Beta-carotene suppresses UVA-induced HO-1 gene expression in cultured FEK4.

The ultraviolet region of sunlight causes a significant oxidative stress to human skin cells and modulates expression of a series of genes in dermal fibroblasts and other cell types. The human heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) gene is strongly activated within the first hours that follow UVA irradiation of normal human dermal fibroblasts (FEK4) and this response is being used as a marker of oxidative stress in cells. It has been shown that the induction of this gene occurs via singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) produced upon interaction of UVA radiation with an as yet undefined cellular chromophore.

Liquid phase characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

We have previously reported that alveolitis correlates with clinical, roentgenologic, and functional parameters of pulmonary involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (1SS). In the present study, we analyzed the liquid phase characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the same 19 patients with 1SS. Our results show that patients with "high alveolitis" (group A, BAL lymphocytes > 15.