Acute phase protein expressions in secretory and cistern lining epithelium tissues of the dairy cattle mammary gland during chronic mastitis caused by staphylococci.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cattle and the costliest for the dairy farming industry, as it lowers milk yield and quality. Mastitis occurs as a result of interactions between microorganisms and the individual genetic predispositions of each animal. Thus, it is important to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these interactions. Elucidating the immune response mechanisms can determine which genetic background makes an animal highly resistant to mastitis. We analyzed the innate immune responses of dairy cows naturally infected with coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS; N = 8) or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; N = 7), causing persistent mastitis (after several failed treatments) vs. infection-free (i.e., healthy [H]; N = 8) dairy cows. The expressions of the acute phase protein genes serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), haptoglobin (HP), ceruloplasmin (CP) genes in the tissues most exposed to pathogens- mammary gland cistern lining epithelial cells (CLECs) and mammary epithelial cells (MECs)-were analyzed. RESULTS: We found constitutive and extrahepatic expressions of the studied genes in both tissue types. HP expression in the MECs of the CoPS-infected group was higher than in the H group (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, higher SAA3 expression in the CoPS and CoNS groups than in the H group (p = 0.06 and 0.08, respectively) was found. No differences between SAA3 and HP in CLECs were revealed, regardless of the pathogen type. However, higher expression of CP (p ≤ 0.05) in the CoPS group than in the H group was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of selected acute phase proteins were similar between CLECs and MECs, which means that CLECs are not only a mechanical barrier but are also responsible for the biological immune response. Our findings agree with the results of other authors describing the immunological response of MECs during chronic mastitis, but the results for CLECs are novel.

Short communication: Locus-specific interrelations between gene expression and DNA methylation patterns in bovine mammary gland infected by coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Pathogens are able to alter the cell cycle program and immune response of the host by changing the transcription and epigenetics of genes responsible for cell cycle control and inflammation. In this regard, we evaluated interrelations between DNA methylation and expression of autophagy, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism-related genes in a sample set of mammary gland secretory tissue sections derived from bovine mammary glands infected with coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive staphylococci. We assessed relative transcript abundance and DNA bisulfite sequencing in loci of the ATG5, IGF1R, TERT, and DGAT1 genes. Lack of DNA methylation in ATG5 and DGAT1 loci might be associated with maintenance of ATG5 and DGAT1 expression regardless of the health status of bovine mammary gland. Complete methylation of intragenic CpG regions in the IGF1R locus was apparently not related to the presence of its transcript in the investigated udder parenchyma samples. Detected hypermethylation of the TERT upstream element was associated with a small amount of TERT mRNA in bovine mammary gland, regardless of the presence, or absence, of the pathogen. A significant decrease in TERT gene expression in tissue sections of mammary gland free of bacteria and in those infected with coagulase-positive staphylococci was observed in parenchyma samples infected with coagulase-negative staphylococci. Two possible explanations are the direct involvement of the TERT gene in the etiology of bovine mastitis or the increase of TERT mRNA due to activation of the MAPK signaling pathway in response to release of exotoxins by coagulase-negative bacteria in the bovine mammary gland.

Computer analysis of EEG activity in dementia of the Alzheimer's type and Huntington's disease.

Computer analysis of the EEG was obtained in the course of evaluation of 35 patients with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT) and Huntington's disease (HD), and compared to 20 age-matched normal controls. On-line computer analysis of the EEG consisted of: 1) compressed spectral array (CSA) displays (2-6 channels); 2) relative frequency power (4 bands) and 3) an averaged frequency power function [( alpha/alpha + theta power (microV 2)] X 100 = % EEG Power function). Frequency power reflected increased theta, and reduced alpha components, in patient groups. Significant correlation was obtained between % EEG Power function, and clinical stage of dementia. This function correctly identified 17/25 DAT, and 7/10 HD patients, and gave additional quantification to the primary EEG.

HLA antigens and the antibody response after vaccination to hepatitis B.

The aim of our work was the search for immunogenetic factors that influence the antibody response to HBs antigen. We analyzed the HLA-A, -B, and -DR antigen frequencies in 19 seropositive to HBs and 28 seronegative to HBs healthy persons finding an elevated frequency of B5 in the seropositive group (p value 0.037). After vaccination with Hevac B Pasteur vaccine of the seronegative persons, the low antibody response was associated with B13 (p value 0.041). An association between local side reactions to the vaccine and HLA A3 and B35 were also found (p values 0.042 and 0.022 respectively). The presented p values are not significant after correction for the number of antigens tested and for this reason our findings require confirmation in an independent study.

[Effect of hemodialysis on the creatine kinase activity in inflammatory muscular diseases]. / Wplyw dializy surowicy krwi na aktywnosc kinazy fosfokreatynowej w chorobach zapalnych miesni.

In 10 patients with polymyositis at different stages of the intensity of clinical changes the effect of serum dialysis on CPK activity was studied. The controlgroup comprised 5 patients with Duchenne type myopathy and 11 healthy subjects. In 80% of patients with polymyositis a fall in CPK activity was observed after dialysis, similarly as in all patients with Duchenne type dystrophy and in healthy subjects. In the ramaining patients with polymyositis a significant rise in CPK activity occurred after dialysis. These patients were in the acute stage of the disease and had not yet been treated.

[Phosphocreatine kinase activity in the cerebrospinal fluid in different types of stroke]. / Aktywnosc kinazy fosfokreatynowej (CPK) w plynie mózgowo-rdzeniowym w róznych rodzajach udarów mózgowych.

In 45 patients with brain strokes (thrombosis, embolus, intracerebral haemorrhages) and subarachnoid haemorrhages the CPK activity was determined in the cerebrospinal fluid. In most cases a significant rise was observed in CPK activity in the cerebrospinal fluid as compared to the control group. In two cases the dynamics of CPK activity changes were studied in the cerebrospinal fluid during the stroke. It seems that a significant rise in CPK activity develops in the initial phase of the stroke when the area of nervous tissue softening develops and spreads.

[Bacterial infections of skin and soft tissues in filariasis]. / Bakteryjne zakazenia skóry i tkanek miekkich w filariozie.

Adenolymphangitis is a common occurrence in filarial lymphedema. Damage to the lymphatics and lymph nodes by F. bancrofti is followed by obliteration of lymph vessels and lymph stasis. Obstruction of lymphatics prevents the bacteria penetrating skin to be evacuated with lymph stream to regional lymph nodes. Colonization of dermis, subcutis and lymphatics evokes clinical symptoms of adenolymphangitis. The question arises which strains of bacteria are responsible for the acute and chronic types of adenolymphangitis. The most probable strains responsible for this condition belong to the cocci and probably the bacillus strains.

[Incidence of markers of HBV and HAV infections in workers of the departments and clinics of anesthesiology and intensive care at the medical academy in Wroclaw]. / Czestosc wystepowania znaczników zakazenia HBV i HAV wsród pracowników Katedry i Kliniki Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii AM we Wroclawiu.

The frequency of markers of infection by hepatitis virus A and B was studied among the workers (physicians, nurses, auxiliary personnel) of the Chair and Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical Academy in Wroclaw. Serological tests were done by the immunoenzymatic method using kits of Abbott Diagnostics Division. IgG anti-HAV antibodies were found in 62.8% of the tested subjects. HBV markers were present in 44.3% of the subjects, that is several times more frequently than in the general population. HBsAg carriers accounted for 4.3% of the whole group, while in 40% of the group anti-HBV antibodies were present in various combinations suggesting an immunity against HBV infection.

[Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of colchicine in the treatment of chronic active hepatitis with transformation to liver cirrhosis]. / Ocena klinicznej skutecznosci kolchicyny w leczeniu przewleklego czynnego wirusowego zapalenia watroby przechodzacego w marskosc.

