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Effects of extract of Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) on the immune response of rats with severe malnutrition
Abstract
Background: Severe malnutrition is the main cause of immunodeficiency in children
under 5 years in areas of economic depression in developing countries, and it is associated
with generalized atrophy of lymphoid tissues. Urtica dioica L. is a medicinal herb
with multiple pharmacological functions; it acts as modulator of the immune response,
stimulating the proliferation of T lymphocytes in vitro.
Objective: To determine the ability of U. dioica L. to modulate the immune response of
malnourished rats in the first 21 days of life.
Methods: Third-degree malnutrition during lactation was induced by food competition,
and treatment with U. dioica L. was tested. Day-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned
to three groups: (a) the well-nourished group, (b) the untreated malnourished group,
and (c) the malnourished group treated with 0.2 g/ml U. dioica L. on days 14, 16, 18,
and 20. On day 21, animals were euthanized, and the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and
blood were obtained. Lymphocyte subpopulations were determined in the thymus and
leukocyte subpopulations in blood. The total number of nucleated bone marrow cells
was determined, and the proliferative capability of spleen lymphocytes from malnourished
rats treated with U. dioica L. was compared to that of other groups.
Results: Urtica dioica L. decreased CD4− CD8− lymphocytes and increased CD4+ CD8+
lymphocytes in the thymus, while in the blood, it increased CD4+ cells, monocytes, and
total T lymphocytes. The proliferation of spleen cells was stimulated in the malnourished
rats, and a decrease in total nucleated bone marrow cells was observed. An increase in
the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count was observed in malnourished
rats treated with Urtica dioica L. (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Urtica dioica L. had immunomodulatory effects since it promoted the
differentiation of CD4− CD8− T lymphocytes toward CD4+ CD8+ T lymphocytes and
counteracted anemia and leucopenia associated with severe malnutrition.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Trends
Undernourished children principally die of common infections, and immune defects are consistently demonstrated in under- and overnutrition.
Parental malnutrition leads to epigenetic modifications of infant immune and metabolic genes.
Healthy gut development relies on sensing of dietary nutrients, commensal, and pathogenic microbes via immune receptors.
Recurrent infections, chronic inflammation, and enteropathy compound clinical malnutrition by altering gut structure and function.
Immune cell activation and systemic proinflammatory mediator levels are increased in malnutrition.
Malnutrition impairs immune priming by DC and monocytes, and impairs effector memory T cell function.
Immune dysfunction can directly drive pathological processes in malnutrition, including malabsorption, increased metabolic demand, dysregulation of the growth hormone and HPA axes, and greater susceptibility to infection.
The contemporary scientific community has presently recognized flavonoids to be a unique class of therapeutic molecules due to their diverse therapeutic properties. Of these, rutin, also known as vitamin P or rutoside, has been explored for a number of pharmacological effects. Tea leaves apples, and many more possess rutin as one of the active constituents. Today, rutin has been observed for its nutraceutical effect. The present review highlights current information and health-promoting effects of rutin. Along with this, safety pharmacology issues and SAR of the same have also been discussed.
Aim/Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated during pregnancy with increased mortality and morbidity maternal-infantile rate, malformations and fetal or neonatal death. To avoid the death or malformations of fetuses the Indian communities use Urtica chamaedroydes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the decoction of U .chamaedroydes (chichicastle) to restore the hematopoiesis in pregnant mice and to avoid malformations in fetuses. Methods: Forty female mice CD1, 8–12 weeks were distributed in groups A, B and C with ten animals each. Anemia was induced in groups A, B and C by courts in tail twice a week during 15 days. Hematological determinations were performed on days 0, 15 and 34. On day 15 the pregnancy was induced in all anemic mice and the healthy control group (D). During the gestation, groups A and D did not receive treatment. Group B was treated with a decoction of Urtica chamaedroydes (4 g/L) as drinking water and Group C with two sc administrations of 200 mg/kg of FeSO4. On day 34 all groups were sacrificed. Results: Groups treated with the decoction of U. chamaedroydes or FeSO4 recovered the normal level of erythrocytes and platelets, none statistically significant differences were found between the concentration of these elements among days 0 and 34 within the same group. Neither the decoction nor FeSO4 allowed recover the normal level of leukocytes. From the total fetuses, malformations were observed in 80 20, 5, 10 % of Groups A, B, D and C, respectively. Conclusion: These results could support the traditional medicinal use of this plant in the treatment of the anemia and to prevent malformations.
