ABSTRACT
Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 is one of the main defoliating species in the soybean crop. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, is a bacterium used in the biological control of this pest species. Resistant populations and their sublethal effects caused by the use of the bacteria have already been reported; however, there are no studies on phenotypic plasticity in adulthood exposed to Bt-based bioinsecticide sub-doses. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of A. gemmatalis adults under laboratory conditions submitted to the Bt-based bioinsecticide Dipel® over the three generations. The body segments mensuread were width, length, and area of the anterior and posterior wings, the weight of the integument, chest, abdomen, wings, and the whole adult of males and females. Among the treatments, LC5 in the first generation and LC10 in the second generation were those with lower thresholds in relation to the weight of the chest and abdomen, considering the proportions of the body smaller than the females. The females weight adulthood was reduced by 10% about males, and, only in the first generation. Males have larger body size and more pronounced phenotypic plasticity than females. Here, we demonstrate the first study assessing the phenotypic plasticity of A. gemmatalis adults.
Resumo Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 é uma das principais espécies desfolhadoras da cultura da soja. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, é uma bactéria utilizada no controle biológico dessa espécie de praga. Populações resistentes e seus efeitos subletais causados pelo uso da bactéria já foram relatados, no entanto, não há estudos sobre a plasticidade fenotípica na idade adulta exposta a subdoses de bioinseticida à base de Bt. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a morfometria de adultos de A. gemmatalis em condições de laboratório submetidos ao bioinseticida Dipel® ao longo de três gerações. Os segmentos corporais mensuráveis eram largura, comprimento e área das asas anterior e posterior, o peso do tegumento, tórax, abdômen, asas e todo o adulto de machos e fêmeas. Dentre os tratamentos, CL5 na primeira geração e CL10 na segunda geração foram aqueles com limiares mais baixos em relação ao peso do tórax e abdômen, considerando as proporções do corpo menores que as do sexo feminino. O peso da fêmea na idade adulta foi reduzido em 10% em relação aos machos e, apenas na primeira geração. Os machos têm tamanho corporal maior e plasticidade fenotípica mais pronunciada do que as fêmeas. Este estudo demonstra o primeiro estudo avaliando a plasticidade fenotípica de adultos de A. gemmatalis.
ABSTRACT
Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 is one of the main defoliating species in the soybean crop. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, is a bacterium used in the biological control of this pest species. Resistant populations and their sublethal effects caused by the use of the bacteria have already been reported; however, there are no studies on phenotypic plasticity in adulthood exposed to Bt-based bioinsecticide sub-doses. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of A. gemmatalis adults under laboratory conditions submitted to the Bt-based bioinsecticide Dipel® over the three generations. The body segments mensuread were width, length, and area of the anterior and posterior wings, the weight of the integument, chest, abdomen, wings, and the whole adult of males and females. Among the treatments, LC5 in the first generation and LC10 in the second generation were those with lower thresholds in relation to the weight of the chest and abdomen, considering the proportions of the body smaller than the females. The female's weight adulthood was reduced by 10% about males, and, only in the first generation. Males have larger body size and more pronounced phenotypic plasticity than females. Here, we demonstrate the first study assessing the phenotypic plasticity of A. gemmatalis adults.
Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 é uma das principais espécies desfolhadoras da cultura da soja. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, é uma bactéria utilizada no controle biológico dessa espécie de praga. Populações resistentes e seus efeitos subletais causados pelo uso da bactéria já foram relatados, no entanto, não há estudos sobre a plasticidade fenotípica na idade adulta exposta a subdoses de bioinseticida à base de Bt. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a morfometria de adultos de A. gemmatalis em condições de laboratório submetidos ao bioinseticida Dipel® ao longo de três gerações. Os segmentos corporais mensuráveis eram largura, comprimento e área das asas anterior e posterior, o peso do tegumento, tórax, abdômen, asas e todo o adulto de machos e fêmeas. Dentre os tratamentos, CL5 na primeira geração e CL10 na segunda geração foram aqueles com limiares mais baixos em relação ao peso do tórax e abdômen, considerando as proporções do corpo menores que as do sexo feminino. O peso da fêmea na idade adulta foi reduzido em 10% em relação aos machos e, apenas na primeira geração. Os machos têm tamanho corporal maior e plasticidade fenotípica mais pronunciada do que as fêmeas. Este estudo demonstra o primeiro estudo avaliando a plasticidade fenotípica de adultos de A. gemmatalis.
