Endotoxin test by recombinant Factor C for 0.9% sodium chloride injection

Endotoxin contamination is a threat to the safety of pharmaceutical products, especially parenteral drugs. Any sterile and/or pyrogen-free pharmaceutical product requires regulatory specifications to ensure safe patient use. This study covers the performance evaluation study of an endotoxin quantitation commercial kit by recombinant Factor C (rFC), Endozyme II® Go, for 0.9% sodium chloride injection. The samples were spiked with endotoxin solutions between 0.0005 and 10 EU/mL and tested by the rFC kit to evaluate precision, accuracy, detection and quantification limits, linearity, and robustness. Each of the six points was assayed at least five times.The relative standard deviation for precision testing ranged from 1.9 to 8.3%. The recovery accuracy values of endotoxin were between 61% and 125% for the range from 0.005 to 10 EU/mL. The results demonstrated that the rFC method allows endotoxin quantification with accuracy, precision, specificity, and linearity for the range of 0.005 and 10 EU/mL for 0.9% sodium chloride injection. (AU)

A contaminação por endotoxinas é uma ameaça à segurança dos produtos farmacêuticos, especialmente dos medicamentos parenterais. Qualquer produto farmacêutico estéril e/ou livre de pirogênios requer especificações regulatórias para garantir a segurança de uso para o paciente. Este estudo abrange o estudo de avaliação de desempenho empregando o kit comercial Endozyme II® Go para quantificação de endotoxina, por Fator C recombinante (FCr), em amostras de cloreto de sódio 0,9% para uso parenteral. As amostras foram fortificadas com cinco concentrações distintas de soluções de endotoxina na faixa entre 0,0005 e 10 UE/mL. Cada um dos cinco níveis foi testado pelo menos cinco vezes para avaliação dos critérios de precisão, exatidão, limites de detecção e quantificação, linearidade e robustez. O desvio padrão relativo para os testes de precisão variou de 1,9 a 8,3%. Os valores de recuperação de endotoxina para o parâmetro exatidão estiveram compreendidos entre 61% e 125%. Os resultados demonstraram que o método por FCr permite a quantificação de endotoxinas com exatidão, precisão, especificidade e linearidade para a faixa de 0,005 e 10 UE/mL em amostras de cloreto de sódio 0,9% para uso parenteral. (AU)

Effect of treatment with growth hormone on body composition and metabolic profile of short children born small for gestational age / Efeito do tratamento com hormônio de crescimento na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional com baixa estatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) on body composition and metabolic profile of prepubertal short children born small for gestational age (SGA) before and after 18 months of treatment. Methods: It is a clinical, non-randomized, and paired study. Children born SGA, with birth weight and/or length <-2 standard deviations (SD) for gestational age and sex, prepubertal, born at full term, of both genders, with the indication for treatment with rGH were included. The intervention was performed with biosynthetic rGH at doses ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 mg/kg/day, administered subcutaneously, once a day at bedtime. Total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM) were carried out using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the metabolic profile was assessed for insulin, glycemia, IGF-1 levels and lipid profile. Results: Twelve patients (nine girls, 8.17±2.39 y) were evaluated; three patients dropped out of the study. There was an increase of LM adjusted for length (LMI) (p=0.008), LMI standard deviation score (SDS) adjusted for age and sex (p=0.007), and total LM (p<0.001). The percentage of body fat (BF%) and abdominal fat (AF) remained unaltered in relation to the beginning of treatment. Among the metabolic variables, blood glucose remained within normal levels, and there was a reduction in the number of participants with altered cholesterol (p=0.023). Conclusions: The effect of rGH treatment was higher on LM than in FM, with increased LM adjusted for length and standardized for age and sex. Glycemia remained within the normal limits, and there was a decreased number of children with total cholesterol above the recommended levels.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do hormônio de crescimento recombinante (rHC) na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças pré-púberes com baixa estatura, nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) antes e depois de 18 meses de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo clínico, não randomizado e pareado. Foram incluídas crianças nascidas PIG, com peso e/ou altura ao nascer <-2 desvios padrão (DP) para idade gestacional e sexo, pré-púberes, nascidas a termo, de ambos os sexos, com indicação de tratamento com rGH. A intervenção foi realizada com rGH biossintético com doses variando de 0,03 a 0,05 mg/kg/dia, administrado por via subcutânea, uma vez ao dia ao deitar-se. A massa magra total (LM) e a massa gorda total (MG) foram determinadas por meio de absorciometria de raios X de dupla energia (DXA), e o perfil metabólico foi avaliado com dosagens de insulina, glicemia, IGF-1 e perfil lipídico. Resultados: Doze pacientes (nove meninas, 8,17±2,39 anos) foram avaliados; três pacientes abandonaram o estudo. Houve aumento da LM ajustada para estatura (LMI) (p=0,008), LMI standard deviation scores (SDS) ajustada para idade e sexo (p=0,007) e LM total (p<0,001). O percentual de gordura corporal (GC%) e gordura abdominal (AF) permaneceu inalterado em relação ao início do tratamento. Entre as variáveis metabólicas, a glicemia manteve-se na normalidade, e houve redução do número de participantes com colesterol alterado (p=0,023). Conclusões: O efeito do tratamento com HCr foi maior na MM do que na MG, com o aumento da MM ajustada para altura e padronizada para idade e sexo. A glicemia permaneceu normal e houve redução do número de crianças com colesterol total acima do recomendado.

