Panorama da cobertura de cirurgiões-dentistas em equipes de saúde na Macrorregião Norte de Minas Gerais: análise de aspectos determinantes / Overview of dentists' coverage in health teams in the Northern Macroregion of Minas Gerais: analysis of determinant aspects

Objetivo: Realizar levantamento sobre a incidência de equipes de saúde da família, equipes de saúde bucal e cirurgiões-dentistas na Macrorregião Norte de Minas Gerais de 2008 a 2023. Métodos: Estudo original, de natureza quantitativa e descritiva, elaborado entre março e abril de 2023. Os dados utilizados no presente trabalho referem-se às equipes de saúde e profissionais colaboradores e foram obtidos na plataforma DATASUS. O único critério de inclusão considerado foi município ser pertencente à Macrorregião de Saúde Norte de Minas Gerais, conforme o Plano Diretor do estado. Resultados: Dos 86 municípios da macrorregião Norte de Minas Gerais avaliados, 63 (73,2%) apresentaram aumento no número de equipe de saúde bucal e de cirurgiões-dentistas em 2023, comparado com2008. Observou-se um aumento exponencial nos municípios Várzea da Palma (733,2%), Fruta de Leite (729,4%) e Francisco Dumont (550,3%). Conclusões: Houve aumento no número de equipes de saúde bucal e equipes de saúde da família em todos os municípios, demonstrando distribuição satisfatória dos cirurgiões-dentistas no setor público e a preocupação com a saúde bucal da população por parte das autoridades do poder público.

Objective:To conduct a survey on the incidence of Family Health Teams, Oral Health Teams and dentists in the Northern Macroregion of Minas Gerais from 2008 to 2021. Methods: Original study, quantitative and descriptive nature, prepared between the months of March and April 2023. The data used in the present study refer to the health teams and collaborating professionals and were obtained from the DATASUS platform. Theonly inclusion criterion considered was a municipality belonging to the Northern Health Macro-region of Minas Gerais, according to the state's Master Plan. Results:Of the 86 municipalities in the northern macro-region of Minas Gerais evaluated, 63 (73.2%) showed an increase in the number of Health Teams and dentists in 2023, compared to 2008. An exponential increase was observed in the municipalities of Várzea da Palma (733.2%), Fruta de Leite (729.4%) and Francisco Dumont (550.3%). Conclusions:There was an increase of in the number of Oral Health Teams and Family Health Teams in all municipalities, demonstrating a satisfactory distribution of dentists in the public sector and the concern with the oral health of the population by the authorities of the public power

COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Increased Clinic Visits with Diagnosis of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil in 2020.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols has reduced primary and secondary health care for other diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a parasitic, endemic, chronic and persistent disease in Brazil. To ascertain this, we compared the number of leishmaniasis cases diagnosed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 5 regions of Brazil, there was an increase in the mean number of leishmaniasis clinic visits from 2020 pandemic period (over 57%) compared with 2017-2019 years. Interestingly, this increase was due to tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) while visceral leishmaniasis consultations decreased considerably. The increase in clinic visits with a diagnosis of TL in all regions of Brazil during the pandemic period in 2020, shows that the epidemiological surveillance of neglected tropical diseases cannot slowdown in the country. Expanding information can minimize the negative impacts of COVID-19 on health promotion, prevention and monitoring of the most prevalent neglected diseases.

Lactococcus lactis Administration Modulates IgE and IL-4 Production and Promotes Enterobacteria Growth in the Gut from Ethanol-Intake Mice.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that alcohol can trigger inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), interfering with mucosal homeostasis. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Lactococcus lactis treatment in controlling the increase in molecular biomarkers related to allergic inflammation and the effect on the diversity and abundance of the Enterobacteriaceae family in the GIT after high-dose acute administration of ethanol. METHODS: Mice received ethanol or saline solution by gavage for four consecutive days, and 24 h after the last administration, the animals were given L. lactis or M17 broth orally ad libitum for two consecutive days. The animals were subsequently sacrificed and dissected. RESULTS: L. lactis treatment was able to restore basal levels of secretory immunoglobulin A in the gastric mucosa, serum total immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4 production in gastric and intestinal tissues, and IL-10 levels in gastric tissue. L. lactis treatment encouraged the diversification of the Enterobacteriaceae population, particularly the commensal species, in the GIT. CONCLUSION: This research opens a field of studies regarding the modulatory effect of L. lactis on immunological and microbial changes induced after alcohol intake.

Acute oral treatment with resveratrol and Lactococcus Lactis Subsp. Lactis decrease body weight and improve liver proinflammatory markers in C57BL/6 mice.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol, a nutraceutical polyphenol, and Lactococcus lactis (bacteria probiotic), on metabolic parameters and hepatic proinflammatory markers expression. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: Standard (ST), Lactococcus lactis (LL), Resveratrol (RSV), and Lactococcus lactis plus resveratrol (LL + RSV). Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol were administered by orogastric gavage. Blood parameters were assessed (total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST). IL-6 mRNA expression was evaluated by Real-time PCR and TNF-α protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The main findings showed that resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis association decreased body weight, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol levels. LL and LL + RSV decreased triglycerides levels and IL-6 and TNF-α expression. These results open a perspective of using resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis to improve metabolic parameters and Lactococcus lactis in preventing inflammation and the hepatic diseases development.

Lactococcus lactis and Resveratrol Decrease Body Weight and Increase Benefic Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The microbiome is now known for its important role in whole-body homeostasis. A dysbiosis of the normal microbiota is correlated with metabolic disorders. In this sense, the search for compounds able to modulate the microbiome is needed. Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes seems to be a promising candidate. OBJECTIVE: In this study, our motivation was to evaluate the effects of the association between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis, a probiotic, on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota and body weight of mice. METHODS: Twenty female mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) standard diet, (2) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis, (3) standard diet plus resveratrol, and (4) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol. At the end of the treatment period, samples of blood, mucus, stomach, and small and large intestines were collected for analysis. Total levels of Immunoglobulin A and Immunoglobulin E, Lac+ and Lac- bacteria and Lactobacillus were measured. RESULTS: The main results indicate that the association between resveratrol and probiotics was able to decrease mice body weight, as compared to the other groups, in addition to decrease the number of Lac- bacteria and increasing the number of Lac+ bacteria. The levels of secretory IgA were also decreased, compared to the animals treated with only probiotics or resveratrol. CONCLUSION: We observed potential synergism between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis mainly in modulating the stomach and intestinal microbiota.

Should an intersection between visceral leishmaniasis endemicity and the COVID-19 pandemic be considered?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the infection with the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, revealed individual and global vulnerabilities, in which we highlight the social, economic, and political aspects and the health systems' organization in the countries. Brazil remains with a high transmission rate and presents a centripetal distribution as observed through a more sustained growth in the number of municipalities affected, outlining a profile of invasion of poor communities. Several vulnerabilities overlap with precarious housing conditions, lack of basic sanitation, malnutrition, and endemicity for neglected chronic diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis (VL). COVID-19 and VL evidently do not share clinical features, but exactly because of the distinct immunopathogenesis between the diseases, patients with VL may present a vulnerability in the immune system against antiviral responses. Considering that VL susceptibility seems to be related to an inefficient and polarized immune response, it is likely that in endemic areas, the overlap of social weaknesses added to individual vulnerability by immune polarization may aggravate the COVID-19 condition. In this sense, we reinforce that possible relationships between endemic neglected diseases such as VL and pandemic SARS-CoV-2 infection need to be further considered and investigated.

Laboratorial algorithm for serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis using rK39-ICT, DAT-LPC and FC-Simplex IgG1.

The performance of distinct serological tests (rK39-ICT, IFAT, DAT-LPC, FC-Simplex IgG1) was assessed and a laboratorial algorithm was proposed for accurate diagnosis of VL. DAT-LPC and FC-Simplex IgG1 showed outstanding accuracy (AUC = 0.93) to identify VL patients. The use of a sequential serological algorithm (rK39-ICT screening followed by DAT-LPC or FC-Simplex IgG1) improved the global accuracy for VL (97.2%) diagnosis. An alternative approach for diagnosis of VL has been also assessed for interchangeable use of serum/whole blood lysate samples in DAT-LPC and FC-Simplex IgG1. Our data showed an outstanding agreement for the results obtained with whole blood lysate samples as compared to serum samples (DAT-LPC =100%; FC-Simplex IgG1 = 99%). Together, these findings provide insights to improve the current overall accuracy of VL diagnosis and present innovative laboratorial tests and alternative samples from use in public health services.

Qualidade microbiológica de águas naturais quanto ao perfil de resistência de bactérias heterotróficas a antimicrobianos / Microbiological quality of natural waters on the resistance profile of heterotrophic bacteria to antimicrobials

RESUMO A clínica hospitalar se depara diariamente com desafios terapêuticos advindos da presença de bactérias multirresistentes a antibióticos. Todavia, considerando que há evidência de bactérias multirresistentes nos ambientes solo e água, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar os aspectos microbiológicos de fontes de águas naturais potenciais para consumo no município de Itajubá (MG), incluindo a determinação do perfil de resistência de bactérias heterotróficas a antimicrobianos, não exigida nos critérios atuais de potabilidade. Para isso, foram realizadas análises das características microbiológicas em 11 fontes canalizadas durante a estação chuvosa e 9 fontes durante a estação seca, incluindo coliformes totais, Escherichia coli, densidade de bactérias heterotróficas e teste de resistência de bactérias heterotróficas a agentes antimicrobianos, além de características físicas e químicas. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram elevadas porcentagens de resistência de bactérias heterotróficas aos antimicrobianos, sem relação com a época de amostragem. Entretanto, não se verificou relação entre resistência bacteriana e densidades de bactérias heterotróficas e coliformes totais, o que pode levar à falsa ideia de ausência de risco nas águas naturais estudadas que apresentem baixa contaminação.

ABSTRACT The hospital clinic daily faces therapeutic challenges arising from the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria to antibiotics. However, considering there is evidence of multi-resistant bacteria in soil and water environments, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological aspects of potential natural water sources for consumption in the city of Itajubá (MG, Brazil), including the determination of the resistance profile of heterotrophic bacteria to antimicrobials, which is not required in the current potability criteria. Thus, we performed analyzes of the microbiological characteristics in 11 channeled sources during the rainy season and nine sources during the dry season, including total coliforms, Escherichia coli, density of heterotrophic bacteria and resistance testing of heterotrophic bacteria to antimicrobial agents, besides physical and chemical characteristics. The results showed high resistance percentages of heterotrophic bacteria to antimicrobials, unrelated to the sampling time. However, there was no relationship between bacterial resistance and density of heterotrophic bacteria and total coliforms, which can lead to the false idea of ​​the absence of risk in the natural studied waters presenting low contamination.

Usefulness of FC-TRIPLEX Chagas/Leish IgG1 as confirmatory assay for non-negative results in blood bank screening of Chagas disease.

A relevant issue in Chagas disease serological diagnosis regards the requirement of using several confirmatory methods to elucidate the status of non-negative results from blood bank screening. The development of a single reliable method may potentially contribute to distinguish true and false positive results. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of the multiplexed flow-cytometry anti-T. cruzi/Leishmania IgG1 serology/(FC-TRIPLEX Chagas/Leish IgG1) with three conventional confirmatory criteria (ELISA-EIA, Immunofluorescence assay-IIF and EIA/IIF consensus criterion) to define the final status of samples with actual/previous non-negative results during anti-T. cruzi ELISA-screening in blood banks. Apart from inconclusive results, the FC-TRIPLEX presented a weak agreement index with EIA, while a strong agreement was observed when either IIF or EIA/IIF consensus criteria were applied. Discriminant analysis and Spearman's correlation further corroborates the agreement scores. ROC curve analysis showed that FC-TRIPLEX performance indexes were higher when IIF and EIA/IIF consensus were used as a confirmatory criterion. Logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the probability of FC-TRIPLEX to yield positive results was higher for inconclusive results from IIF and EIA/IIF consensus. Machine learning tools illustrated the high level of categorical agreement between FC-TRIPLEX versus IIF or EIA/IIF consensus. Together, these findings demonstrated the usefulness of FC-TRIPLEX as a tool to elucidate the status of non-negative results in blood bank screening of Chagas disease.

Non classical Monocytes Levels, Increased by Subcutaneous Fat-Secretome, Are Associated with Less Rehospitalization after Heart Failure Admission.

Differential monocyte subsets are increased in obesity and heart failure (HF). We studied their role as predictors of rehospitalization for HF and their regulation by adipose tissue. Monocyte subsets and body fat composition were determined from 136 patients at the discharge after HF admission. Regulation of monocytes by SAT secretomes from obese/non-obese patients with HF was studied in a cell culture method. Proteomic analysis of secretome SAT was performed by LC-MALDI TOF/TOF. High CD14-CD16+ monocyte levels indicated less rehospitalization for HF (p = 0.018). SAT secretomes from obese patients increased the CD14-CD16+monocytes (11.8 ± 5.3 vs 3.9 ± 2.6%; p < 0.01). Differential proteins were determined between obese and non-obese patients with HF. High levels of CD14-CD16+ monocytes are associated with less rehospitalization for HF. This phenotype is upregulated by SAT secretome from obese patients with HF. This mechanism might help us to understand the obesity paradox in HF.

Longitudinalidade e formação profissional: fundamentos para o desempenho das equipes de saúde da família / Longitudinality and professional qualification: fundamentals for the performance of family healthcare teams

RESUMO Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de equipes de saúde da família por meio do monitoramento dos indicadores de saúde contratualizados no Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica. Trata-se de estudo transversal, de cunho descritivo e abordagem quantitativa. Os resultados revelam que as equipes com desempenho satisfatório em todos os indicadores e em todos os anos analisados possuem maior tempo de implantação associado ao tempo de permanência do enfermeiro. Demonstram, também, que o tempo influencia diretamente o resultado, já que longitudinalidade e continuidade são atributos específicos da atenção primária construídos e estabelecidos com os usuários, o que favorece o estabelecimento do vínculo do usuário à equipe.

ABSTRACT This article aims to evaluate the performance of family health teams by monitoring of health indicators defined by the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care. It is a cross-sectional and descriptive study of quantitative approach. Results reveal that teams with satisfactory performance in all indicators during the analyzed yearshave greater deployment time associated with the nurse permanence in the team. They also demonstrate that time influences directly the result since longitudinality and continuity of primary care specific attributes are constructed and established together with users, favoring the creation of a liaison between user and team.

Microbiota intestinal e associações com desordens clínicas em função da faixa etária de idosos: um estudo analítico transversal / Gut microbiota and associations with clinical disorders for each age range of elderly: analytical and cross-sectional study

O envelhecimento da população e as projeções para o aumento crescente de idosos é uma realidade mundial, que desperta interesse da comunidade científica no intuito de esclarecer os aspetos relacionados ao envelhecimento saudável. As características da microbiota intestinal podem estar relacionadas com indicadores de saúde/doença e a sua relação com o processo de envelhecimento é parcialmente compreendida. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar dois grupos de bactérias intestinais em indivíduos idosos institucionalizados, em função da faixa etária, e verificar possíveis associações a variáveis clínicas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, analítica e transversal, realizada com 62 idosos residentes em uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram realizadas análises parasitológica e microbiológica em amostras de fezes e aplicação de um questionário individual. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento de enterobactérias totais com o avançar da idade em mulheres de 70-79 anos com relação aos homens da mesma faixa etária. Verificou-se, ainda, que os idosos com idade superior a 80 anos e dependentes nas atividades de vida diária apresentam um aumento de lactobacilos presuntivos. Não se observou relação significativa entre gêneros e contagens de lactobacilos presuntivos nem houve associação entre as contagens e constipação intestinal, incontinência urinária e hipertensão.

The aging population and projections for the increasing number of elderly is a global reality, that arouses interest of the scientific community to clarify aspects related to healthy aging. The characteristics of the gut microbiota may be related to disease or health indicators and their relationship to the aging process is only partially understood. The aim of this study was to quantify two groups of intestinal bacteria in elderly institutionalized individuals, according to age, and investigate possible associations with clinical variables. This is a quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional research conducted with 62 elderly in a long term residence in the Minas Gerais state - Brazil . Parasitological and microbiological analysis in fecal samples and application of an questionnaire for each elderly were performed. The results showed an increase of total enterobacteria with advancing age, and in women of 70-79 years compared to men of the same range age. It was also found that elderly older than 80 years and dependent in basic activities of daily living, presented an increase of presumptive Lactobacilli. There was no significant relationship between gender and scores of presumptive Lactobacilli, or there was an association between the scores and constipation, urinary incontinence and hypertension.

FC-TRIPLEX Chagas/Leish IgG1: a multiplexed flow cytometry method for differential serological diagnosis of chagas disease and leishmaniasis.

Differential serological diagnosis of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis is difficult owing to cross-reactivity resulting from the fact that the parasites that cause these pathologies share antigenic epitopes. Even with optimized serological assays that use parasite-specific recombinant antigens, inconclusive test results continue to be a problem. Therefore, new serological tests with high sensitivity and specificity are needed. In the present work, we developed and evaluated the performance of a new flow cytometric serological method, referred to as FC-TRIPLEX Chagas/Leish IgG1, for the all-in-one classification of inconclusive tests. The method uses antigens for the detection of visceral leishmaniasis, localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease and is based on an inverted detuned algorithm for analysis of anti-Trypanosomatidae IgG1 reactivity. First, parasites were label with fluorescein isothiocyanate or Alexa Fluor 647 at various concentrations. Then serum samples were serially diluted, the dilutions were incubated with suspensions of mixed labeled parasites, and flow cytometric measurements were performed to determine percentages of positive fluorescent parasites. Using the new method, we obtained correct results for 76 of 80 analyzed serum samples (95% overall performance), underscoring the outstanding performance of the method. Moreover, we found that the fluorescently labeled parasite suspensions were stable during storage at room temperature, 4 °C, and -20 °C for 1 year. In addition, two different lots of parasite suspensions showed equivalent antigen recognition; that is, the two lots showed equivalent categorical segregation of anti-Trypanosomatidae IgG1 reactivity at selected serum dilutions. In conclusion, we have developed a sensitive and selective method for differential diagnosis of Chagas disease, visceral leishmaniasis, and localized cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cell surface markers for T and B lymphocytes activation and adhesion as putative prognostic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The study population comprised HNSCC patients, risk-positive controls (tabagism and alcoholism habits), and risk-negative controls (without risk factors). Significant increases in the activation status of CD4(+)and CD8(+) T-cells, and higher migration potentials of lymphocytes were observed in HNSCC patients compared with control groups. Although decreased frequency of CD19(+)-B lymphocytes was observed in HSNCC patients, a higher percentage of HLA-DR(+)CD19(+)-B lymphocytes was detected in these individuals as compared with other evaluated groups. Metastasis and tumor grading were the major pathological parameters associated with significant alterations in the expression of activation molecules on circulating CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells. A reduced frequency of CD38-expressing CD8(+) T-cells was the most relevant biomarker associated with HNSCC aggressiveness. Performance analysis suggested a cut-off point for the CD8(+)CD38(+)/CD8(+) T-cell ratio of 7.0 for segregating patients according to tumor grading. In contrast, a higher proportion of CD8(+)CD54(+)/CD8(+) T-cells could represent a relevant biomarker associated with metastasis in HNSCC patients, and performance analysis suggested a cut-off point for the CD8(+)CD54(+)/CD8(+) T-cell ratio of 30 for segregating patients according to absence or presence of metastasis. The results obtained can increment immunological aspects of HNSCC and provide tools for the determination of cut-off scores of clinically relevant immunophenotypic prognostic biomarkers.

Evaluation of anti-lived and anti-fixed Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigote IgG antibodies detected by flow cytometry for diagnosis and post-therapeutic cure assessment in localized cutaneous leishmaniasis.

This study aims to investigate a flow cytometry performance-based methodology to detect anti-live (FC-ALPA-IgG) and anti-fixed (FC-AFPA-IgG) Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigote IgG as a means to monitor post-therapeutic cure of patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). Serum samples from 30 LCL patients infected with L. (V.) braziliensis were assayed, comparing the IgG reactivity before and after specific treatment with pentavalent antimonial. Reactivities were reported as the percentage of positive fluorescent parasites (PPFP), using a PPFP of 60% as a cut-off value. In the serum dilution of 1:1024, the positive percentage of LCL serum sample for FC-ALPA-IgG and FC-AFPA-IgG was 86% and 90%, respectively, before treatment. Analysis of ∆PPFP that represents the difference between PPFP after and before treatment appeared as a new approach to monitor post-therapeutic IgG reactivity in LCL. Our data support the perspective of using FC-ALPA and FC-AFPA as a useful serologic tool for diagnosis and for post-therapeutic follow-up of LCL patients.

Applicability of an optimized non-conventional flow cytometry method to detect anti-Trypanosoma cruzi immunoglobulin G for the serological diagnosis and cure assessment following chemotherapeutic treatment of Chagas disease.

One of the challenges on immunodiagnostic of Chagas disease in endemic areas has been the search for more practical and safe antigenic preparation that provides tests with higher sensitivity and specificity, with low cross-reactivity. A new approach using fixed Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes to detect IgG reactivity was investigated previously. In order to continue this investigation, this study aimed at optimizing the flow cytometry-based method to the diagnosis of Chagas disease patients after specific chemotherapy. To achieve our goal, serum samples from 93 subjects - 52 adults chronically infected by T. cruzi, and 41 uninfected controls were tested by flow cytometry. Secondly, serum samples from patients Treated Cured and Treated Uncured from Chagas disease were also tested to evaluate the potential of the method on assessing cure. After establishing the ideal serum dilution and cut off, 121 serum samples from patients with other endemic infections were tested to check cross-reactivity. The results showed that parasite staining with Evan's blue dye eliminated debris, allowing trustworthy analysis of anti-fixed epimastigote IgG reactivity. The applicability of the method to diagnose Chagas disease was confirmed by the high sensitivity (98.1%) and specificity (100%) found. This method also contributed for post-therapeutic assessment of cure, identifying 94.1% of Treated Uncured and 83.3% of Treated Cured patients. Cross-reactivity was observed in a very low number (6.7%). On the whole, these data highly recommend the use of anti-fixed T. cruzi epimastigote IgG reactivity by flow cytometry to the diagnosis and cure monitoring of Chagas disease in endemic areas.

Immunological changes in canine peripheral blood leukocytes triggered by immunization with first or second generation vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis.

In this study, we summarized the major phenotypic/functional aspects of circulating leukocytes following canine immunization with Leishvaccine and Leishmune®. Our findings showed that Leishvaccine triggered early changes in the innate immunity (neutrophils and eosinophils) with late alterations on monocytes. Conversely, Leishmune(®) induced early phenotypic changes in both, neutrophils and monocytes. Moreover, Leishvaccine triggered mixed activation-related phenotypic changes on T-cells (CD4+ and CD8+ and B-lymphocytes, whereas Leishmune(®) promoted a selective response, mainly associated with CD8+ T-cell activation. Mixed cytokine profile (IFN-γ/IL-4) was observed in Leishvaccine immunized dogs whereas a selective pro-inflammatory pattern (IFN-γ/NO) was induced by Leishmune® vaccination. The distinct immunological profile triggered by Leishvaccine and Leishmune® may be a direct consequence of the distinct biochemical composition of these immunobiological, i.e. complex versus purified Leishmania antigen along with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) versus saponin adjuvant. Both immunobiologicals are able to activate phagocytes and CD8+ T-cells and therefore could be considered as a putative vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL).

Análise da concentração de citocinas no colostro em função da idade materna / Cytokines profiling analysis in colostrum and their relationship with mother?s age

Introdução: O leite materno compõe o perfil nutricional do recém-nascido e propicia a defesa do organismo contra doenças, função esta atribuída principalmente às citocinas, importantes imunorreguladores da resposta imune. O status imunológico da mãe influencia todo o perfil de atividade imunológica do recém-nascido, sofrendo alterações em função da idade. Objetivo: Avaliar a concentração de citocinas no colostro em função da idade materna. Materiais e métodos: O colostro, volume de 1 mL, foi coletado da glândula mamária de mães de diferentes faixas etárias, através de expressão manual, devidamente acondicionado e processado (centrifugação para remover a camada lipídica). A porção aquosa foi filtrada e utilizada para a realização da dosagem de citocinas: IL-4, IFN-g , IL-10 e TGF-b pelo método de ELISA. Resultados: A concentração de IL-4 e IFN-g no colostro apresentou uma relação inversa com a idade materna. Não houve uma diferença significativa que permitisse estabelecer uma correlação da concentração de IL-10 no colostro em função da idade materna, entretanto, a concentração desta citocina se mostrou mais flutuante no colostro de mães mais jovens. A produção de TGF-b no colostro, apesar de bastante flutuante, não sofreu alteração significativa com a idade. Conclusão: IL-4 e IFN-g, importantes citocinas mediadoras de processos anti-inflamatórios e pró-inflamatórios, respectivamente, apresentam diminuição em suas concentrações no colostro em função da idade materna.