Neuroimmunomodulation in Cancer Patients: Correlations between Melatonin and ß-Endorphin Blood Levels and T Helper/Suppressor Ratio

1988 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Barni ◽  
P. Lissoni ◽  
S. Crispino ◽  
G. Cattaneo ◽  
F. Rovelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Neuroendocrine Control ◽  
Immune Dysfunctions

The pineal gland and opioid peptides play roles in the neuroendocrine control of immunity. Both neuroendocrine and immune dysfunctions have been observed in cancer but the importance of the altered secretion of neurohormones in the immunoincompetence of cancer patients has never been investigated. This study concomitantly evaluated neuroendocrine and immune functions in 40 patients with early or advanced neoplastic disease. In each patient, melatonin and β-endorphin blood levels and lymphocyte subtypes were determined on venous blood samples collected during the morning. Metastatic patients had lower melatonin levels and a lower T4/T8 ratio than patients without metastases but no significant correlation was found between melatonin and the T4/T8 ratio. β-endorphin levels appeared to be normal in all patients. These results suggest that melatonin and β-endorphin secretion have no role in determining immune dysfunctions in cancer.

Arterio-Venous Differences in the Components of the Fibrinolytic Enzyme System

1966 ◽  
Vol 16 (01/02) ◽  
pp. 032-037 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Ogston ◽  
C. M Ogston ◽  
N. B Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Enzyme System ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Fibrinolytic Enzyme ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Activator Concentration ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Male Subjects

Summary1. The concentration of the major components of the fibrinolytic enzyme system was compared in venous and arterial blood samples from male subjects.2. The plasminogen activator concentration was higher in venous blood and the arterio-venous difference increased as its concentration rose, but the ratio of the arterial to venous level remained constant.3. No arterio-venous difference was found for anti-urokinase activity, antiplasmin, plasminogen and fibrinogen.4. It is concluded that venous blood determinations of the components of the fibrinolytic enzyme system reflect satisfactorily arterial blood levels.

Interleukin-4 Blood Concentrations in Early and Metastatic Human Solid Neoplasms

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lissoni ◽  
D. Merlini ◽  
D. Pirato ◽  
S. Meregalli
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Interleukin 4 ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Th2 Cell

Blood levels of the immunosuppressive cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 are often abnormally high in patients with advanced cancer. However, since IL-6 and IL-10 may be produced by macrophages and TH2 cells, the evidence of abnormally high values of IL-6 and/or IL-10 may reflect hyperactivation either of the macrophage system or of TH2 cell functions. In contrast, IL-4 is almost completely produced by the TH2 lymphocytes. Therefore, evaluation of IL-4 levels could help to differentiate macrophage from TH2 cell hyperactivation. This study was performed to investigate IL-4 serum levels in a group of cancer patients in relation to the stage of disease and to the secretion of other cytokines. The study included 50 patients, 28 of whom showed distant organ metastases. Lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancers were the most frequent neoplasms in our patients. The control group consisted of 60 healthy subjects. IL-4 was measured by the Elisa method. No patient showed high levels of IL-4. No significant differences were seen between controls and cancer patients, nor between metastatic and non-metastatic patients. In addition, no significant differences in IL-4 mean values were found between patients with normal or high levels of IL-6 and IL-10, or between patients with normal or low IL-2 concentrations. This preliminary study seems to exclude cancer-related abnormally high secretion of IL-4. Therefore, the high levels of IL-6 and/or IL-10 often occurring in advanced neoplastic disease would mainly depend on macrophage production.

Effects of moderate- to high-level physical performance on blood levels of cardiac biomarkers in extreme conditions of Antarctica

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian Brat ◽  
Zdeněk Merta ◽  
Pavel Ševčík
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Extreme Conditions ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
High Level

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of extreme climatic conditions (particularly cold) on levels of cardiac biomarkers after moderate- to high-level physical performance in members of the 6th and 7th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expeditions during their field work in Antarctica. A study evaluating performance-related changes in levels of cardiac biomarkers in extreme conditions of Antarctica. A total of 35 venous blood samples were collected and analyzed from 17 subjects. The first series of blood samples were collected prior to physical performance, the second 8 to 12 hours post-exercise. The third series of samples were collected only in those subjects where pathological values were detected previously. In 1 subject (12.5%), an increase in NT-proBNP level lasting 24 hours was present after physical performance. Interestingly, none of the individuals had a rise in TnT and DD blood levels following physical exertion. We didn’t find changes in TnT and DD blood levels comparable with changes reported in athletes after a marathon. In only one subject, transitional elevation od NT-proBNP was present. This finding might be due to protective effects of cold on cardiac cells. The effects of physical performance and of work in polar regions should be better investigated in future studies.

Acute Effects of Various Chemotherapeutic Combinations on Hypophyseal and Pineal Hormone Secretions in Cancer Patients

1987 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro Barni ◽  
Paolo Lissoni ◽  
Gabriele Tancini ◽  
Sergio Crispino ◽  
Franco Paolorossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Cytotoxic Drugs ◽  
Saline Infusion ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Drugs ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Hormone Secretions ◽  
Zero Time

It is known that prolonged therapy with cytotoxic drugs may affect the endocrine system. The present study was carried out to establish whether administration of chemotherapeutic drugs acutely influences hypophyseal and pineal activities. Nineteen patients affected by solid tumors were included in the study, 5 of whom were treated with CMF, 4 with FEC, 4 with CEV, and 6 with CDDP. Cytotoxic drugs were intravenously administered. Venous blood samples were collected at zero time and at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after drug administration. On a separate occasion, venous blood samples were drawn during a saline infusion only. In each sample FSH, LH, GH, PRL, TSH, Cortisol, melatonin and β-endorphin were determined by the RIA method. The only significant changes observed in this study were a rise in PRL and a decrease in β-endorphin after CDDP administration. Melatonin was enhanced after CDDP and CMF, and Cortisol decreased after CMF and FEC, but their variations were not statistically significant with respect to those seen during saline infusion.

A Radiologic Study by CT Scan of Pineal Size in Cancer Patients: Correlation to Melatonin Blood Levels

1989 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Tagliabue ◽  
Paolo Lissoni ◽  
Sandro Barni ◽  
Isabella Macchi ◽  
Gabriele Tancini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Pineal Body ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Radiologic Study ◽  
Oncologic Patients ◽  
Brain Ct Scan

Alterations in size of the pineal body and melatonin secretion have been observed in cancer patients. The present study was carried out to evaluate pineal dimensions in a group of cancer patients and their relation to melatonin blood levels. The study included 70 oncologic patients. As controls, 41 patients with acute or chronic disease other than cancer entered the study. Melatonin serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay on venous blood samples collected at 9:00 a.m. Pineal size was determined by brain CT scan, by considering the product of the two longest perpendicular diameters, multiplied by the thickness of the stratum. The volume of the pineal body was found to be enlarged in 12/70 (17%) cancer patients, and its mean value was significantly higher than that observed in controls. Melatonin levels were also significantly higher in oncologic patients than In controls. However, there was no correlation between melatonin levels and pineal size in cancer patients. Finally, cancer patients did not show a higher degree of pineal calcifications than controls. The clinical significance of pineal enlargement in cancer patients remains to be understood.

Melatonin Increase as Predictor for Tumor Objective Response to Chemotherapy in Advanced Cancer Patients

1988 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Lissoni ◽  
Gabriele Tancini ◽  
Sandro Barni ◽  
Sergio Crispino ◽  
Franco Paolorossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Clinical Response ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Regimen ◽  
Response To Chemotherapy

Clinical studies have demonstrated an altered pineal function in cancer patients. Owing to the documented antineoplastic activity of the pineal gland, these anomalies could have a prognostic significance. This study was carried out to monitor changes in blood levels of melatonin, the most important pineal hormone, in relation to the clinical response to chemotherapy in human neoplasms. The study included 42 cancer patients of both sexes (breast cancer, 10; lung cancer, 13; colon cancer, 11; soft tissue sarcoma, 4; testicular cancer, 1; Hodgkin's disease, 1; peritoneal mesothelioma, 2). Melatonin serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay before and 28 days after each cycle of chemotherapy. The results showed that, irrespectively of the type of tumor and chemotherapeutic regimen, 12/16 patients (75%) whose melatonin markedly enhanced after chemotherapy had an objective regression. In contrast, 2/26 patients only (8%) whose melatonin did not enhance after chemotherapy had a clinical response. The percentage of objective responses was statistically significantly higher in patients with a chemotherapy-induced melatonin increase than in those with no melatonin increase (p < 0.001). This study seems to demonstrate that melatonin determination can be used as a predictor of the objective response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Moreover, it suggests that the antineoplastic effect of cytotoxic drugs may require participation of the pineal gland.

Lower Cord Blood IL-17 and IL-25, but Not Other Epithelial Cell-Derived Cytokines Are Associated with Atopic Dermatitis in Infancy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Cristina Gamez ◽  
Jessica Metcalfe ◽  
Susan L. Prescott ◽  
Debra J. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Maternal Influences ◽  
Potential Biomarker

