Safety of the yellow fever vaccine in people living with HIV: a longitudinal study exploring post-vaccination viremia and hematological and liver kinetics

ABSTRACT Background: Safety data on the yellow fever vaccine 17DD in People Living with HIV (PLWH) are limited. This study explored the occurrence of post-vaccination 17DD viremia and the kinetics of hematological and liver laboratorial parameters in PLWH and HIV-uninfected participants [HIV(-) controls]. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a longitudinal interventional trial (NCT03132311) study that enrolled PLWH and HIV(-) controls to receive a single 17DD dose and were followed at 5, 30 and 365 days after vaccination in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 17DD viremia (obtained throughreal-time PCR and plaque forming units' assays), hematological (neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets counts) and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) results were assessed at baseline and Days 5 and 30 post-vaccination. Logistic regression models explored factors associated with the odds of having positive 17DD viremia. Linear regression models explored variables associated with hematological and liver enzymes results at Day 5. Results: A total of 202 PLWH with CD4 > 200 cells/μL and 68 HIV(-) controls were included in the analyses. 17DD viremia was found in 20.0 % of the participants and was twice more frequent in PLWH than in HIV(-) controls (22.8% vs. 11.8 %, p-value < 0.001). Neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets counts dropped at Day 5 and returned to baseline values at Day 30. 17DD viremia was associated with lower nadir of lymphocytes and platelets at Day 5. ALT levels did not increase post-vaccination and were not associated with 17DD viremia. Conclusions: 17DD was safe and well-tolerated in PLWH with CD4 > 200 cells/μL. Post-vaccination viremia was more frequent in PLWH than in controls. Transient and self-limited decreases in lymphocytes and neutrophils occurred early after vaccination. 17DD viremia was associated with lower lymphocytes and platelets nadir after vaccination. We did not observe elevations in ALT after 17DD vaccination.

Humoral and Cellular Immunology in Human Prostate Cancer: Plasma Cells and T and B Lymphocytes / Inmunología Humoral y Celular en el Cáncer de Próstata Humano: Células Plasmáticas y Linfocitos T y B

SUMMARY: In solid and malignant tumors, innate and adaptive immunity are combined in antitumor responses. This study aimed to analyze the activation of plasma cells and the correlation between the infiltration of B and T lymphocytes with the degree of malignancy or Gleason grade in human prostate biopsies diagnosed with cancer. Prostate cancer biopsies were obtained from the Clinical Hospital of Universidad de Chile (n=70), according to the bioethical norms of the institution. Histological sections of 5µm thickness were processed for immunohistochemistry with primary antibodies against BL and total TL (HRP/DAB). Recognition and quantification were performed under a Leica DM750 optical microscope. Microsoft Excel and GraphPad software were used for the statistical study. Correlation coefficient (Pearson) and mean comparison tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn) and p≤ 0.05 were developed. B and T lymphocyte populations were inversely interregulated in prostate cancer (Gleason) (r= -0.46). Their relationship with Gleason grade is variable according to lymphocyte type (LB vs. Gleason r= -0.0.47 and LT vs. Gleason r= -0.21). Histological diagnosis of prostate cancer correlates with a predominance of LT. The malignancy of the pathology correlates with a predominance of LTs, according to the Gleason grade. The increased knowledge of B and T lymphocyte infiltration and plasma cell activation could be used to better target clinical trials on treatments based on immune system responses. Immunotherapy could be a new paradigm to apply better antitumor therapy strategies.

En tumores sólidos y malignos, la inmunidad innata y adaptativa se combinan en respuestas antitumorales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la activación de células plasmáticas y la correlación entre la infiltración de linfocitos B y T con el grado de malignidad o grado de Gleason en biopsias de próstata humana diagnosticadas con cáncer. Las biopsias de cáncer de próstata se obtuvieron del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (n=70), de acuerdo con las normas bioéticas de la institución. Secciones histológicas de 5 µm de espesor fueron procesadas para inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos primarios contra LB y LT total (HRP/DAB). El reconocimiento y las cuantificaciones se realizaron bajo un microscopio óptico Leica DM750. Para el estudio estadístico se utilizaron los programas Microsoft Excel y GraphPad. Se desarrollaron pruebas de coeficiente de correlación (Pearson) y comparación de medias (Kruskal-Wallis y Dunn) y p≤ 0.05. Los resultados muestran que las poblaciones de linfocitos B y T están inversamente interreguladas en el cáncer de próstata (r= -0,4578). Su relación con el grado de Gleason es variable según el tipo de linfocito (LB vs Gleason r= -0,47* y LT vs Gleason r= -0,21). Se concluye que la malignidad del cáncer de próstata se correlaciona con un predominio de LT, versus el grado de Gleason. El mayor conocimiento de la infiltración de linfocitos B y T y la activación de células plasmáticas podría aprovecharse para una mejor orientación de ensayos clínicos en tratamientos basados en las respuestas del sistema inmunitario. La inmunoterapia podría ser un nuevo paradigma para aplicar mejores estrategias de terapias antitumorales.

Evaluation of lymphocyte count, T-cell subsets and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as early predictors for severity and outcome of COVID-19 disease-a report from a highly complex hospital in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lymphopenia is a laboratory marker of poor prognosis and severity of disease in the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aims to describe the immune profile of a Brazilian population. Methods: A total of 121 consecutive patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were analyzed between April and June 2020. Routine peripheral blood counts and multiparametric flow cytometry were performed on admission to assess lymphocytes and subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8). Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from hospital sources. Results: The total of 116 patients included 63 (54.3%) males; 76 (62.8%) COVID-19 patients were divided, based on clinical characteristics and mechanical ventilation (MV) use, into moderate (n = 41; no MV) and severe (n = 35; MV) groups. The control group (n = 40) was comprised of patients with SARS of different etiologies. All patients had lymphopenia, with overall lymphocyte counts and their subsets considerably lower in severe patients, when compared to the moderate and controls. Patients with a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (> 15.2) and T-cell lymphopenia (CD3 < 593 cells/μL, CD4 < 326 cells/μL, CD8 < 121 cells/μL) had a higher risk of being intubated and progressing to death. A total of 39 patients (95.1%) in the moderate group and 54.3% (n = 19) in the severe group were discharged; 28 patients died. Conclusion: Laboratory assessment of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and T-cell subsets may be predictive of mortality and may be useful for stratifying COVID-19 patients.

Programmed cell death protein 1 is a marker for neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are detectable in up to 75% of triple-negative breast cancer. The composition of these infiltrates may influence prognosis and is not known regarding regulatory or effector lymphocytes. The objectives of this study were to describe and quantify the composition of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes before and after chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and to evaluate their association with complete pathological response and overall survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study. Clinical and pathological data from 38 triple-negative breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the University Hospital (HUCFF/UFRJ), between November 2004 and November 2018, were analyzed. The Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) have been identified on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections according to the guidelines of the "International tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes Working Group." Immunohistochemistry studies were performed to identify T-cell subsets (i.e., CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3) and T-cell exhaustion (i.e., programmed cell death protein 1). RESULTS: Statistically significant changes in stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte categories were observed before and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with 32% of intermediate cases becoming high. The correlation between pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and pathological response, pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and overall survival was not statistically significant. However, we noticed an increase of cells that favor the antitumor activity (i.e., CD3, CD8, and CD8/FOXP3 ratio) and decreased levels of cells inhibiting tumor activities (i.e., FOXP3 and programmed cell death protein 1) post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Importantly, programmed cell death protein 1 expression pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed an association with pathological response. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that chemotherapy significantly increases stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, CD8 T cells, as well as CD8/FoxP3 ratio. Most importantly, programmed cell death protein 1 expression before neoadjuvant chemotherapy positively correlates with pathological response suggesting the use of programmed cell death protein 1 as a prognostic marker before neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract Atherosclerosis has been defined as an inflammatory disease. Three decades of research have pointed to a pivotal role of interleukin 6 for many aspects of cardiovascular disease, not the least of which is atherosclerosis. In this review, experimental and clinical studies are reported on a timeline, exploring mechanisms and possible explanations that form the basis of current knowledge. Some successful clinical trials were proof of concept studies, showing that not only inflammatory biomarkers are related to cardiovascular outcomes, but also that decreasing inflammation can reduce cardiovascular events. Great advances have been made in the management of residual cardiovascular risk due to cholesterol, thrombosis, and metabolic diseases, but the next frontier now seems to be targeting inflammation. In the upcoming years, the importance of inflammation will be evaluated in high-risk patients with chronic kidney disease, after acute coronary heart disease or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Inflammation seems to precede the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, counseling for a heathy lifestyle and, when necessary, the use of cardiometabolic therapies capable of decreasing inflammation, might be important.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cohort study / Razão neutrófilos-linfócitos e razão plaquetas-linfócitos e o prognóstico de hemorragia subaracnóidea aneurismática: um estudo de coorte

Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) prognosis remains poor. Vasospasm mechanism might be associated with inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied as inflammation markers and prognostic predictors. Objective We aimed to investigate NLR and PLR in admission as predictors of angiographic vasospasm and functional outcome at 6 months. Methods This cohort study included consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to a tertiary center. Complete blood count was recorded at admission before treatment. White blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, NLR, and PLR were collected as independent variables. Vasospasm occurrence-modified Rankin scale (mRS), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and Hunt-Hess score at admission and at 6 months were recorded as dependent variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding and to assess the independent prognostic value of NLR and PLR at admission. Results A total of 74.1% of the patients were female, with mean age of 55.6 ± 12.4 years. At admission, the median Hunt-Hess score was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1), and the median mFisher was 3 (IQR 1). Microsurgical clipping was the treatment for 66.2% of the patients. Angiographic vasospasm incidence was 16.5%. At 6 months, the median GOS was 4 (IQR 0.75), and the median mRS was 3 (IQR 1.5). Twenty-one patients (15.1%) died. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and PLR levels did not differ between favorable and unfavorable (mRS > 2 or GOS < 4) functional outcomes. No variables were significantly associated with angiographic vasospasm. Conclusion Admission NLR and PLR presented no value for prediction of functional outcome or angiographic vasospasm risk. Further research is needed in this field.

Resumo Antecedentes O prognóstico da hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) permanece ruim. Vasoespasmo pode estar associado à inflamação. Razões neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) têm sido estudadas como marcadores de inflamação e prognóstico. Objetivo Investigar NLR e PLR na admissão como preditores de vasoespasmo angiográfico e desfecho aos 6 meses. Métodos Este estudo de coorte incluiu pacientes consecutivos com HSA aneurismática de um centro terciário. Contagem de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e plaquetas, proporção de neutrófilos para linfócitos e de plaquetas para linfócitos foram coletados como variáveis independentes. Ocorrência de vasoespasmo, escala de Rankin modificada, escala de desfecho de Glasgow e o escore de Hunt-Hess na admissão e 6 meses após a mesma foram registradas como variáveis dependentes. Modelos de regressão logística multivariável foram usados para ajustar potenciais fatores de confusão e avaliar valor prognóstico independente de NLR e PLR. Resultados Um total de 74,1% pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 55,6 ± 12,4 anos. Na admissão, a pontuação média de Hunt-Hess foi de 2 (IQR 1) e a mediana de mFisher foi de 3 (IQR 1). Clipagem microcirúrgica foi o tratamento escolhido para 66,2% dos pacientes. A incidência de vasoespasmo angiográfico foi de 16,5%. Aos 6 meses, a escala de desfecho de Glasgow mediana era 4 (IQR 0,75) e a escala de Rankin modificada mediana era 3 (IQR 1,5). Vinte e um pacientes (15,1%) morreram. Os níveis de NLR e PLR não diferiram entre resultados funcionais favoráveis e desfavoráveis (mRS > 2 ou GOS < 4). Nenhuma variável foi significativamente associada ao vasoespasmo angiográfico. Conclusão Razão neutrófilo-linfócito e a PLR não apresentaram valor preditivo de desfecho funcional ou risco de vasoespasmo angiográfico. Mais pesquisas são necessárias neste campo.

Efecto de la inmunidad celular en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético con Heberprot-P® / Effect of cellular immunity in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with Heberprot-P®

Introducción: Los diabéticos muestran una disminuida función del sistema inmune. Su complicación más temida es la aparición de las úlceras del pie. El Heberprot-P® tiene efectos beneficiosos en la curación de estas úlceras. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la inmunidad celular en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético con Heberprot-P®. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, prospectivo, de serie de casos, en 30 pacientes con úlcera de pie diabético, ingresados en el Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular. Se administraron 75 µg de Heberprot-P®, tres veces por semana, a través de vías peri- e intralesional, durante ocho semanas. Se evaluaron las variables edad, sexo, glucemia en ayunas, creatinina, urea, ácido úrico, prueba de hipersensibilidad retardada, porcentaje de granulación, tiempo de cierre de la lesión y localización de la úlcera, antes de comenzar el tratamiento, a las 4 y 8 semanas. Resultados: Se precisó un predominio del 60 por ciento en el sexo femenino y del color de piel blanca. Los niveles de glucemia y creatinina se comportaron más elevados en los anérgicos; la urea fue similar tanto en anérgicos como en reactivos; y el ácido úrico resultó mayor en hombres reactivos y en mujeres anérgicas. Hubo mayor proporción de reactivos (63,6 por ciento), que en la cuarta semana presentaron un tejido de granulación igual o mayor al 50 por ciento; y a la octava, igual o mayor al 70 por ciento. Conclusiones: La condición en los pacientes diabéticos de ser reactivo a las pruebas de hipersensibilidad retardada con úlcera de pie diabético de tipo neuropática, tratados con Heberprot-P®, está asociada directamente con una mejor respuesta en la cicatrización de sus lesiones, mediante la formación del tejido de granulación, que favorece el cierre total o parcial de la lesión. Esto no ocurrió con los pacientes anérgicos a dicha prueba(AU)

Introduction: Diabetics show decreased immune system function. Its most feared complication is the appearance of foot ulcers. Heberprot-P® has beneficial effects in healing these ulcers. Objective: To assess the effect of cellular immunity in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with Heberprot-P®. Methods: An observational, prospective, case series study was conducted in 30 patients with diabetic foot ulcer admitted to the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. 75 µg of Heberprot-P®, three times a week, were administered through peri- and intralesional routes, during eight weeks. The variables age, sex, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, delayed hypersensitivity test, percentage of granulation, time of closure of the lesion and location of the ulcer, before starting treatment, at 4 and 8 weeks were evaluated. Results: A predominance of 60 % in females and white skin color were specified. Blood glucose and creatinine levels behaved higher in the anergics; urea was similar in both anergics and reagents; and uric acid was higher in reactive men and anergic women. There was a higher proportion of reagents (63.6 por ciento), which in the fourth week presented a granulation tissue equal to or greater than 50 por ciento; and at the eighth week, it was equal to or greater than 70 por ciento. Conclusions: The condition of being reactive to delayed hypersensitivity tests in diabetic patients with diabetic foot ulcer of neuropathic type, treated with Heberprot-P® is directly associated with a better response in the healing of their lesions, through the formation of granulation tissue, which favors the total or partial closure of the lesion. This did not occur with patients who were anergic to this test(AU)

TTYH3 is a prognostic biomarker and associates with immune cell infiltrations of lung adenocarcinoma / TTYH3 es un biomarcador pronóstico y se asocia con infiltraciones de células inmunitarias del adenocarcinoma de pulmón

SUMMARY: We investigated Tweety Family Member 3 (TTYH3) level in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its relationship with immune infiltration in tumors by bioinformatics. Differential expressions of TTYH3 in lung cancer were analyzed with Oncomine, TIMER, GEO, UALCAN and HPA. Relationship of TTYH3 mRNA/protein levels with clinical parameters was analyzed by UALCAN. Co-expressed genes of TTYH3 in LUAD were analyzed using Cbioportal. Its relationship with LUAD prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. GO and KEGG analysis were performed. Correlation between TTYH3 and tumor immune infiltration were tested by TIMER, TISIDB and GEPIA. We found that TTYH3 was significantly increased in LUAD tissues. TTYH3 high expression was closely related to poor overall survival, post progression survival and first progression in LUAD patients. TTYH3 mRNA/protein levels were significantly associated with multiple pathways. Specifically, TTYH3 up-regulation was mostly related to biological regulation, metabolic process, protein blinding, extracellular matrix organization and pathways in cancer. Moreover, TTYH3 was positively associated with immune cell infiltration in LUAD. Finally, TTYH3 was highly expressed in LUAD as revealed by meta-analysis. TTYH3 is closely related to the prognosis of LUAD and immune cell infiltration, and it can be used as a prognostic biomarker for LUAD and immune infiltration.

Investigamos por bioinformática el nivel de Tweety Family Member 3 (TTYH3) con adenocarcinoma de pulmón (LUAD) y su relación con la infiltración inmune en tumores. Las expresiones diferenciales de TTYH3 en cáncer de pulmón se analizaron con Oncomine, TIMER, GEO, UALCAN y HPA. Con UALCAN se analizó la relación de los niveles de ARNm/proteína de TTYH3 con los parámetros clínicos. Los genes coexpresados de TTYH3 en LUAD se analizaron utilizando Cbioportal. Su relación con el pronóstico LUAD se analizó mediante plotter de Kaplan- Meier. Se realizaron análisis GO y KEGG. TIMER, TISIDB y GEPIA probaron la correlación entre TTYH3 y la infiltración inmune tumoral. Encontramos que TTYH3 aumentó significativamente en los tejidos LUAD. La alta expresión de TTYH3 estuvo estrechamente relacionada con una supervivencia general deficiente, supervivencia posterior a la progresión y primera progresión en pacientes con LUAD. Los niveles de ARNm/ proteína de TTYH3 se asociaron significativamente con múltiples vías. Específicamente, la regulación positiva de TTYH3 se relacionó principalmente con la regulación biológica, el proceso metabólico, el cegamiento de proteínas, la organización de la matriz extracelular y las vías en el cáncer. Además, TTYH3 se asoció positivamente con la infiltración de células inmunitarias en LUAD. Finalmente, TTYH3 se expresó altamente en LUAD como lo reveló el metanálisis. TTYH3 está estrechamente relacionado con el pronóstico de LUAD y la infiltración de células inmunitarias, y se puede utilizar como biomarcador pronóstico para LUAD y la infiltración de células inmunitarias.

