The IL-6 promoter polymorphism (-174 G/C) does not affect the incidence of sepsis. However, the GG homozygous genotype is significantly associated with an improved survival in sepsis. Because this association is independent from the systemic IL-6 response, we suggest that other genetically linked polymorphisms may be the primary cause.

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We suggest that the estimation of the peritoneal cytokine levels might be an additional diagnostic tool that can support the early recognition of peritonitic complications in colorectal surgery.

The IL-6 promoter polymorphism --174 G/C does not contribute significantly to disease susceptibility, but predisposes to distinct clinical and immunological features. A genetically determined high IL-6 response may have a pathogenic role under these conditions.

IntroductionDisease activity and therapy show an impact on cellular and serological parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was performed to compare the influence of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy on these parameters in patients with flaring, organ-threatening disease.MethodsSLE patients currently receiving CYC (n = 20), MMF (n = 25) or no immunosuppressive drugs (n = 22) were compared using a cross-sectional design. Median disease activity and daily corticosteroid dose were similar in these treatment groups. Concurrent medication, organ manifestations, and disease activity were recorded, and cellular and serological parameters were determined by routine diagnostic tests or flow cytometric analysis. In addition follow-up data were obtained from different sets of patients (CYC n = 24; MMF n = 23).ResultsAlthough both drugs showed a significant effect on disease activity and circulating B cell subsets, only MMF reduced circulating plasmablasts and plasma cells as well as circulating free light chains within three months of induction therapy. Neither MMF nor CYC were able to reduce circulating memory B cells. MMF lowered IgA levels more markedly than CYC. We did not observe a significant difference in the reduction of IgG levels or anti-dsDNA antibodies comparing patients receiving MMF or CYC. In contrast to MMF, induction therapy with CYC was associated with a significant increase of circulating CD8+ effector T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) after three months.ConclusionsThe results indicate differences between MMF and CYC with regard to the mechanism of action. MMF, but not CYC, treatment leads to a fast and enduring reduction of surrogate markers of B cell activation, such as circulating plasmablasts, plasma cells and free light chains but a comparable rate of hypogammaglobulinemia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0603-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

OSAS does not seem to be more prevalent in adolescents with PCOS. Concerning the respiratory variables, adolescents with PCOS do not seem to differ from healthy controls; however, there seem to be differences concerning sleep architecture.

These findings indicate a primary disturbance of central respiratory control in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome which may be worsened by the development of obesity.