Distinct carbapenems susceptibility profiles in isogenic isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae presenting Ompk36 disruption and expression of down-regulated blaKPC-2.

The isolation of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals is a major public health threat, increasing patient hospitalization costs, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this work investigated the resistance mechanisms that produced different carbapenems susceptibility profiles in two isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the same patient in a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco. The genes that encode the main porins in K. pneumoniae, ompK35 and ompK36, and several beta-lactamase genes were analyzed. The expression of these genes was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with reverse transcriptase (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was performed to analyze the outer membrane proteins. The analysis of the ompK36 genetic environment disclosed an IS903 insertion sequence disrupting this gene in the ertapenem resistant isolate (KPN133). The blaKPC-2 gene showed down-regulated expression in both isolates. Our findings show that changes in porins, especially OmpK36, are more determinant to carbapenems susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates than variations in blaKPC gene expression.

Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) in urban reservoirs: the case of Funil Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Rare earth elements (REE) have unique chemical properties, which allow their use as geochemical tracers. In this context, the present study aims to assess the role of Funil Reservoir on REE biogeochemical behavior. We collected water samples upstream of the reservoir (P-01) in the city of Queluz, inside the reservoir (P-02), and downstream of Funil Reservoir (P-03) in the city of Itatiaia, RJ. In the field, physicochemical parameters were measured using a probe (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen). In the laboratory, water samples were filtered (0.45 µm) and properly packed until chemical analysis. Chlorophyll a concentrations were determined by a spectrophotometric method and suspended particulate matter (SPM) by a gravimetric method. Ionic concentrations were determined by ion chromatography technique and REE concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. Chlorophyll a concentrations were higher in Funil Reservoir. Ionic concentrations in Queluz (P-01) suggest anthropic contamination. The sum of REE in the dissolved fraction ranged from 2.12 to 12.22 µg L-1. A positive anomaly of La in Queluz indicates anthropic contamination. The observed patterns indicate that Funil Reservoir acts as a biogeochemical barrier, modifying the fluvial transport of REE. Nonetheless, another factor that probably influences REE behavior is the algal bloom that occurs in reservoirs during the rainy season. The seasonal behavior of algae can influence REE biogeochemistry through the incorporation and release of trace metals.

A data-driven model for COVID-19 pandemic - Evolution of the attack rate and prognosis for Brazil.

We introduce a compartmental model SEIAHRV (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Asymptomatic, Hospitalized, Recovered, Vaccinated) with age structure for the spread of the SARAS-CoV virus. In order to model current different vaccines we use compartments for individuals vaccinated with one and two doses without vaccine failure and a compartment for vaccinated individual with vaccine failure. The model allows to consider any number of different vaccines with different efficacies and delays between doses. Contacts among age groups are modeled by a contact matrix and the contagion matrix is obtained from a probability of contagion p c per contact. The model uses known epidemiological parameters and the time dependent probability p c is obtained by fitting the model output to the series of deaths in each locality, and reflects non-pharmaceutical interventions. As a benchmark the output of the model is compared to two good quality serological surveys, and applied to study the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the main Brazilian cities with a total population of more than one million. We also discuss with some detail the case of the city of Manaus which raised special attention due to a previous report of We also estimate the attack rate, the total proportion of cases (symptomatic and asymptomatic) with respect to the total population, for all Brazilian states since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that the model present here is relevant to assessing present policies not only in Brazil but also in any place where good serological surveys are not available.

Vitamin D levels reverberate in monocytes modulation in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a severe vitamin D deficiency and increasing epidemiological data suggesting that this deficiency may play a role in overall morbidity and mortality associated with CKD. It is known that vitamin D regulates the immune system, however, in dialysis patients this deficiency and the modulation of proinflammatory cells is unclear. Among these, monocytes arouse interest considering they constitutively express vitamin D receptors. AIM: This study aimed the evaluation of monocytic profile in CKD patients according to vitamin D levels. METHODS: Patients in hemodialysis (HD) were divided into two groups, regarding vitamin D levels: Group 1, vitamin D <26 ng/ml (n = 15) and Group 2, vitamin D ≥26 ng/ml (n = 18). Whole blood was collected aiming evaluation of (a) monocytic populations through CD14 and CD16 expression, (b) reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and (c) apoptosis. RESULTS: We observed that in Group 1, when compared to Group 2, there was a significant increase in intermediate monocytes (CD14++ CD16 + ; 34.7 ± 31.6 vs. 12.1 ± 6.3; p = 0.006, respectively) and decrease in classical ones (CD14 ++ CD16 - ; 45.3 ± 31.8 vs. 70.4 ± 25.1; p = 0.017, respectively). There was no difference between groups regarding nonclassical monocytes (CD14 + CD16 ++ ), as well as to apoptosis and to ROS generation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that HD patients with lower vitamin D levels might have an intensified inflammatory outline as intermediate monocytes with an inflammatory pattern are increased in this population, when compared with patients with higher levels of vitamin D.

Recycling food waste to clean water: the use of a biodigester's residual liquid inoculum (RLI) to decolourise textile azo dyes.

A residual liquid inoculum (RLI) was used to decolourise solutions of Acid Yellow 25 (AY25) and Direct Violet 51 (DV51) azo dyes. The RLI was obtained through anaerobic digestion of food waste from a university restaurant. The concentration of bacteria in the RLI was 8.45 × 107 CFU mL-1. Dye solutions (50 µg mL-1) were inoculated with the RLI (20% v/v) and incubated at room temperature. The decolourisation studies took place at microaerophilic and in-batch conditions and at pH = 2.50. Initially, the dyes were taken up from solution by biosorption; maximum colour removal was achieved after 3 hours of incubation, with 88.66% for AY25 and 77.65% of DV51. At prolonged incubation times (3-96 hours) decolourisation was mainly attributed to biodegradation of the azo solutions, with breakage of the azo bond, as detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Analysis of UV-VIS absorption rates of dyes showed, however, that AY25 was more readily biodegradable whereas DV51 was more recalcitrant to the action of the RLI.

Resistance in 27 Rice Cultivars to Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is considered one of the most important crops in the world, and the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is among the key pests damaging the crop in the Americas. The objective of this work was to identify rice genotypes as a source of resistance to D. saccharalis. Rice plants were infested in the greenhouse and subsequently evaluated for damage, larval weight and survival, and stem size. The cultivars 'Bonança', 'Caripuna', 'IR 42', 'Canela de Ferro', 'SWA Norte', 'BR IRGA 409', 'Pepita', 'Serra Dourada', 'Araguaia', 'Xingú', 'Tangará', and 'Soberana' showed antibiosis antixenosis, or both to D. saccharalis. These cultivars may be used as donor sources in the breeding program and used directly by Brazilian farmers as a component of rice-integrated pest management.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in milk from flocks diagnosed with subclinical mastitis.

The Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolated microorganism in ruminant animal species diagnostic with clinical or subclinical mastitis. Dairy herds with these diseases can transfer S. aureus into the milk supply, which can lead to food poisoning in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility, the presence of femA gene, the genetic relationships among isolates of S. aureus obtained from milk originating from flocks diagnosed with subclinical mastitis in nine rural properties in the northern of Minas Gerais State. To this end, 498 samples of bovine milk tested positive for the California mastitis test (CMT) were subjected to morphological methods and biochemical patterns for microbiological presumptive identification of S. aureus. The PCR test with the genetic marker femA was used to confirm the species S. aureus. All the 26 isolates presumptively identified as S. aureus amplified a fragment of 132 bp corresponding to the femA gene. The profile of antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the disk-diffusion methodology and two isolates were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. The drug multiresistence was found in 80.76% of the isolates. The determination of the genetic profile and the clonal relationship among the isolates was performed by the method of DNA RAPD-PCR polymorphism. The S. aureus isolates were divided into two groups with 26 distinct subgroups. The analysis of RAPD-PCR showed no genetic diversity among them, heterogeneous profile and absence of clonality.

First forensic records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil / Primeiros relatos forenses de atividade de térmitas em ossos humanos não fossilizados no Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the first records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil. The cases reported in this study resulted from forensic analysis of six human skeletons found in northeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2014. Traces of tunnels and nests commonly produced by termites were found on several human bone surfaces as well as the specimens and characteristic signs of osteophagic activity. In four cases, the species were identified: Amitermes amifer Silvestri, 1901, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (on two skeletons), and Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews, 1977. In two other cases, the activity of termites on bone surfaces was evidenced by remains of nests and tunnels produced by these insects. At least in the samples of human remains available for this report, the number of termites collected was greater on bones found during autumn, the rainy season in the Northeast of Brazil. The human bones examined showed termites like insects with lots of strength at bone degradation, capable of continuing the process of decomposition of human remains even in completely skeletonized bodies.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os primeiros relatos de atividade de térmitas em ossos humanos não fossilizados, no Brasil. Os casos relatados neste estudo resultaram da análise pericial de seis esqueletos humanos encontrados no Nordeste do Brasil, entre os anos de 2012 e 2014. Vestígios de túneis e ninhos comumente produzidos por cupins foram encontrados em várias superfícies dos ossos humanos, bem como a presença de espécimes e característicos sinais de atividade osteofágica. Em quatro casos, foram identificadas as espécies: Amitermes amifer Silvestri, 1901, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) – em duas ossadas, e Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews, 1977. Em dois outros casos, a atividade de cupins sobre superfícies ósseas foi evidenciada pelos restos de ninhos e túneis produzidos por esses insetos. Pelo menos nas amostras de restos humanos disponíveis para o presente estudo, o número de térmitas recolhido foi maior em ossos encontrados durante o outono, a estação chuvosa no Nordeste do Brasil. Os ossos humanos analisados ​​apresentaram cupins como insetos com muita força na degradação óssea, com capacidade de prosseguir o processo de decomposição de restos humanos, mesmo em corpos completamente esqueletizados.

