Lower Percentage Of Monocytes Research Articles

Granulocytes-Rich Thrombi in Cerebral Large Vessel Occlusion Are Associated with Increased Stiffness and Poorer Revascularization Outcomes.

We aim to identify a profile of intracranial thrombus resistant to recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute stroke treatment. The first extracted clot of each MT was analyzed by flow cytometry obtaining the composition of the main leukocyte populations: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Demographics, reperfusion treatment, and grade of recanalization were registered. MT failure (MTF) was defined as final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score IIa or lower and/or need of permanent intracranial stenting as a rescue therapy. To explore the relationship between stiffness of intracranial clots and cellular composition, unconfined compression tests were performed in other cohorts of cases. Thrombi obtained in 225 patients were analyzed. MTF were observed in 30 cases (13%). MTF was associated with atherosclerosis etiology (33.3% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.021) and higher number of passes (3 vs. 2; p < 0.001). Clot analysis of MTF showed higher percentage of granulocytes [82.46 vs. 68.90% p < 0.001] and lower percentage of monocytes [9.18% vs.17.34%, p < 0.001] in comparison to successful MT cases. The proportion of clot granulocytes (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.14) remained an independent marker of MTF. Among thirty-eight clots mechanically tested, there was a positive correlation between granulocyte proportion and thrombi stiffness (Pearson's r = 0.35, p = 0.032), with a median clot stiffness of 30.2 (IQR, 18.9-42.7) kPa. Granulocytes-rich thrombi are harder to capture by mechanical thrombectomy due to increased stiffness, so a proportion of intracranial granulocytes might be useful to guide personalized endovascular procedures in acute stroke treatment.

White blood cells in a healthy adolescent population according to social and health characteristics

BackgroundThe immune system constitutes a sensory system both for heritable and non-heritable factors. Among the latter, social and environmental determinants of health may influence and shape the immune system in early life. To study the relationship between leukocytes and determinants of health in adolescence, we assessed total and differential white blood cells (WBC) according to social and environmental determinants of health in a healthy adolescent population. MethodsAs part of the population-based cohort Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen), 1213 adolescents were evaluated at the age of 13. Total and differential WBC were evaluated through a venous blood sample using an automated blood counter (Sysmex®XE-5000, Hyogo, Japan). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. ResultsParticipants with better socioeconomic conditions (enrolled at private schools or higher parental education) had significantly lower total WBC levels, and the latter showed a lower percentage of neutrophils and higher percentage of lymphocytes. Those who practiced sports had significantly lower total WBC levels and neutrophil percentage, as well as a significantly higher percentage of eosinophils and lymphocytes. Adolescents with chronic disease, chronic medication, or allergic diseases had a significantly higher percentage of eosinophils and a lower percentage of monocytes. With increasing body mass index and systemic inflammation, we found a significant increase in total WBC levels. ConclusionWBC linked to different immune response patterns are associated with several social and environmental determinants of health in adolescence.

Comparison of Immune Response and Immunobiology in COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Mild-Moderate Degree and Severe Degree

The difference in immunological profiles between mild-moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 can be seen in lower lymphocyte counts, leukocytes, and higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios. And lower percentages of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in severe COVID-19 cases. Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, as well as IL-8 and infection markers such as procalcitonin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein, were also found to be higher in severe clinical cases. T Helper, T suppressor, and T regulatory were found to be decreased in COVID-19 patients with lower numbers of T helper and T regulatory in severe cases.

Morphological and biochemical evaluation of blood in young women with common acne – preliminary report

Introduction: Acne is one of the most common skin diseases, defined as a chronic, inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland and hair follicle. It is most common in young people, although the lesions may persist even up to 30 – 40 years of age. It is characterized clinically by the presence of non-inflammatory and inflammatory eruptions (papules and pustules) and usually with increased production of sebum. The reasons for the appearance of acne include hormonal disorders, obesity, stress, diet, environmental and genetic factors, cosmetic substances, and medications. Patients with acne exhibit an overreaction of the immune system and an excessively intense inflammatory response. The aim of the study is to evaluate selected biochemical and blood count parameters in young women with acne vulgaris. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 20 students of the Academy of Physical Education, aged 20 – 26, including 10 women with mild acne vulgaris and 10 women without acne symptoms. All women underwent complete blood counts (CBC) with the division of leukocytes into subpopulations (5 DIFF) and biochemical tests in blood serum (lipid profile, liver function tests, concentration of total protein and its electrophoretic fractions, CRP). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the group of women with acne compared to the control group in terms of the assessed serum biochemical parameters. Women with mild acne vulgaris had a significantly lower number of erythrocytes, higher MCV, and a lower percentage of monocytes, with no significant differences in other blood count parameters. The percentage of neutrophils tended to be higher in the group of women with acne vulgaris. Conclusions: 1. Inflammation accompanying mild acne vulgaris may change the number of monocytes and neutrophils in blood counts. 2. The lower number of red blood cells in women with symptoms of acne vulgaris may be the result of chronic inflammation.

A New Diagnostic Model to Distinguish Kawasaki Disease From Other Febrile Illnesses in Chongqing: A Retrospective Study on 10,367 Patients.

Objective: Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most prevailing vasculitis among infants and young children, and has become the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. Delayed diagnosis of KD can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. We sought to create a diagnostic model to help distinguish children with KD from children with other febrile illnesses [febrile controls (FCs)] to allow prompt treatment.Methods: Significant independent predictors were identified by applying multivariate logistic regression analyses. A new diagnostic model was constructed and compared with that from diagnostic tests created by other scholars.Results: Data from 10,367 patients were collected. Twelve independent predictors were determined: a lower percentage of monocytes (%MON), phosphorus, uric acid (UA), percentage of lymphocyte (%LYM), prealbumin, serum chloride, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase: alanine transaminase (AST: ALT) ratio, higher level of globulin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), platelet count (PLT), and younger age. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the new model for cross-validation of the KD diagnosis was 0.906 ± 0.006, 86.0 ± 0.9%, and 80.5 ± 1.5%, respectively. An equation was presented to assess the risk of KD, which was further validated using KD (n = 5,642) and incomplete KD (n = 809) cohorts.Conclusions: Children with KD could be distinguished effectively from children with other febrile illnesses by documenting the age and measuring the level of %MON, phosphorus, UA, globulin, %LYM, prealbumin, GGT, AST:ALT ratio, serum chloride, LDH, and PLT. This new diagnostic model could be employed for the accurate diagnosis of KD.

Dysregulation of Immune Response in Patients With Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China.

BackgroundIn December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread throughout China.MethodsDemographic and clinical data of all confirmed cases with COVID-19 on admission at Tongji Hospital from January 10 to February 12, 2020, were collected and analyzed. The data of laboratory examinations, including peripheral lymphocyte subsets, were analyzed and compared between severe and non-severe patients.ResultsOf the 452 patients with COVID-19 recruited, 286 were diagnosed as severe infection. The median age was 58 years and 235 were male. The most common symptoms were fever, shortness of breath, expectoration, fatigue, dry cough and myalgia. Severe cases tend to have lower lymphocytes counts, higher leukocytes counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), as well as lower percentages of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Most of severe cases demonstrated elevated levels of infection-related biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines. The number of T cells significantly decreased, and more hampered in severe cases. Both helper T cells and suppressor T cells in patients with COVID-19 were below normal levels, and lower level of helper T cells in severe group. The percentage of naïve helper T cells increased and memory helper T cells decreased in severe cases. Patients with COVID-19 also have lower level of regulatory T cells, and more obviously damaged in severe cases.ConclusionsThe novel coronavirus might mainly act on lymphocytes, especially T lymphocytes. Surveillance of NLR and lymphocyte subsets is helpful in the early screening of critical illness, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Dysregulation of Immune Response in Patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China

