No abstract available.
B-Lymphocytes* ; Bone Marrow* ; Genes, Immunoglobulin* ; Immunoglobulins* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin* ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction*

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to Tanerella forsythia are associated with periodontal status. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis were considered candidates for the study; thus 80 chronic periodontitis patients and 28 healthy persons (control group) were invited to participate in this investigation. The presence of T. forsythia was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using primers designed to target the respective 16S rRNA gene sequences. Peripheral blood was collected from each subject to identify the IgG1 and IgG2 serum antibodies against T. forsythia. All microbiological and immunological laboratory processes were completed blindly, without awareness of the clinical status of the study patients or of the periodontal sites tested. RESULTS: The bivariate analysis showed that lower mean levels of clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth were found in the presence of the IgG1 antibody titers against whole-cell T. forsythia; however, only the difference in CAL was statistically significant. In the presence of the IgG2 antibody titers against whole-cell T. forsythia, the periodontal parameters evaluated were higher but they did not show statistical differences, except for plaque. The unadjusted linear regression model showed that the IgG1 antibody against whole-cell T. forsythia in periodontitis patients was associated with a lower mean CAL (beta=-0.654; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.27 to -0.28; P<0.05). This statistically significant association remained after adjusting for possible confounders (beta=-0.655; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.29; P<0.05). On the other hand, smoking was a statistically significant risk factor in the model (beta=0.704; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.38; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly lower mean levels of CAL were shown in the presence of the IgG1 antibody titers against whole-cell T. forsythia in periodontitis patients. Thus, the results of this study suggest that IgG1 antibody to T. forsythia may have been a protective factor from periodontitis in this sample.
Antibodies ; Chronic Periodontitis ; Diagnosis ; Forsythia* ; Genes, rRNA ; Hand ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins* ; Linear Models ; Periodontal Diseases ; Periodontitis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

BACKGROUND: In the early stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), it can be difficult to recognize minimal morphological changes in the bone marrow (BM). In particular, when the quality of the BM biopsy is poor, determining BM involvement is limited to microscopic findings on BM aspiration. In this study, we compared the results of clonal immunoglobulin (IG) gene rearrangements with BM morphology results in B-cell NHL patients who underwent BM analysis as a staging workup and evaluated the usefulness of the clonal IG gene rearrangements for staging. METHODS: Forty two B-cell NHL patients were analyzed. Clonal rearrangements of the IG heavy chain (IGH), kappa light chain (IGK) and lambda light chain (IGL) genes were detected using the IdentiClone(TM) Clonality assay (InVivoScribe Technologies, USA). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated based on the detection of monoclonal IG gene rearrangements. RESULTS: Monoclonal IG gene rearrangements were found in 9 of 42 patients (21.4%). Microscopic BM involvement was found in only 2 of 42 patients (4.8%). The monoclonality rate of IG genes in BM was correlated with clinical stage and the international prognostic index (P<0.01). Patients with monoclonal IG gene rearrangements in BM had a significantly higher relapse rate (P=0.014) and poorer overall survival at 2 yr (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Clonality analysis of BM in B-cell NHL can contribute to identification of patients with occult BM involvement with a significantly poorer overall survival despite normal BM histology.
B-Lymphocytes* ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow* ; Gene Rearrangement ; Genes, Immunoglobulin* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin* ; Recurrence

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the immunotoxicological effects of genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene in female BALB/c mice.

METHODSFemale mice weighing 18-22 g were divided into five groups (10 mice/group), which were set as negative control group, common wheat group, parental wheat group, genetically modified wheat group and cyclophosphamide positive control group, respectively. Mice in negative control group and positive control group were fed with AIN93G diet, mice in common wheat group, non-genetically modified parental wheat group and genetically modified wheat group were fed with feedstuffs added corresponding wheat (the proportion is 76%) for 30 days, then body weight, absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus, white blood cell count, histological examination of immune organ, peripheral blood lymphocytes phenotyping, serum cytokine, serum immunoglobulin, antibody plaque-forming cell, serum half hemolysis value, mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and phagocytic activities of phagocytes were detected.

RESULTSNo immunotoxicological effects related to the consumption of the genetically modified wheat were observed in BALB/c mice when compared with parental wheat group, common wheat group and negative control group.

CONCLUSIONFrom the immunotoxicological point of view, results from this study demonstrate that genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene is as safe as the parental wheat.

Animals ; Antibody-Producing Cells ; immunology ; Body Weight ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Genes, Plant ; Hemolysis ; Hypersensitivity, Delayed ; Immune System ; drug effects ; Immunoglobulins ; blood ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Organ Size ; Phagocytosis ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; toxicity ; Spleen ; immunology ; Thymus Gland ; immunology ; Triticum ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements in bone marrow or peripheral blood of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and to explore the potential clinical significance.

