Genetic contribution to C-reactive protein levels in severe obesity

Obese individuals are characterized by a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state. Increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, have been observed in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. We have previously reported that genes encoding proteins involved in the anti-inflammatory and immune response are differentially expressed in visceral adipose tissue of obese men with or without the metabolic syndrome. Among these genes, the interferon-gamma-inducible protein 30 (IFI30), CD163 molecule (CD163), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), were selected for further genetic analyses. The aim of the study was to verify whether IFI30, CD163, CXCL9 and TSLP gene polymorphisms contribute to explain the inter-individual variability of the inflammatory profile of obesity assessed by plasma high-sensitivity CRP concentrations. A total of 1185 severely obese individuals were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering most of the sequence-derived genetic variability at the IFI30, CD163, CXCL9 and TSLP gene loci (total of 27 SNPs). Following measurement of plasma CRP levels, subjects were divided into two groups, low vs. high using the median value of plasma CRP levels (8.31 mg/L) as a cutoff point. Genotype frequencies were compared between groups. Associations between genotypes and plasma CRP levels (continuous variable) were also tested after adjustments for age, sex, smoking and BMI. The rs11554159 and rs7125 IFI30 SNPs showed a significant difference in genotype frequencies (p<0.05) between subgroups of low vs. high plasma CRP levels (wild type homozygotes: rs11554159=47% vs. 55%, rs7125=31% vs. 24%, for low vs. high CRP groups, respectively). The association between rs11554159 and CRP levels as a continuous variable remained significant (p=0.004). Both carriers of the GA and AA genotypes demonstrated, on average, a 13% lower CRP levels in comparison with GG homozygotes. No association was observed between SNPs in the CD163, CXCL9 and TSLP genes and CRP levels. The IFI30 rs11554159 polymorphism could partially explain the inter-individual variability observed in the inflammatory profile associated with obesity.     

Plasma catecholamine levels in severe atopic eczema

Free plasma catecholamines were measured by means of a standardized HPLC method in 41 adult patients with severe atopic eczema and in 18 healthy volunteers. The circulating norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the atopic group (P less than 0.005), by contrast only slight differences were found in the epinephrine and dopamine concentrations. The possible mechanisms leading to these changes at concomitant normal DBH activities are discussed.     

Complement activation in diabetic ketoacidosis brains

The metabolic crisis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and its treatment can result in the life-threatening complication of clinical brain edema. However, there is limited information available regarding either the pathophysiology or histology of this acute complication. It has been reported that DKA and its treatment are associated with a systemic inflammatory response involving the activation of the complement cascade with increases of SC5b-9 serum level. We studied the brains of two patients, both of whom died as the result of DKA-related brain edema, for the presence of C5b-9, C1q and the expression of the CD59. Apoptosis was also evaluated by the TUNEL method. All regions of the brain demonstrated varying degrees of C5b-9 deposits on neurons, oligodendrocytes and blood vessels. C5b-9 was co-localized with C1q, suggesting the activation of classical pathway. No expression of CD59 was found on neurons, oligodendrocytes or blood vessels in DKA brain, but this complement inhibitor was present on these cells in the normal brain. Rarely, C5b-9 was co-localized with apoptotic neurons and OLG. Our data demonstrate that the metabolic crisis of DKA results in a loss of CD59 expression and assembly of C5b-9 on neurons and oligodendrocytes, suggesting that complement activation and C5b-9 may play a role in the pathophysiology of the brain edema of DKA.     

先兆子痫孕妇血清hsCRP含量检测及临床意义

目的研究先兆子痫病人(PE)血清高敏C-反应蛋白水平及与其它临床参数之间的关系和意义。方法选取在南京妇幼保健院就诊的20名妊晚期先兆子痫病人,检测生化指标和血常规,并于孕妇分娩前6h内抽静脉血检测高敏C-反应蛋白;另选20名正常孕晚期妇女作对照。结果PE组Hgb、hsCRP、Cr、Ast、A lt、LDH、Bun和尿蛋白计分均较正常对照组高,而pe组血钙水平较对照组低。先兆子痫组中,数据相关性分析显示,血hsCRP和舒张压之间存在较强的相关性(r=0.9,P=0.05,n=20);hsCRP和尿蛋白间也存在较强的相关性(r=0.8,P=0.05,n=20);而hsCRP和新生儿的体重(r=0.6,P=0.02,n=20)及体长(r=0.5,P=0.05,n=20)间则呈现低相关。对照组中,血hsCRP和新生儿体重(r=0.5,P=0.02,n=20)和体长(r=0.5,P=0.05,n=20)也同样呈低相关性。结论先兆子痫病人血hsCRP水平升高;高水平的hsCRP和先兆子痫病人的生化及血液学参数水平呈较好的相关性。所以,血hsCRP测定可以作为严重的先兆子痫病人的一个敏感指标。     

小檗碱对糖尿病肾病大鼠C反应蛋白的影响

目的:观察小檗碱对糖尿病肾病大鼠C反应蛋白的影响。方法:将48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、小檗碱75、150及300mg.kg-1组、罗格列酮组六组,每组8只。除正常对照组外,其余各组大鼠腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ,55mg.kg-1),成功造模后小檗碱各组及罗格列酮组分别灌胃给予75、150、300mg.kg-1小檗碱以及4mg.kg-1罗格列酮,连续6w后检测大鼠血糖、体重,HE染色检测肾脏病理改变,ELISA法检测C反应蛋白活性。结果:与正常对照组相比,糖尿病组血糖与C反应蛋白活性明显升高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,小檗碱各组血糖与C反应蛋白活性明显降低(P<0.05),有统计学意义。结论:小檗碱可降低糖尿病大鼠血糖和C反应蛋白,减轻糖尿病肾病。     

The levels of C-reactive protein in women treated by IVF

BACKGROUND: The complex regulation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation involves cytokines, several of which are stimulators of the acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum CRP in women treated by IVF. METHODS: Seventy-two women who underwent IVF treatment were prospectively studied. The levels of serum CRP were evaluated on the following days: oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, 5, 6 or 7 days afterwards and 12 days after embryo transfer. RESULTS: CRP levels increased from 6.8 +/- 9.5 mg/l on oocyte retrieval day to 14.6 +/- 12.5 mg/l on days 5-7 post-transfer (P<0.0001). The ratios of CRP levels for transfer day/pick-up day were 1.2 in women who conceived versus 2.5 in the non-pregnant group (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: In women treated by IVF the concentrations of CRP in blood increase significantly during the first week following oocyte retrieval. Successful outcome is associated with a relative small increment in CRP on the day of embryo transfer.     

Magnesium intake and serum C-reactive protein levels in children.

The objective of this study was to determine whether magnesium consumption is associated with inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) in children. The study was an analysis of child (age 6-17 years) participants in the cross-sectional, nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Children consuming less than 75% of RDA were 1.94 times more likely (p < 0.05) to have elevated serum CRP levels than children consuming above the RDA. In adjusted analyses controlling for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and BMI, children with consumption of less than 75% RDA were 58% more likely to have elevated CRP (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.07-infinity). Children with intakes below the RDA are more likely to have elevated CRP levels.     

C-reactive protein levels in the serum of asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease caused by immune cells such as T lymphocytes and eosinophils. Recently, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assays have become available for detecting small changes in CRP levels within the reference range, allowing for the evaluation of clinical inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between hs-CRP levels and bronchial asthma. METHODS: We collected blood samples from 109 patients with bronchial asthma, with or without attacks, and measured serum eosinophil cationic protein levels, pulmonary function, and serum CRP levels using an hs-CRP assay. RESULTS: Mean serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients without attacks (0.473 mg/L) and with attacks (0.908 mg/L) (P < .001 for both) than in controls (0.262 mg/L). Serum hs-CRP levels were inversely correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity in asthmatic patients (r = -0.4915; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Serum hs-CRP levels may be related to the state of asthma exacerbation and allergic inflammation.     

Serum C-reactive protein and interleukin6 levels in neonatal sepsis

In this article, we studied complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL-6) levels in 30 newborn infants with sepsis at admission, in the 24th hour of admission and at the end of the treatment. Our purpose was to determine the relationship among these parameters in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. In our study, there was not a significant difference in white blood cell (WBC) and thrombocyte count among the values of the first, 24th hour and end of therapy in the study group (P > 0.05). However, there was not a significant difference in B/N ratio among the values at admission, 24th hour and end of therapy in the study group (P > 0.05). Both serum CRP and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects at the beginning (P < 0.05). Similarly, the values obtained on the 24th hour were also elevated. However, at the end of therapy both decreased to normal level (P < 0.05). Based on these data, we think that serum CRP levels only which is a simple method may be used in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. However, WBC and serum IL-6 levels may be useful to establish mortality, because there was a statistically significant difference for these parameters between the survivors and deaths (P < 0.05).