Systemic sclerosis complicated by procainamide-induced lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to H Kameda.
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OBJECTIVE: To examine potential interactions between immunoglobulin (Ig)-allotype gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as serological expression in SSc patients. METHODS: IgG heavy chain allotypes G1M(f, z), G2M(n+, n-), G3M(b, g) and Ig light chain allotype KM(1, (1, 2), 3) were genotyped in 105 Japanese SSc patients and 47 race matched normal controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods. Associations of each Ig allotype with SSc related antinuclear antibodies were examined in combination with or without MHC class II alleles. RESULTS: GM/KM genotypic and allelic frequencies were similar in SSc patients and in normal controls. Frequencies of G1M(f) and G2M(n+) were significantly decreased in anticentromere antibody (ACA) positive SSc patients compared with ACA negative SSc patients (p = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Conversely, the presence of DQB1*0501 and KM(1, 2) significantly increased the risk of ACA positivity. CONCLUSION: Ig allotype gene polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to SSc. Instead, the results suggested that MHC class II and KM genes are associated with autoimmune responses by interactively promoting the production of ACA.
A 47 year-old Japanese female who showed transverse myelopathy (TM) due to spinal epidural hematoma diagnosed by MRI in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was reported. She was admitted to Keio University Hospital due to paraplegia, anesthesia of lower extremity, urinary disturbance. Neurological examination revealed transverse disturbance of Th 10. Lumbar spinal cord MRI showed irregular mass that located at epidural region of 9th-11th thoracic vertebrae. When the laminectomy of 9th-11th thoracic vertebrae was performed, hematoma (4.5 cm x 1.5 cm in size) was confirmed and removed completely. Post operative condition was stable and symptoms had been improving gradually. It has been reported that TM associated with SLE was closely related to myelitis. In this case, epidural hematoma was a major cause of TM and MRI was very useful for her diagnosis and treatment. This is the rare case of SLE associated with spinal epidural hematoma and was thought as a important case to consider the cause of neurological complication of SLE.
A case-controlled study was performed, based on early active RA patients treated with MTX; Prednisolone (PSL) was also given in sixteen patients (PSL + MTX group) and each of them was matched for age and sex with a control who have never received PSL (MTX group). No significant differences in radiographic progression were found between the 2 groups. Analysis of radiographic parameters showed that CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and titers of serum rheumatoid factors after 6 months treatment and their integral amounts during cource were significantly high in the patients with marked radiographic progression. There was no relationship between radiographic progression and treatment with PSL. These results suggested that the indication of PSL therapy for RA is limited for patients with the poor decrease in the level of CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor by MTX treatment.
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P-selectin (GMP-140, PADGEM, CD62P) is a cell adhesion receptor which is believed to play an important role in inflammatory diseases by supporting leucocyte rolling. P-selectin is located on the granule membrane of Weibel-Palade bodies in resting endothelial cells and is expressed on the cell surface during cellular activation with various stimulators such as thrombin. Thereafter, P-selectin is internalized and sorted to the Golgi region and Weibel-Palade bodies again. However, whether P-selectin is re-expressed upon subsequent cellular stimulation has, to date, been unclear. To address this question, we measured the cellular content and surface expression of P-selectin, using indirect immunofluorescence and confocal laser cytometry. Surface expression of P-selectin reached a maximum < 2 min after thrombin stimulation and declined to basal levels after 180 min. Rechallenge with thrombin induced rapid surface re-expression of P-selectin, which was independent of de novo protein synthesis, since cycloheximide did not inhibit re-expression. Moreover, re-expressed P-selectin supported the adherence of HL60 promyelocytic cells. These results clearly demonstrated that functional P-selectin molecule was recycled after repeated stimulation with thrombin, raising the possibility that P-selectin is involved in chronic inflammation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methotrexate treatment in patients with active adult onset Still's disease (AOSD). METHODS: Methotrexate was initially given as a single weekly oral dose of 5 mg and adjusted individually afterwards in 13 patients with active AOSD. Symptoms and laboratory findings were investigated. RESULTS: Signs of AOSD activity disappeared (remission) in eight patients between 3 and 16 weeks after starting methotrexate. In these patients, significant improvements in C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood count, and serum ferritin were observed at 8, 12, 14, and 16 weeks after starting methotrexate, respectively. In six of these eight patients, steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could be reduced or discontinued. In four patients methotrexate was not effective despite 12 or 16 weeks of treatment, and one patient discontinued treatment after 2 weeks because of severe nausea. Five patients suffered from adverse reactions, including acute interstitial pneumonia (one patient) and liver toxicity (two patients). Five out of eight patients successfully treated with methotrexate were HLA-DR4 positive (four homozygotes), and all the unsuccessfully treated patients were DR2 positive. CONCLUSIONS: Methotrexate is useful for controlling disease activity in AOSD, not only for refractory patients but also for patients who have never taken steroids or for those with steroid associated toxicity. However, serious adverse reactions can occur, as with rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to determine the critical factors, such as the immunogenetic background, that are associated with response to methotrexate treatment.
We describe 3 Japanese patients having both serum anti-DNA topoisomerase I and anti-Sm antibodies. All 3 patients had typical features of systemic lupus erythematosus, such as glomerulonephritis, in addition to skin thickening and systemic sclerosis related organ involvement, including pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and renal crisis. This is the first report of the coexistence of these 2 disease specific autoantibodies.
Pancytopenia and interstitial pneumonitis are one of the most serious and unpredictable adverse effects of low dose, pulse methotrexate (MTX) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to investigate the historical, clinical or immunologic features associated with the development of such toxicity, in order to use MTX more appropriately. Two hundred eighty four patients (female 230 male 54) with rheumatoid arthritis had been treated with pulse weekly oral MTX with a mean follow-up of 33.2 months. Adverse effects which required the discontinuation of MTX occurred in 47 patients (16.5%). Gastrointestinal toxicity occurred most frequently (14 patients) and liver dysfunction occurred in 9 patients. Four patients (1.4%) developed pancytopenia, and six patients (2.1%) developed interstitial pneumonitis. All patients who developed pancytopenia were old female with long history of active, deforming rheumatoid arthritis, The cumulative dose of MTX ranged from 15 mg to 760 mg at the time pancytopenia developed. Impaired renal function, hypoalbuminemia, and multiple medication were observed, and antinuclear antibodies were positive in most patients. It should be noted that severe stomatitis preceded or accompanied with pancytopenia in all patients. Blood counts returned to the normal level in 7 to 14 days. All patients who developed interstitial pneumonitis were old female. The cumulative dose ranged from 65 mg to 580 mg. Pre-existance of lung diseases, history of adverse effects of other DMARDs, the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, and antinuclear antibodies appeared to be risk factors for interstitial pneumonitis. All patients recovered with high dose of corticosteroid and mechanical ventilation. Such clinical characteristics that are associated with MTX-induced pancytopenia or interstitial pneumonitis should be reminded in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with MTX.
A 68-year-old woman first noticed Raynaud's phenomenon at the age of 35, and she was diagnosed as having systemic sclerosis (SSc) because of cutaneous calcinosis, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia, sausage-like finger, digital pitting scar in 1971. In October, 1994, she was suffered from cold sensation in her right foot, and on November 2 she noticed the painful ulcers on the right toe, which progressed to be gangrenous. Every antiplatelet or thrombolytic agents including PGE1, argatroban, sarpogrelate hydrochloride and urokinase were unsuccessful. Angiograms revealed marked narrowing of bilateral anterior and posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. Prednisolone 30 mg/day was started, which resulted in successful response within 10 days. Large vessel involvement in SSc patients has been reported to be rare, and its treatment remains to be established. We believe our case help understanding the pathophysiology of such rare manifestation in SSc.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features of methotrexate (MTX) pneumonitis in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The medical records of 284 patients with RA who had been treated with oral MTX (mean followup 33.2 mo) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: MTX induced interstitial pneumonitis developed in 6 patients (2.1%). The affected patients were significantly older than those without MTX pneumonitis (67.3 +/- 9.8 vs 52.4 +/- 12.6 yrs, respectively; p < 0.005). The cumulative MTX dose ranged from 65 to 580 mg at the time pneumonitis developed. Five of the patients (83%) had preexisting interstitial abnormalities, while only 29 of the 278 patients without MTX pneumonitis (10%) had such abnormalities (p < 0.001). The frequency of adverse effects due to previous treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) was 66.7% in MTX pneumonitis patients and 14.3% in the other 278 patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, preexisting interstitial abnormalities, and previous adverse reactions to DMARD may be associated with MTX pneumonitis. Patients with these characteristics require careful monitoring during MTX therapy.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of alpha-linolenic acid-rich perilla oil emulsion (POE) in a rat model with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNB)-induced inflammatory bowel disease. Three different isocaloric solutions, which are glucose solution (FF), soybean oil emulsion (SOE) and POE, were infused for 14 days after instillation of TNB. After infusion, total cholesterol and phospholipid concentration in the plasma in the POE group were significantly decreased compared with the FF and SOE groups. Arachidonic acid level in the colonic phospholipids was significantly decreased and eicosapentaenoic acid level was significantly increased in the POE group compared with the FF and SOE groups. Thickness, damage score and leukotriene B4 content in the colon in the POE group were the lowest among the infusion groups. These results suggest that alpha-linolenic acid suppresses the synthesis of leukotriene B4 in the colon by changing the fatty acid composition in the colonic phospholipids and that POE may be effective in the improvement of inflammation in the colon.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional effect of perilla oil emulsion (POE) in a rat model with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. POE and soybean oil emulsion (SOE) were infused at 20% of nonprotein energy during 7 days' total parenteral nutrition (TPN). After infusion of test solutions, body weight gain and cumulative nitrogen balance in the POE group were significantly higher than those in the fat-free TPN (FF) group after infusion of test solutions. Moreover, those in the POE group were higher than those in the SOE group, but no significant difference was observed between the POE and SOE groups. In the POE group, total cholesterol and phospholipid concentration in the plasma was significantly decreased compared with the FF and SOE groups. Triglyceride concentration in the plasma did not significantly differ between the POE, SOE and FF groups. Plasma lipid peroxide concentration in the POE group was significantly lower than that in the SOE group, but it was not different from the FF group. In fatty acid composition in the plasma total lipids, linoleic acid in the POE and SOE groups and alpha-linolenic acid in the POE group were significantly increased compared with those in the FF group. Arachidonic acid (AA) in the POE and FF groups were significantly decreased compared with that in the SOE group. Otherwise, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the POE group was significantly increased compared with that in the SOE and FF groups. EPA/AA ratio in the POE group was significantly increased compared with the SOE group. The thickness and damage score of the colon were significantly depressed in the POE group compared with the SOE group. These results suggest that POE has a superior nutritional effect and improves inflammation in the IBD.
