Serological screening of West Nile virus among blood donors in northern Cyprus.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic arbovirus that can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. Even though its geographic distribution has been expanding, there has not yet been any epidemiological data on WNV in northern Cyprus. The aim of our study is to fill this gap by using donated blood samples. METHODS: Samples collected from the main government hospital blood bank in Nicosia were analyzed by anti-WNV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (immunoglobulin M [IgM] and immunoglobulin G [IgG]). Seropositive samples were subjected to plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for confirmation and analyzed by ELISA IgG avidity test and reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). RESULTS: Of the 760 sera samples, 2 (0.3%) were IgM+ and 31 (4.1%) were IgG+. Neutralization activity was detected in none (0.0%) of the IgM+ and 26 (83.9%) of IgG+ donor specimens. ELISA IgG avidity test reported high avidity in 21 (67.7%) and low avidity in one (3.2%) IgG+ sample. PRNT-confirmed anti-WNV IgG+ samples exhibited only borderline (19.2%) or high avidity (80.8%) values. rRT-PCR results were negative for both IgM+ and IgG+ samples. CONCLUSION: Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in northern Cyprus among blood donors. The establishment of preventive measures and evaluation of the geographic extent of the WNV in northern Cyprus are highly recommended.

Investigation of pregnancy-associated malaria by microscopy, rapid diagnostic test and PCR in Bandundu, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: The study was conducted to investigate malaria prevalence among a group of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who received intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). Methods: A total of 250 women from Bandundu city who received two doses of IPTp-SP were enrolled in the survey. Blood samples were collected at the time of delivery and malaria prevalence was determined using microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Malaria infection was detected in 81 (32.4%), 93 (37.2%), and 92 (36.8%) samples by microscopy, RDT, and PCR, respectively. Among 92 samples, P. falciparum mono-infection (n=87; 94.5%), P. falciparum+P. vivax (n=2; 2.2%) and P. falciparum+P. malariae (n=1; 1.1%) mixed infections, and P. vivax mono-infection (n=2; 2.2%) were detected. Prevalence of malaria was not affected by age and number of pregnancies (p>0.05). Microscopy and RDT, either alone (κ=0.29; p<0.001) or in combination (κ=0.33; p<0.001) showed a fair agreement with PCR. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that two doses of IPTp-SP did not protect the women against malaria in the DRC, and support the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines that ensure a minimum of three doses of SP in pregnancy.

Molecular identification of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in malaria infected women who received intermittent preventive treatment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: Point mutations in Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes which confer resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) occur at increasing rates. The present study aimed to identify Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutations in P. falciparum isolates recovered from women who received two doses of SP during pregnancy in Bandundu, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS: A total of 48 women with confirmed P. falciparum infection were enrolled in the study. Finger-prick blood samples that were collected on filter paper at the time of delivery were used for DNA isolation. Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were amplified by a nested PCR protocol. DNA sequencing was performed on both strands, and the point mutations were analysed. RESULTS: All of the 48 (100.0%) P. falciparum isolates carried at least one polymorphism in both genes. The wild-type haplotypes of Pfdhfr (CNCSI [C50, N51, C59, S108, I164]) and Pfdhps (SAKAA [S436, A437, K540, A581, A613]) were not observed in the study. In Pfdhfr, N51I (85.4%), C59R (60.4%), and S108N (100.0%) polymorphisms were detected. Triple mutation (CIRNI) (mutant amino acids are underlined) was the most prevalent (47.9%) Pfdhfr haplotype. In the study, all P. falciparum isolates (100.0%) harboured the A437G allele in Pfdhps gene. Also, K540E and A581G polymorphisms were observed in one (2.1%) isolate. Single mutant haplotype (SGKAA) was detected in 97.9% of the isolates. Mutant Pfdhfr and Pfdhps allele combinations revealed quintuple (CICNI-SGEGA; 2.1%), quadruple (CIRNI-SGKAA; 47.9%), triple (CICNI-SGKAA; 35.4%, CNRNI-SGKAA; 12.5%), and double (CNCNI-SGKAA; 2.1%) haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS: In the study, the rate of SGEGA haplotype was low (2.1%). Although K540E and A581G alleles are more common in Eastern Africa, a distinct lineage of SGEGA is also present in the DRC, which is located in Central Africa. This haplotype is associated with decreased efficacy of SP in pregnant women and infants, therefore, it should be carefully considered in the DRC and SP resistance should be routinely monitored.

Epidemiology and Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in North Cyprus.

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and its subtypes (STs) in North Cyprus; and to evaluate the presence of this parasite and its STs with respect to demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples were collected from 230 volunteers. Each participant also filled out a questionnaire. The samples were examined microscopically by native-Lugol and trichrome methods and further tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. infection was found to be 10.5%, 10.5%, and 27.8%, by direct microscopy, trichrome method, and PCR, respectively. No other parasites were detected in the specimens except Giardia spp. (n = 2; 0.8%) and Entamoeba coli (n = 1; 0.4%). The most common Blastocystis STs were ST3 (20; 31.2%), ST2 (18; 28.2%), ST1 (8; 12.5%), and ST4 (7; 11%); whereas other STs were identified as ST6 (3; 4.7%), ST7 (2; 3.2%), and non-ST (6; 9.4%). Presence of Blastocystis spp. and its STs was not significantly related to any of the demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors. Furthermore, no significant association of Blastocystis spp. and its STs with gastrointestinal symptoms was found. This study is the first investigation of the epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in North Cyprus. Distribution of Blastocystis spp. and its STs among demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors showed complete homogeneity. Presence of the parasite and its STs was not significantly related with the gastrointestinal symptoms among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. These findings suggest that Blastocystis spp. may be part of the intestinal flora in humans.

Leishmaniasis in northern Cyprus: Human cases and their association with risk factors.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Cyprus is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Region where leishmaniasis is endemic. The primary objective of this study was to investigate human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the northern region of Cyprus where presence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) and sandflies has been documented in earlier studies. The secondary objective was to assess the association of leishmaniasis with demographic and epidemiological variables. METHODS: Intravenous blood samples were collected from 249 volunteers in Kyrenia district (located in the northern coastal region of Cyprus). Whole blood samples were tested for DNA of Leishmania spp by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while serum samples were analyzed using direct agglutination test (DAT) and rK39 test. For evaluation of possible risk factors, a questionnaire was applied to the participants. RESULTS: Only three (1.2%) of 249 participants were found seropositive by DAT (n = 2) or rK39 test (n = 1). The remaining samples were negative in serology, and no PCR positivity was detected in any of the 249 participants. Seven individuals, including the seropositive cases, had a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Seropositivity and CL were not significantly related with gender (M/F: 40.2/59.8%), age [Mean: 42.85 ± 17.45, Median: 40 (7-86)], occupation (Indoor/Outdoor: 84.7/12.9%), dog ownership (52.6%), and CanL history (5.3%). However, a statistical association was found between seropositivity and past CL infection. Also, a significant relation was observed between participants living in peripheral area (63.1%) and CL infection. Furthermore, leishmaniasis awareness (28.1%) among the study population was statistically correlated with past CL infection and dog ownership. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the presence of leishmaniasis and highlight the need for implementation of efficient control measures on the northern coast of Cyprus.

Is "dried stool spots on filter paper method (DSSFP)" more sensitive and effective for detecting Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes by PCR and sequencing?

PCR and DNA sequencing are currently the diagnostic methods of choice for detection of Blastocystis spp. and their suptypes. Fresh or frozen stool samples have disadvantages in terms of several aspects such as transportation, storage, and existence of PCR inhibitors. Filter paper technology may provide a solution to these issues. The aim of the present study was to detect Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes by employing two different preservation methods: conventional frozen stool (FS) and dried stool spots on filter paper (DSSFP). Concentration and purity of DNA, sensitivity of PCR, and DNA sequencing results obtained from the two methods were also compared. A total of 230 fecal samples were included and separated into two parts: one part of the fecal samples were directly frozen and stored at -20 °C. The remaining portion of the specimens were homogenized with saline and spread onto the filter papers as thin layer with a diameter of approximately 3 cm. After air-dried, the filter papers were stored at room temperature. DSSFP samples were collected by scraping from the filter papers. DNA were extracted by EURx Stool DNA Extraction Kit from both samples. Concentration and purity were measured with Nano-Drop, then PCR and sequencing were conducted for detection of Blastocystis spp. and its genotypes. Pure DNA was obtained with a A260/A280 ratio of 1.7-2.2 in both methods. DNA yield from FS was 25-405 ng/µl and average DNA concentration was 151 ng/µl, while these were 7-339 and 122 ng/µl for DSSFP, respectively. No PCR inhibition was observed in two methods. DNA from DSSFP were found to be stable and PCR were reproducible for at least 1 year. FS-PCR- and DSSFP-PCR-positive samples were 49 (21.3 %) and 58 (25.3 %), respectively (p = 0.078). The 43 specimens were concordantly positive by both FS-PCR and DSSFP-PCR. When the microscopy was taken as the gold standard, sensitivity of DSSFP-PCR and FS-PCR was 95.5 and 86.4 %, while specificity of both tests was 99.4 and 98.3 %, respectively. DNA sequencing results of 19 microscopically confirmed cases were strictly identical (concordance 100 %) in both methods, and ST2:6, ST3:8, ST4:3, and ST6:2 were the detected subtypes. Among the 230 fecal samples, the most predominant subtypes were ST3, ST2, ST4, and ST1 by both FS and DSSFP methods. Concordance of DNA sequencing results obtained from the two methods was noted to be 90.7 %. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates DNA extraction from DSSFP is more sensitive and effective than the FS method for diagnosis of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes by PCR and DNA sequencing.

