Natural cytokine antagonists and endogenous antiendotoxin core antibodies in sepsis syndrome
Article Abstract:
There appears to be little association between blood levels of inflammatory immune chemicals, their naturally-occurring antagonists and mortality in patients with a severe bacterial infection called sepsis. Researchers took blood samples from 146 patients in septic shock every day for 7 days and again on the 10th day after admission to an intensive care unit. Blood levels of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 were measured along with their naturally-occurring antagonists. Seventy-one of the patients eventually died from their infection. Although blood levels of some antagonists were higher in the survivors as a group than the group of non-survivors, none of the individual blood tests could have predicted that patient's chance of surviving.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Allergy and immunology
Article Abstract:
Cytokines, proteins released on contact with specific antigens, can either obstruct or stimulate cells of the immune system, but their function in disease development is still unknown. Investigations are under way to determine the function of cytokine in disease. The best methods of measuring cytokines have not been identified, but the most commonly used are enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bioassays. New oral tolerance therapies are being used to treat human autoimmune diseases. Bovine myelin has been given to multiple sclerosis patients and chicken collagen to rheumatoid arthritis patients, with good results.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Future trends in allergy and immunology
Article Abstract:
Developments in the study of allergy and immunology have led to improved understanding and better treatments for disease. Researchers believe inflammation is common to hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency, and modulation of this process could lead to new treatments. Cytokines, leukotrienes, immunoglobulin E and other natural inflammatory mediators are targets of therapeutic manipulation. Gene therapy may hold promise against tumors, HIV and other immunodeficiency diseases. Allergists and immunologists can expect growth in demand for their services.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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