Elevated Hepatic Transaminases Research Articles

Results of a Phase I Trial of SGN-40 (Anti-huCD40 mAb) in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma.

SGN-40 is a humanized anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against cell lines expressing CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. CD40 is widely expressed on tumors of B-cell origin, including myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. SGN-40 has been evaluated in a phase I, multi-dose, single-agent, dose escalation study for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This single-arm trial was designed to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity. Thirty-two patients were treated at five clinical sites. Patients had been heavily pretreated with a median of four prior regimens and 4.8 years since diagnosis. Initially, patients were treated with four weekly infusions at a cohort-specific dose. This schedule was well-tolerated at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg/wk; however, two of three patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities following the first dose at 4 mg/kg. One patient had aseptic meningitis (grade 3) and another had headache (grade 3) and aseptic meningitis (grade 4); both patients fully recovered after several days of symptom management. Subsequently, the protocol was amended to allow intra-patient dose-loading, which resulted in successful dose escalation to 8 mg/kg, the highest dose tested. There was neither recurrence of grade 3 neurotoxicity nor evidence of cumulative toxicity. Drug-related adverse events were mostly grade 1 or 2 and included: fatigue (38%), headache (34%), nausea (16%), conjunctivitis (13%), diarrhea (13%), vomiting (13%), anemia (9%), anorexia (9%), chills (9%), and pyrexia (9%). Transient grade 3 elevation of hepatic transaminases (1) and grade 3 neutropenia (1) were observed. Overall, toxicity did not appear to increase in incidence or severity at higher doses. Patients were evaluated at baseline and end of treatment for development of anti-SGN-40 antibodies. Of 30 patients for whom appropriate samples were available for testing, only one low-titer immune response (16 ng/mL) was detected, suggesting that immunogenicity does not appear to be a significant problem in this patient population. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrates dose-proportional changes in Cmax and AUC with a relatively short terminal half-life, similar to that seen in non-human primates. Final analysis of SGN-40 serum levels is ongoing. Although several patients demonstrated decreased M-protein and improvement in subjective symptoms, no patients met criteria for objective response. Five patients (16%) had stable disease at the time of restaging. In summary, dose-dependent toxicity was established only in relation to the first dose of SGN-40, which may be due to partial agonistic signal transduction. Using a dose-loading schedule, SGN-40 was administered up to 8 mg/kg without reaching a maximum tolerated dose. Some patients with advanced myeloma appeared to derive clinical benefit from therapy, and further development of this antibody, either as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-myeloma therapies, is indicated.

Phase I Trial of Sphingosomal Vincristine (SV, Marqibo®) and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).

Delivery of standard therapeutics in formulations which allow increased drug delivery with equivalent or less toxicity may improve outcome. Vincristine is an essential component of ALL therapy. Its cytotoxicity occurs in a time and dose-dependent manner, but the dose needs to be capped at 2 mg to prevent severe neurotoxicity. SV is a form of vincristine encapsulated in sphingomyelin liposomes or “sphingosomes” with an increased circulation half-life of 12 hours compared with 6–12 minutes for free vincristine. In vivo, SV has more anti-tumor activity than free vincristine in mice bearing P388 and L1210 leukemias. A previous study of single agent SV 2.0 mg/m2 given every 2 weeks (without dose capping) was conducted in 16 patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory ALL. Objective responses were observed in 14% (1 complete response [CR], 1 partial response [PR]); 36% had transient reduction in marrow leukemia infiltrate with very minimal toxicity (Thomas et al., Cancer 106:1641, 2006). An increase in dose intensity was considered the strategy for future trials. A standard 3 + 3 phase I study of weekly escalating doses of SV (1.5 mg/m2, 1.825 mg/m2, 2 mg/m2, 2.25 mg/m2, 2.4 mg/m2) with pulse dexamethasone (D) 40 mg daily days 1–4 and 11–14 was initiated. Pts with active grade 2 or greater central or peripheral neuropathy (PN) were excluded. Pts were evaluated for dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) after 1 course (defined as 4 weekly doses of SV + D). To date, 36 pts with relapsed/refractory ALL were enrolled. Median age was 34 years (range, 21–62). Median number of prior salvage regimens was 2 (range, 1–3); all pts had prior vincristine. SV was discontinued early for progressive disease (n=5), death due to sepsis (n=3) or other toxicities (n=3). Thus, twenty-five pts (71%) completed 1 full course and were considered evaluable. DLTs were observed at the 2.4 mg/m2 dose level (grade 3 PN, seizure with intracranial hemorrhage, grade 4 hepatotoxicity). The tentative MTD is 2.25 mg/m2 (expansion of cohort ongoing). Expected toxicities included infections related to neutropenia, grade 1–3 constipation, grade 1–2 PN and transient grade 1–3 elevations in hepatic transaminases related to azole antifungal prophylaxis. Six pts (24%) achieved CR (2 at 1.5 mg/m2, 1 at 1.825 mg/m2, 2 at 2.25 mg/m2, 1 at 2.4 mg/m2), 1 a PR (at 2.25 mg/m2), and 3 (12%) hematological improvements (of platelets at 1.825 mg/m2 and 2 mg/m2 or clearance of marrow blasts at 2.25 mg/m2). Five responders proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant. In conclusion, SV with pulse dexamethasone demonstrated encouraging activity in relapsed or refractory ALL. Phase II and III studies of SV in ALL are planned.

