Endotoxin stimulates in vivo expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta, -6, and high-mobility-group protein-1 in skeletal muscle.

The presence of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood is associated with decreased muscle protein synthesis and the erosion of lean body mass in many catabolic conditions. However, little is known regarding the role of endogenous cytokine synthesis in muscle per se. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the cytokine expression profile of skeletal muscle in response to an in vivo injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS).

Alcohol-induced increases in insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 are partially mediated by TNF.

Background: Alcohol (EtOH) alters the plasma and tissue content of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, an important anabolic hormone. However, the bioavailability and bioactivity of IGF-I can also be modulated by changes in soluble proteins that bind IGF-I (IGFBPs). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether EtOH intoxication in rats alters the plasma concentration and tissue mRNA content of various IGFBPs.

Hemodiafiltration (HD-HF): one year follow-up of nine hours weekly.

Data are presented concerning our experience with hemodiafiltration (HD-HF) in uremic patients. Ten patients previously submitted to regular dialysis treatment, cuprophane membrane (RDT), for the last year twelve hours weekly, were treated for one year, nine hours weekly, HD-HF. Five of ten had suffered discomfort by RDT and five spontaneously chose HD-HF owing to its shorter treatment period.