Effect of Lactobacillus on body weight and body fat in overweight subjects: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

Gut microbiota is important for maintaining body weight. Modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics may result in weight loss and thus help in obesity treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus on weight loss and/or fat mass in overweight adults. A search was performed on the Medline (PubMed) and Scopus electronic databases using the search terms: 'probiotics', 'Lactobacillus, 'obesity', 'body weight changes', 'weight loss', 'overweight', 'abdominal obesity', 'body composition', 'body weight', 'body fat' and 'fat mass'. In the total were found 1567 articles, but only 14 were included in this systematic review. Of these nine showed decreased body weight and/or body fat, three did not find effect and two showed weight gain. Results suggest that the beneficial effects are strain dependent. It can highlight that Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus when combined with a hypocaloric diet, L. plantarum with Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei with phenolic compounds, and multiple species of Lactobacillus.

The influence of the tumor necrosis factor-alpa-308G>A polymorphism on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients after kidney transplantation

Cytokines play an important role in the immune response. The calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine CsA, tacrolimus TAC) widely used after renal transplantation to prevent allograft rejection are immunosuppressive drugs suppressing the production of cytokines. These drugs are characterized by interindividual variability and require monitoring their blood concentrations to predict their optimal dosage. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the correlation between therapeutic effects of immunosuppressants and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-308G>A polymorphism in renal transplant patients. A total of 412 patients receiving TAC and CsA were included in the study. Genotype frequencies were determined using the real-time PCR method. Patients with the GG genotype received higher doses of TAC as compared to carriers of the GA genotype (5.24 mg versus 3.35 mg) and had lower mean drug concentration in blood (5.86 ng/ml versus 6.92 ng/ml). Similar results were also obtained for CsA (GG: 185.33 mg versus GA: 153.30 mg, P < 0.05). The comparison of the TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism with the biochemical parameters did not reveal a potential risk for transplant rejection. These results indicate that the TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism may influence the dosage of immunosuppressive drugs in patients after transplantation as far as individualization of drug therapy is concerned.

H.E.S.S. Limits on Linelike Dark Matter Signatures in the 100 GeV to 2 TeV Energy Range Close to the Galactic Center

A search for dark matter linelike signals iss performed in the vicinity of the Galactic Center by the H.E.S.S. experiment on observational data taken in 2014. An unbinned likelihood analysis iss developed to improve the sensitivity to linelike signals. The upgraded analysis along with newer data extend the energy coverage of the previous measurement down to 100 GeV. The 18 h of data collected with the H.E.S.S. array allow one to rule out at 95% C.L. the presence of a 130 GeV line (at l=-1.5°, b=0° and for a dark matter profile centered at this location) previously reported in Fermi-LAT data. This new analysis overlaps significantly in energy with previous Fermi-LAT and H.E.S.S.

RESULTS

No significant excess associated with dark matter annihilations was found in the energy range of 100 GeV to 2 TeV and upper limits on the gamma-ray flux and the velocity weighted annihilation cross section are derived adopting an Einasto dark matter halo profile. Expected limits for present and future large statistics H.E.S.S. observations are also given.

Search for Dark Matter Annihilations towards the Inner Galactic Halo from 10 Years of Observations with H.E.S.S

The inner region of the Milky Way halo harbors a large amount of dark matter (DM). Given its proximity, it is one of the most promising targets to look for DM. We report on a search for the annihilations of DM particles using γ-ray observations towards the inner 300 pc of the Milky Way, with the H.E.S.S. array of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. The analysis is based on a 2D maximum likelihood method using Galactic Center (GC) data accumulated by H.E.S.S. over the last 10 years (2004-2014), and does not show any significant γ-ray signal above background. Assuming Einasto and Navarro-Frenk-White DM density profiles at the GC, we derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩. These constraints are the strongest obtained so far in the TeV DM mass range and improve upon previous limits by a factor 5. For the Einasto profile, the constraints reach ⟨σv⟩ values of 6×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the W^{+}W^{-} channel for a DM particle mass of 1.5 TeV, and 2×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the τ^{+}τ^{-} channel for a 1 TeV mass. For the first time, ground-based γ-ray observations have reached sufficient sensitivity to probe ⟨σv⟩ values expected from the thermal relic density for TeV DM particles.

Expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in human CD34+ bone marrow cells

Bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells have the ability to secrete growth factors, cytokines, and chemotactic factors. We sought to better characterize this population and to investigate whether human BM CD34+ cells express neurotrophins (NTs) and their relevant receptors. We also compared their expression levels with BM nucleated cells (NCs). BM CD34+ cells were evaluated with respect to the expression levels of neurotrophins using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining, and Western blotting. Next, the expression of specific (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and non-specific (p75NTR) neurotrophin receptors was detected by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining in BM CD34+ cells. Using qRT- PCR, we show that even in the absence of inducing factors, CD34+ cells spontaneously express neurotrophins such as NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4. In addition, the NT expression levels in BM CD34+ cells are considerably higher than in NCs. Furthermore, we confirmed intracellular NT expression in BM CD34+ cells at the protein level using immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting. Using qRT-PCR, we found that immunomagnetically separated BM CD34+ cells spontaneously express high-affinity neurotrophin receptors (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) and the low-affinity receptor p75NTR at higher levels than NCs. Immunomagnetic CD34+ cell separation enables for the rapid and gentle sorting of stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) to prepare specific cell types for use in research and clinical applications. Our study suggests that BM CD34+ cells have the potential to support trophic factors for neural tissue and could contribute towards the protection and regeneration of neural cells.

The impact of interleukin 12B (1188A>C), interleukin 16 (-295T>C), and interleukin 18 (607C>A, 137G>C) gene polymorphisms on long-term renal transplant function and recipient outcomes

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory mediators play an important role in kidney graft outcome. The cytokine and chemokine gene polymorphisms are associated with variable production, activity, expression, or ligand-receptor affinity. Genetic variation in the DNA sequence of the interleukin 12B (IL12B), interleukin 16 (IL16), and interleukin 18 (IL18) genes may lead to altered cytokine production and activity. These variations can lead to changes in individual patient outcomes after kidney transplantation. It is known that polymorphisms of interleukins have an influence on inflammatory diseases, eg, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and asthma.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between IL12B, IL16, and IL18 gene polymorphisms with delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection episodes (AR), and chronic rejection episodes (CR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 267 (38.6% women, 61.4% men) recipients were included in the study. Cadaveric kidney transplantations were performed at the Department of General Surgery and Transplantation. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene polymorphisms of IL12B (rs3212227), IL16 (4778889), and IL18 (rs1946518, rs187238) in 2 mL of serum. Statistical significance (P < .05) was analyzed by logit regression, ANOVA and odds ratio (OR) of χ(2) with Yates correction (95% confidence interval).

RESULTS

Regression analysis revealed no significance between AR/DGF/CR and IL-2B, IL16, IL18rs1946518, and IL18-rs187238 (P > .05). The CR group, AA vs CC genotype of IL18 (rs1946518), had an OR = 2.35 (P = .04). AR and DGF groups had no significance in OR.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistical significance between IL12B, IL16, and IL18 (rs187238) gene polymorphisms and kidney graft outcome after transplantation. Presence of AA genotype (IL18-rs1946518) is connected with a 2.35 times higher risk of CR occurrence.

Rab27a controls HIV-1 assembly by regulating plasma membrane levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

During the late stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle, the viral polyprotein Pr55(Gag) is recruited to the plasma membrane (PM), where it binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and directs HIV-1 assembly. We show that Rab27a controls the trafficking of late endosomes carrying phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type 2 α (PI4KIIα) toward the PM of CD4(+) T cells. Hence, Rab27a promotes high levels of PM phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and the localized production of PI(4,5)P2, therefore controlling Pr55(Gag) membrane association. Rab27a also controls PI(4,5)P2 levels at the virus-containing compartments of macrophages. By screening Rab27a effectors, we identified that Slp2a, Slp3, and Slac2b are required for the association of Pr55(Gag) with the PM and that Slp2a cooperates with Rab27a in the recruitment of PI4KIIα to the PM. We conclude that by directing the trafficking of PI4KIIα-positive endosomes toward the PM, Rab27a controls PI(4,5)P2 production and, consequently, HIV-1 replication.

