Interleukin 10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Pregnancy: Aspects of Interest in Clinical Obstetrics

The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding the action of the cytokines interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in pregnancy and to emphasize the factors that are of interest to clinical obstetrics. The literature highlights several actions of IL-10 and TNF-α during pregnancy. The actions of these cytokines seem to be antagonistic and dependent on the balance between them, which is orchestrated by the specific immunosuppressive action of IL-10. TNF-α has a characteristic inflammatory action, and it is an additional diabetogenic factor in pregnancy. The loss of the control of the production of these cytokines, with increase of TNF-α, is related to the risk for developing obstetric complications, particularly recurrent fetal loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive syndromes, and fetal growth restriction. However, study results are controversial and are not clearly defined. These issues are attributed to the heterogeneity of the studies, particularly regarding their sample sizes and sources, the evaluation methods, and the multiplicity of factors and conditions that influence cytokine production. These questions are fundamental and should be addressed in future investigations to obtain more consistent results that can be applied to obstetric practice

Impacto da construção de Pequenas Centrais Hidrelétricas (PCHs) sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados aquáticos associados a pedrais: um estudo de caso no rio Sapucaí-Mirim (SP)

Small hydroelectric power plants are the most used alternative to generate and provide electricity with less environmental impact. Nevertheless, there are few studies which evaluate the environmental alterations caused by these projects. The present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of a small hydroelectric power plant on the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna associated to riffles. The macroinvertebrates were sampled in two riffles in the Sapucaí-Mirim River (São Paulo State, Brazil); the first one was considered as functional, maintaining the natural characteristics of the river; the second riffle was considered as non-functional due to its permanent flooding after the building of the small hydroelectric power plant. The samplings were carried out in two seasonal periods and the data were analyzed through multivariate analysis. It was concluded that the implementation of the small hydroelectric power plant caused compositional and structural alterations of the macroinvertebrate fauna, with reduction of richness, abundance and diversity of these organisms. In addition, it was highlighted the interference of the small hydroelectric power plants in the downstream transportation and survival of organisms, changing downstream systems. It is suggested that maintaining riffles along the river allow the conservation of regional aquatic biodiversityAtualmente, a instalação de pequenas centrais hidrelétricas (PCHs) tem sido a alternativa mais visada quando a questão é suprir a demanda energética considerando-se os menores impactos ambientais possíveis. Contudo, são escassos os trabalhos que avaliam as alterações causadas por esses empreendimentos. Este estudo procurou avaliar o impacto da construção de uma PCH sobre a fauna de macroinvertebrados aquáticos associados aos ambientes de pedrais. Para isso, amostras de macroinvertebrados foram coletadas em dois pedrais localizados no rio Sapucaí-Mirim (SP); o primeiro deles considerado como um pedral funcional, ou seja, que mantém as características naturais do rio, e o segundo, um pedral alagado em decorrência da instalação de uma PCH. As amostragens foram realizadas em dois períodos do ano e os dados avaliados através de análises multivariadas. Concluímos que a implantação da PCH acarretou alterações na composição e estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados, com redução nos valores de riqueza, abundância e diversidade desses animais. Além disso, destacamos o fato de a construção de pequenas barragens interferirem no processo de transporte e sobrevivência dos organismos, alterando os sistemas a jusante. Assim, sugerimos que a manutenção de pedrais ao longo do rio é fundamental para conservação da biodiversidade aquática regionalCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Water diversion in Brazil threatens biodiversity

Construction of water diversions is a common response to the increasing demands for freshwater, often resulting in benefits to communities but with the risk of multiple environmental, economic, and social impacts. Water-diversion projects can favor massive introductions and accelerate biotic homogenization. This study provides empirical evidence on the consequences of a proposed law intended to divert water from two large and historically isolated river basins in Brazil: Tocantins to São Francisco. Compositional similarity (CS) and β-diversity were quantified encompassing aquatic organisms: mollusks, zooplankton, crustaceans, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants. For CS we (i) considered only native species, and (ii) simulated the introduction of non-natives and assumed the extinction of threatened species due to this water-diversion project. We highlight the environmental risks of such large-scale projects, which are expected to cause impacts on biodiversity linked to bioinvasion and homogenization, and we recommend alternatives in order to solve water-demand conflicts. © 2019, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Núcleos de Ensino da Unesp: artigos 2008

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq