Cytokine Levels In Patients Research Articles

Relationship between expression of high-mobility group box-1 and inflammatory cytokines in patients with bone cancer pain

Objective: To investigate the change and relationship between serum high-mobility group box-1(HMGB1) and related inflammatory cytokines level in patients suffer with bone metastatic pain. Methods: Collection of the bone cancer pain patients who received analgesic therapy the department of pain in The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from November 2016 to August 2016. Serum concentration of HMGB1, the Receptor of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE), monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels were determined in 15 healthy individuals as healthy donor and 15 patients with bone metastatic pain by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) . The healthy individuals and patients with bone metastatic pain were collected before treatment and on 7 d after the treatment. Results: The serum concentration of HMGB1 and RAGE were significantly increased in tumorous group compared with healthy group[(8.8±2.3) vs (1.9±1.1) μg/L,(231±16) vs (46±20) ng/L); t=7.10,12.44, both P<0.05], then decreased after analgesic therapy [(4.77±1.36) μg/L, (129.80±29.32) ng/L, t=7.10, 12.44, both P<0.05]. The serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly increased in tumorous group when compared with healthy group, and decreased after analgesic therapy (all P<0.05). The expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β were significantly increased in tumorous group when compared with healthy group, and decreased after analgesic therapy (all P<0.05).Compared with healthy group, the levels of MCP-1/IL-10, MCP-1/IL-13, MCP-1/TGF-β, TNF-α/IL-10, TNF-α/IL-13, TNF-α/TGF-β, IL-1β/IL-10, IL-1β/IL-13, IL-1β/TGF-β were significantly increased in tumorous group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: HMGB1 may adjust the proinflammatory-anti-inflammatory system homeostasis to participate in the development of bone metastatic pain.

Research on the correlation of changes in plasma lncRNA MEG3 with change in inflammatory factors and prognosis in patients with traumatic brain injury.

To study the correlation between the plasma long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to evaluate its prognosis to screen new biological targets for the diagnosis and treatment of TBI. 40 patients with TBI (TBI group) and 40 healthy people (control group) were collected and venous blood was drawn. The plasma MEG3 in subjects was quantitatively analyzed via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Moreover, the levels of inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8] in plasma in each group were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, the correlation analysis was performed for the MEG3 expression level and inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with TBI. Patients were divided into high-expression MEG3 group and low-expression MEG3 group, high-level inflammatory cytokine group and low-level inflammatory cytokine group according to the median, followed by prognosis evaluation. The MEG3 expression level in TBI group was significantly decreased compared to that in control group, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in plasma, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, were significantly higher than in control group. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the expression level of plasma MEG3 had a significantly negative correlation with the level of each inflammatory cytokine. The prognostic analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients with high MEG3 expression level and low inflammatory cytokine levels was good, while it was poor in patients with low MEG3 expression level and high inflammatory cytokine levels; the difference was significant. In patients with TBI, the expression level of plasma MEG3 is decreased, while the inflammatory cytokine levels are increased, and there is a significantly negative correlation between the two items. The prognosis of patients with high MEG3 expression level and low inflammatory cytokine levels is good so MEG3 and inflammatory cytokines can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of TBI, improving the prognosis of patients.

Рівень прозапальних цитокінів у сироватці крові хворих на цукровий діабет 1-го та 2-го типів із діабетичними артропатіями

Ураження суглобів за цукрового діабету (ЦД) є поширеним ускладненням і пов’язано з виникненням дегенеративно-дистрофічних змін у навколосуглобових структурах. Мета роботи — вивчити рівень прозапальних цитокінів у хворих із діабетичною артропатією та їх можливий вплив на розвиток цього ускладнення. Матеріал і методи. Обстежено 1178 пацієнтів, яких розподілили на групи залежно від типу діабету, наявності та ступеня діабетичної артропатії. Рівні цитокінів у сироватці крові визначали імуноферментним методом. Результати. У пацієнтів із діабетичною артропатією вірогідно підвищено рівні ЧНП-α (за ЦД1 — на 44,5%, за ЦД2 — на 42,9%). Виявлено прямий кореляційний зв’язок між ступенем ураження суглобів і рівнями ЧНП-α та ІЛ‑6. Для ІЛ‑1, S ІЛ‑6R таких зв’язків не виявлено. Висновки. Ризик розвитку артропатії за ЦД1 зі збільшенням рівня ЧНП-α збільшується в 1,7 раза, зі збільшенням показника ІЛ‑6 — в 1,5 раза, за ЦД2 — в 1,8 раза та 1,3 раза відповідно. ЧНП-α та ІЛ‑6 можуть бути маркерами наявності та прогресування артропатії у хворих на цукровий діабет.

