Influence of dialysable transfer factor on IgE concentrations in patients with atopic dermatitis

Dialyzable leukocyte extract (transfer factor) in the treatment of superinfected fistulating tuberculosis of the bone

The effect of the addition of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE)(transfer factor) to tuberculostatic drugs in the treatment of superinfected fistulating tuberculosis of bones and joints was evaluated in a controlled study. Eleven patients whose disease had persisted for a mean of 20 +/- 4.8 years and had proved to be resistant to antibiotics and tuberculostatic drugs were treated with an additional combined tuberculostatic drug regimen consisting of isoniazide, ethambutol, and rifampin for a control period of 2 years; after this therapy had failed as judged by the persistence of the superinfected fistulae and of the symptoms, DLE was added to the regimen. The result of this therapeutic approach was evaluated after another 2 years. Through this therapy, a closure of the fistulae was achieved in 9 out of the 11 patients (P less than 0.001) with a concomitant decrease of symptoms. DLE may prove beneficial in the treatment of patients with superinfected fistulating tuberculous osteomyelitis.

Dialyzable leukocyte extract stimulates cAMP in T gamma lymphocytes

Dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) from human blood leukocytes gave a 3- to 8-fold increase in the cAMP concentration after addition to purified lymphocytes. No significant change in cGMP was observed. When purified lymphocytes were separated into T cells and non-T cells by an E-AET rosette technique the cAMP response was most pronounced in T cells. When further separating T lymphocytes into T cells with Fc receptors for IgG and T cells with Fc receptors for IgM (T gamma and T mu lymphocytes), the increase in cAMP following stimulation was specifically conferred to T gamma lymphocytes. Our findings may support the concept that DLE activates T gamma lymphocytes, leading to an increase in suppressor cell function.