Function-blocking antibodies to human vascular adhesion protein-1: a potential anti-inflammatory therapy

Human vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is a homodimeric 170-kDa sialoglycoprotein that is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells and functions as a semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase and as an adhesion molecule. Blockade of VAP-1 has been shown to reduce leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in in vivo and in vitro models, suggesting that VAP-1 is a potential target for anti-inflammatory therapy. In this study we have constructed mouse-human chimeric antibodies by genetic engineering in order to circumvent the potential problems involved in using murine antibodies in man. Our chimeric anti-VAP-1 antibodies, which were designed to lack Fc-dependent effector functions, bound specifically to cell surface-expressed recombinant human VAP-1 and recognized VAP-1 in different cell types in tonsil. Furthermore, the chimeric antibodies prevented leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in vitro and in vivo. Hence, these chimeric antibodies have the potential to be used as a new anti-inflammatory therapy.     

Hevein-specific recombinant IgE antibodies from human single-chain antibody phage display libraries

IgE antibodies distinctively recognising allergenic epitopes would be ideal reagents in immunodiagnostics to detect and quantify allergens, as well as for the development of allergy diagnostics and therapeutics. We have isolated recombinant human IgE antibodies specific for the major latex allergen, hevein, from antibody phage display libraries using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-hevein fusion as a selection antigen. Human IgE phage display libraries were constructed by combining the IgE heavy chain genes to kappa and lambda light-chain genes which were isolated from lymphocytes of a latex allergic patient. The screening of antibody libraries resulted in the enrichment of two hevein-binding scFvs designated as 1A4 and 1C2. Both antibodies showed specific binding to the hevein that could be inhibited by both the recombinant GFP-hevein and native hevein isolated from latex examination gloves. The scFvs were prone to aggregate and, thus, for further characterisation, they were converted to Fab fragments with human IgG1 or IgE isotype. Similar hevein-binding properties of the 1A4 and 1C2 Fab fragments and human IgE serum pool, conventionally used in the detection of latex allergens, demonstrate the potential utility of these recombinant antibodies for the analysis of latex allergen.     

Oral health behavior at age of 11–12 years predicting educational plans at age of 15–16 years

Objective. The aim was to determine if oral health-related behavior at the age of 11–12 years predicts adolescents' educational plans at the age of 15–16 years when adjusting for gender and parents' occupational level. Materials and methods. The study population consisted of all fifth and sixth graders starting in the 2001–2002 school year in Pori, Finland (n = 1691); of these, 1467 returned properly filled questionnaires on behavior (toothbrushing and consumptions of xylitol products, candies, soft drinks and sports drinks) in 2001 and on educational plans in 2005. Parents' occupational levels were reported in 2001 by one of the parents of 1352 of these children. Associations between adolescents' educational plans and their behavior, gender and parents' occupation were evaluated using logistic regression model. Results. Children's oral health-related behavior at age 11–12, gender and parent's occupational level predicted their educational plans at age 15–16. Association between educational plans and behavior, especially cumulative health behavior, remained statistically significant when controlling for gender and parent's occupation: OR = 1.4 for difference of one good habit, and OR = 5.3 for difference of five good habits. Conclusions. Since difference in oral health-related behavior can be seen already in primary school, even when controlling for parents' occupational level, polarization of adolescents may begin already in primary school stage or even earlier.     

Childhood caries is still in force: A 15-year follow-up

Objective. To examine changes in caries prevalence among 3 to 15-year-old adolescents. Material and methods. Of 1582 eligible mothers, 1443 gave informed consent. Participating children and their parents were followed up continuously from 3 to 15 years of age in a pre-planned fashion and at regular intervals. Data on dental health status were obtained from 1066/1287 adolescents (82%) during regular clinical dental examinations. Results. Dentinal untreated caries (D) was seen among more than 26% of the adolescents at 15 years of age. Altogether, 4.9 carious teeth surfaces were affected in each case (mean). Close to 18% of the adolescents (186/1066) had poor dental health (DMFT was 5 or more) and 26% (271/1066) had DMFS 5 or more. Conclusions. Dental caries continues to constitute an increasing challenge in dental health care: any caries at 3, 5, 7, or 10 years of age was a predictor of poor dental health at 15 years of age.     

Inflammation and immunosuppression in severe acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis(AP) is a common disease,which usually exists in its mild form.However,in a fifth of cases,the disease is severe,with local pancreatic complications or systemic organ dysfunction or both.Because the development of organ failure is the major cause of death in AP,early identification of patients likely to develop organ failure is important.AP is initiated by intracellular activation of pancreatic proenzymes and autodigestion of the pancreas.Destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma first indu...