Blood Basophil Counts Research Articles

Eosinophil could predict the prognosis of patients with bloodstream infection: a retrospective analysis of 305 cases

To investigate the value of peripheral blood for the prognosis of patients with bloodstream infection. A retrospective analysis of patients with bloodstream infection was conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Mianyang Central Hospital of Sichuan from January 2012 to October 2016. According to the 28-day survival, the patients were divided into survival group and death group. The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils count (NEU), lymphocyte count (LYM), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte count (MO), eosinophil count (EO), basophil count (BA), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PLT) and procalcitonin (PCT) in peripheral blood were recorded when patients were diagnosed with blood infection. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were used to evaluate the value of these risk factors for predicting the outcome. 305 patients were enrolled. 182 patients survived while 123 patients died during the 28-day period. (1) There was no significant difference in gender, age and comorbidities between the two groups. There was no significant difference in infection rate between the two groups except for fungal infection rate. The fungal infection rate in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group (9.8% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.019). (2) The LYM, MO, EO and PLT in the death group were significantly lower than those in the survival group [LYM (×109/L): 0.58 (0.29, 0.93) vs. 0.76 (0.44, 1.23), MO (×109/L): 0.47 (0.19, 0.80) vs. 0.58 (0.30, 0.94), EO (×109/L): 0.00 (0.00, 0.01) vs. 0.03 (0.01, 0.09), PLT (×1012/L): 89 (47, 148) vs. 126 (82, 186), all P < 0.05]. The NLR in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group [17.09 (7.60, 33.51) vs. 12.86 (6.51, 24.85), P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the WBC, NEU, BA, Hb and PCT between the two groups. (3) It was shown by ROC curve analysis that the maximum area under the ROC curve (AUC) of EO was 0.755. When the best cut-off value was 0.015×109/L as a predictor of death in 28 days, the sensitivity was 80.3%, and specificity was 64.7%. (4) It was shown by survival analysis that the 28-day survival rate in the patients with EO < 0.015×109/L was significantly lower than that of patients with EO > 0.015×109/L [38.3% (62/162) vs. 83.9% (120/143), χ 2 = 56.999, P = 0.000]. (5) It was shown by Cox regression that EO was the independent factor for 28-day survival (β = 1.466, χ 2 = 39.535, P = 0.000). Risk of death was 4.331 times greater in patients with EO < 0.015×109/L than in those with EO > 0.015×109/L [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.331, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 2.743-6.840]. Compared to other parameters in peripheral blood, EO has the best correlation with the prognosis of bloodstream infection. EO is the independent prognostic predictor for 28-day survival.

Abstract 535: Gender Dictates the Relationship Between Clinical Markers of Lipid Metabolism and Immune Function

Dyslipidemias and leukocytosis are associated with cardiovascular disease and immune disorders. Mechanistic studies have shown lipoprotein metabolism to play a significant role in the regulation of atherosclerosis development and leukocyte activation, whereas lipid-lowering treatments have been shown to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in clinical trials. However, the relationship between clinical markers of lipid metabolism and immune function has not been extensively evaluated at the population level. Thus, we analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999-2004 to determine whether blood lipids could be used to predict clinical leukocyte counts, and whether there was a relationship between blood lipids, statin use, and prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – the most common form of autoantibodies. After adjusting for age, serum cotinine, BMI, waist circumference, race/ethnicity, statin use, and survey cycle, we observed a strong positive linear trend between serum triglycerides vs. blood lymphocyte and basophil counts (cells/μL) in men and women (&gt; 20 years old; n= 5,647), whereas a positive trend between monocytes vs. triglycerides and lymphocytes vs. total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was only detected in women. In multiple regression models, a 10% increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides was associated with a predicted 1.6%, 0.6%, and 1.4% increase in blood lymphocyte counts in women, respectively, whereas no relationship was observed in men. In a population subsample (n = 1,526), we further found that women were more likely to be positive for ANA as compared to men (women: 17.4% vs. men: 11.7%); however, we did not observe significant associations between the odds of being ANA positive and serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, or HDL-cholesterol in either men or women. Interestingly, we found that women who take statins have significantly lower odds of being ANA positive (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.09-0.76), whereas no significant associations between statin use and ANA prevalence was observed in men. Together, these findings suggest blood lipids and statin usage may be better predictors of clinical markers of immune function in women.

