Perfil de consumidores e sua percepção sobre antepasto de grão de bico contendo bactéria probiótica / Consumer profile and their perception of chickpea antipasto containing probiotic bacteria

Introdução: A indústria de alimentos e os pesquisadores têm-se dedicado a desenvolver novos produtos funcionais, com características mais naturais. Assim, estudos que identifiquem a demanda dos consumidores buscando atender seus anseios são importantes. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil e a percepção de consumidores sobre antepastos, probióticos e a intenção de compras de um antepasto de grão de bico adicionado de bactéria probiótica. Método: A avaliação foi realizada de forma on-line, por meio de questionário contendo 33 questões respondidas por 322 participantes. Nuvens de palavras foram elaboradas com os resultados obtidos. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes reside na Região Sudeste, 72,7% são do gênero feminino, 37,3% possuem renda familiar de até três salários mínimos, 75,8% sabem o que é antepasto e mais da metade já consumiu grão de bico e conhece seus benefícios. Mais de 84,0% dos participantes sabem o que são probióticos e 90,1% já consumiram produtos probióticos de base láctea. Entretanto, 78,0% demonstraram interesse por opções de produtos probióticos de origem vegetal. Sobre as características que os participantes consideram que melhor descrevem o antepasto, as mais citadas foram: pastoso, macio, agridoce, salgado e firme. A nuvem de palavras mostrou que os respondentes associam probióticos à saúde intestinal e 36% deles estariam dispostos a comprar antepasto de grão de bico contendo probiótico se o produto estivesse disponível no mercado. Conclusão: O estudo indica que os consumidores têm interesse por grão de bico e probióticos, havendo uma demanda potencial por alimentos de origem vegetal contendo probióticos.

Introduction: The food industry and researchers have been dedicated to developing new functional products with more natural characteristics. Thus, studies that identify the demand of consumers seeking to meet their desires are important. Objective: To evaluate the profile and perception of consumers about antipasti, probiotics and purchase intention of a chickpea antipasti added with probiotic bacteria. Method: The evaluation was carried out online, through a questionnaire sent to 322 participants, containing 33 questions. Word clouds were created with the results obtained. Results: Most participants live in the Southeast region, 72.7% are female, 37.3% have a family income of up to three minimum wages, 75.8% know what antipasto is and more than half have consumed beak and knows its benefits. More than 84.0% of the participants know what probiotics are and 90.1% have already consumed dairy-based probiotic products. However, 78.0% showed interest in options for probiotic products of plant origin. About the characteristics that the participants consider that best describe the antipasto, the most cited were: Pasty, Soft, Bittersweet, Salty and Firm. The word cloud showed that respondents associate probiotics with gut health and 36% of those would be willing to buy probiotic-containing chickpea antipasto if the product were available on the market. Conclusion: The study indicates that consumers are interested in chickpeas and probiotics, with a potential demand for plant-based foods containing probiotics.

Desenvolvimento e caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial de leite fermentado funcional

Objetivou-se elaborar e caracterizar leites fermentados sabor coco, maracujá e juçara, acrescidos ou não de polpa de yacon e verificar a viabilidade de Lactobacillus acidiphilus LA-5 nos produtos. Ao leite adicionou-se soro, sacarose e estabilizante, sendo a mistura pasteurizada, resfriada, adicionada da bactéria probiótica e fermentada até acidez de 0,65%. Utilizou-se separadamente 4% das polpas de coco, maracujá e juçara nos produtos, sendo estes fracionados em dois recipientes. A um deles foi adicionado 4% de polpa de yacon e ao outro não. Realizou-se a caracterização fisico-química, microbiológica e sensorial nos tempos 0, 15 e 30 dias. O pH variou de 3,64 a 4,09 e a acidez entre 0,74% e 0,99%, sendo estes influenciados pelo tempo e pela polpa utilizada. Constatou-se <3,0 NMP/g de coliformes a 30 °C e a 45 °C e a contagem de fungos filamentosos e leveduras também atendeu à legislação. A menor contagem de L. acidiphilus LA-5 foi 7,37 log UFC/g nas amostras sabor maracujá após 30 dias. O produto sabor juçara apresentou maiores contagens dessa bactéria. Não foi constatada influência da polpa de yacon na contagem da cultura probiótica (p>0,05) e não houve diferença (p>0,05) do leite fermentado dos sabores coco e juçara fabricados com e sem yacon para os atributos sensoriais. Entretanto, o leite fermentado sabor maracujá fabricado com e sem yacon diferiram (p<0,05). É, portanto, viável o desenvolvimento dos leites fermentados potencialmente funcionais propostos.(AU)

The aim of this work was to elaborate and characterize coconut, passion fruit and juçara flavored fermented milks, with or without yacon pulp and to verify the viability of Lactobacillus acidiphilus LA-5 in the products. Whey, sucrose and stabilizer were added to the milk and the mixture pasteurized, cooled, added to the probiotic bacterium and fermented to acidity of 0.65%. Four percent of coconut, passion fruit and juçara pulp was separately used in the products, which were divided into two containers. To one of them was added 4% of yacon pulp and the other noto Physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characterization were performed at 0, 15 and 30 days. The pH varied from 3.64 to 4.09 and the acidity ranged from 0.74% to 0.99%, influenced by the time and the pulp used. <3.0 NMP/g of coliforms were observed at 30 °C and 45 °C and the count of filamentous fungi and yeast also complied with the legislation. The lowest L. acidiphilus LA-5 count was 7.37 log CFU/g in passion fruit taste samples after 30 days. The product juçara flavor had higher counts of this bacterium. No influence of the yacon pulp was observed on the probiotic culture count (p>0. 05) and there was no difference (p>0.05) in the fermented milk of the coconut and juçara flavors made with and without yacon for the sensory attributes. However, fermented milk flavored passion fruit made with and without yacon differed (p<0.05). Therefore, the development of proposed potentially functional fermented milks is feasible.(AU)

Desenvolvimento e caracterização físicoquímica, microbiológica e sensorial de leite fermentado funcional / Development and physical-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characterization of functional fermented milk

Objetivou-se elaborar e caracterizar leites fermentados sabor coco, maracujá e juçara, acrescidos ou não de polpa de yacon e verificar a viabilidade de Lactobacillus acidiphilus LA-5 nos produtos. Ao leite adicionou-se soro, sacarose e estabilizante, sendo a mistura pasteurizada, resfriada, adicionada da bactéria probiótica e fermentada até acidez de 0,65%. Utilizou-se separadamente 4% das polpas de coco, maracujá e juçara nos produtos, sendo estes fracionados em dois recipientes. A um deles foi adicionado 4% de polpa de yacon e ao outro não. Realizou-se a caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial nos tempos 0, 15 e 30 dias. O pH variou de 3,64 a 4,09 e a acidez entre 0,74% e 0,99%, sendo estes influenciados pelo tempo e pela polpa utilizada. Constatou-se <3,0 NMP/g de coliformes a 30 °C e a 45 °C e a contagem de fungos filamentosos e leveduras também atendeu à legislação. A menor contagem de L. acidiphilus LA-5 foi 7,37 log UFC/g nas amostras sabor maracujá após 30 dias. O produto sabor juçara apresentou maiores contagens dessa bactéria. Não foi constatada influência da polpa de yacon na contagem da cultura probiótica (p>0,05) e não houve diferença (p>0,05) do leite fermentado dos sabores coco e juçara fabricados com e sem yacon para os atributos sensoriais. Entretanto, o leite fermentado sabor maracujá fabricado com e sem yacon diferiram (p<0,05). É, portanto, viável o desenvolvimento dos leites fermentados potencialmente funcionais propostos.

The aim of this work was to elaborate and characterize coconut, passion fruit and juçara flavored fermented milks, with or without yacon pulp and to verify the viability of Lactobacillus acidiphilus LA-5 in the products. Whey, sucrose and stabilizer were added to the milk and the mixture pasteurized, cooled, added to the probiotic bacterium and fermented to acidity of 0.65%. Four percent of coconut, passion fruit and juçara pulp was separately used in the products, which were divided into two containers. To one of them was added 4% of yacon pulp and the other not. Physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial characterization were performed at 0, 15 and 30 days. The pH varied from 3.64 to 4.09 and the acidity ranged from 0.74% to 0.99%, influenced by the time and the pulp used. <3.0 NMP/g of coliforms were observed at 30 °C and 45 °C and the count of filamentous fungi and yeast also complied with the legislation. The lowest L. acidiphilus LA-5 count was 7.37 log CFU/g in passion fruit taste samples after 30 days. The product juçara flavor had higher counts of this bacterium. No influence of the yacon pulp was observed on the probiotic culture count (p>0.05) and there was no difference (p>0.05) in the fermented milk of the coconut and juçara flavors made with and without yacon for the sensory attributes. However, fermented milk flavored passion fruit made with and without yacon differed (p<0.05). Therefore, the development of proposed potentially functional fermented milks is feasible.

