Characterization and investigation of cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties of coencapsulated limonene and thymol into the Ferula assafoetida gum microparticles

Thymol (Th) and d-limonene (L) exhibit low stability and are prone to oxidation when exposed to air, light, humidity, and high temperatures. This study examined the coencapsulation of Th and L into Ferula assafoetida gum (AFG) microparticles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) were done to characterize the obtained complexes. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiency, antibacterial properties, cytotoxicity, and anticancer properties of both the free and encapsulated forms of L and Th were measured. For all samples, by increasing the percentage of bioactive compound (L, Th, and L-Th) from 2.5 to 5 % w/w, the EE was increased. FTIR and XRD analysis results demonstrated that Th and L were successfully incorporated into the AFG. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis showed that in the thermal graphs of all samples, the first weight loss occurred between 30 °C and 160 °C, which was due to the evaporation of water. In the free L and Th graph, a sharp reduction peak was observed in which 80 % of compounds were lost. These reduction peaks disappeared in the thermal graphs of L: AFG and Th: AFG revealing that the thermal stability of Th and L was significantly increased upon their incorporation into the AFG. The inclusion of Th into the AFG also led to an increase in its antibacterial activity, while L exhibited acceptable antibacterial activity, albeit not as high as Th. Additionally, according to the MIC results, Th: AFG had the best antibacterial activity among all compounds, especially on gram-positive bacteria. According to the result of the MTT assay, there was a significant difference between the IC50 of free Th (123.4 μg/ml) and Th: AFG (2312 μg/ml), and free L (1762 μg/ml) and L: AFG (2480 μg/ml) showing that encapsulated Th and L into the AFG has decreased the cytotoxicity of free compounds against L929 cell line. Also, Th: AFG had the best anticancer activity against Hella and CT26 cell lines among all compounds. Finally, the flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the encapsulated particles effectively eliminated cancer cells. The outcomes imply that AFG can be employed as a suitable delivery system to enhance the use of Th and L into the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The demographic, laboratory and genetic factors associated with long Covid-19 syndrome: a case-control study

Long Covid-19 syndrome (LCS) manifests with a wide range of clinical symptoms, yet the factors associated with LCS remain poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate the relationships that demographic characteristics, clinical history, laboratory indicators, and the frequency of HLA-I alleles have with the likelihood of developing LCS. We extracted the demographic characteristics and clinical histories from the medical records of 88 LCS cases (LCS+ group) and 96 individuals without LCS (LCS- group). Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical symptoms, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, laboratory parameters, and the frequencies of HLA-I alleles. Following this we used multiple logistic regression to investigate the association these variables had with LCS. Subjects in the LCS+ group were more likely to have experienced severe Covid-19 symptoms and had higher body mass index (BMI), white blood cell, lymphocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-6 levels than those in the LCS- group (for all: P < 0.05). Moreover, the frequencies of the HLA-A*11, -B*14, -B*38, -B*50, and -C*07 alleles were higher in the LCS+ group (for all: P < 0.05). After adjusting for the most important variables, the likelihood of suffering from LCS was significantly associated with BMI, CRP, IL-6, the HLA-A*11, and -C*07 alleles, as well as a positive history of severe Covid-19 (for all: P < 0.05). Our study showed that a history of severe Covid-19 during the acute phase of the disease, the HLA-A*11, and -C*07 alleles, higher BMI, as well as elevated serum CRP and IL-6 levels, were all associated with an increased likelihood of LCS.

The kinetics of inhibitory immune checkpoints during and post-COVID-19: the knowns and unknowns

The immune system is tightly regulated to prevent immune reactions to self-antigens and to avoid excessive immune responses during and after challenges from non-self-antigens. Inhibitory immune checkpoints (IICPs), as the major regulators of immune system responses, are extremely important for maintaining the homeostasis of cells and tissues. However, the high and sustained co-expression of IICPs in chronic infections, under persistent antigenic stimulations, results in reduced immune cell functioning and more severe and prolonged disease complications. Furthermore, IICPs-mediated interactions can be hijacked by pathogens in order to evade immune induction or effector mechanisms. Therefore, IICPs can be potential targets for the prognosis and treatment of chronic infectious diseases. This is especially the case with regards to the most challenging infectious disease of recent times, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), whose long-term complications can persist long after recovery. This article reviews the current knowledge about the kinetics and functioning of the IICPs during and post-COVID-19.

