B cell lymphokines in human systemic lupus erythematosus
Article Abstract:
The immune system is the body's natural defense system and consists of cells and factors that inactivate foreign invading substances called antigens. In the presence of an antigen, the immune B lymphocyte transforms into a B cell, which produces antibodies, or specialized proteins that specifically bind to and inactivate the antigen. The production of antibodies by B cells may be enhanced by T helper cells, another type of immune cell. Antigens also cause lymphocytes to release lymphokines, protein substances that activate immune cells, including macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Some examples of lymphokines include interleukin 1, 2, and 3, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor. Under abnormal conditions, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues in what is called the autoimmune response. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a long-term inflammatory disease of connective tissue, is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Abnormal function of immune cells, such as the B lymphocyte, may contribute to the disease activity in SLE. The responsiveness of B lymphocytes to lymphokines was assessed in 25 patients with SLE and 16 normal subjects. B cells from SLE patients and normal subjects were not hyperreactive to interleukin 1, 2, and 4. Other lymphokines also caused similar responses in B cells from SLE patients and normal subjects. Most of the SLE patients in the study were in an inactive stage of the disease. The findings suggest that the B cells of patients with inactive lupus do not have abnormal responses to the lymphokines tested. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1989
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals progression of erosions despite clinical improvement
Article Abstract:
Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis may continue to have progressive joint damage despite a reduction in symptoms after treatment has begun. Researchers evaluated 42 patients with the autoimmune destructive joint disease using magnetic resonance imaging. Three-fourths of the patients had joint erosion one year after their initial assessment, while only 45% had erosive changes visible on the first diagnostic image. Joint destruction progressed even as erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C reactive protein levels, and joint swelling improved. Magnetic resonance imagining of the wrist joint may indicate which patients are likely to progress rapidly, and may benefit from aggressive treatment.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals a high prevalence of erosions at four months after symptom onset
Article Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reveal erosions and other pathologic changes in early rheumatoid arthritis before they are apparent by x-ray imaging. Researchers compared plain radiographs and MRI images of the dominant wrists of 42 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the past 2-6 months. Radiologists detected joint erosion in 45% of MRI images, but in only 15% of x-ray images. MRI also revealed synovitis, bone marrow edema, and tendonitis. MRI of the wrist may detect aggressive arthritis earlier, allowing earlier initiation of effective treatment.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1998
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