Markedly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin 6 in Meigs syndrome

Analysis of serum and peritoneal and pleural fluid from a patient with Meigs' syndrome revealed high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin 6. Serum levels declined after removal of the ovarian tumor, along with resolution of ascites and hydrothorax. These findings suggest the involvement of these vasoactive factors in ascites and pleural fluid formation in Meigs' syndrome.

Ex vivo expansion of CD56+ cytotoxic cells from human umbilical cord blood

The immune-mediated effect of natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells against residual tumor cells previously was shown to prevent relapse and reinduce remission after bone marrow transplantation. Human umbilical cord blood is a rich source of cytotoxic CD56+ cells including fetal NK cells (CD16(-)CD56+1) with high lytic capabilities upon activation with interleukin-2 (IL-2). Cord blood transplantations are reported to be associated with lower risk of graft-vs-host disease, which may jeopardize the graft-vs-leukemia effect. Therefore, our goal was to expand and amplify, ex vivo, cord blood-derived CD56+ cell-mediated cytotoxic activity. Cord blood-derived CD56+ cells were separated using anti-CD56 monoclonal antibody and immunomagnetic beads. The cells were expanded in the presence of irradiated feeder cells and various concentrations of IL-2. Maximal fold expansion (152 +/- 29) was achieved on day 22 by culturing the cells in the presence of irradiated autologous lymphocytes. Irradiated murine stromal cells yielded 42 +/- fourfold expansion (p < 0.05). FACS analysis at the peak of expansion revealed that the cells were 96% +/- 1% CD56+. Interferon-gamma levels significantly decreased throughout the culture period (from 1,034 +/- 34 pg/mL to 21 +/- 8 pg/mL) as did IL-6 levels (from 11,535 +/- 1,452 pg/mL to 323 +/- 161 pg/mL) whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels did not change. The expanded cells manifested potent lytic capabilities against K562 and Colo-205 cell lines (70.9% +/- 2.0% and 48.2% +/- 4.0%, respectively) (n = 5) (effector-to-target ratio 25:1). Coculturing the expanded NK cells with fresh ALL blasts resulted in 85% +/- 1% inhibition of colony growth in methylcellulose (n = 2). In addition, the CD56+ expanded cells induced 44% +/- 7.5% apoptosis of K562 target cells (n = 3). It is possible to effectively expand cord blood-derived CD56+ cells, ex vivo, while maintaining their antileukemic capablilities.

Comparison of the attitudes of Israeli therapists and lay persons to ethical dilemmas in psychotherapy

The issues of confidentiality and boundaries cause ethical dilemmas for psychotherapists. We investigated whether therapists have ethical attitudes to confidentiality and boundaries that are unique to their professional group compared with lay persons and whether gender or professional characteristics are associated with these attitudes. Clinical vignettes capturing ethical dilemmas regarding confidentiality and boundaries were presented to 93 psychotherapists of different professional backgrounds (professional group) and 55 staff and students from the fields of law and the humanities (lay group). In general, the lay group showed a greater tendency to maintain confidentiality than the professional group. Regarding boundaries, the majority of psychotherapists were against initiating any sexual relationship with current patients, former patients, students, or supervisees; the differences between the groups in this area were statistically significant. The vast majority of therapists (96.7%) disapproved of accepting money in advance compared with only 54.4% of the lay group. Analysis of the psychotherapists by professional background revealed that for the majority of the vignettes, there was no difference in attitude to confidentiality and boundaries between psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The present study shows that therapists have different ethical codes from nontherapists regarding the issues of boundaries and the treatment contract. Therapists are stricter than nontherapists regarding issues of boundaries but less strict regarding issues of confidentiality, and there are some minor differences in the attitudes to these issues among different types of therapists.

