IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 down-regulate monocyte-chemoattracting protein-1 (MCP-1) production in activated intestinal epithelial cells

Several studies have demonstrated that intestinal epithelial cells play a major role in the initiation and perpetuation of intestinal inflammation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. MCP-1 is suggested to be a chemokine that plays a major part during intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Immunoregulatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 have been described to exert anti-inflammatory properties on various cell types. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of Th2 cytokines on the production of MCP-1 by activated intestinal epithelial cells. We examined Caco-2 cells as well as intestinal epithelial cells which were isolated from surgical specimens. Production of the chemokine MCP-1 was determined under stimulated and non-stimulated conditions. IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 were added to stimulated epithelial cells under various culture conditions. Supernatants were analysed for cytokine concentrations using ELISAs. Under stimulation with physiological agents like IL-1β or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), we observed markedly increased concentrations of MCP-1 in supernatants of Caco-2 cells and intestinal epithelial cells. IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 all had the capacity to down-regulate the production of MCP-1 in Caco-2 cells as well as in freshly isolated epithelial cells. Caco-2 cells which were primed with Th2 cytokines 24 h before stimulation were subsequently decreased in their ability to be stimulated by IL-1β or TNF-α for MCP-1 production. As MCP-1 has been shown to play a major role during intestinal inflammation, the in vitro suppression of MCP-1 in enterocytes suggests the in vivo use of regulatory cytokines in patients with active IBD.     

Comparative genomic hybridization reveals frequent chromosome 13q and 4q losses in renal carcinomas with sarcomatoid transformation

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) with sarcomatoid transformation show the most malignant behaviour of all renal carcinoma types. In this study, comparative genomic hybridization was used to screen for losses and gains of DNA sequences along all chromosome arms in 12 sarcomatoid (S) RCCs. On average, there were 8·6 aberrations per tumour. DNA sequence losses (5·2±4·4) were slightly more frequent than gains (3·4±2·6). DNA gains most often involved chromosomes 17 (33 per cent), 7, and 8q (25 per cent each). High-level co-amplification involving 11q22–23 and 7p21–22 in one SRCC was not present in adjacent non-sarcomatous tumour areas, raising the possibility of oncogene involvement at these loci for sarcomatoid transformation. DNA losses were most prevalent at 13q (75 per cent) and 4q (50 per cent), suggesting that inactivation of tumour suppressor genes at chromosomes 13q and 4q may be linked to sarcomatoid growth of RCC. It is concluded that SRCCs are genetically highly complex. Chromosomes 13q, 4q, 7p21–22, and 11q22–23 may carry genes with relevance for sarcomatoid growth in RCC. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

HDL- and LDL-cholesterol in normal weight healthy children 13 years of age

From 108 healthy 13 years old school children who took part on a longitudinal study in regard to serum lipids and lipoproteins 64 with normal body weight were examined. Lipoproteins were estimated by means of preparative ultracentrifuge and polyanionprecipitation (Heparin and Manganese-chloride) according to the Lipid Research Clinics Methods, NIH, Bethesda.Mean values and S.D. were calculated as: Total cholesterol: 155±29, 150±35 mg/dl; LDL-cholesterol 98±21 and 96±34 mg/dl; HDL-cholesterol 44±13 and 44±13 mg/dl for males and females respectively. The few data from the literature showing wide variations in LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations are compared with our results; methodological considerations indicate that for further epidemiological studies concerning the possible risk factors for premature atherosclerosis standaradized laboratory tests should be provided.Abbreviations HDL high density lipoprotein - LDL low density lipoprotein - VLDL very low density lipoprotein - LP lipoprotein(s) - C cholesterol - TG triglycerides - IHD ischaemic heart disease Supported in part by a Research grant Jubiläumsfonds der Österr. Nationalbank, Project No. 1406, Vienna, Austria     

45,X/47,XY,+ 13 Mosaicism and Crohn's Disease

ABSTRACT. The unusual karyotype 4S,X/47,XY,+13 in an 8.5-year-old girl with the Turner phenotype is described. She displayed none of the phenotypic manifestations of trisomy 13. The patient suffered from Crohn's disease, which is known to be associated with the Turner syndrome. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of Crohn's disease in a patient with 45,X and Y chromosome mosaicism.     

The Effect of MCT Oil Supplement in Very Low Birth Weight Infants, with Evaluation by the 13C-Labeled MCT Breath Test

We studied the efficacy of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) as an energy source in premature infants. Infants who were given 3 g/kg/day of MCT oil gained body weight better than the control group in spite of a smaller water intake. This is advantageous to premature infants who need water restriction due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), bronchopulmo nary dysplasia (BPD), etc. We also proved that MCT oil is rapidly absorbed and digested, by means of the ¹³C-trioctanoin breath test.     

Management of newborn lymphangiectasia and chylothorax after cardiac surgery with octreotide infusion

Postoperative chylothorax compromises nutrition, immune function, coagulation, and fluid status. We report rapid short-term suppression of chylothorax by octreotide in an infant after surgery for complex congenital heart disease complicated by lymphangiectasia.     

A case of thymoma protruding into the superior vena cava through the thymic vein

We describe an unusual case of an invasive thymoma protruding into the superior vena cava and left brachiocephalic vein through the thymic veins in a 64-year-old patient. The tumor was resected with a bypass of the right brachiocephalic vein and right atrium. Although this type of growth form is rare for an invasive thymoma, this case suggests that in surgical procedures for thymomas, meticulous examination of the thymic veins is necessary to avoid leaving residual tumor.     

Atypical thymoma: a report of seven patients

Background

Most thymic neoplasms fall under the designation of thymoma, consisting of well-differentiated epithelial cells, resembling normal thymus. At the opposite spectrum are thymic carcinomas; the cell of origin while similar is malignant. Recently a third category of thymic neoplasms, atypical thymomas, has been recognized representing thymic neoplasms manifesting atypia although without overt cytomorphologic criteria of malignancy.

Methods

Seven patients with a diagnosis of atypical thymoma were encountered over a 6-year period from the patient files of the cardiothoracic division of The Ohio State Medical Center.

Results

In all patients there was gross or light microscopic invasive disease with involvement of the capsule, phrenic nerve, diaphragm, chest wall, and lung. Surgical extirpation/de-bulking along with radiation therapy in six and chemotherapy in one led to complete disease regression. Intrathoracic recurrences developed in 4 involving lung, pleura, chest wall and diaphragm. All patients are well.

Conclusions

Atypical thymomas are locally aggressive tumors with a high incidence of intrathoracic recurrence; extrathoracic spread is not seen. Our study corroborates other reports that death attributable to atypical thymoma is uncommon.     

Primary cardiac paraganglioma

We report a case of a 29-year-old male, who during workup of hypertension was found to have a malignant primary paraganglioma of the heart. The tumor arose from the site of the aortopulmonary window and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and was removed with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Reconstruction of the RVOT and pulmonary valve was necessary because of involvement by the tumor. The surgical course was uncomplicated, with normalization of catecholamine secretion and blood pressure.