An Investigation of the Antioxidant Capacity in Extracts from Moringa oleifera Plants Grown in Jamaica.

Moringa oleifera trees grow well in Jamaica and their parts are popularly used locally for various purposes and ailments. Antioxidant activities in Moringa oleifera samples from different parts of the world have different ranges. This study was initiated to determine the antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera grown in Jamaica. Dried and milled Moringa oleifera leaves were extracted with ethanol/water (4:1) followed by a series of liquid-liquid extractions. The antioxidant capacities of all fractions were tested using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. IC50 values (the amount of antioxidant needed to reduce 50% of DPPH) were then determined and values for the extracts ranged from 177 to 4458 µg/mL. Extracts prepared using polar solvents had significantly higher antioxidant capacities than others and may have clinical applications in any disease characterized by a chronic state of oxidative stress, such as sickle cell anemia. Further work will involve the assessment of these extracts in a sickle cell model of oxidative stress.

Quercetin reduces hydroxyurea induced cytotoxicity in immortalized mouse aortic endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is a characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD), and is invariably associated with vascular endothelial injury. Hydroxyurea (HU), a naturally cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, is the only FDA drug approved for SCD, and is therefore naturally cytotoxic. Quercetin (QCT) is a dietary flavonoid found ubiquitously in plants and foods that have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Our hypothesis is that dietary QCT will decrease cytotoxic effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and HU induced vascular cell damage. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation in immortalized mouse aortic endothelial cells (iMAECs), providing an in vitro model of inflamed endothelial cells. The cells were exposed to LPS throughout the entire experiment. Interventions included treating the LPS exposed cells with QCT, HU, or QCT + HU over 50 hours. The 50-hour period included 24 hours of varying treatments, followed by two hours of hypoxic exposure and then 24 hours under normal aerobic exposure. RESULTS: LDH level was significantly higher for LPS treated versus untreated cells (P = 0.0004). LPS plus 30 micromole QCT reduced the LDH (p = 0.1, trend), whereas LPS plus 100 micromoles HU, significantly increased LDH (p = 0.0004). However, LPS plus treatment with 30 micromoles QCT/100 micromoles HU, significantly reduced LDH, compared with HU alone (p = 0.0002). DISCUSSION: These results suggest that quercetin may be effective against vascular endothelial cell damage for iMAECs in vitro. In particular, it shows promise in preventing HU-induced cytotoxicity, surprisingly found from these results. This latter finding is important, and should be given more consideration, since HU is the only FDA-approved drug for treating sickle cell patients, and its use is rapidly increasing.

Effect of Chronic Blood Transfusion on Biomarkers of Coagulation Activation and Thrombin Generation in Sickle Cell Patients at Risk for Stroke.

Hypercoagulability in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with multiple SCD phenotypes, association with stroke risk has not been well described. We hypothesized that serum levels of biomarkers of coagulation activation correlate with high transcranial Doppler ultrasound velocity and decreases with blood transfusion therapy in SCD patients. Stored serum samples from subjects in the Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) trial were analyzed using ELISA and protein multiplexing techniques. 40 subjects from each treatment arm (Standard Care [SC] and Transfusion [Tx]) at three time points--baseline, study exit and one year post-trial and 10 each of age matched children with SCD but normal TCD (SNTCD) and with normal hemoglobin (HbAA) were analyzed. At baseline, median vWF, TAT and D-dimer levels were significantly higher among STOP subjects than either HbAA or SNTCD. At study exit, median hemoglobin level was significantly higher while median TCD velocity was significantly lower in Tx compared to SC subjects. Median vWF (409.6 vs. 542.9 µg/ml), TAT (24.8 vs. 40.0 ng/ml) and D-dimer (9.2 vs. 19.1 µg/ml) levels were also significantly lower in the Tx compared to the SC group at study exit. Blood levels of biomarkers coagulation activation/thrombin generation correlated positively with TCD velocity and negatively with number of blood transfusions. Biomarkers of coagulation activation/thrombin generation were significantly elevated in children with SCD, at high risk for stroke. Reduction in levels of these biomarkers correlated with reduction in stroke risk (lower TCD velocity), indicating a possible role for hypercoagulation in SCD associated stroke.

Body composition and grip strength are improved in transgenic sickle mice fed a high-protein diet.

Key pathophysiology of sickle cell anaemia includes compensatory erythropoiesis, vascular injury and chronic inflammation, which divert amino acids from tissue deposition for growth/weight gain and muscle formation. We hypothesised that sickle mice maintained on an isoenergetic diet with a high percentage of energy derived from protein (35 %), as opposed to a standard diet with 20 % of energy derived from protein, would improve body composition, bone mass and grip strength. Male Berkeley transgenic sickle mice (S; n 8-12) were fed either 20 % (S20) or 35 % (S35) diets for 3 months. Grip strength (BIOSEB meter) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan) were measured. After 3 months, control mice had the highest bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) (P < 0·005). S35 mice had the largest increase in grip strength. A two-way ANOVA of change in grip strength (P = 0·043) attributed this difference to genotype (P = 0·025) and a trend in type of diet (P = 0·067). l-Arginine (l-Arg) supplementation of the 20 % diet was explored, as a possible mechanism for improvement obtained with the 35 % diet. Townes transgenic sickle mice (TS; n 6-9) received 0·8, 1·6, 3·2 or 6·4 % l-Arg based on the same protocol and outcome measures used for the S mice. TS mice fed 1·6 % l-Arg for 3 months (TS1.6) had the highest weight gain, BMD, BMC and lean body mass compared with other groups. TS3.2 mice showed significantly more improvement in grip strength than TS0·8 and TS1.6 mice (P < 0·05). In conclusion, the high-protein diet improved body composition and grip strength. Outcomes observed with TS1.6 and TS3.2 mice, respectively, confirm the hypothesis and reveal l-Arg as part of the mechanism.

Use of an oral stable isotope label to confirm variation in red blood cell mean age that influences HbA1c interpretation.

HbA1c is commonly used to monitor glycemic control. However, there is growing evidence that the relationship between HbA1c and mean blood glucose (MBG) is influenced by variation in red blood cell (RBC) lifespan in hematologically normal individuals. Correction of HbA1c for mean RBC age (MRBC ) requires a noninvasive, accurate, and affordable method to measure RBC survival. In this study, we evaluated whether a stable isotope approach would satisfy these requirements. RBC lifespan and MRBC were determined in a group of nine hematologically normal diabetic and nondiabetic subjects using oral (15) N-glycine to label heme in an age cohort of RBC. The MRBC was 58.7 ± 9.1 (2SD) days and RBC lifespan was 106 ± 21 (2SD) days. This degree of variation (±15-20%) is consistent with previous studies using other techniques. In a subset of seven subjects, MRBC determined with the biotin label technique were available from approximately five years prior, and strongly correlated with the stable isotope values (R(2) = 0.79). This study suggests that the MRBC is stable over time but varies substantially among individuals, and supports the importance of its variation in HbA1c interpretation. The characteristics of the stable isotope method support its suitability for studies to directly evaluate the impact of variation in MRBC on the interpretation of HbA1c.

High protein diet attenuates histopathologic organ damage and vascular leakage in transgenic murine model of sickle cell anemia.

Previous reports have shown that a high protein diet improves weight gain and decreases expression of inflammatory markers in weanling Berkeley transgenic sickle cell mice. The effect of this diet on the underlying histopathology, however, has not been studied. Age-matched, male C57BL/6 controls (n = 24), Berkley sickle mice (n = 31) and Townes sickle mice (n = 14) were randomized in a terminal experiment at weaning to isoenergetic diets, with either normal (20%) or high (35%) amount of energy from protein, by replacing dextrin. Tissue sampling for blinded histologic study and scoring of changes at baseline and after 3 months of feedings showed progressive siderosis and infarcts in spleen, kidney, and liver in all sickle groups, and no significant changes in age- and sex-matched normal controls. High-protein (35%) fed Berkeley sickle mice had significantly fewer (p < 0.01) infarcts in spleen (35.7% less), liver (12.5% less), and kidney (28.6% less) and lower histopathologic scores (p < 0.01) for chronic tissue injury in liver and spleen than matched normal-protein (20%) fed Berkeley sickle mice. In addition, high-protein fed Townes sickle mice had less vascular leakage (∼36%) in the heart, lungs, and brain and a better survival rate (21%) than matched normal-protein Townes sickle mice. This is the first report of histopathologic evidence that a high protein:calorie diet attenuates sickle cell related chronic organ injury in transgenic sickle cell mouse models.

TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4 levels were elevated in a murine model of human sickle cell anemia maintained on a high protein/calorie diet.

Increased frequency and risk of infection is one of the well described complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA). Dietary supplementation in children with SCA and growth retardation improved growth and decreased incidence of infection. We investigated the impact of a high protein diet on weight gain, hematological profile, and immune cytokine levels in the Berkeley model of SCA, 16 of which were randomized to either regular mouse diet with 20% of calories from protein (n = 8) or a test feed with 35% of calories from protein (n = 8). Control mice (C57BL/6, n = 16) were correspondingly randomized, and were all feed ad libitum for three months with actual intake estimated by subtracting the weight of gnaw waste from that of the feed given. Blood was collected at sacrifice by cardiac puncture and plasma levels of T helper cell 1 (TH1) and TH2 associated cytokines were measured using a multiplex antibody immobilized bead assay. SCA mice receiving the 35% protein diet had modest improvements in weight, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level, with a slight decrease in reticulocyte count compared with SCA mice on the regular mouse diet. Furthermore, they also had significantly higher plasma levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P = 0.02), interferon (IFN)-γ (P = 0.01), interleukin 10 (IL-10; P = 0.02), and IL-4 (P = 0.02) compared with those that received the 20% protein diet. We conclude that providing additional protein calories to transgenic SCA mice increased the plasma levels of acute inflammatory cytokines associated with immune response to infection, which might partly explain decreased episodes of infection observed among supplemented children with SCA.

Frequent red cell transfusions reduced vascular endothelial activation and thrombogenicity in children with sickle cell anemia and high stroke risk.

Stroke is one of the most disabling complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA). The molecular mechanisms leading to stroke in SCA or by which packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion prevents strokes are not understood. We investigated the effects of PRBC transfusion on serum biomarkers in children with SCA who were at high-risk for stroke. Serum samples from 80 subjects were analyzed, including baseline, study exit time point and 1 year after study exit. Forty of the 80 samples were from subjects randomized to standard care and 40 from transfusion arm. Samples were assayed for levels of BDNF, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, MPO, Cathepsin-D, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, RANTES (CCL5), tPAI-1, and NCAM-1 using antibody immobilized bead assay. Significantly lower mean serum levels of sVCAM-1 (2.2 × 10(6) ± 0.8 × 10(6) pg/mL vs. 3.1 × 10(6) ± 0.9 × 10(6) pg/mL, P < 0.0001), Cathepsin-D (0.5 × 10(6) ± 0.1 × 10(6) pg/mL vs. 0.7 × 10(6) ± 0.2 × 10(6) pg/mL, P < 0.0001), PDGF-AA (10556 ± 4033 pg/mL vs. 14173 ± 4631 pg/mL, P = 0.0008), RANTES (0.1 × 10(6) ± 0.07 × 10(6) pg/mL vs. 0.2 × 10(6) ± 0.06 × 10(6) pg/mL, P < 0.006), and NCAM-1 (0.7 × 10(6) ± 0.2 × 10(6) pg/mL vs. 0.8 × 10(6) ± 0.1 × 10(6) pg/mL, P < 0.0006) were observed among participants who received PRBC transfusion, compared to those who received standard care. Twenty or more PRBC transfusion over 4 years was associated with lower serum levels of sVCAM-1 (P < 0.001), PDGF-AA (P = 0.025), and RANTES (P = 0.048). Low baseline level of BDNF (P = 0.025), sVCAM-1 (P = 0.025), PDGF-AA (P = 0.01), t-PAI-1 (P = 0.025) and sICAM-1 (P = 0.022) was associated with higher probability of stroke free survival. Beyond improving hemoglobin levels, our results suggest that the protective effects of PRBC transfusion on reducing stroke in SCD may result from reduced thrombogenesis and vascular remodeling.

