Cytokine Levels In Patients Research Articles

Exercise-induced modulation of histone H4 acetylation status and cytokines levels in patients with schizophrenia

The present study aimed to investigate the short and long-term effects of a concurrent exercise protocol on global histone H4 acetylation levels and inflammatory markers (interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and cortisol) in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia (SZ), as well the intervention impact on anthropometric characteristics. Seventeen individuals were submitted to the intervention three times a week and blood samples were collected pre, 30, 60 and 90days after the intervention started. A remarkable reduction on body mass index and body mass were observed following intervention. The protocol also induced a histone H4 hypoacetylation status in PBMC all times evaluated when compared to the pre intervention period. Although the IL-4 and cortisol levels were not altered in response to the intervention, a reduction in IL-6 production during the 60 and 90days compared to the pre intervention period was observed. Finally, diminished IFN-γ production was found in the 90days period compared to the pre intervention and 30days after periods. In addition, systemic IL-6 levels were lower at 60 and 90days compared to the pre intervention. The concurrent exercise protocol was able to improve anthropometric characteristics in patients with SZ, engaging the modulation of cytokine and histone H4 acetylation levels.

Clinical Significance of Serum Cytokine Levels in Patients Hospitalized for Active Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Introduction: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) of unknown cause. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum cytokine levels in patients hospitalized for active CD or UC. Methods: Serum cytokine levels were measured in 13 CD patients and 19 UC patients before and after corticosteroids or anti TNF-α therapy during hospitalization. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled as a healthy control (HC) for comparison. Pre-treatment blood samples were collected on the day of hospitalization before the initiation of corticosteroids or anti TNF-α therapy. Post-treatment blood samples were collected on the 7th day after beginning corticosteroids or anti TNF-α therapy. Serum cytokine levels were compared between IBD patients and HC. Comparison was also performed between pre- and post-treatment phase. Results: Relapse of IBD within 1 year was observed in 27.3% of CD and 31.6% of UC patients. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in CD patients during pre-treatment active (P< 0.001, both) and post-treatment phase (P< 0.001, P=0.001) compared with HC. Similar results were observed in UC patients during pre-treatment active (P< 0.001, both) and post-treatment phase (P< 0.001, both) compared with HC. IL-6 and TNF-α levels significantly decreased in post-treatment CD patients compared with pre-treatment active phase (P=0.001, P=0.009). Similar results were found in post-treatment UC patients compared with pre-treatment active phase (P=0.001, P=0.022). Among preand post-treatment serum cytokine levels, only post-treatment serum IL-6 level was significantly associated with relapse of UC within 1 year (P=0.012). Conclusion: Elevated post-treatment serum IL-6 level was significantly associated with relapse of UC within 1 year. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in pre- and post-treatment IBD patients compared with HC. Post-treatment IL-6 and TNF-α levels significantly decreased compared with pretreatment levels. IL-6 and TNF-α may act as a potential biomarker of diagnosing active disease, assessing therapeutic response, and predicting relapse in IBD patients.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF CHRONIC EPSTEIN-BARR VIRAL INFECTION DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF IMMUNE REACTION OF ORGANISM

The results of the study of the main regulatory cytokines levels in patients with chronic forms of EBV-infection (CEBV) are presented the work. Aim of research. To establish the types of immune reaction for prognostication of the clinical course of disease in patients with chronic forms of EBV-infection on the base of the analysis of multidirectional synthesis dynamics of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), regulatory IL-2 and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Methods. The research oт the study of the main cytokines levels by IEA method in the disease dynamics included patients with EBV-infection (n=80). The serum concentrations of studied cytokines: IL-lβ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 were determined using test-systems by LTD “Protein outline” (Saint Petersburg, Russia), using the producer’s instruction, by sIEA. Statistical analysis of the results of research was carried out using the program Statistika 6.0 for Windows (Stat Soft Inc, USA). Results. The analysis of cytokine profile dynamics in patients with EBV-infection allowed reveal the multidirectional changes of synthesis of studied anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines that became a base for establishing of two types of immune reaction: dissociative and hyporeactive. Dissociative type was characterized with the low parameters of anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory IL-2 on the background of moderately increased values of anti-inflammatory cytokines, whereas the hyporeactive type was characterized with the low concentrations of all studied parameters. Conclusions. The received results of researches prove the existence of cytokine imbalance at EBV-infection. The established types of immune reaction testify to the inadequate cellular-humoral reactivity of organism under conditions of EBV prolonged persistency that is manifested by inclination to suppression of cellular-mediated and intensification of humoral mechanisms of immune response and is reflected in clinical-biochemical manifestations of disease that results in prolonged wavy course. Just the functional imbalance of immunity links to the priority of Тх2 type, which biological effects are directed on the limitation of intensity and prevalence of inflammatory process in different organs, favors the prolongation of viral persistency.

