Adipose-Derived Stem Cells' Secretome Attenuates Lesion Size and Parasite Loading in Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania Major in Mice

Background

Stem cell-derived secretome (SE) released into the extracellular space contributes to tissue repair. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of isolated secretome (SE) from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) on Leishmania major (L. major) lesions in BALB/c mice.

Methods

This experimental study was conducted at Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences (Ahvaz, Iran) in 2021. Forty female BALB/c mice were infected with stationary phase promastigotes through intradermal injection in the bottom of their tail and randomly divided into four groups (n=10 per group). The mice were given SE (20 mg/mL), either alone or in combination with Glucantime (GC, 20 mg/mL/Kg), meglumine antimoniate (20 mg/mL/Kg) for the GC group, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for the control group. After eight weeks, the lesion size, histopathology, the levels of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), and Interleukin 12 (IL-12) were assessed. For the comparison of values between groups, the parametric one-way ANOVA was used to assess statistical significance.

Results

At the end of the experiment, the mice that received SE had smaller lesions (4.56±0.83 mm versus 3.62±0.59 mm, P=0.092), lower levels of IL-10 (66.5±9.7 pg/mL versus 285.4±25.2 pg/mL, P<0.001), and higher levels of IL-12 (152.2±14.2 pg/mL versus 24.2±4.4 pg/mL, P<0.001) than the control. Histopathology findings revealed that mice treated with SE had a lower parasite burden in lesions and spleen than the control group.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated that ADSC-derived SE could protect mice infected with L. major against leishmaniasis.

Evaluation of IL-6, IL-25 & IL-35 in the COVID 19 Patients and their Correlation to Demography Data in the Symptomatic Patients

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, was first discovered in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Cytokines play a critical role in COVID-19 infections through their inflammatory or anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to detect the diagnostic value of and the relationship between the interleukins under study, in addition to their relationship with demographic data in COVID-19 patients. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 based on laboratory (PCR) results and the healthy control group were given their section of this investigation. The patient group had 120 COVID-19 patients, including 62 males and 58 females, while the control group consisted of 32 individuals (22 males and 10 females). The subdivision was then performed according to their vaccination status, chronic diseases, gender, and residence. Cytokine levels were detected using the ELISA technique. The immunological status of COVID-19 patients was determined by measuring interleukin (IL)-6, IL-25, and IL-35. During the research, it was found that IL-6 was highly significant in COVID-19 patients (0.001). However, its level was not significantly different (0.376) in patients regarding the type of chronic diseases, residence (0.353), and gender (0.574), but it was significantly different in vaccinated patients (0.029). It was also found that IL-6 is significantly correlated with IL-25 and IL-35. IL-25 was highly significant in COVID-19 patients (0.007), and there was a significant difference in its level in patients regarding the type of chronic disease (0.049). While there was no difference in terms of residence (0.421) and gender (0.681), corona vaccination showed a significant difference (0.047). IL-25 also had a significant correlation with IL-6 and IL-35. As for IL-35, it was significant in patients with COVID-19 (0.013) but not significantly different regarding chronic diseases (0.344), residence (0.877), or gender (0.800). However, it was significantly different in vaccinated patients, compared to the non-vaccinated ones. IL-35 was found to be significantly correlated with IL-25 and IL-6 (0.000). The examined interleukins increased in COVID-19 individuals. IL-6 remains an excellent marker for determining the immune state of patients with COVID-19. There were also strong correlations between the interleukins under study in COVID-19 patients. However, there was no relationship between age, residence, gender, and the concentration of studied cytokines. IL-25 increases significantly in COVID-19 patients suffering from chronic diseases. Therefore, it is more efficient in the follow-up of patients.

Estimation of Interleukin 32 and Interleukin 37 Serum Levels in Iraqi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by persistent inflammation in synovial joints. Interleukine-32 (IL32) is known to have significant pro-inflammatory effects in RA, and IL37 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that reduces the immune response and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate serum levels of IL32 and IL73 in RA patients. The sample included 50 patients (46 females and four males) with RA and 40 healthy controls. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected serum levels of IL32 and IL37. The disease parameters' activity was measured by the clinical disease activity index, and the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured by the Westergren method. Moreover, C-Reactive protein, Rheumatoid factor, and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide antibodies were measured using the ELISA. The results showed elevated serum levels of IL32 and IL37 in patients with RA (P<0.05). The mean duration of RA in most patients was <12 years, and the level of disease activity among the cases group was mainly moderate (70%). There was no significant difference between the mean levels of IL32 and IL37 in patients with RA. This study showed that although IL32 and IL37 played an essential role in RA pathogenesis, there was no significant correlation between serum levels of IL32 and IL37 and disease duration or activity.

in vivo Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Activity of Lipopolysaccharide Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (LPS-ZnNPS)

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes a wide variety of infectious diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large heat-stable polymer that is gram-negative bacteria's major outer membrane component, accounting for roughly 75% of the surface area and 5-10% of the total dry weight. Therefore the current in vivo study was carried out to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of purified lipopolysaccharide produced from local clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates compared with ZnO-NPs and LPS-ZnO NPs. To do the experimental evaluations 35, Balb/c mouse was injected intramuscularly (i.m.) with different concentrations of the purified LPS, ZnoNPs and LPS-ZnoNPs for 12 days and immunized with 10% SRBCs (i.p) on day 4 and 8 of the schedule, while K. pneumoniae suspension and normal saline for positive and negative control groups. Focus on estimating body weight before and after treatment, Arthus and delayed-type hypersensitivity, and detecting serum level of cytokines (TLR-2, IL1Beta, IL4, and IL10) using sandwich ELISA. The data showed the highest value before and after treatment with LPS-ZnO NPs recorded in 2µg/mouse was 27. 92±1.48 and 31.50±0.4, respectively. In Arthurs reaction and Delayed type hypersensitivity, the highest results showed in the positive control group injected with K. pneumoniae 4.08±0.17 and 4.86±80.02, respectively. The results of TLR-2 showed the highest value in the positive control group, 242.17±3.98 pg/ml, followed by Group LPS at 135.51.58 pg/ml. The results of Interleukin-1Beta showed the highest value in the positive control group, 254.88±3.51 pg/ml, followed by Group LPS 174.3± 1.46 pg/ml. The concentration of IL-4 in serum of treated albino mice showed the highest value in the positive control group, 136.2±1.12 pg/ml, followed by Group LPS 86.12±1.49 pg/ml. While the highest value of IL-10 was recorded in the positive control group, 98.58± 4.09 pg/ml, followed by Group LPS- ZnoNP in concentration 4µg/ mouse was 86.018±0.69 pg/ml. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P≤0.05) between LPS, ZnoNPs, and LPs-ZnoNPs treated groups and control groups (positive &amp; negative). In the present study, we can conclude that LPS-ZnO NPs had a positive immunomodulatory effect on immune response in immunized mice. As shown in the results of the level of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-10, and TLRs-2, Abs titer, and Arthus and DTH reactions.

Inflammatory Status of Excavated Pulp Tissue and Internal Root Resorption in Pulpotomized Primary Molars

Statement of the Problem

Internal root resorption after pulpotomy is a pathological phenomenon and can lead to early root resorption and subsequent loss of the tooth.

Purpose

To assess the relationship between initial inflammatory coronal pulp status in decayed primary molars treated by pulpotomy and internal root resorption after one-year follow-up.

Materials and Method

In this clinical in vivo and in vitro experiment, vital pulpotomies were performed on 50 primary molars from 50 patients aged 5 to 10 years. Coronal pulp was carefully removed followed by hemostasis and placement of a reinforced zinc oxide eugenol over the vital radicular pulp. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay was done on coronal pulp samples and the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) was measured. After a 12-month follow-up, periapical radiographs were taken from pulpotomized teeth. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were implemented.

Results

11 treated teeth (22%) showed an internal root resorption as diagnosed on X-rays. No significant association was found between TNF- α, IL-6 levels, and pathological root resorption respectively (p= 0.953) and (p= 0.944). A significant association between age and pathological root resorption was observed (p= 0.031). No significant association between remaining dentin thickness and pathological root resorption was established (p= 0.346).

Conclusion

There was no association between pro-inflammatory cytokines levels/ TNF-α, IL-6 and internal root resorption following pulpotomy in pediatric patients.

Biological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Laurus noboilis L. Leaves on Some Histological and Immunological Parameters in Male Rat Liver Affected by Aluminum Chloride

The present current study aimed to assess the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Laurus noboilis L. leaves against the toxic effects of aluminum chloride on liver tissue. A number of 36 male albino rats (Wistar) were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6) and treated for 30 days: Group 1 was regarded as the control group, Group 2 received Aluminum Chloride 90 mg/kg body weight orally by gavage, Group3: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 150 mg/kg body weight, Group 4: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 200 mg/kg body weight, Group 5: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 150 mg/kg body weight after a period of 4 h following treatment by Aluminum Chloride 90 mg/kg body weight, Group 6: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Laurus nobilis L. 200 mg /kg after a period of 4 h following treatment by Aluminum chloride with 90 mg/kg body weight. All the experimental animals were sacrificed, and sections of their liver were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for histological evaluations. Moreover, the liver enzymes and immune cytokines, such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured. As evidenced by the results of the current study, treatment with aqueous extract of Lurus Nobilis L. leaves at a dose of 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally contributed to the mitigation of the toxic effects of Aluminum Chloride in albino rats by reducing the damage and inflammation in the hepatocytes. The study suggested that the aqueous extract of Lurus Nobilis L. enhances the protective effect against liver toxicity.

