Increase In Gamma Globulin Research Articles

The spectrum of central nervous system manifestations in leprosy: a systematic review of published case reports and case series.

This systematic review aimed to investigate central nervous system (CNS) involvement in leprosy by analysing multiple cohort studies, individual cases and case series. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched up to 8 July 2023, using a predefined search strategy. Inclusion criteria included patients diagnosed with leprosy with evidence of CNS involvement. The quality of the included cases was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A total of 34 records were identified, including 18 cohort studies and 16 reports describing 27 isolated cases. Autopsies revealed macroscopic changes in the spinal cord, neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. Mycobacterium leprae was detected in neurons of the medulla oblongata and spinal cord using PCR and phenolic glycolipid 1 staining. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed inflammatory changes, increased gamma globulins and detection of Mycobacterium leprae antigens and antibodies. In 21 patients (78%), spinal cord/brachial plexus abnormities were detected. In the majority, MRI revealed T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity in the cervical cord. In patients with brainstem involvement, T2/FLAIR hyperintensity was noted in the cerebellar peduncles, facial nerve nuclei and/or other cranial nerve nuclei. Brain parenchymal involvement was noted in three patients. This systematic review provides evidence of CNS involvement in leprosy, based on autopsy findings, neuroimaging, CSF analysis and neurophysiological studies.

Метаболические особенности и микрофлора молока при маститах у коров Амурской области

The effective management practices of dairy farming are inextricably linked with the production of high quality milk, while the mastitis is one of the causes of reductions in milk yields and quality. The aim of the work was to study the microbiological profile of milk, the sensitivity of isolated microorganisms to antibiotics and metabolism features of cows with mastitis in the Amur Oblast. The following microorganisms were identified in the milk samples from cows with mastitis: Staphylococcus epidermidis (34.69%); microbial associations: Streptococcus agalactiae + Escherichia coli (32.65%) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus + Streptococcus agalactiae + Escherichia coli (30.61%); Staphylococcus haemolyticus (2.05%). Microorganisms isolated from the milk of mastitis-affected cows were susceptible to the following antimicrobials: Escherichia coli to cefotaxime (28.00 ± 2.00 mm) and ceftriaxone (27.50 ± 0.35 mm); Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus to cefotaxime (35.50 ± 0.18 mm) and amoxicillin (35.10 ± 0.35 mm); Streptococcus agalactiae to tetracycline (27.60 ± 1.17 mm) and gentamicin (26.40 ± 0.99 mm). Metabolic disorders were observed in cows with mastitis. The albumin-globulin ratio was reduced (0.41), which is typical for various inflammatory processes; and a low albumin levels (29.00 ± 0.89%) suggested a decreased protein synthesis in hepatocytes. A moderate increase in gamma globulins (47.60 ± 1.05%) was associated with stimulation of the phagocytic mononuclear system. Water and mineral metabolism disorders were confirmed by low levels of calcium (1.80 ± 0.03 mmol/L) and magnesium (0.70 ± 0.02 mmol/L), which is a sign of many pathological conditions, and is associated with heavy lactation. Calcium-phosphorus ratio was reduced (0.82). Hematological indicators suggested hypochromic anemia (hemoglobin level – 100.60 ± 1.28 g/L, globular value – 0.60 ± 0.01). The leukogram was indicative of lymphocytopenia (36.90 ± 2.60%) and neutrophilia (rod-shaped neutrophils – 1.80 ± 0.13%, segmented neutrophils – 51.80 ± 2.51%).

The Hyper-Reactive Malarial Splenomegaly- A Rare and Severe Form of Chronic Plasmodial Infection: About A Case

