Ceruloplasmin and Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein, but not C-Reactive Protein, Correlate With Serum Ferritin During Various Postpartum/Lactation Periods in Congolese Females.

Serum ferritin usually correlates positively with acute phase proteins (APPs), but limited information is available on this association during various postpartum/lactation periods. The objective of this study was to assess the association between serum ferritin and APPs in Congolese females during different postpartum/lactation periods. Serum ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and transferrin saturation (TS) were measured during various postpartum/lactation periods (0.

In Vitro Lymphocyte Functions in Undernourished Children With Sickle Cell Anemia.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often suffer from growth deficits and impaired immunity. However, the association between mild to moderate malnutrition and in vitro lymphocyte function has not been well studied. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of undernutrition on lymphocyte functions in children with SCD.

The Inhibitory Properties of Ethanol Extracts of Some Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms on the Secretion of Interleukin-8 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor by PC3 Cancer Cells.

Interleukin (IL)-8, a cytokine produced by immune and non-immune cells, induces angiogenesis via increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion; both cytokines promote tumor growth. IL-8 and VEGF plasma levels correlate with prostate cancer severity, suggesting that therapeutic options aimed at their downregulation may modulate tumor growth. Available data suggest that Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom [WBM]) extracts inhibit cancer cell proliferation through aromatase inhibition.

Clinical Observations, Plasma Retinol Concentrations, and In Vitro Lymphocyte Functions in Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often have infections, growth deficits, and impaired immunity, problems that also are observed in individuals with a vitamin A deficiency (plasma retinol concentration <20 μg/dL). The goal of this study was to investigate the association between vitamin A, health status, and the in vitro immune function of children with SCD.

Methods: Fifty-nine children (40 SS, 11 SC, and 8 Sβ [Sβ] hemoglobin genotypes) 9 months to 18 years old were investigated for plasma levels of retinol, retinol binding protein, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, lymphocyte proliferation, and interleukin (IL)-2 activity in supernatant of phytohemagglutinin-treated lymphocytes.

Hydroxyurea and Zileuton Differentially Modulate Cell Proliferation and Interleukin-2 Secretion by Murine Spleen Cells: Possible Implication on the Immune Function and Risk of Pain Crisis in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Hydroxyurea (HU) reduces major complications associated with sickle cell disease in part because of the induction of fetal hemoglobin. However, because of its antiproliferative property, its long-term use may impair immunity. Zileuton, a derivative of HU, also induces fetal hemoglobin and has antiinflammatory properties, a feature that can reduce the risk of sickling.