This study aims to record accumulation of knowledge on plants which are used as food by native people of Çatak (Van, Turkey) that has a rich culture and a very natural environment. In addition, the medical uses of these plants were compiled from the literature. Study area was located on the East of Anatolian diagonal, in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately two years (2010-2012). During this period, 82 vascular plant taxa were collected. The plants were pressed in the field and prepared for identification. A total of 82 food plants belonging to 28 families were identified in the region. In the study being conducted, use of wild plants as food points out interest of people in Çatak in wild plants. The fact that a large proportion of edible plants are also being used for medicinal purposes indicates that the use of wild plants has a high potential in the region. The present study shows that further ethnobotanical investigations are worthy to be carried out in Turkey, where most of knowledge on popular food plants are still to discover. In Turkey, the number of ethnobotanic studies is ever-increasing. However, traditional uses of many wild plants have not been recorded yet. In terms of food safety, the adverse effects that may arise due to the use of wild plants without sufficient knowledge must be reported to the native people.
Malnutrition is an important public health problem in developing countries. The incidence of this condition is increasing and the mortality rate is still high. Experimental animal models have been widely used to study the effects of malnutrition and they are powerful tools for these studies. The aim of the present work was to assess the method of food competition to induce malnutrition in Wistar rats during the lactation period, using data from 27 experimentally malnourished litters and 27 control well-nourished litters. Comparison between litters showed high reproducibility. The method also caused a small increase in mortality rate. Assignment of 15 or 16 pups 1 day old to each nursing mother was highly efficient, since it caused severe malnutrition in more than 80% of the rats. The reduction of the quantity of food was related to lower daily body weight gain (approximately 50%) during the whole lactation period. This method demonstrates an easily reproducible animal model for the study of differing levels of malnutrition.
This study was carried out between the years of 2008-2012 in the herbalists and folk bazaars located in Nevsehir and its districts, Turkey. During the study, total 67 plant taxa belonging to 35 families were determined frequently using for various purposes by the local people. According to the results, the largest 5 plants families are used by the local people as Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Brassicaceae. The scientific and vernacular names, preparation, used plant parts, medicinal indication and administration of the plants were given. According to their purpose of use, the plants are mostly used for medicinal purposes, than spices, ornamental, etc. (paint, incense, amulet and such). The traditional medicinal plants were mostly used for the appetizing, expectorant, rheumatism, liver disease and diuretic. © 2015, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica. L) is a wild, unique herbaceous perennial flowering plant with Stinging hairs. It has a long history of use as a food sources as a soup or curries, and also used as a fiber as well as a medicinal herb. The current aim was to analyze the composition and bioactive compounds in Nepalese Stinging nettle. Chemical analysis showed the relatively higher level of crude protein (33.8%), crude fiber (9.1%), crude fat (3.6%), total ash (16.2%), carbohydrate (37.4%), and relatively lower energy value (307 kcal/100 g) as compared to wheat and barley flours. Analysis of nettle powder showed significantly higher level of bioactive compounds: phenolic compounds as 129 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g; carotenoid level 3497 μg/g; tannin 0.93 mg/100 g; anti-oxidant activity 66.3 DPPH inhibition (%), as compared to wheat and barley. This study further established that nettle plants as very good source of energy, proteins, high fiber, and a range of health benefitting bioactive compounds
Content of proteins and minerals (Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co) in leaves, stem and root of stinging nettle collected from different localities from the Republic of Macedonia were determined. Generally, the higher content of proteins and minerals were determined in leaves, followed by the content in stem and root. In the quantity of proteins significant differences were determined depending to the organ of stinging nettle. The highest determined values for the protein content in leaves expressed to the dry mass were 26.89% in leaves, 14.54% in stem and 10.89% in root. The values for the calcium content in stinging nettle were higher in comparison to the magnesium values. Zink content in the leaves was two and fi ve times higher than the content of copper and manganese, respectively. In leaves, stem and root non signifi cant differences in cobalt content were determined.
