Effect of fluvastatin on apoptosis in human CD4+ T cells.

Statins are lipid-lowering agents with pleiotropic effects. We investigated the apoptotic effects of fluvastatin on peripheral CD4+ T cells from healthy subjects. Fluvastatin induced apoptosis in resting CD4+ T cells but not in CD4+ T cells strongly activated with a high concentration of PMA plus ionomycin (PMA/I) analyzed with annexin V and propidium iodide staining.

Increased levels and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We examined serum levels of MMP-9 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), activity of MMP-9, and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). After polysomnography, venous blood was collected at 5:00 A.

IgE binding to raw and boiled shrimp proteins in atopic and nonatopic patients with adverse reactions to shrimp.

Background: Characterization of seafood allergens is important to understand the immune response to these allergens. Moreover, a detailed comparison between atopic and nonatopic patients with adverse reactions to shrimp has never been reported.

Methods: Raw and boiled shrimp extracts were analyzed by immunoblotting using sera from 9 atopic and 7 nonatopic patients with a history of adverse reactions to shrimp, and 13 control subjects.