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Biomedical subjects

S Perticarari

Publications and source records attributed to S Perticarari.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Flow cytometric detection of anti-gliadin antibodies.

A very sensitive solid-phase fluorescent immunoassay to detect anti-alpha-gliadin IgA class antibodies is described. The solid phase consisted of polystyrene carboxylated microspheres, of 5 microns diameter, coated with alpha-gliadin. Serum-specific antibodies bound to the alpha-gliadin were measured by flow cytometry using fluorescein-conjugated anti-human IgA. 41 samples were tested and the results compared with those obtained by a standard method: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A good correlation was found between the two techniques (r = 0.96). The sera of untreated coeliac children showed significantly higher antibody values than the sera of children on a gluten-free diet or healthy control groups. The flow cytometric method was more sensitive when the Kolgomorov/Smirnov test was used to analyse the histograms. This method provides an alternative screening test for coeliac disease and may also be used to confirm borderline results obtained in the ELISA test.

Celiac Disease↗
PubMed1989

Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content in cervical lesions.

Flow cytometry is used to screen gynaecologic specimens for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and its precancerous lesions, possibly associated with human papilloma virus (HPV), in order to investigate the role of aneuploidy as a biological marker in HPV and CIN lesions. A total of 299 cervical samples was collected by scraping and the cellular DNA content was measured using the propidium iodide staining procedure. Two groups of patients were studied; a group of 142 negative controls for cytology and groups of patients assigned to mild, moderate or severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ diagnosed by histologic classification according to the Papanicolaou staining technique. Pathological samples showing an alteration of the DNA index or perturbation of the cellular phase S compartment ranged from 6.4% to 41.9%. Our results confirm those obtained by other authors and suggest the hypothesis that aneuploidy is present with permanence of viral DNA in early stages of carcinogenesis, which can be used as a marker in the transition from benign to malignant cells. This work is of potential interest for the possible follow-up of patients having condyloma and could aid the early diagnosis of cervical carcinoma.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed1989

Rapid flow cytometric studies of Borrelia burgdorferi phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The interactions between a strain of Borrelia burgdorferi and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were studied by flow cytometry in the presence of specific or non-specific opsonizing factors. The capacity of the borrelias to stimulate leukocyte metabolism was also investigated. The results indicated that a low phagocytosis by isolated purified polymorphonuclear leukocytes did occur in the presence or absence of specific antibodies. Within whole blood the percentages of phagocytosting leukocytes increased in the presence of non-specific opsonizing factors. No stimulation of the oxidative metabolism stimulated by Borrelia was observed and PMA or zymosan stimulation of leukocytes was inhibited by the spirochaetes.

Borrelia↗
PubMed1983

An analysis of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in psoriasis using monoclonal antibodies.

We evaluated subpopulations of T-lymphocytes by using the monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT4 and OKT8 in two groups of psoriatic patients, with active and stable psoriasis respectively. Whereas data from the patients with stable psoriasis were similar to those obtained from the control group, the patients in an acute flare condition revealed a relative decrease in lymphocytes reactive with OKT8, and a slight increase in the proportion of lymphocytes reactive with OKT4. The results of this study are analysed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1978

Further studies on lymphocyte beta-glucuronidase abnormality in cystic fibrosis. Possible relations to carboxypeptidase B-like activity.

The presence in the serum of both cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and heterozygotes of a factor inhibiting the response of lymphocyte lysosome beta-glucuronidase activity to in vitro phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation is confirmed. Studying lymphocyte beta-glucuronidase activity on PHA stimulation represents a way to confirm CF diagnosis and to screen CF heterozygotes. For technical complexity, however, the method cannot be used for mass screening, but it can be useful for confirming the diagnosis in suspected cases. Relationships between serum factor inhibiting the effect of PHA on beta-glucuronidase, ciliary dyskinesia factor and carboxypeptidase B-like activity are discussed.

Carboxypeptidases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serum IgA and IgG antibodies to alpha-gliadin: comparison between two ELISA methods.

We have developed two ELISA methods, i.e., enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), for the semiquantitative detection of specific IgA and IgG antibodies directed against alpha-gliadin. The tests differ only for the enzyme substrate and, when optimized, could be used in large routine screening of celiac disease. Several serum samples from patients with celiac disease and gastrointestinal disorders as well as from control subjects were tested. Both methods gave good correlation with clinical data, were easily performed and had some specificity features, while FIA proved to be more sensitive.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selective C3 deficiency due to C3 nephritic factor in an apparently healthy girl.

Routine laboratory investigations performed on the serum of an 8-year-old girl examined because of a moderate degree of iron-deficiency anemia showed a markedly reduced C3 level. More detailed complement studies revealed a selective C3 deficiency, as indicated by the almost undetectable C3 concentration tested by both hemolytic and immunochemical assays and by the normal or slightly reduced levels of all the other complement components. The hemolytic activity of the serum was restored by the addition of partially purified C3 component. The isolated C3 deficiency could be attributed to the presence of a C3-cleaving activity in the serum of the propositus. This activity was identified as C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) since it was heat-stable, was absorbed by Cowan I strain of Staphylococcus aureus and was-eluted in the IgG fraction after DEAE-chromatography of the serum. The levels of H and I factors of the alternative pathway in the serum of the propositus and of C3 in the serum samples of her parents and two siblings were found to be within the normal range. The previous clinical history of the girl and the follow-up for a period of approximately 5 years showed that she was apparently healthy and did not reveal clinical and/or laboratory evidence of glomerulonephritis, lipodystrophy or repeated bacterial infections usually associated with the presence of C3NeF in the serum.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anti-alpha-gliadin antibodies are not predictive of celiac disease in juvenile chronic arthritis.

Some authors have recently reported an increased level of antigluten antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis, both in the adult and juvenile form. The real meaning of these antibodies is still unclear. We ascertained the levels of antigluten antibodies in a group of children with juvenile chronic arthritis to determine if these antibodies were linked with celiac disease and/or to increased intestinal permeability. In 18 of 53 patients (33.9%), the levels of antigluten antibodies (IgA or IgG) were higher than normal. No correlation was found between the increase in antigluten antibodies and the positive lactulose/mannitol test, used for determining increased intestinal permeability. In all eight patients undergoing intestinal biopsy due to abnormal levels of antigluten antibodies (IgA class), intestinal mucosa was normal. In conclusion, our study shows that in patients with juvenile chronic arthritis, immunological response to gluten is neither related to celiac disease nor to increased intestinal permeability.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with intra-articular triamcinolone hexacetonide: evaluation of clinical effectiveness correlated with circulating ANA and T gamma/delta + and B CD5+ lymphocyte populations of synovial fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to assess the effect of intra-articular treatment with triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to investigate whether treatment response correlates with the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the serum and/or B CD5+ and T gamma/delta + lymphocytes in the synovial fluid. METHODS: A total of 37 patients (81% females, 56% ANA+) with oligoarticular JIA involving knees were treated with intra-articular injections of TH after failing to respond to NSAIDs for two months. Eighteen patients were treated within 6 months of onset, 19 were treated more than 6 months after onset. RESULT: Mean duration of remission was 13.9 months. Twelve patients (7 ANA+) had stable remission after a single injection; 13 patients (3 ANA+) experienced more than 6 months' remission but subsequently had a relapse; 12 patients (11 ANA+) had a relapse within six months of injection. Of 20 patients treated within 6 months of onset, 17 had stable remission whereas only 8 out of 17 who were treated during relapse attained stable remission (p = 0.03). The mean percentage of T gamma/delta + and of B CD5+ lymphocytes in synovial fluid was the same as in peripheral blood of normal subjects. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that local treatment with slow-release steroids is very effective in oligoarticular JIA. Prolonged remission was less likely in the presence of ANA positivity, probably because the disease is immunologically more active. Finally, our data suggest that the earlier the treatment, the easier it is to obtain a protracted, and possibly permanent, response.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of interferon on immunoglobulin production in normal subjects and in patients with selective IgA deficiency. An "in vitro" study].

The ability of Interferon (IFN) alpha, beta and gamma to induce IgA production from IgA deficient patients lymphocytes was tested "in vitro". In affected patients IgG and IgM production was similar to the normal cases but no effect on IgA production was observed. In normal cases variable concentration of alpha- beta- and gamma-IFN resulted in different immunoglobulin production. In IgA selective deficiency a low number of SmIgA bearing cells and defective transformation in IgA-plasma cells was noted as possible primary defect.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anti-alpha-gliadin antibodies. Sensitivity, specificity and correlation with blood xylose test in the 3 diagnostic stages of celiac disease in children].

The specificity and sensibility of IgA and IgG alfagliadin antibody test (AaGA) for screening, diagnosis and follow-up of childhood coeliac disease has been evaluated. We have compared AaGA test to D-xylose blood test and at last we have examined the false positive and negative results given by the test. Two groups of subjects were considered: 1) 90 children with untreated coeliac disease (21 newly diagnosed (I stage), 50 in gluten withdrawal (II stage), 19 in challenge (III stage); 2) 255 disease controls including: 157 healthy controls; 31 children with gastroenterological disorders other than coeliac disease; 31 children with food allergy and atopic dermatitis; 36 children with "constitutional" short stature (without GH deficiency and with normal intestinal mucosa). The sensibility of AaGA test in the first stage of coeliac disease has been of 95.2% for the IgG class antibody and 90.4% for the IgA class; on the other hand the showed a specificity of 83.6% for IgG class antibody and 96.9% for IgA class. In only two newly diagnosed coeliac children we have found false negative results: in the first case the patient was IgA-deficient, in the second the age was above 3 years. AaGA IgA resulted positive only in the 12.9% of the group of gastroenterological and atopic controls; particularly most cases were affected by multiple food allergies and two patients by chronic autoimmune disease of small intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Study of IL-2, IL-6, TNF alpha, IFN gamma and beta in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis.

In the last few years the important role played by various cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases has emerged. In the present study, serum and synovial fluid levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF alpha, IFN beta and IFN gamma were evaluated in a group of 66 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). At the same time the ESR, CRP, hemoglobin, immunoglobulins, platelet count and Ritchie index were measured. In the serum of pauciarticular patients, IL-6 and TNF alpha levels were only slightly elevated compared with controls, but there was no correlation between these cytokines and clinical and other laboratory parameters. Serum IL-2 and IFN gamma were undetectable. In contrast, in the synovial fluid IL-6 levels were very high in all of the patients examined and there was a significant correlation between synovial fluid IL-6 levels and Ritchie's articular index. TNF alpha tended to be elevated but to a lesser extent, while synovial fluid IL-2 and IFN gamma were undetectable or very low, as in the serum. In polyarticular and systemic patients, on the other hand, serum IL-6 was elevated and statistically correlated with the majority of the laboratory parameters and with the Ritchie articular index. TNF alpha levels were only slightly elevated; on the other hand, IL-2 and IFN gamma were undetectable. There was an inverse correlation between IFN beta levels and the Ritchie articular index and a significant correlation with hemoglobin levels. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that not only IL-1 (as shown in other studies), but also IL-6 and to a lesser extent TNF alpha play a central role in the pathogenesis of JCA. IFN beta on the other hand, would seem to play an anti-inflammatory role.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Flow cytometric assay for the evaluation of phagocytosis and oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes in myelodysplastic disorders.

BACKGROUND: Myelodysplastic syndromes are clonal diseases characterized by pancytopenia of variable degree. Neutropenia is common and several morphologic and functional abnormalities of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) and/or monocytes have been described. On the basis of these observations, the phagocytic and oxygen intermediates production of PMNs and monocytes was determined in a group of forty-seven patients affected by myelodysplastic syndromes of varying severity. METHODS: A rapid, simple and reliable flow cytometric method was developed to evaluate, in a one-step procedure, the phagocytosis rate and the oxidative burst in PMNs and monocytes using a small amount of whole blood. RESULTS: Phagocytosis of PMNs and monocytes was not significantly reduced in refractory anemia (RA), while in refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) and in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) a clear decrease (p < 0.05) of this function was found in both PMNs and monocytes. The production of oxygen intermediates by PMNs and monocytes was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in RA as well as in RAEB and in CMML. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the presence in myelodysplastic syndromes of a severe reduction in phagocytosis and oxygen intermediates production (two crucial functions to protect the host against pyogenic agents) in both PMNs and monocytes. This observation could explain the severe morbidity and mortality from infections in patients affected by these hematological malignancies.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Antibodies against milk and soy proteins in specific intolerances and celiac disease].

It has been suggested that high serum level of food proteins antibodies (especially cow's milk protein antibodies) may have a specific meaning in the diagnosis of food allergy, especially presenting with gastrointestinal complaints. In our study we tested with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay test (ELISA) the antibody serum level to cow's milk and soy proteins in 123 children. The following patients were included in the study: 30 children with cow's milk enteropathy (CME), 27 children with soy proteins intolerance (SI), 19 coeliac children on gluten containing diet (CD), 9 coeliac children on gluten free diet (GFD) and 50 healthy sex and age matched control children. All coeliac patients had assumed cow's milk and soy proteins at the moment of the test or a few days before. Higher antibody serum level was found in coeliac disease to both cow's milk and soy proteins and in cases with cow's and soy allergy, than in control cases. The highest mean value of cow's milk and soy proteins antibodies have been found in the untreated coeliac children (CD), also higher than in the two groups of specific allergy. In treated coeliac children (GFD) with normalized jejunal mucosa cow's milk and soy proteins antibodies was normal. None of the 19 CD with high cow's milk and soy proteins antibodies level showed clinical intolerance to cow's milk and soy proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