RESUMEN
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon with idiopathic origin. Melinjo endosperm extract (MeE) contains polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidative and anticancer properties. We examined the effect of MeE on inflammation and mucin expression in the colons of UC of mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). C57BL/6J male mice were assigned into four categories: control, DSS + 0% MeE, DSS + 0.1% MeE, and DSS + 0.5% MeE. The control group was provided distilled water and a standard chow diet for 4 weeks. In DSS + 0% MeE, DSS + 0.1% MeE, and DSS + 0.5% MeE groups, the mice were treated with MeE for 3 weeks followed by MeE diets and drinking water containing 3% DSS for a week. Macrophage count, the mucus area stained by Alcian blue (AB), the levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) p65, and silent information regulator (Sirt) 1 protein expression, as well as proinflammatory mediators and Mucin 2 mRNA expression were assessed. In the DSS + 0% MeE group, the AB-stained areas and Mucin 2 mRNA expression levels were observed to be lower than those of controls. However, the levels in the +0.5% MeE group were significantly increased. Compared with the control group, the macrophage number, the expression of IL-1ß mRNA, and NFκB p65 protein in the DSS + 0% MeE group showed a significant increase. Conversely, these levels were significantly decreased in the +0.5% MeE group. The phosphorylated AMPK and Sirt1 protein levels were upregulated in the +0.5% MeE group. In conclusion, MeE may alleviate UC injury by reducing macrophage infiltration and regulating the AMPK/NFκB/Sirt1 pathway.
RESUMEN
This study aims to elucidate the effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We enrolled uninfected SLE patients who received two vaccine doses (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) and historical unvaccinated patients. Neutralizing antibodies, adverse reactions, and disease flares were evaluated 4 weeks after the second vaccination. Ninety patients were enrolled in each group. Among the vaccinated patients, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and prednisolone doses before vaccination were 2, and 5 mg/d, respectively. After the second vaccination, 19 (21.1%) had no neutralizing antibodies. Adverse reactions occurred in 88.9% within 3 d. Negative antibodies were associated with anemia and mycophenolate mofetil administration. SLEDAI increased modestly but significantly after vaccination, with 13 (14.4%) experiencing flares and 4 (4.4%) severe flares (nephritis in three and vasculitis in one). The flare rate was higher in vaccinated patients than unvaccinated controls. The mean duration between the second vaccination and flares was 35 d, and flares occurred at least 8 days after vaccination. Multivariable analysis showed that high SLEDAI and anti-dsDNA antibodies were associated with flares. The vaccine type, neutralizing antibody titer, and adverse reaction frequency did not affect flares. Therefore, residual disease activity before vaccination increases flare risk.
