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21 pages, 1112 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Developments in the Understanding of Immunity, Pathogenesis and Management of COVID-19

by Aram Yegiazaryan, Arbi Abnousian, Logan J. Alexander, Ali Badaoui, Brandon Flaig, Nisar Sheren, Armin Aghazarian, Dijla Alsaigh, Arman Amin, Akaash Mundra, Anthony Nazaryan, Frederick T. Guilford and Vishwanath Venketaraman

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169297 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4192

Abstract

Coronaviruses represent a diverse family of enveloped positive-sense single stranded RNA viruses. COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2, is a highly contagious respiratory disease transmissible mainly via close contact and respiratory droplets which can result in severe, life-threatening respiratory pathologies. It is understood that glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant known for its role in immune response and cellular detoxification, is the target of various proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factors resulting in the infection, replication, and production of reactive oxygen species. This leads to more severe symptoms of COVID-19 and increased susceptibility to other illnesses such as tuberculosis. The emergence of vaccines against COVID-19, usage of monoclonal antibodies as treatments for infection, and implementation of pharmaceutical drugs have been effective methods for preventing and treating symptoms. However, with the mutating nature of the virus, other treatment modalities have been in research. With its role in antiviral defense and immune response, glutathione has been heavily explored in regard to COVID-19. Glutathione has demonstrated protective effects on inflammation and downregulation of reactive oxygen species, thereby resulting in less severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection and warranting the discussion of glutathione as a treatment mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases 2.0)

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16 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessReview

Deficient Glutathione in the Pathophysiology of Mycotoxin-Related Illness

by Frederick T. Guilford and Janette Hope

Toxins 2014, 6(2), 608-623; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins6020608 - 10 Feb 2014

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 26759

Abstract

Evidence for the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of mycotoxin-related illness is increasing. The glutathione antioxidant and detoxification systems play a major role in the antioxidant function of cells. Exposure to mycotoxins in humans requires the production of glutathione on an “as needed” basis. Research suggests that mycotoxins can decrease the formation of glutathione due to decreased gene expression of the enzymes needed to form glutathione. Mycotoxin-related compromise of glutathione production can result in an excess of oxidative stress that leads to tissue damage and systemic illness. The review discusses the mechanisms by which mycotoxin-related deficiency of glutathione may lead to both acute and chronic illnesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins and Human Diseases)

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11 pages, 293 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Aspergillus fumigatus in Guinea Pig Bronchoalveolar Lavages and Pulmonary Tissue by Culture and Realtime Polymerase Chain Reaction Studies

by Dennis G. Hooper, Vincent E. Bolton, John S. Sutton, Frederick T. Guilford, David C. Straus, Laura K. Najvar, Nathan P. Wiederhold, William R. Kirkpatrick and Thomas F. Patterson

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(1), 726-736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13010726 - 11 Jan 2012

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6773

Abstract

In this study we pursued a diagnostic target in Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) by using qualitative Realtime PCR combined with proprietary DNA primers and a hydrolysis probe specific for this fungal target. Qualitative Realtime PCR is a diagnostic tool that utilizes Realtime PCR technology and detects the presence or absence target specific DNA within a predetermined detection range. Respiratory tissue and fluids from experimentally infected guinea pigs were tested by extracting DNA from the samples which were amplified and detected using AF specific DNA primers and probe. This study included qualitative evaluations of all specimens for the presence of the DNA of AF. The findings in the tissues after AF infection were compared to the numbers of spores in aerosolized samples used to inoculate the animals. Results demonstrated that the specific probe and primer set could detect the presence or absence of AF DNA in the sample. The qualitative detection limit of the assay ranged from 6 × 10⁴ copies to 6 copies. Since blood cultures are rarely positive for Aspergillosis, our data indicate that qualitative Realtime PCR, in combination with the appropriate DNA primers and probe can serve as an effective diagnostic tool in the early detection of fungal infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

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9 pages, 505 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of Sulfur Reducing and Oxidizing Bacteria Found in Contaminated Drywall

by Dennis G. Hooper, John Shane, David C. Straus, Kaye H. Kilburn, Vincent Bolton, John S. Sutton and Frederick T. Guilford

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(2), 647-655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11020647 - 5 Feb 2010

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 15452

Abstract

Drywall from China has been reported to release sulfur producing products which are corrosive to metals, result in noxious odors, and represent a significant health risk. It has been reported that these emissions produce medical symptoms such as respiratory or asthma type problems, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorders, and vision problems in home owners and their household pets. We report here a method of identifying a causative agent for these emissions by sampling affected gypsum wallboard and subjecting those samples to Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction [RT-PCR] studies. Specific DNA probes and primers have been designed and patented that detect a specific iron and sulfur reducing bacterium (i.e., Thiobacillus ferrooxidans). One hundred percent of affected drywall samples obtained from homes located in the southeastern United States tested positive for the presence of T. ferrooxidans. All negative controls consisting of unaffected wallboard and internal controls, Geotrichum sp., tested negative within our limits of detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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11 pages, 85 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mycotoxin Detection in Human Samples from Patients Exposed to Environmental Molds

by Dennis G. Hooper, Vincent E. Bolton, Frederick T. Guilford and David C. Straus

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(4), 1465-1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10041465 - 1 Apr 2009

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 20351

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine if selected mycotoxins (trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins) could be extracted and identified in human tissue and body fluids from patients exposed to toxin producing molds in their environment. Human urine and methanol extracted tissues and sputum were examined. Trichothecenes were tested using competitive ELISA techniques. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, and ochratoxin A were tested by using immunoaffinity columns and fluorometry. Test sensitivity and specificity were determined. Levels of detection for the various mycotoxins varied from 0.2 ppb for trichothecenes, 1.0 ppb for aflatoxins, and 2.0 ppb for ochratoxins. Trichothecene levels varied in urine, sputum, and tissue biopsies (lung, liver, brain) from undetectable (<0.2 ppb) to levels up to 18 ppb. Aflatoxin levels from the same types of tissues varied from 1.0 to 5.0 ppb. Ochratoxins isolated in the same type of tissues varied from 2.0 ppb to > 10.0 ppb. Negative control patients had no detectable mycotoxins in their tissues or fluids. These data show that mycotoxins can be detected in body fluids and human tissue from patients exposed to mycotoxin producing molds in the environment, and demonstrate which human tissues or fluids are the most likely to yield positive results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)

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