RESUMO
We tested the hypothesis that administration of omega (ω)-9, ω-3, and ω-6 to mice can prevent oxidative alterations responsible for behavioral and cognitive alterations related with aging. Twenty-eight-day-old mice received skim milk (SM group), SM enriched with omega oil mixture (EM group), or water (control group) for 10 and 14 months, equivalent to middle age. Mice were evaluated for behavioral alterations related to depression and memory and oxidative status [brain levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. The 10-month EM group increased immobility time during the forced swimming test compared with control, indicating increased stress response. The 14-month SM- and EM-treated groups increased sucrose consumption compared with control, showing an expanded motivational state. The 14-month SM group decreased the number of rearings compared with the 14-month control and EM groups. The number of entries and time spent in the central square of the open field was higher in the 10-month EM group than in the control, revealing an anxiolytic-like behavior. TBARS decreased in the hippocampus and striatum of the 10-month EM group compared with the control. A similar decrease was observed in the striatum of the 10-month SM group. GSH levels were higher in all 14-month treated groups compared with 10-month groups. MPO activity was higher in the 14-month EM group compared with the 14-month control and SM groups, revealing a possible pro-inflammatory status. In conclusion, omega oils induced conflicting alterations in middle-aged mice, contributing to enhanced behavior and anxiolytic and expanded motivational state, but also to increased stress response and pro-inflammatory alterations.
Assuntos
Ansiolíticos , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3 , Animais , Camundongos , Masculino , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/análise , Peroxidase , Ansiolíticos/farmacologia , Leite/química , Leite/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3/farmacologia , Glutationa/metabolismo , Sacarose/farmacologia , ÁguaRESUMO
We tested the hypothesis that administration of omega (ω)-9, ω-3, and ω-6 to mice can prevent oxidative alterations responsible for behavioral and cognitive alterations related with aging. Twenty-eight-day-old mice received skim milk (SM group), SM enriched with omega oil mixture (EM group), or water (control group) for 10 and 14 months, equivalent to middle age. Mice were evaluated for behavioral alterations related to depression and memory and oxidative status [brain levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. The 10-month EM group increased immobility time during the forced swimming test compared with control, indicating increased stress response. The 14-month SM- and EM-treated groups increased sucrose consumption compared with control, showing an expanded motivational state. The 14-month SM group decreased the number of rearings compared with the 14-month control and EM groups. The number of entries and time spent in the central square of the open field was higher in the 10-month EM group than in the control, revealing an anxiolytic-like behavior. TBARS decreased in the hippocampus and striatum of the 10-month EM group compared with the control. A similar decrease was observed in the striatum of the 10-month SM group. GSH levels were higher in all 14-month treated groups compared with 10-month groups. MPO activity was higher in the 14-month EM group compared with the 14-month control and SM groups, revealing a possible pro-inflammatory status. In conclusion, omega oils induced conflicting alterations in middle-aged mice, contributing to enhanced behavior and anxiolytic and expanded motivational state, but also to increased stress response and pro-inflammatory alterations.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Envenomation caused by Bothrops alternatus is common in Southern Brazil. Acute Kidney Injury occurs after Bothrops snakebite and more information is necessaryrequired to understand its mechanism. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effect of Bothrops alternatus venom (BaV) on renal cells and rat isolated kidney function. METHODS: Wistar rats (n = 6, weighing 260-320 g) were perfused with a Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 of bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with BaV to a final concentration of 1 and 3 µgmL-1; and subsequently were evaluated for Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Renal histological analysis, cytokine release, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in renal proximal tubular cells were assessed. RESULTS: BaV reduced PP, RVR, GFR, UF, total and proximal sodium transport (%TNa+), and chloride (%TCl-) in the isolated kidney perfusion model. Histological analysis of perfused kidneys disclosed the presence of proteinaceous material in the glomeruli and renal tubules, vacuolar tubular epithelial cell degeneration, Bowman's capsule degeneration, swelling of glomerular epithelial cells, glomerular atrophy and degeneration, and the presence of intratubular protein. Cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10) and oxidative stress were increased in the kidneys. The viability of LLC-MK2 cells (IC50: 221.3 µg/mL) was decreased by BaV and necrosis was involved in cell death. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that BaV modifies functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model and has cytotoxic effects on renal lineage cells.
