The role of Interleukin-21 (IL-21) in allergic disorders: Biological insights and regulatory mechanisms.

In recent decades, allergic diseases subsequent from an IgE-mediated response to specific allergens have become a progressively public chronic disease worldwide. They have shaped an important medical and socio-economic burden. A significant proportion of allergic disorders are branded via a form 2 immune response relating Th2 cells, type 2 natural lymphoid cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a participant of the type-I cytokine family manufactured through numerous subsets of stimulated CD4+ T cells and uses controlling properties on a diversity of immune cells. Increasingly, experimental sign suggests a character for IL-21 in the pathogenesis of numerous allergic disorders. The purpose of this review is to discuss the biological properties of IL-21 and to summaries current developments in its role in the regulation of allergic disorders.

Vitamin D and Immunity: A comprehensive review of its impact on autoimmunity, allergy suppression, antimicrobial defense, and cancer inhibition.

Vitamin D, commonly known for its impact on bone metabolism, is vital in various bodily processes, including regulating immune responses. The actions of vitamin D are carried out through its receptor, found in cells of different human organs and tissues, particularly in most immune system cells and epithelial cells. After binding to the receptor, vitamin D forms a complex with vitamin A and its receptor in the cytoplasm. This complex can inhibit or enhance the transcription of hundreds of genes, including those that control cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and prevent malignant growth and angiogenesis. Studies have shown that vitamin D weakens antigen presentation by dendritic cells, shifts the balance of Th1/Th2 cell responses towards Th2, and promotes the development and activity of Treg cells. Additionally, vitamin D enhances the production of "endogenous antibiotics" against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This important nutrient has been linked to preventing autoimmune and atopic diseases, respiratory infections, and tumors. A lack of vitamin D, or hypovitaminosis D, is present in almost half of the population and is a leading cause of weakened immunity and increased morbidity. Thus, detecting, preventing, and treating hypovitaminosis D should be a priority in healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A Comparative Analysis of MicroRNA Expression in Mild, Moderate, and Severe COVID-19: Insights from Urine, Serum, and Nasopharyngeal Samples.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, manifests with a wide range of clinical symptoms that vary from mild respiratory issues to severe respiratory distress. To effectively manage and predict the outcomes of the disease, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying its severity. This study focuses on analyzing and comparing the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum, urine, and nasopharyngeal samples from patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. The aim is to identify potential associations with disease progression and discover suitable markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Our findings indicate the consistent upregulation of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 in urine, serum, and nasopharyngeal samples from patients with mild COVID-19. In moderate cases, there were more significant changes in miRNA expression compared to mild cases. Specifically, miR-let-7 demonstrated upregulation, while miR-146b exhibited downregulation. The most notable alterations in miRNA expression profiles were observed in severe COVID-19 cases, with a significant upregulation of miR-223. Moreover, our analysis using Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that miR-155, miR-let-7, and miR-223 exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for distinguishing COVID-19 patients from healthy individuals. Overall, this comparative analysis revealed distinct patterns in miRNA expression. The overlapping expression patterns of miRNAs in urine, serum, and nasopharyngeal samples suggest their potential utility in discriminating disease status.