EVOLUTION, Issue 5 2010
Xiaowei Jiang
The antigenic peptide, major histocompatibility complex molecule (MHC; also called human leukocyte antigen, HLA), coreceptor CD8, or CD4 and T-cell receptor (TCR) function as a complex to initiate effectors' mechanisms of the immune system. The tight functional and physical interaction among these molecules may have involved strong coevolution links among domains within and between proteins. Despite the importance of unraveling such dependencies to understand the arms race of host,pathogen interaction, no previous studies have aimed at achieving such an objective. Here, we perform an exhaustive coevolution analysis and show that indeed such dependencies are strongly shaping the evolution and probably the function of these molecules. We identify intramolecular coevolution in HLA class I and II at domains important for their immune activity. Most of the amino acid sites identified to be coevolving in HLAI have been also detected to undergo positive Darwinian selection highlighting therefore their adaptive value. We also identify coevolution among antigen-binding pockets (P1-P9) and among these and TCR-binding sites. Conversely to HLAI, coevolution is weaker in HLAII. Our results support that such coevolutionary patterns are due to selective pressures of host,pathogen coevolution and cooperative binding of TCRs, antigenic peptides, and CD8/CD4 to HLAI and HLAII. [source]

IMMUNOTHERAPY OF ALOPECIA AREATA WITH INTRALESIONAL CANDIDA ANTIGEN

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
E. WILLIAM ROSENBERG M.D.
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER?

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008
Robert Getzenberg
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Antigen co-encapsulated with adjuvants efficiently drive protective T cell immunity

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
Antje Heit
Abstract Compared to "live" vaccines, the immunogenicity of "subunit" vaccines based on recombinant antigen (Ag) is poor, presumably because exogenous Ag fails to effectively access the endosomal Ag-processing pathways of Ag-presenting cells (APC). To overcome this limitation, we exploited biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic) microspheres (MP) co-entrapping Ag and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 or 7 ligands as an endosomal delivery device. In vitro, microspheres were rapidly phagocytosed by APC and translocated into phago-endosomal compartments, followed by degradation of the Ag and concurrent activation of endosomal TLR. As a consequence, full maturation of and cytokine secretion by APC as well as Ag-cross-presentation ensued. In vivo, "loaded" microspheres triggered clonal expansion of primary and secondary Ag-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. The efficacy of CD8 T cell cross-priming was comparable to that of live vectors. The potency of T cell vaccination was demonstrated by protective and therapeutic interventions using infection- and tumor-model systems. These preclinical "subunit" vaccination data thus recommend MP as a generally applicable and powerful endosomal delivery device of exogenous Ag plus TLR-based adjuvants to vaccinate for protective and therapeutic CD4 and CD8 T cell immunity. [source]

Immunosensors: (Ionic-Liquid-Doped Polyaniline Inverse Opals: Preparation, Characterization, and Application for the Electrochemical Impedance Immunoassay of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) Adv.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2009
Funct.
Xing-Hua Li et al. describe the preparation of ionic liquid-doped polyaniline (IL-PANI) inverse opaline film with surface assemblies of gold nanoparticles. The resulting AuNP/IL-PANI film is conjugated with Hepatitis B surface antibody molecules to fabricate a immunosensor with a low detection limit for Hepatitis B surface antigen. [source]

Ionic-Liquid-Doped Polyaniline Inverse Opals: Preparation, Characterization, and Application for the Electrochemical Impedance Immunoassay of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2009
Xing-Hua Li
Abstract A 3D ordered macroporous (3DOM) ionic-liquid-doped polyaniline (IL-PANI) inverse opaline film is fabricated with an electropolymerization method and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are assembled on the film by electrostatic adsorption, which offers a promising basis for biomolecular immobilization due to its satisfactory chemical stability, good electronic conductivity, and excellent biocompatibility. The AuNP/IL-PANI inverse opaline film could be used to fabricate an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) immunosensor for the determination of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The concentration of HBsAg is measured using the EIS technique by monitoring the corresponding specific binding between HBsAg and HBsAb (surface antibody). The increased electron transfer resistance (Ret) values are proportional to the logarithmic value of the concentration of HBsAg. This novel immunoassay displays a linear response range between 0.032,pg mL,1 and 31.6,pg mL,1 with a detection limit of 0.001,pg mL,1. The detection of HBsAg levels in several sera showed satisfactory agreement with those using a commercial turbidimetric method. [source]

