The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and azithromycin in dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via TLR4-NF-κB and p38-MAPK pathway.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic autoimmune disease of the gut with a relapsing and remitting nature, considers a major health-care problem. DSS is a well-studied pharmacologically-induced model for UC. Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and its close association with p-38-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (p-38 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) has important regulatory roles in inflammation and developing UC. Probiotics are gaining popularity for their potential in UC therapy. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role of azithromycin in UC remains a knowledge need. In the present rats-established UC, the therapeutic roles of oral probiotics (60 billion probiotic bacteria per kg per day) and azithromycin (40 mg per kg per day) regimens were evaluated by measuring changes in disease activity index, macroscopic damage index, oxidative stress markers, TLR4, p-38 MAPK, NF-κB signaling pathway in addition to their molecular downstream; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)1ß, IL6, IL10 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). After individual and combination therapy with probiotics and azithromycin regimens, the histological architecture of the UC improved with restoration of intestinal tissue normal architecture. These findings were consistent with the histopathological score of colon tissues. Each separate regimen lowered the remarkable TLR4, p-38 MAPK, iNOS, NF-κB as well as TNFα, IL1ß, IL6 and MDA expressions and elevated the low IL10, glutathione and superoxide dismutase expressions in UC tissues. The combination regimen possesses the most synergistic beneficial effects in UC that, following thorough research, should be incorporated into the therapeutic approach in UC to boost the patients' quality of life.

Assessment of Serum Level of Interleukin-37 in Asthmatic Children at Benha University Hospital.

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disease, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and reversible airway obstruction. Interleukin-37 (IL-37), functions as a fundamental inhibitor of innate inflammatory and immune responses, and it is an important cytokine in the control of asthma by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to reveal the possible role of IL-37 in asthma through assessment of its serum level in controlled and uncontrolled asthmatic children as compared to controls. Serum IL-37 level was measured by ELISA. The serum level of IL-37 was significantly lower in patients than controls and in uncontrolled than in controlled asthma (P < 0.001). It is concluded that there is negative relation between serum level of IL-37 and asthma, which is more evident in uncontrolled asthmatic group, this observation may support the protective role of IL-37 in immune pathogenesis of asthma.