Basophil Levels Research Articles

Prostaglandin D2: A dominant mediator of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy is routinely performed for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Little is known about the contributions of mediators other than cysteinyl leukotrienes to aspirin reactions and to the therapeutic benefit of high-dose aspirin therapy. We investigated differences in urinary eicosanoid metabolite levels and blood eosinophil counts in patients with AERD who tolerate and those who fail aspirin desensitization and also in patients with AERD who were successfully treated with high-dose aspirin therapy. Twenty-nine patients with AERD were stratified into those who tolerated aspirin desensitization (group I) and those who did not (group II). Urine was analyzed for eicosanoid metabolites at baseline, during aspirin reactions, and during high-dose aspirin therapy. Blood was analyzed for cell differentials at baseline and during aspirin therapy. Basal prostaglandin D2 metabolite (PGD-M; 13.6 ± 2.7 vs 7.0 ± 0.8 pmol/mg creatinine [Cr], P < .05) and thromboxane metabolite (TX-M; 1.4 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P < .01) levels were higher in group II than in group I. During aspirin reactions, PGD-M levels remained unchanged, whereas TX-M levels (0.7 ± 0.1 pmol/mg Cr, P = .07) tended to decrease in group I. In contrast, PGD-M levels increased dramatically in group II (61.3 ± 19.9 pmol/mg Cr, P < .05), whereas TX-M levels did not change. The decrease in FEV1 inversely correlated with basal urinary levels of both leukotriene E4 and PGD-M. Blood eosinophil and basophil levels increased and urinary PGD-M levels (2.2 ± 0.8 pmol/mg Cr, P < .001) decreased on 2 months of high-dose aspirin therapy in group I. Failure to tolerate aspirin desensitization in a subset of patients with AERD is associated with prostaglandin D2 overproduction. The increase in blood eosinophil and basophil counts during high-dose aspirin therapy might reflect the functional consequences of decreased prostaglandin D2 release and the therapeutic benefit of aspirin.

Haematological and biochemical characteristics of the splenic effluent blood in schistosomal patients undergoing splenectomy.

To assess hematological and biochemical features of splenic effluent blood and their influence on the rise of hematological values after splenectomy. we studied 20 patients undergoing surgical treatment for schistosomatic portal hypertension. We collected blood samples for CBC, coagulation, bilirubin and albumin in the splenic vein (perioperative) and peripheral blood (immediately pre and postoperative periods). the splenic blood showed higher values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, as well as reduction of laboratory coagulation parameters in relation to peripheral blood collected preoperatively. In the postoperative peripheral blood there was an increase in the overall leukocytes and in their neutrophil component, and decreased levels of basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The other postoperative variables of complete blood count and coagulation tests were not different compared with the splenic blood. The albumin values were lower postoperatively when compared to preoperative and splenic blood. There were higher values of direct bilirubin in the postoperative period when compared with the preoperative and splenic blood. Postoperative indirect bilirubin was lower compared to its value in the splenic blood. hematological and biochemical values of splenic effluent blood are higher than those found in peripheral blood in the presence of schistosomal splenomegaly. However, the splenic blood effluent is not sufficient to raise the blood levels found after splenectomy.

Contrasting the Microbiomes From Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is the persistent inflammation of the sinus and nasal passages lasting over 3 months. The etiology of CRS is not well understood. To obtain insights into the disease process, we contrasted the microbiome and immune response from patients with CRS and healthy controls. A case vs control design was used. Samples were collected in the operating room in an institutional hospital or clinic. Thirty patients with CRS and 12 healthy controls undergoing surgery were recruited. The microbiome was analyzed by deep sequencing of the bacterial 16S and fungal 18S ribosomal RNA genes. Immune response was measured by quantification of 30 different cytokines by multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immune cells in the lavage were identified by flow cytometry. The immune response of peripheral blood leukocytes to the lavage microbiota was assessed by interleukin (IL)-5 enzyme-linked immunospot assay. While quantitative increase in most bacterial and fungal species was observed in patients with CRS relative to controls, the microbiomes of patients with CRS were qualitatively similar to the controls. Because these results indicated that bacteria and fungi are not triggering CRS, we undertook a more detailed characterization of the immune response. Patients with CRS had increased levels of the following cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13, along with increased levels of eosinophils and basophils in the lavage. Importantly, peripheral blood leukocytes isolated from patients with CRS responded to control lavage samples (ie, to commensals) to produce IL-5. In contrast, the same lavage sample evoked no IL-5 production in leukocytes from healthy controls. These findings support the theory that in some cases CRS results from an immune hyperresponsiveness to commensal organisms.

The acute effect of commercial "energy drink" on hematological, biochemical and strength parameters induced by eccentric contractions

BACKGROUND: Commercial energy drink usage is reported to be higher in athletes and adolescents. However, the impact of pre-exercise consumption of energy beverages on hematologic and biochemical responses and skeletal muscle contractile properties has not been fully elucidated. METHOD: Ten male subjects performed 50 maximal eccentric actions on an isokinetic dynamometer at 90 ◦ /sec followed by two identical trials that were preceded by consuming either a placebo (P) or energy drink (ED) beverage. The test was repeated after 7–10 days while consuming the alternate beverage. Complete blood counts and chemistry profile was conducted before and immediately after exercise. RESULTS: Eccentric contractions resulted in an increased number of neutrophils (Neut) and decreased lymphocytes (Lymph), decreased eosinophils (EOS) and did not change basophil (BASO) levels in control. However, the BASO levels increased immediately after the exercise with P and ED beverage consumption. In contrast, P and ED beverage consumption had no effect on Neut, Lymph, MONO or EOS counts after exercise compared to pre-exercise values. Acute exercise increased creatinine kinase (CK) and decreased phosphorus (Pi) but did not have any effect on other blood chemistry parameters. The biochemical profile and eccentric muscle contractile properties were not significantly affected by any of the beverages. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of pre-exercise energy drink does not have a favorable effect on immune blood cells induced in the acute eccentric exercise model.

Peripheral markers of Alzheimer's disease: Surveillance of white blood cells

Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. This is a mechanism of innate immunity, which may cause an increase in the number of monocytes and neutrophils circulating in the blood. Literature indicated that chronic inflammation might be a factor in developing neurological problems, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other similar illnesses. Our main objective is to identify peripheral markers of Alzheimer's disease and for that purpose; we are looking at the profile of white blood cells focusing on monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and basophils. Twenty-seven patients of Alzheimer's disease (AD), diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests were observed for their blood profile. Key observations during this study were that the levels of monocytes in the blood of the diagnosed AD patients were high irrespective of their age and sex. For those patients whose monocytes were in normal range their neutrophil levels were significantly high. Whereas blood levels of lymphocytes and basophils were found to be constantly low. Escalated levels of monocytes and neutrophils are hallmarks of chronic inflammation and may be precursor to Alzheimer's disease. A low lymphocyte count specifies that the body's resistance to fight infection is substantially reduced, whereas low basophil levels indicates their over utilization due to chronic allergic inflammatory condition. Future studies involved closer look at the cytokines produced by these white blood cells especially TNF IL-1, and IL-12, which are products of monocytes. Likewise, blood glucose and creatinine levels were high whereas calcium ions were low. Our studies indicated that white blood cells along with other inflammatory byproducts may act as peripheral markers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

How can hantaviruses kill humans but leave deer mice unaffected?

Sin Nombre virus (SNV) causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans, a disease with high (∼36%) mortality. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the primary host of SNV and, unlike humans, deer mice infected with SNV have few overt signs of disease. The reasons for such mild infections in deer mice have not been well studied; however, this information may be useful in uncovering therapies that could reduce human HPS mortality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the immune response of deer mice to SNV by examining their patterns of white blood cell production. We quantified the number of lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, and monocytes produced by wild deer mice in both the early and late stages of SNV infection. Deer mice captured in the early season had greater basophil, lymphocyte, and eosinophil levels compared to deer mice captured in the late season. Conversely, monocyte levels were greater in deer mice captured in the late season. SNV infection status appeared to influence production of both neutrophils and monocytes, with SNV-infected mice having greater neutrophil levels but lower monocyte levels than uninfected mice. Collectively, the results seem to support the notion that immune stressors faced by wild deer mice shift from early to late season, and these differences are reflected by differential leukocyte production that occurs across seasons. Furthermore, our results indicate some potential differences between wild deer mice and lab-bred deer mice, as well as some possible similarities between wild deer mice and humans in their immune responses to SNV infection.

