Interleukin-6 -174 G/C promoter polymorphism and effects of fenofibrate and simvastatin on inflammatory markers in hypercholesterolemic patients.

To evaluate whether the interleukin-6 (IL-6) -174 G/C polymorphism might alter the effects of micronized fenofibrate or simvastatin therapy on inflammatory markers, we measured IL-6, C-reactive protein, CD40 ligand, adhesion molecules, P-selectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in hypercholesterolemic patients both before and after a 30-day treatment. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with the GC or CC genotypes (P=0.04). The presence of the C allele was associated with greater absolute reduction of IL-6 levels (P=0.04) following fenofibrate treatment. There was no significant association between the -174 G/C IL-6 polymorphism and the effects of simvastatin treatment. A relationship between the -174 G/C IL-6 polymorphism and the anti-inflammatory action of fenofibrate reported might be useful in the optimization of the treatment regimen in patients receiving this class of drugs.     

Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability in the radiographic measurements of paediatric forefoot alignment

BackgroundFoot bones in children have more rounded shapes in radiograms than adults. Thus, the goal of this work was assessing inter- and intra-observer reliability in paediatric forefoot angle measurements.Material and methodsSix forefoot angles in 34 AP standing paediatric foot radiographs were measured by 5 researchers. A classic statistical analysis with use of IBM SPSS Statistics 25 was performed and a new method with two-way analysis of variance was applied.ResultsResults of statistical analysis revealed the properties of a subjective assessment related to specific angles. Kilmartin’s angle, calcaneus-fifth metatarsal angle and first ray angle are the most reliable; metatarsus adductus angle should be used with great caution in pediatric population. Engel’s angle is the most difficult for measuring and measurement error is the highest.ConclusionThe power of paediatric forefoot measurements is various. Several angles are reliable, while Engle’s angle is the most doubtful.     

Development and characterization of DNAzyme candidates demonstrating significant efficiency against human rhinoviruses

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Current concepts of IgE regulation and impact of genetic determinants

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated immune responses seem to be directed against parasites and neoplasms, but are best known for their involvement in allergies. The IgE network is tightly controlled at different levels as outlined in this review. Genetic determinants were suspected to influence IgE regulation and IgE levels considerably for many years. Linkage and candidate gene studies suggested a number of loci and genes to correlate with total serum IgE levels, and recently genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) provided the power to identify genetic determinants for total serum IgE levels: 1q23 (FCER1A), 5q31 (RAD50, IL13, IL4), 12q13 (STAT6), 6p21.3 (HLA‐DRB1) and 16p12 (IL4R, IL21R). In this review, we analyse the potential role of these GWAS hits in the IgE network and suggest mechanisms of how genes and genetic variants in these loci may influence IgE regulation.