Introduction: Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly is a leading cause of large tropical splenomegaly in endemic zones. Here, we report a case diagnosed in a young woman living in Guinea, a malaria-endemic area. Clinical observation: A 32-year-old Guinean woman with a history of repetitive malaria infection episodes presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic with 5-months history of voluminous mass of the left flank extending to the umbilical region, with no pain and progressive onset, and a sensation of early satiety accompanied by eructation and epigastralgia worsened with eating. Digestive examination revealed a large, firm, smooth-surfaced, painless splenomegaly with a splenic size 20 centimeters below the left costal margin on the mid-clavicular line and measuring 28 centimeters in its long axis. The initial complete blood count showed a normocytic normochromic anemia with lymphocytosis, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 65 mm at the first hour. Malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was positive for Plasmodium. The thick blood smear had come back negative. Serum protein electrophoresis demonstrated a decrease in albumin to 36.5 g/l and an increase in gamma globulins to 19.1 g/l. Immunoelectrophoresis of serum proteins showed a polyclonal increase in IgG. Abdominal ultrasound revealed enormous homogeneous splenomegaly (180 millimeters). The diagnosis of Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly was made on the basis of diagnostic criteria established by Fakunle et al in 1981. Our patient presented with enlarged splenomegaly, negative thick smear, positive RDT for plasmodium, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lymphocytosis, pancytopenia, and a good therapeutic response. Atovaquone-proguanil 250mg/100 mg at a dose of 1000mg/400 mg, i.e. 4 tablets taken as a single dose over three days, was initiated, then relayed by alternance of doxycycline 100 mg (100 mg once daily) for 1 month and nivaquine 100 mg ..........

Diahnostychna y peredbachuvana tsinnist i vidnoshennia pravdopodibnosty zminy pokaznykiv deiakykh laboratornykh syndromiv ta yikh konsteliatsii u khvorykh na tsyroz pechinky z porushenniam mineralnoi shchilnosty kistkovoi tkanyny

Diahnostychna y peredbachuvana tsinnist i vidnoshennia pravdopodibnosty zminy pokaznykiv deiakykh laboratornykh syndromiv ta yikh konsteliatsii u khvorykh na tsyroz pechinky z porushenniam mineralnoi shchilnosty kistkovoi tkanyny

The Influence of feeding of polyacrylamide and mineral-vitamin supplements on growth indices and digestivity of nutrients of young food in young

The effect of feeding polyacrylamide (PA) and mineral-vitamin supplements (MVD) on the average daily gain, hematological parameters, nutrient digestibility in pigs, metabolism of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc and manganese at the age of 4.5 and 7 months. Polyacrylamide and mineral-vitamin supplements were introduced into the diets of pigs of experimental (2–4) groups, taking into account the actual presence of mineral elements and vitamins in feed and the needs of animals in them.Young animals of the 2nd group were fed polyacrylamide at the rate of 0.5 g per 1 kg of live weight; 3rd group - mineral and vitamin supplements g per ton of feed in the following quantities (mg): iron sulfate - 117, copper carbon dioxide - 36, zinc - 203, cobalt - 8, manganese chloride - 133, potassium iodide (stabilized) - 0.4 , vitamins A - 917 million IU, D - 133 million. IO, E - 972 million. IO B1 - 270, B2 - 6, C - 2250; Group 4 - polyacrylamide and mineral and vitamin supplements in the above quantities. Studies on young pigs were conducted in 2 stages: the equalization period (25 days) - the diets of piglets in the control and experimental groups are the same; main period (150 days) - animals of the control group were fed standard feed, and the experimental was given additional PA and MIA. For use in the diets of young pigs, the above additives, there was an increase in animal immunity due to increased gamma globulin in blood proteins, an increase in average daily live weight gain by 21.4 - 23.3% during the period of growing and fattening pigs, better use of animal feed , a positive effect on slaughter products. Key words: young animals, polyacrylamide, mineral elements, vitamins, albumins, globulins, live weight, rearing, fattening, feed consumption metabolism, slaughter yield.

КОРМОВЫЕ ДОБАВКИ С СОРБЦИОННЫМИ И АНТИОКСИДАНТНЫМИ СВОЙСТВАМИ ДЛЯ КОРРЕКЦИИ ИММУННОГО СТАТУСА И УВЕЛИЧЕНИЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА ПРИ ОБЪЁМИСТОМ ТИПЕ КОРМЛЕНИЯ

The article presents results of studies on correction of silage and haylage rations of young fattening cattle and lactating cows by using sorbing, sorption- probiotic and antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements. The application of such feed additives as Koretron and Biokoretron-forte in hay rations of fattening cattle in the amount of 1.1 % of its dry matter stimulates protein-synthesizing liver function, which is shown by concentration increase of total protein in blood serum of young animals in the experimental groups compared to the control (by 3, 97 and 5.01 %) albumin (6.21 and 9.34 %) and alpha globulins (9.26 and 16.74 %), concentration increase of immunoglobulins of A, M, G classes, all these parametres are reflected in an increase of average daily gains by 11.75 and 14.73 %. Adding the antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplement Lipovitam-beta to silage rations of cows at a dose of 4 g every 5 days increases their productivity by 7.41 %, which is also confirmed by an increase of serum protein concentration in their blood (by 2.04 %), besides, there is a significant increase of globulins by 3.52 % in the fractional spectrum, the fraction increase of gamma globulins (by 4.69 %), which carry the main load for formation of antibodies, is especially pronounced. The application of Lipovitam - beta has an immunostimulating effect during the period of late pregnancy of cows (7-8 months of pregnancy), which is confirmed by a significant increase of immunoglobulins of A, M and G classes in blood serum, by 8.38 %; 9.37 % and 13.01 %, respectively. Cow reproduction rates are improved

Significance of serum protein electrophoresis in the detection of multiple myeloma: A diagnostic interpretation of patients with varied immunoglobulins

Background:To determine the relationship between serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and serum immunoglobulin profiles of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).Methods:This is a retrospective study conducted at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, focusing on patients over 18 years who received diagnostic blood tests for MM. Results for SPE and serum immunoglobulin profiles were obtained using lab logbooks. Descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were used to analyze the data.Results:The median age of MM patients in Trinidad and Tobago is of 69 years. The ratio of male and female patients with the MM is 50:50. Out of 131 patients, 24 (18.32%) had M bands present, 60 (45.80%) had an increase in gamma globulin, and 16 (12.21%) had a decrease in albumin. In cases of M band presence and raised gamma, there was noticeable increase in IgG concentration and a slight increase in IgM concentration. There was also an increase in IgA concentration in patients with the M-band but a decrease in concentration in those with raised gamma. Patients with an elevated gamma had a significant increase in IgG diameter and IgG concentration.Conclusions:This study showed a relationship between the presence of M bands and serum immunoglobulins. It has proven the significance of SPE and immunoglobulins, like IgG and IGM, in the detection of MM in the early and advanced stages. Therefore, it is recommended that SPE be used, along with other laboratory tests, in the diagnosis of MM.

Hematological profile of pig blood for feeding cellulose amylolytic additive

The level of provision of animals with basic nutrients, feeding conditions, physiological condition, age, sex was assessed according to blood parameters. Researched the content of total blood protein, albumin, globulins, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count and hematocrit, also calculated blood indices using a set of hematological techniques. The aim was to clarify the biochemical and morphological parameters of the blood of pigs for fattening, by adding additives to the diet. The eff ect of feeding cellulose amylolytic enzyme additive on the productive qualities of pigs for fattening was studied. The cellulose amylolytic additive comprises 0.5% of the enzyme cellulase, 1 gram of which provides 2700 units of activity, and 0.1% of the enzyme α-amylase, 1 gram of which provides 9342 units of activity, with an activity ratio of 1: 4, respectively. Studies in pigs were performed in two stages: the equalization period (15 days) and the main (71 days). Grain fodder grown directly on the farm - barley, wheat, soybeans - was used for feeding pigs. The diet of the control group consisted of 63% barley grain, 27.5% wheat grain, 9% soybean meal 0.5% mineral supplement. Pigs of the experimental group were fed cellulose amylolytic feed additive at the rate of 5 g of cellulase and 1 g of amylase per 1 kg of feed. The use of the above additive in the diets of pigs was observed to increase the immunity of animals due to an increase in gamma globulin in blood proteins by 9%. The increase in the amount of hemoglobin by 8% and erythrocytes by 14% during fattening, due to improved housing conditions and external antigenic stimulation of physiological processes. Decisions on the appropriateness of the inclusion of cellulose amylolytic additive in the diet are made on the basis of production tests of the proposed drug, which increased the average daily gain of live weight by 19.7% during the period of fattening pigs. Key words: pigs, blood, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, thrombocytes, albumins, globulins.

Plasma protein electrophoresis in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) suffering from hepatic, renal and inflammatory skin diseases

The goals of this study were to evaluate electrophoretograms in green iguanas suffering from hepatic, renal and inflammatory skin diseases. Plasma samples were obtained from 14 green iguana patients. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, evaluation of biochemical and haematological profiles or histopathological examination. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed using an automated HYDRASYS system. A decrease in the albumin/globulin ratio was observed in 11 out of 14 patients (three out of four patients with liver failure, one out of one patient with chronic renal insufficiency and suspected hepatopathy, two out of two patients with chronic interstitial nephritis, four out of five patients with chronic renal insufficiency and one out of two patients with dermatitis). The alpha globulin fraction was elevated in 1 out of 14 patients (patient with dermatitis). The fraction of beta globulins was increased in 8 out of 14 patients (two out of four patients with liver diseases, four out of eight patients with various forms of renal failure and two out of two patients with inflammatory skin diseases). Increased gamma globulin levels were observed in 4 out of 14 patients (one out of four patients with impaired function of the liver, two out of eight patients with renal diseases and one out of two patients with dermatitis). Changes in the electrophoretograms of green iguanas are not disease-specific, but in conjunction with other biochemical blood tests the electrophoresis of plasma proteins may be a useful indicator in the diagnosis of metabolic and infectious diseases and in the monitoring of disease progress.

Exceptional mucocutaneous manifestations with amyloid nephropathy: a case report

BackgroundAmyloidosis is a very rare disease that is difficult to diagnose because of the unspecific early clinical manifestations of the disease. Accurate and early diagnosis is extremely important because the effect of treatment is dependent on the extent of disease progression. Sicca syndrome and nail dystrophy are very rare symptoms of amyloidosis. We report here a case of sicca syndrome and nail dystrophy with renal dysfunction in a 52-year-old Korean woman who was diagnosed as having systemic amyloidosis.Case presentationWe present the case of a 52-year-old Korean woman complaining of dry mouth and nail dystrophy for 4 months as an initial symptom. A slit lamp examination revealed superficial keratoconjunctival erosion in both eyes. A laboratory test showed anemia, azotemia, and proteinuria. Urine protein electrophoresis showed increased gamma globulin excretion. Serum free light chain of kappa and lambda were increased. Histopathological studies of biopsy specimens of minor salivary glands and kidney revealed deposits of amyloid fibrils. A bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed hypercellular marrow with 5% plasma cells. She was diagnosed as having primary systemic amyloidosis then started on chemotherapy.ConclusionSuch atypical mucocutaneous manifestations of amyloidosis can serve as important early diagnostic signs with less invasive biopsy confirmation in patients with systemic amyloidosis.

Serum proteins in healthy and diseased Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

A major goal of this study was to determine whether serum protein fractions of healthy Florida manatees differ with age, sex, or living environments (wild versus housed). A second goal was to determine which serum protein fractions vary in diseased versus healthy manatees. Serum protein fractions were determined using agarose gel electrophoresis. Healthy adults had slightly higher total serum protein and total globulin concentrations than younger animals. This largely resulted from an increase in gamma globulins with age. Total serum protein, albumin, alpha-1 globulin, beta globulin, and total globulin concentrations were slightly higher in housed manatees compared to wild manatees, but there was no significant difference in the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, suggesting a difference in hydration between these groups. No significant differences were attributable to sex or pregnancy. Serum albumin concentrations and A/G ratios were significantly lower for manatees with boat trauma, entanglements, emaciation, or cold stress compared to healthy manatees. Variable increases were seen in alpha-1globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. These globulin fractions contain positive acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins, and their increases may reflect acute or chronic active inflammation. Changes in serum protein fractions were not consistent enough to justify the use of serum protein electrophoresis as a routine diagnostic test for manatees. However, serum (or plasma) protein electrophoresis is required when accurate values for albumin and globulins are needed in manatees and in determining which protein fractions may account for a hyperproteinemia or hypoproteinemia reported in a clinical chemistry panel.

Resolution of Retinal Bleeding And Exudative Retinal Detachment After Chemotherapy with Melphalan In Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic cancer. It is characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells and associated organ dysfunction. Ophthalmic manifestations include hyperviscosity retinopathy and retinal detachment. The aim of this study is to report retinal manifestation in Multiple Myeloma.
 Methods: A man 45 years old, complained loss of vision on both eyes especially left eye over 1 month. He also feels weakness and 3 times spontaneous nose bleeding. His visual acquity is 6/12 on the right and 2/60 left eye with Retinal Bleeding and Retinal Detachment. His Laboratory examination result increase in WBC 65.91 x 103/µL (Neutrophil, Monocyte, Basophil and Lymphocyte) decrease RBC 3 x 106/µL, HGB 6.85 g/dL, normal PLT 193.60 103/µL, Normal Bleeding and Clotting Time and increase ESR 140 mm/hour. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed by Internal Department with bone marrow biopsy and increase of Gamma Globulin.
 Results: The patient was treated with melphalan 3 tablet 2 times a day and prednisone 4 mg 3 times a day for 5 days every 28 days. After 8 month the VA 6/6 on the right and 6/10 on the left with complete resolution of on the right eye and there are resolution on the left eye with fibrosis, the laboratory examination normal WBC 3.8 x 103/µL with Neutrophil 59.3%, Monocyte 6.1 %, Eosinophil 6.3 %, Basophil 0.3 % and Lymphocyte 28.0 %, normal RBC 4.6 x 106/µL, slightly decrease HGB 12.8 g/dL, normal PLT 177.0 x 103/µL and decrease Gamma Globulin.
 Discussion: This case of bilateral Retinal Bleeding and Exudative Retinal Detachment are remarkable for both its presentation and response to melphalan therapy. Treatment with melphalan and prednison alone was sufficient to clear the Retinal Bleeding and restoration of Exudative Retinal Detachment.
 Conclusion: Complication of Multiple Myeloma can caused organ disfunction such as retinal bleeding and exudative retinal detachment. Early Diagnosis is very crucial. In our case combination cemotheraphy with Melphalan and Prednison showed clinically significant resolution. Workship Internal Department and Ophthalmology Department are very important for management and monitoring ophthalmology manifestation in multiple myeloma.

Resolution of Retinal Bleeding And Exudative Retinal Detachment After Chemotherapy with Melphalan In Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic cancer. It is characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells and associated organ dysfunction. Ophthalmic manifestations include hyperviscosity retinopathy and retinal detachment. The aim of this study is to report retinal manifestation in Multiple Myeloma.
 Methods: A man 45 years old, complained loss of vision on both eyes especially left eye over 1 month. He also feels weakness and 3 times spontaneous nose bleeding. His visual acquity is 6/12 on the right and 2/60 left eye with Retinal Bleeding and Retinal Detachment. His Laboratory examination result increase in WBC 65.91 x 103/µL (Neutrophil, Monocyte, Basophil and Lymphocyte) decrease RBC 3 x 106/µL, HGB 6.85 g/dL, normal PLT 193.60 103/µL, Normal Bleeding and Clotting Time and increase ESR 140 mm/hour. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed by Internal Department with bone marrow biopsy and increase of Gamma Globulin.
 Results: The patient was treated with melphalan 3 tablet 2 times a day and prednisone 4 mg 3 times a day for 5 days every 28 days. After 8 month the VA 6/6 on the right and 6/10 on the left with complete resolution of on the right eye and there are resolution on the left eye with fibrosis, the laboratory examination normal WBC 3.8 x 103/µL with Neutrophil 59.3%, Monocyte 6.1 %, Eosinophil 6.3 %, Basophil 0.3 % and Lymphocyte 28.0 %, normal RBC 4.6 x 106/µL, slightly decrease HGB 12.8 g/dL, normal PLT 177.0 x 103/µL and decrease Gamma Globulin.
 Discussion: This case of bilateral Retinal Bleeding and Exudative Retinal Detachment are remarkable for both its presentation and response to melphalan therapy. Treatment with melphalan and prednison alone was sufficient to clear the Retinal Bleeding and restoration of Exudative Retinal Detachment.
 Conclusion: Complication of Multiple Myeloma can caused organ disfunction such as retinal bleeding and exudative retinal detachment. Early Diagnosis is very crucial. In our case combination cemotheraphy with Melphalan and Prednison showed clinically significant resolution. Workship Internal Department and Ophthalmology Department are very important for management and monitoring ophthalmology manifestation in multiple myeloma.

