The mRNA expression of eight different cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 19 individuals with multiple sclerosis was determined at baseline and after 6 months of open-label treatment with natalizumab. Cellular expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) mRNA and number of cells secreting TNFalpha and interferon gamma protein significantly increased over the 6 months. Kurtzke EDSS scores improved because of the resolution of relapses, but not fatigue severity scores. The observed increases in systemic proinflammatory cytokines by natalizumab treatment are discussed in relation to fatigue and systemic immunity.

The role played by gastric fluid refluxed from the stomach into the oesophagus of patients with symutomatic sliding hiatal hernia has been evaluated in terms of gastric bile salt concentration and acid secretion rates. Patients with a peptic stricture had a higher basal acid output than control subjects. Approximately half of both hiatal hernia groups studied had periods of increased total bile salt concentrations either while fasting or following a test meal, This would indicate abnormal pyloric function in these patients. The quantitative examination of total and individual bile salts in solution in gastric juice suggests that a combination of gastric acid pepsin and bile may be a major, factor in the pathogenesis of the clinical responses to gastrooesophageal reflux. Neither total nor individual bile salt concentrations found in gastric juice helped to differentiate between the specific types of response seen in symptomatic sliding hiatal hernia.

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