The Impact of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Rupture on COVID-19 Symptom Severity.

BACKGROUND: Co-infection with other microorganisms such as parasites in patients with COVID-19 can affect the clinical outcome and require prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of an adult male with chest pain, dyspnea, cough, diplopia, and anorexia who was confirmed to have acute COVID-19 pneumonia. 2 weeks prior to admission, a hydatid lung cyst was identified on examination, but the patient refused surgery. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a rupture of the lung hydatid cyst and co-infection with COVID-19. The patient has prescribed a treatment protocol for COVID-19 and albendazole. Despite measures taken to manage severe inflammation and decreasing blood oxygen levels, the patient required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and intubation. After approximately 3 weeks of hospitalization, the patient was successfully extubated and discharged uneventfully from the hospital. Oral albendazole was prescribed for follow-up treatment. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the importance of considering hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of patients with COVID-19, especially those living in endemic areas.

Relationship Between Serum Vitamin D Level and Disease Severity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background and Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and reduces daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum of vitamin D and its relationship with the severity of the disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis referred to Allameh Hehlool hospital in Gonabad. Design and Methods: This cross-sectional-analytical study was performed on 92 patients referred to the rheumatology clinic of Allameh Behlool Gonabad Hospital in 2021. After obtaining the permission of the ethics committee, the samples were selected based on the desired criteria. Serum vitamin D levels in patients were measured, and data were collected using a patient information checklist and DAS28-CRP activity questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and using statistically appropriate tests at a significance level less than 5%. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.05 ± 12.33 years and most of them (58.7%) were women. Serum vitamin D level was sufficient in 65.2% of patients and the severity of the disease was in the remission in 48.9% of them. The results of chi-square test showed a significant relationship between serum vitamin D levels and disease severity in patients (P < .001). Conclusions: Serum vitamin D levels were inversely related to disease severity and in most patients with severe disease severity, serum vitamin D levels were inadequate. vitamin D supplementation is recommended in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Implications of IL-21 in solid tumor therapy.

Cancer, the most deadly disease, is known as a recent dilemma worldwide. Presently different treatments are used for curing cancers, especially solid cancers. Because of the immune-enhancing functions of cytokine, IL-21 as a cytokine may have new possibilities to manipulate the immune system in disease conditions, as it stimulates NK and CTL functions and drives IgG antibody production. Indeed, IL-21 has been revealed to elicit antitumor-immune responses in several tumor models. Combining IL-21 with other agents, which target tumor cells, immune-regulatory circuits, or other immune-enhancing molecules enhances this activity. The exciting breakthrough in the results obtained in pre-clinical situations has led to the early outset of present developing clinical trials in cancer patients. In the paper, we have reviewed the function of IL-21 in solid tumor immunotherapy.

The Evaluation of the Effect of Tolerogenic Probiotics on the Maturation of Healthy Dendritic Cells versus Immature Dendritic Cells.

Background: Dendritic cells, (DCs) as one of the important immune cell populations, are responsible for the initiation, development, and control of acquired immune responses. Myeloid dendritic cells can be used as a vaccine for several autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tolerogenic probiotics with regulatory properties can affect the maturation and development of immature dendritic cells (IDC) into mature DCs with certain immunomodulatory effects. Objective: To assess the immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, as two tolerogenic probiotics, in the differentiation and maturation of myeloid dendritic cells. Methods: The IDCs were derived from the healthy donors in GM-CSF and IL 4 medium. Mature DCs (MDC) were produced with L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, and LPS from IDCs. Real-Time PCR and flow cytometry were used to confirm the DC maturation and to determine DC markers as well as IDO, IL10, and IL12 expression levels, respectively. Results: Probiotic-derived DCs showed a significant reduction in the level of HLA-DR (P≤0.05), CD86 (P≤0.05), CD80 (P≤0.001), CD83 (P≤0.001), and CD1a. Also, the expression of IDO (P≤0.001) and IL10 increased while IL12 expression decreased (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that tolerogenic probiotics could induce regulatory DCs by reducing co-stimulatory molecules along with increasing the expression of IDO and IL10 during the differentiation process. Therefore, the induced regulatory DCs probably can be used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

The role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in allergic disorders.

The amino acid tryptophan (TRP) is critical for the expansion and survival of cells. During the past few years, the manipulation of tryptophan metabolism via indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) has been presented as a significant regulatory mechanism for tolerance stimulation and the regulation of immune responses. Currently, a considerable number of studies suggest that the role of IDO in T helper 2 (Th2) cell regulation may be different from that of T helper 1 (Th1) immune responses. IDO acts as an immunosuppressive tolerogenic enzyme to decrease allergic responses through the stimulation of the Kynurenine-IDO pathway, the subsequent reduction of TRP, and the promotion of Kynurenine products. Kynurenine products motivate T-cell apoptosis and anergy, the propagation of Treg and Th17 cells, and the aberration of the Th1/Th2 response. We suggest that the IDO-kynurenine pathway can function as a negative reaction round for Th1 cells; however, it may play a different role in upregulating principal Th2 immune responses. In this review, we intend to integrate novel results on this pathway in correlation with allergic diseases.

The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders' blood lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays bodybuilders use anabolic steroids frequently. Abuse of these substances can cause significant side effects; therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders' blood lymphocytes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This case-control study was performed on 36 male bodybuilders in Gonabad. The case group included bodybuilders with a history of taking anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18), and the control group composed of bodybuilders who did not use anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18). Intravenous blood samples were obtained and then the lymphocytes, cells and electrophoresis of blood were extracted. Afterward, the coloured slides and DNA damage were measured using a fluorescent microscope and CometScore software. The DNA damage was compared using t-tests . RESULTS: Results showed that there was no significant difference between age, marital status, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the case and control group. However, parameters related to the DNA damage including tail length, percent tail DNA, and tail moment were significantly higher in the case group. CONCLUSION: The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids increases DNA damage in the bodybuilders' blood lymphocytes.

New and old adjuvants in allergen-specific immunotherapy: With a focus on nanoparticles.

Allergic diseases have remarkably increased in recent years. Nowadays, efforts for curing and management of these disorders are an important concern worldwide. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has recently gained more attention as a means for the management of allergic diseases. Adjuvants or helper agents are materials applied for better stimulating and shifting of protective responses, and these belong to an extremely diverse collection of complexes. The main function of adjuvants includes acting as depot foundations, transferring vehicles, and immunostimulators. Immunostimulatory adjuvants have gained increasing attention for ASIT. In this regard, the present study provides a review of old and new adjuvants used in allergen immunotherapy.

The immunomodulatory role of probiotics in allergy therapy.

The increased incidence of allergic disorders may be the result of a relative fall in microbial induction in the intestinal immune system during infancy and early childhood. Probiotics have recently been proposed as viable microorganisms for the prevention and treatment of specific allergic diseases. Different mechanisms have been considered for this probiotic property, such as generation of cytokines from activated pro-T-helper type 1 after bacterial contact. However, the effects of its immunomodulatory potential require validation for clinical applications. This review will focus on the currently available data on the benefits of probiotics in allergy disease.

Optimization of PLGA formulation containing protein or peptide-based antigen: Recent advances.

Protein or peptide-based antigens are the most promising forms to generate custom protective immune responses for clinical applications. Over the last decades, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a biodegradable polymer has gained more attention for delivery of protein and peptide. Besides many appropriate characteristics, to improve its properties to overcome some obstacles such as release profile and it is important instability of antigen during both encapsulation and storage. Therefore, optimized procedures conditions require to be used to maintain the integrity of protein structure under several stress factors in formulation process. In this review article, the properties of PLGA particles, their preparation techniques and strategies for improvement of protein stability during encapsulation into PLGA, release from particle and storage as well as stabilization approaches were summarized. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part A: 106A: 2540-2551, 2018.

