N Khoramabadi, A Mohabati Mobarez, H Aghababa, B Behmanesh, B Tabaraie, F Atyabi,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: One of the proteins shared in all strains of Brucella is 31 kDa surface protein (BCPS31) that could be an appropriate target for immunization and serological diagnosis. Material and Methods: In the present study, BCSP31 produced as a recombinant protein in pET28a (+) expression system was utilized, using ELISA, to detect trace specific antibody (IgG) in brucellosis patients' serum that was confirmed by culture. We also evaluated cytokine response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to this protein in the cell culture. Results: The results indicated a significant amount of surface protein antibodies (IgG) in the serum of patients with brucellosis. Evaluation of lymphocyte responses to rBCSP31 also showed a significant IL-12 and IFN-γ production in patients’ lymphocyte cultures. Conclusion: These results suggest that BCSP31 can elicit specific humoral and cellular responses during host infection and it can be used in designing immunization and serologic diagnosis systems. Keywords: Brucellosis, 31kDa Cell Surface Protein, Brucella, Cytokine
Adedeji Okikiade, Chidinma Kanu, Oluwadamilare Iyapo, Ololade Omitogun,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
In accordance with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain a prominent contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality on a global scale. Toxemia of pregnancy is estimated to complicate 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. It is predominantly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it accounts for 26% of maternal deaths. In Africa and Asia, hypertensive disorders contribute to 9% of maternal deaths. Despite lower maternal mortality rates in high-income countries, 16% of maternal deaths can be attributed to hypertensive disorders.
The pathogenesis of the disease remains incompletely understood, but it is believed to be because of an imbalance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors. The imbalances are related to numerous triggers, namely, extreme ages, typically below 14 or over the age of 35, personal and family history of chronic Hypertension, preeclampsia, or diabetes. Additional risk factors include being overweight, primigravida, multiparity, and race (high among Black or Hispanic ethnicity). Systolic blood pressure at randomization, pre-pregnancy weight, smoking history, and the number of previous abortions or miscarriages were found to be associated with pre-eclampsia. The review aims to discuss the pathogenesis of Toxemia of pregnancy concerning the roles of cytokines and chemokines.