Factor XIII-guided treatment algorithm reduces blood transfusion in burn surgery / Algoritmo de tratamento guiado pelo fator XIII reduz a transfusão sanguínea na cirurgia de queimados

Abstract Background and objectives: Major burn surgery causes large hemorrhage and coagulation dysfunction. Treatment algorithms guided by ROTEM® and factor VIIa reduce the need for blood products, but there is no evidence regarding factor XIII. Factor XIII deficiency changes clot stability and decreases wound healing. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of factor XIII correction and its repercussion on transfusion requirements in burn surgery. Methods: Randomized retrospective study with 40 patients undergoing surgery at the Burn Unit, allocated into Group A those with factor XIII assessment (n = 20), and Group B, those without assessment (n = 20). Erythrocyte transfusion was guided by a hemoglobin trigger of 10 g.dL-1 and the other blood products by routine coagulation and ROTEM® tests. Analysis of blood product consumption included units of erythrocytes, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and fibrinogen. The coagulation biomarker analysis compared the pre- and post-operative values. Results and conclusions: Group A (with factor XIII study) and Group B had identical total body surface area burned. All patients in Group A had a preoperative factor XIII deficiency, whose correction significantly reduced units of erythrocyte concentrate transfusion (1.95 vs. 4.05, p = 0.001). Pre- and post-operative coagulation biomarkers were similar between groups, revealing that routine coagulation tests did not identify factor XIII deficiency. There were no recorded thromboembolic events. Correction of factor XIII deficiency in burn surgery proved to be safe and effective for reducing perioperative transfusion of erythrocyte units.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A cirurgia no grande queimado causa hemorragia de grande porte e disfunção da coagulação. Os algoritmos de tratamento guiados por ROTEM® e fator VIIa reduzem as necessidades de hemoderivados, mas falta evidência em relação ao fator XIII. A deficiência do fator XIII altera a estabilidade do coágulo e diminui a cicatrização. Este estudo avalia a eficácia e a segurança da correção do fator XIII e sua repercussão nas necessidades transfusionais na cirurgia do queimado. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo randomizado de 40 doentes submetidos à cirurgia na Unidade de Queimados alocados em grupo A com estudo do fator XIII (n = 20) e grupo B sem estudo (n = 20). A transfusão eritrocitária foi guiada por gatilho de hemoglobina de 10 g.dL-1 e os outros hemoderivados por testes de coagulação de rotina e ROTEM®. A análise do consumo de hemoderivados incluiu unidades de eritrócitos, plasma fresco congelado, plaquetas e fibrinogênio. A análise dos biomarcadores da coagulação comparou os valores pré e pós-operatórios. Resultados e conclusões: O grupo A (com estudo de fator XIII) e o grupo B apresentaram área de superfície corporal total queimada idêntica. Todos os doentes do grupo A revelaram déficit pré-operatório de fator XIII, cuja correção reduziu significativamente a transfusão de unidades de concentrado eritrocitário (1,95 vs. 4,05, p = 0,001). Os biomarcadores de coagulação pré e pós-operatórios foram semelhantes entre os grupos, revelaram que os testes de coagulação de rotina não identificam o déficit de fator XIII. Sem eventos tromboembólicos registrados. A correção do fator XIII na cirurgia do queimado revelou-se segura e eficaz na redução da transfusão perioperatória de unidades de eritrócitos.

Influência da coloração da água utilizada na higienização de tanques de expansão na qualidade do leite cru refrigerado

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a influência da cloração da água utilizada na higienização de tanques de expansão na contagem de Escherichia coli e Pseudomonas sp. do leite cru refrigerado. Amostras de leite cru e de água de18 tanques de expansão foram avaliadas por um ano, sendo que em 9 tanques não havia sistema de cloração da água implantado no decorrer de 12 meses e nos outros 9, por 6 meses não houve cloração da água e nos 6 meses seguintes o sistema foi implantado. Para determinação de E. coli no leite cru e na água utilizou-se a técnica do Número Mais Provável (NMP) e para a contagem de Pseudomonas sp. utilizou-se Ágar Para Isolamento de Pseudomonas (PIA). Constataram- -se valores médios de 1,5NMP/mL e 1,6NMP/mL de E. coli no leite e na água, respectivamente, nas amostras provenientes dos 9 tanques em que a água utilizada não foi clorada por 12 meses. As amostras de leite e água procedentes dos 9 tanques que receberam água clorada durante a limpeza por 6 meses apresentaram em média 1,8NMP/mL e < 1,1 NMP/mL de E.coli, respectivamente. A contagem média de Pseudomonas sp. nas amostras de água procedentes dos 9 tanques em que a água utilizada no processo de limpeza não recebeu cloração por 6 meses e que posteriormente passou a ser clorada foi 1,1x103UFC/mL e 1,2x102UFC/mL, respectivamente. Por outro lado, a média das contagens de Pseudomonas sp. foi de 9,8x104 UFC/mL e 5,1x105 UFC/mL nas amostras de leite procedentes dos tanques em que a água utilizada no processo de limpeza não recebeu cloração por 6 meses e que posteriormente passou a ser clorada, respectivamente, o que indica que esta bactéria acessa o leite cru a partir de diferentes fontes de contaminação, além da água. Assim, a cloração foi eficiente apenas na redução da contagem de E. coli e Pseudomonas sp. na água.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of chlorination of water used in the hygiene of expansion tanks in the Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. count of refrigerated raw milk. Samples of raw milk and water from 18 expansion tanks were evaluated for one year, and in 9 tanks there was no water chlorination system implanted during 12 months and in the other 9, for 6 months there was no chlorination of water and in the next 6 months the system was deployed. For determination of E. coli in raw milk and water, the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was used and for the count of Pseudomonas sp. Pseudomonas Isolation Agar (PIA) was used. Mean values of 1.5 MPN/mL and 1.6 MPN/mL of E. coli in milk and water, respectively, were found in the samples from the 9 tanks where the water used was not chlorinated for 12 months. Samples of milk and water from the 9 tanks that received chlorinated water during the 6-month period showed a mean of1.8 MPN/mL and <1.1 MPN/mL of E. coli, respectively. The mean count of Pseudomonas sp. in the water samples from the 9 tanks where the water used in the cleaning process was not stained for 6 months and then chlorinated was 1.1 x 103 CFU/mL and 1.2 x 102 CFU/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the average of Pseudomonas sp. counts was 9.8 x 104 CFU/ mL and 5.1 x 105 CFU/mL in the milk samples from the tanks in which the water used in the cleaning process was not stained for 6 months and then later chlorinated, respectively, indicating that this bacterium accesses raw milk from different sources of contamination, in addition to water. Thus, chlorination was only effective in reducing the count of E. coli and Pseudomonas sp. from water.(AU)

Influência da cloração da água utilizada na higienização de tanques de expansão na qualidade do leite cru refrigerado / Influence of the chlorination of the water used in the hygiene of expansion tanks in the quality of refrigerated raw milk

[{"text": "Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a\r\ninfluência da cloração da água utilizada\r\nna higienização de tanques de\r\nexpansão na contagem de Escherichia\r\ncoli e Pseudomonas sp. do leite\r\ncru refrigerado. Amostras de leite cru\r\ne de água de18 tanques de expansão\r\nforam avaliadas por um ano, sendo\r\nque em 9 tanques não havia sistema\r\nde cloração da água implantado no\r\ndecorrer de 12 meses e nos outros\r\n9, por 6 meses não houve cloração\r\nda água e nos 6 meses seguintes o\r\nsistema foi implantado. Para determinação\r\nde E. coli no leite cru e na\r\nágua utilizou-se a técnica do Número\r\nMais Provável (NMP) e para\r\na contagem de Pseudomonas sp.\r\nutilizou-se Ágar Para Isolamento de\r\nPseudomonas (PIA). Constataram-\r\n-se valores médios de 1,5NMP/mL e\r\n1,6NMP/mLde E. coli no leite e na\r\nágua, respectivamente, nas amostras\r\nprovenientes dos 9 tanques em que a\r\nágua utilizada não foiclorada por 12\r\nmeses. As amostras de leite e água\r\nprocedentes dos 9 tanques que receberam\r\nágua clorada durante a limpeza\r\npor 6 meses apresentaram em média\r\n1,8NMP/mL e < 1,1 NMP/mL de\r\nE.coli, respectivamente. A contagem\r\nmédia de Pseudomonas sp. nas amostras\r\nde água procedentes dos 9 tanques\r\nem que a água utilizada no processo\r\nde limpeza não recebeu cloração por\r\n6 meses e que posteriormente passou\r\na ser clorada foi 1,1x103UFC/mL e\r\n1,2x102UFC/mL, respectivamente.\r\nPor outro lado,amédia das contagens\r\nde Pseudomonas sp. foi de 9,8x104\r\nUFC/mL e 5,1x105 UFC/mL nas\r\namostras de leite procedentes dos tanques\r\nem que a água utilizada no processo\r\nde limpeza não recebeu cloração\r\npor 6 meses e que posteriormente\r\npassou a ser clorada, respectivamente,\r\no que indica que esta bactéria acessa o\r\nleite cru a partir de diferentes fontes\r\nde contaminação, além da água. Assim,\r\na cloração foi eficiente apenas\r\nna redução da contagem de E. coli e\r\nPseudomonas sp. na água.(AU)", "_i": "pt"}]

