Clinical Implication of Toll-Like Receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Backgrounds: Toll-like receptors 2; 4 (TLR2;4) are an essential component of the innate immunity and play an important role in immune-surveillance and immune response to various microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the association between TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphism and the risk of acquiring severe infections, and impact on AML patient’s outcome. Subjects and methods: Using polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP); we analyzed three SNPs in the TLR2 (Arg753Gln) and TLR4 (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) in 120 AML patients and 100 healthy control subjects. Results: No significant differences in genotype or alleles frequency between healthy controls and AML patients regarding TLR2 Arg753Gln, TLR4 Asp299Gly and TLR4 Thr399Ile polymorphisms (P>0.05 for all). Neutropenic fever was detected in 110 out of 120 (91.7%) of the studied AML patients. The sepsis and pneumonia were identified in 20 out of 120 patients (16.7%). The incidence of sepsis was associated with TLR2 Arg753Gln: AG genotypes, A allele and TLR4 Asp299Gly: CT genotype and C allele as compared to other genotypes and alleles. Moreover; TLR2 (Arg753Gln) GG polymorphisms significantly associated with shortest overall survival (OS) and shortest disease-free survival (DFS); while TLR4 polymorphisms affect the DSF only but not OS. In AML patients TLR2 Arg753Gln gene polymorphism is associated with high susceptibility to sepsis and TLR4 (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) gene polymorphism is associated with high susceptibility for both pneumonia; and sepsis. Conclusion: TLR2 Arg753Gln (AG; GG genotype) polymorphisms are associated with shortest OS and DFS. Moreover; significant association between TLR2 polymorphisms, TLR4 Arg753Gln polymorphisms and risk of severe infections in AML patients was documented.     

The effects of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy on clinical and immunological parameters in children with allergic rhinitis

Allergoid immunotherapy is a new form of allergen immunotherapy allowing safe administration of high allergen doses. There is limited information on the effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis. To investigate the immunological and clinical effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen allergy. Children with allergic rhinitis were assigned to allergoid immunotherapy (n = 27) or control (n = 26, no immunotherapy) groups. Children in the immunotherapy group received seven injections of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy before grass pollen season and continued to receive maintenance immunotherapy for 27 months. All patients were offered a pharmacotherapy regimen to be used on demand during the pollen seasons. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the immunotherapy and control groups. The rhinoconjunctivitis symptom-medication score and asthma symptom score were lower in the immunotherapy group after 1 yr of maintenance immunotherapy (p < 0.01 for both). Skin test reactivity and nasal reactivity as determined by nasal provocation testing for grass pollen were significantly decreased after 1 yr of immunotherapy (p < 0.001 for both). The seasonal increase in bronchial reactivity and nasal lavage eosinophil cationic protein levels were prevented after the first year of immunotherapy (p < 0.05 for both). The seasonal increase in immunoglobulin (Ig)E decreased (p < 0.05) and grass-specific IgG, IgG(1) and IgG(4) increased significantly already at the end of the seven-injection build-up therapy (p < 0.001, for all). Interleukin (IL)-4 levels in the culture supernatants showed a steady decline from baseline at first and second year of immunotherapy (p < 0.001) but remained unchanged in the control group. Allergoid immunotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in children and prevents the seasonal increase in bronchial hyper-reactivity. Changes in specific IgE and IgG levels and decreased IL-4 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants may account for the observed clinical effects.     

Isolated Donor Specific Alloantibody-Mediated Rejection after ABO Compatible Liver Transplantation

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after liver transplantation is recognized in ABO incompatible and xeno-transplantation, but its role after ABO compatible liver transplantation is controversial. We report a case of ABO compatible liver transplantation that demonstrated clinical, serological and histological signs of AMR without evidence of concurrent acute cellular rejection. AMR with persistently high titers of circulating donor specific antibodies resulted in graft injury with initial centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis, fibroedematous portal expansion mimicking biliary tract outflow obstruction, ultimately resulting in extensive bridging fibrosis. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated persistent, diffuse linear C4d deposits along sinusoids and central veins. Despite intense therapeutic intervention including plasmapheresis, IVIG and rituximab, AMR led to graft failure. We present evidence that an antibody-mediated alloresponse to an ABO compatible liver graft can cause significant graft injury independent of acute cellular rejection. AMR shows distinct histologic changes including a characteristic staining profile for C4d.     

血小板第4因子对放射损伤小鼠骨髓基质细胞周期的影响

目的探讨血小板第4因子（platelet factor 4,PF4）对5.0 Gy γ射线全身照射小鼠的骨髓基质细胞（bone marrow stromal cells,BMSCs）的保护作用,进一步探讨PF4对造血的辐射防护机制.方法30只雄性小鼠随机分为3组：①放射组,②PF4保护组,③对照组.小鼠照射前分别于26和20 h腹腔内注射PF4,每次剂量50 μg/kg.于照射后3 d取骨髓细胞体外培养,分别计数培养后3、7和14 d的骨髓基质细胞集落（CFU-F）;在培养后10 d流式细胞仪检测细胞周期.结果3组中,照射组3 d的CFU-F数量与PF4保护组差异无统计学意义,7和14 d的CFU-F数量PF4保护组较照射组明显增加.流式细胞仪检测结果表明3组中照射组G0＋G1期细胞明显高于其余两组,S,G2＋M期细胞明显低于其余两组.结论PF4对照射小鼠的骨髓基质细胞有保护作用,促进造血重建.     

HLA markers in familial Lichen Sclerosus

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) has been identified with increased frequency in families,often associated with HLA markers, mainly DQ7. A genetic co‐etiology seems likely in this setting. Moreover, there is an association of LS with autoimmune disorders, such as the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (anti‐TPO), a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods: In 3 families affected by LS, we verified their HLA markers, and identified previously undiagnosed cases of LS and autoimmune disorders. 30 individuals were examined with history, skin biopsy, HLA class I and II typing by PCR‐SSP, and measurement of anti‐TPO, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormones (TSH) levels. Results: There were 8 cases of LS, 50 % of them anti‐TPO+. Autoimmune disorders were found in 40 % (total) and in 87.5 % of those affected. Most common HLA markers were B*15, B*57, CW*03, CW*07, CW*18, DRB1*04, DRB1*07, DRB4*. The three latter have been previously associated with LS. Conclusion: New cases of LS and autoimmune disorders can be detected in first degree relatives of patients with LS. The presence of anti‐TPO antibodies strongly suggests autoimmune thyroiditis. There is intra‐familial association between the haplotype HLA‐B*15 ‐DRB1*04 ‐DRB4* and anti‐TPO,emphasizing their link with thyroiditis. New familial approaches might help to make clear the pathogenesis of LS and its association with autoimmune diseases.     

Focal peritubular capillary C4d deposition in acute rejection.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse peritubular capillary (PTC) C4d deposition has been shown to be associated with relatively poor graft outcome. The significance of focal PTC C4d staining in the early post-transplant period is uncertain. METHODS: Sixty-five biopsies from 53 patients with acute rejection were graded (Banff '97 criteria), stained for C4d, monocytes and T cells, and divided into three groups according to PTC C4d: (i) focal C4d (F) (14 biopsies, 14 patients), (ii) diffuse C4d (D) (23 biopsies, 15 patients) and (iii) no C4d (N) (28 biopsies, 24 patients). The three groups were compared with respect to a variety of biopsy and clinical parameters including outcome. RESULTS: The incidence of transplant glomerulitis and glomerular monocyte infiltration were significantly greater in F (64% and 2.0+/-2.0) and D (57% and 3.4+/-2.0) than in N (11% and 0.2+/-0.2). A significantly higher proportion of F (93%) demonstrated acute cellular rejection (Banff '97 grade > or = 1A) than did D (35%). The F and D groups included significantly more females (50 and 67%, respectively) than did N (21%). The percentage of patients with a second or third transplant was higher in F (29%) and D (40%) than in N (8%) (P = 0.0589). The proportion of patients with glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min at 12, 24 and 48 months was higher in the D and F groups than in the N, and there was a statistically significant increasing trend in odds of this outcome occurring at 48 months across the three groups (D > F > N group) (P = 0.0416). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the biopsy findings and clinical course in patients with focal PTC C4d staining are similar to those associated with diffuse C4d.     

犬MC1R基因多态性的研究

目的 利用PCR—RFLP和PCR—SSCP技术分别检测犬MC1R基因中两个序列T105A和R306Ter的基因多态性，为遗传育种、培育出更加优良的实验用犬奠定基础。方法 以224只犬为实验材料，对犬MC1R基因T105A片段和R306Ter片段分别进行PCR-RFLP和PCR—SSCP分析，并且分别对具有RFLP和SSCP多态性的片段进行克隆测序，找出等位基因的差异位点。结果 经对犬MClR基因的PCR-RFLP分析，发现犬MC1R基因的T105A序列具有多态性，表现为三种基因型：AA、AB和BB。通过对具有RFLP多态性的片段进行克隆测序发现MC1R基因在编码第105位氨基酸的密码子处存在由G到A的单碱基突变，该突变导致第105位氨基酸发生由精氨酸向苏氨酸的改变，此外在第207位氨基酸的密码子处还发现由A到G的单碱基突变，并产生了一个HhαI限制性内切酶位点。同时，经过犬MC1R基因的PCR—SSCP分析，发现犬MC1R基因的R306Ter序列具有多态性，表现为三种基因型：CC、CD、DD.通过对具有SSCP多态性的片段进行了克隆测序发现，MC1R基因在编码第306位氨基酸的密码子处存在一个由CGA到TGA的终止突变，而使翻译终止。结论 利用PCR—RFLP和PCR—SSCP分析技术证实犬MC1R基因具有明显的多态性。     

四氯化碳两种途径亚急性实验染毒时某些肝酶指标的对比研究

本文用CCl_41.356g/kg和5.87g/kg分别对大鼠进行皮下和呼吸道静式染毒,为期8周亚急性中毒试验,研究临床常用血清肝酶指标的变化。结果发现:CCl_4除使大鼠体重增长减慢外,第1周起出现肝细胞脂变、浊肿,进而坏死、纤维增生和肝硬化;肝糖元及SHD酶活性减少或消失,G-6-P酶活性先升高后降低的病理形态和组织化学的改变。与此同时或稍后出现SGPT和SGOT活性升高,持续至第8周。停药两周,肝病理改变趋于恢复,SGPT和SGOT活性也恢复至接近正常,两肝酶与病理改变相平行。AKP酶活性第4周后才升高;ChE酶似有先升高后降低趋势,但无明显差异性;γ-GT酶变化不规则。提示CCl_4亚急性中毒时,SGPT和SGOT酶活性升高与肝损关系较密切,可作临床早期诊断指标。血清AKP和ChE酶亦一定程度反映肝损的发展情况,可供作临床观察病情发展的辅助指标。     

Serotonin-induced increase in cAMP in ganglia isolated from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig small intestine: Mediation by a novel 5-HT receptor

Serotonin (5-HT) is a mediator (through 5-HT_1P receptors) of slow EPSPs in myenteric ganglia of the small intestine. The effect of 5-HT can be mimicked by elevating cAMP; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the slow EPSP-like response to 5-HT is cAMP-mediated. Guinea pig gut was enzymatically dissociated; myenteric ganglia remained intact and were collected by filtration. Neurons in the isolated ganglia retained their ability to manifest the slow EPSP-like response to 5-HT. Exposure to 5-HT raised the ganglionic level of cAMP (ED₅₀ 0.3 μM). This effect was not antagonized by the 5-HT_1P antagonist, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide (100.0 μM), or mimicked by the 5-HT_1P agonist, 5-hydroxyindalpine (10.0 μM). Increases in cAMP were also evoked by the 5-HT₁ agonist, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine (10.0 μM), the 5-HT₂ agonist, (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI; 1.0–10.0 μM), and by the 5-HT₄ agonists, renzapride (1.0–10.0 μM) and 5-methoxytryptamine (1.0–10.0 μM); however, neither the 5-HT₁/5-HT₂ antagonists, spiperone, methysergide, and methiothepin, nor the 5-HT₄ antagonist, tropisetron (ICS 205–930; 10.0 μM), were able to inhibit the rise in cAMP evoked by these compounds or by 5-HT (0.1–10.0 μM). The 5-HT-evoked elevation of cAMP was antagonized by ketanserin (10.0 μM), which also blocked the effects of 5-methoxytryptamine and DOI, but not those of renzapride. The effective concentration of DOI, however, was higher than that needed for activation of 5-HT₂ receptors, and Northern analysis using a cDNA probe encoding the rat 5-HT₂ receptor failed to reveal the presence of 5-HT₂ mRNA in myenteric ganglia, although it hybridizes with mRNA of the right size in the guinea pig brain. Compounds that failed to change levels of cAMP or to antagonize the action of 5-HT included 8-hydroxy-di-n-propylamino tetralin, R58639, R88226, and sumatriptan. It is concluded that the receptor responsible for the 5-HT-induced rise in cAMP in ganglia isolated from the guinea pig myenteric plexus is not a known subtype of 5-HT receptor. Since the pharmacology of this novel receptor is different from that of the slow EPSP-like response to 5-HT, the receptor probably does not mediate the slow EPSP. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Comparison of gas-liquid chromatography and EMIT assay for serum valproic acid

We describe a simple direct extraction method for the gas-liquid chromatography determination of serum valproic acid. The working range for the assay is 2-180 mg/L and our within-run precision was 5.8 and 4.3% at the 40 and 90 mg/L concentrations respectively. Hemolyzed and lipemic sera as well as samples from patients with hyperbilirubinemia and from patients with decreased renal function were put through the assay and no interfering peaks were noted. Interference occurred when teflon-lined screw caps were used during the extraction step. The method was proven to be accurate by linear regression analysis of samples containing weighed-in amounts of valproic acid. The above assay was compared to an enzyme immunoassay technique (EMIT). The working range for the latter is 10-150 mg/L and the with-run precision was 10.8 and 5.9% and 90 mg/L concentration respectively. Samples were run by both the gas-liquid chromatograph and enzyme immunoassay methods and gave very similar results over the range 16-139 mg/L.