Frequency of skin diseases in renal transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary center: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased in the recent decades, along with the number of patients in the terminal stages of this disease, requiring transplantation. Some skin disorders are more frequent in patients with CKD and in renal transplant recipients (RTR). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of skin diseases in RTR and patients with CKD receiving conservative treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This observational cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients with CKD and RTR from a nephrology clinic at a teaching hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2020. METHODS: Quantitative, descriptive, and analytical approaches were used. The sample was selected based on convenience sampling. Data were collected from dermatological visits and participants' medical records. RESULTS: Overall, 308 participants were included: 206 RTR (66.9%, median age: 48 years, interquartile range [IQR] 38.0-56.0, 63.6% men) and 102 patients with CKD (33.1%, median age: 61.0 years, IQR 50.0-71.2, 48% men). The frequency of infectious skin diseases (39.3% vs. 21.6% P = 0.002) were higher in RTR than in patients with CKD. Neoplastic skin lesions were present in nine (4.4%) RTR and in only one (1.0%) patient with CKD. Among the RTR, the ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma was 2:1. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that an increased frequency of infectious skin diseases may be expected in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. Among skin cancers, BCC is more frequently observed in RTR, especially in those using azathioprine.

Giant perianal condyloma successfully treated with podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum

Purpose: Giant perianal condyloma (GPC) is a rare condition. The effective treatment is a multidisciplinary challenge; topical treatments are usually ineffective, and surgical resection has significant morbidity. Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum (25%PSP) can be an effective treatment option for GPC. The aim of the present study was to assess its response and tolerability. Methods: This retrospective, single-center case series evaluated the clinical response of 14 patients with GPC treated with 25%PSP in a public hospital in Buenos Aires between December 2015 and December 2019. After obtaining a full history and performing a physical exam, the lesions were measured and photographed. Biopsies were performed to exclude malignancy, as well as exams to rule out pregnancy. Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum was administered topically in cases of GPC and washed off by the patients at home after 4 hours. The patients underwent at least 4 weekly visits, which included interval history, photodocumentation of the lesions, and provider-applied 25%PSP. The response rate was assessed by comparingmeasurements and the overall decrease in volume of the GPC based on photos from the first and last sessions. Adverse outcomes were noted. Results: In total, 10 men, 3 women, and 1 transgender woman with GPC unresponsive to prior treatments and a mean age of 34.5 years were included. A total of 12 patients were immunosuppressed. All the perianal lesions were circumferential and measured between 8 cm and 20 cm. Overall, 7 patients had genital condyloma outside of the anus and perianus; the histology showed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in all cases. While on treatment, 7 patients reported dermatitis, and 71% of the patients had 75% reduction in lesion size. Conclusions: Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum is an effective, well-tolerated topical treatment option for GPC. (AU)

Histoplasmosis: informe de un caso / Histoplasmosis: a case report

Objetivo: Describir el diagnóstico y el tratamiento interdisciplinario de un caso clínico de histoplasmosis. Caso clínico: Un paciente masculino de 39 años, con antecedentes de consumo de drogas, alcohol, tabaquismo crónico y VIH+ sin adherencia al tratamiento, acudió al Servicio de Odontología por una interconsulta del Servicio de Clínica Médica para la evaluación de lesiones erosivas en paladar duro y blando, reborde alveolar anterior, dorso lingual y lesión tumoral en encía anterosuperior. El diagnóstico definitivo se obtuvo por medio del análisis de muestras de biopsia transbronquial, lavado broncoalveolar y biopsia de lesión en piel. El paciente recibió tratamiento sistémico con antimicóticos (anfotericina B e itraconazol según esquema) y tratamiento local con colutorio de clorhexidina al 0,12% y 100.000 UI de nistatina en suspensión. Al momento del alta, presentaba una considerable mejoría de su estado general y de las lesiones orales, con disminución de sintomatología dolorosa. Se indicó turno para control a los 7 días de forma ambulatoria, al cual el paciente no asistió. El abordaje interdisciplinario y el análisis de los diferentes aspectos socioeconómicos, culturales, ambientales y sistémicos del paciente facilitaron el diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad (AU)

