Id-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and its clinical significance

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the expression of Id-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and explore its correlation with the clinical pathological parameters of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The Id-1 mRNA and protein expression levels of 50 specimens of normal colorectal tissues and 50 specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were detected using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Furthermore, Id-1 protein was detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of Id-1 and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA expression level of Id-1 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and normal colorectal tissues was 0.96 ± 0.03 vs. 0.20 ± 0.04, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.011). Furthermore, Id-1 protein expression was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (0.82 ± 0.04 vs. 0.31 ± 0.02, P=0.020). In addition, the positive protein expression rate of Id-1 was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (72.00% vs. 24.00%, X2=23.431, P=0.000). The expression of Id-1 was correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and liver metastasis (P<0.01). However, this expression was not correlated with tumor size and differentiation degrees (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high Id-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues play an important role in the process of cancer, and is expected to become a new tumor monitoring indicator for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis judgment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal em humanos e investigar sua correlação com os parâmetros patológicos clínicos de câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: Os níveis de expressão de proteína e mRNA Id-1 em 50 amostras de tecido colorretal normal e 50 amostras de tecido de adenocarcinoma colorretal foram detectados através de reação em cadeia de polimerase precedida de transcrição reversa e western blot. Além disso, a proteína Id-1 foi detectada através de imuno-histoquímica. A correlação entre a expressão de Id-1 e características clínico-patológicas foi analisada. RESULTADOS: O nível de expressão de mRNA Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal e tecidos colorretais normais foi de 0,96 ± 0,03 versus 0,20 ± 0,04, respectivamente; a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P= 0,011). Além disso, a expressão da proteína Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (0,82 ± 0,04 versus 0,31 ± 0,02, P= 0,020). Além disso, a taxa de expressão positiva de proteínas Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (72,00% vs. 24,00%, X2=23,431, p=0,000). A expressão de Id-1 foi correlacionada com a profundidade da invasão tumoral, estágio TNM, metástases linfonodais, invasão vascular e metástase hepática (P<0,01). Todavia, essa expressão não se correlacionou com o tamanho do tumor e graus de diferenciação (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A alta expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal desempenham um importante papel no processo do câncer, e é esperado que se torne um novo indicador de monitoramento de tumores para o diagnóstico clínico, tratamento e estimativa de prognóstico.

Expressions of transforming growth factor ß1 signaling cytokines in aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: To demonstrate the underlying mechanisms of aortic dissection compared to those of coronary artery disease in terms of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Methods: Twenty consecutive aortic dissection patients and 20 consecutive coronary artery disease patients undergoing a surgical treatment in this hospital were enrolled into this study. The aortic tissues were sampled and the TGF-β1 and its receptor TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) were detected by Western blotting assay. Results: TGF-β1 and TβRI were positively expressed in the aortic tissues in both groups by Western blotting assay. The expressions of the two proteins were significantly higher in the aortic tissue of patients with aortic dissection than in those with coronary artery disease. The quantitative analyses of the relative gray scales of the proteins disclosed close correlations between the expressions of TGF-β1 and TβRI in both the study and control group patients. Conclusions: The aortic remodeling of aortic dissection might differ from that of coronary artery atherosclerosis concerning the nature, mechanism, mode, and activities of TGF-β signaling pathway. The development of aortic dissection could be associated with a significantly enhanced function of TGF-β1/Smad signaling transduction as a result of aortic remodeling incorporating both vascular injury and repair.

[Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant dengue virus NS3 protein].

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a disease caused by one of four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV) and is endemic in approximately 130 countries. The incidence of dengue has increased dramatically in recent decades, as well as the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks. Despite all efforts, there are no prophylactic or therapeutic treatments for the disease. Accordingly, research on the processes governing the DENV infection cycle is essential to develop vaccines or antiviral therapies. One of themost attractive DENV molecules to investigate is nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), which is essential for viral replication and a major immune target for infection. OBJECTIVE: To produce antibodies to support future studies on NS3 and its cellular interactions with other proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two recombinant proteins of the helicase domain of DENV NS3 serotype 2 were expressed, and used to immunize mice and produce polyclonal antibodies. RESULTS: The antibodies produced were useful in Western blot and immunofluorescence tests. We report an NS3 antibody that immunoprecipitates the viral protein and detects it in Western blot with no need to over-express it or use cell extracts with metabolic radiolabeling. CONCLUSION: The recombinant proteins expressed and the antibodies produced constitute valuable tools for studying DENV infectious processes involving NS3 and for evaluating tests designed to interfere with its functions.