Comparison of the Cytodiff flow cytometric leucocyte differential count system with the Sysmex XE‐2100 and Beckman Coulter UniCel DxH 800

Routine automated haematology analysers categorize leucocytes into five types. The Cytodiff (Beckman Coulter) is a 16-part leucocyte differential analysis system that uses six markers and five colours. We compared leucocyte differential counts obtained by the Cytodiff with five-part differential counts obtained by routine automated haematology analysers. We collected 477 EDTA blood samples from healthy individuals and patients with malignancies, sepsis and multi-organ failure. Leucocyte differential counts were simultaneously analysed by a Cytodiff multiparametric flow cytometric system and the XE-2100 (Sysmex) and UniCel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter) automated haematology analysers. Regression and correlation analyses were performed between the different systems. Our Cytodiff results were well correlated with those produced using the DxH 800 and XE-2100 analysers except for monocytes and basophils. The correlations were poorer for leukopenic than for nonleukopenic samples. For most samples, Cytodiff obtained a higher correlation with manual counts according to a case analysis; however, in several samples, the Cytodiff generated false decreases in monocyte levels and false increases in basophil levels. The Cytodiff may have an advantage, as it could sensitively detect blasts and immature granulocytes. Additionally, it was less labour-intensive than manual counting, and therefore, the Cytodiff might be useful for differential counts.

Immune alterations after selective rapid eye movement or total sleep deprivation in healthy male volunteers

We investigated the impact of two nights of total sleep deprivation (SD) or four nights of rapid eye movement (REM) SD on immunological parameters in healthy men. Thirty-two volunteers were randomly assigned to three protocols (control, total SD or REM SD). Both SD protocols were followed by three nights of sleep recovery. The control and REM SD groups had regular nights of sleep monitored by polysomnography. Circulating white blood cells (WBCs), T- (CD4/CD8) and B-lymphocytes, Ig classes, complement and cytokine levels were assessed daily. Two nights of total SD increased the numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils compared with baseline levels, and these levels returned to baseline after 24 h of sleep recovery. The CD4(+) T-cells increased during the total SD period (one and two nights) and IgA levels decreased during the entire period of REM SD. These levels did not return to baseline after three nights of sleep recovery. Levels of monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ) remained unchanged by both protocols of SD. Our findings suggest that both protocols affected the human immune profile, although in different parameters, and that CD4(+) T-cells and IgA levels were not re-established after sleep recovery.

Effects of acute and 4-week submaximal exercise on leukocyte and leukocyte subgroups

The aim of this study is to investigate how does an acute 4-week submaximal exercise affect both leukocyte and leukocyte subgroups. The study registered 8 healthy male subjects. The subjects were exercised on Monark 814-E and 818 model ergometric bicycles 3 times a week for 4 weeks at above threshold heart rate and 75% of Max VO 2 . Blood samples were collected three times from the subjects, before starting the exercise, immediately after finishing the last exercise and 2 hours after the last exercise. The samples were analyzed in HemaCell Counter (Skits) apparatus to quantify leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil levels. Leukocyte counts obtained in both post-exercise measurements were significantly higher than those before the exercise (p < 0.05). Neutrophil percentages two hours after exercise were higher than those before and immediately after exercise (p < 0.05). Lymphocyte percentages obtained just after exercise were elevated in comparison to those both before and two hours after exercise (p < 0.05). However, lymphocyte percentages two hours after exercise were significantly lower than the pre- and post-exercise percentages (p < 0.05). Percentages of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils in both post-exercise measurements were lower relative to pre-exercise values (p<0.05). In conclusion both acute and 4-week submaximal exercise have significant effects on leukocyte and leukocyte subgroups.

Pulmonary allergic responses augment interleukin‐13 secretion by circulating basophils yet suppress interferon‐α from plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Allergic inflammatory processes may have the capacity to propagate systemically through the actions of circulating leucocytes. Consequently, basophils from allergic individuals are often 'primed', as evidenced by their hyperresponsiveness in vitro. IFN-alpha secreted predominantly by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), suppresses basophil priming for IL-13 production in vitro. This study sought in vivo correlates arising during experimental allergen challenge that support an 'axis-interplay' between basophils and pDCs. Using segmental allergen challenge (SAC) in the lung, the immune responses of both cell types from the blood were investigated in volunteers (n=10) before and 24 h after allergen exposure. These responses were then correlated with inflammatory parameters measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF). In the blood, SAC significantly augmented IL-13 secretion by basophils induced by IL-3 (P=0.009), yet reduced IFN-alpha secreted by pDCs stimulated with CpG (P=0.018). Both parameters were negatively correlated (P=0.0015), at least among those subjects that secreted the latter. Circulating basophil IL-13 responses further correlated with post-SAC bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) parameters including IL-13 protein (P=0.04), basophil (P=0.051), eosinophil (P=0.0018), and total cell counts (P<0.003). Basophil and IL-13 levels in BAL correlated likewise (P=0.0002). These results support a mechanism of immune regulation whereby an allergen reduces innate immune responses and IFN-alpha production by pDCs, resulting in an enhanced inflammation and basophil cytokine production at sites of allergen exposure.

Step aerobics의 RPE가 여고생의 면역기능에 미치는 영향

J시 소재 K여자고등학교 1학년 중에서 %fat이 30% 이상인 24명을 유의추출법에 의해 운동그룹 A (8명), B (8명) 그룹과 통제그룹(8명)으로 3그룹으로 구분하여 Borg의 주관적운동강도를 이용, A그룹은 RPE 15-17 (hard-very hard; 힘듦-매우 힘듦)<TEX>${\times}$</TEX>3 sets, B그룹은 RPE 11-13 (fairly light-somewhat hard; 알맞음-약간 힘듦)<TEX>${\times}$</TEX>3 sets로 설정하여 step aerobics (step box: 길이 68 cm, 폭 28 cm, 높이 15 cm, 무게 450 g)를 1일 50-60분간, 주3회(월, 수, 금)로 총 8주간 실시하였다. 본 연구는 step aerobics의 RPE가 비만 여고생의 면역기능(Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Basophil, IgG, IgA, IgM)에 어떠한 영향을 미치는가를 알아보는 것이었다. 자료처리는 SPSS Ver. 14.0을 이용하여 집단과 시기 간 상호작용의 효과를 알아보기 위하여 repeated two-way ANOVA를, 집단 내 운동 전 후는 paired t-test를 실시하였고, 집단 간은 변화율(% diff.)을 구하여 one-way ANOVA를 실시하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. WBC에서, 집단 내 비교에서 A그룹은 Neutrophil, Monocyte, Basophil, Eosinophil 모두 증가하였으나 Lymphocyte는 변화가 없었고, B그룹은 Eosinophil은 감소하였으나 Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Basophil 모두 변화가 없었으며, 통제군은 Neutrophil, Basophil, Eosinophil은 감소하였으나 Lymphocyte와 Monocyte는 변화가 없었다. 집단 간 비교의 Neutrophil은 A그룹이 B그룹과 통제군보다 더 많이 증가하였고, Lymphocyte는 집단 간 차이가 없었으며, Monocyte는 A, B그룹이 통제군보다 많이 증가하였다. Basophil과 Eosinophil은 A그룹이 B그룹과 통제군보다 더 많이 증가하였다. Immunoglobin에서, 집단 내 비교에서 A그룹은 IgG는 증가하였으나 IgA와 IgM는 변화가 없었고, A그룹은 IgA는 증가하였으나 IgG는 감소하였고 IgM은 변화가 없었다. 통제군은 IgG은 감소하였으나 IgA와 IgM은 변화가 없었다. 집단 간 비교의 IgA는 A그룹이 통제군보다 증가하였고, IgG는 A그룹이 B그룹과 통제군보다 증가하였으나 IgM은 집단 간 차이가 없었다. 요약하면 세 집단 모두 운동프로그램 전 후의 WBC와 Ig 수준이 연령에 맞게 참고치 내의 수준에 머물렀지만 step aerobics를 RPE 15-17로 실시한 A그룹의 경우가 가장 많은 측정항목에서 증가를 보였고, 이 결과는 참고치 범위 내에서 면역기능의 항진을 보여주는 것으로 면역기능의 향상을 위한 step aerobics의 RPE 강도는 힘듦-매우 힘듦(15-17)의 수준으로 실시하는 것이 효과적인 것으로 생각된다. Out of the tenth graders of K girl's high school in J city, 24 students whose %fat was over 30% were divided into 3 groups through Purposing Sampling. Groups A and B were exercise groups and C was the control group. Using Borg's RPE (rating of perceived exertion), RPE 15-17 (hard-very hard) <TEX>$\times$</TEX> 3 sets were set up for group A, RPE 11-13 (fairly light-somewhat hard) <TEX>$\times$</TEX> 3 sets were set up for group B, and both groups performed step aerobics (step box: 68cm in length, 28cm in width, 15cm in hight, 450g in weight) for 50-60 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 8 weeks in total. This research was conducted to find out the effects of various RPE in step aerobics on the immunologic function (neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil, IgG, IgA, and IgM levels) of overweight female high school students. By using SPSS Ver. 14.0, a repeated two-way ANOVA was conducted to find out the effects of interaction between the groups and time period, paired t-test to evaluate data within each group, and pre- and post experiment difference rates (%diff) to perform one-way ANOVA for group comparisons. The following results were found. As for WBC, within group A, neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil levels increased, while lymphocyte levels remained the same. Within group B, eosinophil levels decreased while neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and basophil levels showed no differences. Within the control group, neutrophil, basophil, and eosinophil levels decreased while lymphocyte and monocyte levels showed no differences. As for the group comparisons, neutrophil levels increased more in group A than group B and the control group. There were no differences in lymphocyte levels among the three groups. Monocyte levels increased more in group A and B than the control group. Basophil and Eosinophil increased more in group A than group B and the control group. As for immunoglobin, within group A, the IgG level increased but the levels of IgA and IgM did not change. Within group B, the IgA level increased but the level of IgG decreased, and the level of IgM did not change. Within the control group, the IgG level decreased but the levels of IgA and IgM did not change. As for the group comparisons, the level of IgA increased more in group A than the control group, and the level of IgG increased more in group A than group B and the control group, but levels of IgM among the three groups did not show any difference. In summary, WBC and Ig levels showed that the three groups remained at the reference interval even after the exercise program. However, group A, which performed RPE 15-17 in step aerobics, showed increase in more measured items than the other groups, and this implies that the immunologic function has improved in the range of the reference intervals. Therefore, it will be effective to conduct step aerobics with the RPE 15-17 (hard-very hard) in order to increase the immunologic function.

Syk expression in peripheral blood leukocytes, CD34+ progenitors, and CD34-derived basophils

In human basophils from different subjects, maximum IgE-mediated histamine release and the level of syk protein expression correlate well. It is not clear when in the basophil's lifetime the set-point for syk expression is reached or how expression levels are determined for a given individual. An examination of syk expression in peripheral blood eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, B and T cells, DCs, and NK cells showed that with the exception of T cells, basophils were unique in expressing low levels of syk. No correlations were observed between syk expression in basophils and other types of leukocytes, suggesting a unique mechanism of regulation for basophils. The expression level of syk in CD34+ progenitors was approximately 11-fold higher than in peripheral blood basophils, and it remained at this level during maturation of the cells in IL-3 to a cell with characteristics of peripheral blood basophils. Down-regulation of syk expression in the culture-derived basophils was induced by culturing under conditions of chronic aggregation of FcepsilonRI. Syk was down-regulated to peripheral blood basophil levels in 50% of the cells. Despite the chronic aggregation of FcepsilonRI, the cells retained the same expression of FcepsilonRI, histamine content, and morphological staining of granules as cells not experiencing chronic aggregation. These results suggest that chronic stimulation through FcepsilonRI during basophil maturation might be a mechanism for down-regulating syk expression, while retaining other characteristics associated with mature peripheral blood basophils.

Effects of Polyphenols Extracted from Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed Coat on Differential White Blood Cell Count in Broilers (Gallus domesticus) Exposed to High Environmental Temperature

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a plant that belongs to the Leguminosae family and grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions. Tamarind seed coat is composed of polyphenols especially procyanidin oligomers. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of polyphenols extracted from tamarind seed coat on differential white blood cell counts of broilers maintained at high environmental temperature. Broilers were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, broilers were maintained in environmental temperature at 26±2 C throughout experimental period, and in group 2, broilers were maintained in o environmental temperature at 38±2 C and received polyphenols i.e. 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg o in diets. Differential white blood cell counts were investigated on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of experimental period. The results revealed the following information: Lymphocyte and basophil levels of broilers maintained in the environmental temperature at 38±2 C and received polyphenols at 400 mg/kg in diet were increased o (p<0.05). On the other hand, the heterophil and monocyte levels of broilers maintained in the environmental temperature at 38±2 C and received polyphenols at 400 mg/kg in diet were decreased (p<0.05). This o occurrence indicated that polyphenols extracted from tamarind seed coat could reduce heat stress in broilers.

Important role of interleukin‐3 in the early phase of collagen‐induced arthritis

Activation of basophils contributes to memory immune responses and results in exacerbation of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We undertook the present study to analyze the production and biologic effects of interleukin-3 (IL-3), a strong activator of basophils, in CIA. Arthritis was induced by immunization with type II collagen. Mice were treated with blocking monoclonal antibodies against IL-3 or with recombinant IL-3. Clinical scoring, histologic analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and cell culturing were performed to assess disease activity and IL-3 production. IL-3 was produced in large quantities by collagen-specific CD4+ T cells in the spleen and was present in the synovial tissue during onset of arthritis, but was down-regulated in paws with severe inflammation. Blockade of IL-3 during the time of arthritis onset resulted in profound improvement of the disease, with reductions in synovial leukocyte and cytokine levels, peripheral blood basophil levels, and anticollagen antibody titers. Blockade of IL-3 during the late phase of arthritis had no beneficial effect. Administration of recombinant IL-3 during onset of arthritis induced a marked exacerbation of the disease, with increased peripheral blood basophil and plasma IL-6 levels and increased titers of anticollagen antibody. In studies of the regulation of IL-3 expression in CD4+ T cells, IL-6 and IL-4 suppressed the release of IL-3 by activated CD4+ T cells, whereas lipopolysaccharide and CpG DNA up-regulated IL-3 secretion in activated CD4+ T cells by acting on costimulatory cells. Taken together, the present results demonstrate for the first time that IL-3 has an important role in the early phase of CIA.

Polymorphonuclear blood leukocytes and restenosis after intracoronary implantation of drug-eluting stentsThis article is one of a selection of papers from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Translational Knowledge for Heart Health (published in part 1 of a 2-part Special Issue).

Peripheral blood contents of osteonectin-positive progenitor cells and polymorphonuclear granulocytes were examined by flow cytometry in 38 patients after myocardial revascularisation with drug-eluting stents. Repeat coronary angiography performed 6-12 months after stent implantation revealed in-stent restenosis in 15 patients and its absence in 23 patients. The plasma levels of osteonectin-positive progenitor cells, neutrophils, and basophils did not differ in patients with and without restenosis. Eosinophil blood levels in patients with and without restenosis were 262+/-68 and 124+/-67 cells/microL (mean+/-SD, p<0.001), respectively. Only one of 19 patients (5%) with eosinophil content lower than the distribution median for the entire group developed restenosis, whereas in the group with eosinophil contents higher than the median (n=19) restenosis occurred in 14 patients (74%, p<0.001). Our findings suggest that the frequency of restenoses after stenting is related to high peripheral blood eosinophil content.

IL-3 is required for increases in blood basophils in nematode infection in mice and can enhance IgE-dependent IL-4 production by basophils in vitro

Basophils represent potential effector and immunoregulatory cells, as well as a potential source of IL-4, during the immune response elicited by infection with the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N.b.), and in other settings. However, the factors which regulate the numbers of blood basophils in mice, or the ability of these cells to produce IL-4, are not fully understood. We found that infection of mice with the nematodes N.b. or Strongyloides venezuelensis (S.v.) induced substantial increases in the numbers of blood basophils (to as high as 18% of circulating blood leukocytes). Experiments in IL-3−/−vs IL-3+/+ mice, and in IL-3-treated IL-3−/− mice, showed that essentially all of the increases in blood or bone marrow basophils during N.b. or S.v. infection were IL-3 dependent. Many of the blood, bone marrow or liver-derived basophils from IL-3−/− or IL-3+/+ mice expressed intracellular IL-4 upon stimulation with anti-IgE in vitro. However, after incubation of the cells with exogenous IgE in vitro, blood- or liver-derived basophils from IL-3+/+ mice exhibited higher levels of intracellular IL-4 after stimulation with anti-IgE than did basophils derived from IL-3−/− mice. Thus, IL-3 is a major regulator of the marked increases in blood basophil levels observed during infection of mice with N.b. or S.v. and also can enhance levels of intracellular IL-4 upon activation of basophils with anti-IgE in vitro.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 chemokine gene variant in blood donors and chronic myelogenous leukemia patients.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloproliferative disorder that originates from a pluripotent stem cell expressing the bcr-abl oncogene. It is characterized by an abnormal release of the expanded, malignant stem cell clone from the bone marrow into the circulation. The stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) gene contains a common polymorphism, termed SDF1-3'A, in an evolutionarily conserved segment of the 3' untranslated region (UTR). In this work the SDF-1 genotypes of 25 patients (9-82 years old) who had been clinically and hematologically diagnosed with CML were compared with those of 60 healthy donors. In addition, the nature of bcr-abl hybrid mRNA and the association between demographic and hematological parameters were analyzed in cells from 12 CML patients (five women and seven men). All patients underwent blood collection during the chronic phase of disease after they received chemotherapy. b3a2 mRNA was detected in samples from eight of the CML patients and b2a2 mRNA was observed in four cases. An association between basophils and hemoglobin parameters was observed in that hemoglobin levels were higher in b2a2-expressing patients, and mean basophil levels were higher in patients expressing b3a2. Four of the CML patients (16%) were homozygous for 3'A allele. Of the patients who showed the presence of bcr-abl transcripts (N = 12), three presented the wt/wt genotype and nine were SDF1-3'A carriers. Three of the latter were homozygous for this mutation. It is possible that the bcr-abl fusion gene and the SDF1 genotype for 3'A allele have important implications for the pathogenesis of CML.

