Tryptophan-associated eosinophilic connective-tissue disease: a new clinical entity?

Article Abstract:

Recently, sporadic cases of eosinophilia in conjunction with other systemic symptoms have been associated with the use of tryptophan as a dietary supplement. Eosinophilia refers to an abnormal number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood; tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in dietary protein and is also available as an over-the-counter product for treating insomnia and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although an association has been made between tryptophan and eosinophilic connective-tissue disease, the cause is still unknown. Contamination in the tryptophan manufacturing process has been suggested as a possible cause. However, no evidence has been discovered to support this. It has also been suggested that the condition may be a result of abnormalities in tryptophan metabolism. In an attempt to devise a model for this syndrome, seven patients were examined who developed eosinophilia, connective tissue disease, and cutaneous (skin) abnormalities while taking tryptophan. Symptoms and characteristics of these individuals are described. Use of tryptophan was discontinued and the patients were treated with corticosteroids, which provided relief of some symptoms. Other symptoms included pulmonary symptoms, fever, and myopathy (muscle disorders). Similarities between the patients with this disorder and conditions that involve tryptophan metabolites were noted. Because of the limited number of cases of this syndrome that have been reviewed, it is likely that not all of the manifestations of this disorder have been examined. No clear explanation for this condition is evident, and the possibility of a contaminant still cannot be ruled out. Further research on tryptophan metabolism, as well as on the cause and progression of tryptophan-associated eosinophilia, is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Connective tissue diseases, Tryptophan, Tryptophan metabolism, Eosinophil disorders

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Molecular assays for chromosomal translocations in the diagnosis of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas

Article Abstract:

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests appear to accurately identify rearrangements of genetic material that are associated with specific soft tissue sarcomas (small round cell tumors) in children. RT-PCR tests convert a type of RNA to DNA and copy segments of the DNA for analysis. Soft tissue sarcomas include a variety of cancers that can be difficult to differentiate. Researchers performed RT-PCR tests on 79 frozen sarcoma samples from children. The results were compared with findings from microscopic examinations of tumor chromosomes and cells. Both the RT-PCR tests and the microscopic examinations of tumor chromosomes detected rearrangements in the genetic material in 11 samples. In addition, the RT-PCR tests detected genetic rearrangements in four tumor samples that were not observed in the microscopic examinations. In 87% of cases, the results from RT-PCR tests and microscopic examinations of tumor cells agreed.

Evaluation, Diagnosis, Polymerase chain reaction, Cancer in children, Childhood cancer, Gene fusion, Reverse transcriptase

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Progress in Soft Tissue Paleopathology

Article Abstract:

Biochemical and genetic techniques that are used to study mummified tissue are described. The study of pathological findings in mummified tissue is called paleopathology.

Analysis, Paleopathology

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