Constraints on an annihilation signal from a core of constant dark matter density around the milky way center with H.E.S.S

An annihilation signal of dark matter is searched for from the central region of the Milky Way. Data acquired in dedicated on-off observations of the Galactic center region with H.E.S.S. are analyzed for this purpose. No significant signal is found in a total of ∼9  h of on-off observations. Upper limits on the velocity averaged cross section, ⟨σv⟩, for the annihilation of dark matter particles with masses in the range of ∼300  GeV to ∼10  TeV are derived. In contrast to previous constraints derived from observations of the Galactic center region, the constraints that are derived here apply also under the assumption of a central core of constant dark matter density around the center of the Galaxy. Values of ⟨σv⟩ that are larger than 3×10^{-24}  cm^{3}/s are excluded for dark matter particles with masses between ∼1 and ∼4  TeV at 95% C.L. if the radius of the central dark matter density core does not exceed 500 pc. This is the strongest constraint that is derived on ⟨σv⟩ for annihilating TeV mass dark matter without the assumption of a centrally cusped dark matter density distribution in the search region.

Methylene blue usage in horseshoe kidney graft separation: case report

Definitive diagnostics and strict procedures during kidney donor qualification are required. Nowadays, precise and accurate imaging techniques are at hand for every diagnostician. However, many studies have described intraoperative occurrence of horseshoe kidney. Although the harvesting procedure in the case of horseshoe kidney is not technically difficult, graft separation for successful renal transplantation is a challenge. The complex anatomy of malformed organs causes issues during kidney separation. This procedure may lead to damage of the collecting urinary system as well as vascularization damage. Separate graft transplantation is probable when a thin isthmus in a horseshoe kidney is present. Otherwise, poor graft function may occur. We present a technique for horseshoe kidney separation with the use of methylene blue for vascularization determination. The above-mentioned procedure was performed with the methylene blue solution dose injected into a single renal graft artery. Even with the malformed organ's thick isthmus, the exact incision line was identified, exposing vascular perfusion asymmetry and allowing precise renal graft separation.

Candida albicans delays HIV-1 replication in macrophages

Macrophages are one of the most important HIV-1 target cells. Unlike CD4(+) T cells, macrophages are resistant to the cytophatic effect of HIV-1. They are able to produce and harbor the virus for long periods acting as a viral reservoir. Candida albicans (CA) is a commensal fungus that colonizes the portals of HIV-1 entry, such as the vagina and the rectum, and becomes an aggressive pathogen in AIDS patients. In this study, we analyzed the ability of CA to modulate the course of HIV-1 infection in human monocyte-derived macrophages. We found that CA abrogated HIV-1 replication in macrophages when it was evaluated 7 days after virus inoculation. A similar inhibitory effect was observed in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. The analysis of the mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of HIV-1 production in macrophages revealed that CA efficiently sequesters HIV-1 particles avoiding its infectivity. Moreover, by acting on macrophages themselves, CA diminishes their permissibility to HIV-1 infection by reducing the expression of CD4, enhancing the production of the CCR5-interacting chemokines CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, and CCL5/RANTES, and stimulating the production of interferon-α and the restriction factors APOBEC3G, APOBEC3F, and tetherin. Interestingly, abrogation of HIV-1 replication was overcome when the infection of macrophages was evaluated 2-3 weeks after virus inoculation. However, this reactivation of HIV-1 infection could be silenced by CA when added periodically to HIV-1-challenged macrophages. The induction of a silent HIV-1 infection in macrophages at the periphery, where cells are continuously confronted with CA, might help HIV-1 to evade the immune response and to promote resistance to antiretroviral therapy.

Search for photon-linelike signatures from dark matter annihilations with H.E.S.S

Gamma-ray line signatures can be expected in the very-high-energy (E(γ)>100 GeV) domain due to self-annihilation or decay of dark matter (DM) particles in space. Such a signal would be readily distinguishable from astrophysical γ-ray sources that in most cases produce continuous spectra that span over several orders of magnitude in energy. Using data collected with the H.E.S.S. γ-ray instrument, upper limits on linelike emission are obtained in the energy range between ∼ 500 GeV and ∼ 25 TeV for the central part of the Milky Way halo and for extragalactic observations, complementing recent limits obtained with the Fermi-LAT instrument at lower energies. No statistically significant signal could be found. For monochromatic γ-ray line emission, flux limits of (2 × 10(-7) -2 × 10(-5)) m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) and (1 × 10(-8) -2 × 10(-6)) m(-2) s(-1)sr(-1) are obtained for the central part of the Milky Way halo and extragalactic observations, respectively. For a DM particle mass of 1 TeV, limits on the velocity-averaged DM annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩(χχ → γγ) reach ∼ 10(-27) cm(3)s(-1), based on the Einasto parametrization of the Galactic DM halo density profile.

