The Influence of IL-11 on Cardiac Fibrosis in Experimental Models: A Systematic Review

Fibrosis is one of the main factors that impair the function of many organs. In the heart, fibrosis leads to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias, which are important in the development of heart failure. Interleukin (IL)-11 is regulated in various heart diseases and has recently been reported to be an important cytokine in fibrosis in this organ. However, this topic has been little explored, and many questions persist. Thus, this systematic review aimed to report on possible IL-11 therapies evaluated in rodent model-induced cardiac fibrosis. Inclusion criteria were experimental in vivo studies that used different rodent models for cardiac fibrosis associated with IL-11 interventions, without year and language restrictions. The search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed in October 2022. The risk of bias assessment of the studies was based on the guidelines of the SYRCLE tool, and data from the selected articles were also presented in a table as a narrative description. This review was based on eight studies in which five different interventions were used: recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11), anti-IL11 (X203), recombinant mouse IL-11 (rmIL-11), lentivirus (LV)-IL-11 + lutein, and anti-IL11RA (X209). Based on the included studies, the results were variable, with IL-11 overexpression inducing cardiac fibrosis, while inhibition protected against this process, preserving the function of this organ. Therefore, IL-11 stands out as a promising therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms triggered by each treatment, as well as its safety and immunogenicity.

A Global View of Pemphigus: Geographical Variations

Pemphigus, an autoimmune intraepidermal bullous disease group with roughly eight distinct forms, includes pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) as its predominant global forms. Despite the increased utilization of global health records and reporting systems, epidemiological data remain limited and poorly categorized. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a review to track, identify, and characterize cases of PV and PF published and categorized worldwide. A research question was formulated; studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria; and data from these publications were systematically collected, summarized, and presented using narrative descriptions. The search strategy yielded 3,212 articles, of which 95 underwent critical analysis and data extraction. Studies from 52 countries contributed to the dataset, covering various pemphigus variants. Notably, only two countries, Iran (18.87%) and South Korea (11.43%), accounted for approximately a third of the reported PV cases, while Brazil contributed 40.25% of the foliaceus variants cases documented in the literature. These findings offer valuable insights into the global distribution of pemphigus and inform future research and healthcare efforts.

Cactus-sorghum intercropping combined with management interventions of planting density, row orientation and nitrogen fertilisation can optimise water use in dry regions

Some strategies can optimise the use of water in crops under deficit, either by increasing yield or by reducing actual crop evapotranspiration (ET), to promote the sustainable intensification of production systems. The objective was to evaluate how the spacing, planting orientation, nitrogen fertilisation and intercropping strategies impact the dynamics of water in the soil, ET partitioning, and water use indicators for forage cactus and cactus-sorghum intercropping. Four experiments were conducted between 2018 and 2020 in the Brazilian semi-arid region. In the first two sites (I and II), the cladodes of the intercropped forage cactus and sorghum were spaced at 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 m with rows-oriented east-west and north-south. In site III, the intercropped rows were spaced at 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 m. Site IV, which contained the forage cactus crop exclusively, was treated with four nitrogen levels (50, 150, 300 and 450 kg N ha-1). The management interventions improved water use more by increasing dry matter than by reducing ET in the cropping system. Intercropping promoted the greatest increase in water productivity (130 %). Increasing N doses in the forage cactus-only crop reduced ET by up to 39 % but increased deep drainage losses by up to 365 %. The most promising management practices for optimising water resources were as follows: spacing of 0.10 m between cactus plants in the intercropping trial under east-west row orientation, as it promoted greater water use efficiency (76 %); spacing of 0.30 m in the north-south orientation; and row spacing of 1.50 m, as it improved water productivity (6.89 kg m-3). Thus, interventions in management should be adopted to optimise water use in intercropping systems with forage cactus, aiming at sustainable intensification in dry environments.

Exploratory inference of the ingestive behavior of pigs in the finishing phase in an air-conditioned environment

The objective of this research is to apply exploratory analysis and modeling associated with abiotic factors, physiological and behavioral variables of swine in the semi-arid region. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme, randomly distributed in nine pens, with three animals. The behavior of the animals was recorded using images and analyzed within 10-min interval. The data analysis used was multivariate, using the clustering method (tree diagram) and principal component analysis (PCA), in order to establish the main predictors of swine ingestive behavior, using multiple linear regression models. The PCA showed satisfactory results, in which the lowest eigenvalue observed was 2.82 and the accumulated variance for the treatments ranged from 69.70 to 94% for the first two principal components. Through exploratory data analysis, it was possible to identify the relationship between biotic and abiotic factors with the ingestive behavior of pigs in the finishing phase. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, the most promising predictor variables for estimating the regression models were determined. Adiabatic evaporative cooling associated with 18 h of light was the combination of factors with the best results, presenting models for eating and drinking behavior, i.e. a complete ingestive characterization.

Vaginal temperature modeling in Holstein cows and cluster analysis by the cophenetic correlation coefficient

The objective was to establish a model for the prediction and characterization of vaginal temperature in Holstein cows, based on environmental predictors and thermal comfort indices, through cluster analysis, validation by the cophenetic correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The micrometeorological characterization of the site was carried out by recording the air temperature (T_air), the relative humidity (RH), the black globe temperature (BGT), the black globe temperature and humidity (BGHI), and dew point temperature (TDP). The recording of vaginal temperature (Tv) was performed in eight dairy cows using temperature sensors, equipped with data loggers, coupled with intravaginal devices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis (CA) by using the hierarchical agglomerative method based on the value of the cophenetic correlation coefficient (CCC >0.70), in which representative physiological models were established, characterizing the Tv through multiple regression. In the afternoon the coefficient of variation (CV) was low for all variables, indicating homogeneity of the meteorological variables and efficiency of the ventilation system. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was mild only on the morning. There was a variation of 0.28 °C of Tv between shifts, sufficient to characterize the condition of comfort and stress of the animal, with values above 39 °C indicating animal stress. Tv showed strong correlation with BGT, T_air, TDP and RH, assuming that physiological variables, such as Tv, tend to have greater relationship with abiotic variables. Empirical models were established for estimating Tv based on the analyses performed in this study. Model 1 is recommended for TDP ranges of 14.00-21.00 °C and RH of 30-100%, while model 2 can be used for T_air situations up to 35 °C. The regression models for estimating Tv are promising for characterizing the thermal comfort of dairy cows housed in compost barn systems.

