Cytokine elaboration in critically ill infants with bacterial sepsis, necrotizing entercolitis, or sepsis syndrome: correlation with clinical parameters of inflammation and mortality

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that cytokines might distinguish critically ill infants with bacterial sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) from those with sepsis syndrome and that these elevations would be correlated with clinical variables of inflammation and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: We measured plasma and tracheal aspirate (TA) levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), epithelial neutrophil activating peptide (ENA-78), IL-10, and IL-18 in 84 neonates with suspected sepsis or NEC. Thirty-one infants had bacterial sepsis, 19 had NEC, and 34 infants with negative results on cultures had sepsis syndrome. RESULTS: Plasma IL-8 and IL-10 levels were significantly increased in infants with bacterial sepsis compared with those in infants with sepsis syndrome. Plasma IL-8, ENA-78, and IL-10 levels were elevated in infants with NEC compared with those in infants with sepsis syndrome. TA IL-8 and IL-10 levels were also increased in infants with bacterial sepsis; TA ENA-78, and IL-18 were not elevated in infants with sepsis or NEC when compared with infants with sepsis syndrome. Plasma and TA cytokine levels correlated with hematologic parameters. Plasma cytokine levels were higher in infants who did not survive than in infants who did survive. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma and TA cytokine levels are elevated in critically ill infants with bacterial sepsis or NEC compared with those in infants with sepsis syndrome. Our results suggest distinct patterns of cytokine elaboration in different disease states.     

小剂量多巴胺辅助治疗对坏死性小肠结肠炎早产儿炎症因子及预后的影响

目的 探讨小剂量多巴胺辅助治疗对坏死性小肠结肠炎（NEC）早产儿炎症因子及预后的影响。方法 将2017年6月至2019年6月住院治疗的NEC早产儿100例，依据随机数字表法分为多巴胺治疗组（多巴胺组）和常规治疗组（常规组），每组50例。常规组给予常规对症治疗，多巴胺组在常规治疗基础上给予小剂量多巴胺辅助治疗。ELISA法检测两组C反应蛋白（CRP）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白介素-8（IL-8）水平；观察并记录两组患儿临床症状缓解时间、禁食时间、治疗疗效、预后及不良反应。结果 多巴胺组和常规组治疗后CRP、TNF-α、IL-8水平均明显低于治疗前，多巴胺组治疗后CRP、TNF-α、IL-8水平均明显低于常规组（P < 0.05）；多巴胺组大便改善时间、腹胀及腹泻缓解时间、禁食时间均明显短于常规组（P < 0.05）；多巴胺组治疗有效率明显高于常规组，手术率明显低于常规组（P < 0.05）；两组病死率、不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 小剂量多巴胺辅助治疗可有效改善NEC早产儿炎症因子水平及临床症状，有利于提高患儿治疗疗效，且安全性好，值得临床推广。     

The anti-inflammatory effect of an oral immunoglobulin (IgA-IgG) preparation and its possible relevance for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis

An exaggerated release of inflammatory mediators has been implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Oral administration of a human immunoglobulin preparation (serum IgA-IgG) has been demonstrated to be an effective prophylaxis for NEC. The aim of the present study was to examine the regulatory effect of a human IgA-IgG preparation on the release of inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes. Our results indicate that the immunoglobulin preparation inhibits TNF-alpha and IL-6 release in monocytes following stimulation with heat-inactivated Hib in a dose-dependent manner. This might have a biological relevance in infants receiving oral immunoglobulin prophylaxis for NEC, since modulation of the release of inflammatory mediators at the level of the gastrointestinal mucosa could interfere with the development of noxious sequelae of acute and/or chronic inflammation initiated by microbial pathogens or their toxins that finally lead to the pathologic changes associated with NEC.     

Cytokines in the gastric mucosa of children with Helicobacter pylori infection

AIM: Few studies have looked at the cytokine profile in gastric mucosa in children with Helicobacter pylori infection. This study investigated cytokines and their effects on histological abnormalities in the gastric mucosa of children with H. pylori infection. METHODS: The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-8 proteins were measured in biopsy specimens from the gastric antrum and corpus of children with H. pylori infection, and related to inflammatory cell infiltrations. RESULTS: The antral and corporal mucosal levels of IFN-gamma and IL-8 proteins were significantly higher in children with H. pylori infection than in uninfected children, but there was no such difference in the levels of IL-4 protein. The antral mucosal level of IL-8 protein was significantly higher than the corporal mucosal level of IL-8 protein in the infected children. Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in the infected children than in the uninfected children, but there were no significant correlations between mucosal cytokine levels and inflammatory cell infiltrations. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the predominant Th1 cytokine response and enhanced IL-8 production in the mucosa may be involved in the gastric inflammation seen in children infected with H. pylori, as well as in adult patients.     

肺炎支原体肺炎患儿IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α的变化

目的探讨细胞因子IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α在肺炎支原体肺炎(MPP)患儿急性期支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)和血清中的变化及临床意义。方法采用双抗体夹心ELISA法对30例MPP患儿急性期和20例无肺部病变的对照组患儿BALF和血清中IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α水平进行测定。结果 MPP患儿BALF和血清中IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α水平在发病的急性期明显高于对照组(P均<0.05),并且BALF中IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α浓度高于血清中相应细胞因子浓度(P均<0.05),血清IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α与相应的BALF中IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α有相关性(r=0.953～0.992,P均<0.05)。结论 MPP患儿BALF和血清中有明显的细胞因子变化,IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α可能参与了MPP的发病。     

Neutrophil but not eosinophil inflammation is related to the severity of a first acute epidemic bronchiolitis in young infants

Acute bronchiolitis is the main cause of emergency visits and hospitalizations in infants. Recent data suggest that neutrophil- and eosinophil-mediated inflammations were part of bronchiolitis pathophysiology. Apart from the defined risk factors, few was known on the underlying pathophysiology, which might point out the differences observed in the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the clinical severity of acute epidemic bronchiolitis in young infants might be related to a specific underlying inflammatory process. Total and differential cell counts, IL-8, eotaxin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and albumin levels were assessed at the time of admission in bronchial secretions from 37 infants (median age 17 wk) with acute bronchiolitis. Outcome severity variables were: hypoxemia, Silverman score, tachypnea, feeding alteration, and duration of hospitalization. Neutrophils predominated, and eosinophils were present in 54% of the infants. IL-8 levels strongly correlated with ECP and albumin levels. Albumin levels were correlated with ECP and eotaxin levels. IL-8 levels were higher in infants with hypoxemia and inversely related with SaO₂ levels. IL-8 and albumin levels significantly rose with respiratory rate, and Silverman score. IL-8, albumin and ECP levels were significantly higher in infants hospitalized ≥7 days. Furthermore, IL-8 levels were correlated with the duration of hospitalization. Neither cell counts nor eotaxin levels were related to the severity criteria studied. This study suggests that IL-8-associated airway inflammation significantly contributed to the severity of acute epidemic bronchiolitis.     

Relationship Between Neonatal Blood Protein Concentrations and Placenta Histologic Characteristics in Extremely Low GA Newborns

Amniotic fluid infection with chorioamnionitis is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality in children born prematurely. These risks depend on the presence of a fetal inflammatory response. We measured the concentrations of 25 proteins in the blood of 871 infants born before the 28th wk of gestation and examined their placentas for acute inflammation. Newborns who had inflammatory lesions of the placenta were much more likely than their peers (p < 0.01) to have elevated blood concentrations of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), chemokines (IL-8, MIP-1β, RANTES, and I-TAC), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, ICAM-3, and E-selectin), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-9), the angiogenic inflammatory factor VEGF and its receptor VEGF-R2, and acute phase proteins (SAA and CRP) during the first 3 d after birth. In contrast, newborns with poor placental perfusion had lower levels of inflammatory proteins (p < 0.01; IL-6, RANTES, ICAM-1, ICAM-3, VCAM-1, E-selectin, MMP-1, MMP-9, MPO, and VEGF). An inverse pattern was found between newborn levels of VEGF and its competitive inhibitor VEGF-R1 in both the inflamed and poorly perfused placenta categories. These results confirm the predictive value of placental histology for the presence or absence of elevated inflammatory response in newborns.     

Maternal milk reduces severity of necrotizing enterocolitis and increases intestinal IL-10 in a neonatal rat model

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease of premature infants. Maternal milk has been suggested to be partially protective against NEC; however, the mechanisms of this protection are not defined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect(s) of artificial feeding of rat milk (RM)-versus cow milk-based rat milk substitute (RMS) on the development of NEC in a neonatal rat model and elucidate the role of inflammatory cytokines in NEC pathogenesis. Newborn rats were artificially fed with either collected RM or RMS. Experimental NEC was induced by exposure to asphyxia and cold stress and evaluated by histologic scoring of damage in ileum. Intestinal cytokine mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR. Cytokine histologic localization was performed by confocal microscopy. Similar to human NEC, artificial feeding of RM reduces the incidence and severity of NEC injury in neonatal rats. Freezing and thawing of collected RM did not eliminate the protective effect of maternal milk. Ileal IL-10 expression was significantly increased in the RM group compared with RMS. Increased IL-10 peptide production was detected in the RM group with signal localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of villus epithelial cells. These results suggest that the protective effect of maternal milk is associated with increased production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the site of injury. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these protective effects could be beneficial either in the prevention of NEC or in the development of future therapeutic strategies to cure NEC.     

Cytokine response in cerebrospinal fluid from preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation

Aim: Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is closely associated with white matter damage and neurological disability in the preterm infant. Proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter injury and subsequent cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from preterm infants with PHVD and to correlate the levels to white matter damage and neurodevelopmental outcome. Methods: CSF samples were obtained from 24 preterm infants with expanding PHVD and 19 preterm infants with normal ultrasound. Tumour necrosis factor-3 (TNF-3), interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-3 (IFN-3) in CSF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and IL-6 was measured by bioassay. Results: The concentrations of TNF-3, IL-13, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in CSF from infants with PHVD. TNF-3 was detected in 43% of PHVD infants and 11% of controls ( p = 0.04). IL-13 was detected in 67% of PHVD infants and 0% of controls (p 3 0.0001). The concentrations of IL-6 were 368 (145-460) pg ml 31 in the PHVD group and 30 (25-41) pg ml 31 in the control group (p 3 0.0001), and those of IL-8 were 3000 (1620-3400) pg ml 31 in the PHVD group and 35 (0-230) pg ml 31 in the control group (p 3 0.0001). Cytokine concentrations did not correlate with white matter lesions on ultrasound, shunt dependence or neurological outcome within the PHVD group. Conclusion: There was an intense and prolonged inflammatory reaction in CSF from preterm infants with PHVD and a high risk for subsequent white matter injury and permanent neurological impairment.     

锌指蛋白A20在炎症性肠病患儿肠黏膜中的表达及意义

目的 探讨炎症性肠病(IBD)患儿肠道炎症反应与锌指蛋白A20(A20)表达水平之间的关系.方法 收集2008至2010年就诊于我院并行肠镜检查的患儿肠道黏膜标本共57份.将标本分为正常对照组(n=16)、IBD缓解期组(n=12)、IBD活动期组(n=13)和非IBD肠炎组(n=16).内镜下取各组患儿末端回肠黏膜标本,采用荧光定量PCR和免疫组化法检测A20、NF-κB、IL-6、IL-8的表达水平.结果 (1)NF-κB、A20在正常对照组肠黏膜中仅微量表达,IBD活动期组和非IBD肠炎组NF-κB、A20表达水平明显高于正常对照组(P均＜0.01);(2)IBD缓解期组较正常对照组NF-κB[(9.35±4.84)%vs(0.57±0.44)%,P＜0.01]、IL-6(t'=1.34,P＞0.05)、IL-8(t=1.38,P＞0.05)表达水平高,而A20在mRNA水平(t=1.03,P＞0.05)和蛋白水平[(0.36±0.18)%vs(0.87±0.29)%,P＜0.01]上表达均偏低;(3)与非IBD肠炎组相比,IBD活动期组NF-κB[(24.17±11.27)%vs(55.29±21.84)%,P＜0.01]、IL-6(t=2.22,P＜0.05)、IL-8(t=2.97,P＜0.01)表达水平明显升高,而A20在mRNA(t=2.26,P＜0.05)和蛋白水平[(29.23±11.70)%vs(16.8l±5.90)%,P＜0.01]上表达均较低;(4)IBD缓解期组与非IBD肠炎组相比,IL-6、IL-8表达水平差异无统计学意义(t'值和t值分别为0.03和0.28,P均＞0.05),而A20在mRNA水平(t=4.42,P＜0.01)和蛋白水平[(29.23±11.70)%vs(0.47±0.25)%,P＜0.01]上表达均较低.结论 IBD患儿存在肠道炎症反应过度而A20表达水平上调不足的现象;A20表达水平的异常可能参与了IBD的发生和发展.

