hsa­miR­455­3P as a predictive biomarker of anemia in patients with non­small cell lung cancer treated with carboplatin plus paclitaxel.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The initial treatment of lung cancer depends on the definition of the tumor type and its staging. The most common treatment is chemotherapy, and the first-line treatment is a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Although this treatment has good efficacy, there is a high prevalence of adverse events, particularly hematological reactions. Studies on new biomarkers related to these adverse events, such as circulating microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), are important for optimizing the quality of life of patients. miRNAs have high stability in several biological fluids and they have specific expressions in different tissues or pathologies. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between circulating miRNAs and adverse hematologic reactions caused by treatment with carboplatin + paclitaxel in patients with lung cancer. Blood was collected from patients before and 15 days after chemotherapy for hematological adverse reaction analysis, microarray and quantitative (q)PCR validation. Adverse reactions were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. Microarray analysis was performed using plasma from six patients without anemia and six patients with anemia, and nine miRNAs were differentially expressed. miR-1273g-3p, miR-3613-5p and miR-455-3p, identified using microarray, were assessed using qPCR in 20 patients without anemia and 26 patients with anemia. Bioinformatic analyses of miR-455-3p were performed using miRWalk, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery and GeneMania software. Microarray analysis of patients with and without anemia revealed nine significant differentially-expressed plasma miRNAs among these patients. Of these, miR-1273g-3p, miR-3613-5p and miR-455-3p were chosen for further assessment. Only miR-455-3p demonstrated a significant reduction in expression (P=0.04) between the groups before chemotherapy with carboplatin + paclitaxel. Bioinformatics analysis of miR-455-3p revealed a relationship between this miRNA and the hematopoietic pathway, particularly with respect to the RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and TAL bHLH transcription factor 1, erythroid differentiation factor (TAL1) genes. The most prevalent adverse reactions in patients with lung cancer treated with carboplatin + paclitaxel were hematological, particularly anemia. This adverse reaction, caused by dysfunction of the hematopoietic system, may be explained by a possible association between the important genes in this system, RUNX1 and TAL1, and hsa-miR-455-3p.

miR-6805-5p as a biomarker of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with head and neck cancer.

Introduction: The standard treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is cisplatin chemoradiotherapy. One of the main treatment adverse reactions is nephrotoxicity, for which there is currently no adequate specific and sensitive biomarker. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the use of microRNAs (miRNAs) as renal biomarker candidates. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Nephrotoxicity was assessed through blood samples collected before and 5 days (D5) after chemotherapy. MiRNAs were extracted from urine samples collected at baseline and D5, and RNA sequencing identified miRNAs differentially expressed between participants with and without cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Results: A total of 49 participants were included (n = 49). A significant difference was seen between the two groups for traditional renal markers (serum creatinine and creatinine clearance) and for the acute kidney injury (AKI) categories. Among the six miRNAs evaluated as biomarkers, four were upregulated (hsa-miR-6729-5p, hsa-miR-1238-5p, hsa-miR-4706, and hsa-miR-4322) and two were downregulated (hsa-miR-6805-5p and hsa-miR-21-5p), but only hsa-miR-6805-5p had a significant difference (p < 0.0001). Its receiver operating characteristic curve revealed excellent specificity (0.920) for its expression fluctuation assessment, while its absolute expression in D5 showed greater sensitivity (0.792). Conclusion: So, the integrated use of these two parameters seems to be an interesting approach for AKI.

Data Normalization of Urine miRNA Profiling from Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Cisplatin.

The microRNA (miRNA) expression profile by qRT-PCR depends directly on the most appropriate normalization strategy adopted; however, currently there is no universally adequate reference gene. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, considering RNA-Seq results, the most adequate endogenous normalizer for use in the relative quantification of urine miRNAs from head and neck cancer patients, treated with cisplatin chemoradiotherapy. The massive sequencing was performed to identify the miRNAs differentially expressed between the group with cisplatin nephrotoxicity (n = 6) and the one without (n = 6). The candidate endogen normalizer was chosen according to four criteria: (1) the miRNA must be expressed in most samples; (2) the miRNA must have a fold change value between 0.99 and 1.01; (3) the miRNA must have a p-value ≥ 0.98; and (4) the miRNA must not be commented on by the final GeneGlobe (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) analysis. Four miRNAs met all the criteria (hsa-miR-363-5p, hsa-miR-875-5p, hsa-miR-4302, and hsa-miR-6749-5p) and were selected for validation by qRT-PCR in a cohort of 49 patients (including the 12 sequencing participants). Only hsa-miR-875-5p was shown to be an adequate normalizer for the experimental condition under investigation, as it exhibited invariant expression between the two groups.

Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Trazodone Hydrochloride: A Scoping Review and Future Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Trazodone hydrochloride is an antidepressant used in clinical practice. As a substrate of cytochrome P450 enzymes that is vulnerable to P-glycoprotein transport, several factors can alter its plasma concentration, and hence, dose adjustment may be required. The aim of this scoping review was to identify genetic polymorphisms that influence the pharmacokinetics of trazodone hydrochloride. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, PubMed Central, BVS/BIREME, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases for studies published until August 2021. The search strategy was based on the following keywords: Trazodone OR "m-chlorophenyl piperazine" AND "Pharmacogenetics" OR "Genetics" OR "Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System" OR "Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide" OR "Polymorphism, Genetic." RESULTS: The search retrieved 684 candidate articles; 307 duplicates were eliminated. In total, 377 articles were eligible for the first screen. However, only 4 met the eligibility criteria, and 12 polymorphisms in 5 different genes (CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1). Notably, only C3435T ABCB1 influenced the pharmacokinetics of trazodone hydrochloride. Individuals with the T/T genotype had lower area under the curve, half-life, and maximum concentration values with a higher clearance rate. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in CYP450 do not seem to directly influence the pharmacokinetics of trazodone hydrochloride or its metabolites. By contrast, genetic polymorphisms in ABCB1 seem to have an important effect on the pharmacokinetics of trazodone hydrochloride by enhancing drug metabolism and elimination.

Differentially expressed plasmatic microRNAs in Brazilian patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known that host microRNAs (miRNAs) can be modulated to favor viral infection or to protect the host. Herein, we report preliminary results of a study aiming at identifying differentially expressed plasmatic miRNAs in Brazilian patients with COVID-19. METHODS AND RESULTS: miRNAs were extracted from the plasma of eight patients with COVID-19 (four patients with mild COVID-19 and four patients with severe/critical COVID-19) and four healthy controls. Patients and controls were matched for sex and age. miRNA expression levels were detected using high-throughput sequencing. Differential miRNA expression and enrichment analyses were further evaluated. A total of 18 miRNAs were differentially expressed between patients with COVID-19 and controls. miR-4433b-5p, miR-6780b-3p, miR-6883-3p, miR-320b, miR-7111-3p, miR-4755-3p, miR-320c, and miR-6511a-3p were the most important miRNAs significantly involved in the PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ß-catenin, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Moreover, 42 miRNAs were differentially expressed between severe/critical and mild patients with COVID-19. miR-451a, miR-101-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-342-3p, miR-30e-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-29c-3p were the most important miRNAs significantly involved in the Wnt/ß-catenin, NF-κß, and STAT3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: If validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a larger number of participants, the miRNAs identified in this study might be used as possible biomarkers for the diagnosis and severity of COVID-19.

Assessment of Renal Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Cisplatin: Different Biomarkers and Acute Kidney Injury Classifications.

Cisplatin is associated with dose-limiting nephrotoxicity, and the timely detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) can affect morbimortality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the tools for monitoring renal function in AKI. This was a retrospective, cohort study. Cisplatin-treated patients with head and neck cancer were included. Nephrotoxicity was assessed using serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, serum electrolytic alterations, and plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). The toxicity severity was classified according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and AKI was classified by Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN). A total of 81 participants were included, of whom only 32 did not have AKI. Almost 90% of participants had a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate five (D5) days after chemotherapy. The AKI estimate differs between AKIN and RIFLE; more participants were diagnosed by the RIFLE at D5, 19.5% versus 2.4% by AKIN, and fifteen had a discordance between these classifications. All laboratory markers showed significant changes on D5. KIM-1 appeared a possible biomarker when considering CTCAE or AKIN classifications (p < 0.05 on D5), but not when RIFLE classification was used (p = 0.0780). Further studies may seek to understand the profiles of different biomarkers together.

Adverse drug reactions and kinetics of cisplatin excretion in urine of patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is a high-potency anticancer agent; however, it causes significant adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Potential pharmacokinetic markers must be studied to predict or prevent cisplatin-induced ADRs and achieve better prognosis. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between ADRs and kinetics of cisplatin excretion in the urine of patients undergoing high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. METHODS: Outpatients with head and neck cancer received a first cycle of high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy (80-100 mg/m2) concurrent to radiotherapy. ADRs (haematological, renal, and gastrointestinal reactions) were classified based on severity by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4, grade 0-4). The kinetics of cisplatin excretion in urine was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography over three time periods: 0-12, 12-24, and 24-48 h after the administration of cisplatin. Spearman Correlation test and regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between ADRs and cisplatin excretion in the urine. RESULTS: In total, 59 patients with a mean age of 55.6 ± 9.4 years were analysed; most patients were male (86.4%), white (79.7%), and with pharyngeal tumours in advanced stages (66.1%). The most frequently observed ADRs were anaemia (81.4%), lymphopenia (78%), and nausea (64.4%); mostly grades 1 and 2 of toxicity. The mean cisplatin excretion was 70.3 ± 64.4, 7.3 ± 6.3, and 5 ± 4 µg/mg creatinine at 0-12, 12-24, and 24-48 h, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the amount of cisplatin excreted did not influence the severity of ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent ADRs were anaemia, lymphopenia, and nausea. Grades 1 and 2 were the severities for most ADRs. The period over which the highest cisplatin excretion observed was 0-12 h after chemotherapy, and cisplatin excretion could not predict toxicity.

Reposição de vitamina B12 reduz comportamento depressivo induzido em ratos jovens / Vitamin B12 replacement therapy reduces induced depressive behavior in young rats

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar, em modelo animal, se a depleção suave de vitamina B12, anterior ao desenvolvimento de anemia, induz à depressão; e se a suplementação com vitamina B12 em animais jovens pode atuar como medida preventiva da depressão. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar divididos em grupo controle (n=11) e grupo B12 (n=10). O grupo B12 recebeu suplementação de vitamina B12 na água de beber, ao longo de todo o estudo. Na fase 1, os animais dos dois grupos receberam por seis semanas dieta adicionada de pectina (50g/kg da ração), para induzir à depleção de vitamina B12. Após esse período, foi aplicado o Teste de Porsolt para indução e avaliação do estado depressivo. Foi realizado também um hemograma para pesquisa de anemia. Na fase 2 (com duração de quatro semanas), a pectina foi removida da ração e os mesmos testes foram aplicados novamente no final do período. RESULTADOS: Durante as duas fases do estudo o número de hemácias, o hematócrito e a concentração de hemoglobina mantiveram-se normais, ou seja, os ratos não desenvolveram anemia. Os resultados do Teste de Nado Forçado ao final da fase 1 mostram que, em relação ao grupo controle, o grupo suplementado apresentou tempo de desistência menor (0,44±0,32 vs. 0,75±0,18 minutos, p=0,024) e tempo de natação maior (4,64±0,27 vs. 4,32±0,28 minutos, p=0,013), indicando redução do estado depressivo com a reposição de vitamina B12. Na comparação entre grupos no final da fase 2 não houve diferença significativa em nenhum dos componentes do Teste de Nado Forçado. CONCLUSÕES: A depleção suave de vitamina B12 na dieta, em nível não indutor de anemia, favoreceu o estado depressivo em ratos jovens, enquanto a sua suplementação na situação de depleção reverteu esse quadro. Em condições de nutrição adequada, entretanto, a suplementação dessa vitamina não exerceu efeito sobre o estado depressivo. Estes resultados estimulam a realização de mais estudos que aprofundem a avaliação das relações entre vitamina B12 e depressão em jovens. Além disso, este estudo também abre perspectivas para um novo modelo experimental de depressão, induzida por depleção de vitamina B12.

AIMS: To assess whether mild vitamin B12 deficiency induces depression prior to the development of anemia, and whether vitamin B12 supplementation can act as a preventive measure against depression in young rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into control group (n=11) and B12 group (n=10). The B12 group received vitamin B12 supplementation in drinking water throughout the study. In Phase 1, all animals received a pectin-supplemented diet (50g/kg) for six weeks to induce vitamin B12 depletion. After that, the Porsolt test was applied for induction and evaluation of depressive state and blood was collected for a complete blood count. In Phase 2, which lasted two weeks, pectin was removed from the diet and the same tests were applied again at the end. RESULTS: In both phases, erythrocyte count, hematocrit level, and hemoglobin concentration were normal, i.e., the rats did not develop anemia. The forced swim test results at the end of Phase 1 show that the B12 group exhibited shorter immobility time than the control group (0.44±0.32 vs. 0.75±0.18 minutes, p=0.024) and longer swimming time (4.64±0.27 vs. 4.32±0.28 minutes, p=0.013), indicating reduction of depressive state with vitamin B12 replacement therapy. When the groups were compared at the end of Phase 2, there was no significant difference in any of the forced swim test components. CONCLUSIONS: Mild vitamin B12 deficiency, at a level that did not induce anemia, led to depressive state in young rats where vitamin B12 supplementation reversed the effects of vitamin depletion. Under normal nutritional circumstances, however, vitamin B12 supplementation did not have any effect on depressive state. These findings encourage further studies to investigate the associations between vitamin B12 and depression in young individuals. Moreover, this study also presents perspectives for a new experimental model of depression induced by vitamin B12 depletion.

High 15-F2t-Isoprostane Levels in Patients with a Previous History of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: The Effects of Supplementary Antioxidant Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Phase I of this study was aimed at comparing the profiles of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with history of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), previously treated with surgery, to the healthy subjects. Phase II aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementary antioxidant therapy on the levels of biomarkers in the case group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Phase I, oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in blood samples obtained from 24 healthy subjects and 60 patients with history of NMSC previously treated with surgery. In Phase II, the 60 patients with history of NMSC were randomized into two subgroups, one receiving placebo (n = 34) and the other (n = 26) receiving vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc supplementation for 8 weeks, followed by reevaluation of biomarkers. RESULTS: In Phase I, patients with history of NMSC showed increased plasma concentrations of all biomarkers, but only 15-F2t-isoprostane was significantly higher than in the healthy subjects. Risk of NMSC increased by 4% for each additional 1 pg/mL increase in 15-F2t-isoprostane. In Phase II, supplementation did not significantly reduce levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Patients with history of NMSC had significantly high 15-F2t-isoprostane plasma levels; supplementation did not result in significant reduction of oxidative stress biomarkers. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT02248584).

Antioxidant capacity total in non-melanoma skin cancer and its relationship with food consumption of antioxidant nutrients.

The non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer and accounts for more than half of the diagnoses of cancer, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most frequent cutaneous neoplasm, corresponding to 70-80% of cutaneous tumors. Oxidative stress is an important trigger for skin carcinogenesis. Thus, it is important to evaluate oxidative stress, in order to discern effective therapeutic strategies able to stop it or attenuate it, thereby prevent the installation of non-melanoma skin cancer. Cross-sectional study with controls, involving 84 individuals of both sexes aged between 38-84 years, divided into two groups: control group of healthy people(n = 24) and the case group included individuals who presented non-melanoma skin and they have undergoing surgery (n = 60). The blood samples of the individuals were obtained for evaluation of biomarkers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostane, nitrite, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant capacity). The usual dietary intake and nutritional status of the subjects were evaluated. The significance level for this study was 5%. Patients in the case group had higher serum concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress, F2-isoprostane concentrations were significantly higher compared to controls. The results showed high rates of overweight and obesity in the case and control groups. The dietary concentrations of antioxidant minerals zinc, copper and selenium in the case group were significantly lower compared to controls. The correlation between markers of oxidative stress and dietary concentrations of antioxidant nutrients showed the influence of food intake of vitamins A and E in reducing oxidative stress, since these nutrients behave as important antioxidants, acting as sweepers of RL, by removing of the body the negative effects on the redox balance of the skin. We emphasize the importance of adopting healthy eating habits that optimize the consumption of antioxidant nutrients as a strategy to prevent oxidative damage to the skin.

El cáncer de piel no melanoma es el cáncer más común y representa más de la mitad de los diagnósticos de cáncer, y el carcinoma de células basales (BCC), la neoplasia cutánea más frecuente, representando el 70-80% de los tumores cutáneos. El estrés oxidativo es un disparador importante en la carcinogénesis de la piel. Por lo tanto, es importante para evaluar el estrés oxidativo, con el fin de prever y estrategias terapéuticas eficaces capaces de detener o mitigar ella, para evitar de este modo la instalación de cáncer de piel no melanoma. Estudio transversal con los controles, con la participación de 84 sujetos de ambos sexos con edades comprendidas entre 38 a 84 años, divididos en dos grupos: grupo control de sujetos sanos (n = 24) personas y el grupo de casos incluyeron los individuos que presentaron para el cáncer de piel no melanoma tiene someterse a la cirugía (n = 60). Las muestras de sangre de los sujetos fueron obtenidos para la evaluación de los biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo (F2-isoprostano, nitritos, sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) y capacidad antioxidante total). Se evaluó la ingesta dietética habitual y el estado nutricional de los sujetos. El nivel de significación para este estudio fue de 5%. Los pacientes en el grupo de casos tenían mayores concentraciones séricas de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo, las concentraciones de F2-isoprostano fueron significativamente mayor en comparación con los controles. Los resultados mostraron altas tasas de sobrepeso y obesidad en los grupos de casos y controles. Las concentraciones dietéticas de antioxidante minerales de zinc, cobre y selenio en el grupo de casos fueron significativamente más bajos en comparación con los controles. La correlación entre los marcadores de estrés oxidativo y las concentraciones dietéticas de nutrientes antioxidantes destacó la influencia de la ingesta de alimentos de vitaminas A y E en la reducción del estrés oxidativo, ya que estos nutrientes se comportan como antioxidantes importantes, actuando como barrenderos RL, el cuerpo se deshaga de estos efectos negativos sobre el equilibrio redox de la piel. Hacemos hincapié en la importancia de adoptar hábitos de alimentación saludables que optimizan el consumo de nutrientes antioxidantes como estrategia para prevenir el daño oxidativo de la piel.

Influência do fumo na atividade da amilase salivar e na curva glicêmica / Influence of smoking on salivary amylase activity and glycemic curve

OBJETIVO: Determinar a atividade da amilase salivar e a relação com a glicemia, antes e após a ingestão de carboidratos em fumantes e não fumantes, uma vez que in vitro a exposição da saliva à fumaça do cigarro induz à redução da atividade da amilase salivar e poderia influenciar na absorção dos carboidratos da dieta. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados voluntários fumantes (n=10) e não fumantes (n=10). Realizou-se coletas da saliva antes e após o fumo e determinou-se a glicemia antes e após a ingestão de 72g de carboidratos. Para glicemia usaram-se tempos de 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 minutos. A determinação da atividade da amilase salivar foi realizada por meio de kits comerciais. A glicemia foi determinada utilizando o aparelho Glicomiter (Accu-Chek-Roche). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software Sigmastat, utilizou-se o método Teste t pareado (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: O aumento da glicemia aos 15, 30, 60 e 90 minutos foi de 3,9; 11,9; 34,8 e 22,7 por cento para os não fumantes e 4,9; 6,5; 13,8 e 9,7 por cento para os fumantes, respectivamente. No pico máximo de absorção tem-se uma glicemia de 21,0 por cento maior nos pacientes não fumantes. A atividade da amilase salivar antes e após alimentação apresentou-se 75,0 por cento menor nos indivíduos fumantes. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que o fumo inibe a amilase e influencia na diminuição da digestão/absorção de carboidratos, consequentemente na concentração de glicose sanguínea, reduzindo assim o aporte energético ingerido.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine salivary amylase activity and its relationship with glycemia before and after smokers and nonsmokers ingested carbohydrates. Since cigarette smoke reduces salivary amylase activity in vitro, it may affect dietary carbohydrate absorption. METHODS: Twenty volunteers participated in this study, 10 smokers and 10 nonsmokers. Samples of saliva were collected before and after the smokers had a cigarette and glycemia was determined before and after the ingestion of 72g of carbohydrates. Glycemia was measured 0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after carbohydrate intake. Salivary amylase activity was determined by commercial kits. Glycemia was determined by a glucometer (Accu-Chek-Roche). The paired t-test was used for the statistical analyses, done by the software Sigmastat, with p<0.05. RESULTS: Glycemia 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after carbohydrate intake rose 3.9 percent, 11.9 percent, 34.8 percent and 22.7 percent in nonsmokers and 4.9 percent, 6.5 percent, 13.8 percent and 9.7 percent in smokers, respectively. The peak glucose absorption in nonsmokers was 21.0 percent greater than in smokers. Salivary amylase activity before and after eating was 75.0 percent smaller in smokers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that smoking inhibits amylase and has a negative impact on the digestion/absorption of carbohydrates, consequently in blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the amount of energy absorbed.

[Comparative analysis of parasite detection methods in vegetables for human consumption]. / Análisis comparativo de los métodos para la detección de parásitos en las hortalizas para el consumo humano.

INTRODUCTION: vegetable contamination is a persistent health problem. The different methods of processing and diagnosis make it difficult to determine the most effective and sensitive technique. OBJECTIVE: a comparative analysis of parasitological technique sensitivity in vegetable samples. METHODS: a total of 30 samples were harvested -lettuce (Lactuca sativa), rocket (Eruca sativa) and watercress (Nasturtium officinale)--and later analyzed using Hoffman, Pons, and Janer (HPJ) and Faust (f) techniques. Data were analyzed, using the Bland-Altman test to evaluate the correlation and the Mann-Whitney test to compare the medians. RESULTS: of the analyzed samples, 46.6% were positive for intestinal parasites; Balantidium coli, accounting for 20% of contamination, Entamoeba coli (21.6) and Entamoeba histolityca (5%), Trichuris trichiura (3.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.5%) The Bland-Altman test showed significant correlation between the analyzed methods. When evaluating the averages separately, there was significant difference (p = 0.05) among the results. CONCLUSIONS: this study proved that the HPJ technique was more effective for the detection of eggs, helminth larvae and protozoan cysts in the plants under study.

Cholesterol oxides inhibit cholesterol esterification by lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase / Óxidos de colesterol por inibir a esterificação do colesterol lecitina: colesterol acil transferase

Cholesterol oxides are atherogenic and can affect the activity of diverse important enzymes for the lipidic metabolism. The effect of 7β-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, cholestan-3β,5α,6β-triol,5,6β-epoxycholesterol, 5,6α-epoxycholesterol and 7α-hydroxycholesterol on esterification of cholesterol by lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT, EC 2.3.1.43) and the transfer of esters of cholesterol oxides from high density lipoprotein (HDL) to low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was investigated. HDL enriched with increasing concentrations of cholesterol oxides was incubated with fresh plasma as source of LCAT. Cholesterol and cholesterol oxides esterification was followed by measuring the consumption of respective free sterol and oxysterols. Measurements of cholesterol and cholesterol oxides were done by gas-chromatography. 14C-cholesterol oxides were incorporated into HDL2 and HDL3 subfractions and then incubated with fresh plasma containing LCAT and CETP. The transfer of cholesterol oxide esters was followed by measuring the 14C-cholesterol oxide-derived esters transferred to LDL and VLDL. All the cholesterol oxides studied were esterified by LCAT after incorporation into HDL particles, competing with cholesterol by LCAT. Cholesterol esterification by LCAT was inversely related to the cholesterol oxide concentration. The esterification of 14C-cholesterol oxides was higher in HDL3 and the transfer of the derived esters was greater from HDL2 to LDL and VLDL. The results suggest that cholesterol esterification by LCAT is inhibited in cholesterol oxide-enriched HDL particles. Moreover, the cholesterol oxides-derived esters are efficiently transferred to LDL and VLDL. Therefore, we suggest that cholesterol oxides may exert part of their atherogenic effect by inhibiting cholesterol esterification...

Os óxidos de colesterol são aterogênicos e podem afetar a atividade de diversas enzimas importantes para o metabolismo lipídico. Este estudo investigou o efeito dos óxidos 7β-hidroxicolesterol, 7-cetocolesterol, 25-hidroxicolesterol, colestan-3β,5α,6β-triol, 5,6β-epoxicolesterol, 5,6α-epoxicolesterol e 7α-hidroxicolesterol na esterificação do colesterol por ação da lecitina colesterol aciltransferase (LCAT, EC 2.3.1.43) e a posterior transferência dos óxidos esterificados da lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) para as lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) e muito baixa densidade (VLDL) mediada pela proteína de transporte de éster de colesterol (CETP). Para atingir os objetivos, HDL enriquecida com concentrações crescentes de óxidos de colesterol foi incubada com plasma fresco pobre em lipoproteínas, como fonte de LCAT; posteriormente a esterificação do colesterol e dos óxidos de colesterol foi medida pelo consumo do colesterol livre e dos óxidos livres presentes na HDL. As determinações de colesterol e dos óxidos de colesterol foram realizadas por cromatografia gasosa. 14C-óxidos de colesterol foram incorporados nas subfrações HDL2 e HDL3 e posteriormente incubados com plasma fresco, contendo LCAT e CETP. A transferência dos ésteres de óxidos de colesterol foi medida e quantificada pela presença desses ésteres na LDL e VLDL. Todos os óxidos de colesterol estudados foram esterificados pela LCAT após incorporação nas partículas de HDL e competiram com a esterificação do colesterol nativo. A esterificação do colesterol pela LCAT foi inversamente relacionada à concentração de óxidos de colesterol. A esterificação dos óxidos de colesterol foi maior na HDL3 e a transferência desses ésteres foi maior a partir da HDL2 para a LDL e VLDL. Estes resultados indicam que a esterificação do colesterol pela LCAT é inibida nas partículas de HDL enriquecidas com óxidos de colesterol e que os ésteres de óxidos de colesterol...