Anticuerpos policlonales contra la proteína recombinante NS3 del virus del dengue / Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant dengue virus NS3 protein

Resumen Introducción: El dengue es una enfermedad causada por uno de los cuatro serotipos del virus del dengue (DENV) y es endémica en, aproximadamente, 130 países. Su incidencia ha aumentado notablemente en las últimas décadas, así como la frecuencia y la magnitud de los brotes. A pesar de los esfuerzos, no existen tratamientos profilácticos ni terapéuticos contra la enfermedad y, en ese contexto, el estudio de los procesos que gobiernan el ciclo de infección del DENV es esencial para desarrollar vacunas o terapias antivirales. Una de las moléculas del DENV más prometedoras es la proteína no estructural 3 (NS3), la cual es indispensable para la replicación viral y es uno de los principales blancos inmunológicos durante la infección. Objetivo: Producir anticuerpos policlonales para contribuir a los futuros estudios sobre las interacciones entre la proteína NS3 y otras proteínas celulares. Materiales y métodos: Se expresaron dos proteínas recombinantes del dominio helicasa de NS3 del DENV de serotipo 2, las cuales se emplearon para inmunizar ratas y producir anticuerpos policlonales. Resultados: Los anticuerpos producidos fueron útiles en ensayos de Western blot e inmunofluorescencia y se reportó por primera vez un anticuerpo policlonal anti-NS3 que permitió la inmunoprecipitación de la proteína viral y la detecta con Western blot sin necesidad de inducir sobreexpresión de NS3 o de usar extractos de células marcados metabólicamente con radioisótopos. Conclusión: Las proteínas recombinantes expresadas y los anticuerpos producidos constituyen herramientas valiosas para estudiar procesos infecciosos del DENV que involucren a la proteína NS3 y evaluar pruebas dirigidas a interferir las funciones de esta proteína.

Abstract Introduction: Dengue is a disease caused by one of four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV) and is endemic in approximately 130 countries. The incidence of dengue has increased dramatically in recent decades, as well as the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks. Despite all efforts, there are no prophylactic or therapeutic treatments for the disease. Accordingly, research on the processes governing the DENV infection cycle is essential to develop vaccines or antiviral therapies. One of the most attractive DENV molecules to investigate is nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), which is essential for viral replication and a major immune target for infection. Objective: To produce antibodies to support future studies on NS3 and its cellular interactions with other proteins. Materials and methods: Two recombinant proteins of the helicase domain of DENV NS3 serotype 2 were expressed, and used to immunize mice and produce polyclonal antibodies. Results: The antibodies produced were useful in Western blot and immunofluorescence tests. We report an NS3 antibody that immunoprecipitates the viral protein and detects it in Western blot with no need to over-express it or use cell extracts with metabolic radiolabeling.

Rendimiento diagnóstico del Western Blot para detectar simultaneamente anticuerpos en pacientes con cisticercosis, hidatidosis y fascioliasis humana / Western Blot diagnostic yield for simultaneous antibody-detection in patients with human cysticercosis, hydatidosis, and human fascioliasis