Subject(s)
Animals , Phenotype , Glycine max , Bacillus thuringiensis , Pest Control, BiologicalABSTRACT
RESUMO A espécie Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.), popularmente conhecida como alfavaca-cravo, é muito utilizada na medicina popular. A planta apresenta inúmeros compostos, sendo o eugenol o constituinte majoritário do seu óleo essencial e o provável responsável pela sua atividade antimicrobiana. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o potencial antifúngico e o possível mecanismo de ação do óleo essencial extraído das folhas de O. gratissimum L. (OEOg) sobre cepas-padrão de Candida. Para avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), o efeito do tempo de exposição, o efeito modulador na atividade de antifúngicos (ATF) de uso clínico e a ação do OEOg nas fases de crescimento exponencial e estacionário de leveduras do gênero Candida. O mecanismo de ação do OEOg foi verificado por captação do cristal violeta e avaliação da morfologia microbiana pela técnica de microcultivo. Também foi avaliada a toxicidade do OEOg sobre hemácias humanas. O OEOg apresentou boa atividade antifúngica sobre cepas de Candida, sendo capaz de reduzir a taxa de crescimento das cepas de Candida a partir de quatro horas de exposição, além de ter modulado positivamente a atividade do cetoconazol para C. tropicalis ATCC 13803 e reduzir o número de células viáveis em todas as fases de crescimento microbiano. O OEOg foi capaz de promover o aumento discreto da captação do cristal violeta e provocou alterações na micromorfologia das células de Candida spp., sugerindo que seu alvo de ação seja o envoltório celular. Observou-se baixa toxicidade do OEOg sobre hemácias humanas. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que o OEOg possui boa atividade sobre o gênero Candida, com mecanismo de ação mediado possivelmente pela ocorrência de danos no envoltório celular, além de ter sido observada baixa toxicidade, indicando do OEOg é promissor no desenvolvimento e elaboração de um novo fármaco com potencial atividade para o tratamento de doenças fúngicas.
ABSTRACT Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) is a medicinal plant popularly known as “wild basil” widely used in traditional medicine. The plant has numerous compounds, and eugenol is the major constituent of its essential oil and likely responsible for its antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal activity and the potential mechanism of action of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of O. gratissimum L. (OEOg) against standard strains of Candida. The following experiments were performed: determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), determination of the effect of exposure time to OEOg; evaluation of the modulating effect of OEOg in antifungal (ATF) activity for clinical use; determination of the effects of the OEOg on different growth phases of Candida spp; determination of crystal violet (CV) uptake and the microculture of yeast technique. OEOg showed good antifungal activity against Candida, being able to reduce microbial growth during 24 hours of contact and also the number of viable cells at all stages of growth. OE positively modulates the activity of ketoconazole for C. tropicalis ATCC 13803. Increased uptake of CV and also the inhibition of Candidavirulence factors were also observed, which indicates the occurrence of damage in the cell envelope. These findings, coupled with the low toxicity of OEOg on human erythrocytes, indicate that “wild basil” is a promising plant for the development of a new drug with a potential activity to treat fungal diseases.
