Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), has a significant inflammatory component. White blood cell count is an affordable and accessible way to assess the systemic immune response, as it comprises many subgroups with distinct and complex functions. Considering their multidirectional effect on atherosclerosis, new biomarkers integrating various leukocyte subgroups, the Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), were recently devised to describe the balance between inflammation and immune reaction. This research aimed to evaluate the relationship of the intensity of inflammation measured by these biomarkers with the severity of CAD assessed with coronary angiography and with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable CAD in 699 patients. SIRI, but not SII, was associated with the diagnosis, having the highest values for patients with ACS (STEMI), significantly higher than in patients with stable CAD (p < 0.01). The highest SII and SIRI values were observed in patients with three-vessel CAD. SII and SIRI require further in-depth and well-designed research to evaluate their potential in a clinical setting.

The gut microbiota acts as a real organ. It exerts important metabolic functions, and regulates the inflammatory response by stimulating the immune system. Gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) has been linked to important human diseases and inflammation-related disorders. The symbiotic...

Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131), a widely disseminated multidrug-resistant extraintestinal pathogen, typically exhibits serotype O25b:H4. However, certain ST131 isolates exhibit serotype O16:H5 and derive from a phylogenetic clade that is distinct from the classic O25b:H4 ST131 clade. Both clades are assigned to ST131 by the Achtman multilocus sequence typing (MLST) system and a screening PCR assay that targets ST131-specific sequence polymorphisms in the mdh and gyrB genes. However, they are classified as separate STs by the Pasteur Institute MLST system, and an ST131 PCR method that targets the O25b rfb region and an ST131-specific polymorphism in pabB detects only the O25b-associated clade. Here, we describe a novel PCR-based method that allows for rapid and specific detection of the O16-associated ST131 clade. The clade members uniformly contained allele 41 of fimH (type 1 fimbrial adhesin) and a narrow range of alleles of gyrA and parC (fluoroquinolone target genes). The virulence genotypes of the clade members resembled those of classic O25b:H4 ST131 isolates; representative isolates were variably lethal in a mouse subcutaneous sepsis model. Several pulsotypes spanned multiple sources (adults, children, pets, and human fecal samples) and locales. An analysis of recent clinical E. coli collections showed that the O16 ST131 clade is globally distributed, accounts for 1 to 5% of E. coli isolates overall, and, when compared with other ST131 isolates, it is associated with resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and with susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Attention to this O16-associated ST131 clade, which is facilitated by our novel PCR-based assay, is warranted in future epidemiological studies of ST131 and, conceivably, in clinical applications.

As antique as Dioscorides era are the first records on using Chelidonium as a remedy to several sicknesses. Inspired by the “signatura rerum” principle and an apparent ancient folk tradition, various indications were given, such as anti-jaundice and cholagogue, pain-relieving, and quite often mentioned—ophthalmological problems. Central and Eastern European folk medicine has always been using this herb extensively. In this region, the plant is known under many unique vernacular names, especially in Slavonic languages, associated or not with old Greek relation to “chelidon”—the swallow. Typically for Papaveroidae subfamily, yellow-colored latex is produced in abundance and leaks intensely upon injury. Major pharmacologically relevant components, most of which were first isolated over a century ago, are isoquinoline alkaloids—berberine, chelerythrine, chelidonine, coptisine, sanguinarine. Modern pharmacology took interest in this herb but it has not ended up in gaining an officially approved and evidence-based herbal medicine status. On the contrary, the number of relevant studies and publications tended to drop. Recently, some controversial reports and sometimes insufficiently proven studies appeared, suggesting anticancer properties. Anticancer potential was in line with anecdotical knowledge spread in East European countries, however, in the absence of directly-acting cytostatic compounds, some other mechanisms might be involved. Other properties that could boost the interest in this herb are antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Being a common synanthropic weed or ruderal plant, C. majus spreads in all temperate Eurasia and acclimates well to North America. Little is known about the natural variation of bioactive metabolites, including several aforementioned isoquinoline alkaloids. In this review, we put together older and recent literature data on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies on C. majus aiming at a critical evaluation of state-of-the-art from the viewpoint of historical and folk indications. The controversies around this herb, the safety and drug quality issues and a prospective role in phytotherapy are discussed as well.

Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae) extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity due to the complex alkaloid composition. The aim of the research was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of extracts from wild plants and in vitro cultures, as well as seven major individual alkaloids. Plant material derived from different natural habitats and in vitro cultures was used for the phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial tests. The composition of alkaloids was analyzed using chromatographic techniques (HPLC with DAD detection). The results have shown that roots contained higher number and amounts of alkaloids in comparison to aerial parts. All tested plant extracts manifested antimicrobial activity, related to different chemical structures of the alkaloids. Root extract used at 31.25–62.5 mg/L strongly reduced bacterial biomass. From the seven individually tested alkaloids, chelerythrine was the most effective against P. aeruginosa (MIC at 1.9 mg/L), while sanguinarine against S. aureus (MIC at 1.9 mg/L). Strong antifungal activity was observed against C. albicans when chelerythrine, chelidonine, and aerial parts extract were used. The experiments with plant extracts, individually tested alkaloids, and variable combinations of the latter allowed for a deeper insight into the potential mechanisms affecting the activity of this group of compounds.