STAT3 regulates MMP3 in heme-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that free Heme generated during experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in mice, is central to the pathogenesis of fatal ECM. Heme-induced up-regulation of STAT3 and CXCL10 promotes whereas up-regulation of HO-1 prevents brain tissue damage in ECM. We have previously demonstrated that Heme is involved in the induction of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. In the present study, we further tested the hypothesis that Heme reduces blood-brain barrier integrity during ECM by induction of apoptosis of brain vascular endothelial cells through STAT3 and its target gene matrix metalloproteinase three (MMP3) signaling. METHODS: Genes associated with the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway induced upon stimulation by Heme treatment, were assessed using real time RT(2) Profile PCR arrays. A human MMP3 promoter was cloned into a luciferase reporter plasmid, pMMP3, and its activity was examined following exposure to Heme treatment by a luciferase reporter gene assay. In order to determine whether activated nuclear protein STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter and regulates MMP3 gene, we conducted a ChIP analysis using Heme-treated and untreated human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBVEC), and determined mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP3 using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Apoptosis in HBVEC treated with Heme was evaluated by MTT and TUNEL assay. RESULTS: The results show that (1) Heme activates a variety of JAK/STAT3 downstream pathways in HBVEC. STAT3 targeted genes such as MMP3 and C/EBPb (Apoptosis-related genes), are up regulated in HBVEC treated with Heme. (2) Heme-induced HBVEC apoptosis via activation of STAT3 as well as its downstream signaling molecule MMP3 and upregulation of CXCL10 and HO-1 expressions. (3) Phosphorylated STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter in HBVEC cells, STAT3 transcribed MMP3 and induced MMP3 protein expression in HBVEC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Activated STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter region and regulates MMP3 in Heme-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

Pregnancy outcomes among patients with sickle cell disease at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: retrospective cohort study.

Pregnancy in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality. This study determines pregnancy outcomes among women with SCD delivering at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Nine hundred sixty (960) medical records of pregnant women (131 HbSS, 112 HbSC, and 717 comparison group) from 2007 to 2008 were reviewed. The HbSS women were at increased risk of eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.60-30.96, P < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.38-11.64, P = 0.011), and placenta previa (AOR = 22.03, 95% CI = 9.87-49.14, P < 0.001) compared with the comparison group. The HbSC women had increased risk for intrauterine fetal death (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.15-9.96, P = 0.027) and decreased risk of delivering low birth weight babies (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06-0.73, P = 0.014). Women with SCD in Ghana are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy compared with women without hemoglobinopathies. Improved maternal and fetal outcomes in Ghanaian women with SCD can be achieved through effective intervention by health care providers with thorough knowledge about predisposing factors toward adverse outcomes.

Elevated IL-1α and CXCL10 serum levels occur in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease and a history of acute splenic sequestration.

Acute splenic sequestration (ASS) and chronic hypersplenism are common features of homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease in the first 5 years of life affecting one-third of subjects in the Jamaican Cohort Study. The risk factors are largely unknown and the current study explores a possible role of genetic factors. We have explored these in subjects who received splenectomy in the management of ASS (n=8) or chronic hypersplenism (n=9) along with age, gender, and genotype matched controls using Luminex Technology to assess 42 human cytokines/chemokines, including IL-1α and CXCL10 (IP-10). Levels of IL-1α (p=0.008) and CXCL10 (p=0.009) were significantly elevated in patients treated by splenectomy compared with the control group. Levels of IL-1α were significantly higher in those with a history of ASS compared with matched normal controls (p=0.028) but not in those treated for hypersplenism (p=0.093). Furthermore, several significant differences were found in the median ratios of some cytokine biomarkers between the splenectomized group and the normal controls. These observations are consistent with acute splenic sequestration having a distinct phenotype which may be helpful in predicting those at risk of this complication and suggest that the mechanism of these differences merit further study.

Plasma BDNF and PDGF-AA levels are associated with high TCD velocity and stroke in children with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) associated cerebrovascular disease includes vascular remodeling, abnormal cerebral blood flow (CBF) and infarction. We studied the relationships between plasma brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), platelet derived growth factors (PDGF-AA and -AB/BB) and high trans-cranial Doppler (TCD) velocity, an indication of CBF velocity. Baseline plasma samples from 39 children (19 SCA with abnormal/high TCD [SATCD], 13 SCA with normal TCD [SNTCD] and 7 healthy non-SCA), were assayed for BDNF, PDGF-AA and -AB/BB plus 11 other cytokines. The sensitivity, specificity and usefulness of these biomarkers for stroke prediction was investigated. All subject groups were of similar age and gender distribution. Mean BDNF was significantly higher among SATCD than SNTCD (p=0.004) as was mean PDGF-AA (p=0.001). Similarly, mean PDGF-AA was higher among SCA subjects who developed stroke than those who did not (p=0.012). Elevated BDNF and PDGF-AA were good predictors of the presence of abnormally high CBF velocity and were both associated with severity of anemia. Elevated PDGF-AA predicted risk for stroke development. Stroke incidence and high TCD velocity were associated with elevated BDNF and PDGF-AA. These findings suggest a role for BDNF and PDGF-AA in the patho-physiological mechanism of cerebrovascular disease in SCA.

Heme mediated STAT3 activation in severe malaria.

BACKGROUND: The mortality of severe malaria [cerebral malaria (CM), severe malaria anemia (SMA), acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)] remains high despite the availability associated with adequate treatments. Recent studies in our laboratory and others have revealed a hitherto unknown correlation between chemokine CXCL10/CXCR3, Heme/HO-1 and STAT3 and cerebral malaria severity and mortality. Although Heme/HO-1 and CXCL10/CXCR3 interactions are directly involved in the pathogenesis of CM and fatal disease, the mechanism dictating how Heme/HO-1 and CXCL10/CXCR3 are expressed and regulated under these conditions is still unknown. We therefore tested the hypothesis that these factors share common signaling pathways and may be mutually regulated. METHODS: We first clarified the roles of Heme/HO-1, CXCL10/CXCR3 and STAT3 in CM pathogenesis utilizing a well established experimental cerebral malaria mouse (ECM, P. berghei ANKA) model. Then, we further determined the mechanisms how STAT3 regulates HO-1 and CXCL10 as well as mutual regulation among them in CRL-2581, a murine endothelial cell line. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that (1) STAT3 is activated by P. berghei ANKA (PBA) infection in vivo and Heme in vitro. (2) Heme up-regulates HO-1 and CXCL10 production through STAT3 pathway, and regulates CXCL10 at the transcriptional level in vitro. (3) HO-1 transcription is positively regulated by CXCL10. (4) HO-1 regulates STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that Heme/HO-1, CXCL10/CXCR3 and STAT3 molecules as well as related signaling pathways play very important roles in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. We conclude that these factors are mutually regulated and provide new opportunities to develop potential novel therapeutic targets that could be used to supplement traditional prophylactics and treatments for malaria and improve clinical outcomes while reducing malaria mortality. Our ultimate goal is to develop novel therapies targeting Heme or CXCL10-related biological signaling molecules associated with development of fatal malaria.

Genetic polymorphisms linked to susceptibility to malaria.

The influence of host genetics on susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been extensively studied over the past twenty years. It is now clear that malaria parasites have imposed strong selective forces on the human genome in endemic regions. Different genes have been identified that are associated with different malaria related phenotypes. Factors that promote severity of malaria include parasitaemia, parasite induced inflammation, anaemia and sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in brain microvasculature.Recent advances in human genome research technologies such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and fine genotyping tools have enabled the discovery of several genetic polymorphisms and biomarkers that warrant further study in host-parasite interactions. This review describes and discusses human gene polymorphisms identified thus far that have been shown to be associated with susceptibility or resistance to P. falciparum malaria. Although some polymorphisms play significant roles in susceptibility to malaria, several findings are inconclusive and contradictory and must be considered with caution. The discovery of genetic markers associated with different malaria phenotypes will help elucidate the pathophysiology of malaria and enable development of interventions or cures. Diversity in human populations as well as environmental effects can influence the clinical heterogeneity of malaria, thus warranting further investigations with a goal of developing new interventions, therapies and better management against malaria.

CXCL10/IP-10 in infectious diseases pathogenesis and potential therapeutic implications.

C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) also known as interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa (IP-10) or small-inducible cytokine B10 is a cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. CXCL10 binds CXCR3 receptor to induce chemotaxis, apoptosis, cell growth and angiostasis. Alterations in CXCL10 expression levels have been associated with inflammatory diseases including infectious diseases, immune dysfunction and tumor development. CXCL10 is also recognized as a biomarker that predicts severity of various diseases. A review of the emerging role of CXCL10 in pathogenesis of infectious diseases revealed diverse roles of CXCL10 in disease initiation and progression. The potential utilization of CXCL10 as a therapeutic target for infectious diseases is discussed.

Plasma interleukin-1beta concentration is associated with stroke in sickle cell disease.

The pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (HbSS), which has numerous complications including stroke, involves inflammation resulting in alteration of plasma inflammatory protein concentration. We investigated HbSS children with abnormal cerebral blood flow detected by trans-cranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) who participated in the multi-center stroke prevention (STOP) study, to determine if plasma inflammatory protein concentration is associated with the outcome of stroke. Thirty-nine plasma samples from HbSS participants with elevated TCD who had no stroke, HbSS-NS (n=13) or had stroke, HbSS-S (n=13), HbSS steady-state controls (n=7) and controls with normal hemoglobin, HbAA (n=6), were analyzed simultaneously for 27 circulating inflammatory proteins. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis of stroke on plasma inflammatory mediator concentration, adjusted for age and gender, demonstrated that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was protective against stroke development (HbSS-NS=19, 17-23, HbSS-S=17, 16-19 pg/mL, median and 25th-75th percentile; odds ratio=0.59, C.I.=0.36-0.96) and was a good predictor of stroke (area under curve=0.852). This result demonstrates a strong association of systemic inflammation with stroke development in HbSS via moderately increased plasma IL-1beta concentration, which is furthermore associated with a decreased likelihood of stroke in HbSS.

C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 are decreased in transgenic sickle cell mice fed a high protein diet.

Sickle cell disease is associated with hypermetabolism and a consequent shortage of substrates for normal growth and healthy immune response. The protein:energy ratio is a major determinant of dietary adequacy; the requirement for optimal growth of control mice is 20% of energy from dietary protein. This study investigated the efficacy of increased dietary protein for improving weight gain and reducing inflammation in the Berkeley sickle cell mouse model (S). The study examined the effect of diet on weight gain and circulating levels of 2 inflammatory proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Male C57BL/6 (C) control (n = 8) and S mice (n = 8) were randomized at weaning to 40 d of isoenergetic diets containing 20% (normal) and 35% (high) of energy from protein (C20, C35, S20, S35), replacing dextrin. Rate of weight gain was calculated and plasma CRP and IL-6 concentrations determined by ELISA. Liver mRNA expression of these proteins was measured by real-time PCR and L-arginase by colorimetric assay. S35 mice tended to gain weight more rapidly than S20 mice (P = 0.06) and more rapidly than C35 mice (P < 0.01). Circulating CRP and IL-6 levels were also lower in S35 mice than in S20 mice (P < 0.05), as was liver CRP mRNA expression (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that introducing a high protein diet at weaning attenuates the steady-state inflammation in this S mouse model. Dietary L-arginine availability was investigated as a possible mechanism for increased nitric oxide production and consequent reduced inflammation.

Erythropoiesis and myocardial energy requirements contribute to the hypermetabolism of childhood sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that an elevated hemoglobin synthesis rate (SynHb) and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) contribute to the excess protein and energy metabolism reported in children with sickle cell anemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve children (6-12 years old) with asymptomatic sickle cell and 9 healthy children matched for age and sex were studied. Measurements were whole-body protein turnover by [1-C]leucine, SynHb by [N]glycine, resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and the systolic blood pressure-heart rate product used as an index of MVO2. Protein energy cost was calculated from protein turnover. Statistical analysis included Spearman correlations and partial correlation analyses. RESULTS: Although body mass index was significantly lower for sickle cell versus controls (P < 0.02), children with asymptomatic sickle cell had 52% higher protein turnover (P < 0.0005). Proportional reticulocyte count, SynHb, MVO2 and resting energy expenditure were also significantly higher in children with sickle cell (P < 0.01). Protein turnover correlated significantly with both SynHb (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) and reticulocyte percentage (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Partial correlation of these 3 variables showed reticulocyte percentage as the only variable to be significantly associated with protein turnover, even after adjusting for sickle cell anemia (P = 0.03). Partial correlation of log resting energy expenditure on MVO2 was significant, controlling for protein energy cost, sex and age (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that metabolic demands of increased erythropoiesis and cardiac energy consumption account for much of the excess protein and energy metabolism in children with sickle cell anemia.

Proinflammatory cytokines and the hypermetabolism of children with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) includes chronic inflammation, but the origin is unclear. We hypothesized that in stable HbSS patients the inflammation was associated with hypermetabolism. We compared selected hypermetabolic and key immunomodulator indicators in HbSS versus control children and examined associations between measures of hypermetabolism and inflammation. Twelve fasting asymptomatic HbSS children 6-12 years and 9 controls matched for age, gender and fat mass (FM) were studied. Proportional reticulocyte count (retic%) and resting energy expenditure (REE) represented hypermetabolism, and C-reactive protein (CRP) indicated inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and energy balance cytokine leptin were measured. Methods were indirect calorimetry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis included simple correlation and regression analysis. REE (51 +/- 6 vs. 43 +/- 12 kcal/kg per fat-free mass (FFM), mean +/- SD), retic% (12 +/- 4 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3%), CRP (5 +/- 3 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.4 mg/liter), and IL-6 (71 +/- 40 vs. 20 +/- 7 pg/ml) were significantly higher for HbSS than controls (P < 0.05). Conversely, leptin (0.1 +/- 0.1 vs. 2 +/- 1 microg/liter per kgFM) and MCP-1 (34 +/- 5 vs. 41 +/- 4 pg/ml) were significantly lower for the HbSS subjects (P < 0.01). TNF-alpha was not significantly different. There were no significant associations between REE or retic% and any cytokine measured. However, CRP was significantly associated with REE in HbSS (r = 0.8, P = 0.003) and an important predictor of REE/FFM. We provide new evidence for low circulating levels of inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 in stable HbSS children, confirm mostly low cytokine levels, inflammation, and hypermetabolism and demonstrate association of hypermetabolism with inflammation via CRP but not via cytokines.

Maternal pre-pregnancy weight and placental weight determine birth weight in normal Jamaican infants

Birth weight is related to neonatal health and long-term risk of chronic disease. Since animal studies have shown that birth outcome is related to placental function, the present project was designed to explore the relationship between birth weight and placental growth and composition with factors during pregnancy among normal term pregnancies in 51 primiparous and 40 multiparous women delivering at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Both groups were followed by 15 weeks of gestation to term. The primiparous group was generally younger than the multiparous (mean age 22ñ4 versus 31ñ5 yr). They were significantly lighter (55ñ8 versus 61ñ9kg) with a lower body mass index (21ñ3 versus 23ñ4kg/m2) during early pregnancy, but gained more weight during pregnancy, 11kg compared with 8 kg, respectively. The duration of pregnancy was similar for both groups. Although the size of the placenta was not significantly different between the two groups, the mean weight of the multiparous placentae was more than that of the primiparous placentae. Also, for all mothers both placental weight and initial maternal weight related directly to birth weight. Placental non collagen protein (NCP), sodium and potassium contents were significantly higher for multiparous women and were related to birth weight. The primiparous group had babies who were significantly lighter, 3.03 kg compared with 3.36 kg, for the multiparous and this could be attributed to differences in placental function and maternal weight. When account was taken of the difference in maternal weight at the start of the pregnancy and the difference in placenta weight, parity no longer explained any of the differences in birth weight. It is concluded that maternal body weight at the time of becoming pregnant and the early development of the placenta determine the efficiency with which nutrients might be delivered to the foetus and hence foetal growth. The difference in birth weight between primiparous and multiparous women can be explained by the differences in maternal weight at the time of becoming pregnant.(AU)