Serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble TNF-alpha receptor p55 in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism before and after normalization of thyroid function

BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine with numerous immunological and metabolic activities. Receptors for TNF-alpha have been demonstrated in thyroid follicular cells and TNF-alpha and its receptors have been implicated in the cytotoxic mechanisms that characterize the thyroid destruction in autoimmune thyroid disease. In patients with Graves' disease, serum levels of TNF-alpha have been reported to be elevated and administration of TNF-alpha to humans has been shown to induce hormonal alterations resembling those seen in the nonthyroidal illness syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and the soluble receptor for TNF-alpha (sTNFR-I) in a group of patients with thyroid dysfunction before and after normalization of thyroid function with appropriate therapy. DESIGN: We studied 20 patients with hypothyroidism (18 women and 2 men, mean age +/- SD, 48.8 +/- 16.1 years) and 20 patients with hyperthyroidism (14 women and 6 men, age 44.6 +/- 15.9 years). Patients were assessed at the time of diagnosis and again after normalization of thyroid function tests with appropriate therapy. A group of 20 healthy subjects (15 women and 5 men, age 44.9 +/- 15.1 years) were also studied as a control group. SETTING: All subjects were ambulatory and were studied as outpatients during visits to the endocrinology clinic. MEASUREMENTS: Serum concentrations of free T4 (FT4), total T3, TSH, TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I were measured in all subjects. TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I were measured using a quantitative enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In patients with hypothyroidism serum concentrations of TNF-alpha (3.17 +/- 1.18 pg/ml) and sTNFR-I (1273 +/- 364 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those found in controls (2.42 +/- 0.76 pg/ml, P < 0.05, and 971 +/- 235 pg/ml, P < 0.01, respectively). Normalization of thyroid function with l-thyroxine therapy did not significantly modify TNF-alpha or sTNFR-I levels. There were no differences in pre- and post-therapy values of TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I in patients with autoimmune (n = 14) or nonautoimmune (n = 6) hypothyroidism. Before therapy, patients with hyperthyroidism showed elevated serum concentrations of TNF-alpha (3.36 +/- 1.21 pg/ml; P < 0.01) and sTNFR-I (2274 +/- 579 pg/ml; P < 0.001) in relation to the control group. Treatment of hyperthyroidism was accompanied by a normalization of TNF-alpha levels (2.46 +/- 0.89 pg/ml; P < 0.001) and by a significant decrease in sTNFR-I concentrations (1369 +/- 475 pg/ml; P < 0.001). Post-therapy levels of TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I showed a significant correlation with loss of weight (r = 0.674, P < 0.01, and r = 0.629, P < 0.01, respectively) in hypothyroid patients. No correlation between these parameters was found in the group of patients with hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, these results confirm the relevance of activation of the TNF-alpha system in patients with thyroid dysfunction, as high plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I have been demonstrated in patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Treatment of hyperthyroidism is accompanied by a significant reduction in the previously elevated concentrations of both TNF-alpha and sTNFR-I. However, these changes are not seen when normalizing thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism.     

Inhibin B: comparison with indexes of fertility among formerly cryptorchid and control men

Infertility may be a consequence of cryptorchidism. We previously reported, using a large study cohort, that 38% of formerly bilateral cryptorchid men, 10% of unilateral cryptorchid men, and 5% of the control group were infertile. Men from this cohort donated blood and semen samples for inhibin B, FSH, LH, testosterone, free testosterone, and semen analyses. Results are reported comparing the entire group; some comparisons are based on normal or low sperm density. Data are also presented for men who had fathered children or had unsuccessfully attempted paternity. Mean (+/-SD) inhibin B levels were lower for the cryptorchid men (109 +/- 59 pg/mL) than the control men (153 +/- 60; P < 0.001), and FSH levels were higher (7.4 +/- 6.2 and 4.0 +/- 3.2; P < 0.0001). Inhibin B levels correlated with all other parameters for the cryptorchid group; however, correlations for the control group were only found with gonadotropins. Among the cryptorchid men, levels were significantly greater among men with normal sperm counts than men with low sperm counts (124 +/- 47 vs. 75 +/- 48 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). No difference was present for the control group (155 +/- 61 vs. 149 +/- 63 pg/mL). When the fertile group (based on paternity) vs. the infertile group (based on attempted paternity) were compared, significant differences were found for the cryptorchid group (117 +/- 62 vs. 73 +/- 52 pg/mL; P < 0.03), but not the control group (163 +/- 62 vs. 146 +/- 73 pg/mL). These data reveal relationships not apparent among the control group of men, which includes infertile men. Inhibin B data suggest that a larger portion of formerly cryptorchid men have compromised testicular function than indicated by paternity data. Low levels of inhibin B among individuals are an indication of diminished seminiferous tubule function and thus compromised potential for fertility. Low inhibin B levels together with elevated FSH levels and decreased sperm density are indicative of a high risk of infertility.     

