Gamma Globulin Fraction Research Articles

Dynamics of changes in protein metabolism rates in cows depending on the season of the year and the location of the farm

Protein metabolism in animals is perhaps the most informative indicator of anthropogenic environmental pollution, because it provides an opportunity to characterize metabolic processes in the body. They are of the utmost importance for the structure and function of all cells, tissues and organs. Proteins reflect the state of the organism, as well as those changes that occur in it under the influence of internal and external factors. We studied the dynamics of changes in indicators in protein metabolism in cows depending on the season of the year and the location of a farm. The research was carried out in two farms of the Lviv region: the Danylo Halytskyj LLC, near the State Mining and Chemical Enterprise “Sirka”, and FE “Lelyk” of Zhovkva district, in spring, summer, autumn and winter periods of keeping. The object of research was the blood of 20 cows of Ukrainian Black-Spotted breed. According to the results of the research, a reduction in total protein, relative to the physiological norm of 0.45 g/l. in spring, and by 0.64 g/l in the summer, dysproteinemia, a high level of gamma globulin fraction (50.30%) in cows from the Danylo Halytskyj farm, located in the zone of influence of the State Chemical Medicine Plant “Sirka”. In animals FE Lelyk, located in the conventionally clean zone, this indicator was significantly higher, and was 76.14 g/l in spring, and 78.17 g/l in summer, and also in animals of this farm dysproteinemia was not observed. In the autumn, at the end of the summer grazing period of the keeping, the index of total protein tended to decrease in the animals of the Danylo Halytsky's Ltd., and in winter it was normalized and invested in the limits of the physiological norm. Albumin fraction of protein in this group of animals, throughout the search period, had a tendency to increase. In the cows of the FE “Lelyk”, the indices of protein metabolism were within the limits of the physiological norm in all periods of research, with the inherent fluctuations in the season of the year. The obtained results due to the content of total protein and protein fractions in the plasma of blood of cows kept in territories with different ecological status indicate that the effect of the activity of the State Chemical Medicine Plant “Sirka” is sufficiently strong on the organism of animals.

MONOCHROMATIC LIGHTING IN THE POULTRY HOUSE

The paper explores the impact of monochromatic illumination on replacement chickens of Decalb White cross-breed in the conditions of the Amur region. The chickens were grown from 1 day to 115 days age. The research was conducted in the conditions of the poultry farm “Belogorskaya”. The authors arranged four groups according to the principle of steam-analogues; each group contained 200 chickens and the experiment was carried out in the production unit. The researchers used luminous tube lamp with different colour temperatures for lighting. White lighting was used in the control group, yellow - in the first experimental group, green - in the second experimental group and blue - in the third experimental group. The researchers made blood test of chickens aged 30, 60 and 90 days for morphological and biochemical analysis. The authors carried out control weighing of the poultry at that time. At the end of the experiment, three pullets from each group were slaughtered in order to study the organs. The paper highlights morphological and biochemical blood parameters of replacement chickens at the white light had lower deviations from the physiological rate than at yellow, green and blue lamps. At the beginning of growing under yellow lamps, the concentration of gamma-globulin fraction of protein in the blood serum of chickens was higher than the age rate and the content of albumins was lower. Compared to the control group, the amount of bilirubin (P<0.05) and the activity level of asparagine aminotransferase (P<0.001) were higher under green and blue lamps. In the middle and at the end of the growing period, the number of leukocytes, creatinine, uric acid and asparagine aminotransferase may have increased in chickens under green and blue light. The difference among the results of blood tests of chickens grown under white light was, mostly reliable. When controlling the growth and development of replacement chickens aged 30 and 60 days the authors observed that the average body weight of chickens in white light was 1.5-3.9% higher than in the poultry of experimental groups. The average body weight of the chickens aged 90 days from all the groups was at the same level. The results of the control slaughter of pullets aged 115-days and grown under different lighting conditions were similar, and their sexual maturity was the same.

Serum protein electrophoretic profile in diarrheic neonatal calves.

