Hong Wu; Yanqi Fu; Yuhuan Jiang; Yali Liu; Zhibin Cheng; Yanting Shao; Yijun Nie
Abstract
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells play a role in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases related to obesity. While our initial findings have indicated a potential involvement of NK cells in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the precise mechanism underlying NK cell-mediated development ...
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Background: Natural killer (NK) cells play a role in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases related to obesity. While our initial findings have indicated a potential involvement of NK cells in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the precise mechanism underlying NK cell-mediated development of this form of diabetes remains inadequately comprehended.Objective: To investigate the impact and the underlying mechanism of high glucose and elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) on immune and inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in NK92 cells.Methods: In this experiment, the CCK8 cytotoxicity assay was used to select the 44.4 mM and 1.5 mM concentrations of high glucose and high FFAs, respectively, to treat NK92 cells for 4 days. The concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were determined using a biochemical analyzer. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cytokines concentrations (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10), and the expression levels of intracellular molecules (perforin and granzyme B) were assessed by flow cytometry.Results: The number of NK92 cell clumps was significantly reduced in the high-FFA (HF) group. In addition, the production of ROS and levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10) significantly decreased in the HF group but showed no significant change in the high-glucose (HG) group. This observation was consistent with the expression levels of perforin and granzyme B that decreased in the HF group.Conclusion: High FFAs induced morphological changes and serious damage to oxidative stress and inflammatory response in NK92 cells.
Pınar Ellergezen; Alev ALP; Sinan Çavun
Abstract
Background: Immune system has an important effect on pain-related disorders such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). There is no specific laboratory technique for the diagnosis of FMS, but measuring serum proinflammatory cytokines may help. Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine the serum levels ...
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Background: Immune system has an important effect on pain-related disorders such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). There is no specific laboratory technique for the diagnosis of FMS, but measuring serum proinflammatory cytokines may help. Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine the serum levels of immune mediators and their relationship with FMS symptoms. Methods: 25 healthy individuals and 29 FMS patients receiving pregabalin 150 mg/day for a minimum of 3 months were included in this study. FMS patients were diagnosed according to diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR 2010). Widespread pain index (WSI), fatigue, waking unrefreshed, cognitive symptoms, somatic symptoms, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores were evaluated in patients with FMS. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Proinflammatory cytokine levels were higher in the control group than patients with FMS (p <0.05). A positive correlation was found between age and WSI (P=0.037). In addition, a significant positive relationship was determined between IL-17 level and waking unrefreshed (P=0.049). There was no significant relationship between other cytokines and clinical findings. Conclusion: Lower proinflammatory cytokine levels identified in FMS patients may be related to pregabalin treatment, and there may be an impairment in the inflammatory response. On the contrary, IL-17 showed a positive correlation with waking unrefreshed.
Mehrdad Alikhani; Amir Javadi; Mahdi Aalikhani
Jingjing Guan; Zhongyong Wang; Xiaoyuan Liu; Yujie Jiang; Qiuqi Gao; Qing Wu; Hong Lu; Lianfeng Wu; Zhuo Zhang; Xiangyang Lin; Jingjing Qian
Abstract
Background: Given the high mortality of bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI), blood culture results do not meet clinical needs timely due to being time-consuming and having low positive rate. Whether we can identify the severity and type of bacterial infections by cytokines is a controversial issue. ...
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Background: Given the high mortality of bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI), blood culture results do not meet clinical needs timely due to being time-consuming and having low positive rate. Whether we can identify the severity and type of bacterial infections by cytokines is a controversial issue. Objective: To investigate the dynamic change of cytokines in BSI. Methods: 55 patients with Gram-positive (GP) BSI, 64 patients with Gram-negative (GN) BSI and 52 healthy controls were enrolled. We quantitatively detected the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by flow cytometry in the sera. The levels of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, leukocytes and neutrophils were also detected simultaneously. Results: There were significantly up-regulated IL-6 and IL-10 expression in BSI patients, particularly in the GN-BSI, for instance Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections; following the treatment, IL-6 and IL-10 decreased by 10-23 and 4-27 times, respectively. Additionally, IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ expression increased slightly in BSI patients and IFN-γ expression declined as GN-BSI progressed. Conclusion: IL-6 and IL-10 are closely associated with the severity and treatment efficacy of BSI, and can help to distinguish between GP-BSI and GN-BSI at an early stage.
Fabio Barra; Simone Ferrero
Majid Tarokh; Marefat Ghaffari Novin; Tahereh Poordast; Zohreh Tavana; Hamid Nazarian; Mohsen Norouzian; Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with the growth of endometrial cells out of uterus and in the peritoneal cavity. T cell subsets participate in the establishment and progress of the disease by producing different cytokines. Objective: To investigate a group of cytokines related ...
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Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with the growth of endometrial cells out of uterus and in the peritoneal cavity. T cell subsets participate in the establishment and progress of the disease by producing different cytokines. Objective: To investigate a group of cytokines related to Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets within both peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid (PF) samples from infertile endometriosis women. Methods: Peripheral blood and PF samples were collected from 30 infertile endometriosis and 30 non-endometriosis fertile women during laparoscopy. Concentration of cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IL- 23 were evaluated using ELISA method. Results: Results indicated that the concentration of IFN-γ within serum was significantly reduced in endometriosis group (p=0.001). Regarding PF cytokines, TGF-β1 was increased in endometriosis group (p=0.030). Furthermore, the ratios of IFN-γ/TGF-β1 and IL-17/IL-23 were significantly different between endometriosis and non-endometriosis women in serum samples (pConclusion: Based on the results of the present study, in women with endometriosis, the disturbance of cytokines network might gradually activate the inflammatory responses and tissue repair, resulting in endometriosis development after several years.
Marilina Tampoia; Letizia Abbracciavento; Marella Morrone; Ruggiero Fumarulo
Volume 14, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 340-349
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and can be used as prognostic markers. Objective: To evaluate the IL-6/IL-10 ratio in patients with Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) as a prognostic marker. Methods: Serum levels ...
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Background: Recent studies have shown that cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and can be used as prognostic markers. Objective: To evaluate the IL-6/IL-10 ratio in patients with Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) as a prognostic marker. Methods: Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured in 13 patients with recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) as well as 10 with EB Simplex (EBS), and in 18 healthy subjects. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the IL-6/IL-10 ratio for detecting severe form of EB. Results: The IL-6/IL-10 ratio was statistically higher in RDEB patients than in EBS patients and healthy subjects. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio significantly correlated with BEBS score. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IL-6/IL-10 ratio >5.6 has a good diagnostic accuracy to identify patients with the highest severity of disease.
Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad; Khadijeh Khosravi; Nader Zarinfar; Ghasem Mosayebi
Volume 14, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 215-222
Abstract
Background: Brucella is a well-known intracellular bacterium entailing acute and chronic illnesses in humans and domestic animals. The infection chronicity may be affected by the cell-mediated immunity and cytokine patterns. Objective: To evaluate the patterns of T-helper cytokines in patients suffering ...
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Background: Brucella is a well-known intracellular bacterium entailing acute and chronic illnesses in humans and domestic animals. The infection chronicity may be affected by the cell-mediated immunity and cytokine patterns. Objective: To evaluate the patterns of T-helper cytokines in patients suffering from chronic and acute brucellosis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 22 individuals with acute brucellosis, 21 individuals with chronic brucellosis, and 21 healthy individuals with the same genetic background were recruited from October 2015 to April 2016. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated and stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and brucella antigen in cell culture. The lymphocyte proliferation was detected by MTT assay. After collecting the supernatants, and through the use of ELISA method, we quantified the interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17 and transforming growth factor–beta (TGF-β). Results: Patients with chronic brucellosis had a lower level antigen-specific stimulation index compared to those suffering from acute brucellosis (p=0.0001). Cases with chronic brucellosis had a lower level of IFN-γ compared to cases with acute brucellosis (p=0.001). Finally, patients with chronic brucellosis had higher levels of IL-5 and TGF-β in comparison with the acute group (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively).Conclusion: Chronic brucellosis reduces lymphocyte proliferation and TH1 cytokine secretion, but it enhances IL- 5 and TGF-β production. Polarizing the immune responses plays a crucial part in the progression and development of chronic diseases.
