The Impairment of Wound Healing Process is Correlated With Abnormalities of TNF-α Production by Peritoneal Exudate Cells in Obstructive Jaundiced Rats

The wound healing process and production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by peritoneal cells of 7-day and 14-day obstructive jaundice (OJ) and sham-operated rats were investigated. In the study the skin wound breaking strength was measured, In addition such histological and biochemical parameters as fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration and hydroxyproline content were evaluated in polyurethane sponge discs implanted subcutaneously into rats. TNF-α production by peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), both spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced was determined by a bioassay. In OJ rats the process of both early as well as late phase of healing was impaired. The breaking strength of skin wound was decreased, the fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation and collagen deposition, as well as hydroxyproline content were diminished. In 7 day OJ the numbers of inflammatory cells in the implants were lowered with a subsequent slight increase on day 14 of OJ. The spontaneous and LPS induced TNF- α production by PEC were significantly higher in 7 day OJ as compared with sham-operated controls. On day 14 of OJ the LPS-induced TNF-α level was, in contrast, much lower and did not differ much from the spontaneous TNF-α production. We conclude that the impairment of wound healing in OJ results from disturbances in functioning of the immune system caused by systemic endotoxaemia

Antiviral Resistance of Splenocytes in Aged Mice

We compared the susceptibility to viral infection of splenocytes, isolated from young versus old CBA mice, and evaluated the antiviral actions of lactoferrin in splenocytes infected with Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). Recombinant mouse lactoferrin (rmLF) and bovine lactoferrin (bLF) were used. There were no differences in the susceptibility to EMCV infection in the studied age categories. Both types of lactoferrins were protective in young and old mice. The study confirmed the undisturbed viral resistance in old mice and the protective actions of lactoferrin in viral infection. The antiviral action of the homologous mouse lactoferrin was demonstrated for the first time

Isoxazole Derivatives as Regulators of Immune Functions

In this review, we present reports on the immunoregulatory properties of isoxazole derivatives classified into several categories, such as immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and immunostimulatory compounds. The compounds were tested in various models using resident cells from rodents and humans, cell lines, and experimental animal disease models corresponding to human clinical situations. Beneficial features of the described isoxazole derivatives include low toxicity and good bioactivity at low doses. In a majority of studies, the activities of investigated compounds were comparable or even higher than registered reference drugs. Whenever possible, a plausible mechanism of action of the investigated compounds and their potential therapeutic utility were proposed. Among the described compounds, particular attention was paid to the class of immune stimulators with a potential application in chemotherapy patients

Colostrum Proteins in Protection against Therapy-Induced Injuries in Cancer Chemo- and Radiotherapy: A Comprehensive Review

In this article, we review the benefits of application of colostrum and colostrum-derived proteins in animal models and clinical trials that include chemotherapy with antimetabolic drugs, radiotherapy and surgical interventions. A majority of the reported investigations was performed with bovine colostrum (BC) and native bovine or recombinant human lactoferrin (LF), applied alone, in nutraceutics or in combination with probiotics. Apart from reducing side effects of the applied therapeutics, radiation and surgical procedures, BC and LF augmented their efficacy and improved the wellness of patients. In conclusion, colostrum and colostrum proteins, preferably administered with probiotic bacteria, are highly recommended for inclusion to therapeutic protocols in cancer chemo- and radiotherapy as well as during the surgical treatment of cancer patients

Colostrum and Lactoferrin Protect against Side Effects of Therapy with Antibiotics, Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Steroids, and Psychophysical Stress: A Comprehensive Review

In this article, we review the benefits of applying bovine colostrum (BC) and lactoferrin (LF) in animal models and clinical trials that include corticosteroid application and psychic stress, treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics. A majority of the reported investigations were performed with native bovine or recombinant human LF, applied alone or in combination with probiotics, as nutraceutics and diet supplements. Apart from reducing adverse side effects of the applied therapeutics, BC and LF augmented their efficacy and improved the wellness of patients. In conclusion, LF and complete native colostrum, preferably administered with probiotic bacteria, are highly recommended for inclusion in therapeutic protocols in NSAIDs and corticosteroid anti-inflammatory, as well as antibiotic, therapies. These colostrum-based products can also be of value for individuals subjected to prolonged psychophysical stress (mediated by endogenous corticosteroids), especially at high ambient temperatures (soldiers and emergency services), as well as physically active people and training athletes. They are also recommended for patients during recovery from trauma and surgery, which are always associated with severe psychophysical stress