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Immune Status (immune + status)
Selected AbstractsHuman peripheral blood B-cell compartments: A crossroad in B-cell traffic,CYTOMETRY, Issue S1 2010M. Perez-Andres Abstract A relatively high number of different subsets of B-cells are generated through the differentiation of early B-cell precursors into mature B-lymphocytes in the bone marrow (BM) and antigen-triggered maturation of germinal center B-cells into memory B-lymphocytes and plasmablasts in lymphoid tissues. These B-cell subpopulations, which are produced in the BM and lymphoid tissues, recirculate through peripheral blood (PB), into different tissues including mucosa and the BM, where long-living plasma cells produce antibodies. These circulating PB B-cells can be classified according to their maturation stage into i) immature/transitional, ii) naïve, and iii) memory B-lymphocytes, and iv) plasmablasts/plasma cells. Additionally, unique subsets of memory B-lymphocytes and plasmablasts/plasma cells can be identified based on their differential expression of unique Ig-heavy chain isotypes (e.g.: IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA). In the present paper, we review recent data reported in the literature about the distribution, immunophenotypic and functional characteristics of these cell subpopulations, as well as their distribution in PB according to age and seasonal changes. Additional information is also provided in this regard based on the study of a population-based cohort of 600 healthy adults aged from 20 to 80 years, recruited in the Salamanca area in western Spain. Detailed knowledge of the distribution and traffic of B-cell subsets through PB mirrors the immune status of an individual subject and it may also contribute to a better understanding of B-cell disorders related to B-cell biology and homeostasis, such as monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). © 2010 International Clinical Cytometry Society [source] Co-administration of immunomodulator tuftsin and liposomised nystatin can combat less susceptible Candida albicans infection in temporarily neutropenic miceFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Masood A Khan Abstract In order to develop a prospective chemotherapeutic agent against opportunistic infections, it is important to know that host factors such as degree of immunological debility as well as recovery of immune functions to normality may contribute significantly to a successful elimination of the pathogens. We demonstrated previously that concomitant delivery of antimicrobial agents and immunomodulators to the pathogen harbouring-host contributes to the complete elimination of the deep-seated fungal infections (aspergillosis and candidiasis) in animals with normal immune status. Considering that neutropenic hosts are the main targets of such infections, it can be argued about the potential of the immunomodulator-based therapy in subjects with non-functional immune system. To resolve the hypothesis, we studied the role of immunomodulator tuftsin against experimental murine candidiasis in temporarily neutropenic Balb/c mice. The neutropenic mice were challenged with an isolate of Candida albicans that was showing less susceptibility to both free and liposomised-amphotericin B. The co-administration of tuftsin increased the efficiency of liposomised-polyene antibiotics (nystatin and amphotericin B) against experimental murine candidiasis in immunocompromised Balb/c mice. Pretreatment with liposomised tuftsin prior to C. albicans infection clearly enhanced protection against candidiasis, suggesting a prophylactic role of tuftsin in normal and temporarily neutropenic animals. [source] Increased serum lipids are associated with higher CD4 lymphocyte count in HIV-infected womenHIV MEDICINE, Issue 7 2006M Floris-Moore Objective Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been associated with dyslipidaemia; however, the roles of immune status and non-HIV-disease risk factors remain unclear. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of fasting lipids was carried out for 231 women, of whom 132 were HIV-infected and 99 were uninfected. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) were measured. CD4 lymphocyte count, hepatitis C status, demographics, diet, and anthropometrics were also assessed. Results A total of 132 women were HIV-infected [30 were antiretroviral-naive, 68 were on protease inhibitors (PIs), and 34 were on non-PI HAART]. HIV infection was associated with higher triglycerides, lower HDL-C, and, among obese women, higher total cholesterol and LDL-C. Non-PI and PI HAART were each independently associated with higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apo B, compared with being ART-naive. Among HIV-infected women, after adjustment for HAART use, women with a CD4 lymphocyte count,500 cells/,L had total cholesterol 41.8 mg/dL (P=0.002) and LDL-C 28.8 mg/dL (P=0.01) higher, on average, than women with a CD4 count <200 cells/,L. Women with a CD4 count of 200,499 cells/,L had total cholesterol 26.31 mg/dL higher, on average, than those with a CD4 count <200 cells/,L (P=0.04), although differences in LDL-C did not reach significance (15.51 mg/dL; P=0.12). A higher CD4 count was also associated with higher apo B (P<0.001). Active hepatitis C infection was associated with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and apo B. Conclusions Higher CD4 lymphocyte counts were associated with higher lipid levels, suggesting that immune competence may independently affect the dyslipidaemia seen in the HAART era. In addition, it is important that hepatitis C status be assessed in studies of dyslipidaemia in the HIV-infected population. [source] Ageing and the neutrophil: no appetite for killing?IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2000S. Butcher Summary In the armoury of the immune system developed to combat the various micro-organisms that could invade the host, the neutrophil forms the first line of defence against rapidly dividing