Nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor alpha in the process of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

AIMTo establish the role of nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG).METHODSOur study included 120 patients who were referred for cataract surgery. All patients were divided into four groups according to clinical findings: XFG, early and late pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS), and cataract (without pseudoexfoliation). Serum and aqueous humour levels of the ascorbic acid, NO and TNF-α were measured. The concentrations of the ascorbic acid and NO were measured by an appropriate spectrophotometric method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine TNF-α level.RESULTSAqueous humour concentration of ascorbic acid was significantly lower in patients with late XFS (0.61±0.11 mmol/L) and XFG (0.48±0.15 mmol/L) compared to patients with early XFS (0.9±0.15 mmol/L) and cataract (1.16±0.22 mmol/L), while there was no difference in serum concentration in all examined groups. Aqueous humour concentration of NO was significantly higher in patients with XFG (77.7±11.4 µmol/L) compared to patients with early XFS (50.27±9.34 µmol/L) and cataract (49.77±7.1 µmol/L), while serum concentration was increased in the early stage of XFS (73.26±8.29 µmol/L). Aqueous humour level of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was increased in patients with XFS (early 460.04±18.32 pg/mL; late 502.42±53.23 pg/mL) and XFG (510.34±43.07 pg/mL), while there was no difference in serum level in all examined groups of patients.CONCLUSIONReduced ascorbic acid and elevated NO and inflammation related cytokine TNF-α level in aqueous humour of the patients with developed XFG suggest that oxidative stress induces local inflammation.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR LEVELSIN AQUEOUS HUMOR AFTER TRAUMATIC CATARACT AND INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANTATION

Purpose. This paper studies the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels in aqueous humor after traumatic cataract extraction and posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in rabbits,and discusses the effect of TNF on postoperative anterior ocular inflammation. Methods. Twenty seven pigmented rabbits were divided into three groups: for the first group, the IOL were placed in the capsular bag after traumatic cataract extraction; for the second, the Extracapsular cataract extraction without IOL implantation; and for the third, the control group without surgical intervention. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th day postoperatively, aqueous humor samples were obtained. A modified double antibodies indirect sandwich ELISA was used to detected for the presence of TNF. The data were studied by means of analysis of variance in SAS software. Result. The TNF level was increased in aqueous humor and reached its maximum on the 1st postoperative days after traumatic cataract extraction and PC IOLs implantation, and the TNF levels are significantly higher (P<0 05) on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th day postoperatively in traumatic cataract extraction and PC IOL implanted group than that in the non surgical intervention group and extracapsular cataract extraction group. Conclusions. The increase of TNF levels had a close relationship with presence of the IOL itself which induces the secretion of TNF. This suggested that TNF as the principal mediators of immunological and inflammatory responses, so that may play critical role in anterior ocular inflammative response after traumatic cataract extraction and IOL implantation.

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein 1 attenuates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by negatively regulating tumour necrosis factor-α

BACKGROUND Zinc-α2-glycoprotein 1 (AZGP1) plays important roles in metabolism-related diseases. The underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of AZGP1 remain unknown in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AIM To explore the effects and potential mechanism of AZGP1 on NAFLD in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The expression of AZGP1 and its effects on hepatocytes were examined in NAFLD patients, CCl4-treated mice fed a high fat diet (HFD), and human LO2 cells. RESULTS AZGP1 levels were significantly decreased in liver tissues of NAFLD patients and mice. AZGP1 knockdown was found to activate inflammation;enhance steatogenesis, including promoting lipogenesis [sterol regulatory elementbinding protein (SREBP)-1c, liver X receptor (LXR), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD)-1], increasing lipid transport and accumulation [fatty acid transport protein (FATP), carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT)-1A, and adiponectin], and reducing fatty acid β-oxidation [farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α];accelerate proliferation;and reverse apoptosis in LO2 cells. AZGP1 overexpression (OV-AZGP1) had the opposite effects. Furthermore, AZGP1 alleviated NAFLD by blocking TNF-α-mediated inflammation and intracellular lipid deposition, promoting proliferation, and inhibiting apoptosis in LO2 cells. Finally, treatment with OV-AZGP1 plasmid dramatically improved liver injury and eliminated liver fat in NAFLD mice. CONCLUSION AZGP1 attenuates NAFLD with regard to ameliorating inflammation, accelerating lipolysis, promoting proliferation, and reducing apoptosis by negatively regulating TNF-α. AZGP1 is suggested to be a novel promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.