Gender Dictates the Relationship between Serum Cholesterol and White Blood Cell Counts in NHANES 1999–2004

Serum lipoproteins have been implicated in the regulation of immune cell activity and function. LDL‐induced cholesterol loading promotes pro‐inflammatory immune activation, whereas HDL has been associated with suppression of leukocytosis, improved clinical outcomes in sepsis patients, and mitigation of autoimmune inflammation. Despite these findings from clinical and basic research studies, the relationship between serum cholesterol and immune cell counts has not been extensively evaluated at the population level. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between serum lipids and clinical white blood cell counts in men and women (n= 5,647) in NHANES 1999–2004. After adjusting for age, serum cotinine, BMI, waist circumference, race/ethnicity, statin use, and survey cycle, we observed a strong positive linear trend between serum triglycerides vs. blood lymphocyte and basophil counts (cells/uL) in men and women, whereas a positive trend between lymphocytes vs. total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol was only detected in women. In women, strong positive linear trends were additionally observed between triglycerides vs. monocytes, whereas negative trends were found between LDL‐cholesterol vs. monocytes and neutrophils. We further used multiple regression models of blood lipids in order to predict changes in immune cell counts. Interestingly, in women, a 10% increase in total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol was associated with a predicted 1.6%, 0.6%, and 1.4% increase in blood lymphocyte counts, respectively, whereas no relationship was observed in men. In both men and women, a 10% increase in triglycerides was additionally associated with higher lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil counts, whereas 10% increases in HDL‐cholesterol were associated with significantly lower lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil counts in men, in addition to lower lymphocyte and monocyte counts in women. These findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between blood lipids and immune cells counts, and that these associations vary across gender.Support or Funding InformationFairfield University, College of Arts and Sciences and SUNY College at Plattsburgh School of Education, Health and Human Services

Patient posture for blood collection by venipuncture: recall for standardization after 28 years.

BackgroundAlthough data about the effect of posture on routine hematological testing were published 28 years ago, this pre-analytical issue has not been standardized so far. This study was planned to evaluate whether postural changes influence the results of hematology testing.MethodsA complete blood count was performed in 19 healthy volunteers after 25 min in the supine position, 20 min in a sitting position and 20 min stationary standing in an upright position.ResultsThe change from supine to sitting position caused clinically significant increases in the hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell count. Furthermore, the change from supine to standing caused clinically significant increases in the hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, basophil and platelet counts, and mean platelet volume, and that from sitting to standing caused clinically significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell, leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts.ConclusionThe results of this investigation provide further support to the notion that effort should be made to achieve widespread standardization in the practice of phlebotomy, including patient posture.

Effect of dietary supplementation with arginine on haematological indices, serum chemistry, carcass yield, gut microflora, and lymphoid organs of growing turkeys

A 8-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Arg on haematological indices, serum chemistry, carcass yield, gut microflora, and lymphoid organ weights of growing turkeys. A total of one hundred and eighty 56-d-old male grower turkeys were weighed individually and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens, and 10 turkeys per pen in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, and 1.0g Arg/kg. Haematological indices and serum chemistry were measured at 84 and 112 d of study. Carcass yield, relative weights of retail cuts, organ weights, and gut microflora were measured at d 112. Except eosinophil, no effect of Arg supplementation was obtained on haematological indices at d 84. At d 112, finisher turkeys fed the diet supplemented with 0.5g Arg/kg had the greatest red blood cell (quadratic, P<0.001), lymphocyte (linear, P=0.011; quadratic, P<0.001), and basophil counts (quadratic, P<0.001). In grower turkeys at d 84, total serum protein (quadratic, P=0.030), and serum globulin concentrations (quadratic, P=0.043) increased initially as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 0.5g/kg, but decreased with the 1.0g Arg/kg. Uric acid concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity reduced as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 0.5g/kg, but increased with the 1.0gArg/kg (quadratic, P=0.002). In finisher turkeys at d 112, total serum protein (linear, P=0.004; quadratic, P=0.002), serum globulin (linear, P=0.008; quadratic, P=0.030), serum albumin (linear, P=0.012; quadratic, P=0.040), and triodosterine concentrations (linear, P=0.025; quadratic, P=0.033) increased with increasing Arg supplementation. At d 112, spleen weights increased linearly (P=0.006), while thymus weights increased quadratically (P=0.003) with increasing dietary Arg supplementation. Salmonella counts in the small intestinal content of turkeys at d 112 reduced quadratically as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 1.0g/kg (P=0.029). In conclusion, Arg supplementation increased packed cell volume of finisher turkeys, improved serum chemistry of grower, and finisher turkeys as indicated by increased total serum protein, and reduced serum enzymes with appreciable improvement obtained when included at 0.5gArg/kg. Arginine supplementation enhanced the relative weights of thymus, spleen, and reduced Salmonella counts in small intestine of turkeys.

High-dose anti-histamine use and risk factors in children with urticaria.

The drugs of choice in the treatment of urticaria in children are H1-antihistamines. The aim of the study was to evaluate children with urticaria and define risk factors for requirement of high-dose H1-antihistamines in children with urticaria. The medical data of children who were diagnosed as having urticaria admitted to our outpatient clinic between January 2014 and January 2016 were searched. The medical histories, concomitant atopic diseases, parental atopy histories, medications, treatment responses, blood eosinophil and basophil counts, and serum total IgE levels were recorded. In addition, the urticaria activity score for seven days, autoimmune antibody tests, and skin prick test results were evaluated in children with chronic urticaria. The numbers of the children with acute and chronic urticaria were 138 and 92, respectively. The age of the children with chronic urticaria was higher than that of those with acute urticaria (p<0.0001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of blood eosinophil and basophil counts, and serum total IgE levels (p>0.05). There was a negative correlation between blood eosinophil count and the UAS7 score in children with chronic urticaria (r=-0.276, p=0.011). Chronic urticaria and requirement of high dose H1-antihistamines were significant in children aged ≥10 years (p<0.001, p=0.015). High UAS7 score (OR: 1.09; CI 95%: [1.03-1.15]) and basopenia (OR: 6.77; CI 95%: [2.01-22.75]) were associated with the requirement of high-dose H1-AH in children with chronic urticaria. The requirement of high-dose H1-antihistamines was higher with children's increasing age. Disease severity and basopenia were risk factors for the requirement of high-dose H1-antihistamines.

Effect of Omalizumab on Blood Basophil Counts in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic/Spontaneous Urticaria

Effect of Omalizumab on Blood Basophil Counts in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic/Spontaneous Urticaria

Reduced Venous Blood Basophil Count and Anxious Depression in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

ObjectiveAnxious depression has a distinct neurobiology, clinical course and treatment response from non-anxious depression. Role of inflammation in anxious depression has not been examined. As an exploratory study to characterize the role of inflammation on a development of anxious depression, we aimed to determine the relationship between white blood cell (WBC) subset counts and anxiety in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsA total of 709 patients who were newly diagnosed with MDD were recruited. Anxiety levels of participants were evaluated using the Anxiety/ Somatization subitem of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The association between WBC subset fraction and anxiety was evaluated.ResultsBasophil and eosinophil sub-fractions showed significant negative correlations with HAM-D anxiety/somatization factor scores (basophils: r=-0.092, p=0.014 and eosinophils: r=-0.075, p=0.046). When an anxiety score (a sum of somatic and psychic anxiety) was entered as a dependent variable, only basophils showed significant negative association with the anxiety scores after adjusting for all other WBC subset counts and demographic factors (t=-2.57, p=0.010).ConclusionThis study showed that anxious depression had a decreased basophil subfraction, which might be associated with involvement of inflammation in development of anxious depression.

Determination of Hematological Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of S. incanum in Normal Mice

Medicinal plants and herbs have been used for ages for the purposes of enhancing and maintaining health and organic resistance against body infection. This is due to their ready availability and arguably efficacious state, therefore offering an alternative remedy in enhancing hematological parameters. Various chemical constituents of Solanum incanum (Linn) are believed to possess therapeutic effects on hematological parameters, but these effects have not been subjected to systematic scientific studies to substantiate and ascertain the therapeutic claims made regarding their clinical utility. This study investigates the hematological effects of S. incanum (Linn) in normal mice. The experimental mice groups were treated with methanolic seed extracts of S. incanum (Linn) at concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg orally once per two days for a period of fourteen days. Hematological parameters and indices of unclotted blood were determined using standard protocols. Phytochemicals were determined using standard protocols. Seven and fourteen days after administration of methanolic seed extracts of S. incanum at the dose level of 50 mg/kgbw, there was significant increase in erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit counts while the dose level of 100 mg/kgbw caused significant increase in hematocrit count fourteen days after administration of the extract. There was a significant increase in levels of total white blood cells, neutrophils and basophil counts seven and fourteen days after administration of the methanolic seed extract of S. incanum at the dose level of 50 mg/kgbw. The dose level of 50 mg/kgbw of methanolic seed extract of S. incanum caused a significant increase in platelet, plateletcrit, MPV, and PDW profiles after seven days. In addition phytochemical screening results showed that the seed extract of S. incanum (Linn) had phytochemicals associated with erythropoietin promoting activity, immunostimulatory activities and thrombopoietin stimulation.

