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1.
Sci Rep ; 12(1): 21335, 2022 12 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36494497

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic benefits of phenolic compounds found in plants are well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenolic content of ten plant species used as ethnoveterinary treatments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. The plants of concern were Aloe esculenta, Fockea angustifolia, Boscia albitrunca, Combretum imberbe, Acacia nilotica, Colophospermum mopane, Acacia erioloba, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia americana, and Salvadora persica. An LC-MS approach was used to identify the compounds. To analyse high-resolution UPLC-UV/MS, a Waters Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (UPLC) with a photodiode array detector was connected to a Waters Synapt G2 quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MS). The current study identified a total of 29 phenolic compounds. Flavonoids (epicatechin, (-)-Epigallocatechin, and rutin,) were the most abundant, followed by 2R, 3S-Piscidic acid. Methylisocitric acid was found in all species investigated, with the highest quantities in A. esculenta and X. americana leaf extracts. There were differences in composition and quantity of phenolic compounds in aerial and ground sections between species. The overall findings of the present study would act as a standard for subsequent investigations into the pharmacological potentials of plants species utilized as ethnoveterinary remedies. Priority should be given to isolating, purifying, and defining the active compounds responsible for these plants' activity.


Subject(s)
Acacia , Aizoaceae , Ziziphus , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Phenols/analysis , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Ziziphus/chemistry , Acacia/chemistry
2.
Agric Food Secur ; 10(1): 16, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33815778

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, millets are regarded as a significant grain, however, they are the least exploited. Millet grain is abundant in nutrients and health-beneficial phenolic compounds, making it suitable as food and feed. The diverse content of nutrients and phenolic compounds present in finger and pearl millet are good indicators that the variety of millet available is important when selecting it for use as food or feed. The phenolic properties found in millets compromise phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are beneficial to human health. Moreover, finger millet has an exceptionally unique, more abundant, and diverse phenolic profile compared to pearl millet. Research has shown that millet phenolic properties have high antioxidant activity. The presence of phytochemicals in millet grains has positive effect on human health by lowering the cholesterol and phytates in the body. The frantic demands on maize and its uses in multiple industries have merited the search for alternative grains, to ease the pressure. Substitution of maize with pearl and finger millets in the diets of different animals resulted in positive impact on the performance. Including these grains in the diet may improve health and decrease the risks of diseases. Pearl millet of 50% or more can be used in broiler diets without adversely affecting broiler performance or egg production. Of late, millet grain has been incorporated in other foods and used to make traditional beverages. Thus, the core aim of this review is to provide insight and comprehension about the nutritional and phenolic status of millets and their impact on human and livestock.

3.
Life Sci ; 260: 118258, 2020 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32818542

ABSTRACT

Inflammation is a sophisticated biological tissue response to both extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. Although the pathological aspects of inflammation are well appreciated, there are still rooms for understanding the physiological functions of the inflammation. Recent studies have focused on mechanisms, context and the role of physiological inflammation. Besides, there have been progress in the comprehension of commensal microbiota, immunometabolism, cancer and intracellular signaling events' roles that impact on the regulation of inflammation. Despite the fact that inflammatory responses are vital through tissue damage, understanding the mechanisms to turn off the finished or unnecessary inflammation is crucial for restoring homeostasis. Inflammation seems to be a smart process that acts like two edges of a sword, meaning that it has both protective and deleterious consequences. Knowing both edges and the regulation processes will help the future understanding and therapy for various diseases.


