A reverse translational approach reveals the protective roles of Mangifera indica in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic intestinal disorders often characterized by a dysregulation of T cells, specifically T helper (Th) 1, 17 and T regulatory (Treg) repertoire. Increasing evidence demonstrates that dietary polyphenols from Mangifera indica L. extract (MIE, commonly known as mango) mitigate intestinal inflammation and splenic Th17/Treg ratio.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) triggers systemic inflammation, peripheral vascular dysfunction, and related prothrombotic state in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent forms of neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, we have shown that in vivo administration of an IL-17 neutralizing antibody (IL-17Ab) rescues amyloid-β-induced neuro-inflammation and memory impairment, demonstrating the pivotal role of IL-17 in AD-derived cognitive deficit. Recently, AD has been recognized as a more intriguing pathology affecting vascular networks and platelet function.

The interplay of galectins-1, -3, and -9 in the immune-inflammatory response underlying cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Galectins are β-galactoside-binding proteins that bind and crosslink molecules via their sugar moieties, forming signaling and adhesion networks involved in cellular communication, differentiation, migration, and survival. Galectins are expressed ubiquitously across immune cells, and their function varies with their tissue-specific and subcellular location. Particularly galectin-1, -3, and -9 are highly expressed by inflammatory cells and are involved in the modulation of several innate and adaptive immune responses.

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Mangifera indica L. reveals the modulation of COX-2/mPGES-1 axis and Th17/Treg ratio.

In the context of inflammation and immunity, there are fragmented and observational studies relating to the pharmacological activity of Mangifera indica L. and its main active component, mangiferin. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the potential beneficial effects of this plant extract (MIE, 90 % in mangiferin) in a mouse model of gouty arthritis, to allow the evaluation of cellular immune phenotypes and the biochemical mechanism/s beyond MIE activity.

Galectin-9 supports primary T cell transendothelial migration in a glycan and integrin dependent manner.

Adaptive immunity relies on the efficient recruitment of T cells from the blood into peripheral tissues. However, the current understanding of factor(s) coordinating these events is incomplete. Previous studies on galectin-9 (Gal-9), have proposed a functionally significant role for this lectin in mediating leukocyte adhesion and transmigration.

Galectin-9 Regulates Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Inflammation Through the Modulation of Treg/Th17 Ratio.

Gout is caused by depositing monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within the articular area. The infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes drives the initial inflammatory response followed by lymphocytes. Interestingly, emerging evidence supports the view that imbalance of T helper 17 cells (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) impacts the subsequent damage to target tissues.

Comparison of common acute respiratory infection case definitions for identification of hospitalized influenza cases at a population-based surveillance site in Egypt.

Background: Multiple case definitions are used to identify hospitalized patients with community-acquired acute respiratory infections (ARI). We evaluated several commonly used hospitalized ARI case definitions to identify influenza cases.

Methods: The study included all patients from a population-based surveillance site in Damanhour, Egypt hospitalized for a broad set of criteria consistent with community acquired ARIs.

IL-17-induced inflammation modulates the mPGES-1/PPAR-γ pathway in monocytes/macrophages.

Background And Purpose: Recent biochemical and pharmacological studies have reported that in several tissues and cell types, microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) and PPAR-γ expression are modulated by a variety of inflammatory factors and stimuli. Considering that very little is known about the biological effects promoted by IL-17 in the context of mPGES-1/PPAR-γ modulation, we sought to investigate the contribution of this unique cytokine on this integrated pathway during the onset of inflammation.

Experimental Approach: We evaluated effects of PF 9184 (mPGES-1 inhibitor) and troglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist) in vitro, using the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.

Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants in Diarrheal Pathogens: A Cross-Institutional Pilot Study.

Infectious diarrhea affects over four billion individuals annually and causes over a million deaths each year. Though not typically prescribed for treatment of uncomplicated diarrheal disease, antimicrobials serve as a critical part of the armamentarium used to treat severe or persistent cases. Due to widespread over- and misuse of antimicrobials, there has been an alarming increase in global resistance, for which a standardized methodology for geographic surveillance would be highly beneficial.

Incidence and etiology of hospitalized acute respiratory infections in the Egyptian Delta.

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are responsible for nearly two million childhood deaths worldwide. A limited number of studies have been published on the epidemiology of viral respiratory pathogens in Egypt.

Methods: A total of 6113 hospitalized patients >1 month of age with suspected ARI were enrolled between June 23, 2009 and December 31, 2013.

The impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea among Egyptian children in rural areas, 2004-2007.

Introduction: The present study, conducted between January 2004 and April 2007, explored the impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea, using data from a prospective birth cohort of 348 infants in five villages in the Nile Delta in Egypt.

Methodology: Neonates were enrolled at birth and followed up until 24 months of age. Children were visited twice a week to survey them for acute diarrhea.

Pathogenicity and phenotypic characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates from a birth cohort of children in rural Egypt.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) has consistently been the predominant bacterial cause of diarrhea in many birth cohort- and hospital-based studies conducted in Egypt. We evaluated the pathogenicity of ETEC isolates in a birth cohort of children living in a rural community in Egypt. Between 2004 and 2007, we enrolled and followed 348 children starting at birth until their second year of life.

Rotavirus genotypes associated with acute diarrhea in Egyptian infants.

Background: Before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Egypt, information on the burden of disease and the circulating rotavirus genotypes is critical to monitor vaccine effectiveness.

Methods: A cohort of 348 Egyptian children was followed from birth to 2 years of age with twice-weekly home visits to detect diarrheal illness. VP7 and VP4 genes were genotyped by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Respiratory syncytial virus circulation in seven countries with Global Disease Detection Regional Centers.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children globally, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries where the association between RSV activity and climate remains unclear.

Methods: Monthly laboratory-confirmed RSV cases and associations with climate data were assessed for respiratory surveillance sites in tropical and subtropical areas (Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Kenya, South Africa, and Thailand) during 2004-2012. Average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, and precipitation were calculated using daily local weather data from the US National Climatic Data Center.

Incidence and clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus infections in a population-based surveillance site in the Nile Delta Region.

Background: Most reports about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in developing countries rely on sentinel surveillance, from which population incidence is difficult to infer. We used the proportion of RSV infections from population-based surveillance with data from a healthcare utilization survey to produce estimates of RSV incidence in Damanhour district, Egypt.

Methods: We conducted population-based surveillance in 3 hospitals (2009-2012) and 3 outpatient clinics (2011-2012) in Damanhour district.

Heterogeneity of species isolated from serial stool specimens of Egyptian children using pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

Background: The genus spp. is a common cause of human acute bacterial enteritis and travellers' diarrhoea worldwide.

Objective: To determine whether multiple serial isolations of spp.

Genotypic characterization of Egypt enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates expressing coli surface antigen 6.

Introduction: One approach to control enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections has been to develop vaccines focused on inducing protective immunity against surface expressed antigenic factors. One such factor is coli surface antigen 6 (CS6); ETEC isolates expressing CS6 may also simultaneously co-express surface antigens CS4 or CS5. However, there is little information regarding the inter-relationships of isolates expressing the CS6 antigen alone or in combination with CS4 or CS5.

Enteric viral infections as potential risk factors for intussusception.

Introduction: We aimed to identify potential risk factors for intussusception (ISS) among children presenting to two pediatric hospitals in Egypt.

Methodology: In this case-control study,  enrolled children < 3 years old with ISS (confirmed radiologically and/or surgically) were  matched by age and gender to controls admitted with acute non-abdominal surgical illnesses. Stool samples were collected and tested for various enteric bacteria, rotavirus, enteric adenoviruses (EA, 40 and 41) and astroviruses using commercially available ELISA diagnostic kits.

Increase in the detection rate of viral and parasitic enteric pathogens among Egyptian children with acute diarrhea.

Introduction: Acute diarrhea continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children from developing countries. Determination of the frequency of diarrhea in an area, along with the proportion of disease caused by specific enteric agents of different origins, is considered the first step in controlling diarrheal diseases.

Methodology: From 2005 to 2007, a hospital-based surveillance was conducted in two locations in Egypt to determine the causes of acute diarrhea in children younger than 5-years seeking treatment.

Burden of Aeromonas hydrophila-associated diarrhea among children younger than 2 years in rural Egyptian community.

Introduction: Between 2004 and 2007, a birth cohort of Egyptian children was analysed to evaluate the epidemiology of enteric diseases.

Methodology: A stool sample was collected from the study children every two weeks as well as whenever they experienced diarrhea. Samples were tested for routine bacterial pathogens as well as enteropathogenic viruses and parasites.