Biomodulina T: una nueva opción terapéutica contra la COVID-19 / Biomodulin T: a new therapeutic option against COVID-19

RESUMEN Para potenciar la inmunidad en personas con deterioro gradual del sistema inmune, causado por el envejecimiento o por padecer diferentes comorbilidades, el Grupo de las Industrias Biotecnológica y Farmacéutica de Cuba (BioCubaFarma) ha introducido el producto Biomodulina T. Este se ha utilizado, además, como parte del protocolo de prevención y para el tratamiento de pacientes positivos al SARS-CoV-2. La inmunidad dependiente del timo, incluida la inmunidad de células T y la producción de anticuerpos, disminuye con el tamaño del órgano en los adultos, lo que se conoce como "inmunosenescencia". La Biomodulina T es un extracto diafiltrado de timo de ternera; tiene una acción citorrestauradora e inmunomoduladora, que ha demostrado su eficacia en diferentes grupos de riesgo, dentro de los cuales los ancianos ocupan un lugar especial. En la actual situación epidemiológica nacional e internacional su inclusión en los protocolos de actuación es clave. El uso de este medicamento en un grupo vulnerable, como los ancianos, representa un horizonte esperanzador en tanto se avanza en la producción de vacunas nacionales que sean seguras y eficaces (AU).

ABSTRACT To boost immunity in people with gradual deterioration of the immune system, caused by aging or suffering from different comorbidities, the Group of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries of Cuba (Biotechnology Farma) has introduced the product Biomodulin T. This has also been used as part of the prevention protocol and for the treatment of patients positive to SARS-CoV-2. Thymus-dependent immunity, including T-cell immunity and antibody production, decreases with organ size in adults, which is known as "immunosenescence." Biomodulin T is a diafiltered extract of veal thymus; it has a cytorestaurative and immunomodulatory action, which has demonstrated its effectiveness in different risk groups, within which elder people occupy a special place. In the current national and international epidemiological situation its inclusion in the protocols of action is significant. The use of this medication in a vulnerable group, such as elder people, represents a hopeful horizon as progress is made in the production of safe and effective national vaccines (AU).

Comparative analysis on immunity of volleyball players before and after taking grape procyanidins sports supplement / Análise comparativa da função de voleibol em suplemento extra-corpóreo para vegetarianos desportivos / Análisis comparativo de la función de inmunodeficiencia del voleibol utilizado por el suplemento deportivo vitro vegetariano

ABSTRACT Grape proanthocyanidin is a good health product, without side effects and excellent biological activity, but research in the field of sports tonic is still relatively slow. Currently, the technology of preparation and extraction of grape proanthocyanidins is relatively mature. This fact laid the groundwork for sports tonic proanthocyanidin research. This study first described the biological structure of proanthocyanidin in grapes, and built the immune system of volleyball players before and after taking proanthocyanidin sports supplements. He then analyzed the factors that influence immunity. The results show that the primary index subsystem is consistent with the total system in each phase, but there are still few differences over time, which can be divided into four phases: development, recession, recovery and stability; at the level of scientific training it is reasonable. Male and female athletes take exercise supplements containing proanthocyanidin at each level of training. Regarding humoral immunity and cellular immunity, there was no adverse reaction. This study may offer some reference value for other athletes before and after taking proanthocyanidin as a sports supplement.

RESUMO A proantocianidina da uva é um produto bom para a saúde, sem efeitos colaterais e excelente atividade biológica, mas a pesquisa no campo do tônico esportivo ainda é relativamente lenta. Atualmente, a tecnologia de preparação e extração das proantocianidinas de uva está relativamente madura. Este fato lançou as bases para a investigação da proantocianidina desportiva tónica. Este estudo descreveu, em primeiro lugar, a estrutura biológica da proantocianidina das uvas, e construiu o sistema imunitário dos jogadores de voleibol antes e depois de tomar suplementos desportivos de proantocianidina. Em seguida analisou os fatores que influenciam a imunidade. Os resultados mostram que o subsistema de índice primário é coerente com o sistema total em cada fase, mas ainda há poucas diferenças no tempo, que podem ser divididas em quatro fases: desenvolvimento, recessão, recuperação e estabilidade; no plano de formação científico e razoável. Os atletas do sexo masculino e feminino tomam suplementos de exercício contendo proantocianidina em cada estágio de treinamento. Com respeito à imunidade humoral e à imunidade celular não houve reação adversa. Este estudo pode oferecer algum valor de referência para outros atletas antes e depois de tomar proantocianidina como suplemento desportivo.

