Immunofluorescence Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Research Articles

Asiatic acid ameliorates obesity-related osteoarthritis by inhibiting myeloid differentiation protein-2.

Obesity is related to osteoarthritis (OA). Aberrant lipid metabolism results in increased levels of free fatty acids, such as palmitate (PA), leading to inflammatory responses and excess catabolism of chondrocytes. Asiatic acid (AA), a plant anti-inflammatory compound, has been reported to exert protective effects for several diseases, but its effect on obesity-related OA is still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the chondro-protective effect of AA on PA-induced human chondrocytes and a high fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse cartilage degeneration model. In vitro, the levels of the inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM) markers of chondrocytes after being treated with PA (500 μM) and AA (2.5-10 μM) were determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vivo, after the oral administration of HFD and AA, X-ray examination, safranin O staining, and ELISA assay were conducted to evaluate cartilage calcification and degeneration and cytokine and adipokine levels in the serum of mice. AA treatment eliminated the inflammation caused by PA and extracellular matrix degradation. Mechanistically, AA blocked the stimulation of the NF-κB pathway. Analysis with co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking indicated that the MD-2/TLR4 complex was a target of AA. In vivo, AA treatment not only prevented HFD-induced OA changes but also reduced proinflammatory cytokine and adipokine production in obese mice. AA exerted a chondroprotective effect by inhibiting the TLR4/MD-2 axis, thus showing promise for treating obesity-related OA.

Temporomandibular joint septic arthritis: A rare manifestation of melioidosis

Melioidosis is a community-acquired infectious disease that is caused by the Gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic in Southeast Asia countries, and its clinical spectrum is broad, often mimicking other illnesses, which make diagnosis challenging. The hallmark of its presentation is formation of abscess most commonly in the lungs. The overall mortality rate owing to melioidosis is extremely high especially in the bacteremia form. A 54-year-old woman presented with fever, limited mouth opening, and painful left preauricular swelling for 3 months. Premorbidly, she was well without underlying medical illnesses particularly diabetes or autoimmune disease. Local examination revealed a tender diffuse swelling at the left preauricular region. Her mouth opening was limited to two fingerbreadths. Hematological test showed raised total white cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Computed tomography and MRI showed presence of significant left masseteric collection with erosion of left temporomandibular condyle. Other incidental findings from the imaging were multiple liver abscesses and right lower lung abscess. Her indirect immunofluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay diagnostic test was positive with significant titre ratio of 1 : 320, which established the diagnosis of melioidosis. Full recovery was attained following surgical drainage of the abscess, together with antibiotics for 6 months (intravenous ceftazidime for a month, followed by oral augmentin for 5 months). Melioidosis involving the TMJ joint is a rare entity. This is the second reported case of melioidosis affecting TMJ joint worldwide, from extensive literature search. This case highlights the importance of suspecting melioidosis in individual presenting with abscess at uncommon and atypical site. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay is a rapid test as compared to the gold standard blood culture, and it helps in reaching the diagnosis early with its advantages of high sensitivity and specificity.