High oxygen concentration exacerbates cardiopulmonary bypass-induced lung injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of ventilation with 100% oxygen on lung injury associated with surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

DESIGN

A prospective randomized study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with CPB.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive 100% oxygen (Oxygen group) or 50% oxygen (Air group) throughout surgery. During CPB, patients' lungs in the Air group were flushed with air and in the Oxygen group with 100% oxygen.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Lung injury was evaluated by arterial oxygen tension-inspired oxygen concentration (PaO2-FIO2) ratio and cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8) in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid measured before and after CPB. The lowest PaO2-FIO2 value was observed after 40 minutes following the completion of CPB in both groups. PaO2-FIO2 values 6 hours after CPB were not different from baseline in the Air group but remained lower (359+/-63 mmHg and 298+/-78 mmHg; p = 0.013) in the Oxygen group. Blood cytokine levels rose during surgery in both groups. Bronchoalveolar lavage levels of interleukin-8 did not change, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased only in the Oxygen group (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant decrease of oxygenation was observed in the early post-CPB period in both groups of patients, with delay in recovery in patients treated with 100% oxygen. A larger increase of the proinflammatory cytokines was found in patients treated with 100% oxygen. High oxygen concentrations during surgery with CPB should be used only when specifically required.

Perception of ill spouse and dyadic relationship in couples with affective disorder and those without

BACKGROUND

This study compares the perception of spouses and the quality of the dyadic relationship of patients with severe affective disorders in remission with healthy couples.

METHOD

The sample included spouses of patients between the ages of 20 and 65 who had been hospitalized with severe affective illness and who were currently in remission (depressive, n=23; bipolar, n=11) and a control group matched by socioeconomic status. Both groups completed three instruments measuring the quality of the dyadic relationship, attributed characteristics of the spouse and non-formal social support.

RESULTS

The spouses of patients, as compared to spouses of controls, scored lower on consensus, unity and expressions of affection in their marital relationship, ranked their ill spouses lower on the positive qualities and higher on the negative qualities and reported receiving less emotional and practical support.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of the study are the small sample size and cross sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that severe affective disorders are associated with marital dysfunction, even during periods of symptom remission.

Short-term systemic effects of head and neck irradiation

BACKGROUND

Various localized side effects which accompany head and neck irradiation [IR] have been widely reported. However, systemic side effects/have been only sparsely reported in the short-term period post-IR in an animal model. The potential modulatory role of zinc-desferrioxamine [Zn-DFO] on IR effects was examined because of its known ability to protect against the damage induced by free radicals which are mediated by redox-active metal ions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used three groups of male Wistar rats: a] sham irradiated controls b] irradiated [15 Gy]; c] irradiated and treated with Zn-DFO [20 mg/k] one hour prior to IR. During the first two weeks post-IR, body weight and food and water intake were monitored daily, while lymphocytes, segmented neutrophils and white blood cells [WBC] were counted at 10 minutes 4 and 16 hours and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Serum TNF-a and IL-6 were obtained at 10 minutes and 7 days.

RESULTS

On day 7 post-IR, body weight and food and water intake were reduced by 84% 96% and 85% [p < 0.01], respectively in the above mentioned three groups of rats. This resulted in the death of 22% of the animals and was followed by recovery towards the end of the second week. At all time points examined between 10 minutes and 14 days, WBC were reduced by 52-74%. On the 7th day, Zn-DFO demonstrated a 33% protective effect against the WBC reduction. At 10 mins post-IR, a 84.8-fold [p < 0.01] increase of TNF-alpha, but not IL-6, was noted. However, on the 7th day post-IR, both TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were increased by 48.5-fold and 102.5-fold [0.01], respectively.

CONCLUSION

The data presented delineate the severe short-term systemic effects of head and neck IR in a rat model. We suggest considering the severe cachectic and immunocompromised status of the animals when performing various short-term studies with this model. During this period nutritional and immunological support for the examined animals is recommended. Further evaluation of the underlying mechanisms of IR-induced leukopenia and cachexia in animals and the possible implications for humans is warranted.

