老年高血压病患者血清白介素水平检测的临床意义

目的通过检测老年高血压病患者血清中白细胞介素(IL)IL-1β、IL-2、IL-6、IL-8、IL-10的水平,以探讨白细胞介素在老年高血压病发病过程中的意义。方法选取39例老年高血压病病人,同期选取正常对照33例,采用放射免疫分析法(RIA)检测血清IL-1βI、L-2、IL-6、IL-8I、L-10水平。结果与正常对照组相比,老年高血压病患者血清中IL-1βI、L-6水平均有不同程度的升高,具有显著性差异(P<0.05~<0.01)。结论IL-1β、IL-6可能参与老年高血压病的发病与发展,提示IL-1βI、L-6可作为反映预后的指标。     

老年冠心病患者血清白细胞介素-6和白细胞介素-8水平变化及其临床意义

为探讨白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和白细胞介素-8(IL-8)与冠心病(CHD)的相互关系及临床意义,采用双抗体夹心法(ELISA)检测了55例老年CHD患者血清IL-6、IL-8的水平变化并与25例健康老年人对照,结果显示CHD患者血清IL-6和IL-8水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05),且IL-6和IL-8之间呈正相关(γ=0.423,P<0.001),提示IL-6和IL-8的水平变化与CHD密切相关,IL-6和IL-8可能参与了CHD的发病及病理变化过程.监测其水平变化,对CHD的诊治具有一定的临床价值.     

IL—6和IL—8在乙型肝炎患者血清中的变化及意义

目的:探讨白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和白细胞介素-8(IL-8)在乙型肝炎患者血清中的变化及意义。方法:以ELISA双抗体夹心法检测慢性乙型肝炎轻度、中度和重型患者血清中IL-6和IL-8水平。结果:慢性乙型肝炎轻度、中度和重型肝炎患者血清中的IL-6和IL_8均明显高于对照组(健康献血员)。IL-6和IL-8水平升高的顺序为重型>慢性乙型肝炎中度>慢性乙型肝炎轻度。结论:临床检测乙型肝炎患者血清中IL-6和IL-8水平,可作为病情监测和预后判断的指标。     

溃疡性结肠炎患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α和IL-10的表达及其意义

目的通过对溃疡性结肠炎（UC）患者血清中白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）和白细胞介素-10（IL-10）表达水平的检测,探讨它们在UC发生、发展过程中的作用。方法实验组分为UC组（60例）和正常对照组（30例）。IL-1β、TNF-α和IL-10表达水平的检测：应用放射免疫法（RIA）检测三者在UC组、正常对照组血清中的表达水平。结果UC组血清中IL-1β、TNF-α表达水平与正常对照组相比明显增高（P〈0.01）,并与临床上病情的严重程度相一致。UC组血清中IL-10的含量与正常对照组间的差异没有统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论UC发病过程中,促炎性细胞因子IL-1β、TNF-α与抑炎性细胞因子IL-10的表达水平不一致,可能存在细胞因子网络的平衡失调。     

不稳定型心绞痛病人血清炎性因子水平

目的 探讨血清炎性因子白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)和妊娠相关性血浆蛋白-A(pregnancy-associated alpha plasma proteins,PAPP-A)在不稳定型心绞痛患者的水平.方法 不稳定型心绞痛组病人50例;稳定型心绞痛组病人45例;正常对照组30例.进行选择性冠状动脉造影,并根据其冠状动脉积分将冠心病病人分为轻度病变组、中度病变组和重度病变组,分别比较3组之间血清IL-1β、IL-6、PAPP-A的水平.结果 不稳定型心绞痛组病人血清IL-1β、IL-6和PAPP-A水平均明显高于稳定型心绞痛组与对照组(P＜0.01);冠心病病人不同冠状动脉病变狭窄程度组间血清IL-1β、IL-6、PAPP-A水平差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 IL-1β、IL-6、PAPP-A在不稳定型心绞痛组病人升高,其血清水平对判断冠状动脉斑块稳定性有一定的价值.     

细胞因子与Graves病的关系

检测Graves病患者甲巯咪唑治疗前后血清细胞因子水平,发现其血清可溶性白细胞介素2受体(sIL-2R)水平治疗前与正常对照组相比显著升高,治疗后恢复正常;血清白细胞介素8(IL-8)水平下降,治疗后无明显变化,与其它指标未显示相关性.GD患者IL-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子α水平与正常对照组无差异.     

细胞因子与冠状动脉狭窄程度的相关性研究

目的 探讨细胞因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和γ干扰素(IFN-γ)在冠状动脉病变中的作用。方法 将93例冠心病患者根据冠状动脉狭窄程度分成三组：轻度组，34例；中度组，33例；重度组，26例。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测外周血各炎症细胞因子水平，并与30例年龄和性别相当的健康体检者进行比较。结果冠心病组外周血IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α和IFN-γ水平均显著高于对照组各项指标，而且增高程度与冠状动脉狭窄程度一致，血管重度狭窄组细胞因子增高尤为明显。结论 研究显示：细胞因子IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α和IFN-γ与冠状动脉狭窄呈显著正相关，提示细胞因子可能损伤血管内皮细胞，使血管内皮功能失调，导致冠状动状血管狭窄。同时也为判断冠状动脉狭窄病变程度指标而提供了一条线索。     

IL-23/IL-17炎症轴与冠心病及动脉粥样硬化的关系

目的探究白细胞介素(IL)-23/IL-17炎症轴与冠心病及动脉粥样硬化之间的关系及机制。方法行冠状动脉造影的患者56例,分为稳定性心绞痛组、不稳定性心绞痛组和对照组。收集受试者外周血,酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测血清IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β、IL-6和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α浓度。将THP-1细胞分为对照组和诱导组,分别加入0 mg/ml和50 mg/ml的氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)处理细胞,ELISA检测培养液中IL-23与IL-17浓度,Western印迹检测细胞核转录因子(NF)-κB P65、IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的表达。结果稳定性心绞痛组和不稳定性心绞痛组血清IL-17、IL-23、IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α浓度均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。与对照组比较,诱导组培养液IL-23和IL-17浓度均显著升高(P0.05);诱导组细胞NF-κB P65、IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α蛋白表达水平显著升高(P0.05)。结论 IL-23/IL-17炎症轴可通过激活NF-κB信号通路促进冠心病及动脉粥样硬化炎症反应,是影响冠心病及动脉粥样硬化患者预后的独立因素。     

肝癌模型大鼠肝硬化期IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的水平变化及作用机制

目的研究肝癌模型大鼠肝硬化期血清免疫细胞因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的水平和作用机制。方法 Wistar雄性大鼠80只,随机分为实验组和对照组各40只。实验组按0.2 ml/kg体重静脉注射400 ml/L CCl4橄榄油,2次/w,注射12 w;对照组静脉注射同等量的橄榄油。然后在第4、6、8、10、12周检测两组外周血IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平。结果第4、6、8周两组血清IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。第10周实验组血清IL-1β高于对照组(P<0.05),IL-6、TNF-α水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。第12周实验组血清IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平均高于对照组(均P<0.05)。结论肝硬化期血清IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的变化较为明显,可有效反映疾病的发展转归。     

老年心血管疾病患者细胞因子水平的变化

肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)和白细胞介素8(IL-8)等细胞因子主要由T、B淋巴细胞和单核巨噬细胞分泌，具有广泛的生物学效应，是免疫和炎症反应的重要调节因子，同时血管内皮细胞和血管平滑肌细胞也可分泌TNF、IL-6和IL-8，并可作用于血管壁而引起血管壁的损伤．促进血管内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞的增生。因此，他们与某些心血管疾病可能有密切关系。本文采用ELISA法检测了28例冠心病(CHD)和20例高血压(EH)患者血清TNF、IL-6和IL-8水平，探讨其他们之间的关系及临床意义。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Language of CTO interventions – Focus on hardware

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.     

High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral-treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania

Objectives To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl. Methods We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign. Results Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years). Conclusion Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.