Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations Research Articles

Lower peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocyte ratio is associated with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

To elucidate the characteristics of lymphocyte subsets in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) diagnosis following Jensen's criterion to understand the spectrum of lymphocytes in different degrees of BPD. This single-center retrospective cohort study included 120 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2021, who had undergone peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulation detection. Thirty-one neonates were included in the control group, whereas 33 infants with BPD were included in the case group. In addition, we selected 56 infants with a gestational age (GA) <37 weeks without BPD who were receiving oxygen therapy. Among the three groups, the B cell and NK cell frequencies were significantly higher and the frequencies of T cells and CD4+ cells were significantly lower in the BPD group. In newborns without BPD, the distribution of T lymphocyte subsets was similar at different GAs. Comparing different degrees of BPD, the patients in the grades 2-3 BPD group had significantly lower percentages of T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells than those in the other groups. Remarkably, the frequencies of NK cells were significantly higher in patients with grades 2-3 BPD, and the Treg cells slightly increased with BPD severity, although the differences were not significant. Healthy neonates had similar ratios of lymphocyte subsets among different GAs; although as the GAs increased, the percentage of lymphocytes increased slightly. Severe BPD was associated with lower CD4+ T cells and higher NK cells. However, whether such changes were the cause or the consequence of BPD has not been determined.

Epstein-Barr Virus in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood Compartments of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Controls.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor of multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined the presence of EBV DNA in the CSF and blood of patients with MS and controls. We analyzed whether EBV DNA is more common in the CSF of patients with MS than in controls and estimated the proportions of EBV-positive B cells in the CSF and blood. CSF supernatants and cells were collected at diagnostic lumbar punctures from 45 patients with MS and 45 HLA-DR15 matched controls with other conditions, all participants were EBV seropositive. Cellular DNA was amplified by Phi polymerase targeting both host and viral DNA, and representative samples were obtained in 28 cases and 28 controls. Nonamplified DNA from CSF cells (14 cases, 14 controls) and blood B cells (10 cases, 10 controls) were analyzed in a subset of participants. Multiple droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) runs were performed per sample to assess the cumulative EBV positivity rate. To detect viral RNA as a sign of activation, RNA sequencing was performed in blood CD4-positive, CD8-positive, and CD19-positive cells from 21 patients with MS and 3 controls. One of the 45 patients with MS and none of the 45 controls were positive for EBV DNA in CSF supernatants (1 mL). CSF cellular DNA was analyzed in 8 independent ddPCRs: EBV DNA was detected at least once in 18 (64%) of the 28 patients with MS and in 15 (54%) of the 28 controls (p = 0.59, Fisher test). The cumulative EBV positivity increased steadily up to 59% in the successive ddPCRs, suggesting that all individuals would have reached EBV positivity in the CSF cells, if more DNA would have been analyzed. The estimated proportion of EBV-positive B cells was >1/10,000 in both the CSF and blood. We did not detect viral RNA, except from endogenous retroviruses, in the blood lymphocyte subpopulations. EBV-DNA is equally detectable in the CSF cells of both patients with MS and controls with ddPCR, and the probabilistic approach indicates that the true positivity rate approaches 100% in EBV-positive individuals. The proportion of EBV-positive B cells seems higher than previously estimated.

Differential expression of lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of patients with COVID-19: Implications for disease severity and prognosis.

To investigate the expression patterns and clinical significance of specific lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Between December 2022 and February 2023, a cohort of 165 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine were analyzed. The participants represented various stages of coronavirus infection severity: mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Additionally, 40 healthy individuals constituted the control group. The FC 500MPL flow cytometer and associated reagents for flow cytometry. Compared with the healthy control group, activated B lymphocytes witnessed a pronounced increase (p < .05). A significant decrease was observed in the levels of Breg, Cytotoxic T cells or Suppressor T-cell (Tc/s), late-activated T, late-activated Th, and late-activated Tc/s lymphocytes (p < .05). Th, initial Th, initial Tc/s, total Treg, natural Treg, induced Treg, early activated T, and early activated Th lymphocyte levels showed no significant difference (p > .05). As the disease progressed, there was an uptick in midterm activated T lymphocytes (p < .05), while Breg, T, Tc/s, senescent Tc/s, and total senescent T levels dwindled (p < .05). Noteworthy patterns emerged across different groups for B1, T-lymphocytes, Tc/s, B2, CD8+ Treg cells, and other subsets, highlighting variance in immune responses relative to disease severity. When juxtaposed, no significant difference was found in the expression levels of lymphocyte subsets between patients who died and those deemed critically ill (p > .05). Subsets of Treg and B-cells could act as yardsticks for the trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 infection and might have potential in forecasting patient trajectories. A comprehensive evaluation of lymphocyte subsets, especially in real-time, holds the key to discerning the clinical severity in those with COVID-19. This becomes instrumental in monitoring treatment outcomes, tracking disease evolution, and formulating prognostications. Moreover, the results provide a deeper understanding of the cellular immune defense mechanisms against the novel coronavirus infection.

