Trichinella spiralis y Trichinella patagoniensis: estudio de la carga globular aplicando el método de Azul Alcian / Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella patagoniensis: study of globular charge applying Alcian Blue method / Trichinella spiralis e Trichinella patagoniensis: estudo da carga globular pelo método de Azul de Alcian

Resumen Los residuos de ácido siálico de las glicoproteínas de superficie son los principales responsables de la carga negativa eritrocitaria. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar alteraciones de carga globular producidas por Trichinella spiralis y Trichinella patagoniensis. Se trabajó con concentrados de larvas musculares de ambas especies y con eritrocitos frescos. Se incubó el sedimento globular con igual volumen de concentrado larval (1 y 2 horas). Los controles fueron incubados con solución salina. Se aplicó el método de Azul Alcian y se determinó el coeficiente experimental de carga aniónica eritrocitaria (CexpCAE). Los resultados mostraron que la carga disminuyó con el aumento del tiempo de tratamiento para ambas especies. Los valores de CexpCAE de las suspensiones incubadas con T. spiralis fueron menores que con T. patagoniensis, indicando que T. spiralis produjo mayor disminución de carga que T. patagoniensis. Se concluye que la desialización producida por ambas especies no es la misma, lo que sugiere que la relación hospedador-parásito que se establecería in vivo sería distinta.

Abstract The sialic acid residues of the surface glycoproteins are mainly responsible for the erythrocyte negative charge. The objective of this work was to study alterations of globular charge produced by Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella patagoniensis. Work was carried out on muscle larvae concentrates of both species and fresh erythrocytes. The treatment was performed by incubating the globular pellet with equal volume of larval concentrate (1 and 2 hours). Controls were incubated with saline solution. The Alcian Blue method was applied and the experimental coefficient of erythrocyte anion charge (expCEAC) was determined. The results showed that the globular charge decreased with increasing treatment time for both species. The expCEAC values of the suspensions incubated with T. spiralis were lower than with T. patagoniensis, indicating that T. spiralis produced a greater decrease in charge than T. patagoniensis. It is concluded that the desialization produced by both species is not the same, suggesting that the host-parasite relationship that would be established in vivo would be different.

Resumo Os resíduos de ácido siálico das glicoproteínas de superfície são os principais responsáveis pela carga negativa dos eritrócitos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar as alterações da carga globular produzidas por Trichinella spiralis e Trichinella patagoniensis. Trabalhamos com concentrados de larvas musculares de ambas as espécies e com eritrócitos frescos. O tratamento foi realizado incubando o sedimento globular com igual volume de concentrado larval (1 e 2 horas), Os controles foram incubados com solução salina. Foi aplicado o método de Azul de Alcian e se determinou o coeficiente experimental de carga aniônica de eritrócitos (CexpCAE). Os resultados mostraram que a carga diminuiu com o aumento do tempo de tratamento para ambas as espécies. Os valores de CexpCAE das suspensões incubadas com T. spiralis foram menores que com T. patagoniensis, indicando que T. spiralis produziu uma diminuição maior na carga que T. patagoniensis. Conclui-se que a dessalinização produzida por ambas as espécies não é a mesma, sugerindo que a relação hospedeiro parasita que seria estabelecida in vivo é diferente.

Comparison of ABO Antibody Titers on the Basis of the Antibody Detection Method Used

BACKGROUND: Detection methods for ABO antibody (Ab) titers vary across laboratories, and the results are different depending on the method used. We aimed to compare titer values using different detection methods for the measurement of ABO Ab titers. METHODS: For ABO Ab detection, pooled group A or B red blood cells (RBCs) were reacted with each of 20 sera from blood groups A, B, or O without dithiothreitol treatment. The room-temperature (RT) incubation technique and the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) were used in the tube test and gel card test. Flow cytometry (FCM) was performed by using anti-IgM and anti-IgG Abs. RESULTS: Regardless of the blood groups tested, the FCM assay with anti-IgM showed the highest titer compared to the tube test and gel card test with RT incubation in both. The tube test with IAT showed a higher titer than the gel card test with IAT (Gel-IAT) or FCM with anti-IgG in blood group A and B, while Gel-IAT showed the highest titer relative to the other tests, only for the anti-A Ab in blood group O. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the titers depending on the detection method used, and each method showed a different detection capacity for each ABO Ab depending on the ABO blood group tested. Therefore, caution should be exercised in interpreting ABO Ab titer results, taking into consideration the detection method used and the blood group.

