Serum Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Research Articles

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.

Estimation of blood-based biomarkers of glial activation related to neuroinflammation

BackgroundNeuroinflammation is a well-known feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and a blood-based test for estimating the levels of neuroinflammation would be expected. In this study, we examined and validated a model using blood-based biomarkers to predict the level of glial activation due to neuroinflammation, as estimated by 11C-DPA-713 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. MethodsWe included 15 patients with AD and 10 cognitively normal (CN) subjects. Stepwise backward deletion multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of the TSPO-binding potential (BPND) estimated by PET imaging. The independent variables were age, sex, diagnosis, apolipoprotein E4 positivity, body mass index and the serum concentration of blood-based biomarkers, including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), fractalkine, chitinase 3-like protein-1 (CHI3L1), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2), and clusterin. ResultsSex, diagnosis, and serum concentrations of MCP1 and sTREM2 were determined as predictors of TSPO-BPND in the Braak1-3 area. The serum concentrations of MCP1 and sTREM2 correlated positively with TSPO-BPND. In a leave one out (LOO) cross-validation (CV) analysis, the model gave a LOO CV R2 of 0.424, which indicated that this model can account for approximately 42.4% of the variance of brain TSPO-BPND. ConclusionsWe found that the model including serum MCP-1 and sTREM2 concentration and covariates of sex and diagnosis was the best for predicting brain TSPO-BPND. The detection of neuroinflammation in AD patients by blood-based biomarkers should be a sensitive and useful tool for making an early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

MCP1, CRP and Procalcitonin as Novel Diagnostic Markers in Cirrhotic Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Background &amp; Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum c-reactive protein (CRP), ascitic procalcitonin (PCT) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study that included 199 patients with decompensated cirrhosis (101 with SBP and 98 without SBP). Patients were classified according to Child-Pugh criteria. Ascitic PCT and MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CRP, liver and renal functions were assessed. Results: Three markers are significantly elevated in SBP patients than those without ascites. Using the ROC curve at AUC 0.883 and a cut-off value of &gt;186 ng/ml, the diagnostic performance of ascitic MCP-1 level was higher than CRP (AUC 0.562) and ascitic fluid procalcitonin (AUC 0.751) in the diagnosis of SBP. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.15% and 79.59% at the cutoff of 186 ng/ml for MCP-1, 65.4 and 75.5 at ≥ 1 ng/ml for PCT, and 52.5 and 64.3, respectively for at 11.2 mg/dl CRP. Conclusion: Ascitic MCP-1 has a better diagnostic value with higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis SBP compared to CRP and procalcitonin which has higher diagnostic accuracy than CRP. Further studies with a large number will be necessary to evaluate the usefulness of these markers in diagnosis, follow-up and relation to morbidity and mortality of SBP patients.

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.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, serum cytokines, and dementia among rural-dwelling older adults in China: Apopulation-based study.

Little is known about whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dementia or the role of serum proinflammatory cytokines in the association. We aimed to investigate the interrelationships of NAFLD, serum cytokines, and dementia among rural-dwelling older adults. This population-based cross-sectional study included 5129 participants (aged ≥60 years; 61.79% women) who were living in rural communities and examined in March 2018-September 2018. NAFLD was defined through transabdominal ultrasound examination in the absence of hepatitis B or excessive alcohol consumption. Serum cytokines were measured in a subsample (n=1686). Dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were diagnosed following international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and mediation models. Of the 5129 participants, 455 (8.87%) were detected with moderate-to-severe NAFLD, and 292 (5.69%) were diagnosed with dementia (188 with AD and 96 with VaD). The multivariable adjusted odds ratios associated with moderate-to-severe (vs. no-to-mild) NAFLD were 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-3.49) for all-cause dementia, 1.88 (95% CI=1.01-3.50) for AD, and 2.62 (95% CI=1.33-5.17) for VaD. In the cytokine subsample, controlling for multiple potential confounders, moderate-to-severe NAFLD was significantly associated with higher levels of serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interleukin-17A, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (P &lt; 0.05). The mediation analysis showed that IL-6 mediated 12.56% of the association between NAFLD and VaD. Moderate-to-severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with dementia and AD, especially with VaD, among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults, in which the association with VaD is partly mediated by serum inflammatory cytokines.