Establishment and validation of bioactivity measurement method for recombinant human midkine / 药学学报

To establish and optimize a method for the detection of recombinant human midkine (rhMK) activity and verify its methodology, cell counting kit-8 (cck-8) method was used to measure the proliferation activity of rat knee chondrocytes. The specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity and robustness of the method were also verified in this study. The established method was proven to have good specificity because the buffer of rhMK and recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist have no obvious active effect; the recoveries of the samples with relative activities of 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150% were in the range of 80.0% to 124.0% by statistical analysis, the relative standard deviations (RSD) of relative potency were all within 20%, the linear correlation coefficient, R2 ≥ 0.98, suggesting that the accuracy, precision and linearity of the method were good; the robustness correlation coefficient, R2 ≥ 0.92 and the ratio of maximum to minimum of sigmoidal dose-response were no less than 1.5, indicating that robustness of the methods was good. In conclusion, a bioactivity measurement method for rhMK was established and fully validated in this study and it provides a reliable method for the bioactivity analysis of rhMK routine samples during the development. This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc. (approval number: 2019-0008-06).

Expression, purification, and functional verification of recombinant human glycoprotein hormone beta 5/alpha 2 fusion protein in CHO-S cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To express and purify recombinant hCGH-CTP fusion protein in high-density suspension culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-S), and to verify the lipid accumulation effect of rhCGH-CTP on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. Methods The recombinant protein expression vector (pcDNA3. 1-rhCGH-CTP) was constructed, achieved by fusing the human glycoprotein hormone beta 5/alpha 2 cDNA with CTP Linker. The expression plasmid was transiently transfected into the suspended CHO-S to express rhCGH-CTP protein and then purified, and the protein biological activity was verified. Intervention with 3T3-L1 mature adipocyte cells for 24 h was performed to detect the changes of intracellular triglyceride (TG) level. Results Western blot results showed that rhCGH-CTP protein was successfully expressed in CHO-S cells, and the yield was up to 715. 4 mg • L~ . The secreted protein was purified by AKTA pure system with higher purity that was up to 90% as identified by SDS-PAGE. In addition, the intracellular cAMP content of mature adipocytes with high expression of TSHR gene significantly increased after intervention with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein by ELISA kit, indicating that rhCGH-CTP protein had biological activity. Oil red 0 staining showed that compared with the control group, the lipid content of mature adipocytes in the intervention groups with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein significantly decreased (P < 0. 05) . Conclusions The rhCGH-CTP protein has been successfully expressed and purified with biological activity, and effectively reduce TG. This research provides an important theoretical basis for further revealing the physiological role of CGH protein and its potential application in clinical practice.

Development and verification of a detection method for activity of neutralizing antibody in ELISA antibody positive serum of rats immunized with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a method for detecting the activity of neutralizing antibodies in ELISA antibody positive serum of rats immunized with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra). Methods The SD rats were subcutaneously immunized with 3,20 and 100 mg/kg rhIL-1Ra injection respectively,10 rats in each group,half male and half female,twice a day at an interval of at least 4 h between each dose for 13 consecutive weeks. The blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of rats during the administration period and the recovery period. The serum samples were isolated and detected for the antibody titers by ELISA,and the samples positive for rhIL-1Ra antibody were purified by Protein A chromatographic column. Based on,D10G4·1 cells biological activity assay,a method for the detection of neutralizing antibody activity was developed and verified for the specificity,sensitivity and precision. The neutralizing antibody activity of rhIL-1Ra antibody positive serum determined by ELISA was detected by using the developed method.Results With the increase of doses,the serum antibody titers of rats in various dose groups gradually increased,and there were still antibodies in the recovery period,and the titer was still high. Rabbit anti-rhIL-1Ra monoclonal antibody showed obvious neutralizing effect on rIL-1Ra,while rabbit anti-rIFN-2b monoclonal antibody had no dose-effect relationship with rIL-1Ra. The sensitivity of the method was 171. 93 μg/mL;The CVs of precision verification were not more than 20%. The positive antibody sera detected by ELISA all had neutralizing effect on rhIL-1Ra injection,which was consistent with the results detected by ELISA. Conclusion The method developed in this study has good specificity and high sensitivity in the detection of serum neutralizing antibody activity in rats immunized with rhIL-1Ra,which can be used to detect the serum neutralizing antibody activity of animals with rhIL-1Ra repeated administration.

Application value of bone cement containing rhbFGF and RHBMP-2 in PKP treatment of osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of bone cement containing recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).@*METHODS@#A total of 103 OVCF patients who underwent PKP from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 40 males and 63 females, aged from 61 to 78 years old with an average of (65.72±3.29) years old. The injury mechanism included slipping 33 patients, falling 42 patients, and lifting injury 28 patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to the filling of bone cement. Calcium phosphate consisted of 34 patients, aged(65.1±3.3) years old, 14 males and 20 females, who were filled with calcium phosphate bone cement. rhBMP-2 consisted of 34 patients, aged (64.8±3.2) years old, 12 males and 22 females, who were filled with bone cement containing rhBMP-2. And rhbFGF+rhBMP-2 consisted of 35 patients, aged (65.1±3.6) years old, 14 males and 21 females, who were filled with bone cement containing rhbFGF and rhBMP-2. Oswestry disability index (ODI), bone mineral density, anterior edge loss height, anterior edge compression rate of injured vertebra, visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, and the incidence of refracture were compared between groups.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed for 12 months. Postoperative ODI and VAS score of the three groups decreased (P<0.001), while bone mineral density increased (P<0.001), anterior edge loss height, anterior edge compression rate of injured vertebra decreased first and then slowly increased (P<0.001). ODI and VAS of group calcium phosphate after 1 months, 6 months, 12 months were lower than that of rhBMP-2 and group rhbFGF+rhBMP-2(P<0.05), bone mineral density after 6 months, 12 months was higher than that of rhBMP-2 and group calcium phosphate(P<0.05), and anterior edge loss height, anterior edge compression rate of injured vertebra of group rhbFGF+rhBMP-2 after 6 months and 12 months were lower than that of group rhBMP-2 and group calcium phosphate(P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of re-fracture among the three groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Bone cement containing rhbFGF and rhBMP-2 could more effectively increase bone mineral density in patients with OVCF, obtain satisfactory clinical and radiological effects after operation, and significantly improve clinical symptoms.

High-level expression of anti FLAG tag antibody in plants / 生物工程学报

Plant bioreactor is a new production platform for expression of recombinant protein, which is one of the cores of molecular farming. In this study, the anti DYKDDDDK (FLAG) antibody was recombinantly expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and purified. FLAG antibody with high affinity was obtained after immunizing mice for several times and its sequence was determined. Based on this, virus vectors expressing heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) inoculated into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by using Agrobacterium-mediated delivery. Accumulation of the HC and LC was analyzed by SDS/PAGE followed by Western blotting probed with specific antibodies from 2 to 9 days postinfiltration (dpi). Accumulation of the FLAG antibody displayed at 3 dpi, and reached a maximum at 5 dpi. It was estimated that 66 mg of antibody per kilogram of fresh leaves could be obtained. After separation and purification, the antibody was concentrated to 1 mg/mL. The 1:10 000 diluted antibody can probe with 1 ng/mL FLAG fused antigen well, indicating the high affinity of the FLAG antibody produced in plants. In conclusion, the plant bioreactor is able to produce high affinity FLAG antibodies, with the characteristics of simplicity, low cost and highly added value, which contains enormous potential for the rapid and abundant biosynthesis of antibodies.

Obtención de la proteína verde fluorescente recombinante y su anticuerpo policlonal Igy

La Proteína Verde Fluorescente (Green Fluorescent Protein, GFP) es ampliamente utilizada en ensayos in vivo e in vitro. Se han generado múltiples variantes de esta proteína para diversificar sus características, como la GFP-enhancer (EGFP) que emite una señal de fluorescencia 35 veces mayor en comparación con la proteína silvestre, siendo implementada como proteína fusión en estudios de localización y estabilidad estructural, entre otros. La detección de esta proteína y sus variantes puede ser directa o indirecta, mediante el uso de anticuerpos anti-GFP. Aunque el uso de GFP es generalizado y de evidente utilidad en investigación y en docencia, los insumos para su estudio exhiben un alto costo dado que deben ser importados, constituyendo un recurso limitado en Colombia. El presente trabajo reporta la clonación y expresión de la proteína recombinante 6xHisEGFP, cuya purificación se completó a partir de la fracción soluble e insoluble del sistema heterólogo Escherichia coli mediante cromatografía de afinidad a metales inmovilizados y electroforesis preparativa, respectivamente. La proteína purificada se implementó como antígeno para la producción de anticuerpos policlonales aviares (IgY) contra la EGFP, los cuales se obtuvieron desde los huevos colectados y el suero de las sangrías de las gallinas inmunizadas. En este sentido, la estrategia metodológica planteada constituye un avance en el desarrollo de un sistema biotecnológico para la producción nacional de herramientas moleculares como los anticuerpos policlonales aviares a bajo costo.

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is widely used in in vivo and in vitro assays. Multiple variants of this protein have been generated to diversify its characteristics, such as the enhancer GFP (EGFP) that emits a 35-fold higher fluorescence signal compared to the wild-type protein, being implemented as a fusion reporter in localization and structural stability studies, among others. Detection of this protein can be direct or indirect, fusing anti-GFP antibodies. Although the use of GFP is generalized and of evident utility in research and teaching, the molecular tools for its study exhibit a high cost since they must be imported, constituting a limited resource in Colombia. This work reports the cloning and expression of the recombinant protein 6xHisEGFP, which purification was completed from the soluble and insoluble fraction of the heterologous Escherichia coli system by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and preparative SDS-PAGE, respectively. The purified protein was implemented as an antigen to produce avian polyclonal antibodies (IgY) against EGFP, which were obtained from collected eggs and blood serum from immunized hens. In this sense, the proposed methodological strategy constitutes an advance in the development of a biotechnological system for the national production of molecular tools such as avian polyclonal antibodies at low-cost.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.

Successful outcomes of surgery procedures in patient with Glanzmann´s Thrombasthenia

We report a 35-year-old female patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) and severe anemia due to abnormal uterine bleeding secondary to uterine myomatosis. She required several admissions of red blood cells and platelet transfusions. An elective subtotal hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy was proposed and recombinant factor VII was required. Surgical and postoperative outcomes were successful, without surgical complications, bleeding, or hemogram alterations. 4 years later, she required tooth extraction because of periodontal disease and pulp necrosis. In Peru, reports of GT patients requiring major and minor surgical procedures are lacking, given the low disease prevalence and the difficulties related to surgery. The report of these successful cases becomes relevant to continue improving GT management.

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 35 años con trombastenia de Glanzmann (GT) y anemia severa por sangrado uterino anormal secundario a miomatosis uterina. Requirió varias admisiones de transfusiones de glóbulos rojos y plaquetas. Se propuso histerectomía subtotal electiva con salpingo-ooforectomía y se requirió factor VII recombinante. Los resultados quirúrgicos y postoperatorios fueron exitosos, sin complicaciones quirúrgicas, sangrado ni alteraciones del hemograma. 4 años después, requirió extracción dental por enfermedad periodontal y necrosis pulpar. En Perú faltan reportes de pacientes con GT que requieran procedimientos quirúrgicos mayores y menores, dada la baja prevalencia de la enfermedad y las dificultades relacionadas con la cirugía. El reporte de estos casos de éxito cobra relevancia para seguir mejorando la gestión de GT

Osteometabolic profile and bone mass in the transition phase: ethnic differences in Brazilians treated with somatropin during childhood

Abstract Objective: The main growth hormone action is to promote linear growth increasing protein synthesis stimulation and osteoblastic activity. Peak bone mass extends from adolescence to 30 years of age. Several factors may influence this acquisition and prevent fracture risk in adulthood, such as genetic potential, GH, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. This study aims to compare bone mass and osteometabolic profile of white and Afro-descendant Brazilian adolescents in the transition phase, who were treated with human recombinant growth hormone in childhood. Methods: The authors selected 38 adolescents from the Transition Outpatient Clinic of the University of São Paulo. Lumbar spine and total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), serum calcium, 25-OH-vitamin D and bone markers were analyzed at the rhGH withdrawal. Results: The mean age was 16.8 ± 1.6 years. There were 21 Afro-descendant and 17 whites. Thirty-four percent of the sample presented vitamin D insufficiency, 66% inadequate calcium intake and 44.7% physical inactivity. The Afro-descendants showed a lower lumbar spine and total body Z scores than those of the whites (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively), as well as their mean body weight (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the remaining osteometabolic parameters. Conclusion: As most adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency, low calcium intake, and physical inactivity, calcium, and cholecalciferol supplementation and lifestyle changes should be encouraged. The Brazilian Afro-descendant may be a vulnerable group for low bone mass, requiring