Subject(s)
Inflammation/physiopathology , Animals , Homeostasis , Humans , Immunity, Innate/physiology , Inflammasomes/physiology , Microbiota/physiology , Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Signal Transduction , Spleen/physiopathology
4.
Microb Pathog ; 110: 457-463, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28739437

ABSTRACT

Exercise (with appropriate intensity and duration) is a natural modulator of immune responses and may be useful to increase the vaccine response towards antigen. According to the fact that rural area responding butter than urbon area to vaccine protocol, this study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that short term exercise training as an adjuvant for antigen such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in animal models. Mice with/without access to short term exercise training were immunized intramuscularly with inactivated KOS strain of HSV-1. Immune responses was investigated with regards of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. In this study by using short term exercise training as an adjuvant enhanced Th1 response while it did not show significant effect on Th2 responses towards HSV-1 immunization. Also, immunoglobulin G (IgG) 2a/IgG1-ratios increased in vaccine with short term exercise training group. These results suggested that coupling short term moderate exercise training as a mild adjuvant with vaccination may enhance cell-mediated immune responses especially Th1 responses.


Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology , Herpesvirus Vaccines/immunology , Immunity, Cellular , Physical Conditioning, Animal , Animals , Herpesvirus Vaccines/administration & dosage , Immunity, Humoral , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Injections, Intramuscular , Mice , Th1 Cells/immunology , Vaccines, Inactivated/administration & dosage , Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology
5.
Neoplasma ; 63(6): 911-924, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27565329

ABSTRACT

Incorporation of endothelial cells or their progenitor cells into newly sprouting blood vessels can contribute to tissue vascularization after ischemic injury. However, the interaction of the stem cells-derived endothelial cells with angiogenesis within tumors is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the efficiency of endothelial-like cells derived from MSCs in controlling breast tumor growth associated with abnormal angiogenesis. For this purpose, Balb/c mouse model of breast carcinoma was developed and subjected to intra tumor (I.T)/intra venous (I.V) therapy with undifferentiated MSCs or endothelial cells derived from them. The homing of the stem cells was approved by measuring different markers as well as tracing green fluorescence protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs in the tumors. Tumor growth was measured following cell therapy using a digital caliper. At the end of treatment period (30 days) the angiogenesis markers; VEGFR2 expression as well as micro-vessel density (MVD) using CD31 were estimated in tumor tissues. Stem cell transplantation to mice bearing breast tumors resulted in tumor growth suppression in all experimental groups. The endothelial markers; CD31 and VEGFR2 were down regulated following I.T delivery of the endothelial cells. Accordingly, angiogenesis was suppressed following I.T administration of endothelial cells which was associated with increased focal necrosis in the tumors. In conclusion, data show that endothelial cells directly injected into tumors is more efficient compared to undifferentiated MSCs in controlling tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Endothelial Cells , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Stem Cell Transplantation , Animals , Bone Marrow , Bone Marrow Cells , Female , Mice , Stem Cells , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism
6.
J Neuroimmunol ; 276(1-2): 80-8, 2014 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25175065

ABSTRACT

The immunomodulatory effects of the IL-27 and IL-33 and the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been reported in some studies. The aim was to evaluate the effects of the ginger extract on the expression of IL-27 and IL-33 in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In PBS-treated EAE mice the expression of IL-27 P28 was significantly lower whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly higher than unimmunized control mice. In 200 and 300 mg/kg ginger-treated EAE groups the expression of IL-27 P28 and IL-27 EBI3 was significantly higher whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly lower than PBS-treated EAE mice. The EAE clinical symptoms and the pathological scores were significantly lower in ginger-treated EAE groups. These results showed that the ginger extract modulates the expression of the IL-27 and IL-33 in the spinal cord of EAE mice and ameliorates the clinical symptoms of disease.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System/drug effects , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy , Interleukin-27/metabolism , Interleukins/metabolism , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Zingiber officinale/chemistry , Animals , Body Weight/drug effects , Central Nervous System/metabolism , Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/drug effects , Disease Models, Animal , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/blood , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/chemically induced , Female , Freund's Adjuvant/toxicity , Interferon-gamma/blood , Interleukin-27/genetics , Interleukin-33 , Interleukin-7/blood , Interleukins/genetics , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein/toxicity , Peptide Fragments/toxicity , Time Factors
7.
Neoplasma ; 60(5): 525-32, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23790171

ABSTRACT

Using cellular adjuvants including dendritic cells (DCs) has provided a promising approach in immunotherapy of cancer. Our previous study showed that mice immunization with tumor cell lysate-pulsed DCs (TL-CD8α+DCs) could significantly suppress the tumor growth and increase mice survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of TL-CD8α+DC vaccine on intra-tumor and spleen lymphocyte subpopulations in tumor-bearing mice. ABalb/c mouse model of fibrosarcoma was used and changes in various lymphocyte subpopulations including CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in mice immunized with TL-CD8α+ DCs were studied. The cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes and tumor growth inhibitory rate were also measured. Immunotherapy with TL-CD8α+ DCs significantly enhanced both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, whereas decreased CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells as well as the tumor growth rate. There was also a decrease in the ratio of regulatory T cells to CD4+ and to CD8+ lymphocytes in both the tumor and spleen tissues as compared to that in the non-immunized control mice. Immunization with TL-CD8α+ DCs as well as CD8α+ DCs significantly increased the splenocytes cytotoxic activity by 45.1% and 18.2% of control, respectively. In conclusion, the current study indicated that TL-CD8α+ DCs can enhance tumor immunity against the fibrosarcoma by enhancing both the CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and reducing regulatory T cells. This finding suggests the usefulness of TL-CD8α+DCs vaccine for cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Cancer Vaccines/immunology , Dendritic Cells/immunology , Fibrosarcoma/immunology , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology , Animals , Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , CD8 Antigens/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Spleen/cytology , Spleen/immunology , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
8.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 17(2): 228-34, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23377813

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: DNA immunization is quite inventive vaccination strategies that engage the direct introduction of plasmid DNA encoding the desired antigen into the host. DNA vaccines expand strong protective responses against tumors. The desired target E7 oncogene products represent a target of choice for the therapeutic vaccination. The efficacy of vaccination is limited and it is often necessary to enhance the immune response by using adjuvant in order to achieve the desired responses. Numerous approaches have been applied to boost the effectiveness, such as the fusion or co-administration of cytokine and co-stimulatory molecules gene. Heat-shock protein 70 a family of chaperone proteins makes possible delivery of non-covalently bound peptide to MHC I molecules and influences peptide-specific CTL responses and cure treated individuals. HSP70 have been proposed as the affective adjuvant and expected to act as an appropriate substitute of both cytokine and co-stimulatory genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, the impact of HSP70 co-delivery and HPV-E7 boosting on cellular immune responses and protection has been investigated by intramuscular injection of mixed DNA constructs. RESULTS: Our results reveal that the target DNA vaccine can influence an E7-specific CTL response, which is imperative in the lysis of infected tumor cells, compared to negative control (p < 0.05). Additionally, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with pcDNA/E7 + HSP70 plasmid generates stronger immune responses and decreased significantly tumor sizes. Immunization with HSP-based vaccine with special target immunogene can induce potent and specific anti-tumor or anti-viral immune responses. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of pcDNA/E7 + HSP70 plasmid was immunologically more effective than pcDNA/E7 alone. It was concluded that all the characteristics observed during our investigation demonstrate the potent adjuvant activities of HSP70 and could be an efficient approach to persuade dramatically E7-specific immune responses as future cervical cancer vaccine.  


Subject(s)
HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/therapeutic use , Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology , Papillomavirus Infections/therapy , Papillomavirus Vaccines/immunology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy , Vaccines, DNA/immunology , Animals , Female , Lymphocyte Activation , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology , Vaccination
9.
Electromagn Biol Med ; 32(1): 70-8, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23320581