Assuntos
Citocinas/biossíntese , Túbulos Renais/efeitos dos fármacos , Venenos de Serpentes/farmacologia , Animais , Bothrops , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular , Túbulos Renais/metabolismo , Túbulos Renais/patologia , Macaca mulatta , Masculino , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Rhizopus microsporus is one of the main causative agents of mucormycosis. These mycoses are mostly described as isolated cases involving uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or immunosuppressed patients. In this work we report a nosocomial outbreak of mucormycosis due to R. microsporum involving three young immunocompetent patients whom underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in a seven-month time span. PROCEDURES: During the outbreak period, a total of 32 surgeries of this type were performed in the clinic (mucormycosis prevalence of 9.375%). The three patients presented healthcare-associated Mucormycosis comprising the bone surrounding one of the fixation screws (femoral or tibial). In addition to these three strains, another three R. microsporus strains isolated in the medical center during the same period of time were included in the study. One of these fungi was isolated from a skin lesion of a kidney transplant patient while the other two strains were isolated from environmental sources. Classical, mass spectrometry-based (MALDI-TOFF) and molecular identification were performed. Genetic relatedness was established by Rep-PCR (RAPD variant) and by single-linkage cluster analysis mass spectra. Cluster analysis was performed by unweighed pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). MAIN FINDINGS: All the strains were identified as R. microsporum by the used phenotypic and genetic tools. Clinical strains fell into 2 different clusters separating the renal transplant recipient strain from the three strains isolated post ACLR surgery, which clustered together. CONCLUSIONS: The established genetic/mass spectra relatedness between the three post-surgery isolates suggests that these cases may be considered a healthcare-associated mucormycosis outbreak.
Assuntos
Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/efeitos adversos , Surtos de Doenças , Mucormicose/epidemiologia , Mucormicose/microbiologia , Rhizopus/classificação , Rhizopus/genética , Adulto , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Argentina/epidemiologia , Análise por Conglomerados , Infecção Hospitalar/epidemiologia , Infecção Hospitalar/microbiologia , DNA Fúngico/química , DNA Fúngico/genética , DNA Ribossômico/genética , Microbiologia Ambiental , Feminino , Genótipo , Humanos , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Mucormicose/diagnóstico , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA Polimórfico/métodos , Rhizopus/efeitos dos fármacos , Rhizopus/isolamento & purificação , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Testotoxicosis is a rare cause of peripheral precocious puberty in boys caused by constitutively activating mutations of the LHCG receptor. Affected males usually have normal gonadotropin profiles and fertility in their adult life. Here, we described the long-term follow-up of a 24-year-old young man with severe testotoxicosis due to a de novo activating mutation in the third transmembrane helix of the LHCGR (p.Leu457Arg). This patient was treated with different medications, including medroxyprogesterone acetate, ketoconazole, cyproterone acetate and aromatase inhibitor from age 2.5 to 9.5 years. His basal and GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels were continually suppressed during and after medical treatment. At adulthood, extremely high serum testosterone levels (>35 nmol/L), undetectable gonadotropin levels (LH < 0.15 IU/L and FSH < 0.6 IU/L) and oligozoospermia were evidenced. Despite his suppressed FSH levels and an unfavorable spermogram, the patient fathered a healthy girl and biological paternity was confirmed through analysis of microsatellites. Spontaneous fertility in a young man with severe testotoxicosis and chronic suppression of FSH levels reinforces the key role of high intratesticular testosterone levels in human spermatogenesis.
Assuntos
Fertilidade/genética , Puberdade Precoce/genética , Receptores do LH/genética , Testosterona/sangue , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Mutação , Puberdade Precoce/sangueRESUMO
When the Amazonian rain forest is cut to create pasture, some of the original vegetal species survive clearing, even expressing their ability to invade agro-systems. It is true of the babassu palm, which can be considered, paradoxically, a natural resource by the "Interstate Movement of Babassu Fruit Breaker Women" or as native weed by land owners-farmers. To manage potential conflict of land uses, we study here the current density of this palm tree in different habitats, based on a combination of field data and remote sensing data. Firstly, we checked that the field survey methodology (i.e., counting free-trunk palm trees over 20 cm in circumference) provides density values compatible with those stemming from satellite images interpretation. We can see then that, a PA-Benfica Brazilian territory revealed an average density of the babassu lower in pastures (2.86 ind/ha) than in the dense forest (4.72 ind/ha) from which they originate and than in fallow land (4.31 ind/ha). We analyze in detail density data repartition in three habitats and we discuss results from the literature on the density of this palm tree versus its resilience at different developmental stages after forest clearing, depending on anthropogenic-or not-factors, including solar radiation, fire, weeding, clear cutting, burying fruit, and competition with forage grass. All these results can be exploited for the design of future management plans for the babassu palm and we think that the linked methodology and interdisciplinary approach can be extended to others palms and trees species in similar problematic issues.
