1.
Effect of vitamin E-bonded dialyzer on eosinophilia in haemodialysis patients.
Kojima, K, Oda, K, Homma, H, Takahashi, K, Kanda, Y, Inokami, T, Uchida, S
Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. 2005;(9):1932-5
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophilia in haemodialysis patients probably results from allergy to haemodialysis-related materials, including dialyzer membranes. We examined the effects of vitamin E-bonded dialyzers on eosinophil counts in haemodialysis patients. METHODS We enrolled seven patients who were on regular haemodialysis and had sustained eosinophilia. White blood cell, eosinophil, CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocyte counts, and serum interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IgE levels were determined before, 2 and 4 weeks after switching to vitamin E-bonded dialyzers. RESULTS Eosinophil and CD4-positive lymphocyte counts and serum IL-5 were significantly (P = 0.003, 0.003 and 0.031, respectively) decreased after switching to vitamin E-bonded dialyzers. CD8-positive lymphocyte counts and serum IgE levels were unaltered. Crossover tests in two cases reproduced the higher eosinophilia within 4 weeks after returning to the original non-vitamin E-bonded dialyzer. CONCLUSION Vitamin E-bonded dialyzers may ameliorate eosinophilia through a mechanism mediated by a decrease in IL-5 secretion by CD4-positive lymphocytes.
2.
Safety and immunogenicity of a peptide containing the cross-neutralization epitope of HPV16 L2 administered nasally in healthy volunteers.
Kawana, K, Yasugi, T, Kanda, T, Kino, N, Oda, K, Okada, S, Kawana, Y, Nei, T, Takada, T, Toyoshima, S, et al
Vaccine. 2003;(27-30):4256-60
Abstract
Amino acid (aa) 108-120 of L2 protein of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 contains a cross-neutralization epitope against genital HPV. We designed a placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a synthetic peptide consisting of the aa 108-120 of HPV16 L2 (L2-108/120) region. A total of 13 volunteers were given nasal inoculations with 0.1 (n=5) or 0.5mg (n=5) doses of the peptides or placebo (n=3) without adjuvant at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Sera were collected before inoculation and at 6, 16 and 36 weeks. The inoculation caused no serious local and systemic complications. The inoculation generated anti-L2 antibodies binding to both HPV16 and 52 L1/L2-capsids in four of the five recipients in the 0.5mg group. Sera of the four recipients showed neutralizing activities against HPV16 and 52. Serological responses to the peptides were not found in the 0.1mg group and the placebo group recipients. This study suggests the L2-108/120 peptide is tolerable in humans and has the potential as a broad-spectrum prophylactic vaccine against genital HPV.