Concentrations Of Inflammatory Markers Research Articles

Effects of offering free-choice hay for the first 5 days postpartum on productivity, serum inflammatory markers, gut permeability, and colon gene expression in fresh dairy cows

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of offering free-choice hay to cows during the first 5 d immediately after calving on feed intake, milk yield, plasma metabolites, serum inflammatory markers, rumination, gut permeability, and colon gene expression. It was hypothesized that cows offered free-choice hay would have lower gut permeability, lower inflammation, and higher milk production, compared with cows not offered hay. Thirty-two multiparous cows were fed a closeup total mixed ration (TMR; 21.5% starch, 32.1% forage neutral detergent fiber [NDF] on a dry matter basis) until calving. In the postpartum period, all cows were fed a fresh cow TMR (26.8% starch and 23.4% forage NDF) from calving until 21 DIM, and were assigned randomly to receive 1 of 2 treatments as follows: (1) free-choice timothy hay (61.6% NDF; 9.6% crude protein), offered outside of the TMR in a separate manger, for the first 5 d postpartum (FCH; n = 20), or 2) no free-choice hay (NH; n = 12). The FCH cows tended to have lower serum haptoglobin concentration on d 3, compared with NH (0.95 vs. 1.52 mg/mL). Within the FCH group, cows with greater hay intake had a smaller increase in serum amyloid A from d 1 to 3 after calving (r = 0.37), and tended to have a smaller increase in serum haptoglobin concentration (r = 0.36). Cows in the FCH group had a lower ratio of starch intake (kg) to forage NDF intake (kg) on d 1 and 2, compared with NH (0.91 vs. 1.14 ± 0.03), and cows that had a lower starch:forage NDF ratio tended to have a smaller increase in serum haptoglobin concentration from d 1 to 3 after calving (r = 0.32). Cows in the FCH group had lower TMR dry matter intake (DMI; 15.0 vs. 17.1 ± 0.93 kg/d) and lower total DMI (TMR + hay DMI; 15.9 vs. 17.1 ± 0.87 kg/d), from d 1 to 5 when free-choice hay was offered, compared with NH. However, the hay treatment did not affect plasma energy metabolite concentration, gut permeability, colon gene expression, milk yield, rumination time, or change in body weight or body condition score. Overall, these findings suggest that offering free-choice hay for the first 5 d after calving may reduce serum inflammatory marker concentration, but milk yield may not increase, due to lower intake.

The influence of inflammation and frailty in the aging continuum

Inflammaging is a low-grade inflammatory state that can be considered an adaptive process aimed at stimulating appropriate anti-inflammatory response. Frailty is determined by the accumulation of molecular and cellular defects accumulated throughout life; therefore, an appropriate frailty computation could be a valuable tool for measuring biological age. This study aims to analyse the association between inflammatory markers and both chronological age "per se" and frailty. We studied 452 persons aged 43–114 years. A Frailty Index (FI) was computed considering a wide range of age-related signs, symptoms, disabilities, and diseases. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and peripheral markers of neuroinflammation were analysed by next-generation ELISA. The mean age of the cohort was 79.7 (from 43 to 114) years and the median FI was 0.19 (from 0.00 to 0.75). The concentrations of most inflammatory markers increased significantly with chronological age, after adjustment for sex and FI. Interferon-γ was significantly affected only by FI, while interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-1β were associated only with chronological age. In conclusion, we described different associations between inflammatory components and chronological vs. biological age. A better characterization of the molecular signature of aging could help to understand the complexity of this process.

Immediate-release niacin and a monounsaturated fatty acid-rich meal on postprandial inflammation and monocyte characteristics in men with metabolic syndrome

