Granuloma Tissue Formation Research Articles

Hormonal Changes Across the Life Cycle of Women and its Effects on the Periodontium

In recent years, it has been realized that women’s oral health may differ from that of men in many areas.It is rightly said that the health of a woman’s body and oral cavity are bidirectional, hence women needexceptional dental health facilities and attention. The role that different endocrine hormones imbalancesduring puberty, 1st to 3rd trimester of pregnancy, menopause, oral contraceptive use, and females reproductivecycle details has the main role in various sex data in orofacial health status is supported by different medicalclinical trials. The oral conditions commonly observed during these phases of the lifecycle of femalesinclude inflamed gingiva, the formation of granulomatous tissue in the body, disease of periodontium,, andgrade 1,2,3 mobility of tooth. The closest bonding between status and worst dental health condition in thefemale will need excellent care in investigation plan that assimilates and controls for the diverse array oflurking varying, such as dental diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis and missing tooth), the whole history offemale’s reproductive physiology, and benefaction communal and financial variables. Dental practitionersneed to actively counsel female patients about general and oral health strategies so that they can maintaintheir oral health and maximize their quality of life. The effect of hormonal changes during the life cycle of afemale affects the prevalence and intensity of the oral disease. This understanding is helpful for a clinicianin rendering oral health care to these patients.

Geographic Variability and Pathogen-Specific Considerations in the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare but serious primary immunodeficiency with varying prevalence and rates of X-linked and autosomal recessive disease worldwide. Functional defects in the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex predispose patients to a relatively narrow spectrum of bacterial and fungal infections that are sometimes fastidious and often difficult to identify. When evaluating and treating patients with CGD, it is important to consider their native country of birth, climate, and living situation, which may predispose them to types of infections that are atypical to your routine practice. In addition to recurrent and often severe infections, patients with CGD and X-linked female carriers are also susceptible to developing many non-infectious complications including tissue granuloma formation and autoimmunity. The DHR-123 oxidation assay is the gold standard for making the diagnosis and it along with genetic testing can help predict the severity and prognosis in patients with CGD. Disease management focuses on prophylaxis with antibacterial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory medications, prompt identification and treatment of acute infections, and prevention of secondary granulomatous complications. While hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is the only widely available curative treatment for patients with CGD, recent advances in gene therapy may provide a safer, more direct alternative.

LOFGREN’S SYNDROME: CLINICAL CASE

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various organs and tissues. The clinical signs of sarcoidosis are determined by the number of affected organs, the degree of their structural and functional impairment, and the severity of inflammatory symptoms. The article presents a clinical observation of one of the forms of sarcoidosis — Lofgren’s syndrome, which is characterized by a triad of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, acute arthritis and erythema nodosum. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Under the prescribed treatment, signs of acute inflammation reversed and the patient’s state improved. The authors emphasize that they do not recommend widespread use of systemic glucocorticosteroids in patients with this disease, since their use may be associated with a relapsing course.

Anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of thiazolidine-4-ones in rats

Background: NSAIDS are associated with side effects and research should continue for developing safer drugs. This study aims to evaluate newer thiazolidine-4-ones for their anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities in wister rats.Methods: Five groups of wister rats, 6 in each were used. Anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of diclofenac (30mg/kg), nimesulide (50mg/kg), thia-1 (50mg/kg) and thia-2 (50mg/kg) are compared with control group (4% Gum Acacia). Carrageenin-induced paw edema, formaline induced acute peritonitis and cotton pellet-induced granulomatous tissue formation models were used for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity. After removing cotton pellets with granuloma on 8th day gastric ulcerogenicity was assessed by using macroscopic and microscopic scoring of ulcers.Results: Diclofenac, nimesulide and thia 2 reduced both paw edema and peritoneal exudate volume significantly (p <0.01). Wet weight of cotton pellets reduced significantly (p <0.01) by diclofenac, nimesulide and thia 2. Diclofenac (p <0.01) and thia 2 (p <0.05) reduced dry weight of cotton pellets significantly. nimesulide and thia-1 reduced it by 19.14% and 2.68% respectively and was considered statistically not significant (p>0.05). Nimesulide, thia-1 and thia-2 did not increase gastric ulcer score significantly (p >0.05). Diclofenac increased ulcer score significantly (p <0.01).Conclusions: Thia-2 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic models. In addition to inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway, PPAR agonistic activity may be involved in its anti-inflammatory activity. No significant ulcerogenicity was observed on comparing with nimesulide and control. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are recommended to confirm the results of this study.

Long-term Functioning of Allogeneic Islets in Subcutaneous Tissue Pretreated With a Novel Cyclic Peptide Without Immunosuppressive Medication.

There exists a need for a minimally invasive method of islet transplantation without immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. In diabetic August Copenhagen Irish rats, an agarose rod containing the cyclic oligopeptide SEK-1005 (agarose-SEK rod) was implanted at 2 dorsal subcutaneous sites. Then these rods were removed, and 1500 islets of Langerhans isolated from Fischer 344 rats were transplanted into each of the pockets. Ten days after implantation of agarose-SEK rods, vascularized pockets were present. Nonfasting blood glucose levels confirmed long-term survival of the allogeneic islet grafts, without immunosuppressive therapy, in 8 of 10 recipients. Flow cytometry and gene expression analyses were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying graft acceptance. Agarose-SEK rod implantation led to the formation of granulomatous tissue containing regulatory T cells that suppressed immune reactions against the allogeneic islet grafts. These results indicate that the use of an agarose-SEK rod to prevascularize a subcutaneous site may be a useful method for achieving successful allogeneic islet transplantation without immunosuppression.

The use of 67Ga scintigraphy in patients with sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown aetiology characterised by the formation of noncaseating granulomas in various organs and tissues. The various imaging modalities that are useful in the investigation of lesions, staging and establishing indications for treatment include: conventional radiography, CT, MRI, and scintigraphy with ⁶⁷Ga, ²⁰¹Tl, 99mTc sestamibi, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) as well as ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT. This paper discusses the most commonly used technique of the scintigraphic, gallium (⁶⁷Ga) citrate) and its role in the evaluation and monitoring of patients with sarcoidosis.

Granulomatous Mastitis as a Presentation of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic inflammatory disease characterized by granuloma formation in various tissues, most commonly the lungs, lymphatics, skin and eyes. Involvement of the breast in sarcoidosis is rare, and can be defined into three subsets, including granulomas localized to the breast, referred to as breast sarcoidosis. Breast sarcoidosis may present with systemic findings such as erythema nodosum, arthritis, and uveitis, and unlike typical sarcoidosis, commonly manifests during pregnancy. In this report, we present a rare case of breast sarcoidosis presenting in a pregnant female with associated erythema nodosum, arthralgias and ocular complaints.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of an anti-platelet agent crinumin on carrageenan-induced paw oedema and granuloma tissue formation in rats.

The present study was designed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of an anti-platelet agent crinumin, by various in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. Firstly, crinumin protein was purified through cation exchange chromatography; then, in vitro activity was estimated by albumin denaturation assay and HRBC membrane stabilization assay. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models were used for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assessment in rats. In both models, rats were pre-treated for 7days with crinumin (25-50µg/ml) and diclofenac sodium (50µg/ml). Expression of P-selectin (in serum and plasma) through ELISA and NF-κB (in paw and granulomatous tissues) through western blotting was checked. Our results showed that crinumin at both doses (25 or 50µg/kg of b.w.) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the paw oedema formation in a dose-dependent manner in the second phase of inflammation and significant (p<0.05) reduction of wet and dry weight of granuloma was observed indicating the anti-inflammatory potential of crinumin. Crinumin decreased the expression of P-selectin and NF-κB indicating its potential role in decreasing platelet activation and healing inflammation. Histopathological studies additionally proved the efficacy of drug in treating inflammation. The results of the study suggest that the crinumin might have an inhibitory role in atherosclerosis as platelet aggregation and inflammation are the key processes involved in atherosclerotic disorders.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of ononitol monohydrate isolated from Cassia tora L. in animal models.

Ononitol monohydrate (OM) was isolated from Cassia tora L. leaves. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of OM have been examined in male Wistar rats and mice. The efficacy of OM against inflammation was studied by using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, croton oil-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and adjuvant-induced arthritis. The analgesic activity of OM was assessed using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and the hot-plate test. In acute type inflammation models, maximum inhibitions of 50.69 and 61.06% (P < .05) were noted with 20 mg/kg of OM in carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema, respectively. Treatment of OM (20 mg/kg) meaningfully (P < .05) reduced the granuloma tissue formation by cotton pellet study at a rate of 36.25%. OM (20 mg/kg) inhibited 53.64% of paw thickness in adjuvant-induced arthritis model. OM has also been produced significant (P < .05) analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and in hot-plate test suggesting its peripheral and central analgesic potential. The outcomes of the present study proposed that OM influenced on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Comparative anti-inflammatory activity of Clerodendrum serratum (Linn) Moon and Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad and Wendl in wistar ablino rats

C. serratum and S. xanthocarpum plants are used as folk remedies for inflammations, arthritis, cough, asthma and bronchitis. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the comparative anti-inflammatory activity in Wistar albino rats. The group specific rats were treated for seven consecutive days and subjected to carrageenan induced paw oedema and cotton pellet implanted granuloma tissue formation tests at a dose of 8.64ml/kg (p.o). Both the test drugs have shown reduced paw volume during third and sixth hour readings and a moderate decrease in the granuloma tissue formation. CRP enzyme was found to be reduced significantly and a moderate elevation in white pulp of spleen from both the test groups were observed. The present findings suggest that both the drugs have moderate anti-inflammatory activity as ascertained by the comparative decrease in carrageenan induced paw volume, decreased granuloma tissue formation and normal histological profile of important organs.

Pioglitazone as a novel therapeutic approach in chronic granulomatous disease

Pioglitazone as a novel therapeutic approach in chronic granulomatous disease

Techniques and Outcomes of Gore-Tex Clip-Wrapping of Ruptured and Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms

Some aneurysms without a definable neck and associated parent vessel pathology are particularly difficult to treat and may require clipping with circumferential wrapping. We report the largest available contemporary series examining the techniques of Gore-Tex clip-wrapping of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms and patient outcomes. The presentation, location, and shape of the aneurysm; wrapping technique; outcome at discharge and last follow-up; and any change in the aneurysm at last angiographic follow-up were reviewed retrospectively in 30 patients with Gore-Tex clip-wrapped aneurysms. Gore-Tex clip-wrapping was used in 8 patients with ruptured aneurysms and 22 patients with unruptured aneurysms. Aneurysms included 23 fusiform, 3 blister, and 4 otherwise complex, multilobed, or giant aneurysms. Of the 30 aneurysms, 63% were in the anterior circulation. The overall mean patient age was 52.5 years (range, 17-80 years). Postoperatively, there were no deaths or worsening of neurologic status and no parent vessel stenoses or strokes. The mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score at last follow-up was 4.7. The mean follow-up time was 42.3 months (median, 37.0 months; range, 3-96 months). There were 105.8 patient follow-up years. Aneurysms recurred in 2 patients with Gore-Tex clip-wrapping. No patients developed rehemorrhage. Overall risk of recurrence was 1.9% annually. Gore-Tex has excellent material properties for circumferential wrapping of aneurysms and parent arteries. It is inert and does not cause a tissue reaction or granuloma formation. Gore-Tex clip-wrapping can be used safely for microsurgical management of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms with acceptable recurrence and rehemorrhage rates.

Review on Zoonotic Importance of Bovine Tuberculosis and Its Control

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious zoonotic disease of domestic animals and humans. It is characterized by formation of granulomas in tissue especially the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, intestines and the kidneys. Mycobacterium bovis is the main etiological agent of BTB (Bovine tuberculosis) which is an acid fast staining bacterium due to waxy substance (mycolic acid) present in its bacterial cell wall. The bacteria can be transmitted by both aerogenous and enterogenous routes. In Ethiopia bovine tuberculosis is endemic and mostly transmitted to humans through ingestion of unpasteurized contaminated milk and contact with infected animals. Disease causes development of miliary tubercular lesions, chronic cough, obstructions of air passages and alimentary tract or blood vessels and enlargement of lymph nodes. A spectrum of Cell-Mediated Immune responses (CMI) predominate infection, projecting the role of macrophages and T-cell populations. In advanced stage, there is increased humoral response. Tuberculinization test, single intradermal test and comparative intradermal test, is the valuable delayed type hyper sensitivity test used for diagnosing TB in live animal, and used in TB eradication and for international trade. Vaccination of calves with attenuated bovine-strain of tuberculosis bacterium, known as Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (BCG) and testing and culling are important measure in BTB control and prevention endemic area like Ethiopia. It is important to pasteurize milk before human consumption to reduce public health risk.

Anti-inflammatory activity of fatty extract of Vitalleria paradoxa Kernel (Shea butter) and pattern of its clinical use in arthritis in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Background: The fatty seed extract of Vitellaria paradoxa Kernel (Sapotaceae) commonly called “Shea butter”, is a popular remedy for arthritis in west Africa. This study investigated the knowledge, prevalence and pattern of use of Shea butter in clinically diagnosed arthritic patients as well as its effects on acute (topical and systemic) and chronic inflammation in rodents. Methods: Knowledge, prevalence and pattern of use were determined using pre-tested questionnaire in clinically diagnosed patients whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was studied using xylene-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis in rats and cotton pellet granuloma test in rats. Results: The results showed that of the 164 respondents, 94.1% know about Shea butter and 59.6% have used it mainly as a massage ointment once or twice daily. However, 73.7% of the users combine this remedy with analgesics to achieve relief. The pharmacological tests showed that topical application of Shea butter inhibited acute edema of the mouse ear. Systemic oral administration caused significant (p<0.05) suppression of the development of systemic acute edema of the rat paw in a non-dose related manner. Twice daily topical application of Shea butter significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the edematous response to formaldehyde arthritis whereas once daily administration was not effective. Shea butter also caused a significant (p<0.05) non-dose related inhibition of granuloma tissue formation on implanted cotton pellets. Conclusions: These findings provide a scientific rationale for the use of Shea butter in treatment of disorders of inflammation in traditional medicine.

Drug Eluting Stents for Malignant Airway Obstruction: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Lung cancer being the most prevalent malignancy in men and the 3rd most frequent in women is still associated with dismal prognosis due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies are already on the market and several others are under investigation. However non-specific cytotoxic agents still remain the cornerstone of treatment for many patients. Central airways stenosis or obstruction may often complicate and decrease quality of life and survival of these patients. Interventional pulmonology modalities (mainly debulking and stent placement) can alleviate symptoms related to airways stenosis and improve the quality of life of patients. Mitomycin C and sirolimus have been observed to assist a successful stent placement by reducing granuloma tissue formation. Additionally, these drugs enhance the normal tissue ability against cancer cell infiltration. In this mini review we will concentrate on mitomycin C and sirolimus and their use in stent placement.

Pharmacological basis of the use of the root bark of Zizyphus nummularia Aubrev. (Rhamnaceae) as anti-inflammatory agent.

BackgroundThe root bark of Zizyphus nummularia (Rhamnaceae) is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. The current study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity (in vivo) of a crude ethanolic extract (EE) and the pure identified octadecahydro-picene-2,3,14,15-tetranone (IC) in the root bark of Z. nummularia. IC was further subjected to suitable in vitro and in silico studies to find out the mechanistic pharmacology.MethodsEE (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and (IC) (400 and 600 μg/kg, p.o.) were subjected to in vivo anti-inflammatory assays to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and predict the probable mechanism(s) of action. Suitable acute (carrageenan-induced paw edema, arachidonic acid-induced ear edema, xylene-induced ear edema) and chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) models were employed to investigate in vivo the anti-inflammatory activity. Based on in vivo observation, IC was further subjected to in vitro assays to estimate the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in PBS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the observation of in vitro studies, finally, ADME prediction and molecular docking studies of IC were performed for better understanding of interaction of IC with TNF-α.ResultsOral administration of EE (100 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant inhibition of carrageenan (p < 0.05) and arachidonic acid (p < 0.05) induced oedema, and the reduced the granuloma tissue formation (p < 0.05) in experimental mice. IC (400 and 600 μg/kg, p.o.) exhibited significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of carrageenan, xylene and arachidonic acid-induced edema, and reduced the granuloma tissue formation. In in vitro assays, IC caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of LPS stimulated NO (up to ~ 67.4 % at 50 μM) and TNF-α (~84.5 % at 50 μM) production. However, the PGE-2 inhibition did not follow dose dependent pattern. Based on in vitro observations, the molecular docking has been performed on the basis of interaction with TNF-α. In in silico studies, it was observed that IC showed hydrogen bonding with GLN 47 amino acid residue of TNF-α protein.ConclusionsIC possibly produces anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of TNF-α and NO production.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0942-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The arrhythmic burden in patients with sarcoidosis. Is it a real concern?

BackgroundSarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized histologically by the formation of granulomas in many tissues. In many cases, cardiac involvement may be clinically silent but in others it may be the only clinical feature. Sudden death has been reported in 12–65% of cardiac sarcoidosis cases, and is usually attributed to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. We assessed the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with sarcoidosis not complaining from cardiac symptoms aiming for early detection of cardiac involvement. MethodsFifteen patients with sarcoidosis (either thoracic or extrathoracic) were enrolled in the current study. Clinical diagnosis was based on tissue biopsy. All patients were symptoms free as regards their cardiac condition. Standard ECG was done for detection of bundle branch block (BBB), or atrioventricular block. 24h ambulatory ECG (holter) was done to detect significant premature beats (>10/h), runs of supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia (>3 beats), or ventricular fibrillation. Echocardiographic examination was done for assessment of left and right ventricle systolic and diastolic function and significant segmental wall motion abnormalities (SWMA) (>2 segments). All patients were under steroid therapy. Patients with a history of Ischemic heart disease, previous myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, and patients with previously implanted permanent pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators were excluded from the study. ResultsMean age of the study group was 49.6±10.4 including 9 females and 6 male patients. Resting ECG was abnormal in 3 (20%) cases. Six patients (40%) had diastolic dysfunction however LV and RV systolic function and resting SWM were normal. No significant bradyarrhythmias were observed during holter monitoring however significant tachyarrhythmias including frequent premature atrial and ventricular beats, runs of non-sustained SVT and VT were observed in 5 patients. Life-threatening sustained VT was observed in a single patient that required Radiofrequency (RF) ablation followed by ICD implantation. ConclusionsHolter monitoring provides a useful, convenient and inexpensive mean of non-invasive screening for cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis especially in patients without cardiac symptoms. Extended holter should be a part of the routine work-up of any patient with sarcoidosis. The exact effect of steroid therapy on the arrhythmia burden remains a matter of debate. Cardiac MRI should be done to all patients with sarcoidosis having either abnormal symptoms or abnormal basic screening tools especially abnormal holter.

