Analysis of antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens in sera of patients with Sjogren's syndrome and with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis, a disease characterized by enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen, and increased numbers of abnormal mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a single nucleus). The virus infects the immune B cells and multiplies in the salivary glands and surface tissues of the nasal and throat passages. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the host's body, that is, exists without being infective. EBV can stimulate the production of autoantibodies, which are abnormal immune proteins directed against the body's own tissues and cells. Various lines of evidence suggest that EBV may be involved in the development of two autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by the production of antibodies directed against the cell nucleus. Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by the accumulation of lymphocytes (immune cells), destruction of secretory cells in the salivary gland, and abnormal immune function. The role of EBV infection in rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome was assessed by measuring the levels of antibodies directed against specific EBV antigens, or elements of the virus that trigger an immune response. These viral antigens were components of the EBV nucleus and included Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens (EBNA)-1,-2,-3,-4, and -6. The type of antibody measured was immunoglobulin G (IgG). Increased levels of IgG antibodies to EBNAs were detected in patients with Sjogren's syndrome, but not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The relation between EBV infection and Sjogren's syndrome requires further investigation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Causes of, Autoimmune diseases, Sjogren's syndrome, Antibodies

---

Detection of anti-epstein-barr virus trans-activator (ZEBRA) antibodies in sera from patients with human immunodeficiency virus

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS, and individuals who are HIV-positive have been found to have antibodies against HIV, an indication of infection. Patients with AIDS are characterized, in part, by the deterioration in the functioning of the immune system, which decreases their ability to fight disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a cause of mononucleosis in humans, is a common example of a virus that may be dormant in healthy individuals, but likely to become more active in patients with AIDS. Epstein-Barr virus in its active state is said to be reactivated. Blood from 158 HIV-positive individuals (including 49 AIDS patients) and 50 healthy blood donors (controls) was tested for the presence of anti-ZEBRA antibodies. ZEBRA is known to switch EBV from the latent to the active state. The presence of anti-ZEBRA antibodies in the blood of HIV-positive individuals, and hence increased levels of ZEBRA, supports the theory that EBV is reactivated in this population. The blood of healthy controls was absent of ZEBRA. This finding may be of importance in determining the projected course of illness of patients with AIDS who also carry the Epstein-Barr virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, HIV infection, HIV infections, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

---

Induction of the p16(super.INK4a) senescence gene as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis might be improved by using induction of the p16(super.INK4a) senescence gene in some cases. The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid synovial cells has been studied. Such expression might be a way to suppress synovial cell proliferation.

Japan, Aging, Care and treatment, Statistical Data Included, Genetic aspects, Synovial membranes, Synovial membrane, Fibroblasts

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Spondylodiscitis and pseudarthrosis in a patient with enteropathic spondyloarthropathy
• Abstracts: Cervical os obliteration after laser surgery in patients with amenorrhea. Treatment of pulmonary endometriosis with a long-acting GnRH agonist
• Abstracts: Analysis and interpretation of treatment effects in subgroups of patients in randomized clinical trials. Overview of randomized trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.