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Ophthalmic complications of HIV infection.

HIV retinopathy, a noninfectious microangiopathy, is the most common ocular manifestation of HIV infection. Opportunistic infections, neoplasms, neuro-ophthalmic lesions, and drug-induced lesions may also cause ocular problems. Opportunistic ocular infections, particularly CMV retinitis, are a major cause of morbidity in patients with AIDS. Because of the underlying chronic and progressive immune dysfunction, the ocular symptoms, signs, clinical course, and treatment are often atypical and severe, requiring protracted medical therapy.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

AIDS-associated malignant lymphoma.

Lymphoma has been well described in various states of congenital, acquired, and iatrogenic immune dysfunction, and the clinical and pathologic characteristics in these settings are similar to those seen in patients with HIV-induced immunodeficiency. High grade B cell lymphomas are expected, with widespread extranodal disease at the time of initial presentation. Unusual sites of disease may be seen, such as the CNS. Factors predictive of short survival include low performance status, history of AIDS prior to the diagnosis of lymphoma, stage IV or bone marrow involvement, and low CD4 cells. Use of intensive multiagent chemotherapy may be associated with demise from opportunistic infections. Less intensive regimens may be indicated in patients with poor prognostic indicators, whereas patients lacking these factors may be able to tolerate greater dose intensity.

Central Nervous System Neoplasms↗

Velocardiofacial syndrome.

Velocardiofacial syndrome is one of the most common multiple-anomaly syndromes in humans. With its many otolaryngologic manifestations and its almost ubiquitous effects on speech, language, hearing, immune dysfunction, and airway problems, velocardiofacial syndrome may be the most common genetic disorder seen by pediatric otolaryngologists. Individuals affected with velocardiofacial syndrome look essentially normal making identification of the syndrome difficult, especially in infants. It is critical for otolaryngologists to be familiar with the symptom complex associated with velocardiofacial syndrome so as to understand the unique manifestations of this complex disorder.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Effect of transfusion on physiologic changes after resuscitated trauma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this experimental study was to test whether transfusion potentiated physiologic changes associated with fluid resuscitated trauma in controlled conditions. METHODS: Anesthetized and ventilated mongrel pigs were subjected to soft-tissue injury plus 35% hemorrhage and 1 hour shock and then were resuscitated with either autologous (shed) or heterologous (cross-transfused) fresh whole blood. Leukocyte differential counts, T-lymphocyte subsets, neutrophil adherence molecule (CD18) expression, granulocyte oxidative burst, plasma cortisol, and serum chemistries were monitored in awake animals with indwelling catheters on 3 consecutive days. Changes were referenced to preinjury baseline values and to a control group that received heterologous transfusion but no shock. To determine whether these changes might have influenced host defense, a low-dose challenge with Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]; 1 to 2 micrograms/kg for 30 minutes) was administered on day 4. RESULTS: During recovery, neutrophil counts, neutrophil CD18 expression, and granulocyte oxidative burst were generally increased, but the changes were not potentiated by transfusion. Lymphocyte subpopulations remained relatively constant. Serum enzyme markers were elevated with trauma plus shed blood or trauma plus cross-transfusion, but they remained essentially unchanged after heterologous transfusion only. Plasma cortisol, a nonspecific index of stress, peaked at 3 to 6 times higher than baseline. The increases tended to be higher and later with heterologous transfusion only, relative to trauma plus shed blood or trauma plus cross-transfusion. The delayed LPS challenge evoked profound but transient pulmonary hypertension and leukopenia, followed by subsequent hypoxemia; the time courses and magnitude of these changes were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: If these measured variables before and after LPS challenge are a valid index of host defense in this species, then a 35% transfusion does not potentiate the risk for posttrauma immune dysfunction when the magnitude of injury is constant. Thus the predisposition to infection after human trauma might be due to cold storage of blood; separation of blood into components, or other transfusion-related practices rather than to transfusion per se.

Animals↗

Nodular transformation (nodular "regenerative" hyperplasia) of the liver. A clinicopathologic study of 30 cases.

Nodular transformation, a rare hyperplastic condition of the liver, has been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Felty's syndrome, the CRST syndrome, and myeloproliferative disorders. Associated disorders in the present clinicopathologic study of 30 cases included the foregoing as well as extrahepatic neoplasms, endocrine disorders, and other diseases producing immune dysfunction; some patients had received drug therapy for a prolonged time. Clinically nodular transformation may be confused with cirrhosis; histologic evaluation of liver biopsy material is essential for diagnosis. Complications include portal hypertension, hepatic failure, and rupture of the liver. Histologic and experimental evidence suggests that nodular transformation is preneoplastic, possibly giving rise to hepatocellular adenomas or carcinomas. Experimental and clinical data suggest that drugs should be considered as possible etiologic factors in the development of the nodules.

