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Helicobacter pylori is a common pathogen causing gastric inflammation and malignancy. Fetuin-A is a multifunctional protein that is involved in the regulation of calcification, insulin resistance and inflammation. Reports on serum levels of fetuin-A in acute H. pylori infection are contradictory. We intended to see whether H. pylori post-infection status has a long-term effect on serum fetuin-A levels in a well-characterized series of systemic lupus erythematosus cases. In this cross-sectional study 117 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled. Helicobacter infection status and serum fetuin-A concentration were determined by ELISA and radial immunodiffusion, respectively. H. pylori positive patients had higher serum fetuin-A concentration than negative ones: 517 (456-603) vs. 476 (408-544) mg L-1, median (25-75% percentiles), P = 0.020. No other parameters differed between these groups. During univariate regression analysis fetuin-A levels were associated with Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), White blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum total protein, albumin, and the SLEDAI index at the time of diagnosis but only serum albumin remained a significant determinant in multivariate regression study.

The work focuses on orosomucoid. First, the biological role and the development of this essential molecule is summarized, then the formation of its special molecular structure is introduced. After the summary of the specific characteristics and the physiological, pathophysiological as well as clinical properties of orosomucoid and sialic acid, their most important roles are also presented. Orosomucoid belongs to the family of lipocalins and the subfamily of immunocalins - this determines its immunological, anti-inflammatorical and transporting capacities. Another important quality of the molecule is that it is recognized by lectins. Orosomucoid is highly bioactive. More knowledge is increasing about its function and biological role. The clinical relations are summarised, too. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(8): 283-290.

After clearing up the confusion in the previously used nomenclature, the paper discusses the family of small-leucin-rich glycoproteins. After mentioning the family and its role in the organisation of the ground substance and in the regulation of inflammation, one unique molecule of proteoglycans is presented. This molecule is the inter-α-trypsin inhibitor. It has turned out that this peculiar molecule originally contains glycosaminoglycan beside the neutral carbohydrates. After summarizing the numerous connections of the proteoglycan molecule, the "self-sacrificing" nature of the molecule is presented. It is noted that the functions of the ovaries are also controlled by this molecule. The unique structure and fundamental function of the CD44 is also analysed. The CD44 is a transmembrane proteoglycan receptor with diverse functions and actions. The organisation has intramolecular, transmembrane sections, a stalk and one globular part and contains glycosaminoglycan and oligosacharids, too. The construction contains sialic acid residues at end positions of the molecular chains, which hinder it from joining other sialic acid structures in terminal positions. Therefore, this molecule has to be separated to open up a way for the sequencing neutral molecule (e.g., hyaluronan) to be attached. CD44 is the most important, but not the only receptor of hyaluronan. It can form connections with a lot of constructions, e.g., blood cells, the human endothelial, adventitial and mesenchymal. Human extracellular matrix proteinases can change the receptor's structures. Both the molecular and the supramolecular complexes boast unique features. The giant hyaluronan chains can connect to hyaluronan-binding proteoglycans - particularly hyaladherins to hyaluronectins - to create supramolecular connections and networks. The molecular mass of the fragments of hyaluronan is in the range of some kDs, while the whole molecule weighs up to several million Ds. The fragments are independent masses and can form attachments by themselves. The fragments have important inflammatory effects. Previously unidentified proteoglycan fragments have also been identified. Five of the ten identified fragments are secreted after synthetizing and stored in the granula of human cells. These strange characteristics are connected to the features of chromogranins/secretogranins. Nevertheless, this is another system of the organism, the functional, molecular structures of which are synthetized in neuroendocrine cells. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(16): 620-627.

This paper investigates the fundamental knowledge, build-up, as well as essential structural and important features of the big family of chromogranins/secretogranins. Previously the different properties and the slightly diverging funcional relations of the two family members were in focus. Later on, it has been discovered that they are essentially two similar compounds with identical structures and functions, and they are chemically, biochemically related. From details discovered so far we can tell that they are long polypeptid chains formed from amino acids. Based on insights gained until now we can also state that these compounds are formed in Ca ++ containing environments with acidic pH. Among the compounds there are several molecules which have characteristic oligosacharid groups. This is especially interesting because oligosacharid chains with sialic acid in terminal position play an important role in the recognising and connectional processes. The chromogranins/secretogranins are mostly formed in neuroendocrine cells, but are also capable of building up in any cell type in the organism during pathological processes. Intracellular biogenesis takes place in the dense endoplasmatic reticulum across the mitochondrium, developing biogenetic granulums, followed by the stimulus-motivated secretum (exocytosis). The next stage of the molecular development is the specific break-up of the long polypeptid chains into shorter fragments. These fragments have individual effects. Some important clinical (diagnostic, prognostic) significance and connections are also touched upon in this paper, however, the cardiovascular, immunological systems and the tumors are mostly in focus. There are more immunological, cardiovascular and tumoral data. It is stated that as these molecules are in close connection with all of the organisms and systems of the body, a new chief organisator system has been identified. This chief organisator is closely connected with the central nervous system. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(28): 1092-1099.

Filtrates of a water extract of commercially available garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) were used for studying its possible bactericidal effect on Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the causative agent of swine dysentery, by agar-diffusion technique. Five of the six studied Brachyspira strains have proven to be sensitive and one moderately sensitive in the in vitro tests. It was concluded that water extract of garden thyme possesses inhibitory effects against B. hyodysenteriae. In vivo experiments are needed to check the validity of this conclusion.

Carbohydrate molecules connected mostly with covalent junctions to protein chains are called glycoproteins. These carbohydrate molecules are attached to the protein core in different qualities and order. When the protein core is connected with acidic components such as uronic acid or SO4 radicals, they are called proteoglycans. The currently used name "glycosaminoglycan" in this case is not entirely correct. In the living world polymannane structures occur, too. Glycoproteins do not only exceptionally hold acidic groups but they have neuraminic acid derivatives. Tissue, cellular and matrix structures, and mostly all serum "proteins" are mainly glycoproteins. In the everyday clinical practice glycoproteins are mentioned as proteins. Nevertheless, the inadequate use of the concept may cause errors in the attitudes, too. This paper aims to correct this notion, because the term of "glycobiology" has already been expanded to be an independent scientific field. The practical clinical consequences of recent knowledge in this field are also summarized including novel findings on glycoprotein structures and functions. The importance of the quantity of carbohydrates, and their structural arrangements are also presented. In short, significance of glycoprotein-carbohydrate structures, as well as their physiological and pathological roles are reviewed in order to introduce the field of "glycobiology". Orosomucoid and immunoglobulins are discussed separately. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(30), 1185-1192.

The liver is known to be the metabolic centre of the organism and is under the control of the central nervous system. It has a peculiar tissue structure and its anatomic localisation defines it as part of the immune system having an individual role in the defence of the organism. The determinant of its particular tissue build-up is the sinusoid system. In addition to hepatocytes, one cell row "endothelium", stellate cells close to the external surface, Kupffer cells tightly to its inner surface, as well as dendritic cells and other cell types (T and B lymphocytes, natural killer and natural killer T-cells, mast cells, granulocytes) are present. The multitudes and variety of cells make it possible to carry out the tasks according to the assignment of the organism. The liver is a member of the immune system having immune cells largely in an activated state. Its principal tasks are the assurance of the peripheral immune tolerance of the organism with the help of the haemopoetic cells and transforming growth factor-β. The liver takes part in the determination of the manner of the non-specific immune response of the organism. In addition to acute phase reaction of the organism, the liver has a role in the adaptive/specific immune response. These functions include retardation of the T and B lymphocytes and the defence against harmful pathogens. With the collaboration of transforming growth factor-β, immunoglobulins and their subclasses are inhibited just as the response of the T lymphocytes. The only exception is the undisturbed immunoglobulin A production. Particularly important is the intensive participation of the liver in the acute phase reaction of the organism, which is organised and guided by the coordinated functions of the cortico-hypothalamo-hypophysis-adrenal axis. Beside cellular elements, hormones, adhesion molecules, chemokines and cytokines are also involved in the cooperation with the organs. Acute phase reactants play a central role in these processes. Until recently the α2-macroglobulin was not considered as an acute reactant of the organism, but it is now functionally included in the acute phase reaction presumably due to its close connection with the transforming growth factor-β. Transforming growth factor-β has extraordinarily important roles in all phases of inflammation and in the specific immune response. The peripheral immune tolerance of the organism involves tightly coupled regulation of proliferation, differentiation and survival of lymphocytes.

In this review the author summarizes the knowledge related to structural elements of bone tissue. The process of bone reorganisation and knowledge about the special feature of bone metabolism in human are also discussed. It is noted that due to the reorganisation, there is a complete renewal of bone tissue in every 10 years, and this renewal lasts throughout the life. However, there are life periods when osteoclast activity is low, e.g. in childhood and the second decade of life when the gain of bone mass may be as much as 40% of the final bone mass. Overactivity of osteoclasts occurs at age 60 years in men and somewhat earlier in women. Reorganization of bone tissue is an elementary requirement for the physiological functions (locomotion, hemopoiesis, immune functions). The RANK-RANKL-osteoprotegerin axis plays an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism. Bone mass is dependent on osteocytes; osteoblasts are building up while osteoclasts are reabsorbing bone tissue. In this process transcription factors, hormone-like substances and a large number of cytokines are involved. In addition, the inflammatory process within the bone tissue as well as the defending, reparative inflammation and specific immune response are of great importance in bone reorganisation. This is particularly valid for α2-macroglobulin and transforming growth factor, although the exact role in bone reorganization has not been fully explored. It can be concluded that the elements, which participate in bone reorganization and in defending inflammatory and specific immunological processes, are essentially identical. Therefore, the existence of an osteo-immunological complex system has emerged.

The author summarizes the structure of the connective tissues, the increasing motion of the constituents, which determine the role in establishing the structure and function of that. The structure and function of the connective tissue are related to each other in the resting as well as inflammatory states. It is emphasized that cellular events in the connective tissue are part of the defence of the organism, the localisation of the damage and, if possible, the maintenance of restitutio ad integrum. The organism responds to damage with inflammation, the non specific immune response, as well as specific, adaptive immunity. These processes are located in the connective tissue. Sterile and pathogenic inflammation are relatively similar processes, but inevitable differences are present, too. Sialic acids and glycoproteins containing sialic acids have important roles, and the role of Siglecs is also highlighted. Also, similarities and differences in damages caused by pathogens and sterile agents are briefly summarized. In addition, the roles of adhesion molecules linked to each other, and the whole event of inflammatory processes are presented. When considering practical consequences it is stressed that the structure (building up) of the organism and the defending function of inflammation both have fundamental importance. Inflammation has a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and the unimpaired somato-psychological state of the organism. Thus, inflammation serves as a tool of organism identical with the natural immune response, inseparably connected with the specific, adaptive immune response. The main events of the inflammatory processes take place in the connective tissue.

Between 49 and 70 days of age, three groups of growing pigs (n = 10 each) were fed diets containing 0, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg T-2 toxin, respectively, for 21 days. The feed of another two groups of pigs (n = 10 each) contained 0.3 or 0.5 mg/kg T-2 toxin, respectively, plus a feed additive developed for splitting up the molecular structure of Fusarium toxins, in particular trichothecenes, by deepoxidation of the molecule, at 2 kg/tonne concentration. One group (n = 10) served as positive control; their feed was free from T-2 toxin but contained the feed additive at the above concentration. Toxin concentrations at these low dietary levels impaired the feed intake and growth rate of pigs. The feed additive alleviated the negative effects and justified its potential for prevention. Data of the present study indicated a 0.2 mg/kg feed no observed effect level (NOEL) of T-2 toxin in growing pig feeds.

