Impact of point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis on genital tract inflammatory cytokines in a cohort of young South African women

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054740
Author(s):  
Nigel Garrett ◽  
Andile Mtshali ◽  
Farzana Osman ◽  
Lindi Masson ◽  
Lyle R McKinnon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
African Women ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Vaginal Health ◽  
South African Women ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

ObjectivesSTIs cause inflammation that is detrimental for both HIV risk and reproductive health. We assessed the impact of point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment and expedited partner therapy (EPT) on genital tract cytokines among a cohort of young South African women.MethodsHIV-negative women underwent POC testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) by Xpert CT/NG and OSOM TV, and for bacterial vaginosis (BV) by microscopy. Women with STIs and/or BV received immediate treatment, EPT for STIs and retested after 6 and 12 weeks. Concentrations of 48 cytokines were measured in cervicovaginal fluid at each visit using multiplex ELISA technology. The impact of STI treatment on cytokine concentrations was assessed by multivariable linear mixed models and principal component analysis.ResultsThe study enrolled 251 women with median age of 23 years (IQR 21–27). The prevalence of CT, NG and TV were 14.3%, 4.4% and 4.0%, and 34.3% had BV. Women with STIs or BV at baseline (n=94) had significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β, IL-18 and macrophage inflammatory factor (MIF)) and chemokines (IL-8, IL-16, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IFN-α2, monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted and eotaxin) compared with women without (n=157). STI treatment was strongly associated with reduced concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p=0.004), IL-1β (p=0.013), TNF-α (p=0.018) and chemokines MIG (p=0.008) and growth-related oncogene (GRO)-α (p=0.025). A lower Nugent score was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p=0.003), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (p=0.004), MIF (p=0.010) and IL-18 (p<0.001), but an increase in chemokines MIG (p=0.020), GRO-α (p<0.001), IP-10 (p<0.001), MIP-1β (p=0.008) and MCP-1 (p=0.005). Principal component analysis showed differences in STI and BV-related inflammatory profiles, but that resolution restored a profile consistent with vaginal health.ConclusionsA comprehensive STI intervention effectively reduced genital inflammation among young women, thereby improving vaginal health and potentially reducing HIV risk.

scholarly journals Food fortification improves the intake of all fortified nutrients, but fails to meet the estimated dietary requirements for vitamins A and B6, riboflavin and zinc, in lactating South African women

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1810-1817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy C Papathakis ◽  
Kerry E Pearson
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
African Women ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Food Records ◽  
Micronutrient Intake ◽  
Dietary Requirements ◽  
South African Women ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of fortification by comparing food records and selected biochemical indicators of nutritional status pre- and post-fortification.DesignMean intake from 24 h recalls (n 142) was compared with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) to determine the proportion with inadequate intake. In a subsample (n 34), diet and serum retinol, folate, ferritin and Zn were compared pre- and post-fortification for fortified nutrients vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, Fe and Zn.SettingSouth Africa.SubjectsBreast-feeding women (ninety-four HIV-infected, forty eight HIV-uninfected) measured at ∼6, 14, 24 weeks, and 9 and 12 months postpartum.ResultsPre-fortification, >80 % of women did not meet the EAR for vitamins A, C, D, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12 and folate and minerals Zn, iodine and Ca. Dietary intake post-fortification increased for all fortified nutrients. In post-fortification food records, >70 % did not meet the EAR for Zn and vitamins A, riboflavin and B6. Serum folate and Zn increased significantly post-fortification (P < 0·001 for both), with no change in ferritin and a reduction in retinol. Post-fortification marginal/deficient folate status was reduced (73·5 % pre v. 3·0 % post; P < 0·001), as was Zn deficiency (26·5 % pre v. 5·9 % post; P < 0·05). Pre- and post-fortification, >93 % were retinol replete. There was no change in Fe deficiency (16·7 % pre v. 19·4 % post; P = 0·728).ConclusionsMicronutrient intake improved with fortification, but >70 % of lactating women did not meet the EAR for Zn, vitamins A, riboflavin and B6. Although 100 % exceeded the EAR for Fe after fortification, Fe status did not improve.

Cutaneous glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in antidepressant-resistant depression

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER FITZGERALD ◽  
SINEAD M. O'BRIEN ◽  
PAUL SCULLY ◽  
KIM RIJKERS ◽  
LUCINDA V. SCOTT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Topical Steroid ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Topical Steroids ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Resistant Depression ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Background. There is evidence to indicate that peripheral glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function is reduced in major depression, and a possible molecular explanation for this is the impact of raised pro-inflammatory cytokines. The topical steroid vasoconstriction assay provides a convenient probe of peripheral GR function. The present study sought to assess the sensitivity of peripheral GRs in antidepressant-resistant major depressives and investigate the association between GR sensitivity and circulating plasma cytokines.Method. Nineteen antidepressant-resistant depressives together with age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent the steroid vasoconstriction assay using three commercial preparations of corticosteroids containing clobetasol propionate 0·05%, betamethasone valerate 0·1%, and clobetasone butyrate 0·05%, corresponding to very potent, potent, and moderately potent steroid creams respectively. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The severity of the depressive episode was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).Results. Depressed subjects had a significantly reduced vasoconstriction response across all three strengths of steroid. They also had significantly higher concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6. There was a significant inverse correlation between TNF-α concentration and vasoconstriction response and also between the HAMD score and vasoconstriction response.Conclusions. These findings suggest that cutaneous GR function is abnormal in antidepressant-resistant depression, that circulating TNF-α may play a significant role in this abnormality and that the efficacy of topical steroids in antidepressant-resistant depressives is reduced.

scholarly journals Dietary intake and body composition in HIV-positive and -negative South African women

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1603-1613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie V Wrottesley ◽  
Lisa K Micklesfield ◽  
Matthew M Hamill ◽  
Gail R Goldberg ◽  
Ann Prentice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
South African ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
African Women ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cd4 Counts ◽  
South African Women ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Negative

AbstractObjectiveThe present paper examines dietary intake and body composition in antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative South African women, as well as the impact of disease severity on these variables.DesignBaseline data from a longitudinal study assessing bone health in HIV-negative and HIV-positive premenopausal South African women over 18 years of age were used. Anthropometry and body composition, measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, were analysed together with dietary intake data assessed using an interviewer-based quantitative FFQ.SettingSoweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.SubjectsBlack, urban South African women were divided into three groups: (i) HIV-negative (HIV−; n 98); (ii) HIV-positive with preserved CD4 counts (HIV+ non-ARV; n 74); and (iii) HIV-positive with low CD4 counts and due to start ARV treatment (HIV+ pre-ARV; n 75).ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was high in this population (59 %). The HIV+ pre-ARV group was lighter and had a lower BMI than the other two groups (all P < 0·001). HIV+ pre-ARV women also had lower fat and lean masses and percentage body fat than their HIV− and HIV+ non-ARV counterparts. After adjustment, there were no differences in macronutrient intakes across study groups; however, fat and sugar intakes were high and consumption of predominantly refined food items was common overall.ConclusionHIV-associated immunosuppression may be a key determinant of body composition in HIV-positive women. However, in populations with high obesity prevalence, these differences become evident only at advanced stages of infection.

scholarly journals The FcγRIII Engagement Augments PMA-Stimulated Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) Formation by Granulocytes Partially via Cross-Talk between Syk-ERK-NF-κB and PKC-ROS Signaling Pathways

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1127
Author(s):  
Cheng-Hsun Lu ◽  
Ko-Jen Li ◽  
Cheng-Han Wu ◽  
Chieh-Yu Shen ◽  
Yu-Min Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the most abundant white blood cell in the circulation capable of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation after stimulation. Both NADPH oxidase-dependent and -independent pathways are involved in NET formation. The IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in human serum. However, the impact of the circulating IgG on NET formation is totally unexplored. In this study, the all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced mature granulocytes (dHL-60) were pre-treated with monomeric human IgG, papain-digested Fab fragment, crystallizable IgG Fc portion, rituximab (a human IgG1), or IgG2. The NET formation of the dHL-60 in the presence/absence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation was then measured by the fluorescent area after SYTOX green nucleic acid stain. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by flow cytometry. Total and phosphorylated Syk, SHP-1, and ERK were detected by immunoblot. We found that human monomeric IgG and its subclasses IgG1 and IgG2 per se induced negligible NET formation of dHL-60, but the FcγRIII engagement by these IgG subclasses and Fc portion augment PMA-stimulated dHL-60 NET formation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that increased Syk and ERK phosphorylation, intracellular ROS generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-8 and TNF-α, production could be induced after FcγRIII engagement. Blocking FcγRIII engagement by a specific antibody diminished the augmented NET formation. In conclusion, we discovered that cross-talk between FcγRIII engagement-induced Syk-ERK and PMA-induced PKC signaling pathways augment NET formation of dHL-60 via increased ROS generation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-8 and TNF-α, production.

scholarly journals Adiposity Mediates the Association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and Markers of Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Middle-Aged Black South African Women

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asanda Mtintsilana ◽  
Lisa K. Micklesfield ◽  
Elin Chorell ◽  
Tommy Olsson ◽  
Nitin Shivappa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
South African ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
African Women ◽  
Dietary Inflammatory Index ◽  
Inflammatory Index ◽  
South African Women

The dietary inflammatory index (DII®), a validated tool used to measure the inflammatory potential of the diet, has been associated with metabolic disorders in various settings, but not in African populations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the DII is associated with markers of type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, and if this association is mediated by adiposity and/or low-grade inflammation, in black South Africa women. Energy-adjusted-DII (E-DII) scores were calculated in 190 women (median age, 53 years) from the Birth-to-Twenty plus cohort using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and inflammatory cytokines were measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test performed. Basic anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived body fat, including estimate of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, were measured. E-DII scores were associated with all markers of T2D risk, namely, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, HOMA2-IR, two-hour glucose and Matsuda index (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, measures of adiposity, but not inflammatory cytokines, mediated the association between E-DII and markers of T2D risk (p < 0.05). Measures of central obesity had proportionally higher (range: 23.5–100%) mediation effects than total obesity (range: 10–60%). The E-DII is associated with T2D risk through obesity, in particular central obesity, among black middle-aged South African women.

scholarly journals The Impact of Structured Support Groups for Pregnant South African Women Recently Diagnosed HIV Positive

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 546-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P. Mundell ◽  
Maretha J. Visser ◽  
Jennifer D. Makin ◽  
Trace S. Kershaw ◽  
Brian W. C. Forsyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
African Women ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
South African Women ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Effect of Vitamin C on Proinflammatory Cytokines Production in Ossimi Lambs (Ovis aries) with Pneumonic Pasteurellosis

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3374
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abdo Rizk ◽  
Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed ◽  
Doaa Salman ◽  
Basma H. Marghani ◽  
Hossam Elshahat Gadalla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Pneumonic Pasteurellosis ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

In this study, we have investigated the impact of vitamin C on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 β (IL-1 β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) in lambs naturally infected by pneumonic pasteurellosis. Of 37 lambs, 18 lambs were identified to have pneumonic pasteurellosis and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Single subcutaneous dose of tulathromycine alone (2.5 mg kg−1) or tulathromycine combined with vitamin C (3 gm kg−1) were administrated to the diseased lambs. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were returned to the normal levels in pneumonic lambs treated with the combination therapy. The obtained results indicate the selective influences of vitamin C on pro-inflammatory cytokines production in sera of lambs with pneumonic pasteurellosis and highlights the value of vitamin C as a potential anti-inflammatory drug and ideal immunomodulatory agent.

scholarly journals Transkingdom Analysis of the Female Reproductive Tract Reveals Bacteriophages Form Communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferralita S Madere ◽  
Michael Sohn ◽  
Angelina Winbush ◽  
Breona Barr ◽  
Alex Grier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
South African ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
African Women ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Vaginal Health ◽  
South African Women ◽  
Community Clustering

The female reproductive tract (FRT) microbiome plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health. Viruses play a key role in regulating other microbial ecosystems, but little is known about how the FRT viruses (virome), particularly bacteriophages, impacts FRT health and dysbiosis. We hypothesize that bacterial vaginosis is associated with alterations in the FRT virome, and these changes correlate with bacteriome shifts. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal analysis of vaginal swabs collected from 54 bacterial vaginosis (BV)-positive and 46 BV-negative South African women. Bacteriome analysis revealed samples clustered into five distinct bacterial community groups (CG). Bacterial alpha diversity was significantly associated with BV. Virome analysis on a subset of baseline samples showed FRT bacteriophages clustering into novel viral state types (VSTs), a viral community clustering system based on virome composition and abundance. Distinct BV bacteriophage signatures included increased alpha diversity along with Bacillus, Burkholderia and Escherichia bacteriophages. Discriminate bacteriophage-bacteria transkingdom associations were also identified between Bacillus and Burkholderia viruses and BV-associated bacteria, providing key insight for future studies elucidating transkingdom interactions driving BV-associated microbiome perturbations. In this cohort, bacteriophage-bacterial associations suggest complex interactions which may play a role in the establishment and maintenance of BV.

scholarly journals Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) Mediates the Protective Effect of L.Cucurbita Pepo on Salivary Glands of Depressed Rat Evident by Structural, Biochemical and Molecular Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailah M. ALmohaimeed ◽  
Emad A. Albadawi ◽  
Zuhair M. Mohammedsaleh ◽  
Hadel M. Alghabban ◽  
Hanan S. Seleem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Ductal Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract BackgroundAcute and chronic stresses affect the salivary glands which are the source of plasma BDNF during stressful conditions. Pumpkin is a medicinal plant with an evident antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential antidepressant effects. This work was conducted to assess the impact of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on the structure of albino rats’ salivary glands and evaluate the role of pumpkin extract (Pump) in ameliorating this effect. MethodsFour groups (n=10 each) of male albino rats included in this study; the control, CUMS, CUMS+fluoxetine and (CUMS+Pump). Corticosterone, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6) and the oxidant/antioxidant profile were all assessed in the serum. BDNF mRNA level was measured in the salivary glands using qRT-PCR. Histopathological changes of the salivary glands were also assessed. ResultsDepression was confirmed behaviorally and biochemically. Exposure to CUMS significantly (p< 0.001) up-regulated the level of serum corticosterone. CUMS induced degenerative changes in the secretory and ductal system, atrophy of acini and increased apoptosis of the acinar and ductal cells. Both fluoxetine and Pump significantly up-regulated (p<0.001) BDNF expression in the salivary glands and ameliorated the CUMS-induced histopathological alterations in the salivary glands. Pumpkin significantly (p<0.001) increased the serum levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPX and CAT and reduced the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6.ConclusionPumpkin ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression in rats by exerting a promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant-like effects in rats exposed to CUMS. Pump subsequently improved stress-induced structural changes in the salivary glands that might be due to the glands up-regulation of BDNF expression.Trial registrationNot applicable.

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