1: World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Feb 28;15(8):1004-6.

Severe autoimmune hepatitis triggered by varicella zoster infection.

Al-Hamoudi WK.

Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit (59), Department of Medicine, King Saud
University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia. walhamoudi@gmail.com.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology that is
characterized by the presence of circulatory autoantibodies and inflammatory
histological changes in the liver. Although the pathogenesis of AIH is not known,
it is thought that, in a genetically predisposed individual, environmental
factors such as viruses can trigger the autoimmune process. Herpes simplex virus,
Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, and hepatitis viruses are thought to play a
role in the etiology of AIH. Proteins belonging to these viruses may be similar
to the amino acid chains of different autoantigens in the liver, this causes
immune cross reactions and liver tissue damage. We report a case of severe AIH
following varicella zoster infection in a 23-year-old man, and speculate that,
based on the molecular mimicry hypothesis, the liver damage was caused by an
immune cross reaction to the viral proteins. Varicella-zoster-induced AIH has not
been reported previously.

PMID: 19248202 [PubMed - in process]

2: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 Mar-Apr;57(2):163-4.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus or Herpes zoster maxillaris?

Chandravanshi SL, Rathore MK.

Department of Ophthalmology, S. S. Medical College and Gandhi Memorial Hospital
Rewa, M.P - 486 001, India. dr_scl@rediffmail.com.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 19237800 [PubMed - in process]

3: Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2009 Feb;17(1):214-7.

[Bortezomib combined with other drugs for treating 60 cases of multiple myeloma.]

[Article in Chinese]

Zhong YP, Chen SL, Li X, Hu Y, Zhang JJ.

Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beijing Chaoyuang Hospital, Capital
Medical University, Beijing 100043, China. E-mail: zhongyp3352@126.com.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of
bortezomib-combined with dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and other drugs in the
treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). 60 MM patients including 19 de 
novo patients, out of them 14 patients received the treatment using regimen of
bortezomib in combination with thalidomide (BT), 5 patients received
bortezomib-methylprednisolone regimen (BMP). Out of 41 patients with refractory
or relapsed myeloma 26 cases of MM received the treatment using regimen of
bortezovnib combirned with methylpreamsolone (BMP), 6 cases received the
treatment using regimen of bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide, predisone
and thalidomide (BCPT), 5 cases received the treatment using regimen of
bortezomib combined with cis-diaminodichloroplatimm, etoposide, cydophosphomide
and dexame thecson (BDECD), 4 cases received the treatment using regimen of
bortesomib combined with dexamethason (BD). Each patient received treatment of
2-8 courses at least. Response was assessed according to the criteria of the
Bladè. Adverse events were graded according to the commom Toxicity Criteria,
version 3.0 (NCI CTCAE, USA). The median follow-up from the start of bortezomib
treatment was 9 months. The results showed that out of 19 newly aiagnosed
patients, 6 cares acheieved CR, 6 cases acheived nearly CR, 5 cases acheived PR, 
1 case acheived MR, resulting in an ORR of 94.7%. Out of 41 refractory or
relapsed patients, 5 cases acheieved CR, 10 cases got nearly CR, 14 cases were PR
and 5 cases were MR, resuling in an ORR of 82.92%. The main toxicities were
fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia,
herpes zoster, skinrash. All adverse events were diminished by using routine
ways. In couclusion, bortezomib combined with orthe drugs is a very effective
regimen, its side effects are predictable and manageable.

Publication Types: 
    English Abstract

PMID: 19236782 [PubMed - in process]

4: Mol Pharmacol. 2009 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Human Mitochondrial Thymidine Kinase (TK-2) is Selectively Inhibited by
3'-Thiourea Derivatives of {beta}-Thymidine. Identification of residues crucial
for both inhibition and catalytic activity.

Balzarini J, Van Daele I, Negri A, Solaroli N, Karlsson A, Liekens S, Gago F, Van
Calenbergh S.

Rega Institute for Medical Research.

Substituted 3'-thiourea derivatives of beta-thymidine (dThd) and 5'-thiourea
derivatives of alpha-dThd have been evaluated for their inhibitory activity
against recombinant human cytosolic dThd kinase-1 (TK-1), human mitochondrial
TK-2, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) TK and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) TK.
Several substituted 3'-thiourea derivatives of beta-dThd proved highly inhibitory
to and selective for TK-2 (IC50: 0.15-3.1 microM). The 3'-C-branched
p-methylphenyl (1) and 3-CF3-4-Cl-phenyl (7) thiourea derivatives of beta-dThd
showed competitive inhibition of TK-2 when dThd was used as the variable
substrate (Ki: 0.40 microM and 0.05 microM, respectively) but uncompetitive
inhibition in the presence of variable concentrations of ATP (Ki: 15 microM and
2.0 microM, respectively). These kinetic properties of 1 and 7 against TK-2 could
be accounted for by molecular modeling showing that two hydrogen bonds can be
formed between the thiourea nitrogens of 7 and the oxygens of the gamma-phosphate
of ATP. The importance of several active-site residues was assessed by
site-directed mutagenesis experiments on TK-2 and the related HSV-1 TK. The low
Ki/Km ratios for 1 and 7 (0.38 and 0.039 against dThd, and 0.75 and 0.12 against 
ATP, respectively) indicate that these compounds are amongst the most potent
inhibitors of TK-2 described so far. In addition, a striking close correlation
was found between the inhibitory activities of the test compounds against TK-2
and Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidylate kinase that is strongly indicative of 
close structural and/or functional similarities between both enzymes in relation 
to their mode of interaction with these nucleoside analogue inhibitors.

PMID: 19233899 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: J Clin Virol. 2009 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Detection of herpes viruses in children with acute appendicitis.

Katzoli P, Sakellaris G, Ergazaki M, Charissis G, Spandidos DA, Sourvinos G.

Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion
71003, Crete, Greece.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of herpes simplex virus 
(HSV) types-1 and -2, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV),
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpes virus 7
(HHV-7) in childhood acute appendicitis. STUDY DESIGN: Polymerase chain reaction 
(PCR) assays were applied to detect herpes virus DNA in 38 children [11 girls and
27 boys, mean age 9 years (STD+/-2.59), range 6-14 years], who underwent an
appendectomy within a 2.5-year period. Appendix, omentum and peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were available from each case. Of the 38 children with 
acute appendicitis, 20 (52.6%) had advanced (phlegmonous) acute appendicitis and 
18 (47.4%) had perforated appendicitis and local peritonitis. Forty-one blood
specimens from age-matched healthy children (25 female and 16 male), with
clinical manifestations unrelated to viral infections served as negative
controls. RESULTS: CMV was the most frequently detected virus (8/38, 21%),
followed by HHV-6 (3/38, 7.9%). EBV and HSV-1 were detected, though not in all
three different types of tissue specimens tested. None of the samples examined
were HSV-2-, VZV- or HHV-7-positive. Of all the specimens, the omentum was the
most commonly infected tissue (63.0%) while the appendix and peripheral blood
specimens were found to be positive for viral infection in 60.5% and 50% of
cases, respectively. The CMV IgG+ antibodies were positive in 54% of the control 
cases while 86% of the same group presented HHV-6 IgG+ antibodies. CONCLUSION: To
the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the presence of
herpes virus DNA in children with acute appendicitis, suggesting that possible
viral infection or reactivation is associated with childhood appendicitis.

PMID: 19233720 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: Pain. 2009 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Controlled release oxycodone - An evidence-based treatment for pain in acute
herpes zoster.

Haanpää M.

Rehabilitation Centre ORTON, Tenholantie 10, FIN-00280 Helsinki, Finland;
Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki,
Finland.

Publication Types: 
    EDITORIAL

PMID: 19233562 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: Eye. 2009 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus complicated by incomplete ophthalmoplegia and a
neurotrophic ulcer.

Chan EW, Sanjay S.

[1] 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Alexandra Hospital,
Singapore, Singapore [2] 2Eye Clinic, Jurong Medical Centre, Singapore,
Singapore.

PMID: 19229277 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: Masui. 2009 Feb;58(2):153-9.

[The effects of early nerve blocks for prevention of postherpetic neuralgia and
analysis of prognostic factors]

[Article in Japanese]

Tajima K, Iseki M, Inada E, Miyazaki T.

