Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0038002 (splenomegaly)
 9,873 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We have identified and cloned a novel human cytokine with homology to cytokines of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) family, which we have termed human IL-17E (hIL-17E). With the identification of several IL-17 family members, it is critical to understand the in vivo function of these molecules. We have generated transgenic mice overexpressing hIL-17E using an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) hepatic promoter. These mice displayed changes in the peripheral blood, particularly, a 3-fold increase in total leukocytes consisting of increases in eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Splenomegaly and lymphoadenopathy were predominant and included marked eosinophil infiltrates and lymphoid hyperplasia. CCR3(+) eosinophils increased in the blood and lymph nodes of the transgenic mice by 50- and 300-fold, respectively. Eosinophils also increased 8- to 18-fold in the bone marrow and spleen, respectively. In the bone marrow, most of the eosinophils had an immature appearance. CD19(+) B cells increased 2- to 5-fold in the peripheral blood, 2-fold in the spleen, and 10-fold in the lymph nodes of transgenic mice, whereas CD4(+) T lymphocytes increased 2-fold in both blood and spleen. High serum levels of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, eotaxin, and interferon gamma were observed. Consistent with B-lymphocyte increases, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgE were significantly elevated. Antigenic challenge of the transgenic mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) resulted in a decrease in anti-KLH IgG accompanied by increases of anti-KLH IgA and IgE. In situ hybridization of transgenic tissues revealed that IL-17Rh1 (IL-17BR/Evi27), a receptor that binds IL-17E, is up-regulated. Taken together, these data indicate that IL-17E regulates hematopoietic and immune functions, stimulating the development of eosinophils and B lymphocytes. The fact that hIL-17E overexpression results in high levels of circulating eosinophils, IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, and IgE suggests that IL-17E may be a proinflammatory cytokine favoring Th2-type immune responses.
 ...
PMID:Transgenic overexpression of human IL-17E results in eosinophilia, B-lymphocyte hyperplasia, and altered antibody production. 1223 40

The clinical value of immunoenzymatic (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detection of anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) was assessed by studying 2,036 sera from 792 subjects, comprising seronegative controls and subjects with acute, active, reactivated, or congenital toxoplasmosis. Included were nonimmunized adults; pregnant women with recently acquired infection (acute toxoplasmosis); immunocompetent subjects with recently acquired severe infection (active toxoplasmosis) expressed as fever, adenopathies, splenomegaly, pneumonia, meningitis, or disseminated infection; subjects-some of them immunocompromised-whose previously moderate IgG antibody levels rose, suggesting a reactivation of quiescent toxoplasmosis; and infants born to seroconverted mothers and evaluated for diagnosis of congenital infection and therapeutic management. Specific IgE antibodies were never detected in seronegative subjects. They were present in 85.7% of asymptomatic seroconverters and in 100% of seroconverters with overt toxoplasmosis, following two different kinetics: in the former, the specific IgE titer generally presented a brief peak 2 to 3 months postinfection and then fell rapidly, whereas specific IgE persisted at a very high titer for several months in the latter. IgE emerged concomitantly with the increase in IgG during toxoplasmic reactivation. For neonatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, IgE was less informative than IgM and IgA (sensitivities, 59.5, 64.3, and 76.2%, respectively) and had a specificity of 91.9%. Nevertheless, simultaneous measurement of the three isotypes at birth improved the diagnostic yield to 81% relative to the combination of IgA and IgM. Emergence of specific IgE during postnatal treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis is a sign of poor adherence or inadequate dosing.
 ...
PMID:Clinical value of specific immunoglobulin E detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cases of acquired and congenital toxoplasmosis. 1268 60

Dental plaque is composed of a biofilm community of microorganisms on teeth that coats the oral cavity, including attaching to the teeth, and provides a protective reservoir for oral microbial pathogens, which are the primary cause of persistent and chronic infectious diseases. Oral streptococci are pioneering organisms that play an important role in biofilm formation on tooth surfaces as well as being primary causative agents of dental caries. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the E2f1 gene in susceptibility to dry mouth and bacterial adherence of oral streptococci to tooth surfaces in animal model experiments. A mutation of the E2f1 gene in mice is known to cause enhanced T-lymphocyte proliferation, leading to testicular atrophy, splenomegaly, salivary gland dysplasia, and other systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity. We found a decreased volume of saliva production and protein production rate, along with increased amylase activity, IgA concentration, and mucin 1 concentration in E2F-1(-/-) mice as compared with the control C57BL/6 mice. Further, we quantified the recolonization of oral streptococci in E2F-1(-/-) mice and found that a higher number of some oral streptococci were colonized on the teeth of these mice. In particular, following oral ingestion of 1% sucrose in water, the colonization of Streptococcus mutans increased in comparison with other streptococci. Our results suggest that the E2f1 gene may affect susceptibility for oral biofilm formation by streptococci in humans with dry mouth.
 ...
PMID:Role of gene E2f1 in susceptibility to bacterial adherence of oral streptococci to tooth surfaces in mice. 1520 99

CD5, CD10, and CD23 are cell surface antigens used to distinguish B-cell disorders. The expression of these antigens and their clinical significance in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), an uncommon B-cell disorder, remains to be clarified. We therefore determined expression of CD5, CD10, and CD23 by flow cytometric analysis on bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic cells (CD19+ k/l light chain restricted) for 171 serially biopsied patients with findings of the consensus panel definition of WM. Importantly, we also correlated laboratory and clinical data, as well as existence of a familial history of a B-cell disorder in view of reports suggesting familial predisposition in WM. These studies demonstrated tumor cell expression of CD5, CD10, and CD23 in 15 of 171 patients (9%), 11 of 161 patients (7%), and 37 of 105 patients (35%), respectively. Coexpression of CD23 with CD5 or CD10 was common. Tumor Lymphoplasmacytic from 10 of 15 (66%) and 3 of 11 (27%) patients with WM that expressed CD5 and CD10, respectively, also showed expression of CD23 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.08, respectively). Among patients with CD23 expression, increased serum immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels were observed compared with patients without CD23 expression (P = 0.05). No differences in age at diagnosis; presence of adenopathy and/or splenomegaly; bone marrow involvement; serum IgA, IgB, and b2 macroglobulin levels; hematocrit; platelet count; or familial history of WM or a related B-cell disorder were observed among patients with and without CD5, CD10, and CD23 expression. These studies demonstrate that CD5, CD10, and CD23 are commonly found in WM and that their expression should not exclude the diagnosis of WM. Moreover, expression of CD23 may define a clinically distinct subset of patients with WM.
 ...
PMID:CD5, CD10, and CD23 expression in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. 1579 57

Splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of typical lymphoid cells with villous projections and monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-Ig) in about 30% of patients. The simultaneous presence of more than one M-Ig in SLVL has not been reported. We present two patients with SLVL, each with three serum M components associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) together with fatal thromboembolic events. Both patients presented with splenomegaly and typical bone marrow cytology with 30-50% infiltration of lymphoid cells that had the characteristics of villous lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry of bone marrow histology showed CD20++, CD43-/+, CD5-, IgM+, lambda+ and kappa-. In serum, two M-IgM lambda components were combined with M-IgG lambda in case 1 and with M-IgA lambda in case 2. In both cases, M-IgM displayed RF as well as lupus anticoagulant activity and free monoclonal lambda (lambda) light chains were present. In addition to M-IgM, in case 1 M-IgG also behaved like an APLA. One patient was splenectomized. Both patients suffered thromboembolic complications and died 3 and 8 months after presentation with signs of massive pulmonary thromboembolism.
 ...
PMID:Multiple M components in two patients with splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes. 1600 26

Sarcoidal (non-caseating) or tuberculoid granulomas are cutaneous manifestations of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). In this case report, we describe a patient with CVID but with non-sarcoidal, non-tuberculoid granuloma. The 29-year-old Egyptian male patient presented with a vitiliginous patch on the chin of 1 year duration and multiple recurrent warts on the hands and feet of 8 years duration. He is a known case of CVID with chronic diarrhea, recurrent otitis media, pneumonia, purulent conjunctivitis, septic arthritis, hepato-splenomegaly, and generalized lymphadenopathy. In addition, he had evidence of multiple non-tender subcutaneous nodules predominantly juxta-articular and recurrent rheumatoid-like arthritis. The skin overlying the nodules was either normal or slightly erythematous. Laboratory findings revealed markedly reduced serum immunoglobulins (IgG 3.4, n = 7.2-16.9 g/l; IgA 0.1, n = 0.69-3.82 g/l and IgM 0.1, n = 0.63-2.77 g/l) and deficient T cell function. Histopathologic examination of a skin nodule showed well demarcated areas of fibrinoid degeneration of collagen that stain homogeneously and are surrounded by histiocytes in a palisading arrangement, suggestive of granuloma annulare. No microorganisms could be detected. Serology for rheumatoid factor and HIV infection has been persistently negative. Although most infections, including common warts responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (12 g/i.v., every 2 weeks) and oral broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, the subcutaneous nodules persisted. The vitiliginous patch responded favorably and disappeared within 24 local PUVA sessions. Since skin nodules are asymptomatic, no further treatment was given.
 ...
PMID:Non-sarcoidal, non-tuberculoid granuloma in common variable immunodeficiency. 1667 8

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a chronic condition characterised by a predominant defect of humoral immunity. In most cases the diagnosis of CVID is made during adulthood; the main clinical features of CVID are chronic and relapsing infections (mainly of respiratory and gastroenteric tracts). CVID patients may also develop neoplastic and autoimmune diseases. In our centre (the Regional Centre for Primary Immunodeficiencies of the Lazio Regional Authority) we administered a 23-item questionnaire to 60 patients with CVID undergoing substitutive therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) about their demographic characteristics, time of clinical onset, time of diagnosis of CVID, clinical features, IVIG doses and administration intervals, and self-assessment of health status. In addition, the clinical history of all patients was reviewed, and the levels of serum IgG, IgA and IgM were evaluated and compared with the pre-therapy serum concentration. Moreover, an analysis of the treatment costs was performed. At onset, 67.2% of patients presented recurrent respiratory infections, and 50% had infections of the lower respiratory tract; 39.6% of the patients had gastroenteric infections. Most patients (57%) had recurrent infections of at least 2 of the respiratory, gastroenteric and/or urogenital tracts. In 37.9% of the group the diagnosis of CVID was made in less than 2 years after the beginning of symptoms, but in many cases (22.4%) the diagnosis took more than 10 years. 93% of patients are treated with a dose of IVIG between 6 and 15 g per administration, with intervals between 2 and 3 weeks. The review of patients'clinical history showed that 43% of patients have had respiratory infections during the follow-up in our Centre, 43% have splenomegaly (3% were also subjected to splenectomy) and 18.3% have autoimmune diseases. The mean concentration of IgG before the beginning of IVIG therapy was 235 mg/dl, while during the follow-up it was 664 mg/dl. Given the long time often required for diagnosis, general physicians and specialists should be better informed in order to make diagnosis swifter. The substitutive therapy with IVIG is effective in preventing recurrent infections and complications. A thorough follow-up is important for diagnosing neoplastic and autoimmune complications; in addition, immunologic analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow are useful in identifying subgroups of patients with more severe clinical features. Finally, in selected patients, treatment costs may be controlled by modifying the dosage of IVIG or the intervals between administrations.
 ...
PMID:[Health care and infective aspects in patients affected by common variable immunodeficiency assisted in the Lazio Regional Authority Reference Centre for Primary Immunodeficiencies]. 1679 75

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked immunodeficiency syndrome caused by mutations in the WAS protein (WASP). This participates in signalling and cytoskeletal homoeostasis, and some of its activities are regulated by its binding to the WASP interacting protein (WIP). WIP deficiency, however, has not yet been shown to be of pathological significance in humans. Here we show that, in WIP null (WIP(-/-)) mice, it produces haematological alterations and anatomical abnormalities in several organs, most probably as a consequence of autoimmune attacks. Granulocytosis and severe lymphopenia are associated with a proportional increase in segmented cells and fewer bone marrow erythrocytes and lymphocytes. Splenomegaly is accompanied by an increase of haematopoietic tissue and red pulp, reduction of the white pulp, and fewer B (B220(+)) lymphocytes (also apparent in the lymph nodes and Peyer's patches). Ulcerative colitis, interstitial pneumonitis, glomerular nephropathy with IgA deposits, autoantibodies, and joint inflammation are also evident. These progressive immunological disorders closely mimic those seen in WAS. WIP deficiency may thus be implicated in some cases in which mutations in the gene encoding WASP are not detected.
 ...
PMID:WIP null mice display a progressive immunological disorder that resembles Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. 1708 54

A 44-year-old man was found to have M-proteins of IgG consisting of kappa- and lambda-chains in serum without lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were within normal limits. Bone marrow examination showed normal cellular marrow containing 6.3% of plasma cells with no abnormal features. No chromosomal abnormality was observed at all. The patient was diagnosed as having monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The bone marrow plasma cells possessed free kappa- and lambda-chains in Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticula and cytoplasmic matrices. Plural light chains were simultaneously produced with the same heavy chain in a plasma cell by immunoelectron microscopy. This is the first report in the world of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance producing plural light chains with the same heavy chain.
 ...
PMID:Plural light chains in a single plasma cell of a monoclonal gammopathy undetermined significance case: an ultrastructural study. 1750 72

Genetic analyses of the lupus-prone NZM2410 mouse have identified multiple susceptibility loci on chromosome 7, termed Sle3 and Sle5. Both of these loci were contained within a large congenic interval, originally termed as Sle3 that strongly impacts a variety of myeloid and T-cell phenotypes and mediates fatal lupus nephritis when combined with Sle1. We have now produced two subcongenic strains, B6.Sle3 and B6.Sle5, carrying the Sle3 and Sle5 intervals separately and characterized their phenotypes as monocongenic strains and individually in combination with Sle1. Neither B6.Sle3 nor B6.Sle5 monocongenic strain develop severe autoimmunity; however, both of these intervals cause the development of severe glomerulonephritis when combined with Sle1. Thus, B6.Sle1Sle3 and B6.Sle1Sle5 exhibit splenomegaly, expansion of activated B and CD4+ T-cell populations and high levels of IgG and IgM autoantibodies targeting multiple nuclear antigens, intact glomeruli and various other autoantigens. In addition, B6.Sle1Sle3 mice also produced higher levels of IgA antinuclear autoantibodies, which were implicated in the development of IgA nephropathy. Our results indicate that Sle3 and Sle5 can independently complement with Sle1, through shared and unique mechanisms, to mediate the development of severe autoimmunity.
 ...
PMID:Sle3 and Sle5 can independently couple with Sle1 to mediate severe lupus nephritis. 1772 89


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next >>