TNF-α In Patients Research Articles

Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with Hashimoto's disease combined with thyroid cancer before and after surgery and their relationship with prognosis.

This study aimed to investigate expressions and clinical significance of IL-17 and TNF-α after surgery in patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD) combined with thyroid cancer (TC). From June 2010 to October 2012, 38 patients with HD combined with TC admitted to the oncology department of Tongji Hospital were selected as an experimental group, including three males and 35 females, aged 24-78years. Forty adults undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients in the experimental group were given total endoscopic TC resection. Real-time fluorescence quantification (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of serum IL-17 and TNF-α before and 14days after surgery. Patients with HD combined with TC were divided into high and low expression groups according to the median values of preoperative IL-17 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA. The relationship between IL-17, TNF-α, and prognosis of patients was analyzed through K-M survival curve. The concentrations of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum were also higher than those in control group 14days after surgery (p < 0.05). qRT-PCT showed that the relative expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum 14days after surgery were higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). According to the relative expression median of mRNA in IL-17 and TNF-α before surgery, they were divided into high and low expression groups. It was found that the survival rate of high expression groups of IL-17 and TNF-α was lower than that of low expression groups (IL-17, p = 0.028; TNF-α, p = 0.014). The protein and mRNA of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum of HD patients with TC are higher than those of healthy control group. Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α can be reduced by surgical resection of focal tissue. IL-17 and TNF-α may be used as potential prognostic indicators of HD patients with TC.

THE STATE OF THE MUCOSAL IMMUNITY OF THE ROGENITAL TRACT IN PATIENTS WITH VARIOUS VARIANTS OF CLINICAL COURSE OF ACUTE UNCOMPLICATED PYELONEPHRITIS

The purpose of the work was to investigate the state of mucosal immunity of the urinary and genital tract in patients with acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (AUP), depending on the severity of the disease.&#x0D; Methods. 124 women with AUP and with concomitant chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (CIDPO) and 23 clinically healthy women were examined. To assess the clinical picture of AUP was used a division into 3 variants of the clinical course (VCC): mild (n = 105), moderate severity (n = 90) and severe (n = 51). Humoral indicators of mucosal immunity were determined in 64 urine samples and 121 vaginal washings by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) A, M, G, secretory IgA (sIgA), lactoferrin (LF) myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lysozyme, C3-component of complement (C3), secretory component, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. The concentration of β -defensin-2 was determined in vaginal washings, and the levels of interleukins 10 and 15 – in urine.&#x0D; Results. A significant increase of the concentration of C3, LF, lysozyme, MPO, sIgA, and TNF-α relative to their reference values was found in the urine of patients with different variants of clinical course of AUP. The smallest median values for LF, lysozyme and MPO were recorded in patients with severe VCC AUP. An increase of TNF-α level was more characteristic for patients with moderate severity and severe VCT. The highest increase of IgA, IgM, IgG levels was found in patients with mild VCT. Significantly elevated levels of MPO, IgA, IgG and TNF-α were detected in vaginal washings in women of all groups relative to reference indicators. The highest (p&lt;0.05) increase in the level of non-specific immunity factors (lysozyme and MPO) was observed in vaginal washings in patients with severe VCT, and specific (IgA, IgM and IgG) – in patients with mild VCT.&#x0D; Conclusions. In patients with various clinical course of AUP, a significant increase of the humoral factors of nonspecific and specific immunity and cytokines in urine was established relative to reference indicators; to a lesser extent for non-specific indicators of immunity and to a greater extent for TNF-α in patients with severe VCT. Concomitant CIDPO contributed to the greatest increase in washings of MPO and lysozyme levels in patients with severe VCT, and the level of immunoglobulins of all classes – in patients with mild.

Clinical efficacy of aspirin combined with clopidogrel in treating cerebral infarction and its effect on serum hs-CRP, sICAM-1 and TNF-α.

Clinical efficacy of aspirin combined with clopidogrel in treating cerebral infarction and its influence on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were explored. Ninety patients with acute cerebral infarction treated in Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang were analyzed, and those treated with aspirin alone were group A (n=40) and those treated with aspirin and clopidogrel were group B (n=50) according to the different treatment plans. The NIHSS score, total effective rate and incidence rate of adverse reactions after treatment and admission were compared between the two groups. The expression level of hs-CRP was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression levels of sICAM-1 and TNF-α were analyzed by radioimmunoassay before treatment and three weeks after surgery, respectively, and they were analyzed and compared. After treatment, the total effective rate of patients in group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P<0.05). The general clinical baseline information, NIHSS score, and the expression levels of hs-CRP, sICAM-1, and TNF-α of patients in group B were significantly improved after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the NIHSS score and the expression levels of serum hs-CRP, sICAM-1, and TNF-α of those in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.05). Combination therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel can improve cerebral infarction effectively, and inhibit the expression levels of hs-CRP, sICAM-1 and TNF-α more effectively than aspirin alone.

Prospective analysis of the efficacy of beraprost sodium combined with alprostadil on diabetic nephropathy and influence on rennin-angiotensin system and TNF-α.

Efficacy of beraprost sodium (BPS) combined with alprostadil on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its influence on renin angiotensin system (RAS) and TNF-α were investigated. One hundred and two patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy admitted to Weifang People's Hospital from July 2017 to January 2019 were selected and divided into two groups according to the treatment plan. Fifty patients with alprostadil were the control group and 52 patients with alprostadil combined with BPS were the combined group. Related indexes of fasting blood glucose, hemorheology, coagulation function, renal function, urine routine, liver function, renin angiotensin system and changes of TNF-α (ELISA) were observed, and the occurrence of adverse reactions of patients were recorded. The fasting blood glucose of patients in the two groups after treatment was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformation exponent of patients in the two groups decreased (P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the average volume of fibrinogen (FIB), D dimer and platelets of the patients in the two groups decreased (P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, UACR, CysC, β2-MG and α1-MG of patients decreased in the two groups (P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, renin and angiotensin II of patients decreased in both groups (P<0.05). TNF-α of patients in both groups decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, compared with alprostadil, BPS combined with alprostadil can effectively improve hemodynamics, coagulation function and renal function of DN patients, and inhibit expression of RAS-related factors and TNF-α, which is a more effective method for DN treatment.

Serum levels of IL-32 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with TNF-α and IL-6

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important public health worldwide. The main underlying mechanism of T2DM is insulin resistance which is associated with chronic inflammation. Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which has been implicated in pro-inflammatory responses of several human diseases. Previous studies have reported higher levels of IL-32 in inflammatory disease and obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of IL-32 in patients with T2DM and its association with cardio-metabolic parameters.This study was undertaken on 93 patients with TDM and 74 healthy controls. T2DM was diagnosed based on ADA criteria. Serum levels of IL-32, adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured by ELISA technique.Our findings revealed independent elevated levels of IL-32 in T2DM group (1061 (841.9–1601) pg/mL) compared to the control (630.4 (331.1–830.9) pg/mL). Furthermore, it was associated with increased risk of T2DM incidence. IL-32 indicated a positive correlation with body mass index, fasting blood glucose, TNF-α, and IL-6 in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, linear regression showed independent association between IL-32 and IL-6 plus TNF-α in patients’ group.The results of the present study revealed higher levels of IL-32 in T2DM patients which have been associated with inflammatory markers. These results suggest the possible role of IL-32 in chronic inflammation in patients with T2DM.

Quantification of TNF-α in Patients with Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective The present study aimed to compare variations in quantified tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in patients with periodontitis stage 2 grade B (POD2B) and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to identify any relationships between this cytokine and these diseases. Methods Levels of the cytokine TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with POD2B and/or T2D were evaluated. A total of 160 subjects were distributed into four groups: those with POD2B (n=44); those with T2D (n=37); those with POD2B/T2D (n=40); and healthy subjects (n=39). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose (BG) levels were quantified in each subject. Data were collected on body mass index (BMI), loss of insertion (LI), and probe depth (PD). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the most acutely affected periodontal pocket and gingival sulcus in each subject, and TNF-α was quantified by multiplex analysis. Results Kruskal Wallis tests was used to identify differences in TNF-α levels, LI, PD, BMI, BG, and HbA1c by group. Differences (p<0.001) were found for LI, PD, BG, and HbA1c. A Spearman test was used to calculate possible correlations between TNF-α levels and LI or PD identified a weak but significant negative correlation of TNF-α with LI (Rho=-0199; p=0.012), and a moderately positive correlation of LI with PD (Rho=0.509; p < 0.001). Conclusions No variation was found between TNF-α levels and the presence of POD2B, POD2B/T2D, or T2D, suggesting the absence of any direct relationship between progression of these diseases and TNF-α levels. However, a correlation was present between low TNF-α concentrations and greater LI.

The relationship between the levels of plasma cytokine procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha with postoperative intestinal obstruction in patients with colorectal cancer after operation

Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of procalcitonin(PCT), C-reactive protein(CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and postoperative intestinal obstruction in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods From December 2014 to December 2017, 60 patients with colorectal cancer and 60 patients who had no intestinal obstruction after operation in the Third Hospital of Shanxi Datong Coal Mine Group Limited Company were selected.The patients were divided into intestinal obstruction group and non-intestinal obstruction group.All the patients received blood examination, and the levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α were measured.The levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α were compared between the obstruction group and the non-intestinal obstruction group before operation, 1 day after operation and 5 days after operation.The levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α in patients with intestinal obstruction were compared at different time points after operation.According to the outcome on the 5th day after operation, the patients in the intestinal obstruction group were divided into effective group and ineffective group, and the levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α were compared between the effective group and the ineffective group.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α with postoperative intestinal obstruction in patients with colorectal cancer. Results At preoperative 1d and postoperative 1d, the PCT, CRP and TNF-α levels between the intestinal obstruction group and non-intestinal obstruction group had no statistically significant differences(preoperation t=0.706, 0.459, 0.249, postoperative 1 day t=0.874, 0.434, 1.460, all P>0.05). At 5 days after surgery, the levels of PCT[(1.89±0.53)ng/mL], CRP[(10.06±2.50)mg/L], TNF-α[(1.95±0.59)ng/L]in the intestinal obstruction group were higher than those in the non-intestinal obstruction group[(1.05±0.32)ng/mL, (7.27±2.06)mg/L, (1.15±0.28)ng/L, t=10.510, 6.671, 9.489, all P<0.05]. The levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α at the fifth day after intestinal obstruction were higher than those at the first day after operation (t=12.762, 6.708, 6.973, all P<0.05). The levels of PCT[(2.13±0.48)ng/mL], CRP[(11.24±2.37)mg/L], TNF-α[(2.16±0.40)ng/L] of the ineffective group were higher than those of the effective group[(1.64±0.31)ng/mL, (8.86±1.65)mg/L, (1.77±0.32)ng/L, t=4.757, 4.507, 4.052, all P<0.05]. Correlation analysis showed that PCT, CRP and TNF-α levels were closely related to postoperative intestinal obstruction in colorectal cancer patients, and all of them were positively correlated(r=0.892, 0.817, 0.835, all P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of PCT, CRP and TNF-α in the patients with postoperative intestinal obstruction of colorectal cancer are higher than those of the control group.It can predict the occurrence of postoperative intestinal obstruction of colorectal cancer and can be used as a reference index for diagnosis and treatment of postoperative intestinal obstruction in colorectal cancer. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Colorectal surgery; Postoperative complications; Intestinal obstruction; Inflammation mediators; Procalcitonin; C-Reactive protein; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Elevated Serum Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Elevated Serum Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Определение цитокинового профиля и фекального кальпротектина у пациентов с воспалительными заболеваниями толстой кишки различной степени активности

