Exploring the relations of NLR, hsCRP and MCP-1 with type 2 diabetic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study.

Type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its incidence is significantly increasing. Microinflammation plays an important role in the development of T2DKD. Based on this, this study investigated the value of inflammatory markers including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the prediction of T2DKD. This was a cross-sectional survey study. A total of 90 patients with T2DM, who were hospitalized in the nephrology and endocrinology departments of the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2021 to January 2022, were included and divided into three groups (A1, A2, A3) according to the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Observe and compare the basic information, clinical and laboratory data, and the inflammatory markers NLR, hs-CRP, MCP-1. Results revealed that high levels of NLR (OR = 6.562, 95% CI 2.060-20.902, P = 0.001) and MCP-1 (OR = 1.060, 95% CI 1.026-1.095, P < 0.001) were risk factors in the development of T2DKD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under curve of NLR and MCP-1 in diagnosing T2DKD were 0.760 (95% CI 0.6577-0.863, P < 0.001) and 0.862 (95% CI 0.7787-0.937, P < 0.001). Therefore, the inflammatory markers NLR and MCP-1 are risk factors affecting the development of T2DKD, which of clinical value may be used as novel markers of T2DKD.

Effect of ozone therapy on neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte ratios, and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis: a self-controlled randomized study.

This retrospective self-controlled randomized study was carried out with the participation of 53 patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the modified New York criteria. The patients who did not receive medical treatment or did not change their medical treatment within the last 6 months were included in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the patients' neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, Visual Analog Scale, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index scores measured after ozone therapy. There was a positive correlation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein, Visual Analog Scale, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index before and after ozone therapy. Our study revealed that the changes in the decreasing tendency of the markers measured in complete blood count after ozone therapy were correlated with the disease activity, which can contribute to understand the effect of ozone therapy on biomarkers.

Phenotypical and functional abnormalities of circulating neutrophils in patients with ß-thalassemia.

ß-Thalassemia is an inherited single gene disorder related to reduced synthesis of the ß-globin chain of hemoglobin. Patients with ß-thalassemia present variable clinical severity ranging from asymptomatic trait to severe transfusion-dependent anemia and multiple organs complications. Moreover, multiple immune abnormalities are a major concern in ß-thalassemia patients. Aberrant neutrophil effector function plays a pivotal role in infection susceptibility in these patients. In severe and persistent inflammation, immature neutrophils are released from the bone marrow and are functionally different compared with mature ones. Despite some abnormalities reported for thalassemia patient's immune system, few data exist on the characterization of human neutrophils in ß-thalassemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotype and function of circulating neutrophil subsets in patients with ß-thalassemia major and with ß-thalassemia intermedia divided in transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent. By the use of immunochemical and cytofluorimetric analyses, we observed that patients' CD16+ neutrophils exhibit abnormalities in their phenotype and functions and the abnormalities vary according to the clinical form of the disease and to the neutrophil subset (CD16bright and CD16dim). Abnormalities include altered surface expression of the innate immune receptor CD45, Toll-like receptor 4, and CD32, reduced ability to produce an oxidative burst, and elevated levels of membrane lipid peroxidation, especially in patients with a more severe form of the disease. Overall, our results indicating the occurrence of an immuno-senescent phenotype on circulating neutrophils from thalassemia patients suggest the usefulness of neutrophil feature assessment as a tool for better clinical management of ß-thalassemia.

Expression of neutrophil surface markers in icteric neonates before and after phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: Jaundice due to indirect hyperbilirubinemia affects more than 60% of neonates and phototherapy is the treatment for severe types. There are no previous studies evaluating the effect of phototherapy on the function of neonates neutrophils. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the function of neutrophils by measuring the expression of neutrophils main surface markers in icteric neonates before and after phototherapy. METHODS: Neonates at a gestational age ≥35 weeks and birth weight ≥2,000 g who met the American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for phototherapy were included. Flow cytometry evaluation of the mean fluorescence intensities of CD10, CD11b, CD11c, CD15, CD16, CD18, CD62L, CD64, and CD66acde was performed before and 24 h after the initiation of phototherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-five neonates at a mean age of 53 h of life were included in the study with a mean bilirubin level of 13.60 ± 2.85 mg/dL. There was no statistical difference in the expression of CD11b, CD15, CD18, CD62L, and CD64 or in the percentage of neutrophils before and after 24 h of phototherapy. There was an increase in the expression of CD10 and CD16 and a decrease in the expression of CD11c and CD66acde after 24 h of phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Newborns submitted to phototherapy had an increase in the expression of CD10 and CD16 and a decreased in the expression of CD11c and CD66acde after 24 h of treatment, which may be related to an anti-inflammatory effect of phototherapy. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Effect of an injectable trace mineral supplement containing selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese on immunity, health, and growth of dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 subcutaneous injections of a multimineral preparation, each containing 60 mg of zinc, 10mg of manganese, 5mg of selenium, and 15 mg of copper at 3 and 30 d after birth on immunity, health, and growth of dairy calves during the preweaning period. The study was conducted in upstate New York in 2 commercial dairy farms. A total of 790 Holstein heifer calves were randomly allocated at birth into 1 of 2 treatments: trace mineral supplement (TMS) treated or control. Blood samples were collected at 3, 14, and 35 d after birth to evaluate glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, haptoglobin, and neutrophil and monocyte function. Incidence of diseases and average daily gain was evaluated in the first 50 d of life. At 14 d of life, TMS-treated calves had increased neutrophil activity compared with control calves. Moreover, TMS-treated calves had greater GPx activity on d 14 after birth than control calves. The TMS treatment reduced the incidence of diarrhea (TMS=41.7% vs. control=49.7%) and combined incidence of pneumonia or otitis or both (TMS=41.7% vs. control=49.1%). Additionally, GPx was greater for calves diagnosed with otitis at d 35 after birth. However, calves diagnosed with pneumonia had decreased GPx activity at d 35 after birth. Serum SOD and haptoglobin concentrations were not affected by treatment or disease. Moreover, no effects were observed on average daily gain and survivability between TMS-treated and control calves during the preweaning period. Supplementation with trace minerals at 3 and 30 d of life increased neutrophil function and GPx activity and reduced the incidence of health disorders.

Feijoa sellowiana Berg fruit juice: anti-inflammatory effect and activity on superoxide anion generation.

Feijoa sellowiana Berg var. coolidge fruit juice was studied in vivo for the anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenin-induced paw edema test and in vitro for the effects on superoxide anion release from neutrophils in human whole blood. The fruit juice was analyzed by the high-performance liquid chromatography method, and quercetin, ellagic acid, catechin, rutin, eriodictyol, gallic acid, pyrocatechol, syringic acid, and eriocitrin were identified. The results showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity of F. sellowiana fruit juice, sustained also by an effective antioxidant activity observed in preliminary studies on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. In particular, the anti-inflammatory activity edema inhibition is significant since the first hour (44.11%) and persists until the fifth hour (44.12%) of the treatment. The effect on superoxide anion release was studied in human whole blood, in the presence of activators affecting neutrophils by different mechanisms. The juice showed an inhibiting response on neutrophils basal activity in all experimental conditions. In stimulated neutrophils, the higher inhibition of superoxide anion generation was observed at concentration of 10(-4) and 10(-2) mg/mL in whole blood stimulate with phorbol-myristate-13-acetate (PMA; 20% and 40%) and with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP; 15% and 48%). The significant reduction of edema and the inhibition of O2(-) production, occurring mainly through interaction with protein-kinase C pathway, confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of F. sellowiana fruit juice.

Effects of vitamin E supplementation on cellular α-tocopherol concentrations of neutrophils in Holstein calves.

The effects of vitamin E supplementation on cellular α-tocopherol concentrations of neutrophils from Holstein calves and the mechanism of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI)-mediated uptake of α-tocopherol were examined. Cellular α-tocopherol concentrations in vitamin E-treated calves increased from 3.5 ± 0.38 to 7.2 ± 0.84 µg/10(7) cells, respectively, within 14 d after vitamin E supplementation; these concentrations were significantly higher than those of control calves (P < 0.01). The expression indices of SR-BI [a major receptor that recognizes high-density lipoprotein (HDL)] mRNA in neutrophils were two to five times higher (P < 0.01) in neutrophils obtained from vitamin E-supplemented calves compared with those from control calves, and anti-SR-B1 antibody, ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 µg/mL, significantly (P < 0.01) decreased cellular α-tocopherol concentrations of neutrophils. Cytochalasin D and latrunculin B, major inhibitors of actin polymerization of neutrophils, significantly decreased cellular α-tocopherol concentrations of neutrophils (P < 0.01). Our results demonstrated that in vitamin E-supplemented calves: 1) α-tocopherol is mainly distributed with HDL, 2) α-tocopherol within HDL is recognized by SR-BI on the surface of neutrophils, and 3) rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial step for the uptake of α-tocopherol by neutrophils.

On a examiné les effets d'un supplément de vitamine E sur les concentrations cellulaires d'α-tocophérol des neutrophiles provenant de veaux Holstein et le mécanisme de prise d'α-tocophérol médié par les récepteurs ramasseurs de classe B type I (SR-BI). Les concentrations cellulaires d'α-tocophérol chez les veaux traités avec de la vitamine E ont augmenté de 3,5 ± 0,38 à 7,2 ± 0,84 µg/107 cellules, respectivement, à l'intérieur d'un délai de 14 j après une supplémentation en vitamine E; ces concentrations étaient significativement plus élevées que celles des veaux témoins (P < 0,01). Les taux d'expression d'ARNm de SR-BI [un récepteur majeur qui reconnaît les lipoprotéines de haute-densité (HDL)] dans les neutrophiles étaient 2 à 5 fois plus élevés (P < 0,01) dans les neutrophiles obtenus de veaux ayant reçu un supplément de vitamine E comparativement à ceux des veaux témoins, et des anticorps anti-SR-B1, allant de 0,1 à 1,0 µg/mL, ont réduit significativement (P < 0,01) les concentrations cellulaires d'α-tocophérol des neutrophiles. La cytochalasine D et la latrunculine B, des inhibiteurs majeurs de la polymérisation de l'actine des neutrophiles, ont diminué de manière significative les concentrations cellulaires d'α-tocophérol des neutrophiles (P < 0,01). Nos résultats ont démontré que chez les veaux recevant un supplément de vitamine E : 1) l'α-tocophérol est principalement distribué avec les HDL, 2) l'α-tocophérol dans les HDL est reconnu par les SR-BI sur la surface des neutrophiles, et 3) le réarrangement du cytosquelette d'actine est une étape cruciale pour la prise d'α-tocophérol par les neutrophiles.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Natural clovanes from the gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies.

Three natural clovane-related sesquiterpenoids, 2beta-acetoxyclovan-9alpha-ol (1), 9alpha-acetoxyclovan-2beta-ol (2) and clovan-2beta,9beta-diol (3), were isolated from the gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies. The structures of clovanes 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of the spectral data with those of known clovane analogues. This is the first time that clovanes 1-3 have been isolated from a natural source. Clovanes 1 and 2 displayed inhibitory effects on the generation of superoxide anions and the release of elastase by human neutrophils.

Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (AÇAÍ) extract in acute lung inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in the mouse.

Short term inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) induces significant lung inflammation due to an imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms. Açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea) has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The present study aimed to determine whether oral administration of an açai stone extract (ASE) could reduce lung inflammation induced by CS. Thirty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups (n=10 each): the Control+A group was exposed to ambient air and treated orally with ASE 300 mg/kg/day; the CS group was exposed to smoke from 6 cigarettes per day for 5 days; and the CS+A group was exposed to smoke from 6 cigarettes per day for 5 days and treated orally with ASE (300 mg/kg/day). On day 6, all mice were sacrificed. After bronchoalveolar lavage, the lungs were removed for histological and biochemical analyses. The CS group exhibited increases in alveolar macrophage (AMs) and neutrophil numbers (PMNs), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx), TNF-α expression, and nitrites levels in lung tissue when compared with the control ones (p<0.001 for all parameters). The AMs, PMNs, MPO, SOD, CAT, GPx and nitrite were significantly reduced by oral administration of ASE when compared with CS group (p<0.001 for all parameters, with exception of AMs p<0.01). The present results suggested that systemic administration of an ASE extract could reduce the inflammatory and oxidant actions of CS. Thus, the results of this study in mice should stimulate future studies on ASE as a potential agent to protect against CS-induced inflammation in humans.

Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes.

Long chain fatty acids influence inflammation through a variety of mechanisms; many of these are mediated by, or at least associated with, changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes. Changes in these compositions can modify membrane fluidity, cell signaling leading to altered gene expression, and the pattern of lipid mediator production. Cell involved in the inflammatory response are typically rich in the n-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, but the contents of arachidonic acid and of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be altered through oral administration of EPA and DHA. Eicosanoids produced from arachidonic acid have roles in inflammation. EPA also gives rise to eicosanoids and these often have differing properties from those of arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids. EPA and DHA give rise to newly discovered resolvins which are anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving. Increased membrane content of EPA and DHA (and decreased arachidonic acid content) results in a changed pattern of production of eicosanoids and resolvins. Changing the fatty acid composition of cells involved in the inflammatory response also affects production of peptide mediators of inflammation (adhesion molecules, cytokines etc.). Thus, the fatty acid composition of cells involved in the inflammatory response influences their function; the contents of arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA appear to be especially important. The anti-inflammatory effects of marine n-3 PUFAs suggest that they may be useful as therapeutic agents in disorders with an inflammatory component.

Relative bioavailability of all-rac and RRR vitamin E based on neutrophil function and total alpha-tocopherol and isomer concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and their calves.

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether source of supplemental alpha-tocopherol fed to periparturient dairy cows affects neutrophil function and vitamin E status of the cow and the neonatal calf. Starting 14 d before anticipated calving and continuing until 14 d post-parturition, cows were fed diets with no supplemental vitamin E or with 2,500 IU/d of vitamin E from all-rac alpha-tocopheryl acetate or RRR alpha-tocopheryl acetate. All-rac alpha-tocopherol contains equimolar amounts of all 8 stereoisomers, whereas the RRR contains only the RRR isomer. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in cow plasma, colostrum, milk, and blood neutrophils were greatest for the RRR treatment, intermediate for all-rac, and lowest for cows fed no supplemental vitamin E. The concentration of alpha-tocopherol in plasma of newborn calves was very low and not affected by treatment but after 6 feedings of their dam's colostrum or milk, concentrations in calf plasma followed the same treatment pattern as cow plasma. The number of bacteria phagocytized was greater by neutrophils from cows fed all-rac vitamin E than for the other 2 treatments, which resulted in a greater number of bacteria being killed. For cows fed all-rac vitamin E, the RRR isomer comprised about 20% of the alpha-tocopherol consumed but approximately 60% of the alpha-tocopherol in plasma and milk. This enrichment was caused mostly by an almost complete discrimination against the 2S isomers. Because all-rac alpha-tocopherol is 50% 2S isomers, these data suggest that 1 g of all-rac tocopheryl acetate is equivalent to 0.5 g of RRR tocopheryl acetate.

The nuclear membrane organization of leukotriene synthesis.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid that initiate and amplify innate and adaptive immunity. In turn, how their synthesis is organized on the nuclear envelope of myeloid cells in response to extracellular signals is not understood. We define the supramolecular architecture of LT synthesis by identifying the activation-dependent assembly of novel multiprotein complexes on the outer and inner nuclear membranes of mast cells. These complexes are centered on the integral membrane protein 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein, which we identify as a scaffold protein for 5-Lipoxygenase, the initial enzyme of LT synthesis. We also identify these complexes in mouse neutrophils isolated from inflamed joints. Our studies reveal the macromolecular organization of LT synthesis.

Effect of dietary supplementation with increasing doses of docosahexaenoic acid on neutrophil lipid composition and leukotriene production in human healthy volunteers.

n-3 PUFA supplementation helps in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases and CVD. However, many supplementations reported sofar are either a combination of n-3 PUFA or used large daily amounts of n-3 PUFA dosages. The present study investigated the influence of increasing dose intake of DHA on the fatty acid composition of phospholipids in neutrophils and on their capability to produce leukotrienes(LT) B4 and B5 in vitro. Twelve healthy volunteers were supplemented with increasing daily doses of DHA (200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg, each dose in TAG containing DHA as the only PUFA and for a 2-week period). At the end of each supplementation period, neutrophil fatty acid composition,and LTB4 and LTB5 production were determined by GC and liquid chromatography-tandem MS, respectively. The DHA/arachidonic acid ratio increased in a dose-dependent manner with respect to the increasing doses of DHA supplementation and was significantly different from baseline after supplementation with either 400, 800 or 1600 mg DHA. The LTB5/LTB4 ratio was significantly increased compared to baseline after supplementation with 800 and 1600 mg DHA. LTB5/LTB4 and DHA/arachidonic acid ratios were correlated (r 0.531, P<0.0001). The present data suggest that both changes in neutrophil lipid composition and LT production occurred with daily supplementation with 800 and 1600 mg DHA. The clinical benefits associated with these doses of DHA in inflammatory diseases remain to be investigated.

Sequential chemotactic and phagocytic activation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) chemotax to a foreign entity. When the chemoattractants' origins are reached, specific receptors bind to the invader's surface, initiating phagocytosis, phagosome formation, and fusion with granule membranes, generating the bactericidal oxidative burst, and releasing lytic enzymes, specific peptides, and proteins. We explored the initial signaling involved in these functions by observing naïve, unprimed PMN in suspension using fluorescent indicators of cytoplasmic signals (Delta[Ca(2+)](i) and DeltapH(i)) and of bactericidal entities (oxidative species and elastase) exposed to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and/or multivalent immune complexes (IC). fMLP and IC each initiate a rapid transient rise in [Ca(2+)](i), mostly from intracellular stores, simultaneously with a drop in pH(i); these are followed by a drop in [Ca(2+)](i) and a rise in pH(i), with the latter being due to a Na(+)/H(+) antiport. The impact of a second stimulation depends on the order in which stimuli are applied, on their dose, and on their nature. Provided that [Ca(2+)](i) is restored, 10(-7) M fMLP, previously shown to elicit maximal Delta[Ca(2+)](i) but no bactericidal functions, did not prevent the cells' responses with Delta[Ca(2+)](i) to a subsequent high dose of fMLP or IC; conversely, cells first exposed to 120 mug/ml IC, previously shown to elicit maximal Delta[Ca(2+)](i) and bactericidal functions, exhibited no subsequent Delta[Ca(2+)](i) or DeltapH(i) to either stimulus. While exposure to 10(-7) M fMLP, which saturates the PMN high-affinity receptor, did not elicit bactericidal release from these naïve unprimed PMN in suspension, 10(-5) M fMLP did, presumably via the low-affinity receptor, using a different Ca(2+) source.

Effects of dietary vitamin C on neutrophil function and responses to intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide in periparturient dairy cows.

Neutrophil function and the severity and incidence of mastitis in dairy cows is related to the intake of many antioxidant nutrients. Because vitamin C is the major water-soluble antioxidant in mammals, we examined the effect of dietary vitamin C on neutrophil function and responses to intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccahride (LPS) in periparturient dairy cows. At 2 wk before anticipated calving, Holstein cows were fed diets that provided 0 (16 cows) or 30 (15 cows) g/d of supplemental vitamin C (phosphorylated ascorbic acid). Treatments continued until 7 d after cows received an infusion of 10 microg of LPS into one quarter of the mammary gland (on average, this occurred 32 d postcalving). Supplementation of vitamin C increased plasma concentrations of vitamin C at calving, but no differences were observed in samples taken 24 h postinfusion. Concentrations of vitamin C in milk (24 h postinfusion) and in neutrophils (calving and 24 h postinfusion) were not affected by treatment, but vitamin C concentrations in neutrophils isolated from milk were about 3 times greater than concentrations in blood neutrophils. The LPS infusion did not alter concentrations of vitamin C in plasma or milk, suggesting that the LPS model did not produce the same effects as a bacterial infection of the mammary gland with respect to antioxidant effects. Supplemental vitamin C had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis or bacterial kill. Dietary vitamin C reduced the milk somatic cell count but did not affect the febrile response or milk production following LPS infusion.

Characterization of bovine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin.

A protein of relative molecular mass of approximately 25,000 was purified from bovine colostrum by cation-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The N-terminus of the protein matched the sequence predicted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information for the bovine homolog of human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, a glycoprotein of relative molecular mass 25,000 belonging to the family of lipocalins. The protein was further designated as bovine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (bNGAL). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE of enzymically deglycosylated bNGAL indicated that the intact protein bears one N-linked glycan. Monosaccharide and mass spectrometric analyses of released N-linked carbohydrates revealed the presences of complex- and hybrid-type glycans, with galactose substituted with N-acetylgalactosamine. This substitution is typical for glycoproteins expressed in the bovine mammary gland. A specific ELISA revealed bNGAL concentrations in plasma and mature milk of about 0.05 and 1 microg/mL, respectively, whereas values as high as 51 microg/mL were measured in colostrum. Thus, we have isolated and characterized a novel bovine (milk) protein that is a new member of the lipocalin family.

Low dose supplementation with two different marine oils does not reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines in vivo.

In view of the reported potential anti-inflammatory activity of the New Zealand green lipped mussel (NZGLM), we aimed to compare the effect of low dose marine oil supplementation, from mussels and fish, in reducing blood markers of inflammation. Thirty apparently healthy males and females were recruited from the general public in Melbourne, Australia to participate in a double blind, randomised, parallel intervention study. Subjects were consuming approximately 73 mg of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) daily in their background diet prior to the commencement of the intervention. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume either 2 mL/day of the NZGLM oil preparation (mixed with olive oil and dl-alpha-tocopherol) or fish oil preparation (also mixed with olive oil and dl-alpha-tocopherol) for six weeks. Two mL of the oils contained 241 mg and 181 mg of n-3 LCPUFA, respectively. Neutrophil phospholipid fatty acids, serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2), stimulated monocyte production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were measured. During the intervention, the total intakes of n-3 LCPUFA from the background diet and the supplements were 199 mg/d and 173 mg/day for the NZGLM and FO groups, respectively. Following six weeks of supplementation, both groups showed a small, but significant increase in neutrophil phospholipid proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid. The NZGLM group also showed a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid levels. There were no significant changes with time or treatment for TXB2, PGE2, IL-1 beta or TNFalpha. This study showed that low dose supplementation with n-3 LCPUFA from two different marine oil preparations showed no difference in inflammatory markers in this group of healthy individuals. Further studies are warranted including dose response trials and studies in populations with inflammatory conditions.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil supplementation on human leukocyte function.

BACKGROUND: The effect of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich fish oil (FO) supplementation on human leukocyte function was investigated. METHODS: Ten male volunteers were supplemented with 3g/day FO containing 26% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3) and 54% DHA (22:6, n-3) for 2 months. RESULTS: FO supplementation changed the fatty acid (FA) composition of leukocytes resulting in an increase of n-3/n-6 ratio from 0.18 to 0.62 in lymphocytes and from 0.15 to 0.70 in neutrophils. DHA-rich FO stimulated an increase in phagocytic activity by 62% and 145% in neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. Neutrophil chemotactic response was increased by 128%. The rate of production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils was also increased, as it was with lymphocyte proliferation. These changes were partially reversed after a 2-month wash out period. With respect to cytokine production by lymphocytes, interleukin (IL)-4 release was not altered, whereas secretions of IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were raised. These results are in contrast to those described by others using EPA-rich FO supplementation. Lymphocyte pleiotropic gene expression was analyzed by a macroarray technique. Of the analyzed genes (588 in total), 77 were modified by the supplementation. FO supplementation resulted in up-regulation of 6 genes (GATA binding protein 2, IL-6 signal transducer, transforming growth factor alpha, TNF, heat shock 90kDa protein 1-alpha and heat shock protein 70kDa 1A) and a down regulation of 71 genes (92.2% of total genes changed). The largest functional group of altered genes was that related to signaling pathways (22% of the total modified genes). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, although EPA and DHA are members of n-3 FA family, changes in the proportion of DHA and EPA exert different effects on neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte function, which may be a result of specific changes in gene expression.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heterocyclic ionone-like derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents.

Five- and six-membered heterocyclic ionone-like derivatives 4-6 have been synthesised in one step and with good yield from the key intermediate 3a and appropriate bifunctional reagents. Four were active as inhibitors of the respiratory burst of human neutrophils without affecting cell viability. The two most active compounds (5a,d) tested in neutrophil migration assays, were also found to be potent inhibitors of neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness. These two molecules could be considered as lead compounds of new drugs which can be an effective tool to treat psoriasis and related neutrophilic dermatoses.

Protective effect of EDTA preadministration on renal ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Chelation therapy with sodium edetate (EDTA) improved renal function and slowed the progression of renal insufficiency in patients subjected to lead intoxication. This study was performed to identify the underlying mechanism of the ability of EDTA treatment to protect kidneys from damage. METHODS: The effects of EDTA administration were studied in a rat model of acute renal failure induced by 60 minutes ischemia followed or not by 60 minutes reperfusion. Renal ischemic damage was evaluated by histological studies and by functional studies, namely serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Treatment with EDTA was performed 30 minutes before the induction of ischemia. Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) adhesion capability, plasmatic nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) renal expression were studied as well as the EDTA protection from the TNFalpha-induced vascular leakage in the kidneys. Data was compared by two-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc test. RESULTS: EDTA administration resulted in the preservation of both functional and histological parameters of rat kidneys. PMN obtained from peripheral blood of EDTA-treated ischemized rats, displayed a significant reduction in the expression of the adhesion molecule Mac-1 with respect to controls. NO was significantly increased by EDTA administration and eNOS expression was higher and more diffuse in kidneys of rats treated with EDTA than in the controls. Finally, EDTA administration was able to prevent in vivo the TNFalpha-induced vascular leakage in the kidneys. CONCLUSION: This data provides evidence that EDTA treatment is able to protect rat kidneys from ischemic damage possibly through the stimulation of NO production.