Similarity of the genomic structure between the two members in a new family of heparin-binding factors

By differential hybridization of cDNA libraries from Fv-1 restrictive and non-restrictive somatic mutant mouse cells, we isolated a cDNA clone specifically present in the Fv-1 restrictive cells. Its sequence was found identical to that of heparin-binding growth-associated molecule or pleiotrophin (HB-GAM/PTN). We report here its genomic organization which has not been yet reported. Although the exon organization was similar to that of midkine, another member of the same family of heparin-binding factors, the sizes of introns were much larger and occupied more than a three-fold larger chromosomal region than midkine. As its introduction into Fv-1 non-restrictive cells failed to confer the Fv-1 restrictive character, HB-GAM/PTN is probably unrelated to Fv-1 restriction.

Therapeutic use of cytokines in dermatology

Cytokines are glycoproteins produced by many different cells. Via binding to specific receptors on target cells they regulate the activation, differentiation, and proliferation of immune and nonimmune cells. After injury keratinocytes synthesize and release cytokines such as interleukins, colony stimulating factors, and growth factors. In addition, a network of interacting cytokines appears to be crucial to maintain proper balance. Dysregulation may contribute to certain diseases, particularly those of infectious and autoimmune origin. Therefore many of these mediators appear to be promising candidates to treat infectious and malignant diseases. This article briefly discusses the most important cytokines. Newly developed regimens with cytokines to treat cutaneous disorders will be reviewed.

Biotechnology: its impact on medicine and oncology

Biotechnology has been fundamental to exploration and manipulation of life structures and processes at the molecular level. Regulation of expression of specific genes has impacted on understanding of cancer development and immunopathologic diseases. An even greater impact has been the production of new therapeutic molecules. Cytokines have been produced by recombinant DNA technology and are established as effective therapeutic modalities for cancer and infectious diseases. High quality pharmaceutical molecules have been produced which can substantially regulate cell function. Interferons typify this progress and are now licensed for both viral and neoplastic disease in more than 43 countries around the world. It seems certain that by the year 2000, the impact of biotechnology on human medicine will even be wider than that of today. Findings of biotechnology will have implications not only for advancement of human health but also will create debate regarding appropriate use.

[Cytokines and their role as health and disease mediators. New approaches to old problems]

The cytokines are multifunctional polypeptide hormones, produced by a variety of cells, that participate in the regulation of many biological processes. Essentially acting as intercellular messengers, they play a central role in the maintenance of homeostasis in normal tissues. Cytokines are key mediators of both local and systemic immune-inflammatory responses; therefore, disturbances in their secretion, response and/or regulation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several conditions in which an exaggerated auto-destructive component appears to play a role. Conversely, deficits in cytokine production probably impair the host's ability to mount an effective immune response and may underlie the increased susceptibility to microbial infection observed, for example, in the neonate or in the malnourished patient. A review of the principal aspects of the biology of cytokines is presented together with the evidence supporting their involvement in several pathological states and the potential therapeutic applications of these mediators as novel immunomodulating agents.

Immunotherapy

A new era of immunotherapy is arriving in medical therapeutics. Both immunosupresion and immunomodulation have advantages which the clinician must learn. In this review, the author describe several immunomodulators which include cytokines, interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, erythropoietin, and immunoglobulins. Some of these therapeutics approaches are already with us, and some are at present in the experimental stage.