Immunomodulation of ovalbumin-specific IgG and other classes of antibody response by honey in mice

It was reported earlier that intraperitoneal administration of honey had immunosuppressive activity on elicitation of allergen-specific murine antibody response as evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and double immunodiffusion methods. In this study, the immunomudulatory effect of honey is evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using ovalbumin as model allergen. It was found that ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgG antibody responses elicited with various doses of OVA were significantly suppressed by rock bee honey (p<0.01). Honey was also found to have inhibited the production of OVA-specific IgM, IgA, IgG(1), and IgG(2b) whereas that of IgG(2a) and IgG(3) were not affected. Furthermore, honey also suppressed the OVA-specific total IgG antibody response in various inbred mice with different genetic background. In addition, the suppressive activity of honey was examined in different groups of mice by injecting honey at different time intervals, before and after immunization with OVA. The anti-OVA IgG antibody response was suppressed significantly when honey was injected 12 hours prior/latter to OVA injection. These results confirm the suppressive activity of honey on antibody response and suggest possible clinical application.

Association of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism with development of acute leukemia

BACKGROUND:

CYP3A5 was observed to be an important genetic contributor to inter individual differences in CYP3A-dependent drug metabolism in acute leukemic patients. Loss of CYP3A5 expression was mainly conferred by a single nucleotide polymorphism at 6986A>G (CYP3A5*3). We investigated the association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and acute leukemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Two hundred and eighty nine acute leukemia cases comprising of 145 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 144 acute myeloid leukemia and 241 control samples were analyzed for CYP3A5*3 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP method. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version (15.0) to detect the association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and acute leukemia.

RESULTS:

The CYP3A5*3 polymorphism 3/3 genotype was significantly associated with acute leukemia development (χ²- 133.53; df-2, P 0.000). When the data was analyzed with respect to clinical variables, mean WBC, blast % and LDH levels were increased in both ALL and AML cases with 3/3 genotype. The epidemiological variables did not contribute to the genotype risk to develop either AML or ALL.

CONCLUSION:

The results suggest that the CYP3A5*3 polymorphism might confer the risk to develop ALL or AML emphasizing the significance of effective phase I detoxification in carcinogenesis. Association of the polymorphism with clinical variables indicate that the 3/3 genotype might also contribute to poorer survival of the patients.

Observations on some chemical and physical characteristics of buffalo meat

Proximate composition, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions of buffalo meat were similar to those of beef. Buffalo meat was also rich in lysine. Meat from young animals had a lower collagen content than that from old ones. As the temperature of holding the carcasses was increased, the rate of pH fall was faster. Meat from stressed animals showed a higher ultimate pH. Percentage of cooking loss and thermal shrinkage was higher in muscles of old animals than in young ones, which probably reflected the poor condition of the older animals. Meat cooked by pressure cooking showed lower Warner-Bratzler shear values as compared with meat cooked in boiling water.

Cell-mediated immune response to epitopic MAP (multiple antigen peptide) construct of LcrV antigen of Yersinia pestis in murine model

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. Cellular immunity seems to play an important role in defense against this disease. The subunit vaccine based on V (Lcr V) antigen has been proved to be immunogenic in animals and in humans. The multiple antigen peptide (MAP), incorporating all the relevant B and T cell epitopes is highly immunogenic in mice through intranasal route of immunization in PLGA particles containing CpG-ODN as an immunoadjuvant inducing humoral and mucosal immune response. In the present study, cell-mediated immune response using same MAP was studied in murine model. Primary and memory T cell responses were studied in outbred and inbred mice immunized intranasally with MAP in the presence of two immunoadjuvants (Murabutide and CpG-ODN). All the three compartments (Spleen, Lamina propria and Peyer's patches) of the lymphoid system showed increased lymphoproliferative response. Highest lymphoproliferative response was observed especially with CpG-ODN. Cytokine profile in the culture supernatant showed highest Th(1) and Th(17) levels. FACS analysis showed expansion of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells producing gamma-interferon, perforin and granzyme-B with major contribution from CD4(+) T cells.

PvuII polymorphism of estrogen receptor-α gene in breast cancer

BACKGROUND:

Estrogen receptor (ER) is a ligand-inducible transcription factor that mediates estrogen action in target tissue. Several common polymorphisms of the ERα gene have been reported to be associated with alterations in receptor expression in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A case-control study was designed to compare 250 breast cancer patients with 250 age-matched healthy controls. The frequency distribution of PvuII polymorphism in the ERα gene was assessed by PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS:

The frequency of the PP genotype (35.3%) was increased significantly in breast cancer patients when compared to controls (19.8%), with a corresponding increase in P allele frequency (χ²= 16.4; P = 0.0003). The OR for genotypes PP vs. Pp was 1.989 (95% CI: 1.2708 to 3.113). Premenopausal women with breast cancer had an elevated frequency of the PP genotype (22.8%) as compared to postmenopausal women (16.8%). The frequency of the PP genotype was increased in patients positive for ER and HER-2/neu as compared to those with receptor-negative status. The pp and p allele frequencies were increased in progesterone-receptor-negative status. When stage of the disease was considered, both Pp and pp genotype frequencies were elevated in patients with advanced stage breast cancer. The frequency of the P allele and PP genotype frequencies tended to increase with increase in body mass index, whereas the Pp genotype frequency was elevated only in obese patients. The reverse was observed in the case of pp genotype frequency.

CONCLUSION:

The study thus highlighted the influence of ERα PvuII polymorphism on the development and progression of breast cancer.

Th3 immune responses in the progression of leprosy via molecular cross-talks of TGF-β, CTLA-4 and Cbl-b

Leprosy is a chronic human disease; primarily affecting skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, testis etc. Comprehensive-expressional-profiling of Th1-Th2-Th3 associated markers (84 genes) using qRT-PCR array, negated the previously prevailing notion, Th2 bias towards multibacillary stage of leprosy. High production TGF-β further supported the dearth of any immune response(s) in leprosy progression. Over expression of Cbl-b, could emerge as plausible reason for contributing T cell hyporesponsiveness, possibly by degradation of T cells signaling molecules. Anti-TGF-β treatments further confirm the TGF-β-dependent-Cbl-b overexpression in multibacillary patients. Diminished Cbl-b expression in CTLA-4 knockout studies using siRNA, provided other evidence towards T cell hyporesponsiveness. Further, high T cell proliferation and IL-2 production in PBMC cultures treated with anti-TGF-β and siRNA offers here a strategy to revert T cell hyporesponsiveness by downregulating Cbl-b expression in leprosy. Thus, this study negates Th2 bias and substantiates molecular cross-talk amongst TGF-β-CTLA-4-Cbl-b eventually leads to M. leprae persistence.

Disruption of HLA-DR raft, deregulations of Lck-ZAP-70-Cbl-b cross-talk and miR181a towards T cell hyporesponsiveness in leprosy

Leprosy, a chronic human disease, results from infection of Mycobacterium leprae. Defective CMI and T cell hyporesponsiveness are the major hallmark of M. leprae pathogenesis. The present study demonstrates immunological-deregulations that eventually lead to T cell anergy/hyporesponsiveness in M. lepare infection. We firstly, evaluated the membrane fluidity and antigen-presenting-lipid-raft (HLA-DR) on macrophages of leprosy patients using fluorescence anisotropy and confocal microscopy, respectively. Increased membrane fluidity and raft-out localizations of over-expressed HLA-DR towards BL/LL pole are pinpointed as major defects, may be leading to defective antigen presentation in leprosy. Furthermore, altered expression and localization of Lck, ZAP-70, etc. and their deregulated cross talks with negative regulators (CD45, Cbl-b and SHP2) turned out to be the major putative reason(s) leading to T cell hyporesponsiveness in leprosy. Deregulations of Lck-ZAP-70 cross-talk in T cells were found to be associated with cholesterol-dependent-dismantling of HLA-DR rafts in macrophages in leprosy progression. Increased molecular interactions between Cbl-b and Lck/ZAP-70 and their subsequent degradation via ubiquitinization pathway, as result of high expression of Cbl-b, were turned out to be one of the principal underlying reason leading to T cell anergy in leprosy patients. Interestingly, overexpression of SHP2 due to gradual losses of miR181a and subsequent dephosphorylation of imperative T cell signaling molecules were emerged out as another important reason associated with prevailing T cell hyporesponsiveness during leprosy progression. Thus, this study for the first time pinpointed overexpression of Cbl-b and expressional losses of miR-181 as important hallmarks of progression of leprosy.

Codon 72 and G13964C intron 6 polymorphisms of TP53 in relation to development and progression of breast cancer in India

The p53 protein is at the center of cell regulatory pathways influencing transcription and activity of several replication and transcription factors. In exon 4 of the gene TP53, a codon 72 polymorphism causing an Arg/Pro substitution has been reported in breast and other cancers. This substitution is in the putative SH3 binding domain of p53 protein, influencing binding capacity and thereby functional properties. In the present investigation of a relatively large series of cases in India, the frequency of the homozygous arginine genotype (33.2%) was significantly higher in the breast cancer group as compared to controls (19.6%), χ2 =11.791 (P=0.003). Patients with premenopausal breast cancer had a more elevated frequency (41.1%) than postmenopausal cases (25.4%) although the genotype frequency distribution did not show significant variation with respect to hormonal receptor status. Elevation was greatest in patients in advanced stages of cancer. The hetrozygote frequency (Arg/Pro) was also found to be increased in overweight and obese women with breast cancer. TP53 codon 72 polymorphism might predispose individual for the development of breast cancer as well as to bad prognosis. Intronic variants may affect gene regulation through aberrant splicing or through disruption of critical DNA-protein interaction. While no significant association was observed with relation to CC genotype as well as C allele of G13964C intron polymorphism with breast cancer, the C allele frequency showed association with respect to other risk confounding factors which might play role in progression of breast cancer.

Induction of cell-mediated immune responses to peptide antigens of P. vivax in microparticles using intranasal immunization

T-cells play a critical role in resistance to malaria, not only because they function as helper cells for an antibody response, but also because they serve as effector cells. Such cellular immunity is directly implicated in protection from sporozoites as well as from blood stage parasites. The aim of this study was to induce cell mediated immune responses to peptide antigens of Plasmodium vivax co-encapsulated with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) in microparticles. In the present study, we have investigated the immunomodulatory effects of two CpG adjuvants, CpG 1826 and CpG 2006 to the five peptide antigens of Plasmodium vivax derived from circumsporozoite protein, merozoite surface protein-1, apical membrane antigen-1 and gametocyte surface antigen (Pvs24) in microparticle delivery. The T-cell proliferation response study of the cells collected from spleen, lamina propria and peyer's patches showed significantly high (p<0.001) stimulation index when primed with peptide antigens in microparticles co-encapsulating CpG ODN adjuvant as compared to peptide alone primed mice. The cytokine measurement profile of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in culture supernatants of cells primed with peptide antigens in microparticles co-encapsulating CpG ODN showed higher levels of IFN- gamma followed by TNF-alpha and IL-2, with relatively low levels of IL-4 and IL-10.

Protective effect of resveratrol and vitamin E against ethanol-induced oxidative damage in mice: biochemical and immunological basis

The metabolism of ethanol gives rise to the generation of excess amounts of reactive oxygen species and is also associated with immune dysfunction. We examined the efficacy of resveratrol and vitamin E on the immunomodulatory activity and vascular function in mice with liver abnormalities induced by chronic ethanol consumption by measuring the protein, liver-specific transaminase enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymes such as reduced glutathione (GSH) content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level, nitrite level, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in mice blood. Ethanol (1.6 g/kg body wt/day) exposure for 12 wks significantly increased TBARS and nitrite levels and GST activity, and significantly decreased GSH content and the activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx in whole blood hemolyzate of 8-10 wks-old male BALB/c mice (weighing 20-30 g). Ethanol exposure also elevated the activities of transaminase enzymes (AST and ALT), IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, VEGF-A and TGF-beta1, while decreasing the albumin concentration and IL-4 activity in the serum. Both resveratrol (5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and vitamin E (80 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) treatment significantly reduced AST, ALT, GST, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, VEGF-A and TGF-beta1 activities and levels of TBARS and nitrite, and elevated albumin content, GSH level and activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx, compared to ethanol-treated group. Thus, results from the study demonstrated that both resveratrol (5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and vitamin E (80 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) can effectively ameliorate ethanol (1.6 g kg(-1) day(-1))-induced oxidative challenges, immunomodulatory activity and angiogenesis processes.

Association of a CYP17 gene polymorphism with development of breast cancer in India

The human CYP17 gene, located on chromosome 10q24.3, plays a key role in sex steroid synthesis, mainly related to estrogen. A 5' UTR polymorphism involving a single base pair change in the promoter region results in increased transcriptional activity. In the present study of 250 breast cancer cases and 250 ma tched controls, the A1 genotype frequency was elevated in the disease group, while the A2 genotype frequency demonstrated no association. When data were stratified by risk conferring group, however, the A2 genotype frequency was increased in postmenopausal breast cancer cases (4.2%), patients positive for a family history of breast cancer (5.5%), high BMI, estrogen receptor (6.2%) and progesterone receptor negative (5.0%) status, HER2/neu positive (7.7%) status, positive node status (5.0%) as well as advanced stage of the disease. The A1A1 genotype linked with increased production of androgens might impact on onset of breast cancer while the A2 allele showed associations with respect to important risk conferring parameters.

Association of an MDR1 gene (C3435T) polymorphism with acute leukemia in India

The multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene product P-glycoprotein is a membrane bound protein that functions as an ATP-dependent efflux pump, transporting exogenous and endogenous substrates from the cells. Since it plays an important role in chemotherapy, there is an increasing interest in the possible significance of genetic variation in MDR1. Our main objective was to study the MDR1gene polymorphism at C3435T with reference to development and progression of acute leukemia. The present study included 290 acute leukemia cases, comprising of 147 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 143 acute myeloid leukemia and 249 age-sex matched control samples for the analysis of MDR1 C3435T polymorphism, by the PCR-RFLP method. The MDR1 genotype distribution revealed an elevated frequency of the TT genotype in ALL cases (51.7%) as compared to controls (28.9%), whereas AML group did not show any association. The mean white blood cell count, blast% and LDH levels were increased in ALL patients with the CC genotype. No deviation was observed with respect to hematoglobin, platelet count and disease free survival in ALL patients. The association of CC genotype with clinical variables in ALL indicated that the CC genotype with high expression might be eliminating antileukemic drugs (anthracyclines, Daunorubicin, Vincristeine, Mitoxanthrone) which are P-gp substrates, leading to lower intra cellular drug concentrations and a poor prognosis. Such an association with the CC genotype was not observed in AML. In conclusion, these results suggested that the MDR1 TT genotype might influence risk of development of acute lympoblastic leukemia and the CC genotype might be linked to a poor prognosis of ALL.

Association of the GSTP1 gene (Ile105Val) polymorphism with chronic myeloid leukemia

The GSTP1 enzyme plays a key role in biotransformation and bioactivation of certain environmental pollutants such as benzo[a]pyrene-7, 8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) and other diol epoxides of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It catalyses the detoxification of base propanols that arise from DNA oxidation thus offering cellular protection against oxidative stress. A single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 105 results in the substitution of isoleucine (Ile) to valine (Val) causing a metabolically less active variant of the enzyme. We here assessed the impact of the GSTP1 codon 105 polymorphism in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) development and therapy response. The Ile105Val polymorphism was analyzed using a PCR-RFLP technique. Two hundred and sixty patients with CML and 248 healthy, age and sex matched controls were included in the study of associations with patient characteristics and treatment outcome. The GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism was significantly associated with CML development (?2 = 9.57; df = 2; p = 0.0084). With respect to clinical phase, CML patients in advanced phase (accelerated and blast crisis) had higher frequency of heterozygous (Ile/Val) genotype (47.62%) compared to chronic phase (36.5%). Further 54.5% of patients in blast crisis carried valine allele as compared to those in chronic phase (36.5%). The frequency of combined genotypes (Ile/Val, Val/Val) was elevated in cytogenetic poor (41.6%) and minor (53.57%) responders as compared to major (38.51%) responders. Hence the present study suggests that GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism with reduced GSTP1 enzyme activity might influence CML development, progression and response rates.

Analysis of CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A5*6 gene polymorphisms in Indian chronic myeloid leukemia patients

CYP3A5 is a member of the CYP3A gene family which metabolizes 50% of therapeutic drugs and steroid hormones. CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A5*6 polymorphisms exhibit inter-individual differences in CYP3A5 expression. The CYP3A5*3 allele (A6986G transition in intron 3) results in loss of CYP3A5 expression and the CYP3A5*6 allele (G14690A transition in exon 2, leading to the skipping of exon 7) is associated with lower CYP3A5 catalytic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate their influence on susceptibility to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). 265 CML cases and 241 age and sex matched healthy controls were analyzed by the PCR-RFLP technique. The frequencies of homozygous 3/3 genotype and CYP3A5*3 allele were elevated significantly in the CML group compared to controls (χ²=93.15, df=2, p=0.0001). With respect to clinical parameters, CYP3A5*3 allele frequency was increased in patients with advanced phase of the disease (0.71) as compared to those in chronic phase (0.65). Patients without hematological response (minor/poor) had higher frequency of 3/3 genotype (54.54%) as compared to those with major hematological response (41.2%). CYP3A5*6 allele was not observed in cases as well as in controls. Our study suggests that the CYP3A5*3 gene polymorphism is significantly associated with the risk of CML development and disease progression.

Induction of mucosal and systemic humoral immune responses in murine system by intranasal immunization with peptide antigens of P. vivax and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) in microparticle delivery

In the present study we have investigated the immunomodulatory effects of two adjuvants, CpG 1826 (two copies of CpG motifs) and CpG 2006 (three copies of CpG motifs) to the five peptide antigens of Plasmodium vivax derived from circumsporozoite protein (CSP), merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP1#1, MSP1#23), apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) and gametocyte surface antigen (Pvs24) in alum and microparticle formulations, using intramuscular and intranasal routes of immunization. Alum formulation without CpG ODN generated low serum IgG and IgA antibody titers and the predominant IgG isotypes were IgG1 but with the addition of CpG ODN (1826 or 2006), the antibody titers were increased by four fold with the predominance of IgG2a/2b isotypes. The SIgA peak titers in lung and intestinal washes were significantly increased with the intranasal mode of administration. Specific activity measurement was done to calculate for the accurate amounts of total serum IgG, IgA and SIgA in washes and showed direct correlation between antibody titer and its concentration. High titer anti-Pvs24 antibodies have significant inhibitory effects on parasite development in the mosquito midgut when tested in membrane feeding assays. The immunofluorescence results show that the peptide specific antisera reacted with the air-dried parasite antigens isolated from P. vivax patients. The present study demonstrates that intranasal route of immunization appears to be an alternate mode of inducing protective immunity in P. vivax malaria.

Association of CYP1A1*2 polymorphisms with breast cancer risk: a case control study

BACKGROUND

The Cytochrome P-4501A1 (CYP1A1) gene, located on chromosome 15q, is involved in the metabolism of carcinogens mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as estrogen. It is considered as candidate gene for low-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility. Hence the present study aims to discuss the role of CYP1A1 polymorphisms in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 250 breast cancer patients and the same number of healthy age-matched controls were analyzed for the polymorphism of CYP1A1*2 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

In the present study, association of CYP1A1*2 (Ile 462Val) polymorphism with breast cancer was studied. Only one breast cancer patient was observed to be homozygous for Val allele but none among controls. The frequency of heterozygous Ile/Val genotype was found to be increased significantly in breast cancer patients (68.1%) as compared to controls (51.0%). Higher frequency of heterozygotes for Val allele was observed among premenopausal breast cancer patients and patients with high BMI, positive for HER2/neu status and advanced stage of the disease in comparison to the corresponding groups. No significant association of CYP1A1*2 polymorphism was observed with occupation, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status of breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggest a significant correlation between CYP1A1*2 expression and the occurrence of breast cancer.

Molecular mechanisms in response to phosphate starvation in rice

Phosphorus is one of the most important elements that significantly affect plant growth and metabolism. Among the macro-nutrients, phosphorus is the least available to the plants as major phosphorus content of the fertiliser is sorbed by soil particles. An increased knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms controlling plant's phosphorus status is vital for improving phosphorus uptake and P-use efficiency and for reducing excessive input of fertilisers, while maintaining an acceptable yield. Phosphorus use efficiency has been studied using forward and reverse genetic analyses of mutants, quantitative genomic approaches and whole plant physiology but all these studies need to be integrated for a clearer understanding. We provide a critical overview on the molecular mechanisms and the components involved in the plant during phosphorus starvation. Then we summarize the information available on the genes and QTLs involved in phosphorus signalling and also the methods to estimate total phosphate in plant tissue. Also, an effort is made to build a comprehensive picture of phosphorus uptake, homeostasis, assimilation, remobilization, its deposition in the grain and its interaction with other micro- and macro-nutrients as well as phytohormones.

Time-dependent effects of ethanol on blood oxidative stress parameters and cytokines

Alcohol consumption is implicated in the genesis of a spectrum of liver abnormalities, which are associated with a number of factors. In the present study, time-dependent effects of ethanol on cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-gamma, VEGF-A and TGF-beta1) in serum, and blood oxidative stress parameters such as reduced glutathione content, TBARS level and activities of GPx, GR, GST, catalase and SOD in 8-10 weeks-old male BALB/c mice have been investigated. Ethanol administered @ 1.6 g/kg body wt/day significantly increased the activities of liver marker enzymes AST, ALT and ALP. Serum nitrite levels and haemolysate TBARS level also increased, while total antioxidant status in serum and GSH content in whole blood hemolysate decreased from 4th week onwards of exposure. In spite of the increased serum nitrite level and GST activity in the haemolysate, albumin level in serum, GPx and GR activities in haemolysate decreased after 12 weeks of exposure. Chronic ethanol treatment did not show any effect on IL-2, but IL-4 level was reduced and other cytokines such as IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta1 and VEGF-A levels were increased significantly after 12 weeks. The study indicates a relationship between free radical generation and immune response, and suggests that ethanol-induced liver damage is associated with oxidative stress and immunological alterations in a time-dependent manner.

Suppressive effect of strychnos nux-vomica on induction of ovalbumin-specific IgE antibody response in mice

Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (SNV; Loganiaceae), a medicinal plant has been used as folk medicine for alleviating inflammation, joint pains and allergic symptoms. In the present study, we examined its possible immunomodulatory effect on induction of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE antibody response in a murine model, as evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). The OVA-specific IgE antibody response was significantly suppressed in BALB/c mice (H-2d), following intraperitoneal administration of aqueous stem extract of the plant along with OVA. Furthermore, the different doses of SNV extract were found to significantly suppress the induction of OVA-specific IgE antibody response. The anti-OVA IgE antibody response was suppressed in different haplotypes of mice viz., C57BL/6 (H-2b) and SWR/J (H-29). However, preliminary findings revealed no significant change in the total IgG antibody response against OVA, as evaluated by ELISA. These results confirm the suppressive activity of S. nux-vomica on allergen-specific IgE antibody response and suggest its possible application in allergic conditions.

