Ferritin heavy chain supports stability and function of the regulatory T cell lineage.

Regulatory T (TREG) cells develop via a program orchestrated by the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3). Maintenance of the TREG cell lineage relies on sustained FOXP3 transcription via a mechanism involving demethylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG)-rich elements at conserved non-coding sequences (CNS) in the FOXP3 locus. This cytosine demethylation is catalyzed by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenases, and it involves a redox reaction that uses iron (Fe) as an essential cofactor. Here, we establish that human and mouse TREG cells express Fe-regulatory genes, including that encoding ferritin heavy chain (FTH), at relatively high levels compared to conventional T helper cells. We show that FTH expression in TREG cells is essential for immune homeostasis. Mechanistically, FTH supports TET-catalyzed demethylation of CpG-rich sequences CNS1 and 2 in the FOXP3 locus, thereby promoting FOXP3 transcription and TREG cell stability. This process, which is essential for TREG lineage stability and function, limits the severity of autoimmune neuroinflammation and infectious diseases, and favors tumor progression. These findings suggest that the regulation of intracellular iron by FTH is a stable property of TREG cells that supports immune homeostasis and limits the pathological outcomes of immune-mediated inflammation.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in Marine Mammals, Brazil.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002-2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

NFIXing Cancer: The Role of NFIX in Oxidative Stress Response and Cell Fate.

NFIX, a member of the nuclear factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors, is known to be involved in muscle and central nervous system embryonic development. However, its expression in adults is limited. Similar to other developmental transcription factors, NFIX has been found to be altered in tumors, often promoting pro-tumorigenic functions, such as leading to proliferation, differentiation, and migration. However, some studies suggest that NFIX can also have a tumor suppressor role, indicating a complex and cancer-type dependent role of NFIX. This complexity may be linked to the multiple processes at play in regulating NFIX, which include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. Moreover, other features of NFIX, including its ability to interact with different NFI members to form homodimers or heterodimers, therefore allowing the transcription of different target genes, and its ability to sense oxidative stress, can also modulate its function. In this review, we examine different aspects of NFIX regulation, first in development and then in cancer, highlighting the important role of NFIX in oxidative stress and cell fate regulation in tumors. Moreover, we propose different mechanisms through which oxidative stress regulates NFIX transcription and function, underlining NFIX as a key factor for tumorigenesis.

Immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D on the STATs and transcription factors of CD4+ T cell subsets in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

This study evaluated the in vitro modulatory effect of vitamin D (VD) on T cells, by determining the expression of STATs and the transcription factors of each CD4+ T cell subsets. Twenty women with preeclampsia (PE) and 20 normotensive pregnant women were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with or without VD to analyse the STATs and transcription factors by flow cytometry, and cytokines production by ELISA. The plasma levels of VD were lower in the PE group. Treatment of cells with VD decreased STAT1/STAT4/T-bet, STAT3/RORγt, and increased STAT6/GATA-3 and STAT5/FoxP3 in preeclamptic women. Treatment with VD also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines and increased IL-10 and TGF-ß. This hormone exerts immunomodulatory effects on the STAT signalling pathway, shifting the inflammatory profiles, Th1/Th17 cells to Th2/Treg profiles, and it can be suggested as a promising strategy to regulate the systemic inflammatory response in PE.

Vitamin D decreases cell death and inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and placental explants from pregnant women with preeclampsia cultured with TNF-α.

This study evaluated the impact of vitamin D on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) and inflammation in placental explants from women with preeclampsia (PE). HUVEC and explants from 10 late-onset PE (LOPE), 10 early-onset (EOPE), and 10 normotensive (NT) pregnant women were cultured with/without tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and VD. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), 18 (IL-18), TNF-α, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) were detected by ELISA. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was determined by qPCR/Western blotting, and cell death by flow cytometry. Statistical significance was accepted at p < .05. Compared to the NT group, the endogenous levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-18 were higher in the PE group. The stimulus with TNF-α increased cytokines in NT, TNF-α in EOPE/LOPE, IL-18 in LOPE, and all cytokines in HUVEC. TNF-α+VD treatment decreased cytokines in explant and HUVEC supernatants. TRAIL was higher in EOPE versus NT, while TNF-α increased this receptor in NT versus control. In HUVEC, TNF-α increased TRAIL versus control, and TNF-α+VD decreased levels compared to only TNF-α stimulus. Protein expression of HMGB1 was higher in explant cultures treated with TNF-α and decreased after TNF-α+VD treatment in all groups, and gene/protein expression in HUVEC. Gene expression was elevated in EOPE versus NT and LOPE, and TNF-α increased HMGB1 in NT versus control, while TNF-α+VD decreased mRNA levels in EOPE. TNF-α stimulus increased late apoptosis in HUVEC, while VD increased viability. These in vitro observations suggest that VD administration to women with preeclampsia may be beneficial in reducing placental inflammation and cell death.

