HYPOXIC STRESS, HEPATOCYTES AND CACO-2 VIABILITY AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO Shigella flexneri INVASION

SUMMARY Inflammation due to Shigella flexneri can cause damage to the colonic mucosa and cell death by necrosis and apoptosis. This bacteria can reach the bloodstream in this way, and the liver through portal veins. Hypoxia is a condition present in many human diseases, and it may induce bacterial translocation from intestinal lumen. We studied the ability of S. flexneri to invade rat hepatocytes and Caco-2 cells both in normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments, as well as morphological and physiological alterations in these cells after infection under hypoxia. We used the primary culture of rat hepatocytes as a model of study. We analyzed the following parameters in normoxic and hypoxic conditions: morphology, cell viability, bacterial recovery and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released. The results showed that there were fewer bacteria within the Caco-2 cells than in hepatocytes in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We observed that the higher the multiplicity of infection (MOI) the greater the bacterial recovery in hepatocytes. The hypoxic condition decreased the bacterial recovery in hepatocytes. The cytotoxicity evaluated by LDH released by cells was significantly higher in cells submitted to hypoxia than normoxia. Caco-2 cells in normoxia released 63% more LDH than hepatocytes. LDH increased 164% when hepatocytes were submitted to hypoxia and just 21% when Caco-2 cells were in the same condition. The apoptosis evaluated by Tunel was significantly higher in cells submitted to hypoxia than normoxia. When comparing hypoxic cells, we obtained more apoptotic hepatocytes than apoptotic Caco-2 cells. Concluding our results contribute to a better knowledge of interactions between studied cells and Shigella flexneri. These data may be useful in the future to define strategies to combat this virulent pathogen.RESUMO A inflamação causada por Shigella flexneri pode causar danos à mucosa do cólon e morte celular por necrose e apoptose. Esta bactéria pode atingir a corrente sanguínea por esta via e o fígado através da veia porta. A hipóxia é uma condição presente em muitas doenças humanas, podendo induzir a translocação bacteriana a partir do lúmen intestinal. Nós estudamos a capacidade de S. flexneri invadir hepatócitos de rato e células Caco-2 nos microambientes de normóxia e hipóxia, bem como as alterações morfológicas e fisiológicas dessas células após a infecção sob hipóxia. Utilizamos a cultura primária de hepatócitos de ratos como modelo de estudo. Nós analisamos os seguintes parâmetros em condições de normóxia e hipóxia: morfologia, viabilidade celular, recuperação bacteriana e liberação de lactato desidrogenase (LDH). Os resultados mostraram menor quantidade de bactérias dentro das células Caco-2 do que em hepatócitos em condições de normóxia e hipóxia. Nós observamos que quanto maior foi a multiplicidade de infecção (MOI), maior também foi a recuperação bacteriana em hepatócitos. A condição hipóxica foi capaz de diminuir a recuperação de bactérias dos hepatócitos. A citotoxicidade avaliada pela liberação de LDH foi significativamente maior em células submetidas à hipóxia do que normóxia. As células Caco-2 em normóxia produziram 63% mais LDH do que os hepatócitos. O LDH aumentou 164% quando os hepatócitos foram submetidos à hipoxia e apenas 21% quando as células Caco-2 estavam na mesma condição. A apoptose avaliada por TUNEL foi significativamente maior em células submetidas à hipóxia que normóxia. Quando comparamos células hipóxicas houve mais apoptose entre hepatócitos do que nas células Caco-2. Concluindo, nossos resultados contribuem para um melhor conhecimento das interações entre as células estudadas e S. flexneri. Estes dados podem ser úteis no futuro, para definir estratégias de combate a este patógeno virulento

The potential of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum) in the treatment of obese and glucose-intolerant mice

