Relationship between gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of gestational diabetes mellitus characterized by insulin resistance and abnormal function of pancreatic beta cells. In recent years, genomic association studies have revealed risk and susceptibility genes associated with genetic susceptibility to GDM. However, genetic predisposition cannot explain the rising global incidence of GDM, which may be related to the increased influence of environmental factors, especially the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of GDM. This paper reviews the relationship between gut microbiota and the pathological mechanism of GDM, in order to better understand the role of gut microbiota in GDM, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application of gut microbiota in the treatment of related diseases. Methods: The current research results on the interaction between GDM and gut microbiota were collected and analyzed through literature review. Keywords such as "GDM", "gut microbiota" and "insulin resistance" were used for literature search, and the methodology, findings and potential impact on the pathophysiology of GDM were systematically evaluated. Results: It was found that the composition and diversity of gut microbiota were significantly associated with the occurrence and development of GDM. Specifically, the abundance of certain gut bacteria is associated with an increased risk of GDM, while other changes in the microbiome may be associated with improved insulin sensitivity. In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota may affect blood glucose control through a variety of mechanisms, including the production of short-chain fatty acids, activation of inflammatory pathways, and metabolism of the B vitamin group. Discussion: The results of this paper highlight the importance of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of GDM. The regulation of the gut microbiota may provide new directions for the treatment of GDM, including improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control through the use of probiotics and prebiotics. However, more research is needed to confirm the generality and exact mechanisms of these findings and to explore potential clinical applications of the gut microbiota in the management of gestational diabetes. In addition, future studies should consider the interaction between environmental and genetic factors and how together they affect the risk of GDM.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fatigue Effects of an Oral Food Supplement in Long COVID Patients.

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) syndrome leads to chronic inflammatory state onset that can have a multisystem impact and compromise organ function. Moreover, long COVID syndrome is often characterized by the presence of chronic fatigue, which affects subjects' daily activities and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (protocol code RS 150.21, approved on 4 November 2021) was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the consumption of 2 cps/day, for two months, of an oral food supplement (OFS), based on Echinacea angustifolia, rosehip, propolis, royal jelly and zinc, in long COVID patients, compared to a two-month placebo period. The OFS's vitamin C content was equal to 22.17 mg/g (8.87 mg/capsule). The OFS's total polyphenol content was 43.98 mg/g gallic acid equivalents. At the end of the in vivo study, we highlighted a significant decrease in the inflammatory parameters in the OFS period, compared to the placebo period (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0455; monocyte to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0005; C-reactive protein, p = 0.0145). Our study also highlighted a significant increase in vitamin D serum values (p = 0.0005) and, at the same time, an improvement in patients' life quality and a reduction in fatigue, monitored by the fatigue severity scale. This study showed the OFS's beneficial effects on the inflammatory state, fatigue and quality of life in long COVID patients.

Inter-relationships of galectin-3 and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes with oral lichen planus: a preliminary cross-sectional in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported to be highly expressed in oral lesions with the potential for malignant development such as oral lichen planus (OLP). And the NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by galectin-3 (Gal-3) in immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to explore the inter-relationships among Gal-3, NLRP3 inflammasome, and OLP. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of oral biopsy specimens from 30 patients with Erosive OLP and 30 healthy controls was performed. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the expression of Gal-3 and NLRP3 inflammasome. Two-sample t-test and Pearson correlation test were applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: Erosive OLP patients had significantly higher Gal-3 levels compared with controls (p < 0.0001). A similar pattern emerged for NLRP3 inflammasome. In the overall sample, a positive correlation was observed between Gal-3 and NLRP3 (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Erosive OLP lesions showed increased protein expression levels of Gal-3. A positive correlation was observed between Gal-3 and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Changes and correlation analysis of intestinal microflora composition, inflammatory index, and skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients with sarcopenia.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the alterations in characteristics of intestinal flora, inflammatory factors and skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients affected by sarcopenia, as well as the correlation among the three, in order to provide a reference for the early identification, intervention, and treatment of sarcopenia in elderly patients. METHOD: A total of 206 elderly patients (≥60 years old) admitted to the Geriatric Outpatient Department of China Resources Wugang General Hospital were included in this study as the research participants. The differences in the general data, laboratory examination and intestinal flora in patients between the two groups were statistically analyzed, and the correlation between intestinal flora composition and skeletal muscle mass index, grip and inflammatory factors was also determined. RESULTS: The normal group and sarcopenia group exhibited a significant difference in the composition of the intestinal flora (P < 0.05). The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella between the two groups was negatively correlated with the patient's relative skeletal muscle mass index and positively correlated with the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level; moreover, Lacchnospira abundance was positively correlated with relative skeletal muscle mass index; Lactobacillus and Roseburia abundance were negatively correlated with IL-6; and Lactobacillus, Lachnospira, and Eubacterium_rectale_group were positively correlated with grip, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, it was found that elderly patients with sarcopenia have intestinal flora disorders, and the abundance of such flora was negatively correlated with the relative skeletal muscle mass index, which was positively correlated with the IL-6 level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 140-146.