Increased levels of basic fibroblast growth factor are found in the cross-clamped heart during cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

High concentrations of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are found in the heart. Even higher levels are measured during ischemia. Exogenous administration of FGF to ischemic myocardium promotes synthesis of collateral coronary circulation and induces local myocardial hypertrophy. The kinetics and the contribution of the heart and lungs to circulating basic FGF (bFGF) levels during cardiac surgery were characterized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Plasma bFGF levels were measured in seven adults undergoing coronary artery bypass operations and 11 neonates undergoing congenital cardiac anomaly repair during cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

In both the adult and the neonatal groups, bFGF plasma levels increased significantly immediately after removal of the aortic cross-clamp (adult group 15.43+/-6.3 aorta cross-clamped versus 29+/-4.1 after release, P=0.011; neonatal group 17.09+/-9.43 aorta cross-clamped versus 43.55+/-14.25 after release, P=0.004) and declined thereafter. In the adult group, higher levels of bFGF were recorded in blood recovered from the coronary sinus than in the aortic root during aortic cross-clamping (63.14+/-14.42 versus 43.86+/-12.05, P=0.011), and in both, levels were significantly higher than the peripheral measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma bFGF levels increase during cardiopulmonary bypass. The source of this elevation is the lungs and heart.

Repeat bacterial challenge in a subcutaneous chamber model results in augmented tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma response, and suppression of interleukin-10

The present study compared the effect of a single or a repeat challenge with the Gram-negative pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis on the local inflammatory response within subcutaneous chamber model in mice. Subcutaneous chambers were implanted 2 weeks prior to the final challenge. The repeat-challenge (REP) group received two intrachamber bacterial injections 14 days apart, while the single-injection group (SIN) received only a single bacterial challenge. Injection of saline was used as the control. The cellular contents of the chamber exudates were used for differential cell counts, and the supernatants were analysed for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and interleukin (IL)-10 levels. Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a levels to P. gingivalis in the exudates were also determined. The results showed that the leucocyte counts increased significantly post-challenge, and the REP group showed the highest number of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Both P. gingivalis-challenged groups exhibited significant increase in TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels at day 1 post-challenge. TNF-alpha levels in the chamber exudate were threefold higher in the REP group compared with the SIN group on day 1 post-challenge (P < 0.05). In contrast, IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the REP group 1 day post-challenge compared with the SIN group. The REP group had significantly higher levels of IFN-gamma at baseline, and this difference remained significant 1 day post-challenge. Analysis of antibody levels to P. gingivalis showed that while the control and the SIN groups had no anti-P. gingivalis IgG in the chamber exudate during the 7-day study period, the REP group showed high anti-P. gingivalis IgG levels. In addition, the titres of IgG2a were fivefold higher than the IgG1 titres. The results showed that a repeat local challenge with P. gingivalis augmented the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, while inhibiting the accumulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This shift towards a T helper 1 (Th1)-dominant response was reflected in the relatively high anti-P. gingivalis IgG2a titres in the local inflammatory environment 7 days post-challenge.

Neoplastic cell activation and proliferative response to CD40-ligand characterize recurrent leukemic bouts in an unusual case of low grade lymphoma

Spontaneous fluctuations in activity of low-grade B cell lymphomas are common but not understood. An explanation may be offered by studying an atypical SLL/CLL case characterized by recurrent cycles of leukemic phase alternating with spontaneous remission (1). During remissions, residual IgMkappa+ leukemic cells exhibited resting phenotype, low proliferative response to CD4O-ligand and delayed apoptosis. In contrast, the acute phase counterparts were phenotypically activated, underwent rapid apoptosis in culture and proliferated extensively in response to membrane-anchored CD40-ligand. Transient bursts of serum TNFalpha and IL-10 preceded the acute phases, which were characterized by the co-existence of CD40-ligand+ T lymphocytes and lymphoma cells in the bone marrow. Based on ex-vivo and in-vitro data, we suggest that changes in the lymphoma milieu affect the neoplastic cell activation status, rate of proliferation in response to activated T cells and rate of apoptosis. These responses may underlie both the induction and spontaneous regression of the acute phases in this unique lymphoma. Our findings raise the possibility that part of this mechanism may have evolved during transformation of indolent common CLL to its more aggressive form.

Specific in vitro proliferative immune responses and lymphokine production in Ethiopian children with and without tuberculosis

We investigated the profile of some in vitro parameters of cellular immune responses in non-HIV-infected Ethiopian children and young adults with and without tuberculosis (TB) as compared to healthy Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian controls. The in vitro proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to purified protein derivative (PPD) were determined in 15 Ethiopian children and young adults with TB, 12 healthy Ethiopian children who were contacts of TB patients, 20 Ethiopian children without contact with TB and ten non-Ethiopian controls. All TB patients and contacts had a positive Mantoux skin test. The PBMC proliferative response to PPD of the Ethiopian children with TB was significantly higher than that of the Ethiopian children without TB, while all Ethiopian children demonstrated stronger proliferative response as compared to non-Ethiopian healthy controls. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA assays performed on the supernatant of PPD-stimulated and non-stimulated PBMC cultures of seven Ethiopian children with TB, ten Ethiopian children without TB and eight non-Ethiopian controls. IFN-gamma and IL-4 were undetectable and IL-2 levels in unstimulated supernatants were low in all groups. PPD stimulation induced a significant rise in IL-2 levels in Ethiopians with TB as compared to all other groups. There was no increase above baseline in IL-6 levels in any group studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethiopian children with TB exhibit a strong cellular immune response as expressed by Mantoux tests and lack of stimulation of IL-4 and IL-6 production. This pattern suggests a Th1 type effective cellular immune response to mycobacteria in a cohort of young Ethiopians with TB.

Low CSF soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels in acute depression. Short communication

Thirteen patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis of either major depression or bipolar I depression participated in the study. The control group consisted of 10 subjects evaluated for headache or suspected meningitis, none of whom were found to suffer from any organic disease. CSF was withdrawn from all subjects for the measurement of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R). CSF sIL-2R levels were found to be lower in patients as compared to controls (df = 1, 20; F = 84; p<0.000001).

Cerebrospinal cytokine levels in patients with acute depression

There is increasing evidence for an association between the alteration of cytokine concentrations in blood and the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Studies in humans have not investigated CSF cytokine concentrations and their relationship to depressive disorders. This study reports on the association of the CSF concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha, and major depressive disorders. CSF samples were obtained from 13 hospitalized patients with acute unmedicated severe depression and were compared with 10 control subjects. Compared to the control group, the depressed patient group had higher CSF concentrations of IL-1beta, lower IL-6 and no change in TNFalpha. A positive correlation was found between serum IL-1beta and the severity of depression. These results indicate a unique profile for CSF proinflammatory cytokines in acute depression. These findings merit further investigation and if replicated may possibly offer immunological treatment options for depression.

Cytokines in experimental autoimmune vasculitis: evidence for a Th2 type response

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenic role of cytokines in the development of experimental autoimmune vasculitis.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized with human IgG-ANCA from a patient with WG. Control mice were immunized with normal human IgG. Levels of mouse IgG-ANCA and other autoantibodies were determined. The mice lungs and kidneys were examined for the development of vasculitis. Levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, interferon gamma (IFN gamma) and TNF alpha were determined by ELISA two weeks after immunization of the mice.

RESULTS

Mice immunized with human IgG-ANCA developed anti-human IgG-ANCA (= Ab2) and anti-anti-human IgG-ANCA (mouse IgG-ANCA = Ab3), while the controls did not develop these antibodies. The mice that were immunized with human IgG-ANCA developed perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates in the lungs, suggesting vasculitis. Levels of IL-4, IL-6 and TNF alpha but not IL-1 beta, IL-2 and IFN gamma were significantly elevated in the mice 2 weeks after immunization with IgG-ANCA.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a pathogenic role for IL-4, IL-6 and TNF alpha in the initiation phase of autoimmune vasculitis. This suggests that a Th2 type immune response is responsible for the initiation of experimental autoimmune lung vasculitis, similar to Wegener's granulomatosis in humans.

Anti-idiotype immunomodulation of experimental anti-phospholipid syndrome via effect on Th1/Th2 expression

Mice with experimental anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), induced by active immunization with a human anti-cardiolipin MoAb (H-3), were treated with mouse anti-idiotypic MoAb (anti-H3, named S2.9) and with an irrelevant anti-idiotype. The immunized mice produced high titres of mouse anti-cardiolipin antibodies along with clinical manifestations of experimental APS: prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombocytopenia and high rate of fetal loss. Treatment with the specific anti-Id (S2.9) as a whole molecule or F(ab)2 fraction, resulted in a decrease in serum levels of the anti-cardiolipin antibodies, rise in platelet count, shortened aPTT and reduced rate of fetal loss. The anti-Id effect was associated with a rise in the number of IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-secreting cells (Th1) and reduction in IL-4- and IL-6-secreting cells (Th2). The beneficial effect of the anti-Id treatment in mice with experimental APS induced by active immunization with an idiotype further supports the idiotypic aetiology of experimental APS and points to the role of Th1 cytokines in suppression of its manifestations.

Prognostic value of CYFRA 21-1, TPS and CEA in different histologic types of non-small cell lung cancer

The prognostic value of the tumor markers CYFRA 21-1, tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was investigated in three histologic subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. Pretreatment serum marker levels were measured in 38 patients with adenocarcinoma (AC), in 43 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SQC) and in 35 patients with large cell carcinoma (LCC). Univariate analysis in AC showed significant lower survival of patients with elevated levels of TPS, CYFRA 21-1 and CEA. In LCC, elevated levels of TPS and CEA were found to predict lower survival, while in SQC--only TPS was a predictor. A multivariate analysis of survival identified CEA (Relative Risk-5.5; p = 0.004), CYFRA 21-1 (RR-3.4; p = 0.008) and TPS (RR-3.0; p = 0.02) as independent prognostic factors in AC. In SQC, only TPS (RR-2.3; p = 0.03) was such a factor whereas in LC--none of the markers studied retained statistical significance. Thereafter, the combinations of the two strongest prognostic factors in the AC group--CEA and CYFRA 21-1 were explored to divide this group into subsets with different prognosis. In cases where both markers were positive, the relative risk of death was 10.5 times higher as compared to cases where both markers were negative (p = 0.002).

Monoclonal anti-endothelial cell antibodies from a patient with Takayasu arteritis activate endothelial cells from large vessels

OBJECTIVE

To create monoclonal anti-endothelial cell antibodies (mAECA) from a patient with Takayasu arteritis to evaluate their ability to activate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and to characterize the mechanism of EC activation.

METHODS

A panel of mAECA was generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with Takayasu arteritis, using Epstein-Barr virus transformation. Activity against macrovascular EC (HUVEC) and microvascular EC (human bone marrow EC immortalized by SV40) antigens was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inhibition studies were used to select the monoclonal antibodies (mAECA) which share the same EC epitope binding specificity as the total IgG-AECA from the Takayasu arteritis patient. The binding of the mAECA to human aortic EC was studied by immunohistochemistry. The secretion levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were determined, to serve as markers for EC activation. The activated EC were examined for the adherence of a monocytic cell line (U937), as well as for expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin. In addition, nuclear extracts of the mAECA-treated EC were analyzed for the induction of translocation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), using a specific NF-kappaB oligoprobe in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

Six mAECA were selected, the mixture of which produced 100% inhibition of binding of the original IgG (from the patient with Takayasu arteritis) to HUVEC. All mAECA possessed high activity against macrovascular EC, but none had significant antimicrovascular EC activity. The mAECA, but not normal human IgG, had anti-human aortic EC activity. Four of the 6 mAECA activated EC, manifested by increased IL-6 and vWF secretion. The 4 mAECA induced EC expression of adhesion molecules and increased adhesion of U937 monocytic cells to EC. In addition, these mAECA stimulated the nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB transcription factor.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that AECA may directly stimulate EC in Takayasu arteritis through elevation of adhesion molecule expression associated with NF-kappaB activation and adhesion of monocytes, and may therefore play a pathogenic role in the development of the vasculopathy in Takayasu arteritis.

