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Rab GTPase is a paralog-rich gene family that controls the maintenance of the eukaryotic cell compartmentalization system. Diverse eukaryotes have varying numbers of Rab paralogs. Currently, little is known about the evolutionary pattern of Rab GTPase in most major eukaryotic 'supergroups'. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of the Rab GTPase gene family in the eukaryotic 'supergroup' Amoebozoa, a diverse lineage represented by unicellular and multicellular organisms. We demonstrate that Amoebozoa conserved 20 of the 23 ancestral Rab GTPases predicted to be present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor and massively expanded several 'novel' in-paralogs. Due to these 'novel' in-paralogs, the Rab family composition dramatically varies between the members of Amoebozoa; as a consequence, 'supergroup'-based studies may significantly change our current understanding of the evolution and diversity of this gene family. The high diversity of the Rab GTPase gene family in Amoebozoa makes this 'supergroup' a key lineage to study and advance our knowledge of the evolution of Rab in Eukaryotes.

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Cancer during pregnancy is rarely studied due to its low incidence (1:1000). However, as a result of different sociocultural and economic changes, women are postponing pregnancy, so the number of pregnant women with cancer has been increasing in recent years. The importance of studying cancer during pregnancy is not only based on maternal and foetal prognosis, but also on the evolutionary mechanisms of the cell biology of trophoblasts and neoplastic cells, which point out similarities between and suggest new fields for the study of cancer. Moreover, the magnitude of how cancer factors can affect trophoblastic cells, and vice versa, in altering the foetus's nutrition and health is still a subject to be understood. In this context, the objective of this narrative review was to show that some researchers point out the importance of supplementing branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, in experimental models of pregnancy associated with women with cancer. A leucine-rich diet may be an interesting strategy to preserve physiological placenta metabolism for protecting the mother and foetus from the harmful effects of cancer during pregnancy.

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SUMMARY: Cell culture is an important tool in medical, odontological and biological research laboratories, supporting cell therapies and tissue bioengineering strategies. Gingival fibroblasts present structural function, being able to modulate their metabolic capacity, which is reflected in the tissue morphology. The possibility of culturing fibroblasts in vitro, in monolayer or on three-dimensional scaffolds, for subsequent transplants in vivo opens important perspectives for the periodontal surgical clinic. The objective of the present article is to present a method of obtaining and cultivating viable human gingival fibroblasts for in vitro research. Explants derived from periodontal surgical discards were used, grown in 25 cm2 bottles to obtain a primary cell culture. After observing the proliferation and growth of the fibroblasts that interconnected and formed a monolayer network, involving the periphery of the explants, it was possible to remove the explants, to make the passage and the new subcultures were obtained in a ratio of 1:1. After 7 days, the amount of viable cells was analyzed in triplicate, using the Neubauer chamber technique, in cell culture bottles of 25 mm2 (T25) and 75 mm2 (T75). Fibroblasts were described and subclassified morphologically. The results showed a growth pattern in both bottles, but with a larger number in bottles of 75 cm2. Cells with fibroblastic morphology were subclassified into reticular and fusiform, being predominant those with fusiform morphology. In conclusion, culture of explant of human gingival connective tissue is a viable method for obtaining gingival connective tissue cells suitable for laboratory tests in cell culture, aiming at obtaining constructs for gingival tissue engineering.

