Importancia de los ácidos grasos Omega 3 en la salud / Importance of Omega 3 fatty acids in health

La grasa alimentaria influye en la modulación de las funciones inmunitarias y los procesos inflamatorios; la mayor parte del impacto se atribuye a los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, LCPUFA, sus siglas en inglés). Los ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE), como el ácido linoleico (AL) y el ácido α-linolénico (AAL), que deben incorporarse por la dieta, son precursores de otros AG de gran importancia para el organismo. El AAL, perteneciente a la familia ω3, da origen a los ácidos eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA). Ellos confieren flexibilidad, fluidez y permeabilidad selectiva a las membranas lo que favorece la salud cardiovascular, reduce el riesgo de deficiencias en la visión y el desarrollo neural de bebés y niños, y de demencia en adultos mayores; algunos son precursores en la síntesis de prostaglandinas. También se observan efectos en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades coronarias, hipertensión, diabetes, artritis, inflamaciones, desórdenes autoinmunes y cáncer. Estos efectos pueden explicarse a través de las acciones específicas de cada uno de ellos1-3. El EPA ejerce: efecto hipotrigliceridémico a nivel de LDL y VLDL, efecto hipocolesterolémico por aumento de eflujo biliar y del transporte reverso de colesterol, y efecto antitrombótico por formación de eicosanoides de la serie 3. El DHA aumenta la fluidez de las membranas neuronales, gliales, y de conos y bastoncitos, disminuye la apoptosis neuronal, facilita el reciclaje de neurotransmisores, regula la expresión de enzimas involucradas en el metabolismo de lípidos como ligando de PPARs (peroxisome proliferator activated receptors) e inhibe la resistencia a la insulina a los tejidos musculares y adiposo3-7. Las recomendaciones de ingesta son: ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω6: 2,5-9% de ingesta energética/diaria, y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω3: 0,6-2,0% de ingesta energética/diaria8

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential since the human body does not produce them and they are obtained mainly from the diet. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favors cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some of them are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Some effects have also been seen in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The EPA exerts: hypotriglyceridemic effect at LDL and VLDL level; hypocholesterolemic effect due to increase in bile efflux and reverse cholesterol transport; antithrombotic effect due to the formation of Series 3 eicosanoids. DHA: increases the fluidity of neuronal, glial, and cone and rod membranes; decreases neuronal apoptosis; facilitates the recycling of neurotransmitters; regulates the expression of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism as a ligand for PPARs; inhibits insulin resistance to muscle and fat tissues. The intake recommendations are: 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 2.5-9% of energy intake/daily, and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 0.6-2.0% of energy intake/daily

Vigilancia de eventos supuestamente atribuidos a la vacunación o inmunización (ESAVI) durante el año 2017 / Surveillance of events supposedly attributed to vaccination or immunization (ESAVI) during 2017

Los Eventos Supuestamente Atribuidos a la Vacunación o Inmunización o ESAVI se definen como todo cuadro clínico que aparece luego de la administración de una vacuna y que supuestamente pueda atribuirse a la misma. Incluye los errores programáticos relacionados con la vacunación. Un ESAVI grave es todo aquel evento que resulte en hospitalización o fallecimiento. Es importante mencionar que un ESAVI, si bien denota una asociación temporal, no implica necesariamente una relación de causa y efecto. La causalidad entre el evento y la vacunación se determinará mediante la investigación del caso. La información aquí presentada surge del análisis de la base de datos de ESAVI del Programa de Inmunizaciones de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, alimentada por las notificaciones realizadas por efectores públicos y privados de la ciudad. Se incluyen residentes y no residentes de la ciudad, sin realizar distinción entre ellos. Para calcular las tasas se utilizó como denominador las dosis aplicadas en 2017 en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, tanto a residentes como no residentes. Se cuenta con datos de aquellas vacunas incluidas en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación del sector público, de la seguridad social y privado. (AU)

Caracterización de la autoinmunidad tiroidea en mujeres adultas con melasma / Characterization of thyroid autoimmunity in adult women with melasma

