The Inhibitory Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum Supernatant against Enterobacteria, Campylobacter, and Tumor Cells.

Cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum exhibit a strong antimicrobial effect against a number of pathogenic enterobacteria (E. coli, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus mirabilis, and Campylobacter jejuni). The degree of growth inhibition in broth culture reached a high level for all tested bacteria. The highest rates were noted for P. mirabilis (by 13 times) and the lowest for S. flexneri (by 5 times) and C. jejuni (by 4.5 times). Significant antiproliferative effect of the supernatant on cells of tumor-derived epithelial cell lines was shown. The highest degree of inhibition (by 22 times) was observed for HT-29 cells (colon carcinoma). Thus, inclusion of probiotics in traditional treatment schemes can increase the effectiveness of antibacterial and antitumor drug therapy.

Genotoxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes: in vitro study on human embryonic fibroblast cells.

The effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the levels of DNA aberrations, chromosome and genome disorders were studied on human embryonic fibroblasts, their karyotype was analyzed by the spectral karyotyping method. The level of DNA aberrations increased after 3-h exposure to the nanotubes. No appreciable increase in the incidence of aberrant metaphases, micronuclei, and chromosome 1, 6, 8, 11, X, and Y aneuploidy after 24- and 48-h incubation with the nanotubes were detected.

Correlation analysis of cytokine gene expression changes and antiulcer effects of Pro-Gly-Pro and N-Acetyl-Pro-Gly-Pro in experimental models of ulceration.

Direct correlation of the cytokine gene expression level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (BMNCs) and gastric mucosa (GM) cells with the development of gastric ulcers of various etiologies was shown for the first time. Ethanol-induced ulceration causes an increased transcription of IFNa, IL-8, and IL-12 mRNA in BMNCs. GM damages caused by water immersion stress were accompanied by an increased transcription of TNFa. The sizes of acetate-induced damages were positively correlated with the expression of IL-10 and IL-8 genes in BMNCs and with the expression of IFNa, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF genes in GM cells. Intranasal administration of Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) reduced ethanol-induced ulceration, activating the transcription of IFNγ, IL-2, and IL-4 mRNA in BMNCs and prevents the formation of stress- and acetateinduced ulcers by inhibiting the expression of IL-8 and IL-10 genes, respectively.

[Clinical and immunological comparisons of therapeutic regimens for corneal infiltrates secondary to adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis].

UNLABELLED: The problem with post-adenoviral corneal infiltrates is that they cause a significant and persistent decrease in visual function, while corticosteroids in monotherapy bring only temporary improvement. AIM: to perform a comparative evaluation of topical corticosteroids and 0.05% cyclosporine A efficacy in the treatment of post-adenoviral corneal infiltrates on the basis of clinical presentation and local cytokine status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved two groups of patients after adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis: group 1 (25 patients, 45 eyes) were prescribed a diminishing regimen of corticosteroid eye drops for 12 weeks and corneal protectors; group 2 (24 patients, 42 eyes) received the same treatment as described above plus topical 0.05% cyclosporine A for 6 months. The follow-up period was from 6 to 12 months. Visual acuity measurements, biomicroscopy, and pneumatic tonometry were performed at months 1, 3, and 6. Local cytokine status was assessed by studying cytokine gene expression in cell culture from conjunctival scrapings and cytokines levels in the supernatant. The tests were done before the beginning of the treatment in both groups, at month 1 in group 1, at month 4 in group 2 (i.e. in a month after the cessation of dexamethasone) and also in a group of healthy volunteers (30 persons, 30 eyes). RESULTS: Long-term combined anti-inflammatory therapy with corticosteroids and 0.05% cyclosporine A in patients with post-adenoviral corneal infiltrates has yielded positive clinical results, including a persistent increase in visual acuity and complete resolution of corneal opacities (92.8%). In addition, we revealed a correlation between local cytokine status changes and clinical results. CONCLUSION: The proposed therapeutic regimen enabled complete suppression of residual interferon-α antiviral activity, an increase in interleukin-4 that regulates local humoral immunity, and a decrease (down to a complete suppression) in anti-inflammatory interleukin-2, which is responsible for activation of cell-mediated immunity, thus, resulting in resolution of the immune-mediated inflammation in the cornea.

