Associations of food and nutrient intakes with serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, TGF-b1, total SOD activity and sFas levels among middle-aged Japanese: the Japan Collaborative Cohort study

No observational study has examined whether cancer-related biomarkers are associated with diet in Japanese. We therefore assessed sex-specific food and nutrient intakes according to serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, TGF-b1, total SOD activity and sFas levels, under a cross-sectional study of 10,350 control subjects who answered the food frequency questionnaire in the first-wave nested case-control study within the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. For both men and women, IGF-I levels were associated with higher intakes of milk, fruits, green tea, calcium and vitamin C. IGF-II levels were associated with higher intakes of milk, yogurt, fruits and miso soup, and lower intakes of rice, coffee and carbohydrate. IGFBP-3 levels were associated with higher intakes of milk, yogurt, fruits and vitamin C, and lower intakes of rice, energy, protein, carbohydrate, sodium and polyunsaturated fatty acids. TGF-b1 levels were associated with lower intakes of coffee intakes, and higher intakes of miso soup and sodium. Total SOD activity levels were associated with lower intakes of most nutrients other than energy, carbohydrate, iron, copper, manganese, retinol equivalents, vitamin A, B2, B12, niacin, folic acid, vitamin C and fish fat. sFas levels were associated with higher intakes of manganese and folic acids. The results of the present study should help to account for findings on those biomarkers regarding risks of cancer and other lifestyle-related diseases in terms of dietary confounding as causality.

Serum soluble fas levels and superoxide dismutase activity and the risk of death from pancreatic cancer: A nested case-control study within the Japanese Collaborative Cohort Study

In a search for novel circulating biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, we examined the association between serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the risk of death from pancreatic cancer in a nested case-control study within the Japanese Collaborative Cohort Study. Case subjects were 68 persons who were free of morbidity, had provided a blood sample at baseline (1988-1990), and subsequently died from pancreatic cancer before December 31, 1997. Control subjects were 199 matched persons who were selected from the remaining participants in the cohort. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). No statistically significant differences were noted in mean sFas levels (p=0.11) and SOD activity (p=0.42) between cases and controls. Overall, neither serum sFas levels nor SOD activity were associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer deaths, after adjustment for area, BMI, cigarette smoking, and history of diabetes. Furthermore, no significant risk trends were noted. Our results do not support the hypothesis that serum sFas levels and SOD activity are associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

Relationship of soluble fas with body mass index in healthy Japanese adults

Recent studies have linked elevated serum sFas levels to atherosclerotic disease among patients. Confirming an association between obesity and serum sFas levels in healthy subjects would facilitate our understanding of obesity and its related disorders. We therefore analyzed serum sFas levels of 8,541 subjects selected as controls for a nested case-control study within the JACC Study. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as the indicator of obesity based on self-reported height and weight. We found a statistically significant positive association between serum sFas levels and BMI among our apparently healthy subjects. Our result suggests that serum sFas rises to down-regulate increased apoptosis in atherogenesis processes caused by obesity.

[Relationship between Chinese medicine syndrome type and mRNA expressions of IL-10, IL-18 and Fas in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mRNA expressions of IL-10, IL-18 and Fas in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients of various Chinese medicine syndrome types in order to seek the objective indices for syndrome differentiation of SLE.

METHODS

SLE patients were sorted into various syndrome types by Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation. In them, patients with the 4 often encountered types were selected, i.e. the qi-xue excessive heat type (Group A, 12 patients), the Pi-Shen yang-deficiency type (Group B, 19 patients), the qi-yin deficiency with blood stasis type (Group C, 23 patients), and the qi stagnation and blood stasis with gan stagnation type (Group D, 28 patients). The mRNA expressions of IL-10, IL-18 and Fas in PBMCs were detected by SYBR Green I real time PCR.

RESULTS

The mRNA expressions of IL-10, IL-18 and Fas in PBMC of all SLE patients (0.40 +/- 0.53, 1.41 +/- 1.93 and 0.33 +/- 0.70) were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (0.07 +/- 0.11, 0.24 +/- 0.25, 0.08 +/- 0.21, P<0.01, P<0.05), their levels in different syndrome types decreased in order of type A-->B-->C-->D. The levels of the three indices in patients of type A and B were obviously higher than those in patients of type C and D (P<0.01), while no significant difference was found between type A and B (P>0.05), and between type C and D (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The mRNA expressions of IL-10, IL-18 and Fas in PBMCs could be taken as the objective indices for reference in syndrome differentiation of SLE.

Effect of radiographic contrast media on markers of complement activation and apoptosis in patients with chronic coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography

The effects of radiographic contrast media on markers of complement activation and apoptosis in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the comparative effects of ionic high-osmolar and non-ionic iso-osmolar radiographic contrast media on plasma markers of complement activation and apoptosis in patients with chronic CAD undergoing coronary angiography. Forty-four patients undergoing coronary angiography for chronic CAD were randomly assigned to receive the ionic high-osmolar radiographic contrast agent diatrizoate (Group A), or the non-ionic iso-osmolar contrast agent iodixanol (Group B) during angiography. Complement component 5 (C5a) and apoptotic markers sFas and sFasL were measured just prior to angiography and 1 hour after completion of angiography. Comparison of mean pre- and post-angiography plasma marker levels showed significantly greater increases in plasma levels in Group A than in Group B of C5a (29.30 +/- 5.45 ng/ml for Group A and 0.47 +/- 0.70 ng/ml for Group B (p < 0.00001), sFas (2.36 +/- 1.63 ng/ml for Group A and 0.23 +/- 0.90 ng/ml for Group B (p < 0.00001) and sFasL (14.00 +/- 5.41 pg/ml for Group A and 0.01 +/- 1.00 pg/ml for Group B (p < 0.00001). The results suggest that in patients with chronic CAD, the use of ionic high-osmolar radiographic contrast media during coronary angiography is associated with a more robust inflammatory and apoptotic milieu than that associated with the use of non-ionic iso-osmolar radiographic contrast media.

Circulating apoptotic proteins are increased in long-term disease-free breast cancer survivors

Circulating apoptotic proteins are increased in patients with heart failure. We evaluated whether circulating soluble (s) apoptosis-related proteins and inflammation markers are increased in long-term disease free breast cancer survivors and associated with cardiotoxicity, and if subgroups could be identified based on the applied treatments. Circulating tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, sTNF-receptor (sTNF-R) 1 and 2, sFas, sFas ligand, sTNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (sTRAIL) and serum HER2 were measured with immunoassay. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), fibrinogen, plasma B-type and N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-ANP and BNP) were also determined. Thirty-four patients with median 6.0 years follow-up and 12 healthy age-matched women were enrolled. Chemotherapy, consisting of five cycles fluorouracil, epirubicin (90 mg/m(2)), cyclophosphamide (FEC) (n=14) or four cycles FEC followed by myeloablation with high-dose carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, thiotepa (n=20), preceded irradiation and tamoxifen. Circulating apoptosis markers were higher in patients than in controls. No associations with cardiac dysfunction were observed. sFas ligand and sTRAIL were higher in the high-dose than in the standard-dose group. In conclusion, we observed increased circulating apoptotic protein levels in long-term disease-free breast cancer survivors, treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, particularly after myeloablative chemotherapy. The potential relation with late cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic therapy deserves further study.

[The levels of soluble CD95 antigen and CD95+ mononuclear cells in patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases]

The levels of soluble CD95 (sCD95) antigen and CD95+ mononuclear cells were studied in the peripheral blood, induced sputum (IS), expired air condensate (EAC) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There was an increase in the relative count of CD95+ mononuclear cells and a reduction in the level of sCD95 antigen in the peripheral blood of patients with severe COPD. The elevated levels of sCD95 antigen and CD95+ mononuclear cells were revealed in IS and EAC in moderate COPD.

[Effect of intensive insulin therapy on apoptosis-related ligands in serum in rats with severe scald]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in apoptosis-related ligands in serum in rats with severe scald and the effect of intensive insulin therapy on the changes.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham burn (SB), scald (S) and treatment (T) groups. Rats in S and T groups were inflicted with 40% TBSA full-thickness burn, followed by intraperitoneal injection with 40 mL/kg of isotonic saline for resuscitation. Rats in T group were subcutaneously injected insulin in a dose of 0.25 U/100 g 24 hours after burn injury, and every 12 hours for 5 days (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 U/100 g each day, respectively) to control the level of blood glucose between 3 and 6 mmol/L. Rats in SB group were sham scalded at 37 degrees C without resuscitation. Blood was drawn from abdominal aorta on 1, 4, 7, 10, 14 post burn day (PBD) for determination of serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and soluble Fas receptor (sFas) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and insulin by radioimmunity assay (RIA).

RESULTS

The serum level of TNF-alpha in S group peaked on 1 PBD (30.9 +/- 8.7) ng/L, which showed statistically significant difference when compared with that of SB and T groups (12.7 +/- 2.8) ng/L, (16.8 +/- 4.7) ng/L, respectively, P < 0.01), then lowered gradually to become similar to that of SB group on 7 PBD. The level of TNF-alpha in T group increased gradually, but was obviously lower than that of S group on 1, 4, 7 PBD (P < 0.01). The level of sFasL in S (on 7-14 PBD) and T (4-10 PBD) groups was significantly higher than that in SB group (P < 0.05), then lowered to normal level. The levels of sFas on 4-10 PBD in T group were obviously higher than that in S and SB group (P < 0.05). Ratio of sFasL to sFas in serum of S group was higher than that in SB group on 7, 10 PBD, which was higher than that in T group on 7 PBD (P < 0.05). There was significant decrease in serum level of insulin in S group compared with that of SB group on 4-10 PBD (P < 0.05). The level of insulin in T group increased on 1 PBD, peaked on 4 PBD (327 +/- 15 microU/mL), which was significantly higher than that in SB and S groups (42 +/- 15, 28 +/- 10 microU/mL, respectively, P < 0.01), then decreased gradually to normal level.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin may inhibit apoptosis after burn by down-regulating secretion of apoptotic ligands.

[Concentration of soluble Fas receptor (sFas) in serum of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]

INTRODUCTION

Impairments ofapoptosis process, called programmed cell death, are the basis of pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction. The aim of our study was to evaluated concentration of soluble receptor Fas (sFas)--marker ofapoptosis--in serum of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 70 patients aged 42 to 75 (mean 58.3 +/- 7.6 years) with the confirmed first episode of the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The analyzed material was blood obtained from patients at fourth time: I. the time of admission, II. after 12 hour, III. after 24 hour and IV. on 5th day. The concentrations of the serum sFas was performed with the use of the immunoenzymatic method ELISA using commercial kits Human sAPO-1/Fas ELISA, Bender MedSystems Diagnostics GmbH, Austria. The sensitivity of the kit was 13.2 pg/ml.

RESULTS

Concentration of sFas at a time of admission was the highest, among 50.30 and 68.70 pg/ml (mean: 58.73 +/- 5.63 pg/ml). After 12 h, the studied parameter level was significantly lower in comparison with sFas level in admission (p < 0.001), after 24 h (p < 0.0001) and on discharge from hospital (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with myocardial infarction were observed intensify of apoptosis process, which associated with increased concentration of soluble Fas receptor. The measurement of sFas might be useful in monitoring of course myocardial infarction, which need more examinations.

Investigation of apoptotic markers among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infected individuals

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Apoptosis causes a decline in the counts of uninfected bystander CD4+ T cells in HIV infection. The rate of disease progression of HIV infection is considered to be faster in the developing countries. The present study was carried out to investigate certain markers for apoptosis in immunopathogensis of disease in HIV infected south Indian population.

METHODS

Soluble Fas (sFas) antigen and Fas ligand levels in plasma samples from 39 antiretroviral treatment naïve patients was estimated and compared with T cell subsets and HIV-1 viral load.

RESULTS

The mean sFas antigen levels among controls and the CDC A, B and C clinical stages were 2.77, 3.08, 3.26 and 3.28 ng /ml respectively, higher though not significantly among HIV-1 infected individuals compared to controls. The mean sFas ligand levels in CDC A, B and C stages were 0.138, 0.125 and 0.117 ng/ml respectively were higher (P<0.001) than controls (0.073 ng/ml) and positively correlated with total lymphocyte % (r=0.43, P =0.007). sFas antigen levels were negatively correlated with total WBC count (r=-0.34, P=0.04), CD4% (r=-0.4, P=0.01) and CD4:CD8 ratio (r=-0.37, P=0.02). There was an increase in plasma levels of sFas antigen and Fas ligand over time in asymptomatics.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The high levels of sFas antigen and Fas ligand seen in HIV infected individuals suggest increased activation and apoptosis of T cells, due to constant stimulation of the immune system by inter-current infections of HIV infected individuals in south India.

[Relationships of serum selenium, VEGF and sFas levels in leukemia patients]

In order to investigate the relationships of cancer chemopreventive trace element-selenium, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble Fas (sFas) in leukemia patients, serum selenium concentration was measured by atomic spectrometry and levels of VEGF and sFas were simultaneously detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relationships of selenium, VEGF and sFas were analyzed by linear correlation. The results showed that serum selenium concentration in newly-diagnosed patients and relapsed patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05), especially in relapsed group. VEGF and sFas concentrations of refractory/relapsed group were significantly higher than those in the control group and the remission group (p < 0.05). But no significant difference was found between the remission group and the control group (p > 0.05). In leukemia patients, negative correlation was observed between selenium and VEGF (r = -0.529, p < 0.01), so did between selenium and sFas (r = -0.432, p < 0.01). Positive correlation was found between VEGF and sFas (r = 0.663, p < 0.01). It is concluded that the selenium, VEGF and sFas may take part in the occurrence of MDR in leukemia patients. Selenium has negative correlation with VEGF and sFas, which means that it may be used as an effective assistant agent to improve therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. However, further study in more cases is needed to reach a definite conclusion.

Significant correlation between surgical stress of hepatectomy and changes in the serum levels of HGF, IL-6 and soluble Fas in patients with viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Liver damage after hepatectomy is still a serious concern. The present study was designed to clarify the relations between liver injury/surgical stress and cytokines after hepatectomy, in patients with viral hepatitis.

METHODOLOGY

Ten consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy were studied, all with hepatocellular carcinoma due to viral hepatitis. Blood samples for interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), soluble Fas (sFas), soluble Fas Ligand and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) assays were collected before the operation and at the end of the operation.

RESULTS

There was a significant and positive correlation between the change in the serum level of HGF and preoperative liver function (ICG-R15). Notably, there were significant correlations between surgical stress and IL-6, HGF and sFas, but not sIL-6R and sTNFR. Furthermore, there was significant correlation between postoperative liver function (total bilirubin, albumin) and HGF, IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a close relationship between surgical stress and HGF, IL-6 and sFas after hepatectomy in patients with viral hepatitis. It was useful for the evaluation of surgical stress of hepatectomy to estimate the serum level of HGF, IL-6 and sFas.

Circulating and hepatic Fas expression in HCV-induced chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma

Apoptosis is central for control and elimination of viral infections. In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis and upregulation of the death-inducing ligands CD95/Fas occur. This study aimed to study the role of serum soluble Fas and hepatic Fas expression as early predictors of advancement of chronic hepatitis C disease. The current study included 50 cases of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (and negative hepatitis B virus infection), 30 cases of liver cirrhosis (LC) and HCV, and 20 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCV admitted to Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt. Fifteen wedge liver biopsies, taken during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were included in the study as normal controls. Assessment of serum soluble Fas level (sFas) and other laboratory investigations, including liver function tests, serologic markers for viral hepatitis, and serum alpha-fetoprotein level (alpha-FP), were determined for all cases. Histopathologic study and immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody for CD95 were also done. The sFas was significantly increased in CHC, LC, and HCC cases compared with normal controls (P < .01). The increase of sFas in HCC was also significantly higher than that of CHC (P < .01). However, positive hepatic expression of Fas antigen was higher in CHC than LC with no significant difference; meanwhile, it was significantly lower in HCC (P < .01) compared with CHC. In conclusion, circulating and hepatic Fas expression in chronic hepatitis C infection illustrate the mechanism of liver injury caused by death receptors throughout the multistep process of fibrosis/carcinogenesis. Not only the higher degree of hepatic fibrosis, but also the lower expression of Fas protein, are correlated with the increased incidence of HCC.

Elevation of soluble Fas (APO-1, CD95) ligand in natural aging and Werner syndrome

The pathophysiological process of natural human aging has not been studied adequately due to the lack of an appropriate human model. Since recent investigations have suggested that inflammation possibly contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related disorders including atherosclerosis, cancer, and diabetes mellitus, the term "inflammaging," a combination of "inflammation" and "aging," has been coined. Werner syndrome (WS), caused by the loss of function of RecQ3 DNA/RNA helicase, is a typical progeroid syndrome mimicking natural aging, although it is extremely rare outside of Japan. We sought to examine WS patients from an immunological/inflammatory perspective. Sera from 14 mutation-proven WS patients (ages: 33-70 years) and 21 healthy Japanese adults ages 15 to 95 years were examined with ELISA for soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) to compare conventional inflammation markers. With natural aging, a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed in the serum level of sFasL. The sFasL in WS, a level comparable to that in healthy elderly ages 83 to 95 years, had significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to that in young healthy individuals ages 15 to 70 years. A significant correlation was noted between the serum levels of conventional inflammation markers such as CRP (p < 0.025), ESR (p < 0.024), and WBC count (p < 0.0085). In conclusion, an increased level of serum sFasL in natural aging and WS patients may suggest a common pathophysiological mechanism: inflammation. WS may be a good model for analyzing inflammaging.

Differential expression of Fas system apoptotic molecules in peripheral lymphocytes from patients with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the Fas system apoptotic molecules are differentially expressed in Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), the two opposite phenotypes of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

DESIGN

The expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) on peripheral CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, and non-lymphoid immune cells as well as their soluble forms in serum from untreated patients with GD and HT were evaluated.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was performed for the study of peripheral immune cells from 70 newly diagnosed patients with AITD (55 with HT and 15 with GD) and 20 controls. ELISA was used for the measurement of soluble Fas (sFas) in serum samples from a subgroup of 35 AITD patients.

RESULTS

An increase in the proportion of CD4 and CD8 cells expressing Fas was found in both GD and HT, albeit with some differences, when compared with controls. Importantly, in GD patients, the intensity of Fas expression on CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes was reduced and sFas levels in serum were simultaneously increased when compared with HT patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fas system apoptotic molecules appear to be differentially expressed on peripheral lymphocytes in the two opposite phenotypes of AITD.

Temporal evolution of soluble Fas and Fas ligand in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation

AIM

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression levels of plasma soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) procedures routinely performed without venovenous bypass.

METHODS

The sFas and sFasL were analyzed in the blood of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transplantation. Blood samples were drawn from the radial artery at serial time points before, during, and after surgery. Plasma levels of sFas and sFasL were detected by Enzyme Linked-Immuno-Sorbent Assay. Plasma aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were assayed by routine clinical chemistry testing.

RESULTS

Marked elevation of plasma AST and ALT were detected at the reperfusion and postoperation time points (P<0.001), with a peak on the first postoperative day. The mean plasma concentration of sFas and sFasL remained unchanged from preoperative to anhepatic phase (T1 to T3) (P> or =0.268). The sFas and sFasL concentrations were significantly higher at 15 and 60 min after reperfusion compared to the preoperative value (P< or =0.048). Postoperatively, sFas and sFasL concentration were decreased to preoperative levels on the first postoperative day (P> or =0.127).

CONCLUSION

The sFas and sFasL seem to be involved in reperfusion injury during OLT. The understanding of Fas may provide new insights into the mechanisms of ischemia/reperfusion injury during OLT.

Increased serum sFas and TNFalpha following isolated severe head injury in males

OBJECTIVES

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a 30-70% mortality rate. Nevertheless, controversy has been raised concerning the prognostic value of biomarkers following severe TBI. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether sFas or TNFalpha serum levels correlate with primary outcome following isolated severe TBI.

METHODS

Seventeen consecutive male patients, victims of isolated severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score 3-8) and a control group consisting of 6 healthy male volunteers were enrolled in this prospective study. Clinical outcome variables of severe TBI comprised: survival, time for intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, and neurological assessment by Glasgow Outcome Scale at ICU discharge. Venous blood samples were taken at admission in the ICU. Serum sFas and TNFalpha concentrations were measured by ELISA assays.

RESULTS

At admission in the ICU (mean time 10.2 h after injury), mean sFas and TNFalpha concentrations were significantly increased in the TBI (0.105 and 24.275 rhog/l, respectively) compared with the control group (0.047 and 15.475 rhog/l, respectively). However, no significant correlation was found between higher serum sFas or TNFalpha concentrations and fatal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serum sFas and TNFalpha levels following isolated severe TBI did not predict fatal outcome.

The effect of weight loss on serum concentrations of FAS and tumour necrosis factor alpha in obese women

INTRODUCTION

Apoptosis can influence both adipose tissue mass and its distribution. The suprafamily of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptors stimulate apoptosis. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF soluble receptors (sTNFRs) and FAS in obese subjects and to examine the changes in these parameters after weight loss.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 23 obese women without additional disease aged 36.6 +/- 10.9 years. These were examined before and after three-month weight reduction treatment consisting of a diet of 1000 kcal/day and physical exercise. The control group comprised 17 lean healthy women aged 40.3 +/- 5.5 years. Blood samples were taken in the morning after an overnight fast. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNFRs and FAS were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum concentrations of insulin were measured by RIA. Serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by an enzymatic procedure.

RESULTS

The mean weight loss over the three-month treatment was 11.4 +/- 3.1 kg. Following weight loss, serum TNF-alpha concentrations decreased significantly (7.3 +/- 3.0 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.6 pg/ml; p < 0.005) and concentrations of sTNFRs increased significantly (1222.6 +/- 211.8 vs. 1325.6 +/- 261.6 pg/ml; p < 0.05 and 1881.5 +/- 337.2 vs. 2057.4 +/- 358.7 pg/ml; p < 0.05 respectively). However, no changes in serum concentrations of FAS were observed after weight loss.

CONCLUSION

We observed increased serum concentrations of TNF-alpha but not of FAS in obese women. The concentrations of TNF decreased and those of sTNFRs increased after weight loss. However, the weight reduction therapy did not change serum concentrations of FAS.

Serum apoptosis markers in acute liver failure: a pilot study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We sought to determine whether circulating apoptotic markers are altered in acute liver failure (ALF), differ with etiology, or predict clinical outcome in this condition.

METHODS

Serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in 67 acute liver failure patients, as well as controls. In a subset of the groups, we measured serum M-30 antigen, an exposed neoepitope from caspase cleavage. We also assessed M-30 immunoreactivity in liver tissue of ALF patients and controls.

RESULTS

Median levels for TNF-alpha, HGF, IL-6, and M-30 antigen were at least 10-fold greater in ALF than in hepatitis C virus or normal controls (P < .0001). Median day 1 sFas, day 3 sFas, and day 1 HGF levels varied according to etiology of acute liver failure (P = .004, P = .011, and P = .019, respectively), with values for drug-induced liver injury and acetaminophen-related ALF higher than other etiologies. Median M-30 antigen levels were significantly higher in patients who were transplanted and/or died (2183 U/L) than spontaneous survivors (1004 U/L) (P = .026). M-30 immunoreactivity in liver tissue was significantly greater in ALF patients than HCV controls (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-alpha, HGF, IL-6, and M-30 antigen were significantly elevated in ALF. High levels of sFas and HGF might help to confirm a diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury or acetaminophen-related ALF. Higher levels of M-30 antigen are associated with poor clinical outcomes in ALF.

[Age related changes of soluble Fas, Fas ligand and Bcl-2 in autoimmune thyroid diseases]

INTRODUCTION

Apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The prevalence of AITD increases with age. Purpose to compare soluble Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 in Graves disease (GD) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) in relation to the age of the studied patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

3 groups of subjects: 1/25 patients with GD in euthyreosis on methimazol 2/27 patients with ChH in euthyreosis on levothyroxine. 3/12 healthy volunteers age and sex-matched to group 1-2. The serum levels of Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 were determined by the ELISA kit.

RESULTS

We found positive correlations between sFas and age in GD patients (r = 0.35; p < 0.05). In GD patients we found a negative correlation between sFasL and age in all studied patients with AITD (r = -0.34; p < 0.01). We also found a negative correlation between sBcl-2 and age in HT patients (r = -0.42; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fas/FasL and Bcl-2 signaling pathways seem to be age-related and may explain, at least in part, milder course of Graves disease in elderly patients and increased prevalence of Hashimoto disease in this group of subjects.