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University of Medicine, 
Tokyo 113-0033.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster causes acute pain and sometimes leads to postherpetic
neuralgia (PHN). The previously reported risk factors of PHN such as old age,
allodynia, paresthesia and so on are not based on evidence. Although nerve block 
is useful to relieve acute pain and recommended for prevention of PHN, evidence
is scanty. METHODS: The patients with herpes zoster within 3 months after the
onset were studied. The patient underwent nerve blocks and proper medical
treatment, and were followed for up to one year. The risk factors of PHN were
assessed. We evaluated whether nerve block prevented PHN. RESULTS: A total of 144
consecutive patients were studied. Twenty seven % of patients suffered PHN. Old
age (> 65 y. o) and hypesthesia were confirmed to be the risk factors of PHN,
whereas the intensity of acute pain was not. Patients who underwent nerve block
within 1 month after the onset were less likely to suffer from PHN compared with 
patients of delayed nerve blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Old age, hypesthesia and delayed
nerve blocks were the risk factors of PHN. Nerve blocks in the early phase of
herpes zoster may be useful to prevent PHN, particularly in the younger patients.

Publication Types: 
    English Abstract

PMID: 19227166 [PubMed - in process]

9: JAMA. 2009 Feb 18;301(7):774-5.

Comment on:
    JAMA. 2009 Feb 18;301(7):737-44.

Herpes zoster in the age of focused immunosuppressive therapy.

Whitley RJ, Gnann JW Jr.

Publication Types: 
    Comment
    Editorial
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

PMID: 19224757 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: JAMA. 2009 Feb 18;301(7):737-44.

Comment in:
    JAMA. 2009 Feb 18;301(7):774-5.

Risk of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with
anti-TNF-alpha agents.

Strangfeld A, Listing J, Herzer P, Liebhaber A, Rockwitz K, Richter C, Zink A.

Epidemiology Unit, German Rheumatism Research Center, Chariteplatz 1, 10117
Berlin, Germany. strangfeld@drfz.de

CONTEXT: The risk of bacterial infection is increased in patients treated with
drugs that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Little is known about
the reactivation of latent viral infections during treatment with TNF-alpha
inhibitors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether TNF-alpha inhibitors together as a 
class, or separately as either monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies (adalimumab, 
infliximab) or a fusion protein (etanercept), are related to higher rates of
herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
PATIENTS: Patients were enrolled in the German biologics register RABBIT, a
prospective cohort, between May 2001 and December 2006 at the initiation of
treatment with infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or anakinra, or when they
changed conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Treatment,
clinical status, and adverse events were assessed by rheumatologists at fixed
points during follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hazard ratio (HR) of herpes
zoster episodes following anti-TNF-alpha treatment. Study aims were to detect a
clinically significant difference (HR, 2.0) between TNF-alpha inhibitors as a
class compared with DMARDs and to detect an HR of at least 2.5 for each of 2
types of TNF-alpha inhibitors, the monoclonal antibodies or the fusion protein,
compared with conventional DMARDs. RESULTS: Among 5040 patients receiving
TNF-alpha inhibitors or conventional DMARDs, 86 episodes of herpes zoster
occurred in 82 patients. Thirty-nine occurrences could be attributed to treatment
with anti-TNF-alpha antibodies, 23 to etanercept, and 24 to conventional DMARDs. 
The crude incidence rate per 1000 patient-years was 11.1 (95% confidence interval
[CI], 7.9-15.1) for the monoclonal antibodies, 8.9 (95% CI, 5.6-13.3) for
etanercept, and 5.6 (95% CI, 3.6-8.3) for conventional DMARDs. Adjusted for age, 
rheumatoid arthritis severity, and glucocorticoid use, a significantly increased 
risk was observed for treatment with the monoclonal antibodies (HR, 1.82 [95% CI,
1.05-3.15]), although this risk was lower than the threshold for clinical
significance. No significant associations were found for etanercept use (HR, 1.36
[95% CI, 0.73-2.55]) or for anti-TNF-alpha treatment (HR, 1.63 [95% CI,
0.97-2.74]) as a class. CONCLUSION: Treatment with monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha
antibodies may be associated with increased risk of herpes zoster, but this
requires further study.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19224750 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: Am J Clin Dermatol. 2009;10(2):73-86. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200910020-00001.

Clinical implications of aging skin: cutaneous disorders in the elderly.