Intragingival injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide induces a transient increase in gingival tumour necrosis factor-a, but not interleukin-6,in anaesthetised rats

This study used in vivo microdialysis to examine the effects of intragingival application of lipopolysaccharide（LPS） derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis（Pg-LPS） on gingival tumour necrosis factor（TNF）-a and interleukin（IL）-6 levels in rats. A microdialysis probe with an injection needle attached to the surface of the dialysis membrane was implanted into the gingiva of the upper incisor. For comparison, the effects of LPS derived from Escherichia coli（Ec-LPS） on IL-6 and TNF-a levels were also analysed. Pg-LPS（1 mg/1 m L） or Ec-LPS（1 or 6 mg/1 m L） was applied by microsyringe, with gingival dialysates collected every hour. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） revealed that gingival dialysates contained approximately 389 pg？m L21 of IL-6 basally; basal TNF-a levels were lower than the detection limit of the ELISA. Pg-LPS failed to alter IL-6 levels but markedly increased TNF-a levels, which remained elevated for 2 h after treatment. Neither IL-6 nor TNF-a were affected by Ec-LPS. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） analysis revealed that the gingiva expresses Toll-like receptor（TLR） 2 and TLR4 m RNA. Immunohistochemical examination showed that TLR2 and TLR4 are expressed by gingival epithelial cells. The present study provides in vivo evidence that locally applied Pg-LPS, but not Ec-LPS, into the gingiva transiently increases gingival TNF-a without affecting IL-6. The present results suggest that TLR2 but not TLR4 expressed on gingival epithelial cells may mediate the Pg-LPS-induced increase in gingival TNF-a in rats.

An Experimental Study of the Tumour Necrosis Factor Level in Aqueous Humor after Transscleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens

Purpose: The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) level in aqueous humor after transscleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in rabbits and discuss the effect of TNF on postoperative anterior ocular inflammation.Methods: Twenty - seven pigmented rabbits were divided into three groups. Group 1: transscleral fixation of posterior chamber (PC) IOL implantation;Group 2; Lens of rabbits was removed without IOL implantation; Group 3; the comtrol group, without surgical intervention. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative days,aqueous humor samples were obtained. An modified double antibodies indirect sandwich ELISA was used to detected for the presence of TNF. The data were analyzed by using analysis of variance of SAS software. Results: It was found that TNF level in aqueous humor was increased after transscleral fixation of IOL implantation. TNF level reached its maximum on the 14th postoperative day in the IOL implanted group. TNF level on 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days postoperatively was

Genes of tumor necrosis factors and their receptors and the primary open angle glaucoma in the population of Central Russia

AIM：To examine the association of genetic polymorphisms（-308）G/A TNFα,（＋250）A/G Ltα,（＋36）A/G TNFR1,（＋1663）A/G TNFR2 with the development of primary open angle glaucoma（POAG）among people in Central Russia.METHODS：The study sample included 443 individuals,of which 252 patients with POAG and 191 individuals in the control group.Genotyping of（-308）G/A TNFα,（＋250）A/G Ltα,（＋36）A/G TNFR1,（＋1663）A/G TNFR2 was performed using polymerase chain reaction.The distribution of alleles and genotypes of the studied DNA markers in the groups was examined by 2×2 contingency tables andχ2with the Yates’s correction for continuity and odds ratios（OR）with95%confidence intervals（CI）.RESULTS：Allele（-308）G TNFα（Р=0.01,OR=1.78,95%CI1.12-2.85）was identified as a risk factor for POAG.Homozygotes（-308）AA TNFαare at a lowest risk for development of the disease（Р=0.01,OR=0.0005）.The following combination of genetic variants of cytokines were associated with a reduced risk of POAG：（＋1663）A TNFR2 and（＋250）G Ltα（OR=0.34）CONCLUSION：Genetic polymorphisms（-308）G/A TNFα,（＋250）A/G Ltα,（＋1663）A/G TNFR2 associated with the development of POAG in the population of Central Russia.

Effects of propofol on Bax and Bcl-2 expression induced by tumour necrosis factor-α in mouse spinal cord neurons in vitro

Objective:To study the effects of propofol on Bax and Bcl-2 expression induced by tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in mouse spinal cord neurons in vitro. Methods:Spinal cord neurons were isolated from fetal mice and cultured in Neurobasal medium with B27 supplement. On the 7^th day, cultured neurons were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, propofol (50 umol/L)group, TNF-α group, propofol (25 umol/L) with TNF-α group, propofol (50 umol/ L) with TNF-α group, and propofol ( 100 umol/L)with TNF-α group. Propofol was added to the cultured cells respectively and the cells were incubated for 30 min. Then TNF-α was added to the cultured cells(the final concentration of TNF-α was 2 000 U/ml) and incubated for 24 h. The Bax and Bcl-2 expression were measured by immunocytochemical technique. Results:In TNF-α group, the expression of Eax increased and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased (P<0.01, vs control). However, treatment with various concentrations of propofol (25, 50, 100 umol/L) decreased the expression of Bax and increased the expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05, vs TNF-α). Conclusion: Propofol can inhibit the apoptosis induced by TNF-α by modulating the expression of Bax and Bcl-2.

Effects of Tryptergium Wilfordii Polyglyco-sidium on the Tumour Necrosis Factor Levels in Aqueous Humor after Intraocular Lens Implantation

Purpose : Effects of Tryptergium Wilfordii Polyglycosidium (TWP) on the Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) levels in aqueous humor after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were studied in rabbits.Methods: Twenty-seven pigmented rabbits were divided into three groups. In the first group, the IOL were placed in the capsular bag after lens extraction. In the second group, rabbits received TWP therapy after IOL implantation. And in the third group, rabbit received prednisone therapy after IOL implantation. Aqueous humor samples were aspirated on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th postoperative day. A modified double antibodies indirect sandwich EL ISA was used to detect for the presence of TNF. The data were closely studied by means of analysis of variance with SAS software.Results; It was found that TNF level in aqueous humor reached its maximum on the 7th postoperative day in the group with IOL implantation. It was also found that the TNF levels in aqueous humor on the 7th and 14th postoperative day were

Expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL receptors in CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells of SLE patients

Objective: To study the expression of caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosisinducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of systemic lupus enythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods: RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL receptors in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of SLE patients and normal subjects. Results: The death domain-containing TRAIL-R1/R2 as well as 'decoy' TRAIL-R3/R4 were co-expressed in majority of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in both SLE patients and normal subjects. The CD8+ T cells from SLE patients showed significantly higher expression of caspase-3 and TRAIL-R2 than those from normal subjects,and the expression was correlated with the activity of the disease. Conclusion: The TRAIL-R2 signal pathway might contribute to the apoptosis of T cells in SLE.

Axonal growth inhibitors and their receptors in spinal cord injury:from biology to clinical translation

Axonal growth inhibitors are released during traumatic injuries to the adult mammalian central nervous system, including after spinal cord injury. These molecules accumulate at the injury site and form a highly inhibitory environment for axonal regeneration. Among these inhibitory molecules, myelinassociated inhibitors, including neurite outgrowth inhibitor A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A are of particular importance. Due to their inhibitory nature, they represent exciting molecular targets to study axonal inhibition and regeneration after central injuries. These molecules are mainly produced by neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes within the scar and in its immediate vicinity. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, localized in the membranes of neurons. Receptors for these inhibitory cues include Nogo receptor 1, leucine-rich repeat, and Ig domain containing 1 and p75 neurotrophin receptor/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19(that form a receptor complex that binds all myelin-associated inhibitors), and also paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A bind to Nogo receptor 1, Nogo receptor 3, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ and leucocyte common antigen related phosphatase, and neogenin, respectively. Once activated, these receptors initiate downstream signaling pathways, the most common amongst them being the Rho A/ROCK signaling pathway. These signaling cascades result in actin depolymerization, neurite outgrowth inhibition, and failure to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments to overcome spinal cord injuries other than physical rehabilitation and management of the array of symptoms brought on by spinal cord injuries. However, several novel therapies aiming to modulate these inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials. Investigation has also been demonstrating that combinatorial therapies of growth inhibitors with other therapies, such as growth factors or stem-cell therapies, produce stronger results and their potential application in the clinics opens new venues in spinal cord injury treatment.

Alterations in serotonin, transient receptor potential channels and protease-activated receptors in rats with irritable bowel syndrome attenuated by Shugan decoction

AIM:To determine the molecular mechanisms of Shugan decoction(SGD) in the regulation of colonic motility and visceral hyperalgesia(VHL) in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:The chemical compounds contained in SGD were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.A rat model of IBS was induced by chronic water avoidance stress(WAS).The number of fecal pellets was counted after WAS and the pain pressure threshold was measured by colorectal distension.Morphological changes in colonic mucosa were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The contents of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αin colonic tissue and calcitonin-gene-related peptide(CGRP)in serum were measured by ELISA.The protein expression of serotonin[5-hydroxytryptamide(5-HT)],serotonin transporter(SERT),chromogranin A(Cg A)and CGRP incolon tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:SGD inhibited colonic motility dysfunction and VHL in rats with IBS.Blockers of transient receptor potential(TRP)vanilloid 1(TRPV1)(Ruthenium Red)and TRP ankyrin-1(TRPA1)(HC-030031)and activator of protease-activated receptor(PAR)4 increased the pain pressure threshold,whereas activators of PAR2and TRPV4 decreased the pain pressure threshold in rats with IBS.The effect of SGD on pain pressure threshold in these rats was abolished by activators of TRPV1(capsaicin),TRPV4(RN1747),TRPA1(Polygodial)and PAR2(AC55541).In addition,CGRP levels in serum and colonic tissue were both increased in these rats.TNF-αlevel in colonic tissue was also significantly upregulated.However,the levels of 5-HT,SERT and Cg A in colonic tissue were decreased.All these pathological changes in rats with IBS were attenuated by SGD.CONCLUSION:SGD alleviated VHL and attenuated colon motility in IBS,partly by regulating TRPV1,TRPV4,TRPA1,PAR2,5-HT,Cg A and SERT,and reducing CGRP and TNF-αlevel.

Role of P2X_7 receptors in the development of diabetic retinopathy

The P2X7 receptor is one of the members of the family of purinoceptors which are ligand-gated membrane ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate. A unique feature of the P2X7 receptor is that its activation can result in the formation of large plasma membrane pores that allow not only the flux of ions but also of hydrophilic molecules of up to 900 Da. Recent studies indicate that P2X7-mediated signaling can trigger apoptotic cell death after ischemia and during the course of certain neurodegenerative disorders. Expression of the P2X7 receptor has been demonstrated in most types of cells in the retina. This purinoceptor mediates the contraction of pericytes and regulates the spatial and temporal dynamics of the vasomotor response through cell-to-cell electrotonic transmission within the microvascular networks. Of potential clinical significance, investigators have found that diabetes markedly boosts the vulnerability of retinal microvessels to the lethal effect of P2X7 receptor activation. This purinergic vasotoxicity may result in reduced retinal blood flow and disrupted vascular function in the diabetic retina. With recent reports indicating an association between P2X7 receptor activation and inflammatory cytokine expression in the retina, this receptor may also exacerbate the development of diabetic retinopathy by a mechanism involving inflammation.

Anti-tumour necrosis factor agent and liver injury:literature review,recommendations for management

Abnormalities in liver function tests,including transient and self-limiting hypertransaminasemia,cholestatic disease and hepatitis,can develop during treatment with anti-tumour-necrosis-factor(TNF)therapy.The optimal management of liver injury related to antiTNF therapy is still a matter of debate.Although some authors recommend discontinuing treatment in case of both a rise of alanine aminotransferase more than5 times the upper limit of normal,or the occurrence of jaundice,there are no standard guidelines for the management of anti-TNF-related liver injury.Bibliographical searches were performed in Pub Med,using the following key words:inflammatory bowel disease(IBD);TNF inhibitors;hypertransaminasemia;drugrelated liver injury;infliximab.According to published data,elevation of transaminases in patients with IBD treated with anti-TNF is a common finding,but resolution appears to be the usual outcome.Anti-TNF agents seem to be safe with a low risk of causing severe drugrelated liver injury.According to our centre experience,we found that hypertransaminasemia was a common,mainly self-limiting finding in our IBD cohort and was not correlated to infliximab treatment on both univariate and multivariate analyses.An algorithm for the management of liver impairment occurring during antiTNF treatment is also proposed and this highlights the need of a multidisciplinary approach and suggests liver biopsy as a key-point in the management decision in case of severe rise of transaminases.However,hepatic injury is generally self-limiting and drug withdrawal seems to be an exception.

Association of gene polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-13 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Han nationality in Beijing

Background Genetic factors are believed to play a role in the individual susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been reported but inconsistent results may arise from different populations and phenotypes of COPD. There are only a few published studies of interleukin-13 (IL-13) SNPs on COPD. The SNPs of TNF-α and IL-13 have not been studied in the Chinese population. This research was conducted to study the frequencies of IL-13 gene promoter 1055 (IL-13-1055) and TNF-α gene-308 polymorphisms in the patients with COPD and to investigate the effect of those genetic polymorphisms on COPD in the Chinese population.Methods A cohort of COPD patients and age matched controls were recruited from an inpatient hospital service in Beijing. Venous blood was obtained and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood monocytes using standard method. Genomic DNA was used as a template for amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the polymorphism at -1055 in the IL-13 gene promoter region. PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to determine polymorphisms in the TNF-α gene-308 position. The products were investigated by sequence analysis also. Results One hundred and eleven COPD patients and 97 controls were studied. Seventy-five cases were current smokers in COPD patients and 36 were current smokers in controls. The frequencies of TT genotype in the IL-13 gene promoter region were 11.7% (13/111) in the COPD group and 13.4% (13/97) in the controls (P=0.713). However, the OR value of TT genotype was significantly increased to 6.4 (95% CI 1.62-25.39) in the smokers with COPD. TT genotype was also positively related to family history of COPD, OR=7.7 (95% CI 1.37-43.80). The frequencies of A allele in the TNF-α gene were 5.9% in COPD and 3.1% in controls (P=0.131). The OR value of A allele was 5.0 (95% CI 1.011 to 25.059) in smokers with COPD. Conclusions There is no significant difference in the frequencies of the TT genotype of IL-13-1055 or the A allele of the TNF-α between Han Chinese patients with COPD versus control. Thus, it does not appear that theseSNPs are independent factors in COPD for Han nationality in (Beijing. However,)these SNPs may increase the risk of COPD among smokers.

Withdrawal of anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Anti-tumour necrosis factor α(anti-TNFα) therapy is an established treatment in inflammatory bowel disease.However, this treatment is associated with high costs and the possibility of severe adverse events representing a true challenge for patients, clinicians and health care systems.Consequently, a crucial question is raised namely if therapy can be stopped once remission is achieved and if so, how and in whom.Additionally, in a real-life clinical setting, discontinuation may also be considered for other reasons such as the patient's preference, pregnancy, social reasons as moving to countries or continents with less access, or different local policy or reimbursement.In contrast to initiation of anti-TNFα therapy guidelines regarding stopping of this treatment are missing.As a result, the decision of discontinuation is still a challenging aspect in the use of anti-TNFα therapy.Currently this is typically based on an estimated, case-by-case, benefit-risk ratio.This editorial is intended to provide an overview of recent data on this topic and shed light on the proposed drug withdrawal strategies.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha and Oxidative Stress in the Breath Condensate of Those with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background and Aims: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and is associated with the release of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), subsequent cellular apoptosis and the generation of oxidative stress. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis is a non-invasive method for sampling biofluids from the lower respiratory tract. This study aimed to evaluate possible biomarkers of lung cancer by measuring the levels of TNF-α and the oxidation of ascorbic acid in EBC. Patients with lung cancer were enrolled into the study prior to treatment, during treatment and post-treatment, and results compared with an age-matched control population. Material and Methods: Patients with Stage II-IV non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were recruited prior to and at stages of their treatment. EBC levels of TNF-α, and rate of ascorbic acid oxidation were measured. Results: A total of 19 patients with NSCLC (mean age 71.37 ± 7.77 yrs) and 25 age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Levels of EBC TNF-α were elevated in the EBC of patients with lung cancer compared with control subjects (1.02 ± 0.07 pg/ml vs. 0.51 ± 0.06 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). Moreover, the rate of ascorbic acid oxidation was significantly greater in the EBC of patients with lung cancer compared with control subjects (2.20% [0.4 – 11.0] vs. 1.00% [0.1 – 8.5], p = 0.0244). Conclusion: TNF-α and the rate of ascorbic acid oxidation was elevated in the EBC of patients with lung cancer regardless of treatment. Longitudinal studies in a larger population are required to evaluate these markers for the effect of treatment and prognosis.

