Early screening to identify and diagnose primary nasal tuberculosis in patients with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Liu et al.Based on our analysis of a case report,we consider that early screening and recognition of primary nasal tuberculosis are crucial for patients undergoing treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor(TNFi).While TNFi therapy increases the risk of reactivating latent tuberculosis,primary nasal tuberculosis remains rare due to the protective mechanisms of the nasal mucosa.Risk factors for primary nasal tuberculosis include minimally invasive nasal surgery,diabetes,and human immunodefi ciency virus.Patients with early symptoms such as nasal congestion,rhinorrhea,altered olfaction,epistaxis,or ulceration,and unresponsive to conventional antibiotics and antihistamines should undergo early rhinoscopy,possibly followed by repeated tissue biopsies and acid-fast bacilli culture when necessary.When diagnosis is challenging,it is essential to consider local tuberculosis epidemiology and the efficacy of diagnostic antituberculosis treatment.The preferred method for tuberculosis screening is the Interferon Gamma Release Assay,with a general recommendation for screening at 3 and 6 months after initial treatment and then every six months.However,the optimal frequency is not yet consensus-driven and may be increased in economically viable settings.

Study of tumor necrosis factor receptor in the inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn’s disease(CD)are part of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IBD)and have pathophysiological processes such as bowel necrosis and enteric neurons and enteric glial cells.In addition,the main inflammatory mediator is related to the tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).TNF-αis a mediator of the intestinal inflammatory processes,thus being one of the main cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,however,its levels,when measured,are present in the serum of patients with IBD.In addition,TNF-αplays an important role in promoting inflammation,such as the production of interleukins(IL),for instance IL-1βand IL-6.There are two receptors for TNF as following:The tumor necrosis factor 1 receptor(TNFR1);and the tumor necrosis factor 2 receptor(TNFR2).They are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and their receptors have been detected in IBD and their expression is correlated with disease activity.The soluble TNF form binds to the TNFR1 receptor with,and its activation results in a signaling cascade effects such as apoptosis,cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.In contrast,the transmembrane TNF form can bind both to TNFR1 and TNFR2.Recent studies have suggested that TNF-αis one of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,since TNF levels are present in the serum of both patients with UC and CD.Intravenous and subcutaneous biologics targeting TNF-αhave revolutionized the treatment of IBD,thus becoming the best available agents to induce and maintain IBD remission.The application of antibodies aimed at neutralizing TNF-αin patients with IBD that induce a satisfactory clinical response in up to 60%of patients,and also induced long-term maintenance of disease remission in most patients.It has been suggested that anti-TNF-αagents inactivate the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-αby direct neutralization,i.e.,resulting in suppression of inflammation.However,anti-TNF-αantibodies perform more complex functions than a simple blockade.

Predictors and optimal management of tumor necrosis factor antagonist nonresponse in inflammatory bowel disease:A literature review

Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)antagonists,the first biologics approved for treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),are effective for the induction and maintenance of remission and significantly improving prognosis.However,up to one-third of treated patients show primary nonresponse(PNR)to anti-TNF-αtherapies,and 23%-50%of IBD patients experience loss of response(LOR)to these biologics during subsequent treatment.There is still no recognized predictor for evaluating the efficacy of anti-TNF drugs.This review summarizes the existing predictors of PNR and LOR to anti-TNF in IBD patients.Most predictors remain controversial,and only previous surgical history,disease manifestations,drug concentrations,antidrug antibodies,serum albumin,some biologic markers,and some genetic markers may be potentially predictive.In addition,we also discuss the next steps of treatment for patients with PNR or LOR to TNF antagonists.Therapeutic drug monitoring plays an important role in treatment selection.Dose escalation,combination therapy,switching to a different anti-TNF drug,or switching to a biologic with a different mechanism of action can be selected based on the concentration of the drug and/or antidrug antibodies.

Joint Detection of Serum Vitamin D,Body Mass Index,and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha for the Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease

Objective Vitamin D(VD)deficiency was reported to contribute to the progression of Crohn’s disease(CD)and affect the prognosis of CD patients.This study investigated the role of serum VD,body mass index(BMI),and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.Methods CD patients(n=76)and healthy subjects(n=76)were enrolled between May 2019 and December 2020.The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]levels,BMI,and TNF-αlevels,together with other biochemical parameters,were assessed before treatment.The diagnostic efficacy of the single and joint detection of serum 25(OH)D,BMI,and TNF-αwas determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results The levels of 25(OH)D,BMI,and nutritional indicators,including hemoglobin,total protein,albumin,and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,were much lower,and the TNF-αlevels were much higher in the CD patients than in the healthy subjects(P<0.05 for all).The areas under the ROC curve for the single detection of 25(OH)D,BMI,and TNF-αwere 0.887,0.896,and 0.838,respectively,with the optimal cutoff values being 20.64 ng/mL,19.77 kg/m^(2),and 6.85 fmol/mL,respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the joint detection of 25(OH)D,BMI,and TNF-αwas the highest,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.988(95%CI:0.968–1.000).Conclusion The joint detection of 25(OH)D,TNF-α,and BMI showed high sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy in CD diagnosis;thus,it would be effective for the diagnosis of CD in clinical practice.

Acute heart failure as an adverse event of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease:A review of the literature

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors(anti-TNFs)are widely used therapies for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD);however,their administration is not risk-free.Heart failure(HF),although rare,is a potential adverse event related to administration of these medications.However,the exact mechanism of development of HF remains obscure.TNFαis found in both healthy and damaged hearts.Its effects are concentration-and receptor-dependent,promoting either cardio-protection or cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Experimental rat models with TNFαreceptor knockout showed increased survival rates,less reactive oxygen species formation,and improved diastolic left ventricle pressure.However,clinical trials employing anti-TNF therapy to treat HF had disappointing results,suggesting abolishment of the cardioprotective properties of TNFα,making cardiomyocytes susceptible to apoptosis and oxidation.Thus,patients with IBD who have risk factors should be screened for HF before initiating anti-TNF therapy.This review aims to discuss adverse events associated with the administration of anti-TNF therapy,with a focus on HF,and propose some approaches to avoid cardiac adverse events in patients with IBD.

Recombination Mutant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Combined with Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Cancer

Objective: Past studies showed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) assisted anti-tumor treatment and intensified the sensitivity of chemotherapy. However its clinical application has been curbed because of its low purity, high dosage, and strong toxicity. The objective of present study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor (rmhTNF) combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced malignant tumor. Methods: 105 patients with advanced malignant tumor were randomly divided into trial group, 69 patients, and control group, 36 patients. rmhTNF was injected intramuscularly to the trial group at a dose of 4×106 U/m2, from the 1st to 7th days, the 11th to 17th days combined with chemotherapy course. The chemotherapy plan was as follows: CAP for patients with the NSCLC; FAM for patients with gastric cancer; FC for patients with colorectal cancer. One treatment cycle lasted for 21 days and two cycles were scheduled. The control group was given only the same chemotherapy as the trial group. Results: In the trial group there was 1 CR case and 12 PR cases, and the response rate was 13/69 (18.84%); in the control group 1 PR case, the response rate 1/36 (2.78%). The response rate in the trial group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.022). The response rate for NSCLC in the trial group was 8/17 (47.06%), and 1/6 (16.67%) in the control group. The response rates for gastric cancer and colorectal cancer in the trial groups also were higher than those in the control groups. After the treatment the KPS was 89.00±9.92 in the trial group, and 84.17±8.84 in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.028). The adverse reactions of rmhTNF injection included: pain in the injection area, chill, hardening and swelling and redness in the injection area, fever, ostealgia and myosalgia, and cold-like symptoms. All these adverse reactions were mild and bearable. Conclusion: The administration of rmhTNF in combination with general chemotherapy is an effective and secure means in treating advanced malignant tumor.

Uptake of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and expression of tumor necrosis factor α mRNA in isolated rat intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells *

AIM To study the uptake of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and expression of tumor necrosis factor α mRNA (TNF α mRNA) with cultured rat intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells.

Molecular mechanism of action of anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies in inflammatory bowel diseases

Anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF) antibodies are successfully used in the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD). However, the molecular mechanism of action of these agents is still a matter of debate. Apart from neutralization of TNF, influence on the intestinal barrier function, induction of apoptosis in mucosal immune cells, formation of regulatory macrophages as well as other immune modulating properties have been discussed as central features. Nevertheless, clinically effective anti-TNF antibodies were shown to differ in their mode-of-action in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the anti-TNF agent etanercept is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but failed to induce clinical response in Crohn's disease patients, suggesting different contributions of TNF in the pathogenesis of these inflammatory diseases. In the following, we will review different aspects regarding the mechanism of action of anti-TNF agents in general and analyze comparatively different effects of each antiTNF agent such as TNF neutralization, modulation of the immune system, reverse signaling and induction of apoptosis. We discuss the relevance of the membranebound form of TNF compared to the soluble form for the immunopathogenesis of IBD. Furthermore, we review reports that could lead to personalized medicine approaches regarding treatment with antiTNF antibodies in chronic intestinal inflammation, by predicting response to therapy.

Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM: To evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cirrhotic patients who have hepatic and renal impairment with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA POLYMORPHISM AND SECRETION IN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Objective To analyze the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) gene promoter -308 polymorphism and myasthenia gravis (MG) in Chinese and analyze secretion of TNFα in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in MG patients. Methods A biallelic polymorphism at position -308 in the promoter of TNFα gene was screened by PCR amplification and NcoI recognition site. One hundred and twenty-three MG cases and 115 healthy controls were included in this study. MG patients were classified to different groups according to clinical type, age at onset, and sex respectively. PBMC were isolated from 20 patients and 20 healthy controls, and then cultured in the presence or absence of phytohemag- glutinin (PHA) and acetycholine receptors (AchR). The supernatants were harvested after incubation and stored until TNFα was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The frequency of TNFα-308 allele 2 (A) was found significantly increase in MG patients and showed a trend especially in late onset (≥ 40 years) and male patients (P < 0.05). The allele A had no relationship with thymic pathogenesis in MG patients. But frequency of allele A was significantly higher in general type than in ocular type (P < 0.05). MG patients had a higher inducible level of TNFα by PHA and AchR, and could be down regulated after treatment. Conclusion Polymorphism in TNFα gene promoter -308 is associated with onset of MG. The microsatellite allele TNFα2 confer risk for the development of MG in Chinese patients. MG patients have a higher inducible level of TNFα.

Anti Cervix Cancer Activity of Co-immobilized Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interferon-γ

Tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） and interferon-γ （IFN-γ） are cytokines with strong antitumor activities. They were reacted with a photoactive arylazide-4-azidobenzoic acid, resulting in photoactive TNF-α and IFN-γ. The infrared （IR） spectra of these products showed the characteristic absorption of an azido group at 2127 cm^-1. By photo-immobilization, this modified TNF-α and IFN-γ were immobilized on polystyrene membranes for cell culture to prepare biomaterials. The micro-morphology of photoactive cytokines was observed with a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The inhibitory effect on growth of Hela cells and inducing apoptosis activity of these two cytokines were analyzed by growth curve, transmission electron microscope （TEM） and fluorescence active cell sorter （FACS）. The results showed that co-immobilization of IFN-γ and TNF-α had significant inhibitory effect on growth of Hela cells, inhibitory rate up to 82%, and IFN-γ had obviously synergistic action.

The Change of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced interleukin 6 (IL 6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) expression in culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the plasma levels of IL 6 and TNF α in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were measured and the relationship between OSAS and IL 6 or TNF α expression studied. Both IL 6 and TNF α were detected by using ELISA in 22 patients with OSAS and 16 normal controls. The levels of LPS induced IL 6 (787.82±151.97 pg/ml) and TNF α (4165.45±1501.43 pg/ml) expression in the supernatant of the culture of PBMC and plasma level of IL 6 (50.67±4.70 pg/ml) and TNF α (299.09±43.57 pg/ml) in the patients with OSAS were significantly higher than those in the normal controls (in the supernatant of the culture of PBMC: 562.69±197.54 pg/ml and 1596.25±403.08 pg/ml respectively; in the plasma: 12.69±2.75 pg/ml and 101.88±21.27 pg/ml respectively). There were significantly positive correlation between the levels of IL 6 and TNF α and the percentage of time of apnea and hyponea, as well as the percentage of time spending at SaO 2 below 90 % in the total sleep time. It was concluded that LPS induced IL 6 and TNF α levels as well as plasma IL 6 and TNF α levels in the patients with OSAS were up regulated, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of OSAS.

Claudin 1 mediates tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced cell migration in human gastric cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the role of claudin 1 in the regulation of genes involved in cell migration and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&#x003b1;)-induced gene expression in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

Cytomegalovirus colitis in a patient with Behcet’s disease receiving tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitory treatment

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are effective in the treatment of various inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Increased risks of serious infections are the major issues concerning the long-term safety of these agents. We present a case of a young male Behcet’s patient whose disease was complicated by cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis. Colitis started 10 d after the third Infliximab dose and responded to the cessation of TNF blocking treatment and administration of ganciclovir. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma act at several levels in combating viral infections.CMV infections should be kept in mind and included in the differential diagnosis of severe gastrointestinal symptoms in patients receiving anti-TNF agents.

The Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines of Recurrence Condyloma Acuminatum Patients Produce Lower Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor Stimulated with LPS

To study the mechanism of Condyloma acuminatum (CA) recurrence, and the association of CA recurrence with the ability of the host derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) stimulated by LPS to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF), EBV-transformed B LCL were used as TNF producing cells The ability of LCL stimulated by LPS to produce TNF was measured by bioassay The results showed that the LCL from CA patients (including recurrent and non-recurrent CA patients) produced similar level of TNF stimulated by LPS to that of normal controls (29 54%±11 28% vs 34 31%±11 46%, P =0 1498) The LCL of CA recurrent patients produced significantly lower amount of TNF than that of non-recurrent CA patients (23 72%±7 41% vs 37 33%±11 10%, P =0 0032) Compared with the normal controls, CA recurrent patients showed a decreased ability to produce TNF (23 72%±7 41 vs 34 31%±11 46, P =0 0054), whereas CA non recurrent patients had the similar ability to the controls (37 33%±11 10 vs 34 31%±11 46, P =0 4914) It was concluded that the onset of CA was not relevant to the individual's ability to produce TNF But the recurrence of CA was associated with the ability to produce TNF It was also indicated that the TNF involved cellular immunity might play an important role in the clearance of the residual HPV by the host after treatment

Effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on rheumatoid arthritis-induced peripheral neuropathy A cohort study

In this historical cohort study, 236 patients with primary rheumatoid arthritis were treated with the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, etanercept or infliximab （n = 80）, or by conventional methods （n = 156）. Results revealed that 11 patients developed varying types of peripheral neuropathy at 1-2 years post-treatment （mean 16 months）. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy in the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors treatment group was 8.8% （7/80）, which was significantly higher than the conventional treatment group （2.6%; 4/156）. The relative risk of developing peripheral neuropathy in the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors treatment group was 3.41 （95% confidence interval： 1.03 11.31）. Comparison of the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors revealed that etanercept and infliximab had no significant difference in terms of inducing peripheral neuropathy. Experimental findings indicate that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Genetic polymorphisms predict response to anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment in Crohn's disease

To investigate genetic factors that might help define which Crohn’s disease (CD) patients are likely to benefit from anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. METHODSThis was a prospective cohort study. Patients were recruited from a university digestive disease practice database. We included CD patients who received anti-TNF therapy, had available medical records (with information on treatment duration and efficacy) and who consented to participation. Patients with allergic reactions were excluded. Patients were grouped as ever-responders or non-responders. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed. The main outcome measure (following exposure to the drug) was response to therapy. The patient genotypes were assessed as the predictors of outcome. Possible confounders and effect modifiers included age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status disease, as well as disease characteristics (such as Montreal criteria). RESULTS121 patients were included. Twenty-one were non-responders, and 100 were ever-responders. Fas ligand SNP (rs763110) genotype frequencies, TNF gene -308 SNP (rs1800629) genotype frequencies, and their combination, were significantly different between groups on multivariable analysis controlling for Montreal disease behavior and perianal disease. The odds of a patient with a Fas ligand CC genotype being a non-responder were four-fold higher as compared to a TC or TT genotype (P = 0.009, OR = 4.30, 95%CI: 1.45-12.80). The presence of the A (minor) TNF gene -308 allele correlated with three-fold higher odds of being a non-responder (P = 0.049, OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.01-8.22). Patients with the combination of the Fas ligand CC genotype and the TNF -308 A allele had nearly five-fold higher odds of being a non-responder (P = 0.015, OR = 4.76, 95%CI: 1.35-16.77). No difference was seen for the remaining SNPs. CONCLUSIONThe Fas-ligand SNP and TNF gene -308 SNP are associated with anti-TNF treatment response in CD and may help select patients likely to benefit from therapy.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases intestinal permeability in mice with fulminant hepatic failure

AIM:To determine the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) on intestinal permeability(IP) in mice with fulminant hepatic failure(FHF),and the expression of tight junction proteins.METHODS:We selected D-lactate as an index of IP,induced FHF using D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine/TNF-α,assessed the results using an enzymatic-spectrophotometric method,transmission electron microscopy,immunohistochemistry,Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The effect of the administration of antiTNF-α immunoglobulin G(IgG) antibody,before the administration of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide,on TNF-α was also assessed.RESULTS:IP was significantly increased in the mouse model of FHF 6 h after injection(13.57 ± 1.70 mg/L,13.02 ± 1.97 mg/L vs 3.76 ± 0.67 mg/L,P = 0.001).Electron microscopic analysis revealed tight junction(TJ) disruptions,epithelial cell swelling,and atrophy of intestinal villi.Expression of occludin and claudin-1 mRNA was significantly decreased in both FHF models(occludin:0.57 ± 0.159 fold vs baseline,P = 0.000;claudin-1:0.3067 ± 0.1291 fold vs baseline,P = 0.003),as were the distribution density of proteins in the intestinal mucosa and the levels of occludin and claudin-1 protein(occludin:0.61 ± 0.0473 fold vs baseline,P = 0.000;claudin-1:0.6633 ± 0.0328 fold vs baseline,P = 0.000).Prophylactic treatment with antiTNF-α IgG antibody prevented changes in IP(4.50 ± 0.97 mg/L vs 3.76 ± 0.67 mg/L,P = 0.791),intestinal tissue ultrastructure,and the mRNA levels of occludin and claudin-1 expression(occludin:0.8865 ± 0.0274 fold vs baseline,P = 0.505;claudin-1:0.85 ± 0.1437 fold vs baseline,P = 0.1),and in the protein levels(occludin:0.9467 ± 0.0285 fold vs baseline,P > 0.05;claudin-1:0.9533 ± 0.0186 fold vs baseline,P = 0.148).CONCLUSION:Increased in IP stemmed from the downregulation of the TJ proteins occludin and claudin-1,and destruction of the TJ in the colon,which were induced by TNF-α in FHF mice.

Increased serum and ascitic fluid levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor-p55 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Objective: To explore the levels of serum and ascitic fluid soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-p55 (sTNFR-p55) and understand their clinical implication in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the levels of sTNFR-p55 in the serum and ascitic fluid in 25 HCC patients and 25 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). The test was also performed on the serum of 30 healthy subjects who served as control group. To assess the clinical effects of increased serum concentrations of sTNFR-p55, four parameters were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Serum and ascitic fluid levels of sTNFR-p55 in HCC patients were significantly higher than those in LC patients and controls (P=0. 001). No significant difference was found between serum sTNFR-p55 levels in the latter 2 groups (P = 0. 19), and positive correlation between serum levels of sTNFR-p55 and that in ascitic fluid was noted in the 2 patient groups (r=1. 000, P<0. 001). Levels of the sTNFR-p55 positively correlated with TBIL and AFP in the peripheral blood of HCC patients (r=0. 524, P = 0. 01 and r=0. 234, P = 0. 03, respectively). Conclusion: Increased levels of sTNFRs-p55 in the serum and ascitic fluid could reflect the abnormal immune status of the HCC patients and may help predict the development of the tumor.

Interleukin-1β,Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Calf Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Summary: To investigate whether interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1 ) mRNA and protein in calf aortic smooth muscle cells(SMCs), calf aortic SMCs were cultured by a substrate-attached explant method. The cultured SMCs were used between the third to the fifth passage. After the cells became confluent, the SMCs were exposed to 2 ng/ml IL-1β, 20ng/ml TNF-1α and 100 ng/ml LPS respectively, and the total RNA of SMCs which were incubated for 4 h at 37℃ were extracted from the cells by using guanidinium isothiocyanate method. The expres- ion of MCP-1 mRNA in SMCs was detected by using dot blotting analysis using a probe of γ-32 P- end-labelled 35-mer oligonucleotide. After a 24-h incubation, the media conditioned by the cul- tured SMCs were collected. The MCP-1 protein content in the conditioned media was determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results were as follows: Dot blotting analysis showed that the cul- tured SMCs could express MCP-1 mRNA. After a 4-h exposure to IL-1β, TNF-α and LPS, the MCP-1 mRNA expression in SMCs was increased (3.6-fold, 2. 3-fold and 1. 6-fold, respectively). ELISA showed that the levels of MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media were also increased (2.9- fold, 1.7-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively). The results suggest that calf aortic SMCs could ex- press MCP-1 mRNA and protein. IL-1β and TNF-α can induce strong expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, and the former is more effective than the latter.