Early motor and electrophysiological changes in transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and gender differences on clinical outcome

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disorder affecting motoneurons and the SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice are widely employed to study disease physiopathology and therapeutic strategies. Despite the cellular and biochemical evidences of an early motor system dysfunction, the conventional behavioral tests do not detect early motor impairments in SOD1 mouse model. We evaluated early changes in motor behavior of ALS mice by doing the analyses of tail elevation, footprint, automatic recording of motor activities by means of an infrared motion sensor activity system and electrophysiological measurements in male and female wild-type (WT) and SOD1(G93A) mice from postnatal day (P) 20 up to endpoint. The classical evaluations of mortality, weight loss, tremor, rotometer, hanging wire and inclined plane were also employed. There was a late onset (after P90) of the impairments of classical parameters and the outcome varied between genders of ALS mice, being tremor, cumulative survival, weight loss and neurological score about 10 days earlier in male than female ALS mice and also about 20 days earlier in ALS males regarding rotarod and hanging wire performances. While diminution of hindpaw base was 10 days earlier in ALS males (P110) compared to females, the steep length decreased 40 days earlier in ALS females (P60) than ALS males. The automatic analysis of motor impairments showed substantial late changes (after P90) of motility and locomotion in the ALS females, but not in the ALS males. It was surprising that the scores of tail elevation were already decreased in ALS males and females by P40, reaching the minimal values at the endpoint. The electrophysiological analyses showed early changes of measures in the ALS mouse sciatic nerve, i.e., decreased values of amplitude (P40) and nerve conduction velocity (P20), and also an increased latency (P20) reaching maximal level of impairments at the late disease phase. The early changes were not accompanied by reductions of neuronal protein markers of neurofilament 200 and ChAT in the ventral part of the lumbar spinal cord of P20 and P60 ALS mice by means of Western blot technique, despite remarkable decreases of those protein levels in P120 ALS mice. In conclusion, early changes of motor behavior and electrophysiological parameters in ALS mouse model must be taken into attention in the analyses of disease mechanisms and therapeutic effects. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Involvement of Astroglial Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Microglia in the Nigral 6-OHDA Parkinsonism and a Possible Role of Glucocorticoid Hormone on the Glial Mediated Local Trophism and Wound Repair

We have observed in previous studies that 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions in the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system promote increases of the astroglial basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2, bFGF) synthesis in the ascending DA pathways, event that could be modified by adrenosteroid hormones. Here, we first evaluated the changes of microglial reactivity in relation to the FGF-2-mediated trophic responses in the lesioned nigrostriatal DA system. 6-OHDA was injected into the left side of the rat substantia nigra. The OX42 immunohistochemistry combined with stereology showed the time course of the microglial activation. The OX42 immunoreactivity (IR) was already increased in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) 2 h after the 6-OHDA injection, peaked on day 7, and remained increased on the 14th day time-interval. In the neostriatum, OX42 immunoreactive (ir) microglial profiles increased at 24 h, peaked at 72 h, was still increased at 7 days but not 14 days after the 6-OHDA injection. Two-colour immunofluorescence analysis of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and OX42 IRs revealed the presence of small patches of TH IR within the activated microglia. A decreased FGF-2 IR was seen in the cytoplasm of DA neurons of the SNc and VTA as soon as 2 h after 6-OHDA injection. The majority of the DA FGF-2 ir cells of these regions had disappeared 72 h after neurotoxin. The astroglial FGF-2 IR increased in the SNc and VTA, which peaked on day 7. Two-colour immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase analyses of the FGF-2 and OX42 IRs revealed no FGF-2 IR within the reactive or resting microglia. Second, we have evaluated in a series of biochemical experiments whether adrenocortical manipulation can interfere with the nigral lesion and the state of local astroglial reaction, looking at the TH and GFAP levels respectively. Rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) and received a nigral 6-OHDA stereotaxical injection 2 days later and sacrificed up to 3 weeks after the DA lesion. Western blot analysis showed time-dependent decrease and elevation of TH and GFAP levels, respectively, in the lesioned versus contralateral midbrain sides, events potentiated by ADX and worsened by corticosterone replacement. ADX decreased the levels of FGF-2 protein (23 kDa isoform) in the lesioned side of the ventral midbrain compared contralaterally. The results indicate that reactive astroglia, but not reactive microglia, showed an increased FGF-2 IR in the process of DA cell degeneration induced by 6-OHDA. However, interactions between these glial cells may be relevant to the mechanisms which trigger the increased astroglial FGF-2 synthesis and thus may be related to the trophic state of DA neurons and the repair processes following DA lesion. The findings also gave further evidence that adrenocortical hormones may regulate astroglial-mediated trophic mechanisms and wound repair events in the lesioned DA system that may be relevant to the progression of Parkinson`s disease.

