Haplotype analysis of a 100 kb region spanning TNF-LTA identifies a polymorphism in the LTA promoter region that is associated with atopic asthma susceptibility in Japan

BACKGROUND

The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) gene family, which includes TNF, LTA, and LTB, is located consecutively on human chromosome 6p21 region, which has been linked to asthma by several genome-wide screens. (LTA, lymphotoxin-alpha; LTB, lymphotoxin-beta).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine whether genes on 6q21 are related to development of atopic asthma. Methods We screened for mutations in the coding and promoter regions of genes in the TNF-LTA region, including BAT1, NFKBIL1, LTA, TNF, LTB, AIF, and BAT2, and conducted a transmission disequilibrium test of 41 polymorphisms in 137 families identified through pro-bands with childhood-onset atopic asthma. (BAT1, HLA-B-associated transcript 1; NFKBIL1, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitor-like 1; AIF, allograft inflammatory factor 1).

RESULTS

Haplotypes of the LTA/TNF linkage disequilibrium block were associated significantly with asthma (global P=0.0097). Transmission patterns of the common haplotypes to asthmatic offspring were predicted by a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the LTA promoter region. The G allele of the LTA-753G/A polymorphism was transmitted preferentially to asthma-affected individuals (P=0.001). Luciferase reporter assays with constructs containing the 5' and 3' flanking regions of the LTA gene showed 30-50% lower transcriptional activity when the -753A allele was present than that of other haplotypes.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that LTA is one of the genes that contributes to susceptibility to atopic asthma, and that the association of the TNF/LTA haplotypes to asthma may be defined by the polymorphism in the LTA promoter region in the Japanese population.

Spectrum of neurological diseases associated with antibodies to minor gangliosides GM1b and GalNAc-GD1a

The authors reported the neurological disease spectrum associated with autoantibodies against minor gangliosides GM1b and GalNAc-GD1a. IgG and IgM antibody reactivity against gangliosides GM1, GM2, GM1b, GD1a, GalNAc-GD1a and GQ1b was investigated in sera from 7000 consecutive patients who had various neurological conditions. The clinical diagnoses for 456 anti-GM1b-positive patients were Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, 71%), atypical GBS with preserved deep tendon reflexes (12%), Fisher syndrome (10%), Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (2%), ataxic GBS (2%) and acute ophthalmoparesis (1%). For 193 anti-GalNAc-GD1a-positive patients, the diagnoses were GBS (70%), atypical GBS (16%), Fisher syndrome (10%) and Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (3%). Of the patients with GBS or atypical GBS, 28% of 381 anti-GM1b-positive and 31% of 166 anti-GalNAc-GD1a-positive patients had neither anti-GM1 nor anti-GD1a antibodies. Of those patients with Fisher syndrome, Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis, ataxic GBS or acute ophthalmoparesis, 33% of 67 anti-GM1b-positive, and 52% of 25 anti-GalNAc-GD1a-positive patients had no anti-GQ1b antibodies. Autoantibodies against GM1b and GalNAc-GD1a are associated with GBS, Fisher syndrome and related conditions. These antibodies should provide useful serological markers for identifying patients who have atypical GBS with preserved deep tendon reflexes, ataxic GBS, Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis or acute ophthalmoparesis, especially for those who have no antibodies to GM1, GD1a or GQ1b. A method to prepare GM1b was developed.

Search for the invisible decay of neutrons with KamLAND

The Kamioka Liquid scintillator Anti-Neutrino Detector is used in a search for single neutron or two-neutron intranuclear disappearance that would produce holes in the -shell energy level of (12)C nuclei. Such holes could be created as a result of nucleon decay into invisible modes (inv), e.g., n--> 3v or nn--> 2v. The deexcitation of the corresponding daughter nucleus results in a sequence of space and time-correlated events observable in the liquid scintillator detector. We report on new limits for one- and two-neutron disappearance: tau(n--> inv) > 5.8 x 10(29) years and tau (nn--> inv) > 1.4 x 10(30) years at 90% C.L. These results represent an improvement of factors of approximately 3 and >10(4) and over previous experiments.

Antecedent infections in Fisher syndrome: a common pathogenesis of molecular mimicry

OBJECTIVE

To assess the production mechanism of anti-GQ1b autoantibody in Fisher syndrome (FS).

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective case-control serologic study of five antecedent infections (Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae) in 73 patients with FS and 73 sex- and age-matched hospital controls (HCs). Serologic evidence in FS patients of C. jejuni (21%) and H. influenzae (8%) infections was present significantly more often than in the HCs. None of the five pathogens examined was found in the 49 (67%) patients with FS. Anti-GQ1b IgG antibody was detected in most FS patients infected with C. jejuni or H. influenzae. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a C. jejuni strain (CF93-6) carrying a GT1a-like lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) that had been isolated from an FS patient. Immunization of complex ganglioside-lacking knockout mice with the GT1a-like LOS generated IgG class monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that reacted with GQ1b and GT1a. Thin-layer chromatography with immunostaining showed that anti-GQ1b mAb bound to the C. jejuni LOS (50% of the 20 FS-related strains) more commonly than in the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)-related (7% of 70) or enteritis-related (20% of 65) strains. Anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a mAbs also reacted with the LOS from some FS-related strains (both 20%), but binding frequencies were higher in the GBS-related strains (74 and 57%). The GQ1b epitope was detected in 4 (40%) of the 10 FS-related H. influenzae strains but was absent in strains from patients with GBS (n = 4) and uncomplicated respiratory infections (n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

C. jejuni and H. influenzae are related to Fisher syndrome (FS) development, and production of anti-GQ1b autoantibody is mediated by the GQ1b-mimicking lipo-oligosaccharides on those bacteria. The causative agents remain unclear in the majority of patients with FS.

Ambiguous value of Haemophilus influenzae isolation in Guillain-Barre and Fisher syndromes

BACKGROUND

Haemophilus influenzae is considered a causative agent of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Fisher syndrome, but the frequency of this infection in GBS is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether isolation of H influenzae indicates it is a causative agent in GBS and Fisher syndrome.

RESULTS

Four (15%) of 27 patients with GBS and Fisher syndrome in whom H influenzae was isolated were also seropositive for Campylobacter jejuni. Antiganglioside IgG antibodies in these four patients did not cross react with their H influenzae lipo-oligosaccharides, whereas antiganglioside antibodies in the four patients with positive serology for H influenzae did.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that H influenzae isolation is not always indicative of the causative agent in these syndromes and that tests for other infections should be made, even in cases of positive culture.

Insulin sensitivity independently influences brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity in non-diabetic subjects

AIMS

Measurement of pulse-wave velocity (PWV) is a non-invasive technique for assessing arterial stiffness. Although insulin resistance is associated with intimal-medial thickness of the carotid artery evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography, it is not known whether it is related to PWV. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-%S) and PWV in non-diabetic subjects. We also examined the effects of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2-h glucose and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) on PWV, as these two parameters are associated with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 1934 Japanese subjects who were undergoing health examinations. Of these subjects, we recruited 1541 non-diabetic subjects without chronic or acute inflammation, malignant diseases, autoimmune disorders, elevated serum creatinine levels, and abnormal hepatic function tests. Subjects who had an abnormal ankle/brachial blood pressure index of less than 0.9 were also excluded. Brachial-ankle PWV and plasma high-sensitivity CRP were measured on 1541 subjects who satisfied the admission criteria.

RESULTS

PWV was 12.55+/-1.61 (mean+/-sd) m/s and plasma CRP concentration was 0.4 mg/l (median, range, 0.1-5.8 mg/l) in the study subjects. By multivariate regression analysis, HOMA-%S was found to be an independent negative risk factor for PWV, while systolic blood pressure, age and triglycerides were positively associated with PWV. OGTT 2-h glucose was weakly and independently related to PWV in male subjects. Plasma CRP was not independently associated with PWV.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance is independently associated with PWV in non-diabetic subjects.

