Comparison of salivary IgA and systemic IgA and IgG antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae in HIV-infected subjects

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 458-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Belazi ◽  
Alexandra Fleva ◽  
Drakoulis Drakoulakos ◽  
Despina Panayiotidou

Our objective was to investigate the concentrations of IgA and IgG antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae in whole saliva and serum samples from HIV-infected patients and to compare them with the corresponding antibody values of healthy controls. A cross-sectional design was used. The test group consisted of 23 HIV-infected male individuals, aged 20-41 years old, free of any other systemic disease. Twenty healthy subjects aged 27-43 years old served as controls. Whole unstimulated saliva and blood were collected from all subjects. IgA concentrations in saliva and IgA and IgG concentrations in serum were measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Salivary antibody concentrations were calculated by reference to a pooled standard saliva obtained from 10 healthy males with high levels of anti- S. cerevisiae antibody activity. Total IgA and IgG concentrations were measured by nephelometry/tholocymetry assay. No significant difference was observed in salivary specific IgA and serum specific IgG levels to S. cerevisiae, while serum specific IgA were significantly lower in HIV infected patients compared to control group. Opportunistic infections due to S. cerevisiae, although rare, cannot be dismissed. This yeast can show a potential virulence in debilitated patients, therefore, further extensive investigation should be considered.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. 340-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Papi ◽  
Stefano Di Carlo ◽  
Daniele Rosella ◽  
Francesca De Angelis ◽  
Mario Capogreco ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to compare patients with a healthy peri-implant environment and patients affected by peri-implantitis, evaluating the occurrence of antibodies to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. The authors hypothesized the presence of ECM autoantibodies in serum of peri-implantitis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: one with dental implants with a diagnosis of peri-implantitis and one control group with implants classified as being “healthy.” Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on patients' sera to detect human antibodies to type I, III, IV, and V collagens, laminin, and fibronectin. Fisher exact test was performed to evaluate statistical association, with a significant P < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 27 females (64.28%) and 15 males (35.72%) with a mean age of 53 ± 29.69 years (age range 32–74). The presence of antibodies to CIII was recorded in 6/21 (28.57%) patients of test group, compared to just 2/21 (9.52%) for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Other antibodies tested were found to be not statistically significant or absent. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that further studies, with larger sample and different design, are necessary to address the research purpose, evaluating possible associations between anti-ECM antibodies and peri-implantitis.


Author(s):  
C. H. Udeogu ◽  
I. S. I. Ogbu ◽  
A. N. Mbachu ◽  
M. C. Ugwu ◽  
O. F. Odo ◽  
...  

Welding processes produce toxic fumes consisting of gaseous and aerosol by-products which pose a risk to the male reproductive systems. The rate of infertility has increased globally. This study therefore sought to assess the effects of welding fume inhalation on the sex hormones of welders in Nnewi. A site-by-site cross-sectional study of 45 welders (aged between 18 and 50 years) who were exposed to welding fumes (Test group) and 45 age-matched non-welders (Control group) was carried out. The ages of the Test and Control subjects, as well as the years of exposure of the Test subjects were obtained via questionnaire. A single non-fasting venous blood (about 5 mls) was collected from the ante-cubital space from the subjects via venipuncture between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Serum was separated following clotting, and used for the investigation of the levels of male sex hormones: Testosterone (T), Progesterone (P), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) among welders. Sex hormones were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The results showed that Testosterone (2.45±0.34 ng/ml) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in welders when compared to controls (4.94±0.81 ng/ml) and significantly increased (p<0.05) levels of Progesterone (0.54±0.09 ng/ml) and LH (7.47±1.56 mIU/L) were found in welders compared with controls Progesterone (0.45±0.08 ng/ml) and LH (5.53±1.05 mIU/L). There was no significant difference in the levels of FSH of the test when compared with the controls. This finding of altered hormone levels indicates a likelihood of reduced reproductive outcome. Exposure to welding fume may therefore interfere with testicular functions leading to disordered reproductive performance, delayed conception, and reduced fertility.


1986 ◽  
Vol 56 (03) ◽  
pp. 250-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Boyer ◽  
M Wolf ◽  
C Rothschild ◽  
M Migaud ◽  
J Amiral ◽  
...  

SummaryA new solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the quantitation of human Factor VII antigen (F VII Ag), using a monospecific rabbit anti-F VII antiserum. Anti-F VII F(ab′)2 fragments were adsorbed to polystyrene plates. The binding of serial dilutions of control or test plasma, containing F VII, was detected by incubation with peroxidase-labeled anti- FV II IgG followed by the addition of hydrogen peroxyde and O-phenylenediamine. This ELISA is specific, sensitive (detection limit: 0.05%) and accurate (coefficient of variation: 1.5-4% for within- and 1.6-9% for between-assays). F VII coagulant activity (F VII C) and F VII Ag were determined in large populations of controls and patients. In normal plasma (n = 38), F VII Ag ranged from 83 to 117% and the correlation coefficient between F VII Ag and F VII C was 0.94. In patients with severe (F VII C inf. 1%) congenital F VII deficiency (n = 5), F VII Ag was undetectable in two cases (inf. 0.05%) and markedly reduced (0.35 to 5.6%) in the three other cases. In patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 15), F VII Ag ranged from 21 to 59% and was in good correlation with F VII C (r = 0.84). In dicoumarol treated patients (n = 15), the levels of F VII Ag ranged from 51% to 79% and a poor correlation (r = 0.52) with F VIIC was observed. In “compensated” DIC (n = 5), levels of F VII Ag varied from 60 to 186%, with significantly higher F VII C levels (from 143 to 189%). In contrast, in “decompensated” DIC (n = 7), low F VII Ag and F VII C levels were observed (from 7 to 27%). In patients with deep-vein thrombosis (n = 25), high levels of F VII Ag (from 102 to 136%) and F VII C (from 110 to 150%) were demonstrated. In surgical patients, no significant difference was observed before and one day after intervention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Kyung-A Ko ◽  
Ji-Yeong Lee ◽  
Jae-Woon Oh ◽  
Hyun-Chang Lim ◽  
...  

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Javier Aragoneses ◽  
Ana Suárez ◽  
Nansi López-Valverde ◽  
Francisco Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Juan Manuel Aragoneses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implant surface treatment with carboxyethylphosphonic acid and fibroblast growth factor 2 on the bone–implant interface during the osseointegration period in vivo using an animal model. The present research was carried out in six minipigs, in whose left tibia implants were inserted as follows: eight implants with a standard surface treatment, for the control group, and eight implants with a surface treatment of carboxyethylphosphonic acid and immobilization of FGF-2, for the test group. At 4 weeks after the insertion of the implants, the animals were sacrificed for the histomorphometric analysis of the samples. The means of the results for the implant–bone contact variable (BIC) were 46.39 ± 17.49% for the test group and 34.00 ± 9.92% for the control group; the difference was not statistically significant. For the corrected implant–bone contact variable (BICc), the mean value of the test group was 60.48 ± 18.11%, and that for the control group, 43.08 ± 10.77%; the difference was statistically significant (p-value = 0.035). The new bone formation (BV/TV) showed average results of 27.28 ± 3.88% for the test group and 26.63 ± 7.90% for the control group, meaning that the differences were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.839). Regarding the bone density at the interthread level (BAI/TA), the mean value of the test group was 32.27 ± 6.70%, and that of the control group was 32.91 ± 7.76%, with a p-value of 0.863, while for the peri-implant density (BAP/TA), the mean value of the test group was 44.96 ± 7.55%, and that for the control group was 44.80 ± 8.68%, without a significant difference between the groups. The current research only found a significant difference for the bone–implant contact at the cortical level; therefore, it could be considered that FGF-2 acts on the mineralization of bone tissue. The application of carboxyethylphosphonic acid on the surface of implants can be considered a promising alternative as a biomimetic coating for the immobilization of FGF-2. Despite no differences in the new bone formation around the implants or in the interthread or peri-implant bone density being detected, the biofunctionalization of the implant surface with FGF-2 accelerates the mineralization of the bone–implant interface at the cortical level, thereby reducing the osseointegration period.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 312-316
Author(s):  
Mishra Neha Sanjeev ◽  
Harsimran Kaur ◽  
Sandeep Singh Mayall ◽  
Rishika ◽  
Ramakrishna Yeluri

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of placing a resorbable collagen barrier in impeding the extrusion of obturation material in primary molars undergoing resorption. Study design: All the 94 canals in 47 mandibular molars were allocated to 2 groups- Group ‘A’- 47 canals with collagen barrier (Test group) and Group ‘B’- 47 canals without collagen barrier (Control group) based on randomization protocol. Pulpectomy was performed and obturation of both test and control canals were radiographically assessed. Pearson’s chi – square test was applied to analyze the results. The significance level was predetermined at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Among the test group, 93.6% of the canals showed no extrusion while, 6.4% showed visible extrusion of the material outside the apex. In the control group, 83% showed no extrusion whereas 17% of the canals showed visible extrusion outside the apex. But no significant difference was noted (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The placement of resorbable collagen barrier in the apical third of the canal prevented the extrusion of obturating material beyond the apex in resorbing primary molars.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-346
Author(s):  
Ricardo Silva Tavares ◽  
Fábio Oliveira de Souza ◽  
Isabel Cristina Carvalho Medeiros Francescantonio ◽  
Weslley Carvalho Soares ◽  
Mauro Meira Mesquita

Summary Objective: To evaluate the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients heterozygous for hemoglobin variants and compare the results of this test with those of a control group. Method: This was an experimental study based on the comparison of HbA1c tests in two different populations, with a test group represented by individuals heterozygous for hemoglobin variants (AS and AC) and a control group consisting of people with electrophoretic profile AA. The two populations were required to meet the following inclusion criteria: Normal levels of fasting glucose, hemoglobin, urea and triglycerides, bilirubin > 20 mg/dL and non-use of acetylsalicylic acid. 50 heterozygous subjects and 50 controls were evaluated between August 2013 and May 2014. The comparison of HbA1c levels between heterozygous individuals and control subjects was performed based on standard deviation, mean and G-Test. Results: The study assessed a test group and a control group, both with 39 adults and 11 children. The mean among heterozygous adults for HbA1c was 5.0%, while the control group showed a rate of 5.74%. Heterozygous children presented mean HbA1c at 5.11%, while the controls were at 5.78%. G-Test yielded p=0.93 for children and p=0.89 for adults. Conclusion: Our study evaluated HbA1c using ion exchange chromatography resins, and the patients heterozygous for hemoglobin variants showed no significant difference from the control group.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Thomas Nubila ◽  
Ernest O. Ukaejiofo ◽  
Nkoyo I. Nubila ◽  
Godfrey I. Okorie

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is considered toxic and has other life-threatening side effects. Our aim was to evaluate the haematotoxic effects of lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine fixed-dose combinations in Albino Wistar rats. Fifty (50) three (3) months old male Albino Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were randomly assigned to five (5) groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as control. Two (2 mLs) of venous blood was aseptically collected on Days 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 of treatment. Red blood cell (RBC) mean value recorded statistically significant increase () in groups B and C when compared with the control group on Day 5. However, there was a statistically significant decrease () in RBC, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and some red cell indices on Day 10. In addition there was no statistically significant difference () in all the parameters evaluated when the test group was compared with the control on Day 25. Furthermore, there was a time-related statistically significant increase () in the two major blood cells—RBC and platelet counts. From the result of this present study, it can be concluded that HAART when administered in fixed-dose combinations have no subacute haematotoxic effects.


Pteridines ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 177-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Fenol ◽  
V.R. Swetha ◽  
Sajitha Krishnan ◽  
Jayachandran Perayil ◽  
Rajesh Vyloppillil ◽  
...  

AbstractNeopterin is a novel predictor for coronary events especially in diabetic patients and also an indicator for the effectiveness of the periodontal treatment. In this study, we assessed whether salivary neopterin can be used as a potential biomarker in evaluating the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis. Forty subjects between 25 and 75 years of age and who matched the criteria were selected and divided into four groups. Their periodontal status was evaluated. Stimulated whole saliva and blood were collected for analysis of salivary neopterin and fibrinogen and HbA1c levels, respectively. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy was carried out. Patients were recalled after 3 months, and the same procedure was repeated. A reduction in all the parameters was seen after treatment in all the four groups. Salivary neopterin levels showed significant difference (p<0.001) in the values between the study groups and the control group before treatment. After 3 months of treatment, salivary neopterin levels showed a statistical significant reduction (p<0.001) in all the study groups. Neopterin could serve as an effective tool to assess the inflammatory process related to periodontitis and diabetes mellitus and also predict future cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.


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