Interleukin-6 Gene Expression Research Articles

Visually induced changes in cytokine production in the chick choroid.

Postnatal ocular growth is regulated by a vision-dependent mechanism that acts to minimize refractive error through coordinated growth of the ocular tissues. Of great interest is the identification of the chemical signals that control visually guided ocular growth. Here, we provide evidence that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), may play a pivotal role in the control of ocular growth using a chicken model of myopia. Microarray, real-time RT-qPCR, and ELISA analyses identified IL-6 upregulation in the choroids of chick eyes under two visual conditions that introduce myopic defocus and slow the rate of ocular elongation (recovery from induced myopia and compensation for positive lenses). Intraocular administration of atropine, an agent known to slow ocular elongation, also resulted in an increase in choroidal IL-6 gene expression. Nitric oxide appears to directly or indirectly upregulate choroidal IL-6 gene expression, as administration of the non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, inhibited choroidal IL-6 gene expression, and application of a nitric oxide donor stimulated IL-6 gene and protein expression in isolated chick choroids. Considering the pleiotropic nature of IL-6 and its involvement in many biological processes, these results suggest that IL-6 may mediate many aspects of the choroidal response in the control of ocular growth.

Interleukin gene expression in broiler chickens infected by different Escherichia coli serotypes.

Background and Aim:Escherichia coli is the cause of avian colibacillosis, a significant threat to the poultry industry and public health. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of E. coli in diseased chicken broilers, pathological effects of these bacteria, and interleukin (IL) gene expression of different serotypes of E. coli (O78, O26, O44, and O55) on experimentally infected chickens.Materials and Methods:A total of 295 organ samples (liver, lungs, heart, and spleen) from 59 diseased broiler chickens were used for conventional identification of E. coli. Chickens were orally infected with one of the following E. coli serotypes (O78, O26, O44, or O55) and examined for clinical signs, mortality, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, and IL gene expression using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:E. coli was isolated from 53.2% of broiler chicken organs with a high prevalence in lungs (26.1%). The most prevalent serotypes were O78, O26, O44, O55, O157, and O127 prevalence of 27.8, 22.2, 16.7, 16.7, 5.6, and 5.6%, respectively. In the experimental design, five groups (G1-G5) of birds were established. G1 served as the negative control group, while G2-G5 were challenged orally with E. coli O78, O26, O55, or O44, respectively. Chickens infected with E. coli O78 or O26 showed significant clinical signs in comparison to the other infected birds. Mortality (13.3%) was only observed in birds infected with E. coli O78. Necropsy of dead birds after E. coli O78 infection showed pericarditis, enteritis, airsacculitis, and liver and lung congestion. More severe histopathological changes were observed in intestines, spleen, liver, and lung from chickens infected with either E. coli O78 or O26 than for birds infected with other serotypes. On the 2nd day post-infection, E. coli challenge, particularly with E. coli O78, displayed significantly upregulated levels of ileal IL-6 and IL-8, but ileal IL-10 level tended to be downregulated in comparison to the control group.Conclusion:This study assessed the application of cytokines as therapeutic agents against infectious diseases, particularly colibacillosis.

Synergistic neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen and N-acetylcysteine against traumatic spinal cord injury in rat

BackgroundThe mitochondrial dysfunction and following oxidative stress, as well as the spread of inflammation plays major roles in the failure to regenerate following severe spinal cord injury (SCI). In this regard, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a mitochondrial enhancer, in SCI. Material and methodsSeventy-five female adult Wistar rats divided into five groups (n = 15): laminectomy alone (Sham) group, SCI group, HBO group (underwent SCI and received HBO), NAC group (underwent SCI and received NAC), and HBO+NAC group (underwent SCI and simultaneously received NAC and HBO). At the end of study, spinal cord tissue samples were taken for evaluation of biochemical profiles including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 as well as gene expressions of interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β. Stereological assessments were performed to determine the total volumes, central cavity volumes and as well as numerical density of the neural and glial cells in traumatic area. Moreover, neurological functions were evaluated by the Basso–Beattie–Bresnehan (BBB) and electromyography (EMG). ResultsOur results showed that the stereological parameters, biochemical profiles (except MDA) and neurological function were significantly higher in each HBO, NAC and HBO+NAC groups compared to the SCI group, and were highest in HBO+NAC ones. The transcript for IL-10 gene was significantly upregulated in all treatment regimens compared to SCI group, and was highest in HBO+NAC ones. While expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, latency, as well as density of apoptosis cells in caspase-3 evaluation significantly more decreased in HBO+NAC group compared to other groups. ConclusionOverall, using combined therapy with HBO and NAC has synergistic neuroprotective effects in SCI treatment.

Resveratrol, EGCG and Vitamins Modulate Activated T Lymphocytes.

Vitamins and bioactives, which are constituents of the food chain, modulate T lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, antibody production, and prevent inflammation and autoimmunity. We investigated the effects of vitamins (vitamin A (VA), D (VD), E (VE)) and bioactives (i.e., resveratrol (Res), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)) on the adaptive immune response, as well as their synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Freshly isolated T lymphocytes from healthy individuals were activated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies for 4–5 days in the presence of bioactives and were analyzed by cytofluorometry. Interleukins, cytokines, and chemokines were measured by multiple ELISA. Gene expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Res and EGCG increased CD4 surface intensity. EGCG led to an increased proportion of CD8+ lymphocytes. Anti-CD3/CD28 activation induced exuberant secretion of interleukins and cytokines by T lymphocyte subsets. VD strongly enhanced Th2 cytokines (e.g., IL-5, IL-13), whereas Res and EGCG favored secretion of Th1 cytokines (e.g., IL-2, INF-γ). Res and VD mutually influenced cytokine production, but VD dominated the cytokine secretion pattern. The substances changed gene expression of interleukins and cytokines in a similar way as they did secretion. Collectively, VD strongly modulated cytokine and interleukin production and favored Th2 functions. Resveratrol and EGCG promoted the Th1 response. VA and VE had only a marginal effect, but they altered both Th1 and Th2 response. In vivo, bioactives might therefore interact with vitamins and support the outcome and extent of the adaptive immune response.

Dietary supplementation with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract provides immunostimulation and resistance against Streptococcus iniae infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

Dandelion flower is a well-known phytomedicine due to its therapeutic effects on dyspepsia, bile duct disorders, spleen and liver complaints, and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary dandelion flower extract (DFE) on skin mucosal and humoral immunity, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. The fingerlings (N = 300, 20.1 ± 0.9 g) were randomly assigned to 15 tanks and fed with different levels of DEF including 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were significantly enhanced in DFE-added groups compared to the control group. Complement components, immunoglobulin M, total protein, and lysozyme showed significantly higher values in the fish treated with dietary DFE at 3 g/kg than others (P < 0.05). The enzymatic activities of the skin mucus samples in the fish fed dietary levels of DFE were significantly higher than the control fish. Skin mucus protein was also improved significantly in 2 and 3 g/kg DFE compared to others. The transcription levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 genes were up-regulated in the fish fed with 3 and 4 g/kg DFE. Interleukin-8 and lysozyme gene expression levels were elevated in 3 g/kg DFE group compared to the control group. Fish mortality after challenging with Streptococcus iniae was significantly reduced from 43.33% in the control group to 73.33% in 3 g/kg DFE group. This study confirmed the beneficial effects of DFE as an immunostimulant in rainbow trout diet and the recommended dose of DFE is 2.49–2.74 g/kg based on the polynomial regression models.

Assessment of Interleukin-8 in Bronchial Asthma in Iraq.

It has been approved that neutrophils are responsible for many inflammatory lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. It is well documented that the CXC chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) plays a key role as a potent neutrophil recruiting and activating factor. Asthma is one of the most common major non-contagious diseases and has a substantial impact on the patient's quality of life. The current evidence suggests that asthma is a complex multifactorial disorder, and its etiology is increasingly attributed to interactions between genetic susceptibility, host factors, and environmental exposures. IL-8 plays an important role in respiratory diseases and is a known regulator of pulmonary inflammation and immunity, induced phagocytosis, and promoted angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the IL-8 gene expression in blood samples of bronchial asthma patients. Therefore, the blood samples were taken from two groups of participants, including the group of patients with asthma (n=100) in the age range of20-61years and the group of healthy individuals (n=50).The obtained results indicated that the expression of IL-8 mRNA in the group of asthma patients was three times higher than that in the group of healthy individuals. Therefore, it is suggested that the antagonism of IL-8 could be a potent therapeutic strategy in the treatment of asthma.

Effect of Different Fatty Acids Sources on Some Blood Factors and Interleukin Gene Expression in Finishing Lambs

The current research was conducted to study the effects of different fatty acids sources in the diet on blood metabolites and hormones in finishing lambs experimentally infected with the virus that causes foot and mouth disease. A total of fifteen Sangsari male lambs with an average live weight of 48±2 kg and an average age of 8±1 month were randomly assigned to one of three dietary experimental treatments as follows: 1) Calcium soap of palm oil fatty acids (PO) as a source of palmitic acid (16:0); 2) Calcium soap of sunflower oil fatty acids (SO) as the source of linoleic acid (n-6 18:2); and 3) Calcium soap of linseed oil fatty acids (LO) as the source of α-linolenic acid (n-3 18:3). The lambs were housed in individual pens and offered the iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets for 28 days including 21 days of adaptation period and 7 days of the sampling period. The results illustrated that the lowest and the highest expression of IL-4 mRNA were measured in LO and SO treatments, respectively. Expression of IL-8 mRNA was lower in LO and PO treatments when compared with SO. The highest level of glucose in LO treatment when compared with sunflower oil or palm oil. Lambs on the LO diet showed the highest blood concentration of insulin and the lowest blood concentration of glucagon when compared with lams on SO and PO diets. The highest blood contents of triiodothyronine and thyroxin hormones were measured in lambs on the LO diet when compared with other treatments. However, the concentration of blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin were the same between PO and SO groups. In conclusion, the findings of the current experiment confirmed that the inclusion of α-linolenic acid but not linoleic acid in the diet of virus-infected lambs suppressed pro-inflammation with lowering expression of IL-4 and IL-8 mRNA and increased blood glucose, insulin, T3, and T4 which may lead to higher weight gain and feed efficiency of virally infected lambs.

Evaluation of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder and amlodipine sustained-release tablets in follow-up treatment of the hypertensive crisis and the interleukin-6 gene expression.

Danzhi Xiaoyao powder (DXP) is an herbal formula with eight different herbs. This herbal medicine can play multiple roles in various disease treatments through its several components. In this study, the effect of DXP was evaluated on the treatment of hypertensive patients with and without amlodipine. For this purpose, 252 patients were studied with high blood pressure. The 126 patients received DXP, and the others received DXP + amlodipine for four weeks. Besides demographic and biochemical assessments (gender, BMI, age, SBP, DBP, etc.), the expression of the interleukin-6 gene was evaluated in these two groups. The results showed that the blood pressure decreased by DPX, and there was no significant difference in control of blood pressure by DPX and DXP + amlodipine. But it did not affect interleukin-6 gene expression. Therefore, it can be concluded that this drug probably uses a different mechanism than amlodipine to control blood pressure.

Associations of Biomarkers of Inflammation and Breast Cancer in the Breast Adipose Tissue of Women with Combined Measures of Adiposity.

Background Mechanisms underlying the obesity-breast cancer link involve inflammation but need to be elucidated. Determining obesity by combining body mass index (BMI) with the waist circumference (WC) may clarify the role of inflammatory and hormonally related markers in breast cancer. We examined the effect of combining adiposity indices (BMI/WC) with the gene expression of several biomarkers involved in breast cancer. Methods Expression of cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1), estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α), allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and leptin (LEP) in 141 adipose breast tissues was quantified using qPCR method. BMI and WC were measured by a trained nurse and categorized using the median split, BMILOWCLO, BMILOWCHI, BMIHIWCLO, and BMIHIWCHI. Results Gene expression of IL-6 (3-fold), TNF-α (2-fold), and LEP (2-fold) was higher in the breast adipose tissue of women with high WC regardless of BMI, that is, BMILOWCHI and BMIHIWCHI women (all P < 0.01). Compared to BMILOWCLO women, gene expression of CYP19A1, COX2, and AIF1 was increased by two-fold in breast adipose tissue of BMIHIWCHI women (P < 0.10). ER-α was not different across adiposity categories. Conclusions The expression of some biomarkers, particularly those related to inflammation, is elevated in breast adipose tissue of women with a high WC independent of BMI. Obesity monitoring should also include women with normal or low BMI, but with central adiposity.

Cortisol Dose-Dependently Impairs Migration and Tube-like Formation in a Trophoblast Cell Line and Modulates Inflammatory and Angiogenic Genes.

Several stimuli can change maternal hormone levels during pregnancy. These changes may affect trophoblastic cells and modulate the development of the embryo and the placental tissue itself. Changes in cortisol levels are associated with impaired trophoblast implantation and function, in addition to other pregnancy complications. This study aims to analyze the effects of low and high doses of cortisol on an extravillous trophoblast cell line, and the effects of various exposures to this hormone. SGHPL-4 cells were treated with cortisol at five doses (0–1000 nM) and two exposures (continuous: 24 h/day; and intermittent: 2 h/day). In intermittent treatment, cortisol acted mainly as an anti-inflammatory hormone, repressing gene expression of kinin B1 receptors, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. Continuous treatment modulated inflammatory and angiogenic pathways, significantly repressing angiogenic factors and their receptors. Cortisol affected cell migration and tube-like structures formation. In conclusion, both continuous and intermittent exposure to cortisol repressed the expression of inflammatory genes, while only continuous exposure repressed the expression of angiogenic genes, suggesting that a sustained increase in the levels of this hormone is more harmful than a high short-term increase. Cortisol also impaired tube-like structures formation, and kinin receptors may be involved in this response.

Selective FPR2 Agonism Promotes a Proresolution Macrophage Phenotype and Improves Cardiac Structure-Function Post Myocardial Infarction

Dysregulated inflammation following myocardial infarction (MI) leads to maladaptive healing and remodeling. The study characterized and evaluated a selective formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) agonist BMS-986235 in cellular assays and in rodents undergoing MI. BMS-986235 activated G proteins and promoted β-arrestin recruitment, enhanced phagocytosis and neutrophil apoptosis, regulated chemotaxis, and stimulated interleukin-10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene expression. Treatment with BMS-986235 improved mouse survival, reduced left ventricular area, reduced scar area, and preserved wall thickness. Treatment increased macrophage arginase-1 messenger RNA and CD206 receptor levels indicating a proresolution phenotype. In rats following MI, BMS-986235 preserved viable myocardium, attenuated left ventricular remodeling, and increased ejection fraction relative to control animals. Therefore, FPR2 agonism improves post-MI healing, limits remodeling and preserves function, and may offer an innovative therapeutic option to improve outcomes.

Human adrenomedullin and its binding protein attenuate tissue injury and inflammation following hepatic ischemia reperfusion in rabbits

