Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy with Monomeric Allergoid in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread and difficult to treat allergic skin disease and is a tough challenge for healthcare. In this study, we investigated whether allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with a monomeric allergoid obtained by succinylation of ovalbumin (sOVA) is effective in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. An experimental model of AD was reproduced by epicutaneous sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). ASIT was performed with subcutaneous (SC) administration of increasing doses of OVA or sOVA. The levels of anti-OVA antibodies, as well as cytokines, were detected by ELISA. Skin samples from patch areas were taken for histologic examination. ASIT with either OVA or sOVA resulted in a reduction of both the anti-OVA IgE level and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio. Moreover, ASIT with sOVA increased the IFN-γ level in supernatants after splenocyte stimulation with OVA. Histologic analysis of skin samples from the sites of allergen application showed that ASIT improved the histologic picture by decreasing allergic inflammation in comparison with untreated mice. These data suggest that ASIT with a succinylated allergen represents promising approach for the treatment of AD.     

Chemistry of medicinal plants (review)]

Data on the chemical composition related to synthesis of physiologically active substances (alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, etc.), and accumulation of individual elements or groups of five to ten elements (e.g., Cr, Co, Mn, and Zn) in medicinal plants were reviewed. Chemical features of medicinal plants serve as an integral determinant of their species specificity and pharmacological properties and enabling their wide use in medical practice. The relationship between the synthesis of physiologically active substances and accumulation of elements is mediated by several levels of molecular regulation.     

Role of elements and physiologically active compounds in the regulation of synthesis and accumulation of indole alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus L

Effects of various elements (Co, Ni, Zn, W, Mn, Cr, B, Mo, Fe, and V), natural and synthetic auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellin on biosynthesis and accumulation of indole alkaloids was studied at increasing concentrations in the model system of Madagascar periwinkle seedlings (Catharanthus roseus L.). The main types of concentration dependences for the effect of physiologically active compounds under study were evaluated. A possible mechanism of the influence of Zn and auxin on this process was partly clarified. The compounds were shown to modulate various stages in the biosynthesis of monomeric indole alkaloids (catharanthine and vindoline).     

Regulatory role of elements in the formation and accumulation of alkaloids in Papaver somniferum L. seedlings

The effects of 12 elements on the formation and accumulation of isoquinolines were studied in opium poppy seedlings (Papaver somniferum L.). Three types of concentration dependences of the effects of the elements under study were determined. The elements served as activators (Co, Mo, W, Cr, and Cu) or inhibitors of these processes (B, Fe, V, Mn, and Ca). The molecular mechanisms of action of these regulators are discussed. The optimum concentrations of Co and Mo were tested under combined treatment conditions with these elements.     

Genetic aspects of the interrelation between alkaloids and chemical elements in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atropa belladonna</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glaucium flavum</Emphasis> Crantz. Plants

The variability of the contents of tropane and isoquinoline alkaloids, ashes, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Cr, Al, Ba, V, Ni, Sr, Cd, Pb, J, and Ag was studied in individual plants of the industrial population of belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.) and yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum Crantz.). Numerous linear and nonlinear correlations of isoquinoline and tropane alkaloids with ashes and mineral elements were revealed by means of correlation and regression analyses. Alkaline earth elements (especially Sr and Ba) were shown to have a major role in the regulation of tropane alkaloid accumulation in belladonna leaves. K and Ni were of particular importance in the aerial part of yellow horned poppy. These elements at the suboptimal concentrations were most favorable for isoquinoline alkaloid accumulation in yellow horned poppy. Analytical mathematical models were derived for the regulation of alkaloid metabolism in test plants by some mineral elements (Ba, Mg, Al, Sr, Ni, Mn, and K). Our results indicate that the interrelation between alkaloids and elements in these plants is genetically determined.     

Regulatory role of elements in the formation and accumulation of alkaloids in Papaver somniferum L. seedlings

The effects of 12 elements on the formation and accumulation of isoquinolines were studied in opium poppy seedlings (Papaver somniferum L.). Three types of concentration dependences of the effects of the elements under study were determined. The elements served as activators (Co, Mo, W, Cr, and Cu) or inhibitors of these processes (B, Fe, V, Mn, and Ca). The molecular mechanisms of action of these regulators are discussed. The optimum concentrations of Co and Mo were tested under combined treatment conditions with these elements.     

Genetic aspects of the interrelation between alkaloids and chemical elements in Atropa belladonna L. and Glaucium flavum Grantz. plants

The variability of the contents of tropane and isoquinoline alkaloids, ashes, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Cr, Al, Ba, V, Ni, Sr, Cd, Pb, J, and Ag was studied in individual plants of the industrial population of belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.) and yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum Crantz.). Numerous linear and nonlinear correlations of isoquinoline and tropane alkaloids with ashes and mineral elements were revealed by means of correlation and regression analyses. Alkaline earth elements (especially Sr and Ba) were shown to have a major role in the regulation of tropane alkaloid accumulation in belladonna leaves. K and Ni were of particular importance in the aerial part of yellow horned poppy. These elements at the suboptimal concentrations were most favorable for isoquinoline alkaloid accumulation in yellow horned poppy. Analytical mathematical models were derived for the regulation of alkaloid metabolism in test plants by some mineral elements (Ba, Mg, Al, Sr, Ni, Mn, and K). Our results indicate that the interrelation between alkaloids and elements in these plants is genetically determined.     

Evaluation of correlation between the content of alkaloids and chemical elements in Washington lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.) besed on statistical analysis and mathematical simulation

A considerable number of linear and nonlinear correlations between concentrations of quinolizidine alkaloids and concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Ba, Zn, Cu, Ni, and V were found in lupin seeds and leaves by using methods of correlation and regression analysis. Mathematical models of regulation of alkaloid metabolism by these chemical elements were constructed. The models of regulation were considered separately for individual plant organs.