Associação do receptor toll-like 2 com o estado pró-inflamatório do diabetes tipo 1

Inflammation has been pointed out as an important factor in development of chronic diseases, as diabetes. Hyperglycemia condition would be responsible by toll-like receptors, TLR2 and TLR4, and, consequently by local and systemic inflammation induction. Thus, the objective of present study was to evaluate type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) pro-inflammatory state through mRNA expression of TLRs 2 and 4 and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α correlating to diabetic nephropathy. In order to achieve this objective, 76 T1DM patients and 100 normoglycemic (NG) subjects aged between 6 and 20 years were evaluated. T1DM subjects were evaluated as a total group DM1, and considering glycemic control (good glycemic control DM1G, and poor glycemic control DM1P) and considering time of diagnosis (before achieving 5 years of diagnosis DM1< 5yrs, and after achieving 5 years of diagnosis DM1 <5yrs). Metabolic control was evaluated by glucose and glycated hemoglobin concentrations; to assess renal function serum urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were determined and to evaluate hepatic function, AST and ALT serum activities were measured. Pro-inflammatory status was assessed by mRNA expression of TLRs 2 and 4 and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Except for DM1G group (18.4%), DM1NC patients (81.6%) showed a poor glycemic control, with glycated hemoglobin (11,2%) and serum glucose (225,5 md/dL) concentrations significantly increased in relation to NG group (glucose: 76,5mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin: 6,9%). Significantly enhanced values of urea (20%) and ACR (20,8%) and diminished concentrations of albumin (5,7%) and total protein (13,6%) were found in T1DM patients, mainly associated to a poor glycemic control (DM1P increased values of urea: 20% and ACR:49%, and diminished of albumin: 13,6% and total protein:13,6%) and longer disease duration (DM1 <5yrs - increased values of urea: 20% and ACR:20,8%, and diminished of albumin: 14,3% and total protein:13,6%). As regarding pro-inflammatory status evaluation, significantly increased mRNA expressions were presented for TLR2 (37,5%), IL-1β (43%), IL-6 (44,4%) and TNF-α (15,6%) in T1DM patients in comparison to NG, mainly associated to DM1P (poor glycemic control TLR2: 82%, IL-1β: 36,8% increase) and DM1 <5yrs (longer time of diagnosis TLR2: 85,4%, IL-1β: 46,5% increased) groups. Results support the existence of an inflammatory state mediated by an increased expression of TLR2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in T1DM

Emprego da citometria de fluxo na avaliação do perfil imunofenotípico de pacientes com leucemia linfocítica crônica

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a clonal proliferation of mature B lymphocytes characterized by indolent clinical course. Biologically this clonallity is characterized by low expression of surface immunoglobulin (sIg) with restriction to a single immunoglobulin light chain associated with high expression of CD5 antigen and positivity to B cell antigens lymphocytes such as CD19, CD20 and CD23 and negativity to FMC7. The immunological profile and morphological analysis of lymphoid cells are the main means for the differential diagnosis of B-CLL from other chronic lymphoproliferative diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of a variety of membrane antigens in leukemic cells originating from patients with B-CLL. In this study, peripheral blood samples from 80 patients with B-CLL were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry in addition to routine hematologic exams, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb): CD45/CD14, CD3/CD19/CD45, CD4/CD8 / CD3, CD20/CD5/CD3, CD3/CD16-56/CD45, CD2/CD7, FMC7/CD23, CD103/CD22/CD20, HLADR/CD38, CD10/CD19, CD1a, CD11b and also IgM/gD, kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains for the detection of surface immunoglobulin and clonal restriction for immunoglobulin light chain. The Hematological data were obtained from the hematological analyzer and cytomorphological analysis in blood film stained by Leishmann. The study samples consisted of 45 men and 35 women, ages ranging from 55 to 84 years (mean 65 years). Complete white blood count showed count ranging from 10.0 to 42.0 x 109/l. (mean 50.0 x 109/l) and lymphocytes count greater than 5.0 x 109/l in all cases. The neoplastic cells displayed B-CLL phenotype (CD5+/CD19+/CD20+/HLADR+/CD23+) in the vast majority of the cases, associated to failed to stain for T cell markers (CD1a, CD2, CD4, CD3, CD7, CD8), CD103, CD14 and FMC7. Leukemic cells of most patients also expressed low intensity of IgM and IgD with restricted kappa light chain, in most cases (59,7%). This observation highlights the importance of immunophenotyping for correct diagnosis of chronic lymphoproliferative syndromes and the panel of MoAb used was sufficient for diagnostic confirmation of B-CLL

Estudo de pré-formulação para dose fixa combinada dos tuberculostáticos rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol (4 em 1)

According to the global framework regarding new cases of tuberculosis, Brazil appears at the 18th place. Thus, the Ministry of Health has defined this disease as a priority in the governmental policies. As a consequence, studies concerning treatment and prevention have increased. Fixed-dose combination formulations (FDC) are recognized as beneficial and are recommended by WHO, but they present instability and loss on rifampicin bioavailability. The main purpose of this work was to carry out a pre-formulation study with the schedule 1 tuberculosis treatment drugs: rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol and pharmaceutical excipients (lactose, cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc), in order to develop an FDC product (150 mg of rifampicin + 75 mg of isoniazid + 400 mg of pyrazinamide + 250 mg of ethambutol). The studies consisted of the determination of particle size and distribution (Ferret s diameter) and shape through optical microscopy, as well as rheological and technological properties (bulk and tapped densities, Hausner Factor, Carr s Index, repose angle and flux rate) and interactions among drugs and drug excipient through thermal analysis (DSC, DTA, TG and your derivate). The results showed that, except isoniazid, the other drugs presented poor rheological properties, determined by the physical characteristics of the particles: small size and rod like particles shape for rifampicin; rectangular shape for pyrazinamide and ethambutol, beyond its low density. The 4 drug mixture also not presented flowability, particularly that one containing drug quantity indicated for the formulation of FDC products. In this mixture, isoniazid, that has the best flowability, was added in a lower concentration. The addition of microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc to the drug mixtures improved flowability properties. In DSC analysis probable interactions among drugs were found, supporting the hypothesis of ethambutol and pyrazinamide catalysis of the rifampicin-isoniazid reaction resulting in 3- formylrifamycin isonicotinyl hydrazone (HYD) as a degradation product. In the mixtures containing lactose Supertab® DSC curves evidenced incompatibility among drugs and excipient. In the DSC curves of mixtures containing cellulose MC101®, magnesium stearate and talc, no alterations were observed comparing to the drug profiles. The TG/DTG of the binary and ternary mixtures curves showed different thermogravimetrics profiles relating that observed to the drug isolated, with the thermal decomposition early supporting the evidences of incompatibilities showed in the DSC and DTA curves

Identificação dos princípios ativos presentes no extrato etanólico de cereus jamacaru e avaliação em ratos dos possíveis efeitos tóxicos e/ou comportamentais da exposição prolongada

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Medidas antropométricas e avaliação do perfil lipídico de indivíduos obesos e com sobrepeso residentes no Estado do RN

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing numerous medical conditions, besides is associated with shortened life span. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric measurements and lipid profile in adult overweight and obese subjects residents in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The methodology was the analysis of certain biochemical parameters in serum of individuals and a physical evaluation that consisted of measurements of blood pressure and anthropometric data. In addition, the volunteers of the research answered a questionnaire about personal, social and clinical data. 1741 samples were collected, of which 432 (24,8%) were obese. Of these, 280 were selected to participate in the study, including 118 (42,1%) men and 162 (57,9%) women. Of the remaining 1309 individuals, 731 (55,8%) were overweight. Among them, 179 (24.5%) were analyzed in this study, with 56,4% female. Of the remaining 578 normal individuals, 143 were selected as controls in the research. Amid the obese, overweight and eutrophic, there were respectively 10% vs 5% vs 5,6% of diabetics, 92,1% vs 85,5% vs 68,7% of dyslipidemics and 38,6% vs 22,3% vs 15,6% of hypertensive patients. The degree of obesity presented by the participants was varied, with the majority (72,8%) fall into grade I obese, 22,9% (64) in grade II and only 4,3% (12) in grade III. Mean anthropometric participants showed statistically significant differences between groups eutrophic, overweight and obese on the BMI, WC, WHR and %BF and between sexes in CC, WHR and %BF. As the mean serum biochemical parameters to evaluate the lipid profile showed significant differences between groups eutrophic, overweight and obese, unless the exception of HDL among overweight and obese. The significance level was 5% (p <0.05)

Efeito de extratos da alga marinha caulerpa mexicana em modelos de inflamação em murinos

