T helper type 9 cell response and its role in the neurological clinic of patients with Human T-lymphotropic virus 1

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) affects 5-10 million individuals worldwide. Most of those infected with this virus remain asymptomatic; however, 0.25%-4% of individuals develop HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), while 2%-4% develop adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Understanding the immune response inherent in this infection is extremely important. The role of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells in HTLV-1 infection is well known; however, exploring the different subtypes of immune responses is also necessary. The role of Th9 cells in HTLV-1 infection and the mechanisms involved in their interference in the pathophysiological process of HAM/TSP is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profiles of PU.1, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4), and cytokine interleukin-9 (IL-9) during the induction of peripheral immune response and their role in the HTLV-1-infected patients' neurological symptoms. This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out at the Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiology of Endemic Diseases and the Laboratory of Immunopathology, both from the Tropical Medicine Center at the Federal University of Pará. Assessment of neurological parameters was performed (gait, Expanded Kurtzke Disability State Scale (EDSS) score, upper and lower limb reflexes, Hoffman's sign, Babinski reflex, and clonus reflex). For Th9 cell analysis, peripheral blood samples were collected from HTLV-1-infected patients; then, the lymphomononuclear cells were separated followed by the isolation of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) synthesis each sample was carried out. The gene expression levels of PU.1, IRF-4, and IL-9 as well as those of constitutive genes (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β-actin) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This study included 81 HTLV-1-infected patients, of whom 47 were asymptomatic, 13 were mono/oligosymptomatic (MOS), and 21 developed HAM/TSP. IL-9 was the least expressed gene among the three studied groups. The MOS group showed the lowest expression levels of PU.1, IRF-4, and IL-9. HAM/TSP patients showed lower IL-9 protein quantification. Negative correlations were found between IL and 9 and EDSS in MOS patients and between PU.1, EDSS, IRF-4, and EDSS in the HAM/TSP group. An association was found between IL and 9 and Babinski reflex in the HAM/TSP group, suggesting that this gene was more highly expressed in patients who did not have this pathological sign. Th9 cells may interfere with the neurological progression of HAM/TSP and act as a protective factor.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of M1, M2, and M4 Macrophages in Leprosy Skin Lesions

Mycobacterium leprae is the etiological agent of leprosy. Macrophages (Mφs) are key players involved in the pathogenesis of leprosy. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the phenotype of Mφ subpopulations, namely M1, M2, and M4, in the skin lesions of patients diagnosed with leprosy. Based on the database of treatment-naïve patients treated between 2015 and 2019 at the Department of Dermatology of the University of the State of Pará, Belém, routine clinical screening samples were identified. The monolabeling protocol was used for M1 macrophages (iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α) and M2 macrophages (IL-10, IL-13, CD163, Arginase 1, TGF-β, FGFb), and the double-labeling protocol was used for M4 macrophages (IL-6, MMP7, MRP8, TNF-α e CD68). To confirm the M4 macrophage lineage, double labeling of the monoclonal antibodies CD68 and MRP8 was also performed. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant difference for the M1 phenotype among the Virchowian (VV) (4.5 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001), Borderline (1.6 ± 0.4, p < 0.0001), and tuberculoid (TT) (12.5 ± 1.8, p < 0.0001) clinical forms of leprosy. Additionally, the M2 phenotype showed a statistically significant difference among the VV (12.5 ± 2.3, p < 0.0001), Borderline (1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001), and TT (3.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001) forms. For the M4 phenotype, a statistically significant difference was observed in the VV (9.8 ± 1.7, p < 0.0001), Borderline (1.2 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001), and TT (2.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001) forms. A significant correlation was observed between the VV M1 and M4 (r = 0.8712; p = 0.0000) and between the VV M2 × TT M1 (r = 0.834; p = 0.0002) phenotypes. The M1 Mφs constituted the predominant Mφ subpopulation in the TT and Borderline forms of leprosy, whereas the M2 Mφs showed increased immunoexpression and M4 was the predominant Mφ phenotype in VV leprosy. These results confirm the relationship of the Mφ profile with chronic pathological processes of the inflammatory response in leprosy.

Comparative Analysis of Human Hepatic Lesions in Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya: Revisiting Histopathological Changes in the Light of Modern Knowledge of Cell Pathology

Arboviruses, such as yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue virus (DENV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), present wide global dissemination and a pathogenic profile developed in infected individuals, from non-specific clinical conditions to severe forms, characterised by the promotion of significant lesions in different organs of the harbourer, culminating in multiple organ dysfunction. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out via the histopathological analysis of 70 samples of liver patients, collected between 2000 and 2017, with confirmed laboratory diagnoses, who died due to infection and complications due to yellow fever (YF), dengue fever (DF), and chikungunya fever (CF), to characterise, quantify, and compare the patterns of histopathological alterations in the liver between the samples. Of the histopathological findings in the human liver samples, there was a significant difference between the control and infection groups, with a predominance of alterations in the midzonal area of the three cases analysed. Hepatic involvement in cases of YF showed a greater intensity of histopathological changes. Among the alterations evaluated, cell swelling, microvesicular steatosis, and apoptosis were classified according to the degree of tissue damage from severe to very severe. Pathological abnormalities associated with YFV, DENV, and CHIKV infections showed a predominance of changes in the midzonal area. We also noted that, among the arboviruses studied, liver involvement in cases of YFV infection was more intense.

Decrease in naïve T cell production due to HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) development

Human T-lymphocytic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is mainly associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Patients with HAM/TSP exhibit significant changes in their immune response, and HTLV-1 infection can interfere in cytokine production and perhaps in T cell production. The aims of this study were to evaluate thymic function in HAM/TSP patients and HTLV-1 healthy carriers (HCs) and correlate it to age and interleukin 7 (IL-7) gene expression. Thymic function in 21 HAM/TSP patients and 12 HCs was evaluated by quantifying T cell receptor rearrangement excision circle (TREC) particles and IL-7 gene expression, both measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HAM/TSP patients presented lower TREC particle counts (p = 0.0112) and lower IL-7 expression (p = 0.0102) than HCs. Both TREC particles and IL-7 gene expression were separately analyzed in two age groups: ≤ 59 years and ≥60 years, The ≤59-year-old HAM/TSP patients had a lower TREC count compared with the ≤59-year-old HCs (p = 0.0476). In conclusion, HAM/TSP development could interfere with thymic function because the results showed TREC particle reduction in HAM/TSP patients in relation to HCs, and it could be associated with a concomitant reduction in IL-7 expression.

High prevalence of sexual Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young women from Marajó Island, in the Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Approximately 80% of infected women are asymptomatic, although this infection can lead to serious complications in the female reproductive tract. Few data on Chlamydia infection are available in rural Amazonian communities.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of sexual C. trachomatis infection in women from Marajó Archipelago communities in the Amazon region of Brazil and to identify associated factors and genotypes.

METHODS

We utilized amplification of the ompA gene by nested PCR. Positive samples were genotyped by sequencing. Study participants completed a questionnaire on social, epidemiological, and reproductive health variables. A Poisson regression was used to evaluate the degree of association of these variables with the infection.

RESULTS

The sexual infection by C. trachomatis was observed in 4% (16/393) of the subjects, and was more often found in women aged ≤25 (14.3%; 95% CI = 2.83-35.47; p <0.001), and in women with a household income of less than one Brazilian monthly minimum wage (5.2%; 95% CI = 1.33-11.37; p = 0.014). The ompA gene was sequenced in 13 samples, revealing F genotypes (38.4%, n = 5), D (23%, n = 3), E (15.3%, n = 2), Ia (7.6%, N = 1), J (7.6%, n = 1) and B (7.6%, n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

We recorded a high prevalence of sexual infection by C. trachomatis in young and poor women from the interior of the Brazilian Amazon. This high prevalence and the frequencies of the main genotypes were similar to those found in major Brazilian urban centers. Our results reinforce the importance of the screening of this neglected infection, and the prevention of later sequelae in young women from rural and urban areas of Brazil.

Human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer precursor lesions in women living by Amazon rivers: investigation of relations with markers of oxidative stress

Objective

To investigate the relation between oxidative stress markers, human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer precursor lesions.

Methods

The study comprised women aged 14 to 60 years living in communities located by Amazon rivers in the state of Pará (Itaituba, Limoeiro do Ajuru and Bragança, 126, 68 and 43 women respectively). Papanicolau smears and polymerase chain reaction tests for human papillomavirus DNA detection were performed. Blood samples were collected to test malondialdehyde, total and oxidized glutathione levels.

Results

Malondialdehyde, total and oxidized glutathione concentrations did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between women with and without low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions across communities. Malondialdehyde levels (8.02nmols/mL) were almost five times higher in human papillomavirus-positive compared to human papillomavirus-negative women (1.70nmols/mL) living in Itaituba (statistically significant difference; p<0.05). Malondialdehyde levels did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between human papillomavirus-positive and human papillomavirus-negative women living in remaining communities. Significant (p<0.05) differences in total glutathione levels between human papillomavirus-positive and human papillomavirus-negative women (8.20μg/mL and 1.47μg/mL, respectively) were limited to those living in Bragança.

Conclusion

Malondialdehyde and total glutathione levels were significantly associated with human papillomavirus infection. However, lack of similar associations with squamous lesions suggest oxidative stress alone does not explain correlations with cervical carcinogenesis. Other factors may therefore be involved.

Correction: CT Chest and pulmonary functional changes in patients with HTLV-associated myelopathy in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186055.].

NFκB transcription factor (p65) immunohistochemistry in leprosy dermal microvasculature

Leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae is characterized by a spectrum of clinical manifestations that are determined by the predominant immunological profile of the host. The recruitment of leukocytes to the sites of injury can influence the development of these profiles. Cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD62E participate in this process and their expression is regulated by transcriptions factors such as NFκB. To correlate the expression of cell adhesion molecules and NFκB (p65) in leprosy lesions, 30 skin biopsies of patients with leprosy [16 with the tuberculoid (TT) or borderline tuberculoid (BT) forms and 14 with the lepromatous (LL) or borderline lepromatous (BL) forms] were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A larger mean number of cells expressing VCAM-1 (BT/TT: 18.28 ± 1.4; BL/LL: 10.67 ± 1.2; p = 0.0002), ICAM-1 (BT/TT: 9.92 ± 1.1; BL/LL: 5.87 ± 1.0; p = 0.0084) and CD62E (BT/TT: 13.0 ± 1.5; BL/LL: 2.58 ± 0.3; p = 0.0001) were observed in BT and TT lesions. The mean number of cells expressing NFκB was similar in the two clinical forms (BT/TT: 2.21 ± 2.7; BL/LL: 2.35 ± 3.1;p = 0.9285). No significant correlation was observed between expression of the transcription factor and adhesion molecules analyzed. The synthesis of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD62E depends on the activation of NFκB, which acts synergistically with other transcription factors. Adequate activation of intracellular signaling pathways results in the production of endothelial adhesion molecules, contributing to the recruitment of cells to the site of injury and thus eliciting an effective inflammatory response in the elimination of the bacillus.

CT Chest and pulmonary functional changes in patients with HTLV-associated myelopathy in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

The aim of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) scans of chest and lung function among patients with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV) with and without HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). In this cross-sectional study performed between January 2013 and June 2016, we included 48 patients with HAM/TSP (19 women and 11 men) and without HAM/TSP (12 women and 6 men). We compared CT findings and lung functions of these groups. Patients who had HAM/TSP had abnormal CT findings (P = 0.000), including more frequent bronchiectasis (P = 0.049), parenchymal bands (P = 0.007), interlobular septal thickening (P = 0.035), and pleural thickening (P = 0.009). In addition, neither patients with HAM/TSP (9/30; 30%) nor the controls (0/18; 0%) had obstructive or restrictive lung disease (P = 0.009). HTLV diagnosis should be considered in all patients with abnormal CT findings in whom no other cause is apparent. It is important to remember that lung disease increases the rates of morbidity and mortality in developing countries.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer Screening among Riverside Women of the Brazilian Amazon

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall and type-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among females living in riverside communities in the state of Pará, in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon. These communities are inhabited by low-income people, and are accessible only by small boats. Cervical cytology and risk factors for HPV infection were also assessed. Methods Cervical samples from 353 women of selected communities were collected both for Papanicolau (Pap) test and HPV detection. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were used to assess the overall and type-specific prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18, the main oncogenic types worldwide. Epidemiological questionnaires were used for the assessment of the risk factors for HPV infection. Results The mean age of the participants was 37 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 13.7). Most were married or with a fixed sexual partner (79%), and had a low educational level (80%) and family monthly income (< U$ 250; 53%). Overall, HPV prevalence was 16.4% (n = 58), with 8 cases of HPV-16 (2.3%) and 5 of HPV-18 (1.4%). Almost 70% of the women surveyed had never undergone the Pap test. Abnormal cytology results were found in 27.5% (n = 97) of the samples, with higher rates of HPV infection according to the severity of the lesions (p = 0.026). Conclusions The infections by HPV-16 and HPV-18 were not predominant in our study, despite the high prevalence of overall HPV infection. Nevertheless, the oncogenic potential of these types and the low coverage of the Pap test among women from riverside communities demonstrate a potential risk for the development of cervical lesions and their progression to cervical cancer, since the access to these communities is difficult and, in most cases, these women do not have access to primary care and public health services.

Zika virus disrupts molecular fingerprinting of human neurospheres

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been associated with microcephaly and other brain abnormalities; however, the molecular consequences of ZIKV to human brain development are still not fully understood. Here we describe alterations in human neurospheres derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells infected with the strain of Zika virus that is circulating in Brazil. Combining proteomics and mRNA transcriptional profiling, over 500 proteins and genes associated with the Brazilian ZIKV infection were found to be differentially expressed. These genes and proteins provide an interactome map, which indicates that ZIKV controls the expression of RNA processing bodies, miRNA biogenesis and splicing factors required for self-replication. It also suggests that impairments in the molecular pathways underpinning cell cycle and neuronal differentiation are caused by ZIKV. These results point to biological mechanisms implicated in brain malformations, which are important to further the understanding of ZIKV infection and can be exploited as therapeutic potential targets to mitigate it.

Clinical and epidemiological study of human papillomavirus infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus in eastern brazilian amazon

Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women in Northern Brazil, is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Diseases affecting the immune state of a patient, including autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can lead to persistent HPV infection and cancer. We evaluated cervical HPV prevalence and the associated risk factors in 70 women with SLE in the city of Belém, located in Brazilian Amazon. HPV DNA was detected by PCR using primers MY9 and MY11. HPV subtypes were determined by real-time PCR, using specific probes. Overall, prevalence of cervical HPV in women with SLE was 22.8%. HPV prevalence was significantly higher in younger women (aged 18-25 years; 75%, p< 0.0001), in women who had not given birth (50%, p = 0.01), and in women with no prior pregnancy (57%, p = 0.003). Five women (7.1%) had Pap smears with a cytopathological outcome suggestive of HPV; four of these women were HPV-positive. No women with both, SLE and HPV, had a normal Pap smear. Of the women diagnosed with SLE in the last 1-5 years, 75% was HPV-positive (p = 0.04). The two most prevalent HPV subtypes were HPV 58 (37.5%) and HPV 31 (31.3%). These results are important for understanding HPV infection in women with SLE and are valuable tools for developing cervical cancer prevention strategies and health management policies.

In situ expression of M2 macrophage subpopulation in leprosy skin lesions

The clinical manifestations of the leprosy depend on host immune response and the macrophages are the primary cells involved in this process. M1 and M2 cells exhibited distinct morphology, distinct surface marker profiles, as well as different cytokine and chemokine secretion. Macrophages express receptors such as CD163, CD68, CD206, and costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86, and cytokines that trigger a suppressive or inflammatory response. Thirty-three untreated patients were selected, 17 patients had the tuberculoid leprosy (TT) and 16 had the lepromatous leprosy (LL). We performed immunohistochemistry to detect IL-13, IL-10, TGF-β, FGF-β, CD163, CD68, arginase 1. M2 macrophages showed significant differences between the groups studied with increase in the expression of costimulatory molecules (CD68 and CD163), arginase 1 and cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β and FGF-b) in the LL form. Response of M2 macrophages emerge as an alternative for a better understanding of the innate immunity in the polar forms of leprosy, highlighting the role of cytokines, arginase 1 and costimulatory molecules in the repair and suppressive responses in the lepromatous form of the disease.

Formation of multiple pulmonary nodules during treatment with leflunomide

Pulmonary involvement is one of the extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and can be due to the disease itself or secondary to the medications used in order to treat it. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and developed multiple pulmonary nodules during treatment with leflunomide.

Langerhans cells (CD1a and CD207), dermal dendrocytes (FXIIIa) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD123) in skin lesions of leprosy patients

The clinical course of infection with Mycobacterium leprae varies widely and depends on the pattern of the host immune response. Dendritic cells play an important role in the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system and seem to be essential for the development of the disease. To analyze the presence of epidermal dendritic cells (CD1a and CD207), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD123) and dermal dendrocytes (factor XIIIa) in lesion fragments of leprosy patients, skin samples from 30 patients were studied. These samples were submitted to immunohistochemistry against CD1a, CD207, FXIIIa, and CD123. The results showed a larger number of Langerhans cells, detected with the CD1a or CD207 marker, dermal dendrocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in patients with the tuberculoid form. A positive correlation was observed between the Langerhans cell markers CD1a and CD207 in both the tuberculoid and lepromatous forms, and between Langerhans cells and dermal dendrocytes in samples with the tuberculoid form. The present results indicate the existence of a larger number of dendritic cells in patients at the resistant pole of the disease (tuberculoid) and suggest that the different dendritic cells studied play a role, favoring an efficient immune response against infection with M. leprae.

Correlation between nerve growth factor and tissue expression of IL-17 in leprosy

Leprosy is a serious public health problem in peripheral and developing countries. Leprosy is a chronic infectious-contagious disease caused by the intracellular, bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, which causes tissue damage and demyelination of peripheral nerves. Recent studies have demonstrated the participation of new subtype's cytokines profile in the inflammatory response of leprosy. Since nerve functions are affected by inflammatory response during the course of leprosy, changes in the production of NGF and its receptor (NGF R) may be directly associated with disability and sensory loss. Skin biopsies were collected and submitted to immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies to IL-17, NGF and NGF R. Quantitative analysis of NGF, NGFR and IL-17 immunostaining showed a significant difference between the clinical forms, with higher expression of NGF and NGFR in lepromatous leprosy and IL-17 in tuberculoid leprosy. The present study showed that IL-17, in addition to stimulating an inflammatory response, negatively regulates the action of NGF and NGF R in the polar forms of the disease.

E-selectin and P-selectin expression in endothelium of leprosy skin lesions

Leprosy is an infectious-contagious disease whose clinical evolution depends on the immune response pattern of the host. Adhesion molecules and leukocyte migration from blood to tissue are of the utmost importance for the recognition and elimination of infectious pathogens. Selectins are transmembrane glycoproteins that share a similar structural organization and can be divided into three types according to their site of expression. The biopsies were cut into 5μm thick sections and submitted to immunohistochemistry using antibodies against E-selectin and P-selectin. The number of E-selectin-positive cells was significantly higher in the tuberculoid form than in the lepromatous form. The immunostaining pattern of P-selectin differed from that of E-selectin. Analysis showed a larger number of endothelial cells expressing CD62P in the lepromatous form compared to the tuberculoid form. The presence of these adhesins in the endothelium contributing to or impairing the recruitment of immune cells to inflamed tissue and consequently influences the pattern of immune response and the clinical presentation of the disease.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of cellular transcription NFκB (p65), AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun), and JAK/STAT in leprosy

Leprosy is a disease whose clinical spectrum depends on the cytokine patterns produced during the early stages of the immune response. The main objective of this study was to describe the activation pattern of cellular transcription factors and to correlate these factors with the clinical forms of leprosy. Skin samples were obtained from 16 patients with the tuberculoid (TT) form and 14 with the lepromatous (LL) form. The histologic sections were immunostained with anti-c-Fos and anti-c-Jun monoclonal antibodies for investigation of AP-1, anti-NFκB p65 for the study of NFκB, and anti-JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, and STAT4 for investigation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Cells expressing STAT1 were more frequent in the TT form than in LL lesions (P = .0096), in agreement with the protective immunity provided by IFN-γ. STAT4 was also more highly expressed in the TT form than in the LL form (P = .0098). This transcription factor is essential for the development of a Th1 response because it is associated with interleukin-12. NFκB (p65) and STAT4 expression in the TT form showed a strong and significant correlation (r = 0.7556 and P = .0007). A moderate and significant correlation was observed between JAK2 and STAT4 in the TT form (r = 0.6637 and P = .0051), with these factors responding to interleukin-12 in Th1 profiles. The results suggest that STAT1, JAK2, and NFκB, together with STAT4, contribute to the development of cell-mediated immunity, which is able to contain the proliferation of Mycobacterium leprae.