Tolerability and Anti-Leukemic Activity of Ara-C, Topotecan, and Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin [ATGO] in Advanced MDS and AML: Interim Analysis of Phase I/II Data.

Advanced myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary or relapsed AML are difficult to treat, with CR rates following standard induction chemotherapy below those for de novo AML. We are examining a novel induction approach using the anti-CD33-calicheamicin conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) in combination with conventional chemotherapy.Methods and Patient Population: We present data from an ongoing phase I/II study, demonstrating the activity and tolerability of the combination in patients with MDS and AML. 32 pts (19 pts from phase I, 13 from phase II) were assigned to receive cytarabine 2 g/m2 over 4 hours once daily, and Topotecan 1.5 mg/m2 by continuous infusion daily on days 1–5. GO was then given on day 6 at a dose of 3 mg/m2 (7 pts), 4.5 mg/m2 (16 pts), or 6 mg/m2 (7 pts); 2 additional pts did not receive the GO because of intercurrent events. The MTD of GO was established at 4.5 mg/m2, which was used in phase II. The study population consisted of 13 pts with advanced MDS (IPSS 2–3), 13 pts with secondary AML, and 6 pts with relapsed AML. Median age was 64 (34–77).Results: ATGO was generally well tolerated. Bacterial infections, including 9 bacteremic episodes, were the most common non-hematologic complications. Two cases of reversible but unexplained grade 3 delirium were seen at 6 mg/m2 GO, meeting study criteria for dose-limiting toxicity. Only one case (3%) of clinical venoocclusive disease (VOD/SOS) occurred, in the single subject who received a second (half) dose of GO on day 16. Asymptomatic grade 3 hepatic transaminase elevations occurred in 8 pts (25%). There were 4 deaths (12.5%) prior to day 40: 2 infectious, 1 CNS bleed, and 1 sudden death. Based on intent to treat, 17 pts (53%) achieved complete remission, with or without full platelet recovery (15 CR, 2 CRp) after one cycle of induction. Following ATGO induction, 12 of the 17 responders went on to receive post-remission therapy consisting of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for 8 pts (7 using reduced intensity conditioning), or standard consolidation alone (3 pts). Post-remission therapies, including HCT, were not associated with VOD/SOS or peculiar toxicities. As expected, achievement of CR after ATGO was associated with improved overall survival (p=0.043). Estimated 2 year OS for all pts is 34% (49% for responders vs. 14% for non responders). There was a trend toward improved survival in younger pts. Cytogenetic class, type of disease (MDS v. AML), and administration of prior chemotherapy were not significant predictors of either CR or OS. 15 pts (47%) are alive, with a median follow-up of 242 days (37–1182); 7 are currently in CR, including 5 of the 8 pts who received allogeneic HCT.Conclusions: Our data show that ATGO is well tolerated and without associated VOD after a single delivered dose of GO. The pathophysiology of the reversible delirium in the highest GO dose cohort remains unclear, but no neurologic effects were observed at the lower dose levels. The CR rate is promising, as is the ability to deliver post-remission therapy including HCT, in this challenging patient population.

