Cytokine Levels In Women Research Articles

Covariates of vaginal microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in women of reproductive age.

This study aimed to assess the correlation between covariates of the vaginal microbiota and local levels of proinflammatory cytokines in women of reproductive age presenting four molecularly defined bacterial community-state types (CSTs). We enrolled 133 non-pregnant women who attended primary care health clinics for routine Pap-testing. Molecular profiling of vaginal microbiota was performed by V3-V4 16S rRNA sequencing. The covariates of vaginal microbiota included were: vaginal pH, total bacterial cell count, diversity (Shannon index), -richness and dominant taxa abundances. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in supernatants of cervicovaginal fluids. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare microbiota covariates and cytokines among different CSTs. Spearman's tests were performed to assess correlations across the measured parameters. A total of 96 (72.2%) participants had CSTs dominated by Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus crispatus CST I, n=38; Lactobacillus gasseri CST II, n=20; and Lactobacillus iners CST III, n=38). A total of 37 (27.8%) presented the Lactobacillus-depleted CST IV. Total bacterial count was higher in CST II (1.29E+05, 3.40E+04-6.69E+05) compared to other Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs (p=0.0003). The highest values of microbiota diversity (1.85; 0.23-2.68) and richness (27.0; 5.0-37.0) were observed in CST IV (P<0.0001). Lower levels of IL-1β were observed in CST I (5.4; 0.0-3,256) when compared to CST III (51.7; 0.0-2,616) and to CST IV (56.2; 0.0-3,407) (P=0.008). Levels of IL-6 were higher in CST II (4.13; 0-131.4) than in CST IV (0.0-58.27) (P=0.02). Correlation tests showed an overall distinct profile of CST II when compared to other Lactobacillusdominated CSTs, particularly regarding the correlation between total bacterial load and cytokines (r>0.39). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of a single pro-inflammatory signature of L. gasseri-dominated microbiota in response to bacterial load. Further studies evaluating a broader range of inflammation markers are warranted.

Characterization of the lung microbiome and inflammatory cytokine levels in women exposed to environmental risk factors: A pilot study.

Lung microbiome dysbiosis affects the immune system balance and promotes lung inflammation. We aimed to characterize and compare the lung bacteriome composition and the cytokine profile in women with normal lung function exposed to risk factors for chronic lung diseases (tobacco smoking and biomass-burning smoke exposure). We included women with biomass-burning smoke exposure (BE, n = 11) and current smokers women (TS, n = 10). The bacteriome composition was performed in induced sputum, sequencing the 16 rRNA gene. Cytokine levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay multiplex assay in the supernatant of induced sputum. For quantitative variables, we used medians and minimum and maxim values. For the amplicon sequence variants (ASV) differential abundance testing between groups. At the taxa level, the phylum Proteobacteria was found in a higher proportion in the TS group concerning BE (p = .045); however, after the false discovery rate adjustment, this difference was not retained (p = .288). We found a higher concentration of IL-1β in the TS group than in the BE group (248.6 vs. 177.9 pg/mL, p = .010). Women with high biomass-burning smoke exposure in an hour per day had a positive correlation with the abundance of Bacteroidota (ρ = 0.71, p = .014) and Fusobacteriota (ρ = 0.73, p = .011). FEV1/FVC had a positive correlation with an abundance of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria (ρ = 0.74, p = .009, ρ = 0.85, p = .001, and ρ = 0.83, p = .001, respectively). In tobacco smoking, women had a positive correlation (ρ = 0.77, p = .009) between cigarettes per day and Firmicutes' abundance. Compared to biomass-burning smoke-exposed women, current smokers have poor lung function and high levels of IL-1β in sputum. Women with biomass-burning smoke exposure present an increased abundance of Bacteroidota and Fusobacteriota.

81 - Cytokine levels in women with provoked vulvodynia: a pilot study

81 - Cytokine levels in women with provoked vulvodynia: a pilot study

Lactobacillus Species Isolates and Vaginal Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Women of Reproductive Age Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi

The association between vaginal Lactobacillus spp and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reviewed. This study was done to evaluate the relationship between the presence of Lactobacillus spp isolated in the vagina of women of reproductive age resident in Nnewi and vaginal tissue pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-ᵞ) levels. A total of 220 women of reproductive age (pregnant and non-pregnant women) aged between 18-45 years who attended Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi and had been classified according to their clinical Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)- status, were enrolled for the study. Two vaginal swabs samples were obtained from each woman. The first swab was used for cultivation and isolation of Lactobacillus spp, while the second swab used for evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-ᵞ). Within the study population, women who were noted to be non-pregnant and clinically BV-positive had significantly higher mean levels of Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PC); TNF-α (57.90±27.26 pg/ml) and IFN-ᵞ (168.98±100 pg/ml) compared non-pregnant women who were BV-negative with TNF-α (13.48±4.67 pg/ml) and IFN-ᵞ (29.56 pg/ml). Comparison between both groups showed statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). Generally, pregnant women had lower mean levels of PC; TNF-α (24.68±21.69 pg/ml) and IFN-ᵞ (82.35±35.74 pg/ml) compared to non-pregnant women with TNF-α (36.79±29.90) and IFN-ᵞ (102.71±100.86) regardless of their BV-status (p &gt; 0.05). Non-pregnant participants in which Lactobacillus iners were isolated had the highest up-regulation of PC; TNF-α (55.80 pg/ml) and IFN-ᵞ (149.9 pg/ml) compared with other women in the same group who had Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from their vaginal samples. In pregnant women, subjects with Lactobacillus plantarum isolated had the highest up-regulation of PC; TNF-α (75.63 pg/ml) and IFN-ᵞ (163.63 pg/ml) compared to women who had other Lactobacillus spp isolated from their vaginal swabs. It is inferred by this study the presence of L.iners has a remarkable association with the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines which promote pathological process in the vaginal disease states. The potential for the deployment of L.iners as a promising potential algorithm and biomarker in the detection of vaginosis and vaginitis is noted in this study

Salivary cytokines levels, maternal periodontitis and infants' weight at birth: A cohort study in pregnant women with obesity.

Obesity and pregnancy may have synergistic effects on maternal periodontal tissues. In contrast, maternal obesity and periodontitis are antagonistic factors for the babies' weight at birth. This study evaluated, during pregnancy (T1) and after delivery (T2), periodontal parameters and salivary levels of cytokines in women with obesity, and the association of these outcomes with the baby's weight at birth. After matching by age, socioeconomic status and systemic health, the sample was composed of pregnant women with obesity (GO=25; BMI ≥30kg/m2) and normal BMI (GN=25; BMI between 18.5 and 24.99kg/m2), who were evaluated regarding: periodontal parameters; salivary levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and leptin (Luminex® assay); and babies' weight at birth. Mann-Whitney, Friedman, ANOVA; chi-square and Cochran's Q tests were applied (p<0.05). GO showed higher prevalence of periodontitis in T1 and T2 (p<0.001), with higher salivary levels of TNF-α (p=0.003) and IL-1β (p=0.009) in T1. IL-1β significantly decreased after delivery in GO. No intergroup differences for leptin levels were found, but both groups had a significant reduction of leptin levels between periods (p<0.001). GO had children with lower birth weight (p=0.022), being classified as low (<2,500g) or insufficient (2,500-2,999g) weight. It is suggestive that the inflammatory pattern caused by obesity and periodontitis, mainly related to high levels of TNF-α, impair the babies' weight at birth, resulting in more frequency of low/insufficient weight at birth.

Cytokine Levels and Symptoms Among Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Considering the Role of Hormonal Contraceptive Use.

Young to middle-aged women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Immune dysfunction may be present in IBS, however, few studies have tested whether hormonal contraceptive use is linked to inflammatory markers. The purpose of this study was to compare cytokine levels between women (ages 18-45) with and without IBS and with and without hormonal contraceptive use and to examine the relationships of cytokine levels to IBS gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI symptoms within those using and not using hormonal contraceptives. Seventy-three women with IBS and 47 healthy control women completed questionnaires (demographics, hormonal contraceptive use) and kept a 28-day symptom diary. Fasting plasma and LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-8, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were assayed. No differences were found in plasma or stimulated cytokine levels between IBS and control women. Levels of IL-1β (p = 0.04) and TNF-α (p = 0.02) were higher among women who did not use hormonal contraceptives compared to women who used hormonal contraceptives. Among women with IBS, significant correlations were found between daily psychological distress and plasma IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 cytokine levels. These results suggest that hormonal contraceptive use might reduce IL-1β and TNF-α cytokine levels in women with IBS. The impact of hormonal contraceptive use on innate immune activation among women with IBS requires further research.

Acute effects of aerobic intensities on the cytokine response in women with mild multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThere is limited information as to the effects of aerobic exercise on the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). One of the unresolved questions is which training intensity level is optimal for PwMS. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare the effects of moderate intensity with the effects of vigorous intensity on cytokine levels in women with mild MS. MethodsThe study included 15 women with MS and a control of 10 healthy women. The initial session determined the value of the maximum oxygen consumption and was carried out on an instrumented treadmill with a portable system for monitoring gases. During the second session, the participant walked on the treadmill for 15-minutes at a moderate capacity level (∼50% VO2 peak). Blood samples were taken at baseline, immediately after exercise and two hours later. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α and IFN-ɣ cytokines were tested. The third session was identical to the second except for a vigorous training intensity session (∼80% VO2 peak). ResultsIL-6 increased after moderate exercise for both the MS (p = 0.02) and control group (p = 0.02). IL-10 decreased during the vigorous session only in the MS group (p = 0.02). No other differences were seen over time in either group for all other cytokine measurements. ConclusionsWith the exception of IL-10, women with mild MS have similar inflammatory reactions to moderate and high intensity exercise as do healthy women.

Effect of Lymphocyte Immunotherapy on Pro-Inflammatory Th17 Related Cytokine Levels in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Effect of Lymphocyte Immunotherapy on Pro-Inflammatory Th17 Related Cytokine Levels in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

A Pilot Study of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Fatigue in Women With Breast Cancer During Chemotherapy.

Fatigue remains a prevalent, persistent, and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy for stage I and II breast cancer patients. Severity of fatigue varies among patients. Evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of fatigue. The aim of this study is to investigate predictors of fatigue and cytokine levels in women undergoing chemotherapy for stage I or II breast cancer. Piper Fatigue Scales and blood samples for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were collected at baseline and days 7, 14, and 21 for each chemotherapy cycle. Descriptive statistics, general linear mixed models, and graphic analysis were used to analyze the data. The predominantly white convenience sample was composed of 11 women with stage I or II breast cancer who were 37 to 72 years old (mean, 52 years). Predictors of fatigue were type of chemotherapy drugs, time, and IL-6 levels. A predictor of IL-6 and TNF-α levels was whether chemotherapy was administered at the visit. Type of chemotherapy significantly predicted TNF-α levels. Fatigue patterns were characterized by chaotic pattern of peaks and troughs unique to each woman. Women with stage I and II breast cancer experienced variability in the severity of fatigue and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α throughout their treatment trajectories. The presence and role of genetic variants related to cancer-related fatigue may explain the individual variation and warrant further research. These findings highlight the importance of symptom assessments including fatigue at each clinic visit and individualized interventions throughout the cancer trajectory.

Urinary Microbiome and Cytokine Levels in Women With Interstitial Cystitis

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2017;129:500–506) Evidence for the existence of a biodiverse urinary microbiome that cannot be isolated by conventional culture has significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of several urinary tract conditions. Interstitial cystitis is a debilitating chronic condition characterized by suprapubic pain and urinary frequency.

Urinary Microbiome and Cytokine Levels in Women With Interstitial Cystitis.

To investigate differences in the urinary microbiome and cytokine levels between women with and without interstitial cystitis and to correlate differences with scores on standardized symptom severity scales and depression and anxiety screening tools. Our cross-sectional study compared women presenting to a pelvic floor clinic and diagnosed with interstitial cystitis over a 6-month period with age-matched women in a control group from the same institution. Participants provided a catheterized urine sample and completed symptom severity, quality-of-life, depression, and anxiety screening questionnaires. Urinary microbiomes generated through bacterial ribosomal RNA sequencing and cytokine levels were analyzed using a standard immunoassay. Nonparametric analyses were used for all comparisons. Participants with interstitial cystitis reported more disability, bothersome urinary symptoms, genitourinary pain, and sexual dysfunction and scored higher on depression and anxiety screens compared with women in the control group. The urine of participants with interstitial cystitis contained fewer distinct operational taxonomic units (2 [median range 2-7, interquartile range 1] compared with 3.5 [median, range 2-22, interquartile range 5.25], P=.015) and was less likely to contain Lactobacillus acidophilus (1/14 [7%] compared with 7/18 [39%], P=.05) compared with women in the control group. L acidophilus was associated with less severe scores on the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms Index (1 [median, range 0-17, interquartile range 5] compared with 10 [median, range 0-14, interquartile range 11], P=.005) and the Genitourinary Pain Index (0 [median, range 0-42, interquartile range 22] compared with 22.5 [median, range 0-40, interquartile range 28], P=.03). Participants with interstitial cystitis demonstrated higher levels of macrophage-derived chemokine (13.32 [median, range 8.93-17.05, interquartile range 15.86] compared with 0 [median, range 8.93-22.67, interquartile range 10.35], P=.037) and interleukin-4 (1.95 [median, range 1.31-997, interquartile range 11.84] compared with 1.17 [median, range 0.44-3.26, interquartile range 1.51], P=.029). There was a positive correlation between interleukin-4 and more severe scores on the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms Index (r=0.406, P=.013). No associations between the presence of lactobacillus species and cytokine levels were observed. The urinary microbiome of participants with interstitial cystitis was less diverse, less likely to contain Lactobacillus species, and associated with higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. It is unknown whether this represents causality and whether the effect of alterations to the urinary microbiome is mediated through an inflammatory response.

Not Only Glycaemic But Also Other Metabolic Factors Affect T Regulatory Cell Counts and Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Women with Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients suffer from insulinopenia and hyperglycaemia. Studies have shown that if a patient's hyperglycaemic environment is not compensated, it leads to complex immune dysfunctions. Similarly, T1D mothers with poor glycaemic control exert a negative impact on the immune responses of their newborns. However, questions concerning the impact of other metabolic disturbances on the immune system of T1D mothers (and their newborns) have been raised. To address these questions, we examined 28 T1D women in reproductive age for the relationship between various metabolic, clinical, and immune parameters. Our study revealed several unexpected correlations which are indicative of a much more complex relationship between glucose and lipid factors (namely, glycosylated haemoglobin Hb1Ac, the presence of one but not multiple chronic diabetic complications, and atherogenic indexes) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha). Regulatory T cell counts correlated with HbA1c, diabetic neuropathy, lipid spectra parameters, and IL-6 levels. Total T-helper cell count was interconnected with BMI and glycaemia variability correlated with lipid spectra parameters, insulin dose, and vitamin D levels. These and other correlations revealed in this study provide broader insight into the association of various metabolic abnormalities with immune parameters that may impact T1D mothers or their developing child.

Cytokine measurements in Brazilian postmenopausal osteoporosis patients reveal high levels of IL-8

Aims: Osteoporosis is a common disease that affects mostly women and has been associated with the immune system. The aims of this study were to evaluate the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and to investigate their relationship with clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: This study recruited patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (osteoporosis group) and non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women (control group) matched for age. All patients and controls had their bone mineral density measured for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and answered a clinical questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for cytokine measurements. Cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-27, IL-29, IL-35, and TNF-α were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Twenty-nine out of the 52 (55.8%) postmenopausal osteoporosis patients showed high levels of IL-8, while no patients from the control group (n=21) showed IL-8 values above the detection limit (p<0.0001). Higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-35 were associated with the control group, with p values of 0.0053 and 0.0214, respectively. In the osteoporosis group, IFN-γ was correlated with longer duration of smoking (p=0.003), IFN-γ and IL-6 were correlated with higher age at menarche (p=0.0454 and p=0.0380), IL-22 was correlated with duration of menopause (p=0.0289) and IL-9 with calcium intake (p=0.019). The other cytokines showed no association or correlation with clinical parameters. Conclusions: IL-8 was elevated in the serum of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, perhaps because it may trigger osteoclast activation and bone wear in osteoporosis. Higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-9, IL-22, IL-27, and IL-35 were also associated with the osteoporosis group patients and showed significant correlation with clinical parameters in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Protein Profiling of Women with Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is the largest cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the world. Ethnicity disparity in the occurrence of PTB has been associated with the cytokine function. In this study, we aimed at examining cytokine levels in women with spontaneous preterm and term births. Method: Women with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) between 24 and 31 weeks (n = 40) and women with spontaneous term birth between 37 and 41 weeks (n = 40) admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre from 2011 to 2013 were involved in this study. Plasma proteins were determined for 35 cytokines using ProcartaPlex™ immunoassay. Protein levels were compared between women with SPTB and women with term birth. Result: Six specific cytokines were significantly high among women with SPTB. This includes TNFA (odds ratio (OR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-6.0, p = 0.001), MCP-3 (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.29-4.67, p = 0.007), IL16 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.34-4.30, p = 0.003), IL17A (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.28-4.06, p = 0.005), IFNG (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0-8.0, p = 0.001), and farctalkine (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.17-4.22, p = 0.031), respectively. Conclusion: This study identifies high levels of specific cytokines in women with PTB. These inflammatory biomarkers may play an important role in the mechanisms that result in uterine contraction and PTB.

Cervicovaginal Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines Are Increased During Chlamydial Infection in Bacterial Vaginosis But Not in Lactobacilli-Dominated Flora

The purpose of this study was to assess the cervicovaginal levels of proinflammatory cytokines in women with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and normal flora and to compare with those negative for CT. In this cross-sectional study, nonpregnant women were enrolled at 2 outpatient clinics and at 1 primary medical care unit in São Paulo State, Brazil. Cervicovaginal samples from 256 women with BV, of which 68 (26.6%) had concomitant CT infection and 188 (73.4%) were CT-negative, were measured for interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A matching number of samples from women with normal flora, CT-positive (n = 68) and negative (n = 188), were evaluated as control. Cytokine levels were compared by Mann-Whitney test and differences were considered significant at p < .05. In CT-negative women, IL-1β was increased in BV (p < .001) when compared to normal flora, while the levels of IL-6 and IL8 were unchanged. The presence of CT infection was not associated with differences on cytokine levels in women with normal flora. However, women with BV had higher levels of IL-1β (p = .02), IL-6 (p = .02), and IL-8 (p = .03) in the presence of CT when compared to those who tested negative for CT. Detection of endocervical CT is associated with increased cervicovaginal IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in women with concomitant BV but not in those with normal flora.

Unique cytokine signature in the plasma of patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome with a complex but poorly understood pathogenesis affecting approximately 10 million adults in the United States. The lack of a clear etiology of FMS has limited the effective diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition. The objective of this secondary data analysis was to examine plasma cytokine levels in women with FMS using the Bio-Plex Human Cytokine 17-plex Assay. Post hoc analysis of plasma cytokine levels was performed to evaluate patterns that were not specified a priori. Upon examination, patients with FMS exhibited a marked reduction in TH2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The finding of this pattern of altered cytokine milieu not only supports the role of inflammation in FMS but also may lead to more definitive diagnostic tools for clinicians treating FMS. The TH2 suppression provides strong evidence of immune dysregulation in patients with FMS.

Symptom Cluster Research in Women with Breast Cancer: A Comparison of Three Subgrouping Techniques

AimsTo examine how symptom cluster subgroups defined by extreme discordant composite scores, cut-off scores, or a median split influence statistical associations with peripheral cytokine levels in women with breast cancer.BackgroundSystemic cytokine dysregulation has been posited as a potential biological mechanism underlying symptom clusters in women with breast cancer. Symptom characteristics may play an important role in identifying cytokines of significant etiological importance, however, there is no consensus regarding the ideal subgrouping technique to use.DesignA secondary analysis of data collected from a cross-sectional descriptive study of women with stage I-II breast cancer was used to examine and compare the relationships between peripheral cytokine levels and symptom subgroups defined by extreme discordant composite scores, cut-off scores, or a median split.MethodsParticipant symptom scores were transformed into a composite score to account for variability in symptom intensity, frequency and interference. Cytokine levels in subgroups defined by composite scores within the highest and lowest 20% were contrasted with those composed from cut-off scores and a median split.ResultsSubgroups defined by the composite score or cut-off scores resulted in similar statistical relationships with cytokine levels in contrast to the median split technique. The use of a median split for evaluating relationships between symptoms clusters and cytokine levels may increase the risk of a type I error.ConclusionComposite and cut-off scores represent best techniques for defining symptom cluster subgroups in women with breast cancer. Using a consistent approach to defining symptom clusters across studies may assist in identifying relevant biological mechanisms.

The mRNA-binding protein TIA-1 is regulated in the menstrual cycle and repressed in ectopic endometrium

The mRNA-binding protein TIA-1 is regulated in the menstrual cycle and repressed in ectopic endometrium

Effects of Japanese traditional medicines on circulating cytokine levels in women with hot flashes

The effects of the Japanese traditional medicines keishibukuryogan and kamishoyosan on circulating cytokines were examined to clarify the difference in the actions of Japanese traditional medicines in women with hot flashes. Seven premenopausal, 51 perimenopausal, 45 spontaneously postmenopausal and 17 surgically postmenopausal women who had complained of hot flashes were enrolled in this study. Eighty women who hoped to receive Japanese traditional medicines were randomly assigned in open, parallel-group fashion to a keishibukuryogan group or kamishoyosan group. Forty women who did not want any treatment for hot flashes were followed up for 6 months as a control group. Serum levels of cytokines were measured using a multiplexed human cytokine assay. The proportions of responders in women treated with keishibukuryogan and kamishoyosan were 73.7% and 69.2%, respectively. Serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 level in women treated with keishibukuryogan decreased significantly (P = 0.0037). On the other hand, concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β in women treated with kamishoyosan decreased significantly (P = 0.019 and P = 0.039, respectively). In both keishibukuryogan and kamishoyosan responder groups, serum IL-8 concentrations were reduced significantly (P = 0.021 and P = 0.014, respectively). Both treatments with keishibukuryogan and kamishoyosan reduce the circulating IL-8 level, which is involved in thermoregulation in perimenopausal women with hot flashes. In addition, keishibukuryogan decreases circulating monocyte chemotactic protein-1 level in postmenopausal women.

The Determination of VEGF and MVD, among Patients with Primary Breast Cancer

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the value of assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and microvessel density, and to search for correlations between them, in women with breast cancer. The assessment considered factors such as the stage of clinical disease advancement--according to International Union Against Cancer, the grade of histological malignancy, status of axillary lymph nodes and the size of the primary tumour. The concentration of VEGF was assessed in the plasma of 103 women with breast cancer, using an immunoenzymatic method (Quantikine test of R&D Systems). Assessment of microvessel density was performed using histopathological immunoperoxidase methods, using an anti-von Willebrand factor antibody (DAKO A/S). A statistically significant relationship was found between rising VEGF levels and microvessel density in women with breast cancer, when compared to values from a control group. A correlation was found between VEGF concentration and microvessel density (MVD) values. Statistically significant differences were found between VEGF levels of patients in stages I, II and III of clinical disease advancement. For MVD, differences were found only between stages I and III. A statistical relationship was also found between VEGF and MVD and tumour size. Similar results were found between VEGF concentrations in women with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes and cytokine levels in women with no metastases. The results of the study suggest that the degree of tumour vascularization and the concentration of VEGF may represent valuable indicators for the assessment of the angiogenic process in women with breast cancer.