Immunomodulation and Generation of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells by Probiotic Bacteria in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the therapeutic benefit and mucosal healing from specific probiotics may relate to the modulation of dendritic cells (DCs). Herein, we assessed the immunomodulatory effects of four probiotic strains including Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis natto on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, cytokine production and gene expression of signal-transducing receptors in DCs from IBD patients. Human monocyte-derived DCs from IBD patients and healthy controls were exposed to four probiotic strains. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules was assessed and supernatants were analyzed for anti-inflammatory cytokines. The gene expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), IL-12p40 and integrin \u3b1v\u3b28 were also analyzed. CD80 and CD86 were induced by most probiotic strains in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients whereas only B. bifidum induced CD80 and CD86 expression in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. IL-10 and TGF-\u3b2 production was increased in a dose-independent manner while TLR expression was decreased by all probiotic bacteria except B. bifidum in DCs from UC patients. TLR-4 and TLR-9 expression was significantly downregulated while integrin f8 was significantly increased in the DCs from CD patients. IL-12p40 expression was only significantly downregulated in DCs from CD patients. Our findings point to the general beneficial effects of probiotics in DC immunomodulation and indicate that probiotic bacteria favorably modulate the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, proinflammatory cytokines and TLRs in DCs from IBD patients

The effect of intestinal microbiota metabolites on HT29 cell line using MTT method in patients with colorectal cancer

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intestinal microbiota metabolites in colorectal cancer patients on HT29 cell line using MTT assay. Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. Human guts harbor abundant microbes that adjust many aspects of the host physiology. Increasing studies suggest that gut microbiota play a significant role in the incidence and expansion of CRC, as a result of virulence factors, bacterial metabolites, or inflammatory pathways. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 biopsy samples including 30 cancerous and 30 adjacent healthy tissues were collected from patients with CRC during 2017. Biopsy samples were first cultured on Thioglycollate broth medium for 24hr after which the microbiota metabolites were filtered and stored at -20 C degrees for further evaluation. HT29 cells were treated by microbiota metabolites at different times (3, 6, 12, 18h) and its viability was assessed by MTT assay. Results: The cells treated with microbiota metabolites showed increased viability and proliferation in time-dependent analysis by MTT assay, but there was not significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: It seems that microbial metabolites are able to induce proliferation and increase cell viability and thus induce colorectal cancer

Fetal Malpresentation in Pregnancy

Fetal presentation refers to that anatomical part of the fetus that presents at the maternal pelvic inlet. The most common and most desirable fetal presentation is cephalic (head first). Any presentation other than cephalic is referred to as a malpresentation. Breech is the most common fetal malpresentation. The prevalence of breech presentation varies with gestational age (25% at 28 weeks and 3-5% of at term). Ultrasound evaluation is the gold standard for the diagnosis of fetal presentation. External cephalic version (ECV) refers to a series of manual manipulations designed to convert a malpresenting fetus to cephalic to promote vaginal delivery. There are two strategies around the timing of ECV; at 36-37 weeks and/or at or shortly after 39 weeks’ gestation. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Currently, most breech pregnancies at term are delivered by cesarean at 39 weeks prior to the onset of labor. Malpresentation is the second most common indication for planned cesarean (behind elective repeat cesarean). Vaginal delivery for a breech fetus at term should only be attempted if the mother is strongly motivated, if the obstetric care provider is experienced, and if the medical center has the requisite facilities to manage any and all complications. This review contains 3 figures, 2 tables, and 66 references. Keywords: fetal presentation, malpresentation, breech presentation, ultrasound evaluation, external cephalic version (ECV), cesarean delivery, vaginal breech delivery</jats:p