Influence of SNPs in cytokine-related genes on the severity of food allergy and atopic eczema in children

Although many single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies have reported an association of atopy, allergic diseases and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, almost all of these studies sought risk factors for the onset of these allergic diseases. Furthermore, many studies have analyzed a single gene and hardly any have analyzed environmental factors. In these analyses, the results could be masked and the effects of other genes and environmental factors may be decreased. Here, we described the correlation between four genes [interleukin (IL)-4 (C-590T), IL-4 receptor (A1652G), FCER1B (G6842A) and STAT6 (G2964A)] in connection with IgE production; the role of IL-10 (C-627A) as a regulatory cytokine of allergy; and the severity of food allergy (FA) and atopic eczema (AE) in 220 Japanese allergic children. In addition to these SNPs, environmental factors, i.e., patient's attitude, indoor environment, and so on, were also investigated in this study. Our study was retrospective, and the correlation was analyzed by our defined clinical scores divided into three terms: worst symptoms, recent symptoms and general amelioration at the most recent examination during the disease course. Our results indicated that IL-10 AA, the genotype with lower IL-10 production, is associated with higher IgE levels in the serum (p < 0.0001, estimate; 0.912). Marginal liver abnormalities were observed in the subject group with both FA and AE (p < 0.1191, estimate; 0.1490). Our defined clinical scores enabled evaluation of various aspects of disease severity. Based on the scores, while no single SNP selected in this study determined severity, the combination of the SNP with laboratory data and environmental factors appeared to determine severity.     

beta2- and beta3-Adrenoceptor polymorphisms relate to subsequent weight gain and blood pressure elevation in obese normotensive individuals.

High blood pressure (BP) is a major determinant of cardiovascular events in obesity. The beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor polymorphisms are associated with obesity and hypertension. In the present study, we examine the relationships of beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor polymorphisms with further weight gain-induced BP elevation in obese subjects. Changes in BP, body weight, total body fat-mass, waist-to-hip ratio, plasma norepinephrine (NE) and leptin levels, and beta2(Arg16Gly)- and beta3(Trp64Arg)-adrenoceptor polymorphisms were measured periodically over a 5-year period in 55 entry obese (body mass index [BMI]> or =25.0 kg/m(2)) normotensive (BP<140/90 mmHg) men. BP elevation and weight gain were defined as > or =10% increases from entry levels over 5 years in mean BP or BMI. Obese subjects with weight gain, BP elevation or weight gain-induced BP elevation had higher frequencies of the Gly16 allele of Arg16GIy and Arg64 allele of Trp64Arg. Subjects carrying the Gly16 or Arg64 alleles had significantly greater total fat-mass and waist-to-hip ratio at entry and over a 5-year period compared to the subjects who did not carry these polymorphisms. Subjects carrying the Gly16 allele had similar levels of plasma NE, higher levels of plasma leptin and a lower slope of the regression lines between plasma leptin and NE levels. Those carrying the Arg64 allele had higher plasma NE levels at entry and over a 5-year period compared to the subjects without the Arg64 allele, but plasma leptin levels and slopes were similar. The findings demonstrate that the Arg64 allele of the beta3-adrenoceptor polymorphisms relates to weight gain-induced BP elevation accompanying high plasma NE (heightened sympathetic activity) in obese men. The Gly16 allele of the beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms links to weight gain-induced BP elevation associated with leptin resistance. beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor polymorphisms could predict the future BP elevation and further weight gain-induced BP elevation in originally obese subjects.     

Mozart effect in preschool children?

In 1993, Rauscher et al. reported a temporary increase in spatial-temporal ability after listening to Mozart's music. This led to numerous replication and extension studies with mixed findings in the past decade. This study investigated the 'Mozart effect' in preschool children. Forty-one boys and girls, aged three to five, attempted a series of pencil-and-paper maze tests after each of three listening conditions: Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major (K488), age-appropriate popular music and silence. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences among the three interventions. The results are discussed in relation to the findings of other investigations of the Mozart effect, and the need for further investigation of possible trends.     

Intrapulmonary metastasis developing eighteen years after complete resection of thymoma

We present a case of intrapulmonary metastasis developing 18 years after complete resection of thymoma. An 8 mm nodule in the lower lobe of the left lung was noted on chest X-ray in a 76-year-old woman who had undergone complete resection of Masaoka’s stage II thymoma 18 years earlier. Since the nodule grew to 17 mm during a 2-year follow-up, wedge resection was performed. The lesion was histologically diagnosed as an intrapulmonary metastasis from thymoma. Extremely late recurrence after complete resection of thymoma is discussed.     

A case of cystadenocarcinoma of the liver

A case of cystadenocarcinoma of the liver is reported. The patient was a 73-year-old woman in whom a tumor was detected in the lateral segment of the liver during a health examination. Ultrasonograms and computed tomograms showed a multilocular cystic mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a multilocular lowintensity mass, including a high-intensity portion and a portal branch compressed by the tumor. MRI with gadolinium showed an enhanced cyst wall. The cystic part of the tumor became smaller and the solid part became larger over a 1-month period, indicating that the tumor was malignant. Subsegmentectomy (S₃) was performed and cystadenocarcinoma with cystadenoma was diagnosed by histopathological examination. Identification of changes in the appearance of a tumor should be helpful for the differential diagnosis of cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma.