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Chaer LER, de Mendonça JM, Del Negro MC, Titze-de-Almeida R, Nogueira NPB, Provetti PM, de Paula Brandão PR, de Carvalho Bispo DD, Ferreira GB, Faber I, Cavalcante TB, Adoni T, Mazzeu JF, von Glehn F. Differential diagnosis between multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies - A scoping review. J Neurol Sci 2024; 459:122969. [PMID: 38507990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.122969] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by damage to the myelin sheaths of oligodendrocytes. Currently, there is no specific biomarker to identify the disease; however, a diagnostic criterion has been established based on patient's clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics, which assists in identifying this condition. The primary method for diagnosing MS is the McDonald criteria, first described in 2001 and revised in the years 2005, 2012, and 2017. These criteria have been continuously reviewed to enhance specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of MS, thereby reducing errors in its differential diagnosis. An important differential diagnosis that shares overlapping features with MS, mainly the progressive forms, are leukodystrophies with demyelination as underlying pathology. Leukodystrophies comprise a rare group of genetically determined disorders that lead to either demyelination or hypomyelination of the central nervous system that can result neuroimaging changes as well as clinical findings similar to those observed in MS. Thus, systematic evaluation encompassing clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, and laboratory metrics proves indispensable for a differential diagnosis. As such, this study aimed to establish, clearly and objectively, the similarities and differences between MS and the main demyelinating leukodystrophies. The study analyzed the parameters of the McDonald criteria, including clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging aspects, as found in patients with leukodystrophies through scoping literature review. The data were compared with the determinations of the revised 2017 McDonald criteria to facilitate the differential diagnosis of these diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ingrid Faber
- School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Felipe von Glehn
- School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil; Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Araújo Lacerda PH, de Oliveira EP, de Oliveira MEF, Vianna YSS, Costa AM, Pereira Dos Santos E, Guérard LMC, Ferreira MADM, Rodrigues Dos Santos IC, Gonçalves JDDS, Ginani Ferreira G, Souza Titze-de-Almeida S, Brandão PRDP, Eri Shimizu H, Silva APB, Delgado-Rodrigues RN. Sleep and memory complaints in long COVID: an insight into clustered psychological phenotypes. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16669. [PMID: 38313024 PMCID: PMC10836207 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16669] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated clinical features of individuals with long COVID (5-8 months after diagnosis) who reported sleep and memory problems (62 cases) compared to those without (52 controls). Both groups had a similar mean age (41 vs. 39 years). Around 86% of the participants were non-hospitalized at the time of infection, and none of them were vaccinated at that point. Subsequently, both cases and controls received the vaccine; however, the vaccination rates differed significantly between the groups (30.7% vs. 51.0%). Cases and controls had similar rates of symptoms at acute COVID phase. However, cases were more likely to experience coryza, dyspnea, headache, and nausea/vomiting during long COVID. Regarding new-onset symptoms in long COVID, 12.9% of cases had dyspnea, and 14.5% experienced nausea/vomiting, whereas in the control group there were only 1.9% and 0.0%, respectively. Cases also had a significantly higher prevalence of persistent headache (22.6% vs. 7.7%), and dyspnea (12.9% vs. 0.0). In addition, cases also showed an increased rate of mental health complaints: disability in daily activities (45.2% vs. 9.6%; P < 0.001); concentration/sustained attention difficulties (74.2% vs. 9.6%; P < 0.001); anxiety-Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) ≥ 3 (66.1% vs. 34.6%; P = 0.0013); and "post-COVID sadness" (82.3% vs. 40.4%; P < 0.001). We observed a significant correlation between sadness and anxiety in cases, which was not observed in controls (P=0.0212; Spearman correlation test). Furthermore, the frequency of concomitant sadness and anxiety was markedly higher in cases compared to controls (59.7% vs. 19.2%) (P < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney test). These findings highlight a noteworthy association between sadness and anxiety specifically in cases. In conclusion, our data identified concurrent psychological phenotypes in individuals experiencing sleep and memory disturbances during long COVID. This strengthens the existing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 causes widespread brain pathology with interconnected phenotypic clusters. This finding highlights the need for comprehensive medical attention to address these complex issues, as well as major investments in testing strategies capable of preventing the development of long COVID sequelae, such as vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- University of Brasília/FAV, Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Edson Pereira de Oliveira
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Amanda Machado Costa
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloísa Pereira Dos Santos
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Louise Marie Coelho Guérard
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gabriel Ginani Ferreira
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- University of Brasília/FAV, Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- University of Brasília/FAV, Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Pedro Renato de Paula Brandão
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Sírio-Libanês Hospital, Brasília, Brazil., Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Helena Eri Shimizu
- Department of Collective Health, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Andrezza Paula Brito Silva
- Central Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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3
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Titze-de-Almeida SS, Titze-de-Almeida R. Progress in circRNA-Targeted Therapy in Experimental Parkinson's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2035. [PMID: 37631249 PMCID: PMC10459713 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082035] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules often circularized by backsplicing. Growing evidence implicates circRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (PD)-the first and second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders. In this sense, circSNCA, circHIPK2, circHIPK3, and circSLC8A1 are circRNAs that have been related to the neurodegenerative process of PD. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies on circRNAs have shed light on their roles in the pathobiology of various diseases. Gain-of-function approaches typically employ viral or non-viral vectors that hyperexpress RNA sequences capable of circularizing to form the specific circRNA under investigation. In contrast, loss-of-function studies utilize CRISPR/Cas systems, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), or RNAi techniques to knock down the target circRNA. The role of aberrantly expressed circRNAs in brain pathology has raised a critical question: could circRNAs serve as viable targets for neuroprotective treatments? Translating any oligonucleotide-based therapy, including those targeting circRNAs, involves developing adequate brain delivery systems, minimizing off-target effects, and addressing the high costs of treatment. Nonetheless, RNAi-based FDA-approved drugs have entered the market, and circRNAs have attracted significant attention and investment from major pharmaceutical companies. Spanning from bench to bedside, circRNAs present a vast opportunity in biotechnology for oligonucleotide-based therapies designed to slow or even halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center for Major Themes, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center for Major Themes, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida R, da Cunha TR, Dos Santos Silva LD, Ferreira CS, Silva CP, Ribeiro AP, de Castro Moreira Santos Júnior A, de Paula Brandão PR, Silva APB, da Rocha MCO, Xavier MAE, Titze-de-Almeida SS, Shimizu HE, Delgado-Rodrigues RN. Persistent, new-onset symptoms and mental health complaints in Long COVID in a Brazilian cohort of non-hospitalized patients. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:133. [PMID: 35135496 PMCID: PMC8821794 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections lead to acute- and chronic Long COVID (LC) symptoms. However, few studies have addressed LC sequelae on brain functions. This study was aimed to examine if acute symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would persist during LC, and if memory problems would be correlated with sleep, depressive mood, or anxious complaints. METHODS Our work followed a cohort of 236 patients from two public hospitals of the Federal District in mid-western Brazil. Patients' interviews checked for clinical symptoms during acute and LC (5-8 months after real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, RT-qPCR). RESULTS Most cases were non-hospitalized individuals (86.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years. While myalgia (50%), hyposmia (48.3%), and dysgeusia (45.8%) were prevalent symptoms in acute phase, fatigue (21.6%) followed by headache (19.1%) and myalgia (16.1%) commonly occurred during LC. In LC, 39.8% of individuals reported memory complaints, 36.9% felt anxious, 44.9% felt depressed, and 45.8% had sleep problems. Furthermore, memory complaints were associated with sleep problems (adjusted OR 3.206; 95% CI 1.723-6.030) and depressive feelings (adjusted OR 3.981; 95% CI 2.068-7.815). CONCLUSIONS The SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to persistent symptoms during LC, in which memory problems may be associated with sleep and depressive complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil.
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory-FAV, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Thaylise Ramalho da Cunha
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Clarisse Santos Ferreira
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Caroline Pena Silva
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Andrezza Paula Brito Silva
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Mary-Ann Elvina Xavier
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory-FAV, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília-Central Institute of Sciences, Brasília, Brazil
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory-FAV, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Helena Eri Shimizu
- Department of Collective Health, Research Center for Major Themes, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Xavier MA, Rezende F, Titze-de-Almeida R, Cornelissen B. BRCAness as a Biomarker of Susceptibility to PARP Inhibitors in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1188. [PMID: 34439854 PMCID: PMC8394995 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. GBMs commonly acquire resistance to standard-of-care therapies. Among the novel means to sensitize GBM to DNA-damaging therapies, a promising strategy is to combine them with inhibitors of the DNA damage repair (DDR) machinery, such as inhibitors for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). PARP inhibitors (PARPis) have already shown efficacy and have received regulatory approval for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer treatment. In these cancer types, after PARPi administration, patients carrying specific mutations in the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and 2 (BRCA2) suppressor genes have shown better response when compared to wild-type carriers. Mutated BRCA genes are infrequent in GBM tumors, but their cells can carry other genetic alterations that lead to the same phenotype collectively referred to as 'BRCAness'. The most promising biomarkers of BRCAness in GBM are related to isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (IDH1/2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), MYC proto-oncogene, and estrogen receptors beta (ERβ). BRCAness status identified by accurate biomarkers can ultimately predict responsiveness to PARPi therapy, thereby allowing patient selection for personalized treatment. This review discusses potential biomarkers of BRCAness for a 'precision medicine' of GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Ann Xavier
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, University of Brasília—UnB/FAV, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.R.); (R.T.-d.-A.)
| | - Fernando Rezende
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, University of Brasília—UnB/FAV, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.R.); (R.T.-d.-A.)
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Central Institute of Sciences, Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, University of Brasília—UnB/FAV, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.R.); (R.T.-d.-A.)
