海洛因依赖者血清中Th1和Th2细胞产生主要细胞因子水平的研究

目的:通过检测Th1、Th2细胞产生主要细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-4在海洛因依赖者血清中水平的变化,为充分认识海洛因对机体免疫功能的影响提供依据。方法:93例海洛因依赖者按吸食海洛因时间长短分为三组(2年以内、5～10年、10年以上),31例正常人血清作为对照组,用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组人血清IFN-γ、IL-4水平。结果:各组海洛因依赖者血清细胞因子IFN-γ水平高于正常对照组(P0.05),而IL-4水平低于正常对照组(P0.05)。吸食海洛因2年到5-10年到10年以上,IFN-γ水平呈先高后低变化(108.52±25.84pg/ml、133.13±36.35pg/ml、113.4±38.17pg/ml),IL-4水平呈先低后高变化(129.18±83.42pg/ml、76.35±47.01pg/ml、139.74±111.37pg/ml)。结论:Th1、Th2细胞产生主要细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-4在海洛因依赖者血清中水平改变明显,证明海洛因依赖者存在Th1/Th2功能紊乱。特别是吸食5～10年间以Th1亢进,Th2降低为主。     

海洛因依赖者血清中TGF-β1水平的研究

通过检测TGF-β1在海洛因依赖者血清中水平的变化,为进一步认识海洛因对机体免疫功能的影响提供依据。将99例海洛因依赖者按吸食海洛因时间长短均分为三组(2年以内、5~10年、10年以上),33例正常人血清作为对照组,用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组血清TGF-β1水平。结果显示,各组海洛因依赖者血清TGF-β1较正常对照组降低(P<0.05);从2年以内组到5~10年组到10年以上组,TGF-β1水平逐渐降低(99.92±38.35 pg/ml、91.72±67.78pg/ml、53.51±27.32 pg/ml)。TGF-β1在海洛因依赖者血清中水平改变明显,吸食海洛因可抑制机体TGF-β1的水平表达。     

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清IL-10和IL-18的检测及意义

目的探讨系统性红斑狼疮（SLE）患者血清IL-10和IL-18的表达及其与疾病活动的关系。方法应用ELISA法检测104例SLE患者和100例健康体检者血清IL-10和IL-18的水平,其中SLE患者根据疾病活动性指数（SLEDAI）评分标准分为活动组（56例）和缓解组（48例）,比较各组结果的差异,并分析SLEDAI与IL-10和IL-18的相关性。结果 SLE组IL-10和IL-18水平分别为（18.25±3.66）、（582.61±65.28）pg/ml,明显高于对照组的（7.12±2.36）、（186.24±60.39）pg/ml,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;SLE活动组IL-10和IL-18水平分别为（25.98±4.75）、（683.72±62.48）pg/ml,高于缓解组的（14.67±3.21）、（493.51±69.17）pg/ml,差异亦有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;SLE患者血清IL-10和IL-18水平与SLEDAI呈正相关（P〈0.05）。结论 IL-10和IL-18在SLE发病机制中发挥重要作用,而且与疾病活动性相关。     

支气管哮喘患者血清IL-10、IL-5和ECP的变化及其意义

目的 通过对支气管哮喘患者和正常对照组的血清IL-10, IL-5和 ECP水平的测定以及相互关系的研究,探讨它们在支气管发病中的作用.方法 应用Pharmacia UniCAP系统和ELISA方法分别测定支气管哮喘患者和正常对照组的血清E CP和IL-10、IL-5水平.结果 正常对照组和发作期的支气管哮喘患者的 ECP水平分别为(3.97±2.13) μg/L和(21.76±12.08) μg/L.正常对照组,支气管哮喘ECP 升高组和支气管哮喘ECP正常组的血清IL-5水平分别为(10.90±4.41) pg/mL,(20.62± 15.7 4) pg/mL和(9.24±7.16) pg/mL.正常对照组和支气管哮喘ECP升高组之间IL-5水平有显著差异(P＜0.01),正常对照组和支气管哮喘ECP正常组之间IL-5水平无差异(P＞0.05) ,支气管哮喘ECP正常组和ECP升高组之间IL-5水平有显著差异(P＜0.01),ECP与IL-5 明显相关 ,两者之间的相关系数r=0.465(P＜0.01).正常对照组,支气管哮喘ECP升高组和支气管哮喘ECP正常组的血清IL-10水平分别为(38.28±15.17) pg/mL,(22.76±15.25) pg/mL 和(42.32±14.61) pg/mL,支气管哮喘ECP正常组和ECP升高组之间IL-10水平有显著差异( P＜0. 01).结论 支气管哮喘的发生与嗜酸粒细胞有密切的关系,ECP和IL-5可反映嗜酸粒细胞的活化程度,在支气管哮喘发作时嗜酸粒细胞处于激活状态,易于释放蛋白颗粒;IL-5对嗜酸粒细胞有调控作用.支气管哮喘组的血清IL-10水平较正常对照组低,提示支气管哮喘患者IL-10分泌减少,不能有效抑制炎症或促炎症细胞因子的合成及释放,亦即不能有效抑制炎症反应,可能是导致或加重气道炎症的原因之一.     

