Age-related changes in the immune system are called immunosenescence. Within the T lymphocytes is the subpopulation of double negative (DNT) peripheral lymphocytes that are immunomodulators of the ...immune response, based on their ability to suppress the functions of simple positive T cells and their cytotoxicity for tumor cells and those infected by viruses.
To determine the frequency of peripheral DNT lymphocytes in older Cuban adults.
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 30 older adults, residents in Cuba. DNT lymphocytes in peripheral blood were quantified by flow cytometry. A Beckman Coulter Gallios flow cytometer was used for data reading and analysis. Percentage values mean and standard deviation were used. The Chi-square was used to relate the percentage values of DNT and comorbidities. It was considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.05.
There was a predominance of women who represented 70 %. No older adult with low values of DNT lymphocytes was reported. Women with high percentage and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes prevailed in relation to men. In the group ≥80 years, high values in % and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes predominated. The high percentage values of DNT cells were mainly related to cardiovascular disease, and predominated in the elderly of ≥80 years old; who presented respiratory and skin infections, fundamentally. The percentage normal value in the group < 80 years was significant (p = 0.0198). The Chi-square value was 0,5995.
Most older adults who exhibited high percentage and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes, or a tendency to them, had some associated comorbidity, an idea that suggests that DNT cells participate in immune surveillance, defense and homeostasis based on their double identity, that is, its pathogenic or immunosuppressive phenotype according to the specific immunological microenvironment.
•Women with high percentage and absolute values of double negative T lymphocytes predominated.•The group ≥80 years prevailed with high percentage and absolute values of DNT.•High percentage and absolute values of double negative T lymphocytes had some associated comorbidity, mainly, cardiovascular disease.•DNT cells are represented as the hinge of a delicate balance in the homeostasis of the immune system attending to its pathogenic or immunosuppressive phenotype depending on the characteristic immunological microenvironment
Immunosenescence is the functional deterioration of the immune system during natural aging that mainly affects T lymphocytes, within which is the subpopulation of peripheral double positive T ...lymphocytes that are immunomodulators of the immune response. They are increased in older adults and play a fundamental role in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, viral infections and neoplasms.
To characterize the immunophenotype of peripheral double positive T lymphocytes in Cuban older adults.
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 30 older adults residing in Cuba. Peripheral blood double positive T lymphocytes were quantified by flow cytometry. The reading was done on a Beckman Coulter Gallios flow cytometer. A Beckman Coulter Gallios flow cytometer was used for data analysis. Percentage values, median and standard deviation were used.
There was a predominance of women who represented 70%. No older adults with low values of double positive T lymphocytes were reported. Women with high percentage and absolute values of DPT lymphocytes predominated in relation to men. Among the high percentage values and the absolute value of DPT lymphocytes, the group ≥80 years prevailed.
Most of the older adults who exhibited high percentage and absolute values of DPT lymphocytes had some associated comorbidity, an idea that suggests that CD4 + CD8+ T cells seem to play an important role in peripheral sites as powerful immunosuppressants or as cells with high cytotoxic potential.
•Flow cytometry allowed the immunophenotypic characterization of CD4+CD8+T lymphocytes.•The female sex showed a higher % of high percentage and absolute values of CD4+CD8+T lymphocytes.•Older adults ≥80 years old exhibited high percentage and absolute values of CD4+CD8+T lymphocytes.•High percentage and absolute values of TCD4+CD8+ predominate in the elderly with infections and neoplasms.•TCD4+CD8+ play an important role in peripheral sites as immunosuppressants or with cytotoxic potential.
IntroductionAccording to the World Alzheimer’s Report 2019, around 50 million people suffer from dementia, worldwide. Observational analysis revealed the existence of particular factors associated ...with the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are no international homogeneous principles for the early detection and evaluation of memory impairment and possible AD. This work aimed at (1) determining the prevalence of possible AD in the elderly residing in urban and rural regions in Cuba and (2) identifying the main factors that could significantly influence on its occurrence.Methods and analysisThe study includes four neuropsychological tests (Clock Drawing Test, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Alzheimer′s Disease Assessment Scale) and two scales (Clinical Dementia Rating and Global Deterioration Scale). Moreover, the protocol includes a survey with demographic and socioeconomic information, educational level, occupation, health, neuropsychological status of subjects, familial pathological history, comorbidities and lifestyles. The study will comprise a total of 1092 subjects aged ≥60, of both genders, and from every ethnic group settled in rural and urban areas. Primary outcomes: prevalence of possible AD. Secondary outcomes: correlation among risk and protective factors and AD, and comparison of the performance of neuropsychological tests and scales.Ethics and disseminationThis research met the ethical codes of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Scientific Research Council of the Promoting Research Institute and the Ethics Committee of the Health Authorities approved the protocol. The proper written informed consent is also incorporated. The results of the survey will be published in scientific papers and shared with the Health Authorities of each municipality.