Ramina Fatemi; Ebrahim Mirzadegan; Zohreh Vahedian; Amir Hassan Zarnani; Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani; Farah Idali
Volume 14, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 159-171
Abstract
Background: 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known to modulate immune response. Recent studies indicate that E2 at pregnancy level plays a role in regulating T cell response. Objective: To investigate the optimum dose of E2 (from 10-9 to 10-7 M) in mediating the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), ...
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Background: 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known to modulate immune response. Recent studies indicate that E2 at pregnancy level plays a role in regulating T cell response. Objective: To investigate the optimum dose of E2 (from 10-9 to 10-7 M) in mediating the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), using naïve human CD4+ T cells from healthy women. Methods: Naïve peripheral T cells were purified and conditioned with soluble anti-CD28 in anti-CD3-coated plates in the presence or absence of E2. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the expression pattern of forkhead boxP3 (FOXP3) and programmed death-1 (PD-1). Proliferation and cytokine secretions were analyzed, using XTT and ELISA assays. Results: In the presence of different doses of E2, the expression levels of anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-stimulated CD25/FOXP3 and FOXP3/PD-1 in conditioned T cells (cT) were peaked at 1 ng/ml (early pregnancy level, E2(1)) (47.14% (37.3-74.9) and 32% (27.7-52.5), respectively) and a slight, but not significant, increase after declining at 36 ng/ml (late pregnancy/pharmaceutical, E2(36)) (19.4% (15.2-24.5) and 15.8% (10.6-26.8), respectively). E2(1) cT showed a significantly reduced proliferation capacity (p<0.05) and secretion of IL-10 was enhanced in supernatants of E2(1 and 36) cT (p<0.05). In contrast to decreased TNF-a and IFN-g secretions in E2(1) cT supernatants, E2(36) stimulated TNF-a and IFN-g secretions (pConclusion: Our results indicate that the differential effect of E2 on generation of Tregs is consistent with the possibility that lower levels of pregnancy E2 are most efficient in induction of Tregs.
Abdolkarim Sheikhi; Abdollah Jafarzadeh; Parviz Kokhaei; Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 148-166
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy (passive or active) involves treatments which promote the ability of the immune system to fight tumor cells. Several types of immunotherapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, non-specific immunomodulatory agents, and cancer vaccines are currently ...
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Cancer immunotherapy (passive or active) involves treatments which promote the ability of the immune system to fight tumor cells. Several types of immunotherapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, non-specific immunomodulatory agents, and cancer vaccines are currently under intensive investigation in preclinical and clinical trials. Cancer vaccines induce permanent activation of the immune system and may be considered the most promising method for cancer treatment, especially in combination with other agents of passive immunotherapy. Among various approaches to cancer vaccines, whole tumor cell vaccines have been attracting attention for several years. Despite their low to moderate clinical effects, these vaccines have numerous advantages. Their ability to generate immune responses against tumor-associated antigens reduces the possibility for tumor cells to escape and facilitates the development of “off-the-shelf” allogeneic tumor vaccines. Understanding the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and leukocytes is a key to harness the full potential of whole cell vaccination. Cytokines are considered as potent immunomodulatory molecules which behave as adjuvants in whole tumor cell vaccines. Improved mechanistic understanding of key cytokines in tumor immunity will serve as a resource for rational design of whole cell cancer vaccines. Although there are several reports about the use of different immunostimulatory cytokines as adjuvants, interleukin (IL)-12 appears to have superior effects compared to other cytokines. This review describes the effects of IL-12 compared to other immunomodulatory cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-15, and highlights its application in whole cell tumor vaccination.
Forooz Peiravian; Hamid Rajaian; Afshin Samiei; Nasser Gholijani; Behrouz Gharesi-Fard; Pooneh Mokaram; Abbas Rahimi-Jaberi; Eskandar Kamali Sarvestani
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 186-196
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and cytokines may play a role in the development of MS lesions. Objective: To determine levels of different cytokines in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) compared to healthy controls. Methods: Profiles ...
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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and cytokines may play a role in the development of MS lesions. Objective: To determine levels of different cytokines in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) compared to healthy controls. Methods: Profiles of pro-inflammatory, Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines were compared by quantitative multiplexed ELISA-based chemiluminescent assay in 44 RR-MS and 44 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals from the same ethnicity. Results: Among pro-inflammatory cytokines, the levels of IL-6 (p=0.003), IL-8 (p=0.05) and TNF-α (p=0.002) were higher in patients than controls, though IL-4 and IL-10 as well as ΣTh2 cytokines were lower in patients (p=0.05, p=0.02 and p=0.05, respectively). After gender classification, the higher levels of IL-4 in male patients remained significant and IL-13 also showed significantly higher levels in male patients compared to male controls (p=0.003 and p=0.05, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between EDSS and IL-10 or ΣTh2 levels (p=0.005). In addition, IL-1α (r=0.4, p=0.05) and IFN-γ (r=0.35, p=0.05) were also directly correlated with EDSS in female patients. Conclusions: Patients with RR‑MS who are in the relapse clinical phase exhibit higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction in protective Th2-related cytokines.
Murat Karamese; Hakan Aydin; Emin Sengul; Volkan Gelen; Cigdem Sevim; Duran Ustek; Emre Karakus
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 220-228
Abstract
Background: Probiotics are “live”, beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, ...
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Background: Probiotics are “live”, beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, by detecting serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group was “Control group” and other 3 groups were probiotic application groups who received different doses of probiotics. The probiotic mixture included 12 probiotic bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotic mixture was administered to rats for 12 consecutive days. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1-β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels as well as serum IgG and IgA concentrations were detected in the sera after 12 days. Results: Probiotics led to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β; however, they led to increase in the serum levels of IL-10, IgG and IgA. There were significant differences between control group and probiotic application groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that the commensal microbiota are important for stimulating both proinflammatory and regulatory responses in order to rapidly clear infections and minimize inflammation-associated tissue damage.
Keyvan Ghasami; Fardin Faraji; Masoud Fazeli; Ali Ghazavi; Ghasem Mosayebi
Volume 13, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 16-26
Abstract
Background: Statins, widely used cholesterol-lowering agents, have also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and immunomdulatory effects. Objective: To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin in combination with Interferon-β in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a randomized controlled ...
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Background: Statins, widely used cholesterol-lowering agents, have also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and immunomdulatory effects. Objective: To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin in combination with Interferon-β in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: Multiple sclerosis patients were randomized independently, in a double blind design, into one of two treatment groups. Control group (n=45) received 30 μg/week interferon β-1a via intra-muscular injection. Atorvastatin-treated group (n=50) received interferon β-1a similar to control group in addition to atorvastatin (40 mg/day) for 18-months. All clinical and immunological variables were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the expanded disability status scale scores and the number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions during the 18-month treatment period. After 18 months, the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β and serum ferric reducing antioxidant power in the atorvastatin treatment group were significantly higher than the control group. Levels of IL-17, TNF-α and lymphocyte proliferation in the atorvastatin treatment group were significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion: Although combined atorvastatin and interferon-β do not change the clinical course of MS, atorvastatin might have beneficial effects in MS treatment possibly through inducing anti-inflammatory responses.
Zahra Amirghofran; Saeed Malek-Hosseini; Hossein Golmoghaddam; Fathollah Kalantar; Mehdi Shabani
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 159-169
Abstract
Background: A number of medicinal plants have been used to treat various immunological diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has an important regulatory role in the various types of inflammatory processes. Objective: To investigate the NO modulatory activity of the extracts of several medicinal plants native to ...
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Background: A number of medicinal plants have been used to treat various immunological diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has an important regulatory role in the various types of inflammatory processes. Objective: To investigate the NO modulatory activity of the extracts of several medicinal plants native to Iran including Dracocephalum kotschyi, Linum persicum, Dionysia termeana, Salvia mirzayanii, Ferulago angulata and Euphorbia cheiradenia. Methods: The methanolic extracts of the plants were prepared and examined for their effects on the NO production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages. The level of TNF-α and IL-1β proinflammatory cytokines in the macrophage culture were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: All the extracts at concentration of 50 μg/ml demonstrated a significant decrease in NO production (p<0.001) after a 24-hour treatment. This inhibitory effect was also seen after 48 hours. Among the extracts, L. persicum was the strongest extract in reducing the NO production at 1 μg/ml after both 24 and 48-hours (nearly 100% inhibition, p<0.001). S. mirzayanii extract with 66.2 ± 8% inhibition at 50 μg/ml, showed the mildest effects in 48 hour culture. In cytokine release determination, the extract of L. persicum significantly inhibited both TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines production by stimulated macrophages (p<0.001). D. kotschyi, D. termeana and F. angulata decreased secretion of IL-1β from the cells. Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory and macrophage inhibitory substances in these plants.
