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Biomedical subjects

P Speight

Publications and source records attributed to P Speight.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Oral epithelial dysplasia: clinical characteristics of western European residents.

To detail the clinical presentation of oral epithelial dysplasia in a large cohort of residents in western Europe. Descriptive statistical analysis of the data were calculated using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Oral epithelial dysplasia manifested typically as a white or mixed red and white lesion on the tongue, buccal mucosa or floor of mouth. The peak age of presentation of oral epithelial dysplasia was the 6th decade. Most clinically detected lesions had only mild oral epithelial dysplasia. Although uncommon, lesions with severe dysplasia were most likely to arise on the floor of mouth or lateral border of tongue. Oral epithelial dysplasia is likely to manifest as a solitary white patch, but it is not possible to accurately predict the likely degree of dysplasia from the clinical features of such lesions.

Adult↗

In vivo killing of Porphyromonas gingivalis by toluidine blue-mediated photosensitization in an animal model.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major causative organisms of periodontitis and has been shown to be susceptible to toluidine blue-mediated photosensitization in vitro. The aims of the present study were to determine whether this technique could be used to kill the organism in the oral cavities of rats and whether this would result in a reduction in the alveolar bone loss characteristic of periodontitis. The maxillary molars of rats were inoculated with P. gingivalis and exposed to up to 48 J of 630-nm laser light in the presence of toluidine blue. The number of surviving bacteria was then determined, and the periodontal structures were examined for evidence of any damage. When toluidine blue was used together with laser light there was a significant reduction in the number of viable P. gingivalis organisms. No viable bacteria could be detected when 1 mg of toluidine blue per ml was used in conjunction with all light doses used. On histological examination, no adverse effect of photosensitization on the adjacent tissues was observed. In a further group of animals, after time was allowed for the disease to develop in controls, the rats were killed and the level of maxillary molar alveolar bone was assessed. The bone loss in the animals treated with light and toluidine blue was found to be significantly less than that in the control groups. The results of this study show that toluidine blue-mediated lethal photosensitization of P. gingivalis is possible in vivo and that this results in decreased bone loss. These findings suggest that photodynamic therapy may be useful as an alternative approach for the antimicrobial treatment of periodontitis.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Oral lesions indicative of plasminogen deficiency (hypoplasminogenemia).

BACKGROUND: Gingival overgrowth with ulceration has recently been recorded in 4 reports: (1) our report of a British patient with ligneous conjunctivitis in whom the gingival lesions appeared to be related to tranexamic acid-an antifibrinolytic agent; (2) a report of 2 Turkish patients and an Italian patient with mainly gingival lesions; (3) our report of 5 Turkish patients with mainly gingival lesions; and (4) a report of 3 new Turkish cases, which also were associated with gingival lesions and alveolar bone loss. These patients all had gingival swellings, and a minority had conjunctival involvement similar to ligneous conjunctivitis, although the etiology was unclear in all. Nevertheless, fibrin exudation was fundamental because the hyaline or amyloidaceous material seen on the gingival biopsy stained for fibrin but failed to stain for amyloid. METHODS: We have examined 6 more patients who exhibited gingival swelling caused by amyloidaceous deposits that stained only for fibrin, and we assayed their plasminogen levels. RESULTS: The plasminogen functional activity assayed in these 6 additional patients, and in 2 of the 5 patients previously reported by us, was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival overgrowth with ulceration appears to be a new complication caused by plasminogen deficiency; it also appears to be related to ligneous conjunctivitis in some cases.

Adolescent↗

Hobnail hemangioma: a pseudomalignant vascular lesion with a reappraisal of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma.

The clinicopathologic features of 15 cutanous hemangiomas having a distinctive and frequently pseudomalignant morphologic appearance are presented. There were 5 male and 9 female patients, whose ages at diagnosis ranged from 11 to 58 years (median 30.5). An angiomatous/pigmented, nontargetoid, flat, or exophytic lesion of variable duration was the main presenting sign. The tumor sizes ranged from 0.4 cm to 2 cm (median 1 cm). The locations included the lower limb, particularly the thigh (8); the trunk, including the shoulder area (4); the head (1); the gingiva (1); and the tongue (1). One patient had two lesions; none had a concomitant vascular anomaly or was suspected to have HIV infection. Treatment consisted of excisional biopsy in all cases. Follow-up information on 10 patients (range 4-66 months; median 13 months) showed no recurrence. On microscopic examination, the lesion showed a biphasic pattern characterized by the presence of well-formed, dilated, vascular channels in superficial dermis and a collagen-dissecting, pseudoangiosarcomatous pattern as the lesion infiltrated deeper into the dermis. The lining endothelium consistently showed distinctive hobnail cytomorphology; although there were endoluminal stromal papillae, there was no endothelial multilayering or tufting. Cytologic atypia was minimal or absent, and there were no mitoses. In 3 cases, the morphologic features were reminiscent of retiform hemangioendothelioma. Immunohistochemistry performed in 8 cases showed variable reactivity of endothelial cells with CD31, CD34, Factor VIII-related antigen, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 in all cases; smooth muscle actin-positive pericytes were observed focally around some of the abnormal vascular spaces. The above-described hemangiomatous lesions share many features with so-called targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma (a clinically descriptive term), but show a variable, often minimal, amount of hemosiderin deposition. The histologically descriptive term hobnail hemangioma is proposed to designate these lesions. Hobnail hemangioma should be distinguished from well-differentiated angiosarcoma, patch-stage Kaposi's sarcoma, and retiform hemangioendothelioma, with which it may be confused.

