Changes In Whole Blood Research Articles

IP-10 response to RD1 antigens might be a useful biomarker for monitoring tuberculosis therapy

BackgroundThere is an urgent need of prognosis markers for tuberculosis (TB) to improve treatment strategies. The results of several studies show that the Interferon (IFN)-γ-specific response to the TB antigens of the QuantiFERON TB Gold (QFT-IT antigens) decreases after successful TB therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there are factors other than IFN-γ [such as IFN-γ inducible protein (IP)-10 which has also been associated with TB] in response to QFT-IT antigens that can be used as biomarkers for monitoring TB treatment.MethodsIn this exploratory study we assessed the changes in IP-10 secretion in response to QFT-IT antigens and RD1 peptides selected by computational analysis in 17 patients with active TB at the time of diagnosis and after 6 months of treatment. The IFN-γ response to QFT-IT antigens and RD1 selected peptides was evaluated as a control. A non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired comparisons was used to compare the continuous variables at the time of diagnosis and at therapy completion. A Chi-square test was used to compare proportions.ResultsWe did not observe significant IP-10 changes in whole blood from either NIL or QFT-IT antigen tubes, after 1-day stimulation, between baseline and therapy completion (p = 0.08 and p = 0.7 respectively). Conversely, the level of IP-10 release to RD1 selected peptides was significantly different (p = 0.006). Similar results were obtained when we detected the IFN-γ in response to the QFT-IT antigens (p = 0.06) and RD1 selected peptides (p = 0.0003). The proportion of the IP-10 responders to the QFT-IT antigens did not significantly change between baseline and therapy completion (p = 0.6), whereas it significantly changed in response to RD1 selected peptides (p = 0.002). The proportion of IFN-γ responders between baseline and therapy completion was not significant for QFT-IT antigens (p = 0.2), whereas it was significant for the RD1 selected peptides (p = 0.002), confirming previous observations.ConclusionsOur preliminary study provides an interesting hypothesis: IP-10 response to RD1 selected peptides (similar to IFN-γ) might be a useful biomarker for monitoring therapy efficacy in patients with active TB. However, further studies in larger cohorts are needed to confirm the consistency of these study results.

Psychogenic aphonia: spectacular recovery after motor cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation

<h3>Abstract</h3> Changes in epigenetic modifications present a mechanism how environmental factors like the experience of stress can alter gene regulation. While stress-related disorders have consistently been associated with differential DNA...

Hemodialysis monitoring in whole blood using transmission and diffuse reflection spectroscopy: a pilot study

Visible and near infrared transmission and diffuse reflection spectroscopy were used to monitor changes in whole blood resulting from hemodialysis treatment for end-stage renal disease. Blood samples from 8 patients on chronic hemodialysis therapy were measured in the 500- to 1700-nm wavelength range immediately before and after a single treatment. Principal component scores characteristic of each spectrum were derived, and mean pre- and posttreatment scores of the first principal component indicated a significant treatment-dependent change in both optical transmission (P = 0.004) and diffuse reflection (P < 0.001). Significant treatment-induced change persisted (P < 0.05) when the first four principal components were used to account for >97% of the treatment-dependent spectral variation. Some blood spectral changes expressed in terms of difference spectra (posttreatment - pretreatment) were consistent with standard clinical indicators of weight reduction, urea reduction, and potassium change, with probable origins at a molecular level. The results indicate the feasibility of using optical transmission and diffuse reflection spectroscopy to characterize clinically relevant blood changes for the future development of more comprehensive indicators of hemodialysis efficacy and long-term clinical outcomes. Moreover, the optical techniques employed are adaptable for potential online monitoring of blood changes during the hemodialysis treatment.

Properties of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/beta-chitosan hydrogel membranes and their biocompatibility evaluation by haemorheological method.

The semi-IPN hydrogel membranes of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and beta-chitosan were synthesized by crosslinking beta-chitosan with glutaraldehyde. Hydrogel membranes were characterized by spectroscopic, swelling, thermal and mechanical properties. The in vitro biocompatibility of hydrogel membranes was studied by haemorheological method. These hydrogels have water contents in the range of 60-70% with a high fraction contributed by free water (> 45%). The gel composition, amount of cross-linking agent and swelling temperature plays an important role in swelling kinetics of these semi-IPN membranes. Melting temperature (Tm) of membranes increased with a decrease in endothermic peak with increasing beta-chitosan content. The tensile strength of membranes in the dry state was found to be high (29-43 MPa) and it increased with increasing beta-chitosan content. The in vitro haemorheological studies indicated the biocompatible nature of membranes with no significant changes in whole blood and plasma viscosity and red blood cell rigidity.

