dengue on the cellular level

Okay, Kristen wrote on her blog a really interesting quote that may help me understand the disease a lot better.

"Dengue virus infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The immunopathological mechanisms that result in severe complications of dengue virus infection, i.e. dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), are important to determine. Primary dengue virus infections induce serotype-specific and serotype-cross-reactive, CD4+ and CD8+ memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). In secondary infections with a virus of a different serotype from that which caused primary infections, the presence of cross-reactive non-neutralizing antibodies results in an increased number of infected monocytes by dengue virus--antibody complexes. This in turn results in marked activation of serotype cross-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ memory CTL. We hypothesize that the rapid release of cytokines and chemical mediators caused by T cell activation and by CTL-mediated lysis of dengue virus-infected monocytes triggers the plasma leakage and hemorrhage that occurs in DHF."

serotype - A group of closely related microorganisms distinguished by a characteristic set of antigens.
cytotoxic- a substance that has a toxic effect on certain cells
lymphocytes - Any of the nearly colorless cells found in the blood, lymph, and lymphoid tissues, constituting approximately 25 percent of white blood cells and including B cells, which function in humoral (pertaining to, or proceeding from a fluid of the body) immunity, and T cells, which function in cellular immunity.
antibodies- (just to make sure) Any of numerous Y-shaped protein molecules produced by B cells as a primary immune defense, each molecule and its clones having a unique binding site that can combine with the complementary site of a foreign antigen, as on a virus or bacterium, thereby disabling the antigen and signaling other immune defenses. (I think it basically means that antibodies can match the virus when it attacks the body. Meaning, the antigens knows what the virus needs in order to be broken down and calls for specific defenses from the immune system.)
monocytes - A large, circulating, phagocytic white blood cell, having a single well-defined nucleus and very fine granulation in the cytoplasm. Monocytes constitute from 3 to 8 percent of the white blood cells in humans.
cytokines -Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular mediators in the generation of an immune response.
lysis - The gradual subsiding of the symptoms of an acute disease
plasma - the liquid part of blood or lymph, as distinguished from the suspended elements.

I still don't know what it means to have serotype-specific and serotype-cross reactive memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Okay, this is my translation... I may be incorrect:

Where it says, "In secondary infections with a virus of a different serotype..." I believe that it is saying: when a person gets a more serious version of a disease, they get the same virus, except the virus is made up of a different group of organisms containing its own antibodies. The presence of cross-reactive non-neutralizing antibodies from the second virus intensifies the condition already, since it does not "neutralize" the fight between the disease and the previous antibodies, but instead it mingles in the fight and pushes it on. The bleeding in the hemorrhagic fever is triggered from the rapid release of cytokines (it says they are kinds of mediators when it comes to an attack) and chemical mediators causedby T cell activation and by CTL-mediated lysis of dengue infected monocytes. I think it means: since there is an outpour of mediators passing through the cells, it triggers plasma (the liquid part of the blood) leakage and hemorrhage - thats what causes internal bleeding.

Well, if my translation is any good, it has definitely helped me understand the disease even better.

BTW! Thanks Kristen!!!

What we have finished

As many have seen, Kristen, Krissy and I have finished constructing the hand and the mosquito model for dengue fever. We are in the process of finishing painting and constructing the platform where the hand and the mosquito will be mounted onto.

We had trouble finding the dimensions of the platform, but Janel helped us figure it out. Since it will look a bit like a pyramid, it made it difficult for us to find measurements for the slanting sides. Hopefully we will finish the platform as soon as possible.

The next steps of the project will consist of finishing the platform, then mounting the models onto it and then mounting everything onto our shelf and bolting it into the wall.

Chemistry Homework for Monday

just to help me research on codeine...

1. In writing, explain what this drug is used to treat ( e.g. specific simptoms, what it breaks down) 2.Explain when the drug was develped/ how it was discovered/what company or companies produce it/ how expensive it was to develop/the cost to manufacture/ and how much it costs in the region you are focusing on. 3.List and explain the side effects of the drug 4.Discuss other ways your disease can be treated

http://www.assistpainrelief.com/info/codeine/ - how codeine works

"Codeine is a weak opiate agonist that provides relief from pain by blocking the pain signals that are being sent from the brain to affected areas of the body. Within half an hour it works on the Central Nervous System (CNS) to inhibit these pain signals. Because the transmission of the pain signals has been impaired, less pain is felt, even if the original source of the pain remains. In this regard, codeine mimics the effects of endorphins, which are naturally occurring painkilling chemicals produced by the body." - I don't think translation is really needed.

As I already said before, dengue fever causes severe headaches, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, and severe joint and muscle pain. Although the disease doesn't have a vaccination or a drug treatment, at least it has medicine to reduce the agony of it.

http://opioids.com/jh/index.html - when codeine was developed

Apparently, codeine is an alkaloid of opium, which means that it basically has the same chemical properties. It was made in 1832 as a pain killer. They are all used to reduce pain without going unconscious.

Well, just in case I can't find a specific explanation on codeine, I will branch it off of opium. Opium has been around over thousands of years and has been used by Greeks as well as China and Southeast Asia. It was proven useful, especially for the Chinese who had given doses to their patients before going through major surgery.

http://www.assistpainrelief.com/info/codeine/ - who discovered codeine

"The French Chemist Pierre-Jean Robiquet was the first person to extract codeine from opium in 1832, hence the use of the collective terms "opiates" or "opioids" to describe these narcotics."

http://www.drugs.com/codeine.html - side effects of codeine

"What are the possible side effects of codeine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking codeine and seek emergency medical attention:
·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
·slow, weak breathing;
·seizures;
·cold, clammy skin;
·severe weakness or dizziness; or
·unconsciousness.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience
·constipation;
·dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
·dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
·muscle twitches;
·sweating;
·itching;
·decreased urination; or
·decreased sex drive.
Codeine is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome."