Response Of Inflammatory Markers Research Articles

1302-P: Long-COVID in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes—Prevalence, Clinical Outcomes, and Inflammatory Marker Responses

1302-P: Long-COVID in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes—Prevalence, Clinical Outcomes, and Inflammatory Marker Responses

Prolonged Fever in a Child With Congenital Heart Disease and a Prosthetic Valve.

Prolonged Fever in a Child With Congenital Heart Disease and a Prosthetic Valve.

Exercise-induced responses in matrix metalloproteinases and osteopontin are not moderated by exercise format in males with overweight or obesity

PurposeMatrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -3 (MMP-3), and osteopontin (OPN) are associated with adipose-tissue expansion and development of metabolic disease. The purpose of the current study was to assess the circulating concentration of these markers, along with adiponectin and glucose concentrations, in response to acute exercise in individuals with overweight or obesity.MethodsFourteen sedentary males with overweight or obesity (29.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2) completed two separate, 3-day trials in randomised and counterbalanced order. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on each day of the trial. Day two of each trial consisted of a single 30 min workload-matched bout of either high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE; alternating 100% and 50% of peak pulmonary oxygen uptake, mathop {text{V}}limits^{.}O2peak) or continuous moderate intensity (CME; 60% mathop {text{V}}limits^{.}O2peak) cycling completed 1 h prior to the OGTT. Glucose and physical activity were continuously monitored, while MMP-2, MMP-3, OPN and adiponectin were measured pre-, 0 h post-, 1 h post- and 25 h post-exercise.ResultsExercise transiently increased MMP-3 and decreased OPN (both p < 0.01), but not MMP-2 or adiponectin. There were no differences in the response of inflammatory markers to the different exercise formats. Exercise increased mean daily glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve during the OGTT on Day 2 and Day 3 (main effect of time; p < 0.05).ConclusionAcute cycling exercise decreased OPN, which is consistent with longer term improvements in cardiometabolic health and increased MMP-3, which is consistent with its role in tissue remodelling. Interestingly, exercise performed prior to the morning OGTT augmented the glucose concentrations in males.Trial registrationACTRN12613001086752.

Psoriasis improvements and inflammatory biomarker normalization with secukinumab: the randomized ObePso-S study

BackgroundThe IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab has demonstrated consistent efficacy and safety in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with normalization of molecular and histopathologic psoriasis markers. ObjectiveTo investigate treatment effects of secukinumab on clinical signs and psoriatic inflammation markers over 52 weeks in patients with psoriasis. MethodsIn the ObePso-S study (NCT03055494), patients with psoriasis were randomized 2:1 to receive secukinumab 300 mg (n = 54) or placebo (n = 28), stratified by body weight (<90 or ≥90 kg), for 52 weeks. At Week 12, patients receiving placebo were switched to secukinumab. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improvement of 90% (PASI90) and Investigator’s Global Assessment modified 2011 0/1 responses were assessed at Weeks 12 and 52. Immunohistochemistry for keratin 16 (K16) and gene expression profiles were evaluated in lesional and non-lesional skin biopsies collected at baseline, Week 12, and Week 52. ResultsOf patients receiving secukinumab, 55.8% and 59.6% achieved PASI90 at Weeks 12 and 52, respectively. K16 was absent in 93.1% of Week 12 PASI90 responders and 93.6% of Week 52 PASI90 responders, which mirrored the down-regulated expression of psoriatic inflammation. Week 52 PASI90 non-responders experienced regression of clinical and inflammatory marker responses toward baseline levels. Lower control of inflammatory gene expression at Week 12 was associated with suboptimal clinical responses at Week 52. ConclusionSustained clinical responses with secukinumab were associated with rapid and sustained normalization of K16 and inflammatory gene expression in most patients. Molecular anti-inflammatory effects of secukinumab at Week 12 were associated with clinical responses at Week 52.