Three unusual cases of sphenoethmoidal mucoceles with rare intracranial extension are reported. A 64-year-old female presented with a 7-month history of right visual disturbance. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a huge mass in the right middle fossa. She underwent right frontotemporal craniotomy. Postoperatively, her proptosis and cranial nerve dysfunction had improved markedly. A 53-year-old female complained of headache, nausea, and dizziness. CT and MR imaging revealed a cystic mass filling the right sphenoid sinus. The cystic lesion was evacuated through the transnasal approach. She was doing well postoperatively and has been asymptomatic. A 39-year-old male complained of headache, vomiting, and right visual disturbance. CT and MR imaging demonstrated a homogeneous mass occupying the sphenoid sinus. Sphenoidotomy exposed the cyst extending superiorly into the anterior cranial fossa. He recovered from the visual disturbances and has been asymptomatic since. MR imaging provides confirmation of the diagnosis of sphenoethmoidal mucocele and is important for preoperative evaluation.
OBJECTIVE: To examine abnormalities of prostanoid metabolism in lupus nephritis, which may affect renal function, and the effects of 4 day dosing of a selective thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibitor, DP-1904, on prostanoid metabolism. METHODS: Urinary levels of various prostanoids, thromboxane B2(TXB2), 11-dehydro-TXB2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and prostaglandin E2 were determined. In a randomized crossover study, 8 patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis were given 4 days' oral administration of DP-1904 (400 mg/day bid) or indomethacin (50 mg/day bid). The effects of DP-1904 on prostanoid metabolism were studied. RESULTS: Urinary excretion of TXB2, which reflects the renal production of TXA2, was significantly increased in patients with lupus nephritis compared with non-renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)(p < 0.05); enhanced production of TXA2 was also estimated in patients with lupus nephritis. The urinary TXB2/6-keto-PGF1 alpha ratio was also increased in lupus nephritis compared with non-renal SLE (p < 0.01), indicating a prostanoid imbalance that may lead to impaired renal function and subsequent pathology. During administration of DP-1904, the urinary excretion of TXB2 was significantly decreased after 1 to 2 days. An increase in creatinine clearance as a measure of renal function was observed. In contrast, during the administration of indomethacin, urinary excretion of both TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha decreased and there were no significant changes in the urinary TXB2/6-keto-PGF1 alpha ratio or creatinine clearance. Hemodynamic changes were associated with a slight increase in sodium excretion, but with no change in arterial blood pressure. No side effects were elicited during the 4 days of treatments. CONCLUSION: The abnormal prostanoid metabolism observed in lupus nephritis could aggravate renal function, which was mediated hemodynamically, and the altered metabolism was reversible and at least partially corrected by a TXA2 synthetase inhibitor, DP-1904.
We describe the first report of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed refractory pure red cell aplasia that was successfully treated with cyclosporin A (CyA). Since no inhibitory activity against bone marrow was observed in the whole serum, it is possible that the clinical efficacy of CyA on both RA and aplasia was explained by its effects on T cells that might be involved in the development of these diseases.
An estrogen receptor (ER) positive cell line was newly established from a Wistar King Aptekman (WKA) rat, 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) induced hepatoma cell lines. The impact of hormonal therapy on cell growth was investigated. This cell line produced alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and ferritin in the conditioned medium. Progesterone receptors (PgR) were positive but androgen receptors (AR) were not detected. This cell line's doubling time was about 10.5 hours in a routine medium and 12.2 hours in the endogenous estrogen removed medium (exponential phase). The morphological features of the cell were of a hepatocellular type as observed by light microscopy. The modal chromosome number was 56 and the DNA ploidy pattern was aneuploid as observed by flow cytometry. The addition of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) did not increase cell growth but tamoxifen (TAM) in vitro inhibited cell growth in the lag phase. Surgical castration or oral administration of E2 or TAM in vivo inhibited tumor growth in the early phase. There were no additional effects between surgical castration and the administration of E2. Surgical castration plus the administration of TAM were not effective when combined. The administration of TAM caused the physiological effect of castration eg., diminished blood testosterone level same as E2 administration. TAM also decreased the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of ER. A morphological change to the cholangiocell carcinoma type was noticed. These results that this cell line was ER dependent in the early phase of tumor growth.