RESUMO

Coastal lagoons are ecosystems that are considered providers of a variety species of commercial value to the humans. However, they are currently threatened by a variety of anthropogenic-derived impacts, including environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs). For these reasons, it is necessary to identify suitable biomonitors for monitoring MP activities in aquatic environments and for estimating human ingestion of MPs from the consumption of commercial shellfish species. Therefore, our aims were to identify the anthropogenic activities that supply MPs into a coastal lagoon in the southern Gulf of Mexico and their variety; to determine whether oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are suitable biomonitors to perform MPs monitoring activities and to conduct an estimation of how many MPs could a human consume by the ingestion of a commercial portion of oysters harvested in this coastal lagoon. Our results noted that MP concentrations from water and sediment collected in Laguna de Terminos were 210,000 and 11.3 times higher than values reported in other protected areas worldwide. MPs chemical composition revealed that fishing and urban activities supply mainly polyethylene (21.1 %), poly (butadiene) diol (12.6 %) and polyethylene terephthalate (9.5 %). It was also determined that oysters did not reflect the spatial distribution of MPs within the study area and that a human could consume up to 806.1 MPs per 237.1 g serving of an oyster cocktail. Finally, a coastal lagoon polluted with MPs increases the risk of affecting species used for human consumption.

Assuntos

Crassostrea , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Humanos , Microplásticos , Ecossistema , Plásticos , Frutos do Mar , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: CD147 is the main inducer of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, which are critically involved in different inflammatory diseases. Our objective was to assess whether in vitro stimulation with Th1 and Th17 cytokines modulate CD147 production in monocytes from psoriasis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum CD147 levels were measured in 60 psoriasis patients and 60 healthy controls. Furthermore, CD14+ monocytes were cultured and stimulated with TNF, IFN-g or IL-17A, and CD147 production was measured. RESULTS: Serum CD147 levels were higher in psoriasis patients (median 1866, IQR 1517-2355 pg/mL vs. 1686, 1382-1947 pg/mL; p=0.023), allowing to distinguish between patients and controls (AUC-ROC 0.632 ± 0.0509). Baseline CD147 production was similar in monocytes from patients and controls (1298, 769-1645 pg/mL vs. 1290, 1048-1976 pg/ml, respectively). Stimulation with IL-17A (1638, 1426-2027 pg/mL; p<0.001), but no other cytokine, was associated with increased production of CD147 in monocytes from psoriatic patients. In contrast, none of the cytokines increased CD147 production in monocytes from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: CD147 production by activated monocytes is a cytokine-dependent process, specifically by cytokines of the Th17 phenotype instead of those belonging to the Th1 phenotype. CD147 is a novel inflammatory mediator that could be a therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Assuntos

Basigina/biossíntese , Interleucina-17/metabolismo , Monócitos/metabolismo , Psoríase/metabolismo , Adulto , Basigina/sangue , Células Cultivadas , Feminino , Humanos , Interleucina-17/genética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psoríase/sangue , Psoríase/diagnóstico

RESUMO

The intestinal epithelium constitutes a first line of defense of the innate immune system. Epithelial dysfunction is a hallmark of intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The actin cytoskeleton controls epithelial barrier integrity but the function of actin regulators such as cortactin is poorly understood. Given that cortactin controls endothelial permeability, we hypothesized that cortactin is also important for epithelial barrier regulation. We found increased permeability in the colon of cortactin-KO mice that was accompanied by reduced levels of ZO-1, claudin-1, and E-cadherin. By contrast, claudin-2 was upregulated. Cortactin deficiency increased RhoA/ROCK1-dependent actomyosin contractility, and inhibition of ROCK1 rescued the barrier defect. Interestingly, cortactin deficiency caused increased epithelial proliferation without affecting apoptosis. KO mice did not develop spontaneous colitis, but were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium colitis and showed severe colon tissue damage and edema formation. KO mice with colitis displayed strong mucus deposition and goblet cell depletion. In healthy human colon tissues, cortactin co-localized with ZO-1 at epithelial cell contacts. In IBDs patients, we observed decreased cortactin levels and loss of co-localization with ZO-1. Thus, cortactin is a master regulator of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in vivo and could serve as a suitable target for pharmacological intervention in IBDs.