Changes In Cognitive Function, Neurotrophin Concentrations, And Both Brain And Systemic Inflammatory Markers Following A Game Of American Football

PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effect of a simulated American football game on cognitive function, neurotrophin concentrations and markers of both systemic and brain inflammation. METHODS: Members of the Israel national team players (six linemen and nine skill position players) were examined one-week prior to (PRE), immediately-post (IP) and 24-hours-post (24P) game. Blood was obtained and cognitive function was measured at each assessment. RESULTS:No head injuries to any of the players participating in the study occurred. Significant (p < 0.001) decreases in acute memory and a trend (p = 0.066) towards a decrease in delayed memory were noted at IP. Significant negative correlations were observed between playing time (number of plays) and concentration changes from PRE to IP (r = -0.801, p = 0.001) and from PRE to 24P (r = -0.549, p = 0.034). All cognitive function measures returned to PRE levels by 24P. Increases from PRE were noted in TNF-α (p = 0.041) at IP, and in BDNF (p = 0.009) and CRP (p = 0.019) concentrations at 24P. Circulating CRP concentrations, and the cytokine markers IL-4, IL-6, IL10 and TNF-α, were significantly elevated in linemen compared to skill players. Brain inflammatory markers (S100B and GFAP) and total tau protein (a marker of brain injury) were not elevated from PRE. No change from PRE was noted in either myoglobin or creatine kinase-mm concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle damage and inflammatory marker responses observed from the scrimmage game were consistent with muscle desensitization associated with football participation. In addition, the systemic inflammatory marker results observed in linemen were suggestive of chronic low-grade inflammation.

Examination of Cognitive Function, Neurotrophin Concentrations, and both Brain and Systemic Inflammatory Markers Following a Simulated Game of American Football.

Hoffman, JR, Ostfeld, I, Zamir, A, Amedi, R, Fonville, TR, Horstemeyer, MF, and Gepner, Y. Examination of cognitive function, neurotrophin concentrations, and both brain and systemic inflammatory markers following a simulated game of American football. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 686-694, 2022-This investigation examined the effect of a simulated American football game on cognitive function, neurotrophin concentrations, and markers of both systemic and brain inflammation. Members of the Israel national team (6 linemen and 9 skill position players) were examined 1 week before (PRE), immediately post (IP) and 24-hour post (24P) game. Blood was obtained, and cognitive function was measured at each assessment. No head injuries to any of the players participating in the study occurred. Significant (p < 0.001) decreases in acute memory, and a trend (p = 0.066) toward a decrease in delayed memory was noted at IP. Significant negative correlations were observed between playing time (number of plays) and concentration changes from PRE to IP (r = -0.801; p = 0.001) and from PRE to 24P (r = -0.549; p = 0.034). All cognitive function measures returned to PRE levels by 24P. Increases from PRE were noted in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (p = 0.041) at IP and in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.009) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.019) concentrations at 24P. Circulating CRP concentrations and the cytokine markers, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were significantly elevated in linemen compared with skill players. Brain inflammatory markers (S100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein) and total tau protein (a marker of brain injury) were not elevated from PRE. No change from PRE was noted in either myoglobin or creatine kinase-MM concentrations. In conclusion, muscle damage and inflammatory marker responses observed from the scrimmage game were consistent with muscle desensitization associated with football participation. In addition, the systemic inflammatory marker results observed in linemen were suggestive of chronic low-grade inflammation.

A 3-Week, Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet Improves Multiple Serum Inflammatory Markers in Endurance-Trained Males.

Waldman, HS, Heatherly, AJ, Killen, LG, Hollingsworth, A, Koh, Y, and O'Neal, EK. A three-week, low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet improves multiple serum inflammatory markers in endurance-trained males. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2502-2508, 2022-This study examined the effects of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHF) on inflammatory marker responses in middle-aged endurance athletes. Eight male runners maintained their habitual mixed diet (HMD) in the first phase of the study before switching to a noncalorically restricted LCHF diet (∼70% of kcals from fat; carbohydrate <50 g) for 3 weeks. Subjects completed a 50-minute fixed pace treadmill running protocol in a hot environment, followed by a 5-km outdoor time trial. Fasting serum samples were collected immediately after exercise and heat stress restriction, and again 24 hours after the exercise/heat stressor. Thirty inflammation markers were assessed using the multiplex flow immunoassay technique. Seven markers (BAFF/TNFSF-13, sCD30/TNFRSF8, sCD163, Chitinase3-like1, gp130SIL-6Rβ, sTNFR-1, and sTNFR-2) reached statistical significance ( p < 0.05) favoring LCHF before exercise, and sCD30/TNFRSF8 favored ( p < 0.05) LCHF before (HMD = 459 ± 111; LCHF = 296 ± 100) and after (HMD = 385 ± 104; LCHF = 285 ± 104 pg·ml -1 ) exercise. Although the current dietary intervention was short in duration, LCHF seems to offer some protection against multiple chronic inflammation markers for physically active men between ages 30 and 50 years.

Time course response of inflammatory markers in pediatric appendicitis.

We aim to evaluate the diagnostic value and time course response of the triple inflammatory markers: white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil percentage (Neu), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in pediatric acute appendicitis. A retrospective review of clinical data pertaining to 1391 patients admitted with suspicion for pediatric appendicitis from 2012 to 2017 was conducted. Triple inflammatory markers were acquired upon admission. Appendicitis was confirmed histologically post-appendectomy. The diagnostic value and time course response of these markers was trended in relation to the duration of abdominal pain on admission. 718 patients had histologically confirmed appendicitis. WBC and Neu demonstrate high sensitivity for early appendicitis at 94.6% and 80.0% at Day 1, while CRP demonstrates highest sensitivity of 97.9% at Day 4. The triple markers had poor overall diagnostic value when interpreted individually, however, had a high combined sensitivity of 99.7% and negative predictive value of 98.7% regardless of duration of disease. Overall negative appendectomy rate was 6.7% (n = 52). Among 19 patients with triple markers negative who underwent appendectomy, 17 (89.5%) were histologically normal. The triple inflammatory markers have limited diagnostic value when interpreted individually, but are strong discriminators of pediatric appendicitis when combined. Their high sensitivity and negative predictive value could potentially help patients avoid unnecessary admissions or costly imaging studies, and reduce negative appendectomy rates. In addition, their objective nature confers an advantage over existing clinical scoring systems which comprise subjective elements.

Influence of Weight Reduction and Enhanced Protein Intake on Biomarkers of Inflammation in Older Adults with Obesity

Both aging and obesity are associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory metabolites, while weight reduction is associated with improvements in inflammatory status. However, few studies have explored the response of key inflammatory markers to the combined settings of weight reduction in an aging population. There are also few studies that have investigated the potential impact of diet composition on inflammatory marker responses. In the MEASUR-UP trial, we evaluated changes in baseline levels of inflammatory markers with post-study levels for a traditional weight loss control group versus a group with generous, balanced protein intake. In this 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT), older (≥60 years) adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of 4–10 were randomly assigned to either a traditional weight loss regimen, (Control, n = 14) or one with higher protein intake (≥30 g) at each meal (Protein, n = 25). All participants were prescribed a hypo-caloric diet and attended weekly support and education groups and weigh-ins. Protein participants consumed ≥30 g of high-quality protein/meal, including lean and extra lean beef provided to them for two of the three meals per day. Protein intakes were 0.8 and 1.2 g/kg/day for Control and Protein, respectively. Adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, serum amyloid A (SAA), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and glycated serum protein (GSP) levels were measured at 0 and 6-month time points. At the 6-month endpoint, there was significant weight loss and decrease in BMI in both the Control (−4.8 ± 8.2 kg; −2.3 ± 2.4 kg/m2; p = 0.05) and Protein (−8.7 ± 7.4 kg; −2.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2; p < 0.0001) groups. SPPB scores improved in both arms, with a superior functional response in Protein (p < 0.05). Body fat (%) at baseline was positively correlated with leptin, hs-CRP, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and GSP. Several markers of inflammation responded to the Protein group: leptin (p < 0.001), hs-CRP (p < 0.01), and ICAM-1 (p < 0.01) were decreased and adiponectin increased (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in any inflammatory markers in the Control arm. In the between group comparison, only adiponectin trended towards a group difference (more improvement in Protein; p < 0.07). Our findings in the MEASUR-UP trial show that a weight loss diet with enhanced protein intake is comparable to an adequate protein diet in terms of weight loss success and that it can lead to improvements in inflammatory status, specifically for adiponectin, leptin, hs-CRP, and ICAM-1. These findings are important given current recommendations for higher protein intakes in older adults and justify the additional study of the inflammatory impact of an enhanced protein diet. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01715753)Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01715753.

Inflammatory marker and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent responses in human macrophages exposed to emissions from biodiesel fuels

Biodiesel or renewable diesel fuels are alternative fuels produced from vegetable oil and animal tallow that are being considered to help reduce the use of petroleum-based fuels and emissions of air pollutants including greenhouse gases. Here, we analyzed the gene expression of inflammatory marker responses and the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) enzyme after exposure to diesel and biodiesel emission samples generated from an in-use heavy-duty diesel vehicle. Particulate emission samples from petroleum-based California Air Resource Board (CARB)-certified ultralow sulfur diesel (CARB ULSD), biodiesel, and renewable hydro-treated diesel all induced inflammatory markers such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-8 in human U937-derived macrophages and the expression of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme CYP1A1. Furthermore, the results indicate that the particle emissions from CARB ULSD and the alternative diesel fuel blends activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and induce CYP1A1 in a dose- and AhR-dependent manner which was supported by the AhR luciferase reporter assay and gel shift analysis. Based on a per mile emissions with the model year 2000 heavy duty vehicle tested, the effects of the alternative diesel fuel blends emissions on the expression on inflammatory markers like IL-8 and COX-2 tend to be lower than emission samples derived from CARB ULSD fuel. The results will help to assess the potential benefits and toxicity from biofuel use as alternative fuels in modern technology diesel engines.

Catabolic/Anabolic Hormone and Inflammatory Marker Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Military Men

Catabolic/Anabolic Hormone and Inflammatory Marker Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Military Men

Processed tomato products and risk factors for cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND: Lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress and elevated blood pressure are targets for lowering cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with a healthy diet. OBJECTIVE: We tested the effect of tomato products, dietary sources of lycopene and potassium, on changes in lipids/lipoproteins, inflammation and blood pressure. METHODS: In a two-center, randomized, parallel, controlled trial, processed tomato or non-tomato products matched in energy, sodium, and sugar content (HT = high tomato, 5 servings/day vs LT = low tomato/control, <1 serving/day, respectively) were included in the diets of free-living overweight men and women 21 to 70 years of age (n= 53) for 6 weeks. All subjects had a 3-week LT run-in followed by either 6-week HT or LT/control diet. A random subset of 23 subjects had 2 postprandial (6 hour) visits at weeks 0 and 6 to assess the enduring effects of the HT vs LT diets on high fat meal-induced changes in lipids, insulin, glucose, inflammation, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Fasting lipids/lipoproteins, insulin, glucose and C-reactive protein did not differ between the HT vs LT diets after 6 weeks intervention. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly decreased on the HT diet after 6 weeks compared to baseline, week 0 (p= 0.02) and compared to LT at week 6 (p= 0.03). Systolic blood pressure was not different between treatments at 6 weeks (p= 0.11). Tomato-associated effect sizes on blood pressure were greater in a sub-set of subjects with elevated blood pressure but were not statistically powered to reveal a significant effect between LT and HT treatments; however, the effect on lowering diastolic blood pressure remained, p< 0.05 compared to baseline). Chronic intervention with processed tomatoes did not impact postprandial glucose, insulin, lipids or inflammatory marker responses to a high fat meal challenge at the end of the study (n= 23). CONCLUSIONS: Processed tomatoes decreased diastolic blood pressure, but had no significant effects on other endpoints. Future research is required to confirm and potentially extend these findings in individuals with elevated blood pressure.

