Serum IL-6 In Patients Research Articles

Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1B, IL-6) and antioxidant in different stages of patients with cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Introduction: Leishmania is a significant health problem in many parts of world. TNF-α is an essential player in infections with leishmania major, contributing to the control of the inflammatory lesion, a lesser degree and parasite killing. Inflammatory molecules (TNF-a, IL-1B and IL-6) were probably responsible for the stronger cellular recruitment and mainly seen at the site of infections. The aim of this study was evaluated of pro inflammatory cytokines and (antioxidant) in four groups of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients compared with together and normal group. These cytokines measured in 39 patients were divided into four groups of: 1) active (acute phase of treatment); 2) non-healing (received treatment for almost two years without recovery);3) healing (recovered upon treatment); and 4) healed (treatment previously received and achieved complete remission). Pro inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant about 3 of these patients from active stage to heal were specifically evaluated also. Material & Methods: IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6 in serum of patients measured by ELISA and antioxidant determined by FRAP method. Results: Antioxidant mostly decreased in groups near to normal group, but increased in non -healing group. The serum level of pro inflammatory cytokines: TNFα, increased in three groups of patients compared to normal group. Highest level of IL-1β belong to non- healing average, whether, others and normal group had zero value of IL-1β. IL-6 had highest level in non- healing, but had not significant difference in other groups. In three of these active patients which leading to health, TNFα, IL6& IL1β strongly decreased. Discussion: This Study suggestion, there is direct correlation between of pro inflammatory cytokines (IL-1B, TNF α, IL-6) and progressive of disease. Another finding shows that antioxidant level had extremely strong correlation with progresses response to drug and lead to healthy of disease

Особенности иммунитета и возможности коррекции дезадаптации иммунного ответа у больных острыми респираторными вирусными инфекциями из организованных коллективов

The purpose of the study was to determine the severity of maladaptation disorders of the immune response and the possibility of their correction in patients with acute respiratory viral infections from organized groups. Material and methods. 90 patients with uncomplicated forms of ARVI and a group of conditionally healthy (n = 30) from organized groups were examined. In addition to symptomatic therapy, patients received a combination of rectal and intranasal forms of recombinant IFN-α-2b. Identification of the ARVI pathogen was determined by PCR. ELISA was used to determine serum concentrations of IFN-α and IFN-γ and the ability of blood cells to produce these cytokines ex vivo spontaneously and when stimulated by Newcastle disease virus or phytohemagglutinin. Flow cytometry was used to analysis the subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The study of the levels of secretory IL-8, IgA, serum IL-8 was carried out by enzyme immunoassay. Results. The etiology of ARVI was deciphered in 62.1% of patients, the main share in the morbidity structure was due to influenza (39.3%) and adenoviruses (35.6%). In the first 3 months of the formation of organized teams in apparently healthy people, a decrease in the level of T-helpers, natural killers and inhibition of the interferon system was revealed, which indicates a violation of adaptive mechanisms and contributes to a decrease in body resistance. An analysis of the cytokine system showed an increase in the concentration of secretory and serum IL-8 in patients with acute respiratory viral infections compared with a group of practically healthy people. In the immune status 1 month after ARVI, there was a significant increase in the number of T-lymphocytes, T-helpers with a tendency to normalize T-lymphocytes carrying IFN-α and -γ receptors, while maintaining a significantly reduced number of B-lymphocytes. The immunomodulatory efficacy of combination therapy with recombinant IFN-α-2b is characterized by an increase in the amount of induced IFN-α during its initial depression and a decrease in initial hyperproduction. Also, at the initial level of induced IFN-α less than 200 pg/ml, there was an increase in the concentration of secretory IL-8 and IgA. Conclusion. In conditionally healthy individuals, in the first 3 months of the formation of organized groups, maladjustment disorders in the immune response were detected in 34% of cases. The interferon-modulating effect of combination therapy with recombinant IFN-α-2b was shown.

The association of human cytomegalovirus with biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation in breast cancer.

The presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in breast cancer has been reported, suggesting a potential association between HCMV infection and breast carcinogenesis. To evaluate the association between HCMV infection and immune activation and inflammatory markers in breast cancer. HCMV DNA was detected from all patients using real-time PCR, Anti HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies were measured. IL-17 and IL-22 concentrations were detected by ELISA. Assessment of NLR and PLR was done, and cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay. The results revealed a significantly increased prevalence of anti-HCMV IgG and HCMV DNA in patients compared to both benign and control groups where positive HCMV prevalence was significantly associated with vascular invasion, proliferation rate, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and elevated IL-17 serum level. Furthermore, we demonstrated that increased serum IL-17 in patients was markedly associated with tumor stage, vascular invasion, and high NLR. It can be concluded that HCMV infection may have vital roles in breast cancer pathogenesis. Moreover, altered peripheral blood cells and cytokines may result in disordered immune response in breast cancer patients.

Elevation of Serum IL-8 in Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Elevation of Serum IL-8 in Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Effect of Stereoscopic Comprehensive Therapy of Zhuang Medicine on Inflammatory Factor IL-6 in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: To study the effect of Stereoscopic Comprehensive of Therapy Zhuang Medicine on IL-6 in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Sixty rheumatoid arthritis patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group using a random number table. Among them, 30 cases in the control group were treated with Western medicine, and 30 cases in the treatment group were treated with Western medical and Stereoscopic Comprehensive Therapy of Zhuang Medicine. The observation period was 8 weeks. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, the level of IL-6 in the treatment group and the control group decreased, and the treatment group was better than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The Stereoscopic Comprehensive of Zhuang Medicine can reduce the level of IL-6 in the serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and has a good regulating effect on the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.

MicroRNA-146a Expression and Serum Interleukin-17 Level as potential biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Small non-coding RNAs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that can play a role in controlling various immune functions. MicroRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) is regarded as an essential element in posttranscriptional gene expression regulator, indicating a possible function in autoimmune diseases. Aim: The aim of the research was to evaluate the expression of miR-146a and Interleukin-17 serum levels as potential markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and to investigate its association with the activity of the disease. Methods: This research comprised 60 subjects divided into 30 RA patients and 30 healthy individuals. The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum IL-17 level were estimated. Using reverse transcriptase real time polymerase chain reaction quantitative, the relative quantification of miR-146a expression was determined. Results: There are highly pronounced statistical variations was observed between patients and healthy controls, with relative expression of miR-146a, (ESR), CRP, IL-17 and (anti-CC). There are also extremely important statistical differences (p < 0.001) between the various patient subgroups with respect to miR-146a relative expression. IL-17 level in the RA group was higher than in the control group. Positive associations were noticed between the levels of IL-17, ESR, CRP, (anti-CCP) and miR-146a. Conclusion: This study showed that even the expression of miR-146a was highly significant in RA patients, the level of expression was associated with the activity of the disease. Also, the increase in serum IL-17 in patients with RA compared with healthy controls played an important role in the diagnosis of the inflammatory and destructive characteristics of RA.

A method for detecting IL-6 in serum of patients with uremia

As the gold standard of protein detection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used in medical treatment and biology. Here, we report a digital ELISA method that combines fluorescence-coded magnetic beads with micropore arrays to effectively improve the accuracy of the detection. Fluorescence coded magnetic beads were used as solid support of ELISA, which were modified to specifically capture IL-6 in serum, and then combined with galactosidase to form a sandwich structure. These beads are then mixed with a fluorescent substrate and passed into a microfluidic chip. Under the action of gravity, the beads are trapped and isolated by an array of micropores in the chip. Combined with image recognition technology, the fluorescence intensity of micropores containing enzymes will increase rapidly. By mining image information, the IL-6 content in uremia patients can be detected with high precision.

Increased Expression of IL-23 and IL-17 in Serum of Patients with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome and its Clinical Significance.

The present study focused on the potential clinical significance of Th-17 cell related inflammatory cytokines in the occurrence and development of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). We included 82 NRDS children and 82 healthy controls. NRDS children were divided into the mild and severe group based on the disease severity. The serum samples of the NRDS and non-NRDS children were collected, and the expression levels of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 were determined by ELISA method. Moreover, correlation between the levels of the cytokines and the disease severity were analyzed, and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic value of the cytokines. Finally, correlation between the lung ultrasound score (LUS) of the NRDS patients and the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were analyzed. IL-17 and IL-23 were dramatically increased in serum of the NRDS patients compared with the non-NRDS patients; moreover, IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly higher in the severe compared with the mild NRDS group, and the levels of both IL-17 and IL-23 were positively correlated with the disease severity. Furthermore, ROC analysis showed that both IL-17 and IL-23 can distinguish NRDS patient, especially the severe NRDS patients from the non-NRDS patients with high sensitivity and specificity; finally, the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were positively correlated with the LUS in NRDS patients. IL-17 and IL-23 were up-regulated in NRDS and may serve as sensitive biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

PERBEDAAN RERATA KADAR IL-6 SERUM MATERNAL BERDASARKAN KEBERHASILAN PEMBERIAN TOKOLITIK PADA PARTUS PREMATURUS IMMINENS

Preterm labor needs to be prevented, one of the prevention methods is by tocolytic administration which could prevent labor thus providing a chance for lung maturation. Preterm Pregnancy is associated with increased concentrations of cytokines such as Interleukin (IL). The increasing concentration of maternal serum IL-6 can be used to predict preterm labor. This research uses the design Cross-Sectional Comparative to determine differences in means of maternal serum levels of IL-6 based on the success of the administration of a tocolytic agent on preterm labor. This study was performed on pregnant women who come to the obstetric emergency room of DR. MA. Hanafiah Batusangkar Hospital within August-November 2015. The total number which was included in statistical analysis was 34 pregnant women which were divided into 2 groups, 17 people in the group of patients who failed in tocolytic agent administration, and 17 people in the group who success in managed with a tocolytic agent. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the validity using the T-test. There are significant differences in the average rate of maternal serum IL-6 in patients who failed to treat with a tocolytic agent and successful to treat with a tocolytic agent. Seen from the p-value 0.000. Levels of maternal serum IL-6 in patients who failed to treat with a tocolytic agent were higher than successful to treat with a tocolytic agent.Keywords: IL-6, Tocolytic, Preterm labor

2243. Using Host Biomarkers and Time to Blood Culture Positivity to Predict Necessity for Echocardiogram in Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis

BackgroundPatients with complicated S. aureus bacteremia (SaB) require a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to rule out endocarditis. Risks of TEE may exceed benefits in patients with a low pretest probability of endocarditis. Given our prior findings that endovascular bacterial burden drives elevated serum IL-10 concentrations, we hypothesize that time to positive blood culture and IL-10 serum concentrations may be used to risk stratify patients for selection of TEE. We compared time to positive blood culture and serum IL-10 in patients with negative and positive TEE.MethodsPatients with SaB were included if they had a diagnosis of primary, endovascular infection source of bacteremia identified by an infectious diseases consult team and a TEE performed. A retrospective chart review was done to identify the time to positivity (hours) of patient blood cultures grown aerobically or anaerobically and TEE results. Sera collected at clinical presentation of these patients were tested for biomarkers IL-10 and IL-1β. Mann–Whitney U test compared the data between the two groups.ResultsThis study included 66 patients with SaB: 17 with negative TEE and 49 with positive TEE. Patients with a positive TEE confirming endocarditis had a faster time to positive blood cultures compared with patients with negative TEE (P = 0.031; figure). IL-10 serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients with positive TEE (26.2 pg/mL) vs. negative TEE (14.39 pg/mL). Time-to-positivity in blood culture was linearly associated serum IL-10 concentrations (P = 0.044; figure). Serum IL-1β concentrations were also higher in TEE positive vs. TEE negative patients (32.1 vs. 14.7 pg/mL, P = 0.067)ConclusionThese data lend further evidence to link high endovascular bacterial burden (measured by shorter time to positive blood culture) and serum IL-10 concentrations. As anticipated, patients with positive TEE had significantly shorter time to blood culture positivity and higher IL-10 serum concentrations than those with negative TEE. With further study on a larger number of patients, time to positive blood cultures and serum biomarkers like IL-10 may be used to risk stratify patients for performance of TEE, as well as to select antimicrobial therapy and to adjust treatment duration.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Serum Interleukin-8 in Patients with Different Origin of Intra-Abdominal Infections in Perioperative Period.

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are associated with high levels of pro-inflammatory serum IL-8 and poor outcomes, but data on IL-8 levels in various inflammatory reactions are contradictory. A better understanding of the diagnostic role of IL-8 is important, since the clinical relevance remains unclear. Methods: That was a single-center observational longitudinal cross-sectional study included 56 patients with various origins of intra-abdominal infections: 24 patients with postoperative abscesses, 12 patients with primary intra-abdominal abscesses, and 20 patients with diffuse peritoneal collection. Perioperative serum concentrations of interleukin-8 IL-8 were investigated at the day before surgery, on the 2nd–3rd day, and on the 5th–7th day after surgery. The hypothesis suggested that there was a difference in serum IL-8 in patients with IAI of different origin in the perioperative period. Results: The study showed that the level of serum IL-8 in patients with intra-abdominal infections of different origins is lower in comparison with healthy individuals. Despite the fact that we did not detect any statistically significant differences in the level of IL-8 in serum in IAI of different origin in the perioperative period, its lowest index was observed in the patients with postoperative abscesses on the 5th–7th days after surgical intervention. The levels of serum IL-8 ≤49.71 pg/mL and ≤48.88 pg/mL may serve as diagnostic markers for primary and postoperative abscesses with significant sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Our results differ from previous studies that showed high serum IL-8. High-quality clinical trials are needed to better comprehend the role of inflammatory mediators in IAI with different origin.