Linfoma em cão da raça cane corso: relato de caso / Lymphoma in a cane corso dog: case report / Linfoma en un perro cane corso: relato de un caso

Os linfócitos são células de defesa do organismo que funcionam como barreira contra infecções e células cancerígenas, elas circulam pelo sistema linfático e estão presentes por todo o organismo do animal, podem se proliferar de forma maligna, caracterizando o linfoma. Acometem em sua maioria, cães de raças de grande porte, animais de meia idade e idosos. Sendo uma doença de etiologia desconhecida, vários fatores podem contribuir para sua evolução, como deficiências autoimunes, bem como hábitos alimentares ao longo da vida do animal, ou até por predisposição genética. O presente relato de caso, tem o objetivo de mostrar a evolução gradual da doença, quais sinais clínicos o animal poderá apresentar, e como os exames laboratoriais podem nos auxiliar em seu diagnóstico.(AU)

The lymphocytes are defense cells of the body that act as a barrier against infection and cancer cells, they circulate through the lymphatic system and are present throughout the animal's body, and can proliferate in a malignant way, characterizing the lymphoma. They mostly affect large breed dogs, middle-aged and elderly animals. Being a disease of unknown etiology, several factors may contribute to its evolution, such as autoimmune deficiencies, as well as food habits throughout the animal's life, or even genetic predisposition. The present case report has the objective of showing the gradual evolution of the disease, which clinical signs the animal may present, and how laboratory tests can help us in its diagnosis.(AU)

Los linfocitos son células de defensa del organismo que actúan como barrera contra infecciones y células cancerígenas, circulan por el sistema linfático y están presentes en todo el organismo del animal, pudiendo proliferar de forma maligna, caracterizando el linfoma. Afectan sobre todo a perros de razas grandes, animales de mediana edad y ancianos. Siendo una enfermedad de etiología desconocida, varios factores pueden contribuir a su evolución, como deficiencias autoinmunes, así como hábitos alimentarios a lo largo de la vida del animal, o incluso predisposición genética. El presente caso clínico tiene como objetivo mostrar la evolución gradual de la enfermedad, qué signos clínicos puede presentar el animal y cómo las pruebas de laboratorio pueden ayudarnos en su diagnóstico.(AU)

Effect of T-lymphocyte and subpopulation counts on the prognosis of patients with severe acute pancreatitis / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of T-lymphocyte and subpopulation counts on the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients.Methods:The clinical data of 90 patients with SAP diagnosed at the Shanghai General Hospital between January 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into good prognosis and poor prognosis group according to whether they were diagnosed for 28 d. The general information of the patients was recorded, including blood-related immunological indicators within 24 h of diagnosis, including leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, CD 3+ , CD 4+ , CD 8+ T-lymphocyte count and CD 4+ /CD 8+ T-lymphocyte ratio, IgG4 level; blood inflammation index procalcitonin, albumin level and APACHEⅡ score at admission; survival and complication status of patients at 28 d of diagnosis. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the correlation between each index and the prognosis of the patients. The subject operating characteristic curve (ROC) of patients was plotted, and area under curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the value of CD 3+ and CD 4+ T-lymphocytes in predicting the prognosis of SAP. Results:The majority of SAP patients were male (65.6%). The main cause of SAP was gallstone (56.7%), followed by hyperlipidemia (35.6%). At 28 days after diagnosis, 85(94.4%) patients survived, and 39 of them were cured and included in the good prognosis group. Forty-six cases were complicated with infection, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and local pancreatic complications, and 5 cases (5.56%) died; and a total of 51 cases were included in the poor prognosis group. Compared with the good prognosis group, the number of CD 3+ T-lymphocytes [366(268, 498) cells /μl vs 709(578, 999) cells /μl], CD 4+ T-lymphocytes [209(120, 298) cells /μl vs 486(303, 548) cells /μl] and albumin level (33.9 g/L vs 35.9 g/L) within 24 hours in the poor prognosis group were significantly lower, while the level of procalcitonin (1.02 ng/ml vs 0.43 ng/ml) and APACHEⅡ score [7(4, 10) vs 5(3, 8)] were significantly increased, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values for CD 3+ and CD 4+ T-lymphocyte counts within 24 hours for predicting poor prognosis of SAP were 0.857 (95% CI 0.696-1.000) and 0.867 (95% CI 0.708-1.000), respectively. The cut-off values were 524 cells /μl and 301 cells /μl, the sensitivity were both 85.7%, and the specificity were 78.6% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusions:The significant decrease of peripheral blood CD 3+ and CD 4+ T-lymphocyte count within 24 h of SAP diagnosis has a certain predictive value for the prognosis of patients with SAP.

