Objective: Observing human to mouse one-way mixed lymphocyte culture(xMLC) and the effect of new immunosuppressant-Rapamycin on XMLC. Methods: Mouse splenic lymphocyte were collected and treated by mitomycin as activa...Objective: Observing human to mouse one-way mixed lymphocyte culture(xMLC) and the effect of new immunosuppressant-Rapamycin on XMLC. Methods: Mouse splenic lymphocyte were collected and treated by mitomycin as activating cell; Human Peripheral blood lymphocytes(hPBL)were separated and gathered as reacting cell; Mouse splenic lymphocyte and hPBL wee mixed to incubate for 1 week; The researchers designed control、RPM groups,and experiment(drugs)grup have different concentration. Results: HPBL in the experiment groups (mixed mouse lymphocyte)proliferated obviously,the amount of3H-TdR in corporation increased evidently(P<0 05,The mean percentage of CD 4, CD 8, LgG, LgM positive cells rose markedly. HPBL in the experiment groups less proliferated,the amount of 3H-TdR incorporation declined,RPM's ic50(50%inhibition concentration)approximately in 1.5 nmol/L; the mean percentage of CD 4, CD 8, IgG, IgM positive cells fell obviously. Conclusion: The human to mouse one-way MLC has obvious lymphocyte proliferation. New immunosuppressants-Rapamycin have powerful effete on XMLC.展开更多
AIM： To report a retrospective analysis of preliminary results of 36 patients who received sirolimus （SRL, Rapamune, rapamycin） in a consecutive cohort of 248 liver allograft recipients. METHODS： Thirty-six liver ...AIM： To report a retrospective analysis of preliminary results of 36 patients who received sirolimus （SRL, Rapamune, rapamycin） in a consecutive cohort of 248 liver allograft recipients. METHODS： Thirty-six liver transplant patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） who were switched to SRL- based immunosuppression therapy from tacrolimus were enrolled in this study. The patients who were diagnosed as advanced HCC before orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT） were divided into group A （n = 11）, those who were found to have HCC recurrence and/or metastasis after OLT were assigned to group B （n = 18）, and those who developed renal insuffidency caused by caldneurin inhibitor （CNI） were assigned to group C （n = 7） after OLT. RESULTS： The patients were followed up for a median of 10.4 mo （range, 3.8-19.1 mo） after conversion to SRL therapy and 12.3 mo （range, 5.1-34.4 too） after OLT. Three patients developed mild acute cellular rejection 2 wk after initiating SRL therapy, which was fully reversed after prednisolone pulse therapy. In group A, only 1 patient was found to have HCC recurrence and metastasis 12 mo after OLT. In group B, 66.7% （12/18） patients （2 with progressive tumor, 7 with stable tumor and 3 without tumor） were still alive due to conversing to SRL and/ or resection for HCC recurrence at the end of a median follow-up of 6.8 mo post conversion and 10.7 mo posttransplant. In group C, no HCC recurrence was demonstrated in 7 patients, and renal function became normal after SRL therapy. Thrombocytopenia （n = 2）, anemia （n = 8）, and oral aphthous ulcers （n = 7） found in our cohort were easily manageable. CONCLUSION： The conversion to SRL-based immunosuppression may inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of HCC and improve CNI-induced renal insufficiency in OLT patients with HCC.展开更多
Recent studies revealed that apoptotic cells are actively involved in immunosuppression and anti-inflammation. After being phagocytosed by macrophages, apoptotic cells can actively regulate cytokines secretion from li...Recent studies revealed that apoptotic cells are actively involved in immunosuppression and anti-inflammation. After being phagocytosed by macrophages, apoptotic cells can actively regulate cytokines secretion from lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-stimulated macrophages, in which the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 （1L-10） is increased while the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNFα）, interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） and leukin-8 （IL-8） are suppressed. In this paper, we first present evidence that phagocytosed apoptotic cells regulate cytokine secretion of LPS-stimulated macrophages, but also inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes stimulated by ConA. These data suggest that apoptotic cells can alter the biological behavior of macrophages which gain immunosuppressive property.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two entities, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic conditions with frequent complications and surgical procedures and a great impact on patient’s quality...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two entities, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic conditions with frequent complications and surgical procedures and a great impact on patient’s quality of life. The thiopurine antimetabolites azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are widely used in IBD patients. Current indications include maintenance therapy, steroid-dependant disease, fistula closure, prevention of infliximab immunogenicity and prevention of Crohn’s disease recurrence. Surprisingly, the wide use of immunosuppressants in the last decades has not decreased the need of surgery, probably because these treatments are introduced at too late stages in disease course. An earlier use of immunossupressants is now advocated by some authors. The rational includes: (1) failure to modify IBD natural history of present therapeutic approach, (2) demonstration that azathioprine can induce mucosal healing, a relevant prognostic factor for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and (3) demonstration that early immunossupression has a very positive impact on pediatric, recently diagnosed Crohn’s disease patients. We are now awaiting the results of new studies, to clarify the contribution of azathioprine, as compared to infliximab (SONIC Study), and to demonstrate the usefulness of azathioprine in recently diagnosed adult Crohn’s disease patients (AZTEC study).展开更多
