The mtDNA nt7778 G/T polymorphism affects autoimmune diseases and reproductive performance in the mouse.

Mitochondria are organelles of all nucleated cells, and variations in mtDNA sequence affect a wide spectrum of human diseases. However, animal models for mtDNA-associated diseases are rare, making it challenging to explore mechanisms underlying the contribution of mitochondria. Here, we identify a polymorphism in the mitochondrial genome, G-to-T at position 7778, which results in an aspartic acid-to-tyrosine (D-Y) substitution in the fifth amino acid of the highly conserved N-terminus of ATP synthase 8 (ATP8).

Interferon-gamma treatment accelerates and aggravates autoimmune pancreatitis in the MRL/Mp-mouse.

Background: T helper 1 cell-released pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), but the experimental database is small. Here, we have directly tested the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by applying it to AIP-prone MRL/Mp mice.

Methods: MRL/Mp-mice were treated for 4 weeks with IFN-gamma.

Early rise in inflammation and microcirculatory disorder determine the development of autoimmune pancreatitis in the MRL/Mp-mouse.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare cause of chronic pancreatitis and mimics pancreatic cancer. Although there is strong interest in research, etiology and pathophysiology of AIP are still unknown. Therefore, we analyzed a total of 92 MRL/Mp-mice of either sex, which are prone to develop AIP, in four different age groups (8-12, 16-20, 24-28, and 32-40 wk).

Enteral budesonide in treatment for mild and moderate gastrointestinal chronic GVHD.

Budesonide (BUD) is a steroid with a low bioavailability, which has been used for the treatment of oral manifestations of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of BUD in the treatment of gastrointestinal cGVHD. Thirteen patients (median age 47 years) receiving BUD for the treatment of cGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT for hematological malignancies were evaluated for response.