The effect of turmeric (Curcumin) supplementation on cytokine and inflammatory marker responses following 2 hours of endurance cycling.

BackgroundEndurance exercise induces IL-6 production from myocytes that is thought to impair intracellular defence mechanisms. Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and activator protein 1, responsible for cytokine transcription, in cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin supplementation on the cytokine and stress responses following 2 h of cycling.MethodsEleven male recreational athletes (35.5 ± 5.7 years; Wmax 275 ± 6 W; 87.2 ± 10.3 kg) consuming a low carbohydrate diet of 2.3 ± 0.2 g/kg/day underwent three double blind trials with curcumin supplementation, placebo supplementation, and no supplementation (control) to observe the response of serum interleukins (IL-6, IL1-RA, IL-10), cortisol, c-reactive protein (CRP), and subjective assessment of training stress. Exercise was set at 95% lactate threshold (54 ± 7% Wmax) to ensure that all athletes completed the trial protocol.ResultsThe trial protocol elicted a rise in IL-6 and IL1-RA, but not IL-10. The supplementation regimen failed to produce statistically significant results when compared to placebo and control. IL-6 serum concentrations one hour following exercise were (Median (IQR): 2.0 (1.8-3.6) Curcumin; 4.8 (2.1-7.3) Placebo; 3.5 (1.9-7.7) Control). Differences between supplementation and placebo failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.18) with the median test. Repeated measures ANOVA time-trial interaction was at p = 0.06 between curcumin supplementation and placebo. A positive correlation (p = 0.02) between absolute exercise intensity and 1 h post-exercise for IL-6 concentration was observed. Participants reported “better than usual” scores in the subjective assessment of psychological stress when supplementing with curcumin, indicating that they felt less stressed during training days (p = 0.04) compared to placebo even though there was no difference in RPE during any of the training days or trials.ConclusionThe limitations of the current regimen and trial involved a number of factors including sample size, mode of exercise, intensity of exercise, and dose of curcumin. Nevertheless these results provide insight for future studies with larger samples, and multiple curcumin dosages to investigate if different curcumin regimens can lead to statistically different interleukin levels when compared to a control and placebo.

Ongoing Allergic Rhinitis Impairs Asthma Control by Enhancing the Lower Airway Inflammation

The relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma is well accepted; however, little is known about the mechanism that underlies the interactions between the upper and lower airways. To investigate the symptomatic and inflammatory linkages between allergic rhinitis and asthma in patients with atopy. We enrolled 520 patients with asthma who were taking inhaled corticosteroids, and examined them by using the Asthma Control Questionnaire, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FENO), visual analog scale for nasal symptoms, allergic rhinitis questionnaire, and serum specific IgE (study 1). The symptomatic and inflammatory marker responses to nasal corticosteroids in patients with incompletely controlled asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire > 0.75) and moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis were also observed (study 2). A total of 348 patients (66.9%) had atopy and allergic rhinitis. There was a striking difference in the proportion of patients with incomplete asthma control, depending on the presence as well as the activity of rhinitis (no rhinitis, 11.0%; mild intermittent, 20.4%; moderate-to-severe intermittent, 44.6%; mild persistent, 53.1%; moderate-to-severe persistent, 65.7%). The FENO levels were increased with the activity of rhinitis, and the nasal visual analog scale was positively correlated with the FENO levels (r= 0.31; P < .0001). The additive treatment with nasal corticosteroids improved the nasal visual analog scale, Asthma Control Questionnaire, and FENO levels, and the changes in these variables were correlated with each other in all parameters (all P < .001). This observational study of patients with atopy indicates that the ongoing allergic rhinitis is related to worsening of asthma by enhancing the lower airway inflammation.

