Sex-specific differences in plasma levels of FXII, HK, and FXIIa-C1-esterase inhibitor complexes in community-acquired pneumonia.

Sex-dependent differences in immunity and coagulation play an active role in the outcome of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Contact phase proteins act at the crossroads between inflammation and coagulation thus representing a point of convergence in host defense against infection. Here, we measured the levels of factor XII (FXII), FXIIa-C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) complexes, and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) in plasma of patients with CAP and correlated them to clinical disease severity.

Sex-dependent up regulation of CD 177-specific mRNA expression in cord blood due to different stimuli.

Background: The neutrophil-specific CD 177 molecule (NB1 glycoprotein/HNA-2a) has gained clinical interest because of its involvement in severe antibody-dependent diseases like transfusion-related acute lung injury and neonatal alloimmune neutropenia. Up regulation of CD 177 in response to different stimuli (granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, bacterial infections) has been described in adults.

Study Design And Methods: The regulation of CD 177 expression was evaluated on mRNA and glycoprotein levels from cord blood neutrophils of 56 neonates, 38 of them with complications during pregnancy or delivery.