Increasing clinical observations reveal that persistent low-grade inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of severe chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and aging-related neurological diseases. Intriguingly, low levels of circulating Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) appear to be one of the key culprits in provoking a non-resolving low-grade inflammation. Adverse life styles, chronic infection, and aging can all contribute to the rise of circulating endotoxin levels and lead to low-grade endotoxemia. As a consequence, low-grade endotoxemia may skew host immune environment into a mild non-resolving pro-inflammatory state, which eventually leads to the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory diseases. This review aims to highlight the recent progress in the causes and consequences of low-grade endotoxemia, as well as the emerging molecular mechanisms responsible.

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Multiple-pool analysis in tracer studies of metabolic kinetics. i. general considerations and solutions of simpler systems (one and two pools).

Causes and consequences of low grade endotoxemia and inflammatory diseases.

Radionuclide methods have been part of the diagnostic armament of clinical haematologist for many years. Radioactive tracers can be bound to plasma proteins and blood cells to study the dynamics of haematopoiesis, of iron metabolism, and of destruction of blood cells. Reliable quantitative information may be obtained on plasma and red cell volume. Modern techniques also enable imaging of the sites of blood production, storage and destruction, and may assist in localizing malignant cell proliferation and sites of infection. Sophisticated kinetic studies using radioiron have dramatically broadened our knowledge on erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, both in normal and pathological conditions. Some of the methods developed through the years have proven their value in clinical practice. Others remain research tools and continue, in specialized hands, to extend our knowledge on the pathophysiology of blood. Many methods, of value in the early days of nuclear medicine, are obsolete now and have been replaced by newer, faster, safer or more accurate techniques. From the abundance of radioisotope methods in haematology a personal choice was made. For reasons of clearness most techniques of historical importance have been omitted. Also elaborative methods that offer no marked advantage over those described are omitted. Recent recommandations of ICSH (International Committee for Standardization in Haematology) panels on diagnostic application of radioisotopes in haematology are followed.

Multiple-pool analysis in tracer studies of metabolic kinetics. i. general considerations and solutions of simpler systems (one and two pools).

Citations

Causes and consequences of low grade endotoxemia and inflammatory diseases.

Radionuclide techniques in haematology

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