Obesity is a pandemic condition, absolutely out of control. Food assistance is among the main proposals for the management of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of aqueous pomegranate extract in a model of obesity, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis induced by high-fat diet. The pomegranate extract was obtained from the association of green extraction techniques. Through the crude extract containing punicalagin and ellagic acid (main compounds), extracts with isolated fractions of these compounds were obtained. For the experimental study, Swiss mice were subjected to the obesity induction period for eight weeks. After, were treated for another 30 days with crude extract of 250 mg/kg (group HF+[1]EXT); punicalagin extract isolated 8.35 mg/kg (HF+Punica group); isolated extract of ellagic acid 0.208 mg/kg (group HF+EA), via gavage. Both the crude extract and its subfractions reduced the body weight gain for the HF+Punica group (1.1 g); HF+EA (0.92 g) compared to HF, while the HF+EXT showed significant weight loss (P<0.001). In the glycemic parameters, all extracts were able to reduce blood glucose when compared to the group with HF. Histological data of liver tissue showed improvement in hepatic steatosis, mainly in the crude extract group. Therefore, it was possible to demonstrate that the aqueous extract of the pomegranate peel, obtained by innovative extraction techniques, can be a potential strategy for the treatment and control of obesity

Nephrectomy in a Dog infected with Dioctophyma renale - Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Background: Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyma renale, a parasite known as the giant kidney worm, that can parasitize the kidneys of domestic and wild animals. There are also reports of its occurrence in humans, thus revealing its zoonotic potential. In most cases, parasitized animals are asymptomatic. This parasite can cause atrophy or destroy the renal parenchyma, although ectopic locations may occur. The diagnosis is made through ultrasonography, based on the presence of eggs in the urine, visualization of the parasite, or during necropsy. Therefore, the aim of this work was to report the case of a young dog infected with D. renale and subjected to nephrectomy in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Case: A 6-month-old bitch with a clinical suspicion of hydronephrosis in the right kidney was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Anhanguera-Uniderp University in the city of Campo Grande, MS. A physical examination of the patient revealed an alteration in the urinary system.  An abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC) tests and biochemical profile were ordered. The erythrogram indicated erythrocytosis resulting from dehydration and loss of body fluids, while enzyme levels (creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and albumin) were within normal limits. The abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of a cylindrical and rounded structure characteristic of a nematode and in the right kidney, and loss of renal parenchyma typical of D. renale infection. A urinalysis then revealed the presence of helminth eggs, confirming the diagnosis. The owner was informed about the need for nephrectomy of the affected right kidney, which showed destruction of the renal parenchyma. One adult female and one adult male parasite were removed from inside the kidney, measuring approximately 50 cm and 35 cm in length. The patient was successfully treated, kept in hospital for observation, and returned two weeks later for reassessment of her renal function and removal of stitches. Discussion: Dioctophymosis is often diagnosed based on ultrasound and urine tests. These tests proved sufficient to diagnose parasitism by D. renale. However, the infection is usually discovered during necropsy.  D. renale is popularly known as the giant kidney worm, as it can reach up to 100 cm in length. In the present case, the female parasite was 50 cm long and the male was 35 cm. The patient presented parasitism very young, at just 6 months of age. The parasitic infection of the animal was attributed to the ingestion of water or food contaminated with an intermediate host, the aquatic annelid Lumbriculus variegatus. It is suggested that the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the infective stage of the parasite may have occurred at 2 months of age or younger, since the prepatent period is approximately 6 months. The parasite was found only in the patient’s right kidney. Hydronephrosis was reported in the patient and was caused by obstruction of the internal urethral ostium by the adult nematode. In this case, the recommended surgical treatment was nephrectomy, to which the patient was subjected, leading to successful recovery. This case occurred in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where there are no records of parasitism by D. renale in domestic dogs, unlike other states in Brazil. We therefore emphasize the importance of new studies on D. renale, given the lack of clear records describing the parasite’s epidemiological data, biological cycle and diagnosis, which may hinder the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease.Keywords: canine dioctophymosis, helminth, nematoid, giant kidney worm, hydronephrosis.Descritores: dioctofimose canina, helminto, nematoide, verme gigante renal, hidronefrose.

The potential of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum) in the treatment of obese and glucose-intolerant mice

Obesity is a pandemic condition, absolutely out of control. Food assistance is among the main proposals for the management of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of aqueous pomegranate extract in a model of obesity, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis induced by high-fat diet. The pomegranate extract was obtained from the association of green extraction techniques. Through the crude extract containing punicalagin and ellagic acid (main compounds), extracts with isolated fractions of these compounds were obtained. For the experimental study, Swiss mice were subjected to the obesity induction period for eight weeks. After, were treated for another 30 days with crude extract of 250 mg/kg (group HF+[1]EXT); punicalagin extract isolated 8.35 mg/kg (HF+Punica group); isolated extract of ellagic acid 0.208 mg/kg (group HF+EA), via gavage. Both the crude extract and its subfractions reduced the body weight gain for the HF+Punica group (1.1 g); HF+EA (0.92 g) compared to HF, while the HF+EXT showed significant weight loss (P<0.001). In the glycemic parameters, all extracts were able to reduce blood glucose when compared to the group with HF. Histological data of liver tissue showed improvement in hepatic steatosis, mainly in the crude extract group. Therefore, it was possible to demonstrate that the aqueous extract of the pomegranate peel, obtained by innovative extraction techniques, can be a potential strategy for the treatment and control of obesity.   [1] abbreviations:EXT – extract, EA- acid ellagic, PUNICA – punicalagin

Agroecologia e convivência com o Semiárido

Este relato de experiência foi produzido a partir de uma roda de conversa sobre agroecologia realizada com estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos de uma escola pública do município de Sumé, Paraíba. O estudo teve por objetivo discutir os princípios da agroecologia, bem como evidenciar as diferenças e contradições dela com o agronegócio. Participaram da roda de conversa estudantes e professores da Educação de Jovens e Adultos, bem como estudantes do Curso de Especialização em Ensino de Ciências da Natureza e Matemática para Convivência com o Semiárido, ofertado pelo Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Semiárido da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Para introduzir o debate, propomos o diálogo sobre memórias de práticas vivenciadas pelos estudantes e familiares deles com a agricultura familiar no território. Após, discutimos o conceito da agroecologia, os princípios e a importância dela na sociedade contemporânea. A experiência despertou o interesse de estudantes e professores pelo tema, principalmente, com ênfase no que se refere às práticas agroecológicas de convivência com o Semiárido

O imaginário social sobre a expectativa do corpo feminino “ideal”: um estudo à luz da Análise de Discurso

This article, which is founded on theoretical-methodological presuppositions of french line Discourse Analysis (henceforward, DA), objectifies the reflection on imaginary projections realized all about feminine body. In order to do that, Discursive Sequences (henceforward, DS’s) were cut out from comments on a photomontage of digital influencer Rafaella Santos, run by Instagram profile “Choquei”. On that sight, the conception of Imaginary Formation (henceforward, ImF) was mobilized to found the discussion theoretically, for it is considerable that it is possible to think about the set of pictures that is made based on influencer’s body, in this specific case, and also on individuals who project it. Thus, it is understandable that the content selected to analysis becomes an eye-opening to the existence of a social imaginary built around the “perfect” body and that it sets the “pattern” slim as its representative. In this condition, individuals that do not “fit” in this template search for a way to belong, even if in order to do it, they need to resort to filters and photographic edition. Nevertheless, to manipulate the body so it gets closer to the “expected” may not be so well-liked so. In this context, it is possible to say, as the analysis will show, that body transits through between expectation and reality and demonstrates an acess road to comprehending the socio-historical and ideological period in which we live in and the impositions it exerts upon feminine body.Este artigo, que se fundamenta nos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da Análise de Discurso de linha francesa (doravante, AD), objetiva refletir sobre as projeções imaginárias que são realizadas sobre o corpo feminino. Para isso, foram recortadas Sequências Discursivas (doravante, SD’s) de comentários presentes em uma foto-montagem da influenciadora digital Rafaella Santos veiculada pelo perfil do Instagram Choquei. Nessa mirada, o conceito de Formação Imaginária (doravante, FIm) foi mobilizado para ancorar teoricamente a discussão, pois se considera que por meio dele é possível pensar sobre o jogo de imagens que é feito sobre o corpo da influencer, em específico, e sobre os sujeitos que o projetam. Compreende-se, assim, que o material selecionado para análise passa a ser revelador da existência de um imaginário social construído em torno do corpo “perfeito” e que ele elege o “padrão” magro como seu representante. Nessa condição, os sujeitos que não se “enquadram” nesse modelo buscam um meio de se encaixar, mesmo que para isso tenham que recorrer a filtros e edição fotográfica. No entanto, manipular o corpo para que ele se aproxime do “esperado” pode não ser tão bem-visto assim. Nesse contexto, é possível dizer, como as análises mostraram, que o corpo transita entre a expectativa e a realidade e evidencia uma via de acesso para que se compreenda o período sócio-histórico e ideológico em que se vive e as imposições que ele exerce sobre o corpo feminino

Human longevity is associated with regular sleep patterns, maintenance of slow wave sleep, and favorable lipid profile

Some individuals are able to successfully reach very old ages, reflecting higher adaptation against age-associated effects. Sleep is one of the processes deeply affected by aging; however few studies evaluating sleep in long-lived individuals (aged over 85) have been reported to date. the aim of this study was to characterize the sleep patterns and biochemical profile of oldest old individuals (N = 10, age 85-105 years old) and compare them to young adults (N = 15, age 20-30 years old) and older adults (N = 13, age 60-70 years old). All subjects underwent full-night polysomnography, 1-week of actigraphic recording and peripheral blood collection. Sleep electroencephalogram spectral analysis was also performed. the oldest old individuals showed lower sleep efficiency and REM sleep when compared to the older adults, while stage N3 percentage and delta power were similar across the groups. Oldest old individuals maintained strictly regular sleep-wake schedules and also presented higher HDL-cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels than older adults. the present study revealed novel data regarding specific sleep patterns and maintenance of slow wave sleep in the oldest old group. Taken together with the favorable lipid profile, these results contribute with evidence to the importance of sleep and lipid metabolism regulation in the maintenance of longevity in humans.Associacao Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa (AFIP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Geriatria & Gerontol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Geriatria & Gerontol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 11/18976-9Web of Scienc

DANÇA E SÍNDROME DE DOWN: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Dance, which can be considered the oldest form of art, is used by man so that he can express himself through the body, transcending the power of words. Through dance, the person with Down syndrome can re-signify his disability, accepting his body and creating his own vocabulary. To understand the functionality of dance in this sense, a systematic review of studies was carried out in five databases (Lilacs, MEDLINE, Periodico Capes, PubMed and Web of Science), covering the methodological procedures of PRISMA. Eleven articles were selected, of which they were divided into three major areas for analysis - physical, cognitive and social aspects. Most of the articles reflect on the benefits that dance provides for the person with Down syndrome, bringing to light its functionality when applied to this audience. The work concludes that dance is a positive tool for the person with Down syndrome, in the aspects that have been studied, but it also brings the reflection that dance can be introduced far beyond the therapeutic need, as well as recreation and professionalization. Received on: 2021/01/06 Reformulated on: 2021/03/01 Accepted: 2021/03/10A dança, que pode ser considerada a mais antiga forma de arte, é usada pelo homem para que ele possa se expressar através do corpo, transcendendo o poder das palavras. Através da dança, a pessoa com síndrome de Down pode ressignificar sua deficiência, aceitando seu corpo e criando seu próprio vocabulário. Para compreender a funcionalidade da dança nesse sentido, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de estudos em cinco bases de dados (Lilacs, MEDLINE, Periodico Capes, PubMed e Web of Science), contemplando os procedimentos metodológicos do PRISMA. Foram selecionados 11 artigos, dos quais foram divididos em três grandes áreas para análise – aspecto físico, cognitivo e social. Os artigos, em sua maioria, refletem sobre os benefícios que a dança proporciona para a pessoa com síndrome de Down, trazendo à tona a sua funcionalidade quando aplicada para esse público. O trabalho conclui que a dança é uma ferramenta positiva para a pessoa com síndrome de Down, nos aspectos que foram estudados, mas também traz a reflexão de que a dança pode ser introduzida muito além da necessidade terapêutica, como também recreação e profissionalização. Recebido em: 06/01/2021Reformulado em: 01/03/2021Aceito em: 10/03/202