Aim: To describe the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of a clinical case of histoplasmosis. Clinical case: 39-year-old male patient with a history of drug abuse, alcohol, and chronic smoking, HIV+ without treatment compliance, attends the dental department referred by the medical department for the diagnosis of erosive lesions in the hard and soft palate, anterior alveolar ridge, lingual dorsum and tumor lesion in the anterosuperior gingiva. The definitive diagnosis was obtained by the analysis of transbronchial biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage and skin lesion biopsy. The patient received systemic treatment with antifungals (amphotericin b, itraconazole according to protocol), and local treatment with 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash and 100,000 IU nystatin suspension. At the time of medical discharge, the patient presented a considerable improvement in his general condition and of the oral lesions with a reduced pain. A 7 days recall was prescribed, however the patient failed to attend. The interdisciplinary approach to the patient and the analysis of the different socio-economic, cultural, environmental and systemic aspects of the patient facilitates the early diagnosis of the disease (AU)

Future strategies to improve short- and long-term outcomes of renal transplantation in dogs / Estratégias futuras para melhorar os resultados de transplante renal em cães a curto e longo prazo

ABSTRACT: Transplants for cats with naturally occurring renal disease have been introduced into clinical practice, but canine renal transplantation represents a greater challenge because of the lack of a balanced immunosuppressive protocol, difficulty in selecting compatible canine kidney donors, and absence of transplantation monitoring protocols. This and other important factors will be discussed in this review to help improve short- and long-term outcomes for renal transplantation in dogs.

RESUMO: O transplante renal em gatos com doença renal naturalmente adquirida está cada vez mais sendo introduzido na prática clínica. O transplante renal em cães, por sua vez, representa um desafio maior devido a falta da definição de um protocolo imunossupressor equilibrado, dificuldade na seleção de doadores compatíveis e ausência de protocolos de monitoramento de transplantes. Esses e outros fatores serão abordados nesta revisão afim de melhorar os resultados, tanto a curto quanto a longo prazo do transplante renal em cães.

Challenges of valve surgeries in post-renal transplant patients.

Renal transplantation remains a mainstay of therapy for the end‑stage renal disease. Cardiac disease has a high prevalence in this patient population. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among kidney transplantation patients. The cardiac disease accounts for 43% of all‑cause mortality among dialysis patients and for ≈38% of all‑cause mortality after transplantation. In this article, we review the factors and outcomes associated with valve surgeries in renal transplant recipients and evaluate the strategy for open heart surgery after renal transplantation performed.

Pulmonary nocardiosis mimicking tuberculosis.

Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infrequent and severe infection due to Nocardia species, microorganisms that may behave both as opportunists and as primary pathogens. Diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis is frequently delayed and a high level of suspicion is required in patients with underlying diseases or chronic corticosteroid therapy. Hereby we are presenting a case of pulmonary nocardiosis mimicking tuberculosis in an immonocompromised patient.

Risk of vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infection among patients colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization has been reported to increase the risk of developing infections, including bloodstream infections. Aim: In this study, we aimed to share our experience with the vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infections following gastrointestinal vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in pediatric population during a period of 18 months. Method: A retrospective cohort of children admitted to a 400-bed tertiary teaching hospital in Izmir, Turkey whose vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization was newly detected during routine surveillances for gastrointestinal vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization during the period of January 2009 and December 2012 were included in this study. All vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolates found within 18 months after initial detection were evaluated for evidence of infection. Findings: Two hundred and sixteen patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci were included in the study. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization was detected in 136 patients (62.3%) while they were hospitalized at intensive care units; while the remaining majority (33.0%) were hospitalized at hematology-oncology department. Vancomycinresistant enterococci bacteremia was present only in three (1.55%) patients. All these patients were immunosuppressed due to human immunodeficiency virus (one patient) and intensive chemotherapy (two patients). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study found that 1.55% of vancomycin-resistant enterococcicolonized children had developed vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infection among the pediatric intensive care unit and hematology/oncology patients; according to our findings, we suggest that immunosupression is the key point for developing vancomycinresistant enterococci bloodstream infections. .

Caracterización de pacientes hospitalizados con infecciones causadas por micobacterias no tuberculosas, en un hospital de alta complejidad en Colombia / Characteristics of inpatients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in a highly complex hospital in Colombia

Antecedentes: Las infecciones por micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) se describen en los últimos años con mayor frecuencia, especialmente en pacientes con inmunosupresión y en pacientes tratados por procedimientos estéticos. Las MNT incluyen especies del género Mycobacterium , diferentes del complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Mycobacterium leprae . Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados con infecciones por MNT. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Resultados: De 187 pacientes con infección por micobacterias documentadas por cultivo, 17 (9,1%) tuvieron infección por MNT. Edad promedio de 38,4 ± 19,2 años. El 58,82% fueron hombres. Las principales comorbilidades fueron VIH/sida (41,17%), diabetes mellitus (23,53%), enfermedad renal crónica (17,64%), terapia inmunosupresora (17,64%) y neoplasias (17,64%). En los coinfectados con VIH el recuento de CD4 fue <50 en 85,71%. Las especies más frecuentes fueron complejo M. avium (CMA) 35,29%, M. abscessus (17,65%) y M. chelonae (11,76%). Las formas de infección fueron: diseminada (35,29%), pulmonar (23,53%), piel y tejidos blandos (17,64%) y gastrointestinal (11,76%). Estancia promedio de 22,1 días; un 23,53% requirió atención en UCI. La mortalidad general fue 23,53%. Conclusión: Las infecciones por MNT causan una serie de condiciones patológicas, los pacientes inmunocomprometidos son la población de mayor riesgo y las formas diseminada y pulmonar,las más frecuentes. La sospecha temprana así como la toma de muestras adecuadas y el uso de métodos diagnósticos apropiados son indispensables para su diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento adecuado.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections has been described more frequently in recent years, especially in immunosuppression conditions and after cosmetic surgical procedures. The NTM include species of the genus Mycobacterium , other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of Colombian in-patientswith NTM infections. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study. Results: In 187 patients with culture- confirmed mycobacterial infection, 17 (9,1%) had NTM.The mean age was 38,4 ± 19,2 and 58,82% were men. Major comorbidities were: HIV/AIDS(41,1%), diabetes mellitus (23,5%), chronic renal disease (17,6%), immunosuppressive therapy(17,6%) and neoplasms (17,6%). In patients co-infected with HIV, CD4 count was <50 in 85,7%.The most frequent species were M. avium complex (MAC) in 35,2%, M. abscessus in 17,6% and M. chelonae in 11,7%. Infections were disseminated (35,2%), pulmonary (23,5%), skin and soft tissue (17,6%) and in gastrointestinal system (11,7%). The average hospital stay was 22,1 day sand 23,5% required intensive care unit. Overall mortality was 23,5%. Conclusion: MNT infections cause a number of pathological conditions, being more frequent in immunocompromised patients. The disseminated and pulmonary forms were the most common. Early clinical suspicion and appropriate samples and diagnostic assays, are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Aspergilosis traqueobronquial invasiva en un paciente con púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica tratada con Anti-CD20 / Invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and immunosuppressed due to the use of steroids and anti-CD20

La aspergilosis invasiva es una complicación que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con inmunosupresión. La aspergilosis traqueobronquial es una complicación muy rara con mínimas manifestaciones clínicas. Se informa de una paciente de 53 años con diagnóstico de púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica (PTT) con inmunosupresión por el uso de esteroides y anti CD-20, que presentó hemoptisis en 2 ocasiones; la segunda fue masiva y ocasionó la muerte. Previo al segundo evento de la hemoptisis se logró realizar broncoscopía, que mostró pseudomembranas y ulceración del epitelio bronquial. En el postmortem se logró documentar la presencia de Aspergillus tanto en la biopsia como en el cultivo. Es de gran importancia la sospecha y un reconocimiento temprano de esta patología en pacientes con inmunosupresión por su alta mortalidad.

Invasive aspergillosis is a complication most commonly developed in immunosuppressed patients. Tracheobronquial aspergillosis is an extremely rare complication with minimal clinical expression. We present the case of a 53-year-old female patient diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and immunosuppressed due to the use of steroids and anti-CD20, who presented hemoptisis twice; being the second one massive leading to death. Before the second event of hemoptisis, bronchoscopy was performed, which showed pseudomembranes and ulceration of the bronchial epithelium. In the post-mortem examination, the presence of Aspergillus was evidenced by both biopsy and culture. The presumption and early diagnosis of this condition are paramount for immunosuppressed patients due to its high mortality.

An experimental study on half-dose immunosuppressive agents multi-target therapy for lupus nephritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of half-dose glucocorticosteroid and cytoxan,combined with leflunomide for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) of MRL/lpr mice,and provide experimental evidences for LN therapy.Methods Twenty-eight 10-week-old MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into four groups:Group A,blank control group; Group B,classical control group; Group C,full-dose control group; Group D,half-dose treatment group,with 7 mice in each group.The therapeutic efficacy and side reactions in the four groups were observed and compared before and 12 weeks after treatment.Statistical analysis was conducted with one-way ANOVA,q test and Pearson's correlation analysis.Results The serum anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody titers (0.43±0.16,0.32±0.09,0.44± 0.18,1.95±0.19) U/ml,serum creatinine level (1.63±0.63,0.40±0.23,0.82±0.21,10.86±2.17) mg,24-hour urine protein excretion level (71±8,60±5,68±3,121±10) μmol/L and renal pathological changes in group B,C,D were significantly improved than those of the group A (P＜0.05) after 12 weeks treatment.There was no significant difference in the efficacy between group B,C,and D (P＞0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in group D was significantly lower than that in other groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion Multi-target therapy,such as half-dose prednisone and CTX,combined with leflunomide can effectively control lupus disease activity with less side effects.This regimen is cheap,safe and effective for the treatment of LN in MRUL/lpr mice.This study has provided animal evidences for this multi-target therapy for LN.

Tratamiento sistémico del penfigoide cicatrizal ocular / Systemic treatment of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

El penfigoide cicatrizal ocular (PCO) es una enfermedad ampollar autoinmune que produce daño conjuntival grave. Se conoce poco acerca de la respuesta del PCO al tratamiento inmunosupresor. Describimos un grupo de 76 pacientes con PCO, 62 mujeres y 14 hombres. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 67 ± 14 años, con un retraso de 7.5 ± 10 años. Sesenta se siguieron en nuestro servicio por 19 ± 21 meses. De 51 en quienes se describe la gravedad de la enfermedad al inicio del tratamiento, fue leve en 19 pacientes, moderada en 19, grave en cinco y muy grave en ocho. Las drogas mayormente prescriptas fueron dapsona en 35 pacientes, de los que 23 la discontinuaron por efectos adversos, y metotrexate en 42, de los que nueve lo suspendieron. Otros recibieron azatioprina, ciclofosfamida y ciclosporina. A 17 se les indicaron corticoides orales, además del inmunosupresor. Cuatro combinaron dos drogas para controlar la enfermedad. Tres pacientes refractarios recibieron gammaglobulina EV con buena respuesta. De 48 evaluados, 39 mostraron mejoría, ocho no tuvieron cambios y uno progresó. En nuestra experiencia, metotrexate y azatioprina son efectivos, con baja toxicidad. Dapsona es útil en casos leves, con efectos adversos frecuentes. La gammaglobulina EV fue efectiva en casos refractarios.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a blistering autoimmune disease that can produce severe conjunctival damage. Its response to immunosuppressive treatment is poorly known. We describe a group of 76 patients, 62 women and 14 men. Mean age at diagnosis was 67±14 years old, with a delay to diagnosis of 7.5±10 years. Sixty patients continued their follow up in our services for 19±21 months. Nineteen out of 51 had mild disease, 19 moderate, 5 severe and 8 very severe at onset of treatment. The more frequently prescribed drugs were dapsone, in 35 (23 discontinued it because of adverse effects), and methotrexate in 42 patients, nine of them stopped it. Other patients received azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and ciclosporine. Seventeen received oral steroids in addition to immunosuppresive drugs. Four patients combined two immunosupressive drugs to control their disease. In three refractory cases IV immunoglobulin (Ig) was administered with good response. From 48 evaluated patients, 39 improved with treatment, eight remained stable and one progressed. In our experience, methotrexate and azathioprine were effective drugs, with low toxicity. Dapsone was useful in mild cases, with frequent adverse effects. IVIg was effective for refractory cases.

Stem cell therapies for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The present review discusses the use of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM 1). It has been observed that high dose immunosuppression followed by HSCT shows better results among other immunotherapeutic treatments for the disease as the patients with adequate beta cell reserve achieve insulin independence. However, this response is not maintained and reoccurrence of the disease is major a major challenge to use HSCT in future to prevent or control relapse of DM 1.

Enfermedad linfoproliferativa difusa postrasplante en adultos: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in adults: case report and review of the literature

The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) corresponds to a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative diseases that develop in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients. It occurs in 3-10 percent of patients receiving solid organ transplants, mostly children. It is called early PTLD if it occurs in the first year after transplantation, if it affects B-cell lymphocytes and is associated with infection by Epstein-Barr virus. Late presentation occurs after the first year of transplantation and its pathogenesis is less clear. Clinical manifestations vary from a benign mononucleosis-like clinical setting to high-grade tumors with high mortality (40-60 percent). Treatment depends on the extent of the disease, including reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, radiotherapy, surgery and, more recently, the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. We report the case of a 67 year-old woman presenting with PTLD on the eighth month after receiving a liver graft.

La enfermedad linfoproliferativa difusa postrasplante (ELDP), corresponde a un grupo heterogéneo de desórdenes linfoproliferativos que se desarrollan en receptores de órganos sólidos y médula ósea. Ocurre en 3 a 10 por ciento de los pacientes receptores de órganos sólidos, fundamentalmente pediátricos. Se denomina ELDP precoz si se presenta en el primer año posterior al trasplante, afecta a los linfocitos de estirpe B y se asocia a la infección por virus Epstein-Barr. La presentación tardía ocurre luego del primer año de trasplante y su etiopatogenia es menos clara. Las manifestaciones clínicas varían desde un cuadro benigno similar a la mononucleosis a neoplasias de alto grade, con elevada mortalidad (40-60 por ciento). El tratamiento dependerá de la extensión de la enfermedad, incluyendo reducción del tratamiento inmunosupresor, radioterapia, cirugía y más recientemente el uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti CD20. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer de 67 años, que al octavo mes de recibir un injerto hepático presenta ELDP.

Sarcoma de Kaposi associado a corticoterapia sistêmica / Kaposi sarcoma associated with systemic corticosteroid therapy

Sarcoma de Kaposi é uma neoplasia angioproliferativa de origem mesenquimal com acometimento cutâneo frequente. Encontra-se relacionado a doenças infecciosas ou a condições que envolvam imunossupressão. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de sarcoma de Kaposi disseminado iatrogênico, em paciente usuária crônica de corticosteroide. Embora, atualmente, o sarcoma de Kaposi seja relacionado principalmente à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, é importante destacar seu comportamento crescente como malignidade oportunista em pacientes em uso de imunossupressores, particularmente, corticosteróide

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a mesenchymal angioproliferative neoplasm with frequent cutaneous involvement. It is related to infectious diseases or conditions involving immunosuppression. The aim of this paper is to describe a case of disseminated iatrogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma in a female patient under corticosteroid therapy. Although currently Kaposi’s sarcoma is related primarily to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, it is important to highlight its growing presence as an opportunistic malignancy in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, particularly corticosteroids

Efeitos do micofenolato de sódio no aparelho mucociliar: estudo experimental em ratos / Effects of mycophenolate on mucociliary clearance: experimental study in rats

O transplante pulmonar tem se tornado a opção de tratamento para os pacientes com doença pulmonar terminal. Maiores problemas associados são a rejeição e a infecção; por isso, a importância de se estudar os mecanismos de defesa do aparelho respiratório e o efeito de drogas imunossupressoras sobre o mesmo. O micofenolato de sódio é uma droga imunossupressora que inibe a proliferação dos linfócitos, envolvidos no mecanismo de defesa celular. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do micofenolato de sódio versus solução salina no aparelho mucociliar de ratos. Métodos: Foram utilizados 60 ratos machos Wistar. Todos foram submetidos à cirurgia de secção e anastomose brônquica esquerda. Distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, um grupo de 30 ratos que recebeu solução salina, pulmão direito controle (S) e pulmão esquerdo operado (SC); enquanto que o segundo grupo recebeu, também por gavagem, micofenolato, pulmão direito controle (M) e pulmão esquerdo operado (MC); até o sacrifício no 7º, 15º e 30º dia de tratamento. Avaliados a frequência do batimento ciliar (FBC), velocidade do transporte mucociliar in vivo (VTMC); e a velocidade de transporte mucociliar in vitro (PLT). Resultados: A FBC é menor no grupo MC em relação ao grupo M, no período de 30 dias (p= 0, 003); e dentro do grupo MC, ao compararmos o 7º e o 30º (p=0, 0001) dia e o 15º e o 30º dia (p=0, 026) de tratamento notamos uma piora da FBC. Em relação à VTMC houve uma melhora no grupo SC no 7º e 30º dia (p=0, 003) e 15º e 30 º dia (p= 0, 005) de tratamento. Comparando o grupo SC e MC no período de 30 dias, verificamos que esta VTMC é menor no segundo grupo (p= 0, 0001). No PLT não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. Conclusões: O micofenolato associado à secção brônquica diminui a FBC no decorrer do tempo; a VTMC no grupo que recebeu solução salina associado ao procedimento cirúrgico apresentou uma recuperação no decorrer do tempo, o mesmo não foi observado quando associado ao procedimento...

The lung transplantation has become the treatment option for the patients with terminal lung illness. Major problems associated are rejection and infection; that´s the reason the importance of studying the mechanism of respiratory system defense and the immunosuppressive drugs effects about itself. The sodium Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressive drug that inhibits the proliferation of lymphocytes, involved in cellular defense mechanism. Purpose: evaluating the sodium Mycophenolate effects versus salt solution in the mucociliary system of rats. Methods: sixty male Wistar rats were used. Every rat was submitted to section surgery and left bronchial anastomosis. The rats were randomly divided: a group of 30 rats which received saline solution; Right lung control (S) and operated Left lung (SC); meanwhile the second group received also by gavage Mycophenolate, Right lung control (M) and Left operated lung (MC); until the sacrifice at the seventh, fifteenth and thirtieth day of treatment. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) has been evaluated, mucociliary transport speed in vivo (MCTS); and the Velocity of Transport of the Mucociliary in vitro (PLT). Results: the CBF is smaller in the MC group than M group, in thirty days (p=0,003), and inside MC group, when comparing with the seventh and the thirtieth (p=0, 0001) day and the fifteenth and the thirtieth day (p= 0,026) of the treatment we noticed a worsening of CBF. About the MCTS there was an improvement in the SC group in the seventh and the thirtieth day (p=0,003) and the seventh and the thirtieth day (p=0,005) of treatment. The comparing the SC and the MC groups in thirty days we noticed that this MCTS is smaller in the second group (p=0, 0001). In the PLT there were no statistic differences between those groups. Conclusions: the Mycophenolate associated to bronchial section reduces the CBF over time; the MCTS in the group that received salt solution associated to surgical procedure showed recovery, the same...

Efecto inmunosupresor de Trypanosoma lewisi (Kinetoplastidae) sobre la multiplicación de Toxoplasma gondii (Sarcocystidae) en macrófagos alveolares y peritoneales de rata blanca

The immunosuppressant effect of T. lewisi (Kinetoplastidae) infection on the multiplication of Toxoplasma gondii (Sarcocystidae) on alveolar and peritoneal macrophages of the white rat. The immunosuppressant effect of T. lewisi infection on the multiplication of T. gondii was compared in peritoneal (MP) and alveolar macrophages (MA) of white rat. Two animal groups were infected with T. lewisi and sacrificed after four days and seven days post infection. A group without infection was maintained as a control. The number of intracellular parasites (tachyzoites) (IT) was counted by light microscopy, calculating the rate infection rate per 100 total cells (TC) and per infected cells (IC) for each group of phagocyte cells. The relation quotient IT, TC or IC multiplied percent, provided a statistical ratio (RE) of the relative number of parasites in both cellular types for each time interval. MA as well as MP obtained after 4 days showed a significant increase in the multiplication of T. gondii with respect to the control. Unlike the MP (which had an increase in the multiplication of T. gondii the fourth day of infection with T. lewisi diminishing towards the seventh day), the MA had an increase in the multiplication of the parasite from the fourth to the seventh day. This difference can be related to the route of infection used for the experiments, that affect the MP directly with a greater effect in comparison with the MA of the lungs. Lung compartment will be affected later, when the infection becomes systemic between the fourth and sixth day of infection. The immunity against T. gondii is similar between both phagocytes, but the time of infection and the compartment where the cells are located, makes the difference in the response time against T. gondii. Supernatants from macrophage cultures or T. lewisi by rat did not induced any immunosuppression. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 13-22. Epub 2009 June 30.

El efecto inmunosupresor de la infección de T. lewisi sobre la multiplicación de T. gondii fue comparado en macrófagos peritoneales (MP) y alveolares (MA) de rata. El número de parásitos (taquizoitos) intracelulares (TI) fue contado por microscopía de luz. Los macrófagos alveolares y peritoneales (MP) de animales con 4 días de infección con T. lewisi muestran un aumento significativo en la multiplicación de T. gondii. A diferencia de los MP (que muestran un aumento en la multiplicación de T. gondii al cuarto día de infección con T. lewisi disminuyendo hacia el séptimo día), los MA mantienen un aumento en la multiplicación del parásito desde el cuarto, aumentando hacia el séptimo día de infección. Esta diferencia se puede deber a la ruta de infección utilizada para los experimentos que afectan directamente los MP donde se observa un efecto mayor y más temprano en comparación con los MA aislados de los pulmones, compartimiento afectado cuando la infección se vuelve sistémica entre el cuarto y sexto día de infección. La inmunidad contra T. gondii es similar entre ambas células fagocíticas, pero el tiempo de infección y el compartimiento donde se encuentren las células hace la diferencia en el tiempo de respuesta contra un parásito dado, en nuestro caso T. gondii. No hubo evidencia de que los sobrenadantes de cultivos de macrófagos provenientes de ratas infectadas ni el lisado de tripanosomas indujeran el efecto inmunosupresor.

Avaliação de eventos infecciosos oportunistas em crianças portadoras de leucemias / Evaluation of opportunistic infections in children suffering from leukemia

A leucemia é a principal neoplasia maligna de crianças e adolescentes, particularmente as leucemias agudas. A hiperproliferação clonal de precursores hematopoéticos, combinada à terapia antineoplásica, induz a um variável grau de comprometimento imunológico com consequente aumento da suscetibilidade a infecções oportunistas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a frequência das leucemias e os principais eventos infecciosos oportunistas em crianças e adolescentes atendidos na região de Passo Fundo-RS. Através de um estudo de coorte retrospectivo, foram analisados 92 prontuários de pacientes com idade de 8 meses a 17 anos, no período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2007. Foram encontrados 72 casos de LLA, 18 de LMA e 2 de LMC (78,2 por cento, 19,6 por cento e 2,2 por cento respectivamente). A doença infecciosa mais frequente foi a pneumonia, seguida da septicemia (principal causa de óbito), sendo as bactérias os principais microorganismos isolados, responsáveis por 52,4 por cento das infecções. Doenças parasitárias, virais e fúngicas corresponderam a 20,6 por cento, 19 por cento e 7,9 por cento, respectivamente. Estes resultados corroboram a condição de que doenças oportunistas são as principais complicações do paciente leucêmico, as quais aumentam a morbimortalidade dos mesmos.

The main malignant neoplasm that affects children and adolescents is leukemia, in particular acute leukemias. The clonal hyperproliferation of hematopoietic precursors combined with antineoplastic therapy leads to a variable degree of immunological involvement with a consequent increase in susceptibility to opportunistic infections. The objective of this work was to describe the frequency of leukemia and the major opportunistic infections in children and adolescents in the region of Passo Fundo, Brazil. In this retrospective cohort study, of cases from January 2000 to December 2007, 92 patients aged between 8 months to 17 years were reviewed. Seventy-two cases of ALL, 18 of AML and 2 of LMC (78.2 percent, 19.6 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively) were found. The commonest infectious disease was pneumonia, followed by septicemia (the leading cause of death). Bacteria, accounting for 52.4 percent of infections, were the most frequent microorganisms isolated with parasitic, viral and fungal diseases accounting for 20.6 percent, 19.0 percent and 7.9 percent of infections, respectively. The results of this study confirm that opportunistic diseases are the main complications of leukemia and increase the morbid-mortality of these patients.

Transplante de ilhotas na prática clínica: estado atual e perspectivas / Islet transplantation as a clinical tool: present state and future perspectives

O transplante de ilhotas é um procedimento em desenvolvimento, como alternativa para o tratamento do diabetes tipo 1 que está na fronteira entre o experimental e o clínico. É uma terapia celular na qual as células são implantadas em território diferente do fisiológico em que apenas determinado número incerto conseguirá se adaptar. Aperfeiçoar este processo para obter os mesmos resultados que no transplante de pâncreas, representa um desafio para o qual convergem contribuições da biologia celular, da imunologia e das técnicas de laboratório que se entrelaçam de maneira extremamente complexa. Este trabalho revisa a literatura expondo a evolução do procedimento, a sua metodologia atual e os resultados clínicos obtidos. As perspectivas futuras do transplante diante dos recentes avanços também são discutidas.

Islet transplant is an innovative treatment for type 1 diabetic patients, which still lies between experimental and approved transplant therapy. Islet cells are seeded in a non-physiological territory where an uncertain fraction will be able to adapt and survive. Thus, the challenge lies in improving the whole procedure, employing the tools of cell biology, immunology and laboratory techniques, in order to reach the results obtained with whole organ transplant. This review describes the procedure, its progress to the present methodology and clinical results obtained. Future perspectives of islet transplantation in the light of recent biotechnological advances are also focused.

Development of islet transplantation / 国际外科学杂志

Clinical islet transplantation is currently being explored as a treatment for its superiorities of lesser in vasive,lower risk,avoiding or preventing chronic complications.Because of the difficulty in isolation,purification and transplantation,the yield of islet is lower than needed;shortage of donor,difficulty in obtaining adequate islet cells for sustaining B cell mass and function over time,and immune rejection reactions are the hurdels to widespread application of islet transplantation.