KEYWORDS

Strychnlos nux-vomica, Immunomodulation, Immunosuppression, IgE antibody response, Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, ELISA

Inhibition of apoptosis, activation of NKT cell and upregulation of CD40 and CD40L mediated by M. leprae antigen(s) combined with Murabutide and Trat peptide in leprosy patients

Protective immunity against intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae is dependent on the activation of T cells. Repeated stimulation of T cells by M. leprae antigens MLCwA (M. leprae total cell wall antigen) and ManLAM (mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan), may lead to apoptosis in leprosy patients. In the present study, inhibition of the Fas-induced apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of leprosy patients was investigated using above M. leprae antigen(s), in combination with immunomodulators murabutide (MB) and a Trat peptide in particulate form (liposome). Incubation of the cells with antigen containing the two immunomodulators in particulate form (liposomes) led to decrease in percentage of propidium iodide positive cells and T cells expressing Fas-FasL as well as decreased caspase-8/-3 activities in lepromatous patients, thereby inhibiting apoptosis, while converse was true upon stimulation with soluble antigen. Concurrently, there was an upregulation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL in lepromatous patients, leading to the inhibition of apoptosis. It was also observed that same formulation upregulated the expression of CD40 on B cells and monocytes-macrophages and CD40L on T cells of lepromatous leprosy patients. The same liposomal formulation significantly increased the expression of CD1b and CD1d on monocytes-macrophages as well as percentage of NKT cells secreting IFN-gamma in lepromatous leprosy patients. Thus, the liposomal formulation of antigen with the immunomodulators in vitro promoted the activation of CD40:CD40L pathways and NKT cell function involved in providing cell-mediated immunity to these patients. The same formulation also caused reversal of T cell anergy by inhibiting apoptosis through decreased expression of death receptors (Fas-FasL) and caspase activities (3 and 8) and increased expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL in these patients.

Liposomal delivery of Mycobacterium leprae antigen(s) with murabutide and Trat peptide inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from leprosy patients

Protective immunity against intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae is dependent on the activation of T cells. Repeated stimulation of T cells by M. leprae antigens MLCwA (M. leprae total cell wall antigen) and ManLAM (mannose capped lipoarabinomannan) may lead to apoptosis in leprosy patients. In the present study, inhibition of the Fas-induced apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of leprosy patients was investigated using above M. leprae antigen(s), in combination with immunomodulators murabutide (MB) and a Trat peptide in particulate form (liposome). Incubation of the cells with particulate mode of antigen presentation led to both decreased percentage of propidium iodide (PI) positive cells and T cells expressing Fas-FasL, as well as decreased caspase-8/-3 activities in the lepromatous patients, thereby inhibiting apoptosis, while converse was true with stimulation with soluble antigen. Concurrently, there was an upregulation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) in the lepromatous patients, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, the liposomal formulation of antigen promoted proliferation of anergized T cell by inhibiting apoptosis through decreased expression of death receptors and caspase activities and increased expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) in these patients.

Size dependent multiphoton absorption and refraction of CdSe nanoparticles

We report a systematic investigation on nonlinear optical properties of CdSe nanoparticles that are smaller as well as larger than the Bohr radius. Multiphoton absorption and nonlinear refraction properties of CdSe nanoparticles observed with 800nm wavelength and 110femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser are presented. These nonlinear optical studies were undertaken by performing open and closed aperture Z-scan measurements. The four different sizes of CdSe nanoparticles investigated are 5nm, 10nm, 25nm and 400nm. Both the quantum dots 5nm, 10nm sizes (taking the literature value of 10.6nm as the Bohr exciton diameter) show four photon absorption (4PA), while the 25nm and 400nm show the three photon absorption (3PA) properties. All four sizes of CdSe nanoparticles show the positive nonlinear refraction (n2).