Effects of rosiglitazone on postprandial leukocytes and cytokines in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: We postulated that in type 2 diabetes, the postprandial phase is a pro-inflammatory state that can be modulated by PPAR-gamma agonists. For this purpose, we determined the effects of rosiglitazone (8 mg/d) on postprandial leukocyte counts and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, 8-week, cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was performed in 19 patients with type 2 diabetes. Standardized 6-h oral fat-loading tests were performed after each treatment period. During placebo treatment, blood leukocytes increased to a maximum 6-h postprandially, due to significant increases in neutrophils and lymphocytes. Concomitant postprandial increases were observed for IL-6 and IL-8, the major chemokines responsible for leukocyte recruitment. Rosiglitazone reduced the incremental area under the curves (dAUCs) for IL-6 (-63%, p<0.01) and IL-8 (-16%, p<0.05). The dAUC for leukocytes decreased with 37% (p<0.05), due to a specific reduction of neutrophils (-39%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone attenuated the postprandial increases of neutrophils, IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Since inflammation is a major force driving atherosclerosis, and man lives in a postprandial period most part of the day, a reduced inflammatory response after a meal may delay progression of atherosclerosis. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: We postulated that in type 2 diabetes, the postprandial phase is a pro-inflammatory state that can be modulated by PPAR-gamma agonists. Rosiglitazone attenuated the postprandial increases of neutrophils, IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with type 2 diabetes. These effects may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction.     

The two component adjuvant IC31® potentiates the protective immunity induced by a dengue 2 recombinant fusion protein in mice

Here we evaluated the suitability of the synthetic adjuvant IC31^® to potentiate the protective capacity of PD5 protein (domain III of the envelope protein of dengue 2 virus fused to the carrier protein P64k). Unlike Alum, PD5 mixed with IC31^® induced complete protection against virus challenge in mice and increased IFN-γ secretion after in vitro re-stimulation. The induced antibody response was highly specific to the homologous serotype and showed both IgG1 and IgG2a subtypes. IC31^® is a promising adjuvant for PD5 recombinant protein based vaccination against dengue. Future work should address the suitability of PD5/IC31^® formulations in non-human primate models.     

Mechanochemical Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins in Pediatric Patients with Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome: Feasibility,Safety, and Initial Results

PurposeTo evaluate feasibility, safety, and results of endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) for treatment of persistent embryonic and dysplastic veins in pediatric patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS).Materials and MethodsThirteen MOCA procedures were performed in 11 patients (age range, 4–16 years) with KTS and symptomatic persistent embryonic or dysplastic veins during a 24-month period. All patients were evaluated with color Doppler (CD) ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and venography to assess the anatomy of the target vessels and patency of the deep venous system. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with a ClariVein catheter and liquid sodium tetradecyl sulfate as the sclerosing agent. US and fluoroscopic guidance were used in all cases. Technical success rate, primary occlusion rate, adverse effects, and recanalization rates were evaluated. Clinical and radiological (CD US) controls were performed 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure and once a year thereafter, with a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6–25 months).ResultsTechnical success and primary occlusion were achieved in all patients with no adverse events. During the follow-up period, CD US demonstrated partial recanalization and symptom recurrence in 2 patients (18%), 14 and 18 months after the initial procedure. These 2 patients had a second ablation procedure with no recanalization or symptom recurrence during the subsequent follow-up period.ConclusionsMOCA is feasible and appears to be a safe and effective technique for treatment of varicose veins in pediatric patients with KTS.     

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de piel sensible: un algoritmo para la práctica clínica habitual

Sensitive skin has traditionally been viewed as a cosmetic problem or as a purely psychosomatic alteration with a major subjective component. Different studies of its pathophysiologic etiology, however, have shown it to be a complex entity that several authors now consider to be a neurodermatological syndrome. Because of this complexity, skin sensitivity can be difficult to diagnose and treat, particularly considering that it may present with another disease. Simple tools applicable to clinical practice are thus necessary to identify and manage this disease as an independent entity. In this study, we perform a practical review of the most recent scientific advances in the area of sensitive skin that justify it being considered an individual entity, and provide tools for its identification and treatment. We propose diagnostic and treatment algorithms based on evidence from the literature and our experience and expertise.