Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy with Transfer Factor Capsules in the Treatment of Multiple Plantar Warts.

Background: Plantar warts are a common cutaneous disease of the sole of the foot caused by human papillomavirus. Photodynamic therapy has gained increasing attention in the treatment of plantar warts. Objective: To investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy combined with transfer factor capsules in the treatment of multiple plantar warts. Methods: Sixty-one patients with multiple plantar warts who visited our outpatient department from September 2017 to August 2019 were randomly divided into two groups. Twenty-three patients received photodynamic therapy (treatment group) and thirty-eight received cryotherapy (control group). Both groups also received immune modulator transfer factor capsules. Skin lesion score, numeric rating scale- (NRS-) 10 score, recurrence rate, adverse reactions, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were analyzed in both groups. Results: The mean skin lesion score improved from 13.39 ± 3.88 before treatment to 1.48 ± 2.50 after the last treatment in the treatment group and from 12.47 ± 2.99 before treatment to 4.47 ± 3.67 after the last treatment in the control group. The success rate after 3 months of treatment was 86.96% in the treatment group and 39.47% in the control group. After 3 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the treatment group (20%) than in the control group (53.33%). The mean DLQI score at three months after treatment was significantly lower in the treatment group (3.61 ± 1.16) than in the control group (6.31 ± 2.59). Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy combined with immunomodulators significantly increased the cure rate and reduced the recurrence rate of multiple plantar warts compared with traditional cryotherapy combined with immunomodulators.

Transfer Factor as an Option for Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2, a new RNA virus with high infectivity, and seemingly low mutability, which appeared in 2019 in the Wuhan province of China, has created a pandemic with dire consequences. At the end of May 2020, it became the first cause of mortality. As no treatment or vaccine may become available before many months, and because occurrence of similar pandemics is only a matter of time, arguments are presented here for testing the effect of transfer factor (TF), an immunomodulator devoid of toxicity, which has been extensively studied in the past for the treatment and prevention of viral infections.

Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (Transferon™) Administration in Sepsis: Experience from a Single Referral Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Immunomodulatory agents have been proposed as therapeutic candidates to improve outcomes in sepsis. Transferon™, a dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE), has been supported in Mexico as an immunomodulatory adjuvant in anti-infectious therapy. Here we present a retrospective study describing the experience of a referral pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with Transferon™ in sepsis. We studied clinical and laboratory data from 123 patients with sepsis (15 in the DLE group and 108 in the control group) that were admitted to PICU during the period between January 2010 and December 2016. Transferon™ DLE use was associated with lower C reactive protein (CRP), increase in total lymphocyte counts (TLC), and decrease in total neutrophil count (TNC) 72 hours after Transferon™ DLE administration. The control group did not present any significant difference in CRP values and had lower TLC after 72 hours of admission. There was no difference in PICU length of stay between control and Transferon™ DLE group. Transferon™ DLE administration was associated with a higher survival rate at the end of PICU stay. This study shows a possible immunomodulatory effect of Transferon™ on pediatric sepsis patients.

Development of Functional Antibodies Directed to Human Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (Transferon®).

Transferon® is an immunomodulator made of a complex mixture of peptides from human dialyzable leucocyte extracts (hDLEs). Development of surrogate antibodies directed to hDLE is an indispensable tool for studies during process control and preclinical trials. These antibodies are fundamental for different analytical approaches, such as identity test and drug quantitation, as well as to characterize its pharmacokinetic and mechanisms of action. A previous murine study showed the inability of the peptides of Transferon® to induce antibody production by themselves; therefore, in this work, two approaches were tested to increase its immunogenicity: chemical conjugation of the peptides of Transferon® to carrier proteins and the use of a rabbit model. Bioconjugates were generated with Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) or Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) through maleimide-activated carrier proteins. BALB/c mice and New Zealand rabbits were immunized with Transferon® conjugated to KLH or nonconjugated Transferon®. Animals that were immunized with conjugated Transferon® showed significant production of antibodies as evinced by the recognition of Transferon®-BSA conjugate in ELISA assays. Moreover, rabbits showed higher antibody titers when compared with mice. Neither mouse nor rabbits developed antibodies when immunized with nonconjugated Transferon®. Interestingly, rabbit antibodies were able to partially block IL-2 production in Jurkat cells after costimulation with Transferon®. In conclusion, it is feasible to elicit specific and functional antibodies anti-hDLE with different potential uses during the life cycle of the product.

[Dialyzed leukocyte extracts for the treatment of recurrent and severe infections in pediatric patients with cellular immunodeficiency: 15 years of experience]. / Extractos dializados de leucocitos para el tratamiento de infecciones recurrentes y severas en pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencia celular: 15 años de experiencia.

BACKGROUND: Dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE) have been used to treat several cellular immunodeficiency. OBJECTIVE: To review the experience of a tertiary hospital in the use of DLE for the treatment of recurrent or severe infections in children with acquired cellular immunodeficiency not due to HIV. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all children who received treatment with EDL of human or bovine origin between 1986 and 2000 to detect recurrent or severe infections without response to a specific antimicrobial therapy and with a quantitative or qualitative deficit in the cellular immune response. The dose of DLE was adjusted according to the percentage of T lymphocytes; the evolution of the patient was evaluated retrospectively for 5 years, the immune response was evaluated by subpopulation of lymphocytes and intradermal tests and inhibition of the leukocyte migration assay (LIF) to PPD, coccidioidin, varidase and candidin. RESULTS: 150 children received DLE, age 7.0 ± 5.9 years. The most frequent indications included upper respiratory tract (71%), lower respiratory tract (43%), gastrointestinal tract (15%), urinary tract (15%) and neurological infections (4%) and coccidioidomycosis (3%). After starting the DLE, the numbers of T lymphocytes, LIF to PPD and varidase (> 20%) and the intradermal induration of the test increased (p <0.001). In 6 patients (4%) recurrences of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections were observed, which resolved, no adverse effects attributable to the DLE were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DLE for recurrent or severe infectious processes in children with cellular immune deficit improved the clinical evolution and the immunological parameters evaluated without adverse effects attributable to their use.

Antecedentes: Los extractos dializados de leucocitos (EDL) han sido utilizados en el tratamiento de diversos defectos de la inmunidad celular. Objetivo: Revisar la experiencia en el uso de EDL para tratar infecciones recurrentes o severas en niños con inmunodeficiencia celular adquirida no debida a virus de la inmunodeficiencia oportuna. Métodos: Se revisaron expedientes de niños tratados con EDL humano o bovino entre 1986 y 2000, por infecciones recurrentes o severas sin respuesta a antimicrobianos y con déficit en la respuesta inmune celular. La dosis se ajustó por el porcentaje de poblaciones de linfocitos T. En el seguimiento a cinco años, la respuesta inmune se evaluó por subpoblaciones de linfocitos, intradermorreacción e inhibición de la migración de leucocitos (LIF) a PPD, coccidioidina, varidasa y candidina. Resultados: 150 niños recibieron EDL, edad 7.0 ± 5.9 años. Las indicaciones más frecuentes incluyeron infección respiratoria superior (71 %), respiratoria inferior (43 %), gastrointestinal (15 %), urinaria (15 %), neuroinfección (4 %) y coccidioidomicosis (3 %). Se incrementaron los linfocitos T, el LIF a PPD y varidasa (> 20 %), así como la induración en pruebas de intradermorreacción (p < 0.001). Se resolvieron las infecciones que se presentaron (4 %). No se reportaron efectos adversos. Conclusiones: El uso de EDL mejoró los parámetros inmunológicos y la evolución clínica en niños con déficit inmune celular.

The utilisation of human dialyzable leukocyte extract (IMMODIN) as adjuvant in albendazole therapy on mouse model of larval cestode infection: Immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects.

Metacestode (larval) stages of zoonotic cestodes of medical and veterinary importance cause chronic infections associated with immunosuppression. During mouse model of cestode infection induced by larvae of Mesocestoides (M.) vogae, we investigated the effects of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) containing low-molecular weight substances (under 10 kDa) prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy human donors (available under commercial name IMMODIN). In the experiment, the effects of DLE as adjuvant to anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) as well ABZ mono-therapy were also investigated. We showed that DLE enhanced therapeutic effect of ABZ by significant reduction of parasites number in both biased sites. Furthermore, administration of DLE reduced fibrosis and concentrations of lipid peroxides in the liver and thereby showed cytoprotective effect. In contrast, higher hydroxyproline level and numbers of larvae enclosed in fibrous capsules were found in ABZ-treated group. In order to investigate whether DLE could affect parasite-induced immunosuppression, we evaluated selected immune parameters. The results showed that DLE administration to mice increased proliferation of concanavalin A stimulated splenic cells ex vivo. Similarly, in vitro study confirmed that DLE ameliorated hypo-responsiveness of T lymphocytes and partially reverted suppressive effect of parasites excretory-secretory products. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed higher numbers of T helper and NK cells in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of infected mice after DLE + ABZ therapy. We also found strongly reduced serum levels of TGF-ß1 and IL-17 as well as modulation of cytokines associated with Th1/Th2 immunity. These results suggest that IMMODIN could serve as a suitable adjuvant to the primary anthelmintic therapy.

The dialyzable leukocyte extract TransferonTM inhibits tumor growth and brain metastasis in a murine model of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Dialyzed Leukocyte Extracts (DLEs) are heterogeneous mixtures of low-molecular-weight peptides that improve clinical responses in various diseases. Here, we analyzed the effects of TransferonTM, a commercial DLE with characterized active pharmaceutical ingredient and proven batch-to-batch reproducibility, in preclinical models of PCa. We employed v-Src-transformed murine prostate epithelial (PEC-Src) cells, which recapitulate the transcriptional profiles in human PCa, can be grown in immunocompetent mice, and consistently form bone and brain metastases. In vitro, TransferonTM did not induce cytotoxicity nor alterations in migration /invasion of PEC-Src cells. In vivo, TransferonTM reduced metastatic dissemination after intracardiac injection of PEC-Src and inhibited tumor growth of subcutaneous isotransplants. The antineoplastic effect of TransferonTM correlated with changes in tumor infiltration, increased serum concentrations of IL-12 and CXCL1, and reduced levels of VEGF. Our results suggest that the antineoplastic effect produced by TransferonTM is due to its immunomodulatory activity and not by a direct effect on cancer cells, and indicate that TransferonTM could be beneficial as adjuvant therapy in PCa patients.

Histopathology of murine toxoplasmosis under treatment with dialyzable leukocyte extract.

BACKGROUND: Dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLEs) contain molecules smaller than 10 kDa with biological activity in receptor organisms. Primarily, they participate in the regulation of the Th1 immune response, which is essential for the control of several intracellular infections, such as toxoplasmosis. This disease is associated with congenital infection, encephalitis or systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical course of this infection fundamentally depends on a well-regulated immune response and timely treatment with the appropriate drugs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with a leukocyte extract, derived from crocodile lymphoid tissue, on the histopathology and brain parasite load in NIH mice that had been infected with cysts of Toxoplasma gondii (ME-49 strain). METHODS: The treatment was applied during the acute and chronic stages of the infection. Histopathological changes were evaluated in the ileum, liver and spleen at one, four and eight weeks after infection and in the brain at week 8. The parasite load was evaluated by counting the cysts of T. gondii found in the brain. FINDINGS: Compared to the control mouse group, the mice infected with T. gondii and under treatment with DLE showed less tissue damage, mainly at the intestinal, splenic and hepatic levels. In addition, a greater percentage of survival was observed, and there was a considerable reduction in the parasite load in the brain. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that DLE derived from crocodile is a potential adjunctive therapy in the conventional treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Histopathology of murine toxoplasmosis under treatment with dialyzable leukocyte extract

BACKGROUND Dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLEs) contain molecules smaller than 10 kDa with biological activity in receptor organisms. Primarily, they participate in the regulation of the Th1 immune response, which is essential for the control of several intracellular infections, such as toxoplasmosis. This disease is associated with congenital infection, encephalitis or systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical course of this infection fundamentally depends on a well-regulated immune response and timely treatment with the appropriate drugs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with a leukocyte extract, derived from crocodile lymphoid tissue, on the histopathology and brain parasite load in NIH mice that had been infected with cysts of Toxoplasma gondii (ME-49 strain). METHODS The treatment was applied during the acute and chronic stages of the infection. Histopathological changes were evaluated in the ileum, liver and spleen at one, four and eight weeks after infection and in the brain at week 8. The parasite load was evaluated by counting the cysts of T. gondii found in the brain. FINDINGS Compared to the control mouse group, the mice infected with T. gondii and under treatment with DLE showed less tissue damage, mainly at the intestinal, splenic and hepatic levels. In addition, a greater percentage of survival was observed, and there was a considerable reduction in the parasite load in the brain. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that DLE derived from crocodile is a potential adjunctive therapy in the conventional treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Use of transfer factor in immunosuppressed surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the action of Transfer Factor on the immune response of patients with malignant neoplasm submitted to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. METHOD: we analyzed the variations of leukocytes, total lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and CD4 counts in 60 patients submitted to immunostimulation with a single, daily dose of 0.5mg sublingual Transfer Factor, started simultaneously with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. RESULTS: there were statistically significant increases in the counts of all cell lines studied, more pronounced after 12 months of use of the medication. CONCLUSION: the Transfer Factor restored immune response and showed no side effects.

Use of transfer factor in immunosuppressed surgical patients / Avaliação do uso de fator de transferência na resposta imunológica de pacientes cirúrgicos imunodeprimidos

ABSTRACT Objective : to evaluate the action of Transfer Factor on the immune response of patients with malignant neoplasm submitted to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Method: we analyzed the variations of leukocytes, total lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and CD4 counts in 60 patients submitted to immunostimulation with a single, daily dose of 0.5mg sublingual Transfer Factor, started simultaneously with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Results: there were statistically significant increases in the counts of all cell lines studied, more pronounced after 12 months of use of the medication. Conclusion: the Transfer Factor restored immune response and showed no side effects.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a ação do Fator de Transferência na resposta imunológica de pacientes portadores de neoplasia maligna submetidos à cirurgia, quimioterapia e radioterapia. Método: análise das variações dos valores dos leucócitos, linfócitos totais, linfócitos T e CD4 em 60 pacientes submetidos à imunoestimulação com Fator de Transferência administrado em dose única de 0,5mg por via sublingual, diariamente e iniciada simultaneamente à quimioterapia e/ou radioterapia. Resultados: houve um aumento no número de todas as linhagens celulares estudadas que foi mais acentuada após 12 meses de uso da medicação. A análise estatística realizada com o software Graph Pad Instat, testadas pelo método Kolmogorov and Smirnov, mostrou que os resultados foram significativos. Conclusão: o Fator de Transferência restabeleceu a resposta imune e não apresentou efeitos colaterais.

Effect of Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract on chronic cervicitis in patients with HPV infection.

The objective of the study was to assess the clinical, histopathological and immunochemical changes induced by dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) treatment in patients with chronic cervicitis associated to HPV infection. Fifty-four female Mexican patients diagnosed with chronic cervicitis, cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN 1) and HPV infection were divided into two groups: patients treated with placebo and patients treated with DLE. Clinical and colposcopy evaluations were performed before and after treatments. Cervix biopsies were obtained to analyze histopathological features and to determine the local immunological changes by immunohistochemistry analyses. Placebo-treated patients showed no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Interestingly, in DLE-treated patients, clinical manifestations of cervicitis diminished and 89% of them remitted the colposcopic lesions. Histological analyses of biopsies from DLE-treated patients showed a decreasing leukocyte infiltrate. Immunochemical analyses showed an increased expression of TGF-ß, while expression of IFN-γ, PCNA, and IL-32 decreased. Our results suggest that DLE can stimulate innate immunity of cervical mucosae, diminishing chronic cervicitis in HPV-infected patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Register ISRCTN16429164 Abbreviations: HPV = Human Papilloma Virus; DLE = Dialyzable leukocyte extract.

Anti-inflammatory effect of dialysable leucocyte extract in a rat model of osteoarthritis: histopathological and molecular characterization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of dialysable leucocyte extract (DLE) on pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: normal rats without treatment, OA rats treated with placebo, and OA rats treated with DLE. After treatment, the animals were killed to obtain cartilage for histological analysis and to determine the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by reverse transcription multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT-MPCR) and immunohistofluorescence analyses. RESULTS: Histological analysis revealed that OA cartilage from rats treated with DLE displayed similar characteristics to non-OA cartilage from the control group. The OA cartilage treated with placebo showed alterations in the cellular architecture and in chondrocyte cluster formation. Analysis of cytokine expression by RT-MPCR showed that OA cartilage from DLE-treated rats expressed platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interferon (IFN)-γ, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, similar to non-OA cartilage from the control group. However, OA cartilage from rats treated with placebo expressed interleukin (IL)-1, PDGF, and I kappa B (IκB). Confocal immunodetection of FGF-2, PDGF, and non-phosphorylated IκB showed that they were distributed in the cytoplasm of most chondrocytes in OA cartilage from DLE-treated rats whereas no nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression was observed in the nuclei. Instead, in OA cartilage from the placebo group, only weak FGF-2 staining was observed, PDGF and IκB were not detected, and NF-κB was strongly observed in both cytoplasm and nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that DLE treatment modifies the OA process, promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and diminishing the inflammatory effects, avoiding the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in chondrocytes.

Queratoacantoma en un paciente seropositivo al VIH / Keratoacanthoma in HIV seropositive patient

Introducción: el queratoacantoma es un tumor benigno, crateriforme, de crecimiento muy rápido, con aspecto de neoplasia maligna. Se caracteriza por su forma nodular y la presencia de un tapón córneo central, así como una hiperplasia seudoepiteliomatosa que algunos autores han atribuido a un origen viral. Habitualmente aparece en las zonas expuestas a la luz solar, en personas de edad adulta o avanzada, con un crecimiento muy rápido a partir de una pápula redondeada que se imbrica en el centro. En cuanto a su regresión espontánea, actualmente se tiene evidencia de que es mediada inmunológicamente por linfocitos activados T CD4–IL 2R; las moléculas de adhesión juegan un papel importante en la respuesta inmune.Presentación del caso: paciente masculino de 29 años, homosexual, seropositivo al VIH; fue remitido al especialista en Dermatología de su área de salud con un cuadro cutáneo localizado, compatible con un queratoacantoma gigante que, luego de comenzar con la terapia antirretroviral y con el factor de transferencia (Hebertrans®), involucionó en tres meses.Discusión: los queratoacantomas pueden ser solitarios o múltiples. No se ha documentado predilección por algún sexo, aunque algunos estudios indican que es más frecuente en el masculino, con una relación 2:1. Existen múltiples opciones terapéuticas pero, a pesar de los adelantos científicos, la cirugía sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección, al igual que en los casos de carcinomas basales y epidermoides(AU)

Introduction: the keratoacanthoma is a benign tumor, crateriform, of a very rapid growth, with appearance of neoplasms. Its characterized by its nodular form and the presence of a central corneal cap, as well as pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia which some authors have attributed to a viral origin. Usually occurs in areas exposed to sunlight in elderly adult or advanced age people, with a rapid growth from a rounded papule that overlay in the center. Regarding spontaneous regression, currently there is evidence that is immunologically mediated by activated lymphocytes T CD4–IL 2R; adhesion molecules play an important role in the immune response.Case report: a 29 years old male patient, homosexual, HIV positive; was referred to the Dermatology specialist in his health area with a localized skin condition compatible with a giant keratoacanthoma that after starting antiretroviral therapy and a treatment with transfer factor (Hebertrans®), he regressed in three months.Discussion: keratoacanthomas may be solitary or multiple. It has not been documented predilection for some sex, although some studies indicate that it is more common in males, with a ratio of 2:1. There are many therapeutic options but, despite scientific advances, surgery remains the treatment of choice, as in the cases of basal and squamous cell carcinomas(AU)

Transfer factor: an overlooked potential for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Transfer factor (TF) is a low-molecular-weight lymphocyte extract capable of transferring antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to T lymphocytes. It has been used successfully as an adjuvant or primary therapy for viral, parasitic, fungal, and some bacterial infections, as well as immunodeficiencies, neoplasias, allergies and autoimmune diseases. From the list of infections that seem to respond noticeably to transfer factor, those due to viruses of the herpes family are particularly remarkable. Indeed, for these viruses it was shown that TF can prevent infection or relapse, acting as a CMI vaccine. Data also suggest its possible use for adjuvant treatment and probably prevention of two currently widespread infections: tuberculosis and AIDS. Furthermore, TF has an interesting potential: answering the challenge from unknown pathogenic agents, a black box effect permitting production of antigen-specific TF to a new pathogen, even before its identification. It thus seems that the preventative potential of transfer factor is as important as its therapeutic one, both discussed in this review.

Quimioprofilaxis en la recidiva tumoral vesical / Chemoprophylaxis in the vesical tumoral recurrence

Los tumores vesicales superficiales se caracterizan por una alta tasa de recidiva, que ocurre especialmente dentro de los dos primeros años, y que es aun mayor en los grupos de alto riesgo. Existe consenso en la utilidad del uso del Bacilo de Calmette-Guerin para disminuir la recurrencia tumoral. La quimioterapia intravesical con otros medicamentos han demostrado su utilidad o no en disminuir la recurrencia de estos tumores vesicales. Entre los años 1999 y 2008 se estudian y tratan 110 pacientes (96 hombres y 14 mujeres), con una edad promedio de 63 años, divididos en tres grupos para tratamiento de la recidiva tumoral después de resección transuretral o cistectomía parcial, con tres diferentes agentes quimioprofilácticos e inmunomoduladores (Thio-Tepa, BCG+factor de transferencia, doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b). El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar la experiencia en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, donde se observa mejores resultados en 5 años, con el grupo tratado con doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b, seguido del grupo tratado con BCG+factor de transferencia, con una marcada disminución de las recurrencias y una limitación en la progresión de la enfermedad a largo plazo(AU)

The superficial bladder tumors are characterized by a high rate of recurrence taking place especially within the first two years that is even higher in the high risk groups. There is an agreement in the usefulness of the Calmette-Guerin Bacillus (CGB) to diminish the tumoral recurrence. The intravesical chemotherapy with other medications have demonstrated its profit or not in decreasing the recurrence of these bladder tumors. Between 1999 and 2008 we studied and treated 110 patients (96 men and 14 women), aged in average 63 years old. They were divided into three groups for the treatment of the tumoral recidivism after the transurethral resection or partial cystectomy, using three different chemoprophylactic agents and inmunomodulators (Thio-Tepa, BCG+Transference Factor, Doxorubicin +Interferon Alpha 2b). The objective of this research was presenting our experience in the treatment of these patients during five years, obtaining better results in the group treated with doxorubicin + interferon alpha 2b, followed by the group treated by means of BCG + transference factor, with a remarked decrease of the recurrence and a limitation in the long term progression of the disease(AU)

Interventions for preventing infection in nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Infection is one of the most common complications and still remains a significant cause of morbidity and occasionally mortality in patients, especially children with nephrotic syndrome. Many different prophylactic interventions have been used or recommended for reducing the risks of infection in nephrotic syndrome in clinical practice. Whether the existing evidence is scientifically rigorous and which prophylactic intervention can be recommended for routine use based on the current evidence is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of any prophylactic intervention for reducing the risk of infection in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's specialised register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE and Pre-MEDLINE (from 1966), EMBASE (from 1980), China Biological Medicine Database (1979 to December 2009), Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (to December 2009), China National Infrastructure (to December 2009), WangFang database (to December 2009), reference lists of nephrology textbooks, review articles, relevant studies and abstracts from nephrology meetings without language restriction.Date of last search: 6 February 2012 SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing any prophylactic interventions (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) for preventing any infection in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed and extracted information. Information was collected on methods, participants, interventions and outcomes (appearance of infection, mortality, quality of life and adverse events). Results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or as mean differences (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies conducted in China, including 762 children with nephrotic syndrome were identified. No studies were identified in adults. All studies compared one kind of prophylactic pharmacotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), thymosin, oral transfer factor, mannan peptide tablet, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine injection, polyvalent bacterial vaccine (Lantigen B) and two kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs: a compound of Chinese medicinal herbs (TIAOJINING) and Huangqi (astragalus) granules) plus baseline treatment with baseline treatment alone. No RCTs were identified comparing antibiotics, non-pharmacological prophylaxis, or pneumococcal vaccination. Four studies showed a significantly beneficial effect of IVIG on preventing nosocomial or unspecified infection in children with nephrotic syndrome (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.73). Thymosin (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.97), oral transfer factor (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.73), BCG vaccine injection (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.95), Huangqi granules (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.83) and TIAOJINING (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.81) were also effective in reducing the risk of infection in children with nephrotic syndrome. However mannan peptide tablet (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.01) and polyvalent bacterial vaccine (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to1.00) were not superior to baseline treatment in reducing the risk of infection for nephrotic children. No serious adverse events were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: IVIG, thymosin, oral transfer factor, BCG vaccine, Huangqi granules and TIAOJINING may have positive effects on the prevention of nosocomial or unspecified infection with no obvious serious adverse events in children with nephrotic syndrome. However the methodological quality of all studies was poor, the sample sizes small, and all studies were from China, and thus there is no strong evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions.

[Transfer factors in medical therapy]. / Factores de transferencia en la terapéutica médica.

Transfer factor (TF) consists of messenger peptides produced by activated T lymphocytes as part of cellular immunity, and it acts in virgin lymphocytes through TF inducers, suppressors and specific antigens. TF is not immunogenic because it is not species-specific, since it contains a consensus sequence of amino acids LLYAQDL/VEDN. TF extracted from leukocytes can transfer immunity from a human to another species. TF extracts are complex, containing more than 200 molecules with molecular weights ranging from 1 to 20 kDa. The antigen specific transfer factors (STF) have molecular weights between 3,5 and 5 kDa. TF is easy to prepare and well tolerated. It does not contain HL-A antigens against potential receptors and it can used as adjuvant therapy in several diseases.

Antiangiogenic and antitumor effects of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP in murine melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancers are common, and there has recently been a dramatic increase in their incidence, particularly in the occurrence of melanoma. Furthermore, relapse after curative surgical treatment of melanoma remains a significant clinical challenge and accounts for most of the mortality of this disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether IMMUNEPOTENT CRP affects B16F10 melanoma cells and tumors growth and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: B16F10 cells and B16F10-inoculated mice were treated with different concentrations of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP. Outcomes were then evaluated using MTT, TUNEL, Caspase-3, senescence, ELISA and colorimetric assays. Parameters related to survival and tumor weight were also assessed. RESULTS: IMMUNEPOTENT CRP decreased the viability of B16F10 cells by increasing apoptosis of the treated cells, and VEGF production was decreased both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treatment prevented metastasis, delayed the appearance of tumors, decreased tumor weight and improved the survival of tumor-bearing mice. DISCUSSION: These observations suggest that IMMUNEPOTENT CRP can be used to suppress growth and metastasis by using targeting proteins such as VEGF.

[Effect of transfer factor on treatment with glucocorticoids in a group of pediatric patients with persistent moderate allergic asthma]. / Efecto del factor de transferencia en el tratamiento con glucocorticoides en un grupo de pacientes pediátricos con asma alérgica moderada persistente.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled glucocorticoids are the most effective and potent drugs used to control the inflammatory bronchial reaction in patients with asthma. There are several research projects evaluating the use of immune modulators in the treatment of the asthma related inflammatory process. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of transfer factor in the treatment of pediatric patients with moderate persistent allergic asthma in terms of inhaled glucocorticoid dosing and time of using. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot clinical trial in a cohort of pediatric patients (6-17 years old) with moderate persistent allergic asthma. Two groups were formed. Group one received transfer factor and group two was given placebo. Both groups received conventional therapy with inhaled budesonide and formoterol. Daily respiratory symptoms (cough during day, or at night, and wheezing episodes) were recorded in a personal diary. Spirometric evaluations were performed before enrolling patients, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after. RESULTS: Eleven patients were enrolled in each group. Patients in the transfer factor group showed a statistical significant reduction in the inhaled glucocorticoid doping since month 3, and this difference was maintained until the end of study. Patients on TF group showed also a non statistical significant improvement in spirometrical findings and also showed a better asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer factor helps to reduce inhaled glucocorticoids dose in patients with allergic rhinitis; however, studies with a larger number of patients should be done in order to obtain better results.