Definition of tumor-associated antigens in hepatocellular carcinoma.

With an estimated annual incidence of about one million cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Of all malignant diseases, it is the major cause of death in some regions of Africa and Asia. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for HCC are not well defined, and therapeutic means, especially in inoperable HCCs, are still unsatisfactory and await improvement. In the quest for tumor antigens exploitable for gene therapy, we studied immune responses in the context of HCC. A cDNA library derived from a human HCC sample was screened using the SEREX approach. Nineteen distinct antigens reactive with autologous IgG were identified. Sequence analysis revealed three of the cDNA clones to code for hitherto unknown proteins and 16 known genes products. Proteins as diverse in function as LDH, albumin, and kinectin were found. Furthermore, proteins involved in the transcription/translation machinery had elicited an immune response in the autologous host. A panel of allogenic sera including sera from patients with hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, HCC, and other tumor entities, as well as sera from normal individuals, was used for frequency analysis of antibody responses. Whereas allogenic sera of HCC patients detected most antigens at a high percentage, control sera were rarely antibody-positive. The nature of the major fraction of antigens described here are linked to liver. Thus, our findings demonstrate not only the complexity of the humoral immune response against HCC, but may also offer new insight into mechanisms underlying transformation of the liver cell.

[From dermabrasion to laser. Development of operative-interventional methods in aesthetic dermatology]. / Vom Schleifen zum Laser: Entwicklung operativ-interventioneller Methoden in der Kosmetik.

Many operative-interventional methods are available for aesthetic dermatology. The established high-speed dermabrasion as developed by Schreus has been replaced in many indications by newer approaches. Laser ablation can be effectively used for resurfacing of sun-damaged or scarred skin, but is associated with extensive side effects. Newer developments such as fractionated laser treatment are designed to fill the gap between ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing. The side effects are much less severe, but the effectiveness must be confirmed in larger studies. Photorejuvenation with intense pulsed light (IPL) offers a wide variety of treatment parameters for a broad spectrum of skin changes. Both superficial and deep structures can be treatment in one session using IPL.