Atividade da 6-fosfogliconato desidrogenase em deficientes de glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase

As enzimas G6PD e 6PGD são responsáveis pela geração do aporte de NADPH, necessário para a detoxificação dos agentes oxidantes produzidos pelo estresse oxidativo metabólico nos eritrócitos. Devido à alta prevalência de deficiência de G6PD na população mundial, principalmente de origem negróide africana, muitos estudos têm sido realizados na tentativa de conhecer melhor a atuação destas enzimas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade enzimática da 6PGD, nos deficientes de G6PD, para verificar a existência de aumento da atividade desta enzima, correlacionando com um possível aumento do número de reticulócitos ou presença de alterações da série vermelha. A pesquisa em 2.657 indivíduos do sexo masculino resultou em 97 deficientes de G6PD, determinando uma prevalência de 3,65% para a região de Bauru (SP), com atividade enzimática média de G6PD de 1,74 UI.g Hb-1. min-1 a 37ºC, 14,4% da atividade da G6PD normal. A atividade enzimática média da 6PGD foi de 9,5 UI.g Hb-1. min-1 a 37ºC, estando aumentada em 47,4% dos deficientes de G6PD. Os resultados não confirmaram que a hipótese do aumento da atividade enzimática da 6PGD, em deficientes de G6PD, seja decorrente da presença de um número aumentado de reticulócitos na corrente circulatória, faixa etária ou alterações eritrocitométricas que denotem anemia. O mais provável é que a hemólise autolimitada, imposta pelos processos oxidativos, preserve os eritrócitos mais jovens, que possuem atividade enzimática mais elevada, uma vez que naturalmente ocorre diminuição da atividade destas enzimas com o envelhecimento celular.

Análise de polimorfismos dos genes da rota quinureniana em pacientes com meningite bacteriana.

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is still an important infectious disease causing death and disability. Invasive bacterial infections of the central nervous systems (CNS) generate some of the most powerful inflammatory responses known, which contributes to neuronal damage. The DNA microarray technology showed alterations in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway that is induced in BM and other diseases associated with inflammation, leading to brain injury. Our main aim was to search SNPs previously described in the KYN path enzymes to investigate a putative association of this SNPs with imbalanced in this pathway in patients with BM. The patients included in this study were 33 males and 24 females, with ages varying from 02 months to 68 years. SNPs were located inside of the domain conserved in KYNU, IDO, KATI and KATII. Primers were designed for analysis of SNPs already described by PIRA-PCR followed by RFLP. The analysis of KYNU+715G/A SNP found a heterozygous frequency of 0.033. We did not found the variant allele of SNP KYNU+693G/A, KATI+164T/C, KATII+650C/T and IDO+434T/G. Despite of previews studies showing the importance of KYN pathway we did not found one association of these SNPs analyzed with susceptibility or severity of MB in study population.

Expressão imuno-histoquimica da cicloxigenase-2 e p53 em cancinoma epidermóide oral

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in the oral cavity, accounting for more than 90% of all malignancies in this location. Cyclooxygenases (COX s) are key enzymes on arachidonic acid metabolism and prostaglandin synthesis, being expressed basically in two forms: the constitutive (COX-1) and the inducible (COX-2). Increased levels on the expression of COX-2 have been implicated in the pathogenesis tumor progression of various forms of human cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma, some of what suggesting a possible interaction between COX-2 and the protein expressed by the tumor suppressor gene p53, mutated in more than 50% of all human cancers. The mean of the present research consisted in analyze the correlation between the expression of COX-2 and p53, at the protein level, as well as evaluate the difference on the expression of these two proteins with the histological grading of malignancy. 34 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma were selected and graded according to the histological grading system proposed by Bryne (1998) and the labeling indexes (LI s) for COX-2 and p53 evaluated using immunohistochemistry method. The results revealed that COX-2 was expressed in increased levels in most of the specimens, although there was no statistic significant correlation between LI s from COX-2 and p53 (p>0.05), and there were no statistical differences on the expression of these proteins between tumors of high and low grade of malignancy (p>0.05). Interestingly, the expression of COX-2 and p53 was detected in fragments of dysplastic oral epithelium adjacent to tumor areas, on basal and suprabasal layers. The absence of statistical correlation between the expression of COX-2 and p53 proteins do not rule ot the existence of a relation between them, were it may reflect the diversity of regulatory pathways between both, different direct and indirect inhibitory effects of COX-2 over p53, as well as the wide range of activation macheenisms for COX-2 and mutational status of the p53 gene Another conclusion point that the increased expression of COX-2 observed in oral squamous cell carcinomas suggest a role for this protein in the processes of pathogenesis and tumoral evolution of this malignant neoplasm

Alterações nos genes da E-caderina e β-catenina em adenoma pleomórfico e carcinoma adenóide cístico: estudo molecular e imuno-histoquímico

Pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma represent a benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasm, respectively, that shares the same histological origin, however with distinct biological behavior. The aim of the present study was identify the -160 C/A polymorphism in the gene CDH1, mutational analysis of CTNNB1 gene and evaluation the expression of the E-cadherin and β-catenin in pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. Furthermore, it was proposed correlate the immunochemistry staining patterns with the polymorphism and mutations. Twenty-four pleomorphic adenomas and 24 adenoid cystic carcinomas were retrieved. The polymorphism analysis was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), using the restriction enzymes HphI or AflIII and the mutational screening was performed by PCR-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). The immunohistochemical analysis was taken by the counting of cells, recorded as the Hscore index, and considering the presence or absence, intensity, distribution and localization of proteins expression. Comparing the two neoplasms, the results demonstrated statistically significant difference for the E-cadherin and β-catenin expression, with pleomorphic adenoma presenting weaker immunostaining. Was observed statistical correlation between E-cadherin and β-catenin expression. CDH1 heterozigotic polymorphism was seen in two cases and 13 cases displayed abnormal mobility electrophoretic shifts, suggesting CTNNB1 gene mutation. The immunohistochemical expression was not statistically correlated with the polymorphism or suggested mutations. In conclusion this study supports that the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex immunohistochemical expression might be related with the myoepithelial component amount and differentiation neither the tumor biological behavior. The cases that showed E-cadherin gene polymorphism presented reduced protein expression and, moreover, CTNNB1 suggested mutations seem not influence in the β-catenin protein expression

Análise imuno-histoquímica das metaloproteinases da matriz ( MMP-1,MMP-2 e MMP-9) na doença periodontal

The tissular destruction found in periodontal diseases is caused mainly by components of the host that have its production stimulated by the products of the microorganisms present on the plaque. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of enzymes involved both in physiologic and pathologic extracellular matrix degradation are considered the main responsible for the characteristic tissular loss in periodontal disease, and the understanding of how this happens can have a series of beneficial implications for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this illness. The aim of this work was to study the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in fragments of gingival biopsies with clinical diagnose of periodontal disease. MMP-1 has expressed significantly more than the others MMPs in gingivitis both in the epithelium (p=0,0008) and connective tissue (p=0,0049). In periodontitis, both MMP-1 and MMP-9 has expressed significantly more than MMP-2 in the epithelium (p<0,0001) and in the connective tissue (p=0,0002). MMP-1 and MMP-9 presented more expression in periodontitis than in gingivitis but MMP-1 only in the connective tissue (p=0,03) and MMP-9 in the epithelium (p=0,003) and in the connective tissue (p=0,04). In conclusion, these results indicate that the MMP-1 presents high expression in every stages of the periodontal diseases, and increases its expression in the connective tissue when the gingivitis evolves to periodontitis. Therefore, it may have an important role in connective tissue degradation and bone loss observed in disease, since early, in gingivitis, until late stages, in periodontitis, of the periodontal disease. MMP-9 has expressed more in periodontitis than in gingivitis, both in epithelium and in connective tissue. It means that this enzyme may have some importance in the progression of gingivitis to periodontitis by acting in bone resorption observed in this desease

Imunoexpressão de fatores reguladores da osteoclastogênese na doença periodontal em humanos e sua relação com os parâmetros clínicos

