Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:53:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lundia Bin.pdf: 419626 bytes, checksum: 784b66188ef611a6dd9abf0fdddd231f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-23 / Toxocariasis is an important zoonosis mainly transmitted by ingestion of embryonated T. canis eggs, a parasite of dogs, present in soil. The nematode larvae can migrate by a variety of organs e may cause disturbances, including respiratory, hepatic, neurological, cardiac and ophthalmic problems. Diagnostic of toxocariasis is based on detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, particularly IgG, by ELISA. Avidity of IgG has been employed in order to evaluate the phase of infection of a disease. However, experimental studies regard to toxocariasis are scarce in literature. This study aimed to evaluate the Toxocara canis-IgG avidity in experimentally infected rabbits, before and after lactation, and of their offsprings. Seventeen nullipar white New Zealand female rabbits were distributed in two groups. In experimentally infected group, 12 animals were inoculated by oral route with 1,000 T. canis embryonated eggs, whereas five animals were uninfected (control group). Blood samples collections were performed on +7, +14, +21 and +28 days post-infection (dpi) and on the first day following the weaning (60 dpi) in order to obtaining serum for ELISA analysis. ELISA indirect test was run in order to obtain the anti- T. canis antibody reactivity index (RI) as well as the avidity index (AI). Seroconversion was observed on 14 dpi, and all the evaluated animals showed a high AI, excepting one animal (on 14 dpi). After the weaning period, all the studied rabbit showed seroconversion. All the studied bunnies were considered positive for ELISA and showed a high AI. Nevertheless, both RI and AI of mothers were significantly higher than their offspring. According to the results, it was possible to demonstrate the vertical transmission of T. canis larvae. In addition, the negative correlation between the RI obtained from the rabbits and the bunnies pointed out the possibility of passive protection due to the maternal transfer of antibodies. / A toxocaríase é uma importante zoonose transmitida principalmente pela ingestão de ovos embrionados de T.canis, um parasito de cães, presente no solo. A larva do nematódeo pode migrar por vários órgãos do corpo e ocasionar distúrbios, como problemas respiratórios, hepáticos, neurológicos, cardíacos e oftálmicos. O diagnóstico é realizado principalmente com a detecção de anticorpos, em especial de Imunoglobulinas da classe G (IgG), pela técnica de ELISA. A avidez de IgG tem sido utilizada para avaliar a fase de infecção de uma doença. No caso da toxocaríase, estudos experimentais são escassos na literatura. O objetivo do estudo foi o de avaliar a avidez de anticorpos anti-Toxocara canis em coelhas infectadas experimentalmente, antes e após lactação, e de suas progênies. Foram utilizadas 17 coelhas da linhagem Nova Zelândia, brancas, nulíparas, distribuídas em dois grupos. No grupo experimental, doze coelhas foram infectadas, oralmente, com 1.000 ovos larvados de T. canis. O segundo grupo, constituído por cinco coelhas serviu como controle. Nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28 pós-infecção (DPI) e no primeiro dia após o desmame (60 DPI), foram coletadas amostras de soro para análise. O teste de ELISA indireto foi realizado para avaliar a o índice de reatividade (IR) de anticorpos IgG anti-T. canis e para cálculo do índice de avidez (IA). A soroconversão nos animais ocorreu a partir do 140 DPI. Com exceção de um animal (aos 14 DPI), todos os IA foram classificados como de alta avidez. Após lactação, (60 DPI), todos os animais foram considerados como ELISA positivo. Em relação aos filhotes todos os animais foram sororreagentes e apresentaram alto IA. Entretanto, tanto o IR quanto o IA das fêmeas foram significativamente maiores que da sua progênie. Os resultados demonstraram a transmissão vertical de larvas. A correlação negativa entre os valores da IR das coelhas e de seus filhotes sugere a possibilidade de proteção passiva pela transferência de anticorpos maternais.

Submitted by Adriana Martinez (amartinez@unoeste.br) on 2018-02-07T17:46:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 ADILSON OLIVEIRA.pdf: 313073 bytes, checksum: 760378e31125b9946d2bbf47c1aeafdb (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-07T17:46:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 ADILSON OLIVEIRA.pdf: 313073 bytes, checksum: 760378e31125b9946d2bbf47c1aeafdb (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-28 / Toxocariasis is an important zoonosis of worldwide distribution. The main way of transmission of the disease to human is the ingestion of soil containing embryonated eggs of Toxocara spp., the etiological agent. Studies have indicated the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of chickens as another way of transmission. Besides, free-range chickens have been considered a good sentinel for the contamination of soil by Toxocara spp. eggs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n=189) slaughtered in an abattoir located in Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small familial farmers (n=7). An ELISA test was performed to detect the presence of anti-Toxocara IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli extract. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high frequency of Toxocara spp. infection in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides significant evidence that chickens are good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat. / Toxocaríase é uma importante zoonose, com ampla distribuição mundial. A principal via de transmissão da doença para humanos se deve à ingestão acidental de ovos de Toxocara spp. presentes NO solo. Estudos têm descrito a infecção de seres humanos pelo consumo de carne crua ou mal cozida de frango. Os frangos criados em sistema semi-intensivo têm sido também considerados como sentinelas para a contaminação de solo por ovos de Toxocara spp. Com a finalidade de avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte, foram colhidas 189 amostras de sangue de frangos em um abatedouro no Norte do Paraná. Os frangos foram criados em sistema colonial/caipira (sistema semi-intensivo), em pequenas propriedades rurais (n=7) pertencentes a produtores vinculados a uma associação de pequenos produtores. Os testes sorológicos foram realizados pela técnica de ELISA indireto, utilizando-se antígenos excretórios-secretórios (TES) de Toxocara canis para detecção de anticorpos IgY (IgG), com preadsorção do soro com antígenos de Ascaridia galli, para redução de reações cruzadas. Como resultado, foi obtida uma prevalência de 67,7% (128/189; IC 95%= 61,1-74,4), com uma variação de 29.6% a 100% entre as propriedades. Não foi observada correlação entre a positividade dos animais quando comparada a área (p= 0,382) e a densidade populacional de cães por propriedade (p= 0,785). Os resultados demonstraram alta frequência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte criados em sistema semi-intensivo, indicando que essas aves podem ser indicadores de contaminação ambiental por agentes de larva migrans. Outros estudos são necessários para avaliar os riscos associados à transmissão de toxocaríase aos humanos pelo consumo da carne de frangos criados no sistema colonial/caipira.

Le récepteur des phospholipases A2 sécrétées (PLA2R1, 180 kDa) est une protéine membranaire de la famille des lectines de type C. PLA2R1 contrôle l'action de différentes phospholipases A2 impliquées dans des conditions physiologiques et physiopathologiques variées comme le métabolisme des lipides et l’inflammation. PLA2R1 est aussi l’auto-antigène majeur de la glomérulonéphrite extra-membraneuse (GEM), une maladie auto-immune rénale rare mais grave qui conduit à une forte protéinurie et à la perte des reins dans 30% des cas. Le titre des auto-anticorps PLA2R1 est corrélé à la sévérité de la maladie, mais leur valeur pronostique reste à démontrer. Le rôle pathogénique des anticorps n’est pas démontré. Enfin, 25% des patients sont négatifs pour PLA2R1, suggérant l’existence d'autres antigènes.Nous avons d’abord démontré la production d'une forme soluble sécrétée de PLA2R1, puis étudié les déterminants moléculaires du mécanisme de protéolyse. Concernant la GEM, nous avons développé plusieurs tests ELISA anti-PLA2R1 utilisant comme antigènes PLA2R1 humain, de lapin et de souris. Leur comparaison a montré des apports différents en diagnostic et pronostic. Nous avons aussi identifié 3 types d'auto-anticorps présents dans le sérum des patients. Ces anticorps ciblent 3 domaines épitopiques distincts de PLA2R1, sont liés par un mécanisme d’étalement épitopique, et la présence de plusieurs anticorps dans le serum est associé à un mauvais pronostic. Enfin, nous avons identifié la protéine membranaire THSD7A, distincte de PLA2R1, comme un second auto-antigène de la GEM, avec des auto-anticorps présents chez 2 à 5% des patients négatifs pour PLA2R1 / The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1, 180kDa) is a C-type lectin membrane protein. PLA2R1 binds secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) from snake venoms and mammalian tissues. Venom sPLA2s have multiple toxic and pharmacological properties, whereas mammalian sPLA2s are implicated in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including lipid metabolism and inflammation.PLA2R1 is also the major autoantigen in membranous nephropathy (MN), a rare but severe autoimmune kidney disease leading to high proteinuria and kidney failure in 30% of cases. Titers of PLA2R1 autoantibodies correlate with disease severity, but the prognosis value of the antibodies is not demonstrated. Their pathogenic role is also not proven. 25% of patients are negative for PLA2R1, suggesting other antigens involved in MN. We have first studied some molecular properties of PLA2R1 in the context of MN. We demonstrate the presence of a secreted soluble form of PLA2R1 produced by proteolytic shedding of the membrane protein and we have studied the molecular determinants of this mechanism. Regarding MN, we have developed several anti-PLA2R1 ELISA using human, rabbit and mouse PLA2R1 as antigens. Their comparison revealed differential contributions in diagnosis and prognosis. We have also identified in patients' sera 3 types of autoantibodies, which target three distinct epitope domains of PLA2R1, which are linked by a mechanism of epitope spreading and which are associated with disease worsening and poor prognosis. Finally, we identified THSD7A, a membrane protein distinct from PLA2R1, as a second autoantigen in MN, with autoantibodies present in 2-5% of PLA2R1-negative patients

Background: The monitoring of infectious diseases like the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) using pen-wise oral fluid samples becomes more and more established. The collection of individual oral fluid, which would be useful in the monitoring of PRRSV negative boar studs, is rather difficult. The aim of the study was to test two methods for individual oral fluid collection from pigs and to evaluate the specificity of a commercial ELISA for detection of PRRSV antibodies in these sample matrices. For this reason, 334 serum samples from PRRSV negative pigs (group 1) and 71 serum samples from PRRSV positive pigs (group 2) were tested for PRRSV antibodies with a commercial ELISA. Individual oral fluid was collected with a cotton gauze swab from 311 pigs from group 1 and 39 pigs from group 2. Furthermore, 312 oral fluid samples from group 1 and 67 oral fluid samples from group 2 were taken with a self-drying foam swab (GenoTube). The recollected oral fluid was then analysed twice with a commercial ELISA for detection of PRRSV antibodies in oral fluid.

Inhalative Partikel können gesundheitsschädigende Wirkungen im Respirationstrakt ausüben. Für Hartmetallstäube aus Wolframcarbidcobaltpartikeln wurden in epidemiologischen Studien Zusammenhänge mit dem Auftreten einer chronisch fibrotischen Lungenerkrankung aufgezeigt, der Hard Metal Lung Disease (HMLD). Zur Aufklärung ihrer Pathogenese wurden die biologischen Effekte mikroskaliger Wolframcarbidpartikel erforscht. Seit einigen Jahren werden zunehmend Pulver zur Herstellung von Hartmetall verwendet, deren Partikel Durchmesser im Nanometerbereich aufweisen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden daher in vitro die Effekte nanoskaliger Wolframcarbidpartikel an humanen Zellen untersucht. Dabei wurden Partikelsuspensionen mit unterschiedlichen Partikelgrößen und –zusammensetzungen verglichen. Beurteilt wurden die Aufnahme der Partikel in die Zellen, ihre toxikologische Wirkung und inflammatorische Mediatoren, die die exponierten Zellen als Reaktion auf die Partikel sezernierten. In Bezug zur Exposition durch Inhalation wurden eine Lungenepithelzelllinie, eine Monozytenzelllinie und primäre mononukleäre Zellen aus dem Blut untersucht. Es zeigte sich, dass die beobachteten Effekte sowohl partikelspezifisch als auch zelltypspezifisch variierten. Dabei wurden die Partikel in alle Zelltypen aufgenommen mit den stärksten Internalisierungsraten in humanen primären Monozyten. Die Wolframcarbidcobalt-Partikel wirkten im Allgemeinen am stärksten vitalitätsmindernd. Alle Partikelarten bewirkten in primären Monozyten eine stark erhöhte Produktion von Zytokinen und Chemokinen. Untersuchungen zum Mechanismus der Partikeleffekte wiesen auf die Beteiligung reaktiver Sauerstoffspezies hin. Es konnten in der vorliegenden Arbeit bestehende Erkenntnisse zur Toxizität von Wolframcarbidcobaltpartikeln bestätigt werden und Hinweise auf die Beeinflussung biologischer Effekte durch verschiedene Partikelgrößen und Oberflächeneigenschaften von Nanopartikeln gefunden werden.