Exploration of serum biomarkers in dogs with malignant melanoma receiving anti-PD-L1 therapy and potential of COX-2 inhibition for combination therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies are widely used to treat human cancers, and growing evidence suggests that ICIs are promising treatments for canine malignancies. However, only some canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) cases respond to ICIs. To explore biomarkers predictive of survival in dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM receiving the anti-PD-L1 antibody c4G12 (n = 27), serum concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured prior to treatment initiation. Among 12 factors tested, PGE2, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and stem cell factor (SCF) were higher in OMM dogs compared to healthy dogs (n = 8). Further, lower baseline serum PGE2, MCP-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A concentrations as well as higher IL-2, IL-12, and SCF concentrations predicted prolonged overall survival. These observations suggest that PGE2 confers resistance against anti-PD-L1 therapy through immunosuppression and thus is a candidate target for combination therapy. Indeed, PGE2 suppressed IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production by stimulated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), while inhibition of PGE2 biosynthesis using the COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam in combination with c4G12 enhanced Th1 cytokine production by PBMCs. Thus, serum PGE2 may be predictive of c4G12 treatment response, and concomitant use of COX-2 inhibitors may enhance ICI antitumor efficacy.

Predictive Value of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in the Development of Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the proinflammatory monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the diagnosis of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) was determined using clinical and laboratory parameters, and echocardiography was performed to estimate DD. Serum MCP-1 concentrations were elevated in PsA patients with DD diagnosed with ultrasound (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile): 366.6 pg/mL (283, 407.1 pg/mL) vs. 277.5 pg/mL (223.5, 319.1 pg/mL) in controls; P < 0.0017). PsA patients with serum MCP-1 concentration higher than the cut-off value of 347.6 pg/mL had a 7.74-fold higher chance of developing DD than PsA patients with lower serum MCP-1 concentrations (controls), with a specificity of 86.36% and sensitivity of 55%, as verified using ultrasound. The group with MCP-1 concentrations above the cut-off value also showed a higher late peak diastolic mitral inflow velocity, A-wave value (P = 0.000005), E/E′ ratio (P = 0.00005), and a lower E/A ratio (P = 0.000002), peak systolic left atrial reservoir strain, SA value (P = 0.0066), early peak diastolic displacement of the mitral septal annulus, E′ wave value (P = 0.003), than controls. Systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), LDL cholesterol concentration (P = 0.012), glucose concentration (P = 0.011), and DAPSA (P = 0.0000) increased in the PsA group with higher MCP-1 concentrations, although there were no differences in comorbidities and therapy between the groups compared. Thus, the serum MCP-1 concentration was a significant and independent prognostic indicator for asymptomatic DD in PsA patients (area under the curve = 0.730, P = 0.001). The DAPSA score in PsA patients might indicate the need for echocardiography and adjustment of anti-inflammatory treatment in terms of DD prevention.

Preliminary study on the differentiation of vulnerable carotid plaques via analysis of calcium content and spectral curve slope by using gemstone spectral imaging.

Growing evidence indicates that vulnerable carotid plaque rupture is an important cause of stroke. However, the role of novel gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) in the assessment of vulnerable carotid plaques has remained to be sufficiently explored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques using both GSI imaging biomarkers and serological biomarkers, and further explore their possible roles in the atherogenic process. The present study analyzed GSI data, including calcium content of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and spectral curve slope, as well as serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in patients with a carotid atherosclerotic plaque using GSI-computed tomographic angiography and immunoturbidimetry. Patients with unstable plaque exhibited a significantly lower calcium content and higher spectral curve slope than those of the stable plaque group. In addition, patients with unstable plaque exhibited an increase in Hs-CRP and MCP-1 levels compared with those of the stable plaque and normal control groups. The alteration in GSI calcium content and spectral curve slope reflects a close link between calcification and plaque instability, while aberrant Hs-CRP and MCP-1 expression are involved in the formation or development of vulnerable plaques. Taken together, the present results strongly support the feasibility of using these serological and newly identified imaging parameters as multiple potential biomarkers relevant to plaque vulnerability or stroke progression.

Association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor expression and select systemic risks factors for coronary artery atherosclerosis

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and systemic coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) risk factors. Methods Female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 39) consumed atherogenic diets containing the women’s equivalent of 1000 IU/day of vitamin D3. After 32 months consuming the diets, each monkey underwent surgical menopause. After 32 postmenopausal months, CAA and VDR expression were quantified in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Plasma 25OHD3, lipid profiles and serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured. Results In postmenopausal monkeys receiving atherogenic diets, serum MCP-1 was significantly elevated compared with baseline (482.2 ± 174.2 pg/ml vs. 349.1 ± 163.2 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001; d = 0.79) and at the start of menopause (363.4 ± 117.2 pg/ml; p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Coronary VDR expression was inversely correlated with serum MCP-1 (p = 0.042). Additionally, the change of postmenopausal MCP-1 (from baseline to necropsy) was significantly reduced in the group with higher, compared to below the median, VDR expression (p = 0.038). The combination of plasma 25OHD3 and total plasma cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was subsequently broken into low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups; as the risk increased, the VDR quantity decreased (p = 0.04). CAA was not associated with various atherogenic diets. Conclusion Coronary artery VDR expression was inversely correlated with markers of CAA risk and inflammation, including MCP-1, suggesting that systemic and perhaps local inflammation in the artery may be associated with reduced arterial VDR expression.