Continued advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy have allowed liver transplantation to become an extremely successful treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease.Beginning with th...Continued advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy have allowed liver transplantation to become an extremely successful treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease.Beginning with the revolutionary discovery of cyclosporine in the 1970s,immunosuppressive regimens have evolved greatly and current statistics confirm one-year graft survival rates in excess of 80%. Immunosuppressive regimens include calcineurin inhibitors,anti-metabolites,mTOR inhibitors,steroids and antibody-based therapies.These agents target different sites in the T cell activation cascade,usually by inhibiting T cell activation or via T cell depletion.They are used as induction therapy in the immediate periand post-operative period,as long-term maintenance medications to preserve graft function and as salvage therapy for acute rejection in liver transplant recipients. This review will focus on existing immunosuppressive agents for liver transplantation and consider newer medications on the horizon.展开更多
Aim To study the distribution pattern, antineoplastic activity and immunocompetence of a novel organoselenium compound Eb and investigate its in vivo antineoplastic potential. Methods Eb was administered to Kunming ...Aim To study the distribution pattern, antineoplastic activity and immunocompetence of a novel organoselenium compound Eb and investigate its in vivo antineoplastic potential. Methods Eb was administered to Kunming mice (dosage, 0.1 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)) intragastrically for 7 successive days. The contents of selenium in heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, stomach, brain, muscle, and bone were determined by fluorometric method on the eighth day. MTT assay was used to study tumor growth inhibition of Eb in vitro, and lymphocyte transformation, hemolysin formation and phagocytosis assay were used to study its immunocompetence. Results After 7 days′ administration of Eb, the tissue contents of sele-(nium) in liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and bone of mice increased, especially those in liver and spleen increased significan-tly, compared with controls; but no significant changes of such contents were found in muscle, heart, brain, and stomach. Eb demonstrated inhibitory effects on human Bel-7402, BGC-823, and Calu-3 cancer cell lines in vitro. Eb also showed ability to enhance lymphocyte transformation and serum hemolysin formation in vitro and increase the phagocytosis of macrophages. Conclusion The validated antitumor and immunostimulatory activities of Eb suggest a hypothesis that Eb may behave as a biological response modifier when used as an antitumor agent. Eb is worthy of further study in developing a new antineoplastic and immunity enhancing agent in the light of its antitumor activity, immunocompetence and specific distribution in liver, lungs, kidneys, bone, and spleen.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immuno...Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immunosuppressive in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have shown that un-stimulated MSCs are indeed incapable of immunosuppression; they become potently immunosuppressive upon stimulation with the supernatant of activated lymphocytes, or with combinations of IFN-γ, with TNF-α, IL-1α or IL-1β. This observation revealed that under certain circumstances, inflammatory cytokines can actually become immunosuppressive. We showed that there is a species variation in the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression： immunosuppression by cytokine-primed mouse MSCs is mediated by nitric oxide （NO）, whereas immunosuppression by cytokine-primed human MSCs is executed through indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase （IDO）. Additionally, upon stimulation with the inflammatory cytokines, both mouse and human MSCs secrete several leukocyte chemokines that apparently serve to attract immune cells into the proximity with MSCs, where NO or IDO is predicted to be most active. Therefore, immunosuppression by inflammatory cytokine-stimulated MSCs occurs via the concerted action of chemokines and immune-inhibitory NO or IDO produced by MSCs. Thus, our results provide novel information about the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression and for better application of MSCs in treating tissue injuries induced by immune responses.展开更多
AIM: To determine the tolerability and safety profile of a low-dose maintenance therapy with 6-TG in azathioprine (AZA) or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) intolerant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients over a treatment ...AIM: To determine the tolerability and safety profile of a low-dose maintenance therapy with 6-TG in azathioprine (AZA) or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) intolerant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients over a treatment period of at least 1 year.METHODS: Database analysis.RESULTS: Twenty out of ninety-five (21%) patients discontinued 6-TG (mean dose 24.6 mg; mean 6-TGN level 540 pmol/8×108 RBC) within 1 year. Reasons for discontinuation were GI complaints (31%), malaise (15%)and hepatotoxicity (15%). Hematological events occurred in three patients, one discontinued treatment. In the 6-TG-tolerant group, 9% (7/75) could be classified as hepatotoxicity. An abdominal ultrasound was performed in 54% of patients, one patient had splenomegaly.CONCLUSION: The majority of AZA or 6-MP-intolerant IBD patients (79%) is able to tolerate maintenance treatment with 6-TG (dosages between 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg per d). 6-TG may still be considered as an escape maintenance immunosuppressant in this difficult to treat group of patients, taking into account potential toxicity and efficacy of other alternatives. The recently reported hepatotoxicity is worrisome and 6-TG should therefore be administered only in prospective trials.展开更多
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has an incidence that is rising faster than any other solid tumor. Metastatic melanoma treatment has considerably progressed in the past five years with the introducti...Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has an incidence that is rising faster than any other solid tumor. Metastatic melanoma treatment has considerably progressed in the past five years with the introduction of targeted therapy(BRAF and MEK inhibitors) and immune checkpoint blockade(anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, and anti-PD-L1). However, each treatment modality has limitations. Treatment with targeted therapy has been associated with a high response rate, but with short-term responses. Conversely, treatment with immune checkpoint blockade has a lower response rate, but with longterm responses. Targeted therapy affects antitumor immunity, and synergy may exist when targeted therapy is combined with immunotherapy. This article presents a brief review of the rationale and evidence for the potential synergy between targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Challenges and directions for future studies are also proposed.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in cases of azathioprine (AZA) hypersensitivity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Twenty nine previously confirmed Crohn’s disease (CD) (...AIM:To investigate the efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in cases of azathioprine (AZA) hypersensitivity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Twenty nine previously confirmed Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 14) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 15) patients with a known previous (AZA) hypersensitivity reaction were studied prospectively. The 6-MP doses were gradually increased from 0.5 up to 1.0-1.5 mg/kg per day. Clinical activity indicies (CDAI/CAI), laboratory variables and daily doses of oral 5-ASA, corticosteroids, and 6-MP were assessed before and in the first, sixth and twelfth months of treatment. RESULTS: In 9 patients, 6-MP was withdrawn in the first 2 wk due to an early hypersensitivity reaction. Medication was ineffective within 6 mo in 6 CD patients, and myelotoxic reaction was observed in two. Data were evaluated at the end of the sixth month in 12 (8 UC, 4 CD) patients, and after the first year in 9 (6 UC, 3 CD) patients. CDAI decreased transiently at the end of the sixth month, but no significant changes were observed in the CDAI or the CAI values at the end of the year. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.01), CRP (P = 0.02), and serum iron (P = 0.05) values indicated decreased inflammatory reactions, especially in the UC patients at the end of the year, making the possibility to taper oral steroid doses. CONCLUSION: About one-third of the previously AZA- intolerant patients showed adverse effects on taking 6MP. In our series, 20 patients tolerated 6MP, but it was ineffective in 8 CD cases, and valuable mainly in ulcerative colitis patients.展开更多
AIM:To investigate immunosuppressive agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in East China. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted, involving 227 patients with IBD admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospit...AIM:To investigate immunosuppressive agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in East China. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted, involving 227 patients with IBD admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,College of Medicine,Zhejiang University from June 2000 to December 2007.Data regarding demographic,clinical characteristics and immunosuppressants usage were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 227 eligible patients were evaluated in this study,including 104 patients with Crohn’s disease and 123 with ulcerative colitis.Among the patients,61 had indications for immunosuppressive agents use.However,only 21 (34.4%)received immunosuppressive agents.Among the 21 patients,6(37.5%)received a subtherapeutic dose of azathioprine with no attempt to increase the dosage.Of the 20 patients that received immunosuppressive agent treatment longer than 6 mo,15 patients went into remission,four patients were not affected and one relapsed.Among these 20 patients,four patients suffered from myelotoxicity and one suffered from hepatotoxicity.CONCLUSION:Immunosuppressive agents are used less frequently to treat IBD patients from East China compared with Western countries.Monitoring immunosuppressive agent use is recommended to optimize dispensation of drugs for IBD in China.展开更多
The optimal duration of biological treatment, particularly anti-TNF, in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） is a very important question both for patients and physicians. There is no published evidence to clearly and d...The optimal duration of biological treatment, particularly anti-TNF, in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） is a very important question both for patients and physicians. There is no published evidence to clearly and definitely answer this question. However data on natural history of IBD, long term safety of biologics, immunosuppressors （IS） cessation and some preliminary studies on biologics cessation may help us to discuss this topic. The decision to stop a biological treatment is currently based on a compromise between the benefits and risks associated with the prolongation of this treatment. IBD, more particularly CD, are characterized by the development of complications and the need for recurrent hospitalizations and surgeries in approximately 2/3 of cases. In these patients potentially in need of biological treatments, it is probable that, as it has been demonstrated for IS, the longer a stable remission has be achieved under treatment, the lower the risk of relapse is alter treatment cessation. Further prospective studies should now aim at disclosing patient characteristics associated with a low risk of relapse to imple- ment this strategy.