[IL-6 anti-inflammatory activity in pleural effusion post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery].

Introduction: The local inflammatory reaction aspects of pleural behaviour post-coronary artery by- pass graft surgery (PCABG) are not completely evident, demanding further study and observation.

Aim: To evaluate the behaviour of some cytokines and the possible anti-inflammatory activity of IL-6 (a protein involved in cortisone synthesis) on acute PCA- BG pleural fluid, since this cytokine is usually considered as an acute phase reaction protein associated to high concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in immediate inflammatory reactions.

Material And Methods: The concentrations of the TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and TGF-beta cytokines in 16 transudates and 43 exudates in acute PCABS pleural fluid of patients were analysed by the ELISA method 2, 24 and 48 hours after surgery at the Instituto do Coração and Serviço de Pneumologia da USP, Brazil.

The proliferative cytokines TGF-beta and VEGF in pleural effusions post-coronary artery bypass graft.

Unlabelled: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries can impact on the pericardium and pleural space, leading to inflammation which can cause effusion.

Aim: To study the role of the proliferative cytokines TGF-beta and VEGF in the fluids of 16 transudates and 43 pleural effusions of patients who underwent CABG at the Heart Unit and Pulmonology Unit of the University Hospital of São Paulo. Levels of cytokines were assessed 2, 24 and 48 hours post-surgery.

[Pleural thickening and tuberculous effusion: searching for predictive data].

Tuberculosis is a very common disease usualy related to bad social-economic conditions and sometimes with associated pleural effusion. Pleural sequelae are referred by some authors as a consequence that may interfere with lung function provoking respiratory failure in some critical situations. Some experts try to find clinical and biochemical parameters in order to detect possibilities that could predict future pleural thickening and necessity of closer vigilance to avoid lung function disability.