Responses of serum chemokines to dramatic changes of air pollution levels,a panel study

Abstract

Background: Despite the in vitro and in vivo evidence, studies are limited in evaluating whether chemokines are potential inflammatory mediators in response to air pollution exposure in humans.

Methods: We conducted a panel study coinciding with the Beijing Olympics, when temporary air pollution controls were implemented. We measured a suite of serum chemokines among healthy adults before, during and after the Olympics, respectively. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate changes in chemokine levels over the three time periods.

Results: In response to the 50% drop in air pollution levels during the games, levels of RANTES, MCP-2, and TARC decreased by 25.8%, 20.9% and 35.3%, respectively (p?<?0.001) from pre-Olympics, and then increased by 45.8%, 34.9% and 61.5%, respectively (p?<?0.001) after the games when air pollution levels went up again. Similar patterns were observed in subgroup analyses by sex, age, smoking and body mass index. GRO-α and IL-8 decreased significantly during the games (22.5% and 30.4%), and increased non-significantly after the games. Eotaxin-1 only increased significantly from during- to post-games.

Conclusions: The strongest associations with air pollution levels were observed among RANTES, TARC and MCP-2. Those chemokines may play important roles in the air pollution-induced inflammatory pathway.     

中国北方汉族人群DNA修复能力的水平与头颈鳞癌发病风险的初步研究

目的:初步探讨北方汉族人DNA修复能力(DNA repair capacity,DRC)的水平与头颈鳞癌发病风险的相关性,为头颈鳞癌的诊断提供新的检测标志物。方法:收集71例头颈鳞癌患者和65例健康对照,均为我国北方地区汉族人。通过宿主细胞再活化(host cell reactivate,HCR)实验检测研究对象外周血淋巴细胞DRC的表达水平。对头颈鳞癌病例组和对照组之间一般特征的差异进行卡方检验,通过t检验及Wilcoxon秩和检验分析两组间DRC水平的差异。通过logistic回归模型计算优势比(OR值)及95%可信区间(95%CI)。此外,我们通过logistic模型计算ROC曲线下面积,进一步评价DRC模型的诊断价值。结果:头颈鳞癌组中DRC的水平在统计学上低于对照组(P=0.007)。在logistic回归模型分析中,矫正完年龄、性别、吸烟状况和饮酒因素后,DRC的水平与头颈鳞癌患病风险关系的ORs,在低水平与其DRC高水平相比为2.35(95%CI,1.11-4.98)。此外,DRC的水平降低与头颈鳞癌风险增加之间也存在剂量反应关系。最后,ROC曲线模型提示DRC模型中曲线下面积有所改善(P=0.068)。结论:北方汉族人中DRC水平的降低与头颈鳞癌发病风险的增加相关。本研究结果需在更大样本的后续研究中进一步验证。     

A specific autoantibody against a novel tumour-association antigen derived from human DNA-topoiomerase I is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and favourable prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma

Abstract

Context: We previously reported a novel tumour associated antigen (TTA) with molecular weight around 48?kDa and identified the novel TTA as a fragment derived from human DNA-topoiomerase I (TOP1). We termed the novel TAA as TOPO48 and termed autoantibody against the TAA as anti-TOPO48 autoantibody.

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of anti-TOPO48 autoantibody in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

Materials and methods: Serum levels of the autoantibody in patients with CRC or benign tumours and healthy volunteers were measured with a specific ELISA.

Results: CRC patients at early stage had higher frequency of positive levels of the autoantibody and CRC patients with positive autoantibody levels had higher overall survival rate than those with negative autoantibody levels.

Conclusion: The autoantibody is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and favourable prognosis of CRC.     

Comparison of urinary aflatoxin M1 and aflatoxin albumin adducts as biomarkers for assessing aflatoxin exposure in Tanzanian children

Purpose: To determine levels of urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in children and correlate the concentrations with previously reported aflatoxin albumin adduct (AF-alb) levels in these children.

