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Background and Objectives: Few studies have considered potential benefits of probiotic bacteria and their derivatives on human and animal health. Nisin is an antimicrobial agent that is produced by lactobacilli and served as a preservative in foods. This study aims to investigate whether nisin suppresses or decreases the genes involved in the pathogenicity of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). Materials and Methods: MSSA and MRSA strains were cultured at the ¼, ½, and 1 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nisin. Next, RNA extraction was performed at the mid-exponential stage of growth, and cDNA was synthesized. The expression of virulence factors was measured by qPCR, and the data were analyzed by the ΔΔCt formula. Results: Depending on the incubation times and the Lactobacillus species, the MIC of nisin on MRSA and MSSA observed in 800 and 1600 mg/l, respectively. The qPCR assay showed the expression level of the sea, agrA, and spa genes decreased and the level of the sae gene increased at the sub-MIC of nisin, and no antagonism was observed. Concerning MRSA, the maximum downregulation rate was observed in the sea gene (up to 5.9 folds) while in MSSA, the maximum downregulation rate was noticed in the agrA gene (up to 10 folds). Conclusion: Due to the high inhibitory effect of the sub-MIC of nisin on the expression of virulence factor genes in MRSA and MSSA, this compound could potentially reduce the virulence of S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effects of a nano-formulation of curcumin (phytosomal curcumin) on the clinical and pathological symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were immunized with an emulsion containing bovine type - collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then administered phytosomal curcumin post-immunization. Clinical symptoms and histological analysis of the synovial tissues were performed. The effect of phytosomal curcumin on Th17 and Treg parameters was also evaluated. Results: Phytosomal curcumin reduced the clinical severity and paw swelling in CIA-induced rats, which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovial tissue. Additionally, treatment with phytosomal curcumin significantly inhibited CIA-associated mediators as well as increased the anti-inflammatory mediators in comparison to the control groups. Conclusions: Phytosomal curcumin could improve CIA autoimmune responses and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to compare mRNA levels of melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) and retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-1) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in comparison to the healthy controls as well as investigating the effects of IFN-β 1a on the expression of these molecules. In this study, mRNA levels of MDA5 and RIG-1 in peripheral leukocytes of 30 new cases of MS patients and 35 healthy controls were evaluated using the real-time-PCR method. mRNA levels of MDA5 and RIG-1 were determined in the MS patients 6 months after treatment with standard doses of IFN-β 1a. mRNA levels of MDA5 and RIG-1 were significantly decreased in the MS patients in comparison to the healthy controls. The analysis also revealed that IFN-β 1a therapy leads to the upregulation of RIG-1, but not MDA5, in the total MS patients and the female group. MS patients suffer from insufficient expression of MDA5 and RIG-1, and IFN-β 1a therapy results in the upregulation of RIG-1 in the patients, especially in the female patients. Thus, it seems that IFN-β 1a not only decreased pathogenic inflammatory responses but also modulated the expression of RIG-1 to protect the patients from infectious diseases and upregulation of IFN-I in a positive feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inflammation is a risk factor for dental complications. Inflammasomes are a set of intracellular sensors which participate in the induction of inflammation. As the main factors involved in the induction of pulp inflammation in the carious teeth are yet to be clarified, this study was aimed to evaluate NLRP1 and NLRC4 expression levels in the inflamed and healthy pulps. Materials and Methods: Fifty inflamed and fifty healthy pulps were evaluated regarding the multiRNA levels of NLRP1 and NLRC4 using real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Results demonstrated that expression of NLRP1 (P = 0.985) and NLRC4 (P = 0.581) did not significantly differ in inflamed in comparison to healthy pulps. NLRP1 (P = 0.989) and NLRC4 (P = 0.170) did not change in males when compared with females in inflamed pulps. Furthermore, NLRP1 (P = 0.133) and NLRC4 (P = 0.642) were not altered in males in comparison to females in healthy pulps. Conclusion: Although NLRP1 and NLRC4 are the main inflammasomes, it appears that they are not the responsible molecules involved in the human pulp inflammation in the carious teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: S100 calcium‐binding protein A1 (S100A12) is a pro‐inflammatory molecule which is secreted during inflammation and induces chemotaxis and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via interaction with receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and subsequent, activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The present study was designed to determine the expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB in the inflamed pulp of carried teeth. Methods: In the present study, mRNA from 50 inflamed pulp and 50 healthy pulp were used for expression studies using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB were compared between inflamed and healthy tissues. Results: The results revealed that the expression of S100A12, but not of RAGE or NF‐κB, was significantly decreased in inflamed pulp when compared to healthy pulp. mRNA levels of RAGE were also increased in the inflamed pulp taken from men when compared with women. Conclusion: The results suggest that S100A12 does not participate in the induction of inflammation in dental pulp. However, RAGE can participate in the inflammation in the pulp of males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Interferon-β 1a (IFN-β 1a) is a common strategy therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) with unknown mechanisms. S100A12 (S100 calcium-binding protein A12) is a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule which binds to its receptor, RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products), and activates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). NF-κB is transcribed from proinflammatory molecules, which may participate in the pathogenesis of MS. Therefore, the aims of this study were to compare mRNA levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF-κB in newly diagnosed MS patients with healthy controls and determine whether IFN-β 1a therapy affects the expression of the molecules. Methods: S100A12, RAGE, and NF-κB mRNA levels in 30 new cases of untreated MS patients and 35 healthy controls were evaluated using the real-time PCR technique. The mRNA levels were also evaluated in the MS patients after 6 months of IFN-β 1a therapy. Results: S100A12, RAGE, and NF-κB mRNA levels were significantly decreased in the new cases of untreated MS patients in comparison to healthy controls. IFN-β 1a therapy results in upregulation of RAGE in MS patients, but not S100A12 and NF-κB. Conclusions: It appears that S100A12 participates in the pathogenesis of MS, and it seems that IFN-β 1a modulates immune responses in an S100A12-inde-pendent manner. Based on the reported anti-inflammatory effects of RAGE, it seems that RAGE may be considered as a mechanism by IFN-β 1a to modulate immune responses. NF-κB is produced permanently in the human cells and is inactive in the cytoplasm; therefore, the effects of IFN-β 1a may be related to its functions rather than expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of trichomoniasis, is responsible for more than half of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The present study aimed to determine the frequency of T. vaginalis infection and its clinical manifestations in symptomatic pregnant women in the area based on four different diagnostic methods. Methods: A total of 162 pregnant women with at least one sign or symptom of vaginosis, I referred to two gynecologic and obstetrics clinics in Rafsanjan City, south central Iran, were I randomly selected in 2012-13. Through speculum examination of patients by gynecologists, clinical diagnosis determined, vaginal discharge were collected by using two sterile cotton swabs from the posterior fornix and vagina pH was measured. Samples were examined by three diagnostic methods including wet mount, culture in TYI-S-33 medium and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: T. vaginalis was detected in 19.5%, 27.2%, 56.2% and 51.6% of subjects according to diagnostic methods of clinical diagnosis, wet mount, culture and PCR, respectively. There was statistically significant relationship between T. vaginalis infection and patients' age, gestational age, marriage age, residence, educational level, parity. The symptomatological pattern in the 91 women infected with T. vaginalis was as follows: leukorrhea, 96.7%; urine frequency, 65.9%; odorous secretion, 63.3%; urogenital itching and irritation, 53.8%; vaginal inflammation, 47.3%; dyspareunia, 39.6%; and dysuria, 16.5%. Conclusion: Our results indicated a high prevalence of T. vaginalis in symptomatic pregnant women, very low sensitivity and relative high specificity of clinical diagnosis and wet mount technique compared to culture and PCR, as well as that pregnancy increases the susceptibility to the infection in gestational age-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence showed that chemokines serve as pro-migratory factors for immune cells. CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5, as the main CC chemokines subfamily members, activate immune cells through binding to CC chemokine receptor 5 or CCR5. Macrophages, NK cells and T lymphocytes express CCR5 and thus, affected CCR5 expression or functions could be associated with altered immune responses. Δeletion of 32 base pairs (Δ 32) in the exon 1 of the CCR5 gene, which is known as CCR5 Δ 32 mutation causes down regulation and malfunction of the molecule. Furthermore, it has been evidenced that three polymorphisms in the promoter region of CCR5 modulate its expression. Altered CCR5 expression in microbial infection and immune related diseases have been reported by several researchers but the role of CCR5 promoter polymorphisms and CCR5 Δ 32 mutation in Iranian patients suffering from these diseases are controversial. Δue to the fact that Iranian people have different genetic backgrounds compared to other ethnics, hence, CCR5 promoter polymorphisms and CCR5 Δ 32 mutation association with the diseases may be different in Iranian patients. Therefore, this review addresses the most recent information regarding the prevalence as well as association of the mutation and polymorphisms in Iranian patients with microbial infection and immune related diseases as along with normal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dendritic cells (DCs), leptin as an immune-regulating hormone, increases the IL-12 generation whereas it reduces the IL-10 production, thus contributing to TH1 cell differentiation. Using a murine model of breast cancer (BC), we evaluated the impacts of the Leptin and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated DC vaccine on various T-cell-related immunological markers. Tumors were established in mice by subcutaneously injecting 7 × 105 4T1 cells into the right flank. Mice received the DC vaccines pretreated with Leptin, LPS, and both Leptin/LPS, on days 12 and 19 following tumor induction. The animals were sacrificed on day 26 and after that the frequency of the splenic cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and TH1 cells; interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 12 (IL-12) and tumor growth factor beta (TGF-β) generation by tumor lysate-stimulated spleen cells, and the mRNA expression of T-bet, FOXP3 and Granzyme B in the tumors were measured with flow cytometry, ELISA and real-time PCR methods, respectively. Leptin/LPS-treated mDC group was more efficient in blunting tumor growth (p =.0002), increasing survival rate (p =.001), and preventing metastasis in comparison with the untreated tumor-bearing mice (UT-control). In comparison to the UT-control group, treatment with Leptin/LPS-treated mDC also significantly increased the splenic frequencies of CTLs (p <.001) and TH1 cells (p <.01); promoted the production of IFN-γ (p <.0001) and IL-12 (p <.001) by splenocytes; enhanced the T-bet (p <.05) and Granzyme B (p <.001) expression, whereas decreased the TGF-β and FOXP3 expression (p <.05). Compared to the Leptin-treated mDC and LPS-treated mDC vaccines, the Leptin/LPS-treated mDC vaccine was more effective in inhibiting BC development and boosting immune responses against tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been documented that cytokines play important roles in the induction of normal functions of the placenta. It has been hypothesized that abnormal expression of the cytokines may be associated with unsuccessful pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and tumor growth factor (TGF-β) in pre-term, term neonates, and their corresponding mothers. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 100 term and 60 pre-term neonates, and also on their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-17A and TGF-β were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Our results revealed that the serum levels of IL-17A were significantly decreased in pre-term neonates in comparison to full-term neonates. However, the serum levels of IL-17A in the mothers either with pre-term or full-term neonates were not different. Also the serum levels of TGF-β were not changed in pre-term neonates and their mothers when compared with full-term neonates and their mothers, respectively. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that IL-17A may play crucial roles in induction of normal pregnancies and also probably participates in normal growth of fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inflammation is a risk factor for dental complications. Inflammasomes are a set of intracellular sensors which participate in the induction of inflammation. As the main factors involved in the induction of pulp inflammation in the carious teeth are yet to be clarified, this study was aimed to evaluate NLRP1 and NLRC4 expression levels in the inflamed and healthy pulps., Materials and Methods: Fifty inflamed and fifty healthy pulps were evaluated regarding the multiRNA levels of NLRP1 and NLRC4 using real-time polymerase chain reaction technique., Results: Results demonstrated that expression of NLRP1 ( P = 0.985) and NLRC4 ( P = 0.581) did not significantly differ in inflamed in comparison to healthy pulps. NLRP1 ( P = 0.989) and NLRC4 ( P = 0.170) did not change in males when compared with females in inflamed pulps. Furthermore, NLRP1 ( P = 0.133) and NLRC4 ( P = 0.642) were not altered in males in comparison to females in healthy pulps., Conclusion: Although NLRP1 and NLRC4 are the main inflammasomes, it appears that they are not the responsible molecules involved in the human pulp inflammation in the carious teeth., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Nisin is a member of the group of anti-microbial peptides which are considered as bacteriocins, but it possesses a vast range of activities. Astrocytoma is among the most prevalent types of brain tumor globally. Considering all facts about this peptide, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of any impact of nisin on proliferation and apoptosis of an astrocytoma cell line (SW1088). Methods: The SW1088 cell line was purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and treated with various concentrations of Nisin. Nisin-induced cell toxicity and apoptosis were detected by both MTT assay and annexin V-FITC /propidium iodide (PI) staining. Result: In current study we observed that the cell death and apoptosis were significantly increased following nisin treatment, as compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results open a new window for establishment promising approaches with the concept of anti-cancer therapy by nisin in the future., (Creative Commons Attribution License)