Patterns of healthy lifestyle and positive health attitudes in older Europeans

OBJECTIVES

To determine (i) the extent to which recommended lifestyle healthy behaviors are adopted and the existence of positive attitudes to health; (ii) the relative influence of socio-demographic variables on multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors and positive attitudes to health; (iii) the association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and positive attitudes to health.

DESIGN

Two distinct healthy behavioral measures were developed: (i) healthy lifestyles based on physical activity, no cigarette smoking, no/moderate alcohol drinking, maintaining a "healthy" weight and having no sleeping problems and (ii) positive health attitudes based on having positive emotional attitudes, such as: self-perceived good health status, being calm, peaceful and happy for most of the time, not expecting health to get worse and regular health check-ups. A composite healthy lifestyle index, ranging from 0 (none of behaviors met) to 5 (all behaviors met) was calculated by summing up the individual's scores for the five healthy lifestyle items. Afterwards, each individual's index was collapsed into three levels: 0-2 equivalent to 'level 1' (subjectively regarded as 'too low'), a score of 3 equivalent to 'level 2' ('fair') and 4-5 as 'level 3' satisfactory 'healthy lifestyle' practices. The same procedure was applied to the positive health attitudes index. Multinomial logistic regression analyses by a forward selection procedure were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

PARTICIPANTS

A multi-national sample consisting of 638 older Europeans from 8 countries, aged 65-74 and 75+, living alone or with others.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining a "healthy" weight was the most frequently cited factor in the healthy lifestyles index and therefore assumed to be the most important to the older Europeans in the study; positive attitudes to health were relatively low; participants achieved a 'satisfactory' level for healthy lifestyles index (level 3) more frequently than a satisfactory level for positive attitudes to health; having a satisfactory 'healthy lifestyle' was directly related to having a satisfactory level of positive attitudes to health based on the positive health attitudes index; income and geographical location in Europe appeared to be key predictors for meeting both the recommended healthy lifestyle factors in the index and having positive health attitudes however, the composition and nature of the study sample should be taken into consideration when considering the impact of the location on healthy lifestyles and attitudes to health across Europe.

Energy and nutrients intake of elderly people living in the Warsaw region, Poland

The dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins was studied in a group of elderly living in urban, suburban, and rural areas of Warsaw region, Poland. The study was conducted in spring 1999 and 298 persons, born between 1919-1924, randomly selected with criteria of age and place of living, were included. Dietary data were based on the 3-day food records. The energy and nutrients intake was calculated on the basis of tables of nutritive value of food products and compared to the Polish RDA's. Daily food rations of the subjects (except for men living in Warsaw) had an incorrect structure as well as insufficient energy content. The highest (i.e. almost 60% or higher) prevalence of intake lower than 2/3 of Polish RDA's was observed for calcium, magnesium, copper, vitamin B2 and vitamin C as well as for iron and vitamin B1 among women. The average intake of fat, cholesterol, and phosphorus was above recommended level. The differences related to area of living were less pronounced for men than for women. Women from suburban area were the most vulnerable group in respect to nutritional inadequacy.

Consumption of food products by the elderly living in different environments of the Warsaw region, Poland

The aim of the study was to compare qualitatively the intake of food groups by the elderly living in urban and rural areas, with regard to the place of living and sex. Fifty-sex subjects in Warsaw and 142 in villages (born in 1919-24) participated in the study. A 3-day record method was used to collect nutritional data. The subjects living in Warsaw consumed more often milk, meat, fish, fruit and their products, as well as fats and oils. Less than 50% of the elderly living in either rural or urban areas ate eggs and fish. Consumption of fruit and its products was also low in the villages (47%). Meat and meat products were consumed more often by elderly men, whereas milk, fruit and their products were eaten more often by women (a rural area only). Consumption of specific food items also differed between the two analyzed living areas; milk, yoghurt and cheese were eaten more often by the residents of Warsaw, however, the intake of cream was significantly higher in the villages. The intake of red meat and meat products was similar, but poultry was included into the diet of 24% of the elderly in the rural area, significantly less than in Warsaw (34%). It also appeared that butter and mixed fats were more common among the elderly in Warsaw,whereas lard, pork fat and margarine were more popular in the villages. Food choice in the rural area was of poorer quality.

Ten-year changes in anthropometric characteristics of elderly Europeans

OBJECTIVE

Assess longitudinal (10-y) changes in height, body weight and circumferences in elderly Europeans.

DESIGN

Longitudinal assessments including baseline measurements taken in 1988/1989 which were repeated in 1993 (follow-up) and in 1999 (Finale).

SETTING

Longitudinal data were collected in nine European research towns: Hamme/Belgium (H/B), Roskilde/Denmark (R/DK), Haguenau/France (H/F), Romans/France (R/F), Padua/Italy (P/I), Culemborg/the Netherlands (C/NL), Vila Franca de Xira/Portugal (V/P), Betanzos/Spain (B/E), Yverdon/Switzerland (Y/CH).

SUBJECTS

Using standardised methodologies data were collected from a random stratified sample of elderly men and women born between 1913 and 1918 including a total of 662 subjects in 1999.

RESULTS

On average stature had decreased by 1,5-2 cm. Mean weight changed by -2.6 kg to - 4.2 kg in only three towns. An increase of at least 5 kg of body weight had taken place in 13 % of both men and women whereas 23 % of men and 27 % women had lost at least 5 kg of their baseline weight. Such weight loss over the first 4 years of follow-up was associated with higher mortality rates in men (crude RR 2.2, p<0.0001). Serial changes in arm circumference were small but waist circumference had increased by 3-4 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst small-to-modest average changes in height, body weight and circumferences emerged over SENECA's 10-year follow-up period, considerable gains and losses of body weight had occurred in a significant proportion of the SENECA populations, whereby early weight loss might be predictive of subsequent survival.

[Methods of nutrient intake and nutritional status of the elderly in Poland on the basis of the literature from the years 1980-1996]

According to papers published in the years 1980-1996 there were many faults in nutritional habits of the elderly in Poland, which can affect nutritional and health status. Low consumption of calcium, vitamins C, A, and B group was identified most often while the intake of fats was too high in comparison to Polish recommended daily intake. Moreover iron and protein intake among women were also too low. The analysis of food products intake indicated that above mentioned inadequacy in nutrient intake was the result of low consumption of milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and beta- carotene as well as grain products and potatoes and high consumption of products from the group other fats. The observed differences between intake and nutritional recommendation were confirmed by the indices of nutritional status. BMI indicating overweight or obesity was observed for many subjects under study, more frequently among women than among man. Biochemical analysis showed risk of deficiency of some vitamins.

Longitudinal changes in the intake of energy and macronutrients of elderly Europeans. SENECA Investigators

OBJECTIVE

To assess longitudinal changes in intakes of energy and macronutrients in elderly Europeans.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study including a dietary assessment in 1988/1989, which was repeated in 1993.

SETTING

Serial data were collected in nine European towns: Belgium: Hamme (H/B); Denmark: Roskilde (R/DK); France: Haguenau (H/F) and Romans (R/F); Italy: Padua (P/I); the Netherlands: Culemborg (C/NL); Portugal: Vila Franca de Xira (V/P); Spain: Betanzos (B/E) and Switzerland: Yverdon (Y/CH). In other centres dietary intake data were collected in 1993 only: Portugal: Coimbra (C/P); Poland: Marki (M/PL); Northern Ireland: Ballymoney-Limavady-Portstewart (BLP/NI/UK) and United States: Mansfield (Connecticut) (M/CT/USA).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using standardized methodologies, data were collected from a random stratified sample of elderly men and women born between 1913 and 1918. In 1993 dietary intake data were collected from 1125 subjects by a modified validated dietary history method.

RESULTS

Over the 4-year study period, a decline in mean energy intake of one MJ or less per day was observed in most towns, which was significant (P < 0.01) in only four of the towns. The within- and between-centre variation of change was large. Overall, a slight decline was reported for all macronutrients and with the exception of protein, large within and between centre variations were observed in both men and women.

CONCLUSION

Intake of energy and macronutrients was found to decline with age. This may be of special concern for small eaters.

[Assessment of the value of stimulation from a preparation of Tołpa peat for treatment of trauma related osteomyelitis]

Tołpa peat preparation at the dose of 5 mg per day was administered to 10 patients with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis for 6 weeks period of time. Good clinical result (ceasing of the inflammatory process) was found in 4 patients but 3 of them were concurrently treated surgically. Immunological examination (angiogenesis test and chemiluminescence test) performed before the onset and after completion of the treatment with Tołpa preparation did not reveal meaningful changes indicating immunomodulating action of the preparation on the course of posttraumatic osteomyelitis.