Ebp2p, yeast homologue of a human protein that interacts with Epstein,Barr virus Nuclear Antigen 1, is required for pre-rRNA processing and ribosomal subunit assembly

GENES TO CELLS, Issue 7 2000
Rota Tsujii
Background A defect in the secretory pathway causes the transcriptional repression of both rRNA and ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suggesting a coupling of ribosome synthesis and plasma membrane synthesis. Rrs1p, an essential nuclear protein, is required for the secretory response. Results EBP2, encoding the yeast homologue of a human protein that interacts with Epstein,Barr virus Nuclear Antigen 1, was cloned in a two-hybrid screen using RRS1 as a bait. The rrs1-1 mutation, which produces Rrs1p without the C-terminal half and causes a defect in the secretory response, almost abolished the interaction with Ebp2p. Ebp2p is essential for growth and is mainly localized in the nucleolus. The effects of Ebp2p depletion on ribosome biogenesis is quite similar to that of Rrs1p depletion; in the Ebp2p-depleted cells, the rate of pre-rRNA processing is slower, and significantly less mature 25S rRNA is produced compared to those in wild-type cells. The polysome pattern indicates that Ebp2p-depletion causes a decrease of 80S monosomes and polysomes, an accumulation of 40S subunits, and the appearance of half-mer polysomes. Conclusions Ebp2p is required for the maturation of 25S rRNA and 60S subunit assembly. Ebp2p may be one of the target proteins of Rrs1p for executing the signal to regulate ribosome biogenesis. [source]

Synthesis of a Potential 10E4 Tetrasaccharide Antigen Involved in Scrapie Pathogenesis

HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 11 2006
Pascal Bindschädler
Abstract To test the hypothesis that tetrasaccharide 3 is involved in scrapie pathogenesis, tetrasaccharide derivative 32 functionalized with an amine linker at the reducing end was synthesized. A (2,+,2) glycosylation approach was chosen to furnish the target compound in fully protected form. To investigate its biological role, tetrasaccharide 32 was further functionalized to the corresponding thiol 33 using Traut's reagent. During the course of the synthesis, the N,N -diacetyl protecting group proved surprisingly labile to radical and acidic conditions. [source]

Expression of ,1 integrins in human dental pulp in vivo: a comparative immunohistochemical study on healthy and chronic marginal periodontitis samples

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001
F. Ta
Abstract Aim The objective of this study was to determine the tissue distribution of ,1 integrin chains in sound human dental pulps and to compare the findings with connective tissue compartments of other organs and to pulp tissue in teeth extracted due to periodontal disease. Methodology Freshly frozen pulp tissue samples from teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were examined and compared to samples from teeth extracted due to chronic (marginal) periodontitis. ,1 integrin chains were determined using an indirect-immunoperoxidase technique. Seven monoclonal antibodies recognizing ,1, ,2, ,3, ,4, ,5, ,6 and ,1 chains of Very Late Activation Antigen (VLA) integrins were used for this purpose. Results VLA-1, VLA-2, VLA-3 and VLA-5 were expressed by vascular endothelium and vascular smooth muscle in varying intensities in both groups. VLA-6 reactivity was observed in the basal surfaces of arterial, venous and capillary endothelia. Our results indicate that there was no significant difference in the expression of VLA integrins in sound pulp tissue when compared to the samples from chronic (marginal) periodontitis and the connective tissue compartments of other viscera. Conclusion The present findings suggest that human dental pulp tissue is not different from other connective tissue compartments in the body with respect to VLA integrin expression, and chronic marginal periodontitis does not affect pulp tissue to a histopathologically detectable extent. [source]

