Innate immunity response of zafirlukast treated-tilapia during foreign body inflammation.

There is limited knowledge regarding the blockade of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTRs) and their effects in teleost fish. The present study investigated the effects of Zafirlukast, antagonist of CysLTR1 receptor, on the foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Zafirlukast-treated tilapia demonstrated a decrease in the formation of multinucleated foreign body giant cells and Langhans cells on the round glass coverslips implanted in the subcutaneous tissue, along with a significant reduction in white blood cell counts and decreased production of reactive oxygen species. There was an increase in serum levels of α2-macroglobulins, as well as a decrease in ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Zafirlukast treatment led to a significant decrease in the area of splenic melanomacrophage centers and a reduction in the presence of lipofuscin. These findings highlight the potential anti-inflammatory effects of zafirlukast treatment in tilapia and indicate its action on CysLTR1 receptor, modulating the innate immune response of tilapia during the foreign body reaction. The comprehension of chronic inflammation mechanisms in fish has become increasingly relevant, especially concerning the utilization of biomaterials for vaccine and drug delivery.

Are monocyte-to-HDL and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratios useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of Takayasu arteritis?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, red blood cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, monocyte/HDL ratio, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of active and remission Takayasu arteritis patients compared with healthy control group. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study in which 56 Takayasu arteritis patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy control were included. The blood values of Takayasu arteritis patients were analyzed during their active period and post-treatment remission periods, after comparing them with the healthy control. Furthermore, all parameters were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/HDL ratio, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio values were significantly higher in active Takayasu arteritis patients compared with healthy control and remission Takayasu arteritis groups. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed in active Takayasu arteritis and Takayasu arteritis patients in remission, C-reactive protein had the highest power to indicate disease activity, followed by C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and monocyte/HDL ratio. When Takayasu arteritis in remission was compared with the healthy control, a significant difference was found between erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, red blood cell distribution width, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, while no significant difference was found between monocyte/HDL ratio values. CONCLUSION: C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and red blood cell distribution width can be used in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, red blood cell distribution width, and monocyte/HDL ratio measurements can be used in the follow-up. As C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is more powerful than C-reactive protein in differentiating the Takayasu arteritis group from the healthy control group, evaluation of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio together with albumin instead of evaluation of C-reactive protein alone when diagnosing the disease may help us to obtain more accurate results in daily practice.

Acute Phase Proteins in Dogs with Natural Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi.

Acute phase proteins have been used as tools for the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of several diseases in domestic animals. However, the dynamics of these proteins in infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in dogs, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ferritin and paraoxonase-1) in dogs in a coastal town of Ecuador, with natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection with or without seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis. For the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi serum antibodies, two different antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were implemented. For the detection of seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis, an IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® test was used. To determine the concentration of C-reactive protein and ferritin, an immunoturbidimetric assay was used; haptoglobin concentration was measured using a commercial colorimetric method validated in dogs; a spectrophotometric method was used to determine the serum concentration of paraoxonase-1. Results showed a reduction in the serum levels of paraoxonase-1 in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs, either with or without seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. A serum ferritin increment was observed in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with seroreactivity to any other vector-borne diseases. Our findings suggest that paraoxonase-1 levels are reduced in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs without evident clinical signs of Chagas disease, despite their seroreactivity to the other vector-borne diseases studied. These findings could indicate an oxidative stress response in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with no evident signs of inflammation.

Acute Phase Protein Response in Native and Imported Horses After Routine Combination Vaccination Protocol.

Fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA) are commonly measured equine acute phase proteins. Limited data exist on SAA and fibrinogen responses to combination vaccination protocols in horses. A prospective cohort study evaluating SAA, fibrinogen, and rectal temperature following a standard combination vaccination. Blood for measurement of SAA and serum fibrinogen and rectal temperatures were obtained before (0 hour) and after vaccination (24, 48, 72, 96, 168 hours). After vaccination, SAA and fibrinogen increased in all horses. Imports had elevated SAA from 24-168 hours, whereas native horses returned to baseline by 168 hours. Compared to native horses, SAA was significantly higher in imports (coefficient 24-168 hours 358, 95%CI: 46-671 mg/L; P = .03). Fibrinogen increased significantly from 24 to 168 hours postvaccination, but groups did not differ (coefficient -16; 95%CI: -69 to 37 mg/dL; P = .5). Absolute rectal temperatures were significantly higher in imports throughout, including 0 hour (median 37.8; IQR 37.7-38.0 vs. 37.3; 37.1-37.3; P = .002). At 24 hours postvaccination when temperatures significantly increased above baseline in both groups, there was a small but significant difference in the percent change relative to baseline (coefficient 1.9; 95%CI 0.8%-2.9%; P = .002). A standard combination vaccination protocol elicited an acute phase response in all horses. Compared to native previously vaccinated horses, imports had a stronger SAA response. The observed response is worthy of consideration when examining recently vaccinated imported horses.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Is Associated with Elevated Hepcidin Levels.

EBV and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cause highly prevalent persistent infections as early as in childhood. Both pathogens are associated with gastric carcinogenesis. H. pylori interferes with iron metabolism, enhancing the synthesis of acute-phase proteins hepcidin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and α-1 glycoprotein (AGP), but we do not know whether EBV does the same. In this study, we correlated the EBV antibody levels and the serum levels of hepcidin, CRP, and AGP in 145 children from boarding schools in Mexico City. We found that children IgG positive to EBV antigens (VCA, EBNA1, and EA) presented hepcidin, AGP, and CRP levels higher than uninfected children. Hepcidin and AGP remained high in children solely infected with EBV, while CRP was only significantly high in coinfected children. We observed positive correlations between hepcidin and EBV IgG antibodies (p < 0.5). Using the TCGA gastric cancer database, we also observed an association between EBV and hepcidin upregulation. The TCGA database also allowed us to analyze the two important pathways controlling hepcidin expression, BMP−SMAD and IL-1ß/IL-6. We observed only the IL-1ß/IL-6-dependent inflammatory pathway being significantly associated with EBV infection. We showed here for the first time an association between EBV and enhanced levels of hepcidin. Further studies should consider EBV when evaluating iron metabolism and anemia, and whether in the long run this is an important mechanism of undernourishment and EBV gastric carcinogenesis.

Plasma proteome responses in zebrafish following λ-carrageenan-Induced inflammation are mediated by PMN leukocytes and correlate highly with their human counterparts.

Regulation of inflammation is a critical process for maintaining physiological homeostasis. The λ-carrageenan (λ-CGN) is a mucopolysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of red algae (Chondrus crispus) capable of inducing acute intestinal inflammation, which is translated into the production of acute phase reactants secreted into the blood circulation. However, the associated mechanisms in vertebrates are not well understood. Here, we investigated the crucial factors behind the inflammatory milieu of λ-CGN-mediated inflammation administered at 0, 1.75, and 3.5% (v/w) by i.p. injection into the peritoneal cavity of adult zebrafish (ZF) (Danio rerio). We found that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and lymphocytes infiltrating the ZF peritoneal cavity had short-term persistence. Nevertheless, they generate a strong pattern of inflammation that affects systemically and is enough to produce edema in the cavity. Consistent with these findings, cell infiltration, which causes notable tissue changes, resulted in the overexpression of several acute inflammatory markers at the protein level. Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by a hybrid linear ion-trap mass spectrometry shotgun proteomic approach, we identified 2938 plasma proteins among the animals injected with PBS and 3.5% λ-CGN. First, the bioinformatic analysis revealed the composition of the plasma proteome. Interestingly, 72 commonly expressed proteins were recorded among the treated and control groups, but, surprisingly, 2830 novel proteins were differentially expressed exclusively in the λ-CGN-induced group. Furthermore, from the commonly expressed proteins, compared to the control group 62 proteins got a significant (p < 0.05) upregulation in the λ-CGN-treated group, while the remaining ten proteins were downregulated. Next, we obtained the major protein-protein interaction networks between hub protein clusters in the blood plasma of the λ-CGN induced group. Moreover, to understand the molecular underpinnings of these effects based on the unveiled protein sets, we performed a bioinformatic structural similarity analysis and generated overlapping 3D reconstructions between ZF and humans during acute inflammation. Biological pathway analysis pointed to the activation and abundance of diverse classical immune and acute phase reactants, several catalytic enzymes, and varied proteins supporting the immune response. Together, this information can be used for testing and finding novel pharmacological targets to treat human intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Plasma proteome responses in zebrafish following λ-carrageenan-Induced inflammation are mediated by PMN leukocytes and correlate highly with their human counterparts

Regulation of inflammation is a critical process for maintaining physiological homeostasis. The λ-carrageenan (λ-CGN) is a mucopolysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of red algae (Chondrus crispus) capable of inducing acute intestinal inflammation, which is translated into the production of acute phase reactants secreted into the blood circulation. However, the associated mechanisms in vertebrates are not well understood. Here, we investigated the crucial factors behind the inflammatory milieu of λ-CGN-mediated inflammation administered at 0, 1.75, and 3.5% (v/w) by i.p. injection into the peritoneal cavity of adult zebrafish (ZF) (Danio rerio). We found that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and lymphocytes infiltrating the ZF peritoneal cavity had short-term persistence. Nevertheless, they generate a strong pattern of inflammation that affects systemically and is enough to produce edema in the cavity. Consistent with these findings, cell infiltration, which causes notable tissue changes, resulted in the overexpression of several acute inflammatory markers at the protein level. Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by a hybrid linear ion-trap mass spectrometry shotgun proteomic approach, we identified 2938 plasma proteins among the animals injected with PBS and 3.5% λ-CGN. First, the bioinformatic analysis revealed the composition of the plasma proteome. Interestingly, 72 commonly expressed proteins were recorded among the treated and control groups, but, surprisingly, 2830 novel proteins were differentially expressed exclusively in the λ-CGN-induced group. Furthermore, from the commonly expressed proteins, compared to the control group 62 proteins got a significant (p < 0.05) upregulation in the λ-CGN-treated group, while the remaining ten proteins were downregulated. Next, we obtained the major protein-protein interaction networks between hub protein clusters in the blood plasma of the λ-CGN induced group. Moreover, to understand the molecular underpinnings of these effects based on the unveiled protein sets, we performed a bioinformatic structural similarity analysis and generated overlapping 3D reconstructions between ZF and humans during acute inflammation. Biological pathway analysis pointed to the activation and abundance of diverse classical immune and acute phase reactants, several catalytic enzymes, and varied proteins supporting the immune response. Together, this information can be used for testing and finding novel pharmacological targets to treat human intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada en pacientes adultos hospitalizados en una institución de alta complejidad en la ciudad de medellín, colombia entre 2016 y 2018 / Extremely elevated erythrosedimentation in adult patients hospitalized in a high complexity institution in the city of medellín, colombia between 2016 and 2018

Resumen Introducción: La eritrosedimentación es una medida indirecta de inflamación, se eleva ante un aumento de proteínas (reactantes de fase aguda) durante trastornos inflamatorios, un valor extremadamente elevado ≥100mm/hora) tiene una alta especificidad para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas, neoplásicas y autoinmunes. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes hospitalizados con una elevación extrema de la eritrosedimentación, y explorar su asociación con otros factores determinantes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con eritrosedimentación extrema, internados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de la ciudad de Medellín, desde Noviembre de 2016 hasta Junio de 2018. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1007 pacientes de la base de datos del hospital, las infecciones, con 743 (73,8%) afectados, fueron el principal diagnóstico relacionado. Se evidenció una correlación negativa de la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina -0.092(-0.155 a -0.029) P <0.01 y con el hematocrito -0.087(-0.150 a -0.024) P 0.01, y una positiva significativa débil con la PCR 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discusión: Acorde a otros estudios, las infecciones representaron el primer grupo de elevación extrema, contrario a otro estudio se evidenció una correlación directa, débil y estadísticamente significativa entre la Proteina C reactiva y la eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada. Conclusión: Las infecciones fueron el principal grupo de enfermedades con eritrosedimentación extrema, se evidenció una correlación inversa entre la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina y el hematocrito, y una correlación positiva débil con la proteína C reactiva. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

Abstract Sedimentation rate is an indirect inflammation measure, it rises when increase proteins (acute phase reactants) during inflammatory disorders, extreme high value (≥100mm / hour) has a high specificity for the diagnosis of infectious, neoplastic, and autoimmune diseases. Objective: To characterize inpatients with an extreme elevation of the sedimentation rate, and to establish the correlation between determinant factors and extreme sedimentation. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study, including patients older than 18 years, with an extremely sedimentation rate, hospitalized in Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe in Medellin city, during November of 2016 to June of 2018. Results: We selected 1007 patients from the data base, Infections were the most common diagnosis (743, 73.8%), and the main type were urinary tract infections (133, 13%). We evidence a negative correlation with the hemoglobin -0.092(0.155 a -0.029) and with the hematocrit -0.087(0.150 a -0.024), and a positive and weak significant correlation with the C-reactive protein 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discussion: The infections, as in other studies, represent the main etiology associated with an extreme sedimentation. Different to other analyzed investigations, we observed a direct, weak and statistically significant correlation between the PCR and the extreme VSG. Conclusions: Infections were the main cause of extreme sedimentation rate. We evidence an inverse correlation between the blood sedimentation and the hemoglobin and the hematocrit, and a weak correlation with the C-reactive protein. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

Comparison of orosomucoid-1 immunoexpression and angiogenesis between oral squamous cell carcinoma cases with different histological grades.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy in this region, and thus, further elucidation of its tumoral mechanisms is important. One of the main roles of the acute-phase protein orosomucoid-1 (ORM1) is the promotion of angiogenesis, which is key for tumor nutrition and growth. AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of ORM1 and the angiogenic activity indicated by microvascular density (MVD) in OSCC samples according to histological grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 45 OSCC cases were submitted to immunohistochemistry: 25 were well-differentiated OSCC, 18 were moderately differentiated OSCC and 2 were poorly differentiated OSCC. ORM1 staining was evaluated by a semiquantitative method, and CD34-positive blood vessels were quantified to calculate the MVD. The results were statically analyzed. RESULTS: All cases exhibited immunoexpression of ORM1 and CD34. However, no significant differences were found between the expression of both markers among the histological grades. In addition, the presence of ORM1 in inflammatory cells and in the extracellular matrix was detected in most cases. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the induction of angiogenesis is not the main role of ORM1 in OSCC and may be associated with the regulation of the immune/inflammatory response or the transport of protumoral molecules, such as sialyl-Lewis X or phorbol esters, which requires confirmation in future studies.

Biomarkers of lipid metabolism in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: relationship with disease subtype and inflammatory activity.

BACKGROUND: To describe the biomarkers of lipid metabolism in children and adolescents with polyarticular and systemic JIA and to relate them to diseases subtypes, diseases activity markers, and nutritional status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 62 JIA patients was performed. The following variables were evaluated: disease activity and medications used, body mass index, height for age (z-score), skin folds (bicipital, tricipital, subscapular and suprailiac), food intake based on three 24-h food recalls, lipid profile (total cholesterol (CT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG) and non-HDL (N-HDLc), glycemia and insulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) and apolipoproteins A-I and B (Apo A-I and Apo B). RESULTS: Dyslipidemia was observed in 83.3% of the patients. Based on classical lipid profile, low HDL-c levels was the most frequently alteration observed. Inadequate levels of LDL-c, Apo B and NHDL-c were significantly more frequent in the systemic JIA subtype when compared to the polyarticular subtype (p = 0.017, 0.001 and 0.042 respectively). Patients on biological therapy had a better adequacy of Apo A-I concentrations. The ESR showed a negative correlation with Apo A-I level (r = - 0.25, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: We concluded that dyslipidemia is common in patients with JIA, especially in systemic subtype. The systemic subtype and an elevated ESR were associated with lower concentrations of Apo A-I, suggesting the participation of the inflammatory process.

Haptoglobin and its association with naturally occurring diseases in Holstein heifer calves / [Haptoglobina e sua associação com doenças ocorridas naturalmente em bezerras da raça Holandesa]

The present study evaluated the use of haptoglobin (Hp) as an indicator of health and performance in 166 Holstein heifer calves reared in an intensive production system. Calves were evaluated at D6-9; D10-13; D20-23; D35-38 and D65-68, corresponding to the days of life. The absence or presence of diseases was evaluated by physical examination and classification of scores. The performance parameters evaluated were body weight, height at withers and hind width. Hp was measured by spectrophotometric technique. The highest prevalence of diarrhea (59.4%; 98/165) was observed in D10-13, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was on D35-38 (25.8%; 42/163), and umbilical inflammations in D6-D9 (7.8%; 13/166). Highest values of Hp were observed in animals with diarrhea (P=0.02), and umbilical inflammation (P=0.057), in comparison with the group of healthy calves. A significant negative correlation was observed between Hp and performance index. This protein presented an important relation with diarrhea and performance of the calves, opening perspectives on its utilization as a biomarker of diseases.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou o uso da haptoglobina (Hp) como indicadora de sanidade e desempenho em 166 bezerras Holandesas criadas em um sistema de produção intensivo. As bezerras foram avaliadas nos momentos D6-9; D10-13; D20-23; D35-38 e D65-68, sendo estes correspondentes aos dias de vida. A ausência ou a presença de doenças foi avaliada por meio do exame físico e da classificação por escores. Os parâmetros de desempenho avaliados foram peso corporal, altura de cernelha e largura de garupa. A Hp foi mensurada por técnica espectrofotométrica. A maior prevalência de diarreia (59,4%; 98/165) foi observada em D10-13, doença respiratória bovina (DRB) ocorreu em D35-38 (25,8%; 42/163) e inflamações umbilicais em D6-D9 (7,8%; 13/166). O valor de Hp foi maior nos animais que apresentaram diarreia (P=0,02) e inflamações umbilicais (P=0,057), em comparação ao grupo de bezerras saudáveis. Houve correlação negativa significativa entre a Hp e os índices de desempenho. Essa proteína apresentou uma importante relação com a diarreia e com o desempenho das bezerras, abrindo perspectivas sobre a sua utilização como biomarcadora de doenças.(AU)

Effect of Different Finishing Strategies and Steer Temperament on Animal Welfare and Instrumental Meat Tenderness.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of different fattening systems from pasture to concentrate and temperament on animal welfare (AW) and meat quality (MQ). Eighty-four Hereford steers were randomly assigned to the following groups: T1, pasture (4% of animal live weight: LW); T2, pasture (3% LW) plus concentrate (0.6% LW); T3, pasture (3% LW) plus concentrate (1.2% LW); T4, an ad libitum concentrate treatment. Temperament was assessed by three individual tests: crush score, flight time, and exit speed, building a multicriterial temperament index (TIndex). The flight zone was also registered for each treatment. AW was assessed through the integration of indicators of productivity, physiology, and behavior, as well as by monitoring the health status within each treatment. Shear force was registered for MQ. Differences in average daily gain were due to the different energetic composition of the diets (T4 > T3 > T2 > T1) and were not attributable to animal welfare problems. Animals from T4 had the higher average daily gain (ADG) but welfare was negatively affected, being evident through physiological indicators, the restriction or deprivation of relevant behaviors, diet-related diseases, and mortality. T1, T2, and T3 did not appear to compromise animal welfare. However, strict preventive measures and monitoring should be taken during the habituation process and when using any new diet that includes concentrate, because of possible dietary diseases. Shear force values were lower in T1. None of the animals in our experiment were excitable or aggressive, but there was a positive response to handling in all treatments. In addition, regardless of diet, calmer animals had higher average daily gain and lower shear force values; thus, temperament appears to have a significant influence on productivity and meat quality.

