Colloidal Gold Immunochromatography and ELISA Traceability of Tetracycline Residues from Raw Milk to its Dairy Products.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The presence of tetracycline (TC) and its residues in raw milk and milk dairy products poses a threat to human health due to the induction of antibiotic resistance of bacteria that can be transmitted between animals, humans, and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of TC from raw milk to different dairy products: pasteurized milk, boiled milk, sour milk, skimmed milk, and cottage cheese. We analyzed samples of milk from different sources: household farmers, local farms, and milk factories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analyses of TC in milk and dairy products were performed using colloidal gold immunochromatography assay (GICA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The highest content of TC was found in the milk purchased from local household farmers; therefore, these samples were chosen for the study of TC transfer to dairy products. TC was also found in sour milk at levels comparable with those obtained in raw milk. The average TC content decreased following heat treatment of the milk, as follows: for pasteurized milk 22.07% and for boiled milk 29.35%. The highest concentrations were determined in cottage cheese in the range 200-620 µg/kg. CONCLUSION: TC residues are transferred from milk to dairy products in various amounts depending on the preparation conditions, and due to their chemical properties, they accumulate in concentrated derivatives, such as cheese. Therefore, TC can be identified even in cheeses prepared from milk with undetected antibiotic levels.

An Evidence-Based Update on the Potential Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) represents an uncommon disorder characterized by cystic lung destruction and chronic respiratory failure. Lung damage caused by various mechanisms may represent a hypothesis for studying the association between LAM and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the most prevalent autoinflammatory rheumatic disease and may affect the lungs as an extra-articular manifestation. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, the pathophysiology of both disorders includes dysregulated immunological function, abnormal cellular development, and inflammation. Current research suggests a potential relationship between RA and LAM, as some RA patients have been reported to develop LAM. However, the association of RA and LAM raises important therapeutic dilemmas. For this reason, the trajectory of a patient who was identified in our medical records as suffering from both LAM and RA, treated with many novel molecules and biological therapy, but with a negative outcome due to respiratory and multiorgan failure, has been exemplified. The delay in the diagnosis of LAM is due to a correlation between RA and LAM, worsening the vital prognosis and also hindering pulmonary transplantation. In addition, extensive research is essential for understanding the potential connection between these two disorders and discovering any similar mechanisms involved that may underlie their occurrence. This may contribute to the development of new therapeutic options that target shared pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RA and LAM.