Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology 

About: Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Immune system & Tumor necrosis factor alpha. It has an ISSN identifier of 0892-3973. Over the lifetime, 2147 publication(s) have been published receiving 31586 citation(s).

CD69 and regulation of the immune function.

Abstract: CD69, also known as activation inducer molecule, very early activation antigen, MLR-3 and Leu-23, is a member of the natural killer (NK) cell gene complex family of signal transducing receptors. CD69 is as a type II transmembrane glycoprotein with a C-type lectin binding domain in the extracellular portion of the molecule. CD69 expression is induced in vitro on cells of most hematopoietic lineages, including T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, murine macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils, while it is constitutively expressed on human monocytes, platelets and epidermal Langerhans cells. Although a specific ligand for CD69 has not been identified, its wide cellular distribution and the induction of intracellular signals upon CD69 crosslinking suggest a role for the receptor in the biology of hematopoietic cells. Moreover, certain results indicate that CD69 may be involved in the pathogenesis of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory liver diseases, mild asthma, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in ruminant medicine

Abstract: The study of oxidative stress is a relatively young field of research in ruminant medicine. Oxidative stress results from increased exposure to or production of oxidants, or from decreased dietary intake, de novo synthesis or increased turnover of antioxidants. The understanding of the role of oxidants and antioxidants in physiological and pathological conditions is rapidly increasing. Oxidative stress is an active field of research in veterinary medicine and has been implicated in numerous disease processes including sepsis, mastitis, acidosis, ketosis, enteritis, pneumonia, respiratory, and joint diseases. Compared to human medicine, only a limited number of conditions have been investigated in regard to the effects of oxidative stress in ruminants. Studies in cattle have been sporadic and mainly with mastitis, pneumonia, and retained placenta. More recently, studies have been focused on metabolic diseases that affect dairy cows during the peripartum period. Numerous and rapidly evolving methodologies for evaluating oxidative stress are available to researchers and clinicians, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Differences in models and methodologies make it difficult to make meaningful comparisons, even for studies that seem quite similar superficially. With this in mind, it is the goal of this review to discuss the advantages and shortfalls of different methodologies commonly used to measure oxidative stress and damage in ruminants. Clarity of understanding of the pathophysiology of oxidative stress in ruminants will allow the design of specific antioxidant therapies. Future research should focus on the establishment of a reference panel of biomarker of oxidative stress to be used in ruminant medicine. To help accelerate practical applications, we propose the development of an oxidative stress index as an approach in ruminant and veterinary medicine.

Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin.

Abstract: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), found in the spice turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive activities. However, the effect of curcumin on the immunological responses largely remains unknown. In this study we have investigated the effect of curcumin on mitogen (phytohaemagglutinin; PHA) stimulated T-cell proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, production of cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage cells, RAW-264.7. Furthermore, we have carried out an electromobility shift assay to elucidate the mechanism of action of curcumin at DNA protein interaction level. We observed that curcumin inhibits PHA-induced T-cell proliferation, interleukin-2 production, NO generation, and lipopolysachharide-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and augments NK cell cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that curcumin most likely inhibits cell proliferation and cytokine production by inhibiting NF-kappaB target genes involved in the induction of these immune parameters.

Immunostimulating effects of acidic polysaccharides extract of panax ginseng on macrophage function

Abstract: The root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is one of the most popular natural tonics in oriental countries. In this study, we have isolated polysaccharide fraction of Panax ginseng (ginsan) and examined its effect on the function of murine peritoneal macrophages. When macrophages were treated with ginsan, cytotoxic activity against B16 melanoma cells was significantly induced. In addition, the levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were increased and the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen components such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was enhanced. Moreover, phagocytic activity was induced in ginsan-treated macrophages compared to the control. The expression of CD14 and 1-Ab on murine peritoneal macrophages was increased by the treatment with ginsan, while the expression of CD11b was decreased. Taken together, these results suggest that ginsan has an immunopotentiating effects on macrophages and these abilities could be used clinically for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Activation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses and Attenuation of Tumor Growth in vivo by Andrographis paniculata Extract and Andrographolide

Abstract: The stimulatory effect of Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide on cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) production was determined in BALB/c mice by Winn's neutralization assay using CTL sensitive EL4 thymoma cells as target cell. Extract and andrographolide showed a significant increase in CTL production in both the in vivo and in vitro models. The survival time of EL4 cells alone in animals was only 27.1 days and it was increased to 51.1 and 44.5 days in extract- and andrographolide treated animals with percentage increase in life span (%ILS) of 88.5 and 64.2, respectively. The survival rate of animals administered EL4 cells incubated with alloimmunized spleen cells (effector cells) from normal BALB/c mice was 35.8 (%ILS 32.1). When this group was treated with 10 doses of extract and andrographolide the life span was further increased to 52.1 days (%ILS 92.2 ) and 48.1 days (%ILS 77.4). Survival days of animal carrying EL4 cells incubated with alloimmunized spleen cells (effector cells) from extract and andrographolide treated animals were 55.5 and 50.3 days respectively. When these animals continued with extract and andrographolide treatment for 10 days their life spans were significantly increased to 62 and 53.8 days, respectively. The level of cytokines such as Interlevkin (IL)-2 and Interferon (IFN)-gamma also was enhanced in these animals when they were treated with extract and andrographolide. This study demonstrated that A. paniculata extract and andrographolide stimulate the CTL production through enhanced secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma by T cells and thereby inhibit the tumor growth.