muramidase and Chronic-Disease

Topics: Chronic Disease; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Time Factors; Trichinellosis

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Acute Disease; Alanine; Alkaline Phosphatase; Chronic Disease; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Glucosidases; Glucuronidase; Graft Rejection; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Transplantation; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leucine; Muramidase; Peptide Hydrolases; Postoperative Care; Transplantation, Homologous

Although it is clear that macrophages are always present at sites of chronic inflammation their contribution to the evolution of these lesions is not well understood. In vitro studies have shown that macrophages secrete a variety of products on exposure to different stimuli. These include hydrolytic enzymes, active at acid or neutral pH, with known capacity for degrading tissue constituents. Lysosomal acid hydrolases are released from viable cells over a prolonged period of time by various agents known to cause, or are associated with, chronic inflammation. These agents may be nonimmunogenic substances, such as carrageenan and asbestos, which interact directly with macrophages or alternatively the products of immune reactions involving either B or T lymphocytes. These lymphocyte products include immune complexes of certain composition and the secreted products of T lymphocytes stimulated by nonspecific mitogens or specific antigens. In marked contrast biologically inactive substances such as latex particles or digestible substrates such as erythrocytes do not induce the selective release of acid hydrolases from macrophages. It is clear that alghough macrophages secrete abundant amounts of neutral proteinases under certain conditions this release does not occur necessarily during the release of acid hydrolases induced by inflammatory agents. The role played by acid and neutral hydrolases secreted by macrophages during the various stages of chronic inflammatory responses remains to be clarified.

Topics: Animals; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Asbestos; Carrageenan; Cell Wall; Cells, Cultured; Chronic Disease; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hydrolases; Inflammation; Lysosomes; Macrophages; Mice; Microbial Collagenase; Muramidase; Plasminogen Activators; Prostaglandins; Rats; Silicon Dioxide; Stimulation, Chemical; Streptococcus; T-Lymphocytes; Zymosan

Topics: Chronic Disease; Granuloma; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infections; Leukemia, Myeloid; Leukocytes; Lymphadenitis; Lysosomes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Peroxidases

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Amylases; Carbonic Anhydrases; Chronic Disease; Gastric Juice; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis; Glucuronidase; Humans; Leucyl Aminopeptidase; Lipase; Muramidase; Oxidoreductases; Peptide Hydrolases

Chronic bronchitis is associated with airways obstruction and inflammation. In order to determine whether aerosolized beclomethasone can modulate airway inflammation and diminish airway obstruction, subjects with chronic bronchitis performed spirometry and underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) before and after receiving 6 wk of therapy (five puffs four times a day) with either aerosolized beclomethasone (n = 20) or placebo (n = 10) in a double-blinded, randomized fashion. All subjects received aerosolized albuterol before each use of the study medications. Before BAL, the airways were visually assessed for the appearance of inflammation and assigned a score, the bronchitis index. BAL was performed by instilling five 20-ml aliquots of saline into each of three sites and pooling and separately analyzing the returns from the first aliquots to yield a "bronchial sample." The bronchial lavages were repeated in an additional three sites to increase the volume of fluid available for analysis. The fluid was prepared for cytologic examination by cytocentrifugation. Albumin (as a measure of epithelium permeability) and lactoferrin and lysozyme (as measures of serous cell activity) were measured in unconcentrated BAL fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and concentrations in epithelial lining fluid were estimated using urea as an internal marker for dilution. After treatment, the beclomethasone group, but not the placebo group, showed improvement in FVC (p = 0.02), FEV1 (p = 0.002), and 25 to 75% forced expiratory flow (p = 0.006). Associated with the improvement in spirometry, the bronchitis index fell (13.5 +/- 1.0 versus 10.75 +/- 1.1, p = 0.02) in the beclomethasone-treated group, but not the placebo-treated group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adult; Aerosols; Airway Obstruction; Albumins; Beclomethasone; Blood Gas Analysis; Bronchitis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Smoking; Transferrin; Vital Capacity

Topics: Albumins; Asthma; Bromhexine; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Gels; Glycoproteins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Placebos; Proteins; Sputum; Ultracentrifugation

Topics: Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Depression, Chemical; Humans; Kidney Pelvis; Male; Methacycline; Muramidase; Placebos; Prostate; Prostatitis; Semen; Seminal Vesicles; Ureter; Urethra; Urinary Bladder; Urogenital System

To detect the immunohistochemical changes in the main lacrimal glands of patients suffering from chronic ocular sequelae of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).. Histological sections of biopsies from the lacrimal gland of three chronic SJS patients (mean age, 33 years; 2 males) with severe dry eye disease (Schirmer = 0 mm) were assessed using double immunofluorescence techniques. Changes in the expression of secretory proteins lactoferrin (Lf), lysozyme (Ly), aquaporin 5 (AQP5), S-100, and early apoptosis marker (Annexin V) were studied.. Different morphological expressions of secretory proteins were present in the three samples. One sample had maintained the immunoreactivity for Lf, Ly, S-100, similar to healthy controls. Two samples had significantly reduced immunoreactivity for anti-Lf, anti-Ly, and S-100, the weakest being in the sample with distorted lobular architecture and mild interlobular fibrosis. AQP5 had a distinct vesicular intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity suggesting defective trafficking and integration of the protein to the apical membrane. There was no S-100 immunostaining in the acinar or ductal epithelium, whereas interstitial nerve fibers scattered in the periacinar region showed reduced immunoreactivity for S-100. There was strong Annexin V immunoreactivity in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the majority of acinar and ductal epithelia of all the samples, with distorted nuclear morphology in one sample.. Defective trafficking of AQP5 and variable expression of Ly, Lf, S-100 are the notable findings in the lacrimal glands of chronic SJS patients along with signs of early apoptosis. It suggests that the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland is involved in the pathological processes occurring in the conjunctiva of SJS patients.

Topics: Adult; Annexin A5; Apoptosis; Aquaporin 5; Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Dry Eye Syndromes; Eye Proteins; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lactoferrin; Male; Muramidase; S100 Proteins; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Young Adult

Topics: Antifungal Agents; Biofilms; Chronic Disease; Durapatite; Fluconazole; Fungi; Galactans; Hydrogels; Kinetics; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Muramidase; Nanoparticles; Plankton; Porosity; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Time Factors; Wound Healing; X-Ray Diffraction

Herein we report the electropolymerization of a scopoletin based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the detection of lysozyme (Lyz), an enzymatic marker of several diseases in mammalian species. Two different approaches have been used for the imprinting of lysozyme based, respectively, on the use of a monomer-template mixture and on the covalent immobilization of the enzyme prior to polymer synthesis. In the latter case, a multi-step protocol has been exploited with preliminary functionalization of gold electrode with amino groups, via 4-aminothiophenol, followed by reaction with glutaraldehyde, to provide a suitable linker for lysozyme. Each step of surface electrode modification has been followed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which has been also employed to test the electrochemical responses of the developed MIP. The sensors show good selectivity to Lyz and detect the enzyme at concentrations up to 292 mg/L (20 μM), but with different performances, depending on the used imprinting approach. An imprinting factor equal to 7.1 and 2.5 and a limit of detection of 0.9 mg/L (62 nM) and 2.1 mg/L (141 nM) have been estimated for MIPs prepared with and without enzyme immobilization, respectively. Competitive rebinding experiment results show that this sensing material is selective for Lyz determination. Tests were performed using synthetic saliva to evaluate the potential application of the sensors in real matrices for clinical purposes.

Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Chronic Disease; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Gold; Limit of Detection; Molecular Imprinting; Muramidase; Polymers

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Leukocyte Elastase; Male; Muramidase; Peroxidase; Prospective Studies; Wound Infection

Lysozyme, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and glycoprotein 340 (gp340) are important effectors of the innate immune system in sinonasal mucosa. Bacterial biofilms (BBF) are highly organized bacterial communities resistant to host defense systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of lysozyme, SLPI and gp340 in sinus mucosa from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with different BBF status. In this prospective cohort study, 63 CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and 20 controls were enrolled and their mucosal samples from ethmoid sinus were obtained. Biofilms were examined by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), and the expressions of lysozyme, SLPI and gp340 in mRNA and protein levels were detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay, respectively. As a result, 35/63 (55.6%) of the patients were BBF positive in the CRS group and none in controls. Both mRNA and protein levels of lysozyme, SLPI and gp340 in patients with CRS were significantly higher than those in controls. When sub-classified according to BBF status, the CRS patients with BBF revealed the significantly enhanced mRNA and protein levels of lysozyme, SLPI and gp340. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that lysozyme, SLPI and gp340 are constitutively expressed in sinus mucosa and their up-regulated expressions on both the mRNA and protein levels are associated with BBF in CRS patients. These findings may offer an insight into the interaction between BBF and the innate immune system.

Topics: Adult; Biofilms; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Ethmoid Sinus; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Male; Microscopy, Confocal; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Receptors, Immunologic; Respiratory Mucosa; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rhinitis; RNA, Messenger; Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor; Sinusitis; Young Adult

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is responsible for almost 1.5 million deaths per year. Sensing of mycobacteria by the host's immune system relies on different families of receptors present on innate immune cells. Amongst them, several members of the TLR family are involved in the activation of immune cells by mycobacteria, yet the in vivo contribution of individual TLRs to the protective immune response remains controversial. On the contrary, MyD88, the adaptor molecule for most TLRs, plays a non-redundant role in the protection against tuberculosis and mice with a complete germline deletion of MyD88 succumb very early to infection. MyD88 is expressed in both immune and non-immune cells, but it is not clear whether control of mycobacteria requires ubiquitous or cell-type specific MyD88 expression. Therefore, using novel conditional switch-on mouse models, we aimed to investigate the importance of MyD88 signalling in DCs and macrophages for the induction of protective effector mechanisms against mycobacterial infection. We conclude that specific reactivation of MyD88 signalling in CD11c- or lysozyme M-expressing myeloid cells during Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin infection is sufficient to restore systemic and local inflammatory cytokine production and to control pathogen burden.

Topics: Animals; CD11c Antigen; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Dendritic Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Deletion; Humans; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Muramidase; Mycobacterium bovis; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; Signal Transduction; Tuberculosis

The article presents findings allowing estimating effect of local application of polioxidonium and yantum verde in 101 children aged 12-17 with chronic catarrhal gingivitis and chronic gastroduodenitis. Statistically significant PMA indeх decrease (40.1±2.3% till 1.4±0.6% (р<0,001)) proved the above mentioned therapy scheme to be highly effective for treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis in children with chronic gastroduodenitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Benzydamine; Child; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Duodenitis; Female; Gastritis; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Immunologic Factors; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-1beta; Male; Mouth; Muramidase; Piperazines; Polymers; Saliva

To study regulatory T (Treg) cell control of chronic autoimmunity in a lymphoreplete host, we created and characterized a new model of autoimmune lung inflammation that targets the medium and small airways. We generated transgenic mice that express a chimeric membrane protein consisting of hen egg lysozyme and a hemoglobin epitope tag under the control of the Clara cell secretory protein promoter, which largely limited transgene expression to the respiratory bronchioles. When Clara cell secretory protein-membrane hen egg lysozyme/hemoglobin transgenic mice were crossed to N3.L2 TCR transgenic mice that recognize the hemoglobin epitope, the bigenic progeny developed dense, pseudo-follicular lymphocytic peribronchiolar infiltrates that resembled the histological pattern of follicular bronchiolitis. Aggregates of activated IFN-γ- and IL-17A-secreting CD4(+) T cells as well as B cells surrounded the airways. Lung pathology was similar in Ifng(-/-) and Il17a(-/-) mice, indicating that either cytokine is sufficient to establish chronic disease. A large number of Ag-specific Treg cells accumulated in the lesions, and Treg cell depletion in the affected mice led to an interstitial spread of the disease that ultimately proved fatal. Thus, Treg cells act to restrain autoimmune responses, resulting in an organized and controlled chronic pathological process rather than a progressive disease.

Topics: Animals; B-Lymphocytes; Bronchioles; Bronchiolitis; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured; Chronic Disease; Disease Progression; Hemoglobins; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-17; Lymphocyte Depletion; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; Muramidase; Organ Specificity; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Uteroglobin

The article demonstrates that the examination of patients with chronic osteomyelitis treated using the transosseous osteosynthesis technique established the ambiguous character of changes in concentration of lactoferrin and lysozyme in blood serum as compared with pre-surgery values. It is demonstrated that closer to the end of 2-3 months after surgery the normalization of analyzed indicators occurs. The complex detection of lactoferrin, lysozyme applied additionally to basal examination of cell immunity can be used to monitor the chronic osteomyelitis. This approach can play a significant diagnostic and prognostic role in evaluation of severity on infection process.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Osteomyelitis

The presence of fungi and bacteria in the paranasal sinuses may contribute to ongoing inflammation. Lysozyme is an innate immune peptide with bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The expression of lysozyme in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is poorly understood and deficiencies in lysozyme expression may contribute to the ongoing inflammation in CRS patients.. Determine lysozyme expression in sinus mucosa of normal and CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps.. Sinus mucosa specimens (n = 82) were processed for standard histology, immunohistochemical localisation of lysozyme, immunofluorescent localisation of fungi, and qPCR analysis of lysozyme expression.. CRS specimens displayed high-levels of lysozyme immunoreactivity in many of the abundant serous cells. Moderate levels were detected in some epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. Low levels were detected in some subepithelial glands of control specimens. No difference in immunoreactivity was detected between CRSwNP and CRSsNP specimens. Fungal elements were not visualised in any sinus specimen. qPCR analysis demonstrated variable lysozyme expression between individuals.. Lysozyme protein expression is increased in patients with CRS, suggesting a defect in lysozyme expression is not responsible for the microbial colonisation often associated with CRS. The functional activity of lysozyme in CRS patients needs to be further investigated.

Topics: Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Mucous Membrane; Muramidase; Paranasal Sinuses; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rhinitis; Sinusitis

The objective of the present study was to estimate the efficacy of laripront intended for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the laryngopharynx in the children. Available for the observation were 50 patients aged between 4 and 14 years suffering from the following ENT pathologies: adenoiditis, lacunar tonsillitis, acute laryngitis, chronic tonsillitis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis, atrophic pharyngolaryngitis after the chemical burn of the mouse cavity and laryngopharynx or in the case of gastroesophageal reflux disease. All the patients enjoyed the positive outcome of the treatment that was especially efficacions in the patients with acute pathologies. No adverse effects of the treatment were documented.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Dequalinium; Drug Combinations; Drug Monitoring; Drug Synergism; Female; Humans; Hypopharynx; Male; Muramidase; Pain; Respiratory Tract Infections; Tablets; Treatment Outcome

Lysozyme is as an innate enzyme with potent antibacterial properties found in Paneth cells in normal duodenal crypts. Since celiac disease concurs with an abnormal duodenal microbiota we explored the expression of lysozyme in this disease. Fifty-three duodenal biopsies were stained with anti-lysozyme: 15 had normal duodenal mucosa (NDM), 7 chronic active duodenitis (CAD), 3 borderline (BL), 17 subtotal villous atrophy (SVA) and 11 total villous atrophy (TVA). NDM showed lysozyme-positive Paneth cells arranged in "Indian file" in 93.3%. In contrast, lysozyme-positive mucus metaplasia in crypts (LPMMC) replacing Paneth cells was found in 71.5% in CAD, in 96.4% in SVA/TVA, and in 2 cases with B. In 19.3% cases with BL/SVA/TVA, LPMMC replaced all Paneth cells in all crypts in entire sections. In crypts and villi, lysozyme-positive goblet cells (LPGC) were found in 92.8%. Changes were more frequent in the duodenal bulb than in pars descendens. In normal duodenal mucosa, absorptive enterocytes and goblet cells migrate from stem cells upwards, while Paneth cells migrate downwards, towards the base of the crypts. In celiac disease stem cells seem to have been re-programmed, as the normal production of Paneth cells in the crypts was replaced by lysozyme-producing mucus cells. LPMMC and LPGC in celiac disease might mirror an antimicrobial adaptation of stem cells to signals generated by pathogenic duodenal bacteria. The molecular mechanism(s) behind the abrogation of Paneth cells in duodenal crypts and its substitution by LPMMC in celiac disease remains to be elucidated.

Topics: Celiac Disease; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Duodenitis; Duodenum; Female; Goblet Cells; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Metaplasia; Microvilli; Muramidase; Paneth Cells; Staining and Labeling

Backgroud: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) rarely proliferates in patients with fundic gland polyps (FGPs). We recently found that FGPs express lysozyme, one of the natural defence substances against infection. We aimed to assess the degree of lysozyme expression in a cohort of consecutive FGPs.. A total of 153 gastric biopsies were investigated: 93 with FGPs, 30 with normal mucosa (Nm), 15 with Hp-induced chronic gastritis (Hp-gastritis) and 15 with chronic gastritis without Hp infection (non-Hp-gastritis). Sections were stained with anti-lysozyme (muramidase).. Lysozyme was slightly to moderately expressed in the surface and foveolar pits, being markedly expressed in the neck glands in Nm, in non-Hp and Hp-gastritis. The ratio of lysozyme neck glands-foveoli was higher in non-Hp than in Nm and even higher in Hp-gastritis. In FGPs, lysozyme was markedly expressed in the surface, the foveolar pits and the cells that partly or entirely covered the microcysts.. While the moderate expansion of the lysozyme-producing cells of the neck glands in Hp-gastritis might be insufficient to eradicate these bacteria, the overproduction of lysozyme in the epithelium covering FGP could be an explanation for the lack of Hp proliferation in these patients.

Topics: Biopsy; Chronic Disease; Gastric Fundus; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Muramidase; Polyps; Stomach Diseases

While lung transplant is an effective therapy for advanced lung disease, chronic allograph rejection remains a primary basis for lower survival rates than those for other solid organ transplants. This study used carefully controlled Zip-Tip extraction of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by MALDI-TOF MS to identify biomarkers of chronic lung transplant rejection. Many differences were observed between controls, those who did not develop chronic rejection within 100 months, and patients who had developed chronic rejection, diagnosed as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Intensity ratios of peaks within the same MALDI-TOF profile were used to quantify the result. One of the best identifiers of BOS was a lowered ratio of clara cell protein (CCP m/z = 15,835) to lysozyme (m/z = 14,700), which gave 94% specificity and 74% sensitivity for diagnosis. Furthermore, low values for CCP/Lysozyme (<0.3) were observed in 66% of samples taken at 1 to 15 months prior to the diagnosis of BOS. Many other components of the profile gave similar or better outcomes for diagnosis but tended to be less valuable for the prediction of future disease. Overall, this study demonstrated the feasibility of this approach for the detection of disease biomarkers.

Topics: Biomarkers; Bronchiolitis Obliterans; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chronic Disease; Feasibility Studies; Graft Rejection; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Muramidase; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Syndrome; Uteroglobin

The anti-inflammatory effect of total phenolics from Laggera alata (TPLA) was evaluated with various in vivo models of both acute and chronic inflammations. In the acute inflammation tests, TPLA inhibited significantly xylene-induced mouse ear oedema, carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeability. In the carrageenan-induced rat pleurisy model, TPLA significantly suppressed inflammatory exudate and leukocyte migration, reduced the serum levels of lysozyme (LZM) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and also decreased the contents of total protein, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in the pleural exudates. In the chronic inflammation experiment, TPLA inhibited significantly cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma. These results indicated that TPLA possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity on acute and chronic inflammation models. Its anti-inflammatory mechanisms are probably associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin formation, the influence on the antioxidant systems, and the suppression of LZM release. Furthermore, the total phenolic content of Laggera alata and its main component type was quantified, and its principle components were isolated and authenticated. Acute toxicity studies revealed that TPLA up to an oral dose of 8.5 g/kg body weight was almost nontoxic in mice.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Asteraceae; Capillary Permeability; Carrageenan; Chronic Disease; Dexamethasone; Ear, External; Edema; Glutathione Peroxidase; Inflammation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Muramidase; Nitric Oxide; Plant Extracts; Pleurisy; Quinic Acid; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase; Xylenes

Muramidase and lactoferrin are important components of the antimicrobial defense system. Muramidase has the ability of opsonization and immunopotentiation and therefore a close relation to the lymphatic tissue. Till now there are only immunohistochemical and microbiological studies on the presence of muramidase and lactoferrin in adenoid and tonsil tissue available.. We investigated the concentrations of muramidase and lactoferrin in palatine tonsils and adenoidal hypertrophies quantitatively using ELISA.. We investigated tissue of 18 palatine tonsils and 16 pharyngeal tonsils.. We found a significant difference in the concentration of muramidase but no difference in the concentration of lactoferrin between adenoids and tonsils. There was no significant difference in the concentration of lactoferrin and muramidase between the hypertrophic and chronic infected tonsils. There was no correlation between the age of the patients and the concentration of muramidase and lactoferrin. A connection between the microbial biofilm, the concentration of the proteins and the recurrent tonsillitis is discussed.. Due to the production of muramidase and lactoferrin adenoids and tonsils play an important role in the local antimicrobial defense in any age or inflammation.

Topics: Adenoids; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Biofilms; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Hypertrophy; Lactoferrin; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Palatine Tonsil; Tonsillectomy; Tonsillitis

The aim of the study was to verify (i) if crevicular fluid defence variables reflect the changes after surgical periodontal treatment and (ii) if they are in correspondence with changes of these variables in the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva.. For 12 male and 13 female volunteers with chronic periodontitis lactoferrin concentration as well as the lysozyme and peroxidase activities were determined in crevicular fluid as well as in unstimulated and stimulated saliva before and 14 days after surgical periodontal treatment by a minimal invasive flap technique.. The lactoferrin concentrations decreased significantly in the crevicular fluid eluting solution from 1.63 to 1.23 mg/l reflecting a decrease in the total amount collected, in unstimulated saliva from 10.54 to 8.96 mg/l, and in stimulated saliva from 9.00 to 7.11 mg/l after treatment. No significant change could be found for lysozyme. Peroxidase activity was significantly reduced from 269.06 to 186.15 U/l only in the crevicular fluid.. The results of this study suggest that (i) the defence factor lactoferrin is suitable for monitoring of periodontal treatment results and (ii) changes of the lactoferrin concentration in crevicular fluid are related with significant changes in unstimulated and stimulated saliva.

Topics: Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Saliva; Statistics, Nonparametric

We established a mouse model in which fatal pneumonia was induced by pneumococcal superinfection following influenza virus infection in chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected mice. In this mouse model, influenza virus infection caused a significant increase in inflammatory cells, cytokines and severe tissue damage in the lungs of these P. aeruginosa infected mice, before pneumococcal infection. Intrapulmonary virus titres were significantly increased in mice with chronic P. aeruginosa infection, compared with control mice. Neutrophil function analysis showed significant reduction of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lysozyme secretion by influenza virus infection in these mice. Our results suggest that influenza virus infection may play an important role in inducing pneumococcal pneumonia in chronic P. aeruginosa infected mice. Our results suggested that our mouse model is useful for investigating the pathogenesis of influenza virus infection in patients with chronic lung infection.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Chronic Disease; Colony Count, Microbial; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; Lung; Lung Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Muramidase; Orthomyxoviridae Infections; Peroxidase; Pneumococcal Infections; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal; Pseudomonas Infections; Superinfection

B cell autoreactivity is a component of chronic graft versus host (GVH) disease in humans and mice. Chronic GVH driven by I-A disparity results in loss of B cell tolerance in Ig/sHEL tolerant mice. In these mice, B cell anergy is characterized by down-modulation of sIgM mediated by intracellular retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and/or a block in post-ER processing of IgM receptors. Here, we report that GVH induces a selective increase in post-ER processing of the micro chain and trafficking to the cell surface of IgM receptors in B cells that bind HEL self-antigen. The increase in sIgM was detectable as early as 6 days post-GVH, before the appearance of circulating autoantibodies, and was particularly prominent in B cells that up-regulated surface I-A. A further increase in sIgM was found at later time points, along with circulating anti-HEL autoantibodies and a marked decrease in serum-free HEL, but no significant change in the amounts of HEL bound to B cells in vivo. These findings suggest that (i) abrogation of ER retention of IgM receptors in self-reactive B cells is an early event triggered by allogeneic T cells and (ii) at later stages of GVH disease the appearance of autoantibodies reduces the availability of free autoantigen, which may further escalate anergy escape of self-reactive B cells, and lead to exacerbation and perpetuation of autoimmunity.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Antigens, CD; Autoantibodies; Autoimmunity; B-Lymphocytes; B7-2 Antigen; Blotting, Western; Bone Marrow Cells; CD24 Antigen; Chronic Disease; Clonal Anergy; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Flow Cytometry; Graft vs Host Disease; Hexosaminidases; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; Immunoglobulin D; Immunoglobulin mu-Chains; Leukocyte Common Antigens; Lymphocyte Activation; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Muramidase; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Protein Transport; Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; Receptors, Fc; Receptors, IgE; Spleen

The respiratory tract produces a number of molecules that act in the first line of host defense to protect against pathogenic colonization and tissue invasion. Most of the innate antimicrobial activity can be attributed to airway fluid proteins, such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor, and peptides, such as defensins. Human beta-defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides with broad and potent microbicidal activity that have been shown to play a role in protecting the healthy lung from infection. To determine the effect of thermal injury on the production of the inducible beta-defensin, human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), we measured the concentration of HBD-2 by Western blot analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from the lungs of burned patients with and without inhalation injury. Our data demonstrates an increased amount of HBD-2 in the pulmonary airways with thermal injury compared to normal lung. A further substantial increase in levels was noted in chronic lung conditions.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Infective Agents; beta-Defensins; Biomarkers; Blotting, Western; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Burns, Inhalation; Chronic Disease; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Lung Injury; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Respiratory Tract Infections

To investigate the effects of chronic smoking on the ocular surface and tear characteristics.. The Schirmer I-test, tear film break-up time, rose Bengal staining scores, impression cytology, tear lysozyme concentration, eye irritation symptoms, and eye irritation indices were determined for 44 eyes in 44 healthy, chronic smokers who had smoked six or more cigarettes per day for the previous year. Thirty-seven eyes in 37 healthy, non-smokers were assessed in the same masked manner for comparison. Cytological specimens were obtained from the temporal interpalpebral bulbar conjunctiva by 'impression' technique. Goblet cells were counted in the specimens obtained and squamous metaplasia was graded following epithelial cell morphology assessment.. In chronic smokers, we found decreased tear film break-up time (p=0.022) and tear lysozyme concentration (p=0.013), and increased Schirmer I-test values (p=0.047), squamous metaplasia scores (p=0.016), eye irritation scores (p<0.001) and eye irritation indices (p=0.013), as compared with the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in goblet cell counts (p=0.710) or rose Bengal staining scores (p=0.827).. These findings suggest that chronic smoking has a negative effect on the ocular surface and affects some tear characteristics. The chronic ocular irritative effects of cigarette smoking may lead to defects in ocular surface defence.

Topics: Adult; Cell Count; Chronic Disease; Conjunctival Diseases; Corneal Diseases; Epithelial Cells; Fluorescent Dyes; Goblet Cells; Humans; Metaplasia; Muramidase; Rose Bengal; Smoking; Staining and Labeling; Tears

It is supposed that an inflammatory reaction is one of the major factors responsible for the chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of lower limbs which cause leg ulcers.. The main objective of the present study was to determine the differences in the levels of typical inflammatory mediators and markers produced by neutrophils of patients with CVI and normal control subjects.. 26 patients with CVI and 39 clinically healthy subjects were included in the study. In peripheral neutrophils of both groups the production of superoxide, total reactive oxygen intermediates and activities of lysosomal enzymes were measured together with the expression of 8 adhesion molecules.. Increased formation of superoxide by patient neutrophils and activities of elastase in both neutrophils and serum of patients were demonstrated. On the contrary, activities of myeloperoxidase and beta-D-glucuronidase were decreased in patient neutrophils. Comparing to control group adhesion molecules CD11b, CD18, CD31, CD49d, CD54 and CD62L were increased on the surface of patient neutrophils whereas no differences were observed in the expression of CD11a abd CD15.. The neutrophils of patients with CVI are primed and/or activated because they are able to release higher amount of superoxide, lysosomal enzymes and express elevated number of adhesion molecules. It may serve as one of the important evidences of an inflammatory mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of chronic venous insufficiency. (Tab. 3, Ref. 27.)

Topics: Adult; Aged; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Chronic Disease; Female; Glucuronidase; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Pancreatic Elastase; Peroxidase; Superoxides; Venous Insufficiency

To study the local protective role of lysozyme(LZ) and lactoferrin(LF) in the uncinate process mucosa during chronic sinusitis.. Expression of LZ and LF was determined in 17 samples from normal subjects and 70 samples from chronic sinusitis patients with ABC immunohistochemical method. According to the presence or absence of nasal polyps, patients were divided into two groups.. Serous cells of submucosal glands displayed a strongly positive staining reaction to both LZ and LF in the normal uncinate process mucosa and mucosa from patients with chronic sinusitis. A positive though weak staining for LZ could also be found frequently within mucous cells of submucosal mixed glands and occasionally within goblet cells. In the mucosa from patients without nasal polyps, the staining reaction to LZ appeared to be intensified in goblet cells when compared with normal controls (P < 0.05). In patients with nasal polyps, the staining reaction to LZ appeared to be intensified in submucosal glands when compared with normal controls (P < 0.01) and patients without nasal polyps (P < 0.05). For LF, the staining reaction from patients with nasal polyps was stronger than that in normal controls (P < 0.01). The epithial cells stained negatively for LZ and LF.. It suggests that the observed increase in LZ and LF secreting activity of goblet cells and submucosal mixed glands may play a part role in the defense mechanism of uncinate process mucosa during the course of chronic sinusitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Chronic Disease; Ethmoid Sinus; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Polyps; Sinusitis

Although many cytokines have been implicated in the development and persistence of inflammatory immune responses, it is unknown if any of these are important in inflammatory acne. This study investigated the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by human monocytic cell lines, ThP-1 and U937, and by freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from acne patients. Both Propionibacterium acnes and supernatants obtained from 72-h P. acnes cultures could induce significant concentrations of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 by both cell lines and by peripheral blood mononuclear cells as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was no significant difference between acne and non-acne subjects. Endotoxin quantification and addition of polymyxin B to assays indicated no lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination. P. acnes supernatant was fractionated into components with molecular weights of < 3,000, < 10,000, and < 30,000 and assayed for the ability to induce IL-8 and TNF production in ThP-1 cells. Nearly 90% of the original activity was found in the < 30,000-molecular-weight fraction, 50% was in the < 10,000-molecular-weight fraction, and only 15% remained in the < 3,000-molecular-weight fraction. The effluent from the < 3,000-molecular-weight fraction contained about 70% activity, indicating that the inducing factor was not retained in the membrane. Incubation of P. acnes supernatant with various concentrations of mutanolysin or lysozyme resulted in a loss of 60% of the original activity. The addition of jimson lectin, which binds peptidoglycan, resulted in a loss of 70% of the activity in a dose-response manner, whereas peanut lectin had little or no effect on the activity. Heating of the P. acnes supernatant to 65 degrees C also had no effect on the activity. Blocking of CD14, a receptor for both LPS and peptidoglycan, reduced cytokine production by > 50%, suggesting that the soluble stimulating factor may be a secreted form of peptidoglycan-polysaccharide.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Cell Wall; Cells, Cultured; Chronic Disease; Endopeptidases; Endotoxins; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Keratinocytes; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; Monocytes; Muramidase; Propionibacterium acnes; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The aggregation of non-serotypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) by whole saliva from patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) was investigated. Significant differences were observed between salivary aggregating activity of a control and COLD population (P < 0.001). Saliva from patients less prone to acute exacerbations had a greater capacity to aggregate bacteria compared with saliva from patients with a predilection to infection. The mechanism of saliva-mediated aggregation of NTHI was investigated and shown to be related to lysozyme content. Lysozyme activity in saliva was measured by the turbidimetric technique and results showed that patients with chronic bronchitis had increased levels of salivary lysozyme, with a subpopulation within the non-infection-prone group having greater amounts. A significant difference was observed in salivary lysozyme between controls and non-infection-prone (P < 0.005) and infection-prone (P < 0.05) patients, respectively: the non-infection-prone patients having significantly (P < 0.005) more than the infection-prone patients. There was significant correlation (r = 0.742, P < 0.001) between salivary aggregation of NTHI and lysozyme activity. Chromatographically purified human lysozyme had a similar aggregation profile to that of saliva. There was no difference in serum and saliva lactoferrin concentrations between groups, but there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum lysozyme concentration in the non-infection-prone group. This study suggests that the level of salivary lysozyme derived from macrophages may play an important role in determining resistance or susceptibility to acute bronchitis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Communicable Diseases; Female; Haemophilus influenzae; Humans; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Macrophages; Male; Middle Aged; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Saliva; Salivation

Bradykinin (BK) is known to stimulate vascular permeability by direct actions on vascular B2 receptors, and may stimulate nociceptive sensory nerves that recruit parasympathetic reflexes which induces glandular secretion. Differences in these responses may occur in allergic rhinitis.. The effects of bradykinin (BK) on nasal secretion in vivo were studied by unilateral BK nasal challenge in 8 normal subjects and 6 subjects with severe perennial allergic rhinitis. BK (0, 100, 1,000 nmol) were applied to one nostril (ipsilateral, IL) and saline lavage fluids collected separately from the IL and contralateral (CL) nostrils for analysis of total protein, albumin, glycoconjugates, and lysozyme.. In both groups, BK induced significant dose-dependent IL total protein and albumin secretion, but significantly more total protein and albumin were stimulated in normal than rhinitis subjects after 1,000 nmol BK. Glycoconjugate and lysozyme secretion was not significantly stimulated on either the IL or CL sides in normal subjects. However, in perennial allergic subjects, BK stimulated significant, dose-dependent glycoconjugate and lysozyme secretion on the IL side. Reflex effects were studied on the CL side. Normal subjects did not have significant CL glandular secretion. In contrast, rhinitis subjects secreted significantly higher amounts of total protein and glycoconjugate on the CL side after 1,000 nmol BK. There was no reflex-mediated albumin exudation in either group.. These results indicate that in normal subjects BK stimulates predominantly vascular permeability, and that cholinergic reflexes do not significantly contribute to their BK-induced nasal secretion. In rhinitis subjects, BK again induced albumin exudation, but with less vascular permeability and greater glandular secretion than normal subjects on the challenged side. Only rhinitis subjects demonstrated significant contralateral reflex-mediated glandular secretion, and this response required the highest dose of BK. This suggests that BK is more adept at directly inducing vascular effects than glandular secretion of nociceptive nerve-parasympathetic reflexes. Alterations in BK-induced vascular permeability, glandular secretion, and neural reflexes occur in patients with severe perennial allergic rhinitis, changes suggestive of 'nasal hyperresponsiveness' to BK.

Topics: Adult; Albumins; Bradykinin; Capillary Permeability; Chronic Disease; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mucins; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Provocation Tests; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Reflex; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial

To determine the diagnostic role of urinary trehalase in chronic glomerular disease, urinary trehalase activity and other urinary markers such as N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GTP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lysozyme and beta 2-microglobulin (BMG) were measured in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. Urinary trehalase activity was significantly increased in chronic glomerular disease, especially nephrotic syndrome, as compared with that in the healthy subjects. The highest incidence of elevated excretion was observed for trehalase with 52% in chronic glomerular disease, followed by NAG. Urinary trehalase activities in the patients were significantly correlated with the urinary levels of protein, NAG and AAP and total score of tubular damage, but not correlated with urinary levels of BMG or lysozyme. In patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome, there was no significant difference in urinary trehalase activities between with and without hematuria. These results indicate that in some patients with chronic glomerular disease, there is tubular involvement as substantiated by elevation of the other urinary enzymes and BMG. Urinary trehalase is elevated more often in these types of disease than other markers of tubular damage.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aminopeptidases; beta 2-Microglobulin; Biomarkers; Carbohydrate Sequence; CD13 Antigens; Chronic Disease; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Sequence Data; Muramidase; Trehalase; Trehalose

T-cell vaccination using antigen-specific lines or clones has been shown to be effective in down-regulating immunity in various experimental autoimmune models. Anti-idiotypic networks developing during differentiation of the immune system are considered to be a safeguard against autoimmunity and these pre-existing networks are supposed to be a prerequisite for successful vaccination. However, the interesting question of feasibility of T-cell vaccination beyond the area of autoimmunity remains to be answered. The present study is the first one providing evidence of successful T-cell vaccination in mice immunized against foreign protein antigens (in this system supposedly no pre-existing network exists). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of hen egg lysozyme (HEL)- and chicken egg albumin (OVA)-specific lymph node cells (LNC) were shown to effectively down-regulate immunity (as measured in a delayed type of hypersensitivity) to HEL and OVA, respectively. In contrast, vaccination was unsuccessful with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA)-specific LNC in mBSA immunity. Suppression induced by HEL- and OVA-specific LNC was antigen specific. Unlike the greater part of other studies, in which antigen-specific lines or clones were used, we used draining LNC of immunized mice, which after activation were fixed with glutardialdehyde and injected i.p. 10 days before immunization. Finally, effects of T-cell vaccination were studied in a chronic HEL-induced arthritis. Joint swelling, cell influx and cartilage matrix depletion were significantly less in mice treated with antigen-specific cells. We conclude that successful vaccination is feasible in mice rendered immune to foreign protein antigens using a pool of LNC as source of vaccine, suggesting no necessity of a strong pre-existing network.

Topics: Animals; Antigens; Arthritis; Chronic Disease; Female; Immune Tolerance; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muramidase; Ovalbumin; Proteins; Serum Albumin, Bovine; T-Lymphocytes; Vaccination

Immunohistochemistry was used to study the localization of lysozyme (LZ) and lactoferrin (LF) in the human sinus mucosa during recurrent and chronic sinusitis. Serous cells of submucosal mixed glands and polymorphonuclear leukocytes both displayed a strongly positive staining reaction to both LZ and LF in the normal mucosa. A positive though weak staining for LZ and LF could also be found occasionally within goblet cells. In the mucosa from patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis, the staining reaction to LZ appeared to intensify in goblet cells. Furthermore, an increased immunoreactivity of glands vis-à-vis LZ and LF was also noted occasionally. Atypical glands were frequently found in mucosa from patients with chronic sinusitis. The epithelium of these latter glands often showed an intense staining reaction to LF, but a rather weak reaction to LZ. The results of the present study suggest that the observed increase in LZ and LF secreting activity of goblet cells, epithelial cells and newly formed atypical glands may play a part in the defense mechanism of the sinus mucosa during the course of chronic sinusitis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lactoferrin; Male; Maxillary Sinusitis; Middle Aged; Mucous Membrane; Muramidase; Recurrence

Activity of fecal lysozyme was determined in healthy cats and cats with chronic diarrhea. The established reference value ranged from 0 up to 2.6 micrograms/g feces. Mean activity of the control group was 1.3 +/- 0.9 micrograms/g feces, mean activity of the patient group was 3.4 +/- 3.3 micrograms/g. There was a statistically significant difference between these two values. Nevertheless it was not possible to classify various diseases by evaluating lysozyme activity. In addition to endoscopy and histological examination, determination of lysozyme can be used as screening test and means of assessment for treatment and progress in cats with chronic diarrhea.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Chronic Disease; Diarrhea; Feces; Muramidase; Reference Values

Prospects for the correction of disturbances in the macrophagal system with a combination of lysozyme and vitamin E in patients with a protracted course of dysentery caused by Shigella flexneri 1b were studied. The phagocytic activity of macrophages (PAM) was found to be suppressed as early as at the beginning of the disease. Out of 38 persons repeatedly found to release shigellae 24 were administered polychemotherapy. PAM indices in patients treated with lysozyme and tocopherol acetate were likely to normalize, this being indicative of the positive effect of these preparations on the functional activity of the macrophagal system.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dysentery, Bacillary; Female; Humans; Macrophages; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Shigella flexneri; Vitamin E

Clinical, laboratory and immunological methods used to study 68 patients with chronic bronchitis revealed a normalizing effect of intratracheal administration of lyzozyme and its combinations with carbenicillin on the indices of cellular and humoral links of immunity. Treatment tactics is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Bronchitis; Carbenicillin; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Remission Induction

The content of lysozyme in the phagocytosing peripheral blood cells was carried out in 50 patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis depending on the clinical form, extension and duration of the pathological processes. The function of these cells showed essential changes in patients with widely spread old processes and those of long duration. The changes of lysozyme secretion by neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes were diverse that may be explained by different mechanisms of this process in the cells.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Lung Diseases; Lymphatic Diseases; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Sarcoidosis

Endotoxin levels and lysosomal protease (collagenase, cathepsin B, and lysozyme) activity were measured in 104 middle ear effusions (MEEs) from patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). The MEE samples were classified into four groups: pediatric serous, mucoid, and acute, and adult serous. Endotoxin levels and lysosomal protease activity in MEEs were significantly different in the following order: adult less than serous less than mucoid less than acute groups, indicating that both endotoxin and lysosomal proteases are more closely related to the pathogenesis of pediatric chronic OME than to adult OME. In pediatric serous and mucoid effusions, endotoxin level had a significant correlation with activity of the lysosomal proteases. In conclusion, endotoxin enhances leukocyte infiltration into the middle ear, and lysosomal proteases released from leukocytes damage the middle ear mucosa and thereby prolong mucosal inflammation, which may be responsible for delayed recovery from acute OME.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cathepsin B; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Endotoxins; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Microbial Collagenase; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Otitis Media with Effusion; Proteins

The authors analyze the immunity-correcting effect of antibiotic and enzyme therapy in 32 patients with gonorrheal orchidoepididymitis and 31 with gonorrhea relapses and compare it to the results of routine therapy in 60 patients with chronic and complicated gonorrhea. They come to a conclusion that combined administration of proteolytic enzymes and antibiotics more effectively corrects a number of disordered immunity nonspecific defense parameters (blood serum levels of circulating immune complexes and lysozyme).

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epididymitis; Gonorrhea; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Orchitis; Peptide Hydrolases; Recurrence

To investigate arthritis-inducing properties of Eubacterium species, which are major residents of the human intestinal flora, cell wall fragments (CWF) of several Eubacterium strains were prepared and tested in an animal model. After a single intraperitoneal injection in the rat, CWF of E. aerofaciens, E. contortum, and E. lentum induced a chronic polyarthritis. E. limosum and E. tortuosum CWF induced an acute self-limiting joint inflammation, whereas E. rectale CWF failed to do so. The rhamnose contents of the isolated CWF were not related to their arthritis-inducing properties. Paradoxically, the sensitivity of CWF to lysozyme digestion, which is regarded as a parameter for the clearance of CWF in tissues, appeared to be positively correlated with the ability of Eubacterium CWF to induce chronic joint inflammation. Our findings show the diversity in arthritis-inducing properties among different species of the anaerobic genus Eubacterium and underline the importance of the anaerobic intestinal flora in the induction of joint inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Infectious; Cell Wall; Chronic Disease; Eubacterium; Female; Humans; Intestines; Muramidase; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Rhamnose

Topics: Bronchitis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Lactoferrin; Muramidase

Lactoferrin and lysozyme are proteins found in high concentrations on mucosal surfaces, and they have activities potentially important for the modulation of inflammation. To investigate whether these proteins might contribute to the modulation of the intraluminal airway inflammation associated with chronic bronchitis, lactoferrin and lysozyme were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from 22 subjects with chronic bronchitis and, for comparison, with 10 symptom-free smokers and 16 normal subjects. As a further control, transferrin, a protein structurally homologous to lactoferrin but not known to arise in airway epithelial cells, was also measured. BAL was performed by sequentially instilling and retrieving five 20 ml aliquots of normal saline solution into each of three sites. Analyzing the first aliquots separately from the later four provided fluid that was enriched for airway contents. The concentration of lactoferrin (11.83 +/- 2.86 micrograms/ml vs 0.68 +/- 0.18 micrograms/ml, p less than 0.00001), and lysozyme (6.75 +/- 1.51 micrograms/ml vs 0.52 +/- 0.09 microgram/ml, p less than 0.00001), but not transferrin (3.22 +/- 0.38 microgram/ml vs 2.68 +/- 0.24 micrograms/ml, p = 0.55) was higher in the bronchial sample lavage fluid, suggesting an airway origin for lactoferrin and lysozyme. In subjects with chronic bronchitis, bronchial sample lactoferrin (23.1 +/- 0.5 micrograms/ml) and lysozyme (12.6 +/- 3.5 micrograms/ml) were elevated compared with the normal subjects' lactoferrin (1.9 +/- 0.5 micrograms/ml, p less than 0.0001) and lysozyme (0.77 +/- 0.22 microgram/ml, p less than 0.0001) and the symptom-free smokers' lactoferrin (4.1 +/- 0.8 micrograms/ml, p = 0.005) and lysozyme (4.9 +/- 1.3 micrograms/ml, p = 0.02). Transferrin concentrations did not demonstrate the same relationships. Finally, when the content of bronchial sample lactoferrin and lysozyme were compared with the content of bronchial sample neutrophils, poor correlations were found, which may imply an airway epithelial origin for the two proteins. Thus lactoferrin and lysozyme appear to arise in the lower respiratory tract within the airways and their levels are elevated in association with chronic bronchitis. This suggests that lactoferrin and lysozyme may contribute to the modulation of airway inflammation in chronic bronchitis.

Topics: Bronchi; Bronchitis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chronic Disease; Epithelium; Humans; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Pulmonary Alveoli; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory System; Smoking; Transferrin

Lysozyme was administered to 57 patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) for 10 days according to 4 schemes: Group 1 (n = 10)--30 mg of lysozyme 3 times a day sublingually; Group 2 (n = 10)--100 mg daily i.m.; Group 3 (n = 10)--100 mg twice a day i.m.; Group 4 (n = 27)--100 mg 3 times a day i.m. After a course of lysozyme therapy patients with discoid and disseminated LE were prescribed delagil, those with systemic LE were administered corticosteroid hormones in moderate doses or presocyl. The treatment was well tolerated, only 2 (3.5%) patients developed toxicoderma. The results evidence that lysozyme efficacy is not inferior to that of levamisole but this agent is better tolerated. Clinical and paraclinical efficacy was higher in Groups 1 and 4; cellular, humoral, and local immunity parameters, as well as the characteristics reflecting the inflammatory processes evidence positive changes developing as a result of lysozyme therapy, these changes persisting in the majority of cases during further combined treatment. Therapy with low doses of lysozyme is indicated for patients with the immune status disorders mainly. If changes in the nonspecific resistance predominate, the scheme used in Group 4 is advisable.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Leukocyte Count; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Remission Induction; Time Factors

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of allergy in children with chronic sinusitis. After allergic examinations, 52 sinusitis children were divided into allergic and non-allergic groups: 37 allergic children were treated with either the combination of antigen specific immunotherapy and medication with lysozyme chloride preparation (AI group, n = 20) or medication alone (AM group, n = 17); 15 non-allergic patients were also treated with lysozyme chloride preparation (NAM group). The treatment results including the radiographic improvements were significantly better in the AI group than in the AM or NAM group. The clinical effects of lysozyme chloride preparation tended to be better in the NAM group than in the AM group.

Topics: Allergens; Antigens; Child; Chronic Disease; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunotherapy; Muramidase; Nasal Provocation Tests; Radioallergosorbent Test; Sinusitis; Skin Tests

Stimulated parotid gland secretions collected from 16 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) were analysed and the results compared with those obtained from 83 healthy sex-, age-, and socioeconomic status-matched children. Parotid salivary flow rate was measured and the saliva samples were assayed for calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chloride, sodium, urea, lysozyme, amylase and immunoglobulin levels (IgA, Ig, IgM). Our results showed that parotid flow rate (PFR) values in JCA patients were not statistically different from those in healthy controls. However, the mean salivary concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, lysozyme and IgA were significantly lower in the patients. These data could provide an explanation for the increased incidence of caries and gingivitis observed in JCA.

Topics: Adolescent; Amylases; Arthritis, Juvenile; Calcium; Child; Chronic Disease; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Male; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Periodontal Index; Phosphates; Potassium; Saliva; Sodium

A study was made of the disease pathogenesis in 58 patients with recurrent chronic erosions of the gastric mucosa. It has been established that an important role in the relapses of the pathological process is played by pathological microflora, disturbances in humoral immunity and local microcirculation, and long existence of the zone of fibrinoid necrosis.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Humans; Hypergammaglobulinemia; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Necrosis; Recurrence; Stomach Ulcer; Time Factors

Indices of unspecific resistance (bactericidal serum activity, phagocytic reaction of neutrophils, lysozyme) were examined in 128 patients with ulcer disease and chronic gastritis. Changes of local and general mechanisms of unspecific reactivity of the gastro-intestinal tract result not only in disorders of the defence system but also in a reduction of viability of the gastric and duodenal epithelium with development of alteration processes. In this condition bacterial and protein antigens may change the immunological status of the body.

Topics: Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Muramidase; Peptic Ulcer; Phagocytosis

The authors describe the time-course of changes in local and general immunity as influenced by multimodality treatment in different groups of patients suffering from CGD and concomitant pancreatoduodenal pathology. It has been found that associated microbial and inflammatory process in the biliary system exerts a pronounced effect on the changes in immunologic parameters and that antibacterial therapy produces a beneficial action on the normalization of the parameters under consideration.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Duodenitis; Gastroenteritis; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Muramidase

In 166 bronchial secretions from 63 children with chronic nontuberculous lung diseases lysozyme, transferrin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein were estimated. In patients with hard bronchoscopic or bronchographic alterations a reduction of lysozyme, alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin could be found. These proteins were measured more frequently in cases with dark altered mucosa. Moreover no relation could be found between transferrin, alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin and the outbreak of the diseases. -In bacterial contaminated secretions transferrin could be demonstrated more frequently in comparison with sterile bronchial secretions.

Topics: Adolescent; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; alpha-Macroglobulins; Bronchi; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Haptoglobins; Humans; Lung Diseases; Muramidase; Orosomucoid; Proteins; Transferrin

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis

The microflora of the oral cavity was studied with a view to the evaluation of the microbiological status and the content of lysozyme in mixed saliva samples from 14 patients with Sjögren's syndrome and the control group of 19 persons. Disturbances in the biocenosis of the oral cavity of the patients, characterized by the increased occurrence of rod-shaped forms of lactobacilli, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida and cariogenic streptococci (S. mutans) in the cultures obtained by the inoculation of oral smears, was detected. This "cariogenic situation" was confirmed by clinical data on the stomatological status. In patients with Sjögren's syndrome the intensity of caries, determined by the ratio of carious, filled and extracted teeth, was high and reached 27.4 +/- 1.0 in comparison with 15.3 +/- 0.7 in the control group (P less than 0.05). A decrease in the level of mixed saliva secretion and in the content of lysozyme in secreted saliva was noted in the patients in comparison with the control group (P less than 0.05). The results thus obtained indicate that in Sjögren's syndrome the use of the preparations of eubiotic microorganisms with a view to the correction of the microflora of the oral cavity, as well as the application of 0.1% lysozyme solution to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, may be recommended among other therapeutic measures.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bacteria; Candida; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Muramidase; Saliva; Salivation; Secretory Rate; Sjogren's Syndrome

Different electrophoretic mobility of urine lysozyme was established in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and chronic pyelonephritis during electrophoresis in 12% polyacrylamide gel (gel pH 4.3, electrode buffer pH 4.0). The examination of 128 patients has shown that anode position of lysozyme in electrophoretic tubes is observed in 95% of patients with chronic pyelonephritis, and its anode position in 92% of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. A method of urine lysozyme electrophoresis under the above conditions was proposed as a noninvasive method of differential diagnosis of chronic glomerulonephritides and chronic pyelonephritides.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Diagnosis, Differential; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis

In 10 chronic uraemics activities of some lysosomal enzymes were determined in peripheral blood neutrophils and plasma during haemoperfusion with charcoal cartridge Adsorba 300 C (Gambro). Blood plasma activities of arylsulfatases, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase did not significantly change during haemoperfusion, while lysozyme activity was significantly increasing. Neutrophil contents of these enzymes decreased. The determinations of these enzyme activities revealed a positive outlet-inlet difference in blood plasma and a negative outlet-inlet difference in neutrophils during the first 20 minutes of the procedure. The results suggest that during haemoperfusion degranulation of the peripheral blood neutrophils occurs.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Adult; Arylsulfatases; Charcoal; Chronic Disease; Glucuronidase; Hemoperfusion; Humans; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Uremia

Anti-infectious resistance factors and microflora in the focus of inflammation have been studied over the course of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis in adults. This disease is associated with elevated levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, IgG, normal or elevated levels of IgA and lysozyme in the peripheral blood. The data obtained in the immunological examination of chronic osteomyelitis patients indicate that such patients fall into two groups: with and without pronounced IgM deficiency. Changes in microbiological and immunological characteristics vary in different groups. A detailed characterization of microflora in the focus of inflammation over the course of the disease in all patients and in individual groups of patients is presented, and the dynamics of anti-infectious resistance factors is shown to reflect changes in microflora in the focus of lesion, which is manifested by changes in immunoglobulin levels corresponding to primary (the initial IgM level being normal) and secondary (a low IgM level) immune response.

Topics: Adult; B-Lymphocytes; Bacteria; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulins; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Osteomyelitis; Rosette Formation; T-Lymphocytes; Wounds and Injuries

We studied the contribution of pneumococcal cell wall to the pathogenesis of otitis media in chinchillas after middle ear inoculation of killed, encapsulated type 7F Streptococcus pneumoniae; killed, unencapsulated R6 S. pneumoniae; and isolated R6 pneumococcal cell wall. Ears inoculated with encapsulated and unencapsulated pneumococci had significantly higher concentrations of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes and lysozyme in middle ear fluid and developed more epithelial metaplasia and granulation tissue than did saline-inoculated ears. The mean concentration of lysozyme in middle ear fluid was higher in ears inoculated with killed, unencapsulated than encapsulated pneumococci. The middle ear mucoperiosteum of ears inoculated with pneumococcal cell wall showed significantly more polymorphonuclear leukocytes, epithelial metaplasia, subepithelial congestion, and granulation tissue than did control ears. Because nonviable, unencapsulated pneumococci and pneumococcal cell wall caused middle ear inflammation in the chinchilla model of otitis media, it is possible that cell envelope and cell wall components released during bacterial lysis may contribute to chronic otitis media with effusion in humans.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Cell Wall; Chinchilla; Chronic Disease; Ear, Middle; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Otitis Media with Effusion; Periosteum; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Temporal Bone

Topics: Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Sputum

The distribution and numbers of IgG-, IgA-, IgM-, and lysozyme-positive cells were investigated by the immunoperoxidase method in paraffin-sections of 13 cases of chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis of low parasite load from Saudi Arabia. The majority of the peroxidase-positive plasma cells contained IgG, whereas the numbers of IgA+ and IgM+ plasma cells were not so numerous. Small groups of squamous epithelial cells showed immunoreactivity for IgG and IgA. Similar positive staining was observed extracellularly in the oedematous upper dermis, in the endothelial cells, and in the perivascular space. The activated macrophages showed strong and diffuse peroxidase staining for lysozyme, whereas epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells were negative or had finely granular and considerably weaker staining. It is suggested that humoral immunity also participates in the elimination of the parasites and an immunologically induced necrosis might be responsible for the ulceration of the skin in cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is also assumed that the lysozyme immunoreactivity can be a marker of the activation state of the macrophages.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins; Leishmaniasis; Macrophages; Male; Muramidase; Plasma Cells; Saudi Arabia

In the course of 4 years we isolated 193 E. coli strains of 55 patients with chronic pyelonephritis. In patients with obstructive chronic pyelonephritis the mean value of the immunofluorescence titre (in the serum) to the E. coli strain excreted in the urine as well as the total complement were significantly increased, the serum lysozyme was significantly lower than in patients with non-obstructive chronic pyelonephritis. A relation to the activity of the disease was existing only in the non-obstructive chronic pyelonephritis, where in the active stage the total complement was significantly decreased, the complement factors C3 and C4 as well as the urine lysozyme were significantly increased in comparison to the inactive stage. 94.64% of all immunofluorescence titres obtained to the homologous strain in the patients' serum were above the border of the normal area of 1:40. A relation between level of the titre and activity of the disease could not be established. No significant differences could be proved between the titres taken to serum-sensitive and serum-resistant strains. In 32.73% of the patients we observed disturbances of the serum bactericidia against the homologous serum-sensitive E. coli urine strain at one or several points. They fall to equal shares to patients with obstructive and non-obstructive chronic pyelonephritis and were found at 66.67% in the active stage of the two forms of the disease. In patients with and without disturbances of bactericidia no significant differences in the total complement, in the complement factors C3 and C4, the C3-activator, the serum lysozyme and the immunofluorescence titres could be proved.

