Differences In Serum Cytokine Levels Research Articles

Differences in serum cytokine levels distinguish between clinically noninvasive lung adenocarcinoma and invasive lung adenocarcinoma: A cross-sectional study.

Lung cancer incidence and mortality remain high and are now the leading cause of cancer-related death. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the main histological subtypes of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown the role of inflammation in the development of lung cancer, but the relationship between cytokines and LUAD is still unclear. To further differentiate and explore the association of cytokines with the risk of non-invasive and invasive LUAD, we studied and assessed serum cytokine levels in patients with two types of LUAD. A cohort study of 90 non-invasive LUAD and 90 invasive LUAD was retrospectively included, and the clinical characteristics were recorded in detail. The differences in the levels of 12 serum cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12P70, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) between the two groups of patients with LUAD were analyzed and evaluated. And we evaluated the clinical value of cytokine differential diagnosis of invasive LUAD based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. The mean age of the patients was 56.6 years, and the proportions of males and females were 38.9% and 61.1%, respectively. IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-8 were significantly increased in patients with invasive LUAD compared with the non-invasive LUAD group. Further research found that smoking is an important factor, with changes in the four cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α being significantly higher in the smoking group of patients with invasive LUAD. It can be seen from the area under the curve that IL-1β and IL-2 have a significant differential diagnosis. We observed differences in preoperative serum cytokine levels between patients with invasive and non-invasive LUAD, which may serve as potential serum biomarkers for clinical differential diagnosis and disease progression assessment.

An observational study of the impact of immediate breast reconstruction on perioperative inflammatory cytokines.

Perioperative inflammatory cytokines may be related to cancer proliferation, although few studies have investigated this issue in patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. We conducted a prospective study of patients scheduled for mastectomy only, mastectomy plus deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction (DIEP), or mastectomy plus tissue expander reconstruction (TE), with or without axial dissection (Ax), for primary breast cancer. Blood samples were collected for analysis of serum IL-6 and VEGF preoperatively, then within 24h postoperatively (POD 1), and 4-6days postoperatively (POD 4-6). We investigated the difference in serum cytokine levels over time for each surgical procedure and the difference in serum cytokine levels among the procedures at the three measurement time points. There were 120 patients included in the final analysis. Serum IL-6 was significantly higher than the preoperative level on POD 1 in patients who underwent mastectomy only, DIEP, or TE and Ax (+), with higher values persisting on POD 4-6 except in those who underwent DIEP. IL-6 was significantly higher after DIEP than after mastectomy only on POD 1, but no differences were observed at POD 4-6. VEGF did not differ significantly among the surgical procedures at any time. The increase in IL-6 was short term and immediate breast reconstruction is considered a safe procedure.

Effect of Sertraline on Serum Cytokine Levels in Adolescents With First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder

To investigate the changes in serum inflammatory cytokines and the predictive factors for the efficacy of sertraline following medication therapy in adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 61 adolescent patients with first-episode drug-naïve MDD were enrolled for the MDD group and 55 healthy adolescents were enrolled for the healthy control (HC) group. Sertraline tablets were administered to the MDD group for 8 weeks after enrollment, while no medication was given to the HC group. In the MDD group, blood samples were collected to measure the cytokine levels and clinical data, including scores for the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week medication, whereas in the HC group, blood samples and clinical data were collected only at baseline. The correlation between the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and depression severity in the MDD group was analyzed and stepwise linear regression of HAMD-17 in the MDD group was performed to find serologic indicators that could be used to predict the efficacy of sertraline. At baseline, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the MDD group were significantly higher than those in the HC group (all P<0.0001), while the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in the MDD group was significantly lower than that in the HC group ( P=0.006). After 8 weeks of medication treatment, the MDD group showed decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-6 and increased level of TNF-α compared to the pre-treatment levels. In addition, the HAMD-17 score, CD-RISC total score, and scores for perceived competence, trust and tolerance, and control, three factors of CD-RISC, all improved after treatment. There was no significant difference in serum cytokine levels at baseline between the subgroup showing response to the treatment and the non-responding subgroup. There was a weak correlation between IL-6 levels before and after treatment and CD-RISC scores and the scores for the trust and tolerance factor of CD-RISC before and after treatment. The baseline IL-1β and TNF-α levels did not show significant effect on posttreatment HAMD-17 scores. Serum cytokine levels of adolescents with first-episode MDD differ significantly from those of healthy adolescents. Although IL-6 was found to be correlated with depression severity, there was not enough support for it to be used as a predictor of the antidepression efficacy of sertraline.

Childhood trauma, inflammatory biomarkers and the presence of a current depressive episode: Is there a relationship in subjects from a population study?

This study aims to compare the serum cytokine levels between controls, individuals with a current depressive episode (CDE) with childhood trauma and individuals with CDE without childhood trauma. This is a cross-sectional with paired sample nested in a population-based study. For the purposes of the current study, subjects who had psychotic symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder, and who refused to perform blood collection were excluded. Subsequently, only individuals who had a current depressive episode were selected (n = 76). Another 76 subjects were randomly paired by sex and age, constituting a population control group. The measurements of serum cytokine levels were performed using the multiplex analysis method. In the group with a CDE, when compared to the population control group, the following cytokines were high: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the levels of cytokines IL-10 (p = 0.027) and IL12p70 (p = 0.001). Bonferroni test demonstrates that there is no statistically significant difference in serum cytokine levels between subjects with a CDE, with and without trauma (p > 0.05). In a multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for socioeconomic status, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs abuse/dependence, and use of psychiatric medication, we found that cytokines serum levels remained associated with CDE even when adjusted for these potential confounders. Our findings demonstrate that monitoring cytokine levels and immune function may be beneficial in preventing the development of a CDE. However, future research is necessary to investigate the impact of trauma on the relationship between inflammation and CDE.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are elevated in female patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine

In this study, we hypothesized that the chronic use of clozapine affects cytokine expression and has a greater effect on female patients than on male patients. The aims of this study were to detect (1) whether serum cytokine levels were altered in patients with chronic schizophrenia after clozapine treatment compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls, (2) whether there was a gender difference in serum cytokine levels after clozapine treatment, and (3) whether there was a correlation between serum cytokine levels and clozapine daily dosage in patients with schizophrenia. Forty-nine inpatients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine and fifty-three sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited. The patients' psychiatric symptoms were measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Blood samples from both patients and healthy controls were collected. Serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were measured in duplicate by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that chronic clozapine treatment in patients with schizophrenia resulted in the abnormal expression of serum cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α, compared with the healthy controls. In addition, there was a gender difference in the abnormal expression of cytokines between male and female patients with schizophrenia. In the female group, IL-2 serum levels were lower than those in the male group. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between serum IL-2 levels and the daily clozapine dosage in female patients with schizophrenia. Findings from our study have shown clear evidence that clozapine had a greater effect on immune function in female patients with schizophrenia.

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome impairs mouse skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise.

There is emerging evidence of a gut microbiome-skeletal muscle axis. The purpose of this study was to determine if an intact gut microbiome was necessary for skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise. Forty-two 4-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to untreated (U) or antibiotic-treated (T) non-running controls (CU or CT, respectively) or progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR, P) untreated (PU) or antibiotic-treated (PT) groups. Antibiotic treatment resulted in disruption of the gut microbiome as indicated by a significant depletion of gut microbiome bacterial species in both CT and PT groups. The training stimulus was the same between PU and PT groups as assessed by weekly (12.35 ± 2.06 vs. 11.09 ± 1.76km/week, respectively) and total (778.9± 130.5 vs. 703.8 ± 112.9km, respectively) running activity. In response to PoWeR, PT showed less hypertrophy of soleus type 1 and 2a fibres and plantaris type 2b/x fibres compared to PU. The higher satellite cell and myonuclei abundance of PU plantaris muscle after PoWeR was not observed in PT. The fibre-type shift of PU plantaris muscle to a more oxidative type 2a fibre composition following PoWeR was blunted in PT. There was no difference in serum cytokine levels among all groups suggesting disruption of the gut microbiome did not induce systemic inflammation. The results of this study provide the first evidence that an intact gut microbiome is necessary for skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise. KEY POINTS: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome caused by continuous antibiotic treatment did not affect running activity. Continuous treatment with antibiotics did not result in systemic inflammation as indicated by serum cytokine levels. Gut microbiome dysbiosis was associated with blunted fibre type-specific hypertrophy in the soleus and plantaris muscles in response to progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR). Gut microbiome dysbiosis was associated with impaired PoWeR-induced fibre-type shift in the plantaris muscle. Gut microbiome dysbiosis was associated with a loss of PoWeR-induced myonuclei accretion in the plantaris muscle.

Serum cytokine profile of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

This study aimed to evaluate serum cytokine concentrations in healthy individuals and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. A total of 59 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients and 44 healthy controls were included. Multiplex analysis of interleukins 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13 and 17 and interferon-gamma with respect to the presence of laryngeal carcinoma, tumour-node-metastasis T stage, nodal involvement and larynx subsite was performed. Statistical analysis revealed no difference in serum cytokine levels between patients and healthy controls. The serum interleukin-12 concentration was significantly higher in patients with early (T1-2) than in those with late (T3-4) stage disease and without nodal involvement (p < 0.05). Serum interleukin-10 levels were significantly higher in T3-4 stage than in T1-2 stage patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum interleukin 10, 12 and 13 concentrations (p < 0.05) and interleukin-6 concentration (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with T1-2 stage supraglottic vs glottic tumours. Serum cytokines level cannot be used as laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma markers. Progression from T1-2 to T3-4 stage is followed by decreased serum interleukin-12 levels and increased interleukin-10 levels. Nodal involvement is associated with lower serum interleukin-12 levels. In patients with early stage tumours, serum interleukin 6, 10, 12 and 13 concentrations are significantly higher in those with supraglottic vs glottic tumours.

Clinical characteristics and cytokine changes in children with pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.

ObjectiveTo assess clinical characteristics and cytokine levels in children with severe pneumonia who required ventilatory support.MethodsIn this prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, blood and endotracheal fluid samples were obtained from patients with severe pneumonia, aged <5 years, within 24 h following intubation. Blood samples were also obtained from age-matched healthy controls. Cytokine levels were investigated using flow cytometry-assisted immunoassay.ResultsForty-five patients with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation (aged 10 ± 5 months) and 35 healthy age-matched controls were included. Patients with severe pneumonia had significantly increased serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor concentrations compared with controls (80.84 pg/ml versus 2.06 pg/ml, 90.03 pg/ml versus 6.62 pg/ml, and 115.58 pg/ml versus 11.47 pg/ml, respectively). In the severe pneumonia group, serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in patients aged <6 months versus those aged 6–12 months. Age-group differences in serum cytokine levels did not correspond to age-group differences in endotracheal-fluid cytokine levels. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who subsequently died versus those who survived (267.12 pg/ml versus 20.75 pg/ml, respectively).ConclusionHigh IL-6 concentrations were associated with mortality in patients <5 years of age with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.

Clinical Efficacy, Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Two Sevelamer Tablet Forms in Patients on Low-Flux Hemodialysis

Sevelamer hydrochloride is an ionic exchange resin with high affinity for phosphate. This phosphate-binding agent has few serious adverse reactions with the advantage of reducing total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. However, it is controversial as to whether sevelamer hydrochloride can modulate the inflammatory response via endotoxin reduction. Therefore, a single-center, open-label, prospective and randomized study was performed to compare the clinical efficacy, safety and anti-inflammatory activity of two sevelamer hydrochloride tablet forms a branded tablet form, Renagel (Genzyme manufacturer) and its generic equivalent (EMS manufacturer). Twenty-eight chronic kidney disease volunteer patients at stage 5 (CDK 5D), on chronic low-flux hemodialysis carried out in 4-hour sessions, three times a week, were studied. The serum phosphorus, ionic calcium, total cholesterol and fractions, bicarbonate, blood pH, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were collected prior to dialysis at mid-week. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects were determined at the end of the phosphate-binder washout period as well as at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks of use of both tablet forms. The same magnitude of reduction in serum phosphorus was observed with both sevelamer tablet forms. Only the Renagel group showed lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol levels at the fourth and eighth week versus baseline. No significant differences in serum cytokine levels were identified in either drug group. However, the incidence of intestinal obstipation was higher among patients who used the generic equivalent form. In conclusion, Renagel and its EMS generic equivalent tablet forms have a similar clinical efficacy in reducing phosphorus in CKD 5D patients on low-flux hemodialysis and a similar safety profile.

