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1.
COVID-19 and hydatidiform mole.
Abbas, AM, Ahmed, L, Salem, AS, Elsamman, SH, Refai, A, Fathy, SK, Ahmed, OA, Shalotut, AS, AbdelWahab, RA
American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989). 2020;(5):e13310
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Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic threatens the entire world resulting in severe consequences for people's health. Pregnant patients with COVID-19 had immune dysregulation that could result in abnormal pregnancy outcomes such as hydatidiform mole (HM), recurrent pregnancy loss, and early-onset preeclampsia. In this article, we tried to summarize the possible association between COVID-19 and the HM's development by reviewing the role of NOD-Like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 7 (NLRP7), cytokines, zinc, and leukocytes in the pathogenesis of HM.
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2.
Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics: Can they be used to treat allergies and autoimmune diseases?
Dargahi, N, Johnson, J, Donkor, O, Vasiljevic, T, Apostolopoulos, V
Maturitas. 2019;:25-38
Abstract
As a person ages, physiological, immunological and gut microbiome changes collectively result in an array of chronic conditions. According to the 'hygiene hypothesis' the increasing prevalence of immune-mediated disorders may be related to intestinal dysbiosis, leading to immune dysfunction and associated conditions such as eczema, asthma, allergies and autoimmune diseases. Beneficial probiotic bacteria can be utilized by increasing their abundance within the gastrointestinal lumen, which in turn will modulate immune cells, such as, T helper (Th)-1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg) cells and B cells, which have direct relevance to human health and the pathogenesis of immune disorders. Here, we describe the cross-talk between probiotics and the gastrointestinal immune system, and their effects in relation to inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, allergies and atopic dermatitis.
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3.
Membrane lipid environment: Potential modulation of chemokine receptor function.
Thelen, M, Legler, DF
Cytokine. 2018;:72-75
Abstract
Migration of leukocytes is typically mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) upon activation by specific ligands that range from small peptides, chemokines to a variety of lipidic molecules. The heptahelical receptors are highly dynamic structures and the signaling efficiency largely depends on the discrete contact with the ligand. In addition, several allosteric modulators of receptor activity have been reported, which do not induce migration by themselves. Another important mechanism modulating the activity of GPCRs is their local environment. Not only the membrane lipid composition influences the activity, but also direct binding of lipids, in particular cholesterol, was shown to alter receptor signaling properties. Recent findings indicate that also chemokine receptor activity is modulated by membrane lipids. In this short review we discuss this new paradigm and potential consequences for chemokine-induced migration.
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4.
Inflammation and the Intestinal Barrier: Leukocyte-Epithelial Cell Interactions, Cell Junction Remodeling, and Mucosal Repair.
Luissint, AC, Parkos, CA, Nusrat, A
Gastroenterology. 2016;(4):616-32
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Abstract
The intestinal tract is lined by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells that forms a dynamic, permeable barrier allowing for selective absorption of nutrients, while restricting access to pathogens and food-borne antigens. Precise regulation of epithelial barrier function is therefore required for maintaining mucosal homeostasis and depends, in part, on barrier-forming elements within the epithelium and a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the mucosa. Pathologic states, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are associated with a leaky epithelial barrier, resulting in excessive exposure to microbial antigens, recruitment of leukocytes, release of soluble mediators, and ultimately mucosal damage. An inflammatory microenvironment affects epithelial barrier properties and mucosal homeostasis by altering the structure and function of epithelial intercellular junctions through direct and indirect mechanisms. We review our current understanding of complex interactions between the intestinal epithelium and immune cells, with a focus on pathologic mucosal inflammation and mechanisms of epithelial repair. We discuss leukocyte-epithelial interactions, as well as inflammatory mediators that affect the epithelial barrier and mucosal repair. Increased knowledge of communication networks between the epithelium and immune system will lead to tissue-specific strategies for treating pathologic intestinal inflammation.
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5.
Molecular Imaging of Inflammation: Current Status.
Hammoud, DA
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. 2016;(8):1161-5
Abstract
The ability to image inflammation in vivo can improve our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying various disease etiologies, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration. A great wealth of preclinical and translational research has been and is currently being developed to decipher the involvement of the immune system in disease pathophysiology, quantify the course of a disease, and visualize the potential detrimental effects of excessive inflammation. Down the road, the ultimate goal is to have clinical noninvasive in vivo imaging biomarkers of inflammation that will help diagnose disease, establish prognosis, and gauge response to preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Metallothionein and Zinc Transporter Expression in Circulating Human Blood Cells as Biomarkers of Zinc Status: a Systematic Review.
Hennigar, SR, Kelley, AM, McClung, JP
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). 2016;(4):735-46
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Abstract
Zinc is an essential nutrient for humans; however, a sensitive biomarker to assess zinc status has not been identified. The objective of this systematic review was to compile and assess studies that determined zinc transporter and/or metallothionein expression in various blood cell types and to determine their reliability and sensitivity to changes in dietary zinc. Sixteen studies were identified that determined the expression of zrt-, irt-like protein (ZIP) 1 [solute carrier family (SLC) 39A1], ZIP3 (SLC39A3), ZIP5 (SLC39A5), ZIP6 (SLC39A6), ZIP7 (SLC39A7), ZIP8 (SLC39A8), ZIP10 (SLC39A10), ZIP14 (SLC39A14), zinc transporter (ZnT)1 (SLC30A1), ZnT2 (SLC30A2), ZnT4 (SLC30A4), ZnT5 (SLC30A5), ZnT6 (SLC30A6), ZnT7 (SLC30A7), ZnT9 (SLC30A9), and/or metallothionein in various blood cells isolated from healthy adult men and women in response to zinc supplementation or depletion. Cell types included leukocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T lymphocytes, monocytes, and erythrocytes. ZIP1, ZnT1, and metallothionein were the most commonly measured proteins. Changes in ZIP1 and ZnT1 in response to zinc supplementation or depletion were not consistent across studies. Leukocyte metallothionein decreased with zinc depletion (-39% change from baseline, <5 mg Zn/d, n = 2 studies) and increased with zinc supplementation in a dose-dependent manner (35%, 15-22 mg Zn/d, n = 7 studies; 267%, 50 mg Zn/d, n = 2 studies) and at the earliest time points measured; however, no change or delayed response was observed in metallothionein in erythrocytes. A greater percentage of studies demonstrated that metallothionein in leukocyte subtypes was a more reliable (100%, n = 12; 69%, n = 16) and responsive (92%, n = 12; 82%, n = 11) indicator of zinc exposure than was plasma zinc, respectively. In conclusion, current evidence indicates that metallothionein in leukocyte subtypes may be a component in determining zinc status.
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An increase in hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cells levels by iron chelation as single treatment in multitransfused patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: clinical evidences and possible biological mechanisms.
Breccia, M, Voso, MT, Aloe Spiriti, MA, Fenu, S, Maurillo, L, Buccisano, F, Tafuri, A, Alimena, G
Annals of hematology. 2015;(5):771-7
Abstract
Iron chelation therapy can improve hematopoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes. Only few studies showed hematologic improvement with deferoxamine, and the erythroid responses were correlated with good compliance to long-term treatment. Indeed, single-case reports and data from clinical trials testing the efficacy of deferasirox reported hematologic improvements with varying rates of response in different lineages. Overall, about 760 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with iron overload receiving deferasirox were included in six different studies, and an increase in hemoglobin level was reported to range from 6 to 44.5%, an increase in platelet count from 13 to 61%, and in neutrophil count from 3 to 76%. In all the published studies, hematologic improvements were not related to serum ferritin or to non-total binding iron changes; indeed, other pathways were indicated as possible pathogenetic mechanisms, such as decreased NF-kB activity, modulation of mTOR signalling, and reduced reactive oxygen species. The aims of this review are to provide all available information relating clinical and hematologic changes after chelation therapy and to discuss potential mechanisms involved in such responses.
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Peripheral blood leucocyte subclasses as potential biomarkers of adipose tissue inflammation and obesity subphenotypes in humans.
