IL-17A levels increase in the infarcted region of the left ventricle in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

Th17 cells, a recently described subtype of CD4+ effector lymphocytes, have been linked to cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as to cardiovascular diseases. However, the participation of IL-17A in myocardial ischemic injury has not been clearly defined. We therefore conducted the present study to evaluate IL-17A and Th17-related cytokine levels in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).

Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: is the cure for connective tissue diseases within connective tissue?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are now known to display not only adult stem cell multipotency but also robust anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. After widespread in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing in several autoimmune disease models, allogenic MSCs have been successfully applied in patients with severe treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. The impressive results of these uncontrolled phase I and II trials - mostly in patients with non-responding renal disease - point to the need to perform controlled multicentric trials.

Impaired immune response in severe human lower tract respiratory infection by respiratory syncytial virus.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infection in infants. The immune response plays a leading role in the severity of the disease. We hypothesized that severe RSV disease is associated with an impaired immune response characterized by low circulating T lymphocytes and plasma cytokine concentrations.

[Hyper-IgM syndrome in members of two unrelated Chilean families: molecular and mutation analysis].

Background: Hyper-IgM syndronie (HIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency used to describe a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by recurrey bacterial infrctions, normal or elevated serum IgM levels and low or absent serum IgG, IgA and IgE.

Aim: To make definitive diagnosis, detect mutations in carriers and perform genetic counseling in patients with HIGM.

Patients And Methods: We studied the expression of CD40L, CD40 and made a mutation analysis of the CD40L gene in 3 males of 2 unrelated Chilean families diagnosed as a possible syndrome of hyper-IgM and 3 relatives.