RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, malignancy and lymphoma, and extra-gastrointestinal conditions. H. pylori infection is negatively associated with children's growth. Chronic inflammation of the stomach that results in the loss of appetite and, dysregulation of neuroendocrine hormones such as leptin, and ghrelin are the probable reasons of this negative association. The objective of this study is to determine the serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 in H. pylori-infected children and their relations with growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and sixty-one school children aged between 6 and 14 years were selected randomly from five primary schools representing a cross section of population. Demographic and sociocultural characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Serum H. pylori IgG, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, and ghrelin levels were measured in all children. The children were grouped according to the nutritional status and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity. Nutritional indices were compared among groups in association with serum leptin, ghrelin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. RESULTS: H. pylori IgG positivity was found in 34.2%, and 14.9% of children were malnourished. H. pylori seropositivity was significantly higher in older ages (10.32 ± 2.26 vs 9.53 ± 2.36 years, p = .036), and body weight and height Z scores were significantly lower in H. pylori-seropositive children (-0.33 ± 1.08 vs 0.04 ± 1.26, p = .044 and 0.13 ± 0.92 vs 0.23 ± 0.91, p = .018 respectively). H. pylori seropositivity was found to be an independent risk factor for shorter body height (p = .01). Serum leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 levels were not associated with H. pylori IgG seropositivity (0.35 vs 0.55 ng/mL, p = .3; 3267.4 ± 753.0 vs 2808.3 ± 911.4 pg/mL, p = .06; 470 ± 176 vs 521 ± 179 ng/mL, p = .32, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children infected with H. pylori are prone to short stature. This effect seems to be independent of neuroendocrine hormones.
Assuntos
Grelina/sangue , Infecções por Helicobacter/epidemiologia , Fator de Crescimento Insulin-Like I/análise , Leptina/sangue , Estado Nutricional , Soro/química , Adolescente , Antropometria , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Demografia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Instituições Acadêmicas , EstudantesRESUMO
The roles of CRP, PCT, serum amyloid A (SAA), and cytokines in the diagnosis of fungal infections have not yet been clearly demonstrated. This study aims to measure the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in cases of candidemia and to compare them with those observed in cases of bacteremia. For this purpose, the serum cytokine levels from 50 patients with candidemia were compared with those of 14 patients with polymicrobial sepsis, 30 patients with bacteremia, and 27 healthy control subjects. The cytokine levels were studied using sandwich ELISAs according to the manufacturer protocol. The serum levels of TGF-ß, IL-23, and IL-17 were found to be significantly higher in the candidemia group in comparison with the samples from those with bacteremia and healthy controls. The PCT and SAA levels were higher in samples from the group with bacteremia those from individuals with candidemia and the healthy control group. Assuming an IL-17 level threshold of >38.79 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity were 38% and 96.6%, respectively but considering an IL-23 threshold of >59.97 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity values were found to be 72% and 60%, respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the TGF-ß levels were found to be 85.71% and 53.33%, respectively, when the TGF-ß threshold is >560 pg/ml. PCT and SAA demonstrated a superior performance for the differentiation of candidemia and bacteremia. Our study demonstrates that IL-17, IL-23, TGF-ß, PCT, and SAA levels could be a diagnostic marker for candidemia.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Calcitonina/sangue , Candidemia/patologia , Citocinas/sangue , Inflamação/patologia , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Proteína Amiloide A Sérica/análise , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Bacteriemia/patologia , Peptídeo Relacionado com Gene de Calcitonina , Coinfecção/patologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes play crucial roles in immunity to Brucella, in part because they secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and activate the bactericidal functions in macrophages. Hepcidin is an antimicrobial and iron regulatory peptide produced by the liver in response to inflammation and elevated systemic iron. Recent studies suggest that circulating monocytes and resident liver macrophages may influence both basal and inflam- matory expression of hepcidin and these two cell types act in concert to regulate hepcidin production during in- flammation. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of hepcidin levels with Brucellosis. METHODS: Serum hepcidin levels in 49 Brucellosis patients were compared with 52 healthy control subjects by com- mercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: The levels of serum hepcidin were significantly higher in Brucellosis patients compared with those of healthy controls (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum hepcidin levels among acute, subacute, and chronic cases with Brucellosis. Hepcidin levels were positively correlated with CRP in patients with brucellosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our first results may suggest that the levels of Hepcidin may be a useful adjunct to clinical and other laboratory findings suggestive of the disease for the diagnosis of Brucellosis, but cannot be used to differentiate the three different forms of this disease (acute, subacute, and chronic).
Assuntos
Brucelose/sangue , Hepcidinas/sangue , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Área Sob a Curva , Biomarcadores/sangue , Brucelose/diagnóstico , Brucelose/microbiologia , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Doença Crônica , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Curva ROC , Regulação para CimaRESUMO
Both cluster of differentiation (CD)4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes play key roles in immunity to Brucella, in part because they secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and activate bactericidal functions in macrophages. Therefore, use of markers of macrophage activation may have diagnostic and prognostic significance. High-mobility group-box 1 protein (HMGB1), a late-onset pro-inflammatory cytokine, is secreted by activated macrophages. Soluble hemoglobin scavenger receptor (sCD163) is a specific marker of anti-inflammatory macrophages. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of HMGB1 and sCD163 concentrations in brucellosis and its various clinical forms. Serum HMGB1 and sCD163 concentrations in 49 brucellosis patients were compared with those in 52 healthy control subjects. Both serum HMGB1 and sCD163 concentrations were significantly higher in brucellosis patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in serum concentrations of HMGB1 and sCD163 between cases of acute, subacute and chronic brucellosis. Additionally, serum HMGB1 concentrations were positively correlated with sCD163 concentrations, whereas neither HMGB1 nor sCD163 concentrations were correlated with C-reactive protein concentrations, white cell counts or erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Therefore, serum concentrations of HMGB1 and sCD163 may be diagnostic markers for brucellosis, but neither can be used to differentiate the three different forms of this disease (acute, subacute and chronic).
Assuntos
Antígenos CD/sangue , Antígenos de Diferenciação Mielomonocítica/sangue , Biomarcadores/sangue , Brucella/imunologia , Brucelose/diagnóstico , Proteína HMGB1/sangue , Receptores de Superfície Celular/sangue , Soro/química , Adulto , Idoso , Sedimentação Sanguínea , Brucelose/imunologia , Brucelose/microbiologia , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Feminino , Humanos , Contagem de Leucócitos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpesvirus leading to latent infections, is principally responsible for infectious mononucleosis, and also plays role in the etiology of various lymphomas and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Laboratory diagnosis of EBV infections depends on the detection of atypical lymphocytes, heterophile antibodies, specific antibodies against viral capsid (VCA), nuclear (EBNA) and early (EA) antigens, and of the viral DNA. Since the seropositivity rate in adult population is very high (80-95%) in our country, routine serologic tests may be insufficient to characterize EBV reactivation in immunosuppressive subjects, such as transplant recipients or oncology patients. In those cases VCA IgG avidity test and molecular methods are more useful. This study was conducted to determine the role of viral DNA levels detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR) and serological tests for the diagnosis and follow up of EBV infections in renal transplant recipients and pediatric oncology patients. A total of 62 adult renal transplant recipients, 37 children with oncological diseases, and 50 EBVseropositive immunocompetent healthy subjects (28 children, 22 adults) as controls, were included in the study. Four blood samples, once before transplantation and three times thereafter (at first week, first and third months) were collected from transplant recipients; in pediatric oncology patients blood samples were collected four times, once before immunosuppressive treatment and three times thereafter (at first, third and sixth months), while the control group had a single blood sample collected. Serological profiles for EBV were searched by Paul-Bunnel and immunoblotting tests; VCA IgG avidity by ELISA and viral load by Rt-PCR. EBV-DNA was found positive in 3 (4.8%) of the renal transplant patients. While in these patients the CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly lowered in the first week and third month posttransplant, no PTLD or organ rejection developed. EBV-DNA was positive in 3 (8.1%) of the pediatric oncology patients. This positivity was attributed to Hodgkin's disease in two of these cases and to reactivation in the third case. EBV-DNA positivity was present in 10 (20%) of the control subjects. In the adult controls whose immunoblot results were compatible with the serologic pattern of an acute infection, the correlation among positive EBV-DNA, positive Paul-Bunnel and low IgG avidity results was statistically significant. As for children in the control group, this serologic profile was significantly correlated with low IgG avidity only. The data obtained from this study indicated that no risk of EBV-related PTLD or acute rejection was found in the first three months in the adult renal transplant patients. In children with EBV-related malignancy the search for EBV-DNA by RtPCR before therapy may be useful in the diagnosis, follow-up and prognostic evaluation. Serologic results should be supported by IgG avidity and PCR in order to ascertain the presence of EBV reactivation in immunosuppressive patients.
Assuntos
DNA Viral/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/diagnóstico , Herpesvirus Humano 4/isolamento & purificação , Transplante de Rim , Neoplasias/complicações , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real/normas , Adulto , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Afinidade de Anticorpos , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Criança , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Herpesvirus Humano 4/genética , Herpesvirus Humano 4/imunologia , Humanos , Imunocompetência , Hospedeiro ImunocomprometidoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the potential factors associated with infection sources and modes of transmission during a recent outbreak (October 2004) of tularemia in Suluova, Turkey. METHODS: Following the diagnosis of five patients with tularemia in October 2004, active surveillance was initiated to identify further cases. This was a matched case-control study with analysis based on the first 43 cases of tularemia (probable or suspected) and 43 matched controls. A probable case was defined as a patient, resident in Suluova, who had signs and symptoms (regional lymphadenopathy and fever) compatible with tularemia and a positive serology or PCR for Francisella tularensis during the period October 21 to November 31, 2004. A suspected case was defined as a patient with compatible signs and symptoms who did not meet the laboratory criteria for a probable case, who also had no laboratory evidence of infection by other microorganisms, and who was resident in Suluova between the same dates. The microagglutination test was used for serological diagnosis. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on general demographics, exposure to all known sources of tularemia infection, potential risk factors related to water and animals (i.e., fishing, farming, hunting, and other activities), and the environmental conditions of the house. PCR was used to screen for evidence of the tularemia agents in clinical samples from patients and water samples. RESULTS: The overall attack rate was 2.3 per 1000 population (86/38000). Twenty-eight suspected cases and 15 probable cases of tularemia were included in the study. The most common presenting symptom was lymphadenopathy present in 95.3%, followed by fever (83.7%) and sore throat (79.1%). Twenty-eight out of 43 were reported to have painful lymph nodes. F. tularensis was detected by PCR in samples obtained from the ulcerated lesions of two patients. In the multivariate logistic regression model, keeping a domestic animal in the garden was associated with an increased risk of contracting the disease (OR=10.87; 95% CI: 1.26-93.65; p=0.03). F. tularensis was detected by PCR in the water sample obtained from the rivulet that passes through Suluova. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that case-control studies may be useful for analyzing epidemics and for identifying the source of infection. In order to prevent water-related zoonotic infections, water and sewerage systems should be improved.
Assuntos
Surtos de Doenças , Francisella tularensis , Rios/microbiologia , Tularemia , Adulto , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Francisella tularensis/genética , Francisella tularensis/imunologia , Francisella tularensis/isolamento & purificação , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Risco , Tularemia/epidemiologia , Tularemia/microbiologia , Tularemia/fisiopatologia , Tularemia/transmissão , Turquia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the immunological alterations that occur during the storage of erythrocyte suspensions which may lead to transfusion-related immunomodulation following allogeneic blood transfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One part of the erythrocyte suspensions obtained from donors was leucoreduced while the other part was not. The leucoreduced (LR) and non-leucoreduced (NL) erythrocyte suspensions were then further divided into three equal amounts which were stored for 0, 21 or 42 days prior to measurements, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, of cytokine levels in their supernatants. T-helper (Th) lymphocyte subgroups and gene expression were analysed in the NL erythrocyte suspensions by flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results were compared to those of storage day 0. RESULTS: By day 21, the number of Th2 cells had increased significantly and the numbers of Th1, Th22 and Treg cells had decreased significantly in the NL erythrocyte suspensions. On day 42 the numbers of Th2 and Treg cells in the NL suspensions were significantly increased while the number of Th1 cells was significantly decreased. The levels of transcription factors (TBX21, GATA3, and SPI.1) were significantly decreased on days 21 and 42, and AHR, FOXP3 and RORC2 levels were significantly increased on day 42 in NL erythrocyte suspensions. The decrease in interleukin-22 and increase in transforming growth factor-ß levels found in NL erythrocyte suspensions on day 21 were statistically significant. Elevated levels of interleukin-17A were found in both LR and NL erythrocyte suspensions on day 42. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that allogeneic leucocytes and cytokines may play significant roles in the development of transfusion-related immunomodulation.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Diferenciação/imunologia , Preservação de Sangue , Eritrócitos/imunologia , Interleucinas/imunologia , Linfócitos T Auxiliares-Indutores/imunologia , Eritrócitos/citologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Linfócitos T Auxiliares-Indutores/citologia , Interleucina 22RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the relation of high-sensitive serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and procalcitonin with presence and severity of coronary artery disease and early prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Procalcitonin and hsCRP levels were measured at admission and after 48 hours in 50 patients (41 men, 9 women) with ACS. The patients were assigned to three groups according to their clinical diagnosis: unstable angina pectoris (UAP) (Braunwald III-B), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Incidences of adverse cardiac events were recorded in a 3-month follow-up. Coronary angiography was performed to evaluate presence and severity of coronary artery disease. In the groups of STEMI, NSTEMI and UAP, procalcitonin (P = 0.01 3, P = 0.045 and P = 0.000 1, respectively) and hsCRP (P = 0.000 1, P = 0.01 and P = 0.00 1, respectively) levels were significantly increased. No significant correlation was found between these markers and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease. There was no correlation between procalcitonin and hsCRP levels at admission and after 48 hours and primary end points after 3 months except in the group of UAP with revascularization procedure. In the group of UAP, hsCRP levels at 48 hours were found higher in the patients with a revascularization procedure (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, levels of hsCRP and procalcitonin are increased in patients with ACS but failed to correlate with severity of coronary disease and early prognosis.
Assuntos
Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Calcitonina/sangue , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/sangue , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Idoso , Análise de Variância , Angina Instável/sangue , Angina Instável/diagnóstico , Angina Instável/epidemiologia , Angina Instável/terapia , Angioplastia Coronária com Balão , Peptídeo Relacionado com Gene de Calcitonina , Angiografia Coronária , Ponte de Artéria Coronária , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/epidemiologia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/terapia , Creatina Quinase Forma MB/sangue , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Infarto do Miocárdio/sangue , Infarto do Miocárdio/diagnóstico , Infarto do Miocárdio/epidemiologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/terapia , Prognóstico , Projetos de Pesquisa , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Síndrome , Resultado do Tratamento , Troponina I/sangue , Turquia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) often occurs subclinically during childhood, resulting in a latent infection of B lymphocytes. In this report, a chronic hepatitis B case who presented with a serologic profile mimicking acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and exhibiting transient autoantibody positivities because of the polyclonal activation of B cells due to EBV reactivation has been presented. The test results of 56 years old male patient who suffered from fatigue and pain on the right upper quadrant, revealed high levels of liver enzymes (AST: 187 U/L, ALT: 569 U/L), positivity of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HBe, and negativity of anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg and anti-HBs. Since HBV-DNA level was found 405,974 copies/mL by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the patient was taken into follow-up. At the 6th month AST and ALT levels further elevated (352 U/L and 609 U/L, respectively), and anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBs became positive in addition to the previous positive markers of HBV. With the suspicion of superinfection, further laboratory investigations yielded negative results in CMV-IgM and Paul Bunnel test, while positive results in EBV anti-VCA IgM and IgG, anti-EBNA IgM and IgG, anti-p22 IgM and IgG and anti-EA IgM. In the follow-up period high levels of autoantibody positivities [rheumatoid factor (42.200 U/ml), anti-nuclear antibody (1/100) and anti-Ro-52] together with increased levels of total IgG, IgM and IgA were detected. In the following months, the levels of transaminases, total immunoglobulins and HBV-DNA have distinctively decreased, and in the 20th month the previous HBV profile regained (HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HBe positive, anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBs negative, HBV-DNA: 6984 copies/ml) and the other pathological test results returned to normal. As a result, ALT increases seen during the course of chronic hepatitis B should not always be considered as HBV manifestations and the unusual serologic patterns should be evaluated as a consequence of superinfection with various viral agents.
Assuntos
Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/diagnóstico , Hepatite B Crônica/complicações , Herpesvirus Humano 4/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária/fisiologia , Superinfecção/diagnóstico , Alanina Transaminase/sangue , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Aspartato Aminotransferases/sangue , Autoanticorpos/sangue , Linfócitos B/virologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Humanos , Fígado/enzimologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Superinfecção/complicaçõesRESUMO
In this study, the clinical and laboratory features of 26 infectious mononucleosis (IMN) cases who have been diagnosed between the years of 1984-2005 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean age of the patients was 26+/-11 years, the rate of being hospitalized was 65%, and mean hospitalization period was 9.2+/-6 days. Fever (81%), weakness (50%), sore throat (50%), headache (50%) and swollen neck (35%) were the most common symptoms, while in the physical examination cervical lymphadenopathy (81%), splenomegaly (69%), hyperemic pharynx (65%), hepatomegaly (54%) and tonsillitis (50%) were observed. Laboratory results yielded leukocytosis in 21%, leucopenia in 12%, anemia in 44%, thrombocytopenia in 5% and elevated transaminase levels in 84% of the patients. Of the patients 15 (57.7%) had the history of using antibiotics before the diagnosis. Serological diagnosis was performed by Paul-Bunnel test and/or IgM positivity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA). Tonsillo-pharyngitis secondary to edema and respiratory distress due to lymphadenopathy pressure were detected in four patients, whereas pancytopenia was established only in one patient, as complications. This study emphasized that, although IMN is a self-limited infection, the diagnostic difficulties may arise when the clinical course is atypical, and rarely seen life-threatening complications may also develop during IMN course.
Assuntos
Mononucleose Infecciosa/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticorpos Heterófilos/análise , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Antígenos Virais/imunologia , Proteínas do Capsídeo/imunologia , Criança , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Herpesvirus Humano 4/imunologia , Humanos , Imunoglobulina M/sangue , Mononucleose Infecciosa/patologia , Mononucleose Infecciosa/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Exame Físico , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is still endemic in developing countries. Despite early diagnosis and treatment of patients, chronic infections are seen in 10-30% of patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunological factors that play roles in the transition of brucellosis from acute infection into chronic infection. Here, more than 2000 miRNAs were screened in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with acute or chronic brucellosis and healthy controls by using miRNA array, and the results of the miRNA array were validated through qRT-PCR. Findings were evaluated using GeneSpring GX (Agilent) 13.0 software and KEGG pathway analysis. Four miRNAs were expressed in the chronic group but were not expressed in acute and control groups. Among these miRNAs, the expression level of miR-1238-3p was increased while miR-494, miR-6069, and miR-139-3p were decreased (p < 0.05, fold change > 2). These miRNAs have the potential to be markers for chronic cases. The differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes involved in endocytosis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, MAPK signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and its chemokine signaling pathway indicate their potential roles in chronic brucellosis and its progression. It is the first study of miRNA expression analysis of human PBMC to clarify the mechanism of inveteracy in brucellosis.
Assuntos
Brucelose/genética , MicroRNAs/genética , Doença Aguda , Biomarcadores/sangue , Brucelose/imunologia , Brucelose/microbiologia , Doença Crônica , Feminino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Redes e Vias Metabólicas/genética , MicroRNAs/sangue , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo RealRESUMO
Although our knowledge about Brucella virulence factors and the host response increase rapidly, the mechanisms of immune evasion by the pathogen and causes of chronic disease are still unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the immunological factors which belong to CD8+ T cells and their roles in the transition of brucellosis from acute to chronic infection. Using miRNA microarray, more than 2000 miRNAs were screened in CD8+ T cells of patients with acute or chronic brucellosis and healthy controls that were sorted from peripheral blood with flow cytometry and validated through qRT-PCR. Findings were evaluated using GeneSpring GX (Agilent) 13.0 software and KEGG pathway analysis. Expression of two miRNAs were determined to display a significant fold change in chronic group when compared with acute or control groups. Both miRNAs (miR-126-5p and miR-4753-3p) were decreased (p <0.05 or fold change > 2). These miRNAs have the potential to be the regulators of CD8+ T cell-related marker genes for chronic brucellosis infections. The differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes are involved in MAPK signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, endocytosis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion indicating their potential roles in chronic brucellosis and its progression. It is the first study of miRNA expression analysis of human CD8+ T cells to clarify the mechanism of inveteracy in brucellosis.
Assuntos
Brucelose/metabolismo , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/metabolismo , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Doença Crônica , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica/métodos , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno/fisiologia , Humanos , Evasão da Resposta Imune/fisiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a public health problem that is prevalent in several developing countries. METHODS: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 164 cases of brucellosis in Bursa, Turkey, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The ages of the 164 patients ranged from 15-85 years. All of the patients underwent the Rose Bengal test and 163 (99.4%) patients tested positive. 122 (74.4%) patients were diagnosed with acute brucellosis, 31 (18.9%) with subacute brucellosis and 11 (6.7%) with chronic brucellosis. Focal involvement was found in 101 (61.6%) patients. Although patients with focal involvement had a higher white blood cell count (p = 0.002), those without focal involvement had higher aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase values, and lower platelet values (p = 0.005, 0.007 and 0.039, respectively). Spondylodiscitis was observed on imaging in 58 (66.7%) of the 87 patients who presented with back pain. Among the 118 patients who were examined within the first month of treatment, 79 (66.9%) responded to treatment. The relapse rate was 11.6% among all 164 patients. CONCLUSION: Brucellosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis among patients who present with fever, and joint or back pain. Focal involvement should be investigated in the presence of leucocytosis, and subacute or chronic forms of brucellosis. To identify cases of spondylodiscitis, radiography should be performed in patients who present with back pain.
Assuntos
Brucelose/diagnóstico , Brucelose/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Dor nas Costas/diagnóstico , Brucelose/terapia , Doença Crônica , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Febre , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , TurquiaRESUMO
Fas-Fas Ligand (FasL) is one of the major mediator system that activates programmed cell death. Cleavage of membranebound FasL by a metalloproteinase-like enzyme resulted in the formation of soluble FasL (sFasL). sFasL as well as the transmembrane form of FasL binds to Fas and transduces apoptotic signal in Fas-expressing cells. It's suggested that soluble Fas (sFas) and sFasL has an impact on tumor progress and immune escape feature of tumor cells from the host immune system. Since Fas antigen expression in the lungs has been localized to alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells, in this study we aimed to investigate the sFas (pg/mL) and sFasL levels (pg/mL) of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in lung cancer patients. Study population was consisted of 27 patients with lung cancer (mean age 62.9 +/- 10.7 years, 25 control subjects (mean age 47.9 +/- 13.9 years). BAL was performed under local anesthesia, on the unaffected lung of patients; either subsegments of right middle or lingula. BAL sFas and sFasL were evaluated by using ELISA method. The mean levels of sFas was 60.8 +/- 56.8 in lung cancer patient and 39.5 +/- 25.9 in control subjects (p> 0.05). The mean levels of sFasL was 51.6 +/- 39.2 in cancer patient and 41.2 +/- 27.4 in control subjects (p> 0.05). In conclusion, although we did not observe any significant difference between two groups, higher BAL levels of sFas and sFasL levels in lung cancer patients than control subjects, made us thought that apoptosis might have a role development and progression of lung cancer.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/análise , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/imunologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/imunologia , Receptor fas/análise , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Proteína Ligante Fas , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valor Preditivo dos TestesRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The term "IgA Deficiency (IgAD)" should be reserved for the individuals who do not have detectable disorders known to be associated with low IgA levels. IgG subclass deficiency or a lack of the IgG2 subclass that is specific against polysaccharide antigens, can be seen in many cases. METHODS: Forty-five patients (27 males and 18 females; mean age 8.6 years, range 6.3 to 12.8 years) with IgA deficiency who had been admitted to the Department of Pediatric Immunology in Uludag University School of Medicine, Turkey, were included in this study. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) class and IgG subclass levels, and HLA haplotypes were prospectively determined in patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients with IgAD, 1 was found to have a low level of IgG in the serum. Serum Ig levels were also examined in the families of 22 patients. Five patients had low-normal levels of IgM, whilst one had low levels of IgA and IgG. The levels of IgG subclasses were assessed in 23 patients. One patient had a low level of IgG1; 2 had low levels of both IgG2 and IgG3, and 11 had low levels of IgG3. IgG subclass concentrations were found to be normal in control groups. HLA alleles were tested in 25 patients. An increased prevelence of HLA-A1, -B8, -B14, -DR1, -DR3, and -DR7 were previously observed in patients with IgA deficiency. In this study, HLA-A1 allel was found in 3 patients (12%), HLA-B14 in 3 patients (12%), HLA-DR1 in 10 patients (40%), HLA-DR7 in 4 patients (16%) and HLA-DR3 in 1 patient (4%). HLA-B8 allel was not found in any patient. Twenty-five children with normal IgA levels have chosen as a control group. They had HLA-DR1 (36%), HLA-DR7 (16%), HLA-B8 (8%), HLA-DR3 (16%). HLA-A1 was not found in any member of our control group. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference in HLA susceptibility alleles was found between patients and healthy controls. Our data suggest that there may be heterogenous HLA distribution patterns in IgA deficiency, or that HLA allel-associated tendency to IgA deficiency may be polygenic.
Assuntos
Antígenos HLA/genética , Deficiência de IgA/genética , Alelos , Criança , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Antígenos HLA/imunologia , Haplótipos , Humanos , Deficiência de IgA/imunologia , Alótipos Gm de Imunoglobulina/genética , Alótipos Gm de Imunoglobulina/imunologia , Masculino , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in patients with suspected toxoplasmosis referred to the Uludag University Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) laboratory over a 72-month period (March 2002-December 2008). METHODS: The samples were analyzed using VIDAS (BioMérieux, France) IgG-avidity tests and the fluorescent enzyme-linked assay (ELFA) technique. RESULTS: Results showed that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM among women (29.2% and 2.02%, respectively) was higher than that of men (21.2% and 1.7%, respectively). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG was 30.7% in childbearing-aged women, with rates ranging from 35.8% and 27.4% over the years. Avidity was found to be high, borderline, and lower (81.9%, 10.2%, and 7.9%, respectively) in the fertile age group of 166 women receiving the IgG avidity test. CONCLUSION: Although the study data may not reflect our entire province, it virtually turns out that the risk of toxoplasmosis must be seriously taken into account, particularly when approaching some risk groups, such as seronegative women of fertile age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imunoglobulina M/sangue , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Afinidade de Anticorpos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Fertilidade , Hospitais Universitários , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Gravidez , Prevalência , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasma/imunologia , Toxoplasmose/sangue , Toxoplasmose/imunologia , Toxoplasmose/parasitologia , Turquia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Malaria is a common disease in many tropical and subtropical areas, which may threaten life. In this study, we examined the epidemiology of malaria in Bursa province using the data provided by the Province Health Directorate, collected over 2009 to 2012. METHODS: The data include a total of 29.683 blood samples taken by active and passive surveillance. Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood smears were examined with a 100X oil immersion objective using a standard microscope. RESULTS: A total of 21 (0.07%) malaria cases were detected. Of these, 20 (95.2%) cases were male and 1 (4.8%) case was female, with highest rates occurring in June and September. All of the cases were imported, of whom 10 (47.6%) were caused by Plasmodium vivax and 11 (52.4%) by P. falciparum. All P. falciparum cases were found to be imported cases that traveled to African nations (Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Somalia). Malaria cases were mainly observed in the 15-to-44-year-old range. CONCLUSION: We believe that these results will lead to better-targeted and more effective malaria control programs.
Assuntos
Malária Falciparum/epidemiologia , Malária Vivax/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Corantes Azur , Feminino , Humanos , Malária Falciparum/transmissão , Malária Vivax/transmissão , Masculino , Plasmodium falciparum/isolamento & purificação , Plasmodium vivax/isolamento & purificação , Viagem , Turquia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Because of high morbidity of the brucellosis in humans and the potential use of the microorganism as an agent of biologic warfare, protection of effective vaccines and specific diagnostic reagents become necessary to eradicate brucellosis. OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the cytokine responses and changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subgroups of acute brucellosis patients in response to L7/L12 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) recombinant proteins derived from Brucella abortus. METHODS: levels of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 secreted from PBMCs of 25 acute brucellosis patients and 15 healthy controls, stimulated with Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), L7/L12 or GAPDH were measured by ELISA. Furthermore alterations in lymphocyte subgroups in response to these Brucella antigens were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Extracellular IFN-γ levels were found to be elevated after stimulation with L7/L12 in patients with acute brucellosis, whereas no significant changes were found in IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Similar data was also obtained with GAPDH, but the stimulation of IFN-γ production was not observed in all patients and was not as strong as that observed for L7/L12. Moreover, when the distribution of lymphocytes subgroups (CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, CD4+ CD25+, CD3+ CD69+ and CD3+ CD152+) was evaluated, it was found that the stimulation with L7/L12 and GAPDH only led to an increase in the percentage of CD3+ CD69+ lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that Brucella abortus L7/L12 or GAPDH induce a Th1 type immune response in acute brucellosis patients. Additionally, these recombinant proteins, especially L7/L12, may be used in new vaccine preparations and diagnostic tests.
Assuntos
Brucella abortus/imunologia , Brucelose/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Proteínas Ribossômicas/imunologia , Células Th1/imunologia , Adulto , Brucelose/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Citocinas/biossíntese , Feminino , Gliceraldeído-3-Fosfato Desidrogenase (Fosforiladora)/imunologia , Gliceraldeído-3-Fosfato Desidrogenase (Fosforiladora)/metabolismo , Humanos , Leucócitos Mononucleares/imunologia , Leucócitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Subpopulações de Linfócitos/imunologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Células Th1/metabolismoRESUMO
Tuberculosis (TB) pleurisy is accepted to be the best model for evaluating the local protective cellular immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) since it can be spontaneously self-cured. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the involvement of cytokines and the soluble apoptosis-modulating factors sFas and sFasL in local protective cellular immunity to MTB. Pleural fluid samples were collected from 35 patients with TB pleurisy, 39 patients with malignant pleurisy, and 14 patients with non-TB nonmalignant (n-TB n-M) pleurisy and were evaluated for the levels of several cytokines, soluble Fas (sFas), and sFas ligand (sFasL) by using ELISA. The levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12p40, IL-18, IL-8, and sFasL in TB pleurisy were significantly higher in comparison to those in the malignant pleurisy and n-TB n-M pleurisy groups. In addition, pleural sFasL levels were increased and positively correlated with IFN-gamma and IL-18 levels in TB patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Th1-type-specific cellular immunity is responsible for protective immunity in TB and suggests that Fas-mediated apoptosis may be at least a part of protective immunity to tuberculosis and could be regulated by type 1 T-cell response. IFN-gamma and sFasL levels can be used as diagnostic markers for differing TB pleurisy from other pleurisies.
Assuntos
Citocinas/imunologia , Proteína Ligante Fas/imunologia , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/imunologia , Pleurisia/imunologia , Tuberculose Pleural/imunologia , Receptor fas/imunologia , Adulto , Idoso , Apoptose/imunologia , Biomarcadores/análise , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Proteína Ligante Fas/análise , Humanos , Imunidade Celular , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Derrame Pleural/imunologia , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Células Th1/imunologia , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/imunologia , Receptor fas/análiseRESUMO
Several genes encoding for different cytokines may play crucial roles in host susceptibility to Brucellosis, since the cytokine production capacity varies among individuals and depends on the cytokine gene polymorphism. The association of the cytokine gene polymorphisms with the development of Brucellosis was investigated in this study. DNA samples were obtained from a Turkish population of 40 patients with Brucellosis, and 50 healthy control subjects. All genotyping (IL-6, IL10, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha) experiments were performed using sequence-specific primers PCR (PCR-SSP). When compared to the healthy controls, the frequencies of high/intermediate producing genotypes of IL-10 and high producing genotype of IL-6 were significantly more common in the patient group. These results suggest that IL-10 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms may affect susceptibility to Brucellosis and increase risk of developing the disease. In order to confirm the biological significance of our results, further studies should be performed in larger population groups.