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.

Evaluation of serum and ascitic monocyte chemotactic protein-1 level in patients with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum and ascitic fluid monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) level in cirrhotic patients with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Background SBP is one of the potential life-threatening complications in ascitic cirrhotic patients, with a mortality rate ranging between 30 and 50%. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 40 patients with cirrhotic ascites with and without SBP admitted to Internal Medicine Department, Menoufia University Hospital, and El Sahel Teaching Hospital from October 2017 to October 2018. All patients included in this study were divided into two groups as follows: group I included 10 ascitic patients without SBP, and group II included 30 ascitic patients with SBP. Results Mean level of MCP-1 was significantly higher in SBP group than non-SBP group. For MCP-1, the cutoff point that gives an area of 91% was 122.5 ng/ml, with sensitivity of 86% and of specificity 95%. For serum MCP-1, the cutoff point that gives an area of 91% was 100.5 ng/ml, with of sensitivity 85% and specificity of 94%. For polymorphonuclear cell count, the cutoff point that gives an area of 78% was 62.5 cell/cm3, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 41%. Conclusion MCP-1 is a good diagnostic marker for SBP with its high sensitivity (86.7%) and specificity (95.4%) with high reliability (91%) in patients with SBP. Moreover, MCP-1 is a good prognostic marker owing to its positive relation with the severity of liver disease, which is indicated by high model for end-stage liver disease scores.

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.

Evaluation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity Using Urine Biomarkers.

Early detection of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients likely to develop severe manifestations enables appropriate interventions, including rapid ICU admission. This study was conducted to determine whether noninvasive urine biomarkers can predict the clinical severity of coronavirus disease 2019. Not applicable. This is single-center study, national center hospital designated for infectious disease. Fifty-eight patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in respiratory specimens through real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were retrospectively studied. Urinary β2-microglobulin, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein were serially measured. Serum interferon-γ and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were also evaluated. The 58 patients were assigned into three groups. Patients requiring intensive care were assigned to the severe group (n = 12). Patients treated with oxygen were assigned to the moderate group (n = 13). Other patients were assigned to the mild group (n = 33). Urine tests revealed that low β2-microglobulin and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein levels were associated with mild disease, whereas high levels were associated with severe disease. In severe cases, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein tended to be persistently high. The resulting cutoff values were β2-microglobulin; severe versus moderate + mild: 2,457 μg/dL (specificity 76.9% and sensitivity 90.0%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 85.9%), liver-type fatty acid-binding protein; severe versus moderate + mild: 22.0 μg/gCre (specificity 84.6% and sensitivity 90%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 91.8%). Urinary β2-microglobulin and serum interferon-γ/monocyte chemotactic protein-1 showed a similar trend. Evaluating urinary biomarkers such as β2-microglobulin and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein may allow determination of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with active cytokines and recognition of patients likely to become critically ill and requiring careful observation and early intervention.

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

Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Islet Morphology as Therapeutic Mechanisms of Basella alba in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The mechanism of the previously reported antidiabetic effect of Basella alba is unknown. This study investigated the role of B. alba aqueous leaf extract in the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and administered the following treatments: Healthy control (H-c) and Diabetic control (D-c) animals received normal saline 0.5 mL/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H-Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D-Ba) rats received the plant extract 200 mg/kg body weight daily. All treatments were administered by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in D-c and D-Ba rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body). The body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were recorded every week for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and samples collected for further analysis. After the experiment, FBS level was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in rats in the D-Ba group, but increased (p < 0.001) in rats in the D-c group. The absolute (H-c and H-Ba vs D-c, p < 0.05) and relative (D-Ba vs H-c, p < 0.05; D-Ba vs H-Ba, p < 0.005) weights of the pancreases were significantly higher after the experiment. The rats in the D-c group had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-1β (p < 0.001 vs H-c; p < 0.05 vs H-Ba and D-Ba) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p < 0.0001), but lower levels of interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups. Histopathological examination revealed severe interstitial congestion, reduced islet area (p < 0.0001), and increased islet cell density in the D-c group compared with those in the D-Ba group. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of B. alba stimulates the recovery of beta-islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by modulating the peripheral production of inflammatory cytokines.

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.

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.