Inflammatory status modulates plasma lipid and inflammatory marker responses to kiwifruit consumption in hypercholesterolaemic men

Background and aimsKiwifruit has the potential to improve markers of metabolic dysfunction, but the response may be influenced by inflammatory state. We aimed to investigate whether inflammatory state would modulate the effect of consuming two green kiwifruit daily on plasma lipids and markers of inflammation. Methods and resultsEighty-five hypercholesterolaemic men completed a 4-week healthy diet run-in, before randomisation to a controlled cross-over study of two 4-week interventions of two green kiwifruit/day plus healthy diet (intervention) or healthy diet alone (control). Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples (plasma lipids, serum apolipoproteins A1 and B, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10) were taken at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Subjects were divided into low and medium inflammatory groups, using pre-intervention hs-CRP concentrations (hs-CRP <1 and 1–3 mg/L, respectively).In the medium inflammatory group the kiwifruit intervention resulted in significant improvements in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (mean difference 0.08 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.12] mmol/L [P < 0.001]), total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (−0.29 [−0.45, −0.14] mmol/L [P = 0.001]), plasma hs-CRP (−22.1 [−33.6, −4.97]% [P = 0.01]) and IL-6 (−43.7 [−63.0, −14.1]% [P = 0.01]) compared to control treatment. No effects were seen in the low inflammatory group. There were significant between inflammation group differences for TC/HDL-C (P = 0.02), triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C (P = 0.05), and plasma IL-6 (P = 0.04). ConclusionsInflammatory state modulated responses to the kiwifruit intervention by improving inflammatory markers and lipid profiles in subjects with modestly elevated CRP, suggesting this group may particularly benefit from the regular consumption of green kiwifruit.Registered 16th March 2010, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no. ACTRN12610000213044), www.ANZCTR.org.au.

Metabolomic Characterization of Laborers Exposed to Welding Fumes

The complex composition of welding fumes, multiplicity of molecular targets, diverse cellular effects, and lifestyles associated with laborers vastly complicate the assessment of welding fume exposure. The urinary metabolomic profiles of 35 male welders and 16 male office workers at a Taiwanese shipyard were characterized via (1)H NMR spectroscopy and pattern recognition methods. Blood samples for the same 51 individuals were also collected, and the expression levels of the cytokines and other inflammatory markers were examined. This study dichotomized the welding exposure variable into high (welders) versus low (office workers) exposures to examine the differences of continuous outcome markers-metabolites and inflammatory markers-between the two groups. Fume particle assessments showed that welders were exposed to different concentrations of chromium, nickel, and manganese particles. Multivariate statistical analysis of urinary metabolomic patterns showed higher levels of glycine, taurine, betaine/TMAO, serine, S-sulfocysteine, hippurate, gluconate, creatinine, and acetone and lower levels of creatine among welders, while only TNF-α was significantly associated with welding fume exposure among all cytokines and other inflammatory markers measured. Of the identified metabolites, the higher levels of glycine, taurine, and betaine among welders were suspected to play some roles in modulating inflammatory and oxidative tissue injury processes. In this metabolomics experiment, we also discovered that the association of the identified metabolites with welding exposure was confounded by smoking, but not with drinking, which is a finding consistent with known modified response of inflammatory markers among smokers. Our results correspond with prior studies that utilized nonmetabolomic analytical techniques and suggest that the metabolomic profiling is an efficient method to characterize the overall effect of welding fume exposure and other confounders.

β2-Glycoprotein I: a novel component of innate immunity

AbstractSepsis is a systemic host response to invasive infection by bacteria. Despite treatment with antibiotics, current mortality rates are in the range of 20%-25%, which makes sepsis the most important cause of death in intensive care. Gram-negative bacteria are a prominent cause of sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the major constituents of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, plays a major role in activating the host's immune response by binding to monocytes and other cells. Several proteins are involved in neutralization and clearance of LPS from the bloodstream. Here, we provide evidence that β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a scavenger of LPS. In vitro, β2GPI inhibited LPS-induced expression of tissue factor and IL-6 from monocytes and endothelial cells. Binding of β2GPI to LPS caused a conformational change in β2GPI that led to binding of the β2GPI-LPS complex to monocytes and ultimately clearance of this complex. Furthermore, plasma levels of β2GPI were inversely correlated with temperature rise and the response of inflammatory markers after a bolus injection of LPS in healthy individuals. Together, these observations provide evidence that β2GPI is involved in the neutralization and clearance of LPS and identify β2GPI as a component of innate immunity.

Effects of surface finishing conditions on the biocompatibility of a nickel–chromium dental casting alloy

Objectives To assess the effects of surface finishing condition (polished or alumina particle air abraded) on the biocompatibility of direct and indirect exposure to a nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) d.Sign ®10 dental casting alloy on oral keratinocytes. Biocompatibility was performed by assessing cellular viability and morphology, metabolic activity, cellular toxicity and presence of inflammatory cytokine markers. Methods Discs of d.Sign ®10 were cast, alumina particle air abraded and half were polished before surface roughness was determined by profilometry. Biocompatibility was assessed by placing the discs directly or indirectly (with immersion solutions) into contact with TR146 monolayers. Metal ion release was determined by ICP-MS. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion, metabolic activity by XTT and cellular toxicity by LDH. Inflammatory cytokine analysis was performed using sandwich ELISAs. Results The mean polished Ra value was significantly reduced ( P < 0.001) compared with the alumina particle air abraded discs but metal ion release was significantly increased for the polished discs. Significant reductions in cell density of polished compared with alumina particle air abraded discs was observed following direct or indirect exposure. A significant reduction in metabolic activity, increase in cellular toxicity and an increase in the presence of inflammatory cytokine markers was highlighted for the polished relative to the alumina particle air abraded discs at 24 h. Significance Finishing condition of the Ni–Cr dental alloy investigated has important clinical implications. The approach of employing cell density and morphology, metabolic activity, cellular toxicity levels and inflammatory marker responses to TR146 epithelial cells combined with ICP-MS afforded the authors an increased insight into the complex processes dental alloys undergo in the oral environment.

Caffeinated Coffee Does Not Acutely Affect Energy Intake, Appetite, or Inflammation but Prevents Serum Cortisol Concentrations from Falling in Healthy Men1–4

Our aim in this crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption on appetite feelings, energy intake, and appetite-, inflammation-, stress-, and glucose metabolism-related markers. Sixteen healthy men (age range, 21–39 y; BMI range, 19.7–28.6 kg/m2) received in a random order on 3 separate occasions a standard breakfast snack with 200 mL of either caffeinated coffee (3 mg caffeine/kg body weight), decaffeinated coffee, or water (control). Before intervention (-15 min) and at standard time points following breakfast consumption (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min), participants recorded their appetite feelings and we collected blood samples for measurements of circulating glucose, insulin, cortisol, and appetite- and inflammation-related markers. At 180 min, participants consumed a meal ad libitum. The appetite-related ratings, the appetite plasma hormonal responses as well as the plasma glucose, serum insulin, and plasma and serum inflammatory marker responses did not show an overall intervention effect or a time x intervention interaction. Ad libitum energy intake did not differ among the 3 interventions. However, a significant intervention effect (P= 0.04) and a time x intervention interaction (P-interaction = 0.02) were found for serum cortisol; cortisol concentrations were significantly higher following the caffeinated coffee intervention, compared to control, at 60 min and thereafter. In conclusion, the usually consumed amount of caffeinated coffee does not have short-term effects on appetite, energy intake, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory markers, but it increases circulating cortisol concentrations in healthy men.

Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain

Objective Inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have not been evaluated in response to a short course of lumbar spinal manipulation. The purpose of this study is to observe the responses of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP) after a series of 9 chiropractic spinal manipulations. Methods Twenty-one participants were assigned to a treatment or a control group. Only the treatment group received 9 chiropractic interventions. Pre- and postintervention measures were recorded for blood samples for detection of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and CRP. Results Mediators of inflammation (IL-6 and high-sensitivity CRP) were modified by the intervention received in the treatment group, and the effect size demonstrated a tendency toward the control group values. Conclusion A total of 9 chiropractic lower back manipulations caused the mediators of inflammation to present a normalization response in individuals suffering from chronic low back pain.