Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila abortus induce the expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in cells of the human female reproductive tract.

C. trachomatis and C. abortus are related Gram-negative intracellular bacteria that cause reproductive failure due to infertility (C.

Poor iron status is more prevalent in Hispanic than in non-Hispanic white older adults in Massachusetts.

Iron status and dietary correlates of iron status have not been well described in Hispanic older adults of Caribbean origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate iron status and describe dietary components and correlates of iron status in Hispanic older adults and in a neighborhood-based comparison group of non-Hispanic white older adults. Six hundred four Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults (59-91 y of age) from the Massachusetts Hispanic Elders Study were included in the analysis.

Induction of inflammatory host immune responses by organisms belonging to the genera Chlamydia/Chlamydophila.

Chlamydia/Chlamydophila are a family of intracellular gram-negative bacteria that infect their hosts primarily via mucosal epithelia. Chronic disease associated with bacterial persistence, inflammation and tissue damage are common sequelae of infection with these organisms. Human epithelial cell lines respond to infection by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, and upregulating the expression of mRNA encoding Ikappa-Balpha, the endogenous inhibitor of NF-kappaB.

Differential expression of the natural antimicrobials, beta-defensins 3 and 4, in human endometrium.

beta-Defensins are small cationic molecules that have antimicrobial actions against bacteria, fungi and viruses and contribute to mucosal immune responses at epithelial sites. The female reproductive tract is an important site of defensin production and innate defences are crucial to the preservation of fertility and successful pregnancy. This study details the expression of the recently characterized defensins, HBD3 and 4, in human endometrium.

Hormonal contraception can suppress natural antimicrobial gene transcription in human endometrium.

Objective: To determine the effect of hormonal contraception with a combined oral contraceptive pill and levonorgestrel intrauterine system on the expression of the natural antimicrobials secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, beta-defensins 1 and 2, and granulysin in human endometrium.

Design: Observational study.

Setting: Day case ward in a department of obstetrics and gynecology.

Dietary factors associated with the risk of high iron stores in the elderly Framingham Heart Study cohort.

Background: High body iron stores may increase the risk of several chronic diseases. Whether dietary factors contribute to the risk of high iron stores is unknown.

Objective: We assessed the relation between dietary factors and the risk of high iron stores in the elderly Framingham Heart Study cohort.

Regulation of natural antibiotic expression by inflammatory mediators and mimics of infection in human endometrial epithelial cells.

The natural antibiotic molecules, beta-defensins 1 and 2 (HBD1/2) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), have an important role in mucosal defence and are present in the uterus. This study details their regulation in primary endometrial epithelial cells and in two endometrial cell lines (MFE/HES). Cells were treated with proinflammatory molecules and mimics of infection [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA)].