ß2-Adrenoceptor Activation Favor Acquisition of Tumorigenic Properties in Non-Tumorigenic MCF-10A Breast Epithelial Cells.

Noradrenaline and adrenaline, and their cognate receptors, are currently accepted to participate in cancer progression. They may also participate in cancer initiation, although their role in this phase is much less explored. The aim of this work was to study the influence of adrenergic stimulation in several processes related to breast cancer carcinogenesis, using several adrenergic agonists in the MCF-10A non-tumorigenic breast cells. Activation of the ß-adrenoceptors promoted an epithelial phenotype in MCF-10A cells, revealed by an increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and a decrease in the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. MCF-10A cell motility and migration were also impaired after the ß-adrenoceptors activation. Concomitant with this effect, ß-adrenoceptors decrease cell protrusions (lamellipodia and filopodia) while increasing cell adhesion. Activation of the ß-adrenoceptors also decreases MCF-10A cell proliferation. When the MCF-10A cells were cultured under low attachment conditions, activation the of ß- (likely ß2) or of α2-adrenoceptors had protective effects against cell death, suggesting a pro-survival role of these adrenoceptors. Overall, our results showed that, in breast cells, adrenoceptor activation (mainly through ß-adrenoceptors) may be a risk factor in breast cancer by inducing some cancer hallmarks, providing a mechanistic explanation for the increase in breast cancer incidences that may be associated with conditions that cause massive adrenergic stimulation, such as stress.

Challenges in Pharmacological Intervention in Perilipins (PLINs) to Modulate Lipid Droplet Dynamics in Obesity and Cancer.

Perilipins (PLINs) are the most abundant proteins in lipid droplets (LD). These LD-associated proteins are responsible for upgrading LD from inert lipid storage structures to fully functional organelles, fundamentally integrated in the lipid metabolism. There are five distinct perilipins (PLIN1-5), each with specific expression patterns and metabolic activation, but all capable of regulating the activity of lipases on LD. This plurality creates a complex orchestrated mechanism that is directly related to the healthy balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis. Given the essential role of PLINs in the modulation of the lipid metabolism, these proteins can become interesting targets for the treatment of lipid-associated diseases. Since reprogrammed lipid metabolism is a recognized cancer hallmark, and obesity is a known risk factor for cancer and other comorbidities, the modulation of PLINs could either improve existing treatments or create new opportunities for the treatment of these diseases. Even though PLINs have not been, so far, directly considered for pharmacological interventions, there are many established drugs that can modulate PLINs activity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the involvement of PLINs in diseases related to lipid metabolism dysregulation and whether PLINs can be viewed as potential therapeutic targets for cancer and obesity.

Long-term 1,2-dimethylhydrazine triggers pathological remodeling of colon mucosa through repression of sestrin2, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, and sirtuin4 stimulating mitochondrial stress and metabolic reprogramming.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a plant toxicant that enters the food web through the diet. It is biotransformed into azoxymethane, a colon carcinogen, during the first hepatic passage. In mice, this study assessed the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), a key glutaminolysis enzyme in DMH-induced colorectal cancer (CRC). Colon samples were taken from mice given 6 or 15 weekly doses of 20 mg/kg DMH and serially sacrificed. Repeated DMH doses induced early aberrant crypt foci that evolved into irreversible adenocarcinomas over 24 weeks, along with an increase in GDH and lactate dehydrogenase activities (+ 122%, + 238%, P < 0.001), indicating a switch to aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis. Transcriptional downregulation of the endogenous GDH inhibitor, sirtuin4, and two redox regulators, mitochondrial sestrin2 and nuclear factor (erythroid derivative 2)-like 2 (- 26% and - 22%, P < 0, 05; and - 30%, P < 0.01), exacerbated mitochondrial stress by boosting mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity (+ 240% (P < 0.001) while depressing catalase activity and GSH levels (- 57% and - 60%, P < 0.001). In vitro, allosteric GDH inhibition by 50 µM epigallocatechin gallate decreased human carcinoma (HCT-116) cells' viability, clonogenicity, and migration (- 43% and - 57%, P < 0.001, 41%, P < 0.05), while stimulating ROS release (+ 57%, P < 0.001). Dimethylfumarate (DMF), a linear electrophile and mitochondrial fumarate analog, rebalanced ROS levels (- 34%, P < 0.05) and improved GDH activity, cell viability, and tumorogenic capacity (+ 20%, 20%, P < 0.001; and 33%, P < 0.05). Thus, the pathological remodeling of colon mucosa is supported by metabolic reprogramming bypassing uncoupled mitochondria. DMF highlights the critical role of electrophile response elements in modulating redox mithormesis and redox homeostasis during CRC.

Activation of ß-Adrenoceptors Promotes Lipid Droplet Accumulation in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via cAMP/PKA/EPAC Pathways.

Physiologically, ß-adrenoceptors are major regulators of lipid metabolism, which may be reflected in alterations in lipid droplet dynamics. ß-adrenoceptors have also been shown to participate in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Since lipid droplets may be seen as a hallmark of cancer, the present study aimed to investigate the role of ß-adrenoceptors in the regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cells were treated for up to 72 h with adrenaline (an endogenous adrenoceptor agonist), isoprenaline (a non-selective ß-adrenoceptor agonist) and salbutamol (a selective ß2-selective agonist), and their effects on lipid droplets were evaluated using Nile Red staining. Adrenaline or isoprenaline, but not salbutamol, caused a lipid-accumulating phenotype in the MCF-7 cells. These effects were significantly reduced by selective ß1- and ß3-antagonists (10 nM atenolol and 100 nM L-748,337, respectively), indicating a dependence on both ß1- and ß3-adrenoceptors. These effects were dependent on the cAMP signalling pathway, involving both protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-dependent guanine-nucleotide-exchange (EPAC) proteins: treatment with cAMP-elevating agents (forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP) induced lipid droplet accumulation, whereas either 1 µM H-89 or 1 µM ESI-09 (PKA or EPAC inhibitors, respectively) abrogated this effect. Taken together, the present results demonstrate the existence of a ß-adrenoceptor-mediated regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in breast cancer cells, likely involving ß1- and ß3-adrenoceptors, revealing a new mechanism by which adrenergic stimulation may influence cancer cell metabolism.

Contribution of adrenergic mechanisms for the stress-induced breast cancer carcinogenesis.

Breast cancer is the most common and deadliest type of cancer in women. Stress exposure has been associated with carcinogenesis and the stress released neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and adrenaline, and their cognate receptors, can participate in the carcinogenesis process, either by regulating tumor microenvironment or by promoting systemic changes. This work intends to provide an overview of the research done in this area and try to unravel the role of adrenergic ligands in the context of breast carcinogenesis. In the initiation phase, adrenergic signaling may favor neoplastic transformation of breast epithelial cells whereas, during cancer progression, may favor the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Additionally, adrenergic signaling can alter the function and activity of other cells present in the tumor microenvironment towards a protumor phenotype, namely macrophages, fibroblasts, and by altering adipocyte's function. Adrenergic signaling also promotes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and, systemically, may induce the formation of preneoplastic niches, cancer-associated cachexia and alterations in the immune system which contribute for the loss of quality of life of breast cancer patients and their capacity to fight cancer. Most studies points to a major contribution of ß2 -adrenoceptor activated pathways on these effects. The current knowledge of the mechanistic pathways activated by ß2 -adrenoceptors in physiology and pathophysiology, the availability of selective drugs approved for clinical use and a deeper knowledge of the basic cellular and molecular pathways by which adrenergic stimulation may influence cancer initiation and progression, opens the possibility to use new therapeutic alternatives to improve efficacy of breast cancer treatments.

ß-Adrenoceptor Activation in Breast MCF-10A Cells Induces a Pattern of Catecholamine Production Similar to that of Tumorigenic MCF-7 Cells.

Adrenaline, which participates in the neuroendocrine response that occurs during stress and perimenopause, may be tumorigenic. This exploratory study aimed at investigating whether non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic human breast epithelial cell lines are able to synthesize adrenaline. The study was carried out in non-tumorigenic (MCF-10A) and tumorigenic (MCF-7) human breast cell lines. Expression of enzymes involved in adrenaline synthesis was characterized by RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry and western blot. Catecholamines and analogue compounds were quantified by HPLC-ECD. Functional assessment of the impact of drugs on cells' tumorigenic potential was assessed by determination of cell viability and clonogenic ability. Both MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells produce catecholamines, but the capacity to produce adrenaline is lower in MCF-10A cells. ß-adrenoceptor activation increases the capacity of MCF-10A cells to produce adrenaline and favor both cell viability and colony formation. It is concluded that exposure of human breast epithelial cells to ß-adrenoceptor agonists increases cell proliferation and the capacity to produce adrenaline, creating an autocrine potential to spread these adrenergic effects in a feed-forward loop. It is conceivable that these effects are related to tumorigenesis, bringing a new perspective to understand the claimed anticancer effects of propranolol and the increase in breast cancer incidence caused by stress or during perimenopause.

Intracellular adenosine released from THP-1 differentiated human macrophages is involved in an autocrine control of Leishmania parasitic burden, mediated by adenosine A2A and A2B receptors.

Leishmania infected macrophages have conditions to produce adenosine. Despite its known immunosuppressive effects, no studies have yet established whether adenosine alter Leishmania parasitic burden upon macrophage infection. This work aimed at investigating whether endogenous adenosine exerts an autocrine modulation of macrophage response towards Leishmania infection, identifying its origin and potential pharmacological targets for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), using THP-1 differentiated macrophages. Adenosine deaminase treatment of infected THP-1 cells reduced the parasitic burden (29.1 ± 2.2%, P < 0.05). Adenosine A2A and A2B receptor subtypes expression was confirmed by RT-qPCR and by immunocytochemistry and their blockade with selective adenosine A2A and A2B antagonists reduced the parasitic burden [14.5 ± 3.1% (P < 0.05) and 12.3 ± 3.1% (P < 0.05), respectively; and 24.9 ± 2.8% (P < 0.05), by the combination of the two antagonists)], suggesting that adenosine A2 receptors are tonically activated in infected THP-1 differentiated macrophages. The tonic activation of adenosine A2 receptors was dependent on the release of intracellular adenosine through equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT1/ENT2): NBTI or dipyridamole reduced (~25%) whereas, when ENTs were blocked, adenosine A2 receptor antagonists failed to reduce and A2 agonists increase parasitic burden. Effects of adenosine A2 receptors antagonists and ENT1/2 inhibitor were prevented by L-NAME, indicating that nitric oxide production inhibition prevents adenosine from increasing parasitic burden. Results suggest that intracellular adenosine, released through ENTs, elicits an autocrine increase in parasitic burden in THP-1 macrophages, through adenosine A2 receptors activation. These observations open the possibility to use well-established ENT inhibitors or adenosine A2 receptor antagonists as new therapeutic approaches in VL.

P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 expression in acute myeloid leukemia: Biological and prognosis implications.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advances in the cure rate for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a considerable number of patients die from the disease due to the occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Overexpression of the transporter proteins, such as P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), confers resistance to the treatment of these leukemias. METHODS: To analyze the expression of the Pgp and MRP1 in patients with AML and determine their correlation between expression and demographic, clinical, and laboratorial variables, bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 346 patients with a diagnosis of AML were assessed for the expression of Pgp and MRP1 by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of Pgp and MRP1 was found in 111 (32.1%) and 133 (38.4%) patients, respectively, with greater prevalence in older patients and lower in children, while also observing a high incidence in patients with refractory, recurrence, and secondary disease in comparison with the cases of de novo AML. Regarding the laboratory findings, we observed an association between the expression of Pgp and MRP1 and CD34, CD7, and also M7, M5a, and M2-AML of French-American-British classification. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the detection of MDR phenotype by flow cytometry can be a molecular marker for prognosis of patients with AML.

Centaurium Erythraea Extracts Exert Vascular Effects through Endothelium- and Fibroblast-dependent Pathways.

