The effects of gliadin and glyc-gli on leukocyte chemiluminescence response were assessed in vitro. A dose-dependent increase in chemiluminescence response of neutrophils stimulated by zymosan was observed by using gliadin at concentrations ranging between 1 and 20 micrograms. By increasing glyc-gli concentration, a bimodal response was observed with an enhancement up to 50 micrograms/ml, followed by suppressive effects, which were again dose-dependent. The possible implications of these findings in human pathology are discussed.

Celiac Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of beta 2-microglobulin during HIV infection.

The serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) were determined in 80 intravenous drug addicts (IVDA) with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in 128 HIV-positive IVDA with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) and in 44 HIV-seronegative IVDA. Seventy-two out of 80 (90%) AIDS patients had elevated serum beta 2-m levels and high levels of beta 2-m were also found in 105 of 128 (82%) HIV-infected subjects without AIDS. The mean beta 2-m level was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients with PGL than in HIV-negative IVDA. Nine out of 64 (14%) PGL patients developed AIDS in a period of 24-54 months. In these patients the mean beta 2-m level (5.16 +/- 2.37 mg/l), obtained from sera stored at the first observation, was significantly higher than in the other PGL patients (3.40 +/- 1.03 mg/l); in particular, 5 out of 7 PGL patients with beta 2-m levels greater than 5.0 mg/l showed an advanced disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Activation of neutrophil oxidative metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass with membrane oxygenators.

Neutrophil oxidative metabolism was prospectively assessed in 9 consecutive patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenators for open cardiac operations. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20, and 30 min of CPB. The generation of oxygen-free radicals by neutrophils was measured as luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence after stimulation with opsonized Zymosan and Phorbol Myristate Acetate. A significant increase in light emission was detected by using both the chemiluminescence stimulators. These data suggest that the contact of patient blood with foreign surfaces during cardiopulmonary bypass results in activation of phagocyte cells.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Molecular characterization and functional studies on Hb Kempsey, beta 99 (G-1) Asp----Asn, a high-oxygen affinity variant.

BACKGROUND: Hb Kempsey (beta 99 Asp----Asn) is a high-oxygen affinity hemoglobin, never before reported in Italy, associated with secondary erythrocytosis. It has been found in the heterozygous state in two subjects from the same family originating from the Verona area in Northern Italy. METHODS: The abnormal hemoglobin was studied both at the protein and at the DNA level. The amino acid substitution was identified by fingerprinting and amino acid analysis. The nucleotide replacement was investigated by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the beta gene and direct sequencing. Oxygen affinity and other functional parameters were assessed on whole blood and on the separate hemoglobin fractions. RESULTS: These studies allowed us to establish the molecular substitution GAT (Asp)----AAT (Asn) at codon 99. Functional studies revealed a left-shifted and biphasic dissociation curve of the proposita, with a very low p50. The two carriers of this hemoglobinopathy have different degrees of polyglobulia, since iron deficiency in one of them reduces total and abnormal Hb. CONCLUSIONS: The compensatory mechanisms for tissue hypoxia are discussed with the conclusion that erythrocytosis has to be preserved in these patients to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation.

Aged↗