The expression of WT1 gene and its clinical characteristics in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of WT1 gene in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and explore its clinical characteristics and correlation with the prognosis of ALL.Methods:The clinical data of 183 children with newly diagnosed ALL in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2015 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The expression level of WT1 gene in bone marrow samples was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The children were followed up to June 2021 with a median follow-up time of 46 months (0 to 63 months).Results:Among 183 children with ALL, the WT1 gene positive was in 130 cases (71.04%), and the expression level was 1.41% (0.26%, 6.73%); WT1 gene negative was in 53 cases (28.96%). The expression levels of WT1 gene in children with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), non-hyperdiploid and middle/high-risk were significantly increased, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); however, there were no statistical differences in the expression levels of WT1 gene between children with different gender, chromosome karyotype, hepatosplenomegaly and the first diagnosis white blood cell count ( P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in complete remission rate and recurrence rate after induction chemotherapy between WT1 gene positive children and WT1 gene negative children: 87.69% (114/130) vs. 86.79% (46/53) and 16.15% (21/130) vs. 18.87% (10/53), P>0.05. By the end of follow-up, 179 children were followed up, and there was no statistical difference in survival rate between WT1 gene positive children and WT1 gene negative children: 89.68% (113/126) vs. 86.79% (46/53), P>0.05. Among the children with WT1 gene positive, relapse was in 21 cases, and there was no statistical difference in the expression level of WT1 gene after complete remission or after relapse, compared with that while the first diagnosis ( P>0.05); among non-relapse children, 96 completed the detection, the expression level of WT1 gene after complete remission was significantly lower than the first diagnosis: 0.17% (0.04%, 0.49%) vs. 2.01% (0.41%, 8.82%), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis result showed there was no statistical difference in survival time between WT1 gene positive children and WT1 gene negative children ( P>0.05). According to the median expression level of WT1 gene (1.41%), the children with WT1 gene positive were divided into high expression (66 cases) and low expression (64 cases), there was no statistical difference in survival time between high expression children and low expression children ( P>0.05). Conclusions:WT1 gene is commonly expressed in children with ALL and is associated with some clinical features and prognosis of the children. Decreased WT1 gene expression may result in better prognosis.

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) for hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Patients with AIS received intravenous thrombolysis in the Department of Neurology, Huai’an First People’s Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022 were included retrospectively. The head CT was performed at 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis and determined whether HT existed. sICH was defined as brain parenchymal hematoma, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores increased by ≥4 compared with the baseline, or the patient died within 36 h after onset. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlation between SII and HT and sICH after intravenous thrombolysis. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of SII for HT and sICH after intravenous thrombolysis. Results:A total of 352 patients with AIS received intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled, including 240 males (68.1%), aged 66.46±12.00 years. The median baseline NIHSS score was 8 (interquartile range, 5-13), and the median SII is 531.91×10 9/L (interquartile range, 351.20-896.91×10 9/L). HT occurred in 62 patients (17.6%) and sICH occurred in 27 patients (7.7%). Univariate analysis showed that the SII of the HT group was significantly higher than that of the non-HT group ( Z=–2.731, P=0.006), and the SII of the sICH group was significantly higher than that of non-sICH group ( Z=–4.125, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increased SII was the independent risk factor for HT (odds ratio [ OR] 1.001, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.000-1.001; P=0.004) and sICH ( OR 1.001, 95% CI 1.001-1.002; P<0.01). ROC curve analysis shows that the area under curve of SII predicting HT was 0.610 (95% CI 0.535-0.686; P=0.006), and the best cutoff value was 488.48×10 9/L. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 69% and 47% respectively. The area under the curve of SII predicting sICH was 0.739 (95% CI 0.636-0.842; P<0.01), and the best cutoff value was 846.56×10 9/L, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 77% respectively. Conclusion:The increased SII at admission can predict the risks of HT and sICH in patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis.