RESUMEN: El cultivo celular es una herramienta importante en los laboratorios de investigación médica, odontológica y biológica, que apoyan las terapias celulares y las estrategias de bioingeniería de tejidos. Los fibroblastos gingivales presentan una función estructural, pudiendo modular su capacidad metabólica, que se refleja en la morfología tisular. La posibilidad de cultivar fibroblastos in vitro, en monocapa o en andamios tridimensionales, para trasplantes posteriores in vivo abre perspectivas importantes para la clínica de cirugía periodontal. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar un método para obtener y cultivar fibroblastos gingivales humanos viables para investigación in vitro. Se utilizaron explantes derivados de los descartes quirúrgicos periodontales, crecidos en frascos de 25 cm2 para obtener un cultivo de células primarias. Después de observar la proliferación y el crecimiento de los fibroblastos que se interconectaron y formaron una red de monocapa, que involucraba la periferia de los explantes, fue posible eliminar los explantes, hacer el pasaje y los nuevos subcultivos se obtuvieron en una proporción de 1:1. Después de 7 días, la cantidad de células viables se analizó por triplicado, utilizando la técnica de cámara de Neubauer, en botellas de cultivo celular de 25 mm2 (T25) y 75 mm2 (T75). Los fibroblastos fueron descritos y sub-clasificados morfológicamente. Los resultados mostraron un patrón de crecimiento en ambas botellas, pero con un número mayor en botellas de 75 cm2. Las células con morfología fibroblástica se subclasificaron en reticulares y fusiformes, predominando aquellas con morfología fusiforme. En conclusión, el cultivo de explante de tejido conectivo gingival humano es un método viable para obtener células de tejido conectivo gingival adecuadas para pruebas de laboratorio en cultivos celulares, con el objetivo de obtener construcciones para la ingeniería del tejido gingival.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Liquid-based solution for cytology has been developed to improve Pap test. Some liquid media are commercially available, however, due to the high cost there are difficulties in implementing it in the public health programs of many countries. Objectives: To study the suitability of alternative liquid media for the collection and preservation of samples for cytologic examinations, comparing the results with the conventional Papanicolaou methodology. Material and methods: In this study, 127 different compositions of alternative liquid-based solutions were tested with samples from 10 volunteers for oral cytology and 20 samples from volunteers for cervical cytology. Formaldehyde-isopropanol-phosphate (FIPLIQ) was used to preserve cervical samples prepared and analyzed on the same day and 3, 7, and 15 days after collection, compared with Pap smear. Evaluations on quality and adequacy of cell types, microorganisms or their cytopathic effects, reactive, degenerative and dysplastic cell alterations were performed. Results: Samples processed with FIPLIQ showed results similar to those of conventional Pap smear when analyzing staining cytoplasm with indistinct cytoplasm borders, chromatin structure, presence or absence of different types of cell and microorganisms, reparative process, preneoplastic, and neoplastic cell changes; the samples were stored for up to 15 days after collection. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that FIPLIQ is suitable for the preparation and preservation of cytology specimens for up to 15 days.

RESUMEN Introducción: La citología en medio líquido fue desarrollada para mejorar la prueba de Papanicolaou. Algunos medios líquidos son comercialmente disponibles; no obstante, debido al costo elevado, hay dificultades para su implementación en programas de salud pública en muchos países. Objetivos: Estudiar la adecuación de medios líquidos alternativos para recolecta y la preservación de muestras para exámenes citológicos, comparando los resultados con la metodología convencional de Papanicolaou. Material y métodos: En este estudio, 127 diferentes composiciones de soluciones alternativas de medios líquidos fueron testadas con muestras de 10 voluntarios para citología oral y 20 muestras de voluntarias para citología cervical. El fosfato de formaldehído- isopropanol (FIPLIQ) fue usado para preservación de muestras cervicales preparadas y analizadas en el mismo día, y tres, siete y 15 días después de la recolecta, en comparación con la citología convencional. Se hicieron evaluaciones de calidad y adecuación de los tipos celulares, microorganismos o sus efectos citopáticos, cambios celulares reactivos, degenerativos y displásicos. Resultados: Las muestras procesadas con FIPLIQ presentaron resultados similares a los de la prueba convencional de Papanicolaou cuando analizados color y bordes citoplasmáticos mal definidos, estructura de cromatina, presencia o ausencia de diferentes tipos de células y microorganismos, proceso reparativo, pre-neoplásico y alteraciones celulares neoplásicas; las muestras se conservaron hasta 15 días después de la recolección. Conclusión: Los resultados preliminares sugieren que el FIPLIQ es adecuado para preparación y preservación de especímenes citológicos hasta 15 días.

RESUMO Introdução: A citologia em meio líquido foi desenvolvida para melhorar o teste de Papanicolaou. Alguns meios líquidos são comercialmente disponíveis, no entanto, devido ao alto custo, há dificuldades para sua implementação em programas de saúde pública em muitos países. Objetivos: Estudar a adequabilidade de meios líquidos alternativos para a coleta e a preservação de amostras para exames citológicos, comparando os resultados com a metodologia convencional de Papanicolaou. Material e métodos: Neste estudo, 127 diferentes composições de soluções alternativas de meios líquidos foram testadas com amostras de 10 voluntários para citologia oral e 20 amostras de voluntárias para citologia cervical. O fosfato de formaldeído-isopropanol (FIPLIQ) foi utilizado para preservar amostras cervicais preparadas e analisadas no mesmo dia e três, sete e 15 dias após coleta, em comparação com a citologia convencional. Avaliações de qualidade e adequação dos tipos celulares, de microrganismos ou seus efeitos citopáticos, de alterações celulares reativas, degenerativas e displásicas foram realizadas. Resultados: As amostras processadas com FIPLIQ apresentaram resultados semelhantes aos do teste convencional de Papanicolaou quando analisados coloração e apagamento de bordas citoplasmáticas, estrutura de cromatina, presença ou ausência de diferentes tipos de células e microrganismos, processo reparativo, pré-neoplásico e alterações celulares neoplásicas; as amostras foram conservadas por até 15 dias após a coleta. TOPICO Conclusão: Os resultados preliminares sugerem que o FIPLIQ é adequado para a preparação e a preservação de espécimes citológicos por até 15 dias.

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BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into distinct mesenchymal cell lineages and regulate the immune response. The aim of this study was to determine whether periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) have the ability to modulate neutrophil responses via paracrine mechanisms. METHODS: CD105-enriched PDLSCs were seeded for 24 h and challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis total protein extract (PgPE) (0 or 2 ug/mL) for 3 h. Cells were then washed and further cultured for 18 h and the supernatants were collected and stored. Next, neutrophil-differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells (HL60D) were treated with PDLSCs supernatants and HL-60D activation and functional responses were determined. RESULTS: PgPE treatment induced higher secretion of inflammatory markers and chemokines by PDLSCs, including RANTES, eotaxin, interferon (IFN)-γ- inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra (P < 0.05). HL-60D recruitment rate was increased by 4.7 ± 1.09-fold when exposed to PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants. PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants promoted a 1.78 ± 1.04-fold increase in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PMA-stimulated HL-60D, whereas PgPE-untreated PDLSCs supernatants led to a 16% reduction in intracellular ROS. In sharp contrast, neither PgPE-untreated nor PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants altered tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1ß secretion by HL-60D cells. CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest an important role of PDLSCs in the recognition of P. gingivalis, paracrine recruitment and activation of antimicrobial mechanisms in innate immune cells, without interfering in cytokine responses.

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Objective: To identify and compare the predictive agents associated with medical students´ academic performance that are undertaking cellular biology and human histology, as well as those physiotherapists that take molecular, cellular and tissue biology. Methods: An academic follow up was carried out during school. Tools on previous knowledge, vocation, psychological and confrontational means were applied at the beginning of the school year; and the last two were applied two more times afterwards. Data were analyzed considering descriptive, comparative, correlational and predictive statistics. The students´ participation was voluntary and data confidentiality was looked after.

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Buffaloes are dairy, meat and work farm animals very adapted to tropical regions, with large productivity and economic potential in several countries, including Brazil. In some states, the lack of technology in buffalo farming has increased reproductive and sanitary problems, turning imminent the extinction of these animals. In this contest, studies related to stem cell biotechnology have resulted in other possible utilization of buffaloes as experimental model, allowing the expansion of knowledge in this specie in particular cell characteristics. Stem cells have been the subject of many studies in several species, nevertheless buffaloes studies are scarce. Thus, this review aims to assemble and connect buffaloes and stem cells biotechnology studies to demonstrate the importance of research to increase the advancement of these two fields.

A Bubalinocultura abrange animais de tripla aptidão muito adaptados aos climas tropicais e com grande potencial produtivo e econômico em vários países, inclusive no Brasil. Em algumas regiões, a falta de tecnificação na produção de bubalinos tem agravado problemas reprodutivos e sanitários, tornando iminente a extinção desses animais. Nesse contexto, estudos relacionados à biotecnologia de células-tronco têm indicado resultados que viabilizam a utilização de búfalos como modelo experimental, além de permitir a ampliação dos conhecimentos acerca da espécie e de seu comportamento celular característico. As células-tronco têm sido alvo de muitas pesquisas em várias espécies, porém os estudos com bubalinos ainda são escassos. Desta forma, o objetivo dessa revisão foi reunir estudos relacionados à bubalinocultura e biotecnologia de células-tronco e demonstrar a importância das pesquisas que contribuem para o avanço dessas duas áreas.

La Bubalinocultura abarca animales de triple aptitud muy adaptados a los climas tropicales y con gran potencial productivo y económico en varios países, incluso en Brasil. En algunas regiones, la falta de tecnificación en la producción de bufalinos ha agravado problemas reproductivos y sanitarios, haciendo inminente la extinción de estos animales. En ese contexto, Estudios relacionados con la biotecnología de células madre han indicado resultados que viabilizan la utilización de búfalos como modelo experimental, además de permitir la ampliación de los conocimientos sobre la especie y su comportamiento celular característico. Las células madre han sido objeto de muchas investigaciones en várias espécies, pero los estudios con bubalinos todavía son escasos. De esta forma, el objetivo de esta revisión fue reunir estudios relacionados con la bubalinocultura y biotecnología de células madre y demostrar la importancia de las investigaciones que contribuyen al avance de estas dos áreas.

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Buffaloes are dairy, meat and work farm animals very adapted to tropical regions, with large productivity and economic potential in several countries, including Brazil. In some states, the lack of technology in buffalo farming has increased reproductive and sanitary problems, turning imminent the extinction of these animals. In this contest, studies related to stem cell biotechnology have resulted in other possible utilization of buffaloes as experimental model, allowing the expansion of knowledge in this specie in particular cell characteristics. Stem cells have been the subject of many studies in several species, nevertheless buffaloes studies are scarce. Thus, this review aims to assemble and connect buffaloes and stem cells biotechnology studies to demonstrate the importance of research to increase the advancement of these two fields.(AU)

A Bubalinocultura abrange animais de tripla aptidão muito adaptados aos climas tropicais e com grande potencial produtivo e econômico em vários países, inclusive no Brasil. Em algumas regiões, a falta de tecnificação na produção de bubalinos tem agravado problemas reprodutivos e sanitários, tornando iminente a extinção desses animais. Nesse contexto, estudos relacionados à biotecnologia de células-tronco têm indicado resultados que viabilizam a utilização de búfalos como modelo experimental, além de permitir a ampliação dos conhecimentos acerca da espécie e de seu comportamento celular característico. As células-tronco têm sido alvo de muitas pesquisas em várias espécies, porém os estudos com bubalinos ainda são escassos. Desta forma, o objetivo dessa revisão foi reunir estudos relacionados à bubalinocultura e biotecnologia de células-tronco e demonstrar a importância das pesquisas que contribuem para o avanço dessas duas áreas.(AU)

La Bubalinocultura abarca animales de triple aptitud muy adaptados a los climas tropicales y con gran potencial productivo y económico en varios países, incluso en Brasil. En algunas regiones, la falta de tecnificación en la producción de bufalinos ha agravado problemas reproductivos y sanitarios, haciendo inminente la extinción de estos animales. En ese contexto, Estudios relacionados con la biotecnología de células madre han indicado resultados que viabilizan la utilización de búfalos como modelo experimental, además de permitir la ampliación de los conocimientos sobre la especie y su comportamiento celular característico. Las células madre han sido objeto de muchas investigaciones en várias espécies, pero los estudios con bubalinos todavía son escasos. De esta forma, el objetivo de esta revisión fue reunir estudios relacionados con la bubalinocultura y biotecnología de células madre y demostrar la importancia de las investigaciones que contribuyen al avance de estas dos áreas.(AU)

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Regulatory CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells (Tregs) are critical in controlling immunity and tolerance. Thus, preserving Treg numbers and function in transplanted patients is essential for the successful minimization of maintenance immunosuppression. Multiple cellular signals control the development, differentiation, and function of Tregs. Many of these signals are shared with conventional Foxp3- T cells (Tconv) and are targeted by immunosuppressive drugs, negatively affecting both Tregs and Tconv. Because intracellular signals vary in optimal intensity in different T cell subsets, improved specificity in immunosuppressive regimens must occur to benefit long-term transplant outcomes. In this regard, recent advances are gradually uncovering differences in the signals required in Tregs and Tconv biology, opening the door to new potential therapeutic approaches to either enhance or spare Tregs. In this review, we will explain the prominent cell signaling pathways critical for Treg maintenance and function, while reporting the effects of immunosuppressive drugs targeting these signaling pathways in clinical transplantation settings.

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Increasing evidence from small animal models shows that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can play a crucial role in inhibiting allograft rejection and promoting transplant tolerance. We identified CD3(-)CD20(-)HLA-DR(-)CD14(+)CD33(+)CD11b(+) cells in peripheral blood of healthy rhesus macaques. These putative monocytic MDSCs constituted 2.1% ± 1.7% of lin(-)HLA-DR(-) peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF) and granulocyte CSF increased their incidence to 5.3% ± 3.4%. The total number of MDSCs that could be flow sorted from a single whole rhesus leukapheresis product was 38 ± 13 × 10(6) (n = 10 monkeys). Freshly isolated or cryopreserved MDSCs from mobilized monkeys incorporated in cultures of anti-CD3- and anti-CD28-stimulated autologous T cells markedly suppressed CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion (interferon γ, IL-17A). Moreover, these MDSCs enhanced CD4(+)CD25(hi)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion while inhibiting proliferation of activated memory T cells and increasing Treg relative to effector and terminally differentiated memory T cells. Inhibition of arginase-1, but not inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, partially reversed the inhibitory effect of the MDSCs on CD8(+) T cell proliferation. Consequently, functional MDSCs can be isolated from nonhuman primates for prospective use as therapeutic cellular vaccines in transplantation.

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Since the discovery of Rapamycin (RAPA) and its immunosuppressive properties, enormous progress has been made in characterizing the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Use of RAPA and its analogues (rapalogs) as anti-rejection agents has been accompanied by extensive investigation of how targeting of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), the principal target of RAPA, and more recently mTORC2, affects the function of immune cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells, that play crucial roles in regulation of allograft rejection. While considerable knowledge has accumulated on the function of mTORC1 and 2 in T cells, understanding of the differential roles of these complexes in antigen-presenting cells, NK cells and B cells/plasma cells is only beginning to emerge. Immune cell-specific targeting of mTORC1 or mTORC2, together with use of novel, second generation, dual mTORC kinase inhibitors (TORKinibs) have started to play an important role in elucidating the roles of these complexes and their potential for targeting in transplantation. Much remains unknown about the role of mTOR complexes and the consequences of mTOR targeting on immune reactivity in clinical transplantation. Here we address recent advances in understanding and evolving perspectives of the role of mTOR complexes and mTOR targeting in immunity, with extrapolation to transplantation.

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As immunology continues to evolve, many educational methods have found difficulty in conveying the degree of complexity inherent in its basic principles. Today, the teaching-learning process in such areas has been improved with tools such as educational software. This article introduces "Virtual Immunology," a software program available free of charge in Portuguese and English, which can be used by teachers and students in physiology, immunology, and cellular biology classes. We discuss the development of the initial two modules: "Organs and Lymphoid Tissues" and "Inflammation" and the use of interactive activities to provide microscopic and macroscopic understanding in immunology. Students, both graduate and undergraduate, were questioned along with university level professors about the quality of the software and intuitiveness of use, facility of navigation, and aesthetic organization using a Likert scale. An overwhelmingly satisfactory result was obtained with both students and immunology teachers. Programs such as "Virtual Immunology" are offering more interactive, multimedia approaches to complex scientific principles that increase student motivation, interest, and comprehension.

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El presente trabajo propone una Multimedia educativa para perfeccionar el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Biología Celular en la carrera de Licenciatura en Tecnología de la Salud, la cual propicia la aplicación de la informática para facilitar la comprensión de los contenidos, debido a la necesidad de incrementar sus niveles de eficiencia. El medio de enseñanza propuesto se sustenta en una concepción didáctica que instruye, educa y desarrolla. La investigación asume el método dialéctico-materialista y emplea el muestreo intencional que aportó riqueza a la información, se apoyó en una gama de métodos y técnicas que, mediante el diagnóstico de necesidades, demostró la falta de motivación e interés por el estudio de la asignatura. El tema, según los criterios de especialistas, resultó adecuado y pertinente en las condiciones actuales en correspondencia con las transformaciones propias de la nueva universidad cubana en los estilos de aprendizaje.

The work proposes an educative multimedia to improve the teaching-learning process of the Cellular Biology subject in the career Bachelor in Health technology, in which informatics can be applied to facilitate the comprehension of contents ,due to the necessity to increase efficiency. The teaching aid is based on a dialectical conception which teaches, educate and develop. The dialectic-materialistic method is used in the research work, and an intentional sample was taken which gave a very rich information. Different methods and techniques were used and the diagnose of necessities showed the lack of motivation and interest towards the subject. According to the criteria of specialists the topic is adequate and pertinent according to the current conditions and transformations of the new Cuban University and the learning styles.

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