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the role of azathioprine （AZA） in Indian patients with ulcerative colitis over longer duration of time. METHODS： One hundred fifty six patients with ulcerative colitis who were treated with AZA fr...AIM： To evaluate the role of azathioprine （AZA） in Indian patients with ulcerative colitis over longer duration of time. METHODS： One hundred fifty six patients with ulcerative colitis who were treated with AZA from January 1995 to December 2003 were reviewed. The indications for its use were as follows： （1） steroid dependent and steroid refractory disease; （2） Azathioprine monotherapy for na＇fve patients with severe disease; and （3） combination therapy （AZA ＋ sulfasalazine or 5-aminosalicylates） for naive patients with severe disease. The data included patient and disease demographics, efficacy and toxicity profile of AZA. Patients with a minimum duration of 6 mo use of AZA were included in this report. RESULTS： Of a total of 156 patients treated with AZA, 45 were excluded from analysis for the following reasons- （follow up less than 6 mo, n = 9; poor follow up, n = 18; adverse affects, n = 18）. In steroid refractory/dependent group the mean number of relapses prior to and post initiation of AZA therapy were 3.28 （± 0.81） and 0.94 （± 0.29） respectively. Discontinuation of steroids could be accomplished in 12 of the 15 steroid dependent patients. The proportion of patients with sustained remission of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years duration were calculated. Eighteen patients experienced adverse effects necessitating withdrawal of AZA （pancreatitis, n = 7; hepatitis, n = 3; gastrointestinal intolerance, n = 2; alopecia, n = 2; and hematological, n = 4） while 13 patients needed dose reduction or temporary withdrawal of the drug. CONCLUSION： Azathioprine is well tolerated and has therapeutic benefits lasting as long as 4 years. Adverse effects such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, cytopenias and gastrointestinal symptoms do occur but are controlled by drug withdrawal only.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with chronic liver disease.Liver transplantation(LT) is potentially the optimal treatment for those pati...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with chronic liver disease.Liver transplantation(LT) is potentially the optimal treatment for those patients with HCC who have a poor functional hepatic reserve due to their underlying chronic liver disease.However,due to the limited availability of donors,only those patients whose oncologic profile is favorable can be considered for LT.Despite the careful selection of candidates based on strict rules,10 to 20%of liver transplant recipients who have HCC in the native cirrhotic liver develop tumor recurrence after transplantation.The selection criteria presently employed to minimize the risk of recurrence are based on gross tumor characteristics defined by imaging techniques;unfortunately,the accuracy of imaging is far from being optimal.Furthermore,microscopic tumor features that are strictly linked with prognosis can not be assessed prior to transplantation.Pre-transplantation tumor downstaging may allow transplantation in patients initially outside the selection criteria and seems to improve the prognosis;it also provides information on tumor biology.Themain peculiarity of the transplantation setting,when this is compared with other modalities of treatment,is the need for pharmacological immunosuppression:this is based on drugs that have been demonstrated to increase the risk of tumor development.As HCC is an aggressive malignancy,immunosuppression has to be handled carefully in patients who have HCC at the time of transplantation and new categories of immunosuppressive agents should be considered.Adjuvant chemotherapy following transplantation has failed to show any significant advantage.The aim of the present study is to review the possible strategies to avoid recurrence of HCC after liver transplantation based on the current clinical evidence and the more recent developments and to discuss possible future directions.展开更多
The early hypersensitivity reaction and late bone marrow depression are well-known side-effects of azathioprine, whereas interstitial pneumonia is a rare complication. A 40-year old male patient had been treated with ...The early hypersensitivity reaction and late bone marrow depression are well-known side-effects of azathioprine, whereas interstitial pneumonia is a rare complication. A 40-year old male patient had been treated with azathioprine in consequence of extensive ulcerative colitis for 10 years. He then complained of 7 d of fever, cough and catarrhal signs, without symptoms of active colitis. Opportunistic infections were ruled out. The chest X-ray, CT and lung biopsy demonstrated the presence of interstitial inflammation. Azathioprine therapy was discontinued as a potential source of the pulmonary infiltrate. In response to steroid therapy, and intensive care, the pulmonary infiltrate gradually decreased within 4 wk. Three months later, his ulcerative colitis relapsed, and ileo-anal pouch surgery was performed. In cases of atypical pneumonia, without a proven infection, azathioprine-associated interstitial pneumonitis may be present, which heals after withdrawal of the drug.展开更多
In the last decades,with the development of biological therapy,the treatment paradigms in patients with Crohn＇s disease have continuously evolved.Several studies focusing on the optimal use of both traditional immuno...In the last decades,with the development of biological therapy,the treatment paradigms in patients with Crohn＇s disease have continuously evolved.Several studies focusing on the optimal use of both traditional immunosuppressants and biological therapy have been published,investigating conventional,accelerated stepup and top-down approaches.In addition,much emphasis has been placed in recent years on the de-termination of important predictive factors that could enable early patient stratification,which would lead to a tailored management strategy.In this review,the authors try to highlight new evidence on the optimal timing,benefits,and risks of immunosupressants alone,or in combination,in patients with Crohn＇s disease.展开更多
Patients with extensive or complicated Crohn's disease(CD) at diagnosis should be treated straightaway with immunosuppressive therapy according to the most recent guidelines.In patients with localized and uncompli...Patients with extensive or complicated Crohn's disease(CD) at diagnosis should be treated straightaway with immunosuppressive therapy according to the most recent guidelines.In patients with localized and uncomplicated CD at diagnosis,early use of immunosuppressive therapy is debated for preventing disease progression and limiting the disabling clinical impact.In this context,there is a need for predictors of benign or unfavourable subsequent clinical course,in order to avoid over-treating with risky drugs those patients who would have experienced spontaneous mid-term asymptomatic disease without progression towards irreversible intestinal lesions.At diagnosis,an age below 40 years,the presence of perianal lesions and the need for treating the first flare with steroids have been consistently associated with an unfavourable subsequent 5-year or 10-year clinical course.The positive predictive value of