Farage MA, Miller KW, Berardesca E, Maibach HI.

The Procter & Gamble Company, Winton Hill Business Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Aging skin undergoes progressive degenerative change. Structural and physiologic 
changes that occur as a natural consequence of intrinsic aging combined with the 
effects of a lifetime of ongoing cumulative extrinsic damage and environment
insult (e.g. overexposure to solar radiation) can produce a marked susceptibility
to dermatologic disorders in the elderly. As skin ages, the vasculature
progressively atrophies. The supporting dermis also deteriorates, with collagen
and elastin fibers becoming sparse and increasingly disordered. These changes
leave the elderly increasingly susceptible to both vascular disorders such as
stasis dermatitis and skin injuries such as pressure ulcers and skin tears, with 
a steadily decreasing ability to effect skin repair. A parallel erosion of normal
immune function produces higher levels of autoimmune skin disorders such as
bullous pemphigoid, benign mucous membrane pemphigoid, paraneoplastic pemphigoid,
and pemphigus vulgaris. Lichen sclerosus, an autoimmune disorder often occurring 
in the genital area in older women, is not common but is an important development
because of the potential for substantial discomfort as well as serious
complications. The prevalence of polypharmacy in this population increases the
risk for autoimmune drug reactions, and diagnosis should be undertaken with an
awareness that polypharmacy in this population creates a greatly increased
susceptibility to drug eruptions that can mimic other cutaneous disorders.
Immunologic senescence in the elderly also sets the stage for potential
reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus, in which initial dermatologic
involvement expands into the major sensory ganglia. Known as shingles, this
disorder can be excruciatingly painful with the potential to cause blindness if
the optic nerve becomes involved. Dermatoses such as xerosis, pruritus, and
eczema are also widespread in the elderly, create substantial suffering in those 
afflicted, and often prove recalcitrant to treatment. Individual susceptibility
to specific types of contact dermatitis changes over the lifetime, and seborrheic
dermatitis is substantially more prevalent in the elderly. It is not uncommon for
older patients to have multiple impairments, with the potential for cognitive
dysfunction as well as impaired vision, hearing, or mobility. In addition, they
may not have adequate housing or nutrition, or the financial resources necessary 
for adequate compliance. Physicians must take into consideration the patient's
physical ability to comply with the recommended therapy as well as socioeconomic 
factors that may impact on compliance. Simple topical regimens are preferable
wherever possible in order to maximize compliance and, therefore, efficacy. Extra
effort may be necessary to ensure that instructions are accurately followed and
that ongoing compliance with the regimen prescribed is actually achieved.
Management of dermatologic disorders in the elderly is often less than optimal,
due to the fact that the special needs and limitations of this population are not
adequately considered. Treatments should consider the intrinsic differences
between younger and older patients that may impact on diagnosis and therapy
choice. The aged patient is often afflicted with numerous co-morbidities that can
influence the choice of therapy. Skin integrity in the elderly is compromised,
and safety concerns are increased with the long-term use of any medication
prescribed. In addition, the prevalence of polypharmacy in the aged population
substantially increases the risk of cutaneous drug reactions, which can
profoundly complicate accurate diagnosis of dermatologic disorders. The aged
population also needs to be more closely monitored because of increased fragility
of the skin and the physical limitations that may hinder compliance with
prescribed regimens.

PMID: 19222248 [PubMed - in process]

12: Neurology. 2009 Feb 17;72(7):670-1.

Brown-Séquard syndrome after herpes zoster.

Young-Barbee C, Hall DA, LoPresti JJ, Schmid DS, Gilden DH.

Department of Neurology, Mail Stop B182, University of Colorado Denver School of 
Medicine, 4200 E. 9th Ave., Denver, CO 80262, USA.

Publication Types: 
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

PMID: 19221302 [PubMed - in process]

13: Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2009 Feb 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Rituximab and Chemotherapy in Primary Gastric Lymphoma.

Avilés A, Castañeda C, Cleto S, Neri N, Huerta-Guzmán J, Gonzalez M, Nambo MJ.

Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, Mexico City, 
Mexico.