The Use of Escherichia coli for Recombinant Human Insulin Production

Insulin is the essential hormone produced by the pancreas. which is accountable for sanctioning glucose we acquire from our food sources to be deposited in our body cells. Without insulin, our bodies cannot control blood sugar levels, so insulin is a vital hormone for survival. A diabetic person either does not produce insulin or is resilient to it for a multiple reasons. Because of this, they need insulin injections to process glucose. It has become stress-free for patients around the world to acquire insulin with the production of recombinant human insulin produced by Escherichia coli . This short review will provide an overview of the steps engaged in constructing recombinant human insulin utilizing the K12 strain of E. coli along with the prominence of recombinant insulin and why E. coli is most commonly used for insulin production.

Efficiency of rLb6H recombinant protein from Leishma-nia (Viannia) braziliensis for the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis / Eficiência da proteína recombinante rLb6H de Leishmania (Viannia) brazi-liensis na detecção da leishmaniose visceral canina

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious endemic disease in many tropical and subtropical countries, with a strong incidence in Brazil. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs of the parasite. The diverse clinical profile and the long incubation period are challenges for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Recombinant proteins from Leishmania spp. have been studied as antigens that can increase the accuracy of serological tests. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the recombinant protein rLb6H, from Leishmania braziliensis, in comparison to the reference antigens rK39 and rK28, from L. donovani, prioritizing the identification of subclinical infected dogs. Material and Methods: Serum IgG reactivity to rLb6H, rK28, and rK39 recombinant proteins was assessed in dogs with previously parasitological confirmation of CVL, subdivided according to their clinical status, using immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Diagnostic accuracy of each ELISA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: While all antigens showed a better performance in detecting CVL in symptomatic dogs (SD), detection of CVL in the oligosymptomatic (OD) and asymptomatic (AD) groups was lower, but rLb6H achieved high sensitivity for asymptomatic CVL. Interestingly, the most reactive CVL samples to rK28 were barely detected by rLb6H, while the less reactive to rK28, mostly from the AD group, presented higher reactivity to rLb6H. Conclusion: The recombinant protein rLb6H showed utility in the detection of asymptomatic CVL, displaying a complementary reactivity to rK39 and rK28. Thus, these results suggest that rLb6H could be incorporated into multi-antigen strategies, to increase diagnostic accuracy of CVL.

Introdução: A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença endêmica grave em muitos países tropicais e subtropicais, tendo forte incidência no Brasil. A doença é transmitida pela picada de flebotomíneos fêmeas infectadas, sendo os cães os principais reservatórios urbanos do parasito. O perfil clínico diversificado e o longo período de incubação são desafios para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC). Proteínas recombinantes de Leishmania spp. têm sido estudadas como antígenos que podem aumentar a precisão de testes sorológicos. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico da proteína recombinante rLb6H, de Leishmania braziliensis, em comparação com os antígenos de referência rK39 e rK28, de L. donovani, priorizando a identificação de cães com infecção subclínica. Material e Métodos: A reatividade de anticorpos IgG séricos às proteínas recombinantes rLb6H, rK28 e rK39 foi avaliada em cães com confirmação parasitológica prévia de LVC, subdivididos de acordo com seu quadro clínico, utilizando ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). A precisão diagnóstica de cada ELISA foi avaliada pela análise da curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve). Resultados: Enquanto todos os antígenos mostraram um melhor desempenho na detecção de CVL em cães sintomáticos (SD), a detecção de CVL nos grupos oligossintomáticos (OD) e assintomáticos (AD) foi menor, mas rLb6H alcançou alta sensibilidade para CVL assintomática. Curiosamente, as amostras de CVL mais reativas a rK28 foram pouco detectadas por rLb6H, enquanto as menos reativas a rK28, principalmente do grupo AD, apresentaram maior reatividade a rLb6H. Conclusão: A proteína recombinante rLb6H mostrou utilidade na detecção de CVL assintomática, apresentando uma reatividade complementar a rK39 e rK28. Assim, estes resultados sugerem que o rLb6H pode ser incorporado em estratégias multi-antígeno para aumentar a acurácia diagnóstica da leishmaniose visceral.

Molecular characterization & recombination analysis of complete enterovirus-88 isolated from acute flaccid paralysis cases in India

Background & objectives: Focus on non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) causing acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) due to myelitis has increased with the containment of the poliovirus. Enterovirus-B88 (EV-B88) has been associated with the AFP cases in Bangladesh, Ghana, South Africa, Thailand and India. In India, EV-B88 infection was linked to AFP a decade ago; however, to date, no complete genome has been made available. In this study, the complete genome sequence of EV-B88 was identified and reported from two different States (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) in India using the next-generation sequencing technique. Methods: Virus isolation was performed on the three AFP suspected cases as per the WHO-recommended protocol. Samples showing cytopathic effects in the human Rhabdocarcinoma were labelled as NPEVs. Next-generation sequencing was performed on these NPEVs to identify the aetiological agent. The contiguous sequences (contigs) generated were identified, and reference-based mapping was performed. Results: EV-B88 sequences retrieved in our study were found to be 83 per cent similar to the EV-B88 isolate from Bangladesh in 2001 (strain: BAN01-10398; Accession number: AY843306.1). Recombination analyses of these samples demonstrate recombination events with sequences from echovirus-18 and echovirus-30. Interpretation & conclusions: Recombination events in the EV-B serotypes are known, and this work reconfirms the same for EV-B88 isolates also. This study is a step in increasing the awareness about EV-B88 in India and emphasizes future studies to be conducted in the identification of other types of EV present in India.

Seleção de antígenos de Leishmania infantum por imunoproteômica para emprego no diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral humana / Selection of Leishmania infantum antigens by immunoproteomics for use in the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis

O controle da leishmaniose visceral (LV) requer um diagnóstico e tratamento adequados, uma vez que o diagnóstico preciso é fundamental para um regime medicamentoso eficaz para os pacientes. Nesse contexto, as ferramentas biotecnológicas devem ser aprimoradas para o manejo clínico e a avaliação epidemiológica da doença. No entanto, existem limitações relacionadas com a sensibilidade e/ou especificidade dos antígenos usados atualmente, mostrando a necessidade de identificação de novas moléculas para serem testadas em um diagnóstico sorológico mais sensível e específico. Neste sentido, no presente estudo, uma abordagem imunoproteômica foi usada para identificar proteínas antigênicas das formas promastigotas e amastigotas da espécie Leishmania infantum, causadora de LV em nosso país, por meio de seu reconhecimento por anticorpos em soros de pacientes com a doença. Amostras de indivíduos saudáveis residentes em região endêmica da doença e de pacientes com Doença de Chagas foram utilizadas com a função de se obter proteínas mais específicas ao parasito Leishmania para serem avaliadas no diagnóstico da LV. Como resultados obtidos, um total de 29 e 21 proteínas foram identificadas nos extratos de formas promastigotas e amastigotas dos parasitos, respectivamente. Para a validação da capacidade diagnóstica, duas proteínas, endonuclease III e GTP-binding protein, foram selecionadas, clonadas, expressas e purificadas para serem testadas em experimentos de ELISA. Os resultados dos testes mostraram valores de sensibilidade e especificidade superiores a 99,0% para a identificação da LV. Os antígenos ainda exibiram um diferencial ao apresentarem baixa reatividade sorológica em pacientes curados e tratados, sugerindo a possibilidade de que as mesmas possam ser aplicadas como marcadores prognósticos da doença. Em conclusão, o estudo imunoproteômico se mostrou eficaz na seleção de proteínas antigênicas de L. infantum e duas delas, endonuclease III e GTP-binding protein, foram bem avaliadas para o diagnóstico da LV frente a um painel sorológico, além de demonstrarem um potencial para monitoramento de pacientes com LV após o tratamento.

The control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) requires an adequate diagnosis and treatment, since an accurate diagnosis is essential for an effective medication regimen for patients. In this context, biotechnological tools must be improved for the clinical management and epidemiological assessment of the disease. However, there are limitations related to the sensitivity and / or specificity of the antigens currently used, showing the necessity to identify new molecules to be tested in a more sensitive and specific serological diagnosis. In this sense, in the present study, an immunoproteomics approach was used to identify antigenic proteins of the Leishmania infantum promastigote and amastigote forms, which causes VL in our country, through its recognition by antibodies in sera of patients with the disease. Samples from healthy individuals living in an endemic region of the disease and from patients with Chagas disease were used to obtain more specific proteins for the Leishmania parasite, aiming their future application in the VL diagnosis. As results obtained, a total of 29 and 21 proteins were identified in the extracts of parasitic promastigotes and amastigotes, respectively. For validation of the diagnostic capacity, two proteins, endonuclease III and GTP-binding protein, were selected, cloned, expressed and purified to be tested in ELISA experiments. The test results showed sensitivity and specificity values greater than 99.0% for the identification of VL. The antigens also exhibited a differential when presenting low serological reactivity in cured and treated patients, suggesting the possibility that they can be applied as prognostic markers of the disease. In conclusion, the immunoproteomic study proved to be effective in the selection of L. infantum antigenic proteins and two of them, endonuclease III and GTP-binding protein, were well evaluated for the diagnosis of VL against a serological panel, in addition, demonstrating a potential for monitoring patients with VL after treatment.

Towards better antivenoms: navigating the road to new types of snakebite envenoming therapies

Abstract Snakebite envenoming is a significant global health challenge, and for over a century, traditional plasma-derived antivenoms from hyperimmunized animals have been the primary treatment against this infliction. However, these antivenoms have several inherent limitations, including the risk of causing adverse reactions when administered to patients, batch-to-batch variation, and high production costs. To address these issues and improve treatment outcomes, the development of new types of antivenoms is crucial. During this development, key aspects such as improved clinical efficacy, enhanced safety profiles, and greater affordability should be in focus. To achieve these goals, modern biotechnological methods can be applied to the discovery and development of therapeutic agents that can neutralize medically important toxins from multiple snake species. This review highlights some of these agents, including monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, and selected small molecules, that can achieve broad toxin neutralization, have favorable safety profiles, and can be produced on a large scale with standardized manufacturing processes. Considering the inherent strengths and limitations related to the pharmacokinetics of these different agents, a combination of them might be beneficial in the development of new types of antivenom products with improved therapeutic properties. While the implementation of new therapies requires time, it is foreseeable that the application of biotechnological advancements represents a promising trajectory toward the development of improved therapies for snakebite envenoming. As research and development continue to advance, these new products could emerge as the mainstay treatment in the future.

Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado del uso de Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico en niños / Randomized Controlled Trial of the Use of Heberkinase® in Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion in Children

Introducción: El derrame pleural paraneumónico resulta la complicación más frecuente de la neumonía bacteriana, de manejo complejo y muchas veces quirúrgico. No existen publicaciones en Cuba provenientes de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados ni del uso de la estreptoquinasa recombinante (Heberkinasa®) en el derrame pleural. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la Heberkinasa® en el tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y el empiema en niños. Métodos: Ensayo clínico fase III, abierto, aleatorizado (2:1), en grupos paralelos y controlado. Se concluyó la inclusión prevista de 48 niños (1-18 años de edad), que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Los progenitores otorgaron el consentimiento informado. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: I- experimental: terapia estándar y administración intrapleural diaria de 200 000 UI de Heberkinasa® durante 3-5 días y II-control: tratamiento estándar. Las variables principales: necesidad de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos. Resultados: Ningún paciente del grupo I-experimental requirió cirugía, a diferencia del grupo II-control en el que 37,5 por ciento necesitó cirugía video-toracoscópica, con diferencia altamente significativa. Se redujo la estadía hospitalaria (en cuatro días), las complicaciones intratorácicas y las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en el grupo que recibió Heberkinasa®. No se presentaron eventos adversos graves atribuibles al producto. Conclusiones: La Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y empiema resultó eficaz y segura para la evacuación del foco séptico, con reducción de la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico, de la estadía hospitalaria y de las complicaciones, sin eventos adversos relacionados con su administración(AU)

Introduction: Paraneumonic pleural effusion is the most frequent complication of bacterial pneumonia, with complex and often surgical management. There are no publications in Cuba from randomized controlled clinical trials or the use of recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase®) in pleural effusion. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heberkinase® in the treatment of complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema in children. Methods: Phase III, open-label, randomized (2:1), parallel-group, controlled clinical trial. The planned inclusion of 48 children (1-18 years of age), who met the selection criteria, was completed. Parents gave informed consent. The patients were divided into two groups: I-experimental: standard therapy and daily intrapleural administration of 200,000 IU of Heberkinase® for 3-5 days; and II-control: standard treatment. The main variables: need for surgery and hospital stay. Adverse events were evaluated. Results: No patient in group I-experimental required surgery, unlike group II-control in which 37.5 percent required video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with a highly significant difference. Hospital stay (to 4 days), intrathoracic complications and infections associated to healthcare in the group that received Heberkinase® was reduced. No serious adverse events attributable to the product occurred. Conclusions: Heberkinase® in complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema was effective and safe for the draining of the septic focus, with reduction of the need for surgical treatment, hospital stay and complications, with no adverse events related to its administration(AU)

High level expression of recombinant human serum albumin in CHO cells and optimization of its culture technology / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo achieve efficient expression of human serum albumin(HSA)in Chinese hamster ovary(CHO)cells and optimize its culture technology,so as to lay a foundation of the large-scale production of HSA.MethodsThe eukaryotic expression vector of HSA was constructed by gene recombination technology,and then electrotransfected into fully suspended CHO cells. The monoclonal cell lines with stable and high expression of HSA were screened by G418 and limited dilution method. By adding glucose,sodium butyrate and supplementalmedium to the basal medium,the cell culture process was optimized to improve the expression of HSA. Finally,the scale-up culture verification was carried out in a 5 L bioreactor.ResultsThe recombinant expression vector pcDNA3.1-HSA was successfully constructed and expressed in fully suspended CHO cells. After two monoclonal screening,the secondary monoclonal cell lines CHO-rHSA-7H2A9 and CHOrHSA-7H2D12 were obtained with high HSA expression of 29. 37 mg/L and 25. 26 mg/L respectively. The HSA expression level reached about 100. 00 mg/L by optimizing the culture process and wasfinally increased to 166. 16 mg/L in the 5 L bioreactor,which was about 30 times higher than that in the supernatant of the first monoclonal cells.Conclusion The high level expression of HSA in CHO cells was achieved,which laid a foundation of the further large-scale production of HSA in the field of biological products and solving the market supply problems.

Screening and optimization of the formulation of human recombinant neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirulog hybrid for injection / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To screen and optimize the formulation and technology of human recombinant neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirulog hybrid(TNHH)for injection,and investigate its stability.Methods Based on the results of the single factor experiment,with the pH range,mannitol dosage and povidone K30 dosage as independent variables,and the content of high molecular protein as response value,the response surface design(CCF)test was used to analyze the effects of the respective variables and their interaction on the content of high molecular protein in TNHH for injection to screen out the optimal formulation. In order to facilitate the operation,the optimal formulation was adjusted to prepare three batches of samples in pilot scale,which were placed at 40 ℃,75% relative humidity(RH)for 2,4 weeks and 2 ～ 8 ℃ for 3,6 months,respectively. The samples were taken and the appearance,pH,purity of reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC)and purity of size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography(SECHPLC)were detected to verify the stability of this formulation and process.Results The optimal formulation was pH 4. 982 6,mannitol 7. 986 4% and povidone K30 1. 902 7%,which was finally adjusted to pH 5. 0,mannitol 8. 0% and povidone K302. 0%. The TNHH preparation for injection prepared by the optimized prescription and process were stable in quality and met the clinical medication requirements.Conclusion The optimum formulation of TNHH preparation for injection is reasonable in the process and suitable for industrial production.

Expression and identification of recombinant human interferon λ1 in HEK-293F cells / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To express recombinant human interferon λ1(rhIFNλ1)by transient transfection in HEK-293F cells and identify it. Methods Two signal peptides[T cell receptor(TCR)and nature signal peptide(NSP)],three vectors[pcDNA3.4,ubiquitous chromatin opening element(UCOE)and PFR]and the target gene rhIFNλ1 were used to construct recombinant plasmids of six signal peptide-vector combinations. Using HEK-293F as host cells,the recombinant plasmids were transfected transiently to express rhIFNλ1 on a shake flask scale. The recombinant plasmid UCOE-Q46-λ with low glycosylation rhIFNλ1 was constructed by using NSP and vector UCOE,and transfected transiently into HEK-293F cells. The expressed product was purified by cation exchange chromatography(HiTrap SP FF),blue gel chromatography(HiTrap Blue HP)and gel filtration chromatography(Sephacryl S-100 HR),which was then analyzed by Western blot and reversed-phase HPLC,and determined for its molecular mass and N-terminal amino acid sequence by mass spectrometry. Results Six recombinant plasmids were constructed correctly as identified by double enzyme digestion and sequencing. With the extension of transfection time,the expression levels of the six expressed products increased gradually,and reached the highest level of10 ～ 20 mg/L at the 6th day of transfection. Double enzyme digestion and sequencing identification proved that the recombinant plasmid UCOE-Q46-λ with low glycosylation rhIFNλ1 was constructed correctly. The recombinant plasmid UCOE-Q46-λwas transfected into HEK-293F cells for 6 d. The purified product of cell culture supernatant showed a relative molecular mass of about 27 800 and a purity of 97. 372%,which showed specific binding to mouse anti-human IL-29/IFNλ1 monoclonal antibody;Two peaks were detected by reversed-phase HPLC,and the peak was showed at 15. 6 min and 20. 0 min respectively;The mass spectrometry molecular mass was about 24 000;The N-terminal five amino acids were G-P-V-P-T.Conclusion The rhIFNλ1 expressed by HEK-293F cells has high purity,which lays a foundation of further study of the protein.