Dosages of cold-water immersion post exercise on functional and clinical responses: a randomized controlled trial.

Cold-water immersion (CWI) is one of the recovery techniques commonly used by athletes for post-exercise recovery. Nevertheless, the effects of CWI using different temperatures and the dose-response relationship of this technique have not yet been investigated. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of two strategies of CWI, using different water temperatures with passive recovery post exercise in the management of some markers of muscle damage, and to observe whether any of the techniques used caused deleterious effects on performance. Sixty healthy male participants performed an eccentric protocol to induce muscle damage and were then randomized to one of three groups (CWI1: 15 min at 9 °C; CWI2: 15 min at 14 °C; CG: control group). Levels of creatine kinase, muscle soreness, pain threshold, perception of recovery, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction were monitored up to 96 h post exercise. A large effect for time for all outcomes was observed [P < 0.001; CK (ES = 0.516), muscle soreness (ES = 0.368); pain threshold (ES = 0.184); perception of recovery (ES = 0.565); MVIC (ES = 0.273)]. CWI groups presented an earlier recovery for muscle soreness with lower ratings immediately post recovery. For delayed effects, the application of CWI2 (15 min at 14 °C) presented earlier recovery compared with CWI1 and control condition for maximal voluntary isometric contraction (P < 0.05). There were no significant group and interaction (Group × Time) effects. CWI groups acted more efficiently for muscle soreness and performance considering the time of recovery was observed. No evidence was found to suggest dose-response relationship and deleterious effects.

First forensic records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to describe the first records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil. The cases reported in this study resulted from forensic analysis of six human skeletons found in northeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2014. Traces of tunnels and nests commonly produced by termites were found on several human bone surfaces as well as the specimens and characteristic signs of osteophagic activity. In four cases, the species were identified: Amitermes amifer Silvestri, 1901, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (on two skeletons), and Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews, 1977. In two other cases, the activity of termites on bone surfaces was evidenced by remains of nests and tunnels produced by these insects. At least in the samples of human remains available for this report, the number of termites collected was greater on bones found during autumn, the rainy season in the Northeast of Brazil. The human bones examined showed termites like insects with lots of strength at bone degradation, capable of continuing the process of decomposition of human remains even in completely skeletonized bodies.

Enhanced nonsynaptic epileptiform activity in the dentate gyrus after kainate-induced status epilepticus.

Understanding the mechanisms that influence brain excitability and synchronization provides hope that epileptic seizures can be controlled. In this scenario, non-synaptic mechanisms have a critical role in seizure activity. The contribution of ion transporters to the regulation of seizure-like activity has not been extensively studied. Here, we examined how non-synaptic epileptiform activity (NEA) in the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampal formation were affected by kainic acid (KA) administration. NEA enhancement in the DG and suppression in area CA1 were associated with increased NKCC1 expression in neurons and severe neuronal loss accompanied by marked glial proliferation, respectively. Twenty-four hours after KA, the DG exhibited intense microglial activation that was associated with reduced cell density in the infra-pyramidal lamina; however, cellular density recovered 7 days after KA. Intense Ki67 immunoreactivity was observed in the subgranular proliferative zone of the DG, which indicates new neuron incorporation into the granule layer. In addition, bumetanide, a selective inhibitor of neuronal Cl(-) uptake mediated by NKCC1, was used to confirm that the NKCC1 increase effectively contributed to NEA changes in the DG. Furthermore, 7 days after KA, prominent NKCC1 staining was identified in the axon initial segments of granule cells, at the exact site where action potentials are preferentially initiated, which endowed these neurons with increased excitability. Taken together, our data suggest a key role of NKCC1 in NEA in the DG.

Transtracheal puncture: a forgotten procedure.

Transtracheal puncture has long been known as a safe, low-cost procedure. However, with the advent of bronchoscopy, it has largely been forgotten. Two researchers have suggested the use of α-amylase activity to diagnose salivary aspiration, but the normal values of this enzyme in tracheobronchial secretions are unknown. We aimed to define the normal values of α-amylase activity in tracheobronchial secretions and verify the rate of major complications of transtracheal puncture. From October 2009 to June 2011, we prospectively evaluated 118 patients without clinical or radiological signs of salivary aspiration who underwent transtracheal puncture before bronchoscopy. The patients were sedated with a solution of lidocaine and diazepam until they reached a Ramsay sedation score of 2 or 3. We then cleaned the cervical region and anesthetized the superficial planes with lidocaine. Next, we injected 10 mL of 2% lidocaine into the tracheobronchial tree. Finally, we injected 10 mL of normal saline into the tracheobronchial tree and immediately aspirated the saline with maximum vacuum pressure to collect samples for measurement of the α-amylase level. The α-amylase level mean ± SE, median, and range were 1914 ± 240, 1056, and 24-10,000 IU/L, respectively. No major complications (peripheral desaturation, subcutaneous emphysema, cardiac arrhythmia, or hemoptysis) occurred among 118 patients who underwent this procedure. Transtracheal aspiration is a safe, low-cost procedure. We herein define for the first time the normal α-amylase levels in the tracheobronchial secretions of humans.

Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides e Lippia rotundifolia frente a enterobactérias isoladas de aves / Antimicrobial activity of Lippia origanoides and Lippia rotundifolia oils against enterobacteria isolated from poultry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils on enterobacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from poultry fecal samples in the cloaca from 49 laying hens. To analyze the antimicrobial sensibility an agar diffusion susceptibility test was performed and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericida Concentration (MBC) of Lippia origanoides and Lippia rotundifolia essential oils was determined. The concentrations used were 160, 80 and 40 L/mL. The L. origanoides essential oil showed antimicrobial effect from 40 L/mL dose against both microorganisms, with larger efficiency in E. coli. The L.rotundifolia essential oil was more efficient at the concentration of 160L/mL. Its effect was observed in all microorganisms. These results suggest that L. origanoides oil is more effective than L. rotundifolia oil in inhibiting the growth of microorganism isolated from poultry, although it also has a satisfactory antimicrobial effect. Results indicate the potential use of these plant's essential oils in poultry feed as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial products.

Hemostasia e incisão do pedículo ovariano de gatas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia eletiva por meio da técnica das três pinças ou do eletrobisturi bipolaar. Estudo comparativo / Hemostasis and incision into the ovary pedicle of cats undergone elective ovariosalpingohysterectomy using the technique of the three bipolar forceps or eletrobisturi. Comparative study

Na cirurgia de ovariossalpingo-histerectomia (OSH), há várias técnicas para realização da hemostasia e da secção do pedículo ovariano, sendo mais comum a técnica das três pinças. O eletrobisturi bipolar pode ser utilizado com eficácia para hemostasia e corte de tecidos. Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa comparar, em gatas, a hemostasia e a secção do pedículo ovariano mediante o uso do eletrobisturi bipolar com a técnica das três pinças, ambas via celiotomia mediana, em relação ao tempo cirúrgico e à eficiência hemostática (hematócrito). Quarenta gatas, com idade de seis meses a sete anos, peso entre 1,68 e 4,14kg, foram submetidas à hemostasia e à secção desse pedículo, sendo 20 pela técnica convencional e 20 por meio do eletrobisturi bipolar. Na análise estatística, observou-se que o uso do eletrobisturi bipolar gera uma diminuição média significativa na duração da cirurgia, quando comparado com o outro método, sem diferenças quanto à comparação de hematócritos pré e pós-cirúrgicos. Por meio do modelo de regressão múltiplo, verificou-se que as variáveis: idade, peso, número de gestações, número de partos e número de cios não influenciaram significativamente no tempo. Concluiu-se, portanto, que o eletrobisturi bipolar oferece eficiência e maior rapidez na realização da hemostasia e da diérese do pedículo ovariano de gatas submetidas à OSH eletiva...

In ovariosalpingohisterectomy (OSH) surgery, there are several techniques for hemostasis and resection of ovarian pedicle, the most common being the three tweezers technique. The bipolar eletrobisturi can be used effectively for hemostasis and cutting tissue. The aim of this research was to compare, in cats, hemostasis and resection of ovarian pedicle eletrobisturi with bipolar forceps and the three techniques, both via median celiotomy, in relation to time and surgical hemostatic efficiency (hematocrit). Forty cats aged six months to seven years, weighing between 1.68 and 4.14kg, underwent hemostasis and pedicle of this section, 20 with the conventional technique and 20 with eletrobisturi bipolar. Statistical analysis showed that the use of bipolar eletrobisturi generates a significant decrease in the mean duration of surgery when compared with a method without differences in hematocrit comparing pre-and post-surgery. Through the multiple regression model we found that the variables age, weight, number of pregnancies, number of births and number of cycles did not significantly influence the time. We conclude, therefore, that the bipolar eletrobisturi is efficient and fast for hemostasis and dieresis ovarian pedicle of cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy...

ELISA and modified toxin-binding inhibition test for quality control of the clostridial vaccine processes / ELISA direto e ToBI-test modificado para o controle de qualidade de processos de vacinas clostridiais

This study aimed to assess and standardize the ELISA and modified ToBI test in vitro methods in order to verify the potency of epsilon toxicoid in comparison with the in vivo TCP method. The following epsilon toxoids were used: NIBSC standard from batches 375/07, 532/08, 551/08, 373/07 and 378/07. These were evaluated using a TCP test, ELISA and ToBI tests. The results indicate that the correlation ratio between the dilutions of standard NIBSC toxicoid and absorbance values of 89.44% obtained with the ELISA method support the use of the curve to evaluate epsilon toxoids. However, it was observed that the absorbance values were similar for all toxoids, thus presenting no significant difference between higher and lower concentration toxoids. For the ToBI test, the correlation ratio of 96.76, obtained in the curve pattern, demonstrates the effectiveness of the curve to be used in the epsilon toxoid evaluation. The correlation ratio between the titration degrees of toxoids obtained through TCP and ToBI tests was higher than 90%. It is concluded that the type of ELISA test used does present discriminative power for toxoids with different concentrations, which does not support the use of this technique for such a purpose. The ToBI test can be used as a screening method for it is sensitive and effective to detect epsilon toxicoid produced by C. perfringens type D...

Teve-se por objetivo avaliar e padronizar as metodologias in vitro, ELISA e ToBI-test modificado, para a análise de toxoide épsilon, em comparação com a metodologia in vivo TCP. Foram utilizados os seguintes toxoides épsilon: padrão NIBSC e os lotes 375/07, 532/08, 551/08, 373/07 e 378/07, os quais foram avaliados por métodos in vivo, TCP, e in vitro, ELISA e ToBI-test. A análise do título de toxoide épsilon por meio dos métodos in vitro foi realizada a partir de uma curva-padrão, estabelecida previamente. Os principais resultados mostram que os valores de absorbância foram semelhantes para todos os toxoides, não apresentando diferença significativa entre os toxoides mais concentrados e menos concentrados. No ToBI-test, o coeficiente de correlação de 96,76%, obtido na curva-padrão, demonstra a eficiência da curva para avaliação do toxoide épsilon. O coeficiente de correlação entre os títulos de toxoide obtidos pelo TCP e ToBI-test foi superior a 90%. Conclui-se que o tipo de ELISA utilizado não apresenta poder discriminativo para toxoides com diferentes concentrações, inviabilizando a técnica para esse fim. O ToBI-test pode ser utilizado como um método de triagem sensível e eficaz para a detecção de toxoide épsilon de C. perfringens tipo D...

Lovastatin decreases the synthesis of inflammatory mediators during epileptogenesis in the hippocampus of rats submitted to pilocarpine-induced epilepsy.

Statins may act on inflammatory responses, decreasing oxidative stress and also reducing brain inflammation in several brain disorders. Epileptogenesis is a process in which a healthy brain becomes abnormal and predisposed to generating spontaneous seizures. We previously reported that lovastatin could prevent neuroinflammation in pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). In this context, this study investigated the long-lasting effects of lovastatin on mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6) and the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the hippocampus during epileptogenesis by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during the latent and chronic phases in the epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine in rats. For these purposes, four groups of rats were employed: saline (CONTROL), lovastatin (LOVA), pilocarpine (PILO), and pilocarpine plus lovastatin (PILO+LOVA). After pilocarpine injection (350mg/kg, i.p.), the rats were treated with 20mg/kg of lovastatin via an esophagic probe 2h after SE onset. All surviving rats were continuously treated during 15days, twice/day. The pilocarpine plus lovastatin group showed a significant decrease in the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 during the latent phase and a decreased expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α in the chronic phase when compared with the PILO group. Moreover, lovastatin treatment also induced an increased expression of the antiinflammatory cytokine, IL-10, in the PILO+LOVA group when compared with the PILO group in the chronic phase. Thus, our data suggest that lovastin may reduce excitotoxicity during epileptogenesis induced by pilocarpine by increasing the synthesis of IL-10 and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus.