Avaliação da maturidade pulmonar de cabritos nascidos a termo e prematuros / [Evaluation of lung maturity of term and premature kid]

Avaliou-se a maturidade pulmonar de cabritos no líquido amniótico de suas mães pela coloração de Shor, pelo azul de Nilo e pela contagem de corpos lamelares, bem como a vitalidade e os níveis de glicose e lactato séricos em cabritos nascidos a termo e prematuros. Para tanto, foram utilizados 32 cabritos, divididos em três grupos, a saber: grupo I: cabritos nascidos de cesarianas com 149 dias de gestação; grupo II: cabritos nascidos de cesarianas com 143 dias de gestação; e grupo III: cabritos nascidos de cesarianas com 143 dias de gestação, oriundos de mães que receberam, por via intramuscular, 20mg/cabra de dexametasona, 36 horas antes da cirurgia eletiva. A coloração de Shorr e a contagem de corpos lamelares demonstraram ser métodos diagnósticos promissores para a avaliação da maturidade pulmonar em neonatos caprinos. Contudo, a administração de dexametasona nas cabras no período antenatal não influenciou a maturidade fetal. Constatou-se, entretanto, que a avaliação física do paciente, logo após o nascimento, também se mostra fundamental no que tange à percepção da vitalidade e da viabilidade de cabritos recém-nascidos.(AU)

Pulmonary maturity of goats in their amniotic fluid was evaluated by Shor, Nile blue staining, and lamellar body count, as well as vitality and serum glucose and lactate levels in term and premature goats. Twenty-four kids were divided into three groups: group I: comprised of eight animals born by cesarean section with 149 days of gestation; group II: comprised of eight animals born by cesarean section with 143 days of gestation; and group III: comprised of eight animals born by cesarean section with 143 days of gestation, in which the does received intramuscular dexamethasone (20mg/goat) 36 hours prior to elective cesarean section. Shorr staining and lamellar body count have shown to be promising diagnostic methods for the assessment of lung maturity in goat neonates. However, the administration of dexamethasone to goats during antenatal period did not influence fetal maturity. It was verified that the physical evaluation of the patient, shortly after birth, is fundamental for the perception of vitality and viability of newborn goats.(AU)

Anesthesia by sprinkling method in the gills of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum does not influence intensity and morphology of monogeneans / Anestesia por meio de aspersão nas brânquias de tambaqui Colossoma maropomum não influencia a intensidade e a morfologia de monogeneas

Abstract The present study evaluates the influence of anesthesia on the parasitic fauna of monogenea fish parasites, as its intensity and viability. Two experiments were conducted: Evaluation of an anesthetic method by sprinkling eugenol directly on gills and evaluation of monogenea motility and viability; Comparison of immersion and directly sprinkling on the gills with benzocaine and eugenol followed by evaluation on parasite intensity. The results suggest that the anesthetic sprinkling didn't interfere in the parasite motility, morphology and body surface integrity analyzed by fluorescence method. The monogenean intensity in the gills was lower in fish anesthetized by immersion method compared to the sprinkling method and the control group. This method of anesthesia can be used in parasitological studies.

Resumo O presente estudo avalia a influência da anestesia sobre a fauna parasitária de monogeneas em peixes, sua intensidade e sua viabilidade. Dois experimentos foram realizados: Avaliação de um método anestésico por aspersão eugenol diretamente nas brânquias e avaliação da motilidade das monogeneas e sua viabilidade; e Comparação entre imersão e aspersão diretamente nas brânquias com benzocaína e eugenol, seguido de avaliação sobre a intensidade parasitária. Os resultados sugerem que a aspersão do anestésico não interferiu na motilidade, morfologia, superfície corporal e integridade do parasita, analisadas pelo método de fluorescência. A intensidade de monogenéticos nas brânquias foi menor nos peixes anestesiados pelo método de imersão em comparação com o método de aspersão e o grupo controle. O método de anestesia por aspersão nas brânquias pode ser utilizado em estudos parasitológicos.