Osteoclastogenesis-Related Antigen, a Novel Molecule on Mouse Stromal Cells, Regulates Osteoclastogenesis,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2003
Satoshi Arai
Abstract Osteoclastogenesis is regulated by RANKL expressed on stromal cells. In this study, we sought to isolate a new surface molecule regulating osteoclastogenesis on stromal cells by generating monoclonal antibodies. A rat was immunized with the mouse stromal cell line, TSB13, which can support osteoclastogenesis, and a monoclonal antibody, A15-1, was obtained. A15-1 bound to a surface antigen on TSB13 cells, termed osteoclastogenesis-related antigen (OCRA), and immunoprecipitation with this antibody revealed that OCRA was a 220-kDa molecule. By means of flow cytometry, the A15-1 antigen (OCRA) was found to be expressed on various mesenchymal cell lines but not on hematopoietic cell lines, and the expression level of OCRA on the TSB13 cells was slightly increased by treatment with 1,,25(OH)2D3. When osteoclast progenitors and TSB13 cells were co-cultured in the presence of 1,,25(OH)2D3, the addition of A15-1 inhibited osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner; however, no significant inhibition of soluble RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis was observed, suggesting that A15-1 inhibited only stromal cell-dependent osteoclastogenesis. The same inhibitory effect of A15-1 was also observed when primary bone marrow-derived stromal cells were used. The osteoclastogenesis-promoting effects of other osteotropic factors, such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and interleukin (IL)-1,, were also inhibited by A15-1. Time-course analysis of osteoclast differentiation in vitro indicated that the initial 2 days of treatment with A15-1 was sufficient for inhibition, suggesting that A15-1 inhibits the early stages of osteoclast differentiation. Finally, we investigated the in vivo effects of A15-1 on PTH-induced hypercalcemia in mice. Treatment with A15-1 significantly decreased the osteoclast surface in the PTH-administered mice. Taken together, our data indicate that OCRA, a novel A15-1-detected antigen, regulates stromal cell-dependent osteoclastogenesis. [source]

Increased Levels of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Antigen and Factor VIII Activity in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Relation to Predictors of Thromboembolism

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2001
TZUNG-DAU WANG M.D.
Atrial Fibrillation and Hypercoagulability.Introduction: Given that nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF)-associated stroke can be either cardioembolic or atherothrombotic, we investigated the relationships between nonvalvular AF and hemostatic factors reflecting intrinsic thrombogenic and atherogenic potentials (tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA] antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and factor VIII activity). We also evaluated the clinical applicability of these hemostatic factors by examining whether AF subjects with established clinical or echocardiographic predictors of thromboembolism had higher levels of these factors. Methods and Results: Of the 3,212 participants of a Chinese population-based study, 53 subjects (1.7%) with AF were identified. Among the hemostatic factors measured, t-PA antigen (median 12.8 vs 8.1 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and factor VIII activity (median 155% vs 133%; P < 0.05) were significantly higher in AF subjects after adjustment for age and sex. In multivariate analysis, features independently associated with t-PA antigen levels were AF, age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Features independently associated with factor VIII activity levels included AF, age, and total cholesterol. Levels of both t-PA antigen and factor VIII activity were primarily elevated in AF subjects with predictors of thromboembolism (age > 75 years, hypertension, diabetes, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction), whereas in AF subjects with no thromboembolic predictors, plasma levels of hemostatic factors examined were similar to those without AF. Conclusion: We demonstrated that nonvalvular AF was independently associated with increased peripheral levels of t-PA antigen and factor VIII activity. Levels of both hemostatic factors were primarily elevated in AF subjects with predictors of thromboembolism. Whether these hemostatic factors are independently predictive of future thromboembolic events in AF patients requires further investigation. [source]

Macaques co-immunized with SIVgag/pol-HIVenv and IL-12 plasmid have increased cellular responses

