血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平与颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄程度的相关性分析

目的]探讨凝血酶-抗凝血酶复合物(TAT)、组织型纤溶酶原激活物-抑制剂复合物(t-PAIC)、血栓调节蛋白(TM)在颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄(ICAS)患者血清中的水平,以及它们与狭窄程度的相关性。 [方法]收集沧州市人民医院2021年1月—2023年2月期间进行治疗的196例ICAS患者(ICAS组)作为研究对象,根据血管的狭窄程度,将其分为轻度组(n＝78)、中度组(n＝64)和重度组(n＝54);另选取196例与ICAS患者临床基本资料一致的同期门诊健康体检者作为对照组。比较各组血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平;Spearman法分析ICAS患者血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平与狭窄程度的相关性;多因素Logistic回归分析ICAS患者重度狭窄的影响因素;ROC曲线分析血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM、总胆固醇(TC)水平对ICAS患者发生重度狭窄的预测价值。 [结果]与对照组相比,ICAS组血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平显著升高(P＜0.05);ICAS轻度组、中度组、重度组血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM、TC水平依次升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。Spearman分析显示,ICAS患者血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平分别与狭窄程度呈正相关(r＝0.574,0.695,0.628;均P＜0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,TAT、t-PAIC、TM、TC是ICAS患者发生重度狭窄的独立危险因素(P＜0.05)。ROC曲线显示,TAT、t-PAIC、TM、TC联合检测预测ICAS患者发生重度狭窄的AUC为0.927,灵敏度为83.33%,特异度为86.62%,优于各自单独预测(Z联合检测-TAT=4.617、Z联合检测-t-PAIC=4.024、Z联合检测-TM=4.004、Z联合检测-TC=7.078,均P＝0.000)。 [结论]ICAS患者血清TAT、t-PAIC、TM水平显著升高,且与狭窄严重程度呈正相关,这三者和TC联合检测对ICAS患者发生重度狭窄具有较高的预测价值。     

系统免疫炎症指数与颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的相关性分析

目的]分析系统免疫炎症指数(SII)与颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄之间的关系。 [方法]回顾性分析徐州医科大学附属医院神经内科收治的489例脑梗死患者,所有患者均完成头颈部计算机体层血管成像(CTA)检查,基于这些患者的狭窄程度,相应归入无狭窄组、轻度狭窄组(狭窄程度＜50%)、中度狭窄组(狭窄程度≥50%且＜70%)、重度狭窄组(狭窄程度≥70%),并对患者的基线资料、血脂、血常规等进行记录、统计分析。经由多因素二元Logistic回归分析与狭窄发生相关的独立风险因子。用多因素Logistic回归分析与狭窄程度相关的独立风险因子,用ROC曲线分析SII预测颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的价值。 [结果]多因素二元Logistic回归分析发现,年龄(OR＝1.185,P＜0.05)、SII(OR＝1.482,P＜0.05)、性别(OR＝2.721,P＝0.003)、高血压(OR＝3.119,P＜0.001)为颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的独立风险因子。多因素Logistic回归分析发现,hs-CRP(OR＝1.197,P＝0.011)、SII(OR＝1.379,P＜0.001)、Hcy(OR＝1.517,P＝0.013)显著影响血管狭窄程度。ROC曲线分析显示,SII的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.747,最佳截断值为447.89。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,SII水平与颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄、颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄严重程度均呈显著正相关(r＝0.524、0.482,P＜0.05)。 [结论]SII水平与脑梗死患者颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄程度独立正相关,对颅内外动脉粥样硬化性狭窄具一定预测价值。     

急性心肌梗死患者TyG指数与冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关性

目的]探讨急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者甘油三酯-葡萄糖(TyG)指数与冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关性。 [方法]回顾性选择2020年1月─2023年3月期间就诊于新疆医科大学第四附属医院确诊为AMI的424名患者作为研究对象,收集临床资料及冠状动脉造影(CAG)结果,Gensini评分用以定量评估冠状动脉病变程度。根据Gensini评分三分位法分为低Gensini评分组(＜45分,n＝140)、中Gensini评分组(45～86分,n＝143)和高Gensini评分组(≥87分,n＝141)。采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归模型分析TyG指数与高Gensini评分冠状动脉病变发生的关系;采用Spearman相关分析法分析TyG指数与AMI患者Gensini评分之间的相关性;采用ROC曲线分析TyG指数对冠状动脉病变严重程度的预测价值。 [结果]高Gensini评分组TyG指数较低、中Gensini评分组明显升高(P＜0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示,TyG指数为AMI患者严重冠状动脉病变发生的独立危险因素(OR＝13.327,95%CI:2.642～67.235,P＝0.002)。Spearman相关分析显示,TyG指数与冠状动脉病变严重程度呈正相关(r＝0.331,P＜0.001)。ROC曲线分析显示,TyG指数的曲线下面积为0.680(95%CI:0.630～0.731,P＜0.001)。当TyG指数临界值取1.555时,其预测AMI患者发生严重冠状动脉病变风险的效能最高,灵敏度为79.4%,特异度为50.5%。 [结论]TyG作为一种新型生物标志物,与AMI患者冠状动脉病变的严重程度显著且独立相关。     

