Serum TNF-α In Patients Research Articles

Significant improvements in the olfactory sensitivity of bipolar I disorder patients during euthymia versus manic episodes: a longitudinal study.

Research has indicated that individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) might experience alterations in their olfaction or levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but no studies have investigated olfactory function and serum TNF-α in BD patients simultaneously. Moreover, there is a lack of existing research that compares the longitudinal olfactory function between individuals with manic and euthymic BD I. Patients with manic BD I (BDM, n=44) and healthy controls (HCs, n=32) were evaluated symptoms (measured via the Young Manic Rating Scale, YRMS), social function (measured via the Global Assessment Function, GAF), serum TNF-α, and olfactory function (via the Sniffin' Sticks test) including olfactory sensitivity (OS) and olfactory identification (OI). The BDM patients were followed up to the remission period and re-evaluated again. We compared OS, OI and serum TNF-α in manic and euthymic patients with BD I and HCs. We examined the correlation between olfactory function and symptoms, social function, and serum TNF-α in patients with BD I. The BDM patients exhibited significantly lower OS and OI compared to the HCs (Z = -2.235, P = 0.025; t = -6.005, P < 0.001), while a positive correlation was observed between OS and GAF score (r = 0.313, P = 0.039). The OS in the BD I remission group (n=25) exhibited significantly superior performance compared to the BDM group (t = -4.056, P < 0.001), and the same as that in the HCs (P = 0.503). The change in OS showed a positive correlation with the decrease in YMRS score (r = 0.445, P = 0.026), and a negative correlation with the course of disease (r = -0.594, P = 0.002). The TNF-α in BD I patients was significantly lower compared to HCs (P < 0.001), and not significantly correlated with olfactory function (all P > 0.05). The findings suggest that OS and OI are impaired in BDM patients, and the impaired OS in those patients can be recovered in the remission stage. OI may serve as a potential characteristic marker of BD. OS might be useful as an index for BDM treatment efficacy and prognosis.

Изменения иммунологических показателей при использовании комбинированного физиотерапевтического метода в комплексном лечении атопического дерматита у детей

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in immunological parameters in children with atopic dermatitis when using hydrotherapy, non-selective chromotherapy, and intravenous laser irradiation of blood against the background of basic drug therapy. Materials and methods. The work was performed with the participation of 164 patients with moderate lichenoid and erythematous-squamous forms of atopic dermatitis aged 4 to 15 years with a frequency of exacerbations from 3 to 4 times a year with a tendency to increase their duration. The patients were divided into 5 groups: the first group received basic drug therapy (BDT), the second - hydrotherapy and BDT, the third - non-selective chromotherapy and BDT, the fourth - low-intensity laser irradiation of blood and BDT, the fifth - hydrotherapy, non-selective chromotherapy, low-intensity laser irradiation of blood and BDT. The content of total IgE, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-18 and TNF-α in the blood serum of patients was determined by enzyme immunoassay before treatment, as well as 1 and 3 months after its start. Results. Before the start of treatment, the values of all the studied indicators in comparison with healthy individuals were significantly increased (by 2.1-3.1 times). In patients of the first and second groups, the level of IgE and cytokines did not change significantly after 1 and 3 months from the start of treatment in comparison with the indicators before the start of treatment. In the third group, after 1 month from the start of treatment, the group experienced a significant (by 11-20%) decrease in IgE and cytokine levels, which persisted after 3 months of follow-up. In the fourth group, the decrease in the studied indicators after 1 month was even more significant and did not change significantly. The greatest decrease in indicators after 1 and 3 months was observed in the fifth group of patients (by 40-62%) who received basic drug therapy in combination with hydrotherapy, non-selective chromotherapy and intravenous laser irradiation of blood. Conclusion. In children with moderate atopic dermatitis, drug-based basic treatment combined with non-selective chromotherapy and intravenous laser irradiation of blood contributes to the effective correction of immunological reactivity for a long period of time.

