Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / There are some effective anesthetics for fishes, but it is important to search new alternatives of substances easily obtained, of low cost for fish farmers and with no risk to fish and human health. Therefore, this study analyzed the use of some substances extracted from plants as anesthetics, and if efective also evaluating their effects on the stress of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). To identify time of induction and anesthetic recovery, silver catfish juveniles were placed in aquaria containing different concentrations of clove oil (Eugenol), essential oils extracted from plants: Chenopodium ambrosioide, Eucalyptus citricola, Calea clematidea, Schinus terebentifolius, Schinus lentiscifolius and Lithraea brasiliensis or extracts obtained from Condalia buxifolia. After induction, fish were transferred to anesthetic-free aquaria to evaluate recovery time. To determine the levels of plasma cortisol, juveniles were exposed to 50mg/L of clove oil or 4mg/L of C. buxifolia methanolic extract and exposed to air for 1 min. Blood was collected 0, 1 and 4 h air exposure and some epecimens were killed at time 0h for sensorial evaluation of the fillet. The results obtained showed that clove oil is a safe alternative as an anesthetic to silver catfish at concentration of 50mg/L, as it reduces plasma cortisol when the fish is exposed to air. However, it leaves a slightly unpleasant taste in the fillet. The C. buxifolia methanolic extract can be used to sedate silver catfish, but it did not induce anesthesia either decrease stress during handling, as it did not alter cortisol levels compared to controls. Other tested substances did not demonstrate any anesthetic effect. / Existem alguns anestésicos efetivos para peixes, mas é importante buscar novas alternativas de substâncias de fácil aquisição e baixo custo aos piscicultores e que não ofereçam aos animais e manipuladores riscos à saúde. Portanto, este trabalho verificou a utilização de algumas substâncias extraídas de plantas como agentes anestésicos, e se efetivos também avaliar seus efeitos sobre o estresse em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). Para identificar o tempo de indução e recuperação anestésica foram utilizados juvenis de jundiá, os quais foram colocados em aquários com 1 L de água contendo diferentes concentrações de óleo de cravo (Eugenol), óleos essenciais extraídos das plantas: Chenopodium ambrosioide, Eucalyptus citricola, Calea clematidea, Schinus terebentifolius, Schinus lentiscifolius e Lithraea brasiliensis ou extratos de Condalia buxifolia. Após a indução, os peixes foram transferidos para aquários livres de anestésicos para avaliar de jundiá foram submetidos a 50 mg/L de óleo de cravo ou 4 mg/L de extrato metanólico de C. buxifolia e expostos ao ar por 1 min. O sangue foi coletado 0, 1 e 4 h após a exposição ao ar e alguns exemplares do tempo 0 h foram abatidos para testes de avaliação sensorial do filé. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o óleo de cravo é uma alternativa segura como anestésico para o jundiá na concentração de 50mg/L, pois reduz o cortisol plasmático no momento da exposição ao ar, mas deixa um sabor levemente desagradável ao filé. O extrato metanólico de C. buxifolia pode ser usado para sedação de jundiás, mas não chega a levar à anestesia e não minimiza o estresse da manipulação, pois não altera os níveis de cortisol em relação aos controles. Demais substâncias testadas não apresentaram efeito anestésico.

The physiological and behavioral responses can vary with the form of housing of the fish and the presence of anxiolytic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to acute stress in isolated and grouped fish and the effect of fluoxetine, diazepam and environmental enrichment on behavioral and endocrine parameters. Six experiments were performed: 1. Acute stress test in isolated and groups zebrafish; 2. Transfer of isolated or group zebrafish to a new environment; 3. Effect of introducing grouped stressed fish in a resident zebrafish shoal; 4. Effect of introducing one stressed fish in a resident zebrafish shoal; 5. Effect of acute exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam on behavioral responses after acute stress protocol; 6. Response to acute stress in isolated and grouped fish and the modulation by fluoxetine, diazepam and environmental enrichment. Based on the results we concluded that the group is able to potentiate stress response, however, that response is reduced by exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam in water and environmental enrichment; acute exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam modulates behavior in zebrafish after acute stress. / As respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais podem variar de acordo com a forma de alojamento dos peixes e pela presença de fármacos ansiolíticos. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resposta ao estresse agudo em peixes isolados e agrupados e o efeito da fluoxetina, diazepam e enriquecimento ambiental sobre parâmetros comportamentais e endócrino. Foram realizados 6 experimentos: 1. Teste de estresse agudo em peixes-zebra isolados e em grupos; 2. Transferência de peixes-zebra isolados ou em grupo para um ambiente novo; 3. Efeito da introdução de peixes agrupados estressados em um cardume de peixe-zebra residente; 4. Efeito da introdução de um peixe estressado em um cardume de peixe-zebra residente; 5. Efeito da exposição aguda à fluoxetina e diazepam sobre as respostas comportamentais após o protocolo de estresse agudo; 6. Resposta ao estresse agudo em peixes isolados, agrupados e a modulação por fluoxetina, diazepam e enriquecimento ambiental. Com base nos resultados concluímos que grupo é capaz de potencializar a resposta ao estresse, porém, essa resposta é reduzida pela exposição à fluoxetina e diazepam na água e pelo enriquecimento ambiental; a exposição aguda à fluoxetina e diazepam modula comportamentos em peixes-zebra após estresse agudo.

