PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R M Balabanova

Publications and source records attributed to R M Balabanova.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Interferon therapy effects on activation of T-lymphocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

AIM: To elucidate the effects of combined therapy with glucocorticosteroids (GCS) and recombinant human interferon alpha or gamma (IFN) on proliferative responses of T-lymphocytes activated by various surface molecules (CD3 and CD2) in patients with SLE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-month trial entered 3 groups 15 patients each with verified SLE by APA criteria (1982). Patients of group 1, 2 and 3 received IFN-alpha (realdiron, Biofa, Lithuania) in a single dose 3 million IU i.m., IFN-gamma (inflagen, Biofa, Lithuania) in a single dose 3 million IU i.m. and cyclophosphamide in a dose 200 mg i.m. once a week, respectively. T-lymphocyte proliferative response was assessed to stimuli of two types: CD3-dependent (classic activation) and CD2-dependent (alternative activation). The analysis was made by inclusion of 3H-thymidine after 72-hour incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with various stimuli. The response was assessed before the treatment, on the treatment day 20 and after the treatment. The blood from 27 donors was also examined. Flow cytometry estimated the percentage of the cells expressing molecules CD3, CD4, CD8. RESULTS: The effect is found of alpha and gamma INF on functional capacity of T-lymphocytes and on the number of cells expressing surface molecules CD3 and CD4. Realdiron produced two-phase reaction to a proliferative response to mitogenic stimuli by CD3-dependent activation pathway: the initial rise then lowering. CD2-dependent way of T-cell activation is associated with weakening of responses to all combinations of stimuli with participation of autologous red cells. This group of patients to the end of the therapy exhibited a significant decrease in the number of cells expressing CD3 and CD4 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Inflagen enhanced CD3-dependent activation of T cells and normalized the response to all types of the alternative stimuli. This group demonstrated an increase in the number of cells expressing CD3 and CD4 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The changes in the number of CD8+ cells in both the groups were statistically insignificant. The controls had T-cell responses reduced by both activation pathways. CONCLUSION: Preparations of both alpha and gamma interferon have a multidirectional influence on functional potential and phenotype of T-lymphocytes of SLE patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Immunoenzyme assay for detection of natural antibodies against vasopressin in systemic lupus erythematosus].

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay procedure for detecting natural antibodies to vasopressin (VP) is developed. For this purpose, a VP antigen is synthesized on polymer matrix. Optimal conditions of enzyme immunoassay for detecting antibodies to this antigen in the sera of donors and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are selected. The level of anti-VP antibodies is constant in donors and shifted in SLE patients. Changes in the level of natural antibodies to VP correlate with immunochemical parameters.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1999

[The classical and alternative pathways of T-lymphocyte activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

AIM: To study activation of T-lymphocytes by the CD3 (antigen-dependent) and CD2 (non-antigen-dependent) routes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclears were studied in 66 patients with SLE and 27 donors. Proliferative response to activation by anti-CD3, anti-CD3+ phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and autologous erythrocytes in combinations with PMA and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) was assessed. RESULTS: T-cell proliferation was at least two times increased under the effect of CD3 in 40.9% patients and in 100% normal subjects. Stimulation with CD3 antibodies in combination with PMA leveled the differences due to boosting of T-cell response in SLE patients. PMA alone caused mononuclear proliferation in 25% patients with SLE but not in normal subjects. Decreased response of T-cells to adhesive stimulus (autologous erythrocytes + PMA) in SLE patients was leveled by rIL-2. CONCLUSION: The proliferative response of T-lymphocytes is decreased upon stimulation with CD3 and CD2 and in some patients increased by PMA in submitogenic doses, added alone or in combination with anti-CD3.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[The significance of determining antibodies to viruses of the Herpesviridae family in rheumatic diseases].

