Association between visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio and plasma inflammatory markers and score for cardiovascular risk prediction in a Brazilian cohort: Pró-Saúde Study.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with various metabolic disorders, and adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in their pathogenesis. This study investigated associations between VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular (CV) risk-score in adults. Plasma levels of adipokines, plasma lipid profile, blood pressure, and body composition (using dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry) were determined. CV risk-score based on the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) score was calculated in a sample of 309 Brazilian civil servants aged <60 years. Participants' VAT/SAT ratio were categorized into quartiles. Among males, plasma leptin (2.8 ng/mL) and C reactive protein (CRP) (0.2 mg/dL) (P<0.05) levels were higher at P75 and P50 than P5, and the highest calculated CV risk-score was observed at P75 (7.1%). Among females, higher plasma adiponectin levels were observed at P25 (54.3 ng/mL) compared with P75 (36 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Higher plasma CRP levels were observed at P75 (0.4 mg/dL) compared with P5 (0.1 mg/dL) (P<0.05). Higher CV risk-score was observed at P75 (2.0%) compared with P5 (0.7%). In both sexes, VAT and VAT/SAT ratio were directly associated with plasma leptin, CRP, and CV risk-score, and inversely associated with adiponectin; SAT was directly associated with plasma leptin and CRP (P<0.01); interleukin (IL)-10 and CRP were directly associated with adiponectin and leptin, respectively (P<0.05). Among men only, IL-10 (inversely) and CRP (directly) were associated with CV risk-score (P=0.02). Our results strengthened the relevance of the VAT/SAT ratio in cardiovascular risk.

Association between visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio and plasma inflammatory markers and score for cardiovascular risk prediction in a Brazilian cohort: Pró-Saúde Study

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with various metabolic disorders, and adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in their pathogenesis. This study investigated associations between VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular (CV) risk-score in adults. Plasma levels of adipokines, plasma lipid profile, blood pressure, and body composition (using dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry) were determined. CV risk-score based on the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) score was calculated in a sample of 309 Brazilian civil servants aged <60 years. Participants' VAT/SAT ratio were categorized into quartiles. Among males, plasma leptin (2.8 ng/mL) and C reactive protein (CRP) (0.2 mg/dL) (P<0.05) levels were higher at P75 and P50 than P5, and the highest calculated CV risk-score was observed at P75 (7.1%). Among females, higher plasma adiponectin levels were observed at P25 (54.3 ng/mL) compared with P75 (36 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Higher plasma CRP levels were observed at P75 (0.4 mg/dL) compared with P5 (0.1 mg/dL) (P<0.05). Higher CV risk-score was observed at P75 (2.0%) compared with P5 (0.7%). In both sexes, VAT and VAT/SAT ratio were directly associated with plasma leptin, CRP, and CV risk-score, and inversely associated with adiponectin; SAT was directly associated with plasma leptin and CRP (P<0.01); interleukin (IL)-10 and CRP were directly associated with adiponectin and leptin, respectively (P<0.05). Among men only, IL-10 (inversely) and CRP (directly) were associated with CV risk-score (P=0.02). Our results strengthened the relevance of the VAT/SAT ratio in cardiovascular risk.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction after condylar fracture complication related to osteosynthesis material.

Total condylar resorption and the failure of bone synthesis material as postoperative complications of condyle fracture are seldom reported in the literature. When these occur, they may severely limit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. In such cases, a reconstruction of the joint is indicated, which can be achieved by means of an alloplastic prosthesis. This article reports a rare case of impaction of osteosynthesis material in the region of the base of the skull associated with a mandibular condyle fracture treated with rigid internal fixation, which resulted in complications. There was progression to condylar resorption, requiring an alloplastic TMJ reconstruction, which was performed in a single surgical session.

Low-dose estradiol and endothelial and inflammatory biomarkers in menopausal overweight/obese women.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of low-dose transdermal estrogen on endothelial and inflammatory biomarkers in menopausal overweight/obese women. METHODS: We recruited 44 menopausal women (47-55 years; body mass index 27.5-34.9 kg/m(2)) and divided them into estradiol (1 mg/day; n = 22) or placebo groups (n = 22). They were double-blinded, followed and treated for 3 months. At baseline and post-intervention, inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-1ß, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α) and of vascular injury (activated circulating endothelial cells, CEC-a) and repair (endothelial progenitor cells, EPC) were quantified. Resting CECs (CEC-r) were also assessed. Microvascular reactivity and vasomotion were analyzed by laser-Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: Volunteers (51.8 ± 2.3 years; mean body mass index 31.5 ± 2.5 kg/m(2)) had been menopausal for 3 (range 2-5) years. After treatment, no changes were observed in the placebo group, while levels of CEC-r and EPC increased in the estradiol group. In this group, no changes in inflammatory biomarkers were observed but it required a lower cumulative dose of acetylcholine to achieve peak velocity during endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and there was increased endothelial-independent vasodilatation. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term use of low-dose transdermal estradiol therapy in overweight/obese menopausal women increased markers of vascular repair and improved microvascular reactivity without changing the inflammatory biomarkers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01295892 at www.clinicaltrials.gov .

Maternal prolactin inhibition during lactation is associated to renal dysfunction in their adult rat offspring.

The renal function of rats whose mothers had hypoprolactinemia at the end of lactation was evaluated during development. Lactating Wistar rats were treated with bromocriptine (BRO, 1 mg twice a day, s.c.) or saline on days 19, 20, and 21 of lactation, and their male offspring were followed from weaning until 180 days old. 1 rat from each of the 12 litters/group was evaluated at 2 time points (90 and 180 days). Body and kidney weights, sodium, potassium, and creatinine were measured. Values were considered significant when p<0.05. Adult BRO-treated offspring presented higher body weight (+10%), lower relative renal weight at 90 and 180 days (-9.2% and -15.7%, respectively), glomerulosclerosis, and peritubular fibrosis. At 90 and 180 days, creatinine clearance was lower (-32% and -30%, respectively), whereas serum potassium was higher (+19% and +29%, respectively), but there were no changes in serum sodium. At 180 days, higher proteinuria (+36%) and serum creatinine levels (+20%) were detected. Our data suggest that prolactin inhibition during late lactation programs renal function damage in adult offspring that develops gradually, first affecting the creatinine clearance and potassium serum levels with further development of hyperproteinuria and higher serum creatinine, without affecting sodium. Thus, precocious weaning programs some components of the metabolic syndrome, which can be a risk factor for further development of kidney disease.

Calcium supplementation reverts central adiposity, leptin, and insulin resistance in adult offspring programed by neonatal nicotine exposure.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic. Calcium influences energy metabolism regulation, causing body weight loss. Because maternal nicotine exposure during lactation programs for obesity, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance (IR), and hypothyroidism, we decided to evaluate the possible effect of dietary calcium supplementation on these endocrine dysfunctions in this experimental model. Osmotic minipumps containing nicotine solution (N: 6 mg/kg per day for 14 days) or saline (C) were s.c. implanted in lactating rats 2 days after giving birth (P2). At P120, N and C offspring were subdivided into four groups: 1) C - standard diet; 2) C with calcium supplementation (CCa, 10 g calcium carbonate/kg rat chow); 3) N - standard diet; and 4) N with calcium supplementation (NCa). Rats were killed at P180. As expected, N offspring showed higher visceral and total body fat, hyperleptinemia, lower hypothalamus leptin receptor (OB-R) content, hyperinsulinemia, and higher IR index. Also, higher tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression (+51%), catecholamine content (+37%), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (+76%) were observed in N offspring. Dietary calcium supplementation reversed adiposity, hyperleptinemia, OB-R underexpression, IR, TH overexpression, and vitamin D. However, this supplementation did not reverse hypothyroidism. In NCa offspring, Sirt1 mRNA was lower in visceral fat (-37%) and higher in liver (+42%). In conclusion, dietary calcium supplementation seems to revert most of the metabolic syndrome parameters observed in adult offspring programed by maternal nicotine exposure during lactation. It is conceivable that the reduction in fat mass per se, induced by calcium therapy, is the main mechanism that leads to the increment of insulin action.

Effects of tobacco smoke exposure during lactation on nutritional and hormonal profiles in mothers and offspring.