Basophil progenitor marker histamine and its relation to the treatment response in Egyptian chronic myeloid leukemia patients

Introduction Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity that activates many signaling pathways contributing to the abnormal growth and survival of leukemic cells. Basophilia is a strong independent prognostic variable that correlates with the phase of CML. In CML, basophils are difficult to be identified by their morphology due to their immaturity or low frequency by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy. It is important to predict responses to therapy and to monitor levels of minimal residual disease in CML patients by cytogenetics and PCR. However, these parameters are expensive and require special technologies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to clarify whether the serum level of the basophil-marker histamine correlates with hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular responses in CML patients and with the achievement of the optimal response to TKI therapy. Patients and methods The histamine level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 48 CML patients, together with cytogenetic analysis at diagnosis and after 6 months from the start of imatinib treatment. Molecular study of BCR-ABL was also performed at 6 months. Results Histamine levels were upregulated in CML patients at diagnosis compared with the healthy control group and correlated with the total leukocytic count, the absolute peripheral blood basophil count, and the percent of bone marrow basophils. After 6 months of imatinib treatment, histamine levels were significantly reduced in CML patients compared with the levels at diagnosis and were still significantly higher than in controls. Histamine levels at 6 months correlated significantly with PCR measurements for BCR-ABL . A significant difference in histamine levels was found between patients according to their hematological, cytogenetic, and molecular responses. Also, it differed significantly among TKI response groups (optimal, warning, failure). Conclusion We found that the serum histamine level may serve as a cheap early predictor of cytogenetic and molecular remission as well as the response to imatinib. However, we could not encourage measuring serum histamine as an alternative to PCR for BCR-ABL for the monitoring of minimal residual disease.

