Correlação entre mediadores inflamatórios e marcadores bioquímicos em pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa

Objective: Correlate inflammatory mediators and biochemical parameters in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treated at a public hospital in São Luís, MA. Methods: This is a case-control study of patients with a positivediagnosis of active pulmonary TB. Serum samples from patients and the control group were collected for the clinical trials, and epidemiological data were collected through medical records and interviews. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers with no previous contact with TB cases, matched by age and sex to the clinical group. To measureinflammatory cytokines, we used the Human IL-6 ELISA Set and Human IFN-γ ELISA Set kits. Oxidative stress was measured by quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO). In biochemistry, the levels of uric acid, anti-streptolysin “O” (AEO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, total cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase (Gamma GT), glucose, alkaline phosphatase, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and triglycerides were measured. Results: The clinical group consisted of 53 patients. There was a substantial decrease in IFN-γ (p<0.0001) and a significant increase in IL-6 (p<0.0001). TBARS production increased significantly (p= 0.0414). There was no significant difference in NO production (p= 0.3194). In biochemistry, there was a significant increase in ALT (p= 0.0072), AST (p= 0.0016), Gamma GT (p= 0.0011), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.0001), CRP (p<0. .0001) and triglycerides (p= 0.0343), and a significant decrease in calcium (p<0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 and IFN-γ (p= 0.0448), as well as AST and ALT (p<0.0001); CRP and gamma GT (p<0.0001); Gamma GT and ALT (p= 0.0016); Gamma GT and AST (p=0.0004); triglycerides and cholesterol (p= 0.0002); alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT (p<0.0001); CRP and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.0001); triglycerides and calcium (p= 0.0121); cholesterol and calcium (p= 0.0261); glucose and cholesterol (p= 0.0373); and triglycerides and glucose (p= 0.0127) in biochemistry, with a significant negative correlation between glucose and uric acid (p= 0.0092); and CRP and HDL (p=0.0037). The correlation between inflammatory mediators and biochemical markers was positive between IL-6 and gamma GT (p= 0.0011); IL-6 and CRP (p<0.0001); IL-6 and alkaline phosphatase (p=0.0076); and NO and triglycerides (p= 0.0016), and significant negative correlation between IFN-γ and cholesterol (p= 0.0171) and TBARS and cholesterol (p= 0.0138). Conclusion: Immunosuppression of IFN-γ activity was observed. A correlation was found between IL-6 and inflammatory biochemical markers, indicating damage and injury caused by M. tuberculosis.Objetivo: Correlacionar mediadores inflamatórios e parâmetros bioquímicos em pacientes com tuberculose (TB) pulmonar ativa atendidos em um hospital público, em São Luís, MA. Métodos: Trata-se um caso-controle de pacientes com diagnóstico positivo para TB pulmonar ativa. Amostras de soro dos pacientes e grupo controle foram coletadas para os experimentos clínicos e os dados epidemiológicos foram coletados por meio de prontuários e entrevistas. O grupo controle foi formado por voluntários saudáveis sem contato prévio com casos de TB, pareados com idade e sexo ao grupo clínico. Para dosar citocinas inflamatórias, utilizaram-se os kits Human IL-6 ELISA Set e Human IFN-γ ELISA Set. Mediu-se o estresse oxidativo pela quantificação das espécies reativas do ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e óxido nítrico (ON). Na bioquímica, mediram-se os níveis de ácido úrico, anti-estreptolisina-O (AEO),alanina aminotransferase (ALT), amilase, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), cálcio, colesterol total, gama glutamil transferase (Gama GT), glicose, fosfatase alcalina, lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL), proteína C reativa (PCR) e triglicerídeos. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo software GraphPad Prism 8, com p<0,05 significativo. Resultados:O grupo clínico foi formado por 53 pacientes. Houve uma diminuição significativa de IFN-γ (p<0,0001),e aumento significativo de IL-6 (p<0,0001). A produção de TBARS aumentou significativamente (p= 0,0414). Não houve diferença significativa na produção de ON (p= 0,3194). Na bioquímica, houve aumento significativo em ALT (p= 0,0072), AST (p= 0,0016), gama GT (p= 0,0011), fosfatase alcalina (p<0,0001), PCR (p<0,0001) e triglicerídeos (p= 0,0343), e diminuição significativa de cálcio (p<0,0001). Encontrou-se correlação positiva significativa entre IL-6 e IFN-γ (p= 0,0448), assim como AST e ALT (p<0,0001); PCR e gama GT (p<0,0001); gama GT e ALT (p= 0,0016); gama GT e AST (p= 0,0004); triglicerídeos e colesterol (p= 0,0002); fosfatase alcalina e gama GT (p<0,0001); PCR e fosfatase alcalina (p<0,0001); triglicerídeos e cálcio (p= 0,0121); colesterol e cálcio (p= 0,0261); glicose e colesterol (p= 0,0373); e triglicerídeos e glicose (p= 0,0127) na bioquímica, sendo negativa significativa entre glicose e ácido úrico (p= 0,0092); e PCR e HDL (p= 0,0037). A correlação entre marcadores inflamatório e bioquímicos foi positiva entre IL-6 e gama GT (p= 0,0011); IL-6 e PCR (p<0,0001); IL-6 e fosfatase alcalina (p= 0,0076); e ON e triglicerídeos (p= 0,0016), e negativa significativa entre IFN-γ e colesterol (p= 0,0171) e TBARS e colesterol (p= 0,0138). Conclusões: Observou-se imunossupressão da atividade de IFN-γ. Encontrou-se correlação entre IL-6 e marcadores bioquímicos inflamatórios, indicando dano e lesão causados por M. tuberculosis

PERFIL NUTRICIONAL DE PACIENTES ONCOLÓGICOS: MÉTODOS SUBJETIVOS E CARACTERÍSTICAS DA ALIMENTAÇÃO

Introdução: O câncer é caracterizado pelo crescimento desordenado de células altamente invasivas, de rápida divisão, agressivase incontroláveis. Devido aos impactos da doença e efeitos colaterais do tratamento, o paciente oncológico apresenta riscoelevado para desnutrição. Objetivo: Descrever a classificação do estado nutricional e tipos de dietas de pacientes oncológicosatendidos em hospital de referência no município de São Luís (MA). Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo. A população e amostraforam adultos com 20 anos ou mais, de ambos os sexos, com diagnóstico conclusivo de câncer. Os dados utilizados para esteestudo foram obtidos através das fichas de Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida Pelo Paciente (ASGPPP), arquivadas no serviçode Nutrição e Dietética do hospital, sendo utilizadas das fichas dos pacientes as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade, estado civil,procedência, localização do tumor, tratamento oncológico, tipos de dieta, presença de terapia nutricional, escore e classificaçãode escore da ASGPPP. Utilizou-se Excel (2016) e Stata 14.0. Resultados: Neste estudo prevaleceram homens (55,4%), casados(45,5%), procedente de São Luís (48,2%), com tumores digestivos (31%), tratamento cirúrgico (48,2), bem nutridos (57,1%), recebendodieta branda ou livre (33,8%). A terapia nutricional por suplementação oral esteve presente em 48,3%. Conclusão: Embusca de uma melhor evolução clínica do paciente, propõe-se maior atenção aos métodos de avaliação nutricional para que aescolha da intervenção nutricional seja adequada as condições clinicas e nutricionais, promovendo qualidade de vida.Palavras-chave: Câncer. Desnutrição. Dietas

Targeting the Immune System with Plant Lectins to Combat Microbial Infections

The arsenal of drugs available to treat infections caused by eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes has been declining exponentially due to antimicrobial resistance phenomenon, leading to an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Host-directed immunotherapy has been reported as an attractive option to treat microbial infections. It consists in the improvement of host defenses by increasing the expression of inflammatory mediators and/or controlling of inflammation-induced tissue injury. Although the in vitro antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of lectins have been extensively demonstrated, few studies have evaluated their in vivo effects on experimental models of infections. This review aims to highlight the experimental use of immunomodulatory plant lectins to improve the host immune response against microbial infections. Lectins have been used in vivo both prophylactically and therapeutically resulting in the increased survival of mice under microbial challenge. Other studies successfully demonstrated that lectins could be used in combination with parasite antigens in order to induce a more efficient immunization. Therefore, these plant lectins represent new candidates for management of microbial infections. Furthermore, immunotherapeutic studies have improved our knowledge about the mechanisms involved in host–pathogen interactions, and may also help in the discovery of new drug targets

Consumo de ultraprocessados e estado nutricional de crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo

Objetivo: Analisar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados entre crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) e sua associação com o estado nutricional. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal, em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, com amostra de 29 crianças, em 2017. Utilizou-se um questionário semiestruturado, aplicado aos pais ou responsáveis, para obtenção de variáveis sociodemográficas. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelos indicadores de índice de massa corporal/idade e estatura/idade. Obteve-se o consumo alimentar por meio de recordatório de 24h, a partir do qual foi calculado o percentual de contribuição calórica e a média dos alimentos consumidos de acordo com o nível de processamento. Para comparação do consumo dos ultraprocessados de acordo com o estado nutricional, utilizou-se o teste t de Student, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Verificou-se o excesso de peso em 55,2% (n=16) das crianças e o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi responsável por 28% (560 kcal/dia) da contribuição calórica. Crianças com excesso de peso consumiram maior média percentual de alimentos ultraprocessados do que as sem excesso de peso (34,2% versus 19,4%, p=0,009). O consumo de frutas representou apenas 4,3% (74,6 kcal) da contribuição calórica total, e as hortaliças foram os alimentos in natura menos consumidos pelas crianças. Conclusão: Alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados foram a base da alimentação das crianças estudadas. Apesar disso, o maior consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi associado ao excesso de peso nas crianças com TEA

New insights into the antimicrobial action of cinnamaldehyde towards escherichia coli and its effects on intestinal colonization of mice

Escherichia coli is responsible for cases of diarrhea around the world, and some studies have shown the benefits of cinnamaldehyde in the treatment of bacterial disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of cinnamaldehyde in mice colonized by pathogenic E. coli, as well as to provide more insights into its antimicrobial action mechanism. After determination of minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations, the interference of cinnamaldehyde in macromolecular pathways (synthesis of DNA, RNA, protein, and cell wall) was measured by incorporation of radioisotopes. The anti-adhesive properties of cinnamaldehyde towards E. coli 042 were evaluated using human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells. Intestinal colonization was tested on mice, and the effect of cinnamaldehyde on Tenebrio molitor larvae. Cinnamaldehyde showed MIC and MBC values of 780 μg/mL and 1560 μg/mL, respectively; reduced the adhesion of E. coli 042 on HEp-2 cells; and affected all the synthetic pathways evaluated, suggesting that compost impairs the membrane/cell wall structure leading bacteria to total collapse. No effect on the expression of genes related to the SOS pathway (sulA and dinB1) was observed. The compound did not interfere with cell viability and was not toxic against T. molitor larvae. In addition, cinnamaldehyde-treated mice exhibited lower levels of colonization by E. coli 042 than the untreated group. Therefore, the results show that cinnamaldehyde is effective in treating the pathogenic E. coli strain 042 and confirm it as a promising lead molecule for the development of antimicrobial agents

Use of Some Asteraceae Plants for the Treatment of Wounds: From Ethnopharmacological Studies to Scientific Evidences

Severe wounds result in large lesions and/or loss of function of the affected areas. The treatment of wounds has challenged health professionals due to its complexity, especially in patients with chronic diseases (such as diabetes), and the presence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Taking this into consideration, the development of new therapies for wound healing requires immediate attention. Ethnopharmacological studies performed in different countries have shown the use of several plants from the Asteraceae family as wound-healing agents. Evidences gained from the traditional medicine have opened new ways for the development of novel and more efficient therapies based on the pharmacological properties of these plants. In this article, we discuss the literature data on the use of Asteraceae plants for the treatment of wounds, based on the ethnopharmacological relevance of each plant. Special attention was given to studies showing the mechanisms of action of Asteraceae-derived compounds and clinical trials. Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.M. King and H. Rob. and Calendula officinalis L. preparations/compounds were found to show good efficacy when assessed in clinical trials of complicated wounds, including venous leg ulcers and foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The compounds silibinin [from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] and jaceosidin (from Artemisia princeps Pamp.) were identified as promising compounds for the treatment of wounds. Overall, we suggest that Asteraceae plants represent important sources of compounds that may act as new and efficient healing products

Risco cardiovascular de usuários de um centro de atenção psicossocial em álcool e drogas

Objective: To assess cardiovascular risk in users of an Alcohol and Drugs Psychosocial Care Center. Methods: A retrospective and analytical study was carried out at an Alcohol and Drugs Psychosocial Care Center in São Luís, Maranhão. The sample consisted of medical records of adult men served from 2015 to 2017. The medical records of individuals who used only alcohol were not included in the study. Socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle, history of chemical dependence, and anthropometric information were collected. The data were analyzed in Stata® version 13.0 using Poisson regression. Results: Of the 122 medical records analyzed, 73.5% (n=89) were aged 20 to 39 years, 79.5% (n=97) were single and 49.2% (n=60) had either incomplete or complete primary education. Regarding nutritional status, 54.9% (n=67) of the individuals presented normal values and 18.0% (n=22) were at risk for cardiovascular diseases based on waist circumference and 17.2 % (n=21) were at cardiovascular risk based on waist-to-height ratio. In addition, 36.6% (n=41) and 41.8% (n=51) of the individuals remained at risk of cardiovascular disease based on waist-to-hip ratio and conicity index, respectively. Being aged 40-59 years (OR = 4.40, 95% CI: 1.52-12.75) and using cocaine (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.15 - 9.27) were risk factors for cardiovascular diseases based on waist-to-height ratio. Conclusion: The study identified that chemically dependents were young adults at normal weight at risk for cardiovascular disease and waist-to-height ratio was significantly associated with age and cocaine use.Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular de usuarios de un Centro de Atención Psicosocial de Alcohol y Droga. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y analítico realizado en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial de Alcohol y Droga de São Luís, Maranhão. La muestra ha sido identificada de historiales clínicos de hombres adultos asistidos entre los años 2015 y 2017. Los historiales de usuarios exclusivos de alcohol no han sido incluidos en el estudio. Se recogieron informaciones de los aspectos socioeconómicos, los demográficos, del estilo de vida, del histórico de dependencia química además de las informaciones antropométricas. Se utilizó el programa Stata® versión 13.0 y para el análisis de los datos ha sido realizada la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: De los 122 historiales analizados, el 73,5% (n=89) estaban en la franja de edad entre 20 y 39 años, el 79,5% (n=97) eran solteros y el 49,2% (n=60) tenían la educación primaria incompleta o completa. Sobre el estado nutricional, el 54,9% (n=67) de los dependientes eran eutróficos, el 18,0% (n=22) de ellos tenían riesgo para enfermedades cardiovasculares según la circunferencia de la cintura y también el 17,2 % (n=21) por la razón cintura/estatura. Además de eso, el 36,6% (n=41) y el 41,8% (n=51) de los dependientes permanecieron con el riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular según la relación cintura/cuadril y el índice de conicidad, respectivamente. Tener la edad entre 40 y 59 años (OR = 4,40; IC 95%: 1,52-12,75) y utilizar cocaína (OR = 3,27; IC 95%: 1,15 - 9,27) han sido los factores de riesgo para enfermedades cardiovasculares por la razón cintura/estatura. Conclusión: El estudio ha identificado los adultos jóvenes, eutróficos y con riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular como dependientes químicos y asociación significativa de la razón cintura/estatura con la edad y la utilización de cocaína.Objetivo: Avaliar o risco cardiovascular de usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial em Álcool e Drogas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo e analítico, realizado em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial em Álcool e Drogas em São Luís, Maranhão. A amostra compôs-se por prontuários de homens adultos atendidos nos anos de 2015 a 2017. Os prontuários de usuários exclusivos de álcool não foram incluídos no estudo. Coletaram-se informações referentes aos aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos, estilo de vida, histórico de dependência química, além das informações antropométricas. Utilizou-se o programa Stata®, versão 13.0, para análise dos dados, sendo realizada regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Dos 122 prontuários analisados, 73,5% (n=89) pertenciam à faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos, 79,5% (n=97) eram solteiros e 49,2% (n=60) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto ou completo. Quanto ao estado nutricional, 54,9% (n=67) dos dependentes estavam eutróficos, 18,0% (n=22) deles estavam em risco para doenças cardiovasculares, de acordo com a circunferência da cintura, e também 17,2 % (n=21) pela razão cintura/estatura. Além disso, 36,6% (n=41) e 41,8% (n=51) dos dependentes permaneceram com risco de doença cardiovascular conforme a relação cintura/quadril e o índice de conicidade, respectivamente. Apresentar idade entre 40 e 59 anos (OR = 4,40; IC 95%: 1,52-12,75) e utilizar cocaína (OR = 3,27; IC 95%: 1,15 - 9,27) foram fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares pela razão cintura/estatura. Conclusão: O estudo identificou como dependentes químicos adultos jovens, eutróficos, com risco de doença cardiovascular e associação significativa da razão cintura/estatura com a idade e a utilização de cocaína

Evaluation of Growth, Viability, Lactic Acid Production and Anti-Infective Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Bacuri Juice (Platonia insignis)

Fruit juices have been emerging as excellent vehicles for development of probiotic products due to their nutritional properties and presence of bioactive compounds. This work evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in bacuri juice (Platonia insignis Mart., Clusiaceae). Both strains were able to grow in bacuri juice, without any supplementation. Viability was kept after 28 days of storage; however, growth was significantly higher for L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 (7.40 ± 0.04 Log CFU/mL). Following this, the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and lactic acid production by L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 were investigated using a central composite rotational design. The inoculum concentration was the main factor for obtaining the most favorable relation between growth and organic acid production (G/pH ratio). Among the tested conditions, those used in assay 6 allowed the best G/pH ratio (2.13) and higher lactic acid production (4.14 g/L). In these conditions, L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 grown in bacuri juice showed the same resistance towards acidification or addition of lysozyme than when cultivated in MRS. Finally, the anti-infective effects of fermented and non-fermented juices were analyzed using Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The pre-treatment with supernatants of both fermented and non-fermented juices significantly increased the survival of E. coli-infected larvae. However, only the L. rhamnosus-fermented juice had protective effects when inoculated 2 h after infection. Collectively, the results obtained in this research allowed the basis for the development of a non-dairy probiotic product from bacuri juice

Hydroalcoholic Extract and Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bixa orellana Leaves Decrease the Inflammatory Response to Mycobacterium abscessus Subsp. massiliense

The incidence of infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), especially Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs), is increasing worldwide. Severe infections are associated with abscess formation and strong inflammatory response. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of a hydroalcoholic extract (BoHE) and ethyl acetate fraction (BoEA) of Bixa orellana leaves. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using erythrocytes and RAW 264.7 cells. Nitric oxide (NO) was assayed in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and inflammatory cell migration and acute toxicity were evaluated in a Mabs-induced peritonitis mouse model. The compounds present in BoEA were identified by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The MIC and MBC values were 2.34 mg/mL and 37.5 mg/mL for BoHE and 0.39 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL for BoEA. The extracts did not induce significant toxicity in erythrocytes and RAW 264.7 cells. High levels of NO induced by Mabs were decreased by treatment with both extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed in vivo by significant reduction of the cell migration to the peritoneum following BoHE and BoEA pretreatment. Animals treated with BoHE or BoEA did not show signs of acute toxicity in stomach, liver, and kidney. The chemical characterization of BoEA (the most active extract) revealed that kaempferol-3-O-coumaroyl glucose is its major component. The extract of B. orellana may be effective for treating infections caused by Mabs

Molecular Detection of Drug-Resistance Genes of blaOXA-23-blaOXA-51 and mcr-1 in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has caused high rates of mortality due to the appearance of strains with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles. This study aimed to characterize the molecular profile of virulence and resistance genes in 99 isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from different clinical specimens. The isolates were identified by the automated method Vitek2, and the antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined using different classes of antimicrobials. The genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) to detect different virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Molecular typing was performed using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) technique to determine the clonal relationship among P. aeruginosa isolates. The drug susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa for all strains showed high levels of drug resistance, particularly, 27 (27.3%) isolates that exhibited extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profiles, and the other isolates showed MDR profiles. We detected the polymyxin E (mcr-1) gene in one strain that showed resistance against colistin. The genes that confer resistance to oxacillin (blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51) were present in three isolates. One of these isolates carried both genes. As far as we know from the literature, this is the first report of the presence of blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes in P. aeruginosa