Expression of plasminogen-related gene B varies among normal tissues and increases in cancer tissues

AbstractWe previously found that the promoter activity of plasminogen (PLG)-related gene B (PRGB) was 5-fold that of PLG. We have since examined the transcript levels of PRGB among various normal human tissues, and compared these findings with those of PLG. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that the PRGB expression varied widely among different tissues, while PLG was expressed only in the liver and kidney. RNA samples obtained from cultured cell lines also demonstrated differing PRGB expression. Furthermore, increased PRGB expression was observed in several fresh samples of cancer tissue obtained from cancer patients when compared with surrounding normal tissues

Considerations for simultaneous detection of autoantibodies to coagulation factor and lupus anticoagulant

In patients with autoimmune coagulation factor deficiency (AiCFD), the production of autoantibodies that inhibit coagulation factors in the blood reduces the activity of those relevant coagulation factors, resulting in severe bleeding symptoms. Recently, reports of patients with AiCFD have noted the concomitant detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA), a risk factor for thrombosis. LA-positive patients may show bleeding symptoms due to decreased activity of coagulation factor II (FII) caused by autoantibodies against FII, in addition to thrombotic symptoms, a condition termed LA-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS). Anti-FII antibodies in LAHPS cases are frequently cleared antibodies that can be detected using immunological techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Recently, several cases of coagulation FV inhibitors, known as autoimmune FV deficiency, have been reported. Some of these cases may be complicated by LA, which can cause thrombosis. False-positive results for anticoagulant inhibitors are known to occur in LA cases; therefore, immunological confirmation of antibodies against coagulation factors is recommended. Additionally, acquired hemophilia A (AHA), caused by autoantibodies against FVIII, is a typical acquired hemorrhagic diathesis, although affected patients may present with thrombosis associated with LA. Thus, it is important to remember that hemorrhagic diathesis due to autoantibodies against clotting factors can also result in thrombosis, as demonstrated by the co-detection of LA. When clotting factor inhibitors are detected in LA-positive individuals, it is important to confirm the presence of autoantibodies against coagulation factors using immunological methods, such as ELISA, to avoid false-positive results