Changes in phagocytic function with glycaemic control in diabetic patients

Article Abstract:

Diabetes predisposes people to infections, especially those caused by yeasts, fungi, staphylococci, and Escherichia coli, presumably because of chemical changes in the cells. However, assessment of the ability of certain blood cells (phagocytes) to engulf and kill disease-causing microorganisms (phagocytosis) using incubation techniques has not provided consistent results. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels probably impair the ability of white blood cells to fight off infection, and insulin treatment seems to improve their functioning. The reduced ability of these cells to kill bacteria is probably caused by changes in the white blood cell membrane that affect its ability to surround bacteria. Chemiluminescence is a technique that measures light emitted during this process, and was used to study changes in the infection-fighting ability of cells over a three-month period. The subjects were 19 people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes who were trying to improve their blood sugar control, and 10 with insulin-dependent diabetes who had good blood sugar control. The results indicate that control of blood sugar levels affects the ability of white blood cells to surround and kill bacteria. For type 1, or insulin-dependent, diabetes, the results also suggest that some other factor may affect the action of the white blood cells. It was found that the infection-fighting ability of the white blood cells was reduced among patients with poorly controlled diabetes, but that it can be improved with proper control among those with type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes. Although the infection-fighting ability of these cells is also related to blood sugar control in type 1 diabetes, the other factors involved must also be identified. Thus, good blood sugar control is important for the prevention of infection among patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infection, Measurement, Prevention, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Blood sugar, Blood glucose, Hyperglycemia

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Infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi correlates with resistance to elimination by phagocytic cells

Article Abstract:

Lyme disease, which is found in both humans and animals, is a chronic disease that affects many areas of the body, including the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart. For Lyme disease to have its greatest effect, it must travel through the blood and remain in tissues for a long period of time. Because it is often successful in accomplishing this, it is safe to say that Borrelia burgdorferi (the small organism responsible for Lyme disease) evades the body's defense mechanisms. One of the most important defenses for the elimination of B. burgdorferi is destruction by phagocytic cells (which engulf and destroy harmful cells). Blood from three patients with a clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease was drawn, and B. burgdorferi was isolated and separated, based on the particular strains present. Five separate strains were identified. These B. burgdorferi strains were tested in the laboratory, and injected into mice. It was found that three different high-passage (or strong) strains were eliminated by phagocytes, while two low-passage (weak) strains were resistant to destruction by phagocytes. All five strains had triggered the phagocytes, indicating that the low-passage strains had not simply evaded the phagocytes by being unrecognized by them. The two low-passage strains were infective when injected into mice, whereas the three high-passage strains were not. These observations indicate that the infectivity of B. burgdorferi correlates with resistance to elimination by phagocytic cells. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Development and progression, Lyme disease, Borrelia

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Changes in alveolar macrophage, monocyte, and neutrophil cell profiles after smoke inhalation injury

Article Abstract:

Most victims of fire succumb to the effects of smoke inhalation. If they survive the immediate fire, respiratory complications usually occur within a few days. The condition that develops is similar to the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The direct injury status and cell responses of such patients are evaluated using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). This study reviews BAL cell profiles obtained from 32 fire victims suffering from inhaled smoke; only some of the patients sustained burns. Twenty-six control subjects were similarly examined. The victims were clinically confirmed for smoke intoxication. The controls were scheduled for routine diagnostic bronchoscopy. BAL was performed on all the participants and 12 patients were lavaged a second time, 24 hours later, from the second lung. Patients with both smoke inhalation and burns had progressive increases in neutrophils, which confirms other study results. This group also had the highest mortality. Respiratory complications from smoke inhalation resemble changes found in ARDS. Increases are observed in numbers of monocytes, as well as in neutrophil counts. Changes were also noted in macrophage subgroups. To further understand the changes that occur after smoke inhalation injury, examination of the cell populations would be required. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Fires, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Adult respiratory distress syndrome, Casualties, Smoke inhalation injuries, Smoke inhalation

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