Shikonin Promotes Skin Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Nuclear Factor-κB Translocation via Proteasome Inhibition In Vitro.

Background:Shikonin is a major active chemical component extracted from Lithospermi Radix, an effective traditional herb in various types of wound healing. Shikonin can accelerate granulomatous tissue formation by the rat cotton pellet method and induce neovascularization in granulomatous tissue. The purpose of the study was to investigate its mechanism of action in human skin cells.Methods:MTS assay was used to measure cell growth. The collagen type I (COL1) mRNA expression and procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP) production were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were carried out to investigate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Cell-based proteasome activity assay was used to determine proteasome activity.Results:In this study, we found that 10 μmol/L shikonin stimulated the growth of normal human keratinocytes and 1 μmol/L shikonin promoted growth of human dermal fibroblasts. However, shikonin did not directly induce COL1 mRNA expression and PIP production in dermal fibroblasts in vitro. In addition, 1 μmol/L shikonin inhibited translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus induced by tumor necrosis factor-α stimulation in dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, shikonin inhibited chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome and was associated with accumulation of phosphorylated inhibitor κB-α in dermal fibroblasts.Conclusions:These results suggested that shikonin may promote wound healing via its cell growth promoting activity and suppress skin inflammation via inhibitory activity on proteasome. Thus, shikonin may be a potential therapeutic reagent both in wound healing and inflammatory skin diseases.

Leucine-rich α2 -glycoprotein as a potential biomarker for joint inflammation during anti-interleukin-6 biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

To investigate whether leucine-rich α2 -glycoprotein (LRG) could be a biomarker for disease activity during interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 59 RA patients who were treated with tocilizumab for 24 weeks, serum LRG levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RA disease activity was evaluated by the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to examine the diagnostic performance of LRG and other biomarkers. In monkeys with experimental autoimmune arthritis, swollen joint counts, joint pathologic changes, and blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and LRG were evaluated after treatment with anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. Among tocilizumab-treated RA patients, those with active disease (CDAI >2.8) had significantly higher serum LRG levels compared to those whose disease was in remission. ROC curve analysis suggested that the LRG level was more useful than the CRP or matrix metalloproteinase 3 level or the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in discriminating between remission and active disease during therapy with tocilizumab. In monkeys treated with IL-6 blockade, joint scores were more closely correlated with LRG levels than with CRP levels. Histologic analysis of joints revealed that LRG levels correlated significantly with granulomatous tissue formation, cartilage degeneration, and bone destruction in IL-6 blockade-treated monkeys with low levels of CRP. Under conditions of IL-6 inhibition, LRG was more useful than other biomarkers in discriminating between active and inactive disease in human RA and in detecting joint inflammation in experimental arthritis. LRG may serve as a convenient biomarker for RA disease activity during IL-6 blockade treatment.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Seeds of Phalaris canariensis.

Chloroform extract (ALC) from the seeds of Phalaris canariensis were assayed for antiinflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced oedema, cotton pellets-induced granuloma, histamine-induced inflammation, croton oil-induced oedema, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), adjuvant-induced arthritis, quantification of TNFα, IL-1β, PGE2 and LTB4 and nitric oxide (NO) assay. ALC exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in different chemically-induced edemas in a dose dependent manner. In the chronic model cotton pellets-induced granuloma showed decreased formation of granuloma tissue. Also caused inhibition of ear inflammation edema and influx of polymorphonuclear cells, as evidence by a decrease in ear thickness and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and inhibit mediators of inflammation as TNFα, IL-1β, PGE2 and LTB4. When RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with ALC together with LPS a significant inhibition of NO production was detected. These data provide evidence for antiinflammatory effect of P. canariensis by mechanisms that involve a reduced neutrophil influx and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines.