Mechanisms Targeting the Unfolded Protein Response in Asthma.

Lung cells are constantly exposed to various internal and external stressors that disrupt protein homeostasis. To cope with these stimuli, cells evoke a highly conserved adaptive mechanism called the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR stressors can impose greater protein secretory demands on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in the development, differentiation, and survival of these cell types to meet these increasing functional needs.

Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Rats' Kidney, Lung, and Serum.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) on the oxidative stress (OS) status in kidney, lung, and serum of rats.

Methods: Male Wistar Rats were treated intraperitoneally with 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day of CONPs. The biochemical parameters, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol group (TTG), malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD (superoxide dismutase), and catalase (CAT) were assayed in serum, kidney, and lung tissues.

Simultaneous Detection of Autophagy and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Autophagy is increasingly identified as a central player in many cellular activities from cell proliferation to cell division, migration, and differentiation. However, it is also considered as a double-edged sword in cancer biology which either promotes oncogenesis/invasion or sensitizes the tumor cells to chemotherapy induced apoptosis. Recent investigations have provided direct evidence for regulation of cellular phenotype via autophagy pathway.

The NRAMP1, VDR, TNF-α, ICAM1, TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: A case-control study.

The innate immune response drives early events in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Since human genetic variation is an important determinant in the outcome of infection with M. tuberculosis, we typed polymorphisms in the innate immune molecules, such as natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1), Vitamin D receptor (VDR), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecule1 (ICAM-1), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in a case-control study of pulmonary tuberculosis in Iranian population.

TNF-α -238, -308, -863 polymorphisms, and brucellosis infection.

Background: Brucella abortus is an intracellular bacterium that affects humans and domestic animals. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been shown as a key player in the induction of cell-mediated resistance against Brucella infection. We aimed to evaluate the possible influence of the TNF-α promoter polymorphisms (-308 G/A, -238 G/A, and -863 C/A) on the susceptibility of human brucellosis.

TGFβ1 genetic variants are associated with an increased risk of acute brucellosis.

Objective: Cytokines play a critical role in the regulation of the immune response against brucellosis infection, and mediate production of many pro- and anti-inflammatory signals. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), a powerful suppressive cytokine, inhibits macrophage activation and modulates T-cell function, and plays crucial roles in regulation of microbial replication and host responses to brucella.

Methods: The association of three polymorphisms in the TGFβ1 gene (-509 C/T [rs1800469], + 868 C/T [rs1800470], and + 913 G/C [rs1800471]) in promoter, codons 10 and 25, respectively, with brucellosis infection was evaluated.

Regulatory T cell subtypes and TGF-β1 gene expression in chronic allograft dysfunction.

Background: Regulatory T cells have been suggested to have a protective role against acute rejection in allograft recipients. However, there is little information available about their contribution to chronic rejection process. The role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) as a profibrogenic and/or immunoregulatory cytokine in renal allografts is also controversial.

The association of interleukin-18 promoter polymorphisms and serum levels with duodenal ulcer, and their correlations with bacterial CagA and VacA virulence factors.

Background: We analyzed the impact of interleukin (IL)-18 promoter polymorphisms on IL-18 serum levels in Helicobacter pylori-infected duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and healthy asymptomatic (AS) carriers. We also aimed to determine the association of the H. pylori virulence factors CagA and VacA antibodies with serum concentrations of IL-18 in order to elucidate any correlation between them.

Circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-13 in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients, and their associations with bacterial CagA and VacA virulence factors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association of the Helicobacter pylori virulence factors, cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) antibodies, with serum levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-13 in H. pylori-infected duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and H. pylori-infected asymptomatic (AS) carriers in order to elucidate any correlation between them.