The acute and chronic constitutional reactions of the organism elicited by sterile causes and pathogenic structures threatening the soundness of the organism are surveyed by the author. It is emphasized that depending on causes which can be very different, there are various syndromes occurring in the clinical practice. On the basis of multitudiness of pathogenic factors and individual differences, the infammatory reactions are clinically, pathologically and pathobiochemically can be hugely variable. The acute inflammatory response may be sterile. It is often difficult to recognize in these processes whether the inflammation is harmful or beneficial for the organism as a whole. It is possible that the inflammatory response itself is the defending resource of the individual. The non-sterile acute inflammation is evoked by pathogenic microorganisms. The variety of clinical syndromes are explained by the high diversity of pathogenic microbes, the individualities of the defending organisms, and the natural and adaptive immunity of the organism which may be intact or possibly defective. In the latter case the inflammation itself is the disease, as a consequence of a pathological process conducted by the cortico-hypothalamo-adernal axis. The acute inflammation is a defending, preventing and repairing process, constituting an important part of the natural innate immune response. It is inseparable from the natural innate immune response, which is in close cooperation with the adaptive, specific immune response with mutual effects on each of the other. The conductor and the response reactions of the two immune responses are also the same. There are alterations in serum proteins/glycoproteins synthesized mostly by the hepatocytes. Because the concentration of almost all proteins/glycoproteins may change, the use of the discriminative term "acute phase reactant" is hardly relevant. For example, the HDL molecule is a negative "acute phase reactant". On the gound of clinical, pathological and biochemical caracteristics, the chronic sterile inflammation is a very different entity. It has been established that atherosclerosis is one of the ab origine chronic inflammatory syndrome. It is a long-lasting pathological entity progressing, rather than resolving with different celerity, namely a unique vasculitis syndrome. We are speaking about risk factors instead of causes, which constitute larger or smaller groups to elicite the preventing reaction of the host. The propagations and final outcomes are quite different from that of the acute process. The disadvantages or benefits for the organism are scarcely predictable, albeit the chronic process may have roles in its prolonged nature.

The author in connection with three properly observed female patients summarizes the clinical entity of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, its partly resembling partly dissociating features facing to other vascular congenital anomalies, and the most important aspects of vasculogenesis. Based on the observation, attention is distinctly called on the first case in whom the Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome presenting with multiple mesenchymal anomalies was associated with selective congenital IgA deficiency. The second was the daughter of this first patient, who also had the syndrome and a selective congenital IgA deficiency. The other daughter of the patient was free from both of the pathological conditions. The third case represented the features of the typical syndrome without verified immunodeficiency. The literary data do not speak about possible correlations between Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and immunodeficiencies. The pathogenesis of the process and of its possible connections with immunodeficiencies remain to be investigated.

Glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans have fundamental roles in the building up of the vascular walls. The research work of the correlations between glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis was since more decades proceeding. The prominent experts of the scope are paying more and more attention to the significant influence of the inflammation ongoing in the arterial vessel wall. Glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans are equally contributing to the development, stopping or remaining, turning into chronic type of the inflammatory process. On the ground of all these this article makes an attempt to outline, using up the newest results of the investigations being in relation with the fundamental structures, the alterations in the composition, the occurrences, the essential functions of the glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans. Afterwards the diverse important roles of these molecular organizations played in the pathogenesis, in the progression of atherosclerosis, and in the arising of its complications are surveyed. Basing on the considerable data of the observations it can be established that glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans have determining importance in the individual, peculiar inflammation progressing in the arterial vessel wall, in the surviving of the special vasculitis, in the appearance of atherosclerosis, in the focal nature and progression of that and in the development of its complications. The knowledge becoming continuously more complete affords, a long-range expectation in relation to both the prevention and therapeutic intervention of that widespread disease.

The article dealing with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, summarizes the knowledge, which relies on the latest investigative results, and which is in connection with the starting of atherosclerosis and with the chronic type inflammation ongoing in the arterial vessel wall, having individual characteristics. Then the general features of the inflammatory response of the organism, the emerging infections, just as that of the autoimmune phenomena are touched upon. The importance of the contribution to the pathogenetic chain of the lipoproteins, the connective tissue matrix proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans is summed up in distinct chapters. The distinguished significance of the attachment between the proteoglycans and lipoproteins, oxydized lipopoteins is particularly underlined. It is established that the chronic nature inflammatory process, possessing individual characteristics, has essential role in the starting, development and in the entire course of the pathological process. The impacts of infections, and that of the possible immunodeficiencies are uncertain. In the author's opinion the definition of atherosclerosis syndrome might be as follows. The point is a non specific chronic inflammatory response of the organism in the form of a specific vasculitis, which constitutes ground to the development of the atherosclerotic process.

Introduction: The authors appraised the clinical efficacy of mometasone furoate in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis., Patients and Methods: An open, two-week trial was conducted in 89 patients between 1 July and 15 September 2001. A baseline oto-rhinolaryngological examination was performed. Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching as well as ocular, throat and ear clinical signs and general symptoms including cough and dyspnea were characterized using a symptom score. Mometasone furoate was administered intranasally in 100 micrograms doses into both nostrils. Depending on the severity of symptoms, antiallergic eye drops and systemic antihistamines were also allowed. After two weeks of treatment, a follow-up physical examination was performed and the symptom score was re-evaluated. Potential adverse events that had occurred during the treatment period were recorded., Results: Mometasone furoate nasal spray alleviated all four nasal symptoms promptly and effectively. In particular, treatment resulted in a 93 percent decrease of overall symptom score. None of the participants discontinued treatment due to the occurrence of adverse effects., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that mometasone furoate nasal spray is a safe and effective intranasal corticosteroid for the therapy of SAR/SARC seasonal allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis.

The authors have determined the prevalence of antibodies of cofactor dependent anticardiolipin and beta 2-glycoprotein I and lupus anticoagulant and the frequency of false positive VDRL test in systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the presence of these antibodies and symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome. The serum samples were examined by modified ELISA method for detecting of cofactor dependent anticardiolipin. The antibodies to beta 2-glycoprotein I were examined by ELISA. The lupus anticoagulant and VDRL test were performed by routine laboratory method. The authors have found that 19 of 58 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had cofactor dependent anticardiolipin, 10 patients had antibodies to beta 2-glycoprotein I and 4 patients had positive VDRL test. 5 of 34 plasma samples were lupus anticoagulant positive. 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had 14 neuropsychiatric disorders, 9 cardiovascular diseases, 7 thrombocytopenia, 6 histories of recurrent abortion and fetal loss, 5 livedo reticularis and 3 thromboembolic events in all of them had detected antibodies to cofactor dependent anticardiolipin, while these complications were diagnosed in 39 anticardiolipin negative patients much more rarely. The results of this retrospective study suggest that significant association exists between the presence of cofactor dependent anticardiolipin and symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The human alpha 2HS-glycoprotein is a negative acute phase protein synthesized by hepatocytes. Because of its fragility and the difficulty of its purification, we used recombinant DNA techniques to produce the protein in order to investigate its biological effects. The cDNA coding for the whole alpha 2HS-glycoprotein from human liver library had been cloned into the baculovirus expression vector system using the pVL 1392 transfer vector and Sf9 cells. The recombinant protein was synthesized in the Sf9 cells and was isolated on a hydroxiapatite column from the culture medium. Western blot analysis indicated that the cells synthesized large quantities of the recombinant human protein. The molecular mass of the recombinant AHSG was the same as that of the protein in human plasma but was slightly lower than that of AHSG in the cell culture supernatants of HepG2 and higher than that of AHSG from Hep3B cell cultures, respectively.

The acute phase reaction of the organism, which determines the response that follows the injury of tissues and organs and helps the survival of the individual is reviewed. The main participants, the induction of the reaction and the regulatory mechanisms are shortly discussed, with special respect to the prominent role of interleukin-6. The relationship between the production and synthesis of the acute phase reactants under physiological and pathophysiological conditions is analyzed. The particular functions of orosomucoid and alpha 2HS-glycoprotein are summarized. Finally, the common biological actions of IL-6 and the acute phase reactants are mentioned.

Authors report a case in which relapsing polychondritis had been diagnosed two years before myelodysplastic syndrome developed and terminated in eosinophilic leukemia. The observation that relapsing polychondritis may precede myelodysplasia is not in concordance with some of the previous reports regarding relapsing polychondritis as a paraneoplastic phenomenon of myelodysplastic syndrome. The terminally developed eosinophilic leukemia is not supposed to be a blastic phase of the underlying myelodysplasia, much rather a second malignant process. This opinion may be confirmed by the early presence of blast cells in the myelodysplastic process without eosinophilia. It seems interesting to note that both our patient and his daughter suffered from diseases of autoimmune origin: acquired vitiligo and subacute cutan lupus erythematodes, respectively.

The author reviews the most important data related with the pathogenesis of pancreatitis acuta, the pathological characteristics, the clinical development of the disease, the more frequent complications are summarized. Within this scope the evolutionary mechanisms of the organ damages are discussed, the diagnostic and prognostic relations are delineated, too. Particular attention is paid to the development and regulation of the defending, preventing reactions of the organisms connected with pancreatitis acuta. The process of leukocyte emigration into the tissue being shortly summarized, the acute phase reaction of the organism and the pathophysiological, clinical significance of the acute phase reactants are likewise presented. The author deals distinctly with the physiological, pathophysiological functions of alpha 2-macroglobulin and with its significance in pancreatitis acuta. The therapeutic outlooks are in a few words touched upon. The acute phase reaction of the organism is inserted in the framework of the possible types of the protecting, preventing responses of the organism.