Phenotypic plasticity and behavioral responses of dairy cattle on rotational grazing

Heat stress is one of the most important environmental challenges faced by dairy cattle, with a deleterious effect on animal production and welfare. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of the thermal environment on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cattle in a rotational picket. The research was conducted on an experimental farm, located in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The animals were managed in a rotational picket system of signal grass, with an occupation and a rest period of 7 and 28 days, respectively, for a stocking rate of 3.2 AU ha^-1. The determination of the effect of stressors on the animals was performed by recording the dry bulb temperature (°C), and the relative humidity, which allowed the characterization of the thermal environment by the temperature and humidity index and by the specific enthalpy (kJ kg^-1). The physiological variables monitored were respiratory rate (mov. min^-1), rectal temperature (°C), and skin temperature (°C). The behavioral responses quantified were activities, walking, ruminating, idling and ingestive behaviors, eating, and drinking, with the percentage of time spent on each activity being recorded. According to the canonical multivariate analysis, the chi-square test, and the variation of physiological patterns, the animals, even in a situation of greater thermal challenge, presented physiological responses within conditions considered normal; however, they reduced grazing activity (eating) during the hottest hours and increased the activities of rumination and idling.

Bioclimatic Zoning for Sheep Farming through Geostatistical Modeling in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed out the high vulnerability of developing countries to climate change, which is expected to impact food and income security. Sheep farming is one of the main animal productions among the families located in the most vulnerable regions of the semiarid region of Pernambuco state, a Brazilian territory known for its high temperatures, low relative humidity, and high net solar radiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify different regions of Pernambuco that may be more suitable for different breeds of sheep, based on non-parametric statistics and kriging maps of the temperature and humidity index (THI). THI values were determined based on mean annual temperature and wind speed extracted from the TerraClimate remote sensing database. Pernambuco state presented THI values ranging from 66 to 79, with the hair breeds having a high potential for exploitation in almost all territories, including the main meat-producing breeds. The East Friesian breed, a high milk producer, would be well suited to the Agreste mesoregion, a territory that, like the Pajeú and Moxotó microregions, also proved favorable for the introduction of three wool breeds (Suffolk, Poll Dorset, and Texel) known as major meat producers. The kriging maps of the THI values successfully allowed the identification of strategic development regions of Pernambuco state with high potential for sheep breeding.

Exploring the functionalization of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with the novel antimicrobial peptide JIChis-2 via plasma polymerization

This study aimed to characterize the immobilization of the novel JIChis-2 peptide on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, widely used in the biomedical sector. The antimicrobial activity of JIChis-2 was evaluated in the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli. Its immobilization occurred by inducing the formation of covalent bonds between the N-terminus of the peptides and the surface previously submitted to acrylic acid polymerization via the PECVD technique. Coated and uncoated surfaces were characterized by FTIR, AFM, SEM and EDX. Studies of global and localized corrosion were carried out, seeking to explore the effects triggered by surface treatment in an aggressive environment. Additionally, the ability of the functionalized material to prevent E. coli biofilm formation evidenced that the strategy to immobilize JIChis-2 in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy via PECVD of acrylic acid resulted in the development of a functional material with antibiofilm properties.

Investigation of pre and post environmental impact of the lockdown (COVID-19) on the water quality of the Capibaribe and Tejipió rivers, Recife metropolitan region, Brazil

The coronavirus pandemic has seriously affected human health, although some improvements on environmental indexes have temporarily occurred, due to changes on socio-cultural and economic standards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of the coronavirus and the influence of the lockdown associated with rainfall on the water quality of the Capibaribe and Tejipió rivers, Recife, Northeast Brazil, using cloud remote sensing on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The study was carried out based on eight representative images from Sentinel-2. Among the selected images, two refer to the year 2019 (before the pandemic), three refer to 2020 (during a pandemic), two from the lockdown period (2020), and one for the year 2021. The land use and land cover (LULC) and slope of the study region were determined and classified. Water turbidity data were subjected to descriptive and multivariate statistics. When analyzing the data on LULC for the riparian margin of the Capibaribe and Tejipió rivers, a low permanent preservation area was found, with a predominance of almost 100% of the urban area to which the deposition of soil particles in rivers are minimal. The results indicated that turbidity values in the water bodies varied from 6 mg. L-1 up to 40 mg. L-1. Overall, the reduction in human-based activities generated by the lockdown enabled improvements in water quality of these urban rivers.

Association of gestational diabetes mellitus and negative modulation of the specific humoral and cellular immune response against Toxoplasma gondii

In order to evaluate and compare the specific immune response of pregnant women (PW) chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii, with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and the humoral response of their respective newborns (NB), the study was carried out on 81 PW (34 GDM and 47 controls) from whose medical records the results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were obtained, and blood samples were collected at the third trimester of pregnancy; also, on 45 NBs (20 GDM and 25 controls) from whom umbilical cord blood samples were obtained. Humoral immunity was analyzed by measuring anti-T. gondii total IgG, IgG subclasses and IgG avidity. To evaluate cellular immunity, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 32 PW (16 GDM and 16 controls) were cultured, supernatant cytokines were determined, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze the expression at lymphocytes of surface molecules, cytokines and transcription factors. All PW and NBs were positive for total IgG, and the prevalent subclass was IgG1. There was a negative correlation between the OGTT glycemia of PW and the levels of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG avidity. The IgG avidity of the GDM group was significantly lower than the control group. Patients from the GDM group had a higher number of T lymphocytes expressing markers of cell activation and exhaustion (CD28 and PD-1). In the presence of T. gondii soluble antigen (STAg) the amount of CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17 was significantly lower in the GDM group, while there was no difference between groups in the number of CD4+ CD25HighFOXP3+LAP+ functional Treg cells. Additionally, under STAg stimulus, the secretion of IL-17, IL-4, TNF and IL-2 cytokines at PBMCs culture supernatant was lower in the GDM group. In conclusion, there was a correlation between the increase in blood glucose and the decrease in levels of anti-T. gondii antibodies, associated with the decreased IgG avidity in patients who develop GDM. Also, the GDM group had decreased immune responses in Th1, Th2 and Th17 profiles, suggesting an association between GDM and the negative modulation of the humoral and cellular immune responses against T. gondii.

Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium isolated from pigeon droppings (Columba livia) in the external environment close to hospitals

Background:

Domestic pigeons carry pathogens in their droppings, posing a potential public health problem.

Methods:

The phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistances of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium in the feces of urban pigeons near hospitals with intensive care units were measured.

Results:

Twenty-nine samples showed Enterococcus growth, whereas one was positive for S. aureus. The S. aureus isolate was sensitive to the antibiotics tested via antibiogram, however resistance genes were identified. E. faecium isolates showed phenotypic resistance to gentamicin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

Antimicrobial profiles harmful to health were demonstrated in bacterial pathogens isolated from the external environment of hospitals.

Congenital transmission of Mexican strains of Trypanosoma cruzi TcIa: interaction between parasite and human placental explants

Congenital transmission of Chagas disease plays an important role in endemic countries because it is not a diagnosis that is encountered frequently in prenatal care. Due to limited information regarding congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexico, the present study aimed to investigate protozoan infectivity and modulation of immune responses in human placental explants infected with T. cruzi Ia Mexican strains. The Inc-5 strain showed increased infectivity and modulated IL-1β, IL-10 and TLR-4, decreasing their expression after 24 h of infection. Both strains (Inc-5 and Ninoa) stimulated the production of TNF-α and decreased IL-6 levels 96 h after infection. An important detachment of the syncytiotrophoblast caused by infection with T. cruzi was observed after 24 h of infection. In this study, ex vivo infection of human placental villi was performed to better understand interactions involving parasitic T. cruzi and human placental tissue. It was concluded that the strains of TcIa present parasitism in placental tissue, modulation of the innate immune system of the placenta, and cause intense detachment of the syncytiotrophoblast, a fact that may be more associated with abortion and premature birth events than the congenital transmission itself, justifying the low rate of this transmission mechanism by this genotype.

An immunoinformatics-based designed multi-epitope candidate vaccine (mpme-VAC/STV-1) against Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Pneumonia is a serious global health problem that accounts for over one million deaths annually. Among the main microorganisms causing pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common ones for which a vaccine is immediately required. In this context, a multi-epitope vaccine against this pathogen could be the best option that can induce effective immune response avoiding any serious adverse reactions. In this study, using an immunoinformatics approach we have designed a multi-epitope vaccine (mpme-VAC/STV-1) against M. pneumoniae. Our designed mpme-VAC/STV-1 is constructed using CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte), HTL (Helper T lymphocyte), and B-cell epitopes. These epitopes are selected from the core proteins of 88 M. pneumoniae genomes that were previously identified through reverse vaccinology approaches. The epitopes were filtered according to their immunogenicity, population coverage, and several other criteria. Sixteen CTL/B- and thirteen HTL/B- epitopes that belong to 5 core proteins were combined together through peptide linkers to develop the mpme-VAC/STV-1. The heat-labile enterotoxin from E. coli was used as an adjuvant. The designed mpme-VAC/STV-1 is predicted to be stable, non-toxic, non-allergenic, non-host homologous, and with required antigenic and immunogenic properties. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation of mpme-VAC/STV-1 shows that it can stimulate TLR2 pathway mediated immunogenic reactions. In silico cloning of mpme-VAC/STV-1 in an expression vector also shows positive results. Finally, the mpme-VAC/STV-1 also shows promising efficacy in immune simulation tests. Therefore, our constructed mpme-VAC/STV-1 could be a safe and effective multi-epitope vaccine for immunization against pneumonia. However, it requires further experimental and clinical validations.

Immunosensor Based on Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals Decorated with Copper for the Electrochemical Detection of Human Salivary Alpha-Amylase

(1) Background: Nanocrystals (NCs)-based electrochemical sensors have been proposed for biomarkers detection, although immunosensors using ZnO NCs decorated with copper are still scarce. (2) Methods: Electrochemical immunodetection of human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA) used ZnO, CuO, and ZnO:xCu (x = 0.1, 0.4, 1.0, 4.0, and 12.0) NCs. (3) Results: Substitutional incorporation of Cu2+ in the crystalline structure of ZnO and formation of nanocomposite were demonstrated by characterization. Graphite electrodes were used and the electrochemical signal increased by 40% when using ZnO:1Cu and 4Cu (0.25 mg·mL-1), in an immunosensor (0.372 mg·mL-1 of anti-alpha-amylase and 1% of casein). Different interactions of HSA with the alpha-amylase antibody were registered when adding the NCs together, either before or after the addition of saliva (4 μL). The immunosensor changed specificity due to the interaction of copper. The ZnO:1Cu and ZnO:4Cu samples showed 50% interference in detection when used before the addition of saliva. The immunosensor showed 100% specificity and a sensitivity of 0.00196 U·mL-1. (4) Conclusions: Results showed that the order of NCs addition in the sensors should be tested and evaluated to avoid misinterpretation in detection and to enable advances in the validation of the immunosensor.

Influence of meteorological elements on behavioral responses of gir cows and effects on milk quality

This study aimed to analyze the principal components of the meteorological variables, physiological and behavioral response of cows subjected to different cooling times and their influence on milk quality, in the dry and rainfall periods, and to establish multiple regression models for milk quality. The data used in the study came from an experiment conducted in the Agreste Region of Pernambuco. The pre-milking cooling time was 10, 20, 30 min. and the control (without cooling). Sixteen multiparous lactating Gir cows were selected. Data were analyzed by principal component analysis and a multiple regression analysis was applied to determine milk quality. There was a strong relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and activity of the animal in the shade for dry, and lying for rainfall, with increased SCC in cow milk. It was possible to establish two multiple regression models to determine milk quality in dry and rainfall periods. According to the principal component analysis, the cooling time to meet the thermal requirement of the animals was 20 min., regardless of the season and milking shift.

Biomarkers and Their Possible Functions in the Intestinal Microenvironment of Chagasic Megacolon: An Overview of the (Neuro)inflammatory Process

The association between inflammatory processes and intestinal neuronal destruction during the progression of Chagasic megacolon is well established. However, many other components play essential roles, both in the long-term progression and control of the clinical status of patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Components such as neuronal subpopulations, enteric glial cells, mast cells and their proteases, and homeostasis-related proteins from several organic systems (serotonin and galectins) are differentially involved in the progression of Chagasic megacolon. This review is aimed at revealing the characteristics of the intestinal microenvironment found in Chagasic megacolon by using different types of already used biomarkers. Information regarding these components may provide new therapeutic alternatives and improve the understanding of the association between T. cruzi infection and immune, endocrine, and neurological system changes.

Biospeckle Laser Technique for mechanical damage assessment in Tommy atkins mango fruits

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of biological activity measured by the Biospeckle Laser technique applied to mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) subjected to mechanical damage at different stages of maturation. The tests were carried out twice a week for twenty-one days, and 40 mangoes of the variety Tommy Atkins were used. The procedure was divided into two stages: the first simulated the impact on fruits, and in the second stage, the laser light was applied to the impacted area. After laser application, the images of all fruits were submitted to graphic processing, in order to obtain maps of biological activity of the fruits. The Biospeckle laser technique associated with image analysis allowed the identification of distinct biological activity levels in the mangoes, certifying its potential application as a non-destructive test tool, in the monitoring of biological activity in fruit samples.

