Evaluation of serum interleukin- 35 level in children with persistent asthma

BACKGROUND

IL-35 is a novel cytokine suppressing the immune response through the expansion of regulatory T cells and suppression of Th17 cell development. Few studies have been done on the effect of this cytokine in a different disease. Asthma is a complex disease that many inflammatory cells and cytokines play a role in.

OBJECTIVE

We decide to determine the difference between serum level of IL-35 in childhood asthma & healthy children.

METHOD

We obtained serum samples from 44 asthmatic children between 2 and 15 years as a case group and from healthy children as a control group. IL-35 serum concentration was determined by ELISA method in both groups.

RESULTS

Mean serum level is 30.9 pg/ml in the case group and 30.2 pg/ml in the control group. There is no significant difference between serum level of IL-35 in asthmatic & healthy children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal no relation between childhood asthma and serum level of IL35. So, further study will be needed to clarify effects of this cytokine in human allergic diseases.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Neural Progenitors in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Background and Objectives

The goal of treatment for MS is to reduce the inflammation and induce the regeneration of degenerated axons. Considering the anti-inflammatory and regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs), in this study the therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic MSCs and MSCs-derived neural progenitor cells (MSCs-NPs) was investigated in cellular therapy of chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Methods and Results

MSCs, MSCs-NPs and MSCs+MSCs-NP were administered intravenously to EAE mice on days 22, 29, and 36 post immunization. The levels of cytokines and PGE2 in sera or supernatant of in vitro cultured splenocytes derived from treated mice were measured by ELISA. The results of this study showed that in comparison to MSCs monotherapy, MSCs-NPs administration had a more profound capability of inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic MOG_35–55-specific T cells, decreasing IFN-γ production and increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine production. These findings could be explained by higher ability of in vitro cultured MSCs-NPs in production of PGE2 compared to MSCs. In line with these findings, while the administration of MSCs and MSCs-NPs significantly decreased the clinical scores of EAE in comparison with the untreated EAE group, MSCs-NPs were significantly more efficient in reducing clinical score compared to MSCs. Of interest, combined therapy with MSCs and MSCs-NPs did not provide any benefit over monotherapy with MSCs-NPs.

Conclusions

In comparison to MSCs, allogenic MSCs-NPs are more potent in the attenuation of EAE.

Altered Serum Cytokine Profiles in Relapse Phase of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and cytokines may play a role in the development of MS lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine levels of different cytokines in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

Profiles of pro-inflammatory, Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines were compared by quantitative multiplexed ELISA-based chemiluminescent assay in 44 RR-MS and 44 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals from the same ethnicity.

RESULTS

Among pro-inflammatory cytokines, the levels of IL-6 (p=0.003), IL-8 (p=0.05) and TNF-α (p=0.002) were higher in patients than controls, though IL-4 and IL-10 as well as ΣTh2 cytokines were lower in patients (p=0.05, p=0.02 and p=0.05, respectively). After gender classification, the higher levels of IL-4 in male patients remained significant and IL-13 also showed significantly higher levels in male patients compared to male controls (p=0.003 and p=0.05, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between EDSS and IL-10 or ΣTh2 levels (p=0.005). In addition, IL-1α (r=0.4, p=0.05) and IFN-γ (r=0.35, p=0.05) were also directly correlated with EDSS in female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RR MS who are in the relapse clinical phase exhibit higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction in protective Th2-related cytokines.

Serum Levels of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Correlate with Poor Clinical Grades in Cerebral Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Ruptured cerebral aneurysms (ICAs) are the most common non-traumatic cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that is associated with life threatening complications such as Vasospasm, Infarction, and Hydrocephalus (HCP). The active participation of macrophage/monocyte-mediated inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysm as labeled with Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) is suggested.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the serum level of MCP-1 in ruptured CAs in different time intervals.

METHODS

We measured the serum levels of MCP-1 in SAH patients who had CAs and compared it with that of MCP-1 in two control groups: including patients with SAH without CAs, and the normal population of blood donors. We also measured the MCP-1 levels in patients with CAs one week afterward to evaluate the effect of treatment. Serum level of MCP-1 was measured by a commercial ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Mean serum MCP-1 level in patients with SAH and CAs was 188.2168 Pg/ml and 331.3982 Pg/ml in the normal population. There was no statistically significant difference between serum levels of MCP-1 on the first (mean=188.2168 Pg/ml) and 7th days after SAH onset (mean=171.8450 Pg/ml) (p=0.739). Serum level of MCP-1 increased significantly as Glasgow Coma Scale decreased (p=0.078) and Hunt and Hess score increased (p=0.089).

CONCLUSION

Our results did not show an increasing MCP-1 serum level in patients with aneurysmal SAH. There was a relationship between poor clinical grade and MCP-1 levels in patients with CAs. MCP-1 may be a local inflammatory marker for cerebral aneurysms without systemic manifestation.

Engraftment of plasma membrane vesicles into liposomes: A new method for designing of liposome-based vaccines

OBJECTIVES

One of the major challenges in the field of vaccine design is choosing immunogenic antigens which can induce a proper immune response against complex targets like malignant cells or recondite diseases caused by protozoan parasites such as leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to find a way to construct artificial liposome-based cells containing fragments of target's cell membrane. This structure not only mimics the real biological properties of proteins in the cell membrane of target cells, but also may induce the required immune responses, which culminate in eradication of target cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five different techniques have been investigated to engraft the plasma membrane's vesicles (PMVs) derived from a characterized Leishmania parasite into liposomes. The most efficient method was tested again on the PMVs derived from well-known breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3. The percentage of engraftment was determined by two-color flowcytometry after staining the engrafted dioctadecyl-3,3,3'3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine DiI-labeled liposomes with FITC-labeled PMVs.

RESULTS

Among the investigated techniques, freeze-drying method with 91±2% and 90±3% of engraftment for Leishmania and SK-BR-3 derived PMVs, respectively, showed superiority over the other methods. In addition, after 9 weeks storage in refrigerator, freeze-dried fused particles kept their original size (660±350 nm) and fusion efficiency (94±3%).

CONCLUSION

Among five different engraftment techniques, freeze-drying is preferred over the other methods due to its simplicity, more fusion efficiency and stability of produced particles during storage.

Asymptomatic atlantoaxial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis

This cross-sectional study is conducted to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cervical spine subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis patients by plain radiographs and its relation to demographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity measures and medications. 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients (18 male and 82 female) were selected randomly, according to the American college of Rheumatology Criteria, who were under follow up in the rheumatology clinic. A complete history was taken, and physical examination has been done with focus on the cervical spine to determine their demographic data, disease duration, age of disease onset, drug history, swollen and tender joint counts, and ESR, Hb, CRP, RF levels. The disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was measured using the disease activity score 28. Radiographs of the cervical spine included lateral views taken in flexion, extension, neutral position of the neck and anterioposterior and odontoid projection view. Asymptomatic cervical spine subluxation was found in 17 of the 100 patients (17%). The prevalence of, anterior atlantoaxial subluxation, atlantoaxial impaction and subaxial subluxation was 10(10%), 5(5%) and 6(6%), respectively. Posterior subluxation was not detected. The only characteristic that showed meaningful relationship with cervical spine subluxation was CRP (P=0.036). Our results showed that patients with RA, who have cervical spine subluxation cannot be distinguished on the basis of symptoms. Cervical spine involvement is common and may be asymptomatic, indicating routine cervical spine imaging is needed in patients with RA.

Serum homocystein level in patients with scleroderma

Background

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic connective tissue disease. In this study, we compared the serum Homocystein (Hcy) level between patients with SSc and normal control group.

Objectives

The current study was conducted to determine whether serum Hcy levels are elevated in SSc patients and whether there is any correlation between Hcy levels and RP, Gastro intestinal and lung involvement.

Patients and Methods

Forty one patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SSc (39 females and 5 males) and Forty four community-based healthy individuals (sex and age matched) were enrolled in to the study. Serum Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels were determined.

Results

Thirty three patients (70.45%) had GI involvement, twenty two patients (50%) had lung involvement and twenty seven patients (61.36%) had Raynaud’s phenomena. Mean serum Hcy level in control group was 22.78 ± 6.018 μmol/L and in case group was 19.43 ± 7.205 μmol/L, shows that the serum Hcy level in control group was significantly higher than patients (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Serum Hcy level is significantly lower in SSc patients than in control group. There is no statistically significant correlation between serum Hcy level and organ involvements.

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of curdlan on maturation and function of mouse spleen-derived dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells play important roles in immunity against foreign invaders. Differentiation of these Th subsets is affected by state of maturation and cytokines that are produced by dendritic cells (DCs). Curdlan is a linear (1→3)-β-glucan and has shown activity against tumors and infectious agents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether curdlan plays its role through affecting the maturation and cytokine production by DCs.

METHODS

DCs were isolated from the spleen of BALB/c mice by MACS method. After an overnight culture of DCs in the presence of curdlan, the expression levels of CD40, CD86, and MHC-II molecules were determined by flow cytometry. The production of cytokines involved in Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation (IL-12 and IL-6, respectively) was also evaluated by ELISA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated and untreated cells were considered as positive and negative controls, respectively.

RESULTS

The results of this study did not show a significant difference in the levels of surface expression of CD40 (p=0.82), CD86 (p=0.79), and MHC class II (p=0.84) molecules upon exposure to curdlan. However, LPS increased the intensity of CD40 expression on dendritic cells (p=0.04). In addition, it was revealed that curdlan-exposed DCs are not able to produce a significant amount of IL-6 and IL-12 cytokines. Conversely, LPS-treated DCs were able to make a significant amount of IL-12 (p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that curdlan has no effect on Th1 or Th17 differentiation while LPS may induce Th1 deviation by induction of CD40 expression and IL-12 production.

Effect of Fas -670 A/G gene polymorphism on corneal allograft endothelial rejection

BACKGROUND

Human cornea expresses functional Fas-ligand capable of killing Fas+ activated lymphocytes. Fas expression is partly regulated by -670 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of Fas gene.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to determine the association between Fas-670A/G polymorphism and survival of corneal transplantation.

METHODS

In 276 graft recipients who mainly underwent penetrating keratoplasty because of keratoconus, bullous keratopathy and corneal opacity, Fas -670 A/G polymorphism was determined by allele specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (ASO-PCR) techniques.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant relationship between Fas -670 A/G polymorphism and rejection episode (p=0.35). Moreover, the relationship between this polymorphism and rejection episode outcome (transplant recovery vs failure) was not statistically significant (p=0.13).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study show no significant correlation between corneal graft rejection, rejection recovery and Fas -670A/G gene polymorphism.

Investigation of Fcgamma RIIA and Fcgamma RIIIA Polymorphism in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Control Study

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most common demylinating disease of the CNS, is immunologically mediated in genetically susceptible individuals. Receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG (FcgammaR) might induce inflammatory responses through linking the humoral and cellular immune responses by targeting immune complexes to effector cells. Polymorphisms in some FcgammaR genes are associated with various infectious and autoimmune diseases, probably due to their effects on different binding capacities of encoded receptors for IgG containing immune complexes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the importance of FcgammaR polymorphisms in susceptibility to MS.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty MS patients and 136 age and sex matched controls were genotyped for FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRIIIA gene polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRIIIA did not differ significantly between the MS patients and controls. There was no association between allelic polymorphism of FcgammaRIIIA and severity of disease based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. However, significant association between inherited FcgammaRIIA genotype and disease activity (p=0.001) or progression index was revealed (p=0.014). EDSS values showed that FcgammaRIIA (H/H) and (H/R) genotypes were associated with a lower EDSS score in relapsing-remitting MS and in the total MS population (p=0.001) but not (R/R) genotype.

CONCLUSION

Considering the detrimental role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of MS, our results suggest that the inherited FcgammaRIIA alleles could affect the severity of MS by influencing the clearance rate of immune complexes and autoantibodies. The results of the present study add the FcgammaRIIA gene to the gene networks which determine the severity of MS in southern Iran.