Aesthetic augmentation of the malar-midface structures

Based on extensive experience with bone grafts for augmentation of the midface-malar region, an implant design has been developed using Proplast. After careful preoperative assessment, a very specific surgical method, described herein, allows precise implant positioning without the need for suture fixation. In many instances, the 6-mm implant can be inserted unchanged. One-hundred and six patients have been operated on using 176 implants over the past 6 years. There were four unilateral infections (2.3 percent of implants and 3.8 percent of patients). None had permanent motor or sensory nerve problems. Fifteen implants (8.5 percent) in 12 patients (11.3 percent) were either removed or repositioned. In those having augmentation for entirely aesthetic reasons, 3 of 60 patients (5.0 percent) required implant removal or repositioning. The incidence of needing to remove or reposition implants has decreased as the technique has evolved.     

Evaluation of the Prognostic Value of Impaired Renal Function on Clinical Progression in a Large Cohort of HIV-Infected People Seen for Care in Italy

Whilst renal dysfunction, especially mild impairment (60<eGFR<90 ml/min), has been often described in HIV-infected population, its potential contribution to HIV evolution and risk of cerebro-cardiovascular disease (CCVD) has not been clarified. Data from HIV-1 infected patients enrolled in the Italian Cohort of Antiretroviral-Naïve (Icona) Foundation Study collected between January 2000 and February 2014 with at least two creatinine values available. eGFR (CKD-epi) and renal dysfunction defined using a priori cut-offs of 60 (severely impaired) and 90 ml/min/1.73m² (mildly impaired). Characteristics of patients were described after stratification in these groups and compared using chi-square test (categorical variables) or Kruskal Wallis test comparing median values. Follow-up accrued from baseline up to the date of the CCVD or AIDS related events or death or last available visit. Kaplan Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative probability of occurrence of the events over time. Adjusted analysis was performed using a proportional hazards Cox regression model. We included 7,385 patients, observed for a median follow-up of 43 months (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 21-93 months). Over this time, 130 cerebro-cardiovascular events (including 11 deaths due to CCVD) and 311 AIDS-related events (including 45 deaths) were observed. The rate of CCVD events among patients with eGFR >90, 60-89, <60 ml/min, was 2.91 (95% CI 2.30-3.67), 4.63 (95% CI 3.51-6.11) and 11.9 (95% CI 6.19-22.85) per 1,000 PYFU respectively, with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 4.14 (95%CI 2.07-8.29) for patients with eGFR <60 ml/min and 1.58 (95%CI 1.10-2.27) for eGFR 60-89 compared to those with eGFR ≥90. Of note, these estimates are adjusted for traditional cardio-vascular risk factors (e.g. smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Incidence of AIDS-related events was 9.51 (95%CI 8.35-10.83), 6.04 (95%CI 4.74-7.71) and 25.0 (95%CI 15.96-39.22) per 1,000 PYFU, among patients with eGFR >90, 60-89, <60 ml/min, respectively, with an unadjusted HR of 2.49 (95%CI 1.56-3.97) for patients with eGFR <60 ml/min and 0.68 (95%CI 0.52-0.90) for eGFR 60-89. The risk of AIDS events was significantly lower in mild renal dysfunction group even after adjustment for HIV-related characteristics. Our data confirm that impaired renal function is an important risk marker for CCVD events in the HIV-population; importantly, even those with mild renal impairment (90<eGFR<60) seem to be at increased risk of cerebro-cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.     

Inhibition of leukocyte migration after concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin in patients with ulcers]

An attempt of the assessment of T-cells function in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer has been undertaken. The studies involved 60 patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers and 47 individuals of the control group. Lymphocyte reactivity to different concentrations of concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin has been assessed with leukocyte migration inhibition test. Lymphocyte T function has been examined also in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers in reference to the theophylline-dependent and theophylline-sensitive subpopulation of T-cells. Leukocyte migration index values after phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A did not differ significantly in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers and theophylline-sensitive T-cells. Differences have been noted in the migration inhibition deficits. This phenomenon has been least frequent in case of phytohemagglutinin in the control group (5.8%) and most frequent in patients with gastric ulcer (62%). Percentage of patients responding to higher concanavalin A concentration (40 micrograms/ml) with leukocyte migration inhibition has been the highest in patients with duodenal ulcer. This index value has been significantly lower (p < 0.05) only in patients with duodenal ulcer and increased number of theophylline-dependent lymphocytes T. Increased reactivity of T-cells to higher concanavalin A concentration in patients with duodenal ulcer with theophylline-dependent T-cells in peripheral blood probably indicates increased the suppressor lymphocytes activity.     

Increase of heat shock protein gene expression by melatonin in AR42J cells.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been reported to protect the pancreatic cells from the acute damage produced by caerulein overstimulation. However the effects of caerulein, melatonin or hyperthermia preconditioning on mRNA signal for HSP60 in the pancreatic acinar cells has not been examined yet. The aims of this study were: 1. To investigate the gene expression for HSP60 in the pancreatic AR42J cells stimulated by melatonin, caerulein or combination of both these substances. 2. To compare above changes with mRNA signal for HSP60 in pancreatic AR42J cells subjected to hyperthermia preconditioning. AR42J cells were incubated in standard medium at 37 degrees C for: 0, 1, 3, 5, 12 or 24 h, under basal conditions. Above cells were then subjected to heat shock (42 degrees C) for 0, 1 or 3 h. In the next part of the study AR42J cells were incubated in presence of caerulein (10(-11), 10(-9) or 10( -7) M), melatonin (10(-8) or 10(-6) M), or combination of above under basal conditions or following heat shock pretreatment. Gene expression for HSP60 was determined by RT-PCR. The mRNA signal for HSP60 has been observed in AR42J cells under basal conditions, and this signal was markedly and time-dependently increased in these cells subjected to hyperthermia preconditioning. Incubation of AR42J cells in presence of melatonin (10(-8) or 10(-6) M) resulted in the significant and dose-dependent increase of gene expression for HSP60 in both groups of AR42J cells: preconditioned and in those, which were not subjected to hyperthermia. Caerulein stimulation reduced mRNA signal for HSP60. The strongest signal has been observed after the exposition of AR42J cells to hyperthermia preconditioning, combined with melatonin and caerulein. We conclude that: 1. Gene expression for HSP60 has been detected in pancreatic AR42J cells under basal conditions. 2. Hyperthermia preconditioning resulted in a significant and time-dependent increase of HSP60 signal in pancreatic AR42J cells. 3. HSP60 gene expression was significantly increased in pancreatic AR42J cells stimulated by melatonin whereas caerulein reduced this signal. 4. The strongest gene expression for HSP60 has been found in the cells subjected to the combination of hyperthermia preconditioning, caerulein and melatonin.     

An Age-Calibrated Definition of Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale and Benefits

Defining chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the subject of intense debate in the current nephrology literature. The debate concerns the threshold value of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) used to make the diagnosis of CKD. Current recommendations argue that a universal threshold of 60 mL/min/1.73m² should be used. This threshold has been defended by epidemiological studies showing that the risk of mortality or end-stage renal disease increases with an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m². However, a universal threshold does not take into account the physiologic decline in GFR with ageing nor does it account for the risk of mortality and end-stage renal disease being trivial with isolated eGFR levels just below 60 mL/min/1.73m² in older subjects and significantly increased with eGFR levels just above 60 mL/min/1.73m² among younger patients. Overestimation of the CKD prevalence in the elderly (medicalisation of senescence) and underestimation of CKD (potentially from treatable primary nephrologic diseases) in younger patients is of primary concern. An age-calibrated definition of CKD has been proposed to distinguish age-related from disease-related changes in eGFR. For patients younger than 40 years, CKD is defined by eGFR below 75 mL/min/1.73m². For patients with ages between 40 and 65 years, CKD is defined by 60 mL/min/1.73m². For subjects older than 65 years without albuminuria or proteinuria, CKD is defined by eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73m².     

Proteomics-based identification of HSP60 as a tumor-associated antigen in early stage breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ

The detection of autoantibodies in cancer patients has been shown to constitute an excellent tool for early diagnosis. Because breast cancer still lacks early diagnostic markers, we investigated novel tumor-associated antigens and related autoantibodies in sera from patients with early stage breast cancer compared to autoimmune disease, other cancers, and healthy volunteers, using a proteomics-based approach. Among the 26 protein antigens specifically recognized by early stage breast cancer sera, we focused on Heat Shock Protein 60 (HSP60). Using ELISA, we investigated the frequency of autoantibodies directed against this protein in the sera of 240 individuals, comprising patients with either ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ( n = 49) or early stage breast cancer ( n = 58), other cancers ( n = 20), autoimmune disease ( n = 20), and healthy subjects ( n = 93). Autoantibodies directed against HSP60 were present in 16/49 (31%) early stage breast cancer and 18/58 (32.6%) DCIS patients, compared to 4/93 (4.3%) healthy subjects. In particular, autoantibodies were present in 11/23 patients (47.8%) with high-grade DCIS, compared to 5/26 (19.2%) with low-grade DCIS. HSP60 mRNA levels were significantly higher in primary breast cancer compared to healthy breast tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that HSP60 expression gradually increases from normal through DCIS to invasive tissues. Our results indicate that HSP60 autoantibodies may be of interest in terms of clinical utility for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and more particularly in DCIS. Moreover, HSP60 overexpression during the first steps of breast carcinogenesis may be functionally correlated to tumor growth and/or progression.     

Circulating Heat Shock Protein 60 Levels Are Elevated in HIV Patients and Are Reduced by Anti-Retroviral Therapy

Circulating heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) and heat shock protein 10 (Hsp10) have been associated with pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. To determine whether these heat shock proteins might be associated with the immune activation seen in HIV-infected patients, the plasma levels of Hsp60 and Hsp10 were determined in a cohort of 20 HIV-infected patients before and after effective combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART). We show for the first time that circulating Hsp60 levels are elevated in HIV-infected patients, with levels significantly reduced after cART, but still higher than those in HIV-negative individuals. Hsp60 levels correlated significantly with viral load, CD4 counts, and circulating soluble CD14 and lipopolysaccharide levels. No differences or correlations were seen for Hsp10 levels. Elevated circulating Hsp60 may contribute to the immune dysfunction and non-AIDS clinical events seen in HIV-infected patients.     

The phagocytic activity of the neutrophilic granulocytes in patients with chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes]

24 patients with chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes have been examined. The following parameters have been evaluated: (1) ingestive capacity, (2) fungicidal capacity, (3) the state of the myeloperoxidase mechanism of respiratory explosion. In chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes the ingestive capacity of neutrophil granulocytes has been found to remain unchanged, constituting 70 +/- 3.5% in healthy persons and 60 +/- 4.2% in patients 60 minutes after interaction. The study has revealed the decrease of fungicidal activity in 50% of the patients which is probably linked with the constant activation of oxygen-dependent killing mechanisms (the index of the spontaneous nitro blue tetrazolium test has proved to be 8.9 +/- 0.8% in healthy persons and 15 +/- 3.4% in patients with candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes) and the decreased reserve of the functional activity of neutrophil granulocytes. The activity of myeloperoxidase in patients with candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes has been found to remain unchanged.     

Oxidative stress and cellular stress response in diabetic nephropathy

Oxidative stress has been suggested to play a main role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. As a consequence of this increased oxidative status, a cellular-adaptive response occurs requiring functional chaperones, antioxidant production, and protein degradation. This study was designed to evaluate systemic oxidative stress and cellular stress response in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes-induced nephropathy and in age-matched healthy subjects. Systemic oxidative stress has been evaluated by measuring advanced glycation end-products (pentosidine), protein oxidation (protein carbonyls [DNPH]), and lipid oxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE] and F2-isoprostanes) in plasma, lymphocytes, and urine, whereas the lymphocyte levels of the heat shock proteins (Hsps) heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Hsp70, and Hsp60 as well as thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR-1) have been measured to evaluate the systemic cellular stress response. We found increased levels of pentosidine (P < 0.01), DNPH (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), HNE (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and F2-isoprostanes (P < 0.01) in all the samples from type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy with respect to control group. This was paralleled by a significant induction of cellular HO-1, Hsp60, Hsp70, and TrxR-1 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). A significant upregulation of both HO-1 and Hsp70 has been detected also in lymphocytes from type 2 diabetic patients without uraemia. Significant positive correlations between DNPH and Hsp60, as well as between the degree of renal failure and HO-1 or Hsp70, also have been found in diabetic uremic subjects. In conclusion, patients affected by type 2 diabetes complicated with nephropathy are under condition of systemic oxidative stress, and the induction of Hsp and TrxR-1 is a maintained response in counteracting the intracellular pro-oxidant status.     

Increased Levels of IgG Antibodies against Human HSP60 in Patients with Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) comprises a heterogeneous group of inflammatory diseases, with strong association to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27. A triggering bacterial infection has been considered as the cause of SpA, and bacterial heat shock protein (HSP) seems to be a strong T cell antigen. Since bacterial and human HSP60, also named HSPD1, are highly homologous, cross-reactivity has been suggested in disease initiation. In this study, levels of antibodies against bacterial and human HSP60 were analysed in SpA patients and healthy controls, and the association between such antibodies and disease severity in relation to HLA-B27 was evaluated.Serum samples from 82 patients and 50 controls were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 antibodies against human HSP60 and HSP60 from Chlamydia trachomatis, Salmonella enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni. Disease severity was assessed by the clinical scorings Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI).Levels of IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies against human HSP60, but not antibodies against bacterial HSP60, were elevated in the SpA group compared with the control group. Association between IgG3 antibodies against human HSP60 and BASMI was shown in HLA-B27⁺ patients. Only weak correlation between antibodies against bacterial and human HSP60 was seen, and there was no indication of cross-reaction.These results suggest that antibodies against human HSP60 is associated with SpA, however, the theory that antibodies against human HSP60 is a specific part of the aetiology, through cross-reaction to bacterial HSP60, cannot be supported by results from this study. We suggest that the association between elevated levels of antibodies against human HSP60 and disease may reflect a general activation of the immune system and an increased expression of human HSP60 in the synovium of patients with SpA.     

AIDS, related syndromes and hemophilia: the situation in France and studies in progress

A mail survey sent to 25 hemophilia centers in France enquiring on the occurrence of AIDS or AIDS-related disorders was done in May 1983. Of 2 388 hemophiliacs representing approximately 60% of the total expected population, no case of AIDS was found. Four patients had lymphodenopathies. A relatively high frequency of lymphopenia (8%) and hyper gammaglobulinemia (21%) was found. Only 37 patients were tested for T-lymphocyte populations, 14 of whom had a T4/T8 ratio below 1. A state funded multicenter prospective study has been designed in order to evaluate the relationship between the type (domestic or imported factor VIII or IX concentrate), the dose of blood product and various clinical, immunological and virological parameters related to AIDS. Approximately 400 hemophiliacs will enter the study together with a small population of patients with thalassemia receiving packed red cells.     

Age-sensitivity of time-related in vivo deformability of human lumbar motion segments and discs in pure centric tension

The goal of this study was to document the effect of aging, sex and disc level on time-dependent in vivo tensile deformability of human lumbar-lumbosacral motion segments and discs in pure centric tension, when the contracting effect of muscles can be neglected. Elongations of segments L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 were measured during the usual suspension hydrotraction therapy of patients, by using a subaqual ultrasound measuring method reported in (Kurutz et al., 2002a, 2003). Patients were suspended cervically in lukewarm water for 20 min, loaded by 20-20 N lead weights on ankles. The mean initial elastic elongations (strains) of segments or discs were about 0.8 mm (10%) for patients under 40 years; 0.5 mm (6%) between 40-60 years; and 0.2 mm (3%) over 60 years. The mean final viscoelastic elongations were 1.5 mm (18%) under 40 years; 1.2 mm (15%) between 40-60 years; and 0.6 mm (7%) over 60 years. In the beginning/end of the treatment, patients of extended segments were on average 6/8 years younger than those with unextended ones. Based on the in vivo measured elongations, initial tensile stiffness was obtained in terms of aging, sex and disc level. For the above age-classes, the approximate mean tensile stiffness of less/more degenerated lumbar FSUs or discs were about 600/800, 800/1000 and 1800/2800 N/mm, respectively. A new terminology, the so-called age-sensitivity has been introduced as a value of 0.01-0.04 mm/year elongation capacity decrease per a year of aging, after the age of 35. No significant difference was found between sexes regarding age-dependence in tension.     

Cross-reactivity of a commercial chemiluminescence immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin with the free β-subunit

An enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay for the determination of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in specimens from oncology patients has been assessed with respect to its cross-reactivity with the free HCG ββ-subunit (HCG-β). The assay, standardized against the First International Reference Preparation 75/537, had a crossreactivity with the free β-subunit of 625% (molar basis). Therefore this assay achieves high sensitivity for the detection of either intact HCG or free HCG-β in serum of patients with seminomatous or nonseminomatous testicular cancers. Results of both assays, the in-house immunoradiometric assay (+ HCG-β) and the Amerlite HCG-60 assay, showed a close correlation (R =0.854?0.960) when serum samples from tumour patients were analyzed. Moreover, the content of free β-subunit determined in a specific HCG-β assay, could be quantitatively measured in the enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay. Thus, this assay is suitable for oncology use, but also highlights the limitations of measuring HCG in serum samples.     

Effect of isosorbide dinitrate (sorbonit) on the exercise reaction in patients with coronary disease and in healthy individuals

The study aimed at evaluating an effect of a single dose of isosorbide dinitrate (Sorbonit) on the exercise reaction in the patients with coronary disease of various degree and in healthy individuals. The study involved 20 male patients of mean age 54.0 +/- 4.5 years with history of myocardial infarction and 12 healthy males of mean age 45.6 +/- 5.0 years. Ergometric test has been performed twice: prior to and 15 minutes after sublingual administration of isosorbide dinitrate in the dose of 10-15 mg. The first test has been interrupted when horizontal ST load exceeded 1 mm or contractions rate was 60% of the maximum value. Similar loads have been used after the administration of Sorbonit. The following parameters have been evaluated: heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (BPS), HR x BPS, lactate level (LA), and cardiac index. The value of the load has been measured with the aid of oxygen consumption (VO2). Significant depression of ST segment (less than 3 mm) in the exercise ECG has been noted in 8 patients following isosorbide dinitrate. Exercise tolerance has increased in these patients - CI increased during exercise following drug administration (VO2 the same as prior to the drug administration), and VO2/CI has became closer - physiological.     

Systematic evaluation of the adrenocortical function in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

Limited cortisol response to ACTH stimulation has been documented in 22 to 48% of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PM). Different approaches to interpret the test and inadequate selection of patients preclude an accurate appraisal of the actual incidence of adrenal insufficiency in PM. Rapid cosyntropin (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed in 38 consecutive patients (9 with the localized and 29 with the disseminated form of PM) and 40 normal controls. Subnormal cortisol responses to ACTH (60 minutes post-ACTH values below 455 nmol/l, 95% confidence limits) were found in only 4 patients (14%) with disseminated PM. If a retrospective sample of 6 patients studied previously (in whom tests were indicated due to clinical suspicion of Addison's disease) were included, or if the absolute cortisol increment above baseline was used for interpretation, we would find figures closer to those previously reported (23 and 24%, respectively). These data reflect that non-systematic evaluation or selection of a substandard criterion to interpret the test overestimates the frequency of adrenocortical insufficiency in PM.     

