Showing papers by "Michael J. Garlepp published in 1995"

Apolipoprotein E ϵ4 in inclusion body myositis

Abstract: The genetic predisposition to inclusion body myositis (IBM) is probably multifactorial. The deposition of the β-amyloid protein is a characteristic histological feature of both IBM and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ϵ4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APO E) has been strongly associated with familial and late-onset AD. We therefore compared the APO E allele frequencies in a group of 14 patients with IBM with those in a group of patients with other inflammatory muscle diseases and in the general population. The frequency of the ϵ4 allele in IBM was increased (0.29) compared with that in patients with other inflammatory muscle diseases (0.15) and the general population (0.13) (p < 0.05). These data suggest that APO E genotype may be one of the factors involved in determining the predisposition to the development of IBM.

Malignant mesothelioma: new insights into tumour biology and immunology as a basis for new treatment approaches.

Abstract: Recent decades have witnessed a dramatic rise in the incidence of malignant mesothelioma as a result of the mining of asbestos and its widespread use in industry. In spite of current measures to reduce exposure to asbestos, the incidence of mesothelioma is predicted to continue increasing for another 20 years' as a result of the prolonged latency period between exposure to asbestos and development of the disease. Given the failure of conventional medical treatment to make an impact on mesothelioma, the need is urgent to develop new treatment strategies directed at this tumour. This review focuses on new insights into the basic tumour biology and immunology ofmesothelioma, and suggests how they might be applied in new approaches to treatment.