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, due to the wide use of mobile phones, extensive studies have been carried out on the effects of magnetic field (MF) on public health. In this paper, we study the effect of 217 Hz MF similar to that generated by GSM900 mobile phones on cancer and healthy cells treated with electric pulse and cytotoxic drug. The experiments conducted include exposure to (a) electric pulses alone (4000 square-wave electric pulses with low amplitude of 70 V/cm and frequency of 5 kHz), (b) electric pulses following MF exposure, (c) electrochemotherapy (electric pulses and cytotoxic drug) alone and (d) MF exposure with subsequent electrochemotherapy. The results indicate that the percentage of apoptosis decreases significantly (p < 0.05) in treatment groups using electrochemotherapy after MF exposure compared to that in treatment groups using electrochemotherapy alone. We observed that 217 Hz MF similar to that generated by GSM900 mobile phones can incur resistance of the cells in response to electric pulses. Our findings implied the existence of amplitude window effect in alternations induced by extremely low-frequency MF.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis/drug effects , Electrochemotherapy , Magnetic Fields/adverse effects , Apoptosis/radiation effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Phone , Electroporation , Humans
10.
J Immunotoxicol ; 10(2): 201-9, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22946962

ABSTRACT

The immunosuppression that occurs after burn injury causes an increase in susceptibility to infection. The aim was to investigate time-related alterations in various cytokines following thermal injury and to modulate cytokines by use of an immunomodulant, cimetidine. Male Balb/c mice were anesthetized and given a 10% total body surface area full-thickness burn by submerging in 90°C water for 9 s. Time-dependent changes in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and serum levels of the cytokines IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17 and TGFß were then assessed at various post-burn day (PBD) timepoints. Effects of 10 mg cimetidine/kg on DTH responses and cytokine levels were evaluated up to PBD 14. In comparison to healthy non-burned control mice, levels of IL-2 and IL-17 significantly decreased at PBD 3, 5, 10, and 14, those of IL-10 at PBD 1, 3, 5, and 10, and those of IL-12 at PBD 1, 3, 5, 10, and 14. Administration of cimetidine significantly augmented the levels of IL-2 (at PBD 3, 5, and 10), IL-10 (at PBD 1 and 5), IL-12 (at PBD 3, 5, 10, and 14), and IL-17 (at PBD 3 and 14) as compared to those in burned counterparts who did not receive drug. In comparison to healthy mice, biphasic alterations were observed regarding TGFß levels; values were significant decreased and increased at PBD 3 and PBD 14, respectively. Cimetidine significantly diminished the elevated TGFß levels at PBD 14. Cimetidine also significantly augmented DTH responses at PBD 5, 10, and 14 as compared to responses in non-drug-treated burned hosts. Taken together, the results here showed significant time-dependent changes in serum cytokines levels after burn injury and that cimetidine was able to significantly augment IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17 levels as well as DTH responses that are normally suppressed following thermal trauma.


Subject(s)
Burns/drug therapy , Cimetidine/administration & dosage , Histamine H2 Antagonists/administration & dosage , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/prevention & control , Animals , Burns/complications , Burns/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Gene Expression Regulation/immunology , Humans , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/etiology , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/immunology , Interleukin-10/blood , Interleukin-12/blood , Interleukin-17/blood , Interleukin-2/blood , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C
11.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 16 Suppl 3: 126-32, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22957427

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Diet therapy is showing a bright future in the therapy of diabetes mellitus (DM). The seeds of Lupinus termis are used in the Middle East and Africa as food and in folklore medicine. In traditional medicine, the seeds are reputed to be effective for diabetes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antigenotoxic effect of Lupinus termis methanolic extract (LTE) against DM oxidative stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal aberrations are accurate cytogenetic techniques used to show chromosomal damage caused by clastogenic affects. The present study was designed to evaluate: (1) the effects of DM on bone marrow MN frequency and chromosomal aberrations, (2) the effect of oral treatment by gavage of LTE on MN frequency and chromosomal aberrations produced by DM. RESULTS: Frequencies of MN and chromosomal aberrations have been significantly increased in diabetic mice compared with the normal mice (p < 0.05). LTE at a dose 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt. for 15 days groups treatment in diabetic mice were significantly decreased MN frequency and chromosomal aberrations in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LTE is a suitable agent for preventing DM-induced DNA damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on LTE having a potential diabetes-associated DNA damage-protecting activity in vivo.


