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PloS One 2024Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by cyclic normoxic and hypoxic conditions (intermittent hypoxia, IH) induced by the repeated closure of the upper-airway...
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by cyclic normoxic and hypoxic conditions (intermittent hypoxia, IH) induced by the repeated closure of the upper-airway respiratory tract. As a pathomechanism of OSA, IH results in various comorbidities via chronic inflammation and related pathways. However, the role of other inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, has not been well-explored. This study aimed to examine the effects of IH on the distribution and balance of T cell subsets and other related cytokines, and mechanisms in the immune system. We modified OSA mouse model (male C57BL/6N male) using our customized chamber that controls specific sleep and oxygenic cycles. To induce hypoxia, the IH group was repeatedly exposed to 5% O2 and 21% O2 lasting for 120 s each for 7 h daily for 4 weeks. Mice were then subjected to a recovery period of 4 weeks, in which IH stimulation was ceased. T cells and related cytokines were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the IH group had significantly lower levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells but higher levels of Th 17, IL-4, HIF-1, and inflammatory cytokines. After the recovery period, these altered changes in the immune cells were recovered, and we found no significant difference in their levels between the control and recovery groups. This study revealed that the Th17/Treg ratio is increased by intermittent hypoxia, and this imbalance can explain immune-related diseases, including recently reported allergies, autoimmune, and even cancer diseases, arising from OSA.
Topics: Animals; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Male; Hypoxia; Th17 Cells; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Cytokines; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Interleukin-4
PubMed: 38913648
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305230 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024infections are getting increasingly serious as antimicrobial resistance spreads. Phage therapy may be a solution to the problem, especially if improved by current...
infections are getting increasingly serious as antimicrobial resistance spreads. Phage therapy may be a solution to the problem, especially if improved by current advances on phage-host studies. As a mucosal pathogen, we hypothesize that and its phages are linked to the bacteriophage adherence to mucus (BAM) model. This means that phage-host interactions could be influenced by mucin presence, impacting the success of phage infections on the host and consequently leading to the protection of the metazoan host. By using a group of four different phages, we tested three important phenotypes associated with the BAM model: phage binding to mucin, phage growth in mucin-exposed hosts, and the influence of mucin on CRISPR immunity of the bacterium. Three of the tested phages significantly bound to mucin, while two had improved growth rates in mucin-exposed hosts. Improved phage growth was likely the result of phage exploitation of mucin-induced physiological changes in the host. We could not detect CRISPR activity in our system but identified two putative anti-CRISPR proteins coded by the phage. Overall, the differential responses seen for the phages tested show that the same bacterial species can be targeted by mucosal-associated phages or by phages not affected by mucus presence. In conclusion, the BAM model is relevant for phage-bacterium interactions in , opening new possibilities to improve phage therapy against this important pathogen by considering mucosal interaction dynamics.IMPORTANCESome bacteriophages are involved in a symbiotic relationship with animals, in which phages held in mucosal surfaces protect them from invading bacteria. is one of the many bacterial pathogens threatening humankind during the current antimicrobial resistance crisis. Here, we have tested whether and its phages are affected by mucosal conditions. We discovered by using a collection of four phages that, indeed, mucosal interaction dynamics can be seen in this model. Three of the tested phages significantly bound to mucin, while two had improved growth rates in mucin-exposed hosts. These results link and its phages to the bacteriophage adherence to the mucus model and open opportunities to explore this to improve phage therapy, be it by exploiting the phenotypes detected or by actively selecting mucosal-adapted phages for treatment.
PubMed: 38912817
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03520-23 -
Iranian Journal of Basic Medical... 2024Evaluating the effect of fresh Oleaster leaf extract (OLE) and purified oleuropein (OLR) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. HPLC analysis demonstrates the...
OBJECTIVES
Evaluating the effect of fresh Oleaster leaf extract (OLE) and purified oleuropein (OLR) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. HPLC analysis demonstrates the presence of various polyphenol compounds such as ligstroside, luteolin derivative, oleuropein, and comselogoside.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Gastric ulcer was induced by administration of ethanol by the gastric gavage route. The olive leaf extract was analyzed by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS, and OLR was purified. These two compounds were given 2 hr before gastric ulcer induction by ethanol.
RESULTS
This study verified that OLE and purified OLR protect from ethanol-induced gastric ulceration and damage, evidenced by the significant decrease in gastric ulcer urea (by 74 and 58% respectively) and stomach mucus content (by 169 and 87% respectively). In addition, the ulcer index (UI) and curative index (CI) levels in the stomach of the rats treated with this supplement were also suppressed by 55 and 46%, respectively. OLE and OLR also decreased the gastric myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ameliorated the nitric oxide (NO) content. OLE and OL also ingestion suppressed gastric tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) rates. Macroscopic and histological findings revealed that OLE and OLR protect from gastric hemorrhage, severe disruption of the gastric mucosa, and neutrophil infiltration.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the findings demonstrate that OLE and OLR have both promising potential with regard to the inhibition of gastric hemorrhage and lesions.
PubMed: 38911236
DOI: 10.22038/IJBMS.2024.76135.16474 -
Veterinary World May 2024Sexed semen (SS), a reproductive biotechnology tool, can alter the sex ratio of offspring in bovines. This study elucidates a comparative analysis of estrus-related...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Sexed semen (SS), a reproductive biotechnology tool, can alter the sex ratio of offspring in bovines. This study elucidates a comparative analysis of estrus-related parameters influencing conception rate and pregnancy losses under field conditions between conventional and SS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the present study, artificial insemination with (SS; n = 143) and conventional semen (CS; n = 143) was performed at spontaneous estrus, i.e., 16-18 h after the onset of estrus signs, to analyze their comparative evaluation in terms of conception rates in crossbred cows under field conditions. Different parameters such as age, parity, body condition score (BCS), estrus duration, inter-estrus interval (IEI), diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (DPOF) at estrus, and cervical mucus properties (pH and spinnbarkeit [SBK]) were recorded for each cow.
RESULTS
The first insemination conception rates for sexed and conventional semen were 55.24% and 63.63% whereas the overall conception rates were 49.14% and 57.37% on days 35 and 75 post-insemination, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conception rates between sexed and CS inseminations were statistically significant (p < 0.01), whereas factors such as age, parity, BCS, DPOF, IEI), and SBK value exhibited no substantial variance (p > 0.05) for both types of semen straw.
CONCLUSION
SS straws yielded a conception rate equivalent to CS straws, with estrus duration being the key factor affecting conception under field conditions.
PubMed: 38911088
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1119-1123 -
Allergology International : Official... Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Mucus
PubMed: 38906642
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2024.06.001 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Hydrogen sulphide (HS) is considered an immunotoxicant, and its presence in the water can influence the mucosal barrier functions of fish. However, there is a...
Hydrogen sulphide (HS) is considered an immunotoxicant, and its presence in the water can influence the mucosal barrier functions of fish. However, there is a significant knowledge gap on how fish mucosa responds to low environmental HS levels. The present study investigated the consequences of prolonged exposure to sub-lethal levels of HS on the mucosal defences of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Fish were continuously exposed to two levels of HS (low: 0.05 µM; and high: 0.12 µM) for 12 days. Unexposed fish served as control. Molecular and histological profiling focused on the changes in the skin, gills and olfactory rosette. In addition, metabolomics and proteomics were performed on the skin and gill mucus. The gene expression profile indicated that the gills and olfactory rosette were more sensitive to HS than the skin. The olfactory rosette showed a dose-dependent response, but not the gills. Genes related to stress responses were triggered at mucosal sites by HS. Moreover, HS elicited strong inflammatory responses, particularly in the gills. All mucosal organs demonstrated the key molecular repertoire for sulphide detoxification, but their temporal and spatial expression was not substantially affected by sub-lethal HS levels. Mucosal barrier integrity was not considerably affected by HS. Mucus metabolomes of the skin and gills were unaffected, but a matrix-dependent response was identified. Comparing the high-concentration group's skin and gills mucus metabolomes identified altered amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways. The skin and gill mucus exhibited distinct proteomic profiles. Enrichment analysis revealed that proteins related to immunity and metabolism were affected in both mucus matrices. The present study expands our knowledge of the defence mechanisms against HS at mucosal sites in Atlantic salmon. The findings offer insights into the health and welfare consequences of sub-lethal HS, which can be incorporated into the risk assessment protocols in salmon land-based farms.
PubMed: 38905940
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116617 -
International Journal of Medical... 2024To compare the clinical outcomes, feasibility, and safety between groups with sutured and sutureless wound closure in congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients....
To compare the clinical outcomes, feasibility, and safety between groups with sutured and sutureless wound closure in congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients. Patients with CEL who received phacoemulsification combined with intrascleral fixation of capsular hook (CH) and implantation of capsular tension ring (CTR) and in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) were included in this study. A total of 68 eyes of 34 patients aged 18 years or younger were enrolled in this study. Incisions of 21 patients (34 eyes) did not require sutures while sutures were applied in 21 patients (34 eyes). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements were comparable on follow-up visits (P > 0.05). The magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism was significantly greater (P = 0.001) in the suture group (Median: 0.47; IQ: 1.63, 2.97) than in the sutureless group (Median: 0.88; IQ: 0.63, 1.35). No cases of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment were found postoperatively in either group, while suture-related complications were observed in the sutured group, including loose suture with discomfort in 5 (14.71%) eyes, loose suture with mucus infiltration in 3 (8.82%) eyes. In total, 22 sutures (64.71%) of 34 eyes required removal. Sutureless clear corneal incision in CEL patients can achieve satisfactory clinical results comparable to sutured wound closure in terms of the efficacy and safety. Advantages of this approach are the reduced risk of suture-related complications, no need for additional surgery under general anesthesia for suture removal, and less cost.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Ectopia Lentis; Adolescent; Visual Acuity; Child; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Sutureless Surgical Procedures; Cornea; Phacoemulsification; Suture Techniques; Treatment Outcome; Feasibility Studies; Sutures
PubMed: 38903929
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.93994 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Currently, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has a high impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. The increase of CD4+, CD8+ cells expressing NF-κB,...
INTRODUCTION
Currently, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has a high impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. The increase of CD4+, CD8+ cells expressing NF-κB, STAT4, IFN-γ and perforin are related to smoking habit, smoking history, airflow rate, obstruction and pulmonary emphysema. Furthermore, a deficiency in CD4CD25Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) may impair the normal function of the immune system and lead to respiratory immune disease. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, produced by Treg cells and macrophages, inhibits the synthesis of several pro-inflammatory cytokines that are expressed in COPD. Therefore, immunotherapeutic strategies, such as Photobiomodulation (PBM), aim to regulate the levels of cytokines, chemokines and transcription factors in COPD. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate CD4STAT4 and CD4CD25Foxp3 cells as well as the production of CD4IFN- γ and CD4CD25IL-10 in the lung after PBM therapy in a COPD mice model.
METHODS
We induced COPD in C57BL/6 mice through an orotracheal application of cigarette smoke extract. PMB treatment was applied for the entire 7 weeks and Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lungs were collected to study production of IFN- γ and IL-10 in the lung. After the last administration with cigarette smoke extract (end of 7 weeks), 24 h later, the animals were euthanized. One-way ANOVA followed by NewmanKeuls test were used for statistical analysis with significance levels adjusted to 5% ( < 0.05).
RESULTS
This result showed that PBM improves COPD symptomatology, reducing the number of inflammatory cells (macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes), the levels of IFN-γ among others, and increased IL-10. We also observed a decrease of collagen, mucus, bronchoconstriction index, alveolar enlargement, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+STAT4+, and CD4+IFN-γ+ cells. In addition, in the treated group, we found an increase in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+IL-10+ T cells.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that PBM treatment could be applied as an immunotherapeutic strategy for COPD.
PubMed: 38903812
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1347517 -
Clinical Endoscopy Jun 2024During endoscopy, white spots (WS) are sometimes observed around benign or malignant colorectal tumors; however, few reports have investigated WS, and their significance...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
During endoscopy, white spots (WS) are sometimes observed around benign or malignant colorectal tumors; however, few reports have investigated WS, and their significance remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the significance of WS from clinical and pathological viewpoints and evaluated its usefulness in endoscopic diagnosis.
METHODS
Clinical data of patients with lesions diagnosed as epithelial tumors from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were analyzed (n=3,869). We also performed a clinicopathological analysis of adenomas or carcinomas treated with endoscopic resection (n=759). Subsequently, detailed pathological observations of the WS were performed.
RESULTS
The positivity rates for WS were 9.3% (3,869 lesions including advanced cancer and non-adenoma/carcinoma) and 25% (759 lesions limited to adenoma and early carcinoma). Analysis of 759 lesions showed that the WS-positive lesion group had a higher proportion of cancer cases and larger tumor diameters than the WS-negative group. Multiple logistic analysis revealed the following three statistically significant risk factors for carcinogenesis: positive WS, flat lesions, and tumor diameter ≥5 mm. Pathological analysis revealed that WS were macrophages that phagocytosed fat and mucus and were white primarily because of fat.
CONCLUSIONS
WS are cancer-related findings and can become a new criterion for endoscopic resection in the future.
PubMed: 38902852
DOI: 10.5946/ce.2024.027 -
Communications Biology Jun 2024Dietary emulsifiers are linked to various diseases. The recent discovery of the role of gut microbiota-host interactions on health and disease warrants the safety...
Dietary emulsifiers are linked to various diseases. The recent discovery of the role of gut microbiota-host interactions on health and disease warrants the safety reassessment of dietary emulsifiers through the lens of gut microbiota. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and mono- and diglycerides (MDG) emulsifiers are common dietary emulsifiers with high exposure levels in the population. This study demonstrates that sucrose fatty acid esters and carboxymethylcellulose induce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in a mouse model. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC disrupt glucose homeostasis in the in vitro insulin-resistance model. MDG impairs circulating lipid and glucose metabolism. All emulsifiers change the intestinal microbiota diversity and induce gut microbiota dysbiosis. Lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, and CMC do not impact mucus-bacterial interactions, whereas MDG tends to cause bacterial encroachment into the inner mucus layer and enhance inflammation potential by raising circulating lipopolysaccharide. Our findings demonstrate the safety concerns associated with using dietary emulsifiers, suggesting that they could lead to metabolic syndromes.
Topics: Animals; Emulsifying Agents; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Sucrose; Insulin Resistance; Lecithins
PubMed: 38902371
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06224-3