Increased platelet distribution width and reduced IL-2 and IL-12 are associated with thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium vivax malaria

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia in malaria involves platelet destruction and consumption; however, the cellular response underlying this phenomenon has still not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE To find associations between platelet indices and unbalanced Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines as a response to thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium vivax infected (Pv-MAL) patients. METHODS Platelet counts and quantification of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine levels were compared in 77 patients with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria and 37 healthy donors from the same area (endemic control group - ENCG). FINDINGS Thrombocytopenia was the main manifestation in 55 patients, but was not associated with parasitaemia. The Pv-MAL patients showed increases in the mean platelet volume (MPV), which may be consistent with larger or megaplatelets. Contrary to the findings regarding the endemic control group, MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) did not show an inverse correlation, due the increase in the heterogeneity of platelet width. In addition, the Pv-MAL patients presented increased IL-1β and reduced IL-12p70 and IL-2 serum concentrations. Furthermore, the reduction of these cytokines was associated with PDW values. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that an increase in MPV and the association between reductions of IL-2 and IL-12 and PDW values may be an immune response to thrombocytopenia in uncomplicated P. vivax malaria.

IL-10 Cytokine as Potential Biomarkers in Women with Fibromyalgia Who Underwent to a Short Balneotherapy Treatment

Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) is a nonarticular rheumatic syndrome that leads to diffuse myalgia, sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Balneotherapy has been shown an effective strategy to improve the health conditions of patients; however, the treatment follow-up is based on patient report due to the lack of biomarkers. Thus, this study evaluated the application of cytokines and phosphoglycerate mutase I (PGAM-I) to monitoring FM patient underwent to balneotherapy treatment. Eleven healthy and eleven women with FM were submitted to daily sessions of balneotherapy during 10 days. Clinical and quality of life parameters were assessed through a FIQ questionnaire. Blood levels of TNF-(, interleukins (IL-1, IL-2 and IL-10) and PGAM-I expression in patients' saliva were also evaluated. Patients with FM showed significant improvements in their clinical status after treatment. Also, FM patients has IL-10 levels lower than healthy women and the balneotherapy increased the expression of this cytokine in both groups, concomitantly to pain relief. Although inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2 and TNF-() were more expressed in FM patients than healthy patients their levels did not reduce after treatment. A slight increase of PGAM-I expression was observed. In conclusion, IL-10 levels could be a useful biomarker to balneotherapy follow-up of FM patients. However, these findings must be analyzed in a larger number of patients in order to validate IL-10 as an effective biomarker.

Effects of astragaloside IV on inflammation and immunity in rats with experimental periodontitis

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of astragaloside IV (AsIV) on inflammation and immunity in rats with experimental periodontitis. Periodontitis was established in 48 Wistar rats, which were then randomly divided into model and 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg AsIV groups, with 12 rats in each group. The latter 3 groups were treated with AsIV at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. The control group (12 rats, without periodontitis) and model group were given the same amount of 5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The treatment was performed once per day for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the tooth mobility scores of the rats were determined. After treatment, the salivary occult blood index (SOBI), plaque index (PLI), peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets, and serum inflammatory factor and immunoglobulin levels were determined. The results showed that, after treatment, compared with that in model group, in 40 mg/kg AsIV group, the general state of rats was improved, while the tooth mobility score, SOBI and PLI were significantly decreased (p < 0.05); the peripheral blood CD4+ T cell percentage and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the CD8+ T cell percentage was significantly decreased (p < 0.05); the serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-2 levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05); the serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, AsIV can alleviate inflammation and enhance immunity in rats with experimental periodontitis.