Inflammatory Cytokine Level in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Treatment Outcome of Oral Appliance Therapy

Purpose: The aims of this study were to analyze the association between inflammatory cytokine and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to evaluate treatment outcome and changes of plasma inflammatory cytokine levels after oral appliance therapy. Methods: Twenty-seven subjects who visited Department of Oral Medicine in Seoul National University Dental Hospital were performed nocturnal polysomnography and analyzed plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX>, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> levels. Each subject was evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The subjects were classified into 12 OSA patients (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >5) and 15 control (AHI <TEX>${\leq}5$</TEX>) groups. The OSA group was treated with mandibular advancement device (MAD) for 3 months and re-evaluated nocturnal polysomnography and plasma inflammatory cytokine levels. Results: Plasma TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-10, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in OSA patients compared to controls. Total AHI showed significant positive correlations with plasma IL-6 and TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> levels. Percentage time of <TEX>$SpO_2$</TEX> <90 and lowest <TEX>$SpO_2$</TEX> were significantly correlated with plasma TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> level. ESS showed significant positive correlation with plasma IL-10 level. Total AHI, percentage time of <TEX>$SpO_2$</TEX> <90, lowest <TEX>$SpO_2$</TEX>, and mean <TEX>$SpO_2$</TEX> were significantly improved after the MAD therapy. Plasma TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> level was significantly decreased after MAD therapy. Conclusions: We suggest that MAD therapy is an effective treatment modality for patients with OSA and can decrease plasma cytokine level.

Serum interleukin-6: Association with circulating cytokine serum levels in patients with sinus arrhythmia and patients with coronary artery disease

In this study, we were focused on the differences between certain circulating cytokine levels in patients with or without sinus arrhythmia, according to the median IL-6 level. All patients were stable with regards to symptoms and therapy for at least one month prior to the measurements conducted within this study.Exclusion criteria were: patients with sleep apnea, asthma, respiratory insufficiency of any genesis, active infection, allergy, inflammatory diseases, cancer, diabetes of any type and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. All recruited patients gave their verbal and written consent for participation in the study. The study group consisted of 74 patients divided into two groups: with (38) and without sinus arrhythmia but with diagnosed coronary artery disease (36). Sinus arrhythmia was confirmed by 24h Holter monitoring. From all test parameters only cytokines IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17 and IL-18, showed statistically significant increasing in patients with statistically higher IL-6 levels. It is possible that IL-6 may not be a marker for the selection of patients with sinus arrhythmia or coronary artery disease. The findings indicate that IL-6 represents a reliable indicator for increased expression of IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17 and IL-18 in patients with sinus arrhythmia or coronary artery disease. Further studies in a large number of patients would be necessary to confirm our observations.

Oral Infections and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Compared with Controls.

Background Oral infections are prevalent in the adult population. Their impact includes the implication as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), altering its progression. One of the potential mechanisms involves immune mediators such as circulating cytokines. Objective The goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of oral infections and blood levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and controls. Methods Sixty-five elderly were evaluated (25 AD, 19 MCI, and 21 controls) by the following methods: Mini Mental State Exam, Questionnaire of Functional Activities, periodontal and oral evaluation, and blood concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Results Patients with AD had high serum IL-6 levels (p = 0.029), and patients with periodontitis had high serum TNF-α levels (p = 0.005). There was an association between IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with AD/MCI and periodontitis (p = 0.023). Conclusion The increased levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in this study suggests their implication in the overlapping mechanisms between oral infections and AD. Longitudinal studies are necessary for further investigation.

