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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital tract infections (GTIs) are both very common infectious diseases. Thus, accuracy and rapidity in recognition and treatment of sexually transmitted urogenital tract infections (ST-UGTIs) is a major concern in global public health systems. The application of reliable, accurate diagnostic tools is the key to definite detection, identification and treatment. This literature review focused on different characteristics of UGTIs in patients and the importance of diagnostic methodologies. The articles published and indexed from 1980 through October 2018 in the databases of PubMed and MEDLINE, as well as the Google Scholar web search engine, were collected and studied. MeSH keywords of “Sexual intercourse”, “Urinary Tract Infections”, “Genital Tract Infections” and “Toll-Like Receptors” were used for searching articles. Then, the proper articles (original and review articles) were subjected to a very rigorous selection process. The clinical symptoms and signs or asymptomatic properties of UTIs and GTIs are similar and often overlap. In many cases, the lack of suitable diagnostic techniques leads to misdiagnosed/undignosed GTIs and overdiagnosed UTIs. The outcome of poor diagnostics is failure of definite identification and treatment. The application of advanced techniques comprising PCR, microarray and next-generation sequencing promises to be more effective, together with the use of the microbial pattern of the individual’s UGT to provide reliable detection, identification and definite treatment. This will be an option in the near future.

Infectious diseases are among the factors that account for a significant proportion of disease-related deaths worldwide. The primary treatment approach to combat microbial infections is the use of antibiotics. However, the widespread use of these drugs over the past two decades has led to the emergence of resistant microbial species, making the control of microbial infections a serious challenge. One of the most important solutions in the field of combating infectious diseases is the regulation of the host's defense system. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the first primary defense against pathogens by identifying harmful endogenous molecules released from dying cells and damaged tissues as well as invading microbial agents. Therefore, they play an important role in communicating and regulating innate and adaptive immunity. Of course, excessive activation of TLRs can lead to disruption of immune homeostasis and increase the risk of inflammatory reactions. Targeting TLR signaling pathways has emerged as a new therapeutic approach for infectious diseases based on host-directed therapy (HDT). In recent years, stem cell-derived exosomes have received significant attention as factors regulating the immune system. The regulation effects of exosomes on the immune system are based on the HDT strategy, which is due to their cargoes. In general, the mechanism of action of stem cell-derived exosomes in HDT is by regulating and modulating immunity, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing host toxicity. One of their most important cargoes is microRNAs, which have been shown to play a significant role in regulating immunity through TLRs. This review investigates the therapeutic properties of stem cell-derived exosomes in combating infections through the interaction between exosomal microRNAs and Toll-like receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B virus disease is ineffective in 5% of people due to the use of HBsAg as a weak immunogenic factor. In the present study, PreS2/S fused to C18-27 peptide fragment as an effective antigen and is proposed as a promising vaccine candidate compared with the conventional vaccine prescribed in the vaccination program. Methods: After the synthesis of PreS2/S genes and C18-27 peptide fragment in pET28a, the recombinant protein was confirmed by Western blotting. The efficacy of the PreS2/SC18-27 protein was compared with the conventional vaccine injected into five groups of rats. Finally, the cytokine level of IF-r, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-a, IgG1, and IgG2a were measured using the ELISA method. Results: This study showed no significant difference between the recombinant vaccine group and PBS control group in the IF-r test, but there was a significant difference between groups testing IL-2 and IL-10. In addition, the group receiving the recombinant vaccine with CPG adjuvant at a dilution of 1/10 in the IgG total test on days 14 and 45 after the first injection showed a significant difference in comparison with other groups. Conclusion: This study showed no statistically significant difference between the recombinant protein vaccine group and the conventional vaccine group. The Th1- mediated immune responses obtained from recombinant proteins with and without CPG performed better than conventional vaccines, possibly due to the functional deficiency of the available vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Despite the vaccination with the BCG vaccine, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major health problems in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate our newly designed vaccine using IL-22 as an adjuvant in comparison with the common BCG vaccine. Methods: The gene constructs were cloned into the expression vector of pET28a and then into the recombinant vector of PET28a -- HSPX, and PPE44 was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Finally, the immunogenicity of recombinant proteins with and without BCG and IL-22 in BALB/c mice was investigated. Results: The key cytokines INF-γ and TNF-α were elevated more greatly in BCG immunized group than in PHF immunized group. Immunization with PHF showed a significant increase in IL-4 levels versus the BCG group. Adding IL-22 to the vaccine formulations indicated a tiny increase in IL-4 levels compared to their related vaccine groups. Specific total IgG1 in the experimental groups showed an increase in comparison with control groups, but in the vaccinated groups, no significant differences were observed, and the presence of IL-22 in the vaccine formulations indicated a slight decrease compared with the related mere vaccine groups. Results of specific total IgG2a in the experimental groups revealed that only in the PHF group formulated with IL-22 a significant increase occurs compared with all other experimental groups. Conclusion: It seems that BCG, as the only licensed vaccine for TB infection, could be more potent than a recombinant vaccine in the induction of cellular and humoral immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalians harbor and are exposed to various populations of microorganisms, that interact with the immune system and are able to affect the balance of immune responses. Modifications of commensal flora can result in dysregulation of immune responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are not only of importance in eliciting the immune responses against pathogens, but also show a significant role in the homeostasis of commensal microbiota and in the response to hazard signals and stress. Here, we review a summary of the TLRs function and the relationship between the immune system and the microbiome in autoimmune diseases' development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: A main contest in chemotherapy is to obtain regulator above the biodistribution of cytotoxic drugs. The utmost promising strategy comprises of drugs coupled with a tumor-targeting bearer that results in wide cytotoxic activity and particular delivery. The B-subunit of Shiga toxin (STxB) is nontoxic and possesses low immunogenicity that exactly binds to the globotriaosylceramide (Gb3/CD77). Gb3/CD77 extremely expresses on a number of human tumors such as pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer and acts as a functional receptor for Shiga toxin (STx). Then, this toxin can be applied to target Gb3-positive human tumors. In this study, we evaluated DT390-STXB chimeric protein as a new anti-tumor candidate via genetically fusing the DT390 fragment of DT538 (Native diphtheria toxin) to STxB. Methods: This study intended to investigate the DT390- STxB fusion protein structure in silico. Considering the Escherichia coli codon usage, the genomic construct was designed. The properties and the structure of the protein were determined by an in silico technique. The mRNA structure and the physicochemical characteristics, construction, and the stability of the designed chimeric protein were analyzed using computational and bioinformatics tools and servers. Hence, the GOR4 and I-TASSER online web servers were used to predict the secondary and tertiary structures of the designed protein. Results: The results demonstrated that codon adaptation index (CAI) of dt390-stxB chimeric gene raised from 0.6 in the wild type to 0.9 in the chimeric optimized gene. The mfold data revealed that the dt390-stxB mRNA was completely stable to be translated effectively in the novel host. The normal activity of the fusion protein determined by considering the secondary and tertiary structure of each construct. Energy calculation data indicated that the thermodynamic ensemble for mRNA structure was -427.40 kJ/mol. The stability index (SI) of DT390-STxB was 36.95, which is quite appropriate to preserve the stability of the construct. Ultimately, the DT390-STxB was classified as a steady fusion protein according to the Ramachandran plot. Conclusion: Our results showed that DT390-STXB was a stable chimeric protein and it can be recruited as a candidate of novel anti-tumor agents for the development of breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite major advances in cancer research, breast cancer still remains the most common cancer in women. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, including at least 5 subtypes. Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in the patients denotes poor prognosis leading to a reduced survival rate compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. Therefore, HER2 can be a potential therapeutic target. To enhance the potency of HER2 blockers, the conjugation of specific cyto- toxic agentswith these types of anticancer agentsmay be successful. Application of antibody-based agents are important emerging anticancer therapies. One novel approach to increase the potency of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is combining themwith toxic molecules. Objectives: Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE), ricin toxin (RT), and others in veryminor quantities can bemore potent and biologically active for this purpose. Methods: In this study,we used trastuzumab as a ligand forHER2 receptor alongwith Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38) and A subunit of Shiga toxin 2a (Stx2a). This fusion protein selectively bound to the HER2 receptor. Upon uptake by the target cells, apoptosis and cell eradicationwas observed. An in silicomethodwas used before the in vitro study to illustrate the properties and construction of theprotein. Physicochemicalproperties, structure, stability, andligand-receptor interactionof this chimericproteinwerepredicted bymeans of computational and bioinformatics tools and servers. Results: The results of this study showed that codon adaptation index of s1 and p2 fusion gene has improved to 0.98 and .99, respectively. The mfold result has revealed that s1 and p2 mRNA were stable sufficient for efficient translation in the new host. Based on Ramachandran plot, s1 and p2 were categorized as constant fusion protein. Conclusions: Finally, based on docking software analysis, the binding ability of Herceptin was robust enough to its receptor, so these constructs could be assigned as a newantitumor candidate in cancer therapy. The results suggested that s1 and p2were stable fusion proteins with accurate affinity to the overexpressed receptorsmaking thempotential candidates for inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) has central role in cancer therapy because it causes tumour progression in many cases. The EGFR has seven ligands. Each factor that can block this binding, inhibits the intracellular signal transduction and prevents progression of the tumours. Immune system response is the most important factor for suppressing the initial stage of tumour growth and destroying some initial malignant cells, daily. On the other hand, tumours have different mechanisms to hide their antigens and escape from immune system responses. In contrary, tumours use some mechanisms to escape from immune system such as: 1) use of TGF-β to initiate angiogenesis and immune suppression; 2) Induces Treg cell activation to modulate other immune cells; 3) secretion of the prostaglandin E2 to convert T cell into Treg. So, if a superantigen fused to one of the EGFR-ligands, causes the induction of immune system responses against the tumour cells. One of the new methods is based on the use of the fused super antigen with a ligand of the EGFR to inhibit ligand attaching to the EGFR and inducing immune system responses. To achieve this goal, we can block binding of EGFR to their ligands in the extracellular domain by fusing ligands with bacterial superantigens, toxins or cytokines of the viruses and plants that can induce immune system responses and kill malignant cells. So, the fused ligand can both block signal transduction and induce immune system response against malignant cells. In addition, with combining traditional drugs, high efficacy of the tumour treatment can be achieved. The aim of this review is to assess the mentioned strategy for targeting tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human skin encompasses a vast variety of microorganisms which construct the structure of skin microflora. Bacteria and yeasts may be the pioneers of the human skin normal flora. The anatomical situations and physicochemical conditions determine the demography of the microbial populations. Among different types of microbial populations, Propionibacterium acnes is the predominant member in the skin areas of back, face and chest. Although this bacterium is part of the normal flora, Propionibacterium acnes contributes to the disease of acne vulgaris. By the progression of scientific disciplines such as Microbiology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology, it is going to be clear that some strains of Propionibacterium acnes are useful and good bacteria and some strains are harmful and bad bacteria. Therefore, in this review, the authors have a look on different characteristics of P.acnes and the related skin disease of acne vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Bacterial skin diseases caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis are known as a big problem in the field of treating management of infectious diseases. Progression of resistant strains has led to use phototherapy in parallel with pharmacotherapy. In this short survey, we tried to obtain a logic Ultraviolet Radiation protocol to induce the process of programmed cell death in irradiated Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: The samples of Staphylococcus epidermidis were classified in 4 categories. Each plate which is known as a category included well-grown colonies of bacteria. One plate was taken as a control sample and the left three plates were irradiated by UVB (302 nm) in 10 minutes from the distance of 8 cm. The irradiated plates were kept in a dark cell and for 1, 24 and 72 hours respectively. Then, total genomic DNA molecules pertaining to all of the colonies comprising control and irradiated samples were harvested by DNP kit and the extracted DNA molecules were running upon the 1% agarose gel together with ethidium bromide. Results: Control and irradiated samples were studied for probable changes in their macroscopic, microscopic characteristics and then the DNA pattern relating to each group was detected for any variation including smear or DNA laddering bands. No changes were observed in different bacterial properties. No apoptosis were observed in irradiated samples. Conclusion: UVB is a strong apoptosis stimulus in organisms. However, authors of the present study strongly reject the apoptotic effect of UVB irradiation in the format of the present protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is known as a considerable disease with high morbidity and mortality within adult's populations. There are different types of cancers with a wide range of distributions and risk factors worldwide. Vaginal cancers are limited but may lead to high morbidity and mortality. Vaginal cancers have several predisposing factors, but HPV is recognized as the most important viral causative agent for vaginal cancers. There are different types of diagnostics for detecting HPV vaginal cancers. A qualified Pap smear is recognized as an invaluable