A Synergistic Effect Between PG490-88 and Tacrolimus Prolongs Renal Allograft Survival in Monkeys

This study was undertaken to determine if PG490-88 and tacrolimus (Tac) act synergistically to prevent renal allograft rejection in monkeys and to explore possible mechanisms of synergy between these agents. MHC-mismatched renal allografts were transplanted into cynomolgus monkeys after bilateral nephrectomy. Recipients were divided into the following groups: (i) no treatment; (ii) PG490-88 (0.03 mg/kg); (iii) Tac (1 mg/kg); (iv) PG490-88 (0.01 mg/kg) + Tac (1 mg/kg) and (v) PG490-88 (0.03 mg/kg) + Tac (1 mg/kg). Through synergy PG490-88 and Tac inhibited anti-CD3/PMA-induced T-cell proliferation and IFN-gamma expression in vitro. Tac monotherapy only marginally prolonged survival (27 +/- 3.2 days), while the combination of PG490-88 and Tac significantly prolonged graft survival to a median of 99 days (PG490-88 at 0.03 mg) and 38.5 days (PG490-88 at 0.01 mg/kg). Prolonged survival correlated with inhibited IgM production as well as reduced T-cell infiltration, IL-2 protein expression and NF-AT/NF-kappaB activity. We conclude that PG490-88 and a subtherapeutic dose of Tac significantly prolong renal allograft survival in monkeys through the synergistic inhibition of T-cell activation and a decrease in IFN-gamma production and NF-AT/NF-kappaB activity.     

Kidney Transplantation Substantially Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are involved in endothelial repair and maintenance. Dysfunction of EPC may contribute to accelerated arteriosclerosis in chronic kidney disease. Kidney transplantation (KTx) improves both survival and endothelial function of dialysis patients. In a prospective study, we tested to which extent KTx changes EPC biology. We studied number and function (migratory activity, adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and to mature endothelial cells [EC]) of EPC in 20 patients during dialysis and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after KTx. Twenty-two healthy volunteers served as matched controls. Circulating precursor populations were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Cytokines relevant for EPC mobilization were monitored. Compared to the dialysis state, KTx increased the migration of EPC to approximately 2-fold. Adhesion to fibronectin and to collagen type IV was significantly increased after KTx. An improved adhesion rate of EPC to mature EC was observed. The number of EPC decreased. The amount of precursor populations showed no difference compared to the pretransplant state. Our study shows an improved function of EPC after KTx. This finding indicates an improved potential for endothelial repair which in turn may contribute to enhanced endothelial function and reduced cardiovascular morbidity after KTx.     

中药结合心理干预治疗不安障碍40例

[目的]探索不安障碍治疗的有效途径。[方法]采用中药结合心理干预治疗不安障碍患者40例。[结果]显效31例(77·5%)、有效7例(17·5%)无效2例(5·0%)。SDS、CMI有显著性差异。[结论]中药结合心理干预治疗不安障碍疗效显著。     

伴有炎性改变的腓骨肌萎缩症二例病理报告

目的 报道2例经基因诊断明确的腓骨肌萎缩症患者的病理特点.方法 对2例经基因诊断明确为连接蛋白32（connexin 32,Cx32）基因突变所致的腓骨肌萎缩症患者进行腓肠神经和腓肠肌活检,肌肉切片采用HE染色,腓肠神经半薄切片采用美蓝染色,另采用免疫组织化学（SP法）检测腓肠神经是否有炎症细胞浸润.所用抗体为抗CD68抗体和抗白细胞共同抗原（LCA）抗体.结果 2例患者腓肠肌活检均可见肌间质大量炎性细胞浸润,脂肪增生.腓肠神经半薄切片未见明显洋葱球样结构形成,可见有髓纤维密度明显减少,大量薄髓鞘有髓神经纤维和有髓神经纤维再生簇形成.免疫组织化学见2例患者腓肠神经CD68和LCA表达均呈阳性.结论 腓骨肌萎缩症患者可表现为炎性病理改变,临床上要注意与慢性炎症性脱髓鞘性多发性神经病等鉴别.     

G2019S LRRK2 mutation in familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease in Russia.

Among mutations associated with autosomal dominant and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) the G2019S substitution in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene is the most frequently identified. To estimate its frequency in Russia, we analyzed 208 patients with PD from the Northwestern region of Russia. Of these, 51 patients were probands from families with PD compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance. The control group represented 161 subjects without neurological disorders settled in the same region. The frequency of the G2019S mutation was greater in familial PD (2 [3.9%] of 51) than in sporadic PD (1 [0.6%] of 157). In addition, this mutation was found in the proband's father, who also had PD, in 1 PD family, and in 1 carrier without signs of PD at age 40 in another PD family. All carriers were heterozygous for the G2019S mutation and reported the Ashkenazi Jewish origin. The mutation was not found in the control group.     

Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders Occurring After Renal Transplantation in Adults: Report of 230 Cases From the French Registry

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a rare but serious complication after organ transplantation. A French Registry of PTLD was set up in a nationwide population of kidney transplant recipients. We prospectively enrolled all adult kidney recipients developing PTLD between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2003. We analyzed the incidence, risk and prognostic factors of PTLD by Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses. Totally 230 cases of PTLD were referred to the French Registry. Cumulative incidence was 1.18% after 5 years. Older age (per year, AHR = 2.19, CI = 1.22-3.94) and recipient Epstein-Barr virus seronegativity (AHR = 3.01, CI = 1.57-5.08) were associated with an increased risk of PTLD. Patients with PTLD had a reduced survival rate (61% at 5 years). Graft PTLD had the best prognosis with an 81% survival rate after 5 years. Infection with hepatitis C or B virus (HCV or HBV), late-onset PTLD, multiple sites involvement and high Ann Arbor staging were risk factors for patient death. Use of azathioprine was associated with a poorer survival rate. PTLD incidence and risk factors in French recipients are in line with the international or American PTLD series. We highlighted the role of HBV or HCV in patient mortality and described the relevant prognosis factors for patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferations.     

急性冠脉综合征中妊娠相关蛋白-A与斑块不稳定性

目的探讨妊娠相关蛋白-A(PAPP-A)在急性冠脉综合征(ACS)中的变化及其与斑块不稳定性的关系。方法26例冠脉正常者作为对照组,稳定性心绞痛(SA)组22例,ACS组40例,包括不稳定性心绞痛(UA)20例、急性心肌梗死(AMI)20例。定量检测外周血PAPP-A、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、肌酸激酶MB同工酶(CK-MB)。对所有冠脉造影显示狭窄≥30%的病变进行影像学分析。结果ACS中PAPP-A含量(13·19±4·04)mIU/L明显高于SA(5·47±3·00)mIU/L(P<0·01)及对照组(5·09±2·19)mIU/L(P<0·01);并且与CRP(r=0·62P<0·01)、复杂性狭窄的数量(r=0·45P<0·05)有显著的正相关。结论PAPP-A在ACS患者外周血中明显升高,可能与斑块的不稳定性有关,对ACS的危险度分层可能具有一定的价值。     

宫腔镜电切术在宫颈疾病中的应用

目的探讨应用官腔镜电切术治疗宫颈病变的临床效果。方法2002年1月～2003年6月，应用宫腔电切镜切除359例各类宫颈病变。结果359例均在门诊一次完成手术，手术时间5～15min，术中出血2-10ml。术后病理诊断慢性官颈炎332例，宫颈上皮内瘤样病变（cervical intraepithelial neoplasia，CIN）Ⅰ～Ⅱ级26例，CINⅢ级1例。335例随访2～12个月，平均9个月。术后2个月308例慢性富颈炎一次性治愈率98．7％（304／308）；237例随访1年宫颈糜烂、宫颈息肉及宫颈肥大未复发；27例CIN术后随访6～12个月未显示CIN病变。结论宫腔镜电切术治疗宫颈病变，疗效肯定，并发症少，值得推广。     

Intravenous Gammaglobulin (IVIG): A Novel Approach to Improve Transplant Rates and Outcomes in Highly HLA-Sensitized Patients

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products are derived from pooled human plasma and have been used for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders for more than 24 years. Shortly after their introduction, IVIG products were also found to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Over the past 2 decades, the list of diseases where IVIG has a demonstrable beneficial effect has grown rapidly. These include Kawasaki disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, dermatomyositis and demyelinating polyneuropathy. Recently, we have described a beneficial effect on the reduction of anti-HLA antibodies with subsequent improvement in transplantation of highly HLA-sensitized patients as well as a potent anti-inflammatory effect that is beneficial in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). These advancements have enabled transplantation of patients previously considered untransplantable. These studies and relevant mechanism(s) of action will be discussed here.