Soluble Fas Antigen Research Articles

Serum sFas, Leptin, and VEGF in Patients with Ovarian Cancer and Benign Tumors

The initial levels of soluble Fas antigen (sFas), leptin, and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were measured in the sera of 100 patients with ovarian cancer and benign tumors and in 60 healthy women aged 28-65 years. Serum levels of sFas and VEGF were elevated in the total group of patients with ovarian tumors, while leptin levels were the same as in healthy women. The studied parameters did not depend on the age of patients and healthy women. The levels of sFas and leptin were virtually the same in benign and malignant ovarian tumors, while VEGF concentration was higher in patients with ovarian cancer. The mean serum levels of sFas, VEGF, and leptin in patients with poorly and moderately differentiated serous ovarian cancer were 2-fold higher than in well-differentiated tumors (p<0.05), while serum concentrations of sFas and leptin increased with the disease stage progress in patients with ovarian cancer (p<0.05). According to the data of unifactorial analysis, the increase in serum levels of sFas and VEGF in ovarian cancer patients correlated with short duration of the relapse-free period. Multifactorial analysis showed that the disease stage (p=0.006), presence of ascites (p=0.03), VEGF concentration (p=0.02), and the sFas/leptin coefficient (p=0.045) are highly significant independent factors for predicting the relapse-free survival of patients with serous ovarian cancer.

Soluble Fas antigen in the serum of women with oral lichen planus

Enzyme immunoassay showed that soluble Fas antigen is significantly more often detected in the serum of patients with oral lichen planus (72.5%) and oral squamous-cell cancer (75%) than in healthy postmenopausal women (36%). The level of soluble Fas antigen was significantly higher in patients with squamous-cell cancer and erosive ulcerative and exudative hyperemic lichen planus than in healthy women.

Soluble Fas antigen in term labour

Soluble Fas antigen in term labour

Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in ascitic fluid of decompensated cirrhotic patients with and without spontaneous ascites infection

Spontaneous ascites infection is a frequently encountered and important complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. The immune system plays an important role in the development or eradication of this infection. A number of compositional and functional alterations in immune system cells have been demonstrated in cirrhotic patients; however, there is a lack of knowledge about this issue in ascitic infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate lymphocyte subsets and levels of some ascitic and lymphocytic intracytoplasmic cytokines in decompensated cirrhotic patients with or without spontaneous ascites infection. The study population consisted of 45 decompensated cirrhotic patients (32 men, 13 women) with different etiologies. Patients with ascitic polymorphonuclear leukocyte count > or =250/mm(3) and/or positive ascitic bacterial cultures were classified as the "infected group". Comparison was made between the infected and non-infected group for the following parameters: ascites leukocyte counts and differentiations; ascitic fluid protein; albumin levels and serum-ascites albumin gradients; flow cytometric detection of cell surface markers for ascitic T, B and natural killer lymphocytes; intracytoplasmic interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma; levels of ascitic IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha; and soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand. The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly decreased and expression of T cell receptor-gammadelta was increased in the infected group. Furthermore, ascites TNF-alpha levels were also elevated in this group. Ascitic IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in patients with positive ascitic bacterial culture. These results suggest that a cytotoxic, especially Th1, immune response predominates in ascites infections. It also demonstrates that TNF-alpha might be involved in the pathogenesis of ascites infections.

Role of antiretroviral regimes in HIV-1 patients in reducing immune activation.