Blood Cell Damage afterin VitroIrradiation of Fresh Whole Blood with 630 nm Laser Light

ABSTRACT: A study on blood cell damage after irradiation of fresh whole blood with 630 nm laser light was carried outin vitro. Various fluence rates of laser light were used with and without cooling of blood. Damage to the blood was assessed by blood cell counts, osmotic fragility measurements and examination of blood films. Exposure of a 1 mm blood layer to 630 nm laser light without cooling led to changes in blood counts first detected at fluence rates of 130 mW/cm2. Changes in osmotic fragility first became evident at 210 mW/cm2. Increasing cell damage with increasing fluence rates was evident in blood films. Using the cooling device changes in whole blood after irradiation first occurred at a fluence rate of 293 mW/cm2. Measurement of the fluence rates at which cell damage begins is important in laser induced fluorescence diagnostics and photodynamic therapy applications in blood or blood products using photosensitizers.

Erythrocyte ion regulation across inactive muscle during leg exercise.

Ion concentration changes in whole blood, plasma, and erythrocytes across inactive muscle were examined in eight healthy males performing four 30-s bouts of maximal isokinetic cycling with 4 min rest between each bout. Blood was sampled from the arm brachial artery and deep antecubital vein during the intermittent exercise period and for 90 min of recovery. Arterial and venous erythrocyte lactate concentration ([Lac-]) increased from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 12.5 +/- 1.3 (p < 0.01) and 1.1 +/- 0.4 to 8.5 +/- 1.5 mmol/L (p < 0.01), respectively, returning to control values during recovery. Arterial and venous plasma [Lac-] increased from 1.5 +/- 0.2 to 27.7 +/- 1.8 and from 1.3 +/- 0.4 to 25.7 +/- 3.5 mmol/L, respectively, and was greater than erythrocyte [Lac-] throughout exercise and recovery. Arterial and venous [K+] increased in erythrocytes from 119.5 +/- 5.1 to 125.4 +/- 4.6 (p < 0.01) and from 113.6 +/- 1.7 to 120.6 +/- 7.1 mmol/L, respectively, decreasing to control during recovery. In arterial and venous plasma, [K+] increased from 4.3 +/- 0.1 to 6.1 +/- 0.2 (p < 0.01) and from 4.5 +/- 0.2 to 5.3 +/- 0.2 mmol/L (p < 0.01), respectively, decreasing to control during recovery. The efflux of Lac- out of erythrocytes against an electrochemical concentration gradient suggests the presence of an active transport system. Efflux of K+ from erythrocytes as blood passes across inactive muscle affords an important adaptation to the K+ release from muscle activated in heavy exercise.

Inhibition of serotonin uptake in rat brain synaptosomes by plasma from patients with premenstrual syndrome

Several recent studies indicate that the symptoms of the premenstmal syndrome (PMS) are associated with an attenuation of peripheral serotonergic mechanisms, such as decreased platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake and content (Ashby et al 1988; Taylor et al 1984), as well as changes in whole blood 5-HT levels (Rapkin et al 1987). As numerous biochemical and pharmacological studies have indicated that the platelet may be a model for central serotonergic neurons (Stahl 1985), it is possible that serotonergic neuronal function in the brain may be altered during the symptomatic phase of PMS. Angel and Paul (1984) and Brusov et al (1985) have demonstrated that plasma and plasma extracts from humans and rats contain endogenous substances that appear to selectively inhibit 5HT uptake in blood platelets, as well as rat brain synaptosomes. Thus, some of the symptoms of PMS could result from the presence of endogenous factors which alter brain 5-HT uptake. A

Age-dependent changes in thiamin concentrations in whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid in infants and children