BackgroundLiver injury caused by ischemia reperfusion (I/R) during surgical procedures, such as liver resection or liver transplantation, is a major cause of liver damage and graft failure. The current method of treatment is mostly preventative (i.e., ischemic preconditioning). While a number of pharmacological modalities have been studied to reduce hepatic I/R injury, none have been entirely successful. It has been demonstrated that the administration of adrenomedullin (AM) in combination with AM-binding protein (AM/AMBP-1) exerts significant protective effects in various pathological conditions. In an effort to develop AM/AMBP-1 as a novel therapeutic for hepatic I/R injury, the present study examined the effect of a low dose of human AM, which does not induce hypotension, in combination with human AMBP-1 in a rabbit model of hepatic I/R (i.e., non-rodent species). MethodsIschemia of 70% of the liver was induced by placing a microvascular clip across the hilum of the left and median lobes for 60 min. The clip was then removed to commence reperfusion. At 15 min following clip removal (i.e., reperfusion), human AM/AMBP-1 was administered intravenously via the ear marginal vein continuously for 30 min. At 20 h, blood and tissue samples were collected for various measurements. ResultsThe serum levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and lactate dehydrogenase, were elevated following hepatic I/R. The administration of AM/AMBP-1 significantly decreased these levels by 58, 44, 41%, respectively. Hepatic I/R increased the direct and total bilirubin levels, whereas treatment with human AM/AMBP-1 decreased these levels by 60% and 69%, respectively. Treatment with AM/AMBP-1 also inhibited interleukin-6 gene expression by 95%. There were no changes in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), lactate and Suzuki scores after treatment. The treatment, however, reduced apoptosis post-hepatic I/R in the ischemic portion of the liver. ConclusionAdditional experiments with AM and AMBP-1 alone are needed to completely interpret the experimental results in this non-rodent species of hepatic I/R injury. The present study suggests that human AM/AMBP-1 may be developed as a novel therapeutic to attenuate hepatic I/R associated inflammation and liver injury.

Experimental models of orthodontic tooth movement and their effects on periodontal tissues remodelling

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to compare two different models of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats by evaluating tooth movement efficiency and periodontal tissues remodelling. DesignFifteen animals were randomly distributed into 3 groups: control group (untreated); ligature appliance (LA) as experimental OTM using a closed coil spring fixed around maxillary first molar by steel ligature; occlusal appliance (OA) as experimental OTM using a closed coil spring attached on the occlusal surface of the maxillary first molar. After 15 days, all animals were euthanized, and the maxilla of each animal was collected for qPCR, micro-computed tomography, and histological analyses. ResultsInterleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expressions were significantly upregulated in the animals of the LA group as compared to the other groups. No significant difference was observed in tooth displacement between both methods. The LA group presented higher linear bone loss and lower values of bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, trabecular number and increased values of trabecular separation compared to the other groups. The birefringent collagen content in the tension side of the periodontal ligament contained significantly lower collagen content in the LA group than in the control group. Furthermore, on the pressure side, the collagen content was significantly lower in the LA and OA groups than in the control group. ConclusionsThe OA group presented little or no deleterious effect on periodontal tissues compared to the LA group, suggesting its use may be more reliable for OTM induction in rats for 15 days.

Influenza A virus infection in turkeys induces respiratory and enteric bacterial dysbiosis correlating with cytokine gene expression.

Turkey respiratory and gut microbiota play important roles in promoting health and production performance. Loss of microbiota homeostasis due to pathogen infection can worsen the disease or predispose the bird to infection by other pathogens. While turkeys are highly susceptible to influenza viruses of different origins, the impact of influenza virus infection on turkey gut and respiratory microbiota has not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the relationships between low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus replication, cytokine gene expression, and respiratory and gut microbiota disruption in specific-pathogen-free turkeys. Differential replication of two LPAI H5N2 viruses paralleled the levels of clinical signs and cytokine gene expression. During active virus shedding, there was significant increase of ileal and nasal bacterial contents, which inversely corresponded with bacterial species diversity. Spearman’s correlation tests between bacterial abundance and local viral titers revealed that LPAI virus-induced dysbiosis was strongest in the nasal cavity followed by trachea, and weakest in the gut. Significant correlations were also observed between cytokine gene expression levels and relative abundances of several bacteria in tracheas of infected turkeys. For example, interferon γ/λ and interleukin-6 gene expression levels were correlated positively with Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas abundances, and negatively with Lactobacillus abundance. Overall, our data suggest a potential relationship where bacterial community diversity and enrichment or depletion of several bacterial genera in the gut and respiratory tract are dependent on the level of LPAI virus replication. Further work is needed to establish whether respiratory and enteric dysbiosis in LPAI virus-infected turkeys is a result of host immunological responses or other causes such as changes in nutritional uptake.

Ecklonia cava Extract Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Chronic Periodontitis Animal Model by Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines.

Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract from brown algae Ecklonia cava was analyzed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1), the most abundant cells in gingival tissue. The gene expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6 were decreased by 78 and 50%, respectively, at 100 μg/mL Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) treatment. The gene expressions of matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2 and MMP-8) and chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha and stromal cell-derived factor 1) were also significantly down-regulated by ECE treatment (p < 0.05). The increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HGF-1 cells by LPS stimulation was decreased by 30% at 100 μg/mL ECE treatment. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal activated by ROS were suppressed by ECE in a dose-dependent manner. ECE treatment (400 mg/kg, 8 weeks) significantly improved alveolar bone resorption in the ligature-induced chronic periodontitis rat model. ECE supplementation also lowered elevated mRNA expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival tissue (p < 0.05). Therefore, ECE mitigated gingival tissue destruction and bone resorption associated with chronic periodontitis condition.

Correlational analysis of chemokine and inflammatory cytokine expression in the intervertebral disc and blood in patients with lumbar disc disease.

The involvement of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues, whole blood (WB) cytokines, and chemokines in pain in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDD) is unknown. We investigated the relationships between inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human IVD tissues and WB samples and their association with pain. Expression levels of chemokines and cytokine gene expression were measured in samples from 20 patients with LDD and compared between IVD tissues and WB samples. The associations between WB chemokine and cytokine gene expression levels and pain intensity (numeric rating scale) were also analyzed. The mRNA of C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), C-C chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was expressed in degenerated IVD tissues. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis produced positive correlations between CCR6 and IL-6 expression levels in IVD tissues (r = 0.845, p < 0.001) and WB samples (r = 0.963, p < 0.001). WB IL-6 and CCR6 mRNA expression levels correlated significantly with present pain, maximum pain, and average pain. By contrast, low back pain (LBP) did not correlate with serum chemokine/cytokine expression. This is the first study to report correlations between chemokine and inflammatory cytokine gene expression levels in IVD tissues and WB samples in patients with LDD in relation to pain intensity. WB CCR6 and IL-6 gene expression levels correlated significantly with present pain, maximum pain, and average pain, but not with LBP. These data provide a new understanding of the role of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines in patients with LDD and may lead to new treatment strategies for pain.

Kishk Sa′eedi as a potential functional food for management of metabolic syndrome: A study of the possible interaction with pomegranate seed oil and/ or gum Arabic

Introduction: In the present research, the health benefits of the traditional Egyptian food called Kishk Sa′eedi (KS) and KS mixed with gum Arabic (GA) or with a mixture of GA and pomegranate seed oil (PSO) were studied in a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by feeding high fructose high hydrogenated fat diet (HFFD). Methods: Rats were divided into a normal control group (NC) fed on a balanced diet (Diet 1), a MS control (MSC) receiving HFFD (Diet 2), and three test groups feeding on HFFD containing KS (Diet 3), KS with GA (Diet 4), and KS with GA and PSO (Diet 5), respectively for five weeks. Biochemical and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: Significant increase in blood glucose, plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), dyslipidemia and reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) were demonstrated in MSC compared to NC (P &lt; 0.05). Significant elevation in liver fat, MDA and gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) with significant down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α) were noticed in MSC compared to NC (P &lt; 0.05). The three test diets improved plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid, MDA, liver PPAR-α and IL-6 expression (P &lt; 0.05) compared to MSC without affecting liver lipids. Blood glucose, plasma dyslipidemia, AST, creatinine and urea were improved by diet 3 and diet 5 (P &lt; 0.05). Diet 3 elevated GSH and reduced ALT and MDA (P &lt; 0.05). Histopathological changes induced by HFFD in both liver and kidney showed variable improvement by feeding the tested diets. Conclusion: The tested diets significantly improved MS rat model with superiority to diet 3.

The Effects of High-intensity Interval Training and Probiotic Consumption on Interleukin-10 and Interferon-gamma Gene Expression of Gut Tissue in an Animal Model of Fatty Liver

Aims: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, often reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and probiotic use on the expression of interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma genes in intestinal tissue in an animal model of fatty liver. Methods &amp; Materials: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (weighing 200-250 g) were selected. The study rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including healthy control, fatty liver, fatty liver + HIIT, fatty liver + probiotic, and fatty liver + HIIT + Probiotics. Oral tetracycline was administered at a dose of 140 mg/kg of body weight (as a solution in 2 mL of water) for 7 days with fatty liver. HIIT was performed on tape 5 times a week for 5 weeks. The obtained data were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test at the significant level of P&lt;0.05. Findings: The present research results suggested that the expression of interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma genes in the intestinal tissue of steatosis mice in the fatty liver group was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P=0.001). HIIT and probiotic use significantly reduced the expression of interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma genes in the intestinal tissue, compared to the fatty liver group (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the obtained data, HIIT and probiotic consumption can help modulate the expression of genes involved in the innate immune system of intestinal tissue caused by fatty liver.

Cyclic tensile strain affects the response of human periodontal ligament stromal cells to tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1

ObjectivesOrthodontic treatment in adult patients predisposed to mild or severe periodontal disease is challenging for orthodontists. Orthodontic malpractice or hyper-occlusal forces may aggravate periodontitis-induced destruction of periodontal tissues, but the specific mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the combined effect of mechanical stress and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α on the inflammatory response in human periodontal ligament stromal cells (hPDLSCs) was investigated.Materials and methodshPDLSCs from 5 healthy donors were treated with TNF-α and/or subjected to cyclic tensile strain (CTS) of 6% or 12% elongation with 0.1 Hz for 6- and 24 h. The gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and cell adhesion molecules VCAM and ICAM was analyzed by qPCR. The protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in conditioned media was measured by ELISA. The surface expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was quantified by immunostaining followed by flow cytometry analysis.ResultsTNF-α-induced IL-6 gene and protein expression was inhibited by CTS, whereas TNF-α-induced IL-8 expression was decreased at mRNA expression level but enhanced at the protein level in a magnitude-dependent manner. CTS downregulated the gene expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 under TNF-α stimulation, but the downregulation of the surface expression analyzed by flow cytometry was observed chiefly for VCAM-1.ConclusionsOur findings show that mechanical force differentially regulates TNF-α-induced expression of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules at the early stage of force application. The effect of cyclic tensile strain is complex and could be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory depending on the type of pro-inflammatory mediators and force magnitude.Clinical relevanceOrthodontic forces regulate the inflammatory mediators of periodontitis. The underlying mechanism may have significant implications for future strategies of combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment.

Effects of Probiotic and/or Prebiotic Supplementations on Immune Response, Haematology, Oxidant-antioxidant Biomarkers, and Cytokine mRNA Expression Levels in the Caeca of Broilers Infected with Salmonella

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporation of the probiotic mix, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplements on immune response, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression, hematology, and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers of broilers infected with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium mixed infection. A total of 273 commercial Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allocated into seven experimental groups, including NC group: fed only a basal diet (negative control), PC group; fed a basal diet and infected with Salmonellae on 3 rd life day (positive control), ProSa group: administrated probiotic mix in drinking water and then infected with Salmonellae, Presa group: fed prebiotic with basal diet and then infected with Salmonellae, SynSa: received probiotic mix and prebiotic (synbiotic) and then infected with Salmonellae, Pro group: given probiotic mix in feed, and Pre group: basal diet supplemented with prebiotic. The probiotic mix, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation significantly increased total IgY levels in the sera of infected birds in comparison to those of positive control. Also, the additives significantly downregulated IL-6 and iNOS gene expressions while they significantly upregulated IL-10 gene expression in the caeca of infected birds, in comparison to those of positive control. Also, the supplementary treatments significantly improved Salmonella-induced changes in hematology and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers of infected groups. Compared with different supplementary treatments, the synbiotic significantly robust immune response of Salmonellainfected birds when compared with single supplementation of probiotic mix or prebiotic. In conclusion, probiotics, prebiotic, and in particular synbiotic supplements improved immune response, hematological and antioxidative biomarkers of birds experimentally infected with mixed Salmonellae.