Search results for "connective tissue disease"
showing 10 items of 874 documents
Selection of erythema index and image sampling method for the objective erythema estimation in dogs with atopic dermatitis
2020
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common inflammatory and pruritic skin disease associated with allergy to exogenous allergens. The regular monitoring of skin lesions is essential to execute the anti-allergic therapy successfully. Erythema is one of the most important CAD-related lesions since it represents acute skin inflammation. Previously, we studied two optical systems (i.e., multispectral and dermatoscopic devices), which could objectively estimate erythema severity. However, we did not investigate, which image sampling method for selecting erythema-representing pixels and erythema index (EI) are correlated with the visual erythema assessment the most. In this paper, we tested three…
B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
2020
The B cell activating factor (BAFF), or B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a B cell survival factor which supports autoreactive B cells and prevents their deletion. BAFF expression is closely linked with autoimmunity and is enhanced by genetic alterations and viral infections. Furthermore, BAFF seems to be involved in adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neuro-inflammatory processes and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. BAFF is commonly overexpressed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The relationship between BAFF levels, disease activity and damage accrual in SLE is controversial, but growing evidence is emerging on its role in renal …
The collagen-like component of the complement system, C1q, is recognized by 7 S autoantibodies and is functionally impaired in synovial fluids of pat…
1996
Cross-reactivity between type II collagen (CII) and C1q, the collagen-like subunit of the first component of complement, has been demonstrated in synovial fluid (SF) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Many authors have studied autoimmunity to CII in RA, but little work has been done on autoimmunity to C1q in RA. In the data presented here, we have been able to show that in addition to native C1q, an altered form of C1q is present in SF from RA patients. Furthermore, a low molecular weight form of C1q is present in RA SF, although its role, if any, in the pathogenesis of RA is unclear. The presence in these RA SF of C1q-specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) has been studied and we have par…
Isolation and characterization of a pigmentless-conidium mutant of Aspergillus fumigatus with altered conidial surface and reduced virulence.
1997
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important pathogen of immunocompromised hosts, causing pneumonia and invasive disseminated disease with high mortality. The factors contributing to the predominance of A. fumigatus as an opportunistic pathogen are largely unknown. Since the survival of conidia in the host is a prerequisite for establishing disease, we have been attempting to identify factors which are associated with conidia and, simultaneously, important for infection. Therefore, an A. fumigatus mutant strain (white [W]) lacking conidial pigmentation was isolated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that conidia of the W mutant also differed in their surface morphology from those of the wild t…
Interaction of Human Phagocytes with Pigmentless Aspergillus Conidia
2000
ABSTRACT A defect in the pksP gene of Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with the loss of conidial pigmentation, a profound change of the conidial surface structure, and reduced virulence. The structural change of the conidial surface structure was not observed in similar A. nidulans wA mutants. Our data indicate that the pigment of both species is important for scavenging reactive oxygen species and for protection of conidia against oxidative damage.
Benign, preinvasive and invasive ductal breast lesions. A comparative study with quantitative techniques: morphometry, image- and flow cytometry.
1999
The histological distinction between ductal hyperplasia of the breast, atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ is difficult and subjective. To gain a better understanding of these lesions, we performed a comparative study comprising 20 cases of ductal hyperplasia without atypia, 20 cases of ductal hyperplasia with atypia, and 30 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated), using quantitative techniques: image cytometry analysis, morphometry and DNA analysis, and DNA flow cytometry. Our results confirm that the mean nuclear area and volume progressively decreased from ductal carcinoma in situ to ductal hyperplasia without atypia. The diff…
Recent Advances in the Morphology of Myositis
1985
Summary Myositis in man may be divided into infectious and non-infectious forms. The myopathologist more often deals with the latter forms which comprise dermatomyositis/polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, mixed connective tissue disease/collagenoses, and granulomatous myopathies. Modern morphological techniques as enzyme-histochemistry, electron microscopy, immunohistology, and morphometry are of different value in various forms of myositis, but are often indispensable techniques in up-to-date diagnostic work up of a myositis.
Ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome.
2008
Objective To review the current evidence regarding the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome and female infertility, as well as the risks associated with ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and IVF. To establish, based on this information, guidelines for safe and successful assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design A MEDLINE computer search was performed to identify relevant articles. Result(s) Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome are not related to infertility, except for cases of amenorrhea accompanying severe flares, renal insufficiency-related hypofertility, and ovarian failure secondary to cyclophosphami…
Microbiome Changes in Connective Tissue Diseases and Vasculitis: Focus on Metabolism and Inflammation
2022
The microbial community acts as an active player in maintaining homeostasis and immune functions through a continuous and changeable cross-talk with the host immune system. Emerging evidence suggests that altered microbial composition, known as dysbiosis, might perturb the delicate balance between the microbiota and the immune system, triggering inflammation and potentially contributing to the pathogenesis and development of chronic inflammatory diseases. This review will summarize the current evidence about the microbiome-immunity cross-talk, especially focusing on the microbiota alterations described in patients with rheumatic diseases and on the recent findings concerning the interaction…
ID: 156
2015
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently discovered family of innate lymphocytes that are substantially represented at mucosal surfaces and have been implicated in the protection of epithelial barriers. Various types of ILCs can be discriminated based on the expression of distinct transcription factors controlling the expression of a distinct set of cytokine genes endowing the various ILC subsets with a specific range of effector functions. Currently, three groups of ILCs are being recognized. Group 1 ILCs (ILC1s) are a diverse group of ILCs comprised of natural killer (NK) cells and other, poorly defined subsets of ILCs. It is believed that the ILC1 fate decision is controlled by the T-…