Moderate prevalence of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance mutations in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advances in therapy, the occurrence of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a major obstacle to successful treatment. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and to determine the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRM) between individuals recently or chronically diagnosed with HIV-1 from Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 260 HIV-1 positive antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients were recruited to participate on the study, of which 39 were recently diagnosed. HIV-1 genotyping was performed using sequencing reaction followed by phylogenetic analyses to determine the HIV-1 subtype. TDRM were defined using the Calibrated Population Resistance Tool program. RESULTS: The HIV-1 subtypes frequency found in the studied population were 54.0% of subtype B, 26.7% subtype C, 6.7% subtype F1 and 12.7% recombinant forms. The overall prevalence of TDRM was 6.7%, including 13.3% for recently diagnosed subjects and 5.9% for the chronic group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of resistance mutations found in this study is considered moderate, thus to perform genotyping tests before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy may be important to define the first line therapy and contribute for the improvement of regional prevention strategies for epidemic control.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I and Class II Polymorphisms and Serum Cytokine Profiles in Cervical Cancer.

Only a small proportion of women who are exposed to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) progress to persistent infection and develop cervical cancer (CC). The immune response and genetic background of the host may affect the risk of progression from a HR-HPV infection to lesions and cancer. However, to our knowledge, no studies has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between variability of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) genes and serum cytokine expression in this pathology. In the current study, we examined the associations of HLA alleles and haplotypes including Class I (HLA-A, -B and -C) and II (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1) with serum levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10 and IL-17 as well as risks of HPV infections, lesions and CC among admixed Brazilian women. HLA polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk or protection from HPV, lesions and CC. Additionally, we demonstrated a potential association of a HLA class I haplotype (HLA-B*14-C*08) with higher IL-10 cytokine serum levels in cervical disease, suggesting an association between HLA class I and specific cytokines in cervical carcinogenesis. However, larger studies with detailed HPV types coupled with genetic data are needed to further evaluate the effects of HLA and CC by HPV genotype.

Blood pressure decrease with ingestion of a soya product (kinako) or fish oil in women with the metabolic syndrome: role of adiponectin and nitric oxide.

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of fish oil and a soya-based product on inflammatory markers and endothelial function measured by NO in women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of sixty-five women (mean age: 47·9 (SD 9·98) years) were studied in a 90-d parallel, randomised design. A control group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 29 g/d of soyabean (kinako); the third group received 3 g/d of fish oil n-3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3 g/d) and kinako (29 g/d). Anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), inflammatory markers, anti-inflammatory marker (adiponectin) and NO concentrations were evaluated. In relation to the baseline values, the group that received fish oil and kinako concomitantly presented a statistically significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP; P < 0·05), whereas there was a significant decrease in diastolic BP (DBP) in the control group (P < 0·05), kinako group (P < 0·01) and fish oil group (P < 0·01) after 90 d. There was a significant increase in adiponectin (P < 0·01) and NO values (P < 0·05) after 90 d in the kinako and fish oil groups. Differences between treatment groups verified a significant decrease (P < 0·05) in DBP in the kinako group after 90 d when compared to the results obtained from the fish oil and kinako groups. In conclusion, the findings of increased serum adiponectin and NO metabolite levels after 90 d, both in the fish oil and soya groups, reinforce the importance of the influence of adiponectin and NO levels on BP decrease in patients with the MetS.

Sensitive Detection of Thirteen Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Agents Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a polymicrobial proliferation of anaerobic bacteria and depletion of lactobacilli, which are components of natural vaginal microbiota. Currently, there are limited conventional methods for BV diagnosis, and these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and rarely allow for the detection of more than one agent simultaneously. Therefore, we conceived and validated a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay for the simultaneous screening of thirteen bacterial vaginosis-associated agents (BV-AAs) related to symptomatic BV: Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus curtisii, Mobiluncus mulieris, Bacteroides fragilis, Mycoplasma hominis, Atopobium vaginae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Megasphaera type I, Clostridia-like bacteria vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVABs) 1, 2, and 3, Sneathia sanguinegens, and Mycoplasma genitalium. The overall validation parameters of M-PCR compared to single PCR (sPCR) were extremely high, including agreement of 99.1% and sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of 100.0%, negative predictive value of 97.0%, accuracy of 99.3%, and agreement with Nugent results of 100.0%. The prevalence of BV-AAs was very high (72.6%), and simultaneous agents were detected in 53.0%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the M-PCR assay. Therefore, the M-PCR assay has great potential to impact BV diagnostic methods in vaginal samples and diminish associated complications in the near future.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in overweight subjects with or without metabolic syndrome.

Although oxidative stress is considered the underlying mechanism by which dysfunctional metabolism occurs in obese subjects, there are few studies on oxidative stress in overweight subjects. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in overweight subjects. There were 123 subjects (50 in the control group and 73 in the overweight group) chosen to participate in this cross-sectional study. The control group included 50 healthy individuals with a BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m(2) and without MetS. The overweight group included 73 subjects with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m(2). Overweight subjects were divided into two groups: with MetS (29 subjects) and without MetS (44 subjects). Control group and overweight group subjects without MetS showed no differences in oxidative stress parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP). Overweight subjects with MetS had higher hydroperoxide concentrations measured by chemiluminescence compared to the control group (P < 0.05), higher hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations determined by ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay compared to overweight subjects without MetS (P < 0.001), and higher advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to the other groups. AOPP was directly correlated with uric acid concentrations. Overweight subjects with MetS had lower TRAP concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that overweight subjects with MetS, in contrast to overweight subjects without MetS, have a redox imbalance characterized by increased plasma oxidation and reduced antioxidant capacity.

[Evaluation of the intake of a low daily amount of soybeans in oxidative stress, lipid and inflammatory profile, and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Avaliação do consumo de uma baixa quantidade diária de soja no estresse oxidativo, no perfil lipídico e inflamatório e na resistência à insulina em pacientes com síndrome metabólica.

OBJECTIVE: Studies show that regular consumption of soybeans reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, most of these studies recommend daily intake of 25 g or more of soy protein, an amount considered high and not well tolerated by patients. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of low daily intake of soybeans in oxidative stress and in components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty individuals with MS were selected and divided into two groups: control group (n = 20) and soybean-treated group (n = 20), which consumed 12.95 g of soy protein for 90 days. RESULTS: After the treatment, the soybean-treated group showed a decrease in fasting glucose and increase in serum HDL and adiponectin. CONCLUSION: Low intake of soy protein for 90 days, besides being well tolerated by the patients, was able to improve several parameters related to the pathophysiology of MS.

Avaliação do consumo de uma baixa quantidade diária de soja no estresse oxidativo, no perfil lipídico e inflamatório e na resistência à insulina em pacientes com síndrome metabólica / Evaluation of the intake of a low daily amount of soybeans in oxidative stress, lipid and inflammatory profile, and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome

OBJETIVO: Estudos demonstram que o consumo regular de soja diminui o risco cardiovascular e de diabetes. No entanto, grande parte desses estudos preconiza a ingestão diária de 25 g ou mais de proteína de soja, quantidade essa considerada alta e não bem tolerada pelos pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do baixo consumo diário de soja no estresse oxidativo e nos componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS:Quarenta indivíduos com SM foram selecionados e alocados em dois grupos: grupo controle (n = 20) e grupo soja (n = 20), que consumiu diariamente 12,95 g de proteína de soja, durante 90 dias. RESULTADOS:Após o tratamento o grupo soja apresentou diminuição da glicemia de jejum e aumento nos níveis de HDL e adiponectina. CONCLUSÃO: O consumo de uma baixa quantidade de soja por 90 dias, além de bem tolerado pelos pacientes, foi capaz de melhorar vários parâmetros relacionados à fisiopatologia da SM.

OBJECTIVE:Studies show that regular consumption of soybeans reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, most of these studies recommend daily intake of 25 g or more of soy protein, an amount considered high and not well tolerated by patients. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of low daily intake of soybeans in oxidative stress and in components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty individuals with MS were selected and divided into two groups: control group (n = 20) and soybean-treated group (n = 20), which consumed 12.95 g of soy protein for 90 days. RESULTS: After the treatment, the soybean-treated group showed a decrease in fasting glucose and increase in serum HDL and adiponectin. CONCLUSION:Low intake of soy protein for 90 days, besides being well tolerated by the patients, was able to improve several parameters related to the pathophysiology of MS.

Expressão de genes relacionados à função adrenocortical no estado de caquexia neoplásica / Expression of genes related to the adrenocortical function in the neoplastic cachexia process

A glândula adrenal tem papel fundamental na resposta neuroendócrina, especialmente em situações em que há comprometimento da homeostasia. No processo de caquexia neoplásica, há prejuízo da homeostasia por alterações nutricionais e metabólicas do câncer em estágio avançado, envolvendo a resposta do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal. Neste trabalho, foi utilizado um modelo animal de caquexia induzida pelo tumor de Walker-256 em ratos Wistar. Os animais (n=4) foram sacrificados dez dias após a inoculação de células tumorais e a glândula adrenal foi removida. O RNA foi extraído para o estudo da expressão de genes relacionados ao controle da esteroidogênese por RT-PCR semiquantitativa. A análise dos dados demonstrou expressão significativamente reduzida dos genes MC2R (receptor tipo 2 para melacortina), 3ßHSD I (3β-hidroxiesteroidedesidrogenas e tipo I) e TSPO (proteína translocadora) em animais com caquexia neoplásica(valores de P=0,037; 0,0097 e 0,052, respectivamente), revelando falência do córtex da adrenal.

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in the neuroendocrine response, especially in situations where homeostasis is disturbed. In the neoplastic cachexiaprocess, there is homeostasis impairment by nutritional and metabolic alterations of advanced-stage cancer, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis response. In this assignment, an experimental model of cachexia induced by Walker-256 tumor was performed in Wistar rats. Animals (n=4) were sacrificed 10 days after inoculation of tumor cells, and the adrenal glands were excised. The RNA was isolated for the study of geneexpression related to the steroidogenesis control by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Dataanalysis showed a significant reduced expression of MC2R (melancortin type 2 receptor), 3ßHSD I (3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I) and TSPO (translocator protein)genes in animals with neoplastic cachexia (P=0.037, 0.0097 and 0.052, respectively), revealing adrenal cortex failure.