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Mucosal Sites (mucosal + site)
Selected AbstractsENDOSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS OF INTRAEPITHELIAL SQUAMOUS NEOPLASIA IN HEAD AND NECK AND ESOPHAGEAL MUCOSAL SITESDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2006Manabu Muto In the multistep process of squamous epithelial carcinogenesis, squamous epithelial dysplasia has been considered to be a preinvasive stage of squamous cell carcinoma. If we could distinguish a dysplasia at high risk, such lesions could be targets for local treatment such as endoscopic mucosal resection to avoid the transformation to invasive carcinoma. Narrow-band imaging, a new optical technology, is useful to identify the cancerous lesion compared to conventional white light image. In addition, narrow-band imaging combined with magnifying endoscopy makes it possible to visualize the changes of microvascular architecture occurring in the epithelium. To evaluate whether these endoscopic findings are reliable to diagnose a dysplasia at high risk, a prospective study on the basis of the standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy initiative is needed. If endoscopic assessment of intraepithelial squamous neoplasia is reliable, it would be of benefit to the patients' outcome and improve cost effectiveness of care because of the avoidance of developing invasive carcinoma and the reduction of unnecessary biopsies. [source] Analysis of the CD4 Protein on Human Vaginal T LymphocytesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2001PAUL L. FIDEL PROBLEM: Although T lymphocytes at the human vaginal mucosa have been partially characterized, there remains a paucity of information regarding cell-mediated immune mechanisms at this mucosal site. In mice and humans, there are several phenotypic distinctions between vaginal T lymphocytes and those in the peripheral circulation. Recently, we observed as well that the N-terminus of the CD4 protein on murine vaginal T lymphocytes is atypically expressed compared to its systemic counterpart, and that the atypical expression extends to the mRNA level. METHOD OF STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CD4 protein on human vaginal T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Results showed that, in contrast to mice, the CD4 protein on human vaginal and peripheral blood T lymphocytes are similar at both the molecular and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that based on several differences between human and mouse vaginal T cells, caution is urged when using mice as a model to study human vaginal immunity. [source] Strategies for optimizing targeting and delivery of mucosal HIV vaccinesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Jeffrey D. Ahlers Abstract Effective frontline defenses against HIV-1 will require targeting vaccines to mucosal tissue in order to induce ,, CD8+ lymphocytes in mucosal effector sites (lamina propria and intraepithelial compartment) as well as antibody secreting plasma cells that can neutralize and limit free virus. A concerted second wave of assault against the virus will require the activation and recruitment of antigen specific memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and distal secondary lymphoid organs. New delivery strategies targeting the "right" DC subsets in combination with delivery of mucosal adjuvants and innate signals for activating DC will be essential for mucosal vaccines in order to circumvent the naturally tolerogenic environment and the induction of Tregs. Mucosal delivery of antigen in combination with inflammatory signals has been shown to empower systemic immunization by directing responses to mucosal sites for imprinting optimum mucosal memory. Here, we discuss novel vaccine strategies and adjuvants for optimizing mucosal delivery of HIV vaccines. [source] Lamina propria dendritic cells: For whom the bell TOLLs?EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Maria Rescigno PhD. Abstract One of the major tasks of the mucosal immune system is to discriminate between dangerous and harmless antigens that are encountered daily at mucosal sites. In the gastrointestinal tract, immune cells have to tolerate food antigens and commensal microbes but at the same time have to induce a prompt response against invasive pathogens, when needed. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, it is shown that intestinal dendritic cell (DC) populations can be distinguished based on the expression level of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and on the response of these TLR to their microbial ligands. DC either do not express TLR or they express them but respond in a non-inflammatory mode. In this commentary, these findings are discussed in the context of available knowledge on lamina propria DC. See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737909 [source] Severe drug-induced skin reactions: clinical pattern, diagnostics and therapyJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 2 2009Maja Mockenhaupt Summary The spectrum of severe drug-induced skin reactions includes not only Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but also generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and hypersensitivity syndrome (HSS), also called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions differ in clinical presentation as well as prognosis, causative agents and therapy. Therefore, the appropriate diagnostic measures should be undertaken rapidly, in order to prove the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough clinical examination, a skin biopsy should be taken and specific laboratory investigations should be done if AGEP or HSS/DRESS is suspected. Since these reactions are drug-induced, the causative agent should be rapidly identified and withdrawn. Besides adequate supportive therapy, systemic immunomodulatory treatments may be considered. Despite intensive care management, the prognosis in SJS and TEN is often poor and influenced by the amount of skin detachment as well as the age of the patients and the pre-existing underlying conditions. Severe sequelae may develop in survivors and affect especially mucosal sites. The prognosis of GBFDE is better but recurrent events may lead to more severe involvement. In HSS/DRESS sequelae have been also described as well as long lasting and recurrent courses, whereas AGEP usually heals without problems. [source] Gingival blood flow changes following periodontal access flap surgery using laser Doppler flowmetryJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2007M. Retzepi Abstract Aim: To investigate the pattern of gingival blood flow changes following periodontal access flap surgery by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Material and methods: Fourteen patients with chronic periodontitis presenting upper anterior sites with pocket depth 5 mm after initial treatment were included in the study. Periodontal access flap surgery was performed on the experimental areas and LDF recordings were taken at baseline, following anaesthesia, immediately postoperatively and on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 30 and 60 of healing, at nine predetermined sites per flap. Results: Significant ischaemia was observed at all flap sites following anaesthesia and immediately postoperatively. At the alveolar mucosal sites, a peak increase of the gingival blood flow was observed on postoperative day 1 (p<0.001), which persisted until day 7 (p=0.012) and resolved by day 15. The mucosal sites close to the flap periphery presented higher blood perfusion compared with the sites located centrally in the flap. The microcirculatory perfusion of the buccal and palatal papillae was maximum on postoperative day 7 (p=0.013 and <0.001, respectively) and returned to baseline by day 15. Conclusion: Topographically distinct areas of the periodontal access flap consistently present different patterns of microvascular blood flow alterations during the wound-healing period. [source] Occurrence of Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens in relation to gingivitis and gingival healthJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2001M. A. Lie Abstract Aim: The occurrence of Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) in relation to natural gingivitis, gingival health and 14-day experimental gingivitis was investigated in 25 non-dental students. Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from the dorsum of the tongue, the tonsils (or tonsillar area), and the supra- and subgingival plaque. Results: The microbiological results show that 73% of the samples were positive for the bacterial species presumed to be Pi and/or Pn. In natural gingivitis, gingival health and in experimental gingivitis 25, 23 and 25 subjects were found to be positive for Pi and/or Pn, respectively. The results of the 889 isolates that were succesfully purified and differentiated, show that almost all subjects were colonized with Pn whereas approximately half of the study population harboured Pi. These 2 species were isolated from both dental plaque and mucosal sites and were found to colonize the oral cavity simultaneously. Conclusion: In natural gingivitis, at the start and after 14 days of experimental gingivitis, Pn was the predominant micro-organism. [source] Developing an HIV cytotoxic T-lymphocyte vaccine: issues of CD8 T-cell quantity, quality and locationJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009D. Masopust Abstract. Issues of quantity, quality and location impact the ability of CD8 T cells to mediate protection from infection. These issues are considered in light of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) vaccination. Methods are reviewed that result in 100- to 1000-fold higher frequencies of vaccine-specific memory CD8 T cells than that achieved by current HIV/SIV vaccine approaches. Data demonstrating that location within mucosal tissues has a direct impact on memory CD8 T-cell function are discussed. Arguments are made that establishing memory CD8 T cells within mucosal sites of transmission, a priori to natural infection, may be essential for conferring optimal and rapid protection. Lastly, it is proposed that heterologous prime-boost vaccination with recombinant live replicating vectors, which has the potential to induce tremendous numbers of cytolytic memory CD8 T cells within mucosal tissues, would provide a far more stringent test of the hypothesis that memory CD8 T cells could, in principal, form the basis for a preventative HIV vaccine. [source] Low rate of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women screened for cervical HPV infection in Southern Italy: A cross-sectional study of 140 immunocompetent subjectsJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 8 2009Nicoletta Termine Abstract Even though the natural history of cervical and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been investigated intensely, the possibility that HPV may infect both sites in the same subject is not well documented. This study investigated the frequency of concurrent oral and cervical HPV infection in southern Italian women, in the light of some selected socio-behavioral variables. One hundred forty women (mean age: 36 years), with known cervical HPV status, were analyzed for oral HPV. Age, smoking/drinking habits, clinical and socio-behavioral history were assessed by personal interviews. Oral mucosal cells were collected by oral brushing and HPV DNA was sought by the use of nested PCR amplification followed by direct DNA sequencing and the commercial assay INNOLiPA HPV Genotyping (Innogenetics N.V., Ghent, Belgium). The data were analyzed by using the chi-square test and a logistic regression (logit) model (P,<,0.05 statistically significant). Oral HPV infection was detected in 2/140 (1.4%) cases, being present in 2/76 (2.6%) women with cervical HPV infection and 0/64 uninfected women (P,=,0.19). A lack of type-specific concordance in the two patients with concurrent infection was observed. In the sample of population examined, HPV cervical infection does not seem to predispose to oral transmission, even in the presence of oral,genital sexual habits, thus suggesting the independence of infection at the two mucosal sites. J. Med. Virol. 81:1438,1443, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Distribution of Langerhans cells and mast cells within the human oral mucosa: new application sites of allergens in sublingual immunotherapy?ALLERGY, Issue 6 2008J.-P. Allam Background:, Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) represents an alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy. While antigen-presenting cells such as Langerhans cells (LCs) are thought to contribute to the effectiveness of SLIT, mast cells (MCs) most likely account for adverse reactions such as sublingual edema. As little is known about LCs and MCs within the oral cavity, we investigated their distribution in search for mucosal sites with highest LCs and lowest MCs density. Methods:, Biopsies were taken simultaneously from human vestibulum, bucca, palatum, lingua, sublingua, gingiva, and skin. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to detect MCs, LCs and high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc,RI) expression of LCs. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were performed to assess their stimulatory capacity. Results:, Highest density of MCs was detected within the gingiva, while the lowest density of MCs was found within the palatum and lingua. However, sublingual MCs were located within glands, which might explain swelling of sublingual caruncle in some SLIT patients. Highest density of LCs was detected within the vestibular region with lowest density in sublingual region. Highest expression of Fc,RI was detected on LCs within the vestibulum. Furthermore LCs from different regions displayed similar stimulatory capacity towards allogeneic T cells. Conclusions:, In view of our data, different mucosal regions such as the vestibulum might represent alternative SLIT application sites with potent allergen uptake. Our data might serve as a basis for new application strategies for SLIT to enhance efficiency and reduce local adverse reactions. [source] T lymphocytes expressing CCR3 are increased in allergic rhinitis compared with non-allergic controls and following allergen immunotherapyALLERGY, Issue 1 2007J. N. Francis Background:, In T cell-associated allergic inflammation, homing of T-helper 2 (Th2) effector cells to mucosal sites may be influenced by chemokine receptor expression. Previous studies have identified CCR3 and CCR4 as putative markers of Th2 cells and CCR5 and CXCR3 as markers of Th1 cells. The aim of this study was to assess differential chemokine receptor expression from symptomatic atopic grass pollen-sensitive subjects, compared with patients on high-dose allergen injection immunotherapy (IT) and healthy controls. Methods:, We examined chemokine receptor expression (CCR1,7 and CXCR1,4) by flow cytometry of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We also depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations of CCR3+ CD4+ cells by magnetic bead separation and cells were stimulated with grass pollen allergen for 6 days. Cytokine production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:, On freshly isolated PBMC, atopic individuals exhibited increased numbers of CCR3+ CD4+ cells compared with normal controls (P < 0.01). CCR3 expression in IT patients was reduced compared with matched atopic rhinitic controls (P < 0.05) and comparable with that observed in normal subjects. Depletion of CCR3+ CD4+ cells from allergen-stimulated PBMC cultures resulted in decreased interleukin (IL)-5 production compared with whole CD4+ populations (P < 0.05). Freshly isolated CCR3+ CD4+ cells have significantly higher intracellular IL-4 and lower IFN- , levels than CCR3, CD4+ cells. CD4+ T cells cultured from both peripheral cells and nasal biopsies demonstrated increased expression of CCR3 in the presence of IL-4 (P < 0.05). Conclusion:, CCR3+ CD4+ T cells are increased in allergic rhinitis, are reduced by allergen IT, have a Th2 phenotype and contribute to allergen-specific responses. Strategies against CCR3+ T cells may be effective in human allergic diseases. [source] The distribution of oral mucosal pH values in healthy saliva secretorsORAL DISEASES, Issue 4 2006DJ Aframian Objectives:, To establish the normal range of oral mucosal pH and to correlate these measurements to salivary flow rate in healthy individuals according to age and gender. Subjects and methods:, Measurements of pH levels using a flat pH meter and salivary secretion rates were established in eight mucosal sites from a total of 50 healthy individuals. Results:, The mean pH (±s.d.) of all sites was 6.78 ± 0.04 with significant differences between mean pH values in the palate (7.34 ± 0.38), the floor of the mouth (6.5 ± 0.3), the buccal mucosa (6.28 ± 0.36) and the tongue (6.8 ± 0.26). A significant correlation was found between age and pH at palatal and tongue sites but no gender effects were noted. Conclusions:, This method is easy and relatively quick to manipulate, and may offer many diagnostic possibilities for oral related diseases and disorders such as oral malodour, mouth breathing, dysgeusia, acidic diet consumption and gastrointestinal disorders affecting the mouth. [source] | ||||||||||