thromboxane-b2 and Opportunistic-Infections

Urinary thromboxane B2 (u-TXB2) was measured and analyzed after a human liver transplantation in 28 patients (30 transplantations) who underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation. Our results showed that the u-TXB2 levels exceeded 3.0 micrograms/mmol creatinine in only 2 of the 13 cases that had a favorable postoperative course. In 10 of the 11 episodes of acute rejection, the u-TXB2 levels exceeded 3.0 micrograms/mmol creatinine. In 6 episodes of acute rejection, the TXB2 levels were more than 5.0. In 4 out of 6 episodes of infection unassociated with rejection, the u-TXB2 values were between 3.0 and 4.9 micrograms/mmol creatinine. In 2 episodes of liver necrosis the TXB2 value reached 5.3 in one and 0.9 in the other. In conclusion, the u-TXB2 level was observed to be elevated in cases of acute rejection, infection, or necrosis. The diagnosis of acute rejection on the basis of u-TXB2 showed a sensitivity of 58.8%, a specificity of 93.3%, and an accuracy of 75.0% for a threshold level of 3.0 micrograms/mmol creatinine, and a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 79.2%, and an accuracy of 80.6% for a threshold level of TXB2 of 5.0 micrograms/mmol creatinine. These results indicate that the serial determination of u-TXB2 is a useful diagnostic means for predicting acute rejection after liver transplantation.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Graft Rejection; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Surgical Wound Infection; Thromboxane B2

We analysed the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by monocytes in 11 drug addicts with AIDS and opportunistic infections and in 13 controls. In three patients and six controls we isolated the PGE2 fraction from culture supernatants of purified monocytes (greater than 95%) incubated in medium containing (3H) arachidonic acid, using silicic acid columns. In two of three patients PGE2-fraction values (21.9 and 21.6 pmol/g protein) were significantly higher than controls (10 +/- 4). In eight AIDS patients and seven controls, PGE2 levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay (HPLC and RIA). In three out of eight patients PGE2 levels were markedly higher (736, 419 and 208 pg/ml) than the mean + 2 s.d. values from controls (73 +/- 51). We tested the effect of PGE2 on the production of interleukin-2 by normal phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). There was a significant suppression of interleukin-2 production by PGE2 released from AIDS monocytes. PGE2 may be one of the factors involved in the severe immune dysfunction associated with AIDS.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Dinoprostone; Humans; Monocytes; Opportunistic Infections; Substance-Related Disorders; Thromboxane B2