Body's Defense Research Articles

Perbandingan Nilai CRP Metode Sandwich Immunometri Dan Metode Fia Pada Sampel Darah Vena Pasien Terindikasi Infeksi Di Rumah Sakit

Checking blood levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is one of the tests that can detect inflammation at an early stage. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that is synthesized in the liver. CRP levels increase due to trauma, bacterial infection and inflammation (inflammation and tissue damage). CRP plays an important role in the recognition of microbial organisms and as an immunomodulator in the body's defense system, CRP also plays a role in the recognition of necrotic tissue. Specimens that can be used for C-Reactive Protein examination are Serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma C-Reactive Protein (CRP) examination consists of several methods, including the Latex method, automatic and others. The research design used posttest only design. This study was conducted in April 2023 at the Laboratory of RSU Bunda Palembang which amounted to 21 samples using venous blood samples Results: the results of CRP examination using the FIA method were 9.53 mg/L and CRP examination using the Sandwich Immunometry method was 9.43 mg/L. The results of the research data were analyzed using spss with the Dependent T test. There is no difference in CRP values between the Sandwich Immunometry method and the FIA method in venous blood samples of patients with indications of infection at Bunda Hospital Palembang in 2023.

Navigating green synthesized metal-based nanoparticles as anti-inflammatory agent - Comprehensive review.

The biosynthesis of nanomaterials is a vast and expanding field of study due to their applications in a variety of fields, particularly the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Various synthetic routes, including physical and chemical methods, have been developed in order to generate metal nanoparticles (NPs) with definite shapes and sizes. In this review, focused on the recent advancements in the green synthetic methods for the generation of silver, zinc and copper NPs with simple and eco-friendly approaches and the potential of the biosynthesized metal and metal oxide NPs as alternative and therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a body's own defense mechanism that can become chronic inflammation affecting healthy cells. Owning to the size-based advantages of NPs which can mitigate in theses medical conditions and serve as anti-inflammatory drugs. The factors influencing their physicochemical properties, toxicity, biocompatibility and mode of action to formulate an effective nanomedicine in the treatment of inflammation.

Chimeric cytokine receptor TGF-β RⅡ/IL-21R improves CAR-NK cell function by reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health burden, characterized by regional variations in incidence and poor survival prospects in advanced stages. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the body's anti-cancer defense, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cell therapy is gaining attention as a cutting-edge and promising treatment method. This study aims to tackle the challenge of TGF-β-mediated tumor immune evasion within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by designing a novel chimeric cytokine receptor TRII/21 R, which consists of extracellular domains of TGF-β receptor II (TRII) and transmembrane and intracellular domains of IL-21 receptor (21 R) and can convert the immunosuppressive signal from TGF-β in the tumor microenvironment (TME) into an NK cell activation signal through the IL-21R-STAT3 pathway. We successfully constructed NKG2D-CAR-NK cells expressing TRII/21 R and demonstrated strong anti-tumor activity against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The co-expression of TRII/21 R in CAR-NK cells enhanced the cytotoxicity, promoted proliferation and survival capabilities, and reduced the expression of exhaustion markers. In the xenograft mouse model, TRII/21R-CAR-NK cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice compared to the mice receiving control CAR-NK cells. Additionally, TRII/21 R co-expression enhanced NK cells' infiltration, activation, and persistence within the tumor, indicating a robust anti-tumor response mediated by the JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of TRII/21R-modified CAR-NK cells as a breakthrough strategy for combating cancer.

Immune regulation differences in Large yellow croaker with varied resistance to Cryptocaryon irritans infection.

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is one of the main marine aquaculture species in China, but has faced considerable losses due to Cryptocaryon irritans infection. In this study, we successfully established a C. irritans-susceptible population of large yellow croaker by genomic selection technology. We then compared the immune genetic mechanisms of this susceptible population with those of a large yellow croaker population from eastern Fujian in response to C. irritans infection. GWAS identified 44 significant SNPs across 11 QTL regions on different chromosomes associated with C. irritans infection, with most located on chromosomes 1 and 24. Notably, the QTL region on chromosome 1 overlapped with the resistance QTL region mapped in the C. irritans-resistant population previously established by our team, underscoring its crucial role in conferring resistance to C. irritans infection. RNA-Seq analysis revealed significant differences in immune responses between the two groups, with the susceptible group specifically activating the Jak / Stat signaling pathway and upregulating interleukin-related genes, including il11a, il-5r and il-20r. A combined analysis of the GWAS and RNA-Seq data revealed that cspg4 was located in the overlapping QTL region on chromosome 1 associated with resistance. Upon infection, the expression of cspg4 was significantly higher in the susceptible group compared to the control group. As a downstream factor of interleukins, cspg4 may regulate interleukin expression by activating the Jak / Stat pathway, thereby influencing the body's normal immune defense functions. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of host-parasite immune responses and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

The association between secondhand smoke exposure and risk of developing active tuberculosis in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic literature review.

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases in the world, with approximately 25% of the global population having latent tuberculosis infection. Secondhand smoke exposure has been recognised as a significant risk factor in the development of active Tuberculosis in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection. This study used the Systematic Literature Review method based on PRISMA guidelines. Relevant articles published between 2014-2024 were identified through PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases using related keywords. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of latent tuberculosis infection conversion to active Tuberculosis, with a stronger effect in vulnerable groups such as children and individuals who are in close contact with active Tuberculosis patient and live in the same household with heavy smokers. This risk of exposure to secondhand smoke follows a dose-response pattern, where longer duration and higher intensity of exposure directly increase the likelihood of Tuberculosis activation in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection. The biological mechanisms involve immune suppression and lung damage caused by toxic particles in the tobacco smoke, which weaken the body's defenses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and facilitate the progression of latent tuberculosis infection to active Tuberculosis. Therefore, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is important to mitigate its impact on active Tuberculosis progression. Secondhand smoke exposure has been consistently shown to increase the risk of developing active Tuberculosis in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection. To support the global Tuberculosis elimination programme, concerted efforts are needed to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection.

Development of Intelligent Application for Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Disease in Pregnant Women

Glucose intolerance during pregnancy or in women with reduced glucose tolerance after pregnancy termination is known as gestational diabetes mellitus. One of the main reasons pregnant women die is gestational diabetes mellitus (DMG). One of two factors can lead to diabetes: either insulin resistance (the body does not fully respond to insulin) or an autoimmune reaction (the body's defense system assaults the cells that make insulin). If there is an increase in both the 2-hour postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, DMG illness is manually diagnosed. Blood pressure and body mass index calculations are part of the physical examination in the early stages of pregnancy. Analyzing risk variables such age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prior history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes mellitus, and history of giving birth to infants weighing more than 4,000 grams (macrosomia) is essential during the anamnesis. Doctors also evaluate the results of the examination. Developing a machine learning model to identify early gestational diabetes mellitus (DMG) in expectant mothers is the aim of this study. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Backpropagation is the technique employed. Prior to being incorporated into the JST model, the dataset is cleaned and normalized. The optimal model for diagnosis is obtained by processing and testing the JST model. 94% accuracy is the resultant accuracy.

The Development Electronic Magazine Based on Contextual Teaching And Learning to Increase Logical Thinking Skills and Curiosity of Students on Body Defense System Learning Material

The learning material about body's defence system is considered difficult by students because it related to mechanisms internals organs and abstract concepts. The attempt that able to create is by increasing logical thinking and curiosity. Nevertheless, the lack of learning media used by teachers does not support the ability to think logically and curiosity of students. The purpose of this research is to create learning media based contextual teaching and learning (CTL) through electronic magazines that proper, practical, and effective to improving student's logical thinking and curiosity. The procedure used for the research are ADDIE development model consists of five steps, which are analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The trial test used a quasi experimental design of nonequivalent control group design. The control and experimental classes were selected using the random sampling method so that there were different numbers of students in each class selected. The trial subjects were divided into control class (35 students) and experimental class (36 students). Based on the results of data analysis revealed that: (1) CTL electronic magazines is proper to use as learning media with a very worthy category; (2) CTL electronic magazines is practical to use as learning media based on learner responses percentage of learning implementation ≥ 90% with very good category; (3) CTL electronic magazines are proven effective to increased the logical thinking ability and curiosity of students

Understanding the different stages of type 1 diabetes and their management: a plain language summary

Plain Language Summary What is this summary about? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells, the type of cell that makes the hormone insulin, in the pancreas. Insulin allows a person to use energy from food and controls blood sugar levels. Unless type 1 diabetes is found early and treated, it can cause serious symptoms and life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is when acid builds up in the blood. DKA happens when there is not enough insulin in the body, and if not caught early, it can potentially cause coma and death. Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age, and currently, there is no cure. The reason why people get type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but it seems to be partly due to genetics. The chance of getting type 1 diabetes is higher if another family member has it. However, most people diagnosed don’t have a family member with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes progresses silently for months, years, or even decades before symptoms develop, such as increased thirst, frequent urination (going to the bathroom a lot), and unintended weight loss. Doctors and nurses can now screen and identify people who are at early stages of type 1 diabetes (without symptoms) with blood tests that measure diabetes-related autoantibodies. Early detection through screening allows people to 1) learn about the disease before symptoms start and before they need insulin to survive; 2) receive treatments that delay type 1 diabetes getting worse, if indicated; 3) take part in research trials, if desired; and 4) not be as ill when the need for insulin happens. By finding type 1 diabetes early, people can connect with the right care team and develop the skills needed to manage later stage type 1 diabetes when insulin needs to be given. Early detection can help people avoid hospital visits and prevent life-threatening conditions. Screening for type 1 diabetes will help people get the help they need to delay type 1 diabetes onset while preparing for diabetes care. How to say (double click sound icon to play sound)… Autoantibody: aw-toh-AN-ti-bod-ee Autoimmune: aw-tuh-ih-MYOO-n Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): dye-uh-BET-ik KEE-toe-ass-ih-DOH-sis Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): gly-ko-SIH-lay-tid hee-muh-GLOH-bin Immune therapy: ih-MYOON THER-uh-pee Immune system: The immune system is the body's natural defense system that helps protect against infections and diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Diabetes-related autoantibody: A diabetes-related autoantibody is a marker that appears in the blood when an attack on the beta cells in the pancreas occurs. This is an abstract of the Plain Language Summary of Publication article. View the full Plain Language Summary PDF of this article to read the full-text Link to original article here

The Effect of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ADSC)-Exos on the Healing of Autologous Skin Grafts in Miniature Pigs.

The skin functions as the body's primary defense barrier; when compromised, it can lead to dehydration, infection, shock, or potentially life-threatening conditions. Miniature pigs exhibit skin characteristics and healing processes highly analogous to humans. Mesenchymal stem cells contribute to skin injury repair through a paracrine mechanism involving exosomes. This research examines whether adipose-derived MSC exosomes effectively enhance healing following autologous skin grafting in miniature pigs. It also compares the roles and distinctions of ADSCs and ADSC-Exos in inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration. This study found significantly reduced levels of oxidative stress products and pro-inflammatory factors, while antioxidant factors, anti-inflammatory factors, and pro-regenerative factors were elevated, and anti-regenerative factor levels decreased. Moreover, the expression levels of key markers-namely, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR-in the regeneration-associated signaling pathway were increased. The alterations in these indicators indicate that ADSC-Exos can regulate inflammatory responses and promote regeneration. This study provides a novel theoretical foundation for the implementation of acellular therapy in clinical settings.

Immuno-enhancement activity of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val.) combination extract in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice.

Immunomodulators play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and enhancing the body's defense against various diseases. In Indonesian traditional medicinal practices, meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val) are well-regarded for their health benefits and therapeutic properties. Notably, meniran is utilized in jamu, an ancient Indonesian herbal tonic with widespread use in traditional healthcare. This study aimed to formulate a synergistic herbal blend by combining ethanolic extracts of meniran and temu mangga rhizome, assessing their efficacy against Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppression in a murine model and elucidating potential mechanisms for immune restoration. We conducted quantitative and qualitative investigations of rutin and demethoxycurcumin composition in the combination extracts using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). An in vivo investigation was performed using a CYP-induced immunosuppressed murine model to assess the immunomodulatory effects of the combination extracts. The immunostimulant effect was investigated by analyzing hematology, macrophage activity (Nitric Oxide secretion, phagocytic capacity and index), lymphocyte proliferation (MTT assay), cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA), and analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations using flow cytometry. Results demonstrated that the combined extracts effectively mitigated the immunosuppressive effects of CYP, significantly enhancing various immune indicators, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, macrophage activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine serum levels. However, negligible effects were observed on erythrocyte indexes compared to the CYP-induced group. In conclusion, the combination of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val) substantially enhances various aspects of immune function, such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and macrophage activity, suggesting promising potential for immunomodulation in therapeutic contexts.

The Redox Process in Red Blood Cells: Balancing Oxidants and Antioxidants.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are a vital component of the body's oxygen supply system. In addition to being pro-oxidants, they are also essential components of the body's antioxidant defense mechanism. RBCs are susceptible to both endogenous and exogenous sources of oxidants. Oxyhemoglobin autoxidation is the primary source of endogenous RBC oxidant production, which produces superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Potent exogenous oxidants from other blood cells and the surrounding endothelium can also enter RBCs. Both enzymatic (like glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (like glutathione) mechanisms can neutralize oxidants. These systems are generally referred to as oxidant scavengers or antioxidants, and they work to neutralize these harmful molecules (i.e., oxidants). While their antioxidative capabilities are essential to their physiological functions and delivering oxygen to tissues, their pro-oxidant behavior plays a part in several human pathologies. The redox-related changes in RBCs can have an impact on their function and fate. The balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants determines the oxidative status of cells, which affects signal transduction, differentiation, and proliferation. When pro-oxidant activity exceeds antioxidative capacity, oxidative stress occurs, leading to cytotoxicity. This type of stress has been linked to various pathologies, including hemolytic anemia. This review compiles the most recent literature investigating the connections between RBC redox biochemistry, antioxidants, and diverse disorders.

Ultrastructure of adrenal glands endocrinocytes after thermal skin injury under conditions of correction with cryo-lyophilized xenograft skin substrate

According to WHO studies, burn injuries are one of the most common injuries in the world, and their number has increased significantly due to the military actions in Ukraine. The adrenal glands, which regulates metabolism and participates in the body's defense reactions, is sensitive to burn injuries, which leads to morphological changes in the organ. The aim of the study was to investigate the ultrastructural changes in endocrinocytes of the adrenal glands after experimental thermal skin injury under conditions of correction with cryo-lyophilized xenograft skin substrate. A second-degree burn was modeled by applying heated copper plates to the skin of the back of laboratory male rats, which accounted for 18-20 % of the body surface. For electron microscopic analysis on days 7th, 14th, and 21st of the experiment, pieces of the adrenal glands were taken. They were fixed in a glutaraldehyde solution, post-fixed in osmium tetraoxide, and processed according to standard procedures. Ultrathin sections were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and submicroscopic changes were studied using a PEM-125K electron microscope. On the 7th day after the burn with correction (using a cryo-lyophilized xenograft skin substrate), moderate changes in the ultrastructure of the nuclei and organelles of the endocrinocytes were found. Mitochondrial hyperplasia, changes in the shape of the nuclei and the presence of small clumps of heterochromatin in the karyoplasm were observed. On the 14th day, under the conditions of correction, there were signs of restoration of the cell ultrastructure, in particular, the structure of the nucleus and the membrane of the zona glomerulosa cells was restored, ribosomes and hypertrophied mitochondria with an electronically bright matrix appeared, as well as numerous lipid droplets. After 21 days, the ultrastructure of the cells of the zona glomerulosa was restored, and lipid droplets were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. In the zona reticularis and adrenal medulla, changes in the submicroscopic organization of endocrinocytes were insignificant. We observed a uniform distribution of secretory granules in the cytoplasm of chromaffinocytes, mitochondrial recovery and unchanged ultrastructural organization of the organelles of the synthetic apparatus. Thus, the results of the study confirmed that the cryo-lyophilized xenograft skin substrate effectively promotes the restoration of the ultrastructure of adrenal endocrinocytes, reducing the degree of damage to cytoplasmic membranes, organelles of the synthetic apparatus of cells, endocrinocyte nuclei, especially activating the regeneration processes in the late stages after thermal skin injury.

Effects of Bionutraceuticals on the Human Body

Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, Vitamin D, Carotenoids, N- Acetylcysteine, Curcumin, ROS, L- Cysteine, Anti-Inflammatory. The concept of nutraceuticals is a hybrid concept that has been constantly evolving in the light of new research from past to present. From the words 'nutruent' and 'pharmaceutıcal' in 1989 DR. It was created by Stephen Defelice. Due to the current population and the health education of individuals, nutraceuticals are increasing worldwide. Nutraceuticals meet on common ground with pharmaceuticals by converting functional foodstuffs into forms such as capsules, pills, tablets, etc. Nutraceuticals reduce the need for pharmaceutical drugs by preventing or reducing diseases. In this case, the cytotoxicity value caused by pharmaceutical drugs decreases. Nutaseuticals are broadly divided into many groups. The main source of vitamin D is the epidermis. It is a fat-soluble hormaon through its conversion to biologically inactive vitamin D3, undergoing hydroxylation by 25-hydroxylase in the liver to 25(OH)D. stimulating the maturation of type II pneucytes, supporting surfactant production and increasing the innate immune response in the airways. Skin concentrations of carotenoids increase with ingestion of ingredients and decrease with oxidative stress and UV exposures. There are four main components in the carotenoid family. These are β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and are thought to be useful in preventing a variety of diseases, including certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and eye diseases. N-acetylcysteine has both oral and tropical biobenefits and is the prodrug form of L-cysteine. It reveals glutathione, the most abundant endogenous intracellular antioxidant in the body, thus playing an important role in the body's antioxidant defense system. As a result of the increase in oxidative stress, DNA damage and aging begin to occur. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including chemokines, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, MMPs, interleukins (IL) such as IL-6 and IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α. At the same time, curcumin has the role of an antioxidant by suppressing ROS production, scavenging free oxygen radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Thiazole-Based IL-17 Inhibitors Discovered by Scaffold Morphing.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17) plays an important role in the body's defense against bacterial and fungal infections. However, overexpression of IL-17 has been associated with several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, and even cancer. The role of IL-17 in psoriasis has been confirmed by clinical use of IL-17 antibodies, e. g. secukinumab (Cosentyx®). Ongoing research is focused on discovering low molecular weight IL-17 inhibitors. In this publication, we present thiazole-based IL-17 inhibitors discovered through a scaffold-morphing strategy. This strategy involved ring-opening of a known scaffold and utilization of a chalcogen interaction between thiazole-sulfur and central amide-oxygen to maintain the coplanar conformation found in the parent compound. The new scaffold enabled the generation of highly potent compounds with good overall profile. The optimized compounds 11 and 15 demonstrated good exposure in rats after oral dosing. Importantly, compound 11 exhibited no adverse effects in a rat tolerability study after a four-day administration of up to 300 mg/kg/day.

Microbubble-Protected Oncolytic Virotherapy Targeted by Sonoporation Induces Tumor Necrosis and T-Lymphocyte Infiltration in Humanized Mice Bearing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Oncolytic virotherapy has shown great promise in mediating targeted tumor destruction through tumor-selective replication and induction of anti-tumor immunity; however, obstacles remain for virus candidates to reach the clinic. These include avoiding neutralizing antibodies, preventing stimulation of the adaptive immune response during intravenous administration, and inducing sufficient apoptosis and immune activation so that the body's defense can work to eradicate systemic disease. We have developed a co-formulation of oncolytic viruses (OVs) with Imagent® lipid-encapsulated, perfluorocarbon microbubbles (MBs) to protect the OVs from the innate and adaptive immune system. Once inside the MB, the viral particles become acoustically active such that external ultrasound can target the delivery of the virus locally within the tumor. Humanized NSG female mice (Hu-CD34+ NSG-SGM3) engrafted in their flanks with MDA-MB-231-Luc triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells were transduced with MB/OVs, with or without adjuvant Pembrolizumab treatment, and tumor sizes and tumor necrosis were assessed. The presence of CD8+ (cytotoxic T-cells), CD4+ (helper T-cells), and CD25+ (Tregs) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was quantified in the tumor samples by immunohistochemistry. In an in vivo model of humanized mice engrafted with a human immune system, we observed significantly greater tumor necrosis and smaller tumor mass in human TNBC xenografts systemically treated with MB/OV complexes in the presence or absence of pembrolizumab adjuvant treatment, compared to controls. Additionally, we observed a low ratio of CD4+/CD8+ TILs and a high ratio of CD8+/CD25+ TILs in the MDA-MB-231 xenografts treated with MB/OVs complexes with or without pembrolizumab adjuvant treatment, compared to controls. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using MBs to target OVs to TNBC through diagnostic ultrasound, which decreased tumor mass by increasing tumor necrosis and stimulated a local and systemic antitumoral immune response by increasing intratumoral CD8+ T-cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration and decreasing CD25+ Treg cells.

Gingival crevicular fluid Bax, Bcl-xl, interleukin-22, and transforming growth factor beta 1 levels in stage III periodontitis.

Intrinsic apoptosis plays a critical role in immune defense and inflammation. Its dysregulation is involved in various chronic diseases. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family primarily mediates this mitochondrial pathway. This study aimed to investigate the proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) levels and their association with interleukin-22 (IL-22) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis. A total of 75 systemically healthy nonsmokers were enrolled, of whom 23 had stage III periodontitis, 26 had gingivitis, and 26 were periodontally healthy. Whole-mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. Bax, Bcl-xl, IL-22, and TGF-β1 levels in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GCF Bax levels than the gingivitis group (p<0.05). The periodontitis and gingivitis groups had higher GCF Bcl-xl levels than the periodontally healthy group (p<0.05). GCF IL-22 levels were similar in all groups (p>0.05). The periodontitis group had lower GCF TGF-β1 levels than the gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p<0.05). The diseased groups had a lower GCF Bax/Bcl-xl ratio than the healthy controls (p<0.05). IL-22 was positively correlated with Bax (p<0.05). This is the first study investigating GCF Bax and Bcl-xl levels in periodontal health and disease. Increased GCF Bcl-xl levels and a decreased Bax/Bcl-xl ratio in stage III periodontitis implicate that those apoptotic proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Further studies are needed to enlighten the possible role of Bax and Bcl-xl and their association with IL-22 and TGF-β1 in periodontal diseases. A type of cell death called intrinsic apoptosis plays an important role in the body's defense system, and its dysregulation is linked to different human diseases. The B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) are apoptosis-related proteins, which promote and inhibit cell death, respectively. This study aimed to investigate Bax and Bcl-xl levels and their association with the signaling proteins interleukin-22 (IL-22) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), which accumulates around the necks of the teeth of patients suffering from gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Clinical parameters were recorded and GCF was collected. Bax, Bcl-xl, IL-22, and TGF-β1 levels were measured by biochemical assay in periodontally healthy individuals who had healthy gums (n=26) and patients with periodontitis (n=23) and gingivitis (n=26). Periodontitis patients had lower Bax levels than gingivitis patients. Periodontitis and gingivitis patients had higher Bcl-xl levels and a lower Bax/Bcl-xl ratio than periodontally healthy individuals. IL-22 was positively correlated with Bax. The present findings suggest that the apoptotic regulatory molecules may be involved in the development of gum diseases, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Immune Response Elicited by Recombinant Adenovirus-Delivered Glycoprotein B and Nucleocapsid Protein UL18 and UL25 of HSV-1 in Mice.

Due to the complex pathogenic and immune escape mechanisms of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), especially the failure of induced immune responses to block the initial cell-to-cell transmission of the virus from skin cells to neurons, the body struggles to establish effective prevention and control methods, resulting in the failure of currently developed vaccines. Previous studies have highlighted the crucial roles of surface glycoproteins and nucleocapsid proteins in activating the body's immune defense system against HSV-1 infection. In this study, recombinant adenoviruses were used as vectors to generate adenoviruses carrying the nucleocapsid protein genes UL18 and UL25, as well as the surface glycoprotein gene gB. This approach aimed to mimic the protein expression process that occurs following viral infection of the host and to investigate the immune response characteristics induced by UL18, UL25, and gB proteins. The findings revealed that UL18, UL25, and gB proteins could all trigger the expression of genes associated with innate immune responses; however, the specific genes induced varied in type and level. Furthermore, all three proteins were capable of promoting the proliferation of CD8+ T cells in the lymph nodes. Notably, only UL18 and gB could elicit a Th1 cell immune response. Interestingly, among these proteins, only UL18 could also induce a relatively higher IL-4 level, indicating a Th2 cell immune response. In addition to cellular immunity, all three proteins stimulated the production of specific IgG antibodies. Notably, UL18 induced higher and more sustained levels of specific IgG antibodies in mice. By contrast, only glycoprotein gB induced lower levels of neutralizing antibodies in mice. Moreover, when these mice were challenged with HSV-1, the co-immunization with UL18 and gB provided better protection than gB alone. In conclusion, HSV-1 surface glycoproteins and nucleocapsid proteins exhibit differences in their ability to induce innate and adaptive immunity in the body, suggesting potential avenues for vaccine design by leveraging their complementary advantages.

Antioxidants and the Prevention of Neonatal Jaundice: A Narrative Review

Neonatal jaundice, characterized by elevated bilirubin levels in newborns, is a common condition that can lead to severe complications like kernicterus if not managed effectively. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of neonatal jaundice by exacerbating red blood cell breakdown and overwhelming the body's ability to process bilirubin. This review explores the potential of antioxidant supplementation as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating oxidative stress and preventing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The body's natural antioxidant defense systems, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase and non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamins C and E, are often underdeveloped in newborns, particularly in preterm infants. This deficiency leaves them more vulnerable to oxidative damage, increasing the risk of jaundice. Antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, may help reduce bilirubin levels and prevent the escalation of jaundice to dangerous levels. Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, antioxidants, bilirubin, oxidative stress, kernicterus.

The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methanolic Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds from Eriosema montanum Baker f. (Fabaceae).

Background: Inflammation is a natural body's defense mechanism against harmful stimuli such as pathogens, chemicals, or irradiation. But when the inflammatory response becomes permanent, it can lead to serious health problems. In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of the Eriosema montanum methanolic extract (EMME), as well as its isolated fractions (FA-FJ) and compounds (1-7), were evaluated by using in vitro and cellular models. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using, respectively, Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, while 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhy-drazyl (DPPH), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to determine the antioxidant activity. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography (CC) were used to isolate and purify the compounds and their elucidation using their NMR spectroscopic data. Results:EMME had moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while fraction FF showed much higher efficacy with IC50 values of 34.64, 30.60, 16.43, and 77.29 μg/mL against DPPH, ABTS, NO, and 15-LOX inhibitory activities, respectively. The EMME fraction was found to be very rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, with 82.11 mgQE/g and 86.77 mgGAE/g of dry extract, respectively. Its LC-MS profiling allowed us to identify genistin (5) as the most concentrated constituent in this plant species, which was further isolated together with six other known compounds, namely, n-hexadecane (1), heptacosanoic acid (2), tricosan-1-ol (3), lupinalbin A (4), d-pinitol (6), and stigmasterol glucoside (7). Given these compounds, genistin (5) showed moderate activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells compared to EMME, which suggested a synergy of (5) with other compounds. To the best of our knowledge, compounds (1), (2), and (3) were isolated for the first time from this plant species.

Review of Adaptation and Histopathological Changes of the Fish Respiratory System to Parasites and Diseases

The respiratory system of fish is particularly susceptible to parasitic infections and diseases that can cause significant histopathological changes. This article discusses the adaptation of fish's respiratory system to environmental stresses caused by parasites and pathogens, as well as the histopathological changes that occur in response to infection. Some of the major changes observed include hyperplasia, hypertrophy, necrosis, and edema of the tissues in the gills, which can affect the respiratory function of the fish. In addition, granuloma formation and increased mucus production were also noted as adaptive responses to parasitic infections. Although some histopathological changes can improve the fish's body defenses, the tissue damage that occurs as a result of chronic infections can lead to serious impaired respiratory function and decrease the survival of fish. Understanding the mechanisms of adaptation and histopathological changes is very important for fish health management, especially in aquaculture, in order to reduce the negative impact of diseases and increase fish productivity.