Veränderungen von Mäusenieren nach experimenteller Infektion mit Mucambo-Virus

Summary The purpose of this study was to determine whether autoimmune nephritis in rats affects subsequent generations. Moreover, it was planned to study the nature of the changes in the kidneys in subsequent generations of rats. In these experiments eight generations of rats were investigated. The first five generations were immunized with a mixture of -Streptococcus hemolyticus with an emulsion of renal cortical substance; the rats were given from 4 to 8 injections. After the fifth generation the animals were not immunized, but their nephritis was considerably more pronounced than in their parents. In the 6th and 8th generations there was a sharp rise in the number of animals that died, mainly pregnant rats and newborns. In the course of the experiments, the animals were found to have hypertension, elevated blood nitrogen and proteinuria. A morphological investigation of the rats of the 6th, 7th, and 8th generations that were not immunized, but were born of immunized parents, revealed membranous-proliferative glomerulonephritis, which according to its clinical course and morphological data resembled the nephrotic syndrome the mixed type of human glomerulonephritis.

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Zusammenfassung Die Untersuchungen über den Generationswandel der Autoimmunnephritis der Ratte erstreckten sich über 8 Generationen. Bei den ersten 5 Generationen wurde durch eine 4–8malige Injektion einer Mischung aus beta-hämolytischen Streptokokken mit einer Emulsion aus Nierenrindengewebe eine Immunnephritis erzeugt. Die Ratten der 6. bis 8. Generation erhielten keine immunisierenden Injektionen. Trotzdem kam es in der 6. und 8. Generation zu einem akuten Anstieg der Spontantodesrate besonders unter den graviden und neugeborenen Versuchstieren. Klinisch führte die Immun-Nephritis zu einem Blutdruckanstieg, einer Proteinurie und Erhöhung des Harnstoffes. Histologisch entsprachen die Nierenbefunde der 6.–8. Generation einer membranösen proliferativen Glomerulonephritis.

     

The Lipofuscin-Iron Association in Pigmentosis Tubae

Pigmentosis tubae (PT) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of numerous lipofuscin-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of the fallopian tube. Two women, who also had endometriotic ovarian cysts, showed polypoid pigmented tubal mucosae. In addition to lipofuscin, occasional cells showed spotty positivity for iron. Ultrastructural examination of the tubal mucosa showed the lipofuscin-containing bodies, which were similar to lipofuscin-containing lysosomes found in other pigmented conditions. Cytoplasmatic ferritin and hemosiderin in siderosomes were observed in macrophages and endothelial cells of the lamina propria. The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence of iron-containing particles and lipofuscin in the residual bodies of PT. The origin of the excess iron is not clear, but erythrophagocytosis and an abnormal tubal environment could play a role. Iron-promoted lipid peroxidation may alter the lysosomal membranes and contribute to the excessive accumulation of lipofuscin in these cells.     

Regulation of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase complex in Saccharomyces

Summary Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is another example of an enzyme of carbohydrate metabolism, in Saccharomyces, which could be regulated by interconversion of forms. Deactivation was mediated both in vivo and in vitro by a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Reversibility of this process was obtained by a phosphatase treatment leading to an increase in activity. The phosphorylated, less active form of the enzyme proved to be more susceptible to activation by ATP.Mg. Mutants with well defined lesions in the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase system were used to corroborate our findings of a possible regulatory mechanism of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity by interconversion of forms.Abbreviations PMSF phenyl-methyl-sulfonyl fluoride - G-6-P glucose-6-phosphate - UDPG uridine-5-diphosphoglucose - PEP phosphoenol pyruvate - NAD⁺ -nicotinamine adenine dinueleotide - ATP adenonise 5-triphosphate - cAMP adenosine 2:3-cyclic monophosphate - MOPS 3 (N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid     

On the inter- and intra-subject variability of the electromyographic signal in isometric contractions

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the variability of the surface EMG signal of the same muscle in healthy subjects, because of lack of reproducibility of the EMG signal for the same subject and muscle in different trials of maximal isometric voluntary contraction. The results showed an EMG coefficient of variability of 21.61%, indicating that this variability must be considered in experiments with an inappropriate condition for normalization procedures, such as EMG biofeedback in rehabilitation sessions, or normalization procedures by the maximal isometric voluntary contraction.     

Protection against Toxoplasma gondii in mice immunized with Toxoplasma cell fractions, RNA and synthetic polyribonucleotides

Mice immunized with fractions obtained by centrifugation of disrupted Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites as well as with 200 μg of Toxoplasma ribonucleic acid (RNA) were resistant (as measured by time to death and total mortality) to challenge with Toxoplasma 30 days later. When mice were challenged at 15 days no protection was noted. A dose of 50 μg of Toxoplasma RNA was effective in protecting mice against lethal challenge only when incorporated into Freund's incomplete adjuvant. In studies performed to determine the specificity of the resistance observed, resistance was also noted in mice immunized with 200 μg of RNA extracted from normal mouse peritoneal macrophages, as well as in mice immunized with 100 μg of the synthetic polyribonucleotide polycytidylic acid. Polyadenylicuridylic acid conferred protection only when incorporated into Freund's incomplete adjuvant and polyinosinic—cytidylic acid had no effect. The protection induced by Toxoplasma RNA was eliminated by prior treatment of the preparation with ribonuclease but not by treatment with pronase, suggesting that the moiety responsible for the protective effect was RNA. In experiments designed to explore the mechanism of resistance in the vaccinated mice, macrophages harvested from mice which had been injected with Toxoplasma RNA 15 days earlier were found to be activated in that they resisted challenge with Listeria monocytogenes.     

Interpopulation variability among Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil

Comparisons were made among Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) from three areas of Brazil (Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina), where populations differ with regard to their degree of association with human dwellings. The following characters were studied: morphology of the eggs and the male genitalia; morphometry of the head and thorax; isoenzyme profile; enzymatic activity of the alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPDH); and cytogenetics. In general, differences were observed in the weight, diameter, and length of the egg among Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina populations. Differences were not observed in the architecture of the egg exochorion. The size of the median process of the pygophore of the male genitalia of individuals from Bahia differed from the other two populations. The Minas Gerais population presented the largest number of denticles in the endosome process. The morphometry of the head and thorax differentiated Santa Catarina from the Bahia and Minas Gerais populations. Phosphoglucomutase (EC 5.4.2.2., PGM) was the only enzyme out of 11 that showed polymorphism; the population from Minas Gerais was most polymorphic, whereas the population from Santa Catarina was monomorphic. Study of the alpha-GPDH activity and cytogenetics did not reveal differences among the three populations. Analysis of all the characters studied together with information on these three populations from previous publications allowed a phenogram to be constructed. Two distinct groups were evident, one represented by Santa Catarina and the other by Bahia and Minas Gerais. Considering the greater variability of the Minas Gerais and Bahia populations, we propose the inclusion of these states within the area of origin of P. megistus.     

Epidemiology,characterization, and diagnosis of neuropsychiatric events in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is characterized by a heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. The absence of diagnostic criteria and the lack of clinical trials is a challenge in clinical practice.

Areas covered: A literature review was performed to describe epidemiology, characterization (clinical, immunological, and imaging), diagnosis and treatment of NPSLE. Classification criteria have been the first step towards a uniform definition. More recently, different attribution models have been developed to help to determine if the NP event is due to SLE. Disease activity is a major risk factor for NP events. Cytokines and autoantibodies are associated with NP events, however, only a few studies have identified risk factors for individual NP events.

Expert opinion: Further research needs to search for and validate biomarkers for NPSLE and individual NP events, including neuroimaging findings, attribution models, and serologic markers. This will be a fundamental step in planning randomized control trials in the treatment of NPSLE to improve outcome.     

L-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Strength and Power of Knee Muscles and Improves Glycemia Control and Plasma Redox Balance in Exercising Elderly Women

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.     

A Randomized Study of Nutritional Supplementation in Patients with Unilateral Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The purpose of this study is evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal products containing the original Age-Related Eye Disease group (AREDS) formulation at doses approved in Europe (EU, control group; n = 59) with a product that adds DHA, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol to the formula (intervention group; n = 50). This was a multicenter, randomized, observer-blinded trial conducted in patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed with unilateral exudative Age related Macular Degeneration AMD. At month 12, the intervention did not have a significant differential effect on visual acuity compared with the control group, with an estimated treatment difference in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) of −1.63 (95% CI −0.83 to 4.09; p = 0.192). The intervention exhibited a significant and, in most cases, relevant effect in terms of a reduction in some inflammatory cytokines and a greater improvement in the fatty acid profile and serum lutein and zeaxantin concentration. In patients with unilateral wet AMD, the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol and DHA to the AREDS EU recommended doses in the short-term did not have a differential effect on visual acuity compared to a standard AREDS EU formula but, in addition to improving the fatty acid profile and increasing carotenoid serum levels, may provide a beneficial effect in improving the proinflammatory and proangiogenic profile of patients with AMD.