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la técnica de Western Blot para detectar simultáneamente anticuerpos en pacientes con cisticercosis, hidatidosis y fascioliasis humana. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal de evaluación de prueba diagnóstica. Se obtuvieron los antígenos de excreción-secreción de las larvas de Taenia solium, quistes de Echinococcus granulosus; y la forma adulta de Fasciola hepática; que luego fueron separados electroforéticamente en geles de poliacrilamida individuales, transferidos y fijados a una membrana de nitrocelulosa para ser enfrentados con sueros de pacientes con las tres parasitosis. La sensibilidad de la técnica se evaluó empleando 300 sueros individuales, 60 pools de dos parasitosis y 20 pools de tres parasitosis y la especificidad con 75 sueros de pacientes con otras parasitosis, 10 de pacientes con otras enfermedades y 15 sueros de personas no parasitadas. Resultados . La técnica reconoció trece glicoproteínas (GP): GP 35, 31, 24, 23, 18, 17, 14 y 13 kDa para cisticercosis, GP 8,16 y 21 kDa para hidatidosis y GP: 17 y 23 kDa para fascioliasis. La prueba detectó la presencia de anticuerpos alcanzando una sensibilidad de 96% (IC95%: 94,62-98,54%) en la detección de una o las trece bandas, una especificidad de 100% (IC95%: 99,50 - 100,00%); individualmente, se tuvo una sensibilidad para cisticercosis de 97% (IC95%: 93,16-100%), para hidatidosis de 94% (IC95%: 88,85-99,15%) y para fascioliasis de 96% (IC95%: 91,66-100%). Conclusiones. La prueba de Western blot es eficaz en la detección, simultanea de anticuerpos en pacientes con cisticercosis, hidatidosis y fascioliasis humana, y puede ser utilizada como prueba de descarte o confirmatoria en zonas endémicas.

ABSTRACT Objectives . To determine the diagnostic yield using western blotting to simultaneously detect antibodies in patients with human cysticercosis, hydatidosis, and human fascioliasis. Materials and methods . Cross-sectional study of diagnostic yield assessment. Excretory/secretory antigens were obtained from Taenia solium larvae, Echinococcus granulosus cysts, and the adult flukes of Fasciola hepática, which were then separated using the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique, transferred, and attached to a nitrocellulose membrane to be probed with sera from the patient infected with the three parasites. The sensitivity of the technique was assessed using 300 individual serum samples, 60 pools of two parasites, and 20 pools of three parasites with 75 sera from patients with other parasites, 10 from patients with other diseases, and 15 from patients without parasites. Results . The technique revealed 13 glycoproteins (GP): GP 35, 31, 24, 23, 18, 17, 14, and 13 kDa for cysticercosis; GP 8, 16, and 21 kDa for hydatidosis; and GP 17 and 23 kDa for fascioliasis. The test detected the presence of antibodies with a sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 94.62-98.54%) in the detection of one or the thirteen bands, a specificity of 100% (95% CI = 99.50-100.00%); individually, there was a sensitivity for cysticercosis of 97% (95% CI = 93.16-100.00%), for hydatidosis of 94% (95% CI = 88.85-99.15%) and for fascioliasis of 96% (95% CI = 91.66-100.00%). Conclusions . Western blotting is effective in the simultaneous detection of antibodies in patients with human cysticercosis, hydatidosis, and fascioliasis, and it can be used as a diagnostic test to either rule out or confirm the presence of antibodies in endemic areas.

Seroprevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus in blood bank donors at Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia, 2008-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Human lymphotropic virus (HTLV I/II) is a retrovirus that is prevalent across the Colombian Pacific coast, and is potentially transmissible by transfusion. Blood bank screening has been regulated since 2004, in order to reduce transmission of HTLV I/II through donation. Information on the seroprevalence of the virus in southwestern Colombia is limited.  OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence and the behavior of reactivity to HTLV I/II before and after the introduction of Western blot, and the comorbidity of HTLV and other infectious markers in donors from a blood bank in Cali, Colombia.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 77,117 blood bank donors from the Fundación Valle del Lili by analyzing records of donors who had been tested with the reactive test for anti-HTLV I-II antibodies (IgG) between January, 2008, and December, 2014.  RESULTS: The cumulative seroprevalence during the study period was 0.24% (186/77,119). Reactivity was more common in women (61%), and the median age was 37 years (IQR: 24-48). The seroprevalence in the years before the introduction of Western blot was 0.13%, 0.19%, 0.31%, 0.32% and 0.18% (2008-2012), and thereafter it was 0.08% and 0.07% (2012-2014). Concomitant reactivity with other infectious markers was 11%: syphilis (57%), followed by HIV (19%), hepatitis B (14%) and hepatitis C (9%). The highest seroprevalence (0.38%) was reported in 2012.  CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of reactivity to HTLV I-II compared to that reported in other studies. The results of this study are a starting point for the development of population studies.

