Abstract Objective To analyze the serum levels of TNF-alpha and its TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 receptors in the blood of patients with low-impact fractures due to osteoporosis, comparing between genders and with healthy patients. Methods The present study was conducted with a blood sample of 62 patients, divided into patients with osteoporosis and healthy patients. The results were obtained using the ELISA method. Cytokine concentrations were determined based on the absorbance values obtained. Results Serum TNF-alpha levels were undetectable in female patients, while in males they were found only in one patient, with no significant difference. Similar results were found in the analyses of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 levels, a significant increase in levels of TNF-alpha receptors in the groups of patients with osteoporosis compared with the control groupinbothsexes.There wasnosignificant difference between the sexes in the dosage of both receptors within the group with osteoporosis. There was also a positive and significant correlation in the levels of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 only in women. Conclusion The significant increase in TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 levels in women with osteoporosis suggest that the release and expression of these receptors may be contributing differently to the development of osteoporosis in men and women.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa e de seus receptores TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 no sangue de pacientes com fraturas de baixo impacto, decorrentes de osteoporose, comparando entre os sexos e com pacientes saudáveis. Métodos Oestudofoi realizadocom amostradesanguede 62 pacientes,divididos em pacientes com osteoporose e pacientes saudáveis. Os resultados foram obtidos através do método de ELISA. As concentrações de citocinas foram determinadas com base nos valores de absorbância obtidos. Resultados Os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa foram indetectáveis nos pacientes do sexo feminino, enquanto no masculino encontrou-se somente em um paciente, não havendo diferença significativa. Encontrou-se resultados semelhantes nas análises dos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2, aumento significativo nos níveis dos receptores de TNF-alfa nos grupos de pacientes com osteoporose em comparação com o grupo controle, em ambos os sexos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos na dosagem de ambos os receptores dentro do grupo com osteoporose. Houve ainda correlação positiva e significativa nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 apenas nas mulheres. Conclusão O aumento significativo nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 em mulheres com osteoporose sugerem que a liberação e expressão destes receptores pode estar contribuindo de maneira distinta no desenvolvimento da osteoporose em homens e mulheres.

Abstract Background: Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection. Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20). Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a 2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages during fungal infection.

ABSTRACT Background: Domestic pigeons carry pathogens in their droppings, posing a potential public health problem. Methods: The phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistances of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium in the feces of urban pigeons near hospitals with intensive care units were measured. Results: Twenty-nine samples showed Enterococcus growth, whereas one was positive for S. aureus. The S. aureus isolate was sensitive to the antibiotics tested via antibiogram, however resistance genes were identified. E. faecium isolates showed phenotypic resistance to gentamicin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: Antimicrobial profiles harmful to health were demonstrated in bacterial pathogens isolated from the external environment of hospitals.

ABSTRACT Background: The screening of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected blood donors using two serological techniques frequently leads to conflicting results. This fact prompted us to evaluate the diagnostic performance of four “in-house” immunodiagnostic tests and two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Material and Methods: One hundred and seventy-nine blood donors, whose screening for Chagas disease was doubtful, underwent three in-house ELISAs, one in-house immunoblotting test (TESA-blot), and two commercial ELISAs (bioMérieux and Wiener) in an attempt to define the presence or absence of infection. Simultaneously, 29 donors with previous positive results from three conventional serological tests and 30 donors with constant negative results were evaluated. Results: The ELISA-Wiener showed the highest rate in sensitivity (98.92%) and the ELISA-bioMérieux, the highest specificity (99.45%), followed by the TESA-blot, which showed superior performance, with lower false-negative (2.18%) and false-positive (1.12%) rates. In series, the combination composed of the TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux showed slightly superior performance, with trifunctional protein deficiency (TFP) = 0.01%. Conclusion: Our study confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of commercial kits. To confirm the presence or absence of T. cruzi infection, the combination of TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux may be suggested as the best alternative. Individually, the TESA-blot performed the closest to the gold standard; however, it is not commercially available.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the frequency of cardiometabolic risk markers and metabolic syndrome occurrence in overweight and obese children and adolescents. METHODS: The participants included 161 overweight (n=65) and obese (n=96) individuals aged between 5 and 19 years. Clinical markers were assessed (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, acanthosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, laboratory parameters [glucose, insulin, cholesterol (total and fractions) and triglyceride levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index] and leptin and adiponectin levels). The frequency of changes, odds ratios and correlations among markers were determined. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: A high frequency of acanthosis (51.6%); increased waist circumference (45.4%), systolic blood pressure / diastolic blood pressure (8.1% / 9.3%), glucose (10%), insulin (36.9%) and HOMA-IR (44.3%) values; and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (47.2%) were observed. Leptin levels were increased in 95% of obese and in 66% of overweight subjects. Adiponectin was decreased in 29.5% of obese and in 34% of overweight subjects. An odd ratio analysis revealed a greater probability of increased waist circumference (9.0), systolic blood pressure (4.1), triglyceride (2.3) and insulin (2.9) levels and HOMA-IR (3.0) in the obese group than in the overweight group. The clinical and laboratory parameters and leptin levels exhibited significant correlations, whereas adiponectin was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. The occurrence rate of metabolic syndrome was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of changes in clinical, laboratory and adipokine markers indicates the need for early interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic complications in adulthood.

RESUMO Racional: O trauma cirúrgico induz resposta de estresse pós-operatório significativo, evidenciado pelos níveis elevados de citocinas, podendo favorecer o surgimento de distúrbios imunológicos. A magnitude de estresse está relacionada ao grau do trauma cirúrgico. Objetivos: Avaliar a expressão das citocinas pró-inflamatórias (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17) e da anti-inflamatória (IL-4) no pré e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidas à colecistectomia laparoscópica por dois métodos: convencional e por portal único. Métodos: Quarenta mulheres com colecistolitíase sintomática foram operadas, sendo 21 por procedimento laparoscópico convencional e 19 por portal único. As citocinas TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, e IL-17 presentes no plasma foram quantificadas pelo método de ELISA em dois momentos: no pré-operatório e após 24 h da operação. Resultados: A avaliação da resposta imune não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante das citocinas IFN-γ e IL-1β na comparação entre os grupos e tempos analisados. Em relação às citocinas TNF-α e IL-4 os níveis séricos estavam abaixo dos níveis de detecção (10 pg/ml) em ambos os grupos e tempos analisados. Observou-se que as operadas por portal único apresentaram expressão significativa da IL-17A do período pré para o pós-operatório (p=0,0094). Conclusões: A expressão aumentada da IL-17A no pós-operatório do grupo de portal único pode indicar que o estresse cirúrgico foi maior em comparação ao da colecistectomia laparoscópica convencional.

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical trauma triggers an important postoperative stress response characterized by significantly elevated levels of cytokines, an event that can favor the emergence of immune disorders which lead to disturbances in the patient's body defense. The magnitude of postoperative stress is related to the degree of surgical trauma. Aim: To evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines in patients submitted to conventional and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy before and 24 h after surgery. Methods: Forty women with symptomatic cholelithiasis, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years, participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: 21 submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 19 to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: Evaluation of the immune response showed no significant difference in IFN-γ and IL-1β levels between the groups or time points analyzed. With respect to TNF-α and IL-4, serum levels below the detection limit (10 pg/ml) were observed in the two groups and at the time points analyzed. Significantly higher postoperative expression of IL-17A was detected in patients submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels (p=0.0094). Conclusions: Significant postoperative expression of IL-17 was observed in the group submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels, indicating that surgical stress in this group was higher compared to the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Racional: Mecanismos imunológicos e inflamatórios desempenham papel-chave no desenvolvimento e progressão do diabete melito tipo 2. Objetivo: Levantar a hipótese de que alterações nos parâmetros imunológicos ocorrem após operação duodenojejunal combinada com interposição ileal sem gastrectomia, e influenciam o metabolismo da insulina das células beta. Métodos: Dezessete pacientes com diabete melito tipo 2 sob manejo clínico foram submetidos à cirurgia e amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes e seis meses após para avaliação do perfil de sorológico de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A) e anti-inflamatórias(IL-4, IL-10). Além disso, parâmetros antropométricos, glicemia e uso de insulina foram avaliados em cada paciente. Resultados: Não ocorreram alterações no padrão de expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias observadas antes e depois da operação. Em contraste, houve diminuição significativa na expressão de IL-10, que coincide com redução da dose diária de insulina, com o controle glicêmico e redução do IMC dos pacientes. Apresentação precoce de alimentos para o íleo pode ter induzido a produção das incretinas tais como GLP-1 e PYY, que, juntamente com o controle da glicemia, contribuíram para a perda de peso, remissão do diabete e o bom prognóstico consequente cirúrgico. Além disso, o controle de síndrome metabólica foi responsável pela redução da expressão de IL-10 nestes doentes. Conclusão: Baixo grau de inflamação estava presente nesses pacientes no pós-operatório, certamente pelo adequado controle glicêmico e ausência de obesidade, o que contribuiu para bom resultado cirúrgico.

Background: Immunological and inflammatory mechanisms play a key role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim: To raise the hypothesis that alterations in immunological parameters occur after duodenojejunal bypass surgery combined with ileal interposition without gastrectomy, and influences the insulin metabolism of betacells. Methods: Seventeen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus under clinical management were submitted to surgery and blood samples were collected before and six months after surgery for evaluation of the serum profile of proinflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). In addition, anthropometric measures, glucose levels and insulin use were evaluated in each patient. Results: No changes in the expression pattern of proinflammatory cytokines were observed before and after surgery. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 expression, which coincided with a reduction in the daily insulin dose, glycemic index, and BMI of the patients. Early presentation of food to the ileum may have induced the production of incretins such as GLP-1 and PYY which, together with glycemic control, contributed to weight loss, diabetes remission and the consequent good surgical prognosis of these patients. In addition, the control of metabolic syndrome was responsible for the reduction of IL-10 expression in these patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest the presence of low-grade inflammation in these patients during the postoperative period, certainly as a result of adequate glycemic control and absence of obesity, contributing to a good outcome of surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of sustained deep inspiration in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications, the hormonal and immunological responses in patients submitted to abdominal surgery. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study included 75 patients submitted to abdominal surgery, of which 36 were randomly allocated in the experimental group and underwent sustained deep inspiration during five seconds, in three sets of ten repetitions per day. The others 39 patients were allocated in the control group and were not submitted to any breathing exercise. The following parameters were measured preoperatively, 24h and 48h postoperatively: chest x-ray, serum ACTH, cortisol, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF 25-75), forced vital capacity (FVC), paO2 and paCO2. RESULTS: Mean serum cortisol in patients of the experimental and control groups before surgery were 12.8 mcg/dl (4.6-50) and 10.48 mcg/dl (1-29.1), respectively (p=0.414). The experimental group had significantly increase in serum cortisol levels, 23.6 mcg/dl (9.3-45.8), especially 24h postoperatively (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: Sustained deep inspiration in patients submitted to abdominal surgery determined important changes in serum cortisol, however, without significantly influence the postoperative pulmonary complications and the endocrine and immune responses

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevalência de colelitíase observada na população em geral varia de 9 a 18%. Sabe-se que a prevalência de colelitíase é elevada quando existe lesão nervosa parassimpática das vias biliares, causada tanto por procedimentos cirúrgicos (vagotomias),quanto por destruição neuronal, como observado na forma digestiva da doença de Chagas. Propusemo-nos verificar a associação entre megaesôfago de etiologia chagásica e a presença de colelitíase. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se prospectivamente o exame ultrassonográfico de 152 pacientes portadores de megaesôfago submetidos à cirurgia de cardiomiotomia e esofagectomia subtotal. Analisou-se comparativamente a esofagopatia chagásica e a idiopática com a presença de colelitíase, correlacionando os dados ultrassonográficos com os achados clínicos, idade, sexo e raça. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 152 casos de megaesôfago, sendo 137 de etiologia chagásica e 15 idiopáticos. Entre os chagásicos, a idade média foi de 56,7 anos (45-67); e nos idiopáticos, a média de idade foi de 35,6 anos (27-44), verificando-se diferença significativa (p < 0,0001) em relação à média de idade. Dos 137 chagásicos, 78 (56,9%) eram do sexo masculino; entre os 15 idiopáticos, 7 (46,6%) eram do sexo masculino. A comparação entre os grupos em relação ao gênero não mostrou diferença significativa. Dentre os 137 chagásicos detectou-se 39 (28,4%) casos de colelitíase e, dentre os 15 casos de megaesôfago idiopático, constatou-se colelitíase em apenas um (6,6%). CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que portadores de megaesôfago chagásico possuem alta prevalência de colelitíase, e que a ultrassonografia deve ser realizada rotineiramente no pré-operatório, a fim de tratar ambas as afecções no mesmo ato cirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the general population ranges from 9 to 18%. This prevalence is known to be higher in the presence of parasympathetic nerve damage of the biliary tract either due to surgery (vagotomy) or neuronal destruction (Chagas disease). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cholelithiasis and chagasic or idiopathic megaesophagus. METHODS: The ultrasound scans of 152 patients with megaesophagus submitted to cardiomyotomy and subtotal esophagectomy surgery were evaluated. The presence of cholelithiasis was compared between chagasic and idiopathic esophagopathy and ultrasound and clinical findings were correlated with age, sex and race. RESULTS: A total of 152 cases of megaesophagus, including 137 with chagasic megaesophagus and 15 with idiopathic megaesophagus, were analyzed. The mean age was 56.7 years (45-67) in the 137 patients with chagasic megaesophagus and 35.6 years (27-44) in the 15 cases of idiopathic megaesophagus, with a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.0001). The group with chagasic megaesophagus consisted of 59 (43%) women and 78 (56.9%) men, while the group with idiopathic megaesophagus consisted of 8 (53.3%) women and 7 (46.6%) men, showing no significant difference between the groups. Of the 137 patients with confirmed chagasic megaesophagus, 39 (28.4%) presented cholelithiasis versus one case (6.6%) in the 15 patients with idiopathic megaesophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis is high in patients with chagasic megaesophagus and preoperative ultrasound should be performed routinely in these patients in order to treat both conditions during the same surgical procedure.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do pneumoperitônio em animais submetidos à irritação peritoneal provocada pelo agente biológico Saccharomyces cerevisae mediante a contagem do número de contrações abdominais. MÉTODOS: Para o estudo do efeito da ação analgésica do pneumoperitônio os 60 camundongos foram divididos em dois grupos, grupo experimento (com pneumoperitôneo) e controle (sem pneumoperitôneo). Os dois grupos receberam injeção intraperitoneal de zimosan na dose de 1mg/0,2ml/camundongo. RESULTADOS: O somatório do número de contrações abdominais do grupo experimento (com pneumoperitôneo) foi significativamente menor que no grupo controle (sem pneumoperitôneo). O número médio de contrações no grupo controle foi significativamente maior quando comparado com o grupo experimento. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se efeito analgésico do pneumoperitônio com CO2 em animais submetidos à irritação peritoneal pelo zimosan.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of pneumoperitoneum in mice submitted to peritoneal irritation provoked by the biological agent Saccharomyces cerevisae, by counting the number of abdominal contractions elicited. METHODS: To study the effects of pneumoperitoneum analgesic action, 60 mice were divided into two groups: the experimental group, subjected to pneumoperitoneum; and the control group, without pneumoperitoneum. The both groups received intraperitoneal injection of zymosan at a dose of 1mg/0,2ml/mouse. RESULTS: The sum of the number of abdominal contractions of the experimental group (with pneumoperitoneum) was significantly lower than that of the control group (without pneumoperitoneum). In the experimental group, a lower number of contractions occurred in each min compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The observation of the analgesic effect of pneumoperitoneum using CO2 in mice submitted to peritoneal irritation by zymosan was verified.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ativação plaquetária através da P-selectina e o conteúdo de PDGF-AB e TGFbeta1, nos pacientes com esquistossomose que desenvolveram fibrose (F3), naqueles que não tiveram esta manifestação (F0) e nos controles (C). Os resultados mostraram que a percentagem de P-selectina nas plaquetas sem estímulo de agonistas foi de 10,6% nos F3; 11,1% nos FO, e 6,3% nos C e após a adição de ADP/adrenalina, foi de 44%; 25,3% e 42%, respectivamente. A dosagem do PDGF-AB e TGFbeta1 por plaquetas foi de 11,016ng/dL (F3); 3,172 ng/dL (F0) e 5,01ng/dL (C) e, (0,012ng/dL (F3); 5,27ng/dL (F0) e 4,66ng/dL (C), respectivamente. Em relação à P-selectina, concluímos que as plaquetas dos pacientes com esquistossomoses, apesar de estarem pré ativadas, mantiveram-se responsivas aos agonistas. O TFGbeta1 não apresentou diferença entre os três grupos, enquanto o PDGF-AB foi significantemente maior no grupo F3, sugerindo a participação deste no desenvolvimento da fibrose.

The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet activation through P-selectin, and PDGF-AB and TGFbeta1 content, in schistosomiasis patients who developed fibrosis (F3) and who did not present this (F0), and in a control group (C). The results showed that the percentage of P-selectin in platelets without agonist stimulation was 10.6% in F3, 11.1% in F0 and 6.3% in C. After the addition of ADP/adrenaline, the percentages were 44%, 25.3% and 42%, respectively. The PDGF-AB and TGFbeta1 contents per platelet were 11,016ng/dl (F3), 3,172ng/dl (F0) and 5.01ng/dl (C) and 0,012ng/dl (F3), 5.27ng/dl (F0) and 4.66ng/dl (C), respectively. Concerning the P-selectin, we can conclude that platelets from patients with schistosomiasis continued to be responsive to agonists, despite being pre-activated. There were no differences in TGFbeta1 between the groups, but the PDGF-AB content was significantly higher in F3. This suggests that PDGF-AB may have some participation in the development of fibrosis.