Periodontal disease is an infection initiated by oral periodontal pathogens that trigger an immune response culminating in tissue destruction. This destruction is mediated by the host by inducing the production and activation of lytic enzymes, cytokines and the stimulation of osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of factors involved in bone resorption, RANKL (Ligand Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa B), OPG (Osteoprotegerin) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) between the gingival healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis and correlate them with clinical parameters. The sample consisted of 83 cases and 12 clinically healthy gums, 42 gingivitis and 29 periodontitis, from 74 adolescent and adult patients with a mean age of 35 years, without systemic changes and non-smokers, predominantly female and race brown. There was no statistically significant difference for the expression of anti-RANKL (p = 0.581) and RANKL / OPG ratio (p = 0.334) when comparing the three conditions, but the anti-OPG and anti-TNF-α showed statistically significant between the types of injury (p = 0.001 and p <0.001, respectively), showing greatest expression in periodontitis. In cases of periodontitis, the variable clinical attachment loss (PIC) was statistically significant and positive correlation, respectively, with immunostaining of anti-RANKL (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and r = 0.642), anti-OPG (p = 0.018, p = 0.014 and r = 0.451), anti-TNF-α (p = 0.032, p = 0.014 and r = 0.453) and the percentage ratio of RANKL / OPG (p = 0.018, p = 0.002 and r = 0.544). The tooth mobility (MB) showed a statistically significant difference only with immunohistochemical anti-RANKL (p = 0.026), and probing depth (PD) was positively correlated with anti-RANKL (p = 0.028 and r = 0.409), both in cases of periodontitis. Only in cases of gingivitis TNF-α was positively correlated with RANKL (p = 0.012 and r = 0.384) and the RANKL / OPG ratio (p = 0.027 and r = 0.341). Given these results, we conclude that the greatest expression of TNF-α in periodontitis demonstrates a relationship with the progression and severity of periodontal disease and the correlation between all antibodies and clinical attachment loss demonstrates their involvement in periodontal bone resorption

Expressão imuno-histoquímica de metaloproteína em carcinoma epidermóide de lábio inferior e língua

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Caracterização genética de vacas leiteiras por meio de marcadores moleculares e suas implicações na composição e qualidade do leite

The objective of this study was to identify DNA polymorphisms at the genes leptin, β-lactoglobulin and pituitary-specific transcription factor in three genetic groups of Holstein x Guzerat dairy cows and investigate the relationship between their genotypes and the composition and quality of milk of dairy cows. Samples were collected in August 2009, being 113 blood samples from lactating crossbred cows and 58 milk samples. For analysis of DNA polymorphisms blood samples were collected, analyzed later in the Genetic Laboratory affiliated to the Zootechny Institute of São Paulo and individual milk samples were collected according to standards established by the laboratory of Management Program of Northeast Dairy Herds (PROGEN), at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) for analysis of milk composition and quality. The characterization of genotypes was performed by PCR-RFLP, for which were designed specific primers for each studied gene and restriction enzymes Kpn2I, HaeIII and HinfI that cut the DNA of the following genes: leptin, β-lactoglobulin and a PIT, respectively. The leptin estimate genotypic frequence were CC 0.112, TT 0.225 and CT 0.661, for β-lactoglobulin were AA 0.136, AB 0.323 and BB 0.539, and for PIT were ++ 0.655, -- 0.311 and +- 0.032. The results show that the population is in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium for leptin, β-lactoglobulin and a PIT due to excess of heterozygotes in the population, however, as these genes are associated with the milk production it is considered that the animals have genetic potential for milk production in the Brazilian semi-arid conditions. Through the characterization of the studied herd there were not found implications of the polymorphism of leptin, β-lactoglobulin and PIT in the composition and quality of milk from cows in the different genetic groups 1/2, 3/4 and 7/8 Holstein x Guzerat. Key words: β-lactoglobulin, crossbred cows, leptin, PCR-RFLP, PIT1, semi-arid.

Utilização de bagaço de caju desidratado e complexo enzimático na ração para codornas japonesas em postura

Given the significant share of food costs of poultry production, it is necessary to use strategies and techniques to maximize the utilization and biological value of the components of the diets, keeping constant or improving animal performance. In this context, seeking partial substitution of corn and the best use of the constituents of the diet, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of inclusion of cashew pomace dehydrated (BCD) and enzyme complex (EC) in the diet on performance and quality eggs of Japanese quails. A total of 200 Japanese quail at 87 days of age, in 25 cages in a completely randomized design in a factorial 2 x 2 + 1 (two levels of cashew bagasse x two levels of enzymes) + control diet without cashew bagasse totaling five treatments with five replicates of eight birds each repetition. The experiment lasted 84 days, divided into four periods of 21 days. The treatments consisted of T1-Ration Control, T2-ration with 7.5% without EC BCD, T3-ration with 7.5% BCD with CE, T4-Ration with 15% BCD without EC and T5-Feed with 15% of BCD with EC. The enzyme complex (EC) is used fermentation product of Aspergillus niger, and cashew bagasse was obtained from the juice industry, passed through drying and crushing process for producing the bran. The performance and egg quality of quails, and performance variables: feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs (CAKDZ) and egg mass (CAMO), egg production (OP% bird / day), average egg weight (PMO) and egg mass (MO), and variables were egg quality, specific gravity (SG), Haugh unit (HU), yolk index, and the relationships between components eggs (%albumen,% yolk and %shell). Data were analyzed with the Statistical SAEG (2007). The 7.5 and 15% of cashew bagasse, independent of the enzyme complex decreased feed intake and improved the average egg weight. The two levels with the addition of EC showed significant differences for feed conversion by egg mass. The 7.5 with the addition of enzyme complex obtained the lowest average feed conversion per dozen eggs. The inclusion of up to 15% of cashew bagasse dehydrated with or without addition of enzyme complex in the diet of Japanese quails not interfere in the internal and external quality of eggs. The 7.5 and 15% BCD without added enzyme complex gave better means for specific gravity. Under conditions in which the experiment was conducted, it can be stated that the inclusion of up to 15% of cashew bagasse dehydrated with added enzyme complex feeding quail is economically viable, with the level of 7.5% with the addition of complex enzyme presented the best economic indices

Síntese enzimática de biosurfactante e sua aplicabilidade na indústria do petróleo

Enzymes have been widely used in biosynthesis/transformation of organic compounds in substitution the classic synthetic methods. This work is the first writing in literature of enzymatic synthesis for attainment the biossurfactants, the use glucose sucrose, ricinoleic acid e castor oil as substratum, and as biocatalyst, used immobilized lipase Thermomyces lanuginose, Rhizomucor miehei and the Candida antarctica lipase B; alkaline protease and neutral protease from Bacillus subtillis and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaeI. The analysis of HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) showed that highest conversions were reached of used the alkaline protease from Bacillus subtillis. Laboratory tests, to evaluate the applicability, indicated that the produced biosurfactantes had good stability in presence of salts (NaCl) and temperature (55 e 25°C), they are effective in the reduction of the superficial tension and contac angle, but they have little foaming capacity, when compared with traditional detergents. These results suggest that the prepared surfactants have potential application as wetting agent and perforation fluid stabilizer

Estudo da imobilização de proteases para a síntese de oligolisinas

Enzymatic synthesis of peptides using proteases has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. One key challenge in peptide synthesis is to find supports for protease immobilization capable of working in aqueous medium at high performance, producing watersoluble oligopeptides. At present, few reports have been described using this strategy. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to immobilize proteases applying different methods (Immobilization by covalent bound, entrapment onto polymeric gels of PVA and immobilization on glycidil metacrylate magnetic nanoparticles) in order to produce water-soluble oligopeptides derived from lysine. Three different proteases were used: trypsin, α-chymotrypsin and bromelain. According to immobilization strategies associated to the type of protease employed, trypsin-resin systems showed the best performance in terms of hydrolytic activity and oligopeptides synthesis. Hydrolytic activities of the free and immobilized enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically based on the absorbance change at 660 nm at 25 °C (Casein method). Calculations of oligolysine yield and average degree of polymerization (DPavg) were monitored by 1H-NMR analysis. Trypsin was covalently immobilized onto four different resins (Amberzyme, Eupergit C, Eupergit CM and Grace 192). Maximum yield of bound protein was 92 mg/g, 82 mg/g and 60 mg/g support for each resin respectively. The effectiveness of these systems (Trypsin-resins) was evaluated by hydrolysis of casein and synthesis of water-soluble oligolysine. Most systems were capable of catalyzing oligopeptide synthesis in aqueous medium, albeit at different efficiencies, namely: 40, 37 and 35% for Amberzyme, Eupergit C and Eupergit CM, respectively, in comparison with free enzyme. These systems produced oligomers in only 1 hour with DPavg higher than free enzyme. Among these systems, the Eupergit C-Trypsin system showed greater efficiency than others in terms of hydrolytic activity and thermal stability. However, this did not occur for oligolysine synthesis. Trypsin-Amberzyme proved to be more successful in oligopeptide synthesis, and exhibited excellent reusability, since it retained 90% of its initial hydrolytic and synthetic activity after 7 reuses. Trypsin hydrophobic interactions with Amberzyme support are responsible for protecting against strong enzyme conformational changes in the medium. In addition, the high concentration of oxirane groups on the surface promoted multi-covalent linking and, consequently, prevented the immobilized enzyme from leaching. The aforementioned results suggest that immobilized Trypsin on the supports evaluated can be efficiently used for oligopeptides synthesis in aqueous media

Ximelagatran versus warfarin for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in major orthopedic surgery: systematic review of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUÇÃO: O ximelagatrano foi recentemente estudada para profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV). OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o ximelagatrano comparado com a varfarina melhora a profilaxia do TEV em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia ortopédica do joelho. FONTE DE DADOS: Estudos randomizados identificados por pesquisa eletrônica na literatura médica, até 2006, cujos dados foram compilados no programa Review Manager, versão 4.2.5. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos três estudos randomizados bem conduzidos envolvendo 4.914 participantes. Foram definidos dois sub-grupos com dosagens diferentes de ximelagatrano (24 mg and 36 mg, duas vezes ao dia). O tratamento com ximelagatrano mostrou freqüência significantemente menor de TEV que o tratamento com varfarina, mas somente na dosagem de 36-mg [risco relativo, RR 0.72 ([intervalo de confiança, IC, 95% 0.64, 0.81), p < 0.00001]. A freqüência de TEV no sub-grupo de 24-mg foi similar a da varfarina [RR 0.86 (IC 95% 0.73, 1.01), p = 0.06]. Para TEV maior, embolia pulmonar, sangramento e sangramento maior não houve diferença entre varfarina e a ximelagatrano. Ao final do tratamento, a elevação da alanino-aminotransferase (ALT) foi menos freqüente no sub-grupo de 24 mg de ximelagatrano que no grupo da varfarina [RR 0.33 (IC 95% 0.12, 0.91) p = 0.03], mas no período de acompanhamento essa elevação foi maior com 36 mg de ximelagatrano [RR 6.97 (IC 95% 1.26, 38.50) p = 0.03]. CONCLUSÃO: O ximelagatrano foi mais efetivo que a varfarina quando usado em dosagens maiores (36 mg, 2 vezes ao dia), mas às expensas de aumento de enzimas hepáticas no período de acompanhamento.

Monitoramento de parâmetros laboratoriais em gatos sem raça definida durante o período neonatal

O objetivo do presente estudo foi à monitoração dos parâmetros laboratoriais como hemograma, enzimas hepáticas alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT), glicemia e proteinograma sérico, e avaliar o efeito da idade em gatos sem raça definida durante a fase neonatal. Vinte gatos machos e fêmeas foram utilizados a partir do terceiro dia de vida até o 38º dia de idade. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente e as análises laboratoriais (hemograma, enzimas hepáticas, glicemia e proteinograma sérico) realizadas no 3º, 10º, 17º, 24º, 31º e 38º dia de idade. Os resultados exibiram efeito significativo da idade sobre a contagem total de eritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, volume globular, volume corpuscular médio, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média, leucócitos totais, neutrófilos, eosinófilos e basófilos. Nenhum efeito foi observado em células como linfócitos, monócitos ou na concentração sérica de glicose. A análise das modificações ocorridas nos parâmetros laboratoriais durante a fase neonatal reflete o desenvolvimento fisiológico do filhote e contribui para o conhecimento do processo adaptativo em gatos neonatos durante o primeiro mês de vida, sendo útil para a avaliação clínica, diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças neonatais.

Avaliação do caráter oxidante da violaceína

Violacein is a violet pigment isolated from many gram-negative bacteria, especially from Chromobacterium violaceum, a betaproteobacterium found in the Amazon River in Brazil. It has potential medical applications as an antibacterial, fungicide, anti-tryptanocidal, anti-ulcerogenic and anti-cancer drug, among others. Furthermore, its pro-oxidant activity has been suggested, but only in two specific tumor lineages. Thus, in the present study, the prooxidant effects of violacein were investigated in both normal and tumor cells, seeking to evaluate the cell responses. The evaluation of violacein cytotoxicity using the Trypan blue dye exclusion method indicated that CHO-K1 cells were more resistant than tumor HeLa cells. The oxidative stress induced by violacein was manifested as an increase in intracellular SOD activity in CHO-K1 and MRC-5 cells at a specific concentration range. Nevertheless, a decrease was detected specifically at 6-12 μM in HeLa and MRC-5 cells. Interestingly, the increase in SOD activity was not followed by a concomitant increase in catalase activity. Regarding to oxidative stress biomarkers, increased protein carbonylation and lipid hydroperoxides levels were detected respectively in CHO-K1 and MRC-5 cells treated with violacein at 1.5-3 μM and 3 μM, which may be an evidence that this compound causes oxidative stress specifically in these conditions. Additionally, it is believed that the decline in cell viability observed in MRC-5 cells and HeLa treated with violacein at 6-12 M is due to mechanisms not related to oxidative stress. Moreover, the results suggested that violacein might cause oxidative stress by increasing endogenous levels of O2 -, since the occurrence of an expressive change in SOD activity. In addition, in order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of violacein in the absence of a biological system, the total antioxidant and iron chelating activity were evaluated, so that antioxidant activities were detected at 30 and 60 μM of violacein. Altogether, the results indicate that although oxidative stress is triggered by incubation with violacein, it did not seem to be high enough to cause serious damage to cell biomolecules in HeLa cells and only at specific concentrations in CHOK-1 and MRC-5 cells. Comparing the results obtained in cell culture and the in vitro antioxidant activity evaluation, the results confirmed that violacein presents opposing oxidant features when in presence or absence of a biological system and the antioxidant character only occurs at high concentrations of the pigment.

Partial HELLP Syndrome: maternal and perinatal outcome

CONTEXTO: A síndrome HELLP é uma grave complicação da gestação caracterizada por hemólise, elevação das enzimas hepáticas e plaquetopenia. Algumas gestantes desenvolvem somente uma ou duas dessas características da síndrome HELLP. Esse quadro é denominado de síndrome HELLP parcial (SHP). OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as repercussões maternas e perinatais das mulheres que desenvolveram SHP e comparar os resultados com mulheres que tiveram hipertensão gestacional ou pré-eclâmpsia sem alterações dos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Observacional, retrospectivo e analítico. LOCAL: Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. AMOSTRA: Foram selecionadas gestantes ou puérperas que tiveram elevação dos níveis pressóricos detectada pela primeira vez após a primeira metade da gestação com ou sem proteinúria entre janeiro/1990 a dezembro/1995. As mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo SHP quando as mulheres com hipertensão arterial tinham pelo menos uma, mas não todas as alterações de exames que demonstravam hemólise, elevação das enzimas hepáticas ou plaquetopenia e Grupo Hipertensas pacientes com hipertensão sem alterações nos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP. PRINCIPAIS VARIÁVEIS: Analisamos idade materna, raça, paridade, classificação da hipertensão, idade gestacional no diagnóstico da SHP, alterações nos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP, tempo de permanência no hospital, complicações maternas, via de parto, incidência de prematuridade, restrição de crescimento intra-uterino, natimortos e neomortos. RESULTADOS: 318 mulheres foram selecionadas, das quais 41 (12,9%) tiveram SHP e 277 (87,1%) não desenvolveram alterações dos exames laboratoriais que compõem o diagnóstico da síndrome HELLP. A pré-eclâmpsia foi um tipo de hipertensão mais freqüente no grupo SHP que no grupo hipertensas. Não houve pacientes com hipertensão crônica isolada que desenvolveram SHP. A taxa de cesárea, eclâmpsia e de partos prematuros foi significativamente mais freqüente no grupo SHP que no grupo hipertensas. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos uma conduta agressiva nas pacientes com SHP, que resultou na interrupção imediata da gestação, com elevada taxa de cesárea e de recém-nascido pré-termo. Esta conduta deve ser revista para a redução desses índices.