Seroprevalencia del virus linfotrópico humano de tipos I y II en donantes del Banco de Sangre de la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia, 2008-2014 / Seroprevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus in blood bank donors at Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia, 2008-2014

Introducción. El virus linfotrópico humano (HTLV) de tipos I y II es un retrovirus prevalente en la Costa Pacífica colombiana que puede transmitirse por transfusiones de sangre. En el 2014 se reglamentó la tamización para bancos de sangre con el fin de reducir la transmisión por medio de la donación. La información sobre la seroprevalencia del virus en el suroccidente colombiano es limitada. Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia, el comportamiento a lo largo del tiempo de los resultados reactivos antes y después de la introducción del inmunoensayo Western blot y la concomitancia del HTLV con otros marcadores de infección en donantes de un banco de sangre de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio trasversal de 77.117 donantes del Banco de Sangre de la Fundación Valle del Lili mediante el análisis de los registros de donantes con prueba reactiva para anticuerpos IgG anti HTLV I-II entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2014. Resultados. La seroprevalencia acumulada fue de 0,24 %. Los resultados reactivos fueron más frecuentes en mujeres (61 %) y la mediana de edad fue de 37 años. La seroprevalencia en los años previos a la introducción del Western blot fue de 0,13, 0,19, 0,31 y 0,32 % (2008-2012), y posteriormente fue de 0,18, 0,08 y 0,07 % (2012-2014). La reacción positiva concomitante con otros marcadores de infección fue de 11 %: sífilis (57 %), HIV (19 %), hepatitis B (14 %) y hepatitis C (9 %). La mayor seroprevalencia (0,38 %) se registró en el 2012. Conclusión. Se encontró una alta prevalencia de pruebas reactivas para el HTLV I-II en comparación con otros estudios. Los resultados de este estudio son un punto de partida para el desarrollo de estudios poblacionales.

Introduction: Human lymphotropic virus (HTLV I/II) is a retrovirus that is prevalent across the Colombian Pacific coast, and is potentially transmissible by transfusion. Blood bank screening has been regulated since 2004, in order to reduce transmission of HTLV I/II through donation. Information on the seroprevalence of the virus in southwestern Colombia is limited. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and the behavior of reactivity to HTLV I/II before and after the introduction of Western blot, and the comorbidity of HTLV and other infectious markers in donors from a blood bank in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 77,117 blood bank donors from the Fundación Valle del Lili by analyzing records of donors who had been tested with the reactive test for anti-HTLV I-II antibodies (IgG) between January, 2008, and December, 2014. Results: The cumulative seroprevalence during the study period was 0.24% (186/77,119). Reactivity was more common in women (61%), and the median age was 37 years (IQR: 24-48). The seroprevalence in the years before the introduction of Western blot was 0.13%, 0.19%, 0.31%, 0.32% and 0.18% (2008-2012), and thereafter it was 0.08% and 0.07% (2012-2014). Concomitant reactivity with other infectious markers was 11%: syphilis (57%), followed by HIV (19%), hepatitis B (14%) and hepatitis C (9%). The highest seroprevalence (0.38%) was reported in 2012. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of reactivity to HTLV I-II compared to that reported in other studies. The results of this study are a starting point for the development of population studies.

Salivary protein characteristics from saliva of carious lesion-free and high caries adults

It has been argued that specific salivary proteins could have a protective effect against caries, but data from the many available studies are rather contradictory. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether there is a relationship between protein concentration, electrophoretic profile and concentration of salivary IgA and the presence or absence of caries in adults. Adults with high caries activity (HC) and without caries lesions (CF), assessed by ICDAS criteria, were asked to provide unstimulated saliva samples. Protein concentration (μg/mL) was determined using the Bradford method. Western blotting was used to detect IgA. Data were compared using Student’s t test at p<0.05. Total protein concentration in CF was higher (50.65±7.5 μg/mL) than in HC individuals (26.80±2.5 μg/mL) (p=0.001). More protein bands were visualized in the gels from CF than the HC group (p=0.001). CF subjects showed higher salivary IgA concentration (11.27±0.5 μg) than HC individuals (1.71±0.2μg) (p=0.001).Salivary composition in high caries experience and cariesfree young adults seems to differ in terms of the type and amount of proteins. Further research is needed to expand these findings.