Level of cytokines in patients with pulmonary drug susceptible and resistant tuberculosis

Level of cytokines in patients with pulmonary drug susceptible and resistant tuberculosis

Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-34 in Patients with Neuro-Behcet’s Syndrome

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a rather rare chronic multisystemic vasculitic disease. Clear neurological involvement is observed in up to 49% of patients with BD. Cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of BD. Data on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of cytokines in patients with Neuro-Behcet’s disease (NBD) are limited. We measured the CSF levels of Interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, and IL-34 in 7 patients with NBD (median age of 38 years). Eleven control subjects were of a median age of 42 years. There was no significant difference in the male-to-female ratio and age between the NBD and control groups (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in biochemical values of CSF between NBD patients and control subjects. The CSF levels of IL-17 was significantly higher in patients with active NBD compared to the control (P 0.05). This is the first study investigating the CSF levels of IL-34 in patients with NBD. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the role and values of the IL-34 levels in NBD.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Treatment of Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis

Introduction: Oral mucositis (OM) is an unavoidable condition of the oral cavity that accompanies chemotherapy for various malignant cases. Chemotherapy-induced oral Mucositis (COM) is a frequent complication due to mucotoxic drugs and is known to deteriorate the general health significantly, while negatively affecting the quality of life (QOL). Studies have reported that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) promotes the tissue healing. The objective of the present study was to explore the efficacy of gallium-arsenide (GaAs) laser in treating COM and its impact on inflammatory cytokine levels in patients receiving chemotherapy for various malignancies. Methods: A total of 80 patients with COM received LLLT 6 days/week. OM was graded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) grading scale. The outcome parameters were the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured before, during and after administration of LLLT. Results: After LLLT, a significant decrease was found in the mean values of mucositis grade from 2.35 ± 0.695 to 1.13 ± 0.333 after (P < 0.001). A significant reduction in the level of TNF-α was found after LLLT among breast cancer patients (P = 0.0045), but not in head and neck cancer and lymphoma patients. A significant reduction was also found in IL-6 level after treatment among head and neck and breast cancer patients (P = 0.0307 and 0.019, respectively). Conclusion: The use of GaAs LLLT in treating COM in patients with various malignancies is well tolerated by patients, it results in improvement of mucositis, however; mechanism of action does not seem to be completely linked to the change of pro or anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Using cytometric bead arrays to detect cytokines in the serum of patients with different types of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Cytokines play a crucial role in mediating immune responses to tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of cytokines in patients with different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and identify valuable cytokine biomarkers for the diagnosis of PTB. We measured the levels of six cytokines (interleukin (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) in the serum of healthy donors (n = 30). Patients with active PTB (n = 46) and those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI, n = 38) were examined using cytometric bead arrays. The levels of the six cytokines in the serum samples were measured promptly, sensitively, and simultaneously. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in the PTB group compared with those reported in the healthy donors (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). In addition, significantly higher levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were found in the active PTB group compared with those observed in the LTBI group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). However, the levels of IL-4 and TNF-α in the sera of patients from the PTB group did not show a significant correlation with those measured in the healthy donor group. Our data demonstrated that IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ may be useful in the auxiliary diagnosis of tuberculosis and as biomarkers for distinguishing LTBI from TB.

Interleukin-10 is increased in successful drug desensitization regardless of the hypersensitivity reaction type.