Male patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome have unique clinical manifestations and circulating lymphocyte profiles.

We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and circulating lymphocyte profiles in Chinese male patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Data from 397 patients with pSS were analyzed retrospectively. 37 were male, which is a prevalence of 9.3%. The clinical, laboratory, and immunophenotypic profiles of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were compared between male and female pSS patients. Male patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome have unique clinical manifestations and circulating lymphocyte profiles. Male patients complained more about xerophthalmia and presented with more extra-glandular manifestations as compared with female patients. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P = 0.030), the prevalence of CD4-CD8- T cells in lymphocytes (P = 0.020), the absolute number of CD4-CD8- T cells (P = 0.035), the prevalence of CD4+ T cells in lymphocytes (P < 0.001), and the absolute number of CD4+ T cells (P = 0.023) were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients. On the other hand, the prevalence of CD8+CD28+ T cells (P = 0.030) and CD4+CD25high T cells (P = 0.040) in lymphocytes was significantly higher in male patients than in female patients. Moreover, compared to females with pSS, an elevated serum IgG level, low C3 and C4 levels, anti-SSB positivity, and ANA titers of ≥ 1:160 positivity were more frequent in male with pSS. Male patients with pSS have distinctive peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, present with more severe clinical symptoms and immunological features, and have an unfavorable prognosis. Key Points • Male patients with pSS have more severe clinical symptoms and specific characteristics of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. • Male pSS patients exhibit a higher intensity of the disease (as evaluated by ESSDAI). • Male patients with pSS require individualized treatment regimens and closer follow-up.

Major low-energy trauma results in non-specific immunoglobulin generation without evidence for specific autoantibody production: A prospective cohort study.

Cellular debris resulting from large trauma might overwhelm the scavenger mechanisms and lead to autoimmune reactions. We analysed whether a major well-defined trauma in humans induces laboratory signs of transient autoimmunity in the months after the insult. We included 50 patients with pertrochanteric femur fracture undergoing intramedullary nail osteosynthesis in a prospective cohort study and followed them at 3-4 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. By standard techniques, we assessed levels of total immunoglobulins, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-cardiolipin antibodies, anti-dsDNA antibodies and anti-C1q antibodies, as well as antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a control. Blood leukocyte differential and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined at baseline and in the first two postoperative samples. The mean age of the patients reached 80.1 years, and 23 (46%) completed all visits. Serum concentrations of total IgG, IgM and IgA increased at all follow-up time points. The ANA fluorescence light intensity units increased at 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), but the proportion of ANA-positive patients did not change (35%). The values of anti-C1q mildly increased at all follow-up visits, but not the ratio to total IgG. Anti-dsDNA remained negative in all patients, and anti-cardiolipin IgG/IgM antibodies did not change. Anti-CMV IgG antibodies increased significantly at all follow-up visits, without change in the ratio to total IgG. Flow cytometry showed an increased proportion of B-cells 3-4 days postoperatively. In conclusion, major musculoskeletal trauma in elderly patients induces a generalized non-specific increase in immunoglobulin production without laboratory signs for enhanced systemic autoimmunity.

Evaluation of the Immunosafety of Cucurbit[n]uril In Vivo.

Cucurbiturils are a family of macrocyclic oligomers capable of forming host-guest complexes with various molecules. Due to noncovalent binding to drug molecules and low toxicity, cucurbiturils has been extensively investigated as potential carriers for drug delivery. However, the immune system's interactions with different drug carriers, including cucurbiturils, are still under investigation. In this study, we focused on cucurbiturils' immunosafety and immunomodulation properties in vivo. We measured blood counts and lymphocyte subpopulations in blood, spleen, and bone marrow, and assessed the in vivo toxicity to spleen and bone marrow cells after intraperitoneal administration to BALB/c mice. When assessing the effect of cucurbit[6]uril on blood parameters after three intraperitoneal injections within a week in laboratory animals, a decrease in white blood cells was found in mice after injections of cucurbit[6]util, but the observed decrease in the number of white blood cells was within the normal range. At the same time, cucurbit[7]uril and cucurbit[8]uril did not affect the leukocyte counts of mice after three injections. Changes in the number of platelets, erythrocytes, and monocytes, as well as in several other indicators, such as hematocrit or erythrocyte volumetric dispersion, were not detected. We show that cucurbiturils do not have immunotoxicity in vivo, with the exception of a cytotoxic effect on spleen cells after сucurbit[7]uril administration at a high dosage. We also evaluated the effect of cucurbiturils on cellular and humoral immune responses. We founded that cucurbiturils in high concentrations affect the immune system in vivo, and the action of various cucurbiturils differs in different homologues, which is apparently associated with different interactions in the internal environment of the body.

Multi-strain probiotic combined with dietary fiber is an effective factor in the nutritional support of immunity in athletes

A priority in the prevention and correction of immune disorders in athletes is the use of products with high nutrient density, fortified with various nutrients or bioactive compounds, as well as probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics help to maintain the gut microbiota, which is actively involved in the absorption of substances and energy and increases the host immune resistance. Dietary fiber, resistant to digestion in the small intestine, is fully or partially fermented in the large intestine and acts as an essential substrate for the growth and regulation of metabolic activity of normal flora, improves peristalsis and digestion. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a multi-strain probiotic in combination with dietary fiber on the immune status of basketball athletes during the training period. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the participation of 30 male basketball athletes aged 18 to 24 years. The athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 people. Athletes in the main group received 1 capsule of multi-strain probiotic (≥1.25×1010 CFU of 10 probiotic strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and 40 g of corn bran (as a source of dietary fiber) for 23 days. Athletes in the control group received 1 placebo capsule containing maltodextrin and breadcrumbs (40 g/day). Subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied by flow cytometry: T lymphocytes, T helper cells, T cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells, NKT cells, B lymphocytes, as well as lymphocytes carrying activation markers and apoptosis marker antigen. The content of cytokines in blood serum [FGF, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF] was determined using a multiplex immunoassay. Results. Calculation of the absolute number of lymphocytes revealed a tendency (0.05<p<0.10) to a decrease in T helper cells by the end of the observation period in athletes of the main group (497.60±27.67 vs 632.67±65.20 cells/μL), as well as a decrease (p<0.05) in the expression of the CD95/Fas apoptotic marker on peripheral blood lymphocytes of athletes of the main group compared to the beginning of the study (41.53±5.78 vs 69.53±11.79 cells/μL). At the end of the study, a significant increase in IL-9 level was found in the control group [(Me; min-max) = (0.33; 0.21-0.48) vs (0.26; 0.09-0.38) pg/ml; p<0.05; in comparison with the initial indicator]; as well as the tendency (0.05<p<0.10) towards an increase in the levels of IL-15, IL-1ra and RANTES was revealed. In the main group, at the end of the study, the level of G-CSF significantly decreased [(0.36; 0.03-0.95) vs (0.53; 0.14-1.36) pg/ml, p<0.05]. At the end of the observation period, blood serum levels of FGF, G-CSF, IL-13, IL-2 and RANTES in the athletes of the control group exceeded these indicators in the athletes of the main group whereas no significant differences in the studied cytokines were detected between the control and the main groups at the beginning of the study. Conclusion. The results of observation of basketball athletes who consumed a multi-strain probiotic in combination with corn bran (sources of arabinoxylans) in addition to the main diet for 23 days indicate a decrease in the inflammatory process activity and peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis, which confirms the effectiveness of probiotics and dietary fiber in sports nutrition.

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FEATURES OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN CHILDREN WITH COVID-19 INFECTION

The article presents the results of the analysis of clinical and morphological characteristics and a number of indicators of peripheral blood in children with a new coronavirus infection.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to give clinical and laboratory characteristics of the immune response in children with a new coronavirus infection.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 102 children with a new coronavirus infection were examined. Evaluation of peripheral blood parameters and lymphocyte subpopulations in children of three age groups 0-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years.&#x0D; Results. In children with a new coronavirus infection, an imbalance of the granulocytic and lymphocytic link is observed, which is most pronounced for children of the younger (0-4 years) and middle (5-9 years) age groups. The general trend of changes is characterized by an increase in lymphocytes and granulocytes at the onset of the disease and a decrease after 2 weeks. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes shows the predominance of neutrophils.&#x0D; Conclusion. The established changes are characterized as specific for most viral infections, but at the same time reflect the pathogenetic specifics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as a combination of age-related features of the functioning of the immune system and the etiotropic effect of the virus.

Features of Cell-Mediated Immunity in Children with Congenital Ichthyosis and Their Role in the Pathogenetic Management

Background. Congenital ichthyoses (CIs) are a heterogeneous clinical-etiological group of genodermatoses. Typical clinical symptoms of this disease, regardless of the form, are generalized erythroderma, peeling, itching, hyperkeratosis, severe structural and functional disorders of the epidermal barrier, other organs and systems. Patients have an extremely low quality of life due to changes in appearance, discomfort, constant disease symptoms. Thus far, there are no effective treatment methods for ichthyosis. That is why scientific search for new therapies is the topical issue in pediatrics and pediatric dermatology.Objective. The aim of the study is to examine the cell-mediated immunity state in patients with CI via assessment of the pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood. The research was conducted to study the content of the main and small lymphocyte subpopulations in 86 patients with established diagnosis of CI aged from 1 month to 18 years. The diagnosis was made according to the clinical data and the results of molecular genetic testing. Comparative analysis of blood immunological indicators in children with CI and in patients with other immunemediated chronic dermatoses: atopic dermatitis (AD; n = 68) and psoriasis vulgaris (n = 55).Methods. The level of T lymphocytes, T helpers (Th), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc), B lymphocytes, NK cells, Treg-cells (Treg), activated T helpers (Thact), Th17 lymphocytes in peripheral blood was evaluated via flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed via Statistica 10.0. Differences between the groups were assessed via Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.05.Results. A significant increase of activated T-helpers level in peripheral blood was revealed in patients with CI and psoriasis compared to children with AD (p &lt; 0.001), as well as an increased levels of B-lymphocytes and Treg in children with CI (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion. Children with CI have shown some features of cell-mediated immunity such as: pathological activation of Th lymphocytes, impaired terminal differentiation of naive CD4+ cells to Thact, Treg, Th17 lymphocytes and their proliferation. Comparative analysis of mentioned immunological indicators in children with CI, psoriasis and AD has shown comparable results of increased Thact lymphocytes levels in patients in CI and psoriasis groups. This results open up potential of using immunobiological drugs of psoriasis target therapy within the new management strategy for children with CI.

Immune Checkpoint Pathway Expression in Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) by studying immune cells and specific immune checkpoint signaling pathways. The analysis of the percentage of selected immune points and their ligands (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, and CD200R/CD200) on peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations was performed using flow cytometry, and additional analyses determining the serum concentration of the above-mentioned molecules were performed using enzyme immunoassay tests. The obtained results indicate several significant changes in the percentage of almost all tested molecules on selected subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes in both CVID and CLL patients in relation to healthy volunteers and between the disease subunits themselves. The results obtained were also supported by the analysis of the serum concentration of soluble molecules tested. By uncovering valuable insights, we hope to enhance our comprehension and management of these conditions, considering both immunodeficiencies and hematological malignancies. Understanding the role of these signaling pathways in disease development and progression may lead to the development of modern, personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this knowledge may enable the monitoring of the immune system in patients with CVID and CLL, paving the way for improved patient care in the future.