Topics: Antibody Formation; Bacteriuria; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Immunocompetence; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis

The authors presented some data on the lysozyme content and adhesion features of the sputum in 31 patients: 19 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis and 12 patients with chronic bronchitis against a background of bronchial asthma. Marked reverse correlation between the lysozyme content and sputum adhesion values (r = -0.79) was found. With the subsiding of exacerbation and remission occurrence the lysozyme content increased and a sputum adhesion value reduced. In the exacerbation phase the mean lysozyme content in the sputum was 3.6 +/- 0.1 mg/mg of protein, and in remission occurrence 6.9 +/- 0.2 mg/mg of protein. The adhesion value was 0.6 X 10(4) +/- 0.22 X 10(4) N/m2 and 0.32 X 10(4) +/- 0.01 X 10(4) N/m2, respectively. The time course of the lisozyme content in the sputum of patients with chronic bronchitis can be used as a prognostic factor to assess remission occurrence rates and the nature of change of rheological features of the sputum.

Topics: Adhesiveness; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Ciliary Motility Disorders; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Prognosis; Sputum; Viscosity

A study was made of the humoral (IgA, G, M, lysozyme and lactoferrin) and cellular links (phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages) of pulmonary local defence as well as sputum adhesion in 177 patients with chronic nonspecific pulmonary diseases (80 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, 54 patients with pyo-obstructive bronchitis, 23 patients with chronic purulent bronchitis and 20 patients with chronic nonobstructive bronchitis). A rise of the level of lysozyme and lactoferrin in the bronchial content and sputum as compared to the initial level was accompanied by a decrease in the sputum adhesion and promoted the elimination of exacerbation. In the absence of a rise or reduction of the concentration of lysozyme and lactoferrin over time more prolonged exacerbations and a tendency to purulent complications were noted. A stable drop or absence of IgA in bronchial wash off were observed in patients with IgA selective deficiency, and lung lesions were characterized by inclination to frequent recurrences, lingering exacerbations, concomitant diseases of the accessory sinuses and GI tract disorders. Indices of the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages in patients with chronic purulent bronchitis, particularly against a background of chronic alcoholic intoxication, were significantly lower as compared to patients with catarrhal bronchitis.

Topics: Bronchiectasis; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Dysgammaglobulinemia; Humans; IgA Deficiency; Immunoglobulins; Lactoferrin; Lung; Macrophages; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Alveoli; Recurrence; Sputum

A rat model of chronic pulmonary infection (CPI) initiated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa embedded in agar beads was used to test the effect of ozone on lysosomal enzyme levels in alveolar macrophages (AM). CPI was induced by intratracheal instillation of a 0.1-ml suspension of infected beads into the left lung. Ten days after infection half the rats were exposed to atmospheres of air and half to 0.64 ppm ozone for 4 weeks. Enzyme levels were measured using a scanning cytospectrophotometer linked to PDP/11 computer. Measurement of lysozyme in individual rat AM in situ showed a significant decrease in cell size and enzyme content in ozone-exposed uninfected animals. Cell size and enzyme content of ozone-exposed animals with CPI were further reduced, suggesting a synergistic effect between ozone exposure and chronic infection.

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; Chronic Disease; Lung Diseases; Macrophages; Male; Monocytes; Muramidase; Ozone; Pulmonary Emphysema; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; Skin Diseases; Spectrophotometry

Topics: Animals; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Mice; Muramidase; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rats; Sputum

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Blood Proteins; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Lymph; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pancreatitis; Proteins; Serologic Tests

We examined the infiltration in chronic superficial gastritis immunohistochemically on the contents of IgA-, IgG- and IgM-containing plasma cells and on lysozyme and compared the results on the one hand with those of histologically normal gastric mucosa and on the other side with those of the inflammation at the ulcus border. Not as immunology-related reactions of the gut, one can see the chronic superficial gastritis as a stronger and topographically different variant of the normal reaction of the stomach. It shows the flowing threshold between physiological and accentuated defense and pathological exaggeration.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Epithelium; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunoglobulins; Muramidase; Plasma Cells; Stomach Ulcer

Topics: Bronchi; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunodiffusion; Muramidase; Prognosis; Saliva

Immunohistochemical detection of lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LZ) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was made in obstructive adenitis of the submandibular glands. Atrophic and altered acinar cells in the early stage of the lesion stained strongly for LF, whereas they were unreactive or stained slightly for LZ. Ductal cells usually stained for LZ. Staining for CEA was strong and irregularly distributed in altered acinar cells. Duct-like structures and dilated ductal segments in the chronic stage were generally negative for LF, LZ and CEA. Secretory components in luminal cavities gave abundant staining for LF, LZ and CEA. Histocytes which infiltrated into the connective tissue in the later stage showed a positive LZ reaction.

Topics: Acute Disease; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Chronic Disease; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Salivary Gland Diseases; Sialadenitis; Submandibular Gland; Submandibular Gland Diseases

Tear lysozyme concentrations were measured on 47 patients with chronic blepharitis and 22 normal control patients. The patients consisted of 26 individuals with various types of chronic blepharitis alone and 21 individuals with chronic blepharitis and clinically-diagnosed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The mean lysozyme concentration of blepharitis patients without KCS (4070 micrograms/ml) was not significantly different from normals (3760 micrograms/ml). However, mean lysozyme concentration of the blepharitis patients with KCS (2530 micrograms/ml) was significantly lower than normals or blepharitis patients without KCS (p less than 0.01). It was concluded that tear lysozyme deficiency does not play a significant role in the etiology of chronic blepharitis. However, a large percentage of patients with chronic blepharitis were found to have KCS.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blepharitis; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Eyelid Diseases; Female; Humans; Infant; Keratoconjunctivitis; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Reference Values; Tears

Topics: Aged; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Recurrence; Respiratory Tract Diseases

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Adolescent; Antibody Formation; Child; Chronic Disease; Duodenitis; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Mucins; Muramidase

Topics: Adolescent; Bile; Child; Chronic Disease; Female; Hepatitis; Hepatitis, Chronic; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Saliva

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Proteinuria; Urography

A single intravenous injection into rats of 0.4 mg of the muralytic enzyme mutanolysin, given as long as 3 d after an arthropathic dose of peptidoglycan-polysaccharide polymers derived from group A streptococci (PG-APS), resulted in a complete resolution of acute arthritis and the prevention of chronic joint disease. When administration of mutanolysin was delayed until 14 d after the injection of PG-APS, a great reduction in the severity of chronic inflammation was still observed. Quantitation of the amount of PG-APS present in the limbs, spleen, and liver by a solid phase enzyme-linked immunoassay indicated that the tissues of mutanolysin-treated rats contained as much PG-APS as tissues of PBS-treated control rats. In addition, rats treated with mutanolysin immediately after receiving an intraperitoneal injection of PG-APS developed a transient limb edema similar to that seen in rats after the injection of PG-APS digested to a small fragment size in vitro with mutanolysin. We hypothesize that mutanolysin acts in vivo by degrading PG-APS to small fragments that persist but are no longer arthropathic.

Topics: Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine; Animals; Arthritis; Cell Wall; Chronic Disease; Endopeptidases; Female; Injections, Intravenous; Liver; Lymph Nodes; Muramidase; Peptidoglycan; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Spleen; Streptococcus pyogenes; Tarsal Joints

The aim of this study was to investigate immunological aspects of the inflammatory reaction in the submandibular gland during chronic sialadenitis. Specimens of 54 patients registered at the Institute of Pathology at the University of Hamburg were stained according to the indirect immunoperoxidase method. The distribution patterns of Ig-secreting plasma cells (IgA, IgG, IgM) and of the enzymes lactoferrin, lysozyme, and secretory component were analysed. The formation of lymph follicles was also examined. The results were as follows: Stage 1 of the chronic sialadenitis starts as a simple inflammation with an increase of IgA-secreting plasma cells around the ducts. During stage 2 the unspecific, humoral part of the immune system is stimulated. The production of lactoferrin and lysozyme is enhanced. The titer of IgA rises due to activation of the local, specific immune system. The simultaneous rise of the IgG titer is probably caused by production at different sites. During the course of stage 3--4, the cells involved in the local, unspecific immune system are destroyed. The number of IgG secreting plasma cells also decreases. The formation of lymph follicles and the infiltration of the gland by lymphocytes is interpreted as a transition to the cellular immune response. Stage 4 of the Küttner tumor shows similarities to the autoimmune disease of Sjögren's syndrome.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Plasma Cells; Salivary Gland Diseases; Secretory Component; Sialadenitis; Submandibular Gland; Submandibular Gland Diseases

Mucosal specimens from patients with chronic sinusitis have been immunohistologically investigated. Secretory IgA was found decreased in type 1 (relapsing type sinusitis) whereas C3 was increased. Lysozyme was decreased or deplated in longstanding cases (type 2). Fibronectin was found both in type 1 and type 2 chronic sinusitis. It was concluded that depletion of IgA and lysozyme with activation of C3 and fibronectin interferes with the successful treatment of sinusitis.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Complement C3; Fibronectins; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Paranasal Sinuses; Recurrence; Sinusitis

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Duodenitis; Duodenum; Female; Gastritis; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Intestinal Secretions; Male; Muramidase

Autonomic functions have been studied in seven patients with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH). A test battery comprising tearing, salivation and nasal secretion was employed. Under basal conditions these parameters did not differ significantly from those in a control group. After stimulation with pilocarpine the patients responded rather inhomogeneously. This test battery may therefore help find and classify subgroups of these types of patients. During attacks, there is a clear discrepancy between minimal salivation on the one hand and the marked increase in tearing, nasal secretion and sweating on the other. CPH attacks may be associated with an increased firing of sympathetic impulses to the different organs. In the event of a uniform type of autonomic firing taking place during attack, these findings may suggest a different innervation pattern for the salivary glands compared to the other glands involved. The innervation pattern of these secretory organs may seem to be more intricate and sophisticated than hitherto assumed.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Autonomic Nervous System; Chronic Disease; Female; Functional Laterality; Humans; Middle Aged; Migraine Disorders; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Pilocarpine; Saliva; Salivation; Tears

Topics: Adult; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Male; Muramidase; Phagocytosis

Gallbladders of 12 cases with chronic cholecystitis showing pseudopyloric glands (PPG) and of 18 cases with acute cholecystitis or chronic cholecystitis but without PPG were examined by the peroxidase - antiperoxidase (PAP) method using rabbit antibody against human lysozyme (LM). LM-immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of PPG and, to a lesser extent, in the pits of epithelial crypts that gave rise to PPG. No LM was found in normal gallbladders; in cases of cholecystitis without PPG, LM-immunoreactivity was restricted to infiltrating inflammatory cells. The presence of LM in PPG suggests that PPG represent functional metaplastic areas, involved in the non-specific defence mechanisms through participation of LM.

Topics: Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Gallbladder; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Metaplasia; Muramidase

Topics: Aged; Blood Proteins; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chromatography, Gel; Chronic Disease; Cytoplasmic Granules; Eosinophil Granule Proteins; Female; Granulocytes; Humans; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Peroxidase; Pruritus; Ribonucleases

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Chronic Disease; Glucuronidase; Hydrolases; Inflammation; Kinetics; Lysosomes; Macrophages; Mice; Muramidase; Peptide Hydrolases; Phagocytosis

Serum lysozyme activities and semiquantitative analysis of tissue lysozyme distribution were studied in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), chronic hepatitis (CH), miscellaneous liver diseases, and normal subjects. Serum lysozyme was significantly raised in PBC and CH. Portal venous blood has similar lysozyme activities to peripheral venous blood in a group of various liver diseases. Lysozyme-containing intralobular cells were decreased in all liver diseases studied but portal tract lysozyme was increased only in PBC and CH. Thus the increase in serum lysozyme in PBC and CH appears to originate from the portal inflammatory infiltrate, seen in these diseases.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Hepatitis; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; Liver Diseases; Muramidase

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ceruloplasmin; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Muramidase; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Pregnancy Proteins; Transferrin

Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Muramidase; Pharyngitis

Topics: Chronic Disease; Hepatitis B; Humans; Muramidase; Time Factors

Topics: Chronic Disease; Hepatitis; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Middle Aged; Muramidase

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Chronic Disease; Duodenum; Humans; Intestinal Secretions; Muramidase; Pancreatitis

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Phytohemagglutinins; Pneumonia; Serotonin; T-Lymphocytes

In 130 patients with chronic pyelonephritis and 215 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis the serum lysozyme content was established and in 114 and 186, respectively, the enzyme content of their urine tests. Moreover the lysozyme measurement in the serum of 28 patients undergoing haemodialysis was performed. A collective of 50 healthy persons served as comparative group. The lysozyme estimation was performed by means of the agar-diffusion technique after Ossermann and Lawlor in own modification. The average serum lysozyme levels of the patients with pyelonephritis (mean =7.3 micrograms/ml) as well as of the patients with glomerulonephritis (mean = 5.7 micrograms/ml) were significantly increased in contrast to the control group (mean = 4.5 micrograms/ml). Differences could be recognized between the various forms of glomerulonephritis. 34.2% of the patients with pyelonephritis and 37.1% of the patients with glomerulonephritis showed a lysozymuria. In functional restrictions of the kidneys as well as in active forms of the diseases increased concentrations in serum and urine could be established.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis; Renal Dialysis

Topics: Bile; Biliary Tract Diseases; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Humans; Muramidase; Recurrence

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Cholangitis; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Hepatitis; Humans; Muramidase; Oropharynx; Saliva

Topics: Acute Disease; Bronchi; Bronchiectasis; Bronchitis; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins; Infant; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Pneumonia, Staphylococcal

Lysozymuria was studied in 70 patients with chronic pyelonephritis with preserved renal function and two groups of 18 patients each with pyelonephritis, with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and glomerulonephritis without CRI. Elevated value of lysozyme in urine was obtained in 40% of the patients with chronic pyelonephritis with preserved renal function and in 66.6% of those with chronic pyelonephritis in the stage of a chronic renal insufficiency. Lysozyme level in urine is in a correlation dependence on serum creatinine level. Lysozymuria is more frequent among patients with pyelonephritis with significant bacteriuria as well as among patients not treated with uroantiseptics. Lysozymuris is present in two patients with nephrotic syndrome from the patient group with glomerulonephritis and in two with probable not complicated chronic pyelonephritis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Creatinine; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis

Urinary levels of lysozyme activity were measured in 32 children afflicted with acute or chronic urinary tract infection and compared to a group of 30 healthy subjects. A significant difference in the levels of lysozyme activity between the two groups could be observed. In the subjects with acute urinary tract infection the lysozyme levels in the urine were additionally determined at the beginning of the therapy, on the third day, the tenth day and three days after cessation of therapy. High lysozyme levels encountered at the onset of the infection showed under therapy a clear tendency to decrease and in all cases no lysozyme was present three days after therapy was completed. The possible causes of the pathological lysozymuria are discussed. The determination of lysozyme is thus an additional method by which to control the course and outcome of urinary tract infections.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Muramidase; Recurrence; Urinary Tract Infections

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amylases; Child; Chronic Disease; Humans; Kallikreins; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Parotitis; Saliva; Salivary Gland Diseases; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate

In 183 patients with chronic pyelonephritis as unspecific humoral immune parameters CH50E, CB50E, C3, C4 and lysozyme as well as the indirect phagocytosis against Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and E. coli were tested. Clinically a differentiation according to 3 degrees of the renal function and 3 degrees of the activity of the disease was performed. The statistical analysis took into consideration mean and limit values. With the help of contingency tables tendency pictures were developed. C3, C4 and lysozyme proved as suitable for a humoral immunogramme in chronic pyelonephritis. C3 was increased in clear activity, C4 and lysozyme in restricted renal function and expressed activity. In view of the high biologic variation of humoral test parameters advantages and disadvantages of an immunogramme are discussed. But for patients with chronic pyelonephritis finally the estimations of IgM, IgG, IgD, C3, C4 and lysozyme are regarded as clinically useful. A feasable immunologic test set should be controlled, precised and completed.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Complement C3; Complement C4; Complement System Proteins; Escherichia coli; Humans; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pyelonephritis; Staphylococcus aureus

Topics: Adult; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Female; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Proctitis; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence

Bronchial secretions from 207 children suffering from various pulmonary diseases and from 15 healthy controls were tested concentration of IgA, IgG, lactoferrin and lysozyme. The results obtained suggest that in many cases of chronic lung diseases in children the levels of lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, especially secretory IgA, are very low. In severe infections (cystic fibrosis, bronchiectases) significant increase of IgG concentration was observed.

Topics: Adolescent; Bronchi; Bronchiectasis; Bronchitis; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Recurrence; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiratory Tract Infections

The concentration of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and lysozyme we compared in bronchial secretions obtained from children with various chronic lung diseases. The IgG, lactoferrin and lysozyme, but not secretory IgA, concentrations were shown to be increased during chronic inflammatory response.

Topics: Adolescent; Bronchi; Bronchiectasis; Bronchitis; Bronchography; Bronchoscopy; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Respiratory Tract Diseases

Topics: Acute Disease; Antitoxins; C-Reactive Protein; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Female; Humans; Muramidase; Obstetric Labor Complications; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pyelonephritis; Staphylococcal Infections

Topics: Adult; Amylases; Chronic Disease; Electrophoresis; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Parotitis; Peroxidase; Recurrence; Saliva; Transferrin

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Colitis; Enteritis; Female; Humans; Intestinal Secretions; Jejunum; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase

Topics: Antibodies, Bacterial; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Bronchi; Catheterization; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity; Immunity, Cellular; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Lung Diseases; Muramidase; Time Factors

Topics: Bronchitis; Child; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Muramidase; Respiratory System

Topics: Acute Disease; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Leukemia; Muramidase; Reference Values

The levels of haptoglobin, alpha1 antitrypsin and alpha1 acid glycoprotein are moderately raised in chronic leukaemias. In CGL the level of haptoglobin and acid glycoprotein show the highest correlation with cell number, whilst no such correlations occur in CLL or CMML. There does not appear to be a relation between blood lysozyme levels and the levels of antiprotease (alpha1 antitrypsin and alpha2 macroglobulin).

Topics: alpha 1-Antitrypsin; alpha-Macroglobulins; Chronic Disease; Haptoglobins; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Leukemia, Myeloid; Muramidase; Orosomucoid

In comparison to former investigations in pleomorphic adenoms and Wharthin tumours in the present paper secretion of IgA, lysozyme in correlation to flowrate and total secretion in glands with malignant tumours, inflammations and Sialadenosis were estimated. Thereby 12 patients with malignomas of the parotid gland, 11 patients with chronic parotitis and 12 with sialadenoses were examined. The following results were found: 1. The concentration of protein, IgA and Lysozym is significantly higher than in normal glands and in glands with pleomorphic adenomas and Wharthin tumours. 2. Differentialdiagnosis of Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis of parotid glands is possible by estimating the examined parameters. Thereby in glands with sialadenosis flowrate is higher than in normal glands, and significant lower in glands with sialadenitis. Moreover concentrations of IgA and Lysozyme and protein in glands with sialadenitis are evaluated.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Muramidase; Parotid Neoplasms; Saliva; Salivary Gland Diseases; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Sialadenitis

In adult chronic non-neuronopathic (Type 1) Gaucher's disease significant (p less than 0.001) elevations of angiotensin converting enzyme in serum (93.3 +/- 14.8 nmol/min/ml; number elevated, 8/11; normal control 32.2 +/- 1.30, n = 58) and spleen (5.62 +/- 0.35 nmol/min/mg protein, n = 2; control, 0.431 +/- 0.101, n = 4) and serum lysozyme (15.6 +/- 3.37 mug/ml; number elevated, 4/5) were observed. The KM for hippuryl-L-histidyl-L-leucine of Gaucher (1.31 mM) and normal (1.23 mM) serum angiotensin converting enzyme were similar. The increased angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in Gaucher's disease may be related to the genetic defect resulting in increased ACE synthesis in Gaucher cells, or perhaps generally, while high lysozyme may reflect an increased body mass of reticuloendothelial cells. These enzyme elevations may be of use in suggesting the possible presence of Gaucher's disease and perhaps in assessing the magnitude of pathologic involvement.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gaucher Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Spleen

44 patients suffering from myelomonocytic leukemia (MML) have been observed over the last four years. They have been subclassified in acute myelomonocytic and acute monoblastic leukemias (AMML, n = 12; AMoL, n = 10), subacute myelomonocytic leukemias (SMML, n = 13), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemias (CMML, n = 9) on the basis of bone marrow cytology(blast and promonocyte counts, maturation of granulopoesis) and cytochemical findings (peroxydase and unspecific esterase reaction). This subclassification has been proved to be of prognostic relevance by its good correlation with the mean survival times (AMML : 4.5 months, AMoL : 2.4 months, SMML : 8 months, CMML : 18 months). The acute forms have been treated in general with combined cytostatic chemotherapy, whereas SMML and CMML have been treated this way only in case of progression to an acute phase. These progressions to an AMML have been observed more often and earlier in subacute forms than in chronic forms. The diagnosis of SMML and CMML is supported by the finding of sea-blue histiocytes in the bone marrow, increased lysozyme levels in serum and urine and by the absence of the Philadelphia-Chromosome.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Examination; Chronic Disease; Female; Histiocytes; Humans; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute; Leukemia, Myeloid; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Prognosis

Serum lysozyme levels were compared in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) to determine if the two diseases could be differentiated by this parameter. The lysozyme concentrations were measured by three different methods: 1. the turbidimetric clearance of Micrococcus lysodeikticus utilizing egg white lysozyme as a standard; 2. the lysoplate assay of Osserman and Lawlor using a human lysozyme standard obtained from Dr. Osserman and 3. the lysoplate assay obtained as a commercial kit using human lysozyme as a standard. A series of 19 CD and 23 CUC patients were compared. Contrary to the report of Falchuk, et al, the serum lysozyme levels by any of the three methods were not statistically significantly different in the two diseases. The serum levels of those with severe, moderate, or inactive disease were also not significant for CD or CUC nor in serially followed patients did levels always correspont to changes in clinical course.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological Assay; Chronic Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Methods; Micrococcus; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Intestinal Diseases; Middle Aged; Muramidase

