Fcγ-RI, Fcγ-RII and IL-10 as predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic cicatrization time in monocytes from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is based on therapy with Glucantime® , yet, there are few laboratory methods to monitor its success. In this study, ex vivo and in vitro evaluations of peripheral blood monocytes were performed in a longitudinal study to characterize the impact of Glucantime® on overall phenotypic/functional features of these cells from CL patients to identify predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic monitoring by flow cytometry. The ex vivo evaluation from CL patients demonstrated a modulatory profile before treatment, with a decrease in TLR-2, FcγRII, HLA-DR, CD86, IFN-γR, TNF, IL-12, NO, and an increase in FcγRIII and IL-10R. Conversely, treatment changes some of these biomarker expressions by decreasing FcγRIII and IL-10R and increasing IFN-γR, IL-12 and NO. Moreover, an in vitro analysis of these patients showed a reduced phagocytic capacity of Leishmania braziliensis and higher levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß modulating functional profile. Regardless of the compromised L. braziliensis phagocytic capacity, treatment re-established the production of IL-12, IL-10, TGF-ß and NO at the basal level. Notably, monocytes from patients with early cicatrization showed enhanced FcγRI and FcγRII expressions and reduced IL-10, which was further corroborated by a baseline fold change analysis. Finally, the logistic regression model emphasized the performance of FcγRI, FcγRII and IL-10 as robust predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic cicatrization during cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Synergic and antagonistic relationship between MMP-2 and MMP-9 with fibrosis and inflammation in Chagas' cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is the most important clinical manifestation in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease because of its frequency, severity and impact on morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix degradation during cardiac remodeling in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is driven by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily the MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinases. MMPs also regulate some molecules related to inflammation, such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. The involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is not yet fully understood in Chagas' disease. It has been proposed that the gelatinases may have opposite effect on inflammation/regulation and cardiac remodeling. MMP-2 would participate in regulation, offering a protective role for cardiac damage in asymptomatic patients and would be a good marker for the initiation of changes in the heart. On the other hand, MMP-9 can be used as a marker for serious changes on the heart and would be associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we consolidate all characteristics involving MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Chagas' disease based on current studies to clarify their participation on the inflammation/regulation and fibrosis, and the synergistic or antagonistic role between them.

Breast cancer in southern Brazil: association with past dietary intake.

OBJECTIVE: To determine possible associations between the risk of breast cancer in Brazilian women and demographic, social and economical variables, and past dietary intake. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between june and november 2003 involving a group of 33 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and a control group of 33 healthy women volunteers. Personal details, health history and past dietary intake were obtained via questionnaires and interviews. Data between groups were compared using chi2, Fisher, and Student's t test, whilst associations were evaluated using a non-conditional logistic regression method and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were revealed with respect to age distribution (P = 0.007), family income level (P = 0.02), educational level (P < 0.0001) and attainment of menopause (P < 0.0001). After adjustment, with regard to family income level, of the data concerning past dietary intake, the consumption of pig lard (OR = 6.32) and fatty red meat (OR = 3.48) were found to be associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer. The regular ingestion of apples (OR = 0.30), watermelons (OR = 0.31), tomatoes (OR = 0.16), plain cakes (OR = 0.30) and desserts (OR = 0.20) afforded some degree of protection against the development of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Age (> 45 years), low family income (< $520/month), poor educational level (primary school level or lower) and past regular consumption of pork fat and fatty meat may be factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.