Campylobacter gene polymorphism as a determinant of clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ganglioside epitopes on Campylobacter jejuni are hypothesized as the key to the development and characterization of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), but a comprehensive theory has yet to be established. A C jejuni gene, cst-II, involved in the biosynthesis of ganglioside-like lipo-oligosaccharide, shows a polymorphism (Asn/Thr51) that affects ganglioside epitopes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the hypothesis that this polymorphism determines autoantibody reactivity, and thereby neurologic presentations in GBS.

METHODS

C jejuni isolates were collected from 105 GBS (including its variants) and 65 uncomplicated enteritis patients. The authors examined the frequency of cst-II and polymorphism (Asn/Thr51) in connection with the bacterial ganglioside epitopes, autoantibody reactivities against GM1, GD1a, and GQ1b, and patients' neurologic findings.

RESULTS

Neuropathic strains more frequently had cst-II, in particular cst-II (Thr51), than did enteritic ones (85% vs 52%; p < 0.001). Strains with cst-II (Asn51) regularly expressed the GQ1b epitope (83%), whereas those with cst-II (Thr51) had the GM1 (92%) and GD1a (91%) epitopes. The presence of these bacterial epitopes in neuropathy patients corresponded to autoantibody reactivity. Patients infected with C jejuni (Asn51) more often were positive for anti-GQ1b IgG (56% vs 8%; p < 0.001) and had ophthalmoparesis (64% vs 13%; p < 0.001) and ataxia (42% vs 11%; p = 0.001). Patients who had C jejuni (Thr51) more frequently were positive for anti-GM1 (88% vs 35%; p < 0.001) and anti-GD1a IgG (52% vs 24%; p = 0.006) and had limb weakness (98% vs 71%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic polymorphism of C jejuni determines autoantibody reactivity as well as the clinical presentation of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), possibly through modification of the host-mimicking molecule. The GBS paradigm is the first to explain the detailed pathogenesis of a postinfectious, autoimmune-mediated, molecular mimicry-triggering disorder.

Treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin for PADAM: a preliminary report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for patients with partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM). Twenty-one patients over 50 years of age with PADAM symptoms were included in this study. Laboratory and endocrinologic profiles were reviewed as appropriate, and PADAM symptoms were judged by means of several questionnaires such as the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale, short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Laboratory and endocrinologic values and symptom scores were evaluated and compared before and after treatment by hCG injection. The treatment period was 8.0 +/- 5.0 months (3.0-24.0 months). Serum concentrations of testosterone, including total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and calculated bioavailable testosterone, increased significantly. AMS total scores and subscores decreased significantly after treatment. However, IIEF-5 and SDS scores did not improve. With respect to adverse effects, laboratory tests showed that only red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin level increased significantly after treatment, however, these values remained within the normal range. No adverse effect was identified after treatment. We conclude that hCG injection may be considered as a treatment for PADAM.

Experimental investigation of geologically produced antineutrinos with KamLAND

The detection of electron antineutrinos produced by natural radioactivity in the Earth could yield important geophysical information. The Kamioka liquid scintillator antineutrino detector (KamLAND) has the sensitivity to detect electron antineutrinos produced by the decay of 238U and 232Th within the Earth. Earth composition models suggest that the radiogenic power from these isotope decays is 16 TW, approximately half of the total measured heat dissipation rate from the Earth. Here we present results from a search for geoneutrinos with KamLAND. Assuming a Th/U mass concentration ratio of 3.9, the 90 per cent confidence interval for the total number of geoneutrinos detected is 4.5 to 54.2. This result is consistent with the central value of 19 predicted by geophysical models. Although our present data have limited statistical power, they nevertheless provide by direct means an upper limit (60 TW) for the radiogenic power of U and Th in the Earth, a quantity that is currently poorly constrained.

Body weight gain induced by a newer antipsychotic agent reversed as negative symptoms improved

OBJECTIVE

We describe a patient in whom improvement in negative symptoms contributed to early weight loss and subsequent long-term improvement in weight management.

METHOD

Case report.

RESULTS

A 26-year-old woman with schizophrenia gained 7 kg over the course of 1 year after starting treatment with olanzapine. However, as negative symptoms gradually improved with treatment, she became motivated to diet and exercise regularly. She quickly lost 9 kg and subsequently maintained optimal weight (55 kg; body mass index, 24.1 kg/m(2) ).

CONCLUSION

Important strategies for minimizing weight gain in patients taking antipsychotic agents include improving negative symptoms of avolition and apathy, regular monitoring of body weight and potential medical consequences of overweight and obesity, and educating the patient about the importance of diet and regular exercise.

Expression of inhibin α, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and stem cell factor in Sertoli cell-only syndrome: relation to successful sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction

BACKGROUND

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) has provided new hope for successful sperm retrieval to patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). We determined expression of the inhibin alpha subunit, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and stem cell factor (SCF) in Sertoli cells obtained from patients with SCO immunohistochemically and compared expression rates with rates of microdissection TESE sperm retrieval.

METHODS

Testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 52 men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent microdissection TESE and were diagnosed with SCO by histological analysis.

RESULTS

All specimens showed intense staining for the inhibin alpha subunit. Moderate or intense staining for GDNF was observed in 65.8% of specimens. All but one showed moderate or intense staining for SCF. Among specimens negative for GDNF, the sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher (100%) for specimens with intense staining for SCF than for specimens with no or moderate staining (30.7%) (P<0.05) for SCF.

CONCLUSION

GDNF expression differs among patients with SCO. The sperm retrieval rate was high in cases of no staining for GDNF and intense staining for SCF.

Patterns and serial changes in electrodiagnostic abnormalities of axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome

BACKGROUND

In Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), anti-ganglioside antibodies are strongly associated with the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) form, but there are also cases of the demyelinating form of GBS (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [AIDP]) with anti-ganglioside antibodies.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the patterns and sequential changes in electrodiagnostic abnormalities of anti-ganglioside-positive GBS.

METHODS

Detailed serial electrodiagnostic findings were reviewed for 51 patients with GBS. Anti-ganglioside antibodies were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Antibodies to GM1, GM1b, GD1a, or GalNAc-GD1a were present in 25 patients. Of these, 12 (48%) showed the AMAN pattern, 5 (20%) the AIDP pattern, and 3 (12%) isolated F-wave absence in the first examination. All five patients with the AIDP pattern showed prolonged distal latencies, but three eventually showed the AMAN pattern or rapid normalization. The remaining two still had similarly prolonged distal latencies in weeks 4 to 6, but the serial changes were distinct from those in the anti-ganglioside-negative AIDP patients who showed progressive increases in distal latencies over 2 months after onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the simple axonal degeneration pattern, patients with anti-ganglioside-positive Guillain-Barre syndrome can show transient conduction slowing/block in the distal or proximal nerve segments, mimicking demyelination, but anti-ganglioside antibodies do not appear to be associated with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Measurement of neutrino oscillation with KamLAND: evidence of spectral distortion

We present results of a study of neutrino oscillation based on a 766 ton/year exposure of KamLAND to reactor antineutrinos. We observe 258 nu (e) candidate events with energies above 3.4 MeV compared to 365.2+/-23.7 events expected in the absence of neutrino oscillation. Accounting for 17.8+/-7.3 expected background events, the statistical significance for reactor nu (e) disappearance is 99.998%. The observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape in the absence of neutrino oscillation at 99.6% significance and prefers the distortion expected from nu (e) oscillation effects. A two-neutrino oscillation analysis of the KamLAND data gives Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2). A global analysis of data from KamLAND and solar-neutrino experiments yields Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2) and tan((2)theta=0.40(+0.10)(-0.07), the most precise determination to date.

Comparative study on evaluation methods for serum testosterone level for PADAM diagnosis

The International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (ISSAM) recommends that a diagnosis be based on a patient's total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), or calculated bioavailable testosterone (cBT) for partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM). The purpose of this study was to confirm whether hypogonadism of patients with PADAM is related to symptoms and clarify which criteria of testosterone recommended by ISSAM is suitable for Japanese patients. A total of 90 patients with PADAM symptoms were included in this study. Endocrinologic profiles were reviewed as appropriate, and PADAM symptoms were judged by means of several questionnaires. Laboratory values and symptoms were compared between patients with and without hypogonadism. Even when any criterion of testosterone was used for diagnosis of hypogonadism, AMS (total and subscales), IIEF-5, or SDS scores of PADAM symptoms did not differ significantly between patients classified as having and not having hypogonadism. No other endocrinologic variables than testosterone differed significantly between them, either. PADAM symptoms are not related to testosterone level and it is still obscure whether ISSAM's criterion can be adopted for Japanese patients with PADAM. Other pathology needs to be addressed for evaluation and diagnosis of PADAM in Japan.

Immunoglobulin improves a model of acute motor axonal neuropathy by preventing axonal degeneration

BACKGROUND

The action mechanism of IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) for Guillain-Barré syndrome has yet to be clarified.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical, histologic, and immunologic effects in a disease model of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) treated by IVIg.

METHODS

Rabbits were sensitized with gangliosides including GM1 and divided randomly into two groups at disease onset. One group received IV homologous gamma-globulin (400 mg/kg/day) for 5 days (n = 15), and the other received saline (n = 15). Disease severity was scored (0 to 13 points) daily. Sixty days after onset, anti-GM1 antibodies were tested by ELISA, and the number of degenerative axons was counted in spinal anterior roots.

RESULTS

Between both groups at onset, there was no difference in any characteristics including clinical score. The IVIg group had faster recovery than the saline group (p = 0.03). The percentage of rabbits that improved by a score of < or =4 was higher in the IVIg (53%) than in the saline (13%) group 60 days after onset (p = 0.03). Anti-GM1 IgG titers 60 days after onset did not differ between the groups. The anterior roots of rabbits surviving 60 days after onset showed lower frequency of axonal degeneration in the IVIg-treated (n = 11; mean 4.5%) than in the saline-treated (n = 8; mean 11.1%) rabbits (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic efficacy of IVIg in an AMAN model was confirmed. IVIg may not affect the production or catabolism of anti-GM1 IgG, but it may prevent axonal degeneration of motor nerves.

Analysis of cellular localization of SART3 tumor antigen by a newly established monoclonal antibody: heterotopic expression of SART3 on the surface of B-lineage leukemic cells

SART3 has been identified as a tumor antigen recognized by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Subcellular localization of SART3 is still controversial, although it has been studied extensively. In this study, we established an anti-SART3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to analyze the subcellular localization of SART3 in tumor specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that SART3 was preferentially expressed in the nucleus of cancer cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that SART3 was not expressed on the cell surface of tumor cells, except for B-lineage cells. SART3 was detected on the cell surface of several B-lineage leukemic cells with different maturation stages, but not on normal peripheral blood B cells. These results suggest that heterotopically expressed SART3 is a tumor-associated antigen rather than a differentiation antigen on B-lineage cells.

Does Campylobacter jejuni infection elicit "demyelinating" Guillain-Barre syndrome?

BACKGROUND

Campylobacter jejuni enteritis is the most common antecedent infection in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). C. jejuni-related GBS is usually acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), but previous reports described many cases of the demyelinating subtype of GBS (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [AIDP]) after C. jejuni infection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether C. jejuni infection elicits AIDP.

METHODS

In 159 consecutive patients with GBS, antibodies against C. jejuni were measured using ELISA. Antecedent C. jejuni infection was determined by the strict criteria of positive C. jejuni serology and a history of a diarrheal illness within the previous 3 weeks. Electrodiagnostic studies were performed weekly for the first 4 weeks, and sequential findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was evidence of recent C. jejuni infection in 22 (14%) patients. By electrodiagnostic criteria, these patients were classified with AMAN (n = 16; 73%) or AIDP (n = 5; 23%) or as unclassified (n = 1) in the first studies. The five C. jejuni-positive patients with the AIDP pattern showed prolonged motor distal latencies in two or more nerves and had their rapid normalization within 2 weeks, eventually all showing the AMAN pattern. In contrast, patients with cytomegalovirus- or Epstein-Barr virus-related AIDP (n = 13) showed progressive increases in distal latencies in the 8 weeks after onset.

