Cerebrospinal fluid and serum IL-8, CCL2, and ICAM-1 concentrations in astrocytic brain tumor patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was the evaluation of serum and CSF concentrations of CCL2, IL-8, and sICAM-1 in patients with astrocytic tumors as compared to a group of non-tumoral patients. METHODS: Chemokine concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Regardless of the parameter tested and the patient group (brain tumor or non-tumoral patients), statistical differences (P < 0.05) were found between concentrations obtained in CSF compared to values obtained in serum for all proteins tested. CSF IL-8 concentrations were significantly elevated in CNS tumor patients as compared to non-tumoral individuals (P = 0.000); serum CCL2 and sICAM-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in CNS tumors in comparison with the comparative group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.026, respectively). Among proteins tested in the serum, a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) revealed CCL2 compared to sICAM-1 in differentiating subjects with CNS brain tumors from non-tumoral subjects. AUC for CSF IL-8 was higher than for its index (CSF IL-8/serum IL-8). CONCLUSIONS: For individual biomarkers (IL-8 and CCL2, sICAM-1), measured in CNS brain tumor patients, the appropriate material, respectively CSF or serum, should be chosen and quantitatively tested. Increased cerebrospinal fluid IL-8 with decreased serum CCL2 create a pattern of biomarkers, which may be helpful in the management of CNS astrocytic brain tumors.

From inflammation to cancer.

BACKGROUND: The participation of inflammation in the progression of cancer for many years have been the subject of research. METHODS: In the 19th century, there was evidence that an acute inflammation may inhibit the development of cancer. However, chronic inflammation affects the progression of the disease. RESULTS: Today, it is known that inflammation and cancer use similar mechanisms of development such as severe cell proliferation or angiogenesis. It has been shown that prolonged presence of inflammatory cells and factors in the tumor microenvironment can accelerate its growth and inhibit apoptosis of transformed cells. CONCLUSION: In this article we present a brief history of the discovery mechanisms and potential links between acute and chronic inflammation and cancer.

Effects of perioperative immunostimulating nutritional therapy on the phagocytic activity of blood platelets in patients with various clinical stages of gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total blood platelets count, fraction of phagocytizing thrombocytes (PhT%), and phagocytic index of thrombocytes (PhIT) in gastric cancer considering the stage of the disease, and perioperative immunonutrition support. METHODS: Our study included 44 patients operated for gastric cancer divided into 2 groups depending on the clinical stage, and 40 healthy volunteers -a control group. Group I included 18 patients with stage I-III locoregional malignancies and Group II included 26 patients with stage IV peritoneal dissemination. All patients received immunonutrition during the perioperative period. The phagocytic activity of blood platelets was assessed by measuring PhT% and PhIT prior to and after nutritional therapy. RESULTS: In Group I, the pre-treatment PhT% and PhIT amounted to 1.08 and 0.99, respectively, and 1.26, and 1.1 after the therapy (p<0.01). In Group II, pre-treatment PhT% and PhIT were 1.12 and 0.97, after 1.18 and 1.06, respectively (p<0.05). In the controls, PhT% and PhIT were 2.26 and 1.83, respectively, significantly higher comparing to gastric cancer patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Severe impairment of the thrombocyte phagocytic activity in gastric cancer patients has been found. Phagocytic activity of blood platelets was partially improved as a result of perioperative immunonutrition both in locoregional disease and in peritoneal dissemination.

Does colorectal cancer clinical advancement affect adhesion molecules (sP-selectin, sE-selectin and ICAM-1) concentration?

Adhesion molecules take part in physiological and pathological processes. They involved in inflammatory reactions and play important role in tumor invasion and the development of metastases. Soluble forms of P-selectin, E-selectin and ICAM-1 have been described in this study in patient with colorectal cancer. Plasma was obtained from 44 patients with colorectal cancer and 34 control subject's prior surgery, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients were divided according to TNM classification. Plasma level of all three molecules was significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients than in the control (p < 0.001). The highest level of sE-selectin and ICAM-1 were observed in patients with liver metastasis. There was no correlation between sP-selectin and sE-selectin, but we found a significant correlation between sE-selectin and ICAM-1 in all patients. These findings suggest that plasma concentration of E-selectin and ICAM-1 may indicate tumor progression and liver metastasis.