Spatial variability and exploratory inference of abiotic factors in barn compost confinement for cattle in the semiarid

The assessment of environmental conditions in the creation of dairy cattle in feedlots must be carried out to identify possible causes of stress and assist producers in the decision-making process. The objective was to characterize the abiotic factors and bed temperature, in the comfort conditions of dairy cows, through geostatistics and exploratory data inference, in a Compost Barn System in the Brazilian semiarid region. The data were obtained in a milk production unit, located in the municipality of Lajedo, Pernambuco, Brazil. The variables air temperature (Tair), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), illuminance (Lux), skin temperature (Ts), bed temperature (Tb) were recorded and the temperature index was determined and humidity (THI). Data were recorded at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 03:00 p.m., over 5 days in the summer season. For geostatistical analysis, the classic semivariances were determined. The principal component analysis was performed to establish an index that characterized the condition of animal comfort. The variables Tair, RH, Tb, and THI showed a low coefficient of variation for all times. The best fit to the models of the semivariograms was the Gaussian at 9:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m., and the spherical at 12:00 p.m. The Tb spatial variability was low for all studied hours. Tair showed a strong correlation with Tb, due to the process of heat transfer by convection from the floor to the environment. Geostatistics and exploratory data analysis allowed the establishment of a comfort index for Compost Barn production systems in the Brazilian semiarid region (R² = 0.996; p < 0.0001).

Antileishmanial activity of cordiaquinone E towards Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is caused by several protozoan species of Leishmania, and being endemically present in 98 countries around the world, it is also a severe public-health problem. The available antileishmanial drugs are toxic and yet present risks of recurrent infection. Efforts to find new, effective, and safe oral agents for the treatment of leishmaniasis are continuing throughout the world. This work aimed to evaluate the antileishmania activity of cordiaquinone E (CORe), isolated from the roots of Cordia polycephala (Lam.) I. M. Johnston. Cytotoxicity, and possible mechanisms of action against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were examined. CORe was effective in inhibiting promastigote (IC₅₀ 4.5 ± 0.3 µM) and axenic amastigote (IC₅₀ 2.89 ± 0.11 µM) growth in concentrations found non-toxic for the host cell (CC₅₀ 246.81 ± 14.5 µM). Our results revealed that CORe presents direct activity against the parasite, inducing cell death by apoptosis. CORe present greater activity against intracellular amastigotes (EC₅₀ 1.92 ± 0.2 µM), yet with much higher selectivity indexes than the reference drugs, being respectively more benign towards RAW 264.7 macrophages than meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, (respectively by 4.68 and 42.84 fold). The antiamastigote activity was associated with increased TNF-α, IL-12, NO, and ROS levels, as well as decreased IL-10 levels. These results encourage the progression of studies on this compound for the development of new leishmanicidal agents.

Renal expression of cytokines and chemokines in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Inflammatory mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of DN, thus considered an inflammatory disease. However, further studies are required to assess the renal damage caused by the action of these molecules. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the expression of cytokines and chemokines in renal biopsies from patients with DN and to correlate it with interstitial inflammation and decreased renal function.

METHODS

Forty-four native renal biopsies from patients with DN and 23 control cases were selected. In situ expression of eotaxin, MIP-1α (macrophage inflammatory protein-1α), IL-8 (interleukin-8), IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), TNFR1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-1), IL-1β, and IL-6 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The DN group showed a significant increase in IL-6 (p < 0.0001), IL-1β (p < 0.0001), IL-4 (p < 0.0001) and eotaxin (p = 0.0012) expression, and a decrease in TNFR1 (p = 0.0107) and IL-8 (p = 0.0262) expression compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in IL-10 (p = 0.4951), TNF-α (p = 0.7534), and MIP-1α (p = 0.3816) expression among groups. Regarding interstitial inflammation, there was a significant increase in IL-6 in scores 0 and 1 compared to score 2 (p = 0.0035), in IL-10 in score 2 compared to score 0 (p = 0.0479), and in eotaxin in score 2 compared to scores 0 and 1 (p < 0.0001), whereas IL-8 (p = 0.0513) and MIP-1α (p = 0.1801) showed no significant differences. There was a tendency for negative correlation between eotaxin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.0566).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated an increased in situ production of cytokines and chemokines in DN, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4, and eotaxin. It was observed that, possibly, eotaxin may have an important role in the progression of interstitial inflammation in DN and in eGFR decrease of these patients.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function

Aim

To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function.

Methods

Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m²). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA.

Results

TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin.

Conclusion

Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Exploratory data inference for detecting mastitis in dairy cattle

The aim of this study was to employ the principal component technique to physiological data and environmental thermohygrometric variables correlated with detection of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. A total of 24 lactating Girolando cows with different clinical conditions were selected (healthy, and with clinical or subclinical mastitis). The following physiological variables were recorded: udder surface temperature, ST (°C); eyeball temperature, ET (°C); rectum temperature, RT (°C); respiratory frequency, RF (mov. min-1). Thermohygrometric variables included air temperature, AirT (°C), and relative humidity, RU (%). ST was determined by means of thermal images, with four images per animal, on these quarters: front left side (FL), front right side (FR), rear right side (RR) and rear left side (RL), totaling 96 images. Exploratory data analysis was run through multivariate statistical technique with the employment of principal components, comprehending nine variables: ST on the FL, FR, RL and RR quarters; ET, RT; RF, AirT and RU. The representative quarters of the animals with clinical and subclinical mastitis showed udder temperatures 8.55 and 2.46° C higher than those of healthy animals, respectively. The ETs of the animals with subclinical and clinical mastitis were, respectively, 7.9 and 8.0% higher than those of healthy animals. Rectum temperatures were 2.9% (subclinical mastitis) and 5.5% (clinical mastitis) higher compared to those of healthy animals. Respiratory frequencies were 40.3% (subclinical mastitis) and 61.6% (clinical mastitis) higher compared to those of healthy animals. The first component explained 91% of the total variance for the variables analyzed. The principal component technique allowed verifying the variables correlated with the animals' clinical condition and the degree of dependence between the study variables.