血小板形态参数与急性冠状动脉综合征患者冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关性

目的]探讨血小板形态参数与急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)患者冠状动脉病变程度的相关性。 [方法]选择2019年1月─10月于南华大学附属第二医院心血管内科住院治疗的ACS患者121例,另选取于同期行选择性冠状动脉造影且结果正常者35例作为对照组,以平均血小板体积(MPV)、血小板分布宽度(PDW)、大血小板比率(PLCR)作为血小板形态参数指标。所有患者均行冠状动脉造影,根据结果统计Gensini评分,分为低分值组(1～40分)、中分值组(41～80分)、高分值组(81分及以上),比较各组之间血小板形态参数的差异,寻找Gensini高分的危险因素。 [结果]ACS组MPV、PDW、PLCR及男性比例、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、N末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)、尿酸(UA)、心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05)。PDW、MPV、PLCR在对照组、Gensini低、中、高分值组中逐步递增(P＜0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,PDW(r＝0.814,P＜0.05)、MPV(r＝0.822,P＜0.05)、PLCR(r＝0.802,P＜0.05)与Gensini评分正相关。多元Logistic回归分析显示,PLCR可作为冠状动脉Gensini高分的危险因素。 [结论]PLCR、PDW、MPV与ACS患者冠状动脉病变严重程度呈正相关,对冠状动脉病变严重程度的评估有潜在的重要意义。     

血清KLF2、NOS3水平对大动脉粥样硬化型急性脑梗死患者的诊断及病情评估价值

目的]探讨锌指样转录因子2(KLF2)、内皮型一氧化氮合酶3(NOS3)水平在大动脉粥样硬化(LAA)型急性脑梗死(ACI)患者诊断及病情评估中的价值。 [方法]将150例LAA型ACI患者根据病情分为轻度组(n＝36)、中度组(n＝48)和重度组(n＝66),另选取同期门诊健康体检者设为对照组(n＝150)。比较各组血清KLF2、NOS3水平;ROC曲线分别分析血清KLF2、NOS3水平对LAA型ACI的诊断价值和对发生重度LAA型ACI的预测价值。 [结果]LAA型ACI组患者血清KLF2、NOS3水平显著低于对照组(P＜0.05)。轻、中、重度组LAA型ACI患者血清KLF2、NOS3水平依次显著降低(P＜0.05)。血清KLF2、NOS3二者联合诊断LAA型ACI的AUC为0.858,灵敏度为73.33%,特异度为86.00%,优于KLF2、NOS3各自单独诊断(Z联合检测-KLF2＝3.796,Z联合检测-NOS3＝4.689,均P＜0.001)。血清KLF2、NOS3二者联合预测发生重度LAA型ACI的AUC为0.878,灵敏度为77.27%,特异度为90.48%,优于KLF2、NOS3各自单独预测(Z联合检测-KLF2＝2.401,P＝0.016;Z联合检测-NOS3＝3.070,P＝0.002)。 [结论]LAA型ACI患者血清KLF2、NOS3水平显著降低,且与病情严重程度显著负相关,二者联合应用对LAA型ACI诊断和病情预测具有较高的评估效能。     

