Inherited C2-complement deficiency: variable clinical manifestation (case reports and review)

C2 deficiency represents the most frequent type of a complement deficiency. Clinical manifestation includes infections caused by encapsulated bacteria (Steptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis) such as meningitis, gonitis, pneumonia or septicaemia. A causative treatment has not been available yet. A prophylactic vaccination and/or a long-term antibiotics prophylaxis are recommended. Here we report 2 patients from 2 unrelated families. The first patient suffered from recurrent otitis in his childhood. He underwent osteomyelitis, meningitis complicates with hear-loss, and one episode of pneumonia during adulthood. The second index patient underwent uncomplicated meningitis in his preschool age. He has been treated for recurrent upper-airways infections later. His sister has been completely asymptomatic. The deletion 28 bp (c.841-849+19del28) in C2-gene was detected in all of them in homozygous form. Our paper highlights the variability of a clinical manifestation in homozygous carriers, ranged from asymptomatic cases to patients with history of severe complications. The diagnosis is frequently made even in adulthood.

Food Hypersensitivity Reactions to Seafish in Atopic Dermatitis Patients Older than 14 Year of Age - The Evaluation of Association with Other Allergic Diseases and Parameters

Background

Seafood allergy is among one of the common food allergies. Decrease in consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), prevalent especially in oily fish, has been proposed to contribute to the increased prevalence of allergic diseases.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, the relation between the occurrence of food hypersensitivity reaction (FHR) to seafish and the occurrence of other atopic diseases and parameters.

Methods

Complete dermatological and allergological examination was performed in patients included in the study; 332 patients were examined, with the average age 26.8 years (SD 9.2 years).

Results

The FHR to seafish was confirmed in 11% of patients. Patients suffering from FHR to seafish suffered significantly more from sensitization to fungi (in 46%), from reactions to celery (in 34%), and from persistent eczematic lesions (in 82%).

Conclusion

FHRs to seafish in AD patients are associated with persistent eczematic lesions and with the higher occurrence of sensitization to fungi and reactions to celery. The occurrence of bronchial asthma, rhinitis, positive family history, and onset of AD under 5 years of age is higher in patients with reactions to seafish, but the difference is not statistically significant.

Serum Soluble Adhesion Molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin) and Neopterin in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Expression and up-regulation of adhesion molecules and activation of cellular immune system is essential for the migration of inflammatory cells into tissues. Soluble forms of adhesion molecules sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and neopterin were analyzed in serum of 17 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and 11 patients with secondary Sjögren's syndrome together with 26 age-matched healthy blood donors. There were significantly higher serum concentrations (mean ± 1SD) of sICAM-1 (362.0 ± 67.9 ng/ml, p<0.001), sE-selectin (78.7 ± 28.1 ng/ml, p<0.001) and neopterin (17.9 ± 6.4 nmol/l, p<0.001) in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients in comparison to control group (sICAM-1: 128.3 ± 46.9 ng/ml, sE-selectin: 46.3 ± 39.5 ng/ml, and neopterin: 7.6 ± 2.3 nmol/l). Sera from patients with secondary Sjögren's disease contained significantly higher levels of sICAM-1 (356.0 ± 62.4 ng/ml, p<0.001), sE-selectin (65.5 ± 27.0 ng/ml, p<0.05), and neopterin (18.8 ± 9.8 nmol/l, p<0.001) in comparison with control group. There were no significant differences between patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome in any parameters tested. No statistically significant differences in serum levels of sVCAM-1 were found either in patients with primary or secondary SS compared to control group.

Food Preservatives Induce Proteobacteria Dysbiosis in Human-Microbiota Associated Nod2-Deficient Mice

The worldwide incidence of many immune-mediated and metabolic diseases, initially affecting only the wealthy Western countries, is increasing rapidly. Many of these diseases are associated with the compositional and functional alterations of gut microbiota, i.e., dysbiosis. The most consistent markers of the dysbiosis are a decrease in microbiota diversity and an expansion of Proteobacteria. The role of food preservatives as potential triggers of gut microbiota dysbiosis has been long overlooked. Using a human microbiota-associated mouse model, we demonstrate that a mixture of common antimicrobial food additives induces dysbiosis characterised by an overgrowth of Proteobacteria phylum and a decrease in the Clostridiales order. Remarkably, human gut microbiota in a Nod2-deficient genetic background is even more susceptible to the induction of Proteobacteria dysbiosis by additives than the microbiota in a wild-type background. To conclude, our data demonstrate that antimicrobial food additives trigger gut microbiota dysbiosis in both wild-type and Nod2-deficient backgrounds and at the exposure levels reached in European populations. Whether this additive-modified gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated and metabolic diseases remains to be elucidated.

Serum Soluble Adhesion Molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-Selectin) in Healthy School Aged Children and Adults

The aim of this study was to map normal levels of serum soluble isoforms of adhesion molecules in relation to age and sex in the group of school-aged children. sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were determined in the group of 158 normal children subdivided into two subgroups; 6-10 years (68 children, median age 8 years) and 11-15 years (90 children, median age 12 years) and in 70 normal adult blood donors (25 females and 45 males, median age 46 years). The levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin fell down significantly over the age range 6-15 years, while the level of sVCAM-1 was remained. Age-related normal ranges were established using correlation analysis and were expressed as the 5%-95% percentiles intervals: sICAM-1 206.8-486.8 ng/ml, sE-selectin 36.7-153.2 ng/ml in the group of 6-10 years old children, sICAM-1 184.1-354.0 ng/ml, sE-selectin 29.9-114.1 ng/ml in group of 11-15 years old children. The levels of sVCAM-1 were 359.6-822.0 ng/ml and were constant within the examined age interval from 6 to 15 years. The influence of sex was also assayed and it was not statistically significant in any age category tested. Normal ranges of sICAM-1 (60.2-218.4 ng/ml), sE-selectin (8.3-116.9 ng/ml) and sVCAM-1 (338.0-1148.0 ng/ml) were established for adult population of healthy blood donors using the same methods.

Application of Advanced Microscopic Methods to Study the Interaction of Carboxylated Fluorescent Nanodiamonds with Membrane Structures in THP-1 Cells: Activation of Inflammasome NLRP3 as the Result of Lysosome Destabilization

Nanodiamonds (ND), especially fluorescent NDs, represent potentially applicable drug and probe carriers for in vitro/in vivo applications. The main purpose of this study was to relate physical-chemical properties of carboxylated NDs to their intracellular distribution and impact on membranes and cell immunity-activation of inflammasome in the in vitro THP-1 cell line model. Dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and microscopic methods were used to characterize ND particles and their intracellular distribution. Fluorescent NDs penetrated the cell membranes by both macropinocytosis and mechanical cutting through cell membranes. We proved accumulation of fluorescent NDs in lysosomes. In this case, lysosomes were destabilized and cathepsin B was released into the cytoplasm and triggered pathways leading to activation of inflammasome NLRP3, as detected in THP-1 cells. Activation of inflammasome by NDs represents an important event that could underlie the described toxicological effects in vivo induced by NDs. According to our knowledge, this is the first in vitro study demonstrating direct activation of inflammasome by NDs. These findings are important for understanding the mechanism(s) of action of ND complexes and explain the ambiguity of the existing toxicological data.

Inflammatory Response to Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

We report a case of a 60-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated using thrombolysis, and complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). Plasma interleukin (IL) 1β, IL 6, IL 8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and soluble adhesion molecule (sICAM 1, sE-selectin) levels were measured at 3-h intervals. This observation showed the effect of AMI and CS on the plasma interleukin levels. Remarkable changes were found in the plasma TNF α level, which reached two significant peaks. The peak of the first elevation caused by AMI (80.11 pg/ml, vs. normal value 4.35 pg/ml, SD 21.3 pg/ml) was seen 6 h after the onset of the symptoms. After the period of significant decrease, TNF α level was increasing until the end of the observation period because of CS (the last TNF α level was 204.1 pg/ml). The plasma IL 1β level was continually increased during the period of observation (maximal IL 1β level 32.1 pg/ml, normal value <10 pg/ml). The plasma IL 6 level reached the first peak caused by AMI nine hours after the onset of the symptoms (362.85 pg/ml, normal value (10 pg/ml). Because of CS, after the short period of decrease, the plasma IL 6 level was increasing until the end of the observation period (the last IL 6 level was 859.61 pg/ml). The plasma IL 8 level was also elevated throughout the time of observation (max. value 1652 pg/ml, vs. normal value <30pg/ml). The soluble adhesion molecule levels (sE-selectin and sICAM 1) were elevated throughout the period of observation without any significant peak.

The Effect of Trimetazidine on C-Reactive Protein, Cytokines and Adhesion Molecules in the Course of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study was to assess the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ), a potent antiischaemic drug, on plasma C-reactive protein (C-RP), cytokine and adhesion molecule levels. The study population consists of 18 patients (16 males, 2 females, average age 56.45 ± 10.97 years) with acute myocardial infarction admitted within 6 hours after onset of symptoms and treated with streptokinase. Blood samples were taken at 3-hour intervals during the time of treatment. All patients were randomised blindly using a centralised randomisation process, between trimetazidine (40mg bolus iv. then 60mg per day for 48 hours intravenously in glucose infusion) or placebo group. Plasma C-RP level was significantly lower in TMZ group (39.5mg/ml ± 9.7 mg/ml) as compared to placebo (75.7 ± 29.4 mg/ml, p≤0.001) and peaked 28 hours later in TMZ group. Plasma interleukin 6 (IL 6) level showed a sharp peak 9 hours after the onset of the symptoms in TMZ group (116.9 ± 180.2 pg/ml vs. 45.4 ± 37.9 pg/ml) and was increased up to 30 hours after the onset of the symptoms. Plasma interleukin 1 beta (IL 1β) was also higher in TMZ group notably 21 hours after the onset of symptoms (26.4 ± 9.3 pg/ml vs. 16.2 ± 2.4 pg/ml). TMZ group showed lower plasma E-selectin levels. Plasma IL 8, TNF α and ICAM 1 levels were without statistical significant differences. The present study demonstrates a significant reduction of plasma C-reactive protein level in the course of acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase and intravenous trimetazidine infusion compared with the group of patients without trimetazidine treatment.

Cytological-energy analysis of pleural effusions

Background

Simultaneous cytological and metabolic investigation of the pleural effusion provides clinically relevant information about the type and intensity of immune response in the pleural cavity.

Methods

We investigated 1329 pleural effusions from patients with different pathological changes in the pleural cavity. Evaluated parameters were differential cell count of neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, and values of the coefficient of energy balance.

Results

We found the lowest numbers of cells and the highest coefficient of energy balance values in patients with heart failure and sepsis; relatively high frequency of eosinophils and slightly decreased coefficient of energy balance values in patients with pneumothorax and haemothorax; the predominance of lymphocytes and low coefficient of energy balance values in patients with tuberculous pleuritis; the predominance of neutrophils and variable coefficient of energy balance values in patients after chest surgery; the highest presence of neutrophils and very low coefficient of energy balance values in patients with chest empyema and the predominance of lymphocytes and normal to low coefficient of energy balance values in patients with pleural malignancy.

Conclusions

Our findings in patients with heart failure and sepsis suggest the absence of inflammation in the pleural cavity. We observed the manifestation of tissue repair in patients with pneumothorax and haemothorax. Patients with tuberculous pleuritis were predominantly characterized by T cell-driven immune response and oxidative burst of macrophages. We found different intensities of immune responses to the chest surgery. The typical finding in patients with empyema was oxidative burst of neutrophils. In patients with pleural malignancy, weak cytotoxic inflammation predominates together with the intensive inflammation characterized by oxidative burst of macrophages.

Immunosuppressive Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Induction of Apoptosis of pre-B Lymphocytes of Bone Marrow

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, distinguished by genotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Especially secondary toxicity after bioactivation by microsomal monooxygenases (dependent on cytochromes P450) is characteristic of them. The immunotoxic effect is the result of very global impact on immunological reactivity of an organism and immunosuppression by induction of apoptosis of pre-B lymphocytes represents one of its particular forms. It has been proved that the effect of PAH is caused mostly by the following mechanisms: enzymatic induction by the way of activation of AhR (Aromatic hydrocarbon Receptor); alteration of cellular DNA; development of oxidative stress; increase in the concentration of intercellular calcium and decline of activity of NF-κB (Nuclear Factor – kappa B). Most sensitive to these changes are particularly B-lymphocytic precursors and pre-B lymphocytes. Intensity of entire manifestations is also considerably dependent on the presence and intensity of mechanisms of active or passive resistance of cells.

Health Risk of Occupational Exposure in Welding Processes II. Immunological Effects

Many of epidemiological studies have certified the relationship between welding and various forms of health damages. In our study we performed an immunological research within a group of twenty men, working in the risky environment of manufacturing of stainless steel constructions (11 welders and 9 grinders, average age was 31 years, 55 % of smokers, average time period in welding occupational exposure was 8 years). The exposed group of men was compared with a group of healthy blood donors, marked as the control group (people with various types of employment, living in same locality as a people from exposed group). People within the control group were not occupationally exposed to harmful chemical compounds (from 30 to 100 men were chosen for the individual immune parameters, average age of the whole group was 38 years, 40 % of smokers). When compared with the control group, the exposed group of welders and grinders showed higher level of C3 complement (p<0.001), orosomucoid (p<0.05), beta-2–microglobulin (p<0.001), neopterin (p<0.001) and all fagocytic cells (p<0.001). On the contrary, in the group of exposed people decreased values of IgA (p<0.001), IgG (p<0.001), IgM (p<0.001), transferin (p<0.001), alpha-1–antitrypsin (p<0.001), alpha-2–macroglobulin (p<0.001), haptoglobulin (p<0.001) and ceruloplasmin (p<0.05) were found. Some of these changes were characteristic for the exposed group. They could be considered as precursors of biological markers of effect for given type of exposure.

Platelets Activation in Patients Undergoing PTCA and Their Responsiveness After in vitro Stimulation

We evaluated expression of platelet activation markers in blood samples of 15 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) by flow cytometry. Analysis was performed before the beginning of PTCA, during initial coronary angiography and after the end of PTCA or after a stent placement, respectively. We evaluated platelet-derived microparticles, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, platelet aggregates and a membrane expression of CD62P and CD63 molecules. Responsiveness of platelets to the activationin vitrowith thrombin-receptor activating protein – 6 (TRAP-6) was tested simultaneously. Statistically significant differences between patient samples were found only in the expression of the activation markers CD62P (before PTCA 0.22 %, during 0.39 %, after 0.67 %), CD63 (0.26 %/ 0.45 %/ 0.85 %) and platelet-leukocyte aggregates (13.57 %/ 18.39 %/ 23.63 %).In the same group the expression of all constitutive membrane markers was statistically significantly decreased: in patients undergoing PTCA was the expression of CD9:87.98 % (in comparison with control group 94.98 %), CD31: 87.10 % (92.78 %), CD36: 87.37 % (90.98 %), CD41: 88.09 % (95.62 %), CD42a: 88.54 % (94.98 %), CD42a: 88.31 % (94.13 %).

Human gut microbes are susceptible to antimicrobial food additives in vitro

The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that antimicrobial food additives may alter the composition of human gut microbiota by selectively suppressing the growth of susceptible gut microbes. To explore the influence of antimicrobial food additives on the composition of the human gut microbiota, we examined the susceptibility of both aerobic and anaerobic gut bacteria to sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, and potassium sorbate, and their combinations, using a broth microdilution method. The tested bacteria exhibited a wide range of susceptibilities to food additives. For example, the most susceptible strain, Bacteroides coprocola, was almost 580 times more susceptible to sodium nitrite than the most resistant strain, Enterococcus faecalis. However, most importantly, we found that gut microbes with known anti-inflammatory properties, such as Clostridium tyrobutyricum or Lactobacillus paracasei, were significantly more susceptible to additives than microbes with known proinflammatory or colitogenic properties, such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron or Enterococcus faecalis. Our data show that some human gut microbes are highly susceptible to antimicrobial food additives. We speculate that permanent exposure of human gut microbiota to even low levels of additives may modify the composition and function of gut microbiota and thus influence the host's immune system. Whether the effect of additive-modified gut microbiota on the human immune system could explain, at least in part, the increasing incidence of allergies and autoimmune diseases remains to be shown.

Defensive and damaging inflammation: basic characteristics

Immune system is the integral part of the complex body response, inflammation, which is raised either by the exposure to external signals, predominantly pathogens or by damage of own structures. Predominantly innate immunity is equiped by the receptors recognizing pathogenic PAMPs or signals of own damage DAMPs. The inflammatory response is reflecting the actual demand of our body. The potential of the inflammatory response is so powerful that its intensity and extent have to be carefully regulated on many levels.

Evaluation of Peripheral Blood Eosinophilia in Adolescent and Adult Patients Suffering from Atopic Dermatitis and the Relation to the Occurrence of Allergy to Aeroallergens

Background:

Eosinophils play an important pathogenic role in atopic dermatitis (AD), but its exact function remains to be determined.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to correlate the eosinophil count with the manifestations such as asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, level of total IgE, sensitization to mites, animal dander, bird feather, dust, mixture of grass, mixture of trees, mixture of fungi, duration of lesions (persistent or occasional during last year), family history about atopy, and onset of AD (under or above 5 year of age).

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and seventy-two patients suffering from AD at the age of 14 year or older were examined – 100 men and 172 women with the average age of 26.7±9.5 years and with the average SCORAD index of 32.9±14.1. Complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all patients with the evaluation of monitored manifestations. Mann–Whitney test for difference in medians was used for statistical evaluation.

Results:

The count of eosinophils in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with total IgE ≥200 IU/ml, with sensitization to dust, with persistent eczematous lesions and in patients with the onset of AD under 5 year of age. The count of eosinophils above 5% was recorded as well in patients suffering from asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, sensitization to mites, and in patients with positive family history about atopy, but the difference was not significant. On the other hand, the count of eosinophils was under 5% in patients with sensitization to animal dander, bird feather, mixture of grass and trees.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated the difference in the count of eosinophils in peripheral blood according to different manifestations in patients suffering from AD.

The occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions and the relation to the sensitization to grass and trees in atopic dermatitis patients 14 years of age and older

Background:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Small, Prospective, Observational, Pilot Study in Patients with Severe Asthma after Discontinuation of Omalizumab Treatment

PURPOSE

Omalizumab has demonstrated clinical efficacy in severe allergic asthma by reducing exacerbation rates and increasing quality of life. However, data concerning its sustained effect after treatment discontinuation are still needed.

METHODS

This analysis was an observational pilot study (simple within-subjects design) of 12 patients experiencing severe asthma, treated with omalizumab, for 1 year after treatment discontinuation. We prospectively analyzed clinical measurements (pulmonary functions, inhaled corticosteroid [ICS] doses, Asthma Control Test [ACT] scores, skin prick test [SPT] positivity, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, and exacerbation rates) and laboratory test results (eosinophils and total immunoglobulin E levels) at the time of discontinuation and 6 and 12 months thereafter. Baseline data (before the treatment period; range, 11-61 months) were collected retrospectively. The treatment effect until discontinuation was calculated. To determine its persistence, repeated measures were compared with baseline levels and analyzed by using a general linear model for repeated measures or the Friedman ANOVA, and χ² tests in case of normality assumption violation or frequencies. Post hoc analysis was applied by using a simple or repeated contrasts analysis or Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction.

FINDINGS

We proved a significant reduction in ICS doses and SPT reactivity and an increase in ACT score during the retrospective treatment phase. Moreover, persistence of these statistically significant effects was recorded 6 months after treatment discontinuation. ACT score and ICS doses (but not SPT reactivity) remained improved for 12 months after discontinuation of omalizumab treatment.

IMPLICATIONS

Omalizumab treatment exhibited sustained treatment benefit after its discontinuation for patients experiencing severe allergic asthma.

Sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi in atopic dermatitis patients and the relation to the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and allergy to peanuts and walnuts in atopic dermatitis patients aged 14 years and older. The complete dermatological and allergological examinations were performed in all included patients; the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was recorded (specific IgE, skin prick test, history of allergic reaction) and the sensitisation to mixture of outdoor fungi and indoor fungi was also examined (skin prick test, specific IgE). The statistical evaluation of the relation between the sensitisation to outdoor and indoor fungi and the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was performed; 329 patients were included in the study, 110 men and 219 women, the average age 26.8 years. The sensitisation to outdoor fungi was recorded in 91 patients (28%), the sensitisation to indoor fungi was recorded in 61 patients (18.5%), the occurrence of food allergy to peanuts was confirmed in 90 (27%) patients and to walnuts in 121 (36.7%) patients. We confirmed, that patients suffering from sensitisation to outdoor fungi suffer significantly more from food allergy to peanuts and walnuts. The significant relation between the sensitisation to indoor fungi and food allergy to peanuts and walnuts was not confirmed.

Essential PTX3 Biology (not only) for Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons

Inflammation has been recognized to form an integral part of the atherosclerotic process. Much consideration has been given lately to the role played in atherogenesis by C-reactive protein (CRP). Although not accepted unequivocally, CRP appears to be not only a marker, but also an active mediator of the atherosclerotic process. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a newly identified acute phase reactant which shares some structural and some functional properties with CRP. On the other hand, pentraxin 3 displays unique biological properties of its own, including a possible role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and in processes accompanying the natural evolution of surgical wounds. This review article discusses recent information concerning basic pentraxin 3 biology in inflammation and in innate immunity reactions as viewed by a cardiologist in the context of acute coronary events and by a surgeon in patients struck with multiple wounds who are at the same time menaced by bacterial infections.

Serum Levels of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1B1 in Patients with Exacerbated Psoriasis Vulgaris

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is highly expressed in psoriasis skin lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentrations of AhR, cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1 in patients with exacerbated psoriasis vulgaris treated with combined therapy of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and crude coal tar. The analyses were performed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Before the treatment, the patients had significantly higher serum levels of AhR and CYP1A1 than healthy controls. AhR median noticeably decreased after the therapy; nevertheless, it remained significantly higher compared to the controls. CYP1A1 levels measured before and after the therapy did not differ significantly. Serum CYP1A1 positively correlated with AhR values before and after the treatment. The serum values of CYP1B1 were very low and we did not see any differences between the study group and the control group. The study demonstrated that serum levels of AhR and CYP1A1 could indicate their immunopathological and metabolic roles in exacerbated psoriasis.

Amniotic fluid pentraxins: Potential early markers for identifying intra-amniotic inflammatory complications in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes

In this study, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid P component (SAP) concentrations in the amniotic fluid of women with preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) were evaluated based on evidence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI), and microbial-associated IAI. A total of 149 women with PPROM were included in this study. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid PTX3, SAP, and CRP concentrations were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PTX3 and CRP concentrations were higher in women with MIAC, IAI, and microbial-associated IAI than in women without these conditions. SAP concentrations were only higher in the presence of IAI and microbial-associated IAI. Amniotic fluid PTX3 concentrations of 11 ng/mL were found to be the best value for identifying the presence of microbial-associated IAI and IAI in women with PPROM. To conclude, amniotic fluid pentraxins are involved in intra-amniotic inflammatory responses in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.

Roles of miR-31 and endothelin-1 in psoriasis vulgaris: pathophysiological functions and potential biomarkers

Psoriatic lesions are characterized by hyperproliferation, aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes resistant to apoptosis and inflammation. miR-31 plays pro-proliferative, pro-differentiative and pro-inflammatory roles and modulates apoptosis in psoriatic keratinocytes. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is produced by psoriatic keratinocytes and suppresses apoptosis. Inflammation increases the production of ET-1, which in turn leads to the chronic stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation. The aim of this study was to identify the putative link between two potential biomarkers (miR-31 and ET-1) in patients with psoriasis. The study design included experimental group (29 patients with psoriasis), and the control group (22 blood donors). The PASI score evaluated the state of the disease (median: 18.6; interquartile range 14.5-20.9). Both, the serum level of ET-1 and the whole blood level of miR-31 were significantly increased (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively) in patients compared to the controls. However, a significant negative relationship between ET-1 and miR-31 was observed (Spearman's rho=-037, p=0.05). It is possible that a negative feedback loop will be present between miR-31 and ET-1. Our results indicate that miR-31 and ET-1, potential biomarkers of the disease, play significant roles in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.

Expression of an Activated Form of Integrin β2 Chain CD18 in Cardiac Surgical Operations

Background: Myeloid cells are extensively activated in patients undergoing cardiosurgical operations. It is supposed that this activation is more profound in patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) („on-pump“) in comparison with patients operated without CPB („off-pump“). Aims: To evaluate changes in the expression of a novel activation marker expressed on myeloid cells recognized by MEM-148 antibody. Patients and Methods: The expression of MEM-148 positive myeloid cells was evaluated by flow cytometry in 40 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) randomly assigned to „on-pump“ or „off-pump“ technique. Results: The relative and absolute number of MEM-148 positive myeloid cells is significantly diminished during „on-pump“ surgery. A significant increase in their number in postoperative period in both „on-pump“ and „off-pump“ patients was found. There were no significant differencies between „on-pump“ and „off-pump“ patients. Conclusions: The very trauma of surgery seems to be more relevant in starting on activation of myeloid cells them CPB itself.