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 4-5 2007
T.M. Robinson
Abstract Background, The cell mediated immune profiles following immunization with a recombinant DNA vaccine was assessed in the simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) and Macaque model. Earlier work demonstrated increased numbers of antigen specific CD8 and CD4 effector cells able to secrete IFN- ,. Method, The vaccine strategy included co-immunization of a DNA based vaccine alone or in combination with a macaque IL-12 expressing plasmid (pmacIL12). Antigen activated lymphocytes were studied for activation of a set of immunological molecules. Results, The current study demonstrates lymphocytes isolated and activated from the group that was immunized with DNA and pmacIL12 had a higher level of IFN- , producing cells. We also observed a different immunological profile when comparing the cells isolated from macaques immunized with DNA as compared to those animals that also received pmacIL12. Conclusion, The observed immune profiles are reflective of the co-delivery of pmacIL12 and demonstrates that IL-12 can increase the magnitude and polyfunctionality of the cellular immune response. [source]

Presence and expression of JCV early gene large T Antigen in the brains of immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 12 2008
Serena Delbue
Abstract JC virus (JCV) is a polyomavirus that asymptomatically infects up to 80% of the worldwide human population and establishes latency in the kidney. In the case of host immunodeficiency, it can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. In an attempt to understand better PML pathogenesis and JCV infection, the presence of the JCV genome and expression of the early viral protein in the brain of deceased individuals, with and without HIV infection, was investigated. Sixty autopsy samples of brain tissues were collected from 15 HIV-positive PML patients, 15 HIV-positive patients with other neurological diseases, 15 HIV-positive patients without neurological disorders, and 15 HIV-negative individuals who died from diseases unrelated to the central nervous system. By means of specific Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, the JCV genome was detected in 14 of 15 PML brains, three of 15 HIV-positive brains (with and without neurological diseases), and 1 of 15 HIV-negative brains. JCV genotyping was also performed. Expression of the early JCV protein T Antigen was verified by a specific immunohistochemistry assay, and it was found in the brain tissues from 12 PML cases and one case with other neurological disease. The data obtained demonstrate that infection of the brain with JCV can also be observed in the brains of HIV-negative individuals, without neurological disorders. However, viral protein expression was limited to PML brains and to one brain from a patient with other neurological disease, suggesting that JCV can also be present in the brains of patients without PML. J. Med. Virol. 80:2147,2152, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Anthrax vaccine powder formulations for nasal mucosal delivery

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2006
Ge Jiang
Abstract Anthrax remains a serious threat worldwide as a bioterror agent. A second-generation anthrax vaccine currently under clinical evaluation consists of a recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA) of Bacillus anthracis. We have previously demonstrated that complete protection against inhalational anthrax can be achieved in a rabbit model, by intranasal delivery of a powder rPA formulation. Here we describe the preformulation and formulation development of such powder formulations. The physical stability of rPA was studied in solution as a function of pH and temperature using circular dichroism (CD), and UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Extensive aggregation of rPA was observed at physiological temperatures. An empirical phase diagram, constructed using a combination of CD and fluorescence data, suggests that rPA is most thermally stable within the pH range of 6,8. To identify potential stabilizers, a library of GRAS excipients was screened using an aggregation sensitive turbidity assay, CD, and fluorescence. Based on these stability profiles, spray freeze-dried (SFD) formulations were prepared at pH 7,8 using trehalose as stabilizer and a CpG-containing oligonucleotide adjuvant. SFD formulations displayed substantial improvement in storage stability over liquid formulations. In combination with noninvasive intranasal delivery, such powder formulations may offer an attractive approach for mass biodefense immunization. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:80,96, 2006 [source]

Serum Levels of Tissue Polypeptide Specific Antigen Are Correlated With Hepatocyte Cytokeratin Expression in Alcoholic Liver Disease

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2004
A Gonzalez-Quintela
Background: Serum levels of the tumor marker tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS, cytokeratin 18 fragments) are increased in patients with alcoholic liver disease, particularly in cases of alcoholic hepatitis. Mallory bodies, characteristic of alcoholic hepatitis, are cytokeratin 8 and 18 aggregates. The study was aimed at investigating the possible relationship of serum TPS levels with hepatocyte cytokeratin expression in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Methods: Twenty-four patients with alcoholic liver disease were studied. Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins 8 and 18 was performed in liver specimens by means of CAM 5.2 monoclonal antibody. The number of hepatocytes containing CAM 5.2-reactive cytokeratin inclusions was compared with serum TPS levels. Main Results and Conclusions: The vast majority of alcoholics (95%) showed increased (>100 units/liter) serum TPS levels. Serum TPS levels were significantly correlated with the number of hepatocyte cytokeratin inclusions. Serum TPS levels can predict hepatocyte cytokeratin expression in patients with alcoholic liver disease. [source]

Use of PSA Measurement in Practice

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 6 2001
APRN-C, Mary Jo Goolsby EdD
The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) series provides an overview of one CPG each month. The overview includes a brief summary of the guideline's content, as well as the identification of some factors by which the author has critiqued it. The first article in the series reviewed the steps of CPG critique. Subsequent columns have described CPGs related to viral upper respiratory illnesses, tobacco dependence, menopause and perimenopause, and musculoskeletal evaluation. This month, the column describes a CPG titled: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Best Practice Policy, from the American Urological Association (AUA). As prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. men, this set of recommendations should have wide application. [source]

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE SSC: Calibration of the WHO 1st International Standard and SSC/ISTH Secondary Coagulation Standard for Tissue Plasminogen Activator Antigen in Plasma

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2010
C. LONGSTAFF
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Analysis of specific IgE and IgG subclass antibodies for diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus

PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
A. R. KHABIRI
SUMMARY The potential roles of specific antibodies of different immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses and IgE in serological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) were investigated by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on Antigen 5 (Ag5). Presence of IgG1 was demonstrated in all sera from 58 patients with CE. The most discriminatory and specific antibodies found in this study belonged to IgG4 and IgE. Only one false-positive reaction was observed with IgG4 and no IgE cross-reactivity occurred with 40 sera from healthy controls. In 36 sera from patients infected with parasites other than CE two false-positive reactions with IgG4 were observed but none occurred with IgE. In immunoblotting, it was shown that IgG1 subclass was responsible for cross-reactivity of human antibodies that reacted with a 38 kDa subunit of Ag5. IgG4 and IgE antibodies could not recognize the 38 kDa subunit and under non-reducing conditions reacted with the 57 kDa subunit without any cross-reactivity to other parasites. The results demonstrated that IgG4 and IgE are the most important antibodies for serological diagnosis of hydatid cyst in an Ag5 based immunoassay system. [source]

Childhood Pustular Psoriasis Elicited by the Streptococcal Antigen: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
Marya Cassandra D.O.
The occurrence of this disease in childhood is rare, and fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe a 10-year-old boy with GPP who had an elevated serum antistreptolysin titer. Several antigenic factors shown to elicit GPP have been reported, including withdrawal of steroids, emotional stress, and infection. However, we further propose that the group A ,-hemolytic streptococcus can trigger a flare of GPP. We suggest that if pustular psoriasis is suspected clinically, an elevated serum antistreptolysin antibody titer may help identify the causative antigen. [source]

Rituximab-associated acute thrombocytopenia: An under-diagnosed phenomenon,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Ron Ram
Acute infusion reactions are the most common documented adverse reactions reported with rituximab, with overt cytokine release syndrome, and hematological adverse events being much rarer. The clinical course of a patient with mantle cell lymphoma, who developed acute thrombocytopenia and leukopenia following rituximab administration, is described and the literature reviewed. Serum complement and the levels of three cytokines,TNF-,, IL-6, and IL-1, were measured 2 days after the infusion of rituximab by using ELISA assay. Drug-dependent antibodies against platelets were evaluated by two procedures as follows: an immunofluorescence test applying flow cytometry and Monoclonal Antibody Immobilization of Platelet Antigen (MAIPA). Serum levels of TNF-a were significantly increased compared with normal, whereas those of IL-6 and IL-1 were not increased significantly. Flow cytometry assay and the MAIPA assay failed to detect rituximab-dependent antibodies against platelets. Complement levels were decreased compared with normal. Literature search yielded 10 publications reporting on another 15 patients. The most common type of lymphoma was mantle cell lymphoma, six patients had bone marrow involvement, and 10 patients had splenomegaly. In 10 patients, acute cytopenia was preceded by cytokine release syndrome or infusion-related symptoms. Usually, thrombocytopenia was not associated with bleeding manifestations. Thrombocytopenia was the most commonly acute cytopenia reported. The postulated pathogenesis is associated with cytokine release syndrome and complement activation. Patients with potential risk factors like splenomegaly and bone marrow involvement, who develop clinical manifestations compatible with cytokine release syndrome, should be closely monitored for rituximab-associated cytopenia. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Isoforms in Maternal Plasma in Early and Late Pregnancy

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Roberta Rizzo
Problem Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G is a class Ib gene located in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Several lines of investigation indicate that the HLA-G molecule is involved in the maternal acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus during pregnancy and in the development of tolerance. Expression of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) is positively correlated with successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and aberrant expression of HLA-G in certain complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and spontaneous abortion, has been reported. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of different soluble HLA-G isoforms in maternal plasma in early and late pregnancy. Method of study Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) can be detected in maternal blood, and in this study, two different isoforms of sHLA-G, namely sHLA-G1 generated by shedding of membrane-bound HLA-G1 and HLA-G generated by specific HLA-G transcripts, have been investigated early [median of 16.4 weeks of gestation (GW)] and late (median: 38.9 GW) in pregnancy in an original cohort of 580 pregnant Caucasian women. Results Lower concentrations of sHLA-G1 were found late in pregnancy (>32 GW) in a group of women with severe pre-eclampsia compared with controls with uncomplicated pregnancies (P = 0.029, PC = 0.09; Mann,Whitney; Logistic regression analysis: P = 0.024, OR = 0.920, 95% CI: 0.855,0.989). However, this was not the case with HLA-G5, and significantly more of the cases with severe pre-eclampsia had detectable plasma HLA-G5 compared with that of the control group (P = 0.013, PC = 0.04; Mann,Whitney). Similar findings were not observed in women with gestational hypertension or existing hypertension continuing into pregnancy. Furthermore, there was a trend toward lower maternal plasma sHLA-G1 in a group of women with premature birth (<37 GW) compared with that of the control group (P = 0.028, PC = 0.17; Mann,Whitney). On the contrary, HLA-G5 was lower in the control group compared with that in the premature group (P = 0.004, PC = 0.02; Mann,Whitney). Conclusion This study shows in line with other published studies that a high, detectable soluble HLA-G concentration in maternal plasma or serum is not mandatory for a successful pregnancy. However, complications during pregnancy, such as (severe) pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, IUGR, and premature birth, are associated with a low or undetectable level of soluble HLA-G in the maternal blood circulation. Also, this study indicates that sHLA-G1 is the interesting soluble HLA-G isoform in pre-eclampsia, and that low or undetectable levels of HLA-G5 at the end of pregnancy seem to be associated with an uncomplicated normal pregnancy, whereas in severe pre-eclampsia and possibly other pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and IUGR, the level of HLA-G5 is higher. [source]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Evaluating Recombinant Plasmid pCXN2-mIzumo as a Potential Immunocontraceptive Antigen

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Gang An
Problems, Study on feasibility of pCXN2-mIzumo as a potential immunocontraceptive antigen. Method of study, Two groups of mice received 100 ,g/mouse plasmids of pCXN2-mIzumo and pCXN2 respectively. RT-PCR Immunofluorescence assay and ELISA were performed to observe pCXN2-mIzumo expression and antibody response in the inoculated mice. Sperm penetration assay and animal mating were employed to detect differences of in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and mean litter size between the experimental and control groups. Results, Izumo cDNA positive bands were detected in sample from mice immunized with pCXN2-mIzumo. IgG response started to rise at 2 weeks after first boost and reached the highest antibody titers at 2 weeks after third boost of immunization with pCXN2-mIzumo in the experimental mice. In vitro fertilization rate in the experimental group (11.57%) was significantly lower than that in control (36.60%). Significant difference of mean litter size between female experimental and control groups was observed, and there was significant negative correlation between individual anti-serum titers and litter size (r = ,0.308, P < 0.05). Conclusion, pCXN2-mIzumo plasmid possesses appreciable anti-fertility potential. [source]

