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.

Bacterial infections, Endotoxins

---

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.

Causes of, Diseases, Autoimmune diseases

---

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.

Forecasts and trends, Therapeutics, Allergy, Gene therapy, Immunologic diseases

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: HTLV-1 associated Sjogren's syndrom is aetiologically distinct from anti-centromere antibodies positive Sjogren's syndrome
• Abstracts: The gynecologist and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Contraceptive choices for women with endocrine complications
• Abstracts: Salivary function and hypertension: a review of the literature and a case report. Laryngeal edema and death from asphyxiation after tooth extraction in four patients with hereditary angioedema
• Abstracts: Characterisation of anticytoplasmic antibodies and their clinical associations. Rheumatoid factors: where are we now?
• Abstracts: A disease in motion: diabetes history and the new paradigm of transmuted disease. The day after: how insulin was received by the medical profession

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.