A novel report on the emerging and zoonotic neurotropic fungus Trichosporon japonicum in the brain tissue of the endangered Brazilian guitarfish (Pseudobatos horkelii) off the southeastern coast of Brazil.

Yeast infections have gained significant attention in the field of marine biology in recent years. Among the broad diversity of marine organisms affected by these infections, elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) have emerged as highly susceptible, due to climate change effects, such as increasing water temperatures and pollution, which can alter the composition and abundance of fungal communities. Additionally, injuries, or compromised immune systems resulting from pollution or disease may increase the likelihood of fungal infections in elasmobranchs. Studies are, however, still lacking for this taxonomic group. In this context, this study aimed to screen yeast species in cell cultures obtained from the brain of artisanally captured Pseudobatos horkelii, a cartilaginous fish that, although endangered, is highly captured and consumed worldwide. Fungi were isolated during an attempt to establish primary cultures of elasmobranch neural cells. Culture flasks were swabbed and investigated using morphological, phenotypic, and molecular techniques. Two isolates of the emerging opportunistic pathogen Trichosporon japonicum were identified, with high scores (1.80 and 1.85, respectively) by the MALDI-ToF technique. This is the first report of the basidiomycetous yeast T. japonicum in Pseudobatos horkelii in Brazil. This finding highlights the need for further research to determine the potential impact on elasmobranch health, ecology, as well as on commercial fisheries.

NMDA Receptor Activation and Ca2+/PKC Signaling in Nicotine-Induced GABA Transport Shift in Embryonic Chick Retina.

Nicotinic receptors are present in the retina of different vertebrates, and in the chick retina, it is present during early development throughout to post-hatching. These receptors are activated by nicotine, an alkaloid with addictive and neurotransmitter release modulation properties, such as GABA signaling. Here we evaluated the mechanisms of nicotine signaling in the avian retina during the development of neuron-glia cells at a stage where synapses are peaking. Nicotine almost halved [3H]-GABA uptake, reducing it by 45% whilst increasing more than two-fold [3H]-GABA release in E12 embryonic chick retinas. Additionally, nicotine mediated a 33% increase in [3H]-D-aspartate release. MK-801 50 µM blocked 66% of nicotine-induced [3H]-GABA release and Gö 6983 100 nM prevented the nicotine-induced reduction in [3H]-GABA uptake by rescuing 40% of this neurotransmitter uptake, implicating NMDAR and PKC (respectively) in the nicotinic responses. In addition, NO-711 prevented [3H]-GABA uptake and release induced by nicotine. Furthermore, the relevance of calcium influx for PKC activation was evidenced through fura-2 imaging. We conclude that the shift of GABA transport mediated by nicotine promotes GABA release by inducing transporter reversal via nicotine-induced EAA release through EAATs, or by a direct effect of nicotine in activating nicotinic receptors permeable to calcium and promoting PKC pathway activation and shifting GAT-1 activity, both prompting calcium influx, and activation of the PKC pathway and shifting GAT-1 activity.

Histórico familiar de câncer gástrico em pacientes dispépticos indicados à triagem endoscópica / Antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico en pacientes dispépticos derivados a triaje endoscópico / Family history of gastric cancer in dyspeptic patients referred for endoscopic screening

Resumo Objetivo Identificar o histórico familiar de primeiro grau de câncer gástrico em pacientes com sintomas dispépticos atendidos em um serviço público de endoscopia. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com pacientes dispépticos que tinham indicação para realizar o exame de endoscopia digestiva alta. A associação entre o histórico familiar de câncer gástrico e os resultados do exame endoscópico foi verificada por meio dos testes de Qui-quadrado ou Fisher, e medida seu efeito por meio da razão de chance e intervalo de confiança em analises uni e multivariadas. Utilizou-se regressão logística na análise dos dados. Resultados Observou-se que dos 751 pacientes dispépticos investigados, 44 (5,9%) possuíam histórico familiar de câncer gástrico, destes a maioria era do sexo feminino (70,5%), com idade maior ou igual a 45 anos (56,8%). Os pacientes com histórico familiar de câncer gástrico tinham maiores chances de não apresentarem diagnostico endoscópico de úlcera péptica (p=0,05; RC=2,33; IC=0,99-5,48). Além de maiores chances de alterações na mucosa gástrica (p=0,05; RC=1,06; IC=1,04-1,08) e infecção pela Helicobacter pylori (p=0,04; RC=1,79; IC=0,94-3,39) mesmo após ajustes nas análises. Conclusão A alteração endoscópica da mucosa gástrica e a infecção pela Helicobacter pylori em pacientes com sintomas dispépticos, mostraram associação independente com o histórico familiar de câncer gástrico. Diante disso, faz-se necessário a elaboração de protocolos de assistência à saúde para melhor investigação e vigilância dos familiares de câncer gástrico, bem como ações de educação em saúde para orientar os pacientes a respeito do rastreio e prevenção do câncer gástrico.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los antecedentes familiares de primer grado de cáncer gástrico en pacientes con síntomas dispépticos atendidos en un servicio público de endoscopía. Métodos Estudio transversal llevado a cabo con pacientes dispépticos que habían sido derivados a realizar un estudio de endoscopía digestiva alta. La relación entre los antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico y los resultados del estudio endoscópico fue verificada mediante la prueba χ2 de Pearson o de Fisher, y su efecto fue medido a través de la razón de momios y del intervalo de confianza en análisis uni y multivariados. Se utilizó la regresión logística en el análisis de los datos. Resultados Se observó que de los 751 pacientes dispépticos investigados, 44 (5,9 %) tenían antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico, de los cuales la mayoría era de sexo femenino (70,5 %), de 45 años o más (56,8 %). Los pacientes con antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico tenían mayores chances de no presentar diagnóstico endoscópico de úlcera péptica (p=0,05; RC=2,33; IC=0,99-5,48). Además de mayores probabilidades de alteraciones en la mucosa gástrica (p=0,05; RC=1,06; IC=1,04-1,08) e infección por Helicobacter pylori (p=0,04; RC=1,79; IC=0,94-3,39), inclusive después de ajustes en los análisis. Conclusión La alteración endoscópica de la mucosa gástrica y la infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con síntomas dispépticos mostraron relación independiente con los antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico. Ante este escenario, es necesaria la elaboración de protocolos de atención a la salud para una mejor investigación y observación de los familiares de cáncer gástrico, así como también acciones de educación en salud para orientar a los pacientes sobre la detección y prevención del cáncer gástrico.

Abstract Objective To identify first-degree relative history of gastric cancer in patients with dyspeptic symptoms receiving care at a public endoscopy service. Methods A cross-sectional study, performed with dyspeptic patients referred for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The association between the family history of gastric cancer and the findings of the endoscopic examination was verified using the Chi-square or Fisher tests, and its effect was shown using odds ratio and confidence interval in univariate and multivariate analyses. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results Among the 751 dyspeptic patients enrolled, 44 (5.9%) had a family history of gastric cancer, mostly females (70.5%) aged 45 years or older (56.8%). Patients with a family history of gastric cancer were more likely to have no endoscopic diagnosis of peptic ulcer (p=0.05; OR=2.33; CI=0.99-5.48). In addition, higher chances of gastric mucosal changes (p=0.05; RC=1.06; CI=1.04-1.08) and Helicobacter pylori infection (p=0.04; RC=1.79; CI=0.94-3.39) were found, even after adjusting the analyses. Conclusion The endoscopic gastric mucosal changes and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspeptic symptoms showed an independent association with family history of gastric cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop health care protocols for better investigation and surveillance of gastric cancer relatives, as well as health education actions to guide patients regarding screening and prevention of gastric cancer.

NMDA-induced nitric oxide generation and CREB activation in central nervous system is dependent on eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase.

The NMDA receptor is crucial to several functions in CNS physiology and some of its effects are mediated by promoting nitric oxide production from L-arginine and activation of signaling pathways and the transcription factor CREB. Our previous work demonstrated in retinal cells that increasing intracellular free L-arginine levels directly correlates to nitric oxide (NO) generation and can be promoted by protein synthesis inhibition and increase of free L-arginine concentration. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase, is also known to be activated by NMDA receptors leading to protein synthesis inhibition. Here we explored how does eEF2K participate in NMDA-induced NO signaling. We found that when this enzyme is inhibited, NMDA loses its ability to promote NO synthesis. On the other hand, when NO synthesis is increased by protein synthesis inhibition with cycloheximide or addition of exogenous L-arginine, eEF2K has no participation, showcasing a specific link between this enzyme and NMDA-induced NO signaling. We have previously shown that inhibition of the canonical NO signaling pathway (guanylyl cyclase/cGMP/cGK) blocks CREB activation by glutamate in retinal cells. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of eEF2K fully prevents CREB activation by NMDA, once again demonstrating the importance of eEF2K in NMDA receptor signaling. In summary, we demonstrated here a new role for eEF2K, directly controlling NMDA-dependent nitrergic signaling and modulating L-arginine availability in neurons, which can potentially be a new target for the study of physiological and pathological processes involving NMDA receptors in the central nervous system.

Oral conditions and the impact on quality of life of morbidly obese and bariatric patients / Condições bucais e o impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes obesos mórbidos e bariátricos

ABSTRACT Objective The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease and edentulism in morbidly obese and bariatric patients, and to verify the oral health impact on quality of life. Methods We evaluated 33 morbidly obese patients (G1) and 50 patients submitted to bariatric surgery (G2). The DMFT, CPI, prosthetic status and prosthetic need for edentulism were used to analyze oral conditions. The impact of oral health on quality of life was assessed using the OIDP questionnaire. Results CPOD were G1: 9.0±7.0 and G2: 13.3±8.0 (p= 0.020). The dental calculus was the worst periodontal condition G1: 72.7% and G2: 80.0% (p= 0.752). The majority of G1 and G2 patients did not use (p = 0.878) and did not need (p= 0.132) dental prosthesis. The mean of OIDP was G1: 11.2±23.8 and G2: 14.16±23.8 (p= 0.089). Conclusion It concluded that bariatric patients have a higher prevalence of dental caries and the need for dental prostheses is related to the impact of oral health on the quality of life of obese patients.

RESUMO Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar prevalência de cárie, doença periodontal e edentulismo em pacientes obesos mórbidos e bariátricos e verificar o impacto da saúde bucal na qualidade de vida. Métodos Avaliou-se 33 pacientes obesos mórbidos (G1) e 50 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica (G2). Os índices CPOD, IPC, uso e necessidade de prótese foram utilizados para analisar as condições bucais. O impacto da saúde bucal na qualidade de vida foi avaliado através do questionário OIDP. Resultados CPOD foi G1:9,0±7,0 e G2:13,3±8,0 (p=0,020). O cálculo dentário foi a pior condição periodontal G1:72,7% e G2:80.,0% (p=0,752). A maioria dos pacientes do G1 e G2 não usavam (p=0,878) e não necessitavam (p=0,132) de prótese dentária. A média do OIDP foi G1:11,2±23,8 e G2:14,16±23,8 (p=0,089). Conclusão Conclui-se que os pacientes bariátricos apresentam maior prevalência de cárie dentária e a necessidade de prótese dentária está relacionada com impacto da saúde bucal na qualidade de vida dos pacientes obesos.

Allogenic bone narrow transplantation in sickle-cell diseases.

Sickle-cell diseases are the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Improvement in survival has been seen in the last decades with the introduction of careful screening and prevention of complications and the introduction of hydroxyurea. Stem-cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for these patients and has been indicated for patients with neurological events, repeated vaso-occlusive crisis, any organ damage or presence of red blood cell antibodies. Related bone-marrow or cord-blood transplant has shown an overall survival of more than 90% with a disease-free survival of 90% in 1,000 patients transplanted in the last decades. The use of unrelated donors unfortunately has not shown the same good results, but better typing methods and improved support may improve the outcome with this source of stem cells in the future. In Brazil, only recently stem cell transplant from related donors has been included in the procedures performed in the public health system. The use of related bone marrow or cord blood and a myeloablative conditioning regimen are considered standard of care for patients with sickle-cell diseases. Transplants with non-myeloablative regimens, unrelated donors or haploidentical donors should be performed only in controlled clinical trials.

Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Functional Effects.

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that menstrual blood stands as a viable source of stem cells. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) are morphologically and functionally similar to cells directly extracted from the endometrium, and present dual expression of mesenchymal and embryonic cell markers, thus becoming interesting tools for regenerative medicine. Functional reports show higher proliferative and self-renewal capacities than bone marrow-derived stem cells, as well as successful differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells, glial-like cells, endometrial stroma-like cells, among others. Moreover, menstrual blood stem cells may be used with increased efficiency in reprogramming techniques for induced Pluripotent Stem cell (iPS) generation. Experimental studies have shown successful treatment of stroke, colitis, limb ischemia, coronary disease, Duchenne's muscular atrophy and streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes animal models with MenSCs. As we envision an off-the-shelf product for cell therapy, cryopreserved MenSCs appear as a feasible clinical product. Clinical applications, although still very limited, have great potential and ongoing studies should be disclosed in the near future.

Allogenic bone narrow transplantation in sickle-cell diseases / Transplante alogênico de medula óssea em doenças falciformes

SUMMARY Sickle-cell diseases are the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Improvement in survival has been seen in the last decades with the introduction of careful screening and prevention of complications and the introduction of hydroxyurea. Stem-cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for these patients and has been indicated for patients with neurological events, repeated vaso-occlusive crisis, any organ damage or presence of red blood cell antibodies. Related bone-marrow or cord-blood transplant has shown an overall survival of more than 90% with a disease-free survival of 90% in 1,000 patients transplanted in the last decades. The use of unrelated donors unfortunately has not shown the same good results, but better typing methods and improved support may improve the outcome with this source of stem cells in the future. In Brazil, only recently stem cell transplant from related donors has been included in the procedures performed in the public health system. The use of related bone marrow or cord blood and a myeloablative conditioning regimen are considered standard of care for patients with sickle-cell diseases. Transplants with non-myeloablative regimens, unrelated donors or haploidentical donors should be performed only in controlled clinical trials.

RESUMO As doenças falciformes são as hemoglobinopatias mais frequentes mundialmente. Nas últimas décadas vivenciamos melhora na sobrevida de portadores destas patologias com a introdução de medidas preventivas e o uso precoce da hidroxiurea. O transplante de medula óssea alogênico (alo TMO) é a única opção terapêutica curativa para as hemoglobinopatias. O mesmo tem sido indicado para pacientes com complicações neurológicas, crises vasoclusivas repetidas, alguma lesão orgânica e alosensibilizados. O uso de doadores relacionados de medula óssea ou cordão umbilical mostrou em 1000 procedimentos realizados sobrevida global de 95% e sobrevida livre de ventos de 90%. O uso de doadores não aparentados não mostrou resultados tão expressivos, mas no futuro métodos melhores de tipagem de HLA e de medidas de suporte podem melhorar estes resultados. No Brasil apenas recentemente o alo TMO foi incluído no âmbito do sistema único de saúde (SUS) como opção terapêutica para portadores de doenças falciformes. O uso de doadores aparentados de MO ou de SCU com regime mieloablativo é considerado hoje tratamento estabelecido, sendo que o uso de doadores alternativos não aparentados ou haploidenticos e o uso de transplante com regime não mieloablativo deve ser considerado apenas em estudos clínicos.

Transplante autólogo de células tronco hematopoéticas para esclerose sistêmica: ações de enfermagem / Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis: nursing actions / Transplante autólogo de células troncales hematopoyéticas para esclerosis sistémica: acciones de enfermería

Estudo transversal cujo objetivo foi identificar as intercorrências e as ações de enfermagem implementadas nos pacientes com esclerose sistêmica submetidos ao transplante autólogo de células tronco hematopoéticas, durante o regime de condicionamento. Foram avaliados 27 pacientes com idade média de 34 anos. Em relação ao tempo de diagnóstico, 48,1% foram submetidos ao transplante entre dois e três anos de descoberta da doença. Diante das principais manifestações apresentadas pelo paciente, destaca-se 96,2% com lesão de pele e mucosa e 81,4% com fenômeno de Raynaud. Quanto às intercorrências durante o regime de condicionamento, a retenção hídrica ocorreu em 100% dos pacientes, sendo implementadas as ações de enfermagem: administração de furosemida, controle hídrico rigoroso, exame físico, monitorização dos sinais vitais, peso e pressão venosa central. Os resultados permitem conhecer as necessidades de saúde dos pacientes com esclerose sistêmica durante o regime de condicionamento e proporciona subsídios para o planejamento da assistência de enfermagem.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify the complications and the implemented nursing actions in systemic sclerosis patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, during the conditioning regimen. Evaluations were performed with 27 patients, with a mean age of 34 years. Regarding the time of diagnosis, 48.1% underwent transplantation between two and three years after discovering the disease. Regarding the main signs in patients, 96.2% had skin and mucous membrane lesions and 81.4% had Raynaud's phenomenon. As to the complications during the conditioning regimen, water retention occurred in 100% of patients, and the following nursing actions were implemented: administration of furosemide, rigorous fluid intake control, physical examination, monitoring vital signs, weight and central venous pressure. The results allow for learning the health needs of patients with systemic sclerosis during the conditioning regimen and offer support for nursing care planning.

Estudio transversal objetivando identificar los cambios y acciones de enfermería implementados en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica sometidos a transplante autólogo de células troncales hematopoyéticas, durante el régimen de acondicionamiento. Fueron evaluados 27 pacientes con media etaria de 34 años. En relación al tiempo de diagnóstico, 48,1% fueron sometidos al transplante entre dos y tres años del diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Entre las principales manifestaciones presentadas por el paciente, se destacan las lesiones de piel y mucosas (96,2%), y 81,4% con fenómeno de Raynaud. Respecto a cambios durante el régimen de acondicionamiento, se manifestó retención hídrica en 100% de los pacientes, implementándose las acciones de enfermería: administración de furosemida, control hídrico riguroso, examen físico, monitoreo de signos vitales, peso y presión venosa central. Los resultados permiten conocer las necesidades de salud de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica durante el régimen de acondicionamiento, y brinda ayuda para planificación de la atención

Successful outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in Seckel syndrome.

Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease, genetically heterogeneous, characterized by short stature, prenatal microcephaly, intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, chromosomal instability, and hematological disorders. We report the case of a six-yr-old boy with Seckel syndrome and aplastic anemia who underwent successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from ten of ten HLA matched unrelated donor. Currently the patient is on D+771, in good health conditions and with no further complications. In conclusion, this case indicates that bone marrow transplantation is an acceptable therapeutic option for Seckel syndrome complicated by hematological alterations.

Avaliação do Ph externo radicular do hidróxido de cálcio associado a diferentes fármacos / Evaluation of the extraradicular Ph of calcium hydroxide in association with various drugs

Introdução: Este estudo foi realizado na Universidade Severino Sombra, onde se avaliou o pH externo radicular do hidróxido de cálcio associado a diferentes fármacos. Métodos: Foram utilizados 20 dentes humanos divididos em dois grupos de 10 dentes. Grupo I - associação do hidróxido de cálcio com trietanolamina; Grupo II ? hidróxido de cálcio associado a anestésico. Os grupos foram preparados e preenchidos com as pastas. Foram imersos em água destilada e o pH medido nos tempos de 0, 24, 48, 72 horas e 7, 10, 15 e 30 dias. Resultados: Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente e o resultado mostrou diferenças significativas; observou-se que em todos os tempos houve aumento do pH e que o pH mais elevado ocorreu no Grupo I. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que o hidróxido de cálcio associado à trietanolamina apresentou um pH mais elevado quando comparado ao anestésico

Introduction: This study was conducted at the Severino Sombra University, evaluating the extraradicular pH of calcium hydroxide in association with various drugs. Methods: Using twenty human teeth divided into two groups of ten teeth each. Group I - association of calcium hydroxide with triethanolamine; Group II ? calcium hydroxide associated with anesthetic. The Groups were prepared and filled with the pastes, and were then immersed in distilled water, measuring the pH at intervals of 0, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7, 10, 15 and 30 days. Results: The resulting data were analyzed statistically and the findings presented significant differences, with an increase in the pH at all intervals, and the highest pH noted in Group I. Conclusion: This led to the conclusion that calcium hydroxide associated with triethanolamine presented a higher pH compared to the anesthetic

Neurovascular aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease with a complicated and poorly understood pathogenesis. Strong evidence indicates impairment of all neurovascular unit components including the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers (BBB/BSCB) in both patients and animal models. The present review provides an updated analysis of the microvascular pathology and impaired BBB/BSCB in ALS. Based on experimental and clinical ALS studies, the roles of cellular components, cell interactions, tight junctions, transport systems, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and free radicals in the BBB/BSCB disruption are discussed. The impact of BBB/BSCB damage in ALS pathogenesis is a novel research topic, and this review will reveal some aspects of microvascular pathology involved in the disease and hopefully engender new therapeutic approaches.

Peripheral nerve repair with cultured schwann cells: getting closer to the clinics.

Peripheral nerve injuries are a frequent and disabling condition, which affects 13 to 23 per 100.000 persons each year. Severe cases, with structural disruption of the nerve, are associated with poor functional recovery. The experimental treatment using nerve grafts to replace damaged or shortened axons is limited by technical difficulties, invasiveness, and mediocre results. Other therapeutic choices include the adjunctive application of cultured Schwann cells and nerve conduits to guide axonal growth. The bone marrow is a rich source of mesenchymal cells, which can be differentiated in vitro into Schwann cells and subsequently engrafted into the damaged nerve. Alternatively, undifferentiated bone marrow mesenchymal cells can be associated with nerve conduits and afterward transplanted. Experimental studies provide evidence of functional, histological, and electromyographical improvement following transplantation of bone-marrow-derived cells in animal models of peripheral nerve injury. This paper focuses on this new therapeutic approach highlighting its direct translational and clinical utility in promoting regeneration of not only acute but perhaps also chronic cases of peripheral nerve damage.

Recent progress in cell therapy for basal ganglia disorders with emphasis on menstrual blood transplantation in stroke.

Cerebrovascular diseases are the third leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability in the United States. The only approved therapy for stroke is tPA, strongly limited by the short therapeutic window and hemorrhagic complications, therefore excluding most patients from its benefits. Parkinson's and Huntington's disease are the other two most studied basal ganglia diseases and, as stroke, have very limited treatment options. Inflammation is a key feature in central nervous system disorders and it plays a dual role, either improving injury in early phases or impairing neural survival at later stages. Stem cells can be opportunely used to modulate inflammation, abrogate cell death and, therefore, preserve neural function. We here discuss the role of stem cells as restorative treatments for basal ganglia disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and stroke, with special emphasis to the recently investigated menstrual blood stem cells. We highlight the availability, proliferative capacity, pluripotentiality and angiogenic features of these cells and explore their present and future experimental and clinical applications.

Menstrual blood transplantation for ischemic stroke: Therapeutic mechanisms and practical issues.

Cerebrovascular diseases are a major cause of death and long-term disability in developed countries. Tissue plasmin activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for ischemic stroke, strongly limited by the short therapeutic window and hemorrhagic complications, therefore excluding most patients from its benefits. The rescue of the penumbra area of the ischemic infarct is decisive for functional recovery after stroke. Inflammation is a key feature in the penumbra area and it plays a dual role, improving injury in early phases but impairing neural survival at later stages. Stem cells can be opportunely used to modulate inflammation, abrogate cell death and, therefore, preserve neural function. We here discuss the possible role of stem cells derived from menstrual blood as restorative treatment for stroke. We highlight the availability, proliferative capacity, pluripotentiality and angiogenic features of these cells and explore their present and future experimental and clinical applications.

Immunological aspects in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron death, leading to muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death usually within 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. Most cases are sporadic, with still undefined etiopathogenesis. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems are involved in ALS, with special participation of T lymphocytes and microglia. Inflammation plays a dual role in the disease, protective and T regulatory cell rich in the early stages and deleterious as disease progresses. Attempts to modulate immune/inflammatory system response are reported in the literature, and while beneficial effects are achieved in ALS animal models, results of most clinical trials have been disappointing. The impaired blood-brain barrier is an important feature in the pathogenesis of ALS and likely affects the immune system response. The present review describes the role of the immune system in ALS pathogenesis and the tight coupling of immunity and central nervous system barrier function.

Toward personalized cell therapies: autologous menstrual blood cells for stroke.

Cell therapy has been established as an important field of research with considerable progress in the last years. At the same time, the progressive aging of the population has highlighted the importance of discovering therapeutic alternatives for diseases of high incidence and disability, such as stroke. Menstrual blood is a recently discovered source of stem cells with potential relevance for the treatment of stroke. Migration to the infarct site, modulation of the inflammatory reaction, secretion of neurotrophic factors, and possible differentiation warrant these cells as therapeutic tools. We here propose the use of autologous menstrual blood cells in the restorative treatment of the subacute phase of stroke. We highlight the availability, proliferative capacity, pluripotency, and angiogenic features of these cells and explore their mechanistic pathways of repair. Practical aspects of clinical application of menstrual blood cells for stroke will be discussed, from cell harvesting and cryopreservation to administration to the patient.