Efficacy and safety of paclitaxel albumin assisted platinum chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer based on tumor factors and inflammatory status / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel albumin assisted platinum chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer based on tumor factors and inflammatory status. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were randomly divided into two groups: 50 patients in the control group were treated with paclitaxel-assisted nedaplatin regimen, and 50 patients in the study group were treated with paclitaxel-assisted nedaplatin regimen. The short-term efficacy, tumor factors, inflammatory factors, relapse-metastasis related indexes, quality of life, functional status and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total remission rate of the study group (72.00%) was higher than that of the control group (48.00%) (P0.05), but the total incidence of adverse reactions (12.00%) was lower than that of the control group (32.00%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel albumin-assisted nedaplatin has a reliable effect in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer, which can further reduce the level of tumor factors, relieve inflammation, and has high safety.

Very-low-calorie ketogenic diet vs hypocaloric balanced diet in the prevention of high-frequency episodic migraine: the EMIKETO randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is the second world's cause of disability. Among non-pharmacological treatments, nutritional intervention, particularly ketogenic diet, represents one of the most promising approaches. METHODS: This a prospective, single center, randomized, controlled study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) compared to a hypocaloric balanced diet (HBD) in migraine prophylaxis in patients affected by high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 27 kg/m2. Fifty-seven patients were randomly assigned to a VLCKD (group 1) or HBD (group 2). Group 1 patients followed a VLCKD for 8 weeks, followed by a low calorie diet (LCD, weeks 9-12), and a HBD (weeks 13-24), whereas group 2 patients followed a HBD from week 0 to 24. Anthropometric indexes, urine and blood chemistry were assessed at enrollment, baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24. Migraine characteristics were evaluated at baseline, weeks 8, 12 and 24. Change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) at weeks 5-8 compared to baseline was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes in visual analogue scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) scores. We also studied effects on circulating lymphocytes and markers of inflammation, changes in plasma aldosterone and renin levels before and after VLCKD or HBD treatment. RESULTS: Reduction from baseline in MMDs was greater in VLCKD compared to HBD group at week 8 (p = 0.008), at week 12 (p = 0.007), when ketosis had been interrupted by carbohydrates reintroduction, and at week 24 (p = 0.042), when all patients were following the same dietary regimen. Quality of life scores (SF-36) were improved in VLCKD group at week 8 and 12, and were also improved in HBD group, but only at week 12. Weight-loss was significantly higher in VLCKD group at week 8 (p = 0.002) and week 12 (p = 0.020). At the end of the study weight loss was maintained in VLCKD group whereas a slight weight regain was observed in HBD group. Inflammatory indexes, namely C reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and total white blood cell count (WBC) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in VLCKD group at week 12. Aldosterone plasma level were significantly increased in both groups at week 8, particularly in VLCKD group. However, electrolytes and renin plasma levels were never altered throughout the study in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: VLCKD is more effective than HBD in reducing MMD in patients with HFEM and represents an effective prophylaxis in patients with overweight/obesity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04360148.

