Amoebicidal activity of essential oils and essential oil-based microemulsions of Aloysia citrodora Ortega ex Pers., Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor, and Ocimum gratissimum L. against Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites.

AIMS: Evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the essential oils derived from Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae), Cymbopogon winterianus (Poaceae), and Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) against Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites. Additionally, microemulsions formulated with these essential oils, along with their major components, were analyzed. METHODS AND RESULTS: The prepared microemulsions were characterized using polarized light microscopy and rheological techniques. The amoebicidal activity was determined by measuring the inhibitory concentration (IC50). Flow cytometry was employed to detect membrane damage and alterations in trophozoites size. The results revealed transparent and thermodynamically stable microemulsions. The essential oil from O. gratissimum exhibited a lower IC50, with values of 280.66 and 47.28 µg ml-1 after 24 and 48 h, respectively. When microemulsions containing essential oils were tested, the IC50 values exhibited a reduction of over 80% after 24 h. Particularly, eugenol, a constituent of the O. gratissimum essential oil, displayed higher amoebicidal activity. The essential oils also caused damage to the cell membrane, resulting in the subsequent death of the trophozoites. CONCLUSIONS: The EOs of A. citrodora, C. winterianus, and O. gratissimum and their microemulsions showed antiparasitic effect against A. polyphaga trophozoites, representing promising alternatives for the treatment of diseases caused by this protozoan.

Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of glycosidic derivatives of lawsone in melanoma cancer cell.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is a malignant cancer that affects melanocytes and is considered the most aggressive skin-type cancer. The prevalence for melanoma cancer for the last five year is about one million cases. The impact caused of this and other types of cancer, revel the importance of research into potential active compounds. The natural products are an important source of compounds with biological activity and research with natural products may enable the discovery of compounds with potential activity in tumor cells. METHODS: The Sulforhodamine B was used to determine cell density after treatment with lawsone derivatives. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometer. Morphological changes were observed by fluorescence using the Phalloidin/FITC and DAPI stains. The clonogenic and wound healing assays were used to analyze reduction of colonies formation and migratory capacity of melanoma cells, respectability. RESULTS: In pharmacological screening, seven compounds derived from lawsone were considered to have high cytotoxic activity (GI > 75%). Three compounds were selected to assess the inhibitory concentration for 50% of cells (IC50), and the compound 9, that has IC50 5.3 µM in melanoma cells, was selected for further analyses in this cell line. The clonogenic assay showed that the compound is capable of reducing the formation of melanoma colonies at 10.6 µM concentration. The compound induced apoptotic morphological changes in melanoma cells and increased by 50% the cells dying from apoptosis. Also, this compound reduced the migratory capacity of melanoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the evaluated lawsone derivatives have potential activity on tumor cells. The compound 9 is capable of inducing cell death by apoptosis in melanoma cells (B16F10).

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the poorest region of Brazil: results from a population-based study.

Population-based seroprevalence studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in low- and middle-income countries are lacking. We investigated the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil, using rapid IgM-IgG antibody test and fluorescence immunoassay. The seroprevalence was 9.3% (95% CI 8.5-10.1), 10.2% (95% CI 9.2-11.3) for women and 7.9% (IC 95% 6.8-9.1) for men (P = 0.004). We found a decline in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies according to age, but the differences were not statistically significant: 0-19 years (9.9%; 95% CI 7.8-12.5), 20-59 years (9.3%; 95% CI 8.4-10.3) and ≥60 years (9.0%; 95% CI 7.5-10.8) (P = 0.517). The metropolitan area had a higher seroprevalence (11.7%, 95% CI 10.3-13.2) than outside municipalities (8.0%, 95% CI 7.2-8.9) (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of serosurveillance to estimate the real impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and thereby provide data to better understand the spread of the virus, as well as providing information to guide stay-at-home measures and other policies. In addition, these results may be useful as basic data to follow the progress of COVID-19 outbreak as social restriction initiatives start to be relaxed in Brazil.

