Search

Background: Screening of putative autoimmune targets in multiple sclerosis (MS) revealed a proportion of patients carrying antibodies (Abs) against KIR4.1, a potassium channel that shares functional properties with AQP4. Both are localized at the perivascular astrocytic processes. Aims: To measure anti-KIR4.1 Abs in the serum of MS and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients, and to identify the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients harboring anti-KIR4.1 Abs. Methods: We measured anti-KIR4.1 Abs in serum, using the peptide KIR4.1 (83–120) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum levels of anti-KIR4.1 Abs were significantly higher in MS and NMO patients than in healthy controls (HCs); with Abs detected in 21 of 80, 10 of 45, and 2 of 32 individuals, respectively (MS versus HC, p < 0.05). The level of anti-KIR4.1 Abs was significantly higher during MS relapse, versus remission ( p = 0.04). The clinical characteristics of our study patients did not vary based on KIR4.1 positivity. Conclusions: Anti-KIR4.1 Abs were found in similar proportions of patients with MS and NMO, at a significantly higher level than observed in HCs; consequently, the presence of Abs does not discriminate between these demyelinating diseases. However, anti-KIR4.1 Ab levels differed in MS patients during relapse and remission; as such, they may represent a marker of disease exacerbation.

Several microbial species, including probiotic lactic acid bacteria, have the ability to irreversibly bind a large variety of polyphenols (flavonoids) and anthocyanidins found in many colored fruits and vegetables and to enhance their total oxidant-scavenging capacities (TOSC). The binding of flavonoids to microbial surfaces was further increased by the cationic polyelectrolytes ligands poly-L-histidine, chlorhexidine and Copaxone®. This phenomenon was confirmed visually, by the FRAP, DPPH, cyclic voltammetry, Folin-Ciocalteu as well as by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence techniques employed to assay TOSC. The possibility is considered that clinically, microbial cells in the oral cavity and in the gastro intestinal tract, complexed with antioxidant polyphenols from nutrients and with cationic ligands, might increase the protection of mammalian cells against damage induced by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species during infections and inflammation.

A method to rapidly perform immunofluorescence or light microscopic staining on formalin-fixed paraffin sections has been devised utilizing magnetic albumin microspheres containing Staphylococcal protein A. Because the protein A constituent of the microspheres has the property of binding the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) class antibodies, the microspheres can be used to rapidly bind antigen-antibody complexes by the Fc portion of the antibody. Deparaffinized sections were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated antibody (IgG fractions) by standard techniques, after which the protein A microspheres were layered over the sections. Distinct fluorescence of sections was noted with the addition of the microspheres, whereas only autofluorescence was present with direct staining alone. The microspheres were also visualized by light microscopy by a subsequent Prussian blue reaction, staining the Fe3O4 within the microsphere matrix. This method represents a more rapid method for identifying antigens in tissues embedded in paraffin than has previously been reported.