L-carnitine protects DNA oxidative damage induced by phenylalanine and its keto acid derivatives in neural cells: a possible pathomechanism and adjuvant therapy for brain injury in phenylketonuria.

Although phenylalanine (Phe) is known to be neurotoxic in phenylketonuria (PKU), its exact pathogenetic mechanisms of brain damage are still poorly known. Furthermore, much less is known about the role of the Phe derivatives phenylacetic (PAA), phenyllactic (PLA) and phenylpyruvic (PPA) acids that also accumulate in this this disorder on PKU neuropathology. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that Phe elicits oxidative stress in brain of rodents and that this deleterious process also occurs in peripheral tissues of phenylketonuric patients. In the present study, we investigated whether Phe and its derivatives PAA, PLA and PPA separately or in combination could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and provoke DNA damage in C6 glial cells. We also tested the role of L-carnitine (L-car), which has been recently considered an antioxidant agent and easily cross the blood brain barrier on the alterations of C6 redox status provoked by Phe and its metabolites. We first observed that cell viability was not changed by Phe and its metabolites. Furthermore, Phe, PAA, PLA and PPA, at concentrations found in plasma of PKU patients, provoked marked DNA damage in the glial cells separately and when combined. Of note, these effects were totally prevented (Phe, PAA and PPA) or attenuated (PLA) by L-car pre-treatment. In addition, a potent ROS formation also induced by Phe and PAA, whereas only moderate increases of ROS were caused by PPA and PLA. Pre-treatment with L-car also prevented Phe- and PAA-induced ROS generation, but not that provoked by PLA and PPA. Thus, our data show that Phe and its major metabolites accumulated in PKU provoke extensive DNA damage in glial cells probably by ROS formation and that L-car may potentially represent an adjuvant therapeutic agent in PKU treatment.

Oxidative Imbalance, Nitrative Stress, and Inflammation in C6 Glial Cells Exposed to Hexacosanoic Acid: Protective Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, Trolox, and Rosuvastatin.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder caused by disfunction of the ABCD1 gene, which encodes a peroxisomal protein responsible for the transport of the very long-chain fatty acids from the cytosol into the peroxisome, to undergo ß-oxidation. The mainly accumulated saturated fatty acids are hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0) in tissues and body fluids. This peroxisomal disorder occurs in at least 1 out of 20,000 births. Considering that pathophysiology of this disease is not well characterized yet, and glial cells are widely used in studies of protective mechanisms against neuronal oxidative stress, we investigated oxidative damages and inflammatory effects of vesicles containing lecithin and C26:0, as well as the protection conferred by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), trolox (TRO), and rosuvastatin (RSV) was assessed. It was verified that glial cells exposed to C26:0 presented oxidative DNA damage (measured by comet assay and endonuclease III repair enzyme), enzymatic oxidative imbalance (high catalase activity), nitrative stress [increased nitric oxide (NO) levels], inflammation [high Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) levels], and induced lipid peroxidation (increased isoprostane levels) compared to native glial cells without C26:0 exposure. Furthermore, NAC, TRO, and RSV were capable to mitigate some damages caused by the C26:0 in glial cells. The present work yields experimental evidence that inflammation, oxidative, and nitrative stress may be induced by hexacosanoic acid, the main accumulated metabolite in X-ALD, and that antioxidants might be considered as an adjuvant therapy for this severe neurometabolic disease.

Inflammatory profile in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients: Understanding disease progression.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive inflammatory demyelization in the brain, adrenal insufficiency, and an abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissue and body fluids. Considering that inflammation might be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD, we aimed to investigate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in plasma from three different male phenotypes (CCER, AMN, and asymptomatic individuals). Our results showed that asymptomatic patients presented increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α and the last one was also higher in AMN phenotype. Besides, asymptomatic patients presented higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. AMN patients presented higher levels of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-4. We might hypothesize that inflammation in X-ALD is related to plasmatic VLCFA concentration, since there were positive correlations between C26:0 plasmatic levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic and AMN patients and negative correlation between anti-inflammatory cytokine and C24:0/C22:0 ratio in AMN patients. The present work yields experimental evidence that there is an inflammatory imbalance associated Th1, (IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10), and macrophages response (TNF-α and IL-1ß) in the periphery of asymptomatic and AMN patients, and there is correlation between VLCFA plasmatic levels and inflammatory mediators in X-ALD. Furthermore, we might also speculate that the increase of plasmatic cytokines in asymptomatic patients could be considered an early biomarker of brain damage and maybe also a predictor of disease progression.

DNA damage in homocystinuria: 8-oxo-, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in cystathionine-ß-synthase deficient patients and the in vitro protective effect of N-acetyl­L­cysteine

Introduction: Homocysteine (Hcy) tissue accumulation occurs in a metabolic disease characterized biochemically by cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) deficiency and clinically by mental retardation, vascular problems, and skeletal abnormalities. Previous studies indicate the occurrence of DNA damage secondary to hyperhomocysteinemia and it was observed that DNA damage occurs in leukocytes from CBS-deficient patients. This study aimed to investigate whether an oxidative mechanism could be involved in DNA damage previously found and investigated the in vitro effect of N-acety-L-cysteine (NAC) on DNA damage caused by high Hcy levels. Methods: We evaluated a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage in the urine of CBS­deficient patients, as well as the in vitro effect of NAC on DNA damage caused by high levels of Hcy. Moreover, a biomarker of lipid oxidative damage was also measured in urine of CBS deficient patients. Results: There was an increase in parameters of DNA (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'- deoxyguanosine) and lipid (15-F2t-isoprostanes levels) oxidative damage in CBS-deficient patients when compared to controls. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between 15-F2t-isoprostanes levels and total Hcy concentrations. Besides, an in vitro protective effect of NAC at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM was observed on DNA damage caused by Hcy 50 µM and 200 µM. Additionally, we showed a decrease in sulfhydryl content in plasma from CBS-deficient patients when compared to controls. Discussion: These results demonstrated that DNA damage occurs by an oxidative mechanism in CBS deficiency together with lipid oxidative damage, highlighting the NAC beneficial action upon DNA oxidative process, contributing with a new treatment perspective of the patients affected by classic homocystinuria.

Oxidative damage and redox in Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Biochemical markers.

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD) comprise a heterogeneous group of >50 genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes that encode lysosomal enzymes, transport proteins or other gene products essential for a functional lysosomal system. As a result, abnormal accumulation of substrates within the lysosome leads to a progressive cellular impairment and dysfunction of numerous organs and systems. The exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of LSD remain obscure. Previous studies proposed a relationship between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of several inborn errors of metabolism, including LSD. Considering these points, in this paper it was reviewed oxidative stress and emerging antioxidant therapy in LSD, emphasizing studies with biological samples from patients affected by this group of conditions. These studies allow presuming that metabolites accumulated in LSD cause an increase of lysosomes' number and size, which may induce excessive production of reactive species and/or deplete the tissue antioxidant capacity, leading to damage in biomolecules. In vitro and in vivo evidence showed that cell oxidative process occurs in LSD and probably contributes to the pathophysiology of these disorders. In this context, it is possible to suggest that, in the future, antioxidants could come to be used as adjuvant therapy for LSD patients.

In vitro effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on glutathione and sulfhydryl levels in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients

Introduction: Recent evidence shows that oxidative stress seems to be related with the pathophysiology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a neurodegenerative disorder. Methods: In the present study, the in vitro effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl levels in X-ALD patients was evaluated. Results: A significant reduction of GSH and sulfhydryl content was observed in X-ALD patients compared to the control group. Furthermore, 5 mM of NAC, in vitro, led to an increase in GSH content and sulfhydryl groups in these patients. Conclusion: These data probably indicate that an adjuvant therapy with the antioxidant NAC could improve the oxidative imbalance in X-ALD patients(AU)

First occurrence of blaOXA-58 in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from a clinical sample in Southern Brazil

This is the first report of an Acinetobacter baumannii from clinical origin carrying the blaOXA-58 gene in Brazil. The isolate included in this study was from a patient during an outbreak in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern Brazil, in 2007. It was resistant to most of the beta-lactams tested, it has also the blaOXA-65 gene and the ISAba1 sequence located upstream to both blaOXA genes detected and it has a MIC of imipenem of 64 ìg/mL.

First occurrence of bla OXA-58 in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from a clinical sample in Southern Brazil.

This is the first report of an Acinetobacter baumannii from clinical origin carrying the bla OXA-58 gene in Brazil. The isolate included in this study was from a patient during an outbreak in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern Brazil, in 2007. It was resistant to most of the beta-lactams tested, it has also the bla OXA-65 gene and the ISAbal sequence located upstream to both bla OXA genes detected and it has a MIC of imipenem of 64 µg/mL.

Molecular characterization of clinical multiresistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. from hospitals in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Caracterização molecular de isolados clínicos Acinetobacter sp. multirresistentes em hospitais de Porto Alegre, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Hospitals around the world have presented multiresistant Acinetobacter sp. outbreaks. The spread of these isolates that harbor an increasing variety of resistance genes makes the treatment of these infections and their control within the hospital environment more difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and dissemination of Acinetobacter sp. multiresistant isolates and to identify acquired resistance genes. METHODS: We analyzed 274 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter sp. from five hospitals in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. We evaluated the susceptibility to antimicrobial, acquired resistance genes from Ambler's classes B and D, and performed molecular typing of the isolates using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) technique. RESULTS: A high (68 percent) percentage of multiresistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. was observed, and 69 percent were resistant to carbapenems. We identified 84 percent of isolates belonging to species A. baumannii because they presented the gene blaOXA-51. The gene blaOXA-23 was detected in 62 percent of the isolates, and among these, 98 percent were resistant to carbapenems. Using the ERIC-PCR technique, we identified clones of Acinetobacter sp. spread among the four hospitals analyzed during the sampling period. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate the dissemination of Acinetobacter sp. isolates among hospitals and their permanence in the hospital after one year.

INTRODUÇÃO: Hospitais no mundo todo têm apresentado surtos de Acinetobacter sp. multirresistentes. A disseminação destes isolados com uma variedade cada vez maior de genes de resistência torna difícil o tratamento destas infecções e seu controle dentro do ambiente hospitalar. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência e disseminação de isolados de Acinetobacter sp. multirresistentes e identificar genes de resistência adquirida. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 274 isolados clínicos de Acinetobacter sp. obtidos de cinco hospitais da Cidade de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Avaliamos o perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos, genes de resistência adquirida das classes B e D de Ambler e realizamos a tipificação molecular dos isolados utilizando a técnica de enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR). RESULTADOS: Encontramos uma alta (68 por cento) porcentagem de isolados de Acinetobacter sp. multirresistentes e 69 por cento dos isolados apresentaram resistência aos carbapenêmicos. Foram identificados 84 por cento de isolados pertencentes a espécie A. baumannii, pois apresentaram o gene blaOXA-51. Em 62 por cento dos isolados, foi detectado o gene blaOXA-23, sendo que 98 por cento destes isolados foram resistentes aos carbapenêmicos. Através da tipificação molecular pela técnica de ERIC-PCR identificamos clones de Acinetobacter sp. disseminados entre quatro dos hospitais analisados e nos anos de 2006 e 2007. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados obtidos indicam a disseminação de isolados de Acinetobacter sp. entre hospitais assim como sua permanência no ambiente hospitalar após um ano.

Molecular characterization of clinical multiresistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. from hospitals in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitals around the world have presented multiresistant Acinetobacter sp. outbreaks. The spread of these isolates that harbor an increasing variety of resistance genes makes the treatment of these infections and their control within the hospital environment more difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and dissemination of Acinetobacter sp. multiresistant isolates and to identify acquired resistance genes. METHODS: We analyzed 274 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter sp. from five hospitals in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. We evaluated the susceptibility to antimicrobial, acquired resistance genes from Ambler's classes B and D, and performed molecular typing of the isolates using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) technique. RESULTS: A high (68%) percentage of multiresistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. was observed, and 69% were resistant to carbapenems. We identified 84% of isolates belonging to species A. baumannii because they presented the gene blaOXA-51. The gene blaOXA-23 was detected in 62% of the isolates, and among these, 98% were resistant to carbapenems. Using the ERIC-PCR technique, we identified clones of Acinetobacter sp. spread among the four hospitals analyzed during the sampling period. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate the dissemination of Acinetobacter sp. isolates among hospitals and their permanence in the hospital after one year.

[Investigation of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at an emergency hospital in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Pesquisa de Acinetobacter sp e Pseudomonas aeruginosa produtores de metalo-beta-lactamase em hospital de emergência de Porto Alegre, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: The appearance of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sp. is a challenge for hospitals. METHODS: The production of MBL in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sp. From an emergency hospital in Porto Alegre was investigated using the disk approximation test and MBL E-test. The bla genes were determined using PCR. RESULTS: Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and eight of Acinetobacter sp were shown to be MBL phenotypes. Amplification of the blaSPM-1 gene confirmed the presence of the enzyme in P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is needed in evaluating phenotype tests used for routine detection of metallo-beta-lactamases.

Pesquisa de Acinetobacter sp e Pseudomonas aeruginosa produtores de metalo-β-lactamase em hospital de emergência de Porto Alegre, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Investigation of metallo-β-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at an emergency hospital in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: O aparecimento de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Acinetobacter sp produtores de metalo-β-lactamases (MBLs) é um desafio para os hospitais. MÉTODOS: Verificou-se a produção de MBL em cepas clínicas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Acinetobacter sp de um hospital de emergência de Porto Alegre pelo método de aproximação de disco e E-test MBL. Os genes bla foram pesquisados pela PCR. RESULTADOS: Duas cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e oito Acinetobacter sp demonstraram fenótipo de MBLs. A amplificação do gene blaSPM-1 confirmou a enzima em P. aeruginosa.. CONCLUSÕES: Deve-se ter cautela ao avaliar testes fenotípicos utilizados na detecção rotineira de metalo-enzima.

INTRODUCTION: The appearance of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sp. is a challenge for hospitals. METHODS: The production of MBL in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sp. From an emergency hospital in Porto Alegre was investigated using the disk approximation test and MBL E-test. The bla genes were determined using PCR. RESULTS: Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and eight of Acinetobacter sp were shown to be MBL phenotypes. Amplification of the blaSPM-1 gene confirmed the presence of the enzyme in P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is needed in evaluating phenotype tests used for routine detection of metallo-β-lactamases.