IL-2 induces and altered CD4/CD8 ratio of splenic T lymphocytes from transgenic mice overexpressing the glucocorticoid-induced protein GILZ.

We used transgenic mice to investigate the effect of IL-2 stimulation on T lymphocyte functions of GILZ-overexpressing splenic T cells. When compared to their controls, T cells from transgenic mice underwent normal activation after stimulation with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies, as evaluated by CD25 expression, CD2 up-regulation and proliferation. IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-gamma increased more consistently in CD3/CD28-triggered TG compared to WT splenic CD4(+)cells. Analysis of the CD4(+)and CD8(+)T cells demonstrated a decreased CD4(+)/CD8(+)T-cell ratio (1:1 instead of 1:2) in response to IL-2 stimulation, possibly due to an unresponsiveness of IL-2 receptor beta and/or gamma chains. Finally, the total number of T cells was significantly increased in aged mice and this was due to the augmentation of CD4(+)T cells. These results support the hypothesis that GILZ regulates, at least in part, peripheral T-cell functions by influencing their responsiveness to IL-2.

Effects of cyclotronic ion resonance on human metabolic processes: a clinical trial and one case report.

We studied the effects of ion cyclotron resonance (Seqex) magnetic therapy on the blood of thirty two healthy volunteers. They received 15 treatments each 27 minutes in length, distributed over 5 weeks. The concentrations of two blood components, malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholesterol were measured in each subject, immediately before and immediately after the 15 treatments as well as one month after the final treatment. Highly significant reductions in MDA concentrations, averaging 53.8% were noted just after the 15 treatments, tending to return to the original concentrations one month later. The effect on HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were not significant. The implication of this work is that this type of therapy may be useful in dealing with oxidative stress.

Tryptophan catabolism in IDO+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) represent a specialized cell population that produces large amounts of type I interferons, the so-called natural interferon-producing cells. Recently, murine and human pDCs have been credited with a unique ability to express indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and to mediate immunosuppression in specific settings. This suggests an important role for IDO-expressing pDCs in controlling the balance of inflammation and tolerance. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how these cells may be critical at the interface of inflammation and tolerance and discuss the potential for therapeutic IDO modulation as an immunoregulatory maneuver targeting pDC function.

[Autotransplantation of an impacted supernumerary tooth]. / Considerazioni su un auto trapianto di un dente soprannumerario incluso.

The Authors report on a case of interesting tooth transplantation using a supernumerary in the site of a lower premolar root affected by periapical granuloma. Irrespective of local unfavourable conditions, the good result of surgical operation is demonstrated by up to now vitality and stability of transplanted tooth.