Gamma-delta T cells suppress microbial metabolites that activate striatal neurons and induce repetitive/compulsive behavior in mice.

Intestinal γδ T cells play an important role in shaping the gut microbiota, which is critical not only for maintaining intestinal homeostasis but also for controlling brain function and behavior. Here, we found that mice deficient for γδ T cells (γδ-/-) developed an abnormal pattern of repetitive/compulsive (R/C) behavior, which was dependent on the gut microbiota. Colonization of WT mice with γδ-/- microbiota induced R/C behavior whereas colonization of γδ-/- mice with WT microbiota abolished the R/C behavior. Moreover, γδ-/- mice had elevated levels of the microbial metabolite 3-phenylpropanoic acid in their cecum, which is a precursor to hippurate (HIP), a metabolite we found to be elevated in the CSF. HIP reaches the striatum and activates dopamine type 1 (D1R)-expressing neurons, leading to R/C behavior. Altogether, these data suggest that intestinal γδ T cells shape the gut microbiota and their metabolites and prevent dysfunctions of the striatum associated with behavior modulation.

Neuronal cholinergic signaling constrains norepinephrine activity in the heart.

It is well known that cholinergic hypofunction contributes to cardiac pathology, yet, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Our previous study has shown that genetically engineered model of cholinergic deficit, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter knockdown homozygous (VAChT KDHOM) mice, exhibit pathological cardiac remodeling and a gradual increase in cardiac mass with aging. Given that an increase in cardiac mass is often caused by adrenergic hyperactivity, we hypothesized that VAChT KDHOM mice might have an increase in cardiac norepinephrine (NE) levels. We thus investigated the temporal changes in NE content in the heart from 3-, 6-, and 12-mo-old VAChT mutants. Interestingly, mice with cholinergic hypofunction showed a gradual elevation in cardiac NE content, which was already increased at 6 mo of age. Consistent with this finding, 6-mo-old VAChT KDHOM mice showed enhanced sympathetic activity and a greater abundance of tyrosine hydroxylase positive sympathetic nerves in the heart. VAChT mutants exhibited an increase in peak calcium transient, and mitochondrial oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes along with enhanced G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) staining in the heart. These are known targets of adrenergic signaling in the cell. Moreover, vagotomized-mice displayed an increase in cardiac NE content confirming the data obtained in VAChT KDHOM mice. Establishing a causal relationship between acetylcholine and NE, VAChT KDHOM mice treated with pyridostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, showed reduced cardiac NE content, rescuing the phenotype. Our findings unveil a yet unrecognized role of cholinergic signaling as a modulator of cardiac NE, providing novel insights into the mechanisms that drive autonomic imbalance.

Plantas medicinais utilizadas por hipertensos e diabéticos em um município da Região Sul do Brasil / Plantas medicinales utilizadas por pacientes hipertensos y diabéticos en una ciudad del sur de Brasil / Medicinal plants used by hypertensive and diabetic people in a city in southern Brazil

Objetivo: conhecer as plantas medicinais utilizadas por hipertensos e/ou diabéticos, residentes na área urbana do município de Herval, Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: estudo qualitativo realizado no município de Herval, Rio Grande do Sul, com 10 pessoas portadoras de hipertensão e/ou diabetes. A coleta de dados ocorreu em 2016, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e registro fotográfico. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da proposta operativa. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes apresentava idade superior a 60 anos. Foram citadas 26 plantas, sendo oito para o tratamento da hipertensão, cinco para o controle da diabetes e três para ambas as patologias. Conclusão: as plantas medicinais possuem propriedades que auxiliam no cuidado da hipertensão e do diabetes. Destaca-se a importância de dialogar com os usuários sobre as plantas utilizadas, assim como sua valorização, promovendo a união entre o conhecimento popular e científico. (AU)

Objective: cognize the medicinal plants used by hypertensive and/or diabetic people who live in the urban area in the city of Herval, Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: qualitative study carried out in the city of Herval, Rio Grande do Sul, with 10 people diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Data collection took place in 2016, through semi-structures interviews and photographic record. The analysis of the interviews was performed through operative proposal. Results: most participants were over 60 years of age. 26 plants were cited, eight were indicated for the treatment of hypertension, five for the control of diabetes and three for both pathologies. Conclusion: it was observed that medicinal plants have properties that help in the care of hypertension and diabetes. The importance of dialoguing with users about the plants used is highlighted, as well as their valorization, promoting the union between popular and scientific knowledge.(AU)

Objetivo: conocer las plantas medicinales utilizadas por las personas hipertensas y/o diabéticas que viven en el área urbana del municipio de Herval, Rio Grande do Sul. Método: estudio cualitativo realizado en el municipio de Herval, Rio Grande do Sul, con 10 personas con hipertensión y/o diabetes. La recolección de datos se realizó en 2016, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y registro fotográfico. Las entrevistas se analizaron mediante propuesta operativa. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes tenían más de 60 años. Se mencionaron 26 plantas, ocho para el tratamiento de la hipertensión, cinco para el control de la diabetes y tres para ambas patologías. Conclusión: las plantas medicinales tienen propiedades que ayudan en el cuidado de la hipertensión y la diabetes. Se destaca la importancia de dialogar con los usuarios sobre las plantas utilizadas, así como su valorización, promoviendo la unión entre el conocimiento popular y científico.(AU)

Práticas integrativas e complementares na atenção primária à saúde / Prácticas integradoras y complementarias en la atención primaria de salud / Integrative and complementary practices in primary health care

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as práticas integrativas e complementares realizadas pelos profissionais da saúde nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Método: trata-se de um estudo realizado a partir de uma pesquisa qualitativa em cinco Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Pelotas, município do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre janeiro e março de 2020. A produção de informações ocorreu a partir de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado. A análise foi realizada por meio da proposta de maneira operativa, em três etapas: pré-análise; classificação dos dados; reflexão em busca da interpretação e compreensão de tudo o que foi exposto. Resultados: as 16 participantes eram todas mulheres, com idade entre 33 e 59 anos, sendo nove enfermeiras. As práticas aplicadas pelas profissionais para o cuidado aos usuários eram: Auriculoterapia, Arteterapia, Reiki e Plantas Medicinais. O registro é realizado conforme a organização de cada Unidade Básica de Saúde, podendo ocorrer no Prontuário Eletrônico do Cidadão, no prontuário físico, em um caderno utilizado para o registro e/ou em ficha específica. Considerações finais: ressalta-se a importância das práticas integrativas e complementares na atenção primária, devido ao vínculo entre profissionais e usuários, ampliando o cuidado integral.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las prácticas integradoras y complementarias realizadas por los profesionales de la salud en las Unidades Básicas de Salud. Método: se trata de un estudio realizado a partir de una investigación cualitativa en cinco Unidades Básicas de Salud de Pelotas, municipio de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre enero y marzo de 2020. La producción de informaciones se produjo a partir de entrevistas con guion semiestructurado. El análisis fue realizado por medio de la propuesta de manera operativa, en tres etapas: preanálisis; clasificación de los datos; reflexión en busca de la interpretación y comprensión de todo lo que fue expuesto. Resultados: las 16 participantes eran todas mujeres, con edad entre 33 y 59 años, siendo nueve enfermeras. Las prácticas aplicadas por las profesionales para el cuidado a los usuarios eran: Auriculoterapia, Arteterapia, Reiki y Plantas Medicinales. El registro es realizado conforme la organización de cada Unidad Básica de Salud, pudiendo ocurrir en el Registro Médico Electrónico del Ciudadano, en el Registro Médico físico, en un cuaderno utilizado para el registro y/o en ficha específica. Consideraciones finales: se resalta la importancia de las prácticas integradoras y complementarias en la atención primaria, debido al vínculo entre profesionales y usuarios, ampliando el cuidado integral.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the integrative and complementary practices held by health professionals in Primary Health Care Units. Method: this is a study conducted from qualitative research in five Primary Health Care Units of Pelotas, municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between January and March 2020. The production of information occurred from interviews with a semi-structured script. The analysis was performed by means of the proposal in an operative way, in three stages: pre-analysis; data classification; reflection in search of interpretation and understanding of everything that was exposed. Results: the 16 participants were all women, aged between 33 and 59 years, nine of whom were nurses. The practices applied by professionals for the care of users were: Auriculotherapy, Art Therapy, Reiki and Medicinal Plants. The record is performed according to the organization of each Primary Health Care Units, and may occur in the Citizen's Electronic Medical Record, in the physical record, in a notebook used for registration and/or in a specific form. Final considerations: it is underlined the importance of integrative and complementary practices in primary care, due to the bond between professionals and users, expanding comprehensive care.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Xenopholis Peters, 1869 (Serpentes: Dipsadidae): Integrating morphology with ecological niche.

A reliable identification and delimitation of species is an essential pre-requisite for many fields of science and conservation. The Neotropical herpetofauna is the world's most diverse, including many taxa of uncertain or debated taxonomy. Here we tackle one such species complex, by evaluating the taxonomic status of species currently allocated in the snake genus Xenopholis (X. scalaris, X. undulatus, and X. werdingorum). We base our conclusions on concordance between quantitative (meristic and morphometric) and qualitative (color pattern, hemipenes and skull features) analyses of morphological characters, in combination with ecological niche modeling. We recognize all three taxa as valid species and improve their respective diagnosis, including new data on color in life, pholidosis, bony morphology, and male genitalia. We find low overlap among the niches of each species, corroborating the independent source of phenotypic evidence. Even though all three species occur in the leaf litter of distinct forested habitats, Xenopholis undulatus is found in the elevated areas of the Brazilian Shield (Caatinga, Cerrado and Chaco), whereas X. scalaris occurs in the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, and X. werdingorum in the Chiquitanos forest and Pantanal wetlands. We discuss the disjunct distribution between Amazonian and Atlantic Forest snake species in the light of available natural history and ecological aspects. This study shows the advantages of combining multiple data sources for reliable identification and circumscription of ecologically similar species.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 plays a protective role in hepatocytes during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is seen in a variety of clinical conditions, including hepatic thrombosis, systemic hypotension, and liver transplantation. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling mediates several pathophysiological processes in the liver, but it is not known whether and how intracellular Ca2+ channels are involved in the hepatocellular events secondary to ischemia-reperfusion. Using an animal model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, we observed a progressive increase in expression of the type 3 isoform of the inositol trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3), an intracellular Ca2+ channel that is not normally expressed in healthy hepatocytes. ITPR3 expression was upregulated, at least in part, by a combination of demethylation of the ITPR3 promoter region and the increased transcriptional activity of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT). Additionally, expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins and necrotic surface area were less pronounced in livers of control animals compared to liver-specific ITPR3 KO mice subjected to hepatic damage. Corroborating these findings, ITPR3 expression and activation of NFAT were observed in hepatocytes of liver biopsies from patients who underwent liver ischemia caused by thrombosis after organ transplant. Together, these results are consistent with the idea that ITPR3 expression in hepatocytes plays a protective role during hepatic injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

Vagus nerve regulates the phagocytic and secretory activity of resident macrophages in the liver.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors commensal microorganisms as well as invasive bacteria, toxins and other pathogens and, therefore, plays a pivotal barrier and immunological role against pathogenic agents. The vagus nerve is an important regulator of the GI tract-associated immune system, having profound effects on inflammatory responses. Among GI tract organs, the liver is a key site of immune surveillance, as it has a large population of resident macrophages and receives the blood drained from the guts through the hepatic portal circulation. Although it is widely accepted that the hepatic tissue is a major target for vagus nerve fibers, the role of this neural circuit in liver immune functions is still poorly understood. Herein we used in vivo imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy and scintigraphy, to show that vagus nerve stimulation increases the phagocytosis activity by resident macrophages in the liver, even on the absence of an immune challenge. The activation of this neural circuit in a non-lethal model of sepsis optimized the removal of bacteria in the liver and resulted in the production of anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative cytokines. Our findings provide new insights into the neural regulation of the immune system in the liver.

Expression of the type 3 InsP3 receptor is a final common event in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Several types of chronic liver disease predispose to HCC, and several different signalling pathways have been implicated in its pathogenesis, but no common molecular event has been identified. Ca2+ signalling regulates the proliferation of both normal hepatocytes and liver cancer cells, so we investigated the role of intracellular Ca2+ release channels in HCC. DESIGN: Expression analyses of the type 3 isoform of the inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3) in human liver samples, liver cancer cells and mouse liver were combined with an evaluation of DNA methylation profiles of ITPR3 promoter in HCC and characterisation of the effects of ITPR3 expression on cellular proliferation and apoptosis. The effects of de novo ITPR3 expression on hepatocyte calcium signalling and liver growth were evaluated in mice. RESULTS: ITPR3 was absent or expressed in low amounts in hepatocytes from normal liver, but was expressed in HCC specimens from three independent patient cohorts, regardless of the underlying cause of chronic liver disease, and its increased expression level was associated with poorer survival. The ITPR3 gene was heavily methylated in control liver specimens but was demethylated at multiple sites in specimens of patient with HCC. Administration of a demethylating agent in a mouse model resulted in ITPR3 expression in discrete areas of the liver, and Ca2+ signalling was enhanced in these regions. In addition, cell proliferation and liver regeneration were enhanced in the mouse model, and deletion of ITPR3 from human HCC cells enhanced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that de novo expression of ITPR3 typically occurs in HCC and may play a role in its pathogenesis.

Effectiveness of Sequential Viscosupplementation in Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangements and Symptomatology: A Case Series.

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive technique that replaces synovial fluid by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). Although effective in some joints, there is not conclusive evidence regarding temporomandibular disorders. This case series described the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. This viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles.

Cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains are needed for insulin signaling and proliferation in hepatic cells.

Hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration is a well-coordinated process regulated by the activation of several growth factor receptors, including the insulin receptor (IR). The IR can be localized in part to cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains, but the role of such domains in insulin-mediated events in hepatocytes is not known. We investigated whether partitioning of IRs into cholesterol-enriched membrane rafts is important for the mitogenic effects of insulin in the hepatic cells. IR and lipid rafts were labeled in HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes. Membrane cholesterol was depleted in vitro with metyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) and in vivo with lovastatin. Insulin-induced calcium (Ca2+) signals studies were examined in HepG2 cells and in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes as well as in whole liver in vivo by intravital confocal imaging. Liver regeneration was studied by 70% partial hepatectomy (PH), and hepatocyte proliferation was assessed by PCNA staining. A subpopulation of IR was found in membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol. Depletion of cholesterol from plasma membrane resulted in redistribution of the IR along the cells, which was associated with impaired insulin-induced nuclear Ca2+ signals, a signaling event that regulates hepatocyte proliferation. Cholesterol depletion also led to ERK1/2 hyper-phosphorylation. Lovastatin administration to rats decreased hepatic cholesterol content, disrupted lipid rafts and decreased insulin-induced Ca2+ signaling in hepatocytes, and delayed liver regeneration after PH. Therefore, membrane cholesterol content and lipid rafts integrity showed to be important for the proliferative effects of insulin in hepatic cells. NEW & NOTEWORTHY One of insulin's actions is to stimulate liver regeneration. Here we show that a subpopulation of insulin receptors is in a specialized cholesterol-enriched region of the cell membrane and this subfraction is important for insulin's proliferative effects.

Lack of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Attenuates Experimental Food Allergy but Not Its Metabolic Alterations regarding Adipokine Levels.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is known to be an important mediator of anaphylaxis. However, there is a lack of information in the literature about the role of PAF in food allergy. The aim of this work was to elucidate the participation of PAF during food allergy development and the consequent adipose tissue inflammation along with its alterations. Our data demonstrated that, both before oral challenge and after 7 days receiving ovalbumin (OVA) diet, OVA-sensitized mice lacking the PAF receptor (PAFR) showed a decreased level of anti-OVA IgE associated with attenuated allergic markers in comparison to wild type (WT) mice. Moreover, there was less body weight and adipose tissue loss in PAFR-deficient mice. However, some features of inflamed adipose tissue presented by sensitized PAFR-deficient and WT mice after oral challenge were similar, such as a higher rate of rolling leukocytes in this tissue and lower circulating levels of adipokines (resistin and adiponectin) in comparison to nonsensitized mice. Therefore, PAF signaling through PAFR is important for the allergic response to OVA but not for the adipokine alterations caused by this inflammatory process. Our work clarifies some effects of PAF during food allergy along with its role on the metabolic consequences of this inflammatory process.

Immunologic and metabolic effects of high-refined carbohydrate-containing diet in food allergic mice.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic mice show a reduction in body weight and adiposity with a higher inflammatory response in the adipose tissue similar to obese fat tissue. This study aimed to evaluate whether the low-grade inflammatory milieu of mice with diet-induced mild obesity interferes with the allergic response induced by ovalbumin (OVA). METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: 1) non-allergic (OVA-) mice fed chow diet, 2) allergic (OVA+) mice fed chow diet, 3) OVA- mice fed high-refined carbohydrate-containing (HC) diet, and 4) OVA+ mice fed HC diet. After 5 wk, allergic groups were sensitized with OVA and received a booster 14 d later. All groups received an oral OVA challenge 7 d after the booster. RESULTS: Allergic groups showed increased serum levels of total IgE, anti-OVA IgE, and IgG1; a high disease activity index score; aversion to OVA; and increased intestinal eosinophil infiltration. Non-allergic mild-obese mice also showed aversion to OVA and an increased number of eosinophils in the proximal jejunum. After the allergic challenge, OVA+ mice fed chow diet showed weight loss and lower adiposity in several adipose tissue depots. OVA+ mice fed HC diet showed a loss of fat mass only in the mesenteric adipose tissue. Furthermore, increased levels of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 were observed in this tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that mild-obese allergic mice do not present severe pathologic features of food allergy similar to those exhibited by lean allergic mice. Mild obesity promoted by HC diet ingestion causes important intestinal disorders that appear to modulate the inflammatory response during the antigen challenge.

Taxonomic status and morphological variation of Hydrodynastes bicinctus (Hermann, 1804) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae).

Hydrodynastes bicinctus was described with no type material or locality and it has two subspecies currently recognized that are not taxonomically well defined. We tested the validity of the two subspecies through meristic, morphometric, and color pattern characters. Two apparently distinct color patterns of H. bicinctus were noticed, one from the Cerrado open formations and the other from the Amazon rainforest. These aforementioned patterns, however, exhibited a high degree of geographic overlap and many specimens showed a blended pattern. Based on these results we propose synonymizing H. bicinctus schultzi with the nominal taxon. Furthermore, we designate a neotype for the species, present data on geographic distribution, and provide morphological descriptions of the hemipenis, cephalic glands, and skull.

Sequential infiltration of sodium hyaluronate in the temporomandibular joint with different molecular weights. Case report / Infiltração sequencial de hialuronato de sódio com diferentes pesos moleculares na articulação temporomandibular. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders are diseases causing pain and dysfunction in joints and muscles controlling mandibular movements. Their etiology is multifactorial and multidisciplinary approaches are needed to reach a differential diagnosis and an adequate management plan. This case report proposes a management protocol, with monthly sodium hyaluronate infiltrations, with different molecular weights, to control such changes and promote improvement of temporomandibular joint biomechanics and pain. CASE REPORT: This study describes a case of a 48-year old patient with a 10-year history of temporomandibular pain with function loss since 2001. Patient has classified her pain as 9 according to analog visual scale. In addition, history and detailed physical evaluation have shown different signs and symptoms, such as localized pain (right side), and right temporomandibular joint arthralgia with noise. Diagnosis was disc displacement with reduction and possible synovitis/ capsulitis to the right. Right temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis was also diagnosed by cone beam CT-scan. Initially, a flat upper splint with total coverage and contact with all antagonist teeth was used. In the attempt to decrease temporomandibular arthralgia, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants were used. Since right temporomandibular joint pain was not effectively managed, we decided to use intra-joint sodium hyaluronate injections with different molecular weights, per month, in a total of four applications. At treatment completion, clinical evaluation has shown normal function, no pain with visual analog scale = zero, in addition to adequate interincisal distance. CONCLUSION: This report has suggested that viscosupplementation cycles with sodium hyaluronate of different molecular weights may provide excellent results in the long run, to control joint temporomandibular disorder symptoms. Therapeutic benefits were maintained for four years with no need for annual maintenance cycles.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disfunções temporomandibulares são um grupo de doenças que causam dor e disfunção na articulação e nos músculos que controlam os movimentos da mandíbula. Sua etiologia é multifatorial e abordagens multidisciplinares são necessárias para chegar a um diagnóstico diferencial e plano de tratamento adequado. Propõe-se um protocolo de tratamento, com infiltrações mensais, empregando hialuronato de sódio, com diferentes pesos moleculares, para controlar essas alterações e promover uma melhoria da função biomecânica da articulação temporomandibular, bem como da sua dor. RELATO DO CASO: Este estudo descreve um caso de uma paciente de 48 anos que apresentava uma história de 10 anos de dor temporomandibular com perda de função que apareceu em 2001. Ela classificou a intensidade da sua dor como grau 9 de acordo com a escala visual analógica. Além disso, anamnese e exame clínico detalhado mostraram diversos sinais e sintomas, como dor localizada miofascial (lado direito), artralgia da articulação temporomandibular direita com ruído. O diagnóstico foi de deslocamento de disco com redução e possível sinovite/capsulite à direita. Osteoartrose da articulação temporomandibular direita também foi confirmada por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Inicialmente, foi utilizada uma placa superior plana de cobertura total com contato com todos os dentes antagonistas. Numa tentativa de diminuir a artralgia temporomandibular, foram empregados anti-inflamatórios não esteroides e um relaxante muscular. Como a dor da articulação temporomandibular direita não foi efetivamente eliminada,optou-se pela utilização de uma injeção intra-articular de hialuronato de sódio, com diferentes pesos moleculares, por mês, totalizando quatro aplicações. No final do tratamento, o exame clínico mostrou normalização da função, a dor havia desaparecido, escala analógica visual=zero, além de uma distância interincisal adequada. CONCLUSÃO: O presente trabalho sugeriu que ciclos de viscossuplementação com hialuronato de sódio, de diferentes pesos moleculares, podem proporcionar excelentes resultados, em longo prazo, no controle de sinais e sintomas da disfunção temporomandibular de origem articular. Os benefícios terapêuticos foram mantidos por um período de quatro anos, sem a necessidade de ciclos anuais de manutenção.

Hydrolyzed whey protein prevents the development of food allergy to ß-lactoglobulin in sensitized mice.

Food allergy is an adverse immune response to dietary proteins. Hydrolysates are frequently used for children with milk allergy. However, hydrolysates effects afterwards are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunological consequences of hydrolyzed whey protein in allergic mice. For that, we developed a novel model of food allergy in BALB/c mice sensitized with alum-adsorbed ß-lactoglobulin. These mice were orally challenged with either whey protein or whey hydrolysate. Whey-challenged mice had elevated levels of specific IgE and lost weight. They also presented gut inflammation, enhanced levels of SIgA and IL-5 as well as decreased production of IL-4 and IL-10 in the intestinal mucosa. Conversely, mice challenged with hydrolyzate maintained normal levels of IgE, IL-4 and IL-5 and showed no sign of gut inflammation probably due to increased IL-12 production in the gut. Thus, consumption of hydrolysate prevented the development of clinical signs of food allergy in mice.