RESUMEN La proantocianidina de la uva es un producto bueno para la salud, sin efectos colaterales y excelente actividad biológica, pero la investigación en el campo del tónico deportivo aun es relativamente lenta. Actualmente, la tecnología de preparación y extracción de las proantocianidinas de uva está relativamente madura. Este hecho lanzó las bases para la investigación de la proantocianidina deportiva tónica. Este estudio describió, en primer lugar, la estructura biológica de la proantocianidina de las uvas, y construyó el sistema inmunitario de los jugadores de voleibol antes y después de tomar suplementos deportivos de proantocianidina. Enseguida analizó los factores que influencian la inmunidad. Los resultados muestran que el subsistema de índice primario es coherente con el sistema total en cada fase, pero aun hay pocas diferencias en el tiempo, que pueden ser divididas en cuatro fases: desarrollo, recesión, recuperación y estabilidad; en el plano de la formación científica es razonable. Los atletas del sexo masculino y femenino toman suplementos de ejercicio conteniendo proantocianidina en cada nivel de entrenamiento. Con respecto a la inmunidad humoral y a la inmunidad celular no hubo reacción adversa. Este estudio puede ofrecer algún valor de referencia para otros atletas antes y después de tomar proantocianidina como suplemento deportivo.

O probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii modula a resposta de IgG2a em camundongos expostos aos antígenos de Leishmania infantum / Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii modulates IgG2a response in mice exposed to Leishmania infantum antigens

O objetivo do presente estudo foiavaliar os efeitos do probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii na modulação da resposta imune humoral de animais expostos a antígenos de Leishmania infantum. Para isso, 16 camundongos BALB/c foram imunizados com antígeno particulado de Leishmania infantum e divididos em dois grupos experimentais, um composto por animais suplementados e outro por animais não suplementados com o probiótico. Amostras de sangue dos animais foram colhidas semanalmente durante o período experimental e submetidas ao Ensaio da Imunoabsorbância Ligado à Enzima indireto para avaliação dos títulos de IgG totais e o perfil dos isotipos de IgG produzidos (IgG1 e IgG2a). A suplementação com o probiótico não exacerbou a produção de IgG total em comparação ao grupo controle, não havendo diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos. Porém, as soroconversões de IgG2a foram mais elevadas no grupo suplementado, no qual registrou-se um aumento de 1,46 vezes no final do experimento. Assim,a suplementação com S. boulardii foi capaz de modular a resposta de IgG2a/IgG1 nos animais expostos aos antígenos de Leishmania infantum.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic on the modulation of humoral immune response in animals exposed to Leishmania infantum antigens. For this, 16 BALB/c mice were immunized with Leishmania infantum particulate antigen and divided into two experimental groups, one consisting of supplemented animals and the other not probiotic supplemented animals. Blood samples from the animals were taken weekly during the experimental period and subjected to the Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbance Assay for evaluation of total IgG titers and the profile of the produced IgG isotypes (IgG1 and IgG2a). Probiotic supplementation did not exacerbate total IgG production compared to the control group, with no significant differences between the two groups. However, IgG2a seroconversions were higher in the supplemented group, which showed a 1.46-fold increase at the end of the experiment. Thus, supplementation with S. boulardii was able to modulate the IgG2a/IgG1 response in animals exposed to Leishmania infantum antigens.

Respuesta inmunoprotectora inducida por la glicoproteina D recombinante en el modelo de infección respiratoria de ratones BALB/c por alfaherpesvirus equino 1 / Immunoprotective response induced by recombinant glycoprotein D in the BALB/c respiratory mouse model " of Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 infection

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection causes abortion, respiratory disease, perinatal deaths and neurological disorders in horses. The natural infection and available vaccines provide only partial and short-lived protection against reinfections. In the present study, we analyzed the ability of purified baculovirus-expressed glycoprotein D (gD) administered by different routes to induce protective immunity in BALB/c mice after challenge with the EHV-1 AR8 strain. Clinical signs varied among the different groups of mice immunized by parenteral routes, and, although gD induced a specific serum IgG response, it did not prevent the virus from reaching the lungs. Intranasally immunized mice showed no clinical signs, and virus isolation from lungs, histological lesions and antigen detection by immunohistochemistry were negative. In addition, by this route, gD did not stimulate the production of serum IgG and IgA. However, a specific IgA response in the respiratory tract was confirmed in intranasally immunized mice. Thus, we conclude that the mucosal immune response could reduce the initial viral attachment and prevent the virus from reaching the lungs. Our findings provide additional data to further study new immunization strategies in the natural host.