Abstract：

Objective It is demonstrated that excessive activation of NF-κB is central to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Zinc finger protein A20(A20)is a key player in the negative feedback regulation of NF-κB signaling in response to multiple stimuli and has been described as central gatekeeper in inflammation and immunity.Mice genetically deficient in A20 develop severe intestinal inflammation and have increased susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis.Few studies have been done to explore the role of A20 in the pathogenesis of IBD.To clarify the relationship between intestinal inflammation and the expression level of A20 in IBD patients,the expression level of A20 and a series of inflammatory cytokines,such as NF-κB,IL-6,and IL-8,in children with IBD and controls were examined.Method Terminal ileal mucosal samples were obtained via endoscopy. Fifty-seven mucosal samples were divided into 4 groups:normal control group(n = 16),IBD remission group(n = 12),IBD active group(n = 13)and non-IBD enteritis group(n = 16).According to disease activity index scores,the IBD patients were divided into IBD remission group and IBD active group. Normal control group was consisted of patients with functional bowel disorders or intestinal polyps.Non-IBD enteritis was defined as changes in which endoscopy and histological examination showed inflammatory changes but could not be diagnosed as IBD.Real-time PCR was adopted for detecting the mRNA levels of A20,IL-6 and IL-8.Meanwhile immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of A20 and NF-κB.Result (1)The expression of A20 and NF-κB were very low in normal control group,but significantly up-regulated in IBD active group and non-IBD enteritis group(P＜ 0.01 for beth);(2)Compared with normal control group,expression of NF-κB [(9.35±4.84)% vs.(0.57±0.44)%,P＜0.01],IL-6(t' = 1.34,P ＞0.05),IL-8(t = 1.38,P ＞0.05)increased in IBD remission group,while the expression of A20 in both mRNA(t = 1.03,P ＞ 0.05)and protein levels [(0.36±0.18)% vs.(0.87±0.29)%,P＜ 0.01]decreased;(3)Compared with non-IBD enteritis group,although the expression of NF-κB [(24.17±11.27)% vs.(55.29±21.84)%,P＜0.01],IL-6(t =2.22,P＜0.05),IL-8(t=2.97,P＜0.01)were highly increased in IBD active group,the expression of A20 in both mRNA(t =2.26,P＜0.05)and protein levels [(29.23±11.70)% vs.(16.81±5.90)%,P＜ 0.01] significantly decreased;(4)The expression of IL-6,IL-8 were similar in IBD remission group and non-IBD enteritis group(both P ＞0.05),but the expression of A20 was much lower in both mRNA(t =4.42,P＜0.01)and protein levels [(29.23±11.70)% vs.(0.47±0.25)%,P＜ 0.01] in IBD remission group.Conclusion The results demonstrate that there is an excessive inflammatory response but insufficient up-regulation of A20 expression in IBD patients.Low levels expression of A20 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD.     

姜黄素对新生大鼠坏死性小肠结肠炎的保护作用

目的：通过研究姜黄素对新生大鼠坏死性小肠结肠炎(NEC)肠组织病理改变,环氧合酶-2(COX-2)表达,肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)及白细胞介素-10 (IL-10)生成的影响,探讨姜黄素对NEC是否有保护作用。方法：40只新生大鼠随机分为4组：正常对照组,溶剂对照组,NEC模型组,姜黄素干预组,每组10只。每日定时观察各组大鼠的一般情况,连续3 d并于第4天处死,取肠道组织检测病理改变,TNF-α、IL-10含量及COX-2的表达。结果：姜黄素能改善NEC模型大鼠一般情况及病理组织学征象;与正常对照组、溶剂对照组比较,NEC模型组,姜黄素干预组TNF-α、IL-10浓度显著增高(P<0.05);姜黄素干预组TNF-α浓度较NEC模型组显著下降(P<0.05)、IL-10浓度较NEC模型组显著升高(P<0.05);姜黄素干预组COX-2表达量显著低于NEC模型组。结论：姜黄素对NEC大鼠具有保护作用,其机制可能与姜黄素抑制COX-2的表达,减少TNF-α的含量、增加 IL-10的含量有关。［中国当代儿科杂志,2010,12（2）：132-136］     

Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of infants exposed to chorioamnionitis

BACKGROUND: The clinical or histologic diagnosis of chorioamnionitis has been associated with an increased risk of neuropathology and adverse neurologic outcomes in premature and term infants. Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these processes. The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure to chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammatory syndrome is associated with elevated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8) in the CSF of term and preterm infants. METHODS: Eighty-four mother/infant pairs were studied, 54 infants were premature. Twenty-eight showed signs of maternal (n = 14), or fetal (n = 14) inflammation based on placental pathology; mothers of 24 infants showed signs of clinical chorioamnionitis not confirmed by placental pathology and 32 infants were considered as 'controls' since they had only transient difficulty adjusting to extra-uterine life warranting evaluation for sepsis. The cytokine concentrations in the CSF were measured within 24 h of birth. RESULTS: When compared to the control group (IL-8 = 341 +/- 170 pg/ml and IL-6 = 7.4 +/- 1.8 pg/ml) significantly higher concentrations of IL-8 were detected in the CSF of infants exposed to clinical chorioamnionitis (1,854 +/- 878 pg/ml; p = 0.001) and maternal/fetal inflammation (1,754 +/- 787 pg/ml; p = 0.001) and of IL-6 in infants with maternal/fetal inflammation (47.6 +/- 45.1 pg/ml; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that infants exposed to clinical chorioamnionitis, or inflammation in utero, experience at least a transient elevation in inflammatory cytokines in CSF.     

婴幼儿脓毒症不同免疫状态细胞因子变化探讨

目的 检测不同免疫状态脓毒症婴幼儿细胞因子浓度的变化,探讨婴幼儿脓毒症免疫功能紊乱的可能机制.方法 深圳市儿童医院重症监护室2007年5月至11月收治的脓毒症患儿36例为研究组,16例正常婴幼儿为对照组.根据人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-DR的测定值,将患儿分为免疫激活组(DR-H组)和免疫抑制组(DR-L组).用流式细胞术检测CD14+单核细胞HLA-DR表达率;实时荧光定量PCR检测CD4+T细胞IL-10、IL-6 mRNA表达;ELISA检测IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-10血浆浓度.结果 (1)小儿危重病例评分DR-H组高于DR-L组(90.15±4.43 vs 81.91±7.45,P＜0.05).(2)细胞因子变化:两组前炎症细胞因子IL-1β、IL-6血浓度均明显高于对照组(P＜0.05),DR-H组TNF-α高于对照组.两组问比较,IL-1β及IL-6差异无显著性,DR-H组TNF-α高于DR-L组(P＜0.05).两组IL-6基因表达均高于对照组(P＜0.05),以DR-L组增高尤为显著.两组IL-10均高于对照组(P＜0.05),DR-L组IL-10基因表达高于对照组及DR-H组.结论 CD14+单核细胞HLA-DR表达检测对婴幼儿脓毒症危重程度及预后有一定判断价值.婴幼儿脓毒症发病过程中,前炎症细胞因子始终处于高表达状态,导致免疫抑制的主要原因可能是抗炎因子IL-10过表达.     

Downregulatory cytokines in tracheobronchial aspirate fluid from infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity

Chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) is associated with an inflammatory response in the preterm lung and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in tracheobronchial aspirate fluid (TAF). We investigated TAF levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokines possibly important in downregulating the proinflammatory response and/or inducing lung fibrosis in infants with developing and established CLD. Infants with CLD (n = 24) were compared with preterm infants with RDS that resolved (n = 22) and postoperative infants without lung disease (n = 23). TAF levels of TGF-beta1, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-12 were studied by quantitative enzyme immunoassay. Levels of TGF-beta1 were significantly higher during the first week of life in infants who developed CLD, remained high at 2 wk and past 4 wk of age. TAF levels of TGF-beta1 did not decrease significantly in six infants with CLD after treatment with steroids. TAF IL-10 was detected in 12/46 (26%) preterm infants. Infants with CLD or RDS were more likely to have measurable TAF levels of IL-10, compared with the postoperative infants without lung disease (p < 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). TAF levels of IL-4 or IL-12 were below the detection limits in all samples. Conclusions: We have demonstrated a sustained increase of TGF-beta1 levels in TAF from preterm infants who develop CLD, suggesting an important role for TGF-beta1 in the fibrotic response in the CLD lung. The elevated TGF-beta1 levels, combined with an absent or irregular secretion of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12, can have importance for the increased tendency for the development of CLD in preterm infants.     

Neutrophil but not eosinophil inflammation is related to the severity of a first acute epidemic bronchiolitis in young infants.

