Expression of visfatin in gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissues in different periodontal conditions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that visfatin is an inflammatory factor closely related to periodontitis. We examined the levels of visfatin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingival tissues under different periodontal conditions, in order to provide more theoretical basis for exploring the role of visfatin in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. METHODS: We enrolled 87 subjects, with 43 in the chronic periodontitis (CP) group, 21 in the chronic gingivitis (CG) group, and 23 in the periodontal health (PH) group. Periodontal indexes (PD, AL, PLI, and BI) were recorded. GCF samples were collected for visfatin quantification, and gingival tissues were assessed via immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Visfatin levels in GCF decreased sequentially from CP to CG and PH groups, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The CP group exhibited the highest visfatin levels, while the PH group had the lowest. Gingival tissues showed a similar trend, with significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). Periodontal indexes were positively correlated with visfatin levels in both GCF and gingival tissues (P < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between visfatin levels in GCF and gingival tissues (rs = 0.772, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Greater periodontal destruction corresponded to higher visfatin levels in GCF and gingival tissues, indicating their potential collaboration in damaging periodontal tissues. Visfatin emerges as a promising biomarker for periodontitis and may play a role in its pathogenesis.

Concentrations of selected immunological parameters in the serum and processing fluid of suckling piglets and the serum and colostrum of their mothers.

BACKGROUND: Blood sampling from neonatal piglets is related to multiple disadvantages. Therefore, a new, alternative matrix is required to assess piglets' early immune status efficiently. The present study aimed to assess the usefulness of processing fluid for determining selected piglets' immune parameters. 264 pigs - 31 sows, 146 male piglets, and 87 female piglets from commercial indoor farrow-to-finish pig herd were included in this study. 264 serum, 31 colostrum, and 146 processing fluid samples were collected. Serum was collected from all animals, colostrum was collected from sows, and processing fluid was collected from male piglets only. Using commercial ELISA tests, the concentration of various immunoglobulins, cytokines, and acute phase proteins was assessed in each matrix. Statistical analyses were employed to determine differences in the concentration of measured indices between piglets' serum and processing fluid and correlations in the concentration of tested indices between particular sets of matrices. RESULTS: Statistical analyses did not reveal significant differences in the IgG, IgA, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentration between piglets' serum and processing fluid (p > 0.05). A positive correlation (p < 0.05) regarding the concentration of some indices between processing fluid and samples collected from sows was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Processing fluid can be considered a promising alternative to blood for assessing some immunological indices in piglets, such as IgG, IgA, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and, possibly, in the indirect assessment of some indices in lactating sows, including IgA, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, or Pig-MAP.

The microbiota of sexual intercourse and its effect on prostatitis.

It is estimated that microorganisms colonize 90% of the body surface. In some tracts, such as the genitourinary tract, the microbiota varies throughout life, influenced by hormonal stimulation and sexual practices. This study evaluated the semen differences and presence of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in semen samples from patients with symptoms of chronic prostatitis and men asymptomatic for urogenital infections. Fifty-three semen samples were included: 22 samples from men with symptoms of chronic prostatitis and 31 asymptomatic men (control group). In addition to the presence of L. crispatus, L. iners, G. vaginalis and A. vaginae, semen parameters, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, prostatic antigen and some proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in each semen sample. Volunteers with symptoms of chronic prostatitis presented a lower percentage of sperm morphology (4.3% vs. control group 6.0%, p = 0.004); in the semen samples of volunteers in the group asymptomatic for urogenital infections, microorganisms associated with the vaginal microbiota were detected more frequently. The presence of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota can also benefit male reproductive health, which undergoes various modifications related to lifestyle habits that are susceptible to modification. Microorganisms associated with the vaginal microbiota, such as L. crispatus, L. iners, G. vaginalis and A. vaginae, may have a protective role against the development of male genitourinary diseases such as prostatitis.

Novel point-of-care cytokine biomarker lateral flow test for the screening for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis: study protocol of a multicentre multidisciplinary prospective observational clinical study to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT).