Associations Between Atherosclerosis and Elevated Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease in an Inflammatory State.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Inflammation is the initiator of atherosclerosis, throughout the life of atherosclerosis. This study investigated the relationship between serum ALP and atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in an inflammatory state. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective study including 22,989 patients with CAD. Serum alkaline phosphatase was converted into the quartiles. C-reactive protein (CRP) was assayed as a marker of systemic inflammation. The atherosclerosis index (AI) was used to assess the degree of atherosclerosis. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between ALP and AI. Stratified analysis was performed according to sex and age. RESULTS: Elevated serum ALP was associated with the risk of atherosclerosis in patients with CAD, and after quartiling ALP, the OR for Q4 was 1.17 (95% CI 1.08-1.26; p<0.001) when using Q1 as reference. The odds ratio (OR) for ALP and risk of atherosclerosis was higher in patients aged ≤60 years (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53; p<0.001) than in patients aged >60 years (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23; p<0.05), and higher in males (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.35; p<0.001) than in females (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.31; p<0.05). Q4 (ALP >83.00 U/L) was significantly associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis in the inflammatory state (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.18-1.86; p<0.001), and it remained after stratified analysis according to sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of atherosclerosis tended to increase with increasing ALP levels and the correlation between ALP and the degree of atherosclerosis was significantly stronger when ALP was >83.00 U/L. This relationship was more pronounced in inflammatory states, and there were sex and age differences. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT04026724.

Catechins and Proanthocyanidins Involvement in Metabolic Syndrome.

Recent studies on natural antioxidant compounds have highlighted their potentiality against various pathological conditions. The present review aims to selectively evaluate the benefits of catechins and their polymeric structure on metabolic syndrome, a common disorder characterized by a cluster of three main risk factors: obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer chronic low inflammation state and oxidative stress both conditions effectively countered by flavanols and their polymers. The mechanism behind the activity of these molecules has been highlighted and correlated with the characteristic features present on their basic flavonoidic skelethon, as well as the efficient doses needed to perform their activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The amount of evidence provided in this review offers a starting point for flavanol dietary supplementation as a potential strategy to counteract several metabolic targets associated with metabolic syndrome and suggests a key role of albumin as flavanol-delivery system to the different target of action inside the organism.

Effect of negative pressure sealing and drainage (VSD) technique on wound infection in adult orthopaedics and its influence fitness indicator

Objective: To investigate the effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the healing of adult orthopedic wound infection, and to explore the effect of intervention on white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; Methods: 80 adult Athlete patients with orthopedic wound infection who were healed in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively opted as the research subjects, and were divided into the VSD cluster (n=40, receiving VSD technology) and the control cluster according to their healing methods (CG, n=40, receiving conventional gauze dressing healing), the variations in WBC and CRP between the two clusters before healing, on the 5th day of healing, on the 10th day of healing, and on the 15th day of healing were contrasted between the two clusters, and the wound surfaces of the two clusters of athlete patients were contrasted at the above time points. The variation in appearance, the variation in the bacterial negative rate of the wound surface after the intervention was contrasted, and the wounded limb marks of the two clusters of athlete patients were followed up; Results: (1) On the 5th day, 10th day and 15th day of healing, the WBC and CRP levels in the VSD cluster were notably lower than those within the control cluster (P < 0.05); (2) On the 5th day, 10th day and 15th day of healing, the wound appearance marks in the VSD cluster were notably upper than those within the control cluster, and the variation between the clusters was notable (P < 0.05); (3) The wound bacterial conversion rates within the study cluster were 40.00%, 70.00% and 95.00% at 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after operation, respectively, which were notably upper than 17.50%, 47.50% and 80.00% within the control cluster, and the variation between the clusters was notable (P < 0.05); (4) At 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after operation, the Puno limb marks within the study cluster were notably upper than those within the control cluster (AU)

Pneumothorax in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure: Risk factors and outcome.

