Resveratrol improves cognitive function in severely burned rats by inhibiting hippocampal NF-κB/JNK pathway / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) on improving cognitive function in severely burned rats and its possible mechanism. Methods 18 male SD rats aged 18-20 months were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group and RSV group, with 6 rats in each group. After successful modeling, the rats in RSV group were gavaged once daily with RSV (20 mg/kg). Meanwhile, the rats in control group and model group were gavaged once daily with an equal volume of sodium chloride solution. After 4 weeks, the cognitive function of all rats was estimated by Step-down Test. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) protein in serum of rats were detected by ELISA. The expression of IL-6, TNF-α mRNA and protein were estimated by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was tested by terminal deoxynuclectidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). The expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway-related proteins in hippocampus were assessed by Western blotting. Results Compared with the rats in model group, rats in RSV group exhibited improved cognitive function. Consistently, the rats in RSV group had a reduced concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum, decreased mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 in hippocampus, and decreased apoptosis rate and relative expression of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and p-JNK/JNK in hippocampal neurons. Conclusion RSV alleviates inflammatory response and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting NF-κB/JNK pathway, thereby improving cognitive function in severely burned rats.

A pilot study of plasma interleukin-6 and interleukin-27 in differential diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the significance of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) in the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) in preterm infants.@*METHODS@#The preterm infants with the manifestation of respiratory distress who were treated in the Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from March to November 2021, were enrolled in this prospective study. According to the diagnosis results, they were divided into two groups: ARDS group (n=18) and NRDS group (n=20). ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-27. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of each index in the diagnosis of ARDS.@*RESULTS@#The ARDS group had significantly higher plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-27 than the NRDS group (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that IL-6 had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.867 for the diagnosis of ARDS, with a sensitivity of 61.1% and a specificity of 95.0% at the cut-off value of 56.21 pg/mL. The ROC curve analysis also showed that IL-27 had an AUC of 0.881 for the diagnosis of ARDS, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 80.0% at the cut-off value of 135.8 pg/mL.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Plasma IL-6 and IL-27 can be used as biological indicators for early differential diagnosis of ARDS and NRDS in preterm infants.

Circulating IL-6, clusterin and irisin in obese subjects with different grades of obesity: association with insulin resistance and sexual dimorphism

ABSTRACT Objective: There are discrepancies about the relationship of IL-6, clusterin and irisin with obesity and obesity associated insulin resistance and also about their sexual dimorphism. This study aimed at evaluating the circulating levels of IL-6, clusterin and irisin in obese subjects of both sexes who had different grades of obesity and examining their sexual dimorphism and their association with insulin resistance. Subjects and methods: This study included 176 non-diabetic subjects of both sexes who were classified according to their sex into two groups; the male and the female groups. The male group (88 men) was classified according to BMI into; group 1 (22 lean men), group 2 (22 class I obese men), group 3 (22 class II obese men) and group 4 (22 class III obese men). The female group (88 women) was classified according to BMI exactly as the male group. Metabolic parameters, IL-6, clusterin, and irisin levels were measured. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test, post hoc Tukey's test and independent t-test. Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between variables. Results: In obese subjects of both sexes, circulating IL-6, clusterin and irisin levels were significantly elevated and positively correlated with HOMA-IR. Obese males showed significantly higher HOMA-IR, IL-6, clusterin and irisin levels than obese females. Conclusion: Obesity in both sexes, especially in males was associated with high levels of IL-6, clusterin and irisin and worsened the metabolic pattern. Circulating IL-6, clusterin and irisin may represent possible therapeutic targets for insulin resistance in obese subjects.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury via up-regulation of LC3-II expression in mice / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal) and the underlying mechanism. Male BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS/D-Gal to induce acute liver injury model, and pretreated with DEX or in combination with the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) 30 min before injection. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver tissue were determined with the corresponding kits. Serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined by ELISA. The protein expression levels of LC3-II and P62 in liver tissue were determined by Western blot. Liver histopathological changes were detected by HE staining. The results showed that, compared with control group, LPS/D-Gal enhanced ALT and AST activity, increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels, as well as MPO activity, up-regulated LC3-II and P62 protein expression levels, and significantly induced pathological damage in liver tissue. DEX reversed the above changes in the LPS/D-Gal group, whereas these protective effects of DEX were blocked by 3-MA. The above results suggest that DEX alleviates LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury, which may be associated with the up-regulation of LC3-II protein expression and the activation of autophagy.

Irritable bowel syndrome in celiac disease - relationships to celiac disease antibodies and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines / Síndrome del intestino irritable en la enfermedad celíaca: relaciones con los anticuerpos contra la enfermedad celíaca y los niveles de citocinas proinflamatorias

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence indicates that low-grade inflammation can alter gastrointestinal motor and sensory function and might contribute to the genesis of symptoms in IBS. Objective: To examine relationships between IBS, disease antibodies and cytokine titers in celiac patients and a control group. Materials and methods: IBS, CD activity and serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL12/23p40 were determined in celiac patients and controls. Results: 123 celiac patients were included, 89% were female. 59% demonstrated disease activity and 32% met IBS criteria. Prevalence of IBS was not different between patients who adhered or did not adhere to GFD as well as between patients with or without positive antibodies. Celiac patients had increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL12/23p40 as compared to controls. Higher levels of cytokines were found in celiac patients with IBS than in those without IBS. No difference in levels of cytokines was found between patients with and without CD positive antibodies. A significant negative correlation between the mental component of QoL and IL-6 and IL12/23p40 levels was found, but not with IL-8. Conclusion: Higher levels of inflammatory cytokines were found in CD patients with IBS than in either those without IBS or controls, indicating that IBS symptoms are associated with an increase in the inflammatory response and a decrease in quality of life of CD patients. These differences in cytokine levels were not related to CD antibodies status suggesting that IBS, in CD, is related to a different inflammatory process than that which is relevant to CD.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la evidencia indica que la inflamación de bajo grado puede alterar la función motora y sensorial gastrointestinal y puede contribuir a la aparición de síntomas en el SII. Objetivo: Examinar la relación entre SII, anticuerpos contra enfermedades y títulos de citocinas en pacientes celíacos y un grupo de control. Materiales y métodos: se determinaron los síntomas de SII, actividad de CD y niveles séricos de IL-6, IL-8 e IL12 / 23p40 en pacientes celíacos y controles. Resultados: se incluyeron 123 pacientes celíacos, el 89% eran mujeres. El 59% demostró actividad de la enfermedad y el 32% cumplió con los criterios del SII. La prevalencia del SII no fue diferente entre los pacientes que se adhirieron o no se adhirieron a GFD, así como entre los pacientes con o sin anticuerpos positivos. Los pacientes celíacos tenían niveles aumentados de IL-6, IL-8 e IL12 / 23p40 en comparación con los controles. Se encontraron niveles más altos de citocinas en pacientes celíacos con SII que en aquellos sin SII. No se encontraron diferencias en los niveles de citocinas entre pacientes con y sin anticuerpos CD positivos. Se encontró una correlación negativa significativa entre el componente mental de la calidad de vida y los niveles de IL-6 e IL12 / 23p40, pero no con IL-8. Conclusión: Se encontraron niveles más altos de citocinas inflamatorias en pacientes con EC con SII que en aquellos sin SII o controles, lo que indica que los síntomas del SII están asociados con un aumento en la respuesta inflamatoria y una disminución en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con CD. Estas diferencias en los niveles de citocinas no estaban relacionadas con el estado de los anticuerpos contra la CD, lo que sugiere que el SII, en la CD, está relacionado con un proceso inflamatorio diferente al que es relevante para la CD.

Polycystic ovary syndrome associated with increased adiposity interferes with serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 differently from leptin and adiponectin

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to investigate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to explore the relationship between body fat percentage and metabolic markers. Subjects and methods Sedentary women were assigned to PCOS (N = 60) and CONTROL (N = 60) groups. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to body fat percentage (22-27%, 27-32% and 32-37%). The protocol consisted of assessments of glucose, insulin, androgens, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results The PCOS subgroups showed higher concentrations of androgens, LH and 17-OHP. Leptin showed direct relationship with increased body fat percentage, whereas adiponectin showed the inverse effect. However, both were unaffected by PCOS. TNF-α and IL-6 were higher in PCOS women and showed a direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Glucose showed direct relationship with body fat percentage, whereas insulin presented higher values in PCOS women and direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PCOS and body fat percentage directly influence concentrations of insulin, TNF-α and IL-6, whereas leptin and adiponectin are influenced only by the increase in body fat percentage in these women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):4-10

Effect of moxibustion on clinical symptoms, peripheral inflammatory indexes and T lymphocyte subsets in COVID-19 patients / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of the adjuvant treatment with moxibustion on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#A total of 95 patients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (45 cases) and a basic treatment group (50 cases). The routine treatment of western medicine was applied in the patients of both groups. In the moxibustion group, on the base of the treatment of western medicine, moxibustion was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once daily and consecutively for 14 days. At the end of treatment courses, clinical symptom scores for cough, asthmatic breathing, chest oppression and short breath, as well as their remission rates were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Before and after treatment, the white blood cell (WBC) count, the levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the absolute number of T lymphocyte subsets, i.e. , and of the peripheral blood were compared in the patients between the two groups. The principal component analysis was adopted to analyze the common data extracted from the above 10 clinical indexes variables and comprehensively evaluate the differences in the therapeutic effect of two regimens.@*RESULTS@#The clinical symptom scores were all decreased after treatment in both of the moxibustion group and the basic treatment group as compared with those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#On the base of the routine treatment with western medicine, moxibustion therapy supplemented relieves the clinical symptoms, reduces the levels of inflammatory indexes, i.e. IL-6 and CRP as well as improves the absolute number of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets. The clinical therapeutic effect of such regimen with moxibustion supplemented is significantly better than the simple routine treatment of western medicine.

Rhoifolin regulates oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels in Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis via inhibition of NF-κB

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of knee joints involving pain and inflammation. Rhoifolin is a plant flavonoid known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was taken to identify the effect of rhoifolin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in the rat model. Treatment with rhoifolin (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed a significant improvement in the overall health parameters such as paw edema and weight loss. This improvement in morphological parameters corroborated the findings with gross morphological changes observed in the histopathological analysis. Rhoifolin treatment also caused a significant decrease in oxidative stress, evident from changes in intracellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in the articular cartilage tissue. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, and IL-6 showed a significant downregulation of gene expression and intracellular protein concentration levels. The NF-κB pathway showed a significant attenuation as evident in the significant reduction in the levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκB-α. These results indicated that rhoifolin can be a natural therapeutic alternative to the extant regimens, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of rhoifolin was probably mediated by the NF-κB pathway. However, the exact target molecules of this pathway need to be determined in further studies.

Regulatory effect of Di'ao Xinxuekang on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in atherosclerotic rats / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to observe the effect of Di'ao Xinxuekang(DXXK) on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in atherosclerotic rats, and to explore its anti-atherosclerotic mechanism. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, atorvastatin group(4.0 mg·kg~(-1)), and DXXK groups(100, 30, 10 mg·kg~(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. The atherosclerosis model was induced by high fat diet plus vitamin D_2. Experimental drugs were administered intragastrically once daily for 8 weeks starting from the 9 th week. Biochemical analyzers were used to detect levels of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in blood lipid. The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes of aortic tissues were observed by using Sudan Ⅳ and HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in aortic tissues were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. As compared with the model group, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in serum were significantly decreased, HDL-C content was significantly increased, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum were significantly decreased in atorvastatin group and DXXK high and middle dose groups. Aortic lesions in atorvastatin group and DXXK group were significantly improved, and the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 in the aorta were decreased. DXXK has a preventive and therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis in rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory reaction by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal transduction, thereby inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis.

Antipyretic effect of active components of Mahuang Decoction and its correlation with pharmacokinetics in febrile rats / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the antipyretic effect of active components of Mahuang Decoction in febrile rats, and explore its correlation with pharmacokinetics at different time points. The feverished rat models were induced by dry yeast, and intragastrically administered with the effective components of Mahuang Decoction with different orthogonal compatibility ratios. At different time points after administration, body temperature was measured; blood was taken from orbital vena plexus, and the contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in rat serum were determined with the kits. Combined with the pharmacokinetic data of the seven effective components in Mahuang Decoction, PK-PD(pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics) data fitting was conducted by using the analysis method of non-atrioventricular model, and then the pharmacodynamic parameters were calculated to determine the optimal binding model. The results showed that the effective components of Mahuang Decoction inhibited the release of heat-causing factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, and reduced the increase of body temperature. There was a significant lag between drug effect and blood drug concentration, which was consistent with Sigmoid-E_(max) model. The model fitting value showed a good correlation with mea-sured data, which could be used to evaluate and predict the correlation between PK and PD in Mahuang Decoction, and further applied to the multiple-indicator and multiple-effect study of PK-PD in other compound traditional Chinese medicines.

Association of non-thyroidal illness syndrome with interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in critically ill children with sepsis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the incidence rate of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in critically ill children with or without sepsis and the association of NTIS with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 97 children with sepsis (sepsis group) and 80 non-sepsis children with bacterial infection (non-sepsis group). The correlations of IL-6 and IL-10 with the thyroid function parameters triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in age and sex between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups (P>0.05). Compared with the non-sepsis group, the sepsis group had a significantly higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, a significantly longer length of hospital stay, and a significantly higher rate of use of ventilator (P0.05), but the pooled analysis of the two groups showed that IL-6 level was negatively correlated with T3 and T4 levels (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Children with sepsis have a higher incidence rate of NTIS than those without sepsis. The high level of IL-6 may be associated with the development of NTIS.

Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated intracellular cytokines and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract Background Inflammation is involved in the pathophysiology of depression, and circulating inflammatory cytokines have been associated with depressive symptoms. However, measuring circulating cytokines have inherent methodological limitations. In vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated intracellular cytokines (ICCs) overcome these limitations. Furthermore, because psychosocial and physiological stressors activate inflammatory responses and LPS-stimulated ICCs reflect the inflammatory responsivity of monocytes to such stressors, ICCs may reflect individual stress responsivity. Methods This cross-sectional study examined whether LPS-stimulated expression of ICCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a sensitive inflammation measure correlated with depressive symptoms in 180 community-dwelling older adults. We tested correlations of not only intracellular but also circulating inflammatory markers with depressive symptoms assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Intracellular markers included expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and both in PBMCs. Circulating markers included IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma. Results None of the correlations were statistically significant. However, in contrast to circulating markers, the correlations of ICCs were consistently in the expected direction, i.e., higher ICC expression correlating with higher depression severity. Discussion Despite the non-significant findings, further research is required for the evaluation of LPS-stimulated ICC expression as biomarkers of depressive symptoms.

Plasmatic adipocyte biomarkers and foot pain associated with flatfoot in schoolchildren with obesity

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the potential association of foot pain and plasmatic adipocytes as physiological biomarkers of childhood obesity with the incidence of flatfoot in a cohort of Egyptian school children aged 6 -12 years. METHODS A total of 550 Egyptian schoolchildren (220 boys and 330 girls) aged 6-12 years were randomly invited to participate in this descriptive survey analysis. For all children, we assessed the diagnosis and severity of flatfoot as well as plasma adipocytes, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α, using the Dennis method and immunoassay techniques respectively. Foot pain was assessed by using a standard VAS of 100 mm and Faces Pain Scale, respectively. RESULTS Flat foot was predicted in 30.4% of school-age children, most of them showed a higher frequency of overweight (33.3%) and obesity (62.5%). Boys showed higher ranges of flat foot than girls. Foot pain significantly correlated with flat foot and obesity among the studied populations. In overweight-obese children, plasmatic adipocyte variables, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, TNF-α.; showed significant correlations with foot stance, especially in boys. Also, the studied adipocyte variables along with BMI, age, gender explained about~65% of the variance of flatfoot with pain among our school-age students. CONCLUSION Foot pain showed an association with flat foot and childhood obesity in 30.4% of school-age students (6-12 years). Foot pain was shown to correlate positively with the incidence of flat foot and changes in adiposity markers, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, Il-6, TNF-α

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a potencial associação de dor no pé e adipócitos plasmáticos como biomarcadores fisiológicos da obesidade infantil com incidência de pé plano em uma coorte de escolares egípcios de 6 a 12 anos. MÉTODOS Um total de 550 escolares egípcios (220 meninos e 330 meninas) com idades entre 6 e 12 anos foram convidados aleatoriamente para participar desta análise descritiva. Para todas as crianças, diagnóstico e gravidade do flatfoot, bem como adipócitos plasmáticos; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6 e TNF-α; foram avaliados pelo método de Dennis e técnicas de imunoensaio, respectivamente. A dor no pé foi avaliada usando uma EVA padrão de 100 mm e a Faces Pain Scale, respectivamente. RESULTADOS O pé plano foi predito em 30,4% das crianças em idade escolar; a maioria apresentou maior frequência de sobrepeso (33,3%) e obesidade (62,5%). Os meninos apresentaram maiores faixas de pé plano do que as meninas. A dor no pé correlacionou-se significativamente com pé plano e obesidade entre as populações estudadas. Em crianças obesas com sobrepeso, variáveis adipocitárias plasmáticas; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6 e TNF-α; apresentaram correlação significativa com a postura do pé, em meninos e meninas. Além disso, as variáveis estudadas dos adipócitos, juntamente com o IMC, idade e sexo, explicaram cerca de 65% da variância do pé plano com a dor entre os nossos alunos em idade escolar. CONCLUSÃO A dor no pé mostrou associação com pé plano e obesidade infantil em 30,4% dos estudantes em idade escolar (6-12 anos). A dor no pé se correlacionou positivamente com a incidência de pé plano e a mudança nos marcadores de adiposidade; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6, TNF-α.

Burnt sugarcane harvesting is associated with rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers / Colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada está associada a sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios

Abstract Introduction: Burnt sugarcane harvesting requires intense physical exertion in an environment of high temperature and exposure to particulate matter. Objective: To evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers in sugarcane workers. Methods: A total of 32 male sugarcane workers were evaluated with questionnaire for rhinitis symptoms, and for inflammatory markers on peripheral blood and nasal lavage, in the non-harvesting, and 3 and 6 months into the sugarcane harvesting period. Weather data and particulate matter fine concentrations were measured in the same day. Results: The particulate matter concentrations in sugarcane harvesting were 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3), and 63 (17-263 µg/m3); 24 h temperatures were 32.6 (25.4-37.4 ºC), 32.3 (26.7-36.7 ºC) and 29.7 (24.1-34.0 ºC) and relative humidities were 45.4 (35.0-59.7%), 47.9 (39.1-63.0%), and 59.9 (34.7-63.2%) in the non-harvesting period, three and 6 months of the harvesting period. The age was 37.4 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher at 3 months of the harvesting period (53.4%), compared to non-harvesting period (26.7%; p = 0.039) and at 6 months into the harvesting period (20%; p = 0.006). Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in nasal lavage increased after 3 months of the harvesting period compared to the non-harvesting period (p = 0.012). The presence of rhinitis symptoms, after 3 months of the harvesting period, was directly associated with blood eosinophils and inversely associated with neutrophils. Conclusions: After 3 months of work in burnt sugarcane harvesting the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and IL-6 in nasal lavage increased. Furthermore, eosinophil counts were directly associated with the rhinitis symptoms in the period of higher concentration of particulate matter.

Resumo Introdução: A colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada requer esforço físico intenso em um ambiente com altas temperaturas e exposição a material particulado. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada nos sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios de cortadores de cana-de-açúcar. Método: Foram avaliados 32 cortadores de cana-de-açúcar do sexo masculino por meio de um questionário para sintomas de rinite, e marcadores inflamatórios em sangue periférico e lavado nasal, no período de entressafra, e em 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar. Os dados climáticos e as concentrações de material particulado fino foram medidos no mesmo dia. Resultados: O material particulado fino na entressafra e em 3 e 6 meses de safra foi 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3) e 63 (17-263 µg/m3), respectivamente; a temperatura de 24 horas foi 32,6 (25,4º-37,4ºC), 32,3 (26,7º-36,7ºC) e 29,7 (24,1º-340ºC) e a umidade relativa do ar foi 45,4 (35,0%-59,7%), 47,9 (39,1%-63,0%), e 59,9 (34,7%-63,2%), na entressafra, 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita. A idade foi de 37,4 ± 10,9 anos. A prevalência de sintomas de rinite foi significativamente maior em 3 meses da S (53,4%), comparado com a entressafra (26,7%; p = 0,039) e 6 meses da safra (20%; p = 0,006). As concentrações de interleucina 6 (IL-6) no lavado nasal aumentaram após 3 meses do início da colheita comparado com a entressafra (p = 0,012). A presença de sintomas de rinite, após 3 meses do início da colheita, foi diretamente associada com eosinófilos e inversamente associada com neutrófilos. Conclusões: Após 3 meses do início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar queimada, houve aumento na prevalência de sintomas de rinite e IL-6 em LN. Além disso, as contagens de eosinófilos foram diretamente associadas aos sintomas de rinite no período de maior concentração de material particulado.

Disability as a determinant of fatigue in MS patients / Incapacidade como determinante da fadiga em pacientes com EM

ABSTRACT Fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). Central, psychological, and peripheral factors may contribute to the occurrence of fatigue. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate potential fatigue determinants in patients with relapsing-remitting MS with a low functional impairment. Methods: We compared inflammatory markers, respiratory pressures, disability, and quality of life in 39 relapsing-remitting MS patients with and without fatigue. Results: Patients with relapsing-remitting MS with fatigue had higher Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (p = 0.002). We observed a significant association between the results of the Guy Neurological Disability Scale, the Functional Assessment of MS Quality of Life Rating Scale and the presence of fatigue (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The degree of functional impairment is a determinant for the presence of fatigue in MS patients, but respiratory function and inflammatory markers are not.

RESUMO A fadiga é um dos sintomas mais frequentes e incapacitantes na esclerose múltipla (EM). Fatores centrais, psicológicos e periféricos podem contribuir para a ocorrência de fadiga. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar potenciais determinantes de fadiga em pacientes com EM remitente-recorrente (EMRR) com baixo nível de incapacidade funcional. Métodos: Foram comparados marcadores inflamatórios, pressões respiratórias, incapacidade e qualidade de vida em 39 pacientes com EMRR com e sem fadiga. Resultados: Pacientes com EMRR com fadiga apresentaram maior Escala de Incapacidade Funcional Expandida (p = 0,002). Observamos uma associação significativa entre os resultados da Escala de Incapacidade Neurológica de Guy e Escala de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida Funcional com a presença de fadiga (valores de p < 0,05). Conclusão: O grau de comprometimento funcional, mas não a função respiratória e os marcadores inflamatórios, são determinantes para a presença de fadiga em pacientes com EM.

Increased levels of plasma IL-1b and BDNF can predict resistant depression patients

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: There is no strong evidence on the link between inflammatory profile and pattern of drug treatment response in depressive patients that could result in Coronary Artery Disease occurrence. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the subclinical atherosclerosis markers, inflammatory profile, and BDNF production in Resistant Depression (RD) or Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) patients under conventional treatment. METHODS: The population evaluated was comprised of 34 RD, 43 BAD, and 41 controls. Subclinical atherosclerosis markers were evaluated using ultrasonography, tomography, and exercise stress test. Plasma concentrations of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and BDNF were measured using Luminex100™. The usCRP concentration was measured using turbidimetric immunoassay. IL1B, IL6, and TNFA expression were determined using TaqMan®. For the statistical analysis, the significance level was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: Concerning subclinical atherosclerosis markers, only O2 consumption was reduced in the BAD group (p = 0.001). Although no differences were found in gene expression, BDNF and IL-1β plasma concentration was increased in the RD group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively) even with an antidepressant treatment, which suggests that these drugs have no effect in IL-1β secretion and that the inflammasome may play a role in therapy response. CONCLUSION: Taken together, both BDNF and IL-1β plasma concentrations could be used to the early identification of RD patients.

RESUMO FUNDAMENTAÇÃO: Não há fortes evidências sobre a associação entre o perfil inflamatório e o padrão de resposta ao tratamento medicamentoso em pacientes depressivos que podem resultar em ocorrência de doença coronariana. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica, o perfil inflamatório e a produção de BDNF em pacientes com Depressão Resistente (DR) ou Transtorno Afetivo Bipolar (BAD) sob tratamento convencional. MÉTODOS: A população avaliada incluiu 34 RD, 43 BAD e 41 controles. Os marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica foram avaliados por ultrassonografia, tomografia e teste de esforço. As concentrações plasmáticas de TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 e BDNF foram medidas utilizando Luminex100TM. A concentração de usCRP foi medida por imunoensaio turbidimétrico. A expressão de IL1B, IL6 e TNFA foi determinada usando TaqMan®. Para as análises estatísticas, foi estabelecido o nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Quanto aos marcadores de aterosclerose subclínica, apenas o consumo de O2 foi reduzido no grupo BAD (p = 0,001). Embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças na expressão gênica, a concentração plasmática de BDNF e IL-1β foi aumentada no grupo RD (p = 0,002 e p = 0,005, respectivamente) mesmo sob tratamento antidepressivo, o que sugere que esses medicamentos não têm efeito na secreção de IL-1β e que o inflamassomo pode desempenhar um papel na resposta terapêutica. CONCLUSÃO: Juntas, as concentrações BDNF e IL-1β poderiam ser usadas para a identificação precoce de pacientes com DR.

Predictors of normalization of circulating interleukin-6 after cardiac myxoma resection

Abstract Objective: To disclose the relationships between the anatomic features of cardiac myxomas and plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Methods: Twelve patients undergoing cardiac myxoma resection at The First Hospital of Putian, Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University were enrolled into this study. Pre- and postoperative IL-6 levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and correlations between cardiac myxoma dimension or volume and plasma IL-6 levels were analyzed. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also evaluated. Results: IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly decreased one month after cardiac myxoma resection in comparison to preoperative values. IL-6 and CRP levels did not differ between patients with a cardiac myxoma of irregular appearance and those with a myxoma of regular gross appearance, or between patients with a pedicled or a sessile myxoma. Decrement of IL-6 of patients with irregular cardiac myxomas was much higher than that of patients with regular ones, while no intergroup difference was noted in decrement of CRP. A close direct correlation was noted between IL-6 levels and maximal dimension (length) or volume of cardiac myxomas, whereas CRP levels only correlated with maximal dimension of cardiac myxomas. Conclusion: Anatomic features of cardiac myxomas (sessile, irregular appearance, maximal dimension, and volume) could be determinants of the patients' circulating IL-6 levels. IL-6 was likely to be a more sensitive biomarker than CRP in predicting the inflammatory status of patients with cardiac myxoma. Sessile and irregular cardiac myxomas might predict more severe inflammatory conditions for their more abundant endothelial cells and IL-6 overproduction.

Relationship between inflammatory markers, glycated hemoglobin and placental weight on fetal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory cytokines, placental weight, glycated hemoglobin and adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Subjects and methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal and observational study conducted from April 2004 to November 2005 in Bauru, Brazil. Included patients had singleton pregnancies and performed a 100 g OGTT and had the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, TNF alfa and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) determined at 24-28th gestation weeks. Results: A total of 176 patients were included, of whom 78 had the diagnosis of GDM (44.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that HbA1c, age, body mass index (BMI) and previous history of GDM were independent predictors for GDM diagnosis. ROC curve indicated that HbA1C levels ≥ 5.1% at 24-28 weeks gestation were associated with GDM. No difference was found in IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and CRP serum levels in women with and without GDM. Multivariate analysis showed that placental weight was significantly associated with APOs (p < 0.005), with a cut-off value of 610 grams as demonstrated by the ROC curve. Conclusion: Placental weight ≥ 610 grams and HbA1C ≥ 5.1% were found to be associated with APOs and GDM, respectively, and their evaluation should be part of prenatal care routine.

Changes in peripheral blood inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) and intestinal flora in AIDS and HIV-positive individuals / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVE@#In this study, we investigated the changes in peripheral blood inflammatory factors and intestinal flora in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals (AIDS/HIV patients), and explored the relationships among intestinal flora, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and CD4+ T lymphocytes.@*METHODS@#Thirty blood and stool samples from an AIDS group and a control group were collected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes by a FACSCount automated instrument. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium. Correlations among intestinal flora, inflammatory factor levels, and CD4+ T lymphocyte values were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.@*RESULTS@#The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the AIDS group were higher than those in the control group, while the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was lower. The amounts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the AIDS group were significantly lower than those in control group, while the amounts of E. coli, E. faecalis, and E. faecium were much higher. The amounts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated with the content of TNF-α and IL-6 and the CD4+ T lymphocyte count, while those correlations were reversed for E. coli, E. faecalis, and E. faecium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The intestinal microbiota of AIDS/HIV patients were disordered, and there was a correlation between the amount of intestinal flora and the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6.

Baicalin ameliorates chronic mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice and attenuates inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

The natural flavonoid glycoside baicalin (BA) produces a variety of pharmaceutical effects, particularly for psychiatric/neurological disorders. This study evaluated the behavioral and neuroprotective effects of BA in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress, a model of depression. BA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly increased sucrose consumption and reduced immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, demonstrating that BA alleviated depression-like behaviors. Moreover, BA reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, in serum and in the hippocampus. BA also abrogated increases in NMDAR/NR2B and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and the decrease in phosphorylated ERK and reactive oxygen species production in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. These findings suggested that the antidepressive effects of BA are due to the regulation of an NMDAR/NR2B-ERK1/2-related pathway and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Thus, BA represents a potential candidate drug for patients suffering from depression.