Assuntos

Actomiosina/metabolismo , Colite/imunologia , Cortactina/metabolismo , Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais/imunologia , Mucosa Intestinal/patologia , Quinases Associadas a rho/metabolismo , Proteína rhoA de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismo , Animais , Apoptose , Proliferação de Células , Colite/induzido quimicamente , Cortactina/genética , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Sulfato de Dextrana , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Humanos , Imunidade Inata , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Proteína da Zônula de Oclusão-1/metabolismo , Proteína rhoA de Ligação ao GTP/genética

RESUMO

Pomegranate extract, vanillin and geraniol were studied as natural antimicrobials on strawberry juice. Strawberry juice was treated with each agent at two concentrations: pomegranate extract at 180 and 360 µg/mL; vanillin at 2.5 and 5 mg/mL; and geraniol at 0.6 and 1.2 µL/mL. After being treated, juices were stored at 5 °C and microbiological, physicochemical and sensory studies were carried out. Also, a second batch of juice was inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 (10(5) CFU/mL) before being treated, to safety study. Geraniol and vanillin, at both concentrations tested, were highly effective in reducing the native microflora on strawberry juice (more than 3 log cycles), extending the microbiological shelf-life of the product. Moreover, both antimicrobials improved the product safety by reducing inoculated E. coli O157:H7. Furthermore, vanillin showed a significant increase in polyphenol content compared to untreated juice. On the other hand, pomegranate extract applied at the highest concentration showed important reductions on mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria, but no effect on yeast and molds and inoculated E. coli. Even though vanillin and geraniol incorporation on strawberry juice had a negative effect on its sensory quality, pomegranate extract had no impact on the sensory attributes evaluated. Combinations of the biopreservatives could be studied in order to decrease the concentration of the antimicrobials, reducing the effects on strawberry juice sensory characteristics.

RESUMO

The exchange of substances between metazoan and the environment takes place across transporting epithelia that have two fundamental differentiated features: tight junctions (TJ) and apical/basolateral polarity. Usually, reviews of the structure and function of transporting epithelia follow a historical description of major biological findings, but seldom refer to the fact that it also required fundamental theoretical changes in the physics and chemistry involved. We make a brief description of the concatenation of both types of achievements, in which it becomes clear that the major source of conflicts was the enzyme Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (also referred to as "the pump"), because of its intrinsic mechanisms and its asymmetric expression on one side of epithelial cells only (polarity). This enzyme is also the receptor of the newly recognized hormone ouabain, whose chief function is to modulate cell contacts, such as TJs, several types of cell-cell contacts participating in polarization (as gauged through ciliogenesis).

Assuntos

Células Epiteliais/fisiologia , Epitélio/fisiologia , Ouabaína/metabolismo , Junções Íntimas/fisiologia , Transporte Biológico , Cílios/metabolismo , Claudina-2 , Humanos , Permeabilidade , ATPase Trocadora de Sódio-Potássio

RESUMO

The 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17ß-HSD) are key enzymes involved in the formation (reduction) and inactivation (oxidation) of sex steroids. Several types have been found in vertebrates including fish, as well as in invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans, Ciona intestinalis and Haliotis diversicolor supertexta. To date limited information is available about this enzyme in parasites. We showed previously that Taenia solium cysticerci are able to synthesize sex steroid hormones in vitro when precursors are provided in the culture medium. Here, we identified a T. solium 17ß-HSD through in silico blast searches in the T. solium genome database. This coding sequence was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the pcDNA 3.1(+) expression vector. The full length cDNA contains 957bp, corresponding to an open reading frame coding for 319 aa. The highest identity (84%) at the protein level was found with the Echinococcus multilocularis 17ß-HSD although significant similarities were also found with other invertebrate and vertebrate 17ß-HSD sequences. The T. solium Tsol-17ßHSD belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein superfamily. HEK293T cells transiently transfected with Tsol17ß-HSD induced expression of Tsol17ß-HSD that transformed 3H-androstenedione into testosterone. In contrast, 3H-estrone was not significantly transformed into estradiol. In conclusion, T. solium cysticerci express a 17ß-HSD that catalyzes the androgen reduction. The enzyme belongs to the short chain dehydrogenases/reductase family and shares motifs and activity with the type 3 enzyme of some other species.