The Therapeutic Values of IL-7/IL-7R and the Recombinant Derivatives in Glioma: A Narrative Review

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is essential for maintaining the immune system's defense functions by regulating the development and homeostasis of lymphocytes. Findings have shown the high efficacy of IL-7/IL-7 receptor (IL-7R)-based immunotherapy on various malignancies, with confirmation in both animal models and humans. In recent years, the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients suffering from gliomas significantly increased by introducing C7R-expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and long-acting IL-7 agonists such as NT-I7 (rhIL-7-hyFc, Efineptakin alfa). However, the effect of IL-7-based immunotherapies on the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy (when used simultaneously with chemotherapy agents) is still ambiguous and requires further studies. This article first reviews the pathophysiological roles of IL-7/IL-7R in tumors, focusing on gliomas. Subsequently, it discusses the therapeutic values of IL-7/IL-7R and the recombinant derivatives in gliomas.

The Association of Programmed Death 1 Gene Polymorphisms of PD1.3 G/A and PD1.5 C/T with Risk of COVID-19 in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) has a central role in maintaining T cell tolerance and terminating cellular responses after eliminating antigens. Variation in PD-1 gene products caused by polymorphisms has been linked to several malignancies and autoimmune diseases. However, there is little known about the effects of its single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on viral infections, particularly COVID-19. The primary aim of this study was to explore the function of genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes of two SNPs within the programmed cell death protein 1 (PDCD1) gene at PD1.3 G/A and PD1.5 C/T on susceptibility to COVID-19 in an Iranian population. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effects of these SNPs on the outcome of the disease. We got blood samples from COVID-19 patients (n = 195) and healthy subjects (n = 500) for genotypic determination of PD1.3 G/A (rs11568821) and PD1.5 C/T (rs2227981) SNPs, using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, and constructed four haplotypes for PDCD1 SNPs. We used Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and T-test for this study and incorporated effect sizes of odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference. The frequency of CT genotype of PD1.5 was meaningfully higher in COVID-19 patients (49.2%) than in healthy subjects (37.4%) (p = 0.005). However, these significant differences were not observed in the frequencies of PD1.3 genotypes between the two groups (p > 0.05). Of all estimated haplotypes for PDCD1, only AT was significantly and largely associated with COVID-19 susceptibility (p = 0.01, OR: 7.79 [95% confidence interval = 1.56-38.79]), however, this finding is inconclusive. In addition, the present study showed that the PD1.3 and PD1.5 SNPs were not associated with the outcome of the disease (p > 0.05). These results may propose that the PD1.5 CT genotype and AT haplotype of PDCD1 indecisively contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility in the Iranian population.

Potential Immune Indicators for Predicting the Prognosis of COVID-19 and Trauma: Similarities and Disparities

Although cellular and molecular mediators of the immune system have the potential to be prognostic indicators of disease outcomes, temporal interference between diseases might affect the immune mediators, and make them difficult to predict disease complications. Today one of the most important challenges is predicting the prognosis of COVID-19 in the context of other inflammatory diseases such as traumatic injuries. Many diseases with inflammatory properties are usually polyphasic and the kinetics of inflammatory mediators in various inflammatory diseases might be different. To find the most appropriate evaluation time of immune mediators to accurately predict COVID-19 prognosis in the trauma environment, researchers must investigate and compare cellular and molecular alterations based on their kinetics after the start of COVID-19 symptoms and traumatic injuries. The current review aimed to investigate the similarities and differences of common inflammatory mediators (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, and serum amyloid A), cytokine/chemokine levels (IFNs, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-4), and immune cell subtypes (neutrophil, monocyte, Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg and CTL) based on the kinetics between patients with COVID-19 and trauma. The mediators may help us to accurately predict the severity of COVID-19 complications and follow up subsequent clinical interventions. These findings could potentially help in a better understanding of COVID-19 and trauma pathogenesis.

Increased frequency of HLA-A*02 in patients with atherosclerosis is associated with VZV seropositivity

BACKGROUND

HLA molecules are inherited key molecules in the immune inflammation and specific responses to environmental pathogens. We investigated the association of HLA-A alleles with Varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity in patients with atherosclerosis (AS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plasma Anti-VZV IgG and molecular HLA type were detected in 203 (100 AS⁺ and 103 AS^-) individuals.

RESULTS

Of 100 AS⁺ individuals, 66 were anti-VZV⁺ and 34 were anti-VZV^-. Of 103 age/sex-matched AS^- individuals, 59 were anti-VZV⁺ and 44 were anti-VZV^-. Anti-VZV-IgG in AS⁺ cases was higher than AS^- controls (p = .034). The mean anti-VZV IgG in HLA-A*02⁺AS⁺ individuals was higher than HLA-A*02⁺AS^- controls (p < .001). HLA-A*02 was associated with VZV-seropositivity (p = .01) in AS⁺ patients. A higher frequency of HLA-A*02-allele in AS⁺ patients compared to AS^- controls (p = .015) and an accumulation of HLA-A*02-allele in AS⁺ anti-VZV⁺ group (33.3%, p = .004) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-A alleles and immune responses to VZV are associated with clinical atherosclerosis.

Predictive monitoring and therapeutic immune biomarkers in the management of clinical complications of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), appears with a wide spectrum of mild-to-critical clinical complications. Many clinical and experimental findings suggest the role of inflammatory mechanisms in the immunopathology of COVID-19. Hence, cellular and molecular mediators of the immune system can be potential targets for predicting, monitoring, and treating the progressive complications of COVID-19. In this review, we assess the latest cellular and molecular data on the immunopathology of COVID-19 according to the pathological evidence (e.g., mucus and surfactants), dysregulations of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines and chemokines), and impairments of innate and acquired immune system functions (e.g., mononuclear cells, neutrophils and antibodies). Furthermore, we determine the significance of immune biomarkers for predicting, monitoring, and treating the progressive complications of COVID-19. We also discuss the clinical importance of recent immune biomarkers in COVID-19, and at the end of each section, recent clinical trials in immune biomarkers for COVID-19 are mentioned.

T Cell Proliferative Responses and IgG Antibodies to β2GPI in Patients with Diabetes and Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes increases the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) by 2 to 3 folds. Tlymphocytes play a role in atherosclerosis, which is the main pathology behind MI. Cellular immune responses to beta-2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) are shown in carotid atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the self-reactive, β2GPI-specific T-lymphocytes in patients with and without diabetes and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Collectively, 164 subjects with and without diabetes that underwent coronary angiography were divided into four groups based on their diabetes status and coronary stenosis. Group I=Diabetic with ≥50% stenosis: A+D+ (n=66); Group II=Non-diabetic with ≥50% stenosis, A+D- (n=39); Group III=Diabetic with <50% stenosis: A-D+ (n=28); and Group IV=Non-diabetic with <50% stenosis: AD- (n=31). All groups were evaluated for anti-β2GPI IgG antibody by ELISA method. Then, PBMCs were isolated from 18 subjects and were stimulated with β2GPI-derived peptides to assess their proliferation in accordance with their HLA-DRB1 alleles.

RESULTS

Mean β2GPI IgG levels were higher in groups with ≥50% stenosis (A+) compared to those with <50% stenosis (A-), (P=0.02). The co-presence of diabetes in A+ individuals increased mean β2GPI-specific IgG. Auto-reactive β2GPI-specific T cells were detected in the repertoire of T-lymphocytes in all groups. β2GPI-peptides showed promiscuous restriction by various HLADRB1.

CONCLUSION

β2GPI is the target of cellular and humoral immune responses in patients with atherosclerosis. Since the T cell responses but not antibodies were detectable in A-D+ and A-D- groups, it is reasonable to assume that cellular responses preceded the humoral responses. Post-translation modifications of β2GPI under oxidative and glycemic stresses may have increased the IgG levels in patients with diabetes. Finally, identification of antigens that trigger immuno-pathogenesis in atherosclerosis and diabetes may help the development of immunomodulation methods to prevent or treat these debilitating diseases.

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio at the Time of Admission: A New Prognostic Indicator for Hospital Mortality of Trauma Patients

The elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, especially in pro-inflammatory states such as surgical injuries and severe hemorrhages. Therefore, it was hypothesized whether NLR value at the time of admission could be a prognostic indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 865 trauma patients referred to Rajaee Hospital between April 2016 and July 2019. The NLR value was calculated at the time of admission, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off point value of admission NLR related to hospital mortality of trauma patients. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models have been applied to determine the effectiveness and prognostic potential of the admission NLR in the hospital mortality of trauma patients. The median age of the trauma patients was 32 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 23 to 48 years, and most of them were male (83.9%). Also, trauma patients had a median injury severity score (ISS) of 9 (IQR=4-16) and a median Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 14 (IQR=9-15). The cut-off value for admission NLR was 5.27 (area under the curve: 0.642, 95%CI: 0.559-0.726, p=0.001). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the admission NLR>5.27 was an indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients (p=0.001). Multivariate Cox regression models demonstrated that trauma patients with an admission NLR>5.27 had a 2.33-fold risk of hospital mortality (hazard ratio=2.33, 95%CI: 1.02-5.38, p=0.041). Furthermore, the admission NLR>5.27 was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality in trauma patients with age≥65 years, systolic blood pressure≤90 mmHg, blood potassium>4.5 mmol/L, blood sodium>144 mEq/L, blood potential hydrogen (pH)≤7.28, GCS≤8, ISS>24 and blood base excess≤-6.1 mEq/L. The NLR value greater than 5.27 at the time of admission was associated with poorer outcomes, and it can be considered an independent prognostic indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients.

Immune-Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: A New Twist in an Old Tale

Background and Objective:

Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, is triggered by the activation of endothelial cells followed by infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells including monocytes and T cells in arterial walls. Major populations of T cells found in human atherosclerotic lesions are antigen-specific activated CD4+ effectors and/or memory T cells from Th1, Th17, Th2 and Treg subsets. In this review, we will discuss the significance of T cell orchestrated immune inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Discussion:

Pathogen/oxidative stress/lipid induced primary endothelial wound cannot develop to a full-blown atherosclerotic lesion in the absence of chronically induced inflammation. While the primary inflammatory response might be viewed as a lone innate response, the persistence of such a profound response over time must be (and is) associated with diverse local and systemic T cell responses. The interplay between T cells and innate cells contributes to a phenomenon called immuneinflammation and has an impact on the progression and outcome of the lesion. In recent years immuneinflammation, an old term, has had a comeback in connecting the puzzle pieces of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion:

Taking one-step back and looking from afar at the players of immune-inflammation may help us provide a broader perspective of these complicated interactions. This may lead to the identification of new drug targets and the development of new therapies as well as preventative measures.

Anti-varicella Zoster Virus IgG and hsCRP Levels Correlate with Progression of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis

The relationship between high levels of anti-Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis commends a possible similar association in other vessels. We aimed to investigate the association of VZV-seropositivity with coronary artery atherosclerosis. We recruited 88 newly diagnosed patients with more than 50% stenosis in at least one of the main coronary arteries. As the control group, 99 age-matched individuals with normal/insignificant coronary artery findings were included. Clinical, paraclinical, and demographical data were gathered at the time of sampling. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by nephelometry. VZV-seropositivity was determined by measuring of anti-VZV IgG level in plasma. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation of data with coronary vascular atherosclerosis. The frequency of VZV-seropositivity was significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group compared to the controls (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.03-3.44). The plasma levels of anti-VZV IgG were significantly higher in patients with atherosclerosis (Median=2.70, IQR=1.53-4.30 AU/mL) than in the controls (Median=2.10, IQR=1.70-3.10 AU/mL, p=0.034). The hsCRP levels in patients and controls were 5.19±2.00 and 1.51±1.07 mg/L, respectively. The correlation between hsCRP and anti-VZV IgG level in plasma was observed (r=0.40, p<0.001). The levels of hsCRP and anti-VZV IgG increased based on the number of diseased vessels but only the difference in hsCRP levels reached a significant level (p<0.001 and p=0.168, respectively). Our data suggest that VZV-seropositivity and hsCRP elevation jointly increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis; however, leaves more options for the inflammatory milieu to be generated.

Serum Levels of APRIL Increase in Patients with Glioma, Meningioma and Schwannoma

Objective:

Brain tumors are of high mortality and morbidity for which there is still no cure. The TNF family cytokine, A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL), is shown to help proliferation and development of tumor cells. We assessed serum levels of APRIL in patients with glioma, meningioma and schwannoma in comparison to healthy individuals.

Methods:

Peripheral blood samples of 68 patients with brain tumors, divided into three groups of gliomas (n=25), meningiomas (n=30) and schwannomas (n=13), as well as 45 healthy individuals were obtained. Serum samples were prepared and stored in -40°C until usage. Using a commercial ELISA method, APRIL concentration was measured in each serum sample. The obtained data were then analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

APRIL serum levels were higher in all patients compared to the controls (P<0.001). Moreover, APRIL serum levels were higher in each of the tumor bearing groups (gliomas, meningiomas and schwannomas) in comparison to the controls (P<0.001, <0.001 and =0.001, respectively). Comparing APRIL between the patients groups showed no significant difference. Age and gender showed no significant correlation with serum APRIL levels, although the age of patients in glioma group was significantly lower than controls (P=0.017). The serum APRIL levels in gliomas with histological grade showed no difference, but in meningiomas, it was lower in tumors with higher grades (P= 0.011).

Conclusion:

Increased serum levels of APRIL in patients with meningioma and schwannoma as well as glioma may indicate a common role of this cytokine in brain tumors.