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Biomedical subjects

M Eliakim

Publications and source records attributed to M Eliakim.

138 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Laboratory stigmata of connective tissue disorders in asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus.

Sixty-nine asymptomatic HBsAg carriers have been studied for the presence of laboratory stigmata of connective tissue disorders. Anti-nuclear antibodies accompanied by a significant binding of anti-DNA were detected on one carrier only. In contrast, rheumatoid activity was detected in 10 out of 63 carriers, and lymphocytotoxins in 8 out of 33. Carriers had a significantly increased level of circulating immune complexes associated with mild hypocomplementemia. Since none of the carriers had any evidence of liver disease, it is probable that the immunologic abberations were induced by the persistent viral infection rather than liver injury. It seems that some asymptomatic carriers have an occult laboratory-wise, connective tissue disorder which, under yet unknown circumstances, gives rise to an overt immune complex disease.

Adult↗

The effects of long-term colchicine therapy on male fertility in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Four out of 19 male patients suffering from familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) had fertility problems while on colchicine therapy (0.5-2.0 mg daily for as long as 11 years). Three of the patients had had children while off therapy but their wives could not conceive while they were on therapy. In one patient primary sterility remained one year after cessation of colchicine. In this and two other patients the spermiogram was normal but the sperm penetration test was pathological. The fourth patient had azoospermia. Patients should be informed about this possible risk of colchicine therapy. The need for continued follow-up and the value of the sperm penetration test in the detection of fertility problems in male patients on long-term colchicine therapy are stressed. It is concluded however, that overall the benefits outweigh the danger of long-term colchicine treatment in male patients with FMF.

Adult↗

Variable efficacy of interferon-alpha treatment on growth of human hepatoma cell lines in vitro.

Three human hepatoma cell lines, PLC/PRF/5, Mahlavu and Sk-Hep 1, two of which contain integrated HBV DNA, were grown in culture and treated with human alpha-IFN for up to 14 days. IFN treatment caused a varying suppression of cell growth of the three hepatoma cell lines. While doubling time and cloning efficiency were significantly reduced for all three hepatoma cell lines tested, 3[H]thymidine incorporation was markedly suppressed, in a dose-dependent fashion, only in treated PLC/PRF/5 cells but not in Sk-Hep 1 and Mahlavu cells. The inhibiting effect of interferon treatment on growth of PLC/PRF/5 cells in vitro was neutralized by antibodies to human IFN. IFN treatment caused a significant suppression of HBsAg and alpha FP secretion by PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cells. This effect, while constant throughout the observation period for HBsAg, was cumulative for alpha FP secretion. Following discontinuation of treatment, suppression of PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cell growth was rapidly reversed, and HBsAg and alpha FP secretion returned to their pretreatment levels. These experiments suggest that human alpha-IFN suppresses the growth of some human hepatoma cells in culture but that this effect is dependent on the continuous presence of IFN in the growth medium. Finally, the inhibitory effects of IFN on cell growth differed for the various hepatoma cell lines tested.

Animals↗

A lupus-like syndrome due to lbuprofen hypersensitivity.

A patient with degenerative joint disease with an unusual hypersensitivity reaction to ibuprofen is described. The patient developed transient fever, myalgia polyarthritis and rash following each of 4 exposures to the drug. These manifestations were associated with positive Coombs' and FANA tests.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗

Circulating immune complexes in recurrent polyserositis. (Familial mediterranean fever, periodic disease).

Increased levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were demonstrated by the Clq binding assay in 22 (27%) out of 81 patients with recurrent polyserositis. The prevalence of increased CIC was significantly higher in Jewish patients of North African origin (42%) than in subjects of other ethnic groups (6%). North African patients also manifested an increased familial incidence, earlier onset of symptoms and a higher frequency of arthritis. There was no correlation between increased CIC levels and disease activity. These findings suggest that the immune response of North African patients differs from that of subjects of other ethnic groups and that this difference is possibly genetically determined.

Adolescent↗