Role of formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) in modulating immune response and heart inflammation in an experimental model of acute and chronic Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is an important disease of the heart. Lipoxins have important regulatory functions in host immune response (IR). Herein, we examined whether the receptor for lipoxin A4, the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) 2, had an effect on Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In vitro, FPR2 deficiency or inhibition improved the activity of macrophages against T. cruzi. In vivo, during the acute phase, the absence of FPR2 reduced parasitemia and increased type 2 macrophages, type 2 neutrophils, and IL-10-producing dendritic cells. Moreover, the acquired IR was characterized by greater proportions of Th1/Th2/Treg, and IFNγ-producing CD8+T cells, and reductions in Th17 and IL-17-producing CD8+T cells. However, during the chronic phase, FPR2 deficient mice presented and increased inflammatory profile regarding innate and acquired IR cells (Th1/IFN-γ-producing CD8+T cells). Notably, FPR2 deficiency resulted in increased myocarditis and impaired heart function. Collectively, our data suggested that FPR2 is important for the orchestration of IR and prevention of severe T. cruzi-induced disease.

Correction to: The action of herbal medicine on the libido: aspects of nutritional intervention in increasing sexual desire

Correction to: Nutrire (2017) 42:29 DOI: 10.1186/s41110-017-0051-0

Medicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: an approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action

Mushrooms have been used for centuries as a source of nourishment and sensory properties. Mushrooms are considered functional foods due to their bioactive compounds and a source of drug and nutraceutical development. More than 50 species present immunological potential that exhibit anticancer activity in vitro or in animal models, and some of them have been investigated in human cancers. Cancer is a major cause of death all over the world, promoting long lasting effects throughout the lifetime of the patient. Mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, selenium, fiber, and several other vitamins and minerals. They have bioactive compounds used in cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects. They containß-glucans,ß-proteoglycans, lectins, triterpenes, ergosterol, glutamine, and arginine. In the present study, we perform a literature review of studies that analyze positive impacts of mushroom compounds on cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects and possible compatibility with chemotherapy management. The review indicates that a healthy diet with frequent consumption of mushrooms apparently reduces the risk of developing cancer. However, a clearer understanding of how mushrooms' bioactive principles may affect adjuvant treatments requires further research with long-term double-blind and placebo-controlled studies that evaluate a larger population in clinical trials by each type of cancer. There fore, more robust statistical results are necessary to verify their efficacy and safety on cancer treatments

The action of herbal medicine on the libido: aspects of nutritional intervention in increasing sexual desire

INTRODUCTION: The libido is considered to be a sexual drive in individuals that can be determined and influenced by several factors, such as social, psychological, and hormonal factors. It is known that nutritional aspects are important hormone regulators and that sexual dysfunction may, in many cases, be reversed with simple lifestyle changes. Aims: The aim of the study is to describe the actions of herbal medicine on the libido with an appropriate level of scientific evidence. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of the PUBMED, Scielo, and EMBASE databases was conducted, using the keywords" libido, food, and nutrient." RESULTS: This study identified 2798 articles, 34 of which were selected, as they discussed exclusive studies involving herbal medicine. Some herbal medicines stood out, includingTribulus terrestris, used to increase testosterone serum levels; Eurycoma longifólia, which, in addition to the increased testosterone serum levels, also leads to an increased biosynthesis of several androgens; ginseng, which increases energy levels and stimulates smooth muscle relaxation withnitrous oxide; Maca (Lepidium meyenii), which improves sexual performance, in addition to having androgenic effects; and Mondia whitei (ginger), which improves the libido and erection. In addition to these, one study has demonstrated the effective impact of a hypocaloric, hyperproteic, and hypolipidemic diet on the libido, both improving sexual and erectile functions and increasing testosterone levels. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicine analyzed in this study demonstrate positive effects on the libido, thus proving that, along with nutritional intervention, it is also a promising field in nutrition actions that provide support to combat sexual dysfunctions

Evaluation of adjuvant activity of fractions derived from Agaricus blazei, when in association with the recombinant LiHyp1 protein, to protect against visceral leishmaniasis.

