[Features of a cytokine profile in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis with progressive chronic renal failure].

AIM: To specify the cytokine profile in chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) with aggravating renal function, to assess prognostic value of some cytokines in development of CGN in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indices of the cytokine profile were followed up in 56 CGN patients with nephrotic syndrome and arterial hypertension and compared in those patients who developed CGN for 2 years (group 2) versus patients with intact renal function (group 1). RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were maximal in CGN patients with aggravating renal function. Such patients had a low concentration of serum IL-1beta receptors antagonists. Severity of proteinurea correlated with serum level of TNF-alpha. If the latter was higher than 120 pg/ml, there was a high probability of CRF development within 2 years. CONCLUSION: Pathogenesis of CRF in CGN is associated with proinflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-alpha. Its serum concentration can be used for evaluating risk of renal function deterioration.

[Beta-carotene prevention of immune disorders in workers engaged in the fire copper refining]. / Profilaktika narusheniia immunnogo statusa u rabochikh ognevogo rafinirovaniia medi pri prieme beta-karotina.

The paper deals with the studies of the human status and immunological responsiveness of workers engaged in copper-smelting industry. The examinees were found to more frequently develop lower environmentally induced immunological responsiveness followed by leuko- and lymphopenia, higher lymphocytic CD4+/CD8+ ratios, phagocytic dysfunction in peripheral blood. Preventive use of beta-carotene prevented negative changes in immunological parameters.