Inflammation response can be modulated by Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Squalene, three minor components of extra virgin olive oil on U937 macrophage-like cells

In the present work, we studied the effect of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and squalene on pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine production on U937 macrophage-like cells by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Cells were stimulated with LPS and exposed during 24 hours to 50 and 200 mM of the tested compounds. Results showed that all three compounds reduced TNF-alpha expression and increased IL-10 expression. The phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol decreased significantly IL-1 beta and IL-6 cytokine expression. In contrary, squalene compound did not alter IL-1 beta expression, but showed a slight increase in IL-6 expression. These results suggest that these minor components contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects attributed to extra virgin olive oil

Gamma interferon production correlates negatively with plasma levels of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) during gestation in dairy cows naturally infected with Neospora caninum

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production has been ascribed a role in protecting cows infected with Neospora caninum against abortion. The present study analyzes the interaction between IFN-γ production and levels of plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1), as a marker of placental/fetal well-being, throughout gestation in naturally Neospora-infected dairy cows. Data were obtained from 88 pregnant cows from two herds: 62 seropositive and 26 seronegative for the parasite. Blood sample collection was performed on days 40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation. Plasma was tested for antibodies against N. caninum, PAG-1 and IFN-γ. Twenty five (28.4%) pregnancies were recorded after AI using Holstein-Friesian semen (19 in seronegative and 6 in seropositive animals), and 63 (71.6%) after AI using Limousin semen (7 in seronegative and 56 in seropositive animals). Gamma interferon was detected in the plasma of 14 (22.6%) of the 62 Neospora-seropositive cows and could not be detected in any of the 26 seronegative animals. All 14 cows producing IFN-γ became pregnant by using Limousin semen. Our GLM repeated measures showed no effect of herd, lactation number, milk production at the time of pregnancy diagnosis and Neospora-seropositivity on plasma PAG-1 concentrations. Significant positive effects of both the day of gestation (P<0.0001) and interaction between day of gestation and breed of sire (P = 0.001) on PAG-1 values were registered. Cows carrying twins had higher (P = 0.002) PAG-1 concentrations throughout gestation than cows carrying singletons. Interactions between breed of sire and Neospora-seropositivity (P<0.0001), and between IFN-γ production and Neospora-seropositivity (P = 0.04) were also detected. Thus, Neospora-seronegative cows inseminated with Limousin and Neospora-seropositive cows with no IFN-γ production, exhibited higher PAG-1 concentrations throughout gestation than seropositive cows inseminated with Limousin semen and producing IFN-γ, respectively. Our data indicate that production of IFN-γ correlates negatively and, the production of antibodies against N. caninum is uncorrelated with plasma PAG-1 concentrations during gestation in Neospora-infected dairy cows. Our results also suggest that augmented Th1 cell-mediated immunity is related to a lower risk of abortion and therefore higher resistance to the parasite in cows inseminated with Limousin versus Holstein-Friesian semen

Quantification of vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in dairy cows in Minas Gerais, Brazil Quantificação da transmissão vertical de Neospora caninum em vacas leiteiras de Minas Gerais, Brasil

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the rate of vertical transmission and to investigate horizontal transmission of Neospora caninum and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in seropositive dairy cows on two farms in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The frequency of cows seropositive for N.caninum according to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 39.4% (93/236) for Farm A and 31.4% (32/102) for the Farm B (p > 0.05). The mean vertical transmission rates for N. caninum were 29% and 9% for the herds of Farms A and B, respectively. No negative effects (p > 0.05) from infection by N.caninum were observed regarding milk production and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in herds A and B.<br>O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi estimar a taxa de transmissão vertical e investigar a transmissão horizontal de Neospora caninum, e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas em vacas leiteiras soropositivas em duas fazendas no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A frequência de vacas soropositivas a N. caninum pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) foi de 39,4% (93/236) e 31,4% (32/102) para as fazendas A e B, respectivamente. A taxa média de transmissão vertical de N. caninum, respectivamente, foi de 29% e 9% para os rebanhos A e B. Não foi observado nenhum efeito negativo (p > 0,05) da infecção por N. caninum sobre a produção de leite e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas nos rebanhos A e B

Gallotannin promotes cellular death through alteration of redox status

Available anti-cancer agents are beset with various challenges including limited efficacy, non-selectivity, and toxic side effect. These factors underpin the search for more effective alternative from plant materials or natural products. Meanwhile, plant polyphenols including gallotannin have been implicated for diverse medicinal potentials. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effect of gallotannin (GT) on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). GT reduced viability of breast cancer cells appreciably with an EC50 value of < 25 μM. The cellular toxicity by GT was found to be dose-dependent. The GT promoted oxidative stress through the generation of ROS. Furthermore, the fluorescence data implicate GT for causing early apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Data lend credence to the medicinal potential of GT and provide additional support towards exploring GT for future biomedical applications essentially in the development of newer and safer alternative anti-cancer agents