scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Effects of Bcg in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis / Иммуномоделирующие Эффекты Всg У Пациентов С Рецидивирующим Респираторным Папилломатозом

Folia Medica ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelina K. Vetskova ◽  
Mariya N. Muhtarova ◽  
Toma I. Avramov ◽  
Tsvetelina R. Stefanova ◽  
Ivan J. Chalakov ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare manifestation of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection with extremely high relapse frequency, poorly understood immunopathogenesis, and lack of efficient treatment. Immunotherapy with Calgevax (BCG) in combination with CO2 surgery significantly improves the outcome of RRP. The present study investigates cellular immunity parameters in RRP patients, and the effects of 20-month Calgevax immunomodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RRP patients (n = 15) subjected to combined therapy were tested before, 6, 12 and 20 months after the start of immunomodulation. Absolute counts and percentage of T, B and NK cells, effector Tc1 (CD8 + IFNγ+); Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17+) and regulatory (CD4+FoxP3+) T lymphocytes, as well as the in vitro stimulated secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFNγ and TNFα were determined by flow cytometry (FACSCanto II, BD). RESULTS: While no significant changes were detected in the circulating T, B and NK subsets, RRP patients presented increased proportions of Tc1, Th1 and Th17 cells, and significantly reduced IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios as compared to healthy controls (15% vs. 8%), (58 vs. 139 and 15 vs. 26, respectively), p < 0.05 for all comparisons. Increased Treg (9% vs. 4%), and decreased Th17 effectors share (0.7% vs. 0.4%) were observed at 12 months, while IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios were restored after 20 months of Calgevax application. CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral response closely depends on cytokine background. Calgevax potentiates Treg differentiation at the expense of proinflammatory Th17, limits hyperactivation and virus-specific T cell clones depletion, and restores a Th1 cytokine background.

Medicina ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Zacharis ◽  
Christina Messini ◽  
George Anifandis ◽  
George Koukoulis ◽  
Maria Satra ◽  
...  

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent viral sexually transmitted diseases. The ability of HPV to induce malignancy in the anogenital tract and stomato-pharyngeal cavity is well documented. Moreover, HPV infection may also affect reproductive health and fertility. Although, the impact of HPV on female fertility has not been thoroughly studied it has been found also to have an impact on semen parameters. Relative information can be obtained from studies investigating the relationship between HPV and pregnancy success. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate whether HPV alters the efficacy of assisted reproductive technologies. An association between HPV and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs has been reported. Nevertheless, due to conflicting data and the small number of existing studies further research is required. It remains to be clarified whether HPV detection and genotyping could be included in the diagnostic procedures in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments. Vaccination of both genders against HPV can reduce the prevalence of HPV infection and eliminate its implications on human fertility. The aim of the present mini-review is to reiterate the association between HPV and human fertility through a systematic literature review.


1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (03) ◽  
pp. 128-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.E. Lewis ◽  
W. P. Jeske ◽  
F. Leya ◽  
Diane Wallis ◽  
M. Bakhos ◽  
...  

SummaryDespite the use of potent anticoagulants such as r-hirudin and argatroban, the morbidity and mortality in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) patients remains unacceptable. Data from our in vitro investigations show that thrombin inhibitors do not block platelet activation induced by heparin antibodies and heparin but that GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors do block this process. We have treated four HIT positive patients with a combined therapy of thrombin inhibitor and GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor when treatment with thrombin inhibitor alone failed to alleviate acute thrombosis. Combination therapies included r-hirudin (Refludan®) with tirofiban (Aggrastat®) and argatroban (Novastan®) with abciximab (ReoPro®). A reduced dose of the thrombin inhibitor was used with the standard dose of the anti-platelet drug. In all cases, there was no overt bleeding which required intervention, and all patients exhibited clinical improvement or full recovery. These case studies suggest that treatment of active thrombosis in HIT patients with adjunct GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor therapy may be more effective than thrombin inhibitor treatment alone.


Author(s):  
Won Jung Bae ◽  
Ji Mi Ahn ◽  
Hye Eun Byeon ◽  
Seokwhi Kim ◽  
Dakeun Lee

Abstract Background Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta (PTPRD) is frequently inactivated in various types of cancers. Here, we explored the underlying mechanism of PTPRD-loss-induced cancer metastasis and investigated an efficient treatment option for PTPRD-inactivated gastric cancers (GCs). Methods PTPRD expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes in PTPRD-inactivated cancer cells. Quantitative reverse transcription (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to investigate the PTPRD-CXCL8 axis and the expression of other related genes. An in vitro tube formation assay was performed using HUVECs. The efficacy of metformin was assessed by MTS assay. Results PTPRD was frequently downregulated in GCs and the loss of PTPRD expression was associated with advanced stage, worse overall survival, and a higher risk of distant metastasis. Microarray analysis revealed a significant increase in CXCL8 expression upon loss of PTPRD. This was validated in various GC cell lines using transient and stable PTPRD knockdown. PTPRD-loss-induced angiogenesis was mediated by CXCL8, and the increase in CXCL8 expression was mediated by both ERK and STAT3 signaling. Thus, specific inhibitors targeting ERK or STAT3 abrogated the corresponding signaling nodes and inhibited PTPRD-loss-induced angiogenesis. Additionally, metformin was found to efficiently inhibit PTPRD-loss-induced angiogenesis, decrease cell viability in PTPRD-inactivated cancers, and reverse the decrease in PTPRD expression. Conclusions Thus, the PTPRD-CXCL8 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target, particularly for the suppression of metastasis in PTPRD-inactivated GCs. Hence, we propose that the therapeutic efficacy of metformin in PTPRD-inactivated cancers should be further investigated.


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 635
Author(s):  
Ding Li ◽  
Menglong Wang ◽  
Wen-Liang Song ◽  
Deng-Guang Yu ◽  
Sim Wan Annie Bligh

A side-by-side electrospinning process characterized by a home-made eccentric spinneret was established to produce the Janus beads-on-a-string products. In this study, ketoprofen (KET) and methylene blue (MB) were used as model drugs, which loaded in Janus beads-on-a-string products, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were exploited as the polymer matrices. From SEM images, distinct nanofibers and microparticles in the Janus beads-on-a-string structures could be observed clearly. X-ray diffraction demonstrated that all crystalline drugs loaded in Janus beads-on-a-string products were transferred into the amorphous state. ATR-FTIR revealed that the components of prepared Janus nanostructures were compatibility. In vitro dissolution tests showed that Janus beads-on-a-string products could provide typical double drugs controlled-release profiles, which provided a faster immediate release of MB and a slower sustained release of KET than the electrospun Janus nanofibers. Drug releases from the Janus beads-on-a-string products were controlled through a combination of erosion mechanism (linear MB-PVP sides) and a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism (bead KET-EC sides). This work developed a brand-new approach for the preparation of the Janus beads-on-a-string nanostructures using side-by-side electrospinning, and also provided a fresh idea for double drugs controlled release and the potential combined therapy.


Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Taifeng Du ◽  
Xiaoling Shi ◽  
Kusheng Wu

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. CC is mainly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be prevented by vaccination. We conducted a cross-sectional study in secondary occupational health school (SOHS) through a questionnaire aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding HPV infection of students. A total of 2248 students participated in the survey, 45.3% of them had heard about CC, while only 21.9% of them had heard about HPV; and 74.2% had no idea of the causal link between HPV infection and CC. Most participants displayed poor awareness and knowledge about HPV infection. The results suggested that age, grade, major, academic performance, etc. were correlated with higher awareness of CC, HPV and HPV infection (p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic analysis, third-grade students had the most increased awareness of CC (OR = 17.13, 95%CI: [8.11, 36.15]), HPV (OR = 6.59, 95%CI: [4.16, 10.43]) and HPV vaccine (OR = 2.78, 95%CI: [1.78, 4.32]) when compared to first-grade. Awareness and knowledge regarding HPV infection were insufficient among students in SOHS. As the future healthcare providers, these results highlight the need to supplement targeted education to improve their awareness and knowledge of HPV and vaccination.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 379
Author(s):  
Sandra Cordeiro ◽  
Beatriz Silva ◽  
Ana Margarida Martins ◽  
Helena Margarida Ribeiro ◽  
Lídia Gonçalves ◽  
...  

There are several approaches to treat ocular diseases, which can be invasive or non-invasive. Within the non-invasive, new pharmaceutical strategies based on nanotechnology and mucoadhesive polymers are emerging methodologies, which aim to reach an efficient treatment of eye diseases. The aim of this work was the development of novel chitosan/hyaluronic acid nanoparticle systems with mucoadhesive properties, intended to encapsulate antioxidant molecules (e.g., crocin) aiming to reduce eye oxidative stress and, consequently, ocular disease. An ultraviolet (UV) absorber molecule, actinoquinol, was also added to the nanoparticles, to further decrease oxidative stress. The developed nanoparticles were characterized and the results showed a mean particle size lower than 400 nm, polydispersity index of 0.220 ± 0.034, positive zeta potential, and high yield. The nanoparticles were also characterized in terms of pH, osmolality, and viscosity. Mucoadhesion studies involving the determination of zeta potential, viscosity, and tackiness, showed a strong interaction between the nanoparticles and mucin. In vitro release studies using synthetic membranes in Franz diffusion cells were conducted to unravel the drug release kinetic profile. Ex vitro studies using pig eye scleras in Franz diffusion cells were performed to evaluate the permeation of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, in vitro assays using the ARPE-19 (adult retinal pigment epithelium) cell line showed that the nanoparticles can efficiently decrease oxidative stress and showed low cytotoxicity. Thus, the developed chitosan/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles are a promising system for the delivery of antioxidants to the eye, by increasing their residence time and controlling their delivery.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Beatriz Medeiros-Fonseca ◽  
Antonio Cubilla ◽  
Haissa Brito ◽  
Tânia Martins ◽  
Rui Medeiros ◽  
...  

Penile cancer is an uncommon malignancy that occurs most frequently in developing countries. Two pathways for penile carcinogenesis are currently recognized: one driven by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and another HPV-independent route, associated with chronic inflammation. Progress on the clinical management of this disease has been slow, partly due to the lack of preclinical models for translational research. However, exciting recent developments are changing this landscape, with new in vitro and in vivo models becoming available. These include mouse models for HPV+ and HPV− penile cancer and multiple cell lines representing HPV− lesions. The present review addresses these new advances, summarizing available models, comparing their characteristics and potential uses and discussing areas that require further improvement. Recent breakthroughs achieved using these models are also discussed, particularly those developments pertaining to HPV-driven cancer. Two key aspects that still require improvement are the establishment of cell lines that can represent HPV+ penile carcinomas and the development of mouse models to study metastatic disease. Overall, the growing array of in vitro and in vivo models for penile cancer provides new and useful tools for researchers in the field and is expected to accelerate pre-clinical research on this disease.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3939
Author(s):  
Tianqi Xu ◽  
Anzhelika Vorobyeva ◽  
Alexey Schulga ◽  
Elena Konovalova ◽  
Olga Vorontsova ◽  
...  

Efficient treatment of disseminated ovarian cancer (OC) is challenging due to its heterogeneity and chemoresistance. Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in approx. 30% and 70% of ovarian cancers, respectively, allows for co-targeted treatment. The clinical efficacy of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive breast, gastric and gastroesophageal cancers makes it readily available as the HER2-targeting component. As the EpCAM-targeting component, we investigated the designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1 fused to a truncated variant of Pseudomonas exotoxin A with reduced immunogenicity and low general toxicity (LoPE). Ec1-LoPE was radiolabeled, evaluated in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and its biodistribution and tumor-targeting properties were studied in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of Ec1-LoPE alone and in combination with trastuzumab was studied in mice bearing EpCAM- and HER2-expressing SKOV3 xenografts. SPECT/CT imaging enabled visualization of EpCAM and HER2 expression in the tumors. Co-treatment using Ec1-LoPE and trastuzumab was more effective at reducing tumor growth and prolonged the median survival of mice compared with mice in the control and monotherapy groups. Repeated administration of Ec1-LoPE was well tolerated without signs of hepatic or kidney toxicity. Co-treatment with trastuzumab and Ec1-LoPE might be a potential therapeutic strategy for HER2- and EpCAM-positive OC.


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