Neutrophils: the forgotten cell in JIA disease pathogenesis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has long been assumed to be an autoimmune disease, triggered by aberrant recognition of "self" antigens by T-cells. However, systems biology approaches to this family of diseases have suggested complex interactions between innate and adaptive immunity that underlie JIA. In particular, new data suggest an important role for neutrophils in JIA pathogenesis. In this short review, we will discuss the new data that support a role for neutrophils in JIA, discuss regulatory functions that link neutrophils to adaptive immune responses, and discuss future areas of investigation. Above all else, we invite the reader to re-consider the use of the term "autoimmunity" as applied to the family of illnesses we collectively call JIA

Impact of Systemic Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases on apoA-I and HDL Plasma Levels and Functions

The cholesterol of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and its major proteic component, apoA-I, have been widely investigated as potential predictors of acute cardiovascular (CV) events. In particular, HDL cholesterol levels were shown to be inversely and independently associated with the risk of acute CV diseases in different patient populations, including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Some relevant and direct anti-inflammatory activities of HDL have been also recently identified targeting both immune and vascular cell subsets. These studies recently highlighted the improvement of HDL function (instead of circulating levels) as a promising treatment strategy to reduce inflammation and associated CV risk in several diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In these diseases, anti-inflammatory treatments targeting HDL function might improve both disease activity and CV risk. In this narrative review, we will focus on the pathophysiological relevance of HDL and apoA-I levels/functions in different acute and chronic inflammatory pathophysiological conditions

Increased serum neopterin levels in Familial Mediterranean Fever

31st Congress of the Federation-of-European-Biochemical-Societies (FEBS) -- JUN 24-29, 2006 -- Istanbul, TURKEYKISA, Ucler/0000-0002-8131-6810WOS: 000238914002114…Federat European Biochem So

Thymoma with immunodeficiency with multiple recurrent oral herpetic infections.

AbstractThymomas with immunodeficiency (formerly Good's syndrome) are a rare acquired disease of combined T- and B-cell immunodeficiency accompanying a thymoma. Recurrent opportunistic infections associated with disorders of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity frequently accompany this rare primary, adult-onset immunodeficiency. This is a report of a case of a thymoma with immunodeficiency in a 65-year-old male patient who developed recurrent oral herpetic infections. He consulted us about recurrent vesiculo-ulcerative lesions on his tongue, lower lip, and buccal mucosa. Results of laboratory examinations indicated hypogammaglobulinemia accompanied by diminished B cells in the peripheral blood, which is consistent with the characteristic features of a thymoma with immunodeficiency. After a diagnosis confirming herpes simplex virus infection, systemic antiviral therapy was administered, which was effective for his vesiculo-ulcerative lesions at follow-up. When an intractable infection accompanied by a thymoma is encountered, increased awareness about the clinical and immunological profiles of this primary immunodeficiency may help in its early diagnosis, thereby preventing mortality

IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 polymorphisms in patients with Behcet's disease

Melanie Fast and Charles Isaak are the employees in the spotlight at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford during the month of April