Analysis of CD95 and CCR7 expression on circulating CD4+ lymphocytes revealed disparate immunoregulatory potentials in systemic lupus erythematosus

Emerging data have implicated a critical role for CD4 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was designed to delineate the contribution of CD4⁺ T cells in the pathogenesis of SLE disease. Forty-four patients (3 male: 41 female) and 20 healthy volunteers (4 male: 16 female) were included in the study. CD4⁺ lymphocytes analysis was done using three-color flow cytometry with antibodies against human-CD95, a prototype cell death receptor, and the chemokine receptor-7 (CCR7) after gating for lymphocytes based on the forward and side scatter. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines were assayed using ELISA. Disease activity was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Based on the expression of CCR7 and CD95, CD4⁺ lymphocytes were subdivided into three particular subsets; CD4⁺CD95⁺CCR7⁺ cells, CD4⁺CD95⁻CCR7⁺ cells and CD4⁺CD95⁺CCR7⁻ cells. Percentage of CD4⁺CD95⁺CCR7⁺ cell subset was significantly higher in patients with SLE with active disease (SLEDAI > 6) and inactive (SLEDAI < 6) as compared with controls (P = 0.005), and it showed a significant positive correlation with ANA titer (P = 0.01), and a negative correlation with WBCs count (P = 0.001). CD4⁺CD95⁺CCR7⁻ cell subset was significantly higher in active SLE patients in comparison to patients with inactive disease and controls (P = 0.05, P = 0.005 respectively), and it correlates positively with SLEDAI, IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P = 0.001, 0.05, 0.01 respectively), and negatively with blood WBCs counts (P = 0.001). The third CD4⁺CD95⁻CCR7⁺cell subset was found significantly lower in SLE patients compared with controls, and it was found negatively correlated with IL-10, IL-6, and IL-17. The results show that CD4⁺CD95⁺subset lacking expression of CCR7 is associated with cell mediated inflammatory response as manifested by its correlation with signs of inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and disease activity index. Whereas, CD4⁺CD95⁺CCR7⁺ correlate more with antibody immune responses as manifested by association with serum ANA. These data suggest disparate roles of these cell subsets in the pathophysiology of SLE. A better understanding of the characteristics of CD4 cell subsets may shed light on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, particularly SLE.     

Leishmania mexicana: participation of NF-kappaB in the differential production of IL-12 in dendritic cells and monocytes induced by lipophosphoglycan (LPG)

Dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages (Mφ) are well known as important effectors of the innate immune system and their ability to produce IL-12 indicates that they possess the potential of directing acquired immunity toward a Th1-biased response. Interestingly, the intracellular parasite Leishmania has been shown to selectively suppress Mφ IL-12 production and are DC the principal source of this cytokine. The molecular details of this phenomenon remain enigmatic. In the present study we examined the effect of Leishmania mexicana lipophosphoglycan (LPG) on the production of IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. The results show that LPG induced more IL-12 in human DC than in monocytes. This difference was due in part to nuclear translocation of NF-κB, since LPG induced more translocation in DC than in monocytes. These results suggest that Leishmania LPG impairs nuclear translocation of NF-κB in monocytes with the subsequent decrease in IL-12 production.     

Molecular phylogenetic study of flavonoids in medicinal plants: a case study family Apiaceae

Journal of Plant Research - The current study examined the phylogenetic pattern of medicinal species of the family Apiaceae based on flavonoid groups production, as well as the overall mechanism of...     

Attitudes to genetic testing in families with multiple cases of bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses interest in genetic testing for gene variations associated with bipolar disorder and associated information needs. METHODS: Two hundred individuals (95 unaffected and 105 affected with either bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder--manic type, or recurrent major depression) from families with multiple cases of bipolar disorder were assessed, using mailed, self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The percentage of participants reporting interest in genetic testing was associated with the degree of certainty with which any test would indicate the development of bipolar disorder. Interest in genetic testing, given a 25% lifetime risk scenario, was lowest (with 77% of participants indicating interest), and highest for the 100% lifetime risk scenario (92%). Eighty percent of participants indicated interest in genetic testing of their own children; of these 30% reported wanting their children tested at birth, and 33% in early childhood. Forty-one percent of participants reported that they would be interested in preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and 54% in prenatal testing. LIMITATIONS: The possibility of ascertainment bias cannot be ruled out. Interest in hypothetical genetic testing for bipolar disorder may not necessarily translate into actual utilization. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that uptake of genetic testing for genotyping for low-risk alleles related to bipolar disorder is likely to be lower than for testing for high-penetrance gene mutations that follow Mendelian inheritance. The discrepancy between the desired age of testing children and the accepted current practice may be a source of distress and conflict for parents and health professionals alike.     

