[ study of the therapeutic effects of CpG oligonucleotides in Murine model of allergic asthma]

Augmentation of Th2 mediated responses such as elevation of serum IgE is the characteristic feature in atopy and asthma. CpG oligonucleotides [CpG ODN] have been used during the recent two decades as the potent immunomodulatory agents in allergic conditions. In this paper, we aim to report the anti-inflammatory effects of CpG ODN in murine model of asthma. In this study, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ch.a. allergen and then treated intranasally with CpG ODN. Following the challenge with allergen inhalation, mice were sacrificed and their splenocytes were cultured in the presence of antigen. After three days of culture, supernatants were examined for IFN-gamma levels by ELISA method, as an indication of Th1 response, and the results were compared with those in control mice without CpG therapy. The results indicate that the mice in the test group, which received CpG ODN, showed higher levels of systemic INF-gamma, and lower levels of serum IgE compared with either the antigen or CpG negative ODN-treated groups. Based on the results of this study, which shows higher INF-gamma levels in mice received CpG ODN, it can be concluded that CpG motifs have immune response modulation potential apparently through the deviation of Th2 into Th1 responses, which lead to a decrease in IgE antibody level. Accordingly, we suggest that these components can have therapeutic effects in the asthma caused by ch.a. allergen

[Comparison of the effects of three music on the immune cells of patients with allergic rhinitis]

The effects of music on blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and other physiological functions have been proven for several years. The effects of the music on human system have also been studied in several populations. But, this effect has not been studied in Iranians. So, we have decided to research on this matter. In this experimental interventional study, 28 patients with allergic rhinitis [12-36 years old, with the mean age of 25] were included after application of a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into four groups, three interventional groups [traditional Persian, western classic, and pop music] and one control group. Seven subjects were allocated to each group based on their favorite music. Each group underwent a period of intervention for one month and blood samples were obtained before the start and after the end of intervention. Samples were examined immediately by flow cytometry according to the standards and six cellular parameters of CD3+ T cells [CD4+ and CD8+] Natural killer cells [CD16+], B cells [CD19+], and activated T cells [HLA-DR+] were measured. We found significant difference between interventional groups and the control group. The differences are as follows: CD3+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.03, increase], atopic Persian classic versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.04, increase]. CD4+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.03, increase], atopic Persian classic versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.03, increase]. Non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue =0.01, decrease]. CD8+ cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue = 0.05, increase], non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue =0.02, decrease], western classic non-atopic allergic versus non-atopic control [Pvalue = 0.02, decrease]. CD16+ NK cells: atopic pop versus atopic control [Pvalue =0.014, increase], non-atopic allergic pop versus non-atopic control [Pvalue = 0.02, decrease] CD 19+ B cells [Pvalue = 0.07, noticeable increase]. Evaluation of immune cells in atopic patients who listened to pop music showed significant increase in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells, and a noticeable decrease in B cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that pop music had positive effects on atopic subjects. But, apparently, the effects of this music on non-atopic subjects are opposite i.e. CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+ cells were significantly decreased in these patients. In contrast, humoral immunity was strengthened and B cells were significantly increased

predictive value of HLA-DR matching and cytokine gene polymorphisms in renal allograft acute rejection: a living-unrelated donor [LURD] study

In addition to Human Leukocyte Antigens [HLA] compatibility, gene polymorphisms in cytokines might also be important in the quality of allogeneic immune response. To evaluate the influence of HLA-DR matching and a number of cytokine gene polymorphisms on acute rejection after living-unrelated donor [LURD] kidney transplantation. A total of 42 renal transplants performed at Hashemi Nejad Kidney Hospital [Tehran/Iran] and followed up for 3 months post-transplantation were included. Using PCR-SSP, HLA-DR alleles [DR1-18] of recipients and donors and gene polymorphisms in TNF-a, TGF-b1, IL-10, IL- 6, and IFN-g of recipients were determined. Acute rejection was observed in 11[26.2%] of renal recipients. The frequency of one and two HLA-DR mismatches in rejector group was 2[18.2%] and 9[81.8%] and in non-rejector group was 13[41.9%] and 17[54.8%], respectively. HLA-DR incompatibility was not significantly higher in rejector [1.82 +/- 0.40] compared with non-rejector [1.52 +/- 0.57] recipients [P=0.069] and more than half of non-rejectors had ompletely mismatched HLA-DR antigens with donors. Polymorphisms associated with the mentioned cytokines had no correlation with acute rejection. The predictive value of HLA-DR mismatching for acute rejection is not as prominent in LURD kidney transplantation as in the cadaveric one. In addition, we failed to demonstrate an association between combined cytokine genotypes and HLA-DR matching with acute rejection. Further and more detailed immunogenetic investigations are required in order to have a better prediction of the transplant outcome

Level of nitric oxide in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic mice model

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial and complicated mechanisms. Elevated level of exhaled Nitric Oxide [NO] in asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases has led to many studies examining NO as a potential marker of airway inflammation. This study was designed to determine the level of NO in Bronchoalveolar Lavage [BAL] fluid during early and late stages of asthmatic attack in mouse model. In this study male BALB/c mice were used. The level of NO was determined in BAL fluid of asthmatic mice five minutes, six and sixteen hours after challenge with methacholine, as irritant and smoke and 5% ovalbumin as allergens, using colorimetric assay. The level of NO increased upon exposure to all three irritants used in this study [52.3 microM for smoke and 49.5 [microMfor methacholine] as compared to 22.8 microM for the baseline. Our results showed that NO levels were increased during early phase of asthmatic condition and reached to its maximum level after six hours and decreased at the late stage of asthma [16hrs] possibly by activating a feedback regulatory loop. In addition, high level of NO led to the hypertrophy of smooth muscle that can account for the pathological changes associated with asthma. Thus, NO is an inflammatory marker in asthma and its measurement, as a non-invasive method during asthmatic attack is suggested. A careful development of specific inhibitors for iNOS enzyme during asthmatic attack is also necessary