Reza Mansouri; Firoozeh Akbari; Mohammad Vodjgani; Fereidoun Mahboudi; Fathollah Kalantar; Mahroo Mirahmadian
Volume 4, Issue 3 , December 2007, , Pages 179-185
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant ...
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Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Thirty patients with preeclampsia and thirty normal pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken and serum levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-15, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Preeclamptic women had significantly increased levels of circulating IL-12p70 (p < 0.05), IL-18 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-15 (p < 0.05) and IFN γ (p < 0.001). By contrast, circulating levels of IL-10 were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis of altered immune response in preeclampsia and suggests that dysregulation of cytokine expression occurs in preeclampsia with increased levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-4.
Aboulghasem Ajami; Alireza Rafiei
Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2007, , Pages 236-240
Abstract
Background: Although many experimental studies provide convincing evidence that type II immunity is protective against helminths, recent data in mice demonstrate that Th1 is also impor-tant in some cestodes like Hymenolepis nana. Objective: To identify the role of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes in immunity ...
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Background: Although many experimental studies provide convincing evidence that type II immunity is protective against helminths, recent data in mice demonstrate that Th1 is also impor-tant in some cestodes like Hymenolepis nana. Objective: To identify the role of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes in immunity against H. nana, the levels of IL-12, IFNγ, IL-5, and IL-13 were de-termined in serum of humans infected with this cestode. Methods: A total of 31 patients (case) with H. nana infection and 30 clinically healthy individuals (control) was included in this study. Measurements of IL-12, IFNγ, IL-13 and IL-5 in serum samples were performed by solid-phase sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Differential leukocyte count was also done. T test, Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxan W test were used for data analysis. Results: The mean concentrations of IFNγ, IL-12 and IL-5 in the sera of patients with H. nana infection were higher than the control group, but only the differences between the concentrations of IFNγ (p<0.001) and IL-13 (p<0.05) in the two groups were significant. There was an increase in the percentage of monocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes in patients when compared to the controls, but this increase was not significant. Conclusion: Results from the present study in humans are in agree-ment with experimental studies in animals in which both Th1 and Th2 responses occur in H. nana infection.
Reza Farid Hosseini; Farahzad Jabbari Azad; Ali Talaee; Sara Miri; Naghme Mokhber; Farhad Farid Hosseini; Habibollah Esmaeili; Mahmoud Mahmoudi; Hoshang Rafatpanah; Mohammadreza Mohammadi
Volume 4, Issue 1 , March 2007, , Pages 38-43
Abstract
Background: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common disorder with preva-lence of 15% among men and up to 25% among women. In recent years the association of immune system alterations and MDD has been investigated. Assessments of immu-nologic and inflammatory responses in these patients enhance our ...
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Background: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common disorder with preva-lence of 15% among men and up to 25% among women. In recent years the association of immune system alterations and MDD has been investigated. Assessments of immu-nologic and inflammatory responses in these patients enhance our knowledge of the eti-ology and pathogenesis of this disease. Objective: To investigate the changes in immu-noglobulin and cytokine serum levels and lymphocyte subsets in patients with MDD. Methods: We studied 37 adult patients with MDD, diagnosed based on DSM-IV diag-nostic criteria, and 15 healthy controls matched with the patients. Plasma concentration of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, TNF α, and IFN γ were measured by ELISA and serum immunoglobulins by SRID. Total number of NK cells (CD16 and CD56), B cells (CD19), and T cells (CD8, CD4, and CD3) were determined by flow cytometry. Results: We found no significant differences in plasma concentration of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and immunoglobulins as well as total number of NK cells, B cells, and T cells between major depressed patients and healthy control subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that in our patients, there were no significant differences in immune system ac-tivity between MDD patients and controls.