Bioactive proteins in bovine colostrum and effects of heating, drying and irradiation.

Bovine colostrum (BC) contains bioactive proteins, such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), lactoferrin (LF) and lactoperoxidase (LP). BC was subjected to low-temperature, long-time pasteurization (LTLT, 63 °C, 30 min) or high-temperature, short-time pasteurization (HTST, 72 °C, 15 s) and spray-drying (SD), with or without γ-irradiation (GI, ∼14 kGy) to remove microbial contamination. Relative to unpasteurized liquid BC, SD plus GI increased protein denaturation by 6 and 11%, respectively, increasing to 19 and 27% after LTLT and to 48% after HTST, with no further effects after GI (all P < 0.05). LTLT, without or with GI, resulted in 15 or 29% denaturation of IgG, compared with non-pasteurized BC, and 34 or 58% for HTST treatment (all P < 0.05, except LTLT without GI). For IgG, only GI, not SD or LTLT, increased denaturation (30-38%, P < 0.05) but HTST increased denaturation to 40%, with further increases after GI (60%, P < 0.05). LTLT and HTST reduced LP levels (56 and 81% respectively) and LTLT reduced LF levels (21%), especially together with GI (47%, P < 0.05). Denaturation of BSA, ß-LgA, ß-LgB and α-La were similar to IgG. Methionine, a protective amino acid against free oxygen radicals, was oxidised by LTLT + GI (P < 0.05) while LTLT and HTST had no effect. Many anti-inflammatory proteins, including serpin anti-proteinases were highly sensitive to HTST and GI but preserved after LTLT pasteurization. LTLT, followed by SD is an optimal processing technique preserving bioactive proteins when powdered BC is used as a diet supplement for sensitive patients.

Effect of electromagnetic waves from mobile phone on immune status of male rats: possible protective role of vitamin D.

There are considerable public concerns about the relationship between mobile phone radiation and human health. The present study assesses the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted from a mobile phone on the immune system in rats and the possible protective role of vitamin D. Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group I: control group; Group II: received vitamin D (1000 IU/kg/day) orally; Group III: exposed to EMF 1 h/day; Group IV: exposed to EMF 2 h/day; Group V: exposed to EMF 1 h/day and received vitamin D (1000 IU/kg/day); Group VI: exposed to EMF 2 h/day and received vitamin D (1000 IU/kg/day). After 30 days of exposure time, 1 h/day EMF exposure resulted in significant decrease in immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgE, IgM, and IgG); total leukocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts; and a significant increase in neutrophil and monocyte counts. These changes were more increased in the group exposed to 2 h/day EMF. Vitamin D supplementation in EMF-exposed rats reversed these results when compared with EMF-exposed groups. In contrast, 7, 14, and 21 days of EMF exposure produced nonsignificant differences in these parameters among all experimental groups. We concluded that exposure to mobile phone radiation compromises the immune system of rats, and vitamin D appears to have a protective effect.

Photoactivation of alkyl C-H and silanization: a simple and general route to prepare high-density primary amines on inert polymer surfaces for protein immobilization.

Surface modification through implanting functional groups has been demonstrated to be extremely important to biomedical applications. The usage of organic polymer phase is often required to achieve satisfactory results. However, organic surfaces usually have poor chemical reactivity toward other reactants and target biomolecules because these surfaces usually only consist of simple alkyl (C-H) and/or alkyl ether (ROR') structures. For the first time, we here report the potential to perform silanization techniques on alkyl polymer surface, which provide a simple, fast, inexpensive, and general method to decorate versatile functional groups at the molecular level. As an example, high-density primary amines could be obtained on a model polymer, polypropylene substrate, through the reaction between amine-capped silane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and hydroxylated polypropylene surface. A model protein, immunoglobulin (IgG), could be effectively immobilized on the surface after transforming amines to aldehydes by the aldehyde-amine condensation reaction between glutaraldehyde (GA) and amines. The routes we report here could directly make use of the benefits from well-developed silane chemistry, and hereby are capable of grafting any functionalities on inert alkyl surfaces via changing the terminal groups in silanes, which should instantly stimulate the development of many realms such as microarrays, immunoassays, biosensors, filtrations, and microseparation.

