Regulatory B cells in respiratory health and diseases

B cells are critical mediators of humoral immune responses in the airways through antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion. In addition, a subset of B cells, known as regulatory B cells (Bregs), exhibit immunosuppressive functions via diverse regulatory mechanisms. Bregs modulate immune responses via the secretion of IL‐10, IL‐35, and tumor growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and by direct cell contact. The balance between effector and regulatory B cell functions is critical in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. The importance of Bregs in airway immune responses is emphasized by the different respiratory disorders associated with abnormalities in Breg numbers and function. In this review, we summarize the role of immunosuppressive Bregs in airway inflammatory diseases and highlight the importance of this subset in the maintenance of respiratory health. We propose that improved understanding of signals in the lung microenvironment that drive Breg differentiation can provide novel therapeutic avenues for improved management of respiratory diseases.     

Comparison of satisfaction rates and erectile function in patients treated with sildenafil,intracavernous prostaglandin E1 and penile implant surgery for erectile dysfunction in urology practice

PURPOSE: We compared erectile function status and satisfaction rates in patients who received treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) with sildenafil, intracavernous prostaglandin E1 (ICI) and penile implant surgery (IPP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 138 consecutive patients who received treatment for ED between April 2000 and April 2001 were considered candidates for study. Mean followup was 19.54 months. Of the patients 27 were not available for followup and 26 were not on any form of treatment. Of the patients receiving treatment for ED 85 were administered the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory for Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire and the Erectile Function Domain (EFD) of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Three treatment groups were identified, including 31 patients on sildenafil citrate, 22 on ICI and 32 who underwent IPP. Mean total EDITS, EDITS Index and EFD scores in the 3 groups were considered for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the total EDITS (25.59 versus 27.06, p = 0.48), EDITS Index (58.16 versus 61.15, p = 0.49) or EFD (22.91 versus 20.26, p = 0.12) score between the groups on ICI and sildenafil citrate, respectively. Total EDITS, EDITS Index and EFD scores were significantly higher in patients who underwent IPP than those on sildenafil citrate (36.09 versus 27.06, p <0.001, 82.03 versus 61.51, p <0.001 and 27.88 versus 20.26, p <0.001, respectively). Total EDITS, EDITS Index and EFD scores were significantly higher in patients who underwent IPP than those on ICI (36.09 versus 25.59, 82.03 versus 58.16 and 27.88 versus 22.91, respectively, all p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At a mean followup of 19.54 months patients who underwent penile implant surgery had significantly better erectile function and treatment satisfaction than those receiving sildenafil citrate and intracavernous prostaglandin E1.     

How do you treat bleeding disorders with desmopressin?

Desmopressin is an analog of vasopressin that exerts a substantial haemostatic effect by inducing the release of von Willebrand factor from its storage sites in endothelial cells. It has proved useful in treating or preventing bleeding episodes in patients with von Willebrand disease, haemophilia A and platelet function defects. Its efficacy in achieving a satisfactory level of haemostasis has reduced the use of blood products to treat bleeding episodes. Clinicians need to become familiar with the use of this drug that has become a home medication for many patients with inherited bleeding disorders.     

In Vitro Selection of Cell Lines in Punica granatum L. (Daru) Against Bacterial Blight

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Disease resistant cell lines of wild pomegranate were selected against bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas...