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PubMed2002

Effects of spiramine T on antioxidant enzymatic activities and nitric oxide production in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion gerbils.

Spiramine T, an atisine-type diterpene alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Spiraea japonica var. acuta (Rosaceae), was shown to have neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, the effects of spiramine T on antioxidant enzymes and nitric oxide production were evaluated in gerbils subjected to global forebrain ischemia (10 min) and reperfusion (5 days). Spiramine T (1.0 and 2.0 mg kg(-1) i.p.) markedly reduced the content of lipid peroxide (LPO), increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and inhibited the increase of nitric oxidase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide production in the cortex during ischemia-reperfusion in gerbils. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effects of spiramine T were related to modulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities and reduction of the formation of nitric oxide.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Plant--fungal interactions: the search for phytoalexins and other antifungal compounds from higher plants.

A brief review is given of some biological, chemical and chemotaxonomic aspects of phytoalexin research. Emphasis is placed on the search for antifungal compounds in the plant families Leguminosae and Rosaceae, and in rice, Oryza sativa. The possible role of phytoalexins in the resistance of rice plants against the fungus Pyricularia oryzae (= Magnaporthe grisea) is discussed, and the future prospects of phytoalexin research are outlined.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2001

Triterpene glycosides from the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis.

Five triterpene glycosides were isolated from the MeOH extract of Sanguisorba officinalis (Rosaceae) roots, as confirmed by detailed analysis of their 1H, 13C, and two-dimensional NMR data, and by the results of hydrolytic cleavage. Three known triterpenes and six known triterpene glycosides were also isolated and identified. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against HSC-2 cells and HGF.

Glycosides↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Blepharitis is probably the most common disease entity seen in the general ophthalmologist's office. A significant proportion of these cases are secondary to meibomian gland disease. This review outlines our knowledge of the histopathology, lipid abnormalities and role of microorganisms in meibomian gland dysfunction. We will also review the physiology of meibomian gland secretion and present models of meibomian gland dysfunction which have enhanced our knowledge of this condition. The importance of diagnosing associated conditions such as aqueous tear deficiency, contact lens intolerance, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis is emphasized. Although this condition causes significant morbidity in the population, there are effective treatments available and these will be discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Plant cyanogenic glycosides.

The cyanogenic glycosides belong to the products of secondary metabolism, to the natural products of plants. These compounds are composed of an alpha-hydroxynitrile type aglycone and of a sugar moiety (mostly D-glucose). The distribution of the cyanogenic glycosides (CGs) in the plant kingdom is relatively wide, the number of CG-containing taxa is at least 2500, and a lot of such taxa belong to families Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Linaceae, Compositae and others. Different methods of determination are discussed (including the indirect classical photometrical and the new direct chromatographic ones). The genetic control of cyanogenesis has no unique mechanism, the plants show variation in the amount of the produced HCN. The production of HCN depends on both the biosynthesis of CGs and on the existence (or absence) of its degrading enzymes. The biosynthetic precursors of the CGs are different L-amino acids, these are hydroxylated then the N-hydroxylamino acids are converted to aldoximes, these are turned into nitriles. The last ones are hydroxylated to alpha-hydroxynitriles and then they are glycosilated to CGs. The generation of HCN from CGs is a two step process involving a deglycosilation and a cleavage of the molecule (regulated by beta-glucosidase and alpha-hydroxynitrilase). The tissue level compartmentalisation of CGs and their hydrolysing enzymes prevents large-scale hydrolysis in intact plant tissue. The actual level of CGs is determined by various factors both developmental and ecological ones, which are reviewed too. The last part of the present work demonstrates the biological roles of CGs in plant physiological processes and in plant defence mechanisms as well. The effect of CGs (HCN) on different animals, the symptoms of poisonings are discussed to cows, sheep, donkeys, horses and chicks. Finally, the poisonous effects of cassava (Manihot esculenta) roots are summarised on experimental animals and on the human organism.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Biology of common beta receptor-signaling cytokines: IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF.

IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF are related hematopoietic cytoines that are important for allergic inflammation. The receptors for human IL-5, IL-3, and GM-CSF are members of the hematopoietin receptor superfamily and are comprised of a cytokine-specific alpha chain and the common beta chain that is shared among these cytokines for signaling. Each of these cytokines contributes to the differentiation and function of leukocyte subpopulations and have clinical importance in protective immunity and in the pathophysiology of a spectrum of immunologic diseases that are as diverse as allergy and asthma, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and malignancies. Delineating the biology of these cytokines is enabling the development of new strategies for diagnosing and treating these diseases and modulating immune responses.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Identification of IgE-binding epitopes of the major peach allergen Pru p 3.

BACKGROUND: Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are clinically relevant plant food panallergens and have been proposed as ideal tools to study true food allergy. Pru p 3, the major peach allergen in the Mediterranean area, is among the best-characterized allergenic members of the LTP family. Its diagnostic value for Rosaceae fruit allergy has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. OBJECTIVE: We sought to locate major IgE-binding epitopes of Pru p 3. METHODS: A serum pool and individual sera from patients with peach allergy and positive skin prick test results to Pru p 3 were used. Three-dimensional modeling was achieved by using experimentally available structures of Pru p 3 homologues as templates. Theoretical prediction of potential IgE-binding regions was performed by selecting specific residues on the molecular surface displaying prominent electrostatic potential features. Point mutants of Pru p 3 were constructed by standard polymerase chain reaction procedures with the appropriate primers. Mutants were expressed in P pastoris by means of the pPIC 9 vector and purified from the corresponding supernatants by gel-filtration chromatography followed by RP-HPLC. IgE binding by Pru p 3 mutants was tested by immunodetection and quantified by ELISA and ELISA inhibition assays. Synthetic peptides (10 mer; 5 amino acids overlapping) covering the full Pru p 3 sequence were used to detect IgE epitopes by (125)I-anti-IgE immunodetection. RESULTS: Pru p 3 showed a 3-dimensional structure comprising 4 alpha-helixes and a nonstructured C-terminal coil (residues 73 to 91). Regions around amino acids in positions 23 to 36, 39 to 44, and 80 to 91, particularly residues R39, T40, and R44, K80 and K91, were predicted as potential antibody recognition sites according to their relevant surface and electrostatic properties. Point mutants K80A and K91A were found to have an IgE-binding capacity similar to that of recombinant Pru p 3, but the triple mutant R39A/T40A/R44A showed a substantial decrease (approximately 5 times) of IgE binding. IgE immunodetection of synthetic peptides led to the identification of Pru p 3 sequence regions 11 to 25, 31 to 45, and 71 to 80 as major IgE epitopes. CONCLUSIONS: Main IgE-binding regions of the Pru p 3 amino acid sequence were identified. The three major ones comprised the end of an alpha-helix and some residues of the following interhelix loop. These data can help to search for Pru p 3 hypoallergenic forms.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

Skin testing with recombinant allergens rBet v 1 and birch profilin, rBet v 2: diagnostic value for birch pollen and associated allergies.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the value of two recombinant birch allergens for diagnosis of patients sensitized to birch pollen with or without associated food allergy. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with positive skin test responses to Betulaceae and seven nonallergic control subjects were investigated; specific IgE antibodies were evaluated by specific immunoassay and blot immunodetection. RESULTS: Among 51 patients, 47 reacted to rBet v 1 and 10 to rBet v 2. Seven patients reacted to both recombinant allergens. In skin prick tests we found a correlation between the wheal produced by the commercial birch extract and the wheal produced by rBet v 1. Among 47 patients with positive test responses to rBet v 1, 83% had IgE binding to the Bet v 1 protein as determined by immunoblotting. Among 10 patients sensitized to rBet v 2, six had IgE binding to Bet v 2. Eleven patients with negative results, as determined by immunoblotting, had low levels of birch IgE in the sera (less than 10 kU/L) and low concentrations of IgE to rBet v 1 or rBet v 2 in ELISA. The nonallergic control subjects (n = 7) did not react to rBet v 1 or rBet v 2 in skin prick tests, nor did they have detectable amounts of specific IgE to rBet v 1 or rBet v 2. Histamine release tests confirmed sensitization to Bet v 1 in two patients with discordant results; for Bet v 2, one patient had positive results only at a high concentration, and one had results that remained negative. Thirty-four patients had birch pollinosis, and all reacted to rBet v 1. Patients who were monosensitized to birch never reacted to rBet v 2. Sensitization to rBet v 2 was only found in patients who reacted to other pollens (mainly grass). Twenty-nine patients demonstrated allergy to apples, cherries, or hazelnuts; and all reacted to rBet v 1. Among 11 patients with allergy to Umbelliferae, only three reacted to rBet v 2. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the two recombinant allergens (rBet v 1 and rBet v 2) always permits the diagnosis of birch sensitization. Sensitization to rBet v 1 is specific for birch and Rosaceae allergies, whereas sensitization to birch profilin, Bet v 2, is encountered in multisensitized subjects and is not always related to Umbelliferae allergy.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The major allergen of peach (Prunus persica) is a lipid transfer protein.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to fresh fruits and vegetables is mostly observed in subjects with pollinosis, especially from birch, because of cross-reacting allergens in vegetable foods and pollens. However, allergic reactions to fruits, specifically Rosaceae fruits, have been reported in subjects without pollinosis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the pattern of IgE reactivity, identifying the allergen responsible in 2 groups of patients with oral allergy syndrome to peach with or without birch pollinosis. METHODS: The allergenic components of peach were detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. The major peach allergen was purified by HPLC with a cation-exchange column followed by gel filtration chromatography. Its IgE-binding capacity and its homology with the protein of the crude extract were demonstrated by immunoblotting inhibition techniques. To better characterize this allergen, periodic acid-Schiff stain and isoelectrofocusing were used. The amino acid sequencing was done with a gas-phase sequencer. RESULTS: SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting of the 15 patients allergic to peach, 8 without and 7 with birch pollinosis, showed that they all recognized a protein with a molecular weight of 9 kd. This was the only allergen recognized by patients not sensitized to pollen, whereas the birch pollen-sensitive patients had IgE binding to other allergenic proteins at higher molecular weights. The purified 9-kd protein retained its IgE-binding capacity, was negative to periodic acid-Schiff stain, and had an isoelectric point value of greater than 9. A search in the Swiss Prot Bank showed this was a lipid transfer protein, belonging to a group of molecules involved in the defensive system of plants. CONCLUSIONS: The major allergen of peach is a 9-kd protein belonging to the group of lipid transfer proteins. This is the only allergen recognized by patients allergic to peach but not sensitized to birch pollen.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei: 6 cases].

BACKGROUND: Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei is recognized by all authors as a unique entity, despite many appellations for this disease. In fact, the real origin and the treatment of this affection are unknown. In this study we try to specify the major histological and clinical points of diagnosis, the evolution in the mid-term and the different possibilities of the treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the patients diagnosed with lupus miliaris and followed-up by one of us (P.M.) between 1990 and 2000. RESULTS: There were 6 patients in this study, 5 males and 1 female. The mean age was 37 years old at the time of diagnosis. The patients exhibited a facial eruption, notably in the middle of the face, eyelids and peri-oral area. All the patients had a polymorph eruption of inflammatory and smooth papules. Many of these papules progressed in several weeks to round scars with a perpendicular carved shape. Histologically and depending of the stage of evolution of the lesion, there were some epithelioid cell and giant cell granulomas organized around the necrosis. All of the trial treatments led to failure or semi-failure. Four of the patients followed-up for several years spontaneously recovered from this disease within 2 to 4 years. DISCUSSION: Based on the anatomical and clinical similarities observed in these 6 patients, our study confirms the authenticity of the "lupus miliaris". It did not correspond to a particular form of acne, rosacea, tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. The scars are pathognomonical of this type of eruption. No treatment seems to be efficient. However our study seems to confirm the general idea of spontaneous recovery with 2 to 4 years.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A standardized visual scale for evaluation of tear fluorescein clearance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation and the agreement between a validated fluorometric technique (fluorescein clearance test) and a newly developed, clinically practical standardized visual scale to evaluate tear fluorescein clearance. Also, the ability of this new method to distinguish healthy persons from patients reporting ocular irritation associated with meibomian gland disease (MGD), aqueous tear deficiency (ATD), or both was tested. DESIGN: Case-controlled study. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy persons (n = 32), patients with MGD associated with rosacea (n = 30), patients with noninflammatory atrophic MGD (n = 24), and patients with ATD (n = 39) were evaluated. There was a similar age and gender distribution in each group. METHODS: Each subject completed a symptom questionnaire and had the following tests performed: fluorescein clearance test (FCT), standardized visual scale test (SVST), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer 1 test, corneal and conjunctiva sensitivity, and eyelid margin and meibomian gland examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FCT was performed with a CytoFluor II fluorophotometer by measuring the fluorescein concentration in minimally stimulated tear samples collected from the inferior tear meniscus 15 minutes after instillation of 5 microl of 2% sodium fluorescein. The SVST score, ranging from 0 to 6, was obtained by comparing the colors of the standardized visual scale with the color of the lateral inferior tear meniscus immediately before tear collection for the FCT. Severity of ocular irritation was assessed with a symptom questionnaire. Schirmer 1 test (without anesthesia), biomicroscopic meibomian gland evaluation, and corneal fluorescein staining were performed. Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity scores were assessed with the Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. The correlation and the agreement between FCT, FCT corrected for Schirmer test (corrected FCT), SVST, and SVST corrected for Schirmer test (corrected SVST) in separating healthy persons from patients with ATD, MGD, or both were studied. Furthermore, the correlations of FCT, corrected FCT, SVST and corrected SVST, corneal fluorescein staining score, corneal and conjunctiva sensitivity, meibomian gland and eyelid evaluation, and questionnaire score were studied. RESULTS: The FCT, the corrected FCT, the SVST, and the corrected SVST all showed strong correlation with irritation symptoms, corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer 1 test score, cornea and conjunctiva sensitivity, and meibomian gland and eyelid pathologic characteristics. The FCT, the corrected FCT, the SVST, and the corrected SVST had a sensitivity in diagnosing MGD, respectively, of 67%, 72%, 69%, and 76%, and of 95%, 97%, 97%, and 97% in diagnosing ATD. The specificity was, respectively, 97%, 96%, 97%, and 94%. CONCLUSIONS: The new standardized visual scale test was equivalent to fluorometric assessment of tear clearance in its correlation with irritation symptoms, ocular surface and eyelid disease, and ocular surface sensitivity. Its ability to separate healthy persons from patients with MGD and ATD was improved by applying a correction factor based on Schirmer test score. The new standardized visual scale test is an accurate and practical method for clinical assessment of fluorescein tear clearance.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2001

Keratitis, ulceration, and perforation associated with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

PURPOSE: To report corneal complications associated with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen eyes of 16 patients with adverse corneal events associated with NSAID use. METHODS: Evaluation of 16 patients referred for management of corneal complications during use of topical NSAIDs (ketorolac tromethamine [Acular], diclofenac sodium [Voltaren], diclofenac sodium [Falcon DSOS]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type and severity of corneal complications. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, two experienced severe keratopathy, three experienced ulceration, six experienced corneal or scleral melts, and five experienced perforations. Eleven patients had recent cataract surgery; nine of these were on concurrent topical steroids and antibiotics. Another patient who did not have recent surgery was using concurrent topical steroids without antibiotics for sarcoid uveitis. Systemic associations included two patients with rheumatoid arthritis, one patient with asymptomatic Sjogren's syndrome, and two with rosacea. CONCLUSIONS: Topical NSAIDs were associated with corneal complications in 18 eyes of 16 patients. Potential risk factors include conditions that predispose the patient to corneal melting, concurrent topical steroids, and epithelial keratopathy in the early postoperative period.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

Bilateral herpetic keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of patients with bilateral herpetic keratitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, observational case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of 544 patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) eye disease treated between January 1996 and September 2001 was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota. Seven patients (1.3%) with bilateral herpetic keratoconjunctivitis were identified. RESULTS: In these seven patients, the age at the initial onset of corneal disease ranged from 7 weeks to 46 years, with a median of 18 years and a mean of 19.3 years. Five patients had systemic atopy, and two patients had severe ocular rosacea. Systemic immune disorders were noted in two patients. Recurrent blepharoconjunctivitis was noted in 8 eyes (57%), epithelial keratitis in 12 eyes (85.7%), stromal keratitis in 9 eyes (64.3%), necrotizing stromal keratitis in 5 eyes (35.7%), and progressive endotheliitis in 2 eyes (14.2%). Corneal complications included opacification, neovascularization, and corneal thinning or perforation. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 1 eye, in which endophthalmitis subsequently developed and which required enucleation. Four patients with continued use of oral antiviral prophylaxis (acyclovir 400 mg twice daily) since September 1999 showed significant decreases in recurrence. The average remission in these four patients was 1.7 years. The visual acuity at the last follow-up was 20/40 or worse in 6 eyes (42.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to unilateral HSV keratitis, our patients with bilateral herpetic corneal infections had underlying atopy or immune deviations and evinced more protracted clinical courses. Long-term prophylactic antiviral treatment has reduced the incidence of recurrence in this group of patients.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1982

Classification of chronic blepharitis.

Since last thoroughly evaluated over three decades ago, the clinical spectrum of chronic blepharitis has changed. The relative prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus alone or in combination with seborrheic blepharitis has decreased. The relative prevalence has increased of seborrheic blepharitis with or without associated excess meibomian secretions (meibomian seborrhea) or inflammation (meibomitis). Primary meibomitis appears not to be a primarily infectious entity but to represent a facet of generalized sebaceous gland dysfunction and to be found in association with seborrheic dermatitis or acne rosacea. The keratoconjunctivitis found in association with primary meibomitis may be contributed to by the production of bacterial lypolytic exoenzymes that split neutral lipids, resulting in an increased level of free fatty acids in the tears. A frequent finding of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in this patient population, especially the S. aureus group (50%), is of note. Of particular importance is that these entities be recognized as chronic diseases requiring control and ones for which there is no "cure."

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Serious complications of topical mitomycin-C after pterygium surgery.

BACKGROUND: The use of topical mitomycin (mitomycin-C) as a medical adjunct to pterygium and glaucoma surgery is increasing. METHODS: The authors report on a series of 10 patients who experienced serious, vision-threatening complications associated with the use of this drug after pterygium surgery. RESULTS: Complications included severe secondary glaucoma (4 patients), corneal edema (3 patients), corneal perforation (1 patient), corectopia (2 patients), iritis (8 patients), sudden onset mature cataract (2 patients), scleral calcification (1 patient) and incapacitating photophobia and pain (8 patients). Two patients required penetrating keratoplasties and a third required three lamellar keratoplasties. Another patient underwent four additional surgeries including a conjunctival Z-plasty, scleral patch grafting, and conjunctival autografting before his intractable pain and photophobia resolved 15 months after the original surgery. Because of these complications, 6 patients required a total of 20 return visits to the operating room after their original pterygium surgery. In 5 eyes, visual acuity remained at 20/200 or less. Three of the six patients with the most severe complications had concomitant chronic external diseases (rosacea [3 patients], ichthyosis [1 patient], keratitis sicca [1 patient]). CONCLUSION: The authors urge extreme caution in the use of mitomycin. If mitomycin is used, the lowest possible concentration should be applied for the shortest time period in an effort to avoid these complications. A prospective multicenter study of the ophthalmic use of this medication is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Minocycline-induced scleral pigmentation.

PURPOSE: Minocycline is a commonly used drug in the management of acne and rosacea. Four individual cases of oral minocycline-induced scleral pigmentation are reported in the dermatologic literature. This is the first report in the ophthalmic literature and will add three new cases of probable minocycline-induced scleral pigmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on minocycline from the spontaneous reporting systems of the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization, and Lederle Laboratories were reviewed as to minocycline-related scleral pigmentation. Photographs, published cases, discussions with the examining ophthalmologists, and the personal observation of one patient (case 1) are the basis of the authors' conclusions. RESULTS: Seven cases of probable oral minocycline-induced scleral pigmentation are presented. These changes may or may not be associated with minocycline-induced pigmentary changes in other tissues, such as the skin, teeth, fingernails, bone, thyroid, or mucosa. The characteristic scleral pattern is a blue-gray 3- to 5-mm band starting at the limbus, which usually is enhanced in the palpebral aperture, possible due to the photosensitizing properties of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: Oral minocycline can cause scleral pigmentation. This pigmentation may resolve within years, or it may be permanent.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Correlation of goblet cell density and mucosal epithelial membrane mucin expression with rose bengal staining in patients with ocular irritation.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare goblet cell densities and mucosal epithelial membrane mucin (MEM) expression in impression cytology specimens obtained from control subjects and patients with one of the following clinically defined diseases: aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) associated with Sjögren syndrome, ATD not associated with Sjögren syndrome, inflammatory Meibomian gland disease associated with rosacea, and Meibomian gland atrophy. These data were correlated with ocular surface rose Bengal staining scores, Schirmer scores, and HLA-DR antigen staining of conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS: Goblet cell density and MEM expression were studied by impression imprints with immunohistochemical staining using an anti-mucosal epithelial membrane mucin antibody in the temporal and inferior bulbar and inferior tarsal conjunctiva of study subjects. RESULTS: Goblet cell density adjacent to the temporal limbus was significantly reduced at 3 mm posterior to the temporal limbus in both aqueous tear deficiency groups compared with the other groups and in patients with Sjögren syndrome compared with all other groups. In the inferior tarsus, goblet cell density was significantly reduced in patients with non-Sjögren syndrome ATD as compared with all other groups, except those with inflammatory Meibomian gland disease. Mucosal epithelial membrane mucin expression in the bulbar and tarsal conjunctiva was absent in a greater percentage of patients with Sjögren syndrome compared with all other groups. Total ocular surface rose Bengal staining scores were significantly higher in patients with Sjögren syndrome as compared with all other groups and in patients with non-Sjögren syndrome ATD as compared with control groups. Rose Bengal staining scores and Schirmer I test results (without anesthesia) were inversely correlated with bulbar, but not tarsal, conjunctival goblet cell densities, and with the absence of bulbar conjunctival MEM expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that reduced goblet cell density and mucosal epithelial cell mucin expression could explain increased rose Bengal staining in patients with aqueous tear deficiency. In addition, MEM may be regarded as a marker for normal differentiation of ocular surface epithelia, with its absence signifying the development of squamous metaplasia.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Helicobacter pylori infection and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with different diseases: duodenal ulcer, rosacea, ischaemic heart disease and gastric cancer. Given the abnormal immunological response and the high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetic patients, we conducted a study on H. pylori prevalence among these patients. We designed a case control study of a population-based cohort. Eighty insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with an average age (24.05 +/- 8.3 years), and 100 control subjects (25 +/- 7.1 years) were selected to verify the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in these populations. One serum sample was obtained from each subject for evaluation of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori, parietal cells (APA) and pancreatic islets cells (ICA). The seroprevalence of H. pylori among IDDM patients aged less than 24 years was significantly higher than among control subjects; the corresponding rate among IDDM aged greater than 24 years was significantly lower than among control subjects. Antibodies against parietal cells (APA) and islet cells (ICA) among H. pylori positive diabetic patients were significantly higher than among H. pylori negative diabetic patients. IDDM patients were subdivided on the basis of the evolutive course of diabetes. Seroprevalence of H. pylori as well as prevalence of ICAs decreased with IDDM duration. Nevertheless, no variation in the prevalence of APAs during the course of diabetes was observed. We observed an association between the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and the duration of IDDM. The seroprevalence of H. pylori and ICA decreased with the evolutive course of diabetes mellitus among IDDM. The prevalence of ICA and APA in IDDM H. pylori positive subjects was higher than among controls.

Adolescent↗