Adrenalectomy counteracts the local modulation of astroglial fibroblast growth factor system without interfering with the pattern of 6-OHDA-induced dopamine degeneration in regions of the ventral midbrain

The present study investigated the effects of bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) on the synthesis of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) mRNA and on the expression of its FGF receptor subtype-2 (FGFR2) mRNA after a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesion of nigrostriatal dopamine system. In previous papers we have demonstrated that corticosterone increases FGF-2 immunoreactivity mainly in the astrocytes of the substantia nigra [Chadi, G., Rosen, L., Cintra, A., Tinner, B., Zoli, M., Pettersson, R.F., Fuxe, K., 1993b. Corticosterone increases FGF-2 (bFGF) immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra of the rat. Neuroreport 4, 783-786.] and that 6-OHDA injected in the ventral midbrain upregulates FGF-2 synthesis in reactive astrocytes in the ascending dopamine pathways [Chadi, G., Cao, Y., Pettersson, R.F., Fuxe, K., 1994. Temporal and spatial increase of astroglial basic fibroblast growth factor synthesis after 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. Neuroscience 61, 891-910.]. Rats were adrenalectomized and received a 6-OHDA stereotaxical injection in the ventral midbrain 2 days later. Seven days after the dopamine lesion, Western blot analysis showed a decreased level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the lesioned side of the midbrain, an event that was not altered by ADX or corticosterone replacement. Moreover, the degeneration of nigral dopamine neurons, which was confirmed by the disappearance of acidic FGF (FGF-1) mRNA and the decrement of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA labeled nigral neurons, was not altered by ADX. The FGF-2 protein (23 kDa isoform but not 21 kDa fraction) levels increased in the lesioned side of the ventral midbrain. This elevation was counteracted by ADX, an effect that was fully reversed by corticosterone replacement. In situ hybridization revealed that ADX counteracted the elevated FGF-2 mRNA levels in putative glial cells of the ipsilateral pars compacta of the substantia nigra and in the ventral tegmental area. The ADX also counteracted the increased density and intensity of the astroglial FGF-2 immunoreactive profiles within the lesioned pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area as determined by stereology. The stereotaxical mechanical needle insertion triggered the expression of FGFR2 mRNA in putative glial cells, spreading to the entire ipsilateral ventral midbrain from the region of needle track, an occurrence that was partially reversed by ADX. In conclusion, bilateral ADX counteracted the increased astroglial FGF-2 synthesis in the dopamine regions of the ventral midbrain following a 6-OHDA-induced local lesion and interfered with FGF receptor regulation around injury. These findings give further evidence that adrenocortical hormones may regulate the astroglial FGF-2-mediated trophic mechanisms and wound repair events in the lesioned central nervous system. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of cell cycle phases and proliferative capacity in mice bearing melanoma maintained on different dietary proteins

Background Diet seems to represent, directly or indirectly, 35% of all cancer reports. In this study, the influence of dietary protein on the growth of melanoma B16F10 was evaluated through analyses of cell cycle phases and proliferative capacity. Methods Flow cytometry and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) technique were applied in mice bearing B16F10 melanoma cells fed on different dietary proteins. All data were submitted to statistical analyses. Results The G0/G1 phase increased for the animal groups fed bovine collagen hydrolysate (BCH) or BCH-P1 + whey protein isolate (WPI), compared with mice receiving only WPI, for all dietary groups treated and nontreated with paclitaxel. Mice that received BCH + WPI treated with paclitaxel showed the highest percentage of apoptosis compared with WPI group. AgNORs, total nucleolar organizer regions (NORs)/cells and dot number/cell for all dietary protein groups nontreated with paclitaxel were higher than for the WPI. The only two dietary protein groups treated with paclitaxel that presented higher total NORs and dot number/cell than the WPI group were BCH + WPI and BCH-P1 + WPI. Conclusions A significantly lower proliferative capacity and larger number of cells in the G0/G1 phase were observed for the dietary protein groups combining the two collagen hydrolysates, BCH or BCH-P1 with WPI, treated with paclitaxel. Castro GA, Maria DA, Rodrigues CJ, Sgarbieri VC. Analysis of cell cycle phases and proliferative capacity in mice bearing melanoma maintained on different dietary proteins.

Early short-term versus prolonged low-dose methylprednisolone therapy in acute lung injury

The present study compared the effects of early short-term with prolonged low-dose corticosteroid therapy in acute lung injury (ALI). In total, 120 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups. In the control group, saline was intratracheally (i.t.) instilled. In the ALI group, mice received Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (10 mu g i.t.). ALI animals were further randomised into four subgroups to receive saline (0.1 mL i.v.) or methylprednisolone (2 mg center dot kg(-1) i.v.) at 6 h, 24 h or daily (for 7 days, beginning at day 1). At 1, 3 and 8 weeks, in vivo and in vitro lung mechanics and histology (light and electron microscopy), collagen and elastic fibre content, cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and -2 were measured. In vivo (static elastance and viscoelastic pressure) and in vitro (tissue elastance and resistance) lung mechanics, alveolar collapse, cell infiltration, collagen and elastic fibre content and the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were increased in ALI at 1 week. Methylprednisolone led to a complete resolution of lung mechanics, avoided fibroelastogenesis and the increase in the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 independent of steroid treatment design. Thus, early short-term, low-dose methylprednisolone is as effective as prolonged therapy in acute lung injury.

Serological patterns and temporal trends of HTLV-1/2 infection in high-risk populations attending public health units in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Background: HTLV-1/2 diagnosis in high-risk populations from Sao Paulo, Brazil has been problematic due a high proportion of seroindeterminate results. Objectives: To confirm and extend previous findings regarding HTLV-1/2 diagnosis in this geographic area. Study design: Sera from 2312 patients were tested for HTLV-1/2 antibodies using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot (WB) analysis. Patients were from AIDS Reference Centers (Group 1; 1393 patients) and HTLV out-patient clinics (Group 11; 919 patients). Results were analyzed according to patients` age, gender, and clinic type. Results: HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were detected in both groups. Among seropositive females, HTLV-2 was slightly more common in Group 1 (54.5%), while HTLV-1 prevailed in Group II (73.9%). Males from Group II had a higher percentage of HTLV-seroindeterminate results. No correlation between HTLV serological results and age was detected. Temporal analyses disclosed a high number of HTLV-seroindeterminate samples, and a large spectrum of indeterminate WB profiles. GD21 and/or rgp46-II bands were detected in 34.6% of sera from Group 1, and a p24 or p19 band was detected in 35.3% of sera from Group II. Conclusions: High rates of HTLV-indeterminate serological patterns during temporal analyses were confirmed in high-risk populations from Sao Paulo, Brazil. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyaluronidase shortens levobupivacaine lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia in dogs

Methods: Six adult mixed breed dogs (two males and four females) weighing 7 to 14 kg (10 center dot 5 +/- 1 center dot 5 kg) and aged two to five years were used. Each dog received both treatments in random order: levobupivacaine alone (LBA; n=6) or levobupivacaine plus hyaluronidase (LBH; n=6) administered in the lumbosacral epidural space. Systemic effects, spread and duration of anaesthesia and motor block were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals. Results: The duration of local anaesthesia was 90 +/- 10 minutes (P=0 center dot 001) for LBH treatment and 150 +/- 15 minutes for LBA treatment. In the LBH treatment, anaesthesia reached the T12 to T13 dermatome and in the LBA treatment it reached the T11 to T12 dermatome in all animals in 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. Complete motor blockade was 75 +/- 12 minutes (P=0 center dot 01) and 120 +/- 15 minutes for LBH and LBA treatments, respectively. Clinical Significance: Hyaluronidase added to levobupivacaine significantly shortens the duration of epidural anaesthesia with the same dermatome spread into the epidural space in dogs.

Increased platelet GSK3B activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer`s disease

The disruption of glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3B) homeostasis has implications in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, namely Alzheimer`s disease (AD). GSK3B activity is increased within the AD brain, favoring the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein Tau and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Such abnormality has also been detected in leukocytes of patients with cognitive disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of total and phosphorylated GSK3B at protein level in platelets of older adults with varying degrees of cognitive impairment, and to compare GSK3B activity in patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls. Sixty-nine older adults were included (24 patients with mild to moderate AD, 22 patients with amnestic MCI and 23 elderly controls). The expression of platelet GSK3B (total- and Ser-9 phosphorylated GSK3B) was determined by Western blot. GSK3B activity was indirectly assessed by means of the proportion between phospho-GSK3B to total GSK3B (GSK3B ratio), the former representing the inactive form of the enzyme. Ser-9 phosphorylated GSK3B was significantly reduced in patients with MCI and AD as compared to controls (p = 0.04). Platelet GSK3B ratio was significantly decreased in patients with MCI and AD (p = 0.04), and positively correlated with scores on memory tests (r = 0.298, p = 0.01). In conclusion, we corroborate previous evidence of increased GSK activity in peripheral tissues of patients with MCI and AD, and further propose that platelet GSK may be an alternative peripheral biomarker of this abnormality, provided samples are adequately handled in order to preclude platelet activation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased Levels of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I Carriers

Background and Aims. HTLV-I-transformed T cells secrete biologically active forms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF). In addition, HTLV-I-transformed cells have a high capacity of adhesion to endothelial cells. Methods. We measured the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mature endothelial cells (MECs) by flow cytometry in 27 HTLV-I carriers in comparison to 30 healthy, age- and gender-matched subjects. All subjects had HTLV-I positivity confirmed by Western blot and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The numbers of different subpopulations of EPCs and MECSs were evaluated by four-color flow cytometry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. All reactions were done in duplicate to confirm reproducibility of the results. Results. The median age of all 27 HTLV-I carriers enrolled in this study was 45 years (range: 27-65 years); 11(41%) were male and 16 (59%) were female. The median age of the 30 healthy subjects in the control group was 45.5 years (range: 20-63 years); 11 (36.6%) were male and 19 (63.4%) were female. The number of EPCs was significantly higher in HTLV-I carriers (median 0.8288 cells/mu L, range: 0.0920-3.3176 cells/mu L) as compared to control group (median 0.4905 cells/mu L, range: 0.0000-1.5660 cells/mu L) (p = 0.035). In contrast, the median of the MECs in the HTLV-I carriers was 0.6380 cells/mu L (range: 0.0473-5.7618 cells/mu L) and 0.4950 cells/mu L (range: 0.0000-4.0896 cells/mu L) in the control group, with no statistical difference (p = 0.697). Conclusions. We demonstrated that EPCs, but not MECs, are increased in the peripheral blood of HTLV-I carriers. (C) 2011 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Continence, potency and oncological outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: early trifecta results of a high-volume surgeon

OBJECTIVE center dot To evaluate early trifecta outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed by a high-volume surgeon. PATIENTS AND METHODS center dot We evaluated prospectively 1100 consecutive patients who underwent RARP performed by one surgeon. In all, 541 men were considered potent before RARP; of these 404 underwent bilateral full nerve sparing and were included in this analysis. center dot Baseline and postoperative urinary and sexual functions were assessed using self-administered validated questionnaires. center dot Postoperative continence was defined as the use of no pads; potency was defined as the ability to achieve and maintain satisfactory erections for sexual intercourse > 50% of times, with or without the use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive PSA levels of > 0.2 ng/mL after RARP. center dot Results were compared between three age groups: Group 1, < 55 years, Group 2, 56-65 years and Group 3, > 65 years. RESULTS center dot The trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RARP were 42.8%, 65.3%, 80.3%, 86% and 91%, respectively. center dot There were no statistically significant differences in the continence and BCR-free rates between the three age groups at all postoperative intervals analysed. center dot Nevertheless, younger men had higher potency rates and shorter time to recovery of sexual function when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after RARP (P < 0.01 at all time points). center dot Similarly, younger men also had a shorter time to achieving the trifecta and had higher trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP compared with older men (P < 0.01 at all time points). CONCLUSION center dot RARP offers excellent short-term trifecta outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon. center dot Younger men had a shorter time to achieving the trifecta and higher overall trifecta rates when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP.

Cardiopulmonary Effects of Matching Positive End-Expiratory Pressure to Abdominal Pressure in Concomitant Abdominal Hypertension and Acute Lung Injury

Background: To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) equalization to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in an experimental model of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Eight anesthetized pigs were submitted to IAH of 20 mm Hg with a carbon dioxide insufflator for 30 minutes and then submitted to lung lavage with saline and Tween (2.5%). Pressure x volume curves of the respiratory system were performed by a low flow method during IAH and ALI, and PEEP was subsequently adjusted to 27 cm center dot H(2)O for 30 minutes. Results: IAH decreases pulmonary and respiratory system static compliances and increases airway resistance, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, and respiratory dead space. The presence of concomitant ALI exacerbates these findings. PEEP identical to AP moderately improved oxygenation and respiratory mechanics; however, an important decline in stroke index and right ventricle ejection fraction was observed. Conclusions: Simultaneous IAH and ALI produce important impairments in the respiratory physiology. PEEP equalization to AP may improve the respiratory performance, nevertheless with a secondary hemodynamic derangement.

Exercise training inhibits inflammatory cytokines and more than prevents myocardial dysfunction in rats with sustained beta-adrenergic hyperactivity

Myocardial hypertrophy and dysfunction occur in response to excessive catecholaminergic drive. Adverse cardiac remodelling is associated with activation of proinflammatory cytokines in the myocardium. To test the hypothesis that exercise training can prevent myocardial dysfunction and production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by beta-adrenergic hyperactivity, male Wistar rats were assigned to one of the following four groups: sedentary non-treated (Con); sedentary isoprenaline treated (Iso); exercised non-treated (Ex); and exercised plus isoprenaline (Iso+Ex). Echocardiography, haemodynamic measurements and isolated papillary muscle were used for functional evaluations. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to quantify tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in the tissue. NF-kappa B expression in the nucleus was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The Iso rats showed a concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV). These animals exhibited marked increases in LV end-diastolic pressure and impaired myocardial performance in vitro, with a reduction in the developed tension and maximal rate of tension increase and decrease, as well as worsened recruitment of the Frank-Starling mechanism. Both gene and protein levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, as well as TGF-beta(1) mRNA, were increased. In addition, the NF-kappa B expression in the Iso group was significantly raised. In the Iso+Ex group, the exercise training had the following effects: (1) it prevented LV hypertrophy; (ii) it improved myocardial contractility; (3) it avoided the increase of proinflammatory cytokines and improved interleukin-10 levels; and (4) it attenuated the increase of TGF-beta(1) mRNA. Thus, exercise training in a model of beta-adrenergic hyperactivity can avoid the adverse remodelling of the LV and inhibit inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the cardioprotection is related to beneficial effects on myocardial performance.

Bone mineral density analysis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 after total parathyroidectomy

P>Objective Limited data have been reported on the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) on bone mineral density (BMD) in the setting of patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). This study investigates the impact of total PTx on BMD in patients with HPT/MEN1. Design and patients A case series study was performed in a tertiary academic hospital. A total of 16 HPT/MEN1 patients from six families harbouring MEN1 germline mutations were subjected to total PTx followed by parathyroid auto-implant in the forearm. Measurements Bone mineral density values were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Before PTx, reduced BMD (Z-score <-2 center dot 0) was highly prevalent in the proximal one-third of the distal radius (1/3 DR) (50%), lumbar spine (LS) (43 center dot 7%), ultradistal radius (UDR) (43 center dot 7%), femoral neck (FN) (25%) and total femur (TF) (18 center dot 7%) in the patients. Fifteen months after PTx, we observed a BMD improvement in the LS (from 0 center dot 843 to 0 center dot 909 g/cm2; +8 center dot 4%, P = 0 center dot 001), FN (from 0 center dot 745 to 0 center dot 798 g/cm2; +7 center dot 7%, P = 0 center dot 0001) and TF (from 0 center dot 818 to 0 center dot 874 g/cm2; +6 center dot 9%, P < 0 center dot 0001). No significant change was noticed in the 1/3 DR and UDR after PTx. Conclusions This data confirmed BMD recovery in the LS and FN after PTx in HPT/MEN1 patients. We also documented a significant BMD increase in the TF and no change in both the 1/3 DR and UDR BMD after PTx. Our data suggest that LS and proximal femur are the most informative sites to evaluate the short-term BMD outcome after PTx in HPT/MEN1 subjects.

Differential display and suppression subtractive hybridization analysis of the pulp of ripening banana

The fruit of banana undergoes several important physico-chemical changes during ripening. Analysis of gene expression would permit identification of important genes and regulatory elements involved in this process. Therefore, transcript profiling of preclimacteric and climacteric fruit was performed using differential display and Suppression subtractive hybridization. Our analyses resulted in the isolation of 12 differentially expressed cDNAs, which were confirmed by dot-blots and northern blots. Among the sequences identified were sequences homologous to plant aquaporins, adenine nucleotide translocator, immunophilin, legumin-like proteins, deoxyguanosine kinase and omega-3 fatty acid desaturase. Some of these cDNAs correspond to newly isolated genes involved in changes related to the respiratory climacteric, or stress-defense responses. Functional characterization of ripening-associated genes could provide information useful in controlling biochemical pathways that would have an impact on banana quality and shelf life. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The frequency of human papillomavirus findings in normal oral mucosa of healthy people by PCR

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus, which belongs to papillomaviridae family, being of low and high risk, which infect the skin and mucous membranes and can induce benign and malign tumor formation. In the oral mucosa they have been associated with oral papilloma, focal epithelial hyperplasia, leucoplakia and oral neoplasia. Aim: to study the frequency of HPV finding in oral mucosa of normal people. Materials and methods: Prospective study, cross-sectional cohort. One hundred volunteers, young adults, healthy, aged between 20 and 31 years, university students with no history, no complains, without oral or oropharyngeal lesions. They were submitted to a questionnaire with questions regarding HPV infection epidemiology. The samples were harvested by brushing and analyzed by PCR. Results: The results were negative for HPV in all samples. Conclusion: It seems we had high social and economical class individuals, with nutrition rich in carotenoyds and vitamin C, low smoking and alcohol consumption and heterosexual habits with predominant monogamy and regular use of condoms.