SALIVARY HORMONE AND IMMUNE RESPONSES TO THREE RESISTANCE EXERCISE SCHEMES IN ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES

Nunes, JA, Crewther, BT, Ugrinowitsch, C, Tricoli, V, Viveiros, L, de Rose Jr, D, and Aoki, MS. Salivary hormone and immune responses to three resistance exercise schemes in elite female athletes J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2322-2327, 2011-This study examined the salivary hormone and immune responses of elite female athletes to 3 different resistance exercise schemes. Fourteen female basketball players each performed an endurance scheme (ES-4 sets of 12 reps, 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) load, 1-minute rest periods), a strength-hypertrophy scheme (SHS-1 set of 5RM, 1 set of 4RM, 1 set of 3RM, 1 set of 2RM, and 1set of 1RM with 3-minute rest periods, followed by 3 sets of 10RM with 2-minute rest periods) and a power scheme (PS-3 sets of 10 reps, 50% 1RM load, 3-minute rest periods) using the same exercises (bench press, squat, and biceps curl). Saliva samples were collected at 07:30 hours, pre-exercise (Pre) at 09:30 hours, postexercise (Post), and at 17:30 hours. Matching samples were also taken on a nonexercising control day. The samples were analyzed for testosterone, cortisol (C), and immunoglobulin A concentrations. The total volume of load lifted differed among the 3 schemes (SHS > ES > PS, p < 0.05). Postexercise C concentrations increased after all schemes, compared to control values (p < 0.05). In the SHS, the postexercise C response was also greater than pre-exercise data (p < 0.05). The current findings confirm that high-volume resistance exercise schemes can stimulate greater C secretion because of higher metabolic demand. In terms of practical applications, acute changes in C may be used to evaluate the metabolic demands of different resistance exercise schemes, or as a tool for monitoring training strain.

Effect of a kickboxing match on salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A

The hypothesis that salivary cortisol would increase and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) decrease after a kickboxing match was tested among 20 male athletes. Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol and salivary IgA concentrations (absolute concentration, salivary IgAabs) and the secretion rate of IgA (salivary IgArate) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Wilcoxon test for paired samples showed significant increases in salivary cortisol from pre- to postmatch. No significant changes were observed in salivary IgAabs or secretory IgArate and saliva flow rate. This study indicates that a kickboxing match might increase salivary concentration and thereafter it could be considered a significant source of exercise-related stress. On the other hand, the effect of a kickboxing match on mucosal immunity seems not to be relevant.

Salivary immunoglobulin a response to a match in top-level Brazilian soccer players

Moreira, A, Arsati, F, Cury, PR, Franciscon, C, Oliveira, PR, and Araujo, VC. Salivary immunoglobulin a response to a match in top-level brazilian soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 1968-1973, 2009-It has been suggested that several parameters of mucosal immunity, including salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), are affected by heavy exercise either in field sports or in the laboratory environment. Few observations have been made during a true sporting environment, particularly in professional soccer. We tested the hypothesis that salivary IgA levels will be decreased after a 70-minute regulation in a top-level professional soccer friendly match. Saliva samples from 24 male professional soccer players collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary immunoglobulin A concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as the absolute concentration (s-IgAabs), s-IgA relative to total protein concentration (IgA-Pro), and the secretion rate of IgA (s-IgArate). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to monitor the exercise intensity. The paired t-test showed no significant changes in s-IgAabs and s-IgArate (p > 0.05) from PRE to POST match. However, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total protein concentration (1.46 +/- 0.4 to 2.00 +/- 07) and a decrease in IgA-Pro were observed. The best and most significant correlation was obtained with the RPE and changes in IgA-Pro (rs = -0.43) and could indicate that this expression may be an interesting marker of intensity in a soccer match. However, further investigation regarding exercise intensity, protein concentration, and immune suppression, particularly in team sports, is warranted. From a practical application, the variability of the responses among the players leads us to suggest that there is a need to individually analyze the results with team sports. Some athletes showed a decrease in s-IgA expressions, suggesting the need for taking protective actions to minimize contact with cold viruses or even reducing the training load.

The impact of a 17-day training period for an international championship on mucosal immune parameters in top-level basketball players and staff members

This investigation examined the impact of a 17-d training period (that included basketball-specific training, sprints, intermittent running exercises, and weight training, prior to an international championship competition) on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in 10 subjects (athletes and staff members) from a national basketball team, as a biomarker for mucosal immune defence. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at rest at the beginning of the preparation for the Pan American Games and 1 d before the first game. The recovery interval from the last bout of exercise was 4 h. The SIgA level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as absolute concentrations, secretion rate, and SIgA level relative to total protein. The decrease in SIgA levels following training was greater in athletes than in support staff; however, no significant differences between the two groups were detected. A decrease in SIgA level, regardless of the method used to express IgA results, was verified for athletes. Only one episode of upper respiratory tract illness symptoms was reported, and it was not associated with changes in SIgA levels. In summary, a situation of combined stress for an important championship was found to decrease the level of SIgA-mediated immune protection at the mucosal surface in team members, with greater changes observed in the athletes.

Salivary immunoglobulin a responses in professional top-level futsal players

Moreira, A, Arsati, F, de Oliveira Lima-Arsati, YB, de Freitas, CG, and de Araujo, VC. Salivary immunoglobulin a responses in professional top-level futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 25(7): 1932-1936, 2011-The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in 10 professional top-level Brazilian futsal players after 2 highly competitive games separated by 7 days. Unstimulated saliva was collected over a 5-minute period at PRE- and POST-match. The SIgA was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as the absolute concentration (SIgAabs) and secretion rate of IgA (SIgArate). Rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were used to monitor the exercise intensity. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures showed nonsignificant differences between matches to SIgAabs, SIgArate, and saliva flow rate (p > 0.05). However, significant time differences were observed for all these parameters. In summary, we showed that a competitive training match induced a decrease in SIgA levels in top-level futsal players, which suggests an increment of the vulnerability to infections meditated by the training stimulus. This decrease suggests that the athletes were at an increased risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection, and therefore, it could be necessary to take protective actions to minimize contact with cold viruses or even reduce the training load for athletes.

Immunological responses and cytokine gene expression analysis to Cooperia punctata infections in resistant and susceptible Nelore cattle

Cellular and humoral immune response, as well as cytokine gene expression, was assessed in Nelore cattle with different degrees of resistance to Cooperia punctata natural infection. One hundred cattle (male, weaned, 11-12 months old), kept together on pasture, were evaluated. Faecal and blood samples were collected for parasitological and immunological assays. Based on nematode faecal egg counts (FEC) and worm burden, the seven most resistant and the eight most susceptible animals were selected. Tissue samples of the small intestine were collected for histological quantification of inflammatory cells and analysis of cytokine gene expression (IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-1 2p35, IL-13, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, MCP-1, MCP-2, and MUC- 1) using real-time RT-PCR. Mucus samples were also collected for IgA levels determination. Serum IgG1 mean levels against C. punctata antigens were higher in the resistant group, but significant differences between groups were only observed 14 days after the beginning of the experiment against infective larvae (1-3) and 14 and 84 days against adult antigens. The resistant group also presented higher IgA levels against C. punctata (L3 and adult) antigens with significant difference 14 days after the beginning of the trial (P < 0.05). In the small-intestine mucosa, levels of IgA anti-L3 and anti-adult C. punctata were higher in the resistant group, compared with the susceptible group (P < 0.05). Gene expression of both T(H)2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) in the resistant group and T(H)1 cytokines (IL-2, IL-1 2p35, IFN-gamma and MCP-1) in the susceptible group was up-regulated. Such results suggested that immune response to C. punctata was probably mediated by TH2 cytokines in the resistant group and by T(H)1 cytokines in the susceptible group. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

B-1 cells modulate oral tolerance in mice

Although the origin and functions of B-1 cells are controversial, they are considered as a cellular element of innate immunity due to their ability to produce natural autoantibodies of the IgM type. These antibodies are encoded by a relatively limited repertoire of V genes, and their resulting diversity is smaller than that produced by conventional B cells. B-1 cells constitute the larger fraction of B cells in the peritoneal cavity and migrate to non-specific inflammation sites. In addition, they contribute to the production of IgA antibodies in the intestinal lamina propria. It has been demonstrated that they participate in the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Herein, the participation of B-1 cells in inducing oral tolerance is evaluated. Unexpectedly, BALB/Xid mice, the animals deficient in B-1 cells, are not tolerized to OVA but instead are responsive to oral immunization. Conversely, BALB/c mice respond to oral tolerance to this antigen. We used these biological characteristics of these animals to investigate whether BA cells are involved in the induction of oral tolerance to OVA. Results show that B-1 cells from BALB/c mice, treated orally with OVA and adoptively transferred to BALB/Xid mice were able to suppress local hypersensitivity reaction and lymphoproliferative cellular response observed in BALB/.Xid mice. These data demonstrate that B-1 cells have regulatory properties and are involved in the induction of oral tolerance. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sero-epidemiology of toxocariasis in a rural settlement in Sao Paulo state, Brazil

The seroprevalence of Toxocara canis and risk factors for infection with this parasite were explored in a rural settlement in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Total IgA and IgE levels in 79 subjects were determined by turbidimetry and chemiluminescence, respectively. Total counts of leucocytes and erythrocytes and differential counts of leucocytes were made by flow cytometry. ELISA for the detection of anti-Toxocara IgG, IgA and IgE were standardized using Toxocara excretory-secretory antigens (TES) obtained from the cultured second-stage larvae of T. canis. Seventeen (21.5%) of the subjects were found positive for anti-Toxocara IgG, with no significant differences in such seropositivity with age or gender. Thirty (38%) of the subjects showed eosinophilia and 70 (89%) had elevated levels of total IgE. Among the 17 subjects found seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG, the percentage of leucocytes represented by eosinophils (P=0.0069) and total levels of IgE (P=0.0452) were positively correlated with the levels of anti-TES IgE. Although anti-TES IgA was detected in 10 (59%) of the subjects, there was no significant correlation between the levels of total IgA and those of Toxocara-specific IgA. Only one of the 17 subjects found positive for anti-Toxocara IgG had attended a secondary school and all but two belonged to households with monthly incomes of < U.S.$100. In the study community at least, seropositivity may be related to poor living standards and lack of basic sanitary conditions. The presence of anti-Toxocara IgE and IgA may facilitate the diagnosis of toxocariasis and may well be useful for monitoring the success of treatment.

Characterization of serum antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis in individuals with and without periodontitis

Although Porphyromonas gingivalis is a defined pathogen in periodontal disease, many subjects control the infection without experiencing loss of attachment. Differences in host susceptibility to the disease may be reflected in the pattern of humoral antibodies against specific P. gingivalis antigens. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies against immunodominant P. gingivalis antigens as well as the isotype and subclass of anti-P. gingivalis antibodies against outer membrane antigens in four groups of patients: P. gingivalis-positive, 1) with and 2) without periodontitis, and P. gingivalis-negative, 3) with and 4) without periodontitis. Antigens of molecular weight 92, 63, and 32 kDa and lipopolysaccharide were found to be immunodominant. Group 1 subjects showed a significantly higher response to the 92 and 63 kDa antigens compared with other groups. The response to lipopolysaccharide was significantly higher in group 1, and lower in group 4 than in groups 2, 3. Immunoglobulin G(1) (IgG(1)), IgG(2) and IgM antibodies against P. gingivalis outer membrane were present in all subjects, while only some subjects were seropositive for IgG(3), IgG(4) and IgA. There were no differences in concentrations for IgG(1), IgG(3) and IgM. The IgG(2) concentration in group 4 was significantly higher than in groups 1 and 2, while the IgG(4) concentration in group 4 was significantly lower than in other groups. The frequency of seropositivity for IgG(4) and IgA was lowest in group 4, while IgG; seropositivity was almost exclusively seen in healthy patients iii groups 2, 4. These findings suggest that the presence of IgG(3) may reflect non-susceptibility to the disease, while lack of IgG(4) may be indicative of periodontal health and lack of infection.

Mucosal immunisation with papillomavirus virus-like particles elicits systemic and mucosal immunity in mice

It has been shown previously that recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) of papillomavirus can induce VLP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses following parenteral administration. To test whether mucosal administration of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) VLPs could produce mucosal as well as systemic immune responses to VLPs, 50 mu g chimeric BPV1 VLPs containing an HPV16 E7 CTL epitope (BPVL1/E7 VLP) was administered intranasally to mice. After two immunisations, L1-specific serum IgG and IgA were observed. L1-specific IgG and IgA were also found in respiratory and vaginal secretions. Both serum and mucosal antibody inhibited papillomavirus VLP-induced agglutination of RBC, indicating that the antibody induced by mucosal immunisation may recognize conformational determinants associated with virus neutralisation. For comparison, VLPs were given intramuscularly, and systemic and mucosal immune responses were generally comparable following systemic or mucosal delivery. However, intranasal administration of VLP induced significantly higher local IgA response in lung, suggesting that mucosally delivered HPV VLP may be more effective for mediating local mucosal immune responses. Intranasal immunisation with HPV6b L1 VLP produced VLP-specific T proliferative responses in splenocytes, and immunisation with BPVL1 VLP containing an HPV16 E7 CTL epitope induced E7-specific CTL responses. We conclude that immunisation with papillomavirus VLPs via mucosal and intramuscular routes, without adjuvant, can elicit specific antibody at mucosal surfaces and also systemic VLP epitope specific T cell responses. These findings suggest that mucosally delivered VLPs may offer an alternative HPV VLP vaccine strategy for inducing protective humoral immunity to anogenital HPV infection, together with cell-mediated immune responses to eliminate any cells which become infected. (C) 1998 Academic Press.

Comparison of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, immunoglobulin A antibodies reactive with acetaldehyde-modified protein and acetaldehyde-modified albumin with conventional markers of alcohol consumption

Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) has emerged as the best new marker for alcohol abuse. Recently plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) reactivity with acetaldehyde (AcH)-modified proteins, or the modified proteins per se, have been proposed as a markers for high levels of alcohol consumption. In this study, we have compared CDT, IgA reactivity with AcH adducts (IgA ASR), and AcH-modified albumin with conventional markers of high alcohol intake in groups with well-defined drinking histories, The plasma activity of ALT, AST, and gamma-glutamyltransferase increased steadily with increasing alcohol consumption, CDT and AcH-modified albumin showed a similar pattern, whereas IgA ASR appeared only to be elevated after a threshold level of consumption had been reached, Neither CDT IgA ASR or AcH-modified albumin correlated strongly with any of the conventional markers or each other. This study shows that CDT, IgA ASR, AcH-modified albumin, and the conventional markers are not related, but suggests that the concurrent use of CDT and IgA ASR may lead to better identification of high alcohol intake.

EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria for Henoch-Schonlein purpura, childhood polyarteritis nodosa, childhood Wegener granulomatosis and childhood Takayasu arteritis: Ankara 2008. Part II: Final classification criteria

Objectives To validate the previously proposed classification criteria for Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), childhood polyarteritis nodosa (c-PAN), c-Wegener granulomatosis (c-WG) and c-Takayasu arteritis (c-TA). Methods Step 1: retrospective/prospective webdata collection for children with HSP, c-PAN, c-WG and c-TA with age at diagnosis <= 18 years. Step 2: blinded classification by consensus panel of a representative sample of 280 cases. Step 3: statistical (sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve and.-agreement) and nominal group technique consensus evaluations. Results 827 patients with HSP, 150 with c-PAN, 60 with c-WG, 87 with c-TA and 52 with c-other were compared with each other. A patient was classified as HSP in the presence of purpura or petechiae (mandatory) with lower limb predominance plus one of four criteria: (1) abdominal pain; (2) histopathology (IgA); (3) arthritis or arthralgia; (4) renal involvement. Classification of c-PAN required a systemic inflammatory disease with evidence of necrotising vasculitis OR angiographic abnormalities of medium-/small-sized arteries (mandatory criterion) plus one of five criteria: (1) skin involvement; (2) myalgia/muscle tenderness; (3) hypertension; (4) peripheral neuropathy; (5) renal involvement. Classification of c-WG required three of six criteria: (1) histopathological evidence of granulomatous inflammation; (2) upper airway involvement; (3) laryngo-tracheo-bronchial involvement; (4) pulmonary involvement (x-ray/CT); (5) antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody positivity; (6) renal involvement. Classification of c-TA required typical angiographic abnormalities of the aorta or its main branches and pulmonary arteries (mandatory criterion) plus one of five criteria: (1) pulse deficit or claudication; (2) blood pressure discrepancy in any limb; (3) bruits; (4) hypertension; (5) elevated acute phase reactant. Conclusion European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society propose validated classification criteria for HSP, c-PAN, c-WG and c-TA with high sensitivity/specificity.

Uveitis in celiac disease with an excellent response to gluten-free diet: third case described

To describe the case of a patient with celiac disease who achieved a complete response to a gluten-free diet. A 28-year-old woman presented with diarrhea, oral ulcers, and refractory uveitis of 2.5-years duration. She was treated with prednisone, mydriatic drops, and infliximab with no response. She was referred to our hospital at which point her previous diagnosis of uveitis was confirmed; she was also diagnosed with right-sided sacro-iliitis. The patient did not have arthritis or any skin conditions. Three tests for fecal parasites and a fecal leukocyte were negative. Endoscopy revealed atrophic appearance of the duodenal mucosa. Biopsy showed atrophy of the duodenal villi with intra-epithelial lymphocytes, hyperplasia of the crypts, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The search for antiendomysial antibody was > 1/1,280. The patient was started on a gluten-free diet and after 3 months demonstrated significant improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms and uveitis, as well as a reduction of antiendomysial antibodies (1/80). After 6 months, there was complete remission of gastrointestinal symptoms and total control of uveitis. The antiendomysial antibody was negative at that time. Clinical uveitis as a manifestation of celiac disease has been described in only two cases in the literature. This case study is the third to demonstrate that uveitis is a clinical symptom that can be addressed in patients with celiac disease.

Auto-antibodies do not influence development of atherosclerotic plaques in rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Many questions remain unanswered about premature atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Besides inflammation, some studies have suggested the role of autoantibodies on its pathogenesis. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibodies against phospholipids, beta2-glycoproteinl (beta2-gpl), lipoprotein lipase, and heat shock proteins (Hsp) in RA patients and to evaluate their possible association with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: Seventy-one RA patients and 53 age- and sex-matched controls were selected to perform anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) (IgG and IgM), anti-beta2-gpl (IgG, IgM, and IgA), anti-lipoprotein lipase (anti-LPL), anti-Hsp 60, and anti-Hsp 65 by ELISA tests. Intima-medial thickness (IMT) of common carotid and presence of plaques were assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria were smoking, diabetes, and arterial hypertension. Lipoproteins, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen levels, as well as health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and disease activity score (DAS) 28 were also evaluated. Results: Age (48.93 +/- 12.31 vs. 45.37 +/- 9.37 years; p = 0.20) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.69) were similar in RA and controls, as well as female gender (p = 0.56). The mean IMT was similar between RA and controls (0. 721 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.667 +/- 0.14 turn, p = 0.07) but the frequency of plaques was higher in RA (14.1% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.02). In RA patients, IMT measurements did not differ according to the presence or absence of these antibodies: IgG aCL (0.62 +/- 0.64 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.24), IgM aCL (0.65 +/- 0.79 vs. 0.73 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.33), anti-Hsp 60 (0.78 +/- 0.20 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.16 mm, p = 0.27), anti-Hsp 65 (0.73 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.77), IgG anti-beta2-gpl (0.73 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.72), and anti-CCP (0.71 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.76 +/- 0.20 mm, p = 0.36). In addition, IMT did not correlate with antibodies titers: IgG aCL (r = -0.09, p = 0.47), IgM aCL (r = - 0.15, p = 0.21), anti-Hsp 60 (r = 0.10, p = 0.42), anti-Hsp 65 (r = 0.05, p = 0.69), IgG anti-beta2-gpl (r = - 0.07, p = 0.57), IgM anti-beta2-gpl (r = - 0.05, p = 0.69), IgA anti-beta2-gpl (r = 0.03, p = 0.79), and anti-CCP (r = - 0.07, p = 0.57). RA patients with plaques had a significantly higher age compared to those without plaques (p = 0.001), as well as higher mean IMT (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and LDL (p = 0.003). Conclusions: In RA a clear association between all autoantibodies studied herein and increased IMT or presence of plaques was not observed. The great prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in RA was related to age, total and LDL cholesterol, as identified in normal population. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Xerostomia in Sjogren`s syndrome and lupus erythematosus: a comparative histological and immunofluorescence study of minor salivary glands alterations

Background: Xerostomia is a symptom that can be triggered by chronic diseases such as Sjogren`s syndrome (SS) and lupus erythematosus (LE). Many authors regard most cases of salivary hypofunction in LE to secondary SS. Others believe that salivary changes in patients with LE might reflect a multisystem presentation of the disease. The present study compared histopathological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) alterations in salivary glands of patients with xerostomia and diagnosis of LE or SS. Methods: Twenty-eight salivary gland biopsies from patients with xerostomia and diagnosed with LE or SS were submitted to histopathological and DIF exams. Results: From the 28 patients, 16 had SS and 12 had LE. In SS, a moderate to intense sialadenitis was detected, with infiltration and destruction of excretory salivary ducts. In LE, mild/moderate sialadenitis with thickening and hyalinization of the ductal basement membrane was observed. DIF revealed that 50% of SS patients presented intercellular ductal IgA deposits, whereas 58% of LE patients showed deposits of IgG in the ductal basement membrane. Conclusions: Alterations in salivary glands of LE patients may be a specific manifestation of the disease (lupus sialadenitis), reflecting its multisystemic presentation, instead of an association of secondary SS and LE.