We assessed whether antiretroviral regimes are able to diminish apoptosis and markers of lymphocyte activation and restore lymphocyte proliferation. T-cell subset, spontaneous and induced apoptosis, CD95 and soluble Fas antigen and cell proliferation were analysed in 41 human immunodeficiency virus type 1-positive patients. Twenty-five were in asymptomatic stage A and 16 were in stage B/C. Thirty-five received antiretroviral treatment: 18 received two inhibitors of reverse transcriptase and one protease inhibitor and 17 received three inhibitors of reverse transcriptase. Six patients did not receive treatment, for different reasons, but continued to participate in the study. Studies were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Levels of CD4 increased slightly until 6 months of antiretroviral treatment, as a whole, in all the patients treated. Naïve CD4 lymphocytes, as well as memory CD4 lymphocytes, remained constant. Spontaneous apoptosis of lymphocytes, after 72 hr of culture, decreased in all patients treated, but to a much smaller extent than phytohaemagglutinin-induced apoptosis. In both groups treated, levels of soluble Fas decreased until 6 months of treatment and then increased again. Lymphocyte proliferation reached normal levels after 1 year of treatment. In patients without treatment CD4 cells decreased slowly and no modification in activation markers was found. Antiretroviral regimes decrease immune activation as well as viral load and this deactivation restores lymphocyte proliferation.

Role of antiretroviral regimes in HIV‐1 patients in reducing immune activation

SummaryWe assessed whether antiretroviral regimes are able to diminish apoptosis and markers of lymphocyte activation and restore lymphocyte proliferation. T‐cell subset, spontaneous and induced apoptosis, CD95 and soluble Fas antigen and cell proliferation were analysed in 41 human immunodeficiency virus type 1‐positive patients. Twenty‐five were in asymptomatic stage A and 16 were in stage B/C. Thirty‐five received antiretroviral treatment: 18 received two inhibitors of reverse transcriptase and one protease inhibitor and 17 received three inhibitors of reverse transcriptase. Six patients did not receive treatment, for different reasons, but continued to participate in the study. Studies were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Levels of CD4 increased slightly until 6 months of antiretroviral treatment, as a whole, in all the patients treated. Naïve CD4 lymphocytes, as well as memory CD4 lymphocytes, remained constant. Spontaneous apoptosis of lymphocytes, after 72 hr of culture, decreased in all patients treated, but to a much smaller extent than phytohaemagglutinin‐induced apoptosis. In both groups treated, levels of soluble Fas decreased until 6 months of treatment and then increased again. Lymphocyte proliferation reached normal levels after 1 year of treatment. In patients without treatment CD4 cells decreased slowly and no modification in activation markers was found. Antiretroviral regimes decrease immune activation as well as viral load and this deactivation restores lymphocyte proliferation.

Plasma content of soluble fas antigen in patients with adrenal tumors and tumor-like pathologies.

We compared plasma content of soluble Fas antigen (sFas) in 59 patients with tumors and tumor-like pathologies of the adrenal cortex and medulla and 60 healthy donors (control). The incidence and content of sFas in the plasma from patients with adrenal tumors was significantly higher than in healthy donors. A direct correlation was found between sFas content and patient's age. The maximum sFas concentrations were found in patients with pheochromocytoma and aldosterone-producing adenoma. In patients with adrenocortical cancer plasma content of sFas was lower than in patients with tumors of other morphological types. Plasma sFas content in patients with adrenocortical cancer directly correlated with the size of tumors. Our results suggest that sFas plays a role in the pathogenesis of primary adrenal tumors.

Minimal liver injury in chronic hepatitis C virus infection is associated with low levels of soluble TNF-alpha/Fas receptors and acquisition in childhood.

The rate of progression to cirrhosis of chronic hepatitis C might be related to an upregulation of TNF-alpha/Fas pathways. The serum levels of soluble TNF-alpha type II receptor (sTNFr-II) and soluble Fas antigen (sFas) were analyzed in patients with different histological outcomes of chronic parenterally acquired HCV infection of similar duration. One hundred and forty-five HCV-infected patients had a known duration of infection. Twelve (8.3%) patients had minimal changes and were assigned to the case group. The control group was selected from the 24 (17%) patients with cirrhosis and the 54 (37%) with chronic active hepatitis (CAH). Two controls, one with CAH and one with cirrhosis, were paired with the cases following these criteria: duration of infection, transmission route and sex. The proportions of genotype 1b and HCV RNA serum levels were similar among the groups. The median serum levels of sTNFr-II and sFas were significantly lower in the case group than in the control groups. The cases were significantly younger when they became infected than the control groups. Indeed, most cases were infected within the first 10 years of life. sTNFr-II and age at infection were independently associated with the minimal injury case group. When sTNFr-II was excluded from the logistic regression model, sFas and age at infection were independently associated with the case group. The rate of progression of parenterally acquired chronic hepatitis C to end-stage liver disease might be related to an upregulation of the TNF-alpha/Fas pathways and an age-dependent host response.

Soluble Fas antigen (sFAS) in the serum from patients with adrenal tumors.

Serum content of soluble Fas antigen was measured by enzyme immunoassay in 60 healthy donors, 31 patients with adrenal tumors, and 16 patients with diffuse-and-nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex accompanying primary aldosteronism and Cushing's disease. sFas was more often detected in the serum from patients with tumors of the adrenal cortex and medulla and diffuse-and-nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and its content varied in a wider range in patients compared to healthy donors. No correlations were found between the incidence of sFas, its content, sex, and age of healthy donors and patients. The highest content of sFas was found in patients with pheochromocytoma and primary aldosteronism. sFas probably plays a role in the pathogenesis of adrenal tumors and hyperplasia.

Soluble Fas antigen in the serum of patients with colon cancer.

Serum concentration of soluble Fas antigen (sFas) was measured in 60 normal subjects and 33 patients with colon cancer. The incidence of sFas detection and its serum content were higher in patients with colon cancer compared to normal subjects. No relationships between the incidence and level of sFas and patient's sex, age, duration and stage of the disease were found. Serum content of sFas tended to increase in patients with metastases to regional lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. The role of sFas as a marker predicting clinical course and outcome of colon cancer is discussed.

Significance of soluble TNF receptor-I in acute-type fulminant hepatitis

OBJECTIVE: Fulminant hepatitis is associated with apoptosis of hepatocytes, which is mediated via Fas and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors. The clinical significance of apoptotic factors and these receptors was investigated in fulminant hepatitis. METHODS: Serum levels of TNF-α, soluble TNF receptor-I and -II, soluble Fas antigen, and Fas ligand were measured. Then, the relationships between these parameters and the severity or prognosis of fulminant hepatitis were studied. RESULTS: Serum levels of TNF-α, soluble TNF receptor-I, and soluble TNF receptor-II were increased in acute-type fulminant hepatitis. In particular, soluble TNF receptor-I was significantly higher than in patients with subacute-type fulminant hepatitis, severe acute hepatitis, acute hepatitis, or healthy controls. The soluble TNF receptor-I level continued to increase or remained high in patients who died of acute-type fulminant hepatitis, and eight of nine patients had a level >10 ng/ml. In contrast, the soluble TNF receptor-I level remained <10 ng/ml in survivors. Soluble Fas and soluble Fas ligand levels tended to increase in all types of acute liver disease and were not specific to fulminant hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that monitoring the soluble TNF receptor-I level may help to assess the prognosis of acute-type fulminant hepatitis and that TNF might be associated with massive hepatic necrosis.

Significance of soluble TNF receptor-I in acute-type fulminant hepatitis.

Fulminant hepatitis is associated with apoptosis of hepatocytes, which is mediated via Fas and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors. The clinical significance of apoptotic factors and these receptors was investigated in fulminant hepatitis. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF receptor-I and -II, soluble Fas antigen, and Fas ligand were measured. Then, the relationships between these parameters and the severity or prognosis of fulminant hepatitis were studied. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF receptor-I, and soluble TNF receptor-II were increased in acute-type fulminant hepatitis. In particular, soluble TNF receptor-I was significantly higher than in patients with subacute-type fulminant hepatitis, severe acute hepatitis, acute hepatitis, or healthy controls. The soluble TNF receptor-I level continued to increase or remained high in patients who died of acute-type fulminant hepatitis, and eight of nine patients had a level >10 ng/ml. In contrast, the soluble TNF receptor-I level remained <10 ng/ml in survivors. Soluble Fas and soluble Fas ligand levels tended to increase in all types of acute liver disease and were not specific to fulminant hepatitis. Our findings suggested that monitoring the soluble TNF receptor-I level may help to assess the prognosis of acute-type fulminant hepatitis and that TNF might be associated with massive hepatic necrosis.

Leptin and apoptosis inhibitor soluble Fas antigen in the serum of patients with osteosarcoma and neuroectodermal bone tumors.

Serum contents of leptin and soluble Fas antigen were measured in 28 patients with osteosarcoma, 7 with neuroectodermal bone tumors, and 17 healthy subjects. The incidence and levels of soluble Fas antigen in patients with osteosarcoma and neuroectodermal bone tumors were higher than in healthy subjects and did not depend on sex and age in both healthy subjects and patients. Serum concentration of leptin in women was higher than in men (both in healthy controls and patients) and was lower in healthy subjects compared to patients with osteosarcoma and neuroectodermal bone tumors. A trend to a negative correlation between the concentrations of leptin and soluble Fas antigen in female patients with osteosarcoma and male patients with neuroectodermal bone tumors was revealed. The role of leptin and soluble Fas antigen in the pathogenesis of primary bone tumors is discussed.

Serum soluble fas antigen in gastric malt (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma patients with treatment of eradication for H.pylori

Serum soluble fas antigen in gastric malt (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma patients with treatment of eradication for H.pylori

Serum soluble fas antigen in the esophageal cancer: Possmle new marker for the treatment

Serum soluble fas antigen in the esophageal cancer: Possmle new marker for the treatment

Serum concentrations of soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand in mother and newborn.

We measured soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand, which are considered to be an apoptotic substance, in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid during cesarean section at full term pregnancy. Seventeen healthy parturients with no fetal distress were studied. Soluble Fas antigen showed no different levels between these measurement sites. Soluble Fas ligand showed a difference, in which umbilical serum level was significantly higher than maternal serum and amniotic fluid levels. The present results suggest high serum levels of soluble Fas ligand in newborn. However, the reason for this evidence is entirely unknown.

Cytotoxicity of Fas ligand against lymphoma cells with radiation-induced Fas antigen.

Fas antigen, also termed APO-1 or CD95, is a transmembrane protein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor/nerve growth factor receptor superfamily which mediates apoptosis upon oligomerization. The Fas/Fas ligand system is considered to be a key regulator of apoptosis. Recently, we have demonstrated that Fas antigen expression is induced by low-dose irradiation of some types of lymphomas, and we also demonstrated that irradiation-induced Fas antigen expression increased with the passage of time until peaking at 48 h after irradiation in CML-C1, CML-C2, DL-40, and DL-95 cell lines. In this study, we also examined the potential cytotoxicity of Fas ligand peptide against several types of lymphoma/leukemia cell lines that showed induction of Fas antigen expression under irradiation. Flow cytometry analysis was performed at 6, 24 and 48 h after irradiation. Samples (1 x10(6) cells/ml) from irradiated and non-irradiated cells of each cell line were incubated with or without 5 microg/ml of Fas ligand peptide for 2 h at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% carbon dioxide (CO2) in air. The killing effect of Fas ligand against cell lines of CML-C1, DL-40, and DL-95 were clearly identified as the percentage of cells with Fas antigen expression induced by irradiation. Concerning HD-70 cell line, for which soluble Fas antigen has been identified, the killing effects were clearly observed in samples pre-treated with PBS washings. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a possible application of the Fas/Fas ligand system in treatment of certain types of malignancies in which Fas antigen is inducible by irradiation.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1, soluble Fas ligand, and soluble Fas antigen levels in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Matrix metalloproteinase-1, soluble Fas ligand, and soluble Fas antigen levels in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome