Clinical Features, Serum Interleukin-6, and Interferon-γ Levels of 34 Turkish Patients With Hepatoportal Sclerosis

Hepatoportal sclerosis (HPS) is a clinical disorder of obscure pathogenesis with a variable clinical profile. The aim of the study was to summarize the clinical features of Turkish patients with HPS and to measure the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ to determine the T helper cell profile in the pathogenesis. The study was conducted on 34 HPS patients (17 men, 17 women; mean age at diagnosis, 27±10 years) and 15 healthy controls. The clinical features of HPS patients including demographics, clinical history, laboratory, and ultrasonography findings were summarized. Serum IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were measured by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common dominant presenting symptom. Majority of the patients had preserved liver function tests. Serum triglyceride levels were decreased in 30%. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed well-demarcated bands of increased echogenicity surrounding the portal vein wall and sudden narrowing of the intrahepatic second-degree portal vein branches in all cases. Spontaneous shunts and/or collaterals were seen in 13 cases (37%). Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis were seen in 7 (20%) patients after at least 5 years of disease duration. Serum levels of both IL-6 (median, 3.2 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (median, 7.8 pg/mL) were significantly higher in HPS patients compared with the control group (median, 1 pg/mL). HPS has variable clinical profile in different geographic areas of the world. Both Th1 and 2 cells may have a role in the regulation of immune response and pathogenesis of the disease.     

Serum Vitamin A and β-Carotene Levels in Children with Asthma

Background. Low serum levels of dietary antioxidants are associated with allergic diseases including asthma. Vitamin A and carotenoids are dietary antioxidants that are likely to play an important role against airway inflammation. Methods. This study included 433 asthmatic schoolchildren and 537 healthy control subjects, between 6 and 18 years of age. Serum β-carotene, vitamin A, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were studied in all subjects. Results. Serum vitamin A concentration was significantly lower in asthmatic subjects than in healthy control subjects (19.4 ± 1.1 mg/dL vs. 28.9 ± 0.86 mg/dL) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the levels of β-carotene, cholesterol, and triglycerides between the two groups. Conclusion. Reduction of vitamin A in asthmatic children may have etiological implications for the disease.     

Low-Dose Exogenous Interleukin (IL)-12 Enhances Antigen-Induced Interferon-γ Production Without Affecting IL-10 Production in Asthmatics

BackgroundAlthough interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ are key cytokines that control the T helper (Th) 1/Th2 balance in human allergic disorders, details of their interactions in humans have not been clarified. Recently IL-10, one of the Th2 cytokines, has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect against allergic responses. To clarify the effect of IL-12 on the production of IFN-γ and IL-10, in the present study we examined responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from asthmatics to stimulation by Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen in the presence of exogenous IL-12.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells of Df-sensitized (n = 7) and non-sensitized (n = 5) asthmatics were stimulated by Df antigen after incubation with exogenous IL-12 (100 pg/mL). Interferon-γ and IL-10 produced in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. The effect of IL-12 on lymphocyte proliferation was assayed by [³H]-thymidine incorporation in both groups.ResultsThe production of IFN-γ by PBMC was significantly enhanced by incubation with IL-12 in both patient groups (P < 0.05), while IL-12 did not affect the production of IL-10 in either group. Lymphocyte proliferation induced by Df antigen was significantly higher in the Df-sensitized group (P < 0.01). This lymphocyte proliferation was significantly enhanced by exogenous IL-12 only in the Df-sensitized group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese observations indicate that IL-12 enhances Th 1 -shifted immune responses without affecting IL-10 production and suggest that IL-12 may effectively inhibit the Th2 dominant state of bronchial asthma by regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.     

IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Asthma

Asthma is a complex respiratory disease, characterized by airway inflammation and reversible airway obstruction. Both genetic and environmental factors are important in the development and expression of the disease. In order to analyze the genetic profile of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in Iranian asthmatic patients, this study was performed. The allele and genotype frequencies of a number of polymorphic genes coding for IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ were investigated in 60 patients with asthma in comparison with 140 controls. The most frequent genotypes in our patients were IL-10 GA at position-1082 (p = 0.001), IL-10 CT at position ?819 (p = 0.001), IL-10 CA at position ?592 (p = 0.0001), IL-12 CA at position ?1188 (p = 0.003), TGF-ß CG at codon 25 (p = 0.002), IL-2 GT at position -330 (p = 0.004). In contrast, the frequencies of the genotypes IL-10 AA at position ?1082 (p = 0.0001) and GG at position ?1082 (p = 0.01), IL-10 CC at position ?819 (p = 0.001) and TT at position -819 (p = 0.01), TGF-ß TT at codon 10 (p = 0.001), TGF-ß GG at codon 25 (p = 0.005), IL-12 AA at position ?1188 (p = 0.004), IL-2 TT at position ?330 (p = 0.01) were significantly lower in the patient group. The most frequent haplotypes in the patients were IL-10 GCC (p = 0.008) and ATA (p = 0.0001) at position ?1082, ?819, ?592, and TGF-ß CC (p = 0.036) at codon 10 and codon 25. In contrast, the frequencies of the IL-10 ACC (p = 0.001), TGF-ß TG (p = 0.024), and IL-2 TT (p = 0.001) and GT (p= 0.0001) in the patients were significantly lower than controls. Considering the high frequency of presence of IL-10 ATA haplotype and the IL-2 GT genotype, it seems that the production of IL-10 and IL-2 in the asthmatic patients could be lower than normal subjects.     

The Profile of the Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, IL-10 and Captopril Intervention in Reno-hypertensive Rats

Objectives To observe the profile of the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6（IL-6）, tumor necrosis factor（TNF-α）and interleukin-10 （IL-10） and evaluate the effects of angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitor-Captopril on them in renohypertensive rats. Methods Using reformed two-kidney-one-clip （2K 1C） method, renal hypertensive rats （RHR） were obtained by ligating abdominal aorta. 30 Wistar rats were randomized into three groups： sham-operation group （A）, model control group （ B ） and captopril group （C）. All rats were killed after being given the trial drugs 5 weeks, ELISA assays were used to detect the levels of IL-6 and IL-10, the levels of TNF-alpha were measured with radioimmunoassays. Results ①compared with group A, the left ventricular hypertrophy was aggravated in group B significantly, the ratio of left ventricle and body weight（LV/BW） was 0.00318 ±0.00030 （B）and 0.00256 ±0.00040 （A） respectively（P 〈 0.001 ）, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly （P 〈 0.001 and P 〈 0.002 respectively）, whereas the levels of IL-10 were not changed between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）; ② compared with group B, the LV/BW was 0.00266 ± 0.00018 （C） and 0.00318±0.00030 （B） respectively（P 〈 0.001）, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly （ P 〈 0.01）, whereas the levels of IL-10 were not changed between the two groups （P 〉 0.05） ; Condusions Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-captopril can lower the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α effectively, but can not increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine feature IL-10, it suggests that captopril may have to prevent or slow development hypertensive complications by means of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines a of lowering the but not by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.     

Correlation of High Levels of Hyaluronan and Cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β) in Ascitic Fluid of Cirrhotic Patients

Our objective was to investigate the relationship between endotoxin and hyaluronan synthesis and release in serum and ascitic fluid from cirrhotic patients. We studied hyaluronan, endotoxin, albumin, and creatinine levels in ascitic fluid and plasma and cytokine levels (IL-1, IL-6, TGF-) in ascitic fluid. TGF-, IL-6, and IL-1 correlation analyses indicated a strong dependence of the production of these cytokines on endotoxin levels. Correlation analyses for TGF- and IL-6 indicated a strong dependence of the production of hyaluronan on cytokine levels and, to a lesser extent, on IL-1 levels. Hyaluronan analysis indicated that a certain glycosaminoglycan level is required in ascites before its appearance in plasma. Our results disclosed elevated plasma hyaluronan concentrations. The simultaneous increased hyaluronan levels in ascitic fluid do not seem to be derived from the systemic circulation. In conclusion, the high hyaluronan-ascites/hyaluronan-plasma ratio suggests an intrinsic hyaluronan production from peritoneal cells induced by endotoxins.     

Balance of IL-10 and Interferon-γ plasma levels in human visceral leishmaniasis: Implications in the pathogenesis

Background  

Leishmaniasis remains a serious public health problem in several parts of the developing world. Effective prophylactic measurements are hampered by imprecise comprehension of different aspects of the disease, including its immunoregulation. A better comprehension of immunoregulation in human VL may be useful both for designing and evaluating immunoprophylaxis.     

Serum Levels of TNF-α, TNF-αRI,TNF-αRII and IL-12 in Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease common in all races and ethnics. Cytokines and cytokines receptors play an important role in RA pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Objective: To investigate the serum levels of TNF-α, TNF-α RI, TNF-α RII and IL-12 in RA patients and healthy control group. Methods: In this study 43 patients fulfilling the revised criteria of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for RA and 13 healthy cases as a control group were selected for TNF-α, TNF-αRI, TNF-αRII and IL-12 serum level analysis. The patients' age was 42.2 ± 22 and the age of healthy group was 40.1 ± 19.2 years (p=0.1). The pa-tients had an active disease with at least six swollen and ten tender joints. Minimum ESR was 28 mm at first hours of the morning. Early morning stiffness in patients lasted longer than 45 minutes. Results: Our study showed that IL-12 serum level of the pa-tients (91.69 ± 43.07 ρg/ml) and control (61.79 ± 40.08 ρg/ml) group was significantly different (p<0.001). The serum level of TNF-αRI was 2.36 ± 0.77 ng/ml in the patient and 1.73 ± 0.37 ng/ml in the control group (p<0.01). TNF-αRII serum concentration in patients was 8.89 ± 2.3 ng/ml, while that of control group was 7.06±1.30 ng/ml (p=0.03). The serum level of TNF-α in patients was 32.90 ± 19.27 ρg/ml and that of the control group was 24.27± 8.28 ρg/ml (p=0.08) with no significant difference between the two. Conclusions: It is concluded that IL-12, TNF-αRI and TNF- αRII serum con-centrations are more important and better predictive factors than TNF-α in RA course and in the active forms of the disease.     

Performance of Turbuhaler® in Patients with Acute Airway Obstruction and COPD,and in Children with Asthma

The dry-powder inhaler (DPI) Turbuhaler((R)) has been on the market for nearly two decades. Products containing terbutaline, formoterol, budesonide, and the combination budesonide/formoterol are widely used by patients with asthma and COPD. Most patients and physicians find Turbuhaler((R)) easy to use, and local side effects are rare. This is thought to arise from the lack of additives or only small amounts in the formulation, in addition to minimal deposition of the drug in the oropharynx and on the vocal cords during inspiration.The function of Turbuhaler((R)) has frequently been questioned. This article aims to review and clarify some key issues that have been challenged in the literature (e.g. the effectiveness of Turbuhaler((R)) in patients with more restricting conditions), to discuss the importance of lung deposition, and to explain the low in vivo variability associated with Turbuhaler((R)) and the lack of correlation with the higher in vitro variability.Turbuhaler((R)), like other DPIs, is flow dependent to some degree. However, a peak inspiratory flow (PIF) through Turbuhaler((R)) of 30 L/min gives a good clinical effect. These PIF values can be obtained by patients with conditions thought to be difficult to manage with inhalational agents, such as asthmatic children and adult patients with acute severe airway obstruction and COPD. Excellent clinical results with Turbuhaler((R)) in large controlled studies in patients with COPD and acute severe airway obstruction provide indirect evidence that medication delivered via Turbuhaler((R)) reaches the target organ.Due to the large amount of small particles and the moderate inbuilt resistance in Turbuhaler((R)), which opens up the vocal cords during inhalation, Turbuhaler((R)) is associated with a high lung deposition (25-40% of the delivered dose) compared with pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and other DPIs. A good correlation has been found between lung deposition and clinical efficacy. A high lung deposition always results in the best ratio between clinical efficacy and risk of unwanted systemic activity. Studies with Turbuhaler((R)) also show that the in vivo variation in lung deposition is significantly lower compared with a pMDI or, for example, the Diskus((R)) inhaler, and much lower than the in vitro dose variability seen in laboratory tests. Turbuhaler((R)) appears to be a reliable DPI which can be used with confidence by patients with airway diseases, including those with clinical conditions believed to be difficult to manage with inhalational therapy.     

Impact of Opium on the Serum Levels of TGF-β in Diabetic,Addicted and Addicted-Diabetic Rats

Background: Several cells of immune system such as regulatory T cells and macrophages secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in response to different stimuli. This cytokine has inhibitory effect on immune system and diminished production of this cytokine is associated with autoimmune disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of opium addiction on serum level of TGF-β in male and female diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study was performed on normal, opium addicted, diabetic and addicted-diabetic male and female rats. Serum level of TGF-β was measured by ELISA. Results: The results of our study indicated that the mean serum level of TGF-β in female addicted rats was significantly increased compared to control group (p<0.004). Conversely, in male addicted rats the mean serum level of TGF-β was lower compared with control (p<0.065). Conclusion: Our results suggest that opium and its derivatives have differential inductive effects on the cytokine expression in male and female rats.     

Time Trends of the Prevalence of Asthma,Rhinitis and Eczema in Thai Children–ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) Phase Three

Using the same questionnaire as in ISAAC Phase One study conducted in 1995, the ISAAC Phase Three was carried out in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2001, among children aged 6–7 and 13–14 years. There was an increase in the prevalence of the three diseases in the younger age group, i.e., current asthma, rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and flexural eczema. In the older age group, the prevalence of rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis increased. There was no change of prevalence of asthma in Bangkok, but prevalence decreased in Chiang Mai. Prevalence of eczema in older children increased in Bangkok, but remained the same in Chiang Mai.     

Influence of COX-2 Inhibition by Rofecoxib on Serum and Tumor Progastrin and Gastrin Levels and Expression of PPARγ and Apoptosis-Related Proteins in Gastric Cancer Patients

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and certain growth hormones, such as gastrin, have been related to gastric carcinogenesis, but little is known about the factors that enhance this COX-2 expression and whether specific blockade of this enzyme has any influence on tumor growth and progression. Our objective was to determine the influence of a specific COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib (Vioxx), on serum and tumor levels of gastrin and its precursor, progastrin, as well as on tumor gene expression of COX-2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2, caspase-3, and survivin). Twenty-four gastric cancer (GC) patients entered this study and were examined twice, once before and then following a 14-day treatment with Vioxx at a dose of 25 mg twice daily. For comparison, 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and 24 similarly matched Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-positive subjects were enrolled and treated with Vioxx as GC patients. Serum levels of anti-Hp and anti-CagA antibodies as well as IL-8 and TNF- were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while serum and tumor contents of progastrin and amidated gastrin were determined by specific RIA. Tumor gene and protein expressions of COX-2, PPAR, Bax and Bcl-2, caspase-3, and survivin were determined by RT-PCR and western blot. The overall Hp and CagA seropositivity in 24 GC patients was significantly higher (82% and 47%) than in 48 controls (61% and 22%) but not in 24 Hp-infected subjects (100% and 38%). Serum IL-8 and TNF- values were significantly higher in GC patients than in controls without GC or Hp-infected controls. Median serum progastrin and gastrin levels were found to be significantly higher in GC than in controls without GC and in Hp-positive subjects. Treatment of GC patients with Vioxx resulted in a significant decrease in plasma and tumor contents of both progastrin and gastrin, and this was accompanied by the increment in tumor expression of COX-2, PPAR, Bax, and caspase-3 with a concomitant reduction in Bcl-2 and survivin expression. We conclude that: (1) GC patients show significantly higher Hp and CagA seropositivity than age- and sex-matched controls, but not Hp-positive subjects, indicating that infection with cytotoxic Hp is linked to GC. (2) Serum progastrin and gastrin levels are signficantly higher in GC patients than in matched controls, confirming that both gastrins may be implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. (3) GC patients exhibit significantly higher levels of IL-8 and TNF- than non-GC controls and Hp-positive subjects, probably reflecting more widespread gastritis in GC. (4) COX-2, PPAR, Bcl-2, and survivin were overexpressed in gastric tumor, but the inhibition of COX-2 activity by Vioxx resulted in a significant reduction in serum and tumor levels of progastrin and gastrin and serum IL-8 and TNF- levels, suggesting that gastrin and proinflammatory cytokines could mediate the up-regulation of COX-2 in gastric cancerogenesis. (5) Vioxx also enhanced expression of COX-2, PPAR, Bax, and caspase-3, while inhibiting the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin, suggesting that COX-2 blockade might be useful in chemoprevention against cancer possibly due to enhancement of the PPAR- and proapoptotic proteins-dependent apoptosis and the reduction in progastrin/gastrin-induced promotion of tumor growth.     

Maternal Serum Levels of Transforming Growth Factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies

Background: Successful pregnancy in allopregnant women depends upon the control of graft rejection mechanisms. It has been suggested that some immunosuppressive cytokines contribute to successful pregnancy and transplantation. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-   β) exhibits potent immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties which might prolong graft survival. Recent studies suggest a role for TGF- β   in the generation of T-regulatory lymphocytes which preserves the tolerance to peripheral self antigens and may control the response to allogenic tissues and thereby promote the transplantation tolerance. Also, the function of TGF-   β in trophoblast differentiation and hypertension is reported.   Objective: To evaluate the maternal serum TGF-   β1 level in normal allopregnant women and in pregnancies complicated by preeclampcia (PE).   Methods: Sixty one pregnant preeclamptic women (32 cases with severe and 29 with mild PE), 22 normotensive healthy pregnant, and 20 non-pregnant controls constituted the studied groups. The active form of TGF-   β1 in serum from all cases was investigated by indirect ELISA technique.   Results: The results showed that TGF-   β1 level was higher in all three pregnant groups as compared with the nonpregnant controls. No significant changes in serum levels of TGF-   β1 were found in PE as compared with the normal pregnancy.   Conclusion: TGF-β1 may function as a regulatory factor in fetal allograft survival during pregnancy, and TGF-   β1 does not have a pathophysiological role in PE.     

Serum sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γ in alveolar echinococcosis

AIM:To approach the relationship between alveolarechinococcosis (AE) pathology and level of sIL-2R,TNF-αand IFN-γ in sera and the significance of cytokines indevelopment of AE.METHODS:After 23 patients with AE were confirmed byELISA and ultrasound,their sera were collected and theconcentrations of sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γ were detectedby double antibody sandwich.Twelve healthy adults servedas controls.According to the status of livers of AE patients byultrasound scanning,they were divided into 4 groups:P_2,P_3,P_4 groups and C group (control).Average of concentrationsof sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γin homologous group was statisticallyanalyzed by both ANOV and Newman-Keuls,respectively.RESULTS:The mean of sIL-2R in P_2 group was 97±29,P_3:226±80,P_4:194±23 and control group (111±30)×10~3 u/L(P<0.01).The mean of TNF-α in P_2 group was 1.12±0.20,P_3:3.67±1.96,P_4:1.30±0.25 and control group 0.40±0.19 μg/L(P<0.01).The mean of IFN-γ in P_2 group was 360±20,P_3:486±15,P_4:259±19 and control group:16±2 ng/L (P<0.01).Judged by ANOV and Newman-Keuls,the mean concentrationsof sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γ had a significant differenceamong groups.Except for P_2 group,the mean sIL-2R betweenother groups of AE patients had a significant difference(P<0.05).The mean of TNF-α concentration in P_3 groupwas the highest (P<0.01).The mean of IFN-γ concentrationin all patients was higher than that in control group (P<0.01),but there was no difference between AE groups (P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Low sIL-2R level indicates an early stage ofAE or stable status,per contra,a progression stage.Higherlevel of TNF-α might be related to the lesion of liver.Therote of single IFN-γ is limited in immunological defenseagainst AE and it can not fully block pathological progression.     

Serum sIL-2R, TNF-α and IFN-γ in alveolar echinococcosis

AIM: To approach the relationship between alveolar echinococcosis (AE) pathology and level of sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γ in sera and the significance of cytokines in development of AE.METHODS: After 23 patients with AE were confirmed by ELISA and ultrasound, their sera were collected and the concentrations of sIL-2R,TNF-α and IFN-γ were detected by double antibody sandwich. Twelve healthy adults served as controls. According to the status of livers of AE patients by ultrasound scanning, they were divided into 4 groups: P2,P3, P4 groups and C group (control). Average of concentrations of sIL-2R, TNF-α and IFN-yin homologous group was statistically analyzed by both ANOV and Newman-Keuls, respectively.RESULTS: The mean of sIL-2R in P2 group was 97&#177;29, P3:226&#177;80, P4:194&#177;23 and control group (111&#177;30)&#215;10^3 u/L(P&lt;0.01). The mean of TNF-α in P2 group was 1.12&#177;0.20, P3:3.67&#177;1.96, P4:1.30&#177;0.25 and control group 0.40&#177;0.19 μg/L(P&lt;0.01). The mean of IFN-γ in P2 group was 360&#177;20, P3:486&#177;15, P4:259&#177;19 and control group: 16&#177;2 ng/L (P&lt;0.01).Judged by ANOV and Newman-Keuls, the mean concentrations of sIL-2R, TNF-α and IFN-γ had a significant difference among groups. Except for P2group, the mean sIL-2R between other groups of AE patients had a significant difference (P&lt;0.05). The mean of TNF-α concentration in P3 group was the highest (P&lt;0.01). The mean of IFN-γ concentration in all patients was higher than that in control group (P&lt;0.01),but there was no difference between AE groups (P&gt;0.05).CONCLUSION: Low sIL-2R level indicates an early stage of AE or stable status, per contra, a progression stage. Higher level of TNF-α might be related to the lesion of liver. The role of single IFN-γ is limited in immunological defense against AE and it can not fully block pathological progression.     

Angiogenic Activity of Sera from Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Relation to IL-12p40 and TNFα Serum Levels

The role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB) is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of sera from TB patients on angiogenesis induced by different subsets of normal human mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to IL-12p40 and TNFα serum levels. Serum samples from 36 pulmonary TB patients and from 22 healthy volunteers were evaluated. To assess angiogenic reaction the leukocytes-induced angiogenesis test according to Sidky and Auerbach was performed. IL-12p40 and TNFα serum levels were evaluated by ELISA. Sera from TB patients significantly stimulated angiogenic activity of MNC compared to sera from healthy donors and PBS (p < 0.001). The number of microvessels formed after injection of lymphocytes preincubated with sera from TB patients was significantly lower compared to the number of microvessels created after injection of MNC preincubated with the same sera (p < 0.016). However, the number of microvessels created after the injection of lymphocytes preincubated with sera from healthy donors or with PBS alone was significantly higher (p < 0.017). The mean levels of IL-12p40 and TNFα were significantly elevated in sera from TB patients compared to healthy donors. We observed a correlation between angiogenic activity of sera from TB patients and IL-12p40 and TNFα serum levels (p < 0.01). Sera from TB patients constitute a source of mediators that participate in angiogenesis and prime monocytes for production of proangiogenic factors. The main proangiogenic effect of TB patients’ sera is mediated by macrophages/monocytes. TNFα and IL-12p40 may indirectly stimulate angiogenesis in TB.     

Preliminary analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-10, IL-4, and IL-4Rα genes and profile of circulating cytokines in patients with gastric Cancer

Background

Gastric Cancer is highly prevalent and deadly worldwide. In Colombia, it is the most lethal form of cancer. Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-10, IL-4, and IL-4Rα genes have been associated with an anti-inflammatory environment and a Th2 profile in detriment of the antitumor Th1 response. This research sought to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms in promoter sequences, like ??1082 (G/A), ??592 (C/A), and???819 (C/T), as well as ??590 (C/T) of the IL-10 and IL-4 genes, respectively; in addition to the IL-4Rα mutation variants, Ile50Val and Q576R, together with circulating levels of IL-4, TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ in patients with gastric carcinoma in Cúcuta, Colombia.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 17 patients and 30 healthy individuals were genotyped for the six polymorphisms mentioned through PCR-RFLP of DNA obtained from peripheral blood cells and serum samples were analyzed by sandwich ELISA to quantify cytokines. Statistical difference between groups was determined along with the association between the presence of polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer, as well as the mortality in patients, using Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis, respectively.

Results

An association between the ??1082 (G/A) and the risk of gastric cancer was found (OR?=?7.58, range 0.77–74.06, P?=?0.08). Furthermore, patients had a significant increase in IL-4 serum levels (P?<?0.01) compared to healthy individuals, both variables showed a higher estimated risk of mortality in patients, although without statistical association (P?>?0.05).

Conclusion

We infer that two possible biomarkers (one immunological and one genetic) could be considered in association with gastric cancer in our population, which should be confirmed by subsequent studies involving a greater number of individuals.

     

Circulating VEGF-A,TNF-α, CCL2, IL-6, and IFN-γ as biomarkers of cancer in cancer-associated anti-TIF1-γ antibody-positive dermatomyositis

Clinical Rheumatology - The objective of the current study was to detect plasma profiles of inflammatory cytokines for determining potential biomarkers indicating cancer presence among the...