Epidemiology of musculoskeletal tumors in a reference unit. / Epidemiología de los tumores musculoesqueléticos en una unidad de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform an epidemiological analysis of patients presented to the Musculoskeletal Tumors Committee of a reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of patients with sarcomas treated in a reference Sarcoma Unit between 2009 and 2022 was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 1978 patients were analyzed, of which 1477 (74.67%) were diagnosed as sarcomas. They were divided into 446 (30.20%) bone tumors and 1.031 (69.80%) soft tissue tumors. The most common benign bone tumor was enchondroma (27.23%), giant cell tumor (59.21%) was the most common tumor of intermediate malignancy and the malignant one was osteosarcoma (24.78%). The most frequently observed benign soft tissue tumor was lipoma (50.74%), the atypical lipomatous tumor (53.25%) was the most frequent tumor of intermediate malignancy and the malignant one was sarcoma of uncertain differentiation (38.10%). CONCLUSION: Our study represents the first work on the epidemiology of sarcomas and other musculoskeletal tumors in our country, being very useful to adapt the resources destined for their diagnosis and treatment.

New insights on the taxonomy of Diadumene paranaensis (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) associated with mangrove roots in the Brazilian semi-arid coast.

A dense estuarine aggregation of Diadumene paranaensis Beneti, Stampar, Maronna, Morandini & Da Silveira, 2015 associated with Rhizophora mangle L. was found at the Arpoeiras Beach, mouth of Acaraú River, Ceará, Brazilian semi-arid coast. Here, we compare biological and taxonomical traits with the type material, collected from the portuary zone of Paranaguá Bay, and propose modifications in the diagnosis of the species, as well as of the family Diadumenidae and genus Diadumene, to align with the description of our specimens. In addition, we discuss its tolerance to high salinity and predict a much broader geographic range for this sea anemone in Brazil.

Surgical treatment of ipsilateral bifocal tibial fractures: a challenge for the surgeon. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas bifocales ipsilaterales de tibia: un reto para el cirujano.

INTRODUCTION: The association of ipsilateral tibia fractures has a low incidence, being up to 3.2% of total tibia fractures. Currently there is no gold standard regarding the ideal surgical treatment. The objective of this study is to analyze the surgical treatment and the radiographic and functional results, as well as the associated complication rate of ipsilateral bifocal tibia fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study in our hospital from 2010 to 2022 of 24 patients who underwent bifocal fracture of the ipsilateral tibia. Demographic and surgical data and complications during follow-up were included. RESULTS: The 24 patients were classified into group 1 when they presented a fracture of the plateau and distal tibia (25%), group 2 with a fracture of the plateau and diaphysis (33%) and group 3 with a fracture of the diaphysis and distal tibia (42%). 3 patients underwent surgery with 1 implant and 21 patients with 2 implants. The average follow-up time in outpatient clinics was 2 and a half years. At one year, 22 patients (92%) had full weight bearing and 2 patients had partial weight bearing (8%) due to the sequelae of the fractures. The average time for consolidation of the diaphysis was 7.75±2 months, with no significant differences observed between group 2 and group 3 (p=0.06). The average time for consolidation of the metaphysis was 3.50±1.5 months, with no significant differences observed between group 1 and group 2 (p=0.065). 7 patients (30%) had complications during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bifocal tibia fractures can be treated using a combination of intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis with good long-term results, obtaining an optimal union rate and low complications. In addition, it facilitates the reduction of the fracture, thus facilitating the patient's recovery and obtaining good long-term functional results.

Applications of high-intensity ultrasound on shrimp: Potential, constraints, and prospects in the extraction and retrieval of bioactive compounds, safety, and quality.

The global shrimp market holds substantial prominence within the food industry, registering a significant USD 24.7 billion in worldwide exportation in 2020. However, the production of a safe and high-quality product requires consideration of various factors, including the potential for allergenic reactions, occurrences of foodborne outbreaks, and risks of spoilage. Additionally, the exploration of the recovery of bioactive compounds (e.g., astaxanthin [AX], polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides) from shrimp waste demands focused attention. Within this framework, this review seeks to comprehend and assess the utilization of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS), both as a standalone method and combined with other technologies, within the shrimp industry. The objective is to evaluate its applications, limitations, and prospects, with a specific emphasis on delineating the impact of sonication parameters (e.g., power, time, and temperature) on various applications. This includes an examination of undesirable effects and identifying areas of interest for current and prospective research. HIUS has demonstrated promise in enhancing the extraction of bioactive compounds, such as AX, lipids, and chitin, while concurrently addressing concerns such as allergen reduction (e.g., tropomyosin), inactivation of pathogens (e.g., Vibrio parahaemolyticus), and quality improvement, manifesting in reduced melanosis scores and improved peelability. Nonetheless, potential impediments, particularly related to oxidation processes, especially those associated with lipids, pose a hindrance to its widespread implementation, potentially impacting texture properties. Consequently, further optimization studies remain imperative. Moreover, novel applications of sonication in shrimp processing, including brining, thawing, and drying, represent a promising avenue for expanding the utilization of HIUS in the shrimp industry.

[Translated article] Mechanical resistance of polylactic acid bone matrices developed by 3D printing for the reconstruction of bone defects.

INTRODUCTION: Bone defects are one of the main limitations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology. For this reason, multiple bone replacement systems have been developed, either by prosthetic implant or by substitution with osteoforming substances, whose limitations are their survival and lack of structurality, respectively. The objective of this work is the generation of a new material for the creation of biologically active structures that have sufficient tensile strength to maintain the structure during remodelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A new filament based on the fusion of natural polylactide acid (PLA) powder was designed for the generation of pieces by means of fused deposition modelling (FDM) on which to carry out tensile mechanical tests of osteosynthesis material. A total of 13 groups with different cortical thickness, filling and layer height were carried out, with 10 tensile tests in each group, defining the tensile breaking limit for each group. The regression lines for each group and their mechanical resistance to traction on the filament used were determined. RESULTS: The filament ratio per contact surface unit with the osteosynthesis used was the main determinant of the mechanical resistance to traction, either at the expense of the increase in cortical thickness or by the increase in the percentage of cancellous bone filling. Layer height had a minor effect on tensile strength. The regression value was high for cortical thickness and cancellous filling, being elements with a predictable biomechanical behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology allows the creation of personalised neutral and implantable PLA bone matrices for the reconstruction of large bone defects by means of 3D printing by FDM with a mechanical resistance to traction greater than that of current biological support structures.

Extracellular vesicles and co-isolated endogenous retroviruses from murine cancer cells differentially affect dendritic cells.

Cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) and non-vesicular extracellular (nano)particles (NVEPs or ENPs) that may play a role in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived EVs have been proposed to induce immune priming of antigen presenting cells or to be immuno-suppressive agents. We suspect that such disparate functions are due to variable compositions in EV subtypes and ENPs. We aimed to characterize the array of secreted EVs and ENPs of murine tumor cell lines. Unexpectedly, we identified virus-like particles (VLPs) from endogenous murine leukemia virus in preparations of EVs produced by many tumor cells. We established a protocol to separate small EVs from VLPs and ENPs. We compared their protein composition and analyzed their functional interaction with target dendritic cells. ENPs were poorly captured and did not affect dendritic cells. Small EVs specifically induced dendritic cell death. A mixed large/dense EV/VLP preparation was most efficient to induce dendritic cell maturation and antigen presentation. Our results call for systematic re-evaluation of the respective proportions and functions of non-viral EVs and VLPs produced by murine tumors and their contribution to tumor progression.

Selective control of transposable element expression during T cell exhaustion and anti-PD-1 treatment.

In chronic infections and cancer, T cells are exposed to prolonged antigen stimulation, resulting in loss of function (or exhaustion) and impairment of effective immunological protection. Exhausted T cells are heterogeneous and include early progenitors (Tpex) and terminally exhausted cells (Tex). Here, we used bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to analyze expression of transposable elements (TEs) in subpopulations of mouse and human CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs). We show that in mice, members of the virus-like murine VL30 TE family (mostly intact, evolutionary young ERV1s) are strongly repressed in terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells in both tumor and viral models of exhaustion. Tpex expression of these VL30s, which are mainly intergenic and transcribed independently of their closest gene neighbors, was driven by Fli1, a transcription factor involved in progression from Tpex to Tex. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in both mice and patients with cancer increased TE expression (including VL30 in mice), demonstrating that TEs may be applicable as ICB response biomarkers. We conclude that expression of TEs is tightly regulated in TILs during establishment of exhaustion and reprogramming by ICB. Analyses of TE expression on single cells and bulk populations open opportunities for understanding immune cell identity and heterogeneity, as well as for defining cellular gene expression signatures and disease biomarkers.

Noncanonical splicing junctions between exons and transposable elements represent a source of immunogenic recurrent neo-antigens in patients with lung cancer.

Although most characterized tumor antigens are encoded by canonical transcripts (such as differentiation or tumor-testis antigens) or mutations (both driver and passenger mutations), recent results have shown that noncanonical transcripts including long noncoding RNAs and transposable elements (TEs) can also encode tumor-specific neo-antigens. Here, we investigate the presentation and immunogenicity of tumor antigens derived from noncanonical mRNA splicing events between coding exons and TEs. Comparing human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and diverse healthy tissues, we identified a subset of splicing junctions that is both tumor specific and shared across patients. We used HLA-I peptidomics to identify peptides encoded by tumor-specific junctions in primary NSCLC samples and lung tumor cell lines. Recurrent junction-encoded peptides were immunogenic in vitro, and CD8+ T cells specific for junction-encoded epitopes were present in tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes from patients with NSCLC. We conclude that noncanonical splicing junctions between exons and TEs represent a source of recurrent, immunogenic tumor-specific antigens in patients with NSCLC.

Epigenetically controlled tumor antigens derived from splice junctions between exons and transposable elements.

Oncogenesis often implicates epigenetic alterations, including derepression of transposable elements (TEs) and defects in alternative splicing. Here, we explore the possibility that noncanonical splice junctions between exons and TEs represent a source of tumor-specific antigens. We show that mouse normal tissues and tumor cell lines express wide but distinct ranges of mRNA junctions between exons and TEs, some of which are tumor specific. Immunopeptidome analyses in tumor cell lines identified peptides derived from exon-TE splicing junctions associated to MHC-I molecules. Exon-TE junction-derived peptides were immunogenic in tumor-bearing mice. Both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations with junction-derived peptides delayed tumor growth in vivo. Inactivation of the TE-silencing histone 3-lysine 9 methyltransferase Setdb1 caused overexpression of new immunogenic junctions in tumor cells. Our results identify exon-TE splicing junctions as epigenetically controlled, immunogenic, and protective tumor antigens in mice, opening possibilities for tumor targeting and vaccination in patients with cancer.

Mechanical resistance of polylactic acid bone matrices developed by 3D printing for the reconstruction of bone defects. / Resistencia mecánica de matrices óseas de ácido poliláctico desarrolladas por impresión 3D para la reconstrucción de defectos óseos.

INTRODUCTION: Bone defects are one of the main limitations in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. For this reason, multiple bone replacement systems have been developed, either by prosthetic implant or by substitution with osteoforming substances, whose limitations are their survival and lack of structurality, respectively. The objective of this work is the generation of a new material for the creation of biologically active structures that have sufficient tensile strength to maintain the structure during remodeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A new filament based on the fusion of natural polylactide acid (PLA) powder was designed for the generation of pieces by means of fused deposition modeling (FDM) on which to carry out tensile mechanical tests of osteosynthesis material. A total of 13 groups with different cortical thickness, filling and layer height were carried out, with 10 tensile tests in each group, defining the tensile breaking limit for each group. The regression lines for each group and their mechanical resistance to traction on the filament used were determined. RESULTS: The filament ratio per contact surface unit with the osteosynthesis used was the main determinant of the mechanical resistance to traction, either at the expense of the increase in cortical thickness or by the increase in the percentage of cancellous bone filling. Layer height had a minor effect on tensile strength. The regression value was high for cortical thickness and cancellous filling, being elements with a predictable biomechanical behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology allows the creation of personalized neutral and implantable PLA bone matrices for the reconstruction of large bone defects by means of 3D printing by FDM with a mechanical resistance to traction greater than that of current biological support structures.

Treating multifocal humerus fractures: A comparison between the mipo technique and intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Proximal humerus fractures with metaphysodiaphyseal extension represent a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to their reduced incidence and the difficulty in the treatment decision. These can be treated with an intramedullary nail or using the MIPO technique, associating different advantages and complications depending on the procedure. The objective of this study was to compare metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing and those operated using the MIPO technique to see if there were significant differences in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective, analytical and unicentric review of 29 patients with proximal fracture with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension treated by MIPO technique and 33 patients surgically treated by antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) in our hospital from 2014 to 2020. Demographic, functional, radiographic and clinical data were obtained.. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of fracture mechanism (p=0.34), fracture type (p=0.13) or Maresca classification (p=0.32). Surgical time was significantly shorter in the IMN group compared to the MIPO technique (p=0.014). No significant difference was observed regarding the need for blood transfusion (p=0.32). The mean consolidation in the MIPO group was 21 weeks compared to 21 weeks in the IMN, with no significant differences between both groups (p= 0.88). No significant differences were observed between CONSTANT test at one year in the MIPO group versus the IMN group (p=0.79), nor in radial nerve palsies (p=0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension are a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to the infrequency, the complexity of these fractures and the fact that there is no established consensus on the ideal treatment for this type of injury. Both the MIPO technique with the Philos plate and the intramedullary nail are valid options for the treatment of these fractures, with no differences observed in terms of fracture consolidation time or in terms of functional results.

Single-cell RNA-seq-based proteogenomics identifies glioblastoma-specific transposable elements encoding HLA-I-presented peptides.

We analyze transposable elements (TEs) in glioblastoma (GBM) patients using a proteogenomic pipeline that combines single-cell transcriptomics, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) samples from tumors and healthy-tissue cohorts, and immunopeptidomic samples. We thus identify 370 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I-bound peptides encoded by TEs differentially expressed in GBM. Some of the peptides are encoded by repeat sequences from intact open reading frames (ORFs) present in up to several hundred TEs from recent long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)-1, long terminal repeat (LTR), and SVA subfamilies. Other HLA-I-bound peptides are encoded by single copies of TEs from old subfamilies that are expressed recurrently in GBM tumors and not expressed, or very infrequently and at low levels, in healthy tissues (including brain). These peptide-coding, GBM-specific, highly recurrent TEs represent potential tumor-specific targets for cancer immunotherapies.

Epstein-Barr Virus+ B Cells in Breast Cancer Immune Response: A Case Report.

EBV-specific T cells have been recently described to be involved in fatal encephalitis and myocarditis in cancer patients after immune checkpoint therapies. Here, we report the study of a human triple-negative breast cancer tumor (TNBC) and EBV-transformed B cells obtained from a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) that progressed into a lymphocytic neoplasm named xenograft-associated B-cell lymphoma (XABCL). T-cell receptor (TCR) high-throughput sequencing was performed to monitor the T-cell clonotypes present in the different samples. Forty-three T-cell clonotypes were found infiltrating the XABCL tissue after three passes in mice along 6 months. Eighteen of these (42%) were also found in the TNBC biopsy. TCR infiltrating the XABCL tissue showed a very restricted T-cell repertoire as compared with the biopsy-infiltrating T cells. Consequently, T cells derived from the TNBC biopsy were expanded in the presence of the B-cell line obtained from the XABCL (XABCL-LCL), after which the TCR repertoire obtained was again very restricted, i.e., only certain clonotypes were selected by the B cells. A number of these TCRs had previously been reported as sequences involved in infection, cancer, and/or autoimmunity. We then analyzed the immunopeptidome from the XABCL-LCL, to identify putative B-cell-associated peptides that might have been expanding these T cells. The HLA class I and class II-associated peptides from XABCL-LCL were then compared with published repertoires from LCL of different HLA typing. Proteins from the antigen processing and presentation pathway remained significantly enriched in the XABCL-LCL repertoire. Interestingly, some class II-presented peptides were derived from cancer-related proteins. These results suggest that bystander tumor-infiltrating EBV+ B cells acting as APC may be able to interact with tumor-infiltrating T cells and influence the TCR repertoire in the tumor site.

Fish Quality Index Method: Principles, weaknesses, validation, and alternatives-A review.

Fish is a high nutritional value matrix of which production and consumption have been increasing in the last years. Advancements in the efficient evaluation of freshness are essential to optimize the quality assessment, to improve consumer safety, and to reduce raw material losses. Therefore, it is necessary to use rapid, nondestructive, and objective methodologies to evaluate the quality of this matrix. Quality Index Method (QIM) is a tool applied to indicate fish freshness through a sensory evaluation performed by a group of assessors. However, the use of QIM as an official method for quality assessment is limited by the protocol, sampling size, specificities of the species, storage conditions, and assessor's experience, which make this method subjective. Also, QIM may present divergences regarding the development of microorganisms and chemical analysis. In this way, novel quality evaluation methods such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, machine vision system, and colorimetric sensors have been proposed, and novel technologies such as proteomics and mitochondrial analysis have been developed. In this review, the weaknesses of QIM were exposed, and novel methodologies for quality evaluation were presented. The consolidation of these novel methodologies and their use as methods of quality assessment are an alternative to sensory methods, and their understanding enables a more effective fish quality control.

New records of family Hormathiidae (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) from Brazilian coast with description of Paraphelliactis labiata n. sp.

The family Hormathiidae Carlgren, 1932 is one of the largest families of sea anemones with ca. 130 species around the world, mostly in the deep sea. In Brazilian waters, only six species have been reported so far. Herein we record four hormathiids from deep-sea sites at the Potiguar Basin continental slope at Northeast Brazil. Monactis vestita (Gravier, 1918) and Phelliactis robusta Carlgren, 1928 represent the first records of both genera for the Brazilian coast. The new species Paraphelliactis labiata n. sp. is described. We also found another species of the genus, Phelliactis sp. The new species possesses fourth and fifth cycles of incomplete mesenteries, unlike all other Paraphelliactis species. These results increase the total number of hormathiid sea anemones in Brazil to nine and contribute to the knowledge of the Brazilian deep sea, still little explored.

A Chemometric Approach to Establish Underlying Connections between Lipid and Protein Oxidation and Instrumental Color and Texture Characteristics in Brazilian Dry-cured Loin.

This study aimed to use chemometrics to evaluate the influence of lipid and protein oxidation on the color and texture characteristics of Brazilian dry-cured loin (Socol, BDL). Upon exploration using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), two clusters were formed, indicating that higher water activity (aw) was associated with higher lipid and protein oxidation. However, this fact was associated with softening and low color quality (a*, chroma, and cured color). In a more in-depth exploration, using principal component analysis (PCA) for each cluster separately, connections between protein and lipid oxidation were found in high aw, as demonstrated by their statistical association. In the same way, relationships between high hardness and carbonyl contents were obtained only in high aw. In addition, an overall relationship (p < 0.05) between nondestructive measurements, such as hardness, and destructive methods (malonaldehyde and carbonyl contents) demonstrate that nondestructive techniques can be promising for further studies in the method replacement field. In this study, reasonable explanations of the connections between oxidative damage and quality traits in Socol are provided.

Pic-Producing Escherichia coli Induces High Production of Proinflammatory Mediators by the Host Leading to Death by Sepsis.

Escherichia coli is an important pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. We have recently shown that Pic, a serine protease secreted by E. coli, mediates immune evasion by the direct cleavage of complement molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of a Pic-producing bacteria in a murine model of sepsis. Mice were infected with Pic-producing E. coli (F5) or F5∆pic mutant. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice was euthanized after 12 h for sample acquisition. The inoculation of Pic-producing bacteria induced 100% death within 24 h. The colony forming units count in the organs was significantly higher in F5. Hematological analysis showed a decrease of total leukocytes. Nitric oxide and cytokines were detected in serum, as well as on peritoneal lavage of the F5 group in higher levels than those detected in the other groups. In addition, immunophenotyping showed a decrease of activated lymphocytes and macrophages in the F5 group. Therefore, Pic represents an important virulence factor, allowing the survival of the bacterium in the bloodstream and several organs, as well as inducing a high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host, and concomitantly a cellular immunosuppression, leading to sepsis and death.

Pulp wash: a new source for production of ligninolytic enzymes and biomass and its toxicological evaluation after biological treatment.

Pulp wash was used as substrate for the activity of ligninolytic enzymes of the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju. Activity of laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) as well as fungal biomass occurred under four conditions: different pulp wash concentrations, pH variation at the optimal pulp wash concentration, different glucose concentrations, and different concentrations of ammonium nitrate. The best enzyme activity and biomass production were obtained with in natura pulp wash and pH corrected to 5.0 (4884 IU/L Lac; 82 IU/L MnP; 25 g/100 mL biomass). However, the addition of glucose and ammonium nitrate to the pulp wash was not necessary for increasing the enzyme activity and biomass production. Efficient removal of pulp wash chemical oxygen demand (99.66%) and biochemical oxygen demand (83.27%) occurred after the mycoremediation with P. sajor-caju in the optimized conditions. Lactuca sativa L. seeds germination bioassay showed a four-fold reduction in the residue toxicity (EC50 28.72%) after the treatment with the fungus. Our findings are consistent with the notion that pulp wash is an excellent substrate for inducing the activity of ligninolytic enzymes and producing fungal biomass, and that the biological treatment is efficient to reduce effluent toxicity.

Pic-producing escherichia coli induces high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host leading to death by sepsis

Escherichia coli is an important pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. We have recently shown that Pic, a serine protease secreted by E. coli, mediates immune evasion by the direct cleavage of complement molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of a Pic-producing bacteria in a murine model of sepsis. Mice were infected with Pic-producing E. coli (F5) or F5?pic mutant. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice was euthanized after 12 h for sample acquisition. The inoculation of Pic-producing bacteria induced 100% death within 24 h. The colony forming units count in the organs was significantly higher in F5. Hematological analysis showed a decrease of total leukocytes. Nitric oxide and cytokines were detected in serum, as well as on peritoneal lavage of the F5 group in higher levels than those detected in the other groups. In addition, immunophenotyping showed a decrease of activated lymphocytes and macrophages in the F5 group. Therefore, Pic represents an important virulence factor, allowing the survival of the bacterium in the bloodstream and several organs, as well as inducing a high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host, and concomitantly a cellular immunosuppression, leading to sepsis and death

Pic-producing escherichia coli induces high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host leading to death by sepsis

Escherichia coli is an important pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. We have recently shown that Pic, a serine protease secreted by E. coli, mediates immune evasion by the direct cleavage of complement molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of a Pic-producing bacteria in a murine model of sepsis. Mice were infected with Pic-producing E. coli (F5) or F5?pic mutant. Animal survival was monitored for five days, and a subset of mice was euthanized after 12 h for sample acquisition. The inoculation of Pic-producing bacteria induced 100% death within 24 h. The colony forming units count in the organs was significantly higher in F5. Hematological analysis showed a decrease of total leukocytes. Nitric oxide and cytokines were detected in serum, as well as on peritoneal lavage of the F5 group in higher levels than those detected in the other groups. In addition, immunophenotyping showed a decrease of activated lymphocytes and macrophages in the F5 group. Therefore, Pic represents an important virulence factor, allowing the survival of the bacterium in the bloodstream and several organs, as well as inducing a high production of proinflammatory mediators by the host, and concomitantly a cellular immunosuppression, leading to sepsis and death