Adolescent↗

Predictors of lymphoma development in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and laboratory predictors of lymphoma development in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Seventy-two patients with pSS were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, serum gamma-globulin levels, autoantibodies, and HLA status were reviewed. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher's exact test, logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank tests were applied. RESULTS: Five patients developed a distinct non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). A history of swollen salivary glands, lymphadenopathy, and leg ulcers predicted lymphoma development. CONCLUSION: Patients with pSS are at increased risk of lymphoma development, and those who have the above risk factors must be carefully observed.

Adult↗

Allelic imbalance on chromosome 3p in oral dysplastic lesions: an early event in oral carcinogenesis.

We have demonstrated previously a loss of constitutional heterozygosity on the short arm of chromosome 3 in approximately 50% of oral squamous cell carcinomas. In the present study, we have investigated 30 oral dysplastic lesions (DLs), presenting clinically as either erythroplakias or leukoplakias with histopathological features of either severe epithelial dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, for LOH on chromosome 3p using 15 microsatellite markers. Thirteen of the 30 LDs (approximately 43%) showed allelic imbalance at one or more loci. The pattern of loss in these lesions defined three noncontiguous regions of interstitial deletions that overlap with those defined for oral squamous cell carcinomas. These data indicate that the alteration of tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 3p is probably an early event in oral carcinogenesis. Additionally, 7 of the 30 DLs showed microsatellite instability. However, the frequency of loci showing microsatellite instability per lesion was low.

Alleles↗

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a report of ten cases.

A particularly aggressive form of oral leukoplakia that commences with a hyperkeratosis, spreads to become multifocal and verruciform in appearance, and later becomes malignant has been termed proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Ten patients with persistent multifocal verruciform white patches were investigated. Lesions were often bilateral and affected predominantly mandibular alveolar and buccal mucosa. At first biopsy no lesion was graded higher than a verrucous hyperplasia, but subsequently all patients had squamous cell carcinoma, and two patients have died of their disease. Lesions were managed with surgery, carbon dioxide laser, and photodynamic therapy. The patients presented here confirm the existence of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia as a clinicopathologic entity. Careful examination of the whole mouth is essential when a hyperplastic white patch is seen to check for possible proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Early aggressive treatment must then be started, and regular long-term review is crucial.

Aged↗

Frequent gene deletions in potentially malignant oral lesions.

Some oral cancers are preceded by premalignant lesions which include leucoplakia and erythroplakia. At present there are no reliable markers to identify lesions that may progress to malignancy. We have analysed 30 potentially malignant oral lesions for deletions at chromosomal regions that harbour tumour-suppressor genes for oral cancer. A total of 16 of 30 cases (53%) showed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) or allele imbalance at TP53, DCC, 3p21.3-22.1 or 3p12.1-13. These genetic alterations were detected in dysplastic lesions but not in histologically normal mucosa and may be early events in the carcinogenic process. A total of 64% of dysplastic lesions that recurred during the study showed LOH or allele imbalance in the initial biopsy and the number of genetic abnormalities increased in the tumours that developed. This type of molecular profiling may help to identify patients with lesions that may recur or acquire additional genetic events and progress to malignancy.

Adult↗

B-cell monoclonality, Epstein Barr virus, and t(14;18) in myoepithelial sialadenitis and low-grade B-cell MALT lymphoma of the parotid gland.

