Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-6-3
pubmed:abstractText
The efficacy of recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN alpha), on natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD56+, HLA-DR+ lymphocyte counts, anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab) levels, single fibre electromyography findings (SFEMG) and clinical course were evaluated in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). During the IFN alpha treatment (3 mu, subcutaneous, 3 times a week), NK cell cytotoxicity and CD4+/8+ ratio increased, NK cell count remarkably decreased, and no significant clinical or SFEMG changes were observed. This preliminary open study in MG patients has demonstrated enhanced NK activity per unit NK cell after IFN alpha therapy. Although lymphocyte phenotypes and NK function approached normal levels during therapy, a higher dose of IFN alpha may be required for a significant clinical response. It has been also concluded that 6 months of IFN alpha therapy seems to be safe in MG, though in patients with malignancy, IFN alpha may cause increased autoimmunity, AChR positivity and MG.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
0165-5728
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
1
pubmed:volume
82
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
109-15
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Alpha interferon treatment in myasthenia gravis: effects on natural killer cell activity.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't