Human papillomavirus: prevalence and factors associated in women prisoners population from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the associated factors among female prisoners in Ananindeua City, State of Pará, Brazil. In 2010, 190 cervical samples were obtained, and Pap smear and polymerase chain reaction (GE Health Care™, Uppsala, Sweden) were performed. Additionally, a questionnaire was used. The prevalence of HPV was 10.5%, and the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (n = 33, 17.5%; P < 0.1) was associated with HPV infection. The presence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was greater in women with HPV than in those without HPV infection, indicating that HPV infection is a risk factor for such injuries and that viral screening and prevention are extremely important in public health among female prisoners in Amazon.

Prevalência do papilomavírus humano (HPV) em Belém, Pará, Brasil, na cavidade oral de indivíduos sem lesões clinicamente diagnosticáveis

Trata-se de um estudo transversal com o objetivo de verificar a prevalência do HPV na cavidade oral de indivíduos sem lesões clinicamente diagnosticáveis e quais são os tipos encontrados neles. Foram analisadas 166 amostras em pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade, residentes no Estado do Pará, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas por meio de raspado com escova estéril na cavidade oral. Para a detecção da presença do HPV, foi utilizada a técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras infectadas pelo HPV foram tipadas para HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52 e 58. Os resultados encontrados indicaram a presença de HPV em 40 amostras (24,1%). Três amostras (7,5%) foram positivas para HPV 6; cinco (12,5%), para HPV 18; e uma (2,5%), para HPV 58.

Environmental impact and seroepidemiology of HTLV in two communities in the eastern Brazilian amazon

The objective of this study was to detect antibodies for human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in subjects residing in two communities located in the eastern Brazilian Amazon and on the shores of the Tucuruí hydroelectric power plant. A total of 657 serum samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with an anti-HTLV antibody (Symbiosis™, São Paulo, Brazil), demonstrating a virus prevalence of 4.7%. Most individuals with HTLV were aged over 30 years (P = 0.013), were unmarried (P = 0.019), resided in the area for more than 10 years (P = 0.001), had a low level of education (P = 0.015), and had a family income of up to $305 (100%). In contrast, there was no significant association between infection and sex, city of birth, haemotransfusion, or previous surgery. The prevalence observed in these communities suggests that the residents should be concerned about HTLV infection, and that some areas may become endemic for HTLV.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in riverside communities of the Tucuruí Dam, Pará, Brazil

Epidemiologically, the relevance of infection caused by hepatitis viruses is related mainly to their wide geographic distribution and the large number of infected individuals in all parts of the world. In this study, 668 residents from the islands around the Tucuruí Dam were selected. Blood samples were collected for investigation of serological markers (HBsAg, total anti-HBc, anti-HBS, and anti-HCV) by enzyme immunoassays. HCV-positive subjects were tested using RT-PCR and RFLP for the identification of viral genotypes. Among the 668 subjects studied, 1.9% were HBsAg positive, 28% were total anti-HBc positive, and 41.9% were anti-HBs positive. The anti-HBs marker alone (vaccine response) was detected in 25.7% of the volunteers. Anti-HCV antibody was detected in 2.2% of the subjects and genotype 1 was the predominant genotype (70%). The results indicate an intermediate level of HBV and HCV endemicity in the region studied, as well as low HBV vaccination coverage.

Prevalência de infecção genital pelo HPV em populações urbana e rural da Amazônia Oriental Brasileira

Foram investigados a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção genital pelo HPV em mulheres de população urbana e rural de duas regiões da Amazônia Oriental brasileira. Foi um estudo transversal com 444 mulheres submetidas ao rastreamento para câncer cervical, sendo 233 urbanas e 211 rurais, de janeiro de 2008 a março de 2010. Coletaram-se amostras da cérvice uterina para a pesquisa de DNA do HPV pela PCR. Todas responderam a um formulário epidemiológico. Análise bivariada e por regressão logística foram empregadas na investigação dos fatores associados ao HPV. A prevalência geral de HPV foi de 14,6%. Entre as populações, não houve diferença significativa, 15% urbana e 14,2% rural. O único fator de risco explorado no estudo significativamente associado ao HPV foi a situação conjugal de mulheres residentes na zona rural na faixa de 13 a 25 anos, com maior prevalência de infecção entre solteiras, separadas ou viúvas. Conclui-se que, apesar das prevalências entre as populações serem semelhantes, as estratégias preventivas a serem aplicadas seriam específicas para cada população.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of macrophage activity and its relationship with apoptotic cell death in the polar forms of leprosy

The objective of the present study was to investigate the correlation between macrophage activity and apoptosis in the polar forms of leprosy because the immunopathological phenomena involved in these forms are still poorly understood. For this purpose, 29 skin biopsy samples obtained from patients with the polar forms of leprosy were analyzed. Macrophage activity and apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using lysozyme, CD68, iNOS and caspase 3 as markers. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's linear correlation test were used for statistical analysis. The results suggest that the apoptosis rate is under the direct influence of macrophage activity in lesions of patients with the tuberculoid form. In contrast, in lepromatous lesions other factors seem to induce programmed cell death, possibly TGF-beta. Further studies are necessary to identify additional factors involved in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy.

Affected and non-affected skin fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients share a gene expression profile deviated from the one observed in healthy individuals

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the gene expression profile of fibroblasts from affected and non-affected skin of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and from controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Labeled cDNA from fibroblast cultures from forearm (affected) and axillary (non-affected) skin from six diffuse SSc patients, from three normal controls, and from MOLT-4/HEp-2/normal fibroblasts (reference pool) was probed in microarrays generated with 4193 human cDNAs from the IMAGE Consortium. Microarray images were converted into numerical data and gene expression was calculated as the ratio between fibroblast cDNA (Cy5) and reference pool cDNA (Cy3) data and analyzed by R environment/Aroma, Cluster, Tree View, and SAM softwares. Differential expression was confirmed by real time PCR for a set of selected genes.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight genes were up- and 241 genes down-regulated in SSc fibroblasts. Gene expression correlation was strong between affected and non-affected fibroblast samples from the same patient (r>0.8), moderate among fibroblasts from all patients (r=0.72) and among fibroblasts from all controls (r=0.70), and modest among fibroblasts from patients and controls (r=0.55). The differential expression was confirmed by real time PCR for all selected genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibroblasts from affected and non-affected skin of SSc patients shared a similar abnormal gene expression profile, suggesting that the widespread molecular disturbance in SSc fibroblasts is more sensitive than histological and clinical alterations. Novel molecular elements potentially involved in SSc pathogenesis were identified.

Transient resistance to B16F10 melanoma growth and metastasis in CD43-/- mice

CD43, the major transmembrane sialoglycoprotein of neutrophils, monocytes, T lymphocytes and platelets, is highly glycosylated and its high sialic acid content contributes to the strongly negative charge of cells. In this study the role of CD43 in melanoma development was addressed using CD43 -/- mice (null mutated for the corresponding gene or knockout [KO]). Growth of B16F10 melanoma was retarded in the KO mice compared with the wild-type CD43+/+ control (WT). A marked difference in lung colonization and other metastatic foci was observed in the KO and WT mice up to 15 days after intravenous injection of tumour cells. The initial resistance of KO mice was reversed with time, and in the long term there was no difference in the survival rate of the two animal groups. Transient resistance was attributed to increased adhesion of thrombin-activated platelets and leukocytes to melanoma and endothelial cells in KO mice. In the KO mice tumour emboli were found in the central portion of the lung more than at the lung periphery immediately after intravenous injection, in contrast to the WT mice. Activation of melanoma adhesion receptors by thrombin or TRAP stimulated lung colonization in WT but not KO mice. Therefore, the correlation of tumour embolism and metastasis in short-term experiments depends on the nature and stability of interactions between the tumour and the blood/endothelial cells of the host.