Aim: To determine the IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and fecal calprotectin levels in different phases of the disease and correlate their values with the clinical and endoscopic data in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Methods: 41 patients with IBD were selected: 78% with ulcerative colitis and 22% with Crohn's disease, 39% women and 61% men, mean age 35,3±1,9. Ulcerative colitis: acute current – 12,5%, chronic continuous – 6,25%, chronic relapsing – 62,5%, rarely relapsing – 12,5%, often relapsing – 6,25%. Minimal activity – 15,6%, moderate activity – 84,4%. Crohn's disease depending on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI): mild disease and minimal activity – 55,6%, moderate severity and moderate activity – 44,4%. Results: IL-6 was increased to 20,56±5,51 pg/ml at ulcerative colitis, to 18,64±4,70 pg/ml at Crohn's disease; IL-8 – 79,38±15,37 pg/ml at ulcerative colitis and 82,49±34,81 pg/ml at Crohn's disease; TNF-α – 28,70±3,24 pg/ml and 32,32±6,92 pg/ml, respectively. Depending on the extent of the lesion: for IL-6 at E2 – 23,91±14,64 pg/ml and at E3 – 20,54±5,61 pg/ml; for IL-8 at E2 – 60,95±14,60 pg/ml and at E3 – 97,31±24,10 pg/ml. Conclusion: The results of the study have demonstrated an increase in the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, significantly exceeding the reference values. With increased activity of the inflammatory process, a significant raise in IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α level was observed. Determining the level of fecal calprotectin depending on the location of the lesion and the activity of the process confirmed its importance in assessing the extent of lesions of the colon and diagnosing the activity of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in different phases of the disease.

THE EVALUATION OF RISK OF DEVELOPMENT AND COURSE OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA ON THE BASIS OF POLYMORPHISM OF GENE TNFA

The bronchial asthma is one of the most widespread multi-factorial diseases developing in interaction of environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze association of polymorphism of gene TNFA with risk of development of bronchial asthma considering clinical form of disease. The polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to analyze polymorphic locus rs1800629 of gene TNFA in patients with bronchial asthma (n=133) and control group (n=195). The analysis of rate of polymorphism of gene TNFA established reliable increasing of rate of allele A in group of patients with bronchial asthma as compared with control sample. According the coefficient of chances ratio, the risk of development of bronchial asthma if there is allele A of polymorphic locus rs1800629 of gene TNFA increases more than twice (OR=2,53; 95% CI 1,45-4,43). At that, various firms of bronchial asthma have specific features in distribution of rates of genotypes of polymorphic locus rs1800629 of gene TNFA. It is demonstrated that among agents of genotypes GA of polymorphic modification of rs1800629 of gene TNFA patients with mixed form of bronchial asthma were found more frequently than among agents of genotypes GG. The obtained results provide ground to suppose that polymorphic modification of rs1800629 of gene TNFA shows certain damaging effect under various clinical forms of bronchial asthma.

SOX11 promotes osteoarthritis through induction of TNF-α

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease and the molecular mechanism of OA remains unclear. Transcription factor SOX11 has been proved to be involved in the development progress of OA. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential function of SOX11 during the development of OA. MethodsSOX11 expression in patients with OA and health donator was determined with qRT-PCR. Subsequently, in vitro OA model was established by treating the chondrocyte cells CHON-001 with IL-1β. Next, we validated the function of SOX11 in in vitro OA model by using siRNAs. Finally, the relationship between SOX11 and TNF-α was explored. ResultsSOX11 was upregulated in patients with OA and in IL-1β treated cells. IL-1β significantly increased both the mRNA and protein levels of MMP13 and cleaved caspase 3, while decreased collagen II and aggrecan in CHON-001 cells. In addition, knockdown of SOX11 could significantly decrease IL-1β-induced apoptosis in CHON-001 cells. Meanwhile, IL-1β induced OA like phenomenon was significantly reversed by siRNA interference. Moreover, inhibition of SOX11 decreased the level of TNF-α in patients with OA and in IL-1β treated cell supernatant. ConclusionInhibition of SOX11 could improve IL-1β-induced OA like phenomenon in CHON-001 cells, which suggesting SOX11 played an important role during the pathogenesis of OA. Thus, we hypothesized that SOX11 could be a potential target for the treatment of patients with OA.

Circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease taking into account the vascular complications

The relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and risk factors for vascular disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) remains the subject of discussion. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the circulatory levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with T2D and to determine the nature of the effect of vascular complications in the presence and absence of NAFLD on this indicator. 146 patients with T2D aged from 28 to 80 years old (68 men / 78 women) were examined, with varying degrees of glycemic control and overweight, without renal insufficiency. 95 surveyed people had NAFLD. 21 practically healthy persons were studied as controls. Compared to controls, patients with T2D at the background of impaired glucose homeostasis were characterized by a marked increase in body mass index (BMI), increased levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides (TG), TNF-α, basal insulin, HOMA-IR indices, and decreased insulin sensitivity. It was found that the average level of TNF-α in patients with T2D (17.88 ± 3.42 pg/ml) was 3-fold higher than in the control group — 5.47 ± 3.44 pg/ml (p &lt; 0.05). Patients with T2D with NAFLD have a greater BMI (35.10 ± 0.77 kg/m2 ) than T2D patients without NAFLD (32.13 ± 0.82 kg/m2, p &lt; 0.001). Stratification of the diabetic population on the base of the presence/absence of NAFLD shown a more pronounced increase in circulating levels of TNF-α in the presence of NAFLD (20.36 ± 4.81 pg/ml vs 10.05 ± 1.62 pg/ml, p &lt; 0.05), which substantiates this parameter utility for further applications as a diagnostic marker. It was found the difference between TNF-α levels in non-NAFLD diabetic patients with different types of vascular complications (p &lt; 0.05 – p &lt; 0.02). There were almost 2-fold higher TNF-α levels in patients with T2D and NAFLD regardless of vascular complication type (p &lt; 0.05). In general, the group of patients without the liver disease had lower levels of TNF-α, but the lowest levels of TNF-α were noted in patients with T2D without the liver or vascular complications (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant differences in the TNF-α levels in T2D patients with NAFLD regardless macro/microvascular complications, which confirms the leading influence of hepatic insulin resistance and a possible presence of additional factors, that modulate the general level of this proinflammatory cytokine.

Altered expression of COX-2 and TNF-α in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of cancer related with inflammation, as 90% of cases develop in a chronic inflammation condition. Excess inflammation can affect tissue homeostasis. Cytokines and inflammatory mediators are immunological components that can influence the functioning of cells and tissues. In addition, the estrogen receptor appears to play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of inflammatory markers and ER in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. data from 143 patients of ISCMPA were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and ER in paraffin-embedded hepatic tissue. The percentage of the stained area, intensity of staining and of the number of ER positive nuclei were evaluated using the ImageJ 1.50 software. there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the percentage of marked area (p = 0.040) for COX-2 and the intensity of staining of TNF-α (p = 0.030). No significant differences were observed in any of other parameters evaluated. In conclusion, COX-2 and TNF-α are possible markers that should be further studied to determine their immunohistochemical profile and role in HCC development.

INFLUENCE OF AUTOLEUKOCYTE VACCINATION ON ACTIVITY LEVEL OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B

Introduction: data about influence of intradermal vaccination with native autoleukocytes on activity level of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis B have been presented in the article. The aim: Based on positive results, obtained from autoleukocyte immunization in patients with psoriasis [14], the aim of our research was to use and study such therapy for reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in patients with chronic hepatitis B (chronic hepatitis B). Materials and methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B with high level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (≥30pg/ml) were vaccinated with native autoleukocytes (23); simultaneously, the same procedure was performed to patients (11) with low level of this cytokine (5pg/ml). Leukocytes were isolated from heparinized peripheral venous blood of a patient with hepatitis B by centrifuging plasma, obtained after blood precipitation for 140-160 minutes at temperature 370 С. The suspension was resuspended in 1-1.5 ml of a patient's blood serum and injected into the skin of the back in the dose 0.1 ml. Results: in 30 days after immunization, reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha was observed in all patients with its high level (100%), in 65.25% of individuals - to 5 pg/ml; in some patients, who had low or average level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, the level individually increased (41.67%). Conclusions: The elaborated method of influence on activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis B is effective and worth implementing into clinical practice.

Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on prefrontal-striatal connectivity is dependent on the level of TNF-α in patients with major depressive disorder

We hypothesize that the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may play a role in disturbing the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on the striatal connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). We performed a longitudinal observation by combining resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and biochemical analyses to identify the abnormal striatal connectivity in MDD patients, and to evaluate the effect of TNF-α level on these abnormal connectivities during SSRI treatment. Eighty-five rs-fMRI scans were collected from 25 MDD patients and 35 healthy controls, and the scans were repeated for all the patients before and after a 6-week SSRI treatment. Whole-brain voxel-wise functional connectivity (FC) was calculated by correlating the rs-fMRI time courses between each voxel and the striatal seeds (i.e. spherical regions placed at the striatums). The level of TNF-α in serum was evaluated by Milliplex assay. Factorial analysis was performed to assess the interaction effects of 'TNF-α × treatment' in the regions with between-group FC difference. Compared with controls, MDD patients showed significantly higher striatal FC in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and bilateral middle/superior temporal cortices before SSRI treatment (p < 0.001, uncorrected). Moreover, a significant interaction effect of 'TNF-α × treatment' was found in MPFC-striatum FC in MDD patients (p = 0.002), and the significance remained after adjusted for age, gender, head motion, and episode of disease. These findings provide evidence that treatment-related brain connectivity change is dependent on the TNF-α level in MDD patients, and the MPFC-striatum connectivities possibly serve as an important target in the brain.

Evaluation of TNF-α cytokine production in patients with tuberculosis compared to healthy people.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important causes of human mortality. Approximately one-third of the world’s population is infected with TB and 5–10% of them develop the active form of the disease. Cytokines play a major role in the host defense process against Mycobacterium infections. Among these cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has a prominent role in the defense of and pathological responses to tuberculosis.Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out from May 2016 to June 2017. 45 patients with diagnosis of tuberculosis (smear and positive culture) were included as case group and 45 healthy subjects as control group. The serum levels of TNF-α were determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.Results: The concentration of TNF-α in patients with TB was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). However, the difference was only significant in the age groups 20–30 and 50–60 years; in the age groups 30–40, 40–50 and 50–70 years, the difference was not significant, although certain trends were apparent.Discussion and conclusion: Since the level of serum TNF-α is higher in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis than in individuals without it, the measurement of TNF-α levels can be useful as a probable marker for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Changes in sICAM-1 and GM-CSF levels in skin tissue fluid and expression of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in blood of patients with vitiligo.

Changes in the levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the skin tissue fluid, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the blood of patients with vitiligo were investigated. One hundred and twenty patients diagnosed with vitiligo and treated in Daqing Long Nan Hospital from March 2014 to March 2016 were selected, including 88 patients with vitiligo vulgaris and 32 patients with segmental vitiligo. Comparative analyses were performed for research indexes. Another 80 healthy volunteers receiving physical examination were selected as healthy controls. The levels of GM-CSF in tissue fluid were detected via radioimmunoassay (RIA). The levels of sICAM-1 in tissue fluid and IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in the blood were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with progressive vitiligo were significantly higher than those in patients with stable vitiligo (P<0.05). The levels of sICAM-1 and GM-CSF in the skin tissue fluid at white spots of patients with vitiligo vulgaris were significantly higher than those in the skin tissue fluid at non-white spots (P<0.05). sICAM-1 levels had significant positive correlations with the levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in the blood (P<0.05). The levels of sICAM-1 in the skin tissue fluid and IL-6 in the blood of patients with vitiligo were negatively correlated with the course of disease (P<0.05). The levels of sICAM-1 in the skin tissue fluid and IL-6 and IL-17 in the blood of patients with vitiligo were positively correlated with the skin lesion area of patients (P<0.05). The levels of sICAM-1 and GM-CSF in the skin tissue fluid, and the expression levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in the blood of patients with vitiligo are abnormal.