BackgroundLittle is known about the mechanism of desensitization in hypersensitivity drug reactions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of drug desensitization on some cytokine levels in patients desensitized for drug hypersensitivity reactions.MethodsPatients with a hypersensitivity reaction to any drug for whom desensitization was planned with the culprit drug, patients who could tolerate the same drugs and healthy subjects who were not exposed to these drugs were enrolled. Bead-based Milliplex MAP multiplex technology was used to determine interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, interferon-γ and IL-10 levels in the sera of the subjects as a baseline and 24 hours after desensitization had been completed in the patients.ResultsA total of 26 patients (16 female [61.5%]; mean age 48.46 ± 15.97 years old), 10 control patients (5 female [50%]; mean age 47.4 ± 15.4 years old) and 5 healthy subjects (3 female [60%]; mean age 34.2 ± 5.6 years old) were enrolled. Four of the 26 patients did not tolerate the procedure and were grouped as the ‘unsuccessful desensitization group’ whereas 22 patients successfully completed the procedure and formed the ‘successful desensitization group.’ Baseline cytokine levels in the 3 groups were not statistically different. Postdesensitization IL-10 levels in the successful desensitization group were significantly higher than their initial levels (p = 0.005) whereas none of the cytokine levels significantly changed in the unsuccessful desensitization group. The rise in IL-10 levels was greater in chemotherapeutic desensitizations when compared to other drugs (p = 0.006).ConclusionSuccessful desensitization independent of the hypersensitivity reaction type seems to be related to the increase of IL-10.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A on the treatment of dry eye disease and tear cytokines.

To determine the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection on dry eye signs, symptoms, and tear cytokine levels in patients with intractable dry eye disease (DED). In this prospective study, patients with intractable DED were randomized to a BTX-A (group A) or control group (group B). Patients were injected with BTX-A or normal saline in the medial part of the upper and lower eyelids. Before and at 2weeks, 1month, 2months, and 4months after injection, dry eye signs; tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and symptoms; ocular surface disease index (OSDI); and frequency of lubricants were assessed. The tear levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and serotonin were measured before and at 1month after injection. Fifty-two eyes from 26 patients (mean age, 57.7years) were included. The TBUT was higher at 2weeks and at 1month in group A. The Schirmer I test and OSDI scores were also better in group A for up to 2months. The CFS grades in group A were significantly lower until 4months. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) demonstrated significant differences between the two groups over time for the Schirmer I test (p = 0.002), CFS (p = 0.025), OSDI (p = 0.020), and frequency of lubricants (p = 0.029). The MMP-9 conversion rate of group A (76.92%) was significantly higher than that of group B (38.46%, p = 0.005). The tear serotonin level in group A was reduced from 2.76 ± 0.34 to 1.73 ± 0.14ng/mL (p < 0.001). No complications were observed during the study. BTX-A injection into the medial part of eyelid improves dry eye signs and symptoms and reduces tear cytokine levels. BTX-A is thus a potential treatment option for patients with intractable DED.

