Three sites of high-flow CSF leakage in spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Ständer.
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INTRODUCTION: Variant R620W of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) has consistently been reported as a susceptibility factor for several autoimmune diseases. We investigated its role in susceptibility to psoriasis, the relevance of possibly other disease-causing variants, and interdependency of the major risk factor for psoriasis at PSORS1. METHODS: R620W was tested in a case-control study initially with 375 German patients and then with an enlarged sample of an additional 418 patients. Analyses were extended to linkage disequilibrium (LD) based haplotypes. Potential interaction between risk haplotypes of PTPN22 and the PSORS1 associated risk allele was tested by regression analysis. PTPN22 coding sequence was determined in 20 patients carrying the risk haplotype. Association and regression analysis were also performed in the extended case-control study. RESULTS: R620W was not associated in either case-control study, while significant association (corrected for multiple testing) with one haplotype (C-4) of the LD block encompassing PTPN22 as well with another haplotype (B-3) within an adjacent telomeric LD block was detected. No evidence for interaction between risk haplotype C-4 and the PSORS1 associated risk allele was found. Sequencing excluded other coding variants within PTPN22 as a basis for association findings. Analysis of the extended study group confirmed association for haplotypes B-3 and C-4 and independence of risk haplotypes C-4 and PSORS1. DISCUSSION: We exclude a major role of *620W in German psoriasis patients but suggest that other susceptibility determinant(s) within non-coding regions of PTPN22 or its proximity might exist acting independently of the major PSORS1 risk factor.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the three common independent sequence variants of the putative pleiotropic non-MHC autoimmune gene CARD15 influence disease susceptibility in large German cohorts of patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis vulgaris, before and after stratification to HLA-C. METHODS: DNA was obtained from 375 patients with psoriatic arthritis, 281 patients with psoriasis vulgaris without joint involvement, and 376 controls. The three variants of the CARD15 gene (R702W, G908R, leu1007fsinsC), and two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the HCR gene (HCR-325, HCR-2327) for HLA-C stratification were genotyped using allelic discrimination Taqman assays. RESULTS: No significant differences in genotype frequencies were observed between controls and either the psoriatic arthritis or the psoriasis vulgaris patient population, even after stratification to HLA-C in both patient cohorts, or to the type of joint involvement within the psoriatic arthritis group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of genetic association between the most common Crohn's disease alleles of the CARD15 gene and psoriatic joint disease on large cohorts of white patients does not support a recently claimed role for CARD15 as the first non-MHC susceptibility gene in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis, but confirms and extends previous studies in the case of psoriasis vulgaris.
To follow up the novel psoriasis susceptibility region on chromosome 19 (PSORS6), we performed an association scan for psoriasis vulgaris using 45 evenly spaced DNA microsatellite markers. For this study, a new independent sample of 210 nuclear psoriasis families (trio design) from Northern Germany was recruited. We used the family based association test (FBAT) for an association scan over the chromosome 19 region encompassing 50.8 cM. We obtained a positive association for the markers D19S922 (allele 5, P = 0.008) and D19S916 (allele 13, P = 0.016), which correspond to the peak of the region identified in a previously performed scan. We identified two novel regions by a single marker, each showing negative association at D19S917 on 19p13.1 (allele 8, P = 0.0034) and at D19S425 (allele 9, P = 0.0005), compatible with the hypothesis of protective loci. These two novel regions were explored in more detail using novel microsatellite markers at an average distance of 100 kb. A separate analysis distinguishing between familial (n = 137) and sporadic (n = 73) psoriasis families showed that the familial trios contribute strongly in the region around D19S425 (P = 0.004), while the comparably small subset of 73 sporadic trios has a stronger effect at the locus around D19S917 (P = 0.026). These studies confirm the existence of a psoriasis susceptibility locus on chromosome 19 and give first evidence for the existence of both susceptible and protective loci in this region. Analysis of a dense marker set from these refined regions will eventually allow identification of the underlying susceptibility alleles.
BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 is considered to play a major role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, which is characterized by an IL-10 deficiency. Systemic administration of IL-10 has been shown to be an effective therapy for psoriasis. The IL-10 promoter region contains a highly polymorphic microsatellite (IL10.G) and in a recent case-control study the IL10.G13 (144 bp) allele was found to be associated with familial early onset psoriasis (type 1 psoriasis) having a susceptible effect. OBJECTIVES: As it is essential in multifactorial diseases to replicate findings before definite conclusions can be drawn, we decided to perform a follow-up study and to follow a genetic approach analysing allele transmission in families with a positive family history of psoriasis. METHODS: We studied 137 nuclear families (trio-design) comprising 456 individuals and genotyped the IL10.G marker. For comparison we also genotyped the microsatellite tn62 as a reference marker of the major psoriasis susceptibility locus on chromosome 6p21 (PSORS1). In the present study allele transmission was evaluated using the family-based association test (FBAT) and GENEHUNTER 2.0 based on the transmission/disequilibrium test. RESULTS: The G13 allele (144 bp) had a frequency of 24%, was present in 88 families and clearly showed an even transmission (FBAT, P = 0.753). In contrast, allele 3 (IL10.G9) (136 bp) had a frequency of 39%, was present in 110 families and was transmitted in 43 trios and remained untransmitted in 67 trios (FBAT, P = 0.026), thus showing preferential nontransmission. For the HLA-linked tn62-marker we obtained a P-value of 0.00027 for allele 4 in the same study group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we failed to confirm the susceptible effect of the G13 allele, but provide the first data for a protective effect of allele 3 (IL10.G9) for familial psoriasis. Our results suggest that the IL10.G polymorphism is not a major locus, but acts as a minor locus.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Because it is clinically so similar, onychomycosis is one of the most important differential diagnostic considerations in psoriatic nail changes. We determined the frequency of fungal involvement in nails of psoriatic patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: Fungal colonization of the nails of psoriatic patients with and without clinically obvious nail changes was investigated in a collective of 250 patients compared to a group of 102 non-psoriatic persons. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the frequency of nail colonization with dermatophytes and moulds between healthy persons and psoriatics. Yeasts were more commonly found in psoriatic nails. CONCLUSIONS: Nail changes in psoriatic patients are mostly caused by psoriasis. However secondary colonization by yeasts is more common in psoriatic nails than in the general population. It remains to be clarified why dermatophytes are not more common in psoriatic nails.
BACKGROUND: Combinations of topical treatments and ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy for plaque psoriasis may be more beneficial than either type of treatment used alone. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment in combination with UVB phototherapy in treating plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Calcitriol ointment with UVB was compared with vehicle plus UVB in a randomized, double-blind study in 104 patients. RESULTS: Mean global improvement scores for both groups increased over the 8-week study period; there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in favour of the calcitriol/UVB combination from week 1. At end-point, 45% of the calcitriol/UVB group showed considerable improvement or clearing of psoriasis, compared with 21% of the control group. The superiority of calcitriol plus UVB was also reflected in the global severity and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores; at end-point the mean percentage decrease in PASI score was 65% for the calcitriol/UVB group and 43% for vehicle/UVB (P = 0.0014). The incidence of skin-related adverse events was low (< 12%) and similar in the two treatment groups. No clinically significant changes in blood chemistry, in particular calcium levels, occurred. The greater efficacy of combined calcitriol and phototherapy allowed a 34% decrease in total UVB exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment and UVB phototherapy in combination provides a promising therapy for managing chronic plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic component. Few psoriasis-susceptibility loci have been reported, and only two have been confirmed in independent data sets. This article reports results of a genomewide scan that was performed, using 370 microsatellite markers, for psoriasis-susceptibility loci in 32 German extended families, comprising 162 affected and 195 unaffected individuals. Nonparametric linkage analysis of all families provided strong evidence for a novel psoriasis-susceptibility locus on chromosome 19p (Zlr=3.50; P=.0002). Parametric analysis revealed a heterogeneity LOD score of 4.06, corresponding to a genomewide significance level of.037, under the assumption of a recessive model with high disease-allele frequency and 66% as the proportion of linked families. This study confirms linkage of psoriasis to the HLA region on chromosome 6p and suggests additional regions on chromosomes 8q and 21q for further investigations.
