Markers Of Inflammation In Children Research Articles

Establishing a pediatric reference interval for plasma calprotectin

Plasma calprotectin is a promising new biomarker of inflammatory activity and has been found to correlate well with clinical and endoscopic activity in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. A pediatric reference interval for plasma calprotectin has not been established for the Phadia 250 EliA™ Calprotectin fluoroenzyme immunoassay. In studies regarding pre-analytical properties, excellent precision and stability was found. However, sensitivity to hemolysis was demonstrated. We identified pediatric blood samples from apparently healthy children who were referred by their general practitioner for blood sampling including measurement of hemoglobin (Hb) and C-reactive protein (CRP). We excluded samples from children who had undergone additional blood sampling within 2 months before or after the index sample, if Hb was outside of local reference ranges or CRP levels were above the lower limit of the measuring interval (LLM), and any samples with a hemolysis above 0.02 mmol/L. Using this algorithm, we identified 141 blood samples. No outliers were identified. We established the following reference intervals according to CLSI C28-A3 using non-parametric statistics: 1–17 years: 16–246 µg/L. Our results may prove useful for further utilization of plasma calprotectin as a marker of inflammation in children and adolescents with inflammatory disorders.

C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the pediatric population has been reported in many studies to be associated with an inflammatory response. However, to our knowledge, there is no definitive conclusion in the form of a meta-analysis. The issue we aimed to address is whether C-reactive protein (CRP) is a trustworthy marker in detecting inflammation in children and adolescents with MetS. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS until 31 June 2023 for studies involving children and adolescents with MetS where hsCRP or CRP were measured. After the screening process, we identified 24 full-text articles that compared 930 patients with MetS with either healthy (n = 3782) or obese (n = 1658) controls. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Begg's rank correlation test and Egger's regression test. Statistical analysis was carried out based on pooled mean differences (MDs) and an associated 95% CI. Data analysis showed that MetS is associated with higher levels of CRP than those in healthy controls (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: (0.49-2.08), p = 0.002) in obese patients (MD = 0.88, 95% CI: (0.38-1.39), p = 0.0006). However, conventional methods of CRP analysis were found to be more accurate in differentiating between children and adolescents with obesity and those with MetS, compared with hsCRP (MD = 0.60, 95% CI: (-0.08-1.28), p = 0.08). No risk of bias was assessed. In conclusion, CRP is a reliable inflammatory marker for differentiating pediatric patients with MetS from healthy ones. On the other hand, it did not prove to be very accurate in distinguishing between patients who had MetS and those who were obese. There should be more research performed in this field.

Fluoride exposure and blood cell markers of inflammation in children and adolescents in the United States: NHANES, 2013–2016

BackgroundIngestion of fluoride in drinking water has been shown to result in increased cellular markers of inflammation in rodent models. However, the approximately 5–10 × increase in water fluoride concentrations required in rat and mouse models to obtain plasma fluoride concentrations similar to those found in humans has made relevant comparisons of animal to human studies difficult to assess. As an increased white blood cell count (WBC) is a marker of inflammation in humans, we used available NHANES survey data to assess the associations between plasma fluoride levels in the U.S. and blood cell counts children and adolescents. MethodsMultiple linear regressions were done to determine the association of blood cell counts and plasma fluoride in publicly available NHANES survey data from the 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 cycles. Plasma fluoride concentration measurements were available only for children aged 6 to 19, inclusive, and therefore this subpopulation was used for all analyses. Covariate predictors along with plasma fluoride were age, ethnicity, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI). ResultsPlasma fluoride was significantly positively associated with water fluoride, total WBC count, segmented neutrophils, and monocytes, and negatively associated with red blood cell count when adjusted for age, gender and BMI.ConclusionOur finding that neutrophils and monocytes are associated with higher plasma fluoride in U.S. children and adolescents is consistent with animal data showing fluoride related effects of increased inflammation. These findings suggest the importance of further studies to assess potential mechanisms that are involved in absorption and filtration of ingested fluoride, particularly in tissues and organs such as the small intestine, liver and kidney.

The relationship of synonasal symptoms with systemic and local markers of inflammation in children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis

The relationship of synonasal symptoms with systemic and local markers of inflammation in children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis

Associations of dietary intake on biological markers of inflammation in children and Adolescents: A systematic review

Associations of dietary intake on biological markers of inflammation in children and Adolescents: A systematic review

Маркери нейрогенного запалення в дітей iз синдромом вертебробазилярної артеріальної системи і рекурентними бронхітами

Актуальність. Дослідження особливостей нейрогенного забезпечення при рекурентних бронхітах (РБ) у дітей iз синдромом вертебробазилярної артеріальної системи (СВБАС) шляхом вивчення рівнів кінцевих стабільних метаболітів оксиду азоту (КСМ NO), субстанції Р і вазоактивного інтестинального пептиду (ВІП) надасть можливість встановити важливі елементи патогенезу частих захворювань респіраторного тракту. Мета дослідження: визначення особливостей нейрогенного забезпечення при рекурентних бронхітах у дітей iз СВБАС шляхом вивчення сироваткових рівнів КСМ NO, субстанції Р і ВІП. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 60 дітей віком від 7 до 11 років iз РБ в анамнезi. Сформовано дві групи спостереження (по 30 пацiєнтiв у кожній): 1) діти з РБ у періоді соматичного благополуччя і СВБАС; 2) діти з РБ в періоді соматичного благополуччя без СВБАС. Результати. У пацiєнтiв iз РБ, які мають СВБАС, порівняно з дітьми без СВБАС статистично значуще частіше відзначається підвищення вмісту в сироватці крові КСМ NO (на 36,7 %, p < 0,05) (вiдношення шансів (ВШ) = 6,50; 95% довiрчий інтервал (ДІ) 1,82–23,21, p < 0,05), субстанції Р (на 40,0 %, p < 0,05) (ВШ = 6,00; 95% ДІ 1,89–19,04, p < 0,05), зниження концентрації ВІП (на 26,7 %, p < 0,05) (ВШ = 3,05; 95% ДІ 1,05–8,84, p < 0,05). Висновки. У дітей iз РБ і СВБАС у період соматичного благополуччя має місце вогнище нейрогенного запального процесу, що супроводжується дисбалансом автономних нейрональних процесів і схильністю до повторної захворюваності на бронхолегеневу патологію.

Associations of Dietary Intake on Biological Markers of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of co- and multi-morbid conditions to mental health disorders. Diet quality is a potential mechanism of action that can exacerbate or ameliorate low-grade inflammation. After searching multiple databases adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 53 articles were included that measured dietary intake and inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents (2-19 yrs). Adequate adherence to healthful dietary patterns, vegetables and fruit, or macro/micro nutrients (fibre or vitamin C, E) are associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, mainly c-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Adherence to a Western dietary pattern and intake of added sugars, saturated fatty acids or ultra-processed foods, is associated with higher levels of the same pro-inflammatory biomarkers. This is the first systematic review examining dietary intake and biological markers of inflammation in children and adolescents. A good quality diet (high in vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fibre and healthy fats) ameliorates low-grade inflammation, and therefore represents a promising therapeutic approach, as well as an important element for disease prevention in both children and adolescents.

The association between vitamin D levels and the clinical severity and inflammation markers in pediatric COVID-19 patients: single-center experience from a pandemic hospital.

Vitamin D has an immunomodulating property that regulates the inflammatory response. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical severity and inflammation markers in children and adolescents with COVID-19. The clinical and laboratory records of 103 pediatric cases with COVID-19, whose vitamin D levels had been measured, were retrospectively reviewed. The cases were divided into groups according to their clinical severity (asymptomatic, mild, and moderate-to-severe) and vitamin D levels. The moderate-to-severe clinical group had significantly higher inflammation markers (CRP, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, d-dimer) and a lower lymphocyte count compared to both the mild and asymptomatic groups. The 25 OH vitamin D levels were also significantly lower (p < 0.001), and the ratio of vitamin D deficiency was 70.6% in the moderate-to-severe group. The vitamin D–deficient group had a significantly higher age and fibrinogen levels while also having a lower lymphocyte count compared to the insufficient and normal groups. The 25 OH vitamin D level was correlated positively with the lymphocyte count (r = 0.375, p = <0.001), and negatively with age (r = −0.496, p = <0.001), CRP (r = −0.309, p = 0.002) and fibrinogen levels (r = −0.381, p = <0.001). In a logistic regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency, d-dimer, and fibrinogen levels on admission were independent predictors of severe clinical course.Conclusion: This study revealed an association between vitamin D deficiency and clinical severity, in addition to inflammation markers in pediatric COVID-19 cases. Prophylactic vitamin D supplementation may be considered, especially in the adolescent age group. What is Known:• • The pathology of COVID-19 involves a complex interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system. Hyperinflammation/cytokine storm is held responsible for the severity of the disease.• Vitamin D has multiple roles in the immune system that can modulate the body reaction to an infection.What is New:• • Clinically more severe group had significantly lower vit D levels and significantly higher inflammation markers.• Lower 25 OH vit D levels were associated with higher inflammation markers, suggesting an important role of vitamin D in the clinical course of COVID-19 in children and adolescents probably by regulating the systemic inflammatory response.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-021-04030-1.

Associations of Dietary Intake on Biological Markers of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Background: In children and adolescents, chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of co- and multi-morbid conditions to mental health disorders. Diet quality is a potential mechanism of action that can exacerbate or ameliorate low-grade inflammation; however, the exact way dietary intake can regulate the immune response in children and adolescents is still to be fully understood. Methods: Studies that measured dietary intake (patterns of diet, indices, food groups, nutrients) and any inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents aged 2 to19 years and published until November 2020 were included in this systematic review, and were selected in line with PRISMA guidelines through the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Global Health, Medline COMPLETE and Web of Science–Core Collection. A total of 53 articles were identified. Results: Results show that adequate adherence to healthful dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, or food groups such as vegetables and fruit, or macro/micro nutrients such as fibre or vitamin C and E, are associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, mainly c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), whereas adherence to a Western dietary pattern, as well as intake of food groups such as added sugars, macro-nutrients such as saturated fatty acids or ultra-processed foods, is associated with higher levels of the same pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review examining dietary intake and biological markers of inflammation in both children and adolescents. A good quality diet, high in vegetable and fruit intake, wholegrains, fibre and healthy fats ameliorates low-grade inflammation, and therefore represents a promising therapeutic approach, as well as an important element for disease prevention in both children and adolescents.

Effect of tranexamic acid on markers of inflammation in children undergoing craniofacial surgery.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements during craniosynostosis surgery in small children. Possible interaction from TXA on the inflammatory system is unknown. To evaluate the effect of TXA on a wide range of inflammatory markers in children receiving TXA in a randomized, blinded, and placebo controlled study design. Thirty children undergoing craniosynostosis surgery with significant blood loss received TXA (bolus dose of 10mgkg-1 followed by 8hours continuous infusion of 3mgkg-1 h-1 ) or placebo in a randomized, double-blinded study design. Using a new proximity extension assays employing a panel of inflammatory biomarkers samples was used for analysis of blood samples obtained pre-operatively, 4 and 24hours after operation. Ninety-two inflammatory parameters were measured. TXA did not affect any of the measured parameters as compared with placebo. Among 34 of the 92 pro- and antiinflammatory parameters investigated changes were observed between pre-operative, 4 or 24hours, respectively, reflecting immune activation during surgical stress. TXA administration in a low-dose regimen including bolus followed by 8hours infusion during craniosynostosis surgery did not change any of 92 inflammatory markers as compared with placebo.

Early life adversity exposure and circulating markers of inflammation in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study provides a comprehensive review of the published research on the association between early life adversity and markers of inflammation in children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on the association between early life adversity and markers of inflammation in pediatric populations. To date, 27 studies have been published in this area representing a wide range of global populations and diverse methods of which nearly half were prospective, longitudinal studies. Of these 27, only 12 studies shared an inflammatory outcome with 4 or more other studies; 9 for CRP, and 6 for IL-6. The association between early life adversity and both CRP, z = .07 [.04, .10], and IL-6, z = .17 [−.07, .42], were small and only significant for CRP although comparable in magnitude to the effects observed in adult samples. Descriptively, the association between early life adversity and CRP appeared to be stronger in studies conducted in infants and adolescents compared with middle childhood. There was minimal evidence of publication bias for studies measuring CRP, but evidence of publication bias for studies using IL-6. Eight studies have looked at the association between early life adversity and stimulated inflammatory cytokines in vitro, and both the methods and results of these studies were mixed; the majority observed exaggerated production of inflammatory cytokines despite mixed methodological approaches that make comparisons across studies difficult. In summary, the evidence supporting an association between early life adversity and inflammation in pediatric samples is limited so far by the number of studies and their heterogeneous methodological approaches. More research that is grounded in a developmental framework and informed by the complexity of the innate immune system is needed in this area.

Serum levels of the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: case-control study

IntroductionThe involvement of the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases has been documented; however, the role of this proinflammatory molecule in children with diabetes type 1 (T1DM) has not been addressed. The aim of this case-control study is to compare the serum level of HMGB1 in children with newly diagnosed T1DM (group 1) and a control group composed of healthy children.Material and methodsThis case-control study included 136 children: group 1 (n = 96) and a control group (n = 40). Measurements were taken from serum for the following: HMGB1, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, glucose, haemoglobin A1C, and β-cell autoantibodies (GADA-65, IA-2, ICA). HMGB1 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on a Labsystems iEMS Reader MF analyser (Labsystems Diagnostics Oy, Helsinki, Finland).ResultsThe level (median and interquartile range) of HMGB1 was statistically higher (p < 0.001) in children with T1DM: 8.7 (5.0-9.8) µg/l, in comparison with the control group: 1.0 (0.6-1.4) µg/l. No correlation was found between HMGB1 and HbA1c in group 1, or between HMGB1 and BMI. A statistically higher percentage of positive children for autoantibodies were present in group 1 compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). HMGB1 serum levels were also tested and the presence of autoantibodies, and none of those antibodies correlated with the level of HMGB1.ConclusionsThe higher level of HMGB1 in children with T1DM, compared to the control group, indicates that this proinflammatory molecule is a good candidate marker of inflammation in children with T1DM.

Design, Development and Construct Validation of the Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index.

Objective: To design and validate a literature-derived, population-based Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII)TM. Design: The C-DII was developed based on a review of literature through 2010. Dietary data obtained from children in 16 different countries were used to create a reference database for computing C-DII scores based on consumption of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and whole foods. Construct validation was performed using quantile regression to assess the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and C-DII scores. Data Sources: All data used for construct validation were obtained from children between six and 14 years of age (n = 3300) who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005–2010). Results: The C-DII was successfully validated with blood CRP concentrations in this heterogeneous sample of 3300 children from NHANES (52% male; 29% African American, 25% Mexican American; mean age 11 years). The final model was adjusted for sex, age, race, asthma, body mass index (BMI), and infections. Children in level 3 (i.e., quartiles 3 and 4 combined) of the C-DII (i.e., children with the most pro-inflammatory diets) had a CRP value 0.097 mg/dL higher than that in level 1 (i.e., quartile 1) for CRP values at the 75th percentile of CRP using quantile regression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The C-DII predicted blood CRP concentrations among children 6–14 years in the NHANES. Further construct validation with CRP and other inflammatory markers is required to deepen understanding of the relationship between the C-DII and markers of inflammation in children.

Associations between metabolic syndrome components and markers of inflammation in Welsh school children

We investigated the multivariate dimensionality and strength of the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and inflammation in children. Caucasian school children (N = 229; 12–14 years) from Wales were tested on several health indicators including measures of body composition, inflammation, fasting glucose regulation, blood pressure, and lipids. The multivariate association between MetS and inflammation was investigated via canonical correlation analysis. Data were corrected for non-normality by log transformation, and sex-specific z-scores computed for variables where there was a significant sex difference. Structure r’s were interpreted to determine the dimensions of MetS and inflammation responsible for significant canonical variates. The overall multivariate association between MetS and inflammation was significant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.54, p < 0.001). The relationship was explained primarily by the waist circumference dimension of MetS (CC = 0.87) and inflammatory markers of fibrinogen (CC = 0.52) and C-reactive protein (CC = 0.50). The pattern of results was similar regardless of whether variables were adjusted for sex differences.Conclusion: Central adiposity is the strongest predictor of the inflammatory aspect of cardiovascular disease risk in Caucasian adolescents. Future research into MetS and cardiometabolic risk should consider multivariate statistical approaches, in order to identify the separate contributions of each dimension in interrelationships and to identify which dimensions are influenced by preventive interventions.What is Known:• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Markers of inflammation are also potential predictors of later development of CVD and type 2 diabetes.• The contribution of individual markers in interrelationships between MetS and inflammation is unknown.What is New:• We uniquely demonstrate that within a multivariate model, waist circumference is the primary link between MetS variables and markers of inflammation in children.• Waist circumference may therefore be a useful population-level screening tool to identify future risk of CVD.

The correlation between the concentration of faecal calprotectin and markers of inflammation in children with gastrointestinal disorders

Introduction: Calprotectin is an acute phase protein that occurs in large amounts in the granules and cytosolic fluid of neutrophils, and in smaller amounts in monocytes and macrophages. In bowel inflammation, increased neutrophil migration from the circulation to the intestinal lumen is observed as a consequence of mucosal damage. This leads to the release of a significant amount of calprotectin by activated leukocytes in intestine, thereby increasing its concentration in the faeces. This allows the non-invasive assessment of intestinal inflammation. Other markers useful in patients with bowel inflammation are erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the concentration of faecal calprotectin (FC) and other markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin in serum, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cells (WBC) count and in children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Material and methods: This study is based on a retrospective analysis of laboratory results of 370 children suspected of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pearson’s coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the parameters. Results: There was a positive correlation between concentration of FC and parameters such as CRP (r=0.16; p=0.0345), ESR (r=0.38; p&lt;0.0001) and WBC (r=0.24; p=0.0008) in children with IBD. There was also a negative correlation between concentration of FC and ferritin (r=-0.24; p=0.0089) in children with IBD. Conclusion: In this study, ESR turned out to be more adequate than CRP and WBC in detecting inflammation in patients with IBD.

Lipoprotein cholesterol fractions are related to markers of inflammation in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundThe purpose of the study is to determine levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density, and high-density lipoprotein fractions of cholesterol (LDLc and HDLc), in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and relate those to disease activity, overweight, and physical activity (PA), testing the hypothesis that the levels of cholesterol fractions are associated with inflammation as well as with overweight and low PA.MethodsTwo hundred ten patients with JIA were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. TC, LDLc, HDLc were measured, and associations with clinical disease activity (JADAS27), biomarkers of inflammation (myelo-related protein complex 8/14 (MRP8/14), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtH ratio), and PA were explored.ResultsMean values for TC, LDLc, and HDLc in the patients were within the normal range for Danish Children. HDLc was negatively correlated with MRP8/14 (r = −0.343, CI −0.474 to −0.201, p < 0.0005) but was not related to overweight or PA. Neither TC nor LDLc showed any association with inflammation, overweight, or PA. MRP8/14 correlated positively with CRP, JADAS27 and WtH ratio (r = 0.277, CI 0.142 to 0.413, p = 0.001).ConclusionsLevels of cholesterol fractions in patients with JIA were found within the normal range. Nonetheless, the level of HDLc was negatively associated with the level of the inflammatory marker MRP8/14, which is in accordance with the concept of inflammation as an important driver for premature development of atherosclerosis in JIA. WtH ratio (a measure of central fatness) was not associated to HDLc, but to MRP8/14, suggestive of central fatness as an additional driving factor for the chronic inflammation in JIA.

Low-grade inflammation markers in children and adolescents: Influence of anthropometric characteristics and CRP and IL6 polymorphisms

Overweight and obesity are associated with chronic and subclinical inflammation due to an imbalance of inflammatory mediators. However, the association with gene polymorphism has been rarely studied in children. The aim of this study was to determine if serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are related to the IL6 rs1800795, IL6 rs2069845 and CRP rs1205 polymorphisms (SNPs) according to body mass index (BMI) in a sample of children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study in 470 students between 7 and 17yearsof age of anthropometric characteristics, high sensitivity-CRP (Hs-CRP) and IL-6 levels and three SNPs genotyped. The prevalence ratio of hs-CRP>3mg/L in obese individuals was 4.15 (CI 2.43–7.06; p=0.01), and it was 1.91 (CI 1.03–3.55; p=0.03) in overweight individuals and 1.74 (CI 1.05–2.88 p=0.03) in females. Individuals with waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%) alterations showed elevated levels of hs-CRP (p=4.3×10−5 and p=5.3×10−6). The combination of any two anthropometric measurement increases CRP levels, especially combinations with obesity body mass index (BMI): BMI+WC and BMI+BF%. Among the overweight/obesity group, T allele carriers of CRP rs1205 showed lower levels of hs-CRP (0.5, IQR=0.3–1.8mg/L) than CC homozygotes (1.5, IQR=0.4–3.4mg/L, p=0.018). Additionally, considering subjects with two or three anthropometric alterations for CRP rs1205: rs1205 T allele carriers had lower levels of hs-CRP (0.7, IQR=0.3–2.7mg/L) than CC homozygotes (1.2, IQR=0.5–3.5mg/L, p=0.02). In conclusion, carriers of the rs1205/T allele with higher BMIs had lower levels of hs-CRP. Schoolchildren who were overweight/obese had higher levels of CRP and IL-6, whereas individuals with WC and BF% alterations had higher levels of CRP.

Hipertrofik adenoidlerde immün CD14 reseptörünün tanımlanması

Objective: Tonsils and adenoids are the parts of the Waldeyer’s ring. Their basic function is antibody formation which later reacts against a great variety of antigens. Adenoidectomy is the most common operation in small children but the exact reasons of adenoid hypertrophy remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating CD14 as surrogate marker of inflammation in children who have to undergo adenoidectomy. Methods: One hundred pediatric patients with adenoid hypertrophy were included in this study. Intensity of CD14 expression in infiltrating cells was assessed by immunohistochemical methods. Results: All of the 100 patients underwent adenoidectomies due to chronic adenoid inflammation and hypertrophy. After immunohistochemical analysis, all the specimens were stained as positive (100%) for CD14 expression. Classification of these specimens according to CD14 staining intensity were as follows: 0 as score 0, 36 as score 1, 43 as score 2 and, 21 as score 3. On the other hand, we found statistically significant association between CD14 and age. Conclusion: In the present study, we showed an increase in the density of CD14 with increasing age.

Adiposity, Aerobic Fitness, Muscle Fitness, and Markers of Inflammation in Children

The purpose of this study was to describe levels of inflammation markers in Norwegian children and to examine the associations of adiposity, aerobic fitness, and muscle fitness with markers of inflammation. In 2005-2006, 1467 nine-year-olds were randomly selected from all regions in Norway. The participation rate was 89%. The inflammatory markers evaluated included C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, hepatocyte growth factor, resistin, and interleukin-6. We assessed muscular strength by measuring explosive, isometric, and endurance strength. Aerobic fitness was measured directly during a maximal cycle ergometer test. Adiposity was expressed as waist circumference (WC). The girls had significantly higher levels of CRP, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α compared with the boys. We observed a graded association of CRP and leptin levels across quintiles of WC, aerobic fitness, and muscle fitness (P ≤ 0.001 for all participants). The regression analyses revealed that WC, aerobic fitness, and muscle fitness were independently associated with the CRP (WC β = 0.158, P < 0.001; aerobic fitness β = -0.190, P < 0.001; muscle fitness β = -0.122, P < 0.002) after adjustments for sex, age, Tanner pubertal stage, and the other independent variables. The same pattern was observed for leptin levels (WC β = 0.406, P < 0.001; aerobic fitness β = -0.298, P < 0.001; muscle fitness β = -0.064, P < 0.036). These data represent a reference material with respect to inflammatory markers. Our results show that adiposity, aerobic fitness, and muscle fitness were independently associated with the CRP and leptin levels.

Fecal Microbiota Composition Differs Between Children With β-Cell Autoimmunity and Those Without

The role of the intestinal microbiota as a regulator of autoimmune diabetes in animal models is well-established, but data on human type 1 diabetes are tentative and based on studies including only a few study subjects. To exclude secondary effects of diabetes and HLA risk genotype on gut microbiota, we compared the intestinal microbiota composition in children with at least two diabetes-associated autoantibodies (n = 18) with autoantibody-negative children matched for age, sex, early feeding history, and HLA risk genotype using pyrosequencing. Principal component analysis indicated that a low abundance of lactate-producing and butyrate-producing species was associated with β-cell autoimmunity. In addition, a dearth of the two most dominant Bifidobacterium species, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, and an increased abundance of the Bacteroides genus were observed in the children with β-cell autoimmunity. We did not find increased fecal calprotectin or IgA as marker of inflammation in children with β-cell autoimmunity. Functional studies related to the observed alterations in the gut microbiome are warranted because the low abundance of bifidobacteria and butyrate-producing species could adversely affect the intestinal epithelial barrier function and inflammation, whereas the apparent importance of the Bacteroides genus in development of type 1 diabetes is insufficiently understood.