Níveis séricos de citocinas IL-2, IL-10 e IL-12 em pacientes com adenocarcinoma do estômago / Serum cytokine of il-2, il-10 and il-12 levels in patients with stomach adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastric adenocarcinoma is the fourth most common cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the immunological status of patients with gastric cancer before surgery and circulating cytokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. METHODS: We included 90 healthy controls and 95 patients with distal Gastric adenocarcinoma in Mazandaran, Sari, Iran. We measured serum IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12 Levels by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the IBL international GMBH kit. RESULTS: The serum IL-10 levels in the patients with Gastric adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (P=0.02). There were no significant differences in serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels between patients with gastric cancer and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of IL-10 might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers for Gastric adenocarcinoma; however, this needs to be confirmed with larger number of patients and with control groups other than blood donors, properly age paired. These results suggest that positive expression of IL-10 may be useful as a molecular marker to distinguish stage of gastric cancers which can be more readily controlled.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O adenocarcinoma gástrico é a quarta causa mais comum de morte relacionada ao câncer em todo o mundo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o status imunológico dos pacientes com câncer gástrico antes da cirurgia e as citocinas circulantes como potenciais biomarcadores diagnósticos para câncer gástrico. MÉTODOS: Incluímos 90 indivíduos controles saudáveis e 95 pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico distal em Mazandaran, Sari, Iran. Os níveis de soro Il-2, IL-10 e Il-12 foram medidos por um ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática pela técnica de sanduíche usando o kit IBL International GmbH. RESULTADOS: Os níveis séricos IL-10 nos pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico foram significativamente superiores aos dos controles saudáveis (P=0,2). Não houve diferenças significativas nos níveis de soro IL-2 e IL-12 entre pacientes com câncer gástrico e controles saudáveis. CONCLUSÃO: Níveis aumentados de IL-10 podem ser úteis como biomarcadores diagnósticos para adenocarcinoma gástrico; no entanto, isso precisa ser confirmado com maior número de pacientes e com grupos de controle que não sejam doadores de sangue, adequadamente emparelhado por idade. Estes resultados sugerem que a expressão positiva do IL-10 pode ser útil como um marcador molecular para distinguir a fase de câncer gástrico que pode ser mais facilmente controlada.

Wound healing of diabetic rats treated with Moringa oleifera extract

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate if Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract (ME) influences the healing of skin wounds of diabetic rats. Methods: Wistar rats were used (6 rats/group). Group 1 received normal saline (NS) v.o. Group 2 received moringa extract (100mg/kg v.o) for 3 weeks. Groups 3 and 4: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes. Group 3 received NS; Group 4 received aqueous ME (100mg/kg) v.o.The wounds of groups 1 and 3 rats were topically treated with NS; wounds of groups 2 and 4 treated with 200µL of 10% ME. After anesthesia, all rats had skin square excision wounds 1.5cm2. Wound percent contractions were measured. On 10th day, blood glucose and serum cytokines were measured. Histometry of wounds was studied using ImagePro6.0 software. Results: Glycemia was significantly reduced in ME treated rats. These rats had higher percent contraction of the wounds on 2nd, 5th and 10th days, then controls (p<0.05). Diabetic rats treated with NS had TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression higher than in rats receiving ME. The histopathological score of ME treated diabetic rats (198±13.7) was significantly higher than treatment with NS (145±10.5). Conclusion: ME extract positively influenced healing of wounds in diabetic rats after systemic and topical treatment.

Effect of Propofol and Desflurane on Immune Cell Populations in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Trial

Several factors can affect the perioperative immune function. We evaluated the effect of propofol and desflurane anesthesia on the surgery-induced immune perturbation in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to receive propofol (n = 20) or desflurane (n = 20) anesthesia. The total and differential white blood cell counts were determined with lymphocyte subpopulations before and 1 hr after anesthesia induction and at 24 hr postoperatively. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 were also measured. Both propofol and desflurane anesthesia preserved the IL-2/IL-4 and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio. Leukocytes were lower in the propofol group than in the desflurane group at 1 hr after induction (median [quartiles], 4.98 [3.87-6.31] vs. 5.84 [5.18-7.94] 10(3)/microL) and 24 hr postoperatively (6.92 [5.54-6.86] vs. 7.62 [6.22-9.21] 10(3)/microL). NK cells significantly decreased 1 hr after induction in the propofol group (0.41 [0.34-0.53] to 0.25 [0.21-0.33] 10(3)/microL), but not in the desflurane group (0.33 [0.29-0.48] to 0.38 [0.30-0.56] 10(3)/microL). Our findings indicate that both propofol and desflurane anesthesia for breast cancer surgery induce a favorable immune response in terms of preservation of IL-2/IL-4 and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the perioperative period. With respect to leukocytes and NK cells, desflurane anesthesia is associated with less adverse immune responses than propofol anesthesia during surgery for breast cancer. (Clinical trial registration at https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris number: KCT0000939)

Evaluation of the role of CXCL8 and NOx in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus

Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in the etiology of type 1diabetes [T1D] but a well-accepted view is that autoimmunity is the predominant effector. The aim of this study is to investigate the profile and the relationships between interleukin [IL, CXCL] -8 and nitric oxide metabolite [NOx] in T1D and to reveal their possible role in the development and progression of the disease and its complications. Twenty children with Type 1 diabetes [T1D] were enrolled for the study and compared to twenty healthy age and gender matched non-diabetic controls. The data revealed that children with T1D established high glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c%] values versus the control group [P<0.0001]. Significantly higher serum CXCL-8 concentration [23.54 +/- 11.92pg/ml] was detected in T1D children versus the control group [5.69 +/- 1.67pg/ml]. On the other hand, serum nitric acid metabolite [NOx] showed a significant reduction in the T1D children [2.38 +/- 1.14 mmol/l] compared to the control group [4.63 +/- 1.2 mmol/l]. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between CXCL-8 with duration of the diabetes and with HbA1c. It could be concluded that CXCL-8 and NO may play important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of T1D with increased possibility to develop premature atherosclerosis which should be considered in the development of new strategies for monitoring the disease as well as for developing effective preventive and therapeutic interventions

Assessment of immune function in down syndrome patients

In Down syndrome [DS], trisomy 21 leads to overexpression of gene coding for specific enzymes. This overexpression translates directly into biochemical aberrations that affect multiple interacting metabolic pathways which culminates in cellular dysfunction and contributes to the unique pathogenesis of DS. The aim of this study is to evaluate parameters of immune response in terms of cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] and interlukin-2 [IL-2]] together with the quantitative expression of cystathionine beta synthase [CBS], whose transsulfuration pathway generates cysteine and hydrogen sulfide [H[2]S]. H[2]S is known to boost host defense at physiological concentrations and to display cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations. Calcineurin activity [CAN] was also measured as its dysregulation has been shown to cause immune suppression. Subjects were 60 DS patients vs. 30 age and socioeconomic matching healthy controls. In their blood, the cytokines: TNF-alpha and IL-2, together with CBS and its by product H[2]S as well as CAN activity, were measured. Results showed that CBSmRNA relative expression [0.56 +/- .06 vs. 0.32 +/- .02], plasma H[2]S [72 +/- 8.5 vs. 50.8 +/- 4.1] and TNF-alpha [8.11 +/- .01 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.9] were significantly higher among DS patients compared to controls, while CAN [0.27 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.2 units], was significantly decreased in blood of DS patients compared to controls. IL-2 [36.4 +/- 2.6 vs. 37.4 +/- 0.9] showed no significant difference between DS patients and controls. Accordingly it can be concluded that excessive synthesis of multiple gene products derived from overexpression of the genes present on chromosome 21 may be the cause for decreased immunity in DS patients compared to controls

[Evaluation of cytokines changes in patients infected with giardia lamblia in comparison with healthy subjects]

Human Giardisis infection is caused by the flagellate protozoa. Giardia lamblia, which lives in the small intestine, causing damage and may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms. This parasitic disease has a worldwide distribution and prevalence varies from 5% to 30%. The role of both humeral and cellular immune response in the host defense against parasites has proven. Since an immune response is directly affected by cytokine, study of cytokines changes in patients with giardiosis is of particular importance. In this study the serum levels of IL-2 - 4 - 6 to 17 and 23 in patients and healthy subjects were measured and compared. Fasting blood samples were taken from the volunteers, ELISA was performed to measure cytokines. In this study, the amount of IL-2 and IL-6 in infected patients was significantly more than the controls, but IL-4 levels were significantly lower in infected individuals [P=0.0001]. Also for the first time in people with giardiasis IL- 17 and IL-23 was measured and there was a significant aifference in these cytokines between the infected patients healthy controls[respectively P=0.044 and P=0.03]. Host defense response against parasitic infections, is directly and affected by cytokines. Increased interleukin 2, 6, 17 and 23 in patients with Giardiosis was probably caused by immune response and local intestinal inflammation

