The varicella vaccine strain can cross the placenta and infect the fetus.

PMID: 

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2012 Sep ;31(9):977-9. PMID: 22572750

Abstract Title: 

Neonatal vaccine-strain varicella-zoster virus infection 22 days after maternal postpartum vaccination.

Abstract: 

A 25-day-old infant developed varicella 22 days after her mother received varicella vaccine postpartum. Infection with vaccine-strain varicella-zoster virus was confirmed by genetic analysis. The mother had no postvaccination rash nor did other contacts have rash or recent vaccination. The potential means of transmission to the infant are explored.

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The risk of allergic reaction was signficantly increased within 1-7 days of herpes zoster vaccination.

PMID: 

J Intern Med. 2012 May ;271(5):510-20. Epub 2011 Nov 22. PMID: 22026504

Abstract Title: 

Safety of zoster vaccine in adults from a large managed-care cohort: a Vaccine Safety Datalink study.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine a large cohort of adults who received the zoster vaccine for evidence of an increased risk of prespecified adverse events requiring medical attention.DESIGN: Two self-comparison approaches, including a case-centred approach and a self-controlled case series (SCCS) analysis were used.SETTING: Eight managed-care organizations participating in the Vaccine Safety Datalink project in the United States.SUBJECTS: A total of 193 083 adults aged 50 and older receiving a zoster vaccine from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 were included.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prespecified adverse events were identified by aggregated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes in automated health plan datasets.RESULTS: The risk of allergic reaction was significantly increased within 1-7 days of vaccination [relative risk = 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.87-2.40 by case-centred method and relative rate = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.85-2.91 by SCCS]. No increased risk was found for the following adverse event groupings: cerebrovascular events; cardiovascular events; meningitis; encephalitis; and encephalopathy; and Ramsay-Hunt syndrome and Bell's palsy.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the findings from the prelicensure clinical trials, providing reassurance that the zoster vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated with a small increased risk of allergic reactions in 1-7 days after vaccination.

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“Paradoxically, although the number of varicella cases has decreased since the introduction of the varicella vaccine, the incidence of herpes zoster has been increasing.”

PMID: 

J Infect Dis. 2012 May 1 ;205(9):1331-3. Epub 2012 Mar 27. PMID: 22454471

Abstract Title: 

Varicella zoster virus transmission in the vaccine era: unmasking the role of herpes zoster.

Abstract: 

[n/a]

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A case report of recurrent benign 6th nerve palsy following measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines, given on separate occasions.

PMID: 

BMC Infect Dis. 2012 Apr 30 ;12:105. Epub 2012 Apr 30. PMID: 22545865

Abstract Title: 

Recurrent 6th nerve palsy in a child following different live attenuated vaccines: case report.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Recurrent benign 6th nerve palsy in the paediatric age group is uncommon, but has been described following viral and bacterial infections. It has also been temporally associated with immunization, but has not been previously described following two different live attenuated vaccines.CASE PRESENTATION: A case is presented of a 12 month old Caucasian boy with recurrent benign 6th nerve palsy following measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines, given on separate occasions with complete recovery following each episode. No alternate underlying etiology was identified despite extensive investigations and review.CONCLUSIONS: The majority of benign 6th nerve palsies do not have a sinister cause and have an excellent prognosis, with recovery expected in most cases. The exact pathophysiology is unknown, although hypotheses including autoimmune mechanisms and direct viral invasion could explain the pathophysiology behind immunization related nerve palsies. It is important to rule out other aetiologies with thorough history, physical examination and investigations. There is limited information in the literature regarding the safety of a repeat dose of a live vaccine in this setting. Future immunizations should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Childhood chickenpox is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets.

PMID: 

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2012 Feb ;23(1):50-8. Epub 2011 Oct 21. PMID: 22017482

Abstract Title: 

Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Wild-type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, practice-based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY. One hundred children with WTVZV up to 8 yr of age and 323 children who received varicella vaccine (VV) were randomly selected.RESULTS: WTVZV up to 8 yr of age is associated with decreased odds of subsequent asthma (exact logistic regression; OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03-0.57, p = 0.003), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05-0.49, p = 0.0003), and AD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33-0.96, p = 0.02), but not food allergies (p = 0.78); decreased total serum IgE levels [mixed linear model, LSM (95% CI): 129.09 (33.22-501.63) vs. 334.21 (102.38-1091.04) IU/ml; p = 0.02] remained significant at all time intervals after WTVZV (10) compared with VV (p = 0.003-0.03). WTVZV was associated with decreased allergic sensitization (logistic regression, OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03-0.38, p = 0.0004). WTVZV is also associated with persistently decreased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p

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A personal or family (such as a sibling or parent) history of seizures is now a precaution for MMRV vaccination.

PMID: 

Pediatrics. 2011 Sep ;128(3):630-2. Epub 2011 Aug 28. PMID: 21873692

Abstract Title: 

Policy statement—Prevention of varicella: update of recommendations for use of quadrivalent and monovalent varicella vaccines in children.

Abstract: 

Two varicella-containing vaccines are licensed for use in the United States: monovalent varicella vaccine (Varivax [Merck&Co, Inc, West Point, PA]) and quadrivalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) (ProQuad [Merck&Co, Inc]). It is estimated from postlicensure data that after vaccination at 12 through 23 months of age, 7 to 9 febrile seizures occur per 10,000 children who receive the MMRV, and 3 to 4 febrile seizures occur per 10,000 children who receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines administered concurrently but at separate sites. Thus, 1 additional febrile seizure is expected to occur per approximately 2300 to 2600 children 12 to 23 months old vaccinated with the MMRV, when compared with separate MMR and varicella vaccine administration. The period of risk for febrile seizures is from 5 through 12 days after receipt of the vaccine(s). No increased risk of febrile seizures is seen among patients 4 to 6 years of age receiving MMRV. Febrile seizures do not predispose to epilepsy or neurodevelopmental delays later in life and are not associated with long-term health impairment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that either MMR and varicella vaccines separately or the MMRV be used for the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines administered at 12 through 47 months of age. For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines administered at ages 48 months and older, and for dose 2 at any age (15 months to 12 years), use of MMRV generally is preferred over separate injections of MMR and varicella vaccines.

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Among 12- to 23-month-olds who received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine, fever and seizure were elevated 7 to 10 days after vaccination. Vaccination with MMRV results in 1 additional febrile seizure for every 2300 doses.

PMID: 

Pediatrics. 2010 Jul ;126(1):e1-8. Epub 2010 Jun 29. PMID: 20587679

Abstract Title: 

Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine and the risk of febrile seizures.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: In February 2008, we alerted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to preliminary evidence of a twofold increased risk of febrile seizures after the combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine when compared with separate measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines. Now with data on twice as many vaccine recipients, our goal was to reexamine seizure risk after MMRV vaccine.METHODS: Using 2000-2008 Vaccine Safety Datalink data, we assessed seizures and fever visits among children aged 12 to 23 months after MMRV and separate MMR + varicella vaccines. We compared seizure risk after MMRV vaccine to that after MMR + varicella vaccines by using Poisson regression as well as with supplementary regressions that incorporated chart-review results and self-controlled analyses.RESULTS: MMRV vaccine recipients (83,107) were compared with recipients of MMR + varicella vaccines (376,354). Seizure and fever significantly clustered 7 to 10 days after vaccination with all measles-containing vaccines but not after varicella vaccination alone. Seizure risk during days 7 to 10 was higher after MMRV than after MMR + varicella vaccination (relative risk: 1.98 [95% confidence interval: 1.43-2.73]). Supplementary analyses yielded similar results. The excess risk for febrile seizures 7 to 10 days after MMRV compared with separate MMR + varicella vaccination was 4.3 per 10,000 doses (95% confidence interval: 2.6-5.6).CONCLUSIONS: Among 12- to 23-month-olds who received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine, fever and seizure were elevated 7 to 10 days after vaccination. Vaccination with MMRV results in 1 additional febrile seizure for every 2300 doses given instead of separate MMR + varicella vaccines. Providers who recommend MMRV should communicate to parents that it increases the risk of fever and seizure over that already associated with measles-containing vaccines.

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Not only can the vaccine strain itself cause varicella, but vaccine failure is common and may lead to wild-type infection.

PMID: 

MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010 May 7 ;59(RR-3):1-12. PMID: 20448530

Abstract Title: 

Use of combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Abstract: 

This report presents new recommendations adopted in June 2009 by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding use of the combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV, ProQuad, Merck&Co., Inc.). MMRV vaccine was licensed in the United States in September 2005 and may be used instead of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR, M-M-RII, Merck&Co., Inc.) and varicella vaccine (VARIVAX, Merck&Co., Inc.) to implement the recommended 2-dose vaccine schedule for prevention of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella among children aged 12 months-12 years. At the time of its licensure, use of MMRV vaccine was preferred for both the first and second doses over separate injections of equivalent component vaccines (MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine), which was consistent with ACIP's 2006 general recommendations on use of combination vaccines (CDC. General recommendations on immunization: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2006;55;[No. RR-15]). Since July 2007, supplies of MMRV vaccine have been temporarily unavailable as a result of manufacturing constraints unrelated to efficacy or safety. MMRV vaccine is expected to be available again in the United States in May 2010. In February 2008, on the basis of preliminary data from two studies conducted postlicensure that suggested an increased risk for febrile seizures 5-12 days after vaccination among children aged 12-23 months who had received the first dose of MMRV vaccine compared with children the same age who had received the first dose of MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine administered as separate injections at the same visit, ACIP issued updated recommendations regarding MMRV vaccine use (CDC. Update: recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP] regarding administration of combination MMRV vaccine. MMWR 2008;57:258-60). These updated recommendations expressed no preference for use of MMRV vaccine over separate injections of equivalent component vaccines for both the first and second doses. The final results of the two postlicensure studies indicated that among children aged 12–23 months, one additional febrile seizure occurred 5-12 days after vaccination per 2,300-2,600 children who had received the first dose of MMRV vaccine compared with children who had received the first dose of MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine administered as separate injections at the same visit. Data from postlicensure studies do not suggest that children aged 4–6 years who received the second dose of MMRV vaccine had an increased risk for febrile seizures after vaccination compared with children the same age who received MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine administered as separate injections at the same visit. In June 2009, after consideration of the postlicensure data and other evidence, ACIP adopted new recommendations regarding use of MMRV vaccine for the first and second doses and identified a personal or family (i.e., sibling or parent) history of seizure as a precaution for use of MMRV vaccine. For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at age 12–47 months, either MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine or MMRV vaccine may be used. Providers who are considering administering MMRV vaccine should discuss the benefits and risks of both vaccination options with the parents or caregivers. Unless the parent or caregiver expresses a preference for MMRV vaccine, CDC recommends that MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine should be administered for the first dose in this age group. For the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at any age (15 months-12 years) and for the first dose at age>or=48 months, use of MMRV vaccine generally is preferred over separate injections of its equivalent component vaccines (i.e., MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine). This recommendation is consistent with ACIP's 2009 provisional general recommendations regarding use of combination vaccines (available at https://ift.tt/2uIIrgM), which state that use of a combination vaccine generally is preferred over its equivalent component vaccines.

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Ginsenoside Rg1 and the control of inflammation implications for the therapy of type 2 diabetes.

PMID: 

Pharmacol Res. 2020 Jan 3 ;152:104630. Epub 2020 Jan 3. PMID: 31911245

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg1 and the control of inflammation implications for the therapy of type 2 diabetes: A review of scientific findings and call for further research.

Abstract: 

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is gradually assuming pandemic proportions, leaving in its trail increased morbidity and mortality. This trend is mainly credited to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles resulting in increased cases of overweightness and obesity. Traditionally, T2D is considered a metabolic disorder epitomized by prolonged elevated levels of glucose due to insulin resistance and/or decreased insulin secretion resulting from pancreaticβ-cells dysfunction. Our current understanding of the disease implicates the adipose tissue in the induction of low-grade chronic inflammation which in turn initiates a cascade of anti- and pro-inflammatory responses by the immune system ultimately damaging the β-cells of the pancreas. The centralrole of inflammation in the initiation and progress of T2D is now receiving a lot of attention. This review gives an overview of the centrality of inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2D and focuses on the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1. This review is borne out of the hypothesis that, ifinflammation is an absolute precondition to T2D initiation and progress, then attenuation of inflammation should hold therapeutic promise. In line with this, we highlight the anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 among others and proffer suggestions for future studies.

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Ginsenoside Rg3 suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome activation through inhibition of its assembly.

PMID: 

FASEB J. 2020 Jan ;34(1):208-221. Epub 2019 Nov 20. PMID: 31914640

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg3 suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome activation through inhibition of its assembly.

Abstract: 

Ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the main constituents of Panax ginseng. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg3 is capable of inhibiting inflammation. However, the mechanism mediating its anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. Here we show that ginsenoside Rg3 blocks IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation through inhibiting LPS priming and the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human and mouse macrophages. Rg3 specifically inhibits activation of NLRP3 but not the NLRC4 or AIM2 inflammasomes. In addition, Rg3 has no effect on upstream regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome, such as Kefflux, ROS production, or mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, Rg3 abrogates NEK7-NLRP3 interaction, and subsequently inhibits NLRP3-ASC interaction, ASC oligomerization, and speckle formation. More importantly, Rg3 can reduce IL-1β secretion induced by LPS in mice and protect mice from lethal endotoxic shock. Thus, our findings reveal an anti-inflammatory mechanism for Rg3 and suggest its potential use in NLRP3-driven diseases.

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