| | - Bart Cornelissen
- Department of Oncology, Radiobiology Research Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Scalon MC, Martins CS, Ferreira GG, Schlemmer F, Titze-de-Almeida R, Paludo GR. RT-rtPCR quantification of circulating microRNAs in plasma and serum samples from healthy domestic cats. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:1151-1155. [PMID: 34301168 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211034843] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level by silencing targeted messenger RNA (mRNA). Most studies concerning miRNA expression use solid tissue samples. However, circulating miRNAs from different body fluids have recently emerged as diagnostic and prognostic molecules, given that they hold informative value and have increased stability in cell-free form. Blood sampling of cats can be challenging given their small body size and because they often experience distress when handled. We quantified miR-20a, -192, -365, -15b-5p, and -16-5p from plasma and serum samples of 10 healthy domestic cats. Our RT-rtPCR procedure used 100 µL of either plasma or serum samples as sources of biomarker molecules. However, serum provided higher amounts of miRNA than plasma samples, with a p < 0.0001 for miR-20a and p < 0.0002 for miR-16-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela C Scalon
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Christine S Martins
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G Ferreira
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Franciele Schlemmer
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Giane R Paludo
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida SS, Brandão PRDP, Faber I, Titze-de-Almeida R. Leading RNA Interference Therapeutics Part 1: Silencing Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis, with a Focus on Patisiran. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 24:49-59. [PMID: 31701435 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00434-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In 2018, patisiran was the first-ever RNA interference (RNAi)-based drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Now pharmacology textbooks may include a new drug class that results in the effect first described by Fire and Mello 2 decades ago: post-transcriptional gene silencing by a small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) present with mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene that lead to the formation of amyloid deposits in peripheral nerves and heart. The disease may also affect the eye and central nervous system. The formulation of patisiran comprises the RNAi drug encapsulated into a nanoparticle especially developed to deliver the anti-TTR siRNA into the main TTR producer: the liver. Hepatic cells contain apolipoprotein E receptors that recognize ApoE proteins opsonized in the lipid carrier and internalize the drug by endocytosis. Lipid vesicles are disrupted in the cell cytoplasm, and siRNAs are free to trigger the RNAi-based TTR gene silencing. The silencing process involves the binding of siRNA guide strand to 3'-untranslated region sequence of both mutant and wild-type TTR messenger RNA, which culminates in the TTR mRNA cleavage by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) as the first biochemical drug effect. Patisiran 0.3 mg/kg is administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Patients require premedication with anti-inflammatory drugs and antagonists of histamine H1 and H2 receptors to prevent infusion-related reactions and may require vitamin A supplementation. Following patisiran treatment, TTR knockdown remained stable for at least 2 years. Adverse effects were mild to moderate with unchanged hematological, renal, or hepatic parameters. No drug-related severe adverse effects occurred in a 24-month follow-up phase II open-label extension study. At the recommended dosage of patisiran, Cmax and AUC values (mean ± standard deviation) were 7.15 ± 2.14 μg/mL and 184 ± 159 μg·h/mL, respectively. The drug showed stability in circulation with > 95% encapsulated in lipid particles. Metabolization occurred by ribonuclease enzymes, with less than 1% excreted unchanged in the urine. Patisiran ameliorated neuropathy impairment according to the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score + 7 analysis of the phase III study. The Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy score and gait speed improved in 51% of the patisiran-treated group in 18 months. Additionally, the modified body mass index showed positive outcomes. Altogether, the data across phase I-III clinical trials points to patisiran as an effective and safe drug for the treatment of hATTR amyloidosis. It is hoped that real-world data from a larger number of patients treated with patisiran will confirm the effectiveness of this first-approved siRNA-based drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide S Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Pedro Renato de Paula Brandão
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Neurology Clinic, Medical Department, Chamber of Deputies, The National Congress, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Faber
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Brandão PRP, Munhoz RP, Grippe TC, Cardoso FEC, de Almeida E Castro BM, Titze-de-Almeida R, Tomaz C, Tavares MCH. Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: A clinical and pathophysiological overview. J Neurol Sci 2020; 419:117177. [PMID: 33068906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) has received increasing attention, and, together with other non-motor symptoms, exert a significant functional impact in the daily lives of patients. This article aims to compile and briefly summarize selected published data about clinical features, cognitive evaluation, biomarkers, and pathophysiology of PD-related dementia (PDD). The literature search included articles indexed in the MEDLINE/PubMed database, published in English, over the last two decades. Despite significant progress on clinical criteria and cohort studies for PD-mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and PDD, there are still knowledge gaps about its exact molecular and pathological basis. Here we overview the scientific literature on the role of functional circuits, neurotransmitter systems (monoaminergic and cholinergic), basal forebrain, and brainstem nuclei dysfunction in PD-MCI. Correlations between neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, clinical outcomes, and pathological results are described to aid in uncovering the neurodegeneration pattern in PD-MCI and PDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Renato P Brandão
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade de Brasília (UnB); Neurology Section, Medical Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Renato Puppi Munhoz
- Toronto Western Hospital, Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital - UHN, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Talyta Cortez Grippe
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade de Brasília (UnB); Movement Disorders Group, Neurology Unit, Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal; School of Medicine, Centro Universitário de Brasília (UniCEUB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Francisco Eduardo Costa Cardoso
- Movement Disorders Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Neurology Service, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carlos Tomaz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior and Graduate Program in Environment, CEUMA University - UniCEUMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
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Titze-de-Almeida SS, Soto-Sánchez C, Fernandez E, Koprich JB, Brotchie JM, Titze-de-Almeida R. The Promise and Challenges of Developing miRNA-Based Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040841. [PMID: 32244357 PMCID: PMC7226753 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small double-stranded RNAs that exert a fine-tuning sequence-specific regulation of cell transcriptome. While one unique miRNA regulates hundreds of mRNAs, each mRNA molecule is commonly regulated by various miRNAs that bind to complementary sequences at 3’-untranslated regions for triggering the mechanism of RNA interference. Unfortunately, dysregulated miRNAs play critical roles in many disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world. Treatment of this slowly, progressive, and yet incurable pathology challenges neurologists. In addition to L-DOPA that restores dopaminergic transmission and ameliorate motor signs (i.e., bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors), patients commonly receive medication for mood disorders and autonomic dysfunctions. However, the effectiveness of L-DOPA declines over time, and the L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias commonly appear and become highly disabling. The discovery of more effective therapies capable of slowing disease progression –a neuroprotective agent–remains a critical need in PD. The present review focus on miRNAs as promising drug targets for PD, examining their role in underlying mechanisms of the disease, the strategies for controlling aberrant expressions, and, finally, the current technologies for translating these small molecules from bench to clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide S. Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil;
| | - Cristina Soto-Sánchez
- Neuroprosthetics and Visual Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Alicante, Spain; (C.S.-S.); (E.F.)
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Neuroprosthetics and Visual Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Alicante, Spain; (C.S.-S.); (E.F.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine—CIBER-BBN, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - James B. Koprich
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; (J.B.K.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Jonathan M. Brotchie
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; (J.B.K.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-61-3107-7222
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10
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Titze-de-Almeida SS. miR-7 Replacement Therapy in Parkinson's Disease. Curr Gene Ther 2019; 18:143-153. [PMID: 29714132 DOI: 10.2174/1566523218666180430121323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [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: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present review examines whether the microRNA 7 (miR-7) holds potential for slowing Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. First, the accurate expression of miR-7 allows for normal development, physiology, and neurogenesis in the central nervous system, also keeping alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) at the physiological level. Second, patients with PD and parkinsonian MPTP-induced animals exhibit a significant decrease of miR-7 in brain areas associated with dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Depletion of miR-7 in the substantia nigra of clinical samples is related to α-Syn accumulation, loss of dopaminergic cells, and reduction of dopamine in the striatum. Therefore, the goal of a miR-7- replacement therapy is to downregulate α-Syn and other PD-related genes, achieving multi-target benefits regarding oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, cell glycolysis, apoptosis, and inhibition of inflammasome activation. While a disease-modifying drug is a major unmet need for the clinical management of PD, an miR-7-replacement therapy presents a striking potential against critical mechanisms of neuropathology. Such innovative treatment would reduce α-Syn accumulation in the Lewy bodies and preserve remaining neurons yet viable at the time of diagnosis, thus slowing disease progression from the early phase of PD characterized by a relatively mild motor impairment to an advanced and more disabling stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília, 70910- 900, Brazil
| | - Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília, 70910- 900, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Titze-de-Almeida SS, Ferreira NR, Fontanari C, Faccioli LH, Del Bel E. Suppressing nNOS Enzyme by Small-Interfering RNAs Protects SH-SY5Y Cells and Nigral Dopaminergic Neurons from 6-OHDA Injury. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:117-131. [PMID: 31041676 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has chemical properties that make it uniquely suitable as an intracellular and intercellular messenger. NO is produced by the activity of the enzyme nitric oxide synthases (NOS). There is substantial and mounting evidence that slight abnormalities of NO may underlie a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders. NO participates of the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes that contribute to the progressive dopaminergic loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the effects of neuronal NOS-targeted siRNAs on the injury caused in dopaminergic neurons by the toxin 6-hidroxydopamine (6-OHDA). First, we confirmed (immunohistochemistry and Western blotting) that SH-SY5Y cell lineage expresses the dopaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the protein under analysis, neuronal NOS (nNOS). We designed four siRNAs by using the BIOPREDsi algorithm choosing the one providing the highest knockdown of nNOS mRNA in SH-SY5Y cells, as determined by qPCR. siRNA 4400 carried by liposomes was internalized into cells, caused a concentration-dependent knockdown on nNOS, and reduced the toxicity induced by 6-OHDA (p < 0.05). Regarding in vivo action in the dopamine-depleted animals, intra-striatal injection of siRNA 4400 at 4 days prior 6-OHDA produced a decrease in the rotational behavior induced by apomorphine. Finally, siRNA 4400 mitigated the loss of TH(+) cells in substantia nigra dorsal and ventral part. In conclusion, the suppression of nNOS enzyme by targeted siRNAs modified the progressive death of dopaminergic cells induced by 6-OHDA and merits further pre-clinical investigations as a neuroprotective approach for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília-FAV, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Simoneide S Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília-FAV, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Nadia Rubia Ferreira
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fontanari
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Bromatology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Helena Faccioli
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Bromatology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Resende FFB, Titze-de-Almeida SS, Titze-de-Almeida R. Function of neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme in temozolomide-induced damage of astrocytic tumor cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:4891-4899. [PMID: 29552127 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytic tumors, including astrocytomas and glioblastomas, are the most common type of primary brain tumors. Treatment for glioblastomas includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and surgical ablation. Despite certain therapeutic advances, the survival time of patients is no longer than 12-14 months. Cancer cells overexpress the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). In the present study, it was examined whether the nNOS enzyme serves a role in the damage of astrocytoma (U251MG and U138MG) and glioblastoma (U87MG) cells caused by TMZ. First, TMZ (250 µM) triggered an increase in oxidative stress at 2, 48 and 72 h in the U87MG, U251MG and U138MG cell lines, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate assay. The drug also reduced cell viability, as measured by MTT assay. U87MG cells presented a more linear decline in cell viability at time-points 2, 48 and 72 h, compared with the U251MG and U138MG cell lines. The peak of oxidative stress occurred at 48 h. To examine the role of NOS enzymes in the cell damage caused by TMZ, N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) were used. L-NAME increased the cell damage caused by TMZ while reducing the oxidative stress at 48 h. The preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-NI also improved the TMZ effects. It caused a 12.8% decrease in the viability of TMZ-injured cells. Indeed, 7-NI was more effective than L-NAME in restraining the increase in oxidative stress triggered by TMZ. Silencing nNOS with a synthetic small interfering (si)RNA (siRNAnNOShum_4400) increased by 20% the effects of 250 µM of TMZ on cell viability (P<0.05). Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining confirmed that nNOS knock-down enhanced TMZ injury. In conclusion, our data reveal that nNOS enzymes serve a role in the damage produced by TMZ on astrocytoma and glioblastoma cells. RNA interference with nNOS merits further studies in animal models to disclose its potential use in brain tumor anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Francisco Borges Resende
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Horst CH, Titze-de-Almeida R, Titze-de-Almeida SS. The involvement of Eag1 potassium channels and miR-34a in rotenone-induced death of dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:1479-1488. [PMID: 28259991 PMCID: PMC5364983 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of dopaminergic neurons and the resultant motor impairment are hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The SH‑SY5Y cell line is a model of dopaminergic neurons, and allows for the study of dopaminergic neuronal injury. Previous studies have revealed changes in Ether à go‑go 1 (Eag1) potassium channel expression during p53-induced SH‑SY5Y apoptosis, and the regulatory involvement of microRNA‑34a (miR‑34a) was demonstrated. In the present study, the involvement of Eag1 and miR‑34a in rotenone‑induced SH‑SY5Y cell injury was investigated. Rotenone is a neurotoxin, which is often used to generate models of Parkinson's disease, since it causes the death of nigrostriatal neurons by inducing intracellular aggregation of alpha synuclein and ubiquitin. In the present study, rotenone resulted in a dose‑dependent decrease in cell viability, as revealed by 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue cell counting assays. In addition, Eag1 was demonstrated to be constitutively expressed by SH‑SY5Y cells, and involved in cell viability. Suppression of Eag1 with astemizole resulted in a dose‑dependent decrease in cell viability, as revealed by MTT assay. Astemizole also enhanced the severity of rotenone‑induced injury in SH‑SY5Y cells. RNA interference against Eag1, using synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), corroborated this finding, as siRNAs potentiated rotenone‑induced injury. Eag1‑targeted siRNAs (kv10.1‑3 or EAG1hum_287) resulted in a statistically significant 16.4‑23.5% increase in vulnerability to rotenone. An increased number of apoptotic nuclei were observed in cells transfected with EAG1hum_287. Notably, this siRNA intensified rotenone‑induced apoptosis, as revealed by an increase in caspase 3/7 activity. Conversely, a miR‑34a inhibitor was demonstrated to exert neuroprotective effects. The viability of cells exposed to rotenone for 24 or 48 h and treated with miR‑34a inhibitor was restored by 8.4‑8.8%. In conclusion, Eag1 potassium channels and miR‑34a are involved in the response to rotenone-induced injury in SH‑SY5Y cells. The neuroprotective effect of mir‑34a inhibitors merits further investigations in animal models of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hillesheim Horst
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910‑900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910‑900, Brazil
| | - Simoneide Souza Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910‑900, Brazil
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Castania V, Issy AC, Silveira JW, Ferreira FR, Titze-de-Almeida SS, Resende FFB, Ferreira NR, Titze-de-Almeida R, Defino HLA, Del Bel E. The Presence of the Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoform in the Intervertebral Disk. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:148-161. [PMID: 27761804 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disk degeneration is a progressive and debilitating disease with multifactorial causes. Nitric oxide (NO) might contribute to the cell death pathway. We evaluated the presence of the constitutive form of the neuronal NOS (nNOS) in both health and degenerated intervertebral disk through qPCR and immunohistochemistry. We also analyzed the potential role of nNOS modulation in the tail needle puncture model of intervertebral disk degeneration. Male Wistar rats were submitted to percutaneous disk puncture with a 21-gauge needle of coccygeal vertebras. The selective nNOS pharmacological inhibitor N (ω)-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) or a nNOS-target siRNA (siRNAnNOShum_4400) was injected immediately after the intervertebral disk puncture with a 30-gauge needle. Signs of disk degeneration were analyzed by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histological score. We found that intact intervertebral disks express low levels of nNOS mRNA. Disk injury caused a 4 fold increase in nNOS mRNA content at 5 h post disk lesion. However, NPLA or nNOS-target siRNA slight mitigate the intervertebral disk degenerative progress. Our data show evidence of the nNOS presence in the intervertebral disk and its upregulation during degeneration. Further studies would disclose the nNOS role and its potential therapeutical value in the intervertebral disk degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Castania
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14049-904, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Issy
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14049-904, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Walter Silveira
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14049-904, Brazil
| | - Frederico Rogério Ferreira
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando F B Resende
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, University of Brasilia - UnB/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nádia Rubia Ferreira
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14049-904, Brazil
| | | | - Helton L A Defino
- Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Prêto, SP, 14049-904, Brazil. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Resende FFB, Bai X, Del Bel EA, Kirchhoff F, Scheller A, Titze-de-Almeida R. Evaluation of TgH(CX3CR1-EGFP) mice implanted with mCherry-GL261 cells as an in vivo model for morphometrical analysis of glioma-microglia interaction. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:72. [PMID: 26856327 PMCID: PMC4746826 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive brain tumor. Microglia are prominent cells within glioma tissue and play important roles in tumor biology. This work presents an animal model designed for the study of microglial cell morphology in situ during gliomagenesis. It also allows a quantitative morphometrical analysis of microglial cells during their activation by glioma cells. Methods The animal model associates the following cell types: 1- mCherry red fluorescent GL261 glioma cells and; 2- EGFP fluorescent microglia, present in the TgH(CX3CR1-EGFP) mouse line. First, mCherry-GL261 glioma cells were implanted in the brain cortex of TgH(CX3CR1-EGFP) mice. Epifluorescence − and confocal laser-scanning microscopy were employed for analysis of fixed tissue sections, whereas two-photon laser-scanning microscopy (2P-LSM) was used to track tumor cells and microglia in the brain of living animals. Results Implanted mCherry-GL261 cells successfully developed brain tumors. They mimic the aggressive behavior found in human disease, with a rapid increase in size and the presence of secondary tumors apart from the injection site. As tumor grows, mCherry-GL261 cells progressively lost their original shape, adopting a heterogeneous and diffuse morphology at 14–18 d. Soma size increased from 10–52 μm. At this point, we focused on the kinetics of microglial access to glioma tissues. 2P-LSM revealed an intense microgliosis in brain areas already shortly after tumor implantation, i.e. at 30 min. By confocal microscopy, we found clusters of microglial cells around the tumor mass in the first 3 days. Then cells infiltrated the tumor area, where they remained during all the time points studied, from 6–18 days. Microglia in contact with glioma cells also present changes in cell morphology, from a ramified to an amoeboid shape. Cell bodies enlarged from 366 ± 0.0 μm2, in quiescent microglia, to 1310 ± 146.0 μm2, and the cell processes became shortened. Conclusions The GL261/CX3CR1 mouse model reported here is a valuable tool for imaging of microglial cells during glioma growth, either in fixed tissue sections or living animals. Remarkable advantages are the use of immunocompetent animals and the simplified imaging method without the need of immunohistochemical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F B Resende
- Laboratório de Tecnologias para Terapia Gênica, ASS 128, ICC Sul, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, FAV., Brasília, DF, Brasil, 70910-970. .,Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Elaine Aparecida Del Bel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia e Biologia Molecular, Department Morfologia Fisiologia e Patologia Básica, FORP, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil, 14040-904.
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Laboratório de Tecnologias para Terapia Gênica, ASS 128, ICC Sul, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, FAV., Brasília, DF, Brasil, 70910-970.
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Souza ACO, Nascimento AL, de Vasconcelos NM, Jerônimo MS, Siqueira IM, R-Santos L, Cintra DOS, Fuscaldi LL, Pires Júnior OR, Titze-de-Almeida R, Borin MF, Báo SN, Martins OP, Cardoso VN, Fernandes SO, Mortari MR, Tedesco AC, Amaral AC, Felipe MSS, Bocca AL. Activity and in vivo tracking of Amphotericin B loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 95:267-76. [PMID: 25827397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles has become an important strategy for optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of many classical drugs, as it may expand their activities, reduce their toxicity, increase their bioactivity and improve biodistribution. In this study, nanoparticles of Amphotericin B entrapped within poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid and incorporated with dimercaptosuccinic acid (NANO-D-AMB) as a target molecule were evaluated for their physic-chemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics, biocompatibility and antifungal activity. We found high plasma concentrations of Amphotericin B upon treatment with NANO-D-AMB and a high uptake of nanoparticles in the lungs, liver and spleen. NANO-D-AMB exhibited antifungal efficacy against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and induced much lower cytotoxicity levels compared to D-AMB formulation in vivo and in vitro. Together, these results confirm that NANO-D-AMB improves Amphotericin B delivery and suggest this delivery system as a potential alternative to the use of Amphotericin B sodium deoxycholate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C O Souza
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - M S Jerônimo
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - I M Siqueira
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L R-Santos
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - D O S Cintra
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L L Fuscaldi
- Biotechnology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - R Titze-de-Almeida
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - M F Borin
- Biotechnology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - S N Báo
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - O P Martins
- Chemistry Department of FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - V N Cardoso
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
| | - S O Fernandes
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
| | - M R Mortari
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - A C Tedesco
- Chemistry Department of FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - A C Amaral
- Biotechnology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil.
| | - M S S Felipe
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil; Genomic Science and Biotechnology Post-Graduate Program, Catholic University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - A L Bocca
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida SS, Lustosa CF, Horst CH, Bel ED, Titze-de-Almeida R. Interferon Gamma potentiates the injury caused by MPP(+) on SH-SY5Y cells, which is attenuated by the nitric oxide synthases inhibition. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:2452-64. [PMID: 25297574 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether the cytokine interferon (IFN) gamma plays a role in the injury of SH-SY5Y cells caused by MPP(+) (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium). First of all, IFN-gamma sensitized cells to the neurotoxin MPP(+), as determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. MPP(+)-injured cells showed higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which was reinforced by IFN-gamma. The injury triggered a marked expression of the neuronal NOS (nNOS) enzyme. L-NAME [N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a non-specific NOS inhibitor] reestablished the cell viability after IFN-gamma challenging, and recovered cells from MPP(+) injury (95.0 vs. 84.7 %; P < 0.05). Seven-NI (7-nitroindazole, a nNOS inhibitor) protected cells against the injury by MPP(+) co-administered with IFN-gamma. Both inhibitors restrained the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells caused by MPP(+)/IFN-gamma. Regarding oxidative stress, L-NAME and 7-NI attenuated the increase in ROS levels caused by MPP(+) (45.3 or 48.4 vs. 87.9 %, P < 0.05). Indeed, L-NAME was more effective than 7-NI for reducing oxidative stress caused by MPP(+) under IFN-gamma exposition. The nNOS gene silencing by small-interfering RNAs recovered cells challenged by IFN-gamma (24 h), or MPP(+) (8 h). In conclusion, IFN-gamma sensitizes cells to MPP(+)-induced injury, also causing an increase in ROS levels. Pretreating cells with L-NAME or 7-NI reverts both the oxidative stress and apoptosis triggered by the neurotoxin MPP(+). Taking together, our data reinforce that IFN-gamma and NOS enzymes play a role in oxidative stress and dopaminergic cell death triggered by MPP(+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide S Titze-de-Almeida
- Laboratório de Tecnologias para Terapia Gênica, ASS 128, ICC Sul. Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, FAV, Brasília, DF, 70910-970, Brazil
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Dorneles EMS, de Faria APP, Pauletti RB, Santana JA, Caldeira GAV, Heinemann MB, Titze-de-Almeida R, Lage AP. Genetic stability of Brucella abortus S19 and RB51 vaccine strains by multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA16). Vaccine 2013; 31:4856-9. [PMID: 23933375 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were (i) to assess the in vitro genetic stability of S19 and RB51 Brucella abortus vaccines strains and (ii) to evaluate the ability of multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) as a tool to be used in the quality control of live vaccines against brucellosis. Sixty-three batches of commercial S19 (n=53) and RB51 (n=10) vaccines, produced between 2006 and 2009, were used in this study. S19 and RB51 vaccines were obtained from, respectively, seven and two different manufacturers. Ten in vitro serial passages were performed on reference strains and on selected batches of commercial vaccines. All batches, reference strains and strains of serial passages were typed by the MLVA16. The results demonstrated that B. abortus S19 and RB51 vaccine strains are genetically stable and very homogeneous in their respective groups. Anyway, batches of S19 from one manufacturer and batches of RB51 from another presented genotypes distincts from the reference vaccine strains. In both cases, differences were found on locus Bruce07, which had addition of one repeat unit in the case of S19 batches and the deletion of one repeat unit in the case of RB51 batches. In summary, MLVA16 proved to be a molecular tool capable of discriminating small genomic variations and should be included in in vitro official tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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d'Azevedo PA, Santiago KADS, Furtado GHC, Xavier DB, Pignatari ACC, Titze-de-Almeida R. Rapid detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in rectal samples from patients admitted to intensive care units. Braz J Infect Dis 2010; 13:289-93. [PMID: 20231993 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-86702009000400010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduction in time required to identify vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has gained increased importance during hospital outbreaks. In the present study, we implemented a laboratory protocol to speed up the VRE screening from rectal samples. The protocol combines a medium for selective VRE isolation (VREBAC(R), Probac, São Paulo) and a multiplex PCR for detection and identification of vanA and vanB resistance genes. The screening performance was analyzed in 114 specimens collected from four intensive care units. The swabs were collected at two periods: (1) during a VRE outbreak (February 2006, n=83 patients) and (2) at the post-outbreak period, after adoption of infection control measures (June 2006, n=31 patients). Forty-one/83 VRE (49.4%) and 3/31(9.7%) VRE were found at the first and second period, respectively. All isolates harbored the vanA gene. In both periods, detection of the gene vanA parallels to the minimum inhibitory concentration values of >256 microg/mL and >48 microg/mL for vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively. Multiplex PCR and conventional methods agreed in 90.2% for enterococci identification. Besides this accuracy, we also found a remarkable reduction in time to obtain results. Detection of enterococcal species and identification of vancomycin resistance genes were ready in 29.5 hours, in comparison to 72 hours needed by the conventional methods. In conclusion, our protocol identified properly and rapidly enterococci species and vancomycin-resistance genes. The results strongly encourage its adoption by microbiology laboratories for VRE screening in rectal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alves d'Azevedo
- Laboratório Especial de Microbiologia Clínica - LEMC/ALERTA, Universidade Federal de São Paulo.
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Amaral AC, Bocca AL, Ribeiro AM, Nunes J, Peixoto DLG, Simioni AR, Primo FL, Lacava ZGM, Bentes R, Titze-de-Almeida R, Tedesco AC, Morais PC, Felipe MSS. Amphotericin B in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) nanoparticles against paracoccidioidomycosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 63:526-33. [PMID: 19151037 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkn539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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
OBJECTIVES The present study reports on the preparation and testing of a desoxycholate amphotericin B (D-AMB) sustained delivery system based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) polymeric blends (Nano-D-AMB) aimed at reducing the number of AMB administrations required to treat mycosis. METHODS BALB/c mice were infected with the yeast Paracoccidioides brasiliensis intravenously to mimic the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis. At 30 days post-infection, the animals were treated with Nano-D-AMB [6 mg/kg of encapsulated D-AMB, intraperitoneally (ip), interval of 72 h] or D-AMB (2 mg/kg, ip, interval of 24 h). Drug efficacy was investigated by the fungal burden recovery from tissues. Toxicity was assessed by renal and hepatic biochemical parameters, physical appearance of the animals and haematological investigation. The control groups used were non-infected and the infected mice mock treated with PBS. RESULTS Nano-D-AMB presented results comparable to free D-AMB, with a marked antifungal efficacy. The Nano-D-AMB-treated group presented lower loss of body weight and absence of stress sign (piloerection and hypotrichosis) observed after D-AMB treatment. No renal [blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine] or hepatic (pyruvic and oxalacetic glutamic transaminases) biochemical abnormalities were found. The micronucleus assay showed no significant differences in both the micronucleus frequency and percentage of polychromatic erythrocytes for Nano-D-AMB, indicating the absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS The D-AMB-coated PLGA-DMSA nanoparticle showed antifungal efficacy, fewer undesirable effects and a favourable extended dosing interval. Nano-D-AMB comprises an AMB formulation able to lessen the number of drug administrations. Further studies would elucidate whether Nano-D-AMB would be useful to treat systemic fungal infections such as paracoccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis and cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- André C Amaral
- Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília DF 70910-900, Brazil
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Batista Xavier D, Moreno Bernal FE, Titze-de-Almeida R. Absence of VanA- and VanB-containing enterococci in poultry raised on nonintensive production farms in Brazil. Appl Environ Microbiol 2006; 72:3072-3. [PMID: 16598023 PMCID: PMC1449063 DOI: 10.1128/aem.72.4.3072-3073.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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] Open
Abstract
We examined cloacal samples from poultry raised on nonintensive production farms in Brazil for the presence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. No VanA- or VanB-containing enterococci were identified in a total of 200 cloacal swabs. The most prevalent species were Enterococcus gallinarum (vanC1; 13.0%) and E. casseliflavus (vanC2/3; 5.5%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Batista Xavier
- Microbiologia Molecular & Biotecnología, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, C. Postal 04508, CEP 70910-900 Brasília-DF, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Van Belkum A, Felipe MSS, Zanella RC, Top J, Willems RJL. Multilocus Sequence Typing of Hospital-Associated Enterococcus faecium from Brazil Reveals Their Unique Evolutionary History. Microb Drug Resist 2006; 12:121. [PMID: 16922628 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2006.12.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the genetic relationships between vancomycin-susceptible (n = 11) and -resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE, n = 20) recovered from Brazil using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme. Grouping of allelic profiles revealed six clusters of related sequence types (STs) that differ in no more than two of the seven alleles. Of these, one cluster harbored 16 of the 20 isolates recovered during the first VRE outbreak in Brazil. The ampicillin and gentamicin resistance profiles were stable in the isolates that clustered within the groups I-III. Comparison with the allelic profiles of 139 E. faecium from different geographical regions and origins found in the international database http://www.mlst.net revealed that the Brazilian outbreak clone did not cluster in the previously named complex-17. This genetic complex contains hospital epidemic and clinical isolates recovered from different countries and continents. Twenty two of the 31 Brazilian isolates, including the VRE outbreak clone, clustered apart from the E. faecium isolates from the database, suggesting that these Brazilian isolates have a distinct evolutionary history.
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Willems RJL, Top J, Rodrigues IP, Ferreira RF, Boelens H, Brandileone MCC, Zanella RC, Felipe MSS, van Belkum A. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat polymorphism among Brazilian Enterococcus faecalis strains. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 42:4879-81. [PMID: 15472370 PMCID: PMC522324 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.42.10.4879-4881.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] Open
Abstract
Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) for seven genomic loci was developed for Enterococcus faecalis. MLVA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) resulted in 37 and 31 genotypes among 83 strains, respectively. Both typing schemes were highly concordant (90.4%). MLVA is an excellent alternative to PFGE.
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Rollo Filho M, Nogueira CA, Rodrigues IP, Eudes Filho J, Nascimento RSD, Ferreira RF, Moraes LMP, Boelens H, Van Belkum A, Felipe MSS. Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococci recovered from Brazilian intensive care units. Braz J Infect Dis 2004; 8:197-205. [PMID: 15476051 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-86702004000300002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the antimicrobial resistance and the molecular epidemiology of 99 enterococcal surveillance isolates from two hospitals of Brasilia, Brazil. Conventional biochemical tests were used to identify the enterococcal species and the disk diffusion method was used to determine their resistance profiles. Enterococcus faecalis (76%) and E. faecium (9%) were the most prevalent species. No enterococci showed the vanA or vanB vancomycin resistance phenotypes or genotypes. Only the intrinsically resistant species E. gallinarum (n=2) and E. casseliflavus (n=3) harbored the vancomycin-resistance genes vanC1 and vanC2/3, respectively. We found E. faecalis isolates with high-level resistance to gentamicin (22%) and streptomycin (8%) and both E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates with resistance to more than two antimicrobials (84% and 67%, respectively). Nine E. faecalis isolates (12%) were resistant to ampicillin; the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 16 microg/mL (n=6) and 32 microg/mL (n=3). Among these ampicillin-resistant E. faecalis, seven were also resistant to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, penicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and erythromycin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis classified those isolates in three different genotypes, suggesting dissemination of genetically related ampicillin-resistant E. faecalis strains among different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory-MMB, University Hospital of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Titze-de-Almeida R, de Oliveira CL, Shida HW, Guimarães FS, Del Bel EA. Midazolam and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP-7) attenuate stress-induced expression of c-fos mRNA in the dentate gyrus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 1994; 14:373-80. [PMID: 7788644 DOI: 10.1007/bf02088717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
1. The effects of restraint stress on c-fos mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus were investigated by in situ hybridization. 2. Confirming previous findings, c-fos mRNA expression increased after 30 min of forced restraint. 3. This effect was attenuated by a previous i.c.v. injection of the anxiolytic benzodiazepine midazolam (20 nmol/2 microliters) or the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP-7; 5 nmol/2 microliters). 4. These results suggest that the dentate gyrus is activated during restraint stress and that this activation may be modulated by benzodiazepine gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) or NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Titze-de-Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Titze-de-Almeida R, Shida H, Guimarães FS, Del-Bel EA. Stress-induced expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene in the hippocampal formation. Braz J Med Biol Res 1994; 27:1083-8. [PMID: 8087089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effects of stress on c-fos mRNA expression, rats were submitted to forced immobilization for 15, 30, 60 or 120 min before sacrifice. In situ hybridization was performed on sections containing the dorsal hippocampus with a 32P-labelled 50-base oligonucleotide probe (10(7)-10(9) cpm/micrograms) complementary to nucleotides 370-319 of rat c-fos. Forced restraint induced a time-dependent increase in c-fos mRNA expression which was most pronounced in the dentate gyrus and CA1-CA3 regions of the hippocampal formation, and which peaked after 30 min of immobilization (72.7 +/- 1.0 vs 24.1 +/- 0.8 cpm/mm2 in unrestrained animals). A positive but weaker signal was also detected in the amygdala, pyriform cortex and other parts of the cerebral cortex and habenulae. These results suggest that the hippocampal formation is activated during stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Titze-de-Almeida
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
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Del-Bel EA, Titze-de-Almeida R, Shida H, Garcia-Cairasco N, Corrêa FM, Guimarães FS. Induction of the c-fos proto-oncogene in the rat pineal gland during stress. Braz J Med Biol Res 1993; 26:975-81. [PMID: 8298532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effects of stressful stimuli on pineal gland activity, male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g, 2-4 per group) were submitted to 30 min of forced immobilization or to unilateral vibrissotomy 30 min before sacrifice. In situ hybridization was performed with a 35S-labelled 50-base oligonucleotide probe complementary to nucleotides 270-319 of rat c-fos on sections containing the pineal gland. Autoradiograms were quantified using a JAVA microdensitometer. Stressful stimuli induced a significant increase in the expression of c-fos mRNA in the pineal gland (restraint = 144.3 +/- 14.4 cpm/mm2; hemivibrissotomy = 206.7 +/- 29.5 cpm/mm2) as compared to no restraint animals (30.6 +/- 5.1 cpm/mm2), animals displaying tonic-clonic seizures after an ip (64 mg/kg) injection of pentylenetetrazole (34.0 +/- 4.7 cpm/mm2), or competition (70.6 +/- 11.4 cpm/mm2) and RNAase-treated (52.7 +/- 9.1 cpm/mm2) controls. These results raise the possibility that stressful stimuli may interfere with pineal gland function.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Del-Bel
- Departamentos de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
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