Correlation between soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products levels and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal nondiabetic women

BACKGROUND The established cardiovascular risk factors cannot explain the overall risk of coronary artery disease(CAD),especially in women.Therefore,there is a growing need for the assessment of novel biomarkers to identify women at risk.The receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)and its interaction with the advanced glycation end product(AGE)ligand have been associated with atherogenesis.The soluble fraction of RAGE(sRAGE)antagonizes RAGE signaling and exerts an antiatherogenic effect.AIM The study aim was to explore the association between plasma levels of sRAGE and CAD in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.METHODS This case-control study included 110 nondiabetic postmenopausal women who were enrolled in two groups.Group I included 55 angiographically proven CAD subjects with>50%stenosis in at least one of the major coronary arteries and Group II included 55 healthy control women who did not have CAD or had<50%stenosis of the coronary arteries.Stenosis was confirmed by invasive angiography.Plasma sRAGE was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS We observed significantly lower plasma sRAGE concentrations in subjects with CAD vs healthy controls(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis also revealed a significant correlation between plasma sRAGE levels and CAD(P=0.01).Multivariate odds ratios for CAD revealed that subjects with sRAGE concentrations below 225 pg/mL(lowest quartile)had a 6-fold increase in CAD prevalence independent of other risk factors.CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that low sRAGE levels were independently associated with CAD in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.Risk assessment of CAD in postmenopausal women can be improved by including sRAGE along with other risk factors.

Intra-coronary administration of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products attenuates cardiac remodeling with decreased myocardial transforming growth factor-pl expression and fibrosis in minipigs with ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background The cardioprotective effects of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products （sRAGE） have not been evaluated in large animals and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intra-coronary administration of sRAGE on left ventricular function and myocardial remodeling in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion （I/R） injury. Methods Ten male minipigs with I/R injury were randomly allocated to receive intra-coronary administration of sRAGE （sRAGE group, n=5） or saline （control group, n=5）. Echocardiography was performed before and 2 months after infarction. Myocardial expression of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry and fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red staining. Results As compared with the baseline values in the control animals, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （from （19.5±5.1） to （32.3±5.6） ml, P 〈0.05） and end-systolic volume （from （8.3±3.2） to （15.2±4.1） ml, P 〈0.05） were significantly increased, whereas ejection fraction was decreased （from （61.6±13.3）% to （50.2±11.9）%, P 〈0.05）. No obvious change in these parameters was observed in the sRAGE group. Myocardial expression of TGF-β1 was significantly elevated in the infarct and non-infarct regions in the control group, as compared with sRAGE group （both P 〈0.01）. Fibrotic lesions were consistently more prominent in the infarct region of the myocardium in the control animals （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Intra-coronary sRAGE administration attenuates RAGE-mediated myocardial fibrosis and I/R injury through a TGF-β1-dependent mechanism, suggesting a clinical potential in treating RAGE/ligand-associated cardiovascular diseases.

Changes in soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in serum and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen of infertile men caused by antisperm antibody

Aim: To explore the possible mechanisms of male infertility caused by antisperm antibody (AsAb). Methods: Thesoluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level in serum was analyzed by ELISA and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activi-ty in semen by phosphorus (Pi) assay. Results: The slL-2R level in serum was significantly higher and the Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen significantly lower in AsAb positive infertile men when compared with thecontrols. Conclusion: The AsAb titer varies with the slL-2R level in serum. A decrease in Na^+ -K^+ -exchangingATPase activity in semen may play a role in male infertility caused by AsAb.

Study on The Method of Quantitative Analysis of Serum Ferritin and Soluble Transferrin Receptor with Protein Microarray Technology

Objective To establish and evaluate a protein serum ferritin （SF） and soluble transferrin receptor microarray method for combined measurement of （sTfR）. Methods Microarrayer was used to print both anti-SF antibodies I and anti-sTfR antibodies I on each protein microarray. Anti-SF antibodies II and anti-sTfR antibodies II were used as detection antibodies and goat antibodies coupled to Cy3 were used as antibodies Ill. The detection conditions of the quantitative analysis method for simultaneous measurement of SF and sTfR with protein microarray were optimized and evaluated. The protein microarray was compared with commercially available traditional tests with 26 serum samples. Results By comparison experiment, mouse monoclonal antibodies were chosen as the probes and contact printing was chosen as the printing method. The concentrations of SF and sTfR probes were 0.5 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL respectively, while those of SF and sTfR detection antibodies were 5 μg/mL and 0.36 μg/mL respectively. Intra- and inter-assay variability was between 3.26% and 18.38% for all tests. The regression coefficients comparing protein microarray with traditional test assays were better than 0.81 for SF and sTfR. Conclusion The present study has established a protein microarray method for combined measurement of SF and sTfR.

Study of the Effect of Leeching on Plasma Endothelin and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.

Effects of Aprotinin on Serum Interleukin-2 and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Interleukin-2 and its receptor are of importance in regulating immunity responses. The changes of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) during heart valve (s) replacement operation and effects of aprotinin on them were observed. Twenty patients undergoing heart valve (s) replacement were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=10) and apro- tinin group (n=10). In aprotinin group, 1 000 000 KIU aprotinin was given by vein injection and then 2 000 000 KIU was given as a bolus in prime. Blood samples were collected before CPB, right after CPB and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative day (POD) for serum IL-2 and sIL-2R determination. Results showed that after CPB, IL-2 was reduced and slL-2R increased. Meanwhile, serum IL-2R was lower in aprotinin group than that of control. It is concluded that the immunity depression after CPB is associated with low level of IL-2 and high level of sIL-2R and aprotinin can ameliorate the situation.

Administration of soluble activin receptor 2B increases bone and muscle mass in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta（OI） comprises a group of heritable connective tissue disorders generally defined by recurrent fractures, low bone mass, short stature and skeletal fragility. Beyond the skeletal complications of OI,many patients also report intolerance to physical activity, fatigue and muscle weakness. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that skeletal muscle is also negatively affected by OI, both directly and indirectly. Given the well-established interdependence of bone and skeletal muscle in both physiology and pathophysiology and the observations of skeletal muscle pathology in patients with OI, we investigated the therapeutic potential of simultaneous anabolic targeting of both bone and skeletal muscle using a soluble activin receptor 2B（ACVR2B） in a mouse model of type Ⅲ OI（oim）. Treatment of 12-week-old oim mice with ACVR2 B for 4 weeks resulted in significant increases in both bone and muscle that were similar to those observed in healthy,wild-type littermates. This proof of concept study provides encouraging evidence for a holistic approach to treating the deleterious consequences of OI in the musculoskeletal system.

Glycosylation-independent binding to extracellular domains 11-13 of mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor mediates the effects of soluble CREG on the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was～25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from～30 kD to～25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.

Effect of high flux hemodialysis on renal anemia and soluble transferrin receptor in hemodialysis patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of high throughput hemodialysis on soluble transferrin receptor in hemodialysis patients and the improvement of renal anemia. Methods: 132 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in our hospital from July 2017 to July 2019 were selected and divided into control group and observation group according to the random number table method, with 66 cases each. The observation group was treated with high-flux hemodialysis, while the control group was treated with low-flux hemodialysis for 6 months. Compare two groups before and after treatment serum beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2 - MG), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, anemia related index [red blood cells deposited (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocyte percentage (Ret%)], iron metabolism index [serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TSAT)、Hepcidin(Hepc)], soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels and adverse reactions. Results: the levels of 2-MG, Scr and BUN in the two groups before treatment were compared (P>0.05). After treatment, Scr and BUN levels in the two groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), but were compared between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of 2-MG in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Before treatment, sTfR, Hb, HCT level and Ret% of the two groups were compared(P>0.05). After treatment, Hb and HCT levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, while Ret% were lower than those in the control group, (P<0.05). Before treatment, the levels of ST、TAST、sTfR and Hepc in the two groups were compared (P>0.05). After treatment, the level of ST and TAST in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, The levels of sTfR and Hepc were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group (8.93%) was lower than that in the control group (10.14%), with no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: The high-throughput hemodialysis department significantly improved renal anemia in hemodialysis patients, reduced serum sTfR level, and had fewer adverse reactions and higher safety.

DETECTION OF PLASMA SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN－2 RECEPTOR IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE AND CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS B

Plasma levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) or severe hepatitis B (SHB) were measured quantitatively by 'sandwich' ELISA with monoclonal antibodies in order to explore the change of sIL-2R levels, its clinical significance,and its relation to liver damage. The results showed that the plasma sIL-2R levels in patients with CAHB and SHB were much higher than those in normal controls (P < 0. 01 ), and the level ofplasma sIL-2R in patients with SHB was greatly higher than that in patients with CAHB. These results suggest that there is close relation between plasma level of sIL-2R, the clinical types of hepatitis B,and the severity of liver damage. In addition, there is no significant difference in plasma levels of sIL-2R between acute severe hepatitis B (ASHB), subacute severe hepatitis B (SASHB), and chronic severe hepatitis B (CSHB). No relation was found between sIL-2R level and hepatitis B virusreplication activity.

The Serum Levels of Soluble Fas Ligand and Soluble Fas Receptor in Patients with chronic congestive heart failure

Objectives To investi gate the association of soluble Fas ligand( sFasL) and soluble Fas receptor( sFas) with human chronic con gestive heart failure( CHF) . Methods The serum level of sFasL and sFas in 33 patients with CHF (13 in cardiac function class Ⅱ, 17 in class Ⅲ, 3 in class Ⅳ, NYHA) was assessed with enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay, and was compared with that of 18 age - , blood pressure - matched patients with car diac function class Ⅰ (NYHA). Results There was no difference in the level of sFasL between the two groups [CHF group: 231. 50 + / - 84. 50 (cardiac function class Ⅱ216. 50 + / - 96. 00 , class Ⅲ 226. 80 + / - 85. 70, class Ⅳ 244. 00 + / - 73. 00) vs. cardiac function class I group: 217. 50 + /-89. 00 pg/mL, P>0. 05]. However, the level of sFas was significantly higher in the patients with CHF than those of cardiac function class I group [CHF group: 1353. 30 +/-507. 71 (cardiac function class Ⅱ 1154. 85 + /-371. 20 , class Ⅲ1412.88 + /-493. 62, classⅣ1875. 67 + / - 806. 10) vs. cardiac function class I group: 983. 11+/ -461. 26 pg/mL, P<0. 05 ] . Conclusions sFasL was not associated with human CHF. However, the elevation of serum level of sFas was proportion to the severity of human CHF. sFas may play an important role in the patho- genesis of human CHF.

Investigation on the Effects of Soluble Programmed Death-1 (sPD-1) Enhancing Anti-tumor Immune Response

Summary: By using semi-quantitative RT-PCR method, it was found that PD-L1 mRNA but not PD-L2 mRNA was expressed in H22 hepatoma cells and both PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNAs were expressed in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice and upregulated as compared with muscle tissues in normal mice and H22 hepatoma cells. PD-L1 and PD-L2 were also expressed on the surface of the activated T cells. The soluble recombinant sPD-1 expressed from the constructed eukaryotic expression vector could enhance the lysis of tumor cells by lymphocytes stimulated specifically with antigen. The expresssion of sPD-1 by local gene therapy on the inoculation site of H22 hepatoma cells could inhibit the growth of tumor. The results of this study indicate that expression of soluble receptor of negative costimulatory molecules could reduce the inhibitory effect on T cells in tumor microenvironment and enhance the cytotoxicity of T cells on tumor cells. This possibly provides a new method of improving efficacy of tumor gene therapy.

Intrafollicular Soluble RAGE Benefits Embryo Development and Predicts Clinical Pregnancy in Infertile Patients of Advanced Maternal Age Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products（s RAGE） can decoy the toxic AGEs and is considered to be a protective factor.This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between intrafollicular s RAGE levels and clinical outcomes in infertile women of young or advanced maternal age（AMA） undergoing in vitro fertilization（IVF）.A total of 62 young women and 62 AMA women who would undergo IVF were included in this prospective study.The intrafollicular s RAGE concentration was measured to determine its association with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy in young and AMA women,respectively.Besides,correlations between sR AGE and age or follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） were examined.We found that the intrafollicular s RAGE levels were higher in young patients than those in AMA patients,suggesting that the s RAGE levels were inversely correlated with age.In young patients,sR AGE showed no correlation with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy.But it was found that AMA patients with more retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes and high-quality embryos demonstrated higher sR AGE levels,which were a prognostic factor for getting clinical pregnancy independent of age or FSH level.In conclusion,the s RAGE levels decrease with age.Elevated intrafollicular s RAGE levels indicate good follicular growth,fertilization and embryonic development,and successful clinical pregnancy in AMA women,while in young women,the role of s RAGE may not be so predominant.

