Levels Of Specific Immunoglobulin Research Articles

Periostin as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are common chronic respiratory diseases. Given their heterogeneity, the study of periostin is a relevant area for establishing the endotypes of airway inflammation and determining further therapy tactics. AIM: To evaluate periostin levels and determine its significance as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 59 patients with asthma and 33 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The control group consisted of 37 apparently healthy people, comparable in age and sex, without allergic and bronchial obstructive diseases in anamnesis. The anamnesis data, the number of peripheral blood eosinophils and induced sputum, indices of external respiratory function were evaluated. Levels of specific immunoglobulin E to allergens, periostin level were determined in blood serum by immunoenzyme method. The obtained data were processed using STATISTICA 13 and SPSS Statistic 27 software systems. RESULTS: The maximum serum periostin concentration 22.5 (17–38) ng/ml was recorded in the patients with asthma, which was significantly higher than in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group [16 (12–21) ng/ml; p = 0.006] and control group [20.1 (14.6–24.8) ng/ml; p = 0.044]. The level of periostin in induced sputum in the patients with asthma was significantly higher than in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group — 0.05 (0.03–0.6) ng/ml vs 0.03 (0.02–0.04) ng/ml (p = 0.008). The study revealed the correlation between serum periostin level and eosinophil level (r = 0.406; p 0.05) and with forced expiratory volume in the first second after bronchodilator test (r = 0.366; p 0.05) as well as with forced expiratory volume in the first second divided by forced vital capacity after bronchodilator test (r = 0.572; p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periostin is a promising marker of eosinophilic inflammation in patients with asthma, which can be considered as an indicator of fixed bronchial obstruction and a molecule linking T2-inflammation and airway remodelling. In a group of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, the use of periostin for diagnostic and prognostic purposes requires further investigation and larger studies.

LIPOSOMAL DELIVERY OF IMMUNOMODULATORY ANTIGEN OF B. MALAYI: ISOLATION, PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IMMUNE RESPONSES ASSESSMENT

Objective: The present study was aimed on developing and characterizing liposomal delivery system loaded with antigen of filaria parasite Brugia malayi extracted protein for assessment of humoral immune responses of antigen. Methods: Liposomes were prepared by reverse-phase evaporation method with slight modification using molar ratio of Soya PC: PE:Cholesterol in different molar concentrations. Results: The levels of F6 specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies were found to be elevated in immunized animals over non-immunized controls. Analysis of IgG-subclasses revealed that all the subclasses at (1:25dilution) increased several folds over the controls with IgG1 showing the greatest increase (25.0-fold) followed by IgG2b (3.0-fold). Antibodies titers showed the many fold increment of titers on liposomized antigen groups (Gr.I; without booster dose and Gr.IV; with booster dose). IgG showed about 2.2 fold increment in Gr.IV than control group (Gr.V). IgG1 after booster dose showed about 25-fold increment followed by IgG2b than IgG2a. Conclusion: These results suggest that the liposomal antigen delivery system shows 25-fold IG-G responses in comparison to plain administrated antigen.

The Sensitization Profile for Selected Food Allergens in Polish Children Assessed with the Use of a Precision Allergy Molecular Diagnostic Technique.

Individual populations show a variety of sensitization patterns, which may be associated with the geographic region, climate, dietary habits, or ways of preparing food. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the food allergy sensitization profile in Polish children, particularly to eight food allergens (so-called "the Big 8"): cow milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. To assess the prevalence and serum levels of specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE), we analyzed the results obtained from selected laboratories located in all regions of Poland that used the multiplex ALEX® test in the period from 2019 to 2022. Results from 3715 children were obtained. The mean age of the study population was 7.0 years. The results were stratified by age: <12 months (3.63%), 1-5 years (39.54%), 6-13 years (46.32%), and 14-18 years (10.0%). The final analysis included the sIgE results obtained with 95 food extracts and 77 food allergen molecules. The highest rates of sIgE to food allergen extracts were found for peanut (29.20%), hazel (28.20%), and apple (23.60%), and those to allergenic molecules were found for the PR-10 family of molecules (Cor a 1.0401 (23.77%), Mal d 1 (22.37%), Ara h 8 (16.93%), and globulin 7/8S (Ara h 1; 15.59%)). The lowest rates of sIgE reactivity to extracts were found for strawberry (0.40%), oregano (0.30%), and thornback ray (0.16%), and those to allergenic molecules were found for Mal d 2 (0.27%) (thaumatin-like protein, TLP), Ani s 1 (0.30%) (Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor), and Che a 1 (0.43%) (Ole e 1 family). The rates of sensitization to storage proteins of the analyzed "the Big 8" molecules decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with age. Conversely, the rates of sensitization to PR-10 family proteins increased significantly with age. The three most common allergens in Poland, regardless of whether IgE was assayed against extracts or molecules of food allergens, were peanut, hazel, and apple (in different order depending on the ranking). A detailed analysis of sensitization to the extracts and molecules of main food allergens based on the results of a multiplex ALEX® test demonstrated the sensitization profile in Polish children (including molecular sensitization, particularly the "the Big 8" food allergen molecules), which shows considerable differences in comparison with those in other countries. Serum sIgE analysis of children from all regions of Poland revealed a food allergen molecular sensitization profile that changes with age.

Understanding hypergammaglobulinemia in experimental or natural visceral leishmaniasis.

Nonspecific hypergammaglobulinemia (HGG) occurs in symptomatic human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by L. L. infantum. This study assessed this finding in experimental infection in hamsters and natural infection in dogs. The serum concentration of proteins, albumin and globulins was determined through the biuret and bromocresol green reaction, where the HGG was better expressed through the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. HGG was associated with a higher concentration of specific anti-glycan antibodies (BSA-G)/promastigote soluble extract (PSE) and the presence of circulating immune complexes (IC) by dissociative enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The study found monovalent IC in 37.9% (PSE) and 50% (BSA-G) of sera from infected hamsters, with increased frequency as the disease progressed. HGG was found in >60% of the samples in dogs with VL, associated with higher levels of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgM, but not IgG, determined using the PSE and BSA-G ELISA. HGG was associated with the presence of monovalent IC in 58.9% (PSE) and 63.4% (BSA-G) positive dog samples. HGG may result not only from the nonspecific activation of B cells, with greater production of specific and nonspecific antibodies, but also due to lower IgG excretion due to the presence of soluble monovalent IC. HGG correlates to the progression of VL and may be a marker for manifested disease.

Bacillus subtilis expressing duck Tembusu virus E protein induces immune protection in ducklings

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an infectious disease that emerged in China in 2010. It has caused serious economic losses to the poultry industry and may pose a threat to public health. We aimed to develop a new Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis)-based oral vaccine to control DTMUV transmission among poultry; to this end, we constructed a B. subtilis strain that can secrete DTMUV E protein. Ducklings were orally immunized, and serum antibodies, mucosal antibodies, and splenic cytokines were detected. The results showed that, in addition to high levels of specific IgG, there were also high levels of specific secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in ducklings orally treated with recombinant B. subtilis. In addition, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in spleens were significantly boosted by recombinant B. subtilis. Recombinant B. subtilis could effectively enhance ducklings resistance to DTMUV and significantly reduce viral load (p<0.01), along with pathological damage in the brain, heart, and spleen. This is the first study to apply a B. subtilis live-vector vaccine platform for DTMUV disease prevention and control, and our results suggest that B. subtilis expressing DTMUV E protein may be a candidate vaccine against DTMUV.

Raman spectroscopic analysis of human serum samples of convalescing COVID-19 positive patients