B1a lymphocytes are characterized by having a high capacity for self-renewal and production of natural antibodies, in a T-independent manner. There are differences in both the number and composition ...of mature B lymphocytes throughout life, due to the phenomenon of immunosenescence.
To characterize the immunophenotype of B1a lymphocytes in older Cuban adults with a simplified CD19CD20CD5 panel.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 institutionalized Cuban older adults. Characterization of CD19 + CD5+, CD20 + CD5+, and CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocytes in peripheral blood was performed by flow cytometry. For the reading and analysis of the biological samples, a flow cytometer, Beckman Coulter, Gallios, was used. A Microsoft Excel database was created with the information obtained. The sample was divided by sex and age. The data were processed using the statistical program GraphPadPrism version 6.00 using the percentage values and the median for the sample description.
The elderly aged 80 years and over showed a decrease in the absolute count of CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocytes, as well as in the percentage and absolute count of CD19 + CD5+ B lymphocytes. On the other hand, they presented higher absolute counts of CD20 + CD5+ lymphocytes in relation to those of the <80-year-old group. Women showed higher absolute counts of CD19 + CD5+, CD20 + CD5+, and CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocyte populations.
The immunophenotypic characterization of B1a lymphocytes in older Cuban adults is similar to that reported by other researchers. Both age and sex influence the absolute count of these cells, being higher in women under 80 years of age.
•The percentages and absolute counts of B1a lymphocytes were lower in the group ≥80 years of age.•Women showed higher absolute counts of CD19+CD5+, CD20+CD5+, and CD19+CD20+ B lymphocyte populations. This increase was greater in women younger than 80 years.•Both age and sex influence the absolute count of B1a lymphocytes in older adult.
Introduction: Sepsis and septic shock are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide. Finding alternative solutions to combat them through the development ...of immunomodulatory agents has attracted the interest of researchers in the last 20 years; Cuba has Biomodulina T®, a powerful immunomodulator.Objective: To demonstrate that there is scientific evidence that supports the conduction of controlled clinical trials for the incorporation of Biomodulina T® into the treatment guidelines for sepsis in pediatric intensive care therapies.Material and Methods: A search was carried out in the Medline, PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science databases between March 2019 and March 2020; the 47 most relevant articles for this research were selected.Development: The immunopathogenesis of shock focuses on a complex phenotype and functional alterations of both the innate and adaptive immune systems with a decrease in the number of effector cells, an increase in subpopulations of immunosuppressive lymphocytes, and depletion of T cells. Biomodulina T® stimulates the production of T lymphocytes and strengthens the differentiation of lymphoblastoid cells of the thymus; medical practice suggests that its administration could be a promising strategy for immune restoration in pediatric patients with septic shock.Conclusions: There is scientific evidence that supports the use of Biomodulina T® in patients with septic shock, which supports the reliability of conducting controlled clinical trials in the pediatric population for its subsequent incorporation into treatment guidelines in intensive care therapies.
Introducción: La sepsis y el shock séptico se encuentran entre las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en la población pediátrica a nivel mundial. Encontrar soluciones alternativas para combatirlas, mediante el desarrollo de agentes inmunomoduladores, ha atraído el interés de investigadores en los últimos 20 años; Cuba cuenta con Biomodulina T®, un potente inmunomodulador.Objetivo: Demostrar que existe evidencia científica que avale la realización de ensayos clínicos controlados para la incorporación de la Biomodulina T® en las pautas de tratamientos de la sepsis en las terapias intensivas pediátricas.Material y Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos Medline, PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, Cochrane Library y Web of Science, entre marzo de 2019 y marzo de 2020; se seleccionaron los 47 artículos de mayor relevancia para esta investigación.Desarrollo: La inmunopatogenia del shock se centra en un fenotipo complejo y alteraciones funcionales, tanto del sistema inmune innato como del sistema adaptativo, con disminución del número de células efectoras, aumento de subpoblaciones de linfocitos inmunosupresores y agotamiento de células T. Biomodulina T® estimula la producción de linfocitos T y robustece la diferenciación de las células linfoblastoides del timo. La práctica médica sugiere que su administración podría ser una estrategia prometedora para la restauración inmune en pacientes pediátricos con shock séptico.Conclusiones: Existe evidencia científica que respalda el uso de Biomodulina T® en pacientes con shock séptico, lo cual sustenta la fiabilidad de realizar ensayos clínicos controlados en población pediátrica para su posterior incorporación en las pautas de tratamientos en las terapias intensivas.
According to the World Alzheimer's Report 2019, around 50 million people suffer from dementia, worldwide. Observational analysis revealed the existence of particular factors associated with the onset ...and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are no international homogeneous principles for the early detection and evaluation of memory impairment and possible AD. This work aimed at (1) determining the prevalence of possible AD in the elderly residing in urban and rural regions in Cuba and (2) identifying the main factors that could significantly influence on its occurrence.INTRODUCTIONAccording to the World Alzheimer's Report 2019, around 50 million people suffer from dementia, worldwide. Observational analysis revealed the existence of particular factors associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are no international homogeneous principles for the early detection and evaluation of memory impairment and possible AD. This work aimed at (1) determining the prevalence of possible AD in the elderly residing in urban and rural regions in Cuba and (2) identifying the main factors that could significantly influence on its occurrence.The study includes four neuropsychological tests (Clock Drawing Test, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale) and two scales (Clinical Dementia Rating and Global Deterioration Scale). Moreover, the protocol includes a survey with demographic and socioeconomic information, educational level, occupation, health, neuropsychological status of subjects, familial pathological history, comorbidities and lifestyles. The study will comprise a total of 1092 subjects aged ≥60, of both genders, and from every ethnic group settled in rural and urban areas.METHODS AND ANALYSISThe study includes four neuropsychological tests (Clock Drawing Test, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale) and two scales (Clinical Dementia Rating and Global Deterioration Scale). Moreover, the protocol includes a survey with demographic and socioeconomic information, educational level, occupation, health, neuropsychological status of subjects, familial pathological history, comorbidities and lifestyles. The study will comprise a total of 1092 subjects aged ≥60, of both genders, and from every ethnic group settled in rural and urban areas.prevalence of possible AD.PRIMARY OUTCOMESprevalence of possible AD.correlation among risk and protective factors and AD, and comparison of the performance of neuropsychological tests and scales.SECONDARY OUTCOMEScorrelation among risk and protective factors and AD, and comparison of the performance of neuropsychological tests and scales.This research met the ethical codes of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Scientific Research Council of the Promoting Research Institute and the Ethics Committee of the Health Authorities approved the protocol. The proper written informed consent is also incorporated. The results of the survey will be published in scientific papers and shared with the Health Authorities of each municipality.ETHICS AND DISSEMINATIONThis research met the ethical codes of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Scientific Research Council of the Promoting Research Institute and the Ethics Committee of the Health Authorities approved the protocol. The proper written informed consent is also incorporated. The results of the survey will be published in scientific papers and shared with the Health Authorities of each municipality.
Peanut allergy is increasing at an alarming pace in developed countries. Peanut (
) is a common food in Cuba. Nevertheless, reported values of sensitization and symptom severity are usually low. As ...our objective, we carried out an evaluation of allergic sensitivity to perform an assessment of allergic sensitization and IgE specificity profile to peanut allergens in Cuban allergic patients.
The Skin Prick Test (SPT) was performed for each patient, using two glycerinated allergenic extracts, prepared from raw or roasted peanuts. Overall, 316 food allergic patients (159 adults and 157 children) attending allergy services at four hospitals in Havana were included, as well as 303 adult non- allergic volunteers. The IgE binding profile of 26 selected SPT positive patients was further analyzed by immunoblotting.
The prevalence of sensitization to peanut was 4.6% in general adult population, whereas in adult food-allergic patients it was 18.6%. Prevalence rates were even greater in food allergic children achieving 25.8%. Sensitization frequencies were apparently greater for roasted, as compared to raw peanuts, although the difference was not significant (
> 0.05, Mc Nemar's). IgE binding was shown mostly by the 15 and 17 kDa bands, tentatively identified as the major allergens Ara h 2 and Ara h 6. The IgG4 binding profile was similar to IgE, although with more prominence of the bands at 37 and 28 KDa, corresponding to an Ara h 3 fragment and Peanut Agglutinin.
The study estimated a relatively high prevalence of peanut sensitization in population. Data reported here suggest that IgE sensitization in Cuban patients is focused mostly on MW bands corresponding to the major allergens Ara h 6 and Ara h 2.
Sensitization to peanut allergen is indeed relatively frequent in Cuba. The IgE profile is congruent to a sensitization pattern by ingestion of roasted peanuts and is directed to well-known major allergens.
The elderly population suffers from the natural process called immunosenescence, which may be related to the high mortality rates it has against the SARS-CoV2 virus, which is why therapies that ...improve the immune status are required. The combined treatment of the VA-MENGOC-BC® (V-BC) vaccine and the Biomodulina T® (BT) drug could achieve this purpose. This treatment could immunomodulate both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system simultaneously.
To determine the effect of BT and V-BC on the immunomodulation of lymphocyte subpopulations in older adults.
Our study was carried out in 30 apparently healthy Cuban adults over 65 years of age. The study included three groups of 10 subjects per treatment: a combination of both and the monotherapies. Before and 7 days after treatment, 2 mL of peripheral blood was drawn from each subject. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to identify lymphocyte subpopulations. For the comparison between the groups, point estimates and the confidence intervals of the Odds Ratio were made.
We found that subpopulations of B lymphocytes and natural cytotoxic T (NKT) cells increased only with the administration of BT. Additionally, combination treatments and V-BC did not generate statistically significant immunomodulatory changes in any of the studied lymphocyte subpopulations.
BT presented an immunoenhancing effect on the B and NKT lymphocyte subpopulations of older adults. The three-dose treatment scheme a novel and specific treatment strategy for this formulation. We also were verified that the combined application of V-BC and BT did not have the expected benefits. All these findings suggest that BT administration is a promising approach for immune restoration and to offering protection in elderly patients against COVID-19.
•Biomodulina-T® increased B lymphocytes and natural cytotoxic T cells (NKT).•VA-MENGOC-BC® did not generate statistically significant immunomodulatory changes on studied lymphocyte subpopulations.•The three-dose treatment scheme a novel and specific treatment strategy for Biomodulina-T®.•Biomodulina-T® is a promising therapy for immune restoration and elderly patient’s protection against COVID-19.
En un complejo contexto epidemiológico nacional e internacional, de trasmisión y hospitalización por COVID-19 en población pediátrica, Cuba decidió realizar una campaña de vacunación masiva contra ...esta enfermedad en niños y adolescentes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la seguridad del esquema heterólogo de dos dosis de SOBERANA®02 más una dosis de SOBERANA®Plus con 28 días entre ellas en niños y adolescentes, hijos de los trabajadores del Centro Nacional de Biopreparados, que pertenece a BioCubaFarma, Grupo Empresarial de las Industrias Biotecnológica y Farmacéutica de Cuba. La seguridad de las vacunas se evaluó mediante la identificación y clasificación de los eventos adversos por farmacovigilancia activa y pasiva. Se evaluaron 237 niños de ambos sexos, siendo incluidos 200 (130 con edades de 2 a 10 años y 70, de 11 a 18). Ciento noventa niños de los incluidos (95%) recibieron el esquema completo de vacunación. Se registraron un total de 121 eventos adversos, en su mayoría por farmacovigilancia pasiva, de intensidad leve y de causalidad A1 (relacionados). No ocurrieron eventos adversos graves relacionados. Las vacunas SOBERANA®02 y SOBERANA®PLUS evidenciaron un perfil de seguridad muy favorable durante su administración a niños y adolescentes, hijos de los trabajadores del Centro Nacional de Biopreparados.
Introduction: BIOMODULINA T® is a biologic immune-modulator composed of specific fractions of bovine Thymus. This paper addresses the safety data on the use of the product, primarily in the period up ...to December 2019, in comparison with the data collected from 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic, in which the product was widely used prophylactically in elderly people at risk. Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the safety of BIOMODULINA T® in the Cuban population in clinical practice. Material and Methods: Documentary review compiling information from spontaneous notification systems, clinical studies and published literature. Patient exposure was estimated from the distributed units. Descriptive statistics were applied to process the results. Results: Until 2019, with an estimate of almost 35,000 patients exposed to the drug, there was a report of 62 ADRs for a frequency of 0.18%. From January 2020 to June 2022, with an estimate of 238,000 exposed patients, 260 ADRs were reported for a frequency of 0.11%, being significantly lower than in the previous period (p<0.001). According to these frequencies in both periods, ADRs were classified as occasional or infrequent. No serious reactions were reported and no new safety problems were found. Local reactions at the administration site, headache and fever continue to be the most frequent ADR. Conclusions: Even with the unprecedented widespread use of BIOMODULINA T® during the COVID-19 pandemic, the excellent safety profile of this product was maintained.
PDF
