Improvement In Immunological Parameters Research Articles

Intervention for alcohol use disorders at an HIV care clinic in Harare: a pilot and feasibility study

BackgroundAlcohol use in HIV infected patients is associated with risky sexual behaviour, poor adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, treatment failure and increased physiologic harm. The objectives of the study were to pilot the outcome assessments to be used in the trial proper, assess the feasibility of delivery of a brief MI/CBT intervention compared to an WHO mhGAP intervention for problematic alcohol use in PLWH in Zimbabwe, and pilot the effectiveness (on alcohol use, functionality and CD4 count) of these interventions at 3 months in a randomised controlled trial design.MethodsAn intervention for HIV infected patients with problematic alcohol use, developed through adaptation of existing evidence based psychological treatments, was assessed for its feasibility at a tertiary HIV care clinic in Zimbabwe. Registered general nurses, using a manualised protocol, delivered the intervention. Forty patients were recruited and randomised to receive either an MI/CBT intervention or the WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide for AUDs (n = 20 patients per group).ResultsOut of 40 participants enrolled, 31 were successfully followed up for 3 months with a loss to follow-up rate of 23%. There was a statistically significant decrease in AUDIT score over time in both groups (p < 0.001), however no statistically significant group difference with a mean difference of 0.80, standard error of 2.07 and p = 0.70. For the CD4 count, the median and interquartile ranges at baseline for MI/CBT and WHO mhGAP IG groups were 218 (274) and 484 (211.50), respectively. At follow-up, median and interquartile ranges for the CD4 count for MI/CBT and WHO mhGAP IG groups were 390 (280) and 567 (378), respectively, indicative of improvement in immunological parameters in both arms.ConclusionThe findings from this pilot study suggests that a brief MI/CBT delivered by Registered General Nurses for problematic alcohol use is feasible in this population but will require the implementation of additional measures to improve retention. However, mechanisms to improve retention need special attention.Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, current PACTR201509001211149

Clinicopathological Study of Phytobiotics

This study was carried out to illustrate the effects of phytobiotics (Orego-stim®, promazine plus®) in prevention of coccidiosis in poultry farms and also to examine these effects on some blood biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters in broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty, one-day old Cobb chicks were used. They were divided into six equal groups, 25 birds each. The 1st group was non-infected non-treated group. The 2nd group was non-infected, treated with promazen- plus (1ml/Liter drinking water/100 birds (0-14 day), 3 ml/Liter drinking water/100 birds (15-28 day) and 5 ml/Liter drinking water /100 birds (29-42 day). The 3rd group was non-infected, treated with orego-stim (0.3 ml/Liter drinking water). The other groups were inoculated intra-crop with 1x105 infective oocysts of field strain of Eimeria spp. on the 8th day of age. The 4th group was infected non-treated. The 5th group was promazen- plus (the same dose of group 2). The 6th group treated with orego-stim (the same dose of group 3). Birds received phytobiotics showed better anticoccidial effect, improvement in immunological parameters with good effects on some blood biochemical and haematological parameters were resulted. Phytobiotics can be considered as an ideal growth promoter, highly effective anticoccidial, and immunostimulant agents.

A review on the impact of seaweed polysaccharide on the growth of probiotic bacteria and its application in aquaculture

The purpose of this review is to elucidate the probiotic and polysaccharide of seaweeds as a dietary supplement for promoting growth and disease resistance in aquatic animals. Because of numerous benefits, the role of dietary supplementation of seaweed polysaccharide and probiotics in promoting growth and interest in commercially important aquatic animals like prawn and fish has generated considerable interest in recent times. Control of bacterial and viral disease and enhancing the immunity of aquatic animals have become urgent needs in aquaculture production. In order to improve the production, several alternative strategies have been raised using probiotics, seaweed polysaccharide (prebiotic), and plant products as biological control agents. Furthermore, the use of natural substances in feed of aquatic animals increases consumer confidence in farmed aquatic animals. Modulation of the intestinal microflora through diet can either be accomplished by means of oral administration of prebiotic compounds or probiotic microorganisms. In some studies for growth enhancement and improvement of immunological parameters, a combination of probiotics and plant products has been reported. The present review suggests the use seaweed polysaccharide and probiotics in combination as dietary supplements due to its beneficial effects to improve the production of healthy aquatic animals.

Do Probiotics have a role in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

To investigate clinical evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). A systematic search was conducted to review the results of all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Primary outcome measurements were total nasal and ocular symptom scores (SS) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Secondary outcome measurements were individual nasal SS and immunologic parameters. Twenty-two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were included. Seventeen trials showed significant benefit of probiotics clinically, whereas eight trials showed significant improvement in immunologic parameters compared with placebo. All five studies with Lactobacillus paracasei (LP) strains demonstrated clinically significant improvements compared with placebo. Probiotics showed significant reduction in nasal and ocular SS (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.23, p < 0.001; and SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; respectively), total, nasal, and ocular QoL scores compared with placebo (SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; SMD, -2.30, p = 0.006; and SMD, -3.11, p = 0.005; respectively). Although heterogeneity was high, in subgroup analysis, SMD for total nasal and ocular symptoms with patients with seasonal AR and for nasal QoL scores for studies with LP-33 strain were significant and homogenous. Scores of nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo. The meta-analysis studies SS the Japanese guidelines revealed a significant, homogenous SMD score of -0.34 for individual nasal SS, above the minimal important clinical difference value of 0.3. The T-helper 1 to T-helper 2 ratio was significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo (SMD, -0.78; p = 0.045). Despite high variability among the studies, synthesis of available data provided significant evidence of beneficial clinical and immunologic effects of probiotics in the treatment of AR, especially with seasonal AR and LP-33 strains. With the rising pool of studies, the most promising strains in specific allergies can be revealed and adjuvant therapy with probiotics can be recommended for the treatment of AR.

Clinical trial for evaluation of a HIV nosode in the treatment of HIV infected participants

Introduction : Identifying the need for strengthening of immune system, the investigator has developed new HIV nosode and evaluated its effect on HIV positive individuals through a clinical trial. Method : Standardized and scientific method of HIV nosode preparation has been described and documented. A clinical trial in thirty HIV positive individuals was conducted using the HIV nosode in 30c, 50c potencies. Ethical aspects, safety and inclusion exclusion criteria were taken care of. Results : Out of twenty-seven participants, 25.93% showed sustained reduction in viral load. 33.33% showed an increase in the CD4+ counts by 20% at either week twelve or twenty-four. Significant weight gain was observed at week twelve (p = 0.0206). A significant proportion of participants, 63% and 55% showed overall increase in either appetite or weight at week twelve and twenty-four respectively. The viral load increased from baseline to week twenty-four through week twelve in which the increase was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). 37% participants have shown improvement (1.54–48.35%) in CD4+ count and 15% had a stable CD4+ percentage count until week twenty-four. Sixteen out of twenty-seven participants had a decrease (1.8–46.43%) in CD8 count. None of the AEs led to discontinuation of study. Conclusion : The study results revealed improvement in immunological parameters, treatment satisfaction, reported by an increase in weight, relief in symptoms, and an improvement in quality of life, which opens up possibilities for future studies.

Clinical trial for evaluation of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus nosode in the treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected individuals