Rapid screening, detection and monitoring of viral infection is of critical importance, as exemplified by the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, leading to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. This is equally the case for the stages of patient convalescence as for the initial stages of infection, to understand the medium and long terms effects, as well as the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Optical spectroscopic techniques potentially offer an alternative to currently employed techniques of screening for the presence, or the response to infection. In this study, the ability of Raman spectroscopy to distinguish between samples of the serum of convalescent COVID-19 positive patients and COVID-19 negative serum samples, and to further analyse and quantify systemic responses, was explored. The study included serum samples of patients who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM responses between 25 and 134 days after the infection was identified. Both COVID-19 positive and negative groups included males and females who ranged in age from 21 to 81 years old. No correlation was apparent between the specified SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM immunoglobulin levels of the positive group, their sex, or age. Raman spectroscopic measurements were performed at 785 nm, in liquid serum, thawed from frozen, and spectra were pre-processed to remove the contribution of water, normalising to the water content. Principal components analysis of the spectral dataset over the range 400–1800 cm-1 provided no clear indication of a difference between normal serum and SARS-CoV-2 positive serum. A selection of 5 of the samples, which were available in sufficient volume, were fractionated by centrifugal filtration, and the 100 kDa, 50 kDa, 30 kDa, and 10 kDa concentrates similarly analysed by Raman spectroscopy. Partial least squares regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between the spectral profile of the 30 kDa fractions and SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibody levels, potentially indicating an association with depleted glutathione levels. The study supports a potential role of Raman screening of blood serum for monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also in longitudinal studies of disease progression, long term effects, and therapeutic interventions.

A Case-Control Seroprevalence Survey of Toxoplasmosis in Hemodialysis Patients and Healthy Subjects in Kazeroon and Jahrom Districts in Fars Province, Southern Iran.

Opportunistic parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) are capable of causing neurological and ocular manifestations in patients undergoing hemodialysis. By designing a matched case-control study, we conducted a seromolecular survey of T. gondii in hemodialysis patients compared to a healthy group from Jahrom and Kazeroon cities in Fars Province, Iran. For this purpose, 75 hemodialysis patients from Kazeroon city, 75 hemodialysis patients from Jahrom city, and 75 healthy individuals were recruited for the study. The serum levels of specific immunoglobulins (IgG/IgM) in the case and control groups were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Also, buffy coat samples were used to extract genomic DNA. Then, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was accomplished using the RE and GRA6 genes of T. gondii. A standard questionnaire containing demographic factors was administered. Although the seroprevalence of the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in hemodialysis patients from Kazeroon (18.66% (14/75)) and Jahrom (25.33% (19/75)) was higher than that in the control group (13.33% (10/75)), no statistically significant difference was observed between the case and control groups (P value = 0.373 from Kazeroon and P value = 0.354 from Jahrom). Among the studied variables, only residence (urban) was significantly associated with the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in the case group from Kazeroon. Also, no IgM antibody titers and DNA of T. gondii were detected in the case and control groups from both cities. Although high seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was seen in hemodialysis patients, further epidemiological studies with larger samples need to be done in Jahrom and Kazeroon cities and in other parts of Iran. It is also necessary for health officials to establish programs for the prevention and control of T. gondii infection in hemodialysis patients.

Role of Mannose-binding Lectin and Association with Microbial Sensitization in a Cohort of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a relapsing inflammatory skin condition, in which bacteria, fungi and viruses may colonize the skin and aggravate the condition. Mannose-binding lectin is part of the innate immune system. Polymorphism in the mannose-binding lectin gene can result in deficiency of mannose-binding lectin, which may affect defence against microbes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the mannose-binding lectin gene affect the extent of sensitization to common skin microbes, the skin barrier function, or the severity of the disease in a cohort of patients with atopic dermatitis. Genetic testing of mannose-binding lectin polymorphism was performed in 60 patients with atopic dermatitis. The disease severity, skin barrier function, and serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E against skin microbes were measured. In patients with low mannose-binding lectin genotype (group 1) 6 of 8 (75%) were sensitized to Candida albicans, compared to 14 of 22 (63.6%) patients with intermediate mannose-binding genotype (group 2) and 10 of 30 (33.3%) patients with high mannose-binding genotype (group 3). Group 1 (low mannose-binding lectin) was more likely to be sensitized to Candida albicans compared with group 3 (high mannose-binding lectin) (odds ratio 6.34, p-value 0.045). In this cohort of patients with atopic dermatitis, mannose-binding lectin deficiency was associated with increased sensitization to Candida albicans.

Bidirectional and persistent immunomodulation of Astragalus polysaccharide as an adjuvant of influenza and recombinant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

Respiratory viral infections, such as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have become a worldwide public health concern with tremendous economic and societal burdens. Vaccination is a major strategy for preventing infections. However, some new vaccines have an unmet need for impairing responses in certain individuals, especially COVID-19 vaccines, despite ongoing vaccine and adjuvant research. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a bioactive polysaccharide extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus as an immune adjuvant to regulate the efficacy of influenza split vaccine (ISV) and recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-Cov-2 vaccine in mice. Our data indicated that APS as an adjuvant can facilitate the induction of high levels of hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer and specific antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) and confer protection against the lethal challenge of influenza A viruses, including increased survival and amelioration of weight loss in mice immunized with the ISV. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that the NF-κB and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis signaling pathways are essential for the immune response of mice immunized with the recombinant SARS-Cov-2 vaccine (RSV). Another important finding was that bidirectional immunomodulation of APS on cellular and humoral immunity was observed, and APS-adjuvant-induced antibodies persisted at a high level for at least 20 weeks. These findings suggest that APS is a potent adjuvant for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, and has the advantages of bidirectional immunoregulation and persistent immunity.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of BBIBP-CorV Inactivated Vaccine Combined with BNT62b2 mRNA Booster Vaccine.

In this prospective study, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specific total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were analyzed before and after BNT162 b2 mRNA booster vaccination in individuals previously administered with two doses of BBIBP-CorV vaccine in comparison to immunized participants with three doses of BNT162 b2 vaccination. Sixty-one Caucasian volunteers (39 females, 22 males) vaccinated by BBIBP-CorV were included (mean age: 63.9 years). Sixty-one patients (41 females, 20 males) as controls were vaccinated with BNT162b2 (mean age: 59.9 years). Both groups received the third booster BNT162b2 vaccine. Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD Ig levels were measured by an immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics) and their calculated ratios after/before booster dose were compared between the two groups. At baseline, significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD total antibody levels were determined after initial immunization by two doses of inactivated BBIBP-CorV compared to BNT62b2 mRNA vaccine (p < 0.001). After BNT162b2 boosters, similarly high total Ig levels were detected in both the heterologous (27,195 [15,604-42,754] BAU/mL, p < 0.001) and the homologous booster cohort (24,492 [13,779-42,671] BAU/mL, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Hence, the ratio of after/before total Ig levels was significantly higher with heterologous vs homologous immunization (p < 0.001). To address the concept that basic BBIBP-CorV vaccination is not as effective as BNT162b, we analyzed the effect of heterologous vaccination with BNT162b2. Our results suggest that BNT162b2 can successfully boost the effects of two-dose BBIBP-CorV vaccination.

Противопневмококковая иммунизация у детей раннего возраста с хронической сердечной недостаточностью

Aim: To determine the coverage, efficacy and tolerability of pneumococcal vaccination in young children with cardiovascular disease associated with chronic heart failure. Design: Retro- and prospective randomized comparative study. Materials and methods. The study included 250 patients at the age of 2 months to 5 years with confirmed chronic cardiac failure caused by cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disorder. Within the scope of a specialised laboratory and instrumental examination, all children underwent an assessment of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) levels to the most common pneumococcal serotypes (1-5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A,12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F) using VaccZyme Anti-PCP IgG test system. During consultations and vaccination schedule development, pneumococcal vaccination coverage and the reasons for long-term medical exemptions or refusals were analysed. Provided the primary disease was stable, there were no contraindications and a parent gave their consent, patients were vaccinated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Results. When questioning the parents of patients, it was revealed that before admission to the department, only 97 (38.8%) patients received at least 1 dose of pneumococcal vaccine, while the remaining 153 (61.2%) were not vaccinated. During hospitalization, 65 (42.5%) of 153 unvaccinated patients under 5 years of age who had not received a single pneumococcal vaccine received the first dose (V1) of PCV13; of 97 children vaccinated, 20 (20.6%) received a second dose, 18 (18.6%) — pneumococcal booster. There was a significant difference in the levels of antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae between the group of patients who received a full course of immunization according to age and the group of unvaccinated children: 108.1 ± 58.4 vs. 12.14 ± 7.8 mg/l (p &lt; 0.05). In children with an incomplete course of vaccination, the levels of specific IgG to pneumococcal serotypes were lower. In groups of children who received only one dose of the vaccine in the first or second year of life, they amounted to 42.2 ± 11.7 and 40.2 ± 16.2 mg/l, respectively. Children who received at least two doses of vaccine without revaccination (starting before 12 months) had a relatively higher level of 68.2 ± 6.3 mg/L. But, despite a clear trend, there was no significant difference between these groups in our study. In the post-vaccination period, no serious complications were recorded in the examined children. Conclusion. Vaccination against pneumococcal infection in children with chronic heart failure is effective, safe and should be carried out as close as possible to the schedule of the national vaccination calendar, with a limited set of contraindications. Keywords: vaccination, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, immunoglobulin G, chronic heart failure.

Oral administration of recombinant Bacillus subtilis expressing a multi-epitope protein induces strong immune responses against Salmonella Enteritidis

The S. Enteritidis causes serious economic losses to the poultry industry every year. Vaccines that induce a mucosal immune response may be successful against an S. Enteritidis infection because mucosa plays an important role in preventing S. Enteritidis from entering the body. In order to develop novel and potent oral vaccines based on Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) to control the spread of S. Enteritidis in the poultry industry, we constructed a B. subtilis that can secrete a multi-epitope protein (OmpC-FliC-SopF-SseB-IL-18). Oral immunization of chickens was performed, and serum antibodies, mucosal antibodies, specific cellular immunity and serum cytokines were detected. Immunizing chicks with S. Enteritidis was evaluated. The results showed high levels of specific IgG in addition to high levels of specific secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in chickens who received oral administrations of recombinant B. subtilis. Additionally, recombinant B. subtilis may significantly increase the levels of IL-2 and T cell-mediated immunity. Recombinant B. subtilis effectively protected chickens against S. Enteritidis and reduced pathological damage to the spleen and jejunum. Our study’s outcomes indicate that the expression of the multi-epitope protein OmpC-FliC-SopF-SseB-IL-18 by B. subtilis could generate a mucosal vaccine candidate for animals to defend against S. Enteritidis in the future.

Therapeutic effects of epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate on the allergic reaction of αs1-casein sensitized mice

To investigate the anti-αs1-casein allergy mechanism of two tea-derived polyphenols, epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with αs1-casein and nutritional intervention was given by EGC and EGCG during the sensitization provocation phase. The main evaluation indexes used were levels of mast cell proteases, histamine, and specific antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as cytokine secretion and pathological observation. The results showed that both EGC and EGCG significantly reduced levels of mast cell protease, histamine, specific IgE antibodies, and Th2 cytokines in allergic mice. The histopathology results showed that both EGC and EGCG markedly reduced the degree of lesions in the intestine, thymus, spleen, and lung. The conclusions from this study can provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism by which tea polyphenols regulate food allergens.

Effects of anti-CD4 antibody treatment on calcium ions influx in peanut-sensitized C3H/HeJ mice

The precise mechanism underlying the effects of anti-CD4 antibody and calcium ions (Ca2+) in peanut allergy remains unknown. C3H/HeJ mice sensitized with peanut protein extract (PPE) were injected with anti-CD4 antibodies for 4 weeks. Stimulation with PPE increased the specific immunoglobulin (IgE), cytokine, histamine, and mMcp-1 levels, upregulated decorin (Dcn) expression, induced Ca2+ inflow in the spleen, and augmented the expression of the transcription factors GATA-3 and Foxp3, which resulted in Th2 and Treg cell activation. Notably, the Ca2+ levels were positively correlated with the histamine, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels, and negatively correlated with IL-10 levels. However, administration of anti-CD4 antibodies markedly alleviated allergic symptoms, activated T cells, and reduced Ca2+ inflow, cytokine, histamine, mMcp-1, and the IgHG3, CXCL12, MMP2 and FABP4 gene. Our results indicated that anti-CD4 antibodies can ameliorate PPE-induced allergy, which is probably related to the suppression of Ca2+ inflow, and inhibiting histamine, cytokine and IgHG3, CXCL12, MMP2, and FABP4, thus exerting a protective effect against PPE-sensitized food allergy.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Value of FliD, a Helicobacter pylori Flagellar Protein.

Novel immunodominant antigens are urgently required for the diagnosis and vaccination of Helicobacter pylori (HP). FliD, an important colonization factor, was cloned and expressed (rFliD) to evaluate the levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA antibodies in the serum of patients using ELISA. Rabbit anti-rFliD polyclonal antibody (pAb) was obtained by the subcutaneous injection of rFliD. The rFliD-specific IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4+ T cells from humans were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunospot and flow cytometry. We found that the levels of rFliD-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA were significantly higher in HP-infected-patients than in healthy controls. IgG, IgM, and IgA had diagnostic sensitivities of 92.6%, 89.8%, and 83.2%; specificities of 91.1%, 88.7%, and 64.6%; and areas under the receiver operating curves of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.92, respectively. Furthermore, rFliD-pAb was used for the immunohistochemical analysis of gastritis and gastric cancer tissues from patients infected with HP. The levels of rFliD-specific IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly elevated in HP-infected patients and exhibited a dominant T helper type 1-dominant subtype. These findings indicate that rFliD exhibits high validity as a biomarker in HP diagnosis and may also be a potent antigen for vaccine design because of its high cellular and humoral immune responses.

Peanut anaphylaxis in 2022: Decoupling epinephrine usage from emergency department evaluation

Peanut anaphylaxis in 2022: Decoupling epinephrine usage from emergency department evaluation

Optimized Extraction of cAMP From Jujube by Ultra-High Pressure Technology and the Anti-allergic Effect for Peanut Allergy Mouse.

Jujube contains abundant cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In contrast, the extraction technology of cAMP from jujube is still to be explored. In this study, the ultra-high pressure extraction (UHPE) conditions for obtaining the maximum cAMP yield from jujube were optimized. Orthogonal array design (OAD) was applied to evaluate the effects of three variables (pressure, pressure-holding time, and liquid-to-solid ratio) by UHPE on cAMP yield. The results showed that the optimal cAMP yield (1223.2 μg/g) was derived at 300 MPa, 20 min duration, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 2.5 ml/g. In addition, as an important functional ingredient in jujube, cAMP has potential anti-allergic effect. To develop the functional characteristics of jujube, the effect of cAMP was characterized in vivo with the Balb/c mouse model of peanut allergy, which was established by subcutaneous injection of crude peanut protein extract (PN). The results showed that treatment with cAMP in PN-sensitized mice suppressed the lesions in jejunal tissues and allergic symptoms and restored spleen index. Meanwhile, cAMP treatment reduced serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, as well as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and stimulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were not affected. Our results suggested that cAMP has an anti-allergic effect in PN-sensitized mice.

Specific Immunoglobulin E and G to Common Food Antigens and Increased Serum Zonulin in IBS Patients: A Single-Center Bulgarian Study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder whose pathogenesis is considered multifactorial, including abnormal gut motility, visceral hyperreactivity, psychological factors, disturbances in the brain-gut axis, leaky gut, oxidative stress, etc. We aimed to investigate serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E and G to common food antigens and zonulin and to assess their use in clinical practice for patients with IBS. Material and methods. We included 23 participants, 15 with IBS (diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria) and 8 healthy controls. We investigated serum levels of specific IgG antibodies to 24 food antigens, specific IgE antibodies to 20 food antigens, anti-celiac antibodies, fecal calprotectin and serum zonulin by ELISA. Results. Food-specific positive IgG antibodies were significantly higher in patients with IBS than in controls (p = 0.007). IgE-mediated allergic reactions were found in five patients with IBS; no one had anti-TG antibodies. One-third of IBS patients demonstrated a low degree of chronic inflammation (positive fecal calprotectin test > 50 ng/mL) without specific bacterial infection. Serum levels of zonulin in IBS patients were higher than in healthy controls (0.378 ± 0.13 vs. 0.250 ± 0.14 ng/mL, p = 0.0315). However, no correlations between clinical symptoms and zonulin levels were found. Conclusion. The mechanisms of IgG hypersensitivity and low degree inflammation in IBS and elevated zonulin may contribute to multifactor pathogenesis in IBS.

Interleukin-26 is associated with the level of systemic inflammation and lung functions in obese and non-obese moderate-to-severe asthmatic patients.

Obese asthma is a complex syndrome, which includes different phenotypes of disease. At present, these phenotypes only have started to acquire a sufficient understanding. It was suggested that IL-26 is a potential biomarker of disease severity in asthma without signs of Th2-mediated inflammation. In this study, we investigated the serum and exhaled levels of IL-26 and its associations with the level of systemic inflammation, lung functions, and body weight in obese and non-obese moderate-to-severe asthmatic patients MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 10 healthy subjects, 10 obese subjects without lung pathologies, 10 non-obese asthmatics (NOA) (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), and 40 obese asthmatics (OA) (BMI 25.0-49.9 kg/m²). During the visit, patients' examination and spirometry with the bronchodilator reversibility test were conducted, the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was obtained, and the blood samples were collected. The level of IL-26, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, interleukin-10 (IL-10), total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured using the ELISA kits. Statistical comparison between 2 groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney rank-sum test. Chi-square with Yates' correction was used to compare frequencies. Spearman's rank test was used for correlating nonparametric variables. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under ROC curve (AUC) were used for evaluating the diagnostic power of IL-26 as a possible biomarker. NOA had a reversible airway obstruction with reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FVC 25/75, and positive post-bronchodilator test (PBT), significantly increased serum levels of IL-10, IL-4, and slightly increased IL-26. NOA had significantly increased exhaled IL-26 in comparison with healthy subjects. The obese subjects had a normal ventilatory pattern without airway obstruction, and differences in serum IL-26, IL-10, and IL-4 concentrations in comparison with healthy subjects. Obese subjects had a significant escalation of hs-CRP and no differences in the levels of exhaled IL-26, IL-10, and hs-CRP as compared with healthy subjects. OA had reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEV25-75 in comparison with non-obese asthmatics. OA had elevated IL-26, IL-10, IL-4, and hs-CRP concentrations as compared with healthy subjects. These patients had a partial similarity with both non-obese asthmatics (elevated IL-26, IL-10, and IL-4) and obese subjects (elevated, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP). OA had a reduced concentration of exhaled IL-26 in comparison with NOA and elevated exhaled IL-10 in comparison with obese subjects. Furthermore, OA had an increased concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in comparison with healthy individuals and NOA. Exhaled IL-26 concentration distinguished non-obese asthmatics from healthy subjects, asthmatic patients from non-asthmatics (healthy and obese subjects), all asthmatic patients from non-asthmatics (healthy and obese subjects). Exhaled IL-26 elevated in obese and non-obese moderate-to-severe asthmatic patients. Exhaled IL-26 might be a perspective biomarker in non-obese and obese asthmatics. The obese asthmatic phenotype comprised the combined systemic and local airway inflammation.

Protective efficacy of a novel multivalent vaccine in the prevention of diarrhea induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in a murine model.

BackgroundEnterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is a primary cause of livestock diarrhea. Therefore, effective vaccines are needed to reduce the incidence of ETEC infection.ObjectivesOur study aimed to develop a multivalent ETEC vaccine targeting major virulence factors of ETEC, including enterotoxins and fimbriae.MethodsSLS (STa-LTB-STb) recombinant enterotoxin and fimbriae proteins (F4, F5, F6, F18, and F41) were prepared to develop a multivalent vaccine. A total of 65 mice were immunized subcutaneously by vaccines and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days post-vaccination (dpv). A challenge test with a lethal dose of ETEC was performed, and the survival rate of the mice in each group was recorded. Feces and intestine washes were collected to measure the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).ResultsAnti-SLS and anti-fimbriae-specific IgG in serums of antigen-vaccinated mice were significantly higher than those of the control group. Immunization with the SLS enterotoxin and multivalent vaccine increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations. Compared to diarrheal symptoms and 100% death of mice in the control group, mice inoculated with the multivalent vaccine showed an 80% survival rate without any symptom of diarrhea, while SLS and fimbriae vaccinated groups showed 60 and 70% survival rates, respectively.ConclusionsBoth SLS and fimbriae proteins can serve as vaccine antigens, and the combination of these two antigens can elicit stronger immune responses. The results suggest that the multivalent vaccine can be successfully used for preventing ETEC in important livestock.