Novel sequence types (STs) of Staphylococcus aureus isolates causing clinical and subclinical mastitis in flocks of sheep in the northeast of Brazil

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important infectious mastitis causative agents in small ruminants. In order to know the distribution of Staph. aureus strains associated with infectious mastitis in flocks of sheep in the northeast of Brazil and establish whether these clones are related to the strains distributed internationally, this study analysed the genetic diversity of Staph. aureus isolates from cases of clinical and subclinical mastitis in ewes by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In this research, 135 ewes with mastitis from 31 sheep flocks distributed in 15 districts were examined. Staph. aureus was isolated from sheep milk in 9 (29%) out of 31 herds located in 47% of the districts surveyed. MLST analysis allowed the identification of four STs (ST750, ST1728, ST1729 and ST1730). The last three with their respective novel alleles (g/p-220; pta-182 and yqil-180) were recently reported in the Staph. aureus MLST database (http://www.mlst.net). Each novel allele showed only a nucleotide different from those already described. The occurrence of CC133 (ST750 and ST1729) in this study is in agreement with other reports that only a few clones of Staph. aureus seem to be responsible for most cases of mastitis in dairy farms and that some of these clones may have broad geographic distribution. However, the prevalence of CC5 (ST1728 and ST1730)-an important group related to cases of colonization or infection in humans-differs from previous studies by its widespread occurrence and may suggest human contamination followed by selective pressures of the allelic diversifications presented for these STs.

Increased MMA concentration and body mass index are associated with spontaneous abortion in Brazilian women A pilot study

Background: The pathophysiology of spontaneous abortion is complex and may involve the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We evaluated the predictors of spontaneous abortion in Brazilian pregnant women. The effects of age, gestational age. body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, alcohol ingestion, use of multivitamins and concentrations of vitamins (folate, cobalamin and vitamin 136) and vitamin-dependent metabolites were analyzed. Methods: Study population included 100 healthy women that attended pre-natal care in 2 health centers of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in whom pregnancy outcome was known. Folate and cobalamin status was measured in blood specimens collected between 4 and 16 weeks. The genotypes for 8 gene polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR-RFLP. Results: Eighty-eight women had normal pregnancy outcome (Group 1), while 12 experienced a miscarriage after blood collection (Group 2). Increased methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations were found in Group 2 (median [25th-75th percentile]=274 [149-425] nmol/l) relative to Group 1 (138 [98-185]) (P<0.01). No differences between the groups were observed for serum cobalamin, serum or red cell folate, and serum total homocysteine or allele frequencies for 8 polymorphisms. In a conditional logistic regression analysis including age, gestational age, serum creatinine, MMA, cystathionine, body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, alcohol ingestion and use of multivitamins the risk of abortion was significantly associated with MMA (OR [95% CI] = 3.80 [1.36, 10.62] per quartile increase in MMA), BMI (OR [95% CI] = 5.49 [1.29,23.39] per quartile) and gestational age (OR [95% CI] = 0.10 [0.01, 0.77] per increase of interval in gestational age). Conclusions: Increased serum MMA and BMI concentrations are associated with spontaneous abortion in Brazilian women. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two physically, functionally, and developmentally distinct peritoneal macrophage subsets

The peritoneal cavity (PerC) is a unique compartment within which a variety of immune cells reside, and from which macrophages (Mempty set) are commonly drawn for functional studies. Here we define two Mempty set subsets that coexist in PerC in adult mice. One, provisionally called the large peritoneal Mempty set (LPM), contains approximately 90% of the PerC Mempty set in unstimulated animals but disappears rapidly from PerC following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or thioglycolate stimulation. These cells express high levels of the canonical Mempty set surface markers, CD11b and F4/80. The second subset, referred to as small peritoneal Mempty set (SPM), expresses substantially lower levels of CD11b and F4/80 but expresses high levels of MHC-II, which is not expressed on LPM. SPM, which predominates in PerC after LPS or thioglycolate stimulation, does not derive from LPM. Instead, it derives from blood monocytes that rapidly enter the PerC after stimulation and differentiate to mature SPM within 2 to 4 d. Both subsets show clear phagocytic activity and both produce nitric oxide (NO) in response to LPS stimulation in vivo. However, their responses to LPS show key differences: in vitro, LPS stimulates LPM, but not SPM, to produce NO; in vivo, LPS stimulates both subsets to produce NO, albeit with different response patterns. These findings extend current models of Mempty set heterogeneity and shed new light on PerC Mempty set diversity, development, and function. Thus, they introduce a new context for interpreting (and reinterpreting) data from ex vivo studies with PerC Mempty set.