Patterns of exon deletions in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy

Summary A panel of patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD) has been screened with the cDNA probes Cf56a and Cf23a, which detect exons in the central part of the DMD gene. One or more exons were deleted in 60% of patients. The deletions were mapped and prove to be heterogeneous in size and extent, particularly in DMD. Deletions specific to DMD and to BMD are described. Half of all BMD patients have a deletion of one particular small group of exons; smaller deletions within this same group produce the more severe DMD.     

Differences of arteria carotis in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Radiotherapy increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity. We examined arteria carotis atherosclerosis and stenosis in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. We examined arteria carotis of 120 Hodgkin's lymphoma patients who have been in complete remission for at least 5 years. 70 patients received neck irradiation (mean age at the time of the examination was 44.6 years). Twenty-four (34.3%) of them had carotis sclerosis or stenosis, and it was significantly more than in the control group [8 out of 60 patients 13.3%)]. Twelve patients of the 50 who did not receive radiotherapy had carotis lesions, and there was no significant difference compared to the control group. Significant stenosis (>50%) was detected in only 3 patients (in the irradiated group). TIA, stroke or amaurosis fugax did not occur. Carotis stenosis does not seem to play a role in late mortality in Hodgkin's lymphoma, but if the patient has an increased risk for atherosclerotic changes, then regular examinations are necessary, and other risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, early menopause) need to be treated.     

Spinal manipulation and mobilisation for back and neck pain: a blinded review.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the efficacy of spinal manipulation for patients with back or neck pain. DESIGN--Computer aided search for published papers and blinded assessment of the methods of the studies. SUBJECTS--35 randomised clinical trials comparing spinal manipulation with other treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Score for quality of methods (based on four main categories: study population, interventions, measurement of effect, and data presentation and analysis) and main conclusion of author(s) with regard to spinal manipulation. RESULTS--No trial scored 60 or more points (maximum score 100) suggesting that most were of poor quality. Eighteen studies (51%) showed favourable results for manipulation. In addition, five studies (14%) reported positive results in one or more subgroups. Of the four studies with 50-60 points, one reported that manipulation was better, two reported that manipulation was better in only a subgroup, and one reported that manipulation was no better or worse than reference treatment. Eight trials attempted to compare manipulation with some placebo, with inconsistent results. CONCLUSIONS--Although some results are promising, the efficacy of manipulation has not been convincingly shown. Further trials are needed, but much more attention should be paid to the methods of study.     

Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori heat shock protein 60 aggravate HSP60-mediated proinflammatory responses

Anti-Helicobacter pylori heat shock protein 60 (HpHSP60) antibodies are usually found in H. pylori-infected patients and are known to be associated with the progression of gastric diseases. However, the effects of these antibodies on the functions of HpHSP60 have not been identified. This study aims to investigate the effects of the interaction between anti-HSP60 antibodies and HpHSP60 on inflammatory responses. Anti-HpHSP60 polyclonal sera and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced to evaluate their effects on HpHSP60-induced IL-8 and TNF-α activity. The results indicated that anti-HpHSP60 polyclonal sera collected from patients infected with H. pylori or from rabbit and mice immunized with HpHSP60 could significantly enhance HpHSP60-mediated IL-8 and TNF-α secretion from monocytic THP-1 cells. Similar effects were also found with anti-HpHSP60 mAbs. Further analysis revealed that this phenomenon was only carried out by anti-HpHSP60 antibody but not by other non-specific mAbs. Moreover, the non-specific mAbs decreased the synergism of HpHSP60 and anti-HpHSP60 mAbs in proinflammatory cytokine induction. Herein, we have examined the role of anti-HpHSP60 antibody in host immune responses for the first time. This study demonstrated that H. pylori HSP60/mAbs could modulate helicobacterial pathogenesis by increasing IL-8 and TNF-α production. The pathogen-specific antibodies may execute potential immune functions rather than recognize or neutralize microbes.