Serum Interleukin-6 Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of severe influenza as a risk factor for febrile seizures in children: a retrospective analysis.

To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe influenza combined with febrile seizures, and to provide more basis for early clinical intervention. A total of 161 children with severe influenza were collected as study subjects and divided into convulsive (FC) group (40 cases) and non-convulsive (NFC) group (121 cases) according to whether they had febrile seizures. The demographic characteristics and clinical data of the two groups were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of severe influenza combined with febrile seizures. The predictive efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. (1) Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, Days from onset of Flu symptoms to hospitalization, cerebrospinal fluid protein (CSF-TP) levels and the influenza virus type A (FluA) infection rate were found to be independent risk factors for severe influenza combined with febrile seizures in children. (2) ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of CRP, Serum IL-6, Days from onset of Flu symptoms to hospitalization and CSF-TP were 7.57 mg/L, 9.84 pg/ml, 4.5 days and 194.8 mg/L, respectively. Children with severe influenza with CRP ≥ 7.57 mg/L, Serum IL-6 ≥ 9.84 pg/ml, Days from onset of Flu symptoms to hospitalization ≤4.5 days, CSF-TP ≥ 194.8 mg/L and FluA had a significantly increased risk of febrile seizures. It is useful for clinicians to determine the risk of severe influenza combined with febrile seizures, to adjust the early treatment plan, and to reduce the incidence of critically ill patients.

Evaluation of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in COVID-19 Patients.

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study analyzed soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) plasma levels alongside routine inflammatory markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and D-dimers in COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the Omicron wave of the pandemic. Methods: We measured plasma suPAR levels using a suPARnostic® Quick Triage kit. We divided COVID-19 patients into two groups based on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria. The logistic regression analysis tested the predictive value of the biomarkers. Results: We evaluated 160 consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized between January and August 2022. The cohort exhibited a high incidence of comorbidities, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 5.6%. Upon admission, the median suPAR plasma levels were not significantly different between patients with mild COVID-19 (n = 110) and those with moderate/severe disease (n = 50), with 7.25 ng/mL and 7.55 ng/mL, respectively. We observed significant differences (p < 0.01) between the groups for CRP and IL-6 levels that were higher in moderate/severe disease than in mild infection. Additionally, suPAR plasma levels were above the normal range (0-2.00 ng/mL) in all patients, with a significant positive correlation identified between suPAR levels and serum IL-6, PCT, and creatinine levels. Conclusions: These findings indicate that COVID-19 during the Omicron wave is strongly associated with elevated suPAR levels; however, these levels do not directly correlate with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Serum Albumin and Interleukin 6 Levels as Risk Factors of Morbidity and Mortality in Burn Patients

Serum Albumin and Interleukin 6 Levels as Risk Factors of Morbidity and Mortality in Burn Patients

Heat shock protein 70 promotes the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 and thereby promoting Th17/Treg imbalance.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. We aimed to investigate the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and helper T cells 17 (Th17) in the development and progression of DN. A mouse type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) model was established. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of HSP70 and Tim-3 in mouse kidney tissues, and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of HSP70 and Tim-3. PAS staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to detect the degree of kidney injury. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of Th17 and Treg cells in blood and kidney tissues. The expression levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the serum were measured via ELISA. The expression of HSP70 was significantly increased while the expression of Tim-3 was significantly decreased in the kidneys of mice in the T2DN group compared with those in the control (NC) group. Additionally, the inhibition of HSP70 upregulated the expression of Tim-3 in T2DN mice. The Th17/Treg ratio was significantly greater in the blood and kidneys of the mice in the T2DN group than in those of the NC group, the expression of serum IL-17 was increased, and the expression of IL-10 was decreased. Increased HSP70 inhibits Tim-3 expression in T2DN mouse kidney tissues, and subsequently causes a Th17/Treg imbalance and an inflammatory response, ultimately leading to kidney injury. The inhibition of HSP70 may alleviate the progression of T2DN.

