Tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentration in severely asthmatic children

We assessed tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] concentrations in 80 asthmatic children, 26 with severe asthma in early-phase reaction, 26 with severe asthma in late-phase reaction, 28 with severe asthma controlled in between attacks with oral prednisone and 20 matched control children. TNF-alpha was measured in patients' plasma and in a supernatant of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated [LPS] peripheral blood mononuclear [PBM] cells. TNF-alpha concentrations in plasma and the supernatant of LPS-stimulated cells were positively correlated and the concentration also correlated positively with the time lapse between the start of the asthma attack and the time of blood sampling. TNF-alpha concentration was significantly higher in the late-phase reaction group compared to the other groups, indicating a need to counteract its release and/or effects early in asthma patients

Kupffer cell count and plasma fibronectin level in hepatic schistosomiasis with and without virus hepatitis

The aim of this work was to study some kupffer cell receptors which influence their immunophagocytic capacity in relation to the levels of circulating immune complexes [CICs] and plasma fibronectin [PFN] in four groups of patients: early or late schistosomiasis and schistosomiasis associated with virus B or C infection as compared to a control group. Patients were diagnosed on clinical basis together with ultrasonography and various laboratory tests. Liver biopsies were obtained to confirm the diagnosis and provide Kupffer cells. After dispersion, total nucleated cells and liver macrophage counts were found to be elevated in early schistosomiasis compared to the other groups. The number and percent of Kupffer cells carrying Fc or complement receptors were significantly higher in early schistosomiasis as compared to all other groups, yet by referring to normal values as reported in the literature the percent carrying, receptors could be considered lower than normal. The CICs were higher in all groups than control. The levels were lower in early Schistosomiasis and highest in patients with mixed infection particularly in those with HBV. There was a negative correlation between CICs levels and the number and proportion of Kupffer cells carrying receptors. Plasma fibronectin [PFN] showed a significant increase in early schistosomiasis patients and a significant decrease in patients with schistosomiasis combined with virus hepatitis particularly HCV; compared to controls. Positive correlation was detected between PFN level and the number and percent of Kupffer cells carrying Fc and complement receptors. No correlation was found between PFN and CICs in all groups. It could be concluded that during early schistosomiasis, there is an increase in the immunophagocytic function of Kupffer cells. In chronic schistosomiasis a decreased activity was noted probably due to immunomodulation and fibrosis. In schistosomiasis associated with HBV or HCV, the function of Kupffer cells was markedly decreased. This is probably due to affection of the hepatocytes leading to lower FN level and increased CICs which may block the receptors. The marked lowering of PFN in schistosomiasis associated with HCV could be explained by the direct cytopathic effect of the virus