Effects of cytokines and R-837, a cytokine inducer, on UV-irradiation augmented recurrent genital herpes in guinea pigs.

We have recently reported that latently HSV-2-infected guinea pigs exhibit a three- to four-fold increase in recurrent lesions after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), allowing rapid evaluation of antiviral drugs in treating recurrent HSV disease. In this report we examine the effect of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and a cytokine inducer (R-837) on UV-induced recurrent genital herpes. We have previously shown that topical R-837 is a biologic response modifier with no in vitro anti-HSV activity, but with potent anti-HSV activity in vivo due to cytokine induction and enhancement of cell-mediated immune responses. Three-day regimens of intravaginal R-837, or five-day intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of IFN-alpha or of IL-2 each significantly reduced recurrent genital HSV-2 disease that occurred within 7 days of UV exposure, suggesting that cytokines or cytokine inducers may be useful in the treatment of recurrent HSV disease. This model using ultraviolet radiation to induce recurrent herpes simplex virus infection proved useful in the evaluation of immunoactive agents as putative antiviral drugs.     

Stimulation by mitogens and neuronal membranes of lymphocytes from patients with motor neurone disease

Stimulation of lymphocytes from motor neurone disease patients by either concanavalin A or PHA was shown to be significantly depressed relative to that from normal controls, as assayed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine or [3H]leucine or by glucose uptake. Corresponding significant differences were not shown by assays based upon incorporation of [3H]uridine or of lactate release. Lymphocytes from 4 out of 14 motor neurone disease patients showed a blastogenic response to membranes from rat spinal cord cells, compared with those from 0 out of 9 normal controls. These results not only suggest the possibility of an impaired cellular immune control in MND patients but also indicate the presence of lymphocytes sensitised specifically to neuronal membrane components.     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this articles: Essential Paediatric Dermatology . By J, Verbov Skin Disorders in the Elderly . Edited by B. E. Monk , R. A. C. Graham     

Genetics of epilepsy: epilepsy research foundation workshop report.

The Sixth Epilepsy Research Foundation workshop, held in Oxford in March 2006, brought together basic scientists, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, pharmacologists and clinicians to consider progress, issues and strategies for harnessing genetics to improve the understanding and treatment of the epilepsies. General principles were considered, including the fundamental importance of clear study design, adequate patient numbers, defi ned phenotypes, robust statistical data handling, and follow-up of genetic discoveries. Topics where some progress had been made were considered including chromosomal abnormalities, neurodevelopment, hippocampal sclerosis, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia and pharmacogenetics. The ethical aspects of epilepsy genetics were reviewed. Principles and limitations of collaboration were discussed. Presentations and their matched discussions are produced here. There was optimism that further genetic research in epilepsy was not only feasible, but might lead to improvements in the lives of people with epilepsy.     

Gluteal augmentation surgery: indications and surgical management.

The most common surgical techniques performed for gluteal augmentation employ the use of implants and a combination of liposuction/lipo-injection procedures. We review the major literature concerning this subject with emphasis on gluteal implants, the various indications, surgical techniques and complications are discussed and we present some of our cases. Contour reconstruction, indications such as malformation, asymmetry, trauma and radiotherapy may require custom-made or regular implants, liposuction or lipo-injection procedures and sometimes free flaps. Gluteal implants for aesthetic purposes are widely used, particularly in South America, are easy to perform with a high success rate, whereas lipS200osuction and lipo-injection procedures require considerable experience in Coleman fat injection.