Improved (4 Plus 2) Rituximab Protocol for Severe Cases of Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A 6-Year Observational Study.

Background: In a prospective, single-center open study, we evaluated the very long-term effects of rituximab (RTX) administered to patients with severe mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC).

Methods: RTX was administered to 31 patients with MC (type II in 29 cases and type III in 2) with diffuse membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (16 cases), peripheral neuropathy (26) and large skin ulcers (7). All but 4 patients had serum anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies.

A 4-year observation in lupus nephritis patients treated with an intensified B-lymphocyte depletion without immunosuppressive maintenance treatment-Clinical response compared to literature and immunological re-assessment.

Background: B cells (BC) play a critical role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BC depletion therapy still remains an attractive option, despite the disappointing results of randomized controlled trials (RTCs).

Methods: Twelve patients with SLE [3 males, mean age 43.

8-isoprostane, prostaglandin E2, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in antiphospholipid syndrome: a pilot study.

Objective: To test the inflammation and oxidative stress hypothesis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients and to identify possible associations with clinical and laboratory features of the disease.

Methods: Serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-isoprostane and prostaglandin E2 (PGE) were assayed in the sera of 45 APS patients and then compared to control groups made up of 15 antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) negative patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 15 aPL negative subjects with pregnancy-related morbidity, 15 aPL negative patients with thrombosis, 15 subjects with persistently positive aPL with no signs or symptoms of APS, and 15 healthy volunteers from among the hospital staff.

Results: APS patients showed significantly higher CRP (p = 0.

Rituximab as a therapeutic tool in severe mixed cryoglobulinemia.

Type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a systemic vasculitis, associated in most cases with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, sustained by proliferation of oligoclonal cells. Systemic B cell depletion and clinical remission can be achieved in non-Hodgkin lymphoma by human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically reacts with the CD20 antigen (rituximab). Similar effects could be expected in type II MC.

Absence of NF-kappaB activation by a new polystyrene-type adsorbent designed for hemoperfusion.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate biocompatibility of anew polystyrene-type adsorbent (BetaSorb) designed for hemoperfusion, using second-level biomolecular analyses. The device has recently been developed to enhance beta2-microglobulin removal during hemodialysis. Molecular structure and chemical modifications of the surface beads of this cartridge should prevent exposure of dense hydrophobic surface sites to proteins, and avoid the major drawbacks of previous polystyrene-type adsorbent materials.

Association between transforming growth factor beta1 gene polymorphisms and IgA nephropathy.

Background: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in the modulation of cellular growth and differentiation in a wide variety of cell types and in the production/degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated whether G-800A, C-509T and Leu10-->Pro polymorphisms in the TGF-beta1 gene could be involved in the development and progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods: DNA samples were obtained from 101 patients with biopsy proven IgA mesangial nephropathy and 118 healthy controls.