Subject(s)
Oils, Volatile/classification , Ocimum/classification , Anti-Infective Agents/analysis , PharmacologyABSTRACT
Abstract We conducted a study about invertebrates on artificial substrates with different antifouling paints in order to answer the following questions 1) is there lower accumulation of organic matter on substrates with antifouling paints, 2) is invertebrate colonization influenced by the release of biocides from antifouling paints, 3) is the colonization of aquatic invertebrates positively influenced by the material accumulated upon the substrate surface and 4) is the assemblage composition of invertebrates similar among the different antifouling paints? To answer these questions, four structures were installed in the Baía River in February 1st, 2007. Each structure was composed of 7 wood boards: 5 boards painted with each type of antifouling paints (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), one painted only with the primer (Pr) and the other without any paint (Cn). After 365 days, we observed a greater accumulation of organic matter in the substrates with T2 and T3 paint coatings. Limnoperna fortunei was recorded in all tested paints, with higher densities in the control, primer, T2 and T3. The colonization of Chironomidae and Naididae on the substrate was positively influenced by L. fortunei density. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the invertebrate community provided evidence of the clear distinction of invertebrate assemblages among the paints. Paints T2 and T3 were the most similar to the control and primer. Our results suggest that antifouling paints applied on substrates hinder invertebrate colonization by decreasing the density and richness of invertebrates.
Resumo O estudo dos invertebrados em substrato artificial com diferentes revestimentos antiincrustantes foi realizado com o intuito de responder as seguintes questões 1) Há menor acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos com revestimentos antiincrustantes? 2) A colonização de invertebrados é afetada pela liberação de biocidas dos revestimentos antiincrustantes? 3) A colonização dos invertebrados aquáticos é facilitada por material acumulado sobre a superfície do substrato? 4) A composição da assembléia é similar entre os diferentes revestimentos? Para realização deste estudo, quatro estruturas foram instaladas em 01 de fevereiro de 2007 no rio Baía. Em cada estrutura foram colocadas sete placas de madeira: cinco placas com aplicação de um tipo de revestimentos antiincrustantes (T1, T2, T3, T4 e T5), uma placa apenas com a aplicação do primer (Pr) e a outra placa permaneceu sem aplicação de nenhum revestimento (Cn). Ao final dos 365 dias em que os substratos ficaram submersos observou-se maior acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos dos revestimentos T2 e T3. Limnoperna fortunei foi registrada em todos os revestimentos testados, com maiores densidades encontradas no controle, primer, T2 e T3. A colonização de Chironomidae e Naididae sobre os substratos foi influenciada pela densidade de L. fortunei. A ordenação (NMDS) evidenciou a separação da assembléia de invertebrados entre os revestimentos. Os revestimentos T2 e T3 foram os mais similares ao controle e ao primer. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que revestimentos antiicrustantes aplicados sobre substratos dificultam a colonização de invertebrados, reduzindo a densidade e riqueza de invertebrados.
ABSTRACT
Abstract We conducted a study about invertebrates on artificial substrates with different antifouling paints in order to answer the following questions 1) is there lower accumulation of organic matter on substrates with antifouling paints, 2) is invertebrate colonization influenced by the release of biocides from antifouling paints, 3) is the colonization of aquatic invertebrates positively influenced by the material accumulated upon the substrate surface and 4) is the assemblage composition of invertebrates similar among the different antifouling paints? To answer these questions, four structures were installed in the Baía River in February 1st, 2007. Each structure was composed of 7 wood boards: 5 boards painted with each type of antifouling paints (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), one painted only with the primer (Pr) and the other without any paint (Cn). After 365 days, we observed a greater accumulation of organic matter in the substrates with T2 and T3 paint coatings. Limnoperna fortunei was recorded in all tested paints, with higher densities in the control, primer, T2 and T3. The colonization of Chironomidae and Naididae on the substrate was positively influenced by L. fortunei density. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the invertebrate community provided evidence of the clear distinction of invertebrate assemblages among the paints. Paints T2 and T3 were the most similar to the control and primer. Our results suggest that antifouling paints applied on substrates hinder invertebrate colonization by decreasing the density and richness of invertebrates.