This study aims to record accumulation of knowledge on plants which are used as food by local people of Elazig that has a rich culture and a very natural environment. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately two years (2010-2011). During this period, 92 vascular plant specimens were collected. The plants were pressed in the field and prepared for identification. A total of 62 food plants belonging to 28 families were identified in the region. There is no detailed information in the literature with regard to the use of brevipes for human nutrition. It is certained that wild plants being used for nutritional purposes by human beings are also used for medicinal purposes. Highlighting the importance of flora and ethnobotanical inventory studies in terms of the protection and use of plant sources, what is required is the cultivation of endangered plant species, establishment of seedbanks for these plants, recording of their natural habitat as well as conducting studies in order to raise public awareness. © 2015, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.
Background:
Malnourished children have increased risk of dying, with most deaths caused by infectious diseases. One mechanism behind this may be impaired immune function. However, this immune deficiency of malnutrition has not previously been systematically reviewed.
Objectives:
To review the scientific literature about immune function in children with malnutrition.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was done in PubMed, and additional articles identified in reference lists and by correspondence with experts in the field. The inclusion criteria were studies investigating immune parameters in children aged 1-60 months, in relation to malnutrition, defined as wasting, underweight, stunting, or oedematous malnutrition.
Results:
The literature search yielded 3402 articles, of which 245 met the inclusion criteria. Most were published between 1970 and 1990, and only 33 after 2003. Malnutrition is associated with impaired gut-barrier function, reduced exocrine secretion of protective substances, and low levels of plasma complement. Lymphatic tissue, particularly the thymus, undergoes atrophy, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses are reduced. Levels of antibodies produced after vaccination are reduced in severely malnourished children, but intact in moderate malnutrition. Cytokine patterns are skewed towards a Th2-response. Other immune parameters seem intact or elevated: leukocyte and lymphocyte counts are unaffected, and levels of immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulin A, are high. The acute phase response appears intact, and sometimes present in the absence of clinical infection. Limitations to the studies include their observational and often cross-sectional design and frequent confounding by infections in the children studied.
Conclusion:
The immunological alterations associated with malnutrition in children may contribute to increased mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms are still inadequately understood, as well as why different types of malnutrition are associated with different immunological alterations. Better designed prospective studies are needed, based on current understanding of immunology and with state-of-the-art methods.
Maternal and child malnutrition in low-income and middle-income countries encompasses both undernutrition and a growing problem with overweight and obesity. Low body-mass index, indicative of maternal undernutrition, has declined somewhat in the past two decades but continues to be prevalent in Asia and Africa. Prevalence of maternal overweight has had a steady increase since 1980 and exceeds that of underweight in all regions. Prevalence of stunting of linear growth of children younger than 5 years has decreased during the past two decades, but is higher in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere and globally affected at least 165 million children in 2011; wasting affected at least 52 million children. Deficiencies of vitamin A and zinc result in deaths; deficiencies of iodine and iron, together with stunting, can contribute to children not reaching their developmental potential. Maternal undernutrition contributes to fetal growth restriction, which increases the risk of neonatal deaths and, for survivors, of stunting by 2 years of age. Suboptimum breastfeeding results in an increased risk for mortality in the first 2 years of life. We estimate that undernutrition in the aggregate-including fetal growth restriction, stunting, wasting, and deficiencies of vitamin A and zinc along with suboptimum breastfeeding-is a cause of 3·1 million child deaths annually or 45% of all child deaths in 2011. Maternal overweight and obesity result in increased maternal morbidity and infant mortality. Childhood overweight is becoming an increasingly important contributor to adult obesity, diabetes, and non-communicable diseases. The high present and future disease burden caused by malnutrition in women of reproductive age, pregnancy, and children in the first 2 years of life should lead to interventions focused on these groups.