Decorin gene therapy for experimental malignant glioma is thought to involve antagonism of immunosuppression induced by glioma-derived transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is chemotactic for cells of the monocyte macrophage lineage but inhibits their functional activity in many in vitro paradigms. Here, we examined changes in the patterns of microglial infiltration of rat C6 gliomas expressing a decorin transgene. We find that the number of OX42/ED-1-positive microglial cells is reduced rather than enhanced in the presence of decorin. Decorin-expressing gliomas contain lower numbers of MHC class II antigen-expressing microglial cells whereas the relative frequency of MHC I immunoreactivity among microglial cells is increased. Interestingly, the reduction of TGF-beta levels in the tumors by decorin is associated with the de novo expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a minority of microglial cells. These data suggest that microglial cells do not participate in the regression of decorin-expressing rat C6 gliomas.
Decorin is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) gene family that has recently become a focus in various areas of cancer research. The decorin protein consists of a core protein and a covalently linked glycosaminoglycan chain. Decorin binds to collagens type I, II and IV in vivo and promotes the formation of fibers with increased stability and changes in solubility. Further, the decorin core protein binds to growth factors, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), to other intercellular matrix molecules such as fibronectin and thrombospondin, and to the decorin endocytosis receptor. Decorin may directly interfere with the cell cycle via the induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 (p21), a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Here, we discuss interactions of decorin with TGF-beta and with p21, both of which are relevant to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. TGF-beta is released by tumors of various histogenetic origins and promotes immunosuppression in the host and tumor immune escape by induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in immune cells, by downregulation of MHC II antigen expression and by changes in the cytokine release profiles of immune and tumor cells. Moreover, TGF-beta may modulate tumor growth in an autocrine and paracrine fashion, may mediate drug resistance, and may facilitate tumor angiogenesis. Decorin binds to TGF-beta, thus inhibiting its bioactivity, and is a direct or indirect negative modulator of TGF-beta synthesis. Ectopic expression of decorin results in the regression of rat C6 gliomas, an antineoplastic effect attributed to the reversal of TGF-beta-induced immunosuppression. On the other hand, de novo expression of decorin in colon cancer cells and some other tumor cells, even though not in glioma cells, results in an upregulation of p21 expression and a cell cycle arrest, presumably in a TGF-beta-independent manner. Decorin expression is downregulated in many tumors but upregulated in the peritumoral stroma. By virtue of its growth regulatory and immunomodulatory properties, decorin promises to become a novel target for the experimental therapy of human cancers.
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BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Reactive oxygen species are thought to play a critical role in inflammation and are scavenged by antioxidants. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to know whether the total antioxidative capacity or single antioxidative components in sera from psoriasis patients are decreased. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Well-known antioxidants of the serum were measured using commercial kits or determined by HPLC in the sera of 33 inpatients with severe psoriasis and in 36 healthy control persons. The total antioxidative capacity was measured using the ability of endogenous antioxidants to scavenge the 2, 2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation. RESULTS: Several single antioxidative components were slightly elevated when considered groupwise, namely tocopherol (p = 0.001), bilirubin (p = 0.001) and urate which was increased over controls by about 33% (p= 0.01). Other parameters such as total protein and thiol content and ascorbic acid did not differ from controls. CONCLUSION: To our surprise the total antioxidative activity was normal in sera from psoriasis patients although some components such as urate were even elevated.
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Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play an important role in neurotransmission, inflammation, and regulation of cell death in the mammalian brain. Here, we examined the synthesis and biological effects of NO in human malignant glioma cells. Exposure to cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or interleukin (IL)-1beta and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NO synthesis in rat C6 and A172 human glioma cells, but not in LN-229, T98G or LN-18 human malignant glioma cells. Induced release of NO involved enhanced expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Failure to detect NO release in the latter cell lines was not overcome by neutralization of endogenous TGF-beta or by coexposure to cytokines, LPS, and antioxidants. Apoptosis induced by CD95 ligand (CD95L) did not involve NO formation. Neither NOS inhibitors nor NO donators modulated CD95L-induced apoptosis. Dexamethasone (DEX)-mediated protection of glioma cells from CD95L-induced apoptosis was also independent of DEX effects on NO metabolism. DEX inhibited not only cytokine/LPS-evoked NO release but also attenuated the toxicity of NO in three of five cell lines. Forced expression of temperature-sensitive p53 val135 in C6 cells in either mutant or wild-type conformation inhibited cytokine/LPS-induced NO synthesis. Further, accumulation of p53 in both mutant or wild-type conformation protected glioma cells from the toxicity of exogenous NO, consistent with a gain of p53 function associated with p53 accumulation. We conclude that resistance to NO-dependent immune defense mechanisms may contribute to the malignant progression of human cancers with p53 alterations, notably those associated with the accumulation of mutant p53 protein.
