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Cardoso PG, Morais H, Crespo D, Tavares D, Pereira E, Pardal MÂ. Seasonal characterization of mercury contamination along the Portuguese coast: human health and environmental risk assessment. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:101121-101132. [PMID: 37646930 PMCID: PMC10541821 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
A seasonal characterization of mercury (Hg) accumulation in three different estuaries along the Portuguese coast (i.e. Ria de Aveiro, Tagus estuary and Ria Formosa) was done. For that, it was evaluated: (1) Hg concentrations in abiotic (water) and biotic matrices (flora and fauna); (2) the risk of consumption of local seafood species (e.g. bivalves) to human health; and (3) the environmental risk to Hg exposure. During 1 year, water and biological samples were collected during low tide, in each system for Hg quantification. Our findings revealed that total Hg concentrations in surface waters were higher in Ria de Aveiro and Tagus estuary than in Ria Formosa. In Ria de Aveiro, a particular attention should be given in autumn periods, where Hg levels (≈ 100 µg L-1) were considered quite high according to European quality parameters. The same was observed for the Tagus estuary during spring time. Regarding macrofauna Hg levels, no clear seasonal trend was observed. Also, total Hg concentrations in edible species (< 0.5 µg. g-1 ww) represent no risk for consumption. However, considering the environmental risk, in Ria de Aveiro, there is a moderate risk (RQ > 0.1) in autumn periods, which can be a matter of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Gonçalves Cardoso
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Morais
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Daniel Crespo
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Ângelo Pardal
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Catry T, Vale C, Pedro P, Pereira E, Mil-Homens M, Raimundo J, Tavares D, Granadeiro JP. Corrigendum to "Elemental composition of whole body soft tissues in bivalves from the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau" [Environ. Pollut. 288 (2021) 117705]. Environ Pollut 2023; 330:121778. [PMID: 37209664 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catry
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vale
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pedro
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; Escola Básica Integrada de Angra do Heroísmo, 9700-179, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, LCA and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Mil-Homens
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, LCA and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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Ferreira N, Henriques B, Viana T, Carvalho L, Tavares D, Pinto J, Jacinto J, Colónia J, Pereira E. Validation of a methodology to quantify macro, micro, and potentially toxic elements in food matrices. Food Chem 2023; 404:134669. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Lin Z, Tavares D, Pereira E, Rocha J. Microporous Framework (Nb, Fe)-Silicate with Much Potential to Remove Rare-Earth Elements from Waters. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202202435. [PMID: 36163545 PMCID: PMC10092455 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles of a new small-pore metal silicate formulated as Na2.9 (Nb1.55 Fe0.45 )Si2 O10 ⋅ xH2 O and exhibiting the structure of previously reported Rb2 (Nb2 O4 )(Si2 O6 ) ⋅ H2 O have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Replacement of the bulky Rb+ by smaller Na+ ions was accomplished by stabilizing the framework structure via partial occupancy of the Nb5+ sites by Fe3+ ions. Exploratory ion-exchange assays evidence the considerable potential of this new silicate to remove rare-earth elements from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Lin
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Tavares D, Pietro K. Examining Division I Athletes’ Sports Nutrition-Related Knowledge. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ferreira N, Fabre E, Henriques B, Viana T, Costa M, Pinto J, Tavares D, Carvalho L, Pinheiro-Torres J, Pereira E. Response surface approach to optimize the removal of the critical raw material dysprosium from water through living seaweeds. J Environ Manage 2021; 300:113697. [PMID: 34543961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysprosium (Dy) is a rare earth element with a high economic and strategic value, and simultaneously an emerging contaminant, whose removal from wastewaters is gaining increasing attention. In this work, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken Design (3 factors-3 levels) was used to optimize the key operational conditions that influence the uptake of Dy by two living seaweed, Ulva sp. and Gracilaria sp.. The initial concentration of Dy (10-500 μg/L), water salinity (10-30), and seaweed dosage (0.5-5.5 g/L) were the independent variables, while the removal efficiency (%) and bioaccumulation (q, μg/g) were the response variables. Results highlighted the high capacity of both species to capture Dy. After 168 h, the optimal conditions that led to a maximum of 91 % of Dy removed by Gracilaria sp. were: 500 μg of Dy per L of water, salinity 10, and 5.5 g of seaweed per L. For Ulva sp., a maximum removal percentage of 79 % was achieved in the conditions: any initial concentration of Dy, salinity 20, and seaweed dosage of 3.7 g/L. Independently of the species, the response surfaces showed that the most important variable for the removal is the seaweed dosage, while for bioaccumulation is the initial concentration of Dy. Using RSM, it was possible to obtain the optimal operating conditions for Dy removal from waters, which is a fundamental step toward the application of the proposed technology at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elaine Fabre
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Thainara Viana
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Costa
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lina Carvalho
- Central Laboratory of Analysis (LCA), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Catry T, Vale C, Pedro P, Pereira E, Mil-Homens M, Raimundo J, Tavares D, Granadeiro JP. Elemental composition of whole body soft tissues in bivalves from the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Environ Pollut 2021; 288:117705. [PMID: 34247000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Marine bivalves are bioindicators of coastal environmental pollution, integrating monitoring programs worldwide. Nonetheless, the choice of particular species as an indicator requires validation, achieved by understanding the differences in element concentrations among and within species. The present study compares the chemical composition of whole body soft tissues of four common bivalve species from the Bijagós Archipelago, a pristine region of West Africa. Significant differences were recorded in the concentrations of various elements among studied species, which likely arise from species-specific uptake and bioaccumulation processes. Overall, there was a segregation between a group including the bloody cockle Senilia senilis and oyster Crassostrea tulipa (with high Cd and Zn concentrations) versus the two other species, Austromacoma nymphalis (with low Cu and high Mn, Se, Hg, Pb concentrations) and Diplodonta spp. (with high values of Cu, Al, Fe, V, Cr, Hg, Pb). C. tulipa was sampled in two different substrates (rock beds and mangrove roots), and the two groups revealed different chemical profiles, with significantly higher concentrations of P, Si, Zn and Cr and lower Cu in specimens fixed in mangrove roots. These results strongly suggest the influence of small-scale environmental variability on the accumulation of particular elements. We found extremely high Cd concentrations in S. senilis (27.1 ± 7.53 μg g-1 DW) and identified C. tulipa as another high Cd-accumulating species (ca. 10 μg g-1 DW). Our results suggest a detoxifying mechanism linked with the presence of Se to reduce the potential toxic effects of Cd in these two species. Cadmium concentrations reported for some bivalve species in this area largely exceed the maximum values proposed by the European Union, emphasizing the need for a regular contamination assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catry
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vale
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pedro
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; Escola Básica Integrada de Angra do Heroísmo, 9700-179, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, LCA and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Mil-Homens
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Joana Raimundo
- IPMA - Divisão de Oceanografia e Ambiente Marinho, Instituto Português Do Mar da Atmosfera, I.P., Avenida Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6 1495-165, Algés, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, LCA and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José P Granadeiro
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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Viana T, Henriques B, Ferreira N, Lopes C, Tavares D, Fabre E, Carvalho L, Pinheiro-Torres J, Pereira E. Sustainable recovery of neodymium and dysprosium from waters through seaweeds: Influence of operational parameters. Chemosphere 2021; 280:130600. [PMID: 33940453 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The high demand for greener energy and technological innovation require some crucial elements, such as the rare earths Nd and Dy. Being considered two of the most critical elements (high supply risk), it is vital to recover them from wastes/wastewaters, for later reuse. Here, the influence of operational parameters, such as biosorbent stock density (0.5, 3.0, and 5.5 g L-1), ionic strength (salinity 10 and 30) and contact time (24, 72 and 168 h), in the biosorption/bioaccumulation of Nd and Dy by two living marine macroalgae was evaluated in artificial seawater, seeking the improvement of the process. Results demonstrated that stock density is the most influential parameter, while the ionic strength showed to be a selective parameter, with a major influence only for Dy removal, which can be attributed to the different chemical characteristics observed between light rare earth elements (LREE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE). For the ranges studied, the greatest removal/recovery for Gracilaria sp. was achieved with a stock density of 3.0 g L-1 at salinity 10, after 72 h for both REEs. For Ulva lactuca optimal conditions were: stock density of 5.5 g L-1 at salinity 10 with a contact time of 72 h for both REEs. Between species, U. lactuca showed to be the most promising, with removal efficiencies up to 98% for Nd and 89% for Dy. Findings substantiate the potential of the proposed process for obtaining Nd and Dy from secondary sources, particularly from low-level contaminated waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainara Viana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nicole Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Lopes
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elaine Fabre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lina Carvalho
- LCA - Central Laboratory of Analysis, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LCA - Central Laboratory of Analysis, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Haddad M, Tavares D, Xie P, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. P–119 The correlation between sperm chromatin fragmentation and intrauterine insemination outcome. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Does sperm genomic integrity affect the intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes in couples with unexplained infertility and young maternal age?
Summary answer
Spermatozoa with higher genomic integrity are correlated with higher clinical pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI.
What is known already
It is known that elevated sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) on the male gamete affects embryo development and implantation. This is particularly relevant in IVF as well as programmed intercourse and IUI. By complementing the standard semen analysis with an SCF assay, we can assess the competence of the male gamete and its ability to generate euploid embryos and healthy offspring. Elevated SCF has been used as a way to identify subtle male factor infertility in couples undergoing IUI with poor pregnancy outcomes in order to plan for further treatments.
Study design, size, duration
This is a retrospective cohort study of IUI outcomes of couples with young maternal age and a negative infertility workup treated at our center from 2016–2020. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to assess sperm genomic integrity. Couples were grouped based on SCF level: normal (≤15%) or abnormal (>15%). Rates of clinical pregnancy, defined as the presence of a fetal heartbeat, were compared between the groups following IUI.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 189 consenting couples, in which the female partner had a normal uterine cavity and patent fallopian tubes, underwent 454 IUI attempts. Only women ≤37 years old were included to control for age-related confounding factors. At least 500 spermatozoa were assessed per patient, and a threshold of ≤ 15% was considered normal. Women were either untreated for natural cycle IUI or stimulated with clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, or Letrozole.
Main results and the role of chance
A total of 454 IUI cycles were reported at our center; 302 of these were carried out in 132 couples in which the male partner had normal SCF averaged at 9.29%. The average maternal age was 34.1±3 years, and the average paternal age was 37.1±5 years. These men had the following semen parameters: a concentration of 46.2±5x106/mL, 43.8±3% motility, and an average SCF of 9.3±3%. There were 45 documented clinical pregnancies (45/302, 14.9%) as confirmed by the presence of at least one fetal heartbeat detected by ultrasound; 26 delivered, 9 are ongoing, 5 were spontaneous abortions, and 5 were lost to follow-up. A total of 57 couples in which the male partner (37.2±5.9 years) had abnormal SCF underwent 152 IUI cycles (maternal age, 34.0±2.7 years). The men had the following semen parameters: an average SCF of 23.8±10 (p < 0.0001), a concentration of 26.0±10 x106/ml, and 40.1±4% motility. These IUI attempts yielded a clinical pregnancy rate of only 4.6% (7/152; P < 0.0001); 4 delivered and 3 were spontaneous abortions.
Limitations, reasons for caution
This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of a relatively small number of patients. Furthermore, most patients were screened for SCF due to at least one prior IUI failure. A prospective, randomized trial, in which men are concurrently screened for SCF levels at the first IUI attempt, would be ideal.
Wider implications of the findings: Assessment of SCF at the initial male infertility screening can be a useful tool to investigate the competence of the male gamete. Screening couples with idiopathic infertility for a subtle male factor would guide those with higher SCF toward alternative reproductive treatments to avoid unnecessary IUI treatments.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- M Haddad
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - D Tavares
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - P Xie
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Z Rosenwaks
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - G D Palermo
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
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Keating D, Haddad M, Tavares D, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. P–118 A sperm selection technique to mitigate paternal contributions to embryo aneuploidy. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Can microfluidic sperm selection (MFSS) select male gametes without sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) and double-stranded DNA breaks (dsDNA) in order to generate euploid conceptuses?
Summary answer
Couples treated by ICSI with MFSS had significantly improved embryo ploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes, demonstrating the efficacy of this novel selection method.
What is known already
SCF has been linked to infertility, specifically to embryo developmental and implantation failure. This damage can be both single-stranded (ssDNA) or double-stranded (dsDNA). Recent studies have shown that dsDNA in particular causes chromosomal aberrations and contributes to embryo aneuploidy, which leads to implantation failure.
Study design, size, duration
Consenting couples treated at our center by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with spermatozoa selected by MFSS were included. The majority of these couples had a medical history significant for elevated SCF, recurrent implantation failure, and embryo aneuploidy. ICSI clinical outcome, as well as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and frozen embryo transfer (FET), was recorded and compared to the couples’ historical treatments following sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation (DGC).
Participants/materials, setting, methods
From 2016 to 2020, 51 consenting men had their ejaculates screened for SCF levels by terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) using a commercially available kit. At least 500 spermatozoa were assessed per patient, with a normal threshold of ≤ 15%.
To screen for dsDNA, neutral Comet using a modified in-house protocol was also performed in a pilot study. At least 200 spermatozoa were assessed per patient, with a normal threshold of ≤ 3%.
Main results and the role of chance
A total of 51 men (average age, 41.0±8 years) had mean sperm concentrations of 39.0±33x106/mL, 38.4±12% motility, and 2.1±1% normal morphology. Following DGC and MFSS, the concentrations were 4.7±8 and 4.3±8x106/mL and the motility was 64.0±33 and 98.0±3%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The average SCF decreased from 20.1±18% in the ejaculate to 16±3% following DGC, but was 2.9±4% after MFSS. The dsDNA fell from 3.4±3% in raw specimens to 2.9±1% after DGC, and to only 0.5±0.7% following MFSS (P < 0.0001).
These men underwent ICSI with their female partners (average age, 37.3±4 years), with sperm selected by DGC; they achieved a fertilization rate of 56.4% (337/597) with 26.0% euploid embryos (36/139). FET cycles from these embryos yielded an implantation rate of 8.3% (2/24) and a clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) of 15.4% (2/13), but both miscarried.
These couples then underwent ICSI with MFSS, with a fertilization rate of 78.0% (588/754; P < 0.0001) and 50.0% (172/344; P < 0.0001) euploid embryos after PGT-A. A total of 37 embryos have been replaced, with an implantation rate of 67.6% (25/37; P < 0.0001) and a CPR of 73.5% (25/34; P < 0.001), with an ongoing/delivery rate of 70.6% (24/34; P < 0.0001).
Limitations, reasons for caution
While the oocyte contribution cannot be discounted, MFSS was able to yield spermatozoa that had the highest motility and ability to produce euploid embryos following ICSI.
Wider implications of the findings: The genome and epigenome of the spermatozoon, and their contribution to reproductive outcomes, are being vigorously explored and scrutinized. Alternative approaches to gamete selection, such as MFSS, in couples with elevated SCF and dsDNA provide the best chances for future pregnancies by mitigating embryo aneuploidy.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- D Keating
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - M Haddad
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - D Tavares
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Z Rosenwaks
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - G D Palermo
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
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Tavares D, Xie P, Haddad M, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. P–120 Selecting spermatozoa with the highest genomic integrity in order to enhance clinical outcomes in men with high DNA fragmentation levels. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
What are the best methods of selecting spermatozoa with the highest genomic integrity in order to improve embryo implantation and term pregnancy rates with ICSI?
Summary answer
Testicular or ejaculate spermatozoa isolated by microfluidic sperm selection (MFSS) were characterized by superior genomic integrity with improved clinical pregnancy and delivery rates.
What is known already
In couples with unexplained infertility, a subtle male factor can often be identified. Both single-strand (ss) and double-strand (ds) DNA nicks and breaks hinder the ability of the male gamete to support embryonic development. Surgical retrieval of spermatozoa from the proximal male genital tract can prevent their exposure to oxidative stress. Moreover, use of membrane-based microfluidics chips has been shown to allow for selection of the most progressively motile spermatozoa with higher genomic integrity.
Study design, size, duration
Over the course of 48 months, 86 consenting men presenting with high sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) in their ejaculate with prior ART failure underwent a subsequent cycle with specimens retrieved by testicular biopsy or ejaculate processed by MFSS. A concurrent TUNEL assay was performed on samples collected or selected by each method. Sperm specimens of both origins were utilized for ICSI cycles. Semen parameters, chromatin integrity, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two methods.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Fresh ejaculates from consenting men were collected for standard semen analysis (WHO 2010). Testicular biopsy and MFSS were used to isolate spermatozoa with a higher genomic integrity after previous ART failure. SCF was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) on at least 500 spermatozoa under a fluorescent microscope with a threshold of ≥ 15%. MFSS was carried out by Zymot® chips. ICSI was performed in the standard fashion.
Main results and the role of chance
A total of 86 men (36.5±5 years) had the following semen parameters: volume of 2.6 ±1mL, concentration of 27.0±33 x 106/mL, 35.6±15% motility, and high SCF (24.1±10%). They underwent 146 ICSI cycles with their partners (maternal age, 33.7±3) resulting in a high incidence of pregnancy loss (100%; 13/13). Of those who failed to conceive, 22 couples used surgically retrieved spermatozoa (SRS) with a concentration of 1.8 ± 4 x 106/mL (P < 0.01), 5.0±11% motility (P < 0.01), and an SCF of 12.6 ± 6% (P < 0.0001). SRS was used in 37 ICSI cycles, yielding a fertilization rate of 61.6% (204/331, P < 0.01), an implantation rate of 10.6% (9/85, P < 0.01), a CPR of 23.5% (8/34, P < 0.01), and a delivery rate of 17.6% (6/34, P < 0.01). Another 24 couples underwent ICSI cycles with ejaculated spermatozoa processed by MFSS with a concentration of 1.8±3 x 106/mL (P < 0.01), but an increased motility of 99±1% (P < 0.01) and an SCF of 1.2 ±1%, lower than both the raw and testicular specimens (P < 0.0001). MFSS-processed specimens resulted in a fertilization rate of 76% (335/441, P < 0.01), an implantation rate of 26.3% (15/57, P < 0.05), and a CPR of 67.9% (19/28, P < 0.01), of which 15 patients delivered and 2 pregnancies are ongoing (89.5%; P < 0.01).
Limitations, reasons for caution
This is a preliminary study on a small number of subjects. A randomized prospective study conducted on a larger cohort would be required to confirm our findings.
Wider implications of the findings: SCF severely affects pregnancy by impairing embryonic development, consequently promoting implantation failure. While retrieving spermatozoa from the germinal epithelium is a viable option, MFSS provides an alternative. Although MFSS requires an adequate number of sperm with good kinetic characteristics, it provides a more palatable option, reducing surgical risk and costs.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavares
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - P Xie
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - M Haddad
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Z Rosenwaks
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | - G D Palermo
- Weill Cornell Medicine, The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
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12
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Dias M, Pinto J, Henriques B, Figueira P, Fabre E, Tavares D, Vale C, Pereira E. Nutshells as Efficient Biosorbents to Remove Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury from Contaminated Solutions. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:1580. [PMID: 33562399 PMCID: PMC7914985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The release of potentially toxic elements into the environment, and their effects on aquatic ecosystems still present a real threat. To avoid such contamination, the use of biological sorbents as an alternative to conventional and expensive water remediation techniques has been proposed. The present study evaluated the potential of 0.5 g L-1 of peanut, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut, and almond shells to remove the requisite concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) from contaminated water. Hazelnut shells were identified as the sorbent with the highest potential and were evaluated in mono- and multi-contaminated mineral water. The influence of sorbent-intrinsic and solution-intrinsic characteristics were assessed. Differences among sorbents were attributed to varying percentages of their main components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Matrix complexity increase caused a decrease in Cd removal, presumably due to the diminution in electrostatic interaction, and complexation with anions such as Cl-. When simultaneously present in the solution, contaminants competed, with Pb showing higher affinity to the sorbent than Hg. High efficiencies (>90%) obtained for hazelnut shells for all elements in ultrapure water and for Pb and Hg in mineral water) reveals the high potential of this low-cost and abundant waste for use in the remediation of contaminated waters (circular economy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Dias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - João Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Paula Figueira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
- CIIMAR–Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Elaine Fabre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR–Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
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13
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Clemente V, Allen-Gomes A, Tavares D, Azevedo C, Marques D, Serra J. How severe insomnia is (as measured by the insomnia severity index) depending on whether patients are using versus not using sleeping medication? Sleep Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Tavares D, Loureiro J, Martins A, Castro M, Roiloa S, Castro S. Genetically based phenotypic differentiation between native and introduced tetraploids of Oxalis pes-caprae. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Talhinhas P, Tavares D, Ramos AP, Gonçalves S, Loureiro J. Validation of standards suitable for genome size estimation of fungi. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 142:76-78. [PMID: 28923689 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genome size information is fundamental to genome sequencing and may also uncover genomic aspects of evolution. Flow Cytometry, the preferred method for genome size estimation, requires suitable standards. Here we validate Inonotus hispidus, Colletotrichum acutatum and Cenococcum geophilum (41, 68 and 203Mbp), as standards for fungal genome size estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Talhinhas
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Tavares
- CFE-Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Ramos
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Gonçalves
- CFE-Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Loureiro
- CFE-Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Nascimento J, Moreira V, Pegorari M, Mapelli M, Tavares D, Lourenço R. PREVALENCE OF FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN OLD AGE: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Nascimento
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
| | - V.G. Moreira
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M. Pegorari
- Triângulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Brazil,
| | - M. Mapelli
- Triângulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Brazil,
| | - D. Tavares
- Triângulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Brazil,
| | - R.A. Lourenço
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Wefferling KM, Castro S, Loureiro J, Castro M, Tavares D, Hoot SB. Cytogeography of the subalpine marsh marigold polyploid complex ( Caltha leptosepala s.l., Ranunculaceae). Am J Bot 2017; 104:271-285. [PMID: 28183833 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1600365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Unrecognized variation in ploidy level can lead to an underestimation of species richness and a misleading delineation of geographic range. Caltha leptosepala (Ranunculaceae) comprises a complex of hexaploids (6x), rare nonaploids (9x), and dodecaploids (12x), all with unknown distributions. We delineate the geographic distribution and contact zones of the cytotypes, investigate morphologies of cytotypes and subspecies, and discuss the biogeography and evolutionary history of the polyploid complex. METHODS Using cytologically determined specimens as reference, propidium iodide flow cytometry was performed on silica-dried samples and herbarium specimens from across the range of C. leptosepala s.l. Genome size estimates from flow cytometry were used to infer cytotypes. A key morphological character, leaf length-to-width ratio, was measured to evaluate whether these dimensions are informative for taxon and/or cytotype delimitation. KEY RESULTS Dodecaploids were more northerly in distribution than hexaploids, and a single midlatitude population in the Northern Rockies yielded nonaploids. Genome size estimates were significantly different between all cytotypes and between hexaploid subspecies. Leaf length-to-width ratios were significantly different between subspecies and some cytotypes. CONCLUSIONS Caltha leptosepala presents clear patterns of cytotype distribution at the large scale. Marked differences in morphology, range, and genome size were detected between the hexaploid subspecies, C. leptosepala subsp. howellii in the Cascade-Sierra axis and C. leptosepala subsp. leptosepala in the Rockies. Sympatry between cytotypes in the Cascades and a parapatric distribution in the Northern Rockies suggest unique origins and separate lineages in the respective contact zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keir M Wefferling
- Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box 413, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 USA
| | - Sílvia Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Botanic Garden, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Loureiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara B Hoot
- Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box 413, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 USA
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18
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Paulino MG, Tavares D, Bieczynski F, Pedrão PG, Souza NES, Sakuragui MM, Luquet CM, Terezan AP, Fernandes JB, Giani A, Fernandes MN. Crude extract of cyanobacteria (Radiocystis fernandoi, strain R28) induces liver impairments in fish. Aquat Toxicol 2017; 182:91-101. [PMID: 27886582 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Radiocystis fernandoi R28 strain is a cyanobacterium which produces mostly the RR and YR microcystin variants (MC-RR and MC-YR, respectively). The effects of crude extract of the R. fernandoi strain R28 were evaluated on the protein phosphatases and on the structure and ultrastructure of the liver of the Neotropical fish, Hoplias malabaricus, after acute and subchronic exposure. Concomitantly, the accumulation of the majority of MCs was determined in the liver and muscle. The fish were exposed to 120.60 MC-RR+MC-LR kg-fish-1 (=100μg MC-LReq kg-fish-1) for 12 and 96h (one single dose, acute exposure) and 30days (one similar dose every 72h, subchronic exposure). MCs did not accumulate in the muscle but, in the liver, MC-YR accumulated after acute exposure and MC-RR and MC-YR accumulation occurred after subchronic exposure. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity was inhibited only after subchronic exposure. Acute exposure induced liver hyperemia, hemorrhage, changes in hepatocytes and cord-like disorganization. At the ultrastructural level, the decreasing of glycogen and lipid levels, the swelling of mitochondria and whirling of endoplasmic reticulum suggested hepatocyte necrosis. Subchronic exposure resulted in a complete disarrangement of cord-like hepatocytes, some recovery of mitochondria and whirling endoplasmic reticulum and extensive connective tissues containing fibrous materials in the liver parenchyma. Despite microcystin toxicity and liver alterations, no tumor was induced by MCs. In conclusion, the increased algal mass of R. fernandoi in tropical freshwater, producing mainly MC-RR and MC-YR variants, results in fish liver impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Paulino
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D Tavares
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Bieczynski
- Center of Applied Ecology of Neuquen, INIBIOMA, UNCo-CONICET- Ruta Provincial 61, km 3, 8371, Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina
| | - P G Pedrão
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - N E S Souza
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M M Sakuragui
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C M Luquet
- Center of Applied Ecology of Neuquen, INIBIOMA, UNCo-CONICET- Ruta Provincial 61, km 3, 8371, Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina
| | - A P Terezan
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J B Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Giani
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M N Fernandes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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19
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Dinis M, Tavares D, Fonseca AJMM, Faria R, Ribeiro A, Silvério Cabrita AM, Ferreira P. Therapeutic Vaccine against Streptococcus sobrinus-induced Caries. J Dent Res 2016; 83:354-8. [PMID: 15044513 DOI: 10.1177/154405910408300416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus sobrinus produces a virulence-associated immunomodulatory protein (VIP) which suppresses the host-specific immune response and induces the early production of IL-10. In this study, we evaluated the effects of therapeutic immunization with this VIP on the incidence of caries in S. sobrinus-infected rats. Groups of Wistar rats were orally infected with S. sobrinus and fed with sucrose-sweetened drinking water ad libitum. Five days later, rats were immunized intranasally with active or heat-inactivated VIP plus alum as adjuvant or PBS plus adjuvant (sham-immunized). After 3 wks, all rats were re-immunized as above. Evaluation of dental caries showed that VIP-immunized animals had significantly fewer enamel sulcal and proximal caries lesions than did the sham-immunized animals (p < 0.001). The protective effects following therapeutic VIP immunization were attributed to the induced salivary immunoglobulin A specific to the VIP. These results offer a promising and safe strategy for the development of a vaccine against dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dinis
- Laboratory of Immunology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Lg. Prof. Abel Salazar 2, 4099-003 Porto
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20
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Castro S, Castro M, Ferrero V, Costa J, Tavares D, Navarro L, Loureiro J. Invasion Fosters Change: Independent Evolutionary Shifts in Reproductive Traits after Oxalis pes-caprae L. Introduction. Front Plant Sci 2016; 7:874. [PMID: 27446109 PMCID: PMC4919335 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions offer optimal scenarios to study evolutionary changes under contemporary timescales. After long-distance dispersal, exotic species have to cope with strong mate limitation, and shifts toward uniparental reproduction have been hypothesized to be selectively advantageous. Oxalis pes-caprae is a clonal tristylous species native to South Africa, and invasive in Mediterranean regions worldwide. It reproduces sexually and asexually but the importance of each strategy differs between ranges. Native populations reproduce mostly sexually while in invasive ones asexual reproduction is the prevailing strategy due to the dominance of pentaploid monomorphic populations. Nevertheless, two contrasting scenarios have been observed after introduction: transition toward clonality, and re-acquisition of sexuality fueled by multiple introductions of compatible mates. Here, we aimed to assess evolutionary changes of reproductive traits in O. pes-caprae invasive populations and evaluate whether these traits could be related with invasion success and prevalence of certain forms in the western Mediterranean basin. Sexual and asexual reproduction traits were quantified under optimal conditions in a common garden experiment including native and invasive sexual, predominately asexual, and obligated asexual individuals. Different reproductive, ecological, and genetic constraints created by long-distance dispersal seem to have generated different selective pressures in sexual and asexual traits, with our results supporting evolutionary changes in invasive populations of O. pes-caprae. Native plants had higher sexual fitness, while a transition toward clonality was clear for invasive forms, supporting clonal reproduction as a major trait driving invasion. Differences were also observed among invasive plants, with sexual forms having increased dispersal potential; thus, they are expected to be in advantage in comparison with predominantly asexual and obligated asexual plants, and may become widespread in the future. Historical processes, like the initial introduction of predominantly asexual forms followed by sexual forms more recently, could be in the origin of current distribution patterns of O. pes-caprae in the western Mediterranean. This study shows that invasion processes are very dynamic and that ecological and genetic constraints determined by the invasion process may originate different reproductive strategies that are likely to determine invasion success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology and Department of Life Sciences, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Sílvia Castro,
| | - Mariana Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology and Department of Life Sciences, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
| | - Victoria Ferrero
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of VigoVigo, Spain
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joana Costa
- Centre for Functional Ecology and Department of Life Sciences, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Centre for Functional Ecology and Department of Life Sciences, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Navarro
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of VigoVigo, Spain
| | - João Loureiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology and Department of Life Sciences, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
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21
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Ramos AP, Tavares S, Tavares D, Silva MDC, Loureiro J, Talhinhas P. Flow cytometry reveals that the rust fungus, Uromyces bidentis (Pucciniales), possesses the largest fungal genome reported--2489 Mbp. Mol Plant Pathol 2015; 16:1006-1010. [PMID: 25784533 PMCID: PMC6638392 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Among the Eukaryotes, Fungi have relatively small genomes (average of 44.2 Mbp across 1850 species). The order Pucciniales (Basidiomycota) has the largest average genome size among fungi (305 Mbp), and includes the two largest fungal genomes reported so far (Puccinia chrysanthemi and Gymnosporangium confusum, with 806.5 and 893.2 Mbp, respectively). In this work, flow cytometry was employed to determine the genome size of the Bidens pilosa rust pathogen, Uromyces bidentis. The results obtained revealed that U. bidentis presents a surprisingly large haploid genome size of 2489 Mbp. This value is almost three times larger than the previous largest fungal genome reported and over 50 times larger than the average fungal genome size. Microscopic examination of U. bidentis nuclei also showed that they are not as different in size from the B. pilosa nuclei when compared with the differences between other rusts and their host plants. This result further reinforces the position of the Pucciniales as the fungal group with the largest genomes, prompting studies addressing the role of repetitive elements and polyploidy in the evolution, pathological specialization and diversity of fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Ramos
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Tavares
- Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, BioTrop, Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, 2780-505, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Daniela Tavares
- CFE, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Do Céu Silva
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, BioTrop, Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, 2780-505, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João Loureiro
- CFE, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Talhinhas
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, BioTrop, Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, 2780-505, Oeiras, Portugal
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22
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Cruz N, Rodrigues SM, Tavares D, Monteiro RJR, Carvalho L, Trindade T, Duarte AC, Pereira E, Römkens PFAM. Testing single extraction methods and in vitro tests to assess the geochemical reactivity and human bioaccessibility of silver in urban soils amended with silver nanoparticles. Chemosphere 2015; 135:304-11. [PMID: 25966049 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
To assess if the geochemical reactivity and human bioaccessibility of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in soils can be determined by routine soil tests commonly applied to other metals in soil, colloidal Ag was introduced to five pots containing urban soils (equivalent to 6.8 mg Ag kg(-1) soil). Following a 45 days stabilization period, the geochemical reactivity was determined by extraction using 0.43 M and 2 M HNO3. The bioaccessibility of AgNPs was evaluated using the Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET) the "Unified BARGE Method" (UBM), and two simulated lung fluids (modified Gamble's solution (MGS) and artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF)). The amount of Ag extracted by 0.43 M and 2 M HNO3 soil tests was <8% and <50%, respectively of the total amount of Ag added to soils suggesting that the reactivity of Ag present in the soil can be relatively low. The bioaccessibility of Ag as determined by the four in vitro tests ranged from 17% (ALF extraction) to 99% (SBET) indicating that almost all Ag can be released from soil due to specific interactions with the organic ligands present in the simulated body fluids. This study shows that to develop sound soil risk evaluations regarding soil contamination with AgNPs, aspects of Ag biochemistry need to be considered, particularly when linking commonly applied soil tests to human risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Cruz
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S M Rodrigues
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - D Tavares
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CICECO & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - R J R Monteiro
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - L Carvalho
- Laboratório Central de Análises, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - T Trindade
- CICECO & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A C Duarte
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - E Pereira
- CESAM & Dep. de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paul F A M Römkens
- Alterra - Wageningen University and Research Center, PO Box 47, Wageningen 6700 AA, The Netherlands
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23
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Valadas S, Candeias A, Mirão J, Tavares D, Coroado J, Simon R, Silva AS, Gil M, Guilherme A, Carvalho ML. Study of mural paintings using in situ XRF, confocal synchrotron-μ-XRF, μ-XRD, optical microscopy, and SEM-EDS--the case of the frescoes from Misericordia Church of Odemira. Microsc Microanal 2011; 17:702-709. [PMID: 21888755 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927611000195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we present the results of an analytical method developed for detailed pigment identification, stratigraphy, and degradation of the paint layers of mural paintings applied in the study of the 17th century frescoes from the Misericordia Church of Odemira (Southwest Portugal). In situ X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analyses were performed on three panels of the mural paintings and complemented by colorimetric measurements. The different color areas were also sampled as microfragments (approx. 1 mm2) that were studied as taken or mounted in epoxy resin to expose the different paint layers. The microfragments of paint layers and their cross sections were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Furthermore, elemental analysis was obtained with spatially resolved confocal synchrotron radiation μ-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry performed at ANKA synchrotron FLUO beamline. Occasionally, phase analysis by μ-X-ray diffraction was also performed. Results from the different techniques allowed pigment identification and, in some cases, the evaluation of color changes due to degradation processes and, considering the Southern Portugal geology, the identification of their possible provenance. The pigments used were essentially yellow, brown and red ochres, smalt blue, copper green, and black earths, probably from local sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Valadas
- HERCULES Laboratory and Évora Chemistry Centre, University of Évora and Jose de Figueiredo Conservation Restoration Laboratory, Institute of Museums and Conservation, Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
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24
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Dinis M, Trigo G, Chaves N, Fonseca AJMM, Ribeiro A, Tavares D, Cabrita AMS, Ferreira P. rEnolase maternal immunization confers caries protection on offspring. J Dent Res 2011; 90:325-30. [PMID: 21297015 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510391793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination with Streptococcus sobrinus recombinant enolase (rEnolase) protects rats from dental caries. Here, we investigated the effect that maternal rEnolase vaccination before pregnancy had on the offspring's immune response to S. sobrinus oral infection and dental caries progression. Female Wistar rats were immunized by intranasal and subcutaneous routes with rEnolase adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant or similarly treated with the adjuvant alone (sham-immunized). Ten days after the last administration, the immunized females were paired with a male rat. The oral immune responses to S. sobrinus infection and dental caries in the offspring were evaluated. The results showed that pups born from rEnolase-immunized mothers had higher levels of rEnolase-specific salivary IgA and IgG antibodies (indicating a placental antibody transfer) and lower sulcal and proximal enamel caries scores than rats born from sham-immunized mothers. In conclusion, rEnolase maternal immunization before pregnancy provides offspring with protection against S. sobrinus-induced dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dinis
- Laboratory of Immunology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar 2, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal
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25
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Ab O, Goldmacher V, Bartle L, Tavares D, Carrigan C, Xu S, Okamoto M, Johnson H, Whiteman K, Chittenden T. 236 Antibody–maytansinoid conjugates targeting folate receptor 1 for cancer therapy. EJC Suppl 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(10)71941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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26
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da Silva AC, Bezerra LM, Aguiar TS, Tavares D, Araujo LM, Pinto CE, Ribeiro OG. Effect of genetic modificationsby selection for immunological toleranceon fungus infection in mice. Microbes Infect 2001; 3:215-22. [PMID: 11358715 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(01)01373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two strains of mice genetically selected for extreme phenotypes of immunological tolerance to ovalbumin, susceptible (TS) and resistant (TR), were experimentally infected with Sporothrix schenckii. The objective was to observe whether the genetic modifications produced by the selection might be associated with interstrain differences in adaptive immune and innate responses to infection. Therefore, we evaluated the LD(50), CFU, phagocytic index, fungicidal activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, specific antibody titres, and the delayed-type hypersensitivity reactivity. TR mice were tenfold more susceptible to infection than TS mice, as shown by LD(50) (5 x 10(6) conidia i.v.). In TS mice, the resistance was a consequence of the tissue fungal load reduction, consistent specific T-cell-mediated immunity, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha activity at onset of infection. In TR mice, these responses were not precociously detected. Therefore, the absence of CD4(+) T-cell response in the first week of infection might explain the non-clearance of pathogen in TR mice. However, TR mice did show an increase in TNF level and delayed-type hypersensitivity response after the first week post-infection; there was also expansion and increase in granulomatous foci and CFU in the spleen. The expansion of granulomatous foci and the increase in TNF-alpha and tissue fungal load to damaging levels induced severe tissue destruction, general failure of the organs, cachexy and death in TR mice. The results show that genetic selection for extreme phenotypes of immunological tolerance also modified the responses to S. schenckii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunogenética, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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27
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Tavares D, Ferreira P, Arala-Chaves M. Increased resistance to systemic candidiasis in athymic or interleukin-10-depleted mice. J Infect Dis 2000; 182:266-73. [PMID: 10882606 DOI: 10.1086/315674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/1999] [Revised: 03/24/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans produces a virulence-associated immunomodulatory protein (p43), which activates lymphocytes polyclonally, suppresses specific antibody responses to Candida antigens, and potentiates systemic growth of C. albicans. In this study, athymic, unlike euthymic, C57BL/6 mice were resistant to systemic candidiasis and produced lower serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. Pretreatment with p43 stimulated the production of both cytokines. Depletion of IL-10, but not of IL-4, in euthymic animals reestablished resistance and abrogated p43-dependent suppression of the specific antibody response and facilitated C. albicans growth. In agreement with these results, both immunosuppression and p43-mediated facilitation of the fungus growth were abolished in IL-10 knockout mice. These observations demonstrate the relevance of IL-10 in facilitating systemic candidiasis and suggest a critical role for the immunosuppressive virulence factor p43 in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavares
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, and 3Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Porto, Portugal
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28
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Tavares D, Tully K, Dobner PR. Sequences required for induction of neurotensin receptor gene expression during neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:30066-79. [PMID: 10514493 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.42.30066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The promoter region of the mouse high affinity neurotensin receptor (Ntr-1) gene was characterized, and sequences required for expression in neuroblastoma cell lines that express high affinity NT-binding sites were characterized. Me(2)SO-induced neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells increased both the expression of the endogenous Ntr-1 gene and reporter genes driven by NTR-1 promoter sequences by 3-4-fold. Deletion analysis revealed that an 83-base pair promoter region containing the transcriptional start site is required for Me(2)SO activation. Detailed mutational analysis of this region revealed that a CACCC box and the central region of a large GC-rich palindrome are the crucial cis-regulatory elements required for Me(2)SO induction. The CACCC box is bound by at least one factor that is induced upon Me(2)SO treatment of N1E-115 cells. The Me(2)SO effect was found to be both selective and cell type-restricted. Basal expression in the neuroblastoma cell lines required a distinct set of sequences, including an Sp1-like sequence, and a sequence resembling an NGFI-A-binding site; however, a more distal 5' sequence was found to repress basal activity in N1E-115 cells. These results provide evidence that Ntr-1 gene regulation involves both positive and negative regulatory elements located in the 5'-flanking region and that Ntr-1 gene activation involves the coordinate activation or induction of several factors, including a CACCC box binding complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavares
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
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29
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Ferreira P, Brás A, Tavares D, Vilanova M, Ribeiro A, Videira A, Arala-Chaves M. Purification, and biochemical and biological characterization of an immunosuppressive and lymphocyte mitogenic protein secreted by Streptococcus sobrinus. Int Immunol 1997; 9:1735-43. [PMID: 9418134 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/9.11.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An immunosuppressive/mitogenic (ISM) protein was purified from the supernatants of cultures of Streptococcus sobrinus with an isoelectric point of 4.75 and a relative molecular mass of 38 kDa (p38). Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with p38 induced an increase in the numbers of non-specific splenic Ig-secreting plaque-forming cells (PFC) with peak responses on day 3 for IgM-secreting PFC and on day 5 for IgG-secreting PFC, with an isotype pattern consisting predominantly of IgG2a and IgG2b. This increase was accompanied by a lymphocyte blastogenic response of both T and B lymphocytes. The in vitro effects of p38 on pure B, T and total splenic lymphocytes indicated that this ISM protein was primarily a B cell mitogen, being T cells activated subsequently by the generation of B blasts. Suppression of the murine primary immune response against sheep red blood cells was observed in C57BL/6 mice treated 4 days before with p38. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminus of p38 has a significant similarity with several enolases, particularly with rabbit enolase. However, the biological effects ascribed to p38 have not been detected after in vivo treatment with that enolase. The immunosuppressive effect of p38 was abrogated by depletion of IL-10 but not of IL-4. In agreement with this observation IL-10 was the only cytokine detected in serum of C57BL/6 mice after p38 treatment and the peak of serum levels was observed as soon as 2 h after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferreira
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
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30
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Abstract
We have observed by flow cytometric analysis that a small but consistent percentage of circulating hemocytes in phases S, G2 and M of the cell cycle can be detected in Penaeus japonicus. Significantly increased percentages of proliferating hemocytes (approximately three-fold increase) were observed after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), p43 (an immunosuppressive lymphocyte mitogenic protein produced by Candida albicans) and a combination of LPS and p43. Moreover, an approximately six-fold increase in the percentage of proliferating hemocytes was also observed in animals infected with Fusarlum opp., as compared to non-infected shrimps. Furthermore, [3H] thymidine uptake in circulating hemocytes was 26 times greater in LPS stimulated than in non-stimulated shrimps. The present study suggests that circulating hemocytes of the shrimp P. japonicus can divide in vivo and that proliferation can be increased significantly after mitogenic or infectious stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sequeira
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
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31
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Vilanova M, Tavares D, Ferreira P, Oliveira L, Nóbrega A, Appelberg R, Arala-Chaves M. Role of monocytes in the up-regulation of the early activation marker CD69 on B and T murine lymphocytes induced by microbial mitogens. Scand J Immunol 1996; 43:155-63. [PMID: 8633195 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.1996.d01-25.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CD69 is an early marker of lymphoid cell activation. The authors report on an up-regulation of CD69 in splenic B and T cells of C57Bl/6 mice after administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or microbial immunosuppressive/mitogenic (ISM) proteins produced by C. albicans (p43) and African Swine Fever Virus (p36). This up-regulation of CD69 was observed 6 and 24 h after mitogenic treatments. The same pattern of increased CD69 expression was observed in the lymph nodes of mice treated with p43 or LPS, whereas p36 treatment failed to induce increased CD69 expression in this organ. Intracellular calcium mobilization was induced in splenic B and T lymphocytes after incubation of total spleen cells with LPS, p43 or p36. This increase was higher in B than in T cells. Increased calcium mobilization was also seen in lymph node B cells after incubation with p43 or p36 and in lymph node T cells after p43 stimulation. Up-regulation of CD69 expression on B and T cells was also observed after in vitro stimulation of spleen cells with the three mitogens used. Similar results were obtained with culture supernatants of macrophage/monocyte (M phi) cells activated with LPS (LPS/M phi CS). Stimulation of M phi cells with LPS or with the ISM proteins is demonstrated by the increased production of nitrites by these cells. The increased in vitro expression of CD69 was, however, not abolished by monoclonal antibodies to M phi cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10 or TNF alpha. No increased expression of CD69 was found in vitro on purified B or T cells, even when mixed upon stimulation with p43, p36, LPS or with LPS/M phi CS. However, an increase in the expression of CD69 was observed on B cells co-cultured with M phi cells after treatment with LPS or p36. All three mitogens failed to induce increased CD69 expression on cultured T cells mixed with M phi cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vilanova
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
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32
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Abstract
We have previously described an immunosuppressive B cell mitogenic (ISM) protein, p43, produced by Candida albicans, which plays an important role in the survival of the microorganism in the host. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of p43 was found to be different from all amino acid sequences registered in updated protein databanks. Immunization of BALB/c mice with p43 partially neutralized the biological effects of this protein, namely depletion of bone marrow pre-B and B cells, the increased numbers of total and large B and CD4+ lymphocytes, and the non-specific polyclonal response of splenic IgG2a-, IgG2b- and IgM-secreting plaque forming cells. Immunization of BALB/c mice with p43 fully protected the mice against the fungal infection. In contrast, immunization with C. albicans sonicates (Cs) was not protective. Our data indicated that specific antibodies against p43 protected, whereas those against Cs facilitated C. albicans infection. Thus, the ratio between anti-p43 and anti-Cs antibody titres was much lower in the non-protected mice (Cs-immunized and control non-immunized) than in p43-immunized mice. Moreover, passive administration of specific anti-p43 antibodies significantly protected against fungal infection, whereas passive administration of specific anti-Cs antibodies markedly increased the susceptibility to C. albicans infection. These observations are discussed on the basis of alternative approaches of immunointervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavares
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
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33
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Tavares D, Salvador A, Ferreira P, Arala-Chaves M. Immunological activities of a Candida albicans protein which plays an important role in the survival of the microorganism in the host. Infect Immun 1993; 61:1881-8. [PMID: 8478077 PMCID: PMC280779 DOI: 10.1128/iai.61.5.1881-1888.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A protein with an isoelectric point of 4.3 and a relative molecular mass of 43 kDa (p43) was purified from the supernatants of the cultures of pathogenic Candida albicans but could not be detected in the supernatants of cultures of this fungus with pathogenicity previously attenuated after being repeatedly subcultured in vitro. Treatment of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with p43 resulted in (i) marked increases in the numbers of splenic immunoglobulin-secreting plaque-forming cells (PFC) with peak responses of immunoglobulin M (IgM) PFC preceding those of IgG PFC, with an isotype restriction pattern of IgG2a > IgG2b > IgG3 > IgG1 > IgM, and (ii) specific immunosuppression of the murine primary immune response against sheep erythrocytes. Immunosuppressive and B-cell mitogenic properties of p43 were quantitatively associated and inversely correlated with susceptibility to C. albicans infection. C57BL/6 mice treated with p43 2 days before inoculation with C. albicans were considerably more susceptible to the fungal infection than untreated mice. The immunobiological and chemical properties of p43 are compared with previously described immunosuppressive and B-cell mitogenic proteins produced by bacteria and viruses, and strategies for immunointervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavares
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
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34
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Baumann WR, Tavares D. [Dental resorption caused by orthodontic treatment]. RGO 1988; 36:91-4, 96. [PMID: 3256044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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35
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Domingues AM, Rosa JE, Diener A, Tavares D, Nunes de Abreu MJ. [Osteolytic osteosarcoma of the mandible]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1981; 8:11-5. [PMID: 6963456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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36
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Carvalho de Oliveira AM, Tavares D. [Prevalence of dental caries in permanent first molars in new students in the rural regim of Grande Florianopolis, St. Catarina]. Rev Fac Odontol Univ Fed Bahia 1981; 1:39-55. [PMID: 6964743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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37
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Rosa JE, Tavares D, de Abreu MJ. [Optical illusions and other perceptual aspects in X-ray interpretation (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1977; 4:11-20. [PMID: 283469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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38
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Costa E, Rosa JE, de Abreu MJ, Tavares D. [Pycnodysostosis (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1977; 4:27-32. [PMID: 276897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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39
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Domingues AM, Diener A, Tavares D, Rosa JE, de Abreu MJ. [Osteosarcoma osteoblastic of the jaws (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1977; 4:16-21. [PMID: 276895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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40
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Rosa JE, de Abreu MJ, Tavares D. [Visual acuity in distance for dental students of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1976; 3:13-7. [PMID: 802423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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41
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Tavares D, de Abreu MJ, Rosa JE. [Considerations on radiographic aspects of dental non-metalical materials (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1976; 3:13-20. [PMID: 1077188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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42
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Tavares D, de Abreu MJ, Rosa JE. [Clinical considerations on the use of radiolucent dental materials (author's transl)]. Rev Catarinense Odontol 1975; 2:16-20. [PMID: 1077185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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43
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Rosa JE, Tavares D, de Abreu MJ. [The use of audiovisual technique in the teaching of radiology]. Rev Odontol St Catarina 1969; 2:7-46. [PMID: 4105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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44
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Tavares D, Rosa JE, Barros Filho MA, de Abreu MJ. [Evaluation of the curriculum of the school of dentistry at the Federal University of Santa Catarina: analytical study of student hours]. Rev Odontol St Catarina 1968; 1:1-58. [PMID: 5285214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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