Mes travaux ont concerné 1) l'ascite, 2) l'inflammation systémique, et 3) l'identification de la l'insuffisance surrénale au cours de la cirrhose. L'analyse prospective de 515 paracentèses montrait que les taux de complications mineures et majeures étaient respectivement de 8,9% et de 1,6%. La paracentèse évacuatrice (vs. exploratrice) était associée au risque de complication majeure, tandis que l'étiologie alcoolique, la gravité de la cirrhose (Child-Pugh C) et l'intensité de la thrombopénie rendaient plus compte des complications mineures. Les performances de deux bandelettes urinaires (BU) pour le diagnostic de l'infection spontanée du liquide d'ascite (ISLA) étaient excellentes (100 paracentèses testées). Avec un seuil de 125 leucocytes/mm3, les performances de la BU Multistix 8SG affichaient de moins bons résultats dans notre étude multicentrique (2123 paracentèses): sensibilité à 45,3% et VPP à 77,9%. Une élévation persistante de la C-réactive protéine (CRP) >29 mg/L entre JO et J15 prédisait la survie à 6 mois chez 175 patients cirrhotiques (Child-Pugh>7) hospitalisés, indépendamment du MELD, de l'existence de comorbidités extra-hépatiques et d'un carcinome hépatocellulaire. Nous avons montré que les concentrations de cortisol total sérique (CTS) diminuaient avec la dégradation de la fonction hépatique alors que les concentrations du cortisol libre sérique (CLS) et salivaire augmentaient ; cette chute du CTS était en rapport avec une chute des concentrations des protéines porteuses du cortisol [albumine et cortisol binding protein (CBG)] produites par le foie. Nous avons aussi montré que des concentrations élevées de CLS étaient associées à une surmortalité. / My research has been focused on: 1) managing ascitis, 2) the systemic inflammation, and 3) the adrenal insufficiency in cirrhosis. Our prospective analysis of 515 paracentesis showed that the rates of minor and major complications were of 8.9% and of 1.6%, respectively. Therapeutic (vs. diagnostic) paracentesis was associated with risk of major complications, whereas the aetiology related to alcohol, the severity of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) and the intensity of thrombopenia were associated with minor complications. The performances of two urinary strips for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) were excellent (100 paracentesis tested). Using the cut-off of 125 leukocytes/mm3, the performances of the Multistix 8SG strip displayed disappointing results in our multicenter study (2123 paracentesis): sensitivity of 45.3% and PPV of 77.9%. A Persistent C-reactive protein (CRP) >29 mg/L within the first 15 days predicted the 6-month mortality in 175 cirrhotic inpatients (Child-Pugh>7), independently of the MELD score, extra-hepatic comorbidities and hepatocellular carcinoma. We demonstrated that concentrations of serum total cortisol (STC) decreased along with the altération of hepatic function while the concentrations of serum free cortisol (SPC) and salivary cortisol increased. The low concentrations of STC in these patients were related to reduced serum concentrations of cortisol-binding proteins [albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG)], both synthesized in the liver. Unlike previously reported. we have shown that patients who died at 12 months had high levels of SPC after 1ug of Synacthen, challenging the concept of "hepatoadrenal syndrome".

En élevage intensif, les porcs sont exposés à de nombreux facteurs de stress qui pourraient favoriser la survenue d’infections et contribuer à l’utilisation massive d’antibiotiques. Les facteurs de stress activent principalement l’axe hypothalamo-hypophyso-surrénalien et l’axe sympatho-adréno-médullaire qui contribuent au retour à l’état d’équilibre. Les médiateurs de ces deux axes, les glucocorticoïdes et les catécholamines, peuvent moduler les réponses immunitaires d’un individu. Dans ce contexte, les objectifs de ma thèse étaient de décrire (i) les effets d’un stress social aigu chez des porcelets forts et faibles répondeurs à une stimulation à l’ACTH sur des paramètres immunitaires et (ii) les effets des catécholamines sur les macrophages porcins. Un mélange de loge durant 1h avec des congénères non familiers induit une mobilisation leucocytaire mais altère la plupart des fonctions immunitaires analysées. Si la majorité des paramètres immunitaires testés ne diffère pas entre les porcelets des 2 groupes, les porcelets avec un axe corticotrope fort semblent plus résilients au stress ce qui encourage à poursuivre cette stratégie de sélection génétique pour produire des porcs robustes. Les effets des catécholamines sur les macrophages ont ensuite été étudiés plus spécifiquement in vitro. L’activation du récepteur β2-adrénergique affecte la sécrétion de cytokines pro-inflammatoires induite par le LPS et diminue l’expression des marqueurs pro-inflammatoires par les macrophages. L’ensemble des résultats obtenus avec des approches in vivo et in vitro devrait permettre une meilleure compréhension des relations entre stress et immunité chez le porc. / In intensive husbandry, pigs are exposed to multiple stressful events, which are thought to impair immune defences and may contribute to the prophylactic use of antibiotics. Stressors mainly activate hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and sympatho-adreno-medullar axes, which both contribute to restore homeostasis. Glucocorticoids and catecholamines are mediators of these two pathways and may modulate immune responses. In this context, my PhD project aimed (i) to describe acute social stress effects on immune traits in piglets high and low responders to ACTH stimulation and (ii) to analyze catecholamine effects on porcine macrophages in vitro. One-hour mixing with unfamiliar conspecifics increases leucocyte mobilization and affects most of tested immune functions. Although most immune parameters do not differ between piglets from both groups, stress effects were less pronounced in piglets with a strong HPA axis. Thus, selecting piglets with a strong HPA axis seems a valuable tool to produce robust animals. Catecholamine effects were then more specifically studied on macrophages in vitro. β2-adrenergic receptor activation affects LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and decreases pro-inflammatory marker expression in porcine macrophages. Altogether these data obtained using in vivo and in vitro experiments should allow a better understanding of the relationships between stress and immunity in pigs.

O presente projeto levantou uma discussão a respeito das condições psicológicas, fisiológicas e éticas pelas quais passam os cães de trabalho da Polícia Militar, com foco em investigar se a rotina de trabalho leva a condições de estresse e a influência desses fatores no desempenho reprodutivo e na qualidade de vida dos animais. O estudo foi realizado no Canil da Polícia Militar de Campinas, com a participação de oito cães machos de quatro diferentes raças (2 Pastor Alemão, 2 Belga Malinois, 2 Dobermann e 2 Rotwailler), sendo divididos em dois períodos: Período trabalho - animais que estavam em treinamento e trabalho e Período controle - animais que estavam no dia de descanso. Foram colhidas amostras de saliva para a dosagem de cortisol no método de eletroquimioluminescência, fez-se a observação comportamental através da elaboração e analise de um etograma de trabalho e houve a coleta e análise de sêmen. Os resultados mostraram concentrações médias de cortisol salivar no Período Controle de 0,361 à 0,438µg/dl e no Período trabalho 0,312 à 0,592 µg/dl, sendo os maiores valores encontrados após o retorno do trabalho. Nas avaliações de comportamento observamos que na maior parte do período, os animais apresentaram-se em repouso e poucos comportamentos estereotipados foram destacados e as raças Pastor Alemão, Belga Malinois e Dobermann apresentaram parâmetros seminais desejáveis. A raça Rotwailler apresentou cortisol elevado, comportamentos estereotipados e maior taxa de anormalidades espermáticas, portanto acreditamos que não seja a raça mais indicada para os trabalhos desenvolvidos pelas polícias Nosso estudo indica que os cães de trabalho avaliados adaptados ao ambiente desde filhote, apresentam boa capacidade de adaptação ao ambiente de confinamento rotina de trabalho e treinamento, uma vez que não sofrem distresse. / This project raised a discussion about the psychological and ethical conditions under which pass the military working dogs, on investigating whether routine work leads to stress conditions and the influence of these factors on reproductive performance and quality of animals life. The study was conducted at military police Kennel in Campinas, using 8 male dogs of 4 different races (2 German Shepherd, 2 Belgian Malinois, 2 Dobermann and 2 Rotwailler), divided into two periods: Period work - animals that were in training and work and control period - animals that were in day off. Saliva samples were collected for cortisol measurement in eletroquimioluminecence method, behavioral observation through the preparation and analysis of a ethogram and collection and analysis semen. Our results showed average concentrations of salivary cortisol in the control period of 0.361 to 0.438 and 0.312 to 0.592 working period, with the highest values found after returning from work. In behavioral assessments we observed that in most of the period, the animals showed up at rest and few stereotyped behaviors were highlighted and. The breeds German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Dobermann showed desirable semen parameters, which did not occur in Rotwailler. The Rotwailler breed had high cortisol, stereotyped behaviors and higher rate of sperm abnormalities, so we believe that it is not the most suitable breed for the military working dog. Our study indicates that the assessed working dogs adapted to the environment as a puppy, show good ability to adaptation to environmental containment routine work and training, since it does not suffer distress.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de duas sessões de exercício de força executadas em diferentes intensidades (35% do valor de 1 RM contra 70% do valor de 1 RM) e volumes (10 repetições e cinco repetições) sobre a magnitude da carga interna de treinamento, e a resposta de parâmetros fisiológicos (lactato e cortisol) associados ao nível de estresse imposto ao organismo, nos diferentes gêneros. Trinta participantes (15 homens e 15 mulheres) foram submetidos a duas sessões de treinamento: uma sessão foi composta por quatro séries de cinco repetições submáximas a 70% do valor de 1 RM e a outra sessão foi constituída por quatro séries de 10 repetições submáximas a 35% do valor de 1 RM. Ambas sessões foram realizadas com os mesmos exercícios (supino e agachamento) e os mesmos intervalos entre séries (dois minutos) e entre os exercícios (três minutos). A carga total levantada na sessão (expressa pela tonelagem [TON] = séries x repetições x carga [kg]) foi equalizada para ambas as sessões. A carga interna de treinamento foi calculada pelo método da percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE) da sessão. A análise do lactato sanguíneo foi realizada pelo método eletroquímico e a concentração de cortisol salivar foi determinada pelo método ELISA. Não foi observada diferença significante na magnitude da carga interna de treinamento entre as sessões (p>0,05). Também não foi verificada diferença no padrão de resposta do lactato sanguíneo e do cortisol salivar entre as sessões (p > 0,05). Além disso, não foi observada diferença no padrão de resposta das variáveis avaliadas (carga interna de treinamento, lactato e cortisol) entre participantes do gênero masculino e feminino, quando submetidos à mesma sessão. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a equalização da carga levantada na sessão, indicador do trabalho externo realizado, é um fator importante para modular as respostas internas. Mesmo quando diferentes delineamentos são implementados pela manipulação das variáveis do treinamento de força, a equalização da carga levantada torna o estímulo externo semelhante, determinando o padrão de resposta similar dos parâmetros investigados. Os resultados do presente estudo também indicam que o gênero não influencia a magnitude da carga interna de treinamento e a respostas dos parâmetros associados ao nível de estresse (lactato e cortisol) / The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of two sessions of resistance exercise performed at different intensities (35% of 1RM versus 70% of 1 RM) and volumes (10 repetitions and five repetitions) on the magnitude of internal training load and the response of physiological parameters (lactate and cortisol) associated with the level of stress imposed on the organism, in different genders. Thirty participants (15 men and 15 women) were submitted to two training sessions: one session consisted of four sets of five submaximal repetitions at 70% of 1 RM and the other session consisted of four sets of 10 submaximal repetitions at 35% of 1 RM. Both sessions were conducted using the same exercises (bench press and squat) and the same intervals between sets (two minutes) and between exercises (three minutes). The total load lifted in the session (express by Ton [TON] = sets x repetitions x load [kg]) was equated for both sessions. The internal training load was calculated using the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method. The blood lactate analysis was performed by electrochemical method and the cortisol concentration was determined by ELISA method. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of internal training load between sessions (p > 0.05). There was no difference in blood lactate and salivary cortisol responses between sessions (p > 0.05). In addition, no difference was observed in all variables (internal training load, lactate and cortisol) between males and females for the same session. The results of this study suggest that the equalization of total load lifted in the session, indicator of external work performed, is an important factor to modulate the internal responses. Even when different designs are implemented by manipulating the resistance training variables, the equalization of total load lifted induce similar external stimulus, determining similar pattern of responses for the parameters investigated. The results of this study also indicated that gender does not influence the magnitude of the internal training load and the response of parameters associated with the level of stress (lactate and cortisol)

Avaliar o efeito in vitro da adrenalina, noradrenalina e cortisol sobre a formação do biofilme, produção de ácido e expressão de fatores de virulência por S. mutans. Método: Para a formação do biofilme foi realizada uma monocultura de S. mutans (UA159) em discos de hidroxiapatita (HA) associados à adrenalina, noradrenalina e cortisol por cinco dias. Após esse período, foi realizada a contagem bacteriana (ufc/ml) para cada grupo experimental. A avaliação da queda do pH (produção de ácidos) foi realizada a cada 12 horas até o final do experimento (cinco dias). Para a avaliação da expressão de fatores de virulência, RNA total de biofilme maduro (cinco dias) foi extraído, e a análise da expressão de genes relacionados com a virulência do S. mutans (gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, brpA e ldh) foi realizada através de RT-qPCR. Resultados: As catecolaminas (adrenalina e noradrenalina) e também o cortisol aumentaram significativamente a formação de colônias de S. mutans em relação ao grupo controle. Uma queda no valor do pH foi observada nas 12 primeiras horas em todos os grupos. Após este período, os valores se mantiveram praticamente estáveis até o final do experimento (120h), não havendo diferença estatística entre o grupo controle e os grupos testes. Em relação ao efeito das catecolaminas/cortisol sobre a expressão de genes de virulência do S. mutans, não se observou diferença estatística significativa entre os diferentes grupos. Conclusões: Os achados do presente estudo demonstraram que a adrenalina, noradrenalina e cortisol aumentam a formação do biofilme (in vitro), sem alterar o pH (produção de ácidos) e expressão dos genes de virulência avaliados. / To evaluate the in vitro effect of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol on biofilm formation, acid production and expression of virulence factors by S. mutans. Methods: Biofilm formation was performed by a monoculture of S. mutans (UA159) in discs of hydroxyapatite (HA) associated with adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol for five days. Further, bacterial count was performed (cfu / ml) for each experimental group. Evaluation of the reduction in pH (acid production) was conducted then every 12 hours until the end of treatment (five days). For evaluation of the virulence factors of mature biofilm, total RNA (five days) was extracted and the analysis of expression of genes related to the virulence of S. mutans (gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, brpA and ldh) was performed by RT-qPCR. Results: Catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and cortisol tested in this study significantly increased the formation of colonies of S. mutans in the control group. In all groups (control, adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol) the highest reduction in pH was observed during the first 15 minutes, with no statistical difference between the control and test group. PH measurements were performed until the 5th day of the experiment at intervals of 12h. Continuous reduction was observed during the first 12 hours in all groups after this period, the values remained almost stable until the end of the experiment (120h). There was no statistical difference between the control and test groups. Regarding the effect of catecholamine / cortisol on the expression of virulence genes of the S. mutans, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups and the control group. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol increase the formation of biofilm (in vitro), without changing the pH (initial and in biofilm) and expression of genes evaluated.

O presente estudo teve como hipótese que a adrenalina, a noradrenalina e o cortisol, hormônios liberados em grandes quantidades durante o estresse fisiológico, poderiam ser capazes de alterar o crescimento e de aumentar a virulência de Porphyromonas gingivalis, estimulando a expressão de genes relacionados à virulência, estresse oxidativo e metabolismo do ferro, podendo agravar a condição periodontal em indivíduos com periodontite. Objetivos: Assim o presente projeto visou avaliar a interferência desses hormônios relacionados ao estresse sobre o crescimento, viabilidade, susceptibilidade antimicrobiana e virulência de Porphyromonas gingivalis. Método: Culturas de Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 foram expostas à adrenalina, noradrenalina e cortisol, utilizando três meios de cultura (TSB-HM, SAPI e SAPI-HM) e foram incubadas em estufa de anaerobiose para avaliação quanto ao crescimento e viabilidade. Essas culturas foram testadas quanto à sensibilidade ao metronidazol após exposição às catecolaminas e ao cortisol. Possíveis alterações da expressão de genes relacionados ao estresse oxidativo, metabolismo do ferro e fatores de virulência foram verificados pela técnica de qRT-PCR. Resultados: As catecolaminas e o cortisol, de forma geral, não interferiram no crescimento de P. gingivalis, independente das condições nutricionais a que ela foi exposta e dos tempos avaliados (p>0.05, ANOVA). A sensibilidade de P. gingivalis ao antimicrobiano metronidazol não se alterou na presença de adrenalina, noradrenalina ou cortisol (p>0.05, Kruskall Wallis). No entanto, a exposição bacteriana a adrenalina, noradrenalina e/ou cortisol elevaram os níveis de RNAm de genes relacionados à obtenção de ferro (hmuR); estresse oxidativo (tpx, oxyR, dps, sodB, aphC), hemólise (hem, hagA) e proteína de superfície imunodominante (ragA) (teste de modo pareado fixo de realocação ao acaso, p<0.05). Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que as catecolaminas e o cortisol podem influenciar na expressão de fatores relacionados à virulência e ao estresse oxidativo de P. gingivalis. / This study hypothesized that adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol , hormones released in large quantities during the physiological stress , might be able to alter the growth and increase the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis by stimulating the expression of genes related to virulence , oxidative stress and iron metabolism and may aggravate periodontal status in subjects with periodontitis. Objectives : So this project aimed to evaluate the effect of these stress-related hormones on growth , viability , virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Porphyromonas gingivalis . Method : Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 cultures were exposed to adrenaline , noradrenaline and cortisol , using three culture media ( TSB - HM , SAPI and SAPI - HM ) and were incubated in anaerobiosis for review on the growth and viability . These cultures were tested for sensitivity to metronidazole after exposure to catecholamines and cortisol. Possible changes in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress , iron metabolism and virulence factors were verified by qRT-PCR technique . Results: The catecholamines and cortisol , in general , did not affect the growth of P. gingivalis , independent of nutritional conditions to which she was exposed and evaluated times ( p> 0.05 , ANOVA ) . The sensitivity of P. gingivalis antimicrobial metronidazole did not change in the presence of adrenaline , noradrenaline and cortisol ( p > 0:05 , Kruskal Wallis ) . However , bacterial exposure to adrenaline, noradrenaline and / or cortisol increased mRNA levels of genes related to iron acquisition ( hmuR ), oxidative stress ( tpx , oxyR , dps , sodB , aphC ) , hemolysis ( hem , hagA ) and immunodominant surface protein ( ragA ) ( test paired mode relocation fixed at random, p <0,05 ) . The results of this study suggest that catecholamines and cortisol can influence the expression of factors related to oxidative stress and virulence of P. gingivalis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to prove concepts in the characterization of suicidal patients and the possible usefulness of those markers to potentially identify patients with a higher risk for suicidality. Methods: Patients with a recent suicide attempt were compared with patients suffering from depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety, or eating disorders without suicidality, healthy controls and remitted patients with a history of at least 1 suicide attempt (≥1 year). We analyzed impulsivity (Barratt Impulsivity Scale, BIS) and saliva cortisol concentrations. Results: Independently of suicidality and disease state patients display higher BIS scores than healthy controls. Saliva cortisol levels tend to be higher in patients in the acute disease state than in remitted patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: Saliva cortisol may be a useful marker that reveals alterations in nonsuicidal patients suffering from depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety, or eating disorders who might be at risk.

Exercise is widely recognized for its role in the health management and prevention of several chronic diseases. Exercise is considered as a stimulus in the form of physical stress to which a group of anatomical structures in the human body responds by generating a stress response that enables certain physiological modifications essential for restoring systemic homeostasis. A major component of the response is produced through the complex hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis mechanism that results in the release of cortisol which then intercedes with the effects of the stimulus. To investigate how cortisol helps the body adapt to this physical stress it is necessary to gain deep insight into the cortisol response mechanism. However, this is a complex mechanism, so to better understand the mechanics and to be able to analyze complex data, mathematical models are used. Various mathematical models have already been developed that describe different metabolic responses to exercise but to date, to my knowledge, none of these existing models has illustrated the HPA axis response mechanism, particularly cortisol response to physical exercise. Therefore, I have developed a mathematical model that describes cortisol variations on a normal day in the absence of any form of stress and on the day of exercise. The developed cortisol response model could fit simulation to experimental data and also passed the χ2- statistical test. Additionally, the model has been validated on different cortisol experimental data with satisfying results. At last, considering the positive outcome of this mathematical model, it could be used as a groundwork for developing a comprehensive model which can describe other metabolic processes response to exercise such as glucose metabolism together with the cortisol response mechanism in the future.