Acute bronchiolitis is the main cause of emergency visits and hospitalizations in infants. Recent data suggest that neutrophil- and eosinophil-mediated inflammations were part of bronchiolitis pathophysiology. Apart from the defined risk factors, few was known on the underlying pathophysiology, which might point out the differences observed in the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the clinical severity of acute epidemic bronchiolitis in young infants might be related to a specific underlying inflammatory process. Total and differential cell counts, IL-8, eotaxin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and albumin levels were assessed at the time of admission in bronchial secretions from 37 infants (median age 17 wk) with acute bronchiolitis. Outcome severity variables were: hypoxemia, Silverman score, tachypnea, feeding alteration, and duration of hospitalization. Neutrophils predominated, and eosinophils were present in 54% of the infants. IL-8 levels strongly correlated with ECP and albumin levels. Albumin levels were correlated with ECP and eotaxin levels. IL-8 levels were higher in infants with hypoxemia and inversely related with SaO(2) levels. IL-8 and albumin levels significantly rose with respiratory rate, and Silverman score. IL-8, albumin and ECP levels were significantly higher in infants hospitalized >/=7 days. Furthermore, IL-8 levels were correlated with the duration of hospitalization. Neither cell counts nor eotaxin levels were related to the severity criteria studied. This study suggests that IL-8-associated airway inflammation significantly contributed to the severity of acute epidemic bronchiolitis.     

Association of antenatal steroid use with cord blood immune biomarkers in preterm births

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of maternal administration of antenatal steroids (ANS) on cord blood cytokine levels at birth in preterm infants.

Methods

Cord blood cytokine concentrations were measured for pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8); anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β); and neurotrophic cytokines (BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4) in two hundred preterm infants. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression to model the independent and joint effects of ANS and inflammation on mean log cord blood cytokine concentrations adjusted for gestational age and Apgar scores.

Results

Exposure to ANS had no significant effect on the cord blood concentrations of cytokines measured in this study. All three pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and levels of IL-10 were significantly increased and cord blood levels of TGF-β and NT-3 were significantly decreased in infants with placental inflammation.

Conclusion

Although exposure to ANS did not have any significant effect on cord blood levels of cytokines, there was a trend toward the attenuation of inflammatory response and higher levels of neurotrophic cytokines in infants born to mothers with placental inflammation and exposure to ANS compared to infants born to mothers with placental inflammation and no ANS exposure.     

Mechanisms of nitric oxide-mediated intestinal barrier failure in necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading intestinal emergency in premature infants. The underlying etiology of NEC remains elusive, but hypoxic conditions and early enteral feeding are consistently implicated as the main risk factors in the pathogenesis of NEC. We postulate that nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role as a molecular signaling "hub" in the generation of gut barrier failure in NEC. Clinical studies suggest that inflammatory cytokines and excessive NO production may contribute to the pathogenesis of NEC. One of the major challenges in defining the critical signaling pathways that lead to the development of NEC is the lack of specific biochemical markers that consistently delineate the early stages of NEC. Intestinal pathology and molecular markers derived from late-stage NEC represent end-stage findings and thus provide little insight into the early events that led to intestinal inflammation. Such markers may not represent viable therapeutic targets for the treatment or prevention of NEC. Therefore, novel strategies are needed to identify the patients at risk for NEC and define the clinically relevant molecules that characterize the early stages of NEC. This review will examine the mechanisms of NO-mediated gut barrier failure and propose novel genetic-based approaches for elucidating the critical molecular pathways in NEC.     

先天性心脏病婴儿围术期细胞因子表达的变化及1,6-二磷酸果糖对其表达的影响

目的 探讨细胞因子在婴儿先天性心脏病(CHD)围术期的变化及1,6-二磷酸果糖(FDP)对其表达的影响.方法 选择2006年10月-2009年12月在本院心脏病中心接受手术治疗的CHD患儿63例.将63例CHD患儿随机分为试验组(n=30)和对照组(n=33).试验组在体外循环(CPB)前一次性在预充液中加入FDP 200 mg·kg-1,对照组预充液中不加FDP.分别于术前、CPB后3 h和CPB后48 h取血,采用ELISA法检测CHD患儿血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平.结果 试验组和对照组血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平术前比较差异均无统计学意义(Pa＞0.05),CPB后3 h,对照组血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平较试验组显著升高(Pa＜0.05),且2组血清TNF-α、IL-6及IL-8水平均较术前显著升高;CPB后48 h,2组患儿血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平均比较差异均无统计学意义(Pa＞0.05),但较术前均仍有升高.结论 CHD患儿CPB后3 h血清细胞因子TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平明显升高,是导致全身炎性反应的重要因素,在预充液中加入FDP后,可明显减少血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8的释放,减轻全身炎性反应.