bacteria and fungi. However, as humans age they become more susceptible to infection with these microbes and this has been ascribed to a decline in immune status, termed immune senescence. Here we summarize the literature specifically concerning the attenuation of neutrophil function with age and the possible mechanisms underlying their reduced response to infectious agents. [source] The mechanisms underlying MMR deficiency in immunodeficiency-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas are different from those in other sporadic microsatellite instable neoplasmsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 10 2009Claire Borie Abstract The spectrum of tumors showing microsatellite instability (MSI) has recently been enlarged to sporadic neoplasms whose incidence is favored in the context of chronic immunosuppression. We investigated the biological, therapeutic and clinical features associated with MSI in immunodeficiency-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas (ID-RL). MSI screening was performed in 275 ID-RL. MSI ID-RL were further analyzed for MMR gene expression and for BRAF/KRAS mutations since these genes are frequently altered in MSI cancers. We also assessed the expression of O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), an enzyme whose inactivation has been reported in lymphomas and may help in the selection of MMR deficient clones. Unlike other sporadic MSI neoplasms, MSI ID-RL (N = 17) presented with heterogeneous MMR defects and no MLH1 promoter methylation. About one third of these tumors presented with normal expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. They accumulated BRAF activating mutations (33%). Unlike other ID-RL, MSI ID-RL were primarily EBV-negative NHL of T-cell origin, and arose after long-term immunosuppression in patients who received azathioprine as part of their immunosuppressive regimen (p = 0.05) and/or who exhibited methylation-induced loss of expression of MGMT in tumor cells (p= 0.02). Overall, these results highlight that, in the context of deficient immune status, some MSI neoplasms arise through alternative mechanism when compared to other sporadic MSI neoplasms. They give the exact way how to make the diagnosis of MSI in these tumors and may help to define biological and clinicalrisk factors associated with their emergence in such a clinicalcontext. © 2009 UICC [source] Cutaneous leishmaniasis: successful treatment with itraconazoleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Javier Consigli MD Background, Leishmaniasis is a disease produced by several species of protozoa of the Leishmania genus. These protozoa are injected into the human bloodstream by sandflies. The symptomathology, either cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral, depends on the infective species and the immune status of the patient. Antimonial drugs are the mainstay treatment for all the clinical forms of the disease. Amphotericin B is the second-choice drug. Methods We report two clinical cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with itraconazole. One case was a relapsing form unresponsive to conventional therapy. Results, Both patients achieved fast resolution of their lesions with no secondary effects. Conclusions, Itraconazole may be a valid option for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mainly in those cases unresponsive to conventional drugs. [source] Phagocytic capacity of leucocytes in sheep mammary secretions following weaningJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 5 2002Liliana Tatarczuch Abstract Lactating animals are particularly susceptible to mastitis during the early stages of mammary gland involution following weaning. In this study we compared the phagocytic capacity of cells collected from sheep mammary secretions at different stages of involution. The ability of neutrophils and macrophages to ingest latex beads in an in vitro phagocytosis assay was found to be dependent on how heavily the phagocytes were loaded with milk constituents. There was a decline in the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils from 1 to 2 days after weaning, while macrophages collected from fully involuted glands were more effective phagocytes compared with earlier stages (7,15 days) of involution. In addition, dendritic cells present in fully involuted mammary gland secretions (30 days after weaning) were highly phagocytic. These studies demonstrate that neutrophils and macrophages in sheep mammary secretions at early stages of involution are incapacitated, and as such may compromise the immune status of the mammary gland. [source] The effect of Pediococcus acidilactici on the gut microbiota and immune status of on-growing red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010R.M.W. Ferguson Abstract Aim:, To assess Pediococcus acidilactici as a dietary supplement for on-growing red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Methods and Results:, Tilapia were fed either a control diet or control diet supplemented with Ped. acidilactici at 107 CFU g,1 for 32 days. Ped. acidilactici colonized the intestinal tract and significantly affected the intestinal microbial communities. PCR-DGGE revealed direct antagonism of gastric Ped. acidilactici with an endogenous uncultured bacterium during a period of reverting to nonsupplemented feeding. Light microscopy revealed that gut integrity and leucocyte levels were unaffected by Ped. acidilactici; however, blood leucocyte levels and serum lysozyme activity were elevated after 14-days' feeding. No significant improvements in growth performance were observed at the end of the trial (day 32), but survival was significantly higher in the probiotic group. Conclusions:, The study demonstrates that oral supplementation of Ped. acidilactici modulates intestinal bacterial communities in on-growing red tilapia and also stimulates some aspects of the nonspecific immune response. Significance and Impact of the study:, To our knowledge this is the first study assessing