Characterization of the biofilm structure and microbial diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria from petroleum produced water supplemented by different carbon sources.

Colonization by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in environments associated with oil is mainly dependent on the availability of sulfate and carbon sources. The formation of biofilms by SRB increases the corrosion of pipelines and oil storage tanks, representing great occupational and operational risks and respective economic losses for the oil industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the addition of acetate, butyrate, lactate, propionate and oil on the structure of biofilm formed in carbon steel coupons, as well as on the diversity of total bacteria and SRB in the planktonic and sessile communities from petroleum produced water. The biofilm morphology, chemical composition, average roughness and the microbial diversity was analyzed. In all carbon sources, formation of dense biofilm without morphological and/or microbial density differences was detected, with the most of cells observed in the form of individual rods. The diversity and richness indices of bacterial species in the planktonic community was greater than in the biofilm. Geotoga was the most abundant genus, and more than 85% of SRB species were common to all treatments. The functional predicted profile shown that the observed genres in planktonic communities were related to the reduction of sulfate, sulfite, elementary sulfur and other sulfur compounds, but the abundance varied between treatments. For the biofilm, the functions predicted profile for the oil treatment was the one that most varied in relation to the control, while for the planktonic community, the addition of all carbon sources interfered in the predicted functional profile. Thus, although it does not cause changes in the structure and morphology biofilm, the supplementation of produced water with different carbon sources is associated with changes in the SRB taxonomic composition and functional profiles of the biofilm and the planktonic bacterial communities.

Potential Antivirals: Natural Products Targeting Replication Enzymes of Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses.

Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are reemergent arboviruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. During the last several decades, these viruses have been responsible for millions of cases of infection and thousands of deaths worldwide. Therefore, several investigations were conducted over the past few years to find antiviral compounds for the treatment of DENV and CHIKV infections. One attractive strategy is the screening of compounds that target enzymes involved in the replication of both DENV and CHIKV. In this review, we describe advances in the evaluation of natural products targeting the enzymes involved in the replication of these viruses.

Safety evaluation of the antimicrobial peptide bovicin HC5 orally administered to a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Bovicin HC5 is an antimicrobial peptide that shows a broad spectrum of activity and potential for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. To gain insight about the safety of bovicin HC5 application, the histological and immunostimulatory effects of orally administrated bovicin HC5 to BALB/c mice were evaluated. BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: negative control (NC group); mice given purified bovicin HC5 (Bov group); mice given ovalbumin (positive control, PC group; a murine model of enteropathy). The mice were initially pre-sensitized, and PBS, bovicin HC5 or ovalbumin were administered for 30 days by daily gavages. Histological and morphometric analysis were performed and the relative expression of cytokines was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The oral administration of bovicin HC5 to BALB/c mice reduced weight gain and caused alterations in the small intestine, although absorptive changes have not been detected. The number of total goblet cells and the mucopolysaccharides production were not affected by bovicin HC5 administration. A hypertrophy of Paneth cells and an increase in the number of mitotic cells were observed in Bov group, while the number of mast cells remained unaltered. Increased expression of TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-12 was observed in the small intestine upon bovicin HC5 administration. CONCLUSION: Bovicin HC5 has only minor effects on intestinal permeability and did not elicit an allergenic response upon oral administration to animal models. Considering the low in vivo toxicity of bovicin HC5, it might be a good candidate for enteral applications.

NS1 Recombinant Proteins Are Efficiently Produced in Pichia pastoris and Have Great Potential for Use in Diagnostic Kits for Dengue Virus Infections.

Dengue is one of the major diseases causing global public health concerns. Despite technological advances in vaccine production against all its serotypes, it is estimated that the dengue virus is responsible for approximately 390 million infections per year. Laboratory diagnosis has been the key point for the correct treatment and prevention of this disease. Currently, the limiting factor in the manufacture of dengue diagnostic kits is the large-scale production of the non-structural 1 (NS1) antigen used in the capture of the antibody present in the infected patients' serum. In this work, we demonstrate the production of the non-structural 1 protein of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1-4 (NS1-DENV1, NS1-DENV2, NS1-DENV3, and NS1-DENV4) in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris KM71H. Secreted recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and characterized by SDS-PAGE and ELISA. The objectives of this study were achieved, and the results showed that P. pastoris is a good heterologous host and worked well in the production of NS1DENV 1-4 recombinant proteins. Easy to grow and quick to obtain, this yeast secreted ready-to-use proteins, with a final yield estimated at 2.8-4.6 milligrams per liter of culture. We reached 85-91% sensitivity and 91-93% specificity using IgM as a target, and for anti-dengue IgG, 83-87% sensitivity and 81-93% specificity were achieved. In this work, we conclude that the NS1 recombinant proteins are efficiently produced in P. pastoris and have great potential for use in diagnostic kits for dengue virus infections. The transformed yeast obtained can be used for production in industrial-scale bioreactors.

Use of defatted flaxseed meal reduces precancerous colon lesions in C57BL/6 mice.

PURPOSE: To investigate the hemopreventive effect of defatted flaxseed meal in C57BL/6 mice after induction of precancerous colon lesions with 1.2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). METHODS: Thirty-six 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into three treatment groups(n=12 in each group): (1) diet with 10% defatted flaxseed meal; (2) diet with defatted flaxseed meal and precancerous colon lesions induced by DMH; and (3) precancerous colon lesions induced by DMH, without defatted flaxseed meal. The incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), oxidative processes, expression of tumor suppressor proteins and cyclins, as well as the profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in animal feces were investigated in the presence and absence of DMH. RESULTS: The rats consuming defatted flaxseed meals showed lesions with lower multiplicity and a reduced incidence of lesions. No changes in the expression of tumor suppressor proteins and those involved in cell cycle control were detected. CONCLUSION: Defatted flaxseed meal protected the distal colon of mice from precancerous lesions.

CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes and regulation of the immune system: perspectives for a pathophysiological understanding of sepsis. / Linfócitos T CD4+CD25+ e a regulação do sistema imunológico: perspectivas para o entendimento fisiopatológico da sepse.

The systemic inflammatory response represents the core pathogenic event of sepsis, underlying clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in patients. Numerous studies have shown that CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes, also known as regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), participate in the development of sepsis due to their ability to suppress the immune response. The present article discusses the role of Treg lymphocytes in sepsis based on a specific search strategy (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences / Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - LILACS, PubMed, and Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO) focusing on two main topics: the participation of Treg cells in inflammation and immunity as well as perspectives in the computational physiological investigation of sepsis.

Association of inflammation, dyslipidemia, obesity and physical activity status in children

The aim of this study was to verify the association between inflammatory biomarkers, dyslipidemia, obesity and physical activity status in 10-years old children. Ninety-four children participated in this study and were classified into eutrophic (n=36), overweight (n=34) or obese (n=24) according to their body mass index (BMI). The genic expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL-2) mRNA; the serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides; BMI, percentage of body fat (% BF) and waist circumference; and the number of steps per day were determined. The expression of IL-6, TNF-α and CCL-2 were associated (p < 0.05) positively with serum triglycerides, BMI, % BF and waist circumference, and negatively with serum HDL-c. No association (p > 0.05) between pro-inflammatory biomarkers and number of steps per day was found

Prevalência de conjuntivite adenoviral em clínica oftalmológica no município de Viçosa (MG) / Prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis at the ophthalmologic clinic on municipality of Viçosa/MG

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de Adenovírus como agente etiológico da conjuntivite, em clínica médica oftalmológica especializada, em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: Amostras da secreção conjuntival de 91 pacientes clinicamente diagnosticados com conjuntivite foram submetidos à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), utilizando primers degenerados para a região codificadora do gene da proteína estrutural II. Posteriormente as amostras positivas foram submetidas a sequenciamento e genotipagem. Resultados: A análise dos resultados de PCR revelou prevalência de 36,3% de Adenovírus. Não havendo distinção entre os sexos e com maior prevalência na faixa etária de 26 a 65 anos com 60,60% dos casos positivos. O sequenciamento dos casos positivos por Adenovírus revelaram a presença dos sorotipos 3, 4, 7, 8 e 34 circulante na região. Conclusão: No município de Viçosa, dois em cada cinco casos de conjuntivite são de etiologia adenoviral.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Adenovirus as a etiologic agent of conjunctivitis on a ophthalmic clinic in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: Samples of conjunctival secretion from 91 patients clinically diagnosed with conjunctivitis were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers targeted to the gene encoding the structural protein II. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to sequencing and genotyping. Results: PCR results showed 36.3% prevalence of Adenovirus. No differences between the sexes and was found to be higher in the age group 26-65 years with 60.60% of the positive cases. Sequencing of positive cases showed the presence of Adenovirus serotypes 3, 4, 7, 8, and 34 circulating in the region. Conclusion: In Viçosa two in five cases of conjunctivitis has Adenovirus as etiologic agent.

Treinamento físico para indivíduos HIV positivo submetidos à HAART: efeitos sobre parâmetros antropométricos e funcionais / Physical training for HIV positive individuals submitted to HAART: effects on anthropometric and functional parameters

INTRODUÇÃO: A terapia antirretroviral fortemente ativa (HAART) tem melhorado a prognose em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. No entanto, a HAART tem sido associada ao desenvolvimento de anormalidades metabólicas e na distribuição de gordura corporal conhecida como síndrome lipodistrófica associada ao HIV (SLHIV). OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou o impacto de 24 semanas de exercício resistido com componente aeróbico (ERCA) sobre parâmetros antropométricos e funcionais de portadores de HIV submetidos à HAART. MÉTODOS: Noventa e nove indivíduos infectados pelo HIV foram randomicamente alocados em quatro grupos: exercício e lipodistrofia (n = 24; EX+LIP); exercício sem lipodistrofia (n = 21; EX+NoLIP); controle e lipodistrofia (n = 27; NoEX+LIP); controle sem lipodistrofia (n = 27; NoEX+NoLIP). Os indivíduos dos grupos exercitados (EX+LIP e EX+NoLIP) participaram de 24 semanas de ERCA. Nos momentos pré e pós 24 semanas de intervenção foram realizadas medidas antropométricas, testes de força e aptidão cardiorrespiratória. RESULTADOS: Vinte e quatro semanas de ERCA alteraram os perímetros corporais avaliados (P < 0,0001) e a relação cintura/quadril (P = 0,017) nos dois grupos exercitados. Reduções foram observadas (P < 0,0001) para o somatório das sete dobras cutâneas avaliadas, percentual de gordura corporal, massa corporal gorda, gordura subcutânea total, central e periférica em resposta ao ERCA. A massa corporal magra aumentou (P < 0,0001) nos grupos exercitados, independente do desfecho (LIP ou NoLIP). A força muscular e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória aumentaram (P < 0,0001), para os dois grupos exercitados em resposta ao ERCA. CONCLUSÃO: Vinte e quatro semanas de ERCA impediram a manifestação das alterações decorrentes da SLHIV e contribuíram para a redução destas.

INTRODUCTION: The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis of HIV-infected individuals. However, HAART has been associated with the development of metabolic and fat distribution abnormalities, known as HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (SLHIV). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of 24 weeks of resistance exercise with aerobic component (REAC) on anthropometric and functional parameters in HIV-infected patients undergoing HAART. METHODS: Ninety- nine HIV-infected patients were randomly allocated into four groups: exercise and lipodystrophy (n = 24; EX + LIP); exercise without lipodystrophy (n = 21; EX + NoLIP); control and lipodystrophy (n = 27; NoEX + LIP); control without lipodystrophy (n = 27; NoEX + NoLIP). Subjects from exercised groups (EX+LIP and EX+NoLIP) participated in a 24-week REAC program. Anthropometric, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: Body circumferences (P < 0.0001) and waist-hip ratio (P = 0.017) changed after 24 weeks of REAC in both exercised groups. The sum of seven skinfolds assessed, body fat percentage, body fat mass, total fat, central fat and peripheral subcutaneous fat reduced (P < 0.0001) in response to REAC. Lean body mass increased (P < 0.0001) in exercised groups, regardless of the outcome (LIP or NoLIP). Strength and cardiorespiratory fitness increased (P < 0.0001) in both exercised groups in response to REAC. CONCLUSION: 24 weeks of REAC prevented the manifestation of changes arising from SLHIV and contributed to the reduction of these.

Use of defatted flaxseed meal reduces precancerous colon lesions in C57BL/6 mice

PURPOSE: To investigate the hemopreventive effect of defatted flaxseed meal in C57BL/6 mice after induction of precancerous colon lesions with 1.2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). METHODS: Thirty-six 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into three treatment groups(n=12 in each group): (1) diet with 10% defatted flaxseed meal; (2) diet with defatted flaxseed meal and precancerous colon lesions induced by DMH; and (3) precancerous colon lesions induced by DMH, without defatted flaxseed meal. The incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), oxidative processes, expression of tumor suppressor proteins and cyclins, as well as the profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in animal feces were investigated in the presence and absence of DMH. RESULTS: The rats consuming defatted flaxseed meals showed lesions with lower multiplicity and a reduced incidence of lesions. No changes in the expression of tumor suppressor proteins and those involved in cell cycle control were detected. CONCLUSION: Defatted flaxseed meal protected the distal colon of mice from precancerous lesions.

O vírus Epstein-Barr e a mononucleose infecciosa / Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A mononucleose infecciosa (MI) é uma doença viral, contagiosa, causada pelo vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV). Apresenta distribuição universal e pode ocorrer em qualquer faixa etária. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever a interação entre o EBV e o Homo sapiens sapiens, no que diz respeito especialmente à MI. Para isso, realizou busca no Pubmed e no Scielo, bem como em livros-textos. Os artigos selecionados foram lidos e as informações organizadas de forma a contemplar os aspectos patogênicos - enfatizando o papel do EBV na doença -, epidemiológicos e diagnósticos dessa entidade. CONTEÚDO: A infecção do epitélio da orofaringe permite a replicação do vírus, o qual passa a ser eliminado na saliva, o que explica a transmissão pelo contato com tal fluido biológico. O período de incubação é de quatro a seis semanas. Manifesta-se do ponto de vista clínico, usualmente, com febre, faringite e linfadenomegalia generalizada de caráter agudo ou subagudo. As alterações laboratoriais incluem leucocitose, reações leucemoides, trombocitopenia e anemia hemolítica autoimune, além de aminotransferases elevadas e bilirrubina aumentada, destacando-se que a linfocitose atípica é habitualmente observada. O diagnóstico diferencial da MI abrange as demais causas de síndrome de mononucleose. O tratamento é sintomático, não havendo fármaco antiviral específico. Analgésicos habituais podem ser usados para a terapêutica da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Díspares grupos têm trabalhando no desenvolvimento de vacinas para o EBV, porém, a possibilidade de tumorigênese pelo vírus tem trazido inúmeras dificuldades para a confecção de imunoprofilaxia efetiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a widespread viral disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It occurs worldwide and can reach any age group. This article aims at describing the interaction between EBV and Homo sapiens sapiens, regarding especially IM. Thus, a research on PubMed and Scielo was performed, as well as on books. The selected articles were read and the information was organized inorder to contain the pathological - emphasizing the role of EBV on the disease -, epidemiological aspects and its diagnosis. CONTENTS: The infection of the epithelium of the oropharynx leads to the replication of the virus, which is eliminated via saliva, and accounts for the transmission through contact with this biological fluid. The incubation period lasts from four to six weeks. Clinically, the classic symptoms are usually fever, faryngitis and generalized lymphadenopathy, which can be acute or subacute. The laboratorial changes include leukocytosis, leukemoid reactions, thrombocytopenia and severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia, besides high levels of transaminases and bilirubin; atypical lymphocytosis is usually observed. The differential diagnosis of IM includes the other causes of mononucleosis syndrome. Treatment is symptomatic and there is not a specific antiviral medicine. Common analgesics can be used to treat pain. CONCLUSION: Diverse groups have worked on the development of a vaccine for EBV; however, the possibility of tumorigenesis by the virus has brought up several difficulties to the production of an effective immunoprophylaxis.

Linfócitos T CD4+CD25+ e a regulação do sistema imunológico: perspectivas para o entendimento fisiopatológico da sepse / CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes and regulation of the immune system: perspectives for a pathophysiological understanding of sepsis

A resposta inflamatória sistêmica representa o evento patogênico central da sepse, subjazendo às manifestações clínicas e aos achados laboratoriais presentes nos enfermos. Inúmeras pesquisas têm demonstrado que os linfócitos T CD4+CD25+ - também conhecidos como células T reguladoras (Treg) - participam dos processos de desenvolvimento da sepse, em virtude de sua capacidade de suprimir a resposta imune. Com base nessas ideias, propôs-se, no presente artigo, a discussão do papel dos linfócitos Treg na sepse, com base na revisão da literatura com estratégia de busca definida (LILACS, PubMed e SciELO), tendo em vista duas abordagens principais: a participação dessas células nos processos de inflamação e imunidade, e as perspectivas de investigação fisiopatológica computacional da condição mórbida.

