Alaa Amash^1,4,*, Mahmoud Huleihel^1,4,*, Sheiner Eyal^2,4, Ester Maor^3,4, Leslie Myatt⁵, Gershon Holcberg^2,4,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 188-194, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0102

Abstract The aim of the study was to examine the stimulatory effect of the inflammatory agent lipopolysac-charide (LPS) on the capacity of human term placenta to secrete interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18. Isolated placental cotyledons from normal human term deliveries were dually perfused for ten hours with perfusion medium alone (n = 5) or with perfusion medium containing LPS (1 lg/kg perfused placental tissue) (n = 5). Placental tissue was collected from three different placental compartments (amnion, chorion, and placenta) before and after perfusion. The placental tissues collected were homogenized and examined for IL-15 and IL-18 by… More >

René Rodríguez¹, Victor M. Campa¹, José Riera¹, M. Teresa Carcedo¹, David S. Ucker², Sofía Ramos¹, Pedro S. Lazo¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 172-180, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0106

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to be a mediator of a variety of cellular responses including apoptotic death or proliferation depending on the target cell and the environmental conditions. We show here that TNF triggers both growth and death signals in NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. In cells arrested in G₀ by serum deprivation, TNF drives approximately 50% of them to enter the cell cycle, but kills the cells that remain quiescent. The presence of serum prevents toxic effects of TNF, suggesting that TNF can cooperate to drive cells through the cell cycle, but is unable… More >

Kyriaki Venetsanou¹, Konstantinos Vlachos², Athanassios Moles¹, Gerassimos Fragakis², George Fildissis¹, George Baltopoulos¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 39-42, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0112

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) acts as an inducer of the inflammatory reaction expressed by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1b (IL-1b), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)], and causes metabolic alterations in the early, post-traumatic state, either in the brain or/and the systemic circulation. The metabolic changes involve carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. We focused on the serum lipid profile, the impact of trauma on lipoproteins, and their subsequent effects, on inflammation. We investigated the role of cytokines and serum lipids, in patient outcome, reviewing 30-day mortality and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). A total of 75… More >

Atosa Azarang¹, Majid Mahmoodi^1,2, Said Rajabalian¹, Majid Asadi Shekari¹, Jafar Nosratabadi¹, Nima Rezaei³

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 33-37, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0107

Abstract There are a few studies with conflicting results on the effects of opioids on the functioning of immune system. This study was performed to investigate the in vitro production of interferon-c and interleukin-10 after antigenic stimulation of cells using whole blood from opioid addicts.Blood samples were taken from 20 chronically opioid-addicted persons, who voluntarily enrolled for detoxification (10 opium and 10 heroin addicts). Blood samples were also taken from 10 healthy individuals with no history of drug abuse as the control. Cell culture was performed in a whole blood culture assay. Diluted blood samples were… More >

René Rodríguez¹, Victor M. Campa¹, José Riera¹, M. Teresa Carcedo¹, David S. Ucker², Sofía Ramos¹, Pedro S. Lazo¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 23-31, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0106

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to be a mediator of a variety of cellular responses including apoptotic death or proliferation depending on the target cell and the environmental conditions. We show here that TNF triggers both growth and death signals in NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts. In cells arrested in G0 by serum deprivation, TNF drives approximately 50% of them to enter the cell cycle, but kills the cells that remain quiescent. The presence of serum prevents toxic effects of TNF, suggesting that TNF can cooperate to drive cells through the cell cycle, but is unable… More >

Pierre-Blaise Matsiegui^1,2, Michel A. Missinou^1,2, Saadou Issifou¹, Magdalena Necek^1,3, Elie Mavoungou^1,2

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 23-27, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0105

Abstract We assessed the ability of ibuprofen to modulate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type I (sTNFR-I), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (sTNFR-II) responses during the treatment of fever in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of 50 pediatric patients in Lambaréné, Gabon. Treatment of the malaria involved the patients receiving intravenous quinine (12 mg/kg of quinine dihydrochloride every 12 h for 72 h) followed by a single dose of oral sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (25 mg and 1.25 mg/kg). Fever was treated by mechanical treatment plus either ibuprofen… More >

Alaa Amash^1,4, Mahmoud Huleihel^1,4, Sheiner Eyal^2,4, Ester Maor^3,4, Lesly Myatt⁵, Gershon Holcberg^2,4

European Cytokine Network, Vol.18, No.4, pp. 1-8, 2007, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2007.0102

Abstract The aim of the study was to examine the stimulatory effect of the inflammatory agent lipopolysac-charide (LPS) on the capacity of human term placenta to secrete interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18. Isolated placental cotyledons from normal human term deliveries were dually perfused for ten hours with perfusion medium alone (n = 5) or with perfusion medium containing LPS (1 lg/kg perfused placental tissue) (n = 5). Placental tissue was collected from three different placental compartments (amnion, chorion, and placenta) before and after perfusion. The placental tissues collected were homogenized and examined for IL-15 and IL-18 by… More >

Michael J. Manyak

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, Suppl.6, pp. 32-38, 2007

Abstract Rapid advances in imaging technology have whetted our collective appetites for practical clinical applications to assist the physician and patient in therapeutic decisions. Current limitations of imaging technology are being addressed by the convergence of technology in materials science, the computer industry, and biology which have led to improvements of diagnostic imaging. Refinements in image acquisition, fusion of images, and outcomes data now suggest use for image-guided therapy. Novel imaging agents and technologies appear to provide improved capabilities to detect malignant lymph nodes. Future applications of optical coherence tomography, electron paramagnetic resonance imaging, nanotechnology, and More >

David T. Marshall

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, Suppl.6, pp. 28-31, 2007

Abstract Permanent interstitial brachytherapy with I-125 or Pd- 103 seeds is a well-established approach as single modality for low-risk prostate cancer patients and as part of a multi-modality program for intermediate- and high-risk patients. There are multiple approaches that have been developed to deliver high-quality implants, including pre-planned and real-time intra-operative techniques. In the hands of experienced users, either approach can provide consistently excellent outcomes. We believe that the combination of real-time intra-operative dosimetry and connected seeds may provide for improved consistency due to decreased seed migration. More >

Thomas J. Eichler

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, Suppl.6, pp. 19-23, 2007

Abstract Over 200000 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007. Management of this common malignancy is controversial with essentially equal long-term survival and local control with either surgery or radiation therapy stage for stage in the setting of localized disease. Factors that can affect treatment recommendations include stage and grade of disease, the pre-treatment PSA, physician bias and patient choice. This paper examines several of the radiotherapeutic options for the treatment of prostate cancer, and will also discuss evolving modalities that may offer additional treatment choices in the future. More >