Elevated IL-1Ra Levels in the Stem Cell Product Is Associated with the Development of Engraftment Syndrome Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a frequently occurring complication in patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for the treatment of multiple myeloma and various types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. This clinical entity presents as skin rashes, diarrhea, non-infectious fevers and capillary leak syndrome in the peri-engraftment period coinciding with neutrophil recovery. The etiology and risk factors contributing to the development of ES remain unclear. The goal of the present study was to analyze the cytokine composition of the grafted mobilized peripheral blood stem cell product as well as serum cytokine levels in patients undergoing ASCT for the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Cytokines were analyzed in the apheresis stem cell product, as well as patient plasma 1-2 days pre-transplant, 12 days post-transplant, and 2-4 months post-transplant using the Luminex xMAP multiplex cytokine platform. The concentrations of 29 cytokines from 38 patients were analyzed. Seventeen of these patients were diagnosed with engraftment syndrome using the Spitzer criteria. Patients who developed ES were shown to have significantly elevated levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in the apheresis product as compared to patients that did not develop ES (31,033 vs. 6015 pg/ml; p=0.028). IL-1Ra levels were not significantly different at other time points. IL-1Ra competes with IL-1α and IL-1β for binding to the IL-1 receptor thus acting as an antagonist to this proinflammatory cytokine. The gene encoding IL-1Ra has a tandem repeat sequence resulting in polymorphic alleles in the population with varying number of repeats. The allele containing 2 repeats, IL1RN*2, has been associated with various inflammatory diseases including Sjogren's syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and SLE. We performed PCR on the DNA isolated from the PBMCs of these patients to determine if patients with elevated IL-1Ra possessed the IL1RN*2 allele. Results did not find any correlation between IL-1RN*2 allele and elevated IL-1Ra levels in the apheresis samples. In addition, levels of the chemokine IFN-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10) were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with ES at both the day 12 post-transplant (1089 vs. 689 pg/ml; p=0.022) and 2-4 month post-transplant time points (1768 vs. 922 pg/ml; p<0.01), and trending higher in the apheresis product (6132 vs. 2655 pg/ml; p=0.126). IP-10, which plays a role in leukocyte homing to inflamed tissues, has been identified as a major biological marker of disease severity in several inflammatory conditions. The only other cytokine that exhibited a significant difference at any time point was the increased level of IL-12p40 in the apheresis product of those developing ES (412 vs. 74 pg/ml; p=0.026). Characterizing these and other differences in graft product composition and changes that occur during hematopoietic reconstitution may aid in prediction or early identification of ES and may lead to early intervention treatment for this common and potentially serious complication of ASCT. DisclosuresSiegel:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria. Biran:Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Research Funding. Vesole:Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau. Feldman:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; KITE: Speakers Bureau; Portola: Research Funding. Skarbnik:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Gilead Sciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates T cell differentiation and impacts on the production of cytokines from Chinese Han patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

To study the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on the differentiation of T cells and the levels of cytokines in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA). The levels of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were detected with BDFACS Calibur flow cytometer. The expression of IFN-ɤ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22 was examined in 54 patients with eRA using a cytometric bead array (CBA). After 72h of incubation of PBMCs from eRA patients with 1,25(OH)2D3, the levels of IFN-ɤ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17 significantly decreased compared to those of the control. 1,25(OH)2D3 had no significantly impact on the levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-22. The proportion of Th17 and the ratio of Th17/Treg significantly decreased in 1,25(OH)2D3-treated groups compared to those of the control. 1,25(OH)2D3 had no significantly impact on the proportion of Th1, Th2, Treg, and the ratio of Th1/Th2. Although no statistically significant difference was observed, proportion of Th1 was decreased after 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment compared with anti-CD3/CD28 only. The present study demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the synthesis of specific cytokines: Th1 (IFN-ɤ) and Th17 (IL-17, IL-22, IL-6, TNF-α) might upregulated Th2 cytokine (IL-4), which indicated the possible immunoregulatory roles and bone-sparing effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in eRA through modulation of the Th1 and Th17 cytokine balance.

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Involvement and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Involvement and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis

The Relationship between Fatigue and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a very prominent complaint and disabling symptom in cancer patients probably influenced by endogenous cytokines. But, the published data on this subject are limited. We explored the relationship of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) with fatigue in patients with AML. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 45 patients (25 men, 20 women) with newly diagnosed AML. We examined fatigue in these patients with validated questionnaire. Simultaneously, blood samples were obtained for quantitative measurement of IL-6 and TNF-α. Results: Our results showed a positive correlation between fatigue and circulating levels of IL-6 (P=0.004, R=0.416). Conclusion: Many patients with AML experienced severe fatigue before the onset of treatment, which is not related to their hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Cytokine levels may be beneficial markers in resistance to fatigue, but further studies are needed before considering targeted therapies as a treatment for CRF.

Effects of short- and long-term regular exercise on reproductive tissue in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

Reproductive disorders are one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. Since conflicting results have been obtained from different studies, which examined serum levels of cytokines in patients with diabetes, and considering the fact that the origin of cytokines cannot be accurately determined from their serum changes, attempts were made in the present study to study histological changes and testicular tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1 in rats treated with exercise. Considering the effects of exercise in reducing blood sugar level and its complications, two types of short-term and long-term regular exercises were also considered to evaluate their effects on male reproductive tissues. In this study, 60 male rats with the weight range of 250±50 g were used and were randomly divided into six groups (10 rats each). Healthy groups included sedentary control group, and groups treated with two and eight weeks of exercise. Rats with type 1 diabetes (induced by streptozotocin) included sedentary control group, groups treated with two and eight weeks of exercise (six groups). All groups were evaluated in terms of testicular tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1 using ELISA and the histometry of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, epithelial thickness, diameter of veins, and thickness of the seminiferous tubule. Histological changes resulting from diabetes, particularly in the diameter of testicular veins and a number of cells, including Sertoli, highlights the important fact that tissue perfusion in patients with diabetes is especially crucial, in a way that exercise proved useful for tissue structures by offsetting this complication. Measurement of the cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α in the current study showed that perfusion problems are more important in diabetic complications than inflammatory factors. The main result of this research is recommendation of investigating the tissue of interest for diagnosis of diabetes complications, measuring inflammatory mediators of tissue rather than evaluating their serum concentrations, and focusing on vascular complications as a major complication of diabetes. Furthermore, regular exercise could help improve the function of reproductive organs in healthy groups and prevent diabetes infertility complications to an acceptable degree in diabetic groups.

Aqueous humor cytokine levels in patients with diabetic macular edema refractory to anti-VEGF treatment.

PurposeTo determine aqueous cytokines association with response to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodWe compared the concentrations of IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, placental growth factor (PlGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humor of 64 naïve DME patients with those of 13 cataract patients. Factors associated with central subfield thickness (CST) in DME patients were identified. DME patients were then subgrouped in terms of responsiveness to three IVB injections; cytokine concentrations were compared, and factors associated with responsiveness were identified.ResultsLevels of IL-2, IL-8, PlGF, and VEGF were significantly elevated in DME patients (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.004 respectively). Regression analysis showed that the preoperative CST was associated with the preoperative best-corrected visual acuity and the aqueous IL-10 level (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, respectively). Of the 64 DME patients, 28 (43.75%) exhibited either CST < 300 μm or reduction in CST ≥ 50 μm after three consecutive IVB injections. On sub-group analysis, the mean IL-8 concentration was higher in the refractory group than in the responsive group, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the IL-8 was the only factor associated with responsiveness (OR = 0.95, p = 0.017).ConclusionsThe IL-8 concentration in the aqueous humor was associated with responsiveness to IVB in DME patients.

Transition of serum cytokines following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A subsidiary study of JAPAN-PD.

Our previous study aimed to examine the effect of TJ-100, a widely used herbal medicine, on intestinal function following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled manner (JAPAN-PD study). This concomitant study investigated the effect of TJ-100 on serum cytokine levels in patients who underwent PD. Due to the fact that several clinical variables can affect the absolute values of baseline serum cytokine levels, the ratios of the cytokine levels on postoperative day (POD)3 to those on POD1 were also used for analysis. The present study enrolled 180/224 randomized patients, of whom 91 received TJ-100 and 89 received placebo. As the main findings of the analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant difference in the levels of serum cytokines between the groups; however, patients in the TJ-100 group without severe inflammatory complications exhibited significantly higher ratios of interleukin (IL)-4 (n=123), IL-9 (n=72), IL-10 (n=97), PDGF-BB (n=143) and tumor necrosis factor-α (n=135), compared with patients in the Placebo Group (P<0.05). According to the results of the present study, TJ-100 has an effect on the change in serum cytokine levels from POD1 to POD3 following PD. However, the role of different transition pattern of cytokines in postoperative recovery following PD has to be investigated by further mechanical studies focusing on these extracted cytokines (ClinicalTrials.gov; no. NCT01607307; May 30, 2012).