When considered separately, long-term immediate-release niacin and fatty meals enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decrease postprandial triglycerides, but their effects on postprandial inflammation, which is common in individuals with metabolic syndrome, are less known. Moreover, successful combination is lacking and its impact on acute disorders of the innate immune cells in the metabolic syndrome remains unclear. Here, we aimed to establish the effects from combination with niacin of different fats [butter, enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFA), olive oil, enriched in MUFA, and olive oil supplemented with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids] on plasma inflammatory markers and circulating monocyte subsets, activation and priming at the postprandial period in individuals with metabolic syndrome. A random-order within-subject crossover experiment was performed, in which 16 individuals with metabolic syndrome and 16 age-matched healthy volunteers took 2g immediate-release niacin together with the corresponding fatty meal or a meal with no fat as control. In total, 128 postprandial curves were analysed. We sampled hourly over 6h for plasma concentrations of soluble inflammatory markers and triglycerides. Circulating monocyte subsets (CD14/CD16 balance), activation (CCL2/CCR2 axis) and priming (M1/M2-like phenotype) at the time of postprandial hypertriglyceridemic peak were also addressed. Dietary SFA (combined with niacin) promote postprandial excursions of circulating IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and CD14/CCR2-rich monocytes with a pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, dietary MUFA (combined with niacin) postprandially increased circulating CD16-rich monocytes with an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype. Omega-3 PUFA did not add to the effects of MUFA. The co-administration of a single-dose of immediate-release niacin with a fatty meal rich in MUFA, in contrast to SFA, suppresses postprandial inflammation at the levels of both secretory profile and monocyte response in individuals with metabolic syndrome. These findings highlight a potential role of combining niacin and dietary MUFA for the homeostatic control of inflammation and the innate immune system, identifying a new search direction for the management of disorders associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Hesperidin reduces serum levels of triglyceride after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Hesperidin, as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in depressed coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients. Eighty patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received 200 mg/d pure hesperidin supplement and the second group received placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups continued their usual diet. Serum concentrations of inflammatory and stress oxidative markers (hs-CRP, P-selectin, and ox-LDL) were measured and compared at baseline and the end of the intervention. The changes in serum levels of triglyceride were significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). HDL-c significantly increased in groups but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Hesperidin did not affect FBS, other lipid parameters, hs-CRP, P-selectin, and OX-LDL (p > .05). SBP and DBP differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). After 12 weeks of intervention, hesperidin reduced serum levels of triglyceride in depressed post-CABG patients.

No Observed Difference in Inflammatory and Coagulation Markers Following Diets Rich in n-6 Polyunsaturated Fat vs Monounsaturated Fat in Adults With Untreated Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized Trial

BackgroundInflammatory and prothrombotic responses are hallmark to the progression of cardiovascular disease and may be influenced by the type of dietary fat. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fats and improves traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as cholesterol profiles. However, some clinicians are still hesitant to promote n-6 polyunsaturated fats consumption despite growing evidence suggesting they may not be independently pro-inflammatory. ObjectiveTo investigate the inflammatory and coagulation marker responses to an 8-week diet intervention rich in either CSO or olive oil (OO) (OO is rich in monounsaturated fat) in adults with untreated hypercholesterolemia. DesignThis was a secondary analysis of a parallel-arm randomized clinical trial with the main outcome of cholesterol measures. Participants/settingParticipants included in this analysis were 42 sedentary adults aged 30 to 75 years (62% women) in the Athens, GA, area, between May 2018 and June 2021, with untreated hypercholesterolemia or elevated blood lipids and body mass index >18.5. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as at least two blood lipid levels in a borderline undesirable/at risk range (total cholesterol level ≥180 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥110 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <50 mg/dL, or triglyceride level ≥130 mg/dL), or at least one in an undesirable range (total cholesterol level ≥240 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥160 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <40 mg/dL, or triglyceride level ≥200 mg/dL). InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to either the CSO or OO group in a partial outpatient feeding trial. Meals from the study provided approximately 60% of their energy needs with 30% of energy needs from either CSO or OO for 8 weeks. Participants fulfilled their remaining energy needs with meals of their choosing. Main outcome measuresFasting plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Markers of coagulation potential, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and tissue factor were measured at the same time points. Statistical analyses performedRepeated measures linear mixed models were used with treatment and visit in the model for analyses of all biochemical markers. ResultsThere were no significant differences in fasting C-reactive protein (P = 0.70), tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.98), interleukin-6 (P = 0.21), interleukin-1β (P = 0.13), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P = 0.29), or tissue factor (P = 0.29) between groups across the intervention. ConclusionsInflammation and coagulation marker responses to diets rich in CSO vs OO were not significantly different between groups, and neither group showed changes in these markers in adults with untreated hypercholesterolemia. This provides additional evidence suggesting that dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fats may not promote inflammation compared with monounsaturated fatty acids, even in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Clinical characteristics of and risk factors for poor outcomes in children with bacterial culture-negative septic arthritis of the hip

BackgroundSeptic arthritis of the hip is a serious infection in children. However, blood and joint fluid cultures are often negative, which makes the diagnosis and treatment challenging. We analyzed the clinical features of children with septic arthritis of the hip with negative bacterial cultures and identified the risk factors for poor outcomes. MethodsThe clinical data of children with septic arthritis of the hip with negative bacterial cultures who were treated at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the culture-negative cohort were compared with those of children with positive bacterial cultures treated during the same period. Culture-negative patients were divided into a group with good outcomes and a group with poor outcomes. The differences between the two groups were compared. ResultsThirty-nine children with culture-negative septic arthritis of the hip were compared with 37 children with culture-positive sepsis. Compared with the culture-positive group, the culture-negative group had a significantly younger mean age and a significantly lower mean serum C-reactive protein concentration. Logistic regression analysis of culture-negative patients with good versus poor outcomes revealed that the independent risk factors for poor outcomes were an increased serum C-reactive protein concentration and prolonged time from onset to surgery. The cut-off values for predicting a poor outcome in the culture-negative group were a time from onset to surgery of greater than 21 days and a C-reactive protein concentration of greater than 23 mg/L. ConclusionsCulture-negative septic arthritis of the hip has similar clinical features to culture-positive septic arthritis of the hip and can result in sequelae of varying severity. Therefore, active anti-infective and hip drainage therapy should be performed when children present with clinical symptoms, inflammatory marker concentrations, and imaging findings that are clinically diagnostic for septic arthritis of the hip. Level of evidenceLevel II, retrospective study.

Dynamics of inflammatory responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection by vaccination status in the USA: a prospective cohort study

Cytokines and chemokines play a critical role in the response to infection and vaccination. We aimed to assess the longitudinal association of COVID-19 vaccination with cytokine and chemokine concentrations and trajectories among people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this longitudinal, prospective cohort study, blood samples were used from participants enrolled in a multi-centre randomised trial assessing the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy for ambulatory COVID-19. The trial was conducted in 23 outpatient sites in the USA. In this study, participants (aged ≥18 years) were restricted to those with COVID-19 before vaccination or with breakthrough infections who had blood samples and symptom data collected at screening (pre-transfusion), day 14, and day 90 visits. Associations between COVID-19 vaccination status and concentrations of 21 cytokines and chemokines (measured using multiplexed sandwich immunoassays) were examined using multivariate linear mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, trial group, and COVID-19 waves (pre-alpha or alpha and delta). Between June 29, 2020, and Sept 30, 2021, 882 participants recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled, of whom 506 (57%) were female and 376 (43%) were male. 688 (78%) of 882 participants were unvaccinated, 55 (6%) were partly vaccinated, and 139 (16%) were fully vaccinated at baseline. After adjusting for confounders, geometric mean concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2RA, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-29 (interferon-λ), inducible protein-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumour necrosis factor-α were significantly lower among the fully vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated group at screening. On day 90, fully vaccinated participants had approximately 20% lower geometric mean concentrations of IL-7, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A than unvaccinated participants. Cytokine and chemokine concentrations decreased over time in the fully and partly vaccinated groups and unvaccinated group. Log10 cytokine and chemokine concentrations decreased faster among participants in the unvaccinated group than in other groups, but their geometric mean concentrations were generally higher than fully vaccinated participants at 90 days. Days since full vaccination and type of vaccine received were not correlated with cytokine and chemokine concentrations. Initially and during recovery from symptomatic COVID-19, fully vaccinated participants had lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants suggesting vaccination is associated with short-term and long-term reduction in inflammation, which could in part explain the reduced disease severity and mortality in vaccinated individuals. US Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, Bloomberg Philanthropies, State of Maryland, Mental Wellness Foundation, Moriah Fund, Octapharma, HealthNetwork Foundation, and the Shear Family Foundation.

