0000000000616733
AUTHOR
Triolo Giovanni
Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T lymphocytes in Italian patients with Behçet's disease: evidence for expansion, and tumour necrosis factor receptor II and interleukin-12 receptor beta1 expression in active disease.
Behçet's disease is a multisystem disease in which there is evidence of immunological dysregulation. It has been proposed that gamma/delta T cells are involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to assess the capacity of gamma/delta T cells with phenotype Vgamma9/Vdelta2, from a group of Italian patients with Behçet's disease, to proliferate in the presence of various phosphoantigens and to express tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-12 receptors. Twenty-five patients and 45 healthy individuals were studied. Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cells were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting, utilizing specific monoclonal antibodies. For the expansion of Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cells, …
PLA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein receptors IIIA in Behçet's disease
OBJECTIVES: To investigate potential associations between the PlA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein receptor IIIA (GpIIIa) gene and venous thrombosis and other clinical manifestations in Italian patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Two hundred consecutive Italian patients satisfying the International Study Group criteria for BD who were followed up for seven years and 241 healthy Italian age- and gender-matched blood donors were molecularly genotyped for the PlA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet GpIIIa gene; 118 and 117 of the 200 BD patients were also respectively genotyped for factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene G20210A polymorphisms. A standard microlymphocytotoxicit…
Physical capacity in performing daily activities is reduced in scleroderma patients with early lung involvement
BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often complain reduced capacity at submaximal exercise; conversely physical capacity in performing daily duties has never been measured in SSc. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate this performance and its correlates, in patients with SSc compared to healthy controls, in a free-living setting. METHODS: Twenty-seven outpatients with stable SSc and 11 controls were recruited. Physical activity was assessed by portable multiple sensor device (SenseWear Armband) worn for at least six days. Physical activity duration (PAD; in minutes) for non-sedentary activities and physical activity level (PAL= total daily energy/resting energy expenditure) per day were ca…