Prognostic Value of IL-10 and Its Relationship with Disease Stage in Iranian Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Background:Several studies have demonstrated roles of interleukins in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM).Objective:Here we considered correlations among serum levels of IL-10, stage of disease and clinical laboratory disease markers in Iranian MM patients to investigate whether the interleukin might have prognostic significance.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a total of 60 subjects (40 patients and 20 controls) were recruited. After preliminary laboratory tests, disease stage was evaluated and serum levels of IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:The mean concentration of serum IL-10 in patients (2.39±0.82 ng/ml) was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than that in healthy controls (0.34±0.15 ng/ml). A positive and significant correlation (p<0.0001) was observed with the disease stage. The highest plasma cell proportions were recorded for MM stage III patients (68.8±9.21%), differing significantly from those of stage I patients (50.0±10.0%; p=0.011). The Beta-2 microglobulin value in stage III patients (7.7±1.13mg/l) was significantly higher than in those with stage II (4.31±0.64 mg/l; p<0.0001) and stage I (2.8±0.4 mg/l; p<0.0001). There was also a positive and significant correlation (p=0.002) between IL-10 levels and B2M. A trend (p=0.06) for positive correlation was observed between IL-10 levels and plasma cells.Conclusions:The correlation of IL-10 with disease stage and markers of disease activity indicates important roles in MM pathogenesis and progression. Therefore, measurement of serum IL-10 might be helpful for predicting stage and clinical management of MM.

Serum IL-17 in patients with erythema multiforme or Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis drug reaction, and correlation with disease severity.

There is strong evidence that drug-induced cutaneous eruptions have an immunological component. Interleukin (IL)-17, a proinflammatory cytokine that is predominantly produced by T helper 17 cells, has been linked to various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. To measure serum IL-17 levels in patients with cutaneous drug reactions [erythema multiforme (EM) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)] in order to study the associations between IL-17 and disease severity. In total, 32 patients (13 with EM and 19 with SJS/TEN) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Patients with SJS/TEN were assessed clinically using the SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) scale. Serum IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher compared with HCs (16.46 ± 5.21 pg/mL) in the EM (35.1 ± 23.89 pg/mL, P < 0.02) and SJS/TEN (68.19 ± 35.42 pg/mL, P = 0.001) groups. IL-17 levels were also significantly higher in the SJS/TEN group than in the EM group (P = 0.004). Mean affected body surface area percentage was 0.9 ± 0.21 in the EM group and 22.8 ± 10.67 in the SJS/TEN group. The SJS/TEN SCORTEN ranged from 1 to 5, with a mean of 2.5 ± 1. Serum IL-17 level correlated positively with both percentage surface area of detached skin and SCORTEN. Serum IL-17 levels may have prognostic and diagnostic value in patients with EM or SJS/TEN reactions, and can provide a valuable approach in managment.

Induction of Alternative Proinflammatory Cytokines Accounts for Sustained Psoriasiform Skin Inflammation in IL-17C+IL-6KO Mice

IL-6 inhibition has been unsuccessful in treating psoriasis, despite high levels of tissue and serum IL-6 in patients. In addition, de novo psoriasis onset has been reported after IL-6 blockade in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. To explore mechanisms underlying these clinical observations, we backcrossed an established psoriasiform mouse model (IL-17C+ mice) with IL-6-deficient mice (IL-17C+KO) and examined the cutaneous phenotype. IL-17C+KO mice initially exhibited decreased skin inflammation; however, this decrease was transient and reversed rapidly, concomitant with increases in skin Tnf, Il36α/β/γ, Il24, Epgn, and S100a8/a9 to levels higher than those found in IL-17C+ mice. A comparison of IL-17C+ and IL-17C+KO mouse skin transcriptomes with that of human psoriasis skin revealed significant correlation among transcripts of skin of patients with psoriasis and IL-17C+KO mouse skin, and confirmed an exacerbation of the inflammatory signature in IL-17C+KO mice that aligns closely with human psoriasis. Transcriptional analyses of IL-17C+ and IL-17C+KO primary keratinocytes confirmed increased expression of proinflammatory molecules, suggesting that in the absence of IL-6, keratinocytes increase production of numerous additional proinflammatory cytokines. These preclinical findings may provide insight into why patients with arthritis being treated with IL-6 inhibitors develop new onset psoriasis and why IL-6 blockade for the treatment of psoriasis has not been clinically effective.

The Relationship of Cytokines IL-13 and IL-17 with Autoantibodies Profile in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Aims. In the present study, we aimed to assess the concentrations of IL-13 and IL-17 in serum of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA), the investigation of correlation between the concentrations of these cytokines and disease activity score, and the concentration of some autoantibodies and the evaluation of the utility of IL-13 and -17 concentration measurements as markers of disease activity. Materials and Methods. Serum samples were collected from 30 patients and from 28 controls and analysed parameters. Results. The serum concentrations of IL-13, IL-17, anti-CCP, and IgM-RF were statistically significantly higher in patients with eRA, compared to the controls. IL-13 concentrations in the severe and moderate groups with eRA were statistically higher than in the mild and control groups. Also, in the case of IL-17, serum concentrations increased proportionally with the disease activity of eRA. We observe that concentrations of IL-13 and -17 did not correlate with autoantibodies. IL-17 concentration significantly positively correlated with CRP, while IL-13 concentration significantly negatively correlated with CRP. Disease activity score, DAS28, was strongly positively correlated with levels of ESR and weakly positively correlated with concentrations of anti-RA33 autoantibodies. IL-13 has a higher diagnostic utility than IL-17, CRP, ESR, IgM-RF, and anti-CCP as markers of disease activity. Conclusions. The presence of higher IL-13 and IL-17 serum levels in patients, compared with those of controls, confirms that these markers, found with high specificity, might be involved in the pathogenesis of eRA. IL-13 and IL-17 might be of better usefulness in the prediction of eRA activity status than IgM-RF and anti-CCP.

Prognostic value of serum IL-6 in patients with multiple myeloma

This study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum IL-6 (sIL-6) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The sIL-6 level in 288 patients with MM was retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with different IL-6 level were compared. The newly diagnosed patients with MM were divided into two groups: the low sIL-6 group (sIL-6 < 100 pg/ml) and the high sIL-6 group (sIL-6 ≥ 100 pg/ml). The results showed that high sIL-6 level was more common in patients with ECOG score>3, myeloma bone disease (MBD) between grade 2 to 4, and high creatinine level. There was no significant differences in age, abnormal karyotype percentage, chromosome 13q14 abnormality percentage, CD138(+)/CD38(+) cells percentage and the level of calcium, phosphorus, albumin, C-reactive protein, β2-MG, lactate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin, platelet between the two groups at diagnosis, and also no significant difference in response to initial induction chemotherapy among the two groups. The overall survival was significantly different between the low and high IL-6 groups (P = 0.04, 35 m vs 29 m), but no difference in time to progress between the two groups (P = 1.93, 23 m vs 14 m). It is concluded that the sIL-6 level correlates with the clinical characteristics and prognosis. Radioimmunoassay is an appropriate measurement for human IL-6 in serum, and suitable for clinical application.

Imbalance of different types of CD4+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of this study was to examine the numbers of CD4(+) CD25(-) forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)(+) , CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR5(+) FoxP3(+) T cells in patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The numbers of CD4(+) CD25(-) FoxP3(+) , CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR5(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and the concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-10 in 23 patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were measured. The potential correlations between CD4(+) FoxP3(+) T cells, serum IL-10 and clinical measures in SLE patients were analysed. In comparison with that in the HC, significantly reduced numbers of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR5(+) FoxP3(+) T cells, but increased numbers of CD4(+) CD25(-) FoxP3(+) T cells, were detected, accompanied by significantly lower levels of serum IL-10 in the patients. Stratification analysis indicated the numbers of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR5(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and serum IL-10 levels in the patients with seropositive anti-dsDNA were significantly less than that in those with seronegative anti-dsDNA. Treatment with the anti-SLE therapy, particularly with prednisone, leflunomide and methotrexate, significantly improved the imbalance of these types of FoxP3(+) T cells and increased the concentrations of serum IL-10 in the drug-responding patients. The numbers of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) T cells were correlated negatively with the values of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), whereas the numbers of CD4(+) CD25(-) FoxP3(+) T cells were correlated positively with the values of SLEDAI, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C3. In addition, the concentrations of serum IL-10 were correlated positively with the numbers of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) T cells, but negatively with the values of SLEDAI, serum C3, CRP and ESR in these patients. Our data indicate that the imbalance of different types of FoxP3(+) CD4(+) T cells may contribute to the development of SLE in Chinese patients.

Enhanced and persistent levels of interleukin (IL)-17+CD4+ T cells and serum IL-17 in patients with early inflammatory arthritis

Prognosis of patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) is highly variable. The aim of this study was to compare, longitudinally and cross-sectionally, the levels of cytokine-expressing cells in peripheral blood (PB) from patients with EIA to those in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls (HC). PB mononuclear cells from HC (n = 30), patients with EIA (n = 20) or RA (n = 38) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin for 3 h, and stained for cell markers and cytokines. Serum cytokines and chemokines were measured by Luminex. Patients with EIA were reassessed at 6 and 12 months. The percentage of interleukin (IL)-17⁺ interferon (IFN)-γ⁻ CD4⁺ T cells [T helper type 17 (Th17)] was increased in RA and EIA versus HC. Serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4 IL-17 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were increased in RA and EIA versus HC. IL-1Ra, IL-15 and IFN-α were increased in EIA versus HC. IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α was increased in RA but not EIA versus HC. Disease activity scores in EIA patients improved over 12 months' treatment. Th17 percentage at baseline was correlated with both rheumatoid factor (RF) titre and functional deficit at 12 months. Baseline levels of serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6 and IL-8 were correlated with Larsen score at 12 months. There were no significant changes in cytokine-expressing CD4⁺ T cells over time, although the percentage of IL-6⁺monocytes increased. IL-17⁺ CD4⁺ T cells and serum IL-17 levels are increased in EIA. IL-6-expressing monocytes increase during the first year of disease, irrespective of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. We observed incomplete clinical responses, suggesting EIA patients need more intensive early therapy.

Determination of urine tumor necrosis factor, IL-6, IL-8, and serum IL-6 in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). MethodsDouble-antibody sandwich ELISA was used to determine serum interleukin (IL)-6, urine tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, and IL-8 levels in 56 patients with HFRS. ResultsSerum IL-6, urine TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in HFRS patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001). The concentrations increased at fever stage, then continued to increase during the hypotension stage and peaked at the oliguria stage. The concentrations of serum IL-6, urine TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 increased according to the severity of the disease, and differed greatly among different types of the disease. Serum IL-6 had remarkable relationships with serum specific antibodies. It was positively related to serum β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), blood ureanitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr). Significant positive relationships were also found both between urine IL-6 and TNF, and between IL-6 and IL-8 (r=0.5768, p<0.05; r=0.3760, p<0.01). ConclusionTNF, IL-6, and IL-8 were activated during the course of the disease. IL-6 was associated with the immunopathological lesions caused by the hyperfunction of the humoral immune response. IL-6, IL-8 and TNF were involved in renal immune impairment. Determining them might, to a certain extent, be useful in predicting the prognosis and outcome of patients with HFRS.

Effect of standard anthracycline based neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating levels of serum IL-6 in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast – A prospective study

BackgroundElevated IL-6 levels have been associated with advanced stage of breast cancer and metastasis-related morbidity. The present prospective study was carried out to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating levels of serum IL-6 in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast. MaterialsAll locally advanced carcinoma breast cases presenting to the surgery out patient's department were included in the study excluding pregnant or lactating females and those patients who were unfit for anthracycline based chemotherapy. A total of 30 cases were included. The various parameters that were evaluated include detailed clinico-pathological profile and IL-6 levels. Clinical staging using TNM classification was performed in all enrolled patients. This included documenting tumor size (on USG), node status and metastatic workup. First blood sample was collected before start of any treatment. Second blood sample was collected after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Blood was centrifuged within 30 min and serum kept at −80 °C until analysis for IL-6. IL-6 levels were quantified by ELISA. ResultsMajority of patients presented in stage T3N1M0 (66.66%). The serum level of IL-6 increased as the disease progressed from T3N1M0 to T4dN2M0 (41.4 ± 31.9 pg/ml vs. 164.0 ± 31.1 pg/ml respectively). A progressive reduction in IL-6 levels with subsequent cycles of chemotherapy was observed which was statistically significant (from 72.8 ± 56.0 pg/ml to 47.0 ± 61.9 pg/ml; p value 0.002 wilcoxan signed rank test). ConclusionOur study shows a consistent decline in the IL-6 levels with chemotherapy. Upon ratification of our findings by large population based multi centric studies, we may state with conviction that a single blood test as serum level of IL6 will prove beneficial in assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy.