Rice Bran Oil Improves Emphysema in Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Mice through Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects.

Lung inflammation and alveolar enlargement are the major pathological conditions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Rice bran oil (RBO), a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent, has been used for therapeutic purposes in several inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effect of RBO on a cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced emphysema model in mice. The results indicated that CSE significantly induced airspace enlargement in mouse lung. Increased inflammatory cells, macrophage, and TNF-alpha levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were noticed in CSE-treated mice. RBO (low and high dose)-supplemented mice showed decreased total BALF inflammatory cell, macrophage, and neutrophil numbers and TNF-alpha levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of RBO decreased the mean linear alveolar intercept (MLI) in the CSE-treated group. Additionally, RBO treatment significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity in both mouse BALF and serum. However, RBO did not have an effect on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. These findings suggested that RBO treatment ameliorates lung inflammation in a CSE-induced emphysema mice model through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. Therefore, the supplementation of RBO could be a new potential therapeutic to relieve the severity of COPD.

Role of Dietary Defatted Rice Bran in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Rat Model.

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is a by-product of rice bran derived after the oil extraction. DRB contains several bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and phytochemicals. The supplementation with DRB manifests chemopreventive effects in terms of anti-chronic inflammation, anti-cell proliferation, and anti-tumorigenesis in the azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) model in rats. However, little is known about its effect on gut microbiota. Herein, we investigated the effect of DRB on gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, colonic goblet cell loss, and mucus layer thickness in the AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC rat model. The results suggested that DRB enhanced the production of beneficial bacteria (Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus) and lessened the production of harmful bacteria (Turicibacter, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Escherichia-Shigella, Citrobacter) present in colonic feces, mucosa, and tumors. In addition, DRB also assisted the cecal SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) production. Furthermore, DRB restored goblet cell loss and improved the thickness of the mucus layer in colonic tissue. These findings suggested that DRB could be used as a prebiotic supplement to modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis, which decreases the risks of CRC, therefore encouraging further research on the utilization of DRB in various nutritional health products to promote the health-beneficial bacteria in the colon.

Inhibitory Effect of Dietary Defatted Rice Bran in an AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Experimental Animal Model.

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is gaining immense popularity worldwide because of its nutritional and functional aspects. Emerging evidence suggests that DRB is a potential source of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds with numerous purported health benefits. However, less is known about its chemoprotective efficacy. In the present study, we determined and examined the nutrient composition of DRB and its chemopreventive effect on azoxymethane and dextran sulphate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats. The results showed the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, phytic acid, and phenolic acids, in DRB. In addition, DRB supplementation reduced the progression of CRC symptoms, such as colonic shortening, disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological changes. Interestingly, a significant decrease was observed in total numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) and tumors with DRB supplementation. Furthermore, DRB supplementation suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB and COX-2) through the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The administration of DRB revealed a negative effect on cancer cell proliferation by repressing the expression of nuclear ß-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc. These findings suggest that DRB supplementation mitigates chronic inflammation and cancer cell proliferation and delays tumorigenesis in rat AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC. Therefore, the establishment of DRB as a natural dietary food-derived chemopreventive agent has the potential to have a significant impact on cancer prevention in the global population.

Parboiled Germinated Brown Rice Improves Cardiac Structure and Gene Expression in Hypertensive Rats.

Hypertension leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. The suppression of these indicators may be one treatment approach. Parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR), obtained by steaming germinated Jasmine rice, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in vivo. PGBR contains more bioactive compounds than brown rice (BR) and white rice (WR). Anti-hypertensive benefits of PGBR have been predicted, but research is lacking. The anti-hypertensive effects of PGBR were investigated in the downstream gene network of hypertension pathogenesis, including the renin-angiotensin system, fibrosis, oxidative stress production, and antioxidant enzymes in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. To strengthen our findings, the cardiac structure was also studied. PGBR-exposed rats showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to the hypertensive group. WR did not reduce SBP because of the loss of bioactive compounds during intensive milling. PGBR also reduced the expression of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX4), which contribute to the renin-angiotensin system, fibrosis, and oxidative stress production, respectively. Losartan (Los, an anti-hypertensive drug)-treated rats also exhibited similar gene expression, implying that PGBR may reduce hypertension using the same downstream target as Los. Our data also indicated that PGBR reduced cardiac lesions, such as the cardiomyopathy induced by L-NAME. This is the first report on the anti-hypertensive effects of PGBR in vivo by the suppression of the renin response, fibrosis, and improved cardiac structure.

The Correlations between Clinical Features, Dermoscopic and Histopathological Findings, and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Pitted Keratolysis.

BACKGROUND: Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a superficial bacterial infection diagnosed mainly by clinical manifestations. Current data on its dermoscopic and histopathological findings, and the correlation of those findings, are limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical manifestations, dermoscopic, and histopathological findings of PK and to determine the correlations. METHODS: Forty naval cadets with PK and five cadets with normal feet were enrolled this cohort study and provided informed consent. Dermoscopy was independently applied and evaluated by 2 dermatologists. Shave biopsies were performed on 37 patients with PK. RESULTS: Pits were the most common dermoscopic finding (88.1%). The dermoscope had more sensitivity for the detection of PK than the naked eye examinations. Apart from the pits and the presence of bacteria, the most common histopathological finding for PK was color alteration of keratin. The presence of bacteria correlated with interrupted dermatoglyphic lines and the color alteration of keratin. Moreover, the presence of bacteria at the base of pits was related to worse treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy is a useful tool for PK diagnosis. Color alteration of keratin is another histopathological finding for PK. The presence of bacteria is associated with worse treatment outcomes.

Invalid freeze-dried platelet gel promotes wound healing.

Wound healing is the curative process of tissue injury, composed of three phases: the inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, followed by the maturation cum remodeling phase. Various treatment options were previously depicted for wound healing, however a treatment that accelerates these phases would be highly valuable. Platelet aggregation at the bleeding vessels and release of various growth factors are the most promising factors that stimulates the wound healing progress. In the present study, we hypothesized that the freeze-dried platelet which were normally discarded from the blood banks due to invalidity, might be promising to accelerate the phases of wound healing. The invalid freeze-dried platelets were prepared to a gel form called invalid freeze-dried platelet gel (IF-PG), which was tested for its efficacy in a cutaneous punch wound model in rats. Mupirocin antibiotic gel was used as a bio-equivalent formulation. The wound healing phases and changes in the wound sites were determined by assessing the wound sizes, histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining. The re-epithelialization at the wound sites at different time intervals till the wound closure was also determined. Our results suggest the beneficial effects of IF-PG; in reducing the wound area and accelerating wound closure in the cutaneous punch wound in rats. Histopathology and immunostaining results support the improvements in the wound when treated with IF-PG, which were similar to that of mupirocin antibiotic gel. Our preliminary findings also warrant the competency of IF-PG in modulating the different phases of wound healing process. In conclusion, IF-PG might be a resourceful alternative for the wound care management, however further studies are required to validate its impact on various growth factors before proceeding to clinical studies.

Neuroprotective Effects of Germinated Brown Rice in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's-Like Disease Rats.

The effects of germinated brown rice (GBR) on the motor deficits and the dopaminergic (DA) cell death were investigated in Parkinson's-like disease (PD) rats. Reactive oxidative species generated by chronic subcutaneous injection of rotenone (RT) lead to neuronal apoptosis particularly in the nigrostriatal DA system and produce many features of PD, bradykinesis, postural instability and rigidity. In this study, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), previously reported to inhibit RT-induced DA cell death, was used as the positive control. Results show that pretreatment with GBR as well as 4-PBA significantly enhanced the motor activity after RT injection, and GBR affected significantly in open field test, only in the ambulation but not the mobility duration, and ameliorated the time to orient down (t-turn) and total time to descend the pole (t-total) in pole test as compared to RT group, but significantly lowered both t-turn and t-total only in 4-PBA group. The percentage of apoptotic cells in brain measured by flow cytometry and the inflammatory effect measured by ELISA of TNF-α showed significant increase in RT group as compared to the control (CT) group at P < 0.05. Apoptotic cells in RT group (85.98 %) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase versus CT group (17.50 %), and this effect was attenuated in GBR+RT group by decreasing apoptotic cells (79.32 %), whereas, increased viable cells (17.94 %) versus RT group (10.79 %). GBR in GBR + RT group could decrease TNF-α both in the serum and in brain. In summary, GBR showed a neuroprotective effect in RT-induced PD rats, and it may be useful as a value-added functional food to prevent neurodegenerative disease or PD.

Parboiled Germinated Brown Rice Protects Against CCl4-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Injury in Rats.

Parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) of Khao Dawk Mali 105 variety was produced by steaming germinated paddy rice, which is well-known for its nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we determined the in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of PGBR in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, (weight 200-250 g) were randomly divided into (1) control, (2) CCl(4), (3) white rice (WR)+CCl(4), (4) brown rice (BR)+CCl(4), and (5) PGBR+CCl(4) groups. PGBR, BR, and WR diets were produced by replacing corn starch in the AIN76A diet with cooked PGBR, BR, and WR powders, respectively. All rats except the control group were gavaged with 50% CCl4 in olive oil (v/v, 1 mL/kg) twice a week for 8 weeks. CCl(4)-treated rats exhibited significant liver injury, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage, as well as obvious changes to liver histopathology compared to control. In addition, CCl(4) treatment decreased the activities of CYP2E1 and antioxidant enzymes: glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione (GSH) content. However, the PGBR+CCl(4) group exhibited less liver injury, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage, as well as better antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH content. Furthermore, PGBR inhibited degradation of CYP2E1 in CCl(4)-induced decrease of CYP2E1 activity. These data suggest that PGBR may prevent CCl(4)-induced liver oxidative stress and injury through enhancement of the antioxidant capacities, which may be due to complex actions of various bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, γ-oryzanol, tocotrienol, and GABA.

Occurrence of the foramen of Vesalius and its morphometry relevant to clinical consideration.

All 377 dry skulls were examined for the occurrence and morphometry of the foramen of Vesalius (FV) both in the middle cranial fossa and at the extracranial view of the skull base. There were 25.9% and 10.9% of FV found at the extracranial view of the skull base and in the middle cranial fossa, respectively. Total patent FV were 16.1% (11.9% unilaterally and 4.2% bilaterally). Most FV were found in male and on the left side. Comparatively, FV at the extracranial view of the skull base had a larger maximum diameter. The distance between FV and the foramen ovale (FO) was as short as 2.05 ± 1.09 mm measured at the extracranial view of the skull base. In conclusion, although the existence of FV is inconstant, its occurrence could not be negligible. The proximity of FV to FO should remind neurosurgeons to be cautious when performing the surgical approach through FO.

Naturally acquired IgG antibodies against the C-terminal part of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite threonine-asparagine-rich protein in a low endemic area.

Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite threonine-asparagine-rich protein (STARP), a 78-kDa surface protein, is considered a potential vaccine candidate. The C-terminal part of STARP has been evolved under positive selection, suggesting the presence of immunodominant epitopes. However, little is known about the immune responses against STARP among individuals upon natural malaria exposure. In this study, we have cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli the recombinant C-terminal part of STARP spanning 118 amino acids in order to examine the humoral immune response against this protein. Blood samples were randomly collected from 74 individuals living in a malaria endemic area of Thailand who were acutely infected with P. falciparum (n = 54) and with Plasmodium vivax (n = 20). Malaria-negative blood samples were also obtained from 27 individuals living in the same endemic area who had experienced prior infection with P. falciparum 6 months to 1 year before sample collection and 20 healthy subjects without history of malaria exposure. Western blot analysis revealed that IgG antibodies against this recombinant peptide were found in 23 of 54 serum samples (42.6%) from P. falciparum-infected individuals. All serum samples from P. vivax-infected cases, non-infected individuals, and those who experienced prior infection with P. falciparum gave negative results, indicating that naturally acquired IgG antibodies against the C-terminal part of STARP are species-specific and short-lived. Provided that antibodies against STARP could confer protection, it is likely that malaria vaccine derived from the C-terminal part of STARP could probably be boosted upon natural exposure to P. falciparum.

Effect of malaria infection and dexamethasone on spleen morphology and histology.

The purpose of this study was to determine the histopathological changes of the spleen caused by parasite infection and steroid use to investigate pathological effects due to infection in ICR mice. The mice were divided into 5 groups: non-malaria infected mice served as controls, mice with parasite infection only, and the other three groups; mice that were injected with dexamethasone (Dex) only, mice injected with Dex prior to and mice injected with Dex after malaria inoculation. Differences in spleen color between the groups were found. Compared to controls, malaria infected mice, and those injected with Dex only were significantly different (p < 0.05) in spleen weights and sizes. Histological changes were also seen in these two groups. Fused white pulps were found in the spleens of mice infected with malaria only, clear zones of white and red pulp were observed in the spleens of mice treated only with Dex; fibrinoids were also found in this group. The histology of spleens appeared normal except for infiltration by numerous megakaryocytes in the spleens of mice given Dex before or after parasite inoculation. Infection with malaria and use of Dex leads to destruction of typical features of spleen morphology and histology. However, uptake of Dex after malaria infection seems to reverse the pathology of the spleen.

In vivo antiparasitic activity of the Thai traditional medicine plant--Tinospora crispa--against Plasmodium yoelii.

We investigated the in vivo antimalarial effect of crude extract of Tinospora crispa, a Thai traditional medicine plant. Mice were inoculated with Plasmodium yoelii then treated with the crude extract of Tinospora crispa at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg. Mice receiving the dose of 20 mg/kg died on average on Day 8. Mice remained alive longer when treated of the dose of 40 mg/kg or even longer under the treatment of the dose of 80 mg/kg. Surprisingly and interestingly, one mouse from the group in which the dose of 80 mg/kg was administrated is still alive and the parasite was cleared from the blood stream. In conclusion, T. crispa has an in vivo antimalarial effect in dose dependent manner.

Anatomical study of the greater palatine artery and related structures of the palatal vault: considerations for palate as the subepithelial connective tissue graft donor site.

Palate is considered as a tissue graft donor site for dental surgical procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of palatal structures, such as greater palatine artery, greater palatine foramen, and incisive fossa, in order to consider their topography at planning the graft dimensions and reduce the potential risk of injury of greater palatine artery. Direct inspection of 41 Thai cadavers was performed. The results showed the statistically significant differences as for the length of female and male palates (p = 0.017); however, vertical measurements were equally distributed in examined population. Main location of greater palatine foramen was palatal to the second molar (35.7%), as well as, interproximal to the second and third molars (35.7%) in women, and palatal to the second molar in men (65%). GPA was branching most frequently at the level of first premolar (38%) and at first and second molars together (43%) in women. In men, the branching on the alveolar process side was commonly observed at the level of first and second premolars together (56%), and at the level of second and third molars together (32%). In the area between maxillary first premolar and second molar, it appeared possible to harvest a connective tissue graft measuring at least 5 mm in height. The results of this research will provide the useful data for other comparative studies and for assisting periodontologists in planning the dimensions and harvesting the subepithelial connective tissue grafts from palate.

Topography of carotid bifurcation: considerations for neck examination.

Clinical examination and surgical procedures require the knowledge of anatomical structures of such a complex area as neck, especially the developmental anomalies in vascular drainage may occur. The aim of this study was to describe the common carotid artery bifurcation to its surrounding structures to locate it properly by using external and internal landmarks. Measurements were performed on 43 Thai cadavers by the direct inspection method. Carotid bifurcation level was compared to the level of cervical vertebra, isthmus of thyroid cartilage, angle of mandible and origins of superior thyroid artery, and lingual artery. Most of carotid bifurcations were found at the level of C3, between C3 and C4, and C4 vertebra, as well as the tendency to lower position in men was noted. Measurements to the angle of mandible on the left sides were significantly different in studied groups (P = 0.02), also with lower position of bifurcation in men. The mean level of carotid bifurcation was approximately 6 mm above ITC, which literally is at the level of the superior border of thyroid cartilage. Moreover, in four cases, common carotid artery did not bifurcate bilaterally, and in four cases, no bifurcations were found at the right side of neck. Further, many superior thyroid arteries originated from common carotid artery. To sum up, during the clinical procedures, the level of thyroid cartilage is mostly advised to follow to locate the carotid sinus. Further, the described variations in topography of carotid bifurcation and arteries origins may have important clinical implications.

Chronic steroid administration does not suppress Plasmodium development and maturation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of constant steroid uptake on the Plasmodium yoelii infection rate and parasite maturation. On the animal model, we examined the effect(s) of dexamethasone (Dx), the general drug used for self-treatment by Thai villagers. Ten female ICR mice were subjected to oral administration of 0.5 mg/kg Dx for 40 days, whereas other ten were given drinking water only before P. yoelii 17X (lethal) strain inoculation. Parasite-infected erythrocytes were verified by Giemsa staining under light microscope. The differences of infectivity and maturation were evaluated by Student's t test. Parasitemia was detected in both groups on day 1 and increased until day 6 with similar infection rates. Significant lower numbers of ring, trophozoite, and schizont stages in the control group at the same time compared to Dx-treated mice were noted. The parasite maturation in infected Dx-treated mice appeared faster in comparison to the control. We conclude that the chronic taking of Dx suppresses the host immunity, without any suppressive effects on the parasite development and maturation, and, on the contrary, increases the development and maturation of P. yoelii.

Re-evaluating acridine orange for rapid flow cytometric enumeration of parasitemia in malaria-infected rodents.

Methods facilitating research in malaria are of pivotal relevance. Flow cytometry offers the possibility of rapid enumeration of parasitemia. It relies on staining the parasite DNA to distinguish between infected and non-infected red blood cell (RBC) populations. Unfortunately, in rodents abundant reticulocyte RNA interferes with the application of the method. This results in time-consuming sample preparation protocols that offer no clear advantage over microscopic counting. We re-evaluated the use of the DNA/RNA discriminating vital fluorochrome acridine orange (AO) for rapid flow cytometric enumeration of parasitemia in rodents. Whole blood from rodents infected with Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium yoelii was stained with AO and analyzed by flow cytometer. A newly developed two-channel (FL1/FL3) detection method was compared with conventional one-channel (FL1) detection and microscopic counting. The new AO two-channel detection method clearly discriminated between infected and non-infected RBC populations. It showed to be linear above parasitemias of 0.3%. Sample processing time amounted to approximately 5 min. It is shown that AO can be used for rapid, precise, and accurate enumeration of parasitemia in rodents. Due to its ease of handling the method might find widespread application in malaria research.

Erythrocyte surface glycosylphosphatidyl inositol anchored receptor for the malaria parasite.

Parasitophorous vacuole formation is a critical step for the successful invasion of host erythrocytes by the malaria parasite. Rhoptry proteins are believed to have essential roles in vacuole formation, although their biological roles are poorly understood. To understand the molecular interactions between parasite rhoptry proteins and the erythrocyte during invasion, we have characterized the binding specificity of the high molecular mass rhoptry protein (RhopH) complex to erythrocytes using the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium yoelii. RhopH complex binding to erythrocytes was species-specific, observed with mouse but not rabbit or human erythrocytes. Binding is abolished following treatment of erythrocytes with trypsin or chymotrypsin. Because host cell cholesterol-rich membrane domains are recruited into the nascent parasitophorous vacuole, we evaluated a possible role of RhopH complex binding to the cholesterol-rich membrane domain-associated glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-anchored protein. Using chimeric mice harboring GPI-deficient erythrocytes, RhopH complex binding to GPI-deficient mouse erythrocytes was undetectable, indicating involvement of GPI-anchored protein in PyRhopH complex binding. Furthermore, a significant reduction of P. yoelii parasite infection of GPI-deficient erythrocytes was observed in vivo, probably due to inefficient invasion. We conclude that the major erythrocyte receptor for PyRhopH complex is a protein attached to the erythrocyte surface via GPI-anchor and that GPI-deficient erythrocytes are resistant to P. yoelii invasion.

Blocking of transmission to mosquitoes by antibody to Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine candidates Pvs25 and Pvs28 despite antigenic polymorphism in field isolates.

We have previously demonstrated that mouse antisera against yeast-produced recombinant forms of the ookinete surface proteins of Plasmodium vivax (Pvs25 and Pvs28) blocks transmission of the homologous P. vivax (Sal I strain). In this study, we developed mouse and rabbit antisera against Pvs25 and Pvs28 and evaluated the efficacy of these vaccine candidates against natural isolates of P. vivax in Thailand. Although both Pvs25 and Pvs28 genes are polymorphic, sera from mice immunized using alum adjuvant completely inhibited oocyst development for most human isolates, whereas sera from rabbits immunized with either alum or Freund's adjuvant were partially inhibitory. All inhibition occurred in an antibody dose dependent fashion. Data from this study clearly demonstrates that antibodies raised against Sal I-based vaccines overcome the genetic polymorphism of Pvs25 and Pvs28 present in natural isolates of P. vivax, suggesting the wide range applicability of Sal I based vaccines.

Serum antibodies induced by intranasal immunization of mice with Plasmodium vivax Pvs25 co-administered with cholera toxin completely block parasite transmission to mosquitoes.

Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) targeting ookinete surface proteins expressed on sexual-stage malaria parasites are considered one promising strategy for malaria control. To evaluate the prospect of developing non-invasive and easy-to-administer mucosal malaria transmission-blocking vaccines, mice were immunized intranasally with a Plasmodium vivax ookinete surface protein, Pvs25 with a mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT). Immunization induced significant serum IgG with high IgG1/IgG2a ratio (indicative of Th-2 type immune response). Feeding Anopheles dirus mosquitoes with mixtures of immune sera and gametocytemic blood derived from vivax-infected volunteer patients in Thailand significantly reduced both the number of midgut oocysts as well as the percentage of infected mosquitoes. The observed transmission-blocking effect was dependent on immune sera dilution. This study demonstrates for the first time that the mucosally induced mouse immune sera against a human malaria ookinete surface protein can completely block parasite transmission to vector mosquitoes, suggesting the possibility of non-invasive mucosal vaccines against mucosa-unrelated important pathogens like malaria.