Cytokines in Gaucher's disease

Gaucher's disease (GD) is characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, bone marrow infiltration, osteonecrosis, which may all be associated with the presence of pathological macrophages that contain undegraded glycosphingolipids. Levels of serum cytokines, which are soluble products of mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), were evaluated in 24 GD patients. Levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in GD patients were significantly higher than in normal controls. We attempted to correlate cytokine levels with disease severity. Type I GD patients with more severe clinical manifestations had significantly higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-1Ra and IL-6, relative to type I patients with milder disease. Three patients homozygous for the 1448C mutation with neuropathic type III disease, had significantly higher levels of sIL-2R than type I patients or controls. We speculate that cytokine over-expression may relate to the pathophysiology of some of the clinical manifestations of GD. Thus, the elevated IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels may induce the bone manifestations, the neutrophil chemotaxis and the increased incidence of hyper-gammaglobulinemia present in GD patients.

Activation of murine macrophages by lipoprotein and lipooligosaccharide of Treponema denticola

We have recently demonstrated that the periodontopathogenic oral spirochete Treponema denticola possesses membrane-associated lipoproteins in addition to lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The aim of the present study was to test the potential of these oral spirochetal components to induce the production of inflammatory mediators by human macrophages, which in turn may stimulate tissue breakdown as observed in periodontal diseases. An enriched lipoprotein fraction (dLPP) from T. denticola ATCC 35404 obtained upon extraction of the treponemes with Triton X-114 was found to stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) by mouse macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of NO by dLPP was at 25% of the levels obtained by Salmonella typhosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at similar concentrations, while IL-1 was produced at similar levels by both inducers. dLPP-mediated macrophage activation was unaffected by amounts of polymyxin B that neutralized the induction produced by S. typhosa LPS. dLPP also induced NO and TNF-alpha secretion from macrophages isolated from endotoxin-unresponsive C3H/HeJ mice to an extent similar to the stimulation produced in endotoxin-responsive mice. Purified T. denticola LOS also produced a concentration-dependent activation of NO and TNF-alpha in LPS-responsive and -nonresponsive mouse macrophages. However, macrophage activation by LOS was inhibited by polymyxin B. These results suggest that T. denticola lipoproteins and LOS may play a role in the inflammatory processes that characterize periodontal diseases.

Antitumor and immunotherapeutic effects of activated invasive T lymphoma cells that display short-term interleukin 1alpha expression

Expression of cytokines in malignant cells represents a novel approach for therapeutic treatment of tumors. Previously, we demonstrated the immunostimulatory effectiveness of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) gene transfer in experimental fibrosarcoma tumors. Here, we report the antitumor and immunotherapeutic effects of short-term expression of IL-1alpha by malignant T lymphoma cells. Activation in culture of T lymphoma cells with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages induces the expression of IL-1alpha. The short-term expression of IL-1alpha persists in the malignant T cells for a few days (approximately 3-6 days) after termination of the in vitro activation procedure and, thus, has the potential to stimulate antitumor immune responses in vivo. As an experimental tumor model, we used the RO1 invasive T lymphoma cell line. Upon i.v. inoculation, these cells invade the vertebral column and compress the spinal cord, resulting in hind leg paralysis and death of the mice. Activated RO1 cells, induced to express IL-1alpha in a short-term manner, manifested reduced tumorigenicity: approximately 75% of the mice injected with activated RO1 cells remained tumor free. IL-1 was shown to be essential for the eradication of activated T lymphoma cells because injection of activated RO1 cells together with IL-1-specific inhibitors, i.e., the IL-1 receptor antagonist or the M 20 IL-1 inhibitor, reversed reduced tumorigenicity patterns and led to progressive tumor growth and death of the mice. Furthermore, activated RO1 cells could serve as a treatment by intervening in the growth of violent RO1 cells after tumor take. Thus, when activated RO1 cells were injected 6 or 9 days after the inoculation of violent cells, mortality was significantly reduced. IL-1alpha, in its unique membrane-associated form, in addition to its cytosolic and secreted forms, may represent a focused adjuvant for potentiating antitumor immune responses at low levels of expression, below those that are toxic to the host. Further assessment of the immunotherapeutic potential of short-term expression of IL-1alpha in activated tumor cells may allow its improved application in the treatment of malignancies.

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are diseases characterized by cutaneous infiltrates of malignant clonally expanded T cells. CTCL cells exhibit a cytokine profile consistent with T helper-2 type (TH2) cells. Eosinophilic pneumonias are individual syndromes characterized by eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates and commonly peripheral blood eosinophilia. CTCL and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia are rare clinical entities. We report a patient with the association of CTCL and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. To understand the mechanism leading to the eosinophilia, we examined the patient's cytokine profile. This was consistent with a high TH2 activity. Her interleukin (IL) 5, 6, and 10 levels were extremely high, while her IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels (TH1 profile) were low. We believe that eosinophilic pneumonia in this patient is probably secondary to high TH2 cytokine levels induced by tumor cells. We suggest that eosinophilic pneumonia should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with CTCL who have respiratory complaints.

Follicular fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. Are they predictive markers for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possible predictive role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval in the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and its possible origin.

STUDY DESIGN

FF was obtained from 174 high-responder patients at the time of oocyte retrieval. The study group comprised 16 high-responder patients who developed early, severe OHSS and from whom serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) were obtained during the active phase of the syndrome. These women were compared to 16 high-responder patients who did not develop OHSS. An additional control group comprised 16 low-responder patients who also did not develop OHSS. The FF, serum and PF samples were tested for VEGF by enzymelined immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

No differences in the FF VEGF levels were found among the OHSS group (1,742.3 +/- 522.4 pg/mL), the high-responder group that did not develop OHSS (1,802.0 +/- 584.3 pg/mL) and the low-responder group (1,686.7 +/- 374.2 pg/mL). In the OHSS group, no differences were found between the serum and PF VEGF levels (247.3 +/- 31.4 and 642.9 +/- 328.3 pg/mL, respectively). No correlation was found between the FF concentrations of VEGF and the mean serum 17-beta estradiol levels or number of oocytes retrieved.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that preovulatory FF levels should not serve as a possible predictive factor for development of OHSS. The increased capillary permeability found in OHSS may be due to its systemic effect.

The tumor necrosis factor family and and correlation with disease activity and response to treatment in hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a well recognized indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. HCL cell proliferation is regulated by growth factors and cytokines, of which tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may be one of the most important. The mechanism of TNF-alpha-induced HCL cell growth is mediated via 2 receptors, which are present in both cellular and soluble forms. In this study we determined the serum levels of TNF-alpha and their soluble receptors - sTNF-R60 and sTNF-R80 - in 23 HCL patients and correlated them with clinical parameters before and after therapy. Patients were classified according to their clinical status as either "active" at diagnosis or during relapse and "non-active" (responding to therapy with partial and complete remission). Most patients were treated with 2-CDA, following which serum levels of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R60 and sTNF-R80 were significantly decreased, particularly in CR. Significant differences in paired observation values were noted for TNF-alpha and sTNF-R80, indicating a good correlation with the clinical status of disease, but this was not the case for sTNF-R60 (coefficients of correlation between levels of TNF-alpha and sTNF-R80 and of TNF-alpha and sTNF-R60 were r = 0.85 and r= 0.64, respectively). These results suggest that decreases in both TNF-alpha and sTNF-R80 are indicative of response to treatment, while increased levels accompany active disease. Accordingly, we conclude that serum levels of the TNF family, as for the sIL-2R and IL-1 family, may also be used as sensitive markers for monitoring HCL status. Levels may be indicative of the clinical efficacy of therapy and can be used as an indicator of the presence of residual disease.