Exposure to increased ambient ultraviolet B radiation has negative effects on growth, condition and immune function of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were exposed in two outdoor experiments, ranging in duration from 52 to 137 days, to spectral treatments: (1) natural sunlight (=present ambient UVB level), (2) solar radiation supplemented with enhanced UVB radiation from lamps simulating 20% or 8% stratospheric ozone loss or (3) UVB-depleted sunlight achieved by screening with Mylar-D film. The growth, condition and immune function of the salmon were quantified after treatments. Exposure to enhanced UVB radiation retarded growth, and decreased hematocrit value and plasma protein concentration. Further, enhanced UVB radiation affected plasma immunoglobulin concentration. The results demonstrate that juvenile Atlantic salmon are not able to fully adapt to increased ambient UVB levels in long-term exposures, and the interference with immune system function suggests a negative effect of UVB on disease resistance in Atlantic salmon.

Dual roles for DNA polymerase eta in homologous DNA recombination and translesion DNA synthesis.

Chicken B lymphocyte precursors and DT40 cells diversify their immunoglobulin-variable (IgV) genes through homologous recombination (HR)-mediated Ig gene conversion. To identify DNA polymerases that are involved in Ig gene conversion, we created DT40 clones deficient in DNA polymerase eta (poleta), which, in humans, is defective in the variant form of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP-V). Poleta is an error-prone translesion DNA synthesis polymerase that can bypass UV damage-induced lesions and is involved in IgV hypermutation. Like XP-V cells, poleta-disrupted (poleta) clones exhibited hypersensitivity to UV. Remarkably, poleta cells showed a significant decrease in the frequency of both Ig gene conversion and double-strand break-induced HR when compared to wild-type cells, and these defects were reversed by complementation with human poleta. Our findings identify a DNA polymerase that carries out DNA synthesis for physiological HR and provides evidence that a single DNA polymerase can play multiple cellular roles.

Converting relapsing remitting to secondary progressive experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) by ultraviolet B irradiation.

We induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice, an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)(92-106) peptide, following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. While all control mice developed relapsing-remitting (RR)-EAE, UV irradiation induced secondary progressive (SP)-EAE in some of the mice. Although mild demyelination was observed with T cell infiltration in RR-EAE, large demyelinating lesions developed in SP-EAE with massive macrophage and neutrophil infiltration and immunoglobulin deposition, but with little T cell infiltration. UV irradiation induced higher anti-MOG antibody responses. In SP-EAE, lymphoproliferative responses and interferon-gamma production were decreased without alteration of interleukin-4.

Assessment of blood serum immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein concentrations in workers of x-ray diagnostics units.

OBJECTIVES: Workers of x-ray departments are occupationally exposed to long-term low levels of ionizing radiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational exposure of low-level x-ray radiation on immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in radiology workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study group of 41 x-ray department workers and the control group composed of 32 persons, immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) and CRP concentrations were analyzed. The study group was subdivided by gender and smoking habit. RESULTS: A significant decrease in IgG level was found in the workers and the female subgroup. The same observation was made when smokers and nonsmokers of both groups were compared. Smoking workers showed lower concentrations of IgA than non-smokers. The remaining results of immunoglobulin and CRP concentrations did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation is associated with suppressive influence on the immunoglobulin production, especially IgG. In addition, smoking decreases the production of IgA in radiology workers.

[Bioeffects of chronic exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of low intensity (standardization strategy)]. / Bioéffekty khronicheskogo vozdeistviia élektromagnitnykh polei radiochastotnogo diapazona malykh intensivnostei (strategiia normirovaniia).

A retrospective analysis of the experimental researches on the effect of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health, carried out in the USSR, is presented. The results of chronic exposure of laboratory animals to EMF have been considered. Apparently, EMF in the range of 1750-2750 MHz with power density up to 100-500 W/cm2 caused in immune globullin fractions, and a development of autoimmune processes. The changes in parameters of reproductive functions and posterity, the increase in embryo mortality were found. The standartization strategy used in the USSR and currently applied in Russia has been discussed.

Comparative effects of UVA and UVB irradiation on the immune system of fish.

Aquatic organisms can be harmed by the current levels of solar ultraviolet radiation. We have recently shown that exposure of fish to UVB irradiation alters the functioning of the fish immune system, but the effects of UVA radiation are unknown. The present study continues this work by characterizing UVA irradiation-induced immunological changes in fish. Roach, a cyprinid fish, were exposed to a single dose of either UVA (3.6 J/cm2) or UVB (0.5 J/cm2) irradiation. Both irradiations suppressed transiently mitogen-stimulated proliferation of blood lymphocytes. UVA, but not UVB, decreased hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma immunoglobulin levels and increased the proportions of blood cells classified as unidentified leukocytes, possibly consisting of UVA-damaged lymphocytes. UVB, but not UVA, altered the functioning of head kidney and blood phagocytes, induced granulocytosis and lymphocytopenia in the blood and increased plasma cortisol concentration. These results imply that both UVA and UVB are potent modulators of the immune defence of fish.

[The use of laser radiation and sinusoidal modulated currents in the therapy of patients with chronic calculous pyelonephritis]. / Primenenie lazernogo izlucheniia i sinusoidal'nykh modulirovannykh tokov v terapii bol'nykh khronicheskim kal'kuleznym pielonefritom.

The authors present a technique of treating chronic calculous pyelonephritis with laser radiation and sinusoidal modulated currents which promotes a complete elimination of the calculus fragments in 100, 70 and 50% of the patients in the stone size 0.2-0.5 cm, 0.5-0.7 cm and > 7 cm, respectively. This combined therapy had also antiinflammatory, and immunity-stimulating effects.

[The immunoglobulin content in the saliva of children living under different radioecological conditions]. / Soderzhanie immunoglobulinov v sliune detei, prozhivaiushchikh v razlichnykh radioékologicheskikh usloviiakh.

Salivary specimens of 80 children aged 8-14 years from the Stolin District and of 34 children of the city of Minsk are examined by radial immunodiffusion in gel and by enzyme immunoassay. Residents of a region contaminated with radionuclides (soil contamination with 137Cs 185-555 kBq/m2) develop an imbalance in the production and secretion of specific salivary antibodies: the production of IgM in early periods of immune response is suppressed and the level of IgE is increased.

[Immunological reactivity and thyroid pathology in children who live permanently in an area under intense radioecological control]. / Imunolohichna reaktyvnist' i tyreoïdna patolohiia u ditei, iaki postiino prozhyvaiut' v zoni posylenoho radioekolohichnoho kontroliu.

Particular features were studied of immunogrammes in those children presenting with thyroid pathologies (hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular goiter) who live in the territories affected by contamination with radionuclides. An analysis was carried out of particular characteristics of immunity in children depending on the level of contamination in the region where they reside. The results obtained suggest changes in the T and B links of immunity in children with thyropathy.

[Intravascular laser radiation of blood in the multimodality treatment of patients with urogenital tuberculosis]. / Vnutrisosudistoe lazernoe obluchenie krovi v kompleksnom lechenii bol'nykh tuberkulezom mochepolovykh organov.

Laser therapy was performed in 45 patients with tuberculosis of the urinary system and male genitals. The radiation was found to have a positive action on the patients' general condition and short-term immunomodulating effect. Following a month, immunological parameters became baseline or near-baseline. In the course of 5 years there was an exacerbation of tuberculosis in 2 (4 +/- 3%) patients who had received laser therapy and in 8-18% routinely treated without laser therapy.

The effect of UVB irradiation on antibody responses during herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections of mice.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure suppresses cell-mediated immunity and may alter the cytokine profile, reducing T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines and promoting Th2 cytokines. Th1 cytokines enhance the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) G2a, IgG2b and IgG3 antibodies, while Th2 cytokines enhance the production of IgG1 and IgE antibodies. The effect of suberythemal UVB irradiation on antibody isotypes following infection of C3H/HeN mice with herpes simplex virus (HSV) was investigated using two protocols. First, mice were irradiated prior to two subcutaneous infections with HSV. Second, mice were immunised with inactivated HSV before being irradiated and challenged epidermally with HSV, which led to an increase in the size of the clinical lesions compared with unirradiated animals. In both models, the HSV-specific IgG titre was not affected by the UVB exposure but, generally, the irradiated animals showed a small reduction in both Th1- and Th2-associated HSV antibody isotypes. IL-4 knockout (IL-4-/-) mice were used to investigate the role of IL-4 in UVB-induced isotype switching. Here IL-4-/- and IL-4+/+ strains were irradiated prior to primary and secondary epidermal infections with HSV, followed by measurement of antibody titres and lesion size. In both the mutant and parent mice, UV irradiation led to an increase in lesion severity. In IL-4+/+ mice, UV exposure did not affect the HSV titre of any of the individual isotypes tested but did suppress the total IgG to HSV This suppression may be due to UV-induced IL-4 release because, in the IL-4-/- mice, HSV IgG was elevated by the UVB irradiation. If UV modulates the immune response solely via the action of cytokines, then the downregulation of Th1 cytokines and upregulation of Th2 cytokines should be accompanied by antibody isotype switching from IgG2a and IgG3 towards IgG1 and IgE. This result was not obtained in the models tested, perhaps because HSV infection promotes such a complex array of innate and acquired immune responses that a clear effect on virus-specific isotype production may not be apparent.