Low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type B-cell lymphomas of the salivary gland arise in a background of myoepithelial sialadenitis (MESA), usually in association with Sjögren's syndrome. The distinction between benign MESA and early lymphoma has proved difficult using histological criteria alone and the significance of B-cell monoclonality in this respect is controversial. We have used immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of immunoglobulin heavy-chain VDJ regions to assess clonality in biopsies from 45 patients with lymphoid infiltration of the parotid. Sequential biopsies spanning 3-18 years were available from seven patients, three of whom had developed disseminated nodal B-cell lymphoma. In light of previous studies, each biopsy was additionally analyzed for the presence of t(14;18) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) DNA using PCR. Monoclonality was detected in 34/45 cases. Comparison of histology with clonality confirmed earlier suggestions that the emergence of an identifiable population of centrocyte-like B cells around ducts or epithelial islands correlated with monoclonality. In six of seven patients with sequential biopsies PCR fragments of identical size were amplified from each biopsy, suggesting that demonstrable monoclonality in "lymphoepithelial" lymphoproliferative lesions of the salivary gland is indicative of lymphoma. No t(14;18) chromosome translocations were identified; EBV sequences were detected in three of 45 cases.

Adult↗

Cucurbitacins, cell adhesion inhibitors from Conobea scoparioides.

In the course of screening natural products for antagonists of CD18-mediated cell adhesion, an extract with inhibitory activity was identified from the stem and leaves of Conobea scoparioides. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to a pure compound, identified by spectroscopy as cucurbitacin E [1]. Although many biological activities have been reported for the cucurbitacins, this is the first report of cell adhesion inhibition. Furthermore, closely related cucurbitacin analogues had different potencies, pointing to substructural features that are important for the activity.

Actins↗

Identification of two unique polypeptides from dog kidney outer cortex and outer medulla that exhibit different Na+/D-glucose cotransport functional properties.

The cloned Na+/D-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 and an additional recently isolated human kidney cDNA Hu14/K15 belong to a family of similar cotransport proteins including the Na(+)-dependent nucleoside and Na(+)-dependent myo-inositol carrier SMIT1. For the present study we used two different polyclonal antibodies raised against the amino acid sequence 402-420 (Ab-E) and 565-574 (Ab-P) of SGLT1 to probe brush-border membrane fractions from different regions (outer cortex-->outer medulla) of dog kidney. In Western blots both Ab-E and Ab-P react specifically (peptide blockable) with two distinct bands migrating on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions at 75.5 kDa and 72.5 kDa. The higher molecular mass polypeptide is greatly enriched (13:1) in outer cortex and diminishes progressively towards outer medulla, whereas the lower molecular mass band is barely detectable in outer cortex but is enriched in outer medulla (4:1). Brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the same outer cortical and outer medullary regions that were probed with Ab-E and Ab-P exhibit strikingly different Na+/D-glucose functional transport behavior. The Na+/D-glucose cotransport activity in outer cortical BBMV is a low-affinity system with Km = 5.98 +/- 1.01 mM, Vmax = 13.05 +/- 0.55 nmol/mg protein per min, and with 1:1 Na+:D-glucose stoichiometry. Outer medulla BBMV exhibit high-affinity Km = 0.27 +/- 0.03 mM Vmax = 0.97 +/- 0.04 nmol/mg protein per min and 2:1 Na+:D-glucose stoichiometry. Comparison of SGLT1, Hu14/K15, SNST1 and SMIT indicates that Ab-E could cross react with all four, but Ab-P would recognize SGLT1, Hu14/K15, SNST1 but not SMIT. Also SNST1 is not expressed in outer cortex. Based on currently available sequence data, and its marked enrichment in outer cortex, the 75.5 kDa band is a likely candidate protein responsible for low-affinity and 1:1 Na+:D-glucose stoichiometric Na+/D-glucose cotransport activity (Hu14/K15) while the minor 72.5 kDa band in outer cortex is probably SGLT1. In outer medulla, the predominant band recognized by both Ab-E and Ab-P is the 72.5 kDa protein and this could be either SGLT1 or SNST1.

Antibodies↗

Ras gene point mutation is a rare event in premalignant tissues and malignant cells and tissues from oral mucosal lesions.

Three series of biopsy specimens of premalignant and malignant oral lesions, together with seven human keratinocyte cultures, previously established from oral squamous cell carcinomas, were analysed for point mutation in exons 1 and 2 of the c-Ha-ras, c-Ki-ras and N-ras genes by direct nucleotide sequencing of DNAs amplified in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Only one out of 12 biopsy samples (8.3%), a well-differentiated carcinoma which was the latest in a series of floor of mouth lesions from 1 of the 3 patients studied, harboured a mutant c-Ha-ras gene, being heterozygous at codon 12 for a GGA-GTA change. One cell line (H357) showed heterozygosity in both exons 1 and 2 of c-Ha-ras, harbouring a GGT to AGT mutation over codon 13 and a CAG to CAA mutation over codon 61. The remaining six oral carcinoma cell lines (85.7%) were homozygous normal at both exons 1 and 2 of c-Ha-ras. All cell lines showed normal c-Ki-ras and N-ras loci. We conclude that ras gene mutation is an infrequent occurrence in the malignant progression of oral epithelial cells, despite the probable importance of chemical carcinogens in the aetiology of the disease. We emphasise the need to search for other cellular sequences which may be targets for chemical or viral carcinogens.