Pecht, T, Gutman-Tirosh, A, Bashan, N, Rudich, A
Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. 2014;(4):322-37
Abstract
While obesity is clearly accepted as a major risk factor for cardio-metabolic morbidity, it is also apparent that some obese patients largely escape this association, forming a unique obese subphenotype(s). Current approaches to define such subphenotypes include clinical biomarkers that largely reflect already manifested comorbidities, such as markers of dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and impaired regulation of vascular tone, and anthropometric or imaging-based assessment of adipose tissue distribution. Low-grade inflammation, evident both systemically and within adipose tissue (particularly intra-abdominal fat depots), seems to characterize the more cardio-metabolically morbid forms of obesity. Indeed, several systemic inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), adipokines (retinol-binding protein 4, adiponectin) and cytokines have been shown to correlate in humans with adipose tissue inflammation and with obesity-associated health risks. Circulating leucocytes constitute a diverse group of cells that form a major arm of the immune system. They are both major sources of cytokines and likely also of infiltrating adipose tissue immune cells in obesity. In the present review, we summarize currently available literature on 'classical' blood white cell classes and on more specific leucocyte subclasses present in the circulation in human obesity. We critically raise the possibility that leucocytes may constitute clinically available markers for the more morbidity-associated obesity subphenotype(s), and when available, for intra-abdominal adipose tissue inflammation.
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Systemic changes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Singh, A
Danish medical journal. 2014;(6):B4872
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment in the aged population worldwide. The mechanisms underlying this multifactorial and heterogenic disease are complex and incompletely understood. There is increasing evidence to suggest that regulatory differences in the immune system are involved in the development of the various subtypes of AMD. The purpose of this thesis was to identify some of these potential differences in patients with early or late (wet, dry, or fibrotic) AMD. Specifically, we sought to determine differences in 1) expression of regulators of the complement pathway (CD46, CD55, and CD59) on circulating leukocytes; 2) expression of microglia-inhibitory proteins (CD200 and CD200R) on circulating leukocytes; and 3) plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a factor known to inhibit angiogenesis, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidation. All participants underwent a semi-structured interview and detailed retinal imaging. Fresh venous blood was obtained and the frequency of cells expressing the proteins in question was determined using flow cytometry. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Also, genotyping as performed in order to determine the frequency of certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D metabolism. Patients with wet AMD were found to have statistically significant lower frequencies of CD46 and CD59 on CD14+monocytes and higher frequencies of CD200 on CD11b+ monocytes compared to control individuals without AMD (p = 0.0070 and p = 0.047, respectively). Moreover, we found a lower frequency of CD46 on CD45+lymphocytes in patients with wet AMD and subretinal fibrosis compared to patients with wet AMD without fibrosis (p = 0.010). Vitamin D status was not different across AMD subgroups; however, the presence of subretinal fibrosis in patients with wet AMD was associated with a statistically significant lower concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that inadequate systemic immune modulation is an important pathogenic mechanism in the aetiology of AMD. Moreover, some differences in protein expression and vitamin D status appear to be related to the phenotypical diversity of AMD, proposing that different mechanisms may underlie the different subtypes of AMD.
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10.
Immune responses to resistance exercise.
Freidenreich, DJ, Volek, JS
Exercise immunology review. 2012;:8-41
Abstract
Resistance exercise induces changes in leukocyte redistribution, phenotypical surface expression and leukocyte functionality. Several factors have been shown to alter the temporal pattern and/or magnitude of response including manipulation of acute program variables, the aging process, and nutritional supplementation. Rest period length and load can modify the temporal pattern and/or magnitude of leukocytosis post exercise. Aging diminishes both the duration and magnitude of the post exercise leukocytosis and reduces leukocyte functionality. The few studies that assessed the effects of nutritional supplements (e.g., carbohydrate, whey protein, caffeine) peri-resistance exercise showed minimal effects on leukocyte responses. Sex differences exist in the timing and magnitude of leukocyte infiltration into skeletal muscle. The immune response to resistance exercise is only a small part of the recovery paradigm. A better understanding of how acute program variables and other factors such as aging, sex and nutritional supplementation affect the immune response to resistance exercise is important in the context of improving recovery, performance and health.