Immunomodulatory effects of Blaps rynchopetera extract

Purpose: To explore the potential immunomodulatory effects of total extract and different polar parts from Blaps rynchopetera Fairmaire. Methods: Phagocytic activity was evaluated by neutral red assay, and the effect of the immune function was investigated by normal and immunocompromised mice models. Results: In vitro, total extract, as well as chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions could individually enhance the phagocytic ability of mouse peritoneal macrophages; in addition, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions had an increasing tendency when combined stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) could enhance the immune organ index, increase the serum hemolysin level and peripheral blood immune cells of immunocompromised mice, while for normal mice, the effect was inconspicuous. Conclusions: Blaps rynchopetera extracts had noteworthy immunomodulatory effect, especially for individuals with immune disorders.

Effect of nabumetone on humoral immune responses in mice / Efeito da nabumetona nas respostas imunes humorais em camundongos

Nabumetone is used to reduce the pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. In the current study, immunomodulatory effect of Nabumetone is investigated in mice. The control group was administered normal saline orally as placebo. Nabumetone was administered orally via gavage in two treatment groups at 14mg/kg.b.w. doses and 28mg/kgb.w., respectively. Haemagglutination (HA) assay, Jerne hemolytic plaque and mice lethality assays were applied. In HA assay, the titer was significantly decreased in Nabumetone treatment groups (P< 0.001). In Jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay, there was a significant reduction (P< 0.001) in number of plaques in Nabumetone treated groups when compared with control. In mice lethality assay, there was a significant difference in mortality ratio of mice in control and Nabumetone treated groups (P< 0.001). Therefore, it is concluded that Nabumetone suppresses the humoral immune response in mice.(AU)

A nabumetona é usada na redução da dor e inflamação da artrite reumática. No presente estudo, o efeito imunomodulador é investigado em camundongos. O grupo de controle recebeu solução salina via oral como placebo. Nabumetona foi administrada oralmente via gavagem em dois grupos de tratamentos com doses de 14mg/kg.b.w. e 28mg/kgb.w., respectivamente. Foram realizados ensaios de hemaglutinação (HA), placa hemolítica de Jerne e letalidade dos camundongos. No ensaio HA, o grau foi significativamente menor nos grupos de tratamento com nabumetoma (P< 0.001). No ensaio de formação de placa hemolítica de Jerne houve redução significativa (P< 0.001) no número de placas em grupos tratados com nabumetoma comparado ao controle. No ensaio de letalidade dos camundongos houve diferença significativa no grau de mortalidade de camundongos no grupo de controle e grupos tratados com nabumetoma (P< 0.001). Portanto, conclui-se que a Nabumetoma suprime a resposta imune humoral em camundongos.(AU)

Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of lomefloxacin in mice

Lomefloxacin is a flouroquinolone antibiotic that is quite efficacious against many gram negative and gram positive pathogens. Lomefloxacin evince antibacterial effects by modifying DNA gyrase in gram negative pathogens and topoisomerase IV in gram positive pathogens. This study is designed to assess the immunomodulatory effects of lomefloxacin in male albino mice. Three doses of lomefloxacin 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg were used and delayed type hypersensitivity assay, cyclophosphamide induced neutropenic assay, carbon clearance assay, heamagglutination assay and mice lethality test were performed to evaluate the effects of lomefloxacin on immune system of mice. DTH assay has depicted the significant immunosuppressant potential of lomefloxacin at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg dose. Total leukocyte count have exhibited highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in leukocyte count after cyclophosphamide administration. Differential leukocyte count has shown significant (P<0.01) reduction in lymphocyte count, whereas, highly significant (P<0.001) increase in monocyte count and significant (P<0.05) increase neutrophil count has been observed. In carbon clearance assay, highly significant (P<0.01) increase in phagocytic index has been noted at 12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg doses. Humoral immune system responses are suppressed in dose dependent manner by both heamagglutination assay (P<0.001) and mice lethality assay (P<0.001). Results clearly depict that lomefloxacin possess quite significant immunomodulatory potential

Factors associated with adherence to immunomodulator treatment in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract To determine the association between factors and adherence to immunomodulator treatment in people with multiple sclerosis treated in reference centers. Cross-sectional study conducted with 188 people who used immunomodulators in three reference centers in Ceará from March to July 2012. Adherence was assessed using the Moriskscale and factors were assessed using a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic and personal characteristics, the disease, the use of immunomodulator and educational activities. The determination of the association was expressed in crude and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Adherence rate was 46% and after the logistic regression model the adherence to immunomodulator treatment was positively associated with the following factors: age 18-38 years, time of diagnosis and treatment between 6 and 24 months, 0-3.5 score in the Expanded Disability Status Scale, perception of treatment benefits, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, phone contact with the doctor and not missing the return visit. This study is important because it allowed to determine the association between factors and adherence to immunomodulator treatment in multiple sclerosis, contributing to prevention and control actions.

Relação do sobrepeso e obesidade materna sobre parâmetros imunológicos, bioquímicos e hormonais do sangue e colostro humano / Influence of overweight and maternal obesity on immunological, biochemical and hormonal parameters of blood and human colostrum

Introdução: A obesidade materna durante a gestação é caracterizada por um estado exagerado de inflamação comparado às gestações mães sem excesso de peso. Existem evidencias de que um delicado balanço de componentes pró e anti-inflamatórios é transferido da mãe para a criança através da amamentação. Não se sabe se a inflamação sistêmica materna que está presente em mulheres obesas influencia no perfil de citocinas e hormônios do sangue e colostro. Objetivos: Avaliar os perfis de citocinas TH1, TH2, TH3, TH17 no sangue e colostro de mães com excesso massa corporal, e verificar os parâmetros bioquímicos, imunológicos e hormonais do sangue e colostro humano. Método: Foram avaliadas 68 mães, assim distribuídas: eutróficas (n=25), sobrepeso (n=24) e obesidade (n=19). As concentrações de glicose, triglicérides e colesterol total foram mensuradas por método colorimétrico enzimático, e de proteínas totais por método colorimétrico. Teor de gordura e calorias do colostro foram obtidos por método do Crematócrito. Os hormônios leptina e adiponectina foram quantificados por método imunoenzimático de ELISA. Imunoglobulinas, proteínas do complemento (C3 e C4) e PCR por turbidimetria. As concentrações de citocinas foram avaliadas por Citometria de fluxo. Resultados: Observou-se maiores níveis de glicose, teor de gordura, calorias e IgA no colostro de mães obesas.

Introduction: Maternal obesity during pregnancy is characterized by an exaggerated state of inflammation compared to mothers without excess weight. There is evidence that a delicate balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory compounds is transferred from mother to infant via breastfeeding. It is unknown whether the maternal systemic inflammation that is present in obese women influences the cytokine levels of colostrum. Objective: To evaluate the cytokine profile Th1, TH2, TH3, TH17 of blood and colostrum of overweight and obese mothers, and verify biochemical, hormonal and immunological parameters of human blood and colostrum. Methods: Were evaluated 68 mothers that were divided according to their BMI status: lean (n=25), overweight (n=24) and obese (n=19). The concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol were measured by colorimetric enzymatic method, and total proteins by colorimetric method. Fat content and calories of colostrum were obtained by Creamatocrit method. The hormones leptin and adiponectin were measured by ELISA technique. Immunoglobulins and complement protein (C3 and C4) and PCR by Turbidimetric method. Concentrations of cytokines were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: We observed higher glucose levels, fat content, calories and IgA in colostrum of obese mothers. Serum concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, IgA, CRP, C3 and C4 complement proteins were significantly higher in obese mothers.

Immune enhancement activities of silk lutein extract from Bombyx mori cocoons

BACKGROUND: Declining immune function poses an important clinical challenge worldwide and supplementation with natural products that possessing immune enhancing properties is a promising approach for preventing or delaying immune function decline. Cocoons from yellow silkworms are a significant source of lutein, and this unexplored silk extract could be a viable alternative source for dietary lutein. This study assessed immunomodulatory activities of the silk lutein extract. Female BALB/c mice orally received lutein, either as silk or marigold extracts (10 or 20 mg/kg daily), or vehicle only (1% tween 80 in PBS pH 7.4) for 4 weeks. Natural killer (NK) cell activity, specific antibody production, lymphocyte subpopulations, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production were examined. RESULTS: Silk lutein extract increased NK cell activity, and the effect was dose-related whereas marigold lutein extract was ineffective. Silk lutein extract dose-dependently enhanced antibody production in pre-immunized mice but marigold lutein extract had no effect. Feeding with silk lutein extract increased the populations of CD3+ and CD4 + CD3 + cells. Silk lutein extract also stimulated concanavalin A- and lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferations of T and B lymphocytes, respectively. Moreover, silk lutein extract increased IL-2 and IFN-γ production while the effect of marigold lutein extract was undetectable. CONCLUSIONS: Together, silk lutein extract enhanced both innate and adaptive immune functions. This preparation may prove to be an effective supplement for strengthened immunity.

Testis immune privilege - Assumptions versus facts

The testis has long enjoyed a reputation as a n immunologically privileged site based on its ability to protect auto - antigenic germ cells and provide an optimal environment for the extended survival of transplanted allo - or xeno - grafts. Exploration of the role of anatomical, physiological, immunologica l and cell ular components in testis immune privilege reveal ed that the tolerogenic environment of the test i s is a result of the immunomodulatory factors expressed or secreted by testicular cells (mainly Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells , and resident macrophages ). The b lood - testis barrier/Sertoli cell barrier, is also important to seclude advanced germ cells but its requirement in testis immune privilege needs further investigation . T esticular immune privilege is not permanent , as an effe ctive immune response can be mounted against transplanted tissue , and bacterial/viral infections in the testis can be effectively eliminated . Overall, the cellular components control the fate of the immune response and can shift the response from immunodestructive to immunoprotective, resulting in immuneprivilege.

Hematological and immunological effects of stress of air traffic controllers in northeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that stress and emotional reactions can affect immune responses in animals and humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate hematological and immunological effects of stress on air traffic controllers. METHODS: Thirty air traffic controllers and 15 aeronautical information service operators were evaluated. The groups were divided as information service operators with 10 years or more of experience (AIS>10) and with less than 10 years in the profession (AIS<10) and air traffic controllers with 10 years or more of experience (ATCo>10) and with less than 10 years in the profession (ATCo<10). Blood samples were drawn at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The paired t-test was used to compare monocyte and nitric oxide concentrations and ANOVA was used for the other parameters. RESULTS: The ATCo>10 group presented a significantly lower phagocytosis rate of monocytes at 2:00 p.m. compared to 8:00 a.m. Moreover, the ATCo>10 group presented lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelet and leukocyte levels, and increased cortisol concentrations at 8:00 a.m. compared to the other groups. Additionally, this group had lower phagocytosis rate of monocytes, and hemoglobin, platelet, leukocyte, basophils and nitric oxide levels at 2:00 p.m. compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Stress seems to greatly affect immune responses of air traffic controllers with more than ten years of experience.

Preliminary study to characterize differences in potential immunomodulatory effects of cyclosporine A using BALB/c and ICR mouse splenocytes / Estudo preliminar para caracterizar as diferenças nos efeitos imunomodulatórias de ciclosporina A esplenócitos usando BALB / c e ICR do mouse

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is widely used as an immunosuppressant for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and immune regulation in transplant patients. Due to its wide applicability, studies of unwanted side effects of CsA are imperative. It has been found that not all patients treated with CsA display the same types/patterns of adverse effects. To ascertain the bases for these differential responses, potential differing effects of CsA on B-lymphocytes were analyzed. This entailed an assessment of changes in CsA viability and mitotic activity within splenocyte populations from BALB/c and ICR mice. These particular strains were examined because: (1) in each of them, previously have been shown that differed in the respond to biological response modifiers, such as bacterial agents, and/or immunogens; (2) our own earlier studies showing strain-associated differences in ex vivo splenocyte/lymphocyte responses to other drug; and, (3) a potential immunomodulatory effect of any agent should be studied in at least two different strains during a broad toxicological evaluation. Splenocytes from each strain were treated with 200 μg/mL CsA, and CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ cell viabilities were monitored at various time points during the exposure period. In general, there appeared to be a trend toward greater decreases in viability among BALB/c B-lymphocytes than their ICR counterparts as incubation progressed. Differences related with T-lymphocyte sensitivity to drug associated to strains was not observed, because it was uniformly lethal throughout. With regard to mitotic activity, cells from ICR mice were more susceptible to inhibition of spontaneous cell division at low concentrations of CsA (relative to the rates of blastogenesis by BALB/c counterparts). At higher concentrations of the drug however, there were no differences in the sensitivity of each strain. This work provides new insight into the mechanism of action of CsA and illustrates the need for at least two different strains of mice/rodents for the evaluation of the overall toxicological potential of any test agent.

