Role of inflammation in childhood epilepsy and ADHD comorbidity.

Epilepsy is a heterogeneous disorder that is not limited to experiencing seizures but also includes multiple neuropsychiatric squeal (i.e. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and anxiety) that adversely impact a child quality of life. However, the underlying mechanism linking both disorders is not yet thoroughly explored. Our objective was to assess pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in children with seizure controlled epilepsy and explore the association between pro-inflammatory cytokines and the co-occurrence of ADHD in such children. A cross-sectional study included 50 children with controlled epilepsy for at least one year, in addition to 30 neurotypical children as controls. All children were assessed by the Conner parent scale for ADHD. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured and correlated to clinical data. In the present study, 23 out of 50 children with epilepsy also had ADHD (46%). Children with ADHD have been found to have a significantly lower age of onset, longer duration of epilepsy, and a higher serum level of IL-6 and TNF-α than those without ADHD. The Conner's parent rating scale overall total score yielded significant negative correlations with the age of onset of epilepsy and a significant positive correlation with the duration of epilepsy and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition to active seizures, the presence of elevated circulating inflammation markers may be associated with increased frequency of ADHD in children with epilepsy aged 6-14 years.

Combination Therapy of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Interleukin-4 Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Collagen-Induced Murine Model.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease of the joints that causes decreased quality of life. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive properties, with possible use in the treatment of RA. Similarly, interleukin (IL)-4 has been shown as a potential RA treatment. However, their combination has not been explored before. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a combination therapy of MSCs and IL-4 in the treatment of RA, using a murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Arthritis was induced in Balb/c mice by two intradermal injections of type II collagen (CII), at days 0 and 21. CIA mice were randomly assigned to four groups; group I received an intravenous injection of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs, while group II received an intraperitoneal injection of IL-4. Group III received a combined treatment of MSC and IL-4, while group IV served as a CIA diseased control group receiving phosphate buffer saline (PBS). A fifth group of healthy mice served as the normal healthy control. To assess changes induced by different treatments, levels of RA-associated inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers were measured in the serum, knee joints, and synovial tissue, using ELISA and Real Time-qPCR. Histopathological features of knee joints were analyzed for all groups. Results showed that combined MSC and IL-4 treatment alleviated signs of synovitis in CIA mice, reverting to the values of healthy controls. This was evident by the decrease in the levels of rheumatic factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP) and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) by 64, 80, and 71%, respectively, compared to the diseased group. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels decreased by 63 and 68%, respectively. Similarly, our gene expression data showed improvement in mice receiving combined therapy compared to other groups receiving single treatment, where cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (Comp), tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (Timp1), matrix metalloproteinase1 (Mmp-1), and IL-1 receptor (Il-1r) gene expression levels decreased by 75, 70, and 78%, respectively. Collectively, treatment with a combined therapy of MSC and IL-4 might have an efficient therapeutic effect on arthritis. Thus, further studies are needed to assess the potential of different MSC populations in conjugation with IL-4 in the treatment of experimental arthritis.

Investigating of Moringa Oleifera Role on Gut Microbiota Composition and Inflammation Associated with Obesity Following High Fat Diet Feeding.

AIM: The alteration in the gut microbial community has been regarded as one of the main factors related to obesity and metabolic disorders. To date, little is known about Moringa oleifera as a nutritional intervention to modulate the microbiota imbalance associated with obesity. Therefore we aim to explore the role of aqueous Moringa oleiferous leaf extract on Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in high-fat diet-induced obesity and to investigate whether any restoration in the number of caecal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria could modulate obesity-induced inflammation. METHODS: Young Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups according to their diet. Two of them were fed on either high fat diet or high fat diet+aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf, while the third group was fed on the control diet. Bacterial DNAs were isolated from the mice digesta samples for bacteria level estimation using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction along with serum interleukin-6 and lipid profile. RESULTS: Compared to the normal control mice, high-fat diet feeding mice showed significantly reduced intestinal levels of Bifidobacteria, and increased body weight, interleukin 6, and levels of Lactobacilli. Upon treatment with Moringa oleifera, body weight, interleukin 6, and both bacteria levels were significantly restored. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Moringa oliefera aqueous leaf extract may contribute towards the pathophysiological regulation of weight gain, inflammation associated with high-fat-induced-obesity through gut bacteria modulation.

Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with Life Style and Dietary Factors in Egyptian Prepubescent Children.

BACKGROUND: There had been a growing evidence of high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency especially among children which may increase the risk of many chronic diseases in adulthood. AIM: Assessment of different lifestyles and dietary behaviour influencing the level of serum 25-OHD in a group of Egyptian prepubescent children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred boys and girls aged from 9 to 11 years were recruited from two primary public schools situated in Giza governorate in Egypt. A questionnaire was developed to obtain relevant information related to age, dietary habits, and physical activity. Thorough clinical examination and measurement of weight and height were performed. Body mass index was calculated. Serum samples were assayed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD). RESULTS: Low serum 25-OHD (< 20 ng/ml) was found in 11.5% of the whole sample. Mean serum 25-OHD was significantly lower in obese subjects and in those with low physical activity (p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that BMI and physical activity were the main predictors of serum 25-OHD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle factors in terms of physical activity and BMI may contribute significantly to the optimal vitamin D status of apparently healthy children.