L-Arginine modulates neonatal lymphocyte proliferation through an interleukin-2 independent pathway.

In cases of arginine depletion, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production and CD3ζ chain expression are all diminished. In addition to myeloid suppressor cells, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) also exert T-cell immune suppressive effects through arginase-induced l-arginine depletion, especially during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated how arginase/l-arginine modulates neonatal lymphocyte proliferation.

miRNA-125b regulates TNF-α production in CD14+ neonatal monocytes via post-transcriptional regulation.

Neonates, although deficient in cell immunity, frequently reveal sepsis with augmented proinflammatory reactions. Here, we found that neonatal monocytes produced significantly higher TNF-α mRNA and protein than adult monocytes. Assessment of the transcriptional factor found no significant difference of NF-κB p65 level between neonatal and adult monocytes.

Identification of immunodeficient molecules in neonatal mononuclear cells by proteomic differential displays.

Human newborns are known to be susceptible to microbial infection. This susceptibility is generally attributed to immaturity of the newborn immune system. However, the mechanisms for impaired immunity in newborns are still incompletely defined.

IFN-α production by human mononuclear cells infected with varicella-zoster virus through TLR9-dependent and -independent pathways.

Understanding the defense mechanisms of the host of an organism is important for infection control. In previous studies, we demonstrated that interferon-α (IFN-α), but not IL-12, was produced by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Here, we investigated what kind of cell(s) and which signal molecule(s) are involved in IFN-α production.

Correlation of augmented IL-8 production to premature chronic lung disease: implication of posttranscriptional regulation.

Despite that advances in neonatal medicine have significantly reduced the early mortality of premature infants, a considerable number of them are still prone to develop chronic lung disease (CLD) later. To find a method of early prevention, we investigated the efficacy of using certain early proinflammatory responses to predict the development of CLD. In the present study, 34 premature infants who required endotracheal intubation within 4 h of birth were recruited for analysis of IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood.

Association of cord blood cytokines with prematurity and cerebral palsy.

Background: Many studies have shown that certain cytokines in amniotic fluids are correlated to premature labor and neonatal brain insults.

Aims: We investigated whether different fetal phagocyte and vascular mediators including IL-8, myeloperoxidase (MPO), PGE(2) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were correlated to prematurity and cerebral palsy (CP) of premature infants.

Subjects: Umbilical cord blood samples from 96 preterm babies from 2250 cord blood collections were studied.

Implication of cord blood myeloperoxidase but not of soluble p-selectin levels in preterm deliveries.

Although maternal amniotic and vaginocervical cytokines are known to play a role in triggering preterm delivery, the effects of activating fetal phagocytes and platelets are not clear. In an attempt to clarify this issue, we measured levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a phagocyte activation marker, and soluble p-selectin (sCD62p), a platelet activation marker, in umbilical cord blood samples from 2200 consecutive cord blood collections, 106 of which were from preterm infants. MPO and sCD62p levels were correlated to gestational age and preterm delivery.

Assessment of the facial features and chin development of fetuses with use of serial three-dimensional sonography and the mandibular size monogram in a Chinese population.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate whether the application of serial three-dimensional (3D) sonography and the mandibular size monogram can allow observation of dynamic changes in facial features, as well as chin development in utero.

Study Design: The mandibular size monogram has been established through a cross-sectional study involving 183 fetal images. The serial changes of facial features and chin development are assessed in a cohort study involving 40 patients.