Long-term changes of Th17 and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of dogs with spinal cord injury after intervertebral disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is one of the most common causes of spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs. As a result of acute SCI, a complex inflammatory response occurs in the spinal cord. Th17 cells (Th17) produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, while regulatory T cells (Treg) have opposite effects producing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Th17- and Treg cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SCI or whether cellular changes occur due to coexisting inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that chronic alterations in the Th17/Treg ratio are associated with a worse outcome after SCI. METHODS: Twenty-six paretic or plegic dogs with IVDH with and without coexisting inflammatory disease were investigated in the acute stage of the disease and after recovery of SCI. In addition, a healthy control group was included (n = 14). Quantification of Th17 and Treg cells, from peripheral blood samples, was performed by multicolor flow cytometry and IL17 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: After recovery significantly higher levels of Th17 (p = 0.0265) and Treg cells (p = 0.00025) were detected compared to acute IVDH but Th17/Treg ratio did not differ significantly. Recovered dogs and the control group did not differ significantly from each other. No association between an imbalance in the ratio and neurologic severity or underlying inflammatory diseases was found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that altered Th17 and Treg levels in peripheral blood are altered in the acute stage of IVDH, preexisting inflammatory diseases seem not to influence these cell populations. Th17 and Treg cells could be considered when evaluating new treatment strategies for SCI.

Activation of the enzymes of phase I (CYP2B1/2) and phase II (SULT1A and COMT) metabolism by 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) in the pig ovary.

The aim of the current study was to determine metabolism of polybrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-47) in the porcine ovary. We analyzed the activity and expression of enzymes involved in phase I (CYP1A1 and CYP2B1/2) and phase II (SULT1A and COMT) of BDE-47 metabolism. Basal CYP1A1 and CYP2B1/2 activity increased during culture. BDE-47 had no effect on CYP1A1, however increased CYP2B1/2 activity after exposure for 6h. Basal SULT1A activity was 2.5 fold lower than that of COMT, and both proteins were stable during culture. BDE-47 increased SULT1A after exposure for 6 h, and COMT activity after exposure for 24 and 48 h. BDE-47 had no effect on the expression of all investigated enzymes. In conclusion, fast activation of CYP2B1/2 and late activation of COMT (with a very low basal SULT1A activity) indicates a possible action of locally produced hydroxylated metabolites prior to their detoxification.