unfavourable course in patients with 2 or 3 predictors ranges between 0.75 and 0.95 in population-based and referral centre cohorts.Consequently,the use of these predictors can be integrated into the elements that influence individual decisions.In the CD postoperative context,keeping smoking and history of prior resection are the stron-gest predictors of disease symptomatic recurrence.However,these clinical predictors alone are not as reliable as severity of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence in clinical practice.In ulcerative colitis(UC),extensive colitis at diagnosis is associated with unfavourable clinical course in the first 5 to 10 years of the disease,and also with long-term colectomy and colorectal inflammation-associated colorectal cancer.In patients with extensive UC at diagnosis,a rapid step-up strategy aiming to achieve sustained deep remission should therefore be considered.At the moment,no reliable serological or genetic predictor of inflammatory bowel disease clinical course has been identified.展开更多
A 27-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed with acute liver failure when he was taking leflunomide, a new immunosuppressant. This case illustrates the risk that leflunomide may lead to severe h...A 27-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed with acute liver failure when he was taking leflunomide, a new immunosuppressant. This case illustrates the risk that leflunomide may lead to severe hepatotoxicity.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.METHODS:One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gast...AIM:To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.METHODS:One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study.The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001).Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance,tumor size,depth of wall invasion,lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,perineural invasion,and pathological stage.They were not significantly associated with age,gender,tumor location,or histological type.CONCLUSION:Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer.Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis,these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.展开更多
文摘Objective: Observing human to mouse one-way mixed lymphocyte culture(xMLC) and the effect of new immunosuppressant-Rapamycin on XMLC. Methods: Mouse splenic lymphocyte were collected and treated by mitomycin as activating cell; Human Peripheral blood lymphocytes(hPBL)were separated and gathered as reacting cell; Mouse splenic lymphocyte and hPBL wee mixed to incubate for 1 week; The researchers designed control、RPM groups,and experiment(drugs)grup have different concentration. Results: HPBL in the experiment groups (mixed mouse lymphocyte)proliferated obviously,the amount of3H-TdR in corporation increased evidently(P<0 05,The mean percentage of CD 4, CD 8, LgG, LgM positive cells rose markedly. HPBL in the experiment groups less proliferated,the amount of 3H-TdR incorporation declined,RPM's ic50(50%inhibition concentration)approximately in 1.5 nmol/L; the mean percentage of CD 4, CD 8, IgG, IgM positive cells fell obviously. Conclusion: The human to mouse one-way MLC has obvious lymphocyte proliferation. New immunosuppressants-Rapamycin have powerful effete on XMLC.
基金Supported by the key project grant of the Science and Technological Committee of Shanghai Municipality, No.024001119the Foundation for "New Star of Medicine" of Shanghai Health Bureau, No. 1999-59
文摘AIM： To report a retrospective analysis of preliminary results of 36 patients who received sirolimus （SRL, Rapamune, rapamycin） in a consecutive cohort of 248 liver allograft recipients. METHODS： Thirty-six liver transplant patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） who were switched to SRL- based immunosuppression therapy from tacrolimus were enrolled in this study. The patients who were diagnosed as advanced HCC before orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT） were divided into group A （n = 11）, those who were found to have HCC recurrence and/or metastasis after OLT were assigned to group B （n = 18）, and those who developed renal insuffidency caused by caldneurin inhibitor （CNI） were assigned to group C （n = 7） after OLT. RESULTS： The patients were followed up for a median of 10.4 mo （range, 3.8-19.1 mo） after conversion to SRL therapy and 12.3 mo （range, 5.1-34.4 too） after OLT. Three patients developed mild acute cellular rejection 2 wk after initiating SRL therapy, which was fully reversed after prednisolone pulse therapy. In group A, only 1 patient was found to have HCC recurrence and metastasis 12 mo after OLT. In group B, 66.7% （12/18） patients （2 with progressive tumor, 7 with stable tumor and 3 without tumor） were still alive due to conversing to SRL and/ or resection for HCC recurrence at the end of a median follow-up of 6.8 mo post conversion and 10.7 mo posttransplant. In group C, no HCC recurrence was demonstrated in 7 patients, and renal function became normal after SRL therapy. Thrombocytopenia （n = 2）, anemia （n = 8）, and oral aphthous ulcers （n = 7） found in our cohort were easily manageable. CONCLUSION： The conversion to SRL-based immunosuppression may inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of HCC and improve CNI-induced renal insufficiency in OLT patients with HCC.
基金Project supported by the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2003CB515500) and the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China (No. 30371358)
文摘Recent studies revealed that apoptotic cells are actively involved in immunosuppression and anti-inflammation. After being phagocytosed by macrophages, apoptotic cells can actively regulate cytokines secretion from lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-stimulated macrophages, in which the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 （1L-10） is increased while the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNFα）, interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） and leukin-8 （IL-8） are suppressed. In this paper, we first present evidence that phagocytosed apoptotic cells regulate cytokine secretion of LPS-stimulated macrophages, but also inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes stimulated by ConA. These data suggest that apoptotic cells can alter the biological behavior of macrophages which gain immunosuppressive property.
