The Effect of Salvia tomentosa Miller Extracts, Rich in Rosmarinic, Salvianolic and Lithospermic Acids, on Bacteria Causing Opportunistic Infections.

Methanolic-aqueous extracts of Salvia tomentosa Miller roots, aerial parts, and inflorescences were examined for their content of polyphenolic derivatives and the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect. In the polyphenolic-rich profile, rosmarinic, salvianolic, and lithospermic acids along with various derivatives were predominant. A total of twenty phenolic compounds were identified using the UPLC/DAD/qTOF-MS technique. These were caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid derivatives, lithospermic acid derivatives, salvianolic acids B, F, and K derivatives, as well as sagerinic acid, although rosmarinic acid (426-525 mg/100 g of dry weight-D.W.) and salvianolic acid B (83-346.5 mg/100 g D.W.) were significantly predominant in the metabolic profile. Strong antibacterial activity of S. tomentosa extracts was observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC/MBC = 0.625 mg/mL) and Bacillus cereus (MIC = 0.312-1.25 mg/mL). The extracts showed low cytotoxicity towards the reference murine fibroblasts L929 and strong cytotoxicity to human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cells in the MTT reduction assay. The observed cytotoxic effect in cancer cells was strongest for the roots of 2-year-old plant extracts.

In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility of Natural and Synthetic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pyomelanin for Potential Biomedical Applications.

Bacteria are the source of many bioactive compounds, including polymers with various physiological functions and the potential for medical applications. Pyomelanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nonfermenting Gram-negative bacterium, is a black-brown negatively charged extracellular polymer of homogentisic acid produced during L-tyrosine catabolism. Due to its chemical properties and the presence of active functional groups, pyomelanin is a candidate for the development of new antioxidant, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory formulations. This work aimed to obtain bacterial water-soluble (Pyosol), water-insoluble (Pyoinsol) and synthetic (sPyo) pyomelanin variants and characterize their chemical structure, thermosensitivity and biosafety in vitro and in vivo (Galleria mallonella). FTIR analysis showed that aromatic ring connections in the polymer chains were dominant in Pyosol and sPyo, whereas Pyoinsol had fewer Car-Car links between rings. The differences in chemical structure influence the solubility of various forms of pyomelanins, their thermal stability and biological activity. Pyosol and Pyoinsol showed higher biological safety than sPyo. The obtained results qualify Pyosol and Pyoinsol for evaluation of their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and proregenerative activities.

Can Pyomelanin Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Promote the Regeneration of Gastric Epithelial Cells and Enhance Helicobacter pylori Phagocytosis?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Successful colonization of the stomach by H. pylori is related to the complex interactions of these bacteria and its components with host cells. The growing antibiotic resistance of H. pylori and various mechanisms of evading the immune response have forced the search for new biologically active substances that exhibit antibacterial properties and limit the harmful effects of these bacteria on gastric epithelial cells and immune cells. In this study, the usefulness of pyomelanin (PyoM) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa for inhibiting the metabolic activity of H. pylori was evaluated using the resazurin reduction assay, as well as in vitro cell studies used to verify the cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative effects of PyoM in the H. pylori LPS environment. We have shown that both water-soluble (PyoMsol) and water-insoluble (PyoMinsol) PyoM exhibit similar antibacterial properties against selected reference and clinical strains of H. pylori. This study showed that PyoM at a 1 µg/mL concentration reduced H. pylori-driven apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in fibroblasts, monocytes or gastric epithelial cells. In addition, PyoM enhanced the phagocytosis of H. pylori. PyoMsol showed better pro-regenerative and immunomodulatory activities than PyoMinsol.

Accumulation of Deleterious Effects in Gastric Epithelial Cells and Vascular Endothelial Cells In Vitro in the Milieu of Helicobacter pylori Components, 7-Ketocholesterol and Acetylsalicylic Acid.

The Gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori (HP) may influence the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). H. pylori induce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which transform cholesterol to 7-ketocholesterol (7-kCh), a CHD risk factor. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-an Anti-aggregation drug used in CHD patients-may increase gastric bleeding and inflammation. We examined whether H. pylori driven ROS effects in the cell cultures of gastric epithelial cells (AGS) and vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) progress in the milieu of 7-kCh and ASA. Cell cultures, exposed to 7-kCh or ASA alone or pulsed with the H. pylori antigenic complex-Glycine acid extract (GE), urease (UreA), cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) protein or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), alone or with 7-kCh and ASA-were examined for ROS, apoptosis, cell integrity, interleukin (IL)-8, the activation of signal transducer, the activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and wound healing. ASA and 7-kCh alone, and particularly in conjunction with H. pylori components, increased the ROS level and the rate of apoptosis, which was followed by cell disintegration, the activation of STAT3, and IL-8 elevation. AGS cells were unable to undergo wound healing. The cell ROS response to H. pylori components may be elevated by 7-kCh and ASA.

The Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potential of Phenolic Acids-Enriched Extract of Elicited Hairy Roots of Salvia bulleyana.

Hairy root cultures are valuable sources of a range of phytochemicals. Among them, Salvia bulleyana root culture is a promising source of polyphenols, especially rosmarinic acid (RA), a phenolic acid depside with pleiotropic activity and a wide application in medicine and cosmetology. The aim of the study was to enhance the culture productivity by finding suitable elicitation protocol and to determine its biological potential in terms of antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The total content of phenols and the levels of particular constituents in root extracts were analyzed using HPLC-PDA. Among four elicitors tested (yeast extract; methyl jasmonate, MJA; trans-anethol; and cadmium chloride), MJA was found to be the most effective. The greatest boost in phenolic production (up to 124.4 mg/g dry weight) was observed after three-day treatment with MJA at 100 µM, with an almost 100% improvement compared to the controls (non-treated root culture). The hydromethanolic extract from the elicited culture exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 11.1 µg/mL, 6.5 µg/mL and 69.5 µg/mL for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and superoxide anion radical, respectively. Moreover, in concentrations of 0.5-5 mg/mL the extract inhibited the growth of LoVo, AGS and HeLa cell lines, but was safe for the L929 cells up to the concentration of 5 mg/mL. The extract also exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity. Thus, the results confirmed that elicitation can be a beneficial strategy for increase the phenolic acid biosynthesis in hairy roots of S. bulleyana, and that such a highly productive culture can show significant biological potential.

Helicobacter pylori Infection Acts Synergistically with a High-Fat Diet in the Development of a Proinflammatory and Potentially Proatherogenic Endothelial Cell Environment in an Experimental Model.

Classic atherosclerosis risk factors do not explain all cases of chronic heart disease. There is significant evidence that gut microbiota may influence the development of atherosclerosis. The widespread prevalence of chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, HP) infections suggests that HP can be the source of components that stimulate local and systemic inflammatory responses. Elevated production of reactive oxygen species during HP infection leads to cholesterol oxidation, which drives atherogenesis. The aim of this study is to explore the link between persistent HP infection and a high-fat diet in the development of proinflammatory conditions that are potentially proatherogenic. An in vivo model of Caviae porcellus infected with HP and exposed to an experimental diet was investigated for the occurrence of a proinflammatory and proatherogenic endothelial environment. Vascular endothelial primary cells exposed to HP components were tested in vitro for oxidative stress, cell activation and apoptosis. The infiltration of inflammatory cells into the vascular endothelium of animals infected with HP and exposed to a high-fat diet was observed in conjunction with an increased level of inflammatory markers systemically. The arteries of such animals were the least elastic, suggesting the role of HP in arterial stiffness. Soluble HP components induced transformation of macrophages to foam cells in vitro and influenced the endothelial life span, which was correlated with Collagen I upregulation. These preliminary results support the hypothesis that HP antigens act synergistically with a high-fat diet in the development of proatherogenic conditions.

Influence of Agronomic Practice on Total Phenols, Carotenoids, Chlorophylls Content, and Biological Activities in Dry Herbs Water Macerates.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) have long been known for their organoleptic properties. Both plants are widely used in cuisine worldwide in fresh and dried form and as a pharmaceutical raw material. The study aimed to assess if the type of cultivation influenced chosen chemical parameters (total polyphenols by Folin-Ciocalteu method; carotenoids and chlorophyll content by Lichtenthaler method), antimicrobial activity (with chosen reference microbial strains) and shaped cytotoxicity (with L929 mouse fibroblasts cell line) in water macerates of dry oregano and thyme. Polyphenols content and antimicrobial activity were higher in water macerates obtained from conventional cultivation (independently from herb species), unlike the pigments in a higher amount in macerates from organic herbs cultivation. Among all tested macerates stronger antimicrobial properties (effective in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella enteritidis) and higher cytotoxicity (abilities to diminish the growth of L929 fibroblasts cytotoxicity) characterized the conventionally cultivated thyme macerate.

Genetic Polymorphisms in Inflammatory and Other Regulators in Gastric Cancer: Risks and Clinical Consequences.

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with the development of a chronic inflammatory response, which may induce peptic ulcers, gastric cancer (GC), and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Chronic H. pylori infection promotes the genetic instability of gastric epithelial cells and interferes with the DNA repair systems in host cells. Colonization of the stomach with H. pylori is an important cause of non-cardia GC and gastric MALT lymphoma. The reduction of GC development in patients who underwent anti-H. pylori eradication schemes has also been well described. Individual susceptibility to GC development depends on the host's genetic predisposition, H. pylori virulence factors, environmental conditions, and geographical determinants. Biological determinants are urgently sought to predict the clinical course of infection in individuals with confirmed H. pylori infection. Possible candidates for such biomarkers include genetic aberrations such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in various cytokines/growth factors (e.g., IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A/B, IFN-γ, TNF, TGF-ß) and their receptors (IL-RN, TGFR), innate immunity receptors (TLR2, TLR4, CD14, NOD1, NOD2), enzymes involved in signal transduction cascades (PLCE1, PKLR, PRKAA1) as well as glycoproteins (MUC1, PSCA), and DNA repair enzymes (ERCC2, XRCC1, XRCC3). Bacterial determinants related to GC development include infection with CagA-positive (particularly with a high number of EPIYA-C phosphorylation motifs) and VacA-positive isolates (in particular s1/m1 allele strains). The combined genotyping of bacterial and host determinants suggests that the accumulation of polymorphisms favoring host and bacterial features increases the risk for precancerous and cancerous lesions in patients.

Proregenerative Activity of IL-33 in Gastric Tissue Cells Undergoing Helicobacter Pylori-Induced Apoptosis.

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a proinflammatory mediator that alerts the host immune system to disorders in tissue homeostasis. Aim. To understand the role of IL-33 in modulating gastric tissue cell growth affected by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Methods. IL-33 production in guinea pigs (Caviae porcellus) experimentally infected with H. pylori was evaluated by ELISA or immunohistochemical staining. The proregenerative activity of IL-33 was evaluated using gastric epithelial cells and fibroblasts that were naive or transfected with IL-33 siRNA exposed to H. pylori glycine acid extract antigenic complex (GE), as well as by measuring cell migration, proliferation, metabolic activity and apoptosis. Animals infected by H. pylori responded with increased production of IL-33. Also, cells treated in vitro with GE released more IL-33 than cells that were unstimulated. Silencing IL-33 in cells resulted in downregulation of metabolic activity, adhesion, migration and proliferation, especially after treatment with H. pylori GE, as well as upregulation of cells apoptosis associated with caspase 3 increase and Bcl-xL decrease, suggesting proregenerative activity of IL-33. Interestingly, upregulation of cell proliferation by IL-33 was Erk independent. Our results indicate that IL-33 may protect gastric tissue from loss of homeostasis caused by deleterious effects of H. pylori components and the inflammatory response developed during infection.

Use of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) for Monitoring Experimental Helicobacter pylori Infection and Related Inflammatory Response in Guinea Pig Model.