Immediate systemic neuroimmune responses following spinal mobilisation and manipulation in people with non-specific neck pain: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Spinal mobilisation/manipulation is a common intervention for spinal pain, yet the working mechanisms are largely unknown. A randomised placebo-controlled trial was conducted to (1) compare the immediate neuroimmune responses following spinal mobilisation/manipulation and placebo spinal mobilisation/manipulation; (2) compare the immediate neuroimmune responses of those with a good outcome with those of a poor outcome following spinal mobilisation/manipulation; and (3) explore the association between neuroimmune responses and pain reduction. One hundred patients were randomly allocated to spinal mobilisation/manipulation or a placebo mobilisation/manipulation. Primary outcomes were whole blood in-vitro evoked released concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α measured 10 min and 2 h after the intervention. Immediate effects were studied because successful mobilisation/manipulation is often associated with immediate pain reduction, and immediate neuroimmune responses are less affected by potential confounders than long-term responses. Secondary outcomes included multiple systemic inflammatory marker concentrations, phenotypic analysis of white blood cells and clinical outcomes. Outcomes were compared between the experimental and placebo group, and between people with a good and poor outcome in the experimental group. Estimates of intervention effects were based on intention-to-treat analyses, by using linear mixed-effect models. Although there was a substantial difference in pain reduction between groups (mean (SD) difference visual analogue scale: 30 (21) mm at 10 min and 32 (21) mm at 2 h (p < 0.001) in favour of mobilisation/manipulation, there were no differences in primary outcomes between groups or between people with a good and poor outcome (p ≥ 0.10). In conclusion, possible neuroimmune responses following spinal mobilisations/manipulation cannot be identified at a systemic level. Future research may focus on longer treatment duration and more localised neuroimmune responses.

Inflammatory markers are elevated in early pregnancy, but not late pregnancy, in women with overweight and obesity that later develop preeclampsia.

Obesity and preeclampsia both involve a pathological inflammatory response, which may be how obesity increases preeclampsia risk. Previous studies have failed to assess robust measurements of inflammatory markers across gestation, specifically in overweight/ obese women in the context of preeclampsia. We measured 20 inflammatory markers in plasma via multiplex assay (ThermoFisher Inflammation 20 plex Human ProcartaPlex Panel) across the three trimesters of pregnancy in an existing cohort of overweight and obese women who developed preeclampsia (n=37) and without preeclampsia (n=74). Mann-Whitney U tests examined differences in inflammatory marker concentrations between cases and controls. Repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to explore differences in inflammatory marker concentrations over time within cases and controls. Pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, IL-12p70, IL-17α, TNF-α, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) were higher in the first and second trimester in participants who later developed preeclampsia compared to those who did not (p<.05). Only TNF-α and IL-8 remained elevated in the third trimester. Inflammatory markers did not change across pregnancy in preeclampsia cases but did increase across pregnancy in controls. Our findings diverge from prior studies, predominantly of non-obese women, that report lower circulating concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines in preeclampsia versus normotensive pregnancy, particularly by late pregnancy. We posit that women with overweight and obesity who develop preeclampsia entered pregnancy with a heightened pro-inflammatory state likely related to obesity, which increased risk for preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to investigate if inflammatory maker profiles differ between obese and non-obese women.

Persistent Proclivity to a Proinflammatory State in a Human Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of premature neonates with substantial morbidity and mortality. Necrotizing enterocolitis is associated with prematurity, a hyperinflammatory response, and dysregulation of intestinal barrier function. We hypothesize that patients with NEC will have an increased hyperinflammatory intestinal response compared with those without NEC. Patients and Methods: Enteroids were generated from intestinal tissue from neonates undergoing resection. They were treated with 100 mcg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), subjected to 24 hours of hypoxia inducing experimental NEC, then compared with untreated controls. Expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were evaluated via reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure inflammatory response. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: Treated NEC-derived enteroids expressed significantly higher levels of IL-8 (RT-qPCR, p = 0.003; ELISA, p = 0.0002) compared with untreated NEC-derived enteroids with an increase in inflammatory marker concentration in those with a greater degree of prematurity (ELISA, p = 0.0015). A higher level of IL-8 was seen in NEC-derived enteroids compared with control after treatment (RT-qPCR, p = 0.024). Tumor necrosis factor-α levels were elevated in treated NEC-derived enteroids compared with untreated NEC-derived enteroids (RT-qPCR, p = 0.006; ELISA, p = 0.002) and compared with treated non-NEC-derived enteroids (RT-qPCR, p = 0.025; ELISA, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Enteroids generated from neonates with NEC have an elevated hyperinflammatory response in response to NEC-inducing stimuli compared with controls. Enteroids generated from neonates with NEC with a greater degree of prematurity have a larger increase in inflammatory markers. This tendency toward a hyperinflammatory state may be correlated with an infant's proclivity to develop NEC and further demonstrates the hyperinflammatory state of prematurity.

Expression of Immune-Related and Inflammatory Markers and Their Prognostic Impact in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

The tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is heterogenous; thus, it is likely that multiple immune-related and inflammatory markers are simultaneously expressed in the tumor. The aim of this study was to identify immune-related and inflammatory markers expressed in freshly frozen CRC tissues and to investigate whether they are related to the clinicopathological features and prognosis of CRC. Seventy patients with CRC who underwent curative surgical resection between December 2014 and January 2017 were included in this study. Tissue samples were obtained from tumor and non-tumor areas in the patients' colons. The concentrations of immune-related markers (APRIL/TNFSF13, BAFF, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4) and inflammatory markers (CHIT, MMP-3, osteocalcin, pentraxin-3, sTNF-R1, and sTNF-R2) in the samples were measured using the Bio-plex Multiplex Immunoassay system. The concentrations of APRIL/TNFSF13, BAFF, and MMP-3 in the samples were significantly high; thus, we conducted analyses based on the cut-off values for these three markers. The high-APRIL/TNFSH13-expression group showed a significantly higher rate of metastatic lesions than the low-expression group, whereas the high-MMP-3-expression group had higher CEA levels, more lymph node metastases, and more advanced disease stages than the low-expression group. The five-year disease-free survival of the high-MMP-3-expression group was significantly shorter than that of the low-expression group (65.1% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.033). This study provides evidence that the APRIL/TNFSF13, BAFF, and MMP-3 pathway is overexpressed in CRC tissues and is associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in CRC patients. These markers could serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for CRC.

New-onset hypertension is not associated with systemic changes in inflammatory cytokine levels

IntroductionRecent studies have suggested that hypertension develop�ment may be associated with an altered immune system. However, there is a paucity of data evaluating the association between blood pressure values and inflammatory markers in patients with new-onset hypertension.Material and methodsWe evaluated 61 subjects, including 24 healthy indi�viduals and 37 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients (aged 45 ±9.6 vs. 43.8 ±11.9 years; SBP_24hours 114 ±7.1 vs. 134.2 ±9.5 mm Hg; DBP_24hours 71.2 ±4.7 vs. 85.8 ±9.3 mm Hg, respectively) without prior antihypertensive treatment. The diagnosis of hypertension was based on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). We analysed the association between blood pressure values and levels of individual inflammatory markers (ITAC, GM-CSF, fractalkine, IFN-g, IL-10, MIP-3a, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-21, IL-23, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNF-a, and IL-15) sepa�rately, as well as in clusters of inflammatory mediators (factor 1 – proin�flammatory: IL-1β, IL2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IL-6, IL-21, TNF-α, IFN-γ; and factor 2 – anti-inflammatory: IL-13, IL-5).ResultsOur study did not show any differences in concentrations of inflam�matory markers between patients and controls. Plasma levels of inflamma�tory markers were not associated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure values in patients with new-onset hypertension.ConclusionsPatients with new-onset hypertension did not differ from healthy subjects regarding the levels of plasma inflammatory markers. Our findings demonstrate the need for larger, more comprehensive studies on this topic to further elucidate the relationship between hypertension and inflammation.

P07-056-23 Omega-6 Fatty Acid Nutritional Status During Pregnancy Is Associated With Infant Inflammatory Marker Concentrations

P07-056-23 Omega-6 Fatty Acid Nutritional Status During Pregnancy Is Associated With Infant Inflammatory Marker Concentrations

Inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Hypertension and diabetes are two of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, and both pathologies overlap significantly in their pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to compare with healthy individuals, and to determine whether the coexistence of both pathologies has a different effect on the behavior of these markers. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional research was carried out from July 2022 to February 2023. A total of 120 individuals were selected for this study (30 controls, 30 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 30 with hypertension and 30 with diabetes plus hypertension). Each subject had a fasting blood sample drawn for determination of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycosylated hemoglobin, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, IL-6 and TNF-α. A significant increase in the concentration of sICAM-1, sE-selectin, IL-6 and TNF-α was found in diabetic, hypertensive and diabetic patients with hypertension when compared to controls (p&lt;0.0001). The coexistence of diabetes and hypertension did not represent a significant elevation in the concentration of markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. In conclusion, our results suggest endothelial activation as well as an inflammatory state in patients with diabetes and hypertension, indicated by elevated levels of circulating adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. The simultaneous presence of diabetes and hypertension did not have an additive effect on the levels of these molecules.

Use of endometrial swab and cytobrush for detection of inflammatory diagnostic markers of endometritis

Screening methods for endometritis are often performed through endometrial culture and cytology with a variety of techniques including endometrial swab, cytobrush, low-volume lavage, or biopsy. With growing research interest in equine reproductive immunology and low sensitivity of current screening tools for endometritis, one area that would be of immediate benefit to clinicians and clients is inflammatory diagnostic development. Previous research detected inflammatory markers in low-volume lavage fluid in mares with chronic and acute endometritis (Lection et al. AAEP Proceedings. 2020; 66: 150-151). Therefore, our objective was to investigate the utility of the endometrial swab and cytobrush to screen mares for endometritis. Mares (n=84) of reproductive age ranging 3-20 years of age had an endometrial swab (n=103) and/or followed by cytobrush (n=94) taken once in the same estrous cycle and placed in Amies media (n=172) or PBS (n=25). Aerobic culture was performed in 139 of those samples. An endometrial biopsy was taken on a subset of mares (n=46) and graded by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. The media in which the cytobrushes and swabs were stored was used in a bead-based multiplex assay (Luminex Corp. Austin, TX) to quantify concentration of the following equine specific biomarkers: IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, sCD14, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CCL11. A Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check normality, followed by a Wilcoxon testperformed in JMP Pro 16 (Cary, NC) to assess for significant differences in inflammatory marker concentrations between healthy mares and those with either cytology-diagnosed endometritis (≥1 neutrophil/hpf), positive bacterial culture, or poor biopsy scores (IIB or III on the Kenney-Doig scale). IFN-γ (P≤0.02) and IL-17 (P≤0.04) were significantly increased in mares with poor biopsy scores in both swab and cytobrush compared to mares with biopsy I or IIA. Mares with inflammation on cytology showed increased concentration of IL-1β (P≤0.05) and decreased levels of IFN-γ (P≤0.02) and CCL5 (P≤0.03) in swab. Mares with intrauterine fluid on ultrasound had increased IL-17 (P≤0.05) on cytobrush. Bacterial growth was detected in 62/139 samples, with 31 of those being gram-positive. sCD14 and TNF-α tended to be increased in cytobrush samples from mares with a positive culture, and with gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative, respectively (P=0.06). Cytokine levels significantly differed between cytobrush and swab for IFN-γ (P≤0.004) with increased levels for cytobrush, likely due to the higher amount of cellular exfoliation. Several inflammatory markers show promise as an ancillary screening test for equine endometritis. In conclusion, as equine reproductive immunology expands as a field, our understanding of patterns of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines can allow for new diagnostic techniques for endometritis in mares.

POSSIBLE PREDICTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OCCURRENCE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Arterial hypertension (HT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two important public health problems. Their prevalence is increasing worldwide, and often coexist in the same patient. HT and AF are strikingly related to an excess risk of cardiovascular disease and death. HT ultimately increases the risk of AF and several factors underlying the higher risk of AF in patients with HT are still incompletely known. HT is one of the main reasons for the remodeling process in and makes a significant contribution to the development of structural changes of the heart. The aim of this study is to identify possible predictors of paroxysmal/persistent AF occurrence and progression in hypertensive patients. Design and method: In this study where enrolled 219 hypertensive patients with non-valvular paroxysmal/persistent AF (mean age 63.6±7.4). As a control group 94 patients with HT and without AF were also examined. Echocardiography examination and 24-hour ambulatory Holter monitoring ECG were registered in each patient. The database consisting of 19 indicators that characterize the clinical, hemodynamic and structural-functional state of the heart, as well as markers of inflammation and fibrosis was created. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13 program using logistic analysis by odds ratio (OR). Results: The obtained results showed that in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF, OR of more episodes of hypertensive crises, deterioration of electrical remodeling and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, as well as a significant increase in the levels of concentrations of inflammatory and fibrosis markers in comported with hypertensive patients without AF were detected. Conclusions: The multifactorial analysis revealed significant impact of LA and LV dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis as well as hypertensive crises on the possible risk of AF occurrence and progression in hypertensive patients.

POSSIBLE PREDICTORS CONTRIBUTING TO AF OCCURRENCE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Arterial hypertension (AH) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two important public health problems. Their prevalence is increasing worldwide, and often coexist in the same patient. AH and AF are strikingly related to an excess risk of cardiovascular disease and death. AH ultimately increases the risk of AF and several factors underlying the higher risk of AF in hypertensive patients are still incompletely known. AH is one of the main reasons for the remodeling process in these patients and makes a significant contribution to the development of structural changes. The aim of this study is to identify possible predictors of paroxysmal/persistent AF occurrence and progression in hypertensive patients Design and method: In this study where enrolled 219 hypertensive patients with non-valvular paroxysmal/persistent AF (mean age 63.6 ±7.4) who were hospitalized at Research Institute of Cardiology between 2016 and 2018 year. As a control group 94 hypertensive patients without AF were also examined. After the enrollment the echocardiography examination and 24-hour ambulatory Holter monitoring ECG were registered in each patient. We measured plasma indexes of inflammation (hsCRP, IL-6) and fibrosis marker TGF-beta1. The database consisting of 19 indicators that characterize the clinical, hemodynamic and structural-functional state of the heart, as well as markers of inflammation and fibrosis was created. All data were analyzed by SPSS 13 and EXCEL - 2013 programs using logistic analysis by odds ratio (OR). Results: The obtained results showed that in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal /persistent AF, OR of more episodes of hypertensive crises, deterioration of electrical remodeling and LV diastolic function, as well as a significant increase in the levels of concentrations of inflammatory and fibrosis markers in comported with hypertensive patients without AF were detected (tabl.1). Conclusions: The multifactorial analysis revealed significant impact of left atrial and ventricular dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis as well as hypertensive crises on the possible risk of AF occurrence and progression in hypertensive patients

Influence of lactational status of the surrogate mare during early pregnancy on inflammatory markers in subsequently born foals

Nutrition during pregnancy has a significant impact on the offspring and affects health, growth and metabolism in several species, including equines. Studies have associated orthopedic problems in foals, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), with diet of the broodmare during pregnancy resulting in high glucose concentrations, causing suppression of the central regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion and subsequent disruption of the GH/IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) axis. It is very common to use non-lactating mares as embryo recipients, however little is known about the effect of lactational status on pregnant mare metabolism and the effect on the resulting embryo, fetus and the offspring's metabolism and development. Our study aimed to compare inflammatory cytokines, osteocalcin and IGF-1 in foals born from lactating recipient mares (LM; n=7) and non-lactating recipient mares (NLM; n=5) from days 1-28 after birth. Twelve healthy Mangalarga Paulista mares aged 5 to 15 years of age were used. Twelve foals, eight males and four females, born by eutocia were evaluated. Recipient LMs were lactating from the day of ovulation, until a maximum of 170 days of pregnancy (124 to 170). Foal evaluations were performed at birth (D1) and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age (D7, D14, D21 and D28). Leptin (ng/mL), adiponectin (µg/mL), resistin (ng/mL) analyses were performed using ELISA, and interleukin6 (IL6; pg/mL), interleukin 10 (IL10; pg/mL), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα; pg/mL), osteocalcin (ng/mL) and IGF-1 (ng/mL) were evaluated using immunoassay kits. We used a factorial arrangement between group (LM x NLM) and time (D1, D7, D14, D21 and D28). The results are the mean and standard error of the mean. There was no significant interaction in any of the variables. Concentrations of IGF-1, IL6, IL10 and TNFα were higher in the NLM group (IGF1: 29.48±3.82 vs 176.53±65.8, p=0.0002; IL6:9.89±0.74 vs 13.57±1.33, p=0.01; IL10: 75.37±3.89 vs 100.75±8.84, p=0.0006 and TNFα: 8.08±1.08 vs 12.89±1.75, p<0.001). Only in IL10 concentration, there was a difference over time (D1: 114.11±1.04; D7: 72.08±8.13; D14: 12±6.96; D21: 72.98±5.25 and D28:100.44±9.25; p<0.001). Osteocalcin correlated positively with leptin (p<0.05; r=0.27). In this study, the recipient mares’ lactational status during the first trimester of pregnancy influenced concentrations of inflammatory markers in the subsequently born foal up to 28 days of life, with higher concentrations of IGF-1, IL6, IL10 and TNFα than in foals born from non-lactating recipient mares. This raises an important discussion on the impact of lactational status of the recipient dam on the future of her offspring. Acknowledgements: FAPESP (2017/05425-0 and 2020/10260-3) and CAPES

