Does gender affect immune response in HIV patients?

Gender differences affect the frequency and course of many diseases. This study aimed to determine the gender distribution in HIV-infected patients and investigate the relationship between gender and immune response. The study included HIV-infected patients who followed up in our hospital in 2018. The patients were divided into HIV RNA negative patients (Group 1) and HIV RNA positive patients (Group 2). Patients with diseases that may affect the immune system and those using drugs that affect the immune system were excluded from the study. The evaluation was made of 549 patients, as 305 patients (45 females 14.75%) in Group 1 and 224 patients (23 females, 9.43%) in Group 2. When the CD4/CD8 ratio of male and female patients was compared in both groups, a lower rate was determined in females (0.71-0.58) than males (0.82-0.93). A negative correlation was determined between HIV RNA and the CD4/CD8 ratio in premenopausal females (p=0.045) and males (≤45 years p=0.0001). Clinical studies of HIV infection have demonstrated better initial viremia control in females with primary infection, faster disease progression, and stronger immune activation than males for the same level of viral replication.

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Comparison of Olfactory Cleft Width and Volumes in Patients with COVID-19 Anosmia and COVID-19 Cases Without Anosmia

ORL ◽

10.1159/000518672 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Deniz Esin Tekcan Sanli ◽

Aytug Altundag ◽

Duzgun Yıldırım ◽

Sedat Giray Kandemirli ◽

Ahmet Necati Sanli

Keyword(s):

Negative Correlation ◽

Test Scores ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Olfactory Dysfunction ◽

Olfactory Cleft ◽

Identification Test ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Tdi Score ◽

Group 1

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between olfactory cleft width/volume and COVID-19-related anosmia. Methods: This study consisted of PCR-proven COVID-19 patients. Cases with COVID-19-related anosmia constituted Group 1 and cases without any olfactory dysfunction (OD) throughout COVID-19 infection or after recovery constituted Group 2. A total of 50 patients were included in the study, comprising 24 cases in Group 1 and 26 cases in Group 2. Group 1 patients underwent a 4-item-odor identification test during active symptoms and a Sniffin’ Sticks test after reconversion of PCR results to negative. All patients in Group 2 also underwent the Sniffin’ Stick test to document normosmia. All cases had paranasal sinus CT performed. Olfactory cleft widths and olfactory volumes were measured. The differences in width and volume between groups and the correlation with odor test scores (threshold-discrimination-identification [TDI]) were calculated. In addition, regression analyzes analysis was performed for cleft widths, volumes, and TDI scores according to age. Results: Olfactory cleft widths and olfactory volumes were significantly higher in Group 1 than those in Group 2 (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between total TDI scores and olfactory cleft widths and total olfactory volumes (r = −0.665; r = −0.731, respectively). Patients younger than 40 years of age had significantly higher right olfactory cleft width, left olfactory cleft width, and olfactory cleft volume than those in patients older than 40 years of age (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, p = 0.003; p < 0,01, respectively). However, patients younger than 40 years of age had a significantly lower total TDI score and in all other values individually (t-d-i) than those in patients older than 40 years of age (p = 0.004; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19-related OD had larger olfactory cleft width and volumes than those without OD in this study. Total TDI score was found to be inversely correlated with cleft width and volume.

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The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and 5-Year All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Blood Purification ◽

10.1159/000515639 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Emre Erdem ◽

Ahmet Karatas ◽

Tevfik Ecder

Keyword(s):

Serum Ferritin ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Rank Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Introduction: The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. Methods: A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin <800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin >1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. Results: Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, p = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; p = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; p = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; p = 0.063). Conclusion: Time-averaged serum ferritin levels >1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.

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The use of antiviral drug based on technologically processed antibodies to interferon-γ, CD4 receptor and histamine in the treatment of influenza in adults: results of a multicenter open-label randomized comparative trial with oseltamivir

Infekcionnye bolezni ◽

10.20953/1729-9225-2021-1-39-57 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 39-57

Author(s):

K.V. Zhdanov ◽

◽

R.F. Khamitov ◽

V.V. Rafalsky ◽

M.P. Mikhaylusova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

B Cell ◽

Open Label ◽

Virus Elimination ◽

Antiviral Immune Response ◽

Cd4 Receptor ◽

Antiviral Efficacy ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Objective. A multicenter open-label randomized controlled clinical trial was aimed to compare the efficacy of the study drug (SD) containing technologically processed affinity purified antibodies (high dilutions) to IFN-γ, CD4 receptor and histamine (Ergoferon) with oseltamivir, and evaluate the influence of SD on the antiviral immune response in adults with seasonal influenza. Patients and methods. 184 outpatients aged 18–70 with confirmed influenza of mild/moderate severity were included and randomized into 2 groups (in a 1:1 ratio). Patients received SD (Group 1, n = 92) or oseltamivir (Group 2, n = 92), according to the instructions for medical use for 5 days. As the primary endpoint, the percentage of patients with recovery/improvement was assessed (according to the data of the patient's diary on days 2–7 and according to the clinical examination on days 3 and 7). Additionally, the duration and severity of influenza symptoms, the percentage of patients with virus elimination (according to RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal samples), the percentage of patients with complications, the percentage of patients prescribed antipyretic drugs, the change in concentration of T cell (IL-2, IL-18, IFN-γ) and B cell antigen-specific (IL-4, IL-16) immune response regulators in serum, the leukocyte phenotypes on days 1, 3 and 7 were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a “Non-Inferiority” design (or no less efficiency/safety). Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis data are presented. Results. According to patients’ self-assessment, 53.3% of patients in Group 1 recovered/improved on the 6th day in the morning and 65.2% – in the evening (vs. 53.3% and 57.6% in Group 2, respectively). There were 73.9% recovered/ improved patients on the 7th day in the morning (vs. 67.4% in Group 2). A generalized analysis showed that the treatment results in both groups were comparable (p < 0.0001). According to objective medical examination, 79.3% of patients in the SD group and 74.0% of patients in the Оseltamivir group recovered/improved on the 7th day (p < 0.0001). The antiviral efficacy of SD was not inferior to oseltamivir, which was confirmed by comparable periods of virus elimination, duration and severity of fever and other influenza symptoms. A moderate activating effect of SD on the immune system was evaluated. A significant, compared to oseltamivir, increase in the concentration of IL-2 and IL-4 on the 3rd day of treatment (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04 vs. the oseltamivir group), and IFN-γ on the 3rd and the 7th days (p = 0.012 and p < 0.0001, respectively, vs. the oseltamivir group). No stimulating effect of SD on the growth and differentiation of immune cells was found. Conclusion. SD is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with influenza. The therapeutic and antiviral efficacy of SD is comparable to that of oseltamivir. The antiviral activity of SD affects the interferon system and the concentration of the cytokines IL-2 and IL-4, regulators of the T and B cell immune response. At the same time, there is no significant stimulation of interferon production with further development of hyporeactivity. Key words: influenza, oseltamivir, therapy, cytokines, Еrgoferon

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Factors associated with rs1801394 of the methionine synthase reductase gene polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Modern Rheumatology Journal ◽

10.14412/1996-7012-2021-3-15-19 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 15-19

Author(s):

M. Yu. Krylov ◽

G. I. Gridneva ◽

Yu. V. Muravyev

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Methionine Synthase ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽

Allelic Discrimination ◽

Methionine Synthase Reductase ◽

Reductase Gene ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Clinical response to methotrexate (MT) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be predicted on the basis of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes, involved in folate metabolism. One of these SNPs is the rs1801394 (A66G) polymorphism of the methionine synthase reductase gene (MTRR). We investigated the association of this polymorphism with the clinical characteristics of RA patients after 6 months of MT therapy. Studies of the relationship between the response to MT therapy and the rs1801394 polymorphism have not been carried out in Russia previously.Objective: to study the possible association of the rs1801394 polymorphism with the clinical characteristics of patients with RA after 6 months of MT therapy.Patients and methods. The study included 60 patients with RA who met the ACR / EULAR criteria (2010) and received≥20 mg MT per week continuously. Based on the EULAR criteria, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=30) with a good (DAS28>1.2) and group 2 (n=30) with an unsatisfactory (DAS28 <1.2) response to MT therapy. Genotyping of the rs1801394 polymorphism was performed by allelic discrimination using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results and discussion. The frequency distribution of the A66G polymorphism genotypes in both groups was similar, however, in the 2nd group with an unsatisfactory response, there was a tendency towards a higher frequency of the mutant GG genotype (p=0.067). An association of the A66G polymorphism with gender and disease duration was found. In group 1, the AG genotype was more often detected in men than in women (p=0.017). In group 2, the AG genotype was also more common in men (p=0.075). In addition, in this group, carriers of the G allele (genotypes AG and GG) had a longer duration of the disease than carriers of the AA genotype (p=0.003 and p=0.005, respectively).Conclusion. In the present study, the relationship of the studied polymorphism rs1801394 of the MTRR gene with gender and duration of RA disease was established.

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Comparative parasitological and electron microscopic studies on the effects of Nitazoxanide and Praziquantel in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology ◽

10.14419/ijpt.v4i2.6822 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 228

Author(s):

Hend A. El-Taweel ◽

Mona H. El-Sayad ◽

Sahar A. Abu Helw ◽

Mohammad A. Al-Kazzaz

Keyword(s):

Schistosoma Mansoni ◽

Control Group ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Male And Female ◽

Scanning Electron Microscopic ◽

Antischistosomal Activity ◽

Microscopic Studies ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

This study was designed to evaluate antischistosomal activity of Nitazoxanide (NTZ) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice compared to Praziquantel (PZQ). Fifty four infected mice were recruited into 3 groups, each of 18 mice. Group 1 was infected non-treated control. Group 2 was infected and then treated with PZQ 500 mg for two days, and group 3 was infected and treated with NTZ 100 mg/kg for seven days. Efficacy of drugs was assessed by Parasitological, and scanning electron microscopic studies. PZQ reduced (4.9%, 22.5% and 50.7%) of faecal eggs, (22%, 22.6% and 55.1%) of intestinal eggs, (20.4%, 44.3% and 46.7%) of hepatic egg counts and (27%, 45.1% and 64.9%) of total worm load whereas, NTZ reduced (4.9%, 22.5% and 50.7%),of faecal eggs, (22%, 22.6% and 55.1%) of intestinal eggs ,(20.4%, 44.3% and 46.7%) of hepatic egg counts and (27%, 45.1% and 64.9%) of total worm load at 1, 2 and 4 WPT, respectively. The percentages of dead eggs were more than 80% after PZQ treatment and only 30% after NTZ at 4 WPT. PZQ showed extensive tegumental damages in male and female worms more than NTZ at 2 WPT. Our findings concluded that Nitazoxanide showed weaker antischistosomal activity in animal models than praziquantel.

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Inverse Relationship between Adenoid Size and Asthma or Atopy in Children: A Preliminary Study

Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.3342/kjorl-hns.2019.00913 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (9) ◽

pp. 409-414

Author(s):

Yangseop Noh ◽

Ji-Eun Choi ◽

Kyung Eun Lee ◽

Seung-Kyu Chung ◽

Sang Duk Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Center ◽

Allergic Sensitization ◽

Allergic Diseases ◽

Adenoid Hypertrophy ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Diagnosis Criteria ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Background and Objectives One of the most common surgical procedures in children is adenoidectomy, but the causes of adenoid hypertrophy are not fully understood. Some studies have found that allergies can be a risk factor for adenoid hypertrophy, asthma being one of these allergic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adenoid size and asthma in a group of children.Subjects and Method This study reviewed a total of 2063 pediatric patients with or without atopy and asthma who visited the Otorhinolaryngology and Pediatric unit at a tertiary medical center from January 2011 to June 2016. We classified these patients into 4 groups according to the presence of asthma or atopy and randomly selected 100 patients from each group (to a total of 400 pts): group 1 (asthma-, atopy-); group 2 (asthma-, atopy+); group 3 (asthma+, atopy-) and group 4 (asthma+, atopy+). The presence of allergic sensitization (atopy) was evaluated by CAP test and total IgE. Asthma was diagnosed according to the diagnosis criteria in the Korean guideline for asthma. Adenoid size was evaluated with the adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (A/N ratio) by the adenoid view.Results The four groups did not differ from each other significantly in age or sex. There was a negative correlation between adenoid size and atopic and asthmatic condition. Group 1 had a significantly larger A/N ratio than the other groups (group 1=0.534±0.138; group 2=0.469± 0.140; group 3=0.476±0.135; group 4=0.482±0.128, p<0.05). However, group 4 showed nearly identical results to groups 2 and 3, despite the combination of asthma and atopy in group 4.Conclusion Large adenoids were negatively associated with atopy and asthma. This finding may be explained by a decrease in adenoid stimulation by nasal obstruction and a difference in the immune system, including allergic immune reactions. Further studies are needed.

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Motor cycles with phase III in antrum are associated with high motilin levels and prolonged gallbladder emptying

AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpgi.1993.264.4.g596 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 264 (4) ◽

pp. G596-G600 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

M. F. Stolk ◽

K. J. van Erpecum ◽

A. J. Smout ◽

L. M. Akkermans ◽

J. B. Jansen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bile Acid ◽

Cycle Length ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Gallbladder Motility ◽

Gallbladder Emptying ◽

Motor Complex ◽

Group 2 ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

We examined the relationship of interdigestive gallbladder emptying with the different phases of the migrating motor complex (MMC) and with plasma levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) and motilin. In 10 volunteers 20 cycles of the MMC were recorded. In 11 cycles phase III occurred in antrum and duodenum (group 1). In nine cycles phase III was observed only in duodenum (group 2). In group 1 gallbladder emptying started at 30% of total cycle length and continued until the end of the cycle. Maximal gallbladder emptying was 33.3 +/- 3.3% (SE). In group 2 gallbladder emptying also started at 30% of total cycle length but ended at 60%. Maximal gallbladder emptying in this group was 24.3 +/- 3.1% (P < 0.05). Motilin levels were higher in group 1 than in group 2 during phase IIB (240.1 +/- 28.5 and 142.1 +/- 30.9 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.05) and during phase III (210.8 +/- 24.3 and 93.5 +/- 12.5 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.05). We conclude that: 1) phase III activities starting in the antrum are preceded by greater and prolonged gallbladder emptying, higher motilin levels, and higher intraduodenal bile acid concentrations than phase III activities starting in the duodenum and 2) no relationship between interdigestive gallbladder motility and CCK levels could be demonstrated.

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Interaction Between Age and Change in Velocity During a Baseball Training Program

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120927939 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 232596712092793

Author(s):

Christopher Antonacci ◽

Thomas R. Atlee ◽

Peter N. Chalmers ◽

Christopher Hadley ◽

Meghan E. Bishop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Age Groups ◽

Maximum Velocity ◽

Age Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Baseball Pitchers ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Background: Pitching velocity is one of the most important metrics used to evaluate a baseball pitcher’s effectiveness. The relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program has not been determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program. We hypothesized that pitching velocity would significantly increase in all adolescent age groups after a lighter baseball training program, without a significant difference in magnitude of increase based on age. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Baseball pitchers aged 10 to 17 years who completed a 15-week training program focused on pitching mechanics and velocity improvement were included in this study. Pitchers were split into 3 groups based on age (group 1, 10-12 years; group 2, 13-14 years; group 3, 15-17 years), and each group trained independently. Pitch velocity was assessed at 4 time points (sessions 3, 10, 17, and 25). Mean, maximum, and mean change in pitch velocity between sessions were compared by age group. Results: A total of 32 male baseball pitchers were included in the analysis. Mean/maximum velocity increased in all 3 age groups: 3.4/4.8 mph in group 1, 5.3/5.5 mph in group 2, and 5.3/5.2 mph in group 3. While mean percentage change in pitch velocity increased in all 3 age groups (group 1, 6.5%; group 2, 8.3%; group 3, 7.6%), the magnitude of change was not significantly different among age groups. Program session number had a significant effect on mean and maximum velocity, with higher mean and maximum velocity seen at later sessions in the training program ( P = .018). There was no interaction between age and program session within either mean or maximum velocity ( P = .316 and .572, respectively). Conclusion: Age had no significant effect on the magnitude of increase in maximum or mean baseball pitch velocity during a velocity and mechanics training program in adolescent males.

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Evaluation of DNA Methylation Changes and Micronuclei in Workers Exposed to a Construction Environment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16060902 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 902 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Isana Silva ◽

Manoela Ramos ◽

Lídia Arantes ◽

André Lengert ◽

Marco Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Particulate Matter ◽

Repetitive Sequences ◽

Promoter Regions ◽

Exposed Workers ◽

Polycyclic Aromatic ◽

Group 2 ◽

Environmental Air ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Methylation levels in tumor-suppressor genes and repetitive sequences have previously been used to study the relationship between environmental air pollution and epigenetic changes related to cancer. In this study, we measured the methylation profiles of the promoter regions CDKN2A, MLH1 and APC and the repetitive sequence LINE-1 in 59 workers exposed to the construction environment and in 49 unexposed workers. We also evaluated the micronuclei frequency and levels of trace elements in the blood of all workers. We evaluated of levels of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the construction site to characterize the environmental exposure. Our findings demonstrated that exposed workers exhibited significantly higher average levels of promoter methylation of CDKN2A, APC, and MLH1 genes and increased hypomethylation of the LINE-1 in comparison to unexposed workers (all p < 0.05). A higher frequency of micronuclei was observed in the exposed group (2 ± 2) compared to the unexposed group (1 ± 1) with p < 0.001. High levels of particulate matter (51–841 μg/m3) and some PAHs were found in samples from the construction environment. In summary, we provide evidence of increased DNA damage and altered DNA methylation of exposed workers, suggesting that genomic approaches to biomonitoring may be an effective way of estimating future cancer risk for construction workers.

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Gender differences in audio-vestibular disorders

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1177/2058738420929174 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 ◽

pp. 205873842092917

Author(s):

Virginia Corazzi ◽

Andrea Ciorba ◽

Piotr Henryk Skarżyński ◽

Magdalena B Skarżyńska ◽

Chiara Bianchini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Potential Role ◽

Vestibular Disorders ◽

Men And Women ◽

Male And Female ◽

Vestibular Tests ◽

Medical Disciplines ◽

The Relationship

In the last years, the attention to the role of gender in physiopathology and pharmacology of diseases in several medical disciplines is rising; however, the data on the relationship between gender and audio-vestibular disorders are still inconclusive and sometimes confusing. With this letter to the editor, we would like to review the role of gender in audio-vestibular disorders. Literature data show that anatomic variances of the inner ear do exist in men and women and that the different physiology and/or hormonal influence between genders could produce different clinical outcome of routine audiological and vestibular tests. Beyond the epidemiological gender-related differences, the clinical data suggest that the gender has a potential role as an etiopathogenetic factor in audio-vestibular disorders and it is probably responsible for the different clinical features observed between male and female subjects.

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