PNX was described as an uncommon complication in COVID-19 patients but clinical risk predictors and the potential role in patient's outcome are still unclear. We assessed prevalence, risk predictors and mortality of PNX in hospitalized COVID- 19 with severe respiratory failure performing a retrospective observational analysis of 184 patients admitted to our COVID-19 Respiratory Unit in Vercelli from October 2020 to March 2021. We compared patients with and without PNX reporting prevalence, clinical and radiological features, comorbidities, and outcomes. Prevalence of PNX was 8.1% and mortality was >86% (13/15) significantly higher than in patients without PNX (56/169) (P < 0.001). PNX was more likely to occur in patients with a history of cognitive decline (HR: 31.18) who received non-invasive ventilation (NIV) (p < 0.0071) and with low P/F ratio (HR: 0.99, p = 0.004). Blood chemistry in the PNX subgroup compared to patients without PNX showed a significant increase in LDH (420 U/L vs 345 U/L, respectively p = 0.003), ferritin (1111 mg/dl vs 660 mg/dl, respectively p = 0.006) and decreased lymphocytes (HR: 4.440, p = 0.004). PNX may be associated with a worse prognosis in terms of mortality in COVID patients. Possible mechanisms may include the hyperinflammatory status associated with critical illness, the use of NIV, the severity of respiratory failure and cognitive impairment. We suggest, in selected patients showing low P/F ratio, cognitive impairment and metabolic cytokine storm, an early treatment of systemic inflammation in association with high-flow oxygen therapy as a safer alternative to NIV in order to avoid fatalities connected with PNX.

Overview of growth differentiation factor 15 in metabolic syndrome.

Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) superfamily. GDF15 has been linked with several metabolic syndrome pathologies such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. GDF15 is considered to be a metabolic regulator, although its precise mechanisms of action remain to be determined. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-like (GRAL), located in the hindbrain, has been identified as the receptor for GDF15 and signals through the coreceptor receptor tyrosine kinase (RET). Administration of GDF15 analogues in preclinical studies using various animal models has consistently been shown to induce weight loss through a reduction in food intake. GDF15, therefore, represents an attractive target to combat the current global obesity epidemic. In this article, we review current knowledge on GDF15 and its involvement in metabolic syndrome.

Polygoni multiflori radix exacerbates idiosyncratic inflammatory liver injury through the FXR-SHP pathway and altered pharmacokinetic behavior.

Polygoni multiflori radix (PM) is a well-known tonic herb. It has been reported that PM could cause idiosyncratic inflammatory liver injury in some individuals. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of PM-induced idiosyncratic inflammatory liver injury in zebrafish and rat models based on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The zebrafish were administered with polygoni multiflori radix extract (PME), emodin (EMO), and 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-Ο-ß-D-glucoside (TSG) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, to establish an idiosyncratic inflammation model. In zebrafish with idiosyncratic inflammation, PME, EMO, and TSG decreased liver area and brightness and increased the number of immune cells around the colliculi. PME+LPS produced hepatocyte damage, aggravated mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum damage, and increased AST and ALT activity. RT-PCR showed that PME and EMO up-regulated the expression of IL-6, IL-1ß, and INF-γ, and PME down-regulated expression of FXR and SHP. In rats with idiosyncratic inflammation, AST and ALT activities increased significantly, and liver tissues showed pathological damage. An efficient and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was established for the pharmacokinetic study of EMO and TSG in rats with idiosyncratic inflammation. The AUC0-t was higher for EMO and TSG in the model group compared with the normal group. The MRT0-t was significantly prolonged in EMO, while CLz/F was significantly reduced. The present results suggested that the absorption of potentially toxic components of PM increased and metabolism slowed down under inflammatory stress, and PM induced idiosyncratic liver injury via the FXR-SHP axis.

Research progress on the molecular mechanism of periodontal pathogens promoting the development of cardiovascular diseases / 口腔疾病防治

@#Periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious and inflammatory disease occurring in tooth-supporting tissues. In recent decades, many studies have reported a potential relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, and periodontal pathogens are an important factor linking periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we summarize updated preclinical studies and epidemiological evidence on the association of these two diseases. Moreover, possible mechanisms accounting for such links are introduced, including bacteremia and direct invasion of pathogens, endotoxemia caused by virulence factors of periodontal pathogens leading to systemic inflammation, abnormal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, which further affect the inflammatory states of the cardiovascular system. The molecular mimicry theory and the intrinsic correlation of apolipoprotein E between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease require further study. Combined with existing studies, it is reasonable to assume that periodontal treatment and oral hygiene can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with periodontitis. More studies are needed to focus on the molecular mechanism linking periodontal pathogens and cardiovascular diseases. These studies will provide evidence that periodontal pathogens directly invade the cardiovascular system or indirectly invade host cells as well as isolate and culture bacteria from the tissues of lesions. Studies should also explore how the local inflammatory state, periodontal pathogens and their products directly influence cardiovascular disease-related biomarkers (C-reactive protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, heat shock protein, etc.) and the mechanism. This information may provide a reference for the effective prevention and treatment of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease in the future.

