Melatonin and Cytokines Modulate Daily Instrumental Activities of Elderly People with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment analyzes the health and quality of life of the elderly. Basic and instrumental daily activities may be compromised due to neuroimmunoendocrine changes, and studies suggest that possible immunological changes occur during infections in the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze cytokine and melatonin levels in serum and correlate the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sample consisted of 73 elderly individuals, 43 of whom were without infection and 30 of whom had positive diagnoses of COVID-19. Blood samples were collected to quantify cytokines by flow cytometry and melatonin by ELISA. In addition, structured and validated questionnaires were applied to assess basic (Katz) and instrumental (Lawton and Brody) activities. There was an increase in IL-6, IL-17, and melatonin in the group of elderly individuals with infection. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between melatonin and IL-6 and IL-17 in elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the score of the Lawton and Brody Scale in the infected elderly. These data suggest that the melatonin hormone and inflammatory cytokines are altered in the serum of the elderly with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, there is a degree of dependence, mainly regarding the performance of daily instrumental activities, in the elderly. The considerable impact on the elderly person's ability to perform everyday tasks necessary for independent living is an extremely important result, and changes in cytokines and melatonin probably are associated with alterations in these daily activities of the elderly.

Correlation between melatonin concentration and cytokines in cervical mucus in positive samples for the presence of human papillomavirus.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent of cervical cancer, characterized by neoplastic lesions in the cervix. Based on the morphology of the cells of the uterine cervix, the findings are classified as negative intraepithelial lesions for malignancies, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance without excluding HSILs (ASCs-H). The progression of neoplastic lesions is related to the cervix's microenvironmental inflammatory process and mediated by the expression and stimulation of cytokines. Cervical mucus is a viscous liquid secretion composed of proteins, inorganic components, pro-and anti-inflammatory agents, and an important protective barrier. This study aimed to quantify and correlate cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 and Melatonin in cervical mucus. According to the results, a decrease in MLT was observed in LSIL, HSI, and ASC-H groups than in the NILM group. The cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 showed greater expression in the LSIL and HSIL groups than the NILM group. HSIL group showed a negative correlation between the MLT and IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations. In the ASC-US group, IL8 level was positively correlated to MLT levels. We suggest that IL-6, IL-8, and MLT levels in HSIL groups are decisive for the progression of neoplastic lesions in HPV infections. New cervical cancer treatment strategies may include cytokine and melatonin control targets for effective immunotherapy.

Immune and Hormonal Response to High-intensity Exercise During Orienteering.

Orienteering is an endurance sport that combines physical and cognitive activity, during which the athlete must complete a course with several points distributed over unknown terrain in the shortest possible time. A number of studies have investigated the body's physiological adaptations to the stress caused during competition, but not the immunological changes. To that end, the present study evaluated the immunological, physiological and pathological responses in athletes performing high-intensity physical exercise during an orienteering race. The 30 athletes tested belonged to the elite orienteering category and participated in the regional championship. Cortisol levels were determined before and after the competition to assess stress response, as were the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 to evaluate the immune response. Cortisol levels increased after the competition, indicating a stress condition. IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 levels also rose post competition. The results indicate that orienteers are exposed to high stress levels, and that this condition affects their immune and endocrine systems, triggering a predominantly anti-inflammatory response, likely an athlete's mechanism of adaptation to the stress imposed by high-intensity physical exercise.

Melatonin Action on the Activity of Phagocytes from the Colostrum of Obese Women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Breastfeeding promotion is an important public health strategy for counter-balancing the negative effects of maternal overweight and obesity. Colostrum contains melatonin, which can attenuate the impacts of excessive maternal weight and boost the infant's immune system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of melatonin on mononuclear (MN) phagocytes from the colostrum of women with pre-gestational obesity. Materials and Methods: Colostrum samples were collected postpartum from 100 women at a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The donors were divided into two groups: the control group and the high body mass index (BMI) group. Melatonin levels in the colostrum were determined by an ELISA Kit, and the functional activity of MN cells was assessed using the phagocytosis assay by flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular calcium, and apoptosis were assessed by fluorimetry using a microplate reader. RESULTS: The colostrum of mothers with pre-gestational high BMI exhibited higher melatonin levels (p < 0.05) and lower phagocytosis (p < 0.05) and ROS release (p < 0.05). Superoxide release was similar between the normal and high BMI groups (p > 0.05). Intracellular calcium release and apoptosis were also higher in the high BMI group (p < 0.05). Melatonin levels likely increased the phagocytosis rate and reduced intracellular calcium release and the apoptosis index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that melatonin is a possible mechanism for maternal-infant protection against obesity and restores the functional activity of colostrum phagocytes in obese mothers.