Changes in platelet CD 62P expression and soluble P-selectin concentration in surgically treated colorectal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of tumor advancement and surgery treatment on P-selectin expression (CD 62P), level of sP-selectin and platelet count. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 27 colorectal cancer patients (CRC). They were divided into two groups: group B1--18 patients (T2-3N0M0) and group B2--9 patients (T2-4N+M0). In CRC patients the blood was collected three times: 1) before surgery (A0), 2) 3 days after surgery and 3) 12 days after surgery. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that CD 62P expression in CRC patients was twice higher (5.36%) than in control (2.58%) (p < 0.001). The level of sP-selectin concentration in both groups (B1--74.22 ng/mL and B2--70.33 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in control (46.01 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). There was no significant differences in CD 62P expression, plasma sP-selectin concentration and in PLT count between group B1 and B2. Three days after surgery in both groups of patients we observed decreased CD 62P expression and sP-selectin level compared to the results before surgery (p < 0.05). Twelve days after surgery we found an increase in the CD 62P-positive platelets and sP-selectin in group B1 and B2. We found positive correlation between plasma sP-selectin concentration and PLT count in CRC. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study on colorectal cancer we observed platelet hyperactivation, irrespective of tumor clinical advancement. Surgical procedure, in the early period following radical tumor resection, does not totally eliminate platelet activation in vivo.

Does smoking affect thrombocytopoiesis and platelet activation in women and men?

PURPOSE: Smoking is a significant risk factor of cardiac ischaemia. Changes in platelet count, morphology and platelet activation enhance the risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of the study was to assess platelet parameters in smoking healthy subjects with reference to sex. In the group of women, 27% were smokers, in the group of men--49%. All the subjects were tested for platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), percentage of large platelets (L(PLT)), concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin, sP-selectin (soluble) and thrombopoietin, percentage of reticulated platelets (RP) and absolute count of reticulated platelet. RESULTS: Lower platelet count (237.00 +/- 39.52 vs 258.34 +/- 40.81 x 10(9)/l, p = 0.0002), higher percentage of reticulated platelets (1.39 +/- 0 .66 vs 1.04 +/- 0.35%, p = 0.04) and higher concentration of sP-selectin (52.66 +/- 18.54 vs 43.94 +/- 17.14 ng/ml, p = 0.03) were observed only in the group of smoking women, compared to non-smokers. In neither of the sexes smoking had an effect on the following parameters: mean platelet volume, percentage of large platelets, concentration of thrombopoietin, absolute count of reticulated platelet and concentration of beta1 -thromboglobulin. CONCLUSIONS: The results allow the hypothesis that women are more sensitive to smoking than men. Platelets in male smokers are less sensitive to smoking--the study showed no significant changes in the parameters.

Phagocytic and bactericidal activity and morphological parameters of blood platelets in patients with Trichinella spiralis infection.

PURPOSE: The production of IgE increases in parasitic invasions, triggering local or systemic inflammatory response with the involvement of blood platelets. The aim of the study was to assess the number and morphological parameters of blood platelets as well as their phagocytic and bactericidal activity in patients with Trichinella spiralis infection. It is interesting to investigate the blood platelet response following Trichinella spiralis in order to elucidate possible effects on non-specific immunity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with Trichinella spiralis (before and after antiparasitic therapy) and forty healthy subjects were examined. The platelet count and morphological parameters were determined using a hematologic analyzer Technicon H-1 System. The platelet phagocytic activity was determined by measuring the percentage of phagocytizing cells and the phagocytic index. The bactericidal activity was assessed measuring the percentage of the bacteria killed by platelets and plasma. The strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P was used for this purpose. RESULTS: In patients infected with T. spiralis morphological parameters do not change, except for the percentage of large platelets. In the course of trichinellosis the phagocytic index of platelets is statistically significantly decreased and platelet bactericidal activity is impaired, while the bactericidal activity of the plasma is statistically significantly increased, compared to healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has revealed that due to T. spiralis infection, the percentage of large, young blood platelets is decreased. The parasitic infection causes impairment of non-specific immunity through decreased bactericidal activity of blood platelets.

Soluble P-selectin concentration in patients with colorectal cancer.

During platelet activation, P-selectin is translocated onto the external platelet membrane. Surface exposure of P-selectin is temporary, and the molecule undergoes endocytosis or shedding to the circulation where it appears in a soluble form as sP-selectin. The aim of the study was to assess platelet activation based on the level of soluble form of P-selectin (sP-selectin) in colorectal cancer patients. The study involved 22 surgically treated patients, divided into two groups depending on histopathological malignancy grade: group I - patients with low malignancy grade (G2), group II - patients with high malignancy grade (G3). The examinations were carried out three times: before surgery (A0) and 3 (A1) and 12 days (A2) after the surgery. Control group (C) consisted of 20 healthy subjects. The sP-selectin level was determined in the plasma using the ELISA Kit (Human sP-selectin, R&D System). In colorectal cancer patients sP-selectin concentration was statistically significantly higher (69.25 ng/ml in group I and 66.50 ng/ml in group II) as compared to healthy subjects (46.01 ng/ml) (p<0.05), irrespective of malignancy grade. The surgical procedure has a significant effect on the dynamics of changes in the level of sP-selectin. Initially, 3 days (A1) after the procedure, there is a decrease in the level of sP-selectin, but after 12 days (A2) a rise is noted again, the level being the highest in group I. It indicates that the surgical procedure does not totally eliminate the factors responsible for platelet activation and did not normalize platelet activation.

Bactericidal capacity of platelets in gastric cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate bactericidal capacity of platelets in patients suffering from gastric cancer. Number of platelets and their bactericidal activity were measured in 32 cancer patients (divided into 2 groups: I--resectable cancer, II--non-resectable one) and 32 normal donors. In group I the number of platelets was 259.136+/-84.459 x 103/microl. It was increased comparing to the normal donors 193.219+/-55.493 x 103/microl. After the surgery increase in platelet number was observed (472.05+/-111.772 x 103/microl). In group II an increased number of platelets was observed (265.1+/-81.813 x 103/microl) and it was maintained in a post-operative period: 234.2+/-54.141 x 103/microl. In group I bactericidal capacity of platelets was 2.25+/-7.33%, whereas it increased significantly after the surgery--4.7+/-7.46%. In group II, it was 8.6+/-17.61% before and 4.72+/-4.76% after the surgery. In normal donors this ability was 21.66+/-16.66. In gastric cancer patients increased platelet number was observed. Significant increase in platelets number occurred after a radical tumor removal. Decreased bactericidal activity of platelets was noticed in gastric cancer patients. After surgical removal of the tumor, platelets partly reclaimed bactericidal capacity. In patients presenting disseminated gastric cancer, bactericidal capacity of platelets could be permanently impaired.

Effect of tumor stage and nephrectomy on CD62P expression and sP-selectin concentration in renal cancer.

The CD62P receptor and its soluble form sP-selectin is a marker of platelet (PLT) activation, and constitutes a ligand for CD24 antigen of neoplastic cells and tumor stroma components. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship dynamics of the percentage of CD62P+ platelets, the level of the receptor expression and the concentration of soluble form of sP-selectin in renal cancer. Examinations were performed before and after nephrectomy in patients with renal cancer (group A - 25, T2N0M0; group B - 27, T2N1-2M0) and in control group (C - 24 subjects). The two groups A and B showed an increased subpopulation of CD62P+ platelets (p<0.01) and elevated sP-selectin concentration (p<0.001) before and after nephrectomy. Although following nephrectomy sP-selectin concentration decreased markedly, it was still higher 3 months after the procedure compared to control group (p<0.05). Following nephrectomy, however, no statistically significant differences were found in the % of CD62P+ platelets and the receptor expression. Greater dynamics of changes before and after nephrectomy in the percentage of CD62P+ platelets (B1:B2 p<0.05) and the receptor expression (B1:B3 p<0.001) was observed in patients with local lymph node involvement (group B) while sP-selectin concentration was similar in both groups. Nephrectomy did not normalize intravascular activation of PLT and TNM had no significant effect on the expression of CD62P and concentration of sP-selectin.

Does renal carcinoma affect the expression of P-selectin on platelets?

We studied changes in the expression of P-selectin on the blood platelet plasma membrane. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of renal carcinoma on P-selectin expression associated with changes in platelet morphology. Venous blood was collected from 30 patients with renal carcinoma and from 24 control subjects for cytometric analysis and to evaluate platelet morphology. P-selectin being the CD62P receptor on blood platelets was marked by anti-CD61/62P MoAb, and the results were presented as the percentage of CD62P-positive cells. Changes in the expression of the CD62P on the platelet plasma membrane during activation were investigated by flow cytometry in a comparative study of in vivo activation and in vitro platelet reactivity. Platelet activation reflected by P-selectin expression was higher in the group of patients (4.45 +/-1.96), compared to control (2.48 +/-1.66) (p < 0.05). However, adenosine diphosphate [ADP] -stimulated platelet reactivity in renal cancer patients increased only by 0.24% (p > 0.05), while following activation by thrombin by 0.54% (p < 0.05). Moreover, a higher (4.72 +/-2.02), statistically significant percentage of platelets with P-selectin expression was found in patients with disseminated neoplastic changes in renal parenchyma, compared to patients with a single localized neoplastic lesion (4.17 +/-1.89) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was noted in the platelet count and anisocytosis in renal cancer patients. Renal cancer enhances P-selectin expression. It is due to the presence of intensified thrombinogenesis and other platelet agonists in the blood.

[Evaluation of functional state of blood platelets in patients infected with Echinococcus granulosus]. / Ocena stanu czynnosciowego plytek krwi u chorych zarazonych Echinococcus granulosus.

Blood platelets actively participate in defense mechanisms of the organism. eg. in antiparasitic immunology. The study involved 17 patients infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Blood for analysis was collected twice, before treatment (E1) and after it (E2). Control group consisted of 30 healthy people. The concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were assayed using a set of ASSERACHROM (Boehringer Mannheim) according to the immunoenzymatic method with labelled antibodies. The level of platelet factor 4 (before and after the antiparasitic treatment) indicates platelet activation by parasite.

Does parasitic infection affect platelet factor 4 concentration?

Blood platelets actively participate in defense mechanisms of the organism, e.g. in antiparasitic immunity. Platelet stimulation may be a result of direct contact with parasite, increased IgG and/or IgE concentrations, the presence of complement, CRP or lymphokins. The aim of the study was to find out whether parasitic infection induces platelet activation. The study involved 35 patients (30 patients were infected with Giardia intestinalis and 5 patients were infected with Echinococcus granulosus). Blood for analysis was collected twice, before treatment (A1) and after it (A2). The concentrations of platelet factor 4 were assayed using a set of ASSERACHROM according to the immunoenzymatic method with labelled antibodies. The mean concentration of platelet factor 4 (PF4) was 20.3 +/- 9.4 IU/ml in the patients prior to the antiparasitic therapy and being reduced to 6.0 +/- 3.0 IU/ml after treatment. In the control group the mean PF4 concentration was 2.27 +/- 0.08 IU/ml. The differences between the values in control group and the two groups tested were statistically significant. Although platelets do not get into a direct contact with the parasite, an increase is observed in the concentration of platelet factor 4, which may indicate the involvement of platelets in the parasitic disease.

beta-Thromboglobulin in patients with acute myocardial infarction according to the treatment.

Many studies report on the increased activity of platelets in patients with heart disease, especially with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate dynamics of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) concentration in patients with MI according to the disease duration and type of treatment. We investigated 29 patients, who were divided into two groups according to the type of treatment. beta-TG concentration was determined using the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). Blood was taken 1st, 3rd, 5th, 8th and 11th day of infarction. Our results indicate that in the course of myocardial infarction there is a change in platelet activation. The treatment applied affects beta-TG concentration, and the thrombolytic therapy inhibits platelet activation.

[Phagocytic activity of blood platelets before and after renal artery embolization in patients with renal cancer]. / Aktywnosc fagocytarna plytek krwi przed i po embolizacji tetnicy nerkowej u chorych z rakiem nerki.

Embolization consists in the occlusion of renal artery and its ramifications, which induces acute renal infarction. Renal artery embolization, causing necrosis, stimulates cellular reactions within and around the neoplasm. The interaction of neoplastic cells with blood platelets is of great importance in the development of neoplastic disease. Neoplastic cells exert a stimulatory effect on blood platelets. During activation, platelets change in shape and secrete certain substances. We conducted this study measuring the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. 45 patients suffering from renal cancer were examined (22 women and 23 men) before and after embolization. Diagnosis was established basing on the patients' history, clinical picture, and ultrasonographic, urographic and angiographic examinations. The study demonstrated that embolization led to an increase in platelet count and decrease of phagocytic index.

alpha1-microglobulin as a marker of proximal tubular damage in urinary tract infection in children.

The urinary alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-M) as a marker of proximal tubular damage was measured in 86 children, aged 3/12 to 12 years, with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and fever. All patients had normal glomerular filtration rates (GFR). They were divided into 2 groups: A: with UTI and etiological factor E. coli, B: with UTI and etiological factor Proteus sp. Similar measurements of alpha1-M were obtained for a control group of healthy children. An increased mean level serum alpha1-M was observed in patients with UTI and fever compared to control group (p < 0.001). Urinary alpha1-M as the alpha1-microglobulin/creatinine ratio was higher in both tested group of patients with UTI and fever. Those found in group A1 and B1 before treatment were the highest and statistically significantly elevated after treatment (group A2 and B2: p < 0.001). Our results indicate the usefulness of the urinary alpha-microglobulin/creatinine ratio as a marker of proximal kidney tubule damage in children with E. coli and Proteus sp. infections. Additionally, it seems to be associated with the humoral and cellular immune response.

Flow cytometric analysis of CD 62P expression in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Much attention has been paid to the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of heart diseases, e.g. ischaemic disease and myocardial infarction. During platelet activation changes appear both in the internal structure and in the membrane. The release reaction is associated with the appearance of CD 62P (P-selectin). The aim of the present study was evaluate CD 62P expression in patients with acute myocardial infarction according to the disease duration and the type of treatment. We study 29 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The patients were divided into two groups: group A--15 patients treated with heparin and aspirin and group B--14 patients treated with streptokinase, heparin and aspirin. The control group consisted of 21 healthy subjects. We indicated that P-selectin expression is influenced by infarction duration and type of treatment. Our study demonstrates that thrombolytic therapy inhibits platelet activation. Patients receiving streptokinase showed lower CD 62P expression than those treated only with heparin and aspirin, both before and after platelet activation with thrombin.

Platelet factor 4 as a marker of platelet activation in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The aim of the present study was evaluate dynamics of platelet factor 4, as a marker of platelet activation, in patients with acute myocardial infarction according to the disease duration and type of treatment. In the recent years much attention has been paid to the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of ischaemic disease and myocardial infarction. Rupture or splitting of atheroma and increased platelet activation are a direct cause of acute thrombotic process in coronary vessels. During platelet activation alpha granules release proteins, e.g. platelet factor 4 (PF 4). We investigated 29 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI); the patients were divided into two groups: group A--15 patients treated with heparin and aspirin; group B--14 patients treated with streptokinase, heparin and aspirin. Control group (C) consisted of 21 healthy subjects. PF 4 concentration was determined on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 11th day of MI using the immunoenzymatic method. Our results indicate that in the course of myocardial infarction there is a change in the platelet factor 4 and that thrombolytic therapy inhibits platelet activation.

Morphological parameters of blood platelets before and after renal artery embolization in patients with renal cancer.

Embolization consists in the occlusion of renal artery and its ramifications, which induces acute renal infarction. Renal artery embolization, causing necrosis, stimulates cellular reactions within and around the neoplasm. The interaction of neoplastic cells with blood platelets is of great importance in the development of neoplastic disease. Neoplastic cells exert a stimulatory effect on blood platelets. During activation, platelets change in shape and secrete certain substances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate morphological parameters of blood platelets in renal cancer patients before and after renal artery embolization. 45 patients suffering from renal cancer were examined (22 women and 23 men) before and after embolization. Diagnosis was established basing on the patients' history, clinical picture, and ultrasonographic, urographic and angiographic examinations. Tumour advancement was defined as T2 and T3. The study has demonstrated that embolization leads to an increase in platelet count and in the percentage of "megathrombocytes". The changes observed in the study may indirectly testify to the involvement of the thrombopoietic system in the course of neoplastic disease.

Phagocytic activity of platelets in patients with myocardial infarction.

The aim of our present study was to analyse the dynamics of changes in the phagocytic activity of platelets with myocardial infarction according to the treatment applied. Twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction and thirty healthy subjects were examined. Platelet count, phagocytic activity of platelets and the phagocytic index were determined. We observed reduced phagocytic activity of platelets in the first 24 hours of infarction, which may be due to exhaustion of most active platelets in a thrombus and microaggregates. A transitory increase in the phagocytosis activity of platelets observed on the third day of infarction may be caused by the release of large, more active platelets from splenic pool. On the eight day of infarction, the phagocytic activity of platelets became normalized in both experimental groups. Our study indicates that together with platelet activation the phagocytic activity gets reduced being a likely response to the thrombocytopenic factor. This can be confirmed by the increased number of platelets on the 8th day. Our results suggest a slightly attenuated phagocytic ability of platelets, irrespective of the treatment applied. The reduction seems to result from the effect of platelets exhaustion on the procoagulative activity in patients with myocardial infarction.