Centaurium erythraea is a plant used in traditional medicine for several cardiovascular disorders, namely hypertension, but there is no scientific evidence able to provide a molecular basis for its claimed antihypertensive effects. After a preliminary screen of extracts obtained from sequential extraction of C. erythraea aerial parts, effects of the methanolic fraction (MFCE) on changes in perfusion pressure of isolated rat mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) and in rat cardiac fibroblasts proliferation were investigated, gathering information on the mechanisms involved in endothelium-dependent effects and their dependence on a pro-proliferative stimulus. The HPLC-DAD determination of the phenolics content of MFCE revealed the presence of 22 phenolic compounds. MFCE reduced (63.3 ± 3.9%; n = 4) perfusion pressure in MVB and almost completely abrogated the Ang II-induced increase in cardiac fibroblasts proliferation. Reduction of the perfusion pressure caused by MFCE was endothelium-dependent and occurred in parallel with an increase in NO release. These effects were inhibited by muscarinic receptor antagonists, by L-NAME (a NO synthase inhibitor), and by ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor). Experiments revealed that effects required the involvement of K+ channels, being inhibited by tetraethylamonium (TEA; a Ca2+ activated K+ channels inhibitor) and by glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K+ channels inhibitor). In conclusion, extracts from C. erythraea, particularly the compounds present in the MFCE, induce endothelium-dependent vasodilation and prevent fibroblast proliferation induced by angiotensin II, which can account for the claimed antihypertensive effects of C. erythraea in traditional medicine.

Carbidopa Alters Tryptophan Metabolism in Breast Cancer and Melanoma Cells Leading to the Formation of Indole-3-Acetonitrile, a Pro-Proliferative Metabolite.

Carbidopa is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) as an inhibitor of DOPA decarboxylase, and PD patients taking carbidopa have a lower incidence of various tumors, except for breast cancer and melanoma. Recently, it was shown that carbidopa inhibits tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and kynureninase enzymes. In the present study, the effect of carbidopa on the viability and metabolic profile of breast cancer MCF-7 and melanoma A375 cells was investigated. Carbidopa was not effective in inhibiting MCF-7 and A375 proliferation. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed a new compound, identified as indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN), which promoted a concentration-dependent increase in the viability of both cell lines. The results suggest that treatment with carbidopa may alter tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in breast cancer and melanoma leading to the formation of a pro-proliferative Trp metabolite, which may contribute to its failure in reducing breast cancers and melanoma incidence in PD patients taking carbidopa.

Study of New Therapeutic Strategies to Combat Breast Cancer Using Drug Combinations.

Cancer is a disease that affects and kills millions of people worldwide. Breast cancer, especially, has a high incidence and mortality, and is challenging to treat. Due to its high impact on the health sector, oncological therapy is the subject of an intense and very expensive research. To improve this therapy and reduce its costs, strategies such as drug repurposing and drug combinations have been extensively studied. Drug repurposing means giving new usefulness to drugs which are approved for the therapy of various diseases, but, in this case, are not approved for cancer therapy. On the other hand, the purpose of combining drugs is that the response that is obtained is more advantageous than the response obtained by the single drugs. Using drugs with potential to be repurposed, combined with 5-fluorouracil, the aim of this project was to investigate whether this combination led to therapeutic benefits, comparing with the isolated drugs. We started with a screening of the most promising drugs, with verapamil and itraconazole being chosen. Several cellular viability studies, cell death and proliferation studies, mainly in MCF-7 cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7, human breast adenocarcinoma cells) were performed. Studies were also carried out to understand the effect of the drugs at the level of possible therapeutic resistance, evaluating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Combining all the results, the conclusion is that the combination of verapamil and itraconazole with 5-fluorouracil had benefits, mainly by decreasing cell viability and proliferation. Furthermore, the combination of itraconazole and 5-fluorouracil seemed to be the most effective, being an interesting focus in future studies.

Estudo comparativo da atuação do enfermeiro no controle de dengue e febre chikungunya / Comparative study of nursing practice on dengue control and fever chikungunya

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a atuação dos enfermeiros das Estratégias de Saúde da Família no controle de dengue e febre chikungunya nos municípios de Parnamirim e Santa Cruz/RN. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa de tratamento e análise de dados. A coleta foi realizada entre novembro e dezembro de 2015 por meio de uma entrevista gravada, voltada às questões que abordam a ação da enfermagem e sua equipe no controle de dengue e febre chikungunya no campo de atuação da ESF. Utilizou-se como método de observação dos dados a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Após análise, houve criação de duas categorias - educação em saúde e campanhas pontuais. Na primeira, os entrevistados informaram realizar palestras educativas, mas não explicam a metodologia usada e nem a participação popular, como também a articulação com o setor de endemias da cidade para fortalecer a discussão. Na segunda, algumas ações são assistencialistas de caráter campanhista/higienista, realizadas pelos enfermeiros dos municípios em campanhas de "higienização" e "limpeza", as quais se mostram bastante presentes nas falas dos entrevistados. Há uma forte presença desse modelo enraizada tanto nas ações quanto na realização de atividades educativas, usando como metodologia a palestra. Além disso, há necessidade de se realizar mais estudos que aprofundem o tema abordado, a julgar por uma amostra pequena, especialmente no município de Parnamirim.

