ABSTRACT
RESUMEN La obesidad ha sido identificada como factor de riesgo de severidad de infecciones respiratorias. Apoyar la respuesta inmune en sujetos obesos es de interés. El presente trabajo evaluó el efecto del consumo de un extracto de calafate sobre marcadores de respuesta inmune en ratones delgados y obesos. Ratones C57BL/6J machos fueron expuestos por 82 días a dieta estándar (DE) y alta en grasas (DAG). A un subgrupo de ambos grupos, se les administró 50 y 100 mg [polifenoles totales]/kg peso de animal/día, de extracto, en las últimas dos semanas. Se evaluó expresión génica y secreción de marcadores de respuesta inmune, en tejido pulmonar y plasma. Se observó un efecto del tratamiento con extracto en la expresión de IFN-ϓ. Se observaron efectos inducidos por la DAG y el tratamiento con extracto de manera independiente, en la expresión de IL-12. Se observó un efecto global de la DAG sobre IFN-ϓ plasmático, específicamente una disminución en animales alimentados con DAG. Se observó una interacción entre la dieta y el tratamiento con extracto sobre IL-12 plasmática. El tratamiento utilizado modula marcadores que activan la respuesta inmune ante infecciones respiratorias principalmente de origen viral, en animales delgados y obesos.
ABSTRACT Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for severity of respiratory infections. Thus, the support of the immune response in obese subjects is of interest. The present work evaluated the effect of the consumption of a calafate extract on markers of the immune response in lean and obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed for 82 days to a standard or a high-fat diet (HFD). A subgroup of both groups was given 50 and 100 mg [total polyphenols]/kg body weight/day of extract in the last two weeks. Gene expression and secretion of immune response markers were evaluated in lung tissue and plasma. An effect of extract treatment on IFN-ϓ expression was observed. Effects induced by the HFD and treatment with extract were observed independent of the expression of IL-12. An overall effect of the HF diet on plasma IFN-ϓ was observed, specifically a decrease in animals fed the HFD. An interaction between diet and extract treatment was observed over plasma IL-12. The treatment used modulates markers that activate the immune response to respiratory infections, mainly of viral origin, in lean and obese animals.
ABSTRACT
We analyze the transmission routes, possible viral reservoirs in the oral cavity and considerations about dental care of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. We also analyze the protocols required before and after a dental procedure, aiming to increase the awareness of dentists about the importance of virus spread prevention among health care workers and patients. The evaluation of symptoms associated with SARS- CoV-2 such as fever, fatigue, dry cough, myalgia, dyspnea, and the inquiry about possible contacts with infected people is of utmost importance. The tongue and oral mucosa are important viral reservoirs and the transmission of the virus occurs primarily by saliva droplets. Therefore, elective dental care should be postponed, attending only dental emergencies during this period, incorporating the use of protective personal equipment (PPE) and using manual instruments to prevent the production of aerosols.
ABSTRACT
Obesity has a high prevalence among children. On the other hand, acute respiratory infections especially of viral origin, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group. During the recent pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) virus, obesity was identified as a novel independent risk factor for severity multiple markers of the disease. We reviewed the evidence associating obesity with a worse course of respiratory diseases in children. Nine out of 40 retrieved articles, were chosen to be reviewed. We concluded that there is evidence suggesting that immunomodulatory effects of obesity could be considered as a novel risk factor. Thus, bearing in mind the drastic rise in obesity prevalence around the world and in Chile, and the latent possibility of new respiratory pandemics caused by viruses, studying the possible effect of obesity aggravating viral respiratory infections will become important.