New laboratory criteria of the autoimmune inflammation in pulmonary sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis have many clinical and laboratory similarities, which allowed researchers to assume the presence of common pathogenetic mechanisms in the development of both diseases. Recently, much attention has been paid to investigate the autoimmune origins in these pathologies. The aim of this study is to find out the characteristics of the autoinflammatory immune response in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. In patients with sarcoidosis (n = 93), tuberculosis (n = 28), and in healthy donors (n = 40), the serum anti-MCV concentration was measured by ELISA, and B cell subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry. Based on the results obtained, the formula ([B-naïve%]\[B-memory%]) * ([B-CD38%] + [B-CD5%]) / [anti-MCV] was described. The increase in the calculated index by more than 5 units with a sensitivity of 80.00% and a specificity of 93.10% (AUC = 0.926) suggest the presence of the autoimmune component, which is more typical for sarcoidosis, rather than tuberculosis patients and may serve as a diagnostic criterion.

[Age changes in spermogram and fertilizing capacity of spermatosides in persons 26-47 years old.]

The work is devoted to the analysis of age-related changes in human spermatozoa and their functional properties in men aged 26-47 years. The work used ejaculate obtained from 54 men as part of the in vitro fertilization procedure. The patients were divided into three groups (26-29, 30-34 and over 35 years old). In the course of the work, the parameters of the spermogram were collected, as well as the results of assessing the viability of spermatozoa, obtained using the method of flow cytometry, and also a retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization was carried out. It was found that the average values of spermogram parameters in groups were within the physiological norm, however, about 59% of patients had individual deviations in terms of 1-3 indicators. Cytometric analysis revealed a rapid increase with age in functional disorders of spermatozoa, affecting the recognition and penetration apparatus (acrosome), the energy apparatus of the cell (its mitochondrion) and the density of chromatin in its nucleus. The result is a decrease in the probability of fertilization from 88% at 26-29 years old to 61% after 35 years, even with in vitro fertilization. The significance of the results obtained for the analysis of age-related changes in the male reproductive system and the practice of treating male infertility is substantiated.

Ammonium Salts Promote Adaptive Changes of Rat Immune System to Ultimate Load in the Forced Swimming Model.

We studied the effect of different doses of ammonium chloride (ACl) and ammonium carbonate (ACr) on immunological parameters of the peripheral blood in rats during high-intensity exercise. Changes in the absolute and relative numbers of granulocytes, lymphocytes, natural killers, naive and mature effector cells one day after the end of the forced swimming cycle were found by using a hematological analyzer and a flow cytometer. Immunological indicators were analyzed relative to swimming duration on the last day of ultimate load. The revealed changes indicate the onset of the effector phase of the development of the inflammatory processes in the positive control group (physiological saline) and in rats receiving a higher dose of ACr (20 mg/kg), while administration of ACl prevented the development of inflammatory processes and shifts in the physiological balance of lymphocyte subpopulations. Immunological profiling indicates that ACl in a dose of 20 mg/kg most effectively improved physical performance in our forced swimming model.

Semaphorin-3A Inhibits Proliferation, but Does Not Affect Apoptosis of Mouse Thymocytes In Vitro.

Neuronal factor semaphorin-3A is viewed as immune suppressant of peripheral T lymphocytes, but it can also negatively affect activity of the thymus, the central organ of the immune system. The study examined the effects of this factor on proliferative activity and apoptosis of mouse thymocytes in vitro. Semaphorin-3A inhibited spontaneous and mitogen-stimulated proliferative activity of thymocytes producing no effect on the development of apoptosis in these cells. Flow cytometry revealed expression of semaphorin-3A receptors neuropilin-1 and plexin-A1 on thymocyte membranes. Approximately 13% thymocytes simultaneously expressed both receptors. The study suggests that semaphorin-3A, which is constitutively synthesized in thymic stroma in vivo, can play the role of inhibitory factor during thymocyte maturation.

Semaphorin 3A Negatively Affects Proliferation of Mouse Thymus Epithelial Cells In Vitro.

We studied effects of semaphorin 3A, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and their combinations on the proliferative activity of cortical (cTEC1-2) and medullary (mTEC3-10) thymus epithelium cell lines. Semaphorin 3A inhibited the proliferative activity of epithelial cells, while HGF and KGF, in contrast, exerted a stimulating effect. The effect of KGF and semaphorin 3A on different cell lines depended on the expression of receptors for these two factors. When the combination of two factors was used, semaphorin 3A was able to neutralize the stimulating effect of HGF and KGF. It can be assumed that semaphorin 3A synthesized in the thymus stroma, can act as a functional antagonist of HGF and KGF and have an inhibitory effect when these drugs are administered into the body for the therapeutic purpose of restoring thymus functions.

Capacity of ceruloplasmin to scavenge products of the respiratory burst of neutrophils is not altered by the products of reactions catalyzed by myeloperoxidase.

CP is a copper-containing ferroxidase of blood plasma, which acts as an acute phase reactant during inflammation. The effect of oxidative modification of CP induced by oxidants produced by MPO, such as HOCl, HOBr, and HOSCN, on its spectral, enzymatic, and anti-inflammatory properties was studied. We monitored the chemiluminescence of lucigenin and luminol along with fluorescence of hydroethidine and scopoletin to assay the inhibition by CP of the neutrophilic respiratory burst induced by PMA or fMLP. Superoxide dismutase activity of CP and its capacity to reduce the production of oxidants in respiratory burst of neutrophils remained virtually unchanged upon modifications caused by HOCl, HOBr, and HOSCN. Meanwhile, the absorption of type I copper ions at 610 nm became reduced, along with a drop in the ferroxidase and amino oxidase activities of CP. Likewise, its inhibitory effect on the halogenating activity of MPO was diminished. Sera of either healthy donors or patients with Wilson disease were co-incubated with neutrophils from healthy volunteers. In these experiments, we observed an inverse relationship between the content of CP in sera and the rate of H2O2 production by activated neutrophils. In conclusion, CP is likely to play a role of an anti-inflammatory factor tempering the neutrophil respiratory burst in the bloodstream despite the MPO-mediated oxidative modifications.

Antitumor Activity of Fascaplysin Derivatives on Glioblastoma Model In Vitro.

Antitumor efficiency of fascaplysin synthetic derivatives (7-phenylfascaplysin, 3-chlorofascaplysin, 3-bromofascaplysin, and 10-bromofascaplysin) was compared out in vitro on C6 glioma cells. The cytotoxic efficiency of all tested compounds was higher than that of unsubstituted fascaplysin; 3-bromofascaplysin and 7-phenylfascaplysin exhibited the best capacity to kill glioma C6 cells. Apoptosis was the main mechanism of glioma cell death. The cytotoxic activity of these compounds increased with prolongation of exposure to the substance and increase of its concentration. Fascaplysin derivatives modified all phases of glioma cell vital cycle. The count of viable tumor cell in G0 phase remained minimum by the end of experiment under the effects of 3-bromofascaplysin and 7-phenylfascaplysin.

Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Thymus of Mice under Normal Conditions and with Tumor Growth.

In our study, we for the first time investigated a role for VEGF as a factor regulating transendothelial migration of murine thymocytes in vitro. Effects of VEGF were examined in a model of thymocyte migration across a monolayer of EA.hy 926 endothelial cells. We showed that VEGF enhanced transendothelial migration of murine thymocytes and their adhesion to endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. VEGF did not influence thymocytes, but rather acted on endothelial cells by upregulating surface expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and downregulating activity of 5'-nucleotidase. Effects from VEGF were comparable with those from TNF-α. Because it is known that administration of VEGF to intact animals results in thymic atrophy, it was assumed that it might play a role in developing thymic involution during tumor growth. Enhanced egress of thymocytes to the periphery was considered as a plausible mechanism underlying effects of VEGF. However, we revealed no difference in parameters of in vitro transendothelial migration for thymocytes from animals bearing a transplantable hepatoma 22a compared to control animals. VEGF mRNA expression in lysates of thymic stroma was found to be upregulated in mice with grafted tumors, whereas at the protein level the amount of VEGF did not differ. While examining expression of VEGF receptors on thymocytes by flow cytometry, both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were not detected, whereas the percentage of Nrp-1-positive thymocytes in animals with hepatoma 22a was as high as in the control group. Thus, we were unable to confirm a hypothesis regarding participation of VEGF in developing thymic involution during progression of experimental hepatoma. However, a set of novel data concerning a role for VEGF in stimulating transendothelial migration of thymocytes in vitro was obtained, and it may be of significance for understanding mechanisms underlying thymus functioning as well as a role of this cytokine in preparing endothelial cells for egress of thymocytes to the periphery.

T Cell Response in Patients with Implanted Biological and Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valves.

The study was aimed at assessing T cell subsets of peripheral blood from recipients of long-term functioning (more than 60 months) biological and mechanical heart valve prostheses. The absolute and relative number of CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets was analyzed: naïve (N, CD45RA(+)CD62L(+)), central memory (CM, CD45RA(-)CD62L(+)), effector memory (EM, CD45RA(-)CD62L(-)), and terminally differentiated CD45RA-positive effector memory (TEMRA, CD45RA(+)CD62L(-)) in 25 persons with biological and 7 with mechanical prosthesis compared with 48 apparently healthy volunteers. The relative and absolute number of central memory and naïve CD3(+)CD8(+) in patients with biological prosthesis was decreased (p < 0.001). Meanwhile the number of CD45RA(+)CD62L(-)CD3(+)CD8(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+) was increased (p < 0.001). Patients with mechanical prosthesis had increased absolute and relative number of CD45RA(+)CD62L(-)CD3(+)CD8(+) cells (p = 0.006). Also the relative number of CD3(+)CD4(+) cells was reduced (p = 0.04). We assume that altered composition of T cell subsets points at development of xenograft rejection reaction against both mechanical and biological heart valve prostheses.

REGULATION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) PRODUCTION BY MOUSE THYMIC EPITHELIAL CELL LINES.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is synthesized in small amounts by thymus epithelial cells in adults and plays a role in supporting vascular homeostasis. However its role becomes dramatically important during the process of thymus reparation after involution caused by chemo-, x-ray or hormonal therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different factors on VEGF production by mouse thymic epithelial cells in vitro. As a model two cell lines were used: cortical cTEC1-2 and medullar mTEC3-10 cells. These cells were characterized by their ability to synthesize VEGF mRNA and protein as well as by their expression of VEGF receptors. VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA expression in these cells were absent while NRP-1 mRNA revealed low level of expression. It was shown by ELISA that cTEC1-2 cells produced VEGF about 30 times more than mTEC3-10. When cultivated in the presence of cytokines, hormonal factors or thymocytes, both cell lines responded differently. Introduction of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) induced VEGF mRNA expression as well as VEGF production in medullar cells but simultaneously down-regulated VEGF mRNA expression in cortical cells. Dexamethasone suppressed mRNA VEGF expression and VEGF production in cortical cells while in medullar cells only VEGF production was reduced. Introduction of IL-7, IL-1b or murine thymocytes increased while addition of Semaphorin 3A, SDF-1a or ACTH decreased VEGF production by cortical epithelial cells with no influence on medullar cells. We suggest that our data obtained in vitro can be used for further development of special programs for directed regulation of VEGF synthesis in the thymus epithelial cells in the vivo.

[Types of immune response in advanced suppurative peritonitis]. / Tipy immunnogo reagirovaniya pri rasprostranennom gnoinom peritonite (s kommentariem).

AIM: to assess types of immune response in patients with advanced suppurative peritonitis and course of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 79 patients with acute surgical abdominal diseases and injuries complicated by advanced suppurative peritonitis. Blood immunological parameters were estimated using flowing cytometry and enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: It was concluded that functional parameters of immune system are very various in patients with advanced suppurative peritonitis. Cluster analysis defined 4 immune types which are determined by different state of congenital and acquired immunity. Immunodeficient and unreactive immune types are unfavorable. Immune types with activation of congenital and acquired immunity are the most favourable. This stratification personifies diagnosis and treatment of immune disorders in patients with advanced suppurative peritonitis.

[THE STANDARD VALUES OF SUB-POPULATIONS OF T-HELPERS OF DIFFERENT LEVEL OF DIFFERENTIATION IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD].

The study was carried out to develop standard indicators of relative and absolute content of main populations of T-helpers in peripheral blood of conditionally healthy donors. The examination was implemented to sampling of 52 healthy individuals (29 males and 23 females) aged 18-65 years (median is 30 years). The multicolor cytofluorimetric analysis was applied using panel of following antibodies: CD45RA-FITC, CD62L-PE, CCR4-PerCP/Cy5.5; CCR6-PE/Cy7, CXCR3-APC, CD3-APC-AF750, CD4-Pacific Blue and CXCR5-Brilliant Violet 510TM. The T-helpers 1 were distributed in populations of cells with phenotypes CXCR5-CXCR3+CCR6-CCR4-, also containing Th9, and CXCR5-CXCR3+CCR6+CCR4- referred as Thl/Thl7. The Th2 were detected an the basis of availability of CCR4 at the absence of all other chemokin receptors. The Thi7, besides Thl/Thi7 mentioned above, were detected in composition of CXCR5-CXCR3-CCR6+CCR4- and CXCR5-CXCR3-CCR6+CCR4+. The last population also contained Th22. The follicular Th which expressed at their surface CXCR5, formed six cellular populations with following phenotypes: CXCR5+CXCR3-CCR6-CCR4- (Tfh/Tfh2), CXCR5+CXCR3-CCR6-CCR4+ (Tfh2), CXCR5+CXCR3-CCR6+CCR4- (Tfh17), CXCR5+CXCR3-CCR6+CCR4+ (Tfh17), CXCR5+CXCR3+CCR6-CCR4- (Tfh1) and CXCR5+CXCR3+CCR6+CCR4- (Tfh1/Tfh17). The relative and absolute content of T-helpers of mentioned phenotypes was established both within the framework of total population CD3+CD4+ of lymphocytes and among "naive" T-helpers (CD45RA-CD62L+), T-helpers of central (CD45RA-CD62L+) and effector (CD45RA- CD62L-) memory and also "terminal-differentiated" CD45RA-positive cells of effector memory with phenotype CD45RA+CD62L-. The study results can be applied as standard indicators under diagnostic of pathologic conditions of immune system.

[DUAL PROAPOPTOTIC AND PRONECROTIC EFFECT OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ON HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS].

The ratio of early apoptosis and late apoptosis (necrosis) in the cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells was estimated after exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro trying to keep them close to the physiological conditions (high cell density, high serum content, H2O2 concentration not over 500 µM). Cell viability was assessed using flow cytometry and simultaneous staining with fluorescent dyes PO-PRO-1 to detect early apoptotic cells, and DRAQ7 to detect late apoptotic and necrotic cells. The data obtained suggest that the primary mechanism of cytotoxic response is apoptosis. The critical concentration of H2O2 causing the death of the cell population in a dense monolayer is 250 µM. Lower concentrations of H2O2 (up to 200 µM) cause death of individual cells; however, viability of endothelial cell population is retained, and response to calcium activating agonists does not change compared with control cells.

Analysis of Populations of Memory T-Helper Cells Expressing CXCR3 and CCR6 Chemokine Receptors in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis C.

Flow cytometry was employed to examine the content of major populations of memory T helper cells and expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR6 on their surface in peripheral blood drawn from virtually healthy people and the patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. The following combination of monoclonal antibodies had been used: CD62LFITC/CD45RA-PE/CD3-ECD/CCR6-PC7/CXCR3-APC/CD4-APC-Cy7. In comparison with control group, the patients with chronic hepatitis C had a smaller number of populations of naïve CD4(+) T cells and central memory CD4(+) T cells but a greater number of terminally differentiated effector memory CD4(+) T cells and effector memory CD4(+) T cells. No differences were revealed between CD4(+) T cell populations of both groups in expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 receptors.

Chemokine Receptors CXCR3 and CCR6 and Their Ligands in the Liver and Blood of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

We performed a comprehensive analysis of CCR6 and CXCR3 chemokine receptors and their ligands CCL20/MIP-3α, CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP-10, and CXCL11/ITAC in the liver and blood of patients with chronic hepatitis C at different stages of the disease. TaqMan PCR was used to determine mRNA gene expression of chemokines and their receptors in liver specimens, xMAP multiplex analysis was performed to estimate the concentration of chemokines in blood plasma, and fl ow cytofluorometry was used to evaluate CCR6 and CXCR3 expression on peripheral blood lymphocyte populations. In the liver of patients with hepatitis C, mRNA expression of CXCL10, CCR6, and CXCR3 genes increases with fibrosis progression in the liver tissue. In the plasma, concentrations of all studied chemokines increased depending on the stage of liver fibrosis, CCR6 and CXCR3 expression was changed in various lymphocyte populations. Thus, chemokines are involved in the immunopathogenesis and fibrogenesis in chronic viral hepatitis C. The results suggest using these chemokines in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

[Role of T- and B-cell immunity in the pathogenesis of cancer].

Adaptive immunity plays a crucial role in the system of anti-tumor defense of the organism. The theory of immune surveillance defines the presence of permanent monitoring of the organism for the detection of malignant transformed cells and their elimination or suppression of the growth. However in some cases tumor cells overcome immune surveillance that leads to the development of cancer.

[APPLICATION OF FLOW CYTOMETRY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF CIRCULATING HEMOCYTE POPULATIONS IN THE ASCIDIAN HALOCYNTHIA AURANTIUM (PALLAS, 1787)].

This study addresses the potentialities of flow cytometry in analyzing the composition of circulating hemocyte populations in the ascidian Halocynthia aurantium (Pallas, 1787) both using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against some human leukocyte conservative adhesion molecules and without mAbs. Flow cytometry, based on the assessment of forward and side scattering revealed five hemocyte populations. From the wide panel of antibodies against human leukocyte adhesion molecules (CD15, CD29, CD34, CD54, CD62L, CD62P, CD90, CD94, CD117, CD 166), only two mAbs (against CD54, CD90) displayed cross-reactivity with the H. aurantium hemocyte surface antigens. Distribution patterns of these antigens across the hemocyte populations have been analyzed.

Tuberculosis and autoimmunity: Common features.

Despite the proven infectious nature of tuberculosis, new data have recently appeared on the autoimmune component in the course of tuberculosis infection. This chapter discusses the currently known signs of autoimmune inflammation in tuberculosis infection, including both clinical and immunological manifestations. Taking into account the available data on the possible triggering effect of M. tuberculosis on the development of the autoimmune process, the correction of these autoimmune complications may be a key moment in prescribing therapy and in predicting the low efficacy of the treatment of the disease.

Erratum to: Experimental Search for New Means of Pathogenetic Therapy COVID-19: Inhibitor of H2-Receptors Famotidine Increases the Effect of Oseltamivir on Survival and Immune Status of Mice Infected by A/PR/8/34 (H1N1).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1134/S0022093022010203.].

Experimental Search for New Means of Pathogenetic Therapy COVID-19: Inhibitor of H2-Receptors Famotidine Increases the Effect of Oseltamivir on Survival and Immune Status of Mice Infected by A/PR/8/34 (H1N1).

The development of drugs for the therapy of COVID-19 is one of the main problems of modern physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. Taking into account the available information on the participation of mast cells and the role of histamine in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, as well as information on the positive role of famotidine in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infection, an experiment was carried out using famotidine in a mouse model. We used a type A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus adapted to mice. The antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which belongs to the group of neuraminidase inhibitors, was used as a reference drug. The use of famotidine in combination with oseltamivir can increase survival, improve the dynamics of animal weight, reduce the level of NKT cells and increase the level of naive T-helpers. Further studies of famotidine in vivo should be aimed at optimizing the regimen of drug use at a higher viral load, as well as with a longer use of famotidine.