Serum IL-18 Levels Research Articles

Interleukin-18 promoter −137 G/C polymorphism (rs187238) is associated with biochemical markers of renal function and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients

BackgroundInterleukin-18 (IL-18), a proinflammatory and proatherogenic cytokine, has been associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke and coronary artery disease. Some studies have indicated that the IL-18 promoter −137 G/C polymorphism seems to be associated with changes in the IL-18 expression and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between −137 G/C polymorphism and the levels of IL-18, biochemical markers for cardiovascular disorders, anthropometric profile and cardiovascular disease in Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Design & Methods. Study subjects comprised 125 T2DM patients undergoing follow-up at a reference endocrinology service in northeastern Brazil. The −137G/C polymorphism in the IL-18 gene and serum IL-18 levels were determined by using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immune assay (ELISA), respectively. The anthropometric parameters were assessed using a Body Composition Monitor with Scale, and the laboratory data were measured using an automatic analyzer as well as spectrophotometric analysis. Results. The genotype distribution of IL-18 –137 G/C genetic polymorphism was significantly different among T2DM patients with and without CVD. The results show an association between the CC genotype of −137G/C polymorphism and CVD in T2DM patients (p < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in CC carriers (843.1 pg/mL) compared with GG or GC carriers (303.6 pg/mL and 292.0 pg/mL, respectively). In addition, the present study showed that carriers of the CC genotype also had significantly higher concentrations of creatinine and albuminuria than carriers of the GG or GC genotypes (p < 0.05 in both). Conclusion. These results suggest that Brazilian T2DM patients with the CC genotype seem to show a predisposition to CVD, as well as an elevation in markers of renal function.

Interleukin-35 inhibits human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury induced by sera from pre-eclampsia patients by up-regulating S100A8 protein expression

ABSTRACT Objectives The protective effects of interleukin(IL)-35 against injury to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by the serum of pre-eclampsia patients were analyzed. Methods This cross-sectional study included 24 patients with pre-eclampsia (PE) and 24 normotensive pregnant women. Results Compared to normotensive pregnant women, patients with pre-eclampsia had lower IL-35 levels (P < 0.05). In addition, our in vitro experiments, IL-35 inhibited the PE serum-induced apoptosis of HUVECs and the levels of reactive oxygen species in HUVECs. Conclusion Decreases in the serum IL-35 level may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in patients with pre-eclampsia.

Serum IL-21 levels from celiac disease patients correlates with anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies and mucosal damage

Objectives: Coeliac disease is a multifactorial disorder influenced by environmental, genetic and immunological factors. Interleukin (IL)-21 has been linked to an increase disease risk and the serum level of IL-21 seems to be increased in CD compared to a healthy control population.Methods: Sera were collected from 160 CD patients, 120 untreated and 40 following a gluten-free diet, and form 45 healthy subjects. Serum IL-21 was evaluated by specific ELISA tests.Results: Our data show that patients with untreated CD display IL-21 concentrations significantly higher than both treated-CD patients (following a gluten-free diet) and controls. In addition, serum IL-21 correlates with serum titres of anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies. Finally, our results show a correlation of this cytokine with duodenal mucosal damage.Conclusions: A role of gluten, as antigen with stimulatory function on IL-21 production, seems to be confirmed by the longitudinal analyses showing that the gluten-free diet decreases to a nearly undetectable amount this cytokine. In addition, the finding of a positive correlation between the serum amount of IL-21 and the grade of duodenal mucosa damage suggests a strong immunomodulatory effect of this cytokine on cytotoxic T lymphocyte functions. This study provides an extra evidence to emerging data on the potential role IL-21 in CD pathogenesis, suggesting its involvement in the development and progression of CD. Significance statement: In untreated CD, serum IL-21 shows higher levels compared with treated CD and healthy subjects. Serum amounts of IL-21 correlate with anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies and with duodenal mucosa damage.

Dysregulated TFR and TFH cells correlate with B‐cell differentiation and antibody production in autoimmune hepatitis

Follicular helper T (TFH) cell provides germinal centre (GC) B cell with critical signals for autoantibody production in the immunopathogenesis and progression of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, the immunoregulatory functions of follicular regulatory T (TFR) cell in AIH are still unclear. The numbers of circulating TFR/TFH cells were measured in AIH patients. Moreover, we established experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) model to examine the function of TFR cells on B‐cell differentiation and autoantibody production in vivo and vitro. AIH patients had significantly increased numbers of TFH cells and decreased numbers of TFR cells as well as imbalanced TFR/TFH‐type cytokines (IL‐10, TGF‐β1 and IL‐21) compared with healthy controls (HCs). In addition, TFR cell numbers negatively correlated with TFH cell numbers. Also, serum hypergammaglobulinaemia (IgG and IgM) concentration negatively correlated the levels of serum IL‐21, but positively correlated with the levels of serum IL‐10 in AIH patients. Furthermore, in comparison with control group, significantly higher frequencies of spleen TFR cells but lower frequencies of spleen TFH cells were detected in the EAH group. Further analysis found that TFR cells simultaneously express the phenotypic characteristics of Treg and TFH cells, but exercise as negative regulators of autoantibody production in vitro culture. Our findings demonstrated that dysregulated between TFR and TFH cells might cause excessive production of autoantibodies and destruction of the immune homeostasis, leading to the immunopathological process in AIH.

Assessment of Serum IL-15 in Adult Acute Leukemia Patients

Abstract Background Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a proinflammatory cytokine, regulates the functions of the immune system and controls the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. However, it may also promote the development of leukemia through its role in enhancing the survival, proliferation and differentiation of leukemic precursors. Aim of the work To assess expression of IL-15 level in adult Egyptian acute leukemia patients, its correlation with disease free survival, overall survival and relapse rate, as well as its possible correlation with other prognostic parameters. Patients and methods Serum IL-15 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, 30 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and 30 age and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The patients were recruited from clinical hematology department at Ain shams university hospital over the period from April 2017 to October 2018. Results In ALL patients: The serum IL-15 level was higher in ALL patients compared to control subjects (P = 0.015). Patients with ALL with high serum IL 15 level had shorter survival compared to those with low or average serum IL 15 level (P = 0.005). In AML patients: The serum IL-15 level was higher in AML patients compared to control subjects (P = 0.010). Patients with AML with high serum IL 15 level had shorter survival compared to those with low or average serum IL 15 level (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Serum IL15 level has negative correlation with the date of death in patients with AML (P = 0.001). Conclusion Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a useful poor prognostic marker in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia, also it can be used as a predictor for survival. Abbreviations AML (acute myeloid leukemia), ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), IL-15 (Interleukin 15).

Serum Ghrelin Levels in Saudi Obese Asthmatic School-Children-Correlation with Interleukin-4, Interleukin-5, and Interleukin-21.

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with direct or indirect effects on obesity and asthma. More data are required to understand the effect of ghrelin on the control and pathogenesis of these diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate ghrelin levels in selected groups of children to identify the association between serum ghrelin, obesity, and the severity of asthma. The study included 401 school children selected from the Najran area and grouped into non-obese asthmatics, obese asthmatics, obese non-asthmatics and controls (non-obese non-asthmatics). Blood levels of ghrelin, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-21 were determined by ELISA. The mean ghrelin values were insignificantly increased in obese children compared with non-obese children. The highest blood ghrelin values were in the non-obese asthmatic group. Serum ghrelin, IL-4 and IL-21 levels were significantly increased in asthmatic children compared with non-asthmatic children (p < 0.05), and there were significant positive correlations between ghrelin and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-21 in asthmatic children. Furthermore, ghrelin, IL-4, and IL-21 levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled asthmatics compared with controlled-asthmatic children (p < 0.05). Asthma was the only significant risk factor for high ghrelin values. This study provides evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory role of ghrelin in the pathogenesis of asthma. Asthma might be considered as an important determinant of high ghrelin values in children.

Salivary and serum interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without periodontitis.

Interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-18 have been proposed to play important roles in periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), but human data are conflicting. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of IL-17A and IL-18 in periodontitis and DM by measuring salivary and serum levels, respectively. A total of 49 participants with type 2 DM and 25 control subjects without type 2 DM were recruited. A periodontal screening and recording (PSR) index (0, 1-2, 3, and 4) was used to classify whether these subjects had periodontitis. Salivary and serum IL-17A and IL-18 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between these cytokines and clinical parameters. Salivary IL-17A levels were not significantly different between patients with DM and controls, however, the levels were significantly higher in controls with periodontitis than those without periodontitis (p = 0.031). Salivary IL-17A levels were significantly associated with the PSR index (β = 0.369, p = 0.011). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed the association of salivary IL-18 levels and fasting plasma glucose (β = 0.270, p = 0.022) whereas serum IL-18 levels were associated with HbA1C (β = 0.293, p = 0.017). No correlation between salivary and serum levels of IL-17A and IL-18 was found. Salivary IL-17A was strongly associated with periodontitis, whereas salivary IL-18 was associated with FPG and serum IL-18 was associated with HbA1C. These results suggest the role of these cytokines in periodontal inflammation and DM.

Role of NLRP3-Inflammasome/Caspase-1/Galectin-3 Pathway on Atrial Remodeling in Diabetic Rabbits.

Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are usually associated with enhanced inflammatory response. The effect of the "NACHT, LRR and PYD domain containing protein 3" (NLRP3)-inflammasome/caspase-1/galectin-3 pathway and the potential benefits of NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor glibenclamide (GLB) on atrial remodeling in the DM state are still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that higher AF inducibility and conduction inhomogeneity, slower epicardial conduction velocity, and increased amount of fibrosis in diabetic rabbits as against normal ones were markedly reduced by GLB. Atrial caspase-1 activity as well as serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were elevated in diabetic animals but suppressed by GLB. Moreover, GLB decreased the DM-induced protein expression enhancement of NLRP3, Gal-3, TGF-β1, and CaV1.2 according to western blot analysis. Summarily, our findings indicate that the NLRP3-inflammasome/caspase-1/Gal-3 signaling pathway is related to the pathogenesis of AF in the diabetic state. NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor GLB prevents AF inducibility and moderates atrial structural remodeling in DM.

New Findings on Autoimmune Etiology of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Serum IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 Levels of Patients

Background Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) is a benign chronic inflammatory breast disease that mimics breast cancer, and the etiopathogenesis has not yet been fully evaluated. Autoimmunity has received the most focus as a possible etiology. Our aim in this prospective clinical study was to investigate the possible association between the cytokines, interleukin IL-17, IL-22, IL-23 and IGM. Materials and Methods The current study was conducted in 26 women with histopathologically diagnosed IGM, and 15 control women of reproductive age having no breast disease history. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 were determined. Results In the analysis of variables, the patients with IGM and the control group had statistically significant differences between serum IL-22 titers (p = 0.0378) and IL-23 titers (p = 0.0469. No statistically significant difference was found between IGM patients and the control group in serum IL-17 titers (p = 0.9724). Conclusion The results of the current study, especially pertaining to serum IL-22 and IL-23 levels, support the etiopathogenesis of IGM in favor of the autoinflammatory thesis. Nevertheless, this thesis should be supported by a large case number and prospective clinical studies.

Cytokine Profiles in Human Parechovirus Type 3-induced Sepsis-like Syndrome.

We aimed to assess the kinetics of the release of proinflammatory cytokines and to clarify clinical usefulness as an indicator of the disease activity in human parechovirus type 3 virus (HPeV3)-induced sepsis-like syndrome. We measured serum levels of neopterin, interleukin (IL)-6 and the soluble forms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor types I (sTNF-RI) and II (sTNF-RII). Serum samples were obtained from 12 patients with HPeV3-induced sepsis-like syndrome and 28 healthy children. Disease course after onset was divided into 3 phases: early (day 1-2), peak (day 3-6) and recovery (day 9-16) phases. Serum IL-6 levels rapidly and markedly elevated in early phase and gradually decreased to those in healthy children in recovery phase. Furthermore, serum neopterin, sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II levels increased rapidly and markedly in onset phase and remained elevated in peak phase. These levels gradually decreased in recovery phase. Serum IL-18 levels increased from onset phase to peak phase and decreased in recovery phase. These results indicate that proinflammatory cytokines, in particular, interferon gamma, TNF-α and IL-18 are closely related to the development of HPeV3-induced sepsis-like syndrome. Serum levels of these cytokines might be a useful indicator of the disease activity.

IL-18 and IL-18 binding protein concentration in ovarian follicular fluid of women with unexplained infertility to PCOS during in vitro fertilization

The correlation between the concentration of interleukin (IL) 18 in follicular fluid and the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is unclear. Therefore, we tested the IL-18 and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) levels in follicular fluid (FF) and serum in PCOS women undergoing reproductive measures and to explore their possibly correlation with PCOS. Serum and pooled follicular fluid levels of IL-18, IL-18BP and IL-18/IL-18BP ratios were evaluated in sixty patients with PCOS and sixty women with unexplained infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization. The FF IL-18 levels were increased in PCOS group than the CON group (p < 0.01), and the IL-18 levels were significantly higher in the FF than in serum in PCOS group. Furthermore, the elevated FF IL-18 levels have no correlation with the serum IL-18 levels. Additionally, the expression of IL-18 in the follicular fluid of the overweight PCOS patients was increased compared to the normal weight PCOS patients, while in the overweight patients, FF IL-18 was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group. The FF IL-18 and IL-18BP may have a local involvement in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The PCOS itself and overweight will aggravate the local inflammatory response in the ovary. Further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

Analysis of the correlation between IL-23, IL-17and β-cell function in latent autoimmune diabetes in adult patients

Objective To determine interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17 level in latent autoimmune diabetes in adult (LADA) patients, and to explore the relationship of IL-23, IL-17and β-cell function in these patients. Methods Forty LADA patients from 2011 to 2016 in our hospital were selected as LADA group, and forty participants were as normal control group. Clinical and biochemical data was collected and the level of the IL-23 and IL-17 was measured with the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The differences in interleukin levels among the two groups were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used for investigating the relationship between the dependent of statistical significant interleukins and the independent data in the LADA patients, all closely related variables then were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Results The levels of serum IL-23 , IL-17 and IL-23/IL-17 were significantly higher in LADA group than those in control groups [3.54(2.88~5.24)μg/L vs 1.98(1.62~2.18)μg/L, P<0.05], [22.42(17.71~26.07)ng/L vs 17.97(17.15~20.70)ng/L, P<0.05], (175.79±38.67 vs 105.22±19.08, P<0.01). IL-23 and IL-17 in the LADA group were negatively correlated with fasting C peptide (FCP) (r=-0.42, r=-0.48, P<0.05), and the ratio of IL-23/IL-17 was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r=0.44, P=0.00). Stepwise multiple liner regression analysis showed that serum IL-23 and IL-17 level were independently associated with the FCP in LADA group. Conclusions IL-23 and IL-17 were possibly important proinflammatory factor in LADA patients, and can provide the new immunodiagnosis markers for LADA. Key words: Interleukin-23; Interleukin-17; Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults; C-peptide

Correlation of serum interleukin-31 with pruritus and blood eosinophil markers in children with atopic dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease in children. Interleukin (IL) 31 is a recently discovered cytokine associated with chronic skin inflammation and pruritus. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine whether serum IL-31 levels are increased in children with AD and to examine the relationship between IL-31 and other clinical biomarkers in AD. Methods: Serum cytokine levels, including IL-31, IL-4, and IL-12, were measured in 38 patients with AD and 10 healthy children. Peripheral blood eosinophils, serum immunoglobulin E levels, eosinophil cationic protein, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were measured. We also estimated the clinical severity of AD by using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index by a single clinician. Results: The serum IL-31 levels were significantly higher in the patients with AD than in the healthy children. IL-31 correlated well with the SCORAD index and blood eosinophilic inflammatory markers. The serum level of TSLP was also higher in patients with AD than in the healthy children; however, levels of IL-4 and IL-12 were not different between AD and healthy children. There was no significant difference in serum IL-31 levels between patients with atopic AD and nonatopic AD. Conclusion: This study showed that serum IL-31 levels were significantly elevated in patients with AD than in the healthy children and correlated well with disease severity. IL-31 seemed to be one of the cytokines that induce pruritus and eosinophilic inflammation in AD. Serum IL-31 correlated with pruritic symptoms and disease course of AD.

DIFFERENCES IN INTERLEUKIN 18 LEVELS IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY AND NON-DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY PATIENTS

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in diabetics. In this disease damage to the kidney filter or known as glomerulus. Therefore causing glomerular damage, the amount of blood protein is excreted into the urine abnormally. IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced from activated macrophages, serum IL-18 levels are produced to increase in patients with diabetic nephropathy. IL-18 which affects the production of other proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial apoptosis, ICAM-1 certification enhancement. Thus, IL-18 may be an important factor not only in the process of atherosclerosis but also in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Aim: Knowing the IL-18 levels in diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic nephropathy patients. Methods: The study was conducted using the Cross Section method. This study took blood samples from 60 diabetic patients, of which 30 patients with nephropathy and 30 patients with type 2 diabetes. Then took 5 ml of blood from a vein and assessed serum IL-18 levels in all patients. Results: The study was conducted for 3 months, 41 men (68.3%) 19 women (37.1%). Serum IL-18 levels were significantly increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with patients with type 2 diabetes (362.7 vs 55.7 pg / ml, p &lt;0.001) Conclusions: Increased IL-18 levels in diabetic nephropathy patients can be used as prognostic events for diabetic nephropathy.

Serum Soluble ST2 as a Novel Biomarker Reflecting Inflammatory Status and Disease Severity in Patients with COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), currently impacts over 100 countries. Soluble ST2 (sST2) is secreted and detectable in human serum, which acts as a decoy receptor for interleukin (IL)-33 to prevent IL-33-mediated T cell immune responses. Serum sST2 has been found to be a novel biomarker in several viral infectious diseases. Here, we studies the role of sST2 in COVID-19 and its relationship with inflammatory status and disease severity. Methods: A total of 80 subjects diagnosed as COVID-19 were recruited in this study, including 36 mild, 41 severe and 3 asymptomatic cases. On admission the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid protein (SAA), IL-6 and procalcitonin (PCT) were collected, and T lymphocyte subsets were tested by flow cytometry. Serum levels of sST2 and IL-33 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Findings: Serum sST2 levels were significantly increased in patients with COVID-19. Line regression analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between serum sST2 and CRP level in COVID-19 patients. Conversely, serum sST2 levels negatively correlated with CD4+ and CD8 + T lymphocyte counts. Moreover, dynamic changes of serum sST2 persisted at a high level in severe cases. No obvious difference in the levels of serum IL-33 was observed between the control subjects and COVID-19 patients. Interpretation: Surveillance of serum sST2 is helpful in the early screening of inflammatory status and critical illness of COVID-19. High sST2 level combined with the decreased T lymphocytes may reflect the dysregulated T cell immune response and infection severity. Funding Statement: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81501033). Declaration of Interests: All authors have not any financial conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the ethics committee of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (No. 2019125). Written informed consent was obtained from patients.

Serum interleukin-18 and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Interleukin-18 (IL-18), known as a member of IL-1 family cytokines, is found to be elevated as a part of the chronic low-grade inflammatory process in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) exhibited a higher level of IL-18 in the serum. Objective To study the relation between serum IL-18 and CIMT in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and methods A total of 60 patients diagnosed as having T2D and 30 age-matched and sex-matched patients as a control group were recruited in this study. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of diabetic nephropathy. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations including serum IL-18 (by ELISA) and CIMT of both common carotid arteries were carried out. Results Mean serum IL-18 level was significantly increased in patients with T2DM when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase in the mean serum IL-18 in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with those patients without nephropathy. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between serum IL-18 and CIMT, glycated hemoglobin, serum lipids, creatinine, urea, and urinary protein in patients with T2DM (group I) (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion Serum IL-18 level and CIMT were higher in T2DM than that in controls and in diabetic patients with nephropathy compared with those without nephropathy. Higher serum IL-18 levels correlated with larger CIMT, suggesting a role of IL-18 in atherosclerosis.

Regulatory T cell and cytokine changes in children undergoing 3 days rush venom immunotherapy.

Rush venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the recommended treatment for patients with Hymenoptera anaphylaxis. Specific data regarding regulatory T cell and cytokine changes in children receiving rush VIT are sparse. To study the changing of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and serum cytokines in children undergoing 3 days rush VIT. Children younger than 15 years with systemic reaction to Hymenoptera who had evidence of IgE sensitization to Hymenoptera were enrolled for 3 days rush VIT. Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg and serum IL-4, IL5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were measured at baseline before rush VIT, achieving maintenance dose, 6 months, and 12 months after reaching maintenance dose. Specific IgE to Hymenoptera was measured at baseline and 12 months after VIT. A total of 15 children (11 boys and 4 girls) aged 6-15 years (mean age, 10 years) were enrolled. Four children were allergic to bee and 11 children were allergic to Vespid. The levels of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg were significantly increased at 6 months after maintenance dose compared with baseline (6.58% VS 4.01%, p = 0.001). Serum IL-13, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels did not change significantly from baseline. However, there was a significant reduction of IL-4 in the serum at 12 months after MN when compared to the baseline levels. The systemic reaction requiring epinephrine intramuscular injection occurred only in 1 case who was on Vespid venoms rush VIT. Three days rush VIT provide acceptable systemic reaction and able to increase the number of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg in children.

Aberrant expansion of circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ CCR7lo PD1hi Tfh precursor cells in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

To determine circulating follicular T helper (Tfh) cell precursor and its relationship with clinical characteristics in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). The study population included 47 patients with IIM and 30 healthy controls. Circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ CCR7lo PD-1hi T cells and intracellular interleukin (IL)-21 were assessed by flow cytometry. Serum IL-21 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The disease activity was evaluated using myositis disease activity assessment visual analog scales (VAS) as well as muscle and physician global assessment (PGA). The percentage of the CCR7lo PD-1hi subset cells within CD4+ CXCR5+ T cells was significantly increased in patients with IIM compared to that in healthy controls (14.3±6.5 vs 11.4±2.6, P=.009). Patients with higher percentages of CCR7lo PD-1hi subsets presented with higher PGA VAS (P=.000), muscle VAS (P=.000), as well as serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels (P=.000) than those with lower percentages of CCR7lo PD-1hi subsets. IL-21 expression significantly increased in CD4+ CXCR5+ CCR7lo PD-1hi T cells in patients with IIM compared to that in healthy controls (26.07±7.38 vs 19.25±5.67, P=.001). Meanwhile, both the CCR7lo PD-1hi subset and intracellular IL-21 expression in IIM patients showed significantly positive correlation with PGA VAS, muscle VAS and serum CK levels. Circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ CCR7lo PD-1hi T cells and intracellular IL-21 decreased significantly when disease was improved (P=.018; P=.028). The percentage of circulating CCR7lo PD-1hi subset among total CD4+ CXCR5+ T cells and intracellular IL-21 expression expanded and showed significant correlation with disease activity in IIM. The circulating follicular helper T cell precursor may be involved in the pathogenesis, especially muscle injury in IIM.

Anti-IgE Significantly Changes Circulating Interleukin-25, Vitamin-D and Interleukin-33 Levels in Patients with Allergic Asthma.

Multi-center, randomized-controlled trials and observational studies have demonstrated that, in severe asthmatic patients receiving omalizumab treatment, the frequency of exacerbations, the number of urgent adverse events, and the need for oral steroids tend to decrease. This study included a total of 32 patients. The patients were divided into two groups as Group IA (pre-omalizumab) and Group IB (post-omalizumab). Serum IL-25 and IL-33 levels were measured and the number of emergency admissions, length of hospitalization (day), Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) value were analyzed. ACT and FeNO values increased after omalizumab treatment, while IL-33, IL-25 levels decreased after the completion of omalizumab treatment. Furthermore, there was a weak, positive, and significant relationship between the changes in the ECP levels and IL-33 levels (r=0.38, p=0.03). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare circulating IL-25 and IL-33 levels with specific IgE synthesis in the literature. Multivariate correlation analysis showed that the changes in serum IL-33 levels were significantly correlated with the changes in the mite sIgE levels and length of hospital stay (Fmodel=11.2, p=0.01, r2=0.45). On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the other variables and changes in the IL-25 levels.

Serum levels of interleukin-34 and clinical correlation in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

To measure the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-34 in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and evaluate the cytokine's clinical association with the disease. Serum samples were obtained from 66 pSS patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs) and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-34 levels. The clinical parameters, including autoantibodies, immunoglobulins (Igs), complements (Cs), inflammatory indicators, involvement of the blood system, lung and arthritis, were collected simultaneously. Two-sample t test was applied for comparison between 2 groups, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the associations between IL-34 levels and laboratory parameters. Serum IL-34 levels were significantly elevated in pSS patients compared with HCs. Patients with anti-Ro/SSA antibody positivity showed higher serum IL-34 levels than those who were negative, as did the anti-La/SSB antibody-positive patients. Serum IL-34 levels were positively associated with the levels of rheumatoid factor, IgG and gamma-globulin, but not associated with IgA, IgM, C3, C4, erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein. For the pSS subgroups with and without leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia or interstitial lung disease (ILD), there was no significant difference in serum IL-34 levels. Interestingly, the pSS patients with arthritis had higher levels of IL-34 compared with the no-arthritis patients. IL-34 may be involved in B cell activation and production of antibodies in pSS.