Reliability of Ultrasound Examination of Hyoid Bone Displacement Amplitude: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In swallowing, the hyoid bone moves up and forward in response to the activation of suprahyoid muscles, opening the upper esophageal sphincter and aiding the airway protection mechanism. This displacement measure has been analyzed with ultrasound images because this method does not expose the patient to radiation, has a good cost-benefit ratio, and is safe for the patient. However, there is no consensus on the reliability of this ultrasound measure. The objective of this study was to analyze the reliability of measuring hyoid bone displacement amplitude in swallowing with ultrasound. The systematic review encompassed five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) and gray literature. There was no limitation of language or year of publication. The search/selection/extraction methodology was conducted by two authors blindly and independently, and differences were solved by a third rater. Three studies met the eligibility criteria: two of them analyzed the reliability in non-dysphagic populations and the other, in dysphagic patients. The transducer was positioned in the submandibular region in all studies. The authors were not clear about the training time to acquire and analyze ultrasound images. The meta-analysis had an interrater reliability of 0.858 (95% CI: 0.744-0.924) and intrarater reliability of 0.968 (95% CI: 0.903-0.990). There was, however, heterogeneity of p = 0.005 for intrarater reliability. Despite good reliability, the heterogeneity reinforces the importance of training and protocol standardization for image acquisition and analysis.

Strongyloidiasis Serological Analysis with Three Different Biological Probes and Their Electrochemical Responses in a Screen-Printed Gold Electrode.

(1) Background: The validation of biological antigens is the study's utmost goal in biomedical applications. We evaluated three different probes with single and multiple epitopes through electrochemical detection of specific IgG in serum for human strongyloidiasis diagnosis. (2) Methods: Screen-printed gold electrodes were used and probes consisting of two single-epitope synthetic peptides (D3 and C10) with different sequences, and a multi-epitope antigen [detergent phase (DP)-hydrophobic membrane proteins]. Human serum samples from three populations were used: Strongyloides stercoralis positive, positive for other parasitic infections and negative controls. To test the immobilization of probes onto a screen-printed gold electrode and the serum IgG detection, electrochemical analyses were carried out through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and the electrode surface analyses were recorded using atomic force microscopy. (3) Results: The electrochemical response in screen-printed gold electrodes of peptides D3 and C10 when using positive serum was significantly higher than that when using the DP. Our sensor improved sensitivity to detect strongyloidiasis. (4) Conclusions: Probes' sequences are critical factors for differential electrochemical responses, and the D3 peptide presented the best electrochemical performance for strongyloidiasis detection, and may efficiently substitute whole antigen extracts from parasites for strongyloidiasis diagnosis in electrochemical immunosensors.

Lynch syndrome identification in a Brazilian cohort of endometrial cancer screened by a universal approach.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of Lynch syndrome (LS) in a cohort of patients from Southeast Brazil bearing endometrial cancer (EC), using a tumor screening universal approach. METHODS: A total of 242 endometrial carcinomas were screened by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microsatellite instability (MSI) for detection of DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). MLH1 methylation was assessed to identify sporadic cases. Patients with dMMR tumors were recruited for germline variant analysis by next-generation sequencing of the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM genes. RESULTS: Ninety-three out of 242 tumors (38.5%) were classified as dMMR based on MSI and IHC results. Of these, 54 cases were selected for germline analysis, and 37/54 (68.5%) were available for sequencing. Ten patients (10/37, 27%) harbored germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, most of them in the MSH6 gene (4/10, 40%). Seven variants of uncertain significance were found. Eight novel germline variants were identified. The LS prevalence in our cohort was of at least 4.1%. LS patients presented lower mean age at cancer diagnosis compared with patients diagnosed with sporadic EC. Individuals with dMMR tumors, without germline pathogenic variants detected in LS-genes ("Lynch-like" syndrome), had an intermediate mean age at cancer diagnosis between LS and sporadic cases. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the LS prevalence in EC screened by a universal approach in Brazil. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mutational landscape of this syndrome in Brazil, which is relevant for improved identification, genetic counseling, prevention and control of cancer in LS.

Mimotope-based antigens as potential vaccine candidates in experimental murine cysticercosis.

Human cysticercosis is a public health problem caused by Taenia solium metacestodes; thus, eradication of T. solium transmission by vaccination is an urgent requirement. The Cc48 mimotope from T. solium cysticerci was tested expressed in phage particles (mCc48) and chemically synthesized (sCc48) as a vaccine candidate in experimental murine cysticercosis. For this, BALB/c mice were immunized with mCc48 (G1; n = 40), sCc48 (G2; n = 40) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (G3; n = 40, positive control) and challenged with Taenia crassiceps metacestodes. Another PBS group without parasite challenge was used as a negative control (G4; n = 40). Mice were sacrificed 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection for cysticerci and serum collection. Immunization efficacy was determined by cysticerci counting. Serum samples were tested by ELISA to verify antibody (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) and cytokine (IFNγ and IL-4) levels. The sCc48 achieved the highest rates of protection and efficacy (90 and 98%, respectively). The group immunized with mCc48 presented the highest reactivity for IgM, IgG and IgE. All groups presented IL-4, but IFNγ was quite variable among groups. The protection induced by sCc48 synthetic peptide supports further studies of this mimotope as a potential vaccine candidate against cysticercosis.

Use of polyclonal IgY antibodies to detect serum immune complexes in patients with active hookworm infection.

Definitive diagnosis of hookworm infection is usually based on the microscopic detection of eggs in a stool sample; however, several cases display a low or irregular egg output. Serodiagnosis can be a useful tool to identify these cases, but conventional tests do not differentiate past from active infections. The aim of this study was to obtain and apply egg yolk polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgY) antibodies to detect immune complexes (ICs) in serum samples from patients infected with hookworm. Hens were immunized with Ancylostoma ceylanicum saline extract, their eggs were collected and then IgY antibodies were extracted and purified. Antibody purity was tested by 12% sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and specificity was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. IgY production was evaluated by kinetics enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sandwich ELISA tested the ability of IgY to detect ICs in serum samples, from which diagnostic parameters were calculated. Antibody responses increased steadily from day 7 to 42. In the immunoblotting assay, IgY recognized two protein complexes. The immunofluorescence assay showed no staining in control samples. The sandwich ELISA presented a very high diagnostic value, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 86.7%. Our pioneer strategy highlights the potential use of egg yolk IgY as a diagnostic test to detect active hookworm infection.

IgY antibody and human neurocysticercosis: a novel approach on immunodiagnosis using Taenia crassiceps hydrophobic antigens.

Human neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a worldwide neglected disease caused by Taenia solium metacestode and responsible for various complications and neurological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the use of specific immunoglobulin Y (IgY) produced by laying hens immunized with a hydrophobic fraction of Taenia crassiceps metacestodes (hFTc) in NCC diagnosis. Egg yolk IgY antibodies were fractionated, purified and characterized. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to evaluate the production kinetics and avidity maturation of anti-hFTc IgY antibodies throughout the IgY obtention process. Antigen recognition tests were carried out by Western blotting and immunofluorescence antibody test using purified and specific anti-hFTc IgY antibodies for detection of parasitic antigens of T. crassiceps and T. solium metacestodes. Sandwich ELISA was performed to detect circulating immune complexes formed by IgG and parasitic antigens in human sera. The results showed high diagnostic values (93.2% sensitivity and 94.3% specificity) for immune complexes detection in human sera with confirmed NCC. In conclusion, specific IgY antibodies produced from immunized hens with hFTc antigens were efficient to detect T. solium immune complexes in human sera, being an innovative and potential tool for NCC immunodiagnosis.

Neurocysticercosis serodiagnosis: mimotope-based synthetic peptide as potential biomarker.

Herein, we evaluate a mimotope-based synthetic peptidenamed NC41 to diagnose neurocysticercosis (NC), a neglected parasitic disease and a major cause of epilepsy worldwide. NC41 synthetic peptide was evaluated to diagnose NC, and total saline extract from Taenia solium metacestodes (SE) was used as control. Serum samples from patients with NC (n = 40), other parasitic diseases (n = 43), and healthy individuals (n = 40) were tested. Diagnostic parameters such as sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), likelihood ratio (LR), and area under curve (AUC) were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The sequence from T. solium phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) was used for epitope prediction, resulting in one high-scoring patch centered at residue L247. NC41 synthetic peptide reached high diagnostic performance (Se 97.5% and Sp 97.5%, LR+ 39 and AUC 0.997). Data from diagnostic parameters and in silico analyses proved the usefulness of NC41 synthetic peptide as a diagnostic marker for human NC.

Silibinin Downregulates the NF-κB Pathway and NLRP1/NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Monocytes from Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a human pregnancy-specific syndrome with abnormal activation of cells from the innate immune system. The present study evaluated whether silibinin (SB) treatment of monocytes from preeclamptic women could modulate NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation. Peripheral blood monocytes from 20 preeclamptic and 20 normotensive (NT) pregnant women, as well as the THP-1 cell line, were cultured with or without monosodium urate (MSU) or SB. NLRP1, NLRP3, Caspase-1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-1ß, IL-18, TNF-α and IL-10 gene expression by monocytes was analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while inflammatory cytokine production and p65NF-κB activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes pathways in THP-1 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blot respectively. Compared with NT women, monocytes from preeclamptic women showed The Ethics Committee of the Botucatu Medical School approved the study (protocol number 2.333.216)higher endogenous activation of NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway as well as higher gene and protein expression of IL-1ß, IL-18 and TNF-α, and lower expression of IL-10. Monocyte stimulation with MSU increased inflammation-related genes as well as NF-κB activity. In vitro, SB treatment of monocytes from preeclamptic women reduced the basal activation of these cells by decreasing NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes and p65NF-κB activity. THP-1 cells exhibited a similar immunological response profile to monocytes from preeclamptic women when cultured with or without MSU or SB. These results suggest uric acid participates in the systemic inflammatory response characteristic of preeclampsia and that in vitro SB treatment can modulate the sterile inflammation established in monocytes from preeclamptic women.

Induction of systemic inflammation by hyaluronan and hsp70 in women with pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a human pregnancy syndrome with abnormal activation of the innate immune response. The study evaluated the involvement of molecular structures called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as hyaluronan (HA) and heat shock proteins (Hsp) on NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes activation in peripheral blood monocytes. Twenty pre-eclamptic women, 20 normotensive pregnant women (NT) and 20 non-pregnant women (NP) were studied. Enzyme immunoassay was employed for the determination of HA, Hsp70 and High mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) in plasma, as well as for the detection of Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the supernatant of monocytes cultured with or without HA and Hsp70. The inflammasomes induction was evaluated by the quantification of mRNA for NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, HMGB1 and TNF-α by qPCR in monocyte culture. The results showed significantly higher plasma levels of HA, Hsp70 and HMGB1 in pre-eclamptic women than in NT and NP women. Monocytes from women with PE showed endogenous activation of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes, and expressed high amounts of IL-1ß, IL-18, HMGB1 and TNF-α. The stimulation of monocytes with HA increased the gene expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, HMGB1 and IL-18 and the production of IL-1ß in pre-eclamptic women. Monocytes cultured with Hsp70 produced elevated levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α through a mechanism independent of inflammasomes activation. These results suggest the participation of these DAMPs in the systemic inflammatory response that is characteristic of PE.

Morphometric and morphologic parameters of the heart in healthy Alouatta guariba clamitans (Cabrera, 1940).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at assessing the heart function of one neotropical primate (Alouatta guariba clamitans) kept in captivity using radiography, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: Ten adult healthy howler monkeys (A. g. clamitans) were evaluated under general anaesthesia. Vertebral Heart Scores (VHS) were obtained from radiographic studies. Ejection fraction, shortening fraction of left ventricle, left atrial/aortic root ratio, ascending aortic diameter, peak velocity of pulmonary, mitral, tricuspid and aortic blood flow and other values were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Heart rate, mean electrical axis of QRS complex, P, Q, R, S, T amplitude, P, PR interval, QRS, QT interval duration and ST segment unbalancing were measured by ECG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Exam techniques were akin the ones used in humans. Doppler echocardiographic, radiographic, electrocardiographic and clinical parameters for howler monkey were described and correlated. The results have shown profiles of cardiovascular function and structure of A. g. clamitans.

Association between cytokine profile and transcription factors produced by T-cell subsets in early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is an obstetric pathology characterized by abnormal activation of the innate and adaptive immune systems dependent on the imbalance of T helper subsets. The present study aimed to evaluate the gene and protein expression of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2/Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cell transcription factors in peripheral blood lymphocytes from pregnant women with PE employing quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry techniques, as well as the cytokine profile produced by these CD4+ T-cell subsets in the plasma of pregnant women with PE, classified as early-onset PE (n = 20), late-onset PE (n = 20) and normotensive pregnant women (n = 20). Results showed a higher percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing the RORc transcription factor (Th17) and a lower percentage of cells expressing FoxP3 (Treg) in women with early-onset PE compared with late-onset PE and normotensive groups. A lower gene expression of GATA-3 transcription factor was detected in cells of women with early-onset PE compared with the late-onset PE group. Endogenous plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor-α were significantly higher in the early-onset PE group than in the late-onset PE and normotensive groups, whereas IL-4 (Th2 profile) and IL-22 (Th17 profile), were not significantly different between the studied groups. The endogenous levels of transforming growth factor-ß and IL-10 were significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic than in the normotensive groups of the same gestational age, with a significant difference between early- and late-onset PE. The results show that in women with PE there is an imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory profiles in CD4+ T-cell subsets, with polarization to Th17 profiles in the early-onset PE, considered as the severe form of PE.

Anti-parasitic Antibodies from Phage Display.

Parasite infections affect billions of people and their domesticated animals worldwide, and remain as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, but such diseases are still neglected in endemic countries. Therapeutic interventions consisted mostly of drugs, which are highly toxic and may lead to resistance. The immunopathology of parasites is very complex due to their multistage life cycles and long lifetime involving several hosts, leading many times to chronic infections and sometimes to death, by compromising nutritional status, affecting cognitive processes, and inducing severe tissue reactions. Vaccination is a challenge, and immunotherapy is completely disregarded because of their complex interactions with hosts and vectors. This review will bring concepts of immunological aspects for some important parasitic infections, and present the most recent phage display-derived antibodies or peptidomimetics for parasite targets. This chapter will also discuss the future perspectives of such potential anti-infective immunobiologicals for parasitic diseases.

Eucalyptol attenuates cigarette smoke-induced acute lung inflammation and oxidative stress in the mouse.

Short-term cigarette smoke (CS) exposure does not cause emphysema; however, some pathogenesis hallmarks are maintained, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to test the efficacy of eucalyptol against short-term CS exposure in mice. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 12 cigarettes per day for 5 days (CS group). The control group was exposed to sham smoking. Three groups of mice exposed to CS were treated to different concentrations of eucalyptol (1, 3, 10 mg/mL) via inhalation (15 min/daily) for 5 days (CS + 1 mg, CS+3 mg and CS+10 mg groups). CS group and control one were sham treated by using vehicle. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of eucalyptol were assessed 24 h after the last CS exposure by determining cell counts, measuring cytokine production and performing western blotting, biochemical and histological analyses. Eucalyptol at 3 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL concentrations reduced total leukocyte numbers compared to the CS group (p < 0.001), while macrophage numbers were reduced at all concentrations (p < 0.001). Myeloperoxidase, used as neutrophil marker, was reduced at 3 mg/mL (p < 0.01) and 10 mg/mL (p < 0.05) concentrations. Eucalyptol reduced cytokine levels (IL-1ß, IL-6 and KC) at 3 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL concentrations (p < 0.01) compared to the CS group. The exception was TNF-α, with a reduction only at 10 mg/mL of eucalyptol compared to the CS group (p < 0.001). Additionally, eucalyptol decreased the NF-kappa B p65 subunit at 3 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL compared to the CS group (p < 0.01). Regarding oxidative stress, eucalyptol reduced reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde, mainly at 3 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL concentrations compared to the CS group (at least p < 0.05), parallel to reduced glutathione levels at the same concentrations (p < 0.001). Furthermore, treatment with eucalyptol attenuated CS-induced histopathological alterations. Collectively, these results indicate that eucalyptol acts through a mechanism involving decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and the NF-kappa B p65 subunit against CS-induced acute lung inflammation. Thus, eucalyptol may be a potential agent in the treatment of pulmonary inflammation caused by CS in humans.

Suppurative peritonitis by Klebsiella pneumoniae in captive gold-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas midas).

This report describes an outbreak of suppurative peritonitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in an adult female of captive golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas midas). Two virulent and multidrug-resistant strains were isolated and classified through MLST as ST60 and ST1263. The microbiological diagnosis works as a support tool for preventive measures.