sTREM-1 as promising prognostic biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure and mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Acute decompensation(AD)of cirrhosis is associated with high short-term mortality,mainly due to the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).Thus,there is a need for biomarkers for early and accurate identification of AD patients with high risk of development of ACLF and mortality.Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)is released from activated innate immune cells and correlated with various inflammatory processes.AIM To explore the prognostic value of sTREM-1 in patients with AD of cirrhosis.METHODS A multicenter prospective cohort of 442 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for AD was divided into a study cohort(n=309)and validation cohort(n=133).Demographic and clinical data were collected,and serum sTREM-1 was measured at admission.All enrolled patients were followed-up for at least 1 year.RESULTS In patients with AD and cirrhosis,serum sTREM-1 was an independent prognosis predictor for 1-year survival and correlated with liver,coagulation,cerebral and kidney failure.A new prognostic model of AD(P-AD)incorporating sTREM-1,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),total bilirubin(TBil),international normalized ratio(INR)and hepatic encephalopathy grades was established and performed better than the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),MELD-sodium(MELD-Na),chronic liver failure-consortium(CLIF-C)ACLF and CLIF-C AD scores.Additionally,sTREM-1 was increased in ACLF and predicted the development of ACLF during first 28-d follow-up.The ACLF risk score incorporating serum sTREM-1,BUN,INR,TBil and aspartate aminotransferase levels was established and significantly superior to MELD,MELD-Na,CLIF-C ACLF,CLIF-C AD and P-AD in predicting risk of ACLF development.CONCLUSION Serum sTREM-1 is a promising prognostic biomarker for ACLF development and mortality in patients with AD of cirrhosis.

Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 （sTREM- 1）： a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious diseases

Sensitive and useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of infectious diseases have been widely developed. An example of these biomarkers is triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 （TREM-1）, which is a cell surface receptor expressed on monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. TREM-1 amplifies inflammation by activating the TREM-1/DAP12 pathway. This pathway is triggered by the interaction of TREM-1 with ligands or stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Consequently, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are secreted. Soluble TREM-1 （sTREM-1） is a special form of TREM-1 that can be directly tested in human body fluids and well-known biomarker for infectious diseases, sTREM-1 level can be potentially used for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of some infectious diseases, including infectious pleural effusion, lung infections, sepsis, bacterial meningitis, viral infections （e.g., Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and dengue fever）, fungal infections （e.g., Aspergillus infection）, and burn-related infections, sTREM-1 is a more sensitive and specific biomarker than traditional indices, such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels, for these infectious diseases. Therefore, sTREM-1 is a feasible biomarker for the targeted therapy and rapid and early diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 and Inflammatory Markers in Colorectal Cancer Surgery： A Prospective Cohort Study

Background： Major abdominal surgery, including colorectal cancer （CRC） surgery, leads to systemic inflammatory response syndrome that can be detected and monitored with inflammatory markers testing. The aims of the study were to evaluate the usefulness of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-l （sTREM-1 ）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, procalcitonin （PCT）, and C-reactive protein （CRP） in following the inflammatory response in CRC surgery and postoperative period, as well as to determine if duration of the surgery and the time that the colon has been opened during the surgery （open colon time [OCT]） refect a larger surgical stress through inflammatory markers rise. Methods： The study included 20 patients who underwent CRC surgery and 19 healthy volunteers from June 2011 to September 2012. We determined inflammatory markers 1 day before surgery （T0）, 24 h （T1）, 48 h （T2）, and 7 days after the surgery （T3）. All statistical analyses were calculated using MedCalc Statistical Software version 14.8.1 （MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium）. Results： Concentrations ofCRP, PCT, and I L-6 in all measurement times were statistically different and sTREM- 1 did not yield statistical significance. A weak positive correlation was/bund between l L-6 in T 1 and T2 with the duration of the surgery （T 1 ： r= 0.4060, P 〈 0.0001 ; T2：r =0.3430, P〈0.0001）andOCT（T1：r= 0.3640, P〈0.0001,T2：r=0.3430, P〈0.0001）.AweakpositivecorrelationbetweenCRP in T2 and OCT （r = 0.4210, P 〈 0.0001 ） was also found. The interconnectivity of tested parameters showed a weak positive correlation between CRP and IL-6 in T1 （r= 0.3680; P 〈 0.0001 ）, moderate positive correlation in T2 （r = 0.6770; P 〈 0.0001）, and a strong positive correlation in T3 （r = 0.8651; P 〈 0.0001）. Conclusions： CRP, IL-6, and PCT were shown to be reliable for postoperative monitoring. Simultaneous determination of CRP and IL-6 might not be useful as they follow similar kinetics, sTREM- 1 might not be useful in CRC postoperative monitoring.

Soluble interleukin-6 receptor is elevated during influenza A virus infection and mediates the IL-6 and IL-32 inflammatory cytokine burst

Influenza A virus （IAV） infection is a major worldwide public health problem. However, the factors involved in mediating the inflammatory response to this infection and their relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we show that IAV infection stimulates the expression of the soluble IL-6 receptor （slL-6R）, a multifunctional protein involved in IL-6 signaling. Interestingly, slL-6R expression upregulated the levels of its own ligand, IL-6 and those of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-32. shRNA-mediated knockdown of slL-6R suppressed I L-6 and IL-32, indicating that this regulation is dependent on slL-6R during IAV infection. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that IL-32 participates in a negative feedback loop that inhibits slL-6R while upregulating IL-6 expression during IAV infection. Therefore, we show that slL-6R is a critical cellular factor involved in the acute inflammatory response to viral infection.

Effect of Kang’ai Injection (康艾注射液) on Serum Level of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma during Radiotherapy

Objective： To observe the effect of Kang＇ai Injection （康艾注射液, KAI） on serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor （sIL-2R） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in patients with esophageal carcinoma （EC） during radiotherapy （RT）, and to investigate its synergistic effect with RT and its influence on immunological function of the body. Methods： One hundred and seventy patients with EC, who had missed the chance of surgical operational therapy, were assigned to the treated group （90 cases） and the RT group （80 cases）, and at the same time a control group consisting of 80 inpatients without tumors was set up. Patients in the RT group were treated with RT alone but KAI was given additionally to those in the treated group, with 50 ml given once per day via intravenous dripping, 15 days as one course, and 2 courses administered in total. The immediate therapeutic efficacy and changes of serum slL-2R and VEGF levels were observed, and the effect of KAI on patients＇ quality of life （QOF） was evaluated by Karnofsky scoring. Results： In 16 patients of the treated group it was completely remission （OR）, in 54 partially remission （PR）, in 18 it was stabilized disease （SD） and in 2 progressive disease （PD）, with the total effective rate （CR ＋ PR） as 77.8%, while in those of the control group it was 12, 46, 18, 4 and 72.5%, respectively, the immediate therapeutic efficacy in the treated group was somewhat better than that in the RT group, but showed no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. Serum levels of slL-2R and VEGF in all the patients before treatment were higher than those in the control group, which were decreased after treatment in both groups （P〈0.05）, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the RT group, showing significant difference （P〈0.05）, and patients＇ QOF improved more significantly in the former as well （62.2 % vs 40.0%, P〈 0.05）. Conclusion： KAI in combination with RT in treating patients with EC could enhance the immunological function of patients, improve their QOF and enhance their sensitivity to RT.

Expression of sIL-2R before and after Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective： To investigate the difference of peripheral blood sIL-2R before and after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, and evaluate the clinical value of the sIL-2R in breast cancer＇s diagnosis and therapy. Methods： The peripheral blood sIL-2R levels of the breast cancer patients with or without chemotherapy were detected by ELISA. The healthy persons were made as the control group. Results： The sIL-2R levels of the breast cancer patients were higher than that of the control group（P（0.05）; the sIL-2R＇s levels in I^II stage breast cancer were lower than that in Ill^IV stage breast cancer （P（0.05）; the sIL-2R levels of the patients before chemotherapy were higher than that of the patients undergone chemotherapy（P（0.05）; The level of the patient with chemotherapy was still higher than that of the control group （P（0.05）; the sIL-2R levels of the patients whose chemotherapies were noneffective were higher than that of the patients received effective chemotherapies （P（0.05）. There was no significant difference between the group with ER（＋） or PR（＋） and the group with ER（-） or PR（-）（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： The breast cancer patients have the high sIL-2R levels. There is a close relationship between the cancer incidence and the patients, immune situation. The level of sIL-2R could be a clinical index which can be used for evaluating the cancer degree, because the higher levels of sIL-2R can indicate that the immune ability of patient is worse. There is a significant difference between the sIL-2R levels of the patients before chemotherapy and that of the patients undergone chemotherapy.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ELEVATED SERUM SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR IN GASTRIC CANCER

This is China’s pilot stndy in the assessment of the diagnostic value of serum soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in gastric cancer.We measured its level by ELISA method in 45 patients with gastric cancer (without metastasis:32;with metastasis:5;recurrence:8)27 gastric ulcer,