Publications by authors named "Raja Rekik"

Despite significant advancements in the field, the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains partially understood, with limited therapeutic options available for this debilitating condition. The precise impact of Interleukin-22 (IL-22) in the context of MS is still incompletely elucidated with some evidence suggesting its protective role. To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role of IL-22, we investigated its effect on remyelination in a mouse model of demyelination induced by Cuprizone.

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We investigated selected oxylipins and related synthesizing/signaling pathways in 28 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 19 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 39 controls. Plasma and mucosal PUFA/oxylipin profiles were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. mRNA expression of 5, 12 and 15-lipooxygenases, FPR2/ALXR, FFAR4/GPR120, annexin A1, and interleukin-10 were analyzed by qRT-PCR.

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Double-negative T (DNT) cells are a T-cell subset with a CD4-CD8- phenotype. They represent 1% to 5% of circulating lymphocytes, but an increase in this proportion can be found during lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. This increase has also been reported in persons with HIV (PWH).

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The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in supporting the proliferation and survival of the abnormal plasma cells in multiple myeloma (MM) is well established. Such microenvironment is rich of cytokines like IL-6, TGF-β, IL-1 and IL-23 which are known to promote the differentiation of Th17 lymphocytes, a T helper subpopulation. Th17 cells secrete IL-17, a cytokine involved in the pathophysiology of several auto-immune diseases.

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The aromatic hydrocarbons receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a role in mediating toxicity to xenobiotics. Its key role in immune regulation has been recently demonstrated. Recent data pointed to the efficacy of ITE (2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester), a nontoxic ligand of AhR, in experimental models of inflammatory diseases.

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The mechanisms leading to the disruption of self-tolerance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain elusive. Herein, we aimed to decipher the molecular basis of the impaired response of mononuclear cells to TGF-β1. The Smad3-pathway was explored on CD3+ lymphocytes in either active or non active SLE patients.

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Aims: Acetamiprid (ACE) is an insecticide of the neonicotinoid family, the most widely used in the world. Herein, we assessed the effect of ACE on either the humoral or cellular immune responses of rodents. We also evaluated the role of curcumin in the restoration of altered immune responses after ACE treatment.

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Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are significant biomarkers in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in humans, done by mean of Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF) method, and performed by analyzing patterns and fluorescence intensity. This paper introduces the AIDA Project (autoimmunity: diagnosis assisted by computer) developed in the framework of an Italy-Tunisia cross-border cooperation and its preliminary results. A database of interpreted IIF images is being collected through the exchange of images and double reporting and a Gold Standard database, containing around 1000 double reported images, has been settled.

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