FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF REVAZ SAPIASHVILI (THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH)

FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF VADIM MAZUROV (THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH)

Abstract. In connection with the increasing number of allergic diseases in Russia and in the world, the exogenic factor responsible for the development of food allergy in children have been discussed. The main types of alimentary allergens have been determined; their biochemical features, as well as aggravation of the food allergy clinical symptoms to the extent of anaphylaxis, have been reported. With the development of genetic engineering food products, the special attention has been paid to hypersensitivity to soya bean proteins. The major and minor allergens of soya beans, their homologues in other vegetable allergens, e.g. birch pollen allergens, have been described. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 15520)

Abstract. Muramyl peptides from bacterial cell wall trigger the modifications in macrophages similar to maturation observed with dendritic cells. Mature macrophages reduced their capacity for phagocytosis, comparing with control, while the bactericidal activity increased. Phenotype analysis of human macrophages exposed to muramyl peptides showed the increasing expression of costimulatory receptors and antigen presenting molecules. On the other hand, there was downregulation of receptors involved in recognition and engulfing of microorganism. In response to bacterial component macrophages secreted several cytokines: IL–12, TNFα, IL–6. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 21526)

Abstract. A two–stage technology of preparation of T–cell vaccine designated for multiple sclerosis treatment is described. At the first stage myelin–specific lymphocytes undergoe antigen–dependent cultural selection, whereas at the second stage they are grown by means of non–specific stimulation. The vaccine prepared in this way was found to induce specific anti–idiotypic immune response, directed against myelin–reactive T–lymphocytes. The results of 1–year follow–up of 18 vaccinated patients with a cerebral–spinal type of multiple sclerosis indicated the absence of side effects of T–cell vaccination, and suggest the possibility of effective application of this treatment within early stages of disease. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 27532)

Abstract. The level of soluble forms (s–forms) of membranous antigenes can reflect the cellular immunity state and play a role of diagnostic and predictive markers in various diseases. Quantitative detection of the serum levels of sFas (CD95), sCD38 and sHLA–DR was carried out in 135 patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C. The concentrations of soluble antigens were defined in a sandwich ELISA with the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to sFas, sCD38 and sHLA–DR antigens. The received results have been compared to the virological, clinical and morphological data. The increase in the levels of the investigated antigenes has been registered both in acute and chronic courses of the disease in comparison with healthy donors. It has been established, that sFas and sHLA–DR levels directly correlated with accumulation of virus proteins in a liver cells and with the first genotype of HCV (1a and 1b), were considerably reduced in liver fibrosis, but were not connected with a degree of necroinflammatory changes in liver tissue and aminotransferase level. The sCD38 levels increased to the greater degree in comparison with sFas and sHLA–DR both in acute and in chronic hepatitis, it increased in high histologic activity of hepatitis and in the first genotype of HCV, but it was reduced in active expression of NS4A protein in liver cells. It was shown, that low sCD38 level in patients with acute hepatitis C can be favorable prognostic sign for the disease outcome. On the basis of the received results it is possible to conclude, that soluble forms of membranous antigenes play the important role in pathogenesis of hepatitis C. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 33540)

Abstract. Islet cells antibodies of a pancreas (ICA) are the sensitive and high–specific serological marker of diabetes type I (IDDM). Serum of 50 children (less than 16 yr.old) and 46 adult patients with IDDM was tested for ICA with indirect immunofluorescence. The control group consisted of 10 children and 40 adults without endocrinologic disorders.

Serial cryosections of human pancreas 5 mkm thick were incubated with patients serum for 30 min. After the unbound serum proteins were washed away with phosphate buffered saline (0.01M, pH 7.2) the section was incubated with FITC labeled antiserum against human immunoglobulins. Specific cytoplasmic fluorescence of islet cells was scored as positive test result.

No specific staining was found in serum of the control group and specificity of the method was 100%. In adults and children at onset of IDDM ICA were found statistically more frequently than in patients with longstanding disease: 75,6 % v.s. 21,8 % (p <0,05). All ICA–seropositive patients require significantly smaller doseof insulin than seronegative patients independently of disease duration. In children ICA–seropositive patients require 0,056±0,04 U per kg of body weight per day v.s. 0,747±0,08 U/kg/day (p<0,05) in seronegative patients. In adults seropositive patients used 34,8±2,3 U/day v.s. 50,42±2,55 U/day in seronegative patients.

Immunofluorescent test for ICA detection could be used in children with recent onset of the disease for confirmation of IDDM. Also, ICA in a patient with IDDM could indirectly indicate the presence of residual function of islet cells. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 41548)

Abstract. Peripheral blood monocytes were investigated in the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It was established that population of CD14+16+ monocytes was twofold increased in the patients with tuberculosis. The higher level of CD14+CD16+ monocytes was associated with decreasing number of monocytes with intracellular TNF–α, and negative correlation between these parameters was revealed. On the contrary, the higher level of CD14+CD16+ monocytes was connected with increased number of IL–10–producing monocytes. IL–10–producing cells were established mainly in the population of CD16+ monocytes and so population of CD14+CD16+ monocytes may represent the cells with suppressive activity. Really, the CD14+CD16+ monocytes were increased in patients with defective antigen specific response. Enhancement of CD14+CD16+ monocytes was observed in patients with active tuberculosis independently of form and dissemination of disease and did not connected with concomitant viral or bacterial infection. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 49556)

Abstract. The purpose of the present investigation was to study the immune status of the patients with acute stroke (54 patients with cerebral infarction; 34 — with cerebral hemorrhage). Evaluation of the immune status included the study of the population and subpopulation composition of the peripheral blood lymphocytes by means of an indirect immunofluorescent method using monoclonal antibodies CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD20, CD25, CD71, CD95, the determination of IgM, IgG, IgA , circulating immune complexes levels, investigation of neutrophil phagocytic activity. It was shown that the patients with stroke have the obvious suppression of Т–cell mediated immunity and the decrease of the neutrophil phagocytic activity as well as hyperactivation of humoral immunity. 30 patients received immunity modulator twice: repeated subcutaneous injection of roncoleukin (500000 IU) at intervals of 72 hours. The administration of roncoleukin resulted in the increase of T–cell immune response. Moreover, the restoration process of the neurologic functions became quicker. The number of infectious complications, pneumonia particularly, as well as the frequency of lethal outcomes was decreased. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 57562)

Abstract. We have examined the effect of betaleukin on the immune parameters in breast cancer (BC) patients treated with cytostatic drug and surgery. Intravenous application of betaleukin for 5 days just before adjuvant chemotherapy have been shown to prevent both the decrease of blood immune cell count and the damage of their functional activity in BC patients with lymph node involvement N0–1. BC patients with wide spreading lymph node metastases N2 showed the protection of blood neutrophil activity but not lymphocyte subset count following betaleukin administration and chemotherapy. Positive effect of betaleukin was found to depend upon the adaptive state of patients. Betaleukin in turn appeared to display the adaptogenic activity. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 63572)

Abstract. Using ELISA and immunoblotting we have monitored the activity of “free” antibodies against virus structure proteins in the sera of HIV–infected patients at the stage of the developing humoral immune response. Further, a comparative assessment of “free” and “bound” antibodies frequencies in the sera of HIV–infection patients at early stage of the disease has been made. We have obtained two fractions of circulating immune complex (CIC1 and CIC2) using precipitation in polyethylenglycol.

We have determined, that antibodies against virus proteins coded by gag, pot and env genes formed immune complex dissociating under +60°C.

Using non parametric criterion for z–signs. We have shown significant differences between the frequency on antibodies against virus structure proteins in sera and the presence of these antibodies in immune complexes. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 73576)

Abstract.The effect of a hexamer fragment of the peptide differentiation factor of the HL–60 cell line, HLDF6, on functional activity of C57Bl/6 mouse macrophages upon adding selective agonists of μ–, δ– and κ–type opiate receptors (DAGO, DADLE and Dynorphin (1–13) has been studied in the cell culture. It has been shown that opiate agonists were capable of enhancing adhesive properties and functional activity of macrophages during their direct interaction with cells. The intensity of stimulation depended on the type of the agonist and, respectively, the type of the opiate receptor. HLDF6 peptide enhanced macrophage activity after addition to the culture medium both at the initial cultivation stage and at the moment of phagosytosis induction. The data concerning the combined administration of HLDF6 and opiate agonists suggest the interaction between the peptide and the endogenous opiate system. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 77584)

Abstract. The level of trophoblastic β1 – glycoprotein (SP–1) was determined in the blood sera of 200 healthy pregnant women and 184 women with threatened abortions in term till 20 weeks of pregnancy. In group of women experiencing recurrent abortions in 38 % cases antibodies to chorionic gonadotropin, in 39,5 % cases antibodies to phospholipids, in 25,5 % – antibodies to tireoglobulin were revealed in significant amounts. In 20,65 % lupus anticoagulant was found. The majority of women in this group had changes in homeostasis. The presence of autoantibodies during pregnancy is the unfavourable factor in the development of placental insufficiency. This is proved by the decreased secretion of trophoblastic β1 – glycoprotein – a marker of the fetal part of placenta. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp. 85588)

Abstract. Immunopathological mechanisms of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are very complex and are recognized as the cause of the basic pathophysiological abnormalities in this infection. In this report the results of investigation of IL12р70 and IL12р40 levels in serum of 22 patients with HFRS of different severity in dynamics of illness have been stated. High activity of IL12р70 in the acute phase of HFRS, associated with serotype Seoul virus has been determined. Probably, the influence of the other factors of immune system along with IL12р40 promoted the development of relative failure of cellular immunity in HFRS. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 89592)

Abstract. Introduction of bemithyl into combined therapy of patients suffering chronic hepatitis allows toachieve a noticeable hepatoprotective effect. Apparently it is realized due to direct hepatotropic influence as well as through immunomodulatory action of the preparation directed at cellular immunity. At the same time, immunotropic action of bemithyl can be characterized as immunomodulatory one, which is confirmed by stimulation of T–cell immunity with some suppression of B–section and humoral immunity. An important factor of the immunotropic action of the drug is the absence of autoimmunization phenomena. Influence of bemithyl on macrophages section manifested by the decrease of liver tissue infiltration and simultaneous increase of blood monocyte count. At the same time, initial oxygen–dependent microbicidal activity of macrophages decreased a little, but stimulated indices increased. (Med. Immunol., 2005, vol.7, № 1, pp 93599)