Adipokine and cytokine levels in patients with adrenocortical cancer, subclinical Cushing's syndrome and healthy controls

IntroductionIn recent years researchers have focused at hormonal activity in Cushing’s syndrome (CS) in connection with metabolic disorders and the role of adipokines and cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue. The aim of the study was to investigate levels of adipokines and cytokines in patients with: subclinical CS (SCS) – in relation to hormonal parameters of hypercortisolemia, and, adrenocortical cancer (ACC). Materials and methodsThe study included 20 SCS as well as 7 ACC patients, and 18 healthy participants. Hormonal activity and serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), were analyzed. ResultsIn SCS patients compared to healthy volunteers a trend toward higher concentrations of all pro-inflammatory cytokines was noted, however, statistically significant differences were only found for TNFα and IL6 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.028, respectively). Adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the SCS group (p = 0.006). Serum adipokine and cytokine levels were independent of the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) in the SCS group. A significant correlation was found between subclinical glucocorticoid secretion and IL6 concentration (Pearson’s r = 0.517, p = 0.02). Acquired results were independent of BMI. In ACC patients compared to controls higher IL6, TNFα and MCP1 levels were recorded. ConclusionIt is possible that higher adipokine and pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations as well as lower anti-inflammatory adiponectin concentrations comprise an additional risk factor of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in SCS patients. It seems that at least among patients with SCS adipokine and cytokine secretion is independent of hormonal activity (except for IL6).

Soluble CD163 Levels and CD163+CD14+ Monocyte/Macrophage Counts in Patients with Asthma.

CD163-expressing macrophages are involved in the inflammatory response in asthma. To assess sputum and serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) and cytokine levels in patients with asthma. Further discussed was the difference between sCD163 and other classic inflammatory mediators. Sputum was successfully induced in asthma patients (n=85) and healthy controls (n=21). Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-9, IL-6, and sCD163 levels in sputum were measured. CD163+ monocytes in blood were evaluated using flow cytometry. Sputum sCD163 level significantly increased in asthma (median: 22.4 pg/ml; IQR, 11.52-42.91), unlike healthy controls (10.54 pg/ml;9.85-23.5; P<0.001). Sputum sCD163 (P=0.020) and serum sCD163 (P=0.032) levels were significantly higher in patients with severe asthma compared to those with mild/moderate asthma. Percentage of CD163+ monocytes in patients with asthma was significantly lower than the controls (P<0.001). Increased sCD163 levels in sputum are associated with the impairment of lung function.

Aqueous Humor Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: To compare aqueous humor levels of various cytokines between patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract patients. Methods: Thirteen eyes with wet-type AMD (AMD group) and 14 eyes with cataract (cataract group) were studied. Aqueous humor levels of 11 factors (vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, growth factors, and inflammatory factors) were measured by the suspension array method. Results: Aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1, sVEGFR-2, and inflammatory factors (monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8) were significantly higher in the AMD group than in the cataract group (all p < 0.05). In contrast, aqueous humor levels of placental growth factor (PGF), tumor necrosis factor-α, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, IL-12 (p70), and IL-13 showed no significant difference between the two groups. There were significant correlations between sVEGFR-1 or sVEGFR-2 levels and some of the inflammatory molecules (PGF, sICAM-1, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8). Conclusions: These findings suggest that various cytokines/growth factors involved in inflammation and angiogenesis may be associated with the pathogenesis of AMD.

CORRECTION OF CYTOKINE AND HORMONAL IMBALANCE IN THE TREATMENT OF ANGINA PECTORIS

Aim. To evaluate the dynamics of cytokine status (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) and hormonal profile (cortisol, ACTH, β-endorphins) in patients with stable angina II-III functional class in the course of standard treatment and combined use of TES-therapy.Materials and methods. All patients were divided into 2 groups: 1st (n=30) therapy of angina according to the Protocol and 2nd (n=30) combined therapy of angina according to the Protocol and TES-therapy.Results. The results showed that normalization of the studied cytokines level in patients of the 1st group is not improved.In the 2nd group of patients statistically the levels of the studied cytokines was significantly decreasing (p≤0.01) and the levels of ACTH, cortisol and β-endorphin were significantly (p≤0.01) increasing.Conclusion. The obtained results suggest that TES-therapy conducted in the 2nd group of patients, contributes to the correction of cytokine imbalance and hormonal profile, which indicates the necessity of its inclusion in standard therapy of angina.