The immune response to nematode infection
- Authors: Stear, Michael , Preston, Sarah , Piedrafita, David , Donskow-Łysoniewska, Katarzyna
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 24, no. 3 (2023), p.
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- Description: Nematode infection is a major threat to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Nematodes vary in their effect on the host and in the mechanisms underlying immunity but the general features are becoming clear. There is considerable variation among individuals in resistance to infection and much of this variation is due to genetic variation in the immune response. The major histocompatibility complex has a strong influence on resistance to infection but other genes are collectively more important. Resistant individuals produce more IgA, eosinophils, IgE and mast cells than susceptible individuals and this is a consequence of stronger type 2 (Th2) immune responses. A variety of factors promote Th2 responses including genetic background, diet, molecules produced by the parasite and the location of the infection. A variety of cells and molecules including proteins, glycolipids and RNA act in concert to promote responses and to regulate the response. Nematodes themselves also modulate the host response and over 20 parasite-derived immunomodulatory molecules have been identified. Different species of nematodes modulate the immune response in different ways and probably use multiple molecules. The reasons for this are unclear and the interactions among immunomodulators have still to be investigated. © 2023 by the authors.
Tryptophan and substance abuse : mechanisms and impact
- Authors: Davidson, Majid , Rashidi, Niloufar , Hossain, Md Kamal , Raza, Ali , Nurgali, Kulmira , Apostolopoulos, Vasso
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 24, no. 3 (2023), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Addiction, the continuous misuse of addictive material, causes long-term dysfunction in the neurological system. It substantially affects the control strength of reward, memory, and motivation. Addictive substances (alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, heroin, methamphetamine (METH), and nicotine) are highly active central nervous stimulants. Addiction leads to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, serious infections, and pulmonary/dental diseases. Drug dependence may result in unfavorable cognitive impairments that can continue during abstinence and negatively influence recovery performance. Although addiction is a critical global health challenge with numerous consequences and complications, currently, there are no efficient options for treating drug addiction, particularly METH. Currently, novel treatment approaches such as psychological contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement strategies are of great interest. Herein, we evaluate the devastating impacts of different addictive substances/drugs on users′ mental health and the role of tryptophan in alleviating unfavorable side effects. The tryptophan metabolites in the mammalian brain and their potential to treat compulsive abuse of addictive substances are investigated by assessing the functional effects of addictive substances on tryptophan. Future perspectives on developing promising modalities to treat addiction and the role of tryptophan and its metabolites to alleviate drug dependency are discussed. © 2023 by the authors.