractClinically available anti‐TNF biologics, which inhibit both soluble (sTNF) and transmembrane forms (tmTNF) of TNF, eliminating all TNF signalling, have successfully treated autoimmune diseases including uveitis. These have potentially serious side‐effects such as reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis and therefore, more specific inhibition of TNF signalling pathways may maintain clinical efficacy whilst reducing adverse effects. To determine the effects of specific pharmacological inhibition of sTNF on macrophage activation and migration, we used a mouse model of uveitis (experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis; EAU). We show that selective inhibition of sTNF is sufficient to suppress EAU by limiting inflammatory CD11b+ macrophages and CD4+ T cells migration into the ...

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Mendelian traits causing susceptibility to mucocutaneous fungal infections in human subjects

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Mucocutaneous candidiasis and dermatophyte infections occur either in isolation or alongside other symptoms in patients with various primary immunodeficiency diseases with diverse genetic defects, which result in impaired IL-17 immunity, IL-22 immunity, or both. In patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, disease-associated polymorphisms in DECTIN1 act on the level of fungal recognition, whereas mutations in caspase recruitment domain–containing protein 9 (CARD9) disturb the subsequent spleen tyrosine kinase 2–CARD9/BCL10/MALT1–driven signaling cascade, impairing nuclear factor κB–mediated maturation of antigen-presenting cells and priming of naive T cells to differentiate into the TH17 cell lineage. TH17-priming cytokines signal through the transcription factor signal tr...

[Multilocular pyoderma gangrenosum after uterus resection.]

Der Chirurg — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Al Ghazal P, Dissemond J Abstract A 71-year-old patient presented with very painful ulcers after uterus-resection with the da Vinci® Surgical System 3 months before. The anamnesis revealed that in the past 10 months similar wounds had appeared after osteosynthesis of a humerus fracture and after breast biopsy. The patient had been unsuccessfully treated with different antibiotics and wound dressings for several months for a suspected superinfected, postoperative disturbed wound healing. None of the wounds became smaller or healed completely. After exclusion of relevant differential diagnoses pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) could be diagnosed and systemic immunosuppressive therapy was initiated. The pain improved rapidly and complete wound healing was achieved. Pyoderma gangreno...

Are T‐cell dysfunctions the other side of the moon in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes?

European Journal of Haematology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractEven though the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is dominated by an inefficient maturation of hematopoietic precursors, also immune mechanisms seem to play a crucial functional role. In this review we will first describe the clinical and laboratory autoimmune manifestations often detectable in MDS patients. We will then focus on studies addressing the mechanisms of T‐cell activation and their implications in the disease history. The potential impact of specific cell subsets, such as regulatory T‐cells, Th17 cells and natural killer cells, will be also described. We will finally focus on potential therapeutic approaches based on immunomodulation, ranging from more classical immunosuppressive drugs to vaccination and transplantation strategies.© 2012 John Wiley &a...

Glomerular and Tubulointerstitial miR‐638, miR‐198 and miR‐146a Expression in Lupus Nephritis

Nephrology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found that intra‐renal expression of miR‐638, miR‐198 and miR‐146a are differentially expressed between LN patients and normal controls. Furthermore, the degree of change in glomerular miR‐146a and tubulointerstitial miR‐638 expression correlated with clinical disease severity. The results suggested that these miRNA targets may play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.© 2012 The Authors. Nephrology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology (Source: Nephrology)

A DNA methylation fingerprint of 1628 human samples [RESOURCES]

Genome Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Most of the studies characterizing DNA methylation patterns have been restricted to particular genomic loci in a limited number of human samples and pathological conditions. Herein, we present a compromise between an extremely comprehensive study of a human sample population with an intermediate level of resolution of CpGs at the genomic level. We obtained a DNA methylation fingerprint of 1628 human samples in which we interrogated 1505 CpG sites. The DNA methylation patterns revealed show this epigenetic mark to be critical in tissue-type definition and stemness, particularly around transcription start sites that are not within a CpG island. For disease, the generated DNA methylation fingerprints show that, during tumorigenesis, human cancer cells underwent a progressive gain of promoter ...

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Anti-tuberculosis IgG antibodies as a marker of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Welch RJ, Lawless KM, Litwin CM Abstract Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgG antibodies may aid in the diagnosis of active M. tuberculosis disease. We studied whether anti-M. tuberculosis IgG antibodies are elevated in active M. tuberculosis disease and assessed factors contributing to false positive and negative results. A retrospective study of 2,150 individuals tested by the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay was conducted at University of Utah, ARUP Laboratories, November 2008 to December 2010. All samples were tested with the InBios Active TbDetect™anti-TB IgG antibody assay. Of 1,044 patients with a positive QFT-GIT, 59 (5.7%) were positive for M. tuberculosis antibodies. Fourteen of 1,106 (1.3%) with a negative or indeterminate QFT-GIT were positive for M...

Strategies for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Orthopedics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article provides physicians with a review of biologic therapies currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and describe how those therapies are used to manage rheumatoid arthritis. PMID: 22300992 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Orthopedics)

Intravenous immunoglobulin expands regulatory T cells in autoimmune rheumatic disease.

J Rheumatol — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bayry J, Mouthon L, Kaveri SV PMID: 22298280 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Collagenous colitis‐like condition in immunosuppressed infant baboons

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Collagenous colitis has occasionally been reported in patients with organ transplants. It has been reported only once previously in baboons. The four cases reported here strongly suggest that 1) clinical features as well as histopathological findings of collagenous colitis in baboons are very similar to those in human patients; 2) it was associated with the immunocompromised state of the baboons, as two nonimmunosuppressed age‐matched baboons in close proximity did not develop the condition; and 3) it may have had an infectious origin, as all four cases developed within a 4‐week period of time. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;) (Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

JAK2 and STAT3 Polymorphisms in a Han Chinese Population with Behcet's Disease [Genetics]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. These results suggest that a STAT3 genetic polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to BD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

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Gene silencing of IL-12 in dendritic cells inhibits autoimmune arthritis

Journal of Translational Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We demonstrate a novel tolerance-inducing protocol for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory joint disease in which the target antigen is known, utilizing DNA-directed RNA interference. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Molecular Mechanism of Pancreatic and Salivary Gland Fluid and HCOFormula Secretion

Physiological Reviews — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Fluid and HCO3– secretion is a vital function of all epithelia and is required for the survival of the tissue. Aberrant fluid and HCO3– secretion is associated with many epithelial diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and other epithelial inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Significant progress has been made over the last 20 years in our understanding of epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, in particular by secretory glands. Fluid and HCO3– secretion by secretory glands is a two-step process. Acinar cells secrete isotonic fluid in which the major salt is NaCl. Subsequently, the duct modifies the volume and electrolyte composition of the fluid to absorb the Cl– and secrete HCO3–. The relative volume secreted by acin...

Efficacy of the antiphospholipid score for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome and its predictive value for thrombotic events

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:25:17 +0100

ConclusionThe aPL‐S is a useful quantitative index for diagnosing APS and may be a predictive marker for thrombosis in autoimmune diseases. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Microchimerism in the rheumatoid nodules of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:24:56 +0100

ConclusionOur findings indicate that microchimerism is frequently present in the rheumatoid nodules of RA patients. Since microchimerism is genetically disparate, whether microchimerism in rheumatoid nodules serves as an allogeneic stimulus or allogeneic target warrants further investigation. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Hsp90 and its co-chaperone, Sgt1, as autoantigens in dilated cardiomyopathy

Heart and Vessels — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:32:12 +0100

Abstract Recently, it has been suggested that some heat shock proteins such as Hsp70 and Hsp60 are involved in autoimmune diseases including cardiospecific ones. In this work we focused on the involvement of another well known heat shock protein, Hsp90, and its novel co-chaperone, Sgt1, in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We found that the level of autoantibodies against these two proteins was significantly higher in patients with DCM and ischemic heart disease than in sera of healthy donors. We have also analyzed the expression level and subcellular localization of Hsp90 and Sgt1 in diseased myocardia. Using Western blot we found changes in subcellular localization of Hsp90 in the left ventricle of DCM hearts while the total level of this protein remained unchanged. Regardin...

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Serotonin protects mouse liver from cholestatic injury by decreasing bile salt pool after bile duct ligation

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We propose a physiological function of serotonin is to ameliorate liver injury and stabilize the bile salt pool through adaptation of renal transporters in cholestatis. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Confirmation of association of FCGR3B but not FCGR3A copy number with susceptibility to autoantibody positive rheumatoid arthritis

Human Mutation — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe FCGR locus encoding the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors for IgG has largely been missed by genome‐wide association studies due to complications with structural variation and segmental duplication. Recently identified CNVs affecting FCGR3A and FCGR3B have been linked to a number of autoimmune disorders. We have developed and validated a novel quantitative sequence variant (QSV) assay in combination with an adapted paralogue ratio test to examine independent CNVs carrying FCGR3A and FCGR3B in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy controls (n=1115 and 654, respectively). Implementation of a robust statistical analysis framework (CNVtools) allowed for systematic batch effects and for the inherent uncertainty of copy number assignment, thus avoiding two major sources of fa...

Novel roles for the IgG Fc glycan

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IgG antibodies trigger leukocyte activation and inflammation by forming immune complexes that crosslink activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). This is essential to combat infection, but detrimental if antibodies target or cross‐react with autoantigens. The high specificity and long serum half‐life of IgG antibodies confers tremendous therapeutic potential. Indeed, antibodies have been successfully employed to target cancers, autoreactive B cells, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, IgG antibodies can also initiate anti‐inflammatory responses. In the form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), IgGs are routinely administered to treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Importantly, the N‐linked glycans on the IgG Fc are absolutely required for initiating these IgG effector funct...

Analysis of polymorphisms of TNF‐α, LT‐α, IL‐10, IL‐12 and CTLA‐4 in patients with warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

Clinical and Laboratory Haematology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:04:02 +0100

Conclusion: In this study, no significant differences on the frequency of TNF‐α, IL‐10, IL‐12 and CTLA‐4 polymorphisms between patients with AIHA and controls was found, suggesting that the targeted polymorphisms do not influence on the emergence and evolution of the disease. However, the LT‐α +252 polymorphism might have an effect for AIHAI development, suggesting that further studies are necessary to clear up this question. (Source: Clinical and Laboratory Haematology)

Stealthy leprosy pathogen evades critical vitamin D-dependent immune response

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

A team of UCLA scientists has found that the pathogen that causes leprosy has a remarkable ability to avoid the human immune system by inhibiting the antimicrobial responses important to our defenses. In one of the first laboratory studies of its kind, researchers discovered that the leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae was able to reduce and evade immune activity that is dependent on vitamin D, a natural hormone that plays an essential role in the body's fight against infections. The pathogen manipulated micro-RNAs, tiny molecules made of ribonucleic acids that carry information and that help regulate genes to direct cell activity, including immune system defenses. Micro-RNAs are short RNAs that do not code information for proteins, which carry out all cell activity; ...

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Mutation Drives Viral Sensors To Initiate Autoimmune Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A new study uses a mouse model of a human autoimmune disease to reveal how abnormal regulation of the intracellular sensors that detect invading viruses can lead to autoimmune pathology. The research, published online in the journal Immunity by Cell Press, provides key insight into mechanisms that underlie the development of autoimmune disease and may lead to more effective strategies for therapeutic intervention. There are multiple intracellular sensors that detect viral infection by binding to viral nucleic acids (RNA and DNA)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Endocrine manifestations related to inherited metabolic diseases in adults

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Most inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are recessive, genetically transmitted diseases and are classified into 3 main groups according to their mechanisms: cellular intoxication, energy deficiency, and defects of complex molecules. They can be associated with endocrine manifestations, which may be complications from a previously diagnosed IEM of childhood onset. More rarely, endocrinopathies can signal an IEM in adulthood, which should be suspected when an endocrine disorder is associated with multisystemic involvement (neurological, muscular, hepatic features, etc.). IEM can affect all glands, but diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction and hypogonadism are the most frequent disorders. A single IEM can present with multiple endocrine dysfunctions, especially those involving energy deficien...

Biochemical and immunologic effects of rituximab in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:26 +0100

Conclusion: These data suggest that depletion of B cells influences the induction, maintenance, and activation of both B and T cells and provides a potential mechanism for treatment of patients with PBC with an incomplete response to UDCA. (HEPATOLOGY 2012) (Source: Hepatology)

Rarity of anti–3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase antibodies in statin users, including those with self‐limited musculoskeletal side effects

Arthritis Care and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:30 +0100

ConclusionThe majority of patients with and without statin exposure, including those with self‐limited statin intolerance, do not develop anti‐HMGCR antibodies. Therefore, anti‐HMGCR antibodies are highly specific for those with an autoimmune myopathy. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Systematic review of the epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Asia‐Pacific region: Prevalence, incidence, clinical features, and mortality

Arthritis Care and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:12 +0100

ConclusionThis review highlights the need to closely monitor Asian SLE patients in Asian countries for renal and cardiovascular involvement, especially those who may not receive proper treatment and are therefore at greater risk of severe disease. We hope this will encourage further research specific to this region and lead to improved clinical management. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

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Neuroprotective Effects of Progesterone in Chronic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Journal of Neuroendocrinology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractObservations so far obtained in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have shown promising neuroprotective effects exerted by progesterone (PROG). These findings suggest that this neuroactive steroid may potentially represent a therapeutic tool for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, up to now the efficacy of PROG has been only tested in the acute phase of the disease, while it is well known that MS express different features depending on the phase of the disease. To this aim we have evaluated the effect of PROG treatment in EAE induced in Dark Agouti rats (i.e., an experimental model showing a protracted relapsing EAE). Data obtained 45 days after EAE induction show that PROG treatment exerts a beneficial effect on clinical score confirming by surrogate parameters of spina...

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus after rituximab therapy.

Lupus — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report PCP in two patients with SLE after rituximab treatment. Fever and respiratory symptoms associated with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates developed within weeks after rituximab therapy. One patient died of respiratory failure. Another patient recovered uneventfully after treatment with clindamycin and primaquine. PMID: 22287506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)

Proteasome inhibitors: an expanding army attacking a unique target.

Chemistry and Biology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kisselev AF, van der Linden WA, Overkleeft HS Abstract Proteasomes are large, multisubunit proteolytic complexes presenting multiple targets for therapeutic intervention. The 26S proteasome consists of a 20S proteolytic core and one or two 19S regulatory particles. The 20S core contains three types of active sites. Many structurally diverse inhibitors of these active sites, both natural product and synthetic, have been discovered in the last two decades. One, bortezomib, is used clinically for treatment of multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, and acute allograft rejection. Five more recently developed proteasome inhibitors are in trials for treatment of myeloma and other cancers. Proteasome inhibitors also have activity in animal models of autoimmune and inflammatory di...

Study Finds No Link Between HPV Vaccine and Autoimmune Disorders

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

No risk seen among nearly 190,000 Gardasil recipients in company-funded review Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Autoimmune Diseases, HPV, Immunization (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

IVIg‐mediated amelioration of ITP in mice is dependent on sialic acid and SIGNR1

European Journal of Immunology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:20:17 +0100

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg) therapy is widely used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Recent evidence suggests that in mice splenic resident cells might be important for the anti‐inflammatory activity of IVIgs in a model of serum transfer arthritis. Splenectomized human immunothrombocytopenia (ITP) patients, however, still respond to IVIg therapy. To investigate whether the requirement of the spleen is essential for mouse ITP we used a passive model of induced ITP and demonstrated that IVIg activity was functional in splenectomized animals. Further analysis showed that the IVIg‐mediated amelioration of platelet phagocytosis was fully dependent on terminal sialic acid residues in the IVIg preparation and could be blocked with a SIGNR1 specific antibody. These results...

