Production of proinflammatory cytokines: granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of protein energy malnourished children.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a serious disease responsible for the high morbidity and mortality rates among children in developing countries. The damaging effects of PEM on their immune system may persist for long throughout their lives. In this study, the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines; Granulocyte-Macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in culture supernates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 46 PEM children before and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Evaluation of apoptosis induction in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory destructive disease involving the joint and characterized by T-lymphocyte accumulation within the synovial compartment. It is dominated by the presence of macrophages, plasma cells and synovial fibroblasts which are the main pathogenic factors leading to the destruction of bone and cartilage. The survival of these cells may be promoted by inadequate apoptosis leading to synovial hyperplasia.