The systemic inflammatory response represents the core pathogenic event of sepsis, underlying clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in patients. Numerous studies have shown that CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes, also known as regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), participate in the development of sepsis due to their ability to suppress the immune response. The present article discusses the role of Treg lymphocytes in sepsis based on a specific search strategy (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences / Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - LILACS, PubMed, and Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO) focusing on two main topics: the participation of Treg cells in inflammation and immunity as well as perspectives in the computational physiological investigation of sepsis.

Investigação de surto de hepatite A no Município de Ibiracatu, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2008 / Investigation of hepatitis A outbreak in the Municipality of Ibiracatu, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2008

OBJETIVO: descrever a investigação de um surto de hepatite A no município de Ibiracatu, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, e relatar as medidas de controle adotadas. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo do tipo série de casos; a investigação seguiu o roteiro de investigação de epidemia/surto do Ministério da Saúde. RESULTADOS: foram contabilizados 16 casos, sendo três confirmados por vínculo clínico-epidemiológico e 13 por pesquisa de anticorpo anti-VHAIgM; a maior incidência da doença foi em infantes de até dez anos de idade, dos quais a metade era de estudantes de uma escola pública local. CONCLUSÃO: as condições oferecidas pela escola favoreceram a disseminação da doença e as medidas realizadas para conter a veiculação viral foram adequadas e promoveram queda considerável na incidência da doença; o monitoramento epidemiológico e as medidas de intervenção colaboraram efetivamente para o rápido controle do surto.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the investigation of a hepatitis A outbreak in the municipality of Ibiracatu, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to report the control measures taken. METHODS: descriptive study of case series type; the investigation followed the guideline for outbreak investigation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: 16 cases were accounted, from which three were confirmedby clinical-epidemiological criteria and 13 by seropositiveness for anti-HAV Ig Mantibody; the highest prevalence was observed in children aged up to ten years old, from which 50 per cent were students of a local public school. CONCLUSION: the school conditions contributed to spreading the disease. The control measures taken to contain the viral transmission were appropriate and promoted a significant decrease in the disease incidence; the surveillance and control measures applied contributed to the quick control of the outbreak.

Cafeína não altera os níveis de Imunoglobulina A Salivar (IgA-s) em jogadores de voleibol / Caffeine does not change Salivary Immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) levels in volleyball players / Cafeína no altera los niveles de imunoglobulina salivar, en jugadores de voleibol

Avaliou-se a influência da ingestão de cafeína na resposta da imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) em atletas de voleibol. Usou-se o modelo crossover e duplo-cego. Nove atletas participaram de duas sessões de treino e ingeriram cafeína (6mg/kg de peso corporal) ou placebo. Analisou-se a concentração de IgA-s antes e após as sessões. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa (P > 0,05) nos níveis de IgA-s pré e pós-treino nos atletas que ingeriram CAF (8,54 ± 4,03 mg/dL e 7,45 ± 4,72 mg/dL, respectivamente), bem como naqueles que tomaram PLA (6,88 ± 3,17 mg/dL e 9,76 ± 5,81 mg/dL, respectivamente). Concluiu-se que a suplementação adotada não afetou a resposta da IgA-s durante as sessões de treino realizadas pelos atletas de voleibol.

We tested the influence of caffeine (CAF) ingestion on the salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) of volleyball's athletes. In a cross-over and double blind way, nine male volleyball players performed two training sessions within 15 days interval when ingested either CAF (6 mg/kg b.w.) or placebo (PLA) one hour before. The levels of s-IgA were measured at rest and after exercise. The results showed that the levels of s-IgA at rest were not statistically different (P>0.05) from those after exercise when athletes ingested either CAF (8.54 ± 4.03 mg/dL and 7.45 ± 4.72 mg/dL, respectively) or PLA (6.88 ± 3.17 mg/dL and 9.76 ± 5.81 mg/dL, respectively). It is concluded that caffeine ingestion did not affect the s-IgA response during the training session performed by the athletes.

Se avalio la influencia de la ingestión de cafeína en la respuesta de a inmunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) en atletas de voleibol se uso el modelo crossover y doble-cego. Nueve atletas participaran de dos sesiones de entrenamiento y ingirieron cafeína (6 mg de peso corporal) o placebo. Se analizo la concentración de IgA-s antes y después de la sesión. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencia significativa (P > 0,05) en los niveles de (IgA-s) pre e pos entrenamiento en los atetas que ingirieron CAF (8,54 ± 4,03 mg/dL e 7,45 ± 4,72 mg/dL, respectivamente) como en aquellos que tomaron PLA (6,88 ± 3,17 mg/dL e 9,76 ± 5,81 mg/dL, respectivamente). Se concluyo que la suplementación adoptada no afecto la respuesta de la IgA-s durante las sesiones del entrenamiento realizados por los atletas de voleibol.

O papel do exercício na era da terapia antiretroviral fortemente ativa / The role of exercise in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

O vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), disseminado em todo o mundo, é o agente responsável pela síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (Aids). No entanto, a proposta terapêutica denominada de High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) — terapia anti-retroviral fortemente ativa veio proporcionar significativo aumento na sobrevida aos pacientes soropositivos. Entretanto, portadores de HIV submetidos à (HAART) podem apresentar redistribuição da gordura corporal, ou seja, síndrome lipodistrófica do HIV (SLHIV). De acordo com estudos revisados, o exercício físico pode ser utilizado como coadjuvante à terapia (HAART), uma vez que beneficia diversos aspectos da saúde e qualidade de vida de soro-positivos.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), widespread throughout the world, is the agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, the proposed treatment called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) – offers significant increase in survival of AIDS people. However,patients with HIV undergoing therapy (HAART) may have body fat redistribution, or HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (SLHIV). According to studies reviewed, the exercise can be used as adjuvant therapy (HAART), it benefits various aspects of health and quality of life of seropositive.

The complement system: importance in clinical practice / O sistema complemento: importância para a prática clínica

The complement system is a fundamental component of the host immune response. In addition to its effector activity against pathogens, it possesses functions such as opsonization and phagocytosis, removal of immune complexes and activation of the inflammatory process. The knowledge of the complement system is important in the investigation of numerous diseases that can be observed in cases of deficiencies in cascade proteins, their receptors, or regulatory proteins. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrate the association between the complement system and several inflammatory conditions, as well as a greater susceptibility to infection among patients with complement system dysfunction. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to describe the three complement system pathways - the activation and effector mechanisms and their biochemical characteristics - and correlate them to certain clinical conditions.

Imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) e exercício: relevância do controle em atletas e implicações metodológicas / Salivary immunoglobulin A (s-lgA) and exercise: relevance of its control in athletes and methodological implications

O objetivo do presente estudo é realizar uma análise e discussão dos principais achados envolvendo o comportamento da imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) em relação ao estímulo do exercício e evidenciar a importância de seu controle em atletas. O exercício físico é um importante modulador das características do sistema imune, sobretudo do comportamento da IgA-s, componente fundamental na proteção de infecções do trato respiratório superior (ITRS). No entanto, a relação direta entre baixas concentrações de IgA-s e ITRS precisa de mais evidências para ser confirmada. As concentrações de IgA-s durante e logo após um exercício intenso diminuem, deixando o indivíduo mais suscetível à infecção, porém, atletas envolvidos em atividades extenuantes não são clinicamente imunodeficientes, comparados com indivíduos sedentários. Essas modificações são transitórias, com retorno aos valores normais após aproximadamente 48 horas de repouso. A razão dessas alterações não é clara, mas se apresenta multifatorial: elevação de hormônios estressores; fatores nutricionais; ação de espécies reativas de oxigênio; e estresse psicológico. Apesar do efeito transitório das alterações provocadas nos elementos do sistema imune frente ao exercício, observa-se diferença na variabilidade da IgA-s em populações com diferentes níveis de condicionamento. Diferenças metodológicas - como o protocolo de exercício, o método de coleta, armazenamento e manipulação da saliva, a forma de expressão da IgA-s, o nível de hidratação, o controle da dieta, a sazonalidade do período de competição, a aclimatação entre outros fatores - devem ser levadas em consideração para comparação entre os estudos. Além disso, ajudam a explicar, em parte, os resultados adversos envolvendo exercício moderado e os intermitentes, em que se encontram aumento, redução e até ausência de alteração nos níveis de IgA-s. Investigações de elementos inovadores, como os toll-like receptors, e o avanço tecnológico podem ...

The present study aimed to discuss the main findings involving salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and exercise and evidence the importance of the control in athletes. Exercise is a great modulator of immune system characteristics such as the s-IgA that exerts important defense against upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). However, more evidence is needed to confirm a direct association between low levels of s-IgA and URTI. The level of s-IgA decreases after a high-intense exercise, increasing thus, the individual's susceptibility to infection, but athletes engaged in exhausting exercise are not clinically immune-deficient compared with sedentary subjects. The changes in s-IgA are transitory returning to normal status in approximately 48-h rest. The reason of these alterations remains unclear, but many causes have been investigated: hormones stressors rise; nutrition influences; action of reactive oxygen species, psychological stress. Despite the transitory effects of the exercise on the immune system, the variability in s-IgA differs in populations with different fitness levels. Differences in exercise protocols, saliva collection, manipulation or storage methods, the method used to assess s-IgA, subject's hydration status, dietary control, competition's seasonality, acclimatization, among other factors should be considered to compare different studies. In addition, these factors could partially explain the adverse results of studies involving moderate and intermittent exercise that have found increase, decrease and no changes in s-IgA levels. Investigations of recent immunologic issues such as the toll like-receptors and the advances in technology may contribute to increase the evidence on this issue.

Influência da suplementação de carboidrato na função imune de judocas durante o treinamento / Influence of carbohydrate supplementation in the immune response of judoists during training

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da suplementação de carboidrato, durante uma sessão de treino, sobre a função imune de atletas de judô. Dezesseis judocas do sexo masculino foram submetidos a duas sessões de treinamento de 120 minutos cada, com três dias de intervalo entre elas. Na primeira sessão, oito judocas, separados de forma aleatória, foram suplementados (3mL/kg peso corporal) com solução carboidratada (grupo CHO) e os demais, com solução placebo (grupo PLA), de forma duplo-cega. Na segunda sessão os tratamentos foram invertidos. O número de leucócitos, linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos, neutrófilos, os níveis de cortisol e as concentrações de glicose e lactato foram medidos em repouso (Pré-E), imediatamente após (Pós-E) e uma hora após o término da sessão de treino (1h pós-E). Os resultados mostraram que a glicemia aumentou (p < 0,05) durante a sessão de treino no grupo CHO e reduziu-se (p < 0,05) no grupo PLA. O cortisol aumentou (p < 0,05) durante a sessão de treino, independente do tipo de solução consumida, bem como durante a recuperação no grupo PLA. O consumo de CHO resultou em menor (p < 0,05) leucocitose, quando comparado com o PLA, nos períodos Pós-E e 1h Pós-E. A elevação da concentração de lactato sangüíneo decorrente do exercício correlacionou-se positivamente com o aumento dos leucócitos (r = 0,86, p < 0,001) nos dois grupos. Concluiu-se que a ingestão de bebida carboidratada por atletas de judô durante uma sessão de treino resultou em menor perturbação da contagem total de leucócitos e suas subclasses: linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos e neutrófilos. Esses resultados sugerem proteção à saúde imunológica de judocas fomentada por essa estratégia nutricional.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on the immunological function of judoists during a training session. Sixteen male judo athletes were submitted to two 120 min training sessions within 3 days interval. In the first session eight athletes randomly chosen were supplemented (3mL/kg body weight) with a carbohydrate solution (CHO group) while the others ingested a placebo solution (PLA group) in a randomized and double blind way. In the second session, treatments were inverted. Leukocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and neutrophil were counted and blood levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate were assessed at rest (Pre-E), immediately after the training session (Post-E) and one hour after the training session (1h Post-E). The results showed that the blood glucose levels increased during the training session when athletes were given CHO and decreased when they ingested PLA. Cortisol levels increased during the training session in both conditions and decreased 1h Post-E. Athletes consuming CHO presented a reduced number of leukocytes when compared to those ingesting PLA in both Post-E and 1h Post-E periods. The increase in blood lactate concentration in response to exercise training was positively correlated with the increase in the leukocyte number (r = 0. 86, p<0.001) in both conditions. It was concluded that CHO supplementation during a judo training session resulted in less disturbance of total leukocytes. It suggests that such nutritional strategy protected the athletes' immunological health.