Effect of genistein and coenzyme Q10 in oxidative damage and mitochondrial membrane potential in an attenuated type II mucopolysaccharidosis cellular model

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an inborn error of the metabolism resulting from several possible mutations in the gene coding for iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), which leads to a great clinical heterogeneity presented by these patients. Many studies demonstrate the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of inborn errors of metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress can be related since most of reactive oxygen species come from mitochondria. Cellular models have been used to study different diseases and are useful in biochemical research to investigate them in a new promising way. The aim of this study is to develop a heterozygous cellular model for MPS II and analyze parameters of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and investigate the in vitro effect of genistein and coenzyme Q10 on these parameters for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. The HP18 cells (heterozygous c.261_266del6/c.259_261del3) showed almost null results in the activity of the IDS enzyme and presented accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), allowing the characterization of this knockout cellular model by MPS II gene editing. An increase in the production of reactive species was demonstrated (p < .05 compared with WT vehicle group) and genistein at concentrations of 25 and 50 µm decreased in vitro its production (p < .05 compared with HP18 vehicle group), but there was no effect of coenzyme Q10 in this parameter. There was a tendency for lysosomal pH change in HP18 cells in comparison to WT group and none of the antioxidants tested demonstrated any effect on this parameter. There was no increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase and oxidative damage to DNA in HP18 cells in comparison to WT group and neither genistein nor coenzyme q10 had any effect on these parameters. Regarding mitochondrial membrane potential, genistein induced mitochondrial depolarization in both concentrations tested (p < .05 compared with HP18 vehicle group and compared with WT vehicle group) and incubation with coenzyme Q10 demonstrated no effect on this parameter. In conclusion, it is hypothesized that our cellular model could be compared with a milder MPS II phenotype, given that the accumulation of GAGs in lysosomes is not as expressive as another cellular model for MPS II presented in the literature. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that there is no mitochondrial depolarization and no DNA damage, since there is less lysosomal impairment, as well as less redox imbalance.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in a type II mucopolysaccharidosis cellular model: in vitro effects of genistein and coenzyme Q10

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II or Hunter Syndrome) is a lysosomal disease caused by deficient degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate due to the deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. The main treatment for MPS II is the administration of the recombinant form of the enzyme, in a process known as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Oxidative damage can contribute to the pathophysiology of MPS II and treatment with ERT can reduce the effects of oxidative stress. For a better understanding of pathophysiology of MPS II, we evaluated biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) damage, antioxidant defenses, reactive species production and lysosomal size in IDS-deficient HEK 293 cells and investigate the in vitro effect of genistein and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) on these biomarkers. An increase in the production of reactive species was demonstrated, as well as an increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Also, an increase in lysosomal volume and oxidative damage to DNA were verified. There was no evidence of a change in mitochondrial function in this cell model. In the HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney 293) knockout (KO) HP10 cell model we found that genistein at concentrations of 25 and 50 μm decreased in vitro the production of reactive species and the activity of the SOD enzyme, showing an antioxidant protective effect. Still, in these cells we verified that the coenzyme Q10 in the concentrations of 5 and 10 μm decreased in vitro the activity of the SOD enzyme and in the concentration of 10 μm decreased in vitro the DNA damage, also demonstrating antioxidant protection. In conclusion, MPS II knockout cells demonstrated oxidative stress and DNA damage and genistein, as well as coenzyme Q10, have been shown to have an important protective effect in vitro against these oxidative damages.

MatchTope: A tool to predict the cross reactivity of peptides complexed with Major Histocompatibility Complex I

The therapeutic targeting of the immune system, for example in vaccinology and cancer treatment, is a challenging task and the subject of active research. Several in silico tools used for predicting immunogenicity are based on the analysis of peptide sequences binding to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC). However, few of these bioinformatics tools take into account the pMHC three-dimensional structure. Here, we describe a new bioinformatics tool, MatchTope, developed for predicting peptide similarity, which can trigger cross-reactivity events, by computing and analyzing the electrostatic potentials of pMHC complexes. We validated MatchTope by using previously published data from in vitro assays. We thereby demonstrate the strength of MatchTope for similarity prediction between targets derived from several pathogens as well as for indicating possible cross responses between self and tumor peptides. Our results suggest that MatchTope can enhance and speed up future studies in the fields of vaccinology and cancer immunotherapy.

T-cell specific upregulation of Sema4A as risk factor for autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of SEMA4A genetic variants on expression of sema4A protein and its relation to autoimmunity development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. A total of 541 SLE patients, 390 RA patients and 607 healthy individuals were genotyped. We also assessed SEMA4A mRNA expression from whole blood cells and the in vitro protein production from resting and activated T lymphocytes as well as mature dendritic cells from healthy individuals stratified according to their genotypes for SLE/RA associated SEMA4A variants. Our results showed that T/T genotype for rs3738581 SNP is associated with both RA and SLE development (p = .000053, OR = 2.35; p = .0019, OR = 2.07, respectively; statistical power = 100%) and also to an increased in vitro sema4A production in active T lymphocytes. Our findings are indicative of a T cell-specific upregulation of sema4A in the presence of T/T genotype, being a risk factor for SLE and RA.

pMHC Structural Comparisons as a Pivotal Element to Detect and Validate T-Cell Targets for Vaccine Development and Immunotherapy-A New Methodological Proposal

The search for epitopes that will effectively trigger an immune response remains the “El Dorado” for immunologists. The development of promising immunotherapeutic approaches requires the appropriate targets to elicit a proper immune response. Considering the high degree of HLA/TCR diversity, as well as the heterogeneity of viral and tumor proteins, this number will invariably be higher than ideal to test. It is known that the recognition of a peptide-MHC (pMHC) by the T-cell receptor is performed entirely in a structural fashion, where the atomic interactions of both structures, pMHC and TCR, dictate the fate of the process. However, epitopes with a similar composition of amino acids can produce dissimilar surfaces. Conversely, sequences with no conspicuous similarities can exhibit similar TCR interaction surfaces. In the last decade, our group developed a database and in silico structural methods to extract molecular fingerprints that trigger T-cell immune responses, mainly referring to physicochemical similarities, which could explain the immunogenic differences presented by different pMHC-I complexes. Here, we propose an immunoinformatic approach that considers a structural level of information, combined with an experimental technology that simulates the presentation of epitopes for a T cell, to improve vaccine production and immunotherapy efficacy.

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities induced by a Plantago australis hydroethanolic extract standardized in verbascoside

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plantago australis is a popular plant found to be widely spread in Latin America. In folk medicine, the seeds and leaves are used mainly for anti-inflammatory, wound healing, among others. The verbascoside, a phenolic glycoside, is an active chemical component described in this species of plant, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether P. australis hydroethanolic extract (PAHE) standardized in verbascoside could promote wound healing associated with anti-inflammatory action within both in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

For the wound healing activity, we used a Scratch Test, an assay capable of evaluating the migratory ability of keratinocyte cells (HaCat) in vitro and thereby confirming the activity in rats. For the anti-inflammatory activity, the inflammation was induced with LPS in microglial murine cells (N9). Inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, INFγ, MCP-1 and TNFα) were measured and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. In addition, using paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats, the anti-inflammatory activity in vivo was analyzed.

RESULTS

The PAHE and verbascoside, induced a significant increase in migration of keratinocytes, at all concentrations tested when compared to the negative control. The wound healing activity in vivo showed that the PAHE accelerated the process. The treatments with PAHE and verbascoside induce increases in the antioxidants enzymes, suggesting a possible activation of these enzymes. However, this did not result in an increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators in microglial cells. In LPS activated cells the verbascoside displayed a significant reduction of TNFα, IL-6, IL-12p70, MCP-1 and INFγ, while the PAHE only displayed statistically significant reduction in TNFα. Interestingly, both the compounds could reduce the oxidative parameters in N9 cells activated by LPS. Additionally, pretreatment with PAHE inhibited the paw edema in rats.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that PAHE has wound healing activity, improving cells migration and, as well as was able to reverse the oxidation effect in LPS-activated N9 cells. The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities of PAHE were confirmed in vivo. In addition, the presence of verbascoside can be related to PAHE effects, since this compound was capable of increase keratinocytes migration and inhibiting inflammation mediators.

Zika Virus as a Possible Risk Factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neuroimmunological Aspects

The recent outbreak of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and the discovery that perinatal Zika exposure can lead to the Congenital Zika Syndrome has promoted a call for prevention measures. Due to the increased number of babies born with microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities, and neurological alterations in regions affected by ZIKV, investigations were carried out in order to better understand this process. The maternal immune system directly influences the fetal central nervous system, and complications during pregnancy have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly manifested in the first years of life, is a disease with multifactorial etiology and is manifested typically by social and communication impairments, as well as stereotyped behaviors. Brain abnormalities, including both anatomically and functionally, can be observed in this disorder, suggesting delays in neuronal maturation and altered brain connectivity. It is known that some viral congenital infections, such as rubella, and cytomegalovirus can interfere with brain development, being associated with brain calcification, microcephaly, and ASD. Here, we reviewed a range of studies evaluating the aspects concerning brain development, immunological status during pregnancy, and neuroimmunomodulation in congenital viral infections, and we discuss if the fetal brain infection caused by ZIKV could predispose to ASD. Finally, we suggest a mechanism encompassing neurological and immunological pathways that could play a role in the development of ASD in infants after ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

Evaluation of polymorphic variants in apoptotic genes and their role in susceptibility and clinical progression to systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease marked by the disruption of the immune homeostasis. Patients exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations, and environmental and genetic factors are involved in SLE pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that abnormalities in the cellular and molecular events that coordinate apoptosis may favour the generation of autoantigens involved in autoimmunity. In this way, the apoptotic deregulation may be affected by polymorphic variants in apoptotic-related genes. Methods We analyzed FAS, FASL, BCL-2 and BAX polymorphisms in order to correlate to SLE susceptibility and clinical features. A total of 427 SLE patients from the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and 543 controls from southern Brazil were evaluated. Results We observed higher frequencies of the FASL -844CC genotype and -844C allele, as well as of the FASL-844C/IVS2nt-124A haplotype in African-derived SLE patients when compared to controls ( P < 0.001). FASL -844C, which is related to high FasL expression, could contribute to increased apoptosis and to the breakdown of immunological tolerance, favouring autoantibody production and inflammation. On the other hand, the BAX -248GA genotype and the -248A allele , related to low protein expression, were observed as a protective factor against SLE in this same population. The rate of apoptosis and cell death was evaluated in peripheral lymphocytes, and SLE patients presented a higher percentage of dead lymphocytes (CD3⁺Annexin V⁺ 7-AAD⁺) compared to the control group. Conclusion Our data support a role for apoptosis in SLE susceptibility.

HLA-G and CD8+ regulatory T cells in the inflammatory environment of pre-eclampsia

During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is tolerant to foetal antigens via the engagement of immune regulatory mechanisms. Failure in regulating the maternal immunity to foetal antigens may lead to pre-eclampsia (PE). We addressed the role of HLA-G gene polymorphisms and protein expression as well as regulatory T cells and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in healthy and pathological pregnancies. Blood samples from 26 pregnant women with PE, 25 non-PE and 7 strictly healthy pregnant women were assessed. PBMCs were phenotyped for early activation markers (CD25 and CD69), regulatory T-cell markers (CD8⁺CD28^- and CD4⁺CD25^highFoxp3⁺), ILT-2 (HLA-G receptor) and HLA-G. Lymphocyte proliferation was estimated and levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 were measured. HLA-G polymorphisms (rs66554220 and rs1063320) were genotyped by PCR. PE women exhibited low levels of HLA-G in PBMCs and low frequency of regulatory CD8⁺CD28^- T cells. High amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-2 and TNF-α as well as IL-4 and IL-10 and an increased proliferative cell activation profile were observed in PE. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HLA-G gene polymorphisms and the frequency of CD4⁺CD25^highFoxp3⁺ T cells did not vary among the groups. Our data suggest that the cytokine imbalance presented in PE is associated with a deficient immune regulatory profile, contributing to an impaired immune tolerance between mother and foetus.

Rapid and Slow Progressors Show Increased IL-6 and IL-10 Levels in the Pre-AIDS Stage of HIV Infection

Cytokines are intrinsically related to disease progression in HIV infection. We evaluated the plasma levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in extreme progressors, including slow (SPs) and rapid (RPs) progressors, who were thus classified based on clinical and laboratory follow-up covering a period of time before the initiation of HAART, ranging from 93–136.5 months for SPs and 7.5–16.5 months for RPs. Analyses were also performed based on the different stages of HIV infection (chronic, pre-HAART individuals—subjects sampled before initiating HAART but who initiated therapy from 12 to 24 months—and those receiving HAART). The plasma cytokine levels of 16 HIV-infected rapid progressors and 25 slow progressors were measured using a Human Th1/Th2/Th17 CBA kit. The IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels differed significantly between the stages of HIV infection. The IL-6 levels were higher in slow progressors pre-HAART than in chronically infected SPs and HIV-seronegative individuals. The IL-10 levels were higher in slow progressors pre-HAART than in slow progressors receiving HAART and HIV-seronegative controls, and in rapid progressors, the IL-10 levels were higher in pre-HAART subjects than in HIV-seronegative controls. The results reflect the changes in the cytokine profile occurring during different clinical stages in HIV+ subjects. Our results suggest an association between increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels and pre-HAART stages independent of the slow or rapid progression status of the subjects. Thus, increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels could indicate a global inflammatory status and could be used as markers of the disease course in HIV-infected individuals.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory markers in school-aged children with early trauma

OBJECTIVE

The impact of childhood trauma (CT) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines levels remains unclear. We investigated the association between CT and changes in BDNF and cytokines plasma levels in children.

METHOD

We recruited 36 children with trauma (CT+) and 26 children without trauma (CT-). The presence of CT was based on a clinical interview and by Criteria A of DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. Blood samples were drawn from all children to assess BDNF and cytokines. ancova was performed with psychiatric symptoms and BMI as covariates to evaluate group differences in plasma levels.

RESULTS

CT+ showed increased levels of BDNF and TNF-α after excluding children with history of inflammatory disease (P<0.05) when compared with those CT-. IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-1β levels were not statistically different between groups.

CONCLUSION

CT+ showed increased BDNF and proinflammatory cytokines levels. The increase in BDNF levels may be an attempt to neutralize the negative effects of CT, while an increase in TNF-a levels be associated with a proinflammatory state after CT. How these changes associated with trauma relate to other biological changes and illness trajectory later in life remain to be further studied.

NLRP1 L155H Polymorphism is a Risk Factor for Preeclampsia Development

PROBLEM

Augmented levels of IL-1ß have been pointed out as an important pathogenic factor for preeclampsia development. Inflammasome is the cytoplasmic complex responsible for pro-IL1ß cleavage and IL-1ß secretion. Aim of the study was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in inflammasome' genes and preeclampsia.

METHOD OF STUDY

Selected polymorphisms in inflammasome genes (NLRP1, NLRP3, CARD8, and IL1B) were analyzed in 286 Brazilian women with and 309 without preeclampsia.

RESULTS AND CONLCLUSIONS

The NLRP1 variant rs12150220 (L155H) was associated with the development of preeclampsia (OR = 1.58), suggesting a role of this inflammasome receptor in the pathogenesis of this multifactorial disorder.

Cytokine response to the 6-min walk test in individuals with different degrees of COPD

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Physical exercise is a key part of rehabilitation programs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, although it could modulates immune system responses by altering the cytokine profile of such individuals. Furthermore, the degree of severity of COPD could influence the inflammatory response induced by exercise. To evaluate the cytokine profile of individuals with different degrees of COPD in response to a 6-min walk test (6MWT).

METHODS

Forty-one patients with COPD were classified according to the severity of the disease by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease method: moderate = 14 individuals; severe = 14 individuals; very severe = 13 individuals. Blood sample collection was performed in the subjects pre and post a 6MWT. Cytokine plasma levels were analyzed to determine the cytokine profile using a Cytometric Bead Array technique (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA, USA) assay in flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed in the interleukin (IL)-6 levels after test between very severe and severe groups (P = 0.036). Also, lower levels of IL-4 were observed in the severe group compared with the very severe and the moderate groups in the pretest (P = 0.029; P = 0.003, respectively), and different values between the moderate and severe groups in the post-test (P = 0.044). A significant time pre-post effect was found in the IL-4 levels on the very severe group (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

After the 6MWT, a discrete inflammatory response was observed in COPD patients, independent of the degree of severity. The results concerning IL-4 and IL-6 levels can be indicative of an attempt to control inflammation after the 6MWT in COPD patients.

Effects of light activated in-office bleaching on permeability, microhardness, and mineral content of enamel

The aim of this study was to evaluate the permeability (PE), microhardness (KHN), and mineral change in enamel after LED/laser activated in-office bleaching. For PE, the coronal portion of premolars (n=51) was subjected to bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM Dental Products, Joinville, SC, Brazil). The samples were stained via the histochemical method, which involves a copper sulphate solution and rubeanic acid. The penetration of dye into the enamel was measured. The KHN of enamel was assessed before treatment, immediately after the bleaching treatment, and again after one week. The calcium and phosphorus content were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray (JSM 6360LV, Jeol Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). The data set from each test was subjected to appropriate parametric statistical analysis (α=0.05). No significant differences were observed for PE in NLA and LA compared to the control group (p=0.98), as well as for calcium (p=0.16) and phosphorus (p=0.80) content. Significant reduction of KHN after bleaching occurred for both groups (p<0.001). After immersion in artificial saliva, the KHN of the enamel for all groups was similar to that seen before bleaching. Light activation during in-office bleaching does not produce significant changes in the enamel compared to a non-light-activated technique.

Influence of HLA-G polymorphisms in human immunodeficiency virus infection and hepatitis C virus co-infection in Brazilian and Italian individuals

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G in the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection through the analysis of the HLA-G 3' untranslated region (UTR) polymorphisms 14 bp insertion/deletion (rs66554220) and +3142C>G (rs1063320).

DESIGN

We analyzed 582 HIV-1 infected patients and 626 uninfected individuals from Brazil and Italy in a case-control study.

METHODS

HLA-G polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR, PCR-RFLP assays or direct sequencing. All analyses were stratified by ethnicity. Genotypic, allelic and diplotypic frequencies were compared between HIV-1 infected subjects and controls using Chi-square or Fischer exact tests. Also, haplotypic frequencies were estimated using MLocus software.

RESULTS

African-derived HIV-infected individuals presented a higher frequency of the 14 bp insertion allele as compared to non-infected individuals (0.468 versus 0.373, respectively; p(Bonf) = 0.010). A higher frequency of the 14 bp insertion +3142G (insG) haplotype (0.456 versus 0.346, p<0.001) and the insG/insG diplotype (OR=1.88, 95%CI = 1.08-3.23, p=0.021) was observed among African-derived patients as compared to uninfected controls. Also, we observed a higher frequency of the ins/ins genotype among African-derived HIV patients co-infected with HCV (OR=2.78, 95%CI = 1.20-6.49, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data point out to an increased frequency of alleles and genotypes associated with low HLA-G expression among African-derived patients, suggesting a potential role for HLA-G in the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and HCV co-infection in those individuals.

Peripheral toxicity in crack cocaine use disorders

A growing body of evidence suggests that crack cocaine misuse has widespread systemic and cognitive consequences, but little attention has been given to its systemic pathophysiology. We report here changes in inflammation markers, oxidative damage and brain derived neurotrophic factor in a sample of outpatients with crack cocaine use disorders. Fifty-three outpatients were recruited for this cross-sectional study and matched with fifty control subjects. The focus of this report is in between group differences in cytokines, oxidative damage and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Crack cocaine use was associated with higher BDNF levels when compared to controls, present only in those who used crack cocaine in the last month. Patients also had higher circulating levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 when compared to controls. There were no significant differences in oxidative damage between patients and controls. These results represent a first demonstration that crack cocaine use disorders entail an activation of the reward, immune and inflammatory systems.

Comparison of pregnancy characteristics and outcomes between HIV-infected and HIV-non-infected women in Brazil

The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of pregnant women whether they are HIV infected or not and their prenatal care. It is a cross-sectional study. HIV-infected women were derived from a cohort study of all HIV-infected pregnant women followed from 1995 to 2005, at the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira - Rio de Janeiro. HIV-non-infected women were derived from a random sample of all pregnant women who gave birth at Rio de Janeiro municipality between 1999 and 2001. All relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and pregnancy outcomes data were retrieved from both studies. To evaluate the prenatal care, we calculated the Kotelchuck Modified Index (KMI). The index is based on the months of initiation of prenatal care and the proportion of visits observed in each trimester, according to gestational age at birth. Comparisons were performed using Student t- and chi-square tests. Variables with p-value < 0.25 were included in an unconditional logistic regression model. There were 713 HIV-infected women and 2145 HIV-non-infected women. Variables independently associated with HIV status were: inadequate KMI (OR=4.08, 95% CI=3.17-5.24); lower educational level (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.04-1.68); does not live with a partner (OR=3.54, 95% CI=2.66-4.64); lower family income (OR=4.71, 95% CI=3.62-6.14); tobacco use (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.63-2.88); and hypertension (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.01-2.17). Prematurity was not independently associated with HIV status. Although in Brazil, the HIV care is free of charge, pregnant women are still having difficulty to reach the specialized care. Better access to care must be offered to this population and studies of prematurity in the HIV-infected women must evaluate their prenatal care.

Association between mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms and pre-eclampsia in Brazilian women

PROBLEM

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is involved in the maintenance of an inflammatory environment in uterus. High MBL levels have been associated with successful pregnancies whereas low levels are involved in pre-eclampsia (PE) development. Here, we evaluated MBL2 gene polymorphisms in the structural and promoter regions addressing their association with PE.

METHOD OF STUDY

DNA samples from 162 control pregnant women and 157 pregnant PE women were genotyped and data compared with demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

High frequency of C and D alleles (related to low MBL levels) was observed in PE women when compared to controls (C: 0.08 versus 0.03, P = 0.006; D: 0.10 versus 0.05, P = 0.009). Grouping the MBL genotypes according to phenotype, a higher frequency of OO genotype was observed in PE women when compared to control women (0.15 versus 0.04, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that women with genotypes associated with low MBL levels could be potential PE developers.

Immunogenetics of pregnancy: role of a 14-bp deletion in the maternal HLA-G gene in primiparous pre-eclamptic Brazilian women

The etiology and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE) involve a combination of maternal-fetal genetic and immunologic factors. The immunologic maladaptation theory of PE predicts that the maternal immune system does not tolerate the semi-allogeneic fetus. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is expressed in some types of immune cells as well as in the fetal-maternal interface by trophoblasts, playing an immunoregulatory role. Here we have evaluated a 14-bp deletion polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of exon 8 of HLA-G gene in pregnant PE women and controls. HLA-G genotypes in both control and PE women were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The healthy pregnant and PE women had similar genotype frequencies (p = 0.789). This was similarly observed when PE women were subgrouped accordingly to severity of disease (p = 0.646). However, the primiparous PE women presented a tendency toward higher frequency of the 14-bp deletion allele (0.442) compared with the primiparous healthy women (0.286), p = 0.09. Our data suggest that the maternal 14-bp deletion of HLA-G is not associated with the risk for PE but that it could affect the development of PE in primiparous women.

Histopathological outcome of Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice is improved by oral treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine

Leishmania major infected BALB/c mice were treated with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, to evaluate the role of in vivo glutathione on lesion pathology and cytokine profiles following infection. Mice were maintained on NAC-containing water 2 days before infection for a total of 14 weeks. The BALB/c response to L. major infection was improved by oral administration of NAC, at the level of histopathological outcome, lesion progression and cytokine profile. A significantly improved histopathological outcome of the footpad lesion, characterized by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate organized in a focal pattern with little tissue destruction and a reduced parasite load, was observed in NAC-treated BALB/c mice. Histopathological modulation was accompanied by a modified cytokine pattern from popliteal lymph node cells, demonstrated by a sustained higher frequency of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-producing cells. This work points to an important role for glutathione in the modulation of effector responses in BALB/c mice.