Functional Activity of Blood Neutrophils in Patients with Stable Course and Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

We performed a comparative study of the parameters of chemiluminescence of blood neutrophils in patients with different severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in its different periods. The maximum values of induced and spontaneous chemiluminescence were recorded at moderate severity of the disease during exacerbation. Low levels of chemiluminescence indicators were found in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the stable phase. The values of the induction period of the chemiluminescent response in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were higher than in the control group. Correlations between the values of induced chemiluminescence of neutrophils and the respiration function parameter FEV1 were established, which may indicate the influence of multidirectional changes in the functional activity of systemic neutrophils on the development and worsening of airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Modern Concept of Molecular Diagnostics of Allergy to Dogs

The number of people suffering from allergies is increasing worldwide every year. With the prevalence of domestic animals, especially dogs, allergens associated with them can be found ubiquitously, thereby increasing the risk of anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. Currently, there are 8 known dog allergens, but not all of them have been thoroughly studied. The commonly used skin prick tests often fall short and fail to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition, thus making allergy diagnosis challenging. Fortunately, the introduction of new allergy diagnostic methods has made it possible to accurately identify clinically significant allergens for patients. These findings can then be used to prescribe appropriate therapy or provide specific recommendations to the patients. This review focuses on the most important dog allergens and modern allergy diagnostic techniques that are gradually being incorporated into medical practice, thus expanding the capabilities of allergists.

[Efficacy of dupilumab in real practice in the treatment of severe forms of asthma and atopic dermatitis (comparative retrospective study)]

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the common α-subunit of interleukin (IL)-4 receptors and blocking signaling from both IL-4 and IL-13, may be recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and bronchial asthma (BA).

AIM

To perform a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of maintenance therapy with dupilumab in patients with severe BA as the main indication for genetically engineered biological drugs and in patients with severe asthma with concomitant severe AD as the indication for targeted therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 6-month retrospective comparative study was performed at the specialized reference center for allergology and immunology. The study included 115 adult patients of both sexes treated with dupilumab for uncontrolled severe asthma as the main indication for targeted therapy (BA group; n=65) or for a combination of severe uncontrolled asthma and severe AD (BAAD; n=50). Dupilumab was administered subcutaneously for 6 months. The first dose was 600 mg once and then 300 mg Q2W. Evaluation of the effectiveness of dupilumab therapy at 6 months of treatment in both groups included achieving asthma control (ACT, ACQ5), improving pulmonary function test, reducing the risk of exacerbations and the need for systemic glucocorticosteroids (SGCS), improving quality of life (AQLQ), change of biomarkers (FeNO, eosinophil count) and the course of comorbid diseases, including improvement in the AD (SCORAD, EASI) and rhinosinusitis polyposa (SNOT-22).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

During dupilumab therapy, in a significant proportion of patients, regardless of the presence or absence of other T2-associated diseases (e.g., AD or rhinosinusitis polyposa), an improvement in asthma was demonstrated as early as in the first 6 months of treatment with dupilumab in all recommended domains for assessing the response to targeted therapy: improving asthma control and respiratory function, reducing the frequency of moderate and severe exacerbations associated with the use of SGCS and/or hospitalization, a positive effect on the quality of life and the comorbid diseases, as well as a cumulative reduction in the need for SGCS.

Cognitive Impairments in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

The course of bronchial asthma can be accompanied by cognitive impairments. However, the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and asthma has not been fully revealed, nor has it been fully established what causes cognitive impairments in patients with asthma. There is an opinion that transient hypoxia and persistent systemic inflammation with insufficient control of bronchial asthma can be accompanied by neurotoxicity in relation to the hippocampus and indirectly lead to deterioration of cognitive functions. Comorbid conditions, such as obesity, allergic rhinitis, and depressive states can increase cognitive dysfunction in asthmatics. The review considers the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in patients with bronchial asthma, as well as the impact of comorbid conditions on the cognitive status. This information will allow systematizing the available knowledge about the state of cognitive functions in asthma for timely detection and correction of their impairments and, ultimately, optimization of the management of these patients.

Effect of Tilorone on the Dynamics of Viral Load and the Levels of Interferons and Interleukin-1β in the Lung Tissue and Blood Serum of Mice with Experimental Influenza

We studied the effect of tilorone on the dynamics of IFNα, IFNγ, and IL-1β levels in the lung tissue and blood serum in relation to viral load in the lungs of BALB/c mice with pneumonia caused by influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2). Tilorone was administered per os in doses of 40, 150, and 540 μg per mouse 6, 30, and 78 h postinfection, which simulated the drug regimen used in the clinic for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in Russia and post-Soviet countries. Tilorone reduced viral load with the maximum amplitude (2-3 lg) after 1-2 administrations. The results of studying the dynamics of the cytokine levels in the infected animals in general support the previous hypothesis that, in repeated dosing, tilorone enhances the IFN response (compensates for its deficiency) at the early stages of acute respiratory viral infections and suppresses (damps) excessive production of IFN and proinflammatory cytokines at the later stages.

Digital analysis and quantitative assessment of the cervical surface with dysplasia

The investigation aims - a quantitative assessment of cervical surface changes with digital analysis and computer technologies in dysplasia. Colposcopy was made in 90 women from 21 to 52 years (avr. age 33,9±8,13 y.o.) with mild epithelial dysplasia (CIN1), moderate dysplasia (CIN2), severe dysplasia (CIN3). The algorithm detected indicators which provide the cervical dysplasia classification on pre cytological and pre molecular-genetic patients investigations. The outcome of an algorithm was the identification of the cervix surface condition severity by an objective quantification. The cervical dysplasia type (CIN) was classified as IndGV values. The mild dysplasia (CIN1) had IndGV=8,5, moderate dysplasia (CIN2) - IndGV=13, severe dysplasia (CIN3) - IndGV=15,6. The cervical affected surface area (IndInt) equalled 0,17 in CIN1, 0,19 in CIN2, 0,22 in CIN3. A change severity has a direct relation with a grey color value. It demonstrates quantify classification in digital analysis. The algorithm is used in real-time mode and no requires considerable material outlays. This makes it possible to use an algorithm after clinical examination and predict patient management.

Determination of Bactericidal Activity Spectrum of Recombinant Endolysins of ECD7, Am24, Ap22, Si3, and St11 Bacteriophages

The bactericidal activity of recombinant endolysins LysECD7, LysAm24, LysAp22, LysSi3 and LysSt11 was assayed in multidrug resistant strains (n=120) of Salmonella enterica, E. coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Campylobacter jejuni. The assay showed that the recombinant endolysins had a wide spectrum of bactericidal activity compared to endolysins of their progenitor phages. Among examined endolysins, we selected the active pharmaceutical substances with broad spectrum of bactericidal activity. Most strains were sensitive to LysECD7 (70.7%), LysAm24 (65%), and LysAp22 (58.6%), which seems to be promising causative agents for the development of finished dosage form.

[BCG, muramylpeptides, trained immunity (part II): a low molecular weight alternative to multicomponent bacterial immunostimulants for prevention of respiratory infections during a pandemic]

During a pandemic, nonspecific immunoprophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other acute respiratory infections (ARI), which can worsen the course of COVID-19, is increasingly in demand in addition to specific immunization. BCG vaccine appears to be one of the candidate immunostimulants in this regard. At the same time, other microbe-derived preparations capable of inducing a state of trained immunity deserve attention. BCG and other bacterial immunostimulatory agents containing a large number of biologically active subunits have long been considered as objects of search for promising pharmacological substances. The review analyzes the linkages between BCG, mycobacterial adjuvants, bacterial lysates, trained immunity, muramylpeptides (MPs) and NOD2 receptors in light of the choice of a low molecular weight alternative to multicomponent bacterial immunostimulants for ARI prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search for key molecules by which bacteria stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses proceeds in a spiral. On different loops of this spiral, MPs have repeatedly reproduced the nonspecific effects of multicomponent bacterial adjuvants, vaccines and immunostimulants. MPs and peptidoglycans containing MPs determine the adjuvant properties of the cell walls of mycobacteria and their peptide-glycolipid fraction (wax D). MPs were able to replace Mycobacterium tuberculosis in complete Freunds adjuvant. MPs determine the NOD2-dependent ability of BCG to induce trained immunity. Probably, MPs provide NOD2-mediated long-term prophylactic action of bacterial lysates. All of the above has prompted revisiting the previously obtained evidence of the efficacy of glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide (GMDP) as a NOD2 agonist in treatment/prevention of respiratory infections. We speculate here that MPs, in particular GMDP, at rational dosing regimens will be able to reproduce many aspects of the nonspecific effects of BCG and multicomponent bacterial immunostimulants in preventing ARI during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic period.

[Discriminant analysis in establishing the relationship of pathogenetic mechanisms of gestational complications in urogenital infection in pregnant women.]

The aim of the work - to establish the interconnection and interdependence of toll-like mediated pathogenetic mechanisms of urogenital infection in pregnant women from the position of epigenomics. Using discriminant analysis in 89 patients with urogenital infection in pregnant women for the first time was established a reliable evidence-based relationship and interdependence between mucosal immunity, the severity of the infectious process, clinical manifestations, symptoms of miscarriage in the background of simultaneous development of the infectious process and pregnancy. For urgent delivery (infection), urgent childbirth (infection and clinical manifestation) and premature birth, mucosal immunity determines the severity of anti-infective resistance (with increasing mucosal immunity oppression of infectious process and clinical manifestations is logged , and its decrease increases the severity of infection process and clinical manifestations); the inhibition of mucosal immunity prevails over its hyperreaction (inhibition of mucosal immunity is determined by the physiological immunodepression in response to the development of pregnancy, as well as in response to herpes virus infection when activated); the severity of the infectious process depends on the severity of clinical manifestations and symptoms of miscarriage. During miscarriage mucosal immunity provides the pathophysiological course of infectious process and the clinical manifestations and development of symptoms of misacrriage; increasing levels of mucosal immunity to hyperreaction contributes to the development of symptoms of abortion and miscarriage; not registered mutual influence of oppression, mucosal immunity and its hyperreaction; the severity of the infectious process does not depend on the severity of clinical signs and symptoms of miscarriage. In urgent childbirth (infection), the oppression of mucosal immunity does not affect the severity of clinical manifestations, symptoms of abortion and the infectious process. In urgent or premature birth, and termination of pregnancy, the oppression of mucosal immunity affects the severity of clinical manifestations, the severity of the infectious process and the symptoms of abortion; the severity of clinical manifestations and the severity of the symptoms of abortion are interrelated. In urgent birth (infection) mucosal immunity overreaction affects the severity of clinical manifestations, symptoms of miscarriage and infection; in case of term and preterm labour overreaction mucosal immunity on the severity of infection and symptoms of abortion and does not affect the severity of clinical manifestations and at the termination of a pregnancy mucosal immunity on the severity of the infectious process and does not affect the severity of clinical signs and symptoms of abortion. The levels of mucosal immunity inhibition, its hyperreaction, clinical manifestations, symptoms of pregnancy termination and the severity of the infectious process do not depend on the type of herpes simplex virus. In the absence of infection with herpes simplex virus in patients with urogenital infections of pregnant women, there is no mutual influence and the relationship between the oppression of mucosal immunity and hyperreaction of mucosal immunity, the oppression of mucosal immunity prevails over its hyperreaction. With increasing mucosal immunity oppression, increased anti-infectious resistance of the body (the decreased activity of the infectious process), and with its decrease decreased (increased activity of the infectious process). Hyperreaction of mucosal immunity influenced the severity of pregnancy termination symptoms, clinical manifestations and infectious process, and also determined the severity of pregnancy termination symptoms. The severity of the infectious process and clinical manifestations influenced the symptoms of abortion. The severity of the infectious process did not affect the clinical manifestations. During infection with herpes simplex virus type I or type I and II on the background prevalence of oppression mucosal immunity over hyperreaction mucosal immunity, the presence of relationships between them, and the impact of mucosal immunity on the severity of the infectious process and the clinical manifestations increase mucosal immunity has been shown to decrease the severity of infection and clinical manifestations (reduction of anti-infective resistance), while reducing mucosal immunity the severity of infection and clinical manifestations increased. Hyperreaction of mucosal immunity influenced the severity of pregnancy termination symptoms and determined the severity of pregnancy termination symptoms. The severity of the infectious process and clinical manifestations influenced the symptoms of abortion. The severity of clinical manifestations reflects the severity of the infectious process. In type I and type II of pregnancy, the level of mucosal immunity determines the anti-infectious resistance of the body in urogenital infection of pregnant women. Inhibition of mucosal immunity and its hyperreactions are interrelated, have an impact on each other, as a result of their integral interaction, increasing the levels of mucosal immunity leads to a decrease in the severity of clinical manifestations and the infectious process, reducing the levels of mucosal immunity contributes to the manifestation of clinical manifestations, as well as increasing the severity of the infectious process. Hyperreaction of mucosal immunity affects the severity of symptoms of abortion, infection and clinical manifestations. The infectious process and clinical manifestations determine the severity of the symptoms of abortion. In type III and type IV of pregnancy course, there is no mutual influence of mucosal immunity oppression and its hyperreaction. The levels of indicators of mucosal immunity oppression and its hyperreaction are interrelated; the increase in the severity of mucosal immunity oppression is accompanied by a decrease in clinical manifestations and severity of the infectious process and vice versa. Hyperreaction of mucosal immunity affects the severity of symptoms of abortion, infection and clinical manifestations. The infectious process determines the severity of the symptoms of abortion and clinical manifestations, acting as a leading component of gestational complications in urogenital infection of pregnant women. In the III type of pregnancy course oppression of mucosal immunity does not affect the severity of symptoms of miscarriage. In the IV type of pregnancy course, the levels of mucosal immunity oppression prevail over the indicators of mucosal immunity hyperreaction, which is due to the integral interaction of physiological inhibition of immunological reactivity of the organism in response to pregnancy and inhibition of immunological reactivity of the organism, accompanying the activation of infectious process of viral genesis. Hyperreaction of mucosal immunity determines the symptoms of abortion.

Serum Protein Corona Abolishes Changes in the Expression of Proinflammatory Genes Induced by Quantum Dots in Human Blood Mononuclear Cell

We studied changes in the transcription of genes encoding cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-32), cell activation markers (ICAM1, CD38, Fas, and FCGRIII), ROS production catalyst (NOX2), autophagy (Beclin 1, LC3B, and p62) and apoptosis (BAX, BCL2) regulators in peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon contact with quantum dots CdSe/ZnS-MPA and CdSe/CdSeZnS/ZnS-PTVP. Up-regulation of TNF, ICAM1, Fas, p62 mRNA and down-regulation of the FCGRIII and NOX2 mRNA in response to the presence of quantum dots were revealed. The formation of serum protein corona on the surface of quantum dots abolished this effect.

Analysis of the Pharmacokinetics of Suppository Forms of Bacteriophages

Pharmacokinetics of suppository forms of bacteriophages was studied on male Chinchilla rabbits. Suppositories with various composition of bacteriophages were administered once per rectum to rabbits, and the presence of phage particles was estimated in the blood, urine, and feces over 24 h. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the phages were detected in the blood, urine, and feces at various terms of the experiment irrespective of the size of viral particles, which confirmed the possibility of their systemic effects after rectal administration. Thus, the use of suppository form of bacteriophages can ensure the presence of phage particles even in infection foci that cannot directly contact with the preparation.

[Prediction of activity and severity of endocrine ophthalmopathy by multidimensional linear regression modeling]

Endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) is a severe chronic autoimmune disease associated with autoimmune thyroid pathology that leads to loss of sight, cosmetic defects and quality of life decrease. EOP is difficult to give prognosis for due to various factors affecting its course and outcome.

PURPOSE

To develop a reliable and precise prognosis method for EOP activity and severity based on personalized combination of risk factors in specific patients by multidimensional linear regression modeling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 139 patients (278 orbits) with newly diagnosed EOP associated with toxic diffuse goiter was observed during 1 year by an ophthalmologist and an endocrinologist; patient examination interval was 6 months. More than 250 indices were dynamically analyzed in the course of the study. Linear regression analysis was chosen as the research method; it allowed detection of linear dependencies between dependent and explanatory variables.

RESULTS

More than 600 various linear regression equations were derived that enabled prediction of EOP onset risk and development timeline, estimation of activity and/or severity of the disease, duration of active period in specific patients for the immediate and long-term outcome. From the derived models, the most reliable and safest for practical application were picked out. The present study introduces nine optimized models that can be used for patient follow-up since day one.

CONCLUSION

The onset risk, progression and outcome of the disease can be determined by a combination of factors revealed in the study.

Long-term effects of chromium on morphological and immunological parameters of Wistar rats

Hexavalent chromium raises high concern because of its wide industrial applications and reported toxicity. Long-term (135 days) oral exposure of Wistar rats to chromium in the form of K₂Cr₂O₇ (exposed group~20 mg/kg/day) led to a decrease in thymus mass and thymocytes' number and caused structural and functional changes in the lymph nodes and spleen, namely lymphoreticular hyperplasia and plasmocytic macrophage transformation. Programmed cell death was increased in both thymocytes and splenocytes and decreased in lymphocytes in the T-zones of spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, Cr (VI) administration decreased myeloid cells' and neutrophils' number, while it increased lymphoid and erythroid cells' number in bone marrow. Cr (VI) immune system effects seem to be related to oxidative stress induction, as depicted by the increased levels of diene conjugates and malondialdehyde in the spleen and liver and by the decreased activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in rats' erythrocytes. In addition, exposure to Cr (VI) decreased copper, nickel and iron concentrations in blood and liver, while Cr levels in blood, spleen and liver were increased, as expected. The observed changes in the series of immunological parameters studied contribute to the development of new approaches for the prevention of low level Cr exposure toxicity.

Experimental Substantiation of Application of Semax as a Modulator of Immune Reaction on the Model of "Social" Stress

We studied immunocorrecting effects of Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) on the model of "social" stress caused by sensory contact and intermale confrontation. Functional activity of the immune system of laboratory animals was evaluated in standard immunopharmacological tests: delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, direct agglutination test, latex test for studying phagocytic activity of peripheral blood neutrophils, changes in differential leukocyte count, and weight of immunocompetent organs. It was found that changes in the immune response caused by "social" stress are multidirectional, which confirms the theory of stress-induced "immune imbalance". Semax acted as effective immune corrector restoring cellular and humoral immunogenesis reactions and phagocytic activity of neutrophils. This attested to the presence of immunomodulating properties in Semax and necessitates further studies in this field.

Enhanced expression of TNF-α type-1 receptors by immune cells in active pulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and its inhibitors are involved in both defence against tuberculosis (TB) and damage to the host by TB. Notably, the change in receptor expression on cell density is a key mechanism in regulation of the biological properties of cytokines.

OBJECTIVE

To study the differences in TNF-α receptor (TNFR) expression in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (aPTB) in correlation with the parameters of disease severity.

METHODS

TNFR1/2 levels on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 45 patients with aPTB and 150 healthy controls were analysed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies and QuantiBRITE beads. Soluble TNFR1/2 and TNF-α in serum were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

TNFR1 expression in aPTB patients was increased in the main populations of immune cells. Patients who were Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture-positive on bronchoscopy had higher levels of the soluble forms of TNFR1 (sTNFR1) than M. tuberculosis-negative patients.

CONCLUSION

Active TB was shown to cause activation of different immune cell types by increasing TNFR1 expression on cells and reducing sTNFR1 expression compared with healthy controls. M. tuberculosis-positive patients with disseminated infection had the highest sTNFR1 serum level compared with other patients, but did not differ in receptor expression on PBMCs.

[Approaches to the estimation of some parameters of humoral and cellular immune response to bacteriophages.]

The aim of the study was to develop some approaches to evaluate the basic parameters of the humoral and cellular immune response to a bacteriophage, taking into account the multifactorial aspects of its interaction with both the pathogen and the macroorganism. The necessary reagents were obtained and a line of diagnostic ELISA test systems was designed to allow semi-quantitative assessment of the anti-bacteriophage IgG-antibody level in serum or other biological human fluids, as well as in preparations obtained from human blood. The need for neutralization reaction to determine the effect of detected antibodies on phage activity against a target bacterium has been proven. Testing the approaches used in the investigation of patients' blood sera showed that antibodies to bacteriophages synthesized during phage therapy are not always neutralizing. Also approaches have been developed to evaluate cell immunity reactions to bacteriophage namely to identify T-lymphocytes (T-helpers and cytotoxic lymphocytes) that can be activated in the presence of the phage under study (by expressing the early activation marker (CD69) and by the ability to produce IFNγ). Approbation of the technique in the study of lymphcytes in patients during phage therapy showed the presence of activated cells by both the CD69 expression and IFNγ production, the dynamics of which depended on the timing and frequency of therapy. The appearance of neutralizing anti-phage antibodies and corresponding activated T-lymphocytes should be taken into account in phage therapy, the effectiveness of which can directly depend not only on the activity of the phage against the target bacterium, but also on the response of the patient's immune system to the bacteriophage.

[Cancer-testis genes in colon cancer]

The expression of cancer-testis (CT) genes varies with tumor type. There are tumors with high, low, and intermediate gene expressions. Tumor cells of different origin are characterized by ST gene co-expression. The expression of ST genes increases in later stages of tumor development in the presence of metastases. In colon cancer, the tumor samples showed most frequently MAGE-A and SSX mRNA. The peripheral blood samples displayed most commonly XAGE, MAGE-C, and SSX mRNA. In patients with colon cancer, the expression of TSP50, MAGE-A(1-6), and SSX1,2,4 genes was associated with a poor prognosis, that of MAGE-C1 and XAGE1 was related to a favorable prognosis.

[The correlation of expression of MUC1, ICAM1, IL32, FcyR3A and FoxP3 in tumor niduses of patients with breast cancer]

The hypo-glycated mucin I (MUC I) frequently is redundantly expressed in cells of breast carcinoma that is considered as an unfavorable prognostic marker for patients with breast cancer. The purpose of study is to evaluate in tumor areas of patients with breast cancer the interrelationships between expression of MUC I and genes participating in implementation of immune reactions. The technique of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription in real-time was applied to investigate expression of genes of MUC I, Fas, ICAMI, FcyR3A, FcyR3B, FoxP3, IL2Ra, IL32 and TNF in tumor areas of 40 patients with breast cancer. The level of mRNA of each of analyzed genes was evaluated relatively to three genes of household. The rate of detection of mRNA MUC I amounted to 80%, mRNA Fas - 95%, mRNA ICAM I - 97.5%, mRNA FcyR3A - 95%, mRNA FcyR3B - 32.5%, mRNA FoxP3 - 85%, mRNA IL2Ra - 87.5%, mRNA IL32 - 75%, mRNA TNF - 95%. The direct correlation was established between levels of mRNA MUC I, ICAM I, IL32, FcyR3A and FoxP3. The most strong relationship was registered between levels of expression of genes MUC I and IL32 (r-0.72; p=0.0001). In comparison with MUC I negative breast carcinoma, MUC I positive breast carcinoma characterized by higher level of mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL32 and ЕТА, molecules of adhesion ICAM I and molecular marker of T-regulative cells FoxP3. The given profile of expression of genes in tumors of patients with breast cancer demonstrates relationship of expression of MUC I with inflammation and its modulation by T-regulative cells. The effect of expression of analyzed genes on phenotype of cancer cells and course of disease are discussed.

[COMPOSITION OF POPULATION OF DIPHTHERIA CAUSATIVE AGENT STRAINS IN RUSSIA]

AIM

Characteristics of clonal composition of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain population in Russia using MLST, as well as evaluation of a possibility of using of this method during execu- tion of monitoring of diphtheria infection causative agent strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C. diph- theriae strains, isolated in Russia in 1957 - 2015 and sent to Gabrichevsky MRIEM reference centre for diphtheria and pertussis, were studied. Gentyping of C. diphtheriae using MLST was carried out based on sequencing of <<housekeeping>> gene fragments. ST identification was carried out according to PubMLST Result. C. diphtheriae strains of 36 sequence-types (ST) were identi- fied on the territory of Russia - 27 previously known and 9 novel, detected for the first time. 2 sequence types ST25 and ST8 (22% and 18%) dominated. Inter-relation between phenotype. properties (toxigenicity. and biovar) and membership of C. diphtheriae strains in certain sequence- types was shown - toxigenic and non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains of various biovars were characterized by certain sequence-types. Changes of clonal composition of C. diphtheriae popula- tion in dynamics of epidemic process of diphtheria infection were.shown.

CONCLUSION

Use of MLST allowed to characterized clonal composition of C. diphtheriae strains' population in Russia and has shown perspectives of use of this method to characterize population of diphtheria causative agent, detect epidemically significant strains and decipher foci of diphtheria infection.

[Nebulized budesonide in the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Efficacy, safety, and effects on the serum levels of soluble differentiation molecules]

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of nebulized budesonide and systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS) (SGCS) in the treatment of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their effects on the serum concentration of soluble leukocyte differentiation antigens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight hospitalized patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD were randomized into two groups: 1) 37 patients took nebulized budesonide 4 mg/day; 2) 41 patients received intravenous prednisolone. The symptoms of COPD, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and other spirometric indicators, peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and adverse events were studied. The serum levels of the soluble adhesion molecules CD50 (sCD50) and CD54 (sCD54) and the lymphocyte activation molecules CD38 (sCD38) and CD25 (sCD25) were investigated by an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

There was a significant resolution of the symptoms of COPD, FEV1, and SpO2 in both groups after treatment. The incidence of hyperglycemia episodes was lower in the budesonide group than in the sGCS group. GCSs caused a decrease in the serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) in both groups. A prednisolone cycle, unlike a budesonide one, was found to reduce the concentrations of sCD54, sCD50, and sCD38.

CONCLUSION

Nebulized budesonide is an effective and safe alternative to SGCS in treating an exacerbation of COPD. Inhaled GCSs, unlike SGCSs, exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, but exert no immunosuppressive activity.

Genetic Instability in Locus rs5498 E469K (A/G) of ICAM-1 Gene in Patients with Colorectal Cancer and Breast Cancer

Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5498 E469K (A/G) in ICAM-1 gene modulates functional activity of this protein and is associated with the risk of some diseases. Tumor cell rs5498 E469K (A/G) genotypes were compared with genotypes of patients with colorectal and breast cancer, residents of the Nizhniy Novgorod region. Specimens of peripheral blood and tumor foci from patients with colorectal and breast cancer and peripheral blood specimens from normal subjects were analyzed. The frequency of genotypes of single-nucleotide rs5498 E469K (A/G) sequence in the Nizhny Novgorod population coincide with the frequency of genotypes characteristic of residents of Germany. Comparison of genotypes of peripheral blood and tumor cells from patients with colorectal and breast cancer showed loss of cancer cell heterozygosity. The frequency of heterozygosity loss increases with colorectal cancer progress from one stage to another.

[PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRECTION OF RED BLOOD CELL MEMBRANE LIPID SPECTRUM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA ON THE BACKGROUND OF HYPERTENSIVE DISEASE.]

In patients with chronic cerebral ischemia on the background of hypertension grade 2, stage 2, our investigation revealed a significant decrease (by 30.1%) in the level of phospholipids in the erythrocyte membrane and cholesterol esters (by 44.2%), increase in lizofosfa-tidilholina, free cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and free fatty acids (by 23.2 - 46.2%), and change in the ratio of lipid fractions responsible for the structure formation and stabilization of erythrocyte membranes. It was found that the most effective correction of lipid profile in erythrocyte membranes was produced by 10-day injection of a combination of actovegin (200 mg intravenous bolus) and cereton (1000 mg choline alfoscerate intravenous drip in 200.0 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution), while the minimum ef- fect was produced by a combination of cerebrolysin (2152 mg concentrated complex of peptides from pig brain, intravenous drip in 100.0 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution) and mexidol (250 mg of 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate intravenous bolus). The combination of emoxypine (40 mg of 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-ethylpyridine, intramuscularly) and piracetam (1000 mg of 2-oxo-I-pyrrolidine-acetamide intravenous bolus) gave intermediate results.

[Role of MUC1 Expression in Tumor Progression]

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a multistructural and multifunctional protein that is involved in regulating diverse cellular activities. This strongly glycosylated transmembrane protein forms a mucous gel on the surface of epithelial cells that protects the cells from injury. MUC1 acts as a signaling molecule and transcription factor modulating metabolism and resistance to bacterial-induced inflammation. This article presents a review of the relationship between structural and functional changes of the MUC1 and the characteristics of cancer cells. The alteration in MUC1 expression level, a number of structural forms, protein glycosylation and localization occurs in cancer cells. These alterations lead to metabolic reprogramming associated with proliferation, resistance to hypoxia and angiogenesis which affects the survival of cancer cells. Furthermore, cancer cells can take advantage of MUC1 interaction with adhesion molecules for invasion and metastasis. Thus, MUC1 plays a key role both in the homeostasis of epithelial cells and in cancer progression. Understanding the role of MUC1 expression in tumor cells survival is important for the development of new monitoring and therapeutic approaches for the treatment MUC1 positive maligancies.

[THE SERUM LEVEL OF TOTAL AND OLIGOMERIC FRACTIONS OF SOLUBLE MOLECULES CD38 UNDER MALIGNANT TUMORS OF CERVIX AND UTERINE BODY]

The immune-enzyme analysis was applied using anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies to detect serum content of total (sCD38) and oligomeric fractions of soluble molecules CD38 (ol.sCD38) in patients with cervix cancer and malignant neoplasms of uterine body. The three- and four-fold increasing of serum level of sCD38 is demonstrated both under cervix cancer and malignant neoplasms of uterine body. The level of ol.sCD38 decreased in patients with cervix cancer and increased in case of patients with malignant neoplasms of uterine body. The serum content of ol.sCD38 was increased under adenocarcinoma of uterus and glandular epidermoid cancer. The content of sCD38 increased under adenocarcinoma of uterus but decreased under sarcoma of uterus. The highest level of soluble molecules of CD38 was established in patients with highly differentiated tumors and under invasion into endometrium but not into miometrium. On the whole, alterations in content of soluble molecules CD38 are associated with characteristics of tumor process that indicates at their monitoring significance under malignant neoplasms of uterus.

Levocarnitine normalizes elevated blood level of soluble Fas mRNA in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Fas-induced apoptosis plays an important role in the mechanisms of tissue injury in myocardial infarction. The level of membrane Fas mRNA was elevated during the postinfarction period in the blood of patients and did not change in response to levocarnitine. The mRNA level of soluble Fas, inhibiting Fas-dependent apoptosis, remained normal during the first 7 days, but increased 14 days after myocardial infarction, which corresponded to previously detected increase of serum level of soluble Fas molecules. Addition of levocarnitine, inhibiting Fas-dependent apoptosis, to therapy caused no changes in the level of soluble Fas mRNA, presumably because of similar effects of soluble Fas and levocarnitine on the apoptotic processes in myocardial infarction.

[Quantitative and qualitative composition of axilla microbiota in practically healthy individuals]

AIM

Characteristics of quantitative and qualitative composition of cultured microorganisms isolated from axilla skin of practically healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

77 practically healthy individuals aged 18 to 40 years were examined. Species identification of microorganisms was carried out byculture-morphologic, tinctorial and biochemical properties using time-of-flight mass spectrometer and rpoB gene amplification with subsequent direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Quantitative evaluation of microbial composition of axilla skin microbiota in most of the practically healthy individuals varied in the 4-5 lg CFU/ml interval, whereas seeding of skin by this microbiota at the level of 8 lg CFU/ml was not detected. 158 strains of 24 microorganism species were identified in this biotope. Most of these strains (68.9%) belonged to Corynebacterium genus, 21.6% of strains--to Staphylococcus genus, 7.6% of strains--to Micrococcus genus and 1.9% of strains--Candida albicans. 16 species of corynebacteria were isolated with predomination of C. tuberculostearicum (40.3%), C. amycolatum (18.4%) and C. ureicelerivorans (14.8%) strains. The microbial landscape in most of the examined individuals (77.9%) was presented by microorganism association.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative and qualitative species composition of cultured microorganisms isolated from axilla skin biotope of practically healthy individuals was characterized for the first time.

[Immune diagnostics of disorders in the IFN-alpha/NK-cell system in patients with frequently recurrent herpes simplex]

AIM

Study of features of NK-cell response to the effect of recombinant IFN-alpha in complex with evaluation of the ability to synthesize inherent IFN-alpha in patients with frequently recurrent herpes simplex (FRHS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

48 patients with genital (n = 31), labial (n = 10) and mixed localization (n = 7) FRHS diagnosis were observed. 31 healthy donors composed the control group. MC were cultivated in the presence of a recombinant human IFN-alpha2b at the concentration of 10, 100 and 1000 U/ml for 24 hours. NK-cell response to the effect of IFN-alpha was evaluated after 24 hours using flow cytometry by degranulation reaction and in the NK-activity test. IFN-alpha synthesis was evaluated in HSV-1, HSV-2 and Newcastle disease virus stimulated cell supernatants by EIA method.

RESULTS

Patients with FRHS were established to be a heterogeneous group by parameters in the IFN-alpha/NK-cell cytotoxicity system. 2 types of NK-cell response to the stimulation by recombinant IFN-alpha were identified. Type A is characterized by a decrease of NK-cell response to IFN-alpha in the remission phase and does not have this defect in the exacerbation phase. Synthesis of inherent IFN-alpha in response to viral inductors for type A was comparable with the response in healthy donors in both phases. On the contrary type B having normal sensitivity of NK-cells to IFN-alpha in the remission phase is characterized by a decrease of this parameter in the exacerbation phase for more than 3 times. Synthesis of inherent IFN-alpha in response to viral inductors during type B is increased in the remission phase and decreased in the exacerbation phase.

CONCLUSION

During immune-correcting therapy of FRHS a personalized approach taking into account features of NK-cell response to IFN-alpha is necessary, because types A and B have principal differences by cytotoxicity parameters of NK-cells and their change under the effect of IFN-alpha, as well as by parameters of IFN-alpha synthesis in response to viral inductors at various phases of the clinical process.

[Comparative analysis of informative-diagnostic properties of mucosa immune-reactivity parameters]

AIM

Study the features of immune-reactivity expression in mucosa depending on their topicity and etiopathogenesis of the pathological process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 30 clinically healthy children and 77 children with acute and recurrent diseases of respiratory tract: 51--with acute and 15--with chronic bronchitis; as well as 132 women: 41--with active stage of acute urogenital chlamydia infection, 29--with recurrent chronic process, 30--with non-recurrent form and 32 clinically healthy women were analyzed. Saline and urogenital tract mucosa discharge was analyzed for IgG, sIgA and secretory component, IL-1beta, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, IFNgamma, TNFalpha and GM-CSF, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-8 gene expression levels as well as content of lysozyme, total protein and leucocytes.

RESULTS

Solidity, universality and practically single-stage triggering of mucosa immune reaction mechanisms to intervention by foreign agents regardless of their localization was confirmed. A dependence of immune-reactivity expression on the form of pathologic process, its localization and qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the infectious agents was clearly seen. The highest level of clinical-laboratory and immunological parameters is inherent for patients with acute processes in urogenital tract (cervical canal and urethra), especially cause by mixed infections.

CONCLUSION

Immune diagnostic parameters of mucosa among which TLR system is especially notable have high information properties allowing not only diagnostics of inflammatory process but also differentiating its form and character our course.

[Molecular-genetic and phylogenetic characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with meningitis and carriers]

AIM

Analyze genetic and phylogenetic interrelations between S. pneumoniae strains isolated from meningitis patients and carriers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

23 S. pneumoniae isolates (9 from bacterial meningitis patients, 9 from nasopharynx of bacterial carriers, 5 strains from museum collection of Gabrichevsky Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology) were studied. S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619, S. mitis ATCC 49456 served as control strains. S. pneumoniae serotype determination was carried out in latex-agglutination reaction and quelling reaction. Multiplex PCR according to WHO protocols was used for molecular-genetic study and pneumolysin (ply), autolysin (lytA), surface cellular adhesin A (psaA) and capsule polysaccharide (cpsA) gene determination. Multilocus sequence-typing was carried out according to WHO scheme for 7 "housekeeping" segments--aroE, gdh, gki, recP, spi, xpt and ddl. Computer programs from available internet resources were used for data processing and dendrogram building. RESULTS; The S. pneumoniae isolates analyzed were established to belong to 19 sequence types that may be combined into 4 subclusters. Results of molecular-genetic and serologic typing were completely comparable.

CONCLUSION

Attribution of isolates from the same serotype and serogroup to different sequence-types gives evidence on the ongoing changes within serotype and as a result changes in allele profile of circulating S. pneumoniae isolates. Membership of isolates in separate subclusters gives evidence on close evolution relationship between isolates obtained from patients with bacterial meningitis and carriers. Certain isolates had not previously been registered in Russia and were probably imported from the territories of other countries.

[Immunotherapy for infectious diseases: challenges and prospects]

The fact that many infectious diseases are not effectively controlled with etiotropic drugs determines the relevance of a search for alternative methods, particularly those based on the modulation of immunity. The review analyzes rational approaches to the immunotherapy of infectious diseases, such as regulation of acquired immunity; correction of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the intestinal microbiota; and modulation of innate immunity. Among the drugs affecting the innate components of an immune response, the derivatives of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a structural subunit of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan, stand out in the context of a detailed study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. The fact that it is expedient to clinically apply these immunomodulators in many diseases accompanied by inadequate infection control is beyond question. It is demonstrated that muramyl peptides (MP) may be also used to prevent excessive inflammatory responses. The adjuvant properties of MDP and its analogues can be employed for therapeutic vaccination. The data that the signals transmitted through NOD-like receptors (MP sensors) regulate intestinal homeostasis suggest that there is some potential for the use of MDP derivatives for the correction of dysbiosis and related immune disorders. Whatever the purpose of immunomodulation, the key to its effectiveness is to personalize the choice and regimens of immunotropic drugs.

[The role of regulatory T cells in the development of autoimmune process in multiple sclerosis]

In the maintenance of immunological tolerance important role belongs to the recently discovered population of regulatory T-cells CD4+CD25+FoxP3 +. These cells have potential in suppressing pathologic immune responses observed at various autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis. We have shown a reduction in the number and functional activity of T-reg in peripheral blood of patients with multiple sclerosis in the acute stage, the increase in their number during remission, duration of the relationship of the autoimmune process and the degree of disability of patients with the contents of T-reg. The possibility of using the grown ex vivo T-reg for the correction of immunopathological process in multiple sclerosis.

[Functional activity of peritoneal macrophages in acute destructive pancreatitis: evaluation, implication]

According to the etiology of acute pancreatitis, the authors identified the most common phenotypes of superficial antigens of peritoneal macrophages: CD14(+) CD25(-)CD64(-)HLA-DR(-) in acute biliary pancreatitis, CD14(+) CD25(+)CD64(+)HLA-DR(+) in nonbiliary pancreatitis; moreover, all the patients were found to have increased expression of early (CD25+) and late (HLA-DR+) markers of cell activation. A comparative study was conducted and the most informative tools to evaluate the adhesive, cytokine-producing, phagocytic, and oxygen-dependent activities of peritoneal macrophages were recognized.

[The phylogenetic position of Chlamydia strains isolated from monkeys and humans with Chlamydial pathology in the family Chiamydiaceae. Genotypic and phenotypic properties of this pathogen]

Based on the results of the comparative analysis concerning relatedness and evolutional difference of the 16S - 23S nucleotide sequences of the middle ribosomal cluster and 23S rRNA I domain, and based on identification of phylogenetic position for Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia trichomatis strains released from monkeys, relatedness of the above stated isolates with similar strains released from humans and with strains having nucleotide sequences presented in the GenBank electronic database has been detected for the first time ever. Position of these isolates in the Chlamydiaceae family phylogenetic tree has been identified. The evolutional position of the investigated original Chlamydia and Chlamydophila strains close to analogous strains from the GenBank electronic database has been demonstrated. Differences in the 16S - 23S nucleotide sequence of the middle ribosomal cluster and 23S rRNA I domain of plasmid and non-plasmid Chlamydia trachomatis strains released from humans and monkeys relative to different genotype groups (group B- B, Ba, D, Da, E, L1, L2, L2a; intermediate group - F, G, Ga) have been revealed for the first time ever. Abnormality in incA chromosomal gene expression resulting in Chlamydia life and development cycle disorder and decrease of Chlamydia virulence can be related to probable changes in the nucleotide sequence of the gene under consideration.

Effect of cycloalkyl glycosides of muramyl dipeptide on antibacterial resistance of mice and cytokine production by human mononuclear cells

Beta-cyclohexylmethyl-, beta-cyclohexylethyl-, and beta-4-tert-butyl-cyclohexyl glycosides of muramyl dipeptide were shown to increase the resistance of mice to intraperitoneal infection with cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These compounds increased the production of cytokines by mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Beta-cyclohexylethyl glycoside of muramyl dipeptide was more potent than muramyl dipeptide and other derivatives in increasing in vivo antibacterial resistance and in vitro production of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma;. This glycopeptide had a strong stimulatory effect on the production of interleukin-4 and tended to stimulate the synthesis of interferon-alpha. Beta-cyclohexylmethyl glycoside of muramyl dipeptide was most potent in stimulating the production of interleukin-4. Biological activity of beta-4-tert-butyl-cyclohexyl glycoside of muramyl dipeptide was lower than that of other glycosides of muramyl dipeptide.

[Colonization resistance and immunological reactivity of children's oropharyngeal mucosa in health and bronchopulmonary pathology]

The study group was comprised of 27 practically healthy children, 51 patients with acute bronchitis, 15 with chronic bronchitis and 11 with pneumonia. It was shown that changes of microbiocoenosis in back of the throat (BOT) were related to increased mucosal contamination with normal microflora and opportunistic microorganisms. The highest degree of contamination was observed in children with acute bronchitis. Normocoenosis was detected only in 13 practically healthy children. The disorders of microbiocoenosis took the form of disbiosis and acute inflammatory processes in patients with acute and chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. However, the large amount of normal flora together with the high Ig level ensured marked colonization resistance as evidenced by the values of natural colonization coefficient of nasopharyngeal epithelium (NCCNE) and balance coefficient (BC). These data suggested development of compensated secondary immunodeficiencies. In patients with acute bronchitis and pneumonia, local synthesis of Ig prevailed. It is shown that BC can be used to screen children for disorders of mucosal immunity. The presence of increased saliva IgE levels in patients with acute and chronic bronchitis supports the generally accepted concept of bronchi as a "shock organ" in allergic condition. It was demonstrated that IgE levels in saliva increase earlier than in serum and may be used as a prognostic criterion in patients with bronchopulmonary pathology.

[The role and biological significance of toll-like receptors in the anti-infectious resistance of the organism]

Modem conceptions of the role of toll-like receptors (TLR) in the innante immunity mechanisms realization and data on the interaction between TLR and pattern-associated molecular proteins of microbial or endogenic origin are presented in the review.

Serum levels of soluble HLA and IL-2R molecules in patients with urogenital chlamydia infection

Cellular immunity plays a central role in immune response to chlamydial infection, and soluble forms of immune cell membrane antigens take part in the regulation of immune response. Using an immunoenzymatic method, we determined serum levels of soluble HLA molecules (sHLA-I and sHLA-DR) and soluble CD25 molecules (sCD25) in patients with genital chlamydial infection. Specimens from patients with nonspecific inflammation of the urogenital tract were studied and healthy volunteers served as controls. We revealed that serum levels of sHLA-DR and sCD25 increased 3.5- and 2.3-fold, respectively, during chlamydial infection, while the levels of sHLA-I were not changed. Nonspecific inflammation of the urogenital tract was characterized by a 1.5-fold increase in sHLA-I, a 1.6-fold decrease in sCD25, and no changes of sHLA-DR levels in comparison with healthy volunteers. We concluded that Th1 immune responses might dominate during genital chlamydial infection contrary to the state of nonspecific inflammation of urogenital tract.

[Modulating effects of adenosine on the process of human platelet activation]

The inhibitory effect of adenosine on aggregation of human platelets activated by platelet activating factor (PAF), ADP and serotonin (5-HT) were examined using native platelets from blood of volunteers. Platelet aggregation was determined by Born's method. Effective adenosine concentrations (IC50) which had inhibited platelet aggregation were found to be 0.63 +/- 0.11, 1.47 +/- 0.31 and 0.64 +/- 0.18 microM, respectively. It was shown that 10 microM adenosine inhibited PAF-induced platelet aggregation completely. The same adenosine concentration blocked ADP- and 5-HT-induced aggregation only partially. Adenosine is physiological inhibitor of human platelet aggregation in administration of PAF, ADP and 5-HT. Specific characteristics of adenosine modulating effect on these ligands was elicited.

[Induction of immunologic deficiency by benzene and its correction by administration of anabol]

Cellular immunity and activity of enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism have been investigated. It has been shown that administration of benzene induces a stable immune deficiency syndrome characterized by a decrease in the quantity if antibody-forming cells, T-killers and T-suppressors. The activity of enzymes (cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome C reductase) was also inhibited. It has been shown that anabol can stimulate the parameters of cellular immunity and enzyme activity. Benzene intoxication was demonstrated to be a model of immune deficiency syndrome similar to the clinical pattern. Anabol was shown to be an effective immunomodulator.

[Effect of T-activin on enzymes in the metabolism of xenobiotics]

Effect of T-activin on some xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and several immunity parametres in secondary immune deficiency (subacute and chronic benzene intoxication) were investigated. T-activin was shown to regulate the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme system. The compound decreased the enzymatic activity in subacute benzene intoxication, approaching their values up to the control level. In chronic benzene intoxications, which were accompanied by decrease in xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes activity, except of glutathione-S-transferase, T-activin stimulated these enzymes. At the same time, T-activin increased some immunological parameters in these models. Thymus-tropic peptides appear to be the bioregulators of some in vivo systems.

[Cellular immunity and enzyme activity of xenobiotic metabolism in the lymphocytes of normal minipigs and in alcohol and anabol exposures]

Immunological indices and activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes in lymphocytes were studied on minipigs under normal conditions, under conditions of chronic alcoholic intoxication and after administration of anabol (an immunomodulator) to normal healthy animals and to animals with alcohol intoxication. Age-related differences with respect to the number of T-lymphocytes and activity of lymphocyte glutathione S-transferase were observed in the normal animals, the other indices such as activity of natural killer cells, K-cells, blast cell transformation with concanavalin A and activity of cytochrome c-reductase being independent of the age. Administration of anabol to healthy animals did not alter their immunoenzymatic status. Chronic alcohol intoxication was accompanied by development of secondary immune deficiency characterized by lower immunological indices and lower activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes in lymphocytes. Daily exposure to 0.8 g of anabol for 12 days at this background resulted in normalization of the above indices.

[Change in immunological and biochemical parameters in germ-free animals in response to T-activin]

The influence of immunoregulating humoral thymus factor T-activin (fraction AFT-6) on the activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes (EMX) and cellular-dependent cytotoxicity was investigated in germ-free guinea-pigs. Germ-free and conventional animals were injected 5 micrograms of T-activin intraperitoneally, on 3 successive days. The control animals were injected a physiologic saline. A day after the last injection the animals were killed, and EMX and K cell activity was measured. It was found that EMX activity in germ-free animals was decreased. T-activin stimulated cytochrome P-450, NADP-cytochrome-C-reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, benzopyrene hydroxylase and epoxyhydrase activity. In conventional animals the activity of these enzymes remained unchanged under the influence of T-activin. K-cell activity in germ-free animals was decreased, as compared to conventional guinea-pigs. Under the influence of T-activin the parameter increased and stood at about 70% of normal values.

Requirement for the location of both appropriate and irrelevant H-2 antigens on the same stimulator cell for unspecific DNA-synthesis inhibition by the H-2-antigen-primed, specific suppressor T cells

Specific suppressor T cells (SSTC), primed in vivo with H-2 antigens, have been shown previously to inhibit DNA synthesis in the one-way, three-cell mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) provided that (a) the stimulator cells bear the priming H-2 antigens, and (b) the responder cells possess IC + S regions homologous to those of the SSTC. Anti-B10.A B10.A(2R) SSTC (anti-Dd) and anti-A.AL A.TL SSTC (anti-Kk) are shown here to be able to inhibit the DNA synthesis triggered in MLR, not only by the corresponding antigens, Dd and Kk, respectively, but also by irrelevant, third-party H-2 and Mls products provided that the corresponding and third-party antigens are presented on the same stimulator cell. If stimulator H-2 regions, whose products interact with SSTC and responders, are located on different stimulator cells within the particular MLR, SSTC activity is not elicited. Participation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in DNA-synthesis suppression is ruled out. Direct contact or location of the inhibited responder cell very close to SSTC is considered to be required for the development of SSTC activity.

[Selective inactivation of specific T-suppressors immune to H-2 complex antigens and prevention of their generation in vivo by antisuppressor xenogenic antibodies]

Rats were immunized with mouse lymphocytes enriched by the absorption-elution technique with specific suppressor T-cells (STC) immune to antigens of the H-2 complex. The anti-suppressor sera (ASS) obtained being absorbed with mouse erythrocytes and lymph node cells killed in the presence of complement about 30 per cent of the STC-enriched cell population and inactivated the STC in vitro function in a selective fashion, not affecting the function of other T-cell subclasses, killers and MIF-producers, immune to the same H-2 antigens. The STC inactivating ASS action occurred partly in the absence of complement irrespective of the STC strain origin, STC immunological specificity in the H-2 system and the intensity of the STC activity. This ASS action was abolished by exhaustion of antibodies only with STC containing cell suspensions. In contrast, intact (non-enriched) mouse STC appeared to be able to induce a mixture of rat antibodies inactivating partly all three T-cell subclasses assayed. Infections of ASS to mice prevented them from the in vivo STC generation and gave rise to inhibition of the syngeneic tumor growth in the specifically preimmunized mice.

Requirements for induction of specific suppressor T cells and detection of their H-2 antigen-binding receptors by fractionation on target cell monolayers

The MC-resistant specific suppressor T cells that inhibit DNA synthesis and CTL generation in MLC were induced in vivo by gamma-irradiated allogeneic lymphoid cells in a large dose. MLRs were inhibited only slightly when triggered by third-party cells, even neighbouring with the corresponding stimulators. Unlike the irradiated cells, intact allogeneic lymphoid cells induced a mixture of macrophage-like and T-cell suppressors with a pronounced non-specific component of the action. Syngeneic cells induced low active non-specific suppressors of macrophage type only. The suppression was not due to a cytotoxic effect, since specific T suppressors differed from CTL by conditions of induction and high sensitivity to gamma-irradiation and from CTL precursors by high sensitivity to CY and HC. The specific T-suppressors could be selectively removed by adherence to a macrophage monolayer of the corresponding donor. The subsequent elution of adherent lymphocytes with pronase resulted in enrichment of specific T suppressors by a factor of 30 and 2.6, as judged by reduction in the number of lymphocytes required for 50% inhibition of DNA synthesis and 33% inhibition of CTL generation, respectively. The high specificity of this enrichment is shown by using both syngeneic monolayers for fractionation and third-party stimulators in MLR for testing and by disappearance of slight non-specific suppression caused by non-fractionated suppression. Complete inactivation of the eluted suppressors with anti-Thy-1.2 and anti-T antibodies, their resistance to anti-Mls antibodies, carrageenin, and carbonyl iron, together with the data of autoradiographic study and total DNA synthesis in the population indicate that the eluted highly specific suppressors represent mainly DNA-synthesizing large and medium T lymphocytes.

[Differences in the properties of specific T-suppressors and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes immune to H-2 complex antigens]

Intravenous immunization of mice with a large dose of gamma-irradiated allogenic spleen cells gives rise to specific suppressor T cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). However, being optimal form suppressor T cell induction, these conditions of immunization are not conducive to identification of CTL unless they are enriched by elution from the allogenic target monolayer. Unlike CTL, specific suppressor T cells are highly susceptible to gamma-irradiation while their precursors differ from those of CTL by high susceptibility to cyclophosphamide and hydrocortisone.