Bothrops atrox snake venom decreased MHC-II and CD86 expression in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.

The effect of Bothrops atrox venom (BaV) on the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from mice was investigated, with a focus on selected cell markers, TAP1 expression, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines during this process. The objective was to evaluate BaV's impact on dendritic cell (DC) function, as DCs are pivotal in antigen presentation and responsible for initiating the immune response mediated by naïve T cells, as well as regulating the immune system. Bone marrow cells were obtained from Swiss mice, and hematopoietic precursors were differentiated into BMDCs using GM-CSF and IL-4. On the 7th day, BaV and LPS were introduced into the culture, and the cells were analyzed 24 h later. BaV's ability to stimulate BMDC maturation was assessed through the analysis of surface marker expression. The findings demonstrated that BMDCs are highly influenced by culture environment factors, such as GM-CSF and IL-4, and are sensitive to additional stimuli like LPS and BaV. Mature DCs exhibited elevated levels of critical markers for T cell activation, such as MHC-II, CD80, and CD86, displaying specific phenotypic characteristics. However, the observed reduction in MHC-II and CD86 expression following BaV exposure suggests a substantial impact on the immunological activation capacity of these cells, potentially interfering with the adaptive immune response. Furthermore, the selective release of cytokines, such as IL-6, but not TNF-α or IL-1ß, indicates differentiated modulation of inflammatory responses by DCs under various stimulation conditions.

Exosome Liberation by Human Neutrophils under L-Amino Acid Oxidase of Calloselasma rhodostoma Venom Action.

L-Amino acid oxidase (LAAO) is an enzyme found in snake venom that has multifaceted effects, including the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) during oxidative reactions, leading to various biological and pharmacological outcomes such as apoptosis, cytotoxicity, modulation of platelet aggregation, hemorrhage, and neutrophil activation. Human neutrophils respond to LAAO by enhancing chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory mediators. Exosomes cellular nanovesicles play vital roles in intercellular communication, including immune responses. This study investigates the impact of Calloselasma rhodostoma snake venom-derived LAAO (Cr-LAAO) on human neutrophil exosome release, including activation patterns, exosome formation, and content. Neutrophils isolated from healthy donors were stimulated with Cr-LAAO (100 µg/mL) for 3 h, followed by exosome isolation and analysis. Results show that Cr-LAAO induces the release of exosomes with distinct protein content compared to the negative control. Proteomic analysis reveals proteins related to the regulation of immune responses and blood coagulation. This study uncovers Cr-LAAO's ability to activate human neutrophils, leading to exosome release and facilitating intercellular communication, offering insights into potential therapeutic approaches for inflammatory and immunological disorders.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of enterotoxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates obtained from fecal specimens of children with acute diarrhea / Perfil de suscetibilidade a drogas antimicrobianas de amostras de Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica e enteropatogênica isoladas de espécimes fecais de crianças com doença diarreica aguda

ABSTRACT Among the diseases which etiopathogenesis is associated with Escherichia coli, acute diarrhea stands out. Studies on the characterization of the antimicrobial susceptibility profile contribute to the selection of appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. In this study, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 98 enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains isolated from fecal specimens of children with acute diarrhea was evaluated. The resistance rates to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and nalidixic acid were high, ranging from 34.7% to 10.2%. The result of this research recommends the use of cefotaxime and ceftriaxone for the empirical treatment of children with acute diarrhea which the etiology suggested is ETEC or EPEC.

RESUMO Entre as doenças cuja etiopatogenia está associada à Escherichia coli, destaca-se a doença diarreica aguda. Estudos que visam à caracterização do perfil de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana contribuem para o delineamento de antibioticoterapia empírica eficaz. Neste estudo, foi avaliado o perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos de 98 amostras de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC) e E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) isoladas de crianças com doença diarreica. As frequências de resistência a ampicilina, sulfametoxazol-trimetoprima, amoxicilina-clavulanato e ácido nalidíxico foram elevadas, variando entre 34,7% e 10,2%. Esta pesquisa recomenda o emprego de cefotaxima e ceftriaxona para o tratamento empírico de crianças com quadro de diarreia cuja etiologia sugerida seja ETEC ou EPEC.

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: total or partial fundoplication? systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Although the high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the population, there is much controversy in this topic, especially in the surgical treatment. The decision to use of a total or partial fundoplication in the treatment of GERD is still a challenge to many surgeons because the few evidence found in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To bring more clear evidence in the comparison between total and partial fundoplication. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the literature and metaanalysis with randomized controlled trials accessed from MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Controlled Trials Database was done. The outcomes remarked were: dysphagia, inability to belch, bloating, recurrence of acid reflux, heartburn and esophagitis. For data analysis the odds ratio was used with corresponding 95% confidence interval. Statistical heterogeneity in the results of the metaanalysis was assessed by calculating a test of heterogeneity. The software Review Manager 5 (Cochrane Collaboration) was utilized for the data gathered and the statistical analysis. Sensitive analysis was applied using only trials that included follow-up over 2 years. RESULTS: Ten trials were included with 1003 patients: 502 to total fundoplication group and 501 to partial fundoplication group. The outcomes dysphagia and inability to belch had statistical significant difference (P = 0.00001) in favor of partial fundoplication. There was not statistical difference in outcomes related with treatment failure. There were no heterogeneity in the outcomes dysphagia and recurrence of the acid reflux. CONCLUSION: The partial fundoplication has lower incidence of obstructive side effects.

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: total or partial fundoplication? Systematic review and meta-analysis / Tratamento cirúrgico da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico: fundoplicatura total ou parcial? Revisão sistemática da literatura e metanálise

CONTEXT: Although the high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the population, there is much controversy in this topic, especially in the surgical treatment. The decision to use of a total or partial fundoplication in the treatment of GERD is still a challenge to many surgeons because the few evidence found in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To bring more clear evidence in the comparison between total and partial fundoplication. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the literature and metaanalysis with randomized controlled trials accessed from MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Controlled Trials Database was done. The outcomes remarked were: dysphagia, inability to belch, bloating, recurrence of acid reflux, heartburn and esophagitis. For data analysis the odds ratio was used with corresponding 95 percent confidence interval. Statistical heterogeneity in the results of the metaanalysis was assessed by calculating a test of heterogeneity. The software Review Manager 5 (Cochrane Collaboration) was utilized for the data gathered and the statistical analysis. Sensitive analysis was applied using only trials that included follow-up over 2 years. RESULTS: Ten trials were included with 1003 patients: 502 to total fundoplication group and 501 to partial fundoplication group. The outcomes dysphagia and inability to belch had statistical significant difference (P = 0.00001) in favor of partial fundoplication. There was not statistical difference in outcomes related with treatment failure. There were no heterogeneity in the outcomes dysphagia and recurrence of the acid reflux. CONCLUSION: The partial fundoplication has lower incidence of obstructive side effects.

CONTEXTO: Apesar da alta incidência da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) na população em geral, ainda existe muita controvérsia sobre este assunto, especialmente quanto ao tratamento cirúrgico. A decisão de usar fundoplicatura total ou parcial no tratamento da DRGE ainda é um desafio para muitos cirurgiões devido à pouca evidência disponível na literatura. OBJETIVO: Comparar a fundoplicatura total e as fundoplicaturas parciais no tratamento da DRGE, avaliando a eficácia das duas técnicas operatórias. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas a revisão sistemática da literatura e metanálise de estudos prospectivos e randomizados. Fontes de informação utilizadas: LILACS, MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Database. A metanálise foi realizada utilizando-se o programa de informática da Colaboração Cochrane (Review Manager 5.0.1) e o cálculo dos desfechos foi feito pela razão de chances, com respectivo intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento. Os desfechos estudados foram: disfagia, dificuldade em eructar, plenitude gástrica, recurrência do refluxo ácido, pirose e esofagite. Análise de subgrupo: estudos com seguimento maior que 2 anos. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 10 ensaios clínicos, onde 1003 doentes foram estudados, sendo 502 alocados para o grupo fundoplicatura total e 501 locados para o grupo fundoplicatura parcial. Os desfechos contínuos não puderam ser calculados em razão da falta de dados. Somente os desfechos disfagia e dificuldade em eructar tiveram resultados estatisticamente significantes (P<0.0001) a favor da fundoplicatura parcial. CONCLUSÃO: A fundoplicatura parcial está relacionada com a menor incidência de eventos obstrutivos pós-operatórios.