IL-35对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者Treg/Th17平衡的影响北大核心CSCD

目的:观察IL-35在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者外周血中的表达及其对CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg和辅助性T细胞17(Th17)的调控作用。方法:选取44例COPD患者和25例健康对照者,分离血浆和外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),ELISA检测血浆IL-35水平,流式细胞术检测PBMC中CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg和Th17水平,计算Treg/Th17。重组人IL-35刺激COPD患者PBMC,流式细胞术检测CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg和Th17比例,ELISA检测培养上清中IL-10、IL-17和IL-22水平,RT-PCR检测FoxP3和RORγt mRNA表达。磁力分选COPD患者PBMC中的CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg,重组人IL-35刺激后与自体PBMC共培养,CCK-8检测细胞增殖。结果:与对照组相比,COPD组血浆IL-35水平降低[(108.20±12.13)pg/ml vs(133.30±22.91)pg/ml,t=5.980,P<0.000 1],CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg比例降低[(4.71±1.00)%vs(6.07±1.03)%,t=5.362,P<0.000 1],Th17比例升高[(2.97±0.72)%vs(2.28±0.61)%,t=4.060,P=0.000 1],Treg/Th17降低(1.69±0.60 vs 2.86±0.91,t=6.279,P<0.000 1)。重组人IL-35刺激后,CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg比例升高(P=0.000 2),Treg/Th17升高(P=0.015 0),而Th17比例无明显变化(P=0.391 0),培养上清中IL-10水平升高[(145.10±24.40)pg/ml vs(123.50±24.11)pg/ml,t=4.520,P<0.000 1],而IL-17和IL-22水平均无明显变化(P>0.05),FoxP3 mRNA表达显著升高(1.27±0.19 vs 0.96±0.10,t=7.600,P<0.000 1),而RORγt mRNA表达无明显变化(P=0.447 0)。重组人IL-35刺激COPD患者分选的CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg免疫抑制活性增强。结论:IL-35主要通过提高CD4^(+)CD25^(+)CD127^(dim/-)Treg比例和活性影响Treg/Th17平衡,在COPD过程中可能发挥免疫保护作用。     

IL-2、IL-4、IL-6、IFN-γ、IL-17A在肝癌组织中表达及其与乙肝病毒感染的关系

目的:研究Th17(IL-17A)在肝细胞癌发生发展中的作用,尤其与乙肝病毒感染的关系。方法:收集39例原发性肝细胞癌患者的癌与非癌组织,应用流式细胞微球阵列术(CBA)检测IL-2、IL-4、IL-6、IFN-γ、IL-17A细胞因子水平,并与患者临床资料进行统计比较分析。结果:肝癌组织中IL-2、IL-4、IFN-γ表达水平好[分别为(4.61±0.28)、(3.37±0.58)、(3.08±1.08)pg/ml]显著低于非癌组织[分别为(5.57±0.59)、(3.77±0.70)、(3.69±1.20)pg/ml],而IL-6、IL-17A水平[分别为(280.09±254.68)、(2.66±1.66)pg/ml]显著高于非癌组织[分别为(6.58±1.92)、(1.49±0.98)pg/ml],同时无论癌组织还是非癌组织,高乙肝病毒载量(>1 000 U/ml)的组织IL-17A的表达[(3.45±1.86)pg/ml]显著高于低病毒载量(<1 000U/ml)的组织[(1.97±1.16)pg/ml]。结论:Th17细胞分泌的细胞因子IL-17A在肝癌组织中高表达,IL-2、IL-4和IFN-γ可能抑制其表达,而IL-6可能促进其表达;乙肝病毒感染有可能促进Th17的表达,从而降低患者的预后。     

慢性牙周炎伴肥胖患者血清中IL-6、IL-18表达水平的研究

目的 探究白细胞介素6（IL-6）、白细胞介素18（IL-18）在肥胖慢性牙周炎患者血清中的表达水平变化及意义。方法 选取2017年9月~2018年5月在佳木斯大学附属口腔医院牙周科门诊确诊为慢性牙周炎患者15例设为NP组,另选取同期慢性牙周炎伴肥胖患者15例设为FP组。收集两组患者外周血样本并记录牙周PD、CAL,采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA法)测定样本中的IL-6、IL-18的表达水平,分析两组间指标的差异及相关性。结果 FP组血清中IL-6、IL-18分别为（9.16±2.35）pg/ml、（325.22±98.67）pg/ml,其表达水平分别高于NP组的（6.15±2.06）pg/ml和（241.52±78.82）pg/ml,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;FP组中PD与血清中IL-6、IL-18呈高度正相关（r＝0.894,P＜0.01;r＝0.819,P＜0.01）;CAL与血清中IL-6、IL-18呈正相关（r＝0.885,P＜0.01,r＝0.828,P＜0.01）;NP组中PD与血清中IL-6、IL-18也有正相关关系（r＝0.842,P＜0.01,r＝0.728,P＜0.01）;CAL与血清中IL-6、IL-18呈正相关（r＝0.884,P＜0.01,r＝0.707,P＜0.01）。结论 肥胖状态所导致的外周血中IL-6、IL-18水平的升高与CP的发生发展存在着密切联系。     

血清IL-8、IL-10、PCT在小儿肺炎支原体肺炎治疗中的临床应用

目的探讨血清中白介素-8(IL-8)、白介素-10(IL-10)和降钙素原(PCT)在小儿肺炎支原体肺炎发病中的临床价值。方法用ELISA法和化学发光法检测62例肺炎支原体肺炎患儿治疗前后及50例同期幼儿园和小学生健康体检者血清中IL-8、IL-10和PCT水平,结合临床相关检查资料,对检测结果采用SPSS18.0统计软件进行统计学分析,各组实验数据以均数±标准差(±)表示,各实验组间比较计量资料的t检验,<0.05为有统计学意义。结果 MPP组治疗前：IL-8(16.38±9.63 pg/ml)、IL-10(13.59±8.41 pg/ml)、PCT(0.68±0.52 mg/L)与对照组IL-8(4.66±3.92 pg/ml)、IL-10(5.67±3.03 pg/ml)、PCT(0.29±0.16 mg/L)浓度比较有显著性差异(<0.05);MPP组治疗6~8d后IL-8(5.15±4.49 pg/ml)、IL-10(6.42±5.06 pg/ml)、PCT(0.31±0.18 mg/L)浓度较治疗前均有明显下降,有显著性差异(<0.05),与健康对照组比较,两者差异无统计学意义(>0.05)。结论 MPP患儿入院治疗前、治疗后血清IL-8、IL-l0,PCT含量的变化对疾病的进展和疗效有一定指导意义,提示IL-8、IL-10和PCT在MPP发病机制中起重要作用。     

IL-10通路基因多态性与哮喘及OPN、TGF-β1水平相关性探讨

目的探讨IL-10通路基因多态性与哮喘以及OPN、TGF-β1水平的关系。方法选择我院63例哮喘患儿为研究组,50例健康儿童为对照组,均采集外周血标本,采用限制性片段长度多态性聚合酶链反应(PCR-RFLP)技术检测IL-10通路基因多态性,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测外周血白介素-10(IL-10)、骨桥蛋白(OPN)及转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)水平,分析IL-10通路基因多态性与哮喘、IL-10、OPN、TGF-β1的相关性。结果哮喘组患儿IL-10通路基因分型以AG+AA型比例最高(76.19%),A等位基因频率39.68%,G等位基因频率60.32%,对照组GG型36.00%,AG+AA型64.00%,A等位基因频率51.00%,G等位基因频率49.00%,2组等位基因频率之间差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。研究组患儿血清IL-10、OPN、TGF-β1水平均高于对照组[(95.37±26.88)pg/ml vs(81.05±17.73)pg/ml、(19.52±5.37)ng/ml vs(14.19±3.95)ng/ml、(70.35±12.54)pg/ml vs(46.38±8.15)pg/ml,P0.05]。研究组患儿AA+AG基因分型患者血清IL-10水平高于GG型(P0.05),OPN、TGF-β1在研究组患儿和对照组儿童不同基因分型中差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。IL-10通路AG+GG基因型、G等位基因与哮喘正相关(r=0.521、0.392,P0.05),与IL-10呈正相关(r=0.435、0.507,P0.05),与OPN、TGF-β1水平无关(P0.05)。结论哮喘患者IL-10、OPN、TGF-β1水平明显升高,IL-10通路单核苷酸多态性与哮喘发生有关,AG+AA基因型、G等位基因可能增加哮喘发生的风险。     

甲亢性肝损害与IL-23/Th17轴细胞因子的相关性研究

目的通过检测初发Graves病甲亢性肝损害患者IL-23/Th17轴相关因子水平,探讨甲亢性肝损害与IL-23/Th17轴的相关性。方法研究对象均为未接受抗甲状腺治疗的初发Graves病患者,分为甲亢性肝损害组与肝功能正常组,各40例。用ELISA法检测各组血清IL-17A、IL-17F、IL-22、IL-23水平,电化学发光法检测FT3、FT4、TSH、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)、甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb)、TSH受体抗体(TRAb)水平,酶法检测肝功能。结果 IL-17A、IL-17F、IL-23在甲亢性肝损害组[分别为(138.04±32.66)、(117.32±31.34)、(54.92±9.59)pg/ml]与肝功能正常组[分别为(123.29±17.89)、(98.26±19.51)、(10.30±6.19)pg/ml]具有统计学差异(P<0.05)。采用Pearson分析得出IL-17A、IL-17F、IL-23与ALT、AST呈正相关(P<0.05);IL-22与ALT、AST相关性无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 IL-23/Th17轴与血清ALT、AST具有相关性,此轴可能参与甲亢性肝损害的发生。     

病毒性心肌炎患者血清sIL-2R、IL-6和IL-8水平变化及临床意义

作者观察了50份柯萨基B组病毒（Cox B）性心肌炎患者血清IL-6、 IL-8和sIL-2R的水平变化,及与病毒血症的关系。发现病毒性心肌炎患者血清的IL-8和IL-6水平均显著高于正常对照组,其中血清Cox B抗原和特异性IgM抗体均阳性组（20例）的IL-8和IL-6含量均明显高于仅检出特异性IgM抗体组（30例）,且IL-8含量升高的程度与检测抗原的阳性强度是显著正相关。然而,两组间及与正常对照组间sIL-2R的含量均无明显差异。认为血清IL-8水平升高是病毒性心肌炎急性期的一个重要指标,并间接反映机体处于病毒血症或病毒抗原血症。     

Serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor, IL-4 and IgE-binding factors in childhood allergic diseases.

The serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-4 and IgE-binding factors were examined in children with allergic diseases, and compared with those in non-allergic controls of the same age and sex. The results showed age-related decreases in the serum levels of sIL-2R and IgE-binding factors, but not in that of IL-4 in both allergic and non-allergic individuals. Significant elevation of sIL-2R was observed in sera from children with atopic eczema or history of an anaphylactic reaction to food, as compared with that in non-allergic controls. The serum concentration of IL-4 was elevated in all allergic groups, including cases of atopic eczema, bronchial asthma and anaphylaxis to food, compared with non-allergic controls, and was correlated significantly with the serum level of IgE (r = 0.59). The IgE-binding factor levels in sera from patients aged 6-10 years with bronchial asthma, or patients aged 1-5 years with a history of food anaphylaxis were elevated as compared with those in non-allergic controls of same age. There was no significant correlation between the serum levels of IgE-binding factors and IgE. Since sIL-2R is released by activated T cells, the present study is in favour of T cell activation causing allergic skin disorders. The serum levels of IL-4 as well as IgE did not differ among allergic patients of different clinical categories. The role of IgE in atopic eczema and other allergic diseases is not clearly established; however, it seems likely that IL-4 is deeply involved in the increased production of IgE seen in allergic individuals. The possible involvement of IgE-binding factors in the age-related changes of clinical manifestations in childhood allergic diseases was also discussed.     