Base Sequence↗

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and alpha 4 and beta 1 integrins in lymphocyte aggregates in Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Interactions between vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and its ligand, the alpha 4/beta 1 integrin, have been shown to be important in a number of cellular events in vitro. To assess the importance of such interactions in the development of lymphocytic infiltration in diseased tissue the distribution of the two ligands has been studied immunohistochemically. METHODS: Cryostat sections of labial tissue from patients with Sjögren's syndrome, normal labial tissues, rheumatoid synovia, and normal tonsils were stained using antibodies to VCAM-1, alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin chains, and markers for T cells, B cells, macrophages, and follicular dendritic reticulum cells (FDRCs), visualised using alkaline phosphatase and fast red. RESULTS: Staining patterns for VCAM-1 and integrin chains in lymphocyte aggregates in synovial and labial tissues were similar. VCAM-1 staining was found on both vascular and ramifying dendritic cells at the centre of large T cell aggregates and in all aggregates where there was a central clustering of B cells. VCAM-1 colocalised with, but also extended beyond, staining for the FDRC marker R4/23. Staining for the alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin chains was more widespread than staining for VCAM-1, with no significant increase in staining at sites of maximum VCAM-1 staining. In tonsils VCAM-1 and R4/23 codistributed in germinal centres, but staining for the alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin chains was chiefly seen in T lymphocyte areas. CONCLUSIONS: VCAM-1 may be more important in determining the distribution of B than T lymphocytes in lymphocytic infiltration of non-lymphoid tissue. Unlike the follicles of lymphoid tissue, ectopic follicle-like structures in non-lymphoid tissues may form by immigration of B cells via VCAM-1+ vessels at the centre of T cell aggregates.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Harderian gland hyperplasia in c-mos transgenic mice.

Transgenic mice carrying the mouse mos proto-oncogene linked to a retroviral LTR develop hyperplasia of the Harderian glands. Enlargement of the glands is evident as early as 18 weeks after birth, with glands reaching up to 10 times their normal weight. Approximately 65% of the cases of hyperplasia occur bilaterally, and the majority of mice affected are male (66%). Elevated levels of mos expression are found in all Harderian glands of mice from the affected transgenic line, but not in glands of normal mice or a non-affected transgenic line, indicating that hyperplasia is dependent on mos expression. Histological examination of the tissue reveals a general involvement of the entire gland epithelium in hyperplastic growth, with no evidence of focal or malignant tumours. These observations show that in addition to neu, myc, ras and ret transgenes, mos, a member of the protein-serine/threonine kinase family of oncogenes, can induce Harderian gland hyperplasia, thus revealing an unusual response by this organ to various classes of oncogenes. Analysis of fos, jun, myc and ets oncogene RNA in mos-induced hyperplastic Harderian glands shows that there are no consistent changes in the level of expression of these oncogenes, suggesting that mos acts via a mechanism other than by increasing the expression of these genes.

Animals↗

Ehlers Danlos syndrome type I with novel dental features.

The clinical, radiographic and histologic findings are described in two cases of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Type I with novel dental features. Defective dentinogenesis principally affecting the mandibular incisors result in aplasia or hypoplasia of root development predisposing to localized periodontal disease. A striking radiographic appearance with a bulbous enlargement of the roots together with pulp stones is seen in other teeth. 'Giant channels' and vascular inclusions resembling 'intermediate cementum' are prominent within this area. No evidence of Type III procollagen or collagen was detected with indirect immunofluorescence. It is suggested that an inherited collagen abnormality in a component common to dentin, skin, ligament and tendon probably explains both EDS I and the dentin dysplasia.

Adult↗

IgG subclasses in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

In this study the concentration of the different subclasses of IgG in sera from patients with a range of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) was detected by radial immunodiffusion. In the second part the IgG subclasses of autoantibodies that recognize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), Ro, La, Sm and RNP in patients with ARD were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We studied 15 patients with lupus, 20 patients each with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and 10 each with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), scleroderma and myositis. Twenty healthy controls were also measured. The serum concentration of IgG2 in ARD patients was generally reduced. In contrast, the concentrations of IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 subclasses were normal or raised. A high degree of correspondence in the IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 responses to dsDNA and ssDNA in SLE was found. Notable differences in the IgG1 anti-Ro and ssDNA responses compared to the other subclasses were seen in 1 degree and 2 degrees SS. In addition, an unexpected high level of IgG4 antibodies to ssDNA in 1 degree SS (65%) and IgG4 antibodies to Sm/RNP in RA was observed.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