RESUMO
Leishmaniasis is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by different species of the genus Leishmania, with a wide clinical spectrum. It is a public health problem aggravated by a series of limitations regarding treatment. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives, scorpion venoms are a source of multifunctional molecules that act against the natural resistance of pathogens. This work evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus venoms against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. The venoms of B. amazonicus and T. metuendus were evaluated for their constituents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Growth inhibition and death of promastigotes were evaluated in the presence of diferente crude venom concentrations (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) after one hour of incubation at 25 °C. The FTIR spectra of both venoms exhibited bands in approximate regions, revealing that both exhibit similar functional groups. Crude venom from both scorpion species showed similar or superior leishmanicidal effects to the standart drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate. At the highest concentration of 100 µg/mL, cultures of L. guyanensis treated with the venom of B. amazonicus showed the highest mortality percentages, above 28%, while T. metuendus venom showed the highest activity against L. amazonensis, with mortality above 7%. This preliminar study demonstrates that B. amazonicus and T. metuendus venoms can be important tools in the search for new drugs Against leishmaniasis. Next step involves evaluating the activity against the amastigote forms and purifying the venom proteins in order to identify the best anti-leishmania candidates.
Assuntos
Leishmaniose , Peçonhas , Animais , Humanos , EscorpiõesRESUMO
Analyses carried out with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in C-metaphases of the Lolium-Festuca complex have shown the occurrence of spontaneous fragile sites (FSs) in 45S rDNA regions. FSs are expressed as gaps but they do not result in breaks or chromosomal fragments in these species. These gaps have high DNA condensation observed as thin chromatin fibers that connect the apparent segments of the fragile chromosome, allowing for genomic stability. Assessing the behavior of these regions in the cell cycle of Lolium and Festuca species may lead to a better understanding of the dynamics that preserve stability during cell division. Furthermore, it is interesting to track the dynamics of chromosomes bearing 45S rDNA sites in the cell cycle as well as to observe the expression of FSs with no effect of the mitotic block. We observed variation in both the number and size of 45S FISH signals from the S/G2 phases of interphase and from prophase to anaphase where gaps in 45S rDNA sites also were observed. The change in the degree of condensation of the 45S site begins in the S/G2 phase and appears to be related to the transcriptional demand. Taking into account that the number of 45S rDNA sites tends to be re-established when cells reach telophase, we suggest that the chromatin fiber goes back to the normal condensation level to the anaphase (after segregation), allowing for the approximation of chromosome segments and ensuring dynamics that favor the genomic stability of these species.
Assuntos
Ciclo Celular/genética , Instabilidade Cromossômica , Sítios Frágeis do Cromossomo , Festuca/genética , Lolium/genética , RNA Ribossômico/genéticaRESUMO
Obesity is a serious disorder in almost the entire world. It is an important risk factor for a series of conditions that affect and threaten health. Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and in addition to the resulting weight loss, it reduces morbidity in this population. There has been a significant increase in the number of obese patients operated on. Despite the success of bariatric surgery, an important group of patients still present with major postoperative complications. In order for endoscopy to effectively contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of complications deriving from obesity surgery, the gastroenterologist must be aware of the particularities involved in bariatric surgery. The present article is a review of the resulting anatomic aspects of the main surgical techniques employed, the most common postoperative symptoms, the potential complications, and the possibilities that endoscopic diagnosis and treatment offer. Endoscopy is a growing and continuously evolving method in the treatment of bariatric surgery complications. The aim of this review is to contribute to the preparation of gastroenterologists so they can offer adequate endoscopic diagnosis and treatment to this high-risk population.
Assuntos
Cirurgia Bariátrica/métodos , Endoscopia/métodos , Gastroenterologistas , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/terapia , Humanos , Obesidade Mórbida/cirurgia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
The human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) plays an important role in hematopoietic cell proliferation/differentiation and has been widely used as a therapeutic agent for treating neutropenias. Nartograstim is a commercial G-CSF that presents amino acid changes in specific positions when compared to the wild-type form, which potentially increase its activity and stability. The aim of this work was to develop an expression system in Escherichia coli that leads to the production of large amounts of a recombinant hG-CSF (rhG-CSF) biosimilar to Nartograstim. The nucleotide sequence of hg-csf was codon-optimized for expression in E. coli. As a result, high yields of the recombinant protein were obtained with adequate purity, structural integrity and biological activity. This protein has also been successfully used for the production of specific polyclonal antibodies in mice, which could be used in the control of the expression and purification in an industrial production process of this recombinant protein. These results will allow the planning of large-scale production of this mutant version of hG-CSF (Nartograstim), as a potential new biosimilar in the market.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/genética , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos/genética , Humanos , Proteínas Recombinantes/genéticaRESUMO
Em cafeeiros, a associação de inimigos naturais com produtos fitossanitários seletivos é uma importante estratégia no manejo de pragas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos letais e subletais de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura cafeeira sobre ovos e adultos de Cryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant em laboratório. Os bioensaios foram realizados sob 25 ± 2º C, UR de 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Os inseticidas utilizados e suas respectivas dosagens de aplicação, em g ou mL de i.a. L-1 foram: tiametoxam (0,5), imidacloprido (0,7), óleo mineral (13,3), endossulfam (2,63) e dimetoato (0,48). A testemunha foi composta apenas por água destilada. A aplicação dos produtos foi realizada por meio de torre de Potter. Avaliaram-se a viabilidade de ovos, a sobrevivência dos espécimes e os efeitos dos compostos sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos do predador. Tiametoxam provocou prolongamento na duração do período embrionário (7,1 dias) em ovos tratados e junto com imidacloprido foram classificados como nocivos, seguidos do endossulfam e dimetoato que apresentaram toxicidade intermediária e do óleo mineral que foi seletivo. Em função da seletividade do óleo mineral, pode-se recomendá-lo visando à compatibilização com o predador C. montrouzieri em programas de manejo integrado de pragas na cultura cafeeira.
On coffee plantations, the association between selective compounds and natural enemies composes an important tool for the pest management. The objective of this study was to evaluate some pesticides used on coffee plantations in regard to their lethal and sublethal effects on eggs and adults of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant under laboratory conditions. The bioassays were carried out in the Laboratory of Selectivity Studies, Department of Entomology of the Universidade Federal de Lavras UFLA, Brazil, under controlled conditions (climatic chamber) at 25 ± 2º C, RH of 70 ± 10% with a 12 h photophase. The pesticides and doses in g or mL of i.a. L-1 were: thiamethoxam (0.5), imidacloprid (0.7), mineral oil (13.3), endosulfan (2.63) and dimethoate (0.48). Distilled water was used as a control. The sprayings of the pesticides were accomplished using a Potter's tower. The parameters evaluated were: specimen survival after the application of the compounds, oviposition and eggs viability. Thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and endosulfan were the most harmful to the treated individuals. When sprayed on eggs, thiamethoxam increased the embryonic period length (7.1 days). Mineral oil was the only compound that did not affect the reproduction of C. montrouzieri. In function of the selectivity presented by mineral oil, it can be recommended to be used in integrated pest management on coffee plantations in association with this predator.
Assuntos
Praguicidas/análise , Besouros , Uso de Praguicidas , Coffea/parasitologiaRESUMO
ABSTRACT On coffee plantations, the association between selective compounds and natural enemies composes an important tool for the pest management. The objective of this study was to evaluate some pesticides used on coffee plantations in regard to their lethal and sublethal effects on eggs and adults of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant under laboratory conditions. The bioassays were carried out in the Laboratory of Selectivity Studies, Department of Entomology of the Universidade Federal de Lavras UFLA, Brazil, under controlled conditions (climatic chamber) at 25 ± 2º C, RH of 70 ± 10% with a 12 h photophase. The pesticides and doses in g or mL of i.a. L-1 were: thiamethoxam (0.5), imidacloprid (0.7), mineral oil (13.3), endosulfan (2.63) and dimethoate (0.48). Distilled water was used as a control. The sprayings of the pesticides were accomplished using a Potters tower. The parameters evaluated were: specimen survival after the application of the compounds, oviposition and eggs viability. Thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and endosulfan were the most harmful to the treated individuals. When sprayed on eggs, thiamethoxam increased the embryonic period length (7.1 days). Mineral oil was the only compound that did not affect the reproduction of C. montrouzieri. In function of the selectivity presented by mineral oil, it can be recommended to be used in integrated pest management on coffee plantations in association with this predator.
RESUMO Em cafeeiros, a associação de inimigos naturais com produtos fitossanitários seletivos é uma importante estratégia no manejo de pragas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos letais e subletais de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura cafeeira sobre ovos e adultos de Cryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant em laboratório. Os bioensaios foram realizados sob 25 ± 2º C, UR de 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Os inseticidas utilizados e suas respectivas dosagens de aplicação, em g ou mL de i.a. L-1 foram: tiametoxam (0,5), imidacloprido (0,7), óleo mineral (13,3), endossulfam (2,63) e dimetoato (0,48). A testemunha foi composta apenas por água destilada. A aplicação dos produtos foi realizada por meio de torre de Potter. Avaliaram-se a viabilidade de ovos, a sobrevivência dos espécimes e os efeitos dos compostos sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos do predador. Tiametoxam provocou prolongamento na duração do período embrionário (7,1 dias) em ovos tratados e junto com imidacloprido foram classificados como nocivos, seguidos do endossulfam e dimetoato que apresentaram toxicidade intermediária e do óleo mineral que foi seletivo. Em função da seletividade do óleo mineral, pode-se recomendá-lo visando à compatibilização com o predador C. montrouzieri em programas de manejo integrado de pragas na cultura cafeeira.
RESUMO
Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles, Alexa Fluor 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.
Assuntos
Citometria de Fluxo/veterinária , Leucócitos/fisiologia , Papiloma/veterinária , Fagocitose/fisiologia , Explosão Respiratória/fisiologia , Tartarugas/sangue , Animais , Citometria de Fluxo/métodos , Papiloma/sangue , Papiloma/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences®. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles®, Alexa Fluor® 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.
Chelonia mydas é uma tartaruga marinha que freqüenta o litoral brasileiro para alimentação e nidificação e uma doença denominada fibropapilomatose é uma das mais importantes ameaças à sobrevivência dessa espécie. Desta forma, a definição de uma metodologia que permita analisar a função dos leucócitos sangüíneos torna-se extremamente necessária. Foram utilizadas amostras sangüíneas de C. mydas com e sem fibropapilomas capturadas no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo. As amostras sangüíneas foram colocadas em tubos contendo heparina sódica e transportadas em meio de cultura celular RPMI 1640 estéril e sob refrigeração. Os leucócitos foram obtidos por gradiente de densidade usando Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences®. Os estímulos aplicados foram Miristato Acetato de Phorbol (PMA) para avaliação de burst oxidativo e Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles®, Alexa Fluor® 594 conjugate para avaliação de fagocitose. Foram identificadas três populações celulares: heterófilos, monócitos e linfócitos. Os monócitos foram as células responsáveis pela fagocitose e pelo burst oxidativo.
Assuntos
Animais , Citometria de Fluxo/veterinária , Leucócitos/fisiologia , Papiloma/veterinária , Fagocitose/fisiologia , Explosão Respiratória/fisiologia , Tartarugas/sangue , Citometria de Fluxo/métodos , Papiloma/sangue , Papiloma/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe invasive infections: the post-streptococcal sequelae of acute rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), acute glomerulonephritis, and uncomplicated pharyngitis and pyoderma. Efforts to produce a vaccine against S. pyogenes began several decades ago, and different models have been proposed. Here, we describe the methodology used in the development of a new vaccine model, consisting of both T and B protective epitopes constructed as synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins. Two adjuvants were tested in an experimental inbred mouse model: a classical Freund's adjuvant and a new adjuvant (AFCo1) that induces mucosal immune responses and is obtained by calcium precipitation of a proteoliposome derived from the outer membrane of Neisseria meningitides B. The StreptInCor vaccine epitope co-administrated with AFCo1 adjuvant induced mucosal (IgA) and systemic (IgG) antibodies as preferential Th1-mediated immune responses. No autoimmune reactions were observed, suggesting that the vaccine epitope is safe.
Assuntos
Desenho de Fármacos , Vacinas Estreptocócicas/imunologia , Streptococcus pyogenes/imunologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Feminino , Imunidade nas Mucosas/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Vacinas Estreptocócicas/administração & dosagem , Vacinas Estreptocócicas/síntese química , Streptococcus pyogenes/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The effect of mercury and its interaction with zinc on the content of essential metals in tissues from neonate rats was investigated. Three-day-old Wistar rats were treated with saline or 27 mg kg(-1)d(-1) ZnCl2 (s.c.) for five consecutive days. From the 8th to the 12th day of life, the rats received one daily dose of saline or 5.0 mg kg(-1) HgCl2 (s.c). Twenty-four hours after the last injection liver, kidneys and blood were collected for metal quantification. The HgCl(2) exposure induced alterations on metal levels, such as increase of Fe, Hg and Zn in liver, decrease of Fe and Mg and increase of Cu and Hg contents in kidneys. The Hg exposure also increased Hg levels in the blood. The treatment with ZnCl2, administered previously to HgCl2, partially prevented the increase of Fe in the liver, and not only prevented the decrease of renal Mg but also increased it to levels higher than those found in control group. The Zn-Hg rats also presented higher renal Cu levels, and showed partially lower blood and hepatic Hg levels and higher renal Hg levels. The pre-administration of Zn caused no severe alterations in levels of essential metals (Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn). In short, Zn appears to be an alternative treatment of Hg poisoning in young animals in comparison to chelating drugs since these have low metal selectivity.