Renal amyloidosis: a new time for a complete diagnosis.

Amyloidoses are a group of disorders in which soluble proteins aggregate and deposit extracellularly in tissues as insoluble fibrils, causing organ dysfunction. Clinical management depends on the subtype of the protein deposited and the affected organs. Systemic amyloidosis may stem from anomalous proteins, such as immunoglobulin light chains or serum amyloid proteins in chronic inflammation or may arise from hereditary disorders. Hereditary amyloidosis consists of a group of rare conditions that do not respond to chemotherapy, hence the identification of the amyloid subtype is essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The kidney is the organ most frequently involved in systemic amyloidosis. Renal amyloidosis is characterized by acellular pathologic Congo red-positive deposition of amyloid fibrils in glomeruli, vessels, and/or interstitium. This disease manifests with heavy proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and progression to end-stage kidney failure. In some situations, it is not possible to identify the amyloid subtype using immunodetection methods, so the diagnosis remains indeterminate. In cases where hereditary amyloidosis is suspected or cannot be excluded, genetic testing should be considered. Of note, laser microdissection/mass spectrometry is currently the gold standard for accurate diagnosis of amyloidosis, especially in inconclusive cases. This article reviews the clinical manifestations and the current diagnostic landscape of renal amyloidosis.

Renal amyloidosis: a new time for a complete diagnosis

Amyloidoses are a group of disorders in which soluble proteins aggregate and deposit extracellularly in tissues as insoluble fibrils, causing organ dysfunction. Clinical management depends on the subtype of the protein deposited and the affected organs. Systemic amyloidosis may stem from anomalous proteins, such as immunoglobulin light chains or serum amyloid proteins in chronic inflammation or may arise from hereditary disorders. Hereditary amyloidosis consists of a group of rare conditions that do not respond to chemotherapy, hence the identification of the amyloid subtype is essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The kidney is the organ most frequently involved in systemic amyloidosis. Renal amyloidosis is characterized by acellular pathologic Congo red-positive deposition of amyloid fibrils in glomeruli, vessels, and/or interstitium. This disease manifests with heavy proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and progression to end-stage kidney failure. In some situations, it is not possible to identify the amyloid subtype using immunodetection methods, so the diagnosis remains indeterminate. In cases where hereditary amyloidosis is suspected or cannot be excluded, genetic testing should be considered. Of note, laser microdissection/mass spectrometry is currently the gold standard for accurate diagnosis of amyloidosis, especially in inconclusive cases. This article reviews the clinical manifestations and the current diagnostic landscape of renal amyloidosis.

Screening and optimizing fermentation production of l-asparaginase by Aspergillus terreus strain S-18 isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to find new eukaryotic sources of the l-asparaginase (l-ASNase), since the prokaryotic sources of the enzyme are well-reported as causing allergic hypersensitivity reactions in a significant number of patients. This report describes screening for l-ASNase production by filamentous fungi isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga, and the optimization of fermentation parameters to increase fungal growth and improve yield in the production of l-ASNase. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two filamentous fungi were investigated in this study. When Aspergillus terreus strain S-18 was cultured in a proline-enriched medium, intracellular l-ASNase was expressed in concurrence with reduced l-glutaminase (l-GLUase) and protease activities. Fermentation conditions were then optimized in a 5-l bioreactor system to produce a maximum volumetric yield of 108 U total of l-ASNase activity. CONCLUSIONS: The work reported here represents the first attempt to produce l-ASNase by filamentous fungi isolated from Brazil and offers a promising alternative eukaryotic source for l-ASNase production. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In order to minimize the side effects caused by bacterial l-ASNase, the search of eukaryotic micro-organism for l-ASNase was carried out in fungi. This study demonstrates the diversity of filamentous fungi isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome and the importance of knowledge of the microbial metabolism to obtain high concentrations of biotechnological products.

New host records and description of the egg of Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae).

Anacanthorus penilabiatus is referred parasitizing the type-host Piaractus mesopotamicus (Serrasalmidae) and two new hosts, Colossoma macropomum and C. brachypomum (Characidae) from fish ponds of "Departamento Nacional de Obras Contra as Secas", Pentecoste, State of Ceará, Brazil. Table of measurements and the first description of the egg are presented.

New host records and description of the egg of Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae)

Anacanthorus penilabiatus is referred parasitizing the type-host Piaractus mesopotamicus (Serrasalmidae) and two new hosts, Colossoma macropomum and C. brachypomum (Characidae) from fish ponds of "Departamento Nacional de Obras Contra as Secas", Pentecoste, State of Ceará, Brazil. Table of measurements and the first description of the egg are presented