α1-Acid glycoprotein and seminal parameter in chronic hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: To find out the changes in seminal quality of hemodialysis chronic renal patients, we investigated the possible relationship between seminal parameter and seminal α1-acid glycoprotein levels in chronic hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Prospective study of prevalence realized in the Hemodialysis Sector of the University Hospital of the University of Brasília, between July 2016 and December 2016. Men aged 18-60 years grouped into case groups (n = 81) represented by chronic hemodialysis patients and control group (n = 20) of healthy men without clinical or laboratory signs of infection and eugonadic. We performed a spermogram, hormonal profile, and assessment of leukocytes and seminal α1-acid glycoprotein level in the semen. The most appropriate statistical test was applied to verify differences and correlations between the studied variables. RESULTS: The age in case and control is similar (49.47 ± 5.55 years vs 50.53 ± 4.24 years; p = 0.060). Mean level of α1-acid glycoprotein in human seminal plasma were not significantly different between case and control (48.52 ± 4.90 mg/L vs 46.33 ± 4.29 mg/L; p = 0.10) and between normosperm and oligosperm (47.76 ± 5.15 mg/L vs 49.48 ± 4.49 mg/L; p = 0.19). Mean level of α1-acid glycoprotein in human seminal plasma in the case group, which were classified into severe, moderate, mild, and normosperm, were similar to each other (p = 0.27) and did not correlate (p > 0.05) with the analyzed seminal parameters. All participants presented normal hormonal profile. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that the seminal α1-acid glycoprotein levels do not help in the initial evaluation of patients with seminal parameter changes.

Hematologic response and serum and peritoneal fluid proteinogram of cattle affected by intestinal diseases and traumatic reticuloperitonitis / Resposta hematológica e proteinograma sérico e do líquido peritoneal de bovinos acometidos com enfermidades intestinais e reticuloperitonite traumática

This study aimed to evaluate the hematologic response and the serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) proteinogram of cattle affected by digestive diseases. Twenty-seven animals were distributed in two groups: GI (intestinal diseases) and GII (traumatic reticuloperitonitis, TRP). The animals were previously submitted to a physical exam. Subsequently, blood samples were collected to perform the complete blood count, determine the plasma protein and fibrinogen, and obtain the serum for proteinogram in polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Simultaneously, PF was collected to perform physical and chemical evaluation and the electrophoretic profile (SDS-PAGE). ANOVA at the 5% probability level was used to compare the groups. The animals showed signs of apathy, dehydration, and gastrointestinal hypomotility in both groups. However, GI animals showed more significant clinical changes. The blood count of both groups (P > 0.05) showed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia and a regenerative left shift with hyperfibrinogenemia. The proteinogram of both body fluids allowed the identification of proteins albumin (ALB), transferrin (TRF), ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP), MW 23000 Da, α1-antitrypsin, IgA, and IgG. The [PT] PF/[PT] blood serum ratio of each of the identified proteins increased, showing statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) regarding PT, ALB, TRF, α1-AGP, and IgG values, with GI animals showing the highest ratio. Intestinal diseases and TRP triggered a systemic and local response characterized by clinical, hematological, and serum and PF proteinogram alterations. The proteins α1-GPA, haptoglobin, and TRF measured in PF were good inflammation biomarkers and useful as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of digestive diseases in cattle.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta hematológica e o proteinograma sérico e do líquido peritoneal (LP) de bovinos acometidos com doenças digestivas. Foram avaliados 27 bovinos distribuídos em dois grupos, GI (enfermidades intestinais) e GII (reticuloperitonite traumática-RPT). Os animais foram previamente submetidos ao exame físico. Posteriormente foram colhidas amostras de sangue para realização do hemograma, determinação plasmática da proteína e do fibrinogênio e obtenção do soro para realização do proteinograma em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). Simultaneamente foi colhido o LP para avaliação física e química, assim como a realização do perfil eletroforético (SDS-PAGE). Empregou-se a análise de variância ao nível de 5% de probabilidade visando à comparação entre os grupos. Em ambos os grupos os animais demonstraram sinais de apatia, desidratação e hipomotilidade gastrointestinal, no entanto, os animais do GI apresentaram alterações clínicas mais expressivas. No hemograma observou-se em ambos os grupos (P > 0,05) leucocitose por neutrofilia e desvio à esquerda regenerativo com hiperfibrinogenia. O proteinograma de ambos os fluidos corpóreos permitiu a identificação das proteínas albumina (ALB), transferrina (TRF), ceruloplasmina, haptoglobina, α-1 glicoproteína ácida (α1-GPA), PM 23.000 Da, α-1 anti-tripsina, IgA e IgG. Os valores da relação [PT] LP / [PT] soro sanguíneo de cada uma das proteínas identificadas demonstrou elevação dos mesmos, bem como diferença estatística entre grupos (P < 0,05) nos valores da PT, ALB, TRF, α1-GPA e IgG, nos quais a relação foi mais elevada nos animais do GI. As enfermidades intestinais e a RPT desencadearam resposta sistêmica e local caracterizada pelas alterações clínicas, hematológicas, e do proteinograma sérico e do LP. A α1-GPA, a haptoglobina e a TRF, mensuradas no LP se mostraram bons biomarcadores de inflamação, sendo úteis como recurso auxiliar de diagnóstico e prognóstico das doenças digestivas dos bovinos.(AU)

Correlation of serum acute-phase proteins with bone repair in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submitted to partial radio ostectomy / Correlação do proteinograma sérico com a reparação óssea em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submetidos à ostectomia parcial do rádio

Bone trauma triggers an acute inflammatory response, which can alter the serum concentration of acute-phase proteins (PFA). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA measurement as a laboratory biomarker for inflammation related to bone regeneration. A partial ostectomy of the right radius was performed on 22 young male rabbits. The complete blood count, albumin, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and transferrin levels were recorded and correlated with the radiographic evolution of bone healing. Statistically the best correlations with the inflammatory process and radiological findings were reported with haptoglobin and transferrin compared to the other measured PFAs. Haptoglobin and transferrin showed a maximum peak 24 and 36 hours after surgery, respectively. Transferrin displayed signs of decrease in the first 6 hours after surgery, in advance of the leukocyte response. The measurement of acute-phase proteins proved to be viable, considering the conditions in which the present study was carried out. Among all variables studied, haptoglobin and transferrin showed best correlation with the inflammatory process of bone healing. Additional studies are needed to determine the sensitivity of acute-phase proteins as predictors of complications in the treatment of fractures.(AU)

Os traumas ósseos desencadeiam resposta inflamatória aguda e consequentemente alteram a concentração sérica das proteínas de fase aguda (PFA), podendo essas representarem um parâmetro para avaliação da evolução do processo inflamatório relacionado à cicatrização óssea, assim como complicações. Objetivou-se avaliar a inter-relação da mensuração de PFAs com a repação óssea em coelhos submetidos à ostectomia parcial do rádio. Foram utilizados 22 coelhos, machos, jovens (160 a 180 dias) e peso médio (3,8 ± 0,3). Para acompanhamento da evolução do processo inflamatório foram realizados hemograma completo e mensuração de albumina, ceruloplasmina, haptoglobina, proteína C reativa e transferrina, além do acompanhamento radiológico. Foi observado a melhor correlação da haptoglobina e da transferrina junto ao processo inflamatório e achados radiológicos frente às demais PFAs mensuradas. A haptoglobina apresentou pico máximo 24 horas do pós-operatório e a transferrina após 36 horas, entretanto, essa última já mostrou indícios de diminuição nas primeiras 6 horas do pós-cirúrgico, antecipadamente à resposta leucocitária. Nas condições em que o presente estudo foi realizado, a mensuração das proteínas de fase aguda mostrou-se factível. Das proteínas estudadas, a haptoglobina e transferrina foram as que mostraram maior correlação com o processo inflamatório da cicatrização óssea. Estudos adicionais são necessários para determinar a sensibilidade das proteínas de fase aguda como previsores de complicações do tratamento das fraturas.(AU)

Correlation of serum acute-phase proteins with bone repair in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submitted to partial radio ostectomy / Correlação do proteinograma sérico com a reparação óssea em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submetidos à ostectomia parcial do rádio

ABSTRACT: Bone trauma triggers an acute inflammatory response, which can alter the serum concentration of acute-phase proteins (PFA). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA measurement as a laboratory biomarker for inflammation related to bone regeneration. A partial ostectomy of the right radius was performed on 22 young male rabbits. The complete blood count, albumin, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and transferrin levels were recorded and correlated with the radiographic evolution of bone healing. Statistically the best correlations with the inflammatory process and radiological findings were reported with haptoglobin and transferrin compared to the other measured PFAs. Haptoglobin and transferrin showed a maximum peak 24 and 36 hours after surgery, respectively. Transferrin displayed signs of decrease in the first 6 hours after surgery, in advance of the leukocyte response. The measurement of acute-phase proteins proved to be viable, considering the conditions in which the present study was carried out. Among all variables studied, haptoglobin and transferrin showed best correlation with the inflammatory process of bone healing. Additional studies are needed to determine the sensitivity of acute-phase proteins as predictors of complications in the treatment of fractures.

RESUMO: Os traumas ósseos desencadeiam resposta inflamatória aguda e consequentemente alteram a concentração sérica das proteínas de fase aguda (PFA), podendo essas representarem um parâmetro para avaliação da evolução do processo inflamatório relacionado à cicatrização óssea, assim como complicações. Objetivou-se avaliar a inter-relação da mensuração de PFAs com a repação óssea em coelhos submetidos à ostectomia parcial do rádio. Foram utilizados 22 coelhos, machos, jovens (160 a 180 dias) e peso médio (3,8 ± 0,3). Para acompanhamento da evolução do processo inflamatório foram realizados hemograma completo e mensuração de albumina, ceruloplasmina, haptoglobina, proteína C reativa e transferrina, além do acompanhamento radiológico. Foi observado a melhor correlação da haptoglobina e da transferrina junto ao processo inflamatório e achados radiológicos frente às demais PFAs mensuradas. A haptoglobina apresentou pico máximo 24 horas do pós-operatório e a transferrina após 36 horas, entretanto, essa última já mostrou indícios de diminuição nas primeiras 6 horas do pós-cirúrgico, antecipadamente à resposta leucocitária. Nas condições em que o presente estudo foi realizado, a mensuração das proteínas de fase aguda mostrou-se factível. Das proteínas estudadas, a haptoglobina e transferrina foram as que mostraram maior correlação com o processo inflamatório da cicatrização óssea. Estudos adicionais são necessários para determinar a sensibilidade das proteínas de fase aguda como previsores de complicações do tratamento das fraturas.

Cyclophosphamide modulated the foreign body inflammatory reaction in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

In order to understand events and mechanisms present in the pathophysiology of tilapia's chronic inflammation and based on the immunomodulatory activity attributed to cyclophosphamide which is widely used to suppress immune responses in human medicine, the present study investigated the effects of cyclophosphamide (CYP) treatment on the modulation of foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with round glass coverslip implanted in the subcutaneous tissue (9 mm of diameter). Forty tilapia (151 ± 10,2 g) were randomly distributed in 5 aquariums (n = 8) with a capacity of 250 L of water each, to compose two treatments (sampled 3 and 6 days post-implantation): implanted/untreated (control) and implanted/treated with 200 mg of CYP kg-1 of b.w., through i.p. route. A fifth group (n = 8) was sampled without any stimulus (naive) to obtain reference values. CYP-treated tilapia showed decrease in macrophage accumulation, giant cell formation and Langhans cells on the glass coverslip when compared to control fish. The treatment with CYP resulted in decrease of leukocyte and thrombocyte counts. Decrease in alpha-2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, albumin and transferrin levels, as well as increase in haptoglobin, complement C3 and apolipoprotein A1 were observed in tilapias during foreign body inflammation. Blood levels of complement C3, alpha-2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin and transferrin were modulated by treatment with CYP. Therefore, the treatment with 200 mg of CYP kg-1 of b.w. in tilapia resulted in an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the dynamics between leukocytes in the bloodstream and macrophage accumulation with giant cell formation in the inflamed focus, as well as by modulating APPs during foreign body reaction.

Concentrations of Acute-Phase Proteins in Milk from Cows with Clinical Mastitis Caused by Different Pathogens.

Among the new diagnostic methods for mastitis detection under development, milk acute-phase proteins (APPs) are receiving special attention. The study aimed to compare the profile of milk APPs from cows with natural clinical mastitis caused by distinct pathogens. The concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by Spatial Proximity Analyte Reagent Capture Luminescence (SPARCL). Each APP was compared across the pathogens causing mastitis. The APPs differed statistically (p < 0.05) among the pathogens causing udder infection. There were significant and positive correlations among the concentration profile, for each pathogen, in three of four APPs studied. It can be concluded that the pathogen causing mastitis could modify the profile of release of the APPs in milk. The profile of Hp, AGP, and CRP demonstrated significant correlation, indicating that the three APPs are suggested as biomarkers, in milk, for bovine mastitis.

Diagnóstico etiológico de la neumonía: un problema en la práctica clínica pediátrica / Etiological diagnosis of pneumonia: a problem of pediatric clinical practice

Resumen La neumonía en niños es causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad, especialmente en países de bajos ingresos; es indispensable proporcionar una adecuada conducta terapéutica, idealmente orientada por etiología, pues la principal consecuencia de no establecer un diagnóstico etiológico preciso es el abuso de antibióticos. La evaluación clínica y radiológica son los pilares básicos para el diagnóstico de neumonía, y el conocimiento del comportamiento epidemiológico de los gérmenes y los biomarcadores ayudan a su aproximación etiológica. Se revisaron aspectos prácticos sobre el diagnóstico de la neumonía en niños, abordando criterios clínicos y epidemiológicos (edad y género), reactantes de fase aguda, hallazgos radiológicos y modelos de predicción etiológica utilizados como herramientas para la diferenciación de neumonía bacteriana de viral en menores de 18 años, en escenarios donde no se dispone rutinariamente de técnicas más precisas para diagnóstico rápido, como aquellas de tipo inmunológico o moleculares. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):39-52.

Abstract Pneumonia in children is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. Due to this, it is indispensable to get a right therapeutic behavior, ideally focused by etiology, because the main consequence of not establishing an accurate etiological diagnosis is the abuse of antibiotics. The radiologic and clinic evaluations are basic pillars for pneumonia diagnosis and the knowledge in epidemiological behavior and biomarkers is very useful for an etiological approximation. Practical aspects were reviewed about pneumonia diagnosis in children, addressing clinic and epidemiological criteria (age and gender), acute phase reactants, radiological findings and etiological prediction models used as tools for differentiation between viral and bacterial pneumonia in children under 18 years old, in scenarios where it is not possible to find techniques for a right diagnostic, as those of immunologic and molecular types. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):39-52.

Etiology, multidrug resistance, and acute-phase proteins biomarkers as in equine septic arthritis / Etiologia, resistência antimicrobiana e proteínas de fase aguda como biomarcadores na artrite séptica equina

Etiology, multiple antibiotic resistance index, and acute-phase protein profile in the serum and synovial fluid of 44 horses presenting septic arthritis were investigated. Young animals up to 24 months of age not yet submitted to taming were sampled. Synovial samples from the horses were submitted to culture and bacterial isolates subjected to 18 antimicrobials to investigate the in vitro multidrug resistance pattern. Also, hematological aspects, fibrinogen, and serum levels of some acute-phase proteins (total protein, albumin, globulin, amyloid A, and C-reactive protein) were assessed. To statistical analysis, microbiological isolation were divided into four groups: G1 = animals with negative isolation, G2 = isolation of Gram-negative bacteria, G3 = isolation of Gram-positive bacteria), and G4 = isolation of fungi. Microbial isolation was obtained from 77.2% (32/44) of the synovial samples. Escherichia coli (7/44 = 15.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (5/44 = 11.4%), Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (3/44 = 6.8%), Aspergillus niger (3/44 = 6.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2/44 = 4.5%), Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (1/44 = 2.3%), Trueperella pyogenes (1/44 = 2.3%), and Rhodococcus equi (1/44 = 2.3%) were prevalent bacterial agents. Aspergillus niger is reported by the first time as a primary agent of septic arthritis in horses. Gentamicin (84.9%), marbofloxacin (79.3%) and ceftriaxone (72.4%) were the most effective antimicrobials, whereas high resistance of the isolates (>50%) was found to erythromycin (75.9%), clarithromycin (75.9%), penicillin (69%), clindamycin (58.6%), and streptomycin (55.2%). Multiple antibiotic resistance index ( 0.3) was identified in 50% (16/32) of the isolates, with highest resistance in Gram-negative bacterial isolates. Serum levels of amyloid A, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, globulin, and total protein, as well as the number of nucleated cells in the synovial fluid had values above the reference for horses, reinforcing acute-phase proteins as biomarkers in diagnosis of septic arthritis. We highlighted the diversity of microorganisms that may be involved in equine septic arthritis, the high resistance of bacterial isolates to conventional antimicrobials, the high lethality of young horses with septic arthritis, and importance of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility pattern tests to therapeutic approaches in the disease.(AU)

Foram investigados a etiologia, o índice de resistência múltipla aos antibióticos e o perfil de proteínas de fase aguda, no soro ou líquido sinovial, de 44 equinos com sinais clínicos compatíveis com artrite séptica. Foram amostrados animais até 24 meses de idade não submetidos a doma. As amostras de líquido sinovial dos 44 animais foram submetidas à cultura bacteriológica e fúngica, e os isolados bacterianos submetidos in vitro diante de 18 antimicrobianos visando investigar a multirresistência. Também foram avaliados os aspectos hematológicos e o fibrinogênio sérico, bem como os níveis séricos de certas proteínas de fase aguda (proteína total, albumina, globulina, amilóide sérico A e proteína C reativa). O isolamento microbiano das amostras foi dividido em quatro grupos: G1 = animais com isolamento negativo; G2 = isolamento de bactérias Gram-negativas; G3 = isolamento de bactérias Gram-positivas e G4 = isolamento fúngico. O isolamento microbiano foi obtido em 77,2% (32/44) das amostras de líquido sinovial. Escherichia coli (7/44 = 15,9%), Staphylococcus aureus (5/44 = 11,4%), Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (3/44 = 6,8%), Aspergillus niger (3/44 = 6,8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2/44 = 4,5%), Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (1/44 = 2,3%), Trueperella pyogenes (1/44=2,3%) e Rhodococcus equi (1/44 = 2,3%) foram os patógenos mais frequentes. Aspergillus niger é relatado pela primeira vez como agente primário de artrite séptica em cavalos. Gentamicina (84,9%), marbofloxacino (79,3%) e ceftriaxona (72,4%) foram os antimicrobianos mais eficazes, enquanto elevada resistência dos isolados (>50%) foi encontrada para eritromicina (75,9%), claritromicina (75,9%), penicilina (69%), clindamicina (58,6%) e estreptomicina (55,2%). O índice de resistência múltipla aos antibióticos ( 0,3) foi identificado em 50% (16/32) dos isolados, com maior resistência obervada em bactérias Gram-negativas. Os níveis séricos de amilóide A, proteína C reativa, fibrinogênio, globulina e concentração total de proteínas, bem como o número de células nucleadas no líquido sinovial apresentaram valores acima da referência para equinos saudáveis, reforçando o uso destas proteínas de fase aguda como biomarcadores no diagnóstico da doença. O presente estudo enfatiza a diversidade de microrganismos que podem estar envolvidos na artrite séptica equina, a alta resistência dos isolados aos antimicrobianos convencionais, a alta mortalidade de equinos jovens com artrite séptica e a importância de realizar o tratamento da afecção com respaldo em testes de sensibilidade microbiana in vitro.(AU)