Combined HAT score and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of hemorrhage after thrombolytic (HAT) score and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in combination predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Consective patients with AIS received intravenous thrombolysis with ateplase in Tianjin TEDA Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. sICH was defined as cerebral CT showing hemorrhage at any part of the brain after intravenous thrombolysis, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was increased by≥4 compared with the baseline, or there was a manifestation indicating clinical aggravation. Univariate analysis was used to compare the baseline data of sICH group and non-sICH group. A binary multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent influencing factors of sICH. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of HAT score and NLR in combination predicting sICH. Results:A total of 429 patients with AIS were enrolled. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in atrial fibrillation, systolic blood pressure, NLR, HAT score and NIHSS score between the sICH group and the non-sICH group (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that NLR (odds ratio [ OR] 1.405, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.193-2.958), HAT score ( OR 1.512, 95% CI 1.207-3.169) and NIHSS score ( OR 1.221, 95% CI 1.082-2.634) had significant independent correlation with sICH after adjusting for atrial fibrillation and systolic blood pressure. The ROC curve showed that the areas under the curve of HAT score, NLR and their combination predicting sICH were 0.719 (95% CI 0.609-0.832), 0.723 (95% CI 0.618-0.835) and 0.854 (95% CI 0.765-0.931), respectively. The areas under the curve of the two methods in combination were significantly larger than those of the single method ( P=0.029 and 0.032, respectively), and their sensitivity and specificity were 74.1% and 83.5% respectively. Conclusion:Combined HAT score and NLR is of high value in predicting sICH after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS, and has clinical application potential.

Progress of T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants / 国际儿科学杂志

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)is a severe complication in premature infants, and the pathogenesis remains complex, potentially involving pulmonary inflammatory injury and faulty reparative response.T-cell immaturity in preterm neonates and the upregulation of related harmful regulatory genes, as well as the imbalance of T-cell homeostasis, have been reported to contribute significantly to the development of inflammatory diseases.Growing evidence suggests that alterations in the levels and functions of T cell subsets may participate in the development of BPD, serving as a new avenue for BPD prevention and treatment.Herein, we summarize recent advancements in understanding the role of T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of BPD.

Progress of ibrutinib combined with CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell in treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clonal malignant disease of B lymphocytes (T lymphocytes are rare) and usually occurs in elderly people. CLL has a highly variable clinical course, with a median survival of 35 to 63 months. In the era of immunochemotherapy, the survival of CLL patients has improved significantly, but most patients still have primary drug resistance and relapse after the treatment. The emergence of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor has completely changed the treatment mode of CLL, making the treatment of CLL into the era of targeted therapy. Ibrutinib combined with CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell has good efficacy and can improve the prognosis of patients.

Efficacy of lenalidomide in treatment of multiple myeloma and its effect on levels of regulatory T cells and natural killer cells of patients / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of lenalidomide combined with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) regimen in treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients and its effect on the levels of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and natural killer (NK) cells.Methods:Thirty-eight NDMM patients who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from September 2019 to May 2022 were selected for a prospective study, and were divided into control group (18 cases) and observation group (20 cases) according to random number table method. The control group was treated with bortezomib+epirubicin+dexamethasone (VAd) regimen, and the observation group was treated with RVd regimen. The efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups. The levels of Treg cells (CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 +) and NK cells (CD3 - CD56 + CD16 +) before and after treatment in the two groups were detected by flow cytometry, and the results were compared. Results:After 4 courses of treatment, the objective response rate (ORR) of the observation group was 95.0% (19/20), which was higher than that of the control group [77.8% (14/18)], and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.016). Before treatment, there was no statistical difference in the levels of Treg cells and NK cells between the two groups ( P values were 0.381 and 0.650). After treatment, the level of Treg cells in the control group increased from (1.5±0.5)% before treatment to (4.7±1.3)% ( P = 0.008), while the level of Treg cells in the observation group increased from (1.4±0.5)% before treatment to (6.8±1.5)% ( P = 0.001), and the level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group ( P = 0.027); the level of NK cells in the control group increased from (16±6)% before treatment to (20±5)% ( P = 0.004), while the level of NK cells in the observation group increased from (16±6)% before treatment to (24±6)% ( P = 0.006), and the level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group ( P = 0.032). The incidence rates of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P values were 0.012 and 0.027), which was reversible after active treatment. There was no statistical difference in the incidence rates of other adverse reactions (all P>0.05). Conclusions:RVd regimen for NDMM is clinically effective, safe and reliable, and the patients' levels of Treg cells and NK cells elevate after treatment.

