RESUMO
Microorganisms with immunomodulating effects beneficially affect the host organism by improving the microbial equilibrium and balancing the immune system. Zymomonas mobilis is reported to have antagonistic properties against yeast and other pathogenic microorganisms in humans and animals. This study assessed the effects of Z. mobilis UFPEDA 202 (10(9)CFU/mL) cultures on polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The survival of animals subjected to lethal sepsis was evaluated after pre-treatment, post-treatment or a combination of both. 6h after the induction of sepsis, neutrophil migration, the number of bacteria, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-10 were performed in the peritoneal lavage of animals. Histopathological changes in the spleen of animals were evaluated by light microscopy, and apoptosis of splenocytes was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the combination of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with Z. mobilis increased the survival of animals by 50% at 96 h after the induction of sepsis. There was a reduction in the levels of TNF-α and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in lung tissue. There was also a reduction in the number of viable bacteria in peritoneal fluid. However, increases in neutrophil migration and IL-10 levels were observed. The observed levels of MCP-1 remained similar to the control. Histopathology analysis showed a decrease in acute lung injury. The group pre-treated with the Z. mobilis culture demonstrated a marked decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the spleen (24%). This study demonstrates that Z. mobilis cultures increased the survival of animals with severe sepsis. This survival was mediated by improvement of neutrophil migration, enhanced activity against pathogenic enteric bacteria and reduced lung injury.
Assuntos
Lesão Pulmonar Aguda/prevenção & controle , Sepse/prevenção & controle , Zymomonas , Lesão Pulmonar Aguda/imunologia , Lesão Pulmonar Aguda/microbiologia , Lesão Pulmonar Aguda/patologia , Animais , Apoptose , Carga Bacteriana , Quimiocina CCL2/imunologia , Citocinas/imunologia , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Contagem de Leucócitos , Masculino , Camundongos , Cavidade Peritoneal/citologia , Cavidade Peritoneal/microbiologia , Peroxidase/imunologia , Sepse/imunologia , Sepse/microbiologia , Sepse/patologia , Baço/citologia , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/imunologiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to identify plant species among the diverse flora of the caatinga ecosystem that are used therapeutically. Research was undertaken in the municipalities of Piranhas and Delmiro Gouveia, in the Xingó region (state of Alagoas, NE Brazil). In order to identify the medicinal plants used in this region, semi-structured questionnaires were applied. The species cited were collected and sent to the Xingó Herbarium for taxonomic analysis. The relative importance (RI) of each species cited was calculated to verify their cultural importance. The therapeutic indications attributed to the species were classified under 16 body systems. A total of 187 medicinal species were cited, from 64 families and 128 genera. The main indications for medicinal plant use were against common colds, bronchitis, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, inflammations in general, and as tranquilizers. Approximately 16% (30 plant species) were versatile in relation to their use, with an Relative Importance value over 1, having been indicated for up to nine body systems. The body systems that stood out the most were: the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and infectious diseases. Most cited plant parts used for medicinal purposes were flowers, leaves, and inner stem bark.