Serum Levels Of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Research Articles

Correlation of circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 levels with inflammatory factors and the degree of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a secreted protein that plays an important role in atherosclerosis and pathological cardiac remodeling. However, the correlation between FGF21 and the degree of coronary artery stenosis and its potential role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain unclear. We examined whether changes in FGF21 levels in AMI correlate with the degree of coronary artery stenosis and the levels of inflammatory factors, and preliminarily investigated the effects of FGF21 on inflammatory factor levels and myocardial injury in rats with AMI. MethodsSerum levels of FGF21 and inflammatory factors in the AMI group and control group were measured, and the correlation between FGF21 and clinical indicators and inflammatory factors was analyzed. The effects of FGF21 on cardiac function and inflammatory response were evaluated through echocardiography and measurement of inflammatory factors. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that neutrophil percentage (NEUT%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.232; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.028–1.477; p = 0.024) and FGF21 levels (OR: 2.063; 95 % CI: 1.187–3.586; p = 0.01) had independent effects on AMI. Spearman's rank correlation test showed that FGF21 levels were positively correlated with leukocyte count, NEUT%, neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and Gensini scores (p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (p < 0.01). FGF21 levels in myocardial tissues and serum levels of FGF21, IL-6, TNF-a, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in AMI rats than in the sham-operated group (p < 0.01). After overexpression of FGF21, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-a, and MCP-1 in rats were significantly decreased (p < 0.01), and cardiac function improved significantly. ConclusionsFGF21 levels were independently associated with AMI and may be related to the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Overexpression of FGF21 reduced serum inflammatory factor levels and improved cardiac function in AMI rats.

Serum monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and soluble mannose receptor aid predictive diagnosis of pediatric sepsis.

To investigate the value of serum monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and soluble mannose receptor (sMR) for predictive diagnosis of pediatric sepsis. This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 82 children with acute and severe signs of inflammation. According to the diagnostic criteria of sepsis, these children were divided into a sepsis group (40 cases) and a non-sepsis group (42 cases). In addition, 50 children who received health examinations during the same time period in Cangzhou Central Hospital were selected as a control group. According to the prognosis of the children in the sepsis group, they were further divided into a survival group (33 cases) and a death group (7 cases). The levels of blood indicators, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function indicators, MCP-1 level, and sMR were collected from the children. The efficacy of using sMR and MCP-1 levels in the predictive diagnosis of sepsis was analyzed by using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Serum levels of MCP-1 and sMR were (452.32±2.79) μg/ml and (97.23±.15) μg/ml, respectively, in the sepsis group, significantly higher than those in all controls (P<0.001). In the death group, the levels of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), sMR, and MCP-1 were significantly higher compared to the survival group (P<0.05). The AUC for CRP in predictive diagnosis of sepsis was 0.9075; the AUC for PCT was 0.8759; the AUC for sMR was 0.9244; and the AUC for MCP-1 was 0.9406. Serum sMR and MCP-1 levels can help predict the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis.

Amelioration of Atherosclerosis by lycopene is linked to the modulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis and related gut-heart axis activation in high-fat diet-fed ApoE−/− mice

BackgroundInterplay between gut microbiota and heart, termed “gut-heart” axis, has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our previous study showed that lycopene possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, but its link to the gut microbiota is poorly understood. Herein, we surmised that lycopene could regulate the gut microbiota, exert anti-atherosclerotic effect by regulating the “gut-heart” axis.MethodsMale ApoE−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without lycopene (0.1% w/w) for 19 weeks. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing, the protein levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 were measured by Western blotting, the levels of serum inflammatory factors including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were assayed using ELISA kits. Also, the concentrations of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), D-lactic acid (D-LA) and diamine peroxidase (DAO) were measured through ELISA method.ResultsThe aortic sinus sections revealed that lycopene supplementation significantly reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions and inhibited atherosclerosis development caused by HFD. The analysis of gut microbiota showed that lycopene reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides and increased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia and Alloprevotella, which were related to elevated intestinal barrier function and reduced inflammation. Moreover, lycopene up-regulated the expression of intestinal ZO-1 and occludin and decreased serum LPS, D-LA and DAO levels. In addition, lycopene inhibited the expression of TLR4 and phospho-NF-κB p65 in aortic sinus plaque, serum MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were also lowered by lycopene treatment.ConclusionsOur results indicated the protective effect of lycopene against atherosclerosis induced by HFD and further revealed that its mechanism might be its prebiotic effect on maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis and improving intestinal barrier function, consequently reducing serum LPS-triggered inflammatory response in the heart.

The usability of MCP-1, fetuin-A, TAS, and TOS levels in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Our aims were to determine whether the levels of plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), fetuin-A, serum total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum total oxidant status (TOS) are cardiac biomarkers and to clarify their relationship with each other in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study included 90 participants: 60 patients with AMI [30 with and 30 without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)] and 30 cardiac patients without AMI. The diagnostic values of serum Hs-cTnT, MCP-1, fetuin-A, TAS, and TOS levels in predicting AMI were evaluated statistically. Median levels of MCP-1 [120.10 ng/L (interquartile range: 76.94-230.54 ng/L)] and TOS [2.89 U/MI (IQR: 2.31-3.94 U/Ml)] were statistically higher, and median levels of fetuin-A [433.52 mg/L (IQR: 387.89-584.49 mg/L)] and TAS (3.10 ± 0.86 U/mL) were lower in patients with AMI than in controls. The parameter with the area under the curve (0.815), sensitivity (73.3%), and specificity (66.7%) closest to those of Hs-cTnT was fetuin-A, followed by MCP-1, TOS, and TAS, respectively. A one-unit increase in MCP-1 levels increased the probability of AMI by 1.023 times (p = 0.002). A one-unit increase in fetuin-A levels decreased the probability of AMI by 0.995 times (p = 0.003). A one-unit increase in serum TOS levels was 1.29 times more characteristic of STEMI than of NSTEMI (p = 0.044). MCP-1, oxidative stress parameters, and fetuin-A might support Hs-cTnT levels in the early diagnosis of AMI. Fetuin-A and MCP-1 levels may be independent risk factors for AMI, whereas TOS could be used to distinguish STEMI from NSTEMI.

Effect of add-on hydroxychloroquine therapy on serum proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as an add-on treatment to immunosuppressants on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured immediately before and 3 months after treatment with oral HCQ. Among the 51 patients enrolled in the study, HCQ treatment led to significantly reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A, IL-1ra, and IL-2 (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0006; p = 0.0460, p = 0.0177; p < 0.0001; p = 0.0282, respectively) and to decreased (but not significantly) levels of MIP-1α (p = 0.0746). No significant changes were observed in the serum MCP-1 levels before and after HCQ administration (p = 0.1402). Our results suggest that an add-on HCQ treatment modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines even in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with low disease activity.

Increased serum PCSK9 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from inflammatory cytokines.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an important and major player in the pathophysiology of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Recently, PCSK9 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Whether PCSK9 is involved in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PCSK9 and IPAH. Serum PCSK9, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed among 40 IPAH patients and 20 control subjects. Hemodynamic data were collected via right heart catheterization in patients with IPAH. Serum PCSK9, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in IPAH patients than in control subjects (p < 0.001). Among enrolled IPAH patients, PCSK9 levels were higher in WHO-FC III/IV patients compared with those in WHO-FC I/II (p < 0.05), and were positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (r = 0.653, p < 0.001), pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure (r = 0.466, p = 0.002), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP, r = 0.730, <0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.488, p = 0.001), and right ventricle diameter (r = 0.563, p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, mPAP was strongly associated with serum PCSK9 (β = 0.694, p < 0.001), independent of other variables. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the optimal cutoff value of serum PCSK9 concentration for predicting IPAH was 90.67 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 85.0%. In conclusion, IPAH patients had elevated serum PCSK9 levels which correlated the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension. PCSK9 may be a novel potential therapeutic target.

Full composition granules of Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) decrease the serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and connective tissue growth factor levels and inhibit kidney nuclear factor-κB expression in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabete.