Assessment of DNA damage in blood lymphocytes of bakery workers by comet assay.

The comet assay is widely used in screening and identification of genotoxic effects of different substances on people in either their working or living environment. Exposure to fuel smoke leads to DNA damage and ultimately different types of cancer. Using a comet assay, the present study aimed to assess peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage in people working in bakeries using natural gas, kerosene, diesel, or firewood for fuel compared to those in the control group. The subjects of this study were 55 people in total who were divided into four experimental groups, each of which comprised of 11 members (based on the type of fuel used), and one control group comprised of 11 members. Using CometScore, the subjects' peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined for DNA damage. All bakers, that is, experimental subjects, showed significantly greater peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage compared to the individuals in the control group. There was greater peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage in bakers who had been using firewood for fuel compared to those using other types of fuel to such an extent that tail moments (µm) for firewood-burning bakers was 4.40 ± 1.98 versus 1.35 ± 0.84 for natural gas, 1.85 ± 1.33 for diesel, and 2.19 ± 2.20 for kerosene. The results indicated that burning firewood is the greatest inducer of peripheral blood lymphocytes DNA damage in bakers. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage among diesel and kerosene burning bakers.

Curcumin: A Naturally Occurring Modulator of Adipokines in Diabetes.

Curcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, has been used for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes and its complications. Curcumin has been shown to exert pleiotropic effects by modulating different signaling molecules, including transcription factors, chemokines, cytokines, and adipokines. Disturbed regulation of adipokines, which include adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin, are implicated in the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Here, we review the findings of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the modulating effects that curcumin treatment exerts on adipokines. Additionally, we examine the potential beneficial effects of the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4170-4182, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DNA damage assessment in the lymphocytes of construction painters by comet assay.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to chemicals is inevitable for certain occupational groups, particularly in industrial countries. Some cytogenetic tests such as comet assay are effectively utilized to screen genotoxic effects of these chemicals in humans. The purpose of this study has been to assess the DNA damage in construction painters' lymphocytes using the comet assay. METHODS: Fourteen male construction painters with 1 year of required work experience were randomly selected from the list of Painter Union in Gonabad city, Iran. In addition, 14 healthy male non-painters were randomly selected as controls. The DNA damage degree was determined using a fluorescence microscope and CometScore software. The obtained data were analyzed employing independent t-test using SPSS software v. 14 at the significant level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: All participants were non-smokers and non-alcoholics. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The DNA damage in the painter group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Tail length (µm) was 12.63 ± 6.54 versus 2.90 ± 0.84, tail DNA (%) was 4.33 ± 1.84 versus 1.29 ± 0.43, and tail moment (µm) was 1.85 ± 0.98 versus 0.14 ± 0.20 in painter and control groups ( p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The chemicals used in oil paint may increase the DNA damage in painter blood lymphocytes.

Identification and molecular characterization of the cDNA encoding Cucumis melo allergen, Cuc m 3, a plant pathogenesis-related protein.

BACKGROUND: Melon (Cucumis melo) allergy is one of the most common food allergies, characterized by oral allergy syndrome. To date, two allergen molecules, Cuc m 1 and Cuc m 2, have been fully characterized in melon pulp, but there are few reports about the molecular characteristics of Cuc m 3. METHODS: The Cuc m 3 cDNA has been characterized by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), which revealed a 456 base-pair (bp) fragment encoding a 151-amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 16.97 kDa, and identified 79 and 178 bp untranslated sequences at the 5' and 3´ ends, respectively. RESULTS: In silico analysis showed strong similarities between Cuc m 3 and other plant pathogen-related protein 1s from cucumber, grape, bell pepper, and tomato. CONCLUSION: Here we report the identification and characterization of the Cuc m 3 cDNA, which will be utilized for further analyses of structural and allergenic features of this allergen.