Independence of carbohydrate-deficient isoforms of transferrin and cyclic citrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis / Independência de isoformas de transferrina deficiente em carboidrato e peptídeos citrulinados cíclicos na artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the two types of posttranslational modifications of proteins in RA: glycosylation on the example of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and citrullination by means of autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides. Methods: The study was carried out in 50 RA patients. CDT was measured using N Latex CDT immunonephelometric test, the results were presented in absolute and relative units. Anti-CCP were measured using the chemiluminescent method and rheumatoid factor by immunoturbidimetric method. Results: 80% of RA patients were positive for anti-CCP, 70% for RF and 62% for both, anti-CCP and RF. The level of %CDT was significantly elevated, but absolute CDT level was not changed. The mean absolute CDT concentration was higher in anti-CCP positive patients than that in anti-CCP negative. CDT (absolute and relative concentration) did not correlate with anti-CCP and RF. However, serum RF significantly correlated with anti-CCP. %CDT did not correlate with anti-CCP, but absolute level correlated with anti-CCP only in anti-CCP negative and RF negative patients. CDT did not correlate with RF, but solely with anti-CCP in anti-CCP negative patients. Anti-CCP correlated with DAS 28 only in anti-CCP negative RA, but CDT (absolute and relative units) correlated with DAS 28 in all patients and in anti-CCP positive RA. Conclusions: These results suggest that the changes in CDT and anti-CCP concentrations are not associated with oneself and indicate on the independence of these posttranslational modifications in rheumatoid arthritis. Only the alterations in transferrin glycosylation reflected the activity of RA.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre os dois tipos de modificações pós-translacionais de proteínas na AR: glicosilação no caso da transferrina deficiente em carboidrato (TDC) e citrulinação por meio dos anticorpos no caso do antipeptídeo citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP). Métodos: O estudo foi feito em 50 pacientes com AR. A TDC foi medida com o teste imunonefelométrico N Latex CDT e os resultados foram apresentados em unidades absolutas e relativas. O anti-CCP foi mensurado com o método quimioluminescente e o fator reumatoide (FR) pelo método imunoturbidimétrico. Resultados: Dos pacientes com AR, 80% foram positivos para anti-CCP, 70% para FR e 62% para ambos (anti-CCP e FR). A percentagem de transferrina total (%TDC) esteve significativamente elevada, mas o nível absoluto de TDC não esteve alterado. A concentração média de TDC absoluta foi maior nos pacientes anti-CCP positivos do que naqueles anti-CCP negativos. A TDC (concentração absoluta e relativa) não se correlacionou com o anti-CCP e o FR. No entanto, o FR sérico se correlacionou significativamente com o anti-CCP. O percentual de TDC não se correlacionou com o anti-CCP, mas seu nível absoluto se correlacionou com o anti-CCP apenas em pacientes FR negativos e anti-CCP negativos. A TDC não se correlacionou com o FR, somente com o anti-CCP em pacientes anti-CCP negativos. O anti-CCP se correlacionou com o DAS 28 apenas nos pacientes com AR anti-CCP negativos, mas a TDC (unidades absolutas e relativas) se correlacionou com o DAS 28 quando considerados todos os pacientes com AR e em pacientes com AR anti-CCP positivos. Conclusões: Esses resultados sugerem que as alterações na TDC e as concentrações de anti-CCP não estão associadas e indicam a independência dessas modificações pós-translacionais na artrite reumatoide. Apenas as alterações na glicosilação da transferrina refletem a atividade da AR.

Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil / Caracterização genética de isolados de Toxoplasma gondii de pombos (Zenaida auriculata) no Brasil

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of Brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. Therefore Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from Z. auriculata. Serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (MAT) and mouse bioassay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the doves was 22.3% (46/206), with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and T. gondii strains were isolated from 12 of these doves. Five genotypes were detected by means of PCR-RFLP, including ToxoDB genotypes #1, #6, #17 and #65, and one genotype that had not previously been described (ToxoDB#182). This was the first report on isolation of T. gondii from Z. auriculata. This study confirmed the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates and the existence of clonal type II (ToxoDB genotype #1) in Brazil.