Morphofunctional Changes in Brain and Peripheral Blood in Adult and Aged Wistar Rats with AlCl3-Induced Neurodegeneration.

the general lifespan has been prolonged greatly during the past century, and the incidence of age-associated diseases, including neurodegenerative ones, has increased as well. However, modelling of age-related pathologies is mostly conducted on adult rodents. We studied morphofunctional changes in the brain and peripheral blood of adult Wistar rats in comparison with old Wistar rats to determine age-related physiological changes and differences in adaptive reactions to AlCl3 exposure. the work was performed on adult and old male Wistar rats. The animals consumed a 100 mg/kg solution of AlCl3 each day for 60 days. Morphological changes of neurons and microglia, mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, microglia activation markers, amyloid-related proteins, and hallmarks of cellular senescence, monocyte, and lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood were examined. old rats showed increasing hyperchromic neurons in the hippocampus; activation of microglia; upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cellular senescence markers; downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines; and Hif-1a and a decrease in B-cells and monocyte in peripheral blood. compared to young animals, aged rats respond to aluminum exposure with a severe decline of most cells' function and irreversible neuronal loss. Regarding all reported data, neurodegeneration modelling and investigating of factors capable of accelerating or preventing it should be performed in experimental work on aged animals.

Immune cell subpopulations and serum neurofilament light chain are associated with increased risk of disease worsening in multiple sclerosis

Changes is lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood have been proposed as biomarkers for evaluation of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a biomarker reflecting neuro-axonal injury in MS that could be used to monitor disease activity, response to drugs and to prognosticate disease course. Here we show a moderate correlation between sNfL and lymphocyte cell subpopulations, and our data furthermore suggest that sNfL and specific immune cell subpopulations together could predict future disease worsening in MS.

Sex Differences in the Frequencies of B and T Cell Subpopulations of Human Cord Blood.

Cord blood represents a link between intrauterine and early extrauterine development. Cord blood cells map an important time frame in human immune imprinting processes. It is unknown whether the sex of the newborn affects the lymphocyte subpopulations in the cord blood. Nine B and twenty-one T cell subpopulations were characterized using flow cytometry in human cord blood from sixteen male and twenty-one female newborns, respectively. Except for transitional B cells and naïve B cells, frequencies of B cell counts across all subsets was higher in the cord blood of male newborns than in female newborns. The frequency of naïve thymus-negative Th cells was significantly higher in male cord blood, whereas the remaining T cell subpopulations showed a higher count in the cord blood of female newborns. Our study is the first revealing sex differences in the B and T cell subpopulations of human cord blood. These results indicate that sex might have a higher impact for the developing immune system, urging the need to expand research in this area.

Elevated complement C3 and increased CD8 and type 1 helper lymphocyte T populations in patients with post-COVID-19 condition

BackgroundBiological markers associated to post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) have not been clearly identified. MethodsEighty-two patients attending our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic were recruited and classified as fully recovered (40.2%) or presenting with PCC (59.8%). Clinical and radiological data, laboratory markers, cytokines, and lymphocyte populations were analyzed. ResultsMedian number of days after hospitalization was 78.5 [p25-p75: 60–93] days. PCC was significantly more frequent in women, in patients with a previously critical COVID-19, and in those with two or more comorbidities. No differences were found in lymphocyte counts, ferritin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer or sCD25, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-22, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokines levels. PCC patients showed significantly higher levels of complement factor C3 than fully recovered patients: median C3 128 mg/dL [p25-p75:107–135] vs 111 mg/dL [p25-p75: 100–125] (p =.005), respectively. In the flow cytometry assessment of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, PCC patients showed significantly increased CD8 populations compared to fully recovered patients: median CD8: 529 [p25-p75: 384–683] vs 370/mm3 [p25-p75:280–523], p =.007. When type 1, 2, 17/22, and 17.1 helper and follicular T lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed, the frequency of Th1 was significantly higher in PCC patients compared to fully recovered patients (30% vs 38.5%, p =.028). ConclusionPatients with a post-COVID-19 condition showed significantly increased immunological parameters of inflammation (complement factor C3 and CD8 and Th1 T lymphocyte populations) compared to fully recovered patients. These parameters could be used as biological markers of this condition.

Prognostic significance of lymphocyte subpopulations for ICU-acquired infections in patients with sepsis: a retrospective study

To determine the prognostic value of lymphocyte subpopulations in predicting intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections among patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis. Data on peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations [CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD16+CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells and CD19+ B cells] were collected continuously from 188 patients admitted to the study ICUs with sepsis between January 2021 and October 2022. Clinical data collected from these patients, including medical history, number of organ failures, severity of illness scores, and characteristics of ICU-acquired infections, were reviewed. Lymphocyte subpopulation counts were significantly lower in patients who acquired an infection in the ICU compared with those who did not. Univariate analyses showed that the number of organ failures [odds ratio (OR) 3.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25-5.05], severity of illness scores [Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score - OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.41-2.02; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score - OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.17-1.36], history of immunosuppressant use (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.01-5.73) and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+ T cells - OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51-0.71; CD4+ T cells - OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.63; CD8+ T cells - OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.47; CD16/CD56+ NK cells - OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.59; CD19+B cells - OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.75) were associated with ICU-acquired infections. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis demonstrated that APACHE II score (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.38), CD3+ T cells (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81) andCD4+ T cells (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.82) were independent significant risk factors for ICU-acquired infections. Assessing CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells within 24h of ICU admission may help in identification of patients at risk for developing ICU-acquired infections.