En el presente estudio se valoraron el contenido de fenoles totales (Folin-Ciocalteu), y capacidad antioxidante total (mediante las técnicas FRAP (poder antioxidante reductor del hierro) y ORAC (capacidad de absorción de radicales de oxígeno) en duraznos (Prunnus persica L.) de la variedad Prisco comercializados en Ciudad Juárez, procedentes de tres diferentes zonas de cultivo: dos en México, en los estados de Sonora y Chihuahua, y otra en el estado de California, Estados Unidos de América (EEUU). La concentración de fenoles totales, y capacidad antioxidante se determinaron a partir de extractos en metanol al 80%, según la metodología descrita por Kähkönen et al. (1999). Las muestras del estado de Sonora fueron las que presentaron valores más altos, tanto en fenoles libres (121 mg CAE/100g peso fresco) como en capacidad antioxidante (2.5 mmol Fe/100g mediante FRAP y 18.15 mmol TE/100 g peso fresco mediante ORAC). Se encontró una correlación significativa (P = 0.56) entre contenido de fenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante evaluada por la técnica FRAP. Esta correlación fue aún mayor en las muestras procedentes de California (P = 0.92). En general, las muestras de duraznos comercializadas en Ciudad Juárez mostraron una contribución adecuada de compuestos fenólicos y capacidad antioxidante a la dieta.
Abstract
Total phenolics content (Folin-Ciocalteu), and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ORAC, techniques) were evaluated in peaches Prisco variety (Prunnus persica L.) commercialized in Ciudad Juarez, which come from three different growing areas: two from Mexico, Sonora and Chihuahua states, and one from USA, California state. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were determined from methanol extracts at 80%. Samples from Sonora showed the highest values for phenolic content (121 mg CAE/100g fresh weight), and for antioxidant capacity (2.5 mmol Fe/100g by FRAP and 18.15 mmol TE/100 g fresh weight by ORAC). A meaningful correlation was found (P=0.56) between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity evaluated by FRAP. This correlation was even highest in the samples from California (P=0.92). In general, all peach samples commercialized en Ciudad Juarez showed an appropriated contribution of phenolics and antioxidant capacity to the diet.
Keywords: Prunnus persica L., phenolics compounds, antioxidant capacity, FRAP, ORAC.
Popular demand for and scientific interest in complementary or alternative medicine, particularly medicinal bo- tanicals, has increased considerably in recent years. The medicinal botanicals with the longest tradition, and for which extensive data are available, are Chinese herbal medicines and their Japanese counterparts-Kampo medicines. This review focuses on some representative examples of studies examining the effects of some traditional Chinese medicines on various aspects of the immune response. In vitro as well as in vivo studies are cited, the latter including not only animal experiments but also clinical trials. Although by no means exhaustive, this review attempts to show that much research has focused on the specific beneficial effects of Chinese herbal medicines. Studies examining the mechanisms by which they exert their immunomodulatory actions, however, are found much less frequently. Nonetheless, even the limited number of mechanistic experiments presented here reveal that numerous mechanisms are likely involved in the various actions of even a single medicine. It will be the elucidation of such mechanisms that will provide the scientific basis for establishing the efficacy and safety of not only Chinese herbal medicines but all forms of medicinal botanicals. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:1303-12.
To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among Tarahumara children under 5 years of age in the municipality of Guachochi, Chihuahua, Mexico.
During the summer of 1996, we interviewed a representative sample of 450 children from 62 communities, stratified by size of population. The sample represents 12.2% of the total number of Tarahumaras in the municipality. For each of three anthropometric indices (weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-for-age), we calculated the Z-score in reference to NCHS population values. Results are presented as means and standard deviations as well as prevalence of malnutrition at different cut-off-points, stratified by age, sex, and size of the community.
Prevalence figures of malnutrition (< -2Z) were: weight-for-age: 36.4% (mean SD +/- -1.66 +/- 1.1); weight-for-height: 3.5% (mean SD +/- -0.43 +/- 0.9); and height-for-age: 57.1% (mean SD +/- -2.15 +/- 1.3). Children aged 12-23 months were the most affected, both in weight-for-height and weight-for-age (10.3% and 52.6%, respectively). Children over one year of age presented prevalences of height-for-age < -2Z over 60%. Significant sex differences (p < 0.05) were observed, favoring girls.
Malnutrition among Tarahumara children reaches its peak during the second year of life (12-23 months old), affecting boys more than girls. This information may be useful for planning and targeting nutrition intervention programs for this underprivileged indigenous group.
The current practice of ingesting phytochemicals to support the immune system or to fight infections is based on centuries-old tradition. We review reports on seven Chinese herbs, (Aloe vera Mill. (Aloaceae), Angelica species (Umbelliferae), Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. (Leguminosae), Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. (Ganodermataceae), Panax ginseng C.A Mey. (Araliaceae), Scutellaria species (Lamiaceae) and Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae) with emphasis to their immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. While some of these herbaceous plants have a direct inhibitory effect on microbial organisms, we observe that each plant has at least one compound that selectively modulates cells of the immune system. The successful derivation of pure bioactive compounds from Ganoderma lucidum, ginseng and Zingiber officinale supports the traditional practice of using these plants to stimulate the immune system. As many modern drugs are often patterned after phytochemicals, studying the influence of each compound on immune cells as well as microbes can provide useful insights to the development of potentially useful new pharmacological agents.
The authors discuss current concepts and controversies surrounding the complex influences of malnutrition on infection and immunity, and point to practical consequences of countermeasures in acute malnutrition.
With the 13th edition of Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, this new edition once again bridges the gap between the clinical practice of hematology and the basic foundations of science. Broken down into eight parts, this book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of: Laboratory Hematology, The Normal Hematologic System, Transfusion Medicine, Disorders of Red Cells, Hemostasis and Coagulation; Benign Disorders of Leukocytes, The Spleen and/or Immunoglobulins; Hematologic Malignancies, and Transplantation. Within these sections, there is a heavy focus on the morphological exam of the peripheral blood smear, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other tissues. With the knowledge about gene therapy and immunotherapy expanding, the book includes new, up-to-date information about the process and application of these therapies. Likewise, the editors have shed a completely new light on the process of stem cell transplantation in regards to both malignant and benign disorders, graft versus host disease, and the importance of long-term follow-up of transplantation survivors. The textbook features an online, interactive companion that has a reference list for each chapter as well as two appendices one reviewing the clusters of differentiation (CD) molecules and one that reviews lab values and photomicrographs of the blood of animals. Along with these tools, the authors plan to post updates online when they are particularly pertinent or important. © 2014 by LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, a WOLTERS KLUWER business.
Methanol extract of roots of C.pareira was screened for its immunomodulatory activity in mice at five different dose levels. Stimulatory activity on DTH response was found at 200-800 mg/kg dose (p<0.001). Phagocytic index was also increased significantly compared to control animals (p<0.001). Methanol extract has not altered the humoral response to SRBCs significantly indicating no activity on humoral immunity. Higher doses of extract also offered protection against cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression by increasing total WBC count significantly (p<0.001). Thus present study demonstrated the immunomodulatory activity of C.pareira.
The extracts of Arctium minus, Ecballium elaterium, Momordica charantia, Plantago major, Urtica dioica and Viscum album used for various disorders in Anatolia were investigated in vitro for their neutrophil chemotactic and intracellular killing activities by Boyden migration chamber and nitrozoblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction tests, respectively. The extracts of Arctium minus, Momordica charantia, Urtica dioica and Viscum album were statistically active in chemotaxis and random migration tests. Also, the extracts of Urtica dioica seeds and leaves are suggested as possibly useful for patients suffering from neutrophil function deficiency. On the other hand, NBT results indicated that the extracts of Arctium minus, Ecballium elaterium and Viscum album have the ability to reduce active radicals suggesting that these extracts are also valuable in the medical treatment of some diseases associated with free radical damage. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Several parts (leaves at different maturity stages, stems, roots and seeds) of an edible wild vegetable, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) were analysed for fatty acids by GLC and carotenoids by reversed-phase HPLC and gradient elution. α-linolenic acid was the pre-dominant fatty acid in leaves, while seeds were richer in linoleic acid. Nine carotenoids were identified in the leaves. For all leaf maturity levels, lutein, lutein isomers, β-carotene and β-carotene isomers were the major carotenoids. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin and lycopene were also important contributors in specific leaf maturity stages.
The present study investigated the effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) (UD) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by testosterone. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the 5α-reductase inhibitory potential of UD. Two biochemical markers viz., β-sitosterol and scopoletin, were isolated and characterised in the extracts utilising High-performance thin layer chromatographic, FTIR, NMR and overlain UV spectral studies. Hyperplasia was induced in rats by subcutaneous administration of testosterone (3 mg kg(-1) s.c.) for 28 days in all the groups except the vehicle-treated group. Simultaneous administration of petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts (10, 20 and 50 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and isolated β-sitosterol (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) was undertaken. Finasteride was used as a positive control (1 mg kg(-1) p.o.). Measurement of prostate/body weight ratio, weekly urine output and serum testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen levels (on day 28) and histological examinations carried out on prostates from each group led us to conclude that UD can be used as an effective drug for the management of BPH.
Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) is a T-lymphocyte-specific polyclonal activator that differs from ConA, the classical mouse T-cell mitogen, by inducing a late and limited proliferation of a distinct T-cell subset recruited among both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. We investigated the possibility that the particular kinetics may originate from UDA-specific activation processes in which the known early mandatory signals were completed only after an extended delay. We report that the time of contact required between lectin and the cell membrane to acquire the capacity to proceed into cell cycle was much longer (36-40 h) for UDA than for ConA (8-10 h). Addition of phorbol ester, which artificially induces PKC translocation, or ionomycin, which provokes Ca2+ mobilization, did not accelerate the proliferative kinetics, suggesting that these early mandatory signals are not the limiting factors in the delayed proliferation. The induction of c-myc was retarded in the UDA group, and there was a good correlation between the kinetics of c-myc induction and the kinetics of cell proliferation. The comparison of the level of transcription of the genes encoding different cytokines revealed additional differences between the two mitogens: the whole wave of cytokine gene expression was delayed with UDA. In particular, IL2, IL3 and IFN gamma gene expression was retarded compared to the ConA-induced single wave. An even later transcriptional wave took place at around 72 h for IL4 and IL5. Finally, this particular kinetics corresponded to an unusually high level of IL3 and IFN gamma and a low level of IL4 and IL5 gene transcripts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) shares with the superantigens the property of activating T cell subsets bearing particular Vbeta segments of the TCR. However, UDA is a lectin capable of binding to many glycoproteins on cell membranes. The implication of MHC versus other glycoproteins in UDA presentation was presently studied. Using mutant mice lacking MHC class I (MHC-I), MHC class II (MHC-II) or both MHC antigens, we provided evidence that MHC-I and MHC-II molecules serve as UDA receptors. Presentation by either one of these molecules ensured similar T cell responses and co-stimulatory signals were mandatory for optimal T cell activation and proliferation both in MHC-I and MHC-II contexts. Remarkably, in the absence of MHC molecules, UDA could not be efficiently presented to T cells by other glycosylated proteins. Surface plasmon resonance studies were used to confirm the binding of UDA to MHC-I molecules using a fusion protein consisting of MHC-I domains and beta2-microglobulin. The results indicated that the interaction between UDA and MHC-I molecules implicated lectin-binding site(s) of UDA. Taken together, our data demonstrate that, in addition to MHC-II antigens, MHC-I molecules serve as an alternative ligand for UDA.
For millennia, food has been at the center of social events, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Protein-energy malnutrition is associated with a significant impairment of cell-mediated immunity, phagocyte function, complement system, secretory immunoglobulin A antibody concentrations, and cytokine production. Deficiency of single nutrients also results in altered immune response: this is observed even when the deficiency state is relatively mild. Of the micronutrients, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, vitamins A, C, E and B(6), and folic acid have important influences on immune responses. Overnutrition and obesity also reduce immunity. Low-birth-weight infants have a prolonged impairment of cell-mediated immunity that can be partly restored by providing extra amounts of dietary zinc. In the elderly, impaired immunity can be enhanced by modest amounts of a combination of micronutrients. These findings have considerable practical and public health significance.
Malnutrition, secondary to deficiency in uptake of proteins, metal elements or vitamins, consistently results in changes in the thymus gland. The organ undergoes a severe atrophy due to apoptosis-induced thymocyte depletion, particularly affecting the immature CD4(+) CD8(+) cells, as well as a decrease in cell proliferation. Such a feature is apparently linked to a hormonal imbalance, involving decrease of leptin and consequent raise of glucocorticoid hormone levels in the serum. Interestingly, this picture can be reversed after appropriate diet rehabilitation. The thymic microenvironment is also affected in malnutrition: morphological changes in thymic epithelial cells were found, together with a decrease of thymic hormone production by these cells. Additionally, intrathymic contents of extracellular proteins, such as fibronectin, laminin and collagens, are increased in the thymuses from malnourished children. Conjointly, the bulk of data discussed herein clearly points to the notion that the thymus gland is a target in malnutrition. Nevertheless, further relevant information regarding the physiology of the thymus, including the cytokine/chemokine secretion as well as the positive and negative selection events driven by TCR/MHC-peptide interactions in malnutrition, remains to be defined. These are questions that need to be answered in order to have a better understanding of the immunodeficiency seen in malnourished individuals.
The major compounds isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Urtica dioica L. were determined as quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (1). kaempherol-3-O-rutinoside (2). and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (3). by chromatographic, chemical (acidic hydrolysis) and spectral (UV, IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR) methods. Their immunomodulatory activities were studied in vitro by chemotaxis (Boyden Migration Chamber) and intracellular killing activity (NBT reduction) tests. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and the total flavonoid fraction were determined to have significant chemotactic effects in 4, 8, 16 microg doses. According to the results of the NBT reduction test, all flavonoid glycosides showed high intracellular killing activity. The results of both assays confirmed the immunostimulatory activity of the flavonoid fraction and the isolated flavonoid glycosides on neutrophils suggesting that they could possibly be useful for treating patients suffering from neutrophil function deficiency and chronic granulomatous diseases.
The immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities of aqueous Urtica dioica extract were investigated for their effect on the mitogenic response of murine splenocytes and nitric oxide production by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. It was found that this extract stimulated the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and suppressed NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages without affecting cell viability.
Organic compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms have extensive past and present use in the treatment of many diseases and serve as compounds of interest both in their natural form and as templates for synthetic modification. Over 20 new drugs launched on the market between 2000 and 2005, originating from terrestrial plants, terrestrial microorganisms, marine organisms, and terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates, are described. These approved substances, representative of very wide chemical diversity, together with several other natural products or their analogs undergoing clinical trials, continue to demonstrate the importance of compounds from natural sources in modern drug discovery efforts.
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