Pombos silvestres (Zenaida auriculata), comuns em áreas urbanas, rurais e selvagens em muitas regiões do Brasil, são frequentemente predados por gatos domésticos. Sendo assim, os isolados de T. gondii obtidos de pombos podem refletir uma maior diversidade ambiental do que os outros hospedeiros. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência, isolar e genotipar T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Amostras de soro e tecido foram coletadas de 206 pombos para o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e o bioensaio em camundongos. A prevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii em pombos foi 22,3% (46/206), com títulos variando de 16 a 4096, e T. gondii foi isolado de 12 pombos. Cinco genótipos foram detectados por PCR-RFLP, incluindo os genótipos ToxoDB #1, #6, #17, #65 e um genótipo não descrito anteriormente (ToxoDB#182). Esse é o primeiro relato de isolamento de T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Este estudo também confirmou a diversidade dos isolados de T. gondii e a presença de tipo clonal II (ToxoDB #1) no Brasil.

Exposure of free-living jaguars to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis neurona in the Brazilian Pantanal / Exposição de onças-pintadas a Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Sarcocystis neurona no Pantanal brasileiro

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis neurona are related apicomplexan parasites that cause reproductive and neurological disorders in a wide range of domestic and wild animals. In the present study, the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was used to investigate the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, N. caninum and S. neurona in the sera of 11 free-living jaguars (Panthera onca) in two protected areas in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Ten jaguars (90.9%) showed seropositivity for T. gondii, eight (72.7%) for S. neurona, and seven (63.6%) for N. caninum antigens. Our findings reveal exposure of jaguars to these related coccidian parasites and circulation of these pathogens in this wild ecosystem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first serological detection of N. caninum and S. neurona in free-living jaguars.

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Sarcocystis neurona são coccídios relacionados responsáveis por causar desordens reprodutivas e neurológicas em uma ampla variedade de animais domésticos e selvagens. No presente estudo, a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) foi utilizada para investigar a presença de anticorpos contra T. gondii, N. caninum e S.neurona em soros de 11 onças-pintadas de vida livre (Panthera onca), provenientes de duas áreas protegidas na região do Pantanal do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Dez (90,9%), sete (63,6%) e oito (72,7%) onças amostradas foram soropositivas para T. gondii, N. caninum e S. neurona, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam a exposição a esses coccídios relacionados entre as onças-pintadas e a circulação ambiental desses patógenos nesse ecossistema selvagem. Este é o primeiro relato da detecção sorológica de N. caninum e S. neurona em onças-pintadas de vida livre.

Sobre escravos e genes: “origens” e “processos” nos estudos da genética sobre a população brasileira / On slaves and genes: “origins” and “processes” in genetic studies of the Brazilian population

Neste artigo examino como geneticistas contemporâneos que pesquisam a história e a configuração da população brasileira interagem com outras disciplinas. Para tanto, tomei como estudo de caso artigos publicados por geneticistas que investigam a presença de variantes da hemoglobina S no Brasil, os quais pretendem claramente contribuir para a análise de questões como escravidão ou identidade étnica no país. Contrastando esses estudos com trabalhos contemporâneos da história e das ciências sociais, problematizo a centralidade explanatória da “origem” nos estudos genéticos analisados, bem como a falta de interação com questões epistemológicas de outras áreas do saber.

In this article I examine how contemporary geneticists investigating the history and configuration of the Brazilian population engage with other academic disciplines. To do so I use as a case study some articles published by geneticists researching the presence of hemoglobin S variants in Brazil, in which there is a clear pretension to contribute to the analysis of issues such as slavery or Brazil’s ethnic identity. By contrasting these studies with contemporary works from history and the social science, the explanatory centrality of “origin” in the genetic studies analyzed is problematized, as is the lack of interaction with the epistemological characteristics of other areas of knowledge.

Influence of infection on iron profile in severely malnourished children.