12 patients with viral chronic active hepatitis, confirmed clinically and histopathologically, were treated with colchicine in doses 1 mg orally, daily. After 20 months, on average, therapy only 2 patients presented the clinical and histopathological improvement of liver disease. In group of remain patients we observed deterioration of liver function and progression of the disease.

[Comparative evaluation of active and passive-active immunization of newborn infants born to mothers with HBV infection]. / Porównawcza ocena skutecznosci uodpornienia czynnego i bierno-czynnego noworodków urodzonych przez matki zakazone HBV.

The results of the observation of humoral response in newborns from HBsAg-positive mothers after passive-active or active anti-HBV immunization was presented. Efficacy and safety of this prophylaxis was evaluated. We found similar percentage of anti-HBs response in the all groups of vaccinated children (about 85%).

[Epidemiology and clinical course of HCV infection in children and adolescents with chronic renal failure]. / Epidemiologia i ewolucja kliniczna zakazenia HCV u dzieci i mlodziezy z przewlekla niewydolnoscia nerek.

The aim of the study was to evaluate epidemiology and clinical course of HCV infection in children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease. The study involved 70 patients, aged 1-25 years, 31 M, 39 F: group of 40 dialysed (27 HD, 13 CAPD) and 30 patients suffering from different chronic renal disease as a control group. Anti-HCV antibodies were assayed by EIA 3rd gene (Abbott Diagnostic) and were sought by LIATEK HCV 3rd gene. HCv RNA was detected and measured by a standardised HCV RNA PCR assay (Amplicor Roche). HCV genotypes were identified by InnoLIPA (Innogenetics). HCV infection was diagnosed in 20 (50%) dialysed and in 3 (10%) non-dialysed patients. None of the HCV infected patients presented the clinical symptoms of hepatitis; the mild activity of ALT was observed in 8 cases only. HCV viremia was relatively low: 365 x 103 copies/mL in PD and 110,9 x 103 copies/mL in HD patients. 3 genotypes of HCV were identified: 1a, 1b and 4c/4d. In 3 cases liver biopsy was performed, no cirrhosis was diagnosed.

[Plasma fibronectin in chronic liver disease--marker of fibrosis?]. / Fibronektyna osoczowa w przewleklych chorobach watroby--znacznik wlóknienia?

The determination of fibronectin (FN) concentration in plasma has been performed in the group of 77 patients (60-with various chronic liver diseases, 6-with AIDS IVc, 11-healthy patients). The purpose of this study was: evaluation of the value of plasma FN determination in assessment the degree of liver fibrosis and the degree of liver damage. The obtained results were compared with routine biochemical tests and histopathological picture of liver sections. Among patients with liver diseases, we observed that plasma FN concentration was significantly lower only in the group with decompensated liver cirrhosis, in relation to control group. Non significant lower values of FN was observed in the group of patients with chronic hepatitis, as well as non significant higher ones in the group with cholestasis and fibrosis. It has been concluded that determination of plasma FN concentration has not any importance in evaluation of degree of liver fibrosis and its only one from many functional liver tests.

The prevalence of asthma and declared asthma in Poland on the basis of ECAP survey using correspondence analysis.

Results of epidemiological and public health surveys are often presented in the form of cross-classification tables. It is sometimes difficult to analyze data described in this way and to understand relations between variables. Graphical methods such as correspondence analysis are more convenient and useful. Our paper describes an application of correspondence analysis to epidemiological research. We apply the basic concepts of correspondence analysis like profiles, chi-square distance to medical data concerning prevalence of asthma. We aim at describing the relationship between asthma, region, and age. The data presented in this paper come from Epidemiology of Allergy in Poland (ECAP) survey in years 2006-2008. Correspondence analysis shows that there is a fundamental difference in the structure of age groups for people with symptoms compared to those who have declared asthma (regardless of the level of symptoms of asthma and the level of declaration). The variable which best differentiates declared asthma in all regions is "wheezing and whistling." Correspondence analysis also shows significant differences between locations. Our analyses are performed in the R package "ca".

Antagonistic expression of hepatitis C virus and alpha interferon in lymphoid cells during persistent occult infection.

Detection of residual HCV in individuals with SVR after treatment of CHC can be significantly heightened by analyzing ex vivo mitogen-activated T and B lymphocytes and applying sensitive nucleic acid amplification assays. However, it remained unknown if synergistic activation of lymphocytes and monocytes would further augment HCV detection, if viral replication becomes universally upregulated in treated cells, and if examining sequential sera and lymphoid cells would improve detection of occult infection. Using paired sera and lymphoid cells collected 1 year apart from 17 individuals with normal liver enzymes for up to 72 months after SVR, it was found that simultaneous activation of lymphocytes and monocytes enhanced identification of silent HCV infection and revealed that in some cases monocytes were the principal immune cell type where HCV persisted. Testing of serial samples further increased detection of occult infection. Ultimately, by combining the above two approaches, all individuals with SVR were found to be silent carriers of HCV. Clonal sequencing revealed HCV variations in sera and lymphoid cells and evolution of viral genomes confirming ongoing virus replication. Surprisingly, similar to those with CHC, naive lymphoid cells from some individuals carried approximately 10(3) HCV copies/microg total RNA. HCV loads in naive lymphoid cells predetermined the outcome of ex vivo stimulation with respect to upregulation or inhibition of HCV replication. HCV RNA levels in occult infection were inversely proportional to the expression of IFNalpha and IFN-inducible MxA, but not to IFNgamma or tumour necrosis factor alpha in naive and mitogen-treated lymphoid cells.

[Evaluation of incidence of biological markers for A and B hepatitis]. / Ocena czestosci wystepowania znaczników zakazenia wirusami A i B zapalenia watroby.

Fifty employees of the hospital laboratories were examined for the markers of non-A, non-B hepatitis infection. Immunoenzymatic tests of Abbott Diagnostic Division were used for this purpose. Anti-HAV antibodies were diagnosed in 68% of the examined persons, i.e. with an incidence similar to that in the general population. HBV markers were found in 50% of the examined persons, i.e. a few times more often than in the Polish general population. HBsAg carriers constituted 2% of this group. In the remaining persons with anti-HBV antibodies various combinations were found. Most frequent were anti-HBe+, anti-HBc+ and anti-HBs+.

HBV-DNA level in blood serum as a predictor of good response to therapy with interferon-alpha-2b of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in population in Poland is low and averages 1-1.5%. However, it means that about 380,000 Poles constantly or temporarily replicate HBV. Chronic HBV infection is associated with increased risk of serious liver diseases and it is estimated that 25-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis B will die prematurely of cirrhosis or primary liver cancer. Up to the present, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), with low response rate between 25-55% and some limitations of therapy, has been the only available treatment for chronic hepatitis B. A favorable outcome of IFN-alpha therapy is associated with some prognostic factors, not accepted by all investigators, such as low level of HBV-DNA in serum. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of therapy with IFN-alpha 2b (Intron A), administered s.c. 5 MU x 3/week for 16 weeks, in 65 patients with chronic hepatitis B, divided into groups according to the baseline HBV-DNA level. Except for serum HBV-DNA level, there were no demographical and biochemical differences between all the treated groups. The patients were followed-up for 12 months. Sustained response (SR) to the therapy (defined as ALAT normalization, loss of detectable HBV-DNA, seroconversion HBeAg to anti-HBeAg and improvement in liver histology) was observed in 16 (57.14%) of patients in the group with HBVDNA level < 1000 pg/ml, in 6 (37.5%) with HBV-DNA level of 1001-3000 pg/ml, in 4 (28.57%) with HBV-DNA level of 3001-5000 pg/ml and only in 2 (28.57%) of patients in group with HBVDNA level > 5000 pg/ml. We conclude that IFN-alpha is particularly useful in therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis B with low levels of HBV-DNA. The baseline HBVDNA level < 1000 pg/ml in serum is the predictor of good response to IFN-alpha therapy.