screening program for early detection of HPV vaginal cancers. The incidence of vaginal cancers has significantly decreased in industrialized countries because of qualified performance of Pap smear. The most morbidity and mortality relating to vaginal cancers are reported from developing countries. There are different types of treating procedures including cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrosurgical procedures, radiotherapy and pharmacotherapy. The result of treatments in patients is checked via molecular diagnostic techniques which are known as gold standard approaches. Limitation of risk factors and application of vaccines are confirmed as favor preventing methods. The aim of this article is to review the subtitle of vaginal cancer staging, epidemiology of HPV vaginal cancers, viral characteristics and pathogenesis of HPV vaginal cancers, clinical demonstrations of HPV vaginal cancers diagnosis, treatment and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidiasis is a wide spread opportunistic fungal infectious disease which involves different parts of human body. Based on anatomic location, there are several kinds of candidiasis caused by opportunistic dimorphic fungus of Candida. Oral candidiasis as a common fungal mouth infection is divided into two groups of acute and chronic forms. Acute Pseudomembranous Candidiasis (thrush), Acute Erythematous Candidiasis (AEC), Chronic Erythematous Candidiasis (CEC), and Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis (CHC) are four types of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Age and risks factors are two important variables that change the incidence rate of candidiasis. Thrush is the most common pediatric oral candidiasis. Parental consciousness, appropriate diet, proper hygiene, accurate diagnosis, well management and definitive treatment are required to prevent, to control and to treat pediatric fungal infection of thrush. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram positive bacterium. In recent years, the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections has been steadily increased around the world. Nowaday, the phototherapy is a suitable alternative as a cheap and effective treatment and in some cases can be used in parallel with chemotherapy. That is why, in this survey, we tried to detect the eventual apoptosis feature in UVB-irradiated colonies of Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: The bacterial sample was harvested from the microbial collection center of Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Qods branch, Microbiology laboratory. The colonies of Staphylococcus aureus were radiated by UVB beam and then, the DNA molecules belonging to control and irradiated colonies were extracted by DNP kit. Next after DNA extraction, the DNA molecules mixed in loading dye were run in 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Following the electrophoresis, the UV transilluminator was used to observe the orange luminescent DNA bands formed in agarose gel. Outcomes: As it was indicated by experimental practices in the present investigation, no abnormalities, neither DNA laddering bands (apoptosis) nor smears (necrosis), were detected. Conclusions: According to the results showing the lack of DNA denaturation after UVB light exposure, a hypothesis could be advanced on the role of the Heat shock proteins and in particular, HSP70 which would act as an anti-apoptotic mechanism inhibiting the induction of apoptosis in UVB lightexposed colonies of Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The most common uropathogenic Gram negative bacteria are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The purpose of this study was to determine the three most frequent bacterial agents causing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in patients who referred to Central Laboratory of Dr. Shariati Hospital, during 2 years (January 2006- December 2007). Materials and methods: The registered data were checked and collected by the questionnaires as a retrospective epidemiological survey. Then, the Chi Square tests were performed by SPSS software. Outcomes: The results of the present survey revealed that, the first two bacterial agents in different seasons were similar through the surveillance while the third one was variable. The first two frequent bacteria were respectively, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: The gram negative bacteria of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common uropathogenic bacteria causing UTI. According to the statistical calculations, there was significant association between UTI caused by Escherichia coli and female gender (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) involve complicated microbial diseases which rank among first four deathful diseases around the globe. Classical and traditional microbiologic and serologic assays are not useful for an accurate and definite diagnosis and treatment. The nucleic acid based and molecular technologies are capable to provide us an effective diagnostic tool for a definite treatment. Among a vast range of molecular diagnostic tools microarray is an invaluable technique with rapid, accurate, sensitive, specific and cost effective properties. For this reason, this review has paid an especial attention to application of microarray for diagnosing RTIs. This article has been prepared via searching different types of articles regarding to the topic throughout the Internet. Google Scholar and PubMed were used for the most. Simultaneously, the experiences of the authors were helpful for riting this review literature. The results from different