[Endovascular laser irradiation of blood in the comprehensive treatment of stomach cancer]. / Ispol'zovanie vnutrisosudistogo lazernogo oblucheniia krovi v kompleksnom lechenii bol'nykh rakom zheludka.

The data on the treatment of 35 patients with gastric cancer (two groups) are presented. In group I, surgery and chemotherapy were given; in group II--intravenous helium-neon laser therapy as a component of complex treatment. Dynamic changes in hematological and immunological indices were investigated. The immunological and hemopoietic indices improved after laser therapy.

Investigation of the impact of radiation dose on hormones, biologically active metabolites and immunoglobulins in Chernobyl accident recovery workers.

One hundred twenty-five Chernobyl accident recovery workers (liquidators) who were exposed to low-dose radiation were studied over a period of 4-6 years for changes in levels of hormones, arachidonic acid metabolites and cyclic nucleotides. Some significant changes were observed, especially in the levels of metabolites that are regulators of cell functions. In comparison to controls, there were increased levels of thyroxin, cortisol, thromboxane B2, and immunoglobulins G, A and M, and reduced levels of growth hormone, cyclic nucleotides and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1. The degree or presence of these metabolite imbalances did not correlate with the level of the radiation dose received. The only change found that did relate to the radiation dose received was a statistically significant increase in levels of biomarkers for oxidative stress, seen in workers who received higher doses.

Effects of phototherapy on the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and on systemic antibody responses in patients with psoriasis.

Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation results in the suppression of many cell-mediated immune responses, and recent studies mice and murine cells in vitro suggest a shift from a T-helper 1 (Th1) to a Th2 type of response on irradiation. Active psoriasis is considered to be a Th1-type disorder, chiefly on the basis of the cytokines produced by inflammatory cells in psoriatic lesions. We investigated the effect of phototherapy in patients with psoriasis on the cytokine profile of mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells from peripheral blood and the concentration of IgG subclasses and IgE in the plasma. Eight patients were irradiated with a broad-band UV source (Sylvania UV6; 280-400 nm) three times a week and another eight with a narrow-band UVB source (Philips TL-01; 311-313 nm). Peripheral blood was collected before therapy started and after 1-4 weeks of therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin; proliferation was measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine and culture supernatants assayed for interleukin (IL)-2, -4 and -10 and gamma-interferon (IFN) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Lymphoproliferation was not consistently affected by 4 weeks of UV6 therapy, and there was also no consistent change in the production of IL-2, IL-10 or gamma-IFN. In contrast, 4 weeks of TL-01 therapy significantly suppressed lymphoproliferative responses. In addition the production of IL-2, IL-10 and gamma-IFN was lowered after 1 week of TL-01 therapy, and this was even more apparent after the treatment had been extended to 4 weeks. IL-4 concentrations were below detectable levels in all the samples throughout the study. The amounts of IgG1, -2, -3 and -4 and IgE in the plasma of the patients did not vary with either of the two phototherapies. Thus, although no evidence was obtained to indicate that UV6 exposures affected T-helper subsets in psoriasis, TL-01 inhibited the activity of both Th1 and Th2 subsets while not altering plasma antibody concentrations.

The effect of microwave heating on vitamins B1 and E, and linoleic and linolenic acids, and immunoglobulins in human milk.

Breast milk was treated with (1) conventional heating (in water bath) vs microwave heating; (2) microwave heating at two power levels (30% and 100%); (3) increasing final temperatures; and (4) microwave thawing vs refrigerator thawing and examined for changes in specific immunoglobulins to a pool of E. coli and poliovirus type 1 antigens, vitamins E and B1, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acid. Immunoglobulin activities were stable until final milk temperatures of around 60-65 degrees C were reached, and total inactivation occurred at 77 degrees C. Heating even to high final temperatures did not change contents of vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No differences in immunoglobulins and nutrients were demonstrated between microwave heating and conventional heating, and between power levels or thawing methods. The study shows that microwave heating of human milk can be performed without significant losses of examined immunoglobulins and nutrients, provided that final temperatures are below 60 degrees C.