High Emergence of ESBL-Producing E. coli Cystitis: Time to Get Smarter in Cyprus.

BACKGROUND: Widespread prevalence of extended-spectrum ßeta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli) limits the infection therapeutic options and is a growing global health problem. In this study our aim was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of the E. coli in hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus. RESULTS: During the period 2010-2014, 389 strains of E. coli were isolated from urine samples of hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus. ESBL-producing E. coli, was observed in 53% of hospitalized and 44% in out-patients, latest one being in 2014. All ESBL-producing E. coli remained susceptible to amikacin, carbapenems except ertapenem (in-patients = 6%, out-patients = 11%). CONCLUSION: High emerging ESBL-producing E. coli from urine samples in hospitalized and out-patients is an extremely worrisome sign of development of untreatable infections in the near future on the island. We therefore emphasize the immediate need for establishment of optimal therapy guidelines based on the country specific surveillance programs. The need for new treatment strategies, urgent prescription habit changes and ban of over-the-counter sale of antimicrobials at each segment of healthcare services is also discussed in this research.

Determination of the expression of lymphocyte surface markers and cytokine levels in a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei.

This study aimed to determine the changes in lymphocyte surface markers and cytokine profiles during a malarial infection in a mouse model of malaria. Mononuclear cells obtained from the spleens of the mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) were stained with anti-mouse CD3, anti-mouse CD4, anti-mouse CD8, anti-mouse CD19, anti-mouse CD152, anti-mouse pan natural killer (NK), anti-mouse CD80 monoclonal antibodies and expression of surface markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. In the serum samples of the mice, the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), transforming growth factor-1beta (TGF-1beta), and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-12 cytokines were determined by ELISA method. The expressions of all the surface markers of lymphocyte evaluated were statistically significantly lower in the infected mice than in the healthy control mice (p < 0.05). However, except for the level of TGF-1beta, the levels of all the other cytokines evaluated were statistically significantly higher in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were determined between the TGF-1beta levels of the study and control groups (p > 0.05). In this study, T, B, and NK lymphocyte responses were inhibited and cytokine profiles changed in the course of malarial infection. Thus, interventions to increase the Th1 lymphocyte response may be beneficial in the prevention of malarial infection.

Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on cytokine secretion from intraepithelial lymphocytes infected by Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a probiotic and used in the prevention or treatment of diarrhoea. Saccharomyces boulardii has many mechanisms to protect the host against diarrhoeal pathogens. It might modulate the immune system. In this study, the influence of S. boulardii on the secretion of cytokines from intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was investigated in vitro. Cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta was decreased in the infected IELs incubated with S. boulardii, but different from it, anti-inflammatory cytokine levels such as IL-4 and IL-10, however, were found to be higher. These findings demonstrated that S. boulardii may have protective effects against diarrhoeal pathogens by reducing the proinflammatory response.

Expression of cell surface markers on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus stimulated lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has gradually been increasing, new strategies in the treatment of MRSA infections are required. This depends on the understanding of the infection pathogenesis and the immune response. This study was therefore designed to determine the immune response which develops during MRSA infection and the role of chemokines in this response, and also to compare the results with the changes occurring after MSSA infection. METHODS: The expression of the surface markers of human lymphocytes stimulated by heat-killed MRSA or MSSA was analysed by flow cytometry. The chemokine levels in the lymphocytes culture supernatants stimulated or not stimulated by microorganisms were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by MRSA the levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells, CD69 expressions in the activated T lymphocytes, CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells and the levels of MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1 chemokines increased as compared to the cells not stimulated by MRSA. Although stimulation by MSSA caused an increase in CD25 expression after 24 h, the increase was found to be lower than the one caused by MRSA stimulation. The increase in CD69 expression was statistically significant compared to the cells stimulated by MRSA. Different from the cells stimulated by MRSA, no change was observed in the expressions of CD54 and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells in the cells stimulated by MSSA. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that cellular as well as humoral immunity are critical in MRSA infection and that T cell activation and the increase in chemokines may play a role in the regulation of immune response.

