Research

4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Dirt, Saliva and Leprosy: Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Infectious Effects

by Helieh S. Oz

Diseases 2019, 7(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7010031 - 22 Mar 2019

Viewed by 3687

Ancient Egyptians smeared a mixture of dark soil on their eyelids and believed it protected eyes from unknown forces (illness). Recent studies have proven that the dark soil across the Nile River is rich in natural compounds including lead sulfide, which in low [...] Read more.

Ancient Egyptians smeared a mixture of dark soil on their eyelids and believed it protected eyes from unknown forces (illness). Recent studies have proven that the dark soil across the Nile River is rich in natural compounds including lead sulfide, which in low levels, promotes the production of nitric oxide (240-fold) by keratinocytes, with strong immune stimulatory and antimicrobial properties. Current investigations reveal anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious activities—including cytokines and chemokines—in saliva, as well as its friendly microbiota, which lines the surface of the oral cavity, its protection against inflammatory and infectious organisms in the stoma and other organs, such as the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In fact, saliva may soon become a safe and practical surrogate biomarker for genomic/proteomic evaluations and to replace painful blood drawing and its side effects. Another example is leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, a chronic inflammatory syndrome and neglected tropical disease, which affects the skin, and peripheral and trigeminal neurons causing a lack of sensation to heat and cold and loss of extremities. Leprosy has horrified humans for over 2000 years, as lepers were considered unclean sinners and were subsequently drawn out of towns. This communication scrutinizes the past and the present state of saliva and leprosy to encounter possible mystery and/or wisdom in ancient healing as the mixture of “sputum and dirt” as reported in the biblical time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

10 pages, 19474 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Inhibitory Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Echinococcus granulosus Hydatid Cyst

by Yumin Zhao, Weifeng Gui, Yishu Zhang, Gang Mo, Dayu Li and Shigui Chong

Diseases 2019, 7(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7010023 - 18 Feb 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

Background: Heavy ion radiation has more advantages than traditional radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer, mainly because of its superior biological effects. However, there is currently no reliable evidence that heavy ion radiation can induce cell death in hydatid cysts at the [...] Read more.

Background: Heavy ion radiation has more advantages than traditional radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer, mainly because of its superior biological effects. However, there is currently no reliable evidence that heavy ion radiation can induce cell death in hydatid cysts at the cellular and molecular level. In addition, we believe heavy ion therapy could be a potential alternative approach for the treatment of hydatid cysts. Methodology/Principal Finding: The hydatid cysts and protoscolices were obtained from an experimentally infected KunMing mice. LD50 was used to evaluate the death of the protoscolex. The cellular and ultrastructure of the parasites were observed under light and electron microscopes, the damage and copy numbers of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were decided by QPCR. The apoptosis was evaluated by the expression and activity of caspase3. Dose-dependent ionizing radiation induced damage to the initial mtDNA. Echinococcosis cyst after ionizing radiation showed sparse cytoplasm, disorganized and clumped organelles, huge vacuoles, and villus deletions. The kinetic of DNA repair activity after X-ray irradiation was faster than those after carbon-ion irradiation. High doses of carbon ion radiation caused irreversible attenuation of mitochondrial DNA. Cysts showed obvious reduction in size after radiation. Carbon ion radiation was more effective than X-ray radiation in inhibiting hydatid cysts. Conclusions: These studies provide evidence that heavy-ion radiation can cause the extinction of hydatid cysts in vitro. The carbon-ion radiation is more advantageous than X-ray radiation in suppress hydatid cyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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10 pages, 394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Levels of Cytokines (IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis and Drug Responsive Tuberculosis Patients in Ghana

by Anthony Basingnaa, Samuel Antwi-Baffour, Dinah Obenewaa Nkansah, Emmanuel Afutu and Enid Owusu

Diseases 2019, 7(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7010002 - 23 Dec 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3350

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR–TB) and more recently, extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB has intensified the need for studies aimed at identifying factors associated with TB drug resistance. This study determined the differences in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR–TB) and more recently, extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB has intensified the need for studies aimed at identifying factors associated with TB drug resistance. This study determined the differences in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in MDR-TB and drug-susceptible (DS) TB patients, in addition to some socio-economic factors. Plasma levels of IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured in 83 participants (comprising 49 MDR-TB and 34 DS-TB patients) using sandwich ELISA. Levels of the three cytokines were elevated in MDR-TB patients compared to DS-TB patients. The mean level of IL-10 (7.8 ± 3.61 ρg/mL) measured in MDR-TB cases was relatively higher than those of TNF-α and IFN-γ, and statistically significant (p = 0.0022) when compared to the level of IL-10 (4.8 ± 4.94 ρg/mL) in the DS-TB cases. There were statistically significant associations between MDR-TB and factors such as education level (X² = 9.895, p = 0.043), employment status (X² = 19.404, p = 0.001) and alcoholism (X² = 3.971, p = 0.046). This study adds to the knowledge that IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 play a role in the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Alcohol intake can be considered as an important MDR-TB risk factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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7 pages, 198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Characteristics of Nursing- and Healthcare-Associated Tuberculosis

by Toshitaka Suzuki, Tatsuo Kato, Ryoko Ohnishi, Shigeo Yasuda, Kimiyasu Sano, Yohei Shirakami, Masahito Shimizu and Nobuo Murakami

Diseases 2018, 6(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases6040101 - 11 Nov 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3061

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a serious health problem worldwide. Patients with tuberculosis who also require nursing care due to aging and underlying diseases are considered to have a high mortality rate; however, there are few studies describing detailed examinations of such disease conditions. Objective: The [...] Read more.

Tuberculosis remains a serious health problem worldwide. Patients with tuberculosis who also require nursing care due to aging and underlying diseases are considered to have a high mortality rate; however, there are few studies describing detailed examinations of such disease conditions. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate differences in clinical features of elderly tuberculosis patients according to the levels of nursing and healthcare required. Design: The study participants included 146 elderly (≥65 years) patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis among patients hospitalized with tuberculosis at a single center. The patients were classified into two groups: a nursing- and healthcare-associated tuberculosis group (n = 71) and a community-acquired tuberculosis group (n = 75). Results: The nursing- and healthcare-associated tuberculosis patients were older and had a higher frequency of comorbidities compared with the community-acquired tuberculosis group. Patients in the nursing- and healthcare-associated tuberculosis group had markedly lower levels of serum albumin and hemoglobin, and higher levels of C-reactive protein. The rate of in-hospital death was significantly higher in the nursing- and healthcare-associated tuberculosis group. This was attributed to malnutrition and comorbid conditions rather than the severity of tuberculosis. Conclusion: The prognosis was poor in elderly tuberculosis patients receiving nursing and healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

Review

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10 pages, 2984 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanism of Fibrosis Induced by Echinococcus spp.

by Fuqiu Niu, Shigui Chong, Mingqun Qin, Shenmei Li, Riming Wei and Yumin Zhao

Diseases 2019, 7(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7030051 - 12 Aug 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

Infection with Echinococcus spp. causes fibrosis in various vital organs, including the liver and lungs. Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological feature of Echinococcus infection that destroys normal liver tissue, leading to jaundice, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, etc. Severe Echinococcus multilocularis infections lead to liver [...] Read more.

Infection with Echinococcus spp. causes fibrosis in various vital organs, including the liver and lungs. Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological feature of Echinococcus infection that destroys normal liver tissue, leading to jaundice, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, etc. Severe Echinococcus multilocularis infections lead to liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. The formation of peripheral fiberboards around the metacestode is a major reason as to why antiparasitic drugs fail to be effectively transported to the lesion site. Studies on the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis caused by Echinococcus are important for treatment in patients. Recent studies have focused on miRNA and TGF-β. More recent findings have focused on the generation of collagen fibers around the metacestode. In this review paper we focus on the mechanism by which the Echinococcus parasite induces fibrosis in liver and some other organs in intermediate hosts—animals as well as human beings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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7 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessReview

The MAPK Signaling Pathways as a Novel Way in Regulation and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases

by Yumin Zhao, Weifeng Gui, Fuqiu Niu and Shigui Chong

Diseases 2019, 7(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7010009 - 17 Jan 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7995

Abstract

Few major advances in fighting parasitic diseases have been made in China since the development of new methods for prevention, control, and elimination. However, the proportion of immunocompromised individuals has increased due to the growth of chronic diseases, population aging, and more frequent [...] Read more.

Few major advances in fighting parasitic diseases have been made in China since the development of new methods for prevention, control, and elimination. However, the proportion of immunocompromised individuals has increased due to the growth of chronic diseases, population aging, and more frequent cases of patients with AIDS and cancer. All these problems can promote development of parasitic infections, which is commonly associated with manipulation of host signaling pathways and the innate immune system. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved in metazoan organisms, which play critical roles in the cell cycle, gene expression, growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and parasite–host interactions. Recent discoveries of the MAPK components involved in activation, regulation, and signal transduction appeared to be promising for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of parasitic diseases in the future. This review summarizes the involvement and critical role of the MAPK family in parasitic disease development and maintenance in the host. Moreover, it highlights recent studies concerning the mechanisms and novel drug development for inhibition and regulation of MAPK pathways in order to prevent parasitic disease. In addition, we discuss some antigenic proteins as prospective inhibitory molecules or vaccines for the regulation and control of MAPK signaling involved in parasite physiological activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperCase Report

Rapid Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Refractory Ulcerative Colitis with Ustekinumab

by An-Yu Chen and Helieh S. Oz

Diseases 2019, 7(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases7040055 - 28 Sep 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3830

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by relapsing in intestinal inflammation and ulcers with no available cure. This is a clinical case report of a 52-year-old female patient with 30 years history of left-sided chronic ulcerative colitis controlled with standard of [...] Read more.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by relapsing in intestinal inflammation and ulcers with no available cure. This is a clinical case report of a 52-year-old female patient with 30 years history of left-sided chronic ulcerative colitis controlled with standard of care (mesalamine and azathioprine) which subsequently relapsed and developed into active refractory ulcerative colitis. The patient became unresponsive to her medications including different forms of mesalamines and did not respond favorably to any of the other current therapies. Numerous attempts to stabilize her condition with immunosuppressants, steroids, probiotics, antibiotics, mesalamines, and various biologic agents failed to improve her clinical symptoms, and the patient was being considered for colectomy. As the last resort, modified therapy was prescribed with ustekinumab, a non-selective, anti-IL12/23 p40 monoclonal antibody. This medication has not been yet approved for use in ulcerative colitis patients. In this clinical case we report the efficacy of ustekinumab to rapidly induce and maintain remission of the severe chronic ulcerative colitis in the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of utilizing ustakinamub therapy for rapid induction in an active refractory ulcerative colitis patient resulting in complete remission for over one year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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5 pages, 1370 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Central Nervous System Vasculitis for Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

by Dan Zimelewicz Oberman, Liliana Patrucco and Carolina Cuello Oderiz

Diseases 2018, 6(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases6030075 - 31 Aug 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4230

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening condition caused by a fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, that can infect both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent hosts. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in severely immunodeficient patients. However, in an immunocompetent patient it represents a [...] Read more.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening condition caused by a fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, that can infect both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent hosts. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in severely immunodeficient patients. However, in an immunocompetent patient it represents a diagnostic challenge, mainly because it is extremely rare, but also because of its nonspecific clinical manifestation. Neurovascular involvement in cryptococcal meningitis is rare and not well known and only few reports have described this association. We describe a cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient associated with central nervous system vasculitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases)

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