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Cytokine Balance (cytokine + balance)
Selected AbstractsCirculating T-Cell Response to Helicobacter pylori Infection in Chronic GastritisHELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2000Zhigang Ren Background.Helicobacter pylori elicits a specific humoral and cellular immune response. There is increasing evidence that the type of T-cell response contributes to clinical outcome in H. pylori infection. Materials and Methods. The host response to H. pylori infection in 34 subjects with chronic gastritis was examined in terms of T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in whole-blood cultures stimulated or unstimulated with H. pylori acid-glycine extract antigens (AGE). Results. The proliferative response in whole-blood cultures was similar for both H. pylori,positive and ,negative subjects stimulated with H. pylori AGE. While an increase in interferon-, (IFN-,) production was observed from both H. pylori,positive and ,negative subjects with gastritis, significantly higher levels of IFN-, were detected in the former when stimulated with H. pylori AGE. In contrast, interleukin 4 (IL-4) was undetectable regardless of antigen stimulation. However, if an in situ IL-4 antibody capture assay was used, antigen-independent production of IL-4 was detected, but there was no difference between H. pylori,positive and ,negative subjects with gastritis. After eradication of H. pylori, antigen-induced production of IL-4 was increased, with no decrease in the levels of secretion of IFN-,. IL-4 production was dependent on CD4+ T cells, as addition of anti-CD4 but not anti-CD8 mouse monoclonal antibody or matched IgG isotype to the whole-blood culture inhibited the production of IL-4. Conclusion. The results suggest that a shift toward a balanced Th1-Th2 response due to an increase in antigen-induced IL-4 production from CD4+ T cells follows eradication. We suggest that the downregulation of mucosal inflammation consequent on reduction in antigen levels or removal of downregulation after eradication of H. pylori contributes to this shift in cytokine balance. [source] Detrimental role of endogenous nitric oxide in host defence against Sporothrix schenckiiIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Karla Simone S. Fernandes Summary We earlier demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is a fungicidal molecule against Sporothrix schenckii in vitro. In the present study we used mice deficient in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS,/,) and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice treated with N,-nitro-arginine (Nitro-Arg-treated mice), an NOS inhibitor, both defective in the production of reactive nitrogen intermediates, to investigate the role of endogenous NO during systemic sporotrichosis. When inoculated with yeast cells of S. schenckii, WT mice presented T-cell suppression and high tissue fungal dissemination, succumbing to infection. Furthermore, susceptibility of mice seems to be related to apoptosis and high interleukin-10 and tumour necrosis factor-, production by spleen cells. In addition, fungicidal activity and NO production by interferon-, (IFN-,) and lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages from WT mice were abolished after fungal infection. Strikingly, iNOS,/, and Nitro-Arg-treated mice presented fungal resistance, controlling fungal load in tissues and restoring T-cell activity, as well as producing high amounts of IFN-, Interestingly, macrophages from these groups of mice presented fungicidal activity after in vitro stimulation with higher doses of IFN-,. Herein, these results suggest that although NO was an essential mediator to the in vitro killing of S. schenckii by macrophages, the activation of NO system in vivo contributes to the immunosuppression and cytokine balance during early phases of infection with S. schenckii. [source] IL-10 is highly expressed in the cryptorchid cryptepididymal epithelium: a probable mechanism preventing immune responses against autoantigenic spermatozoa in the epididymal tubuleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2002E. Veräjänkorva The expression of several immunoregulatory adhesion proteins and cytokines was studied in the normal epididymis, cryptorchid cryptepididymis, the epididymis of oestrogen-treated mice and the epididymis of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice at the protein level to see which of these immunoregulatory proteins may be involved in lymphocyte regulation in the normal or pathological epididymis and if cytokine balance in this organ is on the cellular or humoral side. The aim of the study was to characterize the immunological microenvironment of the epididymis to explain the survival of the autoantigenic spermatozoa in this site. In the 6-week-old BALB/c or NOD mouse epididymis there were some CD18 and CD44 expressing cells in the interstitial tissue. There were no differences between these strains in the expression of the studied antigens, except that some CD4 positive cells were present in the interstitial tissue of BALB/c mice. In the cryptorchid cryptepididymis CD4, CD8, CD18, CD44, CD54 and CD106 expressing cells were occasionally present in the connective tissue surrounding the epididymal tubule. In the epididymis of the oestrogen-treated mice these antigens were not expressed. In the cryptorchid cryptepididymis the epithelial cells expressed IL-10 highly and the myoid peritubular cells IL-6. The present results suggest that the epididymal epithelial IL-10 suppressing TH0, TH1 and TH2 immune responses may be involved in the protection of autoantigenic spermatozoa from immune destruction. [source] Oxidative-inflammatory damage in cirrhosis: Effect of vitamin E and a fermented papaya preparationJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Francesco Marotta Abstract Background and Aim:, Oxidative DNA damage occurs as an early event in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and is an indication of the potential for carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to test a novel antioxidant/immunomodulator in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis. Methods:, The study group consisted of 50 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis with transaminase values less than twofold increased (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] < 80 IU/L). Patients underwent a standardized food-vitamin composition assessment and were assessed for dietary intake, nutritional status and iron level. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups and then given either ,-tocopherol 900 IU/day or 9 g/day of a fermented papaya preparation (FPP, Immun-Age, Osato Research Institute, Gifu, Japan) at bedtime for 6 months. Ten healthy subjects served as controls. Patients were checked monthly for: routine tests, redox status (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, oxidized glutathione, malondialdehyde), plasma ,-tocopherol, 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanidine (8-OHdG) level in circulating leukocyte DNA and serum levels of cytokines. Results:, Patients with cirrhosis showed a significant imbalance of redox status (low antioxidants/high oxidative stress markers) (P < 0.005 vs controls). Neither treatment regimen affected transaminases as a whole. However, vitamin E supplementation almost normalized ALT only in the limited vitamin-E-deficient subgroup. A significant improvement of redox status was obtained by both regimens. However, only FPP significantly decreased 8-OHdG and the improvement of cytokine balance with FPP was significantly better than with vitamin E treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions:, Although the present data seem to suggest a potential supportive role of antioxidants/immunomodulators as FPP in HCV patients, more studies are needed to substantiate their effect on the natural history of the disease. [source] T-helper 1/T-helper 2 cytokine imbalance and clinical phenotypes of acute-phase major depressionPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 4 2007TIAO-LAI HUANG md Abstract Several studies have discussed the relationships between T-helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cytokines and major depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and clinical phenotypes of acute-phase major depression. A total of 82 subjects including 42 patients with major depressive disorder and 40 healthy controls were recruited. Serum cytokine levels of interleukin-1, (IL-1,), tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) and IL-10 were examined. Using ancova with age and body mass index (BMI) adjustments, there were no significant differences in serum IL-1,, TNF-,, and IL-10 levels between patients with major depressive disorder and healthy controls. However, using ancova with BMI adjustment only, the results showed that patients with major depressive disorder had significantly higher TNF-, levels than control subjects. In addition, using ancova with age and BMI adjustments, significantly higher serum IL-1, level and IL-1,/IL-10 ratio were noted in patients with melancholic features than patients with non-melancholic features. However, there were no significant differences in serum IL-1,, TNF-, and IL-10 levels between patients with and without suicide attempt. In conclusion, serum TNF-,, IL-1, level and IL-1,/IL-10 ratio might play an important role in the psychopathology of acute-phase major depressive disorder. [source] OPINION: Immunologic Abnormality of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of PregnancyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Hu Yayi Citation Yayi H, Danqing W, Shuyun L, Jicheng L. Immunologic Abnormality of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 267,273 Problem, Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy risk because of the possibility of pre-term delivery and sudden intrauterine fetal death. Its pathogenesis is still under discussion. Method of study, The analysis of the recent findings on the complex immunologic events that occur in ICP were performed. Results, In ICP, an increase of type 1 cytokine (TNF-,, IFN-,) associated with a decrease of type 2 cytokine (IL-4). The decreased production of the suppressor cytokine TGF-,2 may increase the type 1 cytokine. Fas appeared to be increased and FasL appeared to be decreased in syncytiotrophoblasts of ICP. The human leukocyte antigen gene (HLA-G, E) in extravillous trophoblasts of ICP were significantly decreased. Conclusion, Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and HLA play important roles in the tolerance and maintenance of pregnancy. ICP may be resulting from breach of the maternal fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy. [source] Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-12/18 Genes and Recurrent Spontaneous AbortionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007a Ostoji Problem Interleukin (IL) IL-12/IL-18 are involved in uterine NK cells control of uterine vascular development. Polymorphisms in the IL-12/IL-18 genes could modify the cytokine balance, which might result in an increased susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Method of Study A case,control study was conducted to determine the association between the IL12 (I/D) and IL18 (,607C>A, ,137G>C) gene polymorphisms and the risk of RSA in 125 women with RSA and in 136 controls. Results The frequencies of DD, ID, II for IL-12 were, 25.6%, 52.8% and 21.6% respectively, in patients versus 21.3%, 51.5% and 27.2% respectively in controls; the frequencies of CC, CA, AA genotypes for IL-18 (,607) were, 34.4%, 54.4% and 11.2% respectively in patients versus 30.1%, 58.1% and 11.8% respectively in controls; the frequencies of GG, GC, CC genotypes for IL-18(,137) were 47.2%, 43.2% and 9.6% respectively in patients and 45.6%, 46.3% and 8.1% respectively in controls. Conclusion IL-12B and IL-18 promoter gene polymorphisms were not associated with RSA in our women. [source] T Helper Cell Cytokine Profiles in Preterm LaborAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Lisa M. Hollier Problem:, To compare concentrations of T-helper cell cytokines in women with preterm labor (PTL) to normal pregnancies. Method of study:, Fourteen women with PTL and 13 women with normal pregnancies from 24 to 34 weeks were enrolled in this pilot study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cervical secretions were collected. PBMCs were cultured and stimulated with mitogens. Culture supernatants and cervical secretions were assayed for type 1 (interferon- ,, IL-12) and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results:, There were no intergroup differences in median cytokine concentrations in PBMC cultures, or in ratios of type 1/type 2 cytokines. In cervical secretions, the median concentration of IL-4 was significantly higher in control patients. Conclusions:, PTL patients appeared to have an altered T-helper cytokine balance in cervical secretions. Further study of the role of cytokines produced in the adaptive response appears warranted. [source] Changes in Cytokine Production During and After Normal PregnancyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2000YUKI SHIMAOKA PROBLEM: The systemic T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cytokine balance during normal human pregnancy is controversial, and observations about the balance in the postpartum period have only been reported for up to 3 months. METHOD: Whole-blood, from 83 healthy pregnant women, 80 healthy postpartum women, and 31 healthy non-pregnant women was stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, and the levels of cytokines in the supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The production of all measured cytokines decreased during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. After delivery, interferon-, (IFN-,) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) increased from 2 to 11 months postpartum, and IL-4 increased from 6 to 11 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that 1) decreases in production of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines during pregnancy may be related to the pregnancy-induced amelioration of autoimmune diseases; 2) increases in production of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in the postpartum period may be related to the postpartum aggravation of autoimmune diseases. [source] Polymorphisms in TBX21 and STAT4 increase the risk of systemic sclerosis: Evidence of possible gene,gene interaction and alterations in Th1/Th2 cytokinesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 12 2009Pravitt Gourh Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Dysregulation of the immune system, including the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, is central to the pathogenesis of SSc. This study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TBX21 and STAT4, both of which are critical transcription factors that regulate the Th1/Th2 balance, are associated with SSc susceptibility. Methods We tested SNPs in TBX21 and STAT4 for association with SSc in 2 independent cohorts, the SSc Registry cohort (880 SSc cases and 507 controls) and the University of Texas SSc cohort (522 cases and 531 controls). Additional white control genotypes were obtained from public repositories. We also investigated for gene,gene interactions. Plasma cytokines and whole blood gene expression profiles were examined to determine functional effects of these SNPs. Results Multiple SNPs in TBX21 and STAT4 were found to be associated with SSc. In a combined analysis of 902 SSc patients and 4,745 controls, TT genotyping of the TBX21 rs11650354 variant revealed a recessive pattern for disease susceptibility (Pcorr = 1.4 × 10,15, odds ratio 3.37, 95% confidence interval 2.4,4.6). In an analysis of 1,039 SSc patients and 3,322 controls, the A allele of the STAT4 variant rs11889341 was associated with increased SSc susceptibility in a dominant pattern (Pcorr = 2.4 × 10,5, odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.2,1.5). Furthermore, we identified gene,gene interaction among the TBX21 and STAT4 variants, such that the STAT4 genotype increased the risk of SSc only in the TBX21 CC genotype group. SSc patients carrying the TBX21 CC genotype had higher interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor , levels, and those with the TT genotype had elevated IL-2, IL-5, IL-4, and IL-13 (Th2) levels, compared with controls. Whole blood expression profiles revealed dysregulation of type I interferon pathways in the CC group and T cell pathways in the TT group of the TBX21 SNP. Conclusion The present results, from studies of 2 independent cohorts, indicate that SNPs in TBX21 and STAT4 contribute uniquely and interactively to SSc susceptibility, leading to altered cytokine balance and immune dysregulation. [source] The local immune response in ulcerative lesions of Buruli diseaseCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006A. E. Kiszewski Summary Buruli disease (BU) is a progressive necrotic and ulcerative disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. BU is considered the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. Three clinical stages of the cutaneous lesions have been described in BU: pre-ulcerative, ulcerative and healed lesions. In this study we used immunohistochemistry and automated morphometry to determine the percentage of macrophages and of CD4/CD8 lymphocytes and their expression of interferon (IFN)-,, interleukin (IL)-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-,. Expression of these cytokines was correlated with the inflammatory response evaluated by histopathology. All the studied BU ulcerative cases showed extensive necrosis and chronic inflammation. The most important feature was the presence or absence of granulomas co-existing with a mixed pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine balance. When granulomas were present significantly higher expression of IFN-, was seen, whereas in ulcerative lesions without granulomas there was increased expression of IL-10 and significantly higher bacillary counts. These features correlated with the chronicity of the lesions; longer-lasting lesions showed granulomas. Thus, granulomas were absent from relatively early ulcerative lesions, which contained more bacilli and little IFN-,, suggesting that at this stage of the disease strong suppression of the protective cellular immune response facilitates proliferation of bacilli. [source] Inflammatory cytokines modulate chemokine production patterns of HepG2 cells toward initially inclined directionHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009Tomohiko Ohashi Aim:, Human hepatocytes are known to express an array of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we examined the potential roles of hepatocytes in regulating immune responses in the liver, by assessing the induction of Th1- or Th2-specific chemokines in HepG2 cells after various inflammatory stimulations. Methods:, HepG2 cells were stimulated with IL-1,, IFN-,, IL-4, IL-10, and/or CCL2, harvested at several time points, and served for the analyses of cytokine/chemokine mRNA expressions by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results:, (i) IL-1, up-regulated mRNA levels of CXCL8, CXCL10, and CCL2. IFN-, increased those of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5, while IL-4 or IL-10 had no effect. (ii) Addition of IL-4 to the culture of IFN-,-stimulated cells, down-regulated CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNA levels. (iii) Addition of IFN-, to the culture of IL-1,-stimulated cells, further up-regulated CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNA levels. Addition of IL-4 decreased CXCL8 and CXCL10 levels, and increased CCL2 level in IL-1,-stimulated cells. (iv) CCL2 induced IL-4 mRNA expression. Conclusions:, IFN-, augmented mRNA expression of Th1-specific chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) in HepG2 cells. IL-4 had no effect on those of Th2-spesific chemokines (CCL17 and CCL22); however, it was supposed to augment Th2 response indirectly through the induction of CCL2 under the inflammatory condition. The findings suggest that hepatocytes have ability to promote immune responses in the liver toward the direction, initially determined by the cytokine balances in the local inflammatory region. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||