Research progress on the role of type II innate lymphoid cells in liver diseases / 中华肝脏病杂志

Type II innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) is a newly identified innate immunological cell that belongs to the lymphocyte lineage in cell morphology, resides in the body's mucosal tissues, and has the dual functions of innate and adaptive immunity to promote tissue remodeling and repair after injury. Additionally, it is involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of liver diseases and plays an important role in maintaining the immunological homeostasis of the liver region. This article reviews the differentiation, development, and biological functions of ILC2, with particular attention to the research progress in liver diseases.

Synchronization isolation method for multiple types of cells from mouse liver / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To explore a simple and feasible method for the isolation and purification of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and lymphocytes from mice. Methods: The cell suspension was obtained from male C57bl/6 mice by hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method and then isolated and purified by discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Trypan blue exclusion was used to determine cell viability. Glycogen staining, cytokeratin 18, and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify hepatic cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-smooth muscle actin combined with desmin in HSCs. Flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphocyte subsets in the liver. Results: After isolation and purification, about 2.7×10(7) hepatocytes, 5.7×10(5) HSCS, and 4.6×106 hepatic mononuclear cells were obtained from the liver of mice with a body weight of about 22g. The cell survival rate in each group was > 95%. Hepatocytes were apparent in glycogen deposited purple-red granules and cytokeratin 18. Electron microscopy showed that there were abundant organelles in hepatocytes and tight junctions between cells. HSC had expressed α-smooth muscle actin and desmin. Flow cytometry showed hepatic mononuclear cells, including lymphocyte subsets such as CD4, CD8, NKs, and NKTs. Conclusion: The hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method can isolate multiple primary cells from the liver of mice at once and has the features of simplicity and efficiency.

Expression and significance of immune cells in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic pre-liver failure / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), regulatory T cells (Treg), IL-17-producing CD4 + T cells (Th17), and CD8 + T cells (Tc17) in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic pre-liver failure (pre-ACHBLF), and to provide ideas for the early treatment of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF). Methods A total of patients with pre-ACHBLF and 15 patients with ACHBLF who were hospitalized in Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, from August 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled as subjects, and 15 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 15 healthy controls (HC) who underwent physical examination were enrolled as controls. Flow cytometry was used to measure the expression levels of MDSC and Th17, Treg, and Tc17 cells in peripheral blood; a blood analyzer was used to measure routine blood parameters and calculate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SIRS) to evaluate the degree of inflammation, and the correlation between the expression of immune cells and the degree of inflammation was analyzed. An analysis of variance for independent samples was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Nemenyi test was used for further comparison between two groups. A Pearson linear correlation analysis or Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between variables. Results Compared with the CHB group, the ACHBLF and pre-ACHBLF groups had significant increases in the expression levels of Th17, Treg, and Tc17 cells, and the pre-ACHBLF group also had a significant increase in the expression level of MDSC (all P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that in pre-ACHBLF patients, MDSC were positively correlated with leukocyte count, neutrophil count, NLR, MLR, and SII ( r =0.775, 0.727, 0.571, 0.786, and 0.846, all P < 0.05), and Treg cells were only positively correlated with leukocyte count ( r =0.618, P =0.043); Th17/Treg ratio and Tc17 cells were negatively correlated with the number of lymphocytes ( r =-0.790 and -0.795, both P < 0.05). Conclusion Cellular immune dysfunction is observed in patients with pre-ACHBLF, and the expression of MDSC is closely associated with the degree of inflammation and should be taken seriously in the early stage.

Serum levels of soluble programmed death-1 and soluble programmed death-ligand 1 in chronic hepatitis B patients with clinical cure and their clinical features / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the serum levels of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) and soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with clinical cure, the correlation between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocytes by flow cytometry, and the recovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific immunity. Methods A total of 26 CHB patients with clinical cure, 26 treatment-naïve CHB patients, and 26 healthy controls who were diagnosed at the outpatient service of Peking University First Hospital from January to May of 2022 were enrolled, and related clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1, and flow cytometry was used to measure the expression of PD-1 in peripheral blood lymphocytes. CHB patients with clinical cure were compared with the treatment-naïve CHB patients and the healthy controls. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between three groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Pearson correlation analysis or the Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between two continuous variables. Results For the 26 CHB patients with clinical cure, the mean time of antiviral therapy was 8.33 years, with entecavir as the antiviral drug. The CHB patients with clinical cure had significantly higher levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 than the healthy controls ( P 0.05). Conclusion The serum levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 in treatment-naïve CHB patients are mainly associated with exhausted CD8 + T cells in peripheral blood, while there is no significant correlation between serum sPD-1/sPD-L1 and exhausted CD8 + T cells in peripheral blood in CHB patients with clinical cure.