Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “circulation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 577 records · Page 32Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Improved leukocyte tracking in mouse retinal and choroidal circulation.

The purpose of this study is to develop a new method with which to visualize leukocyte dynamics in murine choroidal and retinal circulation. Both pigmented (B10.RIII) and non-pigmented (BALB/c) mice were used in this study. One hundred microl of 0.05% sodium fluorescein was injected via the mice tail vein to outline the vessel, followed by 150 microl (10(7) cells) C-AM labelled leukocytes. Fundus images were obtained with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The dynamic image sequences were recorded simultaneously on videotape (S-VHS) and digitally at 25 frames per sec. The digital images were later analysed with a custom-made personal computer-based image analysis system. Both the choroidal and retinal circulation can be visualized in non-pigmented mice in the first few seconds of fluorescein angiography. However, the view of the choroidal and the retinal capillary circulation is soon blurred due to the rapid fluorescein leakage in the choroid. In contrast, in pigmented mice, retinal circulation is clear against the dark background of the choroid, while choroidal circulation is masked behind the pigment epithelial layer and cannot be seen at all. C-AM labelled leukocytes were clearly seen in the retinal circulation of all experimental mice and in the choroidal circulation of non-pigmented mice for as long as 30 min. The number of labelled circulating cells decreased as time clasped. Cells moved rapidly in the retinal arteries, slowing down or even stopping for a few seconds in the capillary system, and then moved slightly faster again through the postcapillary venules and veins. In non-pigmented mice, significant number of cells were seen to have arrested in the choroidal circulation. There was no difference between B10.RIII mice and BALB/c mice in vessel diameters, leukocyte velocities and shear stresses. This method allows the visualization of leukocytes and provides data on their behavior as they move through the choroidal and retinal circulation of non-pigmented mice, and in the retinal circulation of pigmented mice. It provides a valuable new tool for the investigation of real time leukocyte dynamics in murine retinal and choroidal microcirculations both under physiological conditions and during the development of ocular disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

IgA-containing circulating immune complexes in patients with igA nephropathy.

The role of circulating immune complexes in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) is controversial. Previous studies have shown that a minority of these patients have immune complexes, but the methods used have been able to detect only IgG- or IgM-containing circulating immune complexes. Using a sensitive specific Raji cell radioimmunoassay for IgA-containing circulating immune complexes, we have examined serum specimens from 12 patients with IgA nephropathy for the presence of IgA-containing circulating immune complexes. In addition, the Raji cell IgG assay and the 125I-C1q binding assay were used for the detection of IgG- or IgM-containing circulating immune complexes. Purified monoclonal antibodies against human IgA1 and IgA2 were used to determine the subclass of IgA present in renal biopsy specimens from five of these patients. Six of 12 (50 percent) patients had IgA-containing circulating immune complexes, whereas only two of 12 (17 percent) had positive results in the Raji IgG assay and one of 12 (8 percent) in the 125I-C1q binding assay. There was no correlation between serum IgA, C3 C4, or factor B levels and the presence or level of IgA-containing circulating immune complexes. None of the three patients with renal failure had circulating immune complexes of any type. Of the seven patents with disease duration of two years or less, five (71 percent) had IgA-containing circulating immune complexes and three (43 percent) had IgG- or IgM-containing complexes. In all five renal biopsy specimens examined for IgA subclass, diffuse heavy, mesangial deposits of IgA1 were seen, whereas IgA2 staining was absent or present in only trace amounts. These findings suggest that IgA1 is the predominant antibody in renal biopsy specimens from patients with IgA nephropathy. The finding of IgA-containing circulating immune complexes in these patients--and their more frequent occurrence in patients with early stages of the disease--suggests that IgA-containing circulating immune complexes may play a role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Circulating osteoprotegerin in women during GnRH-agonist treatment and their relationships with mineral components and biomarkers of bone turnover.

