Impact of Vitamin C on Gene Expression Profile of Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Male Partners of Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Immune system disorders and increased inflammation in the male reproductive system can lead to fetal risk in the early stages of development and implantation. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can play a protective role against sperm inflammatory reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C on the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in the male partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. In this randomized clinical trial, twenty male partners of couples with RPL were examined for sperm parameters and expression profile of some inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes before and after treatment with vitamin C. There was a statistically significant higher rate of normal morphology and sperm concentration in each patient before and after treatment with vitamin C (p ≤ 0.05). The mRNA levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly decreased in the sperm of patients after treatment with vitamin C compared to before treatment. In contrast, the gene expression levels of interleukin 4 and transforming growth factor-beta showed a significant increase in the sperm of patients after treatment with vitamin C. Oral daily administration of vitamin C may be effective in the fertility potential of male partners of couples with RPL not only through the improvement of the sperm parameters but also by modulating the expression profile of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. Further studies on protein levels are needed to clarify the role of TNF-⍺ and IFN-γ as a prognostic value in evaluating the recurrent abortion risk in infertile male partners. This trial is registered with IRCT20180312039059N1.

Immunopathogenesis of endometriosis: An overview of the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and their mediators.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the growth and proliferation of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus. Although the exact etiology and mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease have not been fully elucidated, the immune system cells and the mediators produced by them can be named as effective factors in the onset and progression of the disease. AIMS: We aim to attempt to review studies on the role of the immune system in endometriosis to better understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis. CONTENT: Abundant production of inflammatory mediators by neutrophils and macrophages and reduced cytotoxicity of defined cells promote endometriosis at the early stages of the disease. Following an increase in the inflammation of the environment, the body takes compensatory mechanisms to reduce inflammation and establish homeostasis. For this purpose, the body produces remodeling and anti-inflammatory factors leading to slow conversion of the inflammatory environment into a non-inflammatory environment with proliferative and immunosuppressive properties. Environmental conditions induce M2 macrophages, TH2 cells, and Tregs differentiation, promoting disease progression by producing angiogenic and immunosuppressive factors. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in changing inflammatory to non-inflammatory conditions is not yet fully understood. IMPLICATIONS: Due to the common characteristics of endometriotic cells and cancer cells, most potential treatment options for endometriosis have been suggested due to the results of these methods in the treatment of cancer. In this pathway, immune system cells and soluble mediators can be used as targets.

Modulatory Effect of Probiotics on Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Acrylamide-Treated Rats.

The aims of this study are to investigate the effect of acrylamide on the level of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood of acrylamide-treated rats and to find the modulatory impact of probiotics on those cytokines. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: rats which received 20 mg acrylamide, acrylamide with 20 mg probiotics, acrylamide with 200 mg probiotics, and standard water and food (groups 1-4, respectively). The serum levels of cytokines were measured on days 0, 15, and 30. Group 1 showed an increased serum level of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α after 15 days, and they decreased in day 30. Serum IL-6 level was significantly decreased on days 15 and 30 in rats in group 2 compared to the controls. TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were not statistically different after treated with probiotics. The exposure of rats to acrylamide led to increased systemic inflammation as evidenced by higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and probiotics can modulate this inflammation.

Comparison of Immune Response between SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 Infection, Perspective on Vaccine Design and Development.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are the three epidemiological diseases caused by the Coronaviridae family. Perceiving the immune responses in these infections and the escape of viruses could help us design drugs and vaccines for confronting these infections. This review investigates the innate and adaptive immune responses reported in the infections of the three coronaviruses SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. Moreover, the present study can trigger researchers to design and develop new vaccines and drugs based on immune system responses. In conclusion, due to the need for an effective and efficient immune stimulation against coronavirus, a combination of several strategies seems necessary for developing the vaccine.

Preimplantation Factor (PIF): a peptide with various functions.

Preimplantation Factor (PIF) is a novel fifteen amino acid linear peptide (MVRIKPGSANKPSDD), which has different biological functions in mammalian species e.g. its role in neuron restoration, pregnancy and related disorders, and also in autoimmune diseases. Since all clinical studies have shown that PIF has both local and systemic effects, it can be considered as an integrated therapy for the treatment of inflammation conditions, along with the prevention of advanced disease. The synthetic PIF (sPIF) analog is a good representative of native PIF action, and it regulates peripheral immune cells to achieve endurance without immune suppression - an effective agent in nonpregnant autoimmune models. This study provides information, from evidence-based studies so far about PIF's different functional aspects.