Biomedical subjects

Ratanavadee Nanagara

Publications and source records attributed to Ratanavadee Nanagara.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Bucillamine induces the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor dose-dependently in systemic sclerosis fibroblasts via nuclear factor-kappaB and simian virus 40 promoter factor 1 pathways.

The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by activation of the immune system, impaired angiogenesis, and activated dermal fibroblasts. The effects of the immunosuppressive agent bucillamine (SA 96) on fibroblasts and angiogenic factors have not been examined. SA 96, and particularly its metabolite SA 981, increased the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein dose-dependently in dermal fibroblasts from patients with SSc and healthy control subjects without influencing cell viability. SSc fibroblast cultures showed consistently a higher inducibility of VEGF than cultures from healthy control subjects. Preincubation with the SP-1 inhibitor mithramycin as well as blockade of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate treatment and IkappaB transfection reduced significantly the transcription of VEGF, indicating that both transcription factors contribute to the activation of VEGF by SA 981. Specific binding of NF-kappaB protein to its binding site after treatment with SA 981 was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In contrast, SA 981 did not influence the stability of VEGF mRNA as analyzed with actinomycin D assays. The study provides evidence for a role of NF-kappaB in the transcriptional regulation of the VEGF gene. SA 96 might have positive aspects on the impaired angiogenesis in patients with SSc.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2004

Acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome: report of a case and review of the literature.

The authors reported a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an unusual presentation. The patient presented with acute febrile illness along with progressive pancytopenia related to increasing hemophagocytic activity of histiocytes in the bone marrow. Concomitant polyarthritis, myositis, nephritis, high titer of antinuclear factor (1:2,560) and positive test for anti-DNA antibody made him fit the diagnostic criteria of SLE. No definite evidence of associated infections was confirmed by bacteriologic, serologic and viral studies. He did not respond to empiric antibiotic therapy but dramatically responded to corticosteroid treatment. Therefore, diagnosis of acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome was made. The clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, and management of the patient are discussed and the literature was reviewed and presented.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2003

Tuberculous pyomyositis.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common infection both in immunocompromised and normal hosts. Its clinical manifestation can by divided as pulmonary and extrapulmonary form. Pyomyositis caused by M. tuberculosis is extremely rare. The authors report 2 patients, one with underlying dermatomyositis, and the other with polymyositis. The diagnosis was delayed according to nonspecific symptoms and masking effect of steroid therapy, which led to complications. Microscopy and culture of the pus confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical drainage was done and antituberculous therapy was given. The patient with dermatomyositis was complicated by drug induced hepatitis and died but the other was cured. Tuberculous pyomyositis should be considered in patients who are immunocompromised hosts.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Quinolones and Salmonella septic arthritis.

Salmonella septic arthritis is an infrequent infectious disease but can cause progressive joint destruction resulting in disability. The authors retrospectively reviewed cases with culture proved Salmonella septic arthritis in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen from 1994 to 2000. There were 23 episodes in 16 cases; all had underlying diseases and a history of steroid abuse or steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the most commonly found underlying disease (56%). Salmonella group D and group B were isolated in 13 and 3 cases. Most first episodes had acute onset of monoarthritis. The antibiotics used as initial treatment of the first episodes were beta lactam, cotrimoxazole or quinolones. There were 8 cases with disabled sequelae and 7 cases with relapse. For 13 evaluable first episodes, relapse occurred in 3 cases in the cephalosporin/penicillin and 4 cases in the cotrimoxazole treated group but none in the quinolones. Six relapse cases were treated successfully with quinolones as well as one with cotrimoxazole. Although 5 relapse cases treated with quinolones had previous progressive joint destruction or avascular necrosis, there was no further joint damage after re-treatment with quinolones. In conclusion, quinolones were more effective than beta-lactams and cotrimoxazole for the treatment of Salmonella septic arthritis to prevent relapse and progressive joint destruction.

4-Quinolones↗

PubMed2002

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a self-limiting condition characterized by fever, neutropenia and lymphadenopathy. It is rarely associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The authors reported a case of Kikuchi's necrotizing lymphadenitis who presented with fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, moderate leukopenia, polyarthritis, vasculitis-like lesions and oral ulcers compatible with SLE but serologic tests for autoimmune disease were all negative. The clinical symptoms resolved spontaneously within 3 months without any treatment. Because there is an association between KFD and SLE, great care should be taken with a patient who presents with either KFD or SLE.

Adult↗