Objective. To evaluate the correlation between the presence of antibodies to an endogenous retroviral element-encoded nuclear protein autoantigen, HRES-1, and the presence of other antinuclear antibodies and HLA class I1 alleles in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and overlap syndromes.Methods. Antibody reactivities to native and recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides were assessed by counterimmunoelectrophoresis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. HLA class I1 alleles were determined by oligonucleotide typing.Results. significant association between anti-HRES-1 and anti-RNP and an inverse correlation between HRES-1 and RolLa autoantibodies in patients with SLE or overlap syndromes. Antigenic epitopes of HRES-1 and the retroviral gag-related region of the 70-kd protein component of U1 small nuclear RNP, which share 3 consecutive highly charged amino acids (Arg-Arg-Glu), an additional Arg, and functionally similar ArgILys residues, represent cross-reactive epitopes between the two proteins. Selective removal of HRES-1 antibodies from sera of HRES-l-seropositive/RNP-seropositive patients by absorption on recombinant HRES-l/glutathione-Stransferase-conjugated agarose beads had no effect on anti-RNP reactivities. A comparative multivariate analysis of HLA class I1 genes revealed a differential segregation of DQBl alleles in HRES-l-seropositive versus HRES-1-seronegative patients (P = 0.04). While a relative increase of DQB1*0402 among HRES-1-seropositive patients was noted across ethnic groups (P = 0.02), a decrease of DQB1*0201 and DQB1*0301 was found in white HRES-l-seropositive patients (P = 0.04).Conclusion. Autoantibodies to HRES-1 are detectable in a distinct subset of patients with autoimmune disease, primarily in those who do not have antibodies to Ro and La. Anti-HRES-1 and anti-RNP reactivities are mediated by cross-reactive but separate antibody molecules. HLA-DQB genes, rather than HLA-DRB or DQA genes, may have a more significant influence on generation of these antinuclear autoantibodies.A hallmark of the destructive autoimmune process in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

As demonstrated by truly objective and quantitative means, intense pulsed light is effective for reducing rosacea-associated blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema.

BACKGROUND. Despite the widespread and quite successful use of various lasers and light sources to treat facial erythema, the literature contains little, if any, objective and quantitative improvement. In addition, very few studies specifically address rosacea-associated erythema. OBJECTIVE. To assess quantitatively the degree of improvement in patients with rosacea after intense pulsed light treatment. The three main parameters that were objectively measured were blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema. METHODS. Four patients with rosacea-associated erythema and telangiectasia were treated five times at 3-week intervals with the Photoderm VL (Lumenis, Needham, MA). The 515-nm filter, a single pulse duration of 3 ms, and various fluences were used. Blood flow was measured by the scanning laser Doppler. Close-up photography ensured reproducibility and enabled quantification of telangiectasia and erythema by subsequent computer image analysis. Measurements were taken at baseline and at 1 month after the last treatment. RESULTS. The scanning laser Doppler demonstrated a 30% decrease in blood flow (Po0.05). A 29% decrease in actual area of the cheek occupied by telangiectasia was noted (Po0.05). A 21% decrease in the intensity of erythema was noted (Po0.05). CONCLUSION. As demonstrated by truly objective and quantitative means, intense pulsed light is effective for reducing rosacea-associated blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema.

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