血清NGF、BDNF、GFAP水平与老年血管性痴呆严重程度的相关性分析

目的:探讨血清神经生长因子(Nerve Growth Factor,NGF)、脑源性神经营养因子(Brain Derived Neural Nutrition Factor, BDNF)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein,GFAP)水平与老年血管性痴呆严重程度的相关性。方法:选择我院2016年1月至2018年12月收治的81例老年血管性痴呆患者,根据简易精神状态检查表(MMES)评分将其分为三组,以MMSE评分21～26分者为轻度组(26例),10～20分者为中度组(28例),0～9分者为重度组(27例),同时选择来院体检的50例健康者作为对照组,检测和比较各组的血清NGF、BDNF、GFAP水平,分析血清NGF、BDNF、GFAP水平与老年血管性痴呆患者MMSE分值的相关性。结果:老年血管性痴呆者的血清NGF、GFAP水平明显高于对照组(P0.05),血清BDNF水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。轻度组、中度组、重度组的血清NGF、GFAP、BDNF水平对比差异均有统计学意义(P0.05):NGF水平:轻度组中度组重度组,BDNF水平:轻度组中度组重度组;GFAP水平:轻度组中度组重度组。血清NGF、BDNF水平与MMSE分值评分呈显著正相关(r_1=0.652,r_2=0.671,P0.05),血清GFAP水平与MMSE分值呈显著负相关(r3=-0.681,P0.05)。结论:血清NGF、BDNF、GFAP水平均与老年血管性痴呆的严重程度密切相关,可能用于评估老年血管性痴呆病情的严重程度。     

The Severity of Visceral Leishmaniasis Correlates with Elevated Levels of Serum IL-6, IL-27 and sCD14

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe disease caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Classic VL is characterized by a systemic infection of phagocytic cells and an intense activation of the inflammatory response. It is unclear why 90% of infected individuals do not develop the disease while a minority develop the classical form. Furthermore, among those that develop disease, a small group progresses to more severe form that is unresponsive to treatment. The presence of inflammatory mediators in serum could theoretically help to control the infection. However, there is also a release of anti-inflammatory mediators that could interfere with the control of parasite multiplication. In this study, we took advantage of the spectrum of outcomes to test the hypothesis that the immune profile of individuals infected with Leishmania (L.) infantum is associated with the development and severity of disease.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Sera from patients with confirmed diagnosis of VL were evaluated for the presence of numerous molecules, and levels compared with healthy control and asymptomatic infected individuals.

Conclusions/Principal Findings

Although differences were not observed in LPS levels, higher levels of sCD14 were detected in VL patients. Our data suggest that L. infantum may activate the inflammatory response via CD14, stimulating a generalized inflammatory response with production of several cytokines and soluble molecules, including IFN-γ, IL-27, IL-10, IL-6 and sCD14. These molecules were strongly associated with hepatosplenomegaly, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. We also observed that IL-6 levels greater than 200 pg/ml were strongly associated with death. Together our data reinforce the close relationship of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-27 in the immune dynamics of VL and suggest the direct participation of sCD14 in the activation of the immune response against L. infantum.     

早产产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平与新生儿感染发生的相关性研究

摘要 目的：分析早产产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平与新生儿感染发生的相关性。方法：选择2020年7月至2021年12月在我院分娩的120例早产产妇作为观察组,另选同期的120例足月分娩产妇作为对照组。检测两组产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平,根据观察组产妇分娩的新生儿是否发生感染,分为感染组和非感染组,比较两组母体血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平,使用多因素Logistic回归分析和受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析早产产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22与新生儿感染的关系。结果：观察组血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平均高于对照组（P＜0.05）;感染组母体血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平均高于非感染组（P＜0.05）;经多因素Logistic回归分析,早产产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22均是新生儿感染发生的独立预测因素（P＜0.05）;经Pearson相关性分析,早产产妇血清IL-17与胎盘IL-17 mRNA、血清IL-21与胎盘IL-21 mRNA、血清IL-22与胎盘IL-22 mRNA均呈正相关（P＜0.05）;经ROC曲线分析,早产产妇血清IL-17、IL-21联合IL-22预测新生儿感染发生的AUC为0.910。结论：早产产妇血清和胎盘IL-17、IL-21及IL-22表达水平升高均与新生儿感染发生密切相关,其中血清IL-17、IL-21联合IL-22预测新生儿感染的效能较高,值得进一步研究应用。     