To investigate the efficacy of the full composition granules of Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) (FGC) on the serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels and kidney nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabetes. Diabetes was induced in rats by feeding a high-fat chow combined with intravenous streptozotocin injection. Forty diabetic Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a normal group (NG), model group (MG), irbesartan group (IG), and low-, middle-, and high-dosage FGC groups (LFGC, MFGC, HFGC), with eight rats per group. The IG rats received 31.25 mg·kg－1·d－1 irbesartan tablets, whereas those in the LFGC, MFGC, and HFGC were administered 52, 312.5, and 625 mg·kg－1·d－1 FGC, respectively. After 12 weeks, bodyweight (BW), left kidney weight (KW), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum creatinine (Scre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum MCP-1 and CTGF levels were determined, pathological changes of the kidney were recorded, and kidney NF-κB p65 (A) expression was measured. The 24-h urine albumin and levels of HbA1c, Scre, BUN, and serum MCP-1 and CTGF were significantly increased in in the MG compared with the NG, as was the kidney NF-κB (p65) expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, clear pathological changes in kidney fibrosis were observed in the MG rats. Following irbesartan and FGC administration, the 24-h urine albumin and the levels of HbA1c, Scre, and serum MCP-1 and CTGF were significantly decreased in FCG groups compared with those in the MG, which is in agreement with the change in the kidney NF-κB (p65) expression, whereas the similarly significant decrease only exist in 24-h urine albumin and the levels of serum CTGF after irbesartan administration. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results indicated that the fibrosis observed in the MG samples was alleviated through FGC treatment. FGC may alleviate potential kidney injury by decreasing the serum MCP-1 and CTGF levels and inhibiting NF-kB expression in diabetic nephropathy in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabetes.

Higher expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in mild COVID-19 patients might be correlated with inhibition of Type I IFN signaling

BackgroundChemokine levels in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have been shown to be markedly elevated. But the role of chemokines in mild COVID-19 has not yet been established. According to the epidemiological statistics, most of the COVID-19 cases in Shiyan City, China, have been mild. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of chemokines in mild COVID-19 patients and explore the correlation between chemokines and host immune response.MethodsIn this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect serum levels of chemokines in COVID-19 patients in Shiyan City. Expression of chemokine receptors and of other signaling molecules was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsWe first demonstrated that COVID-19 patients, both sever and mild cases, are characterized by higher level of chemokines. Specifically, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) is expressed at higher levels both in severe and mild cases of COVID-19. The receptor of MCP-1, C-C chemokine receptor type 2, was expressed at higher levels in mild COVID-19 patients. Finally, we observed a significant negative correlation between expression levels of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and serum levels of MCP-1 in mild COVID-19 patients.ConclusionHigher expression of MCP-1 in mild COVID-19 patients might be correlated with inhibition of IFN signaling. The finding adds to our understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and provides potential therapeutic targets and strategies.

The effect of Zataria multiflora on inflammatory cytokine and respiratory symptoms in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard.

The effect of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on serum cytokine, chemokines, and respiratory symptoms in the veterans exposed to sulfur mustard (SM) more than two decades (27-30years) ago was conducted in 2018. Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to the placebo group (P, mean age (54.40 ± 5.51)) and two treated groups with Z. multiflora extract 5 and 10mg/kg/day (Z5 and 10; mean age, 58.50 ± 3.60 and 55.18 ± 4.11, respectively). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV1), and respiratory symptoms including chest wheeze (CW), night wheeze (NW), night cough (NC), and cough and wheeze during exercise (ECW) were assessed at the baseline (phase 0), 1 and 2months after starting treatment (phase I and II, respectively). The value of FEV1 was significantly increased in Z10 in phase I and II compared with that in phase 0 (p < 0.01 for both) and in Z5 in phase II compared with phase I and 0 (p < 0.001for both). All respiratory symptoms significantly decreased in Z5 and 10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Serum levels of TNF-α and VEGF were decreased in Z5 and 10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Serum levels of MCP-1 and EGF were decreased in Z10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The percent change of respiratory symptoms, serum levels of cytokines during the treatment period, was significantly improved in the treated groups compared with that in the placebo group. Two months' of treatment with Z. multiflora improved cytokine levels, respiratory symptom, and FEV1 values in SM-exposed patients.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and nitrotyrosine in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one the most frequent and common functional gastrointestinal disorders that has a multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Multiple biomarkers have been tested in search for a reliable and specific biomarker, but there is not yet a specific biomarker for IBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate two biomarkers of different putative pathways of the pathogenesis of IBS: the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and nitrotyrosine, in order to establish their role as potential biomarkers. We enrolled 42 consecutive IBS patients diagnosed by Rome III criteria and 35 consecutive healthy controls. Serum concentrations for the two biomarkers (MCP-1 and nitrotyrosine) were determined using commercial ELISA kits. Serum levels of MCP-1 were not statistically significantly higher in IBS patients than in controls (204±130 vs. 174±73 pg/ml; P=0.311). Nitrotyrosine levels were statistically significantly lower in IBS patients than in controls (30±12 vs. 353±14 nM; P=0.050). MCP-1 levels were higher in IBS patients with metabolic syndrome versus IBS patients without metabolic syndrome (239±153 vs. 168±120 pg/ml; P=0.948) and in controls with metabolic syndrome (174±56 pg/ml). MCP-1 serum levels were statistically significantly higher in IBS patients with metabolic syndrome than in controls (239±153 vs. 157±89 pg/ml; P=0.037), suggesting multiple factors being involved, particularly the diet and its relation with the metabolic syndrome, and it suggests that MCP-1 could be a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Low-grade inflammation might be related to oxidative stress, which plays an underestimated role in the pathogenesis of IBS.

Expression of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of serum homocysteine (Hcy), galectin-3 (GAL3) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (ACIS). Methods 100 patients with ACIS in our hospital from January 2016 to February 2018 were selected as the observation group, and 64 healthy persons in our hospital were selected as the control group during the same period. The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 were detected and compared between the two groups. The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with different pathological changes, different cerebral infarction areas and different prognosis in the observation group were compared. The correlation between serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels and ACIS cerebral infarction area and neurological deficit scale (NIHSS) was analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MCP-1 in diagnosing ACIS alone and in combination. Results The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were significant differences in serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels between the patients with different pathological degrees of disease (P<0.05). The level of the above-mentioned indicators in patients with severe injury was higher than that in patients with moderate injury. The patients with moderate injury were higher than those with mild injury (P<0.05). There were significant differences in serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels in patients with different cerebral infarction areas (P<0.05), and the above-mentioned index level of patients with large-area infarction was higher than that of patients with moderate-area infarction. The patients with moderate-area infarction were higher than those with small-area infarction (P<0.05). The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in the dead patients in the observation group were higher than those in the survivors (P<0.05); correlation analysis showed that serum Hcy, GAL3, MCP-1 levels were positively correlated with ACIS cerebral infract size and NIHSS score (P<0.05); the sensitivity (91.00%) and accuracy (83.54%) of combined diagnosis of ACIS were higher than the single-index diagnosis (P<0.05). Conclusions The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with acute ischemic stroke are highly expressed, and their levels are closely related to the degree of disease, cerebral infarction area and prognosis. The combined detection of Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 could improve the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis, and could be used as an effective index for clinical diagnosis, condition and prognosis evaluation of acute ischemic stroke. Key words: Brain ischemia; Stroke; Homocysteine; Galectin 3; Chemokine CCL2

Effects of combination therapy of calcium dobesilate dispersible and monosialotetrahex-osylganlioside sodium on serum inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1 in elderly patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective To observe the efficacy of combination therapy of calcium dobesilate dispersible and monosialotetrahexosylganlioside sodium on interleukin-6(IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) in elderly patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods From January 2012 to May 2017, in the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang 70 patients of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, aged ≥60 years, were analyzed in this study.They were randomly divided into observation group (35 cases) and control group (35 cases). The observation group was treated with 40mg monosialotetrahexosylganlioside sodium dissolved in 250mL physiological saline, intravenous infusion per day, and oral calcium dobesilate dispersible 0.5g twice a day for two weeks.The control group was treated with methylcobalamin injection 0.5mg per day for two weeks.The clinical treatment effects and levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were observed and compared between the two groups. Results After two weeks of treatment, the MDNS and MNSI scores of the observation group [(13.09±5.38)points, (2.53±1.19)points]were significantly lower than those of the control group[(18.31±6.13)points, (4.19±1.05)points, t=2.036, 2.365, all P<0.05]and those before treatment[(21.26±4.28)points, (5.40±0.89)points, t=3.251, 3.698, all P<0.05]. The VAS-PI scores in the observation group[(6.24±1.25)points, (4.13±1.69)points]were significantly lower than those in the control group[(7.26±1.28)points, (6.34±2.65)points] at the first and second week(t=3.265, 5.395, all P<0.05). The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1 in the observation group [(15.16±0.88) ng/L, (157.19±11.22)ng/L] were significantly lower than those in the control group[(17.87±1.19)ng/L, (198.21±12.07)ng/L, t=2.152, 1.365, all P<0.05]and those before treatment[(20.26±1.05)ng/L, (260.44±13.63)ng/L, t=1.235, 0.965, all P<0.05]. Conclusion Combination of calcium dobesilate and monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside may alleviate the sensory and pain sensations in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, possibly by reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1. Key words: Diabetic neuropathies; Interleukin-6; Monocyte chemotactic protein-1; Michigan diabetic neuropathy score; Michigan neuropmhy screening instrument; Calcium dobesilate dispersible; Monosialotetrahexosylganlioside sodium

A10216 Serum MCP-1 levels are increased in systemic vasculitis of pations with hypertension with renal involvement

Objectives: Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), which is able to adjust the migration of monocytes/macrophages, osmosis and raise monocytes and T lymphocyte cells to participate in a variety of inflammation, are closely linked to various types of systematic vasculitis. However, serum MCP-1 levels have not been evaluated in patients with small and medium vessel vasculitis (SMVV), especially in those with PAN. The study was performed to investigate the level of serum MCP-1 in determining the SMVV. Methods: We reviewed all patients admitted to our center for the etiology screening of hypertension between January 2013 and December 2016. All vasculitis are diagnosed by a rheumatologist and fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria. Serum samples were collected in 43 patients with systemic vasculitis with hypertension and 43 healthy controls (HC). Serums MCP-1 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: The serum MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis, compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was significantly increasing in patients with renal than non-renal involvement (p = 0.001) and HC (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant statistical differences between active and inactive phase. Serum MCP-1 levels with patients in systemic vasculitis were positive correlation with serum creatinine levels (r = 0.387, p < 0.010). Furthermore, there was a closely correlation between 24-hour proteinuria and MCP-1 levels (r = 0.404, p < 0.014). Conclusion: Serums MCP-1 were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis compared with HC, especially in patients with renal involvement. Serum MCP-1 might be as a potential biomarker tools in the systemic vasculitis with renal involvement.

Paroxetine and rivastigmine mitigates adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats: Impact on oxidative stress, apoptosis and RANKL/OPG signals

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a form of inflammatory autoimmune disease with unknown etiology, but environmental and genetic causes are sharing. T-cells, B-cells, synovial cells, osteoclast, and chondrocytes are the main cell types in RA pathophysiology. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-rheumatic effects of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and rivastigmine, acetyl choline esterase inhibitor (AChEI), in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)–induced RA. Adult female rats were categorized into five groups of eight rats each: normal control received vehicles only, RA control received CFA (0.4 ml, s.c) dexamethasone group (1 mg/kg/day, p.o), paroxetine group (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) and rivastigmine group (1 mg/kg/day, i.p). All treatments were administered for 13 consecutive days. Specific rheumatoid marker rheumatoid factor (RF), cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were determined. Serum MDA and reduced GSH levels were investigated as oxidative stress biomarkers. IL-6, TNF-α, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were also determined as inflammatory biomarkers. Tissue Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) expression levels were detected using qRT-PCR. Paroxetine and rivastigmine significantly reduced RF, COMP, MMP-3, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 serum levels. Tested drugs also significantly reduced serum MDA and increased GSH levels. In addition, paroxetine and rivastigmine attenuated histopathological variations by reducing pannus formation and return synovial fluid near to normal. Administration of paroxetine or rivastigmine normalized caspase-3 and RANKL/OPG in CFA-induced RA.In conclusion, paroxetine and rivastigmine possess antirheumatoid effects in CFA-induced RA which is mediated through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and modulation of RANKL/OPG expression levels.

Increased Serum MCP-1 Levels in Systemic Vasculitis Patients with Renal Involvement.

Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) plays a significant role in inflammation pathways by affecting monocyte/macrophage migration, the number of monocytes and T lymphocytes, and osmosis. Inflammation is closely linked to various types of systematic vasculitis. Here we characterized serum MCP-1 levels in systemic vasculitis patients. This cross-sectional study included serum samples collected from 43 patients with systemic vasculitis and 43 healthy controls (HCs). Serum MCP-1 levels in the samples were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Serum MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis relative to HCs (parentheses indicate quartile values) [134.65 (73.74, 262.75) pg/mL versus 59.1 (37.41, 90.18) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Furthermore, systemic vasculitis patients having renal involvement had significantly higher MCP-1 levels relative to patients without renal involvement [196.16 (104.41, 310.35) pg/mL versus 73.74 (41.24, 145.95) pg/mL, P = 0.001] and HCs [196.16 (104.41, 310.35) pg/mL versus 59.10 (37.41, 90.18) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Serum MCP-1 levels in systemic vasculitis patients were positively correlated with serum creatinine levels (r = 0.387, P < 0.010) and with 24-h proteinuria (r = 0.404, P < 0.014). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the cutoff value for MCP-1 to distinguish systemic vasculitis from HCs was 72.73 pg/mg, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.772. The sensitivity and specificity were 76.7% and 72.1%, respectively. Serum MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis than in HCs, especially in patients with renal involvement. Thus, serum MCP-1 has the potential to be a biomarker for systemic vasculitis with renal involvement.

MCP-1, KC-like and IL-8 as critical mediators of pathogenesis caused by Babesia canis.

Canine babesiosis caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia canis is a tick-borne disease characterized by a host response that involves both cellular and humoral immunity. This study focuses on the secretion of cytokines Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), Keratinocyte Chemotactic-like (KC-like), Interleukins (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18 and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1) in babesiosis caused by Babesia canis upon treatment with Imizol®. We assessed time dependent changes in cytokine levels and tested whether these changes correlate with pathogenesis of the disease. Sixteen healthy dogs and 31 dogs infected with Babesia canis, of which 18 showed complications, were treated with Imizol®. One dog died during the study (3.2%). Longitudinal study was perfomed by monitoring dogs at the first day of presentation (day 1) and 6 days later (day 7). Our results show that higher MCP-1 levels on day 1 are positively associated with the occurrence of complications, (complicated vs. uncomplicated; p = 0.00016). A similar pattern was observed for KC-like on day 1 (p = 0.0326) and day 7 (p = 0.044). Moreover, babesiosis caused by B. canis produced a steady increase in IL-8 levels with a moderate to strong negative correlation with erythrocyte counts and hematocrit in uncomplicated diseased dogs only (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient rs = -0.582 and rs = -0.598 respectively). Like for MCP-1, KC-like levels also differed in complicated and uncomplicated diseased dogs on day 1 (p = 0.03236) and day 7 (p = 0.044). Furthermore, KC-like levels were strongly correlated with IL-8 levels (rs = 0.663–0.7) and non-segmented neutrophil counts (rs = 0.572–0.732) in both diseased groups. Analysis of ROC suggests the use of serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-7 as predictors of the occurrence of complications with an AUC of 0.906 and 0.896 respectively and linear combinations of MCP-1, KC-Like, IL-7 and GM-CSF with values up to AUC = 0.983. Cytokine cluster analysis presented in this study can contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of babesiosis and serve as a prognostic tool for the early detection of cases with highest likelihood of developing complications. Overall, our studies show that infection by B. canis elicits a cytokine pattern that is distinct from that observed with B. rossi, and that some of the inflammatory mediators can be useful to predict complications. Our results also suggest targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in babesiosis caused by B. canis.

Serum and follicular fluid monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels are elevated in obese women and are associated with poorer clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization: a pilot study

To determine whether monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a proinflammatory chemokine important in ovulation, is abnormally elevated in obese women undergoing IVF and whether serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of MCP-1 are associated with IVF outcome. Prospective pilot study. Academic center. Women undergoing IVF. Serum and FF were collected from women undergoing IVF. Correlation between MCP-1 and other inflammatory markers with adiposity and pregnancy outcome after IVF. Obese women had significantly higher serum and FF MCP-1 levels compared with overweight and normal weight women. Serum MCP-1, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, catalase, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for age and baseline FSH, these correlations remained significant for serum MCP-1, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and CRP. In the FF, only MCP-1 was positively correlated with BMI. Women who became pregnant had significantly lower serum MCP-1 and CRP levels compared with those who did not become pregnant; this difference was more pronounced among women with diminished ovarian reserve. Receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that serum MCP-1 levels >373.0 pg/mL in all women and >362.6pg/mL in women with diminished ovarian reserve predicted failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy. Elevations in serum and FF MCP-1 levels are positively correlated with adiposity and negatively correlated with pregnancy rates (PRs) in women undergoing IVF.

Roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and nuclear factor-κB in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model.

This study aimed to explore the roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were collected and divided into four groups: experimental group (n=30, spinal tuberculosis model was established), the sham group (n=15, sham operation was performed) and the blank group (n=3). The qRT-PCR assay and western blotting were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of MCP-1, NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess the distributions of CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 lymphocyte subsets. Compared with the sham and blank groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly increased. The experimental group had lower serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and higher serum level of IL-10 than the sham and blank groups. In comparison to the sham and blank groups, CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets percentage, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs subsets accounting for CD4+ lymphocyte in the experimental group were lower, while percentage of CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets was higher. Our study provided evidence that higher expression of MCP-1 and NF-κB may be associated with decreased immune function of spinal tuberculosis, which can provide a new treatment direction for spinal tuberculosis.

Clinical significance of dynamic detection for serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 in patients with acute pancreatitis.

To observe dynamic changes of levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with acute pancreatitis and to investigate its evaluation value on the severity of acute pancreatitis. A total of 109 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted were divided into mild acute pancreatitis group (MAP group, 42 cases), moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP group, 35 cases) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP group, 32 cases). ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 of patients at day 1, day 4 and day 7 of admission to hospital. The serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 from MAP group, MSAP group and SAP group at day 1 of admission to hospital all significantly increased. There was a significant difference between MAP group and control group, MSAP group and MAP group, SAP group and MSAP group (P<0.05). The serum concentrations of IL-8 from MASP group and SAP group obviously increased at day 1, and there was significant difference between MASP group and MAP group, SAP group and MSAP group (P<0.05), while the difference between MAP group and control group was not obvious (P>0.05); The serum concentrations of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 from MAP group all reached the highest level at day 4, which were significantly higher than the detection levels at day 1. In MSAP group and SAP group, the serum concentrations of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 were the highest at day 1, which were significantly higher than the detection levels at day 4 and 7. At each detecting timing, the serum concentrations of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 from MSAP group and SAP group were all higher than those of MAP group and MSAP group, respectively. The dynamic changes of serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8 in patients with acute pancreatitis have their rules, and the change rule of MAP group was different with that of MSAP and SAP group, which showed the reference value for the diagnosis and illness severity evaluation of acute pancreatitis.

Serum TWEAK as a biomarker for disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus.

This study aimed to identify serum and urine biomarkers that correlate with disease activity in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum and urine levels of interferon γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10), TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) of 70 patients with SLE and 61 healthy controls were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The serum and urine levels of TWEAK, IP-10, and MCP-1 in both high and low SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) groups of SLE patients were markedly higher compared with those of healthy controls. Moreover, the serum TWEAK level was positively correlated with the serum IP and serum MCP-1 levels (p<0.001 for both). The serum TWEAK levels, SLEDAI scores, and urine protein/creatinine levels were significantly different between the SLE group with non-renal involvement and with renal involvement (p=0.034, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The serum TWEAK level was a crucial determinant for a high SLEDAI score and renal involvement (p=0.044 and p=0.046, respectively). Serum TWEAK might be a serologic biomarker candidate that reflects disease activity and renal involvement in patients with SLE.