Investigation of tumor necrosis factor receptor -p55expression in human colorectal cancer

Objective:To investigatetheclinicalsignificanceof tumornecrosisfactorreceptor-p55(TNFR-p55)expression anditsrelationshipwiththeclinicalpathologyandDukes’classificationof humancolorectalcancer.Methods:SABCimmuno-histochemistrymethodwasusedto examineTNFR-p55expressionin91specimensof colorectalcancer,81surroundingmu-cosasof thetumorsand13normaltissues.Results:TNFR-p55expressionincolorectalcancerwas significantlyhigher than thatinthesurroundingmucosaandnormaltissues,anditwassignificantlyhigherinthesurroundingmucosathaninnormal tissue.TNFR-p55was inverselycorrelatedto serousmembraneinvasionandlymphnodemetastasisof colorectalcancers.TNFR-p55expressioninDukes’A andB stageswassignificantlyhigherthanthatof C stage.Conclu sion:TNFR-p55expres-sionwasimportantto determinethedegreeof malignancyandassessinvasiondepth,lymphnodemetastasisandDukes’clas-sificationincolorectalcancer.

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.

Dysregulation of innate immunity in ulcerative colitis patients who fail anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy

AIM To study the innate immune function in ulcerative colitis(UC) patients who fail to respond to anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF) therapy.METHODS Effects of anti-TNF therapy, inflammation and medications on innate immune function were assessed by measuring peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC) cytokine expression from 18 inflammatory bowel disease patients pre- and 3 mo post-anti-TNF therapy. Toll-like receptor(TLR) expression and cytokine production post TLR stimulation was assessed in UC "responders"(n = 12) and "non-responders"(n = 12) and compared to healthy controls(n = 12). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein(CRP) levels were measured in blood to assess disease severity/activity and inflammation. Pro-inflammatory(TNF, IL-1β, IL-6), immuno-regulatory(IL-10), Th1(IL-12, IFNγ) and Th2(IL-9, IL-13, IL-17A) cytokine expression was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while TLR cellular composition and intracellular signalling was assessed with FACS.RESULTS Prior to anti-TNF therapy, responders and nonresponders had similar level of disease severity and activity. PBMC's ability to respond to TLR stimulation was not affected by TNF therapy, patient's severity of the disease and inflammation or their medication use. At baseline, non-responders had elevated innate but not adaptive immune responses compared to responders(P < 0.05). Following TLR stimulation, nonresponders had consistently reduced innate cytokine responses to all TLRs compared to healthy controls(P < 0.01) and diminished TNF(P < 0.001) and IL-1β(P < 0.01) production compared to responders. This innate immune dysfunction was associated with reduced number of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells(p DCs)(P < 0.01) but increased number of CD4+ regulatory T cells(Tregs)(P = 0.03) as well as intracellular accumulation of IRAK4 in non-responders following TLR-2,-4 and-7 activation(P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Reduced innate immunity in non-responders may explain reduced efficacy to anti-TNF therapy. These serological markers may prove useful in predicting the outcome of costly anti-TNF therapy.