Hepatic stellate cell activation in liver transplant patients with hepatitis C recurrence and in non-transplanted patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The pathogenic mechanisms of accelerated graft fibrosis in hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) are not well established. The aim of the study was to assess whether a greater activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the major collagen-producing cells in the liver, can occur in these patients as compared to non-LT patients with chronic hepatitis C. We determined the amount of activated HSC by computer-based morphometric analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA)-positive cells and the hepatic TGFbeta(1) expression by immunohistochemistry in 46 LT patients with hepatitis C recurrence, 35 non-LT patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 16 controls. Hepatic alphaSMA and TGFbeta(1) expression was higher in LT patients with hepatitis C recurrence than in controls and was correlated with fibrosis stage and progression rate. No significant difference in alphaSMA and TGFbeta(1) expression was observed between LT and non-LT patients with hepatitis C, with the exception of a higher transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta(1)) expression in non-LT patients in the early stages of fibrosis. LT patients receiving cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (FK) had a similar fibrosis progression rate and alphaSMA and TGFbeta(1) expression. In conclusion, the accelerated fibrosis observed in LT patients with hepatitis C recurrence does not seem to be related to a greater amount of activated HSC and TGFbeta(1) expression in the grafts of these patients as compared to non-LT patients with chronic hepatitis C. In LT patients, the amount of activated HSC and TGFbeta(1) expression correlated with fibrosis stage and progression, without any apparent influence of the type of calcineurin inhibitor administered.     

P-fimbriae vaccines

To test for cross-protective capacity of two different P-fimbriae vaccines we vaccinated baboons with fimbriae purified from either Escherichia coli strain ER2 or strain JR1. The vaccinated animals showed elevated antibody titers to P-fimbriae from each of the E. coli strains used, suggesting cross-reactivity as was expected from the results of immunoprecipitation of the fimbriae. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition by heterologous P-fimbriae proved this to be true immunologic cross-reactivity.     

Determining the Alveolar Component of Nitric Oxide in Exhaled Air: Procedures and Reference Values for Healthy Persons

Nitric oxide (NO) production has been described using a 2-compartment model for the synthesis and movement of NO in both the alveoli and the airways. The alveolar concentration of NO (Ca_NO), an indirect marker of the inflammatory state of the distal portions of the lung, can be deduced through exhalation at multiple flow rates. Our objective was to determine reference values for Ca_NO. The fraction of exhaled NO (Fe_NO) was measured in 33 healthy individuals at a rate of 50 mL/s; the subjects then exhaled at 10, 30, 100, and 200 mL/s to calculate Ca_NO. A chemiluminescence analyzer (NIOX Aerocrine) was used to perform the measurements. The mean (SD) Fe_NO was 15 (6) ppb. The mean Ca_NO was 3.04 (1.30) ppb. These values of Ca_NO measured in healthy individuals will allow us to analyze alveolar inflammatory behavior in respiratory and systemic processes.     

Follow up of growth and steroids in premature adrenarche

In a follow up study of 34 patients with premature adrenarche we examined serum adrenal androgen levels and growth. The majority (28/34) showed an upward bend in the growth curve which, at the mean age of 2.3 years, preceded other signs of adrenarche on average by 3.8 years. Pubertal growth spurt was missing or reduced in 50% of the patients (8/16), however, final height did not differ from that expected from parental heights. Adrenal androgens did not remain elevated at adolescence. The mean age at menarche for all the girls was 0.5 years younger than in the general population.Conclusion Our findings imply that premature adrenarche may start earlier than previously recognized. Compared to ordinary growth these children seen to use a greater part of their potential for adult height already at that early age.     

Abuse liability of flunitrazepam among methadone-maintained patients

Abuse liability and acute subjective and psychomotor effects of flunitrazepam were assessed in ten methadone-maintained males with history of benzodiazepine and alcohol use, who voluntarily participated in a double-blind, controlled, cross-over, randomized clinical trial. There were six experimental sessions in which a single oral dose of flunitrazepam 1, 2, and 4 mg; triazolam 0.5 and 0.75 mg; and placebo was given. Evaluations included physiological measures; psychomotor performance tasks (simple reaction time, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, balance task, Maddox-wing device); and self-administered subjective effects questionnaires [Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI), Profile of Mood States (POMS), a series of visual analog scales (VAS)]. All drugs but flunitrazepam 1 mg caused an impairment of psychomotor tasks. Effects were more evident with the highest doses of both drugs. Only flunitrazepam 4 mg produced a significant decrease in balance time. Triazolam 0.75 mg induced increases in sedation measured by ARCI-PCAG, depression in POMS, and VAS-drowsiness scores. Flunitrazepam 4 mg caused euphoria-related effects as measured by increases in ARCI-MBG and “high” scores in the VAS. Our findings of flunitrazepam-induced euphoria in methadone-maintained subjects together with epidemiological evidence of flunitrazepam abuse by opioid dependents, suggest that it may be included in the group of benzodiazepines with a relatively high abuse potential. Received: 13 February 1998/Final version: 1 May 1998