The efficiency of Viscum album ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum on human immune cells in vitro.

Viscum album L. ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum L. are used for the treatment of different diseases. In this study, the effects of these herbals on immune cells were assessed in vitro. The phagocytosis, candidacidal activity of neutrophils and adhesion function of epithelial cells were investigated. Also, the expression of the surface markers of lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. It was observed that V. album ssp. album increased phagocytic activity and candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. We also observed that in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Viscum album L. ssp. album the levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD69 expressions in the activated T lymphocytes and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells increased compared to the cells that were not stimulated by this herbal. Whereas CD4(+)CD25(+), CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD 69 expression and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) Natural killer cells did not show any significant differences with the presence of Hypericum perforatum L. compared to the control group. Hypericum perforatum L. increased candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. In the light of these findings, it is considered that these extracts may be used as an adjuvant treatment option for immune activation in immunosuppressed patients.

The relationship between cervical human papillomavirus infection and apoptosis.

PURPOSE: Cervical carcinoma is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Viral infections, especially human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, are important factors in its etiology. Changes in apoptotic regulation are considered to have an important role in the carcinogenesis development. In this study, the relationship between apoptosis and HPV infection was investigated. METHODS: HPV DNA and HPV DNA type 16 positivity were detected in 110 cervical smear samples with Real Time PCR and sequencing was performed for HPV DNA type 18. The presence of apoptosis was investigated using TUNEL and Annexin V staining methods and analyzed by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. RESULTS: HPV DNA type 16 was detected in 9 samples (8.1%), HPV DNA type 18 positive in 6 samples (5.4%) and HPV types other than HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 in 9 samples (8.1%). A decrease apoptosis was found in HPV DNA positive samples compared with controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decrease of apoptosis during HPV infection might cause cellular immortality and then malignant transformation.

Effects of recombinant interferon-gamma on cytokine secretion from monocyte-derived macrophages infected with Salmonella typhi.

Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) is an important pathogen which causes typhoid fever. The cytokines released from the macrophages, playing a role in the host defense against Salmonella infection, are crucial in the defense against the infection. IFN-gamma provides a protection against Salmonella infection by developing macrophage activation in different mechanisms. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the recombinant IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma) on the cytokines secreted from S. typhi stimulated macrophages. Macrophage isolation was done in the heparinized blood samples obtained from healthy people, and following the priming with rIFN-gamma for 72h the cells were stimulated by S. typhi and then the cytokine levels in culture supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was observed that rIFN-gamma reversely increased the levels of IL-1, IL-2 the levels of which were decreased by S. typhi and that it increased TNF-alpha levels while suppressing the levels of antiinflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-beta the levels of which were increased by S. typhi. Consequently, rIFN was observed to increase protective Th1 response by affecting the secretion of cytokine during S. typhi infection and it was considered to be a good target especially to prevent and treat invasive Salmonella infections.

Expression of the surface antigens of lymphocytes and the levels of cytokines in mice infected with Aspergillus fumigatus.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is an opportunistic fungus that causes invasive aspergillosis. Determining the immune changes during A. fumigatus infection and the factors leading to such changes clearly will make it possible to prevent the spread of the infection and to provide new strategies in the treatment of infection. Thus, the present study aims at determining the changes of lymphocyte surface antigens which develop during A. fumigatus infection and the role of cytokines in immune response. METHODOLOGY: The expression of the surface antigens of lymphocytes was analysed by flow cytometry and the cytokine levels were determined by ELISA in a mouse model of aspergillosis. RESULTS: It was observed that in mice infected by A. fumigatus the percentage of CD19+ B cells and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 increased when compared to those in noninfected mice cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Th2 type cytokines are important in the pathogenesis of A. fumigatus infection. Humoral immunity is considered to be effective during A. fumigatus infection because of the increase in Th2 type response.

Omeprazole inhibits natural killer cell functions.