Prostatic Specific Antigen in Patients with Hypogonadism: Effect of Testosterone Replacement

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005
Ahmed I. El-Sakka MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., The effect of parenteral testosterone replacement therapy on prostatic specific antigen (PSA) level or the development or growth of prostate cancer is unclear. Aim., To assess the effect of testosterone replacement on PSA level in patients with hypogonadism associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods., A total of 187 male patients above the age of 45 with hypogonadism associated with ED were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for ED by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations, plus total testosterone, and PSA assessment. Replacement treatment with parenteral testosterone every 2,4 weeks for 1 year was instituted. Total testosterone and PSA serum levels were assessed every 3 months during the treatment course. Results., Mean age ± SD was 62.8 ± 11.4. Of the patients 87.7% were sexually active. Of the patients 10.2% had mild, 40.6% had moderate and 49.2% had severe ED. Of the study population, 62.5% had ED complaints for less than 5 years and 84.5% had gradual onset of their complaint. The majority of the patients (91.4%) had either progressive or stationary course while the minority reported regressive course and improvement of the condition. There was a significant increase of the post-treatment testosterone level in comparison to pretreatment level (P < 0.05). No significant increase in the post-treatment PSA level in comparison to pretreatment (P > 0.05). No significant difference between pre- and post-treatment categories of PSA level (normal, borderline, high) in relation to the severity of ED (P > 0.05). There was no significant association between PSA level and the duration of testosterone replacement therapy in the study population (P > 0.05). Conclusion., The current study demonstrated that the level of PSA was not significantly changed after 1 year of testosterone replacement therapy in patients with hypogonadism associated with ED. [source]

The Effect of Sirolimus on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels in Male Renal Transplant Recipients Without Prostate Cancer

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2008
K. Chamie
In kidney recipients, the immunosuppressant sirolimus has been associated with a decreased incidence of de novo posttransplant malignancies (including prostate cancer). But the effect of sirolimus on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood level, an important prostate cancer screening tool, remains unknown. We studied male kidney recipients >50 years old (transplanted from January 1994 to December 2006) without clinical evidence for prostate cancer. Pre- and posttransplant PSA levels were analyzed for 97 recipients (n = 19 on sirolimus, n = 78 on tacrolimus [control group]). Pretransplant PSA was similar for sirolimus versus tacrolimus recipients (mean, 1.8 versus 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.89), but posttransplant PSA was significantly lower for recipients on sirolimus (mean, 0.9 versus 1.9 ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean difference between pretransplant and posttransplant PSA was ,0.9 ng/mL (50.0%, p = 0.006) for the sirolimus group versus +0.2 ng/mL (+11.8%, p = 0.24) for the tacrolimus group. By multivariate analysis, only pretransplant PSA and immunosuppression with sirolimus independently impacted posttransplant PSA. Our data strongly suggest that sirolimus is associated with a significant PSA decrease in kidney recipients. Future studies must investigate the clinical implications of our findings for the use of PSA for prostate cancer screening in male kidney recipients on sirolimus. [source]

Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen and Polymerase Mutations in Liver Transplant Recipients Pre- and Post-Transplant

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2003
Jeffrey J. Germer
We evaluated serum samples from 18 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients who underwent liver transplantation for the presence of HBV polymerase and S gene mutations and HBV genotype using a new commercially available sequencing assay. All three patients with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) treatment failure followed by nucleoside analogue treatment failure were infected with HBV genotype C; a pre-existing HBV S antigen (HBsAg) mutation (sD144A) was identified in one patient pretransplant, while sG145R mutations emerged in the other two patients post-transplant. These HBsAg mutations persisted for the duration of the study (5,6 years), despite the absence of HBIG administration for a 4,5-year period. Significant viral polymerase mutations (rtL180M and rtM204I/V) also emerged in all of these patients following treatment with lamivudine and/or famciclovir. Four of six patients with HBIG breakthrough without nucleoside analogue treatment failure yielded potentially significant HBsAg mutations post transplant. These data do not support previous reports highlighting the disappearance of HBsAg mutants in liver transplant recipients after discontinuation of HBIG. Determination of HBV genotype, as well as identification of HBV polymerase and S gene mutations in liver transplant candidates may be warranted to optimize HBV management strategies post transplant. [source]