Comparing effects of interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 on the expression of MHC class II, CD80 and CD86 on polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils [PMN] have contributed only to the innate immune response, due to their phagocytosis activity. They have a short life time. Some studies of PMN cytokine production and expression of numerous cell surface proteins have suggested that PMN are likely to influence adaptive responses and may satisfy the criteria of antigen presenting cells. Flow cytometry was used in the present study for the detection of cell surface major histocompatibility complex [MHC] class II, CD80 and CD86 required for antigen presentation and subsequent T-cell activation. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were used for this purpose. In vitro stimulation of PMN with IL-2 or IL-4 for 24 h showed expression of MHC class II, CD80 and CD86. These observations, therefore, provide support to the hypothesis that human PMN have the potential to express molecules required for antigen presentation

Biochemical, histological and histochemical studies of oat [Avena sativa] on hyperlipidemic rats

Hyperlipidemia is an elevation of lipids in the blood stream and these lipids include: fats, fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia is associated with hepatic fat accumulation. Six groups [5rat/group] of female albino [Rattus albinus] were used. The 1[st] group used as control, in the 2[nd] group Hyperlipidemia [25% fat and 2% cholesterol] was induced for 3 weeks only then sacrified, the 3[rd] group was hyperlipidemic rats for 3 weeks then left other 3 weeks without any additional treatment as a recovery period, the 4[th] group served as hyperlipidemic group for 3 weeks then treated with Avena sativa for another 3 weeks [200 g/Kg diet], the 5[th] group was hyperlipidemic [25% fat and 2% cholesterol] for 6 weeks and the 6[th] group served as hyperlipidemic rats for 6 weeks, and at the same time given Avena sativa in diet [200 g/Kg diet]. The biochemical parameters showed highly significant increase in body weight, serum glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, while there was highly significant decrease in HDL- cholesterol.Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in liver tissue of the hyperlipidemic rats. Meanwhile, the treatment with oat ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results. It is recommend to use oat in diets for hyperlipidemic patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and vitamin e on the blood levels of inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in iranian basketball players

Exercise can change the release of numerous cytokines and modulate their receptor systems. Dietary w-3 lipids may decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins [PGs]. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of exercise and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] supplementation, with or without vitamin E, on the blood levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha catalase, glutathione reductase, and MDA in male basketball players. Thirty-four well-trained male basketball players were enrolled into the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after intensive endurance exercising for 2 hours, at the baseline and after intervention. Subjects received 2g EPA and/or 400 IU vitamin E or placebo depends on their groups for 6 weeks. There were significant fall [paired /-test] in TNF-a in groupl [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group 3 [P<0.05], whereas there were significant increase in glutathione reductase in groups 1 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group2 [P< 0.05].There were significant differences [Tukey] in glutathione reductase between groups 2 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in IL-2 between groups 1 and other groups [P< 0.01], but there were no significant differences in MDA, CAT, and TNF-a, among groups after 6 week of intervention. Six weeks of EPA+vitamin E supplementation enhances the plasma levels of IL-2 and erythrocytes glutathione reductase, whereas it reduces TNF-alpha, and 6 weeks of EPA supplementation alone enhances only the serum level of MDA

Serum IgA, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF- alpha concentrations in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy

The concept that the immune system plays a role in the epileptogenesis was first proposed more than 20 years ago. Since then, several laboratory and clinical studies have reported on the existence of a variety of immunological abnormalities in epileptic patients, on the observation of favourable responses of refractory epilepsy syndromes to immunomodulatory treatment, and on the association of epilepsy with certain well-known immunemediated disorders. In this study we try to verify if there is a link between pharmacoresistant epilepsy and immune system. We compared the serum levels of IgA, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-a, in 45 patients with pharmacoresponsive epilepsy, in 30 patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and in 15 healthy reference subjects. Low serum levels of IgA were found in epileptic patients than reference subjects and in pharmacoresistance epilepsy group than pharmacoresponsive epileptic group .There were significant high serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-a in epileptic patients than reference subjects and in pharmacoresistance group than pharmacoresponsive epileptic group. There was significant association between the serum levels of the IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-a and frequency of seizures and not the duration of the epilepsy or its type. These results give additional evidence for activation of the cytokine network and the magnitude of these changes is related to severity of seizures. Since this activation may promote important neuromodulatory functions and may serve as a link between excessive neuronal activity and various immunological changes that can lead to refractoriness of seizures

