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Iranian Journal of Immunology : IJI Sep 2017Brucella is a well-known intracellular bacterium entailing acute and chronic illnesses in humans and domestic animals. The infection chronicity may be affected by the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Brucella is a well-known intracellular bacterium entailing acute and chronic illnesses in humans and domestic animals. The infection chronicity may be affected by the cell-mediated immunity and cytokine patterns.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the patterns of T-helper cytokines in patients suffering from chronic and acute brucellosis.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 22 individuals with acute brucellosis, 21 individuals with chronic brucellosis, and 21 healthy individuals with the same genetic background were recruited from October 2015 to April 2016. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated and stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and brucella antigen in cell culture. The lymphocyte proliferation was detected by MTT assay. After collecting the supernatants, and through the use of ELISA method, we quantified the interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).
RESULTS
Patients with chronic brucellosis had a lower level antigen-specific stimulation index compared to those suffering from acute brucellosis (p=0.0001). Cases with chronic brucellosis had a lower level of IFN-γ compared to cases with acute brucellosis (p=0.001). Finally, patients with chronic brucellosis had higher levels of IL-5 and TGF-β in comparison with the acute group (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Chronic brucellosis reduces lymphocyte proliferation and TH1 cytokine secretion, but it enhances IL- 5 and TGF-β production. Polarizing the immune responses plays a crucial part in the progression and development of chronic diseases.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Brucella; Brucellosis; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Interferon-gamma; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Middle Aged; Phytohemagglutinins; Th1 Cells; Th1-Th2 Balance; Young Adult
PubMed: 28919584
DOI: No ID Found -
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a... Dec 2022Immunoparalysis in children with septic shock is associated with increased risk of nosocomial infections and death. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) potently... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
Immunoparalysis in children with septic shock is associated with increased risk of nosocomial infections and death. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) potently suppress T cell function and may perpetuate immunoparalysis. Our goal was to test the hypothesis that children with septic shock would demonstrate increased proportions of MDSCs and impaired immune function compared with healthy controls.
DESIGN
Prospective observational study.
SETTING
Fifty-four bed PICU in a quaternary-care children's hospital.
PATIENTS
Eighteen children with septic shock and thirty age-matched healthy children.
INTERVENTIONS
None.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood and stained for cell surface markers to identify MDSCs by flow cytometric analysis, including granulocytic and monocytic subsets. Adaptive and innate immune function was measured by ex vivo stimulation of whole blood with phytohemagglutinin-induced interferon (IFN) γ production and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production, respectively. Prolonged organ dysfunction (OD) was defined as greater than 7 days. Children with septic shock had a higher percentage of circulating MDSCs, along with lower LPS-induced TNFα and phytohemagglutinin-induced IFNγ production capacities, compared with healthy controls. A cut-off of 25.2% MDSCs of total PBMCs in initial samples was optimal to discriminate children with septic shock who went on to have prolonged OD, area under the curve equal to 0.86. Children with prolonged OD also had decreased TNFα production capacity over time compared with those who recovered more quickly ( p = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
This article is the first to describe increased MDSCs in children with septic shock, along with an association between early increase in MDSCs and adverse OD outcomes in this population. It remains unclear if MDSCs play a causative role in sepsis-induced immune suppression in children. Additional studies are warranted to establish MDSC as a potential therapeutic target.
Topics: Child; Humans; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; Shock, Septic; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Phytohemagglutinins; Lipopolysaccharides
PubMed: 36094492
DOI: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000003071 -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Mar 2022The objective of this study was to compare the behavioural and immunological responses of twin lambs housed together with their siblings or not after weaning. The study...
