Zika virus infection induces expression of NRF2 and antioxidant systems in trophoblast cells.

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the xenobiotic and stress responses. During viral infection, NRF2 can modulate the host metabolism and innate immunity; however, the most common activity of NRF2 in viral diseases is controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Zika virus (ZIKV) is involved in a vertical infection in pregnancy, with reported fetal health consequences. However, the possibility that ZIKV regulates NRF2 expression in placental trophoblasts has not been investigated. In this report, we evaluated the upregulation of NRF2 and antioxidant enzymes in a trophoblast-like cell. These findings could help us understand the antioxidant mechanism underlying the ZIKV infection in the placenta during pregnancy.

Design of a protocol for obtaining genomic DNA from saliva using mouthwash: Samples taken from patients with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining high quality genomic DNA safely and economically is vital for diverse studies of large populations aimed at evaluating the role of genetic factors in susceptibility to disease. AIM: This study was to test a protocol for the extraction of high quality genomic DNA from saliva samples obtained with mouthwash and taken from patients with periodontal disease. METHODS: Saliva samples were taken from 60 patients and then stored at room temperature. DNA extraction was carried out at distinct post-sampling times (10, 20 and 30 days). Evaluation of genomic DNA was performed with spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and PCR genotyping and sequencing. RESULTS: The greatest concentration of DNA obtained was 352 µg at 10 days post-sampling, followed by 121.025 µg and 19.59 µg at 20 and 30 days, respectively. When determining the purity of DNA with the spectrophotometric ratio of 260/230, the relations of 1.20, 1.40 and 0.781 were obtained for 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively. In all samples, it was possible to amplify the product of 485 bp and the sequence of the amplicons showed 95% similarity to the reference sequence. CONCLUSION: The present protocol represents an easy, safe and economical technique for obtaining high quality genomic DNA.