Several inflammatory cytokines, most notably tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1, induce anorexia and loss of lean body mass, common manifestations of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. In C57BL/6 female mice, the administration of TNF, IL-1, and, to a lesser extent, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), produced a prompt and dose-dependent increase in serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression in fat. IL-10, IL-4, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and IL-2, cytokines not known to induce anorexia or decrease food intake, had no effect on leptin gene expression or serum leptin levels. After administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leptin gene expression and leptin levels were increased. These findings suggest that leptin levels may be one mechanism by which anorexia is induced during acute inflammatory conditions.

Objective:To measure the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Hepatitis B (HBV) screening and vaccination in the Chinese American population. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted among 429 Chinese in New York City. Participants were recruited from Chinese community-based organizations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of independence were conducted. Results: Knowledge level of HBV risk factors and screening and vaccination rates are low. There were significant differences in screening and vaccination by marital and health insurance status, language, gender, education, and income. Conclusions: Findings suggested that interventions for Chinese Americans and health care providers can substantially increase screening and vaccination rates.

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