Investigation of TT virus in the etiology of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Infectious agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A novel human DNA virus, TT virus (TTV), has been identified in children possessing characteristics as an etiologic agent, making the virus a potential candidate. Analysis of specimens from children with ALL was performed to determine if an association exists. Archived specimens (79 peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC/bone marrow cells, BMC, and 125 cerebrospinal fluid, CSF) obtained at diagnosis and during therapy from 28 pediatric patients were tested for TTV. All of the diagnostic BMC/PBMC were negative for TTV, but 7 patients had follow-up specimens that converted to TTV positivity. TTV was not detected in any CSF. The absence of TTV at diagnosis suggests TTV is unlikely to be causally associated with ALL in the cases analyzed. However, the data support TTV transmission through blood products and suggest that the CNS is not a sanctuary site for TTV.     

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated T-cell lymphoma: evidence for human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated T-cell transformation.

The majority of lymphomas in the setting of acquired, iatrogenic, or congenital immunodeficiencies are B-cell lymphoproliferations. We describe a rare T-cell lymphoma in a fulminantly ill patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The T-cell nature of the process was defined genotypically (monoclonal T-cell receptor beta-chain [CT beta] rearrangement) and phenotypically (CD45RO+, CD4+, CD5+, CD25+, CD8-, CD3- and negative for a variety of B-cell and monocyte markers). The CD4+, CD25+ (interleukin-2 receptor [IL-2R]) phenotype with production of IL-2 and IL-2R RNA is analogous to human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL); however, no HTLV-1 could be detected. Southern blot analysis did demonstrate monoclonally integrated HIV-1 within the tumor genome. Furthermore, the tumor cells were producing HIV p24 antigen as shown by immunohistochemistry. This is the first case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in which HIV-1 infection may have played a central role in the lymphocyte transformation process.     

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Therapy and the Blood-Brain Barrier: Is PrEP Neuroprotective?

Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology -     

Molecular pathogenesis of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in HIV-infected individuals is currently poorly understood; however, recent molecular studies have subdivided these lymphomas into distinct molecular pathologic entities. Similar to endemic and sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma, monoclonal B-lymphoma subsets were found to be infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or have c-myc gene rearrangements, suggesting a role for EBV infection or chromosomal translocation in a subset of AIDS NHLs. Similar to lymphomas that occur in immunosuppressed transplant patients, EBV-positive polyclonal lymphomas also have been described. Unique to HIV-infected patients, however, is the subset of polyclonal B-cell lymphoma with no evidence for EBV infection. Based on these molecular studies, it is apparent that the AIDS NHLs represent a heterogeneous set of diseases with a number of pathogenic processes involved in lymphomagenesis.     

2,8-Dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis due to partial deficit in adenine phosphoribosyltransferase: a case report.

Inherited metabolic diseases resulting in urolithiasis secondary to urinary excretion of insoluble substances are rare but often present as urinary obstruction of renal insufficiency. We herein report a case of partial adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency associated with 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis. In family members the propositus and his younger brother are homozygotes for defective APRT genes, and who exhibits the type II phenotype designated APRT*J (Japanese type).     

Selective transcervical fallopian tube catheterization: technique update

A technique of transcervical fallopian tube catheterization involving use of a new vacuum hysterograph and coaxial catheter set is described. In 25 women, selective catheterization of the uterine cornua was accomplished with a 94% success rate. Ostial salpingography permitted visualization of 26% of the 46 tubes found to be obstructed or poorly visualized with conventional hysterosalpingography. Recanalization was successful in 96% of 28 proximal tubal obstructions and in 33% of six midisthmic obstructions unrelated to surgery. Recanalization attempts resulted in tubal perforations without apparent clinical effects in four tubes, one with proximal and three with midisthmic postsurgical obstructions. The new hysterograph with coaxial catheter set is more suitable for recanalization of the obstructed fallopian tubes than is the previously used balloon catheter set.