糖调节受损人群胰岛素抵抗与胰岛β细胞功能的研究

目的　评价糖调节受损(IGR)人群胰岛素抵抗(IR)与胰岛β细胞功能状态。　方法　(1)从青岛地区流行病学调查资料中,选取正常糖耐量(NGT)者447例;IGR 277例,其中空腹血糖受损(IFG)142例;糖耐量受损(IGT)93例;IFG IGT42例。(2)测身高、体重、腰围、血压及血脂,空腹与糖负荷后血糖、胰岛素。(3)评价IR及基础与糖负荷后早期胰岛素分泌功能。　结果　IGR人群的年龄、血压、体质指数(BMI)、腰围、腰臀比均明显高于NGT人群。而IGT组的年龄、甘油三酯高于IFG组。校正年龄、性别及BMI等因素后,IGR人群HOMA-IR增高(P<0.05), IFG、IGT及IFG IGT组间无差异;IFG与IFG IGT组的HOMA-β明显低于NGT和IGT组(P<0.01); IGT组△I30/△G30 低于NGT(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、BMI、HOMA IR及HOMA β与IFG的发生密切相关(P<0.01),年龄、BMI、△I30/△G30则与IGT的发生相关(P<0.05)。　结论　IGR人群存在IR,同时IFG基础状态下胰岛β细胞功能轻度受损,而IGT人群的早期胰岛素分泌反应减弱。     

不同糖耐量冠心病患者炎症因子水平与动脉硬化程度及胰岛素抵抗的研究

目的 探讨不同糖耐量水平及炎症因子对动脉粥样硬化(AS)形成的影响.方法 选择2004年5月-2006年5月该院住院患者,经冠状动脉造影确诊为冠心病患者300例,均进行口服葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT),分为糖耐量正常(NGT)组、单纯空腹血糖受损(IFG)组、单纯糖耐量受损(IGT)组、空腹血糖受损合并糖耐量受损(IFG/IGT组)、糖尿病(DM)组5组,均测血清超敏C-反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、空腹血糖(FPG),血胰岛素(INS)、胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(HDL-C),用Fridewald 公式计算低密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(LDL-C).口服75 g葡萄粉0.5和2 h后测血糖、血INS,计算胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)、△I30/△G30、李氏B细胞胰岛素分泌指数(MBCI);同时对5组冠脉造影结果进行分析.结果 体重指数(BMI)、腰臀比(WHR)、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、TG、TC、LDL-C在5组中依次升高,HDL-C在5组中依次降低,IFG组、IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组4组BMI、WHR、SBP、DBP、TG、TC、LDL-C、HDL-C与NGT组比较差异显著.IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组SBP、DBP、TG、TC、LDL-C、HDL-C与IFG组比较差别显著.IFG组、IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组的FPG 0.5、1 h、空腹血胰岛素(Fins)、0.5 hINS、ISI、△I30/△G30与NGT组比较差别显著;IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组3组PBG2h明显高于IFG组;IGT组、IFG/IGT组两组2 hINS水平明显高于IFG组;IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组3组李氏B细胞胰岛素分泌指数(MBCI)明显低于NGT组和IFG组,NGT组和IFG组两组MBCI差别不显著.IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组3组hs-CRP、IL-6、TNF-α明显高于NGT组,IFG组与NGT组差别无统计学意义.IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组3组冠状动脉1支病变发生率明显低于NGT组和IFG组;IGT组、IFG/IGT组、DM组3组2支病变和3支病变发生率明显高于NGT组和IFG组,NGT组和IFG组冠状动脉病变发生率差别不显著.结论 炎症反应参与了从FPG异常、糖耐量异常到DM的发展过程.冠心病合并IGT、IFG/IGT、DM时较合并NGT和IFG者有更严重的冠状动脉病变发生率.     

口服葡萄糖耐量试验仅1小时高血糖人群的β细胞功能

目的 研究OGTT 1h高血糖人群的β细胞功能. 方法 将1177例受试者分为正常糖耐量(NGT)、糖调节受损(IGR)和糖尿病(DM)三组.前两组再依据OGTT 1hPG水平分为NGTN、NGT1H和IGRN、IGR1H四个亚组.将IGR组再分为空腹血糖受损(IFG)组和糖耐量受损(IGT)组以及IFG+IGT组.HOMA-IR评估胰岛素敏感性,HOMA-β、△I_(30)/△G_(30)(IGI)、葡萄糖OGTT曲线下面积(AUCg)评估胰岛β细胞分泌功能. 结果 (1)NGTN和IGRN组分别比NGT1H和IGR1H组的IGI高(P<0.05);HOMA-IR、AUCg在两亚组间均无统计学差异.(2)NGT1H组比IFG组和IGT组具有较高的AUCg,其HOMA-β比IFG组高,三组间HOMA-IR和IGI差异无统计学意义. 结论 NGT1H人群已存在胰岛β细胞功能异常,可能为胰岛素分泌缺陷尤其是早期相分泌受损所致.     

不同糖代谢状态人群胰岛素抵抗和胰岛β细胞功能研究

目的探讨从正常糖耐量到糖尿病(DM)不同糖代谢水平,胰岛素抵抗(IR)与胰岛β细胞功能的演变.方法青岛市区30～74岁的正常糖耐量(NGT)447例;空腹血糖受损(IFG)142例;糖耐量受损(IGT)93例;IFG合并IGT(IFG+IGT)42例;新诊DM 153例.采用HOMA-IR评价IR,HOMA-β、ΔI30/ΔG30分别评价基础状态下及糖负荷后的早期胰岛β细胞功能.结果 IFG组HOMA-IR为1.14±0.06,明显高于NGT组的0.93±0.03(P＜0.05),IFG组HOMA-β为4.53±0.06,低于NGT组5.10±0.04(P＜0.05),两组间△I30/△G30差异无显著性(4.86±0.11 vs 4.99±0.11);IGT组HOMA-IR为1.12±0.07,明显高于NGT(P＜0.05),两组间HOMA-β差异无显著性,IGT组△I30/△G30 为4.62±0.14,低于NGT组的4.99±0.11(P＜0.05);DM组HOMA-IR为1.55±0.05,明显高于NGT、IGT和IFG组(P＜0.05),DM组HOMA-β和△I30/△G30 分别为3.94±0.06、3.93±0.12,明显低于其他各组(P＜0.05),DM组基础与糖负荷后的胰岛β细胞功能均明显受损.结论 IFG患者主要表现β细胞功能缺陷,IGT为胰岛素早期分泌受损,DM患者兼有严重的IR和β细胞缺陷.从NGT到DM,随着糖代谢的不断恶化,IR逐渐加重,胰岛β细胞功能进行性减退,最终发生胰岛β细胞功能衰竭.     

糖尿病前期人群的胰岛β细胞功能和胰岛素抵抗的探讨

目的评价糖调节受损（IGR）不同组分的胰岛素抵抗（IR）和胰岛β细胞功能状况。方法OGTT筛查北京地区无DM史中老年人群，据2003年ADA标准，分为正常糖耐量（NGT）组、空腹血糖受损（IFG）组、糖耐量减低（IGT）组、及IFG合并IGT（IFG＋IGT）组，检测各组胰岛素抵抗指数（HO-MA-IR）、胰岛素敏感指数（ISI-Stumvoll）、β细胞功能指数（HBCI/IR）及第一、二时相胰岛素分泌指数。结果（1）IFG组：HOMA-IR显著高于NGT组和IGT组，ISI-Stumvoll高于IGT组（P均〈0.05），HBCI/IR显著低于NGT组和IGT组（P〈0.05）；（2）IGT组：HOMA-IR和HBCI/IR均位于NGT组和IFG组之间，ISI-Stumvoll、第一时相和第二时相胰岛素分泌指数显著低于NGT组和IFG组（P均〈0.05）；（3）IFG＋IGT组：HOMA-IR高于NGT组、IFG组和IGT组，ISI-Stumvoll显著低于NGT组和IFG组（P均〈0.05），HBCI/IR显著低于NGT组和IGT组（P均〈0.05）；（4）在非糖尿病人群中，随着FPG及2hPG的升高，HOMA-IR有递增趋势，ISI-Stumvoll、第一时相和第二时相胰岛素分泌指数有递减趋势（P均〈0.05）。结论IFG主要是肝脏IR和基础状态时的胰岛β细胞分泌功能受损。IGT的肌肉IR较重，其糖负荷后的胰岛β细胞分泌功能受损较重。在非糖尿病人群，FPG和2hPG的升高与IR呈正相关，与胰岛β细胞功能呈负相关。     

中老年人群糖代谢异常的临床特点分析

目的:探讨中老年人群糖代谢异常的分布情况及其临床特点。方法:测定951例年龄≥45岁人群的身高、体重、腰围、臀围,计算体重指数(BMI)、腰臀比(WHR);口服75g葡萄糖耐量试验确定其糖代谢状态,测定血脂、空腹及餐后2h血浆血糖和血清胰岛素水平,用稳态模型评估法(HOMA)计算胰岛素抵抗(IR)指数(HOMA-IR)、胰岛细胞功能指数(HOMA-β),进行组间比较。结果:①糖耐量正常者(NGT)占53.00%,单纯糖耐量异常(IGT)占25.34%;空腹血糖受损(IFG)占5.15%;IFG合并IGT占3.79%;糖尿病(DM)占12.72%;②IGT、IFG+IGT、DM患者的年龄、血压、脉压、BMI显著高于NGT和IFG者;WHR值按NGT、IFG→IGT→IFG+IGT、DM的顺序依次增高(P<0.05);IGT、IFG+IGT、DM者的三酰甘油(TG)水平高于NGT者(P<0.05),其中隐性糖尿病(LDM)和显性糖尿病(ODM)患者的TG水平又显著高于IFG者(P<0.05);③IR的程度按NGT、IGT→IFG→LDM→IFG+IGT→ODM的顺序依次升高;除IGT外,其他糖代谢异常的IR程度均显著高于NGT(P<0.05);HOMA-β按IGT、NGT→LDM→IFG+IGT→IFG→ODM的顺序依次降低;各组中以ODM的IR最高,基础胰岛素分泌功能最差。结论:中老年人群的糖代谢异常的患病率高,应重视对餐后血糖的检测,合并有中心性肥胖、高血压等危险因素者建议做口服葡萄糖耐量试验以明确诊断。中老年人群中糖代谢异常者普遍存在IR及胰岛β细胞分泌功能不足。     

空腹血糖受损的老年人群胰岛素抵抗与胰岛β细胞功能研究

目的探讨在空腹血糖为5.6～6.9 mmol/L的诊断标准下,空腹血糖受损(IFG)的老年人群(≥60岁)胰岛素抵抗(IR)与胰岛β细胞功能特点。方法选取正常糖耐量(NGT)者71例,单纯性空腹血糖受损(I-IFG)者65例,单纯性糖耐量受损(I-IGT)者59例,空腹血糖受损 糖耐量受损(IGT IFG)者50例。分别以HOMA IR(HOMA-IR)指数和HOMA-β细胞功能指数(HBCI)评价IR和胰岛β细胞功能。结果经调整,性别、年龄和BMI后分析显示,I-IFG组和IFG IGT组的HOMA-IR均高于NGT组(P<0.05);NGT组与IGT组两组以及I-IFG、I-IGT和IGT IFG三组间的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。经调整,性别、年龄、BMI和HOMA-IR后分析显示,I-IFG组和IGT IFG组的HBCI明显低于NGT组和IGT组(P<0.05);而NGT和IGT组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论在空腹血糖为5.6～6.9 mmol/L的诊断标准下,老年人I-IFG仍是不同于IGT的一种糖调节受损人群,I-IFG的主要发生机制可能为基础状态下IR与胰岛β细胞功能缺陷。     

邢台地区2型糖尿病一级亲属糖代谢紊乱与血脂特征的相关性

目的分析邢台地区2型糖尿病(T2DM)一级亲属中糖尿病(DM)及葡萄糖调节受损(IGR)患者血脂的特征性变化。方法选择确诊的T2DM患者315例,筛查其一级亲属347例,采集包括性别、年龄、糖尿病(DM)家族史,同时测量身高、体重、腰围(WC)、空腹血糖(FBG)、OGTT 2 h血糖(PBG)、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C),计算体重指数(BMI),分析T2DM一级亲属中DM、空腹血糖调节受损(IFG)、糖耐量减低(IGT)的患病率,其中IGR包括IFG和IGT,分析T2DM一级亲属糖代谢紊乱与血脂间的关系及其影响因素。结果 T2DM患者一级亲属中DM患病率30.84%,IGR患病率30.25%,其中IFG患病率11.82%、IGT患病率18.43%。T2DM一级亲属中DM组、IGR组的糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、TG、TC、LDL-C、VAI均较糖耐量正常(NGT)组明显升高,DM组HDL-C较NGT组、IGR组显著下降(P<0.01)。分别以T2DM一级亲属中DM、IGR患者的FBG、OGTT 2 h PBG为因变量,以TG、TC、LDL-C、HDL、VAI及BMI为自变量进行非条件Logistic逐步回归分析显示,TG是影响T2DM一级亲属血糖代谢紊乱的主要影响因素。结论 T2DM一级亲属DM及DM前期的患病率明显增加,其中TG是影响T2DM一级亲属中葡萄糖代谢紊乱的重要因子。     

不同糖耐量者血清超敏C-反应蛋白表达及与胰岛素抵抗的相关性研究

目的探讨不同糖耐量者血清超敏C-反应蛋白(hs-CRP)的表达及与胰岛素抵抗的相关性。方法对2004年10月至2005年4月中国医科大学附属第一医院体检中心90名体检者(男53名,女37名),根据标准75g口服葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT)分为正常糖耐量(NGT)组、单纯空腹血糖受损(IFG)组、单纯糖耐量异常(IGT)组、同时合并IFG/IGT组及2型糖尿病(T2DM)组,采用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法分别检测各组血清hs-CRP,并与稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)作相关分析。结果IFG组、IFG/IGT组及T2DM组hs-CRP均明显高于NGT组,并与糖代谢指标及HOMA-IR呈正相关。结论T2DM患者早在IFG阶段就已经存在炎症状态,炎症可能参与了T2DM的发生与发展。     

不同方法评估不同糖代谢人群胰岛素抵抗结果的分析

目的探讨临床工作中不同糖代谢状态下不同胰岛素抵抗评估方法的可靠性。方法对25~73岁的正常糖耐量(NGT)者448例;空腹血糖受损(IFG)者56例;糖耐量受损(IGT)者197例;IFG合并IGT(IFG+IGT)者63例;糖尿病(DM)患者225例,采用以下6种方法评估不同糖代谢状态下胰岛素抵抗程度:(1)OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数;(2)HOMA-IR;(3)李光伟胰岛素敏感指数[1/(FINS×FPG)];(4)胰岛素曲线下面积(AUCinsulin);(5)葡萄糖曲线下面积/胰岛素曲线下面积比值(AUCglucose/AUCinsulin);(6)空腹血糖/空腹胰岛素比值(FPG/FINS)。结果OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数、HOMA-IR以及1/(FINS×FPG)显示,IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT、DM组胰岛素抵抗显著高于NGT(P<0.05),而DM组显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05);AUCinsulin显示,IGT组胰岛素抵抗显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、DM组(P<0.05),而DM组显著低于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05);AUCglucose/AUCinsulin、FPG/FINS显示,NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT四组患者之间胰岛素抵抗差异无显著性(P>0.05),而DM组显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05)。结论OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数、1/(FINS×FPG)与HOMA-IR得出结果基本一致,并且OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数可以分辨不同糖调节异常状态下胰岛素抵抗程度;AUCinsulin、AUCglucose/AUCinsulin、FPG/FINS不能准确分辨不同糖代谢人群胰岛素抵抗程度。     

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.