Plasma concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α and its relationship with zincemia in obese women / Concentrações plasmáticas de IL-6 e TNF-α e sua relação com a zincemia em mulheres obesas

OBJECTIVE: In obesity, the excessive adipose tissue increases the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, which appear to alter the metabolism of minerals, such as zinc. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study investigated whether the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma can to influence biochemical parameters of zinc in obese women. METHODS: Seventy-six pre-menopausal women, aged between 20 and 50 years, were divided into two groups: the case group, composed of obese women (n = 37) and the control group, composed of non-obese women (n = 39). Analysis of the plasmatic and erythrocytary zinc, and plasmatic cytokines were conducted by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: The plasmatic zinc and concentrations of IL-6 in plasma did not show significant differences between obese women and controls (p > 0.05). The erythrocytary zinc was 36.4±15.0µg/gHb in the case group, and 45.4±14.3µg/gHb (p = 0.025) in the control group. The concentrations of TNF-α in plasma were 42.0±11.9 pg/mL and 19.0±1.0 pg/mL in obese women and in controls, respectively (p < 0.001). The plasmatic zinc had a significant negative correlation with the values of TNF-α (r =-0.44, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Obese women presented lower concentrations of erythrocytary zinc than the control group. The study demonstrated a probable influence of the inflammatory process on metabolism of zinc in obese patients.

OBJETIVO: Na obesidade, o excesso de tecido adiposo aumenta a síntese de citocinas inflamatórias que parecem alterar o metabolismo de minerais, como o zinco. Entretanto, os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos. O estudo investigou se as concentrações de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α) no plasma podem influenciar os parâmetros bioquímicos do zinco. MÉTODOS: Setenta e três mulheres, com idade entre 20 e 50 anos, foram distribuídas em dois grupos: grupo caso, composto de obesas (n = 37) e grupo controle, composto de não obesas (n = 39). Análises de zinco plasmático e eritrocitário e as citocinas inflamatórias plasmáticas foram realizadas pelo método da espectrofotometria de absorção atômica e pelo ELISA, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: O zinco plasmático e as concentrações de IL-6 no plasma não mostraram diferenças significativas entre as mulheres obesas e grupo controle (p > 0,05). O valor do zinco eritrocitário foi 36,4±15,0µg/gHb nas mulheres obesas e 45,4±14,3µg/gHb (p = 0,025) no grupo controle. As concentrações de TNF-α no plasma foram 42,0±11,9 pg/mL e 19,0±1,0 pg/mL nasmulheres obesas e controles, respectivamente (p < 0,001). O zinco plasmático apresentou uma correlação negativa significativa com os valores de TNF-α (r =-0,44, p = 0,015). CONCLUSÃO: Asmulheres obesas apresentaram menores concentrações de zinco eritrocitário em relação ao grupo controle. O estudo mostra uma provável influência do processo inflamatório no metabolismo do zinco em pacientes obesos.

Frequência dos antígenos eritrocitários do sistema AB em felinos domésticos no estado da Paraíba / Frequency of AB blood System in domestic cats of Paraíba, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar a frequência de antígenos eritrocitários do sistema AB em felinos domésticos da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 178 gatos, clinicamente saudáveis, sem pré-requisitos quanto a sexo ou raça, com peso corporal acima de 1,5 kg e faixa etária acima de um ano de idade, abordados no ato da consulta ambulatorial em clínicas médicas de pequenos animais distribuídas entre três cidades da Paraíba (João Pessoa, Campina Grande e Patos). A determinação dos tipos sanguíneos foi realizada através do teste de hemaglutinação em tubo de ensaio e, a tipagem reversa foi realizada para as amostras tipos B e AB para confirmação e evidenciação de aloanticorpos naturais. Neste estudo a frequência relativa de antígenos eritrocitários A, B e AB em sua totalidade para felinos sem raça foram 98,1%, 1,21% e 0,69%, respectivamente. Todos os felinos com definição racial foram do tipo sanguíneo A. Diante destes, a probabilidade de ocorrência de reações transfusionais aleatórias obtidas foi de 2,78%, sendo cerca 40% (1,11%) potencialmente fatais. Desta forma, dado o conhecimento da frequência dos diferentes tipos sanguíneos em felinos, de uma determinada região, conclui-se que a tipagem sanguínea e o teste de compatibilidade, são importantes ferramentas que permitem ao médico veterinário tomar medidas preventivas que minimizem riscos de ocorrência de reações transfusionais e isoeletrólise neonatal e, estabelece pré-requisitos a respeito dos riscos de procedimentos hemoterápicos em felinos que circunstancialmente necessitem serem conduzidos de forma aleatória.

