Presence of galectin-3 in peritoneal dialysate. Does it have a role in the peritoneal membrane inflammatory process?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) causes structural and functional changes in the peritoneal membrane, which are attributed to local inflammatory process. This study assessed the presence of galectin-3 (Gal-3), a known inflammatory modulator, in dialysate effluent and correlated its levels with markers of inflammatory process. Gal-3 levels in serum and dialysate effluent were measured in prevalent PD patients on morning visits (n = 27) or during peritoneal equilibration tests (PET, n = 16), it association with clinical and laboratory parameters, including dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P creatinine) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels was analysed.

[Lamivudine treatment of a HBs antigen positive man with reactive arthritis].

A 46-year-old man who was HBs antigen positive since childhood had painful talocrural arthritis that was considered re-active to HBs antigen. Lamivudine treatment was started and HBV-DNA disappeared from the blood, and the joint swellings disappeared. HBe antibody disappeared after eight months.