Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2:A promising biomarker for colorectal cancer

According to the latest global cancer statistics,colorectal cancer(CRC)has emerged as the third most prevalent malignant tumor across the globe.In recent decades,the medical field has implemented several levels of CRC screening tests,encompassing fecal tests,endoscopic examinations,radiological examinations and blood tests.Previous studies have shown that leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2(LILRB2)is involved in inhibiting immune cell function,immune evasion,and promoting tumor progression in acute myeloid leukemia and nonsmall cell lung cancer.However,its interaction with CRC has not been reported yet.Recently,a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that LILRB2 and its ligand,angiopoietin-like protein 2,are markedly overexpressed in CRC.This overexpression is closely linked to tumor progression and is indicative of a poor prognosis.The study highlights the potential of utilizing the concentration of LILRB2 in serum as a promising biomarker for tumors.However,there is still room for discussion regarding the data processing and analysis in this research.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donorspecific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation(LT)has been increasingly recognized,particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)and their impact on graft longevity.While substantial evidence for adult populations exists,research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited.AIM To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT.METHODS A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre,Brazil,between December 2013 and December 2023.Only patients who survived for>30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included.DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed.The presence of de novo DSA(dnDSA)was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex®single antigen bead method,with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI.Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy.RESULTS Overall,67 transplanted children were analyzed;61 received grafts from living donors,85%of whom were related to recipients.Pre-transplant DSA(class I or II)was detected in 28.3%of patients,and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%.The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7[interquartile range(IQR):4.3-35.6]months.Biopsyproven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up,with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies.The median time to rejection was 7.8(IQR:5.7-12.8)months.The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection(36%vs 3%,P<0.001).The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76%vs 100%and 58%vs 95%for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without,respectively.CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre-and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients.Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

Integrated analyses of transcriptomics and network pharmacology reveal leukocyte characteristics and functional changes in subthreshold depression,elucidating the curative mechanism of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism and identify potential drugs for subthreshold depression(SD),and elucidate the detalied mechanism of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder(DZXY)in SD.Methods:Using RNA-sequencing,we identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in leukocytes of SD compared to healthy controls,deciphered their functions and pathways,and identified the hub genes of SD.We also assessed changes in leukocyte transcription factor activity in patients with SD using the TELis platform.The Connectivity Map database was retrieved to screen candidate drugs for SD.Based on network pharmacology,we elucidated the"multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway"mechanism of DZXY in the treatment of SD.Results:We identified 1080 DEGs(padj<0.05 and|log2(fold change)l≥1&protein coding)in the leukocytes of patients with SD.These DEGs,including hub genes,were primarily involved in immune and inflammatory response-related processes.Transcription factor activity analysis revealed similarities between the leukocyte transcriptome profile in SD and the conserved transcriptional response to adversities in immune cells.Connectivity Map analysis identified 28 potential drugs for SD treatment,particularly SB-202190 and TWS-119.Constructing the"Direct Compounds-Direct Targets-Pathways"network for DZXY and SD revealed the curative mechanisms of DZXY in SD,primarily including inflammatory response,lipid metabolism,immune response,and other processes.Conclusion:These results provide new insights into the characteristics and functional changes of leukocytes in SD,partially illustrate the pathogenesis of SD,and suggest potential drugs for SD.The curative mechanisms of DZXY in SD are also partially elucidated.

Better understanding of c-reactive protein and leukocytes in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders:A biopsychosocial approach

BACKGROUND Affective disorders(AD)have been linked to inflammatory processes,although the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are still not fully elucidated.It is hypothesized that demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables predict inflammatory parameters in AD.AIM To identify biopsychosocial factors contributing to inflammation in AD measured with two parameters,C-reactive protein(CRP)and leukocytes.METHODS This observational study investigated 186 hospital inpatients diagnosed with AD using demographic parameters,serum inflammatory markers,somatic variables,psychological questionnaires,and lifestyle parameters.Hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict inflammatory markers from demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables.RESULTS Analyses showed that 33.8%of the variance of CRP was explained by body mass index and other somatic medication(e.g.anti-diabetics),age and education,and age of affective disorder diagnosis.For leukocytes,20.1%of the variance was explained by smoking,diet,metabolic syndrome(MetS),and anti-inflammatory medication(e.g.non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).Other psychiatric or behavioural variables did not reach significance.CONCLUSION Metabolic components seem important,with mounting evidence for a metabolic affective disorder subtype.Lifestyle modifications and psychoeducation should be employed to prevent or treat MetS in AD.