Assuntos

17-Hidroxiesteroide Desidrogenases/genética , 17-Hidroxiesteroide Desidrogenases/metabolismo , Hormônios Esteroides Gonadais/biossíntese , Taenia solium/enzimologia , Taenia solium/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Androstenodiona/biossíntese , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Clonagem Molecular , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Filogenia , Testosterona/biossíntese

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with altered bowel habit. Both its prevalence and clinical characteristics vary throughout Latin America. A percentage of patients does not seek medical attention, therefore a reliable prevalence figure can only be established by interviewing non-selected populations. AIMS: To study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of IBS symptoms in non-selected subjects in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: A total of 437 shopping mall visitors above the age of 15 years (246 women) participated in the study by answering the Rome II validated questionnaire for IBS. The demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, comorbidities, and a family history of IBS were registered. RESULTS: A total of 64.1% subjects reported having gastrointestinal symptoms and 28.6% had symptoms suggestive of IBS. When the subjects with IBS symptoms were compared with the asymptomatic individuals, a predominance of women (65.6 vs. 42.9, P<.001) and a greater cholecystectomy frequency (33.6 vs. 12.9% P<.05) were observed in the former. The age of symptom onset was 30.4 years. An equal percentage of subjects (42.4%) presented with diarrhea and constipation and 15.2% presented with alternating IBS. Participants with a higher educational level reported a lower percentage of IBS (P<.05). A family history of the disease was present in 40% of the subjects with IBS, compared with 14.9% in the asymptomatic individuals (P<.05). Only 39.2% of the subjects had seen a physician for their symptoms and the treatment and tests ordered were inappropriate. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS symptoms in the population studied is one of the highest described. Therefore, health teams should have the necessary knowledge and skill required for its management.

Assuntos

Síndrome do Intestino Irritável/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Chile/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Qualidade de Vida , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem

RESUMO

Our studies were performed to investigate the effects of the aqueous extracts of Cecropia pachystachya and Larrea divaricata. These plants are used in folkloric medicine in infusion and were administered orally (0.76 g/kg) to male Albino Swiss mice for 16 days, on drink intake, organ weight/body weight (OW/BW x 100) ratio, histology, broqueoalveolar fluid (BALF) and elevated plus-maze (EPM). Feeding as well as body weight were unaffected by the consumption of these extracts. There were no signs of toxicity in BALF, morbidity or mortality during the study. C. pachystachya caused an increase in relative kidney OW/BW (p

Assuntos

Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Cecropia , Larrea , Aprendizagem em Labirinto/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Análise de Variância , Animais , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Rim/anatomia & histologia , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/anatomia & histologia , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Pulmão/anatomia & histologia , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Tamanho do Órgão/efeitos dos fármacos , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Folhas de Planta , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Testes de Toxicidade

RESUMO

Polymorphous silicon thin films (pm-Si) have been deposited from mixtures of dichlorosilane and hydrogen, using argon as the diluting gas by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The deposition conditions were chosen to simultaneously obtain both Si nanocrystallites and an amorphous silicon matrix in the as-grown samples. High resolution transmission electron microscopy studies show the crystallinity of Si domains whose dimensions are in the interval of 2-14 nm. The surface passivation state of the silicon nanocrystals was inferred from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Two optical absorption edges, corresponding to the amorphous matrix and the Si nanocrystals, were observed for all the pm-Si thin films. Intense visible photoluminescence was observed for the as-grown samples. The possibility of using these thin films for the down-conversion effect in silicon solar cells is discussed.

Assuntos

Cristalização/métodos , Membranas Artificiais , Nanoestruturas/química , Nanoestruturas/ultraestrutura , Nanotecnologia/métodos , Silanos/química , Silício/química , Gases , Temperatura Alta , Substâncias Macromoleculares/química , Teste de Materiais , Conformação Molecular , Tamanho da Partícula , Propriedades de Superfície

RESUMO

El estudio corresponde a la presentación de 2 casos clínicos con fractura radicular horizontal (tercio apical, tercio 1⁄2), tratadas con el agregado del trióxido mineral (MTA). En ambos casos las piezas sufrieron la fractura por trauma y el MTA se utilizo sin acción quirúrgica, vale decir, se coloco intraconducto. El objetivo del estudio es conocer la viabilidad de la terapia en estos casos, recordando que es necesario realizar nuevas investigaciones para demostrar la efectividad del material.