Infections due to Gram-negative bacteria Helicobacter pylori may result in humans having gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, and even gastric cancer. Investigation of quantitative changes of soluble biomarkers, correlating with H. pylori infection, is a promising tool for monitoring the course of infection and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine, using an experimental model of H. pylori infection in guinea pigs, the specific characteristics of infrared spectra (IR) of sera from H. pylori infected (40) vs. uninfected (20) guinea pigs. The H. pylori status was confirmed by histological, molecular, and serological examination. The IR spectra were measured using a Fourier-transform (FT)-IR spectrometer Spectrum 400 (PerkinElmer) within the range of wavenumbers 3000-750 cm-1 and converted to first derivative spectra. Ten wavenumbers correlated with H. pylori infection, based on the chi-square test, were selected for a K-nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm. The wavenumbers correlating with infection were identified in the W2 and W3 windows associated mainly with proteins and in the W4 window related to nucleic acids and hydrocarbons. The k-NN for detection of H. pylori infection has been developed based on chemometric data. Using this model, animals were classified as infected with H. pylori with 100% specificity and 97% sensitivity. To summarize, the IR spectroscopy and k-NN algorithm are useful for monitoring experimental H. pylori infection and related inflammatory response in guinea pig model and may be considered for application in humans.

Transformed Shoots of Dracocephalum forrestii W.W. Smith from Different Bioreactor Systems as a Rich Source of Natural Phenolic Compounds.

Transformed shoots of the Tibetan medicinal plant Dracocephalum forrestii were cultured in temporary immersion bioreactors (RITA and Plantform) and in nutrient sprinkle bioreactor (NSB) for 3 weeks in MS (Murashige and Skoog) liquid medium with 0.5 mg/L BPA (N-benzyl-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)-adenine) and 0.2 mg/L IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). The greatest biomass growth index (GI = 52.06 fresh weight (FW) and 55.67 dry weight (DW)) was observed for shoots in the RITA bioreactor, while the highest multiplication rate was found in the NSB (838 shoots per bioreactor). The levels of three phenolic acids and five flavonoid derivatives in the shoot hydromethanolic extract were evaluated using UHPLC (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography). The predominant metabolite was rosmarinic acid (RA)-the highest RA level (18.35 mg/g DW) and total evaluated phenol content (24.15 mg/g DW) were observed in shoots grown in NSB. The NSB culture, i.e., the most productive one, was evaluated for its antioxidant activity on the basis of reduction of ferric ions (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) and two scavenging radical (O2•- and DPPH, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays; its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiproliative potential against L929 cells was also tested (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test). The plant material revealed moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and demonstrated high safety in the MTT test-no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 50 mg/mL was found, and less than a 20% decrease in L929 cell viability was observed at this concentration.

Equilibria in Aqueous Cobalt(II)-Reduced Schiff Base N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)alanine System: Chemical Characterization, Kinetic Analysis, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties.

The present study describes the coordination properties of a reduced Schiff base, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)alanine, towards cobalt(II) using potentiometric as well as spectroscopic (UV-Vis and ESI-MS) methods. The results indicate the formation of six mononuclear complexes showing high stability in aqueous solution. Coordination occurs in the {O-phenolic,N,O-carboxyl} and {N,O-carboxyl} chelation modes, depending on the degree of ligand deprotonation. Examination of the complexation equilibria at pH ca 7, which is important from a biological point of view, allowed to identify two species: [CoL] and [CoL2H]-. The kinetic analysis showed a structural change of those cobalt(II) complexes from octahedral to tetrahedral in accordance with a first-order time relationship. The antimicrobial properties of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)alanine, cobalt(II) nitrate and of the Co(II) - ligand complexes were determined against Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori) and a fungal strain (Candida). The results indicate that the complexes are more active for more strains than the ligand alone. Nevertheless, the complexes induce a higher decrease in the metabolic activity of cells but without damage to nuclei. Tetrahedral structures show stronger anti-cellular toxicity than octahedral complexes, which is most likely due to the higher accessibility of the cobalt(II) center.