Parâmetros hematológicos e perfil bioquímico renal de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros / Hematologic parameters and renal biochemical profile in full-term and premature lambs

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as variáveis hematológicas e o perfil bioquímico renal sérico de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros do nascimento às 48 horas de vida, bem como verificar a influência da dexametasona sobre tais variáveis. Foram constituídos quatros grupos experimentais: PN (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, n=15, média de 146 dias); PNDEX (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal cujas mães receberam 16mg de dexametasona aos 141 de gestação, n=8, média de 143 dias); PRE (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, n=10) e PREDEX (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação cujas mães receberam 16mg de dexametasona dois dias antes, n=9). Os valores médios do volume globular e de hemoglobina diminuíram ao longo das 48 horas de observação, nos quatro grupos experimentais, porém dentro dos limites fisiológicos para a espécie. Houve variação da concentração plasmática de proteínas totais em todos os momentos, sendo os menores valores no grupo PRE. A contagem leucocitária foi mais alta no grupo PN apenas no M24h. Ao longo do período, apenas o grupo PN mostrou diferença entre o M24h e os demais momentos, e o grupo PRE apresentou os menores valores de neutrófilos no M0h, M15min e M60min. As concentrações séricas de creatinina foram mais altas no grupo PRE no M60min, M24h e M48h. Em todos os grupos, houve diminuição no M24h e M48h. Os parâmetros avaliados foram afetados pela prematuridade na espécie ovina e a dexametasona teve influência positiva sobre a taxa de sobrevivência dos animais prematuros.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate hematologic parameters and renal biochemical profile of full-term and premature lambs from birth to 48 hours of life, and assess the effect of dexamethasone on such variables. Four experimental groups were formed: NDG (normal delivery group - lambs vaginally delivered, n=15, average of 146-day gestation); NDEXG (normal delivery with dexamethasone group - lambs vaginally delivered whose mothers received 16 mg of dexamethasone at 141 days of gestation, n=8, average of 143-day gestation); PRE (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days of gestation, n=10) and PREDEX (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days gestation, whose mothers received 16 mg of dexamethasone two days before, n=9). Mean values of cell volume and hemoglobin content decreased during the observation period of 48 hours in all groups, but within the physiologic limits for ovine species. There was significant variation in plasma concentration of total protein in all periods evaluated, with the lowest mean values in PRE group. The leukocyte count was significantly higher in PN group only in M24h. Throughout the observation period, only PN group showed differences between M24h and the other moments and PRE group showed the lowest values of neutrophils in M0h, M15min and M60min. Serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher in group PRE in M60min, M24h and M48h. In all groups, there was a decrease in M24 and M48. The evaluated parameters were affected by prematurity in sheep and dexamethasone had a positive effect on the survival rate of premature animals.(AU)

Anesthesia by sprinkling method in the gills of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum does not influence intensity and morphology of monogeneans.

The present study evaluates the influence of anesthesia on the parasitic fauna of monogenea fish parasites, as its intensity and viability. Two experiments were conducted: Evaluation of an anesthetic method by sprinkling eugenol directly on gills and evaluation of monogenea motility and viability; Comparison of immersion and directly sprinkling on the gills with benzocaine and eugenol followed by evaluation on parasite intensity. The results suggest that the anesthetic sprinkling didn't interfere in the parasite motility, morphology and body surface integrity analyzed by fluorescence method. The monogenean intensity in the gills was lower in fish anesthetized by immersion method compared to the sprinkling method and the control group. This method of anesthesia can be used in parasitological studies.

Relined Fiberglass Post: Effect of Luting Length, Resin Cement, and Cyclic Loading on the Bond to Weakened Root Dentin.

This study evaluated the effects of luting length of the post, the resin cement, and cyclic loading on pull-out bond strength of fiberglass posts relined with composite resin in weakened roots. The canals of 80 bovine incisors were endodontically treated and weakened with diamond burs. The teeth were randomly divided into eight groups (n=10) according to the luting procedures of the relined fiberglass post (RFP): In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the RFPs were luted with RelyX ARC, and in groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 they were luted with RelyX U200. In groups 1, 3, 5, and 7, the RFPs were luted at a length of 5 mm, and in groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 they were luted at a length of 10 mm. Specimens from groups 3, 4, 7, and 8 were submitted to cyclic loading. Specimens were subjected to a pull-out bond strength test in a universal testing machine. The results (MPa) were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). Six human upper anterior teeth were used to analyze the bond interface by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The pull-out bond strength of RFPs luted with RelyX U200 was statistically higher than that of RelyX ARC. Cyclic loading influenced the bond strength only for the luting length of 5 mm. CLSM analysis revealed the formation of resin cement tags for both materials. Luting length is an important factor in retaining RFPs in weakened roots when they are subjected to cyclic loading, and RelyX U200 resulted in greater bond strengths to the root canal in comparison with RelyX ARC.

Genetic variability in the ITS and IGS regions of the ribosomal DNA of Acremonium cavaraeanum exhibiting antimicrobial activity.

Endophytic microorganisms represent promising alternatives for obtaining new drugs of biotechnological importance. In this study, the endophytic species Acremonium cavaraeanum (A1a) isolated from Cocos nucifera was cultivated for the production of secondary metabolites, and its extracts and fractions were evaluated by the dilution method (MIC). The EtOAc extracts and MeOH fractions were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and had an MIC of 125 µg/mL when evaluated in the EtOAc extract (EBI). The EtOAc extract (EBII) had an MIC of 62.25 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and an MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. The methanolic fractions showed activity with MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for all bacteria tested. The IGS region of the rDNA repeat unit of genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR/RFLPs, including endonucleases PstI, BamHII, HinfI, and EcoRI. The physical maps showed different restriction sites for the 6 Acremonium sp isolates, and revealed 5 RFLP patterns. The results showed that isolates of the same Acremonium species exhibited variation in this specific region. The sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions were aligned by Clustal W using the neighbor joining method, which grouped the isolates into 5 distinct clusters. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of A. cavaraeanum crops exhibiting antibacterial activity. The results of this study indicate that different fungal genetic isolates have biotechnological potential for the production of active bio-compounds against several human pathogens.

Disseminated transmissible venereal tumour associated with Leishmaniasis in a dog.

This report addresses an atypical transmissible venereal tumour in an 8-year-old bitch that was pluriparous and seropositive for leishmaniasis. There were ascites and a serosanguineous discharge from the vulva, but no lesions on the external genital mucosa. An aspirate of the peritoneal fluid showed mononuclear round cells characteristic of transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). Exploratory laparotomy revealed light red, granulomatous structures in the peritoneum, omentum, spleen, liver and uterine horns. Cytological and histopathological tests confirmed the diagnosis of intra-abdominal TVT. Dissemination of the TVT to several organs inside the abdominal cavity probably resulted from immunosuppression caused by leishmaniasis, which favoured the presence and aggressiveness of TVT.

Effect of estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphism on high density lipoprotein levels in response to hormone replacement therapy

Studies have shown that estrogen replacement therapy and estrogen plus progestin replacement therapy alter serum levels of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. However, HDL cholesterol levels in women vary considerably in response to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A significant portion of the variability of these levels has been attributed to genetic factors. Therefore, we investigated the influence of estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphisms on HDL levels in response to postmenopausal HRT. We performed a prospective cohort study on 54 postmenopausal women who had not used HRT before the study and had no significant general medical illness. HRT consisted of conjugated equine estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate continuously for 1 year. The lipoprotein levels were measured from blood samples taken before the start of therapy and after 1 year of HRT. ESR1 polymorphism (MspI C>T, HaeIII C>T, PvuII C>T, and XbaI A>G) frequencies were assayed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. A general linear model was used to describe the relationships between HDL levels and genotypes after adjusting for age. A significant increase in HDL levels was observed after HRT (P = 0.029). Women with the ESR1 PvuII TT genotype showed a statistically significant increase in HDL levels after HRT (P = 0.032). No association was found between other ESR1 polymorphisms and HDL levels. According to our results, the ESR1 PvuII TT genotype was associated with increased levels of HDL after 1 year of HRT.

Effect of estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphism on high density lipoprotein levels in response to hormone replacement therapy.

Studies have shown that estrogen replacement therapy and estrogen plus progestin replacement therapy alter serum levels of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. However, HDL cholesterol levels in women vary considerably in response to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A significant portion of the variability of these levels has been attributed to genetic factors. Therefore, we investigated the influence of estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphisms on HDL levels in response to postmenopausal HRT. We performed a prospective cohort study on 54 postmenopausal women who had not used HRT before the study and had no significant general medical illness. HRT consisted of conjugated equine estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate continuously for 1 year. The lipoprotein levels were measured from blood samples taken before the start of therapy and after 1 year of HRT. ESR1 polymorphism (MspI C>T, HaeIII C>T, PvuII C>T, and XbaI A>G) frequencies were assayed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. A general linear model was used to describe the relationships between HDL levels and genotypes after adjusting for age. A significant increase in HDL levels was observed after HRT (P = 0.029). Women with the ESR1 PvuII TT genotype showed a statistically significant increase in HDL levels after HRT (P = 0.032). No association was found between other ESR1 polymorphisms and HDL levels. According to our results, the ESR1 PvuII TT genotype was associated with increased levels of HDL after 1 year of HRT.

Fas/CD95 promoter polymorphism gene and its relationship with cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Apoptosis is an important fail-safe control in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated carcinogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that the A/G polymorphism at -670 of Fas promoter is associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer, using a matched case-control setting. METHODS: The material in this case-control study consisted of 91 patients with cervical carcinoma and 176 population-based control subjects, recruited between 2002 and 2004; all the ethnic Brazilian women had histologically confirmed cervical carcinoma. Control subjects were age-matched; healthy women who were selected following a negative cervical cytology and normal colposcopy. Fas genotyping was performed using a PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: No significant difference existed in the distribution of the Fas polymorphisms (wild, heterozygous, mutant) between the cases and controls. The heterozygous (OR: 4.85, 95% CI: 1.1-22.6) genotypes among the younger (< 48 yrs) cancer patients were almost 5-fold increased, as compared with the wild type. No such increase was observed among the patients older than 48 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that 670A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of the death receptor Fas is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer among Brazilian women under 48 years. The mechanisms would be the inhibition of apoptosis by Fas -670G allele-mediated down-regulation of Fas transcription.

Polymorphism in CYP17, GSTM1 and the progesterone receptor genes and its relationship with mammographic density

Radiologic breast density is one of the predictive factors for breast cancer and the extent of the density is directly related to postmenopause. However, some patients have dense breasts even during postmenopause. This condition may be explained by the genes that codify for the proteins involved in the biosynthesis, as well as the activity and metabolism of steroid hormones. They are polymorphic, which could explain the variations of individual hormones and, consequently, breast density. The constant need to find markers that may assist in the primary prevention of breast cancer as well as in selecting high risk patients motived this study. We determined the influence of genetic polymorphism of CYP17 (cytochrome P450c17, the gene involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis), GSTM1 (glutathione S-transferase M1, an enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism) and PROGINS (progesterone receptor), for association with high breast density. One hundred and twenty-three postmenopausal patients who were not on hormone therapy and had no clinical or mammographic breast alterations were included in the present study. The results of this study reveal that there was no association between dense breasts and CYP17 or GSTM1. There was a trend, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.084), towards the association between PROGINS polymorphism and dense breasts. However, multivariate logistic regression showed that wild-type PROGINS and mutated CYP17, taken together, resulted in a 4.87 times higher chance of having dense breasts (P = 0.030). In conclusion, in the present study, we were able to identify an association among polymorphisms, involved in estradiol biosyntheses as well as progesterone response, and radiological mammary density.

Polymorphism in CYP17, GSTM1 and the progesterone receptor genes and its relationship with mammographic density.

Radiologic breast density is one of the predictive factors for breast cancer and the extent of the density is directly related to postmenopause. However, some patients have dense breasts even during postmenopause. This condition may be explained by the genes that codify for the proteins involved in the biosynthesis, as well as the activity and metabolism of steroid hormones. They are polymorphic, which could explain the variations of individual hormones and, consequently, breast density. The constant need to find markers that may assist in the primary prevention of breast cancer as well as in selecting high risk patients motived this study. We determined the influence of genetic polymorphism of CYP17 (cytochrome P450c17, the gene involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis), GSTM1 (glutathione S-transferase M1, an enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism) and PROGINS (progesterone receptor), for association with high breast density. One hundred and twenty-three postmenopausal patients who were not on hormone therapy and had no clinical or mammographic breast alterations were included in the present study. The results of this study reveal that there was no association between dense breasts and CYP17 or GSTM1. There was a trend, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.084), towards the association between PROGINS polymorphism and dense breasts. However, multivariate logistic regression showed that wild-type PROGINS and mutated CYP17, taken together, resulted in a 4.87 times higher chance of having dense breasts (P = 0.030). In conclusion, in the present study, we were able to identify an association among polymorphisms, involved in estradiol biosyntheses as well as progesterone response, and radiological mammary density.

Prognostic markers of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: the role of topoisomerase IIalpha and active caspase-3.