La infección con alfaherpesvirus equino 1 (EHV-1) causa abortos, enfermedad respiratoria, muertes perinatales y desórdenes neurológicos en equinos. La infección natural y las vacunas disponibles solo proporcionan protección parcial y de corta duración contra las reinfecciones. En el presente estudio se analizó la inducción de inmunidad protectiva de la glicoproteina D (gD) expresada en baculovirus y purificada al ser administrada por diferentes rutas en ratones BALB/c desafiados con la cepa AR8 de EHV-1. Los signos clínicos fueron variables entre los grupos de ratones inmunizados por rutas parenterales y, aunque la gD indujo respuesta especifica de IgG en suero, no logró prevenir la llegada del virus al pulmón. En los ratones inmunizados intranasalmente no se observaron signos clinicos ni lesiones histopatológi-cas, y el aislamiento viral y la detección de antigenos por inmunohistoquímica en pulmón fueron negativos. Además, por esta ruta la gD no estimuló la producción de IgG y de IgA en suero. Sin embargo se confirmó la respuesta de IgA especifica en el tracto respiratorio de ratones inmunizados intranasalmente. Esta respuesta inmune mucosal podría haber reducido la unión inicial del virus a la célula huésped y, de este modo, prevenir la llegada del virus al pulmón. Nuestros hallazgos proporcionan un aporte para continuar estudiando nuevas estrategias de inmunización en el huésped natural.

Nursing leadership in intensive care units and its relationship to the work environment / Liderança do enfermeiro em unidade de terapia intensiva e sua relação com ambiente de trabalho / Liderazgo en enfermería en las unidades de cuidados intensivos y su relación con el entorno laboral

AIM: To establish whether there is any relationship between the work environment and nursing leadership at intensive care units (ICUs). METHOD: Correlational study conducted at four ICUs in southern São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The study population was comprised of 66 pairs (nurses and nursing technicians) established by lottery. The nurses responded to three instruments: 1) characterization; 2) a validated Portuguese version of the Nursing Work Index Revised (B-NWI-R); and 3) Grid & Leadership in Nursing: ideal behavior. The nursing technicians responded to 1) characterization and to 2) Grid and Leadership in Nursing: actual behavior, relative to the corresponding randomly-assigned nurse. The data were analyzed by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The work environment was not associated with actual nursing leadership (p = 0.852). The public or private nature of the institutions where the investigated ICUs were located had no significant effect on leadership (p = 0.437). Only the nurse-physician relationship domain stood out (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The choice of leadership styles by nurses should match the ICU characteristics. Leadership skills could be developed, and the work environment did not exert any influence on the investigated population. .

OBJETIVO: verificar se o ambiente de trabalho relaciona-se com a liderança do enfermeiro na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). MÉTODO: estudo correlacional realizado em quatro UTIs da zona sul de São Paulo (SP), Brasil. A população constituiu-se de 66 duplas (enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem), definidas por meio de sorteio. Os enfermeiros responderam a três instrumentos: 1-) caracterização; 2-) Nursing Work Index Revised, versão para a língua portuguesa validada (B-NWI-R); e 3-) Grid & Liderança em Enfermagem: comportamento ideal. Os técnicos em enfermagem responderam: 1-) caracterização e 2-) Grid & Liderança em Enfermagem: comportamento real considerando o enfermeiro que o sorteou. Os dados foram analisados por meio da ANOVA com p ≤0,05. RESULTADOS: o ambiente de trabalho não se relacionou com a liderança real do enfermeiro (p=0,852). A característica da instituição à qual pertencem os enfermeiros das UTIs, em privada ou pública, não foi significativa para a liderança (p=0,437). Destaca-se apenas o domínio Relação entre Médicos e Enfermeiros, com p=0,001. CONCLUSÃO: a escolha do estilo de liderança pelos enfermeiros deve corresponder às características da UTI. Esta competência pode ser desenvolvida e o ambiente de trabalho não exerceu influência na população estudada. .

OBJETIVO: Establecer si existe alguna relación entre el entorno laboral y el liderazgo en enfermería en las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en el sur de São Paulo (SP), Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudio correlacional llevado a cabo en cuatro UCI en el sur de São Paulo (SP), Brasil. La población estudiada estuvo compuesta de 66 parejas (enfermeros y técnicos de enfermería) seleccionadas por sorteo. Los enfermeros respondieron a tres instrumentos: 1) caracterización; 2) una versión certificada en portugués del Nursing Work Index Revised (B-NWI-R); y 3) Grid y Liderazgo en Enfermería: comportamiento ideal. Los técnicos en enfermería respondieron a 1) caracterización y 2) Grid y Liderazgo en Enfermería: comportamiento real, relativo al correspondiente enfermero escogido al azar. Los datos fueron analizados usando pruebas de ANOVA con un valor p ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: El entorno laboral no se asoció con el liderazgo en enfermería real (p = 0,852). El carácter público o privado de los institutos donde se encontraban las UCI investigadas no tuvo efecto significativo sobre el liderazgo (p = 0,437). El único dominio que sobresalió fue la relación entre enfermero y doctor (p = 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: La selección de estilo de liderazgo por los enfermeros debería encajar con las propiedades de la UCI. Las aptitudes de liderazgo se podrían desarrollar y el entorno laboral no influyó sobre la población estudiada. .

Effects of Blending Oil of Lavender and Thyme on Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Skin Condition in Atopic Dermatitis Induced Mice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil on oxidative stress, immunity, and skin condition in atopic dermatitis (AD) induced mice. METHODS: This study was a 3x3 factorial design. Factors were oil type (Lavender, Thyme, and 2:1 mixture of lavender and thyme oil [blending oil]) and treatment period (0 day, 7 days, and 21 days). The samples were 45 mice with AD and randomly assigned to nine groups of five mice per group. The dependent variables such as superoxide radical, IgE, degranulated mast cells, and epidermal thickness were measured. Data were collected from February to April in 2014. Descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test were performed using the SPSS WIN 20.0 program. RESULTS: Dependent variables were not statistically significantly different by the three oil types (p >.05). Essential oils such as lavender, thyme, and blending oil were all effective in reducing AD symptoms and especially 2:1 blending oil were most effective. There were statistically significant differences by the three treatment periods in all dependent variables (p <.001). There were statistically significant interactions between oil types and treatment periods in all dependent variables (p <.01). For decreasing superoxide radical, degranulated mast cells, and epidermal thickness, 2:1 mixed oil should be applied for at least 21 days. Otherwise to reduce IgE, 2:1 mixed oil should be used for at least 7 days. CONCLUSION: These findings provide bases for developing effective interventions for AD patients to manage their AD symptoms.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid, vitamin E, alone or combined on immunity and inflammatory parameters in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Little information about the effects of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] on inflammation and immune function in humans is available. This study investigated the effects of CLAs, with and without Vitamin E on immunity and inflammatory parameters in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. In a double-blind clinical trial, 78 patients were randomly divided into four groups, each group receiving one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; group C: 2.5 g CLAs, group E: 400 mg Vitamin E, group CE: CLAs plus Vitamin E, group P: Placebo. Cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase 3 [MMP-3] and citrullinated antibody [CCP-A] were measured by ELISA method and Vitamin E by high-performance liquid chromatography. Consider statistical methods there were no significant differences between groups in cytokines interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2/IL-4, CCP-A white blood cells and neutrophils, lymphocyte, monocytes, and eosinophils numbers. TNF-alpha decreased in all groups, but its reduction was significant in group CE. IL-1beta increased in groups P [P = 0.004] and E [P = 0.041] but the difference between group P and CE was significant. IL-4 decreased in groups C, CE and E [P = 0.03, P =0.03P = 0.07 respectively]. IL2 did not change significantly within groups. CCP-A increased in groups P [P = 0.035] and E [P = 0.05], while it decreased in groups CE [P = 0.034]. CCP-A and MMP-3 decrease were significant between groups P and CE. MMP-3 reduction was significant in group CE. Co-supplementation CLAs and Vitamin E may be effective in the level of inflammatory markers in RA patients

Glutamine as an Immunonutrient

Dietary supplementation with nutrients enhancing immune function is beneficial in patients with surgical and critical illness. Malnutrition and immune dysfunction are common features in hospitalized patients. Specific nutrients with immunological and pharmacological effects, when consumed in amounts above the daily requirement, are referred to as immune-enhancing nutrients or immunonutrients. Supplementation of immunonutrients is important especially for patients with immunodeficiency, virus or overwhelming infections accompanied by a state of malnutrition. Representative immunonutrients are arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, nucleotides, beta-carotene, and/or branched-chain amino acids. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid and performs multiple roles in human body. However, glutamine is depleted from muscle stores during severe metabolic stress including sepsis and major surgery. Therefore it is considered conditionally essential under these conditions. This review discusses the physiological role of glutamine, mode and dose for glutamine administration, as well as improvement of certain disease state after glutamine supplementation. Even though immunonutrition has not been widely assimilated by clinicians other than nutritionists, immunonutrients including glutamine may exert beneficial influence on diverse patient populations.

Effects of cyanocobalamin on immunity in patients with pernicious anemia

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of vitamin B12 in patients with pernicious anemia. This study was conducted prospectively at the Turgut ?zal Medical Center, Department of Hematology, between April and November 2002. Absolute numbers and ratio of the surface antigens of T and B lymphocyte subgroups, CD4/CD8 ratio were calculated in order to evaluate changes in leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers; natural killer [NK] cell count, serum C3, C4, and levels of immunoglobulins G, A, and M were also measured to evaluate vitamin B[12] effect on immunity. Values obtained before treatment with cyanocobalamin were compared with those found during peak reticulocyte count. In vitamin B[12]-deficient patients, absolute numbers of CD4+ and especially CD8+ lymphocytes were found to be decreased; CD4/CD8 ratio increased, and NK cell activity was depressed. After cyanocobalamin treatment, absolute numbers and percentage of lymphocyte subgroups were elevated. Increased CD4/CD8 ratio and depressed NK cell activity were restored and levels of C3, C4, and immunoglobulins were elevated. These findings suggest that vitamin B[12] has important immunomodulatory effects on cellular immunity, and abnormalities in the immune system in pernicious anemia are restored by vitamin B[12] replacement therapy

Influence of dietary lysine and arginine interrelationship on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response in Japanese quail

This study was designed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of extra Lysine [LYS] and/or Arginine [ARG] than normal requirements of Japanese quail chicks and their interaction on growth performance, carcass quality, immune response and nutrient digestibility in Japanese quail. A total of 672 one - day old Japanese quail chicks were used in this study and randomly allotted into equal 16 groups [42 per each] of mixed sex. Group 1 was fed basal diet without supplementation [control]. Quail chicks of groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed on the basal diet supplemented with ARG at 110, 120 and 130% of the NRC [1994] requirement respectively. While quail chicks of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were fed basal diet supplemented with LYS/ARG at ratios of 110/100, 110/110, 110/120, 110/130, 120/100, 120/110, 120/120, 120/130, 130/100, 130/110, 130/120 and 130/130. From the obtained data it was observed that ARC supplementation without LYS [groups 2, 3 and 4] showed non significant improvement in body weight, weight gain, RGR, FCR when compared with control and also supplementation of LYS alone [groups 5, 9 and 13] showed non significant improvement in the growth performance parameters. While, both ARG and LYS supplementation had no effect on growth rates as showed in quail chicks of groups 15 and 16. There was an improvement of immune response with LYS and/or ARG supplementation as noticed in increased phagocytic activity and HI titer in quail chicks especially in the highest level of ARG supplementation [group, 4]. Regarding serum parameters, there was an increase in serum total protein level in all groups fed on LYS and/or ARG supplemented diets when compared with the control and a significant increase in serum total cholesterol in the groups supplemented with higher levels of LYS alone [groups 5, 9 and 13]. Both LYS and ARG supplemented groups had some variation in concentration of SGPT and SGOT and the highest level was observed in higher supplement level of ARG [group 4], while serum uric acid concentration increased with the level of LYS and/or ARG supplementation. There was a significant increase lymphoid organ in quail chicks of group 4 which fed basal diet supplemented with LYS/ ARG at 100/130 when compared with the control and other supplemented groups. LYS or ARG supplementation had no effect on dressing and liver percent, while both of them improved thigh percent, reduced visible fat accumulation% and improved breast meat percent and LYS is more efficient for increasing breast meat when compared with control. LYS supplementation is more related to increase CP% in breast meat than ARG and higher supplementation of both of amino acids increase CP% in liver and generally that supplement had minor effect on the nutrient digestibility