Materials and methods: Matched urine and blood samples were collected from 84 Tanzanian children aged 6–14 months old. From 31 children in one village (Kigwa), samples were collected at three time points six months apart. Samples were collected from 31 and 22 children from two different regions at the second time point only. Urinary AFM1 was measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit with a modified protocol to improve sensitivity. AF-alb was measured using an established ELISA method.

Results: The relative ranking of the three villages for exposure to aflatoxin based on either AFM₁ or AF-alb biomarker measurements was the same. In Kigwa village, both AFM1 and AF-alb levels were higher at six months post-harvest compared to baseline. However, at the next visit, the AFM1 levels dropped from a GM (interquartile range) of 71.0 (44.7, 112.6) at visit two to 49.3 (31.5, 77.3) pg/ml urine, whereas AF-alb levels increased from 47.3 (29.7, 75.2) to 52.7 (35.4, 78.3) pg/mg albumin between these two visits, reflecting the fact that AFM1 measures short-term exposure, whereas AF-alb measures longer term exposure. There was a correlation between AFB1 intake and AFM1 excretion (r=?0.442, p?≤?0.001).

Conclusions: Urinary AFM1 is a good biomarker for AFB1 exposure in Tanzanian children, reflecting geographical and temporal variations in exposure to this foodborne toxin.     

血浆D-二聚体、纤维蛋白原水平与骨创伤患者创伤程度的相关性

目的:分析骨创伤患者的血浆D-二聚体、纤维蛋白原水平及其与创伤程度的相关性。方法:收集2015年1月至2016年1月我院收治的骨创伤患者180例作为观察组,选择同期接受体检的健康者100例作为对照组。动态监测两组受检者入院后第1、3、6、10 d的血浆D-二聚(DD)和纤维蛋白原(FIB)的水平,并分析DD和FIB水平与骨创伤程度的相关性。结果:入院后第1、3、6、10 d,观察组的FIB和DD水平均出现下降趋势,但均显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。重度创伤组和中度创伤组患者的FIB水平显著高于轻度创伤组,且重度创伤组FIB水平显著高于中度创伤组,组间比较差异均具有统计学差异(P0.05)。从入院第1 d至10 d,3组患者的FIB水平均出现显著降低(P0.05)。轻度创伤组患者的DD水平最低,其次是中度创伤组,重度创伤组最高,组间比较差异均具有统计学差异(P0.05)。从入院第1 d至10 d,3组患者的DD水平均出现显著降低(P0.05)。此骨创伤患者创伤严重程度与FIB和DD的水平均呈现出显著正相关关系(r=0.64,P=0.003;r=0.71,P=0.002)。结论:骨创伤患者的血浆FIB和DD水平显著高于健康人,与创伤程度呈显著正相关,可能作为骨创伤患者病情程度和预后评估的生物指标。     

西安市某医院成人与儿童血清25羟基维生素D水平的研究

目的:比较西安市某医院不同年龄段的成人与儿童血清25羟基维生素D(25-OH-VD)水平,并探讨其水平与年龄之间的关系。方法:收集2017年1月-2018年1月西安高新医院检测血清25-OH-VD的2116例样本,比较成人与儿童血清中25-OH-VD水平的差异,分析成人与儿童血清中25-OH-VD水平与年龄之间的关系。结果:儿童组健康人群、低水平人群血清25-OH-VD水平均高于成人组(P0.05);儿童组健康人群、低水平人群血清25-OH-VD水平与年龄呈负相关(P0.05),成人组健康人群血清25-OH-VD水平与年龄呈正相关(P0.05)。结论:西安市某医院的儿童血清25-OH-VD水平高于成人,且成人与儿童的血清25-OH-VD水平与年龄存在一定的关系,有必要建立不同的参考区间,为临床诊治提供更精确的依据。     

Seasonal variation of circulating plasma carotenoids in Mediterranean Great Tit males Parus major

Capsule Mediterranean Great Tits showed a marked increase in levels of circulating carotenoids during moult and autumn.

Aims To study seasonal variation in plasma carotenoid content during a whole annual cycle for Great Tits Parus major inhabiting a Mediterranean woodland.

Methods We used a sample of 71 adult male Great Tits captured in NE Spain during a whole year. Data were organized into four seasons (winter, breeding, moult and autumn). We sampled blood to extract plasma. Carotenoid plasma concentrations were analysed by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results Lutein and zeaxanthin content varied seasonally, with a marked increase in levels during moult and autumn. Within the moulting period, levels increased gradually as the season progressed. This pattern differed significantly from that previously described in northern European populations, where high values appear mainly in the breeding season. Carotenoid concentrations (lutein: 1.2?±?0.25, zeaxanthin: 0.07?±?0.03?µg mL^?1) were also lower than in northern Europe.

Conclusion Mediterranean Great Tits show a very different pattern of circulating carotenoids and lower levels than northern European populations. The increasing pattern of carotenoid availability found within the moulting period raises the need to control for the effect of sampling date when analysing data on carotenoid concentrations at different times of year.     

Plasma sE-cadherin and the plasma sE-cadherin/sVE-cadherin ratio are potential biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airway inflammation with endothelial dysfunction. Cadherins are adhesion molecules on epithelial (E-) and vascular endothelial (VE-) cells. Soluble (s) cadherin is released from the cell surface by the effects of proteases including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations of sE-/sVE-cadherin levels in plasma with the development of COPD.

Methods: Plasma sE-/VE-cadherin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 115 patients with COPD, 36 symptomatic smokers (SS), 63 healthy smokers (HS) and 78 healthy non-smokers (HN). sE-cadherin and MMP-7 levels in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were measured in 24 patients (12 COPD and 12 control).

Results: Plasma sE-cadherin levels and sE-cadherin/sVE-cadherin ratios were significantly higher in COPD and SS than in HS and HN groups, while plasma sVE-cadherin levels were lower in COPD than in HS and HN groups (p?p?p?p?Conclusions: Plasma sE-cadherin levels and sE-cadherin/sVE-cadherin ratios are potential biomarkers for COPD.     

痰热清注射液联合纳洛酮对老年慢性呼吸衰竭并发肺性脑病患者临床疗效的影响

目的:探讨痰热清注射液联合纳洛酮对老年慢性呼吸衰竭并发肺性脑病患者临床疗效的影响。方法:选取我院呼吸科收治的慢性呼吸衰竭并发肺性脑病患者60例,随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组30例。对照组给予加痰热清注射液治疗,治疗组在对照组治疗基础上联合纳洛酮注射液治疗。治疗结束后,比较治疗前后两组患者动脉血气分析结果、血清BNP(脑钠肽)、SOD(超氧化物歧化酶)、MDA(丙二醛)水平及临床疗效。结果:与治疗前相比,两组患者治疗后的血清BNP、MDA水平降低,SOD水平升高(P0.05),PaO_2水平升高,PaCO_2水平下降(P0.05);与对照组比较,治疗组总有效率较高,BNP、MDA水平较低,SOD水平较高(P0.05),PaO_2水平较高,PaCO_2水平较低(P0.05)。结论:痰热清注射液联合纳洛酮治疗老年慢性呼吸衰竭并发肺性脑病临床疗效好,推测其机制与降低血清BNP、MDA及升高血清SOD水平有关。     

Oral microbiota of children in a school-based dental clinic

ObjectivesDental caries disproportionately affects disadvantaged subjects. This study hypothesized that there were greater caries extent and higher levels of caries-associated and anaerobic subgingival bacterial species in oral samples of Hispanic and immigrant children compared with non-Hispanic and US born children.MethodsChildren from a school-based dental clinic serving a community with a large Hispanic component were examined, and the extent of caries was recorded. Microbial samples were taken from teeth and the tongues of children. Samples were analyzed using DNA probes to 18 oral bacterial species.ResultsSeventy five children were examined. Extent of caries increased with child age in immigrant, but not in US born or Hispanic children. There were no differences in the microbiota based on ethnicity or whether the child was born in US or not. There was a higher species detection frequency from teeth than tongue samples. Levels of Streptococcus mutans and other Streptococcus spp increased with caries extent. Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia and Selenomonas spp were detected at low levels in these children.ConclusionsWe conclude that, while there was a high rate of dental caries in disadvantaged school children, there were no differences in the caries-associated microbiota, including S. mutans, based on ethnicity or immigration status. Furthermore, while anaerobic subgingival, periodontal pathogens were also detected in children, there was no difference in species detection based on ethnicity or immigration status. Increased levels of streptococci, including S. mutans, however, were detected with high caries levels. This suggested that while it is beneficial to target preventive and treatment programs to disadvantaged populations, there is likely no additional benefit to focus on subgroups within a population already at high risk for dental disease.     

Are fingernail lead levels a reliable biomarker of lead internal dose?

BackgroundPotentially toxic elements, such as lead, can bioaccumulate and alter human physiology. Human biomonitoring is an essential tool to evaluate chemical exposures in different biological matrices (blood, urine, saliva, nails, and hair). Of these biological matrices, nails are favorable for their ease of sampling, transport and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between blood lead levels (BLL) and washed and non-washed fingernail lead levels (FLL) in 55 adults living in a lead-contaminated area.MethodVenous blood and fingernail (thumbs and forefingers) samples were collected. Nails from the left hand were washed with Triton X-100 (0.5 % m/v) and HNO₃ solution, while nails from the right hand were not submitted to the pre-analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and pairwise correlations were used to correlate lead concentrations between BLL and FLL; nails from fingers of the same hand and between washed and unwashed fingernails. Principal component analysis was performed and scatter diagrams were plotted to investigate correlations.ResultsA non-significant positive correlation was found between BLL and washed forefinger nails lead (r = 0.219, p = 0.112) and between BLL and thumbnail lead levels (r = 0.182, p = 0.191). Comparison of fingernails from the same hand (thumb and forefinger), showed that lead concentrations of non-washed nails varied widely, even on analyses of transversal fragments from the same nail. Lead levels in non-washed forefinger nails were not correlated with non-washed thumbnails (r = 0.169, p = 0.219). Conversely, washed thumb and forefinger nails were found to be correlated (r = 0.39, p = 0.003). Washed and non-washed nails were also found to be correlated (p < 0.0001).ConclusionIn conclusion, the results showed that non-washed nails are not a reliable biomarker for lead exposure. Although washing nails before analysis may reduce external contamination, the correlation of lead concentrations between fingers is poor for fingernail lead levels to serve as an internal dose biomarker to lead exposure. In addition, levels in washed nails were not significantly correlated with blood lead levels. Fingernail lead levels seem to serve as an indicator of lead exposure sources in contact with the individual, but not as a reliable biomarker of internal dose.     

Association between smoking status and homocysteine levels and possible effect modification by cholesterol and oestradiol

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the association of smoking status with homocysteine levels and to determine whether the association is modified by oestradiol or cholesterol.

Methods: Data (N?=?4580) were obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004 with analysis done in 2018 on adults aged ≥20 years. The outcome was homocysteine; smoking status was the exposure variable and categorized as current, former or never smoker. Generalized linear models were used to examine the associations between smoking status and homocysteine levels, while assessing the impact of oestradiol and cholesterol.

Results: After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education and income level, homocysteine levels did differ by smoking status ((current smokers versus never smokers: β: 0.18?CI: 0.00, 0.36), (former smokers: β: 0.10?CI: –0.09, 0.28)). The addition of oestradiol as an interaction term in adjusted models was associated with a 16.6% increase in homocysteine levels when compared to models without the interaction term. Oestradiol but not cholesterol did moderate the association between smoking status and homocysteine levels.

Discussion and conclusions: Homocysteine levels did differ across smoking status after adjusting for confounders. Oestradiol did moderate the relationship between homocysteine and smoking status.     

Effect of Vitamin D on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis

BackgroundPsoriasis, a chronic skin disease with or without joint inflammation, has increased circulating proinflammatory cytokine levels. Vitamin D is involved in calcium homeostasis, bone formation, osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, as well as regulation of immune response. We aimed to study osteoclast differentiation and cytokine secretion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis, in response to 1,25(OH)₂D₃.MethodsSerum levels of bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis, and healthy controls. PBMCs were isolated and cultured with or without RANKL/M-CSF and 1,25(OH)₂D₃. Osteoclast differentiation and cytokine secretion were assessed.ResultsPsoriatic arthritis patients had lower osteocalcin, as well as higher C-telopeptide of type I collagen and cathepsin K serum levels compared with psoriasis vulgaris patients and controls. RANKL/M-CSF-stimulated PBMCs from psoriatic arthritis patients produced higher proinflammatory cytokine levels and had a differential secretion profile in response to 1,25(OH)₂D₃, compared with psoriasis vulgaris and control PBMCs.ConclusionsOur data confirmed altered bone turnover in psoriatic arthritis patients, and demonstrated increased osteoclastogenic potential and proinflammatory cytokine secretion capacity of these PBMCs compared with psoriasis vulgaris and controls. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ abrogated these effects.     

Delta chemokine (fractalkine) – A novel mediator of pulmonary arterial hypertension in children undergoing cardiac surgery

BackgroundFractalkine (FKN), a unique chemokine associated with pulmonary hypertension, may be involved in the acute stress response that regulates inflammation after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. We characterized FKN levels and correlated them with clinical parameters in children undergoing cardiac surgery involving CPB.MethodsTwenty-seven consecutive patients, aged 30 days to 11.5 years, who underwent surgery for correction of congenital heart defects, were prospectively studied. Serial blood samples were collected preoperatively, upon termination of CPB, and at six points postoperatively. Plasma was recovered immediately, aliquoted, and frozen at −70 °C until assayed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected.ResultsBaseline FKN levels were skewed between patients. Patients with low FKN levels showed significantly higher levels of oxygen saturation in room air compared to patients with high FKN levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between preoperative pulmonary arterial hypertension and FKN levels (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, FKN elevation from preoperative to postoperative levels displayed no discernible pattern.ConclusionsFKN levels significantly correlate with preoperative hypoxemia and PAH, suggesting that FKN may be up-regulated during hypoxemia. CPB is not associated with acute changes in circulating FKN levels. The role of FKN in the postoperative course should be further investigated.     

Offshore refuges support higher densities and show slower population declines of wintering Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres

ABSTRACT

Capsule: Wintering Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres occur in higher densities and their populations decline less on, or close to, offshore refuges than on mainland sites subject to greater levels of human disturbance.

Aim: To compare wintering densities of Ruddy Turnstones and changes in counts across time from sites with differing levels of human disturbance.

Methods: Long-term counts of Ruddy Turnstones (1998/1999 to 2015/2016) were used from 19 sites (two offshore refuges and 17 mainland sites subject to higher levels of human disturbance) in northeast England. No direct measure of human disturbance was available for our mainland sites; instead we used questionnaires (n?=?690) to understand how far people travelled to visit the coast and then used this distance with human population densities in a buffer around each site as a proxy for human disturbance levels.

Results: After controlling for the extent of their preferred habitat at each site (rocky shore) we found: (i) the closer each of the 19 sites was to the nearest offshore refuge the higher the density of Ruddy Turnstones and (ii) bird counts were stable at the two refuge sites, whereas, on average, counts declined at the 17 mainland sites. However, no relationship was found between Ruddy Turnstone counts from 17 mainland sites and human population densities within differing distances from each site (up to 10?km).

Conclusions: Our work suggests that Ruddy Turnstones made greater use of relatively undisturbed areas (offshore refuges) than those subject to greater disturbance by humans (mainland sites). Although the use of refuges and mainland in our study area was not well known, observations from 11 radio-tagged Ruddy Turnstones suggest that individual birds did use both locations. In a broader context, our work concurs with other studies that highlight the need for refuges with limited or no human access.