Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection

Article Abstract:

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection appears to be associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder that may be related to immune system function. HCV infection may result in liver diseases including chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis and has already been associated with cryoglobulinemia, which is a blood disorder. Eight patients with HCV infection and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis were identified. All eight had proteinuria, which is an excess of blood proteins in the urine, and seven had diminished kidney function. Six had a history of abnormal liver function. All patients had immunoglobulin deposits on the capillary walls of their kidneys, and most had immune complexes circulating through the body. All four patients treated with interferon alfa, which has immunoregulatory and anti-viral effects, showed some improvement in their kidney and liver function.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Hepatitis C, Glomerulonephritis

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Cytotoxic-T-cell responses, viral load, and disease progression in early human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Article Abstract:

The production of T cells that recognize HIV early in the infection appears to keep viral levels down and prevent the disease from progressing. Researchers took blood samples from 33 newly infected HIV patients and tested them for viral RNA and activated T cells that recognized certain viral proteins. Seventy-four percent had such T cells that persisted over several months. The viral protein recognized most often by these T cells was the envelope protein. Patients with the highest levels of these T cells had lower viral levels and also were less likely to become severely immunosuppressed.

Measurement, HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV (Viruses), HIV, T cells, Viremia, Viral load

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The danger within

Article Abstract:

Uric acid crystals may stimulate the immune system and could be used to develop effective vaccines. Uric acid is produced by dying cells as they degrade DNA and RNA. Normally, this allows the immune system to eliminate dying cells inside the body. But it could also be used to immunize someone against a micro-organism.

Uric acid

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