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Severe helminth infections are negatively associated to allergic diseases like asthma; therefore, the immunomodulatory properties of parasite-derived components have been analyzed, raising the possibility of their use as anti-inflammatory molecules. We evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of recombinant cysteine protease inhibitor (rAl-CPI) in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation induced by the house dust mite (HDM) and its effects on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (HmoDCs). The sensitized/challenged mice developed extensive cellular airway inflammatory response, which was significantly reduced upon treatment with rAl-CPI prior to sensitization, affecting particularly the perivascular/peribronchial infiltrate cells, eosinophils/neutrophils, and goblet cells. A significant decrease of Th2 cytokines, total, and specific IgE antibodies was observed in rAl-CPI treated mice. The antibody response was biased to IgG, mainly IgG2a. Administration of rAl-CPI-alone and rAl-CPI before mite sensitization were associated with a significant increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in spleen and elevated IL-10 levels in BAL and splenocytes culture supernatants, which was partially affected by anti-IL10 receptor use. , rAl-CPI showed a modulatory effect on HmoDCs, lowering the expression of HLA-DR, CD83, and CD86, while inducing IL-10 and IL-6 production. This suggests an inhibition of HmoDC maturation and a possible link with the inhibition of the allergic response observed in the murine model.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) produces systemic alterations that can be reflected in biochemical parameters beyond microbiological resolution. Early characterization of the biochemical response to treatment could provide additional criteria for following up with hospitalized patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted focusing on patients with pulmonary TB from a tertiary care hospital, based on biochemical parameters upon admission (“before”) and between 2 and 10 days after starting anti-tuberculosis treatment (“after”). The patients were grouped into three clusters according to the results of the clinical tests: mild (70.1%), inflammatory (26.7%), and severe (3.2%). After the start of treatment, 30% of the patients migrated toward the most biochemically compromised phenotype (Cluster 3). Sixty-one percent showed deterioration in at least one of the three key parameters; only 12.8% improved simultaneously. Significant associations were identified between unfavorable biochemical evolution and HIV (p = 0.004) or patients with public health coverage (p = 0.01). Overall, after antituberculous therapy, a reduction in CRP and leukocytes was observed (p < 0.001), and progressive anemia (ΔHb: −1.7 g/dL) and renal deterioration (ΔCr: +0.52 mg/dL) were identified. The identification of dynamic phenotypes in patients with pulmonary TB can be used to establish early risk markers and contribute to individualized clinical surveillance.

Immunity to Ascaris lumbricoides influences the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Antibody responses to its proteins have been found to be associated with asthma presentation; however, helminth products that induce immunosuppression have been reported, which also raise specific antibodies. We aimed to evaluate antibody responses (IgE, IgG4 and IgG) to two A. lumbricoides molecules, Asc l 5 and Al-CPI (an anti-inflammatory Cysteine Protease Inhibitor), in an endemic population, exploring their relationships with the infection and asthma. The two molecules were produced as recombinant proteins in E. coli expression systems. Specific antibodies were detected by ELISA. Lower human IgE, but higher IgG4 and IgG antibody levels were observed for Al-CPI than for rAsc l 5. The IgE/IgG4 isotype ratio was significantly higher for Asc l 5 than for Al-CPI. In humans Al-CPI did not induce basophil activation as has been previously described for Asc l 5. In mice, Al-CPI induced fewer IgE responses, but more IgG2a antibody titers than rAsc l 5. Our results suggest that these molecules elicit different patterns of immune response to A. lumbricoides.

Inflammatory skin diseases represent a global health concern, affecting nearly 25% of the population. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent form, resulting from the interplay of genetic predisposition, epigenetic factors, and environmental influences. Conventional treatments include topical corticosteroids and antibiotics; however, their high cost and limited accessibility in rural populations foster reliance on medicinal  plants. Nevertheless, the lack of scientific validation regarding the safety and efficacy of herbal extracts hinders their formal therapeutic use. This study aimed to identify plant species traditionally used in the Colombian Caribbean for inflammatory skin diseases and to evaluate the safety and anti-inflammatory activity of their extracts. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight semi-rural localities of the Bolívar Department, Colombia, using TRAMIL-type questionnaires. Skin conditions were categorized into four groups: inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, and insect bites. The species with the highest fidelity index were collected, and aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts were prepared. Extracts were phytochemically characterized and evaluated in vitro using human keratinocytes (HaCaT, HeK) and murine macrophages (RAW264.7). Cell viability, cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6), alarmins (IL-25, IL-33, TSLP), nitric oxide (NO) release, and anti-inflammatory effects under TNFα/IFNγ stimulation were assessed. The survey yielded 156 records and 385 reports of traditional use. Leaves (72.73%) were the most frequently employed plant part, and poultices were the most common form of preparation. The species with the greatest therapeutic potential were Heliotropium indicum, Malachra alceifolia, and Persea americana. Extracts contained flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Aqueous extracts exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to ethanolic ones. Notably, aqueous extracts of H. indicum induced a strong pro-inflammatory response (IL-6, IL-1β, and NO), while M. alceifolia and P. americana did not stimulate inflammatory cytokines and displayed marked anti-inflammatory activity in the TNFα/IFNγ model. Traditional knowledge in the Colombian Caribbean reveals consistency in the use of plants for inflammatory skin diseases. Among them, aqueous extracts of M. alceifolia and P. americana exhibit a safe profile and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for topical formulations. Conversely, H. indicum showed high cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects, limiting its dermatological applications.

Helminth infections may have different effects on human health, including risk or protection from other diseases. Ascariasis (caused by Ascaris lumbricoides), the most common soil-transmitted helminthiasis, can induce allergic responses, and also immunosuppression. During ascariasis, antibodies for many A. lumbricoides antigens are produced; however, there is no clear information about the concurrent IgE, IgG4 and IgG production as well as their influences on the actual allergic reactions. In this study, we evaluated antibody responses to two A. lumbricoides molecules, rAsc l 5 and rAl-CPI (an anti-inflammatory product), in an A. lumbricoides endemic population and explored their relationship with the infection and asthma. Our results show that both molecules induce specific antibodies, but, in contrast to rAl-CPI, rAsc l 5 activates cells associated with allergic reactions in some individuals. All together, these data suggest that these molecules have differences in the elicited immune response. Immunity to Ascaris lumbricoides influences the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Antibody responses to its proteins have been found to be associated with asthma presentation; however, helminth products that induce immunosuppression have been reported, which also raise specific antibodies. We aimed to evaluate antibody responses (IgE, IgG4 and IgG) to two A. lumbricoides molecules, Asc l 5 and Al-CPI (an anti-inflammatory Cysteine Protease Inhibitor), in an endemic population, exploring their relationships with the infection and asthma. The two molecules were produced as recombinant proteins in E. coli expression systems. Specific antibodies were detected by ELISA. Lower human IgE, but higher IgG4 and IgG antibody levels were observed for Al-CPI than for rAsc l 5. The IgE/IgG4 isotype ratio was significantly higher for Asc l 5 than for Al-CPI. In humans Al-CPI did not induce basophil activation as has been previously described for Asc l 5. In mice, Al-CPI induced fewer IgE responses, but more IgG2a antibody titers than rAsc l 5. Our results suggest that these molecules elicit different patterns of immune response to A. lumbricoides.

Background: Fish-associated microbiota plays crucial roles in maintaining health and enhancing productivity. However, compared with those of mammals, the composition and functions of the fish microbiota remain less understood. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature was conducted to provide insights into diverse probiotic interactions and economically important fish species between Colombia and Hungary. Results: Improving growth performance, reflected by increased specific growth rates, increased weight gain, and increased feed conversion ratios, is closely linked to microbiota modulation. These growth benefits are accompanied by elevated immune responses, including increased lysozyme activity, upregulated complement and cytokine expression (e.g., IL-1β and TNF-α), and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]). Several trials also reported improvements in digestive enzyme activity (amylase, protease, and lipase) and intestinal morphology. Additionally, shifts in the gut microbiota composition characterized by a greater abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., lactic acid bacteria) and a reduction in pathogenic populations correlate with the upregulation of metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization and antioxidant defenses. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of understanding the ability of the fish microbiota to distinguish beneficial from pathogenic phenotypes, ultimately paving the way for innovative dietary strategies in aquaculture.

To analyze the impact of Ascaris lumbricoides infection on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of allergic diseases, new allergens should be identified. We report the identification of a new Ascaris lumbricoides allergen, Asc l 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and immunological features of the Asc l 5 allergen. We constructed an A. lumbricoides cDNA library and Asc l 5 was identified by immunoscreening. After purification, rAsc l 5 was physicochemically characterized. Evaluation of its allergenic activity included determination of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding frequency (in two populations: 254 children and 298 all-age subjects), CD203c based-basophil activation tests (BAT) and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model. We found by amino acid sequence analysis that Asc l 5 belongs to the SXP/RAL-2 protein family of nematodes. rAsc l 5 is a monomeric protein with an alpha-helical folding. IgE sensitization to rAsc l 5 was around 52% in general population; positive BAT rate was 60%. rAsc l 5 induced specific IgE production in mice and a positive PCA reaction. These results show that Asc l 5 has structural and immunological characteristics to be considered as a new allergen from A. lumbricoides.

Se trabajó con espectroscopía infrarroja transformada de Fourier (FT-IR) para diferenciar diez especies de micobacterias. Mycobacterium intracelullare y M. fortuitum (ATCC), M. flavensces, M. smegmatis, M. chelone, M. gordonae, M. triviale, M. vaccae, M. terrae y M. nonchromogenicum (IP). Como control de diferenciación de género se incluyó Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans y Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli, cada especie se corrió por triplicado en KBr y ATR. Los espectros se analizaron según el método de diferenciación de componentes principales, y se realizaron derivadas de primer orden (D1) en modalidad de transmisión usando la pastilla de KBr y la base ATR, además se diseñó una biblioteca espectral con la primera derivada de ATR. La sensibilidad de detección fue de 100% al trabajar con KBr y el nivel de diferenciación fue de 100% en tres de cuatro muestras problema.