METHODSThe Ig/TCR gene rearrangements in bone marrow or peripheral blood of 139 NHL patients were analyzed by using BIOMED-2 multiple primers system and Multiplex PCR assay.

RESULTSIg clonality was detected in 85.4% (70/82) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including 46.3% (38/82) IgH rearrangement, 62.2% (51/82) IgK rearrangement and 1.2% (1/82) IgL rearrangement, and in 39.4% (13/33) of other categories of B-lineage NHL (B-NHL), including 33.3% (11/33) IgH and 39.4% (13/33) IgK rearrangements. TCR clonality was detected in 50.0% (12/24) of all definite T-lineage NHL (T-NHL), including 8.3% (2/24) TCRB and 45.8% (11/24) TCRG, no TCRD was detected. The detection rate of gene rearrangements of NHL diversed in different clinical stages \[36.4% in early stage (Ann Arbor stage I and II) and 45.6% in late stage (III and IV)\] and in different degrees of malignancy (40.0% indolent NHL and 45.6% aggressive NHL), but no obvious statistical significance was obtained (P > 0.05). The detection rate of bone marrow invasions of NHL (except CLL) with examinations of bone marrow smear under the microscope was 12.3% (7/57), much lower than the clonality testing (43.9%, 25/57) (P < 0.05). Sensitivity test showed that the sensitivity of malignant clonality testing by multiplex PCR was 3.12% - 6.25%.

CONCLUSIONSThe detection rate of gene rearrangements diverses in different clinical stages and degrees of malignancy of NHL, but the correlation has not been proved in this research. The sensitivity of multiplex PCR-based clonality testing is enhanced with the combination of BIOMED-2 primers system. It is more sensitive than the morphological examinations of bone marrow smear in detecting bone marrow invasions, and may provide a powerful strategy in the routine diagnosis and assessment after treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte ; Genes, T-Cell Receptor ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; genetics ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND: T cell immunoglobulin mucin containing molecule (TIM)-3 is expressed in differentiated Th1 cells and is involved in the suppression of the cytokine production by these cells. However, the regulation of the expression of other T cell genes by TIM-3 is unclear. Herein, we attempted to identify differentially expressed genes in cells abundantly expressing TIM-3 compared to cells with low expression of TIM-3. METHODS: TIM-3 overexpressing cell clones were established by transfection of Jurkat T cells with TIM-3 expression vector. For screening of differentially expressed genes, gene fishing technology based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using an annealing control primer system was used. The selected candidate genes were validated by semi quantitative and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The transcription of TIMP-1, IFITM1, PAR3 and CCL1 was different between TIM-3 overexpressing cells and control cells. However, only CCL1 transcription was significantly different in cells transiently transfected with TIM3 expression vector compared with control cells. CCL1 transcription was increased in primary human CD4+ T cells abundantly expressing TIM-3 but not in cells with low expression of TIM-3. CONCLUSION: CCL1 was identified as a differentially transcribed gene in TIM-3-expressing CD4+ T cells.
Clone Cells ; Gene Expression ; Genes, vif ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Mass Screening ; Mucins ; T-Lymphocytes ; Th1 Cells ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; Transfection