Purpose: We perfomed a phase II clinical trial to assess the efficacy and
toxicity of the addition of rituximab and conventional chemotherapy in primary
gastric lymphoma (PGL). Methods: Forty-two (42) patients with PGL, stage IE and
IIE, and with low- or low-intermediate clinical risk were treated in a
prospective longitudinal study with standard CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,
vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy and rituximab (375 mg/m(2),
intravenously) on day 1 of each cycle administered every 21 days, for 6 cycles.
The endpoint was to assess improvement in outcome measured by prolongation in
event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Complete response was
achieved in 40 cases (95%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88%-102%). Relapse was 
observed in 2 cases. Two (2) patients died secondary to tumor progression. Thus, 
actuarial 5-year EFS was 95% (95 % CI: 87%-104%) and OS was 95% (95% CI:
88%-101%), which was not statistically different to historic controls. Acute
toxicity was minimal and well tolerated, 4 cases developed late toxicity, 2 cases
of herpes zoster infection, and 2 cases with granulocytopenia; in 1 case, the
patient continued with mild granulocytopenia 3 years after treatment.
Conclusions: The addition of rituximab to CHOP chemotherapy did not improve
outcome in early-stage PGL.

PMID: 19216628 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

14: Semin Neurol. 2009 Feb;29(1):5-13. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

Seventh cranial neuropathy.

Gilchrist JM.

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital,
Providence, Rhode Island.

Facial neuropathy, or seventh cranial neuropathy, is the most common cranial
neuropathy. The anatomy of the facial nerve is rather complex for a cranial
nerve, with a long intracranial course, in which the nerve takes three bends (or 
genu). Electrodiagnosis can be helpful in prognosis, but not before several days.
Imaging is rarely indicated in Bell's palsy, but is often abnormal nonetheless,
and can be very useful in other causes of facial neuropathy. The clinical
presentation is of unilateral facial weakness of upper and lower face,
hyperacusis, dysgeusia, and disordered lacrimation and salivation. Many different
disease processes can result in facial neuropathy, but 70% of cases are
idiopathic, or as it is best known, Bell's palsy. Ramsay Hunt syndrome, defined
as facial neuropathy with herpes zoster oticus, is another common cause. Steroids
given acutely are beneficial in improving outcome in Bell's palsy, and antiviral 
therapy seems helpful in more severe cases. Antiviral therapy is definitely
helpful in Ramsay Hunt disease when given within 3 days of onset. Antibiotics are
helpful in Lyme facial neuropathy, which has a very good prognosis.

PMID: 19214928 [PubMed - in process]

15: Laryngoscope. 2009 Feb 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Herpes zoster oticus associated with varicella zoster virus encephalitis.

Eskiizmir G, Uz U, Taşkiran E, Unlü H.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey.

Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, herpes zoster oticus (HZO), derived its name from James
Ramsay Hunt, who first described it in 1907. It is classically characterized by
acute peripheral facial paralysis, herpetic eruptions on the auricle, and
vestibulocochlear dysfunction due to the reactivation of varicella zoster virus
(VZV). In this Case Report, the authors describe an HZO patient with simultaneous
VZV encephalitis. To date, only eight cases of HZO associated with VZV
encephalitis have been reported in the English literature. Therefore, the authors
discuss all the aspects of this rare entity, including clinical examination,
radiological evaluation, laboratory evaluation, and treatment options.
Laryngoscope, 2009.

PMID: 19213041 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: J Virol. 2009 Feb 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Components of Nuclear Domain 10 bodies Regulate Varicella Zoster Virus
Replication.

Kyratsous CA, Silverstein SJ.

Department of Microbiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia
University, 701 W. 168 St., New York, New York 10032, USA.

PML, Sp100 and Daxx are proteins that normally reside within Nuclear Domains 10
(ND10s). They associate with DNA virus genomes and repress the very early stages 
of DNA virus replication cycle. Virus encoded proteins counteract this innate
anti-viral response. ICP0, a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) immediate early protein, 
is necessary and sufficient to dissociate ND10s and target their two major
components PML and Sp100 for proteasomal degradation. In this report we show that
ORF61p, the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) ortholog, does not degrade PML and only 
slightly alters Sp100 levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that other virus
proteins cannot substitute for this lack of function during infection. By use of 
short interfering RNAs we depleted PML, Sp100 and Daxx and studied their role in 
plaquing efficiency, virus protein accumulation, infectious center titer and
virus spread. These studies show that components of ND10s can accelerate VZV
replication but do not ultimately control cell-associated virus titers. We
conclude that while both ICP0 and ORF61p activate virus gene expression, they
modulate host innate repression mechanisms in two different ways. As a result HSV
and VZV commandeer their hosts by distinct mechanisms to ensure their replication
and spread.

