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ABSTRACT: Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent oral diseases. An association between this disease and pregnancy has been suggested, but available findings are controversial. We evaluated the expression levels of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in pregnant women with and without periodontal disease in comparison with non-pregnant women with and without periodontal disease since studies have suggested a relationship between periodontitis and the expression levels of these genes. The women in the sample were distributed into four groups: pregnant and non-pregnant women, with or without periodontal disease, a total of 32 women. The periodontal condition was evaluated according to the probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing. Analysis of gene expression was performed by real-time PCR. Comparisons were made of the level of gene expression among the four groups. Expression of IL-1β in the non-pregnant women with periodontal disease was 12.6 times higher than in the non-pregnant women without periodontal disease (P < 0.01), while expression of TNF-α in the non-pregnant women without periodontal disease was 3.5 times higher than in the pregnant women with periodontal disease (P < 0.05). Despite these differences, our overall findings indicate no differences in the expression levels of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS in pregnant women with and without periodontal disease in comparison with expression of the same genes in non-pregnant women with and without periodontal disease, suggesting that periodontal disease is not influenced by pregnancy.
Genetics and molecular research: GMR 09/2012; 11(AOP). · 1.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The high incidence of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae can be reduced by splenic autotransplantation. In this study the effect of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on the immune response to S. pneumoniae infection was investigated. Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: splenectomized (SP), splenectomized and autotransplanted (AT), and sham operated control (CT). Five days post-infection the serum antibody levels were measured and the number of S. pneumoniae CFU, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production in the liver and lungs were investigated. SP mice showed greater number of bacteria in both organs and lower serum levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. IL-17 production and neutrophil recruitment to the liver and lungs were lower in SP mice, in comparison with both the CT and the AT groups. Levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, CFU counts, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production did not differ significantly between the CT and AT groups. These results suggest that splenic autotransplantation restores the capacity of splenectomized mice to fight S. pneumoniae infection.
Transplant Immunology 02/2010; 22(3-4):195-7. · 1.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: a b s t r a c t Platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) of about 3 nm were synthesized by colloidal methods and encapsulated in mesoporous Al 2 O 3 and CeO 2 –Al 2 O 3 prepared by sol–gel method. A new strategy to synthesize Pt clus-ters of uniform size supported on mixed oxides was achieved, and the catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed CO, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and tested in steam reforming of methane (SRM) and partial oxi-dation of methane (POM). Pt-NPs were well dispersed on the supports, and there was no significant mod-ification of their size during calcination and under POM conditions. In the SRM, the CH 4 turnover rate on the Pt-NPs/CeO 2 –Al 2 O 3 catalyst was twice higher than the one on the Pt-NPs/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, despite their similar Pt-NP sizes. The use of colloidal Pt-NPs to produce nanocatalysts with similar particle size clearly pointed out the important role of the CeO 2 in promoting the catalytic activity.
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A M Carmo,
M A Vicentini,
A T Dias,
L L Alves,
C C S Alves,
J S Brandi,
M L De Paula,
A Fernandes,
M M Barsante,
M A Souza,
H C Teixeira,
D Negrão-Corrêa, A P Ferreira
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ABSTRACT: An estimated quarter of the world's population possesses an infection caused by gastrointestinal nematodes, which induce a Th2 type immune response. Concomitant infection of nematodes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which induces a predominantly Th1 type response, is very frequent in tropical and subtropical regions. This study examined immune responses of BALB/c mice infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis and then co-infected with Mycobacterium bovis. The number of worms in the intestine, eggs in feces, cytokine production in lungs and intestine and the expression of CD80, CD86, CTLA-4 and CD28 cell markers on pulmonary cells were analysed. Our results indicate that co-infected mice had an increased parasite burden, which correlates with elevated IFN-gamma and IL-10 cytokine production and decreased IL-4 and IL-13. Moreover, decreased expression of CD80 and increased expression of CTLA-4 were observed in co-infected mice. Our data point out that susceptibility to Strongyloides venezuelensis infection is increased by Mycobacterium bovis co-infection, resulting in higher parasite survival.
Parasitology 09/2009; 136(11):1357-65. · 2.96 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The effects of Ce as a promoter on the activity and stability of Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/CeO2–Al2O3 catalysts for autothermal reforming and partial oxidation of methane (POM) were investigated. The Pt/CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst exhibited higher activity and stability than the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. Analysis by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy under POM conditions reveals that Pt is reduced by heating the catalysts to about 730 K. The overall first-shell coordination numbers suggest changes in Pt cluster morphology with increasing temperature. Transmission electron microscopy showed strong Pt agglomeration with time on stream for the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. The higher stability of the Pt/CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst was attributed to a combination of different properties: (i) hindrance of carbon deposition on the Pt surface for a reactor fed with low H2O/CH4 ratio; (ii) interaction of PtOCe species in the presence of oxygen, inhibiting vapor and diffusion transport of PtO2 and mainly, (iii) thermal stability of the support, which prevents the loss of surface area, and consequently the sintering of the Pt.
Journal of Catalysis - J CATAL. 01/2009; 263(2):335-344.
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F M Teixeira,
B F Fernandes,
A B Rezende,
R R P Machado,
C C S Alves,
S M Perobelli,
S I Nunes,
R E Farias,
M F Rodrigues, A P Ferreira,
S C Oliveira,
H C Teixeira
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ABSTRACT: Splenectomy results in an increased risk of sepsis. The autogenous transplant of the spleen is an option for preserving splenic functions after total splenectomy. In this study, the capacity of animals undergoing autogenous spleen transplantation to respond to Staphylococcus aureus infection was investigated. BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: splenectomy followed by autotransplantation in the retroperitonium (AT), splenectomized only (SP) and operated non-splenectomized sham control (CT). Thirty days after surgery the mice were infected intravenously with S. aureus. Splenectomized mice had a higher number of colony-forming units (CFU) of S. aureus in liver and lungs in comparison with either AT or with CT mice (P < 0.05). Higher CFU numbers in lung of SP mice correlated with elevated production of interleukin-10 associated with a lower production of interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. However, systemically, the level of tumour necrosis factor-alpha was higher in the SP group than in CT or AT. Lower titres of specific anti-S. aureus immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG1 were observed 6 days after infection in SP mice in comparison either with the AT or CT groups. Thus, splenectomy is detrimental to the immune response of BALB/c mice against infection by S. aureus which can be re-established by autogenous implantation of the spleen.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 10/2008; 154(2):255-63. · 3.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis ATP diphosphohydrolase isoform was partially purified from plasma membrane of promastigotes by preparative non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE followed by Western blots developed with polyclonal anti-potato apyrase antibodies identified diffuse bands of about 58-63 kDa, possibly glycosylated forms of this protein. By ELISA technique, a significantly higher total IgG antibody level against potato apyrase was found in serum from promastigote-infected mice, as compared to the uninfected mice, confirming both the existence of shared epitopes between the parasite and vegetable proteins, and the parasite ATP diphosphohydrolase antigenicity. By Western blotting, serum from amastigote-infected BALB/c mice recognizes both potato apyrase and this antigenic ATP diphosphohydrolase isoform isolated from promastigotes, suggesting that it is also expressed in the amastigote stage. The infection monitored along a 90-day period in amastigote-infected mice showed reactivity of IgG2a antibody in early steps of infection, while the disappearance of the IgG2a response and elevation of IgG1 antibody serum levels against that shared epitopes were associated with the progression of experimental leishmaniasis. This is the first observation of the antigenicity of a L. (L.) amazonensis ATP diphosphohydrolase isoform, and of the ability of cross-immunoreactivity with potato apyrase to differentiate serologically stages of leishmaniasis in infected mice.
Parasitology 04/2008; 135(3):327-35. · 2.96 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This article describes the evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Mollugo verticillata L. (Molluginaceae), a weed plant common in warm and/or wet regions of the American continent. Nitric oxide (NO) release was evaluated in mice peritoneal cell cultures treated in vivo using the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata with and without BCG. The plant extract showed immunostimulatory activity when peritoneal cells were stimulated in vitro with BCG antigen only. However, mice peritoneal cells treated with M. verticillata plus BCG showed a drastic reduction in NO production when they received the additional stimulus in vitro with BCG. Ethanolic extracts of M. verticillata could directly increase NO release by peritoneal cells, but suppress the immune response of these cells when treated with BCG antigen and Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole antigen (TB). Preliminary phytochemical tests allowed the detection of quercetin and triterpenoid glycosides in the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata, and those compounds are probably responsible for the effect of this plant material on the immune system.
Phytomedicine 04/2003; 10(2-3):154-8. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Injection of an Ascaris suum extract (Asc) affects both the humoral and cellular immune responses to unrelated antigens when it is co-administered with these antigens. In the present study we evaluated the effect of Asc on macrophage activation in the early phase of Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Pasteur strain TMCC 1173) infection in C57Bl/6 mice. C57Bl/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 0.1 mg BCG (BCG group) or BCG plus 1 mg Asc (BCG + Asc group). The peritoneal exudates were obtained at 2, 7 and 14 days after infection. The numbers of IFN-gamma-secreting cells were assessed by the ELISPOT assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by the Griess method and by the evaluation of NADPH diaphorase activity in the peritoneal exudates. The administration of Asc extract increased NADPH diaphorase activity (2 days: control = 0, BCG = 7%, BCG + Asc = 13%, and Asc = 4%; 7 days: control = 4, BCG = 13%, BCG + Asc = 21%, and Asc = 4.5%) and TNF-alpha levels (mean +/- SD; 2 days: control = 0, BCG = 169 +/- 13, BCG + Asc = 202 +/- 37, and Asc = 0; 7 days: control = 0, BCG = 545 +/- 15.5, BCG + Asc = 2206 +/- 160.6, and Asc = 126 +/- 26; 14 days: control = 10 +/- 1.45, BCG = 9 +/- 1.15, BCG + Asc = 126 +/- 18, and Asc = 880 +/- 47.67 pg/ml) in the early phase of BCG infection. Low levels of NO production were detected at 2 and 7 days after BCG infection, increasing at 14 days (mean +/- SD; 2 days: control = 0, BCG = 3.7 +/- 1.59, BCG + Asc = 0.82 +/- 0.005, Asc = 0.48 +/- 0.33; 7 days: control = 0, BCG = 2.78 +/- 1.54, BCG + Asc = 3.07 +/- 1.05, Asc = 0; 14 days: control = 0, BCG = 9.05 +/- 0.53, BCG + Asc = 9.61 +/- 0.81, Asc = 10.5 +/- 0.2 (2 x 10(6)) cells/ml). Furthermore, we also observed that Asc co-injection induced a decrease of BCG-colony-forming units (CFU) in the spleens of BCG-infected mice during the first week of infection (mean +/- SD; 2 days: BCG = 1.13 +/- 0.07 and BCG + Asc = 0.798 +/- 0.305; 7 days: BCG = 1.375 +/- 0. 194 and BCG + Asc = 0.548 +/- 0.0226; 14 days: BCG = 0.473 +/- 0.184 and BCG + Asc = 0.675 +/- 0.065 (x 10(2)) CFU). The present data suggest that Asc induces the enhancement of the immune response in the early phase of BCG infection.
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 12/1999; 32(11):1429-36. · 1.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We investigated the impact of multidrug therapy (MDT) on the epidemiological pattern of leprosy in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, from 1978 to 1995. Evaluation of 1,283 medical charts was performed according to the treatment regimen used in two different periods. Following the introduction of MDT in 1987, prevalence of leprosy decreased from 22 patients/10,000 inhabitants to 5.2 patients/10,000 inhabitants in 1995. Incidence rate of leprosy was lower in period II (1987-1995) than in period I (1978-1986). Decreasing prevalence and incidence appear to be related to drug efficacy rather than decreased case identification, since both self-referred and professionally referred treatment increased markedly from period I to period II. For both periods, multibacillary leprosy was the most frequent clinical form of the disease (+/-68%), and the main infection risk factor identified was household contact. Leprosy is predominantly manifested in adults, but an increase in the number of very old and very young patients was observed in period II. The MDT program has been effective both in combating leprosy and in promoting awareness of the disease.
Cadernos de Saúde Pública 16(2):343-50. · 0.89 Impact Factor
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Applied Catalysis A: General. 388(1-2):45-56.
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Applied Catalysis A: General. 388(1-2):45-56.
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pages 511-516;
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ABSTRACT: The high incidence of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae can be reduced by splenic autotransplantation. In this study the effect of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on the immune response to S. pneumoniae infection was investigated. Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: splenectomized (SP), splenectomized and autotransplanted (AT), and sham operated control (CT). Five days post-infection the serum antibody levels were measured and the number of S. pneumoniae CFU, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production in the liver and lungs were investigated. SP mice showed greater number of bacteria in both organs and lower serum levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. IL-17 production and neutrophil recruitment to the liver and lungs were lower in SP mice, in comparison with both the CT and the AT groups. Levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, CFU counts, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production did not differ significantly between the CT and AT groups. These results suggest that splenic autotransplantation restores the capacity of splenectomized mice to fight S. pneumoniae infection.
Transplant Immunology 22:195-197. · 1.46 Impact Factor
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Journal of Catalysis. 276(2):351-359.