the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota of tilapia using culture-independent methods. Such methods are crucial to understand the mechanisms which underpin and mediate host benefits. [source] Phytohaemagglutinin injection has a long-lasting effect on immune cellsJOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Tuul Sarv Measurement of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced skin swelling is the most popular assay of immune function in avian studies. The mechanisms causing swelling have been relatively well studied; however, very little is known about the potential long term physiological effects of PHA. Here we show that injection of PHA into patagium of captive greenfinches Carduelis chloris increases the concentration of heterophils (phagocytic cells of the innate immune response) in the peripheral blood for at least 30,days. Such long-term consequences should be taken into account when using PHA skin test in studies monitoring changes in individual physiological condition and/or immune status. [source] DNA-hydrolysing activity of IgG antibodies from the sera of patients with diseases caused by different bacterial infectionsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 9a 2009Taisiya A. Parkhomenko Abstract DNase autoantibodies (Abs) can be found in the blood of patients with several autoimmune diseases, while the blood of healthy donors or patients with diseases with insignificant disturbances of the immune status does not contain the DNase Abs. Here we have analysed for the first time the DNase activity in the patients with diseases caused by several bacterial infections. Several rigid criteria have been applied to show that the DNase activity is an intrinsic property of IgGs from the sera of patients with bacterial diseases but not from healthy donors. The relative activity of IgGs has been shown to vary extensively between the diseases analysed and from patient to patient, but most of the preparations had detectable levels of the DNase activity. On average, the catalytic activities were significantly lower than in patients with autoimmune pathologies and increased in the following order: streptococcal infection (erysipelas) < urogenital chlamydiosis associated with arthritis (Reiter's disease) < meningococcal meningitis < shigellosis < suppurative surgical infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus < suppurative surgical infections caused by epidermal staphylococci < urogenital ureaplasmosis associated with reactive arthritis. While intact IgGs possessed this catalytic activity, separated light chains of polyclonal Abs appeared to be even more active in the hydrolysis of DNA. [source] Cancer/testis antigen MAGE-A4 expression pattern differs in epithelial skin tumors of organ-transplant recipients and immunocompetent patientsJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Beda Muehleisen Background:, Lifetime risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is 1:30. Risk in organ-transplant recipients (OTR) is increased over 60-fold through long-term drug-induced immunosuppression. MAGE family-derived peptides are cancer/testis antigens recognized by specific CD8+ T cells and employed for immunotherapy. We were interested in the frequency and distribution of MAGE-A4 in epithelial skin tumors of OTR and immunocompetent patients. Methods:, mAb 57B predominantly recognizing MAGE-A4 was used to stain 119 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded epithelial skin tumors (actinic keratosis, bowenoid actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, and SCC; n = 17, 25, 61, 16, respectively) in immunocompetent patients (n = 84) and OTR (n = 35). Results:, All four epithelial skin tumors showed comparable immunoreactivity ranging from (25,71%, p = 0.361). Scattered immunoexpression pattern was more frequent in OTR (p = 0.025). SCC showed polarized immunoreactivity basally (p = 0.002). Conclusion:, MAGE-A4 was expressed in a large part of epithelial skin tumors with predominantly scattered immunoexpression pattern in OTR. The difference in immunoexpression pattern for immune status was limited, suggesting important non-immunosuppressor-mediated mechanisms for increased skin carcinogenesis in OTR. mAb 57B may be a helpful tool for immunohistochemistry and micrographic surgery using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. [source] Ionizing radiation-induced long-term expression of senescence markers in mice is independent of p53 and immune statusAGING CELL, Issue 3 2010Oanh N. L. Le Summary Exposure to IR has been shown to induce the formation of senescence markers, a phenotype that coincides with lifelong delayed repair and regeneration of irradiated tissues. We hypothesized that IR-induced senescence markers could persist long-term in vivo, possibly contributing to the permanent reduction in tissue functionality. Here, we show that mouse tissues exposed to a sublethal dose of IR display persistent (up to 45 weeks, the maximum time analyzed) DNA damage foci and increased p16INK4a expression, two hallmarks of cellular senescence and aging. BrdU-labeling experiments revealed that IR-induced damaged cells are preferentially eliminated, at least partially, in a tissue-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, the accumulation of damaged cells was found to occur independent from the DNA damage response modulator p53, and from an intact immune system, as their levels were similar in wild-type and Rag2,/, ,C,/, mice, the latter being deficient in T, B, and NK cells. Together, our results provide compelling evidence that exposure to IR induces long-term expression of senescence markers in vivo, an effect that may contribute to the reduced tissue functionality observed in cancer survivors. [source] Photoperiod,Testicular,Immune Interaction in a Seasonal Breeder Indian Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanti During the Reproductively Inactive and Active PhasesJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2009R. Ahmad The differential effect of long (LD; 16 : 8 h light/dark), short (SD; 10 : 14 h light/dark) and natural day length (NDL; 12 : 12 h light/dark) during the reproductively inactive (RIP) and active (RAP) phases was assessed in relation to immunity and reproductive function of a tropical rodent Funambulus pennanti. They presented high immunity and low testicular activity during RIP and an opposite during RAP. SD increased spleen and thymus weight, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, cell mediated immunity [i.e. blastogenic response in terms of percentage stimulation ratio of splenocytes and thymocytes (when challenged with concanavalin A)] and delayed type hypersensitivity to oxazolone. SD during RIP increased the above mentioned parameters and reduced testes weight compared to NDL groups. During RAP, LD reduced all the immunological parameters when compared with NDL and SD experiencing groups of RIP and RAP phases. The LD group reduced the immunological parameters compared to RAP, suggesting that LD had always an inhibitory effect on immune status being independent of reproductive phases. The intensity of the stimulatory effects of SD and inhibitory effects of LD during both reproductive phases was significantly different. We exposed another set of squirrels to the above photoperiodic schedule for prolonged period (30 weeks) during RAP. A clear testicular refractoriness followed by immunorefractoriness was observed in the group experiencing SD and LD for 30 weeks. The photorefractoriness presented by the testes was inversely related to the immunorefractoriness. The peripheral melatonin level of those squirrels reflected the photoperiodic signal perceived by squirrels for immunomodulation and gonadal function, suggesting that immune system and gonadal function might have coevolved. [source] Maternal circulating interferon-, and interleukin-6 as biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status throughout pregnancyJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2008Aziz Aris Abstract Aim:, T cells may be classified as T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, which synthesize cytokines inducing cellular immunity, or T helper type 2 (Th2), which synthesize cytokines inducing humoral immunity. According to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, it has been postulated that successful pregnancy induces an immune Th2 bias, but it is not yet clear how Th1 and Th2 systems vary simultaneously throughout the pregnancy. Methods:, Using maternal circulating interferon-, (IFN-,) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as biomarkers of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, respectively, we examined the variation of circulating Th1/Th2 ratio in 35 healthy pregnant women from 10 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Results:, With increasing gestational age, maternal circulating levels of IFN-, decrease, whereas those of IL-6 increase. The IFN-,/IL-6 ratio switches around the 19th week of pregnancy. Conclusions:, Our results suggest that maternal systemic IFN-, and IL-6 concentrations may be biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status during pregnancy. Moreover, our findings showed that contrary to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, the Th1 bias may be prevailing at the beginning of pregnancy, balanced in the middle of pregnancy and supplanted by the Th2 bias at the end of pregnancy. [source] Increased Interleukin-10 and Cortisol in Long-term Alcoholics after Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Hint to the Increased Postoperative Infection Rate?ALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2005Michael Sander Background: Previous studies have shown that 20% of all patients admitted to the hospital abuse alcohol and have increased morbidity after surgery. Long-term alcoholic patients are shown to suffer from immune alterations, which might be critical for adequate postoperative performance. Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) also leads to pronounced immune alteration, which might be linked with patients' ability to combat infections. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the perioperative levels of TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and cortisol in long-term alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients undergoing cardiac surgery to elucidate a possible association with postoperative infections. Methods: Forty-four patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were included in this prospective study. Long-term alcoholic patients (n= 10) were defined as having a daily ethanol consumption of at least 60 g and fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for alcohol abuse. The nonalcoholic patients (n= 34) were defined as drinking less than 20 g ethanol per day. Blood samples were obtained to analyze the immune status upon admission to hospital, the morning before surgery and on admission to the ICU, the morning of days one and three after surgery. Results: Basic characteristics of patients did not differ between groups. Long-term alcoholics had a fourfold increase in postsurgery infection rate and prolonged need for ICU treatment and mechanical ventilation. Postoperative levels of interleukin-10 and cortisol were significantly increased in long-term alcoholic patients compared with nonalcoholic patients. These observations were in line with postoperative interleukin-10 being predictive for postoperative infectious complications. Conclusions: The increased infection rate in long-term alcoholics strengthens the urgent need for interventional approaches providing modulation of the perioperative immune and HPA response in these high-risk patients to counteract their postoperative immune suppression. [source] Dietary oligochitosan supplementation enhances immune status of broilersJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 1 2007Rui-Lin Huang Abstract Oligochitosan (COS) is a type of prebiotic, which favourably alters the intestinal microflora balance, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, promotes good digestion and boosts immune function. The effect of dietary COS supplementation on immune function in broilers was assessed by feeding graded levels (0, 50, 100, 150 mg kg,1) of COS. Two thousand four hundred male commercial Avian® broilers (1 day old) were assigned randomly to five dietary treatment groups (60 birds/pen with eight pens per treatment). Diet A was a typical maize- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 6 mg kg,1 antibiotics of flavomycin (positive control). Diet B was the basal diet without any supplement. Diets C, D and E were formulated by addition of 50, 100, 150 mg kg,1 of COS to the basal diet, respectively. On the morning of days 21 and 42, a total of 64 (eight birds/pen with eight pens per treatment) of the growth experimental birds were killed by cervical dislocation, respectively for determination of serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM, and weights of spleen, bursa and thymus. Compared with broilers fed the control and the positive control diets, dietary supplementation with COS increased (P < 0.001) serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, with the greatest response for the 100 mg kg,1COS supplementation. Chitosan oligosaccharides supplementation also enhanced the immune organ development. Results suggest COS can improve immune response in birds. Through positive modulation of the immune response, COS has great potential as an effective, antibiotic-like growth promoter for poultry. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Influence of a cocoa-enriched diet on specific immune response in ovalbumin-sensitized ratsMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 3 2009Teresa Pérez-Berezo Abstract Previous studies in young rats have reported the impact of 3 weeks of high cocoa intake on healthy immune status. The present article describes the effects of a longer-term cocoa-enriched diet (9 weeks) on the specific immune response to ovalbumin (OVA) in adult Wistar rats. At 4 weeks after immunization, control rats produced anti-OVA antibodies, which, according their amount and isotype, were arranged as follows: IgG1 > IgG2a > IgM > IgG2b > IgG2c. Both cocoa diets studied (4% and 10%) down-modulated OVA-specific antibody levels of IgG1 (main subclass associated with the Th2 immune response in rats), IgG2a, IgG2c and IgM isotypes. Conversely, cocoa-fed rats presented equal or higher levels of anti-OVA IgG2b antibodies (subclass linked to the Th1 response). Spleen and lymph node cells from OVA-immunized control and cocoa-fed animals proliferated similarly under OVA stimulation. However, spleen cells from cocoa-fed animals showed decreased interleukin-4 secretion (main Th2 cytokine), and lymph node cells from the same rats displayed higher interferon-, secretion (main Th1 cytokine). These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the number of anti-OVA IgG-secreting cells in spleen. In conclusion, cocoa diets induced attenuation of antibody synthesis that may be attributable to specific down-regulation of the Th2 immune response. [source] Central nervous system infections by members of the Pseudallescheria boydii species complex in healthy and immunocompromised hosts: epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcomeMYCOSES, Issue 4 2008A. Serda Kantarcioglu Summary Infections caused by members of the Pseudallescheria boydii species complex are currently among the most common mould infections. These fungi show a particular tropism for the central nervous system (CNS). We reviewed all the available reports on CNS infections, focusing on the geographical distribution, infection routes, immunity status of infected individuals, type and location of infections, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome. A total of 99 case reports were identified, with similar percentage of healthy and immunocompromised patients (44% vs. 56%; P = 0.26). Main clinical types were brain abscess (69%), co-infection of brain tissue and/or spinal cord with meninges (10%) and meningitis (9%). The mortality rate was 74%, regardless of the patient's immune status, or the infection type and/or location. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was revealed as a not very important tool as the percentage of positive samples for P. boydii complex was not different from that of negative ones (67% vs. 33%; P = 0.10). In immunocompetent patients, CNS infection was preceded by near drowning or trauma. In these patients, the infection was characterised by localised involvement and a high fatality rate (76%). In contrast, CNS infection in immunocompromised patients was presented as rapidly progressive disseminated lesions at various degrees of evolution. Major risk factors for CNS infection were the aspiration of polluted water in near-drowning episodes in immunologically intact patients and medical immunosuppression in the remaining patient groups. As the therapeutic options were poor, the treatment was difficult in general and the prognosis was poor. [source] Zinc Deficiency in Pregnancy and Fetal OutcomeNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 1 2006Dheeraj Shah MD Maternal zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been related to adverse effects on progeny, and there are data showing that mild to moderate zinc deficiency (as assessed by available indicators) is quite common in the developing world. Observational data relating zinc deficiency to adverse fetal outcome have produced conflicting results, mainly because of the lack of a valid indicator of zinc deficiency in pregnancy. Studies of human pregnancy and zinc supplementation, including those from developing countries, have failed to document a consistent beneficial effect on fetal growth, duration of gestation, and early neonatal survival. Preliminary results from unpublished studies in developing countries have also proven to be discouraging. However, recent data and some preliminary findings indicate a beneficial effect of maternal zinc supplementation on neonatal immune status and infant morbidity from infectious diseases, and there is also preliminary evidence that zinc supplementation may prevent congenital malformations (cleft lip/palate). With respect to neurobehavioral development, the evidence is conflicting, with only one study reporting a positive outcome. More research is required to assess the benefits of the large-scale introduction of zinc supplementation during pregnancy on congenital malformations, immune functions, neurobehavior, and overall neonatal survival in countries where zinc deficiency is a problem. Currently available information does not support the routine use of zinc supplementation to improve pregnancy outcome. [source] Iron and vitamin deficiencies, endocrine and immune status in patients with primary Sjögren's syndromeORAL DISEASES, Issue 3 2001IMC Lundström OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of iron and vitamin deficiencies, endocrine disorders and immunological parameters in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (1°SS). DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: At the time of the establishment of the diagnosis of 1°SS in 43 consecutive patients, a clinical examination including haematological analyses was performed. The patients' medical records were also reviewed. SETTING: Patients referred for diagnosis to The University Hospital, Linköping, a secondary or tertiary referral hospital serving the middle part of southern Sweden. RESULTS: In total, current or previously treated iron and vitamin deficiencies were registered for 63% of the 1°SS patients (iron 51%, vitamin B12 25%, folate 9%). Current low ferritin was noted in 24%, low iron saturation in 37%, decreased vitamin B12 in 13% and folate in 9%. Thyroid disease was found in a total of 33% and 30% had had autoimmune thyroiditis. Three patients (7%) had verified diabetes mellitus. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was raised in 65% of the patients and 84% had a polyclonal increase of Ig. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was detected in 85%, antinuclear antibody (ANA) in 74%, anti-SS-A in 88% and anti-SS-B in 73% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Iron and vitamin deficiencies and thyroid diseases are common in patients with 1°SS. Since these disorders often are treatable and may affect the patients' distress as well as their immune and exocrine function, an active, recurrent search for deficiencies, endocrine diseases and other frequently recorded disorders is recommended. [source] Visceral schistosomiasis of domestic animals in India: humoral immune status of infected cattle, sheep and goats against major polypeptide antigens of Schistosoma indicum and S. spindalePARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2004A. Singh SUMMARY Polypeptide profiles of Schistosoma indicum and S. spindale adult worm homogenates were obtained by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Humoral immune status of infected cattle, sheep and goats against Schistosoma indicum and S. spindale Ags was determined by immunoblot analysis and by indirect ELISA using four major polypeptides of approximate molecular masses 45 kDa, 40 kDa, 28 kDa and 15 kDa electro-eluted from the gel slices. Cattle sera samples had higher levels of antibodies against Si/s40 and Si/s28 than against Si/s45 antigen. Reasons have been discussed for the absence of detectable levels of anti-Si/s28, -Si/s45 and -Si/s40 antibodies in a significant number of sera samples from S. indicum egg-positive sheep. [source] Unusual evolution of an Epstein,Barr virus-associated leiomyosarcoma occurring after liver transplantationPEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2001Bénédicte Brichard Abstract: We report the case of a child who developed, 2 yr after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) for biliary atresia, a multi-focal hepatic tumor with lymphonodular metastases, identified as an Epstein,Barr virus (EBV)-associated leiomyosarcoma. Chemotherapy was given without tumor response. Subsequently, slow growth of the tumor was observed. Immunosuppression was tapered and stopped 9 yr after transplantation. At the present time, 12 yr after the discovery of the first hepatic lesions, the patient is alive and completely symptom-free, the abdominal masses are stable, and liver function tests are completely normal. Smooth muscle tumors are increasingly recognized in children with various immunodeficiencies occurring after organ transplantation. This unusual evolution of a clinically aggressive tumor into a stable disease after restoration of immunity confirms that the immune status of the patient is a crucial factor. [source] Characterization of Genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Immunosuppressed and Immunocompetent Patient GroupsTHE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009ROBERT J. TEN HOVE ABSTRACT. A retrospective phylogenetic analysis was performed on isolates of Enterocytozoon bieneusi to characterize the genotypes in different patient cohorts. Fifty-seven isolates, collected from patients living in Malawi and the Netherlands, were classified by age and immune status of the hosts. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region identified 16 genotypes; nine have not previously been described. Genotypes K and D were most prevalent among patient groups, whereas genotype C was restricted to transplantation patients receiving immunosupressives and genotype B showed a predisposition toward patients living with HIV/AIDS. Different genotypes showed more dispersion among isolates from Malawi compared with those from the Netherlands. A constructed map estimating the genealogy of the ITS region reveals a dynamic evolutionary process between the genotypes. [source] REVIEW ARTICLE: Effects of Early Conceptus Signals on Circulating Immune Cells: Lessons from Domestic RuminantsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Troy L. Ott Citation Ott TL, Gifford CA. Effects of early conceptus signals on circulating immune cells: lessons from domestic ruminants. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010 While there are few similarities between mechanisms for extending corpus luteum (CL) function during early pregnancy in ruminants and primates, there is increasing evidence that conceptus-immune crosstalk in ruminants and primates affects the function of circulating immune cells at the very earliest stages of pregnancy. Most notable are changes in immune cell phenotypes with increased numbers of cells exhibiting the T regulatory phenotype and suppression of Th1 cytokines that promote tolerance to paternal alloantigens. Until recently, interferon , produced by the ruminant trophectoderm was thought to act exclusively on the uterine endometrium; however, it is now clear that this unique embryonic interferon escapes the uterus and alters gene expression in the CL and in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). In fact, a large number of interferon-stimulated genes are now known to be increased during early pregnancy in PBL. What is not known is how this conceptus-immune system cross-talk affects maternal immune status outside the reproductive tract. It is attractive to hypothesize that some of these effects are designed to counter-balance progesterone-induced immunosuppression so as not to place the dam at a greater risk of infection on top of the tremendous stresses already induced by pregnancy. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that pregnancy induced changes in peripheral immune cells may aid in orchestrating establishment of pregnancy. Existing evidence points toward a greater convergence of systemic immune responses to early pregnancy signaling between ruminants and primates. [source] Successful Lung Transplantation in an HIV- and HBV-Positive Patient with Cystic FibrosisAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2009A. Bertani Prior to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV-infected patients were usually not considered as transplant candidates because of the poor prognosis of their underlying disease and concerns regarding the potential detrimental effects of immunosuppression on viral load and immune status. However, with the significant HAART-associated improvements in morbidity and mortality, good short-term outcomes after liver and kidney transplantation for patients with HIV infection have been reported. Nevertheless, HIV infection is currently considered a contraindication to lung transplantation in most transplant centers worldwide. The results of a double lung transplant performed in an HIV and HBV co-infected patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and end-stage respiratory failure (ESRF) are presented after a 2-year follow-up. Approval of and recommendations for the management of this patient were obtained from the Italian National Center for Transplantation as an extension of the ongoing Italian protocol for liver and kidney transplantation in HIV-infected individuals. The operation was successful and the patient recovered rapidly after surgery. A cautious infectious and immunosuppressive management allowed so far the avoidance of major infectious complications and rejection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of lung transplantation in an HIV and HBV co-infected patient. [source] Early and Limited Use of Tacrolimus to Avoid Rejection in an Alemtuzumab and Sirolimus Regimen for Kidney Transplantation: Clinical Results and Immune MonitoringAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2009S. J. Knechtle Alemtuzumab induction with 60 days of tacrolimus treatment and continuous sirolimus treatment prevented acute rejection in nine of 10 consecutive renal allograft recipients. All patients are alive with a functioning kidney graft at 27,39 months of follow-up. Extensive immune monitoring was performed in all patients. Alloantibody detection, cytokine kinetics assay (CKA), and trans vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) assay were performed every 6 months showing correlation with clinical evolution. Despite alloantibody presence in five patients, eight patients remain without the need for specific treatment and only sirolimus monotherapy in decreasing dosage. Four patients take only 1 mg sirolimus daily with levels of 3,4 ng/mL. One patient showed clinical signs of rejection at month 9 post-transplant, with slow increase in serum creatinine and histological signs of mixed cellular (endarteritis) and humoral rejection (C4d positivity in peritubular capillaries and donor-specific antibody (DSA)). In summary, the addition of tacrolimus therapy for 2 months to a steroid-free, alemtuzumab induction and sirolimus maintenance protocol limited the previously shown acute rejection development. Nevertheless, alloantibody was present in serum and/or C4d present on 1-year biopsy in half the patients. The combination of CKA and DSA monitoring or the performance of transvivo DTH correlated with immune status of the patients. [source] Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen class I antigen and interleukin-12 in hepatectomized patientsANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2009Tatsuo Shimura Abstract Background:, Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been shown to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and CTL. IL-12 also acts as a growth factor for activated NK, T and NKT cells. The soluble HLA class I (sHLA-I) has been reported to bind a killer-cell inhibitory receptor, which is expressed on the NK cell, and its signals inhibit NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Effects of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on post-operative immune status have not yet been completely examined. Methods:, Thirty consecutive patients taking a hepatectomy were enrolled. The levels of IL-12 and sHLA-I were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:, The rate of complication after hepatectomy in the FFP-administered patients was higher than that in patients without FFP administration (P= 0.0358). Decreased IL-12 levels after surgery in patients without FFP administration recovered to the preoperative state earlier than those in patients with FFP administration (P < 0.05). The levels of sHLA-I in the FFP-administered patients were higher than those in the patients without FFP administration (P < 0.05). Conclusions:, Administration of FFP, which contains sHLA-I, affected the levels of sHLA-I after hepatectomy. Both high levels of sHLA-I and low levels of IL-12 could attenuate NK activities after hepatectomy, especially when FFP would be administered. [source] A feed is only as good as its ingredients , a review of ingredient evaluation strategies for aquaculture feedsAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 1 2007B.D. GLENCROSS Abstract The evaluation of feed ingredients is crucial to nutritional research and feed development for aquaculture species. In evaluating ingredients for use in aquaculture feeds, there are several important knowledge components that should be understood to enable the judicious use of a particular ingredient in feed formulation. This includes information on (1) ingredient digestibilities, (2) ingredient palatability and (3) nutrient utilization and interference. Diet design, feeding strategy, faecal collection method and method of calculation all have important implications on the determination of the digestible value of nutrients from any ingredient. There are several ways in which palatability of ingredients can be assessed, usually based on variable inclusion levels of the ingredient in question in a reference diet and feeding of those diets under an apparent satietal or self-regulating feeding regimes. However, the design of the diets, the parameters of assessment and the feeding regime can all be subject to variation depending on subtleties of the experimental design. Clearly, issues relating to feed intake are the key performance criteria in palatability assessments, and it is important that such experiments maintain sufficient stringency to allow some self-discrimination of the test feeds by the fish. The ability of fish to use nutrients from the test ingredient, or defining factors that interfere with that process, is perhaps the most complex and variable part of the ingredient evaluation process. It is crucial to discriminate effects on feed intake from effects on utilization of nutrients from ingredients (for growth and other metabolic processes). To allow an increased focus on nutrient utilization by the animals, there are several experimental strategies that can be adopted, which are based on variations in diet design and feeding regime used. Other issues such as ingredient functionality, influence on immune status and effects on organoleptic qualities are also important consideration in determining the value of ingredients in aquaculture feed formulations. A key aspect to note is the need to design all experiments with sufficient experimental capacity to detect significant effects. [source] Evaluation of zinc supplementation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juvenile dietsAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Eleni Fountoulaki Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased zinc dietary levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, immune status and induced wound healing in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Fish weighing 10 g were fed five diets containing organic zinc at 30, 70, 110 and 150 mg kg,1 diet and one inorganic zinc source (zinc oxide) at 150 mg kg,1 diet for a period of 12 weeks. No significant (P>0.05) differences were found in the growth performance parameters (final weight, specific growth rate), immunological indices tested (respiratory burst activity in whole blood) and the wound-healing process. Zinc accumulation in the skin, vertebrae and liver increased significantly (P<0.01) with increased dietary zinc levels but not in muscle. The highest zinc concentrations were obtained in skin tissue, followed by vertebrae, liver and muscle tissue. Using the concentration of zinc in skin as a response criterion, broken-line analysis showed that the supplementation of 148 mg organic Zn kg,1 diet seemed to be the optimum dietary zinc supplementation level for sea bass juveniles. [source] Enhancing the natural defences and barrier protection of aquaculture speciesAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010John W Sweetman Abstract The promotion of nutritional strategies that optimize natural defence mechanisms in fish is of critical importance in producing robust juveniles and adult fish. These animals are more capable of minimizing the impact of opportunistic pathogen attack, thus improving liveability and performance characteristics. The importance of the piscine gastrointestinal tract as a major endocrine and osmoregulatory organ is well reported as is its function as a defensive barrier to pathogen attack. Investigations using the inclusion of a specific structural form of mannan oligosaccharide have been shown to improve the performance parameters, immune status, and gut morphology and improve an important aspect of barrier protection through the enhancement of mucal production in a number of aquaculture species. The selenium status of an animal is pivotal in determining the success of the innate and adaptive immune response of the animal, and the use of an organic selenium source, in the form of a selenoyeast, has been shown to improve enzyme function and tissue uptake. The antioxidant role of many of the selenoptroteins and the role of selenium in the glutathione peroxidase enzyme pathways involved in the control of oxidative stress is critical if oxidative damage and cell membrane lipid peroxidation are to be prevented. The use of these compounds as feed additives has important implications for health management in commercial aquaculture facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate the benefits offered by a range of commercial products. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||