In the present study we demonstrate that IL-12R beta 2(-/-) mice develop earlier onset and more severe disease in the streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes, indicating predisposition of IL-12R beta 2-deficient mice to autoimmune diseases. T cells from IL-12R beta 2(-/-) mice

exhibited significantly higher proliferative responses upon TCR stimulation. Bromosporine chemical structure The numbers of naturally occurring CD25(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the thymus and spleen of IL-12R beta 2(-/-) mice were comparable to those of WT mice. However, IL-12R beta 2(-/-) mice exhibited a significantly reduced capacity to develop Tregs upon stimulation with TGF-beta, as shown by significantly lower numbers of CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells that expressed Foxp3. Functionally, CD25(+)CD4(+) Tregs derived from IL-12R beta 2(-/-) mice were less efficient than those from WT mice in suppressing effector T cells. The role of IL-12R beta 2 in the induction of Tregs was confirmed using small interfering RNA. These findings suggest that signaling via IL-12R beta 2 regulates both the number and functional maturity of Treg cells, which indicates a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of autoimmune diseases by the IL-12 pathway.”
“Background: Delivery room resuscitation (DRR) is a common emergency in newborns, particularly in resource-poor settings where intrapartum monitoring is not readily available. It may give

rise to oxidative stress in neonates due to reoxygenation and reperfusion of previously hypoxic and ischemic tissues. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA), C59 concentration being non-invasive, may serve as a marker of oxidative stress in these infants. Objective: We assessed oxidative stress in term newborns requiring DRR by measuring MDA levels in urine and serum samples collected at 12-24 h of age. Methods: The study population consisted of 41 cases and 63 healthy age-matched control infants. The inclusion criterion was a need for positive pressure ventilation at birth for >1 min. MDA levels were measured colorimetrically by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Results: Urinary and serum MDA levels PKC412 in vitro were found to

be significantly higher in cases than in controls. Of the neonates given DRR, urinary and serum MDA values were elevated in those infants who passed meconium in utero, developed hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or expired than in those who did not have these complications, but the difference was not significant. We found a significant correlation between urinary and serum MDA levels in infants given DRR. Conclusion: Newborns requiring DRR are subjected to significant oxidative stress which can be easily assessed by measuring urinary MDA levels. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.”
“Cancer cells generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, stimulation of oncogenes, abnormal metabolism, and aggravated inflammatory activities.