Molecular Evidence for Precursors of Sjögren's Foci in Histologically Normal Lacrimal Glands.

Understanding the formation of Sjogren's lymphocytic infiltrates could permit earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. We submitted gene transcript abundances in histologically normal rabbit lacrimal glands to principal component analysis. The analysis identified a cluster of transcripts associated with Sjögren's foci, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for C⁻X⁻C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and B-cell activating factor (BAFF), which dominated the major principal component.

A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular, autologous adipose tissue injections for the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis compared to hyaluronic acid: a study protocol.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly debilitating joint disease that causes progressive, irreversible damage to articular cartilage. OA takes a massive toll on society that has grown in recent decades, but no therapy has been shown to halt or reverse the progression of the disease. The critical need for better treatments and increased interest cellular therapies has spawned a new generation of "minimally manipulated" cell treatments.

Pregnancy probabilistically augments potential precursors to chronic, immune-mediated or autoimmune lacrimal gland infiltrates.

Purpose: This study asked whether pregnancy, a risk factor for dry eye disease associated with both chronic, immune-mediated- and autoimmune etiologies, augments development of clusters of coordinately functioning cells (CCFC) that may be precursors to pathological lacrimal gland infiltrates.

Methods: Lacrimal glands were from six virgin- and six term-pregnant rabbits of the same age and environmental exposure history. Seventy-two immune response-related gene transcripts were assayed by real time RT-PCR.

Multiple Natural and Experimental Inflammatory Rabbit Lacrimal Gland Phenotypes.

Purpose: To investigate lacrimal gland (LG) immunophysiological and immune-mediated inflammatory process (IMIP) phenotype diversity.

Methods: Ex vivo matured dendritic cells (mDC) were loaded with acinar cell microparticles (M). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were activated in mixed cell reactions with mDC and injected directly into autologous, unilateral LG (1°ATD-LG) of two rabbit cohorts, one naïve, one immunized with a LG lysate membrane fraction (P).

Dry eye in postmenopausal women: a hormonal disorder.

Objective: This review examines the etiology and pathophysiology of dry eye disease in postmenopausal women, and describes the steroid reproductive hormone influences that may contribute to its development.

Methods: We have reviewed the relevant studies on dry eye disease related to hormonal status and hormone therapy (HT) in both animal models and humans.

Results: Although both low and high estrogen levels have been associated with symptoms of dry eye disease, low androgen levels are a more consistent factor in its etiology.