Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is one of the principal cytokines that participate in local regulation of many reproductive functions. The present study was undertaken to determine whether mRNAs for IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 type I receptor (IL-1R) are expressed in bovine corpora lutea (CL), and whether luteal cells respond to treatment with IL-1α and IL-1β during the luteal phase. Bovine CL were classified into five stages (early, Days 2–3; developing, Days 5–6; mid, Days 8–12; late, Days 15–17; and regressed, Days 19–21). IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1R mRNAs were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all luteal stages examined. Densitometric analysis of PCR products revealed increases of the mRNA of IL-1α and IL-1R in the CL of the regressed stage (P < 0.05). There was less mRNA for IL-1β in the regressed stage than in the developing and mid stages (P < 0.05). When developing, mid, and late luteal cells were treated with IL-1α (1–30 ng/ml) or IL-1β (1–30 ng/ml) for 24 h, IL-1α and IL-1β dose-dependently increased prostaglandin (PG) F_2α and PGE₂ production by the luteal cells of all stages (P < 0.05), indicating the presence of functional IL-1R in bovine CL. However, progesterone synthesis was not affected by either IL-1α or IL-1β treatment. Stimulation with IL-1α and IL-1β decreased the PGE₂:PGF_2α ratio in the developing stage (P < 0.05), whereas it increased the ratio in the mid stage (P < 0.05). In the late stage, the ratio of IL-1β-treated cells was greater than that of IL-1α-treated cells (P < 0.05). Overall results indicate that genes for IL-1α and IL-1β are expressed and a functional IL-1R is present in the bovine CL throughout the luteal phase, and suggest that IL-1α and IL-1β have different roles as local modulators to regulate PGF_2α and PGE₂ production during the luteal phase.

Chikungunya (CHIK) is a reemerging arboviral disease caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. The disease is clinically hallmarked by prolonged debilitating joint pain. Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication nor commercial vaccine available for treatment of the disease, which makes the discovery or development of specific anti‐CHIKV compounds a priority. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is widely known for its various health benefits. The compound [6]‐gingerol is the main active ingredient found in ginger. This study sought to determine the potential of [6]‐gingerol antiviral activity against CHIKV infection using in vitro human hepatocyte HepG2 cells. The antiviral activity mechanism was investigated using direct virucidal and four indirect (pre‐, post‐, full‐, and prevention) treatment assays. [6]‐Gingerol showed weak virucidal activity but significant indirect antiviral activity against CHIKV through post‐ and full treatment with IC₅₀ of 0.038 mM and 0.031 mM, respectively, without showing cell cytotoxicity. The results indicated that [6]‐gingerol inhibits CHIKV infection through suppression of viral replication. Together, this study confirms the potential use of [6]‐gingerol for CHIK antiviral compound.

Production of prostaglandins (PGs) and expression of their receptors have been demonstrated in bovine corpus luteum (CL). The aim of the present stud

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, is an emerging global threat identified in more than 60 countries across continents. The risk of CHIKV transmission is rising due to increased global interactions, year-round presence of mosquito vectors, and the ability of CHIKV to produce high host viral loads and undergo mutation. Although CHIKV disease is rarely fatal, it can progress to a chronic stage, during which patients experience severe debilitating arthritis that can last from several weeks to months or years. At present, there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs for CHIKV disease, and treatment is primarily symptomatic. This Review provides an overview of CHIKV pathogenesis and explores the available therapeutic options and the most recent advances in novel therapeutic strategies against CHIKV infections.