Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

Protective effect of grape juice concentrate effect in the testis and sperm parameters of rats intoxicated with cadmium chloride

Orientador: Mary Anne Heidi DolderDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de BiologiaResumo: O cádmio é um desregulador endócrino ressaltado por causar significativas disfunções fisiológicas e bioquímicas em animais e humanos. Está presente em pesticidas e no cigarro, sendo comum a contaminação de humanos. O testículo é um dos órgãos mais afetados pela toxicidade do cádmio, sendo muito suscetível ao seu acúmulo, que causa degeneração tubular, atrofia das células de Leydig, redução da qualidade espermática, entre outras alterações. Na tentativa de reverter ou amenizar os danos causados por este metal vários antioxidantes tem sido estudados, como os polifenóis, presentes na uva e seus derivados. Efeitos positivos destas substâncias têm sido relatados, como redução da pressão sanguínea, capacidade de modular enzimas e propriedade de quelar metais pesados. Já que essas substâncias quando ingeridas diariamente em determinadas quantidades podem modificar positivamente o metabolismo, neste estudo o concentrado de suco de uva foi administrado como um hábito alimentar, antes e após a intoxicação com o metal. Para isto, 24 ratos Wistar foram divididos em 4 grupos: GC (sem tratamento), GCd (CdCl2 - 1,2mg/Kg), GCdJ (CdCl2+G8000® ¿ 2g/Kg) e GJ (G8000® ¿ 2g/Kg). O suco de uva foi administrado diariamente por gavagem desde os 50 dias até 136 dias de idade. O CdCl2 foi injetado intraperitonealmente em uma dose única quando os animais tinham 80 dias. Depois do tratamento, os animais foram eutanaziados sob anestesia (xilazina e cetamina, 10 e 80mg/kg, respectivamente). Para avaliar os efeitos do tratamento foram realizadas análises biométricas, morfológicas (morfometria, estereologia e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão), dosagem de marcadores antioxidantes (CAT, SOD, GSH, MDA), acúmulo de cádmio tecidual e análises da qualidade e contagem espermática. A resposta testicular ao cádmio foi um pouco diferente do regularmente encontrado na literatura, considerando que esta dosagem foi incapaz de alterar níveis das enzimas relacionadas com estresse oxidativo, mas isto pode ser devido ao tempo decorrido entre a contaminação e a realização das análises. Apesar disso, um efeito devastador na morfologia testicular e perfil espermático foram observados. O acúmulo de metal foi evidente no grupo GCd, reduzindo a contagem e qualidade espermática, destruindo a arquitetura testicular e ultraestrutura. O efeito positivo do consumo de suco de uva foi confirmado em nosso estudo, sendo capaz de proteger a morfologia testicular e desenvolvimento espermático, levando-se em consideração a produção e morfologia, alterados pelo metal. O suco de uva isoladamente foi capaz de reduzir o ganho de peso, diâmetro tubular e altura do epitélio seminífero, mas considerando nossas evidências, este efeito não foi devido à toxicidade. Em conclusão, o suco de uva é um agente positivo na proteção do sistema reprodutor masculino contra intoxicação por cádmioAbstract: Cadmium is an endocrine disruptor, highlighted in that it causes significant physiological and biochemical dysfunction in animals and humans. This metal is present in pesticides and cigarettes, so that human contamination is common. In cadmium intoxication, the testis is one of the most strongly affected organs, being very susceptible to accumulation of this metal, which causes tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy and decreases in semen quality, among other alterations. In order to reverse or diminish the modifications generated by this metal, various antioxidants have been studied, such as polyphenols, present in grapes, and its derivatives. Positive effects of these substances have been reported, such as reduction of blood pressure, capacity to modulate some enzymes, and metal chelating properties. Based on the fact that daily ingestion of polyphenols in certain quantities can favorably modify the metabolism, preventing changes that can lead to severe damage, grape juice was administered as an eating pattern, before and after injection of the metal, from the beginning of sexual maturity to the end of a full spermatogenic cycle. For this study, 24 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: GC (without treatment), GCd (CdCl2 - 1,2mg/Kg), GCdJ (CdCl2+G8000® ¿ 2g/kg) and GJ (G8000® ¿ 2g/kg). The grape juice was administrated daily by gavage from 50 days of age until the rats were 136 days old. The CdCl2 was intraperitoneally injected when the animals were 80 days old. After the treatments, the animals were euthanized using a mixture of ketamine and xylazine (10 and 80mg/kg, respectively). In order to evaluate this effect, analyses were performed, including biometric analysis, morphological analyses, such as morphometry, stereology and transmission electron microscopy evaluation, dosage of antioxidant markers including CAT, GSH, SOD, MDA, dosage of cadmium accumulation in the testis and sperm quality analysis. Testis response to cadmium was different from that described in the literature, considering that this dosage did not alter enzymes related to oxidative stress, although a devastating morphological effect was observed. Metal accumulation was evident in GCd, reducing sperm count and quality, disrupting the architectural structure and ultrastructure of the testis. The positive effect of the grape juice administration was confirmed in our research considering it was able to protect testis morphology and sperm development, considering sperm production and morphology. Grape juice by itself reduced body weight gain, tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium height, but considering our evidences its effects were non toxic. In conclusion, grape juice administration is a confirmed positive agent in relation to reproductive cadmium toxicityMestradoBiologia CelularMestra em Biologia Celular e Estrutura

Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mode l : a good alternative to study PCa progression and chemoprevention approaches

The use of genetically modified animals has been studied in scientific research over time as a way to discover new treatments or even a cure for various diseases. Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) is a model for prostate cancer (PCa) that develops lesions that range from preneoplastic to metastasis. Its similarity to human PCa brings essential knowledge about disease development as well as making possible to investigate different degrees of the tumor profile. We reviewed the literature regarding five important areas relating to PCa progression in the TRAMP model. We also present some useful PCa models comparing them to TRAMP. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of some therapies related to these areas highlighting the best approaches that can delay PCa progression. The revised studies showed that TRAMP cancer stages are well established from 8 to 30 weeks of age, which makes possible to interfere in specific times of PCa development. Moreover, inflammatory and angiogenic blockage before the appearance of malignant lesions retarded PCa progression and showed better results than therapeutical approaches in other phases in TRAMP mice. Reactive stroma is less studied than other areas, although it has been showing a particular relevance in PCa as a milestone in malignant transformation through the modulation of TGF-β, vimentin, and αSMA. We concluded that even years after its creation, the TRAMP model is still one of the most essential tools for PCa study, as well as for the development of new strategies to prevent the disease21714114

Angiogenic, oxidative and hormonal responses of the prostatic microenvironment in high fat diet‐fed aging mice

Aging and obesity are associated with prostatic lesion induction. Cellular proliferation, angiogenesis and oxidative stress could be altered in both processes. Thus, the aim of the study herein was to evaluate different molecules related to angiogenesis, oxidative stress and hormonal metabolism, considering aging and high‐fat diet intake on the mice prostate. FVB mice (30) were divided into the following groups: Young group (YNG ‐ 3 months old), Senile group (SE ‐ 11 months old), Senile and high‐fat diet (SHE ‐ 11 months old + high‐fat diet). YNG and SE groups received a normolipid diet (22% protein, 53% carbohydrate, 4.5% lipids and 2.9 Kcal/g) and SEH group, received a high‐fat and high‐calorie diet (20% protein, 50% carbohydrate, 21% lipids and 4.7 Kcal/g). After 60 days, the mice were anesthetized and the ventral prostate were collected and submitted to morphological analysis; and to immunohistochemical and immunoblotting evaluation for androgen and estrogen receptor (AR, ERα), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 4HNE and catalase. Weight gain, food and energy intake were analyzed. The results showed reduced weight gain and increased energy intake in SE group compared to YNG group. The high‐fat diet intake during aging led to increased weight gain and energy intake, despite diminishing food intake in relation to SE group. The prostatic morphology in SE group showed increased cellular proliferation, well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma, microacini, inflammatory cells and hypertrophied fibromuscular stroma. The high‐fat diet intake by aging mice aggravated the prostatic injuries in relation to SE group, showing increased cell proliferation, well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma, microacini and fibromuscular stroma hypertrophy. The inflammatory cell level was elevated in SHE group despite not significantly differing from SE group. In addition, reduced AR immunolabeling and increased ERα, VEGF, 4HNE and Catalase levels were verified in SE group as compared to YNG group. The high‐fat intake during aging led to an AR, ERα, VEGF, 4HNE and Catalase increase as compared to SE group. Thus, we concluded that the aging process led to harmful changes in the prostatic microenvironment, favoring glandular lesions. Also, the high‐fat intake in association with aging increased the microenvironment molecular imbalance, compromising glandular stromal‐epithelial interaction. The association of hormonal imbalance as well as angiogenic and oxidative processes due to aging and high‐fat diet intake dysregulated important signaling pathways in the prostate, particularly related to cell proliferation and inflammation, leading to pre‐malignant lesions. The glandular microenvironment ERα and angiogenic signaling stimuli, contributed to the glandular dynamic rupture3151Experimental Biology 2017899.4899.4FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2015 25714‐

High-fat diet effects on the prostatic adenocarcinoma model and jaboticaba peel extract intake : protective response in metabolic disorders and liver histopathology

Prostate cancer (PCa), overweight and obesity are frequent worldwide health problems. Clinical studies have shown that increased high-fat diet (HFD) consumption is associated with higher incidence of PCa. Brazilian berries, such as Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg, present high polyphenol concentration in the peel and exhibit positive effects on metabolic disorders and hepatic lesions. Therefore, the aim of the study herein was to investigate the patented jaboticaba peel extract effects (PJE) on different metabolic parameters and liver histopathology in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate model, receiving a either normolipid diet or HFD for 8 weeks. The results showed that PJE reduced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, and inflammatory markers such as PPARγ and TNFα, respectively. In conclusion, the PJE treatment promoted protective effects in the metabolism of insulin and glucose and liver imbalance caused by HFD intake in the PCa model, suggesting that it may be a good protector against metabolic disorders present in overweight and associated with PCaFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2018/04579-7This study was financed in part by the Coordination for the Qualification of Higher Level Staff in Brazil (Brazil) – Finance Code 001 and FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation-2018/04579-7

Jaboticaba peel powder and jaboticaba peel aqueous extract reduces obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic fat accumulation in rats

This study investigated the effects of freeze-dried jaboticaba peel (FJP) and jaboticaba tea (JE) on obesity parameters of diet-induced obese rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups: AIN-93 M feed a normal control diet; HFF (obese control) feed a high-fat and fructose diet; Prevention FJP (P. FJP) and Treatment FJP (T. FJP) feed HFF diet with 2% of FJP powder, for 12 and 6 weeks respectively; Prevention JE (P. JE) and Treatment JE (T. JE) were feed with HFF diet and the water was substituted by JE, for 12 and 6 weeks, respectively. Lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin and leptin were measured. Glucose and insulin tolerance, also pancreatic islet insulin secretion were determined. Liver morphology and fat liver accumulation were evaluated. Results showed that HFF-diet induced weight gain, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. All FJP and JE treatments reduced weight gain, adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity. Twelve weeks supplementation increased HDL-cholesterol and prevented hepatic steatosis. Our results suggest that FJP and JE act as functional foods, being a dietary strategy to prevent or control obesity. FJP and JE 12 weeks supplementation can modulate important parameters of obesity and insulin metabolism, preventing liver steatosis in obese rats120880887CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ140387/2012-9; 301108/2016-

Jaboticaba peel extract decrease autophagy in white adipose tissue and prevents metabolic disorders in mice fed with a high-fat diet

The increase in autophagy markers in the white adipose tissue is associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and obesity physiopathology. The jaboticaba peel is rich in bioactive compounds as polyphenols, which have been demonstrating anti-oxidant and inflammatory effects, and possibly interferes in adipose tissue metabolism and obesity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of jaboticaba peel extract (FJE) treatment in autophagy markers of epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue (eWAT and iWAT) of mice fed a normocaloric or high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The FJE treatment modulates autophagy markers in the eWAT of animals fed a high-fat diet by the reduction of Beclin-1 and LC3BII, and an increase in SQSTM-p62, accompanied by a decrease in tissue and total body weight, indicating the importance of autophagy in obesity development. These alterations were not followed by lower cytokines concentration, suggesting that autophagy may be fundamental to adipocyte remodeling at the beginning of adipocyte hypertrophy, before the onset of low-grade inflammation. Furthermore, the treatment reduced total serum triglycerides and liver fat accumulation. Thus, the results suggest that FJE could be considered a strategy against metabolic disorders caused by an HF diet64147156CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP301108/2016-12015/20766-3; 2013/13480-0; 2015/50333-

Long-term respiratory follow-up of ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Prospective cohort study.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) survivors exhibit multisystemic alterations after hospitalization. Little is known about long-term imaging and pulmonary function of hospitalized patients intensive care unit (ICU) who survive COVID-19. We aimed to investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the respiratory system of patients discharged from hospital ICU and identify risk factors associated with chest computed tomography (CT) lesion severity.MethodsA prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital ICU in Brazil (March-August/2020), and followed-up six-twelve months after hospital admission. Initial assessment included: modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, SpO2 evaluation, forced vital capacity, and chest X-Ray. Patients with alterations in at least one of these examinations were eligible for CT and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) approximately 16 months after hospital admission. Primary outcome: CT lesion severity (fibrotic-like or non-fibrotic-like). Baseline clinical variables were used to build a machine learning model (ML) to predict the severity of CT lesion.ResultsIn total, 326 patients (72%) were eligible for CT and PFTs. COVID-19 CT lesions were identified in 81.8% of patients, and half of them showed mild restrictive lung impairment and impaired lung diffusion capacity. Patients with COVID-19 CT findings were stratified into two categories of lesion severity: non-fibrotic-like (50.8%-ground-glass opacities/reticulations) and fibrotic-like (49.2%-traction bronchiectasis/architectural distortion). No association between CT feature severity and altered lung diffusion or functional restrictive/obstructive patterns was found. The ML detected that male sex, ICU and invasive mechanic ventilation (IMV) period, tracheostomy and vasoactive drug need during hospitalization were predictors of CT lesion severity(sensitivity,0.78±0.02;specificity,0.79±0.01;F1-score,0.78±0.02;positive predictive rate,0.78±0.02; accuracy,0.78±0.02; and area under the curve,0.83±0.01).ConclusionICU hospitalization due to COVID-19 led to respiratory system alterations six-twelve months after hospital admission. Male sex and critical disease acute phase, characterized by a longer ICU and IMV period, and need for tracheostomy and vasoactive drugs, were risk factors for severe CT lesions six-twelve months after hospital admission

Post-COVID-19 condition: systemic inflammation and low functional exercise capacity

IntroductionPost-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is characterised by a plethora of symptoms, with fatigue appearing as the most frequently reported. The alterations that drive both the persistent and post-acute disease newly acquired symptoms are not yet fully described. Given the lack of robust knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PCC we have examined the impact of inflammation in PCC, by evaluating serum cytokine profile and its potential involvement in inducing the different symptoms reported.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited 227 participants who were hospitalised with acute COVID-19 in 2020 and came back for a follow-up assessment 6–12 months after hospital discharge. The participants were enrolled in two symptomatic groups: Self-Reported Symptoms group (SR, n = 96), who did not present major organ lesions, yet reported several debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and persistent loss of sense of smell and taste; and the Self-Reported Symptoms and decreased Pulmonary Function group (SRPF, n = 54), composed by individuals with the same symptoms described by SR, plus diagnosed pulmonary lesions. A Control group (n = 77), with participants with minor complaints following acute COVID-19, was also included in the study. Serum cytokine levels, symptom questionnaires, physical performance tests and general clinical data were obtained in the follow-up assessment.ResultsSRPF presented lower IL-4 concentration compared with Control (q = 0.0018) and with SR (q = 0.030), and lower IFN-α2 serum content compared with Control (q = 0.007). In addition, SRPF presented higher MIP-1β serum concentration compared with SR (q = 0.029). SR presented lower CCL11 (q = 0.012 and q = 0.001, respectively) and MCP-1 levels (q = 0.052 for both) compared with Control and SRPF. SRPF presented lower G-CSF compared to Control (q = 0.014). Female participants in SR showed lower handgrip strength in relation to SRPF (q = 0.0082). Male participants in SR and SRPF needed more time to complete the timed up-and-go test, as compared with men in the Control group (q = 0.0302 and q = 0.0078, respectively). Our results indicate that different PCC symptom profiles are accompanied by distinct inflammatory markers in the circulation. Of particular concern are the lower muscle function findings, with likely long-lasting consequences for health and quality of life, found for both PCC phenotypes

Data_Sheet_1_Post-COVID-19 condition: systemic inflammation and low functional exercise capacity.pdf

IntroductionPost-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is characterised by a plethora of symptoms, with fatigue appearing as the most frequently reported. The alterations that drive both the persistent and post-acute disease newly acquired symptoms are not yet fully described. Given the lack of robust knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PCC we have examined the impact of inflammation in PCC, by evaluating serum cytokine profile and its potential involvement in inducing the different symptoms reported.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited 227 participants who were hospitalised with acute COVID-19 in 2020 and came back for a follow-up assessment 6–12 months after hospital discharge. The participants were enrolled in two symptomatic groups: Self-Reported Symptoms group (SR, n = 96), who did not present major organ lesions, yet reported several debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and persistent loss of sense of smell and taste; and the Self-Reported Symptoms and decreased Pulmonary Function group (SRPF, n = 54), composed by individuals with the same symptoms described by SR, plus diagnosed pulmonary lesions. A Control group (n = 77), with participants with minor complaints following acute COVID-19, was also included in the study. Serum cytokine levels, symptom questionnaires, physical performance tests and general clinical data were obtained in the follow-up assessment.ResultsSRPF presented lower IL-4 concentration compared with Control (q = 0.0018) and with SR (q = 0.030), and lower IFN-α2 serum content compared with Control (q = 0.007). In addition, SRPF presented higher MIP-1β serum concentration compared with SR (q = 0.029). SR presented lower CCL11 (q = 0.012 and q = 0.001, respectively) and MCP-1 levels (q = 0.052 for both) compared with Control and SRPF. SRPF presented lower G-CSF compared to Control (q = 0.014). Female participants in SR showed lower handgrip strength in relation to SRPF (q = 0.0082). Male participants in SR and SRPF needed more time to complete the timed up-and-go test, as compared with men in the Control group (q = 0.0302 and q = 0.0078, respectively). Our results indicate that different PCC symptom profiles are accompanied by distinct inflammatory markers in the circulation. Of particular concern are the lower muscle function findings, with likely long-lasting consequences for health and quality of life, found for both PCC phenotypes.</p