Side-by-Side and End-to-End Gold Nanorod Assemblies for Environmental Toxin Sensing,

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 32 2010
Libing Wang
Parallel oder schräg geparkt: Goldnanostäbe (siehe Bild) wurden selektiv entweder an den Seiten oder an den Enden mit komplementärem Microcystin(MC-LR)-Antikörper und -Antigen (blau) modifiziert. Mit diesen Assoziaten ließ sich MC-LR (grün) schnell nachweisen, und die Empfindlichkeits- wie Nachweisbereiche waren bei der Kopf-Schwanz-Verknüpfung (rechts) deutlich besser als bei der Seitenverknüpfung (links). [source]

Nomenclature for factors of the dog major histocompatibility system (DLA), 2000: second report of the ISAG DLA Nomenclature Committee

ANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 4 2001
L. J. Kennedy
The International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) Nomenclature Committee met during the ,Comparative Evolution of the Mammalian major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)' meeting in Manchester, UK on 10 September 2000. The main points discussed were the naming of class I genes and alleles, and the inclusion of alleles from other canidae. [source]

Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 and Hepatocyte Regeneration in Acetaminophen Toxicity: A Kinetic Study of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Cytokine Expression

BASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Laura P. James
To examine the effects of tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 on hepatocyte regeneration, immunohistochemical staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen was performed. Immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen was significantly reduced at multiple time points in the knock-out mice and did not normalize until 96 hr. To evaluate the effect of tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 depletion on cytokines known to be involved in regeneration, levels of macrophage inhibitory protein 2, interferon-,-inducible protein-10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were compared in the two groups of mice. Significant elevation of all cytokines was observed in both groups of mice; however, higher levels were present in the knock-out mice. Depletion of tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 has long-lasting effects on hepatocyte regeneration in acetaminophen toxicity but multiple other factors appear to orchestrate eventual recovery in these mice. [source]

INDUCTIVE RISK AND JUSTICE IN KIDNEY ALLOCATION

BIOETHICS, Issue 8 2010
ANDREA SCARANTINO
ABSTRACT How should UNOS deal with the presence of scientific controversies on the risk factors for organ rejection when designing its allocation policies? The answer I defend in this paper is that the more undesirable the consequences of making a mistake in accepting a scientific hypothesis, the higher the degree of confirmation required for its acceptance. I argue that the application of this principle should lead to the rejection of the hypothesis that ,less than perfect' Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) matches are an important determinant of kidney graft survival. The scientific community has been divided all along on the significance of partial antigen matches. Yet reliance on partial matches has emerged as one of the primary factors leading blacks to spend a much longer time than whites on the waiting list for kidneys, thereby potentially impacting the justice of the kidney allocation policy. My case study illustrates one of the legitimate roles non-epistemic values can play in science and calls into question the ideal of a value-free science. [source]

Production of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Recombinant Plant Systems: An Update

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2007
G. B. Sunil Kumar
There is a growing interest to develop oral vaccines for infectious diseases, as it is the most convenient and effective way to attain mucosal immunity. Hepatitis B continues to be a major infectious disease in many developing countries despite the availability of recombinant vaccine. On a global scenario, Hepatitis B Virus infection is probably the single most prevalent cause of persistent viraemia in humans. There are about 350 million chronic carriers of HBV, which is about 5% of the total world population. It is estimated that 75,100 million of them will die of liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Progress in plant genetic engineering has enabled the transfer of useful genes for desirable traits. The recent trend is to use this technique to exploit plants as biofactories for the production of therapeutic proteins including vaccines. Rapid progress has been made in this area to develop plant-based vaccines for hepatitis B. This review describes the expression, characterization, and immunogenicity studies of hepatitis B vaccines produced in recombinant plant systems and their implications for developing a plant-based vaccine. [source]