Subject(s)
DNA Damage/drug effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Lupinus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Administration, Oral , Alloxan , Animals , Chromosome Aberrations/drug effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Male , Medicine, Traditional/methods , Methanol/chemistry , Mice , Micronucleus Tests , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Seeds
12.
Iran J Cancer Prev ; 5(1): 16-20, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25780534

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most important and widespread cancer which affects women. There are several causes of cervical cancer; among them HPV types 16 and 18 are the most prominent ones which are recurrent and persistent infections. These genotypes are currently about 70% of cervical cancer causes in developing countries. Due to the importance of these viruses in cervical cancer, we pioneered the production of Human Papilloma Virus type16 E6 oncoprotein as a recombinant protein in order to develop a vaccine. Two HPV oncoproteins, E6 and E7, are consistently expressed in HPV-associated cancer cells and are responsible for malignant transformation. These oncogenic proteins represent ideal target antigens for developing vaccine and immunotherapeutic strategies against HPV-associated neoplasm. METHODS: In the present study, the cloned E6-oncoprotein of HPV16 in pTZ57R/T-E6 vector was used to produce professional expression vector. The target gene was subcloned in a eukaryotic expression vector. The pcDNA3-E6 vector was propagated in E.coli strain DH5α and transfected into CHO cells 72 hours post-transfection. RESULTS: The transfected cells were harvested; mRNA detection and the interest protein production were confirmed by western blot analysis using specific anti E6 monoclonal antibody. CONCLUSION: HPV16-E6 target protein recognized by specific antibody could be an appropriate form of protein, which can be used for further studies. Due to potential effect of this protein, its DNA construction can be used for DNA vaccine in future studies.

13.
Singapore Med J ; 52(7): 491-5, 2011 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21808959

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ramadan, the holy month for the Islamic world, is a period every year when food and fluid intake is restricted to the pre-sunrise and post-sunset hours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on the serum concentration of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and serum lipid profile in healthy men. METHODS: A total of 32 male volunteers with a mean age of 28.5 (range 23-37) years were selected for the study. Blood samples were obtained one day prior to Ramadan and on the 3rd and 25th days of fasting. Serum HSP70, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (Chol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL/HDL and Chol/HDL ratios were investigated. RESULTS: It was observed that the mean concentrations of serum HSP70 and HDL on the 25th day of Ramadan were significantly higher than those recorded one day before Ramadan and on the 3rd day of Ramadan, and the levels on the 3rd day of Ramadan was significantly higher than those recorded one day before Ramadan. Mean concentrations of serum TG, Chol, LDL, and LDL/HDL and Chol/HDL ratios on the 25th day of Ramadan were significantly lower than those recorded one day before Ramadan and on the 3rd day of Ramadan, and the levels found on the 3rd day of Ramadan were also significantly lower than those recorded one day before Ramadan. CONCLUSION: Ramadan fasting increases serum HSP70 and improves serum lipid profile.


Subject(s)
Cholesterol/blood , Fasting/physiology , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/blood , Islam , Triglycerides/blood , Adult , Fasting/blood , Humans , Iran , Male
14.
J Membr Biol ; 236(1): 163-6, 2010 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20665210

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 5-kHz repetition frequency of electroporating electric pulses in comparison to the standard 1-Hz frequency on blood flow of invasive ductal carcinoma tumors in Balb/C mice. Electroporation was performed by the delivery of eight electric pulses of 1,000 V cm(-1) and 100 mus duration at a repetition frequency of 1 Hz or 5 kHz. Blood flow changes in tumors were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. Monitoring was performed continuously for 10 min before application of the electric pulses as well as immediately after application of the electric pulses for 40 min. The delivery of electric pulses to tumors induced changes in tumor blood flow. The reduction in blood flow started after the stimulation and continued for the 40-min period of observation. There was a significant difference in blood flow changes 3 min after application of the electric pulses at 1-Hz or 5-kHz repetition frequency. However, after 3 min the difference became nonsignificant. The findings showed that the high pulse frequency (5 kHz) had an effect comparable to the 1-Hz frequency on tumor blood flow except at very short times after pulse delivery, when pulses at 5 kHz produced a more intense reduction of blood flow.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/blood supply , Electroporation , Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/blood supply , Animals , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy , Female , Laser-Doppler Flowmetry/methods , Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Time Factors
15.
Acta Virol ; 54(2): 131-6, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20545443