Fecal microbiota transplantation treatment of autoimmune-mediated type 1 diabetes: A systematic review.

There is a strong link between fecal microbiota and the development of type 1 diabetes. As an emerging therapeutic modality, fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of many intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Various studies have found that fecal microbiota transplantation can treat diseases by correcting patients' immune disorders. Besides, many studies have found that fecal microbiota transplantation can improve glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanism of action of fecal microbiota transplantation on autoimmune-mediated T1DM and the current research progress, feasibility, and issues that need to be addressed in the future development of fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of autoimmune-mediated T1DM.

Mechanism of the promotion of GEFS+ by the STAT3-mediated expression of interleukin-6.

Background: Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is generally considered an ion channelopathy. To date, there have been few studies on inflammation associated with various types of epilepsy, and it remains unclear whether the inflammatory mechanism plays a key role in epilepsy. Methods: In order to explore the role of the regulatory mechanism of immune factor expression in the pathogenesis of GEFS+, the present study detected the expression level of relevant immune factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood of GEFS+ mice. Results: The cluster of differentiation 4+/cluster of differentiation 8+ (CD4+/CD8+) ratio in the GEFS+ mice was decreased, while the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was also activated and the IL-6 was upregulated. Inhibit of STAT3 can lead to the GEFS+ asymptomatically due to the downregulated IL-6, IL-1ß, and complement factor H (CFH) levels. Suppression of STAT3 can also inhibited the epileptic seizures, the CD8+ T cells were declined after the IL-6 was neutralized. Conclusions: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the effect of STAT3 expression and activation differences on GEFS+ attack, and to clarify the relationship between various cytokines and GEFS+ outbreak. Inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors can further prevent GEFS+ attack, which supports that IL-6 is one of the important factors that aggravate the clinical symptoms of GEFS+. We expected to provide a theoretical basis for immunosuppressive therapy of GEFS+ and a new way for its clinical treatment.

The severity of depression is associated with pelvic inflammatory diseases: A cross-sectional study of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examinations from 2013 to 2018.

Purpose: As depression in patients with pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) has received increasing attention in recent years, this study aims to investigate the relationship between depression severity and risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease, and to provide new perspectives in the treatment of PID. Patients and methods: Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the association between pelvic inflammatory disease and the severity of depression. Females who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2018 were included. In addition, risk factors for PID and depression were also included in the analysis as adjustment factors. Results: The risk of developing PID was associated with depressive status (odds ratio, OR 1.10, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.08-1.12), especially in people with severe depression (odds ratio, OR 6.34, 95% confidence interval, CI 3.72-10.79). Subgroup analysis showed differences in the risk of PID among people with different characteristics. Conclusion: This study showed that there may be a potential positive association between depressive status and the prevalence of PID in the United States adult female population. Depression should be actively looked for in all patients with PID and treated appropriately.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Protection in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The high mortality related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only due to the disease itself; in fact, CKD also represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Among the functional foods that seems to have cardioprotective action, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) plays a pivotal health-promoting role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effects of an EVOO containing a very high content (>900 ppm) of minor phenolic compounds (MPCs). The selected EVOO was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS to establish the MPC content. The Olea extract obtained from the selected EVOO was tested against the RAW 264.7 cell line in order to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity. We enrolled 40 CKD patients under conservative therapy for in vivo clinical testing. All CKD patients consumed 40 mL/day of raw EVOO for 9 weeks (T1). At baseline (T0) and at T1, we monitored the patients' blood and urinary parameters. The patients' body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) using ultrasound imaging. At T1, we observed a decrease in inflammatory parameters, CIMT, and oxidative stress biomarkers. We also noticed improvements in lipid and purine metabolism, atherogenic indices, and body composition. Thus, this study highlighted the cardioprotective action of EVOO in nephropathic patients.