A novel cytokine termed osteoprotegerin (OPG) that is also called osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory factor, which inhibits osteoclast maturation and activity, was recently isolated. In order to determine the influence of estrogen deficiency on the levels of circulating OPG in women, we studied the changes in the levels of circulating OPG in 10 Japanese women ages 25-49 (mean +/- SD, 34.0 +/- 6.9) years with endometriosis receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) therapy. We further analyzed whether the levels of circulating OPG have relations with the levels of the biomarkers of bone turnover or those of circulating mineral components in these patients during GnRH-a treatment. The patients were treated with a monthly injection of 3.75 mg leuprolide acetate depot for 6 months. In all patients, the concentrations of serum estradiol decreased after 6 months of GnRH-a treatment. The bone mineral density of the lumber spines in these patients significantly (P < 0.01) decreased (percentage change: mean +/- SD, -5.4 +/- 2.1%), while circulating OPG levels significantly (P < 0.01) increased after 6 months of treatment. The values of circulating OPG had significant correlations with those of urinary pyridinoline (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), urinary deoxypylridinoline (Dpd) (r = 0.46, P < 0.05), and serum alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.66, P < 0.01) but not with those of serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen during GnRH-a treatment. The values of circulating OPG also correlated significantly with those of serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (r = 0.65 and 0.72, P < 0.01). Further analyses revealed that the percentage change in the value of circulating OPG had a significant correlation with that of urinary Dpd (r = 0.84, P < 0.01). These results suggest that circulating OPG levels rise against the increase in osteoblastic bone resorption and circulating Ca levels in the case of estrogen deficiency, possibly as a compensatory mechanism serving to limit circulating Ca levels and bone density.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Circulation in the breast after radiotherapy and breast conservation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the breast circulation after radiotherapy and breast conservation. DESIGN: Open clinical study. SETTING: University hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 24 patients with breast cancer (mean age 54 years, range 41-64). INTERVENTIONS: The glandular and the subcutaneous circulation in the breast were measured by Xenon (133Xe) clearance and the skin circulation by laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) two to five years after radiotherapy (50 Gy) following lumpectomy. The subcutaneous circulation was measured 2 cm above and medial or lateral to the areolar border and the glandular circulation 2 cm below and medial or lateral to the areolar border in the quadrant not previously operated on for carcinoma. The skin circulation was measured at the corresponding sites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Circulation in the subcutaneous and glandular tissue measured by 133Xe clearance and in the skin by LDF. RESULTS: The subcutaneous circulation, expressed as the ratio of 133Xe clearance in the operated irradiated: non-operated non-irradiated breast, was 0.88 (0.94) (median, interquartile range) and the glandular circulation 0.93 (0.75). The skin circulation ratios over the corresponding areas were 1.00 (0.37) and 1.00 (0.38), respectively. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy after breast conservation surgery does not lead to long-term changes in basal glandular, subcutaneous, or skin circulation in the breast.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Overexpression of circulating c-met messenger RNA is significantly correlated with nodal stage and early recurrence in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The c-met receptor and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor have been shown to be involved in tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Overexpression of c-met has been demonstrated in lung cancer tissues and cell lines, but the expression of c-met in peripheral blood (circulating c-met) has not been addressed. The molecular monitoring of circulating c-met could be helpful for selecting patients for adjuvant therapy. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of circulating c-met in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to assess its prognostic implications. METHODS: We quantified the levels of c-met messenger RNA (mRNA) in paired tumor and normal lung tissues and their peripheral bloods in 45 patients with NSCLC by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression status of c-met protein in tumor tissues was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: c-Met mRNA was significantly higher by 1.5 to 11 times in 34 of 45 tumor tissues (75.5%) than it was in their normal counterparts by real-time PCR. A comparison of this assay to immunohistochemistry suggested that real-time PCR was more sensitive than immunohistochemistry (27 of 45 tumor tissues, 60.0%) for the detection of c-met (p = 0.016). Of these patients with overexpression of c-met in tumors, 67.6% (23 of 34 patients) expressed higher amounts of circulating c-met by 1.4 to 8 times that of the normal control subjects. In addition, overexpression of circulating c-met was significantly correlated with nodal (N) stage (p = 0.011), but weakly correlated with tumor (T) stage (p = 0.056) and overall stages (p = 0.054) in patients with NSCLC. However, no correlations were found among circulating c-met and other factors such as age, gender, and pathologic types. Moreover, by univariate analysis, circulating c-met overexpression and pathologic stages (including T and N stages) were the most important factors correlated with early recurrence (p < 0.05). Only the circulating c-met remained as an independent predictor of early recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 13.33; p = 0.027) after Cox regression multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of circulating c-met is significantly correlated with the N stage and early recurrence. Moreover, early recurrence is frequently noted in patients with overexpression of circulating c-met, indicating that circulating c-met is an independent negative prognostic indicator in NSCLC.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Coronary collateral circulation and prevention of ischemic mitral regurgitation].

INTRODUCTION: According to definition, collateral circulation is an alternative to major vascular flow which has become dysfunctional. Collateral channels, initially unused, are being formed due to impossibility of the main blood vessel to provide normal coronary flow. Recent controversies about collateral circulation are mainly based on their functional significance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the function of collateral circulation in patients after the first postero-inferior myocardial infarction i.e. whether adequate collateral circulation may reduce the size of myocardial infarction and prevent development of ischemic mitral regurgitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation included 128 patients (pts) treated at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Sremska Kamenica during 1997 and 1998. The investigation group (I) included 64 pts, 58 males and 6 females, mean age 54.42 years. The control group (C) included 64 pts, 56 males and 8 females mean age 51.71 years. In all patients the first posterior, inferior and postero-inferior myocardial infarction were proven during 1-year period. Cineventriculography confirmed kinetic disturbance of the area with or without mitral insufficiency. Degree of mitral regurgitation was evaluated according to Seller's criterion. Alterations on the right coronary or circumflex branch of the left coronary artery were confirmed, but significant stenotic alterations were not verified on the anterior descendent branch of the left coronary artery. Alterations on epicardiac coronary vessels were presented as total coronary score--modification according to Benc (18 segments) while numerical values for stenosis according to Kaltenbach. This value represents the total coronary score (SCORE-A) including alterations before and after occlusion. Gensiny's principle modified for multiplication factor according to Benc and numerical value according to Kaltenbach were used for evaluation of collateral circulation. Levin's classification was used for evaluation of collateral circulation quality. We used quantitative classification according to Cohen. RESULTS: Distribution of mitral regurgitation was not statistically and significantly frequent in the subgroup of patients with lesions on the right coronary artery in relation to subgroup of patients with combined lesions on the right coronary artery and circumflex branch of the left coronary artery (p > 0.05). None of the investigated patients with extensive lesions (lesions on ACD and RCX) had mitral regurgitation of IV degree, so the number of investigated patients was not adequate for statistical evaluation. We did not find a statistically significant difference in the percentage of collateral circulation between the investigation (59.4%) and control group (62.5%) (p > 0.05). Poorly developed collaterals were statistically and significantly more frequent in the investigation group (60.5%) in relation to control group (10%) (p < 0.01). The percentage of moderately developed collateral circulation was similar in both groups. Well developed collateral circulation was statistically and significantly more frequent in control group (52.5%) in relation to investigation group (7.9%) (p < 0.01). The extension of stenotic alterations expressed as total coronary score A was statistically and significantly higher in subgroups of investigated patients with combined alterations on ACD and RCx, proving the sensitivity of our score system in smaller extensity of stenotic lesions on epicardial coronary blood vessels. Collateral circulation was significantly better in patients with ACD occlusion (100%) in relation to patients with significant stenosis or ACD subocclusion (33.3%) (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The functional role of collaterals has not been explained yet. The efficacy of coronary collateral vessels and mechanism of adequate compensation of regional perfusion in a position distal from the occluded vessel is highly controversial. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Collateral Circulation↗
PubMed1978

Portal circulations and their relation to counter-current systems.

We have reviewed the distribution of portal circulations throughout the animal body; they are commoner than is generally supposed. Most portal circulations consist of two serial capillary beds connected by one or more larger vessels. We have called these 'convergent' portal circulations: examples are hepatic portal, placental, hypophysial, renal, ovarian and testicular circulations, as are parts of the lymphatic circulation. A second type of portal circulation, which is less common, consists of two serial capillary beds that are not connected by larger vessels. These we have called 'continuous' portal circulations: adrenal and pancreatic circulations are examples of this type. When a countercurrent concentrating mechanism exists in the body it is always part of the primary or secondary bed of a convergent portal circulation, though some convergent portal circulations are not associated with countercurrent mechanisms.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2005

Circulating plasma cells detected by flow cytometry as a predictor of survival in 302 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

We detected circulating plasma cells (PCs) by flow cytometry in 302 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) by gating on CD38+CD45- cells. The number of circulating PCs per 50 000 mononuclear cells was reported. In 80 (27%) patients, no circulating PC were seen; 106 (35%) patients had 1 to 10 and 115 (38%) patients had more than 10 circulating PCs. Median overall survival for the 302 patients was 47 months. Patients with 10 or fewer circulating PCs had a median survival of 58.7 months, whereas patients with more than 10 circulating PCs had a median survival of 37.3 months (P = .001). On multivariate analysis, the prognostic value of circulating PCs was independent of beta2-microglobulin, albumin, and C-reactive protein. There was only a weak correlation between tumor mass and circulating PCs, suggesting that the appearance of circulating PCs may be a reflection of tumor biology. We conclude that the number of circulating PCs measured by flow cytometry in patients with newly diagnosed MM is an independent predictor of survival.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Efficacy of multiple intraarterial papaverine infusions for improvement in cerebral circulation time in patients with recurrent cerebral vasospasm.

OBJECT: Cerebral vasospasm that is caused by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and that is refractory to maximal medical management can be treated with selective intraarterial papaverine infusions. The effects of single papaverine treatments on cerebral circulation time are well known. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of multiple, repeated papaverine infusions on the cerebral circulation time in patients with recurrent vasospasm. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 17 patients who received multiple intraarterial papaverine infusions in 91 carotid artery (CA) territories for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm. Cerebral circulation times were measured from the first angiographic image, in which peak contrast was seen above the supraclinoid internal CA, to the peak filling of cortical veins. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores assessed 12 months after discharge were reviewed. Cerebral circulation times in 16 CA territories were measured in a control group of 11 patients. Seventeen patients received a total of 91 papaverine treatments. Prolonged cerebral circulation times improved after 90 (99%) of 91 papaverine treatments. The prepapaverine mean cerebral circulation time was 6.54 seconds (range 3.35-27 seconds) and the immediate postpapaverine mean cerebral circulation time was 4.19 seconds (range 2.1-12.6 seconds), an overall mean decrease of 2.35 seconds (36%, p < 0.001). Recurrent vasospasm reflected by prolonged cerebral circulation times continued to improve with subsequent papaverine infusions. Repeated infusions were just as successful quantitatively as the primary treatment (mean change 2.06 seconds). The mean cerebral circulation time in the control group was 5.21 seconds (range 4-6.8 seconds). In five patients a dramatic reversal of low-attenuation changes was detected on computerized tomography scans. The mean GOS score at 12 months after discharge was 3.4. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results indicate that multiple intraarterial papaverine treatments consistently improve cerebral circulation times, even with repeated infusions in cases of recurrent vasospasm.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Perioperative oxygenation and pulmonary shunt during myocardial revascularization in function of duration of extracorporeal circulation].

Perioperative oxygenation is of great importance for the result of operative treatment, especially in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. We studied effect of the duration of extracorporeal circulation on value of pulmonary shunt in 27 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The patients were divided into one of two groups according to the duration of extracorporeal circulation: A1 group--extracorporeal circulation less than 90 minutes (9), and A2 group extracorporeal circulation over 90 minutes (18). Measurements of pulmonary shunt were performed at the following times: before (I) and after induction of anaesthesia (II), 5 minutes (III), 2 hours (IV) and 6 hours (V) after extracorporeal circulation, 30 minutes after extubation (VI), 24 hours after extracorporeal circulation (VII), on the second (VIII), third (IX), fifth (X), eighth (XI) and thirteenth (XII) postoperative day. Pulmonary shunt was calculated according to the standard shunt equation (Berggren 1942) in control times I-VII, and formula of estimated shunt in control times VIII-XII. The length of extracorporeal circulation had influence on pulmonary shunt and oxygenation in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. Extracorporeal circulation lasting over 90 minutes significantly increased pulmonary shunt in the first 24 hours after extracorporeal circulation, excluding the period of artificial ventilation following operation. The recovery of pulmonary function occurred between the eighth and the thirteenth postoperative day, regardless of the duration of extracorporeal circulation.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗
PubMed1985

Contribution of circulating formed elements to prostanoid production in complement-mediated lung injury in sheep.

Incubation of plasma with zymosan results in complement activation. Infusion of this "zymosan-activated plasma" (ZAP) into the superior vena cava in sheep results in pulmonary leukostasis, pulmonary hypertension with generation of thromboxane (TXB), and hypoxemia. To examine the contribution of circulating formed elements to TXB generated when ZAP is infused, we studied four pairs of sheep in a cross-circulation model. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) irreversibly acetylates cyclooxygenase and blocks TXB production. Four hours after an intravenous dose of ASA (10 mg/kg), no circulating ASA was detectable by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Infusion of ZAP in ASA-treated animals resulted in no pulmonary hypertension and no rise in serum TXB levels. Treated animals were then cross-circulated with untreated sheep through cannulas that attached a carotid artery of each animal to a jugular vein of the other, creating simultaneous arteriovenous fistulas between the animals. A roller pump maintained cross-circulation flow at 450 ml/min for 15 minutes. This resulted in greater than 80% mixing of the circulating blood volumes of each pair of animals, verified by measurement of an intravascular marker. After cross-circulation the ASA-treated animals were still unable to generate TXB in response to ZAP infusion. Untreated animals had a typical response when infused with ZAP after cross-circulation, with elaboration of large amounts of TXB. Since the treated animals with circulating, nonaspirinated formed elements showed no response and the untreated animals with similar blood composition had a normal response, we conclude that circulating formed elements do not contribute significantly to the TXB recovered from sheep infused with activated complement components.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Diffusion-weighted imaging and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in the acute phase of posterior-circulation stroke.

BACKGROUND: Occlusive disease of the posterior circulation represents a heterogeneous group of strokes that differ in etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis. Computed tomography provides suboptimal visualization of posterior-circulation infarcts. Anatomic definition of traditional magnetic resonance imaging sequences has been used for clinicoradiologic correlation in patients with posterior-circulation disease. These studies focused on the subacute rather than the acute phase of ischemia. Lesion volumes on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion imaging were found to have a good correlation with 24-hour National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score in ischemia of the anterior circulation. Correlation between NIHSS score and lesion volume in posterior-circulation infarcts is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether DWI is useful for clinicoradiologic correlation of posterior-circulation ischemia within 24 hours after symptom onset and whether NIHSS score correlates with lesion volumes in patients with posterior-circulation stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a database analysis of 631 patients with stroke from June 26, 1996, to July 30, 1999, 115 patients (18%) had symptoms of posterior-circulation ischemia by imaging and clinical criteria. Among these 115, we included all patients (n = 40) who underwent DWI within 24 hours from symptom onset (mean, 9.7 +/- 7.1 hours). All 40 patients also underwent magnetic resonance angiography and T2-weighted imaging. Seventy-five did not meet inclusion criteria: in 45, magnetic resonance imaging was performed more than 24 hours after symptom onset; 12 did not have DWI; in 11 patients, symptoms resolved within 24 hours; 6 had hemorrhages; and 1 had a border zone infarct. RESULTS: An acute lesion on DWI corresponding to the patient's symptoms was detected in all 40 patients, 16 (40%) of whom had detectable acute lesions on T2-weighted images. The lesions on DWI were larger in 11 of the 16 patients with positive T2-weighted images. Acute lesion volume did not correlate with NIHSS score (n = 40; rho = 0.30; P =.06, Spearman rank) also when DWI lesion volumes were divided by cause and territory. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted imaging is more effective than T2-weighted imaging in patients with acute posterior-circulation strokes. The DWI lesion volume did not significantly correlate with NIHSS score, suggesting that NIHSS is more weighted toward anterior-circulation stroke symptoms.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Infection and dysfunction of circulating blood dendritic cells and their subsets in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: To understand interactions between dendritic cells (DCs) and viruses, in vitro-cultured monocyte-derived DCs are usually used for functional analyses. However, several recent studies indicate that circulating blood DCs are different from monocyte-derived DCs, both phenotypically and functionally. Indeed, circulating DCs act as functional antigen-presenting cells in vivo. This study was conducted to evaluate the function of circulating blood DCs in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to examine whether circulating DCs from these patients were infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: The phenotypes and biological functions of circulating DCs from patients with chronic hepatitis C ( n = 27), patients with non-HCV chronic liver disease ( n = 7), and normal volunteers ( n = 13) were analyzed. The presence of the HCV genome sequence in circulating blood DCs and in subsets of circulating DCs (myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs) in patients with chronic hepatitis C was assessed. RESULTS: The stimulatory capacity of circulating DCs was significantly reduced in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared to patients with non-HCV chronic liver diseases and normal controls ( P < 0.01). HCV RNA was identified in the overall population of circulating DCs, and in myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. Nucleotide sequences of the 5' non-coding region of HCV RNA showed marked differences between paired samples of circulating DCs and sera from the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the dysfunction and infection of circulatory blood DCs in chronic HCV infection. This may compromise the capacity of patients with hepatitis C to induce an effective antiviral immune response.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in amniotic fluid, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, and intrauterine growth retardation.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine if circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1, a marker of chronic inflammation, is present in amniotic fluid in midtrimester, is increased in patients with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level, and is associated with intrauterine growth retardation. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassay in 273 samples obtained by midtrimester amniocentesis in gestations involving a single, structurally normal fetus. The control group consisted of 108 patients with normal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and 165 patients with elevated levels. Intrauterine growth retardation was diagnosed if birth weight was < 10th percentile for the clinically estimated gestational age. RESULTS: Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was detectable in amniotic fluid in 105 of 273 samples (38%). In the control group it was detectable in amniotic fluid in seven of 108 (6%). In patients with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein 97 of 164 (59%) had detectable levels (p < 0.001). Of the 273 cases 38 (14%) had intrauterine growth retardation. Of these 23 (59%) had detectable circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels (p < 0.001). Of the seven cases of intrauterine growth retardation with normal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, one (14%) had detectable circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Of the 31 cases of intrauterine growth retardation with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein 22 (71%) had detectable circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1. When circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was detectable in amniotic fluid, increasing levels was significantly related to decreasing gestational age at delivery (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Midtrimester amniotic fluid from normal pregnancies does not generally contain detectable circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Detectable amniotic fluid levels are significantly related to a birth weight < 10th percentile at delivery and to elevated midtrimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Increasing circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels are related to shortened length of gestation. This test may contribute to risk assessment for intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity. Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is a known marker of inflammatory processes; its further study may also improve understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of certain cases of intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2006

Comparisons between capillary zone electrophoresis and real-time PCR for quantification of circulating DNA levels in human sera.

BACKGROUND: Recently, some research results showed that the circulating DNA in serum or plasma had potential for the molecular diagnosis and prognosis of certain cancers. Several methods have been employed for the quantification of circulating DNA. However, the circulating DNA levels obtained by various methods exhibited considerable differences. Additionally, these methods were labor-extensive and time-consuming, and not suitable for the quantification of circulating DNA in numerous samples due to the use of commercial DNA extraction kits for the purification of circulating DNA. We presented a new method for the quantification of circulating DNA in sera by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection (LIF). METHODS: In the present work, we want to make comparison between CZE-LIF assay and real time PCR for the quantification of circulating DNA levels. Linearity, intra and inter variability of two methods were evaluated. RESULTS: The intra and inter variability of circulating DNA quantification by real-time PCR were 7.3% and 14.92%, respectively. In CZE assay the intra and inter variability were 4.19% and 6.91%, respectively. The R.S.D. values of the same coated capillary and different coated capillaries were 5.14% and 9.02%, respectively. Our data showed that the circulating DNA levels obtained by two methods had a good correlation. Moreover, we further confirmed that blood samples collection, serum preparation and other treatment procedures had a significant impact on the DNA levels in sera. CONCLUSION: Our data further illustrated that CZE-LIF is a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the quantification of circulating DNA in human sera, and well suitable for the analysis of a large number of samples in clinical diagnosis.

Calibration↗
PubMed2004

Peroxidase activity within circulating neutrophils correlates with pulmonary phenotype in cystic fibrosis.

Excess neutrophils are present in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of acid extracts of sputum is directly correlated with airflow obstruction in CF patients. We hypothesized that the sputum MPO was derived from the MPO of neutrophils that entered the airways from the circulation. Active MPO without protease activity injures airways. If MPO activity from circulating neutrophils that emigrate into the airways of these patients causes increased airway epithelial permeability and mucus-gland secretion, then (1) those patients with greater MPO activity per circulating neutrophil would be more likely to produce sputum and (2) the MPO activity per circulating neutrophil would positively correlate with airflow obstruction. We determined the MPO activity for both circulating and sputum neutrophils. Spirometry and respiratory cultures were obtained simultaneously with blood and sputum samples. CF patients with more MPO activity within their circulating neutrophils were more likely to produce sputum ( P =.001, chi 2 test), and the MPO activity per circulating neutrophil was positively correlated with airflow obstruction as measured on the basis of the ratio of 1-second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity ( P <. 03, Kruskal-Wallace test). These associations were independent of age, sex, the results of respiratory-tract culture, or protease activity in the circulating neutrophils. MPO activity in circulating neutrophils from CF patients homozygotic for the deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 in the CF transmembrane regulator protein is directly related to the severity of these patients' pulmonary disease. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that circulating neutrophils deliver active MPO to the airway, producing airway injury and airflow obstruction in homozygotic delF508 CF patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

A point prevalence study of 150 patients with idiopathic retinal vasculitis: 2. Clinical relevance of antiretinal autoimmunity and circulating immune complexes.

This study describes the occurrence of antiretinal antibodies and circulating immune complexes in the sera of a large series of patients with idiopathic retinal vasculitis whose ophthalmological and clinical features are presented in Part 1. Antiretinal antibodies were measured by indirect immunofluorescence and passive haemagglutination, and circulating immune complexes were measured by polyethylene glycol precipitation and Clq binding. The occurrence of antiretinal antibodies and that of circulating immune complexes were analysed in relation to each other, to severity of retinal disease, to the type of associated systemic inflammatory disease, and to the presence of individual features of retinal inflammation. In patients with retinal vasculitis together with systemic inflammatory disease circulating immune complexes were usually accompanied by antiretinal antibodies. However, those patients with antiretinal antibodies in the absence of circulating immune complexes tended to have more severe retinal vasculitis, a feature particularly evident in Behçet's disease (p = 0.028). In patients with isolated retinal vasculitis, severity of disease was associated with antiretinal antibody (p = 0.013), as well as with the occurrence of both antiretinal antibody and circulating immune complexes together (p = 0.010). In the series as a whole there was a tendency for individual features of retinal vasculitis to be associated with antiretinal antibodies unaccompanied by circulating immune complexes; especially in macular oedema (p = 0.028). In isolated retinal vasculitis there was also an additive effect of antiretinal antibodies and circulating immune complexes in relation to disease severity; in contrast, in patients with systemic inflammatory disease, the coexistence of antiretinal antibodies and concluded that both antiretinal autoimmunity and circulating immune complexes may act as immunopathogenetic factors in idiopathic retinal vasculitis but that, in certain patients, circulating immune complex formation seems to protect against the more severe forms of autoimmune retinal inflammatory disease.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1994

Specification and quantitation of circulating immune complexes in the serum of patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Circulating immune complexes can be elevated in serum samples of patients with sarcoidosis and are associated with disease activity, but their diagnostic significance is not understood. METHODS: The different classes of circulating immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A, G, or M, and the content of complement in circulating immune complexes (polyethylene glycol precipitation) as well as levels of complement binding circulating immune complexes (complement binding assay) were determined in 19 patients with active, untreated pulmonary sarcoidosis. The results were compared with other parameters in the serum (soluble interleukin 2 receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme, immunoglobulin A, G, and M) and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (lymphocytes, helper cells, suppressor cells, activated T cells), and with radiological stage and functional parameters (FEV1, vital capacity, total lung capacity, transfer coefficient (KCO), and the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference during exercise). RESULTS: In all patients circulating immune complexes could be detected by polyethylene glycol precipitation and were similar to control subjects. The content of C1q in circulating immune complexes was higher than in controls, yet in all but one of the cases was still within normal limits. In contrast, elevated levels of complement binding circulating immune complexes were found in 67% of the patients. No correlation was seen between circulating immune complexes and any of the other parameters in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or lung function values. No differences were found between radiological type I and II presentations of sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: The complement binding assay showed a much higher sensitivity for the detection of circulating immune complexes in active pulmonary sarcoidosis than the polyethylene glycol precipitation method. As there was no correlation between levels of circulating immune complexes and other parameters of the disease they are probably not useful for the assessment of disease activity.

Adult↗