Yes / This paper outlined our method for developing polymer-linked contact lens type materials for rapid detection and differentiation of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi in infected corneas. It can be applied to both model synthetic or ex-vivo corneal models and has been successfully trialed in an initial efficacy tested animal study. First a hydrogel substrate for the swab material is selected, we have demonstrated selective swabs using a glycerol monomethacrylate hydrogel. Alternatively any commercial material with carboxylic acid functional groups is suitable but risks nonspecific adhesion. This is then functionalised via use of N-hydroxysuccinimide reaction with amine groups on the specified highly branched polymer ligand (either individually gram negative, gram positive or fungal binding polymers or a combination of all three can be employed for desired sensing application). The hydrogel is then cut into swabs suitable for sampling, used, and then the presence of gram positive, game negative and fungi are disclosed by the sequential addition of dyes (fluorescent vancomycin, fluorescein isothiocyanate and calcofluor white). In summary this method presents: Method to produce glycerol monomethacrylate hydrogels to minimize nonspecific binding Methods of attaching pathogen binding highly branched polymers to produce selective hydrogel swabs Method for disclosing bound pathogens to this swab using sequential dye addition

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Marcelo Sales Guimaraes.pdf: 3899079 bytes, checksum: 38f856923d6a5606a0da0a5054c4e8f9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-24 / Bovine neosporosis is a parasitic disease of cosmopolitan distribution, caused by the obligatory intracellular cyst forming protozoan Neospora caninum (Phylum Apicomplexa, family Sarcocystidae). It has a strong association with bovine abortion, being N. caninum protozoan considered the most important for this species. The main route of transmission is vertical, determining the endemic-type neosporosis in cattle. Brazilian local breeds as Curraleiro and Pantaneiro present hardiness and resistance to adverse conditions, e.g. poor nutrition and microbiological challenges, as predominant characteristics. The conservation program of such breeds has encouraged studies aiming at a greater knowledge of these animals peculiarities. The purpose of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of these breeds for N. caninum and the occurrence of vertical transmission in herds, evaluating the importance of bovine neosporosis for these herds. Five farms in the state of Goiás and one in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, with Curraleiro and Pantaneiro herds, respectively, were observed. Blood was collected from females at reproductive age and their offspring before colostrum intake, if possible. If it was not possible, blood was periodically collected from the offspring (five collections) until about ten months of age. A total of 358 animals was examined, 249 (198 females and 51 calves) Curraleiros and 109 (62 females and 47 calves) Pantaneiros. Seropositivity to N. caninum was evaluated by using the indirect immunofluorescence (cutoff ≥ 1:200) and ELISA (HerdChek® IDEXX Laboratories) (cutoff S/P ≥ 0.50). The total incidence of seropositives was 47,49% (170/358), 51% (127/249) Curraleiro and 39,45% (43/109) Pantaneiro. One hundred percent of the farms observed presented seropositive animals. The highest titer was 1:25600. The overall vertical transmission rate observed in herds was 51% (95%, CI 37%-64%), being 48% (95%, CI 30%-66%) in Curraleiro and 54% (95%, CI 35%-73%) in Pantaneiro. There was no statistically significant association between breed or titer of the cows and the occurrence of vertical transmission (OR 0,79; CI 0,27-2,34 95%). A low-moderate agreement was found between the two diagnostic techniques used (κ = 0.34). Thus, N. caninum is present in Curraleiro and Pantaneiro cattle breeds, with significant rates of seropositivity and vertical transmission. Although widely distributed, N. caninum does not seem to cause problems in Curraleiro and Pantaneiro herds, as abortion problems are rare and females have good fertility, within the constraints of the breed. / A neosporose bovina é uma enfermidade parasitária causada pelo protozoário intracelular obrigatório Neospora caninum (filo Apicomplexa, família Sarcocystidae), formador de cistos. Enfermidade de distribuição cosmopolita, a neosporose apresenta forte associação com o abortamento bovino, sendo N. caninum considerado o protozoário mais importante para essa espécie. A principal rota de transmissão é a vertical determinando a neosporose do tipo endêmica nos rebanhos. Raças locais brasileiras como o gado Curraleiro e Pantaneiro apresentam como características preponderantes a rusticidade e resistência às condições adversas tais como carência nutricional e desafios microbiológicos. O programa de conservação destas raças incentivou estudos que visam o maior conhecimento das particularidades destes animais. A proposta deste trabalho foi avaliar a soropositividade destas raças para N. caninum e a ocorrência de transmissão vertical nos rebanhos, permitindo determinar a importância da neosporose bovina nestes rebanhos. Cinco propriedades criadoras de Curraleiro (estado de Goiás) e uma criadora de Pantaneiro (estado de Mato Grosso do Sul) foram acompanhadas. Foi colhido sangue das fêmeas em idade reprodutiva e de suas crias antes da ingestão do colostro, quando possível. Quando não, foi colhido sangue das crias periodicamente (cinco colheitas) até em torno dos dez meses de idade. Um total de 358 animais foi analisado, sendo 249 (198 fêmeas e 51 bezerros) Curraleiros e 109 (62 fêmeas e 47 bezerros) Pantaneiros. Avaliou-se a soropositividade para N. caninum por meio das técnicas de imunofluorescência indireta (ponto de corte ≥ 1:200) e ELISA indireto (HerdChek® IDEXX Laboratories) (ponto de corte S/P ≥ 0,50). A ocorrência total de soropositivos foi 47,49% (170/358), com 51% (127/249) do gado Curraleiro e 39,45% (43/109) do gado Pantaneiro soropositivo. Cem por cento das propriedades acompanhadas apresentaram animais positivos. O maior título encontrado foi de 1:25600. A taxa de transmissão vertical geral observada nos rebanhos foi de 51% (95%, IC 37%-64%), sendo de 48% (95%, IC 30%-66%) no gado Curraleiro e de 54% (95%, IC 35%-73%) no Pantaneiro. Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre título ou raça das mães e ocorrência de transmissão vertical (OR 0,79; IC 0,27-2,34 95%). Uma concordância moderada-baixa foi verificada entre as duas técnicas de diagnóstico utilizadas (κ = 0,34). Assim, N. caninum está presente nos rebanhos bovinos das raças Curraleiro e Pantaneiro, com consideráveis taxas de soropositividade e transmissão vertical. Embora amplamente distribuído, N. caninum parece não representar problema nos rebanhos Curraleiro e Pantaneiro, visto que problemas de abortamento são raros e as fêmeas apresentam boa fertilidade, dentro das limitações das raças.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:30:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSSERTACAO CRISTINA.pdf: 3986017 bytes, checksum: add734135c93af474b22c106a3a51d41 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-02-23 / Tuberculosis (TB) caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for more than 2 million deaths annually in the world. Although one third of the world population carries the bacilli, only 5% of the infected people develop active disease. 80% of TB cases are concentrated among 21 countries and Brazil is one of them. Due to the flaws existent inherent to the TB diagnostic, many works try to discover TB antigens to be used on an ELISA assay to detect active TB in underdeveloped countries, endemic for other mycobacterias such as leprosy (L). Several researches are identifying bacilli proteins obtained under nutritional culture stress, in order to mimic the intracellular milieu. It has been selected the immunodominant ones as a disease marker. The objective of this work was to characterize the humoral immune response among TB patients to rMPT-51 and rGlcB using an ELISA indirect test. It was included voluntaries that were HIV negative and the ones without pregnancy, chronic disease or under immunosuppressant treatment. Serum IgM and IgG against MPT-51 and GlcB recombinant antigen from 49 patients with active tuberculosis were measured by indirect ELISA, paired by sex and age with: healthy PPD negative individuals (controls) and lepromatous leprosy patients (LL). Patients with TB (0.810±0.319) showed higher levels of IgM against rMPT-51 than both LL individuals (0.454±0.195) and control (0.448±0.162) with statistical significant, p= 0.001 and p<0.001) respectively. These test showed 96.9% specificity and 67.3% sensitivity. Conversely, tuberculosis, controls, and LL individuals showed lower of MPT-51 IgG levels, which could not be distinguished among the groups. rGlcB antigen was able to distinguished TB patients from controls for IgM levels (specificity, 95.9 % and sensitivity, 8.2% ) and IgG levels (specificity, 99% and sensitivity, 18.2%). In order to evaluate the profiles of IgM and IgG against rMPT-51 and rGlcB before and after chemotherapy, the sera from 11 patients was collected and paired according to the treatment status (before or after). IgM and IgG against MPT-51 remained with the same profile levels before and after the treatment. The levels of serum IgG against rGlcB clearly diminished after the chemotherapy (p<0.01). Our results suggest that serum IgM levels against recombinant MPT-51 could to be useful to distinguish between active TB, controls and LL individuals. In addition, after TB treatment the IgG response to rGlcB diminished suggesting that it could be used to follow up of the TB treatment / A tuberculose (TB) causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resulta em mais de dois milhões de óbitos anualmente. Segundo dados da OMS cerca de 30% da população mundial está infectada com o bacilo e 5% desses infectados desenvolvem a doença ativa. O Brasil juntamente com outros 21 países albergam 80% de todos os casos de TB no mundo. Devido às falhas existentes nos diagnósticos atuais, muitos estudos tentam descobrir antígenos do Mycobacterium tuberculosis que podem ser usados no ensaio ELISA, um teste de baixo custo. Esse teste seria de grande valia na identificação da tuberculose, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento endêmicos também para outras micobactérias como M. leprae, causador da hanseníase. Várias pesquisas têm identificado componentes do bacilo, como as proteínas secretadas pelas micobactérias em cultura, sob condições de estresse nutricional, mimetizando a situação vivida pelo bacilo no meio intracelular. Dessas proteínas são selecionadas aquelas imunodominantes que podem ser usadas como marcadores da doença. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o reconhecimento de duas dessas proteínas: os antígenos recombinantes MPT-51 e GlcB do M. tuberculosis, por anticorpos séricos da classe IgM e IgG de pacientes com tuberculose ativa, pelo método imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA). Foram adotados como critério de inclusão aqueles indivíduos de qualquer grupo que fossem HIV negativos, sem doenças crônicas ou uso de medicamentos imunossupressores e mulheres não gestantes. Quarenta e nove pacientes com tuberculose ativa foram selecionados e comparados com os grupos: controles saudáveis PPD não reatores e pacientes hansenianos portadores da forma Virchoviana, pareados por sexo e idade. Os pacientes com TB (0,810±0,319) mostraram maiores concentrações de IgM anti-MPT-51 que os seus respectivos controles: pacientes com hanseníase 0,454±0,195) e controles saudáveis (0,448±0,162), com diferença estatística, p=0,001 e p<0,001 respectivamente. Os ensaios de ELISA nas dosagens de IgM e IgG anti-MPT-51 mostraram especificidade de 96,9% e 98,0% e sensibilidade 67,3% e 4,1% respectivamente. Para o antígeno GlcB, os ensaios de ELISA na dosagem de IgM e IgG mostraram especificidade de 95,9% e 99% e sensibilidade 8,2% e 18,2%. Onze pacientes com TB foram monitorados durante o tratamento, com realização de dosagens dos níveis de anticorpos IgM e IgG específicos ao rMPT-51 e rGlcB antes e após a terapia. Os níveis de anticorpos IgM e IgG anti-MPT-51 antes e após a terapia não sofreram alterações significativas. Entretanto, os níveis de IgG anti-GlcB diminuíram após a terapia (p<0,01). Nossos resultados sugerem que o rMPT-51 pode ser usado como marcador da tuberculose, quando mensuradas as concentrações de IgM específicos, pois foram capazes de discriminar pacientes TB, de controles e hansenianos. Apesar do ELISA ter demonstrado baixa sensibilidade quando o antígeno rGlcB foi utilizado, os níveis séricos dos anticorpos da classe IgG diminuíram após o tratamento da tuberculose (p<0,01) sugerindo que essa técnica poderia ser utilizada para o acompanhamento da terapêutica

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is regarded as an autoimmune disease. Beta cells, which produces insulin in pancreas are attacked by islet cell antibodies (ICA). This leads to gradual destruction of the beta cell, which in turn cause high level of glucose in the blood because the regulator "insulin" has disappeared. In that case the patient needs to be treated lifelong with insulin. It has been shown that the ICA reactivity consisting of reactivities against different autoantigens such as: insulin autoantigen (IAA), glutamic acid autoantigen (GAD), insulinoma antigen-2 autoantigen (IA-2) and most likely also zinc transporter autoantigen (ZnT8). Determination of ICA in serum samples is important for the classification of diabetes, prediction of T1D and the development of autoimmune therapies. Nowadays screening of ICA is performed with ”Medipan ICA screen” which is a commercial enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positives samples are further analysed by ELISA with the indirect immunofluorescence method (IF) to ensure a final positive answer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare a new commercial ELISA kit ”RSR 2screen” with the Medipan ICA screen for use it in routine analysis to evalute if it has the same / higher specificity and sensitivity, and lower price compared with Medipan ICA screen. Serum samples from a control group (n = 199) and a patient’s group diagnosed with T1D (n = 100 were analyzed with both ELISA methods. The results were statistically evaluated to set a threshold value for positivity and to evaluate the method's sensitivity and specificity. The result showed that both ELISA- methods gave the same sensitivity (93%) and specificity (97.5%) and a high concordance (98.7%) was achieved. Analytical price per sample for the RSR 2screen was 4.2% lower than for the Medipan ICA screen. RSR 2screen can be used instead of Medipan ICA screen.

