Regular cold shower exposure modulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Cold hydrotherapy is an ancient practice that has recently gained scientific interest for its potential health benefits. This study explored the effects of regular cold shower exposure on immune cell function. METHODS: Sixty healthy Egyptian adults were randomized to take cold or hot showers daily for 90 days. Levels of immunoglobulins, cytokines, and interferon-gamma were measured in blood samples at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days. RESULTS: The cold shower group exhibited significant increases in immunoglobulin levels. Conversely, the hot shower group showed a significant decrease in IgM levels at 60 and 90 days compared to baseline, alongside nonsignificant decrease of IgG and IgA. the cold shower group demonstrated elevated levels of IL-2 and IL-4 at 90 days, indicating enhanced T-cell proliferation and humoral immunity, respectively. In contrast, the hot shower group did not exhibit significant changes in cytokine levels. There were no significant differences in IFN-γ and TNF-α levels between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Regular cold shower exposure appears to enhance humoral and cell-mediated immunity through the upregulation of antibodies, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4. Brief cold stressors may induce physiological adaptations that prime the immune response. This accessible, sustainable lifestyle modification could potentially serve as an alternative therapy to boost immunity. Further research on larger populations is warranted to better understand the physiological effects of cold temperatures on immunity.

T lymphocyte proportion in Alzheimer's disease prognosis.

Bai et al investigate the predictive value of T lymphocyte proportion in Alzheimer's disease (AD) prognosis. Through a retrospective study involving 62 AD patients, they found that a decrease in T lymphocyte proportion correlated with a poorer prognosis, as indicated by higher modified Rankin scale scores. While the study highlights the potential of T lymphocyte proportion as a prognostic marker, it suggests the need for larger, multicenter studies to enhance generalizability and validity. Additionally, future research could use cognitive exams when evaluating prognosis and delve into immune mechanisms underlying AD progression. Despite limitations inherent in retrospective designs, Bai et al's work contributes to understanding the immune system's role in AD prognosis, paving the way for further exploration in this under-researched area.

The relationship between anesthesia, surgery and postoperative immune function in cancer patients: a review.

This review comprehensively examines the impact of anesthesia and surgical interventions on the immune function of cancer patients postoperatively. Recent studies have shown that surgery and its accompanying anesthesia management can significantly influence immune function in cancer patients, potentially affecting their prognosis. This review synthesizes clinical studies and basic research to summarize the specific effects of anesthesia methods, drugs, postoperative analgesia, intraoperative transfusion, surgical techniques, and trauma extent on the immune function of cancer patients post-surgery. Additionally, this review discusses optimization strategies based on current research, aiming to refine anesthesia and surgical management to maximize the preservation and enhancement of postoperative immune function in cancer patients, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

Comprehensive modulatory effects of whole grain consumption on immune-mediated inflammation in middle-aged and elderly community residents: A real-world randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Whole grain consumption is widely recognized as a vital component of a balanced diet. Dietary fiber has been well-documented to play a crucial role in these health benefits attributed to whole grain intake. However, population-based evidence directly linking whole grain consumption to anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the context of immune-mediated inflammation, remains limited. We hypothesized that whole grain consumption promotes health by modulating immune-mediated inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was designed as a real-world, population-based randomized controlled trial. We compared the effects of whole grain versus refined grain consumption on immune-mediated inflammation through staple food substitution, while participants maintained their usual dietary practices. The results demonstrated that whole grain consumption significantly reduced circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-22 and IL-23 compared to refined grain consumption. These reductions were associated with optimized short-chain fatty acid profiles and changes in CD4+ T cell subset distributions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of whole grain consumption in middle-aged and elderly populations are mediated by targeting specific CD4+ T cell subsets, in addition to modulating both upstream short-chain fatty acid composition and downstream expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-22 and IL-23.

Characterization of a natural model of adult mice with different rate of aging.

Aging is a heterogeneous process, so individuals of the same age may be aging at a different rate. A natural model of premature aging in mice have been proposed based on the poor response to the T-maze. Those that take longer to cross the intersection are known as Prematurely Aging Mice (PAM), while those that show an exceptional response are known as Exceptional non-PAM (E-NPAM), being the rest non-PAM (NPAM). Although many aspects of PAM and E-NPAM have been described, some aspects of their brain aging have not been studied. Similarly, it is known that PAM, NPAM and E-NPAM show a different rate of aging and longevity, but the differences between these three groups in behavior, immune function and oxidative-inflammatory state are unknown. The present study aims to deepen the study of brain aging in PAM and E-NPAM, and to study the differences in behavior, immunity, and oxidative-inflammatory state of peritoneal leukocytes between PAM, NPAM and E-NPAM. Results show deteriorated brains in PAM. Moreover, NPAM show an oxidative state similar to E-NPAM, an anxiety similar to PAM, and an intermediate immunity and lifespan between PAM and E-NPAM. In conclusion, immune function seems to be more associated with the longevity achieved.

Danggui Buxue decoction regulates the immune function and intestinal microbiota of cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the combination of Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelica sinensis (AS) is a classic prescription of tonifying qi and enriching blood. DBD has the functions of hematopoietic, immune enhancement and inflammation inhibition, usually used to treat qi and blood deficiency symptoms. Aim of the study: Cyclophosphamide (CY) can inhibit humoral and cellular immunity, leading to the overall immune disorder of the body, resulting in immunosuppressive (IS). Pre-laboratory studies confirmed the immunomodulatory effects of DBD, but its mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, the main purpose was to determine the effects of DBD on the immune function and intestinal mucosal barrier function of IS mice induced by CY, and initially explored the immunomodulatory mechanism of DBD. Materials and methods: 100 g of AR and 20 g of AS were accurately weighed and 0.5 g/mL of the DBD was obtained by boiling, filtration and rotary evaporation. Then, mice in the DBD group were administered 5 g/kg of DBD by gavage, positive group were administered 40 mg/kg of levamisole hydrochloride, whereas those in the control and model groups were given the corresponding volume of normal saline by gavage for 1 week. At the end of the experiment, blood, spleen, thymus, ileum and cecum contents of all the experimental mice were collected aseptically. IS mouse model induced by intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg CY for three consecutive days. Pathomorphology was used to observe the physical barrier of the intestine, flow cytometry to detect splenic lymphocytes, immunohistochemistry to determine the content of intestinal barrier-associated proteins, ELISA to measure the secretion of ileal SIgA, qRT-PCR to detect the mRNA expression of immune-related genes in the intestine, and high-throughput sequencing and analysis of cecum contents. Results: DBD alleviated spleen tissue damage and restored impaired immune functions, such as increased thymus index and CD4+/CD8+ subsets of spleen lymphocytes. In addition, DBD could increase ileum villi length and the ratio of villi length to crypt depth (V/C), and decrease crypt depth. Moreover, DBD administration up-regulated the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, MUC-2 mRNA in ileum. And the secretions of sIgA and ZO-1 in ileum were also significantly improved. Furthermore, the administration of DBD can increase the diversity of gut microbiota, improve the composition of intestinal flora and increase the relative abundance of beneficial genus, such as Bacteroides. Conclusion: DBD alleviated CY-induced immune damage by decreasing the ratio of spleen index to CD4+/CD8+ of T lymphocyte subsets. And the intestinal barrier function of mice was by improves improving the intestinal morphology of the ileum and up-regulating the expression levels of ZO-1, MUC-2 and SIgA. DBD regulates CY-induced gut microbiota dysregulation in mice by increasing species diversity and richness, regulating the phylum, class and order levels of Bacteroidetes.

The effect of hetrombopag combined with conventional treatment on immune function and quality of life in patients with severe aplastic anemia.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hetrombopag combined with conventional treatment on immune function in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Patients were categorized into the control group (n = 50, receiving conventional treatment only) and experimental group (n = 50, receiving hetrombopag combined with conventional treatment). Before treatment and at weeks 18, 24, and 52 after treatment, the two groups were compared in routine blood test indicators, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and peripheral blood inflammatory factor levels. The overall remission rate and incidence of adverse events were also compared between the two groups. Outpatient or telephone follow-up was performed before treatment and at weeks 18, 24, and 52 after treatment to observe patients' immune function, treatment outcome, quality of life, and adverse events. Hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet count (PLT) (P < 0.05), and a rise in NK cell activity (P < 0.05). Interleukin (IL-10) levels were significantly higher, while IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). After receiving the treatment, all scores of SF-36 domains in both groups were higher than before treatment, particularly with higher scores in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Hetrombopag combined with conventional treatment improved the immune function and hematopoiesis of patients with SAA.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing assisted in the successful treatment of pneumonia caused by Talaromyces marneffei in an immunocompetent patient.

INTRODUCTION: Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei), a kind of endemic opportunistic pathogen, was previously thought to occur in HIV-positive individuals and non-HIV hosts with impaired immune function. However, the infection of T. marneffei in patient with normal immune function was rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of severe pneumonia caused by T. marneffei in an immunocompetent and HIV-negative patient, which was rapidly confirmed by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and treated successfully. The patient was a previously healthy 63-year-old male, who was admitted to hospital with fever for 11 days, cough and sputum for 1 week, and chest distress for 4 days. The infection of T. marneffei was quickly determined by alveolar lavage under bedside bronchoscope and mNGS test. RESULTS: Patient's condition improved rapidly after voriconazole treatment, and he was evaluated as a HIV-negative case of T. marneffei infection with normal immune function. This is a sporadic case of T. marneffei in non-endemic areas, and mNGS played a very important role in the treatment of the disease. The patient's immune function was relatively normal which was rare in clinical practice.

Advances in the understanding of talaromycosis in HIV-negative patients (Especially in children and patients with hematological malignancies): A comprehensive review.

Talaromyces marneffei (T.marneffei) stands out as the sole thermobiphasic fungus pathogenic to mammals, including humans, within the fungal community encompassing Ascomycota, Eurotium, Eurotiumles, Fungiaceae, and Cyanobacteria. Thriving as a saprophytic fungus in its natural habitat, it transitions into a pathogenic yeast phase at the mammalian physiological temperature of 37°C. Historically, talaromycosis has been predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, classified among the three primary opportunistic infections linked with AIDS, alongside tuberculosis and cryptococcosis. As advancements are made in HIV/AIDS treatment and control measures, the incidence of talaromycosis co-infection with HIV is declining annually, whereas the population of non-HIV-infected talaromycosis patients is steadily increasing. These patients exhibit diverse risk factors such as various types of immunodeficiency, malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplantation, among others. Yet, a limited number of retrospective studies have centered on the clinical characteristics and risk factors of HIV-negative talaromycosis patients, especially in children and patients with hematological malignancies, resulting in an inadequate understanding of this patient cohort. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive review encompassing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HIV-negative talaromycosis patients, concluding with a prospectus of the disease's frontier research direction. The aim is to enhance comprehension, leading to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment rates for these patients, ultimately improving their prognosis.

In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive review encompassing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HIV-negative talaromycosis patients, concluding with a prospectus of the disease's frontier research direction. The aim is to enhance comprehension, leading to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment rates for these patients, ultimately improving their prognosis.

Arginine on immune function and post-operative obstructions in colorectal cancer patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of arginine on immune function and postoperative complications in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search to identify eligible RCTs in various databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP Medicine Information System (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). This study aimed to examine IgA, IgG, and IgM levels as well as CD4+ and CD8+ counts as well as the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Anastomotic leaking, length of stay (LOS), and surgical site infection (SSI) were included as secondary outcomes. Stata (StataCorp, version 14.0) was utilized for data analysis. To ensure the results were reliable, we used meta-regression, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 publications (including 1883 patients) out of 681 that were retrieved fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The arginine group showed notable improvements in humoral immunity, with gains in IgA (SMD=0.45, 95% CI: 0.30-0.60), IgG (SMD=0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-0.96), and IgM (SMD=0.66, 95% CI: 0.39-0.93). With regards to cellular immunity, the arginine group exhibited a substantial increase in the CD4+ T cell count (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.67-1.38) compared to the control group. However, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased significantly (SMD=1.37, 95% CI: 0.88-1.86) in the same arginine group, indicating a change in the balance between these two cell types. Additionally, the CD8+ T cell count showed a notable decrease (SMD=-0.70, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.32) in the arginine group when compared to the control group. Anastomotic leakage was also considerably lower in the arginine group (SMD=-0.05, 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.02), the rate of SSIs was lower (RR = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.05-0), and the length of time patients spent in the hospital was shorter (SMD=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.08). CONCLUSIONS: After radiation treatment for CRC, arginine improves immune function and decreases the risk of infection problems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration with PROSPERO for this meta-analysis is number CRD42024520509.

Visceral Adiposity and Neutralizing Antibody Expression: An Adult-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Visceral adiposity is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19. However, the impact of the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the impact of CVAI on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) in inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the potential mechanism, thereby optimizing vaccination guidance. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 206 health workers (completed two SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on February 8th and March 10th, 2021, respectively) were recruited. All baseline anthropometric parameters of the participants were collected, and venous blood samples were obtained 6 weeks later to measure peripheral innate immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and NAb titers against SARS-CoV-2. CVAI were calculated according to the formula and divided participants into two groups depending on CVAI median. Results: The median NAb titer among healthcare workers was 12.94 AU/mL, with an efficacy of 87.86% for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. NAb titers were lower in the CVAI dysfunction group than in the CVAI reference group (median: 11.40 AU/mL vs 15.57 AU/mL), the hsCRP levels (median: 0.50 mg/L vs 0.30 mg/L) and peripheral monocyte count (mean: 0.47 × 109/L vs 0.42 × 109/L) in the CVAI dysfunction group were higher than in the CVAI reference group. Additionally, CVAI showed positive correlations with hsCRP, monocytes, lymphocytes, and B-lymphocytes, and a negative correlation with NAb titers. Conclusion: CVAI may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody expression through inducing immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Thus, more attention should be paid to the vaccination for high CVAI population to improve the effectiveness of vaccination, which could provide more robust support for COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control.

Impact of minimally invasive surgery on immune function and stress response in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Traditional open surgery for gastric cancer is often associated with significant morbidity and prolonged recovery. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery for gastric cancer, focusing on its potential to reduce trauma, accelerate recovery, and achieve comparable oncological outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 203 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery at the Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Chongming Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: Minimally invasive surgery group (n = 102), who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy, and open surgery group (n = 101), who underwent traditional open gastrectomy. We compared surgical indicators (surgical incision size, intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, and number of lymph nodes dissected), recovery parameters (time to first flatus, time to start eating, time to ambulation, and length of hospital stay), immune function (levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM), intestinal barrier function (levels of D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase), and stress response (levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and procalcitonin). RESULTS: The minimally invasive surgery group demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of surgical indicators, including smaller incisions, less blood loss, shorter surgery time, and more lymph nodes dissected (P < 0.05 for all). Recovery was also faster in the minimally invasive surgery group, with earlier return of bowel function, earlier initiation of diet, quicker mobilization, and shorter hospital stays (P < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, patients in the minimally invasive surgery group had better preserved immune function, superior intestinal barrier function, and a less pronounced stress response postoperatively (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer not only provides superior surgical indicators and faster recovery but also offers advantages in preserving immune function, protecting intestinal barrier function, and mitigating the stress response compared to traditional open surgery. These findings support the broader adoption of laparoscopic techniques in the management of gastric cancer.

Unveiling the Roles of Immune Function and Inflammation in the Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Incident Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between data-driven dietary patterns, immune function, and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the mediating effects of immune function. METHODS: This study included 375,665 participants without diabetes at baseline in the UK Biobank study. Dietary patterns were derived through principal component analysis of food frequency questionnaire data. Immune function was assessed using 14 individual inflammatory markers and an integrated low-grade inflammation score (INFLA-score). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the associations of dietary patterns or immune function with incident T2D. Linear regressions were used to estimate the associations of dietary patterns with immune function. Mediating effects of immune function were quantified. RESULTS: During a median 14.6-year follow-up, 13,932 participants developed T2D. Four dietary patterns were identified: prudent diet (high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish), wheat/dairy/eggs restrictive diet (limiting these foods), meat-based diet (high in red/processed meat, salt), and full-cream dairy diet (preference for full cream milk or dairy products). The prudent diet was negatively (HRQ4 vs Q1, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.65-0.72]), while the wheat/dairy/eggs restrictive diet (HRQ4 vs Q1, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.13]), meat-based diet (HRQ4 vs Q1, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.17]), and full-cream dairy diet (HRQ4 vs Q1, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.12]) were positively associated with incident T2D (all p for trend ≤0.04). The prudent diet was negatively and the full-cream dairy diet was positively associated with most inflammatory markers. Most inflammatory markers, especially INFLA-score (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.16-1.20]), were positively associated with incident T2D. INFLA-score mediated 13% of the association with incident T2D for the prudent diet and 34% for the full-cream dairy diet. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified four distinct dietary patterns and a range of inflammatory markers associated with incident T2D. A notable proportion of the associations between dietary patterns and T2D was mediated by immune function.

Temperature influences immune cell development and body length in purple sea urchin larvae.

Anthropogenic climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves that may broadly impact the health of marine invertebrates. Rising ocean temperatures lead to increases in disease prevalence in marine organisms; it is therefore critical to understand how marine heatwaves impact immune system development. The purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) is an ecologically important, broadcast-spawning, omnivore that primarily inhabits kelp forests in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The S. purpuratus life cycle includes a relatively long-lived (∼2 months) planktotrophic larval stage. Larvae have a well-characterized cellular immune system that is mediated, in part, by a subset of mesenchymal cells known as pigment cells. To assess the role of environmental temperature on the development of larval immune cells, embryos were generated from adult sea urchins conditioned at 14 °C. Embryos were then cultured in either ambient (14 °C) or elevated (18 °C) seawater. Results indicate that larvae raised in an elevated temperature were slightly larger and had more pigment cells than those raised at ambient temperature. Further, the larval phenotypes varied significantly among genetic crosses, which highlights the importance of genotype in structuring how the immune system develops in the context of the environment. Overall, these results indicate that larvae are phenotypically plastic in modulating their immune cells and body length in response to adverse developmental conditions.

Succession of rumen microbiota and metabolites across different reproductive periods in different sheep breeds and their impact on the growth and development of offspring lambs.

BACKGROUND: The microbiota and metabolites in the gastrointestinal tracts of female animals at different reproductive periods are very important to the growth, development, and health of themselves and their offspring. However, the changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolites throughout reproductive period of different sheep breeds and their effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs are still unclear. Hence, this study presents an assessment of the reproductive hormone levels, immune levels, rumen microbiota, and metabolites in Hu sheep and Suffolk ewes at different reproductive periods and their effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs. RESULTS: Hu sheep and Suffolk during non-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation were used as the research objects to determine reproductive and immune indexes of ewes at different periods, analyze rumen microbiome and metabolome, and track the growth performance and development of offspring lambs. The results showed that the reproductive hormone and immune levels of Hu sheep and Suffolk underwent adaptive changes across different reproductive periods. Compared with non-pregnancy, the microbial energy metabolism and lipid metabolism function decreased during Hu sheep pregnancy, and energy metabolism function decreased during lactation. In Suffolk, energy metabolism, glycan biosynthesis, and metabolism function were enhanced during pregnancy, and the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins was enhanced during lactation. Prevotella increased in Suffolk during pregnancy and lactation (P < 0.05) and was positively correlated with the birth weight and body size of the lambs (P < 0.05). Moreover, the abundances of Butyrivibrio and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group during pregnancy were positively correlated with the intestinal immunity of the offspring lambs (P < 0.05), thereby regulating the intestinal immunity level of the lambs. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the protein digestion, absorption, and amino acid metabolism of Hu sheep were enhanced during pregnancy, which provided amino acids for the growth and development of pregnant ewes and fetuses and was significantly correlated with the birth weight, body size, and intestinal immunity of lambs (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, there was an increase in acetate and propionate during the pregnancy and lactation period of both Hu sheep and Suffolk, providing energy for ewes during reproductive period. Moreover, the microbiota during the lactation period was significantly correlated with the milk quality and lambs daily gain (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the characteristic succession changes in the rumen microbiota and its metabolites at different reproductive periods in sheep breeds and their regulation of reproductive hormone and immune levels and identified their potential effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs. The findings provide valuable insights into the health and feeding management of different sheep breeds during the reproductive stage. Video Abstract.

Effects of Yipi Huayu decoction on tumor markers, immune function, and adverse reactions during chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients: a retrospective propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Yianpi Huayu Decoction on tumor markers, immune function and adverse reactions during chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer. METHOD: The clinical data of 154 patients with progressive gastric cancer who attended Baoji Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Daijiawan Branch) from January 2020 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an observation group (61 cases) and a control group (93 cases) according to the treatment method and were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). The control group was given SOX neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen (oxaliplatin + tiglio), and the observation group was given spleen-strengthening and blood-stasis-reducing tonics as adjuvant treatment on the basis of the treatment given to the control group. Clinical efficacy in the two groups was observed, as well as Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Carbohydrate Antigen 72-4 (CA72-4), and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels, immune function (IgA, IgM, and IgG), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and occurrence of adverse reactions. RESULTS: After matching, there was no significant difference in the total clinical efficiency between the two groups (P > 0.05). After matching, there were no differences in CA19-9, CA72-4, and CEA levels between the observation group and the control group before or after treatment (P > 0.05). After matching, the IgA, IgM, and IgG levels in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). The incidence of leukopenia (P = 0.011) and diarrhea (P = 0.011) during treatment was higher in the control group than in the observation group after matching. The KPS score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group after matching (P < 0.05). After matching, Cox regression analysis found that the treatment regimen (P < 0.001, HR = 2.527), TNM staging (P = 0.001, HR = 0.471), local recurrence (P = 0.001, HR = 2.147), and pretreatment CEA (P = 0.011, HR = 1.131) were independent prognostic factors affecting patients' 2-year survival. CONCLUSION: While the spleen-enhancing and blood-stasis-removing herbal formula combined with the SOX chemotherapy regimen did not improve therapeutic outcomes in gastric cancer patients, it did enhance immune function, reduce adverse reactions, and improve quality of life.

Therapeutic potential of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the immune function of patients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to explore the mechanism of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the immune function of patients having pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: Through a retrospective study, 168 patients with PIH syndrome who were cured at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University (January 2020 to December 2021) were randomly divided into the Omega-3 treated group and the control group, with 84 cases in each group. The control group received treatment with magnesium sulfate. The other group was treated with PUFAs based on the magnesium sulfate treatment. To evaluate the differences in diastolic pressure, systolic pressure and inflammatory factors between the Omega-3 treated group and control group, statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software. The measurement data were subject to t-test, and x 2 test was adopted for counting data. RESULTS: The treatment efficiency of the Omega-3 treated group and the control group was 95.24% and 80.95%, respectively, with a significant difference (P<0.05). Before receiving treatment, there was no difference in diastolic and systolic pressure, various inflammatory factors and various immune functions between these two groups (P>0.05). The group treated with omega-3 had lower CD3+, CD4+ and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio than the control group (P<0,05). The Omega-3 treated group had significantly higher IL-4 and CD8+ than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravenous injection of Omega-3 can reduce blood pressure, improve immune function, and reduce inflammatory reactions in patients with gestational hypertension.

Effects of TP regimen combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy on immune function, quality of life and prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of paclitaxel and cisplatin (TP regimen) combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy on immune function and quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 107 patients with advanced ovarian cancer who were treated in Baoji Central Hospital between March 2016 and March 2020. The control group was treated with the TP regimen alone (n=48), while the observation group received additional intraperitoneal heat infusion chemotherapy containing 60 mg of cisplatin on the 8th day following the final chemotherapy (n=59). Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels, quality of life, tumor marker levels, incidence of adverse effects, and 3-year survival were compared between the two groups. Besides, factors affecting patients' prognosis were detected by unifactorial and multifactorial analyses. RESULTS: Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of IgG, IgA, and IgM levels (all P>0.05). After treatment, the observation group showed significantly higher levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM than those in the control group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in pre-treatment Kamofsky (KPS) score, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) between the two groups (all P>0.05). However, after treatment, the KPS score was significantly increased in the observation group as compared to pre-treatment or control group (both P<0.05), while CEA and CA125 significantly decreased in the observation group as compared to pre-treatment or control group (all P<0.05). Nevertheless, the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The survival rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The AUC of post-treatment IgG for predicting 3-year survival of patients was 0.743. The 3-year survival rate of patients with IgG≥10.950 g/L was significantly higher than that of patients with IgG<10.950 g/L (P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that higher FIGO stage, presence of ascites, higher post-treatment IgG level, and higher post-treatment CEA and CA125 levels were independent risk factors for patients' 3-year mortality. CONCLUSION: TP regimen combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy significantly improves immune function and quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, although it increases the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions. Higher FIGO stage, presence of ascites, higher IgG after treatment, higher CEA, and higher CA125 were independent risk factors for patients' 3-year mortality.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells through the MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Gwakhyangjeonggi-san (GJS) is a traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia for the treatment of symptoms involving lower intestinal abnormalities; however, the effects of GJS on innate immunity and its cellular mechanisms of action have not been elucidated. In this study, we assessed the immune-enhancing activity and underlying mechanisms of GJS using RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The results showed that GJS treatment significantly increased the secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines and their mRNA expression in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells without causing cytotoxicity. GJS treatment also significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as inducing phagocytic activity, adhesion function, and migration ability, all of which improved the immune response. In addition, GJS activated nuclear factor-κB by promoting the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB alpha. Furthermore, GJS markedly increased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in RAW 264.7 cells. These findings indicate that GJS has potential value as a dietary supplement for strengthening immunity.

Development and optimization of a diluted whole blood ELISpot assay to test immune function.

Sepsis remains a leading cause of death worldwide with no proven immunomodulatory therapies. Stratifying Patient Immune Endotypes in Sepsis ('SPIES') is a prospective, multicenter observational study testing the utility of ELISpot as a functional bioassay specifically measuring cytokine-producing cells after stimulation to identify the immunosuppressed endotype, predict clinical outcomes in septic patients, and test potential immune stimulants for clinical development. Most ELISpot protocols call for the isolation of PBMC prior to their inclusion in the assay. In contrast, we developed a diluted whole blood (DWB) ELISpot protocol that has been validated across multiple laboratories. Heparinized whole blood was collected from healthy donors and septic patients and tested under different stimulation conditions to evaluate the impact of blood dilution, stimulant concentration, blood storage, and length of stimulation on ex vivo IFNγ and TNFα production as measured by ELISpot. We demonstrate a dynamic range of whole blood dilutions that give a robust ex vivo cytokine response to stimuli. Additionally, a wide range of stimulant concentrations can be utilized to induce cytokine production. Further modifications demonstrate anticoagulated whole blood can be stored up to 24 h at room temperature without losing significant functionality. Finally, we show ex vivo stimulation can be as brief as 4 h allowing for a substantial decrease in processing time. The data demonstrate the feasibility of using ELISpot to measure the functional capacity of cells within DWB under a variety of stimulation conditions to inform clinicians on the extent of immune dysregulation in septic patients.