溃疡性结肠炎患者外周血C 反应性蛋白、血清降钙素原及白细胞介素-6 水平及临床意义

目的:分析溃疡性结肠炎(Ulcerative colitis,UC)患者血清降钙素原(Procalcitonin,PCT)、C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)及白细胞介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)水平与病情严重程度的关系。方法:选择2013年5月-2015年5月在我院就诊的溃疡性结肠炎患者91例作为研究对象,另选择同期在我院接受健康体检的志愿者69例作为对照组。检测并比较两组研究对象血清降钙素原(PCT)、C反应性蛋白(CRP)及白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的水平,并分析PCT,CRP及IL-6水平与溃疡性结肠炎的相关性。结果:溃疡性结肠炎患者PCT水平为(1.24±0.23)ng/m L,对照组PCT水平为(0.12±0.10)ng/m L,溃疡性结肠炎患者PCT水平显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);溃疡性结肠炎患者CRP水平为(105.27±19.93)mg/m L,对照组CRP水平为(7.62±2.97)mg/m L,溃疡性结肠炎患者血清CRP水平显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);溃疡性结肠炎患者IL-6水平为(248.15±35.60)ng/m L,对照组IL-6水平为(144.05±20.26)ng/m L,溃疡性结肠炎患者血清IL-6水平显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。溃疡性结肠炎患者血清PCT,IL-6及CRP水平之间均呈正相关关系(r=0.301,0.468,0.413,P0.01)。结论:溃疡性结肠炎患者血清PCT,CRP及IL-6水平均显著高于健康人群,其水平变化与患者病情严重程度有关。因此,我们在临床实践中应予以重视。     

连续肾脏替代治疗对脓毒症患者血清中TNF-alpha、IL-6 和IL-8 表达的影响

目的：探讨连续肾脏替代治疗（CRRT）对脓毒症患者血清中肿瘤坏死因子alpha（TNF-alpha）、白介素-6（IL-6）和白介素-8（IL-8）的 影响。方法：将我院2013 年1 月-2014 年6 月间收治的80 例脓毒症患者随机分为观察组与对照组各40 例,两组患者均给予脓毒 症常规治疗,观察组另给予CRRT 治疗。观察比较两组患者治疗前1 天,治疗后24 h,72 h空腹静脉血TNF-alpha、IL-6、IL-8 水平。结 果：观察组治愈率为85.0%（34/40）,明显高于对照组的55.0%（22/40）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;治疗24h、72h 后两组患者 TNF-alpha、IL-6和IL-8 水平均明显下降,其中观察组下降更显著,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论：CRRT 能有效降低脓毒症患 者血清中TNF-alpha、IL-6 和IL-8 水平,有助于对炎症反应的正向调节。     

Serum IL-1beta, IL-2, and IL-6 in insulin-dependent diabetic children

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic disease characterized by T-cell-dependent autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin. T cells are activated in response to islet-dominant autoantigens, the result being the development of IDDM. Insulin is one of the islet autoantigens responsible for the activation of T-lymphocyte functions, inflammatory cytokine production, and development of IDDM. The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in children IDDM. The study population consisted of 27 children with IDDM and 25 healthy controls. Children with IDDM were divided into three subgroups: (1) previously diagnosed patients (long standing IDDM) (n : 15), (2) newly diagnosed patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (before treatment) (n : 12), and (3) newly diagnosed patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (after treatment for two weeks) (n : 12). In all stages of diabetes higher levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha and lower levels of IL-2 and IL-6 were detected. Our data about elevated serum IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and decreased IL-2, IL-6 levels in newly diagnosed IDDM patients in comparison with longer standing cases supports an activation of systemic inflammatory process during early phases of IDDM which may be indicative of an ongoing beta-cell destruction. Persistence of significant difference between the cases with IDDM monitored for a long time and controls in terms of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-alpha supports continuous activation during the late stages of diabetes.     

神经营养因子NGF、BDNF与围绝经期妇女认知功能关系的研究进展

神经营养因子(NTFs)是近几年神经科学研究的热点,研究显示它在神经系统中发挥独特的作用,尤其是神经生长因子(NGF)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)在脑内功能及其表达调控方面具有重要作用。围绝经期妇女随着雌激素水平的降低会产生认知功能的减退,有研究发现去卵巢动物(OVX)雌激素水平降低可以导致某些NGF、BDNF的丢失。通过启动内源性NGF和BDNF的表达而实现对神经元的保护可能为雌激素替代治疗(ERT)脑保护作用的一种机制。本文就近几年的研究进展做一简要综述。     

活化星形胶质细胞NGF、IL-6表达的时间特性

目的:研究星形胶质细胞活化后神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)、白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)表达的时间规律性,探讨星形胶质细胞活化后启动保护性机制与损伤性机制的时间特性.方法:体外分离培养星形胶质细胞,分为对照组、活化组、抑制组.通过光学显微镜及免疫荧光化学观察各组细胞的形态变化;应用半定量RT-PCR方法分析各组细胞间胶原纤维酸性蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic protein,GFAP)mRNA及NGF mRNA、IL-6 mRNA表达变化;用ELISA法检测各组细胞上清液中不同时间点(6h,24h,48h,72h)NGF、IL-6的含量.结果:活化组与对照组比较,细胞胞体变大,GFAP荧光增强;RT-PCR示GFAP mRNA、NGF mRNA、IL-6 mRNA表达均明显增高,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);ELISA法检测示星形胶质细胞活化后NGF分泌量在活化后24小时达到高峰,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);活化后48小时IL-6的含量达到高峰,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01);应用抑制剂Genistein干预后,与活化组相比,抑制组细胞胞体变小,星形胶质细胞活化被抑制,GFAP mRNA表达下降,NGF mRNA、IL-6 mMRA表达亦下降,与活化组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01).结论:星形胶质细胞活化后NGF、IL-6表达均上调,但NGF表达时间早于IL-6表达时间,表明在星形胶质细胞活化的早期,可能其神经保护作用占主导,而后期其神经毒性作用逐渐明显;Genistein能抑制星形胶质细胞活化,使NGF、IL-6表达下调.     

盐酸美金刚联合银杏叶提取物对阿尔茨海默病患者血清BDNF、NGF、DA水平和认知功能的影响

目的:探讨盐酸美金刚联合银杏叶提取物对阿尔茨海默病患者血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、神经营养因子(NGF)浓度、多巴胺(DA)水平和认知功能的影响。方法:将我院2017年6月至2018年7月收治的92例阿尔茨海默病患者按随机数字表法分为对照组49例和研究组43例,对照组采用盐酸美金刚治疗,研究组在对照组基础上联合银杏叶提取物治疗。比较两组临床疗效,治疗前后血清BDNF、NGF、DA水平、认知功能、简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)、日常生活能力(ADL)评分的变化和不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,研究组总有效率为90.70%,显著高于对照组(69.39%,P0.05)。治疗前,两组血清BDNF、NGF、DA水平、MMSE和ADL评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后,两组以上指标均较治疗前显著上升,且研究组以上指标明显高于对照组(P0.05)。两组不良反应总发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:盐酸美金刚联合银杏叶提取物可提高阿尔茨海默病的疗效,改善患者认知功能,可能与增加BDNF、NGF、DA的表达有关。     

血清IL-4、IL-6、IL-33与老年重症肺炎患者肠道菌群的相关性分析及对预后的影响

摘要 目的：探究老年重症肺炎患者血清白介素（IL）-4、IL-6、IL-33与肠道菌群变化的相关性及预后影响因素。方法：选取我院2020年1月-2022年1月期间收治的老年重症肺炎患者中筛选82例纳入重症组,从同期老年健康体检志愿者中选取50例纳入正常组。对比两组的IL-4、IL-6、IL-33与肠道菌群水平差异,Pearson相关系数分析肠道菌群与IL-4、IL-6、IL-33水平相关性,根据重症组随访6个月的预后情况分为生存组55例、死亡组27例,对比生存组、死亡组的临床因素差异,多因素Logistic回归模型分析重症肺炎死亡的影响因素。结果：（1）对比正常组,重症组的IL-4、IL-6、IL-33水平均明显升高（P<0.05）;（2）对比正常组,重症组的大肠埃希菌水平均明显升高且双歧杆菌水平明显降低（P<0.05）;（3）大肠埃希菌与IL-4、IL-6、IL-33均呈正相关,双歧杆菌与IL-4、IL-6、IL-33均呈负相关;（4）对比生存组,死亡组年龄、急性生理和慢性健康（APACHE-Ⅱ）评分、IL-4、IL-6、IL-33、大肠埃希菌、机械通气比例、餐后2 h平卧比例均明显更高且双歧杆菌明显更低（P<0.05）;（5）重症肺炎死亡的独立危险因素包括年龄增加、APACHE-Ⅱ评分升高、IL-4升高、IL-6升高、IL-33升高、大肠埃希菌升高、机械通气、餐后2 h平卧且独立保护因素是双歧杆菌升高。结论：老年重症肺炎患者存在明显的炎症反应与肠道菌群失衡,患者的IL-4、IL-6、IL-33、大肠埃希菌、双歧杆菌异常变化并且存在密切关系,老年重症肺炎患者的年龄、机械通气、餐后体位等因素均会影响其预后生存结局。     

Relationship Between IL-2, IL-17 Concentrations,and Serum Creatinine Levels in Men with Chronic Kidney Diseases

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is more prevalent in developed countries compared with the rest of the world, due to the higher rates of life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyle related factors. This aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between interleukins IL-2 and IL-17 concentrations and kidney function markers in men with CKD.Methods:Forty-five men with CKD and seventy controls were enrolled in the current study to assess the relationship between interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and CKD parameters. Fasting blood samples were collected from patients with CKD and their controls at same time. Serum IL-2, and IL-17 were measured in patients with CKD and their controls, and then the relationship between these interleukins and serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid and urine albumin were evaluated.Results:A significant relationship was detected between IL-2 (p< 0.001), IL-17 (p< 0.001) levels and serum creatinine concentrations. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 levels were also paralleled with a significant increase in serum urea (p< 0.001), and urine albumin (p< 0.001) concentrations respectively.Conclusion:IL-2 and IL-17 may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of CKD. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 is associated with significantly high concentrations of creatinine, serum urea and urine albumin suggesting that these interleukins may be used as targets for future biomarkers and molecular therapy. However, due to limited sample size of the current study, larger prospective cohorts are needed to confirm these observations.Key Words: Chronic kidney disease, Interleukins, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Urine albumin     

抑郁症患者血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy水平与病情严重程度及认知功能的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨抑郁症患者血清白介素-6（IL-6）、白介素-18（IL-18）、胶质纤维蛋白（GFAP）、同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）水平与病情严重程度、认知功能的关系。方法：纳入首都医科大学附属北京安定医院、南京医科大学附属无锡精神卫生中心及新乡医学院第二附属医院2019年1月～2019年12月收治的抑郁症患者100例,根据17项汉密尔顿抑郁量表（HAMD-17）评分分成轻度组（n=42,HAMD-17评分为8～16分）、中度组（n=35,HAMD-17评分为17～23分）以及重度组（n=23,HAMD-17评分≥24分）。比较三组患者血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy水平。根据蒙特利尔认知评估量表（MoCA）评估结果分成认知障碍组（n=29）、非认知障碍组（n=71）,比较两组血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy水平。经Pearson线性相关模型分析抑郁症患者血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy与HAMD-17评分、MoCA评分的相关性。结果：中、重度组的血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy及HAMD-17评分较轻度组明显升高,且重度组高于中度组（P＜0.05）。认知障碍组血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy较非认知障碍组明显升高,延迟记忆、抽象思维、注意力、记忆力、视空间执行能力、语言流畅、定向力、命名评分及MoCA总分较非认知障碍组明显降低（P＜0.05）。血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy与HAMD-17评分呈正相关（P＜0.05）,其与延迟记忆、抽象思维、注意力、记忆力、视空间执行能力、语言流畅、定向力评分及MoCA总分呈负相关（P＜0.05）。结论：血清IL-6、IL-18、GFAP、Hcy随抑郁症患者的抑郁程度加重而升高,且在有认知障碍的抑郁症患者中明显更高,上述四指标均与HAMD-17、MoCA评分具一定相关性,或可作为评估抑郁症患者病情的辅助指标。     

IL-6, A1 and A2aR: A crosstalk that modulates BDNF and induces neuroprotection

Several diseases are related to retinal ganglion cell death, such as glaucoma, diabetes and other retinopathies. Many studies have attempted to identify factors that could increase neuroprotection after axotomy of these cells. Interleukin-6 has been shown to be able to increase the survival and regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in mixed culture as well as in vivo. In this work we show that the trophic effect of IL-6 is mediated by adenosine receptor (A2aR) activation and also by the presence of extracellular BDNF. We also show that there is a complex cross-talk between IL-6, BDNF, the Adenosine A1 and A2a receptors that results in neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells.     

慢性心力衰竭患者血清sST2、IL-6和肽素水平的变化及临床意义

目的:探讨慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者血清可溶性人基质裂解素2(sST2)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、和肽素水平的变化及临床意义。方法:选取2017年1月-2018年1月期间我院收治的CHF患者122例纳入CHF组,根据纽约心脏协会(NYHA)心功能分级将患者分为II级组34例,III级组48例,IV级组40例。另选取同期住院的心律失常非CHF患者35例为对照组。检测并比较CHF组与对照组患者血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平,比较不同NYHA心功能分级CHF患者血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平,采用Pearson相关性分析血清sST2、IL-6及和肽素三指标间的相关性。结果:CHF组患者血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。不同NYHA心功能分级的CHF患者血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平整体比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),IV级组、III级组患者血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平均高于II级组患者,且IV级组高于III级组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析显示,血清sST2、IL-6水平与和肽素均呈正相关性(P0.05)。结论:血清sST2、和肽素、IL-6水平与CHF的严重程度密切相关,可考虑将其作为临床诊断CHF的生物学指标。     

七氟烷吸入麻醉对单肺通气患者血清IL-6、IL-10、MIP-2、SP-D及HMGB1水平的影响

目的:探讨七氟烷吸入麻醉对单肺通气患者血白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、巨噬细胞炎性蛋白-2(MIP-2)、人肺表面活性特异蛋白(SP-D)及高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)水平的影响。方法:选择2014年9月~2016年9月于我院行单肺通气的患者108例,参照抽签法分为两组,每组各54例。对照组行常规麻醉,实验组采用七氟烷麻醉,比较两组通气前后血清IL-6、IL-10、MIP-2、SP-D、HMGB1、丙二醇(MDA)、超氧化物歧化醇(SOD)、平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)水平的变化及并发症的发生情况。结果:通气前,两组血清IL-6、IL-10、MIP-2、SP-D、HMGB1、MDA、SOD、MAP、HR水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。通气后,两组血清IL-6、IL-10、MIP-2、SP-D、HMGB1、MDA水平均较治疗前显著上升,而实验组以上指标均明显低于对照组;两组血清SOD、MAP、HR均较治疗前显著降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:七氟烷吸入麻醉能够抑制单肺通气患者血清IL-6、IL-10、MIP-2、SP-D及HMGB1水平上升,改善机体的氧化应激状态,利于血流动力学的稳定,发挥肺部保护作用。     

温针灸联合塞来昔布胶囊对膝骨关节炎患者骨代谢指标和血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-18水平的影响

摘要 目的：观察温针灸联合塞来昔布胶囊对膝骨关节炎（KOA）患者骨代谢指标和血清白介素-6（IL-6）、白介素-17（IL-17）、白介素-18（IL-18）水平的影响。方法：纳入我院2017年4月~2020年12月间针灸科接收的KOA患者80例,将患者采用信封抽签法分为对照组和研究组,各为40例。对照组给予塞来昔布胶囊进行治疗,研究组给予温针灸联合塞来昔布胶囊进行治疗,均连续治疗8周。观察两组疗效、骨代谢指标[骨保护素（OPG）、降钙素（CT）、骨钙素（BGP）]、炎性因子、量表评分[视觉模拟评分法（VAS）、骨关节炎指数评分表（WOMAC）、Lysholm膝关节评分]等情况,记录治疗期间的不良反应发生率。结果：研究组的临床总有效率高于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组治疗8周后VAS、WOMAC较对照组低,Lysholm膝关节评分较对照组高（P<0.05）。研究组治疗8周后血清OPG、BGP较对照组高（P<0.05）。两组血清CT水平治疗8周后对比差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。研究组治疗8周后血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-18较对照组低（P<0.05）。两组不良反应总发生率组间对比差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：温针灸联合塞来昔布胶囊治疗KOA患者,可有效减轻疼痛,促进膝关节功能恢复,同时还可抑制炎症因子,改善骨代谢指标,优化治疗效果。     

Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-18 in patients with active psoriasis and correlation with disease severity

Recent progress in the understanding of psoriasis has shown that the regulation of local and systemic cytokines plays an important role in its pathogenesis. The most often used psoriasis score is the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). A simple laboratory test from a blood sample would be an attractive, patient-independent, and observer-independent marker of disease severity. To this end, we evaluated the association of serum levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in vivo and their correlation with severity of psoriasis. The serum levels of cytokines levels were determined with the use of the ELISA method. All mean values except IL-17 levels of patients were significantly higher than those of controls. There was a significant correlation between serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-18, and severity of the disease. Psoriasis can be described as a T-cell-mediated disease, with a complex role for a variety of cytokines, which has led to the development of new immunomodulatory therapies. In this study, serum TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in active psoriatic patients than in controls. Furthermore, high levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-18 correlated with the clinical severity and activity of psoriasis, and those measurements of serum levels of these cytokines may be objective parameters for the disease severity.     

The Effect of Recombinant Erythropoietin on Plasma Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients with Affective Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Study

The study aims to investigate the effect of repeated infusions of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with affective disorders. In total, 83 patients were recruited: 40 currently depressed patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HDRS-17) score >17) (study 1) and 43 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) in partial remission (HDRS-17 and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) ≤ 14) (study 2). In both studies, patients were randomised to receive eight weekly EPO (Eprex; 40,000 IU) or saline (0.9% NaCl) infusions in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel—group design. Plasma BDNF levels were measured at baseline and at weeks 5, 9 and at follow up, week 14. In contrast with our hypothesis, EPO down regulated plasma BDNF levels in patients with TRD (mean reduction at week 9 (95% CI): EPO 10.94 ng/l (4.51-21.41 ng/l); mean increase at week 9: Saline 0.52 ng/l, p=0.04 (-5.88-4.48 ng/l) p=0.04, partial ŋ²=0.12). No significant effects were found on BDNF levels in partially remitted patients with BD (p=0.35). The present effects of EPO on BDNF levels in patients with TRD point to a role of neurotrophic factors in the potential effects of EPO seen in TRD and BD. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects and the interaction between EPO and peripheral levels on BDNF need to be further elucidated in human studies including a broad range of biomarkers.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00916552","term_id":"NCT00916552"}}NCT00916552.     

Postischemic Alterations of BDNF,NGF, HSP 70 and Ubiquitin Immunoreactivity in the Gerbil Hippocampus: Pharmacological Approach

1. We investigated the immunohistochemical alterations of BDNF, NGF, HSP 70 and ubiquitin in the hippocampus 1 h to 14 days after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils. We also examined the effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor pitavastatin against the changes of BDNF, NGF, HSP 70 and ubiquitin in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia in the hippocampus after ischemia. 2. The transient cerebral ischemia was carried out by clamping the carotid arteries with aneurismal clips for 5 min. 3. In the present study, the alteration of HSP 70 and ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA1 sector was more pronounced than that of BDNF and NGF immunoreactivity after transient cerebral ischemia. In double-labeled immunostainings, BDNF, NGF and ubiquitin immunostaining was observed both in GFAP-positive astrocytes and MRF-1-positive microglia in the hippocampal CA1 sector after ischemia. Furthermore, prophylactic treatment with pitavastatin prevented the damage of neurons with neurotrophic factor and stress proteins in the hippocampal CA1 sector after ischemia. 4. These findings suggest that the expression of stress protein including HSP 70 and ubiquitin may play a key role in the protection against the hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after transient cerebral ischemia in comparison with the expression of neurotrophic factor such as BDNF and NGF. The present findings also suggest that the glial BDNF, NGF and ubiquitin may play some role for helping surviving neurons after ischemia. Furthermore, our present study indicates that prophylactic treatment with pitavastatin can prevent the damage of neurons with neurotrophic factor and stress proteins in the hippocampal CA1 sector after transient cerebral ischemia. Thus our study provides further valuable information for the pathogenesis after transient cerebral ischemia. The first two authors contributed equally