Enhanced secretion of tumour necrosis factor in patients with myocardial infarction.

Objectives: Recent evidence suggests that leukocyte infiltration of myocardial tissue may extend the area of necrosis during the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Since the activation of leukocytes depends on the action of cytokines, mainly tumour necrosis factor (TNF), we evaluated TNF secretion during myocardial infarction.

Methods: The study included 12 patients with acute myocardial infarction as diagnosed on the basis of enzymatic and ECG criteria.

Decrease in cholesterol levels during the immunotherapy of cancer with interleukin-2.

IL-2, in addition to its immunomodulating and antitumour properties, induces important systemic actions, including cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and metabolic effects. The present study was carried out to evaluate IL-2 effects on cholesterol metabolism. The study included 14 advanced cancer patients (renal carcinoma: ten; colon carcinoma: four), who received IL-2 subcutaneously at a dose of 1.

[Cardioangioimmunology: the immune implications in the principle cardiovascular pathologies].

At present, it is known that the immune system acts through the release of protein factors, so-called cytokines. In addition to their immunomodulating and endocrinometabolic effects, cytokines have appeared to be able to have an influence on the cardiovascular system by inducing important haemodynamic changes. Cytokines cause hypotension, particularly IL-2 and TNF, due at least in part to a production of nitric oxide by endothelial cells.

Melatonin response to atrial natriuretic peptide administration in healthy volunteers.

Recent observations have demonstrated that the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT) plays a role in the neuroendocrine control of the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, it has been observed that the cardiac hormone alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may regulate the neuroendocrine functions. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible relationship between cardiac and pineal endocrine functions.