Effect of Two Different Isolates of Leishmania mexicana in the Production of Cytokines and Phagocytosis by Murine Dendritic Cells

Species of the genus Leishmania are the causal agents of leishmaniasis, a disease with diametrically different clinical manifestations that have been attributed to the species and host immune response. Some Leishmania species, including Leishmania mexicana, are capable of causing both localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). Therefore, it is possible that intraspecific differences may exist that contribute to the development of distinct clinical forms. Dendritic cells (DC) are important host cells of Leishmania spp. parasites, and cytokine production and phagocytosis upon infection with the parasite are significant for the outcome of the disease. In the present study we analyzed the production of IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 by DC infected with L. mexicana amastigotes isolated from a patient with LCL (amastigote = Lac) and from a patient with DCL (amastigote = Diact) by murine DC. Furthermore, we compared the frequency of phagocytosis of L. mexicana amastigotes of each isolate by fluorescence and optical microscopy and by flow cytometry. We show that the infection of DC with Diact amastigotes elicited the secretion of IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-12 by DC to a major extent as compared to the infection with Lac amastigotes. On the other hand, Lac and Diact amastigotes were similarly phagocytosed by DC, but interestingly there were more vacuoles in DC infected with Diact amastigotes. Our results suggest that isolates from a same species of Leishmania, such as L. mexicana, with different degrees of virulence according to the clinical manifestation they cause, differ in their capacity to elicit cytokine production and form vacuoles in DC.

Decreased IL-1ra and NCAM-1/CD56 Serum Levels in Unmedicated Patients with Schizophrenia Before and After Antipsychotic Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Schizophrenia (SZ) has been associated with the inflammatory-related and immunological pathogenesis. This study investigates the aberration of cytokines in patients with SZ.

METHODS

Thirty patients with SZ without antipsychotic treatment for at least two weeks participated. We measured the serum levels of fourteen cytokines at hospital admission and after 8-week antipsychotic treatment. Severity was measured by expanded version of 24-items brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS-E). Repeated measure analyses of variance were conducted.

RESULTS

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was significantly decreased after 8-week antipsychotic treatment than those of before antipsychotic treatment (F=12.15, df=1/30, p=0.002). Neural cell adhesion molecule 1/CD56 (NCAM-1/CD56) was significantly decreased (F=6.61, df=1/30, p=0.016) among those with second-generation antipsychotics but not first-generation antipsychotics treatment. The changes of BPRS-E-manic and BPRS-E-anxiety scores correlated with the baseline IL-1ra (r=-0.393), IL-6 (r=-0.407), and insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (r=-0.446). Additionally, the changes of BPRS-E and BPRS-E-negative scores correlated with the changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (r=0.372) and interferon-gamma (r=0.375).

CONCLUSION

Our study supports that IL-1ra and NCAM-1/CD56 may be considered as markers of developing SZ.

Pro - inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinase activation in polypropylene mesh implant in rat subcutaneous tissue

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Polypropylene meshes have been increasingly adopted for correction of pelvic organ prolapse due to its lower recurrence rate when compared to surgeries without meshes. The study of the interaction of these materials with the host tissue may contribute to the development of materials with best biocompatibility and, consequently, less complication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study compares the inflammatory reaction of standard-weight (SW) and lightweight (LW) meshes (72 g/m216g/m2 respectively), implanted in the abdomen of 20 adult rats, which were euthanized in four or 30 days. Quantification of pro-inflammatory markers, IL-1 and TNF-α, and of metalloproteinases, MMP2 and MMP3, were carried out through immunohistochemistry with AxioVision ® software.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the quantification of IL-1 and TNF-α in LW versus SW meshes. However, IL-1 quantification increased along time (30 days >4 days, p=0.0269). Also, MMP-2 quantification was similar to SW and LW and both presented a significant increase along time (30 days >4 days, p < 0.0001). MMP-3 quantification also showed no difference between the SW and LW groups, but increased along time (30 days >4 days, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh's density did not influence the quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α and metalloproteinases 2 and 3. The increased expression of IL-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 over time could represent a longstanding inflammatory response after PP mesh implantation. Possibly, the occurrence of adverse events following PP prosthetic implants can be influenced by other factors, not solely related to the amount of implanted material.