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The association of lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22) gene polymorphism with Egyptian immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:44:01 +0100

Abstract Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune syndrome involving platelets destruction and suppression of platelet production that may predispose to bleeding. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 gene (PTPN22) is an important negative regulator of signal transduction through the T-cell receptors (TCR). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 1858C > T within this gene was reported to be associated with increased risk of autoimmune diseases. The aim of the work was to study the frequency of the 1858C > T single nucleotide polymorphism in the PTPN22 gene in Egyptian ITP patients. After full clinical and laboratory examination of our subjects, the expression of the PTPN22 (1858C > T) gene polymorphism was analyzed in 60 ITP patient...

Exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in prion protein (PrPc)-null mice: evidence for a critical role of the central nervous system

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In view of the present data, it can be concluded that the origin of EAE exacerbation in PrPc-ablated mice resides in the absence of the prion protein in the CNS. Furthermore, the absence of PrPc on both neural and immune cells does not synergize for disease worsening. These conclusions highlight the critical role of PrPc in maintaining the integrity of the CNS in situations of stress, especially during a neuroinflammatory insult. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identified AFF1 as a Susceptibility Locus for Systemic Lupus Eyrthematosus in Japanese

PLoS Genetics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

by Yukinori Okada, Kenichi Shimane, Yuta Kochi, Tomoko Tahira, Akari Suzuki, Koichiro Higasa, Atsushi Takahashi, Tetsuya Horita, Tatsuya Atsumi, Tomonori Ishii, Akiko Okamoto, Keishi Fujio, Michito Hirakata, Hirofumi Amano, Yuya Kondo, Satoshi Ito, Kazuki Takada, Akio Mimori, Kazuyoshi Saito, Makoto Kamachi, Yasushi Kawaguchi, Katsunori Ikari, Osman Wael Mohammed, Koichi Matsuda, Chikashi Terao, Koichiro Ohmura, Keiko Myouzen, Naoya Hosono, Tatsuhiko Tsunoda, Norihiro Nishimoto, Tsuneyo Mimori, Fumihiko Matsuda, Yoshiya Tanaka, Takayuki Sumida, Hisashi Yamanaka, Yoshinari Takasaki, Takao Koike, Takahiko Horiuchi, Kenshi Hayashi, Michiaki Kubo, Naoyuki Kamatani, Ryo Yamada, Yusuke Nakamura, Kazuhiko Yamamoto Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes multip...

Genetic inactivation of the p66 isoform of ShcA is neuroprotective in a murine model of multiple sclerosis

European Journal of Neuroscience — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractAlthough multiple sclerosis (MS) has traditionally been considered to be an inflammatory disease, recent evidence has brought neurodegeneration into the spotlight, suggesting that accumulated damage and loss of axons is critical to disease progression and the associated irreversible disability. Proposed mechanisms of axonal degeneration in MS posit cytosolic and subsequent mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, accumulation of pathologic reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to cell death. In this context, the role of the p66 isoform of ShcA protein (p66) may be significant. The ShcA isoform is uniquely targeted to the mitochondrial intermembrane space in response to elevated oxidative stress, and serves as a redox enzyme amplifying ROS generation in a positive...

Evolutionary Dynamics of Human Autoimmune Disease Genes and Malfunctioned Immunological Genes

BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study provides an empirical insight into the etiology of autoimmune disease genes and other immunological diseases. The immediate utility of our study is to help in disease gene identification and may also help in medicinal improvement of immune related disease. (Source: BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles)

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Primary immunodeficiency associated with defects in CD1 and CD1‐restricted T cells

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CD1 is a family of atypical MHC class I molecules that present various endogenous and exogenous lipid antigens to CD1‐restricted T cells. While little is known about the function of CD1a‐, CD1b‐, and CD1c‐restricted lipid‐reactive T cells due to their absence in mice, CD1d‐restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells have been extensively studied since their description almost 20 years ago. NKT cells, effector memory cells that share characteristics of innate and adaptive lymphocytes, are among the earliest responders in immune reactions and have broad effects on the activation of other immune cell lineages, including NK cells, T cells, and B cells. Accordingly, studies in mice have revealed critical roles of NKT cells in infectious, malignant, and autoimmune diseases. The recent de...

A Transgenic Model of Central Nervous System Autoimmunity Mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T and B Cells.

Journal of Immunology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Anderson AC, Chandwaskar R, Lee DH, Sullivan JM, Solomon A, Rodriguez-Manzanet R, Greve B, Sobel RA, Kuchroo VK Abstract Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model of multiple sclerosis. In NOD mice, EAE develops as a relapsing-remitting disease that transitions to a chronic progressive disease, making the NOD model the only mouse model that recapitulates the full clinical disease course observed in most multiple sclerosis patients. We have generated a TCR transgenic mouse that expresses the α- and β-chains of a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55-reactive TCR (1C6) on the NOD background. 1C6 TCR transgenic mice spontaneously generate both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that recognize MOG and produce proinflammatory cytokines, allowing ...

{alpha}{beta} TCR+ T Cells, but Not B Cells, Promote Autoimmune Keratitis in B10 Mice Lacking {gamma}{delta} T Cells [Immunology and Microbiology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Neither low tear levels nor ovarian hormones contribute to spontaneous keratitis in B10.TCR–/– female mice, nor does it appear to depend on an infectious agent carried vertically in this strain. However, αβ T cells from keratitic hosts are sufficient to induce disease in the resistant B10.TCRβ–/––/– strain. Autoaggressive αβ T cells in the absence of V1+ T cells in B10.TCR–/– mice may be insufficiently checked to prevent disease. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

CD8+ T-Cell Deficiency, Epstein-Barr Virus Infection, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Steps to Autoimmunity: A Unifying Hypothesis

International Journal of Photoenergy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:18:57 +0100

CD8+ T-cell deficiency is a feature of many chronic autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, vitiligo, bullous pemphigoid, alopecia areata, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, type 1 diabetes mellitus, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, and pernicious anaemia. It also occurs in healthy blood relatives of patients with autoimmune diseases, suggesting it is genetically determined. Here it is proposed that this CD8+ T-cell deficiency underlies the development of chronic autoimmune dise...

Erratum to: Acamprosate modulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Inflammopharmacology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:27:04 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ErratumPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s10787-012-0120-1Authors Z. Sternberg, Department of Neurology, Baird MS Center, Jacobs Neurological Institute, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USAA. Cesario, Department of Neurology, Baird MS Center, Jacobs Neurological Institute, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USAK. Rittenhouse-Olson, Department of Biotechnical and Neurological Laboratory Sciences, University of Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, USAR. A. Sobel, Department of Pathology, VA Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, USAYi-Kan Leung, Department of Neurology, Baird MS Center, Jacobs Neurological Institute, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USAO. Pankewycz, Department of Surgery, Buffalo General Hospital, State University of New...

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Does Δ133p53 isoform trigger inflammation and autoimmunity?

Cell Cycle — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:49:36 +0100

Authors: Campbell H, Slatter T, Jeffs A, Mehta R, Rubio C, Baird M, Braithwaite A Abstract Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system mounting a response against self. The exact etiology of autoimmune diseases and autoimmunity remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Δ133p53, an isoform of the tumor suppressor protein p53, is involved in the development of autoimmunity. We have previously generated a mouse model of Δ133p53 (Δ122p53). Δ122p53 mice develop an autoimmune/ inflammation-like phenotype that includes the production of autoantibodies, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphocyte aggregations in various organs. Microarray analysis reveals that expression of Δ122p53 induces a number of pro-inflammatory genes, including the STAT1 pathway ...