<b><i>Background:</i></b> There is a growing need for early biomarkers that may predict the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). As alterations in skin barrier may be a primary event in disease pathogenesis, epithelial cell (EC) cytokines expression patterns may be a potential biomarker in early life to target allergy preventive strategies towards “at-risk” infants. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this longitudinal investigation was to examine from birth over the course of infancy levels of the EC cytokines: thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-33, IL-25, and IL-17 in infants at high-risk of AD due to maternal atopy. <b><i>Method:</i></b> We collected (<i>n</i> = 31) cord blood samples from atopic mothers and followed up their infants at 4–6 and 12 months of age for collection of peripheral venous blood samples and diagnosis of AD. TSLP concentration was measured by ELISA after acetone precipitation of the samples. IL-33, IL-25, and IL-17 levels were measured by Luminex. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Seven infants who developed AD had lower levels of IL-25 and IL-17 at birth compared to the 24 infants who did not develop AD by 12 months of age. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Lower cord blood levels of IL-17 and IL-25, but not other EC cytokines, were associated with the onset of AD during infancy. Our results highlight that the in-utero period appears critical, and potential maternal influences on cord blood EC-derived cytokine concentrations requires further exploration.

scholarly journals Biochemical Factors associated with Breast Cancer in Bangladeshi Women

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
DAS Hussain ◽  
S Ahmed ◽  
M Hoque ◽  
SMR Rabbi ◽  
S Masood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Family History ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Biochemical Features

Breast Cancer is the commonest maligrancy in woment. A study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College to investigate some of the biochemical features that are associated with breast cancer occurring in Bangladeshi women. Thirty diagnosed breast cancer patients and thirty healthy women were selected. A questionnaire was used for collecting information regarding age, family history, physical activity and exercise, BMI, diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, addiction, details of menstrual and obstetric history, breast-feeding, parity, use of contraceptives and HRT. Blood samples were collected and tested for fasting lipid profiles, serum estrogen and progesterone. The study has revealed that high levels of serum total cholesterol (P<0.05), TAG (P<0.05), LDL-C (P<0.05) and low level of serum and HDL-C (P<0.05) were found to be associated with breast cancer. The study further reveals that blood levels of estrogen (P<0.05) and progesterone (P<0.05) were found to be lower than that of the controls. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v6i2.17644 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2013; 6(2): 58-62

Effect of an acute injection of melatonin on the basal secretion of hypophyseal hormones in prepubertal and pubertal healthy subjects

1986 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lisoni ◽  
M. Resentini ◽  
R. Mauri ◽  
C. De Medici ◽  
F. Morabito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Saline Infusion ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Acute Injection

Abstract. It is well known that the pineal gland can modulate the secretion of pituitary hormones. Melatonin, the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, acts at the hypothalamic site, whereas hypophyseal sensitivity to melatonin seems to change with age. To investigate the influence of pubertal development on the role of the pineal gland in the regulation of the secretion of pituitary hormones, FSH, LH, Prl, TSH and GH responses to melatonin were evaluated in a group of 9 prepubertal and 10 pubertal healthy subjects of both sexes. Melatonin was given im at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight at 3 p.m. Venous blood samples were drawn −20, 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min, after melatonin injection. According to the same experimental protocol, venous blood samples were collected during a saline infusion on a separate occasion. FSH, LH, Prl, TSH and GH plasma levels were measured with RIA. In pubertal subjects, a significant rise in the mean Prl levels was seen 90 min after melatonin as compared with those during saline infusion. The Prl melatonin response area was significantly lower in prepubertal treated subjects and significantly higher in pubertal ones compared with the respective controls. The mean GH values showed a significant decrease 120 min after melatonin only in prepubertal subjects; no significant variations were seen in 8 of 10 pubertal subjects, whereas in the last 2 a marked increase was observed. Finally, under these conditions, melatonin did not influence the basal FSH LH and TSH levels. These results seem to suggest that hypophyseal hormone reponses change with pubertal development.

Markers of Hemostatic Activation in Affected Coronary Arteries during Angioplasty

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (05) ◽  
pp. 672-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas W Shammas ◽  
Michael J Cunningham ◽  
Richard M Pomearntz ◽  
Charles W Francis
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Balloon Inflation ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Hemostatic System ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hemostatic Markers ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
High Doses

SummaryTo characterize the extent of early activation of the hemostatic system following angioplasty, we obtained blood samples from the involved coronary artery of 11 stable angina patients during the procedure and measured sensitive markers of thrombin formation (fibrino-peptide A, prothrombin fragment 1.2, and soluble fibrin) and of platelet activation ((3-thromboglobulin). Levels of hemostatic markers in venous blood obtained from 14 young individuals with low pretest probability for coronary artery disease were not significantly different from levels in venous blood or intracoronary samples obtained prior to angioplasty. Also, there was no translesional (proximal and distal to the lesion) gradient in any of the hemostatic markers before or after angioplasty in samples obtained between 18 and 21 min from the onset of the first balloon inflation. Furthermore, no significant difference was noted between angioplasty and postangioplasty intracoronary concentrations. We conclude that intracoronary hemostatic activation does not occur in the majority of patients during and immediately following coronary angioplasty when high doses of heparin and aspirin are administered.

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