Contexto: el melasma es una dermatosis frecuente en el país; predomina en mujeres. A nivel mundial existe limitada y controversial información sobre la relación entre melasma y la autoinmunidad tiroidea; en el país no existen estudios sobre esta asociación. Si fuera el caso, pacientes con melasma tendrían un alto riesgo de padecer patologías tiroideas. Objetivo: caracterizar la asociación entre melasma y autoinmunidad tiroidea en mujeres mayores de 18 años. Diseño: estudio transversal, en mujeres mayores a 18 años de edad que acuden a consulta externa del servicio de Dermatología del Hospital San Francisco de Quito, perteneciente al Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social IESS, en el periodo abril 2014-junio 2015, diagnosticadas de melasma. Mediciones principales: la información fue obtenida de la historia clínica electrónica de cada paciente y una entrevista personal; luego se obtuvieron muestras biológicas para determinar la presencia de anticuerpo antitiroperoxidasa, antitiroglobulina y hormona estimulante de tiroides en sangre. La asociación entre las titulaciones de anticuerpos, severidad y etiología de melasma se estimó mediante regresión logística. Resultados: el 47,17% de mujeres presentó algún trastorno tiroideo; son más prevalentes las pacientes eutiroideas con anticuerpos positivos. El 19,8% presentó titulaciones de TPO-Ac positivas mientras que el 25,5% tiene niveles positivos de TG-Ac; al comparar los resultados de este estudio con reportes disponibles, existe una mayor titulación de estos dos anticuerpos en pacientes con melasma, comparado con la población que no presenta esta dermatosis. Conclusión: no se encontró asociación estadística entre melasma y titulaciones de anticuerpos antitiroideos, sin embargo, se encontró una elevada proporción de anticuerpos incluso superior a la reportada en poblaciones sanas, siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa para TG-Ac. (AU)

Context: Melasma is a common dermatosis in the country; predominates in women. Globally there is limited and controversial information on the relationship between melasma and thyroid autoimmunity. In the country there are no studies on this association. If it were the case, patients with melasma would have a high risk of suffering thyroid pathologies. Objective: to characterize the association between melasma and thyroid autoimmunity in women older than 18 years. Material and methods: cross-sectional study in women older than 18 years of age who attend an outpatient clinic of the Dermatology Service of the Hospital San Francisco de Quito, belonging to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security IESS, in the period April 2014-June 2015, diagnosed as melasma . Main measurements: information was obtained from the electronic medical record of each patient and a personal interview; then biological samples were obtained to determine the presence of antithyroperoxidase antibody, antithyroglobulin and thyroid stimulating hormone in blood. The association between antibody titers, severity and etiology of melasma was estimated by logistic regression. Results: 47.17% of women presented with thyroid disorder; euthyroid patients with positive antibodies are more prevalent. 19.8% had positive TPO-Ac titers while 25.5% had positive levels of TG-Ac. When comparing the results of this study with available reports, there is a greater titration of these two antibodies in patients with melasma, compared to the population that does not present this dermatosis. Conclusion: No statistical association was found between melasma and antithyroid antibody titres. However, a high proportion of antibodies were found to be even higher than that reported in healthy populations, and this difference was statistically significant for TG-Ac.(AU)

Immunophenotyping of leukocytes in bovine placenta / Imunofenotipagem de leucócitos na placenta bovina

Lymphocytes and macrophages are the main white cells involved in fetal-maternal tolerance. Little is known about these leukocytes in bovine placenta, such as the quantity and location of these cells. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify lymphocyte and macrophage populations in bovine placenta using specific markers and flow cytometry. This study analyzed samples of placentomes and intercaruncular regions of cows in the three quarters of pregnancy. In the placentomes, during the first quarter of pregnancy, mean percentage of labeled CD3+ cells was 2.34%; CD8+, 1.28%; CD14+, 1.66%; and CD335+, 0.96%. For the intercaruncular region, percentage of CD3+ cells was 0.71%; CD8+, 1.63%; CD14+, 2.81%; and CD335+, 2.81%. In the second quarter, placentomes showed 0.94% CD3+ cells; 0.77% CD8+; 0.72% CD14+; and 0.51% CD335+. In the intercaruncular region, percentage of labeled CD3+ cells was 0.50%; CD8+, 1.81%; CD14+, 2.64%; and CD335+, 0.51%. In the third quarter, placentomes showed labeling of 0.88% CD3+; 0.66% CD8+; 1.06% CD14+; and 0.74% CD335+ cells. In the intercaruncular region, percentage of labeled CD3+ cells was 0.19%; CD8+, 2.23%; CD14+, 2.43%; and CD335+, 0.16%. The results showed that there was a greater immunomarking of leukocytes CD3+ and CD335+ in the placentome when compared to the intercaruncular region during the third trimester. It can be concluded that leukocytes populations in bovine placenta is reduced, probably because of the syndesmochorial characteristic of bovine placenta. This represents a significant barrier for the immunological system of the mother, sharply decreasing the exposure of the conceptus to the mother's immune system.(AU)

Linfócitos e macrófagos são os principais leucócitos envolvidos na tolerância materno-fetal. Pouco se sabe sobre esses leucócitos na placenta bovina, como por exemplo, a quantidade e localização dessas células. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi identificar populações de linfócitos e macrófagos na placenta bovina utilizando marcadores específicos e citometria de fluxo. Este estudo analisou amostras de placentônios da região intercaruncular de bovinos nos três trimestres da gestação. No primeiro trimestre, nos placentônios, a porcentagem média de células CD3+ foi 2,34%; CD8+, 1,28%; CD14+, 1,66%; e CD335+, 0,96%. Na região intercaruncular, a porcentagem de células CD3+ foi 0,71%; CD8+, 1,63%; CD14+, 2,81%; e CD335+, 2,81%. No segundo trimestre, os placentônios apresentaram 0,94% de células CD3+; 0,77% de CD8+; 0,72% de CD14+e 0,51% de CD335+. Na região intercaruncular, a porcentagem de células CD3+ foi 0,50%; CD8+, 1,81%; CD14+, 2,64%; e CD335+, 0,51%. No terceiro trimestre, os placentônios apresentaram 0,88% de células marcadas CD3+; 0,66% de CD8+; 1,06% de CD14+ e 0,74% de CD335+. Na região intercaruncular, a porcentagem de células CD3+ foi 0,19%; CD8+, 2,23%; CD14+, 2,43% e CD335+, 0,16%. Os resultados mostraram que a imunomarcação de leucócitos na região do placentônio foi maior do que na região intercaruncular no terceiro trimestre. Concluiu-se que a população de leucócitos CD3+ e CD335+ na placenta bovina está reduzida, provavelmente devido à sua característica sindesmocorial. Essa característica representa uma barreira significante para o sistema imunológico da mãe, o que diminui drasticamente a exposição do concepto ao sistema de defesa da mãe.(AU)

Effects of intensified training and taper on immune function

Although resting immune function is not very different in athletes compared with non-athletes periods of intensified training (overreaching) in already well trained athletes can result in a depression of immunity in the resting state. Illness-prone athletes appear to have an altered cytokine response to antigen stimulation and exercise. Having low levels of salivary IgA secretion also makes athletes more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections. Overtraining is associated with recurrent infections and immunodepression is common, but immune functions do not seem to be reliable markers of impending overtraining. There are several possible causes of the diminution of immune function associated with periods of heavy training. One mechanism may simply be the cumulative effects of repeated bouts of intense exercise (with or without tissue damage) with the consequent elevation of stress hormones, particularly glucocorticoids such as cortisol, causing temporary inhibition of TH-1 cytokines with a relative dampening of the cell-mediated response. When exercise is repeated frequently there may not be sufficient time for the immune system to recover fully. Tapering has been described as a gradual reduction in the training load which allows the recovery of physiological capacities that were impaired by previous intensive training and permits further training-induced adaptations to occur accompanied by competition performance enhancements. The majority of the studies that have examined the recovery of immunoendocrine responses during 1-3 week tapers in trained athletes have mainly reported enhanced performance, often accompanied by increased anabolic activity, reduced physiological stress and restoration of mucosal immunity and immune function.

Quando se compara a função imune, em repouso, de atletas e não atletas, não se verificam grandes diferenças. Porém, períodos de treinamento intensificado ("overreaching") em atletas bem treinados podem induzir supressão da imunidade no estado de repouso. Os atletas com maior propensão para contrair doenças parecem apresentar uma resposta alterada de citocinas, tanto quando estas são estimuladas por antígenos, quanto em resposta ao exercício propriamente dito. Baixos níveis de secreção de IgA salivar também contribuem para tornar os atletas mais susceptíveis à infecções do trato respiratório superior. A síndrome do "overtraining" é associada a infecções recorrentes e a imunossupressão é comum; no entanto, marcadores da função imune não parecem ser suficientemente sensíveis ao "overtraining" eminente. Existem várias possíveis causas para a diminuição da função imune associadas com períodos de treinamento severo. Um possível mecanismo pode ser simplesmente, o efeito acumulativo de atividades e sessões repetidas de exercício intenso (com ou sem dano tecidual), com a consequente elevação dos hormônios de estresse, particularmente os glicocorticóides como o cortisol, causando assim, uma inibição temporária das citocinas de TH-1, com uma relativa atenuação da resposta imune celular. Quando o exercício é repetido frequentemente, pode não haver tempo suficiente para uma total recuperação do sistema imunológico. O "Tapering" tem sido descrito como uma gradual redução na carga de treinamento a qual permite a recuperação das capacidades fisiológicas, que por sua vez, foram afetadas pelo treinamento intensivo anterior, permitindo assim, que adaptações adicionais decorrentes do treinamento ocorram, acompanhadas pelo incremento do desempenho competitivo. A maioria dos estudos que investigaram a recuperação das respostas imuno-endócrinas em atletas durante uma a três semanas de "taper" tem registrado aumento do desempenho, frequentemente...

Study of possible clinical and laboratory predictors of alloimmunization against red blood cell antigens in cancer patients

Background: The inflammatory background of patients influences the process of alloimmunization against red blood cell antigens. Proof of this statement to clinical practice is still lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether factors related to disease severity and inflammatory status of cancer patients can predict alloimmunization. Methods: This was a case-control study in which alloimmunized oncologic patients treated between 2009 and 2012 were compared with a non-alloimmunized control group regarding the severity of the disease (metastasis/performance status/body mass index) and C-reactive protein levels. Results: The groups did not differ significantly in terms of C-reactive protein, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)/Karnofsky performance status, presence of metastasis and body mass index. Conclusion: It is not possible to predict alloimmunization in cancer patients based on severity of illness and inflammatory markers. Strategies of screening patients by phenotyping blood based on these criteria are not justified. .

Resolution of immune response by recombinant transforming growth factor-beta (rTGF-β) during influenza A virus infection.

Background & objectives: Replication of influenza A virus in the respiratory tract leads to cell damage and liberation of cytokines and chemokines. The in vivo cytokine induction and modulation by recombinant transforming growth factor- β1 (rTGF-β1) has not been studied. Therefore, in the present study the effect of rTGF-β1, a potent immunomodulatory cytokine which has anti-inflammatory properties and downregulates the release of inflammatory molecules, against influenza-virus infection in the airway of mice was investigated. Methods: rTGF-β1 was administered intravenously to mice with concomitant intranasal infection of influenza A/Udorn/317/72 (H3N2) virus, and the survival rate, virus titre, histopathological changes and levels of factors regulating inflammation in the airway fluid were analysed. Result: The immune response to influenza A virus was characterized by an influx of both macrophages and lymphocytes into the lungs of the infected host. rTGF-β1 significantly suppressed virus multiplication and improved the survival rate of mice. rTGF-β1 downregulated infiltration of neutrophils and the release of inflammatory molecules, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and stimulated release of IL-10 that potentiates anti-inflammatory response into airway. Interpretation & conclusions: A generalized pulmonary inflammation does not contribute to viral clearance but represents an immunological background within which antiviral immunity operates. Treatment with rTGF-β1 reduced macrophage count and neutrophils influx in lungs of infected mice.

Evaluación del riesgo de infecciones alimentarias en pacientes internados en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad y su sistema de prevención / Risk assesment of food infections in patient in a pediatric tertiary-care hospital and its prevention

The Garrahan Hospital is a tertiary-care center for pediatrics patients with complex diseases. Infections, including food-borne infections, contribute considerably to the morbidity and mortality in this population at risk. In order to prevent food-borne infections, the Foodservice Area has developed a preventive process approach system of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (process approach HACCP) in food production and service. Objective: To conduct a thorough review and assessment of risk from food borne pathogens according to the pathology of patients or the therapeutic practice used, and to standardize food production and service. With the criterion "degree of safety at the time of service" preventive measures were standardized. The food was classified into four levels of process. One or more food levels are indicated according to risk, and if necessary individual adjustments are made.

El hospital Garrahan brinda asistencia a pacientes pediátricos con patologías complejas. Las infecciones, incluidas las alimentarias, contribuyen considerablemente en la morbilidad y mortalidad en esta población en riesgo. Con la finalidad de prevenir infecciones alimentarias, el Área de Alimentación desarrolla un Sistema Preventivo de Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control con enfoque en procesos (HACCP process approach) en la producción y servicio de alimentos. Objetivo: realizar una exhaustiva revisión y evaluación de los patógenos alimentarios de riesgo según patología o práctica terapéutica de los pacientes y estandarizar la producción y servicio de alimentos. Con el criterio "grado de inocuidad al momento del servicio" se estandarizaron las medidas preventivas. La alimentación fue clasificada en cuatro niveles de proceso. A cada grupo de población asistida, según riesgo, se le indica uno o más niveles de alimentación y se realizan los ajustes individuales necesarios.

Immune responses to mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis: A systematic review.

From the time sarcoidosis has been described, there has always been a viewpoint that the disease is in some way related to tuberculosis (TB). Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease, which is likely a result of continued presentation of a poorly degradable antigen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been a very strong contender for this antigen. Besides the molecular studies demonstrating mycobacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the sarcoid tissue, assessment of immune responses against mycobacterial antigens provides a useful tool to study the role of mycobacteria in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. We reviewed the studies focussing on T-cell and B-cell responses to tubercular antigens in patients with sarcoidosis. Pooled data from various studies does provide a suggestive, though not unequivocal evidence in favour of mycobacteria as a cause of sarcoidosis. These findings not only reinforce the possible pathogenic role of mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis, but at the same time also limit the clinical utility of molecular and serological studies based on mycobacterial antigens in the differential diagnosis of TB from sarcoidosis, particularly in a country with high endemicity for TB.

Preparation of O/W ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion and its amplified immune response / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare an O/W ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion and investigate its amplified immune response.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The formulation of ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion was optimized via the range of nanoemulsion zone in phase diagrams and the solubility of ginseng saponins. Its physicochemical properties were investigated, including morphology, particle size distribution, pH, viscosity and stability. Ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion as adjuvant was co-administrated with a model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. Two weeks after the boosting, the serum levels of OVA-specific antibody and its isotypes were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The optimized ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion formulation consisted of ginseng saponins, IPM, Cremophor RH 40, glycerol and water (with the weight ratio of 2 : 4 : 17.8 : 17.8 : 58.4), which was a light yellow fluid. The shape of droplets was spherical under transmission electron microscopy with an average diameter of 72.20 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.052. The viscosity and pH value of it were 4.20 s and 6.02, respectively. And it showed good stability. When co-administered with OVA, no obvious side effects were observed in the mice immunized with ginseng saponin-based nanoemulsion. The serum levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibody in the group of ginseng saponin-based nanoemulsion immunized mice was significantly increased compared to the groups of OVA and the saline solution of ginseng saponin. Compared with the adjuvant aluminium hydroxide, the serum levels of IgG and IgG1 antibodys in the groups of ginseng saponins-based nanoemulsion had no significant difference, but the level of IgG2a was obviously higher.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ginseng saponin-based nanoemulsion could amplify the Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and can be used as the vaccine adjuvant.</p>

Fundamentos bioquímicos de la inmunotoxicología de los opiáceos / Fundamentals of opioid biochemical immunotoxicology

Se ha descubierto que la morfina, anteriormente conocida como una sustancia de origen vegetal extraída de la amapola, es sintetizada también por el cuerpo humano y hace parte del sistema opioide endógeno. La morfina endógena está involucrada en la regulación negativa del sistema inmune, regresándolo a sus condiciones basales luego de haber sido activado. Las investigaciones experimentales preclínicas y clínicas han mostrado que la administración de morfina conduce a efectos inmunosupresores, inhibiendo la actividad de las células asesinas naturales, la proliferación linfocitaria y la capacidad fagocítica de los polimorfonucleares y monocitos. Adicionalmente esta sustancia altera el patrón de síntesis, secreción y actividad paracrina de citocinas, favoreciendo así la respuesta inmune mediada por anticuerpos (Th2-dependiente) e inhibiendo la respuesta inmune mediada por células (Th1-dependiente). Estos efectos son suprimidos por la naloxona, un antagonista de los receptores m. Al parecer la morfina actúa a través de una nueva variante del receptor m de péptidos opioides denominado m3, presente en la superficie de las células inmunocíticas. Llama la atención la similitud entre los efectos inmunotóxicos generados en adictos al opio, VIH negativos, con aquellos observados en pacientes no drogadictos VIH positivos que progresan hacia sida.

immune system in pregnancy: friend or foe?

Pregnancy is an intriguing immunological paradox; how does an allogeneic fetus survive despite a potentially antagonistic maternal immune system, while tissue allografts succumb to rapid immunological rejection? While several hypothetical models have been proposed in the last five decades to explain the immunological success of pregnancy, the model that has survived the test of experimentation is the one that proposes a state of immunomodulation during pregnancy. Several factors appear to prevent the rejection of the fetus. Yet, pregnancy can be compromised by a variety of complications such as recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Research in the field of immunology of pregnancy has opened up the possibility of cellular immune effectors that might underlie these pregnancy complications. Particularly interesting are the effects that pro-inflammatory andanti-inflammatory cytokines have on the conceptus and thus on the success and failure of pregnancy. This review focuses on the association between some cytokines and successful pregnancy on the one hand, and between other cytokines and complications of pregnancy as also the possible pathways of effector function of cytokines in pregnancy loss. This review proceeds to discuss the therapeutic redirection of cytokine profilestowards one that is favorable to the success of pregnancy

Immune response induced by recombinant adenovirus combined with recombinant adeno-associated virus type 1 containing HPV16 L1 gene / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the immune potency of recombinant adenovirus combined with rAAV1 vector expressing HPV16L1 protein in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rAdV and rAAV1 vector containing codon-modified HPV16L1 gene was constructed using Admax and AAVmax packaging system respectively. C57 BL/6 mice were immunized with purified rAdV and rAAV1 vector through intramuscular and intranasal inoculation routes, and the titer of neutralizing antibody was determined by neutralization assay based HPV16 pseudovirus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intramuscular immunization by rAAV1-mod. HPV16L1 or combined with rAd-mod. HPV16L1 can induce higher titer of neutralizing antibody in serum than that of other groups. The titer of neutralizing antibody of intranasal groups is significantly lower than that of intramuscular group, although the prime-boost strategy using in intranasal group was effective to enhance the specific humoral immunity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The rAAV1-mod. HPV16L1 combined with rAd-mod. HPV16L1 can induce higher titer of neutralizing antibody in serum through intramuscular route than that of other groups at the 16th week after the first immunization.</p>

Effect of continuous darkness on immune response [in vivo assay]

Reports denote that changes in day length enhance or suppress components of immune function in several mammalian species. The aim of the present experimental study is directed to test the hypothesis dealing with the effect of photoperiods on some immune limbs responsiveness. Twenty six male and female BALB/C mice, 5-7 weeks old, 14-18gm weight divided into two groups, test groups [n=8 mice for each sex] and control groups [n =5 for each sex]. Test groups were kept in a dark room for a month, while control groups were kept in a room where the photoperiod was day light: darkness 12:12hr. All studied groups immunized with 0.2ml [10% sheep red blood cells] on day 4 and 8 of the last 12 days of the experiment. The weights of all animals were measured at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Arthus reaction, delayed type hypersensitivity and serum antibody titer were assessed on day 11 and 12 of program. Significant increase [P<0.005] in body weight, index level of Arthus reaction, delayed type hypersensitivity and serum antibody titer in the test groups in comparison with the control groups were found. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that immune parameters are enhanced in short photoperiods or continuous darkness

[Allostimulatory efficiency of splenic dendritic cells from pregnant and non pregnant mice]

Mammalian reproduction looks like an immunological paradox, because fetal alloantigens encoded by father genes should induce cell mediated immune responses leading to fetal loss. Maternal immune system, in addition to local modulation, undergoes systemic modulations during pregnancy. Dendritic cells [DCs], as professional antigen presenting cells, play a key role in initiation and control of immune response and it seems that functional changes in these cells during pregnancy may contribute to the systemic immune tolerance. To address this issue, in this study we isolated and purified DCs from pregnant mice and evaluated their stimulatory potential to induce proliferative response of allogenic T cells in unidirectional mixed leukocyte reaction [MLR]. Following collagenase digestion of splenic tissue, using density gradient centrifugation [13% Nycodenz] and adherence properties of DCs to the bottom of tissue culture dish, 7x10[5] DCs were isolated from each spleen with more than 95 percent purity. Allogenic T cells were isolated by nylon wool column, using their non-adhesive character to nylon wool. After radiation, isolated dendritic cells from pregnant and non-pregnant Balb/c mice were used in mixed leukocyte culture with C57BL/6 mice T lymphocytes. T lymphocyte proliferation was measured after 72 hours by [3]H- thymidine incorporation. 7x 10[5] dendritic cells with the purity of >95% were isolated from each spleen. Also the yield of T- lymphocyte form Inguinal and Brachial lymph nodes was about 3-5x10[5] with the purity of%85-90. The results showed that there is no statistical difference between stimulatory potential of DCs form pregnant [cpm=33000] and non- pregnant [cpm=35000] mice in induction of allogenic T-Cell proliferation. These findings can result from low concentration of immune suppressor factors in circulatory system of pregnant mice or due to separation of dendritic cells from pregnancy microenvironment and their maturity in vitro in the absence of the immune suppressor factors