Topics: Aged; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans; Chronic Disease; Humans; Ischemia; Leg; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Muscles

Topics: Acute Disease; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Humans; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bronchi; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Properdin

No microbial growth in platings of the gastric juice of patients with gastric ulcer and chronic anacidic gastritis was observed. It means that the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice does not deprive it of any antimicrobial action. The possible role of lysozyme in providing sterility of the proximal part of the gastro-intestinal tract was studied. Eighty patients with chronic diseases of the digestive organs were observed. It was noted that the levels of lysozyme in the gastric juice was high and markedly exceeded the maximum concentrations required for lysis of organisms most resistant to it. The maximum concentration was determined at pH of the gastric juice equal to 7.0-7.5 (265 gamma/ml+/-28). No lysozyme in the content of the duodenum and jejunal juice was found in most cases. Its presence in the above parts of the gastro-intestinal tract was mainly associated with microbial growth. The maximum concentration of lysozyme (40 gamma/ml) in the jejunal juice was observed in a female patient with chronic enterocolitis and significant microbial proliferation in the thin colon (more than 10(4) microbial bodies per 1 ml of the juice). Such parallelism between the presence of lysozyme in the gastric juice and microbial proliferation in it may be considered as a protective-adoptive reaction of the host.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Hepatitis; Humans; Intestinal Secretions; Intestine, Small; Muramidase; Pancreatitis; Postgastrectomy Syndromes; Sterilization; Stomach Ulcer

Topics: Acute Disease; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukemia; Muramidase

Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Muramidase; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; Pneumonia; Sputum

Middle ear effusions from 100 patients (ages 6 months to 10 years) with serous otitis media were examined. The IgA, IgG, and lysozyme were demonstrated at a higher level in the effusions than the corresponding sera, indicating local production. The mucoid type contained higher level of immunoglobulins and lysozyme compared to serous type effusions. Bacteria were found in 77 percent of the effusions by means of a smear, and 52 percent yielded positive bacterial culture. The incidence of positive culture in effusions of the patients less than 6 years of age was 60 percent, while the group older than 6 years old was 32%, and the group over 8 was only 22 percent. Bacterial recovery rate was inversely related to the dramatic increase with age of IgA and IgG and lysozyme levels in effusions.

Topics: Age Factors; Biological Assay; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Exudates and Transudates; History, 19th Century; Humans; Immunodiffusion; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Infant; Leukocytes; Mucus; Muramidase; Otitis Media

Topics: Chronic Disease; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis; Humans; Muramidase; Peptic Ulcer

Topics: Carbenicillin; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Prodigiosin; Proteus Infections; Skin Ulcer

Topics: Adult; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Chronic Disease; Colitis; Complement System Proteins; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Properdin

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Eczema; Female; Humans; Immunity; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Time Factors

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Sputum; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus

Topics: Acute Disease; Amylases; Chronic Disease; Creatinine; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Lipase; Muramidase; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatitis; Proteinuria

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Acute Disease; Animals; Chronic Disease; Crystallization; Dogs; Glucuronidase; Gout; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Knee Joint; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leukocyte Count; Microscopy, Electron; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pressure; Synovial Fluid; Synovial Membrane; Synovitis; Time Factors; Uric Acid

Topics: Aged; Anemia; Chronic Disease; Female; Hepatomegaly; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid; Leukopenia; Muramidase; Reticulocytes; Splenomegaly

Topics: Busulfan; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Skin Window Technique; Tetrazolium Salts

Topics: Agammaglobulinemia; Age Factors; Bacterial Infections; Bronchitis; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Infant; Muramidase; Virus Diseases

Topics: Acetates; Alkaline Phosphatase; Biopsy; Blood Cell Count; Blood Proteins; Bone Marrow; Chlorine; Chronic Disease; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Diagnosis, Differential; Esterases; Humans; Leukemia; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Primary Myelofibrosis; Reticulocytes

Topics: Acute Disease; Cellulitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Lymphadenitis; Muramidase; Osteomyelitis; Pneumonia, Staphylococcal; Staphylococcal Infections

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Chronic Disease; Dogs; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension, Renal; Immunoelectrophoresis; Kidney Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Myeloma Proteins; Nephritis, Interstitial; Nephrocalcinosis; Nephrotic Syndrome; Pyelonephritis; Rabbits; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Amylases; Animals; Bronchitis; Calcium; Chemical Precipitation; Chromatography, Gel; Chronic Disease; Colostrum; Glycoproteins; Glycosaminoglycans; Goats; Humans; Immunoelectrophoresis; Immunoglobulin A; Iron; Milk, Human; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Proteins; Rabbits; Saliva; Sputum; Ultracentrifugation

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bile; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Muramidase; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Prodigiosin; Serratia marcescens

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Transplantation; Lymph; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Renal Dialysis; Transplantation, Homologous; Uremia

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Appendix; Atrophy; Autopsy; Biopsy; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastritis; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Ileum; Intestine, Small; Male; Metaplasia; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Muramidase

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Eczema; Female; Humans; Male; Muramidase

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastrectomy; Gastric Juice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Peptic Ulcer; Saliva

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aerosols; Aged; Airway Obstruction; Ampicillin; Bronchial Spasm; Bronchitis; Chloramphenicol; Chronic Disease; Cough; DNA; Expectorants; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Potassium Iodide; Respiratory Function Tests; Sputum

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chondroitin; Chronic Disease; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Injections; Male; Muramidase; Oleandomycin; Radiography; Sinusitis; Tetracycline

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Dogs; Gingivitis; Leukopenia; Mechlorethamine; Muramidase

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Chronic Disease; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oleandomycin; Phagocytosis; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pigments, Biological; Prodigiosin; Pyrroles; Serratia marcescens; Stimulation, Chemical; Tetracycline; Vitamins

The induction of sterile unilateral pyelonephritis in rats with heat-killed Proteus mirabilis cells is described. The lesions were identical to those produced with viable bacteria. Lysozyme levels in both kidneys of rats developing unilateral sterile pyelonephritis underwent biphasic elevations similar to those produced with viable bacteria. In the injected kidney, the first elevation, associated with the trauma of injection, could be produced by injecting sterile saline. The second elevation was associated with the onset of chronicity in the injected kidney. The nonmanipulated, contralateral kidney showed a similar biphasic elevation, of equal duration but of greater magnitude.

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Hot Temperature; Kidney; Muramidase; Proteus mirabilis; Pyelonephritis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Time Factors; Urease

The kinetics of blood neutrophils was investigated by means of the in vitro radioactive diisopropyl fluorophosphate method in 35 patients with a chronic, steady-state neutropenia. There were 17 patients in whom the half disappearance time of neutrophils was normal. In 10 of these patients, the production of neutrophils was low and in 7, production was normal. In 18 patients the half disappearance time of neutrophilic granulocytes was shorter than normal. The production of neutrophilic granulocytes was low in five of these patients, normal in eight patients, and increased in five. An attempt was made to correlate other laboratory measurements with the kinetic picture, but no relationship was found; the marrow neutrophil reserve as measured by endotoxin or cortisol injection; marrow cellularity on aspiration or biopsy; in vitro-labeling index with (3)HTdR; or serum lysozyme concentration proved of no value in identifying the various kinetic groups. The only finding that seemed to correlate with the kinetic picture was the presence or absence of splenomegaly. In 12 of the 18 patients with a short half disappearance time, splenomegaly was present whereas in 15 of 17 patients with a normal half disappearance time, there was no splenomegaly. Of 20 patients with greater than 1000 neutrophils per mm(3), 17 were found to have a normal total-blood neutrophil pool. Thus these patients, with many of their cells marginated, agree to have a "shift neutropenia."Myelocyte to blood transit time and myelocyte generation time, as measured in seven patients by in vivo labeling with diisopropy fluorophosphate, proved to be essentially normal. Thus, it appears that in chronic neutropenia, increased or decreased production of neutrophils is accomplished by increasing or decreasing early precursor input into the system.

Topics: Agranulocytosis; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Cells; Bone Marrow Examination; Cell Survival; Chronic Disease; DNA; Endotoxins; Fluorine; Hematopoiesis; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Isoflurophate; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Radioisotopes; Splenomegaly; Thymidine; Time Factors; Tritium; Uric Acid

Topics: Bronchi; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity; Immunoglobulins; Interferons; Mucous Membrane; Muramidase; Opsonin Proteins; Phagocytosis; Properdin; Sputum

Topics: Agranulocytosis; Anemia, Aplastic; Anemia, Macrocytic; Bone Marrow; Chronic Disease; Folic Acid; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Neutrophils; Polycythemia Vera; Protein Binding; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asthma; Blood Proteins; Bronchitis; Carbohydrates; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Electrophoresis; Female; Globulins; Glycoproteins; Haptoglobins; Heart Failure; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Lung Diseases; Macroglobulins; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Sputum; Transferrin; Trypsin Inhibitors; Ultracentrifugation

Topics: Acute Disease; Antibody Formation; Beta-Globulins; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Kidney Transplantation; Kidney Tubules; Lymphocytes; Muramidase; Pyelonephritis; Renal Dialysis; Transplantation Immunology; Transplantation, Homologous

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; DNA; gamma-Globulins; Glycoproteins; Humans; Immunoglobulins; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Muramidase; Pseudomonas; Sputum

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies; Antineoplastic Agents; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Depression, Chemical; Drug Synergism; Humans; Middle Aged; Mouth; Muramidase; Nasopharynx; Penicillin Resistance; Penicillins; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Respiratory System; Serratia marcescens; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Streptococcus pyogenes; Tongue; Tonsillectomy; Tonsillitis

Topics: Animals; Chlorides; Chronic Disease; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Rabbits; Rhinitis

Topics: Antitussive Agents; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Tetracycline

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Chronic Disease; Common Cold; Humans; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Papain; Rhinitis

Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Antitoxins; Bacillus; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Mining; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Respiratory Function Tests; Serratia marcescens; Sputum; Staphylococcus; Stimulation, Chemical; Streptococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Yeasts

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adolescent; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Electrophoresis; Foot; Granuloma; Hand; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infections; Leukocytes; Lung; Lymph Nodes; Lymphadenitis; Macrophages; Male; Muramidase; Oxygen Consumption; Pedigree; Phagocytosis; Radiography; Serratia marcescens; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Tetrazolium Salts

Topics: Adenoids; Adolescent; Anabolic Agents; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immune Sera; Inflammation; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Saliva; Skin Tests; Tonsillitis

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Brucellosis; Chronic Disease; Female; Hemagglutination Tests; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Vaccines

Topics: Adolescent; Chronic Disease; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Sinusitis

Topics: Agammaglobulinemia; Asthma; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Marfan Syndrome; Muramidase

Topics: Asthma; Bronchitis; Chlorides; Chronic Disease; Electrophoresis; Glycoproteins; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoelectrophoresis; Molecular Weight; Muramidase; Phosphates; Potassium; Sodium; Sputum

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Glycoproteins; Humans; Methods; Muramidase; Neuraminic Acids; Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Muramidase; Nasal Mucosa; Peptide Hydrolases; Rabbits; Sinusitis

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Sinusitis

Topics: Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Glycosaminoglycans; Humans; Muramidase; Sputum; Viscosity