SCCA-IC serum levels are predictive of clinical response in HCV chronic hepatitis to antiviral therapy: a multicentric prospective study.

The combination of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin is currently the gold standard therapy in patients with HCV chronic infection. The duration of therapy, as well as the therapeutic dosage, depend on the genotype. Identification of the genotype and rapid virological response (RVR) are widely accepted as the most important predictors of clinical outcome during antiviral therapy but to optimize cost-benefits and to reduce possible side effects, further prognostic factors are needed. Squamous cell carcinoma antigens immunocomplex (SCCA-IC) has been reported to be increased in the serum of patients with liver cancer. In this multicentric prospective study, we investigated the serum levels of SCCA-IC in 103 patients with HCV chronic infection. Serum HCV-RNA was detected before the beginning of treatment, after 4, 12, 24 or 48 weeks, and at week 24 during follow-up. RVR, early virological response and sustained virological response (SVR) were assessed following the international guidelines. SCCA-IC levels were higher in responders (238 AU, interquartile difference 130-556 AU) and decreased significantly to 125 AU (70-290 AU). The mean baseline value in nonresponders was 149 AU (86.5-306.5 AU), but after 4 weeks of treatment the serum levels decreased to 115 AU (80-280 AU): the profile of reduction was different between patients with or without a positive SVR. Logistic regression with SVR as dependent variable identified as significant independent variables: the reduction in SCCA-IC after 1 month (OR = 4.82; 95% CI 1.39-16.67; P = 0.131) and a genotype other than 1 (OR = 0.094; 95% CI 0.21-0.42; P = 0.002); sex and age were also significant factors influencing SVR. SCCA-IC seems to be a reliable independent prognostic marker of therapeutic effectiveness in anti-HCV positive patients undergoing antiviral therapy.

Environmental prospection for PCDD/PCDF, PAH, PCB and heavy metals around the incinerator power plant of Reggio Emilia town (Northern Italy) and surrounding main roads.

Samples of soil, sediment and pine needles from the Reggio Emilia area were analysed in order to estimate the environmental pollution caused by an MSWI. PCDD/PCDF, PCB, PAH and metals were analysed in the collected samples. The data obtained showed relatively low pollution levels. Indeed, the PCDD/PCDF and PCB data were comparable to the values usually found in the grazing areas of the European Union countries. Metal concentrations in soils and sediments may be related to local geological occurrences and to agricultural activities. PAH values are significantly lower than the limit values set by the Italian law.

A new method for the detection of low levels of free fibres of chrysotile in contaminated soils by X-ray powder diffraction.

A new method for the determination of free fibres of chrysotile in contaminated soils is described. The detection limit of 0.5 wt per thousand is reached by an enrichment process of the asbestos fraction of the sample using a standard laboratory elutriator for sedimentation analysis. The analysis of the enriched fraction is performed by X-ray powder diffraction using a conventional instrument. The procedure can be successfully applied to several soils of different nature throughout thermal treatment and removal of possible interferences due to some matrix components. This method is straightforward, routinized and has been especially developed to fulfil the request of public and private institutions for an appropriate quantitative determination of chrysotile free fibres in contaminated soils.

Determination of low levels of free fibres of chrysotile in contaminated soils by X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy.

A new analytical method for the determination of low levels (0.01-1 wt%) of free fibres of chrysotile in contaminated clayey, sandy and sandy-organic soils is described. The detection limit of 0.01 wt% is reached with an enrichment of free fibres of chrysotile in the sample using a standard laboratory elutriator for sedimentation analysis. The chrysotile quantitative determination is performed both by X-ray powder diffraction, using the internal standard and reference intensity ratio methods, and by Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The procedure can be successfully applied to different soils after removal, by a thermal treatment, of the matrix components which can interfere. This straightforward method fulfils the request of public institutions and private companies for an appropriate quantitative determination of chrysotile-free fibres in contaminated soils.

Monitoring and modulation of recipient immune responsiveness to prevent kidney graft rejection in the early post-transplant period.

In 41 consecutive living and cadaver donor renal transplant recipients, immunological monitoring was performed 2--3 times a week for the first two post-transplant months. Monitoring consisted of: 1) Circulating T and B cell levels (E-EAC Rosette assay) 2) T cell reactivity (PHA-Con A) 3) LMC and ADCC reactivity Rejection was diagnosed by standard techniques including radioisotope renal scans and biopsy in some cases. Immunosuppression consisted of prednisone, imuran, cyclophosphamide and horse ALG. In 32 rejection episodes in the first two months, 22 (68%) were associated with a rise in T cell levels. Rejection activity also correlated with an augmented PHA mitogenesis count of 20 +/- 5%. There was no positive correlation between Con A mitogenesis and rejection. There was also no correlation between rejection and circulating B cell levels. There was no significant correlation between a positive ADCC and graft rejection. Futhermore a positive ADCC in association with a negative LMC resulted in excellent long-term graft function. In conclusion, an excellent correlation of levels of circulating T cells and T cell reactivity with early in vivo rejection was shown.

Immunological reactivity of peripheral lymphocytes in kidney transplant patients.

The in vitro lymphocyte response to mitogens (PHA, PWM) and specific antigens (PPD, LPS, histocompatibility antigens), as well as their capacity to form spontaneous SRBC rosettes, was evaluated in 24 renal transplant patients; of these, 13 were studied both before and after kidney graft. The results of our tests, compared to the range of values obtained from healthy controls, show that continuous immunosuppressive therapy does not significantly depress the in vitro mitotic potentiality of lymphocytes in spite of greatly reduced levels of circulating T cells. The in vitro escape of lymphocytes from the action of immunosuppressive drugs frustrated the aim of calibrating the immunodepressive therapy for each patient. A better understanding of the immunosuppression in an individual will perhaps be obtained from a more prolonged observation of the in vitro lymphocyte reactivity in a larger number of patients.