p53 immunoreactivity and humoral immune response to p53 were examined in 14 patients with malignant glioma, including 4 patients with leptomeningeal glioma cell dissemination. Twelve patients expressed p53 protein within the tumour tissue. p53 antibodies were detected in the serum in 2 of 14 patients but never in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Soluble p53 protein was detected neither in serum nor in CSF of the glioma patients. CSF levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, were elevated in the glioma patients, including those with a humoral response to p53. These preliminary findings raise the possibility of systemic humoral immune responses to antigens, including mutant p53, expressed by glioma cells in the central nervous system.
Adjuvant chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery and irradiation plays an increasingly important role in the management of human malignant glioma. Here we have examined the effect of three anticonvulsants most commonly administered to glioma patients, carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid, on the cytotoxic and antiproliferative actions in vitro of several cancer chemotherapy drugs currently evaluated for human gliomas. We find that none of the anticonvulsants reduces glioma cell viability or proliferation or modulates glioma cell clonogenicity at clinically relevant concentrations when administered alone. Therapeutic concentrations of either drug fail to alter the effect of cancer chemotherapy drugs in acute cytotoxicity assays or modified clonogenicity assays. A lack of interactions of anticonvulsants and cytotoxic drugs is also observed when the glioma cells are preexposed to the anticonvulsants for prolonged times, suggesting that chronic exposure to anticonvulsants in vivo may not change intrinsic glioma cell sensitivity to cancer chemotherapy. Thus, changes in hepatic enzyme activity or immunological parameters, but not modulation of intrinsic chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, may influence the choice of an anticonvulsant for seizure control in glioma patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
Cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are thought to mediate escape from immune surveillance in human malignant glioma. Here, we report that ectopic expression of the small TGF-beta-binding proteoglycan, decorin, inhibits not only TGF-beta bioactivity but also TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 mRNA transcription and TGF-beta protein synthesis by human LN-18, LN-229, T98G and rat C6 glioma cells in vitro. Ectopic expression of decorin in C6 rat glioma cells results in strong inhibition of tumor formation in vivo. Decorin-expressing C6 gliomas grow initially but regress to very small residual tumors at 12 weeks after implantation whereas all control animals die or have to be killed within 4 weeks. Decorin-expressing tumors show a four-fold increase of infiltration by activated T cells and a 1.6-fold increase in total B and T cells. Chronic steroid-mediated immunosuppression abrogates the inhibitory effects of decorin gene transfer. We conclude that decorin-induced inhibition of TGF-beta release by glioma cells significantly enhances antiglioma immune responses in vivo. Clinical evaluation of decorin gene therapy for human malignant gliomas may be warranted.
To further evaluate the nature of the HLA association with psoriasis, HLA haplotypes of 60 patients with type 1 (early onset, positive family history) and 30 patients with type II (late onset, no family history) psoriasis were investigated by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization (HLA class II) and serology (HLA class I). Ethnically matched blood donors (146) served as controls. In type I, but not type II psoriasis, the Caucasian HLA extended haplotype (EH) Cw6-B57-DRB1*0701-DQA1*0201-DQB1*0303 named according to the B allele EH-57.1 was highly significantly overrepresented (p cor= 0.00021). This particular EH was present in 35% of type I psoriatics but only 2% of controls. EH-57.1+ individuals therefore carry a 26 times higher risk of developing type I psoriasis than individuals who are EH-57.1-negative Further analysis of individual HLA alleles revealed that within EH-57.1, HLA class I antigens (Cw6-B57) were associated to a much higher extent with type I psoriasis than the HLA class II alleles (DRB1*0701-DQA1*0201-DQB1* 0303). Pedigree analysis of three multiply affected families over three generations revealed a cosegregation of disease with EH-57.1. These results strongly suggest that a gene for familial psoriasis is associated with the class I side of the extended haplotype Cw6-B57-DRB1*0701-DQA1*0201-DQB1*0303.