The electrophoretic profile of clinically healthy newborn calves and calves with neonatal diarrhea was compared. Blood samples were collected at 3 and 10 days of age from 11 calves that remained clinically healthy throughout the study period and 14 calves with diarrhea. A significant reduction in the gamma globulins was observed in the diarrheic calves that can be attributed to the transfer of serum immunoglobulins, to the intestinal lumen to counteract the infection. Moreover, a significant increase in the albumin was observed in this group between the sampling days that is mainly attributed to the relative reduction of the gamma globulin fraction.

Serum Protein Profile of Juvenile Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and Dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) Fed Bovine Colostrum as Partial Source of Protein in the Diet

Objective: The electrophoretic profile of serum proteins was investigated in juvenile Piaractus mesopotamicus and Salminus brasiliensis fed with diets containing bovine colostrum, a nutraceutical food, in lyophilized form (LBC) for either 30 or 60 days. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from juveniles of P. mesopotamicus and S. brasiliensis fed for either 30 or 60 days with diets containing 0%, 10% or 20% of LBC. Serum protein fractions were then determined by electrophoresis in agarose gel. Results: The P. mesopotamicus, an omnivorous fish, showed six serum protein fractions, while the S. brasiliensis, a carnivorous fish, showed four serum protein fractions. In both species the albumin fraction showed higher protein content at 30 days than at 60 days (p<0.05), indicating an inverse relationship with growth. The 5th and 4th fraction in mobility from the P. mesopotamicus and S. brasiliensis serum, respectively, were positioned in a gamma-globulin zone. In P. mesopotamicus, the concentration of protein in the gamma-globulin zone was higher at 60 days than at 30 days (p<0.05). In S. brasiliensis, in turn, the concentration of protein in the gamma-globulin zone was higher at 30 days than at 60 days (p<0.05). In juvenile P. mesopotamicus, a higher concentration of protein was also observed in the gamma-globulin zone in the 0% LBC compared to 10% and 20% LBC (p<0.05). Thus, the feeding period influenced only the fractions that were positioned in the albumin and gamma-globulin migration zone in both species. Conclusion: The consumption of bovine colostrum decreased the concentration of protein in gamma-globulin fraction of the P. mesopotamicus, indicating that these juveniles had either less stimulus for their own synthesis of defense elements or an immunosuppressive effect of bovine colostrum ingestion.

The clinical implication of gamma globulin levels in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

ObjectiveThe production of antibody, also referred immunoglobulin, is the principal functions of B cells. Gamma globulin fraction determined by serum protein electrophoresis is composed almost entirely of immunoglobulin. This study aimed to investigate the association between gamma globulin level and oncological outcomes in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Patients and methodsA total of 274 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral surgery between 2000 and 2015 were identified. One hundred forty-four patients (52.6%) had received adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin. Gamma globulin fraction (%) was determined by serum protein electrophoresis, and gamma globulin level (mg/dl) was calculated by multiplying the total protein level (mg/dl) by the gamma globulin fraction (%). The association between gamma globulin levels and oncological outcomes was statistically evaluated. ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 39 months, 99 (36.1%) patients experienced at least 1 tumor recurrence and 16 (5.8%) patients had disease progression. The median (interquartile range) gamma globulin level was 1.2 (1.0–1.3) mg/dl. Recurrence-free survival rate of patients with gamma globulin levels of ≥1.4 mg/dl was significant lower than that of patients with gamma globulin levels of <1.4 mg/dl (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in progression-free survival between the 2 groups (P = 0.17). Multivariate analysis revealed that gamma globulin level of ≥1.4 mg/dl is significantly associated with higher recurrence rate (hazard ratio = 1.83, P < 0.01). ConclusionGamma globulin level is significantly associated with tumor recurrence. Our results suggest that B cell immunity may be involved in tumor recurrence in patients with NMIBC.

HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF PARTIAL AND COMPLETE SPLENECTOMY IN DOGS

The purpose of the current study was to describe the effect of surgical splenectomy technique either partial or complete on some biochemical and hematological parameters. Six male mature mongrel dogs were subdivided into two groups (complete and partial splenectomy), and six immature mongrel dogs were subdivided into two groups (complete and partial splenectomy). Blood samples were taken before (base line), 10, 30, and 60 days post-operative. The results showed a significant reduction in serum albumin and iron levels 10 days after partial and complete splenectomy in both immature and mature dogs. However, serum gamma globulin fraction, ferritin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly increased at the same period following surgical operation. There was a perturbation in serum activity of transaminases, bilirubin, and urea levels. The levels of WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, MCH, MCHC, and platelets in completely splenectomized immature and mature dogs were increased. While, the RBCs and Hb concentrations were significantly decreased following complete splenectomy in immature and mature dogs. These results concluded that splenectomy in dogs may induce anemia, thrombosis, and inflammatory conditions but also increase cellular and humeral immunity as a compensatory mechanism. Key words: Splenectomy, transferrin, platelets, ceruloplasmin, dogs

Gamma globulin fraction of the proteinogram and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

ObjectivesTo evaluate the levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms as a biomarker to assess the severity, and to predict the mortality and new exacerbations in patients admitted for an exacerbation of a COPD. Patients and methodsThe VIRAE study was carried out on a cohort of patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of probable infectious origin of COPD over a period of 2 years. The levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction were analysed in the proteinogram of 120 patients. The main clinical indicators of severity were also evaluated. Key features were compared in 2 groups (gamma fraction in the proteinogram greater or less than 6.6g/dl). ResultsThe levels of the serum gamma fraction in the proteinogram correlated with the FEV1 (p=0.009), the CRP (p=0.04), and the number of readmissions after 6 months of hospitalization (p=0.04). We observed a good association with the GOLD scale, the BODE index and the mMRC dyspnoea scale; and also with treatment with oral corticoids and home oxygen therapy. We did not find it to be a good predictor of mortality, despite observing increased mortality rates one year after hospital admission in patients with low levels of the factor. ConclusionsThe levels of the gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms have a good correlation with the FEV1. In addition, they are associated with a greater severity of patients with COPD. This simple biomarker may be useful in identifying high-risk patients.

Fracción gamma del proteinograma y agudizaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

ObjectivesTo evaluate the levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms as a biomarker to assess the severity, and to predict the mortality and new exacerbations in patients admitted for an exacerbation of a COPD. Patients and methodsThe VIRAE study was carried out on a cohort of patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of probable infectious origin of COPD over a period of 2 years. The levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction were analyzed in the proteinogram of 120 patients. The main clinical indicators of severity were also evaluated. Key features were compared in 2 groups (gamma fraction in the proteinogram greater or less than 6.6g/dl). ResultsThe levels of the serum gamma fraction in the proteinogram correlated with the FEV1 (P=.009), the CRP (P=.04), and the number of readmissions after 6 months of hospitalization (P=.04). We observed a good association with the GOLD scale, the BODE index and the mMRC dyspnea scale; and also with treatment with oral corticoids and home oxygen therapy. We did not find it to be a good predictor of mortality, despite observing increased mortality rates one year after hospital admission in patients with low levels of the factor. ConclusionsThe levels of the gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms has a good correlation with the FEV1. In addition, they are associated with a greater severity of patients with COPD. This simple biomarker may be useful in identifying high-risk patients.

Overcoming the Interference of Daratumumab with Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) Using an Industry-Developed Dira Test : Hydrashift 2/4 Daratumumab