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of the AB blood group antigens system in domestic cats of Paraíba, Brazil. We randomly selected 178 cats which were clinically healthy, with no prerequisites in terms of gender or race, weighing above 1.5 kg, and were over one year of age. These cats were randomly selected when they entered the small animal clinic facilities in the cities of João Pessoa, Campina Grande and Patos. The determination of blood types was made using the hemagglutination test tube, and the reverse typing was performed for samples B and AB types and for confirmation of alloantibodies natural disclosure. In this study the relative frequency of A, B and AB blood group antigens in cats without a determined breed was 98.1%, 1.21% and 0.69% respectively. All cats with breed definition were blood type A. The likelihood of random transfusion reactions was 2.78%, approximately 40% (1.11%) potentially fatal. Thus, given knowledge of the frequency of different blood types in cats, from a given region, it is concluded that blood typing and compatibility test are important tools that enable the veterinarian to take preventative measures to minimize risks of isoelectrolisys reactions and neonatal transfusion, and establishes prerequisites about the risks of hemotherapic procedures in cats that require circumstantially to be conducted randomly.

Detection of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria-phenotype in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.

Background : Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) results due to decrease or absence of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored (GPI) molecules, such as CD55 and CD59, from the surface of the affected cells. PNH-phenotype has been described in various hematological disorders, mainly aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes; recently it has been reported in patients with lymphoproliferative syndromes and multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods : We evaluated the presence of CD55 negative and/or CD59 negative red blood cell (RBC) populations in newly diagnosed treatment naive-54 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 29 MM patients by flow cytometry. Results : PNH-phenotype was not reported in any patient; however, RBC populations deficient in CD55 were detected in 16.66% (9/54) CLL and 6.89% (2/29) MM patients. Clinical presentation or the hematological parameters did not show any relationship with the presence of CD55 deficient RBC population. Conclusion : Our study showed absence of PNH-phenotype in patients with CLL and MM; however, isolated CD55 deficient RBC were identified in both CLL and MM. Larger prospective studies by other centers, including simultaneous analysis of granulocytes for the presence of PNH-phenotype, are needed to corroborate these findings and to work out the mechanisms and the significance of the existence of this phenotype in these patients.

Abnormal haemoglobins: detection & characterization.

Haemoglobin (Hb) abnormalities though quite frequent, are generally detected in populations during surveys and programmes run for prevention of Hb disorders. Several methods are now available for detection of Hb abnormalities. In this review, the following are discussed: (i) the methods used for characterization of haemoglobin disorders; (ii) the problems linked to diagnosis of thalassaemic trait; (iii) the strategy for detection of common Hb variants; and (iv) the difficulties in identification of rare variants. The differences between developing and industrialized countries for the strategies employed in the diagnosis of abnormal haemoglobins are considered. We mention the limits and pitfalls for each approach and the necessity to characterize the abnormalities using at least two different methods. The recommended strategy is to use a combination of cation-exchange high performance chromatography (CE-HPLC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and when possible isoelectric focusing (IEF). Difficult cases may demand further investigations requiring specialized protein and/or molecular biology techniques.

Serial assessment of biochemical parameters of red cell preparations to evaluate safety for neonatal transfusions.

Background & Objectives: Neonatologists often prefer fresh blood (<7 days) for neonatal transfusions. The main concerns for stored RBCs are ex vivo storage lesions that undermine red cell functions and may affect metabolic status of neonatal recipients. This study was designed to evaluate serial in vitro changes of biochemical parameters in different RBC preparations during storage to consider for neonatal transfusions even after storage beyond one week. Methods: Twenty five units each of whole blood (CPDA-1 RBC, SAGM RBC) were selected for serial biochemical parameter assessment after each fulfilled the quality criteria (volume and haematocrit). These units were tested serially for supernatant potassium, pH, lactate, haemoglobin, glucose and red cell 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) up to 21 days of storage. Results: Within each group of RBC, rise in mean concentration of potassium, lactate and plasma haemoglobin from day 1 to 21 of storage was significant in CPDA-1 RBC having the highest levels at day 21. From day 3 to 21, SAGM RBC had higher mean pH value than CPDA-1 RBC though this difference was not statistically significant. SAGM RBC had highest mean glucose concentration during storage than other two types of red cell preparations (P<0.005). Within each group, fall in mean 2,3 DPG concentration from day 1 to 7 was significant (P<0.05). A positive correlation existed between mean plasma potassium and haemoglobin in all three types of red cells (r=0.726, 0.419, 0.605 for CPDA-1 RBC, SAGM RBC and whole blood respectively, P<0.005). Interpretation & Conclusions: All the three red cell preparations tested revealed biochemical changes within acceptable limits of safety till 21 days of storage. CPDA-1 RBCs had the highest degree of these changes.

Consumo alimentar e concentrações intra-eritrocitárias de folato em mulheres do Recife, Nordeste do Brasil / Folate food intake and red blood cell folate concentrations in women from Recife, Northeast of Brazil

Foi avaliado o consumo e concentrações intra-eritrocitárias de folato em mulheres do Recife, Nordeste, Brasil, mediante estudo de corte transversal, envolvendo 360 mulheres, de 15 a 45 anos, aleatoriamente rastreadas, por amostragem em dupla etapa, de 9 Unidades Públicas de Saúde, em 2007-2008. O consumo de folato foi avaliado pelo Questionário de Freqüência Alimentar Quantitativo e comparado com os valores da Dietary Reference Intakes-DRI’s. O status orgânico de folato foi avaliado pelas concentrações intra-eritrocitárias. A media geométrica do consumo diário de folato foi 627,1[IC95%600,4-655,0] µg/dia. A freqüência de mulheres com risco de ingestão de folato abaixo da recomendação foi 16,0% para adolescentes (<330µg/dia) e 6,3% para adultas jovens (<320µg/dia). A prevalência de mulheres cujo consumo excedeu o limite máximo tolerável de ingestão foi de 48,0% (>800µg/dia) e 13,7% (>1000µg/dia) para adolescentes e adultas, respectivamente. A média das concentrações de folato eritrocitário foi de 1797,8 ± 357,1 nmol/L. O consumo de alimentos-fonte de folato não mostrou correlação com as concentrações eritrocitárias (r= 0,058 e p= 0,274). Maiores concentrações de folato eritrocitário foram observadas em mulheres adultas jovens (p= 0,004) e entre aquelas com renda até dois salários mínimos (p= 0,042). Nas mulheres do Recife, tanto o consumo de alimentos-fonte de folato como as concentrações eritrocitárias de folato elevaram-se em patamares superiores às recomendações internacionais.

Folate food intake and red blood cell folate concentrations were assess in women from Recife, Northeast Brazil. Following a two stages sampling procedure, a cross-sectional study was carried out involving 360 women, between 15-45y, attending in nine Health Care Public Unit in 2007-2008. Folate intake was evaluated by a Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and compared with the values of the Dietary Reference Intakes- DRI’s. Folate status was evaluated by red blood cell folate concentrations. Geometric mean of folate intake was 627.1[IC95%600.4-655.0] µg/day. The frequency of women at risk for folate intake below the recommendation was 16.0% for adolescents (<330µg/ day) and 6.3% for young adult (<320µg/ day). The prevalence of women whose consumption exceeds the maximum tolerable intake was 48.0% (> 800µg/ day) and 13.7% (> 1000µg/ day) for adolescents and adults, respectively. The mean of red blood cell folate concentrations was 1797.8 ± 357.1nmol/L. Folate rich-food intake did not show any correlation with red blood cell folate concentrations (r= 0.058 and p= 0.274). Higher red blood cell folate concentrations were observed in adult young women (p=0.004) and among those with income up to two minimum wages (p=0.042). Folate rich-food intake as well as red blood cell folate concentrations among women from Recife were above the international recommendations.

Erythrocytes as carrier for prednisolone: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Resealed erythrocytes, as drug delivery system has tremendous potential to achieve site specificity and prolonged release of drug thereby enhancing therapeutic index and patient compliance. In the present investigation erythrocytes obtained from healthy volunteers were loaded with prednisolone using preswell dilution and dilution technique with two different cross-linking agents, glutaraldehyde and dimethylsulphoxide. Carrier erythrocytes, having acceptable loading parameters showed increased percentage drug content with the addition of cross-linking agents. In vitro drug release followed zero-order kinetics, haemoglobin content was found to be satisfactory and osmotic fragility study indicated that increased drug entrapment efficiency was found at 0.3%w/v concentration of sodium chloride [hypotonic solution]. In vivo tissue distribution studies were carried out for optimized formulation and order of distribution was found to be Liver>Lung>Kidney> Spleen. The developed drug delivery system is endowed with several exclusive advantages and hence holds potential for further research and clinical application

Ascaris lumbricoides: alteration of the erythrocyte superficial charge using the Partition Method in aqueous two-phase system / Ascaris lumbricoides: alteración de la carga superficial eritrocitaria usando el Método de Partición en sistemas bifásicos acuosos

Sialic acid is responsible for the negative charge of the erythrocyte. The decrease of sialic acid has hemodynamical and hemorheological importance. The aim was to study the effect of A. lumbricoides on the erythrocyte superficial charge using the Partition Method in aqueous two-phase system in order to indirectly evaluate the alteration of sialic acid in the red cells. We worked with five parasite extracts (AE) and larvae concentrate (LC). Erythrocyte superficial charge was studied by working with non-treated (Controls) and treated erythrocytes. The treatment consisted of incubating the erythrocytes with AE or LC for 30 minutes at 4 ºC, 20 ºC and 37 ºC. The red cells were separated in a sensitive charge two-phase system (Dx/ PEG). The partition coefficient (P) of treated and untreated erythrocytes were calculated. The results showed a P decrease at the three temperatures for red cells treated with four of the AE. The remaining extract did change P values at any of the temperatures studied. The erythrocytes treated with LC showed a decrease in the P value at 37 ºC and 4 ºC but no change was observed at 25 ºC. Statistical analysis concluded that P values were significantly lower in treated erythrocytes than in their corresponding untreated ones (p < 0.05). The Partition Method showed that this parasite alters the erythrocyte superficial charge which may indicate that it can catch sialic acid.

La disminución de ácido sialico, responsable de la carga negativa del eritrocito, tiene importancia hemodinámica y hemorreológica. El objetivo fue estudiar el efecto de A. lumbricoides sobre la carga superficial eritrocitaria aplicando el método de partición en sistemas bifásicos acuosos, a los fines de evaluar de manera indirecta la alteración de acido sialico de los eritrocitos. Se trabajó con 5 extractos del parásito adulto (EA) y con un concentrado de larvas (500-600 larvas/mL) (CL). Se estudió la carga superficial eritrocitaria, trabajando con eritrocitos no tratados y tratados. El tratamiento consistió en la incubación de los eritrocitos con EA o CL durante 30 minutos a 4 ºC, 25 ºC y 37 ºC. Los eritrocitos fueron sometidos a la separación en un sistema bifásico carga sensible constituido por Dx / PEG. Se calculó el coeficiente de reparto (P), de los eritrocitos sin tratar y tratados. Los resultados mostraron disminución de P a las 3 temperaturas, en hematíes tratados con 4 de los EA. El EA restante no modificó los valores de P a ninguna de las temperaturas estudiadas. CL produjo la disminución de P a 37 ºC y 4 ºC, pero no se observó modificación a 25 ºC. Los análisis estadísticos concluyeron que los valores de P son significativamente menores en los eritrocitos tratados que en los respectivos eritrocitos sin tratar (p < 0.05). El método de partición demostró que A. lumbricoides altera la carga superficial eritrocitaria lo que indicaría que el parásito, tanto en su estado adulto como en sus fases larvales, puede captar acido sialico.

Relationship between plasma and red blood cell concentrations of quinine in Brazilian children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria on oral therapy / Relação entre as concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de quinina em crianças com malária por Plasmodium falciparum não complicada em terapia via oral

We determined the relationship between plasma and red blood cell concentrations of quinine in children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from an endemic area of Amazonian region. Quinine was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. In the steady state the ratio between plasma and red blood cell quinine concentration was 1.89 ± 1.25 ranging from 1.05 to 2.34. This result demonstrated that quinine do not concentrate in red blood cell of Brazilian children and characterize the absence of interracial difference in this relationship.

Neste estudo foi determinada a relação entre as concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de quinina em crianças com malária falciparum não complicada, oriundas de área endêmica da Região Amazônica. A quinina foi detrminada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. No estado de equilíbrio, a relação foi 1,89 ± 1,25 variando de 1,05 a 2,34. Estes resultados demonstraram que a quinina não se concentra nos eritrócitos das crianças e caracterizaram a ausência de diferença racial nesta relação.

PNH revisited: Clinical profile, laboratory diagnosis and follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by intravascular hemolysis, marrow failure, nocturnal hemoglobinuria and thrombophila. This acquired disease caused by a deficiency of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored proteins on the hematopoietic cells is uncommon in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients diagnosed with PNH in the past 1 year were collected. Clinical data (age, gender, various presenting symptoms), treatment information and follow-up data were collected from medical records. Results of relevant diagnostic tests were documented i.e., urine analysis, Ham's test, sucrose lysis test and sephacryl gel card test (GCT) for CD55 and CD59. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients were diagnosed with PNH in the past 1 year. Presenting symptoms were hemolytic anemia (n=4) and bone marrow failure (n=1). A GCT detected CD59 deficiency in all erythrocytes in 4 patients and CD55 deficiency in 2 patients. A weak positive PNH test for CD59 was seen in 1 patient and a weak positive PNH test for CD55 was seen in 3 patients. All patients were negative by sucrose lysis test. Ham's test was positive in two cases. Patients were treated with prednisolone and/or androgen and 1 patient with aplastic anemia was also given antithymocyte globulin. A total of 4 patients responded with a partial recovery of hematopoiesis and 1 patient showed no recovery. None of the patients received a bone marrow transplant. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the diagnostic methods and treatment protocols undertaken to evaluate the PNH clone in a developing country where advanced methods like flowcytometry immunophenotyping (FCMI) and bone marrow transplants are not routinely available.

Alterações hematológicas e cardíacas em cavalos Árabes submetidos ao teste de esforço crescente em esteira rolante / Hematological and cardiac alterations in Arabian horses submitted to incremental effort test in treadmill

Estudaram-se alterações na freqüência cardíaca e variáveis hematológicas de eqüinos Puro Sangue Árabe (PSA), submetidos a exercício intenso em esteira rolante sob condições tropicais. Para tanto, 24 eqüinos, treinados, realizaram exercício teste de intensidade crescente e amostras de sangue foram obtidas durante as etapas de esforço 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9 e10 m.s-1, com 10% de inclinação. As colheitas de sangue foram realizadas 15 segundos antes do término de cada etapa. A freqüência cardíaca foi obtida em cada etapa do exercício teste. Com as amostras de sangue foram obtidos, hematócrito, hemácias, hemoglobina e leucócitos totais. Foram calculados índices hematimétricos absolutos, volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média(HCM) e a concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM).Os resultados mostram que houve variação significativa (p≤ 0,05), a partir do repouso, entre os valores médios da freqüência cardíaca e das variáveis hematimétricas. Destaque para o VCM e HCM que aumentaram significativamente (p≤ 0,05) na etapa de esforço máximo(10m/s) demonstrando haver anisocitose durante o exercício intenso. Desta forma, o grau das alterações destas variáveis fisiológicas está relacionado com a intensidade e duração do exercício teste.

Alterations in heart rate and hematological variables of Arabian horses submitted to intense exercise in treadmill under tropical conditions were studied. Twenty four trained horses were adapted to exercise ona high performance treadmill and then submitted to an incremental(4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9 and 10 m.s-1) exercise test. Heart rate was verified andblood samples were taken 15 seconds before the end of each exercise step to determine the hematocrit, concentration of leucocytes, erythrocytes and hemoglobin. From these data the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated.The results show that there were significant variations in heart rateand hematimetric variables from the rest when compared to the values after the exercise. The hematological indexes MCV and MCH had also increased significantly in the stage of maximum effort (10m/s)demonstrating the occurrence of anisocytosis during the intense exercise. In such a way, the degree of the alterations of these physiological variables is related with the intensity and duration of the effort.

Effects of isoflavone on oxidative stress parameters and homocysteine in postmenopausal women complaining of insomnia

Sleep disorders have an increased incidence after menopause. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of isoflavone on some oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women complaining of insomnia. Women aged between 50-65 years (n=38) were recruited and assigned to a double-blind placebo controlled study for 4 months. The treated group received 100 mg/day of isoflavones. Blood collections were conducted on three different occasions to assess total glutathione; superoxide dismutase and catalase in erythrocytes; lipid peroxidation; and homocysteine plasma concentrations. No differences between the groups were observed. However, all the patients seem to improve their oxidative stress status and homocysteine concentration after treatment. Superoxide dismutase activity was correlated with age and time of menopause at the beginning of the treatment, but these correlations were no longer observed by the end of the study. Soy isoflavones were not able to overcome the placebo effect for either oxidative stress parameters or homocysteine concentrations.

A Case of Immune Hemolytic Anemia Induced by Ceftizoxime and Cefobactam (Sulbactam/Cefoperazone) / 대한진단검사의학회지

Simultaneous drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) caused by multiple drugs is rare. We report a case of a patient who developed DIIHA caused by 2 drugs. The patient's serum exhibited agglutination of ceftizoxime- or sulbactam-coated red blood cells (RBCs; via a drug-adsorption mechanism) and of uncoated RBCs in the presence of sulbactam (via an immune-complex mechanism). Although ceftizoxime is known to exhibit a positive reaction by an immune-complex method with or without reactivity with drug-coated RBCs, this patient's antibodies were reactive only against drug-coated RBCs. On the other hand, sulbactam, which is known to cause hemolytic anemia by nonimmunologic protein adsorption, exhibited positive reactions in tests with both drug-coated RBCs and in the presence of sulbactam. This is the first report of DIIHA due to a sulbactam-cefoperazone combination and the fourth report of DIIHA due to ceftizoxime. Owing to the patient's complicated laboratory results, DIIHA was suspected only at a late stage. We propose that for the prompt diagnosis of DIIHA, tests for all possible causative drugs should be conducted by 2 methods.

Concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de zinco em idosos portadores e não-portadores de catarata senil em um serviço oftalmológico especializado de Teresina-Piauí / Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations in elderly patients with and without senile cataract in a tertiary eye care center at Teresina-Piauí

OBJETIVO: Determinar as concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de zinco em idosos portadores e não-portadores de catarata senil em um serviço oftalmológico especializado, em Teresina-Piauí. MÉTODOS: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e controlado, realizado no Hospital de Olhos Francisco Vilar, Piauí, Brasil. Participaram 56 idosos (37 mulheres, 19 homens) sem condições associadas a modificações nos níveis de zinco ou aumento do risco de catarata. Escore > II foi utilizado para definir a presença de catarata, de acordo com o Lens Opacities Classification System II. As concentrações de zinco foram determinadas por espectrometria de absorção atômica em chama. Análise estatística incluiu os testes t de Student e qui-quadrado e 0,05 como nível de significância. RESULTADOS: Catarata senil foi identificada em 58,9 por cento dos participantes, predominando o tipo nuclear (51,8 por cento), seguido pelo cortical (26,8 por cento) e subcapsular posterior (8,9 por cento). Deficiência de zinco no plasma (<70 μg/dL) e no eritrócito (<40 μg/gHb) foi constatada em 49,1 por cento e 30,4 por cento dos idosos, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças significativas entre portadores e não-portadores de catarata, independente do tipo, quanto às concentrações de zinco plasmático (p=0,165) ou eritrocitário (p=0,426). CONCLUSÃO: Deficiência de zinco no plasma ou eritrócito foi comum entre os idosos; porém, os dados indicam não haver diferenças significativas nos referidos parâmetros quanto à presença de catarata senil, independente do tipo.

PURPOSE: To determine plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations in elderly with and without senile cataract in a tertiary eye care center at Teresina-Piauí. METHODS: A quantitative, transversal and controlled study was developed at the Hospital de Olhos Francisco Vilar, Piauí, Brasil. Fifty-six elderly subjects (37 females, 19 males) with no known conditions that modify zinc blood levels or increase risk of cataract were included. A score >II was used to define cataract, according to Lens Opacities Classification System II. Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical tests included Student's t and chi-square tests, with a probability level of 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Senile cataract was present in 58.9 percent of the subjects. The most common type was nuclear (51.8 percent), followed by cortical (26.8 percent) and posterior subcapsular (8.9 percent). Zinc deficiencies in plasma (<70 μg/dL) and erythrocyte (<40 μg/gHb) were found in 49.1 percent and 30.4 percent of participants, respectively. There were no significant differences between elderly with or without cataract, regardless of type, in relation to plasma (p=0.165) or erythrocyte (p=0.426) zinc concentrations. CONCLUSION: Zinc deficiency in plasma or erythrocyte were common among the elderly. However, the data suggest that no significant differences exist between elderly with or without senile cataract, regardless of type, in relation to the referred parameters of zinc evaluation.

Effects of weight loss on liver and erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern and oxidative stress status in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Our aim was to study the influence of weight loss on the fatty acid (FA) composition of liver and erythrocyte phospholipids and oxidative stress status in obese, non-alcoholic, fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Seven obese NAFLD patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy with a gastro-jejunal anastomosis in roux and Y were studied immediately and 3 months after surgery. Seven non-obese patients who underwent anti-reflux surgery constituted the control group. Serum F2-isoprostane levels were measured by GS/NICI-MS/MS and FA composition was determined by GC. At the time of surgery, controls and obese patients exhibited a hepatic polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) pattern that correlated with that of erythrocytes. Three months after surgery, NAFLD patients lost 21 percent of initial body weight; serum F2-isoprostane levels decreased by 76 percent; total PUFA, long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA), n-3 PUFA, and n-3 LCPUFA increased by 22, 29, 81, and 93 percent, respectively; n-6/n-3 LCPUFA ratio decreased by 51 percent; docosahexaenoic acid/docosapentaenoic acid ratio increased by 19-fold; and the n-3 product/precursor ratio (20: 5 + 22: 5 + 22: 6)/18: 3 increased by 164 percent (p<0.05). It is concluded that weight loss improves the n-3 LCPUFA status of obese patients in association with significant amelioration in the biomarkers of oxidative stress, membrane FA insaturation, and n-3 LCPUFA biosynthesis capacity, thus representing a central therapeutic issue in the improvement of obesity-related metabolic alterations involved in the mechanism of hepatic steatosis.

Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis

To investigate malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitric oxide [NO] levels in the erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis [SSc]. Twenty-nine patients diagnosed as having SSc and 16 volunteer healthy subjects [as control group] participated in the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained from the patients and healthy subjects in anticoagulated tubes [with EDTA], and the erythrocytes were separated. The MDA and NO levels were measured in the erythrocyte sediments by the spectrophotometric method. The levels of MDA and NO were elevated in the erythrocyte sediments of the patients as compared to those of the control group [1.037 +/- 0.125 vs. 0.951 +/- 0.114 micromol/g Hb, respectively, p = 0.047 for MDA, and 0.340 +/- 0.071 vs. 0.209 +/- 0.074 mmol/g Hb, respectively, p <0.001 for NO]. A weak positive correlation was also observed between MDA and NO levels [r = 0.30, p = 0.15 in the patient group, and r = 0.27, p = 0.49 in the control group]. Our results show higher levels of MDA and NO in the erythrocytes of patients with SSc than normal subjects