INTRODUCTION: A prototype lateral flow device detecting cytokine biomarkers interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1ß has been developed as a point-of-care test-called the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)-for detecting genital inflammation associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. In this paper, we describe the rationale and design for studies that will be conducted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Madagascar to evaluate the performance of GIFT and how it could be integrated into routine care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a prospective, multidisciplinary, multicentre, cross-sectional and observational clinical study comprising two distinct components: a biomedical ('diagnostic study') and a qualitative, modelling and economic ('an integration into care study') part. The diagnostic study aims to evaluate GIFT's performance in identifying asymptomatic women with discharge-causing STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG)) and BV. Study participants will be recruited from women attending research sites and family planning services. Several vaginal swabs will be collected for the evaluation of cytokine concentrations (ELISA), STIs (nucleic acid amplification tests), BV (Nugent score) and vaginal microbiome characteristics (16S rRNA gene sequencing). The first collected vaginal swab will be used for the GIFT assay which will be performed in parallel by a healthcare worker in the clinic near the participant, and by a technician in the laboratory. The integration into care study aims to explore how GIFT could be integrated into routine care. Four activities will be conducted: user experiences and/or perceptions of the GIFT device involving qualitative focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders; discrete choice experiments; development of a decision tree classification algorithm; and economic evaluation of defined management algorithms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Findings will be reported to participants, collaborators and local government for the three sites, presented at national and international conferences, and disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.The protocol and all study documents such as informed consent forms were reviewed and approved by the University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC reference 366/2022), Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/A/2966), Comité d'Ethique pour la Recherche Biomédicale de Madagascar (N° 143 MNSAP/SG/AMM/CERBM) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ethics committee (LSHTM reference 28046).Before the start, this study was submitted to the Clinicaltrials.gov public registry (NCT05723484). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05723484.

No effect of tattoos on local sweat concentrations of select cytokines, cortisol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, or lactate during exercise.

Due to growing interest in the investigation of exercise induced sweat biomarkers to assess an individual's health and the increasing prevalence of tattoos in the world's population, investigators sought to determine whether local sweat concentrations and excretion rates of epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin (IL) -1α, IL-6, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and lactate differ between tattooed and contralateral non-tattooed skin during exercise. Sixteen recreational exercisers [female (50%)] (age = 25-48 years) with ≥ 1 unilateral permanent tattoo [median tattoo age = 6 years, IQR = 5] on the arm/torso completed an outdoor group fitness session. There were no significant differences between tattooed and non-tattooed skin for sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, or lactate concentrations. There were no significant differences between tattooed and non-tattooed skin for sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, or lactate excretion rate. Findings suggest that permanent tattoos older than 1 year may not impact local sweat EGF, IL-1α, IL-8, cortisol, glucose, BUN, and lactate concentrations or excretion rates during exercise.Clinical trial identifier NCT04920266 was registered on June 9, 2021.

Dietary supplementation with integral chia and flax flours ameliorates systemic inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: Chia and flax seeds are rich in alphalinolenic acid (ALA), which is bioconverted into the active derivatives eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) having multiple beneficial effects. However, there is limited knowledge about the antiinflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours diets rich in ALA. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of dietary supplementation with integral chia and flax flours in a murine model of LPSinduced systemic inflammation. METHODS: Balb/c mice were distributed into three groups: diet A (control), diet B (supplemented with integral chia flour), and diet C (supplemented with integral flax flour). Nutritional, hematological, and biochemical determinations were performed. ALA, EPA, and DHA were assessed by GC-MS in the liver, brain, cardiac and skeletal muscles. NF-kB immunoassays were performed in kidney, liver, and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The phagocytic capacity was determined in peritoneal macrophages and the expression of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was assessed by RT-qPCR in the kidney, liver, and spleen. RESULTS: Diets B and C exhibited optimal nutritional adequacy and caused increased levels of ALA, EPA, and DHA in critical tissues compared to the control. The phagocytic capacity of murine peritoneal macrophages (p< 0.01) and IL-10 transcription increased, whereas the expression of NF-κB, IL-1Β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased in animals fed both experimental diets. CONCLUSIONS: This work contributes to the current knowledge of the anti-inflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours rich in ALA and reinforces the health advantages of their consumption.

