Serum Levels Of Acute Phase Proteins Research Articles

Prenatal thermal stress affects acute-phase proteins, heat shock protein 70, and circulating corticosterone in developing broiler embryos and neonates

Higher or lower incubation temperature may impose some degree of stress on developing poultry embryos. This study was designed to delineate the effects of prenatal thermal stress on serum levels of acute-phase proteins (APPs), namely ceruloplasmin (CPN) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), the regulation of brain mRNA levels of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, and serum levels of corticosterone (CORT) in embryos and neonatal chicks. Hatching eggs were subjected to three thermal treatments; (i) standard optimum temperature throughout (SS: 37.8 °C and 56 % RH), (ii) heat stress for 12 h daily (HS: 40.0 °C and 56 % RH), and (iii) cold stress for 12 h daily 18 (CS: 30.2 °C and 56 % RH). The heat and cold stress treatments were imposed from the 10th to the 18th day of incubation (ED). Results showed that thermal stress had a negligible effect on hatchability rate and body temperatures of neonatal chicks. The CS treatment was detrimental to embryonic growth. The HS treatment elevated AGP (ED 16, ED 18, and post-hatch day 1), CPN (on post-hatch day 1), and CORT (ED 14). On the contrary, the CS embryos had reduced AGP (ED14, ED16, ED18, and post-hatch day 1), CPN (ED 16), and CORT (ED 14, ED 16, ED 18). The brain mRNA levels of Hsp70 were upregulated throughout the experimental period in both the HS and CS embryos and chicks. Based on these modifications, AGP, together with Hsp70 mRNA expression, could be considered effective biomarkers useful to evaluate the magnitude and the time response of embryos and neonatal chicks to prenatal thermal stress. It is concluded that developing chicken embryos have the ability to evoke APPs, Hsp70 and CORT reactions which are important to cope with thermal stress.

Assessment of the Immune Response of Clinically Infected Calves to Cryptosporidium parvum Infection

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infection is one of the main causes of diarrhea in calves. The current study assessed the role of blood biomarkers (acute-phase proteins (APPs), procalcitonin, neopterin, cytokines, and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of calves naturally infected with C. parvum. Fifty-seven calves, aged from 10 to 45 days, were detected positive for C. parvum and were allotted into the diseased group; twenty healthy calves were selected as a control group. Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, cytokines, neopterin, procalcitonin, and stress biomarkers were tested in the diseased and healthy groups. The serum levels of APPs, cytokines, neopterin, procalcitonin, and malondialdehyde increased, whereas antioxidant levels were significantly decreased in diseased calves compared to the healthy group. Moreover, all examined biomarkers were significantly altered towards normal values in infected calves following different treatment protocols. All biomarkers examined were highly effective in discriminating between C. parvum-infected calves and healthy individuals. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) showed that all tested parameters had a higher degree of prognostic accuracy in predicting the treatment response of calves naturally infected with C. parvum. Our data suggest the usefulness of the examined biomarkers in the immune pathogenesis of the C. parvum infection in calves, contributing to diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

Tregs Attenuate Peripheral Oxidative Stress and Acute Phase Proteins in ALS.

Oxidative stress (OS) induces inflammation, which in turn exacerbates OS and the expression of acute phase proteins (APPs). Regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) therapy was assessed for suppression of OS and APP responses in longitudinal serum samples from subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) enrolled in a phase I clinical trial. The first round of Treg therapy suppressed levels of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). During a 6‐month washout period, ox‐LDL levels increased. A second round of therapy again suppressed ox‐LDL levels and then rose following the cessation of treatment. Serum levels of APPs, soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, and C‐reactive protein, were stabilized during Treg administrations, but rose during the washout period and again after therapy was discontinued. Treg therapy potentially suppresses peripheral OS and the accompanying circulating pro‐inflammatory induced APPs, both of which may serve as peripheral candidates for monitoring efficacies of immunomodulating therapies. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:195–200

Acute Phase Proteins as Early Predictors for Immunotherapy Response in Advanced NSCLC: An Explorative Study.

In the last decade, targeting the immune system became a promising therapy in advanced lung cancer stages. However, in a clinical follow-up, patient responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors widely differ. Peripheral blood is a minimally invasive source of potential biomarkers to explain these differences. We blindly analyzed serum samples from 139 patients with non-small cell lung cancer prior to anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapies to assess whether baseline levels of albumin (ALB), alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), alpha2-macroglobulin (A2M), ceruloplasmin (CP), haptoglobin (HP), alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), serum amyloid A (SAA), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have a predictive value for immunotherapy success. Disease progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated based on RECIST 1.1 criteria. A multivariate Cox regression analysis, including serum levels of acute-phase proteins and clinical parameters, revealed that higher pre-therapeutic levels of HP and CP are independent predictors of a worse PFS. Moreover, a combined panel of HP and CP stratified patients into subgroups. We propose to test this panel as a putative biomarker for assessing the success of immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC.

Acute phase proteins, endocrine and productive responses of laying hens to heat stress

This study was designed to characterize changes in the acute phase proteins (APPs), hormones parallel to performance, and egg quality traits in laying hens exposed to heat stress (HS). A total of 120 sixteen-week-old Lohmann hens was allowed an adaptation period of 5 weeks in 3 different rooms at 21 °C. The hens were then exposed to one of three climatic thermal treatments over the next 6 weeks; thermoneutrality (TN, 21 °C), constant (C-HS, 28 °C), and cyclic HS (HS, 20 h/d at 28 ± 1 °C and 4 h/d at 33 ± 1 °C). Blood samples were weekly obtained, and serum levels of APPs [serum amyloid A (SAA), transferrin, and ovotransferrin], and hormones [leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and corticosterone] were measured. In addition, core body temperature (T$_{core}$), hen's body weight (BW), and egg quality parameters were recorded. Results indicated that SAA, transferrin, and ovotransferrin were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the three thermal treatments in comparison with control; HS-hens had numerical increases of 2.46%, 3.46%, and 5.05% of the three APPs, respectively. Leptin levels were higher (p < 0.05), and T4 levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the HS than TN, meanwhile both C-HS and HS suppressed (p < 0.05) T3 levels in comparison with the TN. Furthermore, HS induced a significant variation (p < 0.05) in T$_{core}$ patterns, BW, eggs' number and weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit among the three thermal treatments. In conclusion, HS induced multiple changes in the APPs, hormones, performance, and egg quantity and quality parameters tested, and can potentially be used in future research as early biomarkers for stress in layers.

Association Between Stent Implantation and Progression of Nontarget Lesions in a Rabbit Model of Atherosclerosis.

Progression of nontarget lesions (NTLs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been reported. However, it remains unknown whether progression of NTLs was causally related to stenting. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that stent implantation triggers acute phase response and systemic inflammation which may be associated with progression of NTLs. Thirty New Zealand rabbits receiving endothelial denudation and atherogenic diet were randomly divided into stenting, sham, and control groups. Angiography and intravascular ultrasonography were performed in the stenting and sham groups, and stent implantation performed only in the stenting group. Histopathologic study was conducted and serum levels of APPs (acute phase proteins) measured in all rabbits. Proteomics analysis was performed to screen the potential proteins related to NTLs progression after stent implantation. The serum levels of APPs and inflammatory cytokines were measured in 147 patients undergoing coronary angiography or PCI. Plaque burden in the NTLs was significantly increased 12 weeks after stent implantation in the stenting group versus sham group. Serum levels of APPs and their protein expression in NTLs were significantly increased and responsible for stenting-triggered inflammation. In patients receiving PCI, serum levels of SAA-1 (serum amyloid A protein 1), CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, and IL (interleukin)-6 were substantially elevated up to 1 month post-PCI. In a rabbit model of atherosclerosis, stent implantation triggered acute phase response and systemic inflammation, which was associated with increased plaque burden and pathological features of unstable plaque in NTLs. The potential mechanism involved vessel injury-triggered acute phase response manifested as increased serum levels of SAA-1, CRP, and LBP (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) and their protein expression in NTLs. These findings provided a new insight into the relation between stent implantation and progression of NTLs, and further studies are warranted to clarify the detailed mechanism and clinical significance of these preliminary results. Registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900026393. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Пролиферативные заболевания матки: клинико-анамнестические, иммунологические и молекулярно-генетические аспекты

Objective. To perform comparative analysis of clinical data, serum levels of acute-phase proteins, cytokines, steroid hormones, and expression of genes encoding sex hormone receptors in tissues of patients with proliferative diseases of the uterus. Patients and methods. We analyzed clinical data of 349 patients with various proliferative diseases of the uterus. We also evaluated their serum levels of α2-macroglobulin, pregnancy-associated α2-glycoprotein, their immunocomplexes with IgG, lactoferrin, VEGF, IL-6, TNFa, IL-8, and sex hormones. Uterine tissue samples were tested for the expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors α and β (ЕRα, ЕRβ) and progesterone receptors (PGR). Data analysis was performed using the statistical packages of SAS 9.4, STATISTICA12, and IBM-SPSS Statistics 22. Results. The changes in the level of acute-phase proteins indicated inflammation. In isolated uterine fibroids, expression of genes encoding progesterone receptors prevailed, whereas in isolated adenomyosis, expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors prevailed. Patients with both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis demonstrated similar levels of expression of genes encoding sex steroid hormone receptors. Tissues of uterine leiomyosarcoma were characterized by downregulated expression of genes encoding sex steroid hormone receptors. Conclusion. Upregulation of genes encoding progesterone receptors in isolated uterine fibroids confirms that therapy with progesterone receptor blockers is appropriate in this case. The predominance of expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors in isolated adenomyosis indicates local hyperestrogenism, justifying the use of progestogens and antiestrogens. Equal expression of genes encoding estrogen and progesterone receptors in patients with combined disease, as wells as high frequency of inflammatory changes in tissues and increased serum levels of inflammatory markers, proves the need for antiinflammatory therapy. Key words: adenomyosis, inflammation, steroid receptor genes, leiomyosarcoma, uterine fibroids, gene expression

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 and Lactobacillus acidophilus BT1386 influence innate immune response and serum levels of acute-phase proteins during weaning in Holstein calves

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 (SCB) or Lactobacillus acidophilus BT1386 (LA) on (1) innate immune response, (2) markers of acute-phase reaction, and (3) immune gene expression of rumen and ileum tissues of Holstein calves. Forty eight calves (∼5 d old) were randomly allocated to four treatments as follows: (1) control (CTRL) fed milk replacer followed by starter feed, (2) CTRL supplemented with SCB in milk and feed, (3) CTRL supplemented with LA in milk and feed, and (4) CTRL supplemented with antibiotics (ATB; chlortetracycline and neomycin in milk, and chlortetracycline in feed). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) decreased (P &lt; 0.05) on day 66 (post-weaning) for the ATB-treated calves. There were no treatment effects on production of interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) proteins and on expression of TLR4, TLR6, TLR9, TLR10, CLDN3, MUC1, and MUC20 genes. Calves fed SCB or LA had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) oxidative burst at weaning (day 53) compared with CTRL. Oxidative burst was also greater (P &lt; 0.05) after weaning (day 59 and day 87) for SCB-fed calves. Calves fed SCB and ATB had higher (P &lt; 0.05) phagocytosis activity during weaning (day 47) compared with CTRL. The concentration of serum amyloid A2 (SAA2) increased (P &lt; 0.05) in SCB- and LA-fed calves (day 53), whereas the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) increased (P &lt; 0.05) in SCB-fed calves during weaning as compared with CTRL. Our results suggest that SCB could improve innate immune response (oxidative burst and phagocytosis) and markers of acute-phase reaction (CRP and SAA2), especially during critical periods like weaning.

Inhibition of corticosterone synthesis and its effect on acute phase proteins, heat shock protein 70, and interleukin-6 in broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction

The aim of the current study was to elucidate whether inhibition of corticosterone (CORT) synthesis could modify stress response to feed deprivation and its possible interactions with feed restriction in the neonatal period in broiler chickens. Equal numbers of broiler chicks were subjected to either 60% feed restriction (60FR) or ad libitum (AL) on d 4, 5, and 6. On day 7, blood CORT, acute phase proteins (APP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and brain heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression were determined. On d 35, chickens in each early age feeding regimen were subjected to one of the following treatments: (i) ad libitum feeding (ALF), (ii) 24h feed deprivation (SFR), or (iii) 24h feed deprivation with intramuscular injection of 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) at 100mg/kg BW (SFR+DDT). The effect of SFR on CORT, APP, IL-6, and HSP 70 were determined on d 36. The results showed that subjecting chicks to 60FR significantly elevated CORT and brain HSP70 concentration compared to the AL group on d 7. The early feeding regimen had no significant effect on CORT, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), ovotransferrin (OVT), ceruoplasmin (CP), IL-6, or brain HSP70 on d 36. The CORT, AGP, OVT, CP, IL-6, and brain HSP70 expression of SFR birds following 24h of feed deprivation (d 36) were significantly higher than their ALF and SFR+DDT counterparts. Both ALF and SFR+DDT birds had similar values. Stress attributed to feed deprivation without concurrent increase in CORT had a negligible effect on serum levels of APP and IL-6 and brain HSP70 expression.

Ferritin levels predict severe dengue.

Currently, no tests are available to monitor and predict severity and outcome of dengue. To find potential markers that predict dengue severity, the present study validated the serum level of three acute-phase proteins α-1 antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin and ferritin in a pool of severe dengue cases compared to non-severe forms and other febrile illness controls. A total of 96 patients were divided into two equal groups with group 'A' comprising dengue-infected cases and group 'B' with other febrile illness cases negative for dengue. Out of 48 dengue-infected cases, 13 had severe dengue and the remaining 35 were classified as non-severe dengue. Immunoassays were performed to evaluate the serum levels of acute-phase proteins both on the day of admission and on the day of defervescence. The efficiency of individual proteins in predicting the disease severity was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve. The study did not find any significant difference in the levels of α-1 antitrypsin between the clinical groups. A significant increase in the levels of ceruloplasmin around defervescence in severe cases compared to non-severe and other febrile controls was observed and this is the first report describing the potential association of ceruloplasmin and dengue severity. Interestingly, a steady increase in the level of serum ferritin was recorded throughout the course of illness. Among all the three proteins, the elevated ferritin level could predict the disease severity with highest sensitivity and specificity of 76.9 and 83.3 %, respectively, on the day of admission and the same was found to be 90 and 91.6 % around defervescence. On the basis of this diagnostic efficiency, we propose that ferritin may serve as a potential biomarker for an early prediction of disease severity.

Stress response and well-being after open, laparoscopic, and NOTES transgastric uterine horn resection in a randomized porcine model

NOTES is believed to induce less surgical trauma than open and laparoscopic surgery. The degree of surgical trauma can be assessed by measuring serum levels of acute-phase proteins such as CRP and TNF-α. We conducted a prospective randomized survival trial in which the inflammatory responses after laparoscopic, open, and NOTES transgastric uterine horn resection were compared. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NOTES procedures induce less inflammatory response. Thirty pigs were randomized into three groups to undergo open, laparoscopic, or transgastric uterine horn resection. Weight, body temperature, and postoperative recovery were recorded and venous blood samples were taken for analysis of CRP and TNF-α at different time points. Analyses of CRP and TNF-α were performed using pig-specific ELISA assays. Procedure time was significantly longer for NOTES [median=121min (range=94-155)] compared with that for open surgery [median=22min (14-27)] and laparoscopy [median=37min (20-45)] (p<0.0001). There was a nonsignificant tendency for shorter recovery time for the NOTES animals. Twenty-seven animals survived for 4weeks. One animal in each group was euthanized prior to 4weeks. All animals gained weight during the 4-week period with no significant differences. Only animals in the NOTES group showed a significant weight gain during the first postoperative week (p=0.007). On postoperative day (POD) 1, CRP was significantly lower in the NOTES group compared with the open and laparoscopic groups (mean=0.72±0.22, 0.98±0.26, and 0.97±0.20, respectively; p=0.048). The CRP levels were normalized on day 14. Throughout the study there were no significant changes in TNF-α levels in the laparoscopic and NOTES groups. At POD 3 the open surgery group showed significantly higher TNF-α levels than the other groups (p=0.036). Despite the longer operating time, the transgastric NOTES approach seems to be less traumatic than open or laparoscopic uterine horn resection in this porcine model.

P080 Pathogenic role of IL-6 on the inducation of acute phase proteins, CRP and SAA in rheumatoid arthritis a chronic inflammatory disease

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a pathologic process characterized by inflammation of joints and shows clinical damage to joints. The causes of RA may be broad and heterogeneous, and the size and location also heterogeneous. Although the ethiology is still unknown, inflammatory phenomenon is initiated and prolonged on the joint synovium. Therefore, RA is a group of chronic inflammatory disease, which shows local organ symptom as well as systemic manifestations, such as fever, body weight loss, fatigue, appetite loss, and sleep disturbance. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is elevated in patents with RA, and the clinical trials with an IL-6 blockade, Tocilizumab, showed that serum levels of acute phase-proteins were normalized in conjunction with the clinical improvement on both local and systemic abnormalities of RA patients. Serum CRP and SAA levels in particular were immediately normalized. Methods To prove this in vivo phenomenon, we analyzed the induction mechanism of CRP and SAA by IL-6 collaborating with TNF-α or IL-1 in in vitro experiment. Hepatocyte was stimulated with IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α, and CRP mRNA or SAA mRNA were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Signal transduction mechanisms were analyzed by over expression of transcriptional factors, deletion mutants of promoter regions, emsa and supershift assay using specific antibodies against transcription factors, and so on. Results In results, activation of transcriptional factor, STAT3 through IL-6 signal was essential, on the contrary TNF-α or IL-1 complementally regulates the augmentation of CRP and SAA induction through the activation of NF-kbp65 and c-fos, respectively. These data indicated that the different roles of IL-6 from TNF-αin the pathogenesis of inflammation and IL-6 blockade completely inhibited the induction of CRP and SAA. Conclusion Our findings explained the roles of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of RA and the improvement mechanism for RA by IL-6 blocking therapy with Tocilizumab.

Nitric Oxide and Acute Phase Proteins Are Involved in Pathogenesis of Mycophenolate Mofetil–Induced Gastrointestinal Disorders in Rats

This study was designed to clarify the molecular mechanism(s) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)– induced gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Forty-two adult Wistar rats were assigned to 7 groups including control and test hosts. The control animals received normal saline and the test animals various doses of MMF (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) for 14 days, or MMF, aspirin, or lipopolysaccharide as single high doses (40, 200, and 1 mg/kg, respectively). To evaluate the GI disorders, are determined body weight gain, serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), nitric oxide (NO), and acute phase proteins (APP). Additionally, we measured the duodenal NO content and myeloperoxidase activity. MMF administration resulted in a significant ( P < .05) body weight loss and elevation of serum levels of ALP and NO. The duodenal NO content increased in the test groups with the highest levels among the aspirin-treated cohort. The myeloperoxidase activity and the serum level of APP were elevated among MMF- and aspirin-treated animals. Histopathologic examinations showed villous atrophy and inflammatory cells infiltration among MMF-treated animals. Our data suggested that the MMF-induced GI disorders were likely related to local inflammatory reactions, which may be attributed to elevated NO and myeloperoxidase activities that result in pathological injuries. Moreover, the biochemical alterations and histopathologic injuries due to MMF administration were similar to aspirin-induced local disorders rather than to lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic damage.

Effects of Orchidectomy in Selective Biochemical Analytes in Beagle Dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of orchidectomy and associate hormonal changes on circulating concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs) (CRP--C-reactive protein; Hp--haptoglobin; Cp--ceruloplasmin), adiponectin and IGF-1 in dogs. For this, a total of five adult Beagle dogs were subjected to orchidectomy. Blood samples were taken before neutering, during six consecutive days and on weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 after surgery. Appropriate diet regime was maintained to keep stable body weight of the dogs. Concentrations of APPs significantly increased on days 2-3 for CRP and 2-7 for Hp and Cp. On days 3-4 after neutering, adiponectin levels were significantly lower than before surgery (p<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). After this initial change, adiponectin did not show any significant alteration during the 3 months. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were significantly decreased at days 2-5 after neutering. In addition, on weeks 8 and 12 serum IGF-1 levels were significantly lower (p<0.001 and <0.01 respectively) in comparison with those before surgery. In conclusion, orchidectomy induced a short-term inflammatory process that was associated with the increase in serum levels of APPs and decrease in IGF-1 and adiponectin levels. However, orchidectomy did not result in long-term changes of circulating concentrations of APPs or adiponectin. Although a decrease in IGF-1 levels was recorded 2 months after surgery, possibly as a consequence of associated decrease in androgen levels or food restriction.

The stress of weaning influences serum levels of acute-phase proteins, iron-binding proteins, inflammatory cytokines, cortisol, and leukocyte subsets in Holstein calves

The purpose of our study was to investigate changes in immunological parameters induced by weaning stress (including milk restriction) in calves. Fifteen Holstein calves were subjected to weaning at 6 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected at -14, -7, -2, 1, 3, and 5 days post-weaning (DPW; 0 DPW = 42 days). Weaning caused significant (p < 0.01) increases in the neutrophil (NE):lymphocyte (LY) ratio at 5 DPW with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of LYs. The concentration of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) also increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 3 and 5 DPW compared to -2 DPW. Levels of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after weaning. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α and cortisol levels were elevated (p < 0.05) at 3 DPW, while those of serum interferon-γ decreased (p < 0.05) at 1 and 3 DPW compared to levels observed before weaning. Weaning significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the percentage of CD25+ T cells in the peripheral blood. In conclusion, weaning stress affected the NE:LY ratio along with the levels of acute phase proteins, lactoferrin, cortisol, and inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood of calves. Weaning stress may induce an acute phase response possibly through the elevation of cortisol production and modulation of inflammatory cytokines.

Acute phase proteins in pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis in Ilie Village, Osun state, Nigeria

Background: The acute phase proteins (APPs) are plasma proteins whose concentration rise or reduce in reaction to infection, inflammation or trauma (Baumann and Gauldie, 1990). The circulating concentration of these proteins are related to the severity of the underlying condition,thus quantification of their concentrations provide a ready means of giving valuable clinical information and extent of the disease processes (Thompson et. al., 1992). Materials and Methods: Serum levels of three acute phase proteins (transferrin, á2-macroglobulin and haptoglobin) were determined using single radial immuno-diffusion technique in one hundred and eight Nigerian women aged between 15 and 30 years. Theywere made up of thirty pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis (P+USS), thirty-six pregnant women without USS (P-USS), eighteen non-pregnant women with USS (NP+USS), and twenty-four healthy non-pregnant women without USS (NP-USS) as controls.Results: The result shows that transferrin was least in P-USS group and highest in NP+USS. The highest mean value of alpha-2 macroglobulin was found in P+USS group and the least in NP+USS. Haptoglobin was significantly reduced in P+USS compared with other groups.Conclusions: The finding of this study suggests an independent effect of USS and pregnancy on serum levels of APPs, therefore APPs could be used to distinguish P+USS from P-USS

Relationship between serum acute-phase proteins and high disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum acute-phase proteins and high disease activity evaluated by activity score (DAS28) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies were carried out on 27 females with RA and 32 control women. Acute-phase proteins were divided into 4 fractions as follows: alpha1-globulins represented by alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT); alpha2-globulins - haptoglobin (Hp); beta-globulins - complement C3 (C3) and total transferrin (Tf); gamma-globulins - C reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and determined by immunoturbidimetric methods. The serum levels of acute-phase proteins changed in RA patients. On account of the alterations of concentration, acute-phase proteins are placed in the downgrade scale as follows: CRP, Hp, AGP, C3, AAT and Tf. None of the acute-phase proteins correlated with the RF and the majority of them were closely related to ESR. Almost all of the acute-phase proteins (without C3) were closely related to RA activity (based on DAS28) and their places in the downgrade scale were as follows: CRP, Tf, AGP, Hp and AAT. The degree of disability evaluated by Health Assessment Questionnaire has affected on the concentrations of AGP, Tf and CRP. Serum AGP, AAT and RF levels significantly correlated with the patient's age. No correlations were observed between IgG, TP levels, and clinical data. Among the entire panel, the CRP and AGP appeared to be the most useful biochemical markers for evaluation of the disease activity of patients with RA.

Procalcitonin Levels after Different Types of Conventional Thoracic Surgery

Procalcitonin (PCT) is currently discussed as an indicator of postoperative complications following thoracic surgery. Serum levels of PCT are different after thoracoscopic and conventional surgical approaches. We conducted this study to test the hypothesis that different types of conventional thoracic surgery are associated with different postoperative serum levels of acute-phase proteins or pro-inflammatory mediators. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein-binding protein (LBP) and PCT were measured preoperatively (pre), immediately after surgery (0 h), 6 hours after surgery (6 h), and on the 1st (d1), 3rd (d3) and 5th (d5) postoperative days in 48 patients undergoing elective conventional pneumonectomy (n = 6), lobectomy (n = 20) or wedge resection (n = 22). In all study groups, IL-6 and PCT increased after surgery, peaking at 6 h and on d1, respectively. The time courses of IL-6, CRP, LBP and PCT release were not influenced by the type of surgical procedure. All parameters increased more markedly after lobectomy and wedge resection than after pneumonectomy. Surgical trauma and lung ischaemia/reperfusion injury could be the main factors determining the release of IL-6 and PCT after surgery. From an immunological point of view, pneumonectomy is less severe than wedge resection or lobectomy in terms of tissue injury. Different types of conventional thoracic surgery are associated with differences in postoperative PCT and IL-6 synthesis. For this reason, expected ranges of PCT and IL-6 levels should be established for the various surgical procedures before these parameters can be used as indicators of postoperative complications.

Chronic Escherichia coli infection induces muscle wasting without changing acetylcholine receptor numbers

Muscle weakness in septic patients is a serious problem as it complicates and lengthens hospital stays, prolongs rehabilitation and increases costs. We examined the effects of a chronic infection with Escherichia coli on muscle function, muscle mass, and the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Prospective, randomized animal study in an animal laboratory, university hospital. Sprague-Dawley rats. A catheter was implanted into the external jugular vein of anesthetized rats, and a dose of 3.2x10(8) CFU of E. coli bacteria was injected; the catheter was then sealed and tunneled subcutaneously. Animals injected with E. coli bacteria showed a significant decrease in body and muscle mass over the 14-day experimental period. Neuromuscular function was tested by mechanomyography on days 3, 7, and 14 following injection. Tetanic tension decreased over the time course of sepsis, without effecting tetanic fade. Serum levels of acute-phase protein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, were increased by day 3, and remained significantly higher until day 14. AChRs were quantitated using 125I-labeled bungarotoxin and revealed no differences between groups. Central venous injection of E. coli bacteria induces systemic inflammation evidenced as loss of body weight, muscle mass and increased alpha1-acid glycoprotein levels. The inflammation-induced muscle weakness is due to muscle atrophy and not to upregulated AChRs. This model may prove useful for studying maneuvers to prevent muscle wasting with inflammation.

The −159C/T Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of the CD14 Gene Is Associated With Advanced Liver Disease and Higher Serum Levels of Acute‐Phase Proteins in Heavy Drinkers

Innate inflammatory responses to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) contribute to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). A single-nucleotide polymorphism (-159C/T) in the promoter region of the gene coding for CD14 (a lipopolysaccharide receptor) could be associated with the development of ALD. We sought too investigate the relationship between the CD14/-159C/T polymorphism and advanced ALD and acute-phase protein levels in heavy drinkers. A total of 138 heavy drinkers consecutively admitted to an Internal Medicine department were genotyped for the CD14/-159C/T polymorphism. Serum samples were analyzed for lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), soluble CD14 (sCD14), C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and IgM. Patients with ascites or liver encephalopathy (n = 35) were classified as having advanced ALD. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the CD14/-159TT genotype was positively associated with advanced ALD (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-8.24, p = 0.03) and serum LBP (p = 0.01) and sCD14 (p = 0.04) levels. The CD14/-159C/T polymorphism was not associated with serum levels of CRP, IgA, IgG, or IgM. Our results support the notion that CD14/-159TT homozygous heavy drinkers have higher levels of the LPS-binding acute-phase proteins (LBP and sCD14) than do carriers of the CD14/-159C allele. Also, the CD14/-159TT genotype may be a risk factor for advanced ALD.