Correlation between the cytokine profile and anticongestive medication in patients with chronic chagasic cardiopathy

INTRODUCTION

Chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) is essentially a dilated cardiomyopathy in which a subacute, but constant chronic inflammatory process causes progressive destruction of the heart tissue. The action of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin IL-10 and IL-17, plays a fundamental role in the immunopathogenesis and evolution of disease. Early anti-congestive therapy, aimed at changing the morbidity and mortality rate, has been shown to reduce disease progression and to alter patients' immune response pattern.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the profile of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ expressions in different stages of CCC. Forty patients affected by chronic Chagas disease were divided into different groups according to the stage of the pathology. In agreement with the Brazilian consensus on Chagas disease, patients were classified as presenting an undetermined form, a cardiac form and a digestive form. Serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lower serum IFN-γ concentrations were detected in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.0182), but not in those using angiotensin receptor blockers (p = 0.0783). Patients using amiodarone and aldosterone antagonist presented higher serum TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.0106 and 0.0187, respectively). IL-10 and IL-17 levels did not differ between the study groups (p = 0.7273 and p = 0.6697, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the cytokine profile and disease progression are altered by anti-congestive medications commonly prescribed for CCC.

O paradigma da ciência

Editorial sobre o artigo original publicado neste número: Heggendornn LH, Gomes SWC, Longo LGA, Cunha GA, Póvoa HCC. Paenibacillus stellifer: a new cause of humans infections.  

Spatial Dependence of Udder Surface Temperature Variation in Dairy Cows with Healthy Status and Mastitis

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to assess the spatial variability pattern concerning udder surface temperature in dairy cows that were healthy and in those with mastitis. A total of 24 animals were selected - eight healthy, eight with subclinical mastitis, and eight with clinical mastitis. Images were taken with a Flir i60 thermographic camera - resolution of 0.01°C, focal length of 1.0 m, and emissivity adjusted to 0.98 - between 05:00 and 07:00, totaling 96 images, three per animal, of the front and rear, right and left mammary quarters. Analyses were run through geostatistics, with semivariogram adjustment to validate the theoretical model and build kriging maps. The average surface temperature of the mammary quarters with positive classification for subclinical mastitis stood between 33.2 ± 0.67ºC and 34.64± 1.07ºC; for negative quarters, values ranged from 29.3 ± 1.78ºC to 32.24 ± 0.62ºC. The udder surface temperatures of healthy animals were lower than those of animals with subclinical mastitis (29.3ºC ± 1.78 and 31.58ºC ± 0.62). The udder surface temperature of animals with clinical mastitis was higher, between 34.0 and 37.5°C, compared to the other clinical statuses. The scale adopted for image pattern analysis successfully identified the spatial dependence of udder surface temperature, which helped standardize diagnostic procedures for healthy animals, and for those with subclinical and clinical mastitis, by means of geostatistics.

Parasitological and immunological evaluation of cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax

Trypanosoma vivax infection causes relevant economical impact due to high morbidity and mortality leading to negative impact on local livestock. Despite parasitological and serological methods are used for the diagnosis of T. vivax infection, gaps regarding sensitivity and specificity of these methods still represent a challenge. The present study aimed to compare the kinetics of parasitological and serological parameters in cattle experimentally infected with T. vivax along with immunophenotypic analysis of whole blood leukocytes. Based on the parasitemia profile the analysis were performed in three distinct periods, referred as pre-patent, patent and post-treatment. Distinct kinetics of anti-T. vivax IgM and IgG were observed during the pre-patent, patent and post-treatment periods. Increased levels of WC1⁺ γδ T-cells were observed throughout the infection with strong correlations with other biomarkers observed during post-treatment period. Our findings demonstrated that there is a important participation of Monocytes:CD14⁺; NK-cells:CD335⁺ and WC1⁺ γδ T-cells that coincide with the peak of parasitemia and also with the adaptive immunity, specially CD4⁺ T-cells in T. vivax infection. The knowledge of the immune response is important not only for understanding the biology of the parasite in the host, but for the design of new treatment strategies for trypanosome infections.

DNA content analysis allows discrimination between Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli

Trypanosoma cruzi, a human protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Currently the species is divided into six taxonomic groups. The genome of the CL Brener clone has been estimated to be 106.4-110.7 Mb, and DNA content analyses revealed that it is a diploid hybrid clone. Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate that has the same reservoirs and vectors as T. cruzi; however, it is non-pathogenic to vertebrate hosts. The haploid genome of T. rangeli was previously estimated to be 24 Mb. The parasitic strains of T. rangeli are divided into KP1(+) and KP1(-). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the DNA content in different strains of T. cruzi and T. rangeli by flow cytometry. All T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains yielded cell cycle profiles with clearly identifiable G1-0 (2n) and G2-M (4n) peaks. T. cruzi and T. rangeli genome sizes were estimated using the clone CL Brener and the Leishmania major CC1 as reference cell lines because their genome sequences have been previously determined. The DNA content of T. cruzi strains ranged from 87,41 to 108,16 Mb, and the DNA content of T. rangeli strains ranged from 63,25 Mb to 68,66 Mb. No differences in DNA content were observed between KP1(+) and KP1(-) T. rangeli strains. Cultures containing mixtures of the epimastigote forms of T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains resulted in cell cycle profiles with distinct G1 peaks for strains of each species. These results demonstrate that DNA content analysis by flow cytometry is a reliable technique for discrimination between T. cruzi and T. rangeli isolated from different hosts.

Clinical and epidemiological prevalence of glomerulopathies elderly in the city of Uberaba - MG

INTRODUCTION

Currently, the elderly population of Brazil is suffering significant increase. Aging is a physiological process that causes changes in various organs, including the kidney. A kidney biopsy is of paramount importance to clarify the morphological changes of these entities.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was to conduct a clinical epidemiological analysis of elderly patients and evaluate the prevalence of major glomerulopathies that affect.

METHODS

This is a retrospective and descriptive, with a review of 104 reports of renal biopsies of elderly aged over 60 years, performed in the Nefropatologia Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), between periods January 1996 and December 2010. Patients were grouped according to clinical syndrome.

RESULTS

We reviewed 104 biopsies of elderly patients. Of these, 52.94% were male. The Hypertension was found in 50.54% of patients. The clinical syndrome was the predominant nephrotic syndrome (42.17%). Most disease was glomerular origin. The glomerulopathy was the most prevalent (34.07%).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Through this review, we noted that the nephrotic syndrome was the main clinical syndrome and Podocytophaties glomerulopathies were more prevalent in the group of elderly patients undergoing renal biopsy. The analysis of renal biopsies of elderly patients is of paramount importance, since knowledge of the clinical manifestations of major glomerulopathies that affect this group, to assist in establishing the diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Submucosal neurons and enteric glial cells expressing the P2X7 receptor in rat experimental colitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulcerative colitis on the submucosal neurons and glial cells of the submucosal ganglia of rats. 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS; colitis group) was administered in the colon to induce ulcerative colitis, and distal colons were collected after 24h. The colitis rats were compared with those in the sham and control groups. Double labelling of the P2X7 receptor with calbindin (marker for intrinsic primary afferent neurons, IPANs, submucosal plexus), calretinin (marker for secretory and vasodilator neurons of the submucosal plexus), HuC/D and S100β was performed in the submucosal plexus. The density (neurons per area) of submucosal neurons positive for the P2X7 receptor, calbindin, calretinin and HuC/D decreased by 21%, 34%, 8.2% and 28%, respectively, in the treated group. In addition, the density of enteric glial cells in the submucosal plexus decreased by 33%. The profile areas of calbindin-immunoreactive neurons decreased by 25%. Histological analysis revealed increased lamina propria and decreased collagen in the colitis group. This study demonstrated that ulcerative colitis affected secretory and vasodilatory neurons, IPANs and enteric glia of the submucosal plexus expressing the P2X7 receptor.

Effects of aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Chagas' heart disease

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). In some patients with Chagas disease, symptoms progress to chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. Endogenously, inflammation is resolved in the presence of lipid mediators such as aspirin-triggered RvD1 (AT-RvD1) which has anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, the effects of AT-RvD1 on T. cruzi antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with Chagas heart disease. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-13 increased in PBMCs from cardiac-form Chagas patients in stage B1 (patients with fewer heart abnormalities) stimulated with T. cruzi antigen compared to those in non-stimulated PBMCs. AT-RvD1 reduced the IFN-γ concentrations in PBMCs from patients with Chagas disease stimulated with T. cruzi antigen compared to stimulated with T. cruzi antigen cells. AT-RvD1 treatment resulted in no observable changes in TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-13 levels. AT-RvD1 significantly decreased the percentage of necrotic cells and caused a significant reduction in the proliferation rate of T. cruzi antigen-stimulated PBMCs from patients with Chagas disease. These findings demonstrate that AT-RvD1 modulates the immune response in Chagas disease patients and might have potential to be used as an alternative approach for slowing the development of further heart damage.

Differential effects of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion in rat enteric neurons and glial cells expressing P2X2 receptors

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) may occur following intestinal obstruction. In rats, I/R in the small intestine leads to structural changes accompanied by neuronal death.

AIM

The objective was to analyze the impact of I/R injury on different neuronal populations in the myenteric plexus of the rat ileum after different periods of reperfusion.

METHODS

The superior mesentery artery was occluded for 45 minutes, and animals were euthanized after 24 hours and 1 week of reperfusion. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed with antibodies against the P2X2 receptor in combination with antibodies against nitric oxide synthase (NOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), calbindin, calretinin, the pan-neuronal marker anti-HuC/D, or S100β (glial marker).

RESULTS

Dual immunolabeling demonstrated that approximately 100% of NOS-, ChAT-, calbindin-, and calretinin-immunoreactive neurons in all groups expressed the P2X2 receptor. Following I/R, the neuronal density decreased in the P2X2 receptor-, ChAT-, calretinin-, and HuC/D-immunoreactive neurons at 24 hours and 1 week following injury compared to the densities in the control and sham groups. The calbindin-immunoreactive neuron density was not reduced in any of the groups. The density of enteric glial cells increased by 40% in the I/R group compared to the density in the sham groups. We also observed increases of 12%, 16%, and 23% in the neuronal cell body profile areas of the NOS-, ChAT-, and calbindin-immunoreactive neurons, respectively, at 1 week following I/R. However, the average size of the calretinin-immunoreactive neurons was reduced by 12% in the I/R group at 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that I/R is associated with a significant loss of different classes of neurons in the myenteric plexus accompanied by morphological changes and an increased density of enteric glial cells; all of these effects may underlie conditions related to intestinal motility disorder.

Differential effects of experimental ulcerative colitis on P2X7 receptor expression in enteric neurons

The digestive tracts of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients present with pathophysiological processes and intestinal necrosis. This study examined the P2X7 receptor and changes in the distal colon in enteric neurons of rats with experimental ulcerative colitis. The analysis was performed in the distal colons of rats with ulcerative colitis induced by the administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (colitis group). The survival time after colitis induction was 24 h. The treated animals were compared to sham rats injected with phosphate-buffered saline and to animals with no intervention (control group). Tissues were prepared for immunohistochemical double-staining methods to examine P2X7 receptor, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), calbindin, calretinin, anti-HuC/D (pan-neuronal) and S100β (pan-glial). The colocalization of the P2X7 receptor-immunoreactive (IR) cells was observed in the myenteric plexus with nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-, ChAT-,calbindin-, calretinin- and HuC/D-IR neurons and S100β-IR cells in the control, sham and colitis groups. The neuronal density (cell bodies/cm(2)) decreased in the myenteric plexus by 11, 18, 34, 22 and 60% in the P2X7 receptor, NOS-, ChAT-, calbindin- and calretinin-IR neurons, respectively. In addition, the densities (cell bodies/cm(2)) of HuC/D-IR neurons and S100β-IR enteric glial cells decreased by 33 and 29%, respectively. The profile areas were reduced by 6.8 and 21% in NOS- and ChAT-IR neurons, respectively. There was also a 20% increase of calbindin-IR neurons. Morphological changes were observed, such as increased neutrophils, disintegration of the intestinal epithelium and goblet cells and decreased collagen. This study demonstrated that colitis differentially affects P2X7 receptor-expressing enteric neurons based on their chemical codes and may cause changes in morphology and motility.

Importance of the association of molecular and immunological diagnosis in immunocompetent patient with Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptoccocus neoformans infection: a case report

This case reports an immunocompetent 29-year-old woman with suspected pneumonia, suggestive of fungal infection. Immunoblotting analysis reactivity against Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were observed. Nested-PCR in blood employing species-specific primers was positive for H. capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans. The evaluation of paucisymptomatic patients with positive results for H. capsulatum and C. neoformans could be relevant for the prevention as well as the possible evaluation of the reactivated quiescent foci. In conclusion, the associated methodology may have contributed to the monitoring endogenous reactivation of these diseases.

T Cell Activation and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Clinically Cured Tuberculosis Are Time-Dependent and Accompanied by Upregulation of IL-10

Background

Th1 cytokines are essential for the control of M. tuberculosis infection. The role of IL-10 in tuberculosis is controversial and there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that the relationship between Th1 cytokines and IL-10 is not as antagonistic as it was first believed, and that these cytokines may complement each other in infectious diseases.

Methods

The present study evaluated the activating capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell repertoire in response to antigen stimulation through the expression of CD69 using Flow Cytometry, as well as the functionality of PBMCs by determining the cytokine profile in patients with active tuberculosis and in clinically cured patients after in vitro stimulation using ELISA. Treated patients were subdivided according to time after clinical cure (<12 months or >12 months post-treatment).

Results

We observed that T cell activation was higher in TB-treated patients, especially CD8+ T cell activation in TB-Treated >1 year. Th1 cytokines were significantly higher in TB-Treated, and the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α increased continuously after clinical cure. Moreover, IL-10 production was significantly higher in cured patients and it was also enhanced in cured patients over time after treatment. Th17, Th2 and Th22 cytokines showed no statistically significant differences between Healthy Donors, Active-TB and TB-Treated.

Conclusions

This study describes a scenario in which potentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation and increased Th1 cytokine production are associated with the clinical cure of tuberculosis in the absence of significant changes in Th2 cytokine production and is accompanied by increased production of IL-10. In contrast to other infections with intracellular microorganisms, this response occurs later after the end of treatment.

Fibrinogen A alpha-chain amyloidosis: report of the first case in Latin America

BACKGROUND

Hereditary fibrinogen A alpha-chain (AFib) amyloidosis affects different organs, especially the kidneys. No case of this disease has been reported in Latin America.

CASE REPORT

A 52-year-old previously healthy Brazilian woman presented with a seven-month history of proteinuria in the absence of hematuria. The patient had normal blood pressure and reported no other symptoms. A renal biopsy was obtained and light microscopy revealed the presence of Congo red positive deposits (apple-green birefringence under polarized light) only in the glomerular compartment. These deposits were strongly immunoreactive to fibrinogen in all glomeruli. Electron microscopy showed the presence of organized deposits compatible with AFib. The diagnosis was confirmed by DNA analysis of the AFib gene, which demonstrated a Glu526Val mutation in one allele.

CONCLUSION

This first description of hereditary AFib amyloidosis in Latin America highlights the need to include this type of amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis, especially in Brazil where the degree of miscegenation is high.

[IgA nephropathy: histological analysis and clinicomorfological correlation in patients from Minas Gerais State]

INTRODUCTION

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulopathy.

OBJECTIVE

Classify IgAN according to the new Oxford's classification.

METHODS

We analyzed the renal biopsies from the Nephropathology Service of UFTM, among 1996 to 2010, with a diagnosis of IgAN. We assessed gender, age, presence of hematuria, patterns/intensity of the lesions, deposition of IgA, IgG, IgM, Kappa, Lambda, C3, C1q and fibrinogen. Based on the histological alterations, the biopsies were characterized according to the Oxford Classification, and the clinicomorfological correlation was made. Significative results for p < 0,05.

RESULTS

A total of 164 cases biopsies, predominantly male (53.7%) and adults (93.3%). We characterized the patients according Oxford Classification, there was a predominance of the pattern M0 (85,3%), S1 (53,1%), E0 (65,2%) e T0 (70,1%). About the clinicomorfological correlation, we observed more severe proteinuria comparing M1 to M0 (p < 0,008), low estimated GFR (p < 0,001) and more frequent hypertension (p < 0,001) comparing T0, T1 e T2. On immunofluorescence, there is a predominance of IgA (100% of cases), with co-deposition of C3 (99.37% of cases), Kappa (96.25%), Lambda (91.25%) and IgM (76.92%). Correlation was found between IgA intensity and C3, Kappa and Lambda.

CONCLUSION

In this study, IgA nephropathy was predominant in males, the more frequent patterns were the M0, S1, E0 and T0, with more severe proteinuria and the enhance of mesangial hypercellularity, besides larger prevalence of hypertension/worse kidney function according the tubulo-interstitial injuries.

Effects of ischemia and reperfusion on P2X2 receptor expressing neurons of the rat ileum enteric nervous system

PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of ischemia/reperfusion in the intestine (I/R-i) on purine receptor P2X2-immunoreactive (IR) neurons of the rat ileum.

METHODS

The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 45 min with an atraumatic vascular clamp and animals were sacrificed 4 h later. Neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses were evaluated for immunoreactivity against the P2X2 receptor, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), calbindin, and calretinin.

RESULTS

Following I/R-i, we observed a decrease in P2X2 receptor immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm and surface membranes of neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. These studies also revealed an absence of calbindin-positive neurons in the I/R-i group. In addition, the colocalization of the P2X2 receptor with NOS, ChAT, and calretinin immunoreactivity in the myenteric plexus was decreased following I/R-i. Likewise, the colocalization between P2X2 and calretinin in neurons of the submucosal plexus was also reduced. In the I/R-i group, there was a 55.8% decrease in the density of neurons immunoreactive (IR) for the P2X2 receptor, a 26.4% reduction in NOS-IR neuron, a 25% reduction in ChAT-IR neuron, and a 47% reduction in calretinin-IR neuron. The density of P2X2 receptor and calretinin-IR neurons also decreased in the submucosal plexus of the I/R-i group. In the myenteric plexus, P2X2-IR, NOS-IR, ChAT-IR and calretinin-IR neurons were reduced in size by 50%, 49.7%, 42%, and 33%, respectively, in the I/R-i group; in the submucosal plexus, P2X2-IR and calretinin-IR neurons were reduced in size by 56% and 72.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that ischemia/reperfusion of the intestine affects the expression of the P2X2 receptor in neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus, as well as density and size of neurons in this population. Our findings indicate that I/R-i induces changes in P2X2-IR enteric neurons that could result in alterations in intestinal motility.

Polymerase chain reaction in comparison with serological tests for early diagnosis of human leptospirosis

The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two primer pairs and combined with blood culture, immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM ELISA), microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and slide agglutination test (SAT) in the diagnosis of human leptospirosis. We analysed 124 serum samples: 60 from patients with confirmed leptospirosis, 20 from patients with other diseases and 44 from healthy individuals. Analysing the first serum sample collected during the first 3-8 days of disease, the sensitivities of the four tests MAT, IgM ELISA, SAT and PCR were, respectively, 69.0%, 79.3%, 72.4% and 62%. In subsequent samples, those same sensitivities were, respectively, 95.4%, 100%, 100% and 72.7% in samples collected from days 9 to 14 and 88.9%, 88.9%, 77.8% and 44.4% in those collected from days 15 to 42. The most specific method (at 100%) was PCR and the least specific (at 89.1%) was IgM ELISA. Although we found PCR to be less sensitive than the serological tests over the course of the disease, our data indicate that PCR was the most sensitive in those initial serum samples presenting no specific antibodies detectable by any of the serological methods tested. We also recommend that PCR can be used in combination with serological tests as we found that this improves the sensitivity of the diagnosis of leptospirosis in the first phase of the disease (93.1-96.5%).

Leptospira DNA detection for the diagnosis of human leptospirosis

This study aims to analyse PCR applicability to the diagnosis of human leptospirosis and to compare the sensitivity of two primer pairs in urine and blood samples. PCR with G1/G2 and LP1/LP2 primers was specific and able to detect 10pg of DNA by agarose gel and 1pg by hybridization. Twenty-one serovars, representing 20 serogroups of pathogenic leptospires, were amplified with G1/G2 primers. DNA from two non-pathogenic serovars, Andamana and Patoc, was not amplified. For hybridization, one probe employing DNA from most prevalent leptospires (serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Copenhageni, and Autumnalis) was chosen in accordance with the microagglutination titres in patient samples. It was observed that not all serovars hybridized with the PCR products of G1/G2 and LP1/LP2 primer amplification, suggesting heterogeneity in the sequence amplified by these primers. G1/G2-primed amplifications of blood and/or urine samples were shown to be significantly more sensitive (57.6%) than the LP1/LP2 primers (33.3%), P=0.04, when positivity of patients is considered. When each primer pair and only urine samples were considered, PCR positivity was higher for G1/G2 primers than for LP1/LP2 (P=0.007). G1/G2 presented greater sensitivity in urine than in blood, and LP1/LP2 presented greater sensitivity in blood than in urine, although these differences were not statistically significant. The positivity of PCR per patient using both primers in blood and/or urine samples was 63.6%, with 84.4% efficiency. PCR was useful for patients without microagglutination detectable antibodies, for whom it was able to diagnose nine out of 11 patients (81.8%).

Leptospirosis severity may be associated with the intensity of humoral immune response

Leptospirosis severity may be increasing, with pulmonary involvement becoming more frequent. Does this increase result from an intense immune response to leptospire? Notice that renal failure, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary complications are found during the immune phase. Thirty-five hospitalized patients with Weil's disease had 5 blood samples drawn, from the 15th day to the 12th month of symptoms, for ELISA-IgM, -IgG and -IgA specific antibody detection. According their 1st IgG titer, the patients were divided into: group 1 (n = 13) titer > 1:400 (positive) and group 2 (n = 22) titer < or =1:400 (negative). Early IgG antibodies in group 1 showed high avidity which may indicate reinfection. Group 1 was older, had worse pulmonary and renal function, and fever for a longer period than group 2. Throughout the study, IgG and IgA titers remained higher in group 1. In conclusion, the severity of Weil's disease may be associated with the intensity of the humoral immune response to leptospire.

Avaliação do teste ELISA-lgM no diagnóstico precoce da leptospirose humana

Foram estudadas 37 amostras de sangue de pacientes com leptospirose, forma icterohemorrágica, com intervalo de tempo de 2 a 12 dias entre o início dos sintomas e a coleta do material. Isolou-se leptospiras por hemocultura de 5 (13,5%) pacientes e em 4 destes, o agente etiológico pertencia ao sorogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae sorovar copenhageni. O teste imunoenzimático ELISA-IgM apresentou reatividade em 35 (94,6%) pacientes, incluindo os 4 pacientes dos quais o agente etiológico foi isolado. Este teste demonstrou ser um importante recurso laboratorial para o diagnóstico da letospirose humana, mesmo no início da doença quando ainda na fase de leptospiremia.

Febre maculosa: isolamento de Rickettsia em amostra de biópsia de pele

Presença de Rickettsia na pele de doente de Febre Maculosa foi evidenciada por inoculação intraperitoneal em cobaio. O diagnóstico sorológico por imunoflüorescência indireta revelou diferença de título de anticorpos específicos para Rickettsia rickettsii, de 4 vezes entre a 1º e a 3º amostra. Imunoglobulina M (IgM) específica foi detectada nas amostras de sangue, evidência de infecção em atividade ou recente. Foi também detectada a presença de anticorpos específicos para R. rickettsii no soro dos cobaios inoculados.

Avaliação da contraimunoeletroforese com antígenos dos sorovars icterohaemorrhagiae E patoc no diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose humana

Avaliou-se o desempenho da contraimunoeletroforese (CIE) no diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose humana utilizando três tipos de antígenos derivados da L. interrogans sorovar icterohaemorrhagiae e do sorovar patoc da L. biflexa. Comparou-se os resultados obtidos na CIE com a prova de referência a soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). Soros pareados de 135 pacientes com leptospirose foram subdivididos em 4 grupos de acordo com os resultados da SAM. Como controle coletou-se sangue de 69 indivíduos sadios. A concordância entre as duas técnicas variou de 92,64 a 94,11%. Os resultados obtidos pela CIE com os antígenos do sorovar icterohaemorrhagiae foram mais favoráveis do que aqueles derivados do patoc. Ressaltam-se as características de elevada sensibilidade detectando anticorpos antileptospiras mais precocemente do que a microaglutinação. As características encontradas no presente estudo credenciam o emprego da CIE como um método útil e prático para o diagnóstico da leptospirose humana na fase aguda da doença.

Teste imunoenzimático para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Cysticercus cellulosae em líquidos cefalorraquianos de pacientes com meningites de etiologia indeterminada

Foi empregado o teste imunoenzimático com componentes antigênicos de Cysticercus cellulosae quimicamente ligados a suporte inerte constituído por discos de tecido-resina, ELISA-d, com a finalidade de investigar a entidade neurocisticercose (NC) em líquidos cefalorraquianos (LCR) de pacientes com meningites de etiologia indeterminada. Foram ensaiados 277 LCR de 128 crianças e 149 adultos. A densidade óptica média (DO) obtida para os 22 LCR de pacientes nos quais foi afastada a possibilidade diagnóstica de meningite foi de 0,03. Os 44 LCR de pacientes com meningites determinadas por diversos agentes etiológicos, não cisticercose, apresentaram DO de 0,05. O limiar de reatividade do teste ELISA-d calculado a partir desses dois grupos (controle) foi de 0,13 (DO + 3SD). No grupo de 13 LCR de pacientes com NC comprovada em episódio meningítico por essa causa, foi observada DO de 0,41 (0,10 a 0,91) no teste ELISA-d. Dos 198 LCR de meningites por agente etiológico não identificado pelos métodos usualmente empregados, 23 (11,6%) apresentaram DO acima de 0,13, sugerindo que a possível causa da meningite tenha sido por cisticercose, uma vez que o teste ELISA-d tem apresentado elevadas sensibilidade, especificidade e reprodutibilidade. Em cinco dos 23 LCR a alteração no exame quimiocitológico era às custas do aumento do número de células predominantemente linfomononucleares, em 13 o predomínio era de polimorfonucleares e nos cinco restantes ambos os tipos de células estavam em número aumentado.