Exposure to tobacco smoke is related to changes in energy balance regulation and several endocrine dysfunctions. Previously, we showed that maternal nicotine (the main addictive compound of tobacco) exposure exclusively during lactation affects biochemical profiles in mothers, milk, and pups. As the possible consequences for mothers and offspring of maternal smoking during lactation are still unknown, we evaluated the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on nutritional, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in dams and pups at weaning. After 72 h from birth, lactating rats were divided into two groups: smoke-exposed (S) in a cigarette-smoking machine, 4 × 1 h per day throughout the lactation period without pups; control (C), rats were treated the same as the experimental group but exposed to filtered air. Dams and pups were killed at weaning (21 days of lactation). Body weight and food intake were evaluated. Milk, blood, visceral fat, adrenal, and carcass were collected. S dams showed hyperprolactinemia (+50%), hypoinsulinemia (-40%), hypoleptinemia (-46%), as well as lower triglycerides (-53%) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-50%). Milk of S dams had higher lactose (+52%) and triglycerides (+78%). S pups presented higher body protein (+17%), lower total (-24%) and subcutaneous fat contents (-25%), hypoglycemia (-11%), hyperinsulinemia (+28%), hypocorticosteronemia (-40%), lower adrenal catecholamine content (-40%), hypertriglyceridemia (+34%), higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+16%), and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-45%). In conclusion, tobacco smoke exposure leads to changes in nutritional, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in dams and, passively through the milk, may promote several important metabolic disorders in the progeny.

In vivo anti-angiogenic effects further support the promise of the antineoplasic activity of methyl jasmonate.

Molecular plant components have long been aimed at the angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis pathways, and have been tested as sources for antineoplasic drugs with promising success. The present work deals with the anti-angiogenic effects of Methyl Jasmonate. Jasmonate derivatives were demonstrated to selectively damage the mitochondria of cancer cells. In vitro, 1-10 mM Methyl Jasmonate induced the cell death of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the Murine melanoma cells (B16F10), while micromolar concentrations were ineffective. In vivo, comparable concentrations were toxic and reduced the vessel density of the Chorioallantoic Membrane of the Chicken Embryo (CAM). However, 1-10 microM concentrations produced a complex effect. There was increased capillary budding, but the new vessels were leakier and less organised than corresponding controls. It is suggested that not only direct toxicity, but also the drug effects upon angiogenesis are relevant to the antineoplasic effects of Methyl Jasmonate.

In vivo anti-angiogenic effects further support the promise of the antineoplasic activity of methyl jasmonate / Efeitos antiangiogênicos in vivo convalidam a atividade antineoplásica potencial do metiljasmonato

Molecular plant components have long been aimed at the angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis pathways, and have been tested as sources for antineoplasic drugs with promising success. The present work deals with the anti-angiogenic effects of Methyl Jasmonate. Jasmonate derivatives were demonstrated to selectively damage the mitochondria of cancer cells. In vitro, 1-10 mM Methyl Jasmonate induced the cell death of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the Murine melanoma cells (B16F10), while micromolar concentrations were ineffective. In vivo, comparable concentrations were toxic and reduced the vessel density of the Chorioallantoic Membrane of the Chicken Embryo (CAM). However, 1-10 µM concentrations produced a complex effect. There was increased capillary budding, but the new vessels were leakier and less organised than corresponding controls. It is suggested that not only direct toxicity, but also the drug effects upon angiogenesis are relevant to the antineoplasic effects of Methyl Jasmonate.

Moléculas de origem vegetal são, há muito, conhecidas como substâncias ativas sobre as vias de angiogênese e antiangiogênese e foram testadas como fonte de drogas antineoplásicas com sucesso promissor. Este trabalho trata dos efeitos antiangiogênicos do Metiljasmonato, um protótipo da família dos derivados do ácido jasmônico, que danificam seletivamente a mitocôndria de células neoplásicas. In vitro, metiljasmonato 1-10 mM promoveu a morte celular de células endoteliais humanas de cordão umbilical (HUVEC) e de melanoma murino (B16F10); concentrações micromolares foram inócuas. In vivo, concentrações equivalentes foram tóxicas e reduziram a densidade de vasos em membranas corioalantoicas de embrião de galinha (CAM). Entretanto, concentrações entre 1-10 µM produziram um efeito complexo. Ocorreu aumento no brotamento capilar, mas os novos vasos apresentaram-se frágeis e menos organizados que os controles correspondentes. Sugere-se que, além da toxicidade direta contra as células tumorais, a ação do metiljasmonato sobre a angiogênese seja relevante para seu efeito antineoplásico.

Nicotine exposure affects mother's and pup's nutritional, biochemical, and hormonal profiles during lactation in rats.

We have shown that maternal nicotine exposure during lactation has long-lasting effects on body adiposity and hormonal status of rat offspring. Here, we studied the nutritional and hormonal profiles in this experimental model. Two days after birth, osmotic minipumps were implanted in lactating rats divided into two groups: NIC - continuous s.c. infusions of nicotine (6 mg/kg per day) for 14 days and C - saline. Dams and pups were killed at 15 and 21 days of lactation. Body weight and food intake were evaluated. Milk, blood, visceral fat, carcass, and adrenal gland were collected. All the significant data were P<0.05. At the end of nicotine exposure (15 days), dams presented higher milk production, hyperprolactinemia, and higher serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Milk from NIC dams had higher lactose concentration and energy content. After nicotine withdrawal (21 days), dams showed lower food intake and hyperleptinemia. The 15-day-old NIC pups presented higher total body fat, higher HDL-C, serum leptin, serum corticosterone, and adrenal catecholamine content, but lower tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels. The 21-day-old NIC pups had higher body protein content and serum globulin. Thus, maternal nicotine exposure during lactation results in important changes in nutritional, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in dams and offspring. The pattern of these effects is clearly distinct when comparing the nicotine-exposed group to the withdrawal group, which could be important for the programming effects observed previously.

Temporal evaluation of body composition, glucose homeostasis and lipid profile of male rats programmed by maternal protein restriction during lactation.

Neonatal protein restriction causes lower body weight and hormonal dysfunctions in 6 months-old rats. In this model, we studied the body composition, glycogen content, serum lipid, serum protein, and hormones related to glucose homeostasis in the offspring during development. At birth, lactating rats were divided into: control dams - fed a normal diet (23% protein) and protein restricted dams - fed a diet with 8% protein. After weaning, pups received normal diet. Offspring were killed at 21, 90, and 180 days-old. Protein restricted offspring showed lower visceral fat (90th day: 14%; 180th day: 19%) and lower total fat (90th day: 16%; 180th day: 14%) that explain their lower body weight. They presented lower glycemia (180th day: 17%), lower insulinemia (21st day: 63%; 180th day: 24%), higher adiponectinemia (21st day: 169%), higher liver glycogen (21st day: 104%), and higher muscle glycogen (180th day: 106%), suggesting a higher insulin sensitivity. The higher serum corticosterone (50%), higher adrenal total catecholamines content (98%) as well as in vitro catecholamine secretion (26%) of adult protein restricted offspring, suggest a programming stimulatory effect upon adrenal gland. They also presented several biochemical changes, such as lower serum total protein, albumin and globulin (21st day: 17, 21, 12%, respectively), higher LDL-c (21st day: 69%), lower triglycerides (21st day: 42%; 90th day: 39%), and lower total cholesterol (180th day: 16%). Thus, maternal protein restriction during lactation induces an energy-protein malnutrition, characterized by an impairment of the pup's protein anabolism and, after weaning, the lower adiposity suggests lower lipogenesis and higher lipolytic activity, probably caused by catecholamine and glucocorticoid action.

Short- and long-term effects of maternal nicotine exposure during lactation on body adiposity, lipid profile, and thyroid function of rat offspring.

Epidemiological studies show a higher prevalence of obesity in children from smoking mothers and smoking may affect human thyroid function. To evaluate the mechanism of smoking as an imprinting factor for these dysfunctions, we evaluated the programming effects of maternal nicotine (NIC) exposure during lactation. Two days after birth, osmotic minipumps were implanted in lactating rats, divided into: NIC (6 mg/kg per day s.c.) for 14 days; Control - saline. All the significant data were P<0.05 or less. Body weight was increased from 165 days old onwards in NIC offspring. Both during exposure (at 15 days old) and in adulthood (180 days old), NIC group showed higher total fat (27 and 33%). In addition, NIC offspring presented increased visceral fat and total body protein. Lipid profile was not changed in adulthood. Leptinemia was higher at 15 and 180 days old (36 and 113%), with no changes in food intake. Concerning the thyroid status, the 15-days-old NIC offspring showed lower serum-free tri-iodothyronine (FT(3)) and thyroxine (FT(4)) with higher TSH. The 180-days-old NIC offspring exhibited lower TSH, FT(3), and FT(4)). In both periods, liver type 1 deiodinase was lower (26 and 55%). We evidenced that NIC imprints a neonatal thyroid dysfunction and programs for a higher adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and secondary hypothyroidism in adulthood. Our study identifies lactation as a critical period to NIC programming for obesity, with hypothyroidism being a possible contributing factor.

Toxicological evaluation by in vitro and in vivo assays of an aqueous extract prepared from Echinodorus macrophyllus leaves.

Toxicity of an aqueous extract prepared from Echinodorus macrophyllus dried leaves, a plant used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and kidney malfunctions, was estimated by different bioassays. Mutagenicity of the aqueous extract was evaluated in the Salmonella/microsome assay (TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains), with or without metabolic activation. No mutagenic activity (lyophilized extract tested up to 50 mg/plate) could be detected to any of the tester strain. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effect has been observed when a crude extract of E. macrophyllus (up to 7.5 mg/ml) was tested on the exponential growth of hepatoma and normal kidney epithelial cells in culture. Toxicity of E. macrophyllus was also evaluated in male Swiss mice after 6 weeks of continuous ingestion of the aqueous extract in drinking water. Average daily ingested doses were 3, 23 and 297 mg/kg for a lyophilized extract, and 2200 mg/kg for a crude extract, with dose two being equivalent to the daily dose recommended to humans. At the end of the treatment, all animals revealed a deficit in final body weight ranging from 5 to 47%. Biochemical analysis of the plasma revealed some minor alterations indicating subclinical hepatic toxicity. Genotoxic effect on liver, kidney and blood cells has been also evaluated by the comet assay, being negative to liver and blood cells. However, DNA analyses of the kidney cells detected some genotoxic activity for the highest dose tested of E. macrophyllus extract, either lyophilized or crude. On the other hand, exposure dose of 23 mg/kg, equivalent to the daily dose recommended to humans, did not revealed any genotoxic effect and hence this herb seems to be safe to human organism.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil--epidemiology in transformation.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease of great worldwide importance, especially on the American continent, has had its epidemological modifications. These are revised and discussed in view of the current situation of recent increase in its incidence in regions with low morbidity since 1950, where no apparent cause that would justify an epidemic outbreak could be found. We analysed the causes of these alterations and the profile now seen in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Reavaliaçåo por testes de 2a. geraçåo da prevalência de anticorpos antivírus da Hepatite C (soro e extrato sérico de papel de filtro) em uma unidade de transplante renal / Further evaluation of HCV antibody reactivities in serum and serum extracted from filter paper of patients and health workers in a renal transplant unit using 2nd generation tests

Objetivos: Reavaliar com testes de 2a. geraçåo a prevalência de anticorpos para o HCV em pacientes e equipe de saúde de uma unidade de transplante renal. Validar o uso de papel de filtro embebido em soro na pesquisa de anticorpos para o HCV. Método: Na classificaçåo dos pacientes quanto à presença ou nåo de hepatite foram utilizados dados clínicos e laboratoriais. A prevalência dos anticorpos para o HCV foi determinada em 79 transplantados renais e 63 profissionais da equipe de saúde por 3 testes ELISA de 2a. geraçåo (Ortho, UBI, Innogenetics). Utilizou-se o seguinte critério quanto às reatividades: positivo - repetidamente reativo nos 3 testes; negativo - nåo reativo nos 3 testes; indeterminado - reatividades discordantes. Para validar o uso de extrato sérico de papel de filtro, compararam-se os resultados obtidos em 46 pares de soro - correspondente extrato sérico. Resultados: Dados clínicos e/ou laboratoriais de hepatite, resolvida ou crônica, foram encontrados em 42 pacientes(53,16 por cento), enquanto que 29 (36,71 por cento) nåo tiveram ou nåo tem hepatite e 8 (10,13 por cento) nåo puderam ser definitivamente classificados. Os testes de 2a. geraçåo foram positivos em 40 pacientes (50,63 por cento) e indeterminados em 7 (8,86 por cento), em contraste com os resultados do teste de 1a. geraçåo (ABBOTT), positivo em 23 casos (29,11 por cento) e limitrofe em 5 (6,33 por cento). Dentre os profissionais da equipe de saúde, para os testes de 2a. geraçåo, houve 1 positivo (1,59 por cento) e indeterminados (3,17 por cento), enquanto que para o teste de 1a. geraçåo havia apenas um caso limítrofe. A prevalência global do HCV (anti-HCV)e HBV (HBsAg) nos pacientes foi de 77,22 por cento e na equipe de saúde 30,16 por cento (27,0 por cento neste último grupo positivo somente para anti-HBcAg). A concordância das reatividades nos 46 pares de soro-extrato sérico foi de 91,3 por cento. Conclusöes: Os testes de 2a. geraçåo classificaram 77,42 por cento (24/31) dos pacientes com hepatite NANB em contraste com os 61 por cento classificados anteriormente. Mesmo com o uso destes testes mais sensíveis, a prevalência do HCV na equipe de saúde foi bem mais baixa que a encontrada para o HBV. O alto índice de concordância dos resultados nos pares soro-extrato sérico sugere ser possível a utilizaçåo de papel de filtro embebido em soro ou sangue total nos levantamentos da prevalência de anticorpos para o HCV

Artrite psoriásica com manifestaçöes cutâneas iniciais simulando pênfigo familiar benigno de Hailey e Hailey / Psoriatic arthritis with initial skin manifestations simulating benign familial pemphigus of Hailey and Hailey

Artrite de psoríase vulgar e pênfigo familiar de Hailey e Hailey tem sido descrita por poucos investigadores. Os relatos encontrados na literatura demonstram que a patologia pode iniciar-se como qualquer das duas doenças e modificar-se em outra, ou coexistir. Dessa forma, os autores descrevem o quadro clínico de um paciente que apresentou aspectos cutâneos iniciais simulando a doença de Hailey e Hailey, evoluindo com poliartrite crônica assimétrica e posterior aparecimento de lesöes eritematodescamativas, características de pênfigo vulgar. Ressaltam a raridade do caso em funçäo da mudança de pênfigo para psoríase em um paciente com poliartrite, associaçäo näo encontrada na literatura

Marcadores virais (vírus B and virus C) em uma unidade de transplante renal / Hepatitis viral markers (virus B and virus C) in a renal transplant unit

Estudamos os marcadores virais para o vírus B (HBsAg) e o vírus C (anti-HCV) em 81 pacientes transplantados renais e 63 indivíduos da equipe de saúde (anti-HBcAg). Dos 81 pacientes, 42 (51,8 por cento) tiveram ou têm hepatite a vírus HBsAg+= 9 (21,4 por cento) anti-HCV+ = 19 (45,2 por cento); ambos = 2 (4,8 por cento); anti-HCV = 1 (2,4 por cento)), 30 näo apresentaram sinais clínicos e laboratoriais de hepatite (anti-HCV+ = 1 (3,3 por cento); anti-HCV = 2(6,7 por cento)) e nove näo puderam ser classificados clínica ou laboratorialmente quanto a hepatite (anti-HCV+= 2 (22,2 por cento); anti-HCV + 2 (22,2 por cento)). A presença de hepatite e de seus marcadores (HBsAg e anti-HCV) correlacionou-se positivamente com o tempo de hemodiálise e o número de transfusöes. O anti-HCV foi capaz de classificar 19 (61,3 por cento) dos 31 pacientes com hepatite NANB e pelo menos 2 (2,22 por cento) do pacientes näo classificados quanto a hepatite. O anti-HCV foi mais frequente nos pacientes com hepatite em atividade do que nos com hepatite resolvida, e nos com hepatite crônica do que nos com hepatite aguda. Dos 63 indivíduos da equipe de saúde, 17 (27 por cento) foram positivos para anti-HBcAg e nenhum para anti-HCV. A idade e principalmente o tempo de trabalho correlacionaram-se positivamente com a presença do anti-HBcAg. Um indiíduo da equipe de saúde, portador de uma hepatite NANB aguda, foi inconclusivo (anti-HCV) para hepatite C