Characterizing the mental health of South African women living with comorbid HIV and breast cancer.

e12549 Background: In South Africa’s public hospitals, 20% of new breast cancer (BC) diagnoses are in women living with HIV (WLWH). These women experience 49% higher mortality than BC patients without HIV. Mental health disorders are prevalent in both WLWH and women with BC. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acute stress are linked to increased circulating serum inflammatory markers, which may provide a pathophysiologic explanation for poorer outcomes. We aimed to explore whether South African BC patients living with HIV report more mental health symptoms than women with HIV alone, BC alone, or neither and to determine if comorbid HIV and BC is associated with greater systemic inflammation. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of black South African women ≥18 years old. We enrolled four arms: newly diagnosed BC patients with HIV, newly diagnosed BC patients without HIV, WLWH without BC, and women with benign breast diagnoses. Participants were recruited from the breast clinic or HIV clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Consenting women completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Blood samples were tested for serum concentrations of inflammatory markers (c-reactive protein (CRP) and S100A8/A9), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10) via ELISA assays performed at the University of Miami. Results: The first three arms enrolled 25 women each and the benign arm enrolled 22 women. Participant scores on the CES-D, GAD-7, and PSS were higher than expected in all groups and seemed to be worse in participants with HIV alone. Scores consistent with clinical depression, moderate to severe anxiety, and moderate to severe stress were reported by 68-88%, 28-76%, and 72-94% of participants, respectively. We found trends towards higher concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in participants with co-morbid BC and HIV versus benign breast disease but no pattern of increased inflammatory marker concentrations in participants with dual diagnoses versus either diagnosis alone. Conclusions: Our pilot study did not find evidence of increased mental health symptom burden or systemic inflammation in South African women with comorbid breast cancer and HIV, versus either diagnosis alone. Increased mental health symptoms in women with HIV alone may reflect reduced access to supportive service available at the HIV clinic compared to the breast clinic. [Table: see text]

The Effect of Crackers Enriched with Camelina Sativa Oil on Omega-3 Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial

BackgroundCamelina sativa oil is one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3, with polyunsaturated fatty acids amounts of over 50%, linolenic acid content of around 40–45%, and linoleic acid of about 15%. Moreover, this oil is a valuable source of antioxidants which provide oxidative stability. All those features raise interest in considering Camelina oil as an alternative and sustainable oil source providing stable omega-3-rich emulsions for functional food production.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of Camelina oil-enriched crackers on serum omega-3 concentration, inflammatory markers and serum lipid profile.DesignRandomized placebo-controlled pilot trial. Setting: Research and Development Center (Complife Italia s.r.l.).ParticipantsSixty-six free-living older volunteers (aged≥65 years).InterventionOlder adults were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the camelina group or the placebo group. Subjects consumed daily 35 g of crackers (Camelina enriched crackers or placebo ones) twice daily for 12 weeks.MeasurementsSerum polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, inflammatory status and serum lipid panel parameters were recorded pre and post-intervention.ResultsIn the camelina group, alpha-linolenic acid serum concentration was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the placebo group at the end of the study. Concerning inflammatory plasma markers, a significant mean pro-inflammatory interleukin-18 plasma concentration decrease in the placebo group compared to the camelina one was observed (p<0.05). No significant differences in other mean inflammatory markers concentrations post-intervention were noted in either group. Lastly, examining the change in lipid profile, it is noteworthy that a higher reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in the camelina group postintervention, despite the lack of statistical significance.ConclusionCamelina oil significantly elevated the serum alpha-linolenic acid concentration with no significant changes in inflammatory markers and lipid profile.