[Factor XIII-guided treatment algorithm reduces blood transfusion in burn surgery]. / Algoritmo de tratamento guiado pelo fator XIII reduz a transfusão sanguínea na cirurgia de queimados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Major burn surgery causes large hemorrhage and coagulation dysfunction. Treatment algorithms guided by ROTEM® and factor VIIa reduce the need for blood products, but there is no evidence regarding factor XIII. Factor XIII deficiency changes clot stability and decreases wound healing. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of factor XIII correction and its repercussion on transfusion requirements in burn surgery. METHODS: Randomized retrospective study with 40 patients undergoing surgery at the Burn Unit, allocated into Group A those with factor XIII assessment (n = 20), and Group B, those without assessment (n = 20). Erythrocyte transfusion was guided by a hemoglobin trigger of 10g.dL-1 and the other blood products by routine coagulation and ROTEM® tests. Analysis of blood product consumption included units of erythrocytes, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and fibrinogen. The coagulation biomarker analysis compared the pre- and post-operative values. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Group A (with factor XIII study) and Group B had identical total body surface area burned. All patients in Group A had a preoperative factor XIII deficiency, whose correction significantly reduced units of erythrocyte concentrate transfusion (1.95 vs. 4.05, p = 0.001). Pre- and post-operative coagulation biomarkers were similar between groups, revealing that routine coagulation tests did not identify factor XIII deficiency. There were no recorded thromboembolic events. Correction of factor XIII deficiency in burn surgery proved to be safe and effective for reducing perioperative transfusion of erythrocyte units.

The Botanic Mission to Mozambique (1942-1948): contributions to knowledge of the medicinal flora of Mozambique.

This article reviews the historical and scientific findings of the Botanic Mission to Mozambique (1942-1948) under the Tropical Botanic Garden of the Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, in Lisbon, highlighting the collectors' field notes with the aim of identifying the traditional medicinal uses of Mozambican flora. Having collated information on 71 taxa (70 species and one genus), the medicinal usage of 34 species presumably not yet reported in Mozambique was identified, including five whose therapeutic use still had not yet been described in the African continent. Overall, 58 uses presumably not yet reported in Mozambique were recorded.

A Missão Botânica de Moçambique (1942-1948): contribuições para o conhecimento da flora medicinal de Moçambique / The Botanic Mission to Mozambique (1942-1948): contributions to knowledge of the medicinal flora of Mozambique

O artigo revisita o espólio histórico-científico aduzido pela Missão Botânica de Moçambique (1942-1948) à guarda do Jardim Botânico Tropical do Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical (Lisboa), destacando os cadernos de campo dos seus coletores, com o objetivo de identificar os usos medicinais tradicionais da flora moçambicana. Tendo-se coligido informação relativa a 71 taxa (setenta espécies e um género), identificou-se a utilização medicinal de 34 espécies presumivelmente ainda não reportada para Moçambique, entre as quais, cinco cujo uso terapêutico ainda não havia sido atribuído ao continente africano. No total registaram-se 58 utilizações presumivelmente ainda não relatadas em Moçambique.

This article reviews the historical and scientific findings of the Botanic Mission to Mozambique (1942-1948) under the Tropical Botanic Garden of the Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, in Lisbon, highlighting the collectors’ field notes with the aim of identifying the traditional medicinal uses of Mozambican flora. Having collated information on 71 taxa (70 species and one genus), the medicinal usage of 34 species presumably not yet reported in Mozambique was identified, including five whose therapeutic use still had not yet been described in the African continent. Overall, 58 uses presumably not yet reported in Mozambique were recorded.

Arsenic alters monocyte superoxide anion and nitric oxide production in environmentally exposed children.

Arsenic (As) exposure has been associated with alterations in the immune system, studies in experimental models and adults have shown that these effects involve macrophage function; however, limited information is available on what type of effects could be induced in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of As exposure, through the association of inorganic As (iAs) and its metabolites [monomethylated arsenic (MMA) and dimethylated arsenic (DMA)] with basal levels of nitric oxide (NO(-)) and superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocytes, and NO(-) and O(2)(-) produced by activated monocytes. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 87 children (6-10 years old) who had been environmentally exposed to As through drinking water. Levels of urinary As species (iAs, MMA and DMA) were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry, total As (tAs) represents the sum of iAs and its species; tAs urine levels ranged from 12.3 to 1411 microg/g creatinine. Using multiple linear regression models, iAs presented a positive and statistical association with basal NO(-) in PBMC (beta=0.0048, p=0.049) and monocytes (beta=0.0044, p=0.044), while basal O(2)(-) had a significant positive association with DMA (beta=0.0025, p=0.046). In activated monocytes, O(2)(-) showed a statistical and positive association with iAs (beta=0.0108, p=0.023), MMA (beta=0.0066, p=0.022), DMA (beta=0.0018, p=0.015), and tAs (beta=0.0013, p=0.015). We conclude that As exposure in the studied children was positively associated with basal levels of NO(-) and O(2)(-) in PBMC and monocytes, suggesting that As induces oxidative stress in circulating blood cells. Additionally, this study showed a positive association of O(2)(-) production with iAs and its metabolites in stimulated monocytes, supporting previous data that suggests that these cells, and particularly the O(2)(-) activation pathway, are relevant targets for As toxicity.

Sodium arsenite-induced inhibition of cell proliferation is related to inhibition of IL-2 mRNA expression in mouse activated T cells.

A proposed mechanism for the As-induced inhibition of cell proliferation is the inhibition of IL-2 secretion. However, the effects of arsenite on IL-2 mRNA expression or on the ERK pathway in activated-T cells have not yet been described. We examined the effect of arsenite on IL-2 mRNA expression, cell activation and proliferation in PHA-stimulated murine lymphocytes. Arsenite (1 and 10 microM) decreased IL-2 mRNA expression, IL-2 secretion and cell proliferation. Arsenite (10 microM) strongly inhibited ERK-phosphorylation. However, the partial inhibition (50%) of IL-2 mRNA produced by 1 microM, consistent with the effects on IL-2 secretion and cell proliferation, could not be explained by the inhibition of ERK-phosphorylation, which was not affected at this concentration. The inhibition of IL-2 mRNA expression caused by 1 microM could be associated to effects on pathways located downstream or parallel to ERK. Arsenite also decreased early activation (surface CD69+ expression) in both CD4+ and CD8+, and decreased total CD8+ count without significantly affecting CD4+, supporting that the cellular immune response mediated by cytotoxic T cells is an arsenic target. Thus, our results suggest that arsenite decreases IL-2 mRNA levels and T-cell activation and proliferation. However, further studies on the effects of arsenite on IL-2 gene transcription and IL-2 mRNA stability are needed.

Assessment of lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokine secretion in children exposed to arsenic.

Exposure of several human populations to arsenic has been associated with a high incidence of detrimental dermatological and carcinogenic effects. To date, studies examining the immunotoxic effects of arsenic in humans, and specifically in children, are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated several parameters of immunological status in a group of children exposed to arsenic through their drinking water. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 90 children (6 to 10 years old) were collected. Proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations, PBMC mitogenic proliferative response, and urinary arsenic levels were evaluated. Increased urine arsenic levels were associated with a reduced proliferative response to phytohemaglutinin (PHA) stimulation (P=0.005), CD4 subpopulation proportion (P=0.092), CD4/CD8 ratio (P=0.056), and IL-2 secretion levels (P=0.003). Increased arsenic exposure was also associated with an increase in GM-CSF secretion by mononucleated cells (P=0.000). We did not observe changes in CD8, B, or NK cell proportions, nor did we observe changes in the secretion of IL-4, IL-10, or IFN-gamma by PHA-activated PBMCs. These data indicate that arsenic exposure could alter the activation processes of T cells, such that an immunosuppression status that favors opportunistic infections and carcinogenesis is produced together with increased GM-CSF secretion that may be associated with chronic inflammation.