纤维蛋白原对2型糖尿病患者冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展的影响

目的]探讨纤维蛋白原(FIB)与2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展的关系。 [方法]纳入2015年1月─2020年12月在西安交通大学第一附属医院行两次及以上冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)检查的T2DM住院患者,根据FIB中位数将受试者分为高FIB组和低FIB组。比较高、低FIB两组间冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展及其他临床特征的差异,采用Spearman相关性分析和Logistic回归分析FIB水平与冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展的关系。 [结果]共纳入患者145例,高FIB组73例,低FIB组72例,两次CCTA中位随访时间为25(18,40)个月。高FIB组年龄、女性比例及斑块狭窄率进展高于低FIB组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。FIB水平与斑块狭窄率变化呈正相关(r²＝0.308,P＜0.001)。多元Logistic回归分析显示,在校正年龄、性别及其他多种临床指标后,FIB水平为T2DM患者冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展的危险因素(OR＝5.25,95%CI:1.97～14.02,P＜0.001)。 [结论]基线高FIB水平是T2DM患者冠状动脉斑块狭窄率进展的独立危险因素,监测FIB水平有利于T2DM患者的心血管危险分层。     

血清HB-EGF和SAA水平对高血压患者颈动脉粥样硬化的诊断价值

目的]研究血清肝素结合性表皮生长因子(HB-EGF)、血清淀粉样蛋白A(SAA)对高血压患者颈动脉粥样硬化(CAS)的诊断价值。 [方法]选取高血压患者100例,根据颈动脉内膜中膜厚度(CIMT)诊断结果将其分为高血压组(n＝42)、高血压CAS组(n＝58);另选取同期体检的健康受试者50例,设为健康对照组。比较健康对照组、高血压组和高血压CAS组血清HB-EGF、SAA水平及CIMT;采用Pearson相关分析法分析100例高血压患者血清HB-EGF、SAA水平与CIMT的相关性;采用Logistic回归分析法分析CAS的危险因素;采用ROC曲线分析血清HB-EGF、SAA水平对高血压患者CAS的诊断价值。 [结果]与健康对照组比较,高血压组和高血压CAS组血清HB-EGF、SAA水平显著升高(P＜0.05),CIMT显著增加(P＜0.05)。与高血压组比较,高血压CAS组血清HB-EGF、SAA水平显著升高(P＜0.05),CIMT显著增加(P＜0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,血清HB-EGF、SAA水平与CIMT均表现为正相关(r＝0.807,95%CI:0.7257～0.8662,P＜0.001;r＝0.765,95%CI:0.6688～0.8357,P＜0.001)。Logistic回归分析显示,高HB-EGF、高SAA均是高血压患者发生CAS的危险因素(P＜0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,血清HB-EGF、SAA水平诊断CAS的最佳截断点分别为19.84 μg/L、8.97 mg/L,两者单独及联合诊断CAS的AUC分别为0.811、0.810、0.875,两者联合诊断的价值高于单独诊断。 [结论]血清HB-EGF、SAA水平在高血压CAS患者中显著升高,两者与CIMT均为正相关,且对高血压CAS具有较高的诊断效能。     

慢性肾脏病腹膜透析患者血脂水平与冠状动脉钙化严重程度的关系

目的]探讨慢性肾脏病(CKD)腹膜透析(PD)患者血脂水平与冠状动脉钙化(CAC)严重程度的关系。 [方法]选取2018年6月—2021年12月本院收治的205例进行PD治疗的CKD患者作为研究对象,根据CAC评分将患者分为钙化组(n＝152)和未钙化组(n＝53),并将钙化组分为轻度钙化组(n＝61)、中度钙化组(n＝50)和重度钙化组(n＝41),采用单因素分析比较患者临床资料及实验室指标差异;采用限制性三次样条拟合Logistic回归模型分析血脂水平与CAC的关系;采用多元Logistic回归模型分析影响因素,并绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线探讨血脂水平对CAC严重程度的预测价值。 [结果]与未钙化组相比,钙化组年龄、糖尿病比例、体质指数(BMI)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLC)、血磷水平显著增加,血尿酸(UA)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)、血镁、25-羟维生素D₃(25-(OH)-VitD₃)水平显著降低(P＜0.05);Logistic回归显示,调整年龄、糖尿病等因素后TC(OR=1.79,95%CI:1.56~2.10)、TG(OR=2.13,95%CI:1.86~2.41)、HDLC(OR=0.67,95%CI:0.42~0.84)、LDLC(OR=2.01,95%CI:1.78~2.32)仍是CAC发生的危险因素,且随着TG、TC、LDLC水平升高,HDLC水平降低,其关联效应值也相应增高(P趋势＜0.05);与轻度钙化组相比,中度钙化组、重度钙化组年龄、TG、TC均显著增加,HDLC均显著降低,中度钙化组UA显著增加,重度钙化组LDLC、血磷显著增加,血镁、25-(OH)-VitD₃显著降低;与中度钙化组相比,重度钙化组TC、LDLC显著增加,UA、HDLC显著降低(均P＜0.05),且多元Logistic回归模型表明高龄,TG、TC、LDLC水平升高及HDLC水平降低是CKD患者PD治疗后发生重度CAC的独立危险因素(均P＜0.05);限制性三次样条回归分析表明血脂水平与CAC严重程度呈明显的相关性;ROC曲线分析显示,血TG、TC、HDLC、LDLC联合检测的AUC为0.897,灵敏度为0.899,特异度为0.826,表明TG、TC、HDLC、LDLC联合检测对进行PD治疗的CKD患者CAC严重程度的预测价值高于任一单一指标。 [结论]进行PD治疗的CKD患者,血TG、TC、LDLC水平升高及HDLC水平降低与CAC发生风险显著相关,并且参与了CAC的发生发展,临床可通过联合检测提高其预测价值。     

H2S拮抗HUVEC衰老与促进SIRT1巯基化和减少FOXO1乙酰化有关

目的]探讨沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT1)/叉头转录因子O1(FOXO1)在H₂S拮抗H₂O₂诱导内皮细胞衰老过程中的作用。 [方法]建立内皮细胞衰老模型,通过衰老相关β-半乳糖苷酶(SA-β-gal)染色在光学显微镜下观察到的蓝染细胞数(即衰老细胞)计算阳性细胞率。采用Western blot检测细胞P21、P53、纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1(PAI-1)、叉头转录因子O1(FOXO1)、乙酰化FOXO1(ac-FOXO1)、锰超氧化物歧化酶(MnSOD)及过氧化氢酶的蛋白表达水平,采用生物素转换法测定S-巯基化SIRT1的表达,采用活性氧(ROS)检测定量评估细胞内ROS水平。 [结果]经100 μmol/L H₂O₂处理可显著提高SA-β-gal染色阳性细胞率和P21、P53、PAI-1的蛋白表达,提示衰老细胞模型成功建立,而100 μmol/L NaHS可明显拮抗这一作用,SA-β-gal染色阳性细胞数明显下降(P＜0.01),P21、P53、PAI-1的蛋白表达显著降低(P＜0.01)。与对照组相比,H₂O₂组SIRT1、FOXO1、ac-FOXO1、MnSOD及过氧化氢酶的蛋白表达显著降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),ac-FOXO1/FOXO1比值显著增加(P＜0.01),ROS水平明显升高(P＜0.01)。与H₂O₂组相比,NaHS＋H₂O₂组SIRT1、S-巯基化SIRT1、FOXO1、ac-FOXO1、MnSOD及过氧化氢酶的蛋白表达显著升高((P＜0.05或P＜0.01),ac-FOXO1/FOXO1比值显著下降(P＜0.01),ROS水平明显降低(P＜0.05)。 [结论]H₂S可拮抗H₂O₂诱导的HUVEC衰老,其机制与促进SIRT1巯基化和减少FOXO1乙酰化有关。     

颈动脉周围脂肪密度与颈动脉狭窄以及预后的关系

目的]探讨颈动脉周围脂肪密度与颈动脉狭窄以及预后的关系。 [方法]回顾性连续纳入209例2017年1月—2021年1月在台州市中心医院(台州学院附属医院)收治的颈内动脉颅外段狭窄的患者。通过颈动脉计算机断层成像血管造影评估最狭窄颈动脉轴层以及对侧同一轴层的血管周围脂肪密度;收集患者临床资料;根据指南对狭窄程度进行分度;回顾病史明确是否为症状性颈动脉狭窄;对患者进行1年的随访。 [结果]患者颈动脉狭窄侧的周围脂肪密度比狭窄对侧高4.2%(P＜0.001),且颈动脉周围脂肪密度随狭窄严重程度加重而增加。在狭窄侧,有症状组患者颈动脉周围脂肪密度比无症状组高6.25%(P＝0.015)。在无症状患者中,1年内发生狭窄侧相关脑血管结局事件组颈动脉周围脂肪密度比未发生患者组高12.4%(P＝0.017),Logistic回归分析校正两组差异因素结果仍具有统计学差异(OR＝1.060,95%CI:1.006～1.117,P＝0.028)。 [结论]颈动脉周围脂肪密度与颈动脉狭窄程度呈正相关;症状性颈动脉狭窄以及再发狭窄侧相关缺血性脑血管结局事件患者的颈动脉周围脂肪密度高。     

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.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

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.     

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.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.