Polymorphisms in TLRs influence circulating cytokines production in Plasmodium vivax malaria: TLR polymorphisms influence cytokine productions in malaria-vivax.

The efficiency of the immune system has been shaped throughout the evolutionary process allowing adaptations. In a Plasmodium vivax infection, the host attempts to develop an innate immune response to keep in check the parasite that is associated with inflammatory and regulatory processes. Production of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines simultaneously appears to be a balancing mechanism for the host to prevent the onset of severe disease. Changes in the dynamics of circulating cytokines production can influence the pathogenesis, severity of the disease and episodes of recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria (Pv-malaria). A cross-sectional study was conducted in endemic areas for Pv-malaria in the Amazonas State, Brazil. Several SNPs in TLR genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP in 137 patients infected with P. vivax. Circulating cytokines IL-6, TNF, IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-4 were measured by CBA. Influence of the studied SNPs on circulating cytokines was investigated by applying the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunns' multiple comparison post-test. A Spearman correlation test also was performed to elaborate circulating cytokine networks and to demonstrate the level of interaction between each molecule. Individuals with genotypes A/G (TLR4 A299G), C/C (TLR6 S249P) and T/T (TLR9 -1486C/T) appear to produce less/gain IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-4 compared to patients with wild-type and heterozygous genotypes. In addition, these genotypes seem to influence the interaction network between the molecules studied, causing a lower interaction, absence or even negative interaction between the cytokines. Data presented in this study suggests the influence of polymorphisms TLR4 (A299G), TLR6 (S249P) and TLR9 (-1486C/T) on the production of circulating cytokines during Pv-malaria.

Effect of Artificial Aging Protocols on Surface Gloss of Resin Composites.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging protocols on surface gloss of composites. Cylindrical resin composite specimens (6 mm in diameter, 1 mm thick) were fabricated and divided into three groups (N = 60): microfilled (MiFi), nanohybrid (NaHy), and nanofilled (NaFi). Specimens were distributed into four aging subgroups: thermocycling (5° to 55°C, 15,000 cycles); ethanol immersion (15 days); brushing (10,750 cycles); and light aging (216 h). Surface gloss readings (Novo-Curve, Rhopoint TM, England) were performed at baseline (R0) and after every one-third of aging protocols (R1 to R3). Data were submitted to one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). Overall, surface gloss alterations were detected over time (p < 0.001). Thermocycling reduced surface gloss, except for NaHy. Ethanol immersion resulted in surface gloss reduction after R1 for MiFi and NaFi, while reduction after R1 and R2 was detected for NaHy. For brushing, gloss reduction was detected after R1 and R3 for all composites. For light aging, gloss was reduced after R1 and R2 for MiFi and NaFi, while a reduction only after R1 was detected for NaHy. The studied aging protocols affect surface gloss differently, being material and aging therapy dependent. In general, the surface gloss is reduced with aging.