Biochanin A attenuates zymosan-induced arthritis in mice similarly to 17-ß estradiol: an alternative to hormone replacement therapy?

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Biochanin A (BCA), a phytoestrogen, has various pharmacological properties. This study was conducted to compare BCA's therapeutic property against 17-ß estradiol replacement therapy in zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA) in mice. Additionally, we further investigated in vitro the anti-inflammatory action on neutrophils. TREATMENT: Ovariectomized (OVX) and non-OVX mice were pretreated with BCA (1, 3 and 9 mg/kg) or estrogen (50 µg/kg) for 14 days prior to ZIA. Neutrophils were pretreated with BCA (1, 10 and 100 µM) for 1 h prior to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. METHODS: Anti-inflammatory effects of BCA were evaluated by cellular infiltrate, paw edema and cytokine measurement. In vitro, apoptosis was assessed by morphology and flow cytometry. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) were determined by fluorescent microscopy and DNA release. Statistical differences were determined by one- or two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: BCA inhibited neutrophil accumulation, paw edema and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in OVX and non-OVX mice, similar to 17-ß estradiol replacement therapy. In vitro, BCA increased apoptosis and consequently reduced NETs. CONCLUSION: BCA has a notable anti-inflammatory effect, similar to 17-ß estradiol, and is especially effective for treatment of ZIA. These results suggest that BCA may be promising for the treatment of postmenopausal arthritis.

In situ photocrosslinkable formulation of nanocomposites based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and formononetin for potential application in spinal cord injury treatment.

Carbon nanotubes (CN) have been studied to treat spinal cord injuries because of its electrical properties and nanometric dimensions. This work aims to develop a photopolymerizable hydrogel containing CN functionalized with an anti-inflammatory molecule to be used in situ on spinal cord injuries. The CN functionalization step was done using the drug (formononetin). The nanocomposites were characterized by morphological analysis, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, thermal analysis and cytotoxicity assays (MTT and HET-CAM). The nanocomposites were incorporated into gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel and exposed to UV light for photopolymerization. The volume of the formulation and the UV exposition time were also analyzed. The CN characterization showed that formononetin acted as a functionalization agent. The functionalized CN showed safe characteristics and can be incorporated in photocrosslinkable formulation. The UV exposition time for the formulation photopolymerization was compatible with the cell viability and also occurred in the injury site.

Antimicrobial activity of Lippia gracilis essential oils on the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and their effect on membrane integrity.

Xanthomonas campestris pv.campestris (Xcc) is the causative agent of black rot, a disease that causes serious damage to plants from Brassicaceae family. However, there are no chemicals or biological agent commercially registered for the control of this disease. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of Lippia gracilis essential oils (EOs) on Xcc aiming its use as effective biological control. We also investigated the effect of EOs on the integrity of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Chemical analysis by GC/MS showed that the major compounds of the seven EOs of L. gracilis are thymol or carvacrol. The seven genotypes showed inhibition of bacterial growth with MIC from 700 µg.ml-1 to 1000 µg.ml-1, with the genotype LGRA-106 (rich in Thymol) with higher antimicrobial activity. The MIC for thymol and carvacrol were 250 µg.ml-1. After exposure to LGRA-106 EO (2×, 1×, 1/2×, 1/4×, and 1/8 x MIC for 5 min, it was observed a decreased cell viability and increased pI fluorescence, which indicates damage to the cytoplasmic cell membrane. This study demonstrates that L. gracilis EOs have antimicrobial activity and have a potential to be used in the control of black rot. Furthermore this antimicrobial activity is due, at least in part, to bacterial cytoplasmic membrane damage.

CD4+ Th1 and Th17 responses and multifunctional CD8 T lymphocytes associated with cure or disease worsening in human visceral leishmaniasis.

Introduction: In VL, a proinflammatory phenotype is typically associated with enhanced phagocytosis and a Th1 mediated immune response resulting in infection control. In contrast, an anti-inflammatory phenotype, associated with a predominant regulatory response, typically enables intracellular multiplication of Leishmania parasites and disease progression. Methods: To investigate the impact of chemotherapy on Th2 and Th17 immune responses in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), we assessed all combinations of intracellular expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17 in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from patients, after antigenic stimulation with Leishmania lysate, throughout treatment and follow-up. As increases in spleen and liver sizes and decreases in hematocrit, hemogloblin, erythrocytes, monocytes, leukocytes and platelets levels are strongly related to the disease, we studied the correlations between the frequencies of T cells producing the afore mentioned cytokines, individually and in combination, and these variables, as markers of disease or cure. Results: We found that the frequency of IFN-γ-producingCD4+ T cells increased until the end of chemotherapy with Glucantime® or AmBisome ®, while IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells peaked on day 7 following the start of treatment. Although the frequency of CD4+IL-17+ cells decreased during treatment an increase was observed after clinical cure. The frequency of CD4+ T cells producing only IFN-γ or IL-17 correlated with blood monocytes levels. Frequencies of double-producers of IFN-γ and IL-10 or IL-4 correlated positively with eosinophils and platelets levels. Together, this suggest that IFN-γ drives the immune response towards Th1 at cure. In contrast, and associated with disease or Th2 response, the frequency of CD4+ IL-10+ cells correlated positively with spleen sizes and negatively with circulating monocyte levels, while the frequency of CD4+ producing both IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelets levels. The frequency of CD8+ single-producers of IFN-γ increased from day 21 to 90 while that of single-producers of IL-10 peaked on day 7, of IL-4 on day 30 and of IL-17, on day 180. IFN-γ expression in CD8+ single- and double-producers of cytokines was indicative of an immune response associated with cure. In contrast, frequencies of CD8+ double-producers of IL-4 and IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17 and IL-10 and IL-17 and producers of three and four cytokines, were associated with disease and were low after the cure. Frequencies of CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ alone or with IL-17 were positively correlated with platelets levels. In contrast, as markers of disease: 1) frequencies of single producers of IL-10 correlated negatively with leukocytes levels, 2) frequencies of double producers of IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelet, leukocyte, lymphocyte and circulating monocyte levels, 3) frequencies of triple-producers of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 correlated negatively with platelet, leukocyte and neutrophil levels and 4) frequencies of producers of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 simultaneously correlated positively with spleen size, and negatively with leukocyte and neutrophil levels. Discussion: Our results confirmed that the clinical improvement of VL patients correlates with the decrease of an IL-4 and IL-10 CD4+Th2 response, the recovery of CD4+ Th1 and Th17 responses and the frequency of CD8+ single-producers of IFN-γ and double producers of IFN-γ and IL-17.

Anti-migratory and cytotoxic effect of indole derivative in C6 glioma cells.

Gliomas are among the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Despite advances in cancer treatment, survival is very low, so the discovery of new therapeutic agents is essential. In this context, indole is an important source for the development of new bioactive molecules. A pharmacological screening of ten indole derivatives was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic capacity against three tumor cell lines. After pharmacological screening, three compounds were selected, based on their high capacity to reduce cell proliferation, and their IC50 values were determined. Compound 9 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 0.4 µg/mL) in gliomas (C6 cell line), and were selected for further experiments. C6 cells were treated with compound 9 to evaluate cellular mechanisms such as colony formation and cell migration capacity and morphological alterations. Compound 9 decreased clone formation (0.4 and 0.8 µg/mL), and inhibited migration (0.2-0.8 µg/mL) in C6 cells. Morphological changes in cells treated with the compound 9 were also observed, such as chromatin condensation, and disorganization in cellular stress beams. Indole derivatives had a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, and compound 9 showed the best anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity in glioma cells.

Association between different soy lecithin-based extenders and freezing rates in ram semen cryopreservation.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the association between glycine-milk (GM) based extenders made with different concentrations of soy lecithin (SL) and freezing rates (FR) on semen quality after thawing. Pooled semen from rams (n = 12) were diluted in GM extenders with 20% egg yolk (EY-20%) or with different concentrations of SL: 0.5% (SL-0.5%), 1.0% (SL-1.0%), and 2.0% (SL-2.0%). The diluted semen (150 ×106 spermatozoa/0.25 mL) was frozen at three FR of - 10, - 20, and - 60 °C/min, and subsequently thawed and analyzed. Results revealed that EY-20% and SL-2.0% had better kinetic parameters, and showed higher proportions of viable, non-apoptotic, plasma-membrane-intact spermatozoa (A-/PI-) and non-capacitated spermatozoa (F), and had lower acrosome-reacted spermatozoa (AR) in the EY-20% and satisfactory values for SL-2.0% compared to SL-0.5% and SL-1.0% (P < 0.05). The FR at - 20 and - 60 °C/min maintained higher A-/PI- and viable spermatozoa compared to - 10 °C/min. The combination EY-20% and - 60 °C/min showed the highest A-/PI- and F (P < 0.05) and the lowest AR, and it did not differ from the combinations EY-20% at - 20 °C/min and SL-2.0% at - 20 °C/min (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the combination EY-20% and - 60 °C/min, showed the best cryoprotective effects on ram spermatozoa. Changes in spermatozoa after thawing were related to the use of the type of extender, the amounts of the same compound in the extender, and the freezing rates to which they were subjected.

Obesity in Severe COVID-19 Patients Has a Distinct Innate Immune Phenotype.

Obesity alters the capacity of effective immune responses in infections. To further address this phenomenon in the context of COVID-19, this study investigated how the immunophenotype of leukocytes was altered in individuals with obesity in severe COVID-19. This cross-sectional study enrolled 27 ICU COVID-19 patients (67% women, 56.33 ± 19.55 years) that were assigned to obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 9) or non-obese (BMI < 30kg/m2, n = 18) groups. Monocytes, NK, and both Low-Density (LD) and High-Density (HD) neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood samples, and surface receptors' frequency and expression patterns were analyzed by flow cytometry. Clinical status and biochemical data were additionally evaluated. The frequency of monocytes was negatively correlated with BMI, while NK cells and HD neutrophils were positively associated (p < 0.05). Patients with obesity showed a significant reduction of monocytes, and these cells expressed high levels of PD-L1 (p < 0.05). A higher frequency of NK cells and increased expression of TREM-1+ on HD neutrophils were detected in obese patients (p < 0.05). The expression of receptors related to antigen-presentation, phagocytosis, chemotaxis, inflammation and suppression were strongly correlated with clinical markers only in obese patients (p < 0.05). Collectively, these outcomes revealed that obesity differentially affected, and largely depressed, innate immune response in severe COVID-19.

Inhibitory effect of O-propargyllawsone in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer in the world and the search for compounds that can treat this disease is highly important. Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphtoquinone) is a naphthoquinone found in plants from the Lawsone genus that show a high cytotoxic effect in cancer cell lines and its derivatives show an even higher cytotoxic effect. METHODS: Sulforhodamine B was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of compounds on tumor cells. Clonogenic assay was used to analyze the reduction of colonies and wound healing assay to the migratory capacity of A549 cells. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometer and Giemsa staining. Hemolysis assay to determine toxicity in human erythrocytes. RESULTS: Lawsone derivatives were evaluated and compound 1 (O-propargyllawsone) was the one with the highest cytotoxic effect, with IC50 below 2.5 µM in A549 cells. The compound was able to reduce colony formation and inhibit cell migration. Morphological changes and cytometry analysis show that the compound induces apoptosis and necrosis in A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that O-propargyllawsone show a cytotoxic effect and may induce apoptosis in A549 cells.