This study was designed to determine the possible effects of omeprazole on human natural killer cells. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from 20 peptic ulcer patients before and at the 14th and the 28th days of omeprazole treatment. Mononuclear cells were removed from blood and their capability of making conjugation with K562 target cells and lysing K562 target cells was evaluated. A significant decrease was found (P < 0.001) in the 14th and the 28th days compared with the basal value of the capability of the mononuclear cells to conjugate with the K562 target cells and to lyse them. This study demonstrated that omeprazole significantly reduces natural killer cell functions. This finding suggests that omeprazole may also have some effects on the other systems in addition to parietal cell acid secretion.

The effects of fluconazole and cytokines on human mononuclear cells.

Candida infections are common infections and fluconazole is one of the most frequently administered antifungal agents in their treatment. The resistance developed against antifungal agents has necessitated the improvement of new treatments. This study focuses on the investigation of the effect of fluconazole and cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on chemokine production and anticandidal activity of human monocytes. In the study it was observed that GM-CSF caused an increase in candidacidal activity of monocytes. Anticandidal activity of GM-CSF + IFN-gamma combination was not found to be more effective than GM-CSF or IFN-gamma alone. The presence of cytokine and fluconazole caused an increase in the levels of CCL3 and CCL4 chemokines. Accordingly, it was considered that chemokines could contribute to the efficacy of fluconazole in C. albicans infections. Besides, in order to strengthen the immune system some cytokines might be used in addition to antifungal agents for the treatment.

The effects of fluconazole and cytokines on human mononuclear cells

Candida infections are common infections and fluconazole is one of the most frequently administered antifungal agents in their treatment. The resistance developed against antifungal agents has necessitated the improvement of new treatments. This study focuses on the investigation of the effect of fluconazole and cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on chemokine production and anticandidal activity of human monocytes. In the study it was observed that GM-CSF caused an increase in candidacidal activity of monocytes. Anticandidal activity of GM-CSF + IFN-gamma combination was not found to be more effective than GM-CSF or IFN-gamma alone. The presence of cytokine and fluconazole caused an increase in the levels of CCL3 and CCL4 chemokines. Accordingly, it was considered that chemokines could contribute to the efficacy of fluconazole in C. albicans infections. Besides, in order to strengthen the immune system some cytokines might be used in addition to antifungal agents for the treatment.

Suppression of natural killer cell activity on Candida stellatoidea by a 50 Hz magnetic field.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is ubiquitous for almost all individuals living in industrialized countries. Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that exposure to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) EMF increase cancer risk. The immune system functions as one of the body's main protective mechanisms, and Natural Killer (NK) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that can destroy several types of tumor cells. In this study, we investigated, NK cell activity after exposure to a 50 Hertz (Hz), 2 mT magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz Coil. Nineteen male, 10-12 week old guinea pigs were used, and NK cytotoxic activity of splenocytes was measured in vitro by natural anticandidial colorimetric index. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied for statistical analysis. NK cell cytotoxic activity was decreased in exposed compared to controls. Our data suggests that part of the immune system, the NK cell, can be suppressed by a 50 Hz magnetic field.

Evaluation of the natural killer cytotoxicity and the levels of cytokines in rats with type I diabetes mellitus

Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent DM = IDDM) is a chronic disease characterized by specific destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin. Immune mechanisms, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors are all implicated in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. This study was aimed at determining the efficiency of cytokines, natural killer (NK) cells in the pathophysiology of IDDM. Therefore, we evaluated the plasma levels of cytokines by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells by anti-candididal index in rats with type I diabetes. We found that the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells in IDDM groups significantly decreased compared to the control groups. The levels of interferon-g (IFN-g) in IDDM groups were slightly higher than in healthy controls. These results indicate that the changes of T H1 type cytokines such as IFN-g and NK cell activity can play a role in the etiology of IDDM. The data may provide new strategies for the treatment of IDDM.

Evaluation of the natural killer cytotoxicity and the levels of cytokines in rats with type I diabetes mellitus.

Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent DM = IDDM) is a chronic disease characterized by specific destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin. Immune mechanisms, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors are all implicated in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. This study was aimed at determining the efficiency of cytokines, natural killer (NK) cells in the pathophysiology of IDDM. Therefore, we evaluated the plasma levels of cytokines by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells by anti-candididal index in rats with type I diabetes. We found that the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells in IDDM groups significantly decreased compared to the control groups. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in IDDM groups were slightly higher than in healthy controls. These results indicate that the changes of T H1 type cytokines such as IFN-gamma and NK cell activity can play a role in the etiology of IDDM. The data may provide new strategies for the treatment of IDDM.