The response of cecal microbiota to inflammatory state induced by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

By combining the experiments of reciprocal crosses of chicken infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis), we focused on the common response of cecal microbiota to an inflammatory state in respect of transcriptome and microbiome. The inoculation of S. Enteritidis improved the microbial diversity and promoted the microbiota evolution in our infection model. Correlation analysis between bacteria and inflammation-related genes showed that some intestinal microorganisms were "inflammophile" and thrived in an inflamed environment. The global function of cecal microbiome was to maintain the homeostasis likely by the up-regulation of microbial metabolism pathway in bacitracin, putrescine, and flavonoids production, although the bacitracin may affect the symbiotic bacteria Enterococcus. The action of S. Enteritidis had close relationships with multiple inflammation-related genes, including the genes PTAFR, LY96, and ACOD1 which proteins are related to the binding and tolerance of LPS, and the genes IL-18, IL-18R1 and IL-18RAP which products can form a functional complex and transmit IL-18 pro-inflammatory signal. Additionally, the infection of S. Enteritidis aroused the transcription of EXFABP, which protein has a potential to sequestrate the siderophore and might cause the decline of Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus. S. Enteritidis can escape from the sequestrating through the salmochelin, another kind of siderophore which cannot be recognized by EXFABP. Probably by this way, S. Enteritidis competed with the symbiotic bacteria and edged out the niches. Our research can help to understand the interplay between host, pathogen, and symbiotic bacteria.

Prematurely aging female mice improve their behavioural response, immunity, redox state, and lifespan after a short social interaction with non-prematurely aging mice.

Adult prematurely aging mice (PAM), characterized by inadequate stress response, show premature immunosenescence and shorter lifespan compared to adult exceptional non-PAM (E-NPAM). Aging can be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as social environment. The continuous cohabitation of female PAM with E-NPAM improved behavioral responses, immunity, redox state, and longevity of PAM, but caused deterioration in E-NPAM. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the social interaction of only 15 min/day for 2 months of PAM with E-NPAM, can produce that improvement in PAM without causing deterioration in E-NPAM. After that short social interaction PAM and E-NPAM were submitted to behavioral tests and peritoneal leukocytes were collected to assess immune functions, oxidative and inflammatory state parameters as well as catecholamine concentrations. The lifespan of each animal was recorded. Plasmatic concentration of oxytocin was also studied. Results showed that PAM presented better behavioral responses, immunity and oxi-inflammatory state after interacting with E-NPAM, and consequently a longer lifespan. E-NPAM, in general, did not show any changes after interaction with PAM, not affecting their longevity either. In conclusion, a short social interaction between PAM and E-NPAM could be an excellent strategy for improving the health state and longevity of PAM without causing deleterious effect on E-NPAM.

Evaluation of a potential prognostic parameter for the inflammatory status in COVID-19 patients: The inflammatory protein ratio.

C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and d-dimer are determined in the human plasma of 2745 hospitalized patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by automated-latex enhanced immunoassay and immuno-turbidimetric assay. SARS-COV-2 RNA qualitative test, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based, is performed in nasopharyngeal swabs to confirm those with SARS-COV-2 positivity. Furthermore, serum proteins are separated and quantified in all the patients by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE). A new SPE parameter, inflammatory protein ratio (IPR), is elaborated for the first time by a mathematical equation that considers the albumin, α1-globulin, and α2-globulin. IPR normal reference range (10.7%-28.3%) is calculated considering the normal reference range of albumin, α1-globulin, and α2-globulin obtained for controls. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's tests application show that IPR significantly correlates with direct proportionality with d-dimer, CRP, and fibrinogen. Significant (p < 0.001) increase of these parameters, IPR included, is detected in COVID-19 patients only. Our results show that IPR is more specific for monitoring inflammatory status thanks to its correlation with the only three serum proteins involved in inflammation: albumin, α1-globulin, and α2-globulin. Furthermore, IPR can simplify the interpretation of SPE results about inflammatory status, being of unique value compared to the six-serum protein classes separately presented in the typical SPE clinical reports.