A role for mucosal IL-22 production and Th22 cells in HIV-associated mucosal immunopathogenesis

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a cytokine with epithelial reparative and regenerative properties that is produced by Th22 cells and by other immune cell subsets. Therefore, we explored the hypothesis that disruption of the gut barrier during HIV infection involves dysregulation of these cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Sigmoid IL-22-producing T cell and Th22 cells were dramatically depleted during chronic HIV infection, epithelial integrity was compromised, and microbial translocation was increased. These alterations were reversed after long-term antiretroviral therapy. While all mucosal IL-22-producing T-cell subsets were also depleted very early during HIV infection, at these early stages IL-22 production by non-T-cell populations (including NKp44+ cells) was increased and gut epithelial integrity was maintained. Circulating Th22 cells expressed a higher level of the HIV co-receptor/binding molecules CCR5 and α4β7 than CD4+ T-cell subsets in HIV-uninfected participants, but this was not the case after HIV infection. Finally, recombinant IL-22 was protective against HIV and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced gut epithelial damage in a validated in vitro gut epithelial system. We conclude that reduced IL-22 production and Th22 depletion in the gut mucosa are important factors in HIV mucosal immunopathogenesis.

Semen promotes the differentiation of tolerogenic dendritic cells

Seminal plasma is not just a carrier for spermatozoa. It contains high concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and other biological compounds that are able to exert potent effects on the immune system of the receptive partner. Previous studies have shown that semen induces an acute inflammatory response at the female genital mucosa after coitus. Moreover, it induces regulatory mechanisms that allow the fetus (a semiallograft) to grow and develop in the uterus. The mechanisms underlying these regulatory mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. In this study, we show that seminal plasma redirects the differentiation of human dendritic cells (DCs) toward a regulatory profile. DCs differentiated from human monocytes in the presence of high dilutions of seminal plasma did not express CD1a but showed high levels of CD14. They were unable to develop a fully mature phenotype in response to LPS, TNF-α, CD40L, Pam2CSK4 (TLR2/6 agonist), or Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 agonist). Upon activation, they produced low amounts of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, but expressed a high ability to produce IL-10 and TGF-β. Inhibition of the PG receptors E-prostanoid receptors 2 and 4 prevented the tolerogenic effect induced by seminal plasma on the phenotype and function of DCs, suggesting that E-series PGs play a major role. By promoting a tolerogenic profile in DCs, seminal plasma might favor fertility, but might also compromise the capacity of the receptive partner to mount an effective immune response against sexually transmitted pathogens.

The outcomes of treatment and the etiology of lymphoceles with a focus on hemostasis in kidney recipients: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenesis of lymphoceles remains incompletely understood. The aim of our work was to analyze the perturbations of blood coagulation process for their possible impact on the etiology of lymphoceles. Additionally we performed an evaluation of the incidence and effectiveness of treatment methods for lymphoceles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 2004 to 2010, we performed 242 kidney transplantations in 92 female and 150 male patients. The hemostatic parameters included concentrations of: antithrombin, plasminogen, thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin products F1+2 (F1+2), d-dimers, and plasmin/antiplasmin complexes.

RESULTS

At 7 years follow-up 27 (11%) recipients had developed symptomatic lymphoceles, namely abdominal discomfort, a palpable mess in the lower abdomen, arterial hypertension, infection of the operative site with fever, lymphorrhoea with surgical wound dehiscence, decreased diurnal urine output with an elevated plasma creatinine, voiding problems of urgency and vesical tenesmus, and/or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. We applied the following methods of treatment aspiration alone, percutaneous drainage, laparoscopic fenestration or open surgery. In two only patients did perform open surgery. Since 2008 we have not performed an aspiration alone because of high rate of recurrence (almost 100%) and abandoned open surgery in favor of a laparoscopic approach. Our minimally invasive surgery includes percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasound and a laparoscopic procedure with 100% effectiveness. The examined hemostatic parameters revealed decreased concentrations of TAT complexes and F1+2 in subjects with lymphocele showing positive predictive values of 33% and 41% respectively. The negative predictive values for TAT complexes and F1+2 were 14% and 10%, respectively, suggesting decreased blood coagulation activity among effected recipients. Altered blood coagulation processes may explain some aspects of the disturbances of postoperative obliteration of damaged lymphatic vessels and formation of pathological lymph collection afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Perturbations of blood coagulation may be one cause for a lymphocele.