Background : Detection and quantification of monoclonal component (M-spike) by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) are essential for response evaluation in multiple myeloma (MM) according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Recent clinical trials on daratumumab, an IgG Kappa anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, have shown impressive results with deep responses. However daratumumab may be detected on serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for monitoring disease monoclonal immunoglobulins (M protein). This can lead to false positive SPE and IFE assay results for patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein impacting initial assessment of complete responses (CR) by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Differentiating therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, such as daratumumab, from endogenous monoclonal protein can be challenging when both molecules co-migrate or migrate closely on electrophoresis. The availability of a specific, anti-daratumumab antibody has provided the opportunity to overcome this interference and to correctly assess biochemical response. Indeed, Mc Cudden and al. in collaboration with Janssen developed a technique, the Daratumumab Interference Reflex Assay (DIRA) test, which has been utilised in daratumumab clinical trials. Given the need for a commercially available automated and standardized test, we evaluated a new commercial DIRA kit test being developed by Sebia (Lisses, France): the Hydrashift 2/4 daratumumab.Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the Hydrashift 2/4 daratumumab in comparison with our laboratory developed DIRA test for the displacement of daratumumab on IFE.Design and methods: The Hydrashift 2/4 daratumumab assay was prepared by Sebia using the anti-daratumumab antibody produced by Janssen and modified to allow a migration of daratumumab/anti-daratumumab complexes toward the α-globulin fraction on IFE. IFE technical procedures, migration, and staining programs were performed according to the manufacturer instructions, and run on the standard Sebia, Hydrasys plateform, with the HYDRAGEL 4 IF kit. In addition to the regular procedure, an additional applicator to apply the anti-daratumumab antibody was used. Analytical performances including sensitivity, specificity and comparisons with the original DIRA test were assessed on 31 samples from ongoing daratumumab clinical trials.Results: Serum samples from 309/324 (95.4%) patients assessed demonstrated a positive IFE at diagnosis. In 119/309 (38,5%) of cases, the M-spike partially or totally co-migrated with daratumumab detected in serum. Of these, MM cases displayed an isotype other than IgG Kappa or Kappa light chains did not require a DIRA test during follow-up for response assessment as a standard IFE could clearly show if initial monoclonal component was still detectable or not. From our experience, an anti-daratumumab displacement assay was only required for IgG Kappa MM or Kappa Light Chain MM (LCMM) when standard IFE could not distinguish daratumumab from endogenous M-spike. This situation represented 66 cases (21,4 %, i.e. 66 on 309).The Hydrashift 2/4 daratumumab assay showed excellent concordance (100%) with the laboratory developed test on the 31 samples tested (i.e. 17 negative DIRA, 10 positive DIRA and 4 doubtful DIRA). Daratumumab/anti-daratumumab complexes were detected in the α-globulin fraction with a sensibility of 200 mg/L. Daratumumab/anti-daratumumab complex was difficult to visualize when daratumumab concentrations were less than 200 mg/L but daratumumab was shown to be completely removed from the gamma globulin fraction with no trace left for all tested patients. For 48 samples tested on diagnosis, the anti-daratumumab shifted specifically the daratumumab with no effect on the patients’ M-spike (100% specificity).Conclusion: With the growing application of monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab in the treatment of multiple myeloma, the development of validated, widely available assays to overcome antibody interference will become increasingly important. The Hydrashift 2/4 daratumumab test provides the opportunity to automate and standardize the displacement of daratumumab interference and help with the correct interpretation of IFE results for clinical outcome measures. DisclosuresSimon:Janssen: Employment. Axel:Janssen Pharmaceuticals Research and Development: Employment. Sasser:Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership; Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Scullion:Janssen: Employment. Ligneel:Sebia: Employment. Nouadje:Sebia: Employment. Moreau:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

Biometric values, C-reactive protein, and proteinogram of healthy blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) kept in northeast of Brazil.

Sapajus flavius is a species of capuchin monkey classified as critically endangered. Studies related to their biometric values are scarce with incomplete external measurement reports available from only four specimens. Moreover, information regarding proteinogram is limited with no reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) and globulin fractions for this species. Biometric values, CRP, and proteinogram were determined for 12 clinically healthy S.flavius, kept in captivity in João Pessoa, Brazil. The measured values in biometric parameters present a tendency to be higher in males. The CRP mean values from 12 S.flavius were 1.2±0.2mg/dL. For albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulin fraction parameters, the reference interval was calculated. Authors believe that with certain limitations, results obtained can be helpful for the populations in the wild, which could be of great aid in detecting unhealthy individuals and therefore contributing to the conservation of this species.

