The early colocalization of T cells and the potent immunostimulatory cytokine IFN-␥ to atherosclerotic lesions suggest that the immune system contributes to atherogenesis. Since mice with a targeted disruption of the apoE gene (apoE 0 mice) develop profound atherosclerosis, we examined the role of IFN-␥ in this process. First, the presence of CD4 ϩ and CD8 ϩ cells, which secrete lesional IFN-␥ , was documented in apoE 0 atheromata. Then, the apoE 0 mice were crossed with IFN-␥ receptor (IFN ␥ R) 0 mice to generate apoE 0/IFN ␥ R 0 mice. Compared to the apoE 0 mice, the compound knock-out mice exhibited a substantial reduction in atherosclerotic lesion size, a 60% reduction in lesion lipid accumulation, a decrease in lesion cellularity, but a marked increase in lesion collagen content. Evaluation of the plasma lipoproteins showed that the compound knockout mice had a marked increase in potentially atheroprotective phospholipid/apoA-IV rich particles as well. This correlated with an induction of hepatic apoA-IV transcripts. These observations suggest that IFN-␥ promotes and modifies atherosclerosis through both local effects in the arterial wall as well as a systemic effect on plasma lipoproteins. Therefore, therapeutic inhibition of IFN-␥ signaling may lead to the formation of more lipid-poor and stable atheromata. ( J. Clin. Invest. 1997. 99:2752-2761.)

Malnutrition is still a largely unrecognized problem in hospitals. Malnutrition in hospitalized patients is generally related to increasing morbidity and mortality, and costs and length of stay. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of patients on admission to a general hospital using different nutritional scores and to test the sensitivity and specificity of these scores. Sample population included 60 patients (55% male; 45% female) selected (aged 65.6715.9 y) at random by using a computer software program. The nutritional state assessment was performed within 48 h of admission, using different nutritional indices (Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Gassull classification, Instant Nutritional Assessment (INA) and a combined index). About 78.3% of patients were found to be malnourished on admission. The frequency of malnutrition degree varied from 63.3% as assessed by the SGA to 90% with the NRI. Malnutrition severity was not related to the diagnosis. However, an elderly population was associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition. INA was the best single score to identify patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and who may benefit from nutrition support.