Objective. To study the iron profile and find out an accurate diagnostic tool which reflects iron status in different types of infection in severely malnourished children aged 12 months to 71 months. Methods. Hundred and Eight (108) children of whom 72 children were infected and 36 non infected severely malnourished children according to WHO criteria in the age group of 12-71 months were interrogated. 36 healthy control in the same age group were also interrogated. Results. Mean serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin concentration in normal children were significantly higher (P<0.001) than non-infected severely malnourished children. On the other hand mean serum ferritin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.001) in infected group than non-infected group but still lower than normal. Mean serum TIBC concentration significantly reduced in severely malnourished children than normal children but no significant difference was observed between non-infected and infected group. Mean serum iron, and transferrin saturation were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in parasitic infestation. Conclusion. Severely malnourished children had reduced mean serum iron profile. Parasitic infestation influenced the marked reduction of mean serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation level. Mean serum iron concentration was reduced in acute respiratory infection(ARI) and parasitic infestation than other infections. Serum ferritin concentration was elevated in all types of infection as acute phase protein but still lower than normal. So Iron, TIBC and Transferin saturation <16% constitute good evidence for iron deficiency in both infected and non-infected severely malnourished children.

Impact of daily consumption of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels [Cucurbitapepo l.] on serum iron in adult women

The objective of this study was to consider the effectiveness of consumption of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels as two sources of dietary iron on status of iron nutrition and response of hematological characteristics of women at reproductive ages. Eight healthy female, single or non pregnant subjects, aged 20-37 y consumed 30 g of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal [providing 7.1 mg iron/day] plus 30 g of pumpkin seed kernels [providing 4.0 mg iron/day] for four weeks. Blood samples collected on the day 20 of menstrual cycles before and after consumption and indices of iron status such as reticulocyte count, Hb, Ht, serum ferritin, iron, TIBC, transferrin and transferrin saturation percent were determined. Better response for iron status was observed after consumption period. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the pre and post consumption phase for higher serum iron, higher transferrin saturation percent, and lower TIBC. All individuals had higher serum iron after consumption. A significant positive correlation between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in transferrin saturation percentages and a significant negative correlation between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in TIBC was found, as well. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional problems in the world affecting billions of people through the world and impairs growth and cognition. Fortified foods contribute to maintaining optimal nutritional status and minimizing the likelihood of iron insufficiencies and use of fortified ready-to-eat cereals is a common strategy. The results showed that adding another food source of iron such as pumpkin seed kernels improves the iron status. Additional and longer studies using these two food products are recommended to further determine the effect of iron fortification on iron nutrition and status among the target population, and mainly in young children, adolescents, women of reproductive ages and pregnant women

Effect of Iron-Chelator Deferiprone on the In Vitro Growth of Staphylococci

The standard iron-chelator deferoxamine is known to prevent the growth of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) which are major pathogens in iron-overloaded patients. However, we found that deferoxamine rather promotes the growth of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Accordingly, we tested whether deferiprone, a new clinically-available iron-chelator, can prevent the growth of S. aureus strains as well as CoNS. Deferiprone did not at least promote the growth of all S. aureus strains (n=26) and CoNS (n=27) at relatively low doses; moreover, it could significantly inhibit the growth of all staphylococci on non-transferrin-bound-iron and the growth of all CoNS on transferrin-bound iron at relatively high doses. At the same doses, it did not at least promote the growth of all S. aureus strains on transferrin-bound-iron. These findings indicate that deferiprone can be useful to prevent staphylococcal infections, as well as to improve iron overload, in iron-overloaded patients.

Transferrin uptake may occur through detergent-resistant membrane domains at the cytopharynx of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms

Uptake of transferrin by epimastigote forms of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi occurs mainly through a cytostome/ cytopharynx, via uncoated endocytic vesicles that bud off from the bottom of the cytopharynx. We have here examined whether detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) domains might be involved in this process. Purified whole cell membrane fractions were assayed for cholesterol levels and used in dot blot analyses. Detergent-resistant membrane markers (cholera B toxin and anti-flotillin-1 antibody) presented positive reaction by dot blots in cholesterol-rich/ protein-poor membrane sub-fractions. The positive dot blot fraction was submitted to lipid composition analysis, showing composition similar to that of raft fractions described for other eukaryotic cells. Immunofluorescence assays allowed the localization of punctual positive signal for flotillin-1, matching the precise cytostome/ cytopharynx location. These data were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays with the co-localization of flotillin-1 and the transferrin uptake site. Our data suggest that DRM domains occur and are integrated at the cytostome/ cytopharynx of T. cruzi epimastigotes, being the main route for transferrin uptake.

Transferrin receptor expression in reactive and neoplastic lesions of lymphnodes.