Abstract To analyze the role of the nurses of the Family Health Strategies in control of dengue and chikungunya fever in the municipalities of Santa Cruz and Parnamirim/RN. This is an exploratory, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach to data processing and analysis. Data collection was conducted between November and December 2015 through an interview, recorded and emphasized on issues that address on nursing practice and his team in control of dengue and chikungunya fever in the FHT acting area. It was used as a method of observation data Bardin content analysis. After analysis, there was the creation of two categories - health education and specific campaigns. First, the respondents reported performing educational lectures, but do not explain the methodology used and not requesting public participation, as well as coordination with the city endemics sector to strengthen the discussion. Second, some actions are character welfare campaigner/hygienist performed by nurses of the municipalities in which they become quite present in the statements, and these actions taken by campaigns of "cleaning", "cleaning" by the health team. There is a strong presence of the campaigner model/hygienist rooted both in actions and in educational activities, using as methodology the lecture. Moreover, there is need to conduct more studies to further investigate the issue addressed, given a small sample, especially in the city of Parnamirim.

Perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com HPV atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde / Epidemiological profile of women with HPV treated in a basic health unit / Perfil epidemiológico de las mujeres con VPH assistido en una unidad básica de salud

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of women with HPV who treated in a Basic Health Unit. Method: A survey of quantitative trait was performed in a district in the municipality of Santa Cruz/RN through the individual records of 205 users of the Unit. Results: The epidemiological profile was characterized by women with age between 19-30 years; married; white; schooling until the incomplete high school; income up to a wage minimum; first intercourse among 15-17 years; with a partner. Conclusion: The same are in the risk group for the involvement of HPV because they present themselves as young, married, low education and income, and sexual initiation before age 18 years.

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com HPV atendidas em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Método: A pesquisa de caráter quantitativo foi realizada em um bairro no município de Santa Cruz/RN, por meio das fichas individuais de 205 usuárias da Unidade. Resultados: O perfil epidemiológico foi caracterizado por mulheres com idade entre 19-30 anos, casadas, brancas, com ensino médio incompleto,renda de até um salário mínimo, primeira relação sexual entre 15-17 anos e um parceiro. Conclusão: As mulheres se encontram no grupo de risco para o acometimento do HPV, pois se apresentam como jovens, casadas, de baixa escolaridade e renda familiar e iniciaram a vida sexual antes dos18 anos.

Objetivo: Describir el perfil epidemiológico de las mujeres con el VPH que asistió a un método básico de salud. Método: Un estudio de carácter cuantitativo se llevó a cabo en un distrito en el municipio de Santa Cruz/RN a través de los registros individuales de 205 usuarios de la Unidad. Resultados: El perfil epidemiológico se caracterizó por las mujeres con edad entre 19 a 30 años; casadas; blancas; escolarización hasta la escuela secundaria incompleta; los ingresos de hasta un salario mínimo; la primera relación sexual entre los 15 a 17 años; con una pareja. Conclusión: La misma se encuentran en el grupo de riesgo para la participación de VPH, ya que se presentan como joven, casado, el bajo nivel educativo y de ingresos, y la iniciación sexual antes de los 18 años.

Flow cytometry immunophenotyping evaluation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: correlation to factors affecting clinic outcome.

The authors conducted a flow cytometry immunophenotyping study in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The patients (n = 126) were newly diagnosed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies: CD1a, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD7, CD8, CD10, CD13, CD33, CD14, CD19, CD22, CD79a, CD117, CD34, anti-IgM, anti-TdT, anti-HLA-Dr, and anti-human kappa and lambda light chains. Additional data, such as patients' age and gender, clinical and laboratory findings such as presence of tumor masses, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, leukemic infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS) were also investigated. Results showed that 56.7% of the cases were B-lineage ALL and 55% were T-cell ALL. Also, we found that males were more affected by the disease, regardless of immunological classification. The correlation between age and immunological subtypes showed that the B-lineage ALL occurred more frequently in patients aged under 15 while the T-cell ALL subtype was more frequent in adults. Immunophenotypic profiles and morphological subtypes showed a direct correlation between L3 subtype and B-lineage ALL, while L1 and L2 subtypes correlated more often with B-cell lineage and T-cell ALL, respectively. Correlation analysis between immunophenotypic and clinical profiles showed that T-cell ALL was more associated with a higher incidence of lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and CNS leukemic infiltration, also showing a greater blast cell count in peripheral blood than the other subgroups. The presented data suggest that immunophenotyping is an important method in the diagnosis, monitoring and prognostic assessment in determining the pathological mechanisms of evolution of ALL.

Avaliação da eficácia das reações de imunofluorescência indireta e hemoaglutinação indireta na investigação sorológica para toxoplasmose em parturientes e recén-natos / Efficacy evaluation of the indirect immunofluorescence and indirect hemaglutination reaction in pregnancy and new born serologic toxoplasmosis investigation

A toxoplasmose é uma parasitose prevalente em todo o mundo, quando adquirida durante a gestação pode ser transmitida ao feto e causar, entre outros problemas, atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, déficit visual e de audição. A prevenção da transmissão vertical deve ser iniciada antes da concepção ou o mais precocemente possível durante o exame pré-natal. Neste trabalho, foi realizado um estudo objetivando a avaliação da soroprevalência da toxoplasmose em parturientes e seus recém-natos (RN),atendidos na Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco da UFRN, através de um estudo comparativo entre as técnicas da hemaglutinação indireta (HAI) e a imunofluorescência indireta (IFI). Paralelamente, também, se procurou padronizar a técnica de IFI, utilizando-se a coleta de sangue capilar com impregnação em papel de filtro. Das amostras sanguíneas de 63 parturientes e respectivos RN avaliadas por IFI, obteve-se uma reatividade para toxoplasmose de 30,2% e de 3,2%, respectivamente. A utilização da IFI empregando-se a coleta de sangue capilar com impregnação em papel de filtro apresentou baixa sensibilidade (71,4%), mostrando a necessidade de se intensificar os estudos para completar a padronização desse método. No entanto, foi observada uma boa correlação entre a IFI e a HAI. Os casos de IFI para cadeia pesada das imunoglobulina humana (IgH) apresentaram elevados títulos para IgG específica na maioria dos casos, sendo que três destes apresentaram reatividade para a IgM. Estes dados mostram a importância da investigação sorológica para toxoplasmose nesse grupo e pacientes

Caracterização e correlação do fenômeno pró-zona com títulos de sororeatividade do VDRL e reação de imuno-fluorescência indireta em soros de pacientes com sífilis / Characterization and correlation of prozone phenomenos whit seroreactivity and indirect immunofluorescence in sero from patients with syphilis

Introdução: Treponema pallidun é o agente etiológico da sífilis uma doença sexualmente transmissível. No imunodiagnóstico dessa doença utilizam-se dois diferentes tipos de testes sorológicos. Inicialmente, as amostras são triadas qualitativamente e quantitativamente por um teste não treponêmico como o veneral disease research laboratory (VDRL) e, em seguida, os soros reagentes são testados para a detecção de anticorpos específicos para o treponema pallidun, como a reação de imunofluorescência indireta através do fluorescent treponemal antibory absorption assay (FTA-ABS). Objetivos e Metodologia: Avaliar através do VDRL quantidativo a sororeatividade de 40 pacientes com sífilis e comparar com a presença do fenômeno pro-zona e resultados obtidos pelo FTA-ABS. Resultados e Discussão: Os níveis de reatividade das amostras testadas pelo VDRL variam de 1:2 a 1:256. O fenômeno pró-zona foi observado em 8/40 soros (20) se correlacionando com altos títulos de reatividade na maioria dos casos. O FTA-ABS foi reagente em 39/40 amostras (97,5).

Detection of CD5 in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative diseases by flow cytometry: a strong expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PURPOSE: CD5 is a T cell marker, aberrantly express in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Other chronic B cell malignancies including hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and B cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) are CD5 negative or express this antigen in a weak way. In this study, CD5 expression was investigated in leukemic cells from 42 patients with chronic B cell lymphoproliferative disease. METHODS: We studied the CD5 expression in leukemic cells from 42 patients with chronic B-cell malignancies by flow cytometry. Demographic features such as age, sex and clinical date were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 22 males and 20 females. The immunophenotyping showed that 35 cases were B-CLL, 3 B-PLL and HCL and one patient was MCL. CD5 expression was present in all B-CLL and MCL. Low expression of CD5 was observed in one patient with B-PLL and negative in all cases of HCL. CONCLUSION: Our date demonstrated that CD5 expression can help distinguish among B-CLL from HCL and B-PLL, but is similar expressed in MCL.

Detection of CD5 in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative diseases by flow cytometry: a strong expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

PURPOSE: CD5 is a T cell marker, aberrantly express in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Other chronic B cell malignancies including hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and B cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) are CD5 negative or express this antigen in a weak way. In this study, CD5 expression was investigated in leukemic cells from 42 patients with chronic B cell lymphoproliferative disease. METHODS: We studied the CD5 expression in leukemic cells from 42 patients with chronic B-cell malignancies by flow cytometry. Demographic features such as age, sex and clinical date were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 22 males and 20 females. The immunophenotyping showed that 35 cases were B-CLL, 3 B-PLL and HCL and one patient was MCL. CD5 expression was present in all B-CLL and MCL. Low expression of CD5 was observed in one patient with B-PLL and negative in all cases of HCL. CONCLUSION: Our date demonstrated that CD5 expression can help distinguish among B-CLL from HCL and B-PLL, but is similar expressed in MCL.

OBJETIVOS: CD5 é um marcador normalmente expresso nas células T e de forma aberrante nas células B da leucemia linfocítica crônica (LLC) e no linfoma de células do manto (LCM). Outras doenças linfoproliferativas crônicas como a hairy cell leukemia (HCL) e leukemia prolinfocítica de células B (LPL-B), são geralmente CD5 negativas ou expressam fracamente este antígeno. Neste trabalho investigou-se o padrão de expressão do CD5 em 42 pacientes com doenças linfoproliferativas crônicas de células B (DLC-B). METODOS: Investigamos a expressão de CD5 em células leucêmicas de 42 pacientes com DLC-B através da citometria de fluxo. Dados demográficos, tais como idade e sexo, bem como dados clínicos e laboratoriais também foram analisados. RESULTADOS: A imunofenotipagem mostrou que 35 casos foram LLC, 3 LPL-B, 3 HCL e um caso de LMC. O CD5 mostrou-se fortemente expresso em todos os casos de LLC e LMC. Baixa expressão desse antígeno foi observada em um caso de LPL-B, mostrando-se negativamente expresso em todos os casos de HCL. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados demonstram que o padrão de expressão do CD5 pode auxiliar na distinção entre LLC da HCL e LPL-B, sendo no entanto similares na HCL e LCM.

Detection of CD5 in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative diseases by flow cytometry: a strong expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

OBJETIVOS: CD5 é um marcador normalmente expresso nas células T e de forma aberrante nas células B da leucemia linfocítica crônica (LLC) e no linfoma de células do manto (LCM). Outras doenças linfoproliferativas crônicas como a hairy cell leukemia (HCL) e leukemia prolinfocítica de células B (LPL-B), são geralmente CD5 negativas ou expressam fracamente este antígeno. Neste trabalho investigou-se o padrão de expressão do CD5 em 42 pacientes com doenças linfoproliferativas crônicas de células B (DLC-B). METODOS: Investigamos a expressão de CD5 em células leucêmicas de 42 pacientes com DLC-B através da citometria de fluxo. Dados demográficos, tais como idade e sexo, bem como dados clínicos e laboratoriais também foram analisados. RESULTADOS: A imunofenotipagem mostrou que 35 casos foram LLC, 3 LPL-B, 3 HCL e um caso de LMC. O CD5 mostrou-se fortemente expresso em todos os casos de LLC e LMC. Baixa expressão desse antígeno foi observada em um caso de LPL-B, mostrando-se negativamente expresso em todos os casos de HCL. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados demonstram que o padrão de expressão do CD5 pode auxiliar na distinção entre LLC da HCL e LPL-B, sendo no entanto similares na HCL e LCM.