surveys confirm the application of microarray technology as an accurate, rapid, sensitive, specific, and cost effective technology to have an accurate and definite diagnosis and treatment in association with RTIs. We conclude that microarray technology is an appropriate m ultiparametric diagnostic technique which may be used in large scale clinical applications to decrease the rate of mortality among patients with RTIs worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are important viral infections which may cause different infections in human hosts. There are two types of HSVs including HSV-1 and HSV-2. In most cases HSV infections are asymptomatic, which is life threatening for pregnant women and their newborns. For this reason we have an eye on HSV, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of HSV infections in pregnant women. This review has been made by searching several reviews and original articles in different search engines and databases within Internet. The results show that HSV infections are one of the most encountered sexual transmitted diseases. The rate of prevalence and incidence of HSV infections is high in developing countries. Multisexual partnership and unsecured sexual intercourse increase the risk of infections. In conclusion, healthy sexual relationship reduces the possibility of the HSV infections among pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacotherapy is a routine methodology for treating infectious diseases. But in recent decade, the escalation of antibacterial resistance in pathogenic bacteria has led to significant ineffective and indefinite treatment. The global wave of problems followed by multidrug resistant bacteria includes a considerable increase in morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs among patients with nosocomial infections. Some of pathogenic antibacterial resistant strains are detected as false antibacterial susceptible strains via routine clinical diagnostics. According to myriad diversity among multidrug resistant bacteria, the use of advanced and molecular diagnostic tools is a must for obtaining an accurate and rapid result. In this article we are trying to discuss about the importance of multidrug resistant bacteria from different aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today reliability, rapidity and accuracy in clinical diagnostics are the first choices. Combination of molecular techniques and Bioinformatics have upgraded diagnostic methods and treating managements. Among advanced clinical technologies, microarrays are effective diagnostics in medicine. Medical microbiology is consisted of medical bacteriology, medical mycology, and medical virology; clinical diagnostics of infectious and non-infectious diseases, gene expression profiling, genetic disorders, detection of pathogenic microbial agents and treatment are different pieces of medicine puzzles. The applications of microarrays in medicine are in progress. The most important problem for public use of microarrays is their expensive costs. Covering the costs of microarray technologies will change them into a gold standard method for diagnosing and treatment in public medical centers, laboratories and hospitals around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute otitis media is the most common multifactorial pediatric infectious disease which annually may lead to an extended consumption of antibiotic worldwide. Acute otitis media is known as a bacterial-viral co-infection pediatric disease which is detectable through a trimeric clinical criterion of acute symptoms, middle ear inflammation and middle ear effusion. There is no gold standard diagnostic approach for acute otitis media yet. Many efforts have been made for producing effective influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to prevent the increase of acute otitis media among infants, young children and children. Accurate diagnostic methods, vaccination, breastfeeding, standard lifestyle, proper socioeconomic condition, and prompt antibiotic therapy are all the basic principles for a successful handling of acute otitis media management. Until yet, antibiotic therapy via amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavu-lanate is the most acceptable method for managing and treating pediatric patients with AOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen which causes urinary tract candidiasis in humans. In this research, we tried to find out the frequency of the Urinary Tract Infections associated with Candida albicans in patients who referred to Central Laboratory of Dr. Shariati Hospital, during 2 years (April 2006- April 2008). Materials and Methods: According to the archived recorded data, the questionnaires were filled out. At the end of this retrospective research, the statistical tests of Chi Square were operated through SPSS software version 15. Outcomes: The results showed that, the Urinary Tract Infections associated with Candida albicans included 6.8% of patients. The remaining 93.2% of Urinary Tract Infections had related to bacterial pathogens. Conclusions: The statistical analyses confirmed the significant association between Urinary Tract Infections caused by Candida albicans and female gender (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study on the side effects of the nanoparticles (NPs) can provide useful information regarding their biological and medical applications. Herein, the colloidal stability of the silicon dioxide NPs (SiO 2 NPs) in the absence and presence of tau was investigated by TEM and DLS techniques. Afterwards, the thermodynamic parameters of interaction between SiO 2 NPs and tau were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy and docking studies. Finally, the cytotoxic effects of SiO 2 NPs on the viability of PC12 cells were investigated by MTT, AO/EB staining and flow cytometry assays. TEM, DLS, and zeta potential investigations revealed that tau can reduce the colloidal stability of SiO 2 NPs. Fluorescence spectroscopy study indicated that SiO 2 NPs bound to the tau with high affinity through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Docking study also determined that Ser, Thr and Tyr residues provide a polar microenvironment for SiO 2 NPs/tau interaction. Cellular studies demonstrated that SiO 2 NPs can induce cell mortality through both apoptosis and necrosis mechanisms. Therefore, it may be concluded that the biological systems such as nervous system proteins can affect the colloidal stability of NPs and vice versa NPs in the biological systems can bind to proteins and cell membranes non-specifically and may induce toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a global problem nowadays, causing health difficulty with increasing mortality rates, which doesn't have a verified treatment. SARS-CoV-2 infection has various pathological and epidemiological characteristics, one of them is increased amounts of cytokine production, which in order activate an abnormal unrestricted response called "cytokine storm". This event contributes to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which results in respiratory failure and pneumonia and is the great cause of death associated with Covid-19. Endotoxemia and the release of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) from the lumen into the bloodstream enhance proinflammatory cytokines. SARS-CoV-2 can straightly interplay with endotoxins via its S protein, leading to the extremely elevating release of cytokines and consequently increase the harshness of Covid-19. In this review, we will discuss the possible role of viral-bacterial interaction that occurs through the transfer of bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the intestine into the bloodstream, exacerbating the severity of Covid-19 and cytokine storms. • SARS-CoV-2 infection can increased amounts of cytokine production. • Interaction between viral and bacterial can be transfer bacterial products into the bloodstream. • SARS-CoV-2 infection can be activated an abnormal unrestricted response called "cytokine storm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms known as microbiota colonize the host body. The microbiome plays an important role in human health and colonizes hundreds of different species of multicellular organisms so that they are introduced as the metaorganisms. Changes in the microbial population of the gut microbiome may cause resistance to pathogenic bacteria-induced infection. Understanding the principles of Host-Microbiota Interactions (HMIs) is important because it clarifies our insight towards the mechanisms of infections established in the host. Interactions between the host and the microbiota help answer the question of how a microorganism can contribute to the health or disease of the host. Microbiota can increase host resistance to colonization of pathogenic species. Studying the HMIs network can in several ways delineate the pathogenic mechanisms of pathogens and thereby help to increase useful and novel therapeutic pathways. For example, the potentially unique microbial effects that target the distinct host or interfere with the endogenous host interactions can be identified. In addition, the way mutations in essential proteins in the host and/or in the microbes can influence the interactions between them may be determined. Furthermore, HMIs help in identifying host cell regulatory modules. • The human microbiota play a critical role as a double blade sword in health/disease establishment or formation. • Gut Microbiota Colonize in the best microbial ratio to interact with f human immune system to form the best physiological hemostasis. • Human Microbiome could consider as a host metabolite-producing regulator. • Bacteria are able to sense chemicals and nutrients that are present in their surrounding and employ antimicrobial peptide against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotoxins are protein-based drugs consist of a target-specific binding domain and a cytotoxic domain to eliminate target cells. Such compounds are potentially therapeutic to combat diseases such as cancer. Generally, the B-subunit of Shiga toxin (STXB) receptor, globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), is expressed in high amounts on a number of human tumors cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated a new antitumor candidate called DT389-STXB chimeric protein, which genetically fused the DT to B-subunit of Shiga-like toxin (STXB). First a chimeric protein, encoding DT389-STXB was synthesized. The optimized chimeric protein expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3) and confirmed by anti-His Western blot analysis. T47D, SKBR3, 4T1 and MCF7 cell lines were treated separately with purified DT389-STXB recombinant protein and functional activity of DT389-STXB was analyzed by the cell enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA), MTT, ICC, Western blot and apoptosis tests. The results indicated that the recombinant DT389-STXB fusion protein with a molecular weight of 53 kDa was successfully expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3) and the anti-His western-blot was used to confirm the presence of the protein. The DT389-STXB fusion protein attached to T47D, SKBR3 and 4T1 cell lines with the proper affinity and induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity against GB3-expressing cancer cells in vitro. Our results showed that DT389-STXB fusion protein may be a promising candidate for antitumor therapy agent against breast cancer; however, further studies are required to explore its efficacy in vivo for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The scFv(Herceptin)-PE-STXA and scFv(Herceptin)-PE are a synthetic fusion protein. • Immunotoxins incubation dose-dependently reduces the SKBR-3 cells proliferation. • The cell ELISA was used to determine the binding ability of immunotoxins to the cell receptor. • Imunotoxins can attach to HER2-positive breast cancer cells Target-specific transport of therapeutic agents holds promise to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment by decreasing injury to normal tissues and post treatment problems. HER2 is a tumor cell surface marker that is expressed in 25–30 % of breast cancer patients. The significant role of HER2 in cancer development and its biological feature makes it a highly appealing goal for the therapeutic treatment of cancer targeted therapy using HER2 monoclonal antibody. This approach is currently used as a special treatment against breast cancer in some research. In the present study, HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), (Herceptin) fused to PE38 by recombinant DNA technology and a new recombinant IT was developed. The scFv(Herceptin)-PE-STXA and scFv(Herceptin)-PE fusions cloned in pET28a and recombinant protein expression was carried out and then the proteins were purified. MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cells were used as HER2-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity of its evaluated using MTT assay. The cell ELISA was used to determine the binding ability of immunotoxins (ITs) to the cell receptor and internalization and apoptosis were also assessed. The results revealed that cell cytotoxicity occurred in SKBR-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner but not in MCF-7 cells. It is possible that this ITs can attach to HER2-positive breast cancer cells and then, internalize and eradicate cancer cells by apoptosis. Here, we concluded that the recombinant ITs have therapeutic potential against HER2-positive breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B virus disease is ineffective in 5% of people due to the use of HBsAg as a weak immunogenic factor. In the present study, PreS2/S fused to C18-27 peptide fragment as an effective antigen and is proposed as a promising vaccine candidate compared with the conventional vaccine prescribed in the vaccination program., Methods: After the synthesis of PreS2/S genes and C18-27 peptide fragment in pET28a, the recombinant protein was confirmed by Western blotting. The efficacy of the PreS2/S-C18-27 protein was compared with the conventional vaccine injected into five groups of rats. Finally, the cytokine level of IF-r, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-a, IgG1, and IgG2a were measured using the ELISA method., Results: This study showed no significant difference between the recombinant vaccine group and PBS control group in the IF-r test, but there was a significant difference between groups testing IL-2 and IL-10. In addition, the group receiving the recombinant vaccine with CPG adjuvant at a dilution of 1/10 in the IgG total test on days 14 and 45 after the first injection showed a significant difference in comparison with other groups., Conclusion: This study showed no statistically significant difference between the recombinant protein vaccine group and the conventional vaccine group. The Th1- mediated immune responses obtained from recombinant proteins with and without CPG performed better than conventional vaccines, possibly due to the functional deficiency of the available vaccines., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Background & Objective: Despite the vaccination with the BCG vaccine, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major health problems in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate our newly designed vaccine using IL-22 as an adjuvant in comparison with the common BCG vaccine., Methods: The gene constructs were cloned into the expression vector of pET28a and then into the recombinant vector of PET28a - HSPX, and PPE44 was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Finally, the immunogenicity of recombinant proteins with and without BCG and IL-22 in BALB/c mice was investigated., Results: The key cytokines INF-γ and TNF-α were elevated more greatly in BCG immunized group than in PHF immunized group. Immunization with PHF showed a significant increase in IL-4 levels versus the BCG group. Adding IL-22 to the vaccine formulations indicated a tiny increase in IL-4 levels compared to their related vaccine groups.Specific total IgG1 in the experimental groups showed an increase in comparison with control groups, but in the vaccinated groups, no significant differences were observed, and the presence of IL-22 in the vaccine formulations indicated a slight decrease compared with the related mere vaccine groups. Results of specific total IgG2a in the experimental groups revealed that only in the PHF group formulated with IL-22 a significant increase occurs compared with all other experimental groups., Conclusion: It seems that BCG, as the only licensed vaccine for TB infection, could be more potent than a recombinant vaccine in the induction of cellular and humoral immune responses., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Hepatitis B and C viruses are one of the leading causes of health problems in the world and early diagnosis and treatment of them are very important. Thereby, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of usable diagnostic tests for the detection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the clinical setting and to compare them with each other., Materials and Methods: In this review article, we have searched major online databases, including PubMed and EMBASE. 42 retrieved articles were published between January 2000 and January 2020, which are summarized in this review., Results: Immunoassay approaches are general techniques for the identification of pathogenic agents, among which ELISA is the gold standard for the detection of HBsAg. While serological techniques are not conclusive, molecular assays are really important because of the high sensitivity to detect chronic hepatitis B without HBeAg, in which viral loads are very low. Biosensors have more elevated selectivity and sensitivity and faster responses compared to other methods., Conclusion: This study suggests that all of the molecular, serological, and biotechnological assays have advantages and disadvantages for diagnosing hepatitis B and C viruses which are dependent on the condition, so we should choose one of them in regards to the time, cost, and laboratory equipment along with the clinical symptoms., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background & Objective: A main contest in chemotherapy is to obtain regulator above the biodistribution of cytotoxic drugs. The utmost promising strategy comprises of drugs coupled with a tumor-targeting bearer that results in wide cytotoxic activity and particular delivery. The B-subunit of Shiga toxin (STxB) is nontoxic and possesses low immunogenicity that exactly binds to the globotriaosylceramide (Gb3/CD77). Gb3/CD77 extremely expresses on a number of human tumors such as pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer and acts as a functional receptor for Shiga toxin (STx). Then, this toxin can be applied to target Gb3-positive human tumors. In this study, we evaluated DT390-STXB chimeric protein as a new anti-tumor candidate via genetically fusing the DT390 fragment of DT538 (Native diphtheria toxin) to STxB., Methods: This study intended to investigate the DT390- STxB fusion protein structure in silico. Considering the Escherichia coli codon usage, the genomic construct was designed. The properties and the structure of the protein were determined by an in silico technique. The mRNA structure and the physicochemical characteristics, construction, and the stability of the designed chimeric protein were analyzed using computational and bioinformatics tools and servers. Hence, the GOR4 and I-TASSER online web servers were used to predict the secondary and tertiary structures of the designed protein., Results: The results demonstrated that codon adaptation index (CAI) of dt390-stxB chimeric gene raised from 0.6 in the wild type to 0.9 in the chimeric optimized gene. The mfold data revealed that the dt390-stxB mRNA was completely stable to be translated effectively in the novel host. The normal activity of the fusion protein determined by considering the secondary and tertiary structure of each construct. Energy calculation data indicated that the thermodynamic ensemble for mRNA structure was -427.40 kJ/mol. The stability index (SI) of DT390-STxB was 36.95, which is quite appropriate to preserve the stability of the construct. Ultimately, the DT390-STxB was classified as a steady fusion protein according to the Ramachandran plot., Conclusion: Our results showed that DT390-STXB was a stable chimeric protein and it can be recruited as a candidate of novel anti-tumor agents for the development of breast cancer treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declared that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Background: Recently, nanomaterials have moved into biological and medicinal implementations like cancer therapy. Therefore, before clinical trials, their binding to plasma proteins like human serum albumin (HSA) and their cytotoxic effects against normal and cancer cell lines should be addressed., Methods: Herein, the interaction of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) with HSA was studied by means of fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and docking studies. Afterwards, the cytotoxic impacts of MgO NPs on human leukemia cell line (K562) and peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry assays to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis., Results: It was demonstrated that MgO NPs spontaneously form a static complex with HSA molecules through hydrophobic interactions. Docking study based on the size of NPs demonstrated that different linkages can be established between MgO NPs and HSA. The CD investigation explored that MgO NPs did not alter the secondary structure of HSA. Cellular studies revealed that MgO NPs induced cytotoxicity against K562 cell lines, whereas no adverse effects were detected on PBMCs up to optimum applied concentration of MgO NPs. It was exhibited that ROS production mediated by IC50 concentrations of MgO NPs caused apoptosis-associated cell death. The pre-incubation of K562 with ROS scavenger (curcumin) inhibited the impact of MgO NPs -based apoptosis on cell fate, revealing the upstream effect of ROS in our system., Conclusion: In summary, MgO NPs may exhibit strong plasma distribution and mediate apoptosis by ROS induction in the cancer cell lines. These data demonstrate a safe aspect of MgO NPs on the proteins and normal cells and their application as a distinctive therapeutic approach in the cancer treatment., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.