Aminoacetone, a putative endogenous source of methylglyoxal, causes oxidative stress and death to insulin-producing RINm5f cells

Aminoacetone (AA), triose phosphates, and acetone are putative endogenous sources of potentially cytotoxic and genotoxic methylglyoxal (MG), which has been reported to be augmented in the plasma of diabetic patients. In these patients, accumulation of MG derived from aminoacetone, a threonine and glycine catabolite, is inferred from the observed concomitant endothelial overexpression of circulating semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases. These copper-dependent enzymes catalyze the oxidation of primary amines, such as AA and methylamine, by molecular oxygen, to the corresponding aldehydes, NH4+ ion and H2O2. We recently reported that AA aerobic oxidation to MG also takes place immediately upon addition of catalytic amounts of copper and iron ions. Taking into account that (i) MG and H2O2 are reportedly cytotoxic to insulin-producing cell lineages such as RINm5f and that (ii) the metal-catalyzed oxidation of AA is propagated by O-2(center dot-) radical anion, we decided to investigate the possible pro-oxidant action of AA on these cells taken here as a reliable model system for pancreatic beta-cells. Indeed, we show that AA (0.10-5.0 mM) administration to RINm5f cultures induces cell death. Ferrous (50-300 mu M) and Fe3+ ion (100 mu M) addition to the cell cultures had no effect, whereas Cu2+ (5.0-100 mu M) significantly increased cell death. Supplementation of the AA- and Cu2+-containing culture medium with antioxidants, such as catalase (5.0 mu M), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 50 U/mL), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 5.0 mM) led to partial protection. mRNA expression of MnSOD, CuZnSOD, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, but not of catalase, is higher in cells treated with AA (0.50-1.0 mM) plus Cu2+ ions (10-50 mu M) relative to control cultures. This may imply higher activity of antioxidant enzymes C, in RINm5f AA-treated cells. In addition, we have found that AA (0.50-1.0 mM) Plus Cu2+ (100 mu M) (i) increase RINm5f cytosolic calcium; (ii) promote DNA fragmentation; and (iii) increase the pro-apoptotic (Bax)/antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) ratio at the level of mRNA expression. In conclusion, although both normal and pathological concentrations of AA are probably much lower than those used here, it is tempting to propose that excess AA in diabetic patients may drive oxidative damage and eventually the death of pancreatic beta-cells.

Os filhos evangélicos do novo caldeirão do diabo: a conversão religiosa na penitenciária de alcaçuz

The theme of the research is inserted at a field of intersection between the Sociology of Religion and Sociology of Violence, having as the general objective study the sociological meaning of the conversion of prisoners that lives at the biggest prison (Prison of Alcaçuz) of Rio Grande do Norte to the evangelical churches. The research is justified, because Brazil shelter the fourth greater arrested population arrested of the world, with projections indicating that it can turn the greatest in 2034. Besides, this study about religious conversion of prisoners to the Social Sciences is too important, because is a theme little developed in Brazil and deserves attention, one time that as the arrested people as the evangelicals are in expansion in our country. Starting from the precedent observations, we guide ourselves by the following problematic of research: the religious practice in Alcaçuz presents a mere instrumental perspective, where the actions of prisoners converted was on purpose oriented to conquest material or symbolic privileges; or purely religious, where seek a moral renovation? To develop the work, the scientific methodology adopted was exploratory and explanatory, using the Goffman´s theory about total institutions and presentation of self, and Blumer´s doctrine relating to Symbolic Interacionism and the Story life method, besides considerations about evangelical religion. Having this theoretical basis, was accomplished the Field research, when were made interviews and applied questionnaires to 11 Jailer Agents, 31 prisoners, Director and Vice-Dictor (in November, 2011), the coordinator of social projects of the prison and the coordinator of evangelization at the prisons in Rio Grande do Norte. As results, it was seeing in Alcaçuz that the prisoners can be separated in two groups: the one of Pavilions and other one of the Medical Section. The Pavilions are branded for managerial and structural problems, where are found idle prisoners in collective cells and with a historical of escaping attempts, mutinies and murders. The Medical Section has some individual cells or destined for two people, besides few collective also, and the prisoners work and have a more disciplined behavior, there isn t escapes or rebellions and that, for these reasons end for have more confidence from the Administration. About the presence of evangelical prisoners, most are at Medical Section, where exist a specific place to the cults (what doesn t at Pavilions). At the end, the conclusion is that the prisoner that says himself evangelical in Alcaçuz, although can be seeing with distrust about your real conversion, he gets win a trust vote and until the opposite being demonstrated in other words, that he is not hiding himself behind the bible to divert the vigilance of Direction and practice disciplinary faults without make any suspicions, is treated with more respect and has more opportunities live at Medical Section; have work, that most of times is paid and guarantee the homologation of your payment of penalty with work, besides other benefits, diminishing his time in jail

Possible role of bovine trophoblast giant cells in transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle

Neospora caninum is an aplicomplexan parasite that has brought several concerns to cattle raisers worldwide due to its relationship to fetal loss. However, the mechanism of the parasite's transplacental infection and induced abortions are not completely understood. Bovine trophoblastic binucleated cells (BNC) play a major role in the maternal-fetal interactions, migrating during the entire pregnancy from chorionic connections to uterine epithelium. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of BNC as phagocytic cells and its participation in the bovine transplacental infection of N. caninum. BNC was isolated by discontinuous Percoll gradient, and characterized by Hoeschst 33342 nucleus-specific staining. Isolated BNC were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% bovine fetal serum, and infected with 10(4) tachyzoites of N. caninum NC-1 strain. Parasite invasion was visualized by indirect immunofluorescence and Giemsa technique. Multiplication of parasites took place in 2-3 day cycles. Healthy cows' placenta and normal and infected cultured BNC was immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against CD-163, MAC-387 and NOS, demonstrating their phagocyte capacity. Thus, BNC was characterized as cells with macrophagic activity, which may host N. caninum in vitro. Therefore, we may conclude that BNC could potentially participate in the transplacental infection of bovine neosporosis.

Diferenças funcionais das regiões hipocampais na formação da memória do tipo o quê", "quando" e "onde" em ratos

Episodic memory refers to the recollection of what, where and when a specific event occurred. Hippocampus is a key structure in this type of memory. Computational models suggest that the dentate gyrus (DG) and the CA3 hippocampal subregions are involved in pattern separation and the rapid acquisition of episodic memories, while CA1 is involved in memory consolidation. However there are few studies with animal models that access simultaneously the aspects ‗what-where-when . Recently, an object recognition episodic-like memory task in rodents was proposed. This task consists of two sample trials and a test phase. In sample trial one, the rat is exposed to four copies of an object. In sample trial two, one hour later, the rat is exposed to four copies of a different object. In the test phase, 1 h later, two copies of each of the objects previously used are presented. One copy of the object used in sample trial one is located in a different place, and therefore it is expected to be the most explored object.However, the short retention delay of the task narrows its applications. This study verifies if this task can be evoked after 24h and whether the pharmacological inactivation of the DG/CA3 and CA1 subregions could differentially impair the acquisition of the task described. Validation of the task with a longer interval (24h) was accomplished (animals showed spatiotemporal object discrimination and scopolamine (1 mg/kg, ip) injected pos-training impaired performance). Afterwards, the GABA agonist muscimol, (0,250 μg/μl; volume = 0,5 μl) or saline were injected in the hippocampal subregions fifteen minutes before training. Pre-training inactivation of the DG/CA3 subregions impaired the spatial discrimination of the objects (‗where ), while the temporal discrimination (‗when ) was preserved. Rats treated with muscimol in the CA1 subregion explored all the objects equally well, irrespective of place or presentation time. Our results corroborate the computational models that postulate a role for DG/CA3 in spatial pattern separation, and a role for CA1 in the consolidation process of different mnemonic episodes

Histology and ultrastructure of pericardial cells of Scaptotrigona postica latreille (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in workers and queens of different ages

The paper presents a study of the pericardial cells of Scaptotrigona postica an eusocial Brazilian stingless bee. Light and electron microscopy was used in a comparative study on workers and queens of different ages, exerting different functions in the colony. The pericardial cells are found only in the peticardial sinus, mainly in groups around the dorsal vessel. Each cell is enclosed by the basal membrane and its peripheral region is characterized by folds of the plasma membrane, which form canals and loops. The points where the plasma membrane folds is frequently closed by diaphragms, that along with the basal lamina form a barrier to substances from hemolymph. Along the membrane limiting the canals and loops, an intense endocytic activity through coated vesicles takes place indicating a selective absorption of hemolymph components. In older individuals, workers or queens, the cells exhibit larger quantities of cytoplasm inclusions, heterogeneous vacuoles containing the final products of intracellular digestion, and autophagic vacuoles with concentric membranous structures. The pericardial cells general morphology is in accordance with the role in processing metabolites captured from hemolymph and storage of indigested residues. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparação de catalisadores de reforma de glicerol para células a combustível de eletrólito sólido

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Porcentagem de aceitação de larvas de diferentes grupos genéticos de Apis mellifera na produção de abelhas rainhas

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FMVZ

Histórias de pescadores: memórias de vidas submersas

Pós-graduação em Psicologia - FCLAS

Efeitos da variação térmica no sistema pigmentar extracutâneo do anuro Eupemphix nattereri (Anura: Leiuperidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Puberty in male collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) determined by quantitative analysis of spermatogenic cells

Estudos biológicos são necessários para o manejo da vida silvestre em cativeiro, e o conhecimento da reprodução é um dos aspectos importantes para o aumento da produção. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a idade da puberdade do cateto macho. Foram utilizadas amostras testiculares de 15 animais, entre 7 a 16 meses, distribuídos em cinco grupos (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5). Os testículos aumentaram no peso, comprimento e largura consideravelmente (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G3, enquanto que, a partir deste grupo, o desenvolvimento desse órgão foi mais lento. Houve correlação positiva (p < 0,001) entre os seguintes parâmetros testiculares: peso e comprimento (r = 0,97), peso e largura (r = 0,88), comprimento e largura (r = 0,92). Com relação ao diâmetro tubular, observou-se um aumento (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G4. A quantidade total de células espermatogênicas aumentou significativamente (p < 0,05) até o G3, e se estabilizou a partir deste grupo. Houve correlação positiva entre o peso testicular e o diâmetro tubular (r = 0,99, p < 0,001), bem como o peso testicular e as células espermatogênicas (r = 0,98, p < 0,001). A quantidade de células de Sertoli reduziu significativamente (p < 0,05) do G1, onde se encontravam indiferenciadas como células de suporte, até G5, onde foram observadas juntamente com todas as células da linhagem espermática. Estes resultados demonstraram que as fases do desenvolvimento reprodutivo de catetos podem ser classificadas em: impúbere (G1, 7-8 meses), pré-púbere (G2, 9-10 meses), púbere (G3, 11-12 meses), pós-púbere 1 (G4, 13-14 meses) e pós-púbere 2 (G5, 15-16 meses). Com base na análise histológica, a puberdade dos catetos machos ocorre entre 11 e 12 meses de idade.

O uso da somatotropina bovina recombinante em reprodução bovina

The recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at first, had its widespread use in dairy cows in order to increase milk production. Currently, it has been studied frequently and use their influence both in bovine milk, such as cutting. Its production has been an evolution to the science, using bacteria to produce recombinant DNA. Most authors that have studied and obtained positive results, such as increasing the number of ovarian follicles larger than five millimeters, among others. Its action takes place directly on the ovary, follicles, corpus luteum, the granulosa cells, oviduct, myometrium, endometrium and placenta, where they were found receptors, or indirectly through the release of insuline like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Therefore, the objective of this work is to explain the importance of bST in bovine as well as the usefulness of this, its mechanism of action and the benefits it can bring when combined with other biotechnology, such as superovulation, embryo transfer, synchronization of estrus, and others

Memória de onde, memória de quem

The spatial formation of Rio Claro city preserves several features of the problematic transition from the slave to remunerated labor in the late 20th, when the tacit ethnic bipolar sociability standard emerged, imprinting “black” and “white” forms to the city’s urban space. The ethnic social clubs José do Patrocínio and Tamoio, are two objects of ethnic groups’ exclusive use. Such ethnic social clubs indicate the existence of conflicts in their formation, as well as in their present existence, they are forms that preserve in themselves the codes and histories of the local black movement’s fight for their rights and for an autonomous place in the local society. In the present context the spaces are increasingly subjected to commercial interests and the spirits are embedded in confusion. What is the value of these spaces for the subjects who built them? The versions and narratives from oral accounts will allow us to understand the existing dimensions in the relation between the places and the memory, evidencing the importance of the patrimony and the patrimonial policies to the cities in the present historical period of geographic space globalization

Onde a luta se travar: a expansão das Assembleias de Deus no Brasil urbano (1946-1980)

Pós-graduação em História - FCLAS

Minha terra tem palmeiras onde canta o sabiá...: sobre o Projeto Inajá e a formação de professores no médio Araguaia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ruolo delle cellule staminali mesenchimali in modelli cellulari e animali di nefropatia

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may be of value in regeneration of renal tissue after damage, however lack of biological knowledge and variability of results in animal models limit their utilization. Methods. We studied the effects of MSC on podocytes ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ utilizing adriamycin (ADR) as a model of renal toxicity. The ‘in vivo’ experimental approach was carried out in male Sprague Dawley rats (overall 60 animals) treated with different ADR schemes to induce acute and chronic nephrosis. MSC were given a) concomitantly to ADR in tail vein or b) in aorta and c) in tail vein 60 days after ADR. Homing was assessed with PKH26-MSC. Results. MSC rescued podocytes from apoptosis induced by ADR ‘in vitro’. The maximal effect (80% rescue) was obtained with MSC/Podocytes co-culture ratio of 1:1 for 72 hours. All rats treated with ADR developed nephrosis. In no case MSC modified the clinical parameters (i.e. proteinuria, serum creatinine, lipids) but protected the kidney from severe glomerulosclerosis when given concomitantly to ADR. Rats given MSC 60 days after ADR developed the same severe renal damage. Only few MSC were found in renal tubule-interstitial areas after 1-24 hours from injection and no MSC was detected in glomeruli. Conclusions. MSC reduced apoptosis of podocytes treated with ADR ‘in vitro’. Early and repeated MSC infusion blunted glomerular damage in chronic ADR nephropathy. MSC did not modify proteinuria and progression to renal failure, that implies lack of regenerative potential in this model.