Evaluation of KIM-1 as an early biomarker of snakebite-induced AKI in mice.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important complications of bothropic poisoning and its early identification remains challenging. The nephrotoxicity of Bothrops insularis venom (BinsV) was previously described by our research group. In this study, we continued to evaluate the effect of BinsV on kidney function in mice and LLC-MK2 proximal tubule cells, evaluating KIM-1 protein as an early AKI biomarker. Male Swiss mice were inoculated with BinsV intramuscularly and observed for 24 h in a metabolic cage model. Urine and blood were collected for biochemical analyses and the kidneys were examined for oxide-reducing balance and submitted to histological analysis. LLC-MK2 cells incubated with BinsV were assessed for cell viability and cell death mechanism by flow cytometry. Histological analysis of the kidneys indicated AKI and the oxide-reducing analyses demonstrated a decreasing in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and an increasing on Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. BinsV was cytotoxic to LLC-MK2 and the cytometry analyses suggested necrosis. Within 24 h after the envenomation, urinary creatinine did not increase, but the urinary levels of KIM-1 increased. In conclusion, we found AKI evidence in the kidney tissue and the increase in the KIM-1 levels suggest it can be used as an early AKI biomarker.

l-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops marajoensis causes nephrotoxicity in isolated perfused kidney and cytotoxicity in MDCK renal cells.

Renal alterations caused by Bothrops venom and its compounds are studied to understand these effects and provide the best treatment. Previously, we studied the renal effect of the whole venom of Bothrops marajoensis and its phospholipase A2 (PLA2), but these effects could not to be attributed to PLA2. To continue the study, we report in this short communication the effects of l-amino acid oxidase from B. marajoensis venom (LAAOBm) on renal function parameter alterations observed in the same model of isolated perfused kidney, as well as the cytotoxic effect on renal cells. LAAOBm caused a decrease in PP, RVR, UF, GFR, %TNa(+) and %TCl(-), very similar to the effects of whole venom using the same model. We also demonstrated its cytotoxicity in MDCK cells with IC50 of 2.5 µg/mL and late apoptotic involvement demonstrated by flow cytometry assays. In conclusion, we suggested that LAAOBm is a nephrotoxic compound of B. marajoensis venom.

Estresse dos profissionais enfermeiros que atuam na unidade de terapia intensiva / Stress among professional nurses working in intensive care units

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estresse no ambiente de trabalho dos profissionais enfermeiros dentro das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva e identificar os agentes estressores associados ao desencadeamento do estresse segundo a Escala Bianchi de Estresse. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, desenvolvido com 22 enfermeiros da unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital público pediátrico. RESULTADOS: Enfermeiro da UTI, apesar de sua completa e efetiva atuação frente à instabilidade do estado do paciente, as condições externas a essa situação são mais estressantes. CONCLUSÃO: Os enfermeiros apresentaram maiores índices de estresse nas atividades relacionadas às condições de trabalho para o desempenho das atividades e relacionadas à administração de pessoal.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate stress in the work environment of professional nurses inside Intensive Care Units and identify the stressing agents associated to the triggering of stress, according to the Bianchi Stress Scale. METHODS: Cross-sectional study developed with 22 nurses at the intensive therapy unit of a public pediatric hospital. RESULTS: Despite the complete and effective performance of ICU nurses in face of the patient's instability, the conditions external to this situation are more stressing. CONCLUSION: The nurses have presented higher stress levels in the activities related to work conditions to perform activities and those related to personnel administration.

Antibacterial and antiparasitic effects of Bothrops marajoensis venom and its fractions: Phospholipase A2 and L-amino acid oxidase.

Some proteins present in snake venom possess enzymatic activities, such as phospholipase A(2) and l-amino acid oxidase. In this study, we verify the action of the Bothrops marajoensis venom (BmarTV), PLA(2) (BmarPLA(2)) and LAAO (BmarLAAO) on strains of bacteria, yeast, and Leishmania sp. The BmarTV was isolated by Protein Pack 5PW, and several fractions were obtained. Reverse phase HPLC showed that BmarPLA(2) was isolated from the venom, and N-terminal amino acid sequencing of sPLA(2) showed high amino acid identity with other lysine K49 sPLA(2)s isolated from Bothrops snakes. The BmarLAAO was purified to high molecular homogeneity and its N-terminal amino acid sequence demonstrated a high degree of amino acid conservation with others LAAOs. BmarLAAO was able to inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa, C. albicans and S. aureus in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect was more significant on S. aureus, with a MIC=50 microg/mL and MLC=200 microg/mL. However, the BmarTV and BmarPLA(2) did not demonstrate inhibitory capacity. BmarLAAO was able to inhibit the growth of promastigote forms of L. chagasi and L. amazonensis, with an IC(50)=2.55 microg/mL and 2.86 microg/mL for L. amazonensis and L. chagasi, respectively. BmarTV also provided significant inhibition of parasitic growth, with an IC(50) of 86.56 microg/mL for L. amazonensis and 79.02 microg/mL for L. chagasi. BmarPLA(2) did not promote any inhibition of the growth of these parasites. The BmarLAAO and BmarTV presented low toxicity at the concentrations studied. In conclusion, whole venom as well as the l-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops marajoensis was able to inhibit the growth of several microorganisms, including S. aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Leishmania sp.