Molecular outcomes of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-IgG binding to aquaporin-4 in astrocytes [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report identifies two novel properties of NMO-IgG as determinants of pathogenicity. First, the binding of NMO-IgG to the ectodomain of astrocytic AQP4 has isoform-specific outcomes. M1 is completely internalized, but M23 resists internalization and is aggregated into larger-order orthogonal arrays of particles that activate complement more effectively than M1 when bound by NMO-IgG. Second, NMO-IgG binding to either isoform impairs water flux directly, independently of antigen down-regulation. We identified, in nondestructive central nervous system lesions of two NMO patients, two previously unappreciated histopathological correlates supporting the clinical relevance of our in vitro findings: (i) reactive astrocytes with persistent foci of surface AQP4 and (ii) vacuolation in adjacent ...

Psoriatic Arthritis - New Drug Offers Relief

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Around 7.5 million Americans, which is about 2.2% of the population, suffer from psoriaris, an autoimmune disease causing red, flaky skin. A new review in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (JAAOS) reveals that patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a type of arthritis that affects nearly 48% of patients with the skin disease psoriasis, gain substantial benefits from medications or biologic agents that target T-cells, white blood cells involved in the body's immune system. Lead study author Michael S. Day, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

CXCL1 can be regulated by IL-6 and promotes granulocyte adhesion to brain capillaries during bacterial toxin exposure and encephalomyelitis

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study identifies CXCL1 not only as a key regulator of granulocyte recruitment into the CNS, but also as a new potential target for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

Clinical Reasoning: A 6-year-old boy with uncontrollable right-sided movements

Neurology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Noninvasive elastography‐based assessment of liver fibrosis progression and prognosis in primary biliary cirrhosis

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:TE is one of the best current surrogate markers of liver fibrosis in PBC. Over a 5‐year period, on‐treatment liver stiffness appears stable in most non‐cirrhotic PBC patients, while it significantly increases in patients with cirrhosis. Progression of LSM in PBC is predictive of poor outcome. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Frequent detection of IgM anti‐herpes simplex viral antibody in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Radiological features typically include edema of the posterior cerebral regions, especially of the parietooccipital lobes. Atypical imaging features, such as involvement of anterior cerebral regions, deep white matter, and the brain stem are also frequently seen. Vasoconstriction is common in vascular imaging. Different conditions have been associated with PRES, but toxemia of pregnancy, solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment, cancer chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension are most commonly described. The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear and different hypotheses are being discussed. Posterior reversible en...

Transient elastography identifies liver recipients with “non‐viral” graft disease after transplantation: A guidance for liver biopsy

Liver Transplantation — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the dual TE cut‐off allows to accurately discriminate between absence and presence of non‐viral liver graft damage, improving the clinical management of OLT recipients in terms of selection of patients most in need of liver biopsy. © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (Source: Liver Transplantation)

Early Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy

Neuromics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:32:00 +0100

The earlier the diagnosis the better the outcome. This is especially true with autoimmune diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). DR is the leading cause of blindness among persons of working age in the industrialized world. Here I feature a publication that shows axoglial alterations at the distal portion of the optic nerve could be the first structural change in the diabetic visual pathway. This could prove good news for discovering better therapies thus preventing blindness: Diego C. Fernandez, Laura A. Pasquini, Damián Dorfman, Hernán J. Aldana Marcos, Ruth E. Rosenstein. Early Distal Axonopathy of the Visual Pathway in Experimental Diabetes. doi:10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.09.018Oligodendrocytes are responsible for insulating axons. Disruptions in the formation of oligodendrocytes could ...

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Hydrocortisone attenuates cyclosporin A‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:16:06 +0100

This study clearly suggests the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 997–1004, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

Reply

American Journal of Ophthalmology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:51:05 +0100

Pointdujour and associates argue that the term Graves orbitopathy (GO) “leads to confusion and misdiagnoses among many medical specialists.” We agree that there are several reasons why the term Graves orbitopathy is not ideal for describing this orbital pathologic condition. GO is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves disease, and therefore, most patients with GO have associated hyperthyroidism. Experts agree that the prevalence of GO in Graves disease depends on the sensitivity of the testing methodology. Although clinically overt GO is present in 30% of Graves disease patients, extraocular muscle involvement is observed in 91% of these patients when assessed by CT. When patients with euthyroid orbitopathy are evaluated extensively, they often are found to have morpho...

[Comment] Autoimmune diseases and risk of pulmonary embolism

LANCET — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:31:01 +0100

In The Lancet, Bengt Zöller and colleagues have obtained data from the MigMed2 database (constructed from several national Swedish data registers) and report analyses to show that pulmonary embolism is a serious problem in patients with autoimmune disease. The investigators’ conclusion that autoimmune disorders should be regarded as hypercoagulable is well validated in their study. (Source: LANCET)

Serum immunoglobulin G4 associated with number and distribution of extrapancreatic lesions in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis patients

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:47:06 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings indicated that serum IgG4 was useful in both the diagnosis of type 1 AIP and the detection of systemic EPL. Our finding may help the concept and diagnostic criteria of IgG4‐related disease with type 1 AIP. (Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Natural Triterpenes Modulate Immune‐Inflammatory Hallmarks to Protect against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Therapeutic Implications for Multiple Sclerosis.

British Journal of Pharmacology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:19:54 +0100

Conclusions and Implications. Both triterpenes restricted the development of the characteristic hallmarks of EAE. We envision these natural products as novel helpful tools for intervention in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases including MS. (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

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Immunomedics Reports Final Results From Phase Ib/II Study of Yttrium-90-Labeled Clivatuzumab Tetraxetan and Gemcitabine in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0100

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immunomedics, Inc. (Nasdaq:IMMU), a biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development of monoclonal antibody-based products for the targeted treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases, today announced that repeated cycles of fractionated doses of its proprietary humanized antibody, clivatuzumab tetraxetan, labeled with yttrium-90 (90Y) and given in combination with gemcitabine, demonstrated therapeutic activity in patients with advanced, inoperable, pancreatic cancer. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Autoantibodies Targeting Tissues In 32 Million Americans

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

In the United States, 32 million individuals have autoantibodies, the most prevalent of which are antinuclear antibodies (ANA), according to an investigation carried out by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), an agency of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although the investigation is the first to study the presence of autoantibodies in individuals in the United States, the results are far from unexpected, revealed the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). AARDA's President and Executive Director Virginia T... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Familial and acquired hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Annual Review of Medicine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:01:09 +0100

Authors: Janka GE Abstract Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome in which an uncontrolled and ineffective immune response, triggered in most cases by infectious agents, leads to severe hyperinflammation. Familial forms of HLH (FHL), which are increasingly found also in adolescents and adults, are due to genetic defects leading to impaired function of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells. These mutations occur either in the perforin gene or in genes important for the exocytosis of cytotoxic granules. Cytotoxic granules contain perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis upon entering (infected) target cells. Additionally, perforin is important for the downregulation of the immune response. Acquired forms of HLH are encountered in associatio...

Early, Aggressive Treatment May Help Reduce Symptoms And Improve Joint Function In Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Medications or biologic agents that target T-cells, white blood cells involved in the body's immune system, appear to offer significant benefit to patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a type of arthritis that affects up to 48 percent of patients with the skin disease psoriasis, according to a new review article in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS). About 7.5 million Americans - roughly 2.2 percent of the population - have psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes red, flaky skin... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

{alpha}-TTP Function in Chloroquine Toxicity [Lipids]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We reported previously that CQ treatment caused α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), a gene product of familial vitamin E deficiency, to change its location from the cytosol to the surface of acidic organelles. Here we show that α-TTP plays a novel role in protecting against CQ toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. In the presence of CQ, rat hepatoma McARH7777 cells, which do not express α-TTP endogenously, showed more severe cytotoxicity, such as larger vacuolation of acidic organelles and caspase activation, than α-TTP transfectant cells. Similarly, α-TTP knockout mice showed more severe CQ toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity and retinopathy, than wild-type mice. These effects were not ameliorated by vitamin E supplementation. In contrast to bafilomycin A1 treatment, which prevents CQ...

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The IL23/Th17 pathway as a therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Toussirot E Abstract IL-23 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-12 cytokine family. IL-23 is essential for the differentiation of Th17 lymphocytes, a subtype of T lymphocyte implicated in chronic inflammatory/autoimmune mediated diseases. IL-23 and Th17 correspond to a new axis that drives immune activation and chronic inflammation through the differentiation and activation of Th17 cells. Animal models of chronic inflammatory diseases such as chronic joint diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases and demyelinating diseases strongly suggest the involvement of this cytokine pathway. Thus, IL-23/Th17 is considered as a relevant therapeutic target in autoimmune driven diseases, and biological agents blocking IL-23 or IL-17 are currently being developed. Ustekinumab ...

Inflammation and Coagulation in Urticaria and Angioedema.

Current Vascular Pharmacology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cugno M, Asero R, Tedeschi A, Lazzari R, Marzano AV Abstract Urticaria is a skin disease characterised by short-lived surface swellings of the dermis (wheals) frequently accompanied by itching. It is classified as acute or chronic depending on whether the wheal recurrence occurs for less or more than six weeks. Acute urticaria is often due to a hypersensitivity reaction, whereas about 50% of the cases of chronic urticaria are regarded as autoimmune. Urticaria may occur alone or in association with a deeper swelling (angioedema) involving the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissues, and last from hours to a few days. Angioedema can also develop alone, and may be idiopathic or be caused by allergies, inherited or acquired deficiencies of C1-inhibitor protein, or adverse drug ...

Interactions between Inflammation and Coagulation in Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases.

Current Vascular Pharmacology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marzano AV, Tedeschi A, Polloni I, Crosti C, Cugno M Abstract Inflammation and coagulation systems are simultaneously activated in autoimmune and immune-mediated skin disorders, and the cross-talk that amplifies and maintains their activation seems to have both local and systemic implications. This interplay occurs in bullous pemphigoid (BP), the prototype autoimmune blistering disease in which eosinophil recruitment and thrombin generation locally contribute to the formation of bullae and inflammatory tissue damage. Moreover, the systemic activation of coagulation may explain the increased thrombotic risk observed in BP patients. Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronically relapsing immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease, also involves the local and systemic activation of co...

An Optical Coherence Tomography Study on Degeneration of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Rats with Autoimmune Optic Neuritis [Immunology and Microbiology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. In summary, it is shown here for the first time that OCT can reliably monitor neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune optic neuritis in rodents. Moreover, in comparing RNFL thickness decline with histopathological analyses of the optic nerve, these results suggest an early, and in part, inflammation-independent process of RNFL degeneration in autoimmune optic neuritis. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Otelixizumab in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes MellitusOtelixizumab in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, but how well do patients with T1DM respond to treatment with antibodies - and when should they be introduced? Immunotherapy (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Potential Infectious Etiology of Behçet's Disease.

Herpes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:30:02 +0100

Authors: Galeone M, Colucci R, D'Erme AM, Moretti S, Lotti T Abstract Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. The cause of Behçet's disease remains unknown, but epidemiologic findings suggest that an autoimmune process is triggered by an environmental agent in a genetically predisposed individual. An infectious agent could operate through molecular mimicry, and subsequently the disease could be perpetuated by an abnormal immune response to an autoantigen in the absence of ongoing infection. Potentia bacterial are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycobacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma fermentans, but the most...

Integrative continuum: accelerating therapeutic advances in rare autoimmune diseases.

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:54:20 +0100

Authors: Van Herle K, Behne JM, Van Herle A, Blaschke TF, Smith TJ, Yeaman MR Abstract Autoimmune diseases are chronic, life threatening, and of burgeoning public health concern. They rank among the 10 most common causes of death in women, and some have incidence rates surpassing those of heart disease and cancer. Emerging information regarding molecular and cellular mechanisms affords opportunities for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies or the repurposing of FDA-approved pharmacologic agents. Yet, obstacles to drug development amplify as an inverse function of the incidence of rare autoimmune disease; challenges include heterogeneous clinical presentation, paucity of definitive biomarkers, and poorly validated measures of therapeutic response. An integrative continuum m...

Direct and indirect regulatory mechanisms in TH17 cell differentiation and functions

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractT helper 17 (TH17) cells have well‐described roles in autoimmune disease. The immune modulations of development and function of TH17 has become a key issue. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the direct and indirect signaling regulatory mechanisms of TH17 cells in the general mouse model of autoimmune disease and human disease. (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology)

DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Changes in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Psoriasis: Identification of Epigenetically Dysregulated Genes

PLoS Genetics — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

by Kristina Gervin, Magnus D. Vigeland, Morten Mattingsdal, Martin Hammerø, Heidi Nygård, Anne O. Olsen, Ingunn Brandt, Jennifer R. Harris, Dag E. Undlien, Robert Lyle Monozygotic (MZ) twins do not show complete concordance for many complex diseases; for example, discordance rates for autoimmune diseases are 20%–80%. MZ discordance indicates a role for epigenetic or environmental factors in disease. We used MZ twins discordant for psoriasis to search for genome-wide differences in DNA methylation and gene expression in CD4+ and CD8+ cells using Illumina's HumanMethylation27 and HT-12 expression assays, respectively. Analysis of these data revealed no differentially methylated or expressed genes between co-twins when analyzed separately, although we observed a substantial amount of...

An ELIME assay for the rapid diagnosis of coeliac disease.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Adornetto G, Volpe G, De Stefano A, Martini S, Gallucci G, Manzoni A, Bernardini S, Mascini M, Moscone D Abstract Coeliac disease (CD) is a gluten-induced autoimmune enteropathy found in genetically susceptible subjects. Because of the high number of undetected cases, rapid and cheaper screening methods are needed. Currently, the CD diagnosis involves the detection of anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies (anti-tTG IgA) in blood serum through the use of ELISA systems with confirmation by histology of the intestinal mucosa. A new, rapid magneto-electrochemical immunosensor for CD diagnosis has been developed and applied to serum sample analysis. The system uses magnetic beads coated with tTG antigen to detect anti-tTG antibodies in positive serum samples and an alkaline phos...

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Bronchiectasis in a Diverse U.S. Population: Effects of Ethnicity on Etiology and Sputum Culture.

Chest — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The etiology of bronchiectasis can be determined in the majority of patients in a heterogeneous U.S. population and is most often due to immune dysregulation. Rheumatoid arthritis is more likely in AA patients compared to EA patients. HA patients are more likely to have P. aeruginosa in their sputum. PMID: 22267679 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chest)

Comparative Biochemistry of GH3, GH20 and GH84 β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases and Recent Progress in Selective Inhibitor Discovery.

Current Drug Targets — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liu T, Yan J, Yang Q Abstract Glycosyl hydrolase family 3, 20 and 84 β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases are widely distributed enzymes that function in energy metabolism, cell proliferation, signal transduction as well as in pathogen-related inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Sharing the same retaining catalytic mechanism, they are distinguished from each other in terms of structure rather than substrate-enzyme transition state. Selective inhibition of each of these enzymes that exploits the structural differences would appear promising in the regulation and investigation of their corresponding life functions within the organism. Thanks to molecular structural biology, detailed structures of GH3, 20 and 84 β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases have become available at the atomic lev...

Mapping of B cell epitopes on desmoglein 3 in pemphigus vulgaris patients by the use of overlapping peptides

Journal of Dermatological Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We conclude that linear epitopes do not play a major pathogenic role in human PV. (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

Utility of peripheral blood B cell subsets analysis in common variable immunodeficiency.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:47 +0100

Authors: Al Kindi M, Mundy J, Sullivan T, Smith W, Kette F, Smith A, Heddle R, Hissaria P Abstract Abnormalities in peripheral blood B cell subsets have been identified in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and classification systems based upon their numbers have been proposed to predict the clinical features. We analysed B lymphocyte subsets by multi-colour flow cytometry (MFC) in a cohort of well-characterized CVID patients to look at their clinical relevance and validate the published association of different classification criteria (Freiburg, Paris and Euroclass) with clinical manifestations. CVID patients had a reduced proportion of total and switched memory B cells (MBC, swMBC) compared to normal controls (P < 0·0006). Patients classified in Freiburg Ia ...

Quiz Page February 2012: Acute Kidney Injury in an Adolescent With a Family History of Autoimmune Disorders

American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:56:37 +0100

A 15-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and darkening of the urine for several days. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed 2 years previously, with positive titers of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet cell autoantigen 512. Her medications included glargine and fast insulin. Her family history was associated strongly with autoimmunity: her mother had Hashimoto thyroiditis and 2 sisters also had anti–glutamic acid decarboxylase and anti–islet cell autoantigen 512 antibodies, the youngest being diabetic. (Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases)

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DNA Sequence Discovered That Causes The Most Severe Cases Of Lupus

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A "genetic accelerator" is responsible for the most severe cases of Lupus (systemic lupus erythemathosus), an autoimmune disease: the accelerator, called enhancer HS1.2, speeds up the activity of some critical genes of the immune system involved in the disease. A team of Italian researchers at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome found that the enhancer HS1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

David Borenstein, MD Q&A

About.com Eating Disorders — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A question-and-answer interview with David Borenstein, M.D., a New York City-based integrative physician in private practice. He specializes in thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, hormone balance, rehabilitative medicine and hypothyroidism treatment. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

Lowe & Fibromyalgia

About.com Eating Disorders — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When muscle and joint aches and pains accompany hypothyroidism, are they a separate problem -- fibromyalgia -- or is fibromyalgia a symptom of the thyroid problem itself, from Mary Shomon, Thyroid Guide, patient advocate and author of a number of books and guides on thyroid disease and autoimmune disease (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

The expanding role of α2‐3 sialylation for leukocyte trafficking in vivo

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The ability of leukocytes to navigate through the different body compartments is an essential component for functioning immune defense and surveillance systems. In order to exit the blood circulation, leukocytes follow distinct recruitment steps, including capture of free‐flowing leukocytes to, and rolling along, the vessel wall; firm leukocyte arrest on the endothelial lining; and postarrest modifications (spreading and crawling), which prepare the leukocyte for transmigration through the vascular wall. Post‐translational glycosylation (including sialylation) has been known for many years to be functionally relevant for selectin ligands and, hence, selectin‐mediated capture and rolling. Recently, sialylation by the α2‐3 sialyltransferase ST3Gal‐IV was identified to significantl...

Demethylation analysis of the FOXP3 locus shows quantitative defects of regulatory T cells in IPEX-like syndrome.

Journal of Autoimmunity — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barzaghi F, Passerini L, Gambineri E, Ciullini Mannurita S, Cornu T, Kang ES, Choe YH, Cancrini C, Corrente S, Ciccocioppo R, Cecconi M, Zuin G, Discepolo V, Sartirana C, Schmidtko J, Ikinciogullari A, Ambrosi A, Roncarolo MG, Olek S, Bacchetta R Abstract Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a unique example of primary immunodeficiency characterized by autoimmune manifestations due to defective regulatory T (Treg) cells, in the presence of FOXP3 mutations. However, autoimmune symptoms phenotypically resembling IPEX often occur in the absence of detectable FOXP3 mutations. The cause of this "IPEX-like" syndrome presently remains unclear. To investigate whether a defect in Treg cells sustains the immunological dysregulation in IPE...

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Evidence of a Combined Cytotoxic Thyroglobulin and Thyroperoxidase Epitope-Specific Cellular Immunity in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:We here report for the first time that both antigens, TPO and Tg, are recognized by CD8-positive T cells and are involved in the thyroid destruction process leading to clinical disease manifestation. PMID: 22259066 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)

More Known About Proteins That Cause Autoimmune Diseases

The Doctors Lounge - Health News — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Researchers say 'autoantibodies' can cause lupus, diabetes, arthritis (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)

Protalex, Inc. Announces Completion of Dosing Patients in 4th Cohort of Its Phase 1b Dose Escalation Study of PRTX-100 in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0100

SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protalex, Inc. (OTCBB:PRTX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company which is engaged in developing a class of drugs for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases today announced it has completed patient dosing in the 4th cohort of Part A of its ongoing multicenter Phase 1b dose escalation clinical study of PRTX-100 in adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being conducted in South Africa. A total of 37 patients were randomized in 4 dose escalating cohorts. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

How to investigate mildly elevated liver transaminase levels

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0100

Mild elevations in the liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) are commonly found in asymptomatic patients. The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (sometimes called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), which can affect up to 30% of the U.S. population. Other common liver causes include: - alcoholic liver disease - medication-associated liver injury - viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) - hemochromatosis Pale stool and dark urine (click to enlarge the images). This is an example of "obstructive" jaundice with the classic constellation of tea-colored urine and clay-colored stool. Less common liver causes include: - alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT) - autoimmune hepatitis - Wilson disease Extrahepatic conditions can also caus...

Interleukin-23: as a drug target for autoimmune inflammatory diseases

Immunology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:21:23 +0100

(Source: Immunology)

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Coronary Heart Disease in Young Adults

Current Atherosclerosis Reports — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:09:39 +0100

Abstract Despite the recent decline in mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), this disease remains the leading killer of US adults of all ages. CHD in young adults is not as well characterized as CHD in older individuals because it occurs less frequently, but this disease can have devastating consequences for young patients and their families. As in older adults, the majority of coronary events in young adults are related to atherosclerosis, and one or more of the traditional CHD risk factors is typically present. Young patients, however, are more likely than older patients to be smokers, male, obese, and to have a positive family history. Risk factor reduction is thus of major importance in managing young CHD patients. Approximately 20% of CHD in young adults, howev...

Review: Diagnosis and management of ANCA associated vasculitis

NeLM - News — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: British Medical Journal Area: News Vasculitides associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are systemic autoimmune diseases of unknown cause that affect small to medium sized blood vessels. This review looks at the diagnosis and management of these conditions, under the following headings: . Who gets it? . How do patients present? . How can it be diagnosed? . How can a specialist in vasculitis be found? . What is the natural course of disease if left untreated? . How is ANCA-associated vasculitis currently treated? . What is the long term outlook for patients with ANCA associated vasculitis? . What should generalists be aware of with regard to treatment? . What causes vasculitis? (Sour...

Complete Immunosuppression Withdrawal and Subsequent Allograft Function Among Pediatric Recipients of Parental Living Donor Liver Transplants [Preliminary Communication]

JAMA — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion In this pilot study, 60% of pediatric recipients of parental living donor liver transplants remained off immunosuppression therapy for at least 1 year with normal graft function and stable allograft histology. (Source: JAMA)

Cortical blindness after contrast-enhanced CT scan in a patient of sarcoidosis - Is it related to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome?

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Vinit Suri, Ritu Agarwal, Nilesh Jadhao, Gulshan K AhujaAnnals of Indian Academy of Neurology 2011 14(4):298-300Transient cortical blindness (TCB) is a well known but rare complication of administration of contrast agent. In this case report, we present a 53-year-old woman who is a follow-up case of sarcoidosis and developed TCB with focal neurological symptoms following contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral T2/Flair hyperintensities in parieto-occipital, high frontal, and cerebellar hemispheres with involvement of corpus callosum. Clinically and radiologically patient improved significantly in 4 days. The exact mechanism is still speculative and its possible relationship with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is briefly discus...

Coexistence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in a patient with myasthenia gravis

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a 40-year-old woman who presented with MG when she was 20 years old and developed PSC 20 years after a thymectomy. Liver biochemistry revealed cholestasis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multifocal strictures and beads involving the intrahepatic bile ducts. A liver biopsy confirmed sclerosing cholangitis. Serological analysis demonstrated positive autoantibodies (Anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-smooth muscle antibodies). Repetitive stimulation had a decremental response, and antibodies to acetylcholine receptors were detectable. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PSC in a patient with MG. The main characteristics of both MG and PSC combination are discussed. (Source: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology)

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A tolerogenic role for Toll-like receptor 9 is revealed by B-cell interaction with DNA complexes expressed on apoptotic cells [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Intracellular protein complexes containing nucleic acids are common targets of autoantibodies in many autoimmune diseases. Central tolerance to these antigens is incomplete, yet nucleosomal DNA is expressed on the surface of cells dying by apoptosis. It is commonly believed that autoimmunity is prevented by the rapid uptake of apoptotic cells (ACs) by neighbors or professional phagocytes to which they deliver anti-inflammatory signals. Self-reactive, innate-like B cells contact and are selected by intracellular antigens expressed on ACs; however, how self-tolerance is maintained is not well understood. Here we report that IL-10 production by B cells, stimulated by contact with ACs, results from the engagement of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) within the B cell after recognition of DNA-contain...

C3-dependent mechanism of microglial priming relevant to multiple sclerosis [Neuroscience]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Microglial priming predisposes the brain to neurodegeneration and affects disease progression. The signal to switch from the quiescent to the primed state is unknown. We show that deleting the C3 convertase regulator complement receptor 1-related protein y (Crry) induces microglial priming. Mice that were double-knockout for Crry and either C3 or factor B did not show priming, demonstrating dependence on alternative pathway activation. Colocalization of C3b/iC3b and CR3 implicated the CR3/iC3b interaction in priming. Systemic lipopolysaccharide challenge overactivated primed microglia with florid expression of proinflammatory molecules, which were blocked by complement inhibition. Relevance for neurodegenerative disease is exemplified by human multiple sclerosis (MS) and by experimental au...

Effects of Vitamin D3 on the Expression of Growth‐Related Oncogene‐α in THP‐1 Cells and Human Primary Monocytes

Journal of Food Science — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the opposite effects of 1α, 25‐(OH)2D3 on GRO‐α expression in THP‐1 cells and human primary monocytes indicated that the data from THP‐1 cells should be further confirmed by human primary monocytes. Moreover, vitamin D3 may have potentiality in treating GRO‐α‐related chronic inflammatory diseases, like asthma and autoimmune diseases. (Source: Journal of Food Science)

To cardiovascular disease and beyond: new therapeutic perspectives of statins in autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Current Drug Targets — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lopez-Pedrera C, Ruiz-Limón P, Valverde-Estepa A, Barbarroja N, Rodriguez-Ariza A Abstract Statins have been successfully used in patients with hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases, but there is increasing evidence that they exert effects by much exceeding the lowering of cholesterol levels. Statins have antiatherosclerotic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antithrombotic effects. These "pleiotropic" effects stem from their inhibition of prenylation of the small GTP-binding proteins Ras and Rho, and to the disruption, or depletion, of cholesterol rich membrane micro-domains (membrane rafts). Through these pathways statins modulate immune responses by altering cytokine levels and by affecting the function of cells involved in both innate and ...

Outcomes of pregnancy in women with autoimmune hepatitis.

Journal of Autoimmunity — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that poor disease control in the year prior to pregnancy and the absence of drug therapy are associated with poor outcomes whist pregnant. These data should facilitate appropriate pre-conception counselling and appropriate pregnancy management in this cohort. PMID: 22261501 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Autoimmunity)

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Hormone replacement and contraceptive therapy in autoimmune diseases.

Journal of Autoimmunity — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lateef A, Petri M Abstract Sex hormones, including estrogens, influence the immune system in a complex manner, playing an important role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. Estrogen receptors can be found in almost all cells, including those of the adaptive and innate immune systems. Depending on the relative preponderance and stimulation of different receptors in various tissues, estrogens may demonstrate pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, exogenous estrogens were considered to have the potential of worsening the autoimmune processes and hence were avoided in patients with rheumatic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of exogenous hormone therapies, either in the form of oral contraceptives or post-menopausal ho...

A genetic accelerator hits the gas on autoimmune diseases

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Catholic University of Rome) A "genetic accelerator" is responsible for the most severe cases of lupus (systemic lupus erythemathosus), an autoimmune disease: the accelerator, called enhancer HS1.2, speeds up the activity of some critical genes of the immune system involved in the disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cancer Risk in Patients With Chronic Urticaria: A Population-Based Cohort Study [Evidence-Based Dermatology: Study]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Patients with chronic urticaria are at increased risk of cancer, especially hematologic malignant tumors. Further studies are needed to delineate the associations. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

IFN-gamma signaling in the central nervous system controls the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis independently of the localization and composition of inflammatory foci

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alterations in distribution and composition of CNS inflammatory foci are not sufficient for the onset of atypical EAE. IFNg dictates the course of neuroinflammatory disorders mainly through actions exerted within the CNS. This study provides strong evidence that link microglial STAT1 inactivation to vestibular dysfunction. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

B Lymphocytes Treated In Vitro with Antigen Coupled to Cholera Toxin B Subunit Induce Antigen-Specific Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Protect against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We describe an efficient way to generate B cells with strong suppressive functions by incubating naive B cells with a relevant Ag conjugated to cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). This allows most B cells, irrespective of BCR, to take up and present Ag and induces their expression of latency-associated polypeptide (LAP)/TGF-β and after adoptive transfer also their production of IL-10. With OVA as model Ag, when naive T cells were cocultured in vitro with B cells pretreated with OVA conjugated to CTB (OVA/CTB) Ag-specific CD4(+) Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells increased >50-fold. These cells effectively suppressed CD25(-)CD4(+) effector T (Teff) cells in secondary cultures. Adoptive transfer of OVA/CTB-treated B cells to mice subsequently immunized with OVA in CFA induced increase in Foxp3 T...

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A seminal monograph: Mackay and Burnet's Autoimmune diseases.

Med J Aust — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Roberts-Thomson PJ, Jackson MW, Gordon TP Abstract Mackay and Burnet's Autoimmune diseases, published in 1962, marked the beginning of autoimmunity as a clinical science and led to the future acceptance of the existence of autoimmunity. While there is still controversy regarding the mechanisms of autoimmunity, the authors' insightful hypothesis based on clonal selection theory and the emergence of "forbidden clones", due to somatic mutations, is still current, with recent evidence giving further credence to this hypothesis. We salute Mackay and Burnet on the 50th anniversary of this seminal publication. It is particularly pleasing that it has an iconic Australian origin. PMID: 22256941 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

A comparative study on the reliability of an automated system for the evaluation of cell-based indirect immunofluorescence.

Autoimmunity Reviews — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Visual and automated interpretations of IIF findings for ANA, ANCA, and dsDNAab demonstrated a good agreement when assessing patients with suspected autoimmune diseases. Automated interpretation systems such AKLIDES may improve laboratory efficiency and support standardization of IIF in clinical laboratories. PMID: 22269861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Autoimmunity Reviews)

Aluminum as an adjuvant in Crohn's disease induction.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Lerner A Abstract Alum (AlK(SO(4))(2)) is an adjuvant commonly utilized in vaccines, and is a ubiquitous element used extensively in contemporary life. Food, air, water, waste, the earth's surface, and pharmaceuticals all represent pathways of aluminum (Al) exposure. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals and is caused by yet unidentified environmental factors. Al is a potential factor for the induction of inflammation in CD, and its immune activities share many characteristics with the immune pathology of CD: many luminal bacterial or dietary compounds can be adsorbed to the metal surface and induce Th1 profile cytokines, shared cytokines/chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, and intracellular pathways an...

Mechanisms of aluminum adjuvant toxicity and autoimmunity in pediatric populations.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Tomljenovic L, Shaw C Abstract Immune challenges during early development, including those vaccine-induced, can lead to permanent detrimental alterations of the brain and immune function. Experimental evidence also shows that simultaneous administration of as little as two to three immune adjuvants can overcome genetic resistance to autoimmunity. In some developed countries, by the time children are 4 to 6 years old, they will have received a total of 126 antigenic compounds along with high amounts of aluminum (Al) adjuvants through routine vaccinations. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, safety assessments for vaccines have often not included appropriate toxicity studies because vaccines have not been viewed as inherently toxic. Taken together, these observ...

Adjuvant immunization induces high levels of pathogenic antiphospholipid antibodies in genetically prone mice: another facet of the ASIA syndrome.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Katzav A, Kivity S, Blank M, Shoenfeld Y, Chapman J Abstract Adjuvants may induce autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals, a phenomenon recently defined as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). Patients with both antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and the genetic coagulopathy factor V Leiden (FVL) are frequently found. We therefore evaluated whether adjuvant can induce aPL in heterozygous FVL mice. aPL were measured in naïve mice and at 1 and 5 months after immunization with either complete or incomplete Freund's adjuvant (CFA, IFA) in FVL and control C57/B6 background mice. We defined antibody levels 3 SD above the mean of C57/B6 mice immunized with adjuvant as positive (specificity of 99%). For β(2)GPI-dependent aPL, 28.6% (6/21) of FVL mi...

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Induction of the 'ASIA' syndrome in NZB/NZWF1 mice after injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA).

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

In conclusion, the injection of CFA in NZB/NZWF1 mice accelerated autoimmune manifestations resembling 'ASIA' syndrome in humans. PMID: 22235054 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Autoimmune response following influenza vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

We report that after the administration of seasonal/H1N1 vaccine there were mostly transient changes in autoantibody production in AIRD patients and in healthy participants. However, a small subset of patients, especially ANA-positive patients, had a tendency towards anti-ENA development. Although no convincing differences between the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines were observed, our results imply that there might be a slight tendency of the H1N1 vaccine towards aCL induction. Although seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are safe and effective, they also have the potential to induce autoantibodies in selected AIRD patients and healthy adults. Follow-up of such individuals is proposed and further research is needed. PMID: 22235050 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Immunization of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (the EULAR recommendations).

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: van Assen S, Bijl M Abstract The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) have been recently published. These evidence-based recommendations were based on existing literature in combination with expert opinion. Although patients with AIIRD are at increased risk of suffering from (complicated) infectious diseases - and vaccination seems a tool to reduce this risk - still many questions and controversies remain for the individual patient. In this overview, taking influenza as an example, the background of the recommendations, their clinical implications, and the direction of future research are discussed. The increase in knowledge on vaccine-preventable infections will...

Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica after influenza vaccination: report of 10 cases and review of the literature.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Soriano A, Verrecchia E, Marinaro A, Giovinale M, Fonnesu C, Landolfi R, Manna R Abstract Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are inflammatory rheumatic diseases common in people over the age of 50 years. Herein, we report 10 cases of previously healthy subjects who developed GCA/PMR within 3 months of influenza vaccination (Inf-V). A Medline search uncovered additional 11 isolated cases of GCA/PMR occurring after Inf-V. We discuss the role of individual susceptibility, the potential function of immune adjuvants as triggers of autoimmunity post-vaccination, and the correlation of our observation with the 'ASIA' syndrome, i.e. autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants and including post-vaccination phenomena. PMID: 22235046 [PubMed - ...

Autoimmunity following Hepatitis B vaccine as part of the spectrum of 'Autoimmune (Auto-inflammatory) Syndrome induced by Adjuvants' (ASIA): analysis of 93 cases.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Conclusions: Common clinical characteristics were observed among 93 patients diagnosed with immune-mediated conditions post-HBVv, suggesting a common denominator in these diseases. In addition, risk factors such as history of autoimmune diseases and the appearance of adverse event(s) during immunization may serve to predict the risk of post-immunization diseases. The ASIA criteria were found to be very useful among adults with post-vaccination events. The application of the ASIA criteria to pediatric populations requires further study. PMID: 22235045 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

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Still's disease, lupus-like syndrome, and silicone breast implants. A case of 'ASIA' (Shoenfeld's syndrome).

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

We report a case of a female who at the age of 11 years was diagnosed with Still's disease. At the age of 22 she underwent silicone breast implants and presented with a transient lupus-like syndrome. Then, at 25 years old she had a severe activation of Still's disease in association with rupture of silicone breast implants. When the prostheses were removed, the clinical picture improved. This case fulfills the criteria for ASIA and complements seven previous reports of Still's disease in association with silicone breast implants. PMID: 22235044 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) in the Middle East: morphea following silicone implantation.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Kivity S, Katz M, Langevitz P, Eshed I, Olchovski D, Barzilai A Abstract Morphea and other scleroderma-like skin conditions are occasionally linked with exposure to chemical compounds such as silicone. We treated a 56-year-old woman with generalized severe skin induration accompanied with systemic symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia, which appeared 2.5 years after breast silicone implantation and abdominal liposuction. Blood test results and histopathological examination of her skin suggested the diagnosis of morphea overlapping with eosinophilic fasciitis. Her skin disease was presumed to be an autoimmune reaction to silicone implantation. While the removal of the implants did not improve her illness, treatment with 1 mg/kg prednisone and PUVA bath was initiated, with ...

Human adjuvant disease induced by foreign substances: a new model of ASIA (Shoenfeld's syndrome).

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Conclusions: Cases of human adjuvant disease following illegal injections of oil substances for cosmetic purposes are reported. Patients presented with defined autoimmune diseases as well as with non-specific autoimmune manifestations. Illegal injection of these substances could lead to serious local and systemic complications, even to death. These cases represent another model of Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA). The use of these substances should be prohibited. PMID: 22235042 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Silicone and scleroderma revisited.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Lidar M, Agmon-Levin N, Langevitz P, Shoenfeld Y Abstract Silicone, a synthetic polymer considered to be a biologically inert substance, is used in a multitude of medical products, the most publicly recognized of which are breast implants. Silicone breast implants have been in use since the early 1960s for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, and reports of autoimmune disease-like syndromes began appearing in the medical literature soon thereafter. Over the previous year, silicone implants have been suggested as playing a role in a new syndrome that encompasses a wide array of immune-related manifestations, termed ASIA ('Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvant'). Scleroderma, a relatively rare connective tissue disease with skin manifestations and systemic effects, has al...

[Thyroid and hepatitis C.]

Presse Medicale — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: El Ouahabi H, Ajdi F Abstract Autoimmune thyroid diseases are complex diseases that develop as a result of interactions between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. IFNa therapy of chronic HCV infection is associated with subclinical or clinical thyroiditis, while the relationship between thyroiditis and virus C infection is still debated. PMID: 22251484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Presse Medicale)

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Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

J Rheumatol — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Monoclonal gammopathy occurs in patients with PsA more commonly than in the general population. Its prevalence is associated with measures of disease activity and duration. PMID: 22247355 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Familial Autoimmunity in Systemic Sclerosis - Results of a French-based Case-control Family Study.

J Rheumatol — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our results show that autoimmune diseases cluster within families of patients with SSc. This supports the notion that these diseases might arise on a shared genetic basis underlying several autoimmune phenotypes. PMID: 22247345 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

NIH Study Shows 32 Million Americans Have Autoantibodies That Target Their Own Tissues

MedlinePlus Health News — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:06:23 +0100

Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Related MedlinePlus Page: Autoimmune Diseases (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Chronic urticaria

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Sandeep Sachdeva, Vibhanshu Gupta, Syed Suhail Amin, Mohd TahseenIndian Journal of Dermatology 2011 56(6):622-628Chronic urticaria (CU) is a disturbing allergic condition of the skin. Although frequently benign, it may sometimes be a red flag sign of a serious internal disease. A multitude of etiologies have been implicated in the causation of CU, including physical, infective, vasculitic, psychological and idiopathic. An autoimmune basis of most of the 'idiopathic' forms is now hypothesized. Histamine released from mast cells is the major effector in pathogenesis and it is clinically characterized by wheals that have a tendency to recur. Laboratory investigations aimed at a specific etiology are not always conclusive, though may be suggestive of an underlying condition. A cl...