Insights from the gene expression profiling of multiple myeloma

Recent gene expression profiling using high throughput sequencing and microarray analysis of multiple myeloma has shed new light on this morphologically homogeneous yet clinically heterogeneous disease. The biology of the disease has been interrogated in studies, which reveal that patients have unique gene expression clusters that correlate with disease severity. These studies have also revealed that some myeloma cells have gene expression characteristics that resemble the molecular profile of late-stage B cells. Expression profiling can identify hallmark immunoglobulin translocations and other common structural genetic changes that impart prognostic significance. Molecular profiling has been demonstrated to be of value in pharmacogenomic studies predicting response to therapy and revealing novel therapeutic targets. These studies are providing insight into many previously unexplained features of this difficult disease.     

Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis in a family of patients with sarcoidosis reinforces the association between both entities

Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a rare entity mainly characterized by a prominent granulomatous vasculitis affecting middle-aged or old individuals and with a favorable prognosis. Although many believe it is a variant of sarcoidosis, the proper classification is still a matter of debate as some of its features are found in sarcoidosis but also in Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's disease and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In this paper, we described for the first time a case of NSG in a family with several cases of sarcoidosis, reinforcing the relationship between NSG and sarcoidosis. Additional interesting findings were the young age of the patient (15 years old), the symptoms limited to the respiratory tract (uncommon when NSG affects youngsters) and the increase in serologic markers of autoimmune disease. Though complete criteria for autoimmune disease were not present, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome are possible candidates. As sarcoidosis is described to be associated with several autoimmune diseases, this finding is an additional suggestion of the relationship between both entities.     

Ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis: implications for therapeutic decision making

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the morphological and functional evolution of ventricular abnormalities in Loeffler endocarditis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe 5 patients, including 3 with long-term echocardiographic follow-up, in whom apical obliteration due to fibro-thrombotic thickening of the endocardium showed favorable patterns of evolution. In one patient there was almost complete resolution of the obliterative process with consequently increased effective ventricular volume. In two patients formation of a flow-passage in the fibrocalcific apical 'floor' between the main medioventricular cavity and the apical chamber, leading to a 'double-chambered' left ventricle was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy and appropriate anticoagulation, can induce favorable long-term ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis.     

Nailfold computed videomicroscopy in morpho-functional assessment of diabetic microangiopathy

Summary Although careful measurement of the size of capillary loops is mandatory in the evaluation of diabetic microangiopathy, no current technique allows rapid and careful morphometric analysis of capillaroscopic findings. In an attempt to solve this problem, assembling readily available instruments, the authors have set up an original apparatus for computed videomicroscopy. The apparatus ensures detailed morphological assessment of single loops at high magnification. Each single frame stored on videocassettes can be digitalized for morphometric analysis, saved on floppy disk or printed by means of a graphic printer.     

Atypical antioxidant activity of non-phenolic amino-coumarins

Coumarin compounds have been described as anti-inflammatories, and chemotherapeutic agents as well as antioxidants. However, the origin of the antioxidant activity of non phenolic coumarins remains obscure. In the present report, we demonstrate that non-phenolic 7-dialkyl-aminocoumarins may also have significant antioxidant properties against free radicals derived from 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride under aerobic conditions. This atypical behaviour is due to the presence of traces of very reactive hydroxycinnamic acid-type compounds. Changing functional groups at the C-3 and C-4 positions shifts the reactivity of the compounds from peroxyl to alkoxyl free radicals. Kinetic and theoretical studies based on Density Functional Theory support the formation of reactive hydroxycinnamic acid and directly link the antioxidant behaviour of the compounds to hydrogen atom transfer.

Relevant antioxidant properties of non-phenolic 7-dialkyl-aminocoumarins against free radicals derived from 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride under aerobic conditions have been experimentally and theoretically demonstrated.