Trichuris suis population dynamics following a primary experimental infection

Trichuris suis population kinetics was studied by experimentally infecting 40 pigs with 5000 T. suis infective eggs. Six pigs were sacrificed every 2 weeks from 1 to 9 weeks post-inoculation (p.i.) and the remaining 10 pigs were sacrificed 11 weeks p.i. to estimate worm burdens. An equal number of uninfected control pigs were sacrificed at the same time points for comparison. Egg excretions from each pig were evaluated every week from 5 to 11 weeks p.i. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and basophilia were also evaluated every 2 weeks throughout the experimental period. After an initial almost 100% establishment of T. suis an expulsion phase followed approximately 9 weeks p.i., resulting in an aggregated distribution of the worms in the pig population, as it is characteristic for most helminth infections. By 11 weeks p.i. almost all worms had been expelled. Egg excretion peaked 7 weeks p.i. and a significant non-linear relationship between worm burdens and egg excretion was found. The predilection site for T. suis was the caecum and proximal colon and the relative distribution of worms in the large intestine did not change over time until expulsion. Peaking peripheral blood eosinophil and basophil levels were observed in the T. suis infected pigs 5 and 7 weeks p.i., respectively, reflecting the host activated immune response against the parasite. We here describe the course of a primary T. suis infection in pigs by detailed worm counts, demonstrating an effective expulsion that results in an almost 100% clearance of infection as previously indicated by monitoring faecal egg excretion.

Reference values for chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) blood cells and serum biochemical parameters

Raising chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) for commercial purpose has increased significantly; however, hematological and serum biochemical reference values have not yet been determined for chinchillas raised in south Brazil. Establishing blood cells and serum biochemistry reference values might be helpful to evaluate health status of chinchillas and might be used as a tool by clinicians. The purpose of this study was to determine the reference values for blood cells and serum biochemistry of Chinchilla laniger. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture from 16 adult males, at the time they were killed to remove the fur coat, and from 8 adult males anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. Blood cell counts and serum biochemistry analysis were performed using standard techniques and the results were expressed as mean ± SEM. Analysis of blood parameters from post-mortem cardiac punctured and from anesthetized chinchillas indicated that blood samples from anesthetized chinchillas had higher PCV, Hemoglobin, MCHC and WBC (P &lt; .05); in contrast, had lower levels of monocytes, basophils and eosinophils (P &lt; .05). Serum biochemical parameters were less affected by sampling method: anesthetized chinchillas had lower levels of urea, glucose and triglycerids (P &lt; .05). The data obtained might be useful as a parameter to monitor the health status of chinchillas raised in south Brazil.

LACK OF BASOPHILIA IN HUMAN PARASITIC INFECTIONS

While basophilia is often found in animal models of parasitic infection, it has not yet been established whether it occurs in parasite-infected humans. We investigated the relationship between basophilia and parasitic infections in humans by reviewing charts from 668 patients with confirmed parasitic infection (472 with only helminths, 146 with only protozoa, and 50 with both helminth and protozoan infections) and from 50 patients without parasitic infections. Basophilia (> 290 cells/mm3 ) occurred in only four of the 668 parasite-infected patients (0.6%), and there were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of patients with basophilia or in the absolute basophil counts among either the helminth-infected, protozoa-infected, or uninfected populations. Analysis with regard to relative basophil levels revealed that basophils constituted more than 3% of the peripheral white blood cell population in only four patients. Thus, basophilia occurs only rarely in human parasitic infections and is consequently not a useful clinical marker in the evaluation of suspected parasitic disease.