Assuntos
Agricultura/métodos , Arecaceae , Floresta Úmida , Imagens de Satélites , Biodiversidade , Brasil , Coleta de Dados/métodos , Incêndios , ÁrvoresRESUMO
Biological diversity can be divided into: alpha (α, local), beta (ß, difference in assemblage composition among locals), and gamma (γ, total diversity). We assessed the partitioning of taxonomic diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) and of functional feeding groups (FFG) in neotropical savanna (southeastern Brazilian cerrado) streams. To do so, we considered three diversity components: stream site (α), among stream sites (ß1), and among hydrologic units (ß2). We also evaluated the association of EPT genera composition with heterogeneity in land use, instream physical habitat structure, and instream water quality variables. The percentage of EPT taxonomic α diversity (20.7%) was smaller than the ß1 and ß2 diversity percentages (53.1% and 26.2%, respectively). The percentage of EPT FFG collector-gatherer α diversity (26.5%) was smaller than that of ß1 diversity (55.8%) and higher than the ß2 (17.7%) diversity. The collector-gatherer FFG was predominant and had the greatest ß diversity percentage among stream sites (ß1, 55.8%). Our findings support the need for implementing regional scale conservation strategies in the cerrado biome, which has been degraded by anthropogenic activities.
RESUMO
We assessed the fish assemblage structure and composition of Nova Ponte Reservoir (Araguari River, Upper Paraná Basin, Brazil). We observed significant differences in abundance (p = 0.0003), richness (p = 0.0005) and diversity (p = 0.02) between lacustrine and riverine zones of the reservoir. Nine species were significantly more abundant in the riverine region: Astyanax altiparanae, Astyanax gr. fasciatus, Galeocharax knerii, Hoplias intermedius, Hypostomus sp., Leporinus friderici, Leporinus obtusidens, Pimelodus maculatus and Schizodon nasutus. The results indicated a longitudinal gradient in the composition and abundance of fishes in Nova Ponte Reservoir, reinforcing the importance of freely flowing riverine reaches for conserving native neotropical ichthyofauna and reflecting the strong adaptation of these species to riverine systems.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Peixes/fisiologia , Animais , Brasil , Lagos , Densidade Demográfica , RiosRESUMO
Abstract We assessed the fish assemblage structure and composition of Nova Ponte Reservoir (Araguari River, Upper Paraná Basin, Brazil). We observed significant differences in abundance (p = 0.0003), richness (p = 0.0005) and diversity (p = 0.02) between lacustrine and riverine zones of the reservoir. Nine species were significantly more abundant in the riverine region: Astyanax altiparanae, Astyanax gr. fasciatus, Galeocharax knerii, Hoplias intermedius, Hypostomus sp., Leporinus friderici, Leporinus obtusidens, Pimelodus maculatus and Schizodon nasutus. The results indicated a longitudinal gradient in the composition and abundance of fishes in Nova Ponte Reservoir, reinforcing the importance of freely flowing riverine reaches for conserving native neotropical ichthyofauna and reflecting the strong adaptation of these species to riverine systems.
Resumo Este estudo avaliou a assembléia de peixes do reservatório de Nova Ponte (rio Araguari, bacia do Alto Paraná, Brasil), em termos de estrutura e composição. Foram observadas diferenças significativas na abundância (p = 0.0003), riqueza (p = 0.0005) e diversidade (p = 0.02) entre as zonas lacustres e fluviais do reservatório. Nove espécies foram mais abundantes na região fluvial: Astyanax altiparanae, Astyanax gr. fasciatus, Galeocharax knerii, Hoplias intermedius, Hypostomus sp., Leporinus friderici, Leporinus obtusidens, Pimelodus maculatus and Schizodon nasutus. Os resultados indicaram a existência de um gradiente longitudinal na composição e abundância de peixes no reservatório de Nova Ponte. Estes padrões reforçam a importância de trechos fluviais livres de barramentos para a conservação da ictiofauna neotropical nativa e refletem a forte adaptação dessas espécies aos sistemas fluviais.