Changes in IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 Concentration in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) Following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)-A Pilot Study.

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) may be considered as a neuro-immune disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an important therapeutic option for patients with TRS, however, its impact on cytokine profile is barely investigated. Therefore, this study attempts to establish associations between serum cytokines IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 changes (pre- and post-ECT) and the effectiveness of ECT in TRS patients.

Editorial to the Special Issue "Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation in Allergy and Immune Diseases, Immunodeficiencies".

Allergies and other immunity disorders are a current and deepening problem of the modern world, closely related to the progress of civilization [...

Diagnostics of Allergy to Furry Animals-Possibilities in 2024.

Diagnosing allergies is not always easy. Sometimes the symptoms reported by the patient do not match the results of diagnostic tests. Diagnostics of IgE-dependent allergy, including allergy to furry animals, can be based on two basic strategies, "BOTTOM-UP" and "TOP-DOWN", and almost all available allergy tests can be used ranging from skin tests, through specific IgE, to molecular panels and challenge tests.

SARS-CoV-2 M oligomerization as a potential target for therapy.

The main protease (M) of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in the virus's replication cycle, facilitating the maturation of polyproteins into functional units. Due to its conservation across taxa, M is a promising target for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Targeting M with small molecule inhibitors, such as nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir (Paxlovid™), which the FDA has approved for post-exposure treatment and prophylaxis, can effectively interrupt the replication process of the virus.

Despite the odds: formation of the SARS-CoV-2 methylation complex.

Coronaviruses modify their single-stranded RNA genome with a methylated cap during replication to mimic the eukaryotic mRNAs. The capping process is initiated by several nonstructural proteins (nsp) encoded in the viral genome. The methylation is performed by two methyltransferases, nsp14 and nsp16, while nsp10 acts as a co-factor to both.

Blood type ABO and the cytokine profile of follicular fluid in women undergoing IVF/ET.

Objectives: ABO blood type was hypothesised to be related to a number of infertility processes. There is still an open debate on ABO blood group's incompatibility and infertility. It was associated with ovarian reserve in women with subfertility.

The use of inhibition assay in Api g 7 suspected allergy in a female patient with anaphylaxis: A case report.

The symptoms of celery allergy are mainly presented as oral allergy symptom, but there are several case reports of patients who experienced anaphylaxis. Defensin (Api g 7), as a novel allergen in celery root, was described in 2022 r. The female patient had a history of several episodes of dyspnea and cough, associated with ingestion of spice mixes containing dried celery.

Extended IgE profile of shrimp-sensitized patients based on Multiplex Examination ALEX2 - Allergy Explorer.

Introduction: The key to the correct diagnosis of shrimp allergy is a qualification to the most efficient diagnostic method and later interpretation of the result. To achieve this, it is necessary to apply a diagnostic strategy relevant to each patient's clinical situation and approach every case individually.

Aim: In this study the allergen profile of shrimp-sensitized patients was analysed using ALEX2 Allergy Explorer.

From Cereal Grains to Immunochemistry-What Role Have Antibodies Played in the History of the Home Pregnancy Test.

Today, the home pregnancy test is the most frequently performed laboratory test for self-diagnosis (home diagnostic test). It is also the first laboratory test that has been adapted for self-use at home. This is probably because women have always wanted to know the answer to the question: "Am I pregnant or not?" and always preferred to know the answer to this question intimately and in a discreet way.

Plant Food Dyes with Antioxidant Properties and Allergies-Friend or Enemy?

Color is an important food attribute which increases its attractiveness, thus influencing consumer preferences and acceptance of food products. The characteristic color of fresh, raw food is due to natural dyes present in natural food sources. Food loses its natural color during processing or storage.

Selected Technical Aspects of Molecular Allergy Diagnostics.

Diagnosis of allergic diseases is a complex, multi-stage process. It often requires the use of various diagnostic tools. The in vitro diagnostics (IVD), which includes various laboratory tests, is one of the stages of this process.

Clinical Use of the ImmunoCAP Inhibition Test in the Diagnosis of Meat Allergy Caused by a Tick Bite in an Adult Male with No Previous Atopic History.

(1) Background: alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. This is a type of food allergy to red meat and other mammalian products (e.g.

Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing fertilization/embryo transfer procedure.

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) degrade extracellular matrix. Some studies show that MMP9 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) may play a role in oocyte maturation and fertilization (IVF) success. The immunology of follicular fluid is still not fully understood.

The Two-Sided Experimental Model of ImmunoCAP Inhibition Test as a Useful Tool for the Examination of Allergens Cross-Reactivity on the Example of α-Gal and Mammalian Meat Sensitization-A Preliminary Study.

Cross-reactivity of allergens is the cause of various, sometimes unexpected, clinical reactions. There are no standard methods to investigate cross-reactivity. We present an experimental model of a two-sided inhibition test (IT) on ImmunoCAP membranes (CAP).

Assessment of the post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination response depending on the epidemiological status, demographic parameters and levels of selected cytokines in medical personnel.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the COVID-19 disease, which affected 174 million people worldwide. After vaccines were launched, the focus was on their effectiveness and the degree of their safety.

Aim: The authors try to find factors that may affect the response to vaccination.

Experimental Research Models to Assess the Cross-Reactivity between Can f 5 and Human PSA-Two Different Perspectives.

The similarity in antigenic structures, including the degree of correspondence between the amino acid sequence and the spatial structure, is not always reflected in the actual cross-reactivity of allergens. Inhibition tests appear to be an invaluable tool for assessing potential cross-reactivity between allergens under natural conditions. In this publication, we present two experimental models of inhibition tests: solid phase (SP-IT) and liquid phase (LP-IT).

Concentrations of matrix metallopeptidase 9, interleukin 4, and interleukin 8 in follicular fluid, and the results of fertilization.

Objective: Cytokines and enzymes in follicular fluid (FF) may have a crucial role in fertility. This study aimed to analyse the results of fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) and compare them with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and cytokine concentrations in FF.

Methods: This case-control study included 20 randomly selected patients with a positive pregnancy (PPG) test and 20 with a negative pregnancy (NPG) test after IVF/ET.

Progesterone-induced blocking factor 1 and cytokine profile of follicular fluid of infertile women qualified to in vitro fertilization: The influence on fetus development and pregnancy outcome.

Progesterone is essential for both the initiation and the maintenance of pregnancy. The immunological effects of progesterone are mediated by the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), which is an immunomodulatory factor with anti-abortive properties. The aim of the research was to establish the cytokine profile and PIBF1 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Nanohybrids of oxides nanoparticles-chitosan and their antimicrobial properties.

Growing international problem with pathogens acquiring resistance to antibiotics is the reason for the search for bactericidal substances against which microorganisms cannot become resistant. The aim of this study was to synthesize inorganic-organic nanohybrids and obtain materials with antimicrobial effects. Chitosan (CS) was deposited on nanocomposite carriers such as calcium oxide with titanium dioxide (CaO-TiO), magnesium oxide with titanium dioxide (MgO-TiO) and copper(II) oxide with titanium dioxide (CuO-TiO).

CCNP1313-Biological Activity and Peptides Production.

Even cyanobacteria from ecosystems of low biodiversity, such as the Baltic Sea, can constitute a rich source of bioactive metabolites. Potent toxins, enzyme inhibitors, and anticancer and antifungal agents were detected in both bloom-forming species and less commonly occurring cyanobacteria. In previous work on the Baltic CCNP1313, the induction of apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was documented.

Evaluation of the effect of the interleukin-25 serum concentration on the intensity of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and epidermal barrier.

Introduction: Interleukin 25 (IL-25) is a cytokine with proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and its biological function of reciprocal epidermal hyperplasia and of inhibiting the filaggrin synthesis points to an essential role connecting the inflammatory process with damage to the epidermal barrier in the course of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Aim: To assess the IL-25 in serum concentration in AD patients and to analyse its possible correlation with the disease intensity and selected epidermal barrier parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Material And Methods: The study involved 43 patients with AD and 22 healthy volunteers.

Assessment of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 in atopic dermatitis in correlation with disease severity and epidermal barrier parameters.

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteolytic enzymes, conditioning the integrity of skin cells, however, their role in the inflammatory process of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the direct effect on the epidermal barrier parameters remain unexplained.

Aim: To assess MMP-1, MMP-2, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 concentrations in blood serum in the context of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration in AD. Moreover, serum levels of MMPs and TIMP-1 were analysed in relation to the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).

Function of Follicular Cytokines: Roles Played during Maturation, Development and Implantation of Embryo.

A balance within the immune system is necessary for the proper development of ovarian follicles. Numerous cytokines were detected in follicular fluid, the role of which in reproductive physiology seems crucial. They influence the development and maturation of the follicle, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, as well as embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.

Exercise induced anaphylaxis in kiwi allergic patient: case report.

Background: An allergy to kiwi is rare in Poland. Most (65-72%) of the patients who are allergic to kiwi report symptoms of an oral allergy syndrome (OAS); however, systemic manifestations (18-28%) have also been reported.

Case Report: A 27-year-old male patient, previously not suffering from chronic diseases, exercised in the gym.