Cell surface expression of adhesins for fibronectin correlates with virulence in Sporothrix schenckii

The virulence of four Sporothrix schenckii isolates was compared in a murine model of sporotrichosis, together with the protein pattern of the yeast cell surface and the capacity to bind the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. Virulence was determined by the mortality rate, fungal burden and histopathology. Two clinical isolates were more virulent for C57BL/6 mice, but no direct correlation was seen between virulence and the clinical or environmental origin of the isolates. The lowest virulence was observed for an isolate recovered from a patient with meningeal sporotrichosis. Although all isolates could effectively disseminate, the dissemination patterns were not similar. Using flow cytometry analysis, we investigated the interaction of all the strains with fibronectin, and showed that the binding capacity correlated with virulence. Western blot analysis of S. schenckii cell wall extracts revealed positive bands for fibronectin in the range of 3792 kDa. The 70 kDa adhesin was also recognized by a protective monoclonal antibody raised against a gp70 antigen of S. schenckii (mAb P6E7). Confocal microscopy confirmed the co-localization of fibronectin and mAb P6E7 on the yeast cell surface. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying adhesins for fibronectin on the surface of this human pathogen.

Peptidase activities in the semen from the ductus deferens and uterus of the neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus

To understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology of Crotalus durissus terrificus, intra- and inter-seasonal activity levels of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl-IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases as well as prolyl endopeptidase (POP) were evaluated in soluble (SF) and/or membrane-bound (MF) fractions of semen collected from the ductus deferens of the male reproductive tract and from the posterior portion of the uterus. Seminal APB, PIP and POP were detected in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. Only the convoluted posterior uterus in winter and autumn had semen. Relative to other examined peptidases, in general, APN-PI, APN-PS and APB activities were predominant in the semen from the uterus and throughout the year in the semen from the ductus deferens, suggesting their great relevance in the seminal physiology of C. d. terrificus. The levels of peptidase activities in the ductus deferens semen varied seasonally and were different from those of semen in the uterus, suggesting that their modulatory actions on susceptible peptides are integrated to the male reproductive cycle events and spermatozoa viability of this snake.

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.

Photoprotective effect of Pothomorphe umbellata on UVB radiation-induced biomarkers involved in carcinogenesis of hairless mouse epidermis

In this study we assessed the protective effect of topical application of Pothomorphe umbellata extract on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin lesion parameters in hairless mouse epidermis. A single dose of UVB irradiation (0.23 kJ/m(2)) resulted in a significant decrease in thymine dimer-positive cells and apoptotic sunburn cells, with an increase in p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the epidermis. After 5 weeks (total dose 13.17 kJ/m(2)) and 15 weeks (total dose 55.51 kJ/m(2)) of irradiation, P. umbellata treatment inhibited the hyperplasic response and induced an increase in p53-positive cells. These findings suggest that P. umbellata extract affords protection against UVB-induced skin lesions.

(1)H NMR determination of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) in environmental and biological samples

A nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) method for the determination of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) in environmental aqueous samples was developed and validated. L-BMAA is a neurotoxic modified amino acid that can be produced by cyanobacteria in aqueous environments. This toxin was extracted from samples by means of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and identified and quantified by (1)H NMR without further derivatization steps. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5 mu g/mL Good inter and intra-assay precision was also observed (relative standard deviation <8.5%) with the use of 4-nitro-DL-phenylalanine as an internal standard (IS). This method of 1H NMR analysis is not time consuming and can be readily utilized to monitor L-BMAA and confirm its presence in environmental and biological samples. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis induce CD4(+) T cell activation in vitro

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been described as initiators and modulators of the immune response. Recently we have shown a predominant production of interleukin-10 cytokine, low levels of interferon-gamma and inefficient T cell proliferation in patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis. Chromoblastomycosis starts with subcutaneous inoculation of Fonsecaea pedrosoi into tissue where DCs are the first line of defence against this microorganism. In the present study, the interaction of F. pedrosoi and DCs obtained from patients with chromoblastomycosis was investigated. Our results showed that DCs from patients exhibited an increased expression of human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) and co-stimulatory molecules. In the presence of conidia, the expression of HLA-DR and CD86 was up-regulated by DCs from patients and controls. Finally, we demonstrate the reversal of antigen-specific anergy and a T helper type 1 response mediated by DCs incubated with F. pedrosoi conidea.

Apoptosis induction by 4-nerolidylcatechol in melanoma cell lines

Pothomorphe umbellata, a native Brazilian plant, is popularly known to be effective in the treatment of skin lesions. This benefit is attributed to 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) a compound extracted from P. umbellata. Since melanomas show prominent resistance to apoptosis and exhibit extreme chemoresistance to multiple forms of therapy, novel compounds addressing induction of cell death are worth investigating. Here, we evaluated effects on cell cycle progression and possible cytotoxic activity of 4-NC in melanoma cell lines as well as human dermal fibroblasts. Inhibitory effects on cell invasion and MMP activity were also investigated. 4-NC showed cytotoxic activity for all melanoma cell lilies tested (IC(50) = 20-40 mu M, 24 h for tumoral cell lines: IC(50) = 50 mu M for fibroblast cell line) associated with its capacity to induce apoptosis. Furthermore, this is the first time that 4-NC is described as an inhibitor of cell invasiveness, due mainly to a G I cell cycle arrest and inhibition of MMP-2 activity in melanoma cell lines. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seasonal variation of peptidase activities in the reproductive tract of Crotalus durissus terrificus

Seasonal quantitative patterns of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolylimino (PIP) aminopeptidases and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) activities in soluble (SF) and solubilized membrane-bound (MF) fractions from ductus deferens, vagina and uterus were studied to evaluate their relationships with the reproductive cycle and the extensive long-term spermatozoa storage (LTSS) of the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. APB, PIP and POP were detected only in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. APB, APN-PI and APN-PS were predominant in most tissues in all seasons. Peptidase activities had a common pattern of increment during the dry season (winter/autumn), which coincides with the mating period (autumn) and LTSS in the female (winter), as well as the reduction of spermatozoa motility and maintenance of fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. The high CAP activity in the soluble fraction of the vagina during winter, compared to summer (time of parturition) and spring, coincides with the relaxation of this tissue. In the soluble fraction, the low PAP-1 activity of the ductus deferens coincided with its high activity in the vagina during the winter; and the inverse occurred in summer, which is consistent with the physiological process of preserving spermatozoon viability. In conclusion, the studied peptidase activities had seasonal and tissue-specific characteristics, which suggest a relevant role in the reproductive physiology of C. d. terrificus. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peptidase activities in Crotalus durissus terrificus semen

To understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology of Crotalus durissus terrificus, activity levels of representative enzymes in semen and their sensitivities to inhibitors, cofactors, and peptide hormones were evaluated. The existence of seminal fractions and the association of peptidases with these fractions were also characterized for the first time in snakes. The prominent inhibitors of aminopeptidases (APs) were amastatin for acid, basic, and neutral; bestatin for basic; and diprotin A for dipeptidyl-IV. Cystyl and prolylimino AN were similarly susceptible to the majority of these inhibitors. The basic and neutral were characterized as metallo-peptidases, acid AP was activated by MnCl(2), and cystyl, prolyl-imino, and type I pyroglutamyl were characterized as sulphydryl-dependent APs. Angiotensin II, vasotocin, bradykinin, fertilization-promoting peptide, and TRH altered the majority of these peptidase activities; these peptides are possible substrates and/or modulators of these peptidases. Peptidase activities were found in all seminal fractions: seminal plasma (SP), prostasome-like (PR) structures, and soluble (S-) and membrane-bound fractions (MFs) of spermatozoa. The levels of activity of each peptidase varied among different seminal fractions. In SP, the higher activities were puromycin-insensitive neutral and basic APs. in PR, the higher activity was puromycin-insensitive neutral AP. In spermatozoa, the higher activity in subcellular SF was puromycin-sensitive neutral, while in MF both puromycin-sensitive and -insensitive neutral AN were equally higher than the other examined peptidases. Data suggested that these peptidases, mainly basic and neutral, have a high relevance in regulating seminal functions of C. d. terrificus.

Passive immunization with monoclonal antibody against a 70-kDa putative adhesin of Sporothrix schenckii induces protection in murine sporotrichosis

Cell-mediated and innate immunity are considered the most important mechanisms of host defense against fungus infections. However, recent studies demonstrated that specific antibodies show different degrees of protection against mycosis. In a previous study, antigens secreted by Sporothrix schenckii induced a specific humoral response in infected animals, mainly against the 70-kDa molecule, indicating a possible participation of antibodies to this antigen in infection control. in the present study, an IgG1 mAb was produced against a 70-kDa glycoprotein of S. schenckii in order to better understand the effect of passive immunization of mice infected with S. schenckii. Results showed a significant reduction in the number of CFU in organs of mice when the mAb was injected before and during S. schenckii infection. Similar results were observed when T-cell-deficient mice were used. Moreover, in a second schedule treatment, the mAb was injected after infection was established, and again we observed a significant reduction in CFU associated with an increase of IFN-gamma production. Also, the 70-kDa antigen is shown to be a putative adhesin present on the surface of this fungus. In conclusion, we report for the first time the protective effect of a specific antibody against S. schenckii.

Immunology of Dermatophytosis

The immune response to infection by dermatophytes ranges from a non-specific host mechanism to a humoral and cell-mediated immune response. The currently accepted view is that a cell-mediated immune response is responsible for the control of dermatophytosis. Indeed, some individuals develop a chronic or recurrent infection mediated by the suppression of a cell-mediated immune response. The immune response to Trichophyton is unusual in that this fungus can elicit both immediate hypersensitivity (IH) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in different individuals when they are submitted to a skin test reaction. Understanding the nature and function of the immune response to dermatophytes is an exciting challenge that might lead to novel approaches in the treatment and immunological prophylaxis of dermatophytosis.

The use of glucan as immunostimulant in the treatment of a severe case of chromoblastomycosis

We report the case of an alternative treatment for a patient with a severe form of chromoblastomycosis that responded poorly to the traditional antifungal therapy. We hereby show, in this study, the improvement of lesions after treatment with itraconazole associated with an intramuscular administration of glucan. We observed that the regression of lesions was associated with an improvement of the cellular immune response. This favourable response that we observed suggests that the therapeutic regimen we used might be an option for the treatment of patients with a severe form of chromoblastomycosis.