Upregulation of MUC5AC production and deposition of LEWIS determinants by HELICOBACTER PYLORI facilitate gastric tissue colonization and the maintenance of infection.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori bacteria colonize human gastric mucosa, cause chronic inflammation, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Colonization is mediated by H. pylori adhesins, which preferentially bind mucin 5 (MUC5AC) and Lewis (Le) determinants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of H. pylori and their components on MUC5AC production and deposition of LeX/LeY in gastric epithelial cells in relation to bacterial adhesion using Caviae porcellus primary gastric epithelial cells and an in vivo model of experimental H. pylori infection in these animals. METHODS: MUCA5C and LeX/LeY were induced in vitro by live H. pylori reference strain CCUG 17874 (2 × 107 CFU/ml), H. pylori glycine acid extract (GE), 10 µg/ml; cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) protein, 1 µl/ml; UreA urease subunit, 5 µg/ml; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 25 ng/ml and imaged by fluorescence microscopy after anti-MUC5AC or anti-LeX/LeY FITC antibody staining. Bacterial adhesion was imaged by using anti-H. pylori FITC antibodies. The animals were inoculated per os with H. pylori (3 times in 2 days intervals, 1 × 1010 CFU/ml). After 7 or 28 days an infection and inflammation were assessed by histological, serological and molecular methods. Gastric tissue sections of infected and control animals were screend for MUCA5C and LeX, and H. pylori adhesion as above. RESULTS: MUC5AC production and deposition of Lewis determinants, especially LeX were upregulated in the milieu of live H. pylori as well as GE, CagA, UreA or LPS in vitro and in vivo during infection, more effectively in the acute (7 days) than in the chronic (28 days) phase of infection. This was related to enhanced adhesion of H. pylori, which was abrogated by anti-MUC5AC and anti-LeX or anti-LeY antibody treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of MUCA5C production and LeX/LeY deposition in the gastric mucosa by H. pylori can significantly increase gastric tissue colonization during H. pylori infection.

Review: Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

In this review, we shall focus on the last year progression understanding the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the light of recent data related to adaptation of H pylori to the harsh acidic environment in the stomach, colonization of gastric mucosa via interaction with mucin 5 (MUC5AC) and other host cell receptors, the ability to form biofilm, interference with the host metabolic pathways, and induction of neuroimmune cross-talk as well as downregulation of gastric barrier homeostasis and its consequences for the disease development. The role of the membrane vesicles of these bacteria has been emphasized as an important source of virulence factors. Furthermore, we shall describe molecular and functional studies on new aspects of VacA and CagA virulence, including the role of urease in the upregulation of VacA toxicity, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by CagA, and the role of interaction of HopQ adhesin with carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) in CagA translocation into the host cells by the type IV secretion system (T4SS). The role of molecular mimicry between a common sequence (ATVLA) of H pylori heat shock protein (Hsp) B and human Hsp60 in the induction of potentially autoreactive antibodies is discussed. All these new data illustrate further progress in understanding H pylori pathogenicity and facilitate the search for new therapeutic targets as well as development of immunoprophylaxis methods based on new chimeric UreB and HpA proteins.

New γ-Halo-δ-lactones and δ-Hydroxy-γ-lactones with Strong Cytotoxic Activity.

This paper presents the synthesis of γ -halo- δ -lactones, δ -iodo- γ -lactones and δ -hydroxy- γ -lactones from readily available organic substrates such as trans-crotonaldehyde and aryl bromides. Crystal structure analysis was carried out for lactones that were obtained in crystalline form. All halo- δ -lactones and δ -hydroxy- γ -lactones were highly cytotoxic against gastric cancer AGS cells with I C 50 values in the range of 0.0006-0.0044 mM. Some lactones showed high bactericidal activity against E. coli ATCC 8739 and S. aureus ATCC 65389, which reduced the number of CFU/mL by 70-83% and 87% respectively.

Helicobacter pylori outer membrane vesicles involvement in the infection development and Helicobacter pylori-related diseases.

Helicobacter pylori - (H. pylori) play a role in the pathogenesis of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as gastric cancer. A possible involvement of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by H. pylori in the distribution of bacterial antigens through the gastric epithelial barrier and their role in the development of local and systemic host inflammatory and immune responses has been suggested. OMVs contain various biologically active compounds, which internalize into host cells affecting signaling pathways and promoting apoptosis of gastric epithelial and immunocompetent cells. OMVs-associated H. pylori virulence factors may strengthen or downregulate the immune responses leading to disease development. This review describes the biological importance of H. pylori OMVs and their role in the course of H. pylori infections, as well as H. pylori related local and systemic effects.

The Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in Polish Poultry Meat.

The prevalence, count and molecular identification of Campylobacter spp. in Polish poultry meat were analysed. 181 samples of meat from chicken (70), turkey (47), duck (54) and goose (10) were studied. Campylobacter spp. was found in 64% of meat samples. The highest prevalence of this pathogen was detected for duck meat. On average 80% of duck samples were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. The counts of Campylobacter spp. in positive samples remained under ten colony forming units per gram of product in 59% of poultry meat. C. jejuni was more frequently detected in poultry meat than C. coli.

Prevalence of autoantibodies against some selected growth and appetite-regulating neuropeptides in serum of short children exposed to Candida albicans colonization and/or Helicobacter pylori infection: the molecular mimicry phenomenon.

OBJECTIVES: Many of peptides synthesized in gastrointestinal tract (GI) and adipose tissues, regulate growth and food intake. The GI microflora is an antigenic source. Based on the molecular mimicry hypothesis, intestinal microbe-derived antigens may trigger the production of autoantibodies cross-reacting with some neuropeptides. DESIGN: The aim of the study was to assess whether in idiopathic short stature (ISS) children with Candida albicans (C.albicans) colonisation and/or Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection the autoantibodies (in positive levels) against selected neuropeptides [anti-NP Abs(+)]: ghrelin, leptin, orexin A, αMSH are more prevalent than in Controls. SETTING: The study group comprised 64 children with ISS and 36 children with normal height (Controls). In each child, IgG antibodies against H.pylori, ghrelin, leptin, orexin A and αMSH were assessed in serum, while presence of C.albicans - in stool samples. RESULTS: The higher prevalence of anti-NP Abs(+) in ISS children with C.albicans and/or H.pylori than in normal height children with the colonization in question (34.4% vs 21.1%, p<0.01) was found. The prevalence of anti-NP Abs(+) in groups of children without C.albicans and H.pylori were low, anti-NP Abs(+) were detected in 9.4% of ISS children only, while in Controls they were not found. CONCLUSIONS: In short children with C.albicans and/or H.pylori the incidence of autoantibodies against selected neuropeptides is high. It probably is connected with molecular mimicry between antigens of these microbiota and the mentioned peptides. It is tempting to speculate that presence of cross-reacting autoantibodies against regulatory neuropeptides may results in worse growth velocity. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate this issue.

[Helicobacter pylori morphological forms and their potential role in the transmission of infection]. / Formy morfologiczne Helicobacter pylori i ich przypuszczalna rola w transmisji zakazen

More than 50% of the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - a Gram negative bacterium, which persists in the human stomach and duodenum, causing gastric or duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. The majority of H. pylori cells demonstrate rod-shape morphology occurring in two subtypes: spiral and S-shaped. Both are isolated from mucus layer biopsy specimens of the stomach or from short-term cultures. However, results obtained from electron microscopy revealed that H. pylori long-term cultures not only consist of classic, spiral shaped bacteria, but also contain alternative forms of coccoid cells. Further investigations showed that coccoid forms of H. pylori may be divided into two types: viable but non-culturable coccus (VBnC) and a degenerative form, coccoid stage which is probably the effect of bacterial cell death. Transformation from spiral to coccoid form is induced under stress conditions, such as the presence of antibiotics. But still there is no evidence for reversion from the coccoid state to the viable and infectious spiral form. Besides the planktonic form, H. pylori also forms homo-, and heterogenic biofilms, which may constitute a potential environmental reservoir of this bacterium. The antigenic repertoire and the immunomodulatory and infectious properties of different H. pylori forms differ greatly. The variation in those properties suggests that morphological forms of H. pylori are potentially involved in the transmission of the infection. This review presents recent findings on the variability, antigenicity and infectious properties of H. pylori morphological forms and their potential role in the transmission of the infection.