High serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in acute myeloid leukemia: Correlation with poor prognosis and CD4 expression on blast cells

Backgorund: Although increased serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and their clinical importance are well known in mature type lymphoproliferative disorders (LD), little data is available about such information in acute type hematological malignancies. Methods: We examined the serum levels of sIL-2R in 57 adult patients with acute type leukemias: 32 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 14 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 11 chronic myelocytic leukemia in blast crisis (CMLBC), and in 29 adult patients with mature type LD, and assessed their cellular and clinical relevance in acute type leukemias. Results: No significant differences were seen in the sIL-2R levels between acute type leukemias and mature type LD. In AML, serum sIL-2R levels were related to the cell surface CD4 expression on blast cells, and patients with higher levels ≧2000U/ml had a poorer prognosis (lower response to chemotherapy and shorter overall survival). Conclusions: These results suggest that serum sIL-2R level elevates in acute type leukemias like mature type LD, and increased sIL-2R levels in adult AML are correlated with certain biological and clinical characteristics.     

血清中IL-17和Eotaxin水平检测在支气管哮喘患儿中的应用价值

摘要 目的：研究血清中白介素-17（interleukin,IL-17）和嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子（Eotaxin）水平检测在支气管哮喘患儿中的应用价值。方法：选择2018年1月～2019年12月陕西省中医医院和西安市第一医院的60例支气管哮喘患儿为观察组,其中的18例缓解期患儿为缓解期组,42例急性发作期患儿为急性发作期组,且选择在我院体检的60例健康儿童为对照组。比较缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿和对照组儿童的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平;比较缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的一秒钟用力呼气量（forced expiratory volumeat 1st,FEV₁）以及最大呼气流量（peak expiratory flow,PEF）和生活质量评分;分析缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17与Eotaxin的相关性;并分析缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分的相关性。结果：缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平明显高于对照组（P<0.05）,且急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平明显高于缓解期组（P<0.05）;急性发作期组患儿的PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分明显低于缓解期组（P<0.05）;缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17与Eotaxin之间均呈明显的正相关性（P<0.05）;缓解期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分均呈明显的负相关性（P<0.05）;急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分均呈明显的负相关性（P<0.05）。结论：血清IL-17和Eotaxin在支气管哮喘患儿的发病过程中可以相互影响,共同参与患儿生理病理改变过程,血清IL-17和Eotaxin可作为评估支气管哮喘患儿病情严重程度和生活质量的客观指标。     

Serum levels of leptin in multiple myeloma patients and its relation to angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines

BACKGROUND: Leptin, apart from the regulation of food intake, has been implicated in hematopoiesis, the immune response and angiogenesis. Leptin has been found to be decreased in various hematological malignancies. In the present study leptin was measured in multiple myeloma (MM) patients before and after treatment and correlated with other angiogenic molecules and markers of disease activity. METHODS: Serum leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), beta 2 microglobulin (beta2M) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 62 newly diagnosed MM patients, 22 of whom obtaining disease stabilization after treatment. The same parameters were measured in 20 healthy controls. Disease stage was defined according to the Durie-Salmon criteria. RESULTS: Leptin, VEGF, b-FGF, IL-1beta, and beta2M were significantly higher in newly diagnosed MM patients than in controls (p<0.05). VEGF, b-FGF, IL-1beta, beta2M, CRP but not leptin increased with advancing stage of disease (p<0.01). All parameters decreased significantly following treatment (p<0.001). Although IL-1beta correlated positively with VEGF, beta2M, b-FGF and CRP, leptin did not correlate with any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSION: Leptin serum levels do not reflect disease severity in MM. However, there seems to be a decrease in leptin following treatment, which may be associated with an alteration in the metabolic state or the chemokine milieu.     

老年支气管哮喘患者血清 MC-CP、S1P水平与 T细胞免疫分子及气道基底膜厚度的关系

摘要 目的：探讨老年支气管哮喘患者血清肥大细胞羧肽酶（MC-CP）、1-磷酸鞘氨醇（S1P）水平,并分析与 T细胞免疫分子及气道基底膜厚度的关系。方法：选择 2016年 8月至 2018年 12月我院收治的老年支气管哮喘患者 86例,根据哮喘控制情况分为急性发作期组 48例和缓解期组 38例,选择同期医院体检的健康老年人 40例作为对照组,检测并比较各组血清 MC-CP、S1P水平、肺功能、T细胞免疫分子、支气管黏膜网状基底膜厚度（BMT）,并分析血清 MC-CP、S1P水平与肺功能指标、T细胞免疫分子及BMT的相关性。结果：急性发作组、缓解组患者血清 MC-CP、S1P水平及 BMT、CD8⁺均高于对照组,且急性发作组患者血清MC-CP、S1P、CD8+水平高于缓解期组（P＜0.05）。急性发作期组和缓解期组 FEV1%pred、CD4⁺、CD4⁺/ CD8⁺,血清免疫球蛋白 A（IgA）、免疫球蛋白 M（IgM）、免疫球蛋白 G（IgG）水平低于对照组,且急性发作期组上述指标低于缓解期组（P＜0.05）。老年支气管哮喘患者血清 MC-CP、S1P与 CD8⁺、BMT呈正相关（P＜0.05）,与 FEV1%pred、CD4⁺、CD4⁺/CD8⁺、IgA、IgM、IgG呈负相关（P＜0.05）。结论：老年支气管哮喘患者的血清 MC-CP、S1P水平显著升高,其水平与与肺功能、免疫功能和气道重塑相关,且血清MC-CP与 S1P水平密切相关。     

痛风性关节炎急性期、缓解期超声特征及与血清IL-22、IL-37水平的相关性研究

摘要 目的：探讨痛风性关节炎（GA）急性期、缓解期超声特征及与血清白细胞介素（IL）-22、IL-37水平的相关性。方法：选取从2019年7月至2021年3月期间，在我院诊断为GA的患者64例作为痛风组，及同期在我院体检的健康志愿者32例作为正常对照组。经过超声检查、血清样品实验后，观察受试者的超声特征，比较受试者血清IL-22、IL-37的水平，采用Spearman检验分析GA患者血清IL-22、 IL-37水平与超声特征的相关性。比较超声特征、IL-22和IL-37水平单一或联合应用对GA急性期、缓解期的诊断价值。结果：痛风组急性期血清IL-22水平显著高于缓解期及正常对照组(P＜0.05)；痛风组急性期及缓解期血清IL-37水平均显著高于正常对照组，且缓解期高于急性期(P＜0.05)。64例GA患者中有29例存在痛风石；60例在急性期存在关节积液，至缓解期有22例吸收至正常积液量；有52例在急性期关节滑膜增生，至缓解期有14例得以缓解;有29例存在"双轨征"，仅1例在缓解期消失;有14例发生骨侵蚀，在缓解期均未见明显改善；缓解期积液厚度、滑膜厚度均明显小于急性期(P＜0.05)。无论急性期还是缓解期，GA患者血清IL-22水平与关节积液均呈正相关(P＜0.05)。超声检查联合血清IL-22、IL-37水平检测用于诊断无论在急性期还是缓解期，其敏感性及特异性均较高。结论：IL-22水平不论在急性期还是缓解期，与超声下关节积液均呈正相关。血清IL-22、IL-37检测与超声检查联合可提高急性期及缓解期GA的诊断效能。     

Pancreatitis-Associated Protein Does Not Predict Disease Relapse in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Background

The pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) is increased in the serum of active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and its levels seem to be correlated with disease activity. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of serum and fecal PAP measurements to predict relapse in patients with inactive IBD.

Materials and Methods

We undertook a 12-month prospective study that included 66 Crohn''s disease (CD) and 74 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. At inclusion, patients were in clinical remission, defined by a Harvey-Bradshaw (HB) Index≤4 (CD) or a partial Mayo Score (MS)<3 (UC), along with a normal serum C reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin. Patients were followed every 3 months. Blood and stool samples were collected and a clinical evaluation was performed at each visit. Serum PAP and CRP levels as well as fecal concentrations of PAP and calprotectin were assessed.

Results

Active CD patients had an increased mean serum PAP at the diagnosis of the flare (104.1 ng/ml) and 3 months prior to activity (22.68 ng/ml) compared with patients in remission (13.26 ng/ml), p<0.05. No significant change in serum PAP levels in UC and fecal PAP levels in CD and UC were detected during disease activity. In CD, serum PAP was a poor diagnostic predictor of disease activity, with an AUC of 0.69. In patients in remission, fecal PAP was barely detectable in UC compared with CD patients.

Conclusion

Serum PAP is increased only in active CD patients, but this marker does not predict disease activity. Inactive UC patients have marked low levels of PAP in fecal samples compared with CD patients.     

重症慢性阻塞性肺病急性发作期患者血清PCT, hs-CRP及D-D的表达及意义

目的:探究重症慢性阻塞性肺病(COPD)急性发作期患者血清降钙素原(PCT)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)和D-二聚体(D-D)的表达及意义。方法:选取2014年9月-2016年9月我院收治的146例COPD患者作为研究对象,其中73例COPD急性发作期(AECOPD)患者纳入急性期组,73例COPD缓解期患者纳入缓解期组,另选取同期来我院体检的40例健康者作为对照组。比较三组研究对象的血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平,同时比较急性期组细菌感染与无细菌感染患者、不同肺功能分级的患者血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平的差异。结果:急性期组与缓解期组患者的血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平较对照组显著升高(P0.05),急性期组的血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平较缓解期组显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。合并细菌感染组血清PCT、hs-CRP水平均显著高于无细菌感染组(P0.05),而D-D水平则无统计学差异(P0.05)。不同肺功能分级患者间的血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平比较差异显著(P0.05),且肺功能分级越高水平越高(P0.05)。结论:AECOPD患者的血清PCT、hs-CRP和D-D水平均显著的升高,三者联合检测能够有效反映患者病情严重程度,并有利于诊断患者是否存在有细菌感染。     

Relationship among serum selenium levels,lipid peroxidation,and acute bronchiolitis in infancy

Thirty-four infants with acute bronchiolitis and 25 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled to investigate the possible relationship between serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and selenium (Se) levels and the occurrence and severity of acute bronchiolitis in children. Serum samples were taken for serum Se and MDA measurements, and the clinical score was assessed at admission. Blood was taken again from the children with bronchiolitis at 2 mo after discharge from the hospital. Mean serum MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with acute bronchiolitis than at the postbronchiolitis stage and the controls (4.2±2.5nmol./L, 1.4±0.8 nmol/L, and 0.7±0.2 nmol/L, respectively [p<0.001]). Infants with bronchiolitis had lower mean serum Se levels at the acute stage than after 2 mo (31.7±28.9μg/L versus 68.4±26.4 μg/L, p<0.05, respectively); both of which were significantly lower than the control group measurements (145.0±21.9 μg/L) (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum MDA and Se levels in the patient group (=−0.85, p<0.001). The age of the patient, child's immunization status, parental smoking habit, and family crowding index were not correlated with serum Se, MDA levels, or clinical score at admission. In conclusion, increased MDA levels and impaired Se status demonstrate the presence of possible relationship of these parameters with pathogenesis of acute bronchiolitis, and antioxidant supplementation with Se might be thought to supply a beneficial effect against bronchiolitis.     

Circulating TNF Receptors 1 and 2 Are Associated with the Severity of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in IgA Nephropathy

The current study aimed to examine whether the levels of TNF receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1 and TNFR2) in serum and urine were associated with other markers of kidney injury and renal histological findings, including TNFR expression, in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The levels of the parameters of interest were measured by immunoassay in 106 biopsy-proven IgAN patients using samples obtained immediately before renal biopsy and in 34 healthy subjects. Renal histological findings were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The levels of serum TNFRs were higher in IgAN patients than in healthy subjects. The levels of both TNFRs in serum or urine were strongly correlated with each other (r > 0.9). Serum TNFR levels were positively correlated with the urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) and four markers of tubular damage of interest (N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase [NAG], β2 microglobulin [β2m], liver-type fatty acid-binding protein [L-FABP], and kidney injury molecule-1 [KIM-1]) and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients in the highest tertile of serum TNFR levels showed more severe renal interstitial fibrosis than did those in the lowest or second tertiles. The tubulointerstitial TNFR2-, but not TNFR1-, positive area was significantly correlated with the serum levels of TNFRs and eGFR. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that elevated serum TNFR1 or TNFR2 levels were a significant determinant of renal interstitial fibrosis after adjusting for eGFR, UPCR, and other markers of tubular damage. In conclusion, elevated serum TNFR levels were significantly associated with the severity of renal interstitial fibrosis in IgAN patients. However, the source of TNFRs in serum and urine remains unclear.     

Increased serum HO-1 in hemophagocytic syndrome and adult-onset Still's disease: use in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinemia

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible heme-degrading enzyme, is expressed by macrophages and endothelial cells in response to various stresses. Because ferritin synthesis is stimulated by Fe²⁺, which is a product of heme degradation, we examined the relation between HO-1 and ferritin levels in the serum of patients with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), adult-onset Still's disease (ASD), and other diseases that may cause hyperferritinemia. Seven patients with HPS, 10 with ASD, 73 with other rheumatic diseases, 20 with liver diseases, 10 recipients of repeated blood transfusion because of hematological disorders, and 22 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Serum HO-1 and ferritin levels were determined by ELISA. Expression of HO-1 mRNA and protein by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined by real-time PCR and immunocytochemical techniques, respectively. Serum levels of HO-1 were significantly higher in patients with active HPS and ASD than in the other groups (P < 0.01). HO-1 levels were not elevated in patients with other causes of hyperferritinemia but were moderately elevated in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis. Among patients with HPS and ASD, serum HO-1 levels correlated closely with serum ferritin levels, and the levels of both returned to normal after therapy had induced remission. Increased expression of HO-1 mRNA was confirmed in PBMCs from some patients with HPS and ASD. Hyperferritinemia correlated closely with increased serum HO-1 in patients with HPS and ASD but not other conditions, indicating that measurement of serum HO-1 and ferritin levels would be useful in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinemia and perhaps also in monitoring disease activity in HPS and ASD.     

Platelet factor-4 is an indicator of blood count recovery in acute myeloid leukemia patients in complete remission

To investigate whether serum biomarkers can be used to indicate the responsiveness of acute myeloid leukemia to remission induction chemotherapy, we performed MALDI-TOF protein profile analysis of patient sera. The resulting spectra revealed a protein (or peptide) peak at m/z 7764 that varied in intensity; its intensity was much higher in samples from patients in complete remission than in those from patients with resistant disease or in samples taken prior to treatment (at the time of diagnosis). Using fractionation, trypsin digestion, MS/MS, and protein molecular weight analyses, we identified the m/z 7764 protein as platelet factor-4 (PF4). This identification was confirmed by a magnetic bead-based MALDI immunoassay. Statistical comparison of PF4 levels and platelet counts in patient sera revealed a significant positive correlation between the two variables. This study demonstrates that PF4 protein levels are a good indicator for the recovery of blood count in the complete remission of acute myeloid leukemia. The linear positive correlation curve indicates that blood count recovery of platelets to >100,000/mm(3) is equivalent to a serum PF4 recovery level of >2.492 microg/ml.     

Low IL-23 levels in peripheral blood and bone marrow at diagnosis of acute leukemia in children increased with the elimination of leukemic burden

IL-23 is an IL-12 cytokine family member with pleiotropic functions that regulates tumour growth in various cancer types, exhibiting both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic properties. Preclinical studies have shown a potential anti-leukemic action on childhood B-ALL cells. The study involved 65 children with acute leukemia [59 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 6 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)] and 27 healthy controls. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we aimed to determine the IL-23 levels in the peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) of patients at diagnosis and at the end of the induction therapy (EIT). PB IL-23 levels were lower in leukemia patients compared to the healthy controls. In all acute leukemia patients, IL-23 levels were significantly lower at diagnosis both in PB (P = .015) and in BM (P = .037) compared to the PB and BM concentrations at the EIT. The same pattern was present in both subgroups of ALL and AML patients. The high leukemic burden at diagnosis was related with lower IL-23 levels, which were increased with the disease remission. Considering the anti-leukemic potential of this cytokine, the elevation of the IL-23 concentration at the disease remission indicates a beneficial role of IL-23 in paediatric acute leukemia.     

Relationships between serum IGF-1, IGFBP-2, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 in inflammatory bowel disease

AIMS: To study the relationships between serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 and interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients (18 males, 19 females, aged 8.8-26.1 years) with IBD (Crohn's disease, CD, n = 17, and ulcerative colitis, UC, n = 20) were studied. Patients were in relapse or remission according to established criteria. Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, IL-1beta and IL-6 levels were determined in patients and 15 healthy controls (aged 8.2-19.0 years). RESULTS: IGF-1 levels were lower in patients with CD in relapse compared with controls (p < 0.05). IGFBP-2 levels were higher in CD in relapse compared with other groups (all p < 0.05). In CD and UC patients (n = 37), IGF-1 levels were inversely correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). IGFBP-2 levels correlated positively with ESR and IL-1beta. IL-6 levels correlated positively with ESR and CRP. IL-1beta levels were elevated in CD in relapse compared to controls (p < 0.05) and were higher in UC in relapse than in other groups (all p < 0.05). In combined CD/UC patients in relapse (n = 20), IL-1beta levels were higher (p < 0.05) in patients with recto-sigmoiditis (n = 5) than in other patients. CONCLUSIONS: IGF-1, IGFBP-2 levels were related to IL levels, disease activity and anatomical distribution, consistent with active inflammation modifying the IGF-IGFBP system, possibly relevant to disturbance of growth.     

Interleukin-17 in acute myeloid leukemia

There are several reports that angiogenesis plays important roles in hematological malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Human interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD4 T cells. IL-17 plays a potential role in T cell mediated angiogenesis. The role of IL-17 in pathologic angiogenesis has not been evaluated yet. The aim of the study was to determine plasma level of IL-17 in patients with AML. IL-17 levels were measured by ELISA in plasma samples taken from 68 adult patients with AML before chemotherapy was administered. In addition 20 out of 68 patients were reanalysed after achieving complete remission (CR). Ten samples from healthy volunteers were evaluated as the control. In this study we have demonstrated that serum level of IL-17 is not elevated in AML patients. These results suggest that angiogenesis in AML is not mediated by CD4 T cells. To our knowledge this is the first report about IL-17 serum level in acute leukemias. We are currently evaluating IL-17 levels in others haematological malignancies.     

血清miR-203、miR-217表达与急性髓系白血病患者预后的关系

摘要 目的：探究血清miR-203、miR-217表达与急性髓系白血病(AML)患者预后的关系。方法：选择2010年4月至2014年4月我院诊治的101例AML患者作为AML组,AML组根据治疗效果进一步分为完全缓解组和复发组,选择同期在我院体检的101例健康者作为健康组。采用荧光定量PCR检测各组的血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平,分析血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平与患者临床病理特征的关系,采用Kaplan-Meier法分析不同血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平AML患者的预后。结果：与健康组相比,AML组的血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平明显更低（P<0.05）。与完全缓解组相比,复发组的血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平明显更低（P<0.05）。血清miR-203表达水平与AML患者白细胞计数相关（P<0.05）,而血清miR-217表达水平与AML患者血小板计数相关（P<0.05）。血清miR-203相对高表达和miR-217相对高表达的AML患者5年生存率分别高于血清miR-203相对低表达和miR-217相对低表达患者（Log Rank ^miR-203 =17.870,Log Rank ^miR-217 =28.926,均P=0.000）。结论：血清miR-203、miR-217的表达水平与AML密切相关,检测血清miR-203、miR-217表达水平可能有助于评估AML患者的预后。     

支气管哮喘患者血清IL-4、TNF-α 及IgE 水平变化及临床意义

目的:研究支气管哮喘患者白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)及免疫球蛋白E(IgE)水平变化及临床意义.方法:对78例支气管哮喘患者(急性发作期组39例、缓解期组39例)血清IL-4、TNF-α、IgE水平进行检测,并与正常对照组的40例健康受试者进行比较分析.结果:支气管哮喘患者组血清IL-4、TNF-α、IgE水平显著高于正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);急性发作期组血清IL-4、TNF-α、IgE水平均显著高于缓解期组,差异亦均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);支气管哮喘患者血清IL-4、TNF-α、IgE水平两两之间呈正性显著相关(P＜0.05).结论:检测支气管哮喘患者血清IL-4、TNF-α、IgE水平对患者疾病预测及治疗具有重要的临床意义.     

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α: A link between innate immunity and familial mediterranean fever?

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between chemokines and the inflammation in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Forty-nine patients with FMF (41 in remission and 8 in acute attack period) and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) were assessed in the patients and the controls, along with other parameters of disease activity, i.e., fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Serum MIP-1alpha levels of the patients with FMF in acute attack period were significantly higher than the patients in remission and healthy controls (p=0.02 and p=0.038, respectively). MIP-1alpha levels were weakly correlated with CRP (r=0.32, p=0.032) levels. MIP-1alpha may have a role in the pathogenesis of FMF attacks. MIP-1alpha and other chemokines may constitute a link between the innate immune system and FMF.     

High mobility group box-1 levels in schizophrenia: Potential biomarker of remission phase

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder, characterized byacute exacerbation and remission phases. Immune system has a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) is a macrophage secreted protein activating immune cells to produce cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate HMGB-1 levels among patients with schizophrenia both in acute exacerbation and remission phases. Methods: Consecutive schizophrenia patients in acute exacerbation and remission phases were enrolled and compared with each other and with age-sex matched healthy subjects. Patients were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). Results: Mean HMGB-1 levels were not significantly different in acute exacerbation phase versus remission phase schizophrenia patients (2.139±0.564 g/L vs. 2.326± 0.471 g/L, p=0.335) and both were individually higher than the control group (1.791±0.444 g/L, p=0.05 for acute exacerbation vs control, p=0.002 for remission vs control). In remission phase schizophrenic patients, HMGB-1 levels were positively correlated with Scale For The Assessment of Positive Symptoms (r=0.447, p=0.015) and BPRS (r=0.397, p=0.033) scores and HMGB-1 levels were independently associated with BPRS. Conclusions: Serum HMGB-1 levels were shown to be increased in patients with schizophrenia patients irrespective of phase, there were no differences between patients in acute exacerbation and remission phase in terms of biomarker and HMGB-1 levels were related to symptom severity according to psychiatric scales among patients in remission phase of schizophrenia.     

Anti-inflammatory response of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is an inflammatory process seen in association with a large number of clinical infective and non-infective conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta were determined in 45 patients with SIRS: 38 patients had SIRS of infectious origin, whereas seven patients had non-infectious SIRS. Twenty healthy subjects were used as controls. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta were determined by an immunoenzyme assay. A significant increase of IL-4 was observed in these patients at the time of diagnosis and 5 days later. In contrast, serum levels of IL-10 were not increased at the time of diagnosis, but a slight decrease was noted after 5 days. Serum levels of TGF-beta were not increased at time of diagnosis, and a slight increase was observed after 5 days. Serum levels of IL-4 were significantly higher in patients with infectious SIRS at the time of diagnosis, whereas no significant difference between infectious and non-infectious SIRS was noted for serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta at the time of diagnosis and 5 days later. During SIRS, serum levels of IL-4 were significantly increased with a significant correlation between IL-4 and mortality, and only levels of IL-4 were significantly increased in the SIRS caused by infectious stimuli.     

Assessment of serum tenascin-C and growth differentiation factor-15 among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundHigh prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a higher prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Inflammation is one of the important contributors to the pathogenesis and complications of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) and Tenascin-C (TNC) play an important role in the initiation of atherosclerotic plaque as well as its rupture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between serum GDF-15, TNC, and the risk of ACS among T2DM patients.MethodsAnthropometric parameters, routine biochemical investigations like liver and renal function tests, lipid profile, and Creatine Kinase-Total (CK-T), Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) were measured in 42 T2DM patients with ACS and 42 T2DM patients. Serum GDF-15 and TNC were measured by Human Sandwich-ELISA kits.ResultsSerum GDF-15 and TNC levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients with ACS as compared to T2DM patients. Serum GDF-15 was significantly correlated with waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, pulse, serum CK-T, and CK-MB. Serum TNC was significantly correlated with the pulse, serum CK-T, CK-MB, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and blood urea nitro GEN. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that waist circumference was independently positively associated with serum GDF-15.ConclusionsT2DM patients with higher serum GDF-15 and TNC levels were at higher risk of acute coronary syndrome independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.