Journal of Cellular Immunology

The nature of gene mutations induced by ionizing radiation in germ cells and transmitted to offspring remains one of the most important problems in radiation genetics of higher eukaryotes. The data accumulated in this field were obtained by different authors under different experimental conditions which does not give a complete insight about the nature of radiation-induced inherited mutations at different genome levels (chromosome, gene, DNA). 

Antibiotics can treat the acute phase of a disease, but often do not completely clear the etiologic agent, allowing the pathogen to establish persistent infection that can revive the disease in a frustrating recurrence of infection. The mechanisms that control chronic bacterial infections are complex and involve pathogen adaptations that favor survival from both host immune responses and antibiotic bactericidal activity.

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is an emerging life-threatening tick-borne disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis. HME is often presented as a nonspecific flu-like illness characterized by presence of fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia. However, in some cases the disease can evolve to a severe form, which is commonly marked by acute liver injury followed by multi-organ failure and toxic shock-like syndrome.

A common source of tissue toxicity is ionizing radiation to which humans can be exposed in a variety of ways including environmental contamination, radiotherapy, space and aviation travel. Radiotherapy is the most common method used to treat majority of cancers. However, the irradiation of patients can lead to many negative secondary effects causing irreparable internal organ damage due to its genotoxic effects and disruption of oxidative state of cells which, if left unresolved, can lead to cell death. Cells use autophagy as a homeostatic mechanism to remove debris and damaged organelle. However, it is not known whether autophagy is affected by radiation.

Insects conform large numbers of parasites and pathogens in diverse habitats. Cuticular structures on their body surfaces and secreted membranes in their digestive tracts are the first defensive barriers to prevent entry of invading organisms. Across the extended range of genera and species, insects acquired common first front defensive mechanisms.