Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019214 (hepatosplenomegaly)
 4,408 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) is a rare pediatric malignancy characterized by marked hepatosplenomegaly, leukocytosis with prominent monocytosis, elevated fetal hemoglobin, no Philadelphia chromosome, and generally a poor prognosis. In vitro, JCML peripheral blood granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, CFU-GM) demonstrate the unique characteristic of "spontaneous" proliferation at very low cell densities in the absence of exogenous growth factors. The "spontaneous" CFU-GM proliferation can be abolished by prior adherent cell (monocyte) depletion, suggesting a paracrine mode of cellular proliferation. Although previous studies using a [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation assay suggested an important role for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in JCML, many non-growth factor-related reasons for [3H]TdR incorporation and the relatively low level of inhibition of [3H]TdR uptake left those conclusions open to question. Therefore, we performed clonal CFU-GM assays, which more specifically reflect cytokine effects on CFU-GM, using JCML peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) and neutralizing antibodies against GM-CSF, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating (M-CSF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and interferon gamma (IFN gamma). Cultures containing anti-GM-CSF alone inhibited "spontaneous" JCML CFU-GM by 87% +/- 9% (mean +/- standard error of the mean [SEM]). No other anti-cytokine antibody produced a significant inhibition of CFU-GM growth. Various combinations of antibodies, excluding anti-GM-CSF, failed to demonstrate any synergistic inhibitory effects upon CFU-GM. Because this apparent paracrine cellular stimulation could be due to excessive cytokine production, by monocytes or other accessory cells, we examined cytokine levels in conditioned media from various JCML cell populations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Monocytes from only a minority of JCML patients produced higher than normal quantities of GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and/or TNF alpha, but no obvious pattern could be discerned. Further, only 7 of 15 JCML monocyte-conditioned media (MCM) had elevated GM-CSF, and 6 of 15 JCML patients had normal levels of all nine cytokines tested. The monocyte depletion experiments and the inhibition experiments with anti-cytokine antibodies taken together demonstrate clearly that the "spontaneous" growth of JCML CFU-GM in vitro critically depends on at least one monocyte-derived growth factor, GM-CSF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:The role of monocyte-derived hemopoietic growth factors in the regulation of myeloproliferation in juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia. 191 2

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response is generally considered an essential component of the host defense against parasitic helminths such as Schistosoma mansoni. In contrast, work on antischistosome vaccines suggests that interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is the critical immune mediator for vaccine-induced immunity to the parasite. In this study, the total IgE response to a primary S. mansoni infection was suppressed by anti-IgE treatment in both normal mice and in mice with defective IFN genes (gene knockout [GKO]). Reduction of the IgE response resulted in decreased worm burden and a decrease in the number of eggs produced per worm in both normal and GKO mice. Whereas anti-IgE treatment also resulted in reduced hepatosplenomegaly, granulomas around existing schistosome eggs showed normal cellularity. Serum interleukin 4 levels fell in response to the reduction in serum IgE as well. The data suggest that IgE plays a detrimental, rather than beneficial, role for the host in schistosomiasis. Furthermore, the absence of IFN-gamma was found to be of little consequence to the host-response to adults or eggs in a primary schistosome infection.
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PMID:Anti-immunoglobulin E treatment decreases worm burden and egg production in Schistosoma mansoni-infected normal and interferon gamma knockout mice. 800 99

Omenn's syndrome is a fatal, autosomal-recessive combined immune deficiency characterized by several erythematous exfoliative eruptions, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and elevated eosinophil count. In some of these patients an expansion of CD3+CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) T cell population was observed. We show here that the DN population represents a clonal expansion of T cells which preferentially use V beta 14 in their T cell receptor complex. Using polymerase chain reaction, we show that patient's DN cells express spontaneously high levels of IL-5, thus possibly explaining the abundance of eosinophils in this disorder. The increase of IgE observed in patients with Omenn's syndrome is unlikely to be related to IL-4 production, as IL-4 levels in patient samples were low. However, patient's low expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which has been reported to inhibit IgE production, may explain the elevated levels of IgE in this patient. The results thus highlight the importance of the inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma on regulation of IgE production.
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PMID:Expansion of CD3+CD4-CD8- T cell population expressing high levels of IL-5 in Omenn's syndrome. 828 98

BALB/c mice injected at birth with (BALB/c x C57BL/6)F1 hybrid spleen cells developed host versus graft disease (HVGD) with immunological features, such as various autoantibodies, immune complex nephritis, hepatosplenomegaly, and malignant lymphomas. In addition we found that the increased IgE levels correlated strongly with the histological grades or stages of the liver disease. In the sera of mice with HVGD and liver alterations, anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected. The subclass of ASMA was IgG1, whereas the subclasses of ANA were IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b. When the recipient BALB/c mice were injected at birth and at Day 3 in addition also with monoclonal anti-IL-4 antibody 11B11, the increase of IgE and IgG1 was markedly reduced and the liver disease was drastically prevented. These observations suggest that IL-4 plays an important role in the initiation of the immunoregulatory function or pathogenesis of the allogeneic effects and that the monoclonal anti-IL-4 antibody 11B11 prevents the immunodysfunctions and the autoimmune hepatopathy in mice with HVGD. The increased IgE level in the serum is a good marker of HVGD.
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PMID:Increased IgE level as a marker of host-versus-graft disease: inhibition of this HVGD with a monoclonal antibody to IL-4. 851 6

As has been reported previously, models of chronic graft-versus-host (GvH) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like diseases are characterized by high IgE and IgG1 immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in the serum. An IL-4 induced pathological expansion of Th2 helper cells has been described for both disease models. Due to the immunopharmacological profile of soluble recombinant interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4-R) to bind specifically the corresponding ligand IL-4 and thereby to modulate biological activity upon exogenous administration in various autoimmune disease models, we investigated the immunoregulatory activity of IL-4-R and anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) 11B11 on the development of SLE-like disease in MRL/lpr autoimmune mice and on chronic GvH reaction in BDF1 hybrid mice. Sensitized GvH-BDF1 hybrid mice and SLE in MRL/lpr autoimmune mice were treated in vivo with the IL-4 antagonists to alter the pattern of serum Ig production and to modulate the disease process. These animals were followed for proteinuria, autoantibody production (anti-dsDNA), serum IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a levels, and the survival was monitored. Treatment of these diseased animals resulted in an improved survival rate, lowered the percentage of animals with lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly, reduced the levels of autoantibodies and inhibited proteinuria of the developing glomerulonephritis in both mouse strains, even in the established diseases. In both models the increase in total IgE and IgG1 levels in serum was strongly inhibited by the IL-4 antagonists, even under therapeutic conditions. But there was no inhibitory activity observed on the IgG2a serum levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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PMID:Modulation of the immunoglobulin dysregulation in GvH- and SLE-like diseases by the murine IL-4 receptor (IL-4-R). 854 94

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is marked by massive lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, autoimmunity and the presence of increased numbers of circulating and tissue TCR-alpha beta, CD4- CD8- T cells. The underlying defect is that of decreased T cell and B cell apoptosis, due in most, but not all, cases to heterozygous mutations of the Fas gene and corresponding defective Fas signaling function. Here we measure in vivo and in vitro cytokine secretion in ALPS to shed light on the relation of apoptosis defects to the development of autoimmunity. In in vivo studies, ALPS patients manifested greatly increased circulating levels of IL-10 (> 100-fold), compared with both healthy individuals and various disease controls; in contrast, their levels of IL-1 beta, IL-4, and IFN-gamma were normal and their levels of IL-2 and TNF-alpha were marginally increased. In parallel in vitro studies, ALPS patients CD4+ DR+ T cells stimulated either with anti-CD3/CD28 or anti-CD2/CD28 produced increased amounts of IL-4 and IL-5 (10 to 20-fold) and decreased amounts of IFN-gamma (4-fold) as compared with those of control CD4+ DR+ T cells. In contrast, ALPS patients' CD4-/CD8- T cells produced very low amounts of cytokines. Finally, ALPS patients' peripheral monocytes/macrophages produced decreased amounts of IL-12 (30-fold) and increased amounts of IL-10 (5-fold). In conclusion, ALPS is marked by the presence of DR+ T cells that exhibit a skewed Th2 cytokine response upon various forms of stimulation. This cytokine response, in the presence of increased circulating IL-10 levels, is likely to define the cytokine milieu that accounts for the humoral autoimmune features of ALPS and, perhaps, of other humoral autoimmune states.
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PMID:Characteristic T helper 2 T cell cytokine abnormalities in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, a syndrome marked by defective apoptosis and humoral autoimmunity. 902 33

To determine the in vivo role of IL-12 in the development of protective immunity in visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani, we examined the course of L. donovani infection in IL-12-deficient C57BL/6 (IL-12-/-) mice. IL-12-/- mice displayed significantly higher parasite burdens in their livers and spleens than wild-type C57BL/6 mice throughout the course of infection. Despite high parasite burdens, the onset of hepatosplenomegaly was significantly delayed in L. donovani-infected IL-12-/-. Moreover, livers and spleens from IL-12-/- mice displayed significantly less inflammation and poorly formed granulomatous lesions than those from IL-12+/+ mice throughout the course of infection. Antigen-stimulated splenocytes from IL-12-/- mice produced significantly less IFN-gamma but more IL-4 than IL-12+/+ mice. These findings indicate that although endogenous IL-12 is critical for the development of protective immunity to L. donovani, it is also responsible for inducing the significant immunopathology associated with visceral leishmaniasis.
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PMID:IL-12 gene-deficient C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to Leishmania donovani but have diminished hepatic immunopathology. 1074 99

Intracardial inoculation of BALB/c mice with Leishmania donovani amastigotes induced progressive visceral leishmaniasis (VL) with increasing splenic parasite load when followed upto 4-month postinfection period. In contrast, the liver parasite load reached maximum around 2-month postinfection period following which it started declining. The infection pattern differed somewhat from the earlier reports on mouse model of VL induced by intravenous inoculation of parasites with respect to the duration as well as magnitude of parasite burden in the organs (liver and spleen) and associated hepatosplenomegaly. Immunosuppression in mice with progressive VL was manifested in the form of impairment of proliferative response of the splenic mononuclear cells (SPMC) to in vitro stimulation with leishmanial antigen or the mitogen concanavalin A (ConA), although ConA stimulated cells were found to be capable of IL-2 and IFN-gamma synthesis. Differential expression of activating (IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) as well as deactivating (IL-4 and TGF-beta) cytokines was demonstrable in the spleen and liver of animals during the course of infection. Further, the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme increased considerably in the liver as well as in the spleen of 4-month infected animal with parallel increase in the transcripts of the iNOS activating cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. The temporal variation in the organ specific immune response could be related to the differential control of parasite burden in the liver and spleen of the infected host.
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PMID:Infection pattern and immune response in the spleen and liver of BALB/c mice intracardially infected with Leishmania donovani amastigotes. 1264 14