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Many Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) candidate vaccines have been tested in clinical trials, but none was sufficiently effective in the prevention of HIV infection. A HIV vaccine should induce humoral as well as cell-mediated response, the latter including the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte (CTL) response. In this study, we immunized BALB/c mice with a purified fusion peptide Gag p24-Nef and evaluated immune responses. As for the cellular responses, the adjuvanted fusion peptide induced lymphocyte proliferation, CTL response, and cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the Th1 pattern. Humoral immune response to the adjuvanted fusion peptide included an increase in IgG antibodies of more IgG2a than IgG1 subtype. These results indicate that the employed HIV-1 peptide construct can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Further studies aimed at memory T cells and other aspects of immune responses are needed before a comprehensive assessment of this candidate vaccine could be provided. KEYWORDS: epitopes; fusion peptide; HIV-1 p24-Nef; immune response.


Subject(s)
AIDS Vaccines/immunology , HIV Core Protein p24/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology , AIDS Vaccines/pharmacology , Animals , Female , HIV Antibodies/biosynthesis , Humans , Immunity, Cellular , Immunity, Humoral , Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Interleukin-4/biosynthesis , Lymphocyte Activation , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Models, Animal , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
16.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 8(13-14): 1744-7, 2008 Dec 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18793755

ABSTRACT

Artemisinin and Cyclosporin A were examined for their ability to inhibit the calmodulin-mediated activation of phosphodiesterase, which is based on the hydrolysis of cAMP to AMP by phosphodiesterase in the presence or absence of inhibitors, followed by quantitative analysis using spectrophotometer method. Anti-calmodulin activity of these agents was investigated by spectrofluorometry. Our results indicates that Artemisinin and Cyclosporin A induced some conformational changes on calmodulin and increased the fluorescence emission, but Artemisinin increased fluorescence emission of calmodulin in higher amounts compared with the Cyclosporin A. Kinetic analysis of the Artemisinin-calmodulin and Cyclosporine A-calmodulin interaction showed that these agents competitively inhibited the activation of phosphodiesterase without affecting Vmax. Artemisinin increased Km value in higher amounts compared with the Cyclosporin A. Ki values of Artemisinin and Cyclosporin A were determined as 10 microM and 35 microM, respectively. The DeltaG (H2O), the best parameter for the estimation of macromolecule stability, was determined for calmodulin in the absence and presence of Artemisinin and Cyclosporin A. However, the degree of decrease in DeltaG (H2O) value was as follows: Artemisinin>Cyclosporin A, which means Artemisinin induced more instability in the calmodulin structure.In conclusion, our findings showed a good correlation between the ability of both Artemisinin and Cyclosporin A to block the activation of phosphodiesterase and their ability to bind to the activator and that Artemisinin is a more potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase compared with Cyclosporin A.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Artemisinins/pharmacology , Calmodulin/antagonists & inhibitors , Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/drug effects , Calmodulin/pharmacology , Cyclosporine/pharmacology , Enzyme Activation/drug effects
17.
Int Nurs Rev ; 55(2): 142-7, 2008 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18477097

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis infections caused by hepatitis A, B and C virus are considered to be an important health problem worldwide. Based on the available data from the Jordanian Ministry of Health, the incidence rates of hepatitis A and B in the Jordanian population in 2003 were 10.2 and 0.8 per 100,000 per year, respectively; however, data on the incidence of hepatitis C are not currently available. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To assess Jordanian healthcare workers' hepatitis training needs. METHODS: A total of 339 healthcare workers from private and public Jordanian healthcare settings participated in this descriptive study. The Minnesota Primary Care Practitioners Viral Hepatitis Survey was utilized for data collection. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the participants expressed that they did not have adequate and current training in issues related to hepatitis infections. Healthcare workers indicated an interest in receiving information and training about hepatitis A, B and C (83%, 71% and 80%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the majority of Jordanian healthcare workers reported a need for hepatitis training. IMPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Standardized training should be provided to healthcare workers who are working in high-risk settings.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Health Personnel/education , Hepatitis, Viral, Human , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/therapy , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/transmission , Humans , Jordan , Needs Assessment , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Risk Factors
18.
Acta Virol ; 52(4): 225-9, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19143478