The development of effective prophylactic strategies to prevent leishmaniasis has become a high priority. No less important than the choice of an antigen, the association of an appropriate adjuvant is necessary to achieve a successful vaccination, as the majority of the tested antigens contain limited immunogenic properties, and need to be supplemented with immune response adjuvants in order to boost their immunogenicity. However, few effective adjuvants that can be used against leishmaniasis exist on the market today; therefore, it is possible to speculate that the research aiming to identify new adjuvants could be considered relevant. Recently, Agaricus blazei extracts have proved to be useful in enhancing the immune response to DNA vaccines against some diseases. This was based on the Th1 adjuvant activity of the polysaccharide-rich fractions from this mushroom. In this context, the present study evaluated purified fractions derived from Agaricus blazei as Th1 adjuvants through in vitro assays of their immune stimulation of spleen cells derived from naive BALB/c mice. Two of the tested six fractions (namely F2 and F4) were characterized as polysaccharide-rich fractions, and were able to induce high levels of IFN-γ, and low levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the spleen cells. The efficacy of adjuvant action against L. infantum was evaluated in BALB/c mice, with these fractions being administered together with a recombinant antigen, LiHyp1, which was previously evaluated as a vaccine candidate, associated with saponin, against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The associations between LiHyp1/F2 and LiHyp1/F4 were able to induce an in vivo Th1 response, which was primed by high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and GM-CSF, by low levels of IL-4 and IL-10; as well as by a predominance of IgG2a antibodies in the vaccinated animals. After infection, the immune profile was maintained, and the vaccines proved to be effective against L. infantum. The immune stimulatory effects in the BALB/c mice proved to be similar when comparing the F2 and F4 fractions with a known Th1 adjuvant (saponin), though animals vaccinated with saponin did present a slight to moderate inflammatory edema on their hind footpads. In conclusion, the F2 and F4 fractions appear to induce a Th1-type immune response and, in this context, they could be evaluated in association with other protective antigens against Leishmania, as well as in other disease models.

Acidentes ocupacionais com a equipe de enfermagem da atenção hospitalar / Occupational accidents with the nursing team involved in hospital care / Accidentes ocupacionales con el equipo de enfermería de la atención hospitalar

Este estudo objetivou descrever os acidentes ocupacionais com a equipe de enfermagem de dois hospitais públicos e suas notificações. Foi utilizada pesquisa transversal, realizada entre março e abril de 2012, na cidade de Arcos, no Centro-Oeste de Minas Gerais. Aplicou-se um questionário estruturado entre enfermeiros, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem. Os dados foram tabulados, analisados descritivamente e estatisticamente no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 13.0. O relato do índice de acidente de trabalho nas instituições, entre 2002 e 2011, foi de 59,6%, dos quais 90% de natureza biológica, 34% não notificaram o acidente de trabalho. A faixa etária mais jovem (20-29 anos/81,8%) e aqueles com menos tempo de experiência (≤ 5 anos/84,2%) relataram mais acidentes. Conclui-se que há pouca adesão pelos profissionais aos cuidados preconizados, verificando-se também a baixa porcentagem da Comunicação do Acidente do Trabalho, tornado-se necessárias intervenções de educação e prevenção para minimizar os acidentes (AU).

This study aimed to describe occupational accidents in the nursing team of two public hospitals, and the notification of these. Transversal research was used, undertaken between March and April 2012, in the city of Arcos, in the Center-West of Minas Gerais. A structured questionnaire was applied to nurses, nursing technicians, and auxiliary nurses. The data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively and statistically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 13.0. The reporting of the rate of work accidents in the institutions, between 2002 and 2011, was 59.6%, of which 90% were of a biological nature, and 34% did not report the work accident. The youngest age range (20 ­ 29 years old/81.8%) and those with less length of experience (≤ 5 years/84.2%) reported more accidents. It is concluded that there is little adherence by the professionals to the care measures stipulated, it also being verified that a low percentage of Communication of Work Accidents forms were filled out, making educational and preventive interventions necessary in order to minimize accidents (AU).

Este estudio tuvo la finalidad de describir los accidentes ocupacionales con el equipo de enfermería de dos hospitales públicos y sus notificaciones. Fue utilizada investigación transversal, realizada entre marzo y abril de 2012, en la ciudad de Arcos, Centro-Oeste de Minas Gerais. Fue utilizado un cuestionario estructurado entre enfermeros, técnicos y auxiliares de enfermería. Los datos fueron organizados, analizados descriptiva y stadísticamente en el programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 13.0. El informe del índice de accidente de trabajo en las instituciones, entre 2002 y 2011, fue de 59,6%, de los cuales 90% de naturaleza biológica, 34% no notificaron el accidente de trabajo. La franja etaria más joven (20-29 años/81,8%) y aquellos con menos tiempo de experiencia (≤ 5 años/84,2%) relataron más accidentes. Se concluye que hay poca adhesión por los profesionales a los cuidados propuestos, verificándose también la baja porcentaje de la Comunicación del Accidente de Trabajo, siendo necesarias intervenciones de educación y prevención para minimizar los accidentes (AU).