Spontaneous and glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in human mature T lymphocytes

Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced apoptosis is a well-recognized physiologic regulator of murine T-cell number and function. We have analyzed its mechanisms in human mature T cells, which have been thought to be insensitive until recently. Peripheral blood T cells showed sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis soon after the proliferative response to a mitogenic stimulation, and were also sensitive to spontaneous (ie, growth factor deprivation-dependent) apoptosis. CD8+ T cells were more sensitive to both forms than CD4+ T cells. Acquisition of sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis was not associated with any change in number or affinity of GC receptors. Both spontaneous and GC-induced apoptosis were increased by the macromolecular synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide (CHX) and puromycin. A positive correlation between the degree of protein synthesis inhibition and the extent of apoptosis was observed. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) IL-4, and IL-10 protected (IL-2 > IL-10 > IL-4) T cells from both forms of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Our data suggest that spontaneous and GC-induced apoptosis regulate the human mature T-cell repertoire by acting early after the immune response and differentially affecting T-cell subsets.     

Tubo-ovarian abscesses: CT-guided percutaneous drainage

The results of computed tomographic (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage in eight patients with tubo-ovarian abscesses are reported. Seven patients (88%) recovered without surgery and required no further treatment. One patient had marked clinical improvement but still required a posterior colpotomy. No complications occurred. One patient had a recurrence of symptoms 20 months after the procedure that represented a new infection. The role of CT-guided percutaneous drainage in tubo-ovarian abscesses as well as an analysis of the technical aspects associated with a successful procedure are discussed.     

The effect of prior leaning on human postural responses

This study examines how human postural responses are altered by leaning about the ankles to five different initial stance positions prior to anterior or posterior horizontal translations of the support surface. When subjects leaned in the same direction as the translation-induced sway, postural strategies changed to use of less ankle torque and more horizontal shear forces at the surface to return to equilibrium. This change in strategy was associated with reduced and delayed activation of the stretched ankle muscles and an increased activation of proximal muscles producing rapid hip flexions or extensions. The changes in ankle muscle activation strength and latencies cannot be predicted based on simple stretch or load reflexes, but match predictions from computational, biomechanical models of human stance co-ordination^1–4.     

Cytogenetic features of Hodgkin's disease suggest possible origin from a lymphocyte

Surface marker and gene rearrangement data have supported various hypotheses about the origin of the malignant cell in Hodgkin's disease. Cytogenetic data about this disorder, however, are very scanty. To determine if any chromosomal abnormalities that could add further information to this controversial point are present, we studied tumor samples from 49 patients. Abnormal metaphases were obtained in 18 cases. The most common breakpoints were in 11q23, 14q32, 6q11-21, and 8q22-24. These are common breakpoints in lymphoma and raise the possibility that the malignant cell in Hodgkin's disease may be derived from a lymphocyte. The 11q23 breakpoint is also seen in t(4;11) and t(9;11), which is typical of a type of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia characterized by the presence of aberrant myeloid and monocytic markers. Myeloid and monocytic markers are common in Reed-Sternberg cells.     

POLYMORPHISMS OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME, ANGIOTENSINOGEN, ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 RECEPTORS AND ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN TURKISH RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplant recipients is complicated by high rates of malignant diseases, one of these being Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). We reviewed the records of 1075 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at our center between October 1985 and May 2002. A total of 52 malignant diseases were observed in 50 patients (4.7%), during the post-transplantation period. Kaposi's sarcoma was identified in 16 of these 50 individuals. Of the 16 recipients, six were male and 10 were female. The mean age in the group was 39±9 years (range: 10–62 years). At the time of the KS diagnosis, 14 of the recipients were taking triple-drug immunosuppressive therapy consisting of cyclosporine A, azathioprine, and prednisolone. The other two individuals were receiving azathioprine and prednisolone. The mean time from transplantation to diagnosis with KS was 24±15.2 months (range: 8–74 months). One recipient had concomitant lymphoma and KS. The lesions of seven patients were limited to the skin, five cases involved the skin and gastrointestinal tract, and four patients had disseminated disease. After KS was confirmed, the first-line of treatment was to withdraw cyclosporine A and azathioprine, and taper the prednisolone. The tumors were managed with appropriate surgical and/or medical therapy. At the time of writing, nine individuals were still alive: four had normal renal function and five had lost their grafts as a result of chronic rejection. We have found the combination of immunosuppressive drug withdrawal and chemotherapy to be very effective in patients with limited disease, but the results in cases of generalized disease have been poor.     

The use of Fogs' test to assess associated movements in Parkinsonism,dystonia, and controls

The Fogs' test elicits non‐homologous associated movements which reflect underlying pathology or immaturity of the CNS, but has not been thoroughly studied. We filmed participants performing a modified Fogs' test and developed a reliable scoring system for the associated movements. We assessed scores in healthy controls of all ages and compared scores in dystonia and parkinsonism to age similar controls. Associated movements were marked in children, lessened as they matured into adults, and then increased in old age. Associated movements were marked in dystonia but not in parkinsonism. Our scoring system showed robust inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability. The Fogs' test is a reliable addition to the clinical examination that can be used to screen for both normal and abnormal neurological status. We suggest a potential neural pathway via cervical‐lumbosacral connections within the spinal cord which are modulated by propriospinal and cerebral input. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society     

多不饱和脂肪酸间相互作用与男性人群冠心病的危险性

进食多不饱和脂肪酸（polyunsaturated fatty acids）能降低冠心病的危险性,然而,6-位不饱和脂肪酸与3-位不饱和脂肪酸能在代谢上发生竞争,从而减弱其有益的作用。此外,来源于海洋食物的长链3-位不饱和脂肪酸可能改变植物来源的中链3-位不饱和脂肪酸的作用,然而,对这些多不饱和脂肪酸之间的相互作用与冠心病危险性的关系并没有足够了解。