Chiaki Arai

Selective enhancement of B cell antigen receptor-mediated antigen presentation by treatment with transforming growth factor-β

TGF‐β1 was examined for the ability to regulate Ag‐presentation by B cells, using A20‐HL B lymphoma cells bearing TNP‐specific IgM receptors. Treatment of A20‐HL cells with TGF‐β1 at 1 ng/ml, a concentration that inhibited proliferation, enhanced presentation of Ag internalized via surface IgM (sIgM), but not via fluid‐phase pinocytosis. TGF‐β1‐treatment slightly enhanced surface expression of sIgM, but not of MHC class II molecules. The treatment accelerated recovery of sIgM expression after its removal by ligation with TNP‐OVA, and induced prolonged intracellular residence of TNP‐OVA internalized via sIgM, which co‐localized with intracellular MHC class II molecules. TGF‐β1‐treatment increased accumulation of newly synthesized intracellular MHC class II molecules that were localized in compartments positive for lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1, although cellular protein synthesis was decreased by the treatment. The accumulated intracellular MHC class II molecules were triggered to the cell surface by ligation of sIgM. Finally, TGF‐β1‐treatment induced Igα‐phosphorylation in response to lower concentrations of TNP‐OVA. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that TGF‐β1‐treatment of A20‐HL cells selectively enhances the ability to present Ag internalized via sIgM, not via fluid‐phase pinocytosis, through accelerating sIgM recovery, increasing accumulation of intracellular MHC class II molecules and enhancing the ability of sIgM ligation to induce Igα‐phosphorylation.

Identification of Onodi cell and new classification of sphenoid sinus for endoscopic sinus surgery

There is no effective classification method for the opening of the sphenoid sinus. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of identification of the Onodi cell and classification of the sphenoid sinus using sagittal computed tomography (CT) for sphenoidotomy.

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasolacrimal duct treated with proton beam therapy

Primary malignant tumors of the lacrimal passage, particularly of the nasolacrimal duct, are rare. We describe a 72-year-old woman who presented with lacrimation 5 years previously. She had pain and bloody and purulent lacrimation, and a mass was identified in the inferior meatus. Accordingly, she was diagnosed with primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasolacrimal duct. She was treated with proton beam therapy and showed a favorable response. Owing to the long-term risks of recurrence and distant metastasis, adenoid cystic carcinoma requires sufficient follow-up.

Clinical Trend of Churg-Strauss Syndrome in Japan

Objective: There are a lot of reports that LTRA internal use, steroid medicine, and weight loss are associated with the onset of CSS. Because we experienced 2 cases of CSS that occurred during treatment of eosinophilic sinusitis this time, in addition, we consider some discussion from the literature. Method: We examined retrospectively 2 eosinophilic sinusitis patients, one with asthma and the other with allergic rhinitis. After these operations, we added wash-out sinuses and prescribed LTRA and nasal steroids. Depending on the state of intranasal findings, we gave steroid medicine. Results: We performed wash-out sinuses, LTRA internal use, and nasal steroids as postoperative treatment with both cases, and, at the exacerbation of intranasal findings, the intranasal findings improved by administration of steroid medicine. When we took steroid medicine, we did not do it with fixed quantity and the administration method that we did it and reduced. CSS was diagnosed by mononeuritis multipleand polyarthritis and purpuric onset subsequently. We suggested the possibility that LTRA internal use was associated with the onset of the CSS. Conclusion: LTRA internal use, steroid medicine, and weight loss may be associated with the onset of the CSS, and it is important to discontinue a causing agent when the otolaryngologist who frequently prescribes these drugs grasps overall status, and suspects CSS.

Alternaria Inhibits Defense Mechanism for Virus Infection

Objective: It has been suggested that fungi may have trigger effects for CRS. It was reported that PBMCs from CRS patients produced IL-5, IL-13 and INF-gamma by Alternaria. Kobayashi reported that Alternaria produced potent Th2-like adjuvant effects in the airway. We hypothesized that Alternaria inhibits Th1-type defense mechanisms against virus infection. Method: The functional responses were assessed by expression of cell surface molecules by FACS (MHC Class II, CD40, CD80, CD86, OX40L and CCR7). IL-6, IP-10, and I-TAC were measured by ELISA kits (R&D Systems). TLR3 mRNA and protein expression were detected by real time–PCR and Western blotting. Results: Alternaria and Poly I:C induced surface molecules of MHC Class II, CD40, CD80, CD86, OX40L, and CCR7 and IL-6 production in a concentration-dependent manner. But, Alternaria significantly inhibited IP-10, I-TAC, and IFN-gamma production induced by Poly I:C. TLR3 mRNA expression and protein production by Poly I:C were significantly inhibited by Alternairia. It was considered that these reactions were caused by heat-resistance and over 100 molecular weight substance from Alternaria. Conclusion: From these results, it was found that the presence of Alternaria inhibited a production of IFN-gamma by inhibiting expression of TLR3 and inhibited a production of IP -10 and I-TAC. Alternaria inhibits defense mechanisms against virus infection. It was suggested that Alternaria caused suppression for innate immune systems.

Therapeutic effectiveness of ranimustine chemotherapy for elderly essential thrombocythemia

Background:  We studied the clinical effectiveness of ranimustine (MCNU) chemotherapy for essential thrombocythemia (ET).

Prognostic factors in elderly multiple myeloma patients aged 65 years or older : Comparison with nonelderly patients with multiple myeloma

Background:  Although age is a prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM), the prognostic factors in elderly MM patients may be different to those in nonelderly MM patients due to the patients age. The difference in the significance of prognostic factors between elderly MM patients and the nonelderly MM patients was studied.