We determined pediatric age-specific normative ranges for total, phosphorylated, and nonphosphorylated thiamin in whole blood (n = 323) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; n = 208). Whole-blood total thiamin decreased from 258 +/- 63 (mean +/- SD; age 0-3 mo group) to 214 +/- 44 nmol/L (age 3-12 mo group) in the first year of life and was stable at 187 +/- 39 nmol/L after 12 mo of age. The overall decline in whole-blood total thiamin was mainly due to a drop in phosphorylated thiamin, the biologically active form. Mean CSF total thiamin decreased from 135 +/- 42 (age 0-9-mo group) to 107 +/- 34 nmol/L (age 9-18-mo group) in the first 1.5 y of life and was stable at 84 +/- 51 nmol/L thereafter. This overall decline was due initially to a drop in nonphosphorylated thiamin and later to a drop in phosphorylated thiamin. The changes in whole blood and CSF occurred independently and probably represent metabolic and neurological maturation of the infant. Whole-blood total and phosphorylated thiamin concentrations were lower in blacks only after pubarche. Age-specific norms should be used for determining the thiamin status in infancy because thiamin concentrations are significantly higher in the first few months of life.

IFCC recommendation on sampling, transport and storage for the determinationof the concentration of ionized calcium in whole blood, plasma and serum

The substance concentration of ionized calcium (c Ca2+) in blood, plasma or serum preanalytically may be affected by pH changes of the sample, calcium binding by heparin, and dilution by the anticoagulant solution. pH changes in whole blood can be minimized by anaerobic sampling to avoid loss of Co2, by measuring as soon as possible, or by storing the sample in iced water to avoid lactic acid formation. cCa 2+ and pH should be determined simultaneously. Plasma or serum: If centrifuged in a closed tube, and measured immediately, the pH of the sample will be close to the original value. If a delay has occurred between centrifugation and the measurement, causing substantial loss of Co2, equilibration of the sample with a gas mixture corresponding to pCO2= 5.3 kPa prior to the measurement is recommended. Conversion of the measured values to cCa 2+ (7.4) is only valid if the pH is in the range 7.2-7.6. Ca2+ binding by heparin can be minimized by using either of the following: (1) A final concentration of sodium or lithium heparinate of 15 IU/ml blood or less (2) Calcium titrated heparin with a final concentration of less than 50 IU/ml blood. Dilution effect can be avoided by use of dry heparin in capillaries or syringes. When heparin solutions are used, errors due to dilution or calcium binding can be reduced by using syringes with a heparin solution containing free calcium ions corresponding to the mean concentration of ionized calcium in normal plasma. Conditions for blood collection, storage, and transport to avoid preanalytical errors are described in this paper.

The Association of Platelet and Red Cell Count with Platelet Impedance Changes in Whole Blood and Light-Scattering Changes in Platelet Rich Plasma: Evidence from the Caerphilly Collaborative Heart Disease Study

This epidemiological study was undertaken to explore possible relationships among various haematological indices, prevalent ischaemic heart disease and platelet "function" as measured by two rather different methods. ADP-induced platelet impedance changes in whole blood were strongly associated with prevalent ischaemic heart disease in a general population of 49-66 year men at increased risk. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma (PRP) at a constant platelet count and also the whole blood platelet count and red cell (RBC) count were strongly and independently related to ADP-induced platelet impedance changes. Both platelet count and platelet aggregation in PRP assessed by changes in optical density were directly related to increasing platelet "sensitivity" as measured by impedance changes in whole blood but RBC count was inversely related. Positive independent relationships between platelet impedance changes and plasma viscosity and fibrinogen were markedly attenuated when platelet count was taken into account, but this finding does not discount a role for these factors in platelet aggregation. No relationship was noted between white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet impedance changes; however, a significant inverse relationship was noted with platelet aggregation in PRP. These findings indicate that laboratory-based experimental findings can be observed in population based studies, and that these haematological factors may be important indicators of ischaemic disease in the population.

Changes in human whole blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and platelet 5-HT uptake during treatment with paroxetine, a selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor

The effects of the specific 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor parox etine on whole blood 5-HT and the uptake of (3)H-5-HT by platelets was determined in 17 patients with resistant depression. The biochemical parameters were measured before paroxetine treatment, during treatment and after withdrawal of treatment. Two of the 17 subjects failed to complete the trial; of the remaining subjects 12 showed a marked decrease in whole blood 5-HT and (3)H-5-HT uptake into platelets. The remaining three patients showed a variable response both in terms of whole blood 5-HT and platelet uptake during paroxetine treatment. At the end of treatment blood 5-HT tended to return towards normal although this was delayed. There was no significant correlation between the change in blood 5-HT and Hamilton score during paroxetine treatment. The results confirm that inhibition of 5-HT uptake mech anisms are associated with decreased whole blood 5-HT but that changes in whole blood 5- HT do not necessarily reflect the clinical efficacy of 5-HT uptake blocking drugs in the treatment of depression.

Plasma histamine in pig: effect of food and pentagastrin.

Histamine may have a role in the physiological control of gastric acid secretion. We aimed to detect histamine release into the circulation during food and pentagastrin. Non-parametric statistical analysis was used. Seven pigs bearing iliac artery, iliac vein and portal vein cannulae were given a standard meal. Blood samples were collected at 10-minutes intervals over a period of 2 hours for histamine assay. There were no significant changes in whole blood and plasma histamine concentrations in the iliac arterial or venous blood. In portal venous blood, no significant changes were observed in whole blood histamine, but there were significant increases in plasma histamine 40 minutes after food (basal median: 149.0; range: 50.3-258.6 pmol ml-1; 40 minutes, median 214.9; range: 64.2-319.6 pmol ml-1). Four pigs were given pentagastrin, 6 micrograms kg-1 h-1 i.v. Iliac and portal venous bloods were collected for histamine assay before and 15 minutes after pentagastrin infusion. There were no significant changes in the whole blood histamine concentration in either iliac or portal venous blood. A small increase, mean 5%, of plasma histamine concentration was detected in the iliac venous blood (basal mean 242.9 +/- 21.7 pmol ml-1; stimulated mean 256.9 +/- 39.1 pmol ml-1). A 20% increase in the portal plasma histamine concentration was observed after pentagastrin (basal mean 240.1 +/- 13.2; stimulated mean 288.4 +/- 18.8 pmol ml-1). Both food and pentagastrin increase plasma histamine concentration in the portal vein. Pentagastrin has a greater effect than food.

Calcium-stimulated vasopressin secretion in uremic patients: an effect mediated via parathyroid hormone?

The effect of whole blood ionized calcium levels on vasopressin (AVP) secretion has been studied in 12 uremic hemodialysis patients (6 nephrectomized and 6 nonnephrectomized), 6 healthy subjects, and a sprue patient, first while she was hypocalcemic and again after her blood calcium had normalized. Changes in whole blood ionized calcium were induced by calcium infusion (3.15 mg Ca/kg BW h-1). In uremic patients, an increase in plasma AVP took place during infusion, and the changes in AVP were correlated to the changes in whole blood ionized calcium. In normals, no changes in AVP were found. In the sprue patient, an increase in plasma AVP correlated to whole blood ionized calcium was found in the hypocalcemic state, but this could not be demonstrated after treatment. Parathyroid hormone has been shown to facilitate calcium entry into cells, and it is proposed that the pathophysiological effect of calcium on AVP secretion in uremic patients is caused by the elevated parathyroid hormone level found in these patients.

THE INFLUENCE OF INTRACELLULAR RED BLOOD CELL (RBC) pH ON HEMOGLOBIN OXYGEN EQUILIBRIUM AFTER ANGIOGRAPHY

Our previous observation that a leftward shift in the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve (HODC) occurs within minutes after injection of contrast material (Inves. Rad. 8:191,1973) prompted us to investigate the in vivo effect of contrast media on RBC pH. Serial determinations of whole blood (WB), plasma (P) and RBC pH were obtained during cardiac catheterization, prior to, and after a bolus injection (1-1.8 ml/kg) of sodium and meglumine diatrizoate (Renovist-II) in 28 patients (pts) with congenital heart disease. In 17 additional pts concomitant determinations of HODC were obtained. RBC pH was measured by freeze thaw method utilizing liquid nitrogen and a glass electrode. Mean RBC pH increased from 7.2l±.01(lSE)to 7.24±.01 (p<.001; paired t test) 1-2 minutes after injection and remained elevated at 7.23±.01 for as long as 20 minutes (p=.02-.05). There were no significant changes in WB and P pH, although P pH decreased from 7.46±.01 to 7.43±.02(p=.06)1-2 minutes after the injection.In the 15/17 pts with HODC determinations, an increase in RBC pH was associated with a simultaneous decrease in P50(pO2 at 50% oxyhemoglobin saturation, pH 7.4 37°C)(p<.01). The average increase in RBC pH of 0.03(range .01-.12)was accompanied by a decrease in P50 of 1.2 mmHg(0.4-2.8). These data suggest that a fall in RBC hydrogen ion concentration (Bohr effect) may be responsible for the leftward shift in HODC (decrease P50) after angiography.