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The study corresponds to the presentation of two clinical cases with horizontally root fractures (apical third, 1⁄2 third) treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). In both cases the pieces suffered fracture for trauma and the MTA was used without surgical action, is worth saying, its place in root canal. The intention of the study is to know the viability of the therapy in these cases, remembering that it is necessary to realize new investigations to demonstrate the efficiency of the material.

Assuntos

Humanos , Compostos de Alumínio/uso terapêutico , Compostos de Cálcio/uso terapêutico , Fraturas dos Dentes/terapia , Óxidos/uso terapêutico , Silicatos/uso terapêutico , Combinação de Medicamentos , Resultado do Tratamento

RESUMO

To study the properties of ion channels of the tapeworm Taenia crassiceps, mRNA was isolated from cysticerci and injected into mature oocytes of the frog Xenopus laevis and ion currents were recorded four days after injection with the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Oocytes injected with mRNA of T. crassiceps expressed outward currents (I(TC)) that activated instantly after onset of the test pulse, followed by a slow inactivation at potentials over +40 mV, with a reversal potential of -23.2+/-5 mV. They were not affected by changes on monovalent cationic composition of external media, but replacement of external chloride by gluconate shifted significantly the reversal potential, suggesting that I(TC) are anion currents, with a permeability sequence of NO3->Cl(-)>I(-)>>Gluconate. These currents were sensitive to changes of external pH but not to hypotonic challenges. They were significantly inhibited by DIDS, NPPB and Niflumic acid, but not by 9-anthracene. These results suggest that I(TC) are the result of expression of anion channels from the tapeworm T. crassiceps.

Assuntos

Canais de Cloreto/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/administração & dosagem , Taenia/fisiologia , Xenopus laevis/metabolismo , Animais , Canais de Cloreto/antagonistas & inibidores , Eletrofisiologia , Feminino , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Soluções Hipotônicas/farmacologia , Potenciais da Membrana/fisiologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Oócitos/metabolismo , Taenia/genética

RESUMO

The native microflora of lettuce cultivated in mulch and on bare soil and its evolution during storage at optimal condition were evaluated. Inner, mid, and outer leaves of the lettuce heads were analyzed separately and the evolution of the microbial populations were fitted to Gompertz and logistic models. The cultivation method (bare soil and mulch) introduced differences in the initial counts, evolution, and tolerance to refrigeration temperatures for some of the microbial populations under study. Most microbial populations from mulch lettuce presented a decline or little growth under refrigerated storage. However, populations from bare soil lettuce presented some growth phase during storage. Lactic acid bacteria from bare soil lettuce presented significant growth after 8 d of storage while LAB from mulch grown lettuce did not. Concurrently with the LAB growth, there was a decline in the coliform counts in bare soil grown lettuce. At the end of storage, the inner and mid leaves of mulch lettuce presented lower counts of psychrotrophic bacteria, LAB, and yeast and molds.

Assuntos

Agricultura/métodos , Bactérias/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Lactuca/microbiologia , Microbiologia do Solo , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Contagem de Colônia Microbiana , Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Contaminação de Alimentos/análise , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Humanos , Lactuca/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Lactuca/normas , Modelos Logísticos , Dinâmica Populacional , Fatores de Tempo

RESUMO

The cryopreservation of spermatozoa constitutes a valuable tool for the captive breeding management of valuable and/or threatened species. Chinchilla lanigera is a species almost extinct in the wild, and the domestic counterpart has one of the most valuable pelts in the world. The objectives of this study were to: (i) compare the functional activity of post-thawed chinchilla spermatozoa cryopreserved at -196 degrees C either with glycerol (G) or ethylene glycol (EG) as cryoprotectants (1 m final concentration) and (ii) investigate the effects of incubating the gametes for 4 h in the presence or in the absence of the cryoprotectants; evaluations were performed taking into account motility, viability, response to hypo-osmotic shock and acrosome integrity of the cells. Parameters reflecting post-thaw (0 h) sperm functional activity were significantly lower than those of freshly ejaculated gametes. When comparing the cryoprotectant efficiency of G vs EG, neither cryoprotectant agent offered appreciable advantages. After 4 h of incubation, in the presence or absence of the cryoprotectant agent, a rapid and significant decrease was found in all functional parameters and remained at approximately 20-30% motile, viable and viable acrosome intact cells. Viability was significantly lower when the cryoprotectant was removed from the media (possibly due to the centrifugation process). With respect to the maintenance of sperm membrane integrity, only approximately 10% of cells showed membrane resistance to hypo-osmotic conditions after the 4 h incubation period. These results constitute new insights for cryopreservation protocols and the development of assisted reproductive techniques in this species.

Assuntos

Chinchila/fisiologia , Criopreservação/veterinária , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Animais , Sobrevivência Celular , Crioprotetores/farmacologia , Etilenoglicol/farmacologia , Glicerol/farmacologia , Masculino , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides/citologia , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos

RESUMO

The objectives of this study were to: (a) test the functional activity of Chinchilla lanigera spermatozoa suspended in either glycerol or ethylene glycol, cooled to 4 degrees C, and stored for 24 or 72 h and (b) investigate, after these cooling periods, the effects of incubating sperm at 37 degrees C (for 4 h) upon sperm functional activity. The ejaculate was mixed with the cryoprotectant medium (at 1 M final concentration) and cooled to 4 degrees C. After warming, sperm motility, sperm viability, hypoosmotic swelling test results, and acrosomal integrity were significantly higher for samples containing ethylene glycol than for those in glycerol, stored for 24 or 72 h, and then assayed after 0 or 4 h incubation at 37 degrees C. A significant reduction of sperm motility and viability was detected only when the glycerol cryoprotectant agent was employed, compared to the fresh samples. These results clearly indicate that under our experimental conditions, ethylene glycol is a better protectant for sperm storage than glycerol.

Assuntos

Chinchila/anatomia & histologia , Criopreservação/métodos , Crioprotetores , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Animais , Sobrevivência Celular , Chinchila/fisiologia , Etilenoglicol , Glicerol , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides/citologia , Fatores de Tempo

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: HbA1c is considered the gold standard of long-term glycemic control and is recommended as a routine test for every diabetic patient. However, its common use in clinical practice has some problems related to lack of standardization and its relative cost. Recent studies have suggested, that postprandial blood glucose could be better than a fasting sample, as a marker of diabetes control. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relative value of plasma glucose samples at different times of the day, and easy and accessible programs for home blood and urinary glucose measurements compared with HbA1c in assessing the mean glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Sixty type 2 diabetic patients were instructed to do home blood and urine glucose monitoring for two months, at the end, plasma glucose profiles were obtained. RESULTS: The mean of all the capillary BG measurements had the best correlation with the HbA1c (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), followed by the mean of the capillary BG measurements before breakfast and supper (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), and the 2 hr. postbreakfast plasma glucose (r = 0.79 p < 0.001). The fasting PG had a low correlation (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), but a good sensitivity to predict a fair or a poor metabolic control. Diabetes duration and type of treatment explained 17% and 28% of variance in HbA1c levels. CONCLUSIONS: A bimonthly fasting PG correlated well with the glycosylated hemoglobin and is the easiest and cheapest way of monitoring glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with some preserved insulin reserve (diabetes for less than 10 years and on treatment with only one hypoglycemic agent). A sample of capillary BG, fasting, once per week correlates better with the HbA1c than a fasting PG every 2-3 months. The 2 hr and 5 hr postbreakfast PG have a good correlation with the HbA1c, but are not a substitute for doing BG monitoring. Glycosuria may be a useful parameter to rule out a fair or poor metabolic control in some patients.

Assuntos

Glicemia/análise , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Automonitorização da Glicemia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Tempo

RESUMO

It is well known that infections in patients with diabetes mellitus are more severe, although there is controversy for increased susceptibility to them. Non-specific immune response mechanisms could be related to defense and/or susceptibility to pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of several enzymes involved in the primary host defense mechanisms in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Twenty NIDDM females with a mean HbA(1c) level of 8.19% were included. No patient had clinical evidence of infection. As controls 20 healthy females were studied. The enzymes tested were dipeptidyl-peptidase I (DPP-I), cathepsin B and D, NADPH oxidase and superoxide dismutase (oxidative burst) and collagenase. Isolated leukocytes were incubated with the specific substrates in pyrogen free conditions. The intracellular enzyme activity was analyzed by flow cytometry. Collagenase enzymatic activity was similar in the three leukocyte subpopulations studied. Oxidative burst induction in monocytes was comparable between both groups. Enzyme activity of cathepsin B and D in all cell subsets, oxidative burst in PMN cells, and DPP-I in lymphocytes and monocytes from patients, was higher than those from healthy females (P<0.05). Overall, our findings demonstrate an enhanced functional status of several intracellular leukocyte enzymes in NIDDM. Furthermore, the increased oxidative burst induction and the consequent production of free radicals, may contribute to vascular complications. Other mechanisms - either from the non-specific or specific immune response - deserve investigation to establish if diabetic patients are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Assuntos

Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/imunologia , Citometria de Fluxo/métodos , Subpopulações de Linfócitos/enzimologia , Macrófagos/enzimologia , Neutrófilos/enzimologia , Adulto , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/enzimologia , Catepsina B/sangue , Catepsina C/sangue , Catepsina D/sangue , Colagenases/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicações , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/enzimologia , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , Feminino , Humanos , Infecções/etiologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/enzimologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , NADPH Oxidases/sangue , Explosão Respiratória , Superóxido Dismutase/sangue

Assuntos

Resistência a Múltiplos Medicamentos/genética , Entamoeba histolytica/genética , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Animais , Clonagem Molecular , Oócitos/metabolismo , Xenopus laevis

RESUMO

A study was performed on xanthine-oxidase inhibition by 22 flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and chalcones, using UV spectroscopy for experimental data and molecular topology to establish the structure-activity relationship (SAR) model. The flavonoids were classified into four groups according to their activity on xanthine-oxidase (inactive, low, significant, or high), and linear discriminant analysis was used to classify each compound within a group. The results led to a very good model, which was able to classify correctly as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, along with a test set of molecules including a variety of different compounds such as allopurinol, caffeic acid, esculetin, and alloxantin.

Assuntos

Inibidores Enzimáticos/química , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Xantina Oxidase/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Análise Discriminante , Técnicas In Vitro , Modelos Químicos , Espectrofotometria Ultravioleta , Relação Estrutura-Atividade

RESUMO

Although the in vitro fertilisation index is a parameter commonly employed to investigate sperm functional activity, little attention has been given to the occurrence of parthenogenesis. The purpose of this study was to study at 6 h or 22 h incubation: (a) the cleavage-related events that occur in in vitro incubated mouse oocytes, in the absence (parthenogenesis) or presence of homologous spermatozoa; (b) the effect of mineral oil, commonly used in in vitro fertilisation assays; (c) the effect of piroxicam, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, on the parthenogenetic rate; and (d) the influence on parthenogenesis of spontaneous loss of the cumulus oophorus coat during incubation. Under the experimental conditions employed, there was parthenogenetic activation and activation due to fertilisation. Both increased in a time-dependent manner. The mineral oil enhanced the parthenogenetic rate at 22 h incubation. However, it did not have any effect when the oocytes were inseminated. Since we can not discriminate how much of this activation was due to fertilisation and how much to parthenogenesis we must be very careful with this comparison. Piroxicam 10(-8) M did not show any effect on the mouse oocyte parthenogenetic rate at neither 6 h or 22 h incubation. Our results suggest that oocyte susceptibility to spontaneous parthenogenetic activation may be modified by the presence of the cumulus and corona radiata cells. In conclusion, we consider that further rigorous studies on these influences are necessary in order to confer more reliability on the results.

Assuntos

Oócitos/fisiologia , Partenogênese , Animais , Feminino , Fertilização in vitro , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Camundongos , Óleo Mineral/farmacologia , Oócitos/citologia , Folículo Ovariano/citologia , Partenogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Piroxicam/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Prostaglandina/farmacologia

RESUMO

Las infecciones necrotizantes de los tejidos blandos, a pesar de ser una patologia infrecuente, tienen una elevada mortalidad en nuestro medio. La sospecha clinica y el tratamiento quirurgico temprano constituyen la piedra angular en su terapeutica. Se presenta una revision bibliográfica y la experiencia institucional en un Hospital de tercer nivel, durante los ultimas 5 años.

Assuntos

Infecções dos Tecidos Moles