Changes in the biochemical and immunological components of serum and colostrum of overweight and obese mothers.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in pregnancy is associated with systemic inflammation, immunological changes and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Information on the association between maternal obesity and breast milk composition is scarce. This study describes changes and relationships between biochemical and immunological parameters of colostrum and serum of overweight and obese women. METHODS: Colostrum and blood samples were collected from 25 normal weight, 24 overweight and 19 obese women for determination of glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, immunoglobulins, complement proteins (C3 and C4), fat and calorie content and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Glucose was higher in colostrum of obese women (p = .002). In normal weight and obese women, total protein content was higher in colostrum than in serum (p = .001). Serum triglycerides (p = .008) and cholesterol (p = .010) concentrations were significantly higher in overweight and obese women than in their normal weight counterparts, but in colostrum their concentrations were similar across the three groups. Secretory IgA (sIgA) in colostrum and IgA in serum concentrations were significantly higher (p = .001) in overweight and obese mothers, whereas IgG and IgM concentrations did not vary among the groups (p = .825). Serum C3 (p = .001) and C4 (p = .040) concentrations were higher in obese women. No differences in colostrum complement proteins were detected among the groups. Calorie content (p = .003) and fat (p = .005) concentrations in colostrum and serum CRP (p = .002) were higher in obese women. CONCLUSIONS: The results corroborate the hypothesis that colostrum of overweight and obese women undergoes biochemical and immunological changes that affect its composition, namely increasing glucose concentrations, calorie content, fat and sIgA concentrations.

Correlation between Melatonin and Colostral Regulatory T Cells in Giardia lamblia Infection.

Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) that affects people worldwide. Still, few studies report on the immunoregulatory effects of the biomolecules of colostrum during interactions with G. lamblia. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of melatonin and cortisol hormones, the percentage of Treg cells, and the levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß in colostrum from mothers who tested positive for the parasite. This cross-sectional study analyzed colostrum samples from 25 puerperal. The samples were tested using an ELISA to determine if they were seropositive for G. lamblia and the type of antibody present (IgM and IgG). Based on the results, the samples were divided into three groups: a control group (N = 10) with no reaction to either IgM or IgG, a group seropositive for IgG (IgG+/IgM-; N = 8), and a group seropositive for IgM (IgM+/IgG-; N = 7). The concentrations of melatonin and cortisol were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß and immunophenotyping were analyzed using flow cytometry. In the group that tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia, the concentration of melatonin was lower. However, in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgG anti-G. lamblia, the level of this hormone had increased. The cortisol levels were similar between the groups, regardless of seropositivity. There was a higher percentage of Treg cells in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. TGF-ß levels also increased in the colostrum of mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. In the seronegative group for G. lamblia, there was a positive correlation between melatonin concentration and the percentage of Treg cells. These data suggest that the increase in regulatory cells and cytokines and the reduction in melatonin in colostrum from mothers with recent giardia infection may contribute to the evolution and manifestation of the disease.

Effect of the rest interval duration between contractions on muscle fatigue.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effect of rest interval, between successive contractions, on muscular fatigue. METHODS: Eighteen subjects performed elbow flexion and extension (30 repetitions) on an isokinetic dynamometer with 80º of range of motion. The flexion velocity was 120º/s, while for elbow extension we used 5 different velocities (30, 75, 120, 240, 360º/s), producing 5 different rest intervals (2.89, 1.28, 0.85, 0.57 and 0.54 s). RESULTS: We observed that when the rest interval was 2.89 s there was a reduction in fatigue. On the other hand, when the rest interval was 0.54 s the fatigue was increased. CONCLUSIONS: When the resting time was lower (0.54 s) the decline of work in the flexor muscle group was higher compared with different rest interval duration.

Effects of Modified Melatonin Release on Human Colostrum Neutrophils to Induce Death in the MCF-7 Cell Line.

Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate today, with breast cancer being the second most common type among the Brazilian population. Due to its etiological complexity and inefficiency of treatments, studies have focused on new forms of treatment. Among these forms of treatment, hormonal therapy seems to be an excellent auxiliary mechanism in tumoricidal activity, and melatonin has great potential as a modulator of the immune system. Thus, the present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of the hormone melatonin on the coculture of colostrum polymorphonuclear cells and MCF-7 cancer cells and evaluates the effect of this hormone using a modified transport system. A feasibility analysis was performed by fluorescence microscopy at three cell incubation times, 2 hours, 24 hours, and 72 hours. The measurement of cytokines in the cell supernatant occurred in 24 hours, and the apoptosis assay was performed in 72 hours using flow cytometry. The results showed higher levels of cell viability in groups treated with melatonin and less viability in groups containing a coculture of polymorphonuclear cells and MCF-7 after 72 hours of incubation. Furthermore, the apoptosis and necrosis rates were higher in coculture polymorphonuclear and MCF-7 cells, especially in groups containing microemulsion as a modified release agent. These data suggest that melatonin, especially if associated with a modified release system, has immunomodulatory effects on human colostrum polymorphonuclear cells. These cells can play a crucial role in the resolution of the tumor through their mediation and inflammatory action.

Bioactive compounds of pequi pulp and oil extracts modulate antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity in cocultured blood mononuclear cells and breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) is a fruit from Brazilian Cerrado rich in bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols and tocopherols, which can modulate the death of cancer cells. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the main bioactive compounds of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts of pequi oil and pulp were identified and were verified if they exert modulatory effects on oxidative stress of mononuclear cells cocultured with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. STUDY DESIGN: Identification and quantification of the main compounds and classes of bioactive compounds in pequi pulp and oil, hydrophilic, and lipophilic extracts were performed using spectroscopy and liquid chromatographic methods, while the beneficial effects, such as antioxidant capacity in vitro, were determined using methods based on single electron transfer reaction or hydrogen atom transfer, while for antioxidant and antiproliferative activities ex vivo, 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MN) were collected, and cellular viability assay by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide), superoxide anion evaluation, and CuZn-superoxide dismutase determination (CuZn-SOD) in MN cells, MCF-7 cells, and coculture of MN cells and MCF-7 cells in the presence and absence of pequi pulp or oil hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts were performed. RESULTS: In the hydrophilic extract, the pequi pulp presented the highest phenolic content, while in the oil lipophilic extract, it had the highest content of carotenoids. The main phytosterol in pequi oil was ß-sitosterol (10.22 mg/g), and the main tocopherol was γ-tocopherol (26.24 µg/g sample). The extracts that had highest content of bioactive compounds stimulated blood mononuclear cells and also improved SOD activity. By evaluating the extracts against MCF-7 cells and coculture, they showed cytotoxic activity. CONCLUSION: The results support the anticarcinogenic activity of pequi extracts, in which the pequi pulp hydrophilic extracts presented better immunomodulatory potential.

Resistin Modulates the Functional Activity of Colostral Macrophages from Mothers with Obesity and Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are major public health problems. Resistin is an adipokine that links the two diseases. There are few reports regarding colostrum cells and resistin from mothers with obesity and diabetes. Thus, this study aimed to determine the functional activity of macrophages present in the breast milk and colostrum of diabetic mothers with obesity and the effects of resistin on these cells. METHODS: The women were divided according to BMI and glycemic status into normal weight non-diabetic, obese non-diabetic, normal weight type 2 diabetic, or obese type 2 diabetic groups. ELISA determined the resistin in colostrum. The cell subsets and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry and the functional activity of cells by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: The resistin levels were higher in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. The frequencies of CD14+ cells and cells expressing CD95+, independent of resistin treatment, were higher in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. The frequency of cells expressing CD14+CD95+ was higher in cells not treated with resistin in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. Apoptosis, irrespective of the presence of resistin, increased, whereas microbicidal activity decreased in cells from diabetic mothers with obesity. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that hyperglycemia associated with low-grade inflammation caused by obesity affects the percentage of cells expressing CD14+CD95+, death by apoptosis, and microbicidal indices; meanwhile, resistin restored the microbicidal activity of colostrum cells.

Obesity as an Inflammatory Agent Can Cause Cellular Changes in Human Milk due to the Actions of the Adipokines Leptin and Adiponectin.

Adiponectin and leptin play roles in the hunger response, and they can induce the inflammatory process as the initial mechanism of the innate immune response. It is possible for alterations in the levels of these adipokines to compromise the functional activity of human colostrum phagocytes. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the effects of adiponectin and leptin on colostrum mononuclear (MN) cells. Colostrum was collected from 80 healthy donors, who were divided into two groups: the control group and the high body mass index (BMI) group. MN cells were used to analyze phagocytosis by flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular calcium, and apoptosis were assessed by fluorimetry using a microplate reader. Adipokines restored the levels of phagocytosis to the high BMI group (p < 0.05), with a mechanism that is action-dependent on the release of ROS and intracellular calcium. However, adiponectin and leptin simultaneously contributed to better microbicidal activity, thus reflecting an increase in the apoptosis level (p < 0.05) in the high BMI group. Probably, the maintenance of the balance between adiponectin and leptin levels enhances the protection and decreases the indices of neonatal infection in the breastfeeding infants of women with high BMI values. Therefore, policies that support pre-gestational weight control should be encouraged.

Effects of Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) Fruit Extract Adsorbed onto PEG Microspheres in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Co-Cultured with Blood Cells.

Objective: To evaluate the antitumor effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres with adsorbed Hancornia speciosa ethanolic extract (HSEE) on blood mononuclear (MN) cells co-cultured with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Methods: PEG microspheres were adsorbed with HSEE and examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. MCF-7 and MN cells obtained from volunteer donors were pre-incubated alone or co-cultured (MN and MCF-7 cells) for 24 h with or without HSEE, PEG microspheres or PEG adsorbed with HSEE (PEG-HSEE). Cell viability, superoxide release and superoxide dismutase were determined. Results: Fluorescence microscopy showed that PEG microspheres were able to absorb HSEE throughout their surface. Irrespective of the treatment, the viability index of MN cells, MCF-7 and their co-culture was not affected. Superoxide release increased in co-cultured cells treated with HSEE, adsorbed or not onto PEG microspheres. In co-cultured cells, SOD levels in culture supernatant increased in the treatment with HSEE, adsorbed onto PEG microspheres or not. Conclusion: HSEE has direct effects on MN cells co-cultured with MCF-7 cells. The results suggest the benefits of Hancornia speciosa fruit consumption by women at risk of breast cancer. In addition, because PEG-HSEE maintained oxidative balance in co-cultured cells, it is a promising alternative for the treatment of tumor cells.

Dental implant surfaces treated with phosphoric acid can modulate cytokine production by blood MN cells.

The study characterizes dental implant surfaces treated with phosphoric acid to assess the effects of acid treatment on blood cells and correlate them with cytokine levels. The implant surfaces examined were divided into untreated metal surface (US; n = 50), metal surface treated with phosphoric acid (ATS; n = 50) and cement surface (CS; n = 50) groups. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheometry. The implants were incubated with human blood mononuclear cells for 24 h, with surface rinsing in the ATS treatment. Cell viability was determined by colorimetric methods and cytokines in the culture supernatant were quantified using flow cytometry. In the ATS group, the surface porosity and contact surface were increased and plaques were observed on the surface. The blood flow and viscosity curves were similar among the treatments, and the high cell viability rates indicate the biocompatibility of the materials used. An increase in the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α was observed in the ATS and CS groups. There were positive correlations between IL-10 and IL-2 levels and between IL-10 and IL-4 levels in the culture supernatant of the ATS group. The results suggest that implant surface treatment with phosphoric acid activates the production of inflammatory cytokines. The increased cytokine levels can modulate the immune response, thereby improving biofunctional processes and promoting the success of dental implants.

The attitudes of primary school children to breastfeeding and the effect of health education lectures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes to breastfeeding among children in primary education and to evaluate the influence of educational lectures on their knowledge. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 503 students of both sexes from the fourth to the eighth grades of five different schools. The children were divided into two groups: control (n = 215) and intervention (n = 288) in order to evaluate the influence of educational lectures. A questionnaire containing 30 questions about different features of breastfeeding was used for data collection. The intervention took the form of a 30-minute lecture, given at the schools. RESULTS: The lecture increased the number of schoolchildren who answered that breastmilk is most beneficial for infants (p < 0.05) and that breastfeeding is the most practical way of feeding babies (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in the number who would give supplementary feeding during the first month of life (p < 0.05) and also in how many would give a baby a pacifier (p < 0.05). After the intervention less than half of the girls would chose to breastfeed for 1 year or more (39.1% in the control group vs. 43.2% in the intervention group); while the opposite was true of the males (54.7% in the control group vs. 51.7% in the intervention group). More of the boys (37.1%) were able to cite specific advantages for mothers from breastfeeding when compared to the females (19.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that lectures on health education, presented at schools, have a beneficial effect on breastfeeding knowledge, awareness and attitudes.

Relationship between Proinflammatory Cytokines/Chemokines and Adipokines in Serum of Young Adults with Obesity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The adipose tissue has been recognized as an important endocrine organ, which is metabolically active and expresses and secretes various inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation is involved in obesity-related complications. As such, the present study investigated the correlation between biochemical parameters, serum proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines in individuals with obesity. METHODS: Based on the body mass index (BMI), 30 subjects were divided into 3 groups: eutrophic (GC, n = 10), overweight (GOW, n = 10) and obese (GOB, n = 10). Serum glucose, cholesterol (total-C, HDLC and LDL-C), triglycerides, total proteins, uric acid and insulin were determined, as well as cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, leptin and adiponectin. RESULTS: GOB showed the highest glucose, total and LDL-C, triglycerides, uric acid, insulin, leptin, IL- 8, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and lowest adiponectin levels. In general, adiponectin exhibited an inverse correlation with BMI, abdominal circumference, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin and leptin-adiponectin ratio (LAR) and a positive correlation with HDL-C. Leptin was positively correlated with BMI, abdominal circumference, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α and LAR and negatively correlated with HDL-C and adiponectin. The LAR was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, insulin, TNF-α and negatively associated with HDL-C. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that obesity changes the lipid and glycemic profiles of individuals, increases the proinflammatory adipokine levels and reduces those of anti-inflammatory adipokines, promoting a state of chronic inflammation.

Cytokine and adipokine are biofactors can act in blood and colostrum of obese mothers.

Breast milk contains bioactive components that contribute to newborn development. However, colostrum may undergo biochemical and immunological changes as a function of maternal overweight and obesity. To investigate this hypothesis, this study determined the levels of hormones and immunological markers in the serum and colostrum of overweight and obese mothers. Colostrum and serum samples were collected from 15 normoweight, 15 overweight, and 15 obese women for determination of leptin, adiponectin, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Obese mothers exhibited higher levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, serum and colostrum leptin and colostrum adiponectin and lower levels of serum adiponectin. Leptin levels in maternal serum and colostrum were positively correlated, as was pre-pregnancy BMI and serum TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and leptin. Adiponectin levels in colostrum and serum were negatively correlated. The results suggest that obesity changes hormonal and immunological components of maternal serum and colostrum. The modifications can have short-term and long-term effects on newborn development. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):243-250, 2017.

Dental implant surfaces treated with phosphoric acid can modulate cytokine production by blood MN cells

Abstract: The study characterizes dental implant surfaces treated with phosphoric acid to assess the effects of acid treatment on blood cells and correlate them with cytokine levels. The implant surfaces examined were divided into untreated metal surface (US; n = 50), metal surface treated with phosphoric acid (ATS; n = 50) and cement surface (CS; n = 50) groups. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheometry. The implants were incubated with human blood mononuclear cells for 24 h, with surface rinsing in the ATS treatment. Cell viability was determined by colorimetric methods and cytokines in the culture supernatant were quantified using flow cytometry. In the ATS group, the surface porosity and contact surface were increased and plaques were observed on the surface. The blood flow and viscosity curves were similar among the treatments, and the high cell viability rates indicate the biocompatibility of the materials used. An increase in the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α was observed in the ATS and CS groups. There were positive correlations between IL-10 and IL-2 levels and between IL-10 and IL-4 levels in the culture supernatant of the ATS group. The results suggest that implant surface treatment with phosphoric acid activates the production of inflammatory cytokines. The increased cytokine levels can modulate the immune response, thereby improving biofunctional processes and promoting the success of dental implants.

Motor development of infants exposed to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but not infected.

BACKGROUND: To assess the motor development of infants exposed to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: Thirty infants were assessed in the period from November 2009 to March 2010 at the AIDS Reference and Training Centre, in São Paulo, Brazil. The assessment instrument used in the research was the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). All 30 infants used the antiretroviral drug properly for 42 consecutive days, in accordance with the protocol of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Out of the total number of infants, 27 (90%) had proper motor performance and 3 (10%) presented motor delay, according to the AIMS. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that only 10% of the assessed group had developmental delay and no relation with environmental variables was detected, such as maternal level of education, social and economic issues, maternal practices, attendance at the day care center, and drug use during pregnancy. It is important to emphasize the necessity of studies with a larger number of participants.

Human colostral phagocytes eliminate enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli opsonized by colostrum supernatant.

BACKGROUND: Several elements in colostrum and human milk, including antibodies and nonspecific factors with bactericidal and antiviral activity, may play an important anti-infectious and protective role. In developing countries, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the main etiological agent of diarrhea in low-socioeconomic level children. In the present work, we studied the functional activity of mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytes of human colostrum against ETEC, as well as the interactions between these cells and colostral or serum opsonins. METHODS: Colostrum samples were collected from 33 clinically healthy women between 48 and 72 hours postpartum. We verified superoxide release in colostral MN and PMN using cytochrome C reduction methods, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity using acridine orange methods and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the colostrum supernatants. RESULTS: Colostral MN and PMN phagocytes exposed to ETEC opsonized with colostrum supernatants caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in superoxide release. Phagocytosis by colostral PMN cells increased significantly (p<0.5) when the phagocytes were incubated with both sources of opsonins (sera and colostrum). Increases in superoxide release in the presence of opsonized bacteria triggered the bactericidal activity of the phagocytes. Phagocyte treatment with SOD decreased their ability to eliminate ETEC. Colostrum supernatant had higher SOD concentrations (p<0.05) compared with normal human sera. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the ability of phagocytes to eliminate ETEC depends on the activation of cellular oxidative metabolism; moreover, activation of colostral phagocytes is likely an additional breast-feeding protection mechanism against intestinal infections in infants.

Parâmetros laboratoriais do líquido cefalorraquidiano em indivíduos com meningite por enterovírus / Laboratory parameters of cerebrospinal fluid in individuals with enterovirus meningitis

A meningite é a principal síndrome infecciosa que afeta o sistema nervoso central, e grande parte dos casos são ocasionados por infecções virais, principalmente por Enterovirus. O diagnóstico clínico para a verificação da etiologia da meningite ainda apresenta grandes desafios. O teste de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase, leucócitos, hemácias, glicose, proteína e lactato no líquido cefalorraquidiano fornecem os primeiros indícios para o diagnóstico. No entanto, os valores de referência de alguns parâmetros podem sofrer alteraçõesOBJETIVO: Verificar parâmetros laboratoriais do líquido cefalorraquidiano em indivíduos com meningite por Enterovirus e, posteriormente, analisar suas relações por faixa etáriaMÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, com base nos dados do serviço de referência de coleta de líquido cefalorraquiano, localizado em São Paulo, Brasil. Totalizou-se em 202 indivíduos que apresentaram meningite por Enterovirus. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk e Kruskal-Wallis (IC = 95%, p < 0,05) e representados pela mediana e percentil 25 e 75...

Meningitis is the leading infectious syndrome that affects the central nervous system, and most cases are caused by viral infections, mainly enterovirus. The clinical diagnosis for meningitis etiology still presents major challenges. The analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), white blood cells, red blood cells, glucose, protein, and lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides the first clues to the diagnosis. However, the reference values of some parameters can suffer changesOBJECTIVE: Analyze the laboratory parameters of CSF in patients with enterovirus meningitis, and then, theirrelationship by age groupMETHODS: A descriptive study was conducted based on data from a CSF reference service, located in São Paulo, Brazil, on 202 individuals who had enterovirus meningitis. Data was analysed by the Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests (CI = 95%, p < 0.05) and represented by the median and percentile 25 and 75, respectively...