Influence of 12 antibiotics on antitumor immunity in BALB/c-mice

The effects of 7 days' chemotherapy with penicillin G, piperacillin, mezlocillin, cephalothin, cefamandole, cefotaxime, gentamicin, amikacin, streptomycin, rifampicin, doxycycline, and clindamycin on local tumor growth and metastatic lung colonization were studied in an experimental tumor model (BALB/c-mouse-sarcoma L-1). The antibiotic dosages administered to mice were calculated on a body weight basis from doses recommended for human therapy. Except for mezlocillin, piperacillin, rifampicin and doxycycline, antibiotic treatment did not significantly influence local tumor growth, lung colonization and immune functions. Whereas mezlocillin exerted positive (tumor suppressive) or negative (tumor promoting) effects depending on the chemotherapy schedule, tumor growth and spread were significantly increased independent of the timing scheme after rifampicin or doxycycline treatment. Since certain immune functions (delayed type hypersensitivity; proliferation of spleen lymphocytes) were significantly suppressed after administration of mezlocillin, rifampicin and doxycycline, a correlation between antimicrobial chemotherapy and tumor progression may be possible.

Staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid exerts growth factor-like activity towards human and murine cells

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was extracted from Staphylococcus saprophyticus strain S1 and tested for the capacity to induce hematopoietic and lymphatic cell proliferation. As compared to nontreated cells, the number of human bone marrow cells significantly increased in the presence of low LTA concentrations. Optimal growth was observed on the fifth day of in vitro incubation. After exposure to LTA, the lymphocyte proliferation rate also increased in a dose and time dependent manner. On the other hand, human epithelial cells and fibroblasts did not show enhanced growth activities in the presence of LTA.

Intake of vitamins and minerals. Euronut SENECA investigators

In 18 towns of 12 European countries, 1217 men and 1241 women born between 1913 and 1918 participated in a dietary survey (modified dietary history). Each country used its own nutrient data bank for the conversion of food intake data into vitamin and mineral intakes. Information on the use of nutrient supplements was collected through a questionnaire answered by the participants. Enormous variability in nutrient dietary intake was observed between and even within the different sites. The dietary intake of vitamin A was higher in northern towns and, conversely, the intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C was lower. A considerable percentage of the elderly in some towns had intakes of some nutrients below the lowest European recommended daily intakes (RDIs) and so might be at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Women in almost all towns had diets of higher nutrient density than men, except for iron. There was great variability in supplementation practices between different towns, even within a country. In northern towns, supplements were used much more frequently than in the other sites, but their use was not nutrition-oriented. Sometimes vitamin supplements were taken in large quantities, with risk of toxicity. Differences between the sexes in supplementation practices were not consistent.

Biological properties of staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid and related macromolecules

Lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) and related macromolecules (e.g. cell surface substance, CSS; cell surface antigen, CSA; cell surface complex, CSC) are a group of phosphate-containing polymers associated with the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria (32). They may be considered as surface-reactive antigens (immunogens, biological response modyfiers) as well as membrane components which mediate the attachment of certain bacteria (S. saprophyticus, S. aureus, group A streptococci) to host cell tissues.

Lectins: mediators of adhesion for bacteria in infectious diseases and for tumor cells in metastasis

Adhesion of bacteria and adhesion of tumor cells have much in common, especially the participation of lectins in this process. In the future it might be possible to inhibit the metastatic process into the liver (e.g. during surgical operations of malignant tumors) and bacterial adherence to mucosal linings or plastic devices by blocking of adhesion molecules (lectins) with appropriate glycoconjugates. Initial clinical trials are very promising.

Immunomodulation by propionibacteria

The ability of bacteria and bacterial products to modulate the immune response to unrelated antigens is well documented. Propionibacteria are amongst the most potent immunomodulators stimulating cell populations involved in nonspecific resistance. Generally, the activated immune system provides protection from infectious pathogens and malignancies via mechanisms of recognition and elimination. Accordingly, administration of propionibacteria could be shown to be of benefit in the treatment of neoplastic and infectious diseases. Thus, it can be recommended for further clinical investigations.

Effects of beta-lactam antibiotics imipenem/cilastatin and cefodizime on cellular and humoral immune responses in BALB/c-mice

The effects of a 7-day chemotherapy with two broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics (imipenem/cilastatin and cefodizime) on the humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c-mice were investigated. Antibiotic dosages were calculated on a body weight basis from therapeutical dosages in human medicine. Treatment of experimental mice with imipenem/cilastatin and cefodizime did not influence the production of immunoglobulines (IgM and IgG) nor the delayed type hypersensitivity to oxazolone. In vitro, exposure of human granulocytes to imipenem/cilastatin and cefodizime did not interfere with their phagocytic activity as determined by chemiluminescence assay. Subinhibitory concentrations of both antibiotics modified Staphylococcus aureus and made them more susceptible for granulocyte phagocytosis in chemiluminescence assays.

Tetracycline and 13-cis-retinoic acid inhibit production and activity of granulocyte activating factor (GAF) from Propionibacterium acnes

The aim of this study was to evaluate different treatment schedules on release or activity of a granulocyte activating factor (GAF) from Propionibacterium acnes. Incubation of P. acnes in physiological saline (30 min, 37 degrees C) resulted in release of a soluble factor that elicited considerable chemiluminescence response and chemotactic stimulus on human granulocytes. Pretreatment of the microorganisms with subinhibitory concentrations of tetracycline or incubation of granulocytes with 13-cis-retinoic acid significantly reduced the activating potency of GAF on these phagocytic cells. Since GAF was considered to be one of the stimuli for inflammation in acne vulgaris, administration of tetracycline and 13-cis-retinoic acid appears to be an adequate therapy.

Bacteria of human physiological microflora liberate immunomodulating peptides

Human isolates of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus saprophyticus could be shown to liberate low molecular weight peptides (MW less than 6.500 D) with immunomodulating activity. FACS analyses of BALB/c-mouse lymphoid cells from the thymus and spleen revealed an enhanced percentage of T-helper cells after peptide administration. Intestinal microflora decontamination of BALB/c-mice considerably reduced immune cell function and lymphatic tissue proliferation. Apparently, lack of peptide production or liberation correlated to immunosuppression. Substitution of peptides (from P. acnes or S. saprophyticus) to decontaminated mice reconstituted immune cell function and proliferation. Cortisone-resistant thymocytes were used as an experimental equivalent of functional cells in the thymus. Thus, cortisone treatment of BALB/c-mice significantly reduced the number of thymocytes, however, administration of microbial peptides restored the thymus population.

[The role of BAL in the process of decision making with regard to the treatment of sarcoidosis]

The results of a preliminary analysis on the role of lymphocyte count on prognosis of therapy outcome and influencing the decision to start therapy carried out on 21 patients with sarcoidosis are presented. The decision to commence treatment was carried out after BAL was performed but the results of it were not taken in account. The patients were observed for 7 to 33 months. The course of the disease was assessed basing on clinical, radiological and functional examination. In 6 patients a control BAL was carried out. The results allow to state that high lymphocyte BAL counts do not have to be poor prognostic factors. On the other hand low counts cannot predict a benign clinical course. In the discussion the authors evaluate, basing on literature data, the role of BAL in sarcoidosis.

Digestive tract microflora liberates low molecular weight peptides with immunotriggering activity

Antibiotic digestive tract decontamination in BALB/c-mice resulted in a significant reduction of peritoneal macrophage function and lymphocyte proliferation. Considerable evidence has accumulated showing that certain species of the indigenous gastrointestinal (GI)-tract microflora, e.g. Bacteroides sp., Clostridium sp., Lactobacillus sp., and Propionibacterium sp., liberate low molecular weight peptides which are able to trigger basic immune responses. Eradication of the GI-tract microflora apparently results in a lack of peptide production correlating to immunosuppression in experimental BALB/c-mice. Substitution of peptides in GI-tract decontaminated mice reconstituted macrophage function as well as proliferation of lymphatic tissue.

Blocking of lectin-like adhesion molecules on pulmonary cells inhibits lung sarcoma L-1 colonization in BALB/c-mice

Adhesion and inhibition experiments with pulmonary cells of BALB/c-mouse origin and syngeneic sarcoma L-1 cells indicated that L-fucose specific lectin-like adhesion molecules, presumably situated on pulmonary cell surfaces are (at least partly) responsible for the specificity of this cell-cell interaction. Addition of specific sugars and glycoconjugates (L-fucose and fucoidan, respectively) to the incubation medium evidently inhibited the adhesion process as quantified using radiolabelled tumor cells. Unspecific carbohydrates (e.g. D-galactose) did not affect the cellular interaction. In vivo, repeated administration of fucoidan (but not of unspecific glycoconjugates) significantly inhibited the settling of metastatic sarcoma L-1 cells in the lungs of BALB/c-mice. Therefore, when lectin-like adhesion molecules on pulmonary cells were blocked with competitive glycoconjugates, tumor cell colonization of the lung could be significantly inhibited.

[Preliminary evaluation of the diagnostic usefulness of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in selected cases of interstitial lung diseases]

Diagnostic usefulness of BAL was assessed in 25 selected cases of interstitial lung diseases. There were 14 cases of allergic alveolitis, 6 cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and one case each of sarcoidosis, lymphangiomyomatosis, granulomotosis bronchocentrica, lymphogranulomatosis maligna, alveolitis of unknown etiology. BAL was assessed diagnostically usefull in 77% of the cases. More helpful was medical history which proved to be useful in all cases, and pulmonary function tests which were helpful in 84%. Lung biopsy was diagnostic in 66.6% of the cases, TBLB in 36.5%, while open lung biopsy carried out in 6 patients was diagnostic in 100%. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a useful element of diagnostic evaluation in patients with interstitial lung disorders, it is a safe method and well tolerated by the patients.

[Allergic alveolitis in rural inhabitants]

27 rural inhabitants with allergic alveoltis were evaluated in order to determine the diagnostic usefulness of clinical, radiological, functional examination, BAL, lung biopsy, presence of serum antibodies against environmental antigens in determining the diagnosis and clinical stage of the disease. The effect of therapy and exposition on lung function tests were also discussed. Corticotherapy in most of the patients produced an improvement of vital capacity. In part of the patients isolation from environmental antigens produced stabilization of respiratory parameters. Small dose continuous corticotherapy in patients with prolonged exposition proved to be beneficial and prevented occurrances of acute relapses, as well as decrease of respiratory functional parameters values.

Intestinal microflora of BALB/c-mice and function of local immune cells

BALB/c-mice were treated for 7 days with oral nonabsorbable dosages of mezlocillin to achieve digestive tract decontamination. Such a procedure resulted in rapid eradication of most species of aerobic and anaerobic intestinal microflora. Various functions of peritoneal macrophages (e.g. chemiluminescence response, chemotactic motility, bactericidal and cytostatic ability) and lymphocyte proliferation were decreased in decontaminated animals as compared to non-treated controls.

Granulocyte activating factor released from Propionibacterium acnes. A possible mediator of inflammation in acne vulgaris

Incubation of Propionibacterium acnes but not of Propionibacterium granulosum or Propionibacterium avidum (for 30 min at 37 degrees C in physiological saline) released a soluble factor that produced enhanced chemiluminescence response of human granulocytes as well as increased chemotactic motility of these cells. Sephadex G-25 filtration of the granulocyte activating factor (GAF) revealed its low molecular weight and apparent peptide character. Thus, GAF may be a stimulus for inflammation in acne vulgaris since low molecular weight chemotactic factors can be expected to penetrate follicular walls.

Studies on a biological response modifying LYSAT from Propionibacterium avidum KP 40

Propionibacterium avidum KP 40 cells were mechanically disintegrated in order to obtain the soluble immunostimulatory (antineoplastic) LYSAT. Chemiluminescence measurements of human leukocyte function yielded enhanced activation of the cells after incubation with 2.5 and 5 mg of LYSAT. As compared to non-treated controls, administration of LYSAT to BALB/c-mice (1, 2.5 and 5 mg; intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intranasal; 7, 4 and 2 days prior to challenge) induced a significant enlargement of the spleen as well as significantly reduced sarcoma L-1 lung colonization 14 days after challenge and evidently enhanced chemiluminescence response of peritoneal macrophages.

The role of plasmids in opsonin-independent Staphylococcus aureus-leukocyte interactions

The opsonin-independent phagocytic and bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by two Staphylococcus aureus strains and their variants with differing plasmid patterns was investigated. Interactions between staphylococci and phagocytes were evaluated by chemiluminescence and intracellular killing tests. The results obtained indicate that the presence or absence of certain plasmids can modify staphylococcal phagocytosis and their susceptibility to intracellular killing. Pretreatment of the strains investigated with subinhibitory concentrations of mezlocillin and ofloxacin (10% MIC) influenced these parameters, too.

Antibiotic treatment, intestinal aerobic microflora and experimental sarcoma L-1 growth in Balb/c-mice

The present paper deals with the influence of a 10 days treatment with mezlocillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, clindamycin or gentamicin on the endogenous intestinal microflora of Balb/c-mice and on the local growth of sarcoma L-1 tumor. Clindamycin and gentamicin demonstrated no influence, whereas cefotaxime and piperacillin caused the eradication of gram-negative resp. gram-positive bacteria but these antibiotics didn't produce a growth inhibition of local L-1 sarcoma tumor. The oral or parenteral application of mezlocillin (a 3 days treatment was sufficient) eradicated the complete aerobic and anaerobic intestinal microflora. This effect was significantly correlated with an increase of the cecum weight and the inhibition of local tumor growth. Possible mechanisms of these effects are discussed.

Opsonin independent interaction of Klebsiella strains with human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Nine encapsulated Klebsiella strains with different types of fimbriation and their nonencapsulated mutants were tested for their stimulatory potency for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the absence of opsonins. The luminol chemiluminescence assay was used for these experiments. It could be shown that the interaction between Klebsiella bacteria and human leukocytes is rather complex depending not only on the presence of capsules but also on the hydrophobicity of Klebsiella surface and on the type of fimbriation existing.

Investigations on opsonin-independent antistaphylococcal activity of human neutrophilic granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes

Using cells from 20 healthy human donors the opsonin-independent staphylococcal killing abilities of peripheral blood neutrophilic granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes were studied. S. aureus strains T 1 and T 14, S. sciuri strain S I, S. saprophyticus strain S III and S. simulans strain S V were selected for these experiments because of their differing cell wall composition, surface hydrophobicity, protein A content and extracellular enzyme activity spectrum. We could demonstrate a very individual activity range of these cells against staphylococci. On the other hand each staphylococcal strain examined behaved in a very typical way in its susceptibility against the killing by human phagocytes and lymphocytes. Repeated tests in monthly intervals showed that the staphylococcal killing activity range of phagocytes and lymphocytes of a certain healthy donor remains constant and stable.

Effects of ciprofloxacin on the humoral and cellular immune responses in Balb/c-mice

The effects of a 7 days chemotherapy with ciprofloxacin on the humoral and cellular immune responses in Balb/c-mice were examined. Ciprofloxacin-doses used were calculated on a body weight basis from therapeutic dosages in humans. In a dose-dependent way IgM as well as IgG responses were significantly increased. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to oxazolone was not significantly changed. In in vivo as well in vitro experiments ciprofloxacin showed no modulatory activity on the concanavalin A and LPS-induced proliferative activities of mouse spleen cells.

Effect of streptolysin S from Streptococcus pyogenes on contact sensitivity in mice

Streptolysin S, a hemolytic toxin produced by strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, was examined for its effect on cellular immune reaction in mice. The toxin given intraperitoneally for six consecutive days did not influence intensiveness of delayed hypersensitivity to oxazolone which has been used as a model of cellular immune reaction. Streptolysin S injected subcutaneously, closely to lymph nodes directly involved in immune response, markedly suppressed delayed hypersensitivity. Significant inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by streptolysin S was observed both in vivo as well as in vitro experiments.

[Animal experiment studies on the modification of the immune system by ofloxacin]

Ofloxacin, one of the new group of quinolone antibiotics, was investigated with respect to its possible interactions with different parameters of the immune system. The study was performed in vivo on Balb/c-mice treated for seven days with different doses of the antibiotic and in vitro on human phagocytes from peripheral blood. It was found that ofloxacin does not affect cellular or humoral immune responses in mice. Moreover, human phagocytic cells exposed in vitro even to high concentrations of the drug did not show any significant changes in their function. On the other hand, it was observed that subinhibitory concentrations of ofloxacin induced an increased susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus 511-Jena to the bactericidal activity of phagocytes.

Small-cell lung cancer and immunochemotherapy with Propionibacterium granulosum KP 45

Seventy-nine patients with small-cell lung cancer were treated with vincristin, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide in inductive therapy and with methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and procarbazine in maintenance therapy. Patients were divided at random into two groups: one group received chemotherapy alone and the second group was additionally subjected to systemic immunotherapy with Propionibacterium granulosum strain KP-45. In general, differences in the frequency of therapy response and in duration of remission could not be stated between the two groups of patients, but patients responding to chemotherapy showed a significantly longer remission time and lower complication rates. This benificial effect of chemoimmunotherapy is not related to a direct antitumor activity of the immunomodifier used, but to the lowered risk of myelosuppression and infections. Immunomodulation in combination with chemo- and/or radiotherapy can be recommended for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

Suppression of cell-mediated immune reactivity by peptides cleaved from human fibrinogen

Peptides derived from fibrinogen, known from earlier studies to inhibit the stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro and to suppress the humoral immune response in vivo, were investigated for their effect on cell-mediated immune reactivity in mice. An unfractioned mixture of peptides with molecular weights under 3,500 injected intraperitoneally at repeated intervals suppressed the contact hypersensitivity to oxazolone but did not influence the skin inflammatory reaction to croton oil. Local injections of peptides had a stronger effect on contact hypersensitivity. Four 200 micrograms local injections of peptides prior to sensitization abolished the increase in lymph node weight and the uptake of 125I-iododeoxyuridine in the draining lymph node after sensitization. Three previously isolated peptides with vasoactive effects inhibited Con A-stimulated incorporation of 3H-thymidine into spleen cells. The first, a pentapeptide (Ala-Arg-Pro-Ala-Lys), and the second, an undecapeptide (Ser-Glu-Leu-Gln-Lys-Val-Pro-Pro-Glu-Trp-Lys) both with an enhancing effect on microvascular permeability, were more potent than the third, a pentapeptide with slight vasoconstrictive properties (Thr-Ser-Glu-Val-Lys). Cell viability was not altered, as measured by trypan blue exclusion and the release of 86Rb. Accumulating evidence indicates that peptides derived from fibrin may be of importance as modulators of cellular immunoreactivity in a number of clinical conditions.

Antibiotics and immunomodulation: effects of cefotaxime, amikacin, mezlocillin, piperacillin and clindamycin

The effects of 7 days' chemotherapy on the humoral and cellular parameters of the host immune system are described. In Balb/c mice the effects of cefotaxime, amikacin, mezlocillin, piperacillin and clindamycin were examined. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, as well as the IgM and IgG responses, were suppressed by four of the five drugs tested: cefotaxime, amikacin, mezlocillin and piperacillin. One to two weeks after completion of chemotherapy with cefotaxime and amikacin, these parameters returned to normal values, whereas the mezlocillin- or piperacillin-modified reactions were still suppressed after 20 days. The concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferative activities of mouse spleen cells were suppressed, especially by mezlocillin. The possible consequences of the immunomodulating effects of antibiotics for antimicrobial chemotherapy are discussed.

Rifampicin-induced suppression of antitumor immunity

The effect of rifampicin on transplantable tumor growth and antitumor immunity was studied. The growth of transplantable lung sarcoma was significantly enhanced in mice when rifampicin was given for 7 days or longer. Also, the antitumor effects of preimmunization of the animals with killed tumor cells were abrogated by this antibiotic. In vitro studies showed that spleen cells from tumor-bearing animals expressed significantly lower specific cytotoxicity toward syngeneic tumor cells, when the animals had been previously treated with rifampicin. Also, natural killer activity in healthy animals was diminished in mice receiving the antibiotic.

Effects of cefotaxime, clindamycin, mezlocillin, and piperacillin on mouse sarcoma L-1 tumor

For the study described in the paper, the effects of 10 days' chemotherapy with cefotaxime, clindamycin, mezlocillin, and piperacillin on local tumor growth and on spontaneous or artificial metastatic spread into the lungs were studied. For the animal tumor model Balb/c mice and the mouse sarcoma L-1 tumor were used. Chemotherapy was administered before, immediately after, or some time after the injection of tumor cells. The antibiotic dosage given to mice was calculated on a body weight basis from the doses recommended for humans. Cefotaxime and clindamycin did not influence the animal tumor model, whereas mezlocillin and piperacillin showed positive or negative effects depending on the chemotherapy schedule. In vitro none of the four antibiotics caused cytotoxic activity in cell cultures of mouse sarcoma L-1, human lung cancer E-14, or human malignant melanoma MEW.