The regulation of the inflammatory response is essential to maintain homeostasis. Several studies have been performed to search new drugs that can contribute to avoiding or minimizing an excessive inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of green algae Caulerpa mexican in models of inflammation. In mice, the model of peritonitis induced inflammatory zymosan pretreatment of mice with aqueous and methanol extracts of C. mexican was able to reduce cell migration to the peritoneal cavity. Treatment of mice with extracts of C. mexican also reduced the ear edema induced by xylene and exerted inhibitory action on the migration of leukocytes in inflammation-induced zymosan the air pouch, and timedependent for the extracts tested in the model of ulcerative colitis induced by DSS 3%, the extract methanol, but not the aqueous C. mexican, significantly reduced the clinical symptoms of colitis, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the culture of mouse colon, in the histological analysis there was a slight reduction of inflammation in the intestinal mucosa. We concluded that the administration of the extracts resulted in the reduction of cell migration to different sites as well as reducing the edema formation induced by chemical irritant. This study demonstrates for the first time the antiinflammatory effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts from green marine algae Caulerpa mexican

Aleitamento e infecções por parasitas intestinais em gestantes adolescentes e seus filhos

The exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life practice is essential for the health and development of children. Studies show there is in human milk protective antibodies against intestinal parasites and a relationship between the absence of breastfeeding or weaning and parasitic infections. This work was a prospective cohort study involving 34 pregnant adolescents attended school in Maternity Januario Cicco / RN and their children, to assess the influence of breastfeeding on intestinal parasites in them. Thus, the parasitic infection was investigated by examination of feces parasitological and environmental factors by use of questionnaires. The average age of the mothers studied was 16.2 years. Of these 76.4% were infected and the most prevalent species of parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (76.9%), Giardia lamblia (19.2%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (11.5%). The infected children had an average age of 5.1 months and the frequency of parasites was 61.7%. The infection was earlier detecctada with 45 days of life. The most common parasites were Giardia lamblia (40%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (35%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5%) and Ancylostoma (5%). The average length of exclusive breastfeeding was 2.2 months. There was an association between increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding and increased time to detection of parasites in the feces of children. There was no statistically significant correlation between the socio-economic conditions and cultural and breastfeeding. The data reinforce the importance of breastfeeding to protect the children in its first year of life

Micropartículas de poli (ácido lático-co-ácido glicólico) obtidas por spray drying para a liberação prolongada de metotrexato

Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug used in the chemotherapy of some kind of cancers, autoimmune diseases and non inflammatory resistant to corticosteroids uveits. However, the rapid plasmatic elimination limits its therapeutic success, which leads to administration of high doses to maintain the therapeutic levels in the target tissues, occurring potential side effects. The aim of this study was to obtain spray dried biodegradable poly-lactic acid co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles containing MTX. Thus, suitable amounts of MTX and PLGA were dissolved in appropriate solvent system to obtain solutions at different ratios drug/polymer (10, 20, 30 and 50% m/m). The physicochemical characterizing included the quantitative analysis of the drug using a validate UV-VIS spectrophotometry method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrophotometry (IR), thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction analysis. The in vitro release studies were carried out in a thermostatized phosphate buffer pH 7.4 (0.05 M KH2PO4) medium at 37°C ± 0.2 °C. The in vitro release date was subjected to different kinetics release models. The MTX-loaded PLGA microparticles showed a spherical shape with smooth surface and high level of entrapped drug. The encapsulation efficiency was greater then 80%. IR spectroscopy showed that there was no chemical bond between the compounds, suggesting just the possible occurrence of hydrogen bound interactions. The thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction analysis shown that MTX is homogeneously dispersed inside polymeric matrix, with a prevalent amorphous state or in a stable molecular dispersion. The in vitro release studies confirmed the sustained release for distinct MTX-loaded PLGA microparticles. The involved drug release mechanism was non Fickian diffusion, which was confirmed by Kornmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. The experimental results demonstrated that the MTX-loaded PLGA microparticles were successfully obtained by spray drying and its potential as prolonged drug release system.

Avaliação dos marcadores celulares por citometria de fluxo nos portadores de leucemia mieloide aguda atendidos no Hemocentro do Rio Grande do Norte-Hemonorte

The acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease in which malignant myeloblasts expand, build up and suppress normal hematopoietic activity would represent a major diagnostic challenge. With the advent of immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, the diagnosis of these tumors have become more faithful, facilitating the treatment and monitoring of patients. The objectives of this study: diagnosis and classification of AML based on immunophenotyping by flow cytometry with a panel of AcMo specific for acute leukemias, set the frequency of AML in samples from patients with acute leukemias sent to the Department of Hematology Blood Center of Rio Grande do Norte - HEMONORTE, establish standards of antigen expression for different subtypes of acute leukemia and its correlation with the newly diagnosed cases refractory to treatment and recurrence of the disease, standardization of methods for detection and labeling of surface antigens by flow cytometry and intracytoplasmic flow, and observe the frequency of acute leukemia with aberrant phenotypes rare. During the study, 351 were diagnosed acute leukemia, and 179 (51%) classified as AML and 172 (49%) and ALL, which were excluded from the present work. Of the 179 AML, 92 (51.4%) were female and 87 (48.6%) were male, with ages ranging from 3 to 95 years of ag, with higher incidence in individuals in the age group of 41 to 65. Splenomegaly was the clinical finding more present, a total of 147 cases (82.1%), followed by hepatomegaly present in 132 cases (73.7%). The hemorrhagic events were observed in 55 cases (30.7%). Lymphadenopathy in turn was detected in 20 of 179 cases (11.2%). In order to classify subtypes of AML, we used a large panel of monoclonal antibodies, obtaining the following results: AML M0, 02 (1.1%) AML M1, 40 (22.3) AML M2, 60 (33.5) AML M3, 22 (12.3%) AML M4, 10 (5.6) AML M5, 13 (7.3%) AML M6 06 (3.4%) and AML M7 01 (0.6%). We observed some cases with aberrant expression of some antigens such as CD7, CD4, CD19, CD3, CD5 and TdT, CD 7 was present in 30 (16.8%), CD4 in 5 (2.8%), the CD 3 in 5 (2.8%), the CD19 in 3 (1.7%), the CD5 in 3 (1.7%) and TDT was in 7 (3.9%) cases of AML .the CD8 and CD79a was present in only a 1 case.

Processo de desidratação da alga Gracilaria birdiae beneficiada em laboratório e artesanalmente: análise da atividade antioxidante e composição centesimal

The main aim of this study was to compare the procedure for dehydration of Gracilaria birdiae prepared handmade and laboratory, collected in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was collected in the Rio do Fogo beach in march 2009. The sample collected followed by two processing, the first the material prepared in laboratory was air-dried at 50°C for 24 hours in air-flow oven. The second the handmade sample was air-dried on the sun during three days. The extract was prepared in three different solvents: ethanol, hydroethanol and water, resulting in ethanol, hidroethanol and aqueous extracts from handmade and laboratory sample. In according with results only the ethanol extract was fractionated yielding the fractions hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The different process to obtain Gracilaria birdiae resulted in the samples with different shades. The soluble solids content was higher in the laboratory sample. The chemical composition the both samples were characterized by presenting a considerable amounts of carbohydrates, with amior percentage protein and ash, respectively, in the handmade and laboratory sample. In two samples showed a low content of lipids and the lipid profile showed a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, with the absence polyunsaturated handmade sample. The phytochemical screening by chemical reactions showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins the laboratory sample, presenting a greater diversity of bioactive compounds. Through of the analysis by thin layer chromatography was possible to identify the phytosterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the both samples, also suggest the presence of β-carotene and chlorophyll α the laboratory sample. The levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were more significant in the ethanol extract of the laboratory sample. The in vitro lethality showed that extracts of the laboratory sample and handmade from 125 to 500 μg/ mL, respectively, were highly lethal. In the evaluation of antioxidant capacity by the system β-carotene/ácido linoleic method and by DPPH radical scavernging assay, the ethanol extract from the laboratory process showed significantly greater activity than the other extracts, being and the first and second methods, respectively, lower and equivalent to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The handmade ethanol extract has not demonstrated skill in deactivating free radicals, but showed activity in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, although the values were significantly lower than the laboratory sample. We conclude that the dehydration process in the laboratory is the most efficient technique to maintenance of the chemical composition present in the seaweed, providing beneficial properties such as antioxidant capacity. We emphasize that this property can be explored with the objective of adding commercial value to the final product, which will promote the expansion of production of this seaweed in the community of Rio do Fogo

Determinação de parâmetros de qualidade para formas farmacêuticas homeopáticas

All medicine, whether allopathic or homeopathic, must go through strict quality control, which must ratify their characteristics throughout the period of validity. During the time of preparation and storage, solutions of the drugs are in permanent contact with packaging materials that can release undesirable substances to the solution. Several factors may influence the release of packing materials, and factorial design (FD) is a useful tool for analyzing the phenomenon. The aim of this study was the determination of quality parameters for Homeopathic solid (globules) and liquid (drops) dosage forms. It was carried out analysis in homeopathic globules for weight variation, mechanical strength, and moisture content uniformity. For liquid preparations, standard solutions were prepared from natural rubber bulbs, which were subjected to exhaustive extraction with two ethanol solutions (30 and 70%) in the ultrasonic bath for 20 minutes at 25°C and 50°C in three successive cycles. Studies of transfer have been made within five days, by spectrophotometric analysis in the UV region at 312 nm with λmáx and 323 nm for samples in 70% ethanol and 30% respectively. PH values were analyzed. We also conducted two FD studies, where the first, the three-level variables were solvent (chloroform, ethanol and nhexane), sample mass (30, 60 and 90mg), particle size (large disk, small disk and powder sample). In the second study, the solvent level variables were different ethanolic degrees (EtOH 30%, 70% and pure). The percentage of lending in the solutions was 5.5%, 12.4%, 24.2% and 41% of the total estimated in the reference solution. The values of rate constants of transfer were determined in the order of 0.0134 days-1 and 0.0232 days-1 in absorbance values, the solutions in ethanol at 30% and 70% respectively. These results suggest that the speed of transfer of materials from rubber is affected both by the nature of the vehicle as by the temperature

Identificação e fatores de virulência de Candida spp isoladas da cavidade bucal de transplantados renais do hospital universitário Onofre Lopes em Natal-RN

Despite Candida species are often human commensals isolated from various oral sites such as: tongue, cheek and palatal mucosa plus subgingival region, there are some properties linked to the organism commonly known as virulence factors which confer them the ability to produce disease. Oral candidiasis is one of the main oral manifestations reported in literature related to kidney transplant patients. The objectives of the present study were to identify and investigate virulence factors of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity of kidney transplant recipients admitted at the Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, in Natal RN. Seventy Candida species isolated from 111 kidney transplant recipients were investigated in this study. Identification of the isolates was performed by using the evidence of germ tube formation, hypertonic broth, tolerance to grow at 42°C, micromorphology and biochemical profiles. We observed a high rate of isolation of yeasts from the oral cavity of kidney transplant recipients (63.1%) being C. albicans was the most prevalent species. Oral candidiasis was diagnosed in 14.4% of transplant recipients. We evaluated virulence properties of the isolates regarding to: biofilm formation on polystyrene microplates as well as XTT reduction, adherence to acrylic resin and human buccal epithelial cells and proteinase activity. Most isolates were able to form biofilm by the method of adhesion to polystyrene. All isolates of Candida spp. remained viable during biofilm formation when analyzed by the method of XTT reduction. The number of CFU attached to the acrylic resin suggested high adherence for C. parapsilosis. C. albicans isolates showed higher median adherence to human buccal epithelial cells than non-C. albicans Candida isolates. Nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant. C. dubliniensis showed low ability to adhere to plastic and epithelial cells and biofilm formation. Proteolytic activity was observed for all the isolates investigated, including the unique isolate of C. dubliniensis. There was a statistically significant association between proteinase production and the presence of oral candidiasis. Studies related to oral candidiasis in renal transplant recipients are limited to clinical and epidemiological data, but investigations concerning Candida spp. virulence factor for this group of individuals are still scarce. We emphasize the importance of studies related to virulence factors of yeasts isolated from this population to contribute to the knowledge of microbiological aspects of oral candidiasis

Avaliação in vitro e in vivo da Atividade Antioxidante do Extrato Hidroetanólico de Folhas de Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae)

Recently, it has been a increasing interest in the antioxidative role of natural products to aid the endogenous protective biological systems against the deleterious effects of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) reactive species. Many antioxidant compounds, naturally occurring from plant sources. Natural antioxidants can protect and prevent the human body from oxidative stress and retard the progress of many diseases in which free radical are involved. Several plants used in the folk medicine to treat certain disorders that are accompanied by inflammation and other pharmacological properties have been proved their attributed properties, such antioxidant activity. Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae), frequently employed by population as a medicinal plant, demonstrated antioxidant activity by in vitro and in vivo assays, using its leaf hydroethanolic extract (10%) he in vitro DPPH radical-scanvenging activity showed a strong antioxidant activity (86.57% ± 0.14), similar to Carduus marianus and catequine effects. For the in vivo assays, adult female Wistar rats (n=48) with carbon tetrachloride hepatic injury induced (2,5mL/kg i.p.) were used, Six groups or rats were uses (n=8) [G1 = control (1,25 mL/kg i.p. vehicle); G2 = CCl4 (2,5 mL/kg i.p.); G3 = CCl4 + extract 7 days (500 mg/kg p.o.); G4 = CCl4 + Legalon® 7 days (50 mg/kg p.o.), G5 = CCl4 + extract 21 days (500 mg/kg p.o.) e G6 = CCl4 + Legalon® 21 days (50 mg/kg p.o.)]. The hepatic oxidative injury was evaluated through biochemical parameters [alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST)] histopathological study, while thiobarbituric acid reactive products (TBAR), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were used to evaluate proantioxidant parameters. The plant extract tested was found effective as hepatoprotective as evidenced by a decreasing in the ALT and AST activities (p<0.001) and TBAR (plasma, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001). Levels of GSH (blood, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001) and antioxidant enzymes [CAT erythrocyte (p<0.05) and hepatic (p<0.01); SOD erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001); GPx erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001)] were also significantly increased. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly reduced by the extract treatment. The data obtained were comparable to that of Legalon®, a reference hepatoprotective drug. The results showed that T. ulmifolia leaf extract protects against CCl4 induced oxidative damage. Therefore, this effect must be associated to its antioxidant activity, attributed to the phenolic compounds, present in these extract, which can act as free radical scavengers

Aplicação de nanopartículas de quitosana com potencial de adjuvante na produção de soro contra o venneno do escorpião Tityus serrulatus

In Brazil, several species of scorpions are known to cause accidents which can lead to death, which are mainly belonging to the genus Tityus. The scorpion Tityus serrulatus is the main responsible for more severe cases. Anti-scorpion serums are routinely produced by various institutions, despite their effectiveness, quality and action depends on how quickly treatment is started. Studies have been developed in the search for appropriate technologies to encapsulate and release recombinant or natives proteins capable of inducing antibody production. In this context, chitosan copolymer which can be obtained from the partial deacetylation of chitin or in some microorganisms and it is biocompatible and biodegradable has been widely used for this purpose. This study aimed to search for a system release from chitosan nanoparticles for peptide / protein of the venom of the scorpion T. serrulatus, able to provide a new model of immunization in animals, in order to obtain a potential novel polyclonal serum, anti-venom T. serrulatus. The chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation with polyanion tripolyphosphate (TPP). After standardizing the concentrations of TPP and chitosan was evaluated the efficiency of incorporation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and scorpion venom, showed particle size compatible with the intended purpose. The particles showed adequate size around 200nm. The crosslinking was confirmed by absorption spectroscopy in the infrared. After verified the high encapsulation efficiency (EE) for acid bicinconínico method (BCA) protein assay and the particle size distribution, the success of the technique was proven and the potential for in vivo application of nanoparticles. The experimental animals were vaccinated and the antibodies measured by ELISA

Soroprevalência da infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi no município de Caicó, RN, e caracterização genética por RAPD do parasito isolado de humanos e de triatomíneos no semiárido potiguar

Trypanosoma cruzi infection was evaluated in 390 resident individuals in different rural communities of Caicó municipality, State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Of 28 investigated communities the soroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was 2.8% in eight rural communities individuals. The epidemiological characteristics of seropositive shown that the age ranged from 22 to 64 years, being significantly raised from 31 years (90.9%). The female gender was predominant and low education degree. Those individuals reported that they never donated blood, but they had direct contact with triatomines bug. The isolation of the parasite was performed by blood culture and xenoculture methods to determine the genetic variability of the samples. Twenty seven T. cruzi isolates were analyzed by RAPD as genetic marker using three random primers (M13-40, gt11-F and L15996). The T. cruzi isolates showed 73.7% of shared bands considering the average obtained with the three primers, and were genetically well correlated. Using this marker it was possible to separate the populations of the parasite in three distinct groups. The first group composed by isolates obtained of triatomines and humans from four different districts (Caicó, Caraúbas, Serra Negra doNorte and Governador Dix-Sept Rosado); the second contained isolates obtained of triatomines of two different species (T. brasiliensis and P. lutzi) captured in Caraúbas and Serra Negra do Norte. The third grouped isolates obtained from humans of Angicos and Caicó municipalities. In different localities of distinct mesoregions, State of RN, a profile genetic well correlated was identified among all isolates and the presence of three distinct groups of the parasite circulating among vertebrate and invertebrate hosts