Inflammatory cytokines, behaviour and age as determinants of self-rated health in women

2007 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 363-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Undén ◽  
Anna Andréasson ◽  
Stig Elofsson ◽  
Kerstin Brismar ◽  
Linda Mathsson ◽  
...  

Self-rated health is a powerful and independent predictor of long-term health, but its biological basis is unknown. We have shown previously that self-rated health is associated with increased levels of circulating cytokines in women. The main aim of the present study was to increase the understanding of the association between markers of wellbeing, such as self-rated health, and cytokines and to investigate the impact of age on these associations. In 174 female consecutive primary health care patients divided into three age groups, we examined subjective ratings of health and aspects of wellbeing and circulating levels of IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-1ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), IL-6 and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α). Poor self-rated health was significantly associated with higher levels of TNF-α in all of the age groups. For IL-1β and IL-1ra, the correlations with self-rated health were significant only in the oldest age group. Lower ratings of other measurements of health and wellbeing were related to higher levels of cytokines, most pronounced for TNF-α and IL-1β, and in the middle and olderst age groups. More symptoms resembling a sickness response induced by inflammation were implicated to be associated with lower self-rated health. The strength of the association between inflammatory cytokines and poor health perception increased with advanced age, indicating an increased vulnerability for inflammatory activity during aging. It is suggested that higher levels of TNF-α are connected to a sickness response that, in turn, is connected to self-rated health. The results provide a possible psychobiological basis to understand better diffuse subjective symptoms and poor subjective health in women.

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ju-Wan Kim ◽  
Man-Seok Park ◽  
Joon-Tae Kim ◽  
Hee-Ju Kang ◽  
Kyung-Yeol  Bae ◽  
...  

Background: The accuracy of predictions regarding disability that sets in after stroke could be improved by using blood biomarker measurements. This study aimed to investigate the roles of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β concentrations and polymorphisms in stroke outcomes. Methods: In total, 286 patients were evaluated at the time of admission and at 2 weeks after stroke, and 222 of these patients (78%) were followed up for 1 year to evaluate the consequences of stroke during both the acute and chronic stages. Stroke outcomes were dichotomized into good and poor using the modified Rankin Scale. Results: The association of TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations and their corresponding genotypes with stroke outcomes was investigated using multivariate logistic regression. Higher TNF-α levels were associated with poor outcomes 1 year after stroke in the presence of the –850T and –308A alleles, and IL-1β levels were associated with poor 1-year stroke outcomes in the presence of the –511T and +3953T alleles. No such associations were found at 2 weeks after stroke. Conclusions: These data provide evidence that serum TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations are related to poor long-term outcomes after stroke in the presence of particular alleles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Altweck ◽  
Stefanie Hahm ◽  
Holger Muehlan ◽  
Tobias Gfesser ◽  
Christine Ulke ◽  
...  

Abstract Background While a strong negative impact of unemployment on health has been established, the present research examined the lesser studied interplay of gender, social context and job loss on health trajectories. Methods Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel was used, which provided a representative sample of 6838 participants. Using latent growth modelling the effects of gender, social context (East vs. West Germans), unemployment (none, short-term or long-term), and their interactions were examined on health (single item measures of self-rated health and life satisfaction respectively). Results Social context in general significantly predicted the trajectories of self-rated health and life satisfaction. Most notably, data analysis revealed that West German women reported significantly lower baseline values of self-rated health following unemployment and did not recover to the levels of their East German counterparts. Only long-term, not short-term unemployment was related to lower baseline values of self-rated health, whereas, in relation to baseline values of life satisfaction, both types of unemployment had a similar negative effect. Conclusions In an economic crisis, individuals who already carry a higher burden, and not only those most directly affected economically, may show the greatest health effects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2922
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Romanowska-Próchnicka ◽  
Anna Felis-Giemza ◽  
Marzena Olesińska ◽  
Piotr Wojdasiewicz ◽  
Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka ◽  
...  

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional Th1 cytokine and one of the most important inflammatory cytokines. In pregnancy, TNF-α influences hormone synthesis, placental architecture, and embryonic development. It was also shown that increased levels of TNF-α are associated with pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. Increased TNF-α levels in complicated pregnancy draw attention to trophoblast biology, especially migratory activity, syncytialisation, and endocrine function. Additionally, elevated TNF-α levels may affect the maternal-fetal relationship by altering the secretory profile of placental immunomodulatory factors, which in turn affects maternal immune cells. There is growing evidence that metabolic/pro-inflammatory cytokines can program early placental functions and growth in the first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, early pregnancy placenta has a direct impact on fetal development and maternal immune system diseases that release inflammatory (e.g., TNF-α) and immunomodulatory factors, such as chronic inflammatory rheumatic, gastroenterological, or dermatological diseases, and may result in an abnormal release of cytokines and chemokines in syncytiotrophoblasts. Pregnancy poses a challenge in the treatment of chronic disease in patients who plan to have children. The activity of the disease, the impact of pregnancy on the course of the disease, and the safety of pharmacotherapy, including anti-rheumatic agents, in pregnancy should be considered.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1035
Author(s):  
Maha Sellami ◽  
Shamma Al-muraikhy ◽  
Hend Al-Jaber ◽  
Hadaia Al-Amri ◽  
Layla Al-Mansoori ◽  
...  

Background: Exercise-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sport intensity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers and telomere length in aging elite athletes. Methods: In this study, 80 blood samples from consenting elite athletes were collected for anti-doping analysis at an anti-doping laboratory in Italy (FMSI). Participants were divided into three groups according to their sport intensity: low-intensity skills and power sports (LI, n = 18); moderate-intensity mixed soccer players (MI, n = 31); and high-intensity endurance sports (HI, n = 31). Participants were also divided into two age groups: less than 25 (n = 45) and above 25 years old (n = 35). Serum levels of 10 pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and two antioxidant enzymes were compared in age and sport intensity groups and telomere lengths were measured in their respective blood samples. Results: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was the only cytokine showing significantly higher concentration in older athletes, regardless of sport intensity. Interleukin (IL)-10 increased significantly in HI regardless of age group, whereas IL-6 concentration was higher in the older HI athletes. IL-8 showed a significant interaction with sport intensity in different age groups. Overall, significant positive correlations among levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and TNF-α were identified. The antioxidant catalase activity was positively correlated with levels of TNF-α. Telomere length increased significantly with sport intensity, especially in the younger group. Conclusion: HI had longer telomeres and higher levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting less aging in HI compared to low and moderate counterparts in association with heightened immune response. Investigation of the functional significance of these associations on the health and performance of elite athletes is warranted.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Borem ◽  
Allison Madeline ◽  
Mackenzie Bowman ◽  
Sanjitpal Gill ◽  
John Tokish ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a progressive condition marked by inflammation and tissue destruction. The effector functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them an attractive therapy for patients with IVDD. While several sources of MSCs exist, the optimal choice for use in the inflamed IVD remains a significant question. Adipose (AD)- and amnion (AM)-derived MSCs have several advantages compared to other sources, however, no study has directly compared the impact of IVDD inflammation on their effector functions. Human MSCs were cultured in media with or without supplementation of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α at concentrations produced by IVDD cells. MSC proliferation and production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were quantified following 24- and 48-hours of culture. Additionally, the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of AD- and AM-MSCs was characterized via histology and biochemical analysis following 28 days of culture. In inflammatory culture, AM-MSCs produced significantly more anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p=0.004) and larger chondrogenic pellets (p=0.04) with greater percent area staining positively for glycosaminoglycan (p<0.001) compared to AD-MSCs. Conversely, AD-MSCs proliferated more resulting in higher cell numbers (p=0.048) and produced higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines PGE2 (p=0.030) and IL-1β (p=0.010) compared to AM-MSCs. Additionally, AD-MSCs produced more mineralized matrix (p<0.001) compared to AM-MSCs. These findings begin to inform researchers and clinicians as to which MSC source may be optimal for different IVD therapies including those that may promote regeneration or fusion. Further study is warranted evaluating these cells in systems which recapitulate the nutrient- and oxygen-deprived environment of the degenerate IVD.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijia Zhou ◽  
Lingxia Xu ◽  
Shaoliang Zhang ◽  
Shilin Xu ◽  
Yanmiao Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Chlorogenic acid and geniposide (CG) are derived from traditional Chinese medicine, Yinchenhao Recipe (QCHR), and can improve the clinical efficacy of NASH patients. This study investigated the effects of CG on NASH and expounded its Potential mechanism of action through the LPS-TLR4 pathway and microbiota. Methods: Rats were randomized into Control (C), Model (M), Chlorogenic Acid and Geniposide (CG), Pioglitazone (PH) and Bifico (B) groups. After an 8-week high-fat diet (HFD), CG, PH and B oral treatment were initiated and carried out for a further 8 weeks. The stool samples were used in a16S rDNA V4 highly variable region measurement method in order to regulate the role of CG in gut microbiota. The concentrations of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS were detected by the corresponding methods. Results: Observations were made that CG significantly improved the pathology of the liver and terminal ileum tissue. The accumulation of TG and the content of inflammatory cytokines in the liver were significantly decreased and the abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly down-regulated. The expression of TLR4, AP-1, MyD88, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 were significantly decreased. All the findings above indicated that CG was highly effective in improving the composition of gut microbiota, decreasing the production of endogenous LPS, and reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines through the gut-liver axis.Conclusion: CG can regulate the abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbial community and improve liver inflammation and steatosis in NASH rats by reducing LPS-TLR4-mediated inflammation.


Author(s):  
Aisling McGrath ◽  
Niamh Murphy ◽  
Noel Richardson

Summary COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort (n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort (n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 (p &lt; 0.001), while loneliness scores increased (p &lt; 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 (p &lt; 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas (p &lt; 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases (p &lt; 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing. Lay summary The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidance is needed to safely encourage this cohort back into Men’s Sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 2170-2184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Ma ◽  
Erich Gulbins ◽  
Michael J. Edwards ◽  
Charles C. Caldwell ◽  
Martin Fraunholz ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections are a major clinical problem and range from mild skin and soft-tissue infections to severe and even lethal infections such as pneumonia, endocarditis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, and toxic shock syndrome. Toxins that are released from S. aureus mediate many of these effects. Here, we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms how α-toxin, a major S. aureus toxin, induces inflammation. Methods: Macrophages were isolated from the bone marrow of wildtype and acid sphingomyelinase-deficient mice, stimulated with S. aureus α-toxin and activation of the acid sphingomyelinase was quantified. The subcellular formation of ceramides was determined by confocal microscopy. Release of cathepsins from lysosomes, activation of inflammasome proteins and formation of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed by western blotting, confocal microscopy and ELISA. Results: We demonstrate that S. aureus α-toxin activates the acid sphingomyelinase in ex vivo macrophages and triggers a release of ceramides. Ceramides induced by S. aureus α-toxin localize to lysosomes and mediate a release of cathepsin B and D from lysosomes into the cytoplasm. Cytosolic cathepsin B forms a complex with Nlrc4. Treatment of macrophages with α-toxin induces the formation of IL-1β and TNF-α. These events are reduced or abrogated, respectively, in cells lacking the acid sphingomyelinase and upon treatment of macrophages with amitriptyline, a functional inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase. Pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B prevented activation of the inflammasome measured as release of IL-1β, while the formation of TNF-α was independent of cathepsin B. Conclusion: We demonstrate a novel mechanism how bacterial toxins activate the inflammasome and mediate the formation and release of cytokines: S. aureus α-toxin triggers an activation of the acid sphingomyelinase and a release of ceramides resulting in the release of lysosomal cathepsin B and formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar Yadav ◽  
Rahul Bhattacharya

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic. However, due to its several limitations, new analogues are being synthesised for better pain management. We have earlier reported the synthesis and bio-efficacy of fentanyl and its eight new analogues (1-8) in mice. Among eight analogues tested, N-(1-(2-phenoxyethyl)-4-piperidinyl)propionanilide (2), N-isopropyl-3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (5), and N-t-butyl-3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (6) were found to be more effective and less toxic compared to fentanyl. Therapeutic efficacy of fentanyl and its analogues are known to be compromised due to many adverse effects, including alterations in the immune system. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the acute effect of fentanyl and its three analogues (2, 5, and 6) on plasma levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) at different time points. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with 0.50 LD50 of the compounds and cytokines were measured 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h post-exposure. Compared to control, none of the treatments produced any change in TNF-α and IL-1β levels. However, IL-6 levels were significantly elevated between 1 h to 2 h post-exposure in fentanyl and analogue 2 treated groups. Further, IL-10 levels were found to be significantly increased in fentanyl, analogue 2, and 6 treated groups at 1 h and 2 h post-exposure. Pre-treatment of naltrexone (opioid receptor antagonist) blocked the effects of fentanyl, confirming that its effects were opioid receptor- dependent. However, effect of naltrexone on analogue 2 and 6 was not conclusively evidenced, indicating that immunomodulatory changes caused by the analogues could have some additional implications as well. The present study reveals undesirable effects of fentanyl and its new analogues on cytokines homeostasis, thereby limiting their use in pain management.


2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER FITZGERALD ◽  
SINEAD M. O'BRIEN ◽  
PAUL SCULLY ◽  
KIM RIJKERS ◽  
LUCINDA V. SCOTT ◽  
...  

Background. There is evidence to indicate that peripheral glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function is reduced in major depression, and a possible molecular explanation for this is the impact of raised pro-inflammatory cytokines. The topical steroid vasoconstriction assay provides a convenient probe of peripheral GR function. The present study sought to assess the sensitivity of peripheral GRs in antidepressant-resistant major depressives and investigate the association between GR sensitivity and circulating plasma cytokines.Method. Nineteen antidepressant-resistant depressives together with age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent the steroid vasoconstriction assay using three commercial preparations of corticosteroids containing clobetasol propionate 0·05%, betamethasone valerate 0·1%, and clobetasone butyrate 0·05%, corresponding to very potent, potent, and moderately potent steroid creams respectively. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The severity of the depressive episode was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).Results. Depressed subjects had a significantly reduced vasoconstriction response across all three strengths of steroid. They also had significantly higher concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6. There was a significant inverse correlation between TNF-α concentration and vasoconstriction response and also between the HAMD score and vasoconstriction response.Conclusions. These findings suggest that cutaneous GR function is abnormal in antidepressant-resistant depression, that circulating TNF-α may play a significant role in this abnormality and that the efficacy of topical steroids in antidepressant-resistant depressives is reduced.


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