Association of IL-6 G-174C (rs1800795) variant with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis

AimAn ineffective immune response resulting from dysregulation of cytokine production might encourage viral persistence and cause chronic viral hepatitis to worsen. This study examined the relationship between alterations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and the IL-6 − 174 G > C (rs1800795) polymorphism, as well as how this polymorphism affects the development and progression of chronic hepatitis brought on by hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Patients and methodsWhole blood samples from 126 Egyptian patients with HCC (111 with HCV and 15 with HBV), as well as 126 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, were used to extract DNA. Using PCR-based allele-specific amplification (ASA), the existence of the IL-6 G-174C polymorphism was investigated. Additionally, each participant's serum IL-6 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe primary observations revealed that HCC patients had greater serum levels of IL-6 compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). Patients with the variant (CG and GG) genotype in the HCC group were found to have more disease severity indicated by higher levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a higher ascites grade, as well as increased inflammatory activity as defined by higher levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001 for both) in comparison to patients with the wild-type (CC) genotype (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).ConclusionThe rs1800795 SNP in the IL-6 gene was associated with increased inflammatory activity and high levels of IL-6, indicating that this SNP may play a role in the development of HCC in Egyptian patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Serum interleukin-10 level is increased and correlated positively with disease severity in patients with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor-related bullous pemphigoid.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease with a linear deposit of autoantibodies at the epidermal basement membrane zone. It was reported that diabetes patients who took a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i), an oral antidiabetic drug, had an increased incidence of BP. However, data on DPP4i-related BP are limited. In our study, we measured serum levels of various cytokines using LEGENDplex and assessed correlations of these serum levels with clinical severity and laboratory data. Serum samples obtained from BP patients who visited our hospital from June 2016 to February 2023 were collected in this study. Patients' background, characteristics, and clinical data were retrospectively collected from their charts. Serum samples from 27 patients with DPP4i-unrelated BP, 17 patients with DPP4i-related BP, and 13 healthy controls were analyzed. Patients with DPP4i-related BP had lower score of Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI)-erythema/urticaria, lower number of circulating eosinophils, and lower titer of anti-BP180 antibody than patients with DPP4i-unrelated BP. The serum interleukin (IL)-6 level was significantly higher in patients with DPP4i-related BP than in healthy controls (P = 0.0037). The serum IL-10 level was significantly higher in patients with DPP4i-related BP than in patients with DPP4i-unrelated BP and in healthy controls (P = 0.0006, P = 0.0448), and was positively correlated with the BPDAI-blister/erosions score (r = 0.757, P = 0.001), BPDAI-erythema/urticaria score (r = 0.616, P = 0.013), and BPDAI-total score (r = 0.833, P < 0.001) in patients with DPP4i-related BP. In conclusion, patients with DPP4i-related BP had increased serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 compared with healthy controls and positive correlations between the serum IL-10 level and BPDAI scores reflecting clinical severity, indicating that the serum IL-10 level is a potential objective biomarker of disease severity in patients with DPP4i-related BP.

Gardenia jasminoides extract mitigates acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice

BackgroundAcetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity is a potentially life-threatening condition. Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract (GJE), which contains geniposide (Gen) as its major active constituent, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help address the underlying pathogenesis of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GJE in a mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.MethodsTwenty-four male ICR mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): [1] Control group, mice were given distilled water; [2] APAP group, mice received a single dose of 600 mg/kg APAP; [3] APAP + low-dose GJE group, mice received APAP followed 30 min later by 2 doses of low-dose GJE (0.44 g/kg/dose, containing Gen 100 mg/kg/dose) 8 h apart; [4] APAP + high-dose GJE group, mice received APAP followed by 2 doses of high-dose GJE (0.88 g/kg/dose, containing Gen 200 mg/kg/dose). All mice were euthanized 24 h after APAP administration. Liver tissue was used for histological examination and to measure glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Serum was used to determine levels of ALT and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)).ResultsLiver histopathology showed moderate to severe hepatic necroinflammation in the APAP group, whereas only mild necroinflammation was observed in both treatment groups. Serum ALT levels were significantly elevated in the APAP group compared to the control group but were significantly reduced after low- and high-dose GJE treatment. Serum TNF- α levels were significantly higher in the APAP group than in the control group and were significantly lower after high-dose GJE treatment (135.5 ± 477.2 vs. 35.5 ± 25.8 vs. 74.7 ± 47.2 vs. 41.4 ± 50.8 pg/mL, respectively). Serum IL-6 followed a similar pattern. Hepatic GSH levels were significantly lower in the APAP group compared to the control group but significantly increased after both low- and high-dose GJE treatment (19.9 ± 4.5 vs. 81.5 ± 12.4 vs. 71.4 ± 7.8 vs. 82.6 ± 6.6 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Conversely, hepatic MDA levels were significantly elevated in the APAP group compared with the control group but significantly decreased after high-dose GJE treatment (108.6 ± 201.5 vs. 40.5 ± 18.0 vs. 40.5 ± 16.8 nmol/mg protein, respectively).ConclusionsTreatment with G. jasminoides fruit extract can alleviate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, likely through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Systemic profile of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and its changes in patients with cataract after surgery

Background. Due to its high prevalence and morbidity, cataract is an urgent medical and social problem. In recent years, immune inflammation, in particular the immune regulation of dystrophic processes, has been of great importance in the pathogenesis of eye diseases. Immunological disorders play a crucial role in the development of age-related eye diseases (cataract, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration). The effect of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines on the development of age-related cataract remains understudied, as well at their role in predicting the course of the postoperative period after extraction of age-related cataract has not been fully stu­died, which determines the relevance of the study. The objective: to assess the state of cytokine profile in patients with age-related cataract by determining the content of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) interleukins in blood serum before and after surgical treatment of cataract. Materials and methods. The level of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) was studied before and after surgical treatment in 28 patients with age-related cataract (56 eyes), 8 men and 20 women aged 42 to 82 years. The average age of the patients was 71.79 ± 1.90 years. Serum content of cytokines was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using test systems Vector-Best-Ukraine. Results. There was no excess of IL-1β and IL-6 reference values in the blood serum of patients with age-related cataract prior to surgical treatment. Analysis of the pro-inflammatory IL-6 in these patients depending on sex revealed a significant increase in its level by 1.3 times in men and a significant decrease by 1.1 times in women compared to its average content (p &lt; 0.06 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively). The level of anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 in the blood serum of the examined patients was within the reference values. When studying the content of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins in serum depending on sex and age in patients with age-related cataract aged 75 years and older, there was a statistically significant increase in IL-6 and IL-10. In this age group, the level of IL-6 was 1.4 times higher in men compared to women, and IL-10 was 1.8 times higher in women than in men. In patients with age-related cataract after surgical treatment, serum content of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory IL-4, IL-10 was higher than levels before surgery. The highest levels of IL-1β, IL-6 were in patients with postoperative corneal edema. Serum content of IL-6 in patients with postoperative corneal edema was higher compared to that of IL-1β. Levels of IL-4, IL-10 were higher in patients with postoperative corneal edema, IL-10 in these patients prevailed over IL-4. Conclusions. In patients with age-rela­ted cataract, the content of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood serum corresponds to reference values and has no signi­ficant differences from the control group. However, determination of the cytokine profile in people with age-related cataract revealed a violation of the systemic immunological status depending on age and gender. According to our results, patients with age-related cataract over 75 years of age had a significant increase in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in blood serum. In this age group, IL-6 was higher in men and IL-10 was higher in women. We also noted the absence of significant differences in the content of IL-1β, which may indicate a more specific value of IL-6 levels for the development of cataract. In patients with age-related cataract after surgical treatment, serum levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory IL-4, IL-10 were higher than preoperative ones. The highest levels of IL-1β, IL-6 were in the blood serum of patients with postope­rative corneal edema, and a decrease in the level of IL-4, IL-10 was also noted in cases of corneal edema. Serum content of IL-6 in patients with postoperative corneal edema was higher than that of IL-1β, and IL-10 prevailed over IL-4 levels.

Allelic, Genotypic, and Haplotypic Analysis of Cytokine IL17A, IL17F, and Toll-like Receptor TLR4 Gene Polymorphisms in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Insights from an Exploratory Study.

(1) Background: Interleukin 17 (IL17) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) elevate the risk of metabolic and liver diseases. (2) Methods: This study's objective was to explore the association of IL17 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms with MASLD susceptibility and test their effect on serum IL17 and TLR4 levels. A total of 43 patients with MASLD (MASH/MAFL) and 38 healthy individuals were genotyped for IL17F-A7488G, IL17A-G197A, TLR4-Asp299Gly, and TLR4-Thr399Ile polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP. ELISA methods determined IL17F, IL17A, and TLR4 serum levels. (3) Conclusions: Patients carrying the variant genotypes (A/G + G/G) of IL17-A7448G (OR = 5.25), (G/A + A/A) of IL17-G197A (OR = 10.57), (Asp/Gly + Gly/Gly) of TLR4-Asp299Gly (OR = 3.52), or (Thr/Ile + Ile/Ile) of TLR4-Thr399Ile (OR = 9.87) had significantly increased odds of MASH. Genotype (G/A + A/A) of IL17-G197A was significantly associated with the odds of MAFL (p = 0.0166). Allele A of the IL17-G197A polymorphism was significantly related to increased odds of MAFL (OR = 4.13, p = 0.0133). In contrast, allele A of IL17-G197A (OR = 5.41, p = 0.008), allele Gly of TLR4-Asp299Gly (OR = 3.19, p = 0.046), and allele Ile of TLR4-Thr399Ile (OR = 6.94, p = 0.008) polymorphisms were significantly related to an increased risk of MASH. Allele A of IL17A-G197A, allele Gly of TLR4-Asp299Gly, and allele Ile of TLR4-Thr399Ile gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with the increased odds of MASLD. In patients with MASLD, we found significant influence from the IL17A-G197A gene polymorphism on IL17F levels (p = 0.0343).

Effect of oral doxycycline, azithromycin and isotretinoin on haematological inflammatory markers and interleukin-17A levels in acne vulgaris: a single blinded randomised interventional study.

Amidst the existing literature on the effect of isotretinoin on serum interleukin-17 levels in acne patients, the effects of oral antibiotics azithromycin and doxycycline on serum interleukin-17 is scarce. We conducted an investigator blinded randomized interventional study to compare the effect of doxycycline, azithromycin and isotretinoin on inflammatory markers and Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels in acne. Patients were randomized and received the treatment according to treatment arm till 12 weeks. At baseline and 12 weeks/treatment completion, clinical improvement and Red-cell-distribution width (RDW),Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),Platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), Mean-Platelet volume(MPV), Platelet-distribution width(PDW) and Interleukin-17A levels were analysed. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 120 patients, 110 patients completed the study. Baseline Global acne grading scale (GAGS) in doxycycline, azithromycin or isotretinoin group was 24.32 ± 3.119, 24.12 ± 2.804 and 25.10 ± 3.985 respectively and post-treatment was 5.216 ± 1.88, 7.265 ± 2.17 and 2.769 ± 1.08. All the drugs caused a statistically significant decrease in RDW and IL-17A levels. Baseline levels of IL-17A were significantly higher in patients with higher GAGS and post-acne scarring. One of the limitations of our study was that we excluded severe nodulocystic acne patients thereby these results have to be carefully extrapolated.

Immunological Assessment of Interleukin-6 and 8 in Baghdad Patients with β-thalassemia

A genetic disorder known as β-thalassemia major is characterized by a decreased rate of hemoglobin synthesis, which results in inadequate binding of at least one globin chain. Depending on the exact illness, the actuality of deficiencies may vary. The study's model included participants who were not certain they had β-thalassemia, and a control group of fifty people who did not have the disease. The blood tests were assembled by the Medical city Thalassemia Center. between June 1st and October 31, 2023, to be exact. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum immunological marker levels, namely IL-6 and IL-8, in Iraqi patients suffering from β-thalassemia. The Panel has approved the survey design for the postgraduate examinations at the School of Baghdad. Human interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) unions were evaluated using the protein-associated immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The review's findings demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with β-thalassemia had notably elevated blood levels of IL-6 and IL-8, which is relevant information. IL-6 foci measuring 33.90±3.42 pg/ml were seen in β-thalassemia patients, whereas the reference group showed levels of 25.21±2.93 pg/ml. Comparably, the benchmark group's estimated IL-8 level was found to be 76.86±23.11 pg/ml, but the patient gathering revealed a higher IL-8 degree of 217.10±44.26 pg/ml. The results of this investigation demonstrate that individuals with thalassemia exhibit an insusceptible dysregulation characterized by concurrent inflammation and immunosuppression.

Effect of intravenous versus inhaled anesthetics on blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neuroinflammation in elderly patients undergoing major surgery: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is one of the major complications after surgery, with devastating clinical outcomes. Although POCD is a condition with a multifactorial pathophysiology, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and neuronal injury have been shown to play a critical role, especially in the elderly. Previous studies have demonstrated that the choice of anesthetics affect BBB permeability and neuroinflammation. However, most studies are carried out on animals, with limited research undertaken on humans. Therefore, we will compare the effect of intravenous anesthetics and inhaled anesthetics on BBB dysfunction and the change of inflammatory markers after surgery.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-four patients who are 60 years of age or older undergoing major surgery for more than 2 h will be randomly allocated to two anesthetics groups (intravenous, inhaled) in a 1:1 ratio. In the intravenous anesthetics group (group P), propofol will be infused with a target-controlled infusion (TCI) system throughout the entire surgery. In the inhaled anesthetics group (group G), bolus injection of propofol will be administered for loss of consciousness, and simultaneously sevoflurane will be initiated for the maintenance of anesthesia. The primary outcome is the change in serum S100 calcium binding protein β (S100β) at four time points: before induction of anesthesia, at the end of surgery, 4 h after surgery, postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes include changes in the inflammatory markers, serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein; the incidence of delirium; and the change in the cognitive function between groups. In patients pre-scheduled for postoperative intensive care unit admission, the cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) between the two groups will be compared before and after surgery, and change in inflammatory markers in serum and CSF will be analyzed in relation to the Qalb.DiscussionThe current study will compare the effect of intravenous versus inhaled anesthetics on blood-brain barrier permeability and, as a result, the difference in neuroinflammation in elderly patients. Also, the study results will provide additional information to develop intraoperative anesthetic strategies to reduce POCD.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered at Clinical Trials protocol registration with identifier 2310-117-126 on April 9, 2024.

Systemic Inflammatory Effect of Hypobaria During Aeromedical Evacuation after Porcine Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related morbidity is caused largely by secondary injury resulting from hypoxia, excessive sympathetic drive, and uncontrolled inflammation. Aeromedical evacuation (AE) is used by the military for transport of wounded soldiers to higher levels of care. We hypothesized that the hypobaric, hypoxic conditions of AE may exacerbate uncontrolled inflammation after TBI that could contribute to more severe TBI-related secondary injury. Thirty-six female pigs were used to test TBI vs Sham TBI, hypoxia vs normoxia, and hypobaria vs ground conditions. TBI was induced by controlled cortical injury, hypobaric conditions of 12,000 ft were established in an altitude chamber, and hypoxic exposure was titrated to 85% SpO 2 while at altitude. Serum cytokines, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, and TBI biomarkers were analyzed via ELISA. Gross analysis and staining of cortex and hippocampus tissue was completed for glial fibrillary acidic protein and phosphorylated tau. Serum interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly elevated after TBI in pigs exposed to altitude-induced hypobaria/hypoxia, as well as hypobaria alone, compared with ground level/normoxia. No difference in TBI biomarkers after TBI or hypobaric, hypoxic exposure was noted. No difference in brain tissue glial fibrillary acidic protein or phosphorylated tau when comparing the most different conditions of Sham TBI + ground or normoxia with the TBI + hypobaria/hypoxia group was noted. The hypobaric environment of AE induces systemic inflammation after TBI. Severe inflammation may play a role in exacerbating secondary injury associated with TBI and contribute to worse neurocognitive outcomes. Measures should be taken to minimize barometric and oxygenation changes during AE after TBI.

Analysis of the effect of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2 and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis (AB). METHODS: One hundred and twenty suffers with AB who are treated in the outpatient department during Revised to 2021 to March 2023 are chosen and grouped according to the time of admission and different nursing practices. The control group consists of 60 patients from March 2021 to March 2022 who receive routine outpatient care; the experimental group consists of 60 patients from April 2022 to March 2023, and CICARE communication nursing is implemented additionally. Before and after intervention, the cognitive level of self-care knowledge, the level of peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and the improvement of lung function are compared. RESULTS: Before intervention, there were no remarkable differences in self-care knowledge cognition scores, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and lung function levels between them (P &gt; 0.05). After intervention, the cognitive scores of treatment coordination, medication method, daily attention, diet, and activity in experimental groups are superior to control group (P &lt; 0.05). The levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2 in test groups are inferior to control group (P &lt; 0.05). Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum air volume, and peak flow rate in test groups are superior to control group (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: CICARE communication nursing can improve the cognition level of self-care knowledge of patients with AB, reduce the inflammatory response of the body, and promote the recovery of lung function.

Preliminary application of ulnar cortex transverse transport technique in treatment of upper extremity thromboangiitis obliterans

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of ulnar cortex transverse transport technique in treating upper extremity thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 7 male patients with upper extremity TAO who were admitted and met the inclusion criteria between January 2019 and July 2022. The patients ranged in age from 32 to 50 years, with a mean age of 40.1 years. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, averaging 13.6 months. The smoking history ranged from 8 to 31 years, with a mean of 18.4 years. All patients presented with finger ulcers or gangrene, including 1 case affecting the thumb and index finger, 1 case affecting the index and middle fingers, 1 case affecting the middle and ring fingers, 1 case affecting only the ring finger, and 3 cases affecting the ring and little fingers. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 9.1±0.7. All patients underwent treatment with the ulnar cortext transverse transport technique. The wound healing time and the disappearance time of rest pain were recorded. The VAS score was used to assess the degree of hand pain before and after operation. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured before operation and at 1 month after operation. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the affected limb was performed before operation and at 3 months after operation to evaluate changes in blood vessels. The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 1 year after operation based on the Patwa and Krishnan grading system. All 7 patients were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 13.7 months. All patients experienced successful healing of ulcers, with wound healing time ranging from 14 to 21 days, averaging 17.3 days. During the follow-up, no complication occurred, and there was no recurrence of ulcers. The disappearance time of rest pain ranged from 8 to 15 days, averaging 12.1 days. The pre- and post-operative (1-month) serum IL-6 levels were (25.1±5.9) pg/mL and (11.9±2.9) pg/mL, respectively, with a significant difference ( t=5.363, P=0.002). CTA examination at 3 months after operation revealed partial revascularization of upper extremity arteries and establishment of collateral circulation, showing significant improvement compared to preoperative status. The VAS scores at 1, 7, 28 days, and 6 months postoperatively were 6.4±0.8, 3.7±0.8, 0.6±0.8, and 0.1±0.4, respectively, all of which significantly improved compared to preoperative scores ( P<0.05). Furthermore, the VAS scores gradually decreased over time, with significant differences observed between postoperative time points ( P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, the effectiveness of all 7 patients were evaluated as excellent based on the Patwa and Krishnan grading system. The ulnar cortex transverse transport technique can improve blood circulation in the upper limb of patients with TAO, reconstruct microcirculation, inhibit inflammation, promote ulcer healing, and alleviate limb pain.

Perioperative changes of serum interleukin 6 levels in elderly male patients with intertrochanteric fracture

To investigate the perioperative changes in serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in elderly male patients with intertrochanteric fractures, and provide evidence for inflammatory control in this patient population. The clinical data of 40 male patients aged more than 60 years with intertrochanteric fractures who met the selection criteria between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 25 non-osteoporosis patients (T value>-2.5, group A) and 15 osteoporosis patients (T value≤-2.5, group B). In addition, 40 healthy men aged more than 60 years old were included as controls (group C) according to the age matching rule. There was no significant difference in age, smoking history, drinking history, body mass index, complications (hypertension and diabetes), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and total protein among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). Serum samples were collected from group C subjects and from groups A and B patients preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. IL-6 levels were measured using ELISA assay. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between IL-6 levels and T values at various time points in groups A and B. Postoperative complications during hospitalization and 1-year mortality rates were recorded for groups A and B. Preoperative IL-6 levels were significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C ( P<0.05), with group B being significantly higher than group A ( P<0.05). In groups A and B, IL-6 levels increased significantly on postoperative day 1 compared to preoperative levels and then gradually decreased, approaching preoperative levels by postoperative day 7. IL-6 levels in group B were significantly higher than those in group A at all postoperative time points ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that IL-6 levels were negatively correlated with T values at all perioperative time points in all patients from groups A and B ( P<0.05). Complications occurred in 4 patients (16.0%) in group A, including 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 1 case of urinary tract infection, and 1 case of heart failure, and in 3 patients (20.0%) in group B, including 2 cases of pulmonary infection and 1 case of gastrointestinal bleeding. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( χ 2=0.104, P=0.747). There were 2 cases (8.0%) and 4 cases (26.7%) died within 1 year after operation in groups A and B, respectively, and there was no significant difference in 1-year mortality rates between the two groups ( χ 2=2.562, P=0.109). Serum IL-6 levels significantly increase in the early postoperative period in elderly male patients with intertrochanteric fractures, especially in those with osteoporosis. Monitoring the inflammatory state and promptly controlling the inflammatory response during the perioperative period, may reduce complications and improve postoperative survival in this patient population.

Therapeutic Potential of Methanolic Stem Extract of Costus afer on Serum Uric Acid, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels in Monosodium Urate (MSU)-Induced Gouty Arthritis in Wistar Rats

The therapeutic potential of methanolic stem extracts of Costus afer was investigated to evaluate their effects on serum uric acid, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, which are the key biomarkers associated with inflammatory and metabolic disorders like gouty arthritis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of C. afer indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenol, anthraquinone and glycosides, these bioactive compounds have been implicated for numerous medicinal uses and as such the therapeutic potentials of the extract were investigated by administering varying doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) of the extract to a Wistar rat model with induced gouty arthritis and assessing its impact compared to a control group and an untreated MSU group. The results revealed that the extracts significantly reduced ( serum uric acid levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the high dose achieving a reduction below the control level. Additionally, the extracts effectively decreased ( TNF-α and IL-6 levels, indicating potent anti-inflammatory properties. The high dose exhibited the most substantial reduction in these biomarkers, underscoring the extract’s therapeutic potential. These findings support the traditional use of C. afer and provide scientific validation for its application in managing hyperuricemia and inflammatory conditions.

Association of Celiac Disease and H. pylori Infection with ATG5 Polymorphism and Interleukin-33

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory small intestine autoimmune disease. The study aims to investigate the association and the detection of ATG5 polymorphism between celiac disease (CD) and H. pylori infection, and the association with Interleukin-33 (IL-33).Methods: The study groups included patients from Iraq, ages 4 to 35. Two primary patient groups were created: sixteen had positive H. pylori and celiac disease, and thirty had positive CD and negative H. pylori disease. The levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG IgA), H. pylori IgG, and IL-33 were measured using the ELISA method. The primers were amplified using PCR.Results: With celiac disease, the patient group's TTG IgA levels increased dramatically. The test also showed significant variations (P=0.054) in the H. pylori IgG levels between the patient and control groups. The H. pylori seropositivity test showed a statistically significant difference (p ≤0.033) between seropositive and seronegative individuals, while the patient group's IL-33 levels did not significantly differ (P ≤0.299) from the control group.Conclusions: Our results showed that CD is more common in women and occurs in the age range of 24-35 years. It also showed that the mutant variant of ATG5 is associated with CD, and the significance of H. pylori IgG serum levels in the patient group may indicate that the bacteria involved in CD. Furthermore, H. pylori infection is more strongly linked to serum IL-33 levels than CD.Keywords: Celiac disease; H. pylori; PCR; IL-33; ATG5 polymorphism

Treatment of post-stroke fatigue with point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle and Tongdu Tiaoshen therapy of acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle on post-stroke fatigue and explore its underlying mechanism. Sixty-four patients with post-stroke fatigue were randomly divided into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional treatment of western medicine and rehabilitation exercises, Tongdu Tiaoshen (regulating the governor vessel and the spirit) therapy of acupuncture was used in the control group, and acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Fengfu (GV 16) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the observation group, besides the interventions as the control group, point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle was adopted. The needle was inserted from Zhiyang (GV 9) toward Dazhui (GV 14), from Shendao (GV 11) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and from Yaoqi (EX-B 9) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3); and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the two groups, the acupuncture was delivered once daily, 6 times a week, consecutively for 4 weeks. The scores of the fatigue severity scale (FSS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were observed before and after treatment completion in the two groups. Using ELISA, the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) were detected before and after treatment completion; and clinical effect was evaluated. The scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, as well as the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05), and the scores of FMA and the levels of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05) after treatment in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups. Compared with the control group, in the observation group, the scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, and the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the score of FMA and the level of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05). The total clinical effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the observation group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) of the control group (P<0.05). The point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle alleviates fatigue, anxiety and depression, and ameliorates sleep and motor function in the patients with post-stroke fatigue. It may be related to the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Elevated serum IL-17 A and CCL20 levels as potential biomarkers in major psychotic disorders: a case-control study

BackgroundMajor psychotic disorders (MPD), including schizophrenia (SCZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SAD), are severe neuropsychiatric conditions with unclear causes. Understanding their pathophysiology is essential for better diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Recent research highlights the role of inflammation and the immune system, particularly the Interleukin 17 (IL-17) family, in these disorders. Elevated IL-17 levels have been found in MPD, and human IL-17 A antibodies are available. Changes in chemokine levels, such as CCL20, are also noted in SCZ. This study investigates the relationship between serum levels of IL-17 A and CCL20 in MPD patients and their clinical characteristics.MethodWe conducted a case-control study at the Ibn Sina Psychiatric Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) in 2023. The study involved 101 participants, of which 71 were MPD patients and 30 were healthy controls (HC). The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) was utilized to assess the symptoms of MPD patients. Serum levels of CCL20 and IL-17 A were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. We also gathered data on lipid profiles and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS).ResultsThe mean age of patients was 41.04 ± 9.93 years. The median serum levels of CCL20 and IL-17 A were significantly elevated in MPD patients compared to HC (5.8 (4.1–15.3) pg/mL and 4.2 (3–5) pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, CCL20 and IL-17 A levels showed a positive correlation with the severity of MPD. MPD patients also had significantly higher FBS, cholesterol, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and lower High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared to HC. No significant relationship was found between PANSS components and blood levels of IL17 and CCL20.ConclusionThe current study revealed that the serum levels of IL-17 A and CCL20 in schizophrenia patients are higher than those in the control group. Metabolic factors such as FBS, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL also showed significant differences between MPD and HC. In conclusion, the findings suggest that these two inflammatory factors could serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for schizophrenia.