In this study, we have developed a vaccine with Leishmania donovani promastigote membrane antigens (leishmanial antigens (LAg)) encapsulated in a liposome carrier formulated with distearyol (DSPC, transition temperature (Tc) = 54 degrees C) derivative of l-alpha-phosphatidyl choline, for immunizing BALB/c mice against progressive visceral leishmaniasis. This formulation could limit hepatosplenomegaly to almost normal levels and conferred strong levels of protection in both liver and spleen against challenge infection. Immunization with liposomal LAg activated peritoneal macrophages for enhanced leishmanicidal activity in association with NO production, and induced antibody as well as T-cell mediated immune responses. Production of both IFN-gamma and IL-4 by splenic T cells, and serum IgG1 and IgG2a, suggest induction of a mixed Th1/Th2 response following immunization. Experimental challenge corresponded with elevated DTH, and mitogen and antigen specific cellular responses. Increased production of NO and IFN-gamma by spleen cells, and down regulation of IL-4, demonstrate that an initial stimulation of a mixed Th1/Th2 response by vaccination instructs Th1 responses and resistance against a progressive infection by L. donovani.
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PMID:A mixed Th1/Th2 response elicited by a liposomal formulation of Leishmania vaccine instructs Th1 responses and resistance to Leishmania donovani in susceptible BALB/c mice. 1500 44

Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by an intracellular parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. In Europe, Africa, South America and China, visceral leishmaniasis is caused by L. infantum. The vectors of leishmaniasis are phlebotomine sandflies belonging to the genera Phlebotomus. According to the World Health Organization there are 2 million new cases each year and 1/10 of the world's population is at risk of infection. Leishmaniasis is considered a zoonosis and human are generally accidental hosts. The animal reservoir includes rodents, dog and other mammals. Several studies have indicate that half of the dogs with antileishmanial antibodies have no signs of disease although, animal with subclinical infections are potentially infectious to sand flies. The factors determining susceptibility or resistence to visceral leishmaniasis remain unclear, but the genetics of the host may play a major role. Clinical signs are: intermittent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, skin lesions and ulcers, alopecia, onychogryphosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypergammaglobulinemia. In mice, the outcome of infection depends on the polarized activation of one of two subsets of CD4+ T cells, Th1 or Th2, the subdivision into Th1 and Th2 cells is based on the pattern of cytokines that they produce. Th1 cells produce gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin -2 (IL-2), whereas Th2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. An important difference between susceptible and resistant mice is that the resistant mice are able to switch to a Th1 profile and control the disease. An important factor in the "decision" to form a Th1 or Th2 phenotype is the early cytokine environment, and IL-12 is one of the cytokines that contributes significantly to the establishment of the Th1 phenotype. Canine leishmaniosis is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and, in most cases is caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum. The main clinical findings are skin lesions, local or generalized lymphoadenopathy, loss of body weight, glomerulopathy, ocular lesions, epistaxis and lameness. Non pruritic skin lesions are the usual manifestation and several forms have been described, such as exfoliative dermatitis and alopecia, and ulcerative, nodular and pustular dermatitis. Seroepidemiological studies of canine leishmaniasis have revealed a large number of asymptomatic seropositive animals. Moreover in areas where leishmaniasis is highly endemic, high proportion of apparently healthy animals show low levels of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Others have regressive forms of the desease, and their antibody levels will decrease in the following months or years; still others maintain low levels of antibodies without developing the desease for many years. However, the total number of infected animals is unknown. Canine leishmaniasis is a major zoonosic parasitic disease, enzootic in the Mediterranean area, caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania infantum. The dog is the main reservoir host of the parasite. However, most infected dogs do not present any clinical signs, and there is evidence that Leishmania infection prevalence rates in areas of endemicity are higher than those ascertained by serological studies. Visceral leishmaniasis is becoming a real problem of public health because it is an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients and in human immunodeficiency virus-positive subjects. The detection of the extent of the infection, particularly among asymptomatic dogs, is of great importance for the control of leishmaniasis. PCR has been applied successfully in recent years to detect Leishmania spp. even in the cases with any of the clinical manifestation of leishmaniasis. Very recently, real-time PCR for Leishmania has been applied to evaluate the parasitic load of dog tissues both at the time of the diagnosis and during follow-up of the therapy and to measure cytokine mRNA levels in different clinical samples of infected and uninfected dogs.
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PMID:[Interpretation of laboratory data during cryptic leishmaniasis in dog]. 1530 23


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