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin (Ig) gene rearrangement analysis is a useful additional tool to detect clonality of B-lymphoproliferative disease and the method to detect immunoglobulin gene rearrangement is required the high sensitivity and specificity. BIOMED-2 multiplex PCR was designed for the evaluation of molecular clonality of lymphoid lesions. We evaluated the usefulness of the BIOMED-2 multiplex PCR by comparing it with conventional nested PCR. METHODS: Sixteen patients with malignant lymphoma and 5 with reactive lymph nodes were examined to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between conventional nested PCR and BIOMED-2. All 3 tests performed using the BIOMED-2 kit for immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (IGH) gene, Igkappa light chain (IGK) gene, and Iglambda light chain (IGL) gene, were used to analyze clonality. RESULTS: Both the methods showed 100% specificity (95% confidence interval, 56.6-100.0). The combination of IGH and IGK BIOMED-2 tests with or without IGL revealed the highest sensitivity (87.5%; range, 64.0-96.5%) and accuracy (90%; range, 0.70-0.97). Compared to the conventional method, the BIOMED-2 test for IGH showed a higher sensitivity (62.5%; range, 38.6-81.5%) and accuracy (71%, 0.50-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, compared to the conventional method, BIOMED-2 has higher sensitivity and allows for easier interpretation while evaluating the clonality of B-lymphoproliferative disease.
Gene Rearrangement ; Genes, Immunoglobulin ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Light ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoma ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Graves' disease (GD) is caused by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). We used a recently introduced, technically enhanced TSI bioassay to assess its diagnostic value and determine the cut-off in patients in high iodine intake area. METHODS: In a cross-sectional setting, we collected serum from 67 patients with untreated GD, 130 with GD under treatment, 22 with GD in remission, 42 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 12 with subacute thyroiditis, 20 with postpartum thyroiditis, and 93 euthyroid controls. TSI was measured using the Thyretaintrade mark bioassay, which is based on Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with chimeric TSHR (Mc4). TSI levels are reported as a specimen-to-reference ratio percentage (SRR%). RESULTS: The TSI levels in patients with GD (either treated or not) were significantly higher than those of the remaining patients (p < 0.05). The new bioassay showed a sensitivity of 97.0% and a specificity of 95.9% with a cut-off value of 123.0 SRR% for GD. A weak correlation was found between TSI and thyrotropin-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin (TBII) (rs = 0.259, p = 0.03), but no correlation was found between TSI and tri-iodothyronine or free thyroxine. CONCLUSIONS: The Mc4-CHO bioassay showed comparable diagnostic value for GD with the conventional TBII assay. We propose a cut-off of 123.0 SRR% in areas where iodine intake is high.
Adult ; Animals ; *Biological Assay ; Biological Markers/blood ; CHO Cells ; Case-Control Studies ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Genes, Reporter ; Graves Disease/*diagnosis/immunology/therapy ; Hashimoto Disease/diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Thyroid-Stimulating/*blood ; Luciferases/genetics/metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postpartum Thyroiditis/diagnosis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Protein Binding ; Radioimmunoassay ; Receptors, Thyrotropin/genetics/*metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism ; Republic of Korea ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thyroiditis, Subacute/diagnosis ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of combined hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and lamivudine (LMV) treatment on hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen and polymerase overlapping gene mutations in HBV reinfected liver transplant recipients.

METHODSFrom June 2002 to December 2003, 320 patients who underwent liver transplantations due to HBV-related end-stage liver diseases were followed-up for 1.5 to 3 years postoperatively. Fourteen patients developed HBV reinfection. They had LMV before their liver transplantations and had LMV and HBIG after the transplantations to prevent HBV infections. Their serum levels of HBV DNA were measured by polymerase chain reaction. Gene sequencing method was used to analyze HBV genotype and mutations of the S gene. Micro-particle enzyme immunoassay was used to measure the serum concentration of HBIG.

RESULTS(1) There was no obvious difference in the number of amino acid mutation sites in S and P regions before and after the transplantations. (2) The HBV genotypes were B-type (n=2) and C-type (n=12) in the reinfected group before the transplantations, and genotypes after the transplantations remained the same. (3) HBIG concentrations were 0 U/L in 7 patients, less than 100 U/L in 5 patients, and more than 100 U/L in 2 patients. Mutations were detected as I126S, T131N, S143T and G145R in 'a' determinant and L110F, I113S, T160K in up- or down-stream of 'a' determinant. (4) Mutations in S gene caused missense mutation in the surface antigen region. These mutations also caused corresponding missense mutations in the polymerase region. The missense mutation in the polymerase region involved lamivudine mutation sites and other mutation sites.

CONCLUSIONImmunosuppressant therapy has no obvious influence on the numbers of mutations, but it can influence the sites of the mutations. Besides 'a' determinant mutations, there exist mutations in up- or down-streams of 'a' determinant and they may cause HBV reinfection.

Adult ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genome, Viral ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B ; drug therapy ; virology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; therapeutic use ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Nested Genes ; Recurrence

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) injection before delivery and hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene mutation.

METHODS18 neonates infected with HBV in uterus and their mothers were divided to a) HBIG group (8) in which their mothers received HBIG injection before delivery and b) control group (10) in which their mothers never received any treatment HBV DNA fragments were amplified by nest-PCR from sera of these neonates and their mothers. S gene region of these HBV DNA fragments were directly sequenced and data on mutations was analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference on nucleotide and amino acid changes in the S gene between the HBIG group and the control group. The majority HBV strains of newborn (17/18) were identical to their mother's dominant strains before delivery, including four mutation HBV strains. Among 18 newborns with HBV intrauterine infection, 12 were infected by B type (adw2), and 6 by C type (adrq+).

CONCLUSIONMothers who were asymptomatic HBsAg carrier and received injections ofHBIG before delivery would not be influenced by HBV S gene mutation. HBV intrauterine transmission with or without gene mutation might occur in the third-trimester of pregnancy. Gene mutation of HBV was not the main factor in intrauterine transmission of HBV.

Female ; Genes, Viral ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; transmission ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; administration & dosage ; Infant, Newborn ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; prevention & control ; Mutation ; Pregnancy