Role of macrophage colony stimulating factor and interferon regulatory factor 7 in modulating the immune profile of mouse testicular macrophages.

Testicular macrophages (TM) are critical for the function of the testis by regulating homeostasis and inflammatory responses. However, the mechanisms by which TM fulfil these roles remain elusive. In this study, we explored the impact of two key testicular microenvironmental factors, namely 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), an oxysterol related to sex hormones and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), a factor crucial for macrophage survival and differentiation, on the regulation of the TM phenotype. Specifically, we examined their role in controlling the expression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (Irf7), a factor critical for maintaining the alternative macrophage phenotype. To achieve this, we used an in vitro bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) model as a surrogate for TM to investigate the roles of 25HC and M-CSF in regulating the expression of Irf7 during the polarization of murine TM. M-CSF was identified as the main regulator of Irf7 expression, while 25HC production is a consequence of Irf7 activation in BMDM. In turn, 25HC plays a role in a negative feedback loop on the expression levels of Irf7 in BMDM. Using flow cytometry in Irf7-/- mouse testis the CD64loMHChi TM subpopulation was found to be decreased. Together with lower IL-10 protein levels in Irf7-/- TM this indicates a shift towards an M1-like macrophage profile. In summary, our data indicates that M-CSF could act as an inducer of high Irf7 expression levels in the mouse testis. However, the exact role of the high 25HC concentration in the testis in maintaining the local immune milieu still needs further study.

Sentimentos e dificuldades vivenciadas por pacientes oncológicos ao longo dos itinerários diagnóstico e terapêutico / Feelings and difficulties experienced by cancer patients along the diagnostic and therapeutic itineraries

Objective: To understand the feelings and difficulties experienced by cancer patients in relation to the diagnostic and therapeutic itineraries. Methods: An exploratory study of a qualitative nature, developed with 13 people with cancer, through an interview. In the period from June to September of 2017 data were collected and later submitted to content analysis. Results: The results included the unpleasant feelings that patients with cancer experience, and the recognition of factors that influence the re-signification of this phase. In addition, we observed the difficulties that perpass the routine of treatment and that compromise the basic needs of these individuals. Final considerations: It was understood that during the experience of the diagnostic and therapeutic itinerary, people with cancer experience negative feelings and many difficulties. However, some factors make possible the resignification of the disease and need to be considered by health professionals and managers to minimize the impact of the disease during this journey.

Objetivo: Comprender los sentimientos y dificultades vivenciadas por pacientes oncológicos frente a los itinerarios diagnóstico y terapéutico. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio, de naturaleza cualitativa, desarrollado junto a 13 personas con cáncer, por medio de una entrevista. En el período de junio a septiembre de 2017 fueron recolectados los datos y posteriormente sometidos a análisis de contenido. Resultados: Con los resultados se comprendieron los sentimientos desagradables que los pacientes con cáncer vivencian, y el reconocimiento de factores que influencian la resignificación de esta fase. Además se observaron las dificultades que atravesan la rutina de tratamiento y que comprometen las necesidades básicas de esos individuos. Consideraciones finales: Se comprendió que durante la vivencia del itinerario diagnóstico y terapéutico las personas con cáncer experimentan sentimientos negativos y muchas dificultades. Sin embargo algunos factores posibilitan la resignificación de la enfermedad y necesitan ser considerados por los profesionales de salud y gestores, para minimizar el impacto de la enfermedad durante esa jornada.

Objetivo: Compreender os sentimentos e dificuldades vivenciadas por pacientes oncológicos frente aos itinerários diagnóstico e terapêutico. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvido junto a 13 pessoas com câncer, por meio de entrevista. No período de junho a setembro de 2017 foram coletados os dados e posteriormente submetidos a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Com os resultados compreendeu-se os sentimentos desagradáveis que os pacientes com câncer vivenciam, e o reconhecimento de fatores que influenciam a ressignificação dessa fase. Além disso observou-se as dificuldades que perpassam a rotina de tratamento e que comprometem as necessidades básicas desses indivíduos. Considerações finais: Compreendeu-se que durante a vivência do itinerário diagnóstico e terapêutico as pessoas com câncer experimentam sentimentos negativos e muitas dificuldades. Entretanto, alguns fatores possibilitam a ressignificação do adoecimento e necessitam ser considerados pelos profissionais de saúde e gestores para minimizar o impacto da doença durante essa jornada.