Se ha descrito que proteínas salivales específicas podrían tener un efecto protector sobre la caries, sin embargo, los datos de los numerosos estudios disponibles son contradictorios. El propósito de este trabajo fue analizar si existe una relación entre la concentración total de proteínas, perfil electroforético y la concentración de IgA salival y la presencia o ausencia de lesiones de caries en adultos. Se obtuvieron muestras de flujo salival no estimulado de adultos con alta actividad de caries (HC) y sin lesiones de caries (CF), evaluados según criterios ICDAS. La concentración total de proteínas (mg / ml) se determinó utilizando el método de Bradford. Para detección de IgA se empleó Western Blot. Los datos se compararon mediante la prueba t student, estableciendo diferencias significativas si p<0,05. La concentración total de proteínas en CF fue mayor (50,65 ± 7,5 mg / ml) que en individuos HC (26,80 ± 2,5 mg / ml) (p=0,001). En los geles, se visualizó un mayor número de bandas de proteínas en CF que en el grupo HC (p=0,001). Los Sujetos CF mostraron mayor concentración de IgA salival (11,27 ± 0,5 μg) que los individuos HC (1,71 ± 0,2 μg) (p=0,001). La composición salival de sujetos adultos jóvenes con alta experiencia y libres de caries, parece ser diferente en función del tipo y la cantidad de proteínas. Se requiere de más investigación para profundizar estos resultados.

Analysis of immunostaining and western blotting of endothelin 1 and its receptors in mitral stenosis / Análise da expressão imunohistoquímica e de western blotting da endotelina 1 e seus receptores na estenose mitral

Abstract Introduction: Rheumatic Fever represents a serious public health problem in developing countries, with thousands of new cases each year. It is an autoimmune disease, which occurs in response to infection by streptococcus A. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunolabeling and protein expression for endothelin-1 and 3 (ET-1, ET-3) and its receptors (ETA, ETB) in rheumatic mitral valves. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to identify ET-1/ET-3 and ETA/ETB receptors in rheumatic and control mitral valves. Quantitative analysis of immunostaining for ET-1/ET-3 and ETA/ETB receptors was performed. In addition, western blot analysis was carried out to assess protein levels in tissue samples. Results: ET-1 and ETA receptor immunostaining predominated in stenotic valves, mainly associated with fibrotic regions, inflammatory areas and neovascularization. Quantitative analysis showed that the average area with positive expression of ET-1 was 18.21±14.96%. For ETA and ETB, the mean expressed areas were respectively 15.06±13.13% and 9.20±11.09%. ET-3 did not have a significant expression. The correlation between the expression of both endothelin receptors were strongly positive (R=0.74, P=0.02), but the correlation between ET-1 and its receptor were negative for both ETA (R=-0.37, P=0.25), and ETB (R=-0.14, P=0.39). This data was supported by western blot analysis. Conclusion: The strong correlation between ET-1 and its receptors suggests that both play a role in the pathophysiology of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis and may potentially act as biomarkers of this disease. .

Resumo Introdução: A febre reumática representa um sério problema de saúde pública em países em desenvolvimento, com milhares de novos casos a cada ano. Ela é uma doença autoimune que ocorre em resposta à infecção por estreptococos do grupo A. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão proteica e imunohistoquímica para a endotelina-1 e 3 (ET-1 e ET-3) e seus receptores (ETA e ETB) em valvas mitrais reumáticas. Métodos: Imunohistoquímica foi utilizada para identificar receptores de ET1/ET3 e ETA/ETB em valvas mitrais reumáticas e controles. A análise quantitativa da expressão imunohistoquímica para receptores de ET1/ET3 e ETA/ETB foi também efetuada. Adicionalmente, foi feita análise do western blot para mensurar níveis de proteínas em extratos tissulares. Resultados: A expressão imunohistoquímica de ET-1 e de seu receptor predominou em valvas estenóticas, estando associada com regiões fibróticas, áreas inflamatórias e neovascularização. A análise quantitativa mostrou que a área média com expressão positiva para ET-1 foi de 18,21±14,96%. Para o ETA e o ETB, as áreas médias expressas foram, respectivamente, 15,06±13,13% e 9,20±11,09%. ET-3 não teve uma expressão significante. A correlação entre a expressão dos dois receptores de endotelina foi fortemente positiva (R=0,74, P=0,02); mas a correlação entre ET-1 e o seu receptor foi negativa tanto para ETA (R=-0,37, P=0,25) como para ETB (R=-0,14, P=0,39). Estes dados foram confirmados pela análise do western blot. Conclusão: A forte correlação entre ET-1 e seus receptores sugere que ambos têm papel importante na fisiopatologia da estenose mitral reumática, podendo potencialmente atuar como biomarcadores desta doença. .

Estandarización de la técnica de Western blot para el diagnóstico de la fasciolosis humana utilizando antígenos de excreción-secreción de Fasciola hepática / Western blot technique standardization of the diagnosis of human fasciolosis using Fasciola hepatica excreted-secreted antigens

Objetivos. Evaluar la eficacia de la técnica de electroinmunotransferencia (EITB) o Western blot utilizando antígenos de excreción-secreción de las formas adultas de Fasciola hepatica (Fh E/S Ag) para el diagnóstico de la fasciolosis humana. Materiales y métodos. Los antígenos fueron obtenidos a las 18 horas de incubación en medio Minimum Essential Eagle y preparados a la concentración proteica de 0,15 ug/uL; los cuales, al ser enfrentados con un pool de sueros de pacientes con fasciolosis confirmada por el hallazgo de huevos del parásito en las heces, se detectaron los antígenos de 10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, 36, 43, 66 y 136 KDa, con los cuales se desarrolló la técnica de Western blot. La sensibilidad se evaluó empleando sueros de 67 pacientes con fasciolosis, y la especificidad con sueros de 57 pacientes con otras parasitosis y diez sueros de personas no parasitadas. Resultados. De los 67 sueros, 64 reaccionaron con la banda de 23 KDa y 61 con la banda de 17KDa. Estas dos bandas no fueron detectadas por ninguno de los sueros de pacientes con otras parasitosis, ni de personas no parasitadas, siendo por ello consideradas como específicas y diagnósticas. Conclusiones. La sensibilidad de la prueba, utilizando las bandas de 17 y 23 KDa, fue de 95,5 por ciento cuando se presenta reacción positiva en una o en las dos bandas, siendo la especificidad para estos dos antígenos de 100 por ciento con un valor predictivo positivo de 100 por ciento y un valor predictivo negativo de 95,71 por ciento.

Objectives. To evaluate the performance of the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB, Western blot) using excretory/secretory antigens from adult forms of Fasciola hepatica (Fh E/S Ag) for the diagnosis of human fasciolosis. Materials and methods. Antigens were obtained after 18 hours of incubation in culture medium Minimum Essential Eagle, prepared at a protein concentration of 0.15 ug/uL and run against a pool of sera of patients with proven fasciolosis (confirmed by the finding of parasite eggs in the stool microscopy). Antigens of 10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, 36, 43, 66 and 136 kDa were detected and used to develop the Western blot technique. The sensitivity was evaluated using sera from 67 fasciolosis patients, and the specificity using sera from 57 patients with other parasitic diseases, and 10 from healthy individuals. Results. Out of the 67 sera, 64 reacted with the 23 kDa band and 61 with the one of 17 kDa. These two bands were not detected in sera from patients with other parasitic diseases or in those from healthy volunteers and thus could be considered specific and diagnostic. Conclusions. The sensitivity of the test, using the bands of 17 and 23 kDa, was 95.5 percent for positive reactions to at least one of these two bands, being its specificity 100 percent with a positive predictive value of 100 percent and negative predictive value of 95.71 percent.

Frequency of polymorphisms and protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) in central nervous system tumors / Frequência dos polimorfismos e da expressão protéica do inibidor de quinase dependente de ciclina 1A (CDKN1A) em tumores do sistema nervoso central

Context and objective: Genetic investigation of central nervous system (CNS) tumors provides valuable information about the genes regulating proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, migration and apoptosis in the CNS. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of genetic polymorphisms (codon 31 and 3' untranslated region, 3'UTR) and protein expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) gene in patients with and without CNS tumors. Design and setting: Analytical cross-sectional study with a control group, at the Molecular Biology Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Department, Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto. Methods: 41 patients with CNS tumors and a control group of 161 subjects without cancer and paires for sex, age and ethnicity were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Protein analysis was performed on 36 patients with CNS tumors, using the Western Blotting technique. Results: The frequencies of the heterozygote (Ser/Arg) and polymorphic homozygote (Arg/Arg) genotypes of codon 31 in the control subjects were 28.0 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. However, the 3'UTR site presented frequencies of 24.2 percent (C/T) and 0.6 percent (T/T). These frequencies were not statistically different (P > 0.05) from those seen in the patients with CNS tumors (19.4 percent and 0.0 percent, codon 31; 15.8 percent and 2.6 percent, 3'UTR site). Regarding the protein expression in ependymomas, 66.67 percent did not express the protein CDKN1A. The results for medulloblastomas and astrocytomas were similar: neither of them expressed the protein (57.14 percent and 61.54 percent, respectively). Conclusion: No significant differences in protein expression patterns or polymorphisms of CDKN1A in relation to the three types of CNS tumors were observed among Brazilian subjects.

Contexto e objetivo: A investigação genética dos tumores do sistema nervoso central (SNC) provê valiosa informação sobre os genes que regulam a proliferação, diferenciação, angiogênese, migração e apoptose. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência entre os polimorfismos genéticos (códon 31 e da região 3' não traduzida, 3'UTR) e a expressão protéica do gene inibidor de quinase dependente de ciclina 1A (CDKN1A) em pacientes com e sem tumor do SNC. Tipo de estudo e local: Estudo transversal analítico com grupo controle, desenvolvido no Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Departamento de Oncologia Pediátrica do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto. Métodos: 41 pacientes com tumor do SNC e um grupo controle de 161 indivíduos sem câncer pareados por idade, sexo e etnia foram genotipados mediante uma reação de polimorfismo no comprimento de fragmentos de restrição (RFLP). A análise das proteínas foi realizada em 36 pacientes com tumor de SNC mediante Western Blotting. Resultados: A frequência do genótipo heterozigoto (Ser/Arg) e do homozigoto polimórfico (Arg/Arg) do códon 31 nos controles foi 28,0 por cento e 1,2 por cento, respectivamente. Entretanto, o sítio 3'UTR apresentou uma frequência de 24,2 por cento (C/T) e 0,6 por cento (T/T). Estas frequências não são significativamente diferentes (P > 0,05) daquelas observadas no grupo dos pacientes com tumor de SNC (19,4 por cento e 0,0 por cento, códon 31; 15,8 por cento e 2,6 por cento, sítio 3'UTR). Com respeito à expressão protéica, nos ependimomas, 66,67 por cento não expressaram a proteína CDKN1A. Estes resultados foram similares entre os meduloblastomas e os astrocitomas, os quais não expressaram a proteína com 57,14 por cento e 61,54 por cento, respectivamente. Conclusão: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre o padrão de expressão protéica, polimorfismos de CDKN1A e os três tipos de tumores de SNC em indivíduos brasileiros.

Toxoplasma gondii: caracterización de un anticuerpo monoclonal anti-P30

Se caracterizó un anticuerpo monoclonal específico a Toxoplasma gondii. El hibridoma produjo inmunoglobulinas IgG. El análisis por Western Blot demostró que el anticuerpo monoclonal fue específico para el antígeno de masa molecular aparente de 30 kd, presente en la superficie del parásito. El anticuerpo monoclonal se purificó a partir de fluido ascítico de ratón y se acopló a Sefarosa 4B. Este inmunoabsorbente fue utilizado con el fin de purificar el antígeno parasitario específico. El anticuerpo monoclonal estudiado puede ser de utilidad para las técnicas que contribuyan con el diagnóstico de la toxoplasmosis.

A specific monoclonal antibody was characterized to Toxoplasma gondii. The hybridoma produced IgG immunoglobulins. The Western Blot analysis showed that the monoclonal antibody was specific for the antigen of an apparent mollecular mass of 30 kd, which was present on the antigen surface. The monoclonal antibody was purified starting from mouse´s ascitic fluid and it was matched with Sepharose 4B. This immunoabsorbent was used to purify the specific parasitary antigen. The monoclonal antibody studied may be useful for those tecniques contributing to the toxoplasmosis diagnosis.