PURPOSE: To study the relationship between topoisomerase IIalpha, active caspase-3 expressions and HPV DNA in uterine cervices with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). METHODS: Forty women with LSIL and 32 without cervical neoplasia diagnosed through cytologic and histopathologic examination were evaluated regarding topoisomerase IIalpha and active caspase-3 expressions and HPV DNA detection using PCR (GP5/GP6) in cervicovaginal smears. RESULTS: The mean percentage of cells immunomarked by topoisomerase in the group with LSIL was 11.62% while in the control it was 4.13% (p < 0.0001). In the presence of HPV DNA, topoisomerase expression was higher in the group with productive viral infection than in nonneoplastic tissue (p = 0.004). Caspase-3 expression was observed in 17 patients with LSIL (42.5%) and in five without cervical neoplasia (15.63%). CONCLUSION: The use of topoisomerase IIalpha and active caspase-3 in cervical biopsies may help to define the prognosis of HPV cervical infection.

CYP17 polymorphism and hot flushes in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the CYP17alpha gene polymorphism and hot flushes in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Ninety-three non-hysterectomized, postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. Vasomotor symptoms were assessed at the baseline visit and based on information provided by each participant. The genotypic polymorphism of CYP17alpha gene was analyzed by PCR-RFLP assay using genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes. RESULTS: Thirty-six women reported hot flushes of mild intensity, 25 reported hot flushes of moderate intensity and 32 of severe intensity. There was no significant difference between the severity of hot flushes and the CYP17 genotype or allele frequencies, 0.58 and 0.67 respectively. No association was found between hot flush severity and the CYP17 allele (odds ratio = 1.17, p = 0.61). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the CYP17 MspAI polymorphism was not significantly associated with an increased risk of reporting hot flushes.

Study of p53 codon 72 polymorphism in patients with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a common disease in Western societies, with an incidence of 46.31/100,000 women/year in Brazil. The tumor suppressor gene TP53 is one of the most studied genes regarding the presence of mutations. Indeed, 50% of all tumors are known to exhibit changes in the TP53 nucleotide sequence due to carcinogenic processes. As to the presence of polymorphism, the TP53 gene is polymorphic at the nucleotide residue 347 (codon 72). In the current study, we examine if this polymorphism is associated with the clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer patients in a Brazilian population. One hundred and thirteen patients with breast cancer were included. The polymorphic region of the TP53 gene was PCR-amplified from genomic DNA obtained from buccal cells. Specific primers for the Pro and Arg allele were used. Correlations of polymorphism with age, staging, nuclear grade, lymph node status, estrogen receptor status and lymphatic and/or blood vessel invasion were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test. The frequency of p53 Arg/Arg was 57% and of the heterozygous allele Arg/Pro it was 39%. There was no correlation between polymorphism and clinicopathological parameters. According to our results, the TP53 polymorphism, at the 347 residue, is not associated with any clinicopathological findings of patients with breast cancer.

Polymorphisms of p53, GSTM1 and GSTT1, and HPV in uterine cervix adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the participation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 polymorphisms associated or not with protein p53 polymorphism at codon 72 and in the presence of HPV in the carcinogenesis of uterine cervix adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Forty-three samples of uterine cervix adenocarcinoma were studied and 86 samples of endocervical cells of women without tumors formed the control group. The presence of HPV was determined in order to genotype the isoforms of p53 at codon 72, GSTM1, GSTM1*0, GSTT1 and GSTT1*0 which were evaluated by the PCR method. RESULTS: HPV was present in 97.67% of the adenocarcinoma cases and in 31.40% of the control group. Statistical analysis showed differences (p = 0.001) and an OR of 113.3 (CI 95%: 13.67-947.14). GSTT1 and GSTT1*0 analysis showed a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.001) with an OR of 4.58 (CI 95%: 2.041-10.28) (p < 0.001) for the presence of GSTT1*0. When it was associated with HPV OR was 6.6 (CI 95%: 0.04-0.50). Analyses of p53 and GSTM1 and GSTM1*0 either alone or associated with HPV were not significant. CONCLUSION: The presence of GSTT1*0 increased the risk for uterine cervix adenocarcinoma development while the allele GSTT1 had a protective action. The other isoforms did not appear to participate in the carcinogenesis of uterine cervix adenocarcinoma.

The influence of molecular oxygen exposure on the biology of Prevotella intermedia, with emphasis on its antibiotic susceptibility.

AIM: This study focuses on investigating the molecular and physiological characteristics of Prevotella intermedia after molecular oxygen exposure (MOE) and the effect on drug susceptibility patterns. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of P. intermedia were used as parent strains: ATCC25611 and four clinical isolates. Strains adapted to oxidative stress by MOS were obtained by the enrichment technique. Drug susceptibility was evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) using agar dilution. Arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was used to evaluate the genetic diversity of all strains and physiological analyses were made by sodiumdodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional electrophoresis of crude, cell-free extracts. The genetic profile showed that lineages with altered MIC values were selected after MOE. Overall, we found significant decrease in drug susceptibility for the aero-strains against all tested antimicrobials (amoxicillin, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, ertapenen and metronidazole). We also observed markedly different protein expression patterns between the parent and selected aero-strains. CONCLUSIONS: MOE induces changes in the genetic profile and protein expression patterns of P. intermedia that may also be linked to its drug resistance mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The effects of MOE on anaerobic bacterial physiology and behaviour may influence antimicrobial susceptibility patterns with potential consequences to antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Progesterone receptor (PROGINS) polymorphism and the risk of endometrial cancer development.

The progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS) has been identified as a risk modifier for benign and malignant gynecological diseases. The present case-control study is to evaluate the role of the PROGINS polymorphisms, as risk factor, for endometrial cancer development and to investigate the association between these genetics variants and clinical/pathologic variables of endometrial cancer. PROGINS polymorphism was examined in a total of 121 patients with endometrial cancer and 282 population-based control subjects, all located at the same area in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The genotyping of PROGINS polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of PROGINS polymorphism T1/T1, T1/T2, and T2/T2 were 82.6%, 14.9%, and 2.5% in the endometrial cancer patients and 78.4%, 21.6%, and 0% in the controls, respectively. The chi(2) test showed a higher incidence of the T2/T2 genotype in the endometrial cancer group subjects, these results were statistically different (P= 0.012). However, due to the fact that there were no women in the control group showing homozygosis for the allele T2, the correct evaluation of odds ratio could not be properly calculated. Regarding the clinical and pathologic findings observed within the group of patients with endometrial cancer, there was significant correlation between T1/T2 genotype and the presence of myoma (P= 0.048). No correlations were observed among the other variables. These data suggest that the PROGINS polymorphism T2/T2 genotype might be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Interleukin-6 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer.

Recent data implicate that cytokine gene polymorphisms are important in pathogenesis of various neoplastic and nonneoplastic human diseases, and it was recently suggested that polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)-6 might increase the risk of gynecological malignancies, including cervical carcinomas. The aim of this case-control study is to compare the IL-6 polymorphisms in cervical cancer patients and healthy controls and to assess whether any of these polymorphisms would increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. The material in this case-control study consists of 56 patients with cervical carcinoma and 253 population-based control subjects, all ethnic Brazilian women. Control subjects were cancer-free women, following a negative cervical cytology and colposcopy. IL-6 genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Distribution of the GG, GC, and CC genotypes in cases and controls was significantly different (P= 0.033). Compared with the GG genotype as reference, the adjusted odds ratio for the combined GC and CC genotypes in cancer patients was 1.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.4). These data suggest that women carrying at least one C genotype in their IL-6 promoter region (-174G-->C) are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Retrospective study of a pioneer antenatal screening program with 8,477 pregnant women in Brazil.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To analyze the results of a statewide screening program inaugurated in 2002 in Mato Grosso do Sul, METHODS: Retrospective audit of the screening results of 8,477 pregnant women for 11 diseases in 19 tests. Local health centers of the Brazilian Unified System of Health/State Program of Pregnant Protection (SUS/PEPG) and central reference processing laboratories, both in and out of state were involved. Pregnant women were referred to the program by medical staff principally at local health centers, between November 2002 and February 2003. Primary screening with filter-paper blood samples was carried out with positives being resampled and sera appropriately tested. RESULTS: The detailed test results are given below; the most frequent diseases serodiagnosed were hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV and Chagas' disease. One case of maternal phenylketonouria (PKU) was encountered. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of 11 diseases of importance for mothers and their offspring provides an epidemiological profile of Brazil, but must be matched by opportunities to elaborate new control strategies and improve health care during pregnancy.