Introduction: Identifying the need for strengthening of the immune system, the investigator has developed new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) nosode and evaluated its effect on HIV positive individuals through a clinical trial. Methods: Standardized and the scientific method of HIV nosode preparation has been described and documented. Thirty-seven HIV-infected persons were registered for the trial, and ten participants were dropped out from the study, so the effect of HIV nosode 30C and 50C, was concluded on 27 participants under the trial. Results: Out of 27 participants, 7 (25.93%) showed a sustained reduction in the viral load from 12 to 24 weeks. Similarly 9 participants (33.33%) showed an increase in the CD4+ count by 20% altogether in 12 th and 24 th week. Significant weight gain was observed at week 12 (P = 0.0206). 63% and 55% showed an overall increase in either appetite or weight. The viral load increased from baseline to 24 week through 12 week in which the increase was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). 52% (14 of 27) participants have shown either stability or improvement in CD4% at the end of 24 weeks, of which 37% participants have shown improvement (1.54-48.35%) in CD4+ count and 15% had stable CD4+ percentage count until week 24 week. 16 out of 27 participants had a decrease (1.8-46.43%) in CD8 count. None of the adverse events led to discontinuation of study. Conclusion: The study results revealed improvement in immunological parameters, treatment satisfaction, reported by an increase in weight, relief in symptoms, and an improvement in health status, which opens up possibilities for future studies.

Open label randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mycophenolate sodium against other conventional immunosuppressive agents in active systemic lupus erythematosus patients without renal involvement

Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressive agent which has been used in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who have failed conventional therapy. However, the use of mycophenolate sodium in extra-renal SLE involvement has yet to be established. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mycophenolate sodium in extra-renal SLE. A total of 14 SLE patients without renal involvement were randomized either to receive mycophenolate sodium or other immunosuppressive agents. Patients were assessed monthly from baseline until week 16. Assessment parameters included SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, other organ-specific parameters and immunological parameters, including anti-double stranded DNA and C3. Steroid-sparing effect of mycophenolate sodium was also evaluated. Mycophenolate sodium produced a significant reduction in SLEDAI scores (P < 0.05) after 16 weeks of treatment. Mixed responses were detected in terms of organ-specific clinical changes. A positive trend was observed in improvement of immunological parameters and steroid dose reduction. No major adverse events were reported in this study. Mycophenolate sodium is a safe alternative therapy in SLE patients with extra-renal involvement. The reduction in SLEDAI scores and the observation of no major safety concerns suggest that a larger prospective study of mycophenolate sodium in non-renal SLE is warranted.

AB0370 An open label trial assessing the efficacy of mycophenolate sodium in active systemic lupus erythematosus patients without renal impairment

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which is associated with a wide range of clinical, immunological and haematological manifestations. There is an inflammatory response which involves a number...

Improvement in Immunological Parameters in Patients Receiving Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Nepal

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has been freely available in Nepal since 2004. In the present longitudinal study, we followed two distinct cohorts of human immunodeficiency virus-infected participants, those receiving HAART and those under assessment of eligibility for HAART, during the period 2005-2007 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The median change in CD4+ T-cell count among participants receiving HAART after 12 months of the initiation of therapy was +118 T cells/μl (95% confidence interval [CI], +91 to +145 T cells/μl) and that among participants under assessment of eligibility for HAART was -74 T cells/μl (95% CI, -103 to -44 cells/μl). However, the median CD8+ T-cell count after 12 months remained stable in both the cohorts (P > 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio increased from 0.16 to 0.26 after 12 months of therapy (P < 0.001). The multivariate regression model revealed that participants >30 years of age, and injection drug users had significantly lower increases in the CD4+ T-cell count in response to therapy. We observed a high proportion of loss to follow-up after 12 months of therapy; however, the associated factors were unknown. In conclusion, we observed a significant improvement in the CD4+ T-cell count in participants receiving HAART; however, the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio remained <0.5 after 12 months of treatment.

Rationale for thymopentin as therapeutic agent in rheumatoid arthritis.

Etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reviewed, with special emphasis on immunological factors. A common feature in active RA seems to be the decreased T cell suppressor/cytotoxic response, also reflected in an increased OKT4/OKT8 ratio. As the presence of several subgroups in patients is possible, the therapeutic approach may differ accordingly. Different disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are discussed in this context; their most characteristic features are slow onset of action (i.e., after several months) and improvement in immunological parameters. Although thymopentin does possess the latter property, it is not considered a DMARD at the present time. The action of thymopentin sets in within a few weeks, and it is speculated whether this may be due to its possible hormonal effects (via beta-endorphins, prostaglandins, etc.).