Modulation of immune response in asthmatic patients by using inhaled tuberculin

Bronchial asthma is a chronic immuno inflammatory reversible lung disease with airway responsiveness to various stimuli which relived by proper therapy using inhaled steroids or the highly expensive recombinant interferon gamma [IFN-gamma]. This study undertaken to investigate for the first time a novel treatment method using inhaled tuberculin [PPD] to determine whether PPD inhalation could be safely and effectively delivered into the airways of bronchial asthmatic patients in attempt to bring immune deviation away from atopy via inhaling an economic dose of tuberculin. Sixty patients suffering from mild atopic bronchial asthma along with twenty healthy volunteers were included in our study. Patients were randomly categorized into three equally-sized groups received 2, 5 and 10 PPD units respectively. Treatment doses taken every 72 hours for two weeks. Respiratory function tests were examined before and after treatment regime. Interleukin 2 [IL-2], IL-4 and immunoglobulin E [IgE] were measured by ELISA technique in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] samples before and after treatment regime. Eosinophil count in BALF was also examined. The results showed that PPD treatment doses caused a significant increase in lung function standards [FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio] as compared with before treatment values. Also, the different doses of PPD resulted in a highly significant increase in the levels of serum and BALF IL-2 with a concomitant significant decrease in BALF IL-4 levels when compared with before treatment values. A highly significant decrease in serum and BALF IgE along with eosinophil count was obtained with PPD inhaled doses as compared with before treatment values. To conclude, PPD treatment could be safely, economically and effectively used as a potential therapeutic drug for patients with atopic bronchial asthma. A marked improvement in our laboratory results was observed with 5 and 10 units of PPD

Cell mediated immunity before and after treatment by praziquantel, in schistosoma mansoni patients

Humoral and cellular components of immune responses had been thought to have role in developing resistance to re-infection with S. mansoni. This case-control study included 30 S. mansoni cases [active or inactive]; age ranged from 23 to 47 years. They were selected from outpatient clinic of internal medicine department, Benha Faculty of Medicine. Ten healthy control subjects from same area were also included in study. IL-2 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA procedures for both patients and controls. A non-statistically significant difference was shown between the levels of IL-2 or IFN-gamma, between the [control group] and [active S. group after treatment] while the difference was highly significant between inactive S group and active group after treatment [p<0.01]. Females showed higher levels of IL-2 in the [active S. group after treatment] while among the [control cases] the levels were higher in males. The [active S. group after treatment] showed a highly significant difference and the [below 40 years of age group] showing higher IL-2 levels. The [active S. group after treatment] showed a significant difference, and the [over 40 years of age] showed higher IFN-gamma levels. Praziquantel had increased the levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in the [active Schistosomiasis group after treatment by PZQ] closer to the level of [control group] but not in the [inactive S. mansoni group]

Immunoparasitological study in bilharzial patients with or without hepatitis C virus in El-Beheira governorate

Hepatitis C virus infection and schistosomiasis are common in Egypt. Coinfection is not uncommon. Little and quite controversial data are known about biochemical profile in these patients. This study was designed to study IL-2 production as a marker of lymphocyte activity in patients suffering from schistosomiasis with or without hepatitis C virus infection. This work enrolled 513 patients [239 females and 274 males] of Damanhour Teaching Hospital. Study sample included 120 subjects to form 4 groups: gp I [30 normal subjects as control], gp II [30 patients +ve for S. mansoni only], gp III [30 patients seopositive for HCV only], and gp IV [30 patients with mixed S. mansoni and HCV infection]. The intensity of schistosomiasis was estimated by Kato-Katz technique. ELISA was used to detect anti HCV, HBs Ag and to estimate interleukin 2 [IL 2] in serum of selected groups. Indirect haemagglutination test was used to detect schistosomiasis among pure HCV. Complete blood picture and liver function tests were also done. Out of 513 samples examined, 89 [17.3%] were +ve for Schistosoma mansoni and 7 [1.4%] +ve for Schistosoma heamatobium. The overall prevalence rate among males was almost double that among females [21.9% versus 12.1%]. The risk of HCV infection increased 7 times with the presence of S. mansoni infection. Focusing on the risk factors for S. mansoni infection it was found that gender, water contact, low education, and low socioeconomic status were the most important factors affecting prevalence of S. mansoni infection which in turn increased the risk of HCV infection. In the selected studied groups the results of heamatological and biochemical parameters showed significant decrease in group IV [schistosomiasis + HCV] than that of normal controls, schistosomal, and HCV patients groups. On the other hand, there were an increase in serum bilirubin and aminotransferase enzymes in the group of mixed infections. It has been shown that, in patients with mixed infections, IL2 level was lower than that of the other 3 groups. In conclusion S. mansoni was the predominating species in the present study. History of water contact, low education, and low socioeconomic status were the most important determinant factors of schistosomiasis. The risk of HCV infection increased with the presence of schistosomiasis

Non-cancerous thyroid lesions: immunologic and surgical evaluation

The present study was designed to determine T helper-l/T helper-2 [Th[1]/Th[2]] pattern in patients with Graves' disease [GD], benign multinodular goiter [MNG] and Hashimoto thyroiditis [HT] and evaluate the applicability of near-total thyroidectomy as a therapeutic strategy for surgical interference. The study included 75 patients [56 females and 19 males; with mean age of 43.8 +/- 8.2 years] with thyroid swelling and 15 healthy volunteers [control group]. Patients underwent clinical examination including direct laryngoscopy using fiberoptic endoscopy, laboratory investigations and ultrasonographic and [99m] Tc pertechnetate scintigraphy for establishment of diagnosis. Patients with HT received medical treatment and were followed-up, while patients with GD and MNG underwent near-total thyroidectomy. Preoperative blood samples were collected from patients and control subjects for ELISA estimation of serum levels of interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-18, IL-4 and IL-5. Patients were observed for appearance of postoperative manifestations of recurrent laryngeal nerve [RLN] palsy and/or hypoparathyroidism. Mean operative time, duration of wound drainage and hospital stay were recorded. The study included 43 patients with GD [8 of them had thyroid orbitopathy], 17 patients had MNG and the remaining 15 patients had HT. All patients had smooth intraoperative course and no patient had permanent RLN palsy, but 4 [6.7%] patients had transient unilateral RLN palsies that recovered spontaneously after a mean duration of 24.5 +/- 11.6 days. Temporary hypocalcaemia occurred in 9 patients [15%] and permanent hypoparathyroidism resulted in one [1.7%]. All patients developed wound edema, 7 patients had wound seroma and 2 patients had wound infection. Mean serum levels of lL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher in patients compared to control levels irrespective of the type of thyroid lesion. Mean serum levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in patients with HT and MNG disease and non-significantly higher in patients with GD compared to control levels. Moreover, mean serum levels of IL-2 and IL-18 were significantly higher and mean serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly lower in patients with HT and MNG disease compared to those with GD and in MNG patients compared to those with HT. The percentage of postoperative increase of serum IL-2 and IL-18 levels relative to the median control level were significantly higher in patients with HT than in patients with GD or MNG with a significantly higher percentage of increase in patients with MNG compared to those with GD. On the other hand, the percentages of increase of IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher in patients with GD compared to patients with HT or MNG with a significantly but non-significantly higher percentage of increase of IL-5 and IL-4, respectively, in patients with MNG compared to those with HT. It could be concluded that there was a disturbed pattern of Th[1]/Th[2] cytokines in patients with non-cancerous thyroid lesion in favor of humoral pattern of immune response in GD with predominance of Th[2] cytokines and a Th[1]-pattern of immune response characteristic of cellular immunity is dominant in HT. Also, near total thyroidectomy was found appropriate therapeutic modality with transient minimal complications for patients with MNG or GD

HIV binding to resting CD4 lymphocytes induces production of certain cytokines

Objective: To test the cytokine production in HIV infection

Design and methods: Cytokine profiles in two separate studies of HIV patients and controls are presented: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC] from patients and controls were tested for the production of [interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-10, interferon [IFN]-gamma, and TNF-alpha] cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Both spontaneous and mitogen-induced cytokine production was measured

Results: The serum cytokine profile is altered in HIV patients compared to normal subjects. We examined if HIV binding to resting CD4 T-cells induced production of cytokines, intracellular IL-4, IL-10. TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma expression 48 hrs after mock- or HIV-exposure of resting T- cells and T-cell. We found that HIV binding to resting T-cells upregulated expression of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha by 24 hrs], and these remained elevated during 60 hrs of observation HIV binding had no appreciable effect on IL-4 expression and at 48 hrs little effect on IL- 10. EIA measurements of released cytokines in culture supernatants further showed that TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were produced, but IL-4 was not. Furthermore, by EIA analysis, IL-2 was not induced [data not shown], but IL-5 and IL-10 were at 3 days. It seems likely, then, that HIV-signaled resting CD4 T-cells can provide <> activity

Conclusions: The study herein was performed to more fully characterize HIV-signaled, resting CD4 lymphocytes. We found that HIV signaling also induced production of IFN-gamma, IL-5, IL-10 and TNF-alpha, but not IL-2 or IL-4. These cells, however, did not go into cell cycle. Further, they could secondarily respond to normal proliferation stimuli from anti-CDS cross-linking or PHA and enter into cell cycle and produce a greater number of cytokines, and they did not display any significant activation-induced apoptosis. Thus, resting CD4 lymphocytes are partially activated by HIV binding, resulting in enhanced expression of certain activation markers and cytokines

Niveles de interleucina-2 y su receptor soluble en pacientes operados y transfundidos / Interleukin-2 levels and its soluble receptor in operated on and transfused patients

Se realizó un estudio aleatorio para determinar los niveles de interleucina-2 (IL-2) y su receptor soluble (RsIL-2) en pacientes operados y transfundidos, antes de la cirugía, en el hemoderivado y 24 h después de la transfusión y para relacionar los niveles de IL-2 y RsIL-2 con cada período. Mediante inmunoensayo enzimático se determinaron los niveles de de IL-2 y RsIL-2 en 40 pacientes operados, antes de la cirugía, en los derivados sanguíneos y 24 horas después de la transfusión. Se obtuvieron valores promedio de 3,98 U/mL; 3,18 U/mL e indetectable para IL-2 y de de 678,2; 1 402 y 90,34 pg/mL para RsIL-2, en los períodos respectivos. El declive de la función linfocitaria después de cirugía y transfusión se atribuye a cambios intrínsecos o a la redistribución de células T reactivas de la sangre hacia los tejidos, a factores séricos como prostaglandinas y corticoesteroides, inhibidores de IL-2 que, con los elevados valores de RsIL-2 hallados en la bolsa, explican los niveles indetectables de IL-2 a las 24 horas de la transfusión(AU)

He/she was carried out an aleatory study to determine the interleucina-2 levels (IL-2) and their soluble receiver (RsIL-2) in operated patients and transfused, before the surgery, in the hemoderivado and 24 h after the transfusion and to relate the levels of IL-2 and RsIL-2 with every period. By means of enzymatic inmunoensayo the levels were determined of of IL-2 and RsIL-2 in 40 operated patients, before the surgery, in those derived sanguine and 24 hours after the transfusion. Values average of 3,98 U/mL were obtained; 3,18 U/mL and indetectable for IL-2 and of of 678,2; 1 402 and 90,34 pg/mL for RsIL-2, in the respective periods. The decline of the function linfocitaria after surgery and transfusion is attributed to intrinsic changes or the redistribution of cells T you reactivate of the blood toward the fabrics, to factors séricos like prostaglandinas and corticoesteroides, inhibitors of IL-2 that, with the high values of RsIL-2 found in the bag, they explain the levels indetectables of IL-2 at the 24 hours of the transfusion(AU)

Age related changes in Fas (CD95) and Fas ligand gene expression and cytokine profiles in healthy Indians.

Ageing in human and animal models show changes in many aspects of protective immunity, particularly lymphopoenia and progressive decline in immune functions leading to increased frequency of infection and neoplasia. However, the exact mechanism of these defects is still unclear. In this study, elderly subjects showed a decline in CD3+ and CD4+ T-cell subsets as well as serum IL-2 levels. Serum IL-6 was significantly raised while expression of its signaling receptor gp130 was significantly impaired in elderly as compared to the younger ones. Additionally, all the elderly individuals showed constitutive expression of Fas and FasL mRNA; however, none of the younger individuals expressed mRNA transcripts constitutively although induced expression was seen in both the groups. Similarly, frequency of Fas and FasL expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in elderly subjects as compared to the younger ones. Elderly individuals also showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher frequency of activation induced cell death (AICD). Since interaction of Fas with its cognate ligand (FasL) activates death inducing caspases leading to apoptosis, and gp130 induces anti-apoptotic signal through STAT-3 pathway, these results suggest that the decline in protective immune functions in aged individuals may be related to Fas and FasL mediated apoptosis of peripheral T-cell subsets.