Changes in the superoxide dismutase activity during stimulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes of peripheral blood

The functional activity of the peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) was investigated by using the method of latex-stimulated luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). The CL-intensity of PML taken from patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) was found to be 20 times higher than that of normal individuals (NI). The change in activity of endogenous antioxidative enzyme systems may account for alteration of PML CL-parameters. It was established that the initial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of unstimulated PML from patients with MI exceeds that of NI, and that rapid increase in intercellular SOD activity (within 30 sec.) occurs in the process of PML stimulation. It was suggested that the change of SOD activity during PML stimulation was the result in the enzyme partial proteolysis in the cells. The positive correlation between initial level of SOD activity and CL-intensity of PML was observed. The investigation of the above parameters in MI dynamic showed a gradual normalization of PML CL-response and insignificant decrease in intracellular SOD activity in case of a favourable cause of the disease. Increased SOD activity in PMLs may be one of the factors contributing to a decrease in PML functional activity in the disease dynamic.     

Immunostimulant preparation made from the antigens of opportunistic microorganisms in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases

The results of the trial of an immunostimulating preparation, consisting of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus antigenic complexes, on 20 patients with acute pulmonary abscess and bronchiectasis are presented. The preparation was introduced subcutaneously in 5 injections. The preparation was found to have low reactogenicity, and in the course of immunotherapy the manifestations of systemic and local reactions became considerably less pronounced. Immunotherapy produced a good curative effect, objectively manifested by a decrease in coughing and in the amount of sputum gradually changing its character. After the fourth and fifth injections the patients no longer ejected purulent sputum. Fluoroscopic examination revealed a considerable decrease in the size of the pathological focus. The preparation stimulated immunological reactions, and immunization resulted in a considerable increase in the titer of antibodies to all components of the combined preparation, as well as in an increase in the number of functionally active T-lymphocytes, in the blood of the patients.     

Field trials with an oral cell-free vaccine made from Shigella flexneri

The data on the study of the reactogenicity, safety and prophylactic potency of a new acellular vaccine prepared from S. flexneri 2a antigenic complexes are presented. According to the results of two epidemic experiments, the vaccine, introduced by oral administration, showed low reactogenicity, safety and sufficient prophylactic potency. The vaccine decreased morbidity rate in dysentery caused by S. flexneri 2a and ensured the protection of 74% (72-80%) of the vaccinees. The complete course of immunization consisting of three administrations followed by the booster administration induces the formation of specific immunity whose duration is sufficient for ensuring the protection of immunized persons during the epidemiologically unfavorable period (for at least 3 months).     

Croatian barberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Berberis croatica</Emphasis> Horvat): a new source of berberine—analysis and antimicrobial activity

By using HPLC/UV–VIS, Croatian barberry (Berberis croatica Horvat) was found to be a new source of the bioactive alkaloid berberine. Comparison of berberine content in roots, leaves, and twigs between wild specimens of B. croatica and B. vulgaris collected in Croatia showed that the roots of both species contained the highest berberine content (B. croatica 1.120–1.217%; B. vulgaris 0.805–1.424%), followed by twigs (B. croatica 0.049–0.216%; B. vulgaris 0.077–0.112%). While the berberine content in the leaves of both species was very low (between 0.002% and 0.044%), they were found to be rich in phenols and flavonols. The Student’s t-test showed a significant difference at P < 0.05 for phenol and flavonol content in the plant organs, both between species and within species. Leaf samples were most variable, while root samples were the least. Extracts from the roots of both barberry species expressed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis NCTC 8236, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 10535, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts was species-dependent. Root extracts of both species also showed lower MIC values than other extracts (MIC ≤ 87.5 mg/ml).