Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UNIPROT:P01189 (beta-endorphin)
 21,003 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Aged and young unanesthetized rabbits with intracerebroventricular cannulas were tested in experiments designed to determine whether increases in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level and leukocytosis can be rapidly induced by central administration of crude buffy-coat supernatant commonly called endogenous pyrogen or interleukin 1 (IL 1). The results indicate that both acute-phase responses occur during fever caused by central administration of this supernatant and that they are generally detectable within 2 h. Although the febrile response was smaller in aged female rabbits, there was no decline in CRP or leukocyte responses, an observation that was not predicted. The antipyretic neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) reduced fever caused by central IL 1 more effectively in the aged rabbits. alpha-MSH likewise inhibited the CRP and leukocyte responses to central IL 1. The results confirm that CRP and leukocyte responses can be driven by a central IL 1 signal and further indicate that the response can occur rapidly, consistent with direct central nervous system control of the acute-phase responses. The findings indicate that the acute-phase responses depend in part on the age of the host and that the responses can be modulated by an endogenous central nervous system peptide with known antipyretic and immune modulatory properties.
 ...
PMID:C-reactive protein, leukocytes, and fever after central IL 1 and alpha-MSH in aged rabbits. 283 40

We hypothesized that increased levels of blood cytokines occur in brain-dead patients, and that these cytokines are responsible for some of the endocrine and/or acute-phase reactant abnormalities found in these patients. We measured blood levels of cytokines, hormones, and acute-phase reactants in 18 brain-dead potential organ donors at the moment of establishing the legal diagnosis of brain death and compared them with levels found in a control group. Although interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were within the normal range, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were clearly above the normal range in all patients (median, 1,444 pg/mL; range, 75 to 11,780). In the brain-dead group, total thyroxine (tT4), free T4 (fT4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin (TSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), testosterone, albumin, Zn, and osteocalcin levels were decreased, T3 resin uptake index (T3 RUI), corticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHPr), aldosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were normal, and reverse T3 (rT3), renin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were increased. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated significant interrelations between IL-6 and T4, T3, testosterone, and CRP. We also studied the evolution of some of these parameters in four patients with severe head injury who finally developed brain death. IL-6 levels on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) were above the normal limits, as in other patients with cranial trauma, but when the patients developed brain death, there was a pronounced increase in IL-6 levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
 ...
PMID:Blood levels of cytokines in brain-dead patients: relationship with circulating hormones and acute-phase reactants. 754 Feb 49

Previously we have reported that in asthmatics an inhalation of 20 micrograms lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces a bronchial obstruction associated with an inflammatory blood response. The aim of the present study was to evaluate this response in normal subjects. Eight normal non-atopic subjects were challenged by inhalation of a solution containing 20 micrograms LPS (from Escherichia coli 026:B6) a week after bronchial challenge with control solution. The lung function response was evaluated by the changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), in specific conductance and in airway resistance while the blood inflammatory response was evaluated by serial measures of total white blood cells (WBC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) count, luminol enhanced-chemiluminescence (luminol-CL, as a marker of the PMN degree of activation), C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, complement fraction C3, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). No response in lung function was observed for 6 h after the LPS inhalation. The count in WBC and PMN increased 300 (P < 0.01) and 360 (P < 0.01) min after the LPS challenge associated with an increase in the level of luminol-CL (P < 0.001). This rise in luminol-CL level was significant at 120 min (P < 0.05) before any change in the PMN count. After 24 and 48 h the acute-phase protein CRP raised significantly (P < 0.01), the other proteins C3 and haptoglobin being unchanged. A slight increase in ACTH was observed 240 and 360 min (P < 0.05) after the LPS challenge while the TNF alpha detectable level was not modified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
 ...
PMID:Blood inflammatory response to inhaled endotoxin in normal subjects. 772 26

Increased activation of lymphocytes in inflammatory bowel disease is reflected by alterations of various immunological functions including enhanced spontaneous secretion of rheumatoid factor by mononuclear cells. since in rheumatic diseases increased secretion of rheumatoid factor is associated with decreased levels of beta-endorphin in circulating blood mononuclear leukocytes, we investigated levels of leukocyte beta-endorphin in inflammatory bowel disease and compared them with those in hepatobiliary disorders and in healthy subjects. Levels of beta-endorphin were measured in extracts from peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes by radioimmunoassay. beta-Endorphin levels ranged from 0 to 67 pg/10(6) cells. Mononuclear leukocytes from ulcerative colitis patients contained as much beta-endorphin as those from healthy control subjects. In patients with Crohn's disease, levels of beta-endorphin were reduced by as much as roughly 50%. An inverse relationship was found between leukocyte beta-endorphin on the one hand and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood granulocyte or thrombocyte counts, and C-reactive protein levels in plasma on the other. In patients with various hepatobiliary disorders including fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and cryptogenic or alcoholic cirrhosis, beta-endorphin levels were not significantly different from the normal range values. Data indicate that leukocyte beta-endorphin may be involved in regulation of the systemic inflammatory activity of Crohn's disease.
 ...
PMID:Decreased beta-endorphin content in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from patients with Crohn's disease. 786 97

There is increasing evidence that the hypercortisolemia in inflammatory diseases suppresses the elaboration of proinflammatory cytokines, thus protecting the host from its own defence reactions. In severe sepsis and septic shock cortisol levels are usually elevated, but some patients may have relative adrenal insufficiency. This may contribute to the overwhelming systemic inflammatory response syndrome. We evaluated the impact of low-dose hydrocortisone infusion (10 mg/h) on the course of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This dose corresponds to a maximum secretory rate of cortisol achieved in corticotropin-stimulated healthy humans. In a prospective observational study 57 surgical patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were studied, of which in addition to the conventional treatment 12 patients were infused with low-dose hydrocortisone, and 45 were treated without any corticosteroid. In the longitudinal analysis the systemic inflammatory response--as judged by body temperature, cardiovascular response, and kinetics of inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil elastase--started to differ in favor of the hydrocortisone-treated patients after 2 days of treatment (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). The difference disappeared after withdrawal of exogenous cortisol. Shock reversal was achieved in all patients treated with low-dose hydrocortisone. The data provide evidence that low-dose hydrocortisone infusion attenuates the systemic inflammatory response in human septic shock. From an immunological point of view a relative cortisol deficiency may contribute to the amplified immune response in systemic inflammatory diseases. A randomized clinical trial must clarify the impact of low-dose hydrocortisone infusion on the clinical course and outcome of septic shock patients.
 ...
PMID:Low-dose hydrocortisone infusion attenuates the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The Phospholipase A2 Study Group. 786 82

We investigated the basal and dynamic regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axes and prolactin secretion in 52 patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis. These patients also had gadolinium enhanced brain MRI scans and were divided into relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive subgroups. These subgroups were compared with healthy controls and a group of patients with other neurological diseases. The cortisol diurnal rhythm was preserved in all groups of patients. The time-integrated cortisol response to human corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation was lower in the patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, compared with patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects. The time-integrated beta-endorphin response to CRH was greater in the patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared with the others. Feedback regulation assessed by dexamethasone suppression was normal. Serum testosterone was low in 24% of male multiple sclerosis patients and oestradiol was low in 25% of pre-menopausal female multiple sclerosis patients, whereas prolactin and the HPT function were normal. Correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP) and MRI suggest that activation of the HPA axis in multiple sclerosis patients is secondary to an active inflammatory stimulus.
 ...
PMID:The neuroendocrine axis in patients with multiple sclerosis. 921 89

This prospective randomized study examined the acute-phase response and wound healing, comparing laparoscopic (LA) and open posterior (PA) adrenalectomy in a cushingoid porcine model. Repository corticotropin gel was given to 40 pigs for 21 days. Biochemical and tissue parameters of Cushing syndrome were confirmed. The pigs were randomized to undergo LA or PA. In addition to operating time and morbidity, the acute-phase response was compared by measuring the postoperative white blood cell count, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, and nitrogen balance. Wound healing was assessed by (1) scored (1-4) gross appearance at 48 hours and 1 and 2 weeks; (2) histologic examination; and (3) tensile strength. There was no difference in operating time (mean +/- SD) (36 +/- 9 minutes open vs. 37 +/- 7 minutes laparoscopic), perioperative mortality, degree of leukocytosis, fasting glucose, or C-reactive protein (p > 0.05). Nitrogen balance, wound scores, and tensile strength at 24 hours and 1 week were more favorable in the LA group than in the PA group (p < 0.05). In the cushingoid porcine model, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was less catabolic and was associated with fewer wound complications than the open posterior adrenalectomy. These findings provide support for continued pursuit of laparoscopic methods for adrenalectomy in the clinical setting.
 ...
PMID:Laparoscopic versus open posterior adrenalectomy: comparison of acute-phase response and wound healing in the cushingoid porcine model. 959 37

This prospective observational study investigated the relationship of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to inflammatory markers and to disease severity in children with meningococcal disease. In total, 32 children were studied: 10 with distinct meningococcal meningitis (MM), 10 with MM and septic shock, and 12 with fulminant meningococcal septicemia (FMS). Levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were lowest in the MM group and dramatically elevated in the FMS group. Cortisol and C-reactive protein levels were highest in the MM group and relatively low in the FMS group. Levels of ACTH and inflammatory markers decreased within the first 24 h of admission, but cortisol levels did not fluctuate. Cortisol was significantly inversely correlated with IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 (P < or =.04). These results suggest that the adrenal reserve in children is insufficient to handle the extreme conditions and stress associated with severe meningococcal disease.
 ...
PMID:Adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels in relation to inflammatory response and disease severity in children with meningococcal disease. 1174 Jul 28

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the plasma leptin level and clinical parameters in patients with burn injury. Six patients with burn injury were admitted to the Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Center of St. Marianna University Hospital within 1h after injury. Plasma levels were monitored for leptin, proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)), stress-related parameters (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and C-reactive protein (CRP)). The change in individual plasma leptin levels did not show similar pattern in all these patients. However, leptin levels remained within the normal range, except in a patient (Case 1) complicated with severe hypovolemic shock. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were also elevated in most of the patients. Examination of relationships among plasma leptin, proinflammatory cytokines, and stress-related parameters revealed a significant positive correlation between the plasma leptin level and IL-1 beta or IL-6. These results suggest that the plasma leptin level may have some relations to plasma proinflammatory cytokines in pathophysiologic responses to critical conditions of burn injury.
 ...
PMID:Plasma leptin levels in patients with burn injury: a preliminary report. 1288 Jul 24

This structured review discusses the current literature on selected biomarkers and their ability to predict preterm delivery (PTD). Among symptomatic women, the likelihood ratio (LR+) for the prediction of PTD was found to be greater than 10 using amniotic fluid (AF) interleukin-6 (IL-6), AF Ureaplasma urealyticum, as well as a multi-marker consisting of cervical IL-6, cervical IL-8, and cervical length (CL). The LR+ was found to be between 5 and 10 for serum C-reactive protein (CRP). An LR+ between 2.5 and 5 was recorded for serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), cervical fetal fibronectin (fFN), cervical IL-6, serum relaxin, and a multi-marker consisting of fFN and CL. CL and bacterial vaginosis (BV) both predicted PTD in women with preterm labor with an LR+ of less than 2.5. In asymptomatic women, AF U. urealyticum and a multimarker consisting of five individual markers [fFN, CL, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)] predicted PTD with an LR+ greater than 10. The LR+ was between 5 and 10 for serum relaxin and CL. LRs+ recorded for serum alkaline phosphatase, salivary estriol, serum CRH, serum G-CSF, cervical IL-6, AF IL-6, cervical fFN, AFP, and Chlamydia all ranged between 2.5 and 5. Finally, an LR+ below 2.5 has been documented for serum ferritin, serum CRP, BV, and cervical ferritin.
 ...
PMID:Biomarkers for the prediction of preterm delivery. 1590 Dec 57


1 2 3 Next >>