БЕЛКИ ОСТРОЙ ФАЗЫ В ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИИ ФАТАЛЬНОГО РИСКА У МУЖЧИН В ВОЗРАСТЕ 60 ЛЕТ И СТАРШЕ С ИШЕМИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ СЕРДЦА

Aim. To study the role of acute phase proteins for 10-year survival rate in men aged 60 and older with IHD. Materials and Methods. 167 men aged 60 and older (mean age – 76.0 ± 0.5) with confirmed IHD were under observation. The study did not include patients after revascularization and reconstructive surgery of coronary arteries. All participants were subkected to the complex assessment of clinical-functional state of the cardiovascular system and biochemical and immunologic examination. 10-year prospective study considering death records was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using statistical programs STATISTICA 6.0 and SPSS 13.0. Results. The results of 10-year death probability analysis in men aged 60 and older with IHD have shown that risk of death is higher at the increased concentration of acute phase proteins – Creactive protein, fibrinogen, increased concentration of beta-globulin protein fraction bearing atherogenic lipid fractions, and gamma-globulin fraction reflecting the stimulated production of antibodies participating in formation of atherogenic lipoprotein complexes – immunoglobulins G. Conclusion. 10-year death rate in men aged 60 and older with IHD is higher at the increased concentration of acute phase protein – C-reactive protein, which makes it possible to use this indicator for fatal risk stratification in men aged 60 and older with IHD.

Serum hepatic biochemistry and electrophoretic protein profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with extracts of Agaricus blazei Murill

Compounds isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill represent a group of promising natural immunomodulators for use in the treatment of neoplasms. We have evaluated the serum biochemical profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with different extracts of A. blazei. Total, supernatant, and polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei were obtained from suspensions (at acidic or neutral pH) kept in a water bath at 60 °C or in an ultrasonic bath at 37 °C. After oral administering the extracts to mice for 21 days, blood samples were collected for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, and alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. The presence of the tumor led to a significant increase in serum CK and AST activities and in the concentrations of total globulin and the gamma-globulin fraction, and to a decrease in the albumin and alpha2-globulin levels. The polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei reduced the serum AST and ALT activities, probably due to a hepatoprotective effect. In addition, polysaccharide and supernatant extracts inhibited the tumor-induced increase in gamma-globulin levels. Thus, the supernatant and polysaccharide fractions of the extract of A. blazei have potential for use in complementary antineoplastic treatments.

Enamel organ proteins as targets for antibodies in celiac disease: implications for oral health

Enamel defects in permanent and deciduous teeth may be oral manifestations of celiac disease. Sometimes they are the only sign that points to this underdiagnosed autoimmune pathology. However, the etiology of these specific enamel defects remains unknown. Based on previously reported cross-reactivity of antibodies to gliadin with the enamel proteins, amelogenin and ameloblastin, we analyzed (using immunohistochemistry) the ability of anti-gliadin IgG, produced during untreated disease, to recognize enamel organ structures. We used swine germ teeth as a tissue model because they are highly homologous to human teeth in terms of proteins and development biology. Strong staining of the enamel matrix and of the layer of ameloblasts was observed with serum samples from women with celiac disease; high IgG reactivity was found against both gliadin peptides and enamel matrix protein extract, but there was no IgG reactivity against tissue antigens. In line with these findings, the gamma globulin fraction from gliadin-immunized BALB/c mice showed a similar staining pattern to that of amelogenin-specific staining. These results strongly suggest a pathological role for antibodies to gliadin in enamel defect dentition for both deciduous and permanent teeth, considering that IgG can be transported through the placenta during fetal tooth development.

Electrophoretic Comparison between Native Protein Patterns in the Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients

Hepatitis C virus is one of the main causes of chronic hepatitis in developing countries. There are 170 million affected people around the world as reported by the World Health Organization. Nowadays we are looking for monitoring the advanced tools during the most recent of the shortage reagent and equipments troubles which are strongly variables. This work studies the evaluation of diagnosis Hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses diseases by Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) as a marker. SPE designing is as to separate serum protein to five fractions (Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta, and Gamma) to estimate its individual concentration of the five fractions for the viral infected samples. The elevated serum protein, particularly in the gamma-globulin fraction is frequently associated with HIV infection. All the samples were compared to control samples. It was found that the HCV and HIV infections caused irregular alterations in the electrophoretic protein patterns in serum of the HCV and HIV patients. These alterations were represented at the protein level by disappearance of normal protein bands and / or appearance of abnormal unique bands. Native proteins expressed as a result of the infection with HCV and HIV was detected electrophoretically by vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Correlation between serum total globulins and gamma globulins and their use to diagnose failure of passive transfer in foals

Various assays have been used as an aid to diagnose failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunoglobulins in neonatal foals, but often lack sensitivity as screening tests, or are time consuming to perform and impractical as confirmatory tests. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether measurement of serum total globulins (TG; i.e. total protein minus albumin) can be used to estimate the electrophoretic gamma globulin (EGG) fraction in hospitalised neonatal foals with suspected FPT.Sample data from 56 foals were evaluated retrospectively. The coefficient of rank correlation was 0.84. The area under the curve of ROC analysis was 0.887, 0.922 and 0.930 for EGG concentrations <2 g/L, < 4 g/L and <8 g/L, respectively. Cut-offs for TG achieved ≥90% sensitivity for detecting EGG <2 g/L, < 4 g/L and <8 g/L, with negative predictive values of >97% and >94%, using prevalence of 15% and 30%, respectively. These results suggest that measurement of TG can be used as a guide to predicting EGG, provided that appropriate cut-off values are selected, and this technique could be a useful initial screening test for FPT in foals.

Comparison of agarose gel and capillary electro phoresis for the characterization of serum monoclonal paraproteins

Serum protein electrophoresis is an especially useful method to detect and semi-quantify monoclonal proteins in patients with multiple myeloma and other plasmocyte dyscrasias. The presence of monoclonal protein (M protein) in electrophoretic separation is indicated by a sharp spike in gamma-globulin fraction that is sometimes located in alpha-2-globulins and beta-globulins. Semi-quantification of M protein is a basic method to monitor therapy of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS). The purpose of the study was to compare concentrations of M protein obtained by agarose gel (AGE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) and to evaluate diagnostic usefulness of both electrophoretic techniques for the identification of M protein. The investigations were carried out in the group of 90 patients with monoclonal gammopathies, 42 females and 48 males aged 65±9 years. Patients with monoclonal gammopathies had lower concentrations of monoclonal proteins determined by AGE in comparison to CE. High positive correlation between the results of monoclonal protein concentrations obtained by AGE and CE was observed. Both AGE and CE seem to be equally useful diagnostically in the detection of paraproteins.

A Case of Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma in a Mare

A case of pulmonary carcinoma in a 23-year-old Quarterhorse mare is described. On physical examination, depression, poor body condition, tachypnea, bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge and a wide area of reduced breath sounds in association with the right hemithorax were detected. Laboratory evaluation showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperprotidemia, hypoalbuminemia, increased beta 2 and gamma globulin fractions, hypoxemia, and normocapnia. Radiography and thoracic ultrasonography revealed a large rounded mass extending from the 9th to the 14th right intercostal space, where neither bronchial nor vascular structures were detectable. Endoscopy showed a large amount of serosanguineous fluid within the tracheal lumen and a mass of reddish soft tissue completely obliterating the right caudal lobar bronchus. Histopathology of the endobronchial mass and of the transthoracic ultrasound-guided biopsy samples was consistent with a primary pulmonary epithelial tumor. Due to worsening of the clinical condition, the mare was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of a large 30-cm mass located in the right caudal pulmonary lobe, characterized by epithelial cells arranged in papillary projections and alveolar structures, findings consistent with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

Unusual Presentation of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Pre-Existing Ulcerative Colitis

Purpose: About 16% of patients with Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have ulcerative colitis (UC). Conventionally, AIH is characterized by antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), and/or anti liverkidney microsmal antibodies (anti-LKM-1). We present three cases from a single institution of newly diagnosed AIH in UC patients with negative ANA, ASMA, and anti-LKM-1. Case 1: A 56-year-old Chinese male with a 22 year history of UC well controlled on mesalamine presents with three weeks of dark urine accompanied by lethargy and two weeks of jaundice. His AST and ALT were both over 2000, with an elevated gamma globulin fraction. His additional liver workup was negative. His ANA, ASMA, and Anti-LKM-1 were negative. The MRCP was negative for PSC. The liver biopsy showed markedly active chronic hepatitis with confluent necrosis and a predominance of plasma cells. pANCA was strongly positive. His liver function normalized with initiation of prednisone and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). Case 2: A 20-year-old Hispanic male with an eight year history of UC well controlled on mesalamine was admitted to the hospital with jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. His AST and ALT were over 700, with an elevated gamma globulin fraction. His additional liver workup was negative. His ANA, ASMA, and Anti-LKM-1 were negative. His pANCA was strongly positive. The MRCP was negative for PSC. His liver biopsy showed markedly active chronic hepatitis with confluent necrosis, and plasma cell predominance. His liver function normalized with initiation of prednisone and 6-MP. Case 3: A 17-year-old African-American male with a two month history of UC in remission on mesalamine presented with AST and ALT over 400, and an elevated gamma globulin fraction. His additional liver workup was negative. His ANA, ASMA, and Anti-LKM-1 were negative. His anti-actin antibodies were strongly positive. The MRCP was negative for PSC. The liver biopsy showed markedly active chronic hepatitis with interface hepatitis, confluent necrosis, and plasma cell predominance. Furthermore, there was focal bile duct paucity possibly consistent with possible incipient or small duct PSC. Prednisone and 6-MP was started concomitantly and his liver function normalized. The patient is being followed closely with serial labs and cholagiographies. Discussion: We presented three cases of AIH with preexisting well controlled UC with negative ANA, ASMA, and anti-LKM1. All three of these patients responded to prednisone, and are being maintained with 6-MP. Since up to 42% of patients with UC and AIH may develop abnormal cholangiography, close follow up with labs and imaging is required.

The effect of colostral supplement on the serum protein fractions, health status and growth of calves

Abstract. The study aimed at evaluation of the effect of colostral supplement on humoral immunity, growth and health state of calves until the 3rd month of life. Examinations were carried out on 40 Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian calves. After birth, the calves were separated into two groups (20 calves each): control group – without addition of colostral supplement, and experimental one – with colostral supplement in diet. Blood was sampled from each calf on day 5 and 30 of life, and total protein, albumin, and alpha, beta and gamma globulin levels were determined in it. Evaluation of calves’ growth and development course was carried out basing on weighing and daily gain results. The favourable effect of colostral supplement on calves’ health state and body weight gains was found. No significant effect of colostral supplement on total protein level or gamma-globulin fraction level was found. The effect of colostral supplement on reduction of alpha-globulin fraction decrease was found in a time period until the 30th day of calves’ life (P≤0.01). The study so far point to the purposefulness of using this supplement, in particular in the case of colostrum deficiency or its poor quality.

Effectiveness of modified C-reactive protein in the modulation of platelet function under different experimental conditions

In relation to the interplay between C-reactive protein (CRP) and its various ligands, including extracellular matrix proteins or plasma proteins, herein we compared the effectiveness of modified CRP (mCRP) in modulation of platelet function under different experimental conditions. mCRP (100 μg/ml) was significantly more effective in stimulation of platelet activation when measured in suspensions of isolated platelets than in whole blood (fraction of CD62-positive platelets was 73.4 ± 5.3 vs. 0.8 ± 1.0% in isolated platelets and 7.0 ± 1.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4% in whole blood). Platelet adhesion to fibrinogen was almost seven-fold higher in suspensions of isolated platelets compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (P < 0.005). Furthermore, mCRP enhanced platelet aggregation in a whole blood but it had no effect in PRP. The effectiveness of mCRP in stimulation of platelet response in plasma has been associated with the proportions of gamma globulin and albumin in human serum (rp = 0.78, P < 0.0001 for gamma globulin and Rp = -0.52, P = 0.02 for albumin concentrations; for albumin/gamma globulin ratio rp = -0.72, P < 0.0005). Such associations have been further confirmed by experiments showing that mCRP interacts with some immunoglobulins. Taken together, the modulation of platelet function by mCRP seems to be strongly determined by the presence of the gamma globulin fraction in platelet milieu.