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Hereditary deficiency of the fifth component of complement in man. I. Clinical, immunochemical, and family studies.

The first recognized human kindred with hereditary deficiency of the fifth component of complement (C5) is described. The proband, a 20-year-old black female with systemic lupus erythematosus since age 11, lacked serum hemolytic complement activity, even during remission. C5 was undetectable in her serum by both immunodiffusion and hemolytic assays. Other complement components were normal during remission of lupus, but C1, C4, C2, and C3 levels fell during exacerbations. A younger half-sister, who had no underlying disease, was also found to lack immunochemically detectable C5. By hemolytic assay, she exhibited 1-2% of the normal serum C5 level and normal concentrations of other complement components. C5 levels of other family members were either normal or approximately half-normal, consistent with autosomal codominant inheritance of the gene determining C5 deficiency. Normal hemolytic titers were restored to both homozygous C5-deficient (C5D) sera by addition of highly purified human C5. In specific C5 titrations, however, it was noted that when limited amounts of C5 were assayed in the presence of low dilutions of either C5D serum, curving rather than linear dose-response plots were consistently obtained, suggesting some inhibitory effect. Further studies suggested that low dilutions of C5D serum contain a factor (or factors) interfering at some step in the hemolytic assay of C5, rather than a true C5 inhibitor or inactivator. Of clinical interest are (a) the documentation of membranous glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, and arthritis in an individual lacking C5 (and its biologic functions), and (b) a remarkable propensity to bacterial infections in the proband, even during periods of low-dose or alternate-day corticosteroid therapy. Other observations indicate that the C5D state is compatible with normal coagulation function and the capacity to mount a neutrophilic leukocytosis during pyogenic infection.

Adult↗

A postulated mechanism for heparin's potentiation of C1 inhibitor function.

Conflicting reports exist in the literature concerning the primary mechanism for heparin's inhibition of C1 hemolytic function. We provide evidence here that heparin's most effective inhibition is mediated through interaction with and potentiation of C1-INH. The molecular nature of the interaction between heparin and the C1-INH molecule is evidenced by an anodal shift in the electrophoretic mobility of C1-INH upon the addition of heparin.l We also demonstrate that C3 and C4 conversions in normal human serum by classical pathway activators such as heat-aggregated IgG are inhibited by addition of heparin, yet heparin does not prevent similar C3 conversion in serum depleted of C1-INH Heparin's inhibitory action is restored to C1-INH-depleted serum by the addition of purified C1-INH.

Complement Activation↗

Studies on the role of the plasma protease inhibitors on in vitro C3 activation and in acute pancreatitis.

Plasma samples from 32 patients with severe acute pancreatitis contained cleavage products of C3, and the C3 levels were significantly lower than those of control subjects. Peritoneal exudate from all patients showed complete degradation of C3 on crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Alpha 1-Antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin showed no signs of complex formation in plasma. However, in the peritoneal exudate, 5%-25% of the alpha 1-antitrypsin and 45%-100% of the alpha 2-macroglobulin were in complex. Trypsin-alpha 1-antitrypsin complexes were demonstrated in all peritoneal exudates. All patients showed significantly decreased levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin in their plasma. Alpha 1-Antitrypsin levels varied greatly, but the mean value was not significantly increased compared with those of normal controls. Orosomucoid, another acute-phase reactant, was present in increased concentration in the plasma of all patients. The addition of increasing amounts of human trypsin to serum in vitro resulted in the appearance of cleavage products of C3 upon saturation of alpha 2-macroglobulin, when the alpha 1-antitrypsin was found to be only about 40% saturated. Taken together, these data are evidence of complement catabolism in acute pancreatitis and suggest that this process takes place mainly in the abdominal cavity as a result of a protease-antiprotease imbalance. Alpha 2-Macroglobulin, but not alpha 1-antitrypsin, can protect against C3 degradation caused by trypsin in vitro.

Acute Disease↗

Alterations in C3 activation and binding caused by phosphorylation by a casein kinase released from activated human platelets.

A casein kinase released from activated human platelets phosphorylates a number of plasma proteins extracellularly, and that activation of platelets in systemic lupus erythematosus patients parallels an increase in the phosphate content of plasma proteins, including C3. The present study was undertaken to characterize this platelet protein kinase and to further elucidate the effect(s) on C3 function of phosphorylation by platelet casein kinase. The phosphate content of human plasma C3 was increased from 0.15 to 0.60 mol phosphate/mol of C3 after platelet activation in whole blood or platelet-rich plasma. The platelet casein kinase was distinct from other casein kinases in terms of its dependence on cations, inhibition by specific protein kinase inhibitors, and immunological reactivity. C3 that had been phosphorylated with platelet casein kinase was tested for its susceptibility to cleavage by trypsin or the classical and alternative pathway convertases and its binding to EAC and IgG. Phosphorylation did not affect the cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b, but the binding of fragments from phosphorylated C3 to EAC14oxy2 cells and to IgG in purified systems and in serum was increased by 1.6-4.5 times over that of unphosphorylated C3. A covariation was seen between the enhanced binding of C3 fragments to IgG after phosphorylation and an increased ratio of glycerol/glycine binding, from 2.0 for unphosphorylated C3 to 4.9 for phosphorylated C3. The present study suggests that an overall effect of phosphorylation of C3 by platelet casein kinase is to enhance the opsonization of immune complexes.

Animals↗

Defective leukotaxis in patients with lepromatous leprosy.

Serums from patients with lepromatous leprosy show a high incidence of a chemotactic inhibitor. This inhibitor acts directly on leukotactic factors (bacterial chemotactic factor, C3 fragment, and C5 fragment) to render the factors irreversibly inactive. Functionally, the inhibitor acts as a chemotactic factor inactivator. While normal serum shows no inhibitory activity under the conditions employed, inhibitory activity causing more than 30 per cent reduction of the bacterial chemotactic factor was found in the serums from 14 of 19 patients with lepromatous leprosy. Although exceptions were noted, a correlation was found between the presence of the inhibitor and depressed skin reactivity to a series of antigens (Lepromin, Trichophytin, Candida, PPD, and mumps antigen) used for elicitation of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. The presence in leprosy serums of this inhibitor may be responsible, at least in part, for some of the defects of cellular inflammatory responses in patients with lepromatous leprosy.

Chemotaxis↗

[Effect of Expafusion (HES 40/0.5) on the corpuscular elements of blood and inhibitors of blood coagulation].

The present study reports on an investigation of 32 normal subjects who were given intravenously 500 ml of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) over 30 min. In 16 normal subjects, 500 ml of blood had been previously withdrawn over 20 min. Tolerance proved to be good. Side effects such as hyperergic reactions, influence on circulatory or cardiac function were not observed. Changes in corpuscular elements of blood did not exceed the dilution effect and mostly returned to the initial value 60 min after termination of HES infusion. The change in thrombocyte function, immunoglobulins and the inhibitors alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, as well as C1-inactivator and C3-activator only slightly, but not more pronounced than it could have been expected by the dilution effect. A favorable effect could be recorded in erythrocyte filtration according to Schmidt-Schoenbein. Here, we found an improved flow property which exceeded the hemodilution effect and lasted over the 4-hour test period. In addition, thrombocyte aggregation during ADP administration in the Born chamber did not show any change which suggests that a clinically relevant effect on thrombocyte function and thus the danger of hemorrhage during HES administration can be excluded.

Adolescent↗

Natural release of covalently bound C3b from cell surfaces and the study of this phenomenon in the fluid-phase system.

Covalently bound C3b is released from cell surfaces (EAC1423 and zymosan-C3b) on incubation under physiologic conditions. The release of C3b from cell surfaces occurs by the cleavage of the covalent bond. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) abolishes the release, thereby indicating the requirement of the native structure of C3b in this process. The phenomenon of release of C3b from cell surfaces has also been observed in the fluid-phase system by using C3b-[3H]glycerol. The kinetics of the release of [3H]glycerol from C3b-[3H]glycerol were studied at 37 degrees C in 0.15 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. The first-order rate constant was found to be 0.028 +/- 0.003 hr-1. The release does not take place in either 8 M urea or 6 M guanidine hydrochloride, at pH 7.4. Under alkaline conditions, the rate of release is unaffected in the presence of SDS, indicating that the release in this pH range is not dependent on the native structure of the protein. From the Arrhenius plot in the temperature range 18 to 37 degrees C, an apparent activation energy for the hydrolysis reaction of 21.2 kcal/mol was calculated. The release phenomenon is exclusive for ester-linked complexes, as inferred by the absence of release of [3H]threonine from C3b-[3H]threonine, wherein the linkage is of the amide type. The presence or absence of the C3a portion of the molecule has no effect on the rate of release. The modification of the -SH group of C3i-/C3b-[3H]glycerol alters the rate of hydrolysis of the ester bond between C3i/C3b and [3H]glycerol. Protease inhibitors (PMSF, benzamidine HCl, and DFP) do not alter the rate of release, indicating that the hydrolysis reaction is not due to trace amounts of contaminating proteases. Thus, it appears that some chemical group(s) of C3i/C3b is (are) involved in the intramolecular hydrolysis of the ester bond between C3i/C3b and small molecules. This phenomenon may play an important role in the release of C3b from receptive surfaces once the biologic functions that require covalently bound C3b have been mediated.

Alkylation↗

CD20 levels determine the in vitro susceptibility to rituximab and complement of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: further regulation by CD55 and CD59.

Complement-dependent cytotoxicity is thought to be an important mechanism of action of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. This study investigates the sensitivity of freshly isolated cells obtained from 33 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), 5 patients with prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), and 6 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) to be lysed by rituximab and complement in vitro. The results showed that in B-CLL and PLL, the levels of CD20, measured by standard immunofluorescence or using calibrated beads, correlated linearly with the lytic response (coefficient greater than or equal to 0.9; P <.0001). Furthermore, the correlation remained highly significant when the 6 patients with MCL were included in the analysis (coefficient 0.91; P <.0001), which suggests that CD20 levels primarily determine lysis regardless of diagnostic group. The role of the complement inhibitors CD46, CD55, and CD59 was also investigated. All B-CLL and PLL cells expressed these molecules, but at different levels. CD46 was relatively weak on all samples (mean fluorescence intensity less than 100), whereas CD55 and CD59 showed variability of expression (mean fluorescence intensity 20-1200 and 20-250, respectively). Although CD55 and CD59 levels did not permit prediction of complement susceptibility, the functional block of these inhibitors demonstrated that they play an important role in regulating complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Thus, lysis of poorly responding B-CLL samples was increased 5- to 6-fold after blocking both CD55 and CD59, whereas that of high responders was essentially complete in the presence of a single blocking antibody. These data demonstrate that CD20, CD55, and CD59 are important factors determining the in vitro response to rituximab and complement and indicate potential strategies to improve the clinical response to this biologic therapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Chronic low level complement activation within the eye is controlled by intraocular complement regulatory proteins.

PURPOSE: To explore the role of the complement system and complement regulatory proteins in an immune-privileged organ, the eye. METHODS: Eyes of normal Lewis rats were analyzed for the expression of complement regulatory proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP), decay-acceleration factor (DAF), membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis (MIRL, CD59), and cell surface regulator of complement (Crry), using immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Zymosan, a known activator of the alternative pathway of complement system was injected into the anterior chamber of the eye of Lewis rats. Animals were also injected intracamerally with 5 microl (25 microg) of neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) against rat Crry (5I2) or CD59 (6D1) in an attempt to develop antibody induced anterior uveitis; control animals received 5 microl of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), OX-18 (25 microg), G-16-510E3 (25 microg), or MOPC-21 (25 microg). The role of complement system in antibody-induced uveitis was explored by intraperitoneal injection of 35 U cobra venom factor (CVF), 24 hours before antibody injection. Immunohistochemical staining and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with Western blot analysis were used to detect the presence of membrane attack complex (MAC) and C3 activation products, respectively, in normal and antibody-injected rat eyes. RESULTS: Complement activation product MAC was present in the normal rat eye, and intraocular injection of zymosan induced severe anterior uveitis. The complement regulatory proteins, MCP, DAF, CD59, and Crry, were identified in the normal rat eye. Soluble forms of Crry and CD59 were also detected in normal rat aqueous humor. Severe anterior uveitis developed in Lewis rats injected with a neutralizing mAb against Crry, with increased formation of C3 split products. Systemic complement depletion by CVF prevented the induction of anterior uveitis by anti-Crry mAb. Intracameral injection of anti-rat CD59 (6D1), anti-rat MHC class I antigen (OX-18), anti-rat Ig (G-16-510E3), or MOPC-21 caused no inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the complement system is continuously active at a low level in the normal eye and is tightly regulated by intraocular complement regulatory proteins.

Animals↗

Inhibition profiles of picumast and ketotifen on the in vitro release of prostanoids, slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, histamine and enzyme from human leukocytes and rat alveolar macrophages.

The inhibitory potency of the antiallergic compounds picumast (PIC; Boehringer Mannheim) and ketotifen (K; Sandoz) on the release of 3 preformed and 3 newly generated inflammatory mediators was estimated as an indicator for their antiallergic activity. Peripheral human leukocytes (HL) or rat alveolar macrophages (RAM) were stimulated by opsonized zymosan (C3-Z) and/or anti-IgE antibody, following preincubation times with PIC and K. SRS-A was measured with the help of a guinea pig ileum bioassay, PGE2 and TxB2 by RIA (NEN), histamine (H) by an automated fluorimetric procedure, tryptic proteinase (P) by a colorimetric test employing Tos-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA (Chromozym TH; Boehringer Mannheim) as chromogenic substrate and beta-glucuronidase (beta-G) by a colorimetric test (Sigma). PIC (IC30: 2 X 10(-5) mol/l) was 100 times more potent than K as inhibitor of the anti-IgE-induced release of H and P and also 5 times more potent as inhibitor of SRS-A-formation/release in/from HL. In contrast, on RAM, K (IC30: 7 X 10(-6) mol/l) had a 3 times greater potency as inhibitor of the C3-Z-induced SRS-A formation and suppressed PGE2 release (4 X 10(-5)-2 X 10(-4) mol/l), whereas PIC (2 X 10(-5) mol/l) potentiated PGE2 release remarkably. TxB2 release from RAM was inhibited nearly equipotently by PIC and K. beta-G release was strongly potentiated by K (greater than or equal to 8 X 10(-6) mol/l), but weakly inhibited by PIC (2 X 10(-5) mol/l). PIC (greater than or equal to 4 X 10(-5) mol/l) also increased the beta-G release and in the same manner the anti-IgE- or C3-Z-induced release of other 'preformed' mediators like H and P from HL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Hereditary angioedema with a de novo mutation of exon 8 in the C1 inhibitor gene showing recurrent edema of the hands around the peripheral joints: importance for the differential diagnosis of joint swelling.

We describe a patient with hereditary angioedema (HAE), showing recurrent edema around the peripheral joints. Her symptoms began at the age of 18 with hand swelling distal to the wrist joints. Until she was referred to our hospital 3 years after her initial symptoms, she was still undiagnosed, although she was suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory examination showed reduced levels of CH50 and C4 with normal C3 levels. The C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) was decreased to 5 mg/ml, with remarkably reduced activity. Although these findings were compatible with a diagnosis of HAE, there were no episodes of skin edema in her family. To establish the diagnosis, we carried out DNA analysis of the C1-INH gene, which revealed a newly identified de novo mutation of G to A at nucleotide 16869 in exon 8. As described in this patient, localized edema around the peripheral joints may be the only manifestation of HAE. HAE should therefore be taken into consideration for the differential diagnosis of joint swelling.

Adolescent↗

Defective opsonization in multiple myeloma.

The mechanisms responsible for the unusual susceptibility of multiple myeloma (MM) patients to infections are incompletely defined. Since MM is associated with decreased production of normal serum proteins, we investigated the possibility that the production of opsonins might also be impaired. The neutrophil chemiluminescence assay of opsonization was used to evaluate the ability of serum from patients with MM to opsonize zymosan. It was found that sera from 18 MM patients exerted only 50% +/- 2.5% (mean +/- SEM) of the opsonic activity found in 18 control sera (p less than 0.001). In mixture experiments, untreated normal serum completely restored the opsonic activity of MM serum, suggesting a deficiency of opsonic factors rather than an inhibitor. In other mixture experiments, heat-inactivated normal serum only partially corrected the opsonic defect in MM serum. Serum from three patients had low C3 levels, and treatment of particles with these resulted in a greater opsonic defect than the patient population as a whole (p less than 0.02). No correlation between the opsonic defect and infections was established over an 18-mo period. These data suggest that MM serum lacks both heat-stable and heat-labile opsonic activity, the direct clinical significance of which remains to be clarified. However, these studies support the concept that defective host resistance in MM may be multifactoral, combining opsonic abnormalities with other defects previously described.

Complement C3↗

C3a-induced contraction of guinea pig lung parenchyma: role of cyclooxygenase metabolites.

The complement anaphylatoxin C3a from human or porcine serum contracts isolated peripheral airways from guinea pig in a manner which is independent of histamine release. In order to evaluate the role of arachidonic acid metabolites in the C3a response, dose-response curves for C3a-induced contractions of guinea pig lung strips were compared in the presence and absence of several inhibitors which block metabolism of arachidonic acid at relatively specific steps in the pathways. The inhibitor of leukotriene activity, FPL 55712, and the lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguiaretic acid (NDGA), had no significant effect on the tissue response to C3a alone or in combination with antihistamine. The cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin and aspirin, however, both resulted in significant inhibition, causing a shift in the C3a dose-response curve to higher concentrations. When the antihistamine, pyrilamine, was included with either indomethacin or aspirin, the C3a response was inhibited further, although pyrilamine alone had no effect. Thus, C3a-induced contractions of isolated lung parenchyma are mediated primarily by cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid. This result is in contrast to the finding that C5a anaphylatoxin mediates lung tissue contraction by release of lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid.

Animals↗

Tissue distribution of the rat analogue of decay-accelerating factor.

In humans, decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a widely distributed, cell-bound inhibitor of the complement activation enzymes and plays a key role in regulating complement activation, preventing the generation of anaphylotoxins and opsonins, and protecting against complement-mediated lysis. Rodent analogues of DAF have recently been identified, providing a new avenue for the analysis of function. Rat DAF was cloned in our laboratory. Here we describe the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against rat DAF, using transfected cells as immunogen, and their use in the analysis of the distribution of DAF in the rat by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. One of the mAbs was found to block the complement inhibitory function of rat DAF, offering the prospect of neutralization of DAF function in vivo. The antibodies have also been used for purification of DAF from rat erythrocytes by affinity chromatography. Rat DAF purified in this manner was similar in molecular mass to human DAF. The purified protein incorporated into lipid membranes, confirming the presence of a glycolipid anchor, and incorporated protein strongly inhibited the rat C3 convertase. Rat DAF was strongly expressed on endothelia throughout the animal and was also present in most tissues and organs. DAF expression was weak or absent in the brain and on circulating and spleen-resident T cells. Strong DAF expression observed in the kidney was restricted to the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. DAF expression in the testis was found only in association with the later stages of spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Phorbol esters increase synthesis of decay-accelerating factor, a phosphatidylinositol-anchored surface protein, in human endothelial cells.

A number of cell-surface proteins are anchored by a phosphatidylinositol (PI)-glycan moiety. These proteins can be released by PI-specific phospholipases C (PI-PLC). Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is such a cell-surface protein that protects cells from inadvertent complement attack by binding to and inactivating C3 and C5 convertases. We have studied the regulation of DAF synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), a cell that has the highest level of surface DAF among those human cells that have been studied. HUVEC DAF was measured by immunoradiometric assay of detergent extracts and of cell supernatants after treatment of cells with a bacterial (Bacillus thuringiensis) PI-PLC. Eighty percent of the HUVEC DAF (4 to 8 x 10(5) molecules/cell) was released by exogenously added PI-PLC, indicating that it is predominantly PI-anchored. The level of PI-PLC-sensitive HUVEC DAF was increased three- to fourfold by overnight treatment of cultures with the protein kinase C activators, PMA (1 to 10 nM), phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (10 to 100 nM), and teleocidin A (1 to 10 nM) under conditions where cell number, protein, and lactate dehydrogenase remain unchanged. This DAF synthesis was blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor K-252a in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 0.06 microM). The biologically inactive phorbols, 4-alpha-phorbol-12 myristate-13-acetate (1 microM) and 4-alpha-phorbol-12, 13-didecanoate (1 microM) did not increase DAF levels. The newly expressed DAF in PMA-stimulated cells was still largely PI-anchored. In contrast, another PI-anchored protein, alkaline phosphatase, was not altered by PMA treatment, demonstrating that the PMA effect is not uniform among all surface proteins. The increased expression of DAF only was evident 8 h after PMA addition and was blocked by the RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors, actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating that both transcription and translation are required for DAF synthesis induced by phorbol esters. It is concluded that protein kinase C activators cause selective induction of endothelial cell DAF and that DAF synthesis involves protein kinase C activation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Lipaemia, inflammation and atherosclerosis: novel opportunities in the understanding and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of death in the world. Fasting and postprandial hyperlipidaemia are important risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent developments have undoubtedly indicated that inflammation is pathophysiologically closely linked to atherogenesis and its clinical consequences. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), leucocyte count and complement component 3 (C3) have been linked to CHD and to hyperlipidaemia and several other CHD risk factors. Increases in these markers may result from activation of endothelial cells (CRP, leucocytes, C3), disturbances in adipose tissue fatty acid metabolism (CRP, C3), or from direct effects of CHD risk factors (leucocytes). It has been shown that lipoproteins, triglycerides, fatty acids and glucose can activate endothelial cells, most probably as a result of the production of reactive oxygen species. Similar mechanisms may also lead to leucocyte activation. Increases in triglycerides, fatty acids and glucose are common disturbances in the metabolic syndrome and are most prominent in the postprandial phase. People are in a postprandial state most of the day, and this phase is proatherogenic. Inhibition of the activation of leucocytes, endothelial cells, or both, is an interesting target for intervention, as activation is obligatory for adherence of leucocytes to the endothelium, thereby initiating atherogenesis. Potential interventions include the use of unsaturated long-chain fatty acids, polyphenols, antioxidants, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and high-dose aspirin, which have direct anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator activating receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists and statins have similar properties, which are in part independent of their lipid-lowering effects.

Animals↗

Further immunological studies of sera containing anti-mitochondrial antibodies, type M 5.

All of 15 sera containing anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), type M 5, reacted in ELISA with ssDNA, whereas only four had anti-nuclear antibodies as demonstrated by immunofluorescence technique. Twelve of 15 had biological false-positive seroreaction for syphilis and seven of 11 cases investigated had a positive lupus anti-coagulant test. Cold agglutinins were present in 11 sera. Hyper-gamma-globulinaemia was not a prominent finding, but C4 values below the lower limit were common in spite of C3 within the normal range. Absorption of IgG fractions from three different sera with cardiolipin eliminated the reaction with ssDNA and mitochondria, supporting a certain degree of cross-reactivity among the antibodies. The presence of AMA, type M 5, seemed to discriminate a group of patients with symptoms often consistent with SLE although some of the most prominent findings were often absent.

Adult↗

[Effect of protease inhibitor on primary glomerulonephritis and the mechanism of the effect].

Effect of serine protease inhibitor Camostat Mesilate (Foipan) on primary glomerulonephritis and it's mechanism were evaluated. Forty-two patients having primary glomerulonephritis (13 cases of IgA nephropathy, 11 cases of membranous nephropathy and others), aged 18 to 81 years were selected for this study. At the start of our study, twenty-one patients had received other drugs (13 cases of dipyridamole and 13 cases of prednisolone). A control period of four weeks was established to confirm that the levels of proteinuria and renal functions were stable. Patients were orally administered with 600 mg of Camostat Mesilate per day for four weeks. Effect of Camostat Mesilate was judged by urinary protein excretion, hematuria, serum total protein, albumin, Ccr, creatinine and BUN. In order to reveal the mechanism of the effect laboratory data such as granulocyte elastase, CH50, C3, C4, fibrinogen, platelate factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin F1 alpha were evaluated before and after the treatment. Parameters were analyzed by using paired t-test. Mean (+/- SEM) urinary protein excretion reduced from 4.31 +/- 0.91 to 2.80 +/- 0.43 g/day (p less than 0.05), and score of hematuria decreased from 1.8 +/- 0.16 to 1.5 +/- 0.15. A significant decrease in urinary protein excretion was seen in membranous nephropathy and a significant decrease in hematuria was seen in IgA nephropathy. In combination therapy (dipyridamole, prednisolone) urinary protein excretion markedly decreased (p less than 0.05) and in Camostat Mesilate therapy score of hematuria markedly decreased (p less than 0.05). Camostat Mesilate had no effects on renal function assessed by Ccr, creatinine and BUN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