PMID: 19211749 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

17: Arch Ophthalmol. 2009 Feb;127(2):222-3.

Interstitial keratitis following varicella vaccination.

Nagpal A, Vora R, Margolis TP, Acharya NR.

Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, University of
California, San Francisco, 95 Kirkham St, San Francisco, CA 94143-0944, USA.

Publication Types: 
    Case Reports
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19204247 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2009 Winter;39(1):43-50.

IgE anti-varicella zoster virus and other immune responses before, during, and
after shingles.

Smith-Norowitz TA, Josekutty J, Lev-Tov H, Kohlhoff S, Norowitz KB, Silverberg
JI, Chice S, Durkin HG, Bluth MH.

Departments of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
11203, USA. tamar.smithnorowitz@downstate.edu

Blood lymphocyte distributions, serum immunoglobulin and cytokine levels, and
serum IgE and IgG anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) levels were measured in an
atopic girl (age 15 yr) who developed shingles 10 yr after infection with chicken
pox. Before, during, and 5 months after the shingles episode, the child's
distributions of blood lymphocytes (excluding CD23+) and serum immunoglobulin
levels (excluding IgE) were within the normal ranges. Her blood level of CD23+
lymphocytes decreased >50% during the shingles episode and remained low
thereafter. Her serum level of IgE was elevated before and during shingles (154
and 168 IU/ml, respectively), but was reduced after recovery from shingles (<100 
IU/ml). Before, during, and after shingles, her serum contained IgE and IgG
anti-VZV antibodies. Before, during, and after shingles, low levels of IFN-gamma 
were detected in serum, but neither IL-1beta nor IL-4 were detected. Before
shingles, low levels of IL-10 were detected in serum; during shingles, the serum 
level of IL-10 was increased 30-fold; it subsequently diminished at 5 mo after
shingles. The role of IgE in immunity against varicella zoster virus (VZV) has
not previously been studied. Our observations in this patient suggest that
immunomodulation of IgE and accessory proteins may play a role in VZV
pathogenesis.

PMID: 19201740 [PubMed - in process]

19: Int J Dermatol. 2009 Feb;48(2):212-4.

A case of secondary cutaneous mucinosis following herpes zoster: Wolf's isotopic 
response.

Kim MB, Jwa SW, Ko HC, Kim SJ, Kwon KS, Oh CK.

Publication Types: 
    Letter

PMID: 19200212 [PubMed - in process]

20: J Antibiot (Tokyo). 2009 Feb;62(2):95-8. Epub 2009 Jan 23.

Anti-herpes virus activity of polyether antibiotic CP-44161 in vivo.

Yamagishi Y, Ueno M, Ueno C, Kato A, Kanasaki R, Sato B, Takakura K, Fujie A,
Nakajima H, Fujii T, Hino M, Tsujii E.

[1] 1Fermentation Research Labs, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi,
Ibaraki, Japan [2] 7These authors contributed equally to this work.

In the previous study, we discovered a polyether antibiotic CP-44161, which was
reported earlier as an anticoccidal agent, as an anti-varicella zoster virus
compound. In this study, we demonstrated that CP-44161 had a very strong and
broad anti-herpes virus activities against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
and type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro. To determine the antiviral activity of CP-44161 in
vivo, we examined its effect on the cutaneous HSV-2 infection model in Balb/c
mice. CP-44161 showed inhibitory effect on lesion development as well as
acyclovir (ACV) when the treatment was started from day 3. Meanwhile, in case the
start of treatment was delayed until day 4, when ACV was no longer effective, the
effectiveness of CP-44161 still remained. In this model, CP-44161 also showed
inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HSV-2 DNA in dorsal root ganglia. This 
is the first article to report that polyether antibiotics can be effective on
viral infection in vivo.The Journal of Antibiotics (2009) 62, 95-98;
doi:10.1038/ja.2008.18; published online 23 January 2009.

PMID: 19198635 [PubMed - in process]