PP.26.04] THE STATUS OF VASOREACTIVITY AND CYTOKINES LEVELS OF PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: to assess serum cytokines levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) depending on the result of acute vasoreactivity test (AVT).Design and method: In the study we included 61 IPAH patients (mean age 32,4 ± 3,2 years). Patients were divided into two groups depending on pulmonary artery vasodilator reactivity. In all patients were investigated by serum cytokines levels. Results were compared with control group, 10 healthy volunteers served of control group. Results: In all IPAH patients the levels of IL–1β were not different and were within normal range (p > 0,05) (Table 1). But at one-third of patients the levels of IL–1β were higher than in the control group. In both groups the level of IL-6 TNFα, MIP1α, sVCAM was significantly higher as compared to control levels. A high level of IL-6 evidence about the formation of an noadequate response organism on injury or inflammation. Intensity of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and their interaction, noting the existence of a significant positive correlation between IL-6 and ET-1 (r = 0,421; p < 0,05). High levels of IL-6 TNFα and MIP1α indicate the presence of inflammation at all stages of development IPAH. IL-8 levels was significantly higher in nonresponder group and pointed to a more pronounced inflammatory reactions sharpness. The differences between the groups of responders and nonresponders confirms a significant correlation between IL-8 and NT-proANP (r = 0,342; p < 0,05), NT-proBNP (r = 0,428; p < 0,05), and NA (r = 0,468; p < 0,05). In all IPAH patients the level of IL-10 was higher than control values. Only in nonresponder group the level of INFγ was lower than in the control group. The marker of vascular injury s ICAM was significantly higher than in the control group and the maximum concentration observed in patients without reserve vasoreactivity. Conclusions: The levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in the nonresponder group in compare with responder group. The most elevated levels of inflammatory mediator were IL-8 and s ICAM.

Effect of endovenous lidocaine on analgesia and serum cytokines: double-blinded and randomized trial

Study ObjectiveThis trial aimed to compare postoperative analgesia, opioid consumption, duration of ileus and hospital stay, and cytokine levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies who received intravenous lidocaine in comparison with a control group. DesignProspective, longitudinal, double-blind, and randomized study. SettingOperating room and postoperative recovery area. PatientsForty-four American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients older than 17 years, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, under general anesthesia. InterventionsThe first group received intravenous lidocaine during the procedure until 1 hour postoperatively, whereas the second group received saline. Both groups received dipyrone and morphine patient-controlled analgesia. MeasurementsPain was assessed by Visual Numeric Scale at rest and when coughing at different times after the end of the surgery. Blood samples were taken at the end of procedure and 24 hours later. The total morphine patient-controlled analgesia demand, the time for the first flatus, and the length of hospital stay were also recorded. Main ResultsGroups were similar in relation to sex (P= .2), age (P= .5), weight (P= .08), and length of surgery (P= .6). No differences were observed regarding the intensity of postoperative pain between the groups, either at rest (P= .76) or when coughing (P= .31), in morphine consumption (P= .9), and in the duration of ileus (P= .5) or length of hospital stay (P= .9). The inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1 (P= .02), IL-6 (P< .01), interferon-γ (P< .01), and tumor necrosis factor α (P< .01) showed significant reduction in the lidocaine group against the placebo group, except IL-10 (P= .01), that, because of its anti-inflammatory effects, increased its concentration. ConclusionsIntravenous lidocaine was not able to reduce postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and duration of ileus or length of hospital stay. However, its anti-inflammatory effect was noticeable.

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of long bone nonunions: Evaluation of cytokine expression as a tool for objectifying nonunion therapy

BackgroundNonunion is one of the most common complications in bone healing. After several clinical studies, the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in the treatment of nonunions remains unclear because of the difficulty in evaluating its effect on bone healing. In former studies, the analysis of serum cytokine expression patterns over time has proven to be an objective method for showing the bone healing process and evaluating nonunion therapies. This study evaluates LIPUS as a treatment option for patients with nonunions based on the analysis of serum cytokine expression. MethodsIn this prospective, single institution study, venous blood samples from 23 patients were taken from October 2012 to October 2013 before starting LIPUS therapy and at the end of week 1 and 2 and after 1, 2, and 3 months. Patients attended clinical and radiological follow-up examinations at the same intervals. After treating all patients according to the LIPUS therapy protocol, we divided them into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients with healing at the nonunion site, and Group 2 consisted of patients with failed nonunion therapy. We measured transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) at all time-points. ResultsThe TGF-β1 serum concentration increased from the pre-treatment value to 1 week within the unsuccessful group. Otherwise, no significant differences between groups in measured cytokines during LIPUS therapy could be detected. ConclusionOur findings suggest that LIPUS does not lead to a significant increase in cytokine levels in patients with nonunions. It is likely that “successful” treatment can be attributed to spontaneous healing. Our results suggest that LIPUS is not a proper treatment for long bone nonunions.

Oral Infections and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Compared with Controls.

Oral infections are prevalent in the adult population. Their impact includes the implication as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), altering its progression. One of the potential mechanisms involves immune mediators such as circulating cytokines. The goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of oral infections and blood levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and controls. Sixty-five elderly were evaluated (25 AD, 19 MCI, and 21 controls) by the following methods: Mini Mental State Exam, Questionnaire of Functional Activities, periodontal and oral evaluation, and blood concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Patients with AD had high serum IL-6 levels (p = 0.029), and patients with periodontitis had high serum TNF-α levels (p = 0.005). There was an association between IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with AD/MCI and periodontitis (p = 0.023). The increased levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in this study suggests their implication in the overlapping mechanisms between oral infections and AD. Longitudinal studies are necessary for further investigation.

Variations of cytokine levels in patients with COPD accompanied by chronic pulmonary heart�disease residing at different altitudes

Variations of cytokine levels in patients with COPD accompanied by chronic pulmonary heart�disease residing at different altitudes

Bilberry-Derived Anthocyanins Modulate Cytokine Expression in the Intestine of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Background/AimsWe previously demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (ARBE) inhibits IFN-γ-induced signalling and downstream effects in human monocytic cells and ameliorates disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms of ARBE-mediated effects in vitro and by analysing colonic tissue and serum samples of UC patients treated with an oral anthocyanin-rich bilberry preparation during an open label clinical trial.MethodsColon specimens obtained during an open pilot study using ARBE for the treatment of mild-to-moderate UC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokine levels in patients’ serum were quantified by ELISA. Cell culture experiments were performed using THP-1 monocytic cells.ResultsARBE treatment inhibited the expression of IFN-γ-receptor 2 in human THP-1 monocytic cells. Colon biopsies of UC patients who responded to the 6-week long ARBE treatment revealed reduced amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α. Levels of phosphorylated (activated) p65-NF-κB were reduced in these patients. Further, patients with successful ARBE treatment featured enhanced levels of Th17-cell specific cytokine IL-22 and immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 as well as reduced serum levels of TNF-α and MCP-1, but enhanced levels of IL-17A, in contrast to patients that did not reach remission after ARBE treatment.ConclusionsOur data suggest a molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of ARBE treatment in UC patients by modulating T-cell cytokine signalling and inhibiting IFN-γ signal transduction. These data are of particular interest, since ARBE is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD.

Inflammatory cytokines and glutaminergic excitotoxicity in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

IntroductionIn vitro studies have demonstrated possible neuroprotective effects of the following pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α against glutaminergic excitotoxicity in brain through different pathways.ObjectivesIn the current study, we aim to correlate level of the above pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum with glutamate levels in head of caudate nucleus measured using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a neuropsychiatric illness with possible multifactorial aetiology including immunological and excitotoxic factors.MethodThirty psychotropic-naïve patients with OCD and an equal number of gender and age-matched normal controls were recruited in the study. A detailed psychiatric assessment was carried out including sociodemographic and clinical variables. A 3T MR imaging and spectroscopy session was carried out in head of caudate nucleus. Further, absolute quantification of glutamate level was obtained using LC model. Simultaneously, 5 mL of blood sample was collected and assayed for the above pro-inflammatory cytokines (Siemens, Immulite™). The level of glutamate was correlated with the cytokine levels in patients with OCD.ResultsThe level of Glx was significantly higher in patients with OCD as compared to controls (P &lt; 0.05). The Glx level negatively correlated with two of the three pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-6 and TNF-α (r = −0.807; r = −0.838; P &lt; 0.05) while no significant correlation was demonstrated with IL-1β.ConclusionsThe findings provide preliminary evidence regarding possible neuroprotective effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines against glutaminergic excitotoxicity in patients with OCD. Further studies including patients with other psychiatric illnesses as controls are required for confirmation of the above findings.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

T-helper Type 1 and 2 Cytokine Levels in Patients with Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors.

Salivary gland tumors are among malignancies that have high recurrence rate. Immune responses in salivary gland tumors have not been well elucidated. T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines have been reported to play a role in the outcome of head and neck cancers. To evaluate the serum levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), as the hallmark of Th1 cytokines, and interleukin-4 (IL-4), as the hallmark of Th2 cytokines, in patients with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in comparison with healthy controls. Fifty patients with benign and 14 patients with malignant salivary gland tumors, as well as 23 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were measured using ELISA method. Nonparametric tests were used for data analysis. Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were found not to be significantly different in patients compared to the control group (0.68±0.29 vs. 1.03±0.57pg/ml, p=0.58 for IFN-γ, 4.57±1.57vs. 4.41±1.31pg/ml, p=0.28 for IL-4). IFN-γ and IL-4 serum levels were also not significantly different between patients with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (p=0.54 and p=0.86, respectively). The systemic levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ seem not to be associated with salivary gland tumor in our study. Investigation of other cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells are warranted.

Factors Influencing Aqueous Proinflammatory Cytokines and Growth Factors in Uveitic Glaucoma.

PurposeTo analyze the effects of factors on aqueous humor proinflammatory cytokine and growth factor levels in patients with uveitic glaucoma (UG).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 143 participants: 1) UG patients (n = 39); 2) primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (n = 36); and 3) cataract surgery patients, as a comparative group (n = 68). Aqueous humor samples were obtained at the start of surgery. Aqueous cytokine levels were determined using a multiplex immunoassay (xMAP and the Human Cytokine/Chemokine Panel I).ResultsIn UG cases, mean interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, and VEGF levels were 171.1, 214.5, 2791.7, 3.5, 23.9, 5.4, and 168.9 pg/mL, respectively, and were higher than those in cataract (non-glaucomatous) cases except PDGF. Levels of IL-6, MCP-1, and VEGF were higher in UG cases than in POAG cases. UG cases with a history of phacoemulsification displayed significantly higher levels of IL-6 (P = 0.0164), IL-8 (P = 0.0003), MCP-1 (P = 0.0465), and PDGF-AB/BB (P = 0.0062) compared to the phakic cases. The presence of cells in the anterior chamber was related to higher levels of IL-8 (P = 0.0002), TNF-α (P = 0.0037), and PDGF-AB/BB (P = 0.0009). The level of PDGF-AB/BB was higher in infectious uveitis than in non-infectious uveitis (P = 0.0211). The level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 was negatively correlated with the levels of MCP-1 (adjusted R2 = 0.28, t = -2.45, P = 0.031) and TNF-α (adjusted R2 = 0.27, t = -2.43, P = 0.032).ConclusionA history of phacoemulsification, the presence of cells in the anterior chamber, and infectious uveitis were related to aqueous proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with UG. TGF-β2 might be an anti-inflammatory factor in aqueous humor of UG patients.

Effects of Punctal Occlusion on Clinical Signs and Symptoms and on Tear Cytokine Levels in Patients with Dry Eye

PurposeTo investigate changes in signs, symptoms, and tear cytokines following punctal plug occlusion in patients with dry eye. MethodsA single-center study was conducted at Singapore Eye Research Institute. Nonabsorbable punctal plugs were inserted in the lower punctum of both eyes in patients with moderate dry eye. Over 3 weeks, in the more severe eye, dry eye symptoms, fluorescein corneal staining, Schirmer I (without topical anesthesia) test, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and safety were assessed. Cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in tear samples were measured. ResultsTwenty-nine patients (mean age 49.8 years) with moderate dry eye were evaluated. At baseline, mean (standard deviation) global symptoms score was 53.8 (26.5), Schirmer I test score was 5.1 (2.8) mm, and TFBUT was 2.2 (0.6) seconds. After 3 weeks, punctal occlusion significantly reduced global irritation symptoms score (P<.001) and decreased fluorescein staining in all zones (P<.01) except the inferior zone (P=.42). No significant association between levels of cytokines or MMP-9 and either TFBUT or global irritation symptoms were observed at baseline. Levels of several cytokines and MMP-9 were higher in patients with Schirmer I test scores ≤8 mm at baseline. After 3 weeks of punctal occlusion, no significant changes in overall cytokine or MMP-9 levels were observed. ConclusionsPunctal plug occlusion provided symptomatic relief and reduced fluorescein staining in all except the inferior zone. However, insertion of punctal plugs had minimal effect on tear cytokines and MMP-9 levels, suggesting a need for earlier treatment with anti-inflammatory agents for management of dry eye disease.

