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.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF)-308G/A and Interleukin 8(IL-8)-251C/T Polymorphisms in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients from Congo

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Tumor necrosis factor-Alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) are involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary TB (PTB). However, the contribution of polymorphisms of these cytokines to PTB susceptibility needed more investigation across geographic regions and ethnic groups. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the TNF-α-308 G/A and IL-8-251T/A polymorphisms with PTB risk in the Congolese population. Methods: This case-control study included 150 PTB patients and 160 control subjects. Blood samples were collected from all participants and were used for the TNF-α-308 G/A and IL-8-251T/A genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to estimate the potential polymorphism associations. A P level of Results: A significant difference was found between PTB patients and controls regarding the TNF-α-308AA genotype (P = 0.035) distribution. Moreover, this genotype was associated with risk to TB (OR = 7.19, 95% CI = 0.85 - 60.65, P = 0.035). The A allele was significantly more frequent in PTB patients than in controls, and was associated with risk to PTB (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.05 - 2.68, P = 0.014). Regarding the IL-8-251T/A gene, TA and AA genotypes were significantly more frequent in PTB patients compared to controls, and were associated with increased risk to PTB (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 0.97 - 7.18, P = 0.031 and OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.13 - 7.98, P = 0.014, respectively). However, the IL-8-251 A allele was not associated to PTB susceptibility (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.15 - 0.44). Conclusion: TNF-α-308G/A and IL-8-251T/A polymorphisms may be associated to PTB susceptibility in the Congolese population, and the AA genotype of both cytokines could be a risk factor.

Evaluation of leptin,interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in serum of malaria patients as prognostic markers of treatment outcome

Objective:To analyze scrum leptin levels in patients with malaria falciparum and compare them with healthy controls and correlate with development and outcome of malaria infection.Methods:Sixty cases of malaria falciparum were included in this study as patients.Thirty healthy individuals of comparable age,racial and body mass index were taken as controls.All patients were diagnosed by clinical picture and the presence of malaria parasites in blood film.Estimation of liver function test,kidney function test,complete blood count,fasting blood sugar,fasting serum insulin,pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFα)and interleukin 1(IL1),estimation of morning serum leptin and calculation of body mass index(kg/m^2)were done in both groups on the day of admission,on discharge and 7 d after discharge.Results:At admission,leptin levels were significantly higher in patients group than in control while lasting serum insulin levels were not significantly different between the two groups.There were significant increases as regard to TNFαand IL1 in malaria patients.Significant differences were observed between the control and the patient group for leptin,TNFαand IL1 at the time of admission and discharge.After discharge for 7 d.a significant decline in scrum leptin levels,TNFαand IL1 in the patients group was observed as compared with time of admission and time of discharge,a positive correlation between serum leptin levels and TNFαand IL1.Conclusions:Leptin hormone level might play an important role in development and outcome of malaria infection.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) in spotted halibut Verasper variegatus at the embryonic and metamorphic stages

As an aquatic fish,the spotted halibut Verasper variegatus is highly susceptible to bacterial and virus infections.Tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)as a cytokine could control the inflammatory responses.The functions of TNF-αin many species have been widely studied,particularly in mammals.However,little is known about the TNF-αfunctions in V.variegatus.We first cloned and sequenced the TNF-αgene in V.variegatus(VvTNF-α).The two conserved cysteine residues,transmembrane sequence,Thr-Leu motif,and TNF family signature,as well as the TA-rich motifs of its proteins related to inflammatory responses had high similarity to those of the other teleost and mammalian TNF-α.The phylogenetic analysis showed that VvTNF-αwas consistent with TNF-αgenes of other vertebrates.The VvTNF-αtranscripts were extensively distributed in the peripheral blood leukocytes(PBLs),spleen,and gill,indicating that the VvTNF-αhad a role in immune function.Furthermore,treatment with pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs)could induce a rapid and significant increase of VvTNF-αin the PBLs,which reveals that VvTNF-αdoes participate in the host immune responses against bacterial and viral pathogens.We found that VvTNF-αhad an interesting expression pattern during metamorphosis,showing that the flatfish TNF-αmay have some novel functions during specific developmental stages.In addition,the 3 D structure prediction of VvTNF-αprovided an indication of how it is likely to interact with other proteins.Therefore,VvTNF-αhas multiple functions,and provides valuable information to explore novel functions of TNF-α.

Responses of serum inflammatory factor high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in elderly males with cerebral infarction Non-randomized concurrent control

BACKGROUND： Cerebral infarction is poorly treated due to neuronal necrosis and secondary pathophysiological changes; for example, free radical production and inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE： To detect the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and tumor necrosis factor- a （TNF- α ） in elderly males with cerebral infarction. DESIGN： Non-randomized current control study. SETTING： Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Forty elderly males （65-89 years old） with cerebral infarction were selected from Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital from February 2004 to December 2006. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of cerebral infarction modified at the 4th National Cerebrovascular Disease Academic Meeting, and were diagnosed on the basis of CT or MRI tests. Furthermore, 35 elderly male inpatients （65-87 years old） without cerebral infarction were selected as the control group. Included subjects provided confirmed consent and did not have heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lipid disorder, acute trauma, infection, rheumatism, or other inflammatory diseases. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. There were no significant differences in age, blood pressure, and lipid levels between the cerebral infarction group and the control group （P 〉 0.05）, and this suggested that the baseline data of both groups were comparable. METHODS： Fasting venous blood was drawn from cerebral infarction patients 24 hours after cerebral infarction attack and from control subjects 24 hours after hospitalization. A latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF- α in the serum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The levels of hs-CRP, 1L-6, and TNF- α in the serum in both groups. RESULTS： Forty cerebral infarction patients and thirty-five control subjects were included in the final analysis without any loss. Levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the cerebral infarction group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Levels of serum inflammatory reactive factors are increased in elderly males with cerebral infarction.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine;tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibits astrocytic support of neuronal survival and neurites outgrowth

Reactive astrogliosis has been implicated in the failure of axonal regeneration in adult mammalian Central Nervous System (CNS). It is our hypothesis that inflammatory cytokines act upon astrocytes to alter their biochemical and physical properties, which may in turn be responsible for the failure of neuronal regeneration. We have therefore examined the effect of tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on the ability of astrocytes to support the survival of the cortical neurons and the growth of the neurites. Mouse astrocytes and cortical neuronal cultures were prepared. It was observed that when neurons were cultured in absence of astrocytes only a few of them grew and survived only for 5-6 days. These neurons had small cell bodies and few, short neurites. However, when the same numbers of neurons were cultured on the top of astrocytes, more neurons grew and survived up to 16-18 days. They had bigger cell bodies and many long branched neurites that formed anestamosing networks. The neurons then coalesced and the neurites formed thick bundles. When the same numbers of neurons were grown on the top of astrocytes pre-treated with TNF-α, few neurons survived up to 13 days. The neurites of the survived neurons were shorter than neurites of neurons grown on normal astrocytes and did not form bundles. In addition, TNF-α stimulated the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by astrocytes. These results support that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α modulates the gliosis and that the astrocytic cell supports neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth.

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.

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.

Hemozoin triggers tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated release of lysozyme by human adherent monocytes:new evidences on leukocyte degranulation in P.falciparum malaria

Objective:Avidly phagocytosed hemozoin(malarial pigment) alters several functions of human monocytes and stimulates generation of several cytokines.Recently,we showed that phagocytosis of hemozoin by human monocytes increases expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9,a proteolytic enzyme available in specific gelatinase granules,which contain several enzymes including lysozyme.Present work investigated active lysozyme release after phagocytosis of hemozoin and its dependence on production of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Methods:After phagocytosis of hemozoin,hemozoin-containing trophozoites or control meals(opsonized nonparasitized red blood cells and latex particles),monocyte supematants were monitored for 2 hours,in presence of blocking anti-human tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies or recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha cytokine in selected experiments.Lysozyme release was evaluated by a specific spectrometric assay measuring lysozyme activity after coincubation of cell supematants with suspensions of Mycrococcus Lysodeikticus,while levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha were analyzed by specific enzyme-linked immunodsorbent assay. Results:Levels of lysozyme activity and soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha protein were increased in hemozoin in-or trophozoites-laden monocytes supematants.Phagocytosis per se(control meals) also increased lysozyme release,but levels were significantly lower than those obtained after phagocytosis of hemozoin or trophozoites. Interestingly,all effects on lysozyme release observed after phagocytosis were abrogated by blocking anti-human tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies,while they were mimicked by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha cytokine.Conclusions:Present work shows that phagocytosis of hemozoin promotes monocyte degranulation and enhances active lysozyme release.The effect requires tumor necrosis factor alpha mediation.

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.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in rats with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: With the development of hepatic surgery, especially liver transplantation, the pathophysiological processes of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury have gained special attention. Controlling I/R injury has become one of the most important factors for successful liver transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in rats with hepatic I/R injury and promote the recognition of I/R injury in the liver. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rats in the sham-operated (SO) group served as controls. Rats in the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group underwent reperfusion after 30 minutes of liver ischemia. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 6 and 12 hours. The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in the liver was measured by RT-PCR. Histological changes in the liver were assessed. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were measured. RESULTS: The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in the SO group was decreased compared with that in the I/R group (P<0.05). TNF-a mRNA expression progressively increased in the I/R group. The serum levels of ALT and AST in the I/R group were higher than those in the SO group (P<0.01). The histological changes were in accord with hepatic I/R injury. CONCLUSION: ALT and AST in serum are closely related to hepatic I/R injury and inflammatory reaction. TNF-alpha production in the liver triggers hepatic I/R injury through a cascade.

Higher production of tumor necrosis factor alpha in hemozoin-fed human adherent monocytes is dependent on lipidic component of malarial pigment:new evidences on cytokine regulation in Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Objective:To investigate whether the increase of tumor necrosis factor alpha is dependent on lipidic component of malarial pigment.Methods:Adherent human monocytes were fed for 3 hours with different meals(native hemozoin;lipid free hemozoin;and control latex particles),then tumor necrosis factor alpha was monitored in cell supernatants up to 48 hours through western blotting or specific enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay.In selected experiments,unfed monocytes were treated with different doses of 15(S,R)-hydroxy-6,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid or 4-hydroxynonenal instead of phagocytosis.Results:Hemozoin-fed monocytes produced higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha than unstimulated and latex-fed cells, while lipid-free hemozoin did not reproduce these results.Additionally,hemozoin effects were mimicked dose-dependently by 15(S,R)-hydroxy-6,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid,but not by 4-hydroxynonenal.Conclusions:Present data suggest an essential role for lipids in hemozoindependent enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor alpha from monocytes,and 15(S,R)hydroxy -6,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid could be one possible specific mediator.

Association between hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphisms in South Korea

AIM: To investigate associations between the tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)-1031 T>C,-863 C>A,-857 C>T,-308 G>A,and-238 G>A polymorphisms and HCC in Korea.METHODS: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cases were diagnosed at CHA Bundang Medical Center from June 1996 to August 2008. The association between TNF-α polymorphisms and HCC was analyzed in 157HCC patients and 201 controls using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We investigated five TNF-α polymorphisms,which are TNF-α-1031 T>C,-863 C>A,-857 C>T,-308 G>A,and-238 G>A. The TNF-α genotype frequencies,genotype combinations and haplotypes were analyzed to disclose the association with HCC.RESULTS: None of the TNF-α polymorphisms was significantly associated with HCC. However,nine genotype combinations had associations with increased likelihood of HCC. Among them,TNF-α-1031/-857/-238 TT/CC/GA(AOR = 18.849,95%CI: 2.203-161.246,P = 0.007),TNF-α-1031/-308/-238 TT/GG/GA(AOR = 26.956,95%CI: 3.071-236.584,P = 0.003),and TNF-α-1031/-238 TT/GA(AOR = 21.576,95%CI: 2.581-180.394,P = 0.005) showed marked association with HCC. There were five haplotypes of TNF-α polymorphisms which were significantly associated with HCC. They are TNF-α-1031/-863/-857/-308/-238 T-C-C-G-A(OR = 25.824,95%CI: 1.491-447.223,P = 0.0005),TNF-α-1031/-857/-308/-238 T-C-G-A(OR = 12.059,95%CI: 2.747-52.950,P < 0.0001),TNF-α-1031/-857/-238 T-C-A(OR = 10.696,95%CI: 2.428-47.110,P = 0.0001),TNF-α-1031/-308/-238 T-G-A(OR = 7.556,95%CI: 2.173-26.280,P = 0.0002) and TNF-α-1031/-238 T-A(OR = 10.865,95%CI: 2.473-47.740,P = 0.0001). Moreover,HCC Okuda stage Ⅲ cases with the TNF-α-1031 CC genotype had better survival than those with the TT genotype(AOR = 5.795,95%CI: 1.145-29.323). CONCLUSION: Although no single TNF-α polymorphism is associated with HCC in this study,some TNF-α genotype combinations and haplotypes are associated with HCC. In addition,HCC Okuda stage Ⅲ cases with the TNF-α-1031 TT genotype may have a better prognosis than those with the CC genotype.

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.

Two-year delay in ulcerative colitis diagnosis is associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha use

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an uncommon inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).However,its incidence has recently increased in South Korea.Moreover,UC diagnoses are frequently delayed,and the relationship between diagnostic delay and UC prognosis has not been extensively studied in South Korean patients.AIM To identify meaningful diagnostic delay affecting UC prognosis and to evaluate risk factors associated with diagnostic delay in South Korean patients.METHODS Medical records of 718 patients with UC who visited the outpatient clinic of six university hospitals in South Korea were reviewed;167 cases were excluded because the first symptom date was unknown.We evaluated the relationship between the prognosis and a diagnostic delay of 3,6,12,18,and 24 mo by comparing the prognostic factors[anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αuse,admission history due to acute flare-ups,frequent admission due to flare-ups,surgery associated with UC,and the clinical remission state at the latest followup]at each diagnostic interval.RESULTS The mean diagnostic interval was 223.3±483.2 d(median,69 d;75th percentile,195 d).Among the prognostic factors,anti-TNFαuse was significantly increased after a diagnostic delay of 24 mo.Clinical risk factors predictive of a 24-mo diagnostic delay were age<60 years at diagnosis[odd ratio(OR)=14.778,95%confidence interval(CI):1.731-126.121],smoking history(OR=2.688,95%CI:1.239-5.747,P=0.012),and misdiagnosis of hemorrhoids(OR=11.066,95%CI:3.596-34.053).Anti-TNFαuse was associated with extensive UC at diagnosis(OR=3.768,95%CI:1.860-7.632)and 24-mo diagnostic delay(OR=2.599,95%CI:1.006-4.916).CONCLUSION A diagnostic delay>24 mo was associated with increased anti-TNFαuse.Age<60 years at diagnosis,smoking history,and misdiagnosis of hemorrhoids were risk factors for delayed diagnosis.

Experimental Study on Inhibitory Effect of Niacinamide on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha-induced Matrix Degradation of Annulus Fibrous Tissue in vitro

The inhibitory effect of niacinamide on tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） induced annulus fibrous （AF） degradation was assessed, and the mechanism of the inhibition was investigated. Chiba＇s intervertebral disc （IVD） culture model was established. Forty-eight IVDs from 12 adult Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups （12 IVDs in each group）, and various concentrations of niacinamide and TNF-α were added to the medium for intervention： negative control group, niacinamide control group （0.5 mg/mL niacinamide）, degeneration group （10 ng/mL TNF-α）, and treatment group （0.5 mg/mL niacinamide and 10 ng/mL TNF-α）. After one week＇s culture, AFs were collected for glycosaminoglycan （GS） content measurement, safranin O-fast green staining, and immunohistochemical staining for type Ⅰ , Ⅱ collagen and cysteine containing aspartate specific prote- ase-3 （Caspase-3）. It was found that the GS content in treatment group was increased by about 48% as compared with degeneration group （t=16.93, P〈0.001）, and close to that in niacinamide control group （t=0.71, P=0.667）. Safranine O-fast green staining exhibited higher staining density and better histological structure of AF in the treatment group as compared with the degeneration group. Immunohistochemical staining for both TypeⅠ and Ⅱ collagen demonstrated that lamellar structure and continuity of collagen in treatment group were better reserved than in degeneration group. Positive staining rate of Caspase-3 in AFs of negative control group, niacinamide control group, degeneration group and treatment group was 3.4%, 4.3%, 17.9% and 10.3% respectively. The positive rate in treatment group was significantly lower than in degeneration group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that niacinamide could effectively alleviate TNF-α induced destruction and synthesis inhibition of matrix ingredients in AFs. The inhibition may be related with reduction of expression of Caspase-3. Thus, niacinamide is of potential for IVD degeneration clinical treatment.

DETERMINATION OF URINE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR, IL-6, IL-8 AND SERUM IL-6 IN PATIENTS WITH HEMORRHAGIC FEVERS WITH RENAL SYNDROME

Objective To explore the roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS). Methods Double-antibody sandwich ELISA was used to determine serum interleukin (IL)-6, urine tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6 and IL-8 levels in 56 patients with HFRS. Results Serum IL-6, urine TNF, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in HFRS patients were significantly higher than those in control group, respectively (P<0.001). The concentrations increased at fever stage, then continued to increase during hypotension stage and peaked at oliguria stage. The concentrations of serum IL-6, urine TNF, IL-6 and IL-8 increased in accord with the severity of the disease and differed greatly among different types of the disease. Serum IL-6 had remarkable relationships with serum specific antibodies. It was positively related to serum β_2-microglobulin (β_2-MG), blood ureanitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Significant positive relationships were also found both between urine IL-6 and TNF, and between IL-6 and IL-8 (r=0.5768, P<0.05; r=0.3760, P<0.01). Conclusion TNF, IL-6 and IL-8 activated during the course of the disease. IL-6 is associated with the immunopathological lesions caused by the hyperfunction of humoral immune response. IL-6, IL-8 and TNF are involved in the renal immune impairment. Determining them might, in certain extent, be used in predicting the prognosis and outcome of patients with HFRS.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association of tuberculosis in Crohn's disease patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors(Anti-TNFα)

AIM To perform a meta-analysis on the risk of developing Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB) infection in Crohn's disease(CD) patients treated with tumor necrosis factoralpha(TNFα) inhibitors.METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trials of TNFα inhibitors for treatment of CD in adults was conducted. Arcsine transformation of TB incidence was performed to estimate risk difference. A novel epidemiologically-based correction(EBC) enabling inclusions of studies reporting no TB infection cases in placebo and treatment groups was developed to estimate relative odds.RESULTS Twenty-three clinical trial studies were identified, including 5669 patients. Six TB infection cases were reported across 5 studies, all from patients receiving TNFα inhibitors. Eighteen studies reported no TB infection cases in placebo and TNFα inhibitor treatment arms. TB infection risk was significantly increased among patients receiving TNFα inhibitors, with a risk difference of 0.028(95%CI: 0.0011-0.055). The odds ratio was 4.85(95%CI: 1.02-22.99) with EBC and 5.85(95%CI: 1.13-30.38) without EBC.CONCLUSION The risk of TB infection is higher among CD patients receiving TNFα inhibitors. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of CD is crucial, since using TNFα inhibitors in these patients could favor mycobacterial infections, particularly Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, which ultimately could worsen their clinical condition.

Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in zebrafish retinal neurogenesis and myelination

AIM： To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factoralpha （TNF-α） in zebrafish retinal development and myelination. METHODS： Morpholino oligonucleotides （MO）, which are complementary to the translation start site of the wild-type embryonic zebrafish TNF-α mRNA sequence, were synthesized and injected into one to four-cell embryos. The translation blocking specificity was verified by Western blotting using an anti-TNF-α antibody, whole-mount in sltuhybridization using a hepatocytespecific mRNA probe ceruloplasmin （cp）, and coinjection of TNF-α MO and TNF-α mRNA. An atonel homolog 7 （atoh7） mRNA probe was used to detect neurogenesis onset. The retinal neurodifferentiation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies Zn12, Zprl, and Zpr3 to label ganglion cells, cones, and rods, respectively. Myelin basic protein （mbp）was used as a marker to track and observe the myelination using whole-mount in situ hybridization. RESULTS： Targeted knockdown of TNF-α resulted in specific suppression of TNF-α expression and a severely underdeveloped liver. The co-injection of TNF-α MO and mRNA rescued the liver development. Retinal neurogenesis in TNF-cc morphants was initiated on time. The retina was fully laminated, while ganglion cells, cones, and rods were well differentiated at 72 hours post-fertilization （hpf）. mbp was expressed in Schwann cells in the lateral line nerves and cranial nerves from 3 days post -fertilization （dpf） as well as in oligodendrocytes linearly along the hindbrain bundles and the spinal cord from 4 dpf, which closely resembled its endogenous profile. CONCLUSION： TNF-α is not an essential regulator for retinal neurogenesis and optic myelination.

Protective effect of curcumin on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neuronal damage in the rat hippocampus A relationship to the inhibition of neuronal Ca^(2+) influx

BACKGROUND： Previous studies of curcumin have focused mainly on its cytotoxic properties for antitumor therapy. There are few studies addressing the application of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of nervous system diseases. OBJECTIVE： To observe the protective effect of curcumin against tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）-induced neuronal damage in the rat hippocampus and to explore the intervention effect of curcumin on Ca^2＋ influx following neuronal damage. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell morphological and physiological study was performed at the Institute of Brain Research, Medical College of Jinan University, China, from December 2006 to June 2007. MATERIALS： Curcumin （Sigma, USA） and TNF-α （Sigma, USA） were used in this study. METHODS： Hippocampal neurons were isolated from one-day neonatal rats and primarily cultured for 5 days. Following this they received 1 pmol/L curcumin and 100 ng/mL TNF-a pre-treatment. Dynamic morphological changes were observed for 1 hour by inverted microscopy. At 48 hours post-treatment, static morphological characteristics of the neurons were observed using inverted microscopy. Subsequently, hippocampal neurons were primarily cultured for 7 days, after receiving 1 pmol/L curcumJn and 4.5 ng/mL TNF-a pre-treatment. Intracellular free Ca^2＋ was measured using Fluo 3/acetoxymethyl ester. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Effects of curcumin on TNF-a-induced neuronal damage and Ca^2＋ influx in the rat hippocampus were measured. RESULTS： Following curcumin treatment, TNF-a-induced neurons grew as normal. TNF-a induced a rapid Ca^2＋ influx into the neuronal cytoplasm; however, Ca2＋ fluorescence intensity only slightly increased when neurons were co-perfused with curcumin and TNF-α. CONCLUSION： Curcumin has a protective effect on rat hippocampal neurons possibly by reducing the TNF-α-induced rapid Ca^2＋ influx into neuronal cytoplasm and by maintaining the Ca^2＋ homeostasis.