CONCLUSION

Patients with C. jejuni-related Guillain-Barré syndrome can show transient slowing of nerve conduction, mimicking demyelination, but C. jejuni infection does not appear to elicit acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Strong association of C-reactive protein with body mass index and 2-h post-challenge glucose in non-diabetic, non-smoker subjects without hypertension

AIMS

Increases in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases as well as asymptomatic atherosclerosis and to be closely related to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and biochemical characteristics associated with CRP in non-diabetic, non-smoker subjects without hypertension.

METHODS

A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed on 305 Japanese subjects aged 40-70 years who were undergoing health examinations. We recruited non-diabetic, non-smoker subjects without hypertension. Subjects with known cardiovascular diseases, chronic or acute inflammation, malignant diseases, or autoimmune disorders were excluded. Plasma high-sensitivity CRP was measured in 125 subjects who satisfied the admission criteria.

RESULTS

Plasma CRP levels were significantly higher in the 28 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) than that in the 97 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (median 0.53, range 0.18-1.10 mg/l vs. median 0.32, range 0.17-0.49 mg/l; P = 0.032). There was a positive correlation of CRP with body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, uric acid, fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 1-h glucose, OGTT 2-h glucose, and a negative correlation with HDL cholesterol. Multivariate regression analysis identified BMI (F = 8.57, P = 0.004) and OGTT 2-h glucose (F = 5.96, P = 0.016) as independent predictors for CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI and OGTT 2-h glucose are the most important predictors for plasma CRP in non-diabetic, non-smoker subjects without hypertension.

Improvement of dermatitis by iontophoretically delivered antisense oligonucleotides for interleukin-10 in NC/Nga mice

IL-10 is overexpressed in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus the regulation of IL-10 production is a potential solution for immunotherapeutic intervention in AD. We examined the topical delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide for mouse IL-10 (AS6) and the therapeutic effect on the skin lesions of NC/Nga mice, a human AD model. Using an iontophoresis system, about 30% of the applied dose of AS6 penetrated the skin and was distributed in the epidermis and upper dermis. Topically delivered AS6 decreased the levels of mRNA and protein of IL-10 in the lesions of NC/Nga mice, with no effect on IL-4 levels. The dorsal lesions of NC/Nga mice disappeared with repeated topical application of AS6. Topically delivered AS6 showed an inhibitory effect on the production of IL-10 in the skin lesions of NC/Nga mice and had a therapeutic effect on the established dermatitis.

Acute facial diplegia and hyperreflexia: A Guillain-Barre syndrome variant

Two patients with acute facial diplegia and hyperreflexia are described. Both patients had serologic evidence of preceding Campylobacter jejuni infection and antiganglioside IgG antibodies as well as other laboratory and electrophysiologic findings suggesting Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). IV immunoglobulin produced recovery. Hyperreflexia does not necessarily exclude the diagnosis of a GBS variant. Antiganglioside antibodies can help with diagnosis in difficult cases.

High sensitivity search for nu;e's from the sun and other sources at KamLAND

Data corresponding to a KamLAND detector exposure of 0.28 kton yr has been used to search for nu;(e)'s in the energy range 8.3<E(nu;(e))<14.8 MeV. No candidates were found for an expected background of 1.1+/-0.4 events. This result can be used to obtain a limit on nu;(e) fluxes of any origin. Assuming that all nu;(e) flux has its origin in the Sun and has the characteristic 8B solar nu(e) energy spectrum, we obtain an upper limit of 3.7 x 10(2) cm(-2) s(-1) (90% C.L.) on the nu;(e) flux. We interpret this limit, corresponding to 2.8 x 10(-4) of the standard solar model 8B nu(e) flux, in the framework of spin-flavor precession and neutrino decay models.