青少年吸毒者免疫细胞、细胞因子和生长激素的改变

目的：通过测定青少年吸食海洛因者外周血中T细胞亚群、Th1／1112细胞因子和血清中的生长激素，从分子水平探讨吸食海洛因对青少年免疫功能和生长发育的影响。方法：用微量全血直接免疫荧光染色，用流式细胞术检测外周血中T细胞亚群；流式细胞（Cytometric bead array，CBA）技术测定Th1／Th2细胞因子；化学发光法测定生长激素。结果：青少年吸食海洛因组（n=20）CD3^＋、CD3^＋＋CIM^＋、CD3^＋＋CIM^＋／CD3^＋＋CD8^＋、Th1细胞因子（IL-2，TNF-α和IFN-γ）和Th2细胞因子（IL-4，IL-10）低于健康组（n=23）（P〈0．01或0．05）；且Th1细胞因子下降程度大于Th2细胞因子（P〈0．05）；血清生长激素显著高于健康组（P〈0．01）。结论：海洛因降低青少年机体免疫功能，对细胞免疫的损伤大于体液免疫；海洛因能升高青少年血清生长激素，机制需进一步探讨。     

海洛因依赖者一级亲属心理状况测查

吸毒不仅危害个人 ,而且危害社会和家庭。一个家庭有成员吸毒 ,必然对家庭中其他成员的身心健康产生不良的影响 ,为了解吸毒人员对其家庭成员心理健康状况的影响情况 ,本研究对 32 0名吸毒者的一级亲属作了心理健康的调查 ,结果报告如下 :1　资料和方法从 1999年 7月至 8月在广州地区 8家自愿戒毒所进行自愿戒毒的戒毒人员中 ,随机抽取其一级亲属 32 0名 ,既往有心理障碍史的除外。其中男 16 5名 ,女 155名 ;年龄 19～ 58岁 ,平均 37.2± 6 .7岁 ,吸毒 5年以下和 5年以上的戒毒者的一级亲属分别为152名、16 8名。吸毒 5年以下和 5年以上的两…     

Ovarian follicular concentration of IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 and p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the presence of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, IL-18 and p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 in follicular fluid from spontaneous cycles and the relation between the concentration of selected cytokines and IVF-embryo transfer outcome. METHODS: IVF-embryo transfer and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA and MBL, Nagoya, Japan) were used. RESULTS: Follicular fluid of women included in the IVF-embryo transfer procedure contained common p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 (median 70.1 pg/ml), IL-15 (median 1.3 pg/ml) and IL-18 (median 38.2 pg/ml). There was a significant negative correlation between follicular fluid concentrations of IL-15 and IL-18 (R=-0.392, P=0.003). Significantly higher concentrations of common p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 (median 79.8 pg/ml) were found in the follicular fluid taken from follicles containing oocytes, when compared with those without an oocyte (median 44.5 pg/ml, P=0.006). Patients who achieved clinical pregnancy had significantly decreased concentration of IL-15 (median 0.8 pg/ml) compared with patients without successful IVF-embryo transfer outcome (median 1.4 pg/ml, P=0.047). CONCLUSION: Follicular fluid collected from spontaneous cycles contains detectable levels of p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23, IL-15 and IL-18. Increased concentrations of p40 subunit of IL-12/IL-23 in follicles containing oocytes suggest an important role of this cytokine in reproduction. Possible negative value of IL-15 as a predictor of IVF-embryo transfer success remains to be determined.     

血清IL-6、IL-10、CRP和PCT水平检测对手足口病早期 合并细菌感染患儿的临床诊断价值

目的 探讨血清IL-6、IL-10、CRP和PCT水平检测对手足口病早期合并细菌感染患儿的临床诊断价值。方法 选取我院收治的早期手足口病患儿90例为观察组,并根据患儿是否合并细菌感染分为单纯组51例和感染组39例,选取同期来我院体检的健康儿童50例为对照组,比较三组间IL-6、IL-10、CRP和PCT水平差异。结果 观察组患儿IL-6、IL-10、CRP以及PCT水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;感染组患儿CRP以及PCT水平高于单纯组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;感染组和单纯组IL-6、IL-10水平比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 IL-6、IL-10水平在鉴别手足口病是否合并细菌感染方面的意义有待于进一步研究,而联合CRP和PCT检测可为临床鉴别早期手足口患儿是否合并细菌感染提供可靠的实验室依据,利于临床早期用药治疗。     

海洛因依赖期间大鼠下颌下腺EGF及IL-2阳性细胞的免疫组织化学研究

目的 观察海洛因依赖对大鼠下颌下腺表皮生长因子(EGF)及白细胞介素2(IL-2)阳性细胞形态及功能的影响.方法 正常SD大鼠,随机分为空白对照组、盐水对照组及海洛因依赖组.皮下注射海洛因建立海洛因依赖大鼠模型,分别于第10、17、24、31、38d取下颌下腺组织.用免疫组织化学SABC法、图像分析及细胞计数方法进行研究.结果 1.与空白对照组相比,盐水对照组大鼠下颌下腺EGF、IL-2阳性细胞的数量及强度均无明显改变.2.海洛因依赖期间,大鼠下颌下腺EGF、IL-2阳性细胞的免疫反应增强,细胞数量明显增加(P<0.05).图像分析结果显示,在整个海洛因依赖期间,EGF、IL-2 阳性细胞的平均灰度值始终低于空白组及盐水对照组(P<0.05).3.EGF与IL-2在大鼠下颌下腺内分泌细胞中有共存现象.结论 在海洛因依赖期间,大鼠下颌下腺EGF、IL-2阳性细胞的数量及反应强度均发生了规律性改变,提示大鼠下颌下腺分泌的EGF及IL-2参与了机体对海洛因依赖的调节过程.     

Modulation of the IL-1 cytokine network in keratinocytes by intracellular IL-1 alpha and IL-1 receptor antagonist.

The IL-1 cytokine network in epidermal cells was studied in vitro, using the spontaneously transformed HaCAT human keratinocyte line. Intracellular (ic) IL-1 alpha and IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) following cell lysis were readily identified assayed using a capture ELISA; whereas in culture supernatants IL-1Ra was not detected, and IL-1 alpha was present at only very low levels. Confluent cultures of HaCAT cells were shown to provide optimal conditions for the study, since confluence increased the icIL-1Ra:IL-1 alpha ratio to a level as seen in vivo, which was independent of Ca2+ concentration in the culture medium. The IL-1Ra extracted from HaCAT cell lysates was functionally active, as demonstrated in the mouse thymocyte co-proliferation assay which could be blocked using a rabbit anti-IL-1Ra antibody. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta 1) stimulated a dose-dependent increase in HaCAT cell IL-1 alpha without changing IL-1Ra concentration, with a resultant reduction in the icIL-1Ra: IL-1 alpha ratio from 320:1 to 100:1. Similarly, TGF-alpha, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) substantially increased HaCAT cell IL-1 alpha, but had no effect on the IL-1Ra, with a concomitant reduction in the icIL-1Ra:IL-1 alpha ratio. In contrast to their effects on monocytes, IL-4 and IL-10 at biologically active levels had no effect on IL-1 alpha, IL-1Ra or the icIL-1Ra: IL-1 alpha ratio in confluent HaCAT cells. Hydrocortisone reduced IL-1 alpha to below the limit of sensitivity of the ELISA, and induced a small increase in IL-1Ra of questionable biological significance. Thus, regulation of the IL-1 cytokine network in keratinocytes involves modulation of icIL-1 alpha rather than of icIL-1Ra levels, and is markedly different from that noted in monocytes.     

Role of high expression of IL-9 in prognosis of CLL

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common leukemia in adults, but its pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is initially described as a growth factor secreted by helper T cells. Recently, the oncogenic activities of IL-9 were reported in some leukemia but not chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the expression of IL-9 from patients with CLL and to evaluate its correlation with clinical characteristics. Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with CLL were analyzed using ELISA, RT-PCR, and western blot. ELISA analysis indicated IL-9 could be detected in 20 of 47 sera from CLL patients while none serum sample from healthy volunteers contained detectable levels of IL-9. There was a higher expression of IL-9 within PBMCs from patients with CLL compared with B cells of healthy blood donors using RT-PCR and western blot. The upregulated IL-9 was correlated to the clinical staging, ZAP-70 expression, β2 microglobulin expression and IgVH status of CLL patients (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that overexpression of IL-9 may contribute to the pathogenesis of CLL and is associated with some adverse prognostic parameters.