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Viruses May 2024The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent...
The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. In addition to acute concerns, there is growing attention being given to the long COVID health consequences for survivors of COVID-19 with documented cases of cardiovascular abnormalities, liver disturbances, lung complications, kidney issues, and noticeable cognitive deficits. Recent studies have investigated the physiological changes in various organs following prolonged exposure to murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), a coronavirus, in mouse models. One significant finding relates to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract, an area previously understudied regarding the long-lasting effects of COVID-19. This research sheds light on important observations in the intestines during both the acute and the prolonged phases following MHV-1 infection, which parallel specific changes seen in humans after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Our study investigates the histopathological alterations in the small intestine following MHV-1 infection in murine models, revealing significant changes reminiscent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease. Notable findings include mucosal inflammation, lymphoid hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and immune cell infiltration, mirroring pathological features observed in IBD. Additionally, MHV-1 infection induces villous atrophy, altered epithelial integrity, and inflammatory responses akin to celiac disease and IBD. SPIKENET (SPK) treatment effectively mitigates intestinal damage caused by MHV-1 infection, restoring tissue architecture and ameliorating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, investigation into long COVID reveals intricate inflammatory profiles, highlighting the potential of SPK to modulate intestinal responses and restore tissue homeostasis. Understanding these histopathological alterations provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-induced gastrointestinal complications and informs the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Animals; Mice; COVID-19; Disease Models, Animal; Murine hepatitis virus; SARS-CoV-2; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Intestine, Small; Female
PubMed: 38932125
DOI: 10.3390/v16060832 -
Viruses May 2024Rotavirus infection continues to be a significant public health problem in developing countries, despite the availability of several vaccines. The efficacy of oral... (Review)
Review
Rotavirus infection continues to be a significant public health problem in developing countries, despite the availability of several vaccines. The efficacy of oral rotavirus vaccines in young children may be affected by significant immunological differences between individuals in early life and adults. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of early-life systemic and mucosal immune responses and the factors that affect them is essential to improve the current rotavirus vaccines and develop the next generation of mucosal vaccines. This review focuses on the advances in T-cell development during early life in mice and humans, discussing how immune homeostasis and response to pathogens is established in this period compared to adults. Finally, the review explores how this knowledge of early-life T-cell immunity could be utilized to enhance current and novel rotavirus vaccines.
Topics: Rotavirus Vaccines; Humans; Rotavirus Infections; Animals; Rotavirus; T-Lymphocytes; Administration, Oral; Immunity, Mucosal; Mice
PubMed: 38932111
DOI: 10.3390/v16060818 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disease with a strong association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA), characterized by the production of specific autoantibodies... (Review)
Review
Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disease with a strong association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA), characterized by the production of specific autoantibodies and immune-mediated enterocyte killing. CeD is a unique autoimmune condition, as it is the only one in which the environmental trigger is known: gluten, a storage protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. How and when the loss of tolerance of the intestinal mucosa to gluten occurs is still unknown. This event, through the activation of adaptive immune responses, enhances epithelial cell death, increases the permeability of the epithelial barrier, and induces secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in the transition from genetic predisposition to the actual onset of the disease. While the role of gastrointestinal infections as a possible trigger has been considered on the basis of a possible mechanism of antigen mimicry, a more likely alternative mechanism appears to involve a complex disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiota ecosystem triggered by infections, rather than the specific effect of a single pathogen on intestinal mucosal homeostasis. Several lines of evidence show the existence of intestinal dysbiosis that precedes the onset of CeD in genetically at-risk subjects, characterized by the loss of protective bacterial elements that both epigenetically and functionally can influence the response of the intestinal epithelium leading to the loss of gluten tolerance. We have conducted a literature review in order to summarize the current knowledge about the complex and in part still unraveled dysbiosis that precedes and accompanies CeD and present some exciting new data on how this dysbiosis might be prevented and/or counteracted. The literature search was conducted on PubMed.gov in the time frame 2010 to March 2024 utilizing the terms "celiac disease and microbiota", "celiac disease and microbiome", and "celiac disease and probiotics" and restricting the search to the following article types: Clinical Trials, Meta-Analysis, Review, and Systematic Review. A total of 364 papers were identified and reviewed. The main conclusions of this review can be outlined as follows: (1) quantitative and qualitative changes in gut microbiota have been clearly documented in CeD patients; (2) intestinal microbiota's extensive and variable interactions with enterocytes, viral and bacterial pathogens and even gluten combine to impact the inflammatory immune response to gluten and the loss of gluten tolerance, ultimately affecting the pathogenesis, progression, and clinical expression of CeD; (3) gluten-free diet fails to restore the eubiosis of the digestive tract in CeD patients, and also negatively affects microbial homeostasis; (4) new tools allowing targeted microbiota therapy, such as the use of probiotics (a good example being precision probiotics like the novel strain of (20220303-A2) begin to show exciting potential applications.
Topics: Celiac Disease; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glutens; Dysbiosis; Intestinal Mucosa
PubMed: 38931237
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121882 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024The treatment and prevention of pathogenic diseases by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has attracted more and more attention. As a special LAB, () has relatively less...
The treatment and prevention of pathogenic diseases by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has attracted more and more attention. As a special LAB, () has relatively less research on its antibacterial infection in vivo, and its protective effect and mechanism still need to be fully studied. In this study, we selected 23017, which can regulate the intestinal immunity of the host animal and resist pathogen infection, to evaluate its protective role and potential molecular mechanisms in the mouse model of C7731 infection. As expected, we confirmed that 23017 reduced the diarrhea rate and increased the daily weight gain and survival rate of the mouse model, and inhibited colonization in the jejunum and liver. It also reduced the level of oxidative damage and protected the integrity of intestinal tissue by increasing the activity of intestinal antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC). From the perspective of intestinal mucosal barrier injury and repair, it was confirmed that 23017 could increase the expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and OCLN). Our research results also show that 23017 inhibits the inflammatory response and promotes the occurrence of cellular immunity in the body by promoting the increase in IL-10 and inhibiting IL-13 in serum and intestinal tissue. Notably, 23017 increased total secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in the intestine, which were closely associated with elevated levels of IL-5, IL-13, pIgR, j-chain, and IgAα-chain. In addition, 23017 increased the expression of antioxidant proteins Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 associated with Nrf2 signaling to inhibit intestinal oxidative damage. This mechanism may be responsible for its protective effect against -infected intestine. Our study provides new evidence and theoretical support for the analysis of the anti-bacterial infection effect and mechanism of , which will contribute to the development of and the treatment of pathogenic bacteria intestinal infection.
PubMed: 38930517
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061135 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024This study assessed the impact of Magni-Phi Ultra (MPU) inclusion on intestinal integrity and immunity in broiler chickens challenged with coccidia during peak and...
This study assessed the impact of Magni-Phi Ultra (MPU) inclusion on intestinal integrity and immunity in broiler chickens challenged with coccidia during peak and recovery phases. A total of 128 male Ross 708 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to one of four treatment groups (four chicks/cage). Treatments included an uninfected control (UUC); a coccidial challenge (CC) infected control (IUC); a CC fed salinomycin at 66 ppm (SAL); and a CC fed Magni-Phi Ultra at 0.11 g/kg of diet (MPU). At 16 days post-hatch, all birds in the CC groups were orally gavaged with a 3× dose of a live coccidia vaccine. At 5 dpi, the birds fed MPU and SAL showed decreased plasma FITC-d, oocyte shedding, and lesion scores and higher BWG compared to the IUC birds ( < 0.05). Jejunum , , and - mRNA expression was higher in the IUC compared to the UUC ( < 0.05) group at 5 dpi. At 12 dpi, the birds fed MPU or SAL had lower plasma FITC-d and jejunum - and -10 mRNA expression compared to the IUC birds ( < 0.05). This study indicates that MPU supports intestinal integrity and mucosal immune responses during the peak and recovery phases of infection, which may lead to improved health and performance.
PubMed: 38929356
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121737 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Creatine transporter (CrT1) mediates cellular uptake of creatine (Cr), a nutrient pivotal in maintaining energy homeostasis in various tissues including intestinal...
Creatine transporter (CrT1) mediates cellular uptake of creatine (Cr), a nutrient pivotal in maintaining energy homeostasis in various tissues including intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The impact of CrT1 deficiency on the pathogenesis of various psychiatric and neurological disorders has been extensively investigated. However, there are no studies on its regulation in IECs in health and disease. Current studies have determined differential expression of CrT1 along the length of the mammalian intestine and its dysregulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated inflammation and Adherent Invasive (AIEC) infection. CrT1 mRNA and protein levels in normal intestines and their alterations in inflammation and following AIEC infection were determined in vitro in model IECs (Caco-2/IEC-6) and in vivo in SAMP1/YitFc mice, a model of spontaneous ileitis resembling human IBD. CrT1 is differentially expressed in different regions of mammalian intestines with its highest expression in jejunum. In vitro, CrT1 function (Na-dependent C-Cr uptake), expression and promoter activity significantly decreased following TNFα/IL1β treatments and AIEC infection. SAMP1 mice and ileal organoids generated from SAMP1 mice also showed decreased CrT1 mRNA and protein compared to AKR controls. Our studies suggest that Cr deficiency in IECs secondary to CrT1 dysregulation could be a key factor contributing to IBD pathogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Escherichia coli Infections; Mice; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Caco-2 Cells; Plasma Membrane Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins; Inflammation; Escherichia coli; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Membrane Transport Proteins; Epithelial Cells; Creatine
PubMed: 38928243
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126537 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Since May 2022, Mpox has spread extensively outside of Africa, posing a serious threat to the health of people globally, and particularly to the men who have sex with...
PURPOSE
Since May 2022, Mpox has spread extensively outside of Africa, posing a serious threat to the health of people globally, and particularly to the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. Chongqing, a province in Southwest China, has relatively large MSM and people living with HIV (PLWH) populations, presenting conditions conducive to the wide dissemination of Mpox. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics of Mpox patients among MSM and PLWH in Chongqing, aiming to inform the development of targeted prevention, control, and treatment strategies for Mpox.
METHOD
We evaluated the clinical characteristics, travel history, time of onset, distribution and number of skin lesions of Mpox patients admitted to the Chongqing Public Health Medical Center between September 2022 and October 2023. Meanwhile, a series of clinical samples were collected and the pathogen of interest was identified as Mpox virus using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results were presented in the form of cycle thresholds (Ct), which help to approximate the quantification of viral load.
RESULTS
As of October 11, 2023, the Chongqing Public Health Medical Center reported a total of nine Mpox virus infections. All the patients identified were male and belonged to the MSM population, among whom seven (77.8%) were living with HIV, and maintained a preserved immune system while achieving viral suppression via effective ART. We observed no discernible clinical differences between MSM with Mpox with or without HIV, and no fatalities were recorded. Viral loads were observed to be higher in samples taken from the skin than those from the throat, nasopharynx, blood, or semen.
CONCLUSION
In this retrospective study, the clinical manifestations of MPXV infection appeared consistent among MSM patients, regardless of HIV status. Elevated MPXV viral loads in the skin and mucosal tissues, particularly at genital and anal sites, indicate that transmission is more likely to occur via direct physical contact as opposed to respiratory pathways or through exposure to bodily fluids.
Topics: Humans; Male; China; Retrospective Studies; Viral Load; Adult; Homosexuality, Male; HIV Infections; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Female
PubMed: 38926635
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09537-0 -
NPJ Vaccines Jun 2024Although licensed vaccines against influenza virus have been successful in reducing pathogen-mediated disease, they have been less effective at preventing viral...
Although licensed vaccines against influenza virus have been successful in reducing pathogen-mediated disease, they have been less effective at preventing viral infection of the airways and current seasonal updates to influenza vaccines do not always successfully accommodate viral drift. Most licensed influenza and recently licensed RSV vaccines are administered via the intramuscular route. Alternative immunisation strategies, such as intranasal vaccinations, and "prime-pull" regimens, may deliver a more sterilising form of protection against respiratory viruses. A bivalent ChAdOx1-based vaccine (ChAdOx1-NP + M1-RSVF) encoding conserved nucleoprotein and matrix 1 proteins from influenza A virus and a modified pre-fusion stabilised RSV A F protein, was designed, developed and tested in preclinical animal models. The aim was to induce broad, cross-protective tissue-resident T cells against heterotypic influenza viruses and neutralising antibodies against RSV in the respiratory mucosa and systemically. When administered via an intramuscular prime-intranasal boost (IM-IN) regimen in mice, superior protection was generated against challenge with either RSV A, Influenza A H3N2 or H1N1. These results support further clinical development of a pan influenza & RSV vaccine administered in a prime-pull regimen.
PubMed: 38926455
DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00912-1 -
MSphere Jun 2024James Romero-Masters works in the field of tumor virology, focusing on the role of the human papillomavirus oncogenes in pathogenesis. In this mSphere of Influence...
James Romero-Masters works in the field of tumor virology, focusing on the role of the human papillomavirus oncogenes in pathogenesis. In this mSphere of Influence article, they reflect on how the article "Mouse papillomavirus infection persists in mucosal tissues of an immunocompetent mouse strain and progresses to cancer" impacted them, informing their research strategies, and what it means for the mouse papillomavirus model.
PubMed: 38920397
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00177-24 -
Acta Odontologica Latinoamericana : AOL Apr 2024Differentiating orofacial odontogenic pain/disorders from pain/disorders associated with maxillary sinusitis is important to avoid unnecessary dentalprocedures and to...
UNLABELLED
Differentiating orofacial odontogenic pain/disorders from pain/disorders associated with maxillary sinusitis is important to avoid unnecessary dentalprocedures and to properly refer patients to colleagues/dentists and vice versa.
AIM
To analyze the association between apical lesions and sinus changes and to evaluate the agreement between the diagnoses of an endodontist, a radiologist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and an otolaryngologist.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
385 axial, coronal, and sagittal MSCT scans were selected using an image archiving andcommunication system (PACS). The examinations had been performed between 2018 and 2022.
RESULTS
Apical lesions were observed in 36.10% of sinusitis cases, 73.8% of unilateralsinusitis cases, 48.7% of sinus floor discontinuity cases, and 67.2% of cases in which endodontic treatment had been performed. Agreement between the diagnoses made by the endodontist and those made by the other investigators was high for most study variables (k > 0.60). The exceptions were mucosal thickening, for which agreement between the endodontist and the other investigators was intermediate (k=0.397), and the presence of periapicallesions (k=0.010), previous endodontic treatment (k=0.013), and mucosal thickness (k=0.024), for which agreement between endodontists and radiologists was low. Conclusions: There was an association between sinus changes and apical lesions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Adult; Periapical Diseases; Maxillary Sinusitis; Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38920129
DOI: 10.54589/aol.37/1/79