Elevated serum TNF-alpha level as a link between endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance in normotensive obese patients.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to analyse the role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in patients with different types of obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fasting serum TNF-alpha immunoreactive concentration (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA) and bioactivity (L929 cell cytotoxicity assay), endothelin-1 and C-peptide levels (radioimmunoassay, RIA) were measured in 15 patients with android- and 13 patients with gynoid-type obesity and 15 lean healthy controls with normal glucose tolerance and blood pressure. RESULTS: Significantly (P<0.01) higher TNF-alpha concentration (8.92 +/- 0.44 pg/ml) and bioactivity (3.12 +/- 0.48 U/ml) were found in patients with android obesity as compared to patients with gynoid obesity (7.01 +/- 0.30 pg/ml, 0.97 +/- 0.11 U/ml) and to the lean controls (6.88 +/- 0.26 pg/ml, 0.88 +/- 0.08 U/ml). Serum endothelin-1 (5.38 +/- 0.30 pg/ml) and C-peptide levels (4.82 +/- 0.71 ng/ml) were also significantly higher (P < 0.01) in patients with android-type obesity than in controls (3.89 +/- 0.43 pg/ml, 1.46 +/- 0.25 ng/ml, respectively). In patients with gynoid-type obesity, only the C-peptide levels proved to be significantly higher (2.84 +/- 0.29 ng/ ml). Endothelin-1 levels, although were found to be slightly higher, did not differ statistically from in controls (4.56 +/- 0.31 pg/ml). There were significant positive linear correlations only in patients with android-type obesity between TNF-alpha, body mass index (BMI), serum endothelin-1 and C-peptide levels. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha may be one of the factors contributing to insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction in patients with android obesity.     

Gastrin response to insulin in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Fasting gastrinemia in cirrhotics (48.35 +/- 2.77 pg/ml) was higher than in normal controls (32.93 +/- 0.75 pg/ml; P less than 0.001). After insulin-induced hypoglycemia, the mean increase of gastrin above basal level was 42.29 +/- 1.92 pg/ml in controls and 10.85 +/- 5.05 pg/ml in cirrhosis (P less than 0.001). BAO was 2.53 +/- 0.36 mEq/h in controls and 0.42 +/- 0.004 mEq/h in cirrhotics (P less than 0.001). After i.v. insulin, TAO was 8.42 +/- 0.72 mEq/h in controls and 3.06 +/- 0.26 mEq/h in cirrhotics (P less than 0.001). The authors suggest that the lack of an adequate gastrin and acid response to the hypoglycemic stimulus in cirrhotics might be accounted for by a decreased insulin sensitivity.     

鼠白细胞介素12质粒对小鼠支气管哮喘模型气道炎症及细胞因子的影响

目的　研究鼠白细胞介素 12 (IL 12 )基因表达 (mIL 12 )质粒对小鼠支气管哮喘 (简称哮喘 )模型气道炎症及细胞因子的影响 ,并分析其作用机制。方法　卵白蛋白 (OVA)致敏建立小鼠哮喘模型。BALB/c小鼠 4 1只 ,分为 6组。即哮喘模型组 (A组 ) 8只 :OVA致敏 +OVA气雾攻击 ;模型对照组 (B组 ) 6只 :用生理盐水代替 1%OVA溶液雾化 ,余处理同A组 ;mIL 12质粒预防组 (C组 ) 8只 :实验第 1、3、5天各肌肉注射mIL 12质粒 10 0 μg ;mIL 12质粒治疗组 (D组 ) 8只 :实验第 14、16、18天各肌肉注射mIL 12质粒 10 0 μg ;空质粒预防组 (E组 ) 5只 :实验第 1、3、5天各肌肉注射空质粒 10 0 μg ;空质粒治疗组 (F组 ) 6只 :实验第 14、16、18天各肌肉注射空质粒 10 0 μg。测定所有小鼠支气管 肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中的嗜酸粒细胞 (EOS)个数和IL 4、IL 5、γ干扰素 (IFN γ)水平。结果B组小鼠EOS个数和IL 4、IL 5、IFN γ浓度分别为 (0 0 1± 0 0 3)× 10 8/L、(2 4± 4 ) pg/ml、(33± 6 ) pg/ml、(72 5± 5 9) pg/ml,C组为 (0 0 6± 0 0 4 )× 10 8/L、(43± 13) pg/ml、(6 3± 10 )pg/ml、(6 2 6± 6 0 ) pg/ml,D组为 (0 11± 0 12 )× 10 8/L、(38± 14 )pg/ml、(6 6± 14 ) pg/ml、(6 6 1± 4 0 ) pg/ml,与A     

The changes of circulating tumor necrosis factor levels in patients with congestive heart failure influenced by therapy.

Recent studies suggest that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure and that drugs used in the treatment of heart failure have modulation effects on the production of TNF-alpha. To examine an alteration of circulating TNF-alpha concentration in patients with severe chronic heart failure after improving heart function and investigate the influence of agents on circulating TNF-alpha concentrations, we measured the plasma levels of TNF-alpha by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay in 31 patients and evaluated their heart functions before and after 72 h of therapy. The results showed that circulating TNF-alpha concentrations significantly decreased after therapy (from 124.36+/-14.85 pg/ml to 93.84+/-13.57 pg/ml, P<0.001). The circulating TNF-alpha concentrations of patients (n = 22) whose heart function was improved one class or more after therapy declined significantly (from 127.51+/-20.78 pg/ml to 91.54+/-18.56 pg/ml, P<0.01) but this situation did not exist in patients (n = 9) whose heart functions had no or little improvement. All patients were divided into three groups according to their management: 'group A' (n = 14) who received milrinone and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), 'group B' (n = 6) who received milrinone but not ACEI and 'group C' (n = 11) who received ACEI and dobutamine but not milrinone. The circulating TNF-alpha concentration of patients in group A significantly declined (from 126.68+/-26.04 pg/ml to 95.92+/-24.79 pg/ml, P<0.01). No statistical significance of change of TNF-alpha concentration was found in patients in group B or group C, although a tendency of decline existed (from 119.92+/-34.72 pg/ml to 84.33+/-30.70 pg/ml and from 123.83+/-19.50 pg/ml to 96.37+/-16.62 pg/ml, respectively). These findings support that decreased plasma TNF-alpha level accompanies the improvement of heart function. This phenomenon may be explained by the special abilities of agents, such as ACEI and milrinone, to inhibit the TNF-alpha production.     

细粒棘球绦虫重组BCG-Eg95疫苗诱导小鼠脾细胞淋巴因子变化的研究

目的 探讨细粒棘球绦虫（Eg）重组BCG-Eg95疫苗免疫后对受攻击小鼠的包囊减重率及脾细胞淋巴因子的影响。方法 细粒棘球绦虫重组BCG-Eg95疫苗分别采用皮下注射、鼻腔内接种、口服灌胃和肌肉注射4种途径免疫BALB/C小鼠，免疫后8周用Eg原头节攻击感染，50个Eg原头节/每只小鼠，感染后18周剖杀小鼠，分离并称重细粒棘球蚴，计算包囊减重率；取脾，分离脾细胞，用Eg粗抗原（EgAg）或伴刀豆球蛋白A（ConA）刺激培养，收集脾细胞培养上清液，检测脾细胞培养上清液的白介素-2（IL-2）、γ干扰素（IFN-γ）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和白介素-4（IL-4）水平。同时设卡介苗（BCG）和磷酸盐缓冲液（PBS）对照。 结果 以上4种疫苗接种组的包囊减重率分别为45.77%、18.20%、88.05%和92.46%；疫苗肌肉接种组的IL-2、IFN-γ和TNF-α均较PBS对照为高，分别为（30.0±0）pg/ml、（65.0±0）pg/ml和（425.0±10.7） pg/ml， IL-4低于PBS对照组， 为（10.0±0） pg/ml。 结论 细粒棘球绦虫重组BCG-Eg95疫苗诱导小鼠产生辅助性T细胞1型（Th1）反应，从而对抗Eg原头节攻击感染。     

Thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in infertile women.

A prospective study was undertaken in 438 women (ages, 32 +/- 5 years) with various causes of infertility, and in 100 age-matched (33 +/- 5 years) healthy parous controls with the aim of assessing the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and hitherto undisclosed alterations of thyroid function. Female origin of the infertility was diagnosed in 45% of the couples, with specific causes including endometriosis (11%), tubal disease (30%), and ovarian dysfunction (59%). Male infertility represented 38% and idiopathic infertility 17% of the couples. Overall, median thyrotropin (TSH) was significantly higher in patients with infertility compared to controls: 1.3 (0.9) versus 1.1 (0.8) mIU/L. Serum TSH above normal (>4.2 mIU/L) or suppressed TSH (<0.27 mIU/L) levels were not more prevalent in the infertile women than in controls. The prevalence of positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) was higher in all investigated women of infertile couples, compared to controls (14% vs. 8%), but the difference was not significant. However, in infertility of female origin, a significant higher prevalence of positive TPO-Ab was present, compared to controls: 18% versus 8%. Furthermore, among the female causes, the highest prevalence of positive antibodies was observed in women with endometriosis (29%). When thyroid antibodies were positive, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were more frequent in all women of infertile couples and in the women with a female infertility cause, compared to women in the same groups but without positive TPO-Ab. The present study shows that in infertile women, thyroid autoimmunity features are significantly more frequent than in healthy fertile controls and this was especially the case for the endometriosis subgroup.     

Gonadotropin treatment increases homocysteine levels in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: an indirect effect mediated by changes in body composition

The main objective of the present study was to examine the alterations in plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations during a testosterone-deficient state and after gonadotropin treatment for 6 Months in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Thirty-five newly diagnosed male patients with IHH (mean age 21.34+/-1.53 years) and 29 age- and body mass index-matched healthy males (mean age 21.52+/-1.77 years) were recruited into the study. Pretreatment levels of free testosterone (1.51+/-0.66 pg/ml), estradiol (21.37+/- 4.37 pg/ml), FSH (0.91+/-0.24 IU/l) and LH (1.25+/- 0.53 IU/l) were lower than controls (25.17+/-3.06 pg/ml, 31.00+/-4.96 pg/ml, 3.14+/-1.62 IU/l and 4.83+/-1.65 IU/l respectively) (P<0.001). They increased significantly after treatment (18.18+/-1.59 pg/ml, 27.97+/- 4.25 pg/ml, 2.41+/-0.27 IU/l and 2.79+/-0.19 IU/l respectively) (P<0.001). Patients with IHH had lower tHcy levels than controls (10.14+/-1.34 and 12.58+/- 2.29 micro mol/l respectively) (P<0.001). Plasma tHcy concentrations increased significantly (12.63+/-1.44 micromol/l) after 6 months of treatment (P<0.001). As compared with the controls, pretreatment levels of serum creatinine (63.54+/-13.01 vs 82.84+/-16.69 micromol/l), hemoglobin (12.98+/-0.56 vs 13.83+/-0.71 g/dl) and hematocrit (39.29+/-2.01 vs 41.38+/-1.95%) were significantly lower (P<0.001), and they increased significantly following treatment (80.24+/-11.93 micromol/l, 13.75+/-0.49 g/dl and 41.26+/-1.78% respectively) (P<0.001). The pretreatment folic acid and vitamin B(12) levels were significantly higher in patients when compared with controls (14.87+/-5.68 vs 12.52+/-4.98 nmol/l, P=0.034 and 289.75+/-92.34 vs 237.59+/-108.17 pmol/l, P=0.002 respectively). They decreased significantly after treatment (11.29+/-3.31 nmol/l and 228.51+/-54.33 pmol/l respectively) (P<0.001). The univariate and multivariate regression analysis results showed that only changes in creatinine, creatinine clearance, vitamin B12 and folic acid were independently associated with changes in tHcy levels in patients with IHH. In conclusion, the increase in plasma tHcy concentrations following gonadotropin treatment seems to be largely independent of changes in androgen levels.     

γ干扰素质粒基因转染对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症的影响

目的观察气道内γ干扰素(IFNγ)基因转染对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠气道炎症的影响。方法健康6周龄SPF级C57BL/6小鼠40只,按随机数字表法分为4组。正常对照组(A组)、哮喘模型组(B组)、模型空质粒干预组(C组)、模型IFNγ质粒干预组(D组),每组10只。B组、C组及D组以0.1%卵白蛋白(OVA)0.1ml腹腔注射致敏,以1%的OVA50μl滴鼻激发建立哮喘模型;A组用等量生理盐水分别代替0.1%的OVA0.1ml和1%OVA50μl;C组和D组分别经鼻滴入空质粒pcDNA3.1()和Lipofentamine2000混合液50μl或重组IFNγ质粒和Lipofentamine2000混合液50μl。观察各组小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中的细胞成分、白细胞介素4(IL4)、IL5、IFNγ和肺组织病理学变化。结果B组小鼠BALF中炎性细胞总数、嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)、中性粒细胞和淋巴细胞计数分别为(0.102±0.020)×109/L、(0.0193±0.0047)×109/L、(0.0107±0.0039)×109/L、(0.0255±0.0042)×109/L,A组分别为(0.082±0.012)×109/L、(0.0041±0.0009)×109/L、(0.0051±0.0016)×109/L、(0.0201±0.0019)×109/L,A、B两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);D组小鼠BALF中炎性细胞总数、EOS、中性粒细胞和淋巴细胞计数分别为(0.086±0.016)×109/L、(0.0116±0.0031)×109/L、(0.0062±0.0018)×109/L、(0.0182±0.0041)×109/L,与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。B组小鼠BALF中IL4、IL5、IFNγ水平分别为[(39.2±5.1)pg/ml、(83.7±4.7)pg/ml、(15.7±2.7)pg/ml],A组小鼠分别为[(13.3±1.9)pg/ml、(12.1±2.3)pg/ml、(31.8±7.9)pg/ml],A、B两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);D组小鼠BALF中IL4、IL5、IFNγ水平分别为[(16.4±3.2)pg/ml、(26.3±3.4)pg/ml、(65.4±10.4)pg/ml],与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组小鼠气道无明显炎症变化,B和C组小鼠小支气管、血管黏膜下和周围肺组织有明显的炎症细胞浸润,血管壁明显水肿;D组小鼠气道炎症明显减轻。结论气道内转染干扰素质粒能有效改善哮喘小鼠细胞因子IL4、IL5和IFNγ异常,同时对EOS、中性粒细胞数和淋巴细胞肺内募集、肺组织炎症改变有一定抑制作用。     

Pentoxifylline adjunct improves prognosis of human cerebral malaria in adults

Fifty-two adult patients with cerebral malaria were randomly categorized into two groups to receive either quinine dihydrochloride (Qn) alone or a combination of Qn and pentoxifylline (Px). Thirty-two of them received intravenous (i.v.) Qn (group I), and 20 patients (group II) received i.v. Qn along with parenteral Px support (10 mg/kg/day) for the initial 3 days. There was significant improvement in coma resolution time in group II (21.6 +/- 13.9 h) in comparison with group I (63.5 +/- 19.7 h) (P < 0.001), and mortality was 25% of patients in group I against 10% patients receiving Px adjunct (P > 0.05). Three days post-therapy, serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels decreased significantly in patients on Px support (day 0 TNF = 415.62 +/- 477.80 pg/ml; day 3 TNF = 47.92 +/- 27.9 pg/ml; P = 0.0029). There was no significant change in TNF levels in those on quinine alone (day 0 TNF = 477.08 +/- 933.90 pg/ml; day 3 TNF = 589 +/- 602.3 pg/ml; P > 0.05). There were no serious side-effects necessitating withdrawal of patients receiving Px therapy.     

微卡对致敏小鼠气道炎症和Th1/Th2比例变化的影响

目的　观察母牛分支杆菌菌苗 (微卡 )对致敏小鼠抗原攻击后气道炎症、Th1和Th2细胞因子的比例变化 ,评估微卡防治哮喘的药理作用。方法　小鼠分 9组 ,每组 7～ 1 0只。采用皮肤划痕、气管滴入、肌肉注射三种给药途径单次给药 ,观察比较微卡菌苗对致敏小鼠吸入抗原后支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中炎症细胞 ,γ干扰素 (IFN γ)和白细胞介素 4(IL 4)水平变化的影响和作用强度。结果　经皮肤划痕 (2 .2 5μg)、气管内滴入 (2 .2 5μg)、肌肉注射 (2 2 .5μg)后BALF中炎症细胞总数分别为 (6± 6)× 1 0 8/L、(7± 6)× 1 0 8/L、(8± 5)× 1 0 8/ml,与模型组 (1 5± 8)× 1 0 8/L比较 (P <0 .0 5) ;嗜酸细胞 :皮肤划痕组 (2 2 5μg)为 0 7± 0 5、气管内滴入 (2 2 5μg)为 1 6± 1 9、肌肉注射 (7 5μg)为 2 6±1 3、肌肉注射组 (2 2 .5μg)为 1 .40± 1 .2 0 ,与模型组 (4.90± 4 .60 )比较 (P <0 .0 5或 <0 .0 1 ) ;皮肤划痕组 (2 .2 5μg)BALF中IFN γ水平为 (2 89± 57)pg/ml、气管滴入组 (2 .2 5μg)为 (335± 57)pg/ml、肌肉注射组 (2 2 .5μg)为 (31 3± 49)pg/ml,与模型组 (2 1 6± 42 )pg/ml比较 (P <0 .0 5或 0 .0 1 ) ;皮肤划痕组(2 .2 5μg) BALF中IL 4水平为 (63± 1 9)pg/ml、气管滴入组     

重组屋尘螨2类变应原疫苗免疫治疗小鼠过敏性气道炎症的研究

目的 观察以聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物（PLGA）材料为佐剂制备的重组屋尘螨2类变应原（rDer p 2）纳米微粒疫苗（DEPN）对小鼠过敏性气道炎症的影响，并探讨其免疫治疗机 制。 方法 制备PLGA-rDer p 2纳米粒子并鉴定其特性。40只BALB/c小鼠随机分为5组，A组（对照组）均给予生理盐水（100 μl）。B、C、D和E组腹部皮下注射屋尘螨粗浸液（10 μg）免疫小鼠致敏，然后分别用PBS（100 μl）、2 mg 空白PLGA粒子（empty PLGA，EP）、100 μg rDer p 2、2 mg的DEPN纳米疫苗（载有100 μg rDer p 2）皮下注射进行免疫治疗，连续免疫治疗3 d，1次/d，各组用rDer p 2（50 μg）滴鼻激发，激发后第2天剖杀，收集支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）并对细胞进行总计数和分类计数；HE染色和PAS染色（Periodic Acid?鄄Schiff Stain）观察小鼠肺部组织炎症和支气管黏液分泌；用ELISA检测BALF和脾细胞培养上清的细胞因子（IL-4、 IFN-γ）和血清中变应原特异性IgG2a和IgE抗体浓度。 结果 B、C 组肺部呈明显的变态反应性炎症，D、E组变应原诱导的肺部嗜酸粒细胞浸润和黏液分泌比B、C 组显著减轻。BALF中的细胞总数B组比A组明显增多，分类细胞以中性和嗜酸粒细胞为主，超过50%。rDer p 2特异性IgE抗体水平，D组（0.93±0.04）和E组（0.77±0.10）均低于B组（1.14±0.10）（P＜0.01）；特异性IgG2a抗体水平，D组（1.02±0.01）和E组（1.17±0.46）均高于B组（0.14±0.01）（P＜0.01）。在BALF中，D组[（55.60±3.79） pg/ml]和E组[（48.60±4.50） pg/ml]IL-4水平均低于B组[（78.90±6.07） pg/ml]（P＜0.01）；IFN-γ水平E组[（68.50±2.87） pg/ml]显著高于B组[（27.30±3.51） pg/ml] （P＜0.01）。脾细胞上清的IL-4水平，D组[（56.3±4.85） pg/ml]和E组[（40.2±4.36） pg/ml]显著低于B组[（81.20±6.84） pg/ml] （P＜0.01）；IFN-γ水平，E组[（70.20±3.85） pg/ml]显著高于B组[（34.60±2.25） pg/ml] 。 结论 DEPN免疫治疗可抑制小鼠肺部过敏炎症，其机制可能与调节Th1/Th2平衡有关。     

Circulating immunoreactive somatostatin in man. Effect of age, pregnancy, growth hormone deficiency and achlorhydria

Plasma immunoreactive somatostatin (IRS) levels were measured fasting at 09.00 h in groups of adult individuals and children of different ages, as well as in pregnant women, in patients with pernicious anaemia documented to be achlorhydric, and in children with growth hormone deficiency. There was a gradual rise in the mean level of IRS from the third decade (mean 35.8 +/- 3.8 pg/ml), which reached significance at the seventh (61.1 +/- 8.4 pg/ml), eighth (66.7 +/- 5 pg/ml) and ninth decade (82.6 +/- 13.8 pg/ml). No change was observed in the second 28.3 +/- 3.8 pg/ml) and third (31.1 +/- 3.2 pg/ml) trimester of pregnancy when compared with matched, non-pregnant controls (29.7 +/- 2.2 pg/ml); however, the children aged under 2 years (69.6 +/- 11.2 pg/ml) had significantly higher values than the eldest group (12 to 16 years old) (46.3 +/- 7.2 pg/ml) (P less than 0.05). In achlorhydric patients, basal (27.2 +/- 3.7 pg/ml; P less than 0.01) and postprandial IRS (42.8 +/- 7.7 pg/ml; P less than 0.001) was significantly lower than in a matched, normal control group (basal 59.4 +/- 7.2; postprandial 132.1 +/- 26.3 pg/ml). Growth hormone deficiency was not associated with any differences in circulating IRS, basally or after insulin hypoglycaemia, when compared with values in normal children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

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

We analyzed serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) for their role in insulin resistance in 12 obese men with untreated Type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 6 age-and BMI-matched obese controls. Insulin resistance was expressed using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R). Six of the patients were insulin-resistant (HOMA-R>5.0), while six were not (HOMA-R相似文献   

Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels increase in response to maximal exercise in patients with chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by the activation of neurohormones and cytokines. Strenuous exercise causes activation of both systems but the effect of acute bouts of exercise on cytokines is not known in patients with CHF. This study determined whether maximal exercise induces activation of cytokines in CHF. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) were determined before and after symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 80 patients with CHF (LVEF=38+/-1%, peak VO(2)=18.8+/-0.5 ml/min/kg) and age-matched 33 controls. Resting IL-6 (Controls vs. CHF: 1.3+/-0.2 vs. 2.5+/-0.3 pg/ml, P<0.001) and TNF-alpha (2.7+/-0.2 vs. 3.8+/-0.2 pg/ml, P<0.01) were elevated in CHF. LogIL-6 and logTNF-alpha were positively correlated (r=0.34 and r=0.35, respectively) with logplasma norepinephrine, and were negatively correlated (r=-0.39 and r=-0.32, respectively) with peak VO(2). Maximal exercise increased IL-6 and TNF-alpha both in controls and CHF (all P<0.01). Changes in IL-6 (DeltaIL-6) correlated with Deltaepinephrine (r=0.63, P<0.0001) and Deltanorepinephrine (r=0.57, P=0.0006) in controls, but not in CHF. DeltaTNF-alpha correlated with DeltaANP (r=0.28, P=0.01) only in CHF. In summary, cytokine activation at rest was associated with high plasma norepinephrine and exercise intolerance. Maximal exercise caused increases in IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations. Sympathetic activation seems to be important for the IL-6 increase during exercise in controls. In CHF, changes in ANP during exercise were associated with the exercise-induced increase in TNF-alpha, but still unknown mechanisms are involved for the cytokine activation during exercise.     

咪喹莫特治疗支气管哮喘作用机制的实验研究

目的 研究新型免疫调节剂咪喹莫特对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)的治疗作用,探讨其可能的作用机制.方法 (1)40只BALB/c小鼠(每组10只)和48只SD大鼠(每组12只)分为对照组、哮喘组、咪喹莫特组和地塞米松组,建立大鼠和小鼠哮喘模型.用卵清白蛋白激发前吸入0.15%咪喹莫特混悬液5 ml.末次激发后24 h观察肺组织炎症及测定气道反应性;用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定肺组织中白细胞介素4(IL-4)、γ干扰素(IFN-γ)、嗜酸粒细胞活化趋化因子(eotaxin)、巨噬细胞衍生趋化因子(MDC)、胸腺和活化调节趋化因子(TARC)、T-bet、GATA-3、信息转导转录激活子6(STAT6)mRNA的表达;用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法测定血清中eotaxin、MDC、TARC及支气管肺泡灌洗液中IL-4和IFN-γ浓度;用Western blot法测定肺组织中T-bet、GATA-3、STAT6蛋白水平;(2)分离和培养致敏大鼠气管旁淋巴结细胞(PBLN),分为空白对照组、阳性对照组、地塞米松组和药物1～3组,测定不同时间点各组细胞上清液中IL-4、IFN-γ蛋白和细胞的mRNA表达;(3)分离和培养致敏小鼠的脾脏T淋巴细胞,用流式细胞仪测定经咪喹莫特刺激后不同时间点细胞内IL-4、IFN-γ水平;(4)培养致敏大鼠CD+4T淋巴细胞,测定经咪喹莫特干预后T-bet、GATA-3 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平.结果 用同等剂量氯化乙酰胆碱(20、40、80、160μg/ml)激发时平均呼气阻力哮喘组分别为(6.26±0.85)、(11.55±3.09)、(28.74±5.94)、(3710.83±197.49)cm H20·ml-1·s-1(1 cm H20=0.098 kPa),咪喹莫特组分别为(1.34±0.16)、(3.47±0.49)、(9.29±1.27)、(25.22±5.44)cm H2O·ml-1·s-1,两组相同剂量比较差异有统计学意义(D值分别为88.98、56.00、45.00、108.00,P均＜0.01);哮喘组大鼠气道壁和肺组织中嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)、淋巴细胞、管壁面积/支气管管腔内周长(WA/Pi)、支气管平滑肌面积/支气管管腔内周长(ASM/Pi)分别为(26.0±1.6)、(45.2±3.2)个/mm2、12.0±1.4、6.7±0.6,咪喹莫特组分别为(12.4±2.9)、(24.2±3.7)个/mm2、9.2±0.6、4.0±0.5,两组比较差异有统计学意义(D和q值分别为193.00、16.92、185.50、7.66,P均＜0.01);哮喘组肺组织中T-bet mRNA和蛋白表达量分别为0.08±0.12、0.18±0.06,咪喹莫特组分别为0.48±0.08、0.48±0.17,两组比较差异有统计学意义(D值分别为120.96、177.98,P均＜0.01);哮喘组肺组织中GATA-3 mRNA和蛋白表达量分别为1.56±0.28、2.25±0.74,咪喹莫特组分别为0.54±0.14、0.50±0.14,两组比较差异有统计学意义(D值分别为166.96、310.97,P均＜0.01);空白对照组24、48 h时PBLN细胞培养液中IL-4、IFN-γ分别为(0±0、0±0、22±5、31±5) pg/ml.随着培养时间的延长,药物2组24、48 h时IL-4、IFN-γ水平分别为(23±5)、(39±11)、(149±31)、(154±28) pg/ml,药物3组24、48 h时IL-4、IFN-γ水平分别为(25±6)、(40±12)、(166±30)、(158±31) pg/ml,与阳性对照组[(43±13)、(56±12)、(100±22)、(112±33) pg/ml)]比较差异有统计学意义(药物2、3组24、48 h时IL-4的D值分别为9.90、8.79、8.80、8.10;药物2、3组24、48 h时IFN-γ的q值分别为4.80、6.40、3.95、4.31,P均＜0.05);哮喘组小鼠BALF中细胞总数及EOS分别为(8.7±1.4)×106 /L、(29.80±7.00)%,咪喹莫特组为(4.1±1.3)×106 /L、(8.90±2.40)%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为16.40、7.40,P均＜0.05);哮喘组小鼠血清eotaxin、MDC和TARC水平分别为(593±41)、(170±20)、(221±25) pg/ml,咪喹莫特组分别为(501±76)、(84±13)、(163±35) pg/ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为3.70、9.80、4.50,P均＜0.05);(4)咪喹莫特组小鼠肺组织eotaxin、MDC、TARC mRNA表达分别为0.65±0.17、0.66±0.12、0.66±0.34,哮喘组分别为0.85±0.11、0.96±0.10、0.94±0.28,对照组分别为0.45±0.08、0.39±0.09、0.24±0.08,哮喘组与咪喹莫特组比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为1.50、8.10、2.40,P均＜0.05);哮喘组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为3.00、15.40、5.90,P均＜0.05).结论 咪喹莫特可能通过提高转录因子T-bet mRNA\蛋白的表达和抑制转录因子GATA-3和STAT6 mRNA和蛋白表达,使失衡的Th1/Th2细胞得以纠正,从而抑制哮喘气道炎症.     

Assessment of plasma catecholamine and beta-endorphin contents in patients with silent myocardial ischemia and angina pectoris]

Thirteen patients with totally silent myocardial ischemia (group 1) and 15 patients with effort angina (group 2) were studied. The coronary angiography of both groups indicated coronary artery stenosis > or = 50%. In group 1, the beta-endorphin plasma level (beta-EPL) during rest was significantly higher than those in group 2 (15.639 +/- 1.258 pg/ml and 8.920 +/- 1.478 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.01). There were significant increases in beta-EPL in both groups after exercise as compared with that before exercise (beta-EPL is 33.801 +/- 6.243 pg ml/in group 1, P < 0.01; 18.169 +/- 3.540 pg/ml in group 2, P < 0.01). The difference between two groups after exercise was also significant (P < 0.05). The plasma level of noradrenaline (NE) during rest was 0.267 +/- 0.035 ng/ml, adrenaline (E) was 0.112 +/- 0.018 ng/ml in group 1, and NE was 0.218 +/- 0.032 ng/ml and E was 0.110 +/- 0.015 ng/ml in group 2. After exercise, NE was 1.017 +/- 0.160 ng/ml (P < 0.001), E 0.276 +/- 0.076 ng/ml (P < 0.001), E 0.260 +/- 0.043 ng/ml (P < 0.01) in group 2. There was no difference between two groups both in rest and after exercise (P > 0.05). This study indicates that the high plasma beta-endorphin level might play a major role in the occurrence of totally silent myocardial ischemia.