High-intensity interval training reduces monocyte activation in obese adults.

Alterations in the distribution and activation of monocyte subsets are frequently observed in individuals with obesity and their participation in the pathological complications of obesity is proposed. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a time-efficient alternative to counteract the inflammatory outcomes of obesity, but so far, its effects on monocytes in obesity has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated whether 8 weeks of HIIT can modify the distribution and activation of the three monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes) in individuals with obesity. Our data show that individuals with obesity have a higher percentage of non-classical monocytes compared to control, lean individuals, and consequently an imbalance among the CD16+ monocyte subsets. Also, the expression of HLA-DR by intermediate monocytes is higher in insulin-resistant obese individuals, which indicates monocyte activation in obesity. After 8 weeks of HIIT, the percentage of non-classical monocytes was reduced in individuals with obesity, restoring the balance among the CD16+ monocytes. Also, the expression of HLA-DR by intermediate monocytes in insulin-resistant obese subjects was lower after HIIT. Both findings indicate that monocyte activation in individuals with obesity was reduced by HIIT. These modifications were observed in the absence of changes in weight and body composition, although they were accompanied by the improvement in the metabolic status (reduced insulin levels). Our findings indicate that HIIT can be considered a time-efficient strategy to manage obesity-related monocyte alterations and strengthen the immunomodulatory potential of HIIT.

Late Neutrophil Priming Following a Single Session of High-intensity Interval Exercise.

This study evaluated the effect of an acute high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) session on the function of human neutrophils. Twelve sedentary men performed a HIIE session (8 bouts of 60 s at 90% of peak power, intercalated with 75 s of active recovery at 30 W). Neutrophils were collected before, 30 min and 24 h after the exercise session for the evaluation of phagocytic capacity, expression of phagocytic receptors, reactive oxygen species generation, and redox status. 24 h after the HIIE session, an increase was observed in both neutrophil phagocytic capacity and yeast-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, which indicates neutrophil priming in response to an acute HIIE session. Neutrophils also presented an increase in superoxide dismutase activity 24 h after the exercise. Improvement in neutrophil function was accompanied by increased serum levels of IL-8 and increased concentration of plasma lactate dehydrogenase. Our findings show a late activating effect of one HIIE session on neutrophils. We propose that priming of neutrophils by HIIE may play a role in skeletal muscle inflammation after exercise.

Decreased percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes expressing chemokine receptors in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Although accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that immune/inflammatory mechanisms are associated with the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), data about the profile of chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) and chemokine receptors are still scarce. The current study was designed to evaluate the expression of chemokine receptors on lymphocytes of patients with BD in comparison with controls. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with type I BD (N = 21 in euthymia; N = 6 in mania/hypomania; N = 6 in depression) and 22 age- and sex-matched controls were subjected to clinical evaluation and peripheral blood draw. The expression of chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5, CXCR4, and CXCR3 on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Patients with BD had decreased percentage of CD4+CXCR3+ (p = 0.024), CD4+CCR3+ (p = 0.042), and CD4+CCR5+ (0.013) lymphocytes in comparison with controls. The percentage of both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes expressing the chemokine receptor CXCR4 was similar in patients with BD and controls. Likewise, the percentages of CD8+CXCR3+, CD8+CCR3+, and CD8+CCR5+ lymphocytes were similar in patients with BD and controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that immune pathways, especially involving CD4+ lymphocytes, are involved in the physiopathology of BD.

Lifewide profile of cytokine production by innate and adaptive immune cells from Brazilian individuals.

BACKGROUND: Immunosenescence is associated with several changes in adaptive and innate immune cells. Altered cytokine production is among the most prominent of these changes. The impact of age-related alterations on cytokine global profiles produced by distinct populations of leukocytes from healthy Brazilian individuals was studied. We analysed frequencies of cytokine-producing lymphocytes and innate immune cells from individuals at several ages spanning a lifetime period (0-85 years). RESULTS: Healthy adult individuals presented a balanced profile suggestive of a mature immune system with equal contributions of both innate and adaptive immunity and of both categories of cytokines (inflammatory and regulatory). In healthy newborns and elderly, innate immune cells, especially neutrophils and NK-cells, contributed the most to a balanced profile of cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that ageing is not associated with a progressive pro-inflammatory cytokine production by all leukocytes but rather with distinct fluctuations in the frequency of cytokine-producing cells throughout life.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Decreases Cell Proliferation and TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 Cytokines Production in Cultures of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes.

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphipathic molecule composed of a polar domain characterized by the sulfinyl and two nonpolar methyl groups, for this reason it is able to solubilize polar and nonpolar substances and transpose hydrophobic barriers. DMSO is widely used to solubilize drugs of therapeutic applications and studies indicated that 10% v/v concentration did not modify culture viability when used to treat human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, some DMSO concentrations could influence lymphocyte activation and present anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of DMSO on lymphocyte activation parameters. Cell viability analysis, proliferation, and cytokine production were performed on PBMC from six healthy subjects by flow cytometry. The results indicated that 2.5% v/v DMSO concentrations did not modify lymphocytes viability. DMSO at 1% and 2% v/v concentrations reduced the relative proliferation index of lymphocytes and at 5% and 10% v/v concentrations reduced the percentage of total lymphocytes, cluster of differentiation 4⁺ (CD4⁺) T lymphocytes and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) producers. Thus, it was concluded that DMSO has an in vitro anti-inflammatory effect by reducing lymphocyte activation demonstrated with proliferation reduction and the decrease of cytokine production.

The effect of insulin resistance and exercise on the percentage of CD16(+) monocyte subset in obese individuals.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is a low-grade chronic inflammation condition, and macrophages, and possibly monocytes, are involved in the pathological outcomes of obesity. Physical exercise is a low-cost strategy to prevent and treat obesity, probably because of its anti-inflammatory action. We evaluated the percentage of CD16(-) and CD16(+) monocyte subsets in obese insulin-resistant individuals and the effect of an exercise bout on the percentage of these cells. Twenty-seven volunteers were divided into three experimental groups: lean insulin sensitive, obese insulin sensitive and obese insulin resistant. Venous blood samples collected before and 1 h after an aerobic exercise session on a cycle ergometer were used for determination of monocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Insulin-resistant obese individuals have a higher percentage of CD16(+) monocytes (14.8 ± 2.4%) than the lean group (10.0 ± 1.3%). A positive correlation of the percentage of CD16(+) monocytes with body mass index and fasting plasma insulin levels was found. One bout of moderate exercise reduced the percentage of CD16(+) monocytes by 10% in all the groups evaluated. Also, the absolute monocyte count, as well as all other leukocyte populations, in lean and obese individuals, increased after exercise. This fact may partially account for the observed reduction in the percentage of CD16(+) cells in response to exercise. Insulin-resistant, but not insulin-sensitive obese individuals, have an increased percentage of CD16(+) monocytes that can be slightly modulated by a single bout of moderate aerobic exercise. These findings may be clinically relevant to the population studied, considering the involvement of CD16(+) monocytes in the pathophysiology of obesity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Obesity is now considered to be an inflammatory condition associated with many pathological consequences, including insulin resistance. It is proposed that insulin resistance contributes to the aggravation of the inflammatory dysfunction in obesity. The effect of obesity on the percentage of monocytes was previously observed in class II and III obese individuals who presented other alterations in addition to insulin resistance. In this study we observed that insulin-resistant obese individuals, but not insulin-sensitive ones, had an increased percentage of CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes. This fact shows that a dysfunction of the monocyte percentage in class I obese individuals is only seen when this condition is associated with insulin resistance.

The in vitro exposure to cypermethrin does not inhibit the proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

This study evaluated the effect of in vitro exposure to cypermethrin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferative response, considering reduced peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferative response observed in individuals occupationally exposed to pyrethroids. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 21 healthy subjects (28.0 ± 9.0 years old). The effect of cypermethrin (at 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/ml) on cell viability was evaluated by flow cytometry using an apoptosis detection kit. Cell proliferation (PI) was evaluated by 5-(and 6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) fluorescence decay using flow cytometry. Cells labeled with CFSE were exposed, in vitro, to cypermethrin (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5 and 4 µg/ml) and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA 1.0 or 5.0 µg/ml) for 5 d (37 °C, 5% CO2). The in vitro treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with cypermethrin did not induce apoptosis or necrosis after 5 d in culture. Stimulation by PHA induced cell proliferation (PI = 1.29 ± 1.09 and 2.01 ± 0.62, PHA at 1.0 and 5.0 µg/ml, respectively, mean ± SD) and in vitro exposure to cypermethrin did not alter cellular proliferative response to PHA (PI = 1.80 ± 0.50, 2.60 ± 0.05 and 2.10 ± 1.20 for cypermethrin at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 µg/ml, respectively, and PHA at 5.0 µg/ml). In vitro treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with cypermethrin, at the doses tested, does not affect cell viability or proliferation. These findings suggest that the reduction of proliferation observed on lymphocytes derived from individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides may be related to other mechanisms than direct action of cypermethrin on lymphocytes.

The experimental model of nephrotic syndrome induced by Doxorubicin in rodents: an update.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema, and hyperlipidemia. It begins by changes in the glomerular filtration barrier, with increased permeability to plasma proteins. It affects all age groups and can progress to end-stage renal disease. NS pathophysiology is still unknown. However, the critical role of the immune system is well recognized. Animal models are useful tools for the investigation of NS. Among different experimental models proposed in the literature, disease induced by Doxorubicin has been considered helpful to the purpose of many studies. The aim of this review article is to describe the animal model of NS induced by the injection of Doxorubicin in rodents, with emphasis on action of the drug, potential mechanisms of renal injury, as well biochemical, histological, and corporal changes obtained with this model.

Increased Migratory and Activation Cell Markers of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in an Experimental Model of Nephrotic Syndrome.

The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of CD80 and CD18 in subpopulations of peripheral blood leukocytes and oxidative kidney damage in rats with nephrotic syndrome (NS) induced by doxorubicin (Dox) in comparison to control animals at different time points. Male adult Wistar rats were submitted to 24-hour urine and blood collection for biochemical and immunological analysis at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after Dox injection. After euthanasia, the kidneys were removed for histological analysis and the evaluation of oxidative stress. The phenotypic characterization of leukocytes was performed using flow cytometry. Dox-injected animals exhibited increased CD18 expression in cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells, and monocytes and high CD80 expression in monocytes. Kidney oxidative damage was positively correlated with CD80 expression in monocytes and serum levels of creatinine. These results suggest that phagocytic and cytotoxic cells are preferentially recruited to the tissue injury site, which may contribute to kidney dysfunction in this animal model of NS. The blockade of integrin and costimulatory molecules may provide new therapeutic opportunities for NS.

The role of the immune system in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a review of clinical and experimental studies.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a multifactorial disease, characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hyperlipidemia. Studies in humans and animal models have associated INS with changes in the immune response. The purpose of this article is to review clinical and experimental findings showing the involvement of the immune response in the pathogenesis of INS. The role of the immune system in INS has been shown by clinical and experimental studies. However, the pattern of immune response in patients with INS is still not clearly defined. Many studies show changes in the dynamics of T lymphocytes, especially the regulatory T cells. Alternatively, there are other reports regarding the involvement of the complement system and B lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of INS. Indeed, none of the immunological biomarkers evaluated were undeniably linked to changes in glomerular permeability and proteinuria. On the other hand, some studies suggest a link between urinary chemokines, such as IL-8/CXCL8 and MCP-1/CCL2, and changes in glomerular permeability and/or the deterioration of glomerulopathies. To understand the pathophysiology of INS, longitudinal studies are clearly needed. The characterization of the profile of the immune response might help the development of specific and individualized therapies, leading to clinical improvement and better prognosis.

Effect of exercise on the plasma BDNF levels in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease in the elderly population worldwide. The alleviation of the symptoms associated with this disease can be achieved with physical exercise that induces a cascade of molecular and cellular processes. Of the neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to be the most affected by physical activity. Moreover, BDNF seems to have a negative modulatory role in inflammation, and its production by skeletal muscle cells or by cells of the immune system drives the immunoprotective role of physical activity in situations of chronic inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate plasma BDNF concentrations in elderly individuals presenting with knee osteoarthritis. To accomplish this, sixteen volunteers (mean age 67 ± 4.41 years) presenting with clinically and radiographically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis were evaluated during acute exercise (1 session of 20 min on a treadmill) and after chronic exercise (12 weeks of aerobic training, consisting of a 50-min walk 3 times per week). Additionally, both a functional assessment (during a 6-min walk) and a pain perception assessment were performed at the start and at the end of physical exercises (training). The plasma BDNF concentrations were measured by ELISA. For the population studied, acute exercise increased the levels of BDNF only before the 12-week training period (p < 0.001). Moreover, the training augmented the plasma concentrations of BDNF (p < 0.0001) and improved clinical parameters (functional p < 0.001; pain perception p < 0.01).

Analysis of Aspergillus nidulans germination, initial growth and carbon source response by flow cytometry.

In this work, flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the initial vegetative growth of the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans as measured by the number of events increasing size and internal complexity. It was established the ideal parameters for the analysis of conidial populations, whose growth was followed after germination in glucose or sucrose. While glucose in culture increased growth several magnitudes in comparison to control cultures in saline, growth was less intense in cultures amended with sucrose. Results indicated that flow cytometry could be a useful tool to study fungal germination and initial growth since it allowed rapid identification of different populations by means of their increasing in size and granularity with good reproducibility and without the need for direct observation and count of individual cells.

Effect of essential oil from Ageratum fastigiatum on beta-integrin (CD18) expression on human lymphocytes stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in vitro.

Agareratum fastigiatum is a Brazilian medicinal plant used as anti-inflammaroty and for wound healing by the folk medicine. In vitro and in vivo studies involving A. fastigiatum essential oil (EOAF) showed indications of anti-inflammatory activity, however, its effect on membrane integrins involved on cell migration is still unclear. Hence, it was evaluated in the present study the effect of EOAF on CD18 frequency on human lymphocytes. By using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry it was identified 9 compounds on EOAF: α-pinene; ß-pinene; ß-myrcene; d-limonene; ß-ocimene; sesquiterpenes; α-copaene; 4,8-ß-epóxi-caryophyllene; germacrene and bicyclogermacrene. On in vitro tests, 6.25 × 10-3 and 12.5 × 10-3 µL/mL EOAF reduced CD18 frequency on phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated lymphocytes. Such cells were obtained from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers, and were treated or not with EOAF. They were stained with fluorescent anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies, after 24 hours incubation. Our data corroborates previous findings, indicating a possible anti-inflammatory activity of EOAF.

Pediatric Patients With Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome Have Higher Expression of T Regulatory Lymphocytes in Comparison to Steroid-Resistant Disease.

Background and Aim: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is classified according to the response to drug therapy in steroid-sensitive (SS), steroid-dependent (SD), and steroid-resistant (SR) categories. Previous studies showed changes in inflammatory activity of subpopulations of lymphocytes in INS. This study aimed to compare SS and SR patients in regard to subpopulations of leukocytes, profile of regulatory lymphocytes, and migratory activity of lymphocyte subpopulations. Results obtained in INS patients were also compared to age and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including SS patients (n = 30), SR patients (n = 14), and controls (n = 10). Peripheral blood samples were withdrawn for ex-vivo leukocyte flow cytometry analysis. Results: Percentage of B-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were significantly reduced in SR patients when compared to controls, while the percentage of NKT cells were decreased in SS patients in comparison to controls. Percentages of CD4+ expressing FoxP3 and CTLA4 were significantly higher in SS patients in comparison to SR patients and controls. The expression of integrin CD18 on the surface of T lymphocytes (CD3+) was reduced in SS patients if compared to controls. Conclusion: This study found that SS INS patients have higher levels of regulatory T-lymphocytes and lower expression of adhesion molecules than SR patients.

Background autofluorescence induced by plant extracts in human lymphocytes: A flow cytometric analysis of a critical bias.

The presence of background autofluorescence sources is considered as an important problem when performing fluorometric methods, due to the possible spectral overlap between it and the fluorescence emission of probes. Regarding that, we evaluated the presence of background autofluorescence in human lymphocytes after the treatment with extracts from three medicinal plants, including ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Ageratum fastigiatum, ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Eriosema campestre and the ethanolic extract from stem of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with each extract in vitro during 24 h, followed by flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, the fluorescence emission of plant extracts was evaluated by fluorometry, using the same concentrations used in cell cultures. We identified that plant extracts treatment on lymphocytes induced background autofluorescence detectable in several wavelength ranges. Isolated extracts showed no expressive fluorescence emission in fluorometric analyses, suggesting that background autofluorescence was induced in lymphocytes by interactions between cellular components and extracts compounds. Here we discuss the importance to perform previous tests to evaluate a possible background autofluorescence induction after cell treatments with plant extracts or any other substance. In spite of being mandatory, background autofluorescence analysis of cells after treatments and stimulations is still underestimated on literature. In summary, following the precautions herein established should help to reduce the incidence of false positive results.

Increased serum levels of CCL11/eotaxin in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory and immune alterations occur and may be relevant in patients with schizophrenia. Chemokines are a subgroup of cytokines that play a major role in the recruitment of determined subsets of leukocytes into tissues. To date no study has evaluated whether levels of chemokines are altered in patients with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum levels of CC and CXC chemokines of schizophrenic patients and age- and gender-matched controls. METHODS: Forty male institutionalized schizophrenic patients (mean+/-SD age, 52.3+/-9.9) and 20 asymptomatic matched controls were recruited for this study. Severity of symptoms was assessed using BPRS, PANSS and AIMS. All patients were under typical antipsychotic treatment. Serum concentrations of chemokines were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in serum levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL24, CXCL9 and CXCL10 between controls and patients. Serum levels of CCL11 were increased in schizophrenic patients when compared to controls. Serum levels of chemokines were not correlated with the length of disease or hospitalization and the severity of involuntary movements, positive and/or negative symptoms. CONCLUSION: CCL11 is a ligand for CCR3, a receptor expressed preferentially on Th2 lymphocytes, mast cells and eosinophils. Higher serum levels of CCL11 in schizophrenia reinforce the view that this disease may be associated with a Th1/Th2 imbalance with a shift toward a Th2 immune response.

Effect of short- and medium-term toxicity of doxorubicin on spermatogenesis in adult Wistar rats.

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a widely used chemotherapeutic anticancer agent that has potent activity against several solid and non-solid human malignant tumors, including childhood malignancies. However, DXR has serious toxic effects on tissues with rapid cell cycles, such as myeloid and lymphatic tissues, intestinal mucosa, testes and ovaries. In the present study, the short- and medium-term toxic effects of DXR on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats were evaluated using morphometric and stereological tools to quantify damage to the seminiferous epithelium. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with dose of 7.5 mg/kg of DXR and were sacrificed at seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment. The testes were fixed in glutaraldehyde solution, routinely processed and embedded in plastic for evaluation under a light microscope. A significant reduction in testis weight was found as a result of massive germ cell apoptosis. Differences in comparison to the control group were found in the relative frequency of all stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, with significant differences for stages VIII-XI. Apoptosis significantly decreased the number of pachytene spermatocytes in the stages evaluated (I, II-III and VIII) at seven and 14 days. At 21 and 28 days after treatment, the testes exhibited the massive loss of germ cells that resulted in a missing cell layer. Moreover, reductions in the height of seminiferous tubules, tubular diameter and tubular compartment as well as an increase in the intertubular compartment were found in the period studied.

Trends in polymeric electrospun fibers and their use as oral biomaterials.

Electrospinning is one of the techniques to produce structured polymeric fibers in the micro or nano scale and to generate novel materials for biomedical proposes. Electrospinning versatility provides fibers that could support different surgical and rehabilitation treatments. However, its diversity in equipment assembly, polymeric materials, and functional molecules to be incorporated in fibers result in profusion of recent biomaterials that are not fully explored, even though the recognized relevance of the technique. The present article describes the main electrospun polymeric materials used in oral applications, and the main aspects and parameters of the technique. Natural and synthetic polymers, blends, and composites were identified from the available literature and recent developments. Main applications of electrospun fibers were focused on drug delivery systems, tissue regeneration, and material reinforcement or modification, although studies require further investigation in order to enable direct use in human. Current and potential usages as biomaterials for oral applications must motivate the development in the use of electrospinning as an efficient method to produce highly innovative biomaterials, over the next few years. Impact statement Nanotechnology is a challenge for many researchers that look for obtaining different materials behaviors by modifying characteristics at a very low scale. Thus, the production of nanostructured materials represents a very important field in bioengineering, in which the electrospinning technique appears as a suitable alternative. This review discusses and provides further explanation on this versatile technique to produce novel polymeric biomaterials for oral applications. The use of electrospun fibers is incipient in oral areas, mainly because of the unfamiliarity with the technique. Provided disclosure, possibilities and state of the art are aimed at supporting interested researchers to better choose proper materials, understand, and design new experiments. This work seeks to encourage many other researchers-Dentists, Biologists, Engineers, Pharmacists-to develop innovative materials from different polymers. We highlight synthetic and natural polymers as trends in treatments to motivate an advance in the worldwide discussion and exploration of this interdisciplinary field.

Differentiation of patients with leprosy from non-infected individuals by the chemokine eotaxin/CCL11.

Diagnosis of leprosy is usually made clinically and there are no tests available for the routine laboratory diagnosis of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of chemokines as biologic markers of disease activity. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure chemokines in plasma of patients with leprosy (LE) and non-infected (NI) individuals. There were significantly greater concentrations of the chemokines CCL3 and CCL11 in plasma of LE patients than in NI individuals. When the use of CCL11 to differentiate LE patients versus NI individuals was evaluated, the area under the receiver-operator-characteristic curve was 0.95 +/- 0.03 (P < 0.0001). In a group of selected individuals, CCL11 was useful in diagnosis of leprosy, thereby suggesting that measurement of this chemokine may be useful as an aid in diagnosing leprosis.

[Evaluation of the performance of immunological parameters as indicators for clinical progression of chronic HTLV-1 infection]. / Avaliação do desempenho de parâmetros imunológicos como indicadores de progressão clínica da infecção crônica pelo HTLV-1.

This study evaluated the performance of single and combined laboratory parameters, B-lymphocyte percentages (%LB), T/B cell ratio and %CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8+, to differentiate asymptomatic cases (AS) from HAM/TSP patients (HT) within a population of HTLV-1 seropositive cases. Percentage indices demonstrated that each parameter alone presented moderate performance, with co-negativity of 83 and 91% for %LB and T/B cell ratio, respectively, and co-positivity of 78% for %CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8+. Combined analysis (%CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8+ and T/B cell ratio) did not show any substantial performance enhancement (co-positivity = 75% and co-negativity = 74%). Likelihood ratio analysis using different value ranges for the separate parameters revealed that HTLV-1 seropositive cases with %LB<7%, T/B cell ratio>11 and %CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8+>70% would have, respectively, 11, 19 and 10 times greater chance of belonging to the HT group. Therefore, use of these phenotypic indicators as complementary laboratory methods for monitoring the clinical progression of chronic HTLV-1 infection is recommended.