Distinct Serum Cytokine Profiles in Neuromyelitis Optica and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common prototypic inflammatory demyelinating disease. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is another inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that exhibits clinical symptoms mainly associated with optic neuritis and myelopathy. The inflammatory reaction in MS is associated with an upregulation of a variety of T helper 1 (Th1)- or Th17-mediated cytokines. However, NMO and MS are intertwined both clinically and pathologically, which complicates their diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in serum cytokine levels in patients with NMO and MS. We collected peripheral serum from patients with these central nervous system demyelinating diseases for the study. A cytometric bead array was used to assess the cytokine levels using flow cytometry. We found more inflammatory [interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines in NMO than in MS. The differences in the optimal cutoff points of serum cytokines, including IL-2 ≥5 pg/mL, can differentiate NMO from MS. In conclusion, patients with NMO had an increased Th1-mediated inflammatory response, but similar Th17-mediated inflammation changes compared to patients with MS. Serum cytokine studies can differentiate NMO cases from MS.

Immune thrombocytopenia: serum cytokine levels in children and adults

BackgroundImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated platelet disorder in which autoantibody-coated platelets are removed from the blood by monocytic phagocytes and there is impaired platelet production. There is a delicate balance of specific cytokine levels, which has an important role in the immune system and is known to be deregulated in autoimmune diseases. This study was designed to investigate the differences in Th cytokine levels between children and adults with newly diagnosed ITP and to compare these profiles to those found in healthy, age-matched controls.Material/MethodsThe concentration of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-α, and IFN-γ in serum specimens was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAt the time of ITP diagnosis, children showed significantly lower serum levels of interleukin IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α and higher serum level of IL-3 than healthy controls. Serum level of IL-4 in adult ITP patients was higher than those in control subjects. When compared with adults, children with ITP had lower serum level of IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ, and higher level of IFN-α.ConclusionsSignificant differences in serum cytokine levels between pediatric patients and healthy controls indicate that cytokine disturbances – especially changes in IL-2, IL-3 and TNF-α – might be involved in the pathogenesis of newly diagnosed ITP. TNF-α is the most informative variable for discrimination between healthy children and those with ITP.

Differences in serum cytokine levels between wild type mice and mice with a targeted mutation suggests necessity of using control littermates

To enhance protection from pathogens, housing conditions have been improved constantly. We wanted to test whether various environmental conditions and caging systems affect serum cytokine levels of immunodeficient mice differently than they affect immunocompetent control animals. We compared serum cytokine levels of immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice kept in three different environments: a specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding barrier with open cages. An SPF experimental unit with individually ventilated cages. An experimental semi-barrier with open cages. Serum from Rag1−/−, μMT−/−, IFN-γR−/−, IFN-γ−/−, IL-4−/−, the heterozygous controls and wild type C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice was analyzed for the presence of 10 cytokines (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and GM-CSF). No major changes in cytokine levels were detected in mice exposed to different housing conditions. However, irrespective of immunodeficiency at 4weeks of age a number of mice from the breeding colonies with a targeted mutation (TM), both −/− and +/− mice, showed a statistically significant elevation of some cytokines (primarily IL-1α, IL-5) when compared to wild type BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. We conclude that under SPF conditions, immunodeficient mice can be kept either in open caging or IVC systems without affecting serum cytokine levels. The more important conclusion, however, stems from the observation that there is a significant difference in serum cytokine levels between wild type and mice carrying either one or two alleles of a targeted mutation (either −/− and +/− mice). This suggests an altered base-line inflammatory responsiveness in the TM-breeding colonies.

The Stanford Data Miner: a novel approach for integrating and exploring heterogeneous immunological data

BackgroundSystems-level approaches are increasingly common in both murine and human translational studies. These approaches employ multiple high information content assays. As a result, there is a need for tools to integrate heterogeneous types of laboratory and clinical/demographic data, and to allow the exploration of that data by aggregating and/or segregating results based on particular variables (e.g., mean cytokine levels by age and gender).MethodsHere we describe the application of standard data warehousing tools to create a novel environment for user-driven upload, integration, and exploration of heterogeneous data. The system presented here currently supports flow cytometry and immunoassays performed in the Stanford Human Immune Monitoring Center, but could be applied more generally.ResultsUsers upload assay results contained in platform-specific spreadsheets of a defined format, and clinical and demographic data in spreadsheets of flexible format. Users then map sample IDs to connect the assay results with the metadata. An OLAP (on-line analytical processing) data exploration interface allows filtering and display of various dimensions (e.g., Luminex analytes in rows, treatment group in columns, filtered on a particular study). Statistics such as mean, median, and N can be displayed. The views can be expanded or contracted to aggregate or segregate data at various levels. Individual-level data is accessible with a single click. The result is a user-driven system that permits data integration and exploration in a variety of settings. We show how the system can be used to find gender-specific differences in serum cytokine levels, and compare them across experiments and assay types.ConclusionsWe have used the tools and techniques of data warehousing, including open-source business intelligence software, to support investigator-driven data integration and mining of diverse immunological data.

