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 Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death by infectious diseases worldwide. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a growing problem, especially in countries with high TB prevalence. Although the lungs are the organs most frequently affected by this disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can harm any organ, including the urogenital tract, causing extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which leads to a challenging diagnosis and consequent treatment delays. In this article, we present a case of orchiepididymitis caused by multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) with a significantly delayed diagnosis, the proposed treatment according to the resistance profile, and the clinical outcomes. (TB worldwide Multidrugresistant Multidrug resistant problem prevalence disease organ tract delays article multidrugresistant multidrug MDRTB MDR (MDR-TB profile outcomes

Abstract Objectives: Upper respiratory tract infections in children generally have significant morbidity and mortality. There is little data available about functional immaturity of the immune system and the child’s susceptibility to infections at the beginning of their lives, thus, justifying a more specific immunological analysis. Method: Analysis of hemograms and innate and adaptive immune responses in 95 children between age 1 to 6 years with episodes of recurrent respiratory infections (test group n = 39) and without these episodes (control group n = 56) was carried out. The production of reactive oxygen intermediates by peripheral blood cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate was analyzed. Additionally, the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes, and cytotoxic cells was determined using flow cytometry. Results: Results from both groups did not show statistically significant differences in red blood cells, total leukocytes count, and the differential neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes count. The analysis of the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes (LTCD4), and cytotoxic cells (LTCD8) also did not show any difference between both groups. However, the production of radical oxygen intermediates was significantly reduced in the test group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference in the analysis of hemograms, leukograms, or the number of lymphocytes, LTCD4, LTCD8, or LTCD19. The reduced production of oxygen intermediates in the affected group suggests that these children’s microbicide capacity is compromised, which may be related to their recurrent respiratory infections.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a influência dos níveis hormonais de vitamina D, calcitonina, testosterona, estradiol e paratormônio em pacientes com fratura atribuída a osteoporose, quando comparados com pacientes jovens que tiveram fraturas decorrentes de acidente de alto impacto. Métodos Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 30 pacientes idosos com fratura atribuída a osteoporose (T-score ≤-2,5) (grupo com osteoporose) e 30 amostras de sangue de pacientes jovens que sofreram fraturas decorrentes de acidentes de alto impacto (grupo controle). Foram realizadas dosagem de 1,25-hidroxivitamina D (Kit Diasorin, Saluggia, Italy), calcitonina (Kit Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA), testosterona, estradiol e paratormônio (Kit Beckman Couter, Indianapolis, IN, United States) pela técnica de quimiluminescência. Os dados foram inseridos em uma planilha de dados no programa Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, EUA) e analisados pelo programa de estatística Statview. Os resultados que apresentaram distribuição não normal foram analisados com métodos não paramétricos. Para análise de variáveis comparando-se os dois grupos, aplicou-se o teste Mann-Whitney. Foi utilizado o teste de correlação de Spearman para a correlacionar os níveis hormonais. Um valor-p >0.05 foi considerado significante. Todas as análises foram feitas comparando gênero e grupos de pacientes come sem osteoporose. Resultados Mulheres com osteoporose apresentam níveis significativamente menores de estradiol e vitamina D (p = 0.047 e p = 0.0275), respectivamente. Homens com osteoporose demonstraram níveis significativamente maiores de paratormônio (p = 0.0065). Não houve diferença significativa nos níveis de testosterona e calcitonina. Conclusão Existem diferenças hormonais entre os gêneros na osteoporose. Em mulheres, níveis significativamente menores de estradiol e vitamina D e, nos homens, níveis significativamente maiores de paratormônio, parecem influenciar na doença.

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate the influence of hormonal levels of vitamin D, calcitonin, testosterone, estradiol, and parathyroid in patients with fractures attributed to osteoporosis when compared with young patients with fractures resulting from high-impact accidents. Methods Blood samples were collected from 30 elderly patients with osteoporosisattributed fractures (T-score ≤-2.5) (osteoporotic group), and from 30 young patients with fractures resulting from high-impact accidents (control group). Measurement of 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (Kit Diasorin, Saluggia, Italy), calcitonin (Kit Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA), testosterone, estradiol, and parathyroid hormone (Kit Beckman Couter, Indianapolis, IN, United States) was performed using a chemiluminescence technique. Data were inserted into a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Armonk, WA, USA) spreadsheet and analyzed using Statview statistical software. Results showing non-normal distribution were analyzed with nonparametric methods. The Mann-Whitney test was applied for group comparison, and a Spearman test correlated hormonal levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. All analyzes compared gender and subjects with and without osteoporosis. Results Women with osteoporosis had significantly lower levels of estradiol and vitamin D (p = 0.047 and p = 0.0275, respectively). Men with osteoporosis presented significantly higher levels of parathyroid hormone (p = 0.0065). There was no significant difference in testosterone and calcitonin levels. Conclusion Osteoporosis patients presented gender-related hormonal differences. Women had significantly lower levels of estradiol and vitamin D, whereas men had significantly higher parathyroid hormone levels, apparently impacting the disease.

Resumo O tabagismo é um fator de risco para sérios problemas de saúde e está associado a diversas alterações nos tecidos da cavidade oral. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a porcentagem de colágeno, densidade de mastócitos e intensidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-HIF-1α na musculatura lingual de ratos expostos passivamente à fumaça principal do cigarro. Vinte e sete ratos Wistar albinos fêmeas foram divididos em três grupos: ratos não expostos à inalação da fumaça do tabaco (grupo controle) (n=7); ratos expostos à inalação da fumaça por 30 dias (TAB 30) (n=10); e ratos expostos à inalação da fumaça por 45 dias (TAB 45) (n=10). Posteriormente, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e remoção da língua para processamento e análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica. Nos grupos TAB 30 e TAB 45, houve diminuição do percentual de colágeno, maior densidade de mastócitos e maior intensidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-HIF-1α em comparação ao grupo controle. Houve também correlação positiva e significativa entre a porcentagem de colágeno e a densidade de mastócitos. Não houve diferença significativa entre TAB 30 e TAB 45 em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. Portanto, a exposição passiva de ratos à fumaça principal do cigarro por 45 dias provoca diminuição das fibras de colágeno perimisial, aumento do número de mastócitos e aumento da imunomarcação para o HIF-1α em células musculares linguais. O presente estudo foi o primeiro a avaliar a porcentagem de colágeno, densidade de mastócitos e imunomarcação para o HIF-1α em línguas de ratos expostos à fumaça do tabaco.

Abstract Smoking is a risk factor for serious health problems and is associated with several changes in the tissues of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the collagen percentage, mast cells density, intensity of immunolabeled cells by anti-HIF-1α in the musculature lingual of rats exposed to secondhand smoke. Twenty-seven female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: rats not exposed to tobacco smoke inhalation (Control group) (n=7); rats exposed to smoke inhalation for 30 days (TAB 30) (n=10); and rats exposed to smoke inhalation for 45 days (TAB 45) (n=10). Subsequently, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and removal of the tongue for histological and immunohistochemistry processing and analysis. In the groups TAB 30 and TAB 45 there were a lower percentage of collagen, a higher density of mast cells and a greater intensity of anti-HIF-1α immunolabeled cells compared to Control group. There was also a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of collagen and mast cell density. There was not significative difference between TAB 30 e TAB 45 in any of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, the exposure of rats to secondhand smoke for 45 days causes decrease in perimysial collagen fibers, increase in the number of mast cells and increase in the immunolabeling for HIF-1α in lingual muscle cells. The present study was the first to evaluate the percentage of collagen, mast cell density and immunostaining for HIF-1α in rat tongues exposed to tobacco smoke.

Abstract Background: The evaluation of palatal rugae in human identification is important because these structures can remain intact for up to seven days after death. Aim: To compare the area and density of the palatal rugae between ages groups and genders. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: Dental plaster models obtained from patients at the Orthodontic Clinic of University of Uberaba were selected. Two hundred patients were divided into four groups: Group 1:10-15 years; Group 2:16-30 years; Group 3:31-50 years; and Group 4:51-70 years. The palatal rugae and hard palate of each plaster model were outlined and photographed. The evaluation of the area of the hard palate and palatal rugae was performed using the ImageJ software. Statistical analysis used: Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests using GraphPad Prism 5 statistical software. Results and conclusión: The areas of the palatal rugae and of the hard palate were significantly smaller in the group 4. There was a significant negative correlation between age and palatal rugae area, and between age and hard palatal area. The present study was the first to demonstrate that patients between 51 and 70 years have a smaller palatal rugae area and a smaller hard palate area when compared to other groups. Thus, the evaluation of the hard palate area and of palatal rugae could be used as an adjunct with other methods to determine the age group of an individual; however studies using larger sample size are needed to validate this observation.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a densidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3, a percentagem de colágeno, a densidade de mastócitos e a presença de processos patológicos na musculatura intestinal de pacientes biopsiados. Métodos Foram selecionados 35 pacientes submetidos à biópsia de intestino entre 1997 a 2015. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: chagásicos com lesão de mucosa (n=13), chagásicos com mucosa íntegra (n=12) e não chagásicos sem lesão de mucosa (n=10). Foram realizados processamento histológico dos fragmentos biopsiados e imunohistoquímica para galectina-3. Cortes adicionais foram corados por hematoxilina e eosina, para avaliar os processos patológicos gerais, pelo picrosírius, para avaliação do colágeno, e pelo azul de toluidina, para avaliar a densidade de mastócitos. Resultados Os pacientes do grupo chagásicos com lesão de mucosa apresentaram frequência significativamente maior de ganglionite e miosite quando comparados aos dos grupos chagásico com mucosa íntegra e não chagásicos. A densidade das células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3 foi significativamente maior no grupo chagásicos com mucosa íntegra quando comparada ao grupo não chagásico. O grupo de chagásicos com mucosa íntegra apresentou maior percentagem de colágeno em relação aos grupos chagásicos com mucosa lesada e ao grupo de não chagásicos, com diferença significativa. Não houve diferença significativa com relação à densidade de mastócitos entre os três grupos. Conclusão A maior densidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3 nos pacientes do grupo chagásico com mucosa íntegra sugere a necessidade de maior atenção na avaliação clínica desses pacientes, uma vez que essa proteína está associada com transformação e progressão neoplásica.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells, collagen percentage, mast cell density and presence of pathological processes in intestinal muscle biopsies of patients. Methods Thirty-five patients who underwent intestinal biopsy were selected from 1997 to 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: chagasic patients with mucosal lesion (n=13), chagasic patients with intact mucosa (n=12) and non-chagasic patients with no mucosal lesion (n=10). Histological processing of the biopsied fragments and immunohistochemistry for galectin-3 were performed. Additional sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the general pathological processes, picrosirius for evaluation of collagen and toluidine blue to evaluate the mast cell density. Results Patients of mucosal lesion group had a significantly higher frequency of ganglionitis and myositis when compared to the chagasic patients with intact mucosa and non-chagasic group. The density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells was significantly higher in the chagasic patients with intact mucosa group when compared to the non-chagasic group. The group of chagasic patients with intact mucosa presented a higher percentage of collagen in relation to the patients with mucosal lesion and to the non-chagasic group, with a significant difference. There was no significant difference in mast cell density among the three groups. Conclusion The higher density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells in patients in the chagasic patients with intact mucosa group suggested the need for greater attention in clinical evaluation of these patients, since this protein is associated with neoplastic transformation and progression.

Resumo Introdução: A Síndrome de Encefalopatia Posterior Reversível (SEPR) engloba um conjunto de achados clínico-radiológicos, associados a hipertensão arterial sistêmica grave. Este relato de caso propõe discutir a identificação, o diagnóstico e o manejo de SEPR na população pediátrica. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 10 anos, admitida em pronto-atendimento com queixa de oligúria e edema generalizado. Ao exame físico inicial, a única alteração presente era anasarca. A investigação diagnóstica revelou síndrome nefrótica, iniciando-se tratamento clínico. Evoluiu no 8º dia de internação com pico hipertensivo, perda visual súbita, redução do nível de consciência, nistagmo e crises convulsivas focais, demandando intubação. Foi transferida para Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, com melhora neurológica, após a terapêutica instituída. Tomografia de crânio evidenciou área de hipodensidade discreta em substância branca do lobo occipital e assimetria anteroposterior de sulcos, compatível com SEPR. Discussão: A SEPR decorre de edema cerebral vasogênico de instalação aguda ou subaguda. Sintomas descritos incluem cefaleia e alteração de consciência, estupor, coma, déficits neurológicos, convulsões e cegueira cortical. As nefropatias constituem as principais causas de SEPR em pediatria. A ressonância magnética com difusão de moléculas é o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico. Os objetivos iniciais são a redução dos níveis pressóricos, terapia antiepiléptica, correção de distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos e do equilíbrio ácido-básico, e manejo da hipertensão intracraniana. Conclusão: A SEPR ocorre associada à hipertensão aguda. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo adequado podem determinar melhor prognóstico e minimizar a gravidade do curso clínico.

Abstract Introduction: The posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) syndrome encompasses a set of clinical-radiological findings associated with severe systemic arterial hypertension. This case report proposes to discuss the identification, diagnosis, and management of PRES in the pediatric population. Case presentation: Female patient, 10 years old, admitted to the emergency room with complaint of oliguria and generalized edema. At the initial physical exam, the only alteration present was anasarca. The diagnostic investigation revealed nephrotic syndrome, and clinical treatment was started. She evolved on the 8th day of hospitalization with peak hypertension, sudden visual loss, reduced level of consciousness, nystagmus, and focal seizures requiring intubation. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, with neurological improvement, after the established therapy. CT scan revealed a discrete hypodense area in the white matter of the occipital lobe and anteroposterior groove asymmetry, compatible with PRES. Discussion: PRES is due to vasogenic cerebral edema of acute or subacute installation. Symptoms include headache and altered consciousness, stupor, coma, neurological deficits, seizures and cortical blindness. Nephropathies are the main cause of PRES in pediatrics. Magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion of molecules is the gold standard for diagnosis. The initial treatment objectives are the reduction of blood pressure, antiepileptic therapy, correction of hydroelectrolytic and acid-base disorders and management of intracranial hypertension. Conclusion: PRES is associated with acute hypertension. Early diagnosis and proper management may determine a better prognosis and minimize the severity of the clinical course.

ABSTRACT Although the salivary glands present several functions, there are few studies evaluating these glands in Chagas disease (CD). This study aimed to compare the percentage of collagen, the presence of inflammation, the density of chimase and tryptase mast cells, the area and density of lingual salivary gland acini in autopsied individuals with and without (CD). We analyzed 400 autopsy reports performed in a tertiary public hospital from 1999 to 2015 and selected all the cases in which tongue fragments were collected (27 cases), 12 with chronic CD without megaesophagus (CH) and 15 without CD (non-chagasic - NC). The histological sections of the tongue were stained by Picrosirius red for collagen evaluation and Hematoxylin-eosin for morphometric evaluation of salivary gland acini and inflammation. Anti-chimase and anti-tryptase antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical evaluation of mast cells. The chagasic patients presented higher volume and lower density of salivary glands acini. There was no difference in the collagen percentage, inflammation and density of mast cell chymase and tryptase between the groups. Although we did not observe a significant difference between the groups regarding the collagen percentage, inflammatory process and mast cell density, our results suggest that even without megaesophagus, chagasic patients present hypertrophy of the lingual salivary glands and lower acinar density probably due to mechanisms independent of the esophagus-glandular stimulus.

RESUMO Objetivo Detectar Streptococcus mutans no colostro e na saliva de recém-nascido, e comparar com a detecção na saliva da mãe. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo 43 mulheres saudáveis, com gestações a termo e sem complicações, que tiveram cesariana eletiva, e seus recém-nascidos. As amostras foram investigadas por reação de polimerase em cadeia para a detecção de S. mutans em material genético extraído das amostras. Resultados Cerca de 16% das amostras de colostro apresentaram S. mutans , não sem correlação com a presença das bactérias em ambas amostras de saliva. S. mutans foi detectado em 49 e 30% das amostras de saliva das mães e recém-nascidos, respectivamente. Houve correlação positiva na detecção de S. mutans entre os tipos de saliva. O número de amostras de saliva materna com S. mutans detectável foi menor nas mulheres que receberam tratamento odontológico durante a gravidez. A escovação três vezes ao dia influenciou na detecção do S. mutans tanto no saliva quanto no colostro. Conclusão Embora a saliva materna possa apresentar S. mutans , poucas amostras de colostro apresentam a bactéria. A presença de bactéria na saliva de neonatos pode estar relacionada ao contato antes do nascimento. O tratamento odontológico e os hábitos de higiene parecem influenciar na detecção de S. mutans em amostras de saliva e colostro maternos.

ABSTRACT Objective To detect Streptococcus mutans in colostrum and saliva of neonates and compare with its detection in saliva of mothers. Methods Forty-three healthy women, full-term gestations with no complications, submitted to elective Cesarean section, and their newborns were included in the study. Samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction to detect S. mutans in genetic material from the samples. Results Approximately 16% of colostrum samples showed S. mutans , but not correlated with the presence of the bacteria in both samples of saliva. S. mutans was detected in 49 and 30% of saliva samples of mothers and neonates, respectively. There was a positive correlation in S. mutans detection between types of saliva. The number of maternal samples of saliva with detectable S. mutans was smaller in women receiving dental treatment during pregnancy. Tooth brushing, three times a day, influenced the detection of S. mutans in both the saliva and the colostrum. Conclusion Although maternal saliva may present S. mutans , few samples of colostrum present the bacteria. The presence of bacteria in neonate saliva may be related to contact before birth. Dental treatment and hygiene habits seem to influence the detection of S. mutans in samples of maternal saliva and colostrum.

Resumo Pode-se supor que a adaptação ao contexto universitário requeira tanto habilidades de relacionamento como comportamentos acadêmicos adequados. Este estudo destinou-se a identificar as relações entre Habilidades Sociais, Vivências Acadêmicas e Comportamentos Sociais Acadêmicos em estudantes. Participaram do estudo 289 estudantes universitários de instituições públicas e privadas, com idades variando entre 17 e 61 anos. Aplicou-se o Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS), o Questionário de Vivências Acadêmicas (QVA-r) e o Inventário de Comportamentos Sociais Acadêmicos (ICSA). Foi identificado que os alunos que apresentam comportamentos sociais acadêmicos desadaptativos também apresentam déficits em habilidades sociais dificultando sua adaptação acadêmica e que, habilidades socialmente aceitáveis estão associadas não só a varáveis pessoais, mas também às curriculares e institucionais.

Abstract It can be assumed that adapting to the university context requires both relationship skills and appropriate academic behaviors. This study was designed to identify the relationship between Social Skills, Academic Experiences and Academic Social Behaviors in students. Study participants were 289 university students from public and private institutions, ranging between 17 and 61 years. We used the Social Skills Inventory (IHS), the Academic Experiences Questionnaire (QVA-r), and the Inventory of Academic Social Behaviors (ICSA). It was identified that students who have academic maladaptive social behaviors also have deficits in social skills hindering their academic adaptation and that, socially acceptable skills are linked to not only personal variables, but also to the curricular and institutional ones.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a correlação entre os atributos físicos do milho e as micotoxinas presentes nos seus grãos com o grau de lesão de língua em galos reprodutores de corte. Verificou-se a ocorrência das micotoxinas aflatoxina, vomitoxina, zearalenona, toxina T-2 e fumonisina em grãos de milho usados na formulação da ração das aves reprodutoras. Os percentuais de umidade e grãos quebrados foram positivamente correlacionados (correlação de Pearson) com a presença de aflatoxina. As lesões mais suaves (grau 1) correlacionam-se positivamente com aflatoxina e negativamente com fumonisina, e as mais severas (grau 3) estão positivamente correlacionadas com vomitoxina, fumonisina e toxina T-2.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the correlation of the physical attributes of corn and the mycotoxins present in its grains with the severity of tongue lesions in broiler breeder roosters. The occurrence of the aflatoxin, vomitoxin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and fumonisin mycotoxins was detected in the corn grains used in the feed formulation for breeder chickens. The percentages of moisture and broken grains were positively correlated (Pearson’s correlation) with the presence of aflatoxin. Milder lesions (grade 1) are positively correlated with aflatoxin and negatively correlated with fumonisin, and the most severe lesions (grade 3) are positively correlated with vomitoxin, fumonisin, and T-2 toxin.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e comparar a especificidade de anticorpos IgA de amostras de colostro contra extratos bacterianos de Klebsiella pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli e Salmonella enteritidis . Métodos As amostras de colostro foram coletadas assepticamente nas primeiras 12 horas após o nascimento por cesariana. A especificidade de IgA contra extratos de bactérias foi analisada por Western blot. Resultados Os achados mostraram proteínas de alto peso molecular frequentemente detectáveis nas amostras. S. aureus foi a bactéria mais encontrada nas amostras (p<0,05). Cerca de 93,8, 56,3, 62,5 e 60,4% das amostras apresentaram IgA reativa a S. aureus , K. pneumoniae , S. enteritidis e E. coli , respectivamente. Aproximadamente 40% das amostras não apresentaram IgA reativa contra K. pneumoniae , S. enteritidis e E. coli. Conclusão A evidência clínica da importância da amamentação para proteção imunológica ao recém-nascido foi consistente com os achados imunológicos observados, uma vez que a maioria das amostras mostrou IgA reativa contra as espécies testadas. A aplicação e o desenvolvimento de imunoterapias durante a gestação, focada nos antígenos frequentemente detectados, poderiam ser importantes instrumentos para aumentar a presença de IgA no colostro.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe e compare the specificity of IgA antibodies against bacteria extract of Klebsiella pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Salmonella enteritidis . Methods Colostrum samples were aseptically collected in the first 12 hours after C-section delivery. The specificity of IgA against bacteria extracts was analyzed by the Western blot. Results The findings showed proteins of high molecular weight frequently detectable in the samples. S. aureus was the most frequently found bacterium in the samples (p<0.05). Approximately 93.8, 56.3, 62.5 and 60.4% of samples presented IgA reactive to S. aureus , K. pneumoniae , S. enteritidis, and E. coli, respectively. Roughly 40% of samples showed no IgA reactive to K. pneumoniae, S. enteritidis and E. coli . Conclusion Clinical evidence of the importance of breastfeeding for the immune protection of neonates was consistent with the observed immunological findings, since most samples showed IgA reactive against the species tested. The application and development of immunotherapies during pregnancy, focused on frequently detected antigens, could be an important tool to enhance the presence of IgA in colostrum.

Abstract The present study compared IgA specificity against oral streptococci in colostrum and saliva samples. Sixty-two mother-and-child pairs were included; samples of colostrum (C) and saliva (MS) were collected from the mothers and saliva samples were collected from babies (BS). The specificity of IgA against Streptococcus mutans and S. mitis were analyzed by western blot. Only 30% of babies’ samples presented IgA reactivity to S. mutans, while 74 and 80% of MS and C, respectively, presented this response. IgA reactivity to S. mutans virulence antigens (Ag I/II, Gtf and GbpB) in positive samples showed differences between samples for Gtf and especially for GbpB (p < 0.05), but responses to Ag I/II were similar (p > 0.05). The positive response of Gtf-reactive IgA was different between C (90%) and MS (58%) samples (p < 0.05), but did not differ from BS (p > 0.05). GbpB was the least detected, with 48 and 26% of C and MS, and only 5% of BS samples presenting reactivity (p > 0.05). Eight percent of MS and C samples presented identical bands to SM in the same time-point. In conclusion, the differences of IgA response found between C and MS can be due to the different ways of stimulation, proliferation and transportation of IgA in those secretions. The colostrum has high levels of IgA against S. mutans virulence antigens, which could affect the installation and accumulation process of S. mutans, mainly by supplying anti-GbpB IgA to the neonate.