Tumor necrosis factor-α gene promoter −308 and −238 polymorphisms and its serum level in psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease affecting genetically predisposed individuals and requiring long-term treatment. The etiology of psoriasis is not fully understood. This article aimed to determine association between genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF -α) promoter −308 (rs1800629) and −238 (rs 361,525) and its serum level in psoriasis patients. MethodsThe study was conducted on 70 patients with psoriasis and 70 age and sex-matched, healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to history taking and complete medical examination. The polymorphisms of TNF -α promoter gene −308 (rs1800629) and −238 (rs 361,525) were detected by real time PCR and Serum levels of TNF -α were measured by ELISA technique. ResultsAG polymorphism and A allele of TNF-α −238 G/A (rs 361,525) were significantly more in patients than controls, whereas AG polymorphism and A allele of TNF-α −308 G/A (rs1800629) were significantly more in controls than patients. There were significant high levels of TNF-α in serum of patients in comparison to controls. ConclusionsThe AG polymorphism and A allele of TNF-α −238G/A (rs 361,525) may act as a risk factor for occurrence of psoriasis, whereas AG polymorphism and A allele of TNF-α −308G/A (rs1800629) may have protective role. There is pivotal role of TNF-α as a pro-inflammatory mediator in pathogenesis of psoriasis.

An independent component analysis reveals brain structural networks related to TNF-\u03b1 in drug-na\xefve, first-episode major depressive disorder: a source-based morphometric study

In a previous mouse study, social defeat stress-induced microglial activation released tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leading to neuronal changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and behavioral changes (anxiety). We aimed to investigate the relationship between gray-matter (GM) structural networks and serum TNF-α in patients with major depression disorder (MDD) using multivariate source-based morphometry (SBM). Forty-five first-episode and drug-naïve MDD patients and 38 healthy subjects (HSs) were recruited. High-resolution T1-weighted imaging was performed and serum TNF-α levels were measured in all MDD patients and HSs. After acquiring GM structural networks using SBM, we compared the Z-transformed loading coefficients (Z-scores) between MDD patients and HSs, and investigated the relationship between the Z-scores and the serum TNF-α levels in MDD patients. The serum TNF-α levels in MDD patients were significantly higher than those in HSs. We extracted two independent GM structural networks (the prefrontal network and the insula-temporal network) with significant differences between MDD patients and HSs (−0.305 ± 0.85 and 0.253 ± 0.82; P = 0.03 in the prefrontal network, and −0.268 ± 0.86 and 0.467 ± 0.71; P < 0.01 in the insula-temporal network). The serum TNF-α levels were significantly correlated with the Z-scores in the prefrontal network after Bonferroni correction (r = −0.419, p < 0.01); however, the correlation in the insula-temporal network was not significant (r = −0.290, p = 0.11). Elevated serum TNF-α levels in the early stage of MDD were associated with alteration of the prefrontal network.

CHANGES IN TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALFA DURING TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BY TRANSIMMUNIZATION METHOD

Background: Despite the availability of a large number of treatments for multiple sclerosis with various targets, these treatments are not always effective. According to the literature, experimental studies have shown a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) with the use of extracorporeal photochemotherapy. Aim: To assess changes in TNF-α in patients with multiple sclerosis during treatment with transimmunization. Materials and methods: The study recruited 13 adult patients with multiple sclerosis. Serum TNF-α was measured by immunochemiluminescence analysis (IMMULITE 1000, Siemens). The patients were treated by transimmunization, i.e. a modified photopheresis. Two hours before the procedure, Ammifurin (8-methoxypsoralene) was administered to all the patients, then their mononuclear cells were isolated under PBSC protocol with Haemonetics MCS+ cell separator. Thereafter, mononuclear cells were irradiated with ultraviolet for 90 minutes and incubated for 20 hours at 37 °С. The next day the cells were re-infused to the patients. The procedure was performed 2 times per week for 6 months, then once per 4 months. Results: Before transimmunization, mean TNF-α level in adult patients with multiple sclerosis was 9.958±0.812 pg/mL (normal, below 8.1 pg/mL). After transimmunization, its level was 6.992±0.367 pg/mL (р&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Ultraviolet irradiation of peripheral blood monocytes with their subsequent incubation (transimmunization) led to a 30% decrease of serum TNF-α in patients with multiple sclerosis. This indicates a suppressive effect of transimmunization on TNF-α. Hence, in patients with multiple sclerosis transimmunization exerts an anti-inflammatory effect.

Effects of pentoxifylline on proteinuria and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective randomized double-blind multicenter study.

BackgroundPentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative with significant anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative properties. Studies have shown that pentoxifylline may have renoprotective effects in patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, most of these studies were limited by small sample sizes. Therefore, we investigated whether pentoxifylline could reduce proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy and residual proteinuria who received an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). We also studied the effects of pentoxifylline on glycemic control, insulin resistance, and inflammatory parameters.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study. A total of 174 patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria (>30 mg/g of creatinine) who were taking the recommended dosage of ACEI or ARB for > 6 months and receiving conventional therapy for diabetes were randomly assigned to receive pentoxifylline (1200 mg, daily; n = 87) or a placebo (n = 87) for 6 months. The endpoints were the effects of pentoxifylline on proteinuria, renal function, glucose control, and inflammatory parameters.ResultsThe percentage changes in proteinuria from baseline in the pentoxifylline and placebo groups were a decrease of 23 % and 4 %, respectively (p = 0.012). In addition, significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance according to the homeostasis model assessment were observed in the pentoxifylline group compared to those in the placebo group. However there was no significant difference in serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α between the groups.ConclusionsPentoxifylline therapy reduced proteinuria and improved glucose control and insulin resistance without significant change of serum TNF-α in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, pentoxifylline is a potential therapeutic alternative for treating diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.Trial registrationNCT01382303

Indication for a role of regulatory T cells for the advent of influenza A (H1N1)-related pneumonia

Regulatory T cells (T(regs) ) have an anti-inflammatory role. A former study in a limited number of patients found that absolute counts of T(regs) increase when infection by the new influenza H1N1 virus is complicated with pneumonia. These results generate the question if H1N1-related pneumonia is associated with a state of hypo-inflammation. A total of 135 patients were enrolled with blood sampling within less than 24 h from diagnosis; 23 with flu-like syndrome; 69 with uncomplicated H1N1-infection; seven with bacterial pneumonia; and 36 with H1N1-related pneumonia. T(regs) and CD14/HLA-DR co-expression were estimated by flow cytometry; concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), of interleukin (IL)-6 and of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) by an enzyme immunoassay; those of procalcitonin (PCT) by immuno-time-resolved amplified cryptate technology assay. Expression of human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) on monocytes was similar between groups; absolute T(reg) counts were greater among patients with H1N1-related pneumonia than flu-like syndrome or H1N1-uncomplicated infection. Serum TNF-α of patients with bacterial pneumonia was greater than those of other groups, but IL-10 was similar between groups. Serum PCT was greater among patients with H1N1-related pneumonia and sTREM-1 among those with H1N1-related pneumonia. Regression analysis revealed that the most important factors related with the advent of pneumonia were the existence of underlying illnesses (P = 0·006) and of T(regs) equal to or above 16 mm(3) (P = 0·013). It is concluded that the advent of H1N1-related pneumonia is related to an early increase of the absolute T(reg) counts. This increase is probably not part of a hypo-inflammatory state of the host.

Significance and detection of levels of IL-8,TNF-α in serum of patients with aplastic anemia

Objective To investigate the significance of levels of IL-8,TNF-α in serum of patients with aplastic anemia(AA).Methods Serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in 45 patients and 30 normal controls were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results The serum levels of IL-8,TNF-α increased significantly in AA and acute AA(AAA)group than in the control group(P＜0.05),there was no statistical significance between chronic AA(CAA)group and the control group(P＜0.05),and the levels in AAA group were much higher than in CAA group(P＜0.05).The serum level of IL-8 was positively related to TNF-αin AA group(r=0.682,P＜0.05).Conclusion There are immunological disorders in patients with AA and the overproduction of IL-8,TNF-α might be involved in the immunopathogenesis of AA,AAA. Key words: Anemia,aplastic; Interleukin-8; Tumor necrosis factor-α

Relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor-α and insulin resistance in obese men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

We analyzed serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for their role in insulin resistance in 12 obese men with untreated Type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 6 age-and BMI-matched obese controls. Insulin resistance was expressed using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R). Six of the patients were insulin-resistant (HOMA-R>5.0), while six were not (HOMA-R≤3.0). Serum levels of TNF-α were higher in patients with insulin resistance (4.19±0.96 pg/ml) than in patients without insulin resistance (2.52±1.64 pg/ml) and in controls (2.03±1.21 pg/ml). Fasting serum concentrations of insulin and HOMA-R were higher in patients with insulin resistance (16.2±5.0 and 6.30±1.0 IU/ml, respectively) than in patients without insulin resistance (7.3±2.2 and 2.4±0.6 IU/ml) and in controls (8.0±2.9 and 1.8±0.6 IU/ml). These data suggest that high levels of serum TNF-α in patients with insulin resistance are related to high levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-R. We conclude that TNF-α may be involved in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in obese men. The importance of this investigation is that the subjects recruited in the study are BMI matched, because human obesity is associated with an increased TNF-α mRNA expression in adipose tissue.