Perioperative use of Statins in Elective Colectomy

BACKGROUND Statins have many beneficial effects and may attenuate the proinflammatory and metabolic stress response to surgery and consequently reduce postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether perioperative use of statins improved short-term outcomes after elective colectomy. DESIGN This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS AND PATIENTS This study was conducted in consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic resection within an enhanced recovery program at a tertiary hospital (Manukau Surgery Centre, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand) from January 2005 to December 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Complications, hospital stay, and readmissions were recorded for 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative functional recovery was measured by the use of the validated Surgical Recovery Score. Serum proinflammatory cytokines were measured on postoperative day 1. RESULTS There were 269 patients; 86 patients were on a statin perioperatively, whereas 183 patients had no statin. Members of the statin group were older (median age, 72 vs 69 years; p = 0.021), included more men (53% vs 40%; p = 0.049), and included a higher number of patients with an ASA score of 3 (55% vs 22%; p < 0.001). Patients on statin therapy had a significantly lower number of anastomotic leaks (1% vs 7%; p = 0.031). However, there was no significant difference in total complications or median hospital stay. The 2 groups had comparable functional recovery, and there was no significant difference in serum cytokine levels. LIMITATIONS This retrospective study did not analyze type, duration, or dose of statins given perioperatively. CONCLUSION Patients on perioperative statins had greater baseline perioperative risks compared with nonusers, but they achieved equivalent outcomes overall. Statin use was associated with reduced anastomotic leaks. Thus, perioperative statin use may reduce morbidity after elective colectomy, and this finding warrants further investigation.

Human Thrombomodulin Knock-In Mice Reveal Differential Effects of Human Thrombomodulin on Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis

We sought to develop a murine model to examine the antithrombotic and antiinflammatory functions of human thrombomodulin in vivo. Knock-in mice that express human thrombomodulin from the murine thrombomodulin gene locus were generated. Compared with wild-type mice, human thrombomodulin knock-in mice exhibited decreased protein C activation in the aorta (P<0.01) and lung (P<0.001). Activation of endogenous protein C following infusion of thrombin was decreased by 90% in knock-in mice compared with wild-type mice (P<0.05). Carotid artery thrombosis induced by photochemical injury occurred more rapidly in knock-in mice (12±3 minutes) than in wild-type mice (31±6 minutes; P<0.05). No differences in serum cytokine levels were detected between knock-in and wild-type mice after injection of endotoxin. When crossed with apolipoprotein E-deficient mice and fed a Western diet, knock-in mice had a further decrease in protein C activation but did not exhibit increased atherosclerosis. Expression of human thrombomodulin in place of murine thrombomodulin produces viable mice with a prothrombotic phenotype but unaltered responses to systemic inflammatory or atherogenic stimuli. This humanized animal model will be useful for investigating the function of human thrombomodulin under pathophysiological conditions in vivo.

Pediatric patients receiving ABO-incompatible living related liver transplantation exhibit higher serum transforming growth factor-β1, interferon-γ and interleukin-2 levels

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (LTx) is becoming more common in response to the paucity of liver allografts. Several studies have expressed concern about the effect of ABO compatibility on graft survival. To evaluate the differences in serum cytokine levels between ABO-incompatible (ABO-i) and ABO-compatible (ABO-c; includes ABO-compatible and identical) pediatric LTx recipients during regular outpatient follow-up. Note that, in the field of organ transplantation, transplants are categorized as incompatible, compatible or identical; accordingly, these are the terms we use in the paper. A clinical outpatient study measuring serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 in 43 living related liver transplantation (LRLT) recipients, of whom 36 received ABO-c LRLT (34 were ABO-identical and 2 were non-identical) and 7 ABO-i LRLT. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin were measured as part of the patients' regular follow-up visits. There were no differences between the ABO-c and ABO-i groups in terms of recipient's age [mean 12.6 vs. 11.1years (y)], post-LTx duration (mean 7.3 vs. 7.3y), donor's age (mean 35.5 vs. 34.6y), body weight (28.9±2.9 vs. 27.9±6.9kg), or gender (19 female and 17 male vs. 4 female and 3 male). Serum TGF-β1, IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly higher in the ABO-i group than in the ABO-c group. IL-10, however, did not differ between the two groups. There was a tendency toward higher γGTP levels in the ABO-i group, but this difference did not reach significance. ABO-incompatible LRLTx patients have higher serum TGF-β1, IFN-γ and IL-2 levels as measured at regular outpatient visits. As a result, they face a higher risk of T-helper 1 cell polarization, which could make graft rejection more likely.

Differences in serum cytokine levels between influenza virus A and B infections in children

Objective: To investigate differences in cytokine production between influenza A and B. Materials and methods: thirty one patients with influenza A and 16 with influenza B were enrolled in this study. We measured soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) 1, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-4 concentrations in serum obtained from all patients during the acute and convalescence phases of their illnesses. Results: the sTNFR1 and IL-6 serum concentrations of patients with influenza A and B were equivalently elevated in the acute phase of their illness. However, the acute phase concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly higher in patients with influenza A than in patients with influenza B. The concentration of all cytokines in influenza A and sTNFR1 in influenza B significantly decreased from the acute to convalescent phase. Plotted from the onset of symptoms it appeared that all of the cytokines peaked within 24 h after onset. Discussion: the production pattern of the inflammatory cytokines – TNF and IL-6 – were the same between influenza A and B. However, a Th2 predominant cytokine pattern was induced after natural influenza virus A infection, notably IL-4 that differed from that to influenza B.

Comparison of serum cytokine levels in breast and prostate malignancies

Introduction: We have previously demonstrated significant differences in serum cytokine levels between healthy individuals and node-positive (NP) and node-negative (NN) breast cancer (BCa) patients. Specifically, eotaxin, MCP-1, and IL-6 were shown to correlate with the presence and stage of BCa. We performed a similar study on serum samples of prostate cancer (PCa) patients to determine whether similar cytokine profiles are present compared to BCa. Methods: Serum from 40 prostate cancer patients (20 aggressive and 20 non-aggressive) and 20 healthy male controls were evaluated for levels of 21 different cytokines (IL-1α, 1β, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, IFN-γ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IP-10, MIP-1α, MCP-1 and eotaxin) using LUMINEX® technology.

Differences in Serum Cytokine Levels in Acute and Chronic Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Relationship to Platelet Phenotype and Antiplatelet T-Cell Reactivity

Patients with both acute and chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) have in vitro lymphocyte defects in the form of platelet-stimulated proliferation and cytokine secretion. A blinded study was performed to determine if these defects are related to serum cytokine levels and/or platelet antigen expression. Compared with controls, 53% of children with chronic AITP, but only 9% of those with acute AITP, had increased serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma, and/or IL-10; however, none of the patients had detectible serum levels of IL-4 or IL-6, cytokine patterns suggesting and early CD4+ Th0 and Th1 cell activation. In children with chronic AITP, the levels of serum IL-2 correlated with in vitro platelet-stimulated IL-2 production. Few (17%) patients with AITP showed platelet activation, as measured by CD62 expression, or abnormal expression levels of platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIbIIIa, but abnormal GPIb levels were observed in one-third of children with AITP. In contrast to normal controls and patients with nonimmune thrombocytopenia, a significant number of children with acute (80%), chronic (71%), or chronic-complex (55%) AITP and GPIb+ peripheral blood cells expressing HLA-DR. HLA-DR was variably coexpressed on distinct smaller and larger-sized GPIb+ cell populations with CD41, CD45, CD14, CD80, and/or glycophorin molecules. GPIb+ cells isolated from spleens of patients with chronic AITP had high expression (49% +/- 30%) of HLA-DR and splenic T cells had a high level of in vitro platelet-stimulated IL-2 secretion compared with controls. Platelet HLA-DR expression correlated inversely with platelet count, but not with therapy, serum cytokines, or in vitro lymphocyte antiplatelet reactivity. The results indicate that platelet HLA-DR expression is a common occurrence in patients with immune thrombocytopenia, whereas a large subpopulation of children with chronic AITP can be identified by increased serum cytokine levels and in vitro platelet-stimulated IL-2 secretion by lymphocytes, suggesting that differences exist in the immune pathogenesis of acute and chronic AITP, particularly at the level of platelet reactive T cells.