Annals of surgery
-
To investigate whether monocyte paralysis resistant to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) costimulation may exist before surgery and postoperative infection and may correlate with the outcome of postoperative sepsis. ⋯ These results identify a selective preoperative defect in monocyte IL-12 production as a predictive factor for the lethal outcome of postoperative sepsis. These data suggest that a partial preoperative monocyte paralysis severely impairs the host defense against postoperative infection, resulting in an increased risk of lethal sepsis.
-
To investigate the effects of inosine on the acute lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo and on the activation and cytotoxicity elicited by proinflammatory cytokines on human lung epithelial (A549) cells in vitro. ⋯ Inosine largely suppressed LPS-induced lung inflammation in vivo and reduced the toxicity of cytokines in lung cells in vitro. These data support the proposal that inosine might represent a useful adjunct in the therapy of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
-
To investigate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression in curatively resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to determine its association with prognosis. ⋯ High COX-2 mRNA expression is an important biomarker for biologically aggressive disease in NSCLC and might be helpful in identifying patients who would benefit from additional therapies for controlling their disease.
-
To elucidate the metabolic changes occurring within hepatocytes during acute phase reaction and liver regeneration. ⋯ These findings indicate that changes in liver metabolism after surgery reflect the magnitude of tissue injury and the quantity of functioning liver cells. Acute phase responses dominate the initial recovery period at the expense of less important endergonic functions. When liver parenchyma is lost, the acute phase reaction is maintained and further supported by a rapid replenishment of hepatocytes, which can even be considered a continuation of acute phase physiology. Modulation of liver function within the framework of overall hepatic energy economy is one mechanism for matching energy supply with increased demands during these processes.
-
To evaluate experience with isolated orthotopic liver transplantation in children with liver failure associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS). ⋯ In selected infants with liver failure secondary to short bowel syndrome in whom complete enteral autonomy is anticipated, isolated liver transplantation can offer long-term survival.