The relationship between maximal exercise-induced increases in serum IL-6, MPO and MMP-9 concentrations.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise would induce inflammatory response characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines - interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional aim was to elucidate the possible source of maximal exercise-induced increase in MMP-9 concentration. To examine our hypothesis, 26 professional male ice hockey players [age 25 ± 1 (mean ± SEM) years; BMI 25.8 ± 0.4 kg/m(2) ] performed an incremental bicycle test until exhaustion, when maximal oxygen consumption was recorded. Venous blood samples were collected 30 min before and 2 min after exercise. There was an increase in the count of leucocytes (8.7 ± 1.8 versus 5.7 ± 1.3 × 10(9) cells per l) and IL-6 (1.24 ± 0.17 versus 0.69 ± 0.13 pg/ml), MPO (72 ± 7 versus 50 ± 4 ng/ml) and MPP-9 (139 ± 9 versus 110 ± 6 ng/ml) concentrations (P < 0.05) comparing post- and pre-exercise levels. Maximal exercise-induced increase in MPO correlated with the increases in IL-6 (P < 0.05, R = 0.54) and MMP-9 (P < 0.01, R = 0.62) concentrations. Furthermore, increase in IL-6 correlated with the increase in MMP-9 concentrations (P < 0.05, R = 0.60). Maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by leucocytosis and increased IL-6, MPO and MMP-9 concentrations. Correlations between increased MPO (marker of neutrophils degranulation) and both increased IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that neutrophils could be the main source of these inflammatory biomarkers during maximal exercise. Furthermore, correlation between increases in serum IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that IL-6 could exert modulatory effects on MMP-9 release during maximal exercise.

Plasma HDL-cholesterol has an effect on nitric oxide production and arachidonic acid metabolism in the platelet membranes of coronary heart disease patients without LDL-hypercholesterolemia.

AIM: To evaluate nitric oxide (NO) production and [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) incorporation into platelet membranes of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with/without HDL-hypocholesterolemia. MATERIAL: 16 healthy controls (C), 14 CAD patients with plasma HDL-hypocholesterolemia (nCAD) and 14--without HDL-hypocholesterolemia (nCAD). All subjects were without peripheral vascular disease and hypertension. The groups were matched for age, sex, BMI. The diagnosis of CAD was substantiated by coronary angiography. METHODS: Nitric oxide end products xNO (NO2- plus NO3-) levels in the platelet membranes were measured using anion-exchange chromatography. [3H]AA release from labelled platelets was studied by the method of Neufeld and Majerus; radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Levels of plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-Ch) and triglycerides were enzymatically determined. RESULTS: Significant increase (mean +/- SD; Mann-Whitney U test) of [3H]AA incorporation into platelet membrane phospholipids was noted in CAD patients in comparison with healthy subjects (p < 0.001). A correlation (multiple regression analysis) was established between HDL-C level and [3H]AA (r = -0.58, p < 0.05, n = 28); and between HDL-Ch and NOx levels (r = 0.76, p < 0.05, n = 28) in CAD patients. CAD patients had lower NOx than healthy subjects (p < 0.0001), NOx was lower in the group with decreased HDL-Ch concentration (wCAD 36 +/- 5 vs. nCAD 42.3 +/- 6 mumol/mg, p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: CAD patients show decreased ability to produce platelet-derived NO that leads to higher platelet sensitivity to aggregating stimuli. Decreased plasma HDL-Ch may affect AA metabolism and NO production in the platelet membranes of CAD patients without LDL-hypercholesterolemia.

[The blood gas status in bitches with pyometra-endometritis complex]. / Uber den Blutgasstatus bei Hündinnen mit Pyometra-Endometritis-Komplex.

The blood gas status of 52 bitches presented with pyometra-endometritis complex was examined. Nine healthy bitches with a normal sexual cycle served as control group. Depending on the clinical symptoms, the sick bitches were divided into two groups (A and B). Compared to the control group, both test groups showed significant differences in pH, HCO3 and base excess levels. A correlation between the severity of disease and the decreasing pH level was noted. The disturbance of acid-base balance also resulted in respiratory and metabolic acidosis. A high proportion of these acidotic states was not compensated (group A: 71.4%; group B: 50.0%).