Background: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread throughout China. The immune response is likely to be highly involved in the pathological process of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, information on specific changes of immune response in COVID-19 are limited. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of all confirmed cases with COVID-19 on admission at Tongji Hospital from January 10 to February 12, 2020, were collected and analyzed. The expression of lymphocytes, lymphocyte subsets, infection related biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed and compared between severe cases and non-severe patients. Findings: Of the 452 patients with COVID-19 recruited from January 10 to February 12, 2020, 286 were diagnosed as severe infection. The median age was 58 years and 235 were male. 201 patients had chronic diseases and a higher percentage in the severe cases. The most common symptoms were fever, shortness of breath, expectoration, and fatigue. Severe cases tend to have higher white blood cell and neutrophil lymphopenia ratio (NLR), as well as lower percentages of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Most of severe cases demonstrated elevated levels of infection-related biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines. The numbers of B cells, T cells and NK cells was significantly decreased in patients with COVID-19, and more severely decreased in the severe cases. T cells were shown to be most affected by SARS-CoV-2, and more hampered in severe cases. Both helper T cells and suppressor T cells in patients with COVID-19 were below normal levels. Helper T cells tend to be more affected in severe cases. The percentage of naïve helper T cells increased and memory helper T cells decreased in severe cases. Patients with COVID-19 have lower level of regulatory T cells, and more obviously damaged in severe cases. Interpretation: SARS-CoV-2 might mainly act on lymphocytes, especially T lymphocytes, and induce a cytokine storm in the body, generate a series of immune responses. Surveillance of NLR and lymphocyte subsets is helpful in the early screening of critical illness, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was performed in accordance with Tongji Hospital Ethics Committee (IRB ID: TJ-C20200121). Written informed consent was waived by the Ethics Commission of the designated hospital for emerging infectious disease.

Gender-related differences observed among immune cells in synovial fluid in knee osteoarthritis

There is no existing comprehensive report on the cellular composition of synovial fluids (SFs) from knee osteoarthritis (OA). We therefore aimed to characterise the immune cell composition in SFs from knee OA (KOA) and in subgroups according to gender. The immunophenotyping of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, T and B cells, NK cells, neutrophils, dendritic and mast cells (MC) present in SFs from 53 patients (24 males/29 females) with KOA was performed using 6-colour flow cytometry. SFs from patients with OA contained 90% hematopoietic cells. Lymphocytes were the predominant cell population (44.8%) in the SFs of OA patients, with CD4+ T lymphocytes being more prevalent than CD8+ T cells (CD4+/CD8+ ratio=1.3). Within the monocyte/macrophage lineage gating, monocytes accounted for 33.9%, macrophages 14.8%, myeloid dendritic cells 16.4%. The rest of the hematopoietic cells were comprised of neutrophils (8%), NK cells (3.8%), T regulatory cells (1.2%), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (1.1%), mast cells (0.3%). In OA females, a higher percentage of CD4+ T cells (P=0.023), macrophages (P=0.012), and a lower percentage of monocytes (P=0.008) and CD8+ T cells (P=0.002) were detected in comparison to OA males. Based on the immune cell composition of SFs, data mining analysis revealed distinct phenotypes (monocyte- and lymphocyte-predominant) within each gender group. This first study on the cellular complexity of SFs in KOA showed marked differences between male and female patients. The findings give a rational starting point for patient stratification according to their phenotypes, as is required for phenotype-specific treatment strategies.

Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis After Pericardiocentesis: Incidence, Associated Findings, and Natural History

ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the incidence, associated findings, and natural history of effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) after pericardiocentesis. BackgroundECP is characterized by the coexistence of tense pericardial effusion and constriction of the heart by the visceral pericardium. Echocardiography is currently the main diagnostic tool in the assessment of pericardial disease, but limited data have been published on the incidence and prognosis of ECP diagnosed by echo-Doppler. MethodsA total of 205 consecutive patients undergoing pericardiocentesis at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were divided into 2 groups (ECP and non-ECP) based on the presence or absence of post-centesis echocardiographic findings of constrictive pericarditis. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics were compared. ResultsECP was subsequently diagnosed in 33 patients (16%) after pericardiocentesis. Overt clinical cardiac tamponade was present in 52% of ECP patients and 36% of non-ECP patients (p = 0.08). Post-procedure hemopericardium was more frequent in the ECP group (33% vs. 13%; p = 0.003), and a higher percentage of neutrophils and lower percentage of monocytes were noted on pericardial fluid analysis in those patients. Clinical and laboratory findings were otherwise similar. Baseline early diastolic mitral septal annular velocity was significantly higher in the ECP group. Before pericardiocentesis, respiratory variation of mitral inflow velocity, expiratory diastolic flow reversal of hepatic vein, and respirophasic septal shift were significantly more frequent in the ECP group. Fibrinous or loculated effusions were also more frequently observed in the ECP group. Four deaths occurred in the ECP group; all 4 patients had known malignancies. During median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 0.5 to 8.3 years), only 2 patients required pericardiectomy for persistent constrictive features and symptoms. ConclusionsIn a large cohort of unselected patients undergoing pericardiocentesis, 16% were found to have ECP. Pre-centesis echocardiographic findings might identify such patients. Long-term prognosis in those patients remains good, and pericardiectomy was rarely required.

Residual feed intake and hematological and metabolic blood profiles of lle de France lambs

The objectives of this study were to estimate the phenotypic correlations of residual feed intake (RFI) and gross feed efficiency (GFE) with hematological and metabolic blood profiles of lambs and to determine the differences for these traits in animals of different RFI classes. Twenty Ile de France male lambs, 115±8 days of age and 31.3±4.1 kg of body weight (means ± SD), were individually housed and their dry matter intake was measured over 65 days. They were weighed every 13 days to determine the average daily weight gain and two blood samples were collected at the last two weighings (at 07h30) for analysis of blood variables. The animals were divided into two classes: negative RFI (most efficient: <0.5 SD below the mean; n = 6) and positive RFI (least efficient: >0.5 SD above the mean; n=8). There were associations among RFI and the serum metabolic variables for albumin (rRFI = 0.74) and creatinine (rRFI = -0.45) and between GFE and serum albumin (rGFE = -0.70). Less efficient animals as measured by RFI had higher serum albumin and lower creatinine levels and showed a tendency to have a greater concentration of total plasma protein. Other serum biochemical parameters were not correlated with GFE and RFI, and no differences between RFI classes were found. There was a correlation between the percentage of eosinophils and RFI (rRFI = -0.65), and such more efficient animals had a higher proportion of these cells and a trend to have a lower percentage of monocytes. This study provided evidence indicating associations between RFI and protein metabolism, as reflected by the serum albumin and creatinine. The hematological findings suggest that RFI is related to susceptibility of lambs to stressand should provide a basis for further research in this regard.

Effects of Feeding Bt Maize to Sows during Gestation and Lactation on Maternal and Offspring Immunity and Fate of Transgenic Material

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the effect of feeding transgenic maize to sows during gestation and lactation on maternal and offspring immunity and to assess the fate of transgenic material.Methodology/Principal FindingsOn the day of insemination, sows were assigned to one of two treatments (n = 12/treatment); 1) non-Bt control maize diet or 2) Bt-MON810 maize diet, which were fed for ∼143 days throughout gestation and lactation. Immune function was assessed by leukocyte phenotyping, haematology and Cry1Ab-specific antibody presence in blood on days 0, 28 and 110 of gestation and at the end of lactation. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cell cytokine production was investigated on days 28 and 110 of gestation. Haematological analysis was performed on offspring at birth (n = 12/treatment). Presence of the cry1Ab transgene was assessed in sows' blood and faeces on day 110 of gestation and in blood and tissues of offspring at birth. Cry1Ab protein presence was assessed in sows' blood during gestation and lactation and in tissues of offspring at birth. Blood monocyte count and percentage were higher (P<0.05), while granulocyte percentage was lower (P<0.05) in Bt maize-fed sows on day 110 of gestation. Leukocyte count and granulocyte count and percentage were lower (P<0.05), while lymphocyte percentage was higher (P<0.05) in offspring of Bt maize-fed sows. Bt maize-fed sows had a lower percentage of monocytes on day 28 of lactation and of CD4+CD8+ lymphocytes on day 110 of gestation, day 28 of lactation and overall (P<0.05). Cytokine production was similar between treatments. Transgenic material or Cry1Ab-specific antibodies were not detected in sows or offspring.Conclusions/SignificanceTreatment differences observed following feeding of Bt maize to sows did not indicate inflammation or allergy and are unlikely to be of major importance. These results provide additional data for Bt maize safety assessment.

Acute monoblastic/monocytic leukemia and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia share common immunophenotypic features but differ in the extent of aberrantly expressed antigens and amount of granulocytic cells

Differentiation between acute monoblastic/monocytic leukemia (AMoL) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) can be difficult. Therefore, we compared immunophenotypes between 27 cases of AMoL and 138 cases of CMML. Monocytopoietic cells showed aberrant coexpression of CD56 in all cases of AMoL vs. 81.9% of CMML (p = 0.015). No other aberrantly expressed antigen was found in AMoL, while in CMML CD2 coexpression was found in 21.7% (p = 0.005), lack of CD13 in 10.9%, and of HLA-DR in 4.3% (NS). Cytomorphology identified higher blast percentages and lower percentages of monocytes and granulocytic cells in AMoL (p <0.001). Multiparameter flow-cytometry (MFC) found higher percentages of blasts (17.6 ± 25.2 vs. 4.1 ± 3.2, p <0.001) and monocytopoietic cells (29.1 ± 27.5 vs. 19.9 ± 12.2, p = 0.012) in AMoL and more granulocytic cells in CMML (52.4 ± 19.2 vs. 26.0 ± 22.4, p <0.001). The mean ratio of monocytic:granulocytic cells was higher in AMoL (5.0 vs. 0.8; p <0.001). It can be concluded that AMoL and CMML differ in aberrantly expressed antigens and the amount of granulocytic cells.

Acute Monoblastic/Monocytic Leukemia and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Share Common Immunophenotypic Features but Differ in the Extend of Aberrantly Expressed Antigens and the Amount of Granulocytic Cells.

Abstract 3799 Poster Board III-735 Acute monoblastic/monocytic leukemia (AMoL) is grouped into acute myeloid leukemia and related neoplasms by the 2008 WHO classification while chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) in grouped into myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). However, both entities share common features and sometimes may be difficult to differentiate from each other. In particular, monopoietic cells can be easily identified by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) based on their CD45/side-scatter (SSC) signal. However, immunophenotypes of monoblasts and dysplastic monocytes largely overlap. Their differentiation from each other is better accomplished by cytomorphology (CM) and the use of non-specific esterase. We compared cytomorphologic, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic results between 26 patients with AMoL and 139 patients with CMML which were analyzed at diagnosis between 2005 and 2009 in order to identify shared and discriminative characteristics. In AMoL vs. CMML 65.4% vs. 73.4% were male, the median age was 65.4 vs. 72.5 years (range 19.3-82.0 vs. 21.9-87.9 years, p&lt;0.001), and the median WBC count was 38.0 G/L vs. 10.4 G/l (range 0.8-126.0 G/l vs. 0.9-92.0 G/l, p&lt;0.001). Cytogenetics differed in that a normal karyotype was found in 79.1% of CMML cases and in only 38.5% of AMoL cases (p&lt;0.0001). Per definition, a t(9;11) (19.2%) was found only in AMoL (p&lt;0.001) which was almost identical for other translocations involving MLL (15.4% vs. 0.7%, p=0.003). Other cytogenetic abnormalities did not significantly differ between AMoL and CMML. First, immunophenotypes of monopoietic cells were compared between AMoL and CMML. While an aberrant coexpression of CD56 was present in all cases with AMoL this was true in only 82.0% of CMML cases (p=0.015). No other aberrantly expressed antigen was found in AMoL while in CMML a coexpression of CD2 was found in 21.6% (p=0.005), a lack of CD13 expression in 10.8% (n.s.), and a lack of HLA-DR expression in 4.3% (n.s.). Next, we compared the frequencies of different cell types between AMoL and CMML as identified by CM and MFC. In this analysis, granulocytic cells by CM included cells of all maturation grades from promyelocyte to granulocyte, which corresponds to the population identified in MFC by their dim expression of CD45 and their strong SSC signal. As anticipated when considering the definition of the respective entities CM identified higher percentages of blasts (mean±SD 78.7±13.8 vs. 8.6±5.1, p&lt;0.001) and lower percentages of monocytes (1.7±3.9 vs. 13.8±11.9, p&lt;0.001) and granulocytic cells (7.9±7.4 vs. 53.8±15.8, p&lt;0.001) in AMoL vs. CMML. Applying the blast gate in the CD45/side-scatter analysis for the identification of blasts (CD45(+)SSC-) MFC also found higher percentages of blasts in AMoL vs. CMML (18.2±25.1 vs. 4.0±3.2, p&lt;0.001) and monopoietic cells were found also at higher frequencies in AMoL (28.6±27.4 vs. 20.1±12.3, p=0.012). Interestingly, however, MFC identified significantly higher frequencies of granulocytic cells in CMML (52.2±19.3 vs. 26.2±22.6, p&lt;0.001). Thus, while the CD45-SSC analysis is not capable of differentiating between monocytes and monoblasts it may be used to identify high percentages of granulocytic cells which is characteristic for CMML but not for AMoL. Based on these findings, the ratio M:G (monopoietic cells:granulocytic cells) was calculated for each case. The ratio M:G was significantly higher in AMoL as compared to CMML (mean±SD 5.2±10.4 vs. 0.8±2.3, p&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that AMoL and CMML after being discriminated according to WHO guidelines for cytomorphology share common features as identified by MFC but differ in the extend of aberrantly expressed antigens and the amount of granulocytic cells. For further studies and to support CM these parameters should be evaluated when using MFC as a diagnostic tool for AMoL and CMML. Disclosures: Kern: MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Equity Ownership. Haferlach:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Equity Ownership. Schnittger:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Equity Ownership. Haferlach:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Equity Ownership.

Changes in serum markers indicative of health effects in vineyard workers following exposure to the fungicide mancozeb: an Italian study

The aim of this study was to investigate the health effects induced by exposure to the fungicide mancozeb in Italian vineyard workers. Ninety-three Italian subjects entered the study – 48 vine-growers intermittently exposed to mancozeb and 45 healthy controls. The subjects were investigated three times: before the seasonal application of pesticides (T0), 30 days after the beginning of the application period (T30), and 45 days after T0 (T45). At T0 the comparison between agricultural workers and controls showed a higher prevalence of cold or flu symptoms, a statistically significant lower percentage of monocytes, higher absolute count of T lymphocytes, CD4 and natural killer cells, and lower plasma levels of IgA and IgM in workers. Such differences were not confirmed at T30 and T45. In fact at T30 in exposed workers, besides a significant increase of urinary ethylenethiourea, confirming mancozeb exposure, T lymphocytes, CD4 and natural killer cells, IgA and IgM returned to values comparable to those observed in controls. Moreover, no other differences in clinical signs, haematological, and immune parameters, such as the immune functional capability evaluated as a response to hepatitis B vaccination, was observed. Altogether the differences between exposed and controls were not consistently correlated to any clinical impairment and suggest that the seasonal application of mancozeb does not pose a significant health risk to exposed subjects.

Monocytes in children with leukemias and lymphomas -- down-regulation of HLA and costimulatory molecules.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the function of monocytes in children with leukemias and lymphomas based on the expression of critical costimulatory, activatory and adhesion molecules (CD80, CD86, HLA-DR and CD54 = ICAM-1), estimated with tricolor flow cytometry. In comparison to the control group we found a lower percentage of monocytes with costimulatory molecules (CD80 before and CD86 after lipopolysaccharide stimulation) at the time of diagnosis and of monocytes with HLA-DR molecules after remission induction. We also noted a lower percentage of monocytes with HLA-DR expression in the group with severe or therapy resistant infections. The results of our investigation suggest some defect in costimulation and antigen presentation in lymphoproliferative diseases in children.

Costimulatory molecules in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG): lack of expression of CD28 and preferential up-regulation of its ligands B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) on T cells.

T cells are most likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of WG, and recently a predominant Th1 pattern of immune response has been demonstrated in granulomatous inflammation. Since the expression of costimulatory molecules has a significant impact on the cytokine profile and proliferation response of T cells, the goal of this study was to characterize the expression of costimulatory molecules (CD28, CTLA-4 (CD152), B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86)) on T cells, monocytes and B cells in WG, and to correlate the findings with clinical parameters such as disease activity, extent and therapy. WG patients (n = 24) and healthy controls (HC; n = 17) were examined for the expression of costimulatory molecules by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, both in whole peripheral blood and after in vitro activation of T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Results were correlated with clinical data. The expression of CD28 on CD4+ and CD8+ cells was significantly lower in WG than in HC (CD28+ 81.4% in WG versus 97.9% of CD4+ cells (P < 0.0001); CD28+ 44.6% in WG versus 68.5% of CD8+ cells (P < 0.00001)), both in peripheral blood and after in vitro activation. A lower percentage of monocytes was B7-2+ in WG than in HC in peripheral blood, whereas no significant differences in the expression of B7-1 and B7-2 were observed after in vitro stimulation of monocytes and B cells. After in vitro activation a significantly higher percentage of B7-1+ and B7-2+ T cells was seen in WG. There was no significant difference in the CTLA-4 expression pattern between WG and HC. The percentage of CD28+ lymphocytes correlated negatively with the Disease Extent Index cumulated over the course of disease (r = -0.46, P = 0.03), indicating a more severe manifestation in patients with lower CD28 expression. Correlations with other clinical parameters such as activity or therapy were not seen. WG patients show a lack of CD28 expression on T cells and an unusual up-regulation of its ligands B7-1 and B7-2 on T cells after in vitro activation as well as a lower expression of B7-2 on freshly isolated monocytes compared with HC. These features might promote the Th1 cytokine pattern and thereby contribute to persistently high levels of immune activation in WG.

Modification of acquired immunity in BALB/c mice by aztreonam

Recent studies have suggested that antibiotics may act as biological response modifiers. In this study we investigated the effect of aztreonam, a monobactam antibiotic, on different parameters of acquired immunity in BALB/c mice. Different dosages of aztreonam injected into mice induced an increase in the lymphoproliferative response to specific mitogens and in the production of interleukin-2 by splenic cells, as well as a decreased response of this immune population to sheep erythrocytes, lower total blood cell counts and a lower percentage of monocytes than in untreated mice. These results show a modulatory action of aztreonam on different immune parameters, which is independent of its antimicrobial activity and that could be of interest in human therapy.

Sepracell-MN for mononuclear cell separation from cattle: Effect on mitogen- and antigen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis

Mononuclear leukocytes (MNC) were separated from heparinized and EDTA-treated whole bovine blood by centrifugation after mixing with a commercial colloidal silica preparation (Sepracell-MN (S-MN)). Cell yields and lymphocyte blast transformation (LBT) to pokeweed mitogen (PWM), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), and Brucella abortus antigens were tested against MNC obtained from heparinized whole blood using Ficoll-Hypaque (FH). Separation with S-MN was more rapid and less labor intensive than separation with FH. There was a higher average total yield of MNC but a lower percentage of monocytes in the FH-than in the S-MN-separated MNC. In mitogen-induced LBT assays, MNC responded comparably to each mitogen regardless of the separation technique or anticoagulant used, and a cell concentration effect was demonstrated. In general, FH-separated MNC responded greater to PWM than did S-MN/EDTA separated MNC, but S-MN/heparin separated MNC had the greatest LBT responses to PWM. Overall, S-MN/EDTA separated MNC had the greatest responses to PHA, and responses to Con A were variable among experiments with respect to the separation technique. In antigen-induced LBT assays, two B. abortus antigens were used: a heat-killed strain S1119 (HKA) and a gamma-irradiated strain 19 (γBA). The LBT responses of three steers vaccinated with live B. abortus strain 19 were compared with three nonvaccinated steers in three separate experiments. Using HKA, FH separation resulted in an overall greater LBT response for vaccinates than nonvaccinates and a greater differential between responses of vaccinates and nonvaccinates than did S-MN derived MNC regardless of the anticoagulant used. Using γBA, FH produced the most responsive MNC in one experiment and S-MN/heparin produced the most responsive MNC in the other. At the highest cell concentration tested, FH-separated MNC had the greatest LBT responses for vaccinated calves, but differences between S-MN- and FH-separated MNC responses were not significantly different ( P>0.05). In conclusion, S-MN is a rapid and simple technique for separation of MNC from bovine blood. The technique produces an adequate cell population for mitogen-induced LBT studies; however, FH-separated MNC were generally more responsive in the B. abortus-induced LBT assay.

Phenotypic and functional abnormalities in monocytes from patients with haemophilia A treated with factor VIII concentrates.

The phenotype and functions of monocytes in patients with haemophilia A and age-matched controls were studied. Fourteen male haemophiliacs were classified in three categories according to the mean number of units of factor VIII received during the last 5 years. Eleven patients were positive for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus but none of our patients were homosexuals or drug abusers, nor do they fulfill the criteria of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Patients treated with high amounts of factor VIII concentrates (greater than 3 x 10(5) U/year) showed a significantly lower percentage of monocytes expressing HLA-DR, LFA-1 and CR3 antigens as compared with patients receiving lower amounts of factor VIII (less than 2 x 10(6) U/year) or controls. Kinetics of DR, LFA-1 and CR3 in cultured monocytes showed tht they were lost faster by monocytes from haemophiliacs treated with large amounts of factor VIII than by control monocytes. Adherence ability and chemotactic response of monocytes from patients treated with less than 3 x 10(5) U/year of factor VIII were also impaired. Although phagocytic indices were in normal ranges in haemophiliacs, a significant difference was observed between percentages of phagocytic monocytes from haemophiliacs treated with the largest doses of factor VIII and normal controls. Tests for respiratory burst activity, measured by chemiluminescence and superoxide anion generation, and Staphylococcus aureus killing were in normal ranges in haemophiliacs' monocytes.