Ciclosporina A (CsA) é amplamente usada como imunossupressor para o tratamento de doenças autoimunes e regulação imune nos pacientes transplantados. Devido à alta aplicabilidade, são imperativos os estudos sobre seus efeitos colaterais indesejáveis. Descobriu-se que nem todos os pacientes tratados com CsA apresentam os mesmos tipos/padrões de efeitos adversos. Para averiguar as bases dessas respostas diferentes, analisaram-se efeitos potenciais diferentes da CsA nos linfócitos B. Isto envolveu a avaliação de alterações na viabilidade da CsA e da atividade mitótica dentro das populações de esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c e ICR. Essas espécies, em particular, foram examinadas porque: (1) cada uma delas mostrou, previamente, respostas diferentes a modificadores de respostas biológicas, tais como agentes bacterianos e/ou imunogênicos; (2) nossos estudos anteriores mostraram diferenças associadas às espécies em respostas ex vivo de esplenócitos/linfócitos a outro fármaco e (3) qualquer efeito imunomodulatório potencial de um agente em teste deveria ser estudado, no mínimo, em duas espécies diferentes durante a avaliação toxicológica ampla. Esplenócitos de cada espécie foram tratados com 200 μg/mL de CSA e a viabilidade das células CD4+, CD8+ e CD19+ foi monitorada em vários tempos durante o período de exposição. No geral, parece haver uma tendência em relação a aumentos maiores na viabilidade entre os linfócitos B de BALB/c do que no de ICR, à medida que a incubação progride. Não se observou diferenças na sensibilidade do linfócito T, uma vez que o fármaco foi uniformemente letal. Com relação à atividade mitótica, as células de camundongos ICR se mostraram mais suscetíveis à inibição da divisão celular espontânea em baixas concentrações de CsA (relativamente às taxas de blastogênese de BALB/c). Em concentrações maiores do fármaco, entretanto, não houve diferenças na sensibilidade em cada uma das espécies. Este trabalho propicia nova visão do mecanismo de ação de CsA e ilustra a necessidade de, pelo menos, duas espécies diferentes de camundongos/roedores para a avaliação da toxicidade potencial de qualquer agente em teste.

Investigating the effect of the homeopathic immunomodulator, MODUL8® on Blood count, bronchial lavage and fibrin ultrastructure on experimental asthmatic BALB/c mice / Investigación del efecto del inmunomodulador homeopatico Modul8® sobre sangre, lavado bronquial y ultraestructura de la fibrina en ratones experimentales asmáticos BALB/c

Modul8® is a composite mixture of natural products that are known to be an immunomodulator. In the current study the effect of this immunomodulator is tested on an experimental asthmatic BALB/c mouse model to investigate its properties on the white blood cell count in the blood and bronchial lavage of the animals since white blood cells play a fundamental role in the inflammatory process involved in asthma. As it is known that platelets also play an important role in the immune system, the ultrastructure of platelets and fibrin networks were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The animals were sensitised, nebulized and treated over a period of 43 days until termination. Results from the blood smears as well as the bronchial lavage smears revealed significantly higher eosinophil counts in the asthmatic group compared to the control and treated groups. Changes in the ultrastructure of the platelets and fibrin networks could also be observed, with the Modul8® -treated group appearing similar to that of the control group where thick major and thin minor fibres could clearly be distinguished and a tight mass of platelet aggregate could be observed. Whereas the fibrin networks from the asthmatic animals appeared flimsy with a tight mass of thin fibres covering the thick major fibres. The asthmatic platelet aggregates appeared granular without the tight round appearance of the control platelet aggregates. It is therefore concluded that Modul8® positively influences the white blood cell counts by altering the asthmatic profile to look similar to that of the control. Also, it seems as if Modul8® has a stabilizing effect on the platelets and fibrin networks. From these results it can be suggested that Modul8® might successfully be used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

Modul8® es una mezcla compuesta de productos naturales que es conocida por ser un inmunomodulador. En el presente estudio, el efecto de este inmunomodulador se prueba de forma experimental en el modelo de ratón asmáticos BALB/c, para investigar sus propiedades sobre el conteo de glóbulos blancos en la sangre y lavado bronquial de los animales, ya que los glóbulos blancos desempeñan un papel fundamental en el proceso de respuesta inflamatoria implicado en el asma. Como es sabido, también las plaquetas desempeñan un papel importante en el sistema inmunológico, así, la ultraestructura de las plaquetas y las redes de fibrina también fueron investigadas por microscopía electrónica de barrido. Los animales fueron sensibilizados, nebulizados y tratados durante un período de 43 días hasta el término. Los resultados de los frotis de sangre, así como los de lavado bronquial revelaron un número significativamente mayor de eosinófilos en el grupo de asmáticos en comparación con el control y grupos tratados. Cambios en la ultraestructura de las plaquetas y redes de fibrina también pueden ser observados, donde el grupo tratado con la Modul8® aparece similar a el grupo control, donde los fibras de mayor grosor y menor grosor pueden ser claramente distinguidas y además, puede ser observada una apretada masa de plaquetas aglutinadas. Considerando las redes de la fibrina en animales asmáticos parecen endebles con una apretada masa de fibras de menor grosor que cubren las fibras de mayor grosor. Los agregados de plaquetas en asmáticos aparecen granulares sin el aspecto apretado del agregado plaquetario que rodea al grupo control. Por tanto, se concluye que Modul8® positivamente influye en el conteo de glóbulos blancos mediante la alteración del perfil de asmáticos a un aspecto similar al del control. Además, parece como si Modul8® tuviera un efecto estabilizador en las plaquetas y las redes de fibrina. De estos resultados se puede sugerir que Modul8® puede ser utilizado...

Níveis crescentes de parede de levedura sobre a resposta imune celular e perfil hematológico de frangos de corte / Cellular immune response and hematological parameters of broilers from different age broiler breeders, fed with a sorghum meal with different yeast wall levels

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito de níveis crescentes de parede de levedura e idade das matrizes reprodutoras sobre o peso dos órgãos linfóides, a resposta imune celular e o perfil hematológico de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 3.360 pintos de corte da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, em esquema fatorial 2x5, mais dois controles, sendo duas idades de matrizes (34 e 57 semanas de idade) e cinco níveis de suplementação de parede de levedura (zero, um, dois, três e quatro kg de parede de levedura/tonelada de ração). A idade das matrizes influenciou a resposta de todas as variáveis. A inclusão de 3kg de parede de levedura/tonelada de ração promoveu, na progênie de reprodutoras de 57 semanas, reação inflamatória mais intensa quando comparada a dieta controle, no entanto não houve aumento significativo no número de heterófilos e linfócitos circulantes. Conclui-se que a utilização da parede de levedura associada ao sorgo ou não em rações de frangos de corte ainda necessita de estudos complementares, que incluam, por exemplo, os componentes purificados da parede de levedura (MOS e ß-glucano).

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect increasing levels of yeast wall and broiler breeders' age levels on lymphoid organs weight, cellular immune response and hematological parameters in broilers. A total of 3,360 Cobb broilers were allotted, in a completely randomized design and a 2x5 factorial arrangement, and two controls, compound of two broiler breeders age (34 and 57 weeks of age) and five yeast wall levels (zero, one, two, three and four kg of yeast wall/ton of diet). Broiler breeders' age affected all studied variables. The inclusion of 3kg of yeast wall/ton of meal increased, at 57 weeks age broiler breeders, more intense inflammatory reaction when compared to control diet; however the circulated heterophils and lymphocytes numbers were not increased. In conclusion, the use of yeast wall, associated or not to sorghum on broilers diet still needs complementary studies, for example, purified components of yeast wall (MOS and ß-glucano).

Quantitative assessment of IgA levels in the unstimulated whole saliva of caries-free and caries-active children.

Saliva is commonly referred to as the blood stream of the oral cavity. It has many functions, one of the major functions being protection of teeth against dental caries. There are many components in saliva, each one having a specific role in the prevention of dental caries. The composition of saliva varies from individual to individual and in the same individual it varies between the glands. The composition of whole saliva, especially when unstimulated, has gained much interest, because it is this which constantly bathes the teeth. The aim of this study was to determine the IgA levels in the unstimulated whole saliva of caries-free and caries-active children aged 3-6 years and to correlate its role in protection of the tooth against dental caries.

Role of colostrum in gastrointestinal infections.

Colostrum is breast milk produced after the birth of the newborn and lasts for 2-4 days. Colostrum is very important part of breast milk and lays down the immune system and confers growth factors and other protective factors for the young ones in mammals. This is the source of passive immunity transferred to the baby from the mother. The biological value of bovine colostrum in present day medical practice is documented in clinical trials and large databases containing case reports and anecdotal findings. The main actions include an antibacterial effect and modulation of immune response with the ability to neutralize lipopolysaccharides arising from gram negative bacterial pathogens. It has been found to be effective in infantile hemorrhagic diarrheas, other diarrheas and reduces the likelihood of disease progressing to hemolytic uremic syndrome. It has also been tested in H. pylori infection and diarrhea in immunodeficiency. Side effects of clinical relevance are limited to possible intolerance due to lactose and sensitivity to milk proteins.

Diagnóstico de la infección poe Helicobacter pylori en niños mediante la detección de antígenos en deposiciones / Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in children based on stool antigen test

Background: During infancy, preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic efforts for Helicobacter pylori infection should be made. Aim: To evaluate non-invasive diagnostic methods such as stool antigen test (HpSA) and serum anti-H pylori antibody detection (IgG e IgA), compared to endoscopy-based invasive methods (histology and urease test) for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients and Methods: Thirty nine children (aged 3 to 14 years, 20 males) referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were studied. The gold standard to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection was defined as a positive invasive diagnostic test (histology and/or urease test). Sensitivity (S), specificity (E) and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were obtained for HpSA and serum antibodies. Results: Ten children (26 percent) were infected with H pylori. S, E, PPV and NPV for HpSA were 90, 100, 100 and 97 percent, respectively. The figures for serum IgG were 81, 97, 89 and 93 percent, respectively and for IgA, 90, 76, 36 and 96 percent, respectively. Conclusions: HpSA was sensitive and specific as a clinical and epidemiological tool to evaluate H pylori infection in children. Serology was not as accurate, but IgG had a better performance than IgA.

Evaluation of salivary nitric oxide levels in oral mucosal diseases: A controlled clinical trial.

Lichen planus is a common dermatologic disease to manifest in the oral cavity. Recurrent aphthous ulcers are the most common ulcers of the oral cavity causing discomfort to the patients. These two diseases have different clinical manifestations which require appropriate treatment after correct diagnosis. Though numerous etiological factors have been proposed for these diseases, their true etio-pathogenesis is not yet established and therefore all therapies are palliative and none is effective universally. In light of this, the role of nitric oxide as a mediator in the etio-pathogenesis of these diseases was considered. The present study was undertaken to note the salivary nitric oxide levels as measured through its product nitrite in oral mucosal diseases like lichen planus and recurrent aphthous ulcers and also to ascertain whether salivary nitric oxide level has a role to play as a pathophysiological mediator in these diseases

Health factors in colostrum.

Colostrum is a breast milk produced after the birth of the newborn and lasts for 2-4 days. Colostrum is very important part of breast milk and lays down the immune system and confers growth factors and other protective factors for the young ones in mammals. This is the source of passive immunity achieved by the mother and is transferred to the baby. This is the major source of secretory IgA and gives protection against gastrointestinal infections. In view of so many health factors through colostrum, the use of colostrum has been extended to so many health problems of mankind. Human and bovine colostrums have many similarities barring that bovine colostrum can be obtained in large quantity, so bovine colostrum has been used in various disorders in human beings. This is the nature's gift that is for the young ones to grow as well as for the treatment of many health problems in older age group.

IgA secretora total e específica no colostro e leite de mães da cidade do Natal-Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Total and specific IgA in colostrum and milk of mothers of Natal-Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

PURPOSE: To determine the concentration of total secretory IgA and evaluate the repertoire of IgA antibodies to enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri antigens in colostrums and milk from mothers in Natal, RN. METHODS: The sample was constituted by 22 healthy clinically women whose babies were born at public hospital in Natal, RN. To determine total secretory IgA a radial immunedifusion tecnique (Mancini et al, 1965), was employed and to detect specific antibodies, immuneenzimatic assays, ELISA was used. RESULTS: The median values of total secretory IgA concentration presented individual variations with high levels in colostrums samples, decreasing during lactation, it was observed a p < 0.001 among the samples from the first day of lactation, to the thirtieth for total IgA concentration. All the donators present in colostrum and milk specific antibodies to Escherichia coli enteropathogenic (EPEC) and Shigella flexneri with titles higer in colostrum. There was parallel and directional pattern between total IgA and IgA anti-EPEC and Shegella flexneri, during period. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of total SIgA and specific antibodies to enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri in colostrums and milk in our study do not differ from others accomplished among populations with the same social and econimic features, stressing the importance of human milk as a protector agent against pathogens.

Seroprevalencia de helicobacter pylori en niños de una población de la frontera colombo-venezolana / Seroprevalance of helicobacter pylori in children in a population of the colombian-venezuelan border

Con el objetivo de conocer la seroprevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori (Hp) en niños de una población de la frontera colombo-venezolana, determinamos en sangre anticuerpos IgG contra Hp. Se incluyeron 98 niños, 51 por ciento del sexo masculino y 49 por ciento del sexo femenino. Encontramos IgG contra Hp en el 47 por ciento contra un 53 por ciento de muestras negativas. No hubo diferencias significativas en cuanto al sexo. La mayor frecuencia se observó en los niños de nueve años. Nuestros resultados demuestran que desde temprana edad existe una alta seroprevalencia de la infección por Hp similar a la reportada en otros países.

Estrongiloidosis: aspectos clínicos, hematológicos e inmunológicos / Strongyloidiasis aspects clinic: hematological and immunological

En 94 pacientes infectados por Strongyloides stercoralis investigamos: a) La incidencia de diarrea, dolor abdominal e hipereosinofilia, b) La correlación entre la histopatología digestiva y la clínica, c) Las presentaciones atípicas, d) La influencia de estados de inmunosupresión, e) La contribución diagnóstica de valores hematológicos e inmunoglobulinas séricas, f) La importancia de la prueba de Baermann. El Baermann fue positivo en 100 por ciento de los casos. La hipereosinofilia mostró relación inversa significativa (P<5 por ciento) con el grado de infección. Duodenitis y gastritis prevalecieron en 37 y 48 por ciento de casos. Diarrea y epigastralgia se detectaron en 100 por ciento de algunos grupos. Dos pacientes inmunosuprimidos muerieron por diseminación del parásito

Avaliaçäo da resposta biológica a diferentes barreiras mecânicas, utilizadas na técnica de regeneraçäo tecidual guiada (RTG) / Evaluation of the bibological response to different mechanic barriers utilized on the guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

Comparou-se a resposta biológica induzida pela colocaçäo de barreiras mecânicas sintéticas, näo-reabsorvíveis, utilizadas na técnica de regeneraçäo tecidual guiada, no tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de ratos. Foram selecionados três tipos de materiais disponíveis no mercado, Membrana Millipore (MM), Gengiflex (MG) e Teflon (MT), os quais foram recortados em forma circular, para implantaçäo no tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de 10 ratos, onde permaneceram por um período experimental de 30 dias. Os resultados da análise histopatológica demonstraram que nenhum material induziu respostas intensas. A presença de um infiltrado de células gigantes de forma discreta e moderada foi observado nos espécimes contendo MM e MT, exceto nas amostras de MG, onde o quadro apresentou-se de moderado a intenso. Com relaçäo à cápsula fibrosa, esta mostrou-se densa, espessa e organizada ao redor das MM e MG, sendo que nos espécimes da MT, a cápsula foi mais estreita. Concluiu-se a partir dos resultados obtidos que os materiais mais biocompatíveis säo as MM e MT, enquanto que a MG revelou-se um material mais estranho ao organismo