Transferrin, the major iron binding protein in human plasma transports iron to various tissues. The first step in cellular iron uptake is binding of transferrin complex to the cell surface membrane by specific molecule known as transferrin receptors. Transferrin receptors are found in limited sites in normal tissues, in contrast, the receptors are widely distributed in majority of carcinomas and sarcomas. Presence of increased transferrin receptors implies a stage of moderate or less differentiation corresponding to elevated proliferative activity and therefore, has a prognostic value. Demonstration of transferrin receptors and its distribution pattern within a tumour as well as its quantitative determination can provide data helpful for, both, an additional understanding of tumour biology and as an approach for planning therapy. In present study, we analysed 60 cases, 30 each of reactive lymphadenitis and lymphomas for transferrin receptors using immunohistochemical technique (DAKO, Code-K0673). Grade II and Grade III intensity was recorded in the germinal centers and the histiocytes in sinus histocytosis indicating the proliferating cells and activated histocytes. Most of the low grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas (83.66%) showed weak (Grade I) positivity for transferrin receptors. Intermediate grade lymphomas showed moderate (Grade II) to high intensity (Grade III) for transferrin receptors (57.14% and 42.85%) respectively. Seventy five percent of high grade lymphomas showed strong (Grade III) positivity. All the 9 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (100%) showed grade III positivity. Proportion of the cells within a tumour expressing transferrin receptors in high density are therefore likely to represent the growth fraction of the tumour.

The Prevalence of Peripheral Iron Overload and the Presence of HFE gene (H63D) Mutation among the Korean Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: There are controversies on the role of iron overload in the mechanism of liver injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peripheral iron overload, and to study the presence of HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D, S65C) in a cohort of Korean NAFLD patients. METHODS: 255 patients with NAFLD were included. The patients had been diagnosed as having NAFLD by the criteria of elevated aminotransferase levels, compatible ultrasonographic findings and exclusion of other etiologies. Blood samples were tested for chemistry, iron profile, and mutational analysis for HFE gene (C282Y, H63D, S65C). RESULTS: Of the 255 NAFLD patients, the prevalence of peripheral iron overload was 19.2% according to the cutoff level of transferrin saturation (TS) > 45%, and 3.9% of NAFLD patients were having hyperferritinemia over 400 ng/mL. Hyperferritinemia was significantly associated with elevated serum levels of fasting glucose, AST and TS. We found the presence of H63D mutation, either heterozygote or homozygote, among the NAFLD patients with peripheral iron overload. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of peripheral iron overload in the Korean NAFLD patients was not rare, and the presence of H63D mutation among NALFD patients was identified. Further studies on the significance of iron overload or HFE mutation in the pathogenesis of NAFLD are needed.

Immunohistochemical localization of transferrin in human breast cancer tissue.

The present study was planned to detect the iron binding protein, transferrin (TR) in paraffin sections of the human breast tumors. The distribution of transferrin has been studied in 153 cases (63 benign lesions and 90 malignant tumors). The extent of staining reaction was determined by semiquantitative grading (weak, moderate and consistent). Positivity rate for transferrin was higher (92.2%) in malignant tumors as compared to benign breast lesions (28.5%) with significant p value (P = .0001) for both the groups. The intensity was variable in both the groups, being more intense in the malignant tumors. Tumors with higher grade of malignancy presented consistent positive staining along with the lymph nodes involved. The extent of immunoreactivity revealed a significant positive correlation with axillary lymph node status. However, no significant correlation was found with the age of the patients. Thus the study of transferrin in breast tumors besides being of prognostic significance helps in the further management of malignant lesions of the breast.

Relationship of seminal plasma transferrin with seminal parameters in male infertility.

