Inhibition of leukotriene B4-induced CD11B/CD18 (Mac-1) expression by BIIL 284, a new long acting LTB4 receptor antagonist, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB(4)) has a key role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective: To investigate the inhibition of ex vivo LTB(4)-induced Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) expression in leucocytes of patients with RA by the new oral LTB(4) receptor antagonist BIIL 284.

Methods: The pharmacokinetics and inhibition of LTB(4)-induced Mac-1 expression of BIIL 284 were characterised in 26 adult patients with RA who were treated with BIIL 284 25 mg, 150 mg, or placebo given once a day for 14 days according to a double blind, randomised, parallel group design.

[Differential Diagnosis Macro CK Type 1 in Thoracic Pain Syndrome and Increased CK-MB].

Background: Macro CK (creatine kinase) as a reason for high CK values has been known since 1979. Even in the era of troponin determination for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, an elevated CK value can still cause confusion, especially as CK-MB rises earlier than troponin. The case report should remind us of this often forgotten differential diagnosis of elevated CK.

[Laboratory diagnosis of osteoporosis].

Bone is biologically a highly active tissue whose cells are embedded in a complex network of systemically acting hormones and local mediators. The mechanisms of action involved are as yet only partially understood. With the increase in life expectancy and the resultant change of the population's age structure, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and bones have increased in importance.