Serum levels of different forms of soluble CD38 antigen in burned patients

The level of the total and dimeric (oligomeric) forms of soluble CD38 antigen (sCD38) has been determined by an ELISA sandwich method in serum from burned patients (n=18) and healthy volunteers (n = 25). The serum level of total sCD38 was insignificantly increased in patients at the stage of burn shock (135 +/- 10.8 U/ml, mean +/- S.E.M.) and significantly decreased between 4 and 14 postburn days in comparison with volunteers (69.5 +/- 10.8 U/ml versus 121 +/- 7.8 U/ml, P < 0.05). The serum level of soluble dimeric CD38 in burned patients was statistically lower than normal during all periods of observation (45.3 +/- 8.8 and 130 +/- 6.2 U/ml, respectively, P < 0.01). The relative number of CD38(+) lymphocytes was increased during the period of shock in comparison with healthy volunteers (21 +/- 1.6% versus 13 +/- 1.1%, P < 0.05). There were no correlations between number CD38(+) lymphocytes and total sCD38 or dimeric sCD38 serum levels. These data suggest that the mCD38 expression and serum level of total sCD38 are a markers the early postburn lymphocytes activation. The decrease of dimeric sCD38 level can reflect its dissociation to monomeric form in burned patients.     

Peripheral blood lymphocytes immunophenotype and serum concentration of soluble HLA class I in burn patients

The level of the soluble form of histocompatibility class I antigens, associated with beta(2)-microglobulin (sHLA-I) has been determined by an ELISA sandwich method in serum from burned patients (n=42) and healthy volunteers (n=30). The sHLA-I level was insignificantly increased in burn patients at the stage of burn shock (1284+/-324U/ml, mean+/-S.E.M.) and after day 28 postburn (1368+/-258U/ml) compared to volunteers (1150+/-90U/ml). At the same time a decrease of sHLA-I levels between 4 and 14 days (638+/-178U/ml) was determined (P<0.05). Increased levels of sHLA, though not significant, were detected in patients with TBSAB >70% in comparison to patients with TBSAB from 30 to 70% during burn shock (1493+/-528 and 1075+/-339U/ml, respectively). Expression of membranous HLA class I antigens (mHLA-I) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) was assayed simultaneously by indirect immunofluorescence. The number of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD25(+), CD71(+) and CD26(+) lymphocytes was also evaluated. The expression of mHLA-I in PBLs was increased significantly in patients with TBSAB <70% at early postburn period. Daily monitoring showed that the relative numbers of CD25(+) and CD71(+) lymphocytes in patients varied greatly within short intervals of time during burn shock. The data obtained suggest that mHLA-I expression can reflect postburn lymphocyte activation. The serum content of sHLA-I does not depend on lymphocyte number or activated lymphocyte number in peripheral blood at burned patients.     

胰岛素强化治疗对严重烫伤大鼠血清凋亡配体的作用

目的 了解大鼠严重烫伤后血清凋亡相关配体的变化及胰岛素强化治疗的作用.方法 将150只Wistar大鼠随机分为假伤组、烫伤组和治疗组.烫伤组和治疗组烫伤后立即腹腔注射等渗盐水40 mL/kg复苏;治疗组伤后24 h皮下注射胰岛素0.25 U/100 g,以后每12小时注射1次,共注射5 d.第1～5天的剂量分别为0.25、0.50、0.75、1.00、1.25 U/100 g,将大鼠血糖控制在3～6 mmol/L.假伤组浸入37℃温水假伤后不进行液体复苏.于伤后1、4、7、10、14 d抽取各组大鼠腹主动脉血,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法检测血清TNF-α、可溶性Fas配体(sFasL)、可溶性Fas受体(sFas);放射免疫法检测血清胰岛素水平.结果 烫伤组大鼠伤后1 d血清TNF-α水平[(30.9±8.7)ng/L]即达高峰,与假伤组[(12.7±2.8)ng/L]和治疗组[(16.8±4.7)ng/L]比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),以后逐渐下降;治疗组大鼠伤后血清TNF-α水平虽然有所上升,但在伤后7 d内明显低于烫伤组(P<0.01).烫伤组、治疗组大鼠血清sFasL分别在伤后7～14 d和4～10 d高于假伤组(P<0.05),此后逐渐恢复至正常水平.伤后4～10 d治疗组sFas水平明显高于烫伤组及假伤组(P<0.05).伤后7、10 d烫伤组大鼠血清sFasL与sFas比值高于假伤组,而治疗组则在伤后7 d低于烫伤组(P<0.05),伤后14 d 2组均接近正常水平.烫伤组大鼠血清胰岛素水平在伤后4～10d低于假伤组(P<0.05).治疗组从伤后第1天起血清胰岛素水平即显著升高,伤后4 d[(327±15)μU/mL]达高峰,并显著高于假伤组[(42±15)μU/mL,P<0.01]和烫伤组[(28±10)μU/mL,P<0.01],随着治疗的进行,该指标逐渐恢复到正常水平.结论 胰岛素可能通过调节凋亡配体的分泌而抑制烧伤后细胞凋亡.     

Early elevation of soluble CD14 may help identify trauma patients at high risk for infection

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) have been implicated in both gram-positive and gram-negative sepsis, and it has been associated with high mortality in trauma patients who become infected. METHODS: Eleven healthy volunteers and 25 adult trauma patients with multiple injuries and a mean Injury Severity Score of 32 participated. Whole blood was obtained at intervals. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify membrane CD14 (mCD14), by flow cytometry and plasma levels of sCD14 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance and Student's T test with Mann-Whitney posttest were used to determine significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: On posttrauma day 1, sCD14 was significantly different in the plasma of infected patients compared with normal controls (7.16 +/- 1.87 microg/mL vs. 4.4 +/- 0.92 microg/mL, p < 0.01), but not significantly different from noninfected patients. The percentage of monocytes expressing mCD14 in trauma patients did not differentiate them from normal controls; however, mCD14 receptor density did demonstrate significance in septic trauma patients (n = 15) versus normal controls on posttrauma day 3 (p = 0.0065). CONCLUSION: On the basis of our data, mCD14 did not differentiate infected and noninfected trauma patients, although trauma in general reduced mCD14 and elevated sCD14. Interestingly, 100% of patients who exceeded plasma levels of 8 microg/mL of sCD14 on day 1 after injury developed infections. Therefore, early high expressers of sCD14 may be at higher risk for infectious complications after trauma.     

Transient rise in serum soluble Fas (APO-1/CD95) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

The Fas molecule, also designated APO-1/CD95, belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. It is a widely expressed membrane-anchored protein that induces apoptosis by Fas/Fas ligand (Fas-L) mediation. It was reported that Fas-mediated apoptosis plays an important role in regulation of the immune system, systemic inflammatory response, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. A soluble form of Fas (sFas) is produced either through the proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound receptors or by alternative splicing, and sFas is thought to be implicated in apoptosis. In addition, sFas released damaged cells, and elevated serum levels of sFas reflect systemic tissue damage. To examine the specificity of sFas production during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, we serially measured the serum sFas levels in 13 patients during and after surgery. Blood samples were obtained before surgery, at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, at the end of surgery, and at 12 h after surgery. Levels of serum sFas were determined by sandwich ELISA. Seven patients undergoing other types of surgeries served as controls. Although increased sFas was not observed in the control group, a significantly higher sFas level was detected in cardiac surgical patients at the end of surgery than before surgery (p = 0. 028), and the level decreased at 12 h after surgery. A significant correlation was observed between the maximum sFas values and the length of surgery (r = 0.659, p = 0.012) and cardioplegic arrest (r = 0.559, p = 0.046). Elevated serum sFas levels were observed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and these serum sFas levels reflect the severity of a surgery. sFas may play an important role in the pathophysiology of surgical damage caused by cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.     

核因子kB活化对烧伤血清诱导单核细胞细胞因子表达的影响

目的了解核因子(NF)κB活化对烧伤血清诱导单核细胞活化分泌细胞因子的作用,探讨烧伤血清激活单核细胞的机制。方法收集体外培养的人外周血单核细胞(PBMC),分别用正常人血清、烧伤患者血清、烧伤患者血清 吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)刺激后依次分为对照组、烧伤血清组、PDTC组。采用电泳迁移率分析法检测刺激前及刺激0.5、1.0、2.0、4.0h时PBMC的NF-κB活性;酶联免疫吸附测定法和原位杂交法检测刺激前及刺激1.0、2.0、4.0、6.0h时PBMC培养上清液中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)α、白细胞介素(IL)8水平及TNF-αmRNA、IL-8mRNA的表达情况。结果血清刺激后,烧伤血清组PBMC NF-κB活性迅速升高,刺激1.0h时达峰值(30.2±3.5)×104积分灰度值,与对照组(4.4±0.8)×104积分灰度值比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).刺激2.0h后逐渐下降;而PDTC组NF-κB活性无明显升高,刺激1.0h时为(6.8±0.9)×104积分灰度值。烧伤血清组刺激PBMC1.0h时,TNF-αmRNA表达量和培养上清液中TNF-α水平即升高达峰值,并明显高于对照组(P<0·01);IL-8mRNA表达量和IL-8水平在刺激4.0h时达峰值,也明显高于对照组(P<0.01);而PDTC组PBMC培养上清液中TNF-α刺激1.0h时达峰值(0.52±0.06)μg/L;刺激4.0h时IL-8达峰值(239±20)ng/L,与对照组[(0.13±0.07)μg/L、<156ng/L]比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0·01).结论烧伤血清可通过活化NF-κB,启动PBMC对细胞因子的合成和释放,提示NF-κB活化在烧伤血清诱导PBMC分泌细胞因子的过程中起重要作用。     

CD14+单核细胞人类白细胞抗原DR表达率与脓毒症关系的研究

目的了解烧伤延迟复苏时CDl4^＋单核细胞人类白细胞抗原DR（HLA—DR）表达率的变化，分析其与脓毒症的关系。方法选择烧伤面积大于30％TBSA的25例烧伤延迟复苏患者，于伤后1、3、7、14、28d取外周血，其中7例患者住院期间并发脓毒症，于脓毒症发生后连续2d亦取其外周血。另取20例健康体检者外周血作为对照。流式细胞仪检测CD14^＋单核细胞HLA．DR表达率，酶联免疫吸附测定法检测血浆中肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF—α）、白细胞介素10（IL-10）的浓度。结果非脓毒症患者伤后1、3、7、14、28dCD14^＋单核细胞HLA—DR表达率分别为（15±6）％、（74±5）％、（264±17）％、（284-16）％、（474-16）％，明显低于健康体检者[（924±10）％，P〈0．01]；脓毒症患者发生脓毒症后1、2d，该指标亦明显低于健康体检者及非脓毒症患者伤后1、7、14、28d（P〈0．01）。脓毒症患者TNF—d检出率及TNF—α、IL-10浓度，均高于非脓毒症患者和健康体检者（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。伤后1、7、28d，外周血CD14^＋单核细胞HLA—DR表达率与IL—10浓度呈显著负相关（r分别为-0．9963、-0．7459、-0．8474，P〈0．01）。结论烧伤延迟复苏患者免疫功能低下，促炎性介质释放量增加，并发脓毒症时则更为严重。外周血CD14^＋单核细胞HLA—DR表达率可作为动态检测患者免疫功能状态的有效指标。     

Fas-Fas ligand system in the peripheral blood of patients with renal diseases

To clarify the role of the Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) system in the peripheral blood from patients with various renal diseases, the Fas and FasL expression on mononuclear cells (MNCs) and serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble FasL were investigated. Patients were selected from those with various types of glomerular diseases showing various degrees of renal function. Fas expression on MNCs was analyzed by a FACScan, sFas and soluble FasL were measured with an ELISA kit, and FasL expression on MNCs was counted using a FACScan after a bioassay. Fas-positive MNCs and sFas increased with statistical significance concomitantly with deterioration in renal function. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between them. sFas- and FasL-positive MNCs were significantly correlated with proteinuria. However, the Fas expression percentage on MNCs and/or serum levels of sFas did not correlate with the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the glomeruli. Also, there was no disease specificity in the activation of Fas. These results indicate that Fas expression on MNCs is activated in accordance with the deterioration in renal function without disease specificity, corresponding to the elevation of serum sFas levels to protect against Fas-mediated apoptosis.     

Soluble Fas and Fas-ligand in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo

Circulating soluble Fas (sFas) and expression of Fas-ligand on cancer cells are mechanisms of immune escape. The aim of the present study was to investigate expression and production of Fas and Fas-ligand on bladder cancer cell lines of different grade as a basic mechanism of their secretion in vivo. sFas and sFas-ligand serum levels of patients with different stage of bladder cancer were examined to determine the possible clinical use of these molecules as tumor markers. Bladder cancer cell lines RT4 (G1), RT112 (G1), T24 (G3) and SUP (G4) were analyzed by flowcytometry for Fas and Fas-ligand expression. To determine if the Fas-ligand gene is transcribed in these bladder cancer cell lines, RT-PCR was performed on mRNA extracted from these cell lines. Production of sFas and sFas-ligand was examined in cell culture supernatants of the cancer cells as well as in the serum of 62 patients with bladder cancer by a specific ELISA test. We demonstrate that Fas is expressed in similar levels on all human bladder carcinoma cell lines. In T24 (G3) and SUP (G4) cell lines we were able to detect the Fas-ligand protein, whereas no Fas-ligand protein could be found in RT4 and RT112 (G1) cells. Fas-ligand mRNA was expressed in all bladder cancer cell lines. Furthermore, all bladder cancer cell lines produce sFas but no sFas-ligand in spite of mRNA expression. The range of sFas levels in the serum of all patients with bladder cancer was large and did not show a correlation to the histopathological stage of bladder cancer. Although there is in vitro evidence that sFas and Fas-ligand play a role in bladder cancer, no correlation between the sFas and s Fas-ligand serum levels and the histopathological stage of bladder cancer could be found. Therefore, serum sFas and sFas-ligand have to date limited clinical relevance.     

Examination of soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in patients with burns

The FasL–Fas system is one of the recognized apoptosis-inducing systems, and has been determined to have important functions in relation to homeostasis and biological defense mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble FasL (sFasL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) in patients with burns. The sFas levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients who eventually died as compared to those in the patients who survived (3.9±1.8 ng/ml versus 2.6±1.0 ng/ml). On the other hand, the sFasL levels were significantly higher in the patients who survived (61.5±29.9 ng/ml versus 37.2±14.4 ng/ml) than in those who eventually died. A positive correlation was noted between the TNF- level and the sFas level, and a negative correlation was observed between the TNF- level and the sFasL level. These findings suggest that worsening of the condition of a burns patient may be related to changes in the Fas–FasL system.     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号转导通路和核因子-κB/抑制因子κB通路在烧伤后促炎性细胞因子产生中的相互作用

目的探讨烧伤后p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号转导通路和核因子(NF)-κB/抑制因子(I)κB通路在调控细胞因子产生方面的地位及是否存在相互作用。方法人单核细胞株THP-1分为正常血清对照组、烧伤血清组、烧伤血清+SB203580组(p38 MAPK特异性抑制剂)和烧伤血清+PDTC(NF-κB特异性抑制剂)组,每组均实验8次。血清刺激24 h后,酶联免疫吸附法测定上清液中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)的含量,蛋白印迹(W estern b lot)法检测THP-1内p38 MAPK的活性和IκBα的表达,凝胶电泳迁移率变化分析法检测THP-1内NF-κB和激活蛋白(AP-1)活性的变化。结果和正常血清相比,烧伤血清刺激后24 h,THP-1上清液中TNF-α和IL-1β的含量均明显上升[分别为(7.30±0.84)ng/m l和(2.20±0.28)ng/m l,P<0.05;(2.88±0.38)ng/m l和(0.81±0.14)ng/m l,P<0.05],p38 MAPK活性升高(4728±582和1291±163,P<0.05),IκBα含量下降(1211±115和2658±318,P<0.05),THP-1中NF-κB活性和AP-1活性均较正常血清显著升高(1636±170和317±32,P<0.05;946±137和361±40,P<0.05),使用SB203580和PDTC均能抑制烧伤血清刺激后THP-1上清液中TNF-α和IL-1β的含量的上升。预先给予SB203580能抑制烧伤血清刺激后THP-1中p38 MAPK和AP-1活性升高,但对IκBα含量和NF-κB活性无显著影响;预先给予PDTC可以防止烧伤血清刺激后THP-1中IκBα含量的下降和NF-κB活性的升高,而对p38 MAPK和AP-1活性无影响。结论在烧伤后全身炎症反应的发生中,p38 MAPK信号转导通路和NF-κB/IκB通路是两个平行和独立的信号转导通路,彼此之间没有直接的联系,共同调节着烧伤后单核细胞TNF-α和IL-1β的产生。     

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins activate CD4+ T cell apoptosis in patients with end-stage renal disease through Fas engagement

Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) are cytotoxic to vascular cells, but their possible toxic action on T cells from patients with ESRD has not been evaluated. oxLDL concentrations were measured and compared in patients who were on long-term hemodialysis (HD), in patients who had ESRD and were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, in nondialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease, and in age- and gender-matched control subjects. In parallel, the proliferative capacity of CD69+/CD4+ T cells and their rate of apoptosis, IL-2 expression, and intracellular expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined in vitro. The oxLDL concentrations were significantly higher in HD patients (all P = 0.001). Upon phytohemagglutinin stimulation, CD69+/CD4+ T cells from HD patients proliferated significantly less than those from the other patients' group (both P < 0.001). oxLDL but not the native LDL were led to CD69+/CD4+ T cells' program cell death in a dosage- and time-dependent manner through Fas pathway (P = 0.001). Cell surface Fas expression was followed by DNA fragmentation when CD69+/CD4+ T cells from HD patients or control subjects were cultured with oxLDL (200 microg/ml; 31 +/- 3 versus 25 +/- 3%; P = 0.001). In the presence of oxLDL, CD69+/CD4+ T cells from HD patients expressed significantly lower IL-2 levels, which strongly correlated with a decrease in the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and conversely with an increase in the proapoptotic Bax expression. In conclusion, these data suggest that, in HD patients, exposure of activated CD4+ T cells to oxLDL leads to Fas-mediated apoptosis in association with inhibition of IL-2 expression. Subsequently, this may favor activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways, leading to activated CD4+ T cell dysfunction.     

Circulating Soluble Fas in Patients with Breast Cancer

It has been suggested that circulating soluble Fas (sFas) contributes to tumor progression. However, little is known about the role of sFas in breast cancer. This study was designed with the aim of elucidating the possible relation between sFas and breast cancer. A series of 57 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer undergoing surgery were prospectively included in the study and evaluated. Venous blood samples were collected before surgery. Sera were obtained by centrifugation and stored at -70 degrees C until assayed. The control group consisted of 12 patients with benign breast tumors (6 with fibrocystic disease, 6 with fibroadenoma). Serum concentrations of sFas were measured by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The data on primary tumor staging, age, estrogen receptor status, lymph node status, tumor grading, and TNM staging were reviewed and recorded. The mean value of circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer was 794.2 +/- 183.0 pg/ml and that of the control group 582.1 +/- 62.8 pg/ml; the difference was significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were significantly higher serum levels of sFas in the older patients (age > or = 50) (p = 0.020) and in those with a more advanced TNM stage (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, TNM stage (p = 0.005) appeared to be an independent factor for significantly higher circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer. Thus circulating sFas levels may reflect the severity of invasive breast cancer. Hence the possible prognostic value of sFas for breast cancer deserves further elucidation and evaluation with long-term patient follow-up.     

胃肠道左旋精氨酸营养干预对严重烧伤患者休克期复苏的影响

目的观察严重烧伤患者休克期经胃肠道给予左旋(L)精氨酸对休克复苏的影响,探讨其机制。方法选取烧伤面积≥30%TBSA的患者20例,并随机分为:L-精氨酸组,伤后24h内开始从鼻肠管给予L-精氨酸;对照组,伤后24h内开始从鼻肠管给予50g/L葡萄糖盐水500ml/d,连续4d,每组10例。在伤后1、2、3、4d分别抽取两组患者静脉血,检测其血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)和一氧化氮(NO)含量,并抽取患者动脉血检测其乳酸含量。结果L-精氨酸组患者SOD活性在伤后呈上升趋势,于伤后4d达峰值(68±23)U/ml,与对照组(31±9)U/ml比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0·01)。两组患者伤后MDA、NO含量均呈下降趋势,伤后2dL-精氨酸组NO[(50±14)μmol/L]下降最明显,与对照组(78±22)μmol/L比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。伤后4d两组患者MDA下降最明显[(3.4±0.8)、(3.5±1.3)μmol/L],L-精氨酸组血乳酸含量在伤后2、3d显著低于对照组(P<0.05或0.01)。结论严重烧伤患者休克期经胃肠道给予L-精氨酸可抑制其体内NO含量过度升高,使血乳酸含量降低,血清SOD活性增加,改善组织脏器血流灌注及氧合状态,减轻缺血再灌注损伤,有利于预防隐性休克的发生或减轻其损害。     

Sex hormone-binding globulin in breast cancer

Serum level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was measured by immunoradiometric assay in fifty two breast cancer patients and twenty nine healthy female volunteers. The results are as follows: 1) Although the serum SHBG concentration showed no significant difference between the breast cancer group and the healthy control group, the serum SHBG concentration in postmenopause was significantly higher in the breast cancer group (63.8 +/- 31.2nmol/ml/ml; mean +/- S.D.) than in the healthy control group (40.1 +/- 15.4nmol/ml). 2) Subsequently in the postmenopausal breast cancer group, the serum SHBG concentration was significantly higher in the estrogen receptor (ER)-negative cancer group (97.8 +/- 12.7nmol/ml) than in the ER-positive cancer group (55.8 +/- 32.1nol/ml). 3) No significant relationships were showed between the serum SHBG concentration and obesity or serum estradiol concentration in postmenopausal patients. 4) The serum SHBG concentration showed significant decrease 3 months after radical operation for breast cancer in postmenopausal patients. These results suggest the possibility of the SHBG synthesis in breast cancer tissue.     

Changes in plasma immunoreactive beta-endorphin in burn and its clinical significance]

The plasma immunoreactive beta-endorphin (ir-beta-EP) contents in 20 healthy volunteers and 30 burned patients (average age: 36 years, average burn area: 38.1% +/- 30.0% of TBSA) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results showed that there were significant increases of plasma ir-beta-EP in burned patients, which correlated to the extents of the burn areas positively (r = 0.576). Raised ir-beta-EP contents were also observed in the complications of operation, wound infection, septicaemic shock, heart failure and brain edema, which reached as high as 3,000pg/ml before death. The above findings suggested that the determination of plasma beta-EP might be helpful in understanding injury extent and evaluating prognosis.     

Immune response in burn patients in relation to HIV infection and sepsis

The post-burn immune dysfunction predisposes patients to sepsis and multiple organ failure leading to increased mortality. HIV infection also results in a depressed immune response. The combination of burn injury and HIV might therefore lead to an increased morbidity and mortality as compared to non-HIV infected burn patients. Twenty burn patients and 10 healthy volunteers were included in a prospective study. To evaluate their immune status, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were determined in peripheral blood. HIV serology samples were obtained on admission. Bacteriological cultures were obtained from wound surface samples and wound tissue biopsies. Six burn patients were HIV infected. Clinical signs of sepsis were observed in 10 patients. The number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes were lower in burn patients compared to healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). HIV infected burn patients had lower CD4+ lymphocyte counts than non-HIV infected patients (P < 0.05). Patients with clinical signs of sepsis had lower CD4+ counts compared to patients without sepsis (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the mortality rate or the length of hospitalisation between patient groups. Burn injury, HIV infection and sepsis independently result in immunosuppression.     

转移因子对扁平疣患者免疫功能的影响及疗效分析

目的观察转移因子治疗扁平疣患者对其免疫功能的影响及临床疗效。方法60例扁平疣患者随机分为两组：加转移因子治疗组（治疗组）和常规方法治疗组（对照组）,每组各30例,观察临床疗效。在治疗前和治疗后应用流式细胞仪检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群,酶联免疫吸附实验检测血清中白介素10（IL-10）和γ干扰素（INF-γ）的水平,并与20例健康正常人组比较。结果治疗组总有效率高达76．67％,对照组仅为43．33％（Χ^2=5．63,P〈0．05）。扁平疣患者与正常人组比较,CD3^＋、CD4^＋明显低而CD8^＋明显高,CD4^＋／CD8^＋则明显低（P〈0．01）;治疗组患者在治疗后CD3^＋、CD4^＋均明显升高（P〈0．05）而CD8^＋明显降低,CD4^＋／CD8^＋则明显升高（P〈0．01）;对照组在治疗前后无显著性差异。扁平疣患者与正常人组比较,扁平疣患者IL-10高而INF-γ低（P〈0．05）,治疗组患者在治疗后IL-10降低而INF-γ升高（P〈0．05）,对照组在治疗前后无显著性差异。结论扁平疣患者存在免疫功能异常;转移因子可以提高患者免疫功能,治疗扁平疣临床疗效较好。     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞、Foxp3 mRNA及可溶性白细胞介素2受体检测在肾移植中的意义

目的 观察肾移植患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平及其表面特异性标志物Foxp3和可溶性白细胞介素2受体（sIL-2R）的变化，探讨其在诊断移植肾急性排斥反应中的作用和价值。 方法 选取42例维持性血液透析接受同种异体肾移植治疗的患者及30例健康体检对照者。在患者移植前、移植后1、2、4、8周或发生排斥反应时，以流式细胞仪检测外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平；荧光定量PCR检测Foxp3 mRNA表达；双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法（ELISB）检测血浆中sIL-2R水平。 结果 (1)移植后第1、2、4、8周急性排斥反应组CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞、Foxp3 mRNA水平明显低于同期未发生排斥的肾功能稳定组，而sIL-2R水平却显著高于肾功能稳定组。(2)血液透析患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞[(9.22±3.53)%]、Foxp3 mRNA[（0.82±0.36）×10-3]及sIL-2R[（856.30±108.24） U/ml]水平与健康对照组[分别为(6.09±1.99)%、(0.50±0.28)×10-3、(247.35±11.24) U/ml]比较，差异均有统计学意义(P < 0.01)。(3)肾移植后随着肾功能的恢复，外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞[(16.53±4.14)%]、Foxp3 mRNA[(4.97±1.94)×10-3]显著升高(P < 0.01)，而sIL-2R[（463.72±31.23）U/ml]水平明显降低(P < 0.01)。(4)当发生急性排斥反应时，CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞[(12.18±2.86)%]、Foxp3 mRNA[(3.15±1.22)×10-3]显著降低(P < 0.01)，而sIL-2R[(748.36±115.41) U/ml]水平明显升高(P < 0.01)，并且这些变化早于Scr的变化。(5)患者移植前后外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞百分率与Foxp3 mRNA水平均呈正相关（分别为r ＝ 0.904、0.932，P < 0.01），但与sIL-2R水平无相关。 结论 外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞、Foxp3 mRNA及sIL-2R水平的测定均可以作为肾移植患者移植后发生急性排斥反应的早期预测指标，并可判断预后。     

The mobilisation of mononuclear cells and endothelial progenitor cells after burn injury in a porcine model

Background

Mononuclear blood cells (MNCs) consist of heterogeneous cell populations, for example, CD34+ cells and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs are involved in vasculogenesis, but little is known about their role during burn trauma.

Aim

This study investigates the role of MNCs and their subpopulations during and after burn injury in an experimental porcine setting.

Methods

Eighteen 8-week-old German land pigs were scalded by immersion in 70 °C hot water for 3 min, resulting in a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum concentrations and MNC, EPC and CD34+ cell counts were measured at eight different time points up to 48 h following trauma.

Results

The experimental porcine setting made it possible to determine the cell counts of MNCs, EPCs and CD34+ cells directly during burn trauma, which has not been described before. The data revealed a fulminant drop in MNC and EPC during burn trauma, whereas the CD34+ cell fraction rose. Besides significant changes in the VEGF serum concentration, a correlation between VEGF and EPC was also observed.

Conclusion

The results show that MNCs and their subpopulations are significantly affected by burn trauma and underpin their potential diagnostic and therapeutic importance during and after burn injury.