Michael Ramharter^1,2,3, Peter G. Kremsner^2,3, Martin Willheim⁴, Heidi Winkler^1,3, Wolfgang Graninger¹, Stefan Winkler^1,3

European Cytokine Network, Vol.15, No.3, pp. 189-196, 2004

Abstract The frequency of P. falciparum-specific interleukin (IL)-2-, interferon (IFN)-γ-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and IL-10-expressing CD3⁺ cells was studied in healthy Gabonese children segregated according to their clinical presentation at admission to a longitudinal study of severe and mild malaria. The percentage of IL-2- and TNF-α- expressing P. falciparum-specific CD3⁺ cells was significantly higher in the children with prior mild malaria and less frequent reinfections compared to the children with prior severe malaria and more frequent reinfections. No differences were shown for P. falciparum-specific IFN-γ and IL-10 expression within CD3⁺ cells and parasite-non-specific expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, More >

Markus Hansson¹, Ying Gao¹, Hanna Rosén¹, Hans Tapper², Inge Olsson¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.15, No.3, pp. 167-176, 2004

Abstract Cytokines play an important role in the regulation of homeostasis and inflammation. A de-regulated cytokine function can subsequently promote chronic inflammation. This is supported by clinical evidence showing the beneficial effect of inhibiting TNF-α through injection of antibodies and soluble receptor in disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Systemic anti-TNF-α therapy however is associated with infectious complications. We therefore suggest a concept for the local deposition of therapeutically active agents into areas of inflammation or malignancy, based on the use of hematopoietic storage and secretory granules as delivery vehicles. Hematopoietic cells are induced… More >

Marilena Lucarelli¹, Antonietta M. Gatti², Graziana Savarino¹, Paola Quattroni¹, Lucia Martinelli¹, Emanuela Monari², Diana Boraschi¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.15, No.4, pp. 339-346, 2004

Abstract Nano-sized particles of ceramic and metallic materials are generated by high-tech industrial activities, and can be generated from worn-out replacement and prosthetic implants. The interaction with the human body of such nanoparticles has been investigated, with a particular emphasis on innate defence mechanisms. Human macrophages (PMA-differentiated myelomonocytic U-937 cells) were exposed in vitro to non-toxic concentrations of TiO₂, SiO₂, ZrO₂, or Co nanoparticles, and their inflammatory response (expression of TLR receptors and co-receptors, and cytokine production) was examined. Expression of TLR receptors was generally unaffected by exposure to the different nanoparticles, except for some notable cases. Exposure… More >

Satoru Iwase, Tadashi Murakami, Yuichiro Saito, Keiichi Nakagawa

European Cytokine Network, Vol.15, No.4, pp. 312-316, 2004

Abstract Changes in blood cytokines of 28, consenting, terminally ill cancer patients were studied to determine a relationship between cachexia and changes in cytokine levels. Levels of PTHrP and five types of cytokines considered to be associated with cachexia, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ and LIF, were measured during routine blood examination and were compared with clinical findings. With the exception of TNF-α, which was detected in one patient, only IL-6 was detected in all 28 patients recruited in this study. Ten patients showed a sharp elevation of IL-6 just before death, following a 40-day period in… More >

Halina Urbañska-Rys´, Agnieszka Wierzbowska, Tadeusz Robak

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 40-51, 2003

Abstract We investigated the serum concentrations of selected angiogenic cytokines including: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in 162 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), 5 patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia (WM), and 31 healthy controls. Among the MM patients there were 2 cases of primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) and one case of extramedullary plasmacytoma. The levels of measured cytokines were correlated with the phase and stage of the disease as well as the most important clinical and laboratory parameters associated with… More >

Trawat Attarbaschi¹, Martin Willheim², Michael Ramharter¹, Andrea Hofmann³, Katharina Wahl², Heidi Winkler¹, Wolfgang Graninger¹, Stefan Winkler^1,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 34-39, 2003

Abstract Cytokine profiles of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell subsets were evaluated in 8 patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM). Intracellular detection of cytokines using flow cytometry revealed an expansion of IFN-γ-expressing CD4⁺ T cells, and particularly CD8⁺ T cells, while IL-2 expressing cells were less frequently encountered when compared to healthy controls. Single TNF-α-expressing CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were likewise reduced and shifted towards IFN-γ/TNF-α co-production. The predominant pro-inflammatory type 1-biased immune response during IM was emphasized by low frequencies of IL-10 expression in both T cell subsets, although some patients displayed elevated serum levels. Six months later, a… More >

Vincent L. Butty¹, Pascale Roux-Lombard², Jorge Garbino³, Jean-Michel Dayer², Bara Ricou¹, and the Geneva Sepsis Network¹ (participating members are listed in the appendix)

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 15-19, 2003

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the effects of Lenercept®, a recombinant soluble TNF receptor p55 fused to an immunoglobulin heavy chain IgG₁, on the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in sepsis.
Design: Post hoc analysis of a subgroup of patients enrolled in a multicenter phase III, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of Lenercept ® in severe sepsis.
Setting: Surgical and medical intensive care units, and postoperative recovery room of a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Patients: A total of 57 patients were enrolled in the multicenter study in our center.
Intervention: Septic patients were randomly assigned to receive either Lenercept… More >

John K. A. Tetteh¹, Mark M. Addae¹, Naruhiko Ishiwada², Sena M. Yempewu¹, Shinya Yamaguchi¹, David Ofori-Adjei¹, Hitoshi Kamiya⁴, Yoshihiro Komada³, Bartholomew D. Akanmori^1,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.2, pp. 109-113, 2003

Abstract To understand the pathogenesis of vaccine-modified measles (VMM), we measured plasma levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 (Th1 cytokines), IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines), IL-12, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in children with uncomplicated measles, who had anti-measles IgG antibodies and with a history of immunization on admission (day 0), day 14 and day 60. We compared these to levels in healthy, age-matched, immunized children. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-12 were significantly higher in VMM patients on day 0 compared to healthy controls (p = 0.023; p = 0.018; p = 0.001) respectively. In contrast, plasma… More >

R. Meli^a, C. Bentivoglio^b, I. Nuzzo^b, G. Mattace Raso^a, E. Galdiero^b, M. Galdiero², R. Di Carlo^a, C. Romano Carratelli^b

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.3, pp. 186-191, 2003

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone and a cytokine known to regulate several physiological functions. It plays a role in modulating the immune system of rodents and humans. A hormonal protection against listeria and salmonella infections has been previously ascribed to effects of PRL on immunocompetent cells. Here, the role of PRL in the Th1-Th2 response was evaluated based on the pattern of cytokines release by splenocytes from hyperprolactinemic mice infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
Hyperprolactinemia by pituitary graft reduced the number of bacteria in spleens of in vivo infected mice. Modulation of Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-12) More >

Anita W. Rijneveld^1,2,*, Sandrine Florquin³, Peter Speelman^2,4, Carl K. Edwards⁵, Charles A. Dinarello⁶, Tom van der Poll^2,4

European Cytokine Network, Vol.14, No.4, pp. 242-245, 2003

Abstract The inhibition of the biological activity of IL-1 by recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) has been investigated in several, controlled clinical trials. Encouraging results have been reported, in particular in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we investigated the influence of treatment of wild type mice with IL-1ra, which resulted in an incomplete and transient inhibition of IL-1 activity. Treatment with recombinant human IL-1ra resulted in an enhanced bacterial outgrowth in the lungs of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice early after induction of pneumococcal pneumonia, without influencing survival or the pulmonary inflammatory response. More >