Introducción: Las semillas de chía y lino son ricas en ácido alfa-linolénico (ALA), sus derivados activos eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) ejercen probados efectos beneficiosos. Existe un conocimiento limitado sobre los efectos protectores de ambas semillas bajo la forma de harinas integrales, siendo de particular interés el efecto antiinflamatorio. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la suplementación dietaria con harinas integrales de semillas de chía y lino en un modelo murino de inflamación sistémica inducido por LPS. Métodos: Ratones de la cepa Balb/c fueron distribuidos en tres grupos: dieta A (control), dieta B (suplementada con harina integral de chía) y dieta C (suplementada con harina integral de lino). Se efecturaron determinaciones nutricionales, hematológicas y bioquímicas. El contenido de ALA, EPA y DHA en hígado, cerebro, corazón y músculo esquelético se determinó por cromatografía GC-MS. Se realizó la inmunodetección de NF-kB en macrófagos peritoneales, riñón e hígado. Se determinó la capacidad fagocítica de macrófagos peritoneales y se evaluó la expresión de citoquinas pro y antiinflamatorias por RT-qPCR en riñón, hígado y bazo. RESULTADOS: Las dietas B y C mostraron una adecuación nutricional óptima y generaron niveles elevados de ALA, EPA y DHA en tejidos críticos. La capacidad fagocítica de los macrófagos peritoneales (p< 0.01) y la transcripción de IL-10 aumentó, mientras que la expresión de NF-κB, IL-1Β, IL-6 y TNF-α disminuyó en animales de los grupos B y C. CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo contribuye al conocimiento actual de los efectos antiinflamatorios de ambas harinas integrales y refuerza los beneficios de su consumo.

Case study observational research: inflammatory cytokines in the bronchial epithelial lining fluid of COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured in the bronchial epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and plasma in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) secondary to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: We comprehensively analyzed the concentrations of 25 cytokines in the ELF and plasma of 27 COVID-19 AHRF patients. ELF was collected using the bronchial microsampling method through an endotracheal tube just after patients were intubated for mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Compared with those in healthy volunteers, the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 (median 27.6 pmol/L), IL-8 (1045.1 pmol/L), IL-17A (0.8 pmol/L), IL-25 (1.5 pmol/L), and IL-31 (42.3 pmol/L) were significantly greater in the ELF of COVID-19 patients than in that of volunteers. The concentrations of MCP-1 and MIP-1ß were significantly greater in the plasma of COVID-19 patients than in that of volunteers. The ELF/plasma ratio of IL-8 was the highest among the 25 cytokines, with a median of 737, and the ELF/plasma ratio of IL-6 (median: 218), IL-1ß (202), IL-31 (169), MCP-1 (81), MIP-1ß (55), and TNF-α (47) were lower. CONCLUSIONS: The ELF concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-25, and IL-31 were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients. Although high levels of MIP-1 and MIP-1ß were also detected in the blood samples collected simultaneously with the ELF samples, the results indicated that lung inflammation was highly compartmentalized. Our study demonstrated that a comprehensive analysis of cytokines in the ELF is a feasible approach for understanding lung inflammation and systemic interactions in patients with severe pneumonia.

The level of cytokines in tears as a novel indicator of demyelinating diseases.

INTRODUCTION: A novel research objective is to identify new molecules in more readily accessible biological fluids that could be used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating disorders. AIM: To compare the level of selected cytokines in tears between patients with MS or other demyelinating disorder and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 84 patients with diagnosed MS during remission or with other demyelinating disease of the CNS and 70 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Tears were collected without any stimulation and stored till the day of assessment. The concentration of selected cytokines was measured by the Bio-Plex Pro Human cytokine screening panel 27 cytokines assay according to the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistica 13. RESULTS: IL-1b level was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group [3,6 vs 8.71, p < 0.001]. The same pattern was observed for IL-6 [3,1 vs 5.26, p = 0.027] and IL-10 [1,7 vs 10.92, p < 0.001] (Table 1). In the study group, IL-1RA (p = 0.015), IL-5 (p = 0.04), IL-9 (p = 0.014), and IL-15 (p = 0.037) showed significant correlations with age. In the total sample, IL-1Ra (p = 0.016) and IFN-g (p = 0.041) were significantly correlated with age, while in the control group, IL-8 (p = 0.09), MIP-1a (p = 0.009), and RANTES (p = 0.031) showed significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that MS and other demyelination diseases lead to decrease in the overall level of cytokines in tears. Further research is needed to determine the role of tear fluid in the assessment of demyelinating disorders like MS.

Analysis of the Level of Adiponectin and Selected Cytokines in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease that is continuously targeting people of different ages, but especially the elderly population, the number of which tends to increase continuously at the global level. Apart from age, excess weight can influence the evolution of the disease, with obesity being associated with a weak inflammation stage and an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present work aimed to analyze specific biomarkers, namely ACRP-30, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6, in knee synovial fluid, and correlate them with KOA patients' clinical data, radiographic changes, and functional and pain scores. Materials and Methods: 24 subjects with KOA and over 50 years of age participate in the present study. Synovial fluid was harvested using ultrasound guidance from the target knees of the enrolled KOA patients, and the levels of ACRP-30, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). All patients underwent a supine X-ray at the target knee and were classified using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess self-reported physical function, pain, and stiffness. Results: The obtained results highlighted a significant correlation between age and adiponectin level (p = 0.0451, r = -0.412). Also, the IL-10 values are lower in cases where the intensity of the pain is more pronounced (p = 0.0405, r = -0.421). In addition, analyzing the data by gender, it was observed that in the case of males, stiffness is more related to age (p = 0.0079, r = 0.7993), compared to women (p = 0.0203, r = 0.6223). In the case of women, the progression of the disease tends to increase more intensively the WOMAC score's total values (p = 0.00031, r = 0.8342), compared with men (p = 0.0289, r = 7013). Regarding interleukins and BMI, significant correlations were observed only in the case of men. Conclusions: A significant correlation between age and adiponectin, and adiponectin and IL-6, suggests that advanced age may contribute to adiponectin reduction. Comparing men with women, it was observed that men's age is more related to rigidity, and IL-6 and IL-10 are directly correlated to BMI; in addition, women seem to be more sensitive to pain and stiffness.

Assessing the inhaled dose of nanomaterials by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and its relationship with lung inflammatory biomarkers.

The widespread and increasing use of nanomaterials has resulted in a higher likelihood of exposure by inhalation for nanotechnology workers. However, tracking the internal dose of nanoparticles deposited at the airways level, is still challenging. To assess the suitability of particle number concentration determination as biomarker of internal dose, we carried out a cross sectional investigation involving 80 workers handling nanomaterials. External exposure was characterized by portable counters of particles DISCminiTM (Testo, DE), allowing to categorize 51 workers as exposed and 29 as non-exposed (NE) to nanoparticles. Each subject filled in a questionnaire reporting working practices and health status. Exhaled breath condensate was collected and analysed for the number of particles/ml as well as for inflammatory biomarkers. A clear-cut relationship between the number of airborne particles in the nano-size range determined by the particle counters and the particle concentration in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was apparent. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-10, and TNF-α) measured in EBC, were significantly higher in the exposed subjects as compared to not exposed. Finally, significant correlations were found between external exposure, the number concentration of particles measured by the nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and inflammatory cytokines. As a whole, the present study, suggests that NTA can be regarded as a reliable tool to assess the inhaled dose of particles and that this dose can effectively elicit inflammatory effects.

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage as a diagnostic marker for pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular tumor that affects the pulmonary system. However, the diagnosis of airway lesions suggestive of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (pKS) is reliant on bronchoscopic visualization. We evaluated the role of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with bronchoscopic evidence of pKS and evaluated inflammatory cytokine profiles in BAL and blood samples. DESIGN: In this retrospective study, we evaluated KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles within BAL and blood samples in patients who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected pKS between 2016 and 2021. METHODS: KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles were obtained from both the circulation and BAL samples collected at the time of bronchoscopy to evaluate compartment-specific characteristics. BAL was centrifuged and stored as cell pellets and KSHV viral load was measured using primers for the KSHV K6 gene regions. RESULTS: We evaluated 38 BAL samples from 32 patients (30 with HIV co-infection) of whom 23 had pKS. In patients with airway lesions suggestive of pKS, there was higher KSHV viral load (median 3188 vs. 0 copies/10 6 cell equivalent; P  = 0.0047). A BAL KSHV viral load cutoff of 526 copies/10 6 cells had a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 89% in determining lesions consistent with pKS. Those with pKS also had higher IL-1ß and IL-8 levels in BAL. The 3-year survival rate for pKS patients was 55%. CONCLUSION: KSHV viral load in BAL shows potential for aiding in pKS diagnosis. Patients with pKS also have evidence of cytokine dysregulation in BAL.

Synthesis of eco-friendly multifunctional dextran microbeads for multiplexed assays.

There has been an increasing demand for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in one sample. Microbead-based platforms have been developed for multiplexed assays. However, most of the microbeads are made of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, leading to environmental and human health concerns. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly dextran microbeads as a new type of multi-analyte assay platform. Biodegradable dextran was utilized as the primary material. Highly uniform magnetic dextran microspheres were successfully synthesized using the Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. To enhance the amount of surface functional groups for ligand conjugation, we coated the dextran microbeads with a layer of dendrimers via a simple electrostatic adsorption process. Subsequently, a unique and efficient click chemistry coupling technique was developed for the fluorescence encoding of the microspheres, enabling multiplexed detection. The dextran microbeads were tested for 3-plex cytokine analysis, and exhibited excellent biocompatibility, stable coding signals, low background noise and high sensitivity.

Quantitative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and Bronchoalveolar Cytokine Concentrations Redefine the COVID-19 Phenotypes in Critically Ill Patients.

RATIONALE: Recent studies suggest that both hypo- and hyperinflammatory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) phenotypes characterize severe COVID-19-related pneumonia. The role of lung Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in contributing to these phenotypes remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To redefine COVID-19 ARDS phenotypes when considering quantitative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in the bronchoalveolar lavage of intubated patients. To compare the relevance of deep respiratory samples versus plasma in linking the immune response and the quantitative viral loads. METHODS: Eligible subjects were adults diagnosed with COVID-19 ARDS who required mechanical ventilation and underwent bronchoscopy. We recorded the immune response in the bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma and the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Hierarchical clustering on principal components was applied separately on the 2 compartments' datasets. Baseline characteristics were compared between clusters. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Twenty subjects were enrolled between August 2020 and March 2021. Subjects underwent bronchoscopy on average 3.6 days after intubation. All subjects were treated with dexamethasone prior to bronchoscopy, 11 of 20 (55.6%) received remdesivir and 1 of 20 (5%) received tocilizumab. Adding viral load information to the classic 2-cluster model of ARDS revealed a new cluster characterized by hypoinflammatory responses and high viral load in 23.1% of the cohort. Hyperinflammatory ARDS was noted in 15.4% of subjects. Bronchoalveolar lavage clusters were more stable compared to plasma. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a unique group of critically ill subjects with COVID-19 ARDS who exhibit hypoinflammatory responses but high viral loads in the lower airways. These clusters may warrant different treatment approaches to improve clinical outcomes.

Human milk oligosaccharides differentially support gut barrier integrity and enhance Th1 and Th17 cell effector responses in vitro.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) can modulate the intestinal barrier and regulate immune cells to favor the maturation of the infant intestinal tract and immune system, but the precise functions of individual HMOs are unclear. To determine the structure-dependent effects of individual HMOs (representing different structural classes) on the intestinal epithelium as well as innate and adaptive immune cells, we assessed fucosylated (2'FL and 3FL), sialylated (3'SL and 6'SL) and neutral non-fucosylated (LNT and LNT2) HMOs for their ability to support intestinal barrier integrity, to stimulate the secretion of chemokines from intestinal epithelial cells, and to modulate cytokine release from LPS-activated dendritic cells (DCs), M1 macrophages (MØs), and co-cultures with naïve CD4+ T cells. The fucosylated and neutral non-fucosylated HMOs increased barrier integrity and protected the barrier following an inflammatory insult but exerted minimal immunomodulatory activity. The sialylated HMOs enhanced the secretion of CXCL10, CCL20 and CXCL8 from intestinal epithelial cells, promoted the secretion of several cytokines (including IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-23) from LPS-activated DCs and M1 MØs, and increased the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17A from CD4+ T cells primed by LPS-activated DCs and MØs while reducing the secretion of IL-13. Thus, 3'SL and 6'SL supported Th1 and Th17 responses while reducing Th2 responses. Collectively, our data show that HMOs exert structure-dependent effects on the intestinal epithelium and possess immunomodulatory properties that confer benefits to infants and possibly also later in life.

Identification of Inflammatory Mediators in Saliva Samples From Hospitalized Newborns: Potential Biomarkers?

Saliva measurements serve as a noninvasive tool for clinically monitoring newborns (NB) and children, a vulnerable population with promising potential for both research and clinical practice. Saliva acts as a repository for various inflammatory biomarkers involved in diverse biological functions. Particularly for children, it offers numerous advantages when compared to plasma and urine sampling. Nevertheless, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding detectable levels of cytokines in the saliva of newborns and children, as well as studies aiming to assess the relationship of this content with physiological and pathological processes. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the levels of 11 inflammatory mediators (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF) in saliva samples from NB on the first and second day of hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). METHOD: Exploratory study, descriptive, nested within a primary clinical, observational, and prospective study, conducted in the NICU of a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Demographic data and vital signs were recorded in the clinical records of 90 NB, and five saliva samples from 5 NB were collected between the first and second day of life (D1-D2) at approximately 8-hr intervals (8-9 am, 4-5 pm, and 11-12 pm). Saliva samples were used for the measurement of 11 cytokines (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF). RESULTS: Five NBs participated in this exploratory study, and the vital signs showed variability from the first (D1) to the second day (D2) of hospitalization, variability similar to that of the total population of the primary study. The presence and levels of the 11 cytokines were detected in the saliva samples, as well as a statistical correlation between 10 cytokines (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF) and vital signs. CONCLUSIONS: The novelty of measuring inflammatory mediators in saliva samples from hospitalized NBs in the NICU is highlighted, providing support and new perspectives for the development of clinical and experimental research and an opportunity for developing and implementing new salivary biomarkers in different population segments.

Triple-Color FluoroSpot Analysis of Polyfunctional Antigen-Specific T Cells by Quantification of Spot-Forming Units and Relative Spot Volumes.

Switching from ELISpot to FluoroSpot enables the analysis of spot-forming units representing cells producing different cytokines as well as the frequencies of spots derived from cells co-secreting multiple cytokines. Due to the fluorescent read-out signal, sophisticated reader instruments can also measure the relative spot volume, making it possible to differentiate between spots generated by cells secreting different levels of one or more cytokines. Here we describe how triple FluoroSpot assays can be used to define polyfunctional T cells secreting multiple cytokines and how different T-cell populations can differ in the levels of cytokines they secrete.

Nasal lavage microbiome, but not nasal swab microbiome, correlates with sinonasal inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by highly viscous mucus obstructing the lower and upper airways, chronic neutrophil inflammation and infection resulting not only in lung destruction but also in paranasal sinus involvement. The pathogenesis of CF-associated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still not well understood, and it remains unclear how the microbiome in the upper airways (UAW) influences paranasal sinus inflammation. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in pediatric patients with CF under stable disease conditions, we examined the microbiome in relation to inflammation by comparing nasal swabs (NS) and nasal lavage (NL) as two UAW sampling methods. The microbiota structure of both NS and NL was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and proteases (SLPI, TIMP-1, NE/A1-AT complex) as well as neutrophil elastase activity were measured in NL. RESULTS: Simultaneous NS and NL samples were collected from 36 patients with CF (age range: 7 - 19 years). The microbiome of NS samples was shown to be significantly lower in α-diversity and evenness compared to NL samples. NS samples were particularly found to be colonized with Staphylococcus species. NL microbiome was shown to correlate much better with the sinonasal inflammation status than NS microbiome. Especially the detection of Moraxella in NL was associated with increased inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the NL microbiome reflects sinonasal inflammation better than NS and support NL as a promising tool for simultaneous assessment of the UAW microbiome and inflammation in children with CF.

Distinct patterns of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in synovial fluid after ACL injury in comparison to osteoarthritis.