Adenoma↗

Calorie restriction inhibits the age-related dysregulation of the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 in C3B10RF1 mice.

TNF-alpha and IL-6 are generally increased in the sera of aged humans and mice. The dysregulation of these cytokines may be critical in autoreactivity and immune dysfunction. In earlier studies we demonstrated that production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 following in vitro stimulation of peritoneal macrophages by LPS was reduced in old compared to young mice, and that dietary caloric restriction (CR) had no effect on the induction of TNF-alpha in this system. In the present study we examined the effects of age and calorie restriction on the constitutive production of both TNF-alpha and IL-6. Serum levels of both cytokines were significantly higher in old versus young mice. However, in old mice subjected to long term CR the serum levels were comparable to those of young mice. The potential involvement of normalization of TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels in the life extension effect of CR are discussed.

Aging↗

The MHC influences NK and NKT cell functions associated with immune abnormalities and lifespan.

The lifespans of H-2 congenic mice differ significantly. The B10.AKM (H-2m) strain has a median survival time (MST) of 15 months, whereas the B10.BR (H-2k) strain has an MST of 24 months. It was previously shown that B10.AKM mice at 13-15 months of age have immunological function comparable to those of B10.BR mice at 22-26 months of age. These functions include: a low proliferative response, reduced levels of intracellular calcium release [Ca2+]i, and an increase in the frequency of memory helper T-cells (CD4+ CD44hiCD45RBlo). In this report similar deficiencies were demonstrated in B10.AKM mice at 2-4 months of age and show that activated spleen NK1.1+CD4+ T (NKT) cells from young B10.AKM mice produce a significantly higher level of IL-4 but a lower level of IFN-gamma as compared to NKT cells from B10.BR mice of the same age. Also, the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells from spleens of young (2-4 months) as well as adult (12-16 months) B10.AKM mice is significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of NK cells from B10.BR mice. These findings suggest that the NKT activity in young B10.AKM mice is a factor for the early onset of immune dysfunction leading to a shorter lifespan.

Aging↗

Dietary fat and salivary prostaglandin E2.

A study of the relation between dietary fat intake and salivary prostaglandin E2 was undertaken in Transkei, South Africa. Samples of saliva were obtained from (1) Transkeians on a very low fat diet, (2) Transkeians on a low fat diet, (3) Transkeians on a medium fat diet, (4) British patients. Salivary PGE2 means for the groups were (1) 2357 pg/ml, (2) 2020 pg/ml, (3) 733 pg/ml, (4) 312.5 pg/ml. Differences between groups 1 and 3, 1 and 4, and 2 and 4 were significant. Rural Transkeians on a low-fat diet have an elevated level of PGE2 in saliva. As fat increases in the diet, PGE2 in saliva tends towards the level found in those who eat a western diet. An increase in the level of PGE2 production in the upper gastrointestinal tract and in the tissues of the body may be a factor in promoting cancer of the esophagus and diseases favored by Th1 immune dysfunction.

Black People↗

Objective measures of allergic disease in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Available information suggests that IgE levels are elevated in adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and that increased IgE levels correlate with allergic disease, with decreased CD4 counts, and with a poor prognosis. Data with respect to these factors in children are scant. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether serum IgE levels are elevated in children with HIV and, if so, whether the serum IgE level correlates with the degree of immunodeficiency and/or objective indicators of allergic disease. METHODS: Serum IgE levels, CD4 counts, absolute eosinophil counts, and immediate hypersensitivity skin test (IHST) results were collected from 43 children with symptomatic HIV infection (mean age 7.2 years). Associations between serum IgE levels, CD4 counts, and eosinophil counts were investigated by multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. Data were stratified according to IHST positivity, and analysis of variance was used to compare mean values for age, CD4 counts, IgE levels, and eosinophil counts between the two groups. RESULTS: Serum IgE values were elevated more than 2 SDs above control age-matched mean values in 17 of 43 patients (40%). IHST results were positive in 12 of 43 patients (28%). CD4 counts were less than 200/mm3 in 17 of 43 patients (40%). Stepwise linear regression failed to demonstrate any correlation between serum IgE levels and either CD4 or eosinophil counts. With data divided into two groups according to IHST results (positive vs negative), analysis of variance failed to reveal significant differences between means for patient age, CD4 counts, IgE levels, or eosinophil counts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that serum IgE levels are increased in children infected with HIV, just as in adults. However, an elevated serum IgE level did not correlate with allergic disease as measured by IHST results and eosinophil counts, nor with the degree of immune dysfunction as approximated by CD4 counts. The mechanism and significance of elevated serum IgE levels remain unclear in children with HIV, and warrant further investigation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Importance of western blot analysis in predicting infectivity of anti-HTLV-III/LAV positive blood.

Stored donor and recipient sera from prospective studies of post-transfusion hepatitis were analysed for the presence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-III/lymphadenopathy associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) antibodies as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Of 3961 donor samples given to 461 patients, only 2 (0.05%) contained specific HTLV-III/LAV antibodies as determined by an avidin-biotin-enhanced western blot tech nique. Anti-HTLV-III/LAV was measured before and 3 and 6 months after transfusion in 295 recipients of anti-HTLV-III-negative blood, 7 recipients of ELISA-positive blood which was western blot negative, and 2 recipients of ELISA-positive blood confirmed as specific by western blot. Only the last 2 recipients became infected with HTLV-III/LAV, as assessed by antibody seroconversion (p less than 0.0001). Serocon version occurred early (6 and 8 weeks after transfusion) and was characterised first by antibody to p24 and later by antibody to p41. AIDS has not developed in either patient, but one has a T4/T8 ratio of 0.4 and impaired mitogen responses; the second patient has no evidence of immune dysfunction 4 years after exposure. This study confirms that HTLV-III/LAV infection can be transmitted by blood transfusion and supports the advisability of anti-HTLV-III/LAV testing of all blood donors. It also confirms the validity of western blot testing for HTLV-III/LAV specificity and suggests that ELISA-positive, western-blot-negative blood may not be infectious.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Systemic glutathione deficiency in symptom-free HIV-seropositive individuals.

To find out whether systemic glutathione deficiency is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, thus contributing to the immunodeficiency state, glutathione concentrations in venous plasma and lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of symptom-free HIV-seropositive and normal individuals were measured. Total and reduced glutathione concentrations in the plasma of the HIV-infected subjects were about 30% of those in the normal individuals. Concentrations of these substances in the ELF of HIV-infected subjects were about 60% of those in the controls. There was no correlation between ELF and plasma concentrations of total or reduced glutathione. Since glutathione enhances immune function, glutathione deficiency may contribute to the progressive immune dysfunction of HIV infection.

Adult↗

Contribution of genes of the major histocompatibility complex to susceptibility and disease phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence implicating immune dysfunction and genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the importance of the genes of the major histocompatibility complex remains uncertain. We have investigated the contribution of HLA DRB1 and DQB genes by the strategies of non-parametric linkage analysis (affected sibling pair method) as well as association study. The relation between genotype and phenotype was examined in detail. METHODS: For linkage analysis 74 families in whom two or more siblings had inflammatory bowel disease were studied. A total of 83 affected sibling pairs were involved: in 42 pairs both siblings had Crohn's disease; in 29 both had ulcerative colitis; in 12 one sibling had Crohn's disease, the other ulcerative colitis. For the association study there were 175 patients with ulcerative colitis, 173 with Crohn's disease, and 472 controls. Details of sex, age of onset, disease extent, and family history were analysed. 24 patients with ulcerative colitis and 92 with Crohn's disease required surgery for refractory disease. HLA DRB1 and DQB1 gene-typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. FINDINGS: In ulcerative colitis, the sharing of alleles among affected sibling pairs provided evidence for linkage with DRB1 locus (p = 0.017, chi2 = 5.32). Of 29 affected sibling pairs studied, only one pair shared no DRB1 DQB haplotypes. 15 shared two DRB DQB haplotypes. In contrast, no linkage was noted for Crohn's disease (42 sibling pairs; p = 0.30, chi2 = 0.16) or for inflammatory bowel disease overall (83 sibling pairs, p = 0.16, chi2 = 2.28). In the association study the rare DRB1*103 (8.3% vs 3.2% in controls) and DRB1*12 (8.6% vs 2.1% in controls) alleles were associated with ulcerative colitis (p = 0.0074, chi2 = 7.22, odds ratio OR = 2.9 [95% CI 1.3-6.4] and p = 0.0056, chi2 = 12.63, OR = 4.33 [1.8-11.0] respectively). No association with alleles representing DR2 (p = 0.55, chi2 = 0.34) was noted. No overall association was seen in Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, the frequency of DRB1*0301 DQB*0201 (DR3 DQ2) was reduced in females (9.8% vs 26.3% in controls, p = 0.037, chi2 = 8.39 OR = 0.34 [0.15-0.71]), particularly in those with distal disease (2.3%, p = 0.001 vs controls, chi2 = 11.35, OR = 0.07 [0.00-0.39]). In both males and females, the DR3 DQ2 haplotype was predictive of extensive ulcerative colitis (32.9% vs 10.7% in distal disease, p < 0.01, chi2 = 10.94, OR 4.09 [1.70-10.6]) but not of need for surgery (p = 0.93, chi2 = 0.01). INTERPRETATION: These data provide strong evidence for genetic heterogeneity in inflammatory bowel disease. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex are implicated as important inherited determinants of susceptibility to ulcerative colitis and may also influence the pattern of disease. In Crohn's disease, important susceptibility genes are likely to exist outside the HLA region.

Adult↗

Effects of a new anti-rheumatic drug KE-298 and its active metabolite: KE-758 on secretion of thioredoxin and on the level of intracellular glutathione in human monocytes and T cells.

Thioredoxin (TRX) and glutathione (GSH) are key regulators of the cellular balance of reduction/oxidation (redox). The impaired redox balance in joint cellular circumstances participates in immune dysfunctions seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We analyzed effects of a newly developed anti-rheumatic drug, KE-298 (2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid) and it is active metabolite; KE-758 (2-mercaptomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid) on the secretion of TRX and the level of intracellular GSH in THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line and in Jurkat cells, a human T cell leukemia cell line, then we compared their effects with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). KE-298 (10-100 microg/ml) and KE-758 (10-100 microg/ml) as well as a high concentration of NAC (10mM) dose-dependently inhibited the secretion of TRX by THP-1 and Jurkat cells. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the suppressive effects of KE-298 and KE-758 on TRX secretion could be partly explained by the inhibition of TRX mRNA expression. On the other hand, KE-758 as well as a high concentration of NAC significantly increased the level of intracellular GSH. Thus, KE-298 is a novel sulphydryl drug which regulates the redox state of cellular circumstances. The potential of KE-298 to suppress the secretion of TRX and to increase the level of intracellular GSH may partly explain the efficacy in cases of RA.

Antirheumatic Agents↗

Conjunctival cytologic features of primary Sjögren's syndrome.

To determine whether there are specific cytologic features associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), the authors evaluated impression cytology specimens from three conjunctival sites (temporal bulbar [TB], inferior bulbar [IB], and inferior tarsal [IT]) from 38 SS eyes, 34 eyes of aqueous tear-deficient patients without SS, 35 eyes of seborrheic blepharitis patients, and 17 eyes of normal controls in a masked fashion. The following features were observed more frequently in SS eyes than in the eyes of the other groups: squamous metaplasia of the TB and IB (P less than 0.05), extensive (greater than 75%) goblet cell loss of the TB (P less than 0.05), mucous aggregates of the bulbar conjunctiva (P less than 0.05), and inflammatory cells intercalated with epithelial cells on the IT conjunctiva (P less than 0.06). The conjunctival inflammatory cell infiltrate correlated with the presence of extensive squamous metaplasia (P less than 0.01) in SS specimens. The inflammatory cells on the IT conjunctival epithelium were found to consist predominantly of T-lymphocytes by immunofluorescent staining of cytologic specimens from six eyes. Based on these findings, the authors speculated that conjunctival squamous metaplasia, in addition to aqueous tear deficiency, may be due to primary involvement of the dysfunctional immune system of SS.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A pilot study on the efficacy of escalating dosage of alpha-interferon for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients. The Hepatitis/HIV Spanish Study Group.

Chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) seems to present a more accelerated course in HIV-infected patients, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure in a shorter period of time than in HIV-negative individuals. As efforts to increase life expectancy in HIV-infected people progress, substantial morbidity and mortality from HCV infection is likely to arise amongst subjects infected parenterally, such as injecting drug users, haemophiliacs and transfusion recipients. Preliminary results have suggested that alpha-interferon (IFN) treatment allows higher rates of response in HIV-infected patients with higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts, suggesting a primary dependence of IFN on a preserved immune system in order to act appropriately. In an open, multicentre, prospective trial we analysed whether the use of larger doses of IFN, through an escalating schedule, might overcome the limits imposed by immune dysfunction. An interim analysis performed in 29 patients concluded that escalating the dosage did not improve the rate of response to IFN. In fact, only one (8.3%) out of 12 patients without response after 3 months of being on IFN therapy achieved response after the dosage was increased from 5 MU to 8 MU s.c. three times a week. Moreover, he relapsed 3 months after completion of treatment for 1 year.

Adult↗

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to the brain: methodological assessment.

The purpose of this short review is to analyse major advantages and limitations of the adenovirus (Ad), specifically with relevance to its use as a vector for gene transfer to the brain. The characteristics of Ad transduction include: the relative absence of cell type specificity; the limited spatial spread of the virus; and the long-term expression of the transgene. In the central nervous system, in contrast to that which occurs in other organs, Ad transduction in the adult does not systematically provoke cell death. Nevertheless, a proportion of the transduced cells do die, and this represents a conspicuous problem. Mechanisms leading to cell death in the brain may include immune rejection and inflammation-related toxicity, although this would not explain all of the results, and direct toxicity related to either inappropriate preparation or the transduction itself. Taking into account uncertainties concerning the innocuousness of Ad transduction, it may seem unwise to envisage Ad gene therapy for diseases that are not life-threatening and/or benefit from adequate drug or surgical treatments (e.g. Parkinson's disease or epilepsy). Ad vectors may not be easily used either in diseases displaying major immune dysfunction (e.g. multiple sclerosis). In contrast, malignant brain tumors and numerous neurodegenerative diseases (such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's diseases or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are directly life-threatening and deprived of any adequate treatment. They may be appropriate targets for Ad-mediated gene therapy, once both the vector and the gene of interest have been defined and optimized.

Adenoviridae↗

Monocyte-dependent cell death of T lymphocyte subsets in chronic hepatitis C.

A high incidence of viral persistence and progression to chronic hepatitis are characteristic features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Since T lymphocytes play a critical role in virus clearance, their abnormalities in undergoing apoptosis may cause the insufficient antiviral immune responses leading to persistent viral infection. Recent reports have suggested that monocyte-dependent cell death (MDCD) is a mechanism of T lymphocyte apoptosis in chronic viral infection. The current study was designed to monitor apoptosis of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets in co-culture with CD14+ monocytes under the apoptotic stimuli in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Cell mortalities of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets from patients exhibiting various degrees of chronic hepatitis C were increased to a greater extent when incubated with CD14+ monocyte subset in medium containing phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The current observations demonstrate that MDCD of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets may provide a cellular basis for immune dysfunction which results in insufficient viral clearance and progression of liver disease in chronic HCV infection.

Apoptosis↗

Identification of antibodies to Leishmania silent information regulatory 2 (SIR2) protein homologue during canine natural infections: pathological implications.

Dogs are the domestic reservoir of zoonotic visceral Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin and thus constitute an important health problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Until vaccines become available, conventional measures such as epidemiological surveillance including reservoir control will be among the practical options for prevention and containment of the disease. We have recently characterised novel Leishmania sp. genes encoding parasite proteins named (LmS3a: homologous to mammalian ribosomal protein S3a; LmSIR2: homologous to the silent information regulatory 2 protein family; LimTXNPx: homologous to the peroxiredoxin family with N-terminal mitochondrial leader sequence) that may contribute to the host immune dysfunction in murine experimental Leishmaniasis. In the present study we have investigated the humoral responses against the parasite antigens in groups of L. infantum-infected dogs with different clinical status: symptomatic and asymptomatic with DTH positive or negative test. The determination of immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes revealed high levels of total IgG in both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals when compared to IgM. Furthermore, the IgG2 appeared to be the predominant subclass of Ig present in the sera of infected animals particularly in the case of symptomatic dogs. The IgG subclass reactivity analysis revealed a broad specific recognition range of parasite recombinant antigens. Interestingly, differential profiles of IgG1 and IgG2 antibody reactivity were observed in asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs. The LmSIR2 protein was found to be a highly reactive molecule with IgG2 from most of the asymptomatic and symptomatic animals. Considering the fact that LmSIR2 secreted by the parasites can be bound and taken up by neighbouring cells, the latter could be a target for anti-LmSIR2 antibodies and this may contribute to the immunopathological alterations and host tissue damage. The implications of these observations in the pathogenesis of Leishmaniasis are discussed.

Animals↗