基金Grants from Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia(SAF2005-00280) to MS
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two entities, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic conditions with frequent complications and surgical procedures and a great impact on patient’s quality of life. The thiopurine antimetabolites azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are widely used in IBD patients. Current indications include maintenance therapy, steroid-dependant disease, fistula closure, prevention of infliximab immunogenicity and prevention of Crohn’s disease recurrence. Surprisingly, the wide use of immunosuppressants in the last decades has not decreased the need of surgery, probably because these treatments are introduced at too late stages in disease course. An earlier use of immunossupressants is now advocated by some authors. The rational includes: (1) failure to modify IBD natural history of present therapeutic approach, (2) demonstration that azathioprine can induce mucosal healing, a relevant prognostic factor for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and (3) demonstration that early immunossupression has a very positive impact on pediatric, recently diagnosed Crohn’s disease patients. We are now awaiting the results of new studies, to clarify the contribution of azathioprine, as compared to infliximab (SONIC Study), and to demonstrate the usefulness of azathioprine in recently diagnosed adult Crohn’s disease patients (AZTEC study).
文摘Continued advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy have allowed liver transplantation to become an extremely successful treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease.Beginning with the revolutionary discovery of cyclosporine in the 1970s,immunosuppressive regimens have evolved greatly and current statistics confirm one-year graft survival rates in excess of 80%. Immunosuppressive regimens include calcineurin inhibitors,anti-metabolites,mTOR inhibitors,steroids and antibody-based therapies.These agents target different sites in the T cell activation cascade,usually by inhibiting T cell activation or via T cell depletion.They are used as induction therapy in the immediate periand post-operative period,as long-term maintenance medications to preserve graft function and as salvage therapy for acute rejection in liver transplant recipients. This review will focus on existing immunosuppressive agents for liver transplantation and consider newer medications on the horizon.
文摘Aim To study the distribution pattern, antineoplastic activity and immunocompetence of a novel organoselenium compound Eb and investigate its in vivo antineoplastic potential. Methods Eb was administered to Kunming mice (dosage, 0.1 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)) intragastrically for 7 successive days. The contents of selenium in heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, stomach, brain, muscle, and bone were determined by fluorometric method on the eighth day. MTT assay was used to study tumor growth inhibition of Eb in vitro, and lymphocyte transformation, hemolysin formation and phagocytosis assay were used to study its immunocompetence. Results After 7 days′ administration of Eb, the tissue contents of sele-(nium) in liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and bone of mice increased, especially those in liver and spleen increased significan-tly, compared with controls; but no significant changes of such contents were found in muscle, heart, brain, and stomach. Eb demonstrated inhibitory effects on human Bel-7402, BGC-823, and Calu-3 cancer cell lines in vitro. Eb also showed ability to enhance lymphocyte transformation and serum hemolysin formation in vitro and increase the phagocytosis of macrophages. Conclusion The validated antitumor and immunostimulatory activities of Eb suggest a hypothesis that Eb may behave as a biological response modifier when used as an antitumor agent. Eb is worthy of further study in developing a new antineoplastic and immunity enhancing agent in the light of its antitumor activity, immunocompetence and specific distribution in liver, lungs, kidneys, bone, and spleen.
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immunosuppressive in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have shown that un-stimulated MSCs are indeed incapable of immunosuppression; they become potently immunosuppressive upon stimulation with the supernatant of activated lymphocytes, or with combinations of IFN-γ, with TNF-α, IL-1α or IL-1β. This observation revealed that under certain circumstances, inflammatory cytokines can actually become immunosuppressive. We showed that there is a species variation in the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression： immunosuppression by cytokine-primed mouse MSCs is mediated by nitric oxide （NO）, whereas immunosuppression by cytokine-primed human MSCs is executed through indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase （IDO）. Additionally, upon stimulation with the inflammatory cytokines, both mouse and human MSCs secrete several leukocyte chemokines that apparently serve to attract immune cells into the proximity with MSCs, where NO or IDO is predicted to be most active. Therefore, immunosuppression by inflammatory cytokine-stimulated MSCs occurs via the concerted action of chemokines and immune-inhibitory NO or IDO produced by MSCs. Thus, our results provide novel information about the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression and for better application of MSCs in treating tissue injuries induced by immune responses.
文摘AIM: To determine the tolerability and safety profile of a low-dose maintenance therapy with 6-TG in azathioprine (AZA) or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) intolerant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients over a treatment period of at least 1 year.METHODS: Database analysis.RESULTS: Twenty out of ninety-five (21%) patients discontinued 6-TG (mean dose 24.6 mg; mean 6-TGN level 540 pmol/8×108 RBC) within 1 year. Reasons for discontinuation were GI complaints (31%), malaise (15%)and hepatotoxicity (15%). Hematological events occurred in three patients, one discontinued treatment. In the 6-TG-tolerant group, 9% (7/75) could be classified as hepatotoxicity. An abdominal ultrasound was performed in 54% of patients, one patient had splenomegaly.CONCLUSION: The majority of AZA or 6-MP-intolerant IBD patients (79%) is able to tolerate maintenance treatment with 6-TG (dosages between 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg per d). 6-TG may still be considered as an escape maintenance immunosuppressant in this difficult to treat group of patients, taking into account potential toxicity and efficacy of other alternatives. The recently reported hepatotoxicity is worrisome and 6-TG should therefore be administered only in prospective trials.
基金NIH grants 1K08CA160692-01A1,U54CA163125-01 and the generous philanthropic support of several families whose lives have been affected by melanoma
文摘Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has an incidence that is rising faster than any other solid tumor. Metastatic melanoma treatment has considerably progressed in the past five years with the introduction of targeted therapy(BRAF and MEK inhibitors) and immune checkpoint blockade(anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, and anti-PD-L1). However, each treatment modality has limitations. Treatment with targeted therapy has been associated with a high response rate, but with short-term responses. Conversely, treatment with immune checkpoint blockade has a lower response rate, but with longterm responses. Targeted therapy affects antitumor immunity, and synergy may exist when targeted therapy is combined with immunotherapy. This article presents a brief review of the rationale and evidence for the potential synergy between targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Challenges and directions for future studies are also proposed.
文摘AIM:To investigate the efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in cases of azathioprine (AZA) hypersensitivity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Twenty nine previously confirmed Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 14) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 15) patients with a known previous (AZA) hypersensitivity reaction were studied prospectively. The 6-MP doses were gradually increased from 0.5 up to 1.0-1.5 mg/kg per day. Clinical activity indicies (CDAI/CAI), laboratory variables and daily doses of oral 5-ASA, corticosteroids, and 6-MP were assessed before and in the first, sixth and twelfth months of treatment. RESULTS: In 9 patients, 6-MP was withdrawn in the first 2 wk due to an early hypersensitivity reaction. Medication was ineffective within 6 mo in 6 CD patients, and myelotoxic reaction was observed in two. Data were evaluated at the end of the sixth month in 12 (8 UC, 4 CD) patients, and after the first year in 9 (6 UC, 3 CD) patients. CDAI decreased transiently at the end of the sixth month, but no significant changes were observed in the CDAI or the CAI values at the end of the year. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.01), CRP (P = 0.02), and serum iron (P = 0.05) values indicated decreased inflammatory reactions, especially in the UC patients at the end of the year, making the possibility to taper oral steroid doses. CONCLUSION: About one-third of the previously AZA- intolerant patients showed adverse effects on taking 6MP. In our series, 20 patients tolerated 6MP, but it was ineffective in 8 CD cases, and valuable mainly in ulcerative colitis patients.
基金Supported by Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundationof China,R2080029 Caoqian Research Group
文摘AIM:To investigate immunosuppressive agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in East China. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted, involving 227 patients with IBD admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,College of Medicine,Zhejiang University from June 2000 to December 2007.Data regarding demographic,clinical characteristics and immunosuppressants usage were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 227 eligible patients were evaluated in this study,including 104 patients with Crohn’s disease and 123 with ulcerative colitis.Among the patients,61 had indications for immunosuppressive agents use.However,only 21 (34.4%)received immunosuppressive agents.Among the 21 patients,6(37.5%)received a subtherapeutic dose of azathioprine with no attempt to increase the dosage.Of the 20 patients that received immunosuppressive agent treatment longer than 6 mo,15 patients went into remission,four patients were not affected and one relapsed.Among these 20 patients,four patients suffered from myelotoxicity and one suffered from hepatotoxicity.CONCLUSION:Immunosuppressive agents are used less frequently to treat IBD patients from East China compared with Western countries.Monitoring immunosuppressive agent use is recommended to optimize dispensation of drugs for IBD in China.
文摘The optimal duration of biological treatment, particularly anti-TNF, in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） is a very important question both for patients and physicians. There is no published evidence to clearly and definitely answer this question. However data on natural history of IBD, long term safety of biologics, immunosuppressors （IS） cessation and some preliminary studies on biologics cessation may help us to discuss this topic. The decision to stop a biological treatment is currently based on a compromise between the benefits and risks associated with the prolongation of this treatment. IBD, more particularly CD, are characterized by the development of complications and the need for recurrent hospitalizations and surgeries in approximately 2/3 of cases. In these patients potentially in need of biological treatments, it is probable that, as it has been demonstrated for IS, the longer a stable remission has be achieved under treatment, the lower the risk of relapse is alter treatment cessation. Further prospective studies should now aim at disclosing patient characteristics associated with a low risk of relapse to imple- ment this strategy.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the role of azathioprine （AZA） in Indian patients with ulcerative colitis over longer duration of time. METHODS： One hundred fifty six patients with ulcerative colitis who were treated with AZA from January 1995 to December 2003 were reviewed. The indications for its use were as follows： （1） steroid dependent and steroid refractory disease; （2） Azathioprine monotherapy for na＇fve patients with severe disease; and （3） combination therapy （AZA ＋ sulfasalazine or 5-aminosalicylates） for naive patients with severe disease. The data included patient and disease demographics, efficacy and toxicity profile of AZA. Patients with a minimum duration of 6 mo use of AZA were included in this report. RESULTS： Of a total of 156 patients treated with AZA, 45 were excluded from analysis for the following reasons- （follow up less than 6 mo, n = 9; poor follow up, n = 18; adverse affects, n = 18）. In steroid refractory/dependent group the mean number of relapses prior to and post initiation of AZA therapy were 3.28 （± 0.81） and 0.94 （± 0.29） respectively. Discontinuation of steroids could be accomplished in 12 of the 15 steroid dependent patients. The proportion of patients with sustained remission of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years duration were calculated. Eighteen patients experienced adverse effects necessitating withdrawal of AZA （pancreatitis, n = 7; hepatitis, n = 3; gastrointestinal intolerance, n = 2; alopecia, n = 2; and hematological, n = 4） while 13 patients needed dose reduction or temporary withdrawal of the drug. CONCLUSION： Azathioprine is well tolerated and has therapeutic benefits lasting as long as 4 years. Adverse effects such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, cytopenias and gastrointestinal symptoms do occur but are controlled by drug withdrawal only.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide and in most cases it is associated with chronic liver disease.Liver transplantation(LT) is potentially the optimal treatment for those patients with HCC who have a poor functional hepatic reserve due to their underlying chronic liver disease.However,due to the limited availability of donors,only those patients whose oncologic profile is favorable can be considered for LT.Despite the careful selection of candidates based on strict rules,10 to 20%of liver transplant recipients who have HCC in the native cirrhotic liver develop tumor recurrence after transplantation.The selection criteria presently employed to minimize the risk of recurrence are based on gross tumor characteristics defined by imaging techniques;unfortunately,the accuracy of imaging is far from being optimal.Furthermore,microscopic tumor features that are strictly linked with prognosis can not be assessed prior to transplantation.Pre-transplantation tumor downstaging may allow transplantation in patients initially outside the selection criteria and seems to improve the prognosis;it also provides information on tumor biology.Themain peculiarity of the transplantation setting,when this is compared with other modalities of treatment,is the need for pharmacological immunosuppression:this is based on drugs that have been demonstrated to increase the risk of tumor development.As HCC is an aggressive malignancy,immunosuppression has to be handled carefully in patients who have HCC at the time of transplantation and new categories of immunosuppressive agents should be considered.Adjuvant chemotherapy following transplantation has failed to show any significant advantage.The aim of the present study is to review the possible strategies to avoid recurrence of HCC after liver transplantation based on the current clinical evidence and the more recent developments and to discuss possible future directions.
文摘The early hypersensitivity reaction and late bone marrow depression are well-known side-effects of azathioprine, whereas interstitial pneumonia is a rare complication. A 40-year old male patient had been treated with azathioprine in consequence of extensive ulcerative colitis for 10 years. He then complained of 7 d of fever, cough and catarrhal signs, without symptoms of active colitis. Opportunistic infections were ruled out. The chest X-ray, CT and lung biopsy demonstrated the presence of interstitial inflammation. Azathioprine therapy was discontinued as a potential source of the pulmonary infiltrate. In response to steroid therapy, and intensive care, the pulmonary infiltrate gradually decreased within 4 wk. Three months later, his ulcerative colitis relapsed, and ileo-anal pouch surgery was performed. In cases of atypical pneumonia, without a proven infection, azathioprine-associated interstitial pneumonitis may be present, which heals after withdrawal of the drug.
文摘In the last decades,with the development of biological therapy,the treatment paradigms in patients with Crohn＇s disease have continuously evolved.Several studies focusing on the optimal use of both traditional immunosuppressants and biological therapy have been published,investigating conventional,accelerated stepup and top-down approaches.In addition,much emphasis has been placed in recent years on the de-termination of important predictive factors that could enable early patient stratification,which would lead to a tailored management strategy.In this review,the authors try to highlight new evidence on the optimal timing,benefits,and risks of immunosupressants alone,or in combination,in patients with Crohn＇s disease.
文摘Patients with extensive or complicated Crohn's disease(CD) at diagnosis should be treated straightaway with immunosuppressive therapy according to the most recent guidelines.In patients with localized and uncomplicated CD at diagnosis,early use of immunosuppressive therapy is debated for preventing disease progression and limiting the disabling clinical impact.In this context,there is a need for predictors of benign or unfavourable subsequent clinical course,in order to avoid over-treating with risky drugs those patients who would have experienced spontaneous mid-term asymptomatic disease without progression towards irreversible intestinal lesions.At diagnosis,an age below 40 years,the presence of perianal lesions and the need for treating the first flare with steroids have been consistently associated with an unfavourable subsequent 5-year or 10-year clinical course.The positive predictive value of unfavourable course in patients with 2 or 3 predictors ranges between 0.75 and 0.95 in population-based and referral centre cohorts.Consequently,the use of these predictors can be integrated into the elements that influence individual decisions.In the CD postoperative context,keeping smoking and history of prior resection are the stron-gest predictors of disease symptomatic recurrence.However,these clinical predictors alone are not as reliable as severity of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence in clinical practice.In ulcerative colitis(UC),extensive colitis at diagnosis is associated with unfavourable clinical course in the first 5 to 10 years of the disease,and also with long-term colectomy and colorectal inflammation-associated colorectal cancer.In patients with extensive UC at diagnosis,a rapid step-up strategy aiming to achieve sustained deep remission should therefore be considered.At the moment,no reliable serological or genetic predictor of inflammatory bowel disease clinical course has been identified.
文摘A 27-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed with acute liver failure when he was taking leflunomide, a new immunosuppressant. This case illustrates the risk that leflunomide may lead to severe hepatotoxicity.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.METHODS:One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study.The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001).Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance,tumor size,depth of wall invasion,lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,perineural invasion,and pathological stage.They were not significantly associated with age,gender,tumor location,or histological type.CONCLUSION:Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer.Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis,these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.