AIM: Assay of antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in rheumatic patients. Specification of their correlations with clinical symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 rheumatic patients were examined for the above antibodies. The admission diagnosis of rheumatic disease (RD) was confirmed in 42 of them. 24 were diagnosed to have active or chronic viral infection (A/CVI) simulating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other RD. RESULTS: IgG-antibodies to CMV and VCA-IgG to EBV were detected in 79 and 70.3% of the examinees, respectively. In SLE more frequent were IgM-antibodies to CMV (78.9%), in RA-IgM-antibodies to CMV (85.7%) and IgG-antibodies to EBV (85.7%) while in A/CVI--to CMV (IgM--86.4%), EBV (IgG--80%; IgM--73.7%), HSV-1 (IgM--57.1%). Analysis of clinical correlations indicated that high titers to CMV and to EBV are related in RD patients. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to examine rheumatic patients for antibodies to Herpesviridae viruses and prescribe antiviral drugs.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1998

[Significance of antibodies to herpesviridae viruses detectable in rheumatic diseases].

AIM: To assay antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in rheumatic patients and to clarify clinical correlations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 patients were examined: 7, 19, 6, 3, 5, 2 and 24 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reactive arthritis (ReA), scleroderma systematica (SS), erythema nodosum (EN), hemorrhagic vasculitis (HV), active or chronic viral infection (A/CVI), respectively. Clinical, laboratory tests, tests for specific IgM- and IgG-antibodies to CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, x-ray examinations were performed. RESULTS: IgG-antibodies to CMV were detected in 79%, VCA-IgG-antibodies to EBV in 70.3%, EA-IgG-antibodies to EBV in 56.6%, IgG-antibodies to HSV-1 in 42.1% of patients. Active CMV infection was diagnosed in 27.8%, active EBV infection in 56.6%, combination of CMV and EBV infection in 46.9% of cases. High titers of antibodies to CMV and EBV correlated with such symptoms as fever, arthritis, myalgia, carditis, hepatomegalia, migrating erythematous eruption. Acute-phase indices were related to high titers of antibodies to CMV and EBV. Elevated titers of antibodies to CMV and EBV were registered both in untreated patients and in patients treated with corticosteroids, nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs and aminoquinoline drugs. CONCLUSION: In differential diagnosis of rheumatic diseases it is necessary to consider possibility of CMV and EBV infections. If these are detected, antiviral measures should be taken.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1996

[Muscular pathology in rheumatoid arthritis: a clinico-morphological study].

Muscular pathology was studied clinically, electromyographically, at light microscopy and assessment of tissue microcirculation in 34 patients with significant RA. 22 patients had systemic manifestations, in 12 patients articular lesions predominated. It was found that RA patients with systemic signs had more advanced muscular pathology, more frequent generalized amyotrophy, declined muscular function, low capacity of microcirculatory bed. These patients showed primarily vascular disorders. In RA patients with articular lesions muscular affections become more evident.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[New approaches to the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis].

Design of highly selective biological substances made use of three basic components of a complex pathogenetic model of RA: the presence of antigen-presenting cells, genetic defects and autoimmune aggression. Efforts now are directed to development of monoclonal antibodies (MAB) to receptors of T-cells, B lymphocytes, MAB to CD 18 and CD54, cytokines, search for natural inhibitors of cytokines, introduction of cytokines. Many of such preparations including recombinant interferons proved clinically promising.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1996

[Combined immunomodulating therapy in rheumatoid arthritis].

Monotherapy with methotrexate (MT) was compared to combined therapy MT+tactivin (T) in a 2-year clinical trial including 127 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MT was given to 88 patients in a weekly dose 7.5 mg. In 39 patients this dose was given in combination with subcutaneous injections of T (100 micrograms two times a week for a months, then once a week). Both treatments induced a significant decline in severity of arthralgia, in the number of joints with inflammation, in the level of C-reactive protein and in ESR. Morning stiffness and pains in the joints at palpation were achieved after MT+T combination. Side effects were similar in both treatments.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1995

Serum soluble markers of immune activation and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We investigated a possible association between markers of immune activation and disease activity in 52 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum concentrations of neopterin, beta-2-microglobulin, 55 kD-type soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, soluble interleukin-2 receptor and soluble CD8 were compared to the Index of European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM). All markers of immune activation, except sCD8, significantly correlated with ECLAM. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neopterin to correlate best with ECLAM (multiple correlation coefficient = 0.74, P < 0.001). The study shows that serum neopterin concentrations are a useful independent index for disease activity in SLE. The finding of enhanced concentrations of various parameters of immune activation in patients confirm a role of the T cell and macrophage activation in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[The combined intensive therapy of rheumatoid arthritis with systemic manifestations].

The efficacy of pulse therapy in combination with hemosorption or plasmapheresis, pulse therapy without extracorporeal treatment and methotrexate has been compared for 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with extra-articular manifestations. All kinds of intensive treatment were effective. Extracorporeal methods and pulse therapy relieved extra-articular symptoms. Isolated pulse therapy alleviated articular syndrome. The best results were obtained in double filtration of plasma in combination with pulse therapy. Such approach ensured improvement both articular and extra-articular inflammation. Combined intensive therapy proved an effective modality in RA able to produce responses in severe disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[The use of interferon in treating systemic lupus erythematosus].

We examined 55 SLE patients. By the treatment the patients entered 5 groups: groups I and II received gammaferon plus reaferon, groups III and IV received IFN plus cyclophosphamide and control group V received placvenil. Compared to controls, the best results were obtained in patients on gammaferon combined with cyclophosphamide. IFN preparations alone showed less pronounced effects. No changes were registered in the control group. We believe that IFN preparations demonstrated efficacy against SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Diclonate P in rheumatoid arthritis].

Diclonate P (sodium diclofenac, Pliva, Zagreb) was used in the treatment of 74 patients with rheumatoid arthritis as the basic antirheumatic drug. Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity and good tolerance of three dosage forms (tablets, suppositories, ampoules) of diclonate P were established on a statistically significant basis. In some parameters the drug compares very favourably with its chemical analogs.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1993

Interferon system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and sclerodermia systematica.

In the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and/or sclerodermia systematica usually acid-labile interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) was found. Blood leukocytes cannot be considered the source of its production as they spontaneously produce IFN-gamma identified with specific antiserum. Blood leukocytes of tested patients generated in vitro a reduced amount of staphylococcus enterotoxin A-induced IFN-gamma and virus-induced acid-labile IFN-alpha. This findings support the assumption of impaired functioning of T- and B-blood cells in autoimmune diseases. The production of Newcastle diseases virus-induced IFN-alpha and influenza virus-induced acid-stable IFN-alpha by patients' leukocytes has not been altered. Acid-labile IFN-alpha obtained from the blood of tested patients, IFN-gamma spontaneously generated by leukocytes in vitro and acid-labile IFN-alpha produced by leukocytes in vitro following induction with influenza virus show similar sensitivity to pH 2.0 and time patterns of the antiviral state development in human diploid fibroblast culture.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[The von Willebrand factor antigen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a method for its determination and the clinical significance].

The data are available on concentrations of Willebrand factor antigen (FVIII Ag) in 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 19 patients with livedo vasculitis (LV) and 56 donors. The measurements were made with solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. RA patients were found to display significantly higher concentrations of FVIII Ag (1.88 +/- 0.17 IU/ml) versus donors (1.06 +/- 0.05 IU/ml, p < 0.001) and LV patients (1.08 +/- 0.09 IU/ml, p < 0.001). No significant differences existed between FVIII Ag concentrations in LV patients and donors (p > 0.05). In 12 (28%) out of 43 RA patients FVIII Ag levels rose to 3 standard deviations from the mean in donors. Hyperproduction of FVIII Ag was associated with skin vasculitis symptoms in RA patients (p = 0.0004), more frequent occurrence of antinuclear factor (p = 0.02). Elevated concentrations of FVIII Ag did not relate to other extraarticular RA symptoms and general rheumatic inflammation, X-ray stage, RF titer, cryoglobulins, enhanced ESR, C-reactive protein.

Adult↗