Interleukin 1-beta is Linked to Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight Adolescents.

Aim: We hypothesized that IL-1β concentrations are augmented in overweight adolescents, who do not display metabolic syndrome. Additionally, we aimed to correlate the IL-1β concentrations with several established risk factors for CVD.

Methods: Overweight or control subjects, aging from 14-18 years, were classified according to their adjusted body mass index and evaluated for biochemical and anthropometric parameters.

Characterization of Natural Killer Cells and Cytokines in Maternal Placenta and Fetus of Diabetic Mothers.

The present study characterized natural killer cells and cytokines in diabetic mothers, their placenta, and fetus. In the maternal blood from the hyperglycemic groups, the CD16(+)CD56(-) NK cells increased, whereas that of CD16(+)CD56(+) decreased in gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] group. Cord blood from type 2 diabetes [DM-2] showed a higher proportion of CD16(+)CD56(-) and CD16(-)CD56(+).

Intracellular calcium is a target of modulation of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells in the presence of IgA adsorbed to polyethylene glycol.

Purpose: Clinical and epidemiological studies have indicated that breastfeeding has a protective effect on breast cancer risk. Protein-based drugs, including antibodies, are being developed to attain better forms of cancer therapy. Secretory IgA (SIgA) is the antibody class in human breast milk, and its activity can be linked to the protective effect of breastfeeding.

The effect of IFN-γ and TGF-β in the functional activity of mononuclear cells in the presence of Entamoeba histolytica.

Background: Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) causes amoebiasis, which is a disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Phagocytic cells and cytokines appear to be important in amoebiasis, but very little is known about the influence of these cells and cytokines in protozoan infections.

The role of cytokines in the functional activity of phagocytes in blood and colostrum of diabetic mothers.

Immune response changes induced by diabetes are a risk factor for infections during pregnancy and may modify the development of the newborn's immune system. The present study analyzed colostrum and maternal and cord blood of diabetic women to determine (1) the levels of the cytokines IFN- γ and TGF- β and (2) phagocytic activity after incubation with cytokines. Methods.

Antioxidant effect of melatonin on the functional activity of colostral phagocytes in diabetic women.

Melatonin is involved in a number of physiological and oxidative processes, including functional regulation in human milk. The present study investigated the mechanisms of action of melatonin and its effects on the functional activity of colostral phagocytes in diabetic women. Colostrum samples were collected from normoglycemic (N = 38) and diabetic (N = 38) women.

Secretory IgA-Fcα receptor interaction modulating phagocytosis and microbicidal activity by phagocytes in human colostrum of diabetics.

The effects of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) interaction with its specific Fcα receptors on colostral phagocytes needs further investigation, especially with respect to diabetic women. Accordingly, we studied the colostrum of hyperglycemic women to assess SIgA interactions with Fcα receptors of macrophages as well as the functional activity of these cells. The women were divided for colostrum sampling according to their glycemic status: normoglycemia (N = 51), mild hyperglycemia (N = 23), and diabetes (N = 25) groups.