Immunological parameters of the blood and monoamine content in the brain of rats during long-term overcrowding.

Blood immunological parameters (cytokine profile and interferon status) and the level of monoamines and their metabolites in various brain structures (amygdala, hippocampus, septum, and hypothalamus) were studied in rats kept under standard conditions or in overpopulated cages. Long-term overcrowding was associated with reduced expression of IL-4 gene, increased transcription of IL-17, and decreased production of IFN-γ, which attested to impaired humoral and cell-mediated immunity and disturbances in IFN-γ synthesis at the post-transcriptional level. Under these conditions, the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine decreased in the septum, but increased in the hypothalamus. The amount of dopamine metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid decreased in both these structures, and the index of dopamine metabolism (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine ratio, DOPAC/dopamine) decreased only in the hypothalamus. Overcrowding was not followed by changes in the parameters of noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the amygdala and hippocampus and serotoninergic system in all study structures.

Effect of BMP-2 protein on the count and osteogenic properties of multipotent stromal cells and expression of cytokine genes in primary cultures of bone marrow and spleen cells from CBA mice immunized with bacterial antigens.

We studied the effect of BMP-2 added to the culture medium on osteogenic and proliferative properties of multipotent stromal cells (MSC) and on the expression of cytokine genes induced by immunization of experimental animals with bacterial antigens. It is shown that the presence of BMP-2 in the culture medium stimulates proliferation of bone marrow MSC and especially spleen MSC (which was seen from enlargement of MSC colonies); improves the efficiency of MSC cloning; increases osteogenic activity of mouse bone marrow MSC; induces osteogenic differentiation of splenic MSC (osteogenesis is normally not observed in the spleen); reduces the number of macrophages in cultures; inhibits synthesis of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) that typically occurs in cultures of the bone marrow and spleen from animals immunized with S. typhimurium or group A streptococcus antigens. Bearing in mind that proinflammatory cytokines negatively affect osteogenic activity of the bone marrow, we can hypothesize that BMP-2 not only stimulates osteogenesis, but also provides optimal conditions for its realization by suppressing the expression of genes encoding these cytokines.

[Efficiency of cycloferon against slow viral infection caused by SV-40 in monkeys and man].

The latent infection caused by Simian virus (SV-40) defeats monkeys and others animals. Currently there are not the prophylactic and therapeutic measures against this disease. We showed the infringement of immunity of M. mulatta infected by SV-40. The use of the preparation Cyclopheron for the treatment of this infection led to the normalization of the functions of immunity of monkeys and to disappearance of the virus from the organism. We suggested the new method for prophylaxis and treatment of latent SV-40 infection by Cyclopheron, may be used for the correction of the immunity.

In Vitro Antiviral Activity of a New Indol-3-carboxylic Acid Derivative Against SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought into sharp relief the threat posed by coronaviruses and laid the foundation for a fundamental analysis of this viral family, as well as a search for effective anti-COVID drugs. Work is underway to update existent vaccines against COVID-19, and screening for low-molecular-weight anti-COVID drug candidates for outpatient medicine continues. The opportunities and ways to accelerate the development of antiviral drugs against other pathogens are being discussed in the context of preparing for the next pandemic. In 2012-2015, Tsyshkova et al. synthesized a group of water-soluble low-molecular-weight compounds exhibiting an antiviral activity, whose chemical structure was similar to that of arbidol. Among those, there were a number of water-soluble compounds based on 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxylic acid aminoalkyl esters. Only one member of this rather extensive group of compounds, dihydrochloride of 6-bromo-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(1-piperidinomethyl)-3-(2-diethylaminoethoxy) carbonylindole, exhibited a reliable antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. At a concentration of 52.0 µM, this compound completely inhibited the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with an infectious activity of 106 TCID50/mL. The concentration curves of the analyzed compound indicate the specificity of its action. Interferon-inducing activity, as well as suppression of syncytium formation induced by the spike protein (S-glycoprotein) of SARS-CoV-2 by 89%, were also revealed. In view of its synthetic accessibility - high activity (IC50 = 1.06 µg/mL) and high selectivity index (SI = 78.6) - this compound appears to meets the requirements for the development of antiviral drugs for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

[Analysis of the cell tissue culture contamination with the bovine viral diarrhea virus and mycoplasmas].

Different cell tissue cultures and commercial fetal calf sera (FTS) used in biological and virological research were screened for the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV, Pestivirus genus, Flaviviridae family) and mycoplasma contamination. BVDV was detected using RT-PCR and Indirect immunofluorescence (with monoclonal antibodies) methods in 33% cases of the studied cell lines and in > 60% cases of FCS. BVDV was shown to present and reproduce in high spectra of human cell lines, as well as in monkey, pig, rabbit, goat, dog, and cat cells at high levels (up to 100-1000 genome-equivalent copies per cell) and reached up to 10(3)-10(7) genome-equivalent copies per serum ml. The molecular mechanisms of the long virus persistence without definite signs of destruction should be studied.

[Study of expression of cytokine genes in the process of cultivation of healthy donor leukocytes].

AIM: Study of expression of cytokine genes in the process of cultivation of healthy donor leukocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RNA isolated before, after 3 and 24 hours of cultivation of leukocytes of 15 healthy donors aged 19 - 32 years was the object of the study. Study of the expression of genes of 8 cytokines by the level of their mRNA was performed by using polymerase chain reactionwith reverse transcription. RESULTS: In healthy donors among with individual differences, general regularities were traced: higher levels of IFNalpha and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, as well as predominantly low expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: In most of the cases in the process of cultivation of leukocytes isolated from blood donors the highest level of gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines is noted after 3 hours of cultivation, and expression of genes of anti-inflammatory cytokines remains constant for 24 hours of cultivation.

[Cycloferon therapy of cytomegalovirus infection in monkeys].

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a wide-spread disease throw humans and monkeys, which and associated with various diseases. The development of this infection in human organism is much like that in rhesus macaque, which makes CMV-infected monkeys adequate model for studying and elaborating prophylactic and therapeutic measures against this disease in humans. This article presents data on the efficiency of cycloferon action on animals with the M. mulatta CMV infection. Cycloferon stimulated an increase in the IFN-alpha production and promoted the period of remission in CMV-infected animals.

Count of splenic stromal precursor cells in mice and expression of cytokine genes in these cells in primary cultures during different periods after immunization of animals with S. typhimurium antigens.

Injection of S. typhimurium antigens significantly (9-fold) increased cloning efficiency and, hence, the content of stromal precursor cells in the spleen as soon as after 24 h. These parameters returned to normal by days 6-15 after immunization. Cultured splenocytes collected from immune (but not intact) animals expressed the genes of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß (on days 1, 6, 15) and IL-6 (on days 1 and 6), TNF-α (on days 6 and 15), and of IFN-α and IL-18 (on days 6 and 15). The expression of IL-4 gene was suppressed on day 6 after immunization, of IL-10 gene on days 1 and 6, of IL-6 gene on day 15. Hence, no signs of immune response suppression by stromal cells were found in this system. The spectrum and dynamics of the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in stromal cell cultures from the spleen of immunized mice seemed to correspond to those needed for support of the immune response to S. typhimurium antigens, observed in immunized animals. The results indicate possible involvement of stromal cells in the realization of immune response in vivo. The increase of stromal precursor cells cloning efficiency in response to antigen injection could not be reproduced in vitro: the presence of S. typhimurium antigens in primary cultures of intact mouse bone marrow and spleen throughout the entire period of culturing ≈ 20-fold reduced cloning efficiency in cultures.

[Comparative estimation of the indicators of interferon, immune, and cytokine states in the comprehensive study of patients with herpesvirus infections].

The paper provides the data of a comparative analysis of the indicators of immune and interferon states and cytokine profile and the results of virological studies in patients with different (acute and chronic) forms of mixed herpesvirus infection (with virus simplex herpes types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus type 6, and others). Pronounced changes were found in immune responses in such patients. There were decreases in IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma values in 36 and 13%, respectively; 51% of the subjects showed a reduction in both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma along with the high titers of antibodies to viruses of the Herpesviridae family and their infectious activity. There were changes in the cytokine profile, activation of IFN-alpha, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18 gene expression, and suppression of IL-2 gene transcription in the majority of the patients. Determination of IFN susceptibility revealed that 86% of the subjects responded to IFN-alpha therapy and only 11% of cases did to IFN-gamma one.

[Effect of combined therapy using complex of natural cytokines and antimicrobial peptides in urogenital infections caused by Chlamydia and Mycoplasma].

AIM: To study efficacy of complex therapy of urogenital infections caused by Chlamydia and Mycoplasma using immunomodulator Superlimph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty males and thirty six females ages 22 - 47 years old with chronic urogenital infections--cervicitis and vulvovaginitis (females), prostatitis (males)--were studied. PCR and bacteriologic methods were used for diagnostics of mixed infection and microbiota efficiency. Patients were divided on 3 groups according to treatment protocol. Twenty patients (group 1)--standard therapy (josamycin), 48 patients received immunomodulator (suppositorium) before treatment with josamycin (group 2), 18 patients were simultaneously treated with josamycin and immunomodulator (group 3). RESULTS: Combinations of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium were identified in 30 - 35% of cases before treatment. After treatment with josamycin (group 1) or simultaneous therapy with josamycin and immunomodulator (group 3) considerable suppression of growth and elimination of both main pathogens and members of microbiota. Use of immunomodulator (group 2) in some cases resulted elimination of main pathogens and associated opportunistic microflora. CONCLUSION: Microbiological monitoring in 97% cases demonstrated therapeutic effect of immunomodulator Superlymph on urogenital infections associated with Chlamydia and Mycoplasma and disbiotic microbiota of urogenital tract.

[Interferon-regulating activity of the celagrip antiviral drug and its influence on formation of reactive oxygen species and expression of innate immunity genes in the follicular lymphoma patients].

INTRODUCTION: Medicines from the group of interferon inducers (IFNs) "swith on" the synthesis of type 1 interferons (IFN-I) and induce the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that regulate innate immunity reactions and protect the host from infectious agents and the tumour pathology.The purpose of the study was to determine the role of the drug celagrip (CA) in the activation of innate immunity genes and the effect on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). OBJECTIVES:  to study the intensity of ROS production and the level of expression of the IFN-α2, IFN-λ1, ISG15, BCL2, P53(TP53) and USP18 genes in response to the treatment of blood cells of patients with FL with the preparation of CA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved primary cancer patients diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (FL) and healthy volunteers. A kinetic analysis of the dynamics of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was performed in whose blood cells, and the expression of the group of genes was determined by real-time PCR in response to CA processing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: ROS production by blood cells of patients with FL and volunteers in the presence of CA significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The level of gene expression of ISG15, P53(TR53) and USP 18 in the group of patients with FL was significantly higher than that in the group of volunteers. When treating blood cells with CA, it becomes possible to divide patients with FL into groups with a positive and negative response in accordance with the level of expression of the USP18 gene. We divided FL patients into groups with a positive and negative response in accordance with the level of USP18 gene expression after treatment of blood cells with CA. CONCLUSIONS: The CA drug reduces the production of ROS and simultaneously stimulates the activity of the innate immunity genes ISG15, P53(TP53) and USP18 in the blood cells of patients with FL.

[Interferon-regulating activity of the CelAgrip drug and its influence on the formation of reactive oxygen species and expression of innate immunity genes in Burkitt's lymphome cells cultures.]

INTRODUCTION: Interferons (IFN) and IFN inducers are effective in suppressing viral reproduction and correcting of the innate immunity mechanisms. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of the possible involvement of the IFN inducer CelAgrip (CA) as an activator or suppressor of antiviral effects in Burkitt's lymphoma (LB) cell cultures with different ability to produce Epstein-Barr virus antigens (EBV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The kinetic analysis of the dynamics of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and determination of gene group expression by real-time PCR in response to CA treatment were done in human cell lines LB P3HR-1 and Namalva, spontaneously producing and not producing EBV antigens. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: When treating CA in Namalva cells, a decrease in the ROS activation index was found; in P3HR-1 cells, an increase was observed. After treatment with CA, there was no reliable activation of the IFN-α, IFN-ß and IFN-λ genes in Namalva cells, but the expression of the ISG15 and P53(TP53) genes was increased more than 1200 times and 4.5 times, respectively. When processing the CA of P3HR-1 cells, the expression of IFN-α genes increased by more than 200 times, IFN-λ - 100 times, and the ISG15 gene - 2.2 times. The relationship between IFN-inducing action of CA and the activity of ISG15 and ROS in LB cell cultures producing and not producing EBV antigens is supposed. CONCLUSION: In Namalva cells that do not produce EBV antigens the treatment of CA results in suppression of ROS generation and activation of the expression of genes ISG15 and P53 (TP53); in P3HR-1 cells producing EBV antigens, the opposite picture is observed - the formation of ROS and the expression of the IFN-α and IFN-λ genes are activated and the activity of the ISG15 and P53 (TP53) genes is suppressed.

[Human recombinant interferon-B constructed on the basis of affinity-binding domain technology].

Fusion gene consisting of dextran-binding domain from Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. Mesenteroides (DBD) and human recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta) incorporated between the nucleotide sequence encoding for the recognition site of human enteropeptidase (DDDDK) was installed and constructed in Escherichia coli. The overproducing strain of the chimeric protein DBD-IFN-beta consisting of the IFN-beta, spacer including 10 GS-repeats, human enteropeptidase recognition site, and dextran-binding domain from Leuconostoc mesenteroides was constructed. Free human recombinant interferon-beta was obtained as a result of treatment of the chimeric protein DBD-IFN-beta immobilized on sephadex G-25 with human enteropeptidase. The ability of free and immobilized protein to protect human cells from viral infection was demonstrated. The developed approach can be used for purification of the recombinant proteins with different biological activity and possible construction of new immunostimulating and antiviral drugs, growth factors, anti-cancer drugs, etc.

Parameters of the cytokine system functioning in laboratory primates.

The cytokine status (IFN, IL, etc.) of different monkey species (M. mulatta, P. hamadryas, C. aethiops) was studied. The interferon status is determined by the following parameters: IFN content in circulating blood and production of IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma by lymphocytes after appropriate in vitro induction. The interferon status of monkeys is similar to that of humans. The capacity to produce IFN reduces with age. It was found that genes of virtually all studied cytokines are expressed in blood cells and hence, in immune system cells.

[Herpesvirus type 8 and its implication in human pathology].

Herpesvirus type 8 or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus has been recently discovered and it is an etiologic agent of several known diseases. It has common features that link it with other representatives of the family Herpesviridae: similar structural elements and genomic organization, and the common mechanisms of replication. Nevertheless, this virus has a number of unique features that make it an interesting matter for investigations and currently central in modern medicine and biology. This overview is to draw attention to this representative of herpesviruses and to outline some epidemiological, pathogenetic, and molecular aspects of this problem.

[Antiviral activity of immunomodulator Selank in experimental influenza infection].

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antiviral properties of the glyproline Selank in both in vitro and in vivo against the influenza virus strain A/Aichi 2/68 (H3N2). The pronounced antiviral effect of the agent was detected in both systems. Selank added to the cell culture 24 hours before inoculation (a preventive use scheme) showed the highest efficiency, by completely suppressing viral reproduction. The in vivo studies also demonstrated that the highest survival of laboratory animals was observed when the agent was administered by the prevention scheme. The use of Selank in vivo induced the gene expression of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), without affecting that of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The findings suggest that the mechanism of the antiviral action of Selank may be due to its ability to modulate Th1/Th2/Treg cytokine equilibrium both directly and indirectly via the central nervous system. This is particularly promising if that the agent is synthesized on the basis of an endogenous peptide and that it has no negative effects is kept in mind.