Potential Zoonotic Trematodes Recovered in Stray Cats from Kuwait Municipality,Kuwait

Stray cats are a common feature roaming the streets and alleys of Kuwait; they could be a source of parasites, including trematodes, that affect humans. A survey was conducted to identify feline trematodes and throw the light on their public health significance in Kuwait. Out of 240 stray cats trapped from different localities of Kuwait from June 2011 to May 2012, 59 (24.6%) were found to be infected with 14 species of trematodes. The most common were trematodes of the genus Heterophyes, particularly H. heterophyes and H. dispar that were found in respectively 15.8% and 10.8% of the cats examined. Other trematodes recorded, with lower prevalences, were Heterophyes nocens (2.9%), Haplorchis taichui (3.8%), Stictodora sawakinensis (2.1%), Stellantchasmus falcatus (1.6%), Echinochasmus japonicus (1.6%), and Mesostephanus dottrensi (1.3%). Centrocestus cuspidatus, Galactosomum fregatae, Ascocotyle sp., Mesostephanus appendiculatus, Haplorchis yokogawai, and Pygidiopsis genata showed the lowest prevalence (0.4%) and intensity. The majority of the trematodes are recorded for the first time in Kuwait and even in the Gulf region. The study reveals that stray cats are good indicators of fish-borne trematodes in the environment. As all trematodes recovered are zoonotic, their significance to public health should be considred.     

A Convenient Trip: an Analysis of the Impact of Hitchhiker Ants on Forager Transport Rates

During foraging, leaf-cutting ant workers of different size classes perform various tasks along foraging trails. Commonly, small workers called hitchhikers climb on leaf fragments imposing an extra transport cost, so their presence is thought to reduce the individual foraging performance. There are four main hypotheses which may explain the occurrence of hitchhikers and a different behavioral act related to their role can be predicted for each. Hitchhiker behavior was observed considering these hypotheses and the effect of the hitchhikers on the walking speed and transport rate of foragers was evaluated. The behavioral registers were obtained from 1371 hitchhikers on foraging trails of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus nests in the field. To verify the influence of hitchhikers on walking speed and transport rate, 239 foragers with hitchhikers and 250 foragers transporting only leaf fragments were analyzed. The walking speed, burden and transport rate of each forager were calculated. Data indicated not only that hitchhikers are vigilant but that they remain motionless on the leaf fragment probably in order to reduce the impact of their presence for the loaded forager. The impact of their presence is verified through walking speed reduction but as they ride preferentially on larger workers who transport larger leaf fragments, there are no losses in the individual transport rate. The transporter selection made by the hitchhiker ensures at the same time enhanced protection against phorid parasitoids and the maintenance of the leaf transport rate.     

Electron microscope studies on the intermediate lobe of the embryonic mouse

The development of the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis was studied in the embryonic C3H mouse; at least four glands from embryos of every gestational day from 15 to 19 were examined. In the 16 day-old embryo prospective secretory cells proliferate at the centre of the intermediate lobe anlage. At the same stage cylindrical cells bordering the hypophyseal cleft begin to reorganize into marginal cells. By the end of fetal life marginal cells are well differentiated. In the 17 day-old embryo a few granular inclusions appear in some centrally located cells. Secretory cells increase in number during the following two embryonic days. Some of these cells contain polymorphic populations of granular and vesicular inclusions by gestational day 19. The possibility of a dual formation of secretory inclusions is discussed. The result implies that the onset of granule-formation by these cells is not contemporaneous with the start of production of melanophore-expanding substances, the presence of which has been detected by earlier biological assays.