Serum Cytokine Levels in Major Depressive Disorder and Its Role in Antidepressant Response.

ObjectiveCytokines have been reported to have key roles in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, much less is known about cytokines in MDD and antidepressant treatment due to the diversity of cytokines and the heterogeneity of depression. We investigated the levels of cytokines in patients with MDD compared with healthy subjects and their associations with antidepressant response.MethodsWe investigated the changes of several cytokines (eotaxin, sCD40L, IL-8, MCP-1alpha, TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and MIP-1alpha) by Luminex assay in 66 patients with MDD and 22 healthy controls. The antidepressant response was assessed by 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.ResultsWe found the levels of sCD40L (p=0.001), IL-8 (p=0.004) and MCP-1 (p=0.03) of healthy controls were significantly higher than those of depressive patients. However, the level of eotaxin and TNF-alpha were not associated with MDD. In addition, we found the level of MCP-1 was significantly changed after antidepressant treatment (p=0.01).ConclusionThese findings suggest the roles of cytokines in MDD are complex, and could vary according to the individual characteristics of each patient. Further studies regarding the relationship between cytokines and MDD will be required.

Inflammatory Cytokines as Risk Factors for Mortality After Acute Cardiac Events.

Introduction:Inflammatory markers have been identified as potential indicators of future adverse outcome after acute cardiac events.Aim:This study aimed to analyze baseline inflammatory cytokines levels in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and/or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) according to survival. The main objective was to identify risk factors for mortality after an episode of AHF and/or ACS.Methods:In this prospective longitudinal study 75 patients with the diagnosis of AHF and/or ACS were enrolled. Baseline laboratory and clinical data were retrieved. Serum and urine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum cystatin C values were determined. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality while secondary outcome was six-month mortality.Results:Median serum and urine IL-6 levels, serum and urine IL-18 levels, as well as median concentrations of plasma BNP and serum cystatin C, were significantly increased in deceased in comparison to surviving AHF and/or ACS patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified serum IL-6, serum IL-18, urine IL-6, urine IL-18 as well as serum cystatin C and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score as risk factors for mortality after an episode of AHF and/or ACS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that only serum IL-6 is the independent risk factor for mortality after acute cardiac events (HR 61.7, 95% CI 2.1-1851.0; p=0.018).Conclusion:Present study demonstrated the strong prognostic value of serum IL-6 in predicting mortality of patients with AHF and/or ACS.

Analysis of Serum Th1/Th2 Cytokine Levels in Patients with Acute Mumps Infection.

Background:The mumps virus is frequently the causative agent of parotitis. There has been no study on serum cytokine levels of acute mumps parotitis except for a few which document cytokine levels in cerebrospinal fluid of mumps meningitis. It is with this notion, our study aimed to find Th1/Th2 cytokine levels from patients with acute mumps parotitis.Materials and Methods:Concentrations of mumps-specific IgM, mumps, measles, rubella-specific IgG antibody, and Th1/Th2 cytokines, namely interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-10 were measured simultaneously in serum from 74 patients (42 pediatric and 32 adult cases), 40 healthy subjects (20 pediatric and 20 adults) and in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with mumps virus genotype C which served as the positive control. Statistical significance was analyzed between each group by means of Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test.Results:IgM positivity confirmed acute infection in all 74 patients and of these 67 were vaccinated cases; however, very few of them (10/67) were positive for mumps IgG. We found that IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 showed a statistically significant increase in both pediatric and adult patients with acute mumps infection when compared to healthy controls and values were comparable to the positive control.Conclusion:The Th1 cells play important roles during the acute phase of mumps parotitis.

In Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes, SIRT1 Expression in Circulating Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines but Not with Coronary Lesions.

While SIRT1 is significantly associated with atherosclerosis and diabetic complications, its relevance to coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes has not been specifically investigated. Thus, we assessed SIRT1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in these patients. We found that SIRT1 expression did not significantly correlate with syntax scores from coronary angiography (p > 0.05). Notably, plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were markedly higher in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, SIRT1 expression was negatively correlated with levels of these cytokines, as well as that of interleukin-6 (p < 0.05). In summary, the data indicate that SIRT1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is significantly correlated with inflammatory cytokines levels in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes but not with the severity of coronary lesions.