This study analyzed knee synovial fluid after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and in osteoarthritis (OA) to test the hypotheses that concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors differ (a) by diagnosis and (b) after ACL tear by time from injury and presence/absence of concomitant meniscus tear. Synovial fluid samples were collected from two groups, ACL tears (with or without meniscus tear) (N = 13) and Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 OA (N = 16), undergoing clinically indicated aspiration of the knee joint. Multiple cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were assessed using a multiplexed 45-protein panel. Comparisons were made for the concentrations of all molecules between ACL tear and OA patients, isolated versus combined ACL and meniscus tears, and categorized by time from injury: acute or early subacute (<15 days, N = 8) versus late subacute or chronic (>15 days and <3 months, N = 5). ACL tear patients have higher levels of six molecules (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, PlGF-1, bNGF, TNF-α) in knee synovial fluid compared to OA patients. Isolated ACL tears express higher levels of IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ and lower levels of IL-7 than ACL tears with a concomitant meniscus tear. SDF-1α, PlGF-1, IL-1RA, HGF, bNGF, and BDNF levels are elevated immediately after injury and drop off significantly in the late subacute phase (after 15 days). Synovial fluid from knees with ACL tears have elevated metabolic activity compared to knees with OA. The cytokine profiles after ACL tears are influenced by the time from injury and the presence of meniscus tears. These findings offer valuable insights into the levels of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in the knee after ACL injury, information which may have important implications for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this common pathology.

Systemic and local responses of cytokines and tissue histology following intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge in dairy cows.

During bovine mastitis, immune responses include the release of cytokines and the recruitment of leukocytes, resulting in profound structural and functional changes in the mammary gland. Our aims were to delineate systemic and local cytokine responses and to quantify histological changes in the mammary tissue of lactating cows after acute intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Ten multiparous dairy cows were paired to either treatment (TRT) or control (CON) groups. For TRT cows, one side of the udder was randomly assigned to receive treatment with LPS (50 µg in 10 mL of saline, TL) into both the front and rear quarters; the contralateral quarters received saline (10 mL). Udder-halves of CON cows were similarly assigned randomly to receive either saline (10 mL, CS) or no infusion (untreated). Temporal changes in the concentrations of 15 cytokines in the blood (0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h relative to the LPS infusion) and in mammary tissue (0, 3, and 12 h) were determined, as were concomitant changes in mammary histology. The cytokines IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1ß showed a systemic response as their concentrations were significantly different in the plasma of TRT cows as compared with CON cows after LPS challenge. The cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-36RA, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, TNF-α, and VEGF-A showed a local response in TL glands, and 8 cytokines, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-36RA, IP-10, MIP-1ß, and VEGF-A showed systemic changes in the nonchallenged mammary glands adjacent to LPS-infused glands. Endotoxin challenge evoked changes in the histology of mammary tissue that included a 5.2- and 7.2-fold increases in the number of neutrophils in alveolar lumens at 3 h and 12 h, respectively. In summary, LPS challenge induced specific local and systemic responses in cytokine induction and elicited neutrophil infiltration in bovine mammary tissue.

Salivary inflammatory burden in pre- and postmenopausal women: Associations with body mass index, patient-reported health, serum cytokines, and periodontal parameters.

BACKGROUND: The decline of estrogen levels during menopause impacts weight, mood, and overall health, both orally and systemically. This study assessed salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-7 in postmenopausal (PMW) and regularly menstruating premenopausal (RMPW) women, while considering serum cytokine levels, body mass index (BMI), periodontal health, and self-reported physical and emotional well-being. METHODS: In this study, 75 PMW and 71 RMPW were included. Clinical and periodontal parameters were evaluated, and perceived health was assessed with the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ). Cytokine levels in both saliva and serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Covariate evaluations of salivary cytokines were conducted using hierarchical linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Cytokines were detectable in saliva from 71 PMW and 67 RMPW. In the initial unadjusted model, IL-7, IL-10, and TNF-α exibited significant differences between RMPW and PMW. However, these differences became non-significant (p > 0.05) in the final model after adjusting for age, which implies a negligible effect of the investigated covariates on salivary cytokine levels when age was considered. Lower levels of IL-6 in PMW, which initially showed no significant difference, became borderline (p = 0.054) in the final model after adjusting for age. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for multiple factors, no significant difference was found in the salivary levels of the investigated cytokines between RMPW and PMW. Factors such as BMI, perceived health, serum cytokine levels, and periodontal parameters seem to minimally influence these levels in PMW. However, age may be a stronger confounding factor.