Serum sFas Levels Research Articles

Altered serum levels of cytokines in patients with myasthenia gravis

BackgroundMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by generalized skeletal muscle contraction weakness due to autoantibodies targeting neural-muscular junctions. Here, we investigated the relationship between key cytokines and MG type, disease course, antibodies, and comorbidities. MethodCytokine levels in serum samples collected from MG (n = 45) and healthy control (HC, n = 38) patients from January 2020 to June 2022 were quantified via flow cytometry. ResultsLevels of IL-6 were higher in the MG group versus healthy individuals (p = 0.026) and in patients with generalized versus ocular MG (p = 0.019). IL-6 levels were positively correlated with QMG score. In patients with MG with both AChR and Titin antibodies, serum levels of sFas and granulysin were higher than in those with AChR alone (p = 0.036, and p = 0.028, respectively). LOMG had a reduction in serum levels of IL-2 compared to EOMG (p = 0.036). LOMG patients with diabetes had lower serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ (p = 0.044, p = 0.038, and p = 0.047, respectively) versus those without diabetes. sFas in the MG with Abnormal thymus were reduced compared to those in MG with Normal thymus (p = 0.008). ConclusionsThis study revealed a positive correlation between IL-6 level and MG status. Serum cytokine levels of the AChR + Titin MG group differed from those of the AChR group. LOMG had a lower IL-2 level. Comorbidities affect some cytokines in peripheral blood in MG serum.

A retrospective view of the relationship of soluble Fas with anemia and outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with outcomes. In addition, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) resistance. Firstly, to compare clinical data and serum levels of sFas, EPO, and pro-inflammatory markers between patients with non-dialytic CKD (NDD-CKD) and healthy subjects. Subsequently, to compare and evaluate the relationship of serum EPO, sFas levels with anemia, and outcomes in patients with NDD-CKD over a long follow-up period. We performed a retrospective study in 58 NDD-CKD patients compared with 20 healthy subjects on complete blood count, kidney function, serum EPO, sFas, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL- 6, and IFN-γ) at baseline. We then compared the same baseline data between patients with NDD-CKD who evolved to anemia and those who did not have anemia over the follow-up. We also evaluated the frequency of outcomes in patients with CKD with higher sFas levels. Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis of factors associated with CKD anemia. There were lower eGFR and Hb but higher serum inflammatory markers, sFas levels, sFas/eGFR, and EPO/Hb ratios in patients with NDD-CKD. Comparatively, on the other hand, NDD-CKD patients with anemia had lower eGFR but were older, had more diabetes, and had higher sFas/ eGFR, EPO/Hb ratios, and serum levels of IL-6 and sFas than NDD-CKD without anemia for an extended period. In addition, there was an association in a multivariate analysis of diabetes, age, and sFas levels with kidney anemia. Furthermore, there were higher frequencies of outcomes in increased serum sFas levels. As an elective risk factor, serum sFas levels, in addition to age and diabetes, were independently associated with kidney anemia for an extended period. Thus, more studies are necessary to analyze the proper relationship of sFas with kidney anemia and its outcomes and therapy in CKD.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Serum sFas/sFasL in Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of soluble Fas (sFas) and sFasL in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). From September 2015 to December 2020, 86 sHLH patients who met the HLH2004 diagnostic criteria were collected. They were divided into 55 cases in the MAHLH group and 31 cases in the NonMAHLH group according to the etiology. Thirty healthy persons were chosen as the normal control group, and 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were chosen as the disease control group. The expression levels of sFas and sFasL in the serum of patients with each group were detected by ELISA, and the clinical data were collected for statistical analysis. The significance of sFas and sFasL in sHLH was analyzed by ROC curve. Serum levels of sFas and sFasL in patients with newly diagnosed sHLH were significantly higher than those in disease control group and normal control group (P<0.01). The levels of sFas and sFasL in MAHLH group were significantly higher than those in nonMAHLH (infection related HLH and autoimmune disease related HLH) group (P<0.01). The serum levels of sFas and sFasL in 17 newly treated patients with sHLH (17/86) after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). The serum sFas level in newly diagnosed sHLH patients was positively correlated with SF(r=0.35), sCD25(r=0.79) and sFasL(r=0.73). The serum sFasL level was positively correlated with SF(r=0.39), sCD25(r=0.64) and sFas(r=0.73). Compared with the NonMAHLH group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.707 (95% CI: 0.593-0.821) (P=0.0015). The optimal critical value for diagnosing MAHLH by sFas level was 12 743 pg/ml, and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.9% and 71% respectively. Compared with the NonMAHLH group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.765(95% CI: 0.659-0.87)(P<0.01). The median OS time of sFas high expression group (≥16798.5 pg/ml) and sFasL high expression group (≥4 785 pg/ml) was significantly shorter than that of the low expression group (P<0.001). Serum levels of sFas and sFasL can be used for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sHLH disease, and are the factor related to the poor prognosis of sHLH.

