Relationship between iron status and recrudescent herpes labialis

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the relationship between recrudescent herpes labialis and host iron status. Forty-one patients with recrudescent herpes labialis, proven by herpes simplex virus isolation, were studied along with an equal number of age-and-sex matched control subjects. The iron status of patients and controls were assessed by haematine assay of ferritin. The iron (ferritin) level in patients with recrudescent herpes labialis was significantly (p<0.01) lower than in the control group. Only one patient was anaemic. Sideropenia appears to be a common finding in patients with recrudescent herpes labialis. The relationship between sideropenia and recrudescent herpes labialis requires further study as it may have implications for the management of the disease.     

Effects of oral iron supplementation on some haematological parameters and iron biochemistry in neonatal dairy calves

Since the iron requirements of ruminants are not well established and most recommendations are estimates, this study was performed to determine whether 150mg/day iron supplementation in neonatal dairy calves (heifer replacement system) fed roughage and concentrates could promote a healthy haematology and iron profile. A total of 40 calves was used in the present study. The animals were divided into two groups (test 20 and control 20). In the test group, oral iron, as ferrous sulphate, was given as a supplement to each calf at a rate of 150 mg/daily for 28 days starting at birth. Sampling was conducted from the jugular vein immediately after birth and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after birth. The test group had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV) at 14, 21 and 28 days than the control group (P<0.05). Red blood cell (RBC) count was significantly higher in the test group at the 28th day (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in RBC indices between groups. The serum iron (Fe) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) saturation was significantly higher at the 14th, 21st and 28th days in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). At day 28, the TIBC was significantly less in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). In the test group, the levels of iron and RBC parameters were significantly higher at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days than at first sampling, and at day 28, compared to first sampling, for TIBC saturation (P<0.05). In the control group, the paired t-test revealed higher levels of Hb at day 28 than at first sampling, and there were lower values for PCV at day 14 and higher values of RBCs at days 21 and 28 (P<0.05). At days 14, 21 and 28, TIBC levels were significantly higher than at first sampling, and TIBC saturation was significantly lower at 14 and 21 days than at first sampling (P<0.05).     

The necessity of iron supplementation for normal development of commercially reared suckling calves

Iron has been identified as a necessary element for the normal development of newborn calves, but on the contrary, milk is considered to be a poor source of iron. This study was designed to investigate the iron requirements of Holstein calves at different time points postpartum. Serum iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ceruloplasmin, and ferritin were measured in 46 newborn calves. Blood samples were collected before suckling colostrum (T0), after suckling at 1-day-old (T24), 2-day-old (T48), and 2-month-old (T2mon). Blood iron levels in newborn calves, before suckling colostrum, was the same as the mother, but decreased in 1 and 2-day-old calves and continued to decrease until 2 months of age. There were significant differences between serum iron levels at T0, T48, and T2mon (P<0.001). Blood TIBC levels were significantly higher in newborn calves at T0 (P<0.001) than in their mothers and continued to show significant increases at T24, T48, and T2mon (P<0.001). Ceruloplasmin at T2mon was within normal ranges for normal adult cows, suggesting that transport of iron in 2-month-old calves, at least in that part which is related to blood ceruloplasmin, is normal. Blood ferritin levels in newborn calves before suckling colostrum, which was the same as their mothers’, decreased at T24 and T48 but insignificantly increased at T2mon. This data show that commercially reared suckling calves require iron supplements, which are essential for them at birth and may play an important role in their growth, hematopoiesis, and resistance to infections.     

Public awareness and knowledge of herpes labialis

Between 20% and 40% of the population is estimated to suffer from episodes of recurrent herpes labialis, although few reports in the literature have addressed the public awareness of this infection in the general population. The aims of this study were to determine the existing level of awareness and knowledge of this disease and to assess the source of this knowledge, the ability of the public to recognize the characteristics of the disease and the behavior of patients with clinical cases of disease manifestation. To this end, 2,000 individuals (961 male and 1,039 female) of 14 years of age and older were surveyed using the ECOcapi system [Eurisko Consumer Omnibus-CAPI (computer-assisted personal interviewing) version]. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed had some knowledge of herpes labialis; 92% were able to refer to at least one symptom of herpes labialis, 91% were able to identify correctly his infection from pictures, and 45% had experienced personally at least one episode of herpes labialis infection. The majority of the individuals suffering from herpes labialis self-medicated using a topical therapy. Women were found to be affected more commonly by herpes labialis than men [OR 1.42 (1.18-1.70)], and women were also more likely to recognize the disease [OR 1.65 (1.30-2.08)] and to seek medical advice for the condition [OR 1.38 (1.12-1.70)]. In conclusion, herpes labialis is a common and well-known condition, and it is often self-diagnosed correctly, as the prodromal phase and the use of self-medication are very common.     

Reduced levels of hepcidin associated with lower ferritin concentration and increased number of previous donations in periodic blood donors: A pilot study

BackgroundHepcidin is one of the major negative regulators of iron balance. Periodic blood donors are highly susceptible to iron deficiency. Our goal was to evaluate the possible association between serum hepcidin levels and iron homeostasis parameters in periodic blood donors.Materials and MethodsWe enrolled a total of n = 39 periodic healthy blood donors (n = 24 M and n = 15 F). A solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure endogenous hepcidin-25 levels in serum biospecimens collected from each study participant. Statistical analysis evaluated possible associations between hepcidin levels and ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT), and number of previous donations.ResultsReduced serum hepcidin levels significantly correlated with lower ferritin concentration (r = 0.56, IC 95%: 0.51–0.60, p < 0.01). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that hepcidin levels were independently and negatively correlated with ferritin (p < 0.01). In addition, the number of previous blood donations was significantly associated with reduced hepcidin levels, independently of the other covariates (p < 0.01).ConclusionReduced serum hepcidin levels were significantly associated with reduced levels of ferritin and with increased number of previous donations suggesting its possible clinical role as non-invasive “point-of-care” in predicting iron deficiency among periodic blood donors.     

A double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover therapy study with natural human IL-2 (nhuIL-2) in combination with regular intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) infusions in 10 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

Ten CVID patients with defective IL-2 synthesis in vitro were treated with nhuIL-2 in a placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover therapy study during a period of 12 months. No severe side-effects of nhuIL-2 were recorded. Marginal serum nhuIL-2 levels were measurable in individual patients only during the therapy phase. Serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptors were unaffected by the therapy. nhuIL-2 and placebo groups did not differ significantly with respect to requirement of IVIG substitutions which were performed whenever serum IgG levels dropped below 5 g/l: a total of 53 IVIG infusions (corresponding to 17.6 g IgG/month per patient) was necessary during the placebo phase, and 48 infusions (16-4 g IgG/month per patient) during the nhuIL-2 treatment phase. Thus, nhuIL-2 therapy was ineffective in improving spontaneous IgG synthesis in vivo. Nevertheless, the group of patients receiving nhuIL-2 during the first 6 months of the study exhibited a significant reduction of severe infections (n = 25) during the following 6 months of placebo treatment (n = 7) (P < 0–045). The infection score dropped in this group from 181 to 23 (P < 0015). Patients of the second group receiving first placebo and then nhuIL-2 did not experience a significant difference in number and score of infectious episodes: 25 infections were recorded during the first 6 months and 24 during the following 6 months. We suppose that nhuIL-2 therapy of CVID patients reduces susceptibility to severe infections, possibly via the induction of a specific antibody response, which is effective at the earliest 6 months after initiating nhuIL-2 therapy.     

An update on short-course intermittent and prevention therapies for herpes labialis

Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) has increased in prevalence worldwide over the past two decades, making it a major public health concern. Approximately 90% of recurrent HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infections manifest as non-genital disease, primarily as orofacial lesions known as herpes labialis. Improvements in our understanding of the natural history of herpes labialis support the rationale for early treatment (during the prodrome or erythema stages) with high doses of antiviral agents in order to maximize drug benefit. When evaluating the efficacy of different antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents in clinical trials, episode duration, lesion healing time, reduction in maximum lesion size and the proportion of aborted lesions should be used as the most reliable measures of therapeutic efficacy. There has also been considerable research into the most beneficial treatment for recurrent episodes of herpes labialis in immunocompetent individuals. Data from clinical studies confirm that short-course, high-dose oral antiviral therapy should be offered to patients with recurrent herpes labialis to accelerate healing, reduce pain and most likely increase treatment adherence. Optimal benefits may be obtained when these oral antiviral agents are combined with topical corticosteroids, but more research is needed with this combination. Patients undergoing facial cosmetic procedures (i.e.facial resurfacing) are at risk of HSV reactivation, but further data are required on the actual risk according to the specific procedure. Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir all provide effective prophylaxis against HSV-1 reactivation following ablative facial resurfacing. However, no definitive recommendations can be made regarding prophylactic therapy for minimally invasive procedures at present.     

Relationships of physical fitness,fatness, and lifestyle indicators with blood iron in children and adults

The associations between physical fitness, fatness, activity level, dietary intake and smoking, with indicators of blood iron status are considered in 1,216 children and adults of the Quebec Family Study, 612 males and 604 females, classified into six age groups: 10–14, 15–19, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, and 50–54 years. Physical fitness was determined as power output at a heart rate of 150 beats per min on a cycle ergometer (PWC₁₅₀) and as strength of the knee extensor muscles. Fatness was estimated with the body mass index (BMI) and the sum of six skinfolds. Activity level and dietary intake were assessed with three-day records. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and serum ferritin of males were greater (P < 0.001) than those of females in all age groups except 10–14 years. Serum ferritin of boys and girls (10–19 years) was significantly lower than in adults. There were no clear relationships between Hb, Hct, and serum ferritin with activity level, physical fitness and body composition. However, smoking was positively correlated with Hb (P < 0.01) and Hct (P < 0.001) in all age groups, except adult females 35–39 years. Using a multiple correlation procedure, the independent variables of the study accounted for about 9% (adult males), 11% (boys), 11% (adult females), and 5% (girls) of the variance in serum ferritin. Thus, activity level, nutritional intake, physical fitness and body fat are only marginally related to blood iron status in this population. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Periodic limb movements in sleep and iron status in children

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess potential relationships between serum iron and ferritin levels and the severity of periodic limb movement in sleep (PLMS) in a pediatric population, and to evaluate the response to supplemental iron therapy. DESIGN: A prospective study of all consecutively diagnosed children with PLMS (periodic limb movement index [periodic limb movements per hour of total sleep time, [PLMI] > 5) who underwent overnight polysomnographic evaluation. In all patients, complete blood count and serum iron and ferritin levels were obtained. Patients with serum ferritin concentrations less than 50 microg/L were prescribed iron sulfate at 3 mg/kg of elemental iron per day for 3 months. At the end of treatment, serum iron and ferritin levels and sleep studies were repeated. SETTING: Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, and Kosair Children's Hospital Sleep Medicine and Apnea Center. PATIENTS: Twenty boys and 19 girls with PLMS with a mean age of 7.5 +/- 3.1 years. INTERVENTION: Iron therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (71.8%) patients had ferritin levels less than 50 microg/L. There was no significant correlation between serum ferritin concentration and PLMS severity as indicated by the PLMI (r = -0.19). The PLMI in patients with serum ferritin levels less than 50 microg/L (29.9 +/- 15.5 PLM/h) was higher than in patients with serum ferritin levels greater than 50 microg/L (21.9 +/- 11.8 PLM/h); however, the difference did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.09). In contrast, serum iron was significantly correlated with PLMI (r = -0.43, P < 0.01). Indeed, patients with serum iron concentrations less than 50 microg/dL had a higher PLMI compared to patients with serum iron concentrations greater than 50 microg/dL (42.8 +/- 18.3 PLM/h and 23.1 +/- 10.1 PLM/h, respectively; P = 0.02). Twenty-five out of the 28 PLMS patients with serum ferritin levels less than 50 microg/L received treatment with iron sulfate, and 19 (76%) responded favorably. Among the responders to iron therapy, PLMI decreased from 27.6 +/- 14.9 PLM per hour to 12.6 +/- 5.3 PLM per hour after 3 months of iron supplements (P < 0.001) and coincided with increases in serum ferritin levels (pre: 40.8 +/- 27.4 microg/L vs post: 74.1 +/- 13.0 microg/L; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In children, the presence of PLMS is frequently associated with low serum iron and a tendency toward low serum ferritin levels. In addition, iron therapy is associated with clinical improvement in most of these patients.     

Oestradiol and SERM treatments influence oestrogen receptor coregulator gene expression in human skeletal muscle cells

Aim: Oestrogen receptors (ER) are present in human skeletal muscle (hSkM) cells; however, the function of the receptor is currently unknown. We investigated the influence of oestradiol and selective ER modulators [tamoxifen (TAM), raloxifene (RAL)] on ER coregulator mRNA expression in hSkM. Methods: Human skeletal muscle cells were treated with 10 nm oestradiol, 5 μm TAM and 10 μm RAL over a 24‐h period. Following the treatment period, mRNA expression was quantified using real‐time PCR to detect changes in ER‐α, ER‐β, steroid receptor coactivator (SRC), silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT), MyoD, GLUT4 and c‐fos. Results: ER‐α mRNA expression increased with all three drug treatments (P < 0.05) while there was no change in mRNA expression of ER‐β in hSkM cells. mRNA expression of SRC increased and SMRT decreased with oestradiol, TAM and RAL in hSkM cells (P < 0.05). Importantly, mRNA expression of MyoD increased with oestradiol and decreased with TAM and RAL in hSkM cells (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of GLUT4 increased with oestradiol and RAL and decreased with TAM in hSkM cells (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings are novel in that they provide the first evidence that oestradiol and selective ER modulators influence ER‐α function in hSkM cells. This demonstrates the importance of the ER and alterations in its coregulators, to potentially prevent sarcopenia and promote muscle growth in postmenopausal women using these forms of hormone replacement therapy.     

Serum trace minerals in different physiological states of high- and average-producing dairy cows

Two groups of high- and average-producing dairy cows (HPDCs and APDCs, respectively), 50 in each group, were randomly selected from two farms near Shiraz, Fars province, Iran. From each cow in both herds, jugular vein blood samples were collected, 1 month before estimated calving, at calving, and also at 1, 2, and 3 months after calving. Sera were analyzed for zinc, copper, molybdenum, cobalt, manganese, and iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All cows in this study, either during the dry period, following parturition or during the postpartum period were examined for body condition scores and record of reproductive indices. Results showed a significant decline in zinc serum concentrations in high and average producing dairy cows at calving, when compared to corresponding levels of zinc, 1 month before estimated calving (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in serum zinc concentrations between the HPDCs and APDCs in all states. There was a nonsignificant increase in serum levels of copper at calving in HPDCs and APDCs when compared to the corresponding levels of copper 1 month before estimated calving. The serum concentrations of copper showed no significant variations between HPDCs and APDCs in different states. No significant changes were seen in concentrations of cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, or iron in different states of production. A significant negative correlation between the zinc and copper concentrations (r = −0.32, p < 0.05) was found 3 months after calving in APDCs.     

Ghrelin and PYY levels in adolescents with severe obesity: effects of weight loss induced by long-term exercise training and modified food habits

This study investigated (a) changes in ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) concentrations during a weight reduction programme and (b) baseline ghrelin and PYY levels as predictors of weight loss in 32 severely obese adolescents (BMI z score = 4.1). Subjects spent an academic year in an institution for childhood obesity. Fasting ghrelin and PYY, leptin, insulin levels and insulin resistance were measured at baseline (month 0) and during the programme (months 3, 6, 9). In addition, 15 normal-weight teenagers served as reference for the baseline assessments. At baseline, obese teenagers had lower ghrelin and PYY concentrations than normal-weight adolescents (P < 0.05). Moreover, they showed significantly higher leptin, insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (P < 0.0001). During the lifestyle modification, there was a significant decrease in body weight among obese teenagers, associated with an increase in ghrelin (apparent from month 6; P < 0.05), a decrease in leptin (from month 3; P < 0.05) and a decrease in insulin and HOMA (from month 3; P < 0.0001), without any significant change in PYY. Anthropometrical changes were correlated neither with baseline ghrelin levels nor with changes in ghrelin and PYY after the lifestyle modification. However, higher baseline PYY tended to correlate with greater anthropometrical changes (P < 0.1). In adolescents with severe obesity, a long-term combination of supervised aerobic exercises and a balanced diet led to weight reduction and increased ghrelin concentrations, without any change in PYY concentrations. Moreover, baseline PYY concentrations might be considered as predictors of weight loss.     

Control of erythropoiesis after high altitude acclimatization

Erythropoiesis was studied in 11 subjects submitted to a 4-h hypoxia (HH) in a hypobaric chamber (4,500 m, barometric pressure 58.9 kPa) both before and after a 3-week sojourn in the Andes. On return to sea level, increased red blood cells (+3.27%), packed cell volume (+4.76%), haemoglobin (+6.55%) (P<0.05), and increased arterial partial pressure of oxygen (+8.56%), arterial oxygen saturation (+7.40%) and arterial oxygen blood content (C_aO₂) (+12.93%) at the end of HH (P<0.05) attested high altitude acclimatization. Reticulocytes increased during HH after the sojourn only (+36.8% vs +17.9%, P<0.01) indicating a probable higher reticulocyte release and/or production despite decreased serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations (–46%, P<0.01). Hormones (thyroid, catecholamines and cortisol), iron status (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and haptoglobin) and renal function (creatinine, renal, osmolar and free-water clearances) did not significantly vary (except for lower thyroid stimulating hormone at sea level, P<0.01). Levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) increased throughout HH on return (+14.7%, P<0.05) and an inverse linear relationship was found between 2,3-DPG and EPO at the end of HH after the sojourn only (r=–0.66, P<0.03). Inverse linear relationships were also found between C_aO₂ and EPO at the end of HH before (r=–0.63, P<0.05) and after the sojourn (r=–0.60, P=0.05) with identical slopes but different ordinates at the origin, suggesting that the sensitivity but not the gain of the EPO response to hypoxia was modified by altitude acclimatization. Higher 2,3-DPG levels could partly explain this decreased sensitivity of the EPO response to hypoxia. In conclusion, we show that altitude acclimatization modifies the control of erythropoiesis not only at sea level, but also during a subsequent hypoxia.     

Human leukocyte interferon-α in cream for the management of genital herpes in Asian women: a placebo-controlled,double-blind study

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the clinical efficacy and tolerance of human leukocyte interferon- (2 × 10⁶ IU/g) in hydrophilic cream to cure patients afflicted with first episodes of genital herpes. Sixty patients aged 18–40 years (mean 24.5) with culture-confirmed herpes simplex genitalis, bearing 755 lesions (mean 12.6) were randomized to active and placebo groups. Patients joined the study within 7 days (mean 4.1) of the manifestation of lesions. Each patient was given a preceded 40-g tube containing placebo/active preparation with instructions on self-application of the trial medication to their lesions three times daily for 5 consecutive days (max. 15 topical applications per week). Patients were examined three times a week to evaluate clinical efficacy and other beneficial effects. A reepithelialized lesion with some residual erythema was recorded as healed. Patients resolved during the active treatment period (1–4 weeks) were spared further therapy and were requested to visit us as scheduled for posttreatment control after 16 weeks. From the remaining patients empty tubes were collected, and similarly coded replacement tubes were given to continue the treatment (in total 160 tubes were used). Patients treated with leukocyte interferon- cream had significantly shorter mean duration of viral shedding/healing than placebo recipients, (6.2 days vs. 15 days; P < 0.01);thus the number of healed patients was 25/30 (83.3%) vs. 5/30 (17%); P <0.001. Of the 60 patients 49 (81.6%) complained no drug-related side effects. Transitory increase in body temperature (>38°C) accompanied by mild headache, malaise, and myalgia were experienced by 11 (18.3%) patients; however, treatment was well tolerated by all the patients, and there were no dropouts. After 16 weeks only the cured patients were monitored on a monthly basis up to 20 months. Three (10%) cured patients showed recurrence after 22 months. In conclusion, the clinical results demonstrated that human leukocyte interferon-a (2 × 10⁶ IU/g) in hydrophilic cream is more efficacious than placebo, and further support the adequacy of leukocyte interferon- therapy as an effective and reliable treatment to cure first-episode genital herpes in women.Abbreviations HSV Herpes simplex virus     

BMSC and CoQ10 improve behavioural recovery and histological outcome in rat model of Parkinson's disease

Objective: This study assessed the ability of a combination treatment of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) graft and oral coenzyme (CoQ10) in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) as an appropriate substitute for current Parkinson treatments. The combination treatment was compared to sole treatments of BMSC and CoQ10. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, there were six groups of male Wistar rats: control, sham, lesion, CoQ10, graft BMSC and graft BMSC plus CoQ10. Oral administration of CoQ10 began 1 week before the PD and continued during the entire treatment period. To simulate PD, we injected 6 hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) in rats. BMSC were labelled by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (Brdu) before transplantation. We assessed behaviour before PD, 2 weeks after PD and 8 weeks after cell transplantation. At the end of the second month of treatment, immunohistochemistry, histology and molecular studies were performed. Results: Behavioural assessment of the CoQ10 group and BMSC group indicated equal recovery in comparison with the lesion group (P < 0.01), while the combined treatment of BMSC and CoQ10 showed considerably better recovery compared with the lesion group (P < 0.001). There were no signs of gliosis and graft rejection. Immunohistochemistry analysis of Brdu indicated that cells were alive after 2 months of application in host tissue. Cell counts showed significantly greater numbers of neural cells in the combination treatment of BMSC and CoQ10 compared to the other groups. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression levels in the combined therapy group was significantly more than the other experimental groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The combined use of two neuroprotective treatments and cell replacement therapy can be effective in the treatment of PD, at least in experimental settings.     

Anemia and iron status in young fertile non-professional female athletes

We evaluated the effects of regular physical exercise on anemia and iron status in young non-professional female athletes. A total of 191 healthy white Italian women (23.5 ± 4.68 years) were analyzed; 70 were non-professional athletes performing 11.1 ± 2.63 h week⁻¹ exercise and 121 were sedentary controls. Blood markers of anemia and iron status—hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBC), serum ferritin, iron, transferrin (Tf), transferrin saturation (TfS), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and the sTfR/log ferritin ratio (sTfR-F index)—were evaluated. Anemia threshold was Hb < 120 g l^–1. Ferritin concentrations < 12 μg l^–1 were considered as iron deficiency (ID). Frequency of anemia (15.7 versus 10.7%, P = 0.32), ID (27.1 versus 29.8%, P = 0.70), and ID anemia (8.6 versus 5.8%, P = 0.46) was not different in athletes and controls. However, athletes were threefold more likely than controls (17.1 versus 5.8%) to have serum iron < 50 μg dl^–1 [odds ratio (OR) 3.37, P = 0.012]. Low-TfS (<15%) was found in 25.7% of athletes and in 13.2% of controls, OR 2.27, P = 0.030. Elevated-sTfR (>1.76 mg l^–1) was found in 24.3% of athletes and in 12.4% of controls, OR 2.27, P = 0.034. Regular non-professional sport activity does not cause an increased rate of anemia or of iron deficiency in fertile women. However, physical exercise has an impact on iron status as it reduces serum iron and transferrin saturation, and elevates sTfR. Nearly one fifth of recreational athletes have anemia and a third have iron deficit, these conditions can decrease their physical performance.     

Prevention of reactivated herpes simplex infection by human leukocyte interferon after operation on the trigeminal root.

Microneurosurgical procedures on the trigeminal-nerve root are often followed by reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection, manifested by herpes labialis or oropharyngeal herpesvirus shedding or both. In a double-blind study of the ability of human leukocyte interferon to prevent this reactivation, patients with a history of herpes labialis were given 7 x 10(4) U of interferon per kilogram of body weight per day or placebo for five days beginning on the day before operation. In 18 patients treated with placebo, herpes labialis developed in 10, and virus shedding in the oropharynx in 15. In 19 patients treated with interferon, lesions developed in five, and shedding in eight. The frequency of reactivation as measured by lesions or positive throat cultures or both was significantly reduced by interferon (P less than 0.05). Of 127 daily throat-wash cultures in the placebo group, 42 per cent were positive for herpesvirus, but of 134 in the interferon group, only 9 per cent were positive (P less than 0.001). We conclude that interferon at a well-tolerated dosage reduces reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus infection after a potent operative stimulus.     

Correction of Th1-dominant Cytokine Profiles by High-dose Dexamethasone in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

To investigate the possible correcting of T helper (Th) cytokine profiles by high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) therapy in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with active disease, we determined the plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 in 52 patients before and after oral administration of 40 mg/day DXM for four consecutive days. The cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that initial responses were reached in all patients and sustained response (SR) rate is 46.15%. The pretreatment plasma levels of both IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly increased and those of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 significantly decreased, compared with those of the normal controls (P < 0.01), indicating a Th1-dominant cytokine profile typically found in ITP. After HD-DXM treatment, IFN-γ and IL-2 were decreased (P < 0.01), whereas IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the HD-DXM-treated patients and the normal controls (P > 0.05). TGF-β1 was also increased (P < 0.01) after HD-DXM treatment, but still lower than that of the normal controls (P < 0.05). During following-up, the cytokine profiles in the SRs remained stable compared to the posttreatment level (P > 0.05), but IFN-γ and IL-2 levels raised up, and IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 levels reduced again in the relapsed patients (P < 0.01). Our data demonstrate that HD-DXM is an effective initial therapy for ITP, and the Th1 cytokine dominance could be corrected by HD-DXM.