Importance of human leukocyte antigen antibodies and leukocyte antigen/killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in liver transplantation

Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the hypothetical state of hepatic tolerance,which is described by eventual imbalances or deregulation in the balance of cytokines,mediators,effectors,and regulatory cells in the complex milieu of the liver.In this section,we will comment on the importance of donorspecific anti-human leukocyte antigen(HLA)antibodies(DSA)as well as the compatibility and pairings of HLA and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR)genotypes in the evolution of liver transplantation.Thus,HLA compatibility,viral infections,and HLA-C/KIR combinations have all been linked to liver transplant rejection and survival.There have been reports of increased risk of acute and chronic rejection with ductopenia,faster graft fibrosis,biliary problems,poorer survival,and even de novo autoimmune hepatitis when DSAs are present in the recipient.Higher mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)values of the DSAs and smaller graft size were associated with poorer patient outcomes,implying that high-risk patients with preformed DSAs should be considered for selecting the graft placed and desensitization methods,according to the investigators.Similarly,in a combined kidney-liver transplant,a pretransplant with a visible expression of several DSAs revealed that these antibodies were resistant to treatment.The renal graft was lost owing to antibody-mediated rejection(AMR).The HLA antigens expressed by the transplanted liver graft influenced antibody elimination.Pathologists are increasingly diagnosing AMR in liver transplants,and desensitization therapy has even been employed in situations of AMR,particularly in patients with DSAs in kidney-hepatic transplants and high-class II MFI due to Luminex.In conclusion,after revealing the negative impacts of DSAs with high MFI,pretransplant virtual crossmatch techniques may be appropriate to improve evolution;however,they may extend cold ischemia periods by requiring the donor to be typed.

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 overexpression as a promising therapeutic target and noninvasive screening biomarker for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has become the second most deadly malignancy in the world,and the exploration of screening markers and precise therapeutic targets is urgent.Our previous research identified leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2(LILRB2)protein as a characteristic protein of CRC,but the association between LILRB2 expression and clinicopathological features,the internal mechanism related to CRC progression,and screening diagnostic efficacy are not clear.Therefore,we hypothesized that LILRB2 is significantly highly expressed in CRC tissues,correlated with advanced stage and a poor prognosis,and could be used as a therapeutic target and potential screening biomarker for CRC.AIM To explore whether LILRB2 can be used as a potential therapeutic target and noninvasive screening biomarker for CRC.METHODS Patients who underwent radical surgery for CRC at China-Japan Friendship Hospital between February 2021 and October 2022 were included.Cancer and paracancerous tissues were collected to verify LILRB2 expression,and the association between LILRB2 expression and clinicopathological features was analysed.Serum was collected from CRC patients,adenoma patients and healthy controls during the same period to assess the diagnostic value of LILRB2 as a noninvasive screening biomarker,and its diagnostic value was further compared with that of the traditional markers carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9).RESULTS A total of 58 CRC patients were included,and LILRB2 protein was significantly overexpressed in cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues(P<0.001).Angiopoietin-like protein 2(ANGPTL2)protein,as the ligand of LILRB2,was synergistically overexpressed in CRC tissues(P<0.001),and overexpression of LILRB2 and ANGPTL2 protein was significantly correlated with poor to moderate differentiation,vascular involvement,lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage and a poor prognosis(P<0.05),which suggested that LILRB2 and ANGPTL2 are closely associated with CRC progression.In addition,serum LILRB2 concentrations increased stepwise in healthy individuals,adenoma patients and CRC patients with statistically significant differences.The sensitivity of serum LILRB2 for the diagnosis of CRC was 89.74%,the specificity was 88.89%,the area under the curve was 0.95,and the diagnostic efficacy was better than that of conventional CEA and CA19-9.CONCLUSION LILRB2 protein can be used as a potential novel therapeutic target and noninvasive screening biomarker for CRC,which is beneficial for early screening and precise treatment.

Smart palm-size optofluidic hematology analyzer for automated imaging-based leukocyte concentration detection

A critical function of flow cytometry is to count the concentration of blood cells,which helps in the diagnosis of certain diseases.However,the bulky nature of commercial flow cytometers makes such tests only available in hospitals or laboratories,hindering the spread of point-of-care testing(POCT),especially in underdeveloped areas.Here,we propose a smart Palm-size Optofluidic Hematology Analyzer based on a miniature fluorescence microscope and a microfluidic platform to lighten the device to improve its portability.This gadget has a dimension of 35×30×80 mm and a mass of 39 g,less than 5%of the weight of commercially available flow cytometers.Additionally,automatic leukocyte concentration detection has been realized through the integration of image processing and leukocyte counting algorithms.We compared the leukocyte concentration measurement between our approach and a hemocytometer using the Passing-Bablok analysis and achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.979.Through Bland-Altman analysis,we obtained the relationship between their differences and mean measurement values and established 95%limits of agreement,ranging from−0.93×10^(3)to 0.94×10^(3)cells/μL.We anticipate that this device can be used widely for monitoring and treating diseases such as HIV and tumors beyond hospitals.

Biochanin A,as the Lrg1/TGF-β/Smad2 pathway blockade,attenuates blood-brain barrier damage after cerebral ischemiareperfusion by modulating leukocyte migration patterns

Background:Biochanin A is an excellent dietary isoflavone that has the concomitant function of both medicine and foodstuff.The attenuation function of biochanin A on blood-brain barrier(BBB)damage induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion remains unclear.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)followed by 24 h reperfusion.The infarct volume of the brain was stained by TTC,while leakage of the brain was quantitatively stained by Evans blue,and the neurologic deficit score was measured.Microglial-induced morphologic changes were observed via immunofluorescence staining,and rolling and adhering leukocytes in venules were observed via two-photon imaging,while the inner fluorescein isothiocyanate-albumin of venules were compared with those of surrounding interstitial area through venular albumin leakage.Results:The attenuation effect of biochanin A on tight junction injury was compared in ischemia-reperfusion mice or conventional knockdown of leucine-richα2-glycoprotein 1(Lrg1)mice.Biochanin A could ameliorate BBB injury in mice with cerebral ischemiareperfusion in a dose-dependent manner by strengthening the immunostaining volume of occludin,claudin-5,and zonula occludens-1.The amoeba morphologic changes of microglial combined with the elevated expression of Lrg1 could be relieved under the treatment of biochanin A.Biochanin A played a countervailing role on the rolling leukocytes in the vessel,while the leakage of blood vessels was reduced.Biochanin A diminished its functions to further improved attenuation for tight junction injury on conventional Lrg1-knockout mice,as well as the inhibition effects on TGF-β1,and the phosphorylation of suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 2(Smad2)/Smad2 via western blot assay.Conclusion:Biochanin A could alleviate tight junction injury induced by cerebral ischemiareperfusion and blocked the Lrg1/TGF-β/Smad2 pathway to modulate leukocyte migration patterns.

The Role of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Enhancing the Healing of Extraction Sockets: An Overview of the Literature

Introduction: Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an emerging material in dentistry, however, there are controversies surrounding its effectiveness. Despite the amount of literature available, debates regarding its effect continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the data surrounding the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, which may offer a better outcome for future treatments. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search of databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Results: The results of this review suggest that L-PRF has shown promise in promoting early healing of extraction sockets, but the evidence for its effectiveness over a longer period is limited. Conclusion: Although L-PRF has shown promising results in the early healing periods, its effectiveness over a longer healing period cannot be confirmed based on the available data. More clinical trials with standardized protocols and consistent measurement methods are needed to establish the role of L-PRF in enhancing the healing of extraction sockets.

Low-Dose Gamma Radiation Fields Decrease Cell Viability, Damage DNA, and Increase the Expression of Hsp70 and p53 Proteins in Human Leukocytes

Ionizing radiations are tools in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Leukopenia from exposure to ionizing radiation has been reported. Due to their radiosensitivity, leukocytes are a biological model to analyze cell damage. Therefore, cell viability, DNA damage, and Hsp70 and p53 expression in human leukocytes exposed to low-dose gamma radiation fields from a 137Cs source were evaluated. A decrease in cell viability, DNA damage and an increase in the expression of Hsp70 and p53 proportional to the radiation dose received was found, which was 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mGy.

胃癌源性外泌体对HLA-DR^(neg)leukocytes中Dicer1、PTEN基因的调控

目的通过观察胃癌源性的外泌体对HLA-DR^(^(neg))leukocytes中Dicer1、PTEN基因表达的影响,探讨肿瘤源性外泌体调控机体免疫抑制功能的机制。方法提取胃癌患者血清外泌体并鉴定,免疫磁珠法分选HLA-DR^(neg)leukocytes,吖啶橙染色后的外泌体与CFSE染色后的HLA-DR^(neg)leukocytes在37℃,5%CO_2条件下共培养12 h;采用QRT-PCR和Western blot方法分别检测共培养后胃癌患者与健康对照组中Dicer1、PTEN基因和蛋白的表达。结果成功分离胃癌患者外周血外泌体;同时观察到外泌体被HLA-DR^(neg)leukocytes有效摄取。QRT-PCR检测结果显示Dicer1 m RNA、PTEN m RNA的相对表达量分别是健康对照组的0.46±0.19、0.48±0.27倍(P<0.05);Western blot结果显示Dicer1、PTEN蛋白表达量是健康对照组的0.15±0.11、0.33±0.19倍(P<0.05)。结论胃癌来源的外泌体可以抑制HLA-DR^(neg)leukocytes中Dicer1、PTEN基因的表达,为今后进一步研究肿瘤来源的外泌体的免疫调控作用提供线索。

Directional migration of leukocytes: their pathological roles in inflammation and strategies for development of anti-inflammatory therapies

Directional migration of leukocytes is indispensable to innate immunity for host defense. However, recruitment of leukocytes to a site of tissue injury also constitutes a leading cause for inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, it involves a cascade of cellular events precisely regulated by temporal and spatial presentation of a repertoire of molecules in the migrating leukocytes and their surroundings (microenvironments). Here I will summarize the emerging evidence that has shed lights on the underlying molecular mechanism for directional migration of leukocytes, which has guided the therapeutical development for innovative anti-inflammatory medicines.

Association of human leukocyte antigen DQB1 and DRB1 alleles with chronic hepatitis B

AIM: To investigate the effect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 and DQB1 alleles on the inactive and advanced stages of chronic hepatitis B.

Occurrence of human leukocyte antigen B51-related ankylosing spondylitis in a family:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is strongly associated with the human leukocyte antigen(HLA)B27 haplotype.In regions where conventional polymerase chain reaction for HLA typing is available for antigens such as HLA B27 or HLA B51,it is common to perform the HLA B27 test for evaluation of AS.While HLA B27-associated clustered occurrences of AS have been reported in families,we report the first case series of HLA B51-related occurrences of AS in a family.CASE SUMMARY A father and his daughters were diagnosed with AS and did not have the HLA B27 haplotype.Although they were positive for HLA B51,they exhibited no signs of Behçet’s disease(BD).Of the five daughters,one had AS,and three,including the daughter with AS,were positive for HLA B51.The two daughters with the HLA B51 haplotype(excluding the daughter with AS)exhibited bilateral grade 1 sacroiliitis,whereas the daughters without the HLA B51 haplotype did not have sacroiliitis.Thus,this Korean family exhibited a strong association with the HLA B51 haplotype and clinical sacroiliitis,irrespective of the symptoms of BD.CONCLUSION It is advisable to check for HLA B51 positivity in patients with AS/spondyloarthropathy who test negative for HLA B27.

Relationship of human leukocyte antigen class II genes with the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection and the response to interferon in HBV-infected patients

AIM： To study the relationship of human leukocyte antigen （HLA）-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles with the genetic susceptibility to HBV infection and the response to interferon （IFN） in HBV-infected patients. METHODS： Low-resolution DNA typing kit was used to determine HLA-DR-1 and -DQB1 genes in 72 patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） and HLA-DRB1 in 200 healthy people ready to donate their bone marrow in Shanghai. Among CHB patients, 35 were treated with IFNα-1b for 24 wk. RESULTS： The frequencies of HLA-DRBI＊06, DRBI＊08 and DRB1＊16 alleles in 72 patients were higher than in 200 healthy people （2.08% vs0%, OR = 3.837, P= 0.018; 11.11% vs5.50%, OR = 2.148, P= 0.034; and 6.94% vs 3.00%, OR = 0.625, P = 0.049, respectively）; whereas that of DRBI＊07 allele was lower （2.78% vs 7.75%, OR = 0.340, P= 0.046）. The frequency of HLA-DRBI＊ 14 allele was higher in 11 responders to IFN compared with 24 non-responders （18.18% vs2.08%, OR = 10.444, P = 0.031）, whereas that of DQBI＊07 allele was inverse （9.09% vs37.50%, OR = 0.167, P= 0.021）. CONCLUSION： The polymorphism of HLA class II may influence the susceptibility to HBV infection and the response to IFN in studied CHB patients. Compared with other HLA-DRB1 alleles, HLA-DRBI＊06, DRBI＊08, and DRB1＊16 may be associated with chronicity of HBV infection, HLA-DRBI＊07 with protection against HBV infection, and HLA-DRB1＊14 allele may be associated with a high rate of the response of CHB patients to IFN treatment. Compared with other HLA-DQB1 alleles, HLA-DQBI＊07 may be associated with low response rate to IFN. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Leukocytes and oxidative stress： dilemma for sperm Function and male fertility

Spermatozoa are constantly exposed to the interphase between oxidation through high amounts of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and leukocytes, and reduction by means of scavengers and antioxidants. Considering the very special functions as being the only cells with such high polarization and exerting their functions outside the body, even in a different individual, the female genital tract, the membranes of these cells are chemically composed of an extraordinary high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This in turn, renders them very susceptible to oxidative stress, which is defined as an imbalance between oxidation and reduction towards the oxidative status. As a result, ROS deriving from both leukocytes and the male germ cells themselves cause a process called ＇lipid peroxidation＇ and other damages to the sperm cell. On the other hand, a certain limited amount of ROS iS essential in order to trigger vital physiological reactions in cells, including capacitation or the acrosome reaction in sperm. The treatment of patients with antioxidants to compensate the oxidative status caused by oxidative stress is highly debated as uncontrolled antioxidative treatment might derail the system towards the reduced status, which is also unphysiological and can even induce cancer. This paradox is called the ＇antioxidant paradox＇. Therefore, a proper andrological diagnostic work-up, including the evaluation of ROS levels and the antioxidant capacity of the semen, has to he carried out beforehand, aimed at keeping the fine balance between oxidation and scavenging of vital amounts of ROS.

Human leukocyte antigen class II DQB1*0301, DRB1*1101 alleles and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus infection: A meta-analysis

AIM： To assess the associations of human leukocyte antigen （HI_A） class Ⅱ DQB1＊0301 and/or DRB1＊1101 allele with spontaneous hepatitis C virus （HCV） clearance by meta-analysis of individual dataset from all studies published till date. METHODS： To clarify the impact of HLA class Ⅱ polymorphisms on viral clearance, we performed a metaanalysis of the published data from 11 studies comparing the frequencies of DQB1＊0301 and DRB1＊1101 alleles in individuals with spontaneous resolution to those with persistent infection. As we identified the heterogeneity between studies, summary statistical data were calculated based on a random-effect model. RESULTS： Meta-analyses yielded summary estimatesodds ratio （OR） of 2.36 [95%CI （1.62, 3.43）, P〈0.00001] and 2.02 [95%CI （1.56, 2.62）, P〈0.00001] for the effects of DQB1＊0301 and DRB1＊1101 alleles on spontaneous clearance of HCV, respectively. CONCLUSION： These results support the hypothesis that specific HLA class Ⅱ alleles might influence the susceptibility or resistance to persistent HCV infection. Both DQB1＊0301 and DRB1＊1101 are protective alleles and present HCV epitopes more effectively to CD4^＋T lymphocytes than others, and subjects with these two alleles are at a lower risk of developing chronic HCV infection. Large, multi-ethnic confirmatory and welldesigned studies are needed to determine the host genetic determinants of HCV infection.

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 deficiency prevents development of acute pancreatitis by attenuating leukocyte infiltration

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP) is rapid-onset pancreatic inflammation that causes local and systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) with high morbidity and mortality, but no approved therapies are currently available. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1(PSGL-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein to initiate inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that PSGL-1 may be involved in the development of AP and would be a new target for the treatment of AP.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of PSGL-1 in the development of AP.METHODS The PSGL-1 expression on leukocytes was detected in peripheral blood of AP patients and volunteers. Pancreatic injury, inflammatory cytokines expression, and inflammatory cell infiltration was measured in AP mouse models induced with PSGL-1 knockout(PSGL-1-/-) and wild-type(PSGL-1+/+) mice. Leukocyteendothelial cell adhesion was measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC)-endothelial cell coculture system.RESULTS The expression of PSGL-1 on monocytes and neutrophils was significantly increased in AP patients. Compared with PSGL-1+/+ mice, PSGL-1-/-AP mice induced by caerulein exhibited lower serum amylase, less Interleukin-1 beta(IL-1 beta) and Interleukin-6(IL-6) expression, less neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, and reduced peripheral neutrophil and monocyte accounts. PSGL-1 deficiency alleviated leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion via IL-6 but not IL-1 beta.CONCLUSION PSGL-1 deficiency effectively inhibits the development of AP by preventing leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion via IL-6 stimulation and may become a potential therapeutic target for treating AP.

Evaluation of leukocyte esterase and nitrite strip tests to detect spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

AIM： To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagent strips for bedside diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP）. METHODS： A total of 63 consecutive patients with cirrhotic ascites （38 male, 25 female） tested between April 2005 and July 2006 were included in the study. Bedside reagent strip testing was performed on ascitic fluid and the results compared to manual cell counting and ascitic fluid culture. SBP was defined as having a polymorphonuclear ascites count of ≥ 250/mm^3. RESULTS： Fifteen samples showed SBP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the leukocyte esterase reagent strips were; 93%, 100%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the nitrite reagent strips were 13%, 93%, 40%, and 77%, respectively. The combination of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagents strips did not yield statistically significant effects on diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION： Leukocyte esterase reagent strips may provide a rapid, bedside diagnostic test for SBP.

Clinical significance of donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies in liver transplantation

Antibody-mediated rejection(AMR) caused by donorspecific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies(DSA) is widely accepted to be a risk factor for decreased graft survival after kidney transplantation. This entity also plays a pathogenic role in other solid organ transplants as it appears to be an increasingly common cause of heart graft dysfunction and an emerging issue in lung transplantation. In contrast, the liver appears relatively resistant to DSA-mediated injury. This "immune-tolerance" liver property has been sustained by a low rate of liver graft loss in patients with preformed DSA and by the intrinsic liver characteristics that favor the absorption and elimination of DSA; however, alloantibody-mediated adverse consequences are increasingly being recognized, and several cases of acute AMR after ABO-compatible liver transplant(LT) have been reported. Furthermore, the availability of new solid-phase assays, allowing the detection of low titers of DSA and the refinement of objective diagnostic criteria for AMR in solid organ transplants and particularly in LT, have improved the recognition and management of this entity. A cost-effective strategy of DSA monitoring, avoidance of class Ⅱ human leukocyte antigen mismatching, judicious immunosuppression attached to a higher level of clinical suspicion of AMR, particularly in cases unresponsive to conventional antirejection therapy, can allow a rational approach to this threat.