Epithelial cells activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells improving their anti-HIV activity

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a major role in anti-viral immunity by virtue of their ability to produce high amounts of type I interferons (IFNs) and a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to viral infections. Since recent studies have established that pDCs accumulate at the site of virus entry in the mucosa, here we analyzed whether epithelial cells were able to modulate the function of pDCs. We found that the epithelial cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2, as well as a primary culture of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HRTEC), induced the phenotypic maturation of pDCs stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines. By contrast, epithelial cells did not induce any change in the phenotype of conventional or myeloid DCs (cDCs) while significantly stimulated the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Activation of pDCs by epithelial cells was prevented by Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification as well as by the addition of RNase to the culture medium, suggesting the participation of endosomal TLRs. Interestingly, the cross-talk between both cell populations was shown to be associated to an increased expression of TLR7 and TLR9 by pDCs and the production of LL37 by epithelial cells, an antimicrobial peptide able to bind and transport extracellular nucleic acids into the endosomal compartments. Interestingly, epithelium-activated pDCs impaired the establishment of a productive HIV infection in two susceptible target cells through the stimulation of the production of type I IFNs, highlighting the anti-viral efficiency of this novel activation pathway.

The effect of cause of cadaveric kidney donors death on fibrinolysis and blood coagulation processes

BACKGROUND

Organ donors can be generally divided into two groups according to the cause of their death. The first group is composed of those who died because of physical injuries, especially road traffic injury, and the second group, those who died from central nervous system (CNS) stroke or bleeding. The aim of our work was to examine hemostatic processes among kidney donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 38 deceased kidney donors (KD) included 11 women and 27 men of overall average age of 37±12 years. The donor group of according to the cause of death, included 14 injured donors (ID) (41%) and 24 noninjured donors (ND) donors (59%). The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age. We determined the following concentrations: antithrombin (AT), thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), and prothrombin F1+2 fragments. The fibrinolytic parameter concentrations were: plasminogen (PL), plasmin/antiplasmin complexes (PAP), and D-dimers.

RESULTS

Deceased kidney donors showed an increased plasma concentrations of TAT complexes (P<.000001) and prothrombin fragments F1+2 (P<.0000001); however, the protein C concentration was decreased (P<.000001). The antithrombin activity was similar to the control group. The concentrations of PAP complexes and d-dimers were higher (both P<.000001), but the level of PL lower among KD compared with controls (P<.0000001). The higher of TAT, PAP complexes, d-dimers, and F1+2 concentrations as well and as lower plasminogen and PC concentrations were evidence for increased activation of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in cadaveric KD. However, analysis compairing ID versus ND donors revealed increased concentrations of PAP complexes (P<.05) and decreased amounts of TAT complexes (P<.01) among ID subgroup. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) for PAP complexes were 75% and 68% and for TAT, 71% and 57%, respectively. On the basis of these observations, we concluded that an intensive activation of fibrinolytic process occurs among the ID. In contrast, ND show intensive activation of blood coagulation.

Higher-order optical resonance node detection of integrated disk microresonator

We have demonstrated higher-order optical resonance node detection by using an integrated disk microresonator from through port of the coupling bus waveguide. In addition to the fundamental mode, the disk resonator has higher-order whispering gallery modes. The excited second-order higher-order mode has a node at the position where the electromagnetic energy of the fundamental mode is close to a maximum. This high resolution measurement of optical resonance mode profile has a variety of applications for optical sensing and detection. The self-referencing characteristics of the two optical resonance modes have potential to achieve optical detection independent of external perturbation, such as temperature change.

Search for a dark matter annihilation signal from the galactic center halo with H.E.S.S

A search for a very-high-energy (VHE; ≥100  GeV) γ-ray signal from self-annihilating particle dark matter (DM) is performed towards a region of projected distance r∼45-150  pc from the Galactic center. The background-subtracted γ-ray spectrum measured with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) γ-ray instrument in the energy range between 300 GeV and 30 TeV shows no hint of a residual γ-ray flux. Assuming conventional Navarro-Frenk-White and Einasto density profiles, limits are derived on the velocity-weighted annihilation cross section (σv) as a function of the DM particle mass. These are among the best reported so far for this energy range and in particular differ only little between the chosen density profile parametrizations. In particular, for the DM particle mass of ∼1  TeV, values for (σv) above 3×10(-25)  cm(3) s(-1) are excluded for the Einasto density profile.