Interleukin-31 and soluble CD40L: new candidate serum biomarkers that predict therapeutic response in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), varying from relatively benign to severely disabling. Although the roles of several cytokines and chemokines in MS are well established, their roles in MS lesions and evolution remain a matter of debate. Soluble CD40L (sCD40L) is a ligand that induces lymphocyte proinflammatory activity by stimulating the activation and maturation of B cells, promoting isotype switching and affinity hypermutation.

Murine endometrial-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis depending on indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase expression.

Cellular therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a huge challenge for scientists, as little translational relevance has been achieved. However, many studies using MSCs have proved their suppressive and regenerative capacity. Thus, there is still a need for a better understanding of MSCs biology and the establishment of newer protocols, or to test unexplored tissue sources.

Herpes simplex virus esophagitis in immunocompetent children.

Objectives: To review clinical, laboratory, endoscopic and histologic features, treatment and outcome of immunocompetent children with Herpes simplex virus esophagitis.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of six children (five males) referred to our unit between 1997-2001.

Results: The median age at presentation was 4 years.