The objective of this study was to compare the behavioural and immunological responses of twin lambs housed together with their siblings or not after weaning. The study was performed with seven multiparous Milchschaf ewes and their twin lambs (n = 14), which were weaned abruptly at 63 days of age and assigned to two experimental groups: (1) lambs that were housed together with their sibling after weaning (group GT, n = 6) and (2) lambs that were separated from their siblings and remained with other lambs from the same flock (group GS, n = 8). Before and after weaning, the distance between twins, the number of times in which the sibling was the closest lamb, the lambs' behaviours, and the average daily gain were recorded. The lambs' immune response was assessed with the phytohemagglutinin skin test after weaning. The closest lamb before weaning was the sibling in all cases (P < 0.0001 for all). The frequency in which GT lambs were observed closest from its twin increased on the day of weaning (P = 0.002). During the day of weaning, GT lambs vocalised and paced more than GS lambs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Twenty-four h after the phytohemagglutinin injection, the skinfold thickness was greater in GS than GT lambs (P = 0.03). In conclusion, twin lambs housed together with their siblings were more stressed at weaning, displaying more intensive behavioural changes and a poorer immunological status than twin lambs housed separated from their siblings.
Topics: Animals; Female; Sheep; Sheep, Domestic; Weaning
PubMed: 35235062
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03121-x -
Veterinary Immunology and... Jan 2022Ferrets are nowadays frequently used as animal models for biomedical purposes; in many cases, immunosuppression of experimental animals is necessary. The aim of this...
Ferrets are nowadays frequently used as animal models for biomedical purposes; in many cases, immunosuppression of experimental animals is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intramuscular dexamethasone administration (2 mg/kg as the initiation dose continued with 1 mg/kg q 12 h applied 5 times) on ferret's immune system. In comparison with ferrets which received the saline (n = 5), significantly lower total counts of leukocytes (P < 0.01), lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and monocyte (P < 0.05), as well as absolute numbers of CD4+CD8- (P < 0.01) and CD4-CD8+ (P < 0.01) subsets were noted in dexamethasone treated ferrets (n = 5) the first day after the treatment (D1). Absolute number of CD79+ lymphocytes remained unchanged throughout the experiment. The proliferation activity of lymphocytes in dexamethasone treated ferrets was lower only in D1 using concanavalin A (conA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM); statistical significance was noted using PHA 40 (P < 0.05) and PWM 10 (P < 0.01). Lower neutrophil activity (P < 0.01) was detected in D1 after the dexamethasone treatment in both production of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence test) and ingestion of particles (phagocytosis assay). The dexamethasone treatment proved to be useful for short-term immunosuppression in ferrets. The results closely resembled data previously reported in human studies and indicate classification of ferrets as steroid-resistant species.
Topics: Animals; Dexamethasone; Ferrets; Immunosuppression Therapy; Lymphocyte Activation; Models, Animal; Phytohemagglutinins; Pokeweed Mitogens
PubMed: 34826685
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110362 -
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology Jun 2021Despite all modern advances in medicine, there are few reports of effective and safe drugs to treat obesity. Our objective was to screen anti-obesity natural compounds,...
Despite all modern advances in medicine, there are few reports of effective and safe drugs to treat obesity. Our objective was to screen anti-obesity natural compounds, and to verify whether they can reduce the body weight gain and investigate their molecular mechanisms. By using drug-screening methods, Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was found to be the most anti-obesity candidate natural compound. Six-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with 0.25 mg/kg PHA everyday for 8 weeks. The body weight, glucose homeostasis, oxygen consumption and physical activity were assessed. We also measured the heat intensity, body temperature and the gene expression of key regulators of energy expenditure. Prevention study results showed PHA treatment not only reduced the body weight gain but also maintained glucose homeostasis in HFD-fed mice. Further study indicated energy expenditure and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) expression of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) in HFD-fed mice were significantly improved by PHA. In the therapeutic study, a similar effect was observed. PHA inhibited lipid droplet formation and upregulated mitochondrial-related gene expression during adipogenesis in vitro. UCP-1 KO mice displayed no differences in body weight, glucose homeostasis and core body temperature between PHA and control groups. Our results suggest that PHA prevent and treat obesity by increasing energy expenditure through upregulation of BAT thermogenesis.
Topics: Adipose Tissue, Brown; Adipose Tissue, White; Animals; Biological Products; Cell Differentiation; Diet, High-Fat; Energy Metabolism; Glucose; Homeostasis; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Obesity; Phytohemagglutinins; Thermogenesis; Uncoupling Protein 1; Weight Gain; Mice
PubMed: 33983894
DOI: 10.1530/JME-20-0349 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2021Whilst the immune system often varies seasonally and exhibits differences between males and females, the general patterns in seasonality and sex differences across taxa...
Whilst the immune system often varies seasonally and exhibits differences between males and females, the general patterns in seasonality and sex differences across taxa have remained controversial. Birds are excellent model organisms to assess these patterns, because the immune system of many species is well characterised. We conducted a meta-analysis using 41 wild bird species from 24 avian families to investigate sex differences and seasonal (breeding/non-breeding) variations in immune status, including white blood cell counts, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) test, bacteria-killing ability (BKA), haemolysis and haemagglutination assays. We found male-biased macrophage concentration, BKA and haemolysis titers, but only during the breeding season. Sex-specific heterophil concentrations, heterophil/lymphocyte ratios and PHA responses differed between breeding and non-breeding, suggesting larger changes in males than in females. Importantly, sex differences in immune status are stronger during the breeding period than during the non-breeding period. Taken together, our study suggests that both seasonal variation and sex differences in immune system are common in birds, although their associations are more complex than previously thought.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Female; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Male; Seasons; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 33446785
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80030-9 -
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/oncology Jul 2020Emerging data have suggested that sirolimus may be a treatment option for complicated vascular anomalies (VAs). The present study aimed to investigate the immunologic...
Emerging data have suggested that sirolimus may be a treatment option for complicated vascular anomalies (VAs). The present study aimed to investigate the immunologic effects of sirolimus treatment for 6 months in patients with VAs. Blood samples obtained from the patients enrolled in 2 multicenter studies to investigate the efficacy of sirolimus for VAs before and after sirolimus treatment for 6 months were used. Data for total white blood cell count, absolute lymphocyte count, serum immunoglobulins (Igs) levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), lymphocyte proliferation assays with mitogens including phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A, and flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets were evaluated. A total of 18 patients with VAs receiving sirolimus treatment were included in the study. Comparisons of white blood cell, absolute lymphocyte count, IgG, IgA, IgM, and reaction rates of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A revealed no significant differences before and after treatment. No significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of lymphocyte subtypes before and after treatment, except for regulatory T-cell counts, which were significantly decreased after treatment. Severe infections were not observed during sirolimus treatment. The immunologic parameters assessed in the present study were hardly affected by sirolimus treatment for 6 months in patients with VAs.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Lymphocytes; Male; Prognosis; Sirolimus; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult
PubMed: 31743321
DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001650 -
Journal of Immunology Research 2016CD4+ T follicular helper cells (TFH) were assessed in adult patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID) classified according to the presence of granulomatous...
CD4+ T follicular helper cells (TFH) were assessed in adult patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID) classified according to the presence of granulomatous disease (GD), autoimmunity (AI), or both GD and AI (Group I) or the absence of AI and GD (Group II). TFH lymphocytes were characterized by expression of CXCR5 and PD-1. TFH were higher (in both absolute number and percentage) in Group I than in Group II CVID patients and normal controls (N). Within CXCR5+CD4+ T cells, the percentage of PD-1 (+) was higher and that of CCR7 (+) was lower in Group I than in Group II and N. The percentages of Treg and TFH reg were similar in both CVID groups and in N. TFH responded to stimulation increasing the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40L and ICOS as did N. After submitogenic PHA+IL-2 stimulation, intracellular expression of TFH cytokines (IL-10, IL-21) was higher than N in Group I, and IL-4 was higher than N in Group II. These results suggest that TFH are functional in CVID and highlight the association of increased circulating TFH with AI and GD manifestations.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Autoimmunity; CD40 Ligand; Case-Control Studies; Common Variable Immunodeficiency; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Granulomatous Disease, Chronic; Humans; Inducible T-Cell Co-Stimulator Protein; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-4; Interleukins; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Phytohemagglutinins; Primary Cell Culture; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Receptors, CCR7; Receptors, CXCR5; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
PubMed: 27069935
DOI: 10.1155/2016/4951587 -
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2021Obesity has become a worldwide health problem. It triggers additional co-morbidities like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, depression, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal... (Review)
Review
Obesity has become a worldwide health problem. It triggers additional co-morbidities like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, depression, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems and many more. Excess accumulation of fat in obesity could be caused by many factors like sedentary lifestyle, consumption of high-fat diet, genetic predisposition, etc. Imbalanced energy metabolism i.e., greater energy consumption than utilisation, invariably underlies obesity. Considering the high prevalence and continuous, uncontrolled increase of this major public health issue, there is an urgent need to find appropriate therapeutic agents with minimal or no side effects. The high prevalence of obesity in recent years has led to a surge in the number of drugs available in the market that claim to control obesity. Although there is a long list of medicines and management strategies that are available, selecting the right therapeutic intervention and feasible management of obesity is a challenge. Several phytochemicals like hydroxycitric acid, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, phytohaemagglutinin, thymoquinone and epigallocatechin gallate have been shown to possess promising anti-obesity properties. However, studies providing information on how various phytochemicals exert their anti-obesity effects are inadequate. This calls for more experimentation in this less explored area of research. Additionally, the complication of obesity arises when it is a result of multiple factors and associated with a number of co-morbidities. In order to handle such complexities, combinatorial therapeutic interventions become effective. In this review, we have described the medicinal chemistry of different highly effective phytochemicals which can be used in the effective treatment and management of obesity.
Topics: Adipokines; Animals; Anthocyanins; Anti-Obesity Agents; Benzoquinones; Catechin; Citrates; Drug Discovery; Drug Therapy, Combination; Energy Metabolism; Enzyme Inhibitors; Flavonoids; Humans; Lipids; Obesity; Phytochemicals; Phytohemagglutinins; Plant Extracts; Plants; Signal Transduction; Tannins
PubMed: 33676390
DOI: 10.2174/1568026621666210305101804 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021In mammals, Interleukin-17 cytokine family plays critical roles in both acute and chronic inflammatory responses. In fish species, three Interleukin-17A/F (IL-17A/F)...
In mammals, Interleukin-17 cytokine family plays critical roles in both acute and chronic inflammatory responses. In fish species, three Interleukin-17A/F (IL-17A/F) genes have been identified to be homologous to mammalian IL-17A and IL-17F, but little is known about their functional activity. In this study, _IL-17A/F1, 2 and 3 genes were cloned from yellow catfish () and they differed in protein structure and exon length, implying that they may have divergent bioactivity. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses revealed that three _IL-17A/F genes were highly expressed in blood and mucosal tissues (skin+mucus and gill) from healthy adult fish. The mRNA expressions of _IL-17A/F1, 2 and 3 genes were significantly up-regulated in the gill, skin+mucus, head kidney and spleen after challenge with and in the isolated peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) of yellow catfish after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C). These results indicate that _IL-17A/F1, 2 and 3 genes may play a vital role in the regulation of immune against pathogens. Additionally, the recombinant (r) _IL-17A/F1, 2 and 3 proteins significantly induced the mRNA expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and antibacterial peptides genes, and the r_IL-17A/F 2 and 3 proteins promoted phagocytosis of PBLs more powerfully than the r_IL-17A/F1. Furthermore, the r_IL-17A/F1, 2 and 3 proteins might activate the NF-κB and MAPK signal pathways by IL-17RA, ACT1, TRAF6, TRAF2, TRAF5 and TAK1, indicating that the three _IL-17A/F proteins may play different roles in promoting inflammatory response.
Topics: Animals; Catfishes; Fish Proteins; Head Kidney; Interleukin-17; Leukocytes; Lipopolysaccharides; Peptidoglycan; Phytohemagglutinins; Poly I-C; Spleen
PubMed: 34267744
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626895