Immunoaging - the effect of age on serum levels of NET biomarkers in men: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of aging on the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The impaired formation of NETs is the cause of an abnormal innate immune response. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 45 healthy male subjects of different age groups. Whole blood was collected from the subjects, and the concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO), the main biocidal protein in NETs, was determined in serum using ELISA. The serum levels of circulating free DNA (cfDNA), which are the structural basis of NETs, were also measured by fluorescence. In addition, the white blood cell count was determined, whole blood smear was evaluated, and the neutrophillymphocyte ratio was calculated. The variations in the levels of NET biomarkers were analyzed in different age groups. RESULTS: The low levels of MPO (243.70 ng/ml) and cfDNA (6.24 ng/100 µl) in boys indicated neutrophil insufficiency for NETosis in children. A progressive increase in the levels of MPO and cfDNA with age was observed among adolescents (420.91, p = 0.04; 13.55, p = 0.03, respectively), with the highest level noted in the healthy adult group (466.58, p = 0.01; 14.07, p = 0.01, respectively). The levels of the studied parameters were comparable in adolescents and young adults, which proved that the NETosis process was appropriate and suggested the attainment of neutrophil maturity for the release of NETs in adolescence. The levels of MPO and cfDNA were low in older men (225.46, p < 0.01; 5.19, p < 0.01, respectively) indicating impaired NET formation. CONCLUSIONS: Data on the generation of NETs in different age groups obtained in this study can allow a better understanding of the ontogenesis of the immune system in terms of the course of NETosis, and also indicate the need to support nonspecific responses in children and adults. Further research should be performed to determine the possibility of regulating the NETosis process. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):333-48.

Upper quarter kinetic chain response to cervical manipulation: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this single subject case study is to examine the relationship between cervical spine manipulation and tender points located in the upper quarter. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 45-year-old female presented with cervical spine pain and corresponding pain points in the upper quarter following a motor vehicle collision occurring 7 months prior to testing. Inclusion criteria were 22 of 22 clinically significant pain points as measured by pressure algometry. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: High velocity/low amplitude manual manipulation was administered to areas of joint restriction in the cervical spine. Pre- and post-treatment computerized algometry readings were taken in areas of the cervical spine and upper extremities to assess change in pain over time. Algometry points were chosen based on published upper quarter tender points associated with cervical joint fixation/immobilization. CONCLUSION: Following a series of 15 cervical chiropractic manipulations, the patient demonstrated a significant increase in pain tolerance related to upper quarter pain points and demonstrated by pressure algometry. These findings correlate well with the literature, indicating that cervical spine joint dysfunction should be considered globally as part of a dynamic kinetic chain involving the upper quarter. Dysfunction in one part of the kinetic chain should direct treatment to other areas of the chain.