Gender Susceptibility to Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Associated with Interleukin 10 Promoter Polymorphism

Elevated levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) were previously described for chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. We determined by a sequence-specific oligonucleotide probing technique the IL-10 promoter genotypes in 286 Argentinean HCV patients grouped according to disease outcome. The GG genotype (position -1082) is known to be associated with high IL-10 production, GA is considered an intermediate producer, and AA is associated with low IL-10 production. We found an increase in frequency of the GG genotype in female patients who do not eliminate the virus (RNA(+)). In these patients, the GG frequency was 0.19, versus 0.10 in controls (P = 0.03). This association became more significant in those RNA(+) female patients with elevated hepatic transaminases (GG frequency of 0.25; P = 0.0013). Additionally, this genotype frequency was higher in noncirrhotic female patients than in controls (GG frequency for noncirrhotic female patients was 0.31; P = 0.009). In RNA(-) patients, the GA frequency was elevated compared with that in controls (GA frequency of 0.76 in RNA(-) patients versus 0.48 in controls; P = 0.01), that in all HCV patients (GA frequency of 0.43; P = 0.001), and that in RNA(+) patients (GA frequency of 0.40; P = 0.0005). We conclude that a gender effect is observed with women carrying the GG high IL-10 producer genotype. The higher levels of IL-10 present in those individuals are associated with a higher risk of an inefficient clearance of the HCV and the development of a chronic HCV infection together with a lower risk of progression to cirrhosis in female patients.

Oral miltefosine for the treatment of Indian visceral leishmaniasis

Large-scale antimony resistance in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in north Bihar, India, has led to the development of miltefosine as an alternative therapy. In a pilot study and later in three Phase II studies involving 249 patients, oral miltefosine, 100-150 mg/day for 28 days, was shown to cure approximately 90% patients with reasonable safety. In the pivotal Phase III trial, 299 patients were treated at three centres with amphotericin B as the comparator drug (99 patients). In this trial 38% and 20% patients had mild to moderate vomiting and diarrhoea respectively, similar to previous studies. Asymptomatic transient elevation of hepatic transaminases and mild renal dysfunction were observed in 15% and 10% patients respectively. The final cure rate was 94% with miltefosine and 97% with amphotericin B; based on these results, the drug was approved in India. Subsequently in two paediatric studies involving 119 patients in the age group of 2-11 years, the safety and efficacy of miltefosine (2.5 mg/kg daily for 28 days) was established with a cure rate (94%) similar to that seen in adults. Miltefosine is the first oral antileishmanial drug with a high degree of safety and efficacy for the treatment of VL.

Coronary Artery Disease Prognosis and C-Reactive Protein Levels Improve in Proportion to Percent Lowering of Low-Density Lipoprotein

This editorial outlines the data supporting aggressive lipid goals and options for treating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to a range of approximately 30 to 70 mg/dl. The physiologically normal cholesterol range is approximately 30 to 70 mg/dl for native hunter-gatherers, healthy human neonates, free-living primates, and virtually all wild mammals. Randomized statin trials in patients with recent acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary artery disease have demonstrated that cardiovascular events are reduced and cardiovascular survival optimized when LDL cholesterol is reduced to <70 mg/dl. Secondary prevention trials have shown a decrease in all-cause mortality in proportion to the magnitude of LDL cholesterol reduction. An original analysis of available data shows that the ability of a lipid-lowering therapy to reduce the C-reactive protein level is closely correlated with its efficacy in LDL cholesterol reduction. Randomized trial data have shown no relation between either percentage LDL cholesterol decrease or final LDL cholesterol level achieved and the risk for myopathy or hepatic transaminase elevations associated with statins. Therefore, intensive LDL cholesterol reduction to levels of 30 to 70 mg/dl should be pursued in subjects with or at high risk for coronary artery disease.

Elevations in Creatine Kinase and Hepatic Transaminases in an HIV-Positive Patient

Objective: To describe a patient who experienced elevations in creatine kinase and hepatic transaminases after initiation of ezetimibe. Case Summary: A 45-year-old HIV-positive man, who is also status post-renal transplant, and is coinfected with hepatitis C, was initiated on ezetimibe. The patient was stable on protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy, cyclosporine/sirolimus-based immunosuppression, and pravastatin before initiation of ezetimibe. While on therapy with ezetimibe, the patient also abused cocaine. He experienced asymptomatic elevations in liver function tests and creatine kinase concentrations, which declined after ezetimibe discontinuation. Discussion: Explanations for the patient's laboratory abnormalities include cyclosporine/ezetimibe drug-drug interaction, additive toxicity of ezetimibe and pravastatin, cocaine use, and hepatic insufficiency associated with hepatitis C, contributing to higher drug exposure and toxicity. Conclusion: Liver function tests and creatine kinase concentrations should be monitored closely in patients who are taking ezetimibe, especially if they are also on multiple other medications or if substance abuse is suspected.