This study was undertaken to investigate whether there is relationship between seminal plasma transferrin and seminal parameters which included sperm count, motility and morphology. The study included 100 male subjects in the age group of 23-41 yrs including 7 proven fertility, 6 post-vasectomised and 87 subjects were of idiopathic infertility. Estimation of seminal plasma transferrin concentration was done by using Mancini's single radial immunodiffusion technique. Study of the seminal parameters (Sperm count, Motility and Morphology) was done by using guidelines of WHO Manual. Mean seminal plasma transferrin concentration in proven fertility subject was 5.35 mg/dl (+/- 2.07) and in normozoospermic subject was 4.63 mg/dl (+/- 2.50) which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of oligozoospermic, azoospermic and post-vasectomised subjects. Coefficient of correlation between seminal plasma transferrin concentration and sperm count was statistically significant (r = 0.3087, P < 0.001). The seminal plasma transferrin concentration was correlated with the percentage of motile sperms and was statistically significant. However no correlation could be demonstrated with various grades of motility. Statistically significant correlation was not found between transferrin and sperm morphology. The present study demonstrates that seminal plasma transferrin concentration is correlated with sperm count and percent motile sperms. Thus sertoli cell secretion-transferin has a positive influence over spermatogenesis and can be used as a marker of testicular function.

Immunohistochemical localization of transferrin in human breast cancer tissue.

The present study was planned to detect the iron binding protein, transferrin (TR) in paraffin sections of the human breast tumors. The distribution of transferrin has been studied in 153 cases (63 benign lesions and 90 malignant tumors). The extent of staining reaction was determined by semiquantitative grading (weak, moderate and consistent). Positivity rate for transferrin was higher (92.2%) in malignant tumors as compared to benign breast lesions (28.5%) with significant p value (p = 0.0001) for both the groups. The intensity was variable in both the groups, being more intense in the malignant tumors. Tumors with higher grade of malignancy presented consistent positive staining along with the lymph nodes involved. The extent of immunoreactivity revealed a significant positive correlation with axillary lymph node status. However, no significant correlation was found with the age of the patients. Thus the study of transferrin in breast tumors besides being of prognostic significance helps in the further management of malignant lesions of the breast.

Studies on oxidative stress, serum iron and iron binding capacity in subjects prone to the risk of coronary artery disease.

Lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo has been postulated to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. It is also known that free iron catalyses the lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we assessed the status of oxidative stress in smokers, hypertensives and non-insulin dependent subjects, who were prone to coronary artery disease. In addition, superoxide dismutase levels and iron binding capacity were also measured to know their antioxidant defences. One hundred seventy-five consecutive subjects below 60 years of age were examined; they were then divided into three groups: one with coronary artery disease, another without coronary artery disease and a healthy control group. The patients having either of the one risk factors for coronary artery disease i.e. smoking, hypertension and/or diabetes were studied. Serum lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase, serum iron and iron binding capacity were estimated. Oxidative stress was highest in smokers with coronary artery disease (3.11+/-0.79 mmol/ml) as compared to hypertensives (2.69+/-0.20 mmol/nl) and non-insulin dependent diabetics (2.78+/-0.19 mmol/ml). Superoxide dismutase activity was also significantly decreased (p<0.001) in smokers with coronary artery disease as compared to hypertensives and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Final step of stepwise logistic regression based on malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase correctly predicted coronary artery disease status in 90 percent smokers. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were not significantly different in risk prone subjects. However, among all risk prone subjects, smokers with coronary artery disease showed highest serum iron levels and decreased iron binding capacity.

Dietary and serum iron, body iron stores and coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of body-iron stores as measured by serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, ferritin and ferritin:transferrin ratio (FTR) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A case-control study was performed in 58 newly diagnosed CHD patients and 24 controls who were evaluated using clinical history, dietary history and biochemical examination. Dietary iron was determined by history; serum iron and TIBC were measured biochemically and ferritin by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Case-control comparisons were performed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean age, prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and smoking, and dietary intake of calories and fats in cases and controls. Dietary iron intake was 11.2 +/- 3.4 mg/day in cases and 11.3 +/- 3.8 mg/day in controls (p > 0.05). Serum fasting glucose, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were not significantly different in cases and controls (p > 0.05). LDL/HDL ratio (4.17 +/- 1.4 vs. 4.62 +/- 2.3) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (6.47 +/- 1.6 vs. 6.91 +/- 2.4) were also similar. In the whole study group serum iron (54.8 +/- 35.7 mcg/dl), transferrin (11.6 +/- 7.4%) and ferritin (52.4 +/- 57.8 ng/ml) levels were low. In cases as compared to controls serum iron (56.9 +/- 31 vs. 49.6 +/- 45 mcg/dl; z = 1.707, p = 0.088) and transferrin saturation (12.5 +/- 7.8 vs. 9.5 +/- 6.2%; z = 1.83, p = 0.066) were slightly more. Ferritin levels (48.8 +/- 55 vs. 60.9 +/- 64 ng/ml; z = 2.048, p = 0.040) as well as FTR (5.51 +/- 8.6 vs 7.47 +/- 6.1, z = 2.054, p = 0.040) was significantly lower in cases. CONCLUSIONS: In Indian CHD patients the body iron stores are lower as compared to controls.

Iron status of Libyan infants with urinary tract infection

Serum iron, serum total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation levels were measured in 45 infants, of whom 19 had urinary tract infections confirmed by positive suprapubic aspiration. The control group comprised 26 healthy infants with negative results. Mean serum iron and transferrin saturation values were significantly lower in infants with urinary tract infection compared with the control group [P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively], especially if the cultured organism was Escherichia coli [P < 0.01, P < 0.02]. Total iron binding capacity was within the normal range. We conclude that iron deficiency is not a major factor in the etiopathogenesis of urinary tract infection in Libyan infants

Anemias carenciais na infancia / Nutritional deficiency-related anemias in children

Na faixa etaria pediatrica, a carencia alimentar se constitui na causa mais comum de anemia, particularmente nos paises em desenvolvimento. O acesso irregular a uma alimentacao balanceada, a elevada incidencia de parasitoses intestinais e o requerimento continuo e elevado de nutrientes devido ao crescimento, tornam as criancas propensas a desenvolver anemia carencial. Apesar de ser um problema clinico de resolucao relativamente facil apos instalado, estaria nos esforcos de prevencao a atitude mais correta dos pontos de vista medico, social e politico. Os autores fazem uma revisao da literatura abordando as tres principais deficiencias alimentares que resultam em anemia (ferropenia e as deficiencias de vitamina B12 e folato), com especial enfase as suas causas, manifestacoes clinicas, diagnostico tratamento

Induction of iron regulated proteins during normal growth of Neisseria meningitidis in a chemically defined medium

A expressao das proteinas reguladas pelo ferro (IRPs), in vitro, tem sido obtida pela adicao de quelantes de ferro ao meio de cultura, apos o crescimento bacteriano, na presenca de fonte de ferro organico. Neste estudo foram investigados aspectos da maxima expressao das IRPs de meningococo durante o crescimento normal, em condicoes de cultura definidas, utilizando-se o meio de Catlin e os caldos Mueller-Hinton e Tryptic Soja (TSB). Foram avaliadas as melhores condicoes para se obter vesiculas de membrana externa (OMVs) contendo IRPs para uso em vacina de meningococo B....

Serum level of iron and transferrin in pregnancy and postpartum period.

This study presents a composite picture of haemoglobin (Hb), serum level of iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percent iron saturation of transferrin in women during different trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum period. The results were correlated with age and parity. A total of 75 subjects, 15 from each trimester and 15 postpartal, were studied and compared with 15 nonpregnant normal subjects. Signs of increased iron demand, increased iron turnover and obvious iron deficiency, were demonstrated throughout pregnancy, by decrease in haemoglobin, SI, percent iron saturation of transferrin and increased TIBC; especially in older age group and multigravidae. SI, TIBC and percent iron saturation of transferrin are more sensitive indices of iron status and provide us an opportunity to replenish iron stores of an iron deficient pregnant mother at an earlier date thus preventing anaemia.

Serum level of iron and transferrin in normal and anaemic pregnant women.

Serum levels of iron and transferrin, and percent saturation of total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and latent iron binding capacity were estimated in 89 women in their I, II and IIIrd trimester of pregnancy. Associated infective, metabolic or degenerative diseases were excluded after clinical examination. The women were divided into three groups of normal, mildly anaemic and severely anaemic. In the normal group serum iron levels were within normal range irrespective of period of gestation, whereas in the anaemic groups, these were lower. Serum transferrin levels were significantly low in II and III trimester of pregnancy of anaemic women. Percent saturation of TIBC was even lower than normal in Ist trimester of pregnancy in normal pregnancy (27.12%). However in mild anaemic there was significant fall and in severe anaemia, it was very low, leaving a vast latent iron binding capacity. The decrease of % saturation of TIBC even in normal pregnant women is indicative of inherent poor stores, which may be due to defective diet.