Resumo O estudo dos invertebrados em substrato artificial com diferentes revestimentos antiincrustantes foi realizado com o intuito de responder as seguintes questões 1) Há menor acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos com revestimentos antiincrustantes? 2) A colonização de invertebrados é afetada pela liberação de biocidas dos revestimentos antiincrustantes? 3) A colonização dos invertebrados aquáticos é facilitada por material acumulado sobre a superfície do substrato? 4) A composição da assembléia é similar entre os diferentes revestimentos? Para realização deste estudo, quatro estruturas foram instaladas em 01 de fevereiro de 2007 no rio Baía. Em cada estrutura foram colocadas sete placas de madeira: cinco placas com aplicação de um tipo de revestimentos antiincrustantes (T1, T2, T3, T4 e T5), uma placa apenas com a aplicação do primer (Pr) e a outra placa permaneceu sem aplicação de nenhum revestimento (Cn). Ao final dos 365 dias em que os substratos ficaram submersos observou-se maior acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos dos revestimentos T2 e T3. Limnoperna fortunei foi registrada em todos os revestimentos testados, com maiores densidades encontradas no controle, primer, T2 e T3. A colonização de Chironomidae e Naididae sobre os substratos foi influenciada pela densidade de L. fortunei. A ordenação (NMDS) evidenciou a separação da assembléia de invertebrados entre os revestimentos. Os revestimentos T2 e T3 foram os mais similares ao controle e ao primer. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que revestimentos antiicrustantes aplicados sobre substratos dificultam a colonização de invertebrados, reduzindo a densidade e riqueza de invertebrados.
Subject(s)
Animals , Chironomidae/drug effects , Mytilidae/drug effects , Oligochaeta/drug effects , Paint/toxicity , Pesticides/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Biodiversity , Brazil , Biofouling/prevention & control , Population Density , RiversSubject(s)
Humans , Female , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Acute Coronary Syndrome/drug therapy , Atrial Fibrillation/drug therapy , Brazil , Chagas Disease/drug therapy , Heart Failure/drug therapy , Ischemic Attack, Transient/drug therapy , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy , Perioperative Period , Societies, Medical , Stroke/drug therapy , Venous Thromboembolism/drug therapyABSTRACT
Martial arts are practiced in both amateur and in high professional level, stimulating scientific research in several areas of knowledge, including biomechanics. The main purpose of this review is to present the biomechanics methods used in the study of martial arts. The great importance of this study is the compilation of information science of what has already been analyzed under the biomechanics aspects related to martial arts and how this has been done. The methodology was directed to the revision of literature starting from articles, books, and seminars. From the collection of bibliographic surveys, it has been concluded that depending on the parameters studied e.g.: reaction time, speed, strength, power, among others, there is the need to apply one or more methods since there are situations in which only one biomechanical method will not be enough to answer the pointed question. It is also concluded that the investigated studies in the presented review showed the character of a descriptive examination, not directly applied to the development of techniques used on different modalities.
Subject(s)
Humans , Martial Arts/physiology , Biomechanical Phenomena , Martial Arts , Kinesiology, Applied , Meta-Analysis as Topic , SportsABSTRACT
Pneumonectomy is associated with high rates of morbimortality, with postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema being one of the leading causes. An intrinsic inflammatory process following the operation has been considered in its physiopathology. The use of corticosteroids is related to prevention of this edema, but no experimental data are available to support this hypothesis. We evaluated the effect of methylprednisolone on the remaining lungs of rats submitted to left pneumonectomy concerning edema and inflammatory markers. Forty male Wistar rats weighing 300 g underwent left pneumonectomy and were randomized to receive corticosteroids or not. Methylprednisolone at a dose of 10 mg/kg was given before the surgery. After recovery, the animals were sacrificed at 48 and 72 h, when the pO2/FiO2 ratio was determined. Right lung perivascular edema was measured by the index between perivascular and vascular area and neutrophil density by manual count. Tissue expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry light microscopy. There was perivascular edema formation after 72 h in both groups (P = 0.0031). No difference was observed between operated animals that received corticosteroids and those that did not concerning the pO2/FiO2 ratio, neutrophil density or TGF-β expression. The tissue expression of VEGF was elevated in the animals that received methylprednisolone both 48 and 72 h after surgery (P = 0.0243). Methylprednisolone was unable to enhance gas exchange and avoid an inflammatory infiltrate and TGF-β expression also showed that the inflammatory process was not correlated with pulmonary edema formation. However, the overexpression of VEGF in this group showed that methylprednisolone is related to this elevation.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Glucocorticoids/pharmacology , Methylprednisolone/pharmacology , Pulmonary Edema/prevention & control , Transforming Growth Factor beta/biosynthesis , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/biosynthesis , Analysis of Variance , Disease Models, Animal , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Immunohistochemistry , Lung/metabolism , Pneumonectomy/adverse effects , Pulmonary Edema/etiology , Random Allocation , Rats, Wistar , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Among the various methods for evaluating animal venom toxicity, the calculation of the median lethal dose (LD50) is the most widely used. Although different protocols can be used to calculate the LD50, the source of the venom and the method of extraction, as well as the strain, age, and sex of the animal model employed, should be taken into consideration. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sex and age on the toxicity of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in Swiss mice. Although the symptoms of envenomation were similar in male and female animals, female mice proved to be more resistant to the venom. In females, age had no impact on the susceptibility to scorpion envenomation. Male mice were more sensitive to T. serrulatus venom. Moreover, in males, age was an important parameter since sensitivity to the venom increased with age.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Mice , Scorpion Venoms/toxicity , Lethal Dose 50 , MiceABSTRACT
Avaliaram-se a composição química e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar hidrolisado com óxido de cálcio em dois períodos. As doses de óxido de cálcio aplicadas ao bagaço foram 0; 1,25; 2,5 e 3,75 por cento (na base da MS) e os períodos de tratamento, 12 e 36 horas. O teor de matéria seca (MS) do bagaço de cana foi maior quando hidrolisado por 36 horas. O valor médio da proteína bruta foi de 2,4 por cento e não foi influenciado pelo período, pela dose de óxido de cálcio nem pela interação período × dose de óxido de cálcio. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, celulose e lignina diminuíram linearmente com a adição de óxido de cálcio. A digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca, no entanto, aumentou 1,2 por cento a cada unidade de óxido de cálcio adicionada ao bagaço da cana-de-açúcar. O tratamento com óxido de cálcio por 12 ou 36 horas melhora o valor nutritivo do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar.
The chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzed with calcium oxide (CaO) in two periods were evaluated. The doses of calcium oxide applied to bagasse were 0; 1.25; 2.5; and 3.75 percent (dry matter basis) and the treatment periods were 12 and 36 hours. The dry matter sugarcane bagasse was larger when hydrolyzed for 36 hours. The crude protein mean value observed was 2.4 percent, with no effects of period, CaO doses, or period and CaO interaction. The neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, celluloses, and lignin levels linearly reduced with CaO added. The IVDMD increased with CaO add, estimating increase of 1.2 percent for each CaO unit added to sugarcane bagasse. The periods of 12 or 36 hours can be adopted to sugarcane bagasse treatment with CaO. The CaO addiction to sugarcane bagasse improve its nutritive value.
Subject(s)
Dietary Fiber/administration & dosage , Rumen/physiology , Saccharum/chemistry , Calcium Oxide/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and polymorphism contribute significantly to the prognosis of patients with cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to determine the activity and type of ACE polymorphism in patients with familial and nonfamilial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to correlate these with echocardiographic measurements (echo-Doppler). We studied 136 patients (76 males) with HCM (69 familial and 67 nonfamilial cases). Mean age was 41 ¡À 17 years. DNA was extracted from blood samples for the polymerase chain reaction and the determination of plasma ACE levels. Left ventricular mass, interventricular septum, and wall thickness were measured. Mean left ventricular mass index, interventricular septum and wall thickness in familial and nonfamilial forms were 154 ¡À 63 and 174 ¡À 57 g/m2 (P = 0.008), 19 ¡À 5 and 21 ¡À 5 mm (P = 0.02), and 10 ¡À 2 and 12 ¡À 3 mm (P = 0.0001), respectively. ACE genotype frequencies were DD = 35%, ID = 52%, and II = 13%. A positive association was observed between serum ACE activity and left ventricular mass index (P = 0.04). Logistic regression showed that ACE activity was twice as high in patients with familial HCM and left ventricular mass index ¡Ý190 g/m2 compared with the nonfamilial form (P = 0.02). No other correlation was observed between ACE polymorphisms and the degree of myocardial hypertrophy. In conclusion, ACE activity, but not ACE polymorphisms, was associated with the degree of myocardialhypertrophy in the patients with HCM.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/enzymology , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic, Familial/enzymology , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic, Familial/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic, Familial , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic , Echocardiography, Doppler , Genotype , Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular , Phenotype , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy share many similarities in both their clinical and hemodynamic characteristics and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a sensitive marker of cardiac diastolic dysfunction. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether serum NT-proBNP was high in patients with endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) and CP, and to investigate how this relates to diastolic dysfunction. Thirty-three patients were divided into two groups: CP (16 patients) and EMF (17 patients). The control group consisted of 30 healthy individuals. Patients were evaluated by bidimensional echocardiography, with restriction syndrome evaluated by pulsed Doppler of the mitral flow and serum NT-proBNP measured by immunoassay and detected by electrochemiluminescence. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association between log NT-proBNP and echocardiographic parameters. Log NT-proBNP was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CP patients (log mean: 2.67 pg/mL; 95 percentCI: 2.43-2.92 log pg/mL) and in EMF patients (log mean: 2.91 pg/mL; 95 percentCI: 2.70-3.12 log pg/mL) compared with the control group (log mean: 1.45; 95 percentCI: 1.32-1.60 log pg/mL). There were no statistical differences between EMF and CP patients (P = 0.689) in terms of NT-proBNP. The NT-proBNP log tended to correlate with peak velocity of the E wave (r = 0.439; P = 0.060, but not with A wave (r = -0.399; P = 0.112). Serum NT-proBNP concentration can be used as a marker to detect the presence of diastolic dysfunction in patients with restrictive syndrome; however, serum NT-proBNP levels cannot be used to differentiate restrictive cardiomyopathy from CP.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Endomyocardial Fibrosis/blood , Heart Failure, Diastolic/blood , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Peptide Fragments/blood , Pericarditis, Constrictive/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Case-Control Studies , Echocardiography, Doppler , Prospective Studies , Syndrome , Young AdultABSTRACT
We described angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) isoforms with molecular masses of 190, 90, and 65 kDa in the urine of normotensive offspring of hypertensive subjects. Since they did not appear in equal amounts, we suggested that 90 kDa ACE might be a marker for hypertension. We evaluated the endothelial response in normotensive offspring with or without family history of hypertension and its association with the 90 kDa ACE in urine. Thirty-five normotensive subjects with a known family history of hypertension and 20 subjects without a family history of hypertension, matched for age, sex, body weight, and blood pressure, were included in the study. Endothelial function was assessed by ultrasound and a sample of urine was collected for determination of ACE isoforms. In the presence of a family history of hypertension and detection of 90 kDa ACE, we noted a maximal flow mediated dilation of 12.1 ± 5.0 vs 16.1 ± 6.0 percent in those without a previous history of hypertension and lacking urinary 90 kDa ACE (P < 0.05). In subjects with a family history of hypertension and presenting 90 kDa ACE, there were lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05) and higher levels of triglycerides (P < 0.05). Subjects with 90 kDa ACE irrespective of hypertensive history presented a trend for higher levels of triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.06) compared to subjects without 90 kDa ACE. Our data suggest that the 90 kDa ACE may be a marker for hypertension which may be related to the development of early atherosclerotic changes.