Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 54
Filter
1.
J Helminthol ; 95: e17, 2021 Mar 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33745470

ABSTRACT

The continuous use of synthetic anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has resulted in the increased resistance, which is why alternative methods are being sought, such as the use of natural products. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been considered as potential products for the control of GINs. However, the chemical composition and, consequently, the biological activity of EOs vary in different plant cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of EOs from cultivars of Ocimum basilicum L. and that of their major constituents against Haemonchus contortus. The EOs from 16 cultivars as well the pure compound linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and eugenol were used in the assessment of the inhibition of H. contortus egg hatch. In addition, the composition of three cultivars was simulated using a combination of the two major compounds from each. The EOs from different cultivars showed mean Inhibition Concentration (IC50) varying from 0.56 to 2.22 mg/mL. The cultivar with the highest egg-hatch inhibition, Napoletano, is constituted mainly of linalool and methyl chavicol. Among the individual compounds tested, citral was the most effective (IC50 0.30 mg/mL). The best combination of compounds was obtained with 11% eugenol plus 64% linalool (IC50 0.44 mg/mL), simulating the Italian Large Leaf (Richters) cultivar. We conclude that different cultivars of O. basilicum show different anthelmintic potential, with cultivars containing linalool and methyl chavicol being the most promising; and that citral or methyl chavicol isolated should also be considered for the development of new anthelmintic formulations.


Subject(s)
Anthelmintics , Haemonchus , Ocimum basilicum , Oils, Volatile , Plant Extracts , Animals , Anthelmintics/pharmacology , Haemonchus/drug effects , Ocimum basilicum/chemistry , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Ovum/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology
2.
Semin Cancer Biol ; 52(Pt 2): 259-268, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29391205

ABSTRACT

Recent studies with immunomodulatory agents targeting both cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) have shown to be very effective in several cancers revealing an unexpected great activity in patients with both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Combining anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents as upfront systemic therapy has revealed to further increase the clinical benefit observed with single agent, even at cost of higher toxicity. Since the brain is an immunological specialized area it's crucial to establish the specific composition of the brain tumors' microenvironment in order to predict the potential activity of immunomodulatory agents. This review briefly summarizes the basis of the brain immunogenicity, providing the most updated clinical evidences in terms of immune-checkpoint inhibitors efficacy and toxicity in both primary and metastatic brain tumors with the final aim of defining potential biomarkers for immunomodulatory cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Immunomodulation/immunology , Animals , Brain Neoplasms/immunology , Genomics/methods , Humans , Immunomodulation/genetics , Immunotherapy/methods
3.
Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis ; 135(3): 209-211, 2018 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29366867

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of obstructive sleep apnea that occurred as a result of Forestier disease and describe the surgical treatment that was performed. SUMMARY: The patient is a 56-year-old man who presented dysphagia for solids and liquids, snoring (score 10) and excessive daytime sleepiness for 5 years. On fiber optic laryngoscopy examination, there was interarytenoid edema and protrusion of the posterior wall of the larynx. The cervical X-Ray showed protrusion of intervertebral disc between C3-C5 (skeletal hyperostosis) and the polysomnography revealed apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 56 events/h. Surgery was performed by the otorhinolaryngology and orthopedic teams. The patient evolved with complete symptom resolution and an AHI of 3,9 events/h on the control polysomnography. DISCUSSIONS: This is the first reported case of Forestier Syndrome (FS) associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) that was proposed surgical treatment and the patient evolved with complete symptom improvement.


Subject(s)
Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/surgery , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery , Humans , Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/etiology
4.
Genet Mol Res ; 16(3)2017 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28829908

ABSTRACT

Eplingiella fruticosa (Salzm. ex Benth.) Harley & J.F.B. Pastore, ex Hyptis fruticosa Salzm. ex Benth. is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the family Lamiaceae, found mainly in regions with intense anthropic activity. Information on the genetic diversity of this species is scarce. However, it can be assessed using molecular markers that identify the level of diversity among phenotypically identical individuals. The present study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of a native population of E. fruticosa from the State of Sergipe using ISSR molecular markers. Samples of 100 plants were collected in 11 municipalities of the State of Sergipe and analyzed using eight ISSR primers, resulting in 72 informative bands. The cluster analysis obtained using the neighbor joining method resulted in three groups: Group I consisted of 50 plants, mainly from the municipalities of Areia Branca, Estância, Japaratuba, Moita Bonita, Pirambu, and Salgado; Group II was formed by 21 plants, with nine representatives from the municipality of Itaporanga d'Ajuda and 13 representatives from other municipalities; Group III was composed by 29 plants, being represented mainly by the municipalities of Malhada dos Bois and São Cristóvão. The smallest genetic distance occurred between plants EPF94 and EPF96 (0.250), and the greatest distance occurred between plants EPF50 and EPF96 (0.9778). The Shannon index had a mean value of 0.42, and diversity was considered moderate. Heterozygosity had a mean value of 0.267 and was considered low. Polymorphic information content (0.253) was considered moderately informative. Genetic diversity of E. fruticosa plants was intermediate, and the results of the present study can assist in the conservation and use of the genetic resources of this species.


Subject(s)
Lamiaceae/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Ecosystem , Microsatellite Repeats , Plants, Medicinal/genetics
5.
Genet Mol Res ; 15(3)2016 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27706764

ABSTRACT

The conservation of plants in germplasm banks ensures the characterization and availability of these resources for future generations. The present study used DNA markers to obtain genetic information about germplasm collections of Lippia sidoides and L. gracilis, which are maintained in an Active Germplasm Bank (AGB). Genetic variability of samples in the AGB was assessed using 12 combinations of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primers (EcoRI/MseI). Twenty simple sequence repeat primers designed for L. alba were tested to determine their transferability in L. sidoides and L. gracilis. The AFLP markers generated 789 markers. The assessed loci exhibited a moderate Shannon diversity index (I = 0.42) in both species, suggesting that the conserved accessions possess an intermediate level of genetic diversity. Twelve microsatellite loci amplified satisfactorily, and nine loci were polymorphic in each species. A total of 23, 22, and 36 alleles, with an average of 2.5, 2.4, and 3.27 alleles per locus were identified for L. sidoides and L. gracilis accessions in the AGB, and Lippia sp sampled plants, respectively. Analyses of genetic structure permitted the identification of three different groups using both sets of markers, of which two were representative of L. sidoides. The information generated in this study may help to create, expand, and maintain collections of these species and may assist in genetic-breeding programs.


Subject(s)
Genetic Variation , Lippia/genetics , Seeds/genetics , Alleles , Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis , Cluster Analysis , Genetic Loci , Genetic Markers , Geography , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Phylogeny , Principal Component Analysis
6.
Acta Reumatol Port ; 41(3): 273-274, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27155327

ABSTRACT

We present a rare association of idiopathic livedoid vasculopathy (LV) with peripheral sensory neuropathy successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and warfarin and, after its failure, with rituximab. Although LV aetiology remains incompletely understood, the excellent clinical response observed in our patient suggests that B cells may be key players in its pathogenesis.


Subject(s)
Skin Diseases, Vascular , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/complications , Rituximab/therapeutic use , Skin Diseases, Vascular/complications , Skin Diseases, Vascular/drug therapy , Skin Diseases, Vascular/pathology
7.
Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) ; 43(3): 272-8, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25796303

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: PIDs are a heterogeneous group of genetic illnesses, and delay in their diagnosis is thought to be caused by a lack of awareness among physicians concerning PIDs. The latter is what we aimed to evaluate in Brazil. METHODS: Physicians working at general hospitals all over the country were asked to complete a 14-item questionnaire. One of the questions described 25 clinical situations that could be associated with PIDs and a score was created based on percentages of appropriate answers. RESULTS: A total of 4026 physicians participated in the study: 1628 paediatricians (40.4%), 1436 clinicians (35.7%), and 962 surgeons (23.9%). About 67% of the physicians had learned about PIDs in medical school or residency training, 84.6% evaluated patients who frequently took antibiotics, but only 40.3% of them participated in the immunological evaluation of these patients. Seventy-seven percent of the participating physicians were not familiar with the warning signs for PIDs. The mean score of correct answers for the 25 clinical situations was 48.08% (±16.06). Only 18.3% of the paediatricians, 7.4% of the clinicians, and 5.8% of the surgeons answered at least 2/3 of these situations appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of medical awareness concerning PIDs, even among paediatricians, who have been targeted with PID educational programmes in recent years in Brazil. An increase in awareness with regard to these disorders within the medical community is an important step towards improving recognition and treatment of PIDs.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/epidemiology , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , General Surgery , Hospitals, General , Humans , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/diagnosis , Internal Medicine , Pediatrics , Physician's Role , Professional Practice , Surveys and Questionnaires
8.
J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol ; 24(3): 184-91, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25011356

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is one of the most severe forms of primary immunodeficiency. The objectives of this study were to analyze the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of SCID in Brazil and to document the impact of BCG vaccine. METHODS: We actively searched for cases by contacting all Brazilian referral centers. RESULTS: We contacted 23 centers and 70 patients from 65 families. Patients were born between 1996 and 2011, and 49 (70%) were male. More than half (39) of the diagnoses were made after 2006. Mean age at diagnosis declined from 9.7 to 6.1 months (P = .058) before and after 2000, respectively, and mean delay in diagnosis decreased from 7.9 to 4.2 months (P = .009). Most patients (60/70) were vaccinated with BCG before the diagnosis, 39 of 60 (65%) had complications related to BCG vaccine, and the complication was disseminated in 29 of 39 (74.3%). Less than half of the patients (30, 42.9%) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Half of the patients died (35, 50%), and 23 of these patients had not undergone HSCT. Disseminated BCG was the cause of death, either alone or in association with other causes, in 9 of 31 cases (29%, no data for 4 cases). CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, diagnosis of SCID has improved over the last decade, both in terms of the number of cases and age at diagnosis, although a much higher number of cases had been expected. Mortality is higher than in developed countries. Complications of BCG vaccine are an important warning sign for the presence of SCID and account for significant morbidity during disease progression.


Subject(s)
BCG Vaccine/adverse effects , Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/therapy , Adolescent , Brazil/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prognosis , Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/complications , Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/epidemiology
9.
Theriogenology ; 79(2): 344-50, 2013 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23140803

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to perform in situ quantification, morphometry evaluation, and apoptosis analysis of ovarian follicular wall cells in mechanically isolated follicles obtained from ovaries of bovine fetuses (Bos taurus indicus) between 3 and 9 months of age. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The number of isolated follicles increased from 3 months onward (102.5 ± 141.1, mean ± SEM), peaked at 6 months (12855.0 ± 9030.1), and then decreased by 7 months (3208.7 ± 3249.5), consistent with atresia occurring at these stages. Follicular density was greatest at 4 months, consistent with a sudden boost in follicular activity independent of a corresponding increase in ovarian size. Antral follicles were first observed at 5 months. As fetal age increased, there was a tendency for the percentage of primordial and primary follicles to decrease, and the percentage of secondary follicles to increase. However, the high variability (P < 0.05) for all follicle populations up to 5 months of age precluded further interpretation of these results. Oocyte diameter increased from the primordial (23.6 ± 4.4 µm) to the secondary follicular stages (38.0 ± 14.9 µm). Apoptosis was observed in ovaries from all fetal ages analyzed. We concluded that preantral follicles could be isolated from bovine fetuses by 3 months of age, with apoptosis affecting ovarian follicular dynamics throughout fetal life.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Cattle/embryology , Ovarian Follicle/embryology , Ovary/embryology , Animals , Female , Gestational Age , In Situ Nick-End Labeling/veterinary , Oocytes/cytology , Organ Size , Ovarian Follicle/cytology
10.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 27(3): e338-44, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22882421

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hereditary Angio-oedema (HAE) is a serious medical condition caused by a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, in which C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) function is reduced. There is no organized information on the HAE patient population in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The Brazilian Registry was established to disseminate diagnostic access, and to better understand the main features of the disease in our country and its clinical impact. METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared and sent to specialists. The completed questionnaires were forwarded to the coordinating site and then entered into the Registry. Samples from patients with an unconfirmed diagnosis were tested for C1 inhibitor and C4 levels. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2010, 210 patients (133 females; mean age, 30 ±17 years) were included. The median age of onset of symptoms and age at diagnosis were 6.5 and 21 years, respectively; 80.9% of the patients had subcutaneous oedema, 54% gastrointestinal and 35.7% respiratory symptoms (21% had laryngeal oedema). Laparotomy due to the disease was performed in 6.2% of the patients. The majority of patients had Type I HAE of moderate severity. Twenty-seven per cent did not receive treatment; 53% were treated with danazol alone. CONCLUSION: A paucity of patients with Type II HAE and a high frequency of laparotomy were observed, highlighting the need for better diagnosis in Brazil. HAE related educational activities, improved diagnosis and access to available therapy are needed in Brazil.


Subject(s)
Angioedemas, Hereditary/epidemiology , Registries , Adolescent , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
11.
Clin Exp Rheumatol ; 28(1): 30-4, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20346235

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been inconsistently associated with common NOD2 gene variants, although some of these studies did not include patient stratification by clinical phenotype. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the association between the three common NOD2 variants (R702W, G908R and L1007fs) and clinical phenotypes of PsA, particularly with surrogate markers of severe joint destruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 183 unrelated PsA patients and 187 controls were included. Demographic, clinical, biological and immunological characteristics were collected. Genotypes for the three common NOD2 gene variants were obtained by PCR and direct sequencing. RESULTS: NOD2 variants in PsA patients (7.6%) are just as prevalent as in healthy controls (7.5%). 18.5% of PsA patients carrying at least one NOD2 variant underwent joint surgery compared with 4.5% of those without these variants (p=0.019). Multivariate analysis confirmed this finding (OR 8.82, CI 1.7-46.3). There was no requirement for early surgery in patients carrying the NOD2 variants but there was an increased possibility of requiring surgery at similar times of disease duration. No other association with clinical features and NOD2 status carrier was found. CONCLUSIONS: Common NOD2 gene variants are not associated with PsA, but might increase the risk of undergoing joint replacement surgery, suggesting that this autoinflammatory-associated gene could act as a phenotypic modifier gene in PsA patients by increasing the risk of joint destruction. Given the small number of PsA patients with joint surgery included, we consider our findings a new hypothesis that will need further testing.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Psoriatic/genetics , Arthritis, Psoriatic/surgery , Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics , Adult , Arthritis, Psoriatic/epidemiology , Female , Genetic Variation , Genotype , Humans , Joints/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Phenotype , Risk Factors , Young Adult
12.
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses ; 26(2): 229-32, 2010 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20156105

ABSTRACT

In the past few years there has been increasing concern about the transmission of drug-resistant HIV. This study aimed to describe the frequency of primary mutations associated with HIV-1 drug resistance and the prevalence of genetic HIV subtypes in a population of vertically infected children before the initiation of HAART. At the time of genotypic testing, the median age was 6.0 years (IQR 25-75%: 3.8-9.2) and the median age at admission was 3.84 years (IQR 25-75%: 1.23-6.11). Antepartum maternal ARV exposure for PMTCT occurred for three (7.3%) mothers. According to the WHO criteria, primary ARV resistance mutations were detected in four out of 41 (9.8%) children. Subtype B was the most prevalent (63.4%). The relatively high prevalence of primary HIV-1 DRMs in this cohort of perinatally infected children in Brazil supports the local recommendation to perform resistance testing in all newly diagnosed children, regardless of age at diagnosis and antenatal ARV exposure.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistance, Viral , HIV Infections/virology , HIV-1/genetics , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Mutation, Missense , Viral Proteins/genetics , Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacology , Brazil , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Female , Genotype , HIV Infections/transmission , HIV-1/classification , HIV-1/drug effects , HIV-1/isolation & purification , Humans , Infant , Male , Molecular Sequence Data , Prevalence , Sequence Analysis, DNA
13.
Ann Rheum Dis ; 68(10): 1547-52, 2009 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18930989

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Fc gamma receptor (Fc gammaR) polymorphism influences the affinity of the receptor for Ig, which may, in turn, affect the efficacy of Ig-based therapies. The relationship between functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the FCGR2A and FCGR3A genes and the response to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha therapy (infliximab) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was assessed. METHODS: A total of 91 patients with RA (89% female; 76.7% rheumatoid factor (RF) positive) starting therapy with infliximab were evaluated at 0, 6 and 30 weeks using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria and the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was evaluated using three parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP) (DAS28 3v-CRP) changes during the follow-up. Genotyping of FCGR2A-R131H and FCGR3A-F158V polymorphisms was performed by allele-specific PCR and PCR sequence-based typing, respectively. The chi(2) and Fisher exact tests were used to show differences in the outcome variables, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyse the evolution of DAS28 3v-CRP. A generalised linear models multivariable analysis was also performed. RESULTS: At week 6 of follow-up, the proportion of patients achieving 50% improvement as per ACR criteria (ACR50) and EULAR good responses were significantly higher among homozygotes of the low affinity FCGR3A allele (FF: 24.1% and VV-VF:2.2%; p = 0.003 and FF: 44.8% and VV-VF: 22.9%; p = 0.040, respectively). At week 30, homozygotes of the low affinity FCGR2A allele had a better ACR20 response (RR: 60% and HH-RH: 33.3%; p = 0.035). Changes in DAS28 3v-CRP during follow-up were consistent with those observed in ACR and EULAR responses. CONCLUSIONS: The response to anti-TNFalpha treatment with infliximab in patients with RA is influenced by the FCGR2A and FCGR3A genotypes. This effect is observed at different times in the follow-up (6 and 30 weeks, respectively) indicating the dynamic nature of the Fc gammaR versus Ig interaction.


Subject(s)
Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics , Receptors, IgG/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Adult , Aged , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Genotype , Humans , Infliximab , Male , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
14.
Lupus ; 15(12): 845-51, 2006.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17211989

ABSTRACT

Thirty silent lupus nephritis (SLN) patients were compared to 16 individuals bearing overt lupus nephritis (OLN). Results included: years of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis were significantly earlier (4.6 +/- 2.8 years) in SLN than in OLN (7.18 +/- 3.61) (P < 0.05). Neurological compromise, hypertension, normocitic anemia and lymphopenia were significantly prevalent in OLN than in SLN (P < 0.05). Beside normal urinary sediment and renal function tests, the SLN group showed a moderate increase of both activity (AI) and chronicity (CI) renal pathology index when compared to highly increased AI and CI in OLN (P < 0.05). Seventy percent of SLN patients were ISN/RPS Classes I (6.6%) and II (63.3%) while 81% of OLN cases were Classes III, IV (37.5%) and V. IgG, IgA, IgM, lambda chain, C3 and fibrinogen immune deposits were found in 90% or over in both SLN and OLN individuals while in 60% or over, both groups also showed kappa chain, Clq and C4 deposits. While prevalence of ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies were similar in both groups, anti-histone, anti-RNP, CIC and CH50 serum levels were significantly different in OLN versus SLN (P < 0.05). We strongly suggest that indeed SLN is the earliest stage in the natural history of lupus nephritis.


Subject(s)
Lupus Nephritis/immunology , Lupus Nephritis/pathology , Adult , Autoantibodies/blood , Biopsy , Complement C1q/immunology , Complement C3/immunology , DNA/immunology , Early Diagnosis , Female , Fibrinogen/immunology , Humans , Kidney/pathology , Lupus Nephritis/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Seroepidemiologic Studies
15.
Rev. Fac. Med. (Caracas) ; 25(2): 217-223, jul.-dic. 2002. ilus, tab, graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-355103

ABSTRACT

El trasplante renal es el tratamiento sustitutivo de elección en todo el mundo, para pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal. Históricamente sus comienzos se sitúan a principios del siglo XX en Europa. Su éxito y permanencia como tratamiento electivo hasta ahora es la consecuencia principalmente de los adelantos de las técnicas quirúrgicas, del conocimiento de los fenómenos inmunológicos que se relacionan con la colocación de injertos y del descubrimiento de nuevas drogas inmunosupresoras, ya de uso corriente, como lo es la Ciclosporina A, que tiene gran efectividad en controlar los fenómenos de rechazo. La mejoría en la supervivencia de los injertos ha motivado también el desarrollo de una activa clínica de trasplante renal para encarar las alteraciones del funcionamiento de los injertos, cuyo diagnóstico definitivo descansa en el estudio morfológico de la biopsia renal, que se considera el estándar de oro y cuyos hallazgos histopatológicos fundamentales se muestran en la presente revisión


Subject(s)
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy , Kidney Transplantation/history , Kidney Transplantation/immunology , Kidney Transplantation , Nephrology , Venezuela
16.
Acta Trop ; 80(3): 251-60, 2001 Dec 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11700183

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at evaluating the immunogenicity of a vaccine composed of killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes using several different protocols in a randomized, double-blind and controlled trial design in order to select one of them for further efficacy trials. One hundred and fourteen leishmanin skin test (LST)-negative healthy volunteers were allocated into eight groups that received either two or three deep intramuscular injections of vaccine at doses of 180, 360 and 540 microg or similar injections of placebo. Cell-mediated immune responses were evaluated before and after vaccination by means of LST as well as proliferative responses and cytokine production in Leishmania antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. The majority of the subjects who actually received vaccine converted to positive LST (89.5%). On the other hand, none of the subjects who received placebo converted to positive LST. Proliferative responses and production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 were significantly higher after vaccination than before vaccination in all groups, including those that received placebo. The dose of 360 microg provided the highest LST conversion rate (100%), as well as the greatest increase in interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 production after vaccination.


Subject(s)
Leishmania/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/prevention & control , Protozoan Vaccines/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Antigens, Protozoan/immunology , Cells, Cultured , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Lymphocyte Activation , Male , Middle Aged , Protozoan Vaccines/administration & dosage , Skin Tests , Vaccination
17.
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz ; 96(1): 89-98, 2001 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11285479

ABSTRACT

In this study, we evaluated the immune response of patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with two distinct protocols. One group was treated with conventional chemotherapy using pentavalent antimonium salts and the other with immunochemotherapy where a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis was combined with the antimonium salt. Our results show that, although no differences were observed in the necessary time for complete healing of the lesions between the two treatments, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients treated by chemotherapy showed smaller lymphoproliferative responses at the end of the treatment than those from patients in the immunochemotherapy group. Furthermore, IFN-gamma production was also different between the two groups. While cells from patients in the chemotherapy group produced more IFN-gamma at the end of treatment, a significant decrease in this cytokine production was associated with healing in the immunochemotherapy group. In addition, IL-10 production was also less intense in this latter group. Finally, an increase in CD8+ -IFN-gamma producing cells was detected in the chemotherapy group. Together these results point to an alternative treatment protocol where healing can be induced with a decreased production of a potentially toxic cytokine.


Subject(s)
Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Leishmania/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/therapy , Meglumine/therapeutic use , Organometallic Compounds/therapeutic use , Protozoan Vaccines/therapeutic use , Adult , Animals , Antigens, Protozoan/immunology , Antimony/therapeutic use , Double-Blind Method , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Humans , Immunity, Cellular , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis , Male , Meglumine Antimoniate
18.
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz ; 96(1): 89-98, Jan. 2001. ilus, tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-281634

ABSTRACT

In this study, we evaluated the immune response of patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with two distinct protocols. One group was treated with conventional chemotherapy using pentavalent antimonium salts and the other with immunochemotherapy where a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis was combined with the antimonium salt. Our results show that, although no differences were observed in the necessary time for complete healing of the lesions between the two treatments, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients treated by chemotherapy showed smaller lymphoproliferative responses at the end of the treatment than those from patients in the immunochemotherapy group. Furthermore, IFN-gamma production was also different between the two groups. While cells from patients in the chemotherapy group produced more IFN-gamma at the end of treatment, a significant decrease in this cytokine production was associated with healing in the immunochemotherapy group. In addition, IL-10 production was also less intense in this latter group. Finally, an increase in CD8+ -IFN-gamma producing cells was detected in the chemotherapy group. Together these results point to an alternative treatment protocol where healing can be induced with a decreased production of a potentially toxic cytokine


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/drug therapy , Leishmania/immunology , Protozoan Vaccines/therapeutic use , Antigens, Protozoan/immunology , Antimony/therapeutic use , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Double-Blind Method , Drug Therapy, Combination , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis
19.
Pathol Res Pract ; 197(12): 827-32; discussion 833, 2001.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11795831

ABSTRACT

We present the case of a 45-year-old patient with a renal ductal cell carcinoma arising in the Bellini ducts that was composed of histologically well-differentiated tubulopapillary and cystic areas with desmoplastic stroma, extensive mucosecreting areas, and regions depicting a transition between these two constituents. The mucosecreting component was mostly formed by signet ring tumor cells containing cytoplasmic Alcian blue-PAS-stainable mucins. The tubulopapillary and cystic areas of the tumor showed the immunohistochemical staining for low and high molecular weight cytokeratin, EMA, vimentin and Ulex europaeus, characteristic of ductal cell carcinoma. The mucosecreting cells also presented intense positive staining for cytokeratin and vimentin, and this is quite similar to observations reported in some forms of gastrointestinal cancer with rhabdoid features that are indicative of poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that mucosecreting areas with signet ring cells represent an extreme metaplastic change that can seldom occur in certain forms of renal tumors.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell/pathology , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/surgery , Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell/metabolism , Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell/surgery , Humans , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Mucus/metabolism , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
20.
Rev Sci Tech ; 18(2): 498-511, 1999 Aug.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10472681

ABSTRACT

The authors discuss the relative importance of the livestock sector in South America, in developing countries and in countries world-wide. The development of animal health services is highlighted and the new challenges which these services must meet, with respect to the restructuring of international trade, are described. The economic impact of animal diseases and of disease control is evaluated by taking a regional approach and by analysing production systems. A classification of production systems is accompanied by case studies on the economics of animal health. Emphasis is placed on national control programmes, diseases which affect reproduction, parasitic diseases and mastitis, with particular reference to the livestock sector of Colombia. The authors suggest that integrated livestock development programmes include the management of animal health and production information. A change of attitude is also recommended with greater participation of those involved. The need to co-ordinate sustained research initiatives is stressed.


Subject(s)
Animal Diseases/economics , Animal Diseases/prevention & control , Animal Husbandry/economics , Animals, Domestic , Developing Countries/economics , Animal Husbandry/methods , Animals , Commerce , Global Health , International Cooperation , South America
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...