Matrix metalloproteinase-9 genotypes and haplotypes are associated with multiple sclerosis and with the degree of disability of the disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease causing severe neurological disability. This study was carried out in order to determine whether the MMP-9 C(-1562)T and (CA)(13-25) polymorphisms are associated with MS. A total of 165 patients (92 whites/73 mulattos) and 191 controls (96 whites/95 mulattos) were enrolled in the study.

Prostaglandin mediates IL-23/IL-17-induced neutrophil migration in inflammation by inhibiting IL-12 and IFNgamma production.

IL-23/IL-17-induced neutrophil recruitment plays a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of the neutrophil recruitment is obscure. Here we report that prostaglandin enhances the IL-23/IL-17-induced neutrophil migration in a murine model of RA by inhibiting IL-12 and IFN gamma production.

Detrimental role of endogenous nitric oxide in host defence against Sporothrix schenckii.

We earlier demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is a fungicidal molecule against Sporothrix schenckii in vitro. In the present study we used mice deficient in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS-/-) and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice treated with Nomega-nitro-arginine (Nitro-Arg-treated mice), an NOS inhibitor, both defective in the production of reactive nitrogen intermediates, to investigate the role of endogenous NO during systemic sporotrichosis. When inoculated with yeast cells of S.

Neutrophil recruitment in immunized mice depends on MIP-2 inducing the sequential release of MIP-1alpha, TNF-alpha and LTB(4).

Neutrophils are thought to play an important role in the tissue damage observed in various autoimmune diseases. Chemokines, cytokines and leukotrienes have recognized roles in the orchestration of neutrophil migration. We have recently shown that antigen-induced neutrophil migration into the peritoneum of immunized mice is mediated by macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha which interacts with CCR1 and induces the sequential release of TNF-alpha and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)).

Differences in virulence of Sporothrix schenckii conidia related to culture conditions and cell-wall components.

A murine model was used to evaluate the virulence of Sporothrix schenckii conidia cultured for 4, 7, 10 or 12 days in Sabouraud's dextrose broth (SDB). A correlation was observed between length of culture and virulence. Mice infected intravenously with S.