Expression variations and clinical significance of MMP-1, MMP-2 and inflammatory factors in serum of patients with deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity.

Expression levels and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP-2 and inflammatory factors in the serum of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremity were investigated. Fifty untreated DVT patients were selected as the DVT group, and 50 patients undergoing health examination were enrolled as the normal control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum. Western blotting was adopted to detect the expression levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 proteins. Fluorescent reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to examine the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels. Moreover, the circumferences of the patients were measured. The difference between the circumference of affected extremity and unaffected extremity was calculated. Correlation analysis was conducted separately for the levels of serum MMP-1, MMP-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α of patients in the DVT group. In the DVT group, the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α at 7 days after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). Compared with that before treatment, the circumference difference of the affected and unaffected extremities of the patients was reduced at 7 days after treatment (P<0.01). The levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were positively correlated with the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2, respectively in the DVT group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MMP-1, MMP-2 and inflammatory factors play an important role in the occurrence and development of DVT, of which the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α are positively correlated with the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2, respectively. Therefore, monitoring the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-2 and inflammatory factors is of significant value for the diagnosis, progression and judgement of treatment effect of DVT in clinical practice.

Oxydative stress markers and cytokine levels in rosuvastatin-medicated hypercholesterolemia patients

Abstract Background Limited research is available concerning the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation parameters, and simultaneously the effects of rosuvastatin on these markers in patients with hypercholesterolemia. We aimed to investigate the connection between cytokines and oxidative stress markers in patients with hypercholesterolemia before and after rosuvastatin treatment. Methods The study consisted of 30 hypercholesterolemic patients diagnosed with routine laboratory tests and 30 healthy participants. The lipid parameters, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in controls and patients with hypercholesterolemia before and after 12-week treatment with rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), were analyzed by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results It was found that a 12-week cure with rosuvastatin resulted in substantial reductions in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and MDA levels as in rising activities of PON1 in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Before treatment, the PON1 levels were significantly negatively correlated with TNF-α and IL-6 in control group, while it was positively correlated with TNF-α in patients. Conclusion Our outcomes provide evidence of protected effect of rosuvastatin for inflammation and oxidative damage. It will be of great interest to determine whether the correlation between PON1 and cytokines has any phenotypic effect on PON1.

Elevated cytokine levels in vitreous as biomarkers of disease severity in infectious endophthalmitis.

PurposeTo investigate the immunopathogenesis of endophthalmitis, and determine if cytokine profiles could serve as biomarkers of disease severity in infectious endophthalmitis.Materials and methodsVitreous samples of 46 patients clinically diagnosed as endophthalmitis (of which 25 were culture positive) and 20 non-infectious controls from patients with Retinal Detachment (RD) or diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. The cytokine and chemokine expression patterns of 40 immune mediators including 6 antiinflammatory cytokines, 15 proinflammatory cytokines, 9 Growth factors and 10 proinflammatory chemokines in the vitreous were were analyzed by multiplex cytokine immunoassay. In addition, significant immune mediators were correlated with initial and final visual acuity (VA).ResultsOur results demonstrated elevated expression of 16 mediators such as GCSF, GRO, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1 RA, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIP-1α, IL-1β, TGF-α, TNF-α in patients with culture positive endophthalmitis. Cytokine profile expression significantly differed between patients with proven endophthalmitis and the non-infectious controls in heat map analysis. PCoA plot indicated five mediators (IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8, GRO, G-CSF) as biomarkers that could be Independent Predictors of Disease especially in culture negative cases. Correlation of cytokines with VA revealed strong association between the initial VA and intraocular levels of TGF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 but there was no correlation with the severity or visual outcome of infection.ConclusionIn comparison to non-infectious ocular conditions, the pathogenesis of infectious endophthalmitis correlates with increased expression levels of IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8, GRO, G-CSF. Understanding cytokine profiles in culture negative endophthalmitis patients could aid in therapy in non-responders to empirical antibiotic therapy.