Serum Fas levels during first week of sepsis are associated with severity and mortality

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of our study was to explore whether there is an association of serum sFas (cell death apoptosis receptor) concentrations during the first week of sepsis with sepsis severity and sepsis mortality. Methods In this observational study, septic patients were recruited. Serum sFas concentrations were determined on days 1, 4, and 8 of sepsis diagnosis. Thirty-day mortality was the outcome variable. Results Surviving patients (n = 181) compared to non-survivors (n = 101) presented lower serum sFas levels on day 1 (p < 0.001), day 4 (p < 0.001) and day 8 (p < 0.001), and lower SOFA on day 1 (p < 0.001), day 4 (p < 0.001) and day 8 (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed associations between 30-day mortality and serum sFas levels controlling for SOFA on day 1 (OR = 1.005; 95% CI = 1.003–1.007; p < 0.001), day 4 (OR = 1.044; 95% CI = 1.029–1.060; p < 0.001) and day 8 (OR = 1.012; 95% CI = 1.002–1.022; p = 0.02). Conclusions The association of serum sFas concentrations during the first week of sepsis with sepsis severity and sepsis mortality were our new findings.

Serum Soluble Fas Levels and Incidence of Liver Cancer in Nested Case-Control Study.

Soluble Fas (sFas) plays various roles in carcinogenesis and tumor dissemination by preventing apoptosis via binding to Fas ligand. We analyzed associations of serum sFas levels with the incidence of liver cancer in a prospective case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. A baseline survey was conducted from 1988, with blood samples obtained from 39,242 subjects. Patients diagnosed with liver cancer were regarded as cases. Two or three controls were selected and matched for sex, age, and geographic area. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for cancer incidence associated with sFas. This study contained 86 cases and 249 controls. After controlling for alcohol intake, body mass index, smoking, and hepatitis viral infection, participants with high sFas showed elevated risk of cancer (Ptrend = 0.003) and the third tertile of sFas showed a higher risk compared with the first tertile [OR, 3.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28-9.69]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, high sFas was associated with elevated risk (Ptrend < 0.001). In men and the elderly, subjects in the highest tertiles showed higher cancer risk. Limiting subjects to those followed for 3 years, high sFas was related to liver cancer risk (Ptrend = 0.033) and the third tertile showed a higher risk compared with the first (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 0.94-9.14). High serum sFas may be related to future risk of liver cancer. Our findings highlight this biomarker for further analysis in pooled investigations with different/larger prospective cohorts.

Blood soluble Fas concentrations and ischemic stroke patient mortality

ABSTRACT Background Fas is a major receptor for cell death by apoptosis. Higher blood concentrations of soluble Fas (sFas) have been reported in patients with ischemic stroke compared to control subjects. The aim of this study was to explore the existence or not of an association between blood sFas concentrations and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods This study included patients admitted to Intensive Care Units with severe and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MCAI), defined as acute infarction, in more than 50% of this territory on computed tomography and less than 9 points on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Serum sFas levels were determined at the time of diagnosis of MMCAI. Results Non-surviving severe MMCAI patients (n = 27) showed lower platelet count (p = 0.004), higher serum sFas (p < 0.001), and lower GCS (p = 0.001) compared to surviving patients (n = 27). Multiple logistic regression found an association of serum sFas levels and mortality at 30 days (OR = 1.015; 95% CI = 1.002–1.027; p = 0.02) after control for CGS and platelet count. Conclusions The main novelty of our study was the existence of an association between high blood sFas concentrations and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke.

Baseline Ratio of Soluble Fas/FasL Predicts Onset of Pulmonary Hypertension in Elder Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the most common complications associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Though numerous risk factors have been founded, other risk factors remain unidentified, particularly in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with elder age. Soluble Fas (sFas) and its ligand FasL (sFasL) have been reported in chronic renal disease patients; however, they have not been identified in the PH patients of elder hemodialysis patients. We aimed to determine the roles of sFas/sFasL in onset of PH in elder patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with ESRD.MethodsAltogether, 163 patients aged 68.00 ± 10.51 years with ESRD who undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in a prospective cohort and were followed-up for a median of 5.5 years. They underwent echocardiography examinations, liver function assessments, residual renal function, and serum ion examinations, before and after dialysis. Furthermore, levels of sFas and sFasL at baseline had also been measured. We compared demographic data, echocardiographic parameters, liver function, ions, and residual renal function as well as serum sFas and sFasL between the PH and non-PH groups. These parameters were correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) using Spearman’s correlation. Moreover, univariate and adjusted logistic regression analyses have also been conducted.ResultsThe incidence of PH in the elder dialysis patients was 39.1%. PH populations were demonstrated with significantly higher end-diastolic internal diameters of the left atrium, left ventricle, right ventricle (RV), and pulmonary artery, as well as the left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVWP; all p < 0.05). A higher baseline serum sFas and sFasL levels have also been identified ( p < 0.001). They also showed lower fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; p < 0.05). Following dialysis, the post-dialysis serum potassium concentration (K+) was significantly higher in the PH group ( p = 0.013). Furthermore, the adjusted regression identified that ratio of sFas/FasL (OR: 1.587, p = 0.004), RV (OR: 1.184, p = 0.014), LVPW (OR: 1.517, p = 0.007), and post-dialysis K+ (OR: 2.717, p = 0.040) was the independent risk factors for PH while LVEF (OR: 0.875, p = 0.040) protects patients from PH.ConclusionThe baseline ratio of sFas/sFasL, RV, LVPW, and post-dialysis K+ was independent risk factors for PH onset, while LVEF was a protective factor for PH.

Investigation of Fas (APO-1)-Related Apoptosis in Piglets Intradermally or Intramuscularly Vaccinated with a Commercial PRRSV MLV.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) induces apoptosis through the activation of death receptors, including cell-surface Fas receptor. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) vaccination with a commercial PRRSV-modified live vaccine in piglets on Fas-related apoptosis. The study included 104 suckling piglets from a commercial farrow-to-finish pig farm, suffering from positive unstable PRRSV status. Animals were assigned in four groups: group A-Porcilis PRRS ID-vaccinated pigs, group B-Porcilis PRRS IM-vaccinated pigs, group C-Diluvac ID adjuvant-administered pigs, and group D-Diluvac IM adjuvant-administered pigs. Vaccines were administered at 2 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected from the same pigs at 4, 7, and 10 weeks of age. Sera were examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for PRRSV and by ELISA for soluble Fas (sFas). At 4 weeks of age, all groups were negative qRT-PCR for PRRSV; at 7 weeks only group A was negative; and at 10 weeks all groups were positive. sFas was significantly increased in groups C (4 vs. 7, 4 vs. 10, and 7 vs. 10 weeks) and D (7 vs. 10 weeks). Significant differences among groups were noticed only at 10 weeks (A vs. C, A vs. D, B vs. C, B vs. D). A significant positive and moderate correlation between PRRSV viral load and Fas level was observed. In unvaccinated piglets, increased serum sFas levels reveal apoptotic suppression compared with vaccinated piglets. In the latter, vaccine-derived antibodies limit the infection and may attribute to the reduced Fas expression, suggesting a weak induction of lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.

Association of serum soluble Fas concentrations and mortality of septic patients

IntroductionScarce data on Fas, one of the main receptors that activates the apoptosis extrinsic pathway, in septic patients exists. Higher blood soluble Fas (sFas) concentrations in non-survivor septic patients compared with survivors have been found in small studies; however, the association of blood sFas concentrations with mortality controlling for sepsis severity has not been stablished due to this small sample size in those studies. Thus, our main objective study was to determine whether an association between blood sFas concentrations and sepsis mortality controlling for sepsis severity exists. MethodsWe included septic patients in this observational and prospective study carried out in three Spanish Intensive Care Units. We obtained serum samples at sepsis diagnosis sepsis for sFas levels determination. ResultsThirty-day non-surviving patients (n=85) compared to surviving patients (n=151) had higher serum sFas levels (p<0.001). We found in multiple logistic regression analysis an association of serum sFas levels with mortality controlling for age and SOFA (OR=1.004; 95% CI=1.002–1.006; p<0.001), and for age and APACHE-II (OR=1.004; 95% CI=1.002–1.006; p<0.001). Serum sFas levels showed and area under the curve for mortality prediction of 71% (95% CI=65–71%; p<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed higher mortality rate in patients with serum sFas levels>83.5ng/mL (Hazard ratio=3.2; 95% CI=2.1–5.0; p<0.001). ConclusionsThat an association between blood sFas concentrations and sepsis mortality controlling for sepsis severity exists was our main new finding study.

Blood concentrations of proapoptotic sFas and antiapoptotic Bcl2 and COVID-19 patient mortality

ABSTRACT Background: There are no data on circulating concentrations of sFas (proapoptotic protein of extrinsic pathway) and Bcl2 (antiapoptotic protein of intrinsic pathway) in COVID-19 patients. Thus, our objective study was to determine whether an association exists between serum concentrations of sFas and Bcl2 and COVID-19 patient mortality. Methods: This observational and prospective study of COVID-19 patients was performed in eight Intensive Care Units (ICU) from Canary Islands (Spain). Serum levels of sFas and Bcl2 at ICU admission were determined. Mortality at 30 days was the end-point study. Results: Surviving patients (n = 42) compared to non-surviving (n = 11) had lower APACHE-II (p < 0.001), lower SOFA (p = 0.004), lower serum sFas levels (p = 0.001) and higher serum Bcl2 levels (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed an association between high serum sFas levels and mortality after controlling for APACHE-II (OR = 1.004; 95% CI = 1.101–1.007; p = 0.01) or SOFA (OR = 1.003; 95% CI = 1.101–1.106; p = 0.004), and between low serum Bcl2 levels and mortality after controlling for APACHE-II (OR = 0.927; 95% CI = 0.873–0.984; p = 0.01) or SOFA (OR = 0.949; 95% CI = 0.913–0.987; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting blood levels of sFas and Bcl2 in COVID-19 patients and its association with mortality.

Comparative Analysis of Tumor Infiltrating T Cells and Serological Markers between MIBC and NMIBC Patients

Bladder cancer is considered as that of any type of abnormal growth arising from the tissues. It has apossibility to spread other part of the body. The study aimed to evaluate counts of tumor infiltrating immunecells (CD3 &amp; CD8) and serum soluble Fas and Fas ligand concentrations and their comparison betweenMIBC and NMIBC. In this cross-sectional study a total of (23) patients with bladder cancer consist of (14)males and (9) females were included,their ages ranged from (26-82) years. The patients visited urologicalsurgery unit in Hilla Teaching Hospital during the period (December 2018 to October 2019). Tissue biopsyand 3 mL of blood were taken from each included subject for evaluation of CD3 and CD8 in bladder tumortissues by IHC technique, and serum levels in sFas and sFasL in by ELISA technique. The results showedboth CD3+ TILs and CD8+ TILs in MIBC are significantly higher than those of NMIBC (P value &lt;0.0001for CD3, and P value = 0.001 for CD8). Serum levels of sFas and sFasL in MIBC are not significantlydifferent from those of NMIBC (P value &gt;0.05). It was concluded that CD3+ TILs and CD8+TILs countswere significantly affected by the muscular invasiveness of bladder cancers, whereas both sFas and sFasLlevels were not.

Immunohistochemical Assessment of Tumor Infiltrating T Cells and Serological Evaluation of Apoptotic Markers in Prostate Cancer Patients

PCa is abnormal transformed growth in glandular prostate tissue of male reproductive system. Occasionally,it is slow growth, but some progressed rapidly. This corss-sectional study aims to evaluate the differences incounts of tumor infiltrating immune cells (CD3 &amp; CD8), and serum soluble Fas and Fas ligand concentrationsbetween malignant and benign PCa. Total of (17) patients with PCa were included, their ages ranged from(38-88) years. The patients visited urological surgery unit in Hilla Teaching Hospital during the period(November 2018 to October 2019). The samples comprise biopsy for estimation of tumor infiltrating CD3&amp; CD8 by IHC technique, and 3 mL of blood for sFas and sFasL evaluation by ELISA technique for eachpatient. The results showed the differences of CD3+ &amp; CD8+ PILs counts between BPH and malignant PCaare non-significant (P value &gt; 0.05), sFas concentrations of malignant PCa are significantly higher (P value&lt; 0.05) than those of BPH, whereas no significant difference (P value &gt; 0.05) in sFasL concentrations. Itwas concluded that prostate tumor type affects serum levels of sFas, but both CD3+ &amp; CD8+ PILs rates andsFasL levels are not affected.

Association of serum soluble Fas concentrations and mortality of septic patients

IntroductionScarce data on Fas, one of the main receptors that activates the apoptosis extrinsic pathway, in septic patients exists. Higher blood soluble Fas (sFas) concentrations in non-survivor septic patients compared with survivors have been found in small studies; however, the association of blood sFas concentrations with mortality controlling for sepsis severity has not been stablished due to this small sample size in those studies. Thus, our main objective study was to determine whether an association between blood sFas concentrations and sepsis mortality controlling for sepsis severity exists. MethodsWe included septic patients in this observational and prospective study carried out in three Spanish Intensive Care Units. We obtained serum samples at sepsis diagnosis sepsis for sFas levels determination. ResultsThirty-day non-surviving patients (n=85) compared to surviving patients (n=151) had higher serum sFas levels (p<0.001). We found in multiple logistic regression analysis an association of serum sFas levels with mortality controlling for age and SOFA (OR=1.004; 95% CI=1.002–1.006; p<0.001), and for age and APACHE-II (OR=1.004; 95% CI=1.002–1.006; p<0.001). Serum sFas levels showed and area under the curve for mortality prediction of 71% (95% CI=65–71%; p<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed higher mortality rate in patients with serum sFas levels>83.5ng/mL (Hazard ratio=3.2; 95% CI=2.1–5.0; p<0.001). ConclusionsThat an association between blood sFas concentrations and sepsis mortality controlling for sepsis severity exists was our main new finding study.

Soluble Fas affects erythropoiesis in vitro and acts as a potential predictor of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are associated with erythropoietin (Epo) hyporesponsiveness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether sFas could predict the need for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) usage and its influence in erythropoiesis remain unclear. We evaluated the relation between sFas and ESA therapy in patients with CKD with anemia and its effect on erythropoiesis in vitro. First, we performed a retrospective cohort study with 77 anemic patients with nondialysis CKD. We performed in vitro experiments to investigate whether sFas could interfere with the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood and incubated with recombinant sFas protein in a dose-dependent manner. Serum sFas positively correlated with Epo levels (r = 0.30, P = 0.001) but negatively with hemoglobin (r = -0.55, P < 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.58, P < 0.001) in patients with CKD at baseline. Elevated sFas serum levels (4,316 ± 897 vs. 2,776 ± 749, P < 0.001) with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (26.2 ± 10.1 vs. 33.5 ± 14.3, P = 0.01) and reduced hemoglobin concentration (11.1 ± 0.9 vs. 12.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) were identified in patients who required ESA therapy compared with patients with non-ESA. Afterward, we detected that the sFas level was slight correlated with a necessity of ESA therapy in patients with nondialysis CKD and anemia. In vitro assays demonstrated that the erythroid progenitor cell frequency negatively correlated with sFas concentration (r = -0.72, P < 0.001). There was decreased erythroid colony formation in vitro when CD34+ HSCs were incubated with a higher concentration of sFas protein (1.56 ± 0.29, 4.33 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that sFas is a potential predictor for ESA therapy in patients with nondialysis CKD and that elevated sFas could affect erythropoiesis in vitro.

Fas-mediated apoptosis and peripheral polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in the pathogenesis of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to analyze the relationship between these apoptotic markers with clinical parameters and electrophysiologic profile of DSPN, as well as with different diabetic factors among those patients.Patients and methodsThe study included 60 Egyptians with type 2 diabetes mellitus. All patients were evaluated clinically for DSPN by using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Electrophysiological diagnosis of DSPN was based on the criteria suggested by the European Standardized Telematic tool to Evaluate Electrodiagnostic Methods group. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to the electrophysiological findings: group A included patients with DSPN (N=42), and group B included patients without DSPN (N=18). The severity of DSPN among group A patients was assessed clinically using Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score and electrophysiologically by the severity score proposed by Hidasi and colleagues. The study also included 30 healthy volunteers as a control group. Serum levels of sFas and sFasL were assessed in all the studied groups.ResultsSerum level of sFas was significantly elevated in diabetic patients with DSPN compared with diabetics without DSPN and nondiabetic control (P=0.029 and 0.000). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis detected that sFas was statistically significant in discriminating between diabetic patients with DSPN from those patients without DSPN with an accuracy of 66%. The cutoff point that has the highest sensitivity (61%) and specificity (62%) was 33.3 ng/ml. Serum level of sFas showed a positive significant correlation with the electrophysiological severity of DSPN (P=0.020). Serum level of sFasL did not show statistically significant difference between all the studied groups.ConclusionFas-mediated apoptosis has an important role in the development of diabetic DSPN and is correlated with its electrophysiological severity.

Comparative Effects of Monosialoganglioside versus Citicoline on Apoptotic Factor, Neurological Function and Oxidative Stress in Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

To determine the comparative effect of monosialoganglioside versus citicoline on the content changes of serum apoptotic factors (PDCD5, sFas and sFasL), neurological function indices (BDNF, NSE, S100-β and NGF) and oxidative stress indices (SOD, MDA and GSH-PX) in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). An experimental study. Emergency Department, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China, from October 2016 to February 2018. A total of 90 newborns with HIE were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 45 cases in each group. In addition to the conventional treatment, the treatment group was given monosialoganglioside treatment, while the control group was given citicoline treatment. Both groups were treated for 10 days. After treatment, the content differences of serum apoptosis factors (PDCD5, sFas and sFasL), neurological function indices (BDNF, NSE, S100-β and NGF) and oxidative stress indices (SOD, MDA and GSH-PX) were observed in the two groups. After treatment, the levels of serum PDCD5, sFas, sFasL, MDA, NSE and S100-β in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (all p<0.001). The contents of serum SOD, GSH-PX, BDNF and NGF in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (all p<0.001). Monosialoganglioside can effectively improve the apoptotic factors, neurological function and oxidative stress indices in newborns and maintain the stability of the internal environment, so it is worthy of promotion and application.

Detection of Serum Biomarkers In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Scientific background: HCC has increased significantly in the last decade, as the major risk factors are chronic infections withhepatitis B and C viruses (HBV &amp; HCV), other risk factors involve aflatoxin B1 exposure, pesticides, alcohol consumption, andgenetic defects. New serum tumor markers are required for the diagnosis of HCC instead of alpha-fetoprotein (the most widelyused marker) as it's diagnostic accuracy is poor. Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum AFP, AFP-L3, soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas Ligand (sFasL) levels as biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC. Subjects and Methods: 100 adult patients were selected for this study. Fifty (50) healthysubjects, age and sex-matched, were considered as controls. Routine tests for liver cirrhosis &amp; HCC were done. Serum sFas andsFasL levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum AFP, AFPL3, sFas, and sFasL levels were significantly elevated in HCC group when compared with other 2 groups. At a cut off level AFP ≥ 20 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity were 70 and 77 respectively. Serum sFas had sensitivity and specificity much better than AFPL3 in the diagnosis of HCC. Regarding serum sFasL level for diagnosis of HCC, it had 87% sensitivity, 84% specificity at a cut off level ≥ 17.5pg/ml.Conclusions: The results of this present study clearly demonstrate that serum sFas and sFasL had a better sensitivity and specificity than AFP in differentiating patients with HCC from those with cirrhosis. s FasL could be used as the best reliable biomarkers in HCC resulting from chronic hepatitis C.

Elevated Soluble Fas and FasL in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum of Patients With Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis.

Objective: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune disorder that mainly affects children and young women. The Fas system contains both membrane-bound versions of Fas (mFas) and Fas ligand (mFasL), and soluble versions (sFas and sFasL), which play important roles in apoptosis and regulation of the immune system. Both the levels of sFas and sFasL and the role they play in anti-NMDAR disease pathogenesis remain unclear.Methods: Forty-eight pairs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, encephalitis of other causes or peripheral neuropathy. The CSF and serum concentrations of sFas and sFasL were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: CSF concentrations of sFas and sFasL were both increased in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients compared with controls patients. Serum sFas levels were also elevated in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients relative to controls. sFas and sFasL concentrations in CSF positively correlated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) both at onset and 6-months follow-up.Conclusion: CSF sFas and sFasL levels were elevated in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients, and reflect the disease severity of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Analysis of Correlation of Immune T Cell Subsets, TNF-α, IFN-γ and sFas levels with Severity and Prognosis in Aplastic Anemia Patients

To explore the correlation of immune T cell subsets and expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and sFas with the severity and prognosis of aplastic anemia(AA) patients. Ninety-five patients with aplastic anemia treated in our hospital were selected and enrolled in AA group, 43 cases of which were included in the acute group and 52 cases in the chronic group according to the disease status of patient's. Then, 50 cases of healthy volunteers in the same period were enrolled in the control group, and the changes of immune T cell subsets, and sFas serum TNF-α, IFN-γ and levels of the 3 groups were compared. The ROC curve was used to analyze the value of each index for evaluating the severity of the disease, 95 patients with aplastic anemia were followed up and the Kaplan-Miere survival curve was used to analyze the effect of different index levels on the progression-free survival of the patients. the serum level of CD4+ level and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio in AA group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the CD8+ level in AA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The CD4+ level and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio in the acute group was significantly lower than those in the chronic group (P<0.05), and the CD8+ level in the acute group was significantly higher than that in the chronic group (P<0.05). The serum level of TNF-α and IFN-γ of the patients in AA group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the level of sFas in AA group was significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α and IFN-γ in the acute group were significantly higher than that in the chronic group (P<0.05), and the level of sFas was significantly lower than that in the chronic group (P<0.05). The analysis of each index value for predicting the severity of AA by ROC showed that the area under curve of CD4+ /CD8+ , TNF-α, IFN-γ and sFas for predicting the patients' condition was 0.954, 0.763, 0.853 and 0.857, respectively. Kaplan-Miere survival curve analysis showed that CD4+ /CD8+ ratio had a significant effect on progression-free survival (P<0.05), the TNF-α, IFN-γ and sFas levels had no significant effect on progression-free survival (P>0.05). The patients with aplastic anemia have significantly abnormal T lymphocyte subsets, there is a certain correlation between the serum TNF-α, IFN-γ and sFas levels with aplastic anemia, each index can reflect the disease severity, and the changes of T lymphocyte subsets has important influence on the clinical prognosis of the patients.

Investigation of the Relation Between FAS, FASLG Polymorphisms and Serum Fas, FasL Levels in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial and inflammatory chronic skin disease indicated with T-cell-mediated keratinocyte hyper-proliferation. Demographic, epidemiological (family, twin), serological, and genetic studies have clearly demonstrated that psoriasis is a polygenic and multifactorial disease. Aim: The objectives of the study are; to determine the prevalence of the polymorphisms of FAS (Fas cell surface receptor gene) -671 A&gt;G (rs:1800682) and FASLG (Fas ligand gene) -844 T&gt;C (rs:763110), to investigate the serum levels of sFas and sFasL, and also to discover any relationship between gene polymorphisms and serum levels in psoriatic patients. Material and Methods: 50 treated and 69 untreated patients, and 140 healthy controls were included in the study. Polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The serum levels were measured in randomly selected treated (39) and untreated (40) patients, also in 84 healthy controls using micro-ELISA technique. Results: There was no statistical difference between polymorphisms in the patient and control groups. However, sFas and sFasL levels in both treated and untreated patients were higher than that of the controls. Conclusion: The investigated FAS and FASLG polymorphisms were not found to be directly associated with the psoriasis. Elevated sFas and sFasL levels in psoriatic patients showed that these factors may possess a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.