Systemic lupus erythematosus without clinical renal abnormalities

SIR, We read with interest the study of O'Dell et all showing a high incidence of mesangial changes in renal biopsies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without clinical renal abnormalities. They found no cases of focal or diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. These results are different from those previously reported by other authors2 3 and question the relevance of renal biopsy in these patients..

Immunofluorescence Labeling of Lipid-Binding Proteins CERTs to Monitor Lipid Raft Dynamics

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful and widely used tool in molecular biology. Over the years, the discovery and development of lipid-binding fluorescent probes has established new research possibilities to investigate lipid composition and dynamics in the cell. For instance, fluorescence microscopy has allowed the investigation of lipid localization and density in specific cell compartments such as membranes or organelles. Often, the characteristics and the composition of lipid-enriched structures are determined by analyzing the distribution of a fluorescently labeled lipid probe, which intercalates in lipid-enriched platforms, or specifically binds to parts of the lipid molecule. However, in many cases antibodies targeting proteins have higher specificity and are easier to generate. Therefore, we propose to use both antibodies targeting lipid transporters and lipid binding probes to better monitor lipid membrane changes. As an example, we visualize lipid rafts using the fluorescently labeled-B-subunit of the cholera toxin in combination with antibodies targeting ceramide-binding proteins CERTs, central molecules in the metabolism of sphingolipids

A syndrome of acute interstitial nephritis and anterior uveitis

A syndrome of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and anterior uveitis is described in two children and the literature is reviewed. These disorders appear to improve, in uncontrolled studies, with systemic and topical ophthalmic corticosteroid treatment. Although the renal and ocular prognoses appear good, it is important to recotnize that patients with AIN are at risk for uveitis and if present, consultation with an ophthalmologist is recommended.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47832/1/467_2004_Article_BF00852531.pd