Cytokine Profile and Clinical Correlates in HIV-Exposed Infants with Severe (Hypoxic) Pneumonia

Introduction. Severe pneumonia in infants who are HIV-infected is a common problem in many parts of the developing world; especially sub-Saharan Africa. What has been missing from previous studies of severe pneumonia in HIV-infected infants; however; is a description of the host inflammatory response and cytokine/chemokine profile that accompanies this disease. Objective. To describe the cytokine profiles associated with severe hypoxic pneumonia in HIV-infected infants Methods. In a cohort of HIV-infected children diagnosed clinically with severe hypoxic pneumonia; paired serum and sputum cytokines were tested. A control group of HIV-infected children with bronchiectasis contributed matching controls.Results. A total of 100 infants (mean age 2.8 months) with a clinical diagnosis of severe hypoxic pneumonia were included in this study. IP-10 was markedly elevated in both sputum (mean 560.77pg/ml) and serum (mean 9091.14pg/ml); while IP-10 was elevated in serum (mean 39.55 pg/ml); with both these cytokines being significantly higher than in stable children with HIV-related bronchiectasis. Conclusion. This study of HIV-infected infants with severe hypoxic pneumonia suggests that IL-10 and IP-10 are associated with more severe lung disease. However; further investigation of this association is required

An Overview of Topical Treatment for Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a chronic; relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterised by dry; itchy skin and a typical distribution on the elbows and knees in younger children; and the cubital and popliteal fossae in older children and adults. Treatment modalities include emollients; topical corticosteroids; calcineurin inhibitors; phototherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. This article provides a brief overview of topical treatments for atopic eczema

Cytokine Profiles and Antibody Responses to Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Infection in Individuals Living in Ibadan; Southwest Nigeria

Background: The ability of the host immune system to efficiently clear Plasmodium falciparum parasites during a malaria infection depends on the type of immune response mounted by the host. Study design: In a cross-sectional study; we investigated the cellular-and antibody responses in individuals with P. falciparum infection; in an attempt to identify immunological signs indicative of the development of natural immunity against malaria in Ibadan; Nigeria. Levels of IL-10; IL-12(p70); IFN-a; and IgM; IgG and IgG1-4 subclasses in the serum of 36 symptomatic children with microscopically confirmed malaria parasitaemia and 54 asymptomatic controls were analysed by ELISA. Results: IFN-a and IL-10 were significantly higher in the symptomatic children (p=0.009; p=0.025 respectively) than in the asymptomatic controls but no differences were seen for IL-12(p70). Estimated higher ratios of IFN-a/IL-10 and IFN-a/IL-12 were also observed in the symptomatic children while the asymptomatic controls had higher IL-12/IL-10 ratio. The mean concentration levels of anti-P. falciparum IgG1; IgG2; IgG3 antibodies were statistically significantly higher in the individuals 5 years of age than 5 years while anti-P. falciparum IgG3 antibodies were notably low in 5 years category. Children 5 years had higher IgM antibodies than IgG and the expression of IgG subclasses increased with age. Conclusion: Taken together; malaria infection is on a delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The higher levels of IFN-a seen in the symptomatic children (6months) may be instrumental in immune-protection against malaria by limiting parasite replication. The observed variations in immunoglobulin subclass levels were age- dependent and exposure-related

Toxicity and immunomodulatory activity of fractions of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn (Family Malvaceae) in animal models

This study evaluated immunomodulatory properties and the sub-acute toxicity profile of two fractions of the aqueousalcoholic extract of the dried calyx of Hibiscus Sabdariffa in experimental animals. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated using red blood cell-induced immunostimulation. The fractions were not found to be toxic after 7-day administration; though there was severe weight loss with the residual water-soluble fraction (RWSF) and weight gain with the ethyl acetate soluble fraction (EAC). The EAC exhibited a significant dose-dependent immunostimulation (p0.05)higher than thatobserved for levamisole (positive control). The residual water-soluble fraction exhibited immunostimulatory activity at 100mg/kg body weight. The two fractions caused a significant reduction in production of tissue necrosis factor - alpha and an increase in interleukin 10 (IL-10)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 and cytokines in Colostrum from HIV-infected Mothers in Burkina Faso

Background: The colostrum of HIV-infected mothers contains a high number of HIV copies and is considered highly infectious. Furthermore it contains large numbers of macro- phage and other mononuclear cells that are known to incorporate virus. While prevention protocols in Western countries suggest the interruption of breast feeding; at least for the first few months of life; this practice is not advisable in developing countries. Methodology: The aim of this study was to determine the HIV load and the concentrations of IL-18; IL-16; IL-12; TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 in the colostrum of HIV-infected mothers living in Burkina Faso. The women all received nevirapine prophylaxis during labour. Results: The viral load in the colostrum decreased rapidly during the first three days following delivery; while the concentration of IL-18 and IL-16 increased in the same period. IL-12; TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 did not show significant variations in the first three days after delivery. Conclusions: Since the viral load decreases in the colostrum of nevirapine-treated expectant mothers; our data suggest single dose nevirapine combined with interruption of early feeding may have potential as a way to reduce the risk of MTCT