Cytokine-Based Validation of the Inflammation-Based Risk Score in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

This study aimed to validate an inflammation-based risk score in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by examining their cytokine profiles. Upon admission, patients were evaluated for systemic inflammation using a risk score that assigned points based on specific biomarkers: 1 point for leukocyte count ≥9.3 × 10³ cells/µL, 2 points for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥13.0 mg/L, and 3 points for serum albumin ≤3.6 g/dL. Patients were categorized into three groups: no inflammation (0 points, n = 13), mild inflammation (1-2 points, n = 35), and severe inflammation (3-6 points, n = 26). Serum levels of 16 key cytokines were measured. Patients with higher risk scores showed elevated interleukin (IL)-6 levels (19.6 vs. 8.5 vs. 6.8 pg/mL; P = 0.021) and decreased interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) levels (73.4 vs. 68.8 vs. 112.2 pg/mL; P = 0.011). IL-6 was positively correlated with hsCRP (ρ 0.307) and negatively correlated with albumin (ρ -0.298), while IP-10 was negatively correlated with leukocyte count (ρ -0.301). No other cytokines showed significant association with the risk score. Higher inflammation scores were also associated with an increased incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly acute heart failure. This study underscores the association between the inflammation-based risk score and cytokine levels, specifically IL-6 and IP-10, in patients with STEMI.

Electrical Stimulation Prevents Muscular Atrophy and the Decrease of Interleukin-6 in Paralyzed Muscles after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Objective To analyze the muscle trophism and expression of interleukin-6 in the biceps brachii muscle of rats with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury treated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Methods Adult rats underwent C5-C7 spinal cord hemisection and a 5-week NMES protocol. Trophism of the biceps brachii was assessed using muscle weight/body weight ratio and histological analysis. Interleukin-6 expression from biceps brachii was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results Preservation of the biceps brachii muscle trophism was found in the NMES treated group, along with prevention of the reduction of interleukin-6 levels. Conclusion Spinal cord injury causes muscle atrophy and decreases interleukin-6 levels. These alterations are partially prevented by NMES. The results suggest a possible NMES action mechanism and underscore the clinical use of this therapeutic tool.

Activity and levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in saliva of children and young adults with dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of dental caries. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the following three objectives: 1)To deepen and discuss through a comprehensive analysis of the literature the effects of dental caries on the activity and levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in saliva of children and young adults, 2)To compare the levels of this cytokines in saliva of the exposure group (moderate-severe dental caries) with the control group (caries-free or mild dental caries), and 3)To determine whether the levels of these cytokines could be used as a complementary clinical diagnostic tool to assess the severity of dental caries. METHODS: The protocol followed PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF): https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MF74V . A digital search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Schoolar databases from February 15th, 2012, to January 13th, 2024. The methodological validity of the selected studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to evaluate the association between dental caries/health, and the concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. RESULTS: The search strategy provided a total of 126 articles, of which 15 investigations met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients studied was 1,148, of which 743 represented the case/exposure group, and 405 represented the control group. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 25 years. IL-6 was the most prevalent cytokine in the saliva of children and young adults with active dental caries. The meta-analysis revealed that there are significant differences between the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in saliva of children with active dental caries compared to their control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that IL-6 and TNF-α levels may have potential as complementary biomarkers for assessing dental caries severity. However, further research is needed to validate these findings in larger and more diverse populations before clinical application.

The SASP factor IL-6 sustains cell-autonomous senescent cells via a cGAS-STING-NFκB intracrine senescent noncanonical pathway.

Senescent cells produce a Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) that involves factors with diverse and sometimes contradictory activities. One key SASP factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), has the potential to amplify cellular senescence in the SASP-producing cells in an autocrine action, while simultaneously inducing proliferation in the neighboring cells. The underlying mechanisms for the contrasting actions remain unclear. We found that the senescence action does not involve IL-6 secretion nor the interaction with the receptor expressed in the membrane but is amplified through an intracrine mechanism. IL-6 sustains intracrine senescence interacting with the intracellular IL-6 receptor located in anterograde traffic specialized structures, with cytosolic DNA, cGAS-STING, and NFκB activation. This pathway triggered by intracellular IL-6 significantly contributes to cell-autonomous induction of senescence and impacts in tumor growth control. Inactivation of IL-6 in somatotrophic senescent cells transforms them into strongly tumorigenic in NOD/SCID mice, while re-expression of IL-6 restores senescence control of tumor growth. The intracrine senescent IL-6 pathway is further evidenced in three human cellular models of therapy-induced senescence. The compartmentalization of the intracellular signaling, in contrast to the paracrine tumorigenic action, provides a pathway for IL-6 to sustain cell-autonomous senescent cells, driving the SASP, and opens new avenues for clinical consideration to senescence-based therapies.

Utility of the WHO dengue guidelines in pediatric immunological studies.

Dengue is a significant health problem due to the high burden of critical infections during outbreaks. In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified dengue as dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). It was revised in 2009 (updated in 2015), and the new guidelines recommended classifying patients as dengue without warning signs (DNS), dengue with warning signs (DWS), and severe dengue (SD). Although the utility of the revised 2009 classification for clinical studies is accepted, for immunological studies it needs to be clarified. We determined the usefulness of the 2009 classification for pediatric studies that analyze the circulating interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, two inflammatory cytokines. Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were evaluated in the acute and convalescent phases by flow cytometry in children with dengue classified using the 1997 and 2009 WHO guidelines. The plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were elevated during the acute and decreased during convalescence, and both cytokines served as a good marker of acute dengue illness compared to convalescence. There were no differences in the plasma level of the evaluated cytokines among children with different clinical severity with any classification, except for the IL-8, which was higher in DWS than DNS. Based on the levels of IL-8, the 2009 classification identified DWS plus SD (hospital-treated children) compared to the DNS group [area under the curve (AUC): 0.7, p = 0.028]. These results support the utility of the revised 2009 (updated in 2015) classification in studies of immune markers in pediatric dengue.

The impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived IL-6 on neurological conditions.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a versatile cytokine crucial for immune response modulation, inflammation regulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Its wide-ranging functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Dysregulated IL-6 is closely associated with many diseases, making it a key research and therapeutic target. Elevated IL-6 levels in the central nervous system worsen neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and astrocytes and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules. Moreover, dysregulated IL-6 weakens the blood-brain barrier, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by allowing peripheral immune cells and inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in modulating neuroinflammation by regulating IL-6 levels. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, while promoting anti-inflammatory factors. This therapeutic approach highlights the importance of targeting IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators to alleviate neuroinflammation and its adverse effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-6's involvement in neurological disorders, examining endogenous IL-6 and IL-6 derived from MSCs. We explore IL-6's mechanisms affecting neuronal function, survival, and immune modulation in the central nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the potential of MSC-derived IL-6 in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. By elucidating IL-6's interplay with neurological pathologies, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for neurological disorders.

Assessment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Insulin Sensitivity by Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone ß Syndrome.

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHß) is a rare disease resulting from mutations in the THRB gene, characterized by reduced T3 action in tissues with high thyroid hormone receptor ß expression. Thyroid hormones regulate body composition and metabolism in general, and increased or decreased hormone levels are associated with insulin resistance. This study evaluated the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin sensitivity in patients with RTHß. Methods: In all, 16 patients, 8 adults (52.3 ± 16.3 years of age) and 8 children (10.9 ± 3.9 years of age), were compared to 28 control individuals matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometry evaluation and blood samples were collected for glycemia, lipids, insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, adiponectin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRPus), free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase measurements. Body composition was assessed using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated in adult patients and controls using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC), whereas homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated in all individuals studied. Results: Patients and controls presented similar weight, BMI, abdominal perimeter, and total fat body mass. Patients with RTHß demonstrated higher total cholesterol (TC), p = 0.04, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), p = 0.03, but no alteration was observed in other parameters associated with metabolic risk, such as leptin, TNF-α, and CRPus. Two adult patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was no evidence of insulin resistance assessed by HEC or HOMA-IR. Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in patients with RTHß. Conclusion: Using HEC as the gold standard method, no evidence of reduced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle was documented in RTHß adult patients; however, higher levels of TC and LDL-C were observed in these patients, which suggest the need for active monitoring of this abnormality to minimize cardiometabolic risk. In addition, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the increase in IL-6 levels in patients with RTHß is probably secondary to metabolic causes as they have normal levels of TNF-α and CRPus, which may contribute to an increase in cardiovascular risk. A larger number of patients must be studied to confirm these results.

The Impact of Exercise on Interleukin-6 to Counteract Immunosenescence: Methodological Quality and Overview of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the methodological quality of published systematic reviews on randomized and non-randomized clinical trials to synthesize evidence on the association between IL-6, immunosenescence, and aerobic and/or resistance exercise. METHOD: The Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Systematic Reviews (PRIO-harms) guideline was used, with registration number CRD42022346142-PROSPERO. Relevant databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using English Medical Subject Headings terms. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews analyzing aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or a combination of both and assessing IL-6 as a biomarker of cellular immunosenescence in humans. The Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) was employed. RESULTS: Out of 742 identified articles, 18 were eligible, and 13 were selected for analysis. Sample sizes ranged from 249 to 1421 participants, mostly female, with ages ranging from 17 to 95 years. Aerobic exercise was the most studied type (46.15%), followed by combined exercise (38.46%) and resistance exercise (15.38%). Aerobic exercise showed a statistically significant reduction in IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Among the 13 reviews analyzed using AMSTAR-2, 8 were rated as critically low quality, and 5 were classified as low quality. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to modulate IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels in immunosenescence. However, the limited methodological quality of the analyzed systematic reviews highlights the urgent need for robust, high-quality studies to improve access to information and facilitate evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.

Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers Responses after Aerobic Training in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise (PE) may improve plasma concentration of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin (adpN) in heart transplant (HT) patients. However, no consistent data is available on this population. AIM: Thus, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of PE over these pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in HT patients. METHODS: Following the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, we conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Outcomes included IL-6, TNF-alpha, and adpN. Effect size (ES) was calculated using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The PE group (aerobic modality) was associated with reduced IL-6 compared to the control group (ES: -0.53; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.026). However, the PE group did not show a significant effect on TNF-alpha and adpN levels (ES: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.13; P = 0.16 and ES: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.70 to 0.30 pg/mL; P = 0.444, respectively). CONCLUSION: PE is associated with IL-6 reductions, although TNF alpha and adpN did not change after this intervention in HT patients. Therefore, PE is an effective intervention to downregulate IL-6 in post-HT patients.

Tocilizumab demonstrates superiority in decreasing C-reactive protein levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, compared to standard care treatment alone.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused a global pandemic, leading to health, economic, and political crisis. The virus triggers the activation of inflammatory reactants including interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP), causing multiorgan damage, particularly affecting the lungs. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor blocker, has the potential to diminish the progression of the disease and reduce organ damage and long-term complications. The aim of this observational retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in decreasing CRP levels in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compared to standard care without the drug. The study included 141 patients during their Hospital Stay (HS), with 100 in the Tocilizumab group and 41 in the non-Tocilizumab group. Clinical information was collected from the electronic clinical record, analyzed using statistical software, and homogenized the CRP levels from the severe group to the levels of the less complicated group at 48 h of hospitalization. The results showed a statistically significant greater decrease in CRP levels in the Tocilizumab group at 48 h after the use of the treatment, with no differences in mortality or length of stay between the groups. In conclusion, tocilizumab accelerates the diminishing of CRP levels compared to standard treatment alone, and its use may have potential benefits in the management of severe COVID-19 patients when used alongside with follow-up quantification of CRP levels reduction.IMPORTANCESevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused a global pandemic, leading to health, economic, and political crises. International guidelines for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) give recommendations according to the severity of the disease and the level of oxygen therapy needed. Tocilizumab is an option for the therapeutic management of hospitalized patients with any level of oxygen therapy; IL-6 serum level is the parameter for the follow-up on the efficacy, but it is not available at many hospitals. In this study, we demonstrate that C-reactive protein determination can predict the response to tocilizumab in severe COVID-19, the target patients for treatment with this drug. The use of this affordable and extensively available biomarker supports clinical decisions for the early escalation of the therapy and for the rational use of this drug on those prone to improve with the use of it.

Hepcidin and inflammation associated with iron deficiency in childhood obesity - A systematic review

Abstract Objectives: This paper aims to review data on the association of obesity and iron deficiency in children and adolescents, exposing the possible involvement of hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), obesity's inflammation biomarkers. Data source: Articles from PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE database with no chronological limit were reviewed to write this systematic review. Keywords such as children, obesity, iron deficiency, and hepcidin were used. After deleting duplicated and review articles, 91 were screened, and 39 were selected as eligible. Sixteen articles were included because they involved serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents as outcomes. Summary of findings: Finally, those 16 articles were organized in two tables: one includes therapeutic interventions, and the other does not. As hepcidin was discovered in 2000, the first articles that presented serum hepcidin's quantification in obese children and adolescents, homeostasis iron markers, and their possible association with obesity's inflammatory environment began to be published in 2008. Conclusions: Obesity's chronic inflammation state leads to the production of IL-6, which acts as a signaling molecule for hepcidin synthesis, resulting in iron deficiency, which is common in obese children and adolescents who respond inadequately to iron supplementation. On the other hand, that population responds adequately to therapeutic intervention programs that lead to weight loss, guaranteeing iron homeostasis improvement. Therefore, perhaps it is time to discuss serum hepcidin level quantification as part of evaluating children and adolescents with iron deficiency, which could guide clinical choices that might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Leukocyte dysfunction and reduced CTLA-4 expression are associated with perianal Crohn's disease.

Although perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) is highly associated with the exacerbated inflammation, the molecular basis and immunological signature that distinguish patients who present a history of perianal lesions are still unclear. This paper aims to define immunological characteristics related to PCD. In this cross-sectional observational study, we enrolled 20 healthy controls and 39 CD patients. Blood samples were obtained for the detection of plasma cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were phenotyped by flow cytometry. Leukocytes were stimulated with LPS or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Our results show that CD patients had augmented plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and LPS. However, their PBMC was characterized by decreased IL-6 production, while patients with a history of PCD produced higher IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ, along with decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). CD patients had augmented FoxP3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) regulatory markers, though the PCD subjects presented a significant reduction in CTLA-4 expression. CTLA-4 as well as IL-6 and TNF responses were able to distinguish the PCD patients from those who did not present perianal complications. In conclusion, IL-6, TNF, and CTLA-4 exhibit a distinct expression pattern in CD patients with a history of PCD, regardless of disease activity. These findings clarify some mechanisms involved in the development of the perianal manifestations and may have a great impact on the disease management.

Safety and possible anti-inflammatory effect of paclitaxel associated with LDL-like nanoparticles (LDE) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Introduction: Studies in cholesterol-fed rabbits showed that anti-proliferative chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel associated with solid lipid nanoparticles (LDE) have marked anti-atherosclerotic effects. In addition, association with LDE nearly abolishes paclitaxel toxicity. We investigated whether treatment with LDE-paclitaxel changes plaque progression by coronary CT angiography and is safe in patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in patients with multi-vessel chronic coronary artery disease. Patients were randomized to receive IV infusions of LDE-paclitaxel (paclitaxel dose: 175 mg/m2 body surface) or LDE alone (placebo group), administered every 3 weeks for 18 weeks. All participants received guideline-directed medical therapy. Clinical and laboratory safety evaluations were made at baseline and every 3 weeks until the end of the study. Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers and coronary CTA was also performed at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: Forty patients aged 65.6 ± 8 years, 20 in LDE-paclitaxel and 20 in placebo group were enrolled. Among those, 58% had diabetes, 50% had myocardial infarction, and 91% were in use of statin and aspirin. Baseline demographics, risk factors, and laboratory results were not different between groups. In all patients, no clinical or laboratory toxicities were observed. From the baseline to the end of follow-up, there was a non-significant trend toward a decrease in IL-6 levels and hsCRP in the LDE-paclitaxel group (-16% and -28%, respectively), not observed in placebo. Regarding plaque progression analysis, variation in plaque parameter values was wide, and no difference between groups was observed. Conclusion: In patients with multivessel chronic coronary artery disease and optimized medical therapy, LDE-paclitaxel was safe and showed clues of potential benefits in reducing inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04148833, identifier (NCT04148833).

Interleukin 6 polymorphisms are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in premature coronary artery disease patients and healthy controls of the GEA Mexican study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an acute-phase protein that plays an important role in the inflammatory response, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis process. The study aimed to establish whether IL-6 gene polymorphisms and IL-6 concentrations are associated with premature coronary artery disease (pCAD) and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: The IL-6 concentrations and the rs2069827, rs1800796, and rs1800795 IL-6 polymorphisms were determined in 1150 pCAD patients and 1083 healthy controls (coronary artery calcium equal to zero determined by tomography). RESULTS: The IL-6 polymorphisms studied were not associated with pCAD, but they were associated with cardiovascular risk factors in patients and controls. In controls, under the dominant model, the rs1800795 C allele and the rs2069827 T allele were associated with a low risk of central obesity (OR = 0.401, p = 0.017 and OR = 0.577, p = 0.031, respectively), hypoalphalipoproteinemia (OR = 0.581, p = 0.027 and OR = 0.700, p = 0.014, respectively) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.575, p = 0.030 and OR = 0.728, p = 0.033, respectively). In pCAD, the rs1800795 C allele was associated with an increased risk of hypoalphalipoproteinemia (OR = 1.370, padditive = 0.025) and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (OR = 1.491, padditive = 0.007). pCAD patients had significantly higher serum IL-6 concentrations compared to controls (p = 0.002). In the total population, individuals carrying the rs1800795 GC + CC genotypes had higher levels of IL-6 than carriers of the GG genotype (p = 0.025). In control individuals carrying the C allele (CG + CC), an inverse correlation was observed between IL-6 and HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the IL-6 polymorphisms were not associated with pCAD, however, they were associated with cardiovascular risk factors in pCAD patients and healthy controls. Individuals carrying the rs1800795 GC + CC genotypes had higher levels of IL-6 than carriers of the GG genotype.

Hepcidin and inflammation associated with iron deficiency in childhood obesity - A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to review data on the association of obesity and iron deficiency in children and adolescents, exposing the possible involvement of hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), obesity's inflammation biomarkers. DATA SOURCE: Articles from PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE database with no chronological limit were reviewed to write this systematic review. Keywords such as children, obesity, iron deficiency, and hepcidin were used. After deleting duplicated and review articles, 91 were screened, and 39 were selected as eligible. Sixteen articles were included because they involved serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents as outcomes. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Finally, those 16 articles were organized in two tables: one includes therapeutic interventions, and the other does not. As hepcidin was discovered in 2000, the first articles that presented serum hepcidin's quantification in obese children and adolescents, homeostasis iron markers, and their possible association with obesity's inflammatory environment began to be published in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity's chronic inflammation state leads to the production of IL-6, which acts as a signaling molecule for hepcidin synthesis, resulting in iron deficiency, which is common in obese children and adolescents who respond inadequately to iron supplementation. On the other hand, that population responds adequately to therapeutic intervention programs that lead to weight loss, guaranteeing iron homeostasis improvement. Therefore, perhaps it is time to discuss serum hepcidin level quantification as part of evaluating children and adolescents with iron deficiency, which could guide clinical choices that might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Association Between Interleukin 6 and C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels and Body Composition Compartments and Components in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Obesity is highly prevalent in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Adipose tissue promotes inflammation, affecting recurrence, morbidity, and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationship of body composition parameters with the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in female BC survivors. Additionally, we evaluated the association of log-transformed serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6 with the appendicular skeletal lean mass index (ASMI). The results showed that CRP was positively associated with body fat percentage (BFP; ß adjusted = .08, 95% CI: .02-.14) in all participants, and with fat mass index (FMI; ß = .24, 95% CI: .08-.40) only in premenopausal women. IL-6 was positively associated with FMI (ß adjusted = .16, 95% CI: .03-.29), while ASMI decreased as CRP levels increased (ß adjusted = -.30, 95% CI: -.53 to -.06). Interventions to improve body composition in BC survivors should also consider the role of inflammatory markers in changes in body composition to avoid sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the risk of BC recurrence.

The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 60 cutaneous glomus tumor: a retrospective case series study.

BACKGROUND: Glomus Tumor (GT) are benign neoplasms that originate from mesenchymal cells. It presents as tenderness and cold allodynia in the digits, especially in the subungual region. There are a few studies that investigated the mechanism of pain. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical-pathologic characteristics of GT and to identify the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and CGRP in it, further, to explore the possible mechanism of pain. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 60 GT patients were retrospectively analyzed. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and CGRP. RESULTS: GT is more common in females and the ratio of male to was near to 1:2, mostly in middle-aged people. It often occurs in fingertips, especially the thumbs. Patients often present with spontaneous pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Both the two pain mediators IL-1ß and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells of patients with and without cold hypersensitivity. While CGRP was not expressed in GT. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Low sample size and further research is needed to explore the specific mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ß and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells, suggesting that IL-1ß and IL-6 have certain nociceptive roles in GT. In the 4 patients with cold intolerance, the intensity of IL-1ß and IL-6 staining was also strong, suggesting that they may not play a role in the cold hypersensitivity. However, since there are only 4 patients with cold intolerance, it's necessary to conduct further in-depth research using a larger sample size. The specific role of CGRP in GT has not been found yet.

The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 60 cutaneous glomus tumor: a retrospective case series study

Abstract Background Glomus Tumor (GT) are benign neoplasms that originate from mesenchymal cells. It presents as tenderness and cold allodynia in the digits, especially in the subungual region. There are a few studies that investigated the mechanism of pain. Objectives To analyze the clinical-pathologic characteristics of GT and to identify the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and CGRP in it, further, to explore the possible mechanism of pain. Methods The clinical and pathological data of 60 GT patients were retrospectively analyzed. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and CGRP. Results GT is more common in females and the ratio of male to was near to 1:2, mostly in middle-aged people. It often occurs in fingertips, especially the thumbs. Patients often present with spontaneous pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Both the two pain mediators IL-1β and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells of patients with and without cold hypersensitivity. While CGRP was not expressed in GT. Study limitations Low sample size and further research is needed to explore the specific mechanism. Conclusions IL-1β and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells, suggesting that IL-1β and IL-6 have certain nociceptive roles in GT. In the 4 patients with cold intolerance, the intensity of IL-1β and IL-6 staining was also strong, suggesting that they may not play a role in the cold hypersensitivity. However, since there are only 4 patients with cold intolerance, it's necessary to conduct further in-depth research using a larger sample size. The specific role of CGRP in GT has not been found yet.

Effect of submucosal cryotherapy compared with steroids and NSAIDs injections on Substance P and Interleukin 6 pulpal release in experimentally induced pulpal inflammation in rabbits

Abstract Objective To compare the effect of submucosal cryotherapy using cold saline to dexamethasone sodium phosphate and diclofenac sodium injections on substance P and interleukin 6 release in experimentally induced pulpal inflammation in rabbits' molar teeth. Methodology Fifteen rabbits were randomly classified into 3 groups according to the submucosal injection given: cold saline, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, and diclofenac sodium. A split-mouth design was adopted, the right mandibular molars were experimental, and the left molars served as the control without injections. Intentional pulp exposures were created and left for 6 hours to induce pulpitis. Pulpal tissue was extracted and examined for SP and IL-6 levels using ELISA. Within each group, the level of cytokines released was measured for both control and experimental groups for intragroup comparison to determine the effect of injection. The percentage reduction of each mediator was calculated compared with the control side for intergroup comparison then the correlation between SP and IL-6 levels was analyzed using Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed, and the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Submucosal cryotherapy, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, and diclofenac sodium significantly reduced SP and IL-6 pulpal release. Submucosal cryotherapy significantly reduced SP more than and IL-6 more than dexamethasone sodium phosphate and diclofenac sodium. Pulpal reduction of SP and IL-6 showed a strong positive significant correlation. Conclusions Submucosal cryotherapy reduces the pulpal release of SP and IL-6 and could be tested as an alternative to premedication to potentiate the effect of anesthesia and control postoperative endodontic pain.