The author summarizes the newest results and knowledges which are related to the pathogenesis of polyarthritis chronica progressiva. Pursuing the composed target the feasible roles of gamma delta TcR T lymphocytes and stress proteins as well as that of CD5 positive B lymphocytes and IgG-glycosylation status are discussed. Reaching the end of the paper it is established that the solution of etiology and pathogenesis of polyarthritis chronica progressiva, in spite of the increasing theoretical knowledge, awaits for further extensive research work.

l" with the concept, interpretation and function of the acute phase reaction of the organism. He sums up the general constructive elements of the acute phase response of the organism, the correlations of the specific and non specific defensive mechanisms. He refers slightly in detail to the questions correlating with the structure and biologic functions of the acute phase proteins. Finally the most important criteria of the especially known acute phase proteins are presented.

Opsonic glycoprotein, alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein concentration was studied in the serum of 753 patients with various hematological, malignant, immunological, metabolic, endocrine and liver diseases and 68 healthy controls. Decreased serum alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein levels were detected in patients with acute leukemias, chronic granulocyte and myelomonocyte leukemias, lymphomas, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma, metastatizing solid tumors, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, acute alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, chronic active hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and Crohn's disease. Elevated levels were measured in patients with B and NANB/C hepatitis. Further decreased levels were observed in some groups with secondary infections. Serum alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein levels are affected by many factors, influencing the synthesis and elimination of the protein. The detection of serum alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein concentration has no specific diagnostic value as a marker for tumors or other diseases, however, its determination can be useful for the assessment of a non-specific regulator of the host defence.

The mitogenic response of peripheral lymphocytes was investigated in 12 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in healthy female volunteers who were on 11 and without 9 contraceptive pills. The effect of estrogen (ethinyl-estradiol 10(-5)-10(-6)-10(-7)M) was studied on Phytohaemagglutinin and Pokeweed mitogen induced blastogenic transformation and interleukin-2 production of peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. We observed a significantly depressed Phytohaemagglutinin induced lymphoblastic transformation both in patients and women taking oral contraceptive in presence of 10(-5)M estrogen as compared to normal controls. However there was no significant alteration neither in the response of lymphocyte nor in the production of interleukin-2 using of Pokeweed mitogen. The stimulataneous inhibition of the interleukin-2 production proved to be moderate. Marked significant correlation (r greater than = 0.8) vas detected between lymphoblastic transformation and interleukin-2 production in healthy females. Correlation coefficient measured in females taking oral contraceptive (r less than = 0.64) and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (r less than = 0.34) suggest that in these groups the inhibition of lymphoblastic transformation is due to the inhibition effect of estrogen on the interleukin-2 production.

Central nervous system involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus was observed in 34 (36%) of the 94 patients studied between 1970-1990. A review of the diagnostic methods and therapy for central nervous system lupus is presented. The diagnosis of primary cerebral lupus was based on the history, physical examination and on the results of the cerebrospinal fluid analysis, CT-scan and EEG. Intractable headache (22/34), behavioural abnormalities (18/34), cranial neuropathy (16/34) occurred most frequently among neuropsychiatric symptoms. Immunoglobulin analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid proved to be the most sensitive method for detecting clinical activity (in 20/23). Central nervous system involvement was suggested by conventional serological test to a lesser degree. Alterations on CT scan and EEG were found in 17/27 and 14/26 of cases, respectively. IgM, IgA, and IgG indexes (indicators of intratechal immunglobulin synthesis) decreased when the central nervous system events subsided after successful treatment but the CT abnormalities (e. g. atrophy) were not altered.

Authors investigated the in vitro effect of alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein on the lymphoblastic transformation and interleukin-2 production. The observations were made on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy persons, on those of women taking oral contraceptives and on those of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein inhibited the mitogen responses both in physiologic and in the halved concentrations. The inhibition of the interleukin-2 production seemed less remarkable.