Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kaline Arnauts, Padhmanand Sudhakar, Sare Verstockt, Cynthia Lapierre, Selina Potche, Clara Caenepeel, Bram Verstockt, Jeroen Raes, Severine Vermeire, Joao Sabino, Catherine Verfaillie, Marc Ferrante
Summary: Microbial dysbiosis is a known phenomenon in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, but the exact mechanism behind host-microbial interactions remains unclear. This study found that the transcriptional response of epithelial cells was not different between patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and non-IBD controls following exposure to microbiota. However, UC microbiota exposure led to a significant decrease in epithelial barrier integrity, regardless of the origin of the epithelial cells. Furthermore, UC microbiota induced stress responses in all epithelial cells, while responses to healthy volunteer (HV) microbiota were milder.
Article
Microbiology
Suresh Kumar, Mehak Zahoor Khan, Neha Khandelwal, Chen Chongtham, Biplab Singha, Ankita Dabla, Debashree Behera, Archana Singh, Balasubramanian Gopal, G. Aneeshkumar Arimbasseri, Siddhesh S. Kamat, Vinay Kumar Nandicoori
Summary: EmbR, a transcription factor, plays crucial roles in modulating cellular morphology, antibiotic resistance, and survival in the host. The study highlights EmbR as a key regulator of the hypoxic response in mycobacterial survival.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arnab Roy, Puja Kumari Agnivesh, Shashikanta Sau, Sunil Kumar, Nitin Pal Kalia
Summary: In tuberculosis (TB), the battle between the human host and Mycobacterium tuberculosis involves intricate interactions with immune cells. The pathogen has developed a complex system to evade immune cells, leading to persistence and limiting clearance by the host. Host-directed therapies, which target immune pathways, are emerging approaches to curb mycobacterial infections by modulating host responses. This review discusses the role of immune cells during M. tuberculosis proliferation, provides an updated understanding of immunopathogenesis, and explores host-modulating options for pathogen clearance.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Anjna Kumari, Isha Pahuja, Kriti Negi, Antara Ghoshal, Suparba Mukopadhyay, Meetu Agarwal, Babu Mathew, Jaswinder Singh Maras, Shivam Chaturvedi, Ashima Bhaskar, Ved Prakash Dwivedi
Summary: This study explores the immunomodulatory potential of withaferin A (WA) as an immunotherapeutic against tuberculosis (TB). WA can restrict the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by enhancing host immune responses and can be used in combination with isoniazid. WA directs host macrophages towards defensive polarization and enhances T(H)1 and T(H)17 immune responses against M. tuberculosis infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Susana Flores-Villalva, Cian Reid, Aude Remot, Stephen Gordon, Kieran G. Meade
Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases in humans. A study investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on calves and found that it enhanced their antimicrobial and immune responses to Mycobacterium bovis BCG challenge.
VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sogol Alebouyeh, Jorge A. Cardenas-Pestana, Lucia Vazquez, Rafael Prados-Rosales, Patricia Del Portillo, Joaquin Sanz, Maria Carmen Menendez, Maria J. Garcia
Summary: This study investigated the transcriptional and lipidomic responses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis during growth arrest and iron deprivation. The results indicate that environmental iron levels play a key role in modulating the intensity of transcriptional adaptations during the transition between dividing and dormant-like phenotypes in vitro.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Anmol Raien, Sofia Davis, Michelle Zhang, David Zitser, Michelle Lin, Graysen Pitcher, Krishna Bhalodia, Selvakumar Subbian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (P13K/AKT/mTOR) pathway is crucial in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis and infection. Manipulating this pathway has potential benefits for host-directed therapies. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus shows promise in TB treatment by reducing glycolytic activity and mitigating lung inflammation.
Article
Immunology
Dora E. Corzo-Leon, Donna M. MacCallum, Carol A. Munro
Summary: Malassezia species are important members of the normal mycobiota, colonizing sebum-rich skin regions and causing various infections. The study observed differences in skin responses to Malassezia sympodialis under oily and non-oily skin conditions, affecting the expression of immune-related genes and protein levels in the tissue.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Charul Jani, Sydney L. Solomon, Joshua M. Peters, Stephanie C. Pringle, Amelia E. Hinman, Julie Boucau, Bryan D. Bryson, Amy K. Barczak
Summary: Targeting host inflammatory pathways could improve sterilization or post-treatment lung health in tuberculosis (TB), but our understanding of the inflammatory pathways triggered by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is incomplete. By taking an unbiased approach, we identified the most central pathways in the host response to Mtb, which could lead to precise therapeutic interventions.
Article
Immunology
Xiyuan Bai, Deepshikha Verma, Cindy Garcia, Ariel Musheyev, Kevin Kim, Lorelenn Fornis, David E. Griffith, Li Li, Nicholas Whittel, Jacob Gadwa, Tamara Ohanjanyan, Matthew J. Eggleston, Manuel Galvan, Brian M. Freed, Diane Ordway, Edward D. Chan
Summary: Cigarette smoke exposure can impair the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. In this study, it was found that cigarette smoke-exposed T regulatory cells (Tregs) can exacerbate MTB infection by impairing macrophage function and promoting immunosuppression. This was demonstrated through co-culture experiments and mouse models. These findings suggest that cigarette smoke not only directly affects immune cells, but also indirectly promotes TB infection through the modulation of Tregs.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Li Wei, Kai Liu, Qingzhi Jia, Hui Zhang, Qingli Bie, Bin Zhang
Summary: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major health issue, as the bacteria can replicate and persist in host cells. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in regulating the host response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, with potential clinical implications for tuberculosis diagnosis and therapy development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pakorn Aiewsakun, Pinidphon Prombutara, Tegar Adriansyah Putra Siregar, Thanida Laopanupong, Phongthon Kanjanasirirat, Tanawadee Khumpanied, Suparerk Borwornpinyo, Pirut Tong-Ngam, Alisa Tubsuwan, Prapaporn Srilohasin, Angkana Chaiprasert, Wuthiwat Ruangchai, Prasit Palittapongarnpim, Therdsak Prammananan, Brian C. VanderVen, Marisa Ponpuak
Summary: A clonal outbreak of multidrug-resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Thailand was identified, showing up-regulation of genes involved in cholesterol degradation and ESX-1 secretion system during intracellular infection. Inhibiting these pathways could potentially be a target for new drugs against this emerging multidrug-resistant strain.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Paolo Miotto, Rita Sorrentino, Stefano De Giorgi, Roberta Provvedi, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Riccardo Manganelli
Summary: Bacterial drug resistance poses a serious threat to human health, with tuberculosis being a high-risk infection due to limited drugs available against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Drug resistance in bacteria is often caused by point mutations in drug targets, but changes in transcriptional regulation post-drug exposure also play a significant role and should be further explored for potential new drug targets and intervention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mariateresa Coppola, Rachel P-J. Lai, Robert J. Wilkinson, Tom H. M. Ottenhoff
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gap regarding pulmonary expression of Mtb genes, revealing high concordance in the in vivo expressed genes among different datasets and species. It suggests that the consistently and highly expressed genes in vivo could be novel targets for future TB vaccine and drug development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nguyen Ky Phat, Nguyen Tran Nam Tien, Nguyen Ky Anh, Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, Yoon Ah Lee, Hoang Kim Tu Trinh, Kieu-Minh Le, Sangzin Ahn, Yong-Soon Cho, Seongoh Park, Dong Hyun Kim, Nguyen Phuoc Long, Jae-Gook Shin
Summary: This study investigated the expression of lipid-related genes during anti-TB treatment and their potential use as biomarkers of treatment response. The expression levels of 10 genes were altered during standard anti-TB treatment. The 10-lipid-gene signature could distinguish patients with TB from those with latent tuberculosis infection and non-TB controls, and it could also be useful for monitoring response to anti-TB treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Saurabh Mehta, Samantha L. Huey, Padmini S. Ghugre, Ramesh D. Potdar, Sudha Venkatramanan, Jesse T. Krisher, Caleb J. Ruth, Harsha Chopra, Aparna Thorat, Varsha Thakker, Lynn Johnson, Laura Powis, Yadurshini Raveendran, Jere D. Haas, Julia L. Finkelstein, Shobha A. Udipi
Summary: Daily consumption of iron and zinc biofortified pearl millet-based complementary foods did not significantly improve iron biomarkers or growth in children living in Mumbai's urban slums. However, the intervention had a significant impact on hemoglobin concentrations in male children and those with iron deficiency or iron depletion at baseline.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Stacy P. Griswold, Anastasia Marshak, Merry Fitzpatrick, Daniele Lantagne, Kate Shoenmakers, Marlene Hebie, Anne Radday, Hugo De Groote, Saurabh Mehta, Greg Gottlieb, Patrick Webb, Shibani Ghosh
Summary: This study aims to implement and measure the effects of a multi-level multi-sectoral social behavior change intervention in Agago District of Northern Uganda and determine its potential for scale-up. The study design utilizes a cluster-randomized controlled trial, comparing two intervention approaches (Nutrition Impact and Positive Practice vs. NIPP+) and a control group. The findings will contribute to understanding the impact of different interventions on improving farm and water quality practices.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samantha L. Huey, Jesse T. Krisher, Arini Bhargava, Valerie M. Friesen, Elsa M. Konieczynski, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Neel H. Mehta, Eva Monterrosa, Annette M. Nyangaresi, Saurabh Mehta
Summary: Biofortification, by increasing the concentrations of micronutrients in staple crops, has the potential to combat global micronutrient deficiencies. Evidence from controlled interventions shows that consuming biofortified crops, particularly vitamin A from orange sweet potato, can improve the micronutrient status of farmer households. Ongoing and future research will further elucidate the potential of biofortified crops in scaling up interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samantha L. Huey, Jesse T. Krisher, David Morgan, Penjani Mkambula, Balaji Srinivasan, Bryan M. Gannon, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Saurabh Mehta
Summary: Vitamin A deficiency is a global health issue. Portable quantitative and semiquantitative devices and test kits have been found to analyze the concentration of VA in edible oil, with iCheck CHROMA and QuickView showing high accuracy and precision. Further validation is needed for the SAFO test kit.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Julia L. Finkelstein, Amy Fothergill, Heather M. Guetterman, Christina B. Johnson, Beena Bose, Yan Ping Qi, Charles E. Rose, Jennifer L. Williams, Saurabh Mehta, Rebecca Kuriyan, Wesley Bonam, Krista S. Crider
Summary: Reproductive-age women in India are at a higher risk of anemia and iron deficiency, especially in rural areas. This study emphasizes the importance of screening and interventions to address these health issues.
CLINICAL NUTRITION ESPEN
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melisa Medina-Rivera, Washington B. Cardenas, David Erickson, Saurabh Mehta
Summary: Chagas disease, a neglected parasitic infection and a major public health problem in the Americas, remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of affordable testing and healthcare disparities. The study presents a proof-of-concept lateral flow immunoassay using a recombinant Chagas multiantigen conjugated to gold nanoshells for detecting anti-Chagas IgG antibodies. The results show that this rapid testing method has comparable performance to commercial methods.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elaine A. Yu, Jose O. Aleman, Donald R. Hoover, Qiuhu Shi, Michael Verano, Kathryn Anastos, Phyllis C. Tien, Anjali Sharma, Ani Kardashian, Mardge H. Cohen, Elizabeth T. Golub, Katherine G. Michel, Deborah R. Gustafson, Marshall J. Glesby
Summary: This study compared the non-targeted plasma metabolomic profiles of women with and without diabetes mellitus. The results showed that flavonoids were associated with a lower incidence of diabetes, while sorbic acid was associated with a higher incidence of diabetes.
Article
Biology
Monique E. Theriault, Davide Pisu, Kaley M. Wilburn, Gabrielle Le-Bury, Case W. MacNamara, H. Michael Petrassi, Melissa Love, Jeremy M. Rock, Brian C. VanderVen, David G. Russell
Summary: An inhibitor called sAEL057 was found to suppress the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by chelating iron, leading to alterations in Mtb's cholesterol and central carbon metabolism. This study reveals a previously unknown connection between iron deprivation and Mtb's metabolic pathways.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Steven C. Mitini-Nkhoma, David T. Mzinza, Elizabeth T. Chimbayo, Aaron P. Chirambo, David V. Mhango, Cheusisime Kajanga, Christine Mandalasi, Dumizulu L. Tembo, Jane Mallewa, Leo Masamba, David G. Russell, Kondwani C. Jambo, S. Bertie Squire, Henry C. Mwandumba
Review
Food Science & Technology
Samantha L. L. Huey, Neel H. H. Mehta, Elsa M. M. Konieczynski, Arini Bhargava, Valerie M. M. Friesen, Jesse T. T. Krisher, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Eva Monterrosa, Annette M. M. Nyangaresi, Erick Boy, Saurabh Mehta
Summary: This study examined the bioavailability of target micronutrients enriched in conventionally biofortified crops post-harvest storage and/or processing. Conventional biofortified crops generally had higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability compared to conventional counterparts, though the estimates varied depending on cultivar, processing method, context, and experimental method used.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elaine A. Yu, Rachael P. Jackman, Marshall J. Glesby, K. M. Venkat Narayan
Summary: Cardiometabolic diseases have been found to be associated with COVID-19 severity, but the specific mechanisms are unclear. Studies have shown that obesity is related to higher neutralizing antibody titers after SARS-CoV-2 infection, while diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are not associated with antibody levels.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea Orellana-Manzano, Fernanda B. Cordeiro, Andrea Garcia-Angulo, Elizabeth Centeno, Maria Jose Vizcaino-Tumbaco, Sebastian Poveda, Ricardo Murillo, Derly Andrade-Molina, Mariuxi Miraba, Saurabh Mehta, Washington Cardenas
Summary: This retrospective study investigated 10,175 individuals who underwent RT-PCR tests in Ecuador from July to November 2020. The results showed no association between RT-PCR results and sex, age, or comorbidities in positive COVID-19 cases. Cotopaxi and Napo had the highest rates of positive cases, while Manabi, Santa Elena, and Guayas regions had lower rates. Drug consumption was higher in negative COVID-19 cases compared to positive cases, and acetaminophen was the most commonly consumed medication in both groups. Acetaminophen and antihistamines had higher odds of consumption in positive cases. Symptoms like fever and cough were more related to positive RT-PCR results.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Julia L. Finkelstein, Heather M. Guetterman, Amy Fothergill, Christina B. Johnson, Yan Ping Qi, Shameem Jabbar, Mindy Zhang, Christine M. Pfeiffer, Charles E. Rose, Lorraine F. Yeung, Jennifer L. Williams, Jesse T. Krisher, Caleb Ruth, Dripta Roy Choudhury, Sudha Venkatramanan, Jere D. Haas, Rebecca Kuriyan, Saurabh Mehta, Wesley Bonam, Krista S. Crider
Summary: This randomized trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of quadruple-fortified salt (iron, iodine, folic acid, vitamin B12) in preventing anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among 1,000 households in Southern India. Interviews and biological sample analysis will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the fortified salt.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samantha L. Huey, Arini Bhargava, Valerie M. Friesen, Elsa M. Konieczynski, Jesse T. Krisher, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Neel H. Mehta, Eva Monterrosa, Annette M. Nyangaresi, Saurabh Mehta
Summary: This review summarizes the sensory acceptability of conventionally bred iron-, zinc-, and provitamin A-biofortified food products. The findings suggest that biofortified food products made from mineral and provitamin A-biofortified crops are generally acceptable, although there are limited studies on mineral-enhanced crops and stored biofortified food products. Determining the sensory acceptability of biofortified food products is important for informing programmatic scale-up and implementation.
Meeting Abstract
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea Orellana Manzano, Fernanda B. Cordeiro, Andrea Garcia-Angulo, Diana Carvajal-Aldaz, Elizabeth Centeno, Maria J. Vizcaino, Sebastian Poveda, Ricardo Murillo, Derly Andrade-Molina, Saurabh Mehta, Washinton Cardenas
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2023)