Background: Monocytes are the main blood innate mononuclear phagocyte and one of the most important effector cells expressing Fcγ receptor, which is critical for the interaction with Fc domain of antibodies. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Rituximab (RTX, a chimeric human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) on the functional activities of Monocytes (MOs) at the onset of human Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Methods: MOs were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from volunteer patients with recent-onset T1D and healthy control donors. Results: The levels of the production of Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were significantly increased in MOs from patients with T1D when compared to MOs from healthy controls (respectively, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Similarly, Interferon γ (IFN-γ), and intracellular free Calcium Ion (ifCa2+) levels were increased in T1D MOs than in control MOs, but the difference did not reach a significant level. Conversely, the production levels of IL-4 and catalase activity, as well as of both phagocytosis and killing capacities were decreased in MOs of T1D patients compared to MOs from healthy controls, but the difference was not significant for catalase activity and killing capacity (respectively, p < 0.01, p > 0.05, p < 0.01, and p > 0.05). Additionally, treatment with RTX significantly upregulated phagocytosis (p < 0.05), markedly downregulated the release of IL-1β (p < 0.01), ifCa2+, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and slightly downregulated the Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) activity, NOS activity-to-arginase activity ratio, the levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)-based cytotoxicity, and the production of IL-6 and IFN-γ. Moreover, RTX treatment significantly upregulated the production of IL-4 (p < 0.05), IL-10 (p < 0.01) and the catalase activity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study has shown for the first time that RTX can reverse the abnormal functional activities of MOs as well as their production of proinflammatory cytokines at the onset of T1D. From a therapeutic point of view, RTX may potentially be suggested at the beginning of T1D to immunomodulate innate immunity and inflammatory conditions.

Discussion Improvement of the recorded changes in the heart rate and LVEDD after VD therapy implements an important role of VD through its effect on the concentration of the extracellular calcium ion that could modify the strength of the myocardial contraction through excitation-contraction coupling. Conclusion These data strongly indicate that the maintenance of an optimal vitamin D status may be a promising approach for the prevention and/or therapy of myocardial diseases and in countries with high prevalence of VDD, vitamin D supplementation can prevent this risk of cardiac dysfunction. Background and aims The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the surgical standard of care for repair of transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA). Until recently, anatomical variations of the coronary arteries, especially the intramural course of a single coronary artery, were considered contraindications for ASO. Transfer of the coronary arteries may be a surgical challenge in these cases increasing the risk of (sub-)acute coronary artery occlusions. Methods We report our management of two exemplary cases of D-TGA with coronary artery anomalies: PO-0047(1) Single coronary ostium of RCA, Cx and LAD originating from aortic sinus II and an intramural course of the proximal LAD.(2) Side-by-side position of the great arteries, RCA and LAD originating from sinus I and Cx from sinus II. Results Both neonates successfully underwent ASO with transfer of the coronary arteries.During the post-operative period, patient 1 was diagnosed with a subacute anteroseptal ischemia and was then managed conservatively. Follow-up echocardiogram at 12 months demonstrated satisfactory left and good right ventricular function.The postsurgical course of patient 2 was uneventful with good biventricular function at follow-up. Conclusions Anatomical variations of the coronary arteries require adaptions of the surgical technique of coronary artery transfer. Nowadays, ASO is even possible in patients with D-TGA and complex coronary anomalies. The long-term management, however, has to be evaluated, e.g. regarding the need for coronary artery re-surgery. Background and aims Absent pulmonary valve (APV) is a rare congenital defect of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The genetics of APV are unknown. However, mutations in the NOTCH-signalling pathway have been associated with RVOT obstruction. Mutations in the JAG-1 gene cause a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from an isolated heart defect to the complete clinical features of Alagille syndrome. PO-0050We present the case of a 14 month-old girl with APV and a family history of Alagille syndrome. Methods Pulmonary stenosis and a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) had been diagnosed prenatally. Postnatal echocardiogram revealed an APV, pulmonary stenosis, a large sub-aortal VSD, and right ventricular hypertrophy.Genetic analysis of the JAG-1 gene showed a frame-shiftmutation in exon 12 of the JAG-1 gene that had not been described before.The patient underwent corrective heart surgery at 9 months o...

Background and aims Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that results from the progressive and selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Trace elements have a key role as well as in adaptive immunity in inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to measure circulating levels of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and protein fractions in patients with T1D. Methods Sixty (60) subjects aged less than 15 years, divided into two similar groups (30 with recently type 1 diabetes and 30 controls) were recruited in the Department of Paediatrics of Tlemcen University Hospital. Zinc and copper were measured by polarimetry. The protein fractions were measured by zone electrophoresis on cellulose acetate (PFIC, serum protein electrophoresis) (HELENA, USA). Results Serum Zn and Cu levels were significantly elevated in type 1 diabetes compared with controls (respectively, p = 0.001, p = 0.002). 0,05)." >However, the percentage of alpha -1, alpha -2, beta and gamma globulins, and the total rate of serum globulins were identical in the two groups (p > 0.05). Conversely, the percentage of albumin and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly decreased in type 1 diabetes compared with controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion Disorders Zn and Cu could be significant immunological abnormalities and inflammatory signs at the beginning of the installation of T1D. Background and aims To assess the levels of lipid peroxidation and circulating levels of nitric oxide (NO), lipoproteins and immunoglobulins in type 1 diabetes children. Methods Thirty (30) type 1 diabetic patients newly diagnosed and 30 healthy control subjects, comparable for age (less than 15 years), sex and body mass index (BMI) were recruited in the Department of Paediatrics in the Mother and Child Hospital of Tlemcen. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, CH2 (CHO) 2) using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA). The serum NOx (nitrate and nitrite, NOx [NO2-, NO3-]) was measured as an indirect marker of the formation of NO in vivo by the Griess method. Lipoproteins were measured by ultrasensitive gel electrophoresis (SEBIA, France). PO-0052 NITRIC OXIDE, IMMUNOGLOBULINS AND LIPID Immunoglobulins were determined by the radial immunodiffusion technique (IDR).Results Circulating levels of MDA and NO production were significantly higher in type 1 diabetic patients compared to controls (respectively, p = 0.001, p = 0.01). This was also the same for immunoglobulins A, G and M (for all comparisons, p < 0.01). Circulating levels of alpha lipoprotein and Lp (a) were similar in both groups (p > 0.05); however, those of the pre-beta and beta lipoproteins were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (respectively, p = 0.039, p = 0.018). Conclusion The onset of the DT1 is associated with nitrogen stress and oxidation of circulating lipids. Also, the excessive formation of NO and MDA may be the result of inflammatory conditions associated with the autoimmune disease process. PO-0053 HEALTH AFFECTING BEHA...