La proprotéine convertase subtilisine/kexine-9 (PCSK9) a été identifiée comme le troisième locus impliqué dans l’hypercholestérolémie autosome dominante (ADH). Les deux autres gènes impliqués dans l’ADH encodent le récepteur des lipoprotéines de faible densité (LDLR) et l’apolipoprotéine B. La PCSK9 est une convertase qui favorise la dégradation du LDLR dans les hépatocytes et augmente le niveau plasmatique de cholestérol des LDL (LDL-C). Les mutations « gain de fonction » de la PCSK9 sont associées à un phénotype d’hypercholestérolémie familiale, tandis que les variantes « perte de fonction » sont associées à un LDL-C réduit et à un risque coronarien plus faible. Pour élucider le rôle physiologique de la PCSK9, nous avons étudié sa régulation génique. En utilisant le RT-PCR quantitatif dans des hépatocytes humains, nous avons analysé la régulation de PCSK9 sous différentes conditions modulant l’expression des gènes impliqués dans le métabolisme du cholestérol. Nous avons démontré que l’expression de la PCSK9 était induite par les statines de manière dose-dépendante et que cette induction était abolie par le mévalonate. De plus, le promoteur de PCSK9 contenait deux motifs conservés pour la régulation par le cholestérol : le sterol regulatory element (SRE) et un site Sp1. La PCSK9 circule dans le plasma sous des formes mature et clivée par la furine. Grâce à notre anticorps polyclonal, nous avons mis au point un test ELISA mesurant la PCSK9 plasmatique totale. Une étude transversale a évalué les concentrations plasmatiques de PCSK9 chez des sujets sains et hypercholestérolémiques, traités ou non par des statines ou une combinaison statine/ezetimibe. Chez 254 sujets sains, la valeur moyenne de PCSK9 (écart-type) était de 89,5 (31,9) µg/L. La concentration plasmatique de la PCSK9 corrélait avec celle de cholestérol total, du LDL-C, des triglycérides (TG), de la glycémie à jeun, l’âge et l’indice de masse corporelle. Le séquençage de PCSK9 chez des sujets aux extrêmes de la distribution des concentrations de PCSK9 de notre cohorte a révélé la présence d’une nouvelle variation « perte de fonction » : R434W. Chez 200 patients hypercholestérolémiques, la concentration de PCSK9 était plus élevée que chez les sujets sains (P<0,04). Elle a augmenté avec une dose croissante de statine (P<0,001), et a augmenté encore plus suite à l’ajout d’ezetimibe (P<0,001). Chez les patients traités, ceux présentant une hypercholestérolémie familiale (HF; due à une mutation du LDLR) avaient des concentrations plus élevées de PCSK9 que les non-HF (P<0,005), et la réduction de LDL-C corrélait positivement avec la concentration de PCSK9 atteinte de la même manière dans les deux sous-catégories (P<0,02 et P<0,005, respectivement). Par ailleurs, une incubation des cellules HepG2 (hépatocytes) et Caco-2 (entérocytes) avec de l’ezetimibe a provoqué une augmentation de l’ARNm de PCSK9 et de NPC1L1 de 1,5 à 2 fois (P<0,05), mais aucune variation significative de PCSK9 sécrétée n’a été observée, suggérant que ces lignées cellulaires ne sont pas un modèle idéal. Nous avons également mesuré le niveau de PCSK9 chez 1 739 Canadiens-français âgés de 9, 13 et 16 ans. La valeur moyenne (écart-type) de PCSK9 dans cette cohorte était de 84,7 (24,7) µg/L, légèrement plus basse que dans la cohorte d’adultes (89,5 (31,9) µg/L). Chez les garçons, la PCSK9 circulante diminuait avec l’âge, tandis que c’était l’inverse chez les filles. Il y avait des associations positives et significatives entre la PCSK9 et la glycémie à jeun, l’insulinémie, le HOMA-IR, et les paramètres lipidiques (TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, apoAI et apoB). Dans l’analyse multivariée, une hausse de 10% de l’insulinémie à jeun était associée à une augmentation de 1 à 2% de PCSK9. La régulation de PCSK9 est typique de celle d’un gène impliqué dans le métabolisme des lipoprotéines et est probablement la cible du facteur de transcription «sterol regulatory element-binding protein » (SREBP-2). La concentration plasmatique de la PCSK9 est associée avec l’âge, le sexe, et de multiples marqueurs métaboliques chez les enfants et les adultes. La détection de la PCSK9 circulante chez les sujets HF et non-HF signifie que ce test ELISA spécifique à PCSK9 pourrait servir à suivre la réponse