Effect of minocycline and tetracycline on immunological responses in experimental animals.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of antibiotics, primarily tetracycline anlogues, like minocy cline to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the mechanism of action of these analogues is not clearly defined. The present study investigates the effects of minocycline and tetracycline on some immunological parameters in Wistar rats and Swiss albino mice. Haemagglutination (HA) titre was employed as parameter of humoral immune response and % leukocyte migration inhibition (% LMI) and footpad thickness tests were used as measures of cell mediated immune response. Both minocycline and tetracycline significantly improved humoral immune response in rats as indicated by an increase in anti-SRBC antibody titre. In the LMI test, depending on the time period of drug administration, there was an increase or a decrease in the % LMI. When drugs were administered on days 1-7 after sensitization, both the compounds caused a significant increase in % LMI. However, the % LMI was significantly decreased when the drugs were administered on days 7-13 of sensitization, indicating variable effects of these agents on the Immune mechanism depending on the time of administration in relation to the development of immune responsiveness. Both minocycline as well as tetracycline produced a significant decrease in the paw volume in the footpad-thickness test which indicates a decrease in lymphokine production/release. The present study thus shows that minocycline and tetracycline exhibit immunomodulatory properties, which may contribute significantly to their beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis.

Immunonutrition.

Nutrition and immunology are interrelated. Several nutrients like arginine, glutamine, omega-3-fatty acids and nucleotides enhance cellular immunity, modulate tumor cell metabolism and improve clinical outcome in stress situations. Glutamine supplementation has been shown to decrease incidence of sepsis and to reduce length of hospital stay in bone marrow transplant patients, low birth weight infants, surgical and multiple trauma patients. Studies with arginine have shown a reduction in infectious complications and lower mortality, however a better understanding of the biology of arginine is needed. Omega-3-fatty acid supplimentation as in fish oil stimulates the immune system. The beneficial effects of immunonutrition in surgical patients has been demonstrated in several studies. It significantly reduces infectious complications and length of hospital stay. In critically ill patients immunonutrition may decrease infectious complications but it is not associated with a mortality advantage. Pediatric experience is limited, but the future is promising.

Differential effects of benzodiazepines on immune responses in non-stressed and stressed animals.

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) used extensively as antianxiety agents are known for their low toxicity. However, a long lasting depression of mitogen stimulated secretion of macrophage-derived cytokines has been shown in offsprings of rats that were exposed to diazepam during pregnancy. The Present study investigates the effects of long term administration of diazepam and alprazolam on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in adult male Wistar rats and Swiss albino mice. Administration of diazepam (5 mg/kg/day x 7-14 d) and alprazolam (1 mg/kg/day x 7-14 d) produced a significant reduction of anti-SRBC antibody titre, a measure of humoral immune response, and foot pad thickness and % leucocyte migration inhibition (% LMI), measures of cell-mediated immune responses. Administration of diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or alprazolam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) before subjecting the animals to restraint stress (RS) reversed the immunosuppressive effects of RS. Both per se immunosuppressive effects and attenuation of RS-induced immunosuppression of BZDs was antagonized by flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a central BZD receptor antagonist. Thus, BZDs appear to modulate the immune system in non-stressed and stressed adult animals in a differential manner and these effects are mediated via central benzodiazepine receptors.

La reconstitución inmunológica en pacientes con enfermedad HIV/SIDA bajo terapia antirretroviral de alta eficacia / The immunological restoration in patients with HIV/AIDS disease treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy

Los esquemas de tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficacia (HAART) se asocian habitualmente con una recuperación en los niveles de linfocitos T-CD4 (+), aunque la restauración inmunológica completa no se ha logrado hasta el momento. Ciertas deficiencias cualitativas persisten, aún en pacientes con buena respuesta a la HAART.

Effect of non specific immuno-stimulant [isoprinosine] and linseed oil on some immunological aspects in rats

In this study, the effect of the immunomodulating agents, isoprinosine and linseed oil was studied in male Sprague- Dawley rats. The LD50 of Proteus mirabilis of both agents was 418 mul of 48 hours growth compared with 296 mul in the control group, accordingly the survival index was calculated and body temperature was recorded. The effect of both compounds on the total body weight, liver, spleen and thymus weights and on the L + S + Thy: T ratio in both the normal and bacterially-infected animals was studied as well as their effect on the total leucocytic neutrophilic, lymphocytic and monocytic counts was estimated. The level of serum TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was measured in both normal and bacterially- stimulated animals. The effect of linseed oil and isoprinosine on cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c were evaluated

Immunopharmacological and toxicological effect of ofloxacin in sheep

In this study, the effect of ofloxacin on the immune response was investigated in sheep vaccinated with the live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine. The evaluation of the cellular immune response revealed a significant decrease in total leucocytic count, lymphocyte blastogenesis, phagocytosis% and bacterial killing% in groups administered 10 and 20 mg ofloxacin/kg b. wt. once daily for five successive days either simultaneously with sheep pox virus vaccine or one week post vaccination. The administration of ofloxacin in therapeutic [10 mg/kg b. wt.] and double therapeutic [20 mg/kg b. wt.] doses either simultaneously with sheep pox virus vaccine or one week post vaccination produced a significant reduction in antibody titers, total serum proteins, globulins and albumin. The biochemical assay of sera revealed a significant decrease in the level of packed cell volume, hemoglobin percentage and iron in ofloxacin treated groups either simultaneously with sheep pox virus vaccine or one week post vaccination. However, ofloxacin treatment five days prior to vaccination evoked a insignificant variation in cellular and humoral immune response

Respuesta a la vacuna de origen cubano contra hepatitis B, en la Facultad de Odontología de Rosario / Response to the Cuban vaccine against hepatitis B, at the Dental School of Rosario

El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a conocer la respuesta inmune a la vacuna de origan cubano contra hepatitis B (Lab. Hber BioVac HB). Sobre un grupo de 250 inscriptos, se realizó control prevacunal por E.I. A. a 239 alumnos (19/25 años) y 11 odontólogos (10: 24/28 años y 1 mayor 45 años) encontrándose sólo un reactivo positivo para anti HB, que se evaluó negativo para otros marcadores. Se utilizaron vacunas pertenecientes a los lotes No. 55300 y 57700 cedidas por el M.S.P.M.A. y A.S. de la N. aplicando un plan de inmunización de 0 - 30 - y 180 días. No concurrieron a la vacunación 50 alumnos y 2 odontólogos. Se obtuvo una seroconversión del 97,9 por ciento a los 120 días

Mecanismo de modulacion de la sensibilidad a glucocorticoides por las citoquinas / mechanisms of glucocorticoid sensitivity modulation by cytokines

Hemos demostrado previamente que el TNF-alpha y la IL-1 aumentan la actividad transcripcional del receptor de glucocorticoides (GR) inducida por glucocorticoides (GC) en distintas líneas celulares transfectadas con un plásmido reporter llevando elementos respondedores a GC (GRE). En células blanco de TNF-alpha y GC determinamos: 1) TNF-alpha aumentó el N de GR en células L-929 y 2) por transfección de las mismas con un plásmido reporter llevando el promotor de GR que este efecto es a nivel transcripcional, 3) por ensayos de movilidad electroforética utilizando extractos nucleares de células L-929 estimuladas con TNF-alpha 0,02 ng/ml, DEX 10 nM o TNF-alpha + DEX, que las citoquinas aumentan la unión de GR a GRE (45 min, 1,8 x), mientras que la expresión del factor NF(k)B inducido por TNF-alpha no fue afectada por GC, 4) como correlato biológico de estos mecanismos, un priming de TNF-alpha (no citotóxico) aumentó la sensibilidad a la protección por GC de la apoptosis inducida por esta citoquina (p < 0.001). El organismo se protege de una respuesta inmune exacerbada, no sólo por un aumento de GC por citoquinas, sino también, aumentando la sensibilidad a los mismos: vía un aumento en el N de GR, en el binding a GRE y de la transcripción de sus genes blanco (ej. genes protectores de la apoptosis inducida por TNF-alpha). Estos mecanismos contribuyen a aumentar la actividad antiinflamatoria e inmunosupresora de GC para mantener la homeostasis.