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy–Associated Metabolic Syndrome: Pathogenesis and Cardiovascular Risk*

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly modified the course of HIV disease, with longer survival and improved quality of life of HIV-infected subjects. However, HAART regimens, especially those including protease inhibitors (PIs) have been shown to cause in a high proportion of HIV-infected patients a metabolic syndrome that may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (about 1.4 cardiac events per 1,000 years of therapy according to the Framingham score). Metabolic features associated with somatic changes (lipodystrophy/lipoatrophy) include dyslipidemia (about 70% of patients), insulin resistance (elevated C-peptide and insulin), type 2 diabetes mellitus (8%-10% of the patients), hypertension (up to 75% of patients), coagulation abnormalities (25% of patients), lactic acidemia, and elevated hepatic transaminases (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). HAART-associated metabolic syndrome is an increasingly recognized clinical entity. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for this syndrome will lead to the discovery of new drugs that will reduce the cardiovascular risk in patients under HAART. A careful stratification of the cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular monitoring of patients under HAART is needed according to the most recent clinical guidelines.

Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension With the Selective Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonist Sitaxsentan

We sought to determine the optimal dose of the selective endothelin A (ET(A)) receptor antagonist sitaxsentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); for observation only, an open-label (OL) bosentan arm was included. Endothelin is a mediator of PAH. In a preliminary PAH study, the selective ET(A) receptor antagonist sitaxsentan improved six-min walk (6MW) distance, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC), and hemodynamics. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled 18-week study, 247 PAH patients (idiopathic, or associated with connective tissue disease or congenital heart disease) were randomized; 245 patients were treated: placebo (n = 62), sitaxsentan 50 mg (n = 62) or 100 mg (n = 61), or OL (6MW tests, Borg dyspnea scores, and WHO FC assessments third-party blind) bosentan (n = 60). The primary end point was change in 6MW distance from baseline to week 18. Secondary end points included change in WHO FC, time to clinical worsening, and change in Borg dyspnea score. At week 18, patients treated with sitaxsentan 100 mg had an increased 6MW distance compared with the placebo group (31.4 m, p = 0.03), and an improved WHO FC (p = 0.04). The placebo-subtracted treatment effect for sitaxsentan 50 mg was 24.2 m (p = 0.07) and for OL bosentan, 29.5 m (p = 0.05). The incidence of elevated hepatic transaminases (>3x the upper limit of normal) was 6% for placebo, 5% for sitaxsentan 50 mg, 3% for sitaxsentan 100 mg, and 11% for bosentan. Treatment with the selective ET(A) receptor antagonist sitaxsentan, orally once daily at a dose of 100 mg, improves exercise capacity and WHO FC in PAH patients, with a low incidence of hepatic toxicity.

Phase II trial of DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibition with the antisense oligonucleotide MG98 in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma: A National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group investigational new drug study

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) methylate DNA, promoting local chromatin condensation and consequent repression of gene expression. The purpose of this two-stage phase II trial was to assess the antitumor activity of MG98, a second generation antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibitor of human DNMT 1, in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma (MRC). Untreated adult patients with measurable MRC were treated with MG98 at a dose of 360 mg/m2 via 2-h iv infusion twice weekly for three consecutive weeks out of four. The primary endpoint was objective response or absence of progression for at least eight weeks. Pharmacokinetics and DNMT1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also analyzed at pre-specified intervals. Seventeen eligible patients received a median of two cycles of treatment (range, 1-7), and no objective responses were seen. Nine patients had progressive disease, six had stable disease, and the study was stopped after the first stage. The most common symptomatic toxicities were rigors, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Hematological toxicity was mild. Seven patients treated with prior nephrectomy had grade 3 or 4 elevations in hepatic transaminases. Significantly higher Cmax and AUC(0-->inf) values were observed in these patients. No conclusive pattern of decreased DNMT1 activity in PBMCs was detected post MG98 treatment. The lack of objective responses observed may be explained by a lack of target effect or the choice of tumor type. Transaminitis was observed in patients with prior nephrectomy and appeared to be associated with altered drug exposure in these patients.

Pharmacokinetic and Safety Evaluation of High-Dose Combinations of Fosamprenavir and Ritonavir

High-dose combinations of fosamprenavir (FPV) and ritonavir (RTV) were evaluated in healthy adult subjects in order to select doses for further study in multiple protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Two high-dose regimens, FPV 1,400 mg twice a day (BID) plus RTV 100 mg BID and FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, were planned to be compared to the approved regimen, FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID, in a randomized three-period crossover study. Forty-two healthy adult subjects were enrolled, and 39 subjects completed period 1. Due to marked hepatic transaminase elevations, predominantly with FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, the study was terminated prematurely. For FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID, the values for plasma amprenavir (APV) area under the concentration-time profile over the dosing interval (tau) at steady state [AUC(0-tau)], maximum concentration of drug in plasma (C(max)), and plasma concentration at the end of tau at steady state (C(tau)) were 54, 81, and 26% higher, respectively, and the values for plasma RTV AUC(0-tau), C(max), and C(tau) were 49% higher, 71% higher, and 11% lower, respectively, than those for FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID. For FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID, the values for plasma APV AUC(0-tau), C(max), and C(tau) were 26, 48, and 32% higher, respectively, and the values for plasma RTV AUC(0-tau), C(max), and C(tau) increased 4.15-fold, 4.17-fold, and 3.99-fold, respectively, compared to those for FPV 700 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID. FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 200 mg BID is not recommended due to an increased rate of marked hepatic transaminase elevations and lack of pharmacokinetic advantage. FPV 1,400 mg BID plus RTV 100 mg BID is currently under clinical evaluation in multiple PI-experienced patients.

Long-term follow-up of hepatitis B carrier children treated with interferon and prednisolone

The long-term outcome of treatment with Interferon Alpha 2B with and without Prednisolone priming in children infected perinatally with hepatitis B was reviewed. The group studied included 48 children (aged 2-16 years), who were HBe antigen and hepatitis B DNA positive between 1991 and 1993. Twenty children were randomized to a therapeutic trial at that time, and received Prednisolone in reducing doses for 6 weeks and Interferon for 16 weeks while 22 children were monitored without treatment for 12 months. Fourteen of the untreated group and 6 additional children later received treatment with Interferon alone (n = 20). Eight children for whom treatment was declined were followed long term. Median follow-up was 7.5 years (range 1.5-10.6). There was no significant effect of Interferon therapy on seroconversion with or without Prednisolone at 12 months post-treatment compared to untreated children. On longer term follow-up, the 5-year HBeAg to anti-HBe seroconversion percentages, estimated from Kaplan-Meier curves, were 54% for Prednisolone plus Interferon, 22% for Interferon alone, and 12% for untreated children. The median time to seroconversion was 3.9 years (range 0.4-8.2) and was shortest in those treated with Prednisolone plus Interferon. Children who had elevated hepatic transaminase enzymes prior to treatment or during Prednisolone priming had a better response. In contrast to many European studies, no child cleared HBsAg and produced anti-HBs. Treatment with Prednisolone priming and Interferon, improved both the time and rate of seroconversion compared to no treatment or Interferon alone, suggesting that this combination of drugs might have an immunomodulatory effect.

Antibodies in Neurosarcoidosis

A 33-year-old African American woman was admitted to our hospital with bilateral facial nerve palsy. One week prior to presentation, the patient experienced numbness and paresthesia of her face. Paresthesia was located over her upper lip, and around the eyes and frontal area. Three days before presentation, the patient developed facial droop, difficulty closing eyes, inability to smile, loss of taste, and ocular dryness. The patient's past medical history was unremarkable. She was a life long nonsmoker. Physical examination at admission revealed normal vital signs. Neurological examination showed bilateral facial nerve palsy and decreased sensation to touch and pain in the ophthalmic and maxillary distributions of the trigeminal nerve. Mental status and the remaining neurological examination were normal. Skin, chest, cardiac, and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no meningeal signal enhancement, intracranial mass, cerebral or brain stem signal abnormality, or vascular disease. Lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling was done. The CSF opening pressure was normal. CSF analysis showed a white cell count of 66 /uL, lymphocytes 92%, glucose of 46 mg/dl (normal range 40-70mg/dl), protein of 70 mg/dl (normal rage 15-55 mg/dl), negative CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory value (VDRL), negative CSF Lyme antibody, and negative Herpes virus polymerase chain reaction. Other laboratory findings included a negative human immunodeficiency virus antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 30 mm/min, negative anti-nuclear antibody, angiotensin-converting enzyme of 32 U/L, and mildly elevated hepatic aminotransferases. Computed tomographies scan of the chest showed right hilar and right paratracheal lymphadenopathies. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy as well as fine needle aspiration of the lymphadenopathy was performed. Fine needle aspiration cytology and flow cytometery were negative for malignancy. The transbronchial biopsy showed granulomatous pneumonitis consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Tissue cultures and special stains for mycobacterial and fungal infections were negative. The patient was started on oral prednisone 80 mg daily. The facial palsy improved on oral prednisone. Pulmonary function testing was not possible due to her bilateral facial paralysis (the patient was unable to make a seal around the mouthpiece). The finding of noncaseating pulmonary granulomas of unknown cause, facial never palsy, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy is characteristic of sarcoidosis. Interestingly, the CSF antimyelin-associated glycoprotein antibody titer by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 1:1600 (Titers >1500 are considered positive). Sarcoidosis is systemic disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by noncaseating granuloma formation in affected organs. Nervous system involvement is also commonly seen in sarcoidosis. Abnormal antibody production may contribute to the disease process and nervous system injury in sarcoidosis. Autoantibodies to brain endothelial cells have been described in patients with neurosarcoidosis1. Local synthesis of Kveim-specific IgG antibody in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurosarcoidosis has also been detected2. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a specific central nervous system myelin glycoprotein that is exclusively seen on the external surface of the myelin sheath and oligodendrocyte membrane. Antibodies to MOG have been implicated in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. AntiMOG antibodies in neurosarcoidosis have been reported in the literature. As MOG antigen can activate both encephalogenic T-cells and demyelinating antibodies in experimental animals, it may be important in the pathogenesis of neurosarcoidosis3. Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibody is another antibody associated with neurological disorders. Elevated anti-MAG antibody titers can be detected in autoimmune demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathies4. Elevated anti-MAG antibody in neurosarcoidosis has not been reported before. Further Antibodies in Neurosarcoidosis 2 of 3 studies are necessary to define the role of anti-MAG antibody and other antibodies in the pathogenesis of neurosarcoidosis.

Systemic high-dose intravenous methotrexate for central nervous system metastases

Treatment options for patients with recurrent central nervous system (CNS) metastases are limited. Rapid infusion of high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HD IV MTX) penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and has reported activity in leptomeningeal metastases. Medical records were reviewed for all patients treated with HD IV MTX (3.5 g/m2) for CNS parenchymal or leptomeningeal metastases. Radiographic response rate, survival, and toxicity were determined. Thirty-one women and one man with a median age of 52 years (range 33-76) were treated with a total of 141 cycles (median 4, range 1-13). Twenty-nine patients had breast cancer, and one each had cancer of unknown primary (CUP), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An objective radiographic response and stable disease were each observed in nine patients (28%), and 13 (44%) patients progressed. Prior treatment with low-dose MTX for systemic disease did not affect response (P = 0.8). The median overall survival (n = 32) was 19.9 weeks (range 2.9-135.4+) with one patient alive at 135.4 weeks. Myelosuppression and elevated serum hepatic transaminases were the most common acute toxicities (21% and 9% of HD IV MTX cycles, respectively). HD IV MTX is effective in the treatment of CNS metastases with disease control (response or stable) as a best response in 56% of assessable patients. Further study is warranted.

Urinary tract infections in infants: comparison between those with conjugatedvsunconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

The aim was to investigate conjugated and unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in association with urinary tract infection (UTI) in young infants. Fifty infants aged <3 mths who developed prolonged jaundice among 2128 infants with UTI from 1984 to 2004 were enrolled retrospectively. They were divided into conjugated (n=22) and unconjugated (n=28) hyperbilirubinaemia groups and the clinical variables between the two were compared. Compared with the unconjugated group, the conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia group had statistically significantly lower haemoglobin (1.57 vs 1.80 micromol/L), higher aspartate aminotransferase (96 vs 32.5 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase (81.5 vs 16 U/L), were older on admission (48.0 vs 32.5 days), had a longer duration of jaundice before treatment (43.5 vs 30 days) and a higher incidence of E. coli infections (19/22 vs 15/28). The direct/total bilirubin ratio was linearly correlated with duration of jaundice before treatment (p=0.004). The most significant cut-off value for the duration of jaundice vis-à-vis the type of jaundice was 38 days (p=0.007). Patients who on presentation had had jaundice for >44 days (p=0.007) were unlikely to have unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Infants with UTI may present with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in the early stage. After 6 weeks, it is always conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and is frequently associated with anaemia, elevated hepatic aminotransferases and E. coli infections.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and an Optimized Background Regimen of Antiretroviral Agents as Salvage Therapy for Pediatric HIV Infection

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has altered the course of HIV infection among children, but new antiretroviral agents are needed for treatment-experienced children with drug-resistant virus. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) is a promising agent for use in pediatric salvage therapy, because of its tolerability, efficacy, and resistance profile. We designed this study to provide preliminary pediatric safety and dosing information on tenofovir DF, while also providing potentially efficacious salvage therapy for heavily treatment-experienced, HIV-infected children. Tenofovir DF, alone and in combination with optimized background antiretroviral regimens, was studied among 18 HIV-infected children (age range: 8.3-16.2 years) who had progressive disease with > or = 2 prior antiretroviral regimens, in a single-center, open-label trial. Tenofovir DF monotherapy for 6 days was followed by the addition of individualized antiretroviral regimens. Subjects were monitored with HIV RNA reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and routine laboratory studies; monitoring for bone toxicity included measurement of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Subjects were monitored through 48 weeks. Two subjects developed grade 3 elevated hepatic transaminase levels during monotherapy and were removed from the study. The remaining 16 subjects had a median of 4 antiretroviral agents (range: 3-5 agents) added to tenofovir DF. HIV plasma RNA levels decreased from a median pretreatment level of 5.4 log10 copies per mL (range: 4.1-5.9 log10 copies per mL) to 4.21 log10 copies per mL at week 48 (n = 15), with 6 subjects having < 400 copies per mL, including 4 with < 50 copies per mL. The overall median increases in CD4+ T cell counts were 58 cells per mm3 (range: -64 to 589 cells per mm3) at week 24 and 0 cells per mm3 (range: -274 to 768 cells per mm3) at week 48. The CD4+ cell responses among the virologic responders were high and sustained. The major toxicity attributed to tenofovir DF was a >6% decrease in BMD for 5 of 15 subjects evaluated at week 48, necessitating the discontinuation of tenofovir DF therapy for 2; all 5 subjects experienced >2 log10 copies per mL decreases in HIV plasma RNA levels. Tenofovir DF-containing, individualized, highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens were well tolerated and effective among heavily treatment-experienced, HIV-infected children. Loss of BMD may limit tenofovir DF use among prepubertal patients.

Definition of Cytochrome P450 1A2 as a Target Autoantigen in the Hepatitic Variant of Hepatic Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) of the liver mimicking autoimmune hepatitis is an increasingly well recognized complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The target antigens and pathogenesis of this complication are poorly understood. We describe a case of hepatitic cGVHD in which cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) was identified as a target antigen. A 47 year old male received an HLA matched sibling transplant for acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics following 3 cycles of idarubicin, cytarabine and etoposide remission induction therapy. Conditioning was with fludarabine 50mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 120 mg/m2. Both donor and recipient were CMV IgG positive. Standard cyclosporin and short course methotrexate GVHD prophylaxis was used. Due to mixed lymphoid chimerism, cyclosporin was tapered from D94, and a donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) given at D124. One month following DLI, concomitant with attainment of 100% donor lymphoid chimerism, the patient developed florid oral changes of cGVHD and striking elevation of hepatic transaminases (ALT and AST peaked at 3604 (R 0–55 IU/L) amd 2241 (R 0–45 IU/L) respectively) with relatively minor elevation in hepatic ductal markers (GGT 327, R 0–60 IU/L). Liver biopsy was consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. Multiple recipient serum samples at this time demonstrated the presence of a high titre anti-liver microsomal (LM) antibody (titre 1:1280 by indirect immunofluorescence) reminiscent of hydralazine-induced hepatitis and immunofixed an antigen of approximately 51 kDa by immunoblotting using human liver homogenate. Neither pre-transplant recipient nor donor sera were reactive. Immunoblotting for a panel of 13 CYP450 antigens demonstrated that the antibody was specific for CYP1A2. This specificity was confirmed with blocking and inhibition experiments. Sequencing of the entire coding region of the CYP1A2 gene did not identify any coding variants present in the recipient but not the donor. Oral prednisolone resulted in brisk improvement in hepatitis and oral cGVHD, and was ceased at 12 months post transplant. The patient remains well with no further GVHD over 2 years post transplant. This is the first description of a target antigen in hepatitic cGVHD. The mechanism is unclear, but does not appear to be a CYP1A2 polymorphism acting as a minor histocompatibility antigen. Induction of hepatic autommune-like responses have been described in liver transplant recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitors, and it is possible that cyclosporin facilitated an autoimmune-type response in this case. Characterisation of autoantibody responses in additional cases of hepatitic cGVHD will be of great interest. [Display omitted]

Comparative Safety of Atorvastatin 80 mg Versus 10 mg Derived from Analysis of 49 Completed Trials in 14,236 Patients

Atorvastatin has been shown to reduce coronary events and revascularization procedures in patients with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease. Recent studies with atorvastatin 80 mg support the overall safety of this dose during long-term treatment. However, physicians appear reluctant to use high doses of statins. A retrospective analysis of pooled data from 49 clinical trials of atorvastatin in 14,236 patients treated for an average period of 2 weeks to 52 months was conducted. The study compared the safety of atorvastatin 10 mg (n = 7,258), atorvastatin 80 mg (n = 4,798), and placebo (n = 2,180) and included analyses on treatment-associated adverse events; nonserious and serious adverse events related to the musculoskeletal, hepatic, and renal systems; the incidence of elevations of creatine kinase >10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); and hepatic transaminases >3 times ULN. Percentages of patients experiencing > or =1 adverse event were similar across all 3 groups. Withdrawals due to treatment-related adverse events were observed in 2.4%, 1.8%, and 1.2% of patients in the atorvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 80 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Serious adverse events were rare and seldom led to treatment withdrawal with any dose. Treatment-associated myalgia was observed in 1.4%, 1.5%, and 0.7% of patients in the atorvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 80 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. No cases of rhabdomyolysis were reported in any group. Persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases >3 times ULN were observed in 0.1%, 0.6%, and 0.2% of patients in the atorvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 80 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. The incidence of treatment-associated adverse events for atorvastatin 80 mg was similar to that of atorvastatin 10 mg and placebo. In conclusion, the results of this analysis support the positive safety profile of atorvastatin at the highest dose.

Exaggerated Liver Injury Induced by Ischemia–Reperfusion in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), which play a critical role in organ damage, are primed in patients with essential hypertension and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is shown to be caused and aggravated by the PMNs. We examined whether the hepatic I/R injury was exaggerated in SHR. The portal vein and artery were partially occluded for 60 min. Blood samples were obtained to determine the degree of liver damage during 48 h after reperfusion. The increase in serum transaminase concentration and hepatic myeloperoxidase content, which reflects the number of PMNs in liver tissue, in SHR were significantly greater than those of their control rats, Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY). However, the elevations in hepatic transaminases induced by I/R did not differ between other hypertensive animal models (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]-treated and deoxycorticosterone acetate [DOCA]/salt-treated rats) and their controls. These results suggest that the elevated PMNs, but not high blood pressure per se, contributes to the exaggerated hepatic I/R injury in SHR.

Cytokines and Toxicity in Acetaminophen Overdose

Several cytokines have been reported to have hepatoprotective properties in animal models of acetaminophen toxicity. To investigate the relationships of cytokines and toxicity in acetaminophen overdose, blood samples were collected from patients following acute ingestions of acetaminophen. Samples for cytokine analysis were collected at the time of routine clinical monitoring in 111 patients (90 females; mean age 13.6 years). Plasma concentrations of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were stratified by toxicity severity, defined by the maximal values of hepatic transaminase elevation. Levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were higher in patients with serum alanine aminotransferase > 1000 IU/L, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 had the strongest association with toxicity. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 values were higher in patients with greater delays in N-acetylcysteine treatment and in patients with higher values of prothrombin time. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 elevation in acetaminophen overdose may represent an innate, immunomodulary response of the liver to earlier events in the toxicity. An understanding of the role of cytokine responses in acetaminophen overdose may be relevant to the future development of new therapies for acetaminophen toxicity.