à la thérapie chez un grand éventail de sujets. PCSK9 semble être une cible thérapeutique prometteuse dans le traitement de l’hypercholestérolémie et de la maladie cardiovasculaire. / Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been identified as the third locus implicated in autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH). The two other known genes implicated in ADH encode the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B. PCSK9 is a protein convertase that post-translationally promotes the degradation of the LDLR in hepatocytes and increases plasma LDL cholesterol concentration (LDL-C). Heterozygote “gain-of-function” mutations of PCSK9 are associated with the familial hypercholesterolemia phenotype, whereas “loss-of-function” variants are associated with reduced LDL-C concentrations and lower coronary risk. As an approach toward the elucidation of the physiological role(s) of PCSK9, we studied its transcriptional regulation. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we assessed PCSK9 regulation under conditions known to regulate genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells and in human primary hepatocytes. We found that PCSK9 expression was strongly induced by statins in a dose-dependent manner and that this induction was efficiently reversed by mevalonate. The PCSK9 promoter contains two typical conserved motifs for cholesterol regulation: a sterol regulatory element (SRE) and an Sp1 site. PCSK9 circulates in plasma as mature and furin-cleaved forms. A polyclonal antibody against human PCSK9 was used to develop an ELISA that measures total plasma PCSK9 rather than only the mature form. A cross-sectional study evaluated plasma levels in normal and hypercholesterolemic subjects treated or untreated with statins or statin plus ezetimibe. In 254 healthy subjects, the mean plasma PCSK9 (SD) concentration was 89 (32) µg/L. PCSK9 levels correlated positively with plasma cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, fasting glucose, age and body mass index. Sequencing PCSK9 from subjects at the extremes of PCSK9 plasma distribution revealed a new loss-of-function R434W variant. In 200 hypercholesterolemic patients, circulating PCSK9 was higher than in controls (P<0.04), increased with increasing statin dose (P<0.001), and further increased when ezetimibe was added (P<0.001). In treated patients (n = 139), those with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH; due to LDLR gene mutations) had higher PCSK9 values than non-FH (P<0,005), and LDL-C reduction correlated positively with achieved plasma PCSK9 levels to a similar extent in both subsets (P<0.02 and P<0.005, respectively). However, incubation with ezetimibe of HepG2 (hepatocytes) and Caco-2 (enterocytes) cells caused an increase in PCSK9 and NPC1L1 mRNA of 1.5 to 2-fold (P<0.05), but no significant rise in PCSK9 protein secretion, suggesting that these transformed cells are not an ideal model. We also studied PCSK9 levels in 1,739 French Canadian youth ages 9, 13, and 16 years old. The mean (SD) plasma PCSK9 concentration, measured by ELISA, was 84.7 (24.7) µg/L in the cohort, slightly lower than in the adult cohort (89.5 (31.9) µg/L. In boys, plasma PCSK9 decreased with age, whereas the inverse was true for girls. There were significant positive associations between PCSK9 and fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). In multivariable analysis, a 10% higher fasting insulin was associated with a 1%-2% higher PCSK9 in both sexes. There were also positive associations between PCSK9 and total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, as well as with HDL-C and apolipoproteins A1 and B. PCSK9 regulation is typical of that of the genes implicated in lipoprotein metabolism. In vivo, PCSK9 is probably a target of the transcription factor “sterol response element-binding protein” (SREBP)-2. The PCSK9 plasmatic concentration is associated with age, sex, and multiple metabolic markers in youth and adult samples. The detection of circulating PCSK9 in both FH and non-FH subjects means that this PCSK9 ELISA test could be used to monitor response to therapy in a wide range of patients. PCSK9 seems to be a promising drug target in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease.