Xenobiotic immunosuppressive agents: therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune diseases

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Burkhardt ◽  
J. R. Kalden
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-99
Author(s):  
Juan Farak Gomez

Context: The incidence of autoimmune diseases and allergies has increased markedly in the last half of the 20th century, especially in more developed countries, with an increase in urbanization and hygiene that has led to the elimination of many parasitic infections. Objective: To analyze through scientific bibliographic sources the effects of the parasite load, especially helminthiasis, on the appearance of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Methodology: The documentary analysis of different scientific sources that refer to the theory of immunomodulation by helminths was used. Results: They suggest that the treatment of autoimmune diseases with helminths or products derived from them can have protective and therapeutic effects in these patients. Conclusions: It could be concluded that the immunodulation mechanisms carried out by helminths prevent patients from eliminating the parasites, but have beneficial effects on the course of some autoimmune diseases. Although the causal relationship is not fully proven, studies in animal models and clinical trials carried out in patients with autoimmune diseases suggest that their treatment with helminths or products derived from them may have protective and therapeutic effects in these patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl R. Harrell ◽  
Marina Gazdic ◽  
Crissy Fellabaum ◽  
Nemanja Jovicic ◽  
Valentin Djonov ◽  
...  

Background: Amniotic Fluid Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AF-MSCs) are adult, fibroblast- like, self-renewable, multipotent stem cells. During the last decade, the therapeutic potential of AF-MSCs, based on their huge differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory characteristics, has been extensively explored in animal models of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. Objective: In order to describe molecular mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effects of AFMSCs, we summarized current knowledge about phenotype, differentiation potential and immunosuppressive properties of AF-MSCs. Methods: An extensive literature review was carried out in March 2018 across several databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar), from 1990 to present. Keywords used in the selection were: “amniotic fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells”, “cell-therapy”, “degenerative diseases”, “inflammatory diseases”, “regeneration”, “immunosuppression”. Studies that emphasized molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for AF-MSC-based therapy were analyzed in this review. Results: AF-MSCs have huge differentiation and immunosuppressive potential. AF-MSCs are capable of generating cells of mesodermal origin (chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes), neural cells, hepatocytes, alveolar epithelial cells, insulin-producing cells, cardiomyocytes and germ cells. AF-MSCs, in juxtacrine or paracrine manner, regulate proliferation, activation and effector function of immune cells. Due to their huge differentiation capacity and immunosuppressive characteristic, transplantation of AFMSCs showed beneficent effects in animal models of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of nervous, respiratory, urogenital, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system. Conclusion: Considering the fact that amniotic fluid is obtained through routine prenatal diagnosis, with minimal invasive procedure and without ethical concerns, AF-MSCs represents a valuable source for cell-based therapy of organ-specific or systemic degenerative and inflammatory diseases.


1995 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 266-272
Author(s):  
Joseph D. Spahn ◽  
Alan K. Kamada

GCs are used commonly for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although potent and generally effective, they are not without risks for producing serious adverse effects, especially when used in high doses for prolonged periods of time. Thus, the clinician must balance the therapeutic effects of GCs with their risks for adverse effects; using the lowest possible effective GC doses as well as maximizing other therapeutic modalities are means by which this goal can be achieved. Early recognition and appropriate management are other methods to minimize GC-induced adverse effects. Maximization of therapy, early recognition, and appropriate management of adverse effects can minimize the potential severe complications of GC therapy.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyota Fujita ◽  
Yusaku Nakabeppu ◽  
Mami Noda

Since the first description of Parkinson's disease (PD) nearly two centuries ago, a number of studies have revealed the clinical symptoms, pathology, and therapeutic approaches to overcome this intractable neurodegenerative disease. 1-methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) are neurotoxins which produce Parkinsonian pathology. From the animal studies using these neurotoxins, it has become well established that oxidative stress is a primary cause of, and essential for, cellular apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons. Here, we describe the mechanism whereby oxidative stress evokes irreversible cell death, and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for PD using molecular hydrogen. Hydrogen has an ability to reduce oxidative damage and ameliorate the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal pathway in two experimental animal models. Thus, it is strongly suggested that hydrogen might provide a great advantage to prevent or minimize the onset and progression of PD.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 361-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Leone ◽  
Giorgio Noera ◽  
Alfio Bertolini

AbstractMelanocortins play a fundamental role in several basic functions of the organism (sexual activity, feeding, inflammation and immune responses, pain sensitivity, response to stressful situations, motivation, attention, learning, and memory). Moreover, a large body of animal data, some of which were also confirmed in humans, unequivocally show that melanocortins also have impressive therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions that are the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide (hemorrhagic, or anyway hypovolemic, shock; septic shock; respiratory arrest; cardiac arrest; ischemia- and ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage of the brain, heart, intestine, and other organs; traumatic injury of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; neuropathic pain; toxic neuropathies; gouty arthritis; etc.). Recent data obtained in animal models seem to moreover confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary data concerning the neurotrophic activity of melanocortins in neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Our aim was (i) to critically reconsider the established extrahormonal effects of melanocortins (on sexual activity, feeding, inflammation, tissue hypoperfusion, and traumatic damage of central and peripheral nervous system) at the light of recent findings, (ii) to review the most recent advancements, particularly on the effects of melanocortins in models of neurodegenerative diseases, (iii) to discuss the reasons that support the introduction into clinical practice of melanocortins as life-saving agents in shock conditions and that suggest to verify in clinical setting the impressive results steadily obtained with melanocortins in different animal models of tissue ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion, and finally, (iv) to mention the advisable developments, particularly in terms of selectivity of action and of effects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifei Qiu ◽  
Junfeng Liu ◽  
Xiumei Mo ◽  
Huazhen Liu ◽  
Yuchao Chen ◽  
...  

Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) are known as conventional antimalarial drugs with clinical safety and efficacy. Youyou Tu was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine due to her discovery of artemisinin and its therapeutic effects on malaria. Apart from antimalarial effects, mounting evidence has demonstrated that ARTs exert therapeutic effects on inflammation and autoimmune disorders because of their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. In this aspect, tremendous progress has been made during the past five to seven years. Therefore, the present review summarizes recent studies that have explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of ARTs on autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. In this review, we also discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of ARTs. Recent preclinical studies will help lay the groundwork for clinical trials using ARTs to treat various immune-based disorders, especially autoimmune diseases.


Author(s):  
N. V. Volkova ◽  
A. V. Solntseva

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and Graves’ disease (GD) are common autoimmune diseases, and their prevalence assessed as 5 % of general population. Currently, selective immunosuppressive agents for pathogenetic treatment of autoimmune pathology are being developed. Vitamin D with the known anti­inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, is also of great interest. The first part of the article reviews the roles of various immune cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases, which is necessary to reveal the therapeutic potential of calcitriol in these disorders. Classically, AIT was considered to be mediated by T­helpers type 1 (Th1), and GD — by T­helpers type 2 (Th2). This misunderstanding was based on the idea that humoral immunity is controlled by Th2 cytokines, and cellular immunity — by Th1. In the past decades, the role of new subsets of immune cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases is being studied, displacing the traditional paradigm of Th1/Th2 dichotomy. It has been established that T­helpers type 17 (Th17) play an important role in the development of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, previously classified as Th1­dependent pathologies. The involvement of T­ and B­regulatory lymphocytes in the autoimmune process is also of particular interest. It was found that these cells accumulate in inflamed thyroid tissue in patients with thyroid pathology, but they are unable to suppress the immune response effectively. Further research will help to find out which immune cells can become targets for vitamin D agonists in the complex treatment of autoimmune diseases.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document