The impact of adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted influenza vaccines on &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; lymphocyte immunophenotype

Vaccination is the most effective method of influenza prophylaxis resulting in reduced frequency and severity of complications. Currently, for the prevention of influenza, inactivated split and subunit vaccines as the safest and promoting formation of protective level of strain-specific virus neutralizing antibodies are used. It is known that not all inactivated vaccines are effective enough for select human groups. While nowadays the level of public health is low, there is a need to improve the effectiveness of vaccines that should activate all chains of the immune system. In order to enhance intensity of influenza virus strain-specific antibody production, adjuvant vaccines exerting other mechanisms to activate humoral and cellular immunity compared to non-adjuvant vaccines have been used. The aim of the study was to examine lymphocyte immunophenotype in 27 healthy donors treated with polymer-subunit (immunoadjuvant) and non-adjuvanted split and subunit influenza vaccines.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in vitro by flow cytometer FC-500 Cytomics (Beckman Coulter, USA) using FITC- and PE-labeled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).&#x0D; Results. All examined influenza vaccines activate the effectors of cellular immunity, increasing the number of NK-cells (CD16/56), NKT-lymphocytes (CD3/CD16/56), B-lymphocytes (CD45/CD20), activated (CD3/HLA-DR) and cytotoxic (CD8/HLA-DR) T-lymphocytes, as well as cells bearing early activation marker (CD45/CD25). Among them the immunoadjuvant vaccine showed the greatest potential to induce cellular response eliciting regulatory mechanisms that prevent hyperactivation, stimulating growth of NK (CD16/56), NKT-cells (CD3/CD16/56), B-lymphocytes (CD45/CD20), activated (CD3/HLA-DR) and cytotoxic (CD8/HLA-DR) T-lymphocytes, T-regulatory cells (Tregs, CD4/CD25/Foxp3).&#x0D; Conclusion. Vaccination against influenza besides the formation of specific antibodies render a transient, immunomodulating effect that is more noticeable after immunoadjuvant vaccine. It can be assumed that vaccination of people with dysfunctions of the immune system an additional prophylactic effect will be observed.

The link between lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood and metabolic variables in patients with severe obesity.

Obesity, a public health problem, is a state of metainflammation that influences the development of chronic degenerative diseases, particularly in patients with severe obesity. The objective of this study was to evidence immunometabolic differences in patients with different degrees of obesity, including severe obesity, by determining correlations between lymphocyte subpopulations and metabolic, body composition, and clinical variables. Peripheral blood immune cells (CD4+, CD8+ memory and effector T lymphocytes) were analyzed, and measures of body composition, blood pressure, and biochemical composition (glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the lipid profile) were carried out in patients with different degrees of obesity. The patients were classified according to total body fat (TBF) percentage as normal body fat, class 1 and 2 obesity, class 3 obesity, and class 4 obesity. The greater the TBF percentage, the more pronounced the differences in body composition (such as a decrease in the fat-free mass (FFM) that is defined as sarcopenic obesity) and the immunometabolic profile. There was an increase of CD3+ T lymphocytes (mainly CD4+, CD4+CD62-, and CD8+CD45RO+ T lymphocytes) and an increase in the TBF percentage (severity of obesity). The correlations between lymphocyte subpopulations and metabolic, body composition, and clinical variables demonstrated the existence of a chronic, low-intensity inflammatory process in obesity. Therefore, measuring the immunometabolic profile by means of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with severe obesity could be useful to determine the severity of the disease and the increased risk of presenting obesity-associated chronic degenerative diseases.

SUBPOPULATIONS OF LYMPHOCYTES AND MONOCYTES IN PATIENTS` VENOUS BLOOD WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OR ATRIAL FLUTTER ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION

Objective: The most common reason of arrhythmia onset nowadays is hypertensive desease. The aim of the study is to compare the subpopulations of lymphocytes (LCTs) and monocytes (MCTs) in blood of patients (pts) with paroxysmal and persistent forms of AF or atrial flutter (AFL) associated with arterial hypertension. Design and method: The study involved 103 patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter that occurred on the backdround of hypertension. Depending on the form of arrhythmia, patients were divided into three main groups: group I – with paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation, group II – with a persistent form of atrial fibrillation, group III – with a persistent form of atrial flutter. The control groups included patients with hypertension, but without these arrhythmias and healthy individuals who entered groups IV and V, respectively. The lymphocytes and monocytes subpopulation in peripheral blood was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Analyzing the lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood of patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter (groups I, II and III), it was found that the number of cells with cytotoxic activity (NK and NKT) in both absolute count and percentage values was significantly higher than in healthy individuals. A statistically significant decrease of T-regulatory cells number was found in patients with arrhythmias compared to control groups (p &lt; 0.05). In patients with AF and AFL associated with hypertension, compared to patients with hypertension without these rhythm disturbances or healthy individuals, there is an increased number of classical and intermediate monocytes subpopulations. Conclusions: 1. In patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter associated with hypertension, compared to patients with hypertension without these rhythm disturbances or healthy people, there is an increased number of classical and intermediate monocytes fraction and a decreased content of T-regulatory cells in peripheral blood, an increased number of cells with cytotoxic activity (NK and NKT) compared to healthy individuals. These changes can be one of the factors for the activation of systemic and local inflammatory processes that can lead to fibrosis in the myocardium and the associated electrical and structural remodeling typical for AF and AFL.

Predictive value of circulating tumor cell counts during the treatment of cancer: interactions with the blood microenvironment.

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of circulating tumor cell (CTC) in tumor patients during treatment. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data obtained from 174 cancer patients during treatment. The relationship between the CTC counts and clinicopathological variables was analyzed. A ROC curve was applied to determine the optimal cut-off values and assess the predictive ability of the prognostic indicators. The overall survival (OS) for different prognostic factors was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference between the survival curves was then compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression model was used to investigate the effect of independent factors on patients' survival. The CTC-positive rate was positively correlated with the clinicopathological variables of TNM stage, tumordifferentiation, serum CEA level, and ki-67%. In the differential analysis of hematological microenvironment parameters in CTC-positive and CTC-negative samples, the complete blood count, blood biological chemistry, tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4), and lymphocyte subpopulation were statistically significant. The results of the ROC curve analysis indicated that the serum CEA level was the best diagnostic indicator to discriminate the CTC count in tumor patients. Additionally, the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses of OS in relation to clinical variables revealed that the CTC counts were an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable OS. The CTC counts in patients with tumors undergoing treatment were significantly correlated with hematological microenvironment parameters. The detection of CTCs may therefore be used as an indicator of tumor prognosis.

Characterization of lymphocyte profiles in children with syndromic obesity

BackgroundLittle is known about blood lymphocyte subpopulations in children with common (CO) or syndromic (SO) obesity. We aimed to describe the blood lymphocyte profiles of obese children and to search for associations with clinical phenotypes. MethodsMain blood lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed in 159 children with CO and 34 with SO in a retrospective cohort. Phenotypes included obesity history, body mass index (BMI) Z score, percentage fat mass, and inflammatory parameters. Correlations were performed between phenotypes and circulating lymphocyte profiles. ResultsChildren with SO had a higher BMI Z score (5.5 ± 1.7 SD) than children with CO (4.7 ± 0.9 SD; p = 0.01). Significant differences were found for lymphocyte counts, including a higher percentage of CD19+ B cells (SO = 20.1 ± 6.7 vs. CO = 17.1 ± 6.1%, p = 0.03), despite lower absolute numbers (SO = 0.57 ± 0.20 vs. CO = 0.63 ± 1.9 g/L, p < 0.01). However, no difference in the lymphocyte profile was found between children with SO and those with the most severe CO (BMI Z score ≥ 4.7 SD). ConclusionChildren with SO have altered blood lymphocyte profiles with increased prevalence of CD19+ B cells, which is closely linked to the degree of obesity severity and inflammatory markers.