Autoantibody and idiotype profile of lung involvement in autoimmune rheumatic disease

Article Abstract:

Autoimmunity occurs when antibodies, known as autoantibodies, are made against bodily tissues that should not be recognized as foreign. Autoantibodies that are specific to certain types of cells have been found to be associated with particular symptoms of autoimmune disease, such as lung involvement. A study was undertaken to examine the association of autoantibodies and idiotypes, which are antibodies made against the binding sites of other antibodies, with fibrosing alveolitis, an allergic reaction in the lungs that leads to obstruction of the lungs due to the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. The types and amounts of autoantibodies were examined in patients who had the autoimmune rheumatic diseases systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma, with or without fibrosing alveolitis. An increase in one particular antibody type was not seen in patients with fibrosing alveolitis who had either SLE or scleroderma. In patients with SLE, the concentrations of autoantibodies to DNA, deoxyribose nucleic acid, were greater in patients with lung involvement than patients without lung involvement. However, in patients with scleroderma, there were greater concentrations of autoantibodies against DNA and rheumatoid factors in patients without lung involvement than in patients with lung involvement. This difference seen in fibrosing alveolitis in the two diseases may indicate different modes of disease formation in the lungs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Autoantibodies, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Pulmonary fibrosis, Immunoglobulin idiotypes

---

Increase in activated T cells and reduction in suppressor inducer T cells in systemic sclerosis

Article Abstract:

Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease in which there is hardening of the skin and swelling of the extremities. An infiltration of white blood cells called T lymphocytes is present in the sclerotic lesions suggesting that cell-mediated immunity is involved. The characteristics of the T cell populations were examined in 37 patients with systemic sclerosis. Compared with 30 healthy controls, patients had increased numbers of T cells, but had approximately half the number of suppressor inducer T cells (involved in the suppression of an immune response) and an increased number of helper T cells (necessary to mount an immune response). The decline in the suppressor T cells was greater in the later stages of disease. The protein HLA-DR, which is present on cells that are activated, was expressed in higher amounts on both helper and suppressor cells. Activated T cells were found in all stages of the sclerotic lesions. The high proportion of activated T cells was not associated with the severity of the disease based on the degree of skin or lung involvement, but was associated with impairment of the function of the small intestine in systemic sclerosis. The results support the theory that T cell mediated immunity is involved in perpetuating systemic sclerosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Systemic scleroderma, T cells, Sclerosis, HLA class II antigens, Suppressor cells

---

Results from a nationwide postmarketing cohort study of patients in Sweden treated with etanercept

Article Abstract:

The results of postmarketing surveys of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with etanercept between 1999 and 2003 in Sweden are examined.

Sweden, Care and treatment, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dosage and administration, Etanercept

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Measures of sexual behavior and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical management of leiomyomata during pregnancy
• Abstracts: Withholding and withdrawal of life support from the critically ill. Ordering and administration of sedatives and analgesics during the withholding and withdrawal of life support from critically ill patients
• Abstracts: Occupational and environmental medicine: meeting the growing need for clinical services. Occupational medicine
• Abstracts: Immunogenetic heterogeneity of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and the antiperinuclear factor. Azathioprine induced fever, chills, rash, and hepatotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis
• Abstracts: Hypercalcaemia in rheumatoid arthritis revisited. Serum interleukin 6 levels in rheumatoid arthritis: correlations with clinical and laboratory indices of disease activity

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