TNF-α gene polymorphisms and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Influence on disease outcome and therapeutic response.

Objective: To investigate the genetic contribution of TNF-α gene polymorphisms on the disease course and therapeutic response in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: 74 Caucasian patients with JIA were recruited with a control group of 77 healthy children. DNA was extracted for analysis of TNF-α gene promoter polymorphisms at positions -163, -244, -238, -376, and -308.

Blood natural killer activity is reduced in men with occupational stress and job insecurity working in a university.

Purpose: To examine the immune response to job strain and insecurity of 88 men working in a university, divided according to age and type of employment.

Methods: Anxiety, job strain, job insecurity and subjective symptoms were measured by questionnaires. Blood NK cytotoxic activity was determined by an in vitro method and lymphocyte subpopulations by flow-cytometry analysis.