急性期川崎病Th17细胞变化初探

目的 探讨Th17细胞在川崎病(Kawasaki disease,KD)免疫发病机制中的作用.方法 急性期KD患儿60例,正常同年龄对照组32例,KD患儿分别于静脉丙种球蛋白(IVIG)治疗前后直接取血备检.采用荧光定量PCR(real-time PCR)检测CD4+T细胞IL-17A/F、转录因子ROR-γt、Foxp3及PBMC IL-6、TGF-β、IL-23p19、IL-27p28、IL-27EBI3、IFN-γ等mRNA表达;酶联免疫吸附试验检测血浆中IL-6、TGF-β、IL-23、IL-27、IFN-γ的蛋白浓度;流式细胞术检测外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Tr)的比例.结果 急性期KD患儿CD4+T细胞高表达IL-17A及IL-17F(P<0.01),IVIG治疗后明显降低(P<0.01);急性期KD患儿IL-17A/IL-17F与红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞数目(WBC)呈正相关(IL-17A:0.70,0.85,0.80,P<0.01;IL-17F:0.63,0.65,0.69,P<0.01);急性期KD患儿Th17细胞转录因子ROR-γt及前炎症细胞因子IL-6转录水平明显高于对照组(P<0.01),IVIG治疗后显著降低(P<0.01);TGF-β、IL-23p19、IL-27p28、IL-27EBI3 mRNA水平及血浆蛋白浓度与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);血浆IFN-γ浓度显著升高,mRNA水平无变化;急性期KD患儿CD4+ CD25+ Tr细胞比例明显低于正常对照组(P<0.01),其转录因子Foxp3表达亦明显降低(P<0.01).结论 急性期KD患儿Th17细胞过度活化可能参与了KD免疫发病机制.     

Synergistic induction of metallothionein synthesis by interleukin-6, dexamethasone and zinc in the rat

We investigated the reciprocal effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), glucocorticoid and zinc (Zn) on metallothionein (MT) synthesis in rats. MT synthesis in the liver, which is a key responsible organ in acute phase responses, was induced by IL-6 or dexamethasone (Dex), and in an additive manner by a combination of IL-6 and Dex 18 h after injection. MT synthesis in the lung and heart was evaluated by immunoassay using a specific antibody to MT-I, because of its low concentration in these tissues. Heart concentrations of MT-I were significantly increased by IL-6, and were further increased by the combination of IL-6 and Dex, although Dex by itself had no effect. This suggests a synergistic effect of IL-6 and Dex on MT-I synthesis in the heart. A similar synergism was observed in the lung. To study the effect of Zn on the induction of MT and acute phase proteins, Zn, IL-6 and Dex were administered in various concentrations. The increase in liver MT induced by the combination of IL-6 and Dex with Zn (130 μg MT/g of liver) was greater than the sum of the increases induced by (IL-6 + Zn) and by (Dex + Zn) (103 μg MT/g), suggesting a synergistic increase. The data indicate that the maximal increase in the induction of MT by a combination of IL-6 and Dex depends on an adequate liver Zn content. Thus, the in vivo synergistic induction of acute phase proteins by IL-6, glucocorticoid and Zn may be required for the maximal and rapid response, not only in liver but also in other tissues including heart and lung. This suggests that the synergistic reaction may be important for an enhancement of the radical scavenging ability of tissues in acute phase responses.     

The acute phase protein response in patients receiving subcutaneous IL-6.

IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1 are thought to be the key mediators of the acute phase response although much of the evidence is based on in vitro studies. It is not clear to what extent each of the acute phase proteins are regulated in vivo by each of these cytokines. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of IL-6 treatment in eight patients with cancer on the concentrations of an extensive range of positive and negative acute phase proteins. It was part of a larger investigation to assess the value of IL-6 in the management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. IL-6 was administered by a daily subcutaneous injection for 7 days at a dose level of 1, 3, or 10 micrograms/kg/day. Increases in the positive acute phase proteins, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, haptoglobin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, fibrinogen, complement component C3, and caeruloplasmin, were observed, with the greatest incremental changes and fastest responses being seen for C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein. The negative acute phase proteins transferrin, transthyretin and retinol binding protein all fell to a nadir within 48-96 h after the first IL-6 injection. Increases in complement component C4 were only found in two patients, which may be related to the increase in circulating TNF-alpha concentrations found only in these patients. This study has therefore shown that IL-6 is capable of causing changes in the majority of acute phase proteins in vivo. Although secondary induction of TNF-alpha was not observed in the majority of patients examined, it is still possible however that other cytokines involved in regulation of the acute phase response, such as IL-1, may have been induced and contributed to the overall response.     

Matrix Metalloproteinase and Cytokine Profiles in Monocytes over the Course of Stroke

Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in our society. Stroke is associated with changes in immune responses within the central nervous system as well as systemically. The cells contributing to such changes as well as the factors contributing to formation of the inflammatory infiltrate observed in stroke remain to be clarified. In this study, blood monocytes and corresponding mononuclear cells (MNC) were separated and examined in parallel within 4 days and 1–3 months after onset of ischemic stroke. Numbers of TNF--, IL-12-, IL-6-, and IL-10-secreting cells and of cells expressing mRNA for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -7, -9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 were studied. The TNF--, IL-12-, and IL-6-secreting monocytes and MNC were elevated during the acute phase compared to healthy controls. Such differences were not observed when stroke patients were examined during convalescence. The IL-10-secreting monocytes did not change over the course of stroke. Levels of monocytes expressing MMP-1, MMP-7 and TIMP-1 mRNA were elevated in the acute phase of stroke patients compared to convalescence and healthy controls, as were levels of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expressing blood MNC. The MMP-2 and -9 activity as measured by zymography also was higher in MNC supernatants in the acute phase of stroke compared to convalescence. The high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs in blood monocytes and MNC further demonstrate the presence of systemic aberrations in the acute phase of stroke. Such changes may contribute to the influx of blood-borne cells into the ischemic lesions during the acute phase of stroke.     

Clinical significance of cytokines-interleukin 6 in disease

Clinical significance of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a cytokine, is discussed. IL-6 known as an immunoregulatory molecule is produced by various tissues and shows a variety of functions; eg, IL-6 induces B-cell maturation and acute phase protein synthesis in hepatocytes. 1. Pathogenic significance of IL-6 in Castleman's disease. Castleman's disease is a syndrome consisting of lymph node hyperplasia with plasma cell infiltration, hyper-gamma-globulinemia, and an increase of serum level of acute phase proteins. The germinal center of hyperplastic lymph nodes produced large quantities of IL-6. In a patient with a solitary hyperplastic lymph node, clinical improvement and decrease in serum IL-6 were observed following surgical removal of the lymph node. The serum IL-6 level was correlated with clinical data and clinical abnormalities. This indicates that the generation of IL-6 by B cells in germinal centers of hyperplastic lymph nodes of Castleman's disease may be the pathogenesis in this disease. 2. Serum levels of IL-6 in acute inflammatory disease. We analyzed serum levels of IL-6 and acute phase proteins following surgical operations and determined the onset time and degree of inflammatory status. IL-6 levels were reached maximum at 24 hr, and level off within 48 hr. CRP was increased gradually for 48 hr. Maximum levels of IL-6 in the serum of 50 patients were well correlated with those of CRP levels. Serum level of IL-6 correlated with the operation time, but that of CRP did not. Our findings indicate that the elevation of acute phase proteins following surgical trauma may be mediated through IL-6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of interleukin-2 on peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine production and the hepatic acute phase protein response

This study investigated the ability of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) to modulate the ability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to stimulate an acute phase protein response in isolated human hepatocytes. The effect of IL-2 on the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by PBMCs isolated from patients with gastrointestinal cancer, multiple organ failure, and healthy controls was also studied. The ability of supernatants from IL-2-treated PBMCs to elicit an acute phase response in hepatocytes was then investigated. IL-2 had no effect on IL-6 or TNF production by PBMCs isolated from any group in the presence or absence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Despite this, preincubation of PBMCs with IL-2 significantly reduced the potential of LPS-stimulated PBMC supernatants to stimulate production of alpha1 antichymotrypsin, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, and C-reactive protein by hepatocytes. These observations were not due to a direct effect of IL-2 on hepatocyte acute phase protein production. These findings suggest that in this model IL-2 may modulate PBMC-induced acute phase protein production through an IL-6 and TNF-independent pathway.     

Acute interleukin-6 administration does not impair muscle glucose uptake or whole-body glucose disposal in healthy humans

The cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 has recently been linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus and has been suggested to affect glucose metabolism. To determine whether acute IL-6 administration affects whole-body glucose kinetics or muscle glucose uptake, 18 healthy young men were assigned to one of three groups receiving a high dose of recombinant human IL-6 (HiIL-6; n = 6), a low dose of IL-6 (LoIL-6; n = 6) or saline (Con; n = 6) infused into one femoral artery for 3 h. The stable isotope [6,6-²H₂] glucose was infused into a forearm vein throughout the 3 h infusion period and for a further 3 h after the cessation of infusion (recovery) to determine endogenous glucose production and whole-body glucose disposal. Infusion with HiIL-6 and LoIL-6 resulted in a marked ( P < 0.05) increase in systemic IL-6 concentration throughout the 3 h of infusion (mean arterial plasma [IL-6]s of 319 and 143 pg ml⁻¹ for HiIL-6 and LoIL-6, respectively), followed by a rapid decline ( P < 0.05) during the recovery period. Subjects experienced clinical symptoms such as shivering and discomfort during HiIL-6 administration, but were asymptomatic during LoIL-6 administration. In addition, only HiIL-6 elevated ( P < 0.05) plasma adrenaline (epinephrine). IL-6 infusion, irrespective of dose, did not result in any changes to endogenous glucose production, whole-body glucose disposal or leg- glucose uptake. These data demonstrate that acute IL-6 administration does not impair whole-body glucose disposal, net leg-glucose uptake, or increase endogenous glucose production at rest in healthy young humans.     

Squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen in children with acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: Increased serum levels of squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen (SCCA) have been observed in patients with allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma. T(H)2 cytokines, which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, stimulate new synthesis of SCCA in cultured human airway epithelial cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether SCCA levels increase during acute exacerbations of asthma in children and whether the T(H)2 cytokines, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13, are associated with SCCA levels. METHODS: Serum levels of SCCA, IL-4, and IL-13 were measured by enzyme immunoassay during the acute phase of an asthma exacerbation (on hospital admission) and in the recovery phase (after symptoms had subsided). RESULTS: In the 35 children who participated in this study, serum levels of SCCA were significantly elevated in the acute phase (mean +/- SD, 3.09 +/- 2.03 ng/mL) compared with the recovery phase (mean +/- SD, 1.47 +/- 0.64 ng/mL) of an asthma exacerbation (P < .001). In 12 children, the IL-13 levels were observed to correlate with SCCA levels during the recovery phase (r = 0.68, P = .02) but not during the acute phase of an asthma exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: Serum SCCA levels increase during the acute phase of an asthma exacerbation. During this phase, the increased synthesis of SCCA is not associated with IL-13 but rather mediated by other undefined stimuli. IL-13 may contribute to the basal production of SCCA in asthmatic children.     

支气管哮喘病人外周血单核/巨噬细胞IL-15的分泌水平

目的和方法：利用改良的ＭＴＴ比色法测定ＣＴＬ１２细胞增殖程度而确定Ｉ国５水平的方法,测定了２７例支气管哮喘急性发作期病人和４０例健康人外周因单核／巨噬细胞培养上清中ＩＬ－１５的分泌水平。结果：无论刺激与否,哮喘病人ＩＬ－１５水平均高于健康对照组,两组差异显著。结论：哮喘病人外周血单核／巨噬细胞ＩＬ－１５的分泌水平异常可能参与了哮喘的发病。     

Serum interleukin-6 in Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness of infancy and early childhood. In spite of extensive studies, the cause of KD is not known. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) has manyfold biological functions involved in the immune or inflammatory responses of the host to various stimuli. Here the author investigated whether IL-6 might be responsible for manifestations of KD, such as immunoglobulin hypersecretion, lymphocyte activation and systemic vasculitis. Serum IL-6 levels in KD were determined by ELISA. Usually sera from healthy children contained only negligible levels of IL-6. Serum IL-6 was markedly elevated in all patients with acute KD, which gradually decreased during the course of the disease. Serum IL-6 correlated with serum concentration of C-reactive protein and with serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor level, but did not show any correlation with peak platelet count during subacute phase of the disease. Increased serum IL-6 level did not show any relation to development of coronary aneurysms and dilatation. Further studies will be needed to examine the source and the pathogenetic roles of increased serum IL-6 in KD.     

Interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein levels in patients with acute allergic reactions: an emergency department-based study.

BACKGROUND: Elevations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been described in drug-induced anaphylaxis. Although IL-6 is well known to stimulate an acute phase response, profiling acute phase protein levels, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), has, to our knowledge, never been performed in patients with acute allergic reactions. OBJECTIVE: To examine the pattern of IL-6 and CRP levels in patients with acute allergic reactions and to relate these to relevant clinical and laboratory parameters. METHODS: Plasma CRP and serum IL-6 levels were determined in 85 adult emergency department patients. These patients had been previously studied with questionnaires, physical examinations, and histamine/tryptase levels. Clinical and historical features were related to CRP and IL-6 levels. CRP and IL-6 levels were also examined for relationships with histamine and tryptase levels. RESULTS: CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with one another in the study patients (Spearman p = 0.36, P = 0.0008). Similar to histamine levels, IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with the extent of erythema manifested by the study patients. The extent of erythema was independently predicted by both IL-6 and histamine levels. Histamine levels were negatively correlated with CRP levels (Spearman p = -0.32, P = 0.003). Unlike histamine levels, IL-6 and CRP did not show significant relationships with the extent or presence of urticaria/angioedema or the presence of wheezing. IL-6 levels were correlated with the duration of symptoms before serologic sampling. An inverse correlation was observed between IL-6 levels and mean arterial blood pressure. Multivariate modeling showed significant independent effects from mean arterial pressure, duration of symptoms, erythema extent, and age in predicting IL-6 levels. Tryptase levels were higher in patients whose IL-6 levels were >20 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: CRP and IL-6 levels are not simple surrogate markers for histamine or tryptase release by mast cells or basophils in acute allergic reactions. Increasing IL-6 levels relate to greater erythema extent, lower mean arterial blood pressure, and a longer duration of symptoms. It would be interesting to speculate that CRP and IL-6 increases characterize a late-phase response in immediate hypersensitivity reactions. In this perspective, the inverse relationship between CRP and histamine levels could be explained. As histamine levels are waning, CRP levels are increasing. Timed studies for histamine and CRP/IL-6 levels in allergic reactions are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.     

T lymphocyte subsets, suppressor and contrasuppressor cell functions, and production of interleukin-2 in the peripheral blood of rheumatic fever patients and their apparently healthy siblings

We studied CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets, suppressor cell function, production of IL-2, and immune contrasuppressor cell activity in 21 patients with rheumatic fever (RF), both at the time of their first acute episode and 3 months later (recovery phase). As controls we studied their healthy sibling nearest in age, as well as age- and sex-matched unrelated normal subjects. In the acute phase we found CD4+ T cells to be high, concanavalin A-induced suppression to be low, and production of IL-2 to be significantly decreased, as compared to the normal unrelated controls. The addition of contrasuppressor cells (VV+) to cell cocultures resulted in an increase in proliferation by mononuclear cells (MNC) in response to streptococcal M antigen but not to C carbohydrate antigen. In the recovery phase, CD4+ T cells became normal, CD8+ T cells rose above normal, and the suppressor cell functions (concanavalin-A-induced and spontaneously expanded), as well as the production of IL-2, fell further. Siblings were found to have increased CD8+ T cells and decreased production of IL-2, as compared to the unrelated controls. These findings indicate that important immunoregulatory disturbances occur during the acute phase of rheumatic fever, some of which persist, accentuate, or change during the recovery phase. The findings in siblings could be related either to streptococcal infection or to a familial immunoregulatory aberration.     

Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in IL-4Ralpha-/- mice implicates compensatory up-regulation of Th2-type cytokines

The cytokine receptor interleukin (IL)-4R, expressed by lymphocytes, is well known for its role in immunomodulatory signaling and has also been documented on oligodendrocytes, suggesting involvement in glial cell interactions. In the present study, we investigated the clinical course and pathology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice demonstrating deletion of IL-4R and found a correlation with cytokine expression during acute and chronic disease. Wild-type (WT) littermates served as controls. Although IL-4R(-/-) mice displayed a milder course throughout, they showed comparable pathology to WT in the acute phase. However, during the chronic phase, IL-4R(-/-) mice exhibited extensive remyelination and an apparent increase in oligodendrocytes. Cytokine patterns were examined by immunocytochemistry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were strongly proinflammatory within the central nervous system during the acute phase in WT mice whereas IL-4R(-/-) animals expressed higher levels of IL-6 and IL-10 that became more pronounced with time. The milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and enhanced remyelination in IL-4R(-/-) mice appeared to be related to a shift toward a Th-2 pattern involving mainly IL-6 and IL-10. These data suggest that IL-4R exerts a negative regulatory role on oligodendrocytes that when deleted results in enhanced myelin repair.     

Cytokine production by stimulated mononuclear cells did not change with aging in apparently healthy, well-nourished women.

Aging is often associated with a dysregulation of the immune system. We examined mitogen-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-2 and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and IL-6, in apparently healthy and generally well-nourished old versus young women. Subjects were screened for health using the SENIEUR protocol and a panel of laboratory tests for inflammation, as well as for the adequacy of nutritional status using criteria related to undernutrition, and protein, iron, vitamin B(12), and folate status. Young (n=26, age: 20-40 years) and old (n=44, age: 62-88 years) cohorts did not differ on the number of circulating monocytes, granulocytes, B (CD19+) cells, and T (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) cells. No differences (P>0.10) were seen between the two age groups in IL-2, IL-1beta and IL-6 levels in whole blood cultures at 48 h after stimulation with PHA (5 mg/l). Furthermore, no age-related differences were noted in the absolute amounts (pg) of IL-1beta and IL-6 after normalizing for circulating monocytes, B cells, or T cells (P>0.10). Similarly, no age-related decline in absolute amount of IL-2 (pg) after normalizing for circulating T cells was noted (P>0.10). Thus, contrary to most previous reports, our results do not support an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6, and a reduced production of IL-2 with aging when health and nutritional status are maintained. These findings support our previous results of no change in monocyte function and few alterations in acquired immune response in a carefully selected group of healthy and well-nourished elderly women.     

Lack of relationship between interleukin-6 and CRP levels in healthy male athletes

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the main cytokine involved in the induction of acute phase response, which includes synthesis of certain proteins in the liver, one of which is C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IL-6 released during physical exercise on CRP generation in healthy male athletes. Fourteen young cyclists were enrolled in the study, which involves the performance of strenuous physical exercise. Serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were measured at rest before exercise, and immediately after and 2h after cessation of exercise. IL-6 level was increased 2.42-fold immediately after, and 21.67-fold 2h after exercise. Serum CRP level did not change significantly over the course of observation: it was 3.25 mg/dl before, 2.36 mg/dl immediately after and 2.71 mg/dl 2h after exercise and unrelated to IL-6 level. No correlation between serum levels of IL-6 and CRP was observed during the period of observation. We conclude that under certain circumstances, acute, pulsatile release of IL-6 does not stimulate synthesis of CRP.     

Cytokines in nasopharyngeal secretions; evidence for defective IL-1 beta production in children with recurrent episodes of acute otitis media.

The host-parasite relationship in the nasopharynx of young children with bacterial colonization and antigen uptake in the mucosa and lymphatic tissue provides an opportunity to investigate infectious/inflammatory processes and responses. IL-1 beta, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were analysed in nasopharyngeal secretions and serum from children with or without recurrent episodes of acute otitis media, from healthy adults and adults with or without recurrent episodes of acute otitis media, from healthy adults and adults with hypogammaglobulinaemia or selective deficiency of IgG3. Nasopharyngeal secretions generally contained substantial amounts of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. In contrast, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were not detectable in sera on the same occasion. Children were found to have higher levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha than healthy adults and than adults with immunodeficiency. High levels of IL-1 beta were associated with low or undetectable levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, whereas the opposite pattern was seen in association with low levels of IL-1 beta. This was especially true for children with recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (RAOM). In children with nasopharyngeal colonization with Haemophilus influenzae, significantly higher levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha (P = 0.0001, respectively) were found compared with non-colonized children. Notably, the RAOM children exhibited significantly lower levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in nasopharyngeal secretions (P = 0.0001, 0.01 and 0.0001, respectively) than healthy children. These results demonstrate local production of inflammatory cytokines in nasopharynx, related to bacterial colonization, and suggest that children with RAOM are poor nasopharyngeal cytokine producers.     

Thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 levels in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Depending on the severity of the illness, thrombocytosis is found in about 60% to 70% of patients with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP). Whether thrombocytosis is the result of an inflammatory reaction mediated by thrombopoietin (TPO) or other inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 remains unknown. METHODS: Thirty two patients who met the diagnostic criteria for HSP were included. They were divided into two groups - HSP patients with thrombocytosis (n = 14) and those without thrombocytosis (n = 18) with a platelet count of 400,000/microL. Eight normal healthy controls were also included. TPO and IL-6 serum levels during the acute phase were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients with platelet counts greater than 400,000/microL in the acute stage had significantly lower TPO levels than patients with platelet counts lower than 400,000/microL (310 +/- 65.6 pg/mL vs 608 +/- 97.8 pg/mL, p=0.013). However, HSP patients with or without thrombocytosis had similar TPO levels as the healthy controls (441 +/- 176 pg/mL, p=0.89 and 0.29, respectively). IL-6 serum levels were significantly elevated in HSP patients during the acute stage of HSP (28.6 +/- 61.7 pg/mL vs 3.16 +/- 1.35 pg/mL, p=0.049). In patients with complications of glomerulonephritis or gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n = 12), IL-6 levels were significantly lower than in those without such complications (8.07 +/- 3.79 pg/mL vs 40.9 +/- 16.9 pg/mL, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that thrombocytosis in HSP patients is a type of inflammatory reactive thrombocytosis, and that IL-6 may also play a role in the pathogenesis of HSP.     

Calprotectin is released from human skeletal muscle tissue during exercise

Skeletal muscle has been identified as a secretory organ. We hypothesized that IL-6, a cytokine secreted from skeletal muscle during exercise, could induce production of other secreted factors in skeletal muscle. IL-6 was infused for 3 h into healthy young males ( n = 7) and muscle biopsies obtained at time points 0, 3 and 6 h in these individuals and in resting controls. Affymetrix microarray analysis of gene expression changes in skeletal muscle biopsies identified a small set of genes changed by IL-6 infusion. RT-PCR validation confirmed that S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA were up-regulated 3-fold in skeletal muscle following IL-6 infusion compared to controls. Furthermore, S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA levels were up-regulated 5-fold in human skeletal muscle following cycle ergometer exercise for 3 h at ∼60% of     in young healthy males ( n = 8). S100A8 and S100A9 form calprotectin, which is known as an acute phase reactant. Plasma calprotectin increased 5-fold following acute cycle ergometer exercise in humans, but not following IL-6 infusion. To identify the source of calprotectin, healthy males ( n = 7) performed two-legged dynamic knee extensor exercise for 3 h with a work load of ∼50% of peak power output and arterial–femoral venous differences were obtained. Arterial plasma concentrations for calprotectin increased 2-fold compared to rest and there was a net release of calprotectin from the working muscle. In conclusion, IL-6 infusion and muscle contractions induce expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in skeletal muscle. However, IL-6 alone is not a sufficient stimulus to facilitate release of calprotectin from skeletal muscle.     

急性期川崎病患儿滤泡辅助性T细胞改变观察

目的 探讨滤泡辅助性T细胞(Tfh细胞)在儿童川崎病(Kawasaki disease,KD)中的数量变化及其可能机制.方法 急性期川崎病患儿20例,采用流式细胞术检测外周血CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+T细胞(Tfh)的比例,采用real-time PCR检测转录调节因子Bcl-6、Blimp-1 mRNA表达,酶联免疫吸附试验检测血浆中IL-4和IL-21浓度;20例同龄健康儿童作为对照组.结果 (1)急性期KD患儿Tfh细胞比例明显高于正常对照组[(2.6±0.6)％vs(1.8±0.7)％,P＜0.05];(2)Tfh细胞转录因子Bcl-6 mRNA表达较正常对照组明显增高(P＜0.05),其拮抗因子Blimp-1 mRNA表达降低(P＜0.05);(3)血浆IL-21和IL-4蛋白浓度明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.05).结论 Tfh细胞过度活化可能参与了KD免疫发病机制,Bcl-6/Blimp-1表达失衡,IL-4和IL-21细胞因子微环境改变可能与Tfh细胞异常活化有关.