Cytotoxic activity of essential oil from Leaves of Myrcia splendens against A549 Lung Cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Plants of the Myrcia genus have been widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer. Myrcia splendens species has a diverse chemical constitution, but the biological activities of its essential oil have not been well investigated. In this study to out the chemistry characterization of essential oil (EO) from the leaves of the species M. splendens from Brazil and evaluate cytotoxic effect in A549 lung cancer cells. METHODS: M. splendens EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). EO was isolated and evaluated for cellular viability in tumor cell lines by MTT assay. The evaluation of the formation of clones and the migratory capacity of the A549 cells treated with EO was done by the clonogenic assay and the wound healing assay. Morphological changes were observed in A549 cells by fluorescence using Phalloidin/FITC and DAPI. RESULTS: 22 compounds were identified in the chemical analysis of EO, corresponding to 88% of the sample. Major compounds were the sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons bicyclogermacrene (15.4%), germacrene D (8.9%) and E-caryophyllene (10.1%). The biological analysis of the EO showed high cytotoxic activity with an IC50 below 20 µg/ml in the THP-1, A549 and B16-F10 tumor cells. The treatment with EO reduced colony formation and inhibited the migratory capacity of A549 cells. Furthermore, apoptotic morphological changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm of A549 cells was observed after of treatment with EO. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the M. splendens EO has cytotoxic compounds for the A549 lung cancer cells. Treatment with the EO decreased the colony formation and reduced the ability of lung cancer cells to migrate. Future studies may be used to isolate compounds from the EO for the study of lung cancer.

A single-set functional training program increases muscle power, improves functional fitness, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Aging can be associated with reduced muscle power, functional decline, and increased plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. Functional training (FT) can improve muscle power, functional fitness and reduce plasma cytokines. However, the functional training optimal volume required to produce these adaptations must be clarified. Our study analyzed the effects of multiple-set functional training (MSFT) and single-set functional training (SSFT) on postmenopausal women's muscle power, functional fitness, and inflammatory profile. Methods: Forty-three women were randomly allocated into three groups: multiple-set functional training (n = 16, age 64.13 ± 5.17), single-set functional training (n = 14, age 63.79 ± 4.88), and control group (CG, n = 13, age 64.62 ± 5.44). The bench press and squat exercises evaluated upper and lower limb muscle power. The following tests assessed functional fitness: putting on and taking off a T-shirt, gallon-jug shelf-transfer, standing up and walking around the house, five times sit-to-stand, and 400-m walk. Plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL 10) concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training increased upper and lower limbs muscle power and improved functional fitness, except for the putting on and taking off a T-shirt test. Multiple-set functional training reduced TNF-α and IL-6, while single-set functional training reduced only TNF-α. IL-10 was unaffected by exercise. Discussion: Single-set functional training and multiple-set functional training, therefore, promoted similar muscle power and functional fitness improvements over 24 weeks. Multiple-set functional training was more effective than single-set functional training, reducing both TNF and IL-6, while single-set functional training only decreased TNF-α.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during transmission of the Omicron variant in Brazil.

This study estimated the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during the transmission of the Omicron variant in one of the poorest regions of Brazil (the state of Sergipe). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 494 workers, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was tested by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vaccination status, mask use, and use of public transport to commute to the workplace were collected. The prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among the total number of individuals tested. The prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% CI was the measure of association used to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the exposure variables. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 22.5% (95% CI, 19.0 to 26.4). Individuals under the age of 40 had a higher prevalence of infection (PR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.30) as well as those who did not believe in the protective effect of vaccines (PR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.89). Our results indicate the need for better guidance on preventive measures against coronavirus disease 2019 among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northeast region of Brazil.

In this household-based seroepidemiological survey, we analyzed the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sergipe State, Northeast Brazil, the poorest region of the country. A total of 16,547 individuals were tested using a rapid IgM-IgG antibody test and fluorescence immunoassay (FIA). Seroprevalence rates were presented according to age, sex, and geographic region. A comparative analysis was performed between the results obtained in July 2020 (peak of the first wave), August - November 2020 (end of the first wave), and February - March 2021 (beginning of the second wave). Seroprevalence rates in the three phases were estimated at 9.3% (95% CI 8.5-10.1), 12.0% (95% CI 11.2-12.9) and 15.4% (95% CI 14.5-16.4). At the end of the first wave, there was a rise in seroprevalence in the countryside (p < 0.001). At the beginning of the second wave, we found an increase in seroprevalence among women (p < 0.001), adults aged 20 to 59 years (p < 0.001), and the elderly (p < 0.001). In this phase, we found an increase in estimates both in metropolitan areas and in the countryside (p < 0.001). This study showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over the first year of the pandemic, with approximately one in six people having anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19. Furthermore, our results suggest a rapid spread of COVID-19 from metropolitan areas to the countryside during the first months of the pandemic.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19: Potential role of RAGE, HMGB1, GFAP and COX-2 in disease severity.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the abnormal induction of cytokines and a dysregulated hyperinflammatory state that is implicated in disease severity and risk of death. There are several molecules present in blood associated with immune cellular response, inflammation, and oxidative stress that could be used as severity markers in respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19. However, there is a lack of clinical studies evaluating the role of oxidative stress-related molecules including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in COVID-19 pathogenesis. AIM: To evaluate the role of oxidative stress-related molecules in COVID-19. METHOD: An observational study with 93 Brazilian participants from September 2020 to April 2021, comprising 23 patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), 19 outpatients with COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms, 17 individuals reporting a COVID-19 history, and 34 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken from all participants and western blot assay was used to determine the RAGE, HMGB1, GFAP, and COX-2 immunocontent. RESULTS: We found that GFAP levels were higher in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 compared to outpatients (p = 0.030) and controls (p < 0.001). A significant increase in immunocontents of RAGE (p < 0.001) and HMGB1 (p < 0.001) were also found among patients admitted to the ICU compared to healthy controls, as well as an overexpression of the inducible COX-2 (p < 0.001). In addition, we found a moderate to strong correlation between RAGE, GFAP and HMGB1 proteins. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the upregulation of GFAP, RAGE, HMGB1, and COX-2 in patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.

Effects of functional and combined training on subsets of memory T cells and functional fitness of postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the effects of functional (FT) and combined (CT) training on memory T cells and functional fitness of postmenopausal women. 108 participants were randomly allocated to the control (CG), FT and CT groups. Functional fitness was assessed through physical tests similar to daily activities, such as dressing on and taking off a t-shirt (DTTS), 10-meter walking and countermovement jump. The CCR7 and CD45RA surface markers were used to characterize the memory T cells. Regarding the frequency of memory T cells, both training protocols reduced the percentage of CD4+ Terminally Differentiated Effector Memory T Cells Re-Expressing CD45RA (TEMRA) (FT: -38.73 %, p = 0.0455; CT: -30.43 %, p = 0.0036) and CD8+ TEMRA cells (FT: -22.24 %, p < 0.0013; CT: -13.13 %, p = 0.0051). Also, both FT and CT increased the percentage of central memory (TCM) CD4+ (FT: +55.22 %, p = 0.0104; CT: +68.03 %, p = 0.0167) and CD8+ (FT: +142.00 %, p < 0.0001; CT: +83.76 %, p = 0.0001) T cells. Furthermore, FT and CT increased the percentages of CD8+ effector memory T cells (TEM) (FT: +63.58 %, p < 0.0001; CT: +14.12 %, p = 0.0041). Regarding functional fitness, both training protocols reduced the time required to perform the DTTS (FT: -19.71 %, p < 0.0001; CT: -14.69 %, p < 0.0001) and 10-m walk tests (FT: -13.05 %, p < 0.0001; CT: -12.83 %, p < 0.0001), in addition to improving jumping ability (FT: +29.97 %, p < 0.0001; CT: +20.00 %, p < 0.0001), both compared to the pre-test or to the CG. Therefore, both FT and CT seem to be equally effective alternatives for promoting the reduction of CD4+ and CD8+ TEMRA cells, increasing the frequency of TCM and TEM cells, and improving functional fitness of postmenopausal women.

TREM-1 Expression on the Surface of Neutrophils in Patients With Visceral Leishmaniasis Is Associated With Immunopathogenesis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic chronic and potentially fatal disease for humans. Mechanisms related to the dysregulation of the inflammatory response may be involved in both the pathogenesis and prognosis of VL. Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (TREM-1) is a receptor constitutively expressed on neutrophils and monocyte subsets. The protein serves to regulate and amplify inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profile of TREM-1 on the surface of neutrophils from patients with VL at varying time points during leishmanicidal treatment. For this purpose, neutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with VL at different stages of treatment, which include 0, 7, and 30 days after treatment. Surface TREM-1 expression was assessed by immunophenotyping neutrophil populations. In addition, the association of TREM-1 expression on the surface of neutrophils with clinical and laboratory parameters and serum levels of inflammatory mediators was also evaluated. Results demonstrate a lower surface expression of TREM-1 in VL patients in the absence of treatment. However, increased levels of TREM-1 expression were observed 7 and 30 days after the start of treatment, with levels similar to those of healthy controls. TREM-1 expression was directly correlated with lymphocyte and erythrocyte count and indirectly correlated with spleen and liver size. Furthermore, elevated levels of TREM-1 expression were also correlated with lower serum levels of interleukin (IL)-22. Taken together, these results suggest that infection by Leishmania infantum leads to depressed TREM-1 expression on the neutrophil surface and may contribute to the inflammatory imbalance that characterizes active VL disease.

Bodyweight and Combined Training Reduce Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Improve Functional Fitness of Postmenopausal Women.

Exercise is an important tool against the deleterious effects of aging. Among the possibilities of exercise, bodyweight training (BWT) has been highlighted in the last years as a safe option to improve the health of older people. We compared the effects of 24 weeks of BWT and combined training (CT) on low-grade systematic inflammation and functional fitness in postmenopausal women. For this, 40 women were allocated and submitted to CT (n = 20, 64.43 ± 3.13 years, 29.56 ± 4.80 kg/m²) and BWT (n = 20, 65.10 ± 4.86 years, 28.76 ± 4.26 kg/m²). We measured inflammation by the interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) assessments. For functional fitness, we used tests similar to activities of daily living. At the end of the 16 weeks, data from 24 women were analyzed, CT (n = 14) and BT (n = 10). Both groups reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels, without differences in IL-10. Regarding functional fitness, both groups demonstrated improvements in all tests after 24 weeks, except for rise from prone position and the 400-meter walk test for CT. In summary, CT and BWT are effective in reducing the plasma concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving functional fitness in postmenopausal women.

Nisin Induces Cell-Cycle Arrest in Free-Living Amoebae Acanthamoeba castellanii.

PURPOSE: Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebas with worldwide distribution and play an important role as disease-causing agents in humans. Drug inability to completely eradicate these parasites along with their toxic effects suggest urgent need for new antimicrobials. Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis. Nisin is also the only bacteriocin approved for use in food preservation. In this work, we analyzed the effect of nisin on the growth of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites. METHODS: A total of 8 × 104 trophozoites were exposed to increasing concentrations of nisin to determine its activity. Changes in cell membrane and cellular cycle of trophozoites were investigated by flow cytometry, and nisin cytotoxicity in mammalian cells was evaluated in L929 cells by MTT method. RESULTS: After 24 h exposure to increasing nisin concentrations, an IC50 of 4493.2 IU mL-1 was obtained for A. castellanii trophozoites. However, after 72 h a recovery in amoebic growth was observed, and it was no longer possible to determine IC50. Flow cytometry analysis showed that nisin has no effect on the membrane integrity. Treatment with nisin induced cell-cycle arrest during G1 and S phases in A. castellanii trophozoites, which recovered their growth after 72 h. CONCLUSION: This is one of the first studies showing the effect of internationally approved nisin against A. castellanii trophozoites. Nisin caused cell-cycle arrest in trophozoites, momentarily interfering with the DNA replication process. The data highlight the amoebostatic activity of nisin, and suggest its use as an adjuvant for the treatment of infections caused by Acanthamoeba spp.