Achieving Complete Cytogenetic Response and BCR-ABL PCRIS

Background; Accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (AP-CML) is not clearly defined yet. There are different definitions to classify AP. In European Leukemia Net (ELN) 2013 recommendation, considerable therapeutic approach of de novo AP would be hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) followed by frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). To explore long-term efficacy of frontline imatinib (IM) treatment and early predictors of long-term outcome, we analyzed a total of 73 patients who received frontline IM..Method; AP defined as a definition of ELN recommendation.. A progression to blastic phase and loss of response were considered as progression. Patients who had received HCT were censored at the time of HCT when calculating overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).Results; Of 83 patients who diagnosed as AP, 73 patients received IM and other 10 patients had HSCT (n=7) or no treatment (n=3). Of 73 IM-treated patients, 36 patients maintained IM therapy and 37 patients discontinued IM with switch to 2G TKI (n=23) or HSCT (n=14). Analysis of baseline characteristics revealed prior cytogenetic response (CyR), and molecular response at 6 and 12 months for prediction of survivals.Clinical factors for better survival including Sokal score (p=0.203), Hasford sore (p=0.832), peripheral blood (PB) basophil count (p=0.374), spleen size (p=0.656), bone marrow (BM) promelocyte (p=0.839), BM basophil (p=0.478 were not significant. PB blast<10% (p=0.0670), PB eosinophil count>5% (p=0.031), platelet count >20x109/L (p=0.008), PB promyelocyte<2% (p=0.171), PB blast+promelocyte<20% (p=0.095), BM blast+promelocyte<20% (p=0.006), BM blast<10% (p=0.020) at diagnosis, achieving CCyR (p<0.001), achieving BCR-ABL PCRIS <10% (MR1.0) at 3M (p=0.020), BCR-ABL PCRIS <1% (MR2.0) at 6M (p=0.005) and MR2.0 at 12M (p=0.001) were included in multivariate analysis. Platelet count >20x109/L at diagnosis (p=0.002), achieving CCyR (p=0.007) and MR2.0 at 12M (p=0.048) were significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Probability of 10Y OS for patients who acheived CCyR vs. no CCyR were 85.2% vs. 0% (p<0.001); median survival for patients without CCyR was 31.737 (95% CI, 16.269-47.147) months (Figure 2). Probabilities of 10Y OS for MR1.0 at 6M and MR2.0 at 12M were 81.3% vs. 59.7% (p=0.016) and 96.5% vs. 57.4% (p=0.003), respectively. However, time to CCyR<6M was not significant 10Y OS rate 75% vs. 67.6%, p=0.173). The 10Y PFS probability in patients who had acheived CCyR was 66.0% vs. 0% (p<0.001); median PFS for patients without CCyR was 9.462 (95% CI, 1.978-16.946) months. Probabilities of 10Y PFS in MR1.0 at 6M and MR2.0 at 12M were 63.2% vs. 44.9% (p=0.076) and 77.1% vs. 39.8% (p=0.005), respectively. Median PFS for patients not achieving MR1.0 at 6M and MR2.0 at 12M were 30.555 (95% CI, 0.0-61.252) and 22.867 (95% CI, 0.0-50.208), respectively. Time to CCyR<6M was not significant for PFS (10Y PFS rate 50.8% vs. 58.5%, p=0.828).Conclusion: Achievement of CCyR or achievement of MR1.0 at 12M was important goals not only in progression but also in survival. Therefore if a patient doesnÕt achieve the goals, the treatments need to be changed. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Basophil count, a marker for disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, with frequent flares amid remissions. Basophils contribute to the immunopathogenesis of SLE. This retrospective clinical study evaluated blood basophil count as a potential marker of SLE activity. This study included 213 patients with SLE, 70 with non-SLE chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 100 healthy volunteers. SLE disease activity was scored using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Baseline and post-immunosuppressant bioparameters were compared in patients with active SLE, with second samples taken at total SLEDAI ≤4. Blood basophil counts and other conventional biomarkers were compared among the groups. Among the 213 SLE patients (192 women, 21 men; mean age 33.0 ± 12.0 years), 149 had active disease. Basophil counts were significantly lower in patients with SLE than in patients with non-SLE CKD and healthy controls (0.009 ± 0.010 vs. 0.025 ± 0.015 vs. 0.022 ± 0.010 × 10(9)/L, p <0.001), and lower in patients with active than inactive SLE (0.008 ± 0.009 vs. 0.014 ± 0.012 × 10(9)/L, p <0.001). Basophil counts in SLE patients were significantly higher after than before immunosuppressive treatment (0.021 ± 0.017 vs. 0.008 ± 0.008 × 10(9)/L, p <0.001) and correlated with total SLEDAI score (r = -0.30, p <0.001). Receiver operator curve analysis showed that basophil counts were similar to conventional markers (leukocytes, platelets, and double-stranded (ds) DNA IgG) in differentiating active from inactive SLE. These findings indicate that blood basophil counts may be a useful biomarker in evaluating SLE activity.

Prostaglandin D2: A dominant mediator of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy is routinely performed for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Little is known about the contributions of mediators other than cysteinyl leukotrienes to aspirin reactions and to the therapeutic benefit of high-dose aspirin therapy. We investigated differences in urinary eicosanoid metabolite levels and blood eosinophil counts in patients with AERD who tolerate and those who fail aspirin desensitization and also in patients with AERD who were successfully treated with high-dose aspirin therapy. Twenty-nine patients with AERD were stratified into those who tolerated aspirin desensitization (group I) and those who did not (group II). Urine was analyzed for eicosanoid metabolites at baseline, during aspirin reactions, and during high-dose aspirin therapy. Blood was analyzed for cell differentials at baseline and during aspirin therapy. Basal prostaglandin D2 metabolite (PGD-M; 13.6 ± 2.7 vs 7.0 ± 0.8 pmol/mg creatinine [Cr], P < .05) and thromboxane metabolite (TX-M; 1.4 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P < .01) levels were higher in group II than in group I. During aspirin reactions, PGD-M levels remained unchanged, whereas TX-M levels (0.7 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P = .07) tended to decrease in group I. In contrast, PGD-M levels increased dramatically in group II (61.3 ± 19.9 pmol/mg Cr, P < .05), whereas TX-M levels did not change. The decrease in FEV1 inversely correlated with basal urinary levels of both leukotriene E4 and PGD-M. Blood eosinophil and basophil levels increased and urinary PGD-M levels (2.2 ± 0.8 pmol/mg Cr, P < .001) decreased on 2 months of high-dose aspirin therapy in group I. Failure to tolerate aspirin desensitization in a subset of patients with AERD is associated with prostaglandin D2 overproduction. The increase in blood eosinophil and basophil counts during high-dose aspirin therapy might reflect the functional consequences of decreased prostaglandin D2 release and the therapeutic benefit of aspirin.

Effect of living conditions on biochemical and hematological parameters of the cynomolgus monkey.

The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) has been increasingly used in biomedical research. Although living conditions affect behavioral and physiological characteristics in macaques, little data is available on how living conditions influence blood-based parameters in the cynomolgus monkey. We hypothesize that there are significant differences in serum biochemical and hematological parameters in single-caged versus socially housed cynomolgus monkeys, and that age and sex influence the effect of living conditions on these parameters. Sixty single-caged and 60 socially housed cynomolgus monkeys were segregated by age group (juvenile, adult) and sex. The effects of living condition, age, sex, and the interactions between these factors on commonly reported serum biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed by a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Then, the differences between single-caged and socially housed subjects were tested in each parameter by Student's t-test. Creatinine, glucose, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, red blood cell volume distribution width (SD, CV), median fluorescence reticulocyte percentage, white blood cell and basophil counts, and monocyte (count, %) were lower in single-caged subjects. Blood urea nitrogen and globulin were lower in single-caged juveniles and adults, respectively. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and neutrophil (count, %) were higher, and reticulocyte and lymphocyte (counts, %) were lower, in single-caged juveniles. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher in single-caged subjects (but more pronounced in adults). Total protein was higher in single-caged juvenile males and lower in single-caged adult females. Alkaline phosphatase was lower in single-caged juvenile females. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin was higher, and high fluorescence reticulocyte percentage was lower, in single-caged adult males. In conclusion, living conditions significantly affect several serum biochemical and hematological parameters in the cynomolgus monkey, and these effects vary by age and sex. As this macaque is commonly housed under different living conditions, these findings should aid researchers in avoiding inaccurate conclusions concerning this species.

Lack of prognostic value of blood parameters in patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer.

To determine prognostic value of blood parameters on overall and progression-free survival in cases received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer. We retrospectively reviewed files of 350 patients with non-metastatic breast cancer who were treated in the Radiation Oncology Department of Kayseri Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2010. Pretreatment white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte, basophil and eosinophil counts, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were recorded. The relationship between clinicopathological findings and blood parameters was assessed. Overall, 344 women and 6 men were recruited. Median age was 55.3 ± 0.3 years (range: 22-86). Of the cases, 243 (61.4%) received radiotherapy while 329 (94.3%), received chemotherapy and 215 (61.4%) received hormone therapy. Mean overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 84.4 and 78.8 months, respectively. During follow-up, 48 patients died due to either disease- related or non-related causes. Local recurrence was detected in 14 cases, while distant metastasis was noted in 45 cases. In univariate analysis, age, pathology, perinodal invasion were significantly associated with overall survival, whereas gender, stage and hormone therapy were significantly associated with progression-free survival. In multivariate analysis, histopathological diagnosis (OR: 0.3; 95%: 0.1-0.7; p=0.006) and perinodal invasion (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.1-1.3; p=0.026) were significantly associated with overall survival, whereas tumor stage (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 0.0-0.7; p=0.014) and hormone therapy (OR: 2.1; 95%: 1.2-3.8; p=0.010) were significantly associated with progression-free survival. It was found that serum inflammatory markers including WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and NLR and PLR had no effect on prognosis in patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Basophils are elevated in nasal polyps of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without aspirin sensitivity

Basophils are elevated in nasal polyps of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without aspirin sensitivity

Relationship Between Prognosis and Neutrophil: Lymphocyte and Platelet:Lymphocyte Ratios in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesotheliomas

It has been demonstrated that neutrophil:lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet:lymphocyte (PLR) ratios are associated with prognosis in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pretreatment white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet, basophil and eosinophil counts, LDH level, NLR and PLR are associated with prognosis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We retrospectively reviewed files of 50 patients who were managed with a diagnosis of MPM between 2005 and 2010. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, response to treatment and prognostic factors were evaluated, along with relationships between pretreatment blood parameters and prognosis. Overall, 38 men and 12 women were included to the study. Mean age was 61.5±9.4 years (range: 39-83 years). There was advanced disease in 86% (n=43) and the histological type was epithelial mesothelioma in the majority (82%). Of the cases, 17 (34%) received radiotherapy, while 42 cases underwent first- and second-line chemotherapy, with cisplatin plus pemetrexed as the most commonly used regimen. In the assessment after therapy, it was found that there was complete response in 4 cases (8%), partial response in 10 cases (20%), stable disease in 17 cases (34%) and progression in 19 cases (38%). Median follow-up was 10 months (range: 10 day-30 months). Median overall survival was found to be 20.7 months while median progression-free survival as 10 months. In univariate and multivariate analyses, it was found that factors significantly affecting overall survival included stage (p=0.030), response to treatment (p=0.026) and monocyte count (p=0.004), while factors affecting disease-free survival included NLR (p=0.018), response to treatment (p=0.001), and PLR score (p=0.003). Overall and disease-free survival was found to be better in cases with a WBC count<8.000, platelet count<300,000, and low NLR and PLR scores in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PD22 ‐ Examination about eosinophilia, cytokine and gastrointestinal allergy in the preterm infant

Several studies have shown the relationship between eosinophilia and gastrointestinal allergy in preterm infants; however, its mechanism has not yet been established. Interleukin (IL)-5 was shown to be involved in allergic inflammation by promoting eosinophil differentiation and activation and inducing basophil production. In this study, we examined the changes in eosinophil and basophil counts and the association with cytokines in low birth-weight infants showing a predominant symptom of abdominal distension with no serious symptoms such as blood in the stool and anaphylaxis. These infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in our hospital for 1 week or more after birth. Blood eosinophil and basophil counts and serum IL-5, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were measured over time and compared with the initial levels in 17 low birth-weight infants showing abdominal distension, who were admitted to the NICU in our hospital between January 2008 and the end of March 2010. The cases were examined retrospectively, including the clinical background and onset of allergy symptoms. The consent for participation in this study was obtained from each infant's family. The mean gestational age was 30 weeks and 2 days (range, 24 weeks and 3 days to 38 weeks and 2 days). The mean birth weight was 1352.9 g (range, 454–2358 g). The mean age by the time of enteral feeding was 5.9 days and that by symptom onset was 20.8 days (range, 8–51 days). Sixteen of the 17 infants (94%) had eosinophilia (eosinophil count > 700/μl). Four of the 17 infants (23.5%) showed abnormally high eosinophil count (>3000/μl). The mean age for initiation of the increased eosinophil count was 22.3 days (range, 6–39 days). The mean peak eosinophil count was 2486.4/μl (range, 754–7980/μl). The serum IL-5 level was measured in 107 specimens. The eosinophil count was high in 4 infants (>4 pg/ml) who received milk during treatment. The IL-10 level tended to increase at an early stage after birth. In all the infants, serum IL-4 was less than or equal to the detection value. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) was positive in 6 infants. The final IgE was negative in the infants who received intervention by using milk as treatment. Abnormal increase in eosinophil counts and elevated serum IL-5 levels were observed in infants with abdominal distension, which was likely to lead to delayed allergic reactions. Elevation of serum IL-5 level was similar to the change in the medical conditions, which may be effective for determining disease pathogenesis and evaluating the medical conditions.

Anti-IgE therapy to Kimura's disease: A pilot study

Kimura's disease is a chronic disease that is characterized by subcutaneous granuloma of soft tissues in the head and neck region, increased eosinophil counts and high serum IgE levels. It is thought to be an IgE-mediated disease. Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has recently been suggested as a potential new systemic treatment for IgE-mediated diseases, based on its efficacy in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis. We report a study of three patients with Kimura's disease who received anti-IgE (omalizumab) treatment. All patients were treated with a fixed schedule of eight cycles of omalizumab 300mg, administered subcutaneously at intervals of 2 weeks. The size of tumorous regions was evaluated by MRI at base line and after 4 months of treatment. Blood samples were taken every month. In each of the patients, the size of tumorous regions and the peripheral blood eosinophil and basophil counts were all decreased after the treatment. These results suggest that omalizumab may be valuable for treatment of Kimura's disease.

Investigation of serum macrophage migration inhibitor factor and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional disorder of the bowel, has been thought to result from immune activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MMIF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in IBS patients. We enrolled 30 IBS patients and 30 healthy controls. The MMIF and MCP-1 levels of all patients and controls were detected using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Serum MMIF and MCP-1 levels were markedly higher in IBS patients than in controls. White blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts did not differ significantly between groups. These results show that alterations in MMIF and MCP-1 affect the proinflammatory process. They also suggest that MMIF and MCP-1 may play a substantial role in IBS.