ABSTRACT

DNA vaccination using a plasmid encoding Human rotavirus A (HuRV-A) inner capsid VP2 was examined in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally (i.n.) with a VP2 DNA vaccine that induced cellular and humoral immune response to HuRV-A. The increased levels of cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4 and the production of anti-VP2 IgG antibodies were detected. In addition, splenocyte proliferation detected by MTT test was enhanced in the mice treated with the vaccine. These results may encourage the development of a HuRV-A DNA vaccine derived from the inner layer of viral capsid that can be administered i.n.


Subject(s)
Capsid Proteins/immunology , Rotavirus Infections/immunology , Rotavirus/immunology , Viral Vaccines/immunology , Administration, Intranasal , Animals , Capsid Proteins/administration & dosage , Capsid Proteins/genetics , Female , Humans , Immunity, Humoral , Immunization , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Rotavirus/genetics , Rotavirus Infections/virology , Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage , Vaccines, DNA/genetics , Vaccines, DNA/immunology , Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage , Viral Vaccines/genetics
19.
Pak J Biol Sci ; 10(3): 502-5, 2007 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19069525

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that produces a wide array of toxins, thus causing various type of disease symptoms. Staphyloceccal enterotoxins (SES), a family of 9 major serological types of heat-stable enterotoxins, are a main cause of gastroenteritis and skin infection. In this study to determine the extent of enterotoxin-producing S. aureus in skin infections of hospitalized patients, their samples were screened and the results showed that 42% of totally 200 patients studied in this research carried S. aureus and 45% of these S. aureus produced Staphylococcal enterotoxins. Twenty percent produced enterotoxin A, 25% produced enterotoxin B and 4.7% produced both enterotoxin A and B. The results demonstrated a high level of enterotoxigenic and multi drug resistance S. aureus in skin infections of hospitalized patients.


Subject(s)
Enterotoxins/analysis , Enterotoxins/biosynthesis , Skin Diseases, Infectious/metabolism , Skin Diseases, Infectious/microbiology , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Staphylococcus aureus/metabolism , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Hospitalization , Humans , Skin Diseases, Infectious/drug therapy , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
20.
Pak J Biol Sci ; 10(19): 3450-3, 2007 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19090168

ABSTRACT

Angiogenesis is a complex process during which of new blood vessels are produced from the preexisting blood vessels. Formation and growth of new vessels play an important role in the physiologic process (embryonic growth, tissue repair) and pathologic process (tumor growth, inflammation) for surviving of the tissues. In fact, the development of tumors is depended upon new vessel formation through which the tumor is provided with nutrient and oxygen. In this research, the role ofplasminogen conformation with MC2B8 mAb (an antibody directed against C-terminal part of plasminogen) in clot lysis and angiogenesis is observed. In experimental model of angiogenesis, beads, covered with endothelial cells of bone marrow capillaries, are the source of endothelial cells. It coated in three-dimensional structure to be provided through fibrin gel. Different titers of monoclonal antibody (30-480 microg mL(-1)) MC2B8 were added in fibrin gel. 3-5 days after culturing of endothelial cells, growth and migration was seen as the result of capillary formation MC2B8 mAb delayed clot lysis and inhibited angiogenesis at the concentration of 240 microg mL(-1). Present findings suggest that these effects on capillary tube formation and clot lysis caused blockage or conformational changes in plasminogen epitopes involved in angiogenesis and fibrinolysis.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Neovascularization, Physiologic/immunology , Plasminogen/immunology , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Cells, Cultured , Endothelium, Vascular/cytology , Humans
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