Objective To examine the levels of interferon-gamma; (INF-gamma;), tumor necrosis factor-alpha; (TNF-alpha;) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum of patients with acute uveitis before and after treatment, and to explore the possible roles of those cytokines in the initiation and progression of the uveitis. Methods A series of 75 patients with acute uveitis,and 30 healthy persons from our hospital were investigated. The levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase and convalescent phase were measured by the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Result The serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase were significantly higher than that of the convalescent phase and the healthy controls (F=65.805/50.418/155.381, P=0.000). A significant negative correlation was found between the serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase with their initial visual acuity(r=-0.656, -0.592 and -0.653, Plt;0.01). There was also a positive correlation among the serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6(r=0.340, 0.467 and 0.338, Plt;0.05). Conclusions There are high serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in patients with acute uveitis, and the cytokines levels were decreased after the treatment. The results suggested that the INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 involved in initiation and progression of uveitis.
Objective To investigate the role of macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Ninety subjects were recruited from health examination center, outpatient or inpatient department in Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from July 2013 to December 2013. They were divided intoahealthy control group, a stable COPD group, and an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) group with 30 subjects in each group. The levels of MSP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the plasma of all subjects, as well as the levels of MSP in the induced sputum of the AECOPD and the stable COPD patients were assessed by enzyme-linked-immuno-sorbent assay. Results The concentrations of MSP, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the plasma of the patients with COPD were obviously higher than those of the healthy controls (P<0.05) while much higher in AECOPD patients than those in stable COPD patients (P<0.01).The concentration of MSP in the induced sputum of the patients with AECOPD was higher than that in the stable COPD patients (P<0.01). The concentrations of MSP in the serum and induced sputum as well as serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the patients with COPD were negatively correlated with the level of FEV1%pred. The concentrations of MSP in the serum and induced sputum in the COPD patients were positively correlated with the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Conclusions The concentrations of serum and induced sputum MSP, and the serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in COPD patients are related to the severity of the disease. MSP may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. The mechanism might be mainly involved in the regulation of airway inflammation.
ObjectiveTo determine the signal pathway of specifically expressed oncostatin M(OSM) in lens inducing retinal degeneration in transgenic mice.MethodsA sequence-truncated OSM cDNA (661 bp) of mice was linked to αA-crytallin promoter, and was micro-injected into unicellular embryo to set up the model of transgenic mice. Reversal transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of gp130/OSMRβ receptor in the retinae of OSM transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Rabbit anti-phosphorylated STAT-3 antibody was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated STAT-3，and mouse anti-cytochrome C antibody was used to detect the distributing of cytochrome C in retinae. ResultsExpression of gp130/OSMRβmRNA was found in retina of non-transgenic mice. At the 17.5th day in the embryonic stage, significant accumulation of the phosphorylated STAT-3 was detected in the retinal nucleolus in OSM transgenic retina. At the first day after birth, intensive staining of cytochrome C in OSM transgenic retina was found. Conclusionsspecifically expressed OSM in lens may act on gp130/OSMRβ receptor in retinae, activate STAT-3, and cause the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, which eventually induces widespread retinal degeneration.(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:167-169)
Objective To observe the effects of nitric oxide ( NO) inhalation on lung inflammation of acute lung injury ( ALI) in rats. Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, ie. a normal control group, an ALI group, a 20 ppm NO inhalation group, and a 100 ppm NO inhalation group. ALI model was established by LPS instillation intratracheally and the control group was instilled with normal saline. Then they were ventilated with normal air or NO at different levels, and sacrificed 6 hours later. Pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. The expression of TLR4 in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. IL-6 level in lung homogenate was measured by ELISA. Results In the ALI group, the inflammation in bronchus and bronchioles was more apparently, and the expressions of TLR4and IL-6 were elevated significantly compared with the control group. 20 ppm NO inhalation significantly decreased the expression of TLR4 and IL-6, and alleviated the inflammation of ALI. However, 100 ppm NO inhalation did not change TLR4 expression and lung inflammation significantly, and increased IL-6 level.Conclusions Inhalation low level of NO( 20 ppm) can alleviate lung inflammation possibly by reducing theexpression of TLR4 and IL-6.
Objective To observe the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in aqueous humor of patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Forty eyes of 40 consecutive patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO (CRVO group) were enrolled in this study. The patients included 25 males and 15 females. The patient age ranged from 38 to 76 years. The control group was 20 patients with senile cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, including 10 males and 10 females. The levels of VEGF165, VEGF165b, IL-6 and MCP-1 in aqueous humor were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The correlation of VEGF, and IL-6, and MCP-1 were analyzed. Results The median aqueous level of VEGF165, IL-6 and MCP-1 were 1089.0, 165.6, 1253.0 pg/ml respectively in CRVO group, which were higher than the control group's results (168.2, 4.7, 216.4 pg/ml respectively), the differences were statistically significant (Z=-4.549, -6.008, -5.343;P＜0.001). The VEGF165b in CRVO group and control group were 834.0, 915.9 pg/ml respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (Z=-0.207，P＞0.05). The ratio of VEGF165b to VEGF165 in CRVO group and control group were 2.71, 7.28 respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=-3.007，P＜0.05). There was a highly positive correlation between IL-6 and VEGF in CRVO group (r=0.526,P=0.001) and also mild positive correlation in control group (r=0.425，P=0.070). No correlation between MCP-1 and VEGF was observed in both groups (CRVO group: r=0.211,P＞0.05. Control group: r=-0.019,P＞0.05). Conclusions VEGF165, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels were increased in CRVO patients while the VEGF165b was normal. The ratio between VEGF165b and VEGF165 in aqueous humor of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO was decreased.
Objective To explore the clinical significance of IL-6 and 8-isoprostane( 8-iso-PG) in exhaled breath condensate( EBC) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) and smoking. Methods 17 patients with stable COPD and 30 healthy controls( 14 smokers and 16 non-smokers) were included in this study. EBC was collected in all subjects with a self-designed experimental device. The concentrations of 8-iso-PG and IL-6 in EBC were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Both8-iso-PG and IL-6 levels significantly increased in the COPD patients [ ( 8. 37±5. 09) pg/mL and ( 4. 62 ±1. 73) pg/mL, respectively] compared with the healthy non-smokers[ ( 5. 23 ±3. 08) pg/mL and ( 3. 09 ±1. 85) pg/mL, respectively] ( both P lt;0. 01) . There was no difference between the COPD patients and thehealthy smokers( both P gt; 0. 05) . The IL-6 level significantly increased in the healthy smokers compared with the non-smokers [ ( 4. 06 ±1. 59) pg/mL vs ( 3. 09 ±1. 85) pg/mL, P lt;0. 05] , but the 8-iso-PG level was similar in the non-smokers and smokers( P gt;0. 05) . Conclusion Airway inflammation and oxide stress are persistent in stable COPD patients and are aggravated by smoking.
Objective To evaluate the effect of hemoperfusion for absorption of inflammatory cytokines on sepsis . Method A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out to collect 60 sepsis patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of this hospital from June 2019 to December 2021. They were randomly divided into a study group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases) by using the random number table method. Both groups of patients received routine treatment according to the guidelines, including fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic and vasoactive agents. For the patients with renal failure, renal replacement therapy (RRT) was used. Routine vital sign monitoring and serum procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) determination were recorded. The study group received two times of hemoperfusion to absorb inflammatory cytokines at 0 h and 24 h after enrollment. At 24 h and 48 h after treatment, the vital signs and related physical and chemical indexes of patients were recorded again, including norepinephrine dose, oxygenation index, PCT, IL-6 and blood lactic acid. The changes of physical and chemical indexes and the 28-day survival rate of the two groups were compared. Results There was no difference in the general situation of the two groups when they were enrolled (P>0.05). The dosage of norepinephrine [(0.77±0.48)μg·kg–1·min–1 vs. (0.92±0.62) μg·kg–1·min–1, P=0.030] and the level of blood lactic acid [(2.70±1.43)mmol/L vs. (4.05±2.60)mmol/L, P=0.001] in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group 24 h and 48 h after treatment. The oxygenation index in the study group was higher than that of the control group 24 h after treatment (212±68)mm Hg vs. (197±42)mm Hg, P=0.042). The inflammation related indexes PCT [(17±24)ng/mL vs. (32±36)ng/mL, P=0.013] and IL-6 [299 (102, 853)pg/mL vs. 937 (247, 2230)pg/mL, P=0.026] in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group 48 h after treatment. The dosage of noradrenaline, oxygenation index, PCT, IL-6 and blood lactate level in the study group after treatment were improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), while those in the control group were not significantly improved after treatment (P>0.05), and oxygenation index in the two groups had no significant difference before and after treatment (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the 28-day survival rate between the two groups (χ2=0.211, P=0.646). Conclusion Although the hemoperfusion for absorption of inflammatory cytokine factors can not reduce the 28-day mortality of sepsis, it can significantly improve the early physical and chemical indicators of patients, and provide opportunities for follow-up treatment.
Objective To investigate the effects of dust mite allergen Derp1 on the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 in primary rat bronchial epithelial cells. Methods The primary rat bronchial epithelial cells were divided into a control group and three experimental groups. In the experimental groups, the cells were cultured with 3 different concentrations of Derp1 ( 1, 5, 10 μg/mL) for 3 different time ( 4, 8, 24 h) .Inverted microscope was employed to observe the morphological changes of bronchial epithelial cells and intercellular space, and supernatants were assayed for IL-6 and IL-8 with ELISA. Results Complete flattening of single cells layer was observed in the control group. In the experimental groups, the cells treated with Derp1 allergen showed no obvious changes in the cell morphology and intercellular space. However,There was a significant change in the level of cytokines production compared with the control group. The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 began to rise at 4 h, and reach to high level at 8 h, especially in the 5 and 10 μg/mL groups ( P lt;0. 01) . In the 24h group, the concentrations further increased but not reach statistical difference compared with 8h group ( P gt; 0. 05) . Conclusions The Derp1 allergen can stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 fromthe rat trachea- bronchia epithelial cells. It is suggested that dust mite allergen -induced cytokines may play important roles in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma.
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of insulin resistance ( IR) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) .Methods Patients with stable COPD were recruited while healthy volunteers were enrolled as control. The diagnosis and severity assessment were made according to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis and treatment guideline ( revised edition 2007) . Fasting serum levels of glucose ( FBG) , insulin ( FIN) , blood lipids, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein ( CRP) , tumor necrosis factor ( TNF-α) , and interleukin-6 ( IL-6) were measured. The degree of IR was calculated by IAI( IAI =1/FBG ×FIN) . The relationship of IR with COPD severity and above parameters was analyzed. Results A total of 121 subjects with COPD were enrolled in which 22 cases of mild COPD, 28 cases of moderate COPD,34 cases of severe COPD, and 37 cases of extremely severe COPD. The levels of FBG and FIN were significantly higher in the COPD group than those in the normal control group ( P lt;0. 05) . ISI in the COPD patients was higher than that in the controls ( - 3. 88 ±0. 54 vs. - 3. 40 ±0. 28, P lt;0. 05) . The levels of CRP, fibrinogen, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly higher in the COPD group than those in the control group ( P lt;0. 05) . The levels of CRP, TNF-αand IL-6 increased progressively with the severity of COPD. There was a negative correlation between ISI and the severity of COPD ( r = - 0. 512, P lt; 0. 01) , positive correlations of CRP, fibrinogen, TNF-αand IL-6 levels with COPD severity, respectively( r=0. 710, 0. 600,0. 708,0. 707, all P lt;0. 01) , and negative correlations of ISI with the levels of CRP, fibrinogen, TNF-α and IL-6 ( r = - 0. 384, - 0. 240, - 0. 298, - 0. 396, all P lt; 0. 01) , respectively. Conclusion There is an increase in fasting serum insulin and insulin resistance in patients with COPD compared with healthy subjects, which deteriorates with severity of COPD.