Detection of cytoplasmic IL-1 beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Cytokines including IL-1 beta have been implicated in the pathophysiology of sepsis and the systemic inflammatory response. It is believed that certain critically ill patients may be 'primed' with respect to cytokine production, and that subsequent 'triggers' may cause exaggerated cytokine production in these patients with exacerbation of their clinical condition; however, no means of identifying 'primed' patients has been described. The presence of cytoplasmic IL-1 beta within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients in the ICU was investigated as a means of identifying 'primed' patients, using fluorescent antibody labelling and flow cytometry. The study revealed that PBMC from ICU patients had a different staining pattern for IL-1 beta than those from healthy subjects, and that PBMC from certain ICU patients did indeed stain strongly for IL-1 beta; however, the presence of these strongly staining cells was not associated with clinical condition or outcome. It is concluded that whilst it might be possible to identify 'primed' patients in the ICU using this technique, this is of no clinical value as a predictor of clinical course.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Azole-Substituted Tetrahydronaphthalenes as Inhibitors of P450 arom,P450 17, and P450 TxA2

In search of potential drugs for the treatment of estrogen- and androgen-dependent cancer as well as the prophylaxis of metastases, tetralones, tetralins, and dihydronaphthalenes bearing a OCH₃ substituent at the benzene nucleus and an imidazol-4-yl, imidazol-1-yl, or 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl substituent in 2-position were synthesized with and without C₁-spacer between the rings (compounds 2 – 26 ). The compounds were tested in vitro for inhibition of the three target enzymes P450 arom (human placental microsomes), P450 17 (rat testicular microsomes), and P450 TxA₂ (citrated human whole blood). To examine selectivity, some compounds were further tested in vitro for inhibition of P450 18 (bovine adrenal mitochondria), P450 see (bovine adrenal mitochondria) and corticoid formation (aldosterone, corticosterone; ACTH stimulated rat adrenal tissue). In vivo, selected compounds were examined in Sprague Dawley rats regarding P450 TxA₂ inhibition, reduction of plasma testosterone concentration, antiuterotrophic activity (inhibition of the uterotrophic activity of androstenedione), reduction of plasma estradiol concentration (pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin-primed rats), and mammary tumor inhibiting activity (dimethylbenzanthracene-induced tumor; pre- and postmenopausal model). In the series of imidazol-4-yl compounds, which represent a novelty in the field of azole inhibitors of steroidogenic P450 enzymes, strong inhibitors of P450 arom and/or P450 17 were found: 7-OCH₃-2-(imidazol-4-ylmethylene)-1-tetralone ( 4 ) and 7-OCH₃-2-(imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-tetralin ( 12 ) are among the most potent inhibitors of P450 arom in vitro known so far. Compound 4 is a selective inhibitor, whereas 12 shows in addition strong inhibition of P450 17. In contrast to 12 , the 6-OCH₃ derivative (compound 11 ) is a selective inhibitor of P450 17, being 50 times more potent than ketoconazole. Some imidazol-1-yl compounds show a marked inhibition of P450 TxA₂: 2-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-1-tetralone ( 13 ) is a selective inhibitor of P450 TxA₂, whereas 7-OCH₃-2-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-tetralin ( 17 ) as well as 2-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-tetralin ( 16 ) and 7-OCH₃-2-imidazol-1-yl-3,4-dihydronaphthalene ( 25 ) additionally show strong inhibition of P450 arom and P450 17. Regarding the other steroidogenic P450 enzymes as well as corticosterone formation, the compounds show only little inhibitory activity. Aldosterone formation, however, is inhibited at low concentrations. Nevertheless, 4 and 12 are more selective, i.e. inhibit aldosterone synthesis less than the well known inhibitor of P450 arom fadrozole. The compounds show activity in the aforementioned in vivo tests.     

Gingival crevicular fluid IL-8: correlation with local IL-1β levels and patient estrogen status

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) IL-8 and IL-1,1β levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Associations between IL-8 and IL-1β GCF levels, and between these cytokines and patient estrogen status were evaluated. IL-8 and IL-1β were detected more frequently and in higher amounts/30 s GCF sample in estrogen-deficient patients than in estrogensufficient patients. IL-8 and IL-1β GCF levels were significantly correlated. These lindings suggest that GCF IL-8 levels are associated with patient estrogen status and local IL-1β concentrations.     

The role of HLA‐DQβ1 alleles in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis

Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory erosive joint disease with the worldwide distribution of approximately 0.5–1.0%. Etiology of RA is not exactly known but immunologic and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Genetic factors such as human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are responsible for many autoimmune diseases; therefore we decided to look for a correlation between RA and the presence of HLA‐DQβ1 alleles as possible genetic markers. Methods: Genomic DNA from the whole blood samples of 25 patients with RA and 86 normal individuals as control group were extracted by salting out method. The genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer (PCR‐SSP) technique. HLA‐typing was done by this method after optimizing the PCR reaction for each allele. In this procedure seven serological subclasses of HLA‐DQβ1 can be detected. Results: Comparing the results between the patients and controls show a significant increase in the frequency of HLA‐DQ8 (*0302, *0305) alleles in RA patients. The P‐values were 0.007 and the relative risk for these alleles was evaluated higher than 1. Conclusions: The results suggest that DQ8 is the dominant HLA‐DQβ1 allele that is associated with susceptibility to RA in north‐eastern Iran.     

CD11b在肺纤维化患者的表达及红霉素对其影响

目的探讨CD11b在肺纤维化患者外周血中性粒细胞上的表达及红霉素对它的影响.方法肺纤维化患者(A组,n=13)13例经红霉素治疗3个月,收集治疗前后及健康对照组(B组,n=13)13例的外周血中性粒细胞涂片,用桥联酶免疫法测定CD11b表达阳性的中性粒细胞百分率.结果A组治疗前后,患者外周血中性粒细胞CD11b的表达阳性率均显著高于健康对照组(P＜0.01);A组治疗前,患者外周血中性粒细胞CD11b的表达阳性率显著高于治疗后(P＜0.01).结论肺纤维化患者外周血中性粒细胞CD11b的表达阳性率显著高于健康对照组;红霉素能抑制肺纤维化患者外用血中性粒细胞CD11b的表达.     

Investigation of the negative chronotropic action of SK&F 86466 in the pithed normotensive rat

SK&F 86466, 6-chloro-3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-H-3-benzazepine, is a potent and selective antagonist of the α₂-adrenoceptor in vitro. This compound produced a small pressor response accompanied by a marked bradycardia when administered i.v. to the pithed normotensive rat. The pressor response was not affected by reserpine treatment, pretreatment with α- or β-adrenoceptor antagonists, atropine, or hexamethonium. The bradycardia was markedly reduced by bilateral vagotomy and pretreatment with atropine and attenuated by hexamethonium. The negative chronotropic action of SK&F 86466 was abolished by a combination of vagotomy and atropine. Mediation of the bradycardia by a baroreceptor reflex was ruled out by the observations that a lack of change in heart rate was associated with the vasopressor response to phenylephrine in the pithed rat pretreated with propranolol. It is concluded that the negative chronotropic action of SK&F 86466 in the pithed rat is mediated indirectly by activation of the cholinergic innervation of the heart.     

Sick day management using blood 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) compared with urine ketone monitoring reduces hospital visits in young people with T1DM: a randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening acute complication of Type 1 diabetes, may be preventable with frequent monitoring of glycaemia and ketosis along with timely supplemental insulin. This prospective, two-centre study assessed sick day management using blood 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) monitoring compared with traditional urine ketone testing, aimed at averting emergency assessment and hospitalization. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three children, adolescents and young adults, aged 3-22 years, and their families received sick day education. Participants were randomized to receive either a blood glucose monitor that also measures blood 3-OHB (blood ketone group, n = 62) or a monitor plus urine ketone strips (urine ketone group, n = 61). All were encouraged to check glucose levels > or = 3 times daily and to check ketones during acute illness or stress, when glucose levels were consistently elevated (> or = 13.9 mmol/l on two consecutive readings), or when symptoms of DKA were present. Frequency of sick days, hyperglycaemia, ketosis, and hospitalization/emergency assessment were ascertained prospectively for 6 months. RESULTS: There were 578 sick days during 21,548 days of follow-up. Participants in the blood ketone group checked ketones significantly more during sick days (276 of 304 episodes, 90.8%) than participants in the urine ketone group (168 of 274 episodes, 61.3%) (P < 0.001). The incidence of hospitalization/emergency assessment was significantly lower in the blood ketone group (38/100 patient-years) compared with the urine ketone group (75/100 patient-years) (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Blood ketone monitoring during sick days appears acceptable to and preferred by young people with Type 1 diabetes. Routine implementation of blood 3-OHB monitoring for the management of sick days and impending DKA can potentially reduce hospitalization/emergency assessment compared with urine ketone testing and offers potential cost savings.     

Effect of electro-acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation on motor function and expressions of CD11b/CD18 and tumor necrosis factor-α in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation on the motor function and expressions of the adhesion molecules CD11b and CD18 in the polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and monocytes and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods A total of 165 ACI patients were randomly divided into control group (group A, n=50), conventional rehabilitation group (group B, n=50) and comprehensive rehabilitation group (group C, n=65). The expressions of CD11b and CD18 in the PMN and monocytes and serum TNF-α levels were determined before and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the treatment. Thirty-two healthy subjects were also recruited as the normal control group (group N). The neurological function of the subjects was evaluated by modified Edinburgh-Scandinavia stroke scale (MESSS) and Fugi-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and their activity of daily living (ADL) was assessed using Barthel index (BI). Results The CD11b/CD18 expression in the PMN and MN and serum TNF-α level in groups A, B and C were significantly higher than those in group N before and 1 week after the treatment (P<0.05). CD11b/CD18 expression and serum TNF-α level were significantly lower in groups B and C than in the group A at 1 week after the treatment, and significantly lower in group C than in group B (P<0.05). At 2 weeks of treatment, CD11b/CD18 and TNF-α were significantly lower in groups B and C than in the group A, being the lowest in group C (P<0.05). The scores of mESSS in both groups B and C were lower than that in group A, and the scores were lower in group C than in group B. Group C showed higher FMA scores than group B, both having higher scores than group A. At 4 weeks of treatment, the mESSS scores were significantly lower, hut the FMA and ADL score significantly higher in groups B and C than in the control group (P<0.05), and the differences were more obvious in group C. Groups B and C had greater effective rate than group A (P<0.05), and the rate was the highest in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion Electro-acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation promotes the recovery of motor function in ACI patients probably by regulating the expressions of the adhesion molecules CD11b and CD18 on the PMN and monocytes and the serum levels of TNF-α.     

正常腹部实质脏器磁共振弥散加权成像ADC值和b值研究

目的:探讨PHILIPSGyroscanIntera1.5TMRI成像仪正常腹部实质脏器表观弥散系数(ADC)值范围并研究适合本扫描仪腹部弥散加权成像的最佳b值。材料和方法:对30例健康志愿者行磁共振弥散加权成像。在ADC图上直接测量ADC值。结果:所有检查均一次成功得到弥散加权成像(DWI)和ADC图。正常肝脏、胰腺、肾脏、脾脏在b值分别为300、1000、1500s/mm2时的ADC值分别为(10-3mm2/s)1.520±0.169、1.937±0.370、2.632±0.258、1.163±0.188,1.200±0.132、1.484±0.272、2.016±0.178、0.840±0.117,1.068±0.118、1.321±0.149、1.659±0.169、0.747±0.102。不同b值时同一脏器ADC值有统计学差异;四种实质性脏器在同一b值时ADC值有统计学差异。结论:正常腹部不同脏器的ADC值有明显差异。腹部弥散加权成像的b值为300s/mm2和1000s/mm2时,DWI和ADC图像可以互相补充。     

Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α may be a marker for vasculitic neuropathy

Neuromuscular biopsy is still an essential method for diagnosing vasculitic neuropathy, although its diagnostic sensitivity is at most 60%. Our objective was to examine the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in peripheral nerves and to evaluate its usefulness in diagnosing vasculitic neuropathy, especially for discrimination from other axonal neuropathies. Forty‐one patients with vasculitic neuropathy consisting of 20 definite, 14 probable and seven possible diagnoses, 15 patients with metabolic neuropathy, five with motor neuron disease and six with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy were included. Nerve biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically examined for HIF‐1α and various cell markers. Distinct immunoreactivity (IR) was observed in nuclei of endoneurial cells in 54% (22/41) of vasculitic patients, while specimens from metabolic neuropathies showed less nuclear IR and the difference of mean density of HIF‐1α‐positive nuclei was significant. Two patients with possible vasculitis who showed HIF‐1α‐positive nuclei in endoneurium, were later confirmed to have vasculitis by skin biopsies. Most of the cells expressing HIF were demonstrated to be Schwann cells. There was a trend in the vasculitic patients with early phase nerve damage to display higher endoneurial HIF‐1α‐IR. HIF‐1α may be an immunohistochemical marker for vasculitic neuropathy, especially when the observed section contains no vasculitic lesions.