Hematological and Immunological Studies on the Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in Hepatitis and Non-Hepatitis, Iron Chelating Dependent or Independent Egyptian Thalassemia Patients

Background: Regular transfusion in thalassemia major patients increases life expectancy and improves quality of life. Blood transfusion is the main sources for viral transmission to Thalassemia patients. So, detection of viral antigens using more than one technique must be adopted. Iron and its binding proteins have immune regulatory properties and shifting of immune regulatory balance by iron excess or deficiency may produce severe deleterious physiological effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of immunization and determine the immune response of beta-thalassemia patients. Also, to evaluate the effects of iron overload chelating therapy and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination on some immunological and hematological parameters in hepatitis and non hepatitis Egyptian thalassemia patients. Methods: Forty homozygote Thalassemia patients attending blood bank, therapeutic unite, Holding company for Biological production and Vaccine, VACSERA were chosen for this study (age range 4-30years, mean 14 years, 18 females 46% and 22 males 54%). Results: There was no significant correlation between HBs Ab level in control and non vaccinated groups that include Thalassemia, hepatitis, non hepatitis, either iron chelating therapy dependent or independent patients. In the same time, there was no significant correlation between Ab level in vaccinated control and Thalassemia groups. HbF and HbA2 % showed significant and highly significant increases respectively, in most of groups especially, Thalassemia, hepatitis and iron chelating independent, vaccinated or non vaccinated groups. While HbA may be present in small amount or completely absent. RBCs count, Hb%, Hematocrit and MCV values were decreased significantly in all patient's groups vaccinated or non vaccinated compared to control group, while MCH and MCHC were not changed in patient' groups compared to control group. Platelets count was increased significantly in most patient' groups (except non vaccinated, Thalassemia, hepatitis, iron chelating dependent) compared to control group. Also, WBCs count was increased significantly in most groups (except non vaccinated, Thalassemia, hepatitis or non hepatitis, iron chelating dependent or independent) in comparison with the control group. All patients (hepatitis, vaccinated or non vaccinated) had high significant increase in gamma globulins compared to control group. Conclusion: Hematological and immunological measurements for hepatitis Thalassemia patients are important to monitor and treat the disease.

Protein Electrophoresis of Serum from Healthy Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) has been recognized as an important tool in human and veterinary medicine. The present study investigated the use of SPEP in serum samples from healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Fraction delimitation was defined for the standardization of use by other laboratories. The imprecision of this method was comparable to reports in other species. A significant difference between albumin levels determined by SPEP and the traditional chemistry analyzer method (bromcresol green [BCG]) was observed (BCG = 3.38 ± 0.46 g/dL, and SPEP = 3.74 ± 0.43 g/dL, p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis also showed that these two methods were not identical. Notably, several differences were observed between SPEP-derived values using samples from dolphins under human care vs free-ranging dolphins. The total protein was significantly increased in serum from free-ranging dolphins, and the A/G ratio was found to be significantly decreased (under human care: 1.91 ± 0.39 g/dL, free ranging: 1.07 ± 0.39 g/dL, p ≤ 0.05). The latter change was related to a significantly lower albumin fraction and 2.3fold increase in gamma globulins. In total, this study provides method standardization and preliminary data toward the generation of reference intervals for this species.

Covering the Cover

Covering the Cover

Primary Pulmonary Plasmacytoma Presenting as Multiple Lung Nodules

Primary Pulmonary Plasmacytoma Presenting as Multiple Lung Nodules

Increased Gamma Globulin Following Immunotherapy with Sipuleucel-T Is Associated with Antigen-Specific Antibody Responses

AbstractAbstract 1738Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer. Sipuleucel-T consists of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including antigen presenting cells (APCs), that have been activated with a recombinant human protein, PAP-GM-CSF (prostatic acid phosphatase [PAP] linked to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). It is prepared from cells collected by leukaphereses at Weeks 0, 2, and 4 and infused approximately 3 days following each leukapheresis. In the IMPACT study, 512 patients were randomized (2:1) to sipuleucel-T or control (non-activated autologous PBMCs). Serum samples were collected at Baseline and Weeks 6, 14, and 26, and were analyzed for routine clinical chemistry tests in a comprehensive metabolic panel, which included total protein and albumin. In selected samples, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and densitometry were performed using the Sebia automated electrophoresis system. We observed elevated total protein at Weeks 6 and 14 in sipuleucel-T patients only. At Week 6, 10.0% (28/279) of sipuleucel-T patients with a normal baseline total protein concentration had an elevated total protein concentration (upper limit of normal [ULN] = 7.9 to 8.5 g/dL, depending on age) compared with 0% (0/140) of control patients. At Week 14, 10.4% (19/183) of sipuleucel-T patients with a normal baseline total protein had an elevated total protein compared with 0% (0/86) of control patients. Albumin levels were not elevated at Week 6 following treatment (0.4% ½84 of sipuleucel-T patients with a normal baseline albumin concentration had increases in post-treatment serum albumin), indicating that the changes in total protein were due to elevations in serum globulin. In sipuleucel-T patients, there was a positive correlation between the maximum globulin protein elevations (total protein minus albumin) and the magnitude of antibody titers to PAP-GM-CSF at Week 6 (n = 126; P = 0.001) and Week 14 (n = 85; P = 0.002). Samples from sipuleucel-T patients for whom both a baseline and post-treatment sample were available and who fell within the upper 10th percentile of the total protein change (n = 13) were evaluated by SPEP. All of these patients had increased gamma globulin compared with baseline. Nine patients (69.2%) developed gamma globulin above the upper limit of normal (i.e., > 1.5 g/dL) which was not present at baseline. A correlation between gamma globulin elevations and antibody titers to PAP-GM-CSF in these patients (n = 9) was observed at Week 6 (r = 0.664, P = 0.051). These data demonstrate that elevated gamma globulin levels can develop following treatment with sipuleucel-T and were associated with the development of an antigen-specific humoral response. Disclosures:Sims:Dendreon Corp.: Employment. dela Rosa:Dendreon Corp.: Employment. Lin:Dendreon Corp.: Employment. Sheikh:Dendreon Corp.: Employment.

Serum protein electrophoresis in 155 cats.

All serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) results obtained between 2002 and 2009 from clinical cases presented to the University of Bristol Feline Centre were examined retrospectively. One hundred and fifty-five results met the inclusion criteria. Signalment and final diagnoses were obtained from the case records. Clinical cases were classified as having normal or abnormal SPE results by comparison to reference intervals for SPE created using 77 clinically normal cats. Abnormal results were then further divided according to the specific SPE abnormality. Cases were also categorised, according to the final diagnosis, using the DAMNITV classification system. Of the 155 cases, 136 (87.7%) had abnormal SPE results, most commonly due to a polyclonal increase in gamma globulins. A monoclonal gammopathy occurred in four cats; one with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), one with lymphoma and two cases of splenic plasmacytoma (one suspected, one confirmed). The most common DAMNITV classification associated with SPE abnormalities was infectious/inflammatory disease (80/136; 58.8%), including 39 cats diagnosed with FIP.

The Secret Lives of Monoclonal B Cells

It seems that B cells, the lymphocytes responsible for producing antibodies, are eager to share their secrets. Their revelations were first uncovered indirectly in serum through reactions with microbes, cells, and toxins; increases in gamma globulin after immunization; agammaglobulinemia associated with immune deficiency; and the paraproteins in multiple myeloma and related disorders